Category: Americas

MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Urges Congressional Support for C-130J Program
Source: US GOIAM Union

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2025 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) wrote a letter urging members of Congress to sign a bipartisan letter supporting the C-130J Super Hercules program in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Defense Appropriations bill.

The bipartisan letter, led by U.S. Reps. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), Julia Brownley (D-Calif.), David Scott (D-Ga.) and Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.), calls on the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to ensure continued investment in the C-130J — the only U.S.-made military airlifter currently in production.

The letter requests the following additions in the FY26 defense budget:
- +8 C-130J aircraft for the Air National Guard (ANG)/Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC)
- +3 to +5 KC-130J aircraft for the Navy Reserve (USNR) to continue C/KC-130T recapitalization
- +2 LC-130J ski-equipped aircraft for the ANG
- +2 KC-130Js for the U.S. Marine Corps to replace operational losses
- +$100 million for fleetwide Diminishing Manufacturing Sources (DMS)
- +$71 million for non-recurring engineering related to the ANG’s LC-130J variant
“The C-130J is the only U.S.-made airlift currently in production, and a stable and efficient production line is vital in supporting current and future Department of Defense and allied nation airlift requirements,” wrote IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “In addition, the C-130J production line provides for thousands of high-skilled Machinists Union jobs and supports more than 27,000 jobs across its nationwide supply chain”

The IAM Union strongly urges every member of Congress to join this bipartisan effort to help maintain a stable and efficient C-130J production line, which is essential for meeting current and future U.S. and allied airlift needs.

Read the complete letter here.

The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

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MIL OSI USA News –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Local Partnership Expands Early Childhood Development Training for UConn Waterbury Students

Source: US State of Connecticut

When Alee Ennis ’25 (CLAS) began her required practicum hours for her human development and family sciences (HDFS) degree with a specialization in early childhood development, she faced a grueling commute. Without a car, she traveled nearly two hours by train and Uber each way from her home to practicum sites in Stamford and Westport – often leaving before sunrise and returning long after dark.

“My GPA took a hit, and I was constantly tired,” Ennis says. “But I knew this was the path I wanted.”

In Fall 2024, HDFS expanded its Early Childhood Specialization (ECS) program to UConn Waterbury in partnership with the Slocum School, a local Head Start program operated by TEAM Inc. The collaboration brought practicum opportunities just minutes from the Waterbury campus, making the program more accessible for students like Ennis.

“It changed everything,” Ennis says. “I could finally focus on the experience, the kids, and the material — without worrying about trains, rides, or losing an entire day to travel.”

Ennis was drawn to early childhood development after taking an HDFS course that introduced her to a more holistic approach to child development across a person’s lifespan. Initially interested in psychology, she realized the ECS program offered more hands-on, immersive learning that would prepare her to work with young children in a real-world setting.

Determined to stay on track despite the commute, Ennis says she worked closely with Cora D’Alessandro, instructor-in-residence and student coordinator for the ECS program. When the local practicum site launched in Waterbury, D’Alessandro was able to help Ennis transition into a preschool classroom placement.

“Cora made it happen,” Ennis says. “We even did an independent study so I could take a required course that was still only offered in Stamford. She made sure I stayed on track to graduate.”

Cora D’Alessandro, instructor-in-residence and student coordinator for the ECS program and Alee Ennis ’25 (CLAS) at Slocum School in Waterbury. (Steve Bustamante / University of Connecticut).

The ECS program at UConn Waterbury blends research-based coursework with reflective practice and culturally responsive teaching. Students not only learn child development theory — they’re taught to apply it, observe, and adapt in real time. This collaborative model benefits students interested in teaching as well as those interested in pursuing careers across the full range of services TEAM offers, such as home visiting, health screenings, nutrition services, and a family resource center.

“Our students are learning how to teach, but also how to think critically about their teaching,” D’Alessandro says. “By working alongside professionals in a high-quality program like Slocum, they’re gaining the tools they need to support children and families in meaningful ways.”

Slocum School serves more than 200 children annually through TEAM Inc.’s Head Start program. As part of the program, Ennis was paired with a focus child for her practicum project. She documented the child’s language, motor, and social-emotional development, and worked closely with the classroom teacher to support growth in key areas.

“The classroom at Slocum was bigger and more diverse than what I’d experienced in Westport,” Ennis says. “I worked with kids with autism and other developmental needs. At first, I was nervous, but over time I learned how to build trust and support each child based on where they were developmentally.”

At Slocum, students like Ennis also work alongside experienced early childhood professionals, observing and engaging in classroom activities, assisting in curriculum implementation, and applying culturally responsive and inclusive teaching strategies. Many of the professionals at Slocum are HDFS alumni themselves, many of whom specialized in early childhood development, including TEAM Inc. CEO David Morgan ’97 (CLAS).

“The bedrock to our TEAM achievements is collaboration, and we’re humbled and honored that the University of Connecticut recognized and embraced this opportunity to partner with us,” Morgan says.

According to Fumiko Hoeft, dean of UConn Waterbury, the partnership is not only enhancing student learning but also strengthening the local early childhood education workforce.

“This collaboration with Slocum and TEAM Inc. is giving students the chance to stay local and still get a high-impact educational experience,” Hoeft says. “It’s a win for students, families, and the community.”

Ennis plans to pursue graduate study to become a child life specialist, supporting children and families navigating serious health challenges. Her time at Slocum affirmed her career goals and gave her the confidence to take the next step.

“I don’t think I would’ve made it through this program without the support I found here in Waterbury,” Ennis says. “Having this kind of opportunity close to home made all the difference.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Babbidge Library Exhibit Offers Powerful Images of War, and Hope, Created by Ukrainian Children

Source: US State of Connecticut

In the drawing, two little children hold hands, the taller figure with shoulder-length hair.

The shorter figure has hair cropped short, and holds a teddy bear in their other hand, one of the toy’s eyes missing and portrayed as an X.

Between the two is an umbrella, seemingly their only protection from what’s falling from the sky above them – a cluster of ominous black bombs.

‘With faith in victory,’ an original drawing by Anastasiia B., a 14-year-old from Ukraine, from the ‘Children Draw War, Not Flowers’ exhibit, on display at the Babbidge Library until August 1, 2025. (Contributed image)

The umbrella is striped – yellow, blue, yellow – in the colors of the flag of the artist’s home country: Ukraine.

It’s a simple drawing, but poignant, and made ever more so by the fact that the artist who created the work, entitled “With faith in victory,” was only 14 years old when they drew it in September 2022, seven months after Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine.

This drawing, and many others like it – created by Ukrainian children during the ongoing Russo-Ukraine War – are on display at the UConn Library’s Homer Babbidge Library as part of the “Children Draw War, Not Flowers” exhibit, which opened on April 8.

In the fall of 2022, the Cherkasy Regional Universal Scientific Library, funded by the School of Information at San Jose State University in California, held a drawing competition in 40 public regional libraries in communities where over 220,000 displaced Ukrainians resided.

Children from the ages of 6 to 18 created more than 450 drawings documenting their experiences of war, trauma, and hope. Those drawings are now part of “Children Draw War, Not Flowers,” which has traveled to a number of institutions but will reside at UConn Storrs until later this summer.

Its stop at UConn was made possible by a collaboration with Ulia Gosart from San Jose State University, an assistant professor, scholar, writer, and human rights activist who received her bachelor’s degree from Kiev University of Arts in Ukraine and her master’s in library and information science from Southern Connecticut State University, according to Jean Cardinale ’04 MS, head of communication and marketing for the UConn Library.

“Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Gosart has been supporting Ukrainian libraries by raising awareness and fundraising through programming, including curating this traveling exhibit,” says Cardinale. “She supports her community engaged in war through the power of libraries, and the UConn Library was honored to be asked to take part in her important work.”

The “Children Draw War, Not Flowers” exhibit includes 70 drawings depicting weapons, loss, soldiers, and destroyed buildings and artifacts. But the drawings also show symbols of hope and pride. The blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag are abundant. Angels hover over Ukrainian soldiers. Sunflowers and storks, images of national solidarity, hang over depictions of war.

The exhibit’s goal, explains Cardinale, is to help visitors gain greater understanding of the realities Ukrainian people – and especially Ukrainian children – face in the midst of war.

“Thankfully, living through war is something most of us have not had to experience, and we are geographically so far away that it’s easy to disassociate from what is happening,” Cardinale says. “When you see these pieces where children have drawn themselves amid bombings, fires, and saying goodbye to their homes and their families, you see the trauma that effects children of war.”

The exhibit at the Babbidge Library also includes drawings from the Mia Farrow Collection, donated to the UConn Library’s Archives & Special Collections in 2009, that were made by refugee children escaping war and ethnic cleansing at the Djabal Refugee Camp in Eastern Chad in 2002.

“Our Archives & Special Collections has many collections that focus on documenting human rights violations and struggles for social justice in the United States and internationally,” says Cardinale. “Their guiding principles are to enable us to understand the past to inspire our future. Displaying these two collections of drawings together shows parallels in how children have used art to express their feelings during war.”

For children who may not yet know who to talk with about their feelings, art encourages them to explore their emotions and perceptions through their creativity, Cardinale notes. The images these children have created during two different conflicts, occurring decades apart, show the similarities of their struggles in a powerful and visual way.

‘Ukraine will win!’ an original drawing by Yana Kh., an 8-year-old from Ukraine, from the ‘Children Draw War, Not Flowers’ exhibit, on display at the Babbidge Library until August 1, 2025. (Contributed image)

The exhibit also serves as a reminder that Ukrainian and Ukrainian American students at UConn continue to feel the ongoing impact of the war that may not always be clearly visible to the community at large.

“We have had the opportunity to connect with the Ukrainian Students Association here at UConn, and at the exhibit’s opening reception, they brought their personal experiences of family members directly affected by the war,” she says. “So, it also serves as a reminder that our students may be experiencing many different challenges that we don’t see and deserve some grace during this stressful time of the semester.”

“Children Draw War, Not Flowers” will be on display at the Gallery on the Plaza at the Homer Babbidge Library in Storrs through August 1, 2025.

To view drawings from the “Children Draw War, Not Flowers” collection online, please visit Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Online at gallery.sucho.org/collections.

For more information about this and other exhibits at the UConn Library, as well as collections maintained by the library’s Archives & Special Collections, visit lib.uconn.edu.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: UConn Firsts: The First Earth Day

Source: US State of Connecticut

The first Earth Day ever held at UConn was also the first Earth Day, period; Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson had called for a nationwide “teach-in” on April 22, 1970 to draw attention to the grave problems facing the environment, primarily focused on pollution in those days before the Clean Water Act and Clean Air Act. At UConn, students responded to Nelson’s call by organizing a three-day event that included numerous activities, culminating in a 24-hour “be-in” at the old ROTC hangar that used to sit across the street from the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts. There, bands played, films were shown, an “eco-stew” was made from donated food, and the UConn community heard from, among others, a botanist, an oceanographer, a molecular biologist, and a poet.

