Category: Asia Pacific

MIL-OSI Global: Will Trump’s tariffs boost the US economy? Don’t count on it

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lukasz Rachel, Assistant Professor of Economics, UCL

It’s hard to keep up with all the tariff announcements coming out of Washington. On February 1, the US president, Donald Trump, announced the introduction of 25% tariffs on most imported goods from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% levy on goods from China. The tariffs against Canada and Mexico were soon postponed by a month following some token gestures.

A week after that, Trump signed an executive order imposing 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports. These tariffs are set to take effect on March 12, a few days after the broad tariffs against Canada and Mexico supposedly come to pass. Trump has now vowed “reciprocal” duties on countries that target products made in the US.

This may all sound very familiar. Trump imposed tariffs during his first presidency – for example, on steel and aluminium imports in 2018. Studies of this policy are already available. They show that the tariffs led to rising raw material costs and weakened the competitiveness of US manufacturers.

It is also true that the subsequent US-China trade war of 2018 and 2019 did not collapse the US or global economy. But the tariffs this time round are more comprehensive and cover a larger number of key products and trading partners. Unlike the previous tariffs on China, which were introduced gradually, the current restrictions are to be introduced in one move.

Dubious justification

Trump justified the tariffs on Canada and Mexico as a measure to counter the “serious threat” posed by illegal immigration and the influx of drugs, including fentanyl, across US borders. It is difficult to take such an explanation seriously.

The fentanyl problem essentially exists at the southern border. In 2024, US Customs seized about 19kg of fentanyl at the border with Canada, compared with nearly 9,600kg at the Mexican border. The same is true for migrants. Imposing tariffs on Canada therefore makes little sense.

The more likely reason for all of Trump’s tariffs lies in his desire to protect domestic producers from foreign competition. Trump and his strategists often refer to the need to reduce the US trade deficit with the rest of the world.

The basic problem is that in today’s world of globalised supply chains, many components are imported. Goods often cross borders multiple times before reaching consumers in their final form. A good example is the automotive production complex near Detroit, where semi-assembled cars frequently cross the Canadian-American border.

It is difficult to predict what effect Trump’s tariffs would have on such organised production. But they would probably amount to a very expensive and inefficient reorganisation of production processes. If the tariffs on Canada go ahead, Canadian and American companies, as well as their employees, would suffer.

Not all areas of production would be affected so drastically. But for the many components that are imported into America, an increase in their prices would translate into cost pressures. This may lead to financial problems for American companies, layoffs or higher prices for final goods.

A steel and aluminium door is welded at General Motors’ automobile factory in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
John Gress Media Inc / Shutterstock

Paradoxically, tariffs could also decrease the competitiveness of American production, at least when it comes to sales in third markets. Cost pressures caused by more expensive components will affect US manufacturers, but not rival manufacturers in, say, China or Europe – at least until they have responded with a trade war.

Another reason why Trump’s logic may not work is the US dollar exchange rate. The dollar has soared in recent months, especially when Trump has spoken about tariffs, rising more than 5% against the euro since the election. These moves weaken the competitiveness of American manufacturers on global markets.

That said, Trump has often expressed his desire for a weaker dollar and, following the delay in the implementation of the tariffs, it has come down in value.

But, notwithstanding this, US businesses are by no means delighted. The tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China were condemned by groups such as the American Chamber of Commerce. And the Wall Street Journal described the move as “the stupidest trade war in history”.

That’s not all. The primary effect of tariffs is an increase in the price of imported goods. If prices go up, consumers will be less than enthusiastic. High price levels were, after all, a key part of why Trump won November’s election.

The direct inflationary impulse from the announced tariffs is not, so far, catastrophic. While the inflationary effects of tariffs are not a given, many economists fear they will trigger a mechanism of increasing inflation expectations. This may happen, especially given the likelihood of retaliation by affected countries.

Before Trump had paused the tariffs, the Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, had announced retaliatory levies of 25% on American goods worth a total of US$107 billion (£84.9 billion). Canada is also considering restrictions on exports of critical minerals crucial to the US tech industry.

China, on the other hand, announced retaliatory tariffs and measures against US businesses including Google. And the EU has stood firm on its plans to retaliate should Trump implement tariffs against the bloc.

Should they arise, higher inflation expectations may prompt the US Federal Reserve to raise interest rates. According to recent research, the increase in the cost of credit is a serious reason for dissatisfaction among American consumers and companies alike.

