NewzIntel.com

Category: Artificial Intelligence

  • MIL-OSI China: Hungary’s Orban vows probe into US-funded ‘pseudo-civil’ organizations

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban announced that his government will send a commissioner to the United States to gather information on American funds flowing to Hungary’s “pseudo-civil public organizations.”

    Speaking in his state-of-the-nation address on Saturday, Orban claimed that these funds have been used to “buy journalists, judges and prosecutors, politicians, foundations, bureaucrats” and to impose what he described as “a liberal dictatorship of opinion” across the Western world.

    Recent reports in local media have suggested that funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has been used in Hungary to undermine the government.

    Orban stated that these revelations “threw the skeletons out of the closet,” exposing a system designed to suppress national sovereignty by influencing civil society and political activities. He pledged that his government would “urgently create the constitutional and legal conditions” necessary to prevent pseudo-civil organizations from serving foreign interests in Hungary, adding that legal amendments could be enacted by Easter.

    While further details of the planned measures have not been disclosed, Orban has emphasized that the initiative aims to safeguard national interests and prevent external forces from interfering in Hungary’s political affairs.

    Following Orban’s speech, Alexandra Szentkiralyi, head of the ruling Fidesz party’s Budapest chapter, confirmed in a Facebook post that Hungary will send a government commissioner to the United States to “uncover the Hungarian agents” who have received funding from USAID. “Enough with serving foreign interests and the Brussels-based and Soros networks,” she wrote. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese researchers set new benchmark in solar hydrogen production efficiency

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    Students play games at a primary school in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Feb. 17, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Han)
    Thanks to more emphasis on PE classes, the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen has seen a noticeable drop in the number of secondary school students who need to wear glasses.
    The municipal education bureau recently released the data one year after it piloted “one physical education (PE) class per day” in the compulsory education stage.
    Since its implementation on Jan. 1, 2024, the overall myopia rate among children and adolescents in Shenzhen has dropped to 55.5 percent, down 1.2 percentage points from 2023. Meanwhile, a measurement of student physical fitness excellence rose by over 6 percentage points from 2023.
    “Seeing the data, I feel even more confident about implementing the policy. A year of practice has proven that we made the right decision,” said Zheng Xiuyu, head of the municipal education bureau.
    Since the beginning of this new semester, various provincial-level regions in China have introduced policies to ensure students have proper recess activities and sufficient PE classes to improve their health.
    DAILY PE CLASS MANDATE
    Beijing has released a document to strengthen physical education in primary and secondary schools. It outlines eight measures, including ensuring one PE class for primary and junior high school students and ensuring that they engage in at least two hours of comprehensive physical activities every day.
    Regions such as Hunan, Hebei, Gansu, Tianjin and Sichuan have recently released similar documents.
    These initiatives came after concerns over the physical and mental health of primary and secondary school students have been growing in recent years.
    A 2024 report released by the China Development Research Foundation highlights that issues like myopia, obesity and scoliosis are surpassing infectious diseases as primary health concerns. Mental health problems, including high anxiety and depression rates, are also rising.
    Students and parents have widely welcomed the “one PE class a day” policy.
    “My favorite class is PE!” A student in Shenzhen has said.
    Parents also believe that their children are improving their physical fitness and gaining happiness and confidence through regular exercise.
    HEALTHIER AND EVEN SMARTER
    “Parents and schools have become more attentive to PE,” said Shen Hongwen, a PE teacher in Shanghai. “Beyond grades, society now values both academic success and physical well-being.”
    Shen added that the emergence of various sports training institutions reflects the growing recognition that academic performance and well-being are equally important.
    Educators argue that sports do not hinder learning but rather enhance cognitive abilities and mental resilience.
    “Appropriate recess games and physical activities not only enhance study efficiency but also help develop their thinking and innovation abilities,” said Zhu Hong, vice principal of a primary school in Hainan.
    Numerous studies show that exercise not only promotes health but also serves as an important way to enhance brain development, said Huang Zhenmin, a PE analyst at Shenzhen Institute of Education Sciences.
    ADDRESSING CHALLENGES
    As early as 2021, China’s Ministry of Education had recommended that “schools with adequate resources should offer one PE class per day” and “ensure students engage in one hour of exercise in school and another hour outside of school each day.”
    However, obstacles such as limited time and space, inadequate sports facilities, and a shortage of PE teachers have hindered implementation.
    To address the issue of teacher resources, China has expanded the enrollment of students specialized in PE in multiple teacher cultivation programs. Beijing also allows schools to hire retired coaches and athletes as part-time PE teachers.
    Shenzhen established a two-way mechanism between school and public sports venues. Students can use public venues during school hours, while the public can use school sports spaces during holidays, solving the problem of insufficient space for both.
    To reinforce physical activities, in the recently released national plan to build a strong education system by 2035, authorities again emphasized “making sure primary and secondary school students have at least two hours of physical activity daily” to effectively control myopia and obesity rates.
    With the time and space secured, many schools are now making efforts to provide students with high-quality PE courses that are designed to enhance speed, agility, strength and endurance. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2025 Global Developer Conference offers platform for AI industry exchange

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    SHANGHAI, Feb. 22 — Open-source large model technologies and products have taken center stage at the ongoing 2025 Global Developer Conference, which is being held in Shanghai from Friday to Sunday.

    The event has brought together top domestic and international artificial intelligence (AI) companies to showcase their latest technologies and solutions, attracting developers, scientists, and investors from around the world.

    At the conference, a humanoid robot developed by Chinese firm Unitree Robotics — famous for its dancing robots featured on China’s nationally televised Spring Festival gala — walked the company’s robot dog, drawing a cheering crowd of onlookers.

    “With the support of a broad base of developers, artificial intelligence is developing rapidly, particularly as recent breakthroughs in open-source large model technologies and products create new opportunities and space for the development of China’s artificial intelligence industry,” said Xiong Jijun, vice minister of industry and information technology in a speech at the conference, on Saturday.

    Xiong noted that China’s AI industry is thriving, particularly with the widespread acceptance of open-source principles. Currently, the country ranks second in the world in terms of the number of open-source contributors.

    Yang Haijun, chief engineer of the Shanghai municipal cyberspace administration, told the conference that China is among the first countries to introduce regulations for the management of generative AI services.

    Data from iResearch, an industry research and consulting institute, indicates that China’s AI industry is projected to reach 811 billion yuan (about 111.8 billion U.S. dollars) by 2028, with emerging sectors such as AI and robotics poised to unlock significant market potential and development opportunities.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Boosting conservation efforts via AI

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Fung Yuen, located in the suburbs of Tai Po and approximately 2km from the town centre, is one of the 12 priority sites for enhanced conservation under the Government’s New Nature Conservation Policy.

    The Environmental Association manages Fung Yuen Butterfly Reserve, providing a suitable habitat for butterflies.

    Initially, Fung Yuen hosted about 70 to 80 butterfly species. Over the past 20 years, this number has increased to over 220 species, representing approximately 90% of all butterfly species present in Hong Kong.

    Revolutionising conservation

    In addition to continuing its conservation efforts, the association has decided to incorporate smart technology to enhance such initiatives.

    Environmental Association Chief Executive Officer Yau Wing-kwong noted that Hong Kong is home to over 200 butterfly species, each having a distinct appearance. Some of the species even look different between dry and wet seasons. As such, accurately identifying these species by visual comparison with reference books is challenging, prompting the introduction of an artificial intelligence (AI) system.

    Currently in its early stage, the system can identify 10 butterfly species, including Danaus genutia, with high accuracy. The association aims to expand its capabilities to recognise 245 species within two years.

    Mr Yau stated that the system will be made public once it operates smoothly, allowing citizens to upload photos of butterflies from the suburbs to identify their species and obtain related information instantly.

    He said: “At a later stage, the system will be used for conservation analysis. That means we can put a camera in butterfly gardens that we developed, and then the camera will capture images of butterflies. The system will then tell us how many species have been there, and their relationship to the plants and to the environment.

    “And it will help us in the future with how we do the conservation work with even better efficiency and less manpower.”

    Critical funding

    The Environmental Association has received funding from the Environment & Conservation Fund and the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme successively to implement the Nature Conservation Management Agreement Project in Fung Yuen.

    Furthermore, the AI butterfly identification system is also funded by the latest round of the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme.

    Mr Yau expressed gratitude to the Government for its ongoing support.

    “Conservation works actually need money and resources. We appreciate the Government’s efforts in providing all these resources, both in monetary terms and support.”

    Established in 2018, the Countryside Conservation Office under the Environment & Ecology Bureau co-ordinates and promotes sustainable development in remote countryside areas.

    In October 2019, the office launched the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme, which approved 50 projects with total funding of approximately $270 million by the end of 2024.

    High-quality habitats

    Environment & Ecology Bureau Countryside Conservation Manager Matthew Tang outlined that the approved projects encompass various topics, including nature conservation and countryside revitalisation. Notably, the nature conservation management agreement projects protect approximately 560 hectares of wetlands and about 10 hectares of traditional farmland, creating suitable habitats for diverse species.

    Mr Tang also highlighted the importance of such projects.

    “These conservation projects not only maintain a stable number of species in the conservation sites but also continue to record protected species and new species, reflecting that the projects have effectively enhanced the ecological value of the conservation sites.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Urgent humanitarian needs persist three years into war in Ukraine story Feb 21, 2025

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    Three years after Russian forces invaded Ukraine, dramatically escalating an international armed conflict that began in 2014, people continue to bear the burden of the war’s devastation in lost lives, lost limbs, and lost homes.

    Over the years, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has seen an increase in patients with war-related trauma in need of early rehabilitation, namely post-amputation physiotherapy, as well as patients requiring treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

    Even if the war were to end tomorrow, hundreds of thousands of people would require years of long-term physiotherapy, or counseling for PTSD.

    Thomas Marchese, MSF head of programs in Ukraine

    “The ferocity of this war has not diminished, and the medical humanitarian needs have only grown more complex,” said Thomas Marchese, MSF head of programs in Ukraine. “Even if the war were to end tomorrow, hundreds of thousands of people would require years of long-term physiotherapy, or counseling for PTSD. Ensuring this care requires an ongoing humanitarian commitment.”

    In areas close to the front lines, daily shelling means that some of the most vulnerable, including older people and people with chronic conditions, have extremely limited access to medical care. Meanwhile, the strain on Ukraine’s medical services has been exacerbated by frequent attacks on hospitals, ambulances, and medical structures.

    Anna Svesova, director of the hospital in Trostianets, near the Russian border. | Ukraine 2023 © Nuria Lopez Torres

    Ukrainians are in need of physical and mental health care

    MSF runs an early rehabilitation project with centers in Cherkasy and Odesa, where people receive early post-operative physiotherapy, mental health support, and nursing care following violent incidents. In this project, MSF treated 755 patients in 2023 and 2024. From one year to the next, there was a 10 percent increase in the number of patients requiring post-operative care for leg amputations. 

    In 2024, half of all patients in the project were diagnosed with either PTSD or depression. The need for mental health support in Ukraine is significant. In addition to the centers in Cherkasy and Odesa, MSF has established a project focused on PTSD in Vinnytsia.

    MSF physiotherapist Inna Didych works with a patient who is preparing for prosthetics after losing his right arm, leg, and nearly all of his vision during fighting on the front lines in Ukraine. | Ukraine 2023 © Pavlo Sukhodolskyi/Voice of America

    Constant state of emergency takes heavy toll on health care system 

    Today, Ukraine’s health care system faces immense pressure, balancing emergency responses with the ongoing needs of patients affected by the war.

    For three years, drone and missile attacks have been a daily occurrence, in some cases striking cities more than 600 miles from the front line. Medical facilities and systems have been forced to adapt to treating patients in bunkers or basements, as well as to frequent power cuts from attacks on energy infrastructure.

    In response to this, MSF operates ambulances that transfer patients from overburdened hospitals near the front line to medical facilities in central and western Ukraine that are better equipped to take care of patients. Over the past three years, MSF ambulances have transferred more than 25,000 patients, more than half of whom had injuries caused by violent trauma. 

    The medical team inside the ICU of the MSF medical train stabilize a seriously war-wounded patient during the journey from Pokrovsk, eastern Ukraine to Lviv, in western Ukraine. The journey takes approximately 20 hours. | Ukraine 2022 © Andrii Ovod/MSF

    Relocation is not an option for people with chronic conditions

    In 2024, MSF mobile clinic and ambulance teams working near the front lines saw a significant increase in referrals for patients with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and cancer. In 2023, these cases accounted for 24 percent of all referrals, rising to 33 percent in 2024.