Around the country, as many as 20 million people participated in Earth Day events, and in December of that year, the Environmental Protection Agency was created as part of an effort by President Richard Nixon to consolidate federal anti-pollution efforts into a single agency. Today, the “be-ins” may be a thing of the past, but Earth Day Spring Fling, sponsored by the UConn Office of Sustainability and Dining Services, is an annual highlight of the semester, offering a variety of activities, vendors of sustainable products, and opportunities to get involved in making the world greener for everyone.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Student Organization Hosts Annual Multicultural Education Conference Focused on Equity and Opportunity
Source: US State of Connecticut

On April 5, the Leadership in Diversity (LID) student organization held its annual multicultural education conference at UConn Storrs, offering space for dialogue and discussion among educators across Connecticut. The event, titled “Empowering Education: Strength in Opportunity and Equity,” was free and coordinated by students in the Neag School of Education’s Integrated Bachelor’s/Master’s teacher preparation program who lead LID.

Founded in 2014 by two Neag School students, LID aims to equip aspiring educators with the necessary tools, networks, and knowledge to become competitive, well-rounded, and culturally responsive professionals.

“Our annual spring conference is a staple to our community,” said Carter Newman ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, vice president and treasurer of LID. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

“Our annual spring conference is a staple to our community,” said Carter Newman ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, vice president and treasurer of LID. “We have the privilege of hosting this event for students, faculty, and the greater education community to spread the joy of working in this field. Each conference features a diverse set of presenters who share their impact in the educational field and creates space for guests to engage with one another, sharing their own expertise.”

Daniel Lozano ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, secretary of LID, emphasized the organization’s importance in promoting inclusion.

“Understanding and supporting Leadership in Diversity is vital because it fosters inclusive leadership and challenges us to confront systemic inequities in our schools and communities,” Lozano said. “We are deeply grateful to the educators who continue to support our organization’s mission and who work every day to create more just and inclusive learning environments.”

Held in the Charles B. Gentry Building, the conference featured eight rotating presentations, including:
- Perspectives About Translanguaging Amongst Dual Language Educators, presented by Natalia Murphy ’25 (ED), ’26 MA
- The Power of Mentorship in Education, presented by Terrell Huff, CEO of Dilligence Training Cares
- Navigating Conflict: The Intersection of Cultural Competency and Effective Resolution, presented by Tonya Clairborne and Scott Hurwitz ’06 (ED), ’07 MA, ’19 Ed.D., ’21 ELP, Glastonbury Public Schools
- Affinity Group in the Meriden Public Schools: Recruiting and Retaining Racially Diverse Educators, presented by Orlando Valentin Jr. ’13 (ED), ’15 MA, ’19 6^th Year, Meriden Public Schools
- Incorporating Social Justice into Curriculum, presented by Toby Way, Mansfield Public Schools
- AAVE? Ebonics? Slang? Can We Call This a Language?, presented by Mikaya Robinson ’24 (ED), ’25 MA
- Building Effective Relationships with Students with Challenging Behaviors, presented by Vilenti Tulloch, CEO of Academic Leadership Association
- Disability Inclusivity in Elementary Education, presented by Lauren Midgette, Neag School adjunct professor
“The passion that comes from our presenters, attendees, and the team behind planning is something I love being able to witness,” said Camille Terrell ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, LID co-president. “The work and discussion that is done at this conference is meant to inspire, change, and equip current and future educators to provide students with the opportunity to forever learn and grow.”

The work and discussion that is done at this conference is meant to inspire, change, and equip current and future educators to provide students with the opportunity to forever learn and grow. &#8212 Camille Terrell ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, LID co-president

Logan McCallum Laval ’24 (ED), ’25 MA, co-president of LID, noted the event’s strong attendance despite a new format.

“We were especially pleased to see such a strong turnout,” Laval said. “We are thankful for those who attended, presented, came to learn, and be a part of such impactful conversations around education.”

Murphy presented a case study conducted at an elementary school in eastern Connecticut, exploring how dual language teachers work to bridge the gap between students’ natural language practices and the long-standing language separation policies of districts.

“It’s not just the English speakers or the non-English speakers, everyone is valued in this process,” Murphy said. “Every student’s language skills and the things they bring to the table are important to us.”

Hurwitz and Clairborne focused on how cultural competency strengthens conflict resolution by helping educators recognize and respond to different communication styles and ways of handling conflict.

“Sometimes, as a leader, listening is your most important skill that you can exhibit,” Hurwitz said. “You think as a leader that you have to talk, but sometimes not talking is the best way to begin solving the problem.”

Midgette highlighted the need for disability representation and inclusivity in education, as well as shared practical strategies to achieve it. She was joined by her 6-year-old daughter, helping illustrate how meaningful and respectful conversations about disability can be integrated into early learning environments.

“I am a secondary educator by training, but after having this beautiful little girl in 2019, I became more interested in elementary education and the ways that we are ensuring that our youngest get the same conversations but at an appropriate level,” Midgette said.

“Recognizing and embracing Black Language in educational spaces only strengthens our goals as educators to create an inclusive learning environment for every student,” said Mikaya Robinson ’24 (ED), ’25 MA at the conference. (Nicole Dobrzanski/Neag School)

Robinson discussed the work of April Baker-Bell, an academic scholar, in her research of Black Language. The presentation focused on how educators can champion linguistic justice in their classrooms through language, writing, and reading.

“Recognizing and embracing Black Language in educational spaces only strengthens our goals as educators to create an inclusive learning environment for every student,” Robinson said. “Change begins with knowledge — and with that, we can create safer spaces for Black students and speakers of Black Language.”

Alyssa Hadley Dunn, director of teacher education at the Neag School, praised the event and its organizers.

“I was so impressed and inspired by the LID conference, including the outstanding organizers and the individual presenters,” Dunn said. “Our Neag School students and alumni who presented their research were passionate about educational justice and did a wonderful job engaging the audience. They are wonderful examples of the type of educators we need in today’s world.”

Dominique Battle-Lawson, LID advisor and assistant director of student support at the Neag School, underscored the importance of fostering inclusive education and professional networks.

“LID is one of several initiatives to bridge this gap by supporting and encouraging prospective Neag School students of color throughout the UConn application process,” Battle-Lawson said. “We also strive to assist current Neag School students of color by offering networking opportunities, professional development, and a safe space to discuss educational issues. This work is essential for ensuring a more inclusive and representative future in education.”

MIL OSI USA News –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: UConn Amplifies Sustainability Message with Spring Fling

Source: US State of Connecticut

Earth Day and sustainability initiatives at UConn Storrs were celebrated by students during the Earth Day Spring Fling and Zero Waste Barbecue on Wednesday, April 16.

Vendors and clubs set up shop along Fairfield Way to sell sustainable goods and involve members of the UConn community with green initiatives around campus.

“It’s a good way of getting people excited about sustainability,” said Ross Elliott ’26 (CLAS). “People are naturally drawn to free food and music and fun stuff, but at the same time, it actually gets them thinking about what this is all about.”

UConn students participate in goat yoga on the Founders Green during Earth Day Spring Fling on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

One of the featured events was a Party Peddler Bike Tour, where an Office of Sustainability intern shared facts about buildings around campus and how the architecture at UConn incorporates sustainability to help UConn in its strategic plan.

“Herbst Hall, for example, is a LEED-certified building. Every single new UConn building is LEED-certified,” said Amogh Chaubey ’25 (ENG), an intern at the Office of Sustainability. “That means leadership and environmental design.”

There is a bioretention basin beneath the building that helps with stormwater management, Chaubey told passengers. “A lot of the things you don’t really think about, like how come Fairfield Way doesn’t get flooded when it rains, are built into the architecture of our buildings.”

“The bike ride was my favorite part of today,” says Elliott. “It was a great way to learn more about how UConn has committed to sustainability. Everyone was talking, laughing, pedaling and pushing as hard as they can; it was silly, but it was really fun.”

UConn students ride on a party bike on Mansfield Way during Earth Day Spring Fling on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

Elsewhere, the Spring Valley Student Farm gave out free marigolds in recycled newspaper pots; UConn Horticulture Club sold plants; the library had a display of sustainability books; and local vendors sold soaps, dog treats, pins, and more.

The annual class tree-planting ceremony took place as well. Members of the first-year student community planted a tree for the class of 2028. This year’s tree was planted near the Hawley Armory, facing Fairfield Way.

Another event that students participated in was goat yoga on Founders Lawn. “The goats are so friendly, they’ll jump on your back,” said Chaubey. “It gets filled up right away. Getting a seat for that is like getting a Taylor Swift concert ticket, it’s hard.”

The goal of the event is to provoke more conversations about sustainability at a high level, said Chaubey. “Right now, we’re working with Dining to bring the zero-waste barbecue and cupcakes to the celebration. Building that partnership could, down the road, help us work with them to bring zero-waste to our dining halls,” Chaubey says. “Our big goal here is to make sustainability centralized.”

The zero-waste barbecue was the main attraction of the celebrations. Students had a chance to enjoy locally sourced foods, many of which were vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free. The food waste is run through food cyclers that the Office of Sustainability runs.

The view from the party pedal bike during the Spring Fling (George Velky / UConn Photo)

“It’s almost like a dishwasher,” said Chaubey. “It cycles overnight and gives you this composable dust.”

Students can purchase these composters personally or for their residence halls, Chaubey added. “Our pilot program put them in a bunch of off-campus apartments, and the idea is that students can deal with waste super easily wherever you want.”

And stretch: goat yoga on the Founders Green during Earth Day Spring Fling on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. (Sydney Herdle/UConn Photo)

One way Chaubey encourages students to get involved is by filling out a sustainability literacy survey. This gives the Office of Sustainability a gauge of how students are contributing to sustainability in Storrs and what it can do to improve environmental literacy and green programs around campus.

“I learned about zero-waste vegan food and how that can lead to a more sustainable society,” said Elliott. “I’m not a vegetarian, but I’ve always been interested in how we could shift towards a vegetarian society. It was cool to see how many people were enjoying the vegetarian and vegan barbecue. It surprised me.”

The student response to the festivities was overwhelmingly positive. “It’s windy, it’s cold, but look around, it’s packed,” said Chaubey. “Student engagement is a huge part of our mission, and sustainability can be a ton of fun.”

MIL OSI USA News –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Guatemala goes digital with smart port solution (VUMAR)
Source: International Chamber of Commerce

Headline: Guatemala goes digital with smart port solution (VUMAR)
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VUMAR simplifies and automates how vessels are cleared for arrival and departure at key ports, including Santo Tomas de Castilla and Puerto Quetzal. By bringing together shipping agents, terminal operators, and five government agencies on one digital platform, the system has made port processes much faster and more efficient.

Key impacts of VUMAR to date:

Processing times cut by over 80%, from around 8 hours to under 1 hour

Estimated annual savings of over US$4 million for both public and private sectors

Improved coordination and transparency between government agencies and the private sector

Supports Guatemala’s ambitions to be a leading logistics hub in the Americas

Vumar also aligns Guatemala with international standards, improving the country’s global trade efficiency and competitiveness. By cutting red tape and reducing delays, Guatemala is making it easier for businesses to operate and compete internationally.

