NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Solar Project Planned For North Albany Landfill

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and the City of Albany will co-develop a new 1.5-megawatt solar energy project at the capped North Albany/Shaker Park landfill. The ground-mounted solar farm is estimated to come online in 2027 and will power the equivalent of more than 200 homes. This is also NYPA’s first renewable energy project in the newly established Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program, which will lower energy costs for low- or moderate-income Albany area residents and eligible New Yorkers in the surrounding area. At the landfill solar project kickoff event today, the City of Albany also was recognized by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for achieving silver status, the highest level of certification as a Climate Smart Community.

    “Transforming the North Albany landfill into a source of clean energy is evidence of our steadfast commitment to create a more affordable and reliable electric system for all New Yorkers,” Governor Hochul said. “Through this collaboration and project, NYPA is advancing its efforts to develop new renewables while simultaneously benefiting low- and moderate-income area residents with bill credits through its new REACH program. This project also reflects our focus on repurposing underutilized sites to meet our ambitious climate goals in smart, sustainable ways.”

    New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “The Power Authority’s second clean energy project as part of its Renewables Strategic Plan is in partnership with the City of Albany and will transform a capped landfill into a 1.5 MW solar facility that will power the equivalent of over 200 homes by 2027. The project is also the first to be part of NYPA’s new REACH program, which was designed to support energy affordability for low- and moderate-income residents, furthering our commitment to a cleaner, more equitable energy future for all New Yorkers.”

    Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan said, “The North Albany landfill solar project is the next step towards bringing more clean energy benefits to City of Albany residents and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Albany is committed to becoming a city with net zero emissions by 2050 and innovative projects like this are exactly how we are going to meet that goal. We cannot thank Governor Hochul and President Driscoll enough for the commitment and investment in clean energy.”

    The North Albany/Shaker Road project is one of the first to be developed under NYPA’s Renewables Strategic Plan. The plan is a roadmap for NYPA’s renewable energy development under its expanded authority to build additional renewable energy resources to help advance New York State’s climate goals. The project will be built adjacent to the city’s Department of General Services headquarters and further enshrines Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan’s commitment to the environment and the city’s sustainability goals. The North Albany landfill site was chosen after an extensive evaluation of multiple sites by Albany’s Office of Sustainability in cooperation with NYPA. In addition to their signed contract, the City of Albany and Power Authority have completed pre-feasibility studies for the site and will now move forward to the next phases of development, including preparing and submitting an interconnection application to the local utility.

    The project is the first to be developed through NYPA’s new REACH program, which will provide bill credits for eligible low- or moderate-income households after the project comes online in 2027. Those who enroll in the state’s Energy Affordability Program (EAP) and the Statewide Solar for All program may be eligible for automatic monthly bill credits through the REACH program once the project is completed, online and generating revenue, with a target of 2027.

    NYPA recently announced Somers Solar, a 20 MW solar energy generation project in the town of Fort Edward in Washington County, will be its first renewables project under the expanded authority.

    NYPA’s Expanded Authority to Develop Renewable Energy

    The 2023-24 Enacted State Budget authorized NYPA to advance renewable energy and support state priorities, building on NYPA’s existing efforts to provide clean, affordable power and expand New York’s transmission system. Specifically, this expanded authority called for NYPA to accelerate renewable energy development, support workforce training, establish the REACH program, support decarbonization efforts across the state, and deactivate its small natural gas power plants in New York City and on Long Island.

    Since Governor Kathy Hochul signed the 2023-2024 Enacted State Budget into law, NYPA has made significant progress, including establishing business structures, filling key roles, and advancing initial projects. NYPA has also created a subsidiary to facilitate external capital and protect against project risks.

    The Power Authority, through its wholly owned subsidiary the New York Renewable Energy Development Holdings Corporation (NYRED), will construct the 1.5 MW solar generation project.

    In January 2025, the Power Authority published its inaugural Renewables Strategic Plan for developing new renewable energy generation projects to supply New Yorkers with affordable, reliable, and emissions-free electricity. The plan outlines 37 projects across New York State, representing a potential of more than 3 GW of renewable energy. The plan also reflects feedback from thousands of stakeholders statewide, sets priorities for projects to be advanced over the next two years and includes the pursuit of additional projects in future updates to the plan.

    State Senator Kevin Parker said, “This project is a powerful example of how bold leadership and innovative partnerships can transform underutilized spaces into sources of clean, renewable energy. By prioritizing equity through the REACH program, we are not only advancing sustainability but also delivering tangible benefits to the families who need it most. Albany is setting a standard for what climate-smart progress looks like in New York State.”

    State Senator Pat Fahy said, “New Yorkers are struggling every month with the rising cost of energy and utility bills. That’s why we’re investing in cheaper, cleaner energy sources like solar that will help us lower the demand for increasingly expensive natural gas and new infrastructure. Co-locating a solar farm with an existing landfill is a good example of how the state can responsibly site solar, creatively meet our ambitious climate goals, and ultimately lower the utility burden weighing on so many families here in the 46th District and Capital Region.”

    Assemblymember Didi Barrett said, “This new solar project on Albany’s capped landfill, the first under NYPA’s expanded authority, is just the kind of siting that we should be prioritizing in New York State. When stakeholders work together, we can identify sites for energy projects that utilize the many brownfields across the State, instead of siting them on prime farmland.”

    Assemblymember Gabriella A. Romero said, “This project will be a huge milestone for the REACH program and for renewable energy efforts in New York State. Lowering energy costs for Albany residents and advancing our climate goals is a win for everyone. I applaud NYPA and Mayor Sheehan for their continued commitment to sustainability and affordable, renewable energy.”

    Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said, “This project is a win-win for Albany and New York State. By transforming this capped landfill into a source of renewable energy, we’re not only advancing our climate goals, we’re also delivering direct benefits to the families who need them most. The REACH program exemplifies how public investment can lower energy costs for working households while building a more sustainable future. I commend NYPA and Mayor Sheehan for their leadership and collaboration on this transformative project.”

    Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy said, “I applaud the New York Power Authority and City of Albany for this plan to transform an underutilized landfill into a powerful source of clean, renewable energy. When completed, this project will generate enough electricity to power hundreds of homes each year, significantly reducing the city’s carbon footprint and saving taxpayers money over the long term. I’ve been proud to prioritize renewable energy during my time as County Executive, and this project will complement the solar array we opened last year along Watervliet Shaker Road in the Town of Colonie. Together, we are proving that sustainability and smart governance go hand in hand. This is just the beginning of what we can accomplish together when we prioritize smart infrastructure and environmental responsibility.”

    Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “This new solar energy project at the capped North Albany/Shaker Park landfill is an excellent example of how municipalities are utilizing solar to reduce emissions and lower energy costs for residents. With support from NYPA’s Renewable Energy Access and Community Help (REACH) program, Albany is safely and successfully leveraging underutilized land to help harness renewable energy. DEC also congratulates the City of Albany for reaching silver certification through the Climate Smart Communities program, the highest designation available and illustrative of the locally driven climate action to decrease pollution and enhance resilience in Capital Region communities and across the state.”

    Albany Commissioner of Administrative Services Ann Marie Salmon said, “Participating in this project is a win for the environment and a win for residents who live in or near Albany who will benefit from lower electricity bills.”

    Albany Director of Sustainability Jason West said, “Over the life of this project, more than 2,268 MWh/year of clean energy will be added to the grid, preventing an estimated 21,995 tons of greenhouse gasses from being emitted. That’s equivalent to the emissions absorbed by 329,928 trees being planted and grown for ten years.”

    New York State’s Commitment to Land Use and Renewable Energy

    This project complements New York State’s efforts to encourage consideration of closed landfills, cleaned-up brownfields, and other underutilized sites for renewable energy. The State Department of Environmental Conservation issued guidance for photovoltaic solar projects at closed landfills to help municipalities address the site-specific characteristics of a project and ensure protections remain in place during solar installation. Solarization and re-development of old or unused landfills are prime examples of state and local partnerships at their best, especially during this critical time when policies and programs are being rolled back on the federal level.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Barr, Deepfakes and the AI Arms Race in Bank Cybersecurity

    Source: US State of New York Federal Reserve

    Thank you for the opportunity to speak to you today about artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.1 In the past, a skilled forger could pass a bad check by replicating a person’s signature. Now, advances in AI can do much more damage by replicating a person’s entire identity. This technology—known as deepfakes—has the potential to supercharge identity fraud. I’ve recently spoken about the importance of recognizing both the benefits and the risks of generative AI (Gen AI).2 Today, I’d like to focus more on the darker side of the technology—specifically how Gen AI has the potential to enable deepfake technology, and what we should be doing now to defend against this risk in finance.
    Escalating Threat of Gen-AI Facilitated CybercrimeCybercrime is on the rise, and cybercriminals are increasingly turning to Gen AI to facilitate their crimes. Criminal tactics are becoming more sophisticated and available to a broader range of criminals. Estimates of direct and indirect costs of cyber incidents range from 1 to 10 percent of global GDP.3 Deepfake attacks have seen a twentyfold increase over the last three years.4
    Cybercrime with deepfakes involves the same cat and mouse game common to sophisticated criminal activity. Both cybercriminals and financial institutions are constantly trying to outdo each other. Criminals develop new attack methods, and companies respond with better defenses. Here, the same technological innovations that enable the bad actors can also help those fighting cybercrime. However, there is an asymmetry—the fraudsters can cast a wide net of approaches and target a wide number of victims, and they only need a small number to be successful. Their marginal cost is generally low, and individual failures matter little. Conversely, companies must undergo a rigorous review and testing process to mount effective cyber defenses and will thus be slower in developing their defenses. A single failure is very costly. As we consider this issue from a policy perspective, we need to take steps to make attacks less likely by raising the cost of the attack to the cybercriminals and lowering the costs of defense to financial institutions and law enforcement.
    Anatomy of a DeepfakeDeepfake attacks are those in which an attacker uses Gen AI to create a doppelganger with a person’s voice or image and uses this doppelganger to interact with individuals or institutions to commit fraud. Deepfake technology is a particularly pernicious vehicle for cybercrime.5 The process begins with voice synthesis, where Gen AI models can synthesize the speech of their victim not only in words, but also in phrase patterns, tone, and inflection. With just a short sample audio, for example, criminals assisted by Gen AI can impersonate a close relative in a crisis situation or a high-value bank client, seeking to complete a transaction at their bank.6
    Criminals can also use Gen AI-generated videos to create believable depictions of individuals. For videos, Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are the core technology behind most deepfake systems.7 GANs consist of two competing models, the generator and the discriminator, which compete with and improve each other. This competition results in increasingly realistic, indistinguishable fake images and videos.8
    Deepfake technology can also be augmented by other AI tools; for instance, criminals can use AI to extract and organize extensive multimodal personal data to facilitate identity verification. Attackers can also turn to “dark web” tools, such as jailbroken versions of popular large language models, where the guardrails have been removed, to learn the deepfake trade and improve their attacks.9
    Deepfakes in ActionI expect that many of you can recall examples of how deepfakes of politicians and prominent business executives have fooled the public and spread disinformation. Deepfakes are also being used to commit payment fraud. In one case in 2024, a sophisticated deepfake of the chief financial officer for British engineering and architectural firm Arup was reportedly deployed in a video meeting and convinced an Arup financial employee to transfer $25 million to thieves.10
    In another case, an attacker attempted to undertake a highly convincing audio deepfake of the chief executive of Ferrari, down to mimicking his southern Italian accent.11 The recipient of the attack—another Ferrari executive—tested the caller with a personal question only the chief executive would know, which thankfully exposed the fraud.
    And these institutions and individuals are not alone—a 2024 survey finds that over 10 percent of companies reported experiencing deepfake fraud attempts, and few steps have been taken to mitigate the risks.12
    Particularly since COVID, we conduct much of our professional and personal lives over video. When we see realistic and interactive video images of a loved one in trouble, we are disposed to trust them and do what we can to help. Identity verification standards at banks often use voice detection, which may become vulnerable to Gen AI tools. If this technology becomes cheaper and more broadly available to criminals—and fraud detection technology does not keep pace—we are all vulnerable to a deepfake attack. These attacks can have significant financial costs to the victims of the crime and can also pose costs to society, eroding trust in communications and in institutions.
    Defending Against DeepfakesSo what should we do? As I mentioned above, we should take steps to lessen the impact of attacks by making successful breaches less likely, while making each attack more resource-intensive for the attacker.
    Let me start with ways to make successful breaches less likely. A key step is to recognize the importance of strong, resilient financial institutions in preventing attacks. Banks are frontline defenders against deepfake-enabled fraud due to their direct involvement with financial transactions and customer data. To verify payors, banks maintain identity verification processes, including multi-factor authentication and account monitoring practices. To the extent deepfakes increase, bank identity verification processes should evolve in kind to include AI-powered advances such as facial recognition, voice analysis, and behavioral biometrics to detect potential deepfakes. Other techniques focus on assessing the probability that AI has been used in audio or video based on underlying metadata and then flagging the identity or transaction for further review using other verification. These technical solutions can detect subtle inconsistencies in video and audio that human observers may miss.
    Banks have two points of control over the transaction—confirming not only the sender’s identity, but also the legitimacy of the recipient address. They can scrutinize the recipients of large or unusual transactions, employing advanced analytics to flag suspicious patterns that could indicate fraudulent activities, and perform additional reviews before authorizing a payment to a recipient that raises flags. Banks also invest in their human controls by maintaining up-to-date training for staff on the emerging risks and incorporating the necessary security measures to mitigate the damages from breaches when they occur. And they are engaging with other financial institutions to help define the threat and identify appropriate controls and mitigants.13
    Customers should do their part, enabling multi-factor authentication on their accounts and verifying unusual requests through a separate channel, even if the person making the request seems genuine. They should seek out education for themselves and their loved ones to help them detect and prevent fraud before it occurs.14 And customers should value strong security practices at their financial institutions, including those which may add some friction to the user experience. The customers that may be the highest-value targets for criminals are often those with the largest digital presence, and thus most susceptible to deepfakes. They are also the customers who may prefer the most frictionless user experience, making detecting deepfakes more difficult. When it comes to protecting our money, we ought to expect and appreciate a little friction.
    Regulators can help to reinforce the importance of cyber defenses in safe and sound banking through appropriate updates to guidance and regulation. As with all rules, we should be mindful of the impacts on smaller institutions and help ensure that rules are right-sized for the risk. In addition, we can work with core providers to understand the extent to which they are incorporating AI advancements in their products and services to help smaller banks defend against deepfakes and other emerging risks from the technology. Last, we can also highlight research and development for cybersecurity startups and research into tools to combat deepfakes and Gen AI-based fraud.
    Regulators should consider how we could leverage AI technologies ourselves, including to enhance our ability to monitor and detect patterns of fraudulent activity at regulated institutions in real time. This could help provide early warnings to affected institutions and broader industry participants, as well as to protect our own systems.
    In addition to preventing attacks, we should also explore ways of making attacks more costly. These may include coordination with domestic and global law enforcement, internationally consistent laws against cybercrime, and continued improvement on sharing threat intelligence and insights in real-time. The official sector and banks should continue efforts to improve fraud data sharing within the financial sector and help institutions respond more quickly to emerging Gen AI-driven threats. This will make it far harder for fraudsters to operate undetected, increasing the complexity and cost of their activities. But the sharing is only as good as the data, and banks must do their part. We should help ensure that banks and other regulated institutions meet their duties to report cyber incidents in a timely way, and regulators should too.15
    Another way to disrupt the economics of cybercrime is by increasing penalties for attempting to use Gen AI to commit fraud and increasing investment in cybercrime enforcement. This includes targeting the upstream organizations that benefit from illegal action and strengthening anti-money-laundering laws to disrupt illicit fund flows and freeze assets related to cybercrime. The fear of severe legal consequences could help to deter bad actors from pursuing AI-driven fraud schemes in the first place.
    ConclusionDeepfakes are only one of many new techniques to facilitate cyberattacks, but they feel particularly salient because they are so personal. And they are on the rise.
    We will need financial institutions to adapt, collaborate, and innovate in the face of these emerging threats.
    Thank you.