Reducing the trade deficit

If tariffs don’t help consumers and hurt a significant number of domestic producers, perhaps they can at least close the US trade deficit? Unfortunately, they also miss the mark here.

Economists agree that the deficit is due to macroeconomic conditions – specifically, the balance between national investment and saving. The US has a surplus of investment relative to savings, so borrows money from the rest of the world.

This is, simply put, because the US economy does not produce as much as the American people consume. When net domestic debt increases, the trade deficit also increases because the borrowed money is spent on foreign goods and services.

Reducing the trade gap can be done through policies that lower domestic debt. Either households and businesses must save more, or government deficits must shrink. In this sense, tariffs are a poor tool.

Trump’s tariff strategy will create havoc. This will bring opportunities as well as challenges. Europe and other affected countries should stand united against Trump’s tariff threats, responding firmly while promoting trade liberalisation across the world at the same time.

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

– ref. Will Trump’s tariffs boost the US economy? Don’t count on it – https://theconversation.com/will-trumps-tariffs-boost-the-us-economy-dont-count-on-it-249621

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Trust in politics is in long-term decline around the world – new research

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Viktor Valgarðsson, Leverhulme Early Career Fellow in the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Southampton

Pro-Trump rioters stormed the US Capitol building to protest against the result of the 2020 presidential election. 72westy / Shutterstock

Citizens’ trust in their political institutions has been falling around the world. This may not come as a shock to many.

British politics has been in chaos since the Brexit referendum in 2016. Rioters stormed the US Capitol in protest against the result of the 2020 presidential election. And the US president, Donald Trump, is continuing to attack the supposed “deep-state” controlling American politics. None of these things scream public trust in government.

But declining political trust is not self-evident. It’s possible that we may be too focused on a couple of countries that dominate our attention, and a lot has been going on in recent years that could explain the situation that we find ourselves in.

Many researchers have also pointed out that people have never been particularly fond of politics. They suggest that we’ve simply been seeing “trendless fluctuations” in trust – ebbs and flows where we happen to notice declines more than rises or stability.

In a recently published study, my co-authors and I took on this debate. We analysed more data on political trust than previous studies, from over 5 million respondents to 3,377 surveys conducted in 143 countries between 1958 and 2019.

Our models suggest that, at least since 1990, trust in parliament and government has indeed been declining by an average of about 8.4 and 7.3 percentage points respectively in democratic countries across the world.

The same does not apply to trust in non-representative “implementing institutions”, such as the civil service, justice system or police. In fact, we find that trust in the police has increased by about 12.5 percentage points across democracies on average over the same period.

Thus, declining trust in government appears to be rooted in how politics is practised, which is seemingly less inspiring to citizens today, rather than in a growing distaste for social institutions in general.

Global trends in trust in six types of institutions in democratic countries between 1990 and 2019.
Valgarðsson et al. (2025) / British Journal of Political Science, CC BY-NC-ND

Of course, this global picture masks a more nuanced story. Political trust has been rising in a few smaller countries: Denmark, Ecuador, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. These nations may chart a path forward for the rest of the democratic world.

Conversely, trust in the legal system has been declining in many countries in eastern Europe and Latin America. The same appears to be the case more recently in the US, suggesting that implementing institutions are not immune to the political trust crisis.

Our findings do not answer why citizens of democracies are gradually losing faith in their democratic institutions, or what the consequences could be. They also do not suggest how trust in politics can be rebuilt. But what we do know is concerning.

For instance, our data tells us that political trust was declining dramatically in Hungary right up until 2010, when Viktor Orbán was re-elected as prime minister (his first term ended in 2002). When in office, Orbán started dismantling the country’s constitutional and liberal democratic order.

Trust in parliament, the legal system and the police in western Europe and North America.
Valgarðsson et al. (2025) / British Journal of Political Science, CC BY-NC-ND

We also know that the US has seen one of the more dramatic declines of political trust in recent times, and that political distrust was a powerful predictor of voting for Trump at least in the 2016 Republican primaries.

In a survey conducted that year by American National Election Studies, about 24% of Trump’s primary voters said they would “never” trust the federal government to do what is right. This compared with about 9% of voters for rival Republican candidate John Kasich, and 8% and 4% of voters for Democrat candidates Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton respectively.

We do not yet have data for the 2024 US presidential election. But it does not take a political scientist to know that Trump leaned even more heavily on people’s distrust in government in his campaign. Since becoming president, he has stepped up his efforts to dismantle America’s constitutional and liberal democratic order.