The VUMAR project is another example of how digital tools can drive real impact in trade facilitation, boosting competitiveness and economic growth.

Guatemala is one of six success stories from the past year from the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, of which ICC is a host organisation. With 18 more trade facilitation projects underway in 25 countries, the Alliance’s broader impact in making global trade safer, faster and more cost-effective is detailed in the 2024 Annual Report.
MIL OSI Economics –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Reckoning and resistance: The future of Black hiring commitments on campus

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Cornel Grey, Assistant Professor in Department of Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies, Western University

In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in May 2020, a global reckoning on anti-Black racism ignited protests, conversations and demand for action. Across North America, universities scrambled to make public commitments to racial justice. They pledged to make changes and address systemic inequalities.

One of the most significant commitments was what’s known as cluster hiring. Recruiting multiple Black scholars at the same time can foster a thriving intellectual community. Research shows cluster hires improve Black faculty representation and retention.

This strategy can also help combat the isolation, hostility and lack of support that Black faculty often face in predominantly white institutions.

Many universities pledged lofty and hopeful equity initiatives at the time. These included similar commitments to hiring Indigenous faculty in clusters, developing or expanding Black Studies programs and implementing campus-wide anti-racism strategies.

But these pledges now face a challenging landscape.

The United States is witnessing a growing backlash against diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and higher education in general. And Canada is not immune.

In Canada, hiring freezes are now gripping several Canadian post-secondary institutions.

As austerity measures as well as political shifts impact students, faculty and administrators, a big question looms. What programs will institutions cut in these times of fiscal restraint and shifting cultural values?

Read more:
The world is in crisis – what role should our universities play?

The true test to racial justice committment

In 2020, McGill made a powerful pledge: to hire 40 Black tenure-track or tenured professors by 2025 and 85 by 2032.

According to McGill University, it has increased the number of Black tenure-track or tenured professors from 14 in 2021 to 50 in 2025. This marks a significant step toward addressing longstanding gaps in representation.

But as public support for DEI initiatives wanes and universities face growing financial pressures, will these efforts to build a more equitable faculty be sustained?

Several Canadian universities also pledged to create or expand Black Studies programs.

New programs were launched at Toronto Metropolitan University, Western University, the University of Guelph and the University of Waterloo. Existing initiatives at Queen’s University, Dalhousie University and York were expanded.

Yet the development and funding of Black Studies in Canada largely remains fragile. Administrative support is often lacking and dependent on broader institutional priorities.

Black studies programs are fragile

Disciplines like Black Studies, Indigenous Studies and Gender Studies are not just academic pursuits. They provide students with essential analytical tools to understand our most pressing issues, including economic precarity, the erosion of civil freedoms and land sovereignty.

These university programs are at the forefront of equity education. They are crucial to foster the ability of students and scholars to critically engage with the key challenges we face today.

Read more:
Afua Cooper: My 30-year effort to bring Black studies to Canadian universities is still an upward battle

The U.S. is a warning

Recent developments in the U.S. serve as a cautionary tale. Canadian politicians and agencies often take cues from American trends.

Republican lawmakers have aggressively targeted DEI initiatives on campuses in several states. And new legislation bans race-conscious hiring and rewrites curricula.

Canadian researchers receiving funding from U.S. federal agencies are being pressured to conform their scholarship to the ideological agendas of the White House.

At the University of Alberta, the move away from DEI discourses to more neutral language like “access, community, and belonging” has marked a fundamental shift.

In Alberta, the Provincial Priorities Act (Bill 18) now requires federal research funds to align with provincial government priorities. And in Nova Scotia, Bill 12 threatens to link university funding decisions to the government’s social and economic priorities.

In this climate, ideas of curtailing DEI in research are no longer speculative.

Within these changes are urgent questions about how research and funding agencies like the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) will respond.

Research shows that including DEI frameworks in funding applications has had some positive impacts for researchers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, but its focus on personal responsibility and metrics can obscure the deeper forces behind inequality.

Retaining its political edge

Universities often frame their commitments to Black faculty hiring and Black Studies programs as part of broader DEI agendas.

However, as scholars have long pointed out, DEI policies prioritize representation over structural transformation, reducing the presence of Black faculty to a matter of optics rather than a meaningful shift in institutional power.

When Black Studies is treated as an administrative deliverable rather than a radical intellectual tradition grounded in resistance to oppression, it is stripped of its political edge.

Institutional integrity

As Canadian universities face financial pressures and shifting political tides, the commitments will now be put to the test.

Anti-Black racism and equity cannot be a temporary trend that universities go through during times of public scrutiny. It must remain at the core of academic values, regardless of political or financial pressure.

The fight for Black and Indigenous hiring initiatives continues and the 2020-21 promises made by universities need to be held to the highest standard. This is about sustained commitment to structural change in our institutions. The stakes couldn’t be higher.

Cornel Grey receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Muna-Udbi Abdulkadir Ali receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Stephanie Latty receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

– ref. Reckoning and resistance: The future of Black hiring commitments on campus – https://theconversation.com/reckoning-and-resistance-the-future-of-black-hiring-commitments-on-campus-253676

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why deregulating online platforms is actually bad for free speech

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Michael Gregory, Assistant Professor of Philosophy, Clemson University

Free speech requires freedom from fear and intimidation. AP Photo/Schalk van Zuydam

One of the first executive orders that President Trump signed after his inauguration on Jan. 20, 2025, was titled Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship. The order accused the previous administration of having “trampled free speech rights by censoring Americans’ speech on online platforms.”

What Trump was referring to as censorship was the government’s attempt to work with social media and broadcasting platforms to regulate misinformation, disinformation and misleading information by removing content, limiting its dissemination or labeling it, sometimes with fact-checking included. Similar accusations had been brought before the Supreme Court in 2024, where the justices sided with the federal government, preserving its ability to interact and coordinate with social media platforms.

However, the decision came during a trend toward deregulation of online platforms as Elon Musk removed guardrails after acquiring X, and Meta and YouTube removed policies meant to combat hate and misinformation. With Trump’s commitment to free speech protections through deregulation, online platforms are likely to remove more guardrails.

As a scholar of legal and political philosophy, I know that deregulation and free speech are often linked. Recently there has been a significant increase in broad court rulings on the First Amendment that support deregulation in all sorts of market sectors, from contributions to political campaigns to graphic labels on cigarettes.

This is not surprising considering that free speech has long been associated with the metaphor of free trade in ideas, closely tied to the value of a deregulated market economy. The presumption has been that the way to protect freedom of speech is through a deregulated marketplace, and speech on social media platforms is no exception. However, research on online speech shows the opposite to be the case: Regulating online speech protects free speech.

What is content moderation?

Free speech and its exceptions

Free speech in the U.S. has always been accompanied by a series of exceptions, laid out clearly by the courts, that constrain speech based on a competing concern for the prevention of harm. For example, speech that threatens, incites or directly causes harm is not protected speech.

Yet, when it comes to content-based regulation dealing with ideas or ideological expression, the courts have been clear that the government should not place burdens on speech that is objectionable. The government cannot censor speech that is false but does not lead to a specific, identifiable harm.

Despite these legal constraints, researchers have suggested that upholding the value of free speech requires some content-based regulation. To understand this seemingly paradoxical conclusion, it’s important to understand why free speech is valuable in the first place. Free speech enables you to be an autonomous member of society by allowing you to express yourself and hear other people express themselves.

People consider it wrong when a government bans discussion of a viewpoint or piece of content because that violates their right as speakers and listeners to engage with the viewpoint or content. In other words, having free speech is essential because citizens need to be able to choose freely what they say and listen to.

In addition, democracy is served by having a citizenry that is able to engage freely and meaningfully in the content of their choosing. Democratic dissent, after all, was the original inspiration for free speech protections and serves as the backbone of their protections today.

Regulating for free speech

The need for citizens in a democratic state to be autonomous speakers and thinkers underscores the importance of content-based regulation in upholding free speech. Research has shown that hate speech online in particular and the proliferation of extremism online in general have a chilling effect on online speech through intimidation and fear. So, restrictions on hate speech can support free speech rather than undermining it.

Hate speech is a form of speech that can diminish free speech.
Creative Touch Imaging Ltd./NurPhoto via Getty Images

In addition, the spread of online misinformation and the challenges of detecting it can similarly undermine the people’s ability to exchange ideas and evaluate viewpoints as autonomous speakers or listeners. In fact, research shows that users are bad at distinguishing between true and false claims online. This fundamental weakness undermines your ability to operate as an autonomous speaker or listener.

Finally, increased polarization online, caused by the dissemination of falsehoods, undermines the democratic point of free speech protections. People cannot meaningfully engage in the marketplace of ideas on a platform where falsehoods are amplified. Importantly, this insight aligns with users’ preference that platforms remove disinformation rather than protect it.

All of this is evidence that deregulating social media platforms is a net loss for free speech. In economic markets, maintaining a consumer’s freedom of choice requires regulations against coercion and deceit. In the marketplace of ideas, the principle is the same: The free trade of ideas requires regulation.

Michael Gregory 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. Why deregulating online platforms is actually bad for free speech – https://theconversation.com/why-deregulating-online-platforms-is-actually-bad-for-free-speech-253015

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Press Briefing – April 17, 2025 – 2:00 PM

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

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on April 17, 2025.
———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

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

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

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

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

#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHd697vvKl8

MIL OSI Video –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: DTE Energy schedules first quarter 2025 earnings release, conference call

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DETROIT, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) will announce its first quarter 2025 earnings before the market opens Thursday, May 1, 2025.

The company will conduct a conference call to discuss earnings results at 9:00 a.m. ET the same day.

Investors, the news media and the public may listen to a live internet broadcast of the call at dteenergy.com/investors. The telephone dial-in number in the U.S. and Canada toll free is: (888) 510-2008. The telephone dial-in USA toll is: (646) 960-0306 and the Canada dial-in toll is: (289) 514-5035. The passcode is 4987588. The webcast will be archived on the DTE Energy website at dteenergy.com/investors.

About DTE Energy
DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, x.com/DTE_Energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.

For more information, members of the media may contact:
Dan Miner, DTE Energy: 313.235.5555

For further information, analysts may call:
Matt Krupinski, DTE Energy: 313.235.6649
John Dermody, DTE Energy: 313.235.8750

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: American Rebel (NASDAQ:AREB) Congratulates Tony Stewart on History-Making Victory in NHRA Top Fuel Event at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

First Driver to Win NASCAR Cup Race, IndyCar Race, USAC Triple Crown Championship and NHRA Pro Event

American Rebel Light Beer Sponsorship of Tony Stewart Racing Drivers Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan Celebrate Stewart Win and Head to Charlotte for American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals April 25 – 27 at zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway

Nashville, TN, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), would like to congratulate Tony Stewart on his history-making victory in the NHRA Top Fuel Dragster (nhra.com) this past weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Tony is the first driver to win a NASCAR Cup Series race, an IndyCar race, a USAC Triple Crown Championship and an NHRA Pro Event. The American Rebel Light Beer sponsorship of Tony Stewart Racing (tsrnitro.com) drivers Tony Stewart and Matt Hagan proudly celebrate the Stewart win as this history-making victory draws tremendous attention to the American Rebel Light sponsorship. The Stewart victory is also very emotional for the American Rebel team as we know how much this victory means to Tony and Leah personally.