    1. The views expressed here are my own and are not necessarily those of my colleagues on the Federal Reserve Board or the Federal Open Market Committee. Return to text
    2. Michael S. Barr, “Artificial Intelligence: Hypothetical Scenarios for the Future” (speech at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York, NY, February 18, 2025); Michael S. Barr, “AI, Fintechs, and Banks” (speech at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, April 4, 2025). Return to text
    3. International Monetary Fund, Global Financial Stability Report, chapter 3 (October 2024), See also, World Economic Forum, Why We Need Global Rules to Crack Down on Cybercrime (January 2023). Return to text
    4. “Fraud attempts with deepfakes have increased by 2137% over the last three years,” Signicat, February 20, 2025, https://www.signicat.com/press-releases/fraud-attempts-with-deepfakes-have-increased-by-2137-over-the-last-three-year#:~:text=Evolving20AI2Dbased20techniques20pose,AI2DDriven20Identity20Fraud20report. Return to text
    5. Federal Bureau of Investigation, “Criminals Use Generative Artificial Intelligence to Facilitate Financial Fraud,” public service announcement, December 3, 2024. Return to text
    6. See note 5. Return to text
    7. Tianxiang Shen, Ruixian Liu, Ju Bai, and Zheng Li, “Deep Fakes” Using Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN) (PDF). McAfee, Beware the Artificial Impostor (May 2023), https://www.mcafee.com/content/dam/consumer/en-us/resources/cybersecurity/artificial-intelligence/rp-beware-the-artificial-impostor-report.pdf. Return to text
    8. “What is a GAN?” AWS, https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/gan/#:~:text=A20generative20adversarial20network20(GAN,from20a20database20of20songs. Return to text
    9. KELA, The State of Cybercrime 2025 Report (February 2025), https://www.kelacyber.com/resources/research/state-of-cybercrime-2025/. Return to text
    10. Kathleen Magramo, “British Engineering Giant Arup Revealed as $25 Million Deepfake Scam Victim,” CNN Business, May 17, 2024, https://www.cnn.com/2024/05/16/tech/arup-deepfake-scam-loss-hong-kong-intl-hnk/index.html. Return to text
    11. Sandra Galletti and Massimo Pani, “How Ferrari Hit the Brakes on a Deepfake CEO,” MIT Sloan Management Review, January 27, 2025. Return to text
    12. Chad Brooks, “1 in 10 Executives Say Their Companies Have Already Faced Deepfake Threats,” business.com, June 28, 2024, https://www.business.com/articles/deepfake-threats-study/. Return to text
    13. See, for instance, FS-ISAC’s report on deepfake threats and risk management at https://www.fsisac.com/hubfs/Knowledge/AI/DeepfakesInTheFinancialSector-UnderstandingTheThreatsManagingTheRisks.pdf. Return to text
    14. There are a variety of public and private resources that can help. See, for example, the National Security Agency/Central Security Service at https://www.nsa.gov/Press-Room/Press-Releases-Statements/Press-Release-View/Article/3523329/nsa-us-federal-agencies-advise-on-deepfake-threats/; and the National Cybersecurity Alliance at https://www.staysafeonline.org/articles/why-your-family-and-coworkers-need-a-safe-word-in-the-age-of-ai. Return to text
    15. “Computer-Security Incident Notification Requirements for Banking Organizations and Their Bank Service Providers,” 86 Fed. Reg. 66,424 (November 23, 2021). Return to text

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Lamont Announces Start of Bridge Replacement and Traffic Flow Improvement Project on I-95 in West Haven

    Source: US State of Connecticut


    (WEST HAVEN, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has begun construction on a major project on Interstate 95 in West Haven to replace two aging bridges and improve traffic flow in the area.

    The bridges, which are each more than 70 years old, carry I-95 over 1st Avenue and the Metro-North Railroad train tracks. The new structures are designed to have a minimum service life of 75 years, significantly improving long-term safety and reliability.

    In addition to replacing the bridges, the project includes extending the southbound lane from Exit 44 to create a continuous travel lane, which will ultimately serve as an exit-only lane for Exit 43. The goal of these improvements is to reduce congestion, enhance traffic flow, and improve safety in the region.

    The $136.5 million project is funded by a mix of 90% federal funds and 10% state funds. This project has a labor force of approximately 100 workers. Construction is expected to be completed in phases by year-end 2027.

    “This project is a long-term investment in public safety and mobility, not only for West Haven but for the entire region,” Governor Lamont said. “Beyond improving infrastructure, it’s also creating good-paying jobs that support local families and strengthen Connecticut’s workforce. Thank you to Connecticut Department of Transportation crews and contractors who are delivering on these critical projects across the state.”

    “Replacing these aging bridges and revamping the interchange will ease the daily commute for more than 142,000 drivers on I-95,” CTDOT Deputy Commissioner Laoise King said. “By tackling this now, we’re avoiding future disruptions to highway and rail travel. Thanks to support from Governor Lamont, Metro-North Railroad, and our federal and state partners, we’re making significant progress modernizing Connecticut’s bridge infrastructure.”

    “Over $122 million in federal funding will help replace two decaying, deteriorating and undersized bridges in West Haven, providing relief to the tens of thousands of commuters who drive across them every day,” Senator Richard Blumenthal said. “These projects reduce congestion, improve traffic flow on I-95, and most importantly, enhance commuter safety. I’ll continue fighting to deliver investments that make Connecticut’s roads more secure.”

    “Replacing these 70-year-old bridges is long overdue, and I’m glad to see this project finally moving forward,” Senator Chris Murphy said. “This is a smart federal investment that will make I-95 safer, reduce commutes, and boost Connecticut’s economy, all while creating good-paying jobs in West Haven.”

    “Today marks a major step forward not just for West Haven, but for every traveler who depends on I-95 to get to work, to school, or home to their families,” U.S. Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) said. “These bridge replacements are more than concrete and steel – they are the result of years of hard work, advocacy, and persistent efforts that I’ve championed to bring critical federal resources back to our community. I fought for this investment because I believe in safer roads, smarter infrastructure, and a better quality of life for our residents. By widening and modernizing this vital interchange, we’re not only easing the daily burden of traffic, but we’re also laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient transportation network that will support economic growth for generations. I’m proud to have led the charge in securing this funding and delivering real results for our region’s future.”

    For most of 2025, traffic is not expected to be disrupted from this project because the initial work includes construction on the foundation for the new bridges on the ground level at 1st Avenue and at the railroad crossing underneath the highway.

    Later in 2025, the northbound entrance ramp at Interchange 43 will close, with a detour routed through nearby state roads. The project will progress in stages through 2027, with three lanes of traffic maintained in each direction during daytime hours.

    For detailed information on this project and to subscribe to construction updates via email, visit i95westhaven.com.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Announces Nine Appointments to Various Boards and Commissions

    Source: US State of Missouri

    APRIL 17, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced nine appointments to various boards and commissions.

    Scott Boswell Sr., of Kansas City, was appointed to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners.

    Dr. Boswell is a recently retired chairman of Commerce Trust and currently serves as a professor for the Executive Master of Business Administration program at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC). In addition to his professional career, he is an active member of several boards and organizations including the Heart of America Council for the Boy Scouts of America, the UMKC Board of Trustees, the Kansas City Symphony Board, and more. Dr. Boswell earned his Doctor of Business Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago, and Bachelor of Arts from Westminster College.

    Alphonso Hogan II, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

    Mr. Hogan has served as a police officer with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department since 2015. Prior to entering into law enforcement, he served in the United States Air Force, earning a rank of E-3 Airman 1st Class before his honorable discharge. Hogan is a legal board member and representative of the St. Louis Police Officers Association. He earned his Missouri Peace Officer license in 2008.

    Thomas Leasor, of Wentzville, was appointed to the Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission.

    Dr. Leasor is the executive director of the Eastern Missouri Police Academy, overseeing the training of police officer recruits and continued education courses for current police officers as well. He is also a Subject Matter Expert for the Missouri Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission. Dr. Leasor worked in law enforcement before 25 years before retiring and later assuming his current role. He currently sits on the Eastern Missouri Peer Support Council and Lindenwood University Criminal Justice Advisory Board. Dr. Leasor holds a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Maryville University, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Lindenwood University.

    Tracey Lewis, of Kansas City, was reappointed to the Missouri Housing Development Commission.

    Mr. Lewis is the president and chief executive officer of Economic Development Corporation. Previously, he served as the senior vice president at the Commerce Trust Company. Lewis was previously appointed to the Missouri Housing Development Commission in 2019. Lewis also sits on the boards of the Truman Medical Center and SchoolSmartKC. Mr. Lewis earned a Master of Business Administration from Cornell University’s Johnson Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications from Boston College.

    Pat McCuthen, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the Missouri Sentencing Advisory Commission.

    Mr. McCuthen is a captain at the Jefferson City Police Department with over 20 years of experience in police instruction, leadership, and operational management. He is highly active in his community, serving on the Council for Drug-Free Youth, Community Resource Counseling Committee, Jefferson City Day Care Center board, Disproportionate Minority Committee, and the Jefferson City Youth Hockey Club board. Mr. McCuthen holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College and a graduate certificate from the University of Virginia School of Public Safety. He also earned his Missouri Peace Officer license in 1998.

    Paul Ogier, of St. Louis, was appointed to the Health and Educational Facilities Authority of the State of Missouri.

    Mr. Ogier currently serves as a board member of LeadingAge Missouri and as treasurer of Nursing Facility Agency Corporation (NFAC). Prior to retirement, Mr. Ogier spent over 40 years in the finance industry. He previously served as chief financial officer for Lutheran Senior Services in Brentwood. Mr. Ogier holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Missouri State University.

    Bryan Strider, of Richmond, was appointed to the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.

    Mr. Strider is a fifth-generation farmer and business development manager for Holganix. With deep roots in the farming community and a career built on  hands-on experience, Strider’s focuses on advancing sustainable farming practices and helping make farmers for profitable and resilient. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural science from Northwest Missouri State University.