    The continued fighting means that these people are frequently cut off from medical care, just as MSF medical teams are sometimes unable to travel to certain areas due to ongoing shelling.

    Thomas Marchese, MSF head of programs in Ukraine

    However, regular shelling and strikes mean that the access of MSF’s teams is not guaranteed. Many of those living with chronic conditions are older and less mobile. In some areas people have begun living in their basements or in bunkers due to the intense shelling.

    “For some of the most vulnerable people, relocating isn’t an option,” Marchese said. “Not everyone is able to leave their homes and start their life again, but the continued fighting means that these people are frequently cut off from medical care, just as MSF medical teams are sometimes unable to travel to certain areas due to ongoing shelling.”

    Damage to a hospital in Vysokopilla, Kherson. | Ukraine 2023 © Colin Delfosse

    Ukraine’s health care system needs ongoing support

    As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year, MSF’s teams witness how the medical humanitarian crisis deepens every day. The strength of the Ukrainian health system in the face of extreme violence is clear, but the need for sustained medical care and mental health support is greater than ever.

    Even if the war were to end tomorrow, the long-term effects on people —physical and psychological— will linger for years to come. Ukraine’s infrastructure has also sustained staggering damage, with hospitals coming under direct attack. Hundreds of thousands of people will require ongoing care, rehabilitation, and therapy for trauma long after the last bomb falls.

    MSF continues to work in Ukraine, close to the front lines and elsewhere in the country, but more support is required.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Leaders’ Priorities 2025 & Super-Pollutants | WEF | Top Stories Week

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    This week’s top stories of the week include:

    0:15 Leaders’ priorities for 2025 – The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting drew leaders from business, academia and civil society. We asked them all the same question: ‘What should leaders prioritize in 2025?’

    4:21 This mobile ‘smart clinic’ saves lives – It’s a 12-metre-long converted coach which is driven to remote rural communities to provide specialist care on the spot, from gynaecologists, psychologists and paediatricians. The Smart Clinic was created by Siemens Healthineers and is equipped and operated in collaboration with the Colombian Red Cross.

    8:55 3 super-pollutants in our air – Super-pollutants are a category of greenhouse gases and air pollutants which trap even more heat in the atmosphere than CO2, per tonne. Including them in climate change frameworks would lead to more funding to tackle them, says Jane Burston, Founder and CEO of the Clean Air Fund

    13:40 The possible end of AIDS – A revolutionary treatment could spell the end of this terrible disease. 40 million people around the world are living with HIV. Every year 1.3 million more become infected with HIV and every day 1,700 people die from an AIDS-related illness.

    _____________________________________________

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
    Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM calls for G20 cooperation to build just world of common development

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the Group of 20 (G20) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa, Feb. 20, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday called on the Group of 20 (G20) countries to work together to build a just world of common development.

    Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during his speech on the second day of the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Johannesburg, the largest city and economic hub of South Africa.

    In his speech, Wang noted that China stands ready to work with all parties to implement South Africa’s G20 presidency theme of “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability,” open a new chapter of G20 cooperation, and join hands to build a just world of common development.

    The foreign minister presented China’s suggestions for the future objectives of G20 cooperation. “First, we need to strengthen the foundation of G20 cooperation through solidarity,” Wang said. “We should seek common ground while shelving differences, refrain from division and confrontation, and oppose bloc confrontation.”

    He underlined that major countries should play an exemplary role, promote the reform of the global economic governance system, and increase the representation and voice of the Global South. Therefore, the G20 countries should work together to build an open world economy and jointly oppose unilateralism and protectionism so as to advance universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

    According to Wang, the second suggestion is to empower the G20 on the basis of equality, calling on the G20 countries to pursue extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, treat each other as partners rather than rivals, and see each other’s development as opportunities rather than challenges.

    “China supports South Africa in setting up the task force on artificial intelligence and in hosting the global summit on artificial intelligence in Africa,” he said.

    “Third, we need to open up new prospects for the G20 through sustainable development,” Wang said, noting that the G20 countries should continue to prioritize development on the G20 agenda and translate the spirit of multilateralism into concrete actions for sustainable development.

    He said that China, which supports cooperation in priority areas such as disaster reduction, debt sustainability, just energy transition, and critical minerals, is ready to explore ways to reduce financing costs for developing countries and help them reduce their debt burden in accordance with the principle of “joint action and fair burden.”

    Wang further noted that Africa is experiencing a new awakening, during which the G20 should mobilize more development resources, support the synergy of global development actions, cooperate with Africa in such areas as industrialization, infrastructure, and green minerals, and accelerate the path to modernization.

    China, while working with its African partners to comprehensively advance 10 partnership actions for modernization, is also ready to collaborate with all parties to empower Africa’s development and achieve common prosperity and progress through G20 cooperation, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jobseekers leverage digital economy boom

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A growing number of jobseekers are extending their career boundaries to more cutting-edge areas thanks to the development of digital economy, and embracing flexible jobs breaking the stereotyped notion of labeling them as low-income or with lower working skills. The new trend makes experts to call for the working rights protection of these flexibly employed and secure the sustainable and healthy development of the thriving job sector.
    Lin Qin, 28, is among the nation’s growing population of seeking or taking new types of flexible jobs, with these jobs incubated by information technology and digital economy development.
    Li, who offers online consultancy services on AI technology to some small-sized companies after quitting his job as a cloud-computing engineer in August, said that it’s no longer a shame taking flexible jobs.
    “I get more free time to arrange my working plans, and the income is no less than my previous job, roughly 20,000 yuan ($2,800) per month,” he said.
    A recent report by the recruitment portal Zhaopin and Jinan University in the southern province of Guangdong shows that the proportion of job hunters for new types of flexible jobs bounced back to a high point of 36.4 percent last year at Zhaopin’s platform, with the number seeing a continuous drop from 2019 to 2021 due to people’s concerns of the economy amid the COVID-19 epidemic.
    The report classifies the current new types of flexible jobs into two categories: one is location-based, with registered flexible workers taking online orders but serving in a specific real-world location, such as ride-hailing drivers and food delivery workers; while the other is cloud-based, with all services fulfilled online by workers ranging from online lecturer to livestreamer and online salesperson.
    The report observed that cloud-based flexible jobs are more lucrative to young people, females and those with higher education backgrounds.
    According to the report, youths aged between 21 and 25 take the largest proportion of jobseekers competing for cloud-based flexible job openings at Zhaopin’s platform, which is about 45.2 percent.
    Female job hunters show higher preference, accounting for 56.1 percent of the total seeking flexible jobs. The number is 12.2 percentage points higher than males, as cloud-based flexible jobs have lower requirements of physical strength but better ability of communicating and teamwork, the report said.
    Tian Xiaomin, 31, working as an accountant at a pressing house in Shanghai, is a part-time online lecturer of English language. She said that the job earns her extra income of 3,000 to 5,000 yuan per month with the payment fluctuating based on her class hours.
    “I’ve taken the part-time flexible job since 2023 out of my interest. It’s very common to see a ‘slashie’ nowadays who won’t confine to one single job but take flexible work in spare time. One of my friends is a fitness trainer at weekends while a financial analyst at workdays,” she said.
    Feng Shuaizhang, dean of the Institute for Economic and Social Research of Jinan University, said that the recovering economy and flourishing digital economy, platform economy and sharing economy have created more flexible job opportunities.
    More jobseekers recognize the benefits of working as new types of flexible workers, which offer them personal fulfillment and quality life.
    Li Qiang, vice-president of Zhaopin, noticed that flexible job openings are not limited to labor-intensive ones, but require higher working skills or professionalism of workers with the combination of digital technology and traditional industries.
    “For example, the development of AI technology gives birth to some new flexible jobs requiring people to have AI knowledge or digital skills,” he said, adding that employers have also digitalized their recruitment channels with big data or AI tools to help them match flexible workers with the job openings.
    However, Feng, the dean, called for more sound working rights protection to people taking new types of flexible jobs by perfecting the law or regulations on labor relations, using smart tools like algorithm and big data to balance the benefits between employers and flexible workers.
    He also suggested improving flexible workers’ awareness of getting social security and enhancing the working skills training or services to the flexibly employed.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Rand Paul Introduces NIH Reform Act to Bring Accountability to Public Health Bureaucracy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Rand Paul

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    February 21, 2025

     Contact: Press_Paul@paul.senate.gov, 202-224-4343

     

     

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, introduced the NIH Reform Act, legislation aimed at overhauling the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) to increase congressional oversight on the agency’s leadership. The NIH Reform Act would separate the NIAID into three national research institutes: the National Institute of Allergic Diseases, the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, and the National Institute of Immunologic Diseases. Each new institute would be led by directors subject to Senate confirmation and limited to no more than two 5-year terms to prevent the unchecked authority that led to sweeping and disastrous pandemic-era mandates.

    “For nearly four decades, Dr. Anthony Fauci sat atop a bureaucratic empire, wielding unchecked power over public health policy—despite never being confirmed by the Senate once,” said Dr. Paul. “He dictated mandates that shut down businesses, kept kids out of school, and trampled individual liberties—all while being the highest-paid official in the federal government. That kind of power without oversight is dangerous, and my legislation will ensure it never happens again. This legislation will bring accountability and oversight into a taxpayer-funded position that has largely abused its power and has been responsible for many failures and misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

    The legislation is currently cosponsored by U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) in the Senate. 

    “Anthony Fauci single-handedly shut down small businesses, forced our children out of classrooms, and took away the opportunity for many Americans to say goodbye to loved ones during the COVID pandemic,” said Senator Tuberville. “It’s scary to think that someone who was never elected – or even confirmed by the Senate – had so much power over health care decisions that impacted millions of Americans.  We need greater transparency in our government’s institutions to ensure this never happens again. I’m proud to join Senator Paul in this legislation to increase oversight of the NIH and give the American people greater transparency surrounding our government institutions.”

    U.S. Representative Chip Roy (R-TX-21) introduced the legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

    “From the earliest days of the pandemic, public health bureaucrats proved themselves far more adept at ruining lives than saving them. Never again should a single, unaccountable government employee, like Dr. Anthony Fauci, wield unchecked power and influence over the lives of the American people. Jay Bhattacharya is an excellent choice for NIH Director, and I support his efforts to regain trust in America’s health agencies and promote healthcare freedom. However, we can’t structure government on the assumption that we’ll always have great people in office. Breaking up Dr. Fauci’s taxpayer funded bully pulpit into three separate agencies — and requiring Senate confirmation for all their future directors — is one of many actions necessary to allow the American people to check government power and hold public health agencies accountable,” said Congressman Roy.

    Background:

    Dr. Anthony Fauci was Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for over 38 years—longer than J. Edgar Hoover was Director of the FBI. By the time he retired, he was the highest paid official in the entire federal government. Yet the Senate never voted to confirm him once. The law does not require Senate confirmation of the NIAID Director.

    The NIAID’s stated mission is “to better understand, treat, and ultimately prevent infectious, immunologic, and allergic diseases.” This sweeping mandate covers everything from asthma to Ebola, from peanut allergies to the plague. As the head of that institute, Dr. Fauci installed himself as a de facto pandemic czar, advocating for misguided policies like mandatory vaccinations for school-aged children (one of the populations least at risk from COVID-19).

    To improve accountability of the NIH, the NIH Reform Act will restructure the NIAID to better align with its mission as follows:

    Abolish the NIAID and replace it with the following three new institutes:

    1. National Institute of Allergic Diseases;
    2. National Institute of Infectious Diseases; and
    3. National Institute of Immunologic Diseases.

    The directors of each new institute would be:

    1. Appointed by the president,
    2. Subject to Senate confirmation, and
    3. Limited to no more than two 5-year terms.

    This type of reorganization is nothing new. In the aftermath of J. Edgar Hoover’s decades-long tenure as head of the FBI, Congress passed a law in 1976 limiting the FBI Director to a single 10-year term, and as recently as 2012, Congress eliminated one center within the NIH and replaced it with a new one. In the aftermath of the damage done by pandemic-era mandates and restrictions, Congress must enact the NIH Reform Act to ensure that one official cannot claim the unquestioned authority to dictate the federal response to public health emergencies.