“I haven’t been around the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series very long, but I realized it takes a lot to win one of these Top Fuel races,” said Tony Stewart. “In my career, I’ve never had to wait over a year to win a race. We always figured it out pretty quickly and we won. We needed this win. It’s been so stressful for everyone since Leah (Pruett – Stewart’s wife) nearly won the World Top Fuel Championship in 2023 when it came down to the final round of the whole season.”

Tony Stewart replaced Leah Pruett as the driver of the Tony Stewart Racing NHRA Top Fuel Dragster at the beginning of the 2024 season. Tony and Leah were married in 2021 and Leah asked Tony to drive her car in the Top Fuel series as the couple set out to start a family. Tony drove in the Top Alcohol series, a tier below Top Fuel, in 2023.

“When your wife wants to try to start a family and wants you to driver her car, what are you going to say?” continued Stewart. “We had a lot of changes for the team because my body weight is different. Car tubing is different, and it just takes time. It was frustrating as we just couldn’t get on a path to make consistent gains last year. Two years ago, I won my first NHRA national event in the Top Alcohol Dragster here at Las Vegas with McPhillips Racing, and now I win my first Top Fuel national event at the Strip. It’s pretty damn cool. I’ve been a motorsports fan my whole life, and I think we made racing history with the Top Fuel win. I’m not sure if there has ever been a driver to win a NASCAR Cup race, an IndyCar race, the USAC Triple Crown championship and an NHRA Pro event (Top Fuel). To do it with our team and our family was very emotional. When Leah brought Dom (their newborn son) up on stage in victory lane, my heart stopped. I got so emotional there. That is a feeling I have never had in my life before. The Four Wide setup is the equalizer for me. I’m used to racing with many cars around me. It’s tough for the guys who are not used to four cars racing at once. We can’t get to Charlotte fast enough with the next four-wide setup. I love the format.”

The next event on the NHRA Misson Foods Drag Racing Series schedule is the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals April 25 – 27 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.

“I couldn’t be happier for Tony and Leah as I know how much the victory in Las Vegas means to them both,” said American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. “Our relationship started out as a sponsorship, turned into a friendship and now it’s family. Tony, Matt and Leah have been a big part of our incredible success opening up distributors for American Rebel Light Beer across the country. Various consultants told me opening up distributors was next to impossible, but American Rebel has proven them wrong because we have a real 12-year organic story of how we got here, and Tony, Matt and Leah’s support have poured patriotic fuel all over the fire we had already started. I can’t thank them enough for everything they’ve done.”

American Rebel is an associate sponsor on the Tony Stewart driven Top Fuel Dragster and the Matt Hagan driven Funny Car for all 20 races of the NHRA Mission Foods 2025 season as well as the primary sponsor of the Matt Hagan Funny Car for five races, including the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at Charlotte Motor Speedway, and the primary sponsor of the Tony Stewart Top Fuel Dragster for one race during the 2025 season. Being a sponsor provides opportunities for vast exposure during the race broadcasts on Fox Sports, Fox Sports 1 (FS1) and Fox Sports 2 (FS2). Ratings for NHRA telecasts are very strong and visibility continues to expand through additional streaming options through NHRA.tv.

In addition to the strong television viewership of NHRA racing, NHRA has unveiled exciting opportunities for digital media and content creators for the 2025 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. Aiming to change the way influencers, content creators and digital media members experience drag racing, NHRA is working to expand its reach across social media platforms with its Cornwell Tools Burnout Box Content Creator Zone. This expansion and emphasis in the digital media space will significantly benefit American Rebel.

American Rebel has also benefitted from the relationship with Tony Stewart Racing through the social media reach of Tony Stewart, Matt Hagan and Leah Pruett. Tony Stewart has nearly 750,000 followers on X (@TonyStewart) and over 250,000 followers on Instagram (@tsrsmoke). Matt Hagan has nearly 150,000 followers on Instagram (@matthagan_fc) and Leah Pruett has nearly 400,000 followers on Instagram (@leah.pruett).

“Tony, Matt and Leah are such an important part of our story,” said Andy Ross. “Tony is a legendary NASCAR driver who may be the most versatile race car driver in history, having also driven in NASCAR, IndyCar, USAC, NHRA and just about anything with wheels. And Matt has 52 NHRA national event wins and is one of only four legendary Funny Car drivers to win four championships (John Force, Don Prudhomme and Kenny Bernstein are the others) and Leah has kicked in doors as a Top Fuel driver and she continues to provide unparalleled support for American Rebel at the track and on social media. Our distributors love our connection with Tony Stewart Racing as American Rebel Light Beer connects with our customers through this sponsorship.”

It’s been said that Andy Ross wrote the most on-brand drag racing song ever with his “Nitro Lightning” that he wrote for Matt Hagan. The song gets played at the track nearly every race weekend and even has been referenced on the Fox broadcasts. Andy has performed concerts at the Texas Motorplex and the Bradenton Motorsports Park after race events and is scheduled to perform this year at the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Concord, NC.

“What’s more American Rebel than rock ‘n’ roll and drag racing? I love victory lane and bringing the party,” said Andy Ross. “Drag racing fans are the perfect demo for American Rebel Beer and we’re looking forward to continuing this relationship a long time.”

Primary sponsorship dates for American Rebel Beer on the Matt Hagan Funny Car are April 25 – 27 at the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Concord, NC; June 20 – 22 at the Virginia NHRA Nationals at North Dinwiddle, VA; August 14 – 17 at the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals in Brainerd, MN; September 26 – 28 at the NHRA Midwest Nationals near St. Louis, MO; and October 30 – November 2 at the NHRA Nevada Nationals in Las Vegas, NV. American Rebel Beer will also be a primary sponsor for the Tony Stewart Top Fuel Dragster on September 26 – 28 at the NHRA Midwest Nationals near St. Louis, MO.

About American Rebel Light Beer

Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a domestic premium light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers.

About Tony Stewart Racing

Headquartered in Brownsburg, Indiana, Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Nitro fields two entries in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. After more than four decades of racing around in circles, Tony Stewart embarked on a straight and narrow path, albeit more than 300 mph. The championship-winning racecar driver who has successfully transitioned to being a championship-winner team owner, formed the TSR nitro team in 2021, with 2022 marking the team’s first season in competition. Matt Hagan pilots the Funny Car and Tony Stewart took over driving duties in 2024 for wife Leah Pruett in the Top Fuel dragster as they started a family. Hagan is a four-time Funny Car champion (2011, 2014, 2020 and 2023) from Christiansburg, Virginia. Stewart hails from Columbus, Indiana and earned his first Top Fuel victory at the 2025 NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Las Vegas. He also won the 2024 NHRA Rookie of the Year title. Stewart finished second in the 2023 Top Alcohol Dragster championship standings.

About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebelbeer.com or americanrebel.com. For investor information, visit americanrebelbeer.com/investor-relations.

American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
info@americanrebel.com

American Rebel Beverages, LLC
Todd Porter, President
tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of a launch party, actual launch timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Company Contact:
tporter@americanrebelbeer.com
info@americanrebel.com

Attachment

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Enovix Appoints Ryan Benton as Chief Financial Officer

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

FREMONT, Calif., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enovix Corporation (Nasdaq: ENVX), a global high-performance battery company, announced the appointment of Ryan Benton as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Mr. Benton brings over three decades of financial leadership experience. He previously held key roles at ASM International and served as CFO for multiple public companies including Silvaco and Exar Corporation.

Enovix CEO Dr. Raj Talluri added, “Ryan’s experience and transparent communication style make him an ideal leader for our finance organization and a strong voice in conveying our strategy to investors. As we get closer to achieving our top objective of commencing smartphone battery mass production, customer demand is solidifying, and we expect to see an important consumer product launch by the end of the year.”

Chairman T.J. Rodgers said, “Ryan Benton is the best CFO candidate I’ve interviewed in a couple of years. He understands that investor candor is the best course, even if you have some disappointment to report. For example, he would have said about our recent Korean acquisition: We bought the second half of a well-run Korean company (Routejade) for a great price, and they will make our anode and cathode electrode sheets much cheaper and with higher quality than our current suppliers. With the turmoil in tariffs right now, we have a very competent Korean supplier that is capable of adding millions in profitable revenue — an unexpected bonus.”

“I am thrilled to join Enovix,” said CFO Ryan Benton. “AI is transforming the consumer electronics industry and putting immense pressure on battery suppliers. Enovix is poised to rise to this challenge with its breakthrough architecture for silicon-anode batteries, semiconductor manufacturing culture and deep customer relationships.”

Ryan’s first public appearance as Enovix CFO will be during the company’s first quarter 2025 earnings call on Wednesday, April 30, after the close of the market. To join the call, participants must use the following link to register: https://enovix-q1-2025.open-exchange.net/. This link will also be available via the Investor Relations section of Enovix’s website at https://ir.enovix.com. Investors may also submit questions on the registration page that they would like addressed on the call by Enovix management. Mr. Benton will also represent Enovix at the J.P. Morgan Global Technology, Media and Communications Conference in Boston on May 14 and the William Blair Growth Stock Conference in Chicago on June 4.

About Enovix
Enovix is on a mission to deliver high-performance batteries that unlock the full potential of technology products. Everything from IoT, mobile, and computing devices, to vehicles and headsets, needs a better battery. The company has developed an innovative, materials-agnostic approach to building a higher performing battery without compromising safety, and it partners with OEMs worldwide to usher in a new era of user experiences.

Enovix is headquartered in Silicon Valley with facilities in India, Korea and Malaysia. For more information visit www.enovix.com and follow the Company on LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws, including but not limited to statements regarding the Company’s future performance, market opportunities driven by artificial intelligence, growth strategy, anticipated product launches and customer product commercialization plans, cost and quality improvements from supply chain initiatives, and the impact of executive leadership. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, those described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual and quarterly reports. Enovix undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release.

Investor Contact:
Enovix Corporation
Robert Lahey
Email: ir@enovix.com

Media Contact:
Bateman Agency for Enovix
Kaelyn Attridge
Email: enovix@bateman.agency

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Climb Global Solutions Sets First Quarter 2025 Conference Call for May 1, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. ET

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

EATONTOWN, N.J., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Climb Global Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLMB) (“Climb” or the “Company”), a value-added global IT channel company providing unique sales and distribution solutions for innovative technology vendors, will host a conference call on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time to discuss its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. The Company’s results will be reported in a press release prior to the call.