    William “Billy” Thiel, of Richmond, was appointed to the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority.

    Mr. Thiel is a partner of more than 40 years in a family farm that produces corn and soybeans. Thiel was appointed to the Missouri Agricultural and Small Business Development Authority in 2016. He is a past president of the Missouri Corn Growers Association and has been active in the National Corn Growers Association. Thiel also served as chairman of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, is a director on the Board of the Rural Electric Association, and a member of the Mid-Missouri Energy Board.

    Tom Werdenhause, of Jefferson City, was appointed to the State Board of Registration for the Healing Arts.

    Mr. Werdenhause previously served as the general manager and chief executive officer for Three Rivers Electric Cooperative prior to his retirement in 2019. He is the current president of the State Technical College of Missouri Foundation, and past president of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Central Electric Power Cooperative, and Missouri Institute of Cooperatives. Mr. Werdenhause earned his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central Missouri State University. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI-controlled fighter jets may be closer than we think — and would change the face of warfare

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Arun Dawson, PhD Candidate, Department of War Studies, King’s College London

    F-35 Lightning II combat jet. U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Darlene Seltmann

    Could we be on the verge of an era where fighter jets take flight without pilots – and are controlled by AI? US R Adm Michael Donnelly recently said that an upcoming combat jet could be the navy’s last one with an pilot in the cockpit. That marks a striking, if not entirely surprising, shift in thinking about the future of aerial warfare.

    The US Navy is not alone. Other programmes to develop next generation fighter jets are also touting uncrewed options as a distinct possibility.

    However, we have been here before. Senior leaders in the US Navy said they believed the last crewed fighter jet had been procured in 2015. As far back as 1957, premature obituaries were being written for the fighter pilot era. So is there anything different now?

    The ability of a fighter jet to manoeuvre, accelerate, and maintain high speeds, crucial for air combat, is called kinematic performance. Estimates are as high as 80% on how much pilots reduce kinematic performance. Though this figure may be disputed, there is no question that uncrewed aircraft enjoy several key advantages.

    Without the need for life support systems such as ejection seats and oxygen supplies, these aircraft can perform in ways that are beyond the scope of piloted aircraft. But additional trends are pushing militaries to reconsider the role of the human pilot altogether.

    Systems enabled by artificial intelligence (AI) are already demonstrating superior performance in military exercises. In existing remotely piloted aircraft, a human operator remains in control. This model is known as “human-in-the-loop”. AI is now enabling the possibility of human-on-the-loop (where humans take a step back, supervising and intervening if necessary) and even “human-out-of-the-loop” systems (in which AI selects and engages targets autonomously).

    The latter category, while controversial, may offer decisive advantages. In scenarios where milliseconds matter, a fully autonomous system could outperform any human operator, to the extent that senior defence leaders have expressed a willingness to trust AI with lethal decision-making under certain conditions. Others add that autonomous systems could adhere more rigorously to the laws of armed conflict compared with a human operator.

    Unpiloted combat jets also offer potential financial savings. Fighter jets are expensive to build, operate and maintain, not least because of the training and equipment needed to support pilots. A 2011 study found that the life cycle cost of a surveillance drone was roughly half that of a comparable piloted platform. And cheaper aircraft are important because of the likely losses which will be inflicted on air forces in the event of a conflict with Russia or China.

    Another advantage of fully autonomous aircraft is risk mitigation. As Nato militaries grapple with a shortage of trained pilots for potential conflicts between states, uncrewed systems offer a way to restore the balance without putting lives at risk of death or capture.

    An F-16 Fighting Falcon undergoes modifications as part of the Venom autonomous fighter jet programme at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
    US Air Force / Samuel King Jr

    Therefore, one option for militaries is to expand the use of remotely piloted aircraft – drones similar to those deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Crucially, this would ensure humans maintain control over weapons use. The only difference with the present would be in making these systems the backbone of the fleet, rather than supplementary systems struggling to operate in hostile airspace. This would require upgrading them with state-of-the-art technologies like stealth. This helps fighters jets reduce their chances of being detected by the enemy’s radar and infrared (heat) sensors.

    A step up from this would be autonomous combat aircraft, carrying the advantages of on- or off-the-loop technologies. The US Air Force’s Project Venom is training AI in modified F-16 jets for eventual transfer to drones. These drones will operate alongside crewed aircraft, as part of mixed human and machine teams. But if this AI software was retained on the F-16s (or transferred to more advanced fighter jets), it could produce a squadron of autonomous jets just as capable as those piloted by humans.

    A more radical idea is to forgo traditional fighter jets altogether. Proponents of this vision imagine swarms of low-cost, expendable drones working together to overwhelm enemy defences. While current drones have limitations in range, payload, and labour requirements, true “swarming” could change the equation.



    Read more:
    How a new wave of fighter jets could transform aerial combat

    Current limitations

    So what is stopping militaries from pressing ahead with these options? A few things. AI isn’t ready, yet. Machine learning – a subset of AI where algorithms learn from experience – underpins all this. But it still struggles with the inherent ambiguity and creativity of war. Simply putting tyres on an aircraft can thwart computer vision – the field of AI that allows computers to interpret images and videos. So training AI to operate in the full range of possible combat situations is a mammoth task. In the words of one air force commander, “robotified warfare…is centuries away”.

    The US military has used AI agents to pilot the X-62A Vista aircraft.
    USAF / Kyle Brasier

    Another issue concerns communications, since remotely operated drone systems, especially interconnected, swarming ones, need data links. Given how much adversaries are investing in jamming these signals, designs may be pushed in opposite directions: either keeping a pilot onboard or embracing autonomy so the aircraft can keep fighting, even if it is cut off.

    Yet the real limit may be a fear of crossing the Rubicon. While the US and its allies have a de facto “no first use” policy on fully autonomous weapons, the demands of warfare against an enemy willing to use such systems may erode these norms.

    So, the navy’s statement is a warning: the age of the human fighter pilot might be ending. But it’s the next war that could make that decision for us.

    Arun Dawson 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. AI-controlled fighter jets may be closer than we think — and would change the face of warfare – https://theconversation.com/ai-controlled-fighter-jets-may-be-closer-than-we-think-and-would-change-the-face-of-warfare-254447

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces 39 Jobs as Concrete Manufacturer Selects Randolph County for New Plant

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces 39 Jobs as Concrete Manufacturer Selects Randolph County for New Plant

    Governor Stein Announces 39 Jobs as Concrete Manufacturer Selects Randolph County for New Plant
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein announced that Gillespie Precast will establish a new manufacturing plant in Randolph County that will create 39 jobs. The company, a leading producer of custom precast concrete, will invest $10 million in Asheboro.

    “North Carolina offers manufacturing companies like Gillespie Precast an outstanding place to do business,” said Governor Stein. “We’re the number one manufacturing state in the Southeast thanks to our skilled, well-trained workforce.”

    Gillespie Precast is a fifth-generation family-owned company with headquarters in Chestertown, Maryland. It manufactures a wide range of concrete products used in different industrial applications, such as box culverts, utility vaults, and custom walls. Precast concrete is an engineered construction product produced by casting concrete in a reusable mold or “form” which is then cured in a controlled environment, transported to a construction site, and maneuvered into place. The company’s project in Randolph County will establish a manufacturing operation to produce precast concrete wet and dry utility vaults, manholes, catch basins, box culverts and other custom structures. The new facility will allow the company to better serve customers in northeast, mid-Atlantic, and southern markets in North America.

    “The executive team targeted several sites both in Virginia and North Carolina for possible expansion,” said Frank Sisk, Director of Business Development for Gillespie Precast. “The search led us to Asheboro, and once we walked the property, we knew this was going to be the place we would establish our southern base of operations.”  

    “The Gillespie family has been successful for over a century by providing quality products to the markets we serve,” Sisk continued. “But it has been the exceptional service we provide our contractor partners that sets us apart from the competition. We believe that North Carolina and Randolph County, in particular, share the same foundational principles of family, quality, and service to our communities as Gillespie Precast and we look forward to being a generational benefit to the state.”

    “Manufacturers like Gillespie Precast create durable, family-sustaining jobs in communities large and small,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “With our infrastructure, workforce, and state and local partnerships, manufacturers can find the right place to invest and create jobs in North Carolina.”

    Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new jobs will be $64,154. The current average wage in Randolph County is $49,355.

    A performance-based grant of $120,000 from the One North Carolina Fund to Gillespie Precast NC LLC will help facilitate the company’s project into Randolph County. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

    “We enthusiastically welcome Gillespie Precast to Asheboro and Randolph County, we believe this company will experience remarkable success in our community,” said N.C. Representative Neal Jackson. “These employment opportunities and private-sector investment will further invigorate our region’s economy.”

    “Successful economic development projects take sustained and focused effort from a wide variety of state, regional, and local partners,” said N.C. Senator David Craven, Jr. “I appreciate the hard work from the great folks that helped us reach today’s great announcement from Gillespie Precast, and we will continue to support the company as they establish operations in Randolph County.”

    Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the Commerce Department’s Division of Workforce Solutions, Randolph County, and the Randolph County Economic Development Corporation. 

    Apr 17, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Josh Brecheen Reintroduces The DRIVE Act To Protect Ranchers, Farmers, and Truckers from Government Overreach

    Source: US Congressman Josh Brecheen (2nd District)

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act. This legislation would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from mandating speed limiters on vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) above 26,000 pounds. The speed limiter rule, originally proposed by the Obama Administration and revived under President Biden, would harm both the agricultural and trucking industries by impacting commercial transport. This rule would impact semi-trucks, grain haulers, large bulk feed trucks, large flatbed trucks, dump trucks, furniture trucks, and other vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 26,000 pounds if they cross state lines.

    Washington, D.C. – Congressman Josh Brecheen reintroduced the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act. This legislation would prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from mandating speed limiters on vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) above 26,000 pounds. The speed limiter rule, originally proposed by the Obama Administration and revived under President Biden, would harm both the agricultural and trucking industries by impacting commercial transport. This rule would impact semi-trucks, grain haulers, large bulk feed trucks, large flatbed trucks, dump trucks, furniture trucks, and other vehicles with a GVWR exceeding 26,000 pounds if they cross state lines.

    “Under the Biden Administration, we saw blatant federal overreach that would have required speed limiters set as low as 60 mph for heavy-duty vehicles. I have spent years hauling heavy equipment and materials in a semi. I know from experience that road safety is best maintained by keeping with the flow of traffic as determined by state law—not by a one-size-fits-all mandate from Washington bureaucrats. The DRIVE Act ensures future administrations cannot revive this dangerous rule,” said Congressman Josh Brecheen.

    “OOIDA and our 150,000 members in small business trucking across America thank Representative Brecheen for his leadership in working to keep our roadways safe for truckers and for all road users by fighting to prevent a speed limiter mandate,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer.

    Read the full bill text here.

    Cosponsors: Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL), Pete Stauber (R-MN), Andy Ogles (R-TN), Harriet Hagerman (R-WY), Eric Burlison (R-MO), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Zachary Nunn (R-IA), Derrick Van Orden (R-WI), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Ryan Zinke (R-MT), Rich McCormick (R-GA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Byron Donalds (R-FL), Brian Babin (R-TX), Michael Cloud (R-TX), David Valadao (R-CA), Pete Sessions (R-TX), and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX).

    Group Support: Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Associated Equipment Distributors, Mid-West Truckers Association, National Association of Small Trucking Companies, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, North American Punjabi Trucking Association, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, Towing and Recovery Association of America, Inc and United States Cattlemen’s Association.

    Press Inquiries: darren.dershem@mail.house.gov

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Leads Legislation to Protect Second Amendment Rights of Law-Abiding Renters and Tenants

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    HULL, IOWA – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced the Preserving Rights Of Tenants by Ensuring Compliance To (PROTECT) the Second Amendment Act. This legislation would secure the Second Amendment rights of Americans who live in rental properties whose landlords receive financial assistance from the federal government. 

    More specifically, this proposal ensures that landlords and rental property managers cannot unlawfully restrict firearm ownership of tenants.

    “The right of Iowans to keep and bear arms is enshrined in our Constitution and shall not be infringed. These constitutional protections must be strongly defended and certainly do not cease to exist for gun owners living in rental properties,” said Rep. Feenstra. “My PROTECT the Second Amendment Act ensures that landlords or rental property managers who receive federal financial assistance at taxpayer expense cannot unlawfully restrict Americans from exercising their constitutional rights. As a strong advocate of the Second amendment, I will always defend the right of Iowans to keep and bear arms and support law-abiding gun owners.”

    “The right of law-abiding Americans to keep firearms in their homes for self-defense has been a fundamental freedom since our nation’s founding and has been reaffirmed by the U.S. Supreme Court,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA). “No one should be forced to give up this right, especially when a landlord or property manager is receiving federal tax dollars. The NRA applauds Representative Feenstra for introducing this important legislation that protects the right to keep and bear arms.”