    The NIH Reform Act is part of Dr. Paul’s ongoing fight to bring transparency and accountability to federal agencies and rein in government overreach.

    You can read the NIH Reform Act HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China boosts computing power infrastructure

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched an innovation challenge activity to accelerate the application of innovative technologies and products in the computing power network sector.
    The campaign aims to encourage breakthroughs in key technologies and products in six areas of computing power networks, including computing, storage, networking, and application, according to the ministry.
    The focus will include intelligent computing power management and acceleration, the deep integration between computing capacity and industry, the research of novel cooling systems and carbon emission sensing optimization, as well as the development of intelligent monitoring, and operation and maintenance robots.
    The ministry will allocate resources to support competitive enterprises, and promote the demonstration and application of relevant technologies.
    China’s intelligent computing power is set to expand rapidly in the coming years, driven by surging demand for large models and generative AI, according to a report by market research firm International Data Corporation and Chinese IT firm Inspur Information. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: America First Investment Policy

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY
             THE SECRETARY OF STATE
             THE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE
             THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
             THE SECRETARY OF COMMERCE
             THE SECRETARY OF LABOR
             THE SECRETARY OF ENERGY
             THE SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY
             THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
             THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET
             THE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
             THE UNITED STATES TRADE REPRESENTATIVE
             THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS
             THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY
             THE ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR NATIONAL SECURITY AFFAIRS
             THE DIRECTOR OF THE FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION

    SUBJECT:       America First Investment Policy
     
     
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby direct the following:
     
             Section 1.  Principles and Objectives.  America’s investment policy is critical to our national and economic security.  Welcoming foreign investment and strengthening the United States’ world-leading private and public capital markets will be a key part of America’s Golden Age.  The United States has the world’s most attractive assets, in technology and across our economy, and we will make it easier for our overseas allies to support United States jobs, United States innovators, and United States economic growth with their capital.
     
             Investment by United States allies and partners can create hundreds of thousands of jobs and significant wealth for the United States.  Our Nation is committed to maintaining the strong, open investment environment that benefits our economy and our people, while enhancing our ability to protect the United States from new and evolving threats that can accompany foreign investment.
     
             Investment at all costs is not always in the national interest, however.  Certain foreign adversaries, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), systematically direct and facilitate investment in United States companies and assets to obtain cutting-edge technologies, intellectual property, and leverage in strategic industries.  The PRC pursues these strategies in diverse ways, both visible and concealed, and often through partner companies or investment funds in third countries. 
     
             Economic security is national security.  The PRC does not allow United States companies to take over their critical infrastructure, and the United States should not allow the PRC to take over United States critical infrastructure.  PRC-affiliated investors are targeting the crown jewels of United States technology, food supplies, farmland, minerals, natural resources, ports, and shipping terminals.
     
             The PRC is also increasingly exploiting United States capital to develop and modernize its military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses, which poses significant risk to the United States homeland and Armed Forces of the United States around the world.  Related actions include the development and deployment of dual-use technologies, weapons of mass destruction, advanced conventional weapons, and malicious cyber‑enabled actions against the United States and its people.  Through its national Military-Civil Fusion strategy, the PRC increases the size of its military-industrial complex by compelling civilian Chinese companies and research institutions to support its military and intelligence activities.
     
             Those Chinese companies also raise capital by:  selling to American investors securities that trade on American and foreign public exchanges; lobbying United States index providers and funds to include these securities in market offerings; and engaging in other acts to ensure access to United States capital and accompanying intangible benefits.  In this way, the PRC exploits United States investors to finance and advance the development and modernization of its military.
     
             Sec. 2.  Policy.  (a)  It is the policy of the United States to preserve an open investment environment to help ensure that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies of the future are built, created, and grown right here in the United States.  Investment in our economy from our allies and partners, some of whom have tremendous sovereign wealth funds, supports the national interest.  My Administration will make the United States the world’s greatest destination for investment dollars, to the benefit of all of us. 
     
             (b)  Yet for investment in United States businesses involved in critical technology, critical infrastructure, personal data, and other sensitive areas, restrictions on foreign investors’ access to United States assets will ease in proportion to their verifiable distance and independence from the predatory investment and technology-acquisition practices of the PRC and other foreign adversaries or threat actors.
     
             (c)  The United States will create an expedited “fast-track” process, based on objective standards, to facilitate greater investment from specified allied and partner sources in United States businesses involved with United States advanced technology and other important areas.  This process will allow for increased foreign investment subject to appropriate security provisions, including requirements that the specified foreign investors avoid partnering with United States foreign adversaries.  
     
             (d)  My Administration will also expedite environmental reviews for any investment over $1 billion in the United States.
     
             (e)  The United States will reduce the exploitation of public and private sector capital, technology, and technical knowledge by foreign adversaries such as the PRC.  The United States will establish new rules to stop United States companies and investors from investing in industries that advance the PRC’s national Military-Civil Fusion strategy and stop PRC-affiliated persons from buying up critical American businesses and assets, allowing only those investments that serve American interests.
     
             (f)  The United States will use all necessary legal instruments, including the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), to restrict PRC-affiliated persons from investing in United States technology, critical infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, energy, raw materials, or other strategic sectors.  My Administration will protect United States farmland and real estate near sensitive facilities.  It will also seek, including in consultation with the Congress, to strengthen CFIUS authority over “greenfield” investments, to restrict foreign adversary access to United States talent and operations in sensitive technologies (especially artificial intelligence), and to expand the remit of “emerging and foundational” technologies addressable by CFIUS.
     
             (g)  To reduce uncertainty for investors, reduce administrative burden, and increase Government efficiency, my Administration will cease the use of overly bureaucratic, complex, and open-ended “mitigation” agreements for United States investments from foreign adversary countries.  In general, mitigation agreements should consist of concrete actions that companies can complete within a specific time, rather than perpetual and expensive compliance obligations.  More administrative resources, in turn, will be directed toward facilitating investments from key partner countries.
     
             (h)  The United States will continue to welcome and encourage passive investments from all foreign persons.  These include non-controlling stakes and shares with no voting, board, or other governance rights and that do not confer any managerial influence, substantive decisionmaking, or non-public access to technologies or technical information, products, or services.  This will allow our cutting-edge businesses to continue to benefit from foreign investment capital, while ensuring protection of our national security.
     
             (i)  The United States will also use all necessary legal instruments to further deter United States persons from investing in the PRC’s military-industrial sector.  These may include the imposition of sanctions under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) through the blocking of assets or through other actions, including actions pursuant to Executive Order 13959 of November 12, 2020 (Addressing the Threat From Securities Investments That Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies), as amended by Executive Order 13974 of January 13, 2021 (Amending Executive Order 13959 — Addressing the Threat From Securities Investments That Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies) and Executive Order 14032 of June 3, 2021 (Addressing the Threat From Securities Investments That Finance Certain Companies of the People’s Republic of China), and actions pursuant to Executive Order 14105 of August 9, 2023 (Addressing United States Investments in Certain National Security Technologies and Products in Countries of Concern).  Executive Order 14105 is under review by my Administration, pursuant to the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 (America First Trade Policy), to examine whether it includes sufficient controls to address national security threats.
     
             (j)  This review will build on measures taken under my authority in 2020 and 2021 and consider new or expanded restrictions on United States outbound investment in the PRC in sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, hypersonics, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, directed energy, and other areas implicated by the PRC’s national Military-Civil Fusion strategy.  Covered sectors should be reviewed and updated regularly, including by the Office of Science and Technology Policy.  As part of the review, my Administration will consider applying restrictions on investment types including private equity, venture capital, greenfield investments, corporate expansions, and investments in publicly traded securities, from sources including pension funds, university endowments, and other limited-partner investors.  It is past time for American universities to stop supporting foreign adversaries with their investment decisions, much as they should stop granting university access to supporters of terrorism.
     
             (k)  To further reduce incentives for United States persons to invest in our foreign adversaries, we will review whether to suspend or terminate the 1984 United States-The People’s Republic of China Income Tax Convention.  That tax treaty, along with the PRC’s admission to the World Trade Organization and the related undertaking by the United States to accord unconditional Most Favored Nation treatment to goods and services of the PRC, led to the deindustrialization of the United States and the technological modernization of the PRC military.  We will seek to reverse both those trends.  United States investors will invest in the future of America, not the future of the PRC.
     
             (l)  To protect the savings of United States investors and channel them into American growth and prosperity, my Administration will also:
     
             (i)    determine if adequate financial auditing standards are upheld for companies covered by the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act;
     
             (ii)   review the variable interest entity and subsidiary structures used by foreign-adversary companies to trade on United States exchanges, which limit the ownership rights and protections for United States investors, as well as allegations of fraudulent behavior by these companies; and
     
             (iii)  restore the highest fiduciary standards as required by the Employee Retirement Security Act of 1974, seeking to ensure that foreign adversary companies are ineligible for pension plan contributions.
     
             Sec. 3.  Implementation.  The policy set forth in section 2 of this memorandum shall be implemented, to the extent permitted by law and available appropriations, and subject to internal programmatic and budgetary processes, as follows:
     
             (a)  With respect to sections 2(a) through 2(k) of this memorandum, the Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Commerce, the United States Trade Representative, and the heads of other executive departments and agencies (agencies) as deemed appropriate by the Secretary of the Treasury, and with respect to the authorities of CFIUS in coordination with the members thereof, shall take such actions, including the promulgation of rules and regulations, to support all powers granted to the President by IEEPA, section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended, and other statutes to carry out the purposes of this memorandum.
     
             (b)  With respect to section 2(d) of this memorandum, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, in consultation with the heads of other agencies as appropriate, shall carry out the purposes of this memorandum.
     
             (c)  With respect to section 2(l)(i) of this memorandum, the Secretary of the Treasury shall engage as appropriate with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board; with respect to section 2(l)(ii) of this memorandum, the Attorney General, in coordination with the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall provide a written recommendation on the risk posed to United States investors based on the auditability, corporate oversight, and evidence of criminal or civil fraudulent behavior for all foreign adversary companies currently listed on domestic exchanges; and with respect to section 2(l)(iii) of this memorandum, the Secretary of Labor shall publish updated fiduciary standards under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 for investments in public market securities of foreign adversary companies.
     
             Sec. 4.  Definition.  For purposes of this memorandum, the term “foreign adversaries” includes the PRC, including the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region; the Republic of Cuba; the Islamic Republic of Iran; the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea; the Russian Federation; and the regime of Venezuelan politician Nicolás Maduro.
     
             Sec. 5.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this memorandum shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

                      (i.) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

                      (ii.) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

             (b)  This memorandum shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
     
             (c)  This memorandum is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Encourages Foreign Investment While Protecting National Security

    Source: The White House

    MAKING AMERICA THE WORLD’S GREATEST DESTINATION FOR INVESTMENT: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) aimed at promoting foreign investment while protecting America’s national security interests, particularly from threats posed by foreign adversaries like the People’s Republic of China.

    • The NSPM establishes that welcoming foreign investment is crucial for economic growth, job creation, and innovation, ensuring that the United States leverages its world-leading financial markets to support American jobs and innovators.
    • The United States will create a “fast-track” process to facilitate greater investment from specified allies and partners, with conditions that prevent investors from partnering with our foreign adversaries in corresponding areas. The United States will also expedite environmental reviews for any investment over $1 billion.
    • The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) will be used to restrict Chinese investments in strategic U.S. sectors like technology, critical infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, energy, raw materials, and others.
    • The United States will protect our farmland and real estate near sensitive facilities, strengthen CFIUS authority over “greenfield” investments, and restrict foreign adversary access to U.S. talent and operations in sensitive technologies.
    • Rather than use overly bureaucratic, complex, and open-ended “mitigation” agreements for U.S. investments from foreign adversaries, more administrative resources will be directed toward facilitating investments from key partner countries.
    • The United States will establish new rules to curb the exploitation of its capital, technology, and knowledge by foreign adversaries such as China to ensure that only those investments that serve American interests are allowed.
    • The Trump Administration will consider new or expanded restrictions on U.S. outbound investment to China in sensitive technologies, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum, biotechnology, aerospace, and more, to stop American funds from supporting China’s Military-Civil Fusion (MCF) strategy.
    • The United States will continue to encourage passive investments from all foreign persons – this will allow our cutting-edge businesses to continue to benefit from foreign capital while safeguarding our national security.
    • The Trump Administration will protect U.S. investors’ savings and boost American prosperity by auditing foreign companies on U.S. exchanges, reviewing their ownership structures and any alleged fraud, and ensuring foreign adversary companies are ineligible for pension plan contributions.