Climb’s management will host the conference call, followed by a question-and-answer period. Interested parties may submit questions to the Company prior to the call by emailing CLMB@elevate-ir.com.

Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. Eastern time
Toll-free dial-in number: (800) 267-6316
International dial-in number: (203) 518-9783
Conference ID: CLIMB
Webcast: Climb’s Q1 2025 Conference Call

If you have any difficulty registering or connecting with the conference call, please contact Elevate IR at (720) 330-2829.

The conference call will also be available for replay on the investor relations section of the Company’s website at www.climbglobalsolutions.com.

About Climb Global Solutions

Climb Global Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:CLMB) is a value-added global IT distribution and solutions company specializing in emerging and innovative technologies. Climb operates across the US, Canada and Europe through multiple business units, including Climb Channel Solutions, Grey Matter and Climb Global Services. The Company provides IT distribution and solutions for companies in the Security, Data Management, Connectivity, Storage & HCI, Virtualization & Cloud, and Software & ALM industries.

Additional information can be found by visiting www.climbglobalsolutions.com.

Company Contact

Matthew Sullivan
Chief Financial Officer
(732) 847-2451
MatthewS@ClimbCS.com

Investor Relations Contact

Sean Mansouri, CFA or Aaron D’Souza
Elevate IR
(720) 330-2829
CLMB@elevate-ir.com

The MIL Network –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Runway Growth Finance Corp. Provides First Quarter 2025 Portfolio Update
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MENLO PARK, Calif., April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Runway Growth Finance Corp. (Nasdaq: RWAY) (“Runway Growth” or the “Company”), a leading provider of flexible capital solutions to late- and growth-stage companies seeking an alternative to raising equity, today provided an operational and portfolio update for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

“In the first quarter of 2025, Runway Growth originated high quality financing solutions to several of our existing portfolio companies within the resilient sectors of technology, healthcare and consumer services,” said David Spreng, Founder and CEO of Runway Growth. “As we navigate the current market environment, we are focused on underwriting discipline in our continued effort to preserve credit quality. With the close of the acquisition of Runway Growth’s investment adviser by affiliates of BC Partners Advisors L.P. in the first quarter of 2025, we are leveraging our shared expertise and resources to act thoughtfully on attractive opportunities that we believe will drive growth and deliver value for our shareholders.”

Originations
In the first quarter of 2025, Runway Growth funded three investments in existing portfolio companies. These include:
- Completion of a new $55 million investment to existing portfolio company, Route 92 Medical Inc. (“Route 92”), funding $35 million at close, which refinanced Route 92’s existing senior term loan;
- Completion of a $13 million follow-on investment to existing portfolio company, Elevate Services, Inc.; and
- Completion of a new $2.7 million investment to existing portfolio company, Marley Spoon SE.
Liquidity Events
During the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, Runway Growth experienced the following liquidity events in its investment portfolio:
- Full principal repayment of the Company’s senior secured term loan to Gynesonics, Inc. of $25.6 million, combined with liquidation of the Company’s holdings in Gynesonics, Inc. preferred stock, for total proceeds of $37.4 million;
- Partial principal repayment of the Company’s senior secured term loan to FiscalNote Holdings, Inc. of $11.3 million;
- Liquidation of the Company’s holdings of Quantum Corporation’s common stock for total proceeds of $0.7 million; and
- Other scheduled loan principal amortization payments of $3.7 million.
Portfolio Construction and Management
Runway Growth is a credit-first organization, carefully structured to focus on what it believes to be the highest quality, late-stage companies in the venture debt market. The Company seeks to uphold industry-leading investment standards as well as disciplined underwriting and monitoring of its portfolio. Runway Growth is positioned as a preferred lender in the venture debt space, supporting and working closely with companies to help them reach their full growth potential. Since inception, the Company has focused on the fastest growing sectors of the economy, including healthcare, technology and select consumer services and products industries.

As of March 31, 2025, the Runway Growth portfolio included 46 debt investments to 31 portfolio companies and 84 equity investments in 47 portfolio companies, including 26 portfolio companies where Runway Growth holds both a debt and equity investment. Investments were comprised of late and growth-stage businesses in the technology, healthcare and select consumer services and products industries. Runway Growth’s normal business operations include frequent communication with portfolio companies.

About Runway Growth Finance Corp.
Runway Growth is a growing specialty finance company focused on providing flexible capital solutions to late- and growth-stage companies seeking an alternative to raising equity. Runway Growth is a closed-end investment fund that has elected to be regulated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Runway Growth is externally managed by Runway Growth Capital LLC, an established registered investment adviser that was formed in 2015 and led by industry veteran David Spreng. For more information, please visit www.runwaygrowth.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
Statements included herein may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements and are not guarantees of future performance, condition or results and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of factors, including those described from time to time in Runway Growth’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Runway Growth undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement made herein. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release.

Important Disclosures
Strategies described involve special risks that should be evaluated carefully before a decision is made to invest. Not all of the risks and other significant aspects of these strategies are discussed herein. Please see a more detailed discussion of these risk factors and other related risks in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K in the section entitled “Risk Factors”, which may be obtained on the Company’s website, www.runwaygrowth.com, or the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov.

IR Contacts:
Taylor Donahue, Prosek Partners, rway@prosek.com
Thomas B. Raterman, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer, tr@runwaygrowth.com

The MIL Network –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI: Western Financial Group Champions Earth Day with Community Cleanup Initiatives
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

HIGH RIVER, Alberta, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Western Communities Foundation, the non-profit arm of Western Financial Group, is proud to participate in multi-location community clean-up and tree planting initiatives celebrating Earth Day (April 22). Thanks to an unwavering commitment to sustainability and care for our staff, customers, and the communities in which we live and work, Canada’s Insurance Broker works to create safe places across the country.

As Western’s CEO Grant Ostir recently announced, our bold 2025 strategy and growth plans require company-wide dedication to providing a sense of security and care for our customers and local communities.

“Ambitious goals and growth only happen when we’re taking care of each other, our customers and our environments in which we live, play and work,” said Nancy Green-Bolton, Western Communities Foundation Board Chair and Western Financial Group Chief Operating Officer. “As a proudly Canadian company, these Earth Day activities reflect our dedication to creating safe places and thriving communities across the country.”

Our local teams will participate in various cleanup activities across the regions we serve, including British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario.

Cleanup Event Details – PHOTO OPP:

British Columbia
- Oak Bay (Victoria), BC
  - Event: Earth Day Power Hour Community Clean-Up
  - Date & Time: April 22, 12pm-1pm
  - Location: Oak Bay Brach, 2067 Cadboro Bay Rd
- Kelowna, BC
  - Event: City of Kelowna Adopt a Stream Clean-up
  - Date & Time: April 22, 9am-11:30am and 2:30-5pm
  - Location: Kelowna Harvey Branch, 2025 Harvey Ave
- Cranbrook, BC
  - Event: Wildsight Co-Community Clean-Up
  - Date & Time: April 26, 10am-1pm
  - Location: Western Financial Place, 1777 2 St N
Alberta
- Okotoks, AB
  - Event: Town of Okotoks Community Clean-Up and Tree Planting
  - Date & Time: May 10, 9am-12pm
  - Location: Sheep River Shelter (Lions Campground), 99 Woodhaven Dr
- Spruce Grove, AB
  - Event: Spruce Up Spruce Grove Community Clean-Up and Tree Planting
  - Date & Time: May 24, 1-4pm
  - Location: 455 King Street, adjacent to the Community Gardens
Ontario
- King City, ON
  - Event: King City Community Tree Planting
  - Date & Time: May 10, 1am-3pm
  - Location: Dean Plummer Park, Nobleton
“Sustainability and social impact play a big role in our everyday operations at Western,” said Michelle Mak, Director, Western Communities Foundation. “We actively support a variety of inclusive and environmental initiatives throughout the year that positively impact local communities, and we encourage team members, regardless of role or location, to get involved. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate care and kindness in action.”

For more information about our Earth Day initiatives and Western Communities Foundation, visit westerngives.ca. To learn more about Western Financial Group and our commitment to social impact and sustainability, visit westernfinancialgroup.ca.

Western Financial Group Communities Foundation

Founded in 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation serves to give back to the communities where Western employees live and work and play, and foster employee pride and engagement. The Foundation’s core donation programs include Community Infrastructure Grants, the Western Inspirational Awards for graduating high school students, and The Western Community Care Program where our teams actively raise funds for local causes. Since its inception, the Western Communities Foundation has granted more than $9 million to support local communities.

About Western Financial Group Inc.

Headquartered in High River, Alberta, Western Financial Group is a diversified insurance services company that has provided over one million Canadians with protection for over 100 years. Western, a proudly Canadian company, is committed to community service, customer service, innovation, growth, and people while providing personal and business insurance through our engaged team of over 2,000 people in over 200 communities, affiliates, and various connected channels.

Since the very beginning, supporting our local communities has guided everything we do—it’s who we are. In 2001, the Western Financial Group Communities Foundation (our non-profit charity) was created as a way for our team members to give back and positively impact the people and pride in the places where we live, work, and play. To date, we have granted over $9 million back into our communities.

Western Financial Group is a subsidiary of Trimont Financial Ltd., a subsidiary of The Wawanesa Mutual Insurance Company. Visit https://westernfinancialgroup.ca for more.

For more information, contact Nichola Petts, PR Manager, Nichola.petts@westernfg.ca

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2c860a30-3681-4c06-b64f-6bc459ec68f5

The MIL Network –
April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How petrostates succeeded in watering down the world’s plan to cut shipping emissions

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Christiaan De Beukelaer, Senior Lecturer in Culture & Climate, The University of Melbourne

The UN’s International Maritime Organization has just agreed to start charging ships for the greenhouse gases they emit. After decades of ineffective incremental tweaks to shipping emissions, the breakthrough came on April 11 at a summit in London. It makes shipping the first industry subject to a worldwide – and legally binding – emissions price.

The positive spin is that getting any sort of deal is a major win for multilateral climate action, especially considering two strong headwinds.

From within the meeting, there was sustained opposition to ambitious action from Saudi Arabia and other petrostates, as well as from China and Brazil. Second, the US had already disengaged from negotiations. Even so, from outside the meeting, the US administration’s tariff war and explicit threat to retaliate against states supporting a shipping pricing regime could have affected talks far more than they did.

But we’re not sure that this agreement can be considered a success. While there is little traditional climate change denial at the IMO, “mitigation denial” is alive and kicking. Mitigation denial means making lofty promises, often in line with scientific evidence, but not adopting concrete measures able to deliver on these targets. This is exactly what petrostates pushed the IMO to do last week.

Ultimately, the IMO has well and truly failed the most climate vulnerable, by favouring a more gradual and less certain transition to low-carbon shipping. It’s even effectively making these countries pay the price.

What are the measures?

The IMO agreement introduces a global fuel standard for shipping, with financial penalties for ships that don’t meet emissions targets. This is effectively a carbon-trading scheme.