    The PROTECT the Second Amendment Act has three main objectives, which include:

    1. Protecting tenants’ rights to lawfully own a firearm within federally assisted rental housing;
    2. Allowing the lawful transport of firearms through common areas when entering and exiting the property; and
    3. Preventing property managers and landlords who accept federal assistance from prohibiting or discriminating against tenants’ constitutional right to own a firearm.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Hassan Statement on RFK Jr.’s Comments on Children with Autism

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) released the following statement in response to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s description of children with autism as, “…kids who will never pay taxes. They’ll never hold a job. They’ll never play baseball. They’ll never write a poem. They’ll never go out on a date. Many of them will never use a toilet unassisted,”:   
    “Secretary Kennedy’s comments about people with autism reflect his profound lack of knowledge about the condition and his ongoing resistance to meaningful scientific inquiry. Anyone who has basic information about autism knows that it is a condition that includes a spectrum of behaviors and/or delays. But instead of providing accurate information, Secretary Kennedy presented a stigmatizing, dehumanizing, and wildly inaccurate description of people whose care his department is supposed to oversee. 
    “Some people with autism are fully employed, and some people who experience autism have unique academic or technical gifts. Some people who have autism need 24/7 care, and some people with autism are not fully independent but are able to function well with modest supports. Secretary Kennedy could learn a lot from people who experience this condition – and their families – if he chose to. But he has not.
    “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could help the country take a step forward if he listened to families, caregivers, health care providers, and scientists who actually understand autism and are doing the work to identify its cause or causes. He could help the country move forward if he insisted that HHS invest in home care and individualized supports for people with disabilities. He could help the country move forward if he insisted that the federal government meet its promise to provide 40 percent of the funding for special education in this country. Instead, he is focusing on enacting a budget that will cut hundreds of billions of dollars from the Medicaid program, which is a critical component in our ability as a country to care for people with disabilities.
    “Secretary Kennedy is using a position of great power to continue to exploit the vulnerabilities of millions of Americans, all for the purpose of spreading his own unfounded and fully debunked beliefs. And by diverting resources and energy to rehash unfounded conspiracies about autism’s cause, Secretary Kennedy himself is a barrier to the type of inquiry that could help us better understand autism – and bring much-needed answers and care to people who experience this disabling condition.”
    During the HHS press conference, Secretary Kennedy also emphasized the Department’s focus on discovering “precisely what the environmental toxins are that are causing” autism, despite current scientific research giving no indication that environmental factors are the cause of autism. These comments follow recent reporting on Secretary Kennedy’s hiring of David Geier – a vaccine cynic with a record of harming children and manipulating data to fit his disproven conspiracy theories – to head a federal study into the long-disproven theory that vaccines are linked to autism. Senator Hassan voted against Secretary Kennedy’s confirmation, speaking on the Senate floor about the threat that Mr. Kennedy poses to public health, and pushed Mr. Kennedy at his confirmation hearing on his record of supporting long-disproven conspiracies that link vaccines and autism. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Backs Homegrown Biofuels, Prioritizes Certainty for Producers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, helped introduce the Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act to provide Iowa farmers and biofuel producers with certainty and protect taxpayer dollars from supporting fuel produced with foreign crops.
    The legislation would update the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit to make the U.S. less reliant on foreign feedstocks, open new markets for farmers, and increase renewable fuel production across the Midwest by ensuring 45Z only applies to homegrown biofuels made only from domestically sourced grain—such as corn and soybeans—and other feedstocks. Additionally, after the Biden administration refused to publish 45Z guidance on time, this bill would provide producers with long-term certainty and give the Trump administration opportunities to make necessary changes and better serve American farmers.
    “Throughout my time in Congress, I’ve led the charge to build certainty and clarity into biofuel policies and put Iowa farmers at the forefront of delivering better, more affordable options at the gas pump,” said Senator Ernst. “The Farmer First Fuel Incentives Actdoes just that by giving producers the long-term certainty they need to go all-in on increasing production of domestic biofuels. It’s critical that we fully leverage homegrown, American biofuels and ensure not a cent of taxpayer dollars fund fuel produced with foreign crops.”
    The full bill can be found here.
    Background:
    In January 2025, Ernst blasted the Biden administration for late, incomplete guidance on 45Z that continues to leave Iowa farmers and biofuel producers with little to no certainty. This delayed guidance came nearly six months after Ernst provided Biden-era officials with a clear timeline and direction for how to create guidelines for the 45Z credit that they ignored.
    More broadly, Ernst has been a leading advocate for homegrown, Iowa biofuels, securing access to E15 for the summer driving months, while continuing the call for permanent, nationwide availability that would give those in the biofuel industry the certainty they deserve. She also pushed the Biden administration to increase RVO levels for homegrown Iowa biofuels and was instrumental in creating and maintaining the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program as part of her commitment to invest in renewable fuel infrastructure, rural job opportunities, and hardworking farmers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Training Video: Key Characteristics of US Topos and OnDemand Topos

    Source: US Geological Survey

    topoBuilder quick start guide

    TopoBuilder is a public web application from the National Geospatial Program that enables anyone to create customized digital U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps, called OnDemand Topos, with the best available, most up-to-date data from The National Map (nationalmap.gov). OnDemand Topos can be made at different scales or quadrangles and can cover anywhere within the United…

    Authors

    Elaine M. Guidero, Ariel T. Doumbouya, Karen F. Adkins, Brigitta Urban-Mathieux

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 30 Year Prison Sentence for Convicted Killer

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Farmington man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the brutal killing of a man on the Navajo Nation in 2020.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, between February 6, 2020, and February 14, 2020, Tyran Begay, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, helped confine and torture John Doe alongside Camille Damon and Ronald Belone by binding and beating the victim, and leaving his body exposed to frigid weather in a remote area near Smith Lake, New Mexico.

    Upon his release from prison, Begay will be subject to five years of supervised release.

    Damon and Belone remain in custody pending trial, which has yet been scheduled.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with the assistance of the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco and Meg P. Tomlinson are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: MultiCorp International, Inc. Announces that Strategic Partner Neoforma, Inc. has received $2 Billion Credit Transfer Receipt per April 14, 2025 press release announcing Quadrpartitie Agreement.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AGOURA HILLS, CALIFORNIA, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MultiCorp International, Inc. (OTC Markets PINK: MCIC) Multicorp International, Inc. is pleased to announce that Neoforma Inc. has received the $2,000,000,000 credit transfer receipt from Airavata Developers Corporation’s top 10 European Bank this morning.

    Multicorp International, Inc.’s alliance with 40 Brightwater LLC’s Global Financial Consortium inclusive of Neoforma Inc. and now Airavata Developers Corporation has expanded immediate access to greater liquidity, which will be added to the previously announced financings from Edwards Capital N.A. correspondent bank.

    In turn, Neoforma Inc. will provide a line of credit to MultiCorp International, Inc. in an amount of up to $1,800,000,000 (one billion eight hundred million USD), to be utilized to execute all transactions previously announced with Global X Cryptocurrency Stablecoin Tokens (GBP-pegged), Bitcoin, and gold-backed Cryptocurrency Tokens, as well as to perfect the newly-targeted acquisition of a mineral property in Michigan and to cover all required corporate expenditures.

    About MultiCorp International, Inc. :

    (https://multicorpinternational.com/)

    MultiCorp International, Inc., a diversified leader in health, energy, and agriculture, announces a series of strategic initiatives aimed at accelerating its growth and expanding its market presence. The company is actively pursuing joint ventures and acquisitions, is fortifying its organizational infrastructure, and is preparing for significant advancements in the stock market.

    About Neoforma Inc. :

    www.neoforma.co

    Neoforma Inc. is a Minnesota based privately held corporation and a global leader in Software & Technology. The company has now diversified into International finance including private equity and has operations globally, including India, the UAE, the UK, Mexico and the United States and serves clients globally. Its client base includes numerous global corporations as well as government entities.

    About Airavata Developers Corporation:

    Airavata-corp.com

    Airavata Developers Corporation is a prominent international construction firm that has carved a niche for itself in the design and construction of commercial and industrial infrastructure. With a commitment to excellence, we specialize in a wide array of services that encompass every phase of the construction process, including comprehensive pre-construction planning, meticulous project management, and effective general contracting. Each of these services is tailored to meet the specific needs and demands of our diverse clientele, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed their expectations.

    At the helm of our organization are the highly respected Principal Partners, Alan Khara, who serves as the Chief Executive Director and Chairman, and David D. Brannon, the Executive Financial Director. Together, they bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the company. Their unwavering dedication extends beyond just business; they are passionately committed to fostering community excellence. This commitment is demonstrated through substantial efforts in promoting global economic development while simultaneously focusing on job creation within the communities we operate. Their leadership style emphasizes ethical practices, innovative thinking, and a deep responsibility toward societal well-being.

    Airavata Developers Corporation has set forth an ambitious goal: to emerge as the global leader within this ever-evolving and dynamic construction industry. To achieve this vision, we place a strong emphasis on delivering exceptional service that stands out in a competitive marketplace. This is complemented by our proactive approach in integrating cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art materials into our projects. By continually investing in the latest advancements in construction techniques and environmental sustainability, we ensure that our infrastructure not only meets current industry standards but also anticipates future demands.

    Our commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation drives every project we undertake, ensuring that we consistently remain at the forefront of industry trends and client expectations.

    David Brannon Chief Financial Director/ Partner

    About 40 Brightwater LLC:

    40 Brightwater LLC is a private holding company focusing specifically on acquiring private entities and merging its holdings with public companies by leveraging its financial network and resources through its Managing Member, President & CEO Shannon Newby.

    Disclaimer: This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy, nor will there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction where such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful before registration or qualification under applicable securities laws. Any offer will be made only through a prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus as part of an effective registration statement.

    Contact Information: J. A. Coleman, J.a.coleman1512@gmail.com.

    This press release is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice or a solicitation to purchase securities. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. These statements are based on current expectations and could differ materially from actual events

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Hits 500,000 Users Milestone With 100x Leverage, No KYC, and Massive Bonus Campaign

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Crypto trading platform BexBack, which officially launched in May 2024, has rapidly surpassed 500,000 registered users globally, cementing its place as one of the fastest-growing derivatives exchanges in the industry. With up to 100x leverage, no KYC requirements, and an aggressive bonus-driven growth strategy, BexBack is transforming the way crypto enthusiasts engage with trading — putting speed, privacy, and profitability at the forefront.

    “BexBack was built for traders who value freedom, performance, and simplicity,” said David, Operations Director at BexBack. “Our platform removes friction without compromising power — no verification, no delays, just fast, secure trading and real rewards.”

    What Sets BexBack Apart?

    • 100x Leverage: Execute high-risk, high-reward strategies with maximum exposure.
    • No KYC: Trade anonymously from anywhere, with total privacy.
    • $50 Welcome Bonus: Instantly available after registration and first completed trade.
    • 100% Deposit Bonus: Double your trading capital (bonus funds are non-withdrawable but usable in trading).
    • $100 Flash Bonus Campaign: For a limited time only, users who deposit more than 0.01 BTC or 1000 USDT within 48 hours of joining the campaign will receive an extra $100 trading bonus. While the bonus itself is non-withdrawable, profits generated from using it are fully withdrawable.
    • Zero Spread, Zero Slippage: Enjoy institutional-grade execution with real price integrity.
    • Demo Mode: Practice with 10 BTC & 1 million USDT in virtual assets — ideal for beginners and strategists.

    In addition, BexBack’s affiliate program offers up to 50% commission on referred users’ trading fees — with no limit and permanent referral binding.

    Since launching, BexBack has earned a loyal global following across North America, Europe, and Asia, praised for its user-first approach, multilingual 24/7 support, and lightning-fast platform design.

