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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Video: Debris Removal

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Crews are out in LA County clearing debris and ash from properties that were burned by the recent wildfires. The Environmental Protection Agency continues to clear hazardous household materials from impacted properties, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is coming right behind them to remove concrete, metal, trees, and ash from the properties. This service is free, but you must submit a Right of Entry form to participate. You can do that online at recovery.lacounty.gov or by calling 844-347-3332. The deadline to opt in is March 31, 2025.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy5l92RhjxA

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: Contact FEMA for Home or Personal Property Loss During the Recent Southern California Wildfires

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    If your home or property was damaged from the recent wildfires in Los Angeles County, FEMA may be able to help you repair or replace the items. Call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply for assistance. The deadline is March 10, 2025—apply today!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxe-OmuGdEM

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Video: Help After the Los Angeles County Wildfires – FEMA & Insurance

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    If insurance doesn’t cover all your wildfire losses, FEMA may help. Send FEMA your insurance documents—like a settlement letter or benefits statement—to see if you qualify.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8gGY9SYYsc

    MIL OSI Video –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: District Court Enters Permanent Injunctions Prohibiting Unauthorized Debits to Consumer and Small Business Bank Accounts

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: District Court Enters Permanent Injunctions Prohibiting Unauthorized Debits to Consumer and Small Business Bank Accounts

    On Jan. 31, a court in Miami entered the final in a series of consent decrees, permanently barring 10 individuals and entities from operating a scheme to steal funds from thousands of bank accounts belonging to consumers and small businesses across the United States.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Convicted Robber Sentenced to Additional Prison Term After Firing Machine Gun at Law Enforcement Officer

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

    ATLANTA – Montrez Ballard has been sentenced to ten years in prison after firing a machine gun at a Georgia State Patrol officer. 

    “Ballard’s brazen actions endangered the life of a law enforcement officer,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Moultrie, Jr.  “This lengthy prison sentence reflects Ballard’s dangerous, and potentially lethal, attack on a Georgia State Patrol trooper whose very mission is to help keep our community safe.”

    “The swift and coordinated response of law enforcement ensured that a dangerous individual was taken off the streets before he could inflict further harm. ATF will not stand by while criminals use illegally modified weapons to terrorize our communities. We will continue to be relentless in our pursuit of those who believe they can act without consequence,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alicia D. Jones.

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court:  On July 21, 2023, Ballard, driving a Nissan Maxima, abruptly cut off a Georgia State Patrol (GSP) trooper in Atlanta.  Ballard fled from the trooper after the officer activated his emergency equipment to stop Ballard.  In his attempt to evade the trooper, Ballard drove more than 20 miles per hour above the speed limit in a residential neighborhood, ran stop signs, and nearly struck another motorist. 

    Minutes into the chase, Ballard’s vehicle crashed into a stop sign.  Ballard then exited his vehicle and fled on foot.  When the trooper chased him, Ballard confronted the officer and fired at least three shots at the trooper.  The trooper returned fire but Ballard escaped.

    Other law enforcement agencies, including the Atlanta Police Department and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, responded to help locate Ballard.  Officers eventually arrested Ballard – who was on probation for a state robbery offense at the time – and recovered his firearm.  Ballard’s gun, a Glock 19 9mm handgun, was examined and determined to be equipped with a device that converted the weapon into a machine gun, allowing the gun to fire continuously without multiple trigger pulls. 

     Montrez Ballard, 21, of Hampton, Ga., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge J.P. Boulee to ten years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, with valuable assistance from the Atlanta Police Department and Fulton County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant United States Attorney Dwayne A. Brown, Jr. prosecuted the case.

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

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Champions Unite: XBO.com Becomes the Official Global Sponsor of the Argentina National Football Team

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Argentine Football Association Partners with XBO.com, a leading cryptocurrency exchange, to unite two passionate communities. Football fans and XBO.com users will gain access to exclusive promotions, events, and VIP match experiences

    WARSAW, Poland, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Argentine Football Association (AFA), the governing body of football in Argentina, has partnered with XBO.com, a leading cryptocurrency exchange dedicated to making digital asset trading accessible, secure, and user-friendly. This collaboration aims to strengthen Argentina’s football community while providing fans with seamless and trustworthy access to cryptocurrency.

    A Landmark Partnership Between Crypto & Football

    In a groundbreaking collaboration that bridges the worlds of digital finance and sports, XBO.com is proud to become an official Global Sponsor of the Argentina National Football Team for 2025!

    The Argentine Football Association—one of the most iconic institutions in world football—and XBO.com, a next-generation cryptocurrency exchange, have signed a one-year Sponsorship Agreement for 2025. As part of this agreement, XBO.com will support the Argentine National Football Team throughout the next competitive chapter in 2025, ahead of the final World Cup 2026 qualification matches.

    This partnership marks a major milestone in XBO.com’s mission to make cryptocurrency accessible to all, while also playing a key role in AFA’s global expansion, which makes it highly sought-after by both parties.

    Two Champions, One Goal: Crypto for All

    Football and crypto have more in common than meets the eye: both unite people across borders, thrive on strategy, and reward those who stay ahead of the game. The partnership between AFA and XBO.com brings together two leading organizations from these fields to collaborate in facing new challenges and seizing opportunities.

    The Argentina National Team – A legacy of champions, reigning World Cup winners, and a global fanbase of millions.

    XBO.com – An innovative crypto exchange built to empower traders with security, ease of use, and financial freedom.

    With its global influence, AFA has no shortage of sponsorship opportunities among global brand leaders. Given this, the Association’s decision to partner with XBO.com is a strong testament to its forward-looking vision and the increasing role of crypto in the global economy.

    Claudio Fabian Tapia, President of AFA, stated:

    “We are delighted to welcome XBO.com as the new official sponsor of the Argentine Football Association. This agreement represents an important milestone in our global expansion strategy, opening new opportunities with such a prominent and innovative crypto brand. We look forward to a successful partnership and shared achievements in 2025.”

    What This Partnership Brings:

    • Exclusive Rewards & Giveaways – Win signed jerseys, VIP match tickets, stadium tours, and unforgettable fan experiences.
    • Exciting Interactive Campaigns – Participate in challenges, competitions, and promotions that blend the thrill of football with the excitement of crypto.
    • Unforgettable Events & Engagements – Be part of the action with co-branded activations, meet & greets, and unique experiences.

    According to Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of AFA, this partnership will amplify both brands’ presence through innovative marketing initiatives:

    “AFA and XBO.com will be creating unique marketing campaigns, increasing the synergy and power of our brands in the global market. With great enthusiasm, we trust this agreement with XBO.com will be a great success.”

    More Than a Sponsorship—A Movement

    “This is more than just a sponsorship—it’s a statement,” says Lior Aizik, XBO.com’s COO & Co-founder.

    “By teaming up with AFA, we’re proving that crypto isn’t just the future of finance—it’s a global movement that belongs to everyone. Football has always been about passion, teamwork, and breaking barriers—values that align perfectly with XBO.com’s vision for financial accessibility. This collaboration is about bringing people together and creating a truly global, borderless experience.”

    As part of the partnership, XBO.com will be launching special promotions, rewards, and joint campaigns featuring the Argentine National Team as brand ambassadors. Fans and crypto enthusiasts alike will gain unprecedented access to the team’s biggest moments, players, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

    Join the Future of Crypto & Football

    The XBO.com x AFA partnership is just the beginning. Expect major announcements, massive rewards, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences ahead!

    Trade like a champion. Sign up with XBO.com today & stay tuned for upcoming giveaways and exclusive perks!

    About XBO.com

    XBO.com is an innovative cryptocurrency exchange designed for both novice and experienced traders. Built on the principles of transparency, security, and accessibility, XBO.com offers a seamless trading experience with:
    * Fiat-to-crypto swaps
    * Spot and futures trading
    * High-yield earning opportunities
    * Intuitive UI & competitive fees

    With a secure and user-friendly interface, XBO.com is redefining crypto trading and making it accessible to a global audience.

    XBO.com – Social Media Links

    About AFA

    Founded in 1893, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is the governing body of football in Argentina and one of the oldest football federations in the world. Headquartered in Buenos Aires, AFA oversees all aspects of the sport, including the organization of domestic leagues such as the Primera División, Primera Nacional, and lower divisions, as well as national cup competitions like the Copa Argentina and Supercopa Argentina.
    afa.com.ar

    Contact:
    Meirav Shacked
    Meirav.s@xbo.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by XBO.com. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the sponsor and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities .Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/515d40f2-0cad-4e6d-a63c-bd8c16fcb41d

    The MIL Network –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Sitka Power Inc. Acquires Portfolio of Renewable and Battery Storage Assets from Saturn Power Inc.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sitka Power Inc. (“Sitka Power” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce the successful acquisition of a portfolio of operating renewable electricity generation and battery energy storage assets from Saturn Power Inc. (“Saturn Power”). The transaction was by way of acquisition of Saturn Power’s limited partnership units and general partnership shares in certain limited partnership entities. These partnerships own and operate approximately 39 megawatts of wind, solar, and battery storage assets located in Ontario and Saskatchewan. Output from the projects is sold under long-term contracts to creditworthy counterparties, providing long-term, stable cash flows to the Company.

    Trevor White, President and CEO of Sitka Power, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, stating, “This acquisition aligns with our strategy to acquire contracted renewable and battery energy storage assets in key Canadian target markets. We are committed to the safe and reliable operations of these assets, providing clean electricity to our customers while contributing to a more sustainable future.”

    Douglas Wagner, President of Saturn Power, added, “The team at Sitka Power is an experienced owner and operator of renewable electricity and battery storage assets. We are confident that these projects will continue to thrive under their stewardship, delivering value to stakeholders.”

    This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Sitka Power as this is its first transaction since formation in November 2024. The Company plans to further expand by acquiring operating wind, solar, run-of-river hydro, and battery energy storage assets, as well as by developing new renewable energy projects across Canada. Sitka Power is backed by a dedicated private infrastructure fund managed by an affiliate of Long Life Capital Inc.

    For more information, please contact:
    Trevor White
    President and Chief Executive Officer
    Sitka Power Inc.
    1-866-467-4852
    info@sitka-power.ca

    About Sitka Power Inc.

    Sitka Power is a small scale Canadian renewable energy developer and independent power producer, headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, who is active in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Ontario

    For more information visit www.sitka-power.ca.

    The MIL Network –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Dominion Lending Centres Inc. Increases and Extends Credit Facility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dominion Lending Centres Inc. (TSX:DLCG) (“DLCG” or the “Corporation”) is pleased to announce that it has amended and extended its credit facilities with The Toronto-Dominion Bank effective February 18, 2025. The maturity date for the credit facilities has been extended from December 19, 2026 to February 18, 2030.

    The amended credit facilities are comprised of two senior credit facilities (collectively, the “Senior Credit Facilities”).   The Senior Credit Facilities provide the Corporation with a revolving credit line and a term facility. The revolving credit facility was increased by $10 million, from $15 million to $25 million, and was undrawn at closing. The term facility has $30.48 million drawn at closing. Interest on the Senior Credit Facilities is based on the prime borrowing rate (or alternatively, at the Corporation’s option, Term CORRA (Canadian Overnight Repo Rate Average)) plus an additional amount determined based on the Corporation’s total leverage. On closing of the Senior Credit Facilities, the interest rate is anticipated to be equal to the prime borrowing rate.    

    About Dominion Lending Centres Inc.
    Dominion Lending Centres Inc. is Canada’s leading network of mortgage professionals. DLCG operates through Dominion Lending Centres Inc. and its three main subsidiaries, MCC Mortgage Centre Canada Inc., MA Mortgage Architects Inc. and Newton Connectivity Systems Inc., and has operations across Canada. DLCG extensive network includes over 8,500 agents and over 500 locations. Headquartered in British Columbia, DLC was founded in 2006 by Gary Mauris and Chris Kayat.

    DLCG can be found on X (Twitter), Facebook and Instagram and LinkedIn @DLCGmortgage and on the web at www.dlcg.ca. 

    Contact information for the Corporation is as follows:

    Eddy Cocciollo
    President
    647-403-7320
    eddy@dlc.ca
    James Bell
    EVP, Corporate and Chief Legal Officer
    403-560-0821
    jbell@dlcg.ca
     


    NEITHER THE TSX EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

    The MIL Network –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to the United Nations: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on practising multilateralism, reforming and improving global governance.

    The United Kingdom remains deeply committed to the United Nations.  

    But 80 years since its creation, with more countries engaged in conflict than ever before, we are falling short of its founding mission to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war.

    And despite progress on health and education, significant global challenges remain. 

    The climate crisis is accelerating and the Sustainable Development Goals are off-track.