It sets two targets, both of which get tougher every year: a “base” level and a stricter “direct compliance” level. Ships that miss the direct target have to buy “remedial units”, and more expensive ones if they also fail the base level. Ships that go beyond their targets earn “surplus units”, which they can trade or save for up to two years.

In practice, this means that the companies and countries that can invest in new technologies will earn a double dividend: they won’t pay for emissions and they will receive rewards for using low-emission fuels.

At the same time, countries and shipping companies lacking the means to invest will effectively subsidise those early movers by paying penalties that reward them. Hardly any revenues will be available for the promised “just and equitable” transition that would ensure no country is left behind. No wonder nearly all delegates from vulnerable Pacific nations abstained from the vote at the IMO.

For a typical ship burning heavy fuel oil in 2028, it works out at around US$25 (£19) per tonne of greenhouse gas. That’s far lower than needed to drive a rapid transition to cleaner fuels. We also still don’t know exactly how the money raised will be used.

Delegates also agreed to update the IMO’s “carbon intensity” policy, which now requires ships to be 21.5% more fuel efficient by 2030 compared to 2019. This is a modest 2.5% improvement per year.

Pacific island states and the UK were among those arguing for bigger cuts (up to 47%). China pushed for 15% and the EU proposed the surprisingly low 23%. The final result of 21.5% is a bad compromise that does not reflect scientific recommendations on meeting the IMO’s goals or what is possible with available technology.

Climate action at the IMO

This geopolitical struggle goes back decades. Following the adoption of the Kyoto protocol (a precursor of the Paris agreement) in 1997, the UN tasked the IMO with reducing shipping emissions. After two decades of little progress, in 2018 the IMO eventually set a weak target to cut emissions by 50% from 2008 levels. In 2023, that goal was strengthened to net-zero emissions “by or around 2050”, with interim targets of 20-30% cuts by 2030 and 70-80% by 2040.

Read more:
Why the shipping industry’s increased climate ambition spells the end for its fossil fuel use

Most importantly, the 2023 strategy also committed to adopting legally binding measures in April 2025 to deliver on these targets. This has now happened.

In light of that history, the new measures do constitute progress. However, their success has to be judged on whether they can actually meet the IMO’s targets.

The 2030 goal is especially important as climate damage is proportional to cumulative emissions over time, so it’s important to cut emissions as soon as possible. If the shipping sector misses its 2030 target, it may have emitted too much carbon to still make a fair contribution to the Paris agreement.

Academics at UCL have analysed the new IMO agreement. Unfortunately, they calculated the new policies will only deliver a 10% reduction by 2030 – that’s not even close to the 20% goal the IMO set, let alone the “strive” target of 30%.

Mitigation denial?

At the IMO’s closing meeting, Harry Conway, chair of its Marine Environment Protection Committee, held up a glass of water and remarked that at the start of the week, the glass was empty, now the glass is half full.

As political spin, that image might work. But when it comes to setting a clear and ambitious path forward, the measures fall well short.

The 2023 strategy committed nations to “strive” to deliver 30% emissions cuts by 2030. Last week’s meeting might yield 10%. Another reason why Pacific delegates abstained from voting. There is a lot more striving – and delivering – to be done.

A credible pathway to reach net-zero by 2050 is now at risk. Strong pushback by the US, Saudi Arabia, China and Brazil, and weak leadership from the EU all played a role. Even adopting these modest measures – which requires a vote in October – and specifying operational “guidelines” afterwards will be an uphill battle.

Christiaan De Beukelaer receives funding from the ClimateWorks Foundation.

Simon Bullock is a member of the Institute for Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST)

– ref. How petrostates succeeded in watering down the world’s plan to cut shipping emissions – https://theconversation.com/how-petrostates-succeeded-in-watering-down-the-worlds-plan-to-cut-shipping-emissions-254638

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 18, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Is the M249 machine gun awesome? Yes!

Source: US Army (video statements)

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

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

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVl7MYNDr2M

MIL OSI Video –

April 18, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean: Simon Mustard

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Change of British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean: Simon Mustard

Mr Simon Mustard has been appointed British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. He will take up his appointment during May 2025.

Simon Mustard

Mr Simon Mustard has been appointed British High Commissioner to Barbados, and non-resident High Commissioner to Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Simon will succeed Mr Scott Furssedonn-Wood MVO, who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.

Mr Mustard will take up his appointment during May 2025.

Curriculum vitae

Full name: Simon Mustard

Year	Role
2021 to 2025	FCDO, Director East/Southern Africa
2019 to 2021	Freetown, British High Commissioner
2017 to 2019	FCO, Head, Southern and Central Africa Department and Special Envoy to African Great Lakes Region
2016	Lilongwe, British High Commissioner
2013 to 2016	Amman, Deputy Head of Mission
2011 to 2013	FCO, Head, Country-Casework Team and Deputy Head of Consular Assistance, Consular Directorate
2009 to 2011	FCO, Head, Regional Issues Team, Counter-Proliferation Department
2008 to 2009	FCO, Private Secretary to Minister of State, and also to the Secretary of State
2005 to 2008	Washington, Policy Lead on Counter-Terrorism and Strategic Threats
2002 to 2004	Belmopan, Third Secretary (Political)
2000 to 2002	FCO, Desk Officer, Environment Policy Department
1994 to 2000	Police Officer, Lothian and Borders Police

Media enquiries

Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

Telephone 020 7008 3100

Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Published 17 April 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 17, 2025

MIL-OSI Russia: Fragmentation and Block Formation: How the Global Economy is Changing

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

Within the framework XXV Yasinsky (April) International Scientific Conference The former head of the Bank of Russia, professor of the Department of Finance and Credit of the Faculty of Economics of Moscow State University, Sergei Dubinin, gave an honorary report. He spoke about the transformation of the global monetary and financial system and the Russian economy.

As Sergey Dubinin noted, one of the main trends that became noticeable after the pandemic and is observed now is the fragmentation of the global world economy. “This fragmentation today constitutes some stage, a phase of globalization. It was initially understood as deglobalization, complete collapse, but it quickly became clear that the situation is not quite like that,” the speaker noted. Fragmentation leads to a slowdown in international trade, and to an increase in barriers to the movement of goods, services, labor, and restrictions on the spread of technology. These trends are causing concern among many experts.

Fragmentation is very noticeable in the relations between countries. Blocks are being created that are oriented towards the US and China. There are also so-called neutral states, intermediary countries. For example, India or Mexico, they “want to be intermediaries in both trade and financial transactions,” says Sergey Dubinin. “Economic relations are developing more actively within the blocks. Both trade [transactions] and capital movement between the blocks are facing restrictions, in particular tariffs,” he says. At the same time, the latest news about the increase in tariffs by US President Donald Trump is strengthening these trends, the expert notes.

Against the backdrop of events in the global economy, confidence in American securities has declined. “It was a safe haven,” notes Sergei Dubinin. “And that was the advantage of the American financial market system, when even in the conditions of a crisis that began on the US market, US government securities were considered the best insurance asset. And very large amounts of money were directed there.” And in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in investments in these securities.

“Right now there is an acute phase in the relationship between China and the United States. It can lead to various consequences, both for political and economic life,” the expert notes. And here it is important to understand what position Russia wants to take. “Recently, we have heard a lot of talk about Russian-American joint economic projects,” says Sergey Dubinin. One point of view is that it is better to take the position of an intermediary country than to unilaterally focus on one country.

The former head of the Central Bank also spoke about the state of the Russian financial sector. He noted that despite numerous sanctions, the position of banks remains stable. The volume of net profit of banks in 2024 reached more than 4 trillion rubles. According to him, there are currently just over 300 credit institutions left on the market, and only 35 banks were unprofitable. He recalled that “during the period from 2010 to 2020, 681 banks were closed.”

As a result, according to Sergei Dubinin, a “highly concentrated and fairly stable” system has now emerged. The top ten largest Russian banks, which include systemically important players, account for almost 80% of the banking system’s assets. At the same time, “quality indicators remain quite good.”

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Noem Terminates $2.7 Million in DHS Grants; Orders Harvard to Prove Compliance with Foreign Student Requirements

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Secretary Noem Terminates $2

7 Million in DHS Grants; Orders Harvard to Prove Compliance with Foreign Student Requirements

ASHINGTON – Today, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the cancelation of two DHS grants totaling over $2

7 million to Harvard University, declaring it unfit to be entrusted with taxpayer dollars

The Secretary also wrote a scathing letter demanding detailed records on Harvard’s foreign student visa holders’ illegal and violent activities by April 30, 2025, or face immediate loss of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification

“Harvard bending the knee to antisemitism — driven by its spineless leadership — fuels a cesspool of extremist riots and threatens our national security,” said Secretary Noem

“With anti-American, pro-Hamas ideology poisoning its campus and classrooms, Harvard’s position as a top institution of higher learning is a distant memory

America demands more from universities entrusted with taxpayer dollars

”
The $800,303 Implementation Science for Targeted Violence Prevention grant branded conservatives as far-right dissidents in a shockingly skewed study

The $1,934,902 Blue Campaign Program Evaluation and Violence Advisement grant funded Harvard’s public health propaganda

Both undermine America’s values and security

This action follows President Donald J

Trump’s decision to freeze $2

2 billion in federal funding to Harvard University, proposing the revocation of its tax-exempt status over its radical ideology

Since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, Harvard’s foreign visa-holding rioters and faculty have spewed antisemitic hate, targeting Jewish students

With a $53

2 billion endowment, Harvard can fund its own chaos—DHS won’t

And if Harvard cannot verify it is in full compliance with its reporting requirements, the university will lose the privilege of enrolling foreign students

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Kilmar Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 Gang member with a History of Violence

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Kilmar Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 Gang member with a History of Violence

lass=”text-align-center”>“We hear far too much in the mainstream media about sob stories of gang members and criminal illegals and not enough about their victims

” – Secretary Noem
WASHINGTON – The mainstream media has peddled a sob story about Kilmar Abrego Garcia

The facts are he is an illegal alien from El Salvador, a MS-13 gang member, and has a history of violence

FAST FACTS:
1

When Garcia was arrested, he was found with rolls of cash and drugs

2

He was arrested with two other members of MS-13

3

When arrested, he was wearing a sweatshirt with roles of money covering the ears, mouth, and eyes of presidents on various currency denominations

This is a known MS-13 gang symbol of see no evil, hear no evil, say no evil

4

Two judges found that he was a member of MS-13

That finding has not been disturbed

5

Intelligence reports found that he was involved in human trafficking

6

He is an illegal alien from El Salvador

7

He claimed fear of being returned to El Salvador because he would be persecuted by MS-13’s rival gang, Barrio-18

8

Jennifer Vasquez, Garcia’s wife, petitioned for an order of protection against him

She claimed he punched her, scratched her, and ripped off her shirt, and bruised her

BOTTOM LINE: Kilmar Abrego Garcia is a violent criminal illegal alien and MS-13 gang member

He belongs behind bars and off American soil

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Allen Parish, Louisiana Flood Maps Become Final