    Sign Up Now on BexBack — Break the 100x Leverage and KYC Barriers, Get Double Deposit Bonus and $50 Welcome Bonus Instantly

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

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

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/71abc268-4df7-4ec4-be94-c647dae843de

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2ceef4dc-3e06-4519-bf0a-e6bd4c00b743

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Attends Event in Sherbrooke Celebrating Cooperation Between U.S. and Canada on Semiconductor Innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    SHERBROOKE, QC – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) traveled to Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada this week for an event celebrating semiconductor innovation and collaboration between Quebec and the Northeastern United States. Senator Welch joined the ribbon cutting for an expansion of the Interdisciplinary Institute for Technological Innovation (3IT) at the University of Sherbrooke.  
    “It is inspiring to see a strong commitment to innovation, collaboration, and cooperation,” said Senator Welch. “I’m committed, as a Vermonter and as a United States Senator, to sustaining what so many before us have built—a level of trust that is essential to creating a future that includes good jobs and advances in science—in Vermont and in Canada.” 
    Senator Welch joined students, staff, and leadership of the University of Sherbrooke, Members of the Quebec National Assembly, the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, and representatives from the University of Vermont. 
    “The Université de Sherbrooke generates annual spinoffs of over $1.1 billion for Sherbrooke and the surrounding area, while 3IT plays a first-tier role in the technological development of the region and of Québec and Canada. This Institute is at the core of the digital and quantum Integrated Innovation Chain, which acts as a bridge between fundamental research and commercialization. In addition to contributing to research and training, these new facilities will enhance synergy with the Institut quantique, with the MiQro Innovation Collaborative Centre (C2MI) in Bromont, and with companies that work in our two innovation zones (DistriQ and Technum Québec),” said Pierre Cossette, Rector of the Université de Sherbrooke. 
    “This expansion marks an important milestone in 3IT’s development, as it has considerably expanded the Institute’s holdings of advanced micro-nanofabrication equipment to support industrial innovation. With these new facilities, 3IT has bolstered its world-class research activities, which will attract the best talent to develop technological solutions that meet our society’s needs,” said Paul Charette, Director of 3IT. 
    “In these uncertain times, local innovation must be stimulated. We must also diversify and develop new markets. This is why it is essential for us to support our university network and its researchers. They are one of the best tools we have to rise above the rest in these fields. Thank you and congratulations to everyone who worked on this amazing project,” said Pascale Déry, Minister of Higher Education. 
    “The current geopolitical context impels us to invest in expansions like the one at 3IT to strengthen our capacity for innovation and competitiveness both here and internationally. Here in the Eastern Townships is where the next breakthroughs in quantum science, photonics, and biomedical technologies are coming together,” said Christopher Skeete, Minister for the Economy, Minister Responsible for the Fight Against Racism, and Minister Responsible for the Laval Region. 
    “At 3IT, ideas take shape and create vectors for growth for all of Québec. This expansion will also boost our ability to innovate here in Sherbrooke and turn today’s discoveries into tomorrow’s concrete solutions. Here, we are inventing the technologies that will reshape how we experience, care for, and connect with the world,” said Geneviève Hébert, MNA for Saint-François and Assistant Government Whip. 
    View photos from the event below: 
    In January, Vermont signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with organizations in Vermont and Québec, including the University of Vermont and the University of Sherbrooke, which aims to establish a hub for innovation and advanced manufacturing, called the Northeast Semiconductor Manufacturing Corridor. The MOU is focused on several key areas of understanding, including the shared goals of developing resilient supply chains for uninterrupted access to critical components, and mitigating trade barriers by enacting mutually beneficial policies across the border.  
    Senator Welch has been a longtime supporter of semiconductor and chips innovation. The Senator helped pass the CHIPS and Science Act as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. The CHIPS and Science Act includes landmark investments to support domestic semiconductor and chip manufacturing research and development; bolster the STEM workforce; strengthen our 21st Century security, tech defense, and wireless supply chains; and advance innovation in the advanced manufacturing industry.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SEC Small Business Advisory Committee to Explore Regulation A

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee announced that its meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, will focus on the practical market considerations and regulatory challenges of Regulation A. Members of the public can watch the live meeting via webcast on www.sec.gov.

    The meeting will begin with SEC staff giving an overview of Regulation A and how companies have used it to raise capital. The committee will then discuss the advantages and limits of Regulation A, and explore whether there are regulatory changes that could help facilitate capital formation pursuant to it. The committee will also consider exit opportunities for investors in Regulation A deals and secondary market liquidity challenges. To facilitate discussion, committee members will hear from Daniel Forman, partner at Lowenstein Sandler LLP.

    The full agenda, meeting materials, and information on how to watch the meeting are available on the committee webpage. The Small Business Advisory Committee provides advice and recommendations to the SEC on rules, regulations, and policy matters relating to small businesses.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM CREST, TCU/IAM Bring Hazmat Safety Training to DC Job Corps Center

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Twenty-four students from Washington D.C.’s Potomac Job Corp Center recently completed a 40-hour training course on hazardous materials awareness and train-the-trainer as part of IAM CREST’s and the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM)’s Advanced Transportation Training Program.

    “These young people are just starting out in various trades, from railroads, to planes, and some may even go into the military,” said IAM Resident General Vice President Jody Bennett, who attended the training and met with students. “The IAM and TCU/IAM are proud of them for completing this industry recognized training which teaches safety around hazardous materials they may encounter on their journeys into various careers.”

    Students at this job corps site are learning how to be the best candidates for entry level jobs in various trades. And thanks to this partnership, these students also get to see the value that unions bring to the transportation careers they are seeking.

    View photos from the visit here.

    “This is our first opportunity to work with Job Corps, Potomac here in Washington, D.C. to train young workers,” said TCU/IAM National President Artie Maratea. “We hope to expand to the other six TSD program sites across the nation soon. We understand the need to teach these workers that hazardous materials can be anywhere on the job, and we want them to be leaders on how to keep themselves and their co-workers safe from harm, especially in the transportation industries.”

    Job Corps helps 60,000 young people each year obtain vocational training from the U.S. Department of Labor. Over 2 million students have been served since its inception in 1962.

    “These young people are impressive, because you see that many of them are already leaders that just need a chance to get out there and lead,” said IAM CREST Safety Instructor Barry Eveland. “Having a certification like this shows a prospective employer that they go above and beyond their peers to earn a job opportunity. Several of them already have multiple job offers once they complete the entire program.”

    Tanya Galloway wants to be a flight attendant. Her vision board in the hallway is filled with aspirations of a young adult ready to see the world.

    Denita Larmore already has two job offers, and is deciding which is the better opportunity. Look for her at an airport in the near future. With her potential, you may see her running a space port one day.

    All the students in this class of future leaders are on a launchpad with the countdown clock ticking toward liftoff. Each takes a part of organized union labor with them when they set off on journeys that can lead to places we can probably not even imagine yet.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Lee Returns from Congressional Delegation to Denmark, Estonia, and Finland

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee

    Senator Lee and Senator R. Scott following their meeting with Jonatan Vseviov,
    Secretary General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Estonia 
    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee recently returned from a congressional delegation to Denmark, Estonia, and Finland with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). They met with senior government officials to discuss shared military and national security priorities. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Multilateral International Development, Multilateral Institutions, and International Economic, Energy, and Environmental Policy, Senator Lee shares the Trump Administration’s goal of peace through strength.
    Of the trip, Senator Mike Lee said:
    “I enjoyed the opportunity to visit Denmark, Estonia, and Finland with my friend, Senator Rick Scott. Our meetings with government, military, and shipbuilding industry leaders, including Ministers of Defense, Ministers of Foreign Affairs, and legislators were productive. I walk away from this trip with a deeper understanding of the issues facing the region, as well as the regulatory burdens shipbuilders face. While abroad, I also had the distinct privilege to meet with U.S. service members, including one Utahn, at Tapa Army Base in Estonia, to discuss the Baltic region.
    The nations I visited are United States allies who have made good on their commitments and have a shared focus on enhancing regional partnerships for shipbuilding and national security. It was an honor to represent Utah overseas, and upon returning home, it is clear to me that the United States is once again respected on the world stage.”

    Senator Lee meets with U.S. service members
    at Tapa Army Base in Estonia 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests Honduran alien convicted of sex offense

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BALTIMORE — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Kelvin Emanuel Granados-Sorto, 30, an illegal alien and Honduran citizen April 11 after he was transferred to ICE custody by the Maryland Department of Corrections. Granados has been convicted of a third-degree sex offense.

    “This arrest sends a clear message: when jurisdictions cooperate with ICE, communities are safer,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Baltimore acting Field Office Director Nikita Baker. “A criminal alien sex-offender was taken into ICE custody because law enforcement worked together. Today, there is one less predator in our neighborhoods and one less victim tomorrow. This is what public safety looks like when we prioritize the protection of our communities over politics.”

    Granados entered the United States on an unknown date at an unknown location and without inspection, admission, or parole by an immigration official.

    The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County convicted Granados May 12, 2023, of a sex offense and sentenced him to 10 years in prison. ICE lodged an immigration detainer against Granados with the Maryland Department of Corrections July 12, 2023.

    A Department of Justice immigration judge ordered Granados removed from the United States to Honduras Oct. 24, 2023. Granados remains in ICE custody pending his removal.

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

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROBaltimore.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Remembering April 18-19, 2020

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    NOTE: The following is a statement from Premier Tim Houston.

    This week marks five years since the events of April 18-19, 2020. As each day, month and year passes, we continue to reflect and remember those lost, and we continue to support survivors.

    These events were deeply felt by all Nova Scotians, but no one can truly understand the depth of the loss for those most impacted.

    To the families, survivors and communities – I want you to know that Nova Scotians continue to have you all in our thoughts and close to our hearts.

    I continue to be inspired by your courage and your strength. Know that we stand with you today and every day. We remain Nova Scotia Strong.

    We will continue to work with municipalities, the federal government and the RCMP to make our communities safer. We are unwavering in our commitment to make real change.

    To all Nova Scotians – I encourage you to observe a moment of silence at noon on April 18 and April 19. I also ask that you continue to be compassionate and supportive during this difficult time, honouring the privacy of the families and communities impacted and giving them space to grieve, reflect and remember.

    Remembering and reflecting on the events of April 2020 may affect Nova Scotians in different ways. If you are struggling and need support, the provincial mental health crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-429-8167.

    The flags at Province House and all provincial government buildings and institutions will fly at half-mast on these days. I encourage citizens, businesses and community organizations that fly flags to join us.

    We will never forget:

    Tom Bagley

    Kristen Beaton and her unborn child

    Greg Blair

    Jamie Blair

    Joy Bond

    Peter Bond

    Lillian Campbell

    Corrie Ellison

    Gina Goulet

    Dawn Gulenchyn

    Frank Gulenchyn

    Alanna Jenkins

    Sean McLeod

    Lisa McCully

    Heather O’Brien

    Jolene Oliver

    Aaron Tuck

    Emily Tuck

    Const. Heidi Stevenson

    E. Joanne Thomas

    John Zahl

    Joey Webber

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Smith Statement on Trump’s Constitutional Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adam Smith (9th District of Washington)

    Today, Rep. Smith (D-Wash.) released the following statement after the continued refusal of the Trump Administration to follow the rule of law.

    President Donald Trump is defying the Supreme Court of the United States. This is a constitutional crisis. The legislative and judicial branches have a duty to rein in an executive that overreaches its authority. It is long past time for Congress and the courts to hold the Trump Administration accountable.

    The Supreme Court has ordered the Trump Administration to facilitate the release of Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia from custody in El Salvador and to ensure the proper handling of his case.

    The Trump Administration detained Mr. Abrego Garcia as he picked up his 5-year-old son, then unlawfully deported him and sent him to a notorious mega-prison in El Salvador—without due process. Trump’s team has repeatedly lied about Abrego Garcia’s case, despite a Trump official admitting in court that his removal was a mistake. The Administration refuses to correct its error—leaving an innocent man and his family to suffer the consequences.

    This is inhumane. This is unjust. This is unconstitutional.

    Congress must act. Just three Republican Senators and four Republican House members are needed to join their Democratic colleagues in taking a brave, moral, and constitutional stand to rein in the President’s unchecked power. Mr. Abrego Garcia must be returned to the United States immediately—and the Trump Administration must be reined in.

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. natural gas production remained flat in 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    April 17, 2025

    U.S. marketed natural gas production remained relatively flat in 2024, growing by less than 0.4 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) compared with 2023 to average 113 Bcf/d, according to our latest Natural Gas Monthly. Production growth in the Permian was offset by declining production in the Haynesville and relatively flat production in Appalachia.

    EIA’s Short-Term Energy Outlook breaks out U.S. Lower 48 (L48) marketed natural gas production data for the Appalachia, Bakken, Eagle Ford, Haynesville, and Permian regions and also includes Alaska and Gulf of America production data. The Appalachia, Permian, and Haynesville regions produce the most, accounting for around two-thirds of total U.S. natural gas production combined.

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook, April 2025
    Note: GOA=Gulf of America, AK=Alaska; L48=Lower 48 U.S. states

    In 2024, more natural gas was produced in the Appalachia region of the Northeast than in any other U.S. region, accounting for 31%, or 35.6 Bcf/d, of marketed natural gas production. Production growth in the Appalachia region has been slowing in recent years because of limited pipeline takeaway capacity to transport natural gas to demand markets. In 2024, Appalachian production rose slightly by 0.1% (0.50 million cubic feet per day) and in 2023 Appalachian production grew by 0.9 Bcf/d. Historically low Henry Hub prices contributed to the muted growth in Appalachia in 2024. The Henry Hub spot price averaged $2.21 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) in 2024, the lowest average annual Henry Hub price ever reported and 16% lower than the 2023 annual average.

    The Permian region in Texas and New Mexico accounted for 22% of the marketed natural gas production in the United States in 2024 and accounted for almost all the growth in U.S. production. In 2024, marketed natural gas production in the Permian rose by 12%, or 2.7 Bcf/d, to average 25.4 Bcf/d.