    ENSURING AMERICA’S PROSPERITY AND SECURITY: President Trump is committed to making the United States a premier destination for investment while balancing national security interests.

    • The United States is the leading innovator of next-generation technologies, and this action makes it easier for our friends to support U.S. innovators and economic growth.
    • Certain foreign countries, including China, systematically direct investment in American companies to gain access to cutting-edge technology, intellectual property, and leverage in strategic industries, which must be countered.
      • Foreign entities and individuals hold roughly 43 million acres of U.S. agricultural land, which is nearly 2% of all land in the U.S.
      • China owns more than 350,000 acres of farmland across 27 states.
    • China is exploiting our capital and ingenuity to fund and modernize their military, intelligence, and security operations, posing direct threats to United States security with weapons of mass destruction, cyber warfare, and more.
    • Chinese hackers have repeatedly targeted U.S. entities, including recently breaching the Treasury Department’s CFIUS office, the entity responsible for reviewing foreign investments for national security risks.

    SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN INNOVATION: President Trump is keeping his promise to prevent foreign adversaries from taking advantage of the United States.

    • President Trump: “We will also adopt new rules to stop U.S. companies from pouring investments into China, and to stop China from buying up America, allowing all of those investments that clearly serve American interests.”
      • President Trump also promised to “stop Chinese-owned” firms from “stealing our intellectual property, our workers’ knowledge and then sending it back to Communist China. We’re not going to let that happen.”
      • President Trump: “We have powers that haven’t really been used in terms of environmental. If you invest over $1 billion in the United States, we’re going to give expedited reviews.”
    • This NSPM builds on numerous actions President Trump took in his first term to protect American innovation, including:
      • Initiating a Section 301 investigation into China’s practices related to forced technology transfer, unfair licensing, and intellectual property policies.
      • Announcing a Department of Justice China Initiative to identify and prosecute trade secrets theft, hacking, and economic espionage – a program which the Biden Administration ended.
      • Prioritizing research and development of America’s artificial intelligence capabilities.
      • Taking action to prevent foreign malign actors from gaining access to United States information networks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China launches innovation challenge event to boost computing power infrastructure

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    China launches innovation challenge event to boost computing power infrastructure

    BEIJING, Feb. 21 — China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has launched an innovation challenge activity to accelerate the application of innovative technologies and products in the computing power network sector.

    The campaign aims to encourage breakthroughs in key technologies and products in six areas of computing power networks, including computing, storage, networking, and application, according to the ministry.

    The focus will include intelligent computing power management and acceleration, the deep integration between computing capacity and industry, the research of novel cooling systems and carbon emission sensing optimization, as well as the development of intelligent monitoring, and operation and maintenance robots.

    The ministry will allocate resources to support competitive enterprises, and promote the demonstration and application of relevant technologies.

    China’s intelligent computing power is set to expand rapidly in the coming years, driven by surging demand for large models and generative AI, according to a report by market research firm International Data Corporation and Chinese IT firm Inspur Information.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Republicans Block Markey Amendment to Budget Resolution that Would Extend Alzheimer’s Research Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Watch: Senator Markey Introduces Amendment to Fund Alzheimer’s Research
    Washington (February 21, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), ranking member of the Health Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee on Primary Health and Retirement Security and founder and co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s, yesterday introduced an amendment to the Senate’s budget resolution, which would increase funding for Alzheimer’s research amidst cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) research funding. Republicans overwhelmingly voted down the amendment from passing. 
    Below is an excerpt from Senator Markey’s remarks on the Senate floor.
    “Funding for Alzheimer’s research at the NIH is essential. Nearly seven million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s right now and if nothing changes, fifteen million Americans will have Alzheimer’s by 2050 with a cost of one trillion dollars a year to our health care system. We need to tackle this challenge head on by increasing funding for NIH research for Alzheimer’s. Trump and DOGE have already cut and slowed down NIH research, interfering with our ability to cure this disease. We must guarantee that Alzheimer’s research is protected.”  
    In October 2024, Senators Markey and Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced President Biden signed their bipartisan Alzheimer’s Accountability and Investment Act (AAIA) and National Alzheimer’s Project Act (NAPA) Reauthorization into law. These bills cement and build on the important progress that has been made to prevent and effectively treat Alzheimer’s disease.
    Senator Markey is a leader in the fight to find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and to support family caregivers. In July 2024, Senator Markey applauded the HELP Committee’s passage of Older Americans Act Reauthorization Act of 2024, which included provisions based on his Respite Care And Resources for Everyone (CARE) Act and Convenient Care for Caregivers Act to expand respite care for family caregivers of older adults that need long-term care, including individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia. Earlier that month, Senator Markey unveiled his “Caring for Caregivers” family caregiving agenda, which included his Convenient Care for Caregivers Act to support family caregivers and individuals with Alzheimer’s receiving health care services at the same time and location to improve health outcomes.
    As a member of the House of Representatives, Senator Markey founded the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer’s to develop a whole-of-government approach to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. He created the Independence at Home program to provide seniors, including individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia, the option to receive primary care in their home. Senator Markey authored the bipartisan Spending Reductions Through Innovations in Therapies (SPRINT) Act, which would encourage drug development for high-cost, chronic health conditions such as Alzheimer’s, the Health Outcomes, Planning and Education (HOPE) Act to improve early detection and diagnoses of Alzheimer’s and support caregivers, and the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough Act, which would require the National Institutes of Health (NIH) work to improve treatment outcomes and engage federal agencies in the effort to combat Alzheimer’s.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labrador Letter – DOGE’ing the Collapse of our Republic

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Dear Friends,
    This past month has been a remarkable period in our national history.  The new Department of Government Efficiency, known colloquially as DOGE, has uncovered waste, inefficiency and corruption at unprecedented levels and in every agency examined so far.
    USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, has been at the center of this first round of audits. From DEI projects in Serbia to transgender operas and comic books in South America, to tourism promotion in Egypt and sex changes in Vietnam, the USAID projects appear to lack both fiscal restraint and accountability.  Tens of millions, hundreds of millions, even billions of taxpayer dollars are being carelessly thrown at projects around the globe without consideration for our national security, priorities, or strategic interests. USAID resources have even ended up in the hands of designated terrorist organizations like Hezbollah.
    Other upcoming audits include FEMA, which recently sent $59 million to New York City to house illegal immigrants in luxury hotels instead of providing disaster relief in North Carolina.  Also being examined is the Pentagon, which failed its seventh straight audit last year.  Another essential audit will be the Department of the Treasury, which issues every government check.  Following the money is critical in any competent review.
    Those reviews recently uncovered that the Environmental Protection Agency recklessly distributed $20 billion to outside financial institutions in the final hours of the Biden Administration, just to get the money off the books.  Just this week, it was discovered that two billion of those dollars were given to an organization connected to die-hard Biden supporter and two-time failed Georgia democratic gubernatorial candidate, Stacey Abrams, for “climate change.”  One Biden-appointed bureaucrat confided that it was, “throwing gold bars off the Titanic.”
    These audits aren’t without controversy for some.  Seventy-seven million Americans who voted for President Trump may cheer the well-advertised reckoning that was promised daily in his campaign to root out government fraud and waste.  Others have expressed concerns that their private data may be accessed by enthusiastic auditors.
    Unsurprisingly, the oversight bureaucracies previously set up to find fraud appear to be disinterested, at best, and complicit, at worst. Instead of investigating the billions of dollars wasted, they repeat the talking points of the coordinated efforts opposing the Trump Administration’s in-depth review.  They say that unelected and “unvetted” bureaucrats, specifically Elon Musk and the DOGE team, might access their social security and tax data, and that unelected people just aren’t accountable.
    Having spent four terms in Congress representing Idaho, I can say confidently there are exactly 537 elected people in your entire federal government:  435 Congressmen, 100 Senators, the Vice-President, and the President.  That’s it!   Everyone else is an unelected bureaucrat — from the agency heads to the generals, all the way to the accountants who currently have access to your personal data — well over two million government workers in total.  I have to admit that I am amused by the Left’s newfound skepticism of unelected bureaucrats. Welcome to my side.  In reality, if these groups are concerned about DOGE, it’s because of what Elon Musk and his team are likely to uncover and not the fact they are unelected.
    This isn’t a partisan issue, or at least it shouldn’t be.  We as taxpayers have a very vested interest in where our money is going and why.  No single political party has a monopoly on improper spending.  Waste and corruption have occurred across many administrations, Republican and Democrat alike.  Those who have taken advantage of the system to enrich themselves or others need to be held accountable, regardless of any party affiliation.  I have confidence that accountability will happen under these audits, and it hints at why there was such unnaturally visceral opposition to President Trump, even before DOGE was a common term.
    As your Attorney General, my office is monitoring the situation closely in the interest of Idahoans.  While I am confident that no Idaho laws are being broken, I will stand up for the protection of Idahoans’ information and privacy.  At the same time, I will also stand up against the corruption and waste in our federal government.  Those two goals are not in conflict at all.  We absolutely can and should do both.
    President Trump was very clear about his promise to audit how the federal government spends money, and his appointed team is carrying that promise out.  Those weren’t just empty words on a campaign stage.  People aren’t used to politicians keeping promises and it likely shocks some people.
    But that shock is something we as a nation must work through.  Our Republic is strong enough to ask hard questions and demand hard answers, because that’s how we grow, adapt, and improve.  Change is uncomfortable, even painful.  But the slow decay of disinterest is terminal.  We need to see these audits through.  America’s best years are ahead of us, and we need to push forward to get there.
    Alexander Fraser Tytler, a Scottish author and jurist, wrote:
    “A Democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government.  It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse [money] from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidate promising the most benefit from the public treasury, with the result that democracy always collapses over a loose fiscal policy, always followed by a dictatorship.”
    We simply cannot allow the loose fiscal policy Tytler warned against to collapse our country.  Our nation must stand strong against the graft and self-interest of bureaucrats and technocrats and reclaim the authority of our national checkbook – not to vote ourselves money, but to ensure that money spent is in the very best interests of America and Americans.  This will require restraint, vigilance, and discipline.
    To avoid the dangers of a direct democracy and the temptation to vote ourselves money from the public treasury, our Founders wisely gifted us with a Constitutional Republic. As your Attorney General, I’ll fight with all my might to keep it and will support President Trump’s efforts to rein in government fraud, waste and abuse.

    Best regards,
    Not yet subscribed to the Labrador Letter?  Click HERE to get our weekly newsletter and updates.  Miss an issue?  Labrador Letters are archived on the Attorney General website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: $TOCKHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Continues To Investigate The Merger – YOTA, PORT, ACCD, ESSA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • Yotta Acquisition Corporation (Nasdaq: YOTA), relating to its proposed merger with DRIVEiT Financial Auto Group, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, DRIVEiT securityholders are expected to own approximately 78.4% of the combined company.

    Click here for more information: https://monteverdelaw.com/case/yotta-acquisition-corporation/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Southport Acquisition Corporation (OTC: PORT), relating to its proposed merger with Angel Studios, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Angel Studios shares will automatically be converted into the right to receive Southport shares.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/southport-acquisition-corporation/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Accolade, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACCD), relating to the proposed merger with Transcarent. Under the terms of the agreement, Transcarent will acquire Accolade for $7.03 per share in cash.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for March 27, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/accolade-inc-accd/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • ESSA Bancorp, Inc. (Nasdaq: ESSA), relating to the proposed merger with CNB Financial Corporation. Under the terms of the agreement, ESSA shareholders will receive 0.8547 shares of CNB common stock for each outstanding share of ESSA common stock.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/essa-bancorp-inc-essa/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2025 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com).  Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 21st, 2025 Heinrich Fights Against Republicans’ Plan for Handouts to Billionaires at the Expense of New Mexico Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    VIDEO

    Heinrich on the Senate floor through the night to stand up for New Mexicans who will be harmed by Republicans’ billionaire handout 

    Republicans vote against Heinrich amendment to reinstate grants Trump has blocked for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence

    WASHINGTON — Last night, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) stood up for New Mexico families by voting against Republicans’ budget resolution that paves the way for billionaire tax handouts at the expense of working people.