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: Allen Parish, Louisiana Flood Maps Become Final

Allen Parish, Louisiana Flood Maps Become Final

DENTON, Texas – New flood maps have been finalized and will become effective on Oct

16, 2025, for Allen Parish, Louisiana

During the next six months, a FEMA compliance specialist will work with the community to update each floodplain ordinance and adopt these new flood maps

Residents are encouraged to examine the maps to determine if they are in a low-to-moderate or high-risk flood zone

The current and future Flood Insurance Rate Map can be viewed on FEMA’s Flood Map Changes Viewer at https://msc

fema

gov/fmcv

By understanding flood risks, individuals can decide which insurance option is best for their situation

Community leaders can use these maps to make informed decisions about building standards and development to help lessen the impacts of a flooding event

Anyone without flood insurance risks uninsured losses to their home, personal property and business

Flood insurance is available either through a private policy or through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for those in communities who participate in the NFIP

Residents with federally backed mortgages must have flood insurance if their structures are in the Special Flood Hazard Area

Contact your local floodplain administrator (FPA) to review the new flood maps and learn more about your risk of flooding

A FEMA Map Specialist can help identify your community FPA and answer questions about the maps as well

Contact them by phone or online chat

Use a live chat service about flood maps at floodmaps

fema

gov/fhm/fmx_main

html (just click on the “Live Chat Open” icon)

Contact a FEMA Map Specialist by telephone at 877-FEMA-MAP (877-336-2627) or by email at FEMA-FMIX@fema

dhs

gov

There are cost-saving options available for those newly mapped into a high-risk flood zone

Learn more about your flood insurance options by talking with your insurance agent or visiting floodsmart

gov

toan

nguyen
Wed, 04/16/2025 – 22:25

MIL OSI USA News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Testing in the Clouds: NASA Flies to Improve Satellite Data

Source: NASA

In February, NASA’s ER-2 science aircraft flew instruments designed to improve satellite data products and Earth science observations. From data collection to processing, satellite systems continue to advance, and NASA is exploring how instruments analyzing clouds can improve data measurement methods.
Researchers participating in the Goddard Space Flight Center Lidar Observation and Validation Experiment (GLOVE) used the ER-2 – based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California – to validate satellite data about cloud and airborne particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. Scientists are using GLOVE instruments installed onboard the aircraft to measure and validate data about clouds generated by satellite sensors already orbiting in space around Earth.
“The GLOVE data will allow us to test new artificial intelligence algorithms in data processing,” said John Yorks, principal investigator for GLOVE and research physical scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “These algorithms aim to improve the cloud and aerosol detection in data produced by the satellites.”

The validation provided by GLOVE is crucial because it ensures the accuracy and reliability of satellite data. “The instruments on the plane provide a higher resolution measurement ‘truth’ to ensure the data is a true representation of the atmospheric scene being sampled,” Yorks said.
The ER-2 flew over various parts of Oregon, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, as well as over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. These regions reflected various types of atmospheres, including cirrus clouds, marine stratocumulus, rain and snow, and areas with multiple types of clouds.
“The goal is to improve satellite data products for Earth science applications,” Yorks said. “These measurements allow scientists and decision-makers to confidently use this satellite information for applications like weather forecasting and hazard monitoring.”

The four instruments installed on the ER-2 were the Cloud Physics Lidar, the Roscoe Lidar, the enhanced Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Airborne Simulator, and the Cloud Radar System. These instruments validate data produced by sensors on NASA’s Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) and the Earth Cloud, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE), a joint venture between the ESA (European Space Agency) and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).
“Additionally, the EarthCARE satellite is flying the first ever Doppler radar for measurements of air motions within clouds,” Yorks said. While the ER-2 is operated by pilots and aircrew from NASA Armstrong, these instruments are supported by scientists from NASA Goddard, NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, and the Naval Research Laboratory office in Monterey, California, as well as by students from the University of Iowa in Iowa City and the University of Maryland College Park.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s SpaceX 32nd Commercial Resupply Mission Overview

Source: NASA

NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 4:15 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 21, for the next launch to deliver scientific investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station. Filled with about 6,700 pounds of supplies, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket, will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 4:15 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 21, for the next launch to deliver scientific investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station. Filled with about 6,700 pounds of supplies, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket, will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
This launch is the 32nd SpaceX commercial resupply services mission to the orbital laboratory for the agency, and the 12th SpaceX launch under the Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS) contract. The first 20 launches were under the original resupply services contract.
NASA’s live launch coverage will begin at 3:55 a.m. on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms.

The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will arrive at the space station and dock autonomously to the zenith port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, April 22. Live coverage NASA’s coverage of the rendezvous and docking will begin at 6:45 a.m on NASA+. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, Expedition 73 commander and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi will monitor the arrival of the spacecraft, which will stay docked to the orbiting laboratory for about one month before splashing down and returning critical science and hardware to teams on Earth.

Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor-2 (SVGS-2) uses the space station’s Astrobee robots to demonstrate using a NASA developed, vision-based sensor to control a formation flight of small satellites. Based on a previous in-space demonstration of the technology, this investigation is designed to refine the maneuvers of multiple robots and integrate the information with spacecraft systems.
Potential benefits of this technology include improved accuracy and reliability of systems for guidance, navigation, and control that could be applied to docking crewed spacecraft in orbit and remotely operating multiple robots on the lunar or Martian surface.

During spaceflight, especially long-duration missions, concentrations of airborne particles must be kept within ranges safe for crew health and hardware performance. The Aerosol Monitors investigation tests three different air quality monitors to determine which is best suited to protect crew health and ensure mission success.
The investigation also tests a device for distinguishing between smoke and dust. Aboard the orbital outpost, the presence of dust can cause false smoke alarms that require crew member response. Reducing false alarms could save valuable crew time while continuing to protect astronaut safety.

The newest Industrial Crystallization Cassette (ADSEP-ICC) investigation adds capabilities to an existing protein crystallization facility. The cassette can process more sample types, including tiny gold particles used in devices that detect cancer and other diseases or in targeted drug delivery systems. Microgravity makes it possible to produce larger and more uniform gold particles, which improves their use in research and real-life applications of technologies related to human health.

The DNA Nano Therapeutics-Mission 2 produces a special type of molecule formed by DNA-inspired, customizable building blocks known as Janus base nanomaterials. It also evaluates how well the materials reduce joint inflammation and whether they can help regenerate cartilage lost due to arthritis. These materials are less toxic, more stable, and more compatible with living tissues than current drug delivery technologies.
Environmental influences such as gravity can affect the quality of these materials and delivery systems. In microgravity, they are larger and have greater uniformity and structural integrity. This investigation could help identify the best formulations and methods for cost-effective in-space production. These nanomaterials also could be used to create novel systems targeting therapy delivery that improves patient outcomes with fewer side effects.

The Rhodium USAFA NIGHT payload examines how tomato plants respond to microgravity and whether a carbon dioxide replacement can reduce how much space-grown plants depend on photosynthesis. Because photosynthesis needs light, which requires spacecraft power to generate, alternatives would reduce energy use.
The investigation also examines whether using supplements increases plant growth on the space station, which has been observed in preflight testing on Earth. In future plant production facilities aboard spacecraft or on celestial bodies, supplements could come from available organic materials such as waste.
Understanding how plants adapt to microgravity could help grow food during long-duration space missions or harsh environments on Earth.

An ESA (European Space Agency) investigation, Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES), examines fundamental physics concepts such as Einstein’s theory of relativity using two next-generation atomic clocks operated in microgravity. Results have applications to scientific measurement studies, the search for dark matter, and fundamental physics research that relies on highly accurate atomic clocks in space. The experiment also tests a technology for synchronizing clocks worldwide using global navigation satellite networks.

Launch:

Catalytic Reactor – The catalytic reactor replacement unit oxidizes volatile organics from the wastewater so they can be removed by the gas separator and ion exchange bed replacement units as part of the station’s water recycling system. This unit failed in orbit and is being returned for analysis and refurbishment. This unit is being launched as an in-orbit spare.
Food Reach Tool Assembly – An L-shaped, hand-held tool that allows crew members to reach packages in the back of the food warmer without having to insert their hands. This tool is launching to replace a unit in orbit.

Reducer Cylinder Assembly – A cylinder tank that provides 15 minutes of oxygen to a crew member in case of an emergency. Launching two units as in-orbit spares.

Thermal Expansion Device – A device used to allow for thermal expansion of water within the Hydrogen Dome while it is being removed and replaced. Launching to maintain minimum in-orbit spares.

Return:

Urine Processor Assembly Pressure Control and Pump Assembly – This multi-tube purge pump enables the removal of non-condensable gas and water vapor from the distillation assembly within the greater urine processing assembly subsystem. This unit is returning to the ground for repair and refurbishment in support of the legacy environmental control and life support system fleet.

Assembly Contingency Transmitter Receiver Assembly – A part of the S-Band Radio Frequency Group, this assembly is a pressurized enclosure that contains electronics for this upper-level assembly. The Radio Frequency Group is used for command, control, and transmission communication for the space station. It was retrieved by NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during US EVA 92 and will return for repair.

High Gain Antenna Feed Assembly – Part of the S-Band Radio Frequency Group, this system features a two-axis, gimballed assembly with a pedestal and a large horn antenna. It was retrieved by NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during U.S. spacewalk 92 and will return for repair.

Low Gain Antenna Sub-Assembly – Part of the S-Band Radio Frequency Group, this sub-assembly consists of a helix antenna that provides a wide field of signal transmission capability. It was retrieved by NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during U.S. spacewalk 92 and will return for repair.

Planar Reflector Assembly – With an aluminum base and reflective element, visiting spacecraft reflect a laser to compute relative range, velocity, and attitude to the space station. This broken unit was retrieved and replaced by NASA astronaut Suni Williams during U.S. spacewalk 91 and will return for repair.

Multifiltration Bed – Supporting the water processor assembly, this spare unit will continue the International Space Station program’s effort to replace a degraded fleet of units in-orbit that improve water quality through a single bed. This unit will return for refurbishment and re-flight.

Live coverage of the launch from NASA Kennedy will air at 3:55 a.m. on NASA+..
For additional information on the mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/nasas-spacex-crs-32/

MIL OSI USA News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Scrub Jay at the Vehicle Assembly Building

Source: NASA

A scrub jay perches on a branch near the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on June 22, 2020. Kennedy shares space with the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, which is home to more than 65 amphibian and reptile, 25 mammal, 117 fish, and 330 bird species.
At the time this photo was taken, the NASA “meatball” logo – in the background here – on the Vehicle Assembly Building was being repainted. This iconic building is where the Artemis launch vehicles are stacked and processed in preparation for future missions to the Moon.
Image credit: NASA/Ben Smegelsky

MIL OSI USA News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: How to Document Damages After Severe Weather Events

Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

Headline: How to Document Damages After Severe Weather Events

How to Document Damages After Severe Weather Events

FRANKFORT, Ky

– FEMA understands that clean up and rebuilding after a flood can take time and be overwhelming

Guidance is available and it’s always important to put safety first

Follow instructions from your local officials to ensure it is safe to reenter your home

You can begin the recovery process by documenting damage and taking steps to stop the spread of mold

First, confirm the electricity and gas are shut off to avoid fire or injury

Have an electrician check the house before turning the power back on

Document Your Flood DamageTake photos and videos of the damage, including structural and personal property on the inside and outside of your home, before discarding items

Remember to take photos of the insides of closets and cabinets

Record serial numbers of large appliances, such as washers, dryers, and refrigerators

Keep receipts of any purchases made to replace damaged property or repair property

Retain material samples of damaged items such as carpeting, wallpaper, furniture upholstery, and window treatments

The type and quality of material may impact insurance claims

Contact repair services as necessary to address damage to the building’s electrical, water, or HVAC systems

Consult your insurance adjuster or insurance company before you sign any cleaning, remediation, or maintenance agreement

After taking photos, you should immediately throw away flooded items that pose a health risk, such as perishable food items, clothing, cushions, and pillows

Mold and CleanupIt is important to understand that National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) flood insurance policies will not cover damage from mold

Avoiding damage from mold is an important responsibility of a resident

Building owners are strongly encouraged to begin cleanup and documentation immediately after a flood to prevent the growth and spread of mold

Remember these guidelines while undergoing mold cleanup:Wear personal protective equipment

Wear an N-95 respirator at a minimum, goggles, and protective gloves

Use portable generators carefully, outside and away from the home, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and fires

Ensure the mold cleanup is complete before reoccupying your home

For more information, please see the Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup after Disasters (pdf)

martyce

allenjr
Wed, 04/16/2025 – 19:38

MIL OSI USA News –

April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: CISA Releases Guidance on Credential Risks Associated with Potential Legacy Oracle Cloud Compromise
News In Brief – Source: US Computer Emergency Readiness Team

CISA is aware of public reporting regarding potential unauthorized access to a legacy Oracle cloud environment. While the scope and impact remains unconfirmed, the nature of the reported activity presents potential risk to organizations and individuals, particularly where credential material may be exposed, reused across separate, unaffiliated systems, or embedded (i.e., hardcoded into scripts, applications, infrastructure templates, or automation tools). When credential material is embedded, it is difficult to discover and can enable long-term unauthorized access if exposed.

The compromise of credential material, including usernames, emails, passwords, authentication tokens, and encryption keys, can pose significant risk to enterprise environments. Threat actors routinely harvest and weaponize such credentials to:
- Escalate privileges and move laterally within networks.
- Access cloud and identity management systems.
- Conduct phishing, credential-based, or business email compromise (BEC) campaigns.
- Resell or exchange access to stolen credentials on criminal marketplaces.
- Enrich stolen data with prior breach information for resale and/or targeted intrusion.
CISA recommends the following actions to reduce the risks associated with potential credential compromise:
For Organizations:

Reset passwords for any known affected users across enterprise services, particularly where local credentials may not be federated through enterprise identity solutions.

Review source code, infrastructure-as-code templates, automation scripts, and configuration files for hardcoded or embedded credentials and replace them with secure authentication methods supported by centralized secret management.

Monitor authentication logs for anomalous activity, especially involving privileged, service, or federated identity accounts, and assess whether additional credentials (such as API keys and shared accounts) may be associated with any known impacted identities.

Enforce phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all user and administrator accounts wherever technically feasible.

For additional information for or on Cloud security best practices please review the following Cybersecurity Information Sheets: CISA and NSA Release Cybersecurity Information Sheets on Cloud Security Best Practices.

For Users:

Immediately update any potentially affected passwords that may have been reused across other platforms or services.

Use strong, unique passwords for each account and enable phishing-resistant multifactor authentication (MFA) on services and applications that support it. For more information on using strong passwords, see CISA’s Use Strong Passwords web page. For more information on phishing-resistant MFA see CISA’s Implementing Phishing-Resistant MFA Fact Sheet.

Remain alert against phishing attempts (e.g., referencing login issues, password resets, or suspicious activity notifications) and reference Phishing Guidance: Stopping the Attack Cycle at Phase One.

Organizations should report incidents and anomalous activity to CISA’s 24/7 Operations Center at Report@cisa.gov or (888) 282-0870. 

Disclaimer:

The information in this report is being provided “as is” for informational purposes only. CISA does not endorse any commercial entity, product, company, or service, including any entities, products, or services linked within this document. Any reference to specific commercial entities, products, processes, or services by service mark, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by CISA.
MIL OSI USA News –
April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA RELEASE: DHHL Awards Nearly 400 Project Leases in West Hawaiʻi
Source: US State of Hawaii

MEDIA RELEASE: DHHL Awards Nearly 400 Project Leases in West Hawaiʻi

Posted on Apr 16, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

STATE OF HAWAIʻI

KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS

KA ʻOIHANA ʻĀINA HOʻOPULAPULA HAWAIʻI

JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR

KE KIAʻĀINA

KALI WATSON

DIRECTOR

KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

KATIE L. LAMBERT

DEPUTY DIRECTOR

KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE

DHHL AWARDS NEARLY 400 PROJECT LEASES IN WEST HAWAIʻI

Event Adds to 790 Project Leases Awarded on Oʻahu Weeks Ago

DHHL beneficiary Kanani Takata accepts first West Hawaiʻi project lease award alongside Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and state and county leaders.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 16, 2025

SOUTH KOHALA, HAWAIʻI ISLAND – Volcanic haze rolled in on ka makani pahoa Saturday veiling a sunny South Kohala sky, but nothing could obscure the air of excitement felt in the Monarchy Ballroom as the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands prepared to present nearly 400 project lease awards in West Hawaiʻi: a feat that hadn’t been done since the early 2000s.

More than 660 native Hawaiian beneficiaries and their ʻohana were invited to the Hilton Waikoloa Village April 12, 2025 for their opportunity to select between two homestead developments in West Hawaiʻi – Laʻi ʻŌpua in Kealakehe and Kailapa in Kawaihae.

On that day, everyone heard their names called; starting with the first application submitted in 1963 to the most recent in December 2023.

“Homesteads not only put our people back on the land; homesteads restore hope in our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. “This administration will continue to invest in our Native Hawaiian community, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, to ensure our families have a home here in Hawaiʻi for generations to come.”

The leases, 368 in Laʻi ʻŌpua and 22 in Kailapa, represent a significant step toward homeownership for many native Hawaiians waiting decades. This initiative is part of DHHL’s comprehensive approach to addressing its waitlist by expediting homesteading opportunities.

“The success of our homesteading program relies on our ability to pivot towards the needs of our beneficiaries and project leases are one example of that,” said DHHL Director Kali Watson. “With developers in place and construction on the way, the department will deliver on some 1,200 units on Hawaiʻi Island in the next few years. Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole established homesteads in response to what some called a landless and dying race. Today we issue project leases to bring his vision to fruition.”

Unlike previous processes, beneficiaries secure a homestead lease prior to the completion of development. This approach gives families the chance to prepare for both financial and program requirements, thereby ensuring long-term stability and the opportunity to transfer their leases to eligible successors.

Act 279, the department’s transformational $600 million allocation of general funds set forth in 2022 by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature funded Laʻi ʻŌpua’s $32.9 million infrastructure costs.

‘Forever Homes’ for Families

The West Hawaiʻi project lease awards are the second of three major project lease distributions this year. DHHL awarded 790 leases in West Oʻahu in March and will award nearly a thousand on Maui at the end of the year. The department’s ambitious plan aims to issue more than 6,000 project leases statewide over the next two years.

Accepting a lease on behalf of her grandpa, on the waitlist since 1963, Kanani Takata was first up.

“I hear the cheers of the families that are celebrating a lease award and it is my prayer, my hope, that this would be able to bless generations now or future generations,” Takata said.

West Hawaiʻi project lease awardee Charmaine Davis succeeded to her mother’s lease and intends on passing it to her own daughter. Davis’ mother became an applicant in the late-1970s.

“Going forward, this is all about generations now,” said Davis. “We look forward to being able to provide and assist my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren, in carrying on the legacy through Hawaiian homes. We have a forever home.”

The department is currently in the process of developing five additional projects on Hawaiʻi Island. These projects include:
- Honokaʻa: 296 units
- Kaumana: 168 units
- Palamanui: 132 units
- Panaʻewa: 600 units
- Laʻi ʻŌpua Village 4: 150 units
“We can no longer bypass individuals on our waitlist – doing so disregards the decades-long wait our families patiently endured and tarnishes the legacy Prince Kūhiō dedicated his life to building,” Watson added. “Each new home represents an opportunity for generational change and will be built in ways that are accessible, high quality, and sustainable for our Native Hawaiian families.”

Project leases provide a critical pathway to homeownership, offering options such as turnkey homes, owner-builder lots, and rent-to-own opportunities.

For more information about DHHL’s lease awards and upcoming projects, visit dhhl.hawaii.gov.

Click here to download visuals, soundbites.

B-ROLL (2:09)

SOUNDBITES

Kanani Takata, West Hawaiʻi project lease awardee,

(:32 seconds)

“I knew that grandpa would be the number one pick, and I also knew that I would be the one standing in as his proxy so I hear the cheers of the families that are celebrating the awards, or a lease award, for these people who have been sitting on the list like my grandpa since 1963, so for me, my prayer, my hope is that this would be able to bless generations whether it be now or future generations to come.”

Charmaine Davis, West Hawaiʻi project lease awardee

(:17 seconds)

“Going forward, this is all about generations now, we look forward to being able to provide and assist my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren, in carrying on the legacy through Hawaiian homes, we have a forever home, a forever home.”

Nathan Kapule, West Hawaiʻi project lease awardee,

(:27 seconds)

“I wasn’t really sure until they called me, and when I saw that I go wow, and being the front of the list is something special, so that’s what I felt, it’s a special opportunity for me, there’s a reason why things happen, I think there’s a reason why, and it is to support my family and being native Hawaiian.”

# # #

About the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands:

The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands carries out Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole’s vision of rehabilitating native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. Established by U.S. Congress in 1921 with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the Hawaiian homesteading program run by DHHL includes management of more than 200,000 acres of land statewide with the specific purpose of developing and delivering homesteading.

Media Contact:

Diamond Badajos

Information and Community Relations Officer

Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

Cell: 808-342-0873

Email: [email protected]

MIL OSI USA News –
April 17, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Climate, Peace, and Security in the Great Lakes Region – Joint Security Council Media Stakeout

Source: United Nations (Video News)

Joint media stakeout by the Security Council members that have joined the Joint Pledges on Climate, Peace and Security (Denmark, France, Greece, Guyana, Panama, the Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom) on Climate, Peace, and Security in the Great Lakes Region.

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

MIL OSI Video –

April 17, 2025

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MEDIA RELEASE: DHHL Awards Nearly 400 Project Leases in West Hawaiʻi