Declining political trust is not the only cause of these developments. We are also seeing illiberal candidates and parties doing increasingly well in countries where we didn’t see the same trust declines in our data. The rising popularity of Geert Wilders in the Netherlands or the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party in Germany are both good examples.

Some of this may be driven partly by more recent trust declines, like in the Netherlands where trust in parliament has dropped substantially since 2020. Or it could be driven by a polarisation of trust between a more trusting majority and a deeply distrusting minority. But much of it is also probably driven by other factors, such as economic distress, attitudes towards immigration and the “culture wars” of our day.

It stands to reason that voters who deeply distrust the political establishment would tend to be attracted to populist leaders who rail against that establishment.

These voters probably still support democracy as an ideal. Support for democratic principles has, in fact, remained high globally – although there are worrying signs among younger generations in US and UK. But these voters appear to be more willing to vote for politicians who will attack the institutions needed to make it work.

Sceptical mistrust of government

This brings us to one crucial question: are citizens right to distrust government? After all, political institutions haven’t been working all that well for a large portion of citizens – except maybe in areas like Scandinavia, where we have seen rising trust in recent times.

A degree of sceptical mistrust of government is certainly vital for a healthy democracy. We are reminded of this by some of the more sobering points in our data.

China has the highest rates of reported trust in the world, while Hungary and Russia have both seen rising trust levels as their governments have become less democratic and seized control of the media environment. Clearly, trust is not unequivocally good from a democratic perspective.

Our challenge is to find the right balance: a climate of sceptical trust, where we hold our governments to account and engage critically with our institutions without throwing them away in favour of autocratic populists.

To save the foundations of liberal democracy, we may need to rediscover its appeal to the ordinary citizen. If it’s something about the way politics is practised that citizens distrust, perhaps those politics need to change.

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

– ref. Trust in politics is in long-term decline around the world – new research – https://theconversation.com/trust-in-politics-is-in-long-term-decline-around-the-world-new-research-250078

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Mullin, Cortez Masto Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Make it Easier for Indian Health Services to Recruit and Retain Doctors

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

RELEASE: Mullin, Cortez Masto Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Make it Easier for Indian Health Services to Recruit and Retain Doctors

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) reintroduced their bipartisan legislation to make it easier for Indian Health Services (IHS) to recruit and retain medical workers. Specifically, this legislation, the IHS Workforce Parity Act, improves health care in Tribal communities by allowing providers working part-time to access IHS scholarship and loan repayment programs. Last Congress, this bill passed the Senate unanimously but did not receive a vote in the House of Representatives.
Historically, IHS has a 25% vacancy rate for health care providers, and the IHS Workforce Parity Act would help attract new doctors and nurses to both the agency and Tribal health facilities that serve over 2.5 million American Indian and Alaskan Native Tribal members.
“I am confident our legislation will help address the current difficulty IHS is facing in recruiting and retaining health care professionals,” said Senator Mullin. “Rural health care providers like IHS have unique staffing needs, and our bill offers a flexible, cost-effective solution to ensure IHS maintains a competitive edge when considering new recruits. In strengthening the workforce, IHS can ensure a proper quality of care to their patients and improve patient outcomes.”
“The severe shortage of IHS health care providers poses a threat to the quality of care that Nevadans in Tribal communities receive. That is unacceptable,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “It is time for Congress to come together to pass my common sense, bipartisan legislation and provide real solutions for Indian Country.”

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Marbanc International Expands Scope of Real Estate Focus to Australia
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Photo Courtesy of Marbanc International

NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marbanc International has broadened its distressed real estate acquisition strategy to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Australian property and mortgage markets.

A recent analysis by SQM Research revealed that the number of properties on the market for over 180 days has surged by 10.1% year-over-year, reaching 69,658 listings. Major urban centers – including Melbourne, Darwin, Canberra, and Hobart – experienced double-digit increases in long-term listings. Notably, Victoria saw a 28.4% spike in distressed sale listings, the highest among Australian states.

Income Direct’s Strategic Expansion

Marbanc’s wholly owned Australian subsidiary, Income Direct, has been actively sourcing and conducting due diligence on multiple real estate opportunities, including:
- Distressed properties
- Developable landholdings
- Infrastructure sites
Income Direct’s executive chairman, Gerard Sivaprasad, stated:

“The post-COVID economic climate has created compelling buying opportunities. Our investment committee is currently evaluating several large acreage sites with strong medium-to-long term value potential.”