    Why so? There is more to this than the often-mentioned liquidity crisis.  

    In 80 years, UN membership has increased from 51 to 193 Member States, but the UN and its institutions are not fully representative of all its members.  

    We now live in a multipolar world, not a bipolar or unipolar one, whose challenges, climate, pandemics and cyber security are more transnational than national.

    As the Secretary-General reminded us and so many speakers today have reiterated, the Pact of the Future demonstrated a clear desire and a clear commitment to reinvigorate the multilateral system, including through reforming the UN and the international financial system.  

    Together, we need to redouble our efforts and find new ways to address emerging challenges.

    2025, the UN’s 80th anniversary and a year of key summits, is the first step on this path.  

    Next month we have the Commission on the Status of Women and the Beijing +30 meeting; in June we have the UN Oceans Conference; in July FFD4.  And later in the year the UN Social Summit and COP30, back in Brazil.  

    Together, these summits seek to address our shared concerns.  

    Their success is critical for progress and the UN’s reputation as our multilateral home.

    Second, we need to use the UN more effectively to deliver international peace and security.  

    Such progress must go hand in hand with upholding human rights.

    This starts first and foremost with the defence of the UN Charter as colleagues have references.  

    Nowhere is that more true today than in Ukraine, whose sovereignty and territorial integrity is under threat from Russian aggression.

    We must work to ensure that all UN tools, including its good offices, are used to deliver and advance peace.  

    For example, Personal Envoy Lamamra has a crucial platform to bring together the warring parties in Sudan.  

    We encourage reinvigorated momentum for mediation efforts, as well as a renewed focus on prevention to reduce crises before they happen.  

    This year’s Peacebuilding Architecture Review is an important opportunity in this regard.

    We also need to refresh our peacekeeping approach to ensure missions are fit for purpose and defend UN peacekeepers wherever they serve.  

    Attacks against them are unacceptable.  

    We honour, in particular today, MONUSCO peacekeepers who have fallen in defence of civilians in the DRC.

    Finally, in the face of growing global crises, from Sudan to Myanmar, we need to support the UN’s development and humanitarian programmes, across its agencies.  

    In Gaza, UNRWA, alongside the WFP and UNICEF, provides over 50% of all food aid.  

    We commend OCHA’s tireless efforts to reach those in need. 

    Humanitarian access and the protection of aid workers are integral to their successful delivery.

    In conclusion, President, colleagues, the Council is often characterised as an ineffective geopolitical theatre. 

    While reform of its membership is needed and the UK supports that, this body has the tools to implement its peace and security mandate.  

    We now need to strengthen our collective will to use them more effectively and, as the Secretary-General has said, in our 80th year, work to build the more peaceful, just and prosperous world that we know is within reach.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Confirmation Hearing, Warren Lays Out Concerns with Deputy Defense Secretary Nominee Stephen Feinberg

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    February 18, 2025
    As former head of private equity firm Cerberus, Feinberg drove Massachusetts’ Steward hospital into the ground, would have significant financial conflicts of interest 
    “Your track record at Cerberus includes mismanagement, profiteering, and little relevant government experience. You have put profits at the center of your work when the Deputy Secretary role requires that you put the Department and its people at the center.” 
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – Ahead of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the SASC Subcommittee on Personnel, wrote to Mr. Stephen Feinberg, nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defense (DoD), pressing him to explain his “serious conflicts of interest” and his track record of mismanagement. 
    As Deputy Secretary of Defense, Mr. Feinberg will need to be able to manage the building, support the workforce, and “(e)nsure Department-wide capability and resources across all functions to carry out the strategic plan of the DoD in support of national security objectives.” Upon his nomination, President Trump regarded him as “(a)n extremely successful businessman.” However, as the former head of private equity firm Cerberus Capital Management, Mr. Feinberg reportedly ran several companies, including Chrysler, into the ground. 
    “I am concerned that your track record as a private equity executive shows you lack the skills and demonstrated experience needed to manage and execute the scale of reforms necessary at the Department of Defense,” wrote Senator Warren. 
    In Massachusetts, residents have had first-hand experience with the damage caused by Cerberus’ private equity model. Cerberus bought into Massachusetts’ Caritas Christi hospital system, in 2010, investing $246 million, rechristening it as Steward, and leaving Dr. Ralph de la Torre in charge as CEO. In 2020, Cerberus began to exit by transferring its ownership stake and then, over a six-year period, straddled Steward with over a billion dollars in liabilities – while Cerberus executives profited handsomely, receiving $800 million in profits. Unable to handle the massive debt load, Steward went bankrupt last year – resulting in the closure of two hospitals in the Commonwealth. 
    Mr. Feinberg is estimated to own about 75% of Cerberus, which holds large investments in companies that do business with DoD. These investments have included everything from a company testing hypersonic missile technology to an open-source internet scrapping company. They have also included companies that have defrauded the U.S. government. DynCorp, a private military contractor Cerberus previously owned, was sued by the Department of Justice for intentionally overcharging the Department of State while doing a contract overseas. The letter finds Cerberus has investments in at least 7 companies that do at least $15.9 billion in business with the DoD.
    “These holdings would pose a conflict of interest between your duty as Deputy Secretary to advance the Department’s national security interests and your personal interest in delivering profits for the defense companies in which you or Cerberus have invested,” said Senator Warren. 
    The Deputy Secretary is supposed to help ensure international law is followed, including protecting civilians from harm. However, the New York Times, found that “(f)our Saudis who participated in the 2018 killing of the Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi received paramilitary training” from a company owned by Cerberus. 
    “If the Deputy Secretary has shown disregard for those laws, that will undermine the faith in these laws for the entire organization,” wrote Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren also questioned Mr. Feinberg’s qualifications to manage the Department. Beyond a lengthy business and political relationship with President Trump, Mr. Feinberg lacks military experience to lead the Department. Mr. Feinberg participated in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) while studying at Princeton University, but left the program before graduating. 
    “Without Department of Defense knowledge or experience in government leadership, I have doubts about your qualifications and how your past has prepared you to take on a role such as Deputy Secretary of Defense,” concluded Senator Warren. 
    Given Mr. Feinberg’s severe conflicts of interest, record of mismanagement and profiteering, and lack of relevant government experience, Senator Warren asked Mr. Feinberg to respond to questions about several areas of concern with his record, including his experience with private equity, potential ties to human rights violations, history of defrauding the federal government, and vision for managing a key part of the federal workforce by February 24, 2025. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: February 18th, 2025 Heinrich Demands Answers from FEMA About Elon Musk and DOGE’s Access to Disaster Victims’ Personal Data

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and 9 Senate Democrats demanded answers from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on the potential security breach created by Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), which has reportedly accessed the sensitive personal data of disaster victims.

    In a letter to the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator, the senators requested more information on the procedures FEMA follows to protect data from misuse, and if DOGE’s unaccountable agents were in compliance with federal law.

    “The United States has suffered from a growing number of natural disasters over the past several years — from severe flooding in Vermont and hurricanes in North Carolina, to catastrophic wildfires in Hawaii and California. In order to register for federal disaster assistance and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents,” the senators wrote to Cameron Hamilton, the Senior Official Performing the Duties of FEMA Administrator.

    “Mr. Musk has stated his desire to eliminate waste at FEMA. We agree the country must examine and thoughtfully consider reforms to the operation of FEMA. Our constituents have experienced first-hand the frustrating bureaucracies that hinder the federal disaster recovery process. Congress must take steps to equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to better assist disaster victims after the storm has passed. We stand ready to work with anyone willing to fix it,” continued the senators. “But such reforms do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.”

    The senators concluded, “When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm. Reports indicate you have breached that trust — perhaps in violation of federal privacy law.”

    In their letter, the senators requested responses to the following questions to understand the scope of that breach and the extent of FEMA’s compliance with federal law:

    1. Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between January 20, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response. 
    2. What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained? 
    3. What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affiliated individuals required to follow those procedures?  
    4. How many Americans’ personally identifiable data has been accessed by DOGE-affiliated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems?

    The full text of the letter is here and below:

    Dear Mr. Hamilton,

    We write with serious concern about reports that Elon Musk’s “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE) has obtained access to sensitive information at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including the personal data of thousands of disaster victims.

    The United States has suffered from a growing number of natural disasters over the past several years—from severe flooding in Vermont, Minnesota, and Connecticut and hurricanes in North Carolina, to catastrophic wildfires in Hawai’i, California, New Mexico, and Oregon. In order to register for federal disaster assistance and receive help rebuilding their communities, our constituents have provided their personally identifiable information to FEMA. They did not do so with the expectation that their sensitive information would be turned over to unvetted, unaccountable DOGE agents.

    Mr. Musk has stated his desire to eliminate waste at FEMA. We agree the country must examine and thoughtfully consider reforms to the operation of FEMA. Our constituents have experienced first-hand the frustrating bureaucracies that hinder the federal disaster recovery process. Congress must take steps to equip FEMA and communities with the tools needed to better assist disaster victims after the storm has passed. We stand ready to work with anyone willing to fix it.

    But such reforms do not require, or come close to justifying, the invasive measures DOGE has reportedly undertaken.

    When disaster strikes, Americans should have confidence the government will safeguard their data, regardless of the Administration at the helm. Reports indicate you have breached that trust — perhaps in violation of federal privacy law.

    To understand the scope of that breach and the extent of your compliance with federal law, we request responses to the following items by no later than February 28, 2025:

    1. Please provide a complete list of individuals authorized by FEMA to access disaster victims’ data and records during the period between January 20, 2025, and February 14, 2025. Please indicate whether those individuals are employees of FEMA, the White House, DOGE, or another federal agency and specify the agency. If the individuals are not federal employees, please indicate that in your response.
    2. What are the individuals specified above authorized to do with disaster victims’ data and records, and what types of data were obtained?
    3. What procedures does FEMA follow to protect disaster victims’ data from misuse? Are DOGE-affiliated individuals required to follow those procedures?
    4. How many Americans’ personally identifiable data has been accessed by DOGE-affiliated individuals? What vetting did these individuals undergo prior to their being granted access to FEMA systems?

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: February 18th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Raise Alarm Over Trump Admin Pushing Illegal Funding Cuts to NIH & Derailing Lifesaving Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    New Mexico receives $125 million in NIH funding that supports over 1,400 jobs and generates nearly $290 million in economic activity

    Heinrich and Luján: “The administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly”

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), alongside 45 Senate Democrats, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. expressing serious concern over the Trump administration’s recent decisions that threaten to create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions in New Mexico, undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, jeopardize the U.S. economy, and endanger the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 

    “As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others. President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks. In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research. While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds,” the senators wrote.

    This month, the NIH announced it would set the maximum reimbursement rate for indirect costs to 15% — creating a serious funding shortfall for research institutions of all types across the country. This move would dismantle the biomedical research system, stifle the development of new cures for diseases, and affect ongoing research important to New Mexicans such as clinical trial research at the University of New Mexico.

    Importantly, this change is not a cost savings. It a cost transfer to organizations that cannot afford to pay the difference. This action by the Trump administration is unlawful — Congress’ bipartisan Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill prohibits modifications to NIH’s indirect costs.

    “This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly,” the senators wrote.

    The senators point out that, in addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. NIH research supported more than 1,400 jobs and spurred nearly $290 million in new economic activity in New Mexico during Fiscal Year 2023.

    “The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country. Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications ‘pause’ enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work. These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments. These disruptions do not just slow research — they cost lives,” the senators continued.

    “Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration. We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted,” the senators concluded.

    Last week, a federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the NIH rate cut and set a hearing for February 21st.

    The letter was led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    The text of the letter is here and below:

    Dear Secretary Kennedy,

    We write to express our serious concern with the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine the nation’s biomedical research infrastructure and set us back generations. The steps the Trump Administration has taken will create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions nationwide, threaten to undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars, and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 

    As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others. President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks. In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research. While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds.

    Just last week, NIH announced an illegal plan to cap indirect cost rates that research institutions rely on. In capping indirect cost rates at 15 percent for NIH-funded grants, this policy would cut funding essential for conducting research, such as operating and maintaining laboratories, equipment, and research facilities. This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly.

    These confusing and harmful policy changes threaten patient safety. The strength of the American research enterprise – recognized as the best in the world – is built on Congress’ bipartisan commitment to supporting essential research infrastructure. This funding, which Congress has long appropriated on a bipartisan basis, fuels groundbreaking medical discoveries and cements the United States’ position as the global leader in biomedical research.

    In addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with everyone from custodians, to research trainees, to scientists facing potential layoffs. NIH research supported more than 412,000 jobs and fueled nearly $93 billion in new economic activity in Fiscal Year 2023. Every dollar the NIH invests in research generates almost $2.50 in economic activity. These reckless policy changes not only threaten biomedical innovation and research, but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers in every state across the nation.