    In the Permian region, growth in natural gas production is primarily the result of associated gas produced during oil production. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices averaged $77/b in 2024, high enough to support oil-directed drilling in the Permian region. The average breakeven price for new wells ranged between $62 per barrel (b) and $64/b in the Permian Midland Basin and the Permian Delaware Basin, two of the largest basins in the Permian, according to data from a Dallas Fed Energy survey.

    In 2024, production in the Haynesville region, which spans Louisiana and Texas, averaged 14.6 Bcf/d, 11% less than the 2023 annual average. Natural gas production in the Haynesville declined last year as producers decreased drilling activity because of historically low natural gas prices. Producers averaged 37 active rigs per month in the Haynesville in 2024, compared with 57 active rigs in 2023. The higher relative cost to produce natural gas in the Haynesville region played a role in reducing rig activity and in the decline in average annual production in 2024 compared with 2023.

    Natural gas production costs depend on many factors, including the cost of drilling wells. The Haynesville formation is between 10,500 feet to 13,500 feet deep, which is much deeper than other formations. By comparison, wells in the Marcellus in the Appalachia region are on average 4,000 feet to 8,500 feet deep. Because drilling deeper wells in the Haynesville is more expensive than drilling wells in the Marcellus and other shale plays, natural gas prices have to be relatively higher to make drilling economical.

    Principal contributor: Naser Ameen

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Appliance efficiency standards save consumers billions, reduce pollution and fight climate change

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By David J. Vogel, Professor Emeritus of Business Ethics and Political Science, University of California, Berkeley

    Refrigerators were the target of the very first energy efficiency standards for appliances, back in 1974. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

    President Donald Trump has said he wants to reverse decades of regulations about energy efficiency in American household appliances, claiming doing so will provide Americans with “freedom to choose” products that meet their needs.

    In an April 9, 2025, statement, Trump claimed he could alter government regulations on his own, without the legally required process of public notice and comment.

    But as a scholar of environmental regulations, I know those regulations were created to save energy and lower utility bills for consumers. I also know that many companies and consumers have supported federal regulation to strengthen energy efficiency standards and generally have opposed weakening them.

    The first government-set energy efficiency standards for appliances were issued by California in 1974. They were initially for refrigerators, the household appliance that used the most energy. Subsequently, several other household appliances were added. During the next decade, more states issued standards, as saving energy would help avoid the costs of constructing new power plants.

    The proliferation of state standards led the federal government to prohibit states from issuing appliance efficiency standards once the federal government had done so. The first federal standards, in 1987, applied to 13 household products, including refrigerators.

    Since then, the federal government has created standards for additional products and tightened existing ones. Those changes have progressively made home appliances and business and industrial equipment more efficient, saving consumers billions of dollars, decreasing air pollution from power plants and reducing carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change.

    Electric meters like these at a Mississippi apartment complex keep track of how much – or how little – electricity residents use.
    AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis

    Broad application

    Federal data indicates that 40% of total U.S. energy consumption – and 28% of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions – is attributable to household and industrial appliances, such as heating and cooling systems, refrigerators, lighting and various kinds of equipment, such as computers, printers and electric motors.

    At present, the U.S. Department of Energy’s Appliance and Equipment Standards Program covers more than 70 products that the government estimates consume about 90% of energy used in homes, 70% of energy in commercial buildings and 30% of energy used in industry. The government estimates the standards saved American consumers $105 billion just in 2024 – with a typical household saving about $576 over the expenses if there were no efficiency standards.

    Appliance energy efficiency standards now in place are cumulatively expected by the Department of Energy to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 2 billion metric tons over 30 years. That’s as much carbon dioxide as 15 million gas-powered cars would emit in that same period.

    Many federal standards, including on light bulbs, electric motors and commercial heating and cooling equipment, have been based on those previously adopted by one or more states. Federal law permits states to issue standards for products that the federal government has not yet regulated: As of 2024, 18 states had set efficiency rules for a total of 22 types of appliances, including computers and televisions.

    Additional benefits

    These appliance standards have reduced American energy use, including electricity. The existing national standards are projected to reduce overall national energy consumption by 10% between 2025 and 2035.

    Those standards also improve public health, because there is less need to build new fossil-fuel power plants or operate existing ones. As a result, power generators have been able to reduce their emissions of dangerous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and mercury.

    Energy efficiency standards reduce the need for fossil fuel-powered electric plants, like this one in Ohio.
    Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    A popular policy

    Making appliances more energy efficient has proved popular. A national survey released by the Consumer Federation of America in 2018 found that 71% of Americans “support the idea that the government should set and update energy efficiency standards for appliances.” Significantly, 72% of those surveyed named lowering electrical bills and 57% stated that avoiding construction of new power plants to keep electricity rates from rising were important reasons to increase appliance efficiency.

    Support remains strong: A June 2024 YouGov poll found that 60% of Americans support tougher appliance efficiency standards.

    From 1987 through 2007, more than three-quarters of national appliance energy efficiency standards were passed into law by Congress, with the rest created by administrative processes under existing laws. These legal standards received bipartisan support and were signed into law by Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.

    But more recently, partisanship has affected the setting of standards. Since 2008, whether standards improve or remain unchanged has depended on whether Democrats or Republicans occupied the White House.

    Political back-and-forth

    The Obama administration enacted among the most ambitious energy efficiency standards for appliances and equipment to date. New standards for commercial air conditioners and furnaces affected heating and cooling equipment for half of the square footage used by the nation’s businesses. The rules were projected to reduce energy costs to businesses by $167 billion over the life of the regulated products.

    But during the first Trump administration, improvements in existing standards came to a halt.

    When Joe Biden became president, his administration resumed issuing new standards, most notably phasing out incandescent light bulbs. The Biden administration also issued new standards for furnaces, residential water heaters, stoves, washing machines and refigerators.

    Electric induction stoves, like this one, are more energy efficient than gas stoves.
    Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images

    Controversy continues

    A new Biden rule for electric motors, which are widely used in manufacturing and processing equipment, incorporated recommendations from businesses and advocacy organizations. The rule was slated to take effect in 2028 and was expected to save businesses and consumers up to $8.8 billion over a 30-year period.

    But the Trump administration has withdrawn this standard, along with others issued by the Biden administration, including for ceiling fans, dehumidifers and external power supplies. The administration has postponed the effective dates of other standards that had been finalized before Trump took office. The administration said the reversals would “slash unnecessary red tape and regulations that raise prices, reduce consumer choice, and frustrate the American people.”

    Another set of politically controversial standards Biden introduced sought to encourage consumers to switch from stoves, furnaces and water heaters that use natural gas or propane to electric ones. The electric versions of those appliances are more energy efficient, while gas cooking emits toxic chemicals into the home. Switching can be expensive, and many consumers prefer gas-powered appliances, as of course does the natural gas industry, which has opposed these federal efforts.

    And in early April 2025, Republicans in Congress used their legislative authority to overturn the regulations for natural gas water heaters. But most of the federal standards – and all of the state ones – remain in effect, at least for now.

    David J. Vogel 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. Appliance efficiency standards save consumers billions, reduce pollution and fight climate change – https://theconversation.com/appliance-efficiency-standards-save-consumers-billions-reduce-pollution-and-fight-climate-change-253673

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ethical leadership can boost well-being and performance in remote work environments

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Mark R. Gleim, Associate Professor of Marketing, Auburn University

    Managers can still provide ethical leadership in remote environments if they’re able to convey genuine care for employees. pixdeluxe/E+ via Getty Images

    Employees are likely to perform better and be committed to the organization when they are supervised by ethical leaders, even when working remotely. Ethical leadership is evident in an organization when employees recognize values such as integrity, fairness and care for others through the actions of a leader.

    Coming out of the pandemic, we were interested in the shift to remote work and how it impacts employees when they are not able to observe and interact with managers face-to-face. Given that our research team has over 60 years of combined leadership experience in multiple industries and over 40 years of combined academic experience, we could envision the shift to remote work being impactful. These findings are based on three studies of salespeople conducted between 2021 and 2024 aimed at understanding how ethical leadership is perceived in a remote work environment.

    Across the studies, our results showed that when salespeople perceive their leaders as ethical, they feel significantly more committed to the organization. That commitment, in turn, leads to greater well-being and better performance.

    Interestingly, even as the percentage of remote supervision increases, these positive effects hold steady, suggesting that ethical leadership remains powerful and effective, even in fully remote positions.

    In-depth interviews with sales professionals who worked remotely highlighted four key factors that help reinforce ethical leadership in a remote setting: consistent and transparent communication, occasional in-person interactions, modeling integrity, and establishing clear ethical standards.

    Why it matters

    More sales jobs are becoming remote, meaning managers and employees often interact through video calls, emails and messages rather than in person. In fact, remote sales positions saw the greatest increase in new job postings – up 48% in 2023 compared with the previous year. About 22% of the U.S. workforce will work remotely in 2025.

    Some experts worry that remote work limits employees’ ability to connect with their leaders, making it harder to build a strong ethical culture. There is little understanding of how virtual communication affects employees’ perceptions of ethical leadership in organizations.

    Ethical leadership plays a crucial role in shaping workplace culture, influencing everything from employee satisfaction to overall performance. Leaders who demonstrate integrity, strong values and clear expectations foster an environment where employees feel supported and motivated. This, in turn, leads to higher engagement, lower turnover and better job performance.

    Remote supervision can pose several challenges for managers, but it can also present valuable opportunities.
    Morsa Images/Digital vision via Getty Images

    However, as remote work becomes more common, the way employees perceive and experience ethical leadership is changing. Without face-to-face interactions, employees may struggle to pick up on the same cues that signal ethical leadership in traditional office settings. For example, the spontaneous moments of ethical behavior – like how a manager handles unexpected dilemmas or navigates tough decisions in real time – are more likely to be witnessed in person.

    Remote supervision presents both challenges and opportunities for ethical leadership. While technology allows for greater flexibility and global communication, it can also create barriers to trust and connection. Emails and messages lack tone and nuance, and video calls, while more personal, still lack the spontaneous conversations that help build relationships.

    At the same time, advances in communication tools have improved the ability to convey emotions and intent, making remote leadership more effective. Features such as video calls, emojis and reactions in chat, along with voice messages, help recreate the emotional nuance of in-person interactions. These tools can allow managers to express empathy, enthusiasm, concern or praise more clearly, making their messages feel more personal and authentic; employees can better interpret a leader’s values and intentions, strengthening trust and connection even without face-to-face contact.

    What’s next

    Given the positive impact of ethical leadership on employee outcomes, it is important to understand communication effectiveness among leaders. Ethical leadership starts at the top with the CEO, who sets the tone for the entire organization. However, it must also be consistently demonstrated by managers, since employees interact with them most often and look to them for everyday guidance. While executive leadership shapes the culture, direct leaders display it daily.

    It’s also important to understand which coaching methods, like video calls or check-ins, work best to support remote teams. Individual differences, such as age or experience, may influence how employees respond to ethical leaders, so studying these factors can help tailor leadership approaches. As hybrid work becomes more common, it will also be important to examine how a mix of in-person and remote interactions impact the way ethical leadership is perceived and practiced.

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

    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. Ethical leadership can boost well-being and performance in remote work environments – https://theconversation.com/ethical-leadership-can-boost-well-being-and-performance-in-remote-work-environments-253201

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Popular AIs head-to-head: OpenAI beats DeepSeek on sentence-level reasoning

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Manas Gaur, Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

    DeepSeek’s language AI rocked the tech industry, but it comes up short on one measure. Lionel Bonaventure/AFP via Getty Images

    ChatGPT and other AI chatbots based on large language models are known to occasionally make things up, including scientific and legal citations. It turns out that measuring how accurate an AI model’s citations are is a good way of assessing the model’s reasoning abilities.

    An AI model “reasons” by breaking down a query into steps and working through them in order. Think of how you learned to solve math word problems in school.

    Ideally, to generate citations an AI model would understand the key concepts in a document, generate a ranked list of relevant papers to cite, and provide convincing reasoning for how each suggested paper supports the corresponding text. It would highlight specific connections between the text and the cited research, clarifying why each source matters.

    The question is, can today’s models be trusted to make these connections and provide clear reasoning that justifies their source choices? The answer goes beyond citation accuracy to address how useful and accurate large language models are for any information retrieval purpose.

    I’m a computer scientist. My colleagues − researchers from the AI Institute at the University of South Carolina, Ohio State University and University of Maryland Baltimore County − and I have developed the Reasons benchmark to test how well large language models can automatically generate research citations and provide understandable reasoning.

    We used the benchmark to compare the performance of two popular AI reasoning models, DeepSeek’s R1 and OpenAI’s o1. Though DeepSeek made headlines with its stunning efficiency and cost-effectiveness, the Chinese upstart has a way to go to match OpenAI’s reasoning performance.

    Sentence specific

    The accuracy of citations has a lot to do with whether the AI model is reasoning about information at the sentence level rather than paragraph or document level. Paragraph-level and document-level citations can be thought of as throwing a large chunk of information into a large language model and asking it to provide many citations.

    In this process, the large language model overgeneralizes and misinterprets individual sentences. The user ends up with citations that explain the whole paragraph or document, not the relatively fine-grained information in the sentence.

    Further, reasoning suffers when you ask the large language model to read through an entire document. These models mostly rely on memorizing patterns that they typically are better at finding at the beginning and end of longer texts than in the middle. This makes it difficult for them to fully understand all the important information throughout a long document.

    Large language models get confused because paragraphs and documents hold a lot of information, which affects citation generation and the reasoning process. Consequently, reasoning from large language models over paragraphs and documents becomes more like summarizing or paraphrasing.

    The Reasons benchmark addresses this weakness by examining large language models’ citation generation and reasoning.

    How DeepSeek R1 and OpenAI o1 compare generally on logic problems.

    Testing citations and reasoning

    Following the release of DeepSeek R1 in January 2025, we wanted to examine its accuracy in generating citations and its quality of reasoning and compare it with OpenAI’s o1 model. We created a paragraph that had sentences from different sources, gave the models individual sentences from this paragraph, and asked for citations and reasoning.

    To start our test, we developed a small test bed of about 4,100 research articles around four key topics that are related to human brains and computer science: neurons and cognition, human-computer interaction, databases and artificial intelligence. We evaluated the models using two measures: F-1 score, which measures how accurate the provided citation is, and hallucination rate, which measures how sound the model’s reasoning is − that is, how often it produces an inaccurate or misleading response.

    Our testing revealed significant performance differences between OpenAI o1 and DeepSeek R1 across different scientific domains. OpenAI’s o1 did well connecting information between different subjects, such as understanding how research on neurons and cognition connects to human-computer interaction and then to concepts in artificial intelligence, while remaining accurate. Its performance metrics consistently outpaced DeepSeek R1’s across all evaluation categories, especially in reducing hallucinations and successfully completing assigned tasks.

    OpenAI o1 was better at combining ideas semantically, whereas R1 focused on making sure it generated a response for every attribution task, which in turn increased hallucination during reasoning. OpenAI o1 had a hallucination rate of approximately 35% compared with DeepSeek R1’s rate of nearly 85% in the attribution-based reasoning task.

    In terms of accuracy and linguistic competence, OpenAI o1 scored about 0.65 on the F-1 test, which means it was right about 65% of the time when answering questions. It also scored about 0.70 on the BLEU test, which measures how well a language model writes in natural language. These are pretty good scores.

    DeepSeek R1 scored lower, with about 0.35 on the F-1 test, meaning it was right about 35% of the time. However, its BLEU score was only about 0.2, which means its writing wasn’t as natural-sounding as OpenAI’s o1. This shows that o1 was better at presenting that information in clear, natural language.

    OpenAI holds the advantage

    On other benchmarks, DeepSeek R1 performs on par with OpenAI o1 on math, coding and scientific reasoning tasks. But the substantial difference on our benchmark suggests that o1 provides more reliable information, while R1 struggles with factual consistency.

    Though we included other models in our comprehensive testing, the performance gap between o1 and R1 specifically highlights the current competitive landscape in AI development, with OpenAI’s offering maintaining a significant advantage in reasoning and knowledge integration capabilities.

    These results suggest that OpenAI still has a leg up when it comes to source attribution and reasoning, possibly due to the nature and volume of the data it was trained on. The company recently announced its deep research tool, which can create reports with citations, ask follow-up questions and provide reasoning for the generated response.

    The jury is still out on the tool’s value for researchers, but the caveat remains for everyone: Double-check all citations an AI gives you.

    Manas Gaur receives funding from USISTEF Endowment Fund.

    – ref. Popular AIs head-to-head: OpenAI beats DeepSeek on sentence-level reasoning – https://theconversation.com/popular-ais-head-to-head-openai-beats-deepseek-on-sentence-level-reasoning-249109

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: CHERRY Unveils MX Northern Light – A Limited-Edition Linear Switch Crafted for the Keyboard Community

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The CHERRY MX NORTHERN LIGHT is a limited-edition linear switch engineered for peak smoothness and precision.

    K5V2 Keyboard + GP6 Northern Light Bundle also available for a limited time.

    KENOSHA, Wis. and AUERBACH IN DER OBERPFALZ, Germany, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CHERRY, the global leader in mechanical keyboard switch innovation, is proud to introduce the MX Northern Light, a limited-edition, community-crafted linear switch delivering the smoothest typing experience CHERRY has ever engineered.

    Developed by CHERRY’s in-house team of switch enthusiasts, MX Northern Light is a love letter to the keyboard community. It blends the latest MX2A innovations with never-before-seen enhancements, including an ultra-polished top housing and a custom-engineered blue bottom, resulting in a switch that’s as smooth as it is striking.

    “This is our most refined linear switch to date, and it’s made for the people who helped inspire it,” said Joakim Jansson, Managing Director of CHERRY. “MX Northern Light reflects what happens when CHERRY listens closely to its community and pushes the limits of precision engineering.”

    This exclusive set pairs the ultra-customizable K5V2 compact keyboard, featuring the new CHERRY MX Northern Light switches and uniquely designed PBT keycaps, with the matching GP6 Northern Light XL mousepad.

    Bold Bundle

    To celebrate the launch of MX Northern Light, CHERRY XTRFY is also releasing a limited-edition K5V2 + GP6 Northern Light Bundle. This exclusive set pairs the ultra-customizable K5V2 compact keyboard, featuring the new CHERRY MX Northern Light switches and uniquely designed PBT keycaps, with the matching GP6 Northern Light XL mousepad. Designed for performance and built to stand out, the bundle offers enthusiasts a premium typing and gaming experience with a cohesive, aurora-inspired aesthetic.

    Crafted by CHERRY’s in-house switch enthusiasts, the MX Northern Light features a polished top housing and a striking blue base, and is designed for the smoothest typing experience yet.

    Built by Enthusiasts, for Enthusiasts

    Crafted by CHERRY’s in-house team of engineers and enthusiasts, the MX Northern Light features a polished top housing and a striking blue base, and is designed for the smoothest typing experience yet.

    At its core, Northern Light delivers a smooth, dampened linear feel with whisper-quiet performance. Every keystroke is refined, responsive, and satisfying, and ideal for gaming, deep focus sessions, or simply enjoying the pure pleasure of a perfectly tuned mechanical switch.

    The switch is fully enhanced with the latest MX2A technology stack, including factory-applied premium lubricant that reduces friction, a noise-dampening barrel spring that softens the sound profile, and glide-optimized stem geometry paired with a polished top housing for ultra-smooth actuation.

    Built with CHERRY’s iconic Gold Crosspoint technology, Northern Light guarantees consistent performance and incredible durability, rated for over 50 million keystrokes without loss of quality. Add in its <1ms bounce time, and you have a switch that doesn’t just feel great, it keeps up with your fastest moves.

    Visually, the blue bottom housing sets Northern Light apart from every other CHERRY switch. It’s a bold look that reflects the bold thinking behind its design, which is eye-catching, distinct, and impossible to mistake for anything else.

    Northern Light (36 piece switch kit) Product Info

    • US availability: April 17
    • MSRP: $29.99
    • Amazon: Link

    K5V2 GP6 Northern Light Bundle

    • US availability: May
    • MSRP: $129.99
    • Amazon: Link

    This is a collector’s drop for the true keyboard connoisseurs, the enthusiasts who crave something rare, premium, and purpose-built.

    About Cherry

    Cherry SE [ISIN: DE000A3CRRN9] is a globally operating manufacturer of high-end mechanical keyboard switches and computer input devices such as keyboards, mice, and headsets for applications in the worlds of gaming, e-sports, office and hybrid workplaces, industry, and healthcare. Since it was founded in 1953, Cherry has been synonymous with innovative, high-quality products developed specifically to meet the various needs of its customers.

    Cherry has its operational headquarters in Auerbach in Germany’s Upper Palatinate region and over 400 employees in production facilities in Auerbach, Zhuhai (China), and Vienna (Austria) as well as in various sales offices in Auerbach (Germany), Munich (Germany), Landskrona (Sweden), Paris (France), Kenosha (USA), Chicago (USA), Taipei (Taiwan), and Hong Kong (China).

    More information is available online at https://www.cherry.de/en-us.

    Media Contact

    CHERRY@maxborgesagency.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2727fda-81c8-473a-b375-a56e56583d7f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e911935a-a210-432b-b5c3-d8606ec90ba0

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55a9db02-375c-46e7-9b22-9931184d99c9

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is a ‘friend-apist’ what we really want from therapy?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By David E. Tolchinsky, Professor and Dean, The Media School, Indiana University

    ‘Shrinking’ portrays a tangled web of care and connection, where therapists and patients are enmeshed in one another’s personal and professional lives. Apple TV+

    When I read the recent New York Times article “Therapy Is Good. These Therapists Are Bad,” I couldn’t help but think of the Apple TV+ series “Shrinking.”

    The article details the troubling prevalence of ethical and legal boundary violations by therapists: riding an exercise bike during appointments, bringing a dog into sessions despite a patient’s fear of animals, flirting with patients and even having sex with them.

    In “Shrinking,” Jason Segel stars as Jimmy Laird, a cognitive behavioral therapist who becomes increasingly entangled in his patients’ lives. His skeptical boss, Paul Rhoades – played by Harrison Ford – critiques Jimmy’s unconventional methods while facing struggles of his own. Everyone seems enmeshed with everyone else’s personal and professional lives: A patient lives with Jimmy; Jimmy is sleeping with his colleague, Gaby; Paul secretly treats Jimmy’s daughter; Jimmy’s neighbor starts a business with Jimmy’s patient. (No one, thankfully, is sleeping with their patient.)

    Whether in real life or on screen, something strange is happening with therapy: The line between therapist and friend seems to be blurring.

    As a screenwriter who teaches a course on how to portray mental health on screen, I wonder: Are these depictions a reaction to earlier conceptions of therapists? Do they reflect a growing suspicion of authority? And ultimately, what do they reveal about what we now want from a therapist?

    The distant therapist

    Not too long ago, therapists acted like black boxes and authoritative gods.

    Take my father, a well-regarded, Freudian psychoanalyst who never shared anything about himself with his patients. He wanted to be a blank wall onto which the patient could project their fantasies.

    He saw patients at our home. When they arrived or left, my family hid to preserve the client’s anonymity. When we were out running errands and saw one of his patients, we quickly left so the patient would have no inkling of my father’s personal life.

    Traditionally, psychoanalysts tried to stay neutral, silent and enigmatic during their sessions.
    Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

    Movies from the 1940s reflect the trope of the mysterious therapist. Dr. Jaquith in the 1942 film “Now, Voyager” is a friendly presence yet remains unknowable, even as he effectively cures his patient’s mental health issues.

    Naturally, positive depictions of therapists gave rise to negative ones. Released that same year, “King’s Row” features a therapist, Dr. Tower, who seems to be a consummate professional, but ends up poisoning his disturbed daughter and killing himself, a twist that hints at an incestuous relationship between the two.

    “Ordinary People,” which won best picture at the 1981 Academy Awards, tells the story of Conrad Jarrett, a teenager who has attempted suicide, and may be contemplating it again.

    Dr. Berger, his therapist who’s played by Judd Hirsch, is friendly and empathetic, but still maintains professional boundaries. When Conrad asks how life can be worth living when it’s so painful, Berger’s comforting response – “Because I’m your friend” – is clearly a therapeutic technique, not a declaration of friendship.

    Therapists are people, too

    Later on-screen depictions of therapists humanize them as flawed individuals, just like everyone else.

    In “Good Will Hunting,” Robin Williams’ Dr. Maguire grieves over his late wife and talks about his own mental health struggles.

    Viewers are privy to the personal struggles of “The Sopranos” therapist Jennifer Melfi, played by Lorraine Bracco. While she occasionally missteps – like when she accidentally reveals Tony Soprano’s identity – she takes her job seriously and routinely consults a fellow therapist, which is part of the ongoing learning process for practitioners. She’s human yet professional.

    Robin Williams, left, as therapist Sean Maguire in ‘Good Will Hunting.’
    Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

    In “Shrinking,” however, the boundaries blur completely. The show’s messy web of care and connection is entertaining and funny. But it distorts the therapist’s role. Everyone involved – patient, family member, practitioner – is portrayed as equally flawed and equally responsible for each other’s growth. While the therapists in “Shrinking” make a lot of mistakes, the message seems to be that connection and shared vulnerability matter more than expertise.

    In Season 2, “Shrinking” does interrogate its own boundary crossing when Jimmy realizes he can’t be a therapist, friend and roommate. And Paul starts out from a position of unmovable authority and realizes that he has his own issues – and that maybe Jimmy is a better therapist than he gives him credit for.

    Finding a happy medium

    But the gestalt – if I may use a psychological term – of “Shrinking” is that therapists and patients are on a somewhat equal footing and that boundary crossing is tolerated and even celebrated.

    To me, this reflects a broader cultural shift away from trusting experts, which tangentially could be related to younger generations’ greater willingness to confront authority. Social media has blurred the lines between expertise and lay knowledge further, with influencers and celebrities sometimes positioning themselves as quasi-therapists.

    At minimum, many patients nowadays seem to be looking for an equal, two-way conversation with their therapist, someone like Jimmy who admits that his psychological issues occasionally affect his therapeutic judgment.

    This is in contrast to my father, who, at least publicly, resisted the notion that his own inner life might color his psychoanalytic interpretations. He saw himself as a scientist, uncovering the true objective source of a patient’s symptoms – an endeavor he believed could be tested with the rigor of a scientific hypothesis.

    In my father’s defense, psychoanalysts are trained to recognize and neutralize their own psychological influence. He would say he was always learning. Still, his authoritative stance – and the continued insistence by many contemporary psychoanalysts on remaining a “blank screen” – may help explain why psychoanalysis has fallen out of favor as a therapeutic approach.

    In the screenwriting classes I teach, I’ve shifted from positioning myself as an all-knowing expert to being a facilitator. I share my experience, including my mistakes and failures. But I mostly focus on helping students find their own answers. Similarly, therapy may need to balance expertise with authentic connection – say, a combination of Dr. Berger’s steady wisdom in “Ordinary People” with Dr. Maguire’s openness in “Good Will Hunting.”

    If media depictions like “Shrinking” get you to talk about mental health or seek therapy, that’s no small thing. But I think it’s important to not conflate connection with qualification. Therapists aren’t friends. They’re trained professionals. And that boundary is exactly what makes the relationship work.

    David E. Tolchinsky 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. Is a ‘friend-apist’ what we really want from therapy? – https://theconversation.com/is-a-friend-apist-what-we-really-want-from-therapy-254437

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why people with autism struggle to get hired − and how businesses can help by changing how they look at job interviews

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Cindi May, Professor of Psychology, College of Charleston

    First impressions matter − they shape how we’re judged in mere seconds, research shows. People are quick to evaluate others’ competence, likability and honesty, often relying on superficial cues such as appearance or handshake strength. While these snap judgments can be flawed, they often have a lasting impact. In employment, first impressions not only affect hiring choices but also decisions about promotion years later.

    As a researcher in cognitive science, I’ve seen firsthand how first impressions can pose a challenge for individuals with autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. People with ASD often display social behaviors − such as facial expressions, eye contact, gestures and sense of personal space − that can differ from those of neurotypical individuals.

    These differences are often misunderstood, leading people with ASD to be perceived as awkward, odd or even deceptive. People form these negative impressions in just seconds and report being reluctant to talk to, hang out with or even live near people on the spectrum.

    It’s not surprising, then, that unfavorable first impressions create barriers for people with ASD in the workplace.

    The interview trap

    It starts with the job interview. Whether you’re seeking a position as a computer programmer at a tech firm or a dog groomer at a vet clinic, the job interview is a critical gateway. Success depends on your ability to think on your feet, communicate your qualifications and present yourself as likable, agreeable and collegial.

    My research demonstrates that job seekers with ASD often perform poorly in interviews due to the social demands of the situation. This is true even when the candidate is highly qualified for the job they are seeking.

    In one study, my colleagues and I videotaped mock job interviews with 30 young adults − half with ASD, half neurotypical − who were all college students without an intellectual disability. We asked them to discuss their dream jobs and qualifications for five minutes. Afterward, evaluators rated them on social traits, such as likability, enthusiasm and competence, and indicated how likely they were to hire each interviewee. As in most professional interviews, the evaluators weren’t aware that some candidates were on the autism spectrum.

    Candidates with autism spectrum disorder were consistently rated less favorably on all social dimensions compared with people without the condition, and those unfavorable social ratings weighed heavily on hiring decisions. Even though candidates with ASD were rated as equally qualified as neurotypical candidates, they were significantly less likely to be hired.

    Interestingly, when evaluators only read the candidates’ interview transcripts without watching the interviews, ratings for ASD candidates were the same as, or even better than, those for neurotypical candidates. This suggests that it’s not just what candidates say in an interview but how they present themselves socially that affects hiring decisions.

    This is especially problematic for jobs that require minimal social interaction − think data analyst or landscaper − where a candidate’s qualifications should be the main consideration. By relying on interviews as a primary screening tool, employers may miss out on competent, qualified applicants with unique strengths.

    Rethinking what makes a good candidate

    Scientists have explored whether it’s possible to teach adults with ASD how to improve their interview skills, for example by maintaining more eye contact or standing at a socially acceptable distance from an interviewer.

    While such training can help, it addresses only a small part of the problem, and I think this approach may not significantly improve employment outcomes for autistic adults.

    For one, it reduces the challenges faced by adults with ASD to a limited set of behaviors. ASD is a complex condition, and research shows that the negative evaluations of individuals with ASD are not driven by a single difference or a collection of specific differences, but rather by the individual’s overall presentation.

    In addition, this type of training often encourages individuals to mask their autistic traits, which could make a stressful interview even more difficult. Finally, if ASD candidates successfully mask their autism during the interview but can’t maintain that mask once they are hired, their longevity in the position could be at risk.

    A more effective approach may be to change how interviews are conducted and how candidates are perceived. This includes giving employers meaningful education about autism and giving job applicants a way to disclose their diagnosis without penalty. Research shows that when people know more about autism spectrum disorder, they have more positive views of people with ASD. In addition, ratings of people with ASD are often more favorable when evaluators know about their diagnosis. Combining these two approaches − that is, pairing ASD education for employers with diagnostic disclosure for candidates − may lead to better outcomes.

    An introduction to the concept of neurodiversity from the Child Mind Institute.

    My colleagues and I explored this possibility in a series of studies. Again, we showed raters the mock job interviews of candidates with and without ASD. This time, however, some evaluators watched a brief educational video about autism, learning about characteristics and strengths often associated with ASD before evaluating the mock interviews. In addition, these raters knew which candidates had an ASD diagnosis.

    Even though raters still perceived the candidates with ASD as more awkward and less likable, they rated those candidates as equally qualified as neurotypical candidates and were just as likely to hire them. This boost in hiring ratings persisted even when the educational video about autism was viewed months before candidates were evaluated.

    Notably, neither of these interventions was effective on its own. In different conditions, some evaluators simply got the training but didn’t receive diagnostic information about candidates; others received no education about autism but were aware of which candidates had ASD. Both groups continued to select against candidates with ASD in hiring decisions, even though the candidates with ASD were rated as highly qualified. It appears that both knowing a person has autism and understanding more about autism are important for overcoming negative first impressions.

    We believe that our training fostered a greater understanding of the atypical interactive style and behaviors that can be common among adults with ASD. This understanding, when coupled with the knowledge of a candidate’s diagnosis, may have helped evaluators contextualize those behaviors and, in turn, place more emphasis on qualifications when making hiring decisions.

    When hiring decisions are based on merit, both employees and employers benefit. First impressions, though impactful, can be deceptive and often bias decisions, particularly for individuals with ASD. Our findings highlight an important truth: Understanding autism enables employers to focus on qualifications, giving candidates with ASD a fair opportunity to succeed based on their true potential.

    Cindi May is a board member for Disability Rights South Carolina and a member of the National Accreditation Team for Inclusive Postsecondary Education.

    – ref. Why people with autism struggle to get hired − and how businesses can help by changing how they look at job interviews – https://theconversation.com/why-people-with-autism-struggle-to-get-hired-and-how-businesses-can-help-by-changing-how-they-look-at-job-interviews-254658

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: International students infuse tens of millions of dollars into local economies across the US. What happens if they stay home?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Barnet Sherman, Professor, Multinational Finance and Trade, Boston University

    The Trump administration has recently revoked the visas of more than 1,300 foreign college students – detaining some – and launched immigration enforcement actions on college campuses across the country. This has raised concerns among the more than 1.1 million international students studying at U.S. universities.

    Headlines are filled with perspectives from immigration and civil rights experts, but one aspect of the story often goes overlooked: the tremendous economic impact international students have on local communities.

    Although the actual impact on enrollment won’t be known until the next academic year, interest from foreign students in pursuing graduate-level education in the U.S. fell sharply in the early days of the Trump administration, one analysis showed.

    If these global scholars stay home, that’s bad economic news for cities and towns across the United States.

    A $44 billion economic impact

    Higher education is America’s 10th-largest export, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. (Yes, even though students are coming into the U.S. for their education, economists consider it an export.)

    Last year, U.S. colleges and universities attracted international students from 217 nations and territories, including one student from the island nation of Niue in the South Pacific. Their economic contributions added up to more than the value of U.S. telecommunications, computer and information services exports combined.

    While the national impact is impressive, the effects at the local level are even more important. After all, nearly every city across the U.S. has at least one institution of higher learning.

    The average international student brings a wallet stuffed with about $29,000 to spend on everything from tuition to pizza. As these students rent apartments, buy books and order DoorDash delivery to fuel all-nighters, they’re pumping money into the local community.

    This money translates into American jobs. On average, a new job is created for every four international students enrolled in a U.S. college or university. In the 2023-24 academic year, about 378,175 jobs were created. And that’s just counting jobs that are directly supported by international students, such as local business hiring to staff retail shops and restaurants. If you count those jobs indirectly supported by international students, such as employees at a distribution center, the number is even higher.

    A boon to local economies

    In any of the 50 largest American cities, you’ll find at least one college or university with international students on campus. For these communities, global learners bring a most welcome financial aid package.

    Consider Boston. Greater Boston hosts more than 50 colleges and universities, including Boston University, where I teach multinational finance and trade. The city’s economic gains from the more than 63,000 international students attending these schools are huge: about $3 billion.

    Prestigious private schools are a draw, but hands down the biggest pull for international students are state universities and colleges. Of the nation’s top schools enrolling these students last year, 29 were state colleges and universities, attracting over 251,300 students.

    In the top three of those public institutions alone − Arizona State University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the University of California, Berkeley − international students contributed nearly $1.7 billion, supporting over 16,800 jobs. Expand that to the top 10 − the University of California system takes four of those spots − and the numbers pop up to $4.68 billion and 47,136 jobs.

    Bringing the world to Mankato

    Yet international students aren’t just boosting the economies of major university towns. Consider Mankato, a small city of 45,000 about 80 miles from Minneapolis that hosts a Minnesota State University campus. In the 2023-24 academic year, about 1,716 international students called Mankato their home away from home.

    Those students brought an infusion of $45.9 million into that community, supporting around 190 jobs. There are dozens of similar campuses in cities and towns like Mankato across the country. It adds up quickly.

    In addition to private and public universities, community colleges attract thousands of global scholars. Although their international enrollment declined during Covid-19, community colleges are resurgent, attracting some 59,315 international students in 2024, with China, Vietnam and Nepal leading the countries-of-origin list.

    Generating about $2 billion and supporting 8,472 jobs, they have a major economic impact − particularly in Texas, California and Florida, where the majority of these students come to learn.

    Texas leads the nation with the three community colleges with the largest international enrollment: Houston Community College, Lone Star College and Dallas College. Of the $256.7 million and 1,096 jobs international students brought into those institutions, Lone Star led the pack with $102.3 million and 438 jobs, nearly one job created for every two international students − double the national average.

    Due to changing demographics, American colleges enroll 2.3 million fewer domestic students than they did a decade ago − a decline of 10.7%. Colleges and universities are increasingly looking to international students to fill the gap. What’s more, universities tend to see international students as subsidizing domestic students, particularly since international students are generally ineligible for need-blind admissions.

    Moreover, the vast majority of international students are funded by family or foreign sponsors. Few require student aid packages. In fact, less than 20% of all international students receive grant funding from a federal source, and most of that goes to postgraduates doing advanced research. If you look at undergraduate exchange students alone, just 0.1% receive any sort of public funding.

    One thing’s for sure: Whether they’re attending small-town community colleges or the Ivies in big cities, international students bring a “high degree” of economic impact with them.

    This is an updated version of a story originally published Aug. 13, 2024.

    Barnet Sherman 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. International students infuse tens of millions of dollars into local economies across the US. What happens if they stay home? – https://theconversation.com/international-students-infuse-tens-of-millions-of-dollars-into-local-economies-across-the-us-what-happens-if-they-stay-home-254539

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Join Us: Veterans Rally on the National Mall

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    On the 81st anniversary of D-Day, veterans, military families, unions, and allies from across the country will rally in Washington, D.C., to defend American values, defend veterans’ benefits, and honor the legacy and sacrifice of all who have served.

    Date: Friday, June 6, 2025
     Time: 2 p.m. ET
     Location: U.S. Capitol Mall, Washington, D.C.

    As public service faces unprecedented challenges, from the Department of Veterans Affairs to the U.S. Postal Service, this is a moment to rise in solidarity. This is more than a rally – it’s a call to action to protect the rights and dignity of those who serve, and those who support them.

    Unite for Veterans is a national, veteran-led movement committed to defending democracy, safeguarding public institutions, and restoring honor to public service.

    Join us as we march for veterans, for democracy, and for the future of this country.

    If you are an IAM member and have any questions about the event, please contact the IAM Veterans Services Program at 866-IAM-4VET (866-426-4838).

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    MIL OSI USA News –