Market Trends & Future Outlook

Louis Christopher, managing director of SQM Research, noted that Victoria is the first Australian state where distressed property listings now exceed pre-pandemic levels.

“We can no longer consider this a benign trend in Victoria. While listings remain below pre-COVID levels, the sharp increase suggests more Melbourne property owners may be facing financial distress,” he said.

Despite Australia’s Reserve Bank being expected to announce a reduction in official interest rates following its upcoming meeting, Marbanc anticipates continued activity in the distressed property sector and is positioned to capitalize on evolving market conditions.

Contact Information:

Contact Person: Gerard Sivaprasad
Company: Marbanc International
Website: https://marbanc.com/
Email: gerards@incomedirect.com.au

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8b859aad-60a3-4104-ad3d-5283c2e6c84c

The MIL Network –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Expanding seaweed farms pose a risk to vital marine life

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Benjamin L.H. Jones, Chief Conservation Officer, Project Seagrass & Research Affiliate, Swansea University

Seaweeds are commonly grown from long lines of rope. This string of _Eucheuma_ seaweed in Indonesia is positioned above a seagrass meadow. Benjamin Jones/Project Seagrass, CC BY

Seaweed farming is a rapidly expanding global industry. As a food resource, it has high nutritional value and doesn’t need fertilisers to grow. Seaweed provides valuable habitats for marine life, takes up carbon and absorbs nutrients, plus it helps protect our coastlines from erosion.

Usually, seaweeds grow on hard, rocky surfaces. Yet, to farm seaweed, potential areas need to be easily accessible and relatively sheltered. This is where seaweed can grow with limited risk of being dislodged by waves. Seaweed farms in Asia, in countries like China and Indonesia, are responsible for more than 95% of global seaweed production. Seaweed farms, particularly those in Southeast Asia, are commonly in the very same environments where seagrass meadows thrive. Competition for resources ensues.

Evidence shows that tropical seaweed farms, when placed in or on top of tropical seagrass meadows leads to a decline in the growth and productivity of seagrass. There is also evidence that seaweeds outcompete seagrasses in cooler waters, especially when nutrients in the water are very high.

Despite negative interactions, such as shading, between seaweed and seagrass, some scientists now advocate for a global expansion of seaweed farming in areas where seagrass grows. This call, comes at a time when seagrass global initiatives are trying to stem seagrass loss.

Efforts are underway to expand these habitats to their once extensive range to help fight climate change and biodiversity loss. Seagrass meadows are a crucial store of carbon, providing habitats for a wide array of animals.

Why farm seaweed on top of seagrass?

The reason that some scientists are advocating for farming seaweed in seagrass is that their research claims that the presence of seagrass reduces disease causing bacterial pathogens by 75%. A major win for a relatively low tech industry where seaweed disease outbreaks hinder production. These scientists are not the only ones advocating for seaweed production at scale.

Global conservation charities, like World Wildlife Fund and The Nature Conservancy, as well as the Earthshot prize launched by Prince William all support seaweed cultivation programmes in areas likely to contain abundant seagrass.

However, together with other scientists, we have argued in an academic response in the journal PNAS that their claim is premature. We are concerned that, without appropriate management, these seaweed programmes threaten marine biodiversity and the benefits that humans get from the ocean.

Despite historic and globally widespread seaweed cultivation, effects on seagrass have mostly been ignored. Where studies exist, effects have been negative for seagrass, its ability to capture carbon, and the diverse animals that call it home.

Entanglement of migratory animals, such as turtles and dugong with seaweed also needs wider consideration. This is especially the case given new legal frameworks to protect their habitat, and there is ongoing concern for these species being killed by seaweed farmers. The equity of coastal fishing grounds also comes into question, as communities that use seagrass for fishing are most likely to lose access.

Conservation charities advocate for tropical seaweed farms for good reason. This is to improve community resilience in the face of degrading coral reefs and overfishing.

While projects mostly have the best intentions, they often don’t consider cascading unintended consequences, nor the equity of the whole community. In reality, seaweed farm placement is effectively akin to ocean grabbing (the act of dispossession or appropriation of marine resources or spaces) with farmers winning on a “first come, first serve” basis, despite not owning the seabed.

Sustainable standards

If seaweed farming is to be expanded, standards for sustainability must be upheld and strengthened. In 2017, a sustainable seaweed standard was launched by