    The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country. Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications “pause” enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work. These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments. These disruptions do not just slow research – they cost lives.

    The NIH plays a critical role in our nation’s efforts to fund scientific advancements that improve health and save lives. Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration. We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province to Appoint Special Electoral Boundaries Commission for Chéticamp

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    A bill amending the House of Assembly Act introduced in the legislature today, February 18, will enable the appointment of a special electoral boundaries commission. The commission will make recommendations to the government to ensure effective representation of the Acadian region of Chéticamp and area.

    Last fall, the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia granted an application by the Fédération Acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse respecting the boundaries in the House of Assembly Act.

    The court found the majority of the decision of the majority Electoral Boundaries Commission to not include an exceptional electoral district for Chéticamp infringed Section 3 (voting and candidacy rights) of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

    The court determined that the appropriate remedy for the Section 3 Charter infringement was to declare Section 4 of the House of Assembly Act (the composition and boundaries of the House) invalid but to suspend the declaration, allowing time to correct the infringement.

    “The Supreme Court has affirmed the right to effective representation for people living in the Acadian region of Chéticamp and area,” said Premier Tim Houston. “Government accepts the court’s decision and appreciates the dedication of the Acadian community to advancing this important issue. That’s why we’re moving quickly to get a commission in place to make recommendations and address the charter infringement.”

    The commission will be appointed by a select committee of the House within 30 days of the act coming into effect.


    Quick Facts:

    • there are currently 55 electoral districts in Nova Scotia, including exceptional electoral districts for Preston, Clare, Argyle and Richmond

    Additional Resources:

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

    More information about Nova Scotia’s electoral districts is available at: https://electionsnovascotia.ca/Maps

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Felony Charges Against a Gun Show Trader for Running an Illegal Assault Weapon Manufacturing Operation out of His Garage

    Source: US State of California

    Tuesday, February 18, 2025

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

      
    SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the arrest and charges filed against a suspect who was running an illegal assault weapon manufacturing and assembly operation out of his garage in Roseville. In addition, a significant cache of rifles, large capacity magazines, and ammunition were seized from his residence. An investigation began after the suspect was found to be attempting to sell assault weapons as a gun show trader at the Placerville Gun Show. Felony charges were filed by the DOJ Criminal Division for manufacturing assault weapons for sale, possession of assault weapons, and possession of a silencer.      
     
    “As California’s chief law enforcement officer, protecting public safety and our communities from the threat of gun violence is my top priority,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The regulations and protocols surrounding firearm purchases have been put in place to ensure the safety of California. When bad actors try to skirt the rules and bypass these integral processes, it creates situations with deadly consequences. I’m proud of the work our Field Representatives and Special Agents do on behalf of the people of California. These brave agents and field representatives are rarely in the spotlight, but they are working every day to prevent gun violence from ever happening by removing dangerous weapons from communities.”
     
    On November 3, 2024, Field Representatives from the Bureau of Firearms Regulatory Compliance Unit carried out a regulatory inspection at the Placerville Gun Show. During this inspection, they overheard a gun show trader attempting to sell a silencer to potential buyers. Consequently, the trader’s firearms were examined, revealing two illegal assault weapons available for sale. This led Special Agents to conduct a thorough investigation. On November 12, 2024, with the assistance of the Roseville Police Department SWAT team, Special Agents executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence. They seized 8 illegal assault rifles and a silencer, as well as numerous other handguns, rifles, disassembled rifles, firearm parts, large capacity magazines, and rounds of ammunition. 
     
    It is important to note that criminal charges must be proven in a court of law. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Heinrich, Luján Raise Alarm Over Trump Admin Pushing Illegal Funding Cuts to NIH & Derailing Lifesaving Research

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    New Mexico receives $125 million in NIH funding that supports over 1,400 jobs and generates nearly $290 million in economic activity

    Heinrich and Luján: “The administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly”

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), alongside 45 Senate Democrats, sent a letter to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. expressing serious concern over the Trump administration’s recent decisions that threaten to create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions in New Mexico, undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, jeopardize the U.S. economy, and endanger the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 

    “As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others. President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks. In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research. While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds,” the senators wrote.

    This month, the NIH announced it would set the maximum reimbursement rate for indirect costs to 15% — creating a serious funding shortfall for research institutions of all types across the country. This move would dismantle the biomedical research system, stifle the development of new cures for diseases, and affect ongoing research important to New Mexicans such as clinical trial research at the University of New Mexico.

    Importantly, this change is not a cost savings. It a cost transfer to organizations that cannot afford to pay the difference. This action by the Trump administration is unlawful — Congress’ bipartisan Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations Bill prohibits modifications to NIH’s indirect costs.

    “This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly,” the senators wrote.

    The senators point out that, in addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. NIH research supported more than 1,400 jobs and spurred nearly $290 million in new economic activity in New Mexico during Fiscal Year 2023.

    “The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country. Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications ‘pause’ enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work. These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments. These disruptions do not just slow research — they cost lives,” the senators continued.

    “Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration. We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted,” the senators concluded.

    Last week, a federal judge in Boston temporarily blocked the NIH rate cut and set a hearing for February 21st.

    The letter was led by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.). Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the letter was signed by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).

    The text of the letter is here and below:

    Dear Secretary Kennedy,

    We write to express our serious concern with the Trump Administration’s recent decisions that threaten to undermine the nation’s biomedical research infrastructure and set us back generations. The steps the Trump Administration has taken will create a serious funding shortfall for research institutions nationwide, threaten to undermine progress on lifesaving scientific advancements, could cost the U.S. economy billions of dollars, and threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of workers. 

    As the largest public funder of biomedical research in the world, NIH plays a critical role in sustaining the research infrastructure necessary for scientific breakthroughs in cancer treatment, infectious disease prevention, and medical technology innovation, among many others. President Trump has wreaked havoc on the nation’s biomedical research system in recent weeks. In his first several days in office, President Trump imposed a hiring freeze, communications freeze, ban on travel, and cancellation of grant review and advisory panels that are necessary to advance research. While some of these efforts have been reversed, they continue to cause confusion and miscommunication among researchers and recipients of NIH funds.

    Just last week, NIH announced an illegal plan to cap indirect cost rates that research institutions rely on. In capping indirect cost rates at 15 percent for NIH-funded grants, this policy would cut funding essential for conducting research, such as operating and maintaining laboratories, equipment, and research facilities. This change to NIH’s indirect cost rate represents an indiscriminate funding cut that will be nothing short of catastrophic for the lifesaving research that patients and families are counting on. The Administration’s new policy means that research will come to a halt, sick kids may not get the treatment they need, and clinical trials may shut down abruptly.

    These confusing and harmful policy changes threaten patient safety. The strength of the American research enterprise – recognized as the best in the world – is built on Congress’ bipartisan commitment to supporting essential research infrastructure. This funding, which Congress has long appropriated on a bipartisan basis, fuels groundbreaking medical discoveries and cements the United States’ position as the global leader in biomedical research.

    In addition to the stifling impact on discovering new cures and ripping away treatment from those who need it, changes to NIH policy and communications threaten jobs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with everyone from custodians, to research trainees, to scientists facing potential layoffs. NIH research supported more than 412,000 jobs and fueled nearly $93 billion in new economic activity in Fiscal Year 2023. Every dollar the NIH invests in research generates almost $2.50 in economic activity. These reckless policy changes not only threaten biomedical innovation and research, but also the livelihoods of thousands of workers in every state across the nation.

    The Trump Administration has left researchers, universities, and health systems with great uncertainty about whether they can continue to support entire research programs and patient clinical trials across the country. Institutions and grantees nationwide are dealing with an unprecedented external communications “pause” enacted by new leadership at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the lack of transparency regarding the Administration’s illegal funding freeze, and the uncertainty of how new Executive Orders would be applied to their critical work. These actions resulted in NIH freezing grant reviews and cancelling advisory meetings, delaying critical funding that scientists need to continue advancing new cures and treatments. These disruptions do not just slow research – they cost lives.

    The NIH plays a critical role in our nation’s efforts to fund scientific advancements that improve health and save lives. Our standing as a world leader in funding and producing new medical and scientific innovations has been put at risk by these recent actions from the Trump Administration. We urge you to stop playing political games with the lifesaving work of the NIH and to allow NIH research to continue uninterrupted.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Barr, Artificial Intelligence: Hypothetical Scenarios for the Future