    Heinrich repeatedly attempted to amend Republicans’ resolution by voting to protect police officers, veterans, wildland firefighters, survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, farmers, Tribal communities, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP, and to deliver tax cuts for working people, lower prescription drug costs, lower rent costs, and more. At every turn, Heinrich and Senate Democrats’ amendments were defeated by Senate Republicans.

    Just after 3:00 a.m. ET, Heinrich took to the Senate floor to offer an amendment to reinstate blocked grants for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and ensure law enforcement can hold predators and abusers accountable. Republicans voted against his amendment. Watch Heinrich’s video here.

    “Under the cloak of darkness last night, Republicans rammed through a $340 billion budget framework to clear the way for billionaires’ tax handouts at the expense of working Americans. Throughout the night and into the early morning, I fought for dozens of amendments to shield New Mexico families from this harmful legislation: protections for children, veterans, law enforcement, wildland firefighters, farmers, Tribal communities, and the programs they depend on, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP. Alongside my Democrat colleagues, we also put forward solutions to cut taxes for working people, lower food costs, and lower rent costs. Republicans rejected every single one – even blocking our amendment to say no tax cuts for people like Elon Musk making over $500,000,000,” said Heinrich “I’m especially outraged that Republicans opposed my amendment to support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and ensure that law enforcement can hold abusers and predators accountable.”

    Heinrich continued, “When Republicans had the opportunity to go on the record and show the American people whose side they’re on, they chose billionaires and threw working people under the bus. I’ll always choose New Mexico families — that’s who I’m fighting for.”

    Last night, Senate Republicans blocked Heinrich’s efforts to:

    • Support survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence and help law enforcement hold predators and abusers accountable.
    • Help law enforcement agencies hire additional officers to keep our communities safe.
    • Address the ongoing avian influenza (HPAI or H5N1) outbreak and lower the cost of eggs.
    • Protect Americans’ privacy from unauthorized access by Elon Musk’s “DOGE.”
    • Stop tax cuts for billionaires while families struggle to put food on the table.
    • Ensure billionaires pay their fair share in taxes.
    • Lower energy costs for Americans.
    • Lower housing costs and rent for working families.
    • Prevent cuts to school lunch and breakfast programs for kids.
    • Prevent cuts to programs critical to rural Americans and food assistance for working families.
    • Protect access to fertility services and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
    • Prevent millions of Americans from being kicked off their health coverage.
    • Protect Medicare and Medicaid benefits, including access to maternal and pediatric health care through Medicaid.
    • Preserve and extend the Affordable Care Act’s tax credits to make health care more accessible and affordable.
    • Ensure full and uninterrupted funding for veteran health care benefits under the PACT Act.
    • Reinstate federal employees fired by Trump and Musk at the United States Forest Service, National Park Service, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management.
    • Support federal wildland firefighter personnel.
    • Prevent the indiscriminate termination of federal employees who protect the health and safety of Americans.
    • Reverse the Trump Administration’s indiscriminate cuts to biomedical research and the life saving work supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
    • Increase funding for research on Alzheimer’s disease.
    • Ensure continued support for Ukraine to stand firm against aggression by Russia.

    Below is a total list of amendments that Heinrich filed to amend Republicans’ budget resolution to cut taxes for billionaires at the expense of working people:

    • Amendment to lower the cost of groceries for working families, including eggs and milk.
    • Amendment to lower the cost of consumer goods and services for working families.
    • Amendment to protect access to Head Start and Early Head Start programs for working families.
    • Amendment to lower residential electricity rates and protect home energy rebate programs for working families.
    • Amendment to protect veteran-owned businesses access to Small Business Administration loan programs.
    • Amendment to expand and modernize land ports of entry to better detect and intercept illicit fentanyl, firearms, and currency.
    • Amendment to protect Tribal citizens from wrongful searches and interrogations by ICE and requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue guidance on what forms of identification are acceptable as valid proof of United States citizenship, including Tribal government-issued identification.
    • Amendment to protect Tribal sovereignty.
    • Amendment to strengthen America’s power grid.
    • Amendment to protect Tribal energy projects.
    • Amendment to improve food safety in the meat and poultry supply chain.
    • Amendment to defend funding for the National Nuclear Security Administration, which ensures our nation maintains a safe, secure, and reliable nuclear deterrence.
    • Amendment to prevent the sell-off of American public lands.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: HP Inc. Names Gianluca Pettiti to Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) today announced the appointment of Gianluca Pettiti to its Board of Directors. Mr. Pettiti is Executive Vice President and President, Life Sciences, Diagnostics and Applied for Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., a global life sciences company. His appointment is effective immediately.

    “We’re excited to welcome Gianluca to the HP Board of Directors,” said Chip Bergh, Chair of the HP Board. “He brings invaluable global expertise and a proven track record of fostering innovation at the intersection of technology and life sciences. His experience spearheading digital and AI initiatives will be instrumental in advancing our business priorities.”

    Mr. Pettiti’s leadership at Thermo Fisher along with his passion for technology and innovation have been instrumental supporting the growth of the company over the last two decades. Thermo Fisher today is globally recognized as the world leader in serving science, a trusted partner for its many customers and one of the world’s most admired companies. Mr. Pettiti is deeply committed to advancing the applications of technology across the industry and serves as a board member at the Italian Institute of Technology, a leading research institute in robotics and AI.

    “We are pleased to have Gianluca join our Board of Directors,” said HP Inc. President and CEO, Enrique Lores. “His broad international career, experience infusing AI into new industries, and passion for data-driven decision-making will bring new thought leadership to our AI initiatives, helping us create better and more fulfilling experiences for our customers.”

    Mr. Pettiti holds a Master of Science in Engineering from Politecnico di Torino, which recognized him as an Alumnus Testimonial in 2017 for his contributions to innovation. He has also authored several influential articles on AI and digital transformation in healthcare.

    The full HP Board is listed at HP.com.

    About HP Inc.

    HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit: http://www.hp.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd Joins Bipartisan Effort to Address Avian Flu Outbreak

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) has joined a letter to the new Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Brooke Rollins laying out a roadmap to enhance the agency’s response to the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

    The letter was led by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and John Fetterman (D-PA) and co-signed by a total of 16 Senators.

    Full text of the letter:

    Congratulations on your confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture. We know many pressing concerns await you as you begin your new role. We write to ask that you enhance the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) response to the ongoing outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in our nation’s animal agriculture sector, which we greatly appreciate you announcing as a top priority in your testimony before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.

    The United States is now entering the fourth year of an outbreak of HPAI that has devastated farms, required the depopulation of more than 136 million birds on commercial poultry operations, and infected a small but growing number of farm workers. A new urgency is required from the USDA to address the evolving situation.

    We support measures that have been proposed to you by egg and turkey farmers, many of whose operations have suffered HPAI outbreaks. These measures include the following:

    • An aggressive, forward-looking strategy for vaccination in affected laying hens and turkeys, including the acquisition of vaccine stockpiles, field trials of vaccines, the development of more practical methods of vaccine administration, and outreach to trading partners to ensure trade is not significantly impacted and that they understand the need for vaccines and abide by international standards for maintaining trade.
    • An HPAI Strategic Initiative to engage experts within industry, universities, and government to expand knowledge and develop novel methods of prevention, detection, and response.
    • Movement controls that apply to all animals that present risks and support for states moving quickly through the first four stages of USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy.

    Two related matters also require USDA’s attention. First, an interim rule issued in December 2024 requires biosecurity audits on previously infected farms, or farms placed within a buffer zone of a control area, to be eligible for indemnities. In principle, this change would appear to enhance biosecurity measures and accountability for indemnity, but the rule was rushed. As a result, nearly no auditors have been trained to complete these audits, and the audit itself was posted in draft form. USDA should provide adequate numbers of qualified auditors prior to enforcement of the rule.

    Second, current indemnity rates for laying hens and pullets are based on inaccurate data and are artificially low. We support a proposal by the egg industry to revise these calculations, relying entirely on data from USDA and land-grant institutions, in order to make indemnities fairer. HPAI indemnities are similar to disaster assistance for crops and livestock—the funds respond to a catastrophic situation that producers could not have averted and never fully make up for the entire loss. The indemnities also recognize that producers are legally compelled to depopulate their flocks in an HPAI infection—they do not have a choice. Even with revisions to indemnity formulas proposed by egg farmers, these payments will not come close to making producers whole for their losses. In reviewing indemnity activities, we would also urge you to ensure proper outreach to all farmers.

    We stand ready to work with you as you provide leadership on this vitally important issue, the largest animal health outbreak that the department has ever dealt with. Thank you for making the HPAI response a priority.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Cotton to Director Vought: Ban DeepSeek from Government Devices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE? 

    Contact:Caroline Tabler orPatrick McCann(202) 224-2353

    February 21, 2025

    Chairman Cotton to Director Vought: Ban DeepSeek from Government Devices

    Washington, D.C.— Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee sent a letter to Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought asking to prohibit U.S. government agencies, departments, and employees from using DeepSeek and artificial intelligence tools developed in Communist China.

    In part, Senator Cotton wrote: 
     
    “Federal employees are tasked with researching, developing, and implementing policies critical to America’s economic and national security.  Allowing those employees to use of PRC origin artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning tools on government devices will almost certainly provide the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with U.S. government data as well as advance information on our nation’s policies.”  

    Full text of the letter may be found here and below. 

    The Honorable Russell Vought

    Director

    Office of Management and Budget

    725 17th Street, NW

    Washington, D.C. 20503

    Dear Director Vought,

    I write to urge you to immediately prohibit U.S. government departments and agencies from using and accessing Deepseek and other artificial intelligence tools that were developed in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). 

    Federal employees are tasked with researching, developing, and implementing policies critical to America’s economic and national security.  Allowing those employees to use of PRC origin artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning tools on government devices will almost certainly provide the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) with U.S. government data as well as advance information on our nation’s policies. 

    As you are probably aware, the PRC’s National Security and Data Laws compel PRC companies to provide any and all data to the CCP’s intelligence agencies.  This would, of course, include any information entered into the DeepSeek application or other AI tools.  Additionally, DeepSeek’s developers did not take steps to adequately secure their own databases or implement safety guardrails.  A cloud security firm quickly discovered a massive vulnerability in DeepSeek that left data publicly accessible, including users’ chat histories and other sensitive information.[1] In fact, several of our allies have already banned the use of DeepSeek for government purposes, including India[2] and South Korea.[3]

    While AI can be a useful tool for federal agencies seeking to improve efficiency and deliver value to the U.S. taxpayer, tools that provide our adversaries with advance warning of our government’s plans and policies should be prohibited.  With this in mind, I respectfully ask for the following:

    1. Any guidance OMB has circulated regarding the use of foreign adversary origin AI capabilities by federal agencies. 
    2. Any restrictions on the use of AI tools owned by companies based in China or other foreign adversary countries.

    Sincerely,

    Tom Cotton
    United States Senator 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IWAI Board commissions feasibility study for Urban Water Transport System in 17 cities

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 21 FEB 2025 6:30PM by PIB Delhi

    The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Board – in its 196th Board Meeting – took a key decision to carry out feasibility study for developing Urban Water Transport System in various cities.  The Board decided to explore Water Metro in full or part in 17 cities across 12 states of India.  Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) have been appointed to carry out the feasibility study.

    This initiative will provide a robust and sustainable urban transport system by utilising existing navigable waterways. The Water Metro model represents a breakthrough in urban water transportation, offering safe, efficient, and environmentally-friendly alternatives to conventional modes of transport. Leveraging India’s rich network of rivers, canals and other water bodies, the project will focus on cities with significant potential for urban water transport system.

    The 17 cities chosen by IWAI, in consultation with Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, for developing water metro include – Ayodhya, Dhubri, Goa, Guwahati, Kollam, Kolkata, Prayagraj, Patna, Srinagar, Varanasi, Mumbai, Vasai, Mangalore (Gurupura River), Gandhinagar-Ahmedabad (Sabarmati River), Alleppey in Kerala as well as Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands where inter-island ferry services could transform connectivity.

    The Urban Water Transport System will connect mainland and adjoining municipalities/panchayat areas/islands through waterways and integrate the system with other modes of transport. Besides, it will promote tourism and regional economic growth. It will employ non-polluting and sustainable measures through energy-efficient electric ferries, modernised terminals and ensure seamless multimodal connectivity.

    Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the able guidance of Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, IWAI has been making several infrastructural interventions to develop waterways as a robust engine of growth. With its concerted efforts, IWAI is expanding its footprint throughout the country – from Arunachal Pradesh in the East to Gujarat in the West and Jammu and Kashmir in the North to Kerala in the South. 

    In line with Harit Nauka guidelines, the Authority has taken multiple green initiatives which includes procurement of electric catamarans for passenger ferries.  Two such catamarans have already been deployed, one each at Varanasi and Ayodhya.  Six more shall be deployed soon in Mathura and Guwahati.  One hydrogen fuel cell powered vessel has also been procured which recently completed the trials successfully. The move to strengthen urban water transport system by developing water metro projects will be an extension to these proactive initiatives being taken by the Authority.

    ***

    G.D. Hallikeri / Henry

    (Release ID: 2105345) Visitor Counter : 45

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Upgrade to iPhone 16e and save with incredible offers from Verizon

    Source: Verizon

    Headline: Upgrade to iPhone 16e and save with incredible offers from Verizon

    NEW YORK – Verizon will offer iPhone 16e, a new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup, featuring breakthrough battery life, the fast performance of the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence1, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system — all at an incredible value. Customers can pre-order the new iPhone 16e starting Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28. Visit verizon.com for complete pricing and availability details,

    Major savings and value on iPhone 16e at Verizon

    Starting February 21, Verizon customers can get:

    • Switch to Verizon or add a new line and can get iPhone 16e for $5 a month for 36 months on myPlan2.
    • Want to trade in your phone? Get iPhone 16e on us when you trade-in your current iPhone, Samsung or Google phone — in any condition — and sign up for a new line on myPlan3.
    • Verizon Business customers: For a limited time, get iPhone 16e on us with a new activation on either the Business Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Pro plan with a Verizon Device Payment agreement4. And, eligible Public Sector customers can get a new 128GB iPhone 16e on us on a qualifying two year agreement5.

    Verizon myPlan gives you ultimate access to Apple One

    Supercharge your iPhone 16e with Verizon myPlan, built to give you more flexibility, more perks and more value. Whether you’re upgrading to the latest iPhone for yourself or keeping your business running smoothly with a Verizon Business Unlimited Plan, you’ll stay connected with Verizon’s ultra-fast 5G network—built for whatever life throws your way.

    With myPlan, you’re in control. Pick the perks that matter to you, like Apple One for just $10/month (Individual Plan) or $20/month (Family Plan), plus get deals on entertainment, shopping and more. It’s your phone, your plan, your way — only with Verizon.

    Everything you need to know about the iPhone 16e

    iPhone 16e offers powerful capabilities at a more affordable price. It delivers fast, smooth performance and the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, thanks to the industry-leading efficiency of the A18 chip and the new Apple C1, the first cellular modem designed by Apple. iPhone 16e is also built for Apple Intelligence, the intuitive personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence while taking an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI. The 48MP Fusion camera takes gorgeous photos and videos, and with an integrated 2x Telephoto, it is like having two cameras in one, so users can zoom in with optical quality. When outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage, iPhone 16e can use Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite.

    With custom-designed components and deeply integrated software, iPhone 16e users can stay connected and get help when it matters most6. iPhone 16e will be available in two elegant matte finishes — black and white — with colorful cases available to accessorize.

    iPhone 16e can be activated with an eSIM, a more secure alternative to a physical SIM card. With eSIM, users can quickly activate their cellular plan, store multiple cellular plans on the same device, and stay connected. Verizon supports eSIM Quick Transfer which allows users to transfer their existing plan to their new iPhone.

    Visit verizon.com on February 28 to order your new iPhone 16e.

    For more details on Apple products, please visit www.apple.com.

    1 Apple Intelligence is available in localized English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the U.K., and the U.S. Additional languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India) will be available in April. Some features, applications, and services may not be available in all regions or all languages.

    2 $599.99 (128 GB only) purchase w/new smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan req’d. Less $419.99 promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. Offer may not be combined with other offers. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later.

    3 $599.99 (128 GB only) purchase w/new smartphone line on Unlimited Ultimate, postpaid Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Welcome plan (min. $65/mo w/Auto Pay (+taxes/fees) for 36 mos) req’d. Less $600 trade-in/promo credit applied over 36 mos.; promo credit ends if eligibility req’s are no longer met; 0% APR. Trade-in must be from Apple, Google or Samsung; trade-in terms apply. Apple Intelligence requires iOS 18.1 or later.

    4 Taxes & fees apply. New line w/device payment purchase agmt & Business Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Pro plan req’d. $599.99 credit applied to acct. over the term of your agmt (up to 36 mos, 0% APR); promo credit ends when eligibility requirements are no longer met. Credits begin in 2-3 bills & will include appropriate credit amounts from order date. Cannot be combined with other device offers. This device supports only 5G Ultra Wideband mid-band (C-band), 5G and 4G LTE. iPhone 16e 128GB monthly fee after credit: $0. Offer ends 3.31.2025.

    5 iPhone 16e offer only. Plan Requirements: Fed – $15+ with data feature; State & Local – $19.99+ with data feature; State of TN – flat rate plan with data feature (must meet PP requirement). Available to government-liable subscribers only and subject to the terms, provisions and conditions of Verizon Wireless-approved government contracting vehicles. An Offer Recovery Fee (ORF) will be assigned to NASPO MA 152 customer lines that take advantage of select quarterly offers and will be charged on the customer’s bill if the line is disconnected before the end of the line term. 5G and 5G UWB may not be available to all government customers. See terms and conditions of your contract. Pricing excludes taxes and fees and is subject to change without notice. Offer ends 3.31.2025.

    6 Apple’s satellite features are included for free for two years starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 16e . For Emergency SOS via satellite availability, visit support.apple.com/en-us/HT213426. Messages via satellite will be available in the U.S. and Canada in iOS 18 or later. SMS availability will depend on carrier. Carrier fees may apply. Users should check with their carrier for details. Roadside Assistance via satellite is currently available in the U.S. with AAA and Verizon Roadside Assistance, and in the U.K. with Green Flag. Participating roadside assistance providers may charge for services, and iPhone users who are not members can take advantage of their roadside assistance services on a pay-per-use basis. Apple’s satellite features were designed for use in open spaces with a clear line of sight to the sky. Performance may be impacted by obstructions such as trees or surrounding buildings.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ECB announces changes to use of external ratings for private sector assets in Eurosystem collateral framework

    Source: European Central Bank

    21 February 2025

    • Second-best rating will apply for private sector assets
    • Changes will enter into force no earlier than 18 months from today to allow technical implementation
    • For euro area public sector assets, first-best rating will continue to apply

    On 19 February 2025 the Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB) decided to change the rules on the use of credit ratings issued by external credit assessment institutions (ECAIs) to assess the eligibility of private sector assets for use as collateral under the Eurosystem collateral framework and to determine the haircuts to be applied to those assets. Accordingly, the second-best rating will apply for private sector assets such as unsecured bank bonds, covered bank bonds and assets issued by non-financial corporations. This decision also applies to the accepted non-euro area public sector and follows a thorough review of the rating aggregation rules aimed at making better use of all available credit rating information in the Eurosystem Credit Assessment Framework (ECAF). The review took account of the increased number of ECAIs accepted in the ECAF and the fact that the Eurosystem is open to accepting additional rating agencies once they comply with the ECAF acceptance criteria.

    Under the current rules, where multiple ECAI ratings exist, the Eurosystem selects the first-best rating for the purpose of assessing collateral credit quality (when it determines the eligibility of private and public sector assets for use as collateral and assigns the haircuts to be applied). This approach applies to all assets other than asset-backed securities, for which a second-best rating rule is already followed.

    Under the new rules, private sector assets will be assessed on the basis of the second-best rating among the ratings from accepted ECAIs. For assets with only one rating from an accepted ECAI, where the second-best rule therefore cannot be applied, a one-notch downgrade will be applied to the available rating to determine the rating relevant for collateral purposes.

    The Governing Council also decided that the rules will remain unchanged for assets issued or guaranteed by the euro area public sector (e.g. euro area central, regional and local governments; international and supranational issuers located in the euro area whose shareholders are located in the EU; and agencies recognised by the ECB). These assets, for which the Eurosystem makes regular use of all available credit quality information and applies enhanced due diligence procedures, will therefore continue to be assessed on the basis of their first-best rating.

    The Governing Council reserves the right to deviate from credit rating agencies’ ratings if warranted, in line with its discretion under the monetary policy framework, thereby avoiding mechanistic reliance on these ratings.

    The change to the rules on the use of external ratings for private sector assets will enter into force no earlier than 18 months from today to allow for an implementation in the Eurosystem IT infrastructure. The date will be announced well in advance, together with the technical details, on the ECB’s website.

    For media queries, please contact Carlijn Straathof, tel.: +49 69 1344 23419.

    Notes

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 02/20/2025 VIDEO: Blackburn Details DOGE’s Efforts to Restore Accountability in the Federal Government

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) delivered remarks on the Senate floor about the billions of dollars in waste, fraud, and abuse that President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency has uncovered in just a few short weeks. Earlier this month, Senator Blackburn introduced the DOGE Acts to coincide with President Trump’s efforts.

    Click here to watch Senator Blackburn’s remarks.
    REMARKS AS PREPARED
    Blackburn: Americans Know Our Fiscal Path is Unsustainable 
    Today, after four years of reckless spending and decades-high inflation under the Biden-Harris administration, our national debt sits at $36.4 trillion. In many ways, this number represents one of the biggest threats to our nation, as interest payments on the debt now eclipse our country’s total defense spending. Unfortunately, this problem is only getting worse. During the last few months of the Biden administration—October to December of last year—our country ran a deficit of more than $710 billion, up 39 percent from the same time period in 2023. The American people know our fiscal path is unsustainable.
    DOGE Has Already Discovered Billions of Dollars in Wasteful Spending
    Among many other reasons, that’s why they returned President Trump to the Oval Office with a mandate to restore government accountability. And since Inauguration Day, the President has been hard at work. In one of his first acts back in office, President Trump established the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Led by Elon Musk, the agency has worked to uncover and eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government. And to no one’s surprise, DOGE has found a lot of waste, especially with programs that should have never existed. In recent weeks, the agency has cut $33 million in Education Department grants to groups that push far-left ideas like critical race theory; $44.6 million in canceled leases for unused federal office space; $45 million in scholarships for students in Burma; $182 million in Department of Health and Human Services contracts that had nothing to do with health, including a $168,000 museum exhibit for Anthony Fauci; $1 billion in DEI programs; and on and on.
    Contrary to Democrats’ Dishonest Narrative, DOGE Is Restoring Government Accountability
    In addition, DOGE has worked to reform the mismanaged United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Under the last administration, the agency used its $40 billion budget to support left-wing and anti-American causes around the world, including terror-tied extremist groups in the Middle East. As DOGE uncovers the Left’s abuse of taxpayer dollars, Washington Democrats have tried desperately to paint the agency as unaccountable to the American people. But the exact opposite is true: DOGE, which reports directly to President Trump, is restoring government accountability by helping rein in the federal bureaucracy. That’s why, last week, President Trump issued an executive order to support DOGE, directing federal departments to work with the agency to reduce the size of the federal workforce. A downsize is desperately needed: the government employs more than 2.4 million civilian employees at a cost of hundreds of billions of dollars each year.
    Blackburn Introduced the DOGE Acts to Drain the Swamp
    To support these efforts, I recently introduced a package of bills called the DOGE Acts, which would hold the federal government accountable for managing taxpayer dollars. To drain the swamp, the bills would implement a hiring and salary freeze, direct agencies to reduce the size of their workforce by 5 percent within three years, and establish a commission to report to Congress on moving non-national security agencies out of Washington, D.C. In addition, the legislation would create a pilot program to determine federal employees’ compensation based on merit, not seniority. And they would require agencies to reinstate their pre-COVID telework policies—a measure that is especially crucial after just 6 percent of federal employees worked in an office full-time during the Biden administration. Perhaps most importantly, the DOGE Acts would cut non-security discretionary spending by 5 percent by fiscal year 2028 and every following year, saving taxpayers billions of dollars. When it comes to government spending, Tennesseans and Americans across the country demand accountability. With DOGE, Republicans are delivering on it.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Flood and landslide risk assessment in Sicily: a decade of inertia and consequences for public safety – E-002993/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    1. Sicily’s second Flood Risk Management Plan[1] plans the updating of flood hazard and risk maps[2]. The Italian authorities informed the Commission that, although the updating of such maps was suspended for administrative reasons, the Regional Council gave a mandate to the Regional Department for Financial Planning and Programming to avail itself of the funding available for updating the maps by 31 December 2026.

    2. Cohesion policy[3] supports climate change adaptation, disaster risk prevention, and resilience. Under the European Regional Development Fund[4], EUR 103 million are indicatively allocated for floods and landslides, with the possibility for prevention measures[5]. Still, under shared management, in line with the applicable regulations, responsibility to select measures lies with the Managing Authority based on a programme approved by the Commission. While the Recovery and Resilience Facility[6] supports Italy in hydrogeological risk reduction and the development of a monitoring system to predict and mitigate climate change risks with a focus on Southern Italy, the Council Implementing Decision Annex[7] does not require resource allocation specifically to Sicily. Any allocation to this region is a decision of the Italian authorities[8].

    3. Existing measures to assess landslides include the European landslide susceptibility map[9] and the European Ground Motion Service[10]. Strengthening the knowledge base and promoting soil health can mitigate floods and droughts whilst making the environment more resilient to landslides and soil erosion thanks to improved water retention[11].

    • [1] Covering 2022-2027, https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/water/floods_en
    • [2] Page 55 https://pti.regione.sicilia.it/portal/page/portal/PIR_PORTALE/PIR_LaStrutturaRegionale/PIR_PresidenzadellaRegione/PIR_AutoritaBacino/PIR_Areetematiche/PIR_Pianificazione/PIR_PianoGestioneDirettiva200760CE/PIR_PianoGestioneRischioAlluvioni2021/PIR_PGRAIICiclo/PIR_RelazioneMedotologicaPGRAIICiclo/Relazione%20metodologica%20PGRA%20II%20ciclo%20di%20gestione.pdf
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/policy/what/investment-policy_en
    • [4] 2021-2027 Regional Programme for Sicily, https://commission.europa.eu/funding-tenders/find-funding/eu-funding-programmes/european-regional-development-fund-erdf_en
    • [5] Such measures could include the implementation of databases, the development of forecasting models and territorial analyses for risk studies and mitigation models.
    • [6] https://commission.europa.eu/business-economy-euro/economic-recovery/recovery-and-resilience-facility_en#national-recovery-and-resilience-plans
    • [7] Annex to the Council Implementing Decision amending Implementing Decision of 13 July 2021 on the approval of the assessment of the recovery and resilience plan for Italy: https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-15114-2024-ADD-1-REV-1/en/pdf
    • [8] For example: https://pnrr.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/il-pnrr-il-dipartimento-della-protezione-civile/. Projects in Sicily are relevant for reporting under the RRF if they contribute to the milestones and targets of the investments mentioned above, as set out in the annex of the Council Implementing Decision.
    • [9] https://esdac.jrc.ec.europa.eu/content/european-landslide-susceptibility-map-elsus-v2
    • [10] https://land.copernicus.eu/en/products/european-ground-motion-service
    • [11] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_3637
    Last updated: 21 February 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Enhancing Computing Power for the Public Good

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced further details of her proposal to expand New York’s first-in-the-nation Empire AI Consortium. The Governor’s FY26 Executive Budget includes $90 million in capital funding to substantially increase the computing power of Empire AI, expand access for SUNY researchers, and support the addition of new members including the University of Rochester, the Rochester Institute of Technology, and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. The proposal will be matched by $50 million in private funding from new members and $25 million in SUNY operating funding over ten years. This investment will make the Empire AI supercomputer more powerful, leading to more research for the public good being done faster and more efficiently compared with currently available computing power.

    “The United States is in a race with China and the rest of the world in the global AI revolution, and with our first-in-the-nation Empire AI Consortium, New York is leading the way in research and innovation,” Governor Hochul said. “With Empire AI, we are setting the standard for harnessing the power of AI for the public good and ultimately creating a better future for New Yorkers.”

    Last year, Governor Hochul reached historic agreement with the state legislature as part of the FY25 Budget to establish Empire AI, a first-of-its-kind independent consortium to secure New York’s place at the forefront of artificial intelligence research. The consortium will leverage a $275 million state investment to create and launch a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence computing center on the University at Buffalo’s campus. The center will be used by leading New York institutions to promote responsible research and development, create jobs and advance AI for the public good. The founding members of Empire AI include SUNY, CUNY, Columbia University, Cornell University, New York University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and the Flatiron Institute.

    In October 2024, only six months after Budget enactment, Governor Hochul launched the first phase of Empire AI thanks to a philanthropic contribution from the Simons Foundation. Housed at the University at Buffalo, the Empire AI Alpha system is operating at maximum capacity and has allowed over 200 researchers across the seven founding members to begin work aimed at addressing major societal challenges.

    Researchers are already using Empire AI to conduct groundbreaking research, from medical breakthroughs in treating cancer to making better weather predictions, which will make life better for everyday New Yorkers. Current projects include:

    • Developing technologies that could provide adaptive speech and language therapies to children with special needs.
    • Building models of the climate, which can help communities prepare for future impact of extreme weather events.
    • Building models to help analyze CT scans to better diagnose and treat lung cancer.

    Now, Governor Hochul’s proposed expansion will allow Empire AI to secure a future full-scale computing system that supports expanded capacity for SUNY and the addition of new members. The proposed new members of Empire AI consortium include:

    • University of Rochester, a leading research university and the largest health care system in Upstate New York, will vastly improve AI-powered medical research and give consortium researchers unparalleled access to medical technologies and information.
    • Rochester Institute of Technology, which announced the formation of its Artificial Intelligence Hub last August, has proven to be a nationwide leader developing AI solutions for teaching and learning. By joining the consortium, they are contributing academic and strategic power to Empire AI’s member schools and researchers.
    • Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, one of the top medical schools in the country, the first medical school to establish a Department of Artificial Intelligence (the Windreich Department of AI and Human Health) and is ranked as number 1 in AI according to Nature AI Index, has expressed intent to join the Empire AI consortium. The School will work collaboratively with the other healthcare and public health partners to accelerate health AI research with a focus on translation, aimed at improving New York’s health care and public health infrastructure.
    • SUNY will double its participation in Empire AI’s consortium, allowing more researchers and students from SUNY’s most research-intensive campuses to access the world-class computing power.

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul’s vision and commitment, New York State is a clear leader in harnessing the power of AI – one of the most revolutionary technologies of this century – to improve people’s lives and promote the public good. ESD is proud of its pioneering part in its effort, and eager to work with the expanded consortium, to not only leverage AI to tackle society’s most vexing challenges, but also cultivate New York’s AI ecosystem, which will create quality jobs, attract additional investments, and further grow the state’s economy.”

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “Thanks to Governor Hochul, New York State is leading the nation in the use of artificial intelligence to advance the public good. SUNY’s world-class researchers are already accelerating groundbreaking work on climate change, curing diseases, and civic discourse thanks to Empire AI, and Governor Hochul’s budget proposal will help SUNY and other higher education institutions conduct research that strengthens our economic well-being and national security.”

    Empire AI Interim Executive Director Robert Harrison said, “Empire AI is advancing research in public health, environmental science, computing and countless other areas, and we’re doing it at a scale and pace that would have been unthinkable even a few short months ago. This is only possible because of Governor Hochul’s leadership and the legislature’s vision to partner with some of the state’s leading research institutions and invest in New York’s computing capabilities. And thanks to Governor Hochul, we now have the opportunity to do even more, adding new members and increasing our research capabilities to cement New York as the national leader in AI research for the public good.”

    Rochester Institute of Technology Research Vice President Ryne Raffaelle said, “Joining Empire AI would strengthen our commitment to leading the way in the higher education artificial intelligence space. Our researchers would have unique opportunities to access cutting-edge equipment, connect with other thought leaders, and engage students in work related to responsible artificial intelligence. This partnership would be valuable for our university and would escalate our state as a national leader in this area.”

    University of Rochester Research Vice President Steve Dewhurst said, “AI is rapidly changing our lives in fundamental and profound ways. That’s why we would be so excited to join Empire AI to leverage our incredible assets and strengths in AI and supercomputing. In partnership with our state’s leading experts, we could enhance how we learn, discover, heal, and create, while harnessing our collective strengths to best position New York to lead and benefit from this technology. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership and vision in creating this innovative collaboration and look forward to working with our partners when it passes in the Budget.”

    Nash Family Professor of Neuroscience Director, The Friedman Brain Institute Dean for Academic Affairs, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Chief Scientific Officer, Mount Sinai Health System Dr. Eric Nestler said, “Joining Empire AI would ensure that we remain at the forefront of AI innovation and progress — where AI-driven insights enhance diagnosis, personalize treatments, and revolutionize research and practice. Together, we and members of this consortium would harness the power of AI technology to improve patient health, drive medical breakthroughs, and shape the future of healthcare.”

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “The Rochester region is fortunate to have nationally renowned universities on the cutting edge of technological research like Rochester Institute of Technology and University of Rochester. Today’s announcement from Governor Hochul that these institutions will be bringing their expertise to the Empire AI consortium is a win for our universities, their students, and our area as a whole. With the inclusion of RIT and University of Rochester, area researchers will be leading the way on AI innovation and helping to establish New York on the forefront of this vital work.”

    Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said, “Congratulations to the Rochester Institute of Technology and the University of Rochester on their intention to join Empire AI consortium. This collaboration will connect the Rochester region to the world-class talent and cutting-edge technologies needed to prepare the workforce of today and tomorrow, and ensure these universities continue to lead the way in pioneering technological advancements. As Chair of Labor, I recognize that this initiative is critical to growing our economy by guaranteeing we have the expertise and qualified workforce required for nation-leading research and education.”

    Expanding Artificial Intelligence Across New York State
    Access to the computing resources that power AI systems is prohibitively expensive and difficult to obtain. These resources are increasingly concentrated in the hands of large technology companies and other global competitors, who maintain outsized control of the AI development ecosystem. As a result, researchers, public interest organizations, and small companies are being left behind, which has enormous implications for AI safety and society at large. Empire AI is bridging this gap and accelerating the development of AI centered in the public interest for New York State. Enabling this pioneering AI research and development is also helping educational institutions nurture the next generation of talent that will create AI-focused technology startups, driving job growth.

    By increasing collaboration between New York State’s world-class research institutions, Empire AI is creating efficiencies of scale not achievable by any single university, empowering and attracting top notch faculty, expanding educational opportunity, and enabling responsible innovation that will significantly strengthen our state’s economy and our national security.
    The initiative is currently funded by over $400 million in public and private investment, including a $250 million State capital grant investment and $25 million over ten years in SUNY operating funding. The project will also receive more than $125 million from the founding institutions and other private partners, including the Simons Foundation, whose Flatiron Institute works to advance research through computational methods, and Tom Secunda, co-founder of Bloomberg LP and the Secunda Family Foundation, which provides millions of dollars a year in grants to conservation, health care, scientific advancement and other causes.

    Governor Hochul’s Innovation Agenda
    Governor Hochul’s commitment to advancing New York’s leadership in artificial intelligence builds on her broader agenda to expand cutting-edge technology development in the Empire State. Last year, Governor Hochul announced that IBM CEO Arvind Krishna and Girls Who Code CEO Dr. Tarika Barrett would co-chair the new Emerging Technology Advisory Board (the Board) — an independent group of industry leaders tasked with informing and accelerating New York’s transformation into a hub for growth and innovation. The Board released their initial recommendations in December 2024.

    The Governor previously signed New York’s historic Green CHIPS legislation to drive semiconductor research, development, and manufacturing in New York State and announced a $10 billion partnership to bring next-generation chips research to NY CREATES’ Albany NanoTech Complex. The Governor has continued to advance a $620 million Life Science Initiative to support innovation in biomedical research. And through strategic investments like the $113.7 million Battery-NY initiative, Governor Hochul has fueled the growth of the sustainability, green technology and energy storage economies in New York State.

    The Governor’s innovation agenda has catalyzed major public and private investments, transforming New York’s economy and creating good-paying jobs of the future. GlobalFoundries recently announced an $11.6 billion investment to expand its chip manufacturing campus in New York’s Capital Region, creating 1,500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs. In 2022, Micron announced a 20-year, $100 billion investment to create a megafab campus in Central New York, creating 50,000 new direct and indirect jobs and unlocking hundreds of millions of dollars in community benefits.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: I went to CPAC as an anthropologist to see how Trump supporters are feeling − for them, a ‘golden age’ has begun

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Alex Hinton, Distinguished Professor of Anthropology; Director, Center for the Study of Genocide and Human Rights, Rutgers University – Newark

    Attendees take selfies at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Oxon Hill, Md., on Feb. 20, 2025. Andrew Harnick/Getty Images

    At the start of his inaugural address on Jan. 20, 2025, President Donald Trump declared, “The golden age of America begins right now!”

    A month later, Trump’s supporters gathered at the annual Conservative Political Action Conference, or CPAC, in Oxon Hill, Maryland, from Feb. 19-22 to celebrate the advent of this golden age.

    Gold glitter jackets, emblazoned with phrases like “Trump the Golden Era,” are for sale in the CPAC exhibition hall. There, attendees decked out in other MAGA-themed clothing and accessories network and mingle. They visit booths with politically charged signs that say “Defund Planned Parenthood” and collect brochures on topics like “The Gender Industrial Complex.”

    Another booth with a yellow and black striped backdrop resembling a prison cell’s bars was called a “Deportation Center.” Attendees photographed themselves at this booth, posing beside full-size cutouts of Trump and his border czar, Tom Homan.

    Former Jan. 6 prisoners, including Proud Boys’ former leader Enrique Tarrio, have also been a visible – and controversial – presence at CPAC.

    The conference’s proceedings kicked off on Feb. 20 with an Arizona pastor, Joshua Navarrete, saying, to loud applause, “We are living in the greatest time of our era – the golden age!”

    Many subsequent speakers repeated this phrase, celebrating the country’s “golden age.”

    For many outside observers, claims of a golden age might seem odd.

    Just months ago during the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump said that an American apocalypse was underway, driven by a U.S. economy in shambles and major cities overrun by an “invasion” of “illegal alien” “terrorists,” “rapists” and “murderers.”

    Now, Trump’s critics argue, the U.S. is led by a convicted felon who is implementing policies that are reckless, stupid and harmful.

    Further, these critics contend, Trump’s illegal power grabs are leading to a constitutional crisis that could cause democracy to crumble in the U.S.

    How, they wonder, could anyone believe the country is in a golden age?

    As an anthropologist of U.S. political culture, I have been studying the Make America Great Again, or MAGA, movement for years. I wrote a related 2021 book, “It Can Happen Here.” And I continue to do MAGA research at places like this year’s CPAC, where the mood has been giddy.

    Here are three reasons why the MAGA faithful believe a golden age has begun. The list begins, and ends, with Trump.

    Elon Musk holds a painting of himself during CPAC in Oxon Hill, Md., on Feb. 20, 2025.
    Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

    1. The warrior hero

    Trump supporters contend that after the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attacks, which they consider a “peaceful protest,” Trump became a political pariah and victim.

    Like many a mythic hero, Trump’s response was “never surrender.” In 2023, he repeatedly told his MAGA faithful, “I am your warrior, I am your justice.”

    Trump’s heroism, his supporters believe, was illustrated after a bullet grazed his ear during an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania in July 2024. Trump quickly rose to his feet, pumped his fist in the air and yelled, “Fight, fight, fight.”

    The phrase became a MAGA rally cry and, in February 2025, it has been stamped on CPAC attendees’ shirts and jackets.

    After Trump’s 2024 election victory, many Trump supporters dubbed it
    “the greatest comeback in political history.” MAGA populist Steven Bannon invoked this phrase at a pre-CPAC event on Feb. 19.

    When Bannon spoke on the CPAC main stage on Feb. 20, he led the crowd in a raucous “fight, fight, fight” chant. He compared Trump with Abraham Lincoln and George Washington and called for him to run again for president in 2028.

    This is despite the fact that Trump running for a third term would violate the Constitution.

    2. A wrecking ball

    The MAGA faithful believe that Trump is like a human “wrecking ball,” as evangelical leader Lance Wallnau said in 2015. This metaphor speaks to how Trump supporters believe the president is tearing down an entrenched, corrupt system.

    The day Trump took office, MAGA stalwarts underscore, he began to “drain the swamp” with a slew of executive orders.

    One established the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, which is devoted to eliminating government waste. DOGE, led by billionaire Elon Musk, has dismantled USAID and fired thousands of government workers whom MAGA views as part of an anti-Trump “deep state.”

    Musk stole the show at CPAC on Feb. 20. Speaking to a cheering crowd, Musk held up a large red chain saw and yelled, “This is the chain saw for bureaucracy.”

    Speaker after speaker at this year’s CPAC have celebrated this and other wrecking-ball achievements on panels with titles like “Red Tape Reckoning,” “Crushing Woke Board Rooms” and “The Takedown of Left Tech.”

    3. The Midas touch

    A golden age requires a builder. Who better, the MAGA faithful believe, than a billionaire businessman with a self-proclaimed “Midas touch.” This refers to King Midas, a figure in Greek mythology who turns everything he touches into pure gold.

    “Trump Will Fix It” signs filled his 2024 campaign rallies. And MAGA supporters note that Trump began fixing the country on Day 1 by “flooding the zone” with executive orders aimed at implementing his four-pronged “America First” promise. In addition to draining the swamp, this plan pledges to “make America safe again,” “make America affordable and energy dominant again” and “bring back American values.”

    These themes run through the remarks of almost every CPAC speaker, who offer nonstop praise about how Trump is securing the country’s borders, increasing energy independence, repatriating who they call illegal aliens, restoring free speech and reducing government regulation and waste.

    CPAC speakers said that Trump has already racked up a slew of successes just a month into his presidency.

    This includes Trump using the threat of tariffs to bring other countries to the negotiating table.

    Meanwhile, Trump supporters are pleased that he has been working to cut deals to end the conflict in Gaza and the war between Russia and Ukraine, while reorienting U.S. foreign policy to focus on China.

    House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed the prevailing MAGA sentiment when he stated at CPAC that Trump “wrote the art of the deal. He knows what he’s doing.”

    CPAC attendees wear Trump-themed clothing at the four-day political conference on Feb. 20, 2025.
    Andrew Harnick/Getty Images

    American exceptionalism restored

    The golden-age celebration at CPAC centered on Trump and his mission to “make America great again.”

    Speaker after speaker, including foreign conservative leaders from around the world, paid homage to Trump and this message.

    During her CPAC speech, Liz Truss, the former prime minister of the U.K., stated, “This is truly the golden age of America.” Truss, who does not have a current political position, told the CPAC audience that she wanted to copy the MAGA playbook in order to “make Britain great again.”

    The MAGA faithful believe that Trump is restoring an era of American exceptionalism in which the U.S. is an economic powerhouse, common sense is the rule, and traditional values centered on God, family and freedom are celebrated.

    And they believe in a future where the U.S. is, as Trump said in his inaugural address, “the envy of every nation.”

    Alex Hinton receives funding from Alex Hinton receives funding from the Rutgers-Newark Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America, Rutgers Research Council, and Henry Frank Guggenheim Foundation.

    – ref. I went to CPAC as an anthropologist to see how Trump supporters are feeling − for them, a ‘golden age’ has begun – https://theconversation.com/i-went-to-cpac-as-an-anthropologist-to-see-how-trump-supporters-are-feeling-for-them-a-golden-age-has-begun-250219

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: During a working visit, Marat Khusnullin inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    During a working visit, Marat Khusnullin inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways

    February 21, 2025

    During a working visit, Marat Khusnullin inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways

    February 21, 2025

    During a working visit, Marat Khusnullin inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways

    February 21, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    During a working visit, Marat Khusnullin inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways

    Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin, during a working trip by car from Moscow to Kazan through the Vladimir and Nizhny Novgorod regions, inspected sections of the M-7 Volga and M-12 Vostok highways.

    “The federal highway M-12 “Vostok” is our largest new infrastructure project of the last decades. The highway is part of the transport route “Russia” from St. Petersburg to Vladivostok. I can say that the condition of the road surface, which I inspected during the trip, is excellent, the road is covered with a stable mobile connection, it is comfortable to drive to the desired location and, what is important, noticeably faster. On the way, I visited a multifunctional zone with a gas station in the Vladimir region, where an entire complex has been built and all the conditions for high-quality service, rest, there is a parking lot for heavy vehicles and an area for walking pets. I believe that such a level of MFC should be on all highways in the country. The section of the M-12 from Moscow to Kazan, which the President opened a little over a year ago, remains consistently in demand among motorists – during this time, more than 30 million trips have been recorded. Despite the fact that in some places the M-12 and M-7 routes are duplicated, we are actively upgrading the M-7 Volga highway, improving its quality. It is also in good condition. Everyone can find the most convenient route for themselves, choose a toll or free road. We will certainly continue to develop highways within the framework of the national project Infrastructure for Life, so that ultimately the quality of life of people only improves,” said Marat Khusnullin.

    The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the territories of regions located in the area of attraction of highways are noticeably developing. Highways contribute to an increase in the volume of housing construction, investment activity, the opening of new enterprises, recreation areas, and the creation of jobs.

    During his working visit to Vladimir Oblast, Marat Khusnullin held a meeting with the head of the region, Aleksandr Avdeyev, on issues of the region’s socio-economic development, including the creation of the new city of Dobrograd. In Nizhny Novgorod Oblast, he and Governor Gleb Nikitin inspected the construction of new stations of the Nizhny Novgorod metro and a world-class IT campus.

    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 –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple Intelligence expands to more languages and regions in April

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple Intelligence expands to more languages and regions in April

    Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence, will soon be available in more languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) — as well as localized English for Singapore and India.

    These new languages will be accessible in nearly all regions around the world with the release of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4 in April, and developers can start to test these releases today.

    With the upcoming software updates, iPhone and iPad users in the EU will have access to Apple Intelligence features for the first time, and Apple Intelligence will expand to a new platform in U.S. English with Apple Vision Pro — helping users communicate, collaborate, and express themselves in entirely new ways.

    Apple Intelligence marks an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI and is designed to protect users’ privacy at every step. It starts with on-device processing, meaning that many of the models that power Apple Intelligence run entirely on the device. For requests that require access to larger models, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence.

    Apple Intelligence will continue to expand with new features in the coming months, including more capabilities for Siri.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Carbeeza Inc. Announces Private Placement Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carbeeza Inc. (“Carbeeza” or the “Company“) (TSXV:AUTO) (OTCQB: CRBAF) today announced that it intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 25,000,000 units (each, a “Unit”) at a price of $0.05 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,250,000 (the “Offering”). Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company and one common share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a “Warrant”). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one additional common share of the Company at an exercise price of $0.15 for a period of 24 months from issuance.

    All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day. Completion of the Offering is subject to a number of conditions, including without limitation, receipt of TSX Venture Exchange approval. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

    It is anticipated that insiders of the Company will subscribe to the Offering. Participation by insiders of the Company in the Offering constitutes a related-party transaction as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (“MI 61-101“). The issuance of securities is exempt from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 on the basis that the fair market value of the insiders’ participation in the Offering, as determined in accordance with MI 61-101, shall not exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization.

    Carbeeza Inc.

    Carbeeza is a Canadian-based software company whose platform is targeted to the automotive marketplace. It is the first application to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence to accurately predict the best financing scenario for consumers, all while keeping the consumer anonymous. Using state-of-the-art technology, Carbeeza brings the process of buying a car right to the phone, tailor-made for the consumer. Carbeeza is highly beneficial to both consumers and auto dealers.

    ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF CARBEEZA INC.

    Sandro Torrieri, Chief Executive Officer

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    For further information please contact:

    Sandro Torrieri, Chief Executive Officer

    Email: Investorrelations@carbeeza.com

    Telephone: 1-855-216-8802

    Website: www.carbeeza.com

    Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

    This news release contains forward-looking statements including but not limited to statements regarding the Company’s business, assets or investments, as well other statements that are not historical facts. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve numerous assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, that contribute to the possibility that the predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking statements will not occur, which may cause actual performance and results in future periods to differ materially from any estimates or projections of future performance or results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the state of the economy in general and capital markets in particular, investor interest in the business and prospects of the Company.

    The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities law. Additionally, the Company undertakes no obligation to comment on the expectations of, or statements made, by third parties in respect of the matters discussed above.

    The MIL Network –