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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressmen Wilson, Cohen, Hudson, Veasey Welcome House Passage of MEGOBARI Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Joe Wilson (2nd District of South Carolina)

    Washington, DC – U.S. Helsinki Co-Chairman Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC), Helsinki Commission Ranking Member Congressman Steve Cohen (D-TN), Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Congressman Marc Veasey (D-TX) welcome the House passage of the bipartisan Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence (MEGOBARI) Act. This vital legislation will bolster democratic practices, human rights, and the rule of law in the Republic of Georgia, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to supporting Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration and countering the influence of authoritarian regimes, particularly Russia.

         “The passage of the MEGOBARI Act demonstrates American support for the freedom-loving Georgian people and rejection of the illegitimate, America-hating Georgian Dream regime. This tyrannical mafia cabal is selling out Georgia to U.S. adversaries, banning the opposition and cracking down on freedom while making absurd demands of America. The Georgian Dream regime has regularly insulted President Trump and other cherished U.S. officials. The only way forward is free and fair elections and the release of all political prisoners,” said Congressman Wilson.

         “The passage of the MEGOBARI Act sends a strong message to the Georgian people that the U.S. supports them as they fight for their democracy. Corrupt Ivanishvili and his Georgian Nightmare party are cracking down and imprisoning protestors who demand free and fair elections as independent observers call the late October elections fundamentally flawed. The MEGOBARI Act provides help, mandating sanctions on Putin’s pawns and promising a deepened relationship should Georgian democracy and sovereignty be restored,” said Congressman Cohen. 

         “The MEGOBARI Act reinforces our nation’s support for the Georgian people and democratic efforts throughout the Caucasus,” said Congressman Hudson. “This bill is an important counter to Putin and his cronies as they attempt to reassert influence in the region.”

         “I am proud to vote for our bill, the MEGOBARI Act, as it is more crucial now than ever—a lifeline to ensure our allies in Georgia are not crushed by the Ivanishvili regime, as well as their authoritarian allies- Russian, Chinese, and Iranian, etc.  This act will continue to enable the Georgian people to be able to fight for democracy,” said Congressman Veasey. 

    The MEGOBARI Act:

    • Mandates a comprehensive sanctions review of all Georgian Dream officials. Those found to have engaged in corruption or undermining Georgian sovereignty will be sanctioned.
    • Provides for a certification mechanism that mandates a deeper relationship between the United States and Georgia once Georgia’s democracy and sovereignty have been restored.
    • Requires a full report of Russian and CCP intelligence assets in Georgia and Russian-CCP cooperation to undermine Georgian democracy and sovereignty.

         The Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence (MEGOBARI) Act is the premier U.S. initiative to counter the Ivanishvili Regime’s attempt to drag Georgia toward the Iranian regime, the Chinese Communist Party, and Russia. The bill is fully negotiated between House and Senate, Democrat and Republican leaders and is expected to move quickly. MEGOBARI means “friend” in Georgian.

         The October elections that led to a shocking victory for Ivanishvili’s Georgian Dream party have been declared by international observers as fundamentally flawed. This illegitimate parliament installed an illegitimate puppet president. The legitimate President of Georgia, Salome Zourabichvili, is leading and supporting mass protests calling for free and fair elections. 

         This bill ensures the United States stands strongly with the Georgian people in their decades-long drive for freedom and sovereignty.

         See the bill here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Williams Announces Winners of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), announced the first, second, and third place winners of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition. The winning entry will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one full year.

    1st Place – “Texas Dreams” by McKenna Podlevsky from Cross Plains High School.

    2nd Place – “Bird Hunter” by Josh Irons from Burleson High School.

    3rd Place – “Freedom in Their Steps” by Lauren Spurlen from De Leon High School.

    About the Congressional Art Competition:

    Each spring, members of the U.S. House of Representatives sponsor a nationwide high school art competition. The Artistic Discovery Contest aims to recognize and encourage artistic talent across the United States. High school students in Texas’ 25th Congressional District can participate in this competition through Congressman Williams’ office. This year’s theme was Texas or American patriotism.

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    Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Williams Applauds House Passage of Bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), released a statement following the House passage of the bipartisan TAKE IT DOWN Act, by a vote of 409-2. This bill takes action to protect and empower victims of real and deepfake Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII).

    “As technology advances, predators are using AI to create deceptive material and exploit victims,” said Congressman Williams.“This bipartisan bill will hold abusers accountable and empower victims of online abuse to have deepfake content or explicit material shared without their consent removed. I look forward to sending this crucial legislation to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.”

    Background:

    • This bill protects and empowers victims of real and deepfake Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery (NCII).
    • Criminalizes the publication of NCII or the threat to publish NCII in interstate commerce.
    • Protects good faith efforts to assist victims.
    • Requires websites to take down NCII upon notice from the victim.
    • Protects lawful speech.

    Read the bill text here.

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    Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Williams Introduces Federal Reserve Financial Accountability and Transparency Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Roger Williams (25th District of Texas)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25), introduced the Federal Reserve Financial Accountability and Transparency Act to increase Congressional oversight of the Federal Reserve. This bill requires reporting on spending and staffing by activity, identification of top research areas, engagements with international banking organizations, and disclosure of costs for new regulations.

    “For too long, burdensome regulations have been piled onto our financial institutions without considering the impacts,”  said Chairman Roger Williams.“It is time that Congress has increased oversight and transparency over the Federal Reserve’s operations and expenses. Our financial regulators should be focusing on the health and safety of the financial sector and promoting U.S. interests globally.”

    The American Bankers Association is a supporting organization.

    Read the bill text here.

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    Congressman Roger Williams is the Chairman of the House Small Business Committee and member of the House Financial Services Committee. He proudly represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Education Association files lawsuit challenging executive order banning federal workers’ right to collective bargaining

    Source: US National Education Union

    By: Staci Maiers and Adesuwa Wilson-Iguade

    Published: May 5, 2025

    WASHINGTON — The Federal Education Association, representing thousands of educators who work in schools on military bases operated by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), filed a lawsuit today challenging Donald Trump’s executive order stripping federal workers of their statutory and contractual collective bargaining rights. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, challenges the executive order as a violation of the First and Fifth Amendment rights of educators and their union under the U.S. Constitution, as well as an abuse of authority by both President Trump and his Defense Secretary, Peter Hegseth. 

    “DoDEA educators provide military-connected families with a world-class education, and they deserve to be respected and honored for their high levels of achievement — not have their rights taken away and their academic freedom trampled upon,” said FEA Executive Director Richard Tarr. “Trump’s executive order doesn’t just break the law; it violates the U.S. Constitution. The Trump administration is attacking the very people who serve this country by educating the children of our service members on military bases at home and around the world.”

    FEA members and other educators have used collective bargaining to advocate for student learning conditions, including smaller class sizes, more learning time, and increased staffing of school nurses, counselors, and mental health professionals. FEA filed the lawsuit with the Federal Education Association-Stateside Region and the Antilles Consolidated Education Association, joining other federal employee unions that have sued the Trump administration for the sweeping executive order. FEA is an affiliate of the National Education Association, the nation’s largest union with 3 million members.

    “By attacking the rights of educators working on military bases, the Trump administration is silencing the voices of teachers and staff who demand the tools, resources, and learning conditions that students need to thrive,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Trump’s executive orders are not just illegal; they undermine the education and opportunities of children and families who have already sacrificed so much for our nation. We are not going to sit by silently.”

    Follow us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/neapresident.bsky.social and https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social

    # # #

    About the Federal Education Association
    The Federal Education Association is a member-driven organization representing faculty and staff in the Department of Defense school system. With its headquarters in Washington, D.C., FEA is a global organization, representing thousands of Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) employees in Europe, Asia, the United States, and its territories. Our members include teachers and certified staff, Education Support Professionals (ESPs), and retirees. Find out more at www.feaonline.org.

    About the National Education Association
    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Message on National Nurses Day, 2025

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    class=”has-text-align-left”>On National Nurses Day, we thank the extraordinary men and women who have dedicated their lives to the critical and noble profession of nursing—providing quality, compassionate, and essential care to all patients. Nursing is our Nation’s largest healthcare profession, with an estimated 4.3 million actively licensed registered nurses.  From the frontlines of war to our local hospitals, nurses have shown an unwavering commitment to those in need, serving others and providing hope, help, and healing during times of crisis.   Nurses are providing critical care to millions of Americans struggling with chronic diseases.  Six in ten Americans live with at least one chronic disease, and four in ten are affected by two or more chronic diseases.  These numbers have increased significantly in recent years, causing hardships for the Americans suffering from these conditions while putting immense pressure on our healthcare system.  My Administration recognizes this critical issue and is committed to Making America Healthy Again.  Through our initiative, we will address the root causes of chronic disease, reduce its prevalence, and ensure that nurses have the support they need in order to continue providing life-saving care. We are also refocusing Public Service Loan Forgiveness on its original intent of encouraging Americans to enter essential public service roles, such as nursing.  By doing so, we hope to inspire a new generation of Americans to pursue careers in vital public services, contributing to a healthier, stronger Nation. Nurses reflect the character of America and epitomize the inexhaustible capacity of the human spirit.  As we stand at the threshold of our new Golden Age, our nurses stand ready to make America stronger and healthier than ever before.  On this National Nurses Day, Melania and I join with every citizen in extending our wholehearted gratitude and utmost respect to these invaluable healthcare professionals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Promises Made, Promises Kept: President Trump Brings Americans Home

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Since taking office, President Donald J. Trump and his administration have secured the release of 47 detained Americans abroad — and that’s just the beginning as countries around the world respond to our renewed display of American strength and President Trump’s commitment to leaving no American behind.
    The released American citizens include:
    Ksenia Karelina — an American ballet dancer who was wrongfully detained in a Russian penal colony for 14 months — returned home in April.
    “Mr. Trump, I’m so, so grateful for you to bring me home and for [the] American government. And I never felt more blessed to be American — and I’m so, so happy to get home. Thank you,” Karelina said.
    President Trump greets Ksenia Karelina in the Oval Office on May 5, 2025Marc Fogel — an American teacher who was wrongfully detained in a Russian prison for years — returned home in February, making good on a promise President Trump made to Fogel’s 95-year-old mother, Malphine.
    “President Trump is a hero … I will forever be indebted to President Trump, to Steve [Witkoff] over there — what a dynamic man this guy is. When I met him, the energy, the can-do attitude just exudes from his body,” Fogel said.
    President Trump welcomes Marc Fogel to the White House on February 11, 2025Keith Siegel — an American held hostage by Hamas for 484 days — was freed in February.
    “I am here and I am alive. President Trump, you saved my life. You saved the life of 33 hostages because of your efforts,” Siegel said.
    George Glezmann — an American held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for 836 days — was freed in March, joining Americans Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were released on the night of President Trump’s inauguration.
    “President Trump — amazing. Thank God he’s in the White House where he’s at and thank God he got me out … I’m in debt with everybody that was involved in this equation because they got me home. A free American individual, free from the hands of these people that abducted because of my U.S. passport, basically — and I’m just thankful. I got no words to express my gratitude for my liberty, my freedom,” Glezmann said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy Introduces New Legislation To Prohibit Presidents From Profiting Off Meme Coins While In Office

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    May 06, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) on Tuesday introduced the Modern Emoluments and Malfeasance Enforcement (MEME) Act, legislation to prevent corrupt federal officials from using their position to profit off digital assets such as meme coins. U.S. Representative Sam Liccardo (D-Calif.-16) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    On January 17th, three days before the inauguration, President Donald Trump launched $TRUMP, a meme coin or digital asset with no inherent value. The coin was initially only worth a few cents, but it exploded in value upon limited release and drove Trump’s net worth temporarily north of $50 billion. Each time the coin is released and traded, Trump makes money from trading fees, and he and his family have made more than $100 million from these fees. There is no way to know who is buying the coin, which leaves the door wide open for billionaires, Russian oligarchs, and Saudi princes to secretly purchase $TRUMP and directly enrich the president in order to curry favor.
    Last month, Trump’s team announced the top 220 meme coin holders would be invited for an exclusive dinner with the president and the top 25 coin holders would get a “Special VIP Tour” of the White House. After that message went up, the price of $TRUMP jumped more than 50 percent and its market value soared to $2.7 billion. In just two days following the announcement of the dinner, Trump and his allies made nearly $900,000 in trading fees alone.
    The MEME Act would prohibit the President, Vice President, Members of Congress, senior Executive Branch officials, and their spouses and dependent children from issuing, sponsoring, or endorsing a security, future, commodity, or digital asset. After the asset’s issuance, the proposal would bar federal officials from engaging in the promotion or other conduct likely to benefit themselves financially. The legislation subjects violators to criminal and civil penalties.
    “The Trump meme coin is the single most corrupt act ever committed by a president. Donald Trump is essentially posting his Venmo for any billionaire CEO or foreign oligarch to cash in some favors by secretly sending him millions of dollars. It’s almost unbelievable until you remember this president will do whatever it takes – even selling access to the White House – to make himself richer. This is not normal, and we won’t let him get away with it,” said Murphy.
    “Even more disturbing than the kleptocratic actions of this President and his minions has been the utter silence of the Republican majority. That’s why, several weeks ago, I introduced the MEME Act—to make corruption criminal again. Since then, we’ve learned of the Trump family’s collection of hundreds of millions in fees, 220 $TRUMP investors being invited to an exclusive White House dinner, and Abu Dhabi investing $2 billion through the First Family’s stablecoin. This blatant corruption must end,” said Liccardo.
    Full text of the legislation can be found HERE. Click HERE to watch Murphy’s video on the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. sustainable aviation fuel production takes off as new capacity comes online

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    May 6, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly; company announcements and trade press
    Note: Other Biofuels includes sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable heating oil, renewable naphtha, renewable propane, renewable gasoline, and other emerging biofuels that are in various stages of development and commercialization. SAF production capacity is an estimate based on company announcements and trade press and only includes hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) SAF. We do not publish SAF production capacity data.

    Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production is growing in the United States as new capacity comes online. U.S. production of Other Biofuels, the category we use to capture SAF in our Petroleum Supply Monthly, approximately doubled from December 2024 to February 2025.

    SAF is an alternative to petroleum jet fuel. It’s produced from agricultural and waste feedstocks and is consumed in blends with petroleum jet fuel. Investments in SAF have increased because of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), federal tax credits, and state programs and tax credits incentivizing use of the fuel.

    In addition to SAF, our Other Biofuels category includes renewable heating oil, renewable naphtha, renewable propane, renewable gasoline, and other emerging biofuels that are in various stages of development and commercialization.

    Prior to 2025, renewable naphtha and renewable propane, which are byproducts of renewable diesel production, made up most of Other Biofuels production and was growing because of growing renewable diesel production. SAF made up only a small portion of Other Biofuels production because of limited production capacity. At the beginning of 2024, U.S. SAF production capacity was only around 2,000 barrels per day (b/d), with just two plants capable of producing SAF: World Energy’s plant in Paramount, California, and Montana Renewables’ plant in Great Falls, Montana.

    U.S. SAF production capacity increased by about 25,000 b/d in late 2024. Phillips 66 completed its 10,000-b/d SAF project in Rodeo, California, in the third quarter of 2024 (3Q24), before temporarily halting production in 4Q24. Diamond Green Diesel completed its 15,000-b/d SAF project in Port Arthur, Texas, in 4Q24.

    A couple of smaller projects will bring additional SAF production capacity online in 2025. New Rise Renewables announced it began SAF production at its plant in Reno, Nevada, in February 2025, adding up to 3,000 b/d of SAF production. Par Pacific plans to begin SAF production at its plant in Kapolei, Hawaii, in the second half of the year, adding about 2,000 b/d of SAF production capacity.

    With SAF production capacity now around 30,000 b/d and growing in 2025, SAF will likely drive significant growth in Other Biofuels production and make up most of U.S. Other Biofuels production.

    In January, U.S. production of Other Biofuels reached 33,000 b/d, nearly 30% more than the previous record high set in September 2024. Production increased another 30% in February to 44,000 b/d. In our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast that U.S. production of Other Biofuels will more than double between 2024 and 2025 and increase by about another 20% in 2026. Although we do not publish a forecast for each fuel that makes up the category, we expect increased SAF production to drive most of that growth. Despite strong growth in SAF on a percentage basis, the absolute volumes will remain relatively low, making up less than 2% of about 1.7 million b/d of U.S. jet fuel consumption in 2025 and about 2% in 2026.

    Principal contributor: Jimmy Troderman

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump targets NPR and PBS as public and nonprofit media account for a growing share of local news coverage

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Matthew Powers, Professor of Communication, University of Washington

    The Seattle Times currently funds 30 reporter positions through philanthropy and government aid. AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

    Republicans in Washington have their sights – once again – on defunding public media.

    On May 1, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order calling for the termination of taxpayer support for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the nonprofit that helps fund American public media stations of all sizes, from NPR and PBS, to smaller outlets like WBHM in Birmingham, Alabama, and KGOU in Norman, Oklahoma.

    Many Republicans have denounced public media programming as biased, outdated or simply unnecessary.

    Beneath those familiar talking points lies a long-standing assumption: that the market already provides “abundant, diverse and innovative news options,” as the president’s executive order put it.

    That assumption is wrong. And the story of media in Washington state reveals why.

    Public media’s expanding footprint

    As a communication scholar at the University of Washington, I’ve studied journalism in Seattle and across Washington state for the past decade.

    During that time, I’ve watched for-profit journalism struggle to meet the needs of the region. For this reason, local news outlets have increasingly turned to other sources of revenue.

    The shift has been striking. Just 10 years ago, about 10% of all full-time journalists in Seattle worked for local, nonprofit affiliates of NPR and PBS. Today, that figure is closer to 30%.

    That growing share reflects investments by NPR affiliates like KUOW and KNKX and public television station Cascade PBS, which have expanded their coverage of critical topics like homelessness and immigration. Federal support plays a small but significant role, making up between 5% and 10% of their budgets. The rest of their funding comes from a combination of donations, sponsorship and philanthropic grants.

    However, public media’s expanding footprint is also a symptom of collapse elsewhere: corporate cutbacks at commercial broadcast media networks and stations, the shuttering of community newspapers and the disappearance of alt-weeklies, which sometimes challenged mainstream political or cultural narratives.

    To be sure, public media has not and cannot replace everything that has been lost. But it has helped fill the void left after once-iconic outlets like the Seattle Post-Intelligencer underwent huge layoffs.

    Donors, tax dollars plug holes

    Public media outlets are only one prong of an increasingly noncommercial local news system. In the past, local media were dominated by commercial players that garnered the lion’s share of their revenues through advertising.

    Now, more and more journalism jobs in the state of Washington, including those at commercial outlets, are sustained by philanthropy and government spending. The Seattle Times – which is still, by far, the largest newsroom in the city – pays 30 of its reporters through philanthropic funding. That’s roughly 20% of its entire newsroom. The national nonprofit Report for America has, since its inception in 2018, placed 13 reporters in towns and cities across Washington to cover underserved topics like rural health and veterans issues.

    Meanwhile, the Murrow News Fellowship, launched in 2023 and funded by Washington’s state Legislature, has enabled 16 full-time journalists to be hired for two-year stints in commercial, nonprofit and public media newsrooms around the state.

    Universities are also playing a role. Long a pipeline into the profession, undergraduate and graduate journalism programs have increasingly become a piece of the local news infrastructure. Roughly 10% of all state Legislature coverage in Washington, for example, is now produced by undergraduate student journalists. Many report for newsrooms that no longer have a dedicated journalist in Olympia, the state’s capital.

    Then-state Sen. Pramila Jayapal speaks to reporters in Olympia, Wash., about a proposal to make community and technical college free for state residents without a bachelor’s degree.
    AP Photo/Ted S. Warren

    News isn’t always profitable

    All of these examples – public media, philanthropic support for nonprofit outlets and jobs at for-profit media enterprises, and student journalism – meet needs that for-profit journalism can no longer address on its own.

    Of course, no funding model is perfect. Last year, KUOW laid off three newsroom staffers due to a budget shortfall. Cascade PBS journalists are threatening to strike over low pay. Some critics worry that philanthropic funding can subtly shape news organizations’ coverage priorities.

    But to pretend the market can fix these problems is to ignore that it played a key part in creating them. When a newsroom job disappears, it’s not because watchdog journalism has lost its civic value. It’s because it became hard to monetize.

    Professional reporting takes time and doesn’t inherently deliver high traffic or quick profits. But it does inform citizens, promote government accountability and strengthen communities.

    The push to defund NPR and PBS stems in large part from long-standing Republican antipathy toward public media. But it also rests on a belief that journalism should only survive if it can compete in the marketplace.

    In Washington state, we’ve already seen what happens when we rely on markets alone: fewer reporters, less oversight and a growing amount of AI-generated news that provides no original reporting.

    If these defunding efforts succeed, they will likely do real harm to local news. KNKX has warned that it would lead to “difficult decisions and sacrifices at the expense of access to local journalism.” KUOW has signaled that it would “immediately need to raise 1 million dollars” to offset the loss in federal funding.

    Translation: It could lead to fewer reporters and less reporting at a time when more of both is needed.

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

    – ref. Trump targets NPR and PBS as public and nonprofit media account for a growing share of local news coverage – https://theconversation.com/trump-targets-npr-and-pbs-as-public-and-nonprofit-media-account-for-a-growing-share-of-local-news-coverage-255740

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Being honest about using AI at work makes people trust you less, research finds

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Oliver Schilke, Director of the Center for Trust Studies, Professor of Management and Organizations, University of Arizona

    Whether you’re using AI to write cover letters, grade papers or draft ad campaigns, you might want to think twice about telling others. That simple act of disclosure can make people trust you less, our new peer-reviewed article found.

    As researchers who study trust, we see this as a paradox. After all, being honest and transparent usually makes people trust you more. But across 13 experiments involving more than 5,000 participants, we found a consistent pattern: Revealing that you relied on AI undermines how trustworthy you seem.

    Participants in our study included students, legal analysts, hiring managers and investors, among others. Interestingly, we found that even evaluators who were tech-savvy were less trusting of people who said they used AI. While having a positive view of technology reduced the effect slightly, it didn’t erase it.

    Why would being open and transparent about using AI make people trust you less? One reason is that people still expect human effort in writing, thinking and innovating. When AI steps into that role and you highlight it, your work looks less legitimate.

    But there’s a caveat: If you’re using AI on the job, the cover-up may be worse than the crime. We found that quietly using AI can trigger the steepest decline in trust if others uncover it later. So being upfront may ultimately be a better policy.

    Being caught using AI by a third party has consequences, as one New York attorney can attest.

    Why it matters

    A global survey of 13,000 people found that about half had used AI at work, often for tasks such as writing emails or analyzing data. People typically assume that being open about using these tools is the right choice.

    Yet our research suggests doing so may backfire. This creates a dilemma for those who value honesty but also need to rely on trust to maintain strong relationships with clients and colleagues. In fields where credibility is essential – such as finance, health care and higher education – even a small loss of trust can damage a career or brand.

    The consequences go beyond individual reputations. Trust is often called the social “glue” that holds society together. It drives collaboration, boosts morale and keeps customers loyal. When that trust is shaken, entire organizations can feel the effects through lower productivity, reduced motivation and weakened team cohesion.

    If disclosing AI use sparks suspicion, users face a difficult choice: embrace transparency and risk a backlash, or stay silent and risk being exposed later – an outcome our findings suggest erodes trust even more.

    That’s why understanding the AI transparency dilemma is so important. Whether you’re a manager rolling out new technology or an artist deciding whether to credit AI in your portfolio, the stakes are rising.

    What still isn’t known

    It’s unclear whether this transparency penalty will fade over time. As AI becomes more widespread – and potentially more reliable – disclosing its use may eventually seem less suspect.

    There’s also no consensus on how organizations should handle AI disclosure. One option is to make transparency completely voluntary, which leaves the decision to disclose to the individual. Another is a mandatory disclosure policy across the board. Our research suggests that the threat of being exposed by a third party can motivate compliance if the policy is stringently enforced through tools such as AI detectors.

    A third approach is cultural: building a workplace where AI use is seen as normal, accepted and legitimate. We think this kind of environment could soften the trust penalty and support both transparency and credibility.

    The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

    Oliver Schilke received funding from the National Science Foundation (Award #1943688).

    Martin Reimann receives funding from the National Endowment for the Arts research grant (#1925643–38-24) and a National Security Systems (TRIF NSS) research grant.

    – ref. Being honest about using AI at work makes people trust you less, research finds – https://theconversation.com/being-honest-about-using-ai-at-work-makes-people-trust-you-less-research-finds-253590

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How the US can mine its own critical minerals − without digging new holes

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Yuanzhi Tang, Professor of Biogeochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology

    Piles of rare earth oxides praseodymium, cerium, lanthanum, neodymium, samarium and gadolinium. Peggy Greb/USDA-ARS

    Every time you use your phone, open your computer or listen to your favorite music on AirPods, you are relying on critical minerals.

    These materials are the tiny building blocks powering modern life. From lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite in batteries to gallium in telecommunication systems that enable constant connectivity, critical minerals act as the essential vitamins of modern technology: small in volume but vital to function.

    Yet the U.S. depends heavily on imports for most critical materials. In 2024 the U.S. imported 80% of rare earth elements it used, 100% of gallium and natural graphite, and 48% to 76% of lithium, nickel and cobalt, to name a few.

    Rising global demand, high import dependency and growing geopolitical tensions have made critical mineral supply an increasing national security concern − and one of the most urgent supply chain challenges of our time.

    That raises a question: Could the U.S. mine and process more critical minerals at home?

    As a geochemist who leads Georgia Tech’s Center for Critical Mineral Solutions and an engineer focused on energy innovation, we have been exploring the options and barriers for U.S. critical mineral production.

    What’s stopping critical minerals from being produced domestically?

    Let’s take a look at rare earth elements.

    These elements are essential to modern technology, electric vehicles, energy systems and military applications. For example, neodymium is critical for making the strong magnets used in computer hard discs, lasers and wind turbines. Gadolinium is vital for MRI machines, while samarium and cerium play key roles in nuclear reactors and energy systems such as solar and wind power.

    Despite their name, rare earth elements are actually not rare. Their concentrations in the Earth’s crust are comparable to more commonly mined metals such as zinc and copper.

    However, rare earth elements do not often occur in easily accessible, economically viable mineral forms or high-grade deposits. As a result, identifying resources with sufficiently high concentration and large volume is crucial for enabling their economic production.

    MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine and Processing Facility is in California near the Nevada border.
    Tmy350/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    The U.S. currently has only two domestic rare earth mining locations: Georgia and California.

    In southeast Georgia, rare earths are being produced as a byproduct of heavy mineral sand mining, but the produced rare earth concentrates are shipped out of state and then abroad for refining into the materials used in renewable energy technologies and permanent magnets.

    The other location is in Mountain Pass, California, where hard rock mining extracts a rare earth carbonate mineral called bastnaesite. Yet again, much of the material is sent abroad for refining. As a result, the entire supply chain − from mining to final use in products − stretches across continents.


    U.S. Geological Survey

    Meeting the U.S. demand for rare earth elements and other critical minerals from operations within the United States will require more than just opening new mines. It will require developing and scaling up new technologies, as well as building processing operations.

    Historically, processing has largely taken place overseas because of the environmental impacts, energy demand and regulatory constraints.

    The potential, but long road, to new mines

    Investment in exploration activity for critical minerals is rapidly increasing across the U.S.

    In 2017 the U.S. Geological Survey launched the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative − known as Earth MRI − to identify potential sources of critical minerals within the country.

    Some areas that appear promising for rare earth elements have lots of chemical weathering, in which rocks containing rare earth elements are broken down by reacting with water and air. Exploration is underway at several of these sites, including in locations in Wyoming and Montana.

    A map shows focus areas for 23 mineral systems that could have critical mineral resources.
    USGS

    Identifying a resource, however, is not the same as producing it.

    Traditional mining can take a decade or two from exploration to production and up to 29 years in the U.S., the second-longest timeline in the world. Although this timeline could be changing under the current administration, companies might still face major uncertainties related to permitting, infrastructure development and, in some places, community opposition. Managing environmental impacts, such as air and water pollution and high water consumption and energy use, can further increase cost and extend project timelines.

    Given that the exploration projects mentioned above are still in early stage, the U.S. needs additional, parallel efforts that can bring resources to the market at an accelerated pace.

    Mining the materials we have already mined

    One of the fastest ways to increase U.S. rare earth production may not require digging new holes in the ground − but rather returning to old ones.

    The Atlantic coast region stands out on the Earth MRI map as a particularly promising area. What’s even better is that this region has already established extensive mining activities and mature infrastructure, which allows for much faster speed to market.

    Georgia has mineral sand deposits that are rich in titanium, zirconium, and rare earth elements. Titanium and zirconium − both used in aerospace, energy and medical applications − are already mined in Florida and Georgia. In southeast Georgia, rare earth elements found with these heavy mineral sands are already being recovered as rare earth concentrates.

    Kaolin mining near Macon, Ga.

    Kaolin, a white clay used in paper, paint and porcelain, has been mined in Georgia for over a century, and it can also contain rare earth elements. Georgia generates more than 8 million tons of kaolin annually, making it the leading U.S. producer and a large exporter. This also comes with millions of tons of mining and processing residues, or what’s known as tailings.

    Recent research studies suggest that there is significant potential for extracting rare earth elements in the tailings.

    The tailings are already mined and sitting on the surface. There is no need to drill or blast. That means existing infrastructure, faster timelines and lower costs and than new mining operations.

    Technological innovations, such as bioleaching, ligand-based extraction and separation and electrochemical separation, are now making mining these legacy wastes possible. New processing facilities could be built near existing kaolin or heavy mineral sand operations or former mine sites, bringing materials to market in a few years rather than decades.

    The future of waste mining

    This approach is part of a broader strategy known as “waste mining,” “urban mining” or “mining the anthropogenic cycle.”

    It involves the recovery of critical minerals from existing waste streams such as mine tailings, coal ash and industrial byproducts. It is also part of building a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled rather than discarded.

    The U.S. has the potential to catalyze new domestic supply chains for materials essential to national security and technology. Waste mining and recycling are critical pieces to ensure the long-term sustainability of these supply chains.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. How the US can mine its own critical minerals − without digging new holes – https://theconversation.com/how-the-us-can-mine-its-own-critical-minerals-without-digging-new-holes-252609

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. LaMalfa and Sen. Schiff Announce New High-Tech Air Force Mission at Beale AFB

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) announced that Beale Air Force Base has been selected as the preferred location for the Air Force’s new Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) Aircraft Readiness Unit, a major step forward in securing the base’s future role in next-generation defense technology.

    “This is a major win for Beale AFB and a vote of confidence in the capabilities of our region,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “These aircraft represent the future of the Air Force—autonomous, highly capable, and ready to deploy at a moment’s notice. I worked closely with my colleagues in Congress, state and local leaders, and the Department of Defense to make the case for Beale. I want to thank President Trump, DOD leadership, and the Air Force for recognizing Beale’s strategic importance and moving quickly to make it happen. This new mission not only solidifies Beale’s role in our national defense, but also brings new technology and investment to our region.”

    “When we visited Beale Air Force Base just a couple weeks ago, I met committed California servicemembers working to protect our nation and apply new technologies to the adapting threats we face,” said Senator Schiff. “The Air Force’s selection of Beale for testing of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft puts those same servicemembers at the center of the Air Force’s modernization efforts for our nation’s 21st century defense. As the West Coast remains on the front line for deterring adversaries in the Pacific and the home of the nation’s technological innovation, I’m proud to see Yuba County at the tip of the spear for promoting America’s national security.”

    Congressman LaMalfa led the effort alongside Senator Schiff (D-CA) to bring this new mission with newly developed technology to Beale AFB, winning out over competing sites in Nevada and North Dakota. Collaborative Combat Aircraft are part of the next generation of autonomous and fully integrated aircraft that will have broad multi-use capability from intelligence gathering to weapons deployment and much more. This new technology and airframes are part of a fast-evolving modernization of the USAF, and we thank President Trump, DOD, and the Air Force for expediting their placement at Beale.

    The Air Force is currently conducting ground tests of the aircraft, with flight testing expected later this year.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. LaMalfa Celebrates Passage of Resolution to Repeal Longfin Smelt Listing in the ESA

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) announced the House passage of his Congressional Review Act resolution to repeal the Biden Administration’s listing of the longfin smelt as endangered under the Federal Endangered Species Act. Once enacted into law, this resolution will halt the proposed designation of critical habitat for this fish species, as well as ensure California’s water remains available for those who need it most, families and farmers.

    “The Biden Administration and activist judges have used this listing as a political tool to block progress on California water policy,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “This listing is based on cherry picked scientific anecdotes and even Stanford’s Center for Water California Recourses Policy and Management questioned the science of the listing. It adds yet another layer of conflicting regulations that dump tens of millions of acre feet of water out to the Pacific Ocean, with farmers receiving only 40% to 50% of their promised federal and state water. Congress isn’t going to stand by while bureaucrats and environmental lawsuits continue to wreck the water system that feeds our farms, our families, and our economy. I’m glad to see the House take a stand and push back with real solutions that help us grow food, provide water, and keep our economy strong.”

    This designation, driven by litigation from an environmental group, by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service during the Biden Administration threatens California’s water supply by imposing new restrictions on the Central Valley Project (CVP) and State Water Project (SWP). This listing resulted in subsequent burdensome requirements imposed on the CVP that will divert even more water to the Pacific Ocean instead of supplying farms and families across the state. Under the Congressional Review Act, Congress can review and potentially block such regulations within a specific timeframe, and it drops the usual 60-vote requirement in the Senate for these resolutions.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. LaMalfa Applauds Passage of Legislation to Repeal California’s Extreme Vehicle Emissions Mandates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.—This week, the House passed three Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions to overturn the Biden Administration’s approval of California’s vehicle emissions mandates, including the Advanced Clean Cars II regulation, the Advance Clean Trucks regulation, and the Omnibus Low-NOx Emissions rule. Previously approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), these rules allow California to impose aggressive regulations on cars and trucks that drive up costs and restrict consumer choice in California and nationwide.

    The three CRAs, co-led by Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), and introduced by Representatives John Joyce (R-PA), John James (R-MI), and Jay Obernolte (R-CA) repeal these unrealistic mandates, preventing California from being able to force these costly policies onto the rest of the country.

    “Today’s vote is a big win for drivers, businesses, and consumers across the country. California’s extreme emissions mandates would have made cars and trucks more expensive and less available for everyone, not just in our state but nationwide,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Consumers would see massive increases in costs if they chose a non-electric vehicle, and availability of some models has already been severely restricted in California. By passing these resolutions, the House made it clear that we won’t let one state’s radical agenda dictate what Americans can drive. People deserve the freedom to choose the vehicles that work best for them—not to be forced into unaffordable electric vehicles that may not work for them. I was pleased to see the House stand up for commonsense to protect hardworking families from even higher costs. By passing this Congressional Review Act, California will not be allowed to make this type of rule without a complete change in federal law.”

    Background

    Under the Clean Air Act, states are generally prohibited from setting their own tailpipe emission standards for cars and trucks. However, California has a unique exemption under Section 209, which allows the state to establish its own emissions regulations if it submits a waiver to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and receives approval. Once granted, these California standards can also be adopted by other states under Section 177 of the Clean Air Act. Currently, about a dozen states follow California’s emissions policies, effectively turning the state’s regulations into a nationwide mandate.

    The Biden administration approved several controversial waivers requested by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), allowing the state to impose extreme emissions rules that impact car and truck costs and availability across the country. These include:

    • Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC2) – Approved in December 2024, this regulation mandates that 35% of new car sales be zero-emission by 2026, increasing to 100% by 2035. At least 12 states have already adopted ACC2. Failure to meet this goal means a maximum penalty of $25,000 per non-compliant vehicle sold to consumers.
    • Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) – Approved in March 2023, this regulation forces truck manufacturers and retailers to meet strict zero-emission quotas by 2035, including 55% of Class 2B-3 truck sales, 75% of Class 4-8 straight truck sales, and 40% of truck tractor sales. At least 11 states have adopted ACT.
    • Omnibus Low-NOx Emissions Rule – Approved in December 2024, this regulation imposes aggressive emissions reductions on medium- and heavy-duty truck and other engines, requiring NOx emissions to be cut by 75% below current standards for Model Year 2024-2026 compared to 2010 levels and particulate matter emissions to be cut by 50%.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Free Psychic Reading Online by Chat [2025] Best Free Psychics for Accurate Readings!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In today’s fast-paced world, more people are turning to spiritual tools to gain clarity and direction. Whether you’re dealing with a relationship dilemma, career confusion, or life transitions, a free psychic reading online can offer valuable insight, all from the comfort of your home. Best of all, you can now connect instantly through free psychic chat with certified advisors and get accurate answers in real time.

    The-Psychic-Experts.com, a leading platform in reviewing free psychic services, has officially announced its 2025 rankings for the best free psychic reading platforms that are available online. 

    Discover your future with an accurate free psychic reading online and unlock answers through free psychic chat with gifted intuitive advisors!

    ⇒ Connect with the best free psychics for love, career, and more!

    What Is a Free Psychic Reading Online?

    A free psychic reading online allows you to connect with a psychic advisor over the internet—usually via chat, video, or email—without any upfront cost. Many reputable psychic platforms offer introductory sessions so that new users can experience the service without financial commitment.

    These sessions typically last 3 to 10 minutes and are ideal for asking simple questions or getting a feel for the psychic’s energy and accuracy.

    ⇒ Discover what’s ahead by connecting with the best free psychics online!

    What Is Free Psychic Chat?

    Free psychic chat is a live text-based communication feature that lets you speak directly with a psychic in real time. Unlike phone or video readings, chat is discreet, fast, and easy to use—perfect for users who prefer privacy or quick answers.

    Psychic chat platforms often include features such as:

    • Real-time typing and responses
    • Saved chat history for future reference
    • Ratings and reviews of each advisor
    • Topic filters (e.g., love, career, spiritual guidance)

    Enjoy a free psychic reading online and use free psychic chat to gain clarity, peace of mind, and guidance from experienced psychic experts.

    ⇒ Start s free psychic chat and find answers to your deepest questions!

    Main Benefits of Using Free Psychic Reading and Chat Services

    1. Convenience
     Access guidance 24/7 from anywhere in the world—no appointments needed.

    2. Privacy
     Chat-based readings allow you to stay anonymous while discussing personal matters.

    3. Clarity Before You Pay
     With a free psychic chat, you can evaluate the reader’s accuracy before committing to a paid session.

    4. Wide Range of Experts
     Choose from advisors specializing in tarot, astrology, mediumship, numerology, and more.

    ⇒ Chat with the best free psychics online and explore your future!

    How to Choose a Trustworthy Free Psychic Online

    Not all psychic platforms are equal. Here’s what to look for:

    • Verified Reviews: Read ratings and feedback from real users.
    • Free Intro Offers: Look for platforms that offer several free minutes.
    • Transparency: Check the advisor’s bio, specialties, and tools used.
    • Customer Support: Reliable platforms offer 24/7 assistance in case of technical issues.

    Top-rated psychic sites often include filters to help you choose a psychic by category (love, career, etc.), reading style (compassionate, direct), and tool (tarot, clairvoyance, etc.).

    ⇒ Ask a psychic your most urgent question free of charge!

    Best Times to Use Free Psychic Chat

    • When facing an urgent decision and needing fast clarity
    • After a breakup or during a relationship crisis
    • When changing jobs or considering a move
    • During emotional stress or uncertainty
    • For ongoing spiritual growth or guidance

    ⇒ Discover your future with a free psychic reading and real insight

    Psychic Experts: Your Go-To Resource for Free Psychic Readings in 2025

    Digital access is growing the demand for online services, and the same is true for psychic services. The psychic experts recognize that online users often get nervous when trying to choose between different psychic services, since all of them claim accuracy and authenticity. 

    This year’s “Best Free Psychic Reading Online for 2025” list was meticulously curated for this very reason. It is based on verified user feedback, psychic credentials, and ease of access. And it also particularly focuses on free psychic chat and ask a free psychic question services.

    So if you are looking for free psychic love readings, or simply want to know about your future via free psychic reading by date of birth and time, the-psychic-experts.com will help its users find authentic guidance in the world of psychics in an affordable way.

    ⇒ Receive a free psychic reading from experienced, trusted advisors!

    Why Free Psychic Readings Are on the Rise

    Free psychic readings have always been popular among those who know its worth. These are considered a spiritual outlet for people who have questions about the unknown or are in search of clarity. However, the online psychic popularity has made it easier than ever to ask a free psychic question online, from the comfort of your home. 

    So whether you are into clairvoyance, tarot, astrology, or mediumship, you can be guaranteed that these services are now available online. Most platforms now offer:

    • Free trial readings online
    • Online psychic chat sessions
    • Free psychic chat sessions online
    • One free psychic question before you pay for the full session
    • Free psychic reading by date of birth and time
    • Free psychic readings online with no credit card.

    This freedom for the user, that they are allowed to test out a service before paying in full, makes a free psychic reading the first step that introduces them to the mystical world.

    ⇒  Find peace and clarity through a free psychic reading with gifted advisors!

    Who Are These Readings For?

    Free psychic readings are for everyone. Anyone can benefit from the spiritual guidance, whether they are dealing with personal issues or professional performances.

    The beauty of free psychic readings online is how they cater to absolutely everyone, including;

    • Singles who are looking for love
    • Couples who are in a relationship struggle
    • Professionals who need guidance when stuck at career crossroads
    • Students who want to explore purpose in life and career direction
    • Grieving individuals who want to seek comfort and connection with passed away loved ones.

    Psychic readings can change the minds of anyone. Even skeptics admit that they walked away feeling much lighter, mind clearer, and more confident.

    ⇒ Ask a free psychic question and receive spiritual guidance on love, career, or life direction.

    Benefits of Free Online Psychic Readings

    Free online psychic readings have many benefits. Because they are; a) free, and b) available online. 

    Unlike traditional in-person visits, the online psychic readings do not cost hundreds per hour. The online services offer access, affordability, and privacy. 

    Other key benefits include:

    Convenience

    Online psychic readings are convenient. The psychic expert steps in to offer its users complete convenience and authenticity. You can get a free psychic reading via online chat, and no credit card is required no matter if you accessing the online service from anywhere in the world.

    Variety of Readers

    Psychic reading isn’t just restricted to palm or tarot readings. With the psychic expert’s recommendations, you can access multiple psychic readers, from empaths and mediums to energy readers and clairvoyants.

    ⇒ Explore the best free psychic reading services trusted by thousands around the world!

    No Pressure

    The psychic experts ensure that their users feel completely at ease when availing any of the online services. You can first test the waters with a free psychic question, and then, if you feel a connection with the reader, you can continue at your own pace.

    How Free Psychic Reading Works

    Many free psychic services, such as the ones rated and reviewed by the psychic experts, follow a similar process:

    1. The user chooses their reader (based on profile, ratings, or specialization).
    2. Then, ask a free psychic question via chat or phone.
    3. Then receive a brief but insightful reading, which is enough to decide if they would like to go further.
    4. Then the reader offers an option to continue for a fee or end the session after the free portion.

    ⇒  Chat with the best free psychics today for answers, healing, and spiritual guidance!

    What Makes a Great Free Psychic Reading Site in 2025?

    The psychic experts don’t claim to be a great psychic reading website for no reason. There are many standards that it follows to ensure that the users are 100% satisfied with the services.

    The psychic experts vet their psychics via multi-step background and skill evaluations. The higher they score, the higher they are rated. Genuine reviews also help them identify the psychics who truly deliver versus those who just talk. Specializations, such as love psychics, energy healers, astrologers, and tarot experts, are all represented individually. And lastly, no credit card is required for the first reading. Users can simply get a free psychic reading online chat with no credit card, which reduces inconvenience and friction and increases trust in the psychic experts.

    Here are some of the most common psychic reading services at the-psychic-experts.com.

    Love Life On The Rocks? Try a Free Psychic Love Reading

    Many people arrive at the psychic experts, unsure about the idea whether their partner is “the one,” or sometimes they are dealing with a breakup, or wondering about future compatibility. Free psychic love readings offer a non-judgmental insight in these matters. 

    ⇒  Unlock love insights with a free psychic love reading from trusted advisors!

    Get Answers with Just a Name or Birth Date

    Some platforms on the psychic experts even offer free psychic readings by date of birth and time, or just your name and one question. These readings heavily lean on astrology or numerology, and they are also perfect for long-term clarity. However, it doesn’t always result in immediate answers.

    Free psychic readings by date of birth and time are best for:

    • Major life decisions
    • Birth chart readings
    • Career mapping
    • Family patterns
    • Generational healing.

    Many users come to the psychic experts with questions like:

    • “Will I find love this year?”
    • “Is my ex thinking about me?”
    • “Should I change careers now or should I wait?”
    • “What is blocking my happiness?”
    • “What’s my purpose in life?”

    … and so many other questions like these.

    ⇒ Start a free psychic chat and connect instantly with gifted advisors online!

    Common Questions Regarding Free Psychic Reading Online Chats

    Users of the psychic experts are as curious about the free psychic reading services as they are about their future. Here is a breakdown of some of the most commonly asked questions about free psychic reading online chats.

    1. What Happens During a Free Psychic Reading Online Chat?

    During free psychic readings via chat, readers offer complete discretion and instant access, which means that you can enter a live chat session with a psychic with your questions in mind, and enjoy a few free minutes to explore their commitment and connection before paying for their services.

    During a free psychic chat session:

    • You’ll be asked to provide your name and birth details (possibly).
    • The psychic will then begin tuning into your energy.
    • You can type your question in the chat box.
    • Responses come in real-time
    • However, you can always request clarification as needed.

    ⇒ Ask a free psychic question and get quick, honest answers!

    2. Can You Trust a Free Psychic?

    Many people are skeptical about psychic readings. However, the skepticism stems from a lack of knowledge or misunderstanding. It is important to understand that not all psychic platforms operate with integrity. This is precisely why the psychic experts exist. They test, compare, and rank psychic services so that you don’t have to risk your time or emotions to fraudulent psychic readers.

    The readers at The-Psychic-Experts.com are;

    • Transparent: Clear about what is free and what isn’t.
    • Verified: Authentic user feedback verifies genuine profiles.
    • Screened: Vetted for experience and accuracy.
    • Guaranteed: Offer money-back or satisfaction guarantees.

    3. Can I Get a Free Psychic Love Reading?

    Yes, you can get a free psychic love reading.

    One of the most in-demand categories of online psychic reading services is free psychic love reading. Psychics in this field of specialization can offer:

    • Insights about your current relationship
    • Whether you should stay or move on
    • Energy readings and knowledge about your romantic compatibility
    • Predictions about any future romantic encounters

    Many users begin with a fun and free psychic love reading. Which then goes on to become regular clients due to the commitment, value, and exceptional knowledge they receive.

    ⇒ Start a free psychic love reading and understand your emotional journey!

    What to Expect During Your First Free Psychic Reading

    Your first free psychic reading (or online psychic reading) can be overwhelming, curious, and exciting. 

    People have claimed that during their first free psychic reading session, they had a million thoughts running through their minds. 

    Here’s something we need to tell you: A psychic reading goes extremely well when you’re well-prepared. It can feel like a thoughtful, soul-searching, heart-to-heart conversation. And it will surely leave you feeling much lighter, more self-aware, and in control of your life.

    To reduce your nervousness, here are all the things that you can expect from your first free psychic reading, no matter if it is in-person or online.

    ⇒ Free psychic chat available now with accurate, real-time responses!

    The Atmosphere and Energy

    Whether it’s in person, over the phone, or via chat, the ambiance matters. 

    Psychics usually begin by helping you feel comfortable. They will ask for your name and birthdate, and then begin with a short grounding ritual. 

    Some will also explain how this whole process works, whether it’s through tarot, clairvoyance, mediumship, or energy reading.

    Don’t worry. You’re not expected to say much at the beginning. Just be present for the reading and receptive to its knowledge. A cold reading is where the psychic has no prior info about you, and it can be especially powerful in validating the psychic’s skills. 

    You might even come to know things that seem oddly specific or feel extremely personal.

    What You Want to Hear

    A psychic will never tell you what you want to hear. Rather, they will tell you what is true and specific. Their role is not to hide the truth from you or to sugarcoat, but rather to convey messages or insights that they receive from the physical realm, even if those truths are difficult. 

    No, that doesn’t mean they’ll predict doom for you. Reputable psychics mostly focus on the good things, such as healing. They may gently guide you toward an uncomfortable realization or a hard truth, but they will also provide guidance and strength to face it.

    Psychics can also confirm things you’ve felt but couldn’t articulate. This spiritual validation can be life-changing and is one of the reasons why people go to psychics for readings.

    ⇒ Chat live with the best free psychics and ask anything you want!

    Different Types of Free Psychic Readings: Which One Is Right for You?

    There are different styles of psychic readings, and no two of them work the same way. Choosing the right type of reading depends on what you’re seeking.

    1. Tarot Card Reading

    Tarot is one of the most common reading tools that psychics use. Here is what happens in this reading; the deck is filled with symbolic cards that look into your subconscious and spiritual energy. Then, a tarot reader will use spreads like the Celtic Cross or Three-Card Spread to gain even more insight into questions like love, finances, or your life’s purpose.

    Tarot reading is less about “fortune-telling” and more about identifying patterns and paths towards which your life is headed.

    2. Love Readings

    Love readings focus on love, and specifically on matters of the heart. These could be romantic relationships, soul mates, and breakups, etc. During love readings, users sometimes want to know if their current partner is “the one,” or whether their ex still have feelings for them, or what hurdles are preventing them from finding love.

    A love psychic will look into the energy between two people and read patterns even if one of them isn’t physically present. You can also avail of love reading services online for free at the-psychic-experts.com.

    ⇒ Get a love-focused free psychic reading and make better choices

    3. Mediumship

    Mediumship is another type of psychic reading in which mediums connect with spirits. 

    For example, if a person or an online user has lost a loved one and is looking for closure or a sign from the other side, a medium will help them bridge that gap. They can convey messages from the other side and thus bring peace, closure, or comfort to their client.

    Not all psychics are mediums. And many of them claim to be mediums but are actually not. So make sure that you are choosing someone with this specific gift if that’s your goal.

    4. Past Life Readings

    Many people feel a strong connection to a place, era, or person. This is where past life readings come into play. A past life psychic reading delves into the idea that our souls may have lived multiple times before and that past experiences resurface to influence us today.

    These psychic readings can be insightful for the curious mind. Especially if a person is struggling with repetitive patterns, or unexplainable fears, or deep soul connections.

    ⇒ Ask a free psychic question now and explore new possibilities

    5. Dream Interpretation

    Dream interpretation is also an important psychic reading, as dreams and nightmares often plague the sleep of people. Psychics believe that dreams are the soul’s way of processing information from both this world and beyond it. 

    These psychics can decode the symbolic language of dreams and thus reveal hidden messages, suppressed emotions, or spiritual messages.

    What NOT to Do During a Free Psychic Reading

    Free psychic readings are meant to be emotional and even life-changing. But it has rules, and there are things that you should not do. If you don’t show up with the right mindset, the readings will not go well. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a skeptic or a believer; your energy and behavior matter a lot during a reading.

    So, before you hop on a call, book a one-on-one session, or choose a free online psychic reading via chat, here are a few common mistakes that you should avoid if you don’t want to disturb your psychic reading session.

    ⇒ Try a free psychic reading and see what’s coming next in life!

    1. Forgetting To Skip the Recording

    If you think that you’ll remember everything a psychic tells you, then you are wrong. Especially if it’s an emotional session. Psychic readings can often involve many insights, revelations, and moments that can leave you stunned or distracted. 

    This is why it’s not only smart but also very important to record your session. Whether you are taking a psychic reading on your phone, a chat, or during a physical session, keep a voice recorder or even handwritten notes to record everything.

    Most professional psychics allow recording (in fact, many encourage it). Recordings will give you the chance to revisit the reading with a fresh mindset. You might catch details that you didn’t fully accept the first time, or connect dots, or a message with something you later discover to be true. 

    However, always ask for permission from your psychic before recording. It’s respectful and sets up mutual trust between both parties.

    ⇒ Get Clarity Now – Ask a Free Psychic Question Instantly!

    2. Don’t Try to “Trick” the Psychic

    People who come to psychics with a skeptical mindset try to test the psychic by feeding them false information, or they also try to withhold details just to “see what they say.” 

    While it’s natural to be on guard and feel cautious, especially when the reading is free, at least don’t try to outsmart or mislead a psychic for the following reasons.

    First, you’re not giving an authentic energy to begin with. They cannot read that. Most psychics work in collaboration with your energy field, and not just guess facts about your life. So, if you block that energy, the session will become confusing for both of you. 

    Second, some mediums work with spiritual guides or spirits. And they will definitely call you out. Which will lead to disagreement between the reader and the client. 

    And lastly, it’s just a waste of time. If you’re going to lie during a reading, then don’t go. Only honesty leads to clarity in this case.

    ⇒  Start your free psychic reading today and receive instant clarity!

    3. Don’t Show Up Under the Influence

    It doesn’t matter if you’re feeling nervous or just got back from a happy hour; showing up intoxicated to a psychic reading is not the right way to do this. 

    Alcohol or drugs will alter your emotional and energetic state, and thus, make it extremely hard for a psychic to read your energies and spiritual connections easily. But that’s not all. It will also affect your ability to focus, you will have difficulty remembering details, and won’t be able to respond to the information that is being shared by the reader.

    Plus, some psychics will even outright refuse to read a person who seems to be inebriated. Which makes sense, because it’s unprofessional and it can derail the whole experience of psychic reading.

    4. Don’t Dictate the Session

    If you’ve booked a free psychic reading to figure out your love life or professional career, then you will have questions and intentions. However, always keep in mind that you should never micromanage the psychic reader or their session, or refuse to accept or shut down anything that doesn’t fit your opinions and beliefs.

    Psychics receive messages or impressions all the time, and they go beyond the specific issue that you walked in with. Sometimes, these are the very unexpected messages that can prove to be more relevant or urgent than the task at hand. So if you try to dictate the reading into one topic, you will definitely miss out on important guidance that your intuition, a spiritual source, or the reader is trying to deliver.

    ⇒ Ask a free psychic question and receive support from real, compassionate advisors!

    5. Don’t Do a Group Reading If You Want It to Be All About You

    Group readings are the perfect way to destroy your personal reading. 

    Yes, bringing a friend along for moral support is good, but not during a psychic reading. It is something you must do alone. Group readings shift the focus away from you, because someone else’s energy or spirit connection can be stronger in the moment or interfere with yours. Psychics can’t control, most of the time, which messages come through the loudest. Which is why your friend might get all the answers, while yours go unnoticed.

    If your goal is to get personal clarity or closure with a psychic reader, book a solo reading. In this way, the psychic will concentrate fully on your energy and concerns rather than someone else’s. 

    ⇒  Get the answers you seek through free psychic chat and real insights!

    6. Don’t Be Rude, Late, or Distracted

    All of these things are against professionalism. Basic manners apply in the psychic world too, because a reading is a professional service, even if it’s free. It should be approached with the same level of respect that you’d give to any other personal appointment. Which is why;

    • Show up on time 
    • Give a heads-up if you’re running late
    • Silence your phone
    • Only record with permission 
    • Don’t argue about prices, even if you are just there for a free intro session
    • Treat the psychic with respect.

    When you show respect and gratitude, you will receive it too, as well as have a mutually positive experience. 

    ⇒ Find the best free psychics here and choose from top-rated advisors!

    7. Don’t Expect Exact Timelines or Life-Altering Predictions

    One major misconception about psychic readings is that they will change your life dramatically, or work like a crystal-clear map. In reality, readings are fluid, symbolic, and most often, open to interpretation. 

    The predictions that psychics will make might also be metaphorical. Other predications may play out over months or even years. All this is to tell you that psychic insights are not guaranteed; they’re more like nudges.

    This is why you should not demand guaranteed answers from psychics. They cannot tell you the exact date you will get married or win the lottery. That’s not how it works. Instead, stay open to the signs that emerge and reflect throughout your journey.

    8. Don’t Get Hung Up on One Thing You Don’t Like

    If the psychic says something that you don’t like or feel uncomfortable with, it’s fine to question it. However, what you must not do is dismiss the entire session based on one detail you hung up on and didn’t like. Sometimes, the messages that these psychic readers will tell you will take time to make sense. And in some cases, uncomfortable truths will also be revealed, because they are exactly what you need to hear.

    A good psychic will never hide things from you, but they also won’t send you into misery and disappointment. If you find yourself resisting one specific point, think about it, take a deep breath, and reflect later. 

    ⇒ Ask a psychic question for free and receive guidance instantly!

    9. Don’t Be Scared Or Nervous 

    The key to getting maximum clarity with psychics is to ask with confidence. 

    Psychics will perform readings that reflect innate human need, as they seek clarity without commitment, especially when it comes to deeply personal matters. 

    So, whether you’re asking about love, finances, health, or career, craft your question well, and you will see how it shapes the clarity and accuracy of the answer you receive.

    Be specific but open, and instead of asking “Will I be happy?” try asking, “What should I focus on to achieve happiness?” Similarly, avoid Yes/No questions, because open-ended questions will lead to even more comprehensive insights.

    Many psychics offer a free psychic reading by date of birth and time, which provides deeper astrological accuracy, but whatever you have in mind, have realistic expectations, because psychics only guide, and not dictate, your destiny.

    ⇒ Start a real-time free psychic live chat and gain valuable perspective!

    10. How to Choose the Right Psychic for You

    Finding the right psychic reader is very easy, thanks to resourceful content present on the psychic experts, such as;

    • Star Ratings and Reviews: You must look for 4.5+ stars and feedback.
    • Specialty Tags: For example, love psychic, medium, or tarot expert. Their specialty must match your needs.
    • Intro Videos: A short video can help you “meet” your psychic before booking.
    • Trust Your Gut: if a psychic’s tone or wording doesn’t match your vibe, move on.
    • Use the Free Minutes Wisely: Your trial time is precious. Don’t waste it with small talk. Move straight to your main question.

    11. How to Spot a Fake Psychic

    Unfortunately, not everyone in the psychic world is genuinely ethical. Many psychic readers aren’t even psychics – they take advantage of vulnerable people by making fake promises or forcing them to buy expensive add-ons (like curse removals). 

    Here are some red flags present in all fake psychics:

    • They guarantee 100% accuracy
    • They ask leading/fishing questions
    • They claim you’re cursed and ask for money to remove it
    • They pressure you into buying more sessions

    If you spot such a psychic, don’t believe a word they say. Instead, stick to reputable platforms, such as the psychic experts, with verified reviews and satisfied users.

    ⇒  Get started with a free psychic reading and explore your destiny today!

    Final Thoughts

    A free psychic reading can help you with matters of this world or the next, whether it is love life, career choices, or grief resolution. Platforms like the psychic experts allow users to safely explore spiritual wisdom without any risks, as there are trusted psychics, verified reviews, and no pressure to pay until you’re 100% satisfied.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are free psychic readings really free?

    Yes, many top-rated platforms, such as the-psychic-experts.com, may offer a few minutes free for your online psychic readings on chat or call. These minutes are enough to help you decide if the psychic is right for you.

    What is the best way to ask a psychic a question?

    Ask open-ended questions and be receptive to their guidance on love, career, and personal growth. The more detailed your question is, the better the reader will provide an answer.

    Can I get a free psychic reading by date of birth and time?

    Of course! Many psychic readers use date of birth and time as well as astrology as a tool to offer you insights about your life. Always provide correct birth information for accurate answers.

    Are free psychic readings online really accurate?

    Yes, they can be. The accuracy depends on the psychic’s skill and your openness. Free minutes are a great way to test an advisor’s style and abilities. The accuracy of free online psychic readings depends on the psychic’s ability and your willingness to cooperate and coordinate with them. Top-rated platforms like the-psychic-experts.com tend to feature the most genuine and insightful psychic readers for accurate readings.

    How long do free psychic chat sessions usually last?

    Most platforms offer between 3 and 10 free minutes. This is often enough to ask one or two questions and get a feel for the reader.

    Do I need a credit card for a free psychic chat?

    Some platforms do not require a credit card for the free portion, while others may request it for verification. Always read the terms before signing up.

    Can I ask anything during a free psychic reading online?

    Yes. You can ask about love, career, family, health, or spiritual paths. Just be mindful that time is limited during the free session.

    Is free psychic chat safe and confidential?

    Reputable platforms use secure technology and keep chats private. Be sure to choose a trusted site with good reviews and a clear privacy policy.

    Is a free psychic reading better via phone or chat?

    Honestly, it depends on your preference. If you want a psychic reading via chat, it will offer discretion, but on the other hand, phone readings offer verbal clarity and a better energy connection.

    Media Contact

    Company: The Psychic Experts

    Contact Person: Anthony C. Bedoya

    Email: support@the-psychic-experts.com

    Address: 1 Fremont St, Las Vegas, NV 89101, USA

    URL: https://the-psychic-experts.com/

    Phone: +1 414-203-2598

    Content Accuracy Disclaimer
    Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information presented in this article. However, due to the dynamic nature of product formulations, promotions, and availability, details may change without notice. The publisher makes no warranties or representations as to the current completeness or accuracy of any content, including product claims, pricing, or ingredient lists.
    It is the responsibility of the reader to verify product information directly through the official website or manufacturer prior to making a purchasing decision. Any reliance placed on the information in this article is done strictly at your own risk.
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    The publisher only promotes products that have been independently evaluated and deemed potentially beneficial to readers. However, this compensation may influence the content, topics, or products discussed in this article. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliate partner or product provider.
    All product reviews and descriptions reflect the author’s honest opinion based on available public data, user feedback, and scientific references at the time of writing. The inclusion of affiliate links does not influence the objectivity or integrity of the content. However, readers are encouraged to independently verify product information and consult with healthcare professionals prior to purchase or use.
    No warranties, either expressed or implied, are made about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, or suitability of the content provided. The publisher and all affiliated parties expressly disclaim any and all liability arising directly or indirectly from the use of any information contained herein.
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Press Briefing – May 6, 2025 – 2:00 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Spokesperson Tammy Bruce leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on May 6, 2025.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: https://www.state.gov/department-email-updates/

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odVtaAVe2FE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, March 2025

    Source: US Bureau of Economic Analysis

    The U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis announced today that the goods and services deficit was $140.5 billion in March, up $17.3 billion from $123.2 billion in February, revised.

    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services Deficit
    Deficit: $140.5 Billion +14.0%°
    Exports: $278.5 Billion +0.2%°
    Imports: $419.0 Billion +4.4%°

    Next release: Thursday, June 5, 2025

    (°) Statistical significance is not applicable or not measurable. Data adjusted for seasonality but not price changes

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis; U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, May 6, 2025

    Exports, Imports, and Balance (exhibit 1)

    March exports were $278.5 billion, $0.5 billion more than February exports. March imports were $419.0 billion, $17.8 billion more than February imports.

    The March increase in the goods and services deficit reflected an increase in the goods deficit of $16.5 billion to $163.5 billion and a decrease in the services surplus of $0.8 billion to $23.0 billion.

    Year-to-date, the goods and services deficit increased $189.6 billion, or 92.6 percent, from the same period in 2024. Exports increased $41.1 billion or 5.2 percent. Imports increased $230.7 billion or 23.3 percent.

    Three-Month Moving Averages (exhibit 2)

    The average goods and services deficit increased $14.1 billion to $131.4 billion for the three months ending in March.

    • Average exports increased $4.0 billion to $275.7 billion in March.
    • Average imports increased $18.1 billion to $407.1 billion in March.

    Year-over-year, the average goods and services deficit increased $63.2 billion from the three months ending in March 2024.

    • Average exports increased $13.7 billion from March 2024.
    • Average imports increased $76.9 billion from March 2024.

    Exports (exhibits 3, 6, and 7)

    Exports of goods increased $1.3 billion to $183.2 billion in March.

      Exports of goods on a Census basis increased $2.5 billion.

    • Industrial supplies and materials increased $2.2 billion.
      • Natural gas increased $0.8 billion.
      • Nonmonetary gold increased $0.7 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $1.2 billion.
      • Passenger cars increased $0.9 billion.
    • Capital goods decreased $1.5 billion.
      • Civilian aircraft decreased $1.8 billion.
      • Computer accessories increased $0.7 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased $1.2 billion.

    Exports of services decreased $0.9 billion to $95.2 billion in March.

    • Travel decreased $1.3 billion.
    • Transport increased $0.3 billion.
    • Financial services increased $0.2 billion.

    Imports (exhibits 4, 6, and 8)

    Imports of goods increased $17.8 billion to $346.8 billion in March.

      Imports of goods on a Census basis increased $17.8 billion.

    • Consumer goods increased $22.5 billion.
      • Pharmaceutical preparations increased $20.9 billion.
    • Capital goods increased $3.7 billion.
      • Computer accessories increased $2.0 billion.
    • Automotive vehicles, parts, and engines increased $2.6 billion.
      • Passenger cars increased $2.1 billion.
    • Industrial supplies and materials decreased $10.7 billion.
      • Finished metal shapes decreased $10.3 billion.
      • Nonmonetary gold decreased $1.8 billion.
      • Crude oil decreased $1.2 billion.

      Net balance of payments adjustments decreased less than $0.1 billion.

    Imports of services decreased $0.1 billion to $72.2 billion in March.

    • Travel decreased $0.4 billion.
    • Transport increased $0.2 billion.

    Real Goods in 2017 Dollars – Census Basis (exhibit 11)

    The real goods deficit increased $14.0 billion, or 10.2 percent, to $150.9 billion in March, compared to a 10.3 percent increase in the nominal deficit.

    • Real exports of goods increased $2.4 billion, or 1.6 percent, to $149.7 billion, compared to a 1.4 percent increase in nominal exports.
    • Real imports of goods increased $16.4 billion, or 5.8 percent, to $300.6 billion, compared to a 5.5 percent increase in nominal imports.

    Revisions

    Revisions to February exports

    • Exports of goods were revised down less than $0.1 billion.
    • Exports of services were revised down $0.4 billion.

    Revisions to February imports

    • Imports of goods were revised up less than $0.1 billion.
    • Imports of services were revised up $0.1 billion.

    Goods by Selected Countries and Areas: Monthly – Census Basis (exhibit 19)

    The March figures show surpluses, in billions of dollars, with Netherlands ($4.5), South and Central America ($3.2), Hong Kong ($1.9), United Kingdom ($1.2), Singapore ($0.5), Brazil ($0.5), and Saudi Arabia ($0.2). Deficits were recorded, in billions of dollars, with European Union ($48.3), Ireland ($29.3), China ($24.8), Mexico ($16.8), Switzerland ($14.7), Vietnam ($14.1), Taiwan ($8.7), India ($7.7), Germany ($7.5), South Korea ($6.8), Japan ($5.8), Canada ($4.9), Italy ($4.4), France ($3.9), Malaysia ($3.2), Australia ($1.0), Israel ($1.0), and Belgium ($0.1).

    • The deficit with Ireland increased $15.3 billion to $29.3 billion in March. Exports increased $0.1 billion to $1.4 billion and imports increased $15.5 billion to $30.7 billion.
    • The deficit with France increased $2.4 billion to $3.9 billion in March. Exports increased $0.1 billion to $4.0 billion and imports increased $2.6 billion to $7.9 billion.
    • The deficit with Switzerland decreased $4.1 billion to $14.7 billion in March. Exports increased $1.1 billion to $3.5 billion and imports decreased $3.0 billion to $18.3 billion.

    All statistics referenced are seasonally adjusted; statistics are on a balance of payments basis unless otherwise specified. Additional statistics, including not seasonally adjusted statistics and details for goods on a Census basis, are available in exhibits 1-20b of this release. For information on data sources, definitions, and revision procedures, see the explanatory notes in this release. The full release can be found at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/Press-Release/current_press_release/index.html or www.bea.gov/data/intl-trade-investment/international-trade-goods-and-services. The full schedule is available in the Census Bureau’s Economic Briefing Room at www.census.gov/economic-indicators/ or on BEA’s website at www.bea.gov/news/schedule.

    Next release: June 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. EDT
    U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, April 2025

    Notice

    Country Name Changes

    With this release of the “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services” report, references to “Congo (Brazzaville)” and “Congo (Kinshasa)” are replaced with “Congo” and “Democratic Republic of the Congo,” respectively, to reflect the countries’ recent name changes. These changes also align with the names recognized by the U.S. Department of State and the International Organization for Standardization.

    Impact of Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Release of CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM)

    The CBSA introduced a new accounting system (CARM) on October 21, 2024. As a result, importers in Canada have experienced delays in filing shipment information. These delays affected the compilation of statistics on U.S. exports of goods to Canada for September 2024 through February 2025, which are derived from data compiled by Canada through the United States – Canada Data Exchange. A dollar estimate of the filing backlog is included in estimates for late receipts and, following the U.S. Census Bureau’s customary practice for late receipt estimates, is included in the export end-use category “Other goods” as well as in exports to Canada. This estimate will be replaced with the actual transactions reported by the Harmonized System classification in June 2025 with the release of “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services, Annual Revision.” Until then, please refer to the supplemental spreadsheet “CARM Exports to Canada Corrections,” which provides a breakdown of the late receipts by 1-digit end-use category for statistics through 2024. This spreadsheet will be updated as late export transactions are received to reflect reassignments from the initial “Other goods” category to the appropriate 1-digit end-use category. Any 2025 impacts will be revised in June 2026.

    If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, International Trade Macro Analysis Branch, on 800-549-0595, option 4, or at eid.international.trade.data@census.gov.

    Upcoming Updates to Goods and Services

    With the releases of the “U.S. International Trade in Goods and Services” report (FT-900) and the FT-900 Annual Revision on June 5, 2025, statistics on trade in goods, on both a Census basis and a balance of payments (BOP) basis, will be revised beginning with 2020 and statistics on trade in services will be revised beginning with 2018. The revised statistics for goods on a BOP basis and for services will also be included in the “U.S. International Transactions, 1st Quarter 2025 and Annual Update” report and in the international transactions interactive database, both to be released by BEA on June 24, 2025.

    Revised statistics on trade in goods will reflect:

    • Corrections and adjustments to previously published not seasonally adjusted statistics for goods on a Census basis.
    • End-use reclassifications of several commodities.
    • Recalculated seasonal and trading-day adjustments.
    • Newly available and revised source data on BOP adjustments, which are adjustments that BEA applies to goods on a Census basis to convert them to a BOP basis. See the “Goods (balance of payments basis)” section in the explanatory notes for more information.

    Revised statistics on trade in services will reflect:

    • Newly available and revised source data, primarily from BEA surveys of international services.
    • Corrections and adjustments to previously published not seasonally adjusted statistics.
    • Recalculated seasonal adjustments.
    • Revised temporal distributions of quarterly source data to monthly statistics. See the “Services” section in the explanatory notes for more information.

    For more information, see “Preview of the 2025 Annual Update of the International Economic Accounts” in the Survey of Current Business.

    If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the Census Bureau, Economic Indicators Division, International Trade Macro Analysis Branch, on (800) 549-0595, option 4, or at eid.international.trade.data@census.gov or BEA, Balance of Payments Division, at InternationalAccounts@bea.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Specialized sponge recycles minerals from stormwater for reuse in agriculture and other industries

    Source: US Government research organizations

    The nanocomposite design can absorb valuable heavy metals and phosphate that would otherwise be pollutants in water

    Funded by multiple grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation, researchers created a functional sponge that can soak up certain pollutants from water and then release them on demand, presenting a reusable and low-cost solution for cleaning storm runoff while simultaneously recovering valuable metals like zinc and copper, as well as phosphate.

    Using surface iron oxide nanoparticles specialized for capturing specific contaminants, the sponge collects the minerals and then discharges them only when triggered by changes in pH, and it can be used multiple times. The findings were achieved by researchers at Northwestern University and published in the American Chemical Society’s journal Environmental Science and Technology Water.

    “The technology can be used as a universal sorbent or ‘catch-all,’ or it can be tailored to certain groups of contaminants like metals, plastics or nutrients,” says Vinayak Dravid, a research author and Northwestern professor of materials science and engineering. In previous iterations, the sponge material has successfully pulled lead, microplastics and oil from water.

    Industrial manufacturing and agriculture, in particular, experience mineral and fertilizer loss due to runoff, leaving valuable nonrenewable resources as pollutants in bodies of water. Those resources include heavy metals like zinc and copper and also phosphate.

    Credit: Kelly Matuszewski, Northwestern University

    Illustration showing how the sponge nanocomposite material recovers phosphate and metals from water.

    Kelly Matuszewski, doctoral student and first author on the paper, found that lowering water pH flushed out the captured copper and zinc from the sponge. Inversely, raising water pH loosened the phosphates. After five uses of recycling these nutrients, the sponge still worked functionally while yielding water with untraceable levels of those pollutants.

    “We can’t just keep flushing these minerals down the toilet,” says Matuszewski. “We need to understand how they interact and find ways to actually utilize them.”

    Co-author Dravid has co-founded a startup to commercialize the sponge-based technology with additional NSF support through the Small Business Innovation Research program, which will further develop the material for real-life scenarios.

    The team has yet to account for biofilms, clogging or water flow dynamics on the sponge’s performance. They plan to explore those in future research while testing the maximum mineral levels the sponge can absorb.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Leopard spots and protein nanoclusters: How pattern rules could advance muscular dystrophy treatment

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Although a leopard cannot change its spots, new research funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation uses the principles that govern patterns like leopard spots to understand biological processes at the nanoscale. The research, which combines physics, biology and theories first suggested by famed code breaker Alan Turing, increases knowledge of protein nanocluster formation and could enhance understanding of the causes of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) and lead to possible treatments.

    The project probes the formation of nanoclusters made of a protein called emerin, which plays a role in the structure and function of the membrane around a cell’s nucleus. These clusters are extremely important in mechanotransduction, the process by which cells respond to mechanical forces like stretching or pressure. When mechanotransduction fails, it can lead to diseases like EDMD and other forms of muscular dystrophy. Understanding how emerin molecules form nanoclusters will aid in deciphering how the process can be disrupted and how disruptions can lead to disease.

    While the way in which proteins come together has been studied for some time, the new research uses biophysical concepts to understand the biological processes. Specifically, the researchers used rules that control the formation of patterns proposed by Turing. Turing’s work provided mathematical rules that govern the formation of nanoclusters, working at a vastly different scale than leopard spots or zebra stripes.

    The research was led by Fabien Pinaud, associate professor of biological sciences and physics and astronomy at the University of Southern California Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and Christoph  Haselwandter, professor of physics and astronomy and quantitative and computational biology at USC Dornsife.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Smackover Lithium Submits Royalty Application to Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission for South West Arkansas Project

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEWISVILLE, Ark., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Smackover Lithium, a Joint Venture (“JV”) between Standard Lithium Ltd. (“Standard Lithium” or the “Company”) (TSXV:SLI) (NYSE:A:SLI) and Equinor, announced that SWA Lithium LLC has submitted an application to the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission (“AOGC”) to establish a fair and equitable lithium royalty for the Reynolds Unit for Phase I of its South West Arkansas (“SWA”) Project in Lafayette and Columbia Counties, Arkansas. The hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 28th, 2025, at 9:00 am CDT and is to be held at the Donald W. Reynolds Community Center Grand Hall at South Arkansas University (100 East University) in Magnolia, Arkansas.

    The application proposes a quarterly gross royalty of 2.5% that will be based on the total amount of lithium produced and the average FastMarkets North American Index Price for technical grade lithium carbonate, which is higher than comparable projects globally on a lithium carbonate equivalent (“LCE”) basis. The lithium royalty will be paid to brine owners in addition to the brine fee, also referred to as the “in lieu bromine royalty,” of $65.05 per acre per year, making the total proposed royalty compensation approximately 3% based on current lithium prices.

    “Working with landowners and the AOGC to establish a fair and equitable royalty is key to the SWA Project’s success,” said Standard Lithium’s CEO, David Park, “The proposed royalty generously compensates brine owners, is fair for industry, and encourages development of the Smackover resource. The royalty is only the beginning of the economic impact this project will have for South Arkansas and the rest of the state.”

    “Establishing a royalty for the SWA Project allows us to continue the path towards a final investment decision,” said Allison Kennedy Thurmond, VP for US Lithium at Equinor. “The proposed royalty rate enables capital investment, infrastructure improvements, jobs, tax revenue and brings tremendous benefits to the Smackover region.”

    For more information about the SWA Project and Smackover Lithium, please visit www.smackoverlithium.com

    About Standard Lithium Ltd.

    Standard Lithium is a leading near-commercial lithium development company focused on the sustainable development of a portfolio of large, high-grade lithium-brine properties in the United States. The Company prioritizes projects characterized by high-grade resources, robust infrastructure, skilled labor, and streamlined permitting. Standard Lithium aims to achieve sustainable, commercial-scale lithium production via the application of a scalable and fully integrated Direct Lithium Extraction (“DLE”) and purification process. The Company’s flagship projects are located in the Smackover Formation, a world-class lithium brine asset, focused in Arkansas and Texas. In partnership with global energy leader Equinor, Standard Lithium is advancing the South West Arkansas project, a greenfield project located in southern Arkansas, and actively exploring promising lithium brine prospects in East Texas. Standard Lithium also holds an interest in certain mineral leases in the Mojave Desert in San Bernardino County, California.

    Standard Lithium trades on both the TSX Venture Exchange and the NYSE American under the symbol “SLI”. Please visit the Company’s website at www.standardlithium.com.

    About Equinor

    Equinor is an international energy company committed to long-term value creation in a low-carbon future. Equinor’s portfolio of projects encompasses oil and gas, renewables and low-carbon solutions, with an ambition of becoming a net-zero energy company by 2050. Headquartered in Norway, Equinor is the leading operator on the Norwegian continental shelf and is present in around 30 countries worldwide. Equinor’s partnership with Standard Lithium to mature DLE projects builds on its broad US energy portfolio of oil and gas, offshore wind, low carbon solutions and battery storage projects.

    For more information on Equinor in the US, please visit: Equinor in the US – Equinor

    Investor and Media Inquiries

    Chris Lang
    Standard Lithium Ltd.
    +1 604 409 8154
    investors@standardlithium.com

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “target”, “plan”, “forecast”, “may”, “schedule” and other similar words or expressions identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information may relate to intended development timelines, future prices of commodities, accuracy of mineral or resource exploration activity, reserves or resources, regulatory or government requirements or approvals, including approval of the royalty application submitted to the AOGC, the reliability of third party information, continued access to mineral properties or infrastructure, fluctuations in the market for lithium and its derivatives, changes in exploration costs and government regulation in Canada and the United States, and other factors or information. Such forward-looking statements represent the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social risks, contingencies and uncertainties. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements and information other than as required by applicable laws, rules and regulations.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Banzai Secures Expanded Agreement with RBC Capital Markets for OpenReel Enterprise License

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Banzai International, Inc. (NASDAQ: BNZI) (“Banzai” or the “Company”), a leading marketing technology company that provides essential marketing and sales solutions, today announced it has expanded its agreement with RBC Capital Markets.

    As part of the expanded agreement, RBC Capital Markets’ Wealth Marketing Division will have an enterprise license for usage of OpenReel, Banzai’s leading digital video creation platform.

    “This agreement reinforces our strategy of expansion in the enterprise,” said Joe Davy, Founder and CEO of Banzai. “Having already been working with RBC Global Asset Management, this deal shows movement throughout the enterprise into the wealth marketing division, doubling our current engagement and validating our growth in the enterprise space. We are seeing solid traction in the financial sector, where the OpenReel Creator tool gives global financial firms the ability to offer standardized branded video with personalization at scale for their wealth managers, partners, and other stakeholders.”

    OpenReel empowers organizations to efficiently produce high-quality, branded video content at scale. Its platform enables users to remotely direct, record, edit, and collaborate on professional-grade video projects, significantly streamlining the production process and ensuring brand consistency. OpenReel serves a global enterprise client base, including industry leaders like Bristol Myers Squibb, Ingram Micro, DXC Technology, Insider Inc., and US Steel.

    About RBC Capital Markets

    The most significant corporations, institutional investors, asset managers, private equity firms, and governments around the globe recognize RBC Capital Markets as an innovative, trusted partner with an in-depth expertise in capital markets, banking, and finance. We are well-established in the largest, most mature capital markets across North America, Europe, and the Asia Pacific region, which collectively encompasses 80% of the global investment banking fee pool.

    RBC Capital Markets is part of a leading provider of financial services, Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Founded in 1864, RBC is one of the largest banks in the world and the fifth largest in North America, as measured by market capitalization. With a strong capital base and consistent financial performance, RBC is among a small group of highly rated global banks. Learn more at rbccm.com.

    We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.

    About Banzai

    Banzai is a marketing technology company that provides AI-enabled marketing and sales solutions for businesses of all sizes. On a mission to help their customers grow, Banzai enables companies of all sizes to target, engage, and measure both new and existing customers more effectively. Customers who use Banzai’s product suite include Autodesk, Dell Technologies, New York Life, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Thinkific, and ActiveCampaign, among thousands of others. Learn more at www.banzai.io. For investors, please visit https://ir.banzai.io.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “target,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “propose,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “predict,” “potential,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar variations and expressions. Forward-looking statements are those that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Examples of forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements regarding Banzai International, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”): future financial, business and operating performance and goals; annualized recurring revenue and customer retention; ongoing, future or ability to maintain or improve its financial position, cash flows, and liquidity and its expected financial needs; potential financing and ability to obtain financing; acquisition strategy and proposed acquisitions and, if completed, their potential success and financial contributions; strategy and strategic goals, including being able to capitalize on opportunities; expectations relating to the Company’s industry, outlook and market trends; total addressable market and serviceable addressable market and related projections; plans, strategies and expectations for retaining existing or acquiring new customers, increasing revenue and executing growth initiatives; and product areas of focus and additional products that may be sold in the future. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, and our actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and development of the industry in which the Company operates may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Therefore, investors should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially include changes in the markets in which the Company operates, customer demand, the financial markets, economic, business and regulatory and other factors, such as the Company’s ability to execute on its strategy. More detailed information about risk factors can be found in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q under the heading “Risk Factors,” and in other reports filed by the Company, including reports on Form 8-K. The Company does not undertake any duty to update forward-looking statements after the date of this press release.

    Investor Relations
    Chris Tyson
    Executive Vice President
    MZ Group – MZ North America
    949-491-8235
    BNZI@mzgroup.us
    www.mzgroup.us

    Media
    Nancy Norton
    Chief Legal Officer, Banzai
    media@banzai.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mark Carney in Washington: His visit with Trump kicks off high-wire politics in Canada

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Thomas Klassen, Professor, School of Public Policy and Administration, York University, Canada

    Prime Minister Mark Carney is headed to Washington, D.C., for a high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump as the American president continues his trade war and annexation threats against Canada.

    “We are meeting as heads of our government,” Carney said at a news conference late last week. “I am not pretending those discussions will be easy.”

    The White House visit comes just a week after Carney led the Liberals to their fourth consecutive election victory.

    It was a result that, at first blush, allowed each party to claim that it won, or at least that it did not totally lose. That sets up a Parliamentary session that will feature several interesting dynamics.

    The Conservatives under Pierre Poilievre won several more seats than in 2021 and their highest share of the national vote in decades, though Poilievre himself lost his seat.



    Read more:
    Canada’s Conservatives, with an assist from Donald Trump, are down — but they’re far from out

    The NDP under an outgoing Jagmeet Singh managed to hold onto the balance of power in the upcoming minority Parliament for a third consecutive time. Elizabeth May continues to represent the Green Party in the House of Commons. Yves-François Blanchet kept the Bloc Québécois relevant for voters in Québec.

    Even Justin Trudeau, no longer in politics, won — his legacy is not in the gutter due to a predicted Conservative majority win that never materialized once Carney replaced him.

    But in the coming weeks and months, the leaders and their parties face difficult circumstances that could turn them into losers — most importantly, how Carney manages the relationship with Trump.

    The role of Trump

    Carney and the Liberals capitalized on exceptional
    circumstances     driven by Donald Trump’s trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st state. Winning four consecutive elections is a rare feat for any political party in Canada.
    But Carney cannot count on fortune continuing to smile upon him. He must now manage a party within which he has little history and few favours to call in — a party that he has dragged from centre-left under Trudeau to centre-right.

    The new prime minister will have to rely on aides and advisers to a much greater extent than all former office-holders who had years or decades of experience in the political area, including the House of Commons. At the same time, he will have to demonstrate to Canadians that he is in charge and makes the final decisions.

    Invariably, there will be Liberal missteps in the weeks ahead: ethical lapses for some MPs, ministerial appointments that go awry and disappointment among those not appointed to cabinet. Because Carney has been prime minister for less than two months, the upcoming Speech from the Throne on May 27 — to be delivered by King Charles — that sets the government’s goals is shrouded in mystery.

    Beyond Ottawa, premiers from several different political parties — each with their own agenda — await Carney. South of the border, the unpredictable Trump, with his infuriating rhetoric and disruptive actions, is in office for another three-and-half-years.

    As a newcomer to politics elected on his first attempt to the country’s highest political office, Carney could have at least have one topic of conversation in common with Trump when they meet on Tuesday. Trump too was a political outsider who catapulted into office on his first attempt. The two may find some bond in their shared experience.

    The greatest danger for Carney is not from Trump’s rhetoric but from broader economic conditions. He ran for office on the promise of being able to manage economic turmoil. But politicians of any stripe have little control in a global economic slump or an all-out tariff war. If unemployment, inflation or the cost-of-living tick upward, Carney will quickly lose his lustre among many Canadians.

    The new Parliament

    For the Conservatives, Poilievre’s leadership will continue to weigh on the party in the weeks and months ahead. Losing his Ottawa seat weakens his claim to stay on as leader. He now needs to win a byelection in Alberta triggered by the resignation of Conservative MP Damien Kurek.

    The worst outcome for the party is years of infighting between those who support giving Poilievre one more chance and those who believe that 2025 is the best the party can do under his leadership.

    The best outcome is for Poilievre to become a bridge-builder within the party and to Conservatives across Canada, and to rebrand himself to be more palatable to Canadian voters. This will not be easy and he hasn’t shown much inclination to do so.

    The NDP’s Singh has already announced his resignation and accepted responsibility for the party electing only seven MPs. A period of soul-searching leading to a leadership contest has already started. The loss of seats, and returning to Ottawa with an interim leader, lessens the voice of the party in political discourse. If a new leader is elected who is not an MP, the party will be further hampered.

    The Greens remain in the House of Commons, but as a party of one. The jury continues is out on whether the party can exist without its leader, Elizabeth May, who has said she wouldn’t rule out joining Carney’s cabinet.

    Blanchet returns to Ottawa with fewer Bloc MPs and a murky mission. He had hoped that the Bloc would hold the balance of power once the votes were counted, but was foiled by the NDP. He has already faced criticism from his own supporters when he promised to collaborate with other parties in Ottawa to secure Canada’s economic future.

    Beginning with Carney’s handling of Trump this week, how skilfully each party, and leader, performs its distinct high-wire act in the next few months will determine the ultimate winners and losers. The show is about to begin.

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

    – ref. Mark Carney in Washington: His visit with Trump kicks off high-wire politics in Canada – https://theconversation.com/mark-carney-in-washington-his-visit-with-trump-kicks-off-high-wire-politics-in-canada-255675

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How a community-focused vision for net zero can revive local economies

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Max Lacey-Barnacle, Senior Research Fellow, Science Policy Research Unit, University of Sussex

    Kampan/Shutterstock

    Across the world, the transition to a green economy is under threat. Growing antipathy towards the costs of tackling climate change, stoked especially by right-wing populists, undermines ambitions to reach net zero emissions by 2050.

    In the UK, leader of the opposition Kemi Badenoch recently described achieving net zero by 2050 as “impossible”, stating that it would bankrupt the country. Reform, a major rival to the right of Badenoch’s Conservative party want to scrap the UK’s net zero targets altogether.

    A new vision of net zero is urgently needed. To help fund the UK’s transition to a green economy, the UK government seeks to attract private investment from international corporations that are not based in the UK.

    The Indian company Tata Group is investing £4 billion in eletric vehicles (EVs) and battery production in the UK. Danish company Orsted has invested £15 billion in UK offshore windfarms in the last decade. French company EDF Energy has invested £4.5 billion in net zero technologies and infrastructure in the UK.

    This approach comes with considerable risks. Profits can be extracted out of local economies, which benefits the shareholders of international corporations, not UK businesses.

    Ownership can also change between private entities and move even further afield. Last year, Orsted sold stakes in four UK offshore wind farms to a Canadian investment company.

    UCL climate scientist Mark Maslin explains net zero.

    But there’s an alternative that directly strengthens the resilience of the UK’s economy. Community wealth building is a model of economic development that ensures any profits generated from new green industries is recirculated within the local economy.

    To make this happen, communities need support from so-called “anchor institutions”. These are large organisations that are “anchored” to their local economy and cannot relocate, because their ownership structure is tied to a particular location. Think universities, hospitals or local government institutions.

    Within this approach, anchor institutions procure goods and services from nearby suppliers, so they circulate money locally and strengthen regional supply chains.

    This concept originated over a decade ago in the US. It’s since been applied in Canada, Australia, Ireland and the Netherlands.

    For the past four years, I’ve been exploring how community wealth building is becoming embedded in the UK’s fast-growing green economy.

    UK anchors and the green economy

    In north-west England, Preston city council retained the procurement spend of anchor institutions located in Preston city to the tune of £112.3 million in 2020 – £74 million more than in 2012/13.

    In Oldham in northern England, the council supported the development of community-led energy plans in two neighbourhoods, Sholver and Westwood. The plans outlined what a decarbonised heat, electricity and transport system would look like for each area. The council launched a website to share energy efficiency advice. The council also helped to set up two local community energy projects.

    Oldham Community Power installed solar panels on five primary schools and a community building to reduce their energy bills. Saddleworth Community Hydro have used excess profits from the sale of renewable electricity in 2023 to fund £58,000 worth of local sustainability projects.

    Some local councils in the UK are adopting a community wealth building approach.
    witsarut sakorn/Shutterstock

    The council in Lewes in southern England have committed to using community wealth building to transition towards net zero. Hundreds of houses have been retrofitted to increase their energy efficiency, with retrofit contracts arranged with local companies. EVs are being used to collect food waste. New sustainable housing is being built by local tradespeople using locally sourced materials wherever possible.

    The Lewes Climate Hub hosts community events and green business workshops in a council-owned property. Procurement spend by local anchor institutions has also doubled from £5m in 2020 to £10m in 2024.

    In North Ayrshire, Scotland, two municipally owned solar PV farms on council-owned land have generated a £13 million budget surplus. This has been redirected towards addressing fuel poverty by making low-income homes more energy efficient. The council’s new green jobs fund has supported over £1.14 million of investment into 65 businesses to enable a range of sustainability related measures.

    Encouragingly, more plans to bring together community wealth building and net zero continue to emerge. In London, partnerships between anchor institutions and community energy organisations could be integral to developing 1,000 community energy projects across the capital by 2030.

    Successful scale-up of community wealth building will require strong leadership, political commitments and supporting strategies that align with the green economy. Already, some initiatives are beginning to generate wealth through the green economy and keeping it in local communities, rather than ownership and profits going to distant corporations.

    To counter a rising opposition to net zero in the UK, prioritising community-focused visions that revive local economies will be vital.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Max Lacey-Barnacle receives funding from The British Academy.

    – ref. How a community-focused vision for net zero can revive local economies – https://theconversation.com/how-a-community-focused-vision-for-net-zero-can-revive-local-economies-252955

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The growing threat to U.S. democracy will literally cost lives

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Andrew C. Patterson, Assistant Professor of Sociology, MacEwan University

    According to a recent survey, most political scientists agree that President Donald Trump is turning the United States government into an autocracy, all too quickly.

    As political scholars Steven Levitsky and Lucan Way explain, a competitive-authoritarian country is one where elections are held and election results carry, but incumbents alter the game so as to tilt the odds of winning heavily in their favour. This effectively makes it an autocratic regime, with one person holding the lion’s share of power.

    Politicians tilt these odds by doing exactly the sorts of things Trump is doing. He is replacing civil servants with loyalists, and then repurposing the long-standing institutions they serve. This is so he can use those institutions for political gain — to punish dissenters and reward allies. All to support his staying in power.

    As just one recent example, Levistky and Way predicted in February that the Internal Revenue Service would become one of the many departments that Trump would weaponize. On April 15, Trump called for the IRS to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status in response to the university’s refusal to acquiesce. Trump had previously withheld billions of dollars in grant funding.



    Read more:
    Harvard is suing the White House: here’s what Trump hopes to achieve by targeting universities

    Is there any case in which Trump has still acted in the service of the American public? Arguably, no, not by a long shot. Even the Jeff Bezos-owned Washington Post describes his first 100 days as a remarkable failure across multiple fronts.

    The headlines have been blistering, calling those first 100 days “horrifying” and “inept.” Nor is the American public impressed: most give his performance a grade of D or F, according to a recent poll.

    The biggest threat of all may be permanent damage to government institutions.

    Democracy and population health

    As research shows, these trends cannot possibly be good for the lives and livelihoods of American citizens. We have known for over a decade that the recruitment of civil servants based on their political affiliations or loyalties, rather than credentials, is a recipe for political corruption. Corruption, in turn, harms population health.

    My own recent study affirms these findings. It also concludes that the impact of civil service hiring on population health is surprisingly direct. All of this suggests more corruption and worse health as Trump tightens his control over the civil service.

    Democracy, too, matters for population health. In another study, we found that democracies have as much as 11 years of added life expectancy, and 75 per cent lower rates of infant mortality, compared to autocratic countries. For someone focused on cross-national differences in health, these were huge differences.

    Economic impacts

    Trump’s actions will soon affect American wallets as well if they haven’t already, as research on both civil service hiring and democratization would suggest.

    It’s not difficult to demonstrate the threat, which continues to evolve in real time. Tourism in the U.S. has taken a serious hit in recent weeks, with airline bookings from Canada down 70 per cent.



    Read more:
    Does cancelling a trip to the U.S. really send a political message, or is it just hurting local tourism?

    People from other countries first started boycotting American goods and services in response to Trump’s tariff campaign. In the meantime, Congress has done little to curtail the detainment of migrants without just cause, or their deportation to a Salvadorean mega-prison without due process. And now tourists are afraid to travel to the U.S.

    It is fair to say that both economic prosperity and population health require investment in the same government infrastructures that the Trump administration is now downsizing.

    Yet the damage does not stop at the border. Trump’s decisions will have ripple effects on global health. Programs focused on containing infectious disease in the developing world are bearing the brunt of huge cuts to USAID.

    Speed and volume

    Trump’s approach is not informed by any kind of economic expertise. He is shooting the American economy in both feet by waging a tariff war against other countries as he simultaneously decimates tourism and upends a low-cost workforce with his immigration policy.

    Americans who voted for him will not get the price control they were hoping for, with supply-chain disruptions coming quickly down the pipeline.

    Nor can Americans count on the court system to preserve democracy. This is for two reasons.

    First, Trump’s executive actions are happening far too quickly. He has had a record number of executive orders since taking office only three months ago. It may take months if not years for challenges to these decisions to work their way through courts.

    Second, courts will not necessarily rule on the side of democracy, as in the Supreme Court’s decision to assure legal immunity for Trump.

    None of this bodes well. According to one watchdog based in Sweden, the U.S. could lose its status as a democratic nation in just a few months — well before the midterm elections.

    CNN reports on President Trump’s statement that he doesn’t know if he needs to uphold the U.S. Constitution.

    Starting a movement

    All of this has one common denominator: Trump’s unhinged executive power. A decidedly meek U.S. Congress needs to wake from its stupor and constrain that power.

    But at the time of this writing, the House judiciary committee plans to slip provisions into a budget megabill that will grant Trump ever more sweeping power over regulations.

    One solution may be what we sociologists refer to as a social movement. This is where as many people as possible choose to act. Small interactions — like sharing an article with friends and family — can make a big difference, according to one prominent perspective in sociology.

    Other means are more direct, like joining a protest or writing to members of Congress. And then there are decisions about what not to do. Universities and law firms are encouraged not to participate in the fraying of American democracy by making a “deal” with the Trump administration.

    The take-home message is that the threat to American democracy is real and it is imminent. The impact on human health and well-being will be global. If the collapse of American democracy affects all of us, inside and outside of U.S. borders, then we can all agree to do something about it.

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

    – ref. The growing threat to U.S. democracy will literally cost lives – https://theconversation.com/the-growing-threat-to-u-s-democracy-will-literally-cost-lives-254170

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Indonesian postcard image ‘dangerous’ but Fiji a rising star in RSF press freedom index

    Pacific Media Watch

    To mark the release of the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) partnered with the agency The Good Company to launch a new awareness campaign that puts an ironic twist on the glossy advertising of the tourism industry.

    Three out of six countries featured in the exposé are from the Asia Pacific region — but none from the Pacific Islands.

    The campaign shines a stark light on the press freedom violations in countries that seem perfect on postcards but are highly dangerous for journalists, says RSF.

    It is a striking campaign raising awareness about repression.

    Fiji (44th out of 180 ranked nations) is lucky perhaps as three years ago when its draconian media law was still in place, it might have bracketed up there with the featured “chilling” tourism countries such as Indonesia (127) — which is rapped over its treatment of West Papua resistance and journalists.

    Disguised as attractive travel guides, the campaign’s visuals use a cynical, impactful rhetoric to highlight the harsh realities journalists face in destinations renowned for their tourist appeal.

    Along with Indonesia, Greece (89th), Cambodia (115), Egypt (170), Mexico (124) and the Philippines (116) are all visited by millions of tourists, yet they rank poorly in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, reports RSF.

    ‘Chilling narrative’
    “The attention-grabbing visuals juxtapose polished, enticing aesthetics with a chilling narrative of intimidation, censorship, violence, and even death.

    “This deliberately unsettling approach by RSF aims to shift the viewer’s perspective, showing what the dreamlike imagery conceals: journalists imprisoned, attacked, or murdered behind idyllic landscapes.”


    The RSF Index 2025 teaser.     Video: RSF

    Indonesia is in the Pacific spotlight because of its Melanesian Papuan provinces bordering Pacific Islands Forum member country Papua New Guinea.

    Despite outgoing President Joko Widodo’s 10 years in office and a reformist programme, his era has been marked by a series of broken promises, reports RSF.

    “The media oligarchy linked to political interests has grown stronger, leading to increased control over critical media and manipulation of information through online trolls, paid influencers, and partisan outlets,” says the Index report.

    “This climate has intensified self-censorship within media organisations and among journalists.

    “Since October 2024, Indonesia has been led by a new president, former general Prabowo Subianto — implicated in several human rights violation allegations — and by Joko Widodo’s eldest son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, as vice-president.

    “Under this new administration, whose track record on press freedom offers little reassurance, concerns are mounting over the future of independent journalism.”

    Fiji leads in Pacific
    In the Pacific, Fiji has led the pack among island states by rising four places to 40th overall, making it the leading country in Oceania in 2025 in terms of press freedom.

    A quick summary of Oceania rankings in the 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index. Image: RSF/PMW

    Both Timor-Leste, which dropped 19 places to 39th after heading the region last year, and Samoa, which plunged 22 places to 44th, lost their impressive track record.

    Of the only other two countries in Oceania surveyed by RSF, Tonga rose one place to 46th and Papua New Guinea jumped 13 places to 78th, a surprising result given the controversy over its plans to regulate the media.

    RSF reports that the Fiji Media Association (FMA), which was often critical of the harassment of the media by the previous FijiFirst government, has since the repeal of the Media Act in 2023 “worked hard to restore independent journalism and public trust in the media”.

    In March 2024, research published in Journalism Practice journal found that sexual harassment of women journalists was widespread and needed to be addressed to protect media freedom and quality journalism.

    In Timor-Leste, “politicians regard the media with some mistrust, which has been evidenced in several proposed laws hostile to press freedom, including one in 2020 under which defaming representatives of the state or Catholic Church would have been punishable by up to three years in prison.

    “Journalists’ associations and the Press Council often criticise politicisation of the public broadcaster and news agency.”

    On the night of September 4, 2024, Timorese police arrested Antonieta Kartono Martins, a reporter for the news site Diligente Online, while covering a police operation to remove street vendors from a market in Dili, the capital. She was detained for several hours before being released.

    Samoan harassment
    Previously enjoying a good media freedom reputation, journalists and their families in Samoa were the target of online death threats, prompting the Samoan Alliance of Media Professionals for Development (SAMPOD) to condemn the harassment as “attacks on the fourth estate and democracy”.

    In Tonga, RSF reports that journalists are not worried about being in any physical danger when on the job, and they are relatively unaffected by the possibility of prosecution.

    “Nevertheless, self-censorship continues beneath the surface in a tight national community.”

    In Papua New Guinea, RSF reports journalists are faced with intimidation, direct threats, censorship, lawsuits and bribery attempts, “making it a dangerous profession”.

    “And direct interference often threatens the editorial freedom at leading media outlets. This was seen yet again at EMTV in February 2022, when the entire newsroom was fired after walking out” in protest over a management staffing decison.

    “There has been ongoing controversy since February 2023 concerning a draft law on media development backed by Communications Minister Timothy Masiu. In January 2024, a 14-day state of emergency was declared in the capital, Port Moresby, following unprecedented protests by police forces and prison wardens.”

    This impacted on government and media relations.

    Australia and New Zealand
    In Australia (29), the media market’s heavy concentration limits the diversity of voices represented in the news, while independent outlets struggle to find a sustainable economic model.

    While New Zealand (16) leads in the Asia Pacific region, it is also facing a similar situation to Australia with a narrowing of media plurality, closure or merging of many newspaper titles, and a major retrenchment of journalists in the country raising concerns about democracy.

    Pacific Media Watch collaborates with Reporters Without Borders.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: BigCommerce Taps Klarna as Global Preferred Partner for Flexible Payment Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC), a leading provider of open, composable commerce solutions for B2C and B2B brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors, today announced that Klarna, the AI-powered payments and commerce network, has become a global preferred payments partner. As a global preferred partner, Klarna will bring its flexible, interest-free payment options to merchants worldwide, enhancing the shopping experience and driving growth with one single integration.

    Klarna offers a wide range of payment options, including Pay in Full, a hassle-free transaction for those who want to pay the full amount of their order upfront, Pay in 4, which allows customers to split their purchase into four interest-free payments, as well as Fair Financing, which offers flexible payment plans for larger purchases. The partnership furthers BigCommerce and Klarna’s mutual mission to help brands and retailers optimize their checkouts and conversion rates by offering payment flexibility and making large purchases more accessible to consumers.

    “BigCommerce is committed to empowering merchants with the flexibility and tools they need to grow on their own terms,” said Michaela Weber, senior vice president of strategic business development and general manager of payments at BigCommerce. “Klarna’s extensive global reach, trusted brand and shopper-first approach make them an ideal partner for our merchants. Together, we are expanding access to flexible payment solutions that drive conversion and customer loyalty across international markets.”

    “Today’s consumers expect greater flexibility and convenience in how they pay,” said David Sykes, chief commercial officer at Klarna. “Our partnership with BigCommerce enables brands and retailers to streamline their operations through a single global solution, eliminating the need for fragmented regional providers and delivering a smooth, scalable experience for businesses and their customers alike.”

    Klarna is natively integrated to BigCommerce and can be easily enabled for the brands, retailers, manufacturers, distributors and other merchants that choose to use it. As a native integration, it is also maintained by BigCommerce’s development team, making it a great option for merchants that need checkout customizations and flexibility.

    “Implementing Klarna with our BigCommerce store has been a big asset to our strategy to provide a market-leading purchasing experience,” said Jon Cleaver, CTO at SportsShoes.com, a leading UK-based online running shoes, running clothing and outdoor gear retailer. “Our customers appreciate the flexibility it gives them, and it in turn has helped maintain SportsShoes.com’s position as an unrivalled retailer in the running, fitness and outdoor communities.”

    To learn more about Klarna’s integration with BigCommerce, click here.

    About BigCommerce
    BigCommerce (Nasdaq: BIGC) is a leading open SaaS and composable ecommerce platform that empowers brands, retailers, manufacturers and distributors of all sizes to build, innovate and grow their businesses online. BigCommerce provides its customers sophisticated professional-grade functionality, customization and performance with simplicity and ease-of-use. Tens of thousands of B2C and B2B companies across 150 countries and numerous industries rely on BigCommerce, including Coldwater Creek, Harvey Nichols, King Arthur Baking Co., MKM Building Supplies, United Aqua Group and Uplift Desk. For more information, please visit www.bigcommerce.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    About Klarna

    Klarna is on a mission to be available everywhere for everything. With over 93 million global active Klarna users and 2.9 million transactions per day, Klarna’s AI-powered payments and commerce network is empowering people to pay smarter — online, in-store and through Apple Pay in the U.S., UK and Canada. More than 675,000 retailers trust Klarna’s innovative solutions to drive growth and loyalty, including Uber, H&M, Saks, Sephora, Macy’s, Ikea, Expedia Group, Nike and Airbnb. For more information, visit Klarna.com.

    BigCommerce® is a registered trademark of BigCommerce Pty. Ltd. Third-party trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

    Media Contact:
    Brad Hem
    pr@bigcommerce.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: As Warren Buffett prepares to retire, does his investing philosophy have a future?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Angel Zhong, Professor of Finance, RMIT University

    Warren Buffett, the 94-year-old investing legend and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway, has announced plans to step down at the end of this year.

    His departure will mark the end of an era for value investing, an investment approach built on buying quality companies at reasonable prices and holding them for the long term.

    Buffett’s approach transformed Berkshire Hathaway from a small textile business in the 1960s into a giant conglomerate now worth more than US$1.1 trillion (A$1.7 trillion).

    He built his fortune backing US industry in energy and insurance and American brands, including big stakes in household names such as Coca-Cola, American Express and Apple.

    At Berkshire’s annual meeting at the weekend, held in an arena with thousands of devoted investors, Buffett named Greg Abel as his successor.

    Abel, 62, is currently chairman and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, as well as vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway’s vast non-insurance operations.

    He’s known for his disciplined, no-nonsense management style. The company’s board has now voted unanimously to approve the move.

    This changing of the guard comes at a pivotal moment. Donald Trump’s return to the US presidency has already delivered significant economic policy shifts.

    Meanwhile, questions about US economic dominance grow louder against China’s continued rise.

    The ‘Oracle of Omaha’

    Few names command as much respect in the world of finance as Warren Buffett. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1930, Buffett displayed an early genius for numbers and investing. He bought his first stock at age 11.

    His investment philosophy – buying undervalued companies with strong fundamentals – would later earn him the nickname the “Oracle of Omaha” for his uncanny ability to predict market trends and identify winning investments years before others did.

    Value investing

    Buffett drew his investment approach from the value investment principles of British-born US economist Benjamin Graham.

    He preferred businesses with lasting advantages and a clear value proposition. Some of his key investments included insurance company GEICO, railroad company BNSF, and more recently Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD.

    He avoided speculative bubbles (such as the dotcom bubble of the late 1990s and, more recently, cryptocurrencies) and preached long-term patience to investors. As he famously wrote in a 1988 letter to shareholders:

    In fact, when we own portions of outstanding businesses with outstanding managements, our favorite holding period is forever.

    Buffett’s guidance helped Berkshire navigate many economic booms and recessions. Over his six decades at the helm, the company delivered impressive compounded annual returns of almost 20% – virtually double those of the S&P 500 index.

    Beyond financial success, Buffett championed ethical business practices and pledged to donate more than 99% of his wealth through the Giving Pledge, which he cofounded with Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates.



    Read more:
    How Warren Buffett’s enormous charitable gifts reflect the ‘inner scorecard’ that has guided him up to the billionaire’s planned retirement

    Challenges to Buffett’s strategy in today’s world

    In an op-ed for the New York Times in 2008, Buffett famously shared the maxim that guides his investment decisions:

    Be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.

    But his strategy thrived in an era of increasing globalisation, free trade, and US economic supremacy. The world has shifted since Buffett’s heyday.

    There are concerns about the recent underperformance of value investing. Technology companies now dominate older industries.

    This raises questions about whether those who succeed Buffett can spot the next major industry disruptors.

    America first?

    Trump’s return as US president heralds major changes in economic policy. Trade restrictions might hurt some of Berkshire’s international investments. However, these same policies might benefit Buffett’s US-focused investments.

    The idea of US economic superiority also faces new questions. China may overtake the US economy in the 2030s. The US share of global economic output has fallen from about 22% in 1980 to about 15% today.

    Buffett’s “never bet against America” mantra faces new scrutiny.

    Warren Buffett discusses trade deficits and protectionism on May 3.

    The challenges for Buffett’s successor

    Abel inherits a company with about US$348 billion (A$539 billion) in cash. That’s a serious amount of capital to deploy wisely amid global economic uncertainty and Trump’s trade war.

    Abel will likely maintain Berkshire’s core values while updating its approach. His challenges include:

    1. Maintaining the “Buffett premium”: Abel lacks Buffett’s cult-like following among investors, which may gradually erode the additional value the market assigns to Berkshire due to Buffett’s leadership.

      Without Buffett’s reputation, Abel may face increased pressure to effectively deploy Berkshire’s massive cash pile in a still-expensive stock market, where valuations are high and finding bargains is harder than ever.

    2. Technological adaptation: while Berkshire has increased its technology investments over the years (including positions in Apple and Amazon), balancing its legacy holdings (such as Coca-Cola and railroads) with growth sectors (AI, renewables) remains challenging.

    3. Environmental concerns: Berkshire Hathaway’s heavy reliance on coal and gas-fired utilities has drawn growing criticism as investors and regulators demand cleaner energy solutions.

    4. Replicating the “golden touch”: Buffett’s genius wasn’t just in picking stocks. It was also in capital allocation, deal-making, and crisis management (for example, buying into Goldman Sachs during the global financial crisis). Can Abel replicate that?

    After Buffett

    Buffett’s principles – patience, intrinsic value and betting on America – are timeless. But the world has moved on. His successor must navigate geopolitical risks, technological disruption, and the rise of passive investing while preserving Berkshire’s unique culture.

    The post-Buffett era represents more than just a leadership change. It’s a test of whether Buffett’s principles can survive in an increasingly short-term, technology-dominated, and geopolitically complex world.

    Abel’s leadership will reveal the enduring power – or limitations – of Buffett’s philosophy.

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

    – ref. As Warren Buffett prepares to retire, does his investing philosophy have a future? – https://theconversation.com/as-warren-buffett-prepares-to-retire-does-his-investing-philosophy-have-a-future-255867

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Video: What’s YOUR purpose?

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:

    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
    #USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #Army

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22ow4AJC7-s

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tariffs intensify regulatory pressures for global medical device manufacturers, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Tariffs intensify regulatory pressures for global medical device manufacturers, says GlobalData

    Posted in Medical Devices

    As global trade tensions continue to shape the economic landscape, the medical device industry is facing regulatory hurdles tied to shifting tariffs. While tariffs primarily aim to protect domestic industries, their secondary effect is complicating compliance processes and adding pressure to already stringent regulatory pathways, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    When crucial materials and parts are subjected to tariffs, many medical device manufacturers are forced to rethink their supply chains, switching suppliers, adjusting designs, or moving production locations. These changes, while necessary to manage rising costs, can inadvertently trigger regulatory actions. In the US, even modest alterations to device components may require new FDA 510(k) notifications or amendments to existing approvals, resulting in potential delays to product availability and added compliance costs.

    Elia Garcia, Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “For multinational manufacturers, managing compliance across several jurisdictions becomes increasingly burdensome under these conditions. Regulatory timelines are stretched, innovation cycles are disrupted, and internal resources are redirected towards navigating evolving trade and compliance dynamics.”

    Some medical device manufacturers have already experienced increased costs due to tariffs on components produced overseas. In response, several companies have considered relocating parts of their manufacturing operations domestically to reduce trade exposure. However, these shifts often require updates to regulatory documentation and revalidation of production processes. Such changes can lead to additional approval steps in multiple regions, including the European Union and Canada, among others, ultimately increasing the complexity and cost of maintaining regulatory compliance.

    Garcia concludes: “As the medical device industry continues to adapt to global economic shifts, manufacturers are calling for greater alignment between trade policy and regulatory frameworks to support patient access, innovation, and operational resilience.”

    MIL OSI Economics –