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have accelerated rapidly over the past few years.1 It is now commonplace to see autonomous vehicles navigating city streets, and generative AI tools are available on phones and other devices wherever we go. AI innovations make headlines and play a big role in financial markets, and generative AI has the potential to change how we think about productivity, labor markets and the macroeconomy.2 Today, I will address that question by outlining two hypothetical scenarios for AI’s impact and the implications for businesses, regulators, and society. I will focus my comments on Generative AI, or GenAI, a subset of AI that has seen significant growth and integration into economic activity in just a few short years.
    GenAI and Its AdoptionCompared to earlier iterations of AI, GenAI is able to generate content, which allows it to significantly enhance productivity across a range of knowledge-based activities and be used by people without coding skills. GenAI will likely become a “general purpose technology,” with widespread adoption, continuous improvement, and productivity enhancements to a wide range of sectors across the economy. We are already seeing GenAI improve the productivity of its own R&D.3 There is widespread enthusiasm for GenAI, and survey evidence shows much faster rates of consumer adoption of GenAI already than were seen for the personal computer or the internet.4 While actual deployment of GenAI is limited to some business functions, and there have been pitfalls along the way, businesses in almost every sector are experimenting with or considering how to make use of the technology.5
    Firms are also exploring Agentic AI—Gen AI systems that not only produce new content, but are also able to proactively pursue goals by generating innovative solutions and acting upon them at speed and scale.6 Imagining Agentic AI’s ultimate application, some speculate that we could experience a “country of geniuses in a data center”—a collective intelligence that surpasses human capabilities in problem-solving and collaboration.7 Some believe Agentic AI has the potential to connect ideas in disparate domains, potentially transforming research and development and society more broadly.8
    Hypothetical Scenarios Considering How GenAI Could EvolveToday, I will outline two hypothetical scenarios for considering how GenAI could evolve.9 In one, we see only incremental adoption that primarily augments what humans do today, but still leads to widespread productivity gains. In the other, we see transformative change where we extend human capabilities with far-reaching consequences. For each scenario, I consider the potential implications for the economy and financial sector.
    Thinking through hypothetical scenarios can help widen our lens to a range of possible outcomes and provide a framework for assessing the balance between benefits and risks. Scenarios are not predictions of the future, but provide a framework for analyzing the factors that could lead to different outcomes. Reality is complex. GenAI adoption rates will vary across industries, leading to diverse impacts on market structures. Elements of both scenarios will likely come to pass, and play out at different rates, which will influence the effects on the economy and society. In the short term, GenAI may be overhyped, while in the long run, it may be underappreciated. And, of course, things might turn out differently from these hypotheticals.
    Hypothetical 1: Incremental Progress with Widespread Productivity GainsFirst, let me begin with the incremental scenario, where GenAI primarily augments work in existing processes and leads to steady and widespread productivity gains, but does not fundamentally unlock new capabilities or transform the economy.
    In this state of the world, GenAI tools enhance efficiency and enable more personalized solutions across industries, in ways that have incremental—but still meaningful—effects on people’s lives. For instance, in customer service, professional writing—but not this speech—and software engineering, GenAI-powered tools are already supporting workers, improving accuracy and speed, and these effects could spread to other sectors.10 In this world, health care sees significant improvements as GenAI reduces administrative burdens, assists with diagnostics, and personalizes treatment plans based on real-time patient data. Medicines and other treatments are developed at a faster pace.11 Education is similarly affected, as GenAI alleviates administrative tasks for teachers, allows lessons to be tailored to individual students, and permits students to learn by doing.12 In manufacturing, GenAI-optimized supply chains anticipate and adjust more quickly to disruptions, and current manufacturing processes are refined through virtual iteration.13 In materials science, GenAI-driven experimentation accelerates the discovery of new materials, leading to advances in everything from construction to electronics.14 Turning to the financial sector, we could see similar productivity gains. Community banks leverage GenAI-powered chatbots to provide customized financial advice rooted in local knowledge, while institutions of all sizes continue to advance use of GenAI for compliance monitoring, fraud detection, risk management, and document analysis.15
    The impact to society would be incrementally positive in this state of the world. Humans would use GenAI as a tool to deliver goods and services that we currently produce in a more efficient way. Productivity would go up. The economy would grow at a faster pace.16
    What does this mean for the labor force? The impact will depend on the industry and the nature of the job. GenAI experiments suggest the technology holds the promise of levelling up skills and bringing productivity of lower-performing workers into line with higher performing workers.17 In other cases, it could augment the highest performers, leaving them more time for creativity or strategic aspects of their roles. Increasing automation for certain tasks may displace some workers, where certain skills can be replicated by GenAI. Historically, as technology has replaced some jobs, it has augmented existing roles or created new ones.18 However, this is not to downplay the individual cost for workers who need to retrain, find other employment, or change careers in response to major changes in labor demand. Society will need to account for these possible effects of AI.
    What does this mean for the economy? As I noted before, the economy should grow, if the incremental productivity gains are widespread. However, in this scenario, it is possible that the expected value creation from GenAI was overhyped, anticipating transformative breakthroughs rather than incremental productivity gains. This could trigger market corrections for the firms that have heavily invested in this technology if reality doesn’t measure up to expectations. While the U.S. economy experienced a surge of productivity growth during the dot.com boom in the late 1990s, it was followed by a wave of bankruptcies, capital overhang, and a cautious business investment climate.19 The effects of the ensuing recession were widespread.
    What does this mean for financial stability and other financial risks? In this incremental scenario, GenAI may magnify both the vulnerabilities and sources of resilience that already exist in the system. Attractive trades become more crowded, but risk managers gain new insights.20 Malicious actors gain new tools, but cyber defenders become better armed. So long as financial regulators, enterprise risk managers, and others charged with managing downside risks prioritize efforts to keep pace with the evolving financial ecosystem, there’s nothing to suggest a wholesale transformation of the balance of risks. Of course, keeping pace will pose challenges, and it’s important that we all focus on the need to meet these risks.
    Hypothetical Scenario 2: Transformative ChangeNow, let’s consider a more dramatic hypothetical scenario, in which GenAI adoption extends beyond improving on what we currently do, and provides new expertise and capabilities that have transformative effects on the economy and society. In this scenario, humans deploy their imagination and creativity—combined with robust investment in research and development—to deploy intelligent GenAI systems to make rapid breakthroughs in, for example, biotechnology, robotics, and energy, fundamentally reshaping existing industries and creating new ones. In this instance, to focus the mind, we can think of GenAI as no longer only a tool for scientists to analyze data—in a sense, it becomes the scientist, directing the research.21
    For instance, let’s say that GenAI applications in health care do not simply improve how we currently deliver care, but also enable therapies that target genetic mutations and cure diseases previously considered incurable.22 Similarly, manufacturing evolves to create GenAI-driven robotic factories, with goods produced with new materials and atomic precision.23 Materials science is transformed through the discovery of programmable materials and self-healing substances, all of which reshape construction, technology, and consumer goods.24 Meanwhile, GenAI optimizes fusion energy research, expediting the shift to sustainable energy sources.25 And GenAI helps to create the next generation of quantum computing.26 In that way, GenAI improves its own energy sources and computing capabilities, enabling it to become a more powerful creative tool.27
    Finance also looks radically different than it does today. Individuals with access to hyper-personalized financial planning and businesses with innovative products and services seamlessly connect with one another through near-frictionless or novel forms of financial intermediation.28 Trading strategies and risk-management practices are boosted by greater GenAI-based analytic tools that have dynamic real-time access to an enormous knowledge base in both the public and private domains.29
    Although this transformative scenario is more speculative and is accompanied by a far greater degree of uncertainty than the first, it is important to consider given the extraordinary opportunities for human advancement and welfare that could arise, even if just one of its transformative components were to come to fruition. We would need to fundamentally reimagine how the economy is structured.
    What are the impacts on the labor force, in a world where GenAI’s capabilities extend beyond what humans can accomplish today? Humans may have a role to manage multi-agent GenAI frameworks, or fill gaps where GenAI solutions remain expensive or inefficient for some applications. But this is a world where some workers may see their current jobs disappearing. It is also a world in which they may see their own work transformed and have many more choices about the work they do. The nature of labor would radically change, and this will require us to have broader conversations about how to organize the economy. These conversations should wrestle with how to navigate major economic shifts in a way that recognizes the impact on the human condition, and the extent to which people derive their communities, friendships, personal sense of meaning and dignity from their work.
    What about the competitive landscape? There is probably a greater likelihood that rewards for businesses would be distributed more unevenly at first, as significant breakthroughs with far-reaching ramifications may benefit a subset of firms and industries and concentrate economic power in firms that control GenAI breakthroughs. If only a handful of firms have the ability to accomplish the incredible things I’ve mentioned above, they may dominate markets and crowd out competitors. To the extent that GenAI becomes broadly effective, widely available, and cheap, these market advantages could lessen over time if the right regulatory environment supports competitive market dynamics.30 But history suggests caution in this regard; a handful of players may dominate.31
    And finally, for finance, we should anticipate fundamental changes in this scenario. When it’s working well, the financial system helps move money and risk through time and space.32 To the extent there are fundamental changes to how the economy is organized, we could need a new set of institutions, markets, and products to facilitate transactions among households, businesses, and GenAI agents.
    What Should We Do?Among the many ways in which we can help to harness the potential benefits of GenAI and minimize its risks, I will highlight only a couple today.
    Financial institutions, and the Federal Reserve System, should consider investing sufficient resources in understanding GenAI technology, incorporating it into their workflows where appropriate, and training staff on how to use the technology responsibly and effectively.33 Meanwhile, the financial regulatory community should approach the changing landscape with agility and flexibility. And beyond the financial sector, collaboration between governments, private industry, and research institutions will be critical to ensure that GenAI systems are not weaponized in catastrophic ways. We should continue to focus on responsible AI research and development and implement safeguards against misuse, including monitoring systems, standards for secure AI system development, and agreement on red lines for acceptable use cases.34 We should be attuned to the impact of GenAI on our economic and political institutions. There’s a risk that it concentrates economic and political power in the hands of the very few and could lead to the gains being realized only by a small group, while the rest are left behind.
    Another thing I want to emphasize is AI governance. I think most would agree that the goal of the technology is to improve the human condition, and to do that, we need to be intentional in advancing that goal. We should make sure that we think about GenAI as enhancing, not replacing, humans, and set up best practices and cultural norms to that end. Every financial institution should recognize the limitations of the technology, explore where and when GenAI belongs in any process, and identify how humans can be best positioned to be in the loop. We should also focus on data quality, and make sure that uses of GenAI do not perpetuate or amplify biases inherent in the data used to train the system or make incorrect inferences to the extent the data is incomplete or nonrepresentative.35 In the realm of regulation, frameworks for understanding model risk may need to be updated to address the complexity and challenges of explaining AI methods and the difficulty of assessing data quality.
    We need to be attuned to the risk in finance. The very attributes that make GenAI attractive—the speed, automaticity, and ability to optimize financial strategies—also present risk.36 When the technology becomes ubiquitous, use of GenAI could lead to herding behavior and the concentration of risk, potentially amplifying market volatility. As GenAI agents will be directed to maximize profit, they may converge on strategies to maximize returns through coordinated market manipulation, potentially fueling asset bubbles and crashes. Speed, automaticity, and ubiquity could generate new risks at wide scale.37
    We also should monitor how introduction of this technology changes the banking landscape. Nonbanks may be more nimble and risk-forward in incorporating GenAI into their operations, which may push intermediation to less-regulated, less transparent corners of the financial sector. In addition, this competitive pressure may push all institutions, including regulated institutions, to take a more aggressive approach to GenAI adoption, heightening the governance, alignment, and financial risks I mentioned before.
    In conclusion, while AI’s impact will vary across industries and the reality is evolving, the scenarios I have outlined today provide a framework to begin thinking about how we should respond to developments in GenAI. However, as I mentioned above, elements of both scenarios will likely be present in the future, and play out at different rates, which will influence the effects on the economy and society. Rapid advances in this technology, such as Agentic AI and advancements in open-source models, underscore just how new this technology is and the importance of understanding what it means for individuals, businesses, and markets. Thank you.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board. Return to text
    2. See, for instance, Lisa D. Cook, “Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and the Path Ahead for Productivity,” (speech at Technology-Enabled Disruption: Implications of AI, Big Data, and Remote Work Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, October 1, 2024). Return to text
    3. See Gaurav Sett, “How AI Can Automate AI Research and Development,” RAND Commentary, October 24, 2024. Return to text
    4. See Cory Breaux and Emin Dinlersoz, “How Many U.S. Businesses Use Artificial Intelligence?” (Washington: U.S. Census Bureau, November 28, 2023); Alexander Bick, Adam Blandin, and David J. Deming, “The Rapid Adoption of Generative AI,” NBER Working Paper No. 32966 (Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, September 2024, revised February 2025); and Leland Crane, Michael Green, and Paul Soto, “Measuring AI Uptake in the Workplace,” FEDS Notes (Washington: Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, February 5, 2025). Return to text
    5. There’s evidence of firms experimenting with these tools and then abandoning them—due to a multitude of reasons. See Kathryn Bonney, Cory Breaux, Cathy Buffington, Emin Dinlersoz, Lucia S. Foster, Nathan Goldschlag, John C. Haltiwanger, Zachary Kroff, and Keith Savage, “Tracking Firm Use of AI in Real Time: A Snapshot from the Business Trends and Outlook Survey,” NBER Working Paper No. 32319 (Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, April 2024). Return to text
    6. For more on Agentic AI’s uses, advantages, and risks, see Mark Purdy, “What Is Agentic AI, and How Will It Change Work?” Harvard Business Review (December 12, 2024). Return to text
    7. See Dario Amodei, “Machines of Loving Grace,” October 2024, https://darioamodei.com/machines-of-loving-grace. Return to text
    8. For biology and drug discovery, see Jean-Philippe Vert, “Unlocking the Mysteries of Complex Biological Systems with Agentic AI,” MIT Technology Review (November 13, 2024), https://www.technologyreview.com/2024/11/13/1106750/unlocking-the-mysteries-of-complex-biological-systems-with-agentic-ai; and “Owkin Announces First Patient Dosed in Phase I AI-Optimized Clinical Trial of OKN4395, a First-in-Class EP2/EP4/DP1 Triple Inhibitor for Patients with Solid Tumors,” Business Wire, January 30, 2025, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250130436779/en/Owkin-Announces-First-Patient-Dosed-in-Phase-I-AI-optimized-Clinical-Trial-of-OKN4395-a-First-in-Class-EP2EP4DP1-Triple-Inhibitor-for-Patients-with-Solid-Tumors. Return to text
    9. Others have used other types of scenarios. See Anton Korinek, “The Economics of Transformative AI,” The Reporter (Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, December 31, 2024); Iñaki Aldasoro, Leonardo Gambacorta, Anton Korinek, Vatsala Shreeti, and Merlin Stein, “Intelligent Financial System: How AI Is Transforming Finance (PDF),” BIS Working Papers No. 1194 (Basel, Switzerland: Bank for International Settlements, June 2024); and Ethan Mollick, Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI (New York: Portfolio/Penguin, 2024). Return to text
    10. For worker productivity gains in customer service, see Erik Brynjolfsson, Danielle Li, and Lindsey R. Raymond, “Generative AI at Work,” NBER Working Paper No. 31161 (Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, April 2023, revised November 2023). For GenAI assisted writing gains, see Shakked Noy and Whitney Zhang, “Experimental Evidence on the Productivity Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence,” Science, vol. 381, no. 6654 (July 2023): 187–92; Jordan Usdan, Allison Connell Pensky, and Harley Chang, “Generative AI’s Impact on Graduate Student Writing Productivity and Quality,” SSRN (August 29, 2024), https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4941022. For software engineering, see Sida Peng, Eirini Kalliamvakou, Peter Cihon, and Mert Demirer, “The Impact of AI on Developer Productivity: Evidence from GitHub Copilot,” arXiv:2302.06590, February 13, 2023; Leonardo Gambacorta, Han Qiu, Shuo Shan, and Daniel M. Rees, “Generative AI and Labour Productivity: A Field Experiment on Coding (PDF),” BIS Working Papers No. 1208 (Basel, Switzerland: Bank for International Settlements, September 2024); Zheyuan (Kevin) Cui, Mert Demirer, Sonia Jaffe, Leon Musolff, Sida Peng, and Tobias Salz, “The Effects of Generative AI on High-Skilled Work: Evidence from Three Field Experiments with Software Developers,” SSRN (September 5, 2024, revised February 10, 2025), https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4945566. For worker gains in the consulting industry, see Fabrizio Dell’Acqua, Edward McFowland III, Ethan Mollick, Hila Lifshitz-Assaf, Katherine C. Kellogg, Saran Rajendran, Lisa Krayer, François Candelon, and Karim R. Lakhani, “Navigating the Jagged Technological Frontier: Field Experimental Evidence of the Effects of AI on Knowledge Worker Productivity and Quality (PDF),” Harvard Business School Working Paper No. 24-013 (September 2023). Return to text
    11. See Ethan Goh, Robert Gallo, Jason Hom, et al., “Large Language Model Influence on Diagnostic Reasoning: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” JAMA Network Open (October 28, 2024), https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2825395; Nikhil Agarwal, Alex Moehring, Pranav Rajpurkar, and Tobias Salz, “Combining Human Expertise with Artificial Intelligence: Experimental Evidence from Radiology,” NBER Working Paper No. 31422 (Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research, July 2023, revised March 2024); Ashley Capoot, “Reid Hoffman Enters ‘Wondrous and Terrifying’ World of Health Care with Latest AI Startup,” CNBC, February 2, 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/02/reid-hoffman-launches-manas-ai-a-new-drug-discovery-startup.html; Kang Zhang, Xin Yang, Yifei Wang, Yunfang Yu, Niu Huang, Gen Li, Xiaokun Li, Joseph C. Wu, and Shengyong Yang, “Artificial Intelligence in Drug Development,” Nature Medicine, vol. 31 (January 2025): 45–59, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03434-4; Qian Liao, Yu Zhang, Ying Chu, Yi Ding, Zhen Liu, Xianyi Zhao, Yizheng Wang, Jie Wan, Yijie Ding, Prayag Tiwari, Quan Zou, and Ke Han, “Application of Artificial Intelligence in Drug-Target Interactions Prediction: A Review,” NPJ Biomedical Innovations, vol. 2, no. 1 (January 2025), https://doi.org/10.1038/s44385-024-00003-9. Return to text
    12. For more on education, see Justin Wolfers, “An Econ Educators Guide to our AI-Powered Future,” Macmillan Learning, EconEd (presentation), September 26, 2024, https://www.macmillanlearning.com/college/us/events/econed; and Anne J. Manning, “Professor Tailored AI Tutor to Physics Course. Engagement Doubled,” Harvard Gazette, September 5, 2024. Return to text
    13. See Maxime C. Cohen and Christopher S. Tang, “The Role of AI in Developing Resilient Supply Chains,” Georgetown Journal of International Affairs (February 5, 2024); and Remko Van Hoek and Mary Lacity, “How Global Companies Use AI to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions,” Harvard Business Review, November 21, 2023. Return to text
    14. See Sheldon Fernandez, “How Generative AI Can Be Used in Electronics,” Forbes, April 26, 2023, https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2023/04/26/how-generative-ai-can-be-used-in-electronics-manufacturing. Return to text
    15. For U.S. financial institutions, see Elizabeth Judd, “How to Balance Human and Machine While Using Chatbots,” Independent Banker, January 1, 2025; and U.S. Department of the Treasury, “Artificial Intelligence in Financial Services (PDF)” (Washington: U.S. Department of the Treasury, December 2024). For foreign financial institutions, see Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority, “Artificial Intelligence in UK Financial Services—2024” (London: Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority, November 21, 2024); and Bank of Japan, “Use and Risk Management of Generative AI by Japanese Financial Institutions,” Financial System Report Annex (Tokyo: Bank of Japan, October 29, 2024). For global financial institutions, see OECD, “FSB Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Finance (PDF),” Financial Stability Board, September 30, 2024. Return to text
    16. Lida R. Weinstock and Paul Tierno, “The Macroeconomic Effects of Artificial Intelligence (PDF),” Congressional Research Service, January 28, 2025. Return to text
    17. See Shakked Noy and Whitney Zhang, “Experimental Evidence on the Productivity Effects of Generative Artificial Intelligence,” Science, vol. 381, no. 6654 (July 13, 2023): 187–92; Brynjolfsson et al., “Generative AI at Work” (see footnote 9); and “for software engineering” from footnote 9; Korinek (2024) from footnote 7. Return to text
    18. See David H. Autor, “Why Are There Still So Many Jobs? The History and Future of Workplace Automation,” Journal of Economic Perspectives, vol. 29, no. 3 (Summer 2015): 3–30.See Simona Abis and Laura Veldkamp. Return to text
    19. See Ben S. Bernanke, “Will Business Investment Bounce Back?” (speech at the Forecasters Club, New York, NY, April 24, 2003). Return to text
    20. See Financial Stability Board, The Financial Stability Implications of Artificial Intelligence (Basel, Switzerland: Financial Stability Board, November 14, 2024); and Jon Danielsson and Andreas Uthemann, “How AI Can Undermine Financial Stability,” VoxEU: CEPR, January 22, 2024. Return to text
    21. For some very early examples, see Davide Castelvecchi, “Researchers Built an ‘AI Scientist’—What Can It Do?” Nature, August 30, 2024, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-02842-3; Daniil A. Boiko, Robert MacKnight, Ben Kline, and Gabe Gomes, “Autonomous Chemical Research with Large Language Models,” Nature, December 20, 2023, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06792-0; and Helena Kudiabor, “Virtual Lab Powered by ‘AI Scientists’ Super-Charges Biomedical Research,” Nature, December 4, 2024, https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-01684-3. Return to text
    22. For more on drug discovery and gene therapy, see Betty Zou, “Team Uses AI and Quantum Computing to Target ‘Undruggable’ Cancer Protein,” Phys Org, January 27, 2025; and Mohammad Ghazi Vakili et al., “Quantum-Computing-Enhanced Algorithm Unveils Potential KRAS Inhibitors,” Nature Biotechnology, January 22, 2025, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41587-024-02526-3. Return to text
    23. See NASA Technology Transfer Program, “Robonaut 2: Hazardous Environments (MSC-TOPS-44)”. Return to text
    24. For more on material sciences innovation, see Andy Extance, “First GPT-4-Powered AI Lab Assistant Independently Directs Key Organic Reactions,” Chemistry World, January 8, 2024, https://www.chemistryworld.com/news/first-gpt-4-powered-ai-lab-assistant-independently-directs-key-organic-reactions/4018723.article; Chenyang Liu, Xi Zhang, Jiahui Chang, You Lyu, Jianan Zhao, and Song Qiu, “Programmable Mechanical Metamaterials: Basic Concepts, Types, Construction Strategies—A Review,” Frontiers, vol. 11 (March 19, 2024); Aidan Toner-Rodgers, “Artificial Intelligence, Scientific Discovery, and Product Innovation,” MIT, November 27, 2024, https://aidantr.github.io/files/AI_innovation.pdf; and Thomas Hayes et al., “Simulating 500 Million Years of Evolution with a Language Model,” Science, January 16, 2025. Return to text
    25. See Tan Sui, “AI Could Help Overcome the Hurdles to Making Nuclear Fusion a Practical Energy Source,” The Conversation, January 29, 2025, https://theconversation.com/ai-could-help-overcome-the-hurdles-to-making-nuclear-fusion-a-practical-energy-source-247608; Jaemin Seo, SangKyeun Kim, Azarakhsh Jalalvand, Rory Conlin, Andrew Rothstein, Joseph Abbate, Keith Erickson, Josiah Wai, Ricardo Shousha, and Egemen Kolemen, “Avoiding Fusion Plasma Tearing Instability with Deep Reinforcement Learning,” Nature, vol. 626, February 21, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07024-9; and Massimiliano Lupo Pasini, German Samolyuk, Markus Eisenbach, Jong Youl Choi, Junqi Yin, and Ying Yang, “First-Principles Data for Solid Solution Niobium-Tantalum-Vanadium Alloys with Body-Centered-Cubic Structures,” Nature: Scientific Data, vol. 11, no. 907 (August 22, 2024), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-03720-3. Return to text
    26. Nakia Melecio, “Exploring the Synergy: Quantum Computing and Generative AI at the Intersection of Innovation,” ScaleUp Lab Program, Enterprise Innovation Institute, Georgia Tech. Return to text
    27. For an example on GenAI and quantum computers, see Rahul Rao, “Quantum Computers Can Now Run Powerful AI That Works like the Brain,” Scientific American, April 22, 2024, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/quantum-computers-can-run-powerful-ai-that-works-like-the-brain. For an example about AI and clean energy, see Office of Policy, “How AI Can Help Clean Energy Meet Growing Electricity Demand” (Washington: U.S. Department of Energy, August 16, 2024). For examples of how GenAI is augmenting creativity, see Tojin T. Eapen, Daniel J. Finkenstadt, Josh Folk, and Lokesh Venkataswamy, “How Generative AI Can Augment Human Creativity,” Harvard Business Review (July–August 2023); and Anil R. Doshi and Oliver P. Hauser, “Generative AI Enhances Individual Creativity but Reduces the Collective Diversity of Novel Content,” Science Advances, vol. 10, no. 28 (July 12, 2024). Return to text
    28. See Iñaki Aldasoro, Leonardo Gambacorta, Anton Korinek, Vatsala Shreeti, and Merlin Stein, “Intelligent Financial System: How AI Is Transforming Finance (PDF),” BIS Working Papers No. 1194 (Basel, Switzerland: Bank for International Settlements, June 2024); and Sarah Hammer, “From Turing to Trading: How AI Is Revolutionizing Finance,” Finance Centers at the Wharton School, July 10, 2024. Return to text
    29. Large language models may even allow for the creation of synthetic data that allows for enhancing macroeconomic nowcasting and forecasting through economic AI agents that can also help with analyzing macroeconomic trends and contribute to more informed financial decisionmaking. See Anne Lundgaard Hansen, John J. Horton, Sophia Kazinnik, Daniela Puzzello, and Ali Zarifhonarvar, “Simulating the Survey of Professional Forecasters,” SSRN (December 1, 2024), https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5066286. Return to text
    30. Kelly Ng, Brandon Drenon, Tom Gerken, and Marc Cieslak, “DeepSeek: The Chinese AI App That Has the World Talking,” BBC News, February 4, 2025, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5yv5976z9po. Return to text
    31. For example, see IBM Newsroom, “Data Suggests Growth in Enterprise Adoption of AI Is Due to Widespread Deployment by Early Adopters, But Barriers Keep 40% in the Exploration and Experimentation Phases,” IBM, January 10, 2024, https://newsroom.ibm.com/2024-01-10-Data-Suggests-Growth-in-Enterprise-Adoption-of-AI-is-Due-to-Widespread-Deployment-by-Early-Adopters; and Jefferies Editorial Team, “Can Startups Outsmart Big Tech in the AI Race?” Jefferies, September 17, 2024, https://www.jefferies.com/insights/boardroom-intelligence/can-startups-outsmart-big-tech-in-the-ai-race. Return to text
    32. If AI agents proliferate in financial transactions, we will also need to be careful about the potential for unintended consequences such as collusion among AI agents. See Winston Wei Dou, Itay Goldstein, and Yan Ji, “AI-Powered Trading, Algorithmic Collusion, and Price Efficiency,” Jacobs Levy Equity Management Center for Quantitative Financial Research Paper, The Wharton School Research Paper, May 30, 2024, https://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4452704. Return to text
    33. See Request for Information on the Development of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Plan, 90 Fed. Reg. 9,088 (PDF) (February 6, 2025). Return to text
    34. See Heather Domin, “AI Governance Trends: How Regulation, Collaboration, and Skills Demand Are Shaping the Industry,” World Economic Forum, September 5, 2024. Return to text
    35. For more on bias introduced in models, see Moshe Glickman and Tali Sharot, “How Human–AI Feedback Loops Alter Human Perceptual, Emotional, and Social Judgements,” Nature Human Behavior, December 18, 2024, https://www.nature.com/articles/s41562-024-02077-2; Saul Asiel Flores, “‘Bias in, Bias out’: Tackling Bias in Medical Artificial Intelligence,” Yale School of Medicine, November 18, 2024; and Adam Zewe, “Researchers Reduce Bias in AI Models While Preserving or Improving Accuracy,” MIT News, December 11, 2024. For governance in central banks, see Claudia Alvarez Toca and Alexandre Tombini, Governance of AI Adoption in Central Banks (PDF) (Basel, Switzerland: Bank for International Settlements, January 2025). Return to text
    36. See, e.g., Michael P. Wellman, “Artificial Intelligence in Financial Services (PDF)” (written testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, September 20, 2023). Return to text
    37. See Jon Danielsson and Andreas Uthemann, “AI Financial Crises,” VoxEU: CEPR, July 26, 2024. For more on algorithm collusion, see Wei Dou et al., “AI-Powered Trading, Algorithmic Collusion, and Price Efficiency” (see footnote 33). Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency, Shares Updates on Winter Weather

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency, Shares Updates on Winter Weather

    Governor Stein Declares State of Emergency, Shares Updates on Winter Weather
    lsaito
    Tue, 02/18/2025 – 12:24

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Stein declared a state of emergency as emergency officials prepare for winter weather to impact the majority of the state. In a briefing this morning, Governor Stein, Director of Emergency Management Will Ray, and Secretary of Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins provided an update on the winter weather that will impact much of the state starting Wednesday and into Thursday. The Governor advised that all North Carolinians take precautions by listening to local officials and plan accordingly for low temperatures, ice, and snow.  

    “This morning, I declared a state of emergency across North Carolina, and we are activating a cross-agency storm response,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Most of North Carolina will be impacted by this storm, and our greatest concerns are potential power outages and road safety. We urge all travelers to stay off the road once the storm hits on Wednesday, to keep their devices charged, and to monitor local weather.”  

    “The State Emergency Response Team has been activated and is working with the Department of Transportation, North Carolina National Guard, State Highway Patrol, Department of Health and Human Services, and local emergency management to provide resources quickly throughout the state,” said Director of Emergency Management Will Ray. “We ask that all North Carolinians continue to monitor the weather tomorrow and stay off the roads when possible.”  

    A winter storm will impact much of North Carolina Wednesday into Thursday. The forecast for northern central and eastern North Carolina includes snowfall accumulations of 2 to 6 inches, with localized totals reaching up to 9 inches across the far northeast. The northern mountains and higher elevations in western North Carolina are expected to receive 2 to 4 inches of snow. Elsewhere, lighter snowfall accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are anticipated, with the exception of far southeastern North Carolina, where light freezing rain or rain is expected. 

    Significant ice accumulation is possible in parts of central and eastern North Carolina. Accumulations of a quarter inch or more may cause tree limbs to break and lead to power outages. It is crucial for all North Carolinians to stay informed about the weather, as the forecast will be updated and refined as Wednesday approaches. 

    The State Emergency Response Team is activated, and the State Emergency Operations Center and Regional Coordination Centers remain in close communication with local emergency management officials to ensure that all resources are available and ready to quickly respond to aid our North Carolina communities.   

    The North Carolina National Guard (NCNG) has activated more than 180 guardsmen to assist and support local communities across the state.  

    More than 1,500 employees with the N.C. Department of Transportation have been pre-treating roads across the state. As of Tuesday morning, the agency had spread 1.8 million gallons of brine to pretreat hundreds of miles of interstates, highways, and secondary roads statewide. Nearly 600 trucks with plows and spreaders and 240 motor graders are ready to remove snow and ice, and more than 130,000 tons of salt are ready to treat roads after the storm hits. 

    Once the storm hits, NCDOT crews are prepared to work around-the-clock in shifts to plow and treat snow and ice until all state-maintained roads are cleared. The agency will prioritize clearing interstates first, followed by U.S. and N.C. routes and then secondary roads. 

    Visit ReadyNC.gov for power outage information and for information on how you and your family can prepare for winter weather. For real-time travel information, visit DriveNC.gov or follow NCDOT on social media.   

    To prepare for winter weather, North Carolina Emergency Management officials recommend these tips:  

    • Pay close attention to your local forecast and be prepared for what’s expected in your area. Use a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weather radio or a weather alert app on your phone to receive emergency weather alerts.   

    • Stock up on water and non-perishable food. 

    • Keep cell phones, mobile devices, and spare batteries charged. 

    • Stay home and off the roads if you can. 

    • Store an emergency kit in your vehicle in case you must travel. Include scraper, jumper cables, tow chain, sand/salt, blankets, flashlight, first-aid kit, and road map.   

    • Dress warmly if you go outside. Wear multiple layers of thin clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.   

    • Gather emergency supplies for your pet including leash and feeding supplies, enough food for several days, and a pet travel carrier.   

    • Do not leave pets outside for long periods of time during freezing weather.   

    • Check in on your friends and neighbors, especially the elderly, during winter weather.  

    • If your power goes out:  

    • Only operate generators outside and away from open windows or doors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. 

    • Never burn charcoal indoors or use a gas grill indoors. 

    • Properly vent kerosene heaters. 

    • Use battery-powered sources for light, instead of candles, to reduce the risk of fire.  

    • If you are utilizing a portable heater, make sure that it is properly ventilated, has at least 3 feet of space on all sides, and never leave children unattended near a heater.  

    Feb 18, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Ten Defendants Plead Guilty in Multimillion-Dollar Sports-Betting and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Ten men pleaded guilty this week to managing a multi-million-dollar sports-betting operation, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Special Agent in Charge Demetrius Hardeman of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Atlanta Field Office.

    Timothy J. Pughsley, 53, and Nathan Burdette, 39, of Birmingham, Alabama; Christopher Burdette, 32, of Chelsea, Alabama; Thomas Zito, 59, of Vestavia, Alabama; Gary Rapp, 46, of Lakeland, Tennessee; Mark Giaquinto, 52, of Upton, Massachusetts; Matthew Voorhees, 49, of Englewood, Colorado; David Richards, 39, of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Joshua Gentrup, 38, of Athens, Georgia, entered their guilty pleas before United States District Judge Madeline Haikala to conspiring to operate an illegal gambling business and to their participation in a money laundering conspiracy. Jonathan Lind, 46, of Birmingham, Alabama, also pleaded guilty to conspiring to operate an illegal gambling business. Sentencing hearings for the defendants are set in May 2025.

    According to the plea agreements, Pughsley began operating a bookmaking organization at least 17 years ago. The organization eventually became known as “Red44,” and bookmaking and betting activities occurred online via an offshore server located in Costa Rica. It is estimated that the organization accepted over $2 billion in wagers during its existence. Within the plea agreements, the defendants—all senior agents within Red44—agreed to pay excise tax restitution totaling $19,777,382.61 to the IRS arising from their acceptance of wagers from sports betters across the U.S. and to satisfy any income tax obligations that remain outstanding.

    “These guilty pleas are the end result of years of hard work by members of federal and state law enforcement agencies to enforce our nation’s gambling and tax laws,” Escalona said. “The defendants illegally accepted millions of dollars in wagers and lived lavishly while avoiding their excise tax obligations. This office will diligently pursue those who enrich themselves in violation of the law.”

    “Excise tax evasion and illegal sports betting are not victimless crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Hardeman. “Money obtained from illegal gambling operations is often used to finance other criminal activities. IRS-CI special agents are skilled at following the money to investigate and expose these illegal organizations, who will be held accountable. Thank you to our local, state, and federal partners who assisted in this investigation.”

    IRS-Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case, with assistance from the Vestavia Hills Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Alabama Department of Revenue, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Catherine Crosby, Kristen Osborne, and Ryan Rummage are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Introduces American Investment in Manufacturing and Main Street Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) recently introduced the American Investment in Manufacturing and Main Street (AIMM) Act, legislation that would reinstate the Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) measure, supporting a competitive tax code for American job creators and businesses. Reinstating EBITDA will make it easier for capital-intensive companies to raise capital or obtain financing, protect U.S. jobs and wages, and strengthen global competition.
    “After years of sustained inflation, high interest rates, and increased taxes burdening U.S. businesses due in part to the failed policies of the Biden administration, additional limitations jeopardize American manufacturers, retailers, and service providers’ ability to compete across global markets. This legislation would reinstate a needed measure to encourage industrial growth, increase jobs and wages at all levels, and contribute to America’s economy. I’m proud to support American workers and businesses by leading the introduction of this legislation, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in this effort,” Senator Capito said.
    Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by U.S. Reps. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.-03), Joe Morelle (D-N.Y.-25), Kevin Hern (R-Okla.-01), and Brad Schneider (D-Ill.-10).
    BACKGROUND:
    Prior to 2022, businesses could deduct 30% of its EBITDA. A new limitation that went into effect would limit the deduction to only EBIT. This change is an added cost to businesses environment in the U.S. and could harm global competition. This restriction harms a wide range of industries including – but not limited to – American manufacturers, broadband providers, healthcare systems, and restaurants. Without this change, businesses will on average see close to a threefold increase in their incremental tax obligations
    The legislation has been endorsed by: The National Association of Manufacturers, Business Roundtable, Global Business Alliance, RAIN Coalition, Association of Equipment Manufacturers, West Virginia Manufacturers Association, Rural Broadband Association (NTCA), Americans for Tax Reform, Inspire Brands, National Restaurant Association, American Petroleum Institute, National Taxpayers Union, Novelis, and Charter Communications.
    Click here to read what others are saying about the legislation.
    Click here for full text of the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: WV Delegation Sends Letter to Trump in Support of Disaster Declaration Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), along with U.S. Representatives Carol Miller (R-W.Va.-01) and Riley Moore (R-W.Va.-02) sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Regional Administrator Lilian Hutchinson in support of Governor Patrick Morrisey’s request for a major disaster declaration for West Virginia as a result of the recent severe weather events. 
    “We applaud the tireless dedication of our State and local first responders, as well as the invaluable contributions of our neighbors and volunteers. Nevertheless, the demand for aid remains substantial, and we urge you to do everything in your power to make sure that our communities have the federal support they need to rebuild and recover,” the delegation wrote.
    Read the full letter below or by clicking HERE.
    Dear President Trump and Acting Regional Administrator Hutchinson,
    As members of the West Virginia Congressional Delegation, we write in support of Governor Patrick Morrisey’s request for a major disaster declaration for the State of West Virginia following recent severe weather events.
    Severe storms moved through our State causing widespread damage. Heavy rains, straight- line winds, flooding, landslides, and mudslides caused damage in 13 counties throughout central and southern West Virginia beginning on February 15, 2025.
    To access federal disaster aid, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has made a request for a major disaster declaration for the State of West Virginia, submitted on February 17, 2025, under the provisions of Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. §§ 5121-5208 (Stafford Act).
    We respectfully ask that you carefully review the submission that requests assistance from the FEMA’s Individual Assistance (IA) Program and Public Assistance (PA) Program for Boone, Cabell, Greenbrier, Kanawha, Lincoln, Logan, Mercer, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh, Summers, Wayne, and Wyoming Counties. Additionally, assistance from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program has been requested statewide.
    We applaud the tireless dedication of our State and local first responders, as well as the invaluable contributions of our neighbors and volunteers. Nevertheless, the demand for aid remains substantial, and we urge you to do everything in your power to make sure that our communities have the federal support they need to rebuild and recover. Therefore, we kindly request that you thoroughly consider the State of West Virginia’s request for a major disaster declaration to address our communities’ recovery needs.
    Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you need further assistance in this effort.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Philadelphia apprehends alien previously arrested for multiple criminal offenses

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    YORK, Pa. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Noel Chinchilla-Avilez, a citizen of Honduras with a final order of removal, in York, Pennsylvania, Feb. 14. Chinchilla-Avilez has been charged with statutory rape and receiving stolen property in the United States.

    “The arrest of Noel Chinchilla-Avilez, a criminal alien with a history of serious offenses, highlights our unwavering commitment to public safety. Our officers work tirelessly to protect our communities by removing individuals who pose a threat to our nation’s security,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Philadelphia acting Field Office Director Brian McShane. “We will continue to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of the American public by ensuring that dangerous criminals are held accountable and removed from our streets.”

    “Today’s operation displays the dedication and expertise of our ICE team in tracking criminals. By targeting individuals with serious criminal backgrounds, we are sending a clear message that there is no safe-haven for those who commit heinous acts,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Edward V. Owens. “Operations like this demonstrate our commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety of the American public.”

    A federal arrest warrant for Chinchilla-Avilez was obtained from the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, Feb. 10, for violation of failure to depart.

    Chinchilla-Avilez was transported to the U.S. District Courthouse in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, after his arrest and is currently remanded to federal custody while pending criminal proceedings.

    Members of the public who have information about foreign fugitives, transnational gang members or other criminal aliens who are in the U.S. illegally are urged to contact ICE by calling the ICE Tip Line at 1 (866) 347-2423 or internationally at 001-1802-872-6199. They can also file a tip online by completing ICE’s online tip form.

    For more news and information on how ICE carries out its immigration enforcement mission in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia, follow us on X at @EROPhiladelphia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Buffalo investigation nets 30-year sentence for New York man on child exploitation charges

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – A New York man was sentenced for child exploitation charges following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with support from New York State Police.

    William Seneca, Sr., age 65, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison to be followed by 15 years of supervised release for sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of child sexual abuse material, the U.S. District Court for the District of Northern New York announced Feb. 12.

    “No child should have to live with the horrific trauma Seneca inflicted on his victim for years,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Buffalo Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan. “ICE HSI Buffalo uses a victim-centered approach in their investigations of online child sexual exploitation and abuse to ensure justice is served for the innocent youth preyed upon by depraved predators.”

    According to court records, Seneca admitted that, from approximately 2000 through 2008, he engaged in sexual conduct with a minor male child, starting when the child was about seven years old. On several different occasions during that period, Seneca created sexually explicit images depicting that child. Seneca also admitted that, on at least one occasion, he distributed the material he created to someone in Canada.

    In addition to the terms of imprisonment and supervised release, Seneca was also ordered to pay $1,141.14 in restitution to the victim and he will have to register as a sex offender upon release from prison.

    Know2Protect (K2P) is a national public awareness campaign from the Department of Homeland Security. K2P’s aim is to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults, and policymakers to prevent, combat, and report online child sexual exploitation and abuse. For more information, please visit our YouTube playlists at Know2Protect Campaign PSA Playlist and Know2Protect Digital Safety Series Playlist on the DHS main channel. Additional resources are available at know2protect.gov, Instagram, Facebook and X.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: How banks, lawyers and lobbyists in the west help post-Communist kleptocrats stay rich

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John Heathershaw, Professor in International Relations, University of Exeter

    ‘Londongrad’ is a nickname for London that encapsulates the British capital’s popularity as a haven for wealthy Russians in the post-Soviet era. Drone Motion Stock / Shutterstock

    Kleptocracy, a term derived from the Greek for “rule by thieves”, describes a system where business success and political power are inextricably entwined. Political elites exploit their position to siphon off public wealth, entrenching their power through corruption, patronage and repression.

    However, kleptocracy is not just a system of domestic corruption. It typically involves a transnational network of political elites and so-called professional enablers who work together to extract wealth and project power.

    The ability of kleptocrats to loot state resources and evade accountability depends on an ecosystem of banks, lawyers, lobbyists, intelligence agencies and PR firms that provide the financial, legal and reputational tools to legitimise stolen wealth.

    Our new book, Indulging Kleptocracy, analyses many cases of such professional enabling in the UK for elites whose wealth originates in post-Soviet countries such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Russia. We uncovered examples of this activity using in-depth case studies that drew on court documents and correspondence with the enablers themselves.

    We found that, on countless occasions, British professionals have found loopholes in the rules, defeated new measures against money laundering, exploited the lack of transparency in universities and political parties and challenged the efficiency and effectiveness of the rule of law.

    UK properties worth tens of millions of pounds have been purchased for oligarchs and kleptocrats. And London corporate intelligence firms and lawyers have acted against journalists and researchers on behalf of their post-Soviet elite clients.

    Political parties, parliamentary groups and some of Britain’s top universities have even accepted donations from individuals associated with kleptocracy. In doing so, they have indulged kleptocrats much like the Catholic church once sold indulgences – offering absolution for a price.

    These services extend the wealth, status and influence of these elites into the UK and further afield. The phenomenon of “Londongrad” – a moniker to denote the British capital’s hosting of Russian and Eurasian oligarchs – is not merely about the amount of post-Soviet money laundered there. It incorporates a much wider offering of social and reputational goods, and political and security services.

    Indulging Kleptocracy was published on February 4 by Oxford University Press.
    John Heathershaw, Tena Prelec & Tom Mayne, CC BY-NC-ND

    Sustaining kleptocracy

    Professional enablers do not simply move money, and they don’t merely supply their services. They create the structures that sustain kleptocracy, embedding it into the political and economic fabric.

    The overall picture from the nine indulgences we study in our book, from “hiding money” (banking) to “silencing critics” (defamation law), is of regulators outgunned by the private sector. The professions are driven by market incentives, but their adherence to professional ethical standards is inconsistent.

    Enablers aren’t usually accessories to crimes. They may be acting downstream from grand corruption and are typically compliant with the law. But, in most cases, they appear to be either aware of who they are acting for or wilfully unwitting. They either justify their work by convoluted arguments or simply do not carry out effective due diligence on their clients.

    With Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the British government introduced a large number of sanctions against Russian entities. It also passed two acts of parliament in 2022 and 2023 to counter illicit financial activity from Russia. But most enabling is not currently considered criminal and cannot easily be legislated out of existence.

    The issue of indulging in kleptocracy is indicative of a general problem of self-regulation in global financial centres, tax havens and other secrecy jurisdictions that arose with the end of empires in the second half of the 20th century.

    At that time, former British colonies like the British Virgin Islands and Cyprus were looking to broaden their economies into the services sector. This coincided with the end of the Soviet empire, when the wealthy and their capital were flying out of Russia and Eurasia.

    How to indulge no more

    Stopping the indulgence of kleptocracy requires moving beyond piecemeal reforms and treating it as the organised criminal enterprise it is. We suggest designating “kleptocratic enterprises” as organised crime and thereby implicating enablers as part of criminal networks. Across the world, there needs to be transparency from charities, universities and political parties.

    There should be more protection for investigators and whistleblowers. And governments could do more to stimulate the market in for-profit asset recovery.

    In 2020, US$740 million (£598 million) of real estate was seized in Spain from Rifaat al-Assad, the uncle of Syria’s former president Bashar al-Assad. This case involved private sector expertise and followed civil society investigations.

    Without such action, the transformation to a world where kleptocratic wealth and influence sit easily within democracies will continue apace. Even the perception of a connection should be subjected to proper scrutiny: Tulip Siddiq, the UK’s Treasury minister responsible for anti-corruption, recently resigned after her family and alleged financial links to the deposed kleptocratic regime in Bangladesh were highlighted.

    These connections, which the government’s ethics watchdog found not to be in breach of the ministerial code, had been known for years before they became a story. But effective PR campaigns, clever legal arguments and complex financial structures mean that many cases of kleptocratic wealth are never exposed. It’s time to uncover what professional enablers do for kleptocrats.

    John Heathershaw receives funding from the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s Anti-Corruption Evidence programme. He is affiliated with the Illicit Finance Working Group of the UK Anti-Corruption Coalition.

    Tena Prelec receives funding from the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s Anti-Corruption Evidence programme. She is affiliated with the Illicit Finance Working Group of the UK Anti-Corruption Coalition

    Tom Mayne receives funding from the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office’s Anti-Corruption Evidence programme. He is affiliated with the Illicit Finance Working Group of the UK Anti-Corruption Coalition

    – ref. How banks, lawyers and lobbyists in the west help post-Communist kleptocrats stay rich – https://theconversation.com/how-banks-lawyers-and-lobbyists-in-the-west-help-post-communist-kleptocrats-stay-rich-248973

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Outlines National Security, Counter-UAS Opportunities in Grand Forks to Air Force Vice Chief of Staff

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.15.25

    Project ULTRA Contract Expansion Expected in Coming Weeks

    GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven outlined to Gen. James Slife, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, opportunities to leverage the Grand Forks region’s expertise in unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to enhance national security and address the increasing risks from the misuse of drone technology. In particular, Hoeven highlighted:

    • His efforts to secure an increased contract ceiling for Project ULTRA, which is expected in the coming weeks.
      • Hoeven has been working to increase the size and scope of Project ULTRA to support counter-UAS technology development.
      • Project ULTRA can serve as a bridge between an existing DoD contracting vehicle and new counter-UAS capabilities being developed in the private sector.
    • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) unfiltered radar data feed, which is in the process of being linked with the Northern Plains UAS Test Site.
      • Once completed, it will use the feed to enhance efforts to detect, identify and track malicious UAS.
      • Between Project ULTRA and the FAA radar data, Grand Forks will be uniquely positioned to develop methods for protecting domestic U.S. military bases against potential UAS threats.
    • Efforts to bring a future intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) mission to Grand Forks Air Force Base.
      • As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven is working to ensure the military has sufficient ISR capacity to support warfighters across the globe.
      • The senator is advancing both airborne and space-based missions as opportunities to expand ISR operations in Grand Forks.

    “The Grand Forks region offers capabilities and capacity, unlike anywhere else, to address emerging national defense concerns. That includes protecting against the malicious use of drones, as well as leveraging the Grand Forks Air Force base’s longstanding excellence in ISR and its newfound leadership in satellite operations to ensure we have adequate intelligence operations, whether in the air or space, to meet the needs of our military across the globe,” said Hoeven. “Having General Slife here in North Dakota presents a great opportunity to make the case for utilizing our state’s expertise in UAS. With Project ULTRA receiving a contract increase in the coming weeks and the unfiltered FAA radar data feed nearly ready to go, we have the pieces in place to meet these critical military needs.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven at MAFB with Air Force Vice Chief of Staff to Secure Support for Upgraded Cruise Missile Facilities, Concurrent Construction of Sentinel Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.15.25

    MINOT, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven and Gen. James Slife, Air Force Vice Chief of Staff, today reviewed efforts to modernize the dual-nuclear mission at Minot Air Force Base. Hoeven and Slife toured the base’s facilities and met with local and military leaders to discuss and see firsthand the importance of:

    • Accelerating the development of the Sentinel program, and concurrently constructing facilities at all three missile bases to keep the programs on track and reduce costs.
    • Investing in upgrades to the base’s Weapons Storage Area and mission planning facilities to ensure the base can operate the new Long Range Standoff (LRSO) cruise missile. The Air Force expects to operate the new missile in the early 2030s.

    “Minot Air Force Base is the only dual nuclear base in the nation,” said Hoeven. “We’ve made important investments in upgrading and modernizing our nuclear forces and we appreciate General Slife visiting Minot Air Force Base to see the importance of these projects firsthand. Our nuclear forces are a vital deterrent to our adversaries and we need to keep our modernization efforts moving forward. That’s why we made a strong case for the Air Force to budget for upgraded facilities that will ensure Minot can operate the next nuclear cruise missile as soon as it is fully developed. At the same time, we continue making the case for the Air Force to keep the Sentinel program on track by concurrently building infrastructure at Minot and the other two missile bases. This will help reduce costs on this vital defense asset.”

    As a member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has been working to:

    • Accelerate the schedule for deploying the Sentinel by:
      • Identifying additional cost savings to address increased construction costs.
      • Pushing for concurrent construction of facilities at all three missile bases with officials at the Department of Defense (DoD) and Northrop Grumman.
    • Secure the Air Force’s commitment to budget and begin work on facilities for the LRSO carried on the B-52.
      • Hoeven authored a provision in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Military Construction bill to help ensure Minot has the facilities needed to operate and maintain the new LRSO missile, which will be carried on the B-52, as soon as the weapon is ready to enter service.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: With Flu and Norovirus Levels High, Good Health Habits Recommended

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    With rates of seasonal viruses, such as flu and norovirus, still elevated throughout Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is urging people to practice good health habits to help keep everyone healthy and safe.

    So far, more than 900 people in Rhode Island have been hospitalized with influenza this flu season, the most since the 2019-2020 flu season. (Individual cases of flu are not reportable to RIDOH.) Since December 1, 2024, Rhode Island has had 74 confirmed or suspected norovirus outbreaks. Rhode Island’s norovirus outbreaks have largely been associated with locations such as schools and congregate living settings.

    Flu and other respiratory viruses (such as COVID-19 and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus) spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, by direct contact with someone who is sick, or by touching a contaminated surface.

    Norovirus, often called the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” causes vomiting and diarrhea and spreads quickly. It can make people very sick for 1 to 2 days. Norovirus is found in the stool (poop) and vomit of an infected person. People can become infected with norovirus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus; by touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth; or if an infected person prepares food. People can even get infected with norovirus after a sick person has vomited in a public space because tiny drops of vomit from a person with norovirus can spray through the air, landing on surfaces or entering another person’s mouth.

    “The flu is a very serious virus that can send someone to the hospital, and norovirus can be dangerous for some people too,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “Both viruses spread easily. However, by taking a few simple preventive steps, you can help keep yourself and those around you safe. These steps are especially important for people who are at higher risk due to underlying medical conditions or pregnancy, as well as younger children and older adults.”

    How to prevent flu and other respiratory viruses (such as COVID-19 and RSV):

    – Everyone 6 months or older should get a flu shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine. It is not too late in the year to get vaccinated against either virus. Vaccination is particularly important for older adults and people with underlying health issues such as weakened immune systems, diabetes, obesity, asthma, cancer, and heart or lung disease. Many people are also eligible for RSV immunizations. Talk to your healthcare professional about RSV immunization.

    – Stay home and away from others until your symptoms are getting better for 24 hours and you are fever-free without fever-reducing medications for 24 hours. Children who are sick should not go to school or childcare.

    – Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel.

    – Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands. Always wash your hands as soon as you can after you cough or sneeze.?

    How to prevent norovirus:

    – Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus.

    – Stay home if you are sick and keep children home from school and childcare if they are sick. Stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.

    – After an episode of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label or a solution made by adding 5�25 tablespoons of household bleach to 1 gallon of water.

    – Do not prepare food while infected. People who are infected with norovirus should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.

    While levels of flu and norovirus are high, Rhode Island’s COVID-19 rate has been decreasing since early January. Rhode Island’s COVID-19 rate is considerably lower than it was at this time in 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: AMA Insurance Takes Action on Reducing Claims Emissions with EcoClaim™

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EDMONTON, Alberta, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Together, the Alberta Motor Association Insurance Company and EcoClaim are leading a new chapter in Alberta’s insurance sector, one that prioritizes measurable environmental impact, a core value for many Albertans.

    AMA Insurance’s relationship with EcoClaim highlights AMA’s mission to support Albertans through forward-thinking practices while prioritizing the environment. This collaboration equips AMA’s teams and contractor network with the tools to track and minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions tied to property claims. EcoClaim’s training and certification programs provide vendors with a comprehensive toolkit to implement sustainable practices in their operations. By using EcoClaim’s TRAX software, they gain access to accurate claim-level data on avoided emissions.

    “At AMA, we have always believed in championing initiatives that protect what matters most: our members, our communities, and our environment,” said Jordan Andrew, Claims Manager. “By working with EcoClaim, we’re taking practical steps to reduce the environmental impact of each claim while supporting our members and contractor network with the tools they need to succeed.”

    As part of this collaboration, AMA is adopting EcoClaim’s innovative TRAX software to support its supply chain partners while implementing EcoClaim sustainability training and certification.

    “At EcoClaim, we help insurance companies build sustainable practices directly into the core of their claims process,” said Jodi Scarlett, CEO of EcoClaim. “This approach transforms supply chain behaviors, delivering measurable reductions in emissions related to claims. For example, in 2024, EcoClaim vendors across Canada reported nearly 1 million kilograms of avoided emissions directly related to changes in recycling practices on property claims. AMA’s participation in the program is sure to amplify this result significantly!”

    AMA Insurance’s commitment to sustainability reflects growing momentum across the insurance sector to reduce GHG emissions. Together with EcoClaim, they are implementing practical solutions that achieve measurable environmental impact and transforming claims into climate action.

    About EcoClaim™

    EcoClaim™ transforms insurance claims into climate action with its innovative platform, offering industry-leading training, GHG management software, and a Carbon Exchange marketplace. Tailored for P&C insurers, EcoClaim replaces generic emissions benchmarks with precise claim-level data, empowering insurers to measure, manage, and reduce Scope 3 emissions effectively. The platform not only strengthens sustainability disclosures but also lowers claims costs, proving that the low-carbon way can also be the cost-efficient way.

    About AMA Insurance

    AMA Insurance Agency and the Alberta Motor Association Insurance Company operate as part of the Alberta Motor Association, which is the largest membership-based organization in Alberta.

    AMA Insurance was incorporated as an insurance company in 1962. Today AMA Insurance underwrites, sells and services a wide range of products to AMA members, including auto, home, accident and business insurance. AMA Insurance also sells the products of carefully selected external partners and is supported by internal claims and legal departments.

    About AMA

    The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is one of the largest membership organizations in Alberta, representing a million members provincewide. As a leading advocate for traffic safety, travel, consumer protection, and crime prevention, AMA helps protect the things that matter most, cares for and participates in the communities we serve, and represents our members’ needs to industry and government.

    Media Contact:

    Meaghan Ralston, EcoClaim CMO, 1.403.926.8112, mralston@ecoclaim.ca  

    The MIL Network –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces 2025 ROG Flow Z13 is now available in Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announced that the 2025 ROG Flow Z13 is now available for pre-order on the ASUS Store and Best Buy with deliveries starting as early as February 25th, 2025. This versatile gaming 2-in-1 feature AMD’s newest AMD Ryzen™ AI Max+ 395 Processor with Radeon™ 8060S Graphics and a unified memory structure, allowing for incredible performance and power efficiency. A new stainless steel and copper vapor chamber, larger intake vents, and 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans™ offer 70% more airflow for quiet and efficient cooling.

    This 13-inch tablet boasts a stunning ROG Nebula Display, a 2.5K resolution 180Hz touchscreen with 500 nits of peak brightness, and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 protection. The Flow Z13 now also features a larger 70Wh battery, a larger touchpad and keycaps, and a convenient Command Center button for quick access to vital system functions. With dual USB-C® ports, both of which support USB4® and power delivery, as well as a dedicated HDMI® 2.1 port, the Flow Z13 lets gamers leave their dongles at home.

    Power efficiency reimagined 
    Inside ROG Flow Z13 is AMD’s new Ryzen™ AI Max processors with Radeon 8060S Graphics. With 16 high-performance Zen 5 CPU cores and 40 compute units worth of RDNA 3.5 graphics on the same processor, the Z13 has the muscle for both intense multitasking and heavyweight gaming. The RDNA 3.5 GPU cores power gaming performance that rivals dedicated graphics, with the added benefit of drawing significantly less power, making it the perfect choice for a gaming tablet. The Z13’s processor also boasts 50 TOPS of NPU performance, making it a certified Copilot+ PC that offers incredible versatility with built-in AI features and tools. 

    Unified quad channel memory 
    With both the CPU and GPU cores sharing a single processor die, the ROG Flow Z13 is able to utilize a unified memory structure, allowing for incredible flexibility and versatility. Traditional gaming laptops and tablets have a dedicated CPU and GPU, both with distinct pools of RAM that can’t be shared. The Flow Z13 has one large pool of memory that can be allocated to the Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 compute cores dynamically, giving gamers access to plentiful VRAM in modern games and excellent performance in other memory intensive tasks when not gaming. 

    With 32GB of ultra-high speed LPDDR5X 8000MHz RAM gives gamers plenty of memory for even the most demanding games and applications, all shared dynamically as needed for a seamless experience. This quad-channel memory configuration offers maximum bandwidth and minimal latency, offering both the CPU and GPU cores the most performance possible. 

    With a dedicated NPU, a high-performance GPU, and the ability to allocate up to 24GB of VRAM, the Flow Z13 is the ultimate portable workstation. Capable of running a larger language model locally, the Z13 is ready for any advanced AI task. Another variant of the ROG Flow Z13 is available in other markets featuring an impressive 128GB of memory. This allows for up to 96GB of VRAM allocation, enabling seamless local execution of large 70B language models locally with ease.

    Revamped cooling 
    The 2025 ROG Flow Z13 features a brand-new vapor chamber, now built with lightweight stainless steel and copper and offering 54% more coverage of the mainboard compared to the previous generation design. Larger intake vents and dual 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans help push exhaust air through ultrathin 0.1mm heatsink fins that are extra-efficient without adding bulk to the machine. As a tablet, the Flow Z13 houses all of its heat-producing components behind the display and rarely sits flat on a table, with a standing design granting ample access to fresh air and a natural cooling advantage compared to gaming laptops. 

    The Flow Z13 features a redesigned routing for air from the pair of 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans, diverting a small amount to a specially designed channel behind the touchscreen to keep the user’s skin temperatures lower during use. In addition, integrated dust filters help keep hair and debris out of the machine, keeping the Z13’s cooling system reliable for years to come. 

    Brilliant visuals 
    This compact 13-inch laptop boasts a gorgeous high-resolution 2.5K and 180Hz refresh rate Nebula Display, for incredibly immersive games and video content. Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 protects the touchscreen from accidental knicks and scratches. With 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and 500 nits of peak brightness, this ROG Nebula Display is ready to light up the gaming world. 

    More ports and features than ever 
    Despite its svelte size, the 2025 ROG Flow Z13 stands ready to become the centerpiece of any gaming battle station. Featuring dual USB-C ports, both of which support USB4, DisplayPort™ 1.4 output, and power delivery, the Z13 offers incredible flexibility for any devices and peripherals. It also sports a dedicated HDMI 2.1 port, a USB Type-A port, a microSD card reader, and an audio combo jack. The Flow Z13 is the only tablet that truly allows gamers to leave their dongles behind. 

    ROG Flow Z13 now sports a much larger 70Wh battery, when combined with the power efficiency of AMD’s Ryzen™ AI processors, gives gamers more battery life than ever before. A larger touchpad and individual keycaps offer a more comfortable typing experience. And as a final touch, a brand-new Command Center button allows for seamless access to vital system functions, essential for any tablet. 

    AVAILABILITY AND PRICING

    The new ROG Flow Z13 (GZ302EA-XS96) 2-in-1 is now available for pre-order in Canada with deliveries starting from February 25th, 2025, via the ASUS Store, and Best Buy. Equipped with the newly announced AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with Radeon 8060S graphics, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage, it starts at C$2,999.

    Pricing and configurations are subject to change. Contact your local ASUS representative for more details or visit ASUS Canada.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    ROG Flow Z13 Where to Buy Links:

    ROG Flow Z13 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-flow/rog-flow-z13-2025/

    2025 ROG Gaming Laptops: https://rog.asus.com/content/2025-rog-gaming-laptops/ 

    ROG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asusrog

    ROG X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus_rog

    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com

    ASUS Global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asus

    ASUS Global Twitter: https://www.x.com/asus

    SPECIFICATIONS

    Model Flow Z13 (GZ302EA-XS96)
    CPU AMD Ryzen™ AI MAX+ 395 Processor 3.0GHz (80MB Cache, up to 5.1GHz, 16 cores)
    NPU AMD XDNA™ NPU up to 50 TOPS
    Memory 32GB LPDDR5X 8000 (max capacity: 32GB)
    GPU Integrated Radeon™ 8060S Graphics
    Panel 13.4” 16:10 WQXGA 180Hz,
    3ms, 500nits, DCI-P3 100%
    ROG Nebula Display
    Pantone Validated, with Dolby Vision®
    Storage 1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD (2230)
    Operating System Windows 11 Pro
    I/O PORT 2x USB Type-C (with USB4 + DP 2.1+ PD 3.0)
    1x HDMI 2.1
    1x Command Center button 
    1x USB 3.2 Type-A 
    1x microSD Card Reader (UHS II) 
    1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
    Battery 70Whr
    Connectivity Wi-Fi 7 (802.11ab)
    Bluetooth® 5.4
    Adapter 200W ASUS Slim Power Jack
    154×72.5x23mm (472g)
    Dimensions 30.0 x 20.4 x 1.29 ~ 1.49 cm (11.81″ x 8.03″ x 0.51″ ~ 0.59″)
    1.2 Kg (2.65lbs) without keyboard
    1.59 Kg (3.51lbs) with keyboard
    Webcam 13MP camera and 5MP IR camera
    Pricing C$2,999
    Where to Buy ASUS Store & Best Buy
     

    About ROG

    Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d8808db-0dc3-4995-b5eb-54559833040a

    The MIL Network –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Make No Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 18, 2025

    Oregon senators: “Hands off Medicare and Medicaid.”

    Washington, D.C. — Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have sent a letter with their Senate colleagues urging Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Donald Trump’s administration not to make cuts to Medicare and Medicaid to pay for billionaires’ tax cuts.

    “Every cut risks Americans paying more, waiting longer, and wading through more insurance red tape for care. Every cut risks hospitals and community health centers struggling harder to keep their doors open and forcing health providers and workers out of their jobs,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The letter follows reports of Elon Musk and DOGE officials gaining access to key payment and contracting systems at the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services, which administers Medicare and Medicaid for millions of Americans. In 2024, 68 million seniors and people with disabilities relied on Medicare for basic care, including hospital visits, cancer screenings, diabetes, and prescription drugs. Medicaid is the largest public health insurance program in the United States, serving nearly 80 million Americans, including more than 1.1 million Oregonians.

    “It is dangerously unacceptable that an unelected Musk and his unqualified acolytes have access to sensitive CMS systems and are ready to bypass Congress to make life and death decisions affecting millions of Americans. No one asked for this lawless approach to our critical government health care systems. We urge you to stop this threat to Americans’ health care, now,” the lawmakers continued.

    Along with Wyden and Merkley, the letter was led by Senators Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., and Elizabeth Warren D-Mass., and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. The letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Chris Coons, D-Del., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Andy Kim, D-N.J., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.

    The letter text is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Releases Statement on Court Victory Upholding State Ethics Board

    Source: US State of New York

    February 18, 2025

    NEW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today released the following statement after the state Court of Appeals upheld the constitutionality of the state’s Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG):

    “The public deserves to have faith in their elected officials, and that requires a strong, independent, ethics watchdog. In New York, we value the rule of law, and my office will always work to ensure our laws are defended, no matter who attempts to sidestep or ignore them. I was proud to help defend the constitutionality of the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, and I commend my team for securing this decision that maintains the state’s ethics watchdog. New Yorkers can trust that my office will always faithfully defend the public’s interest.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 19, 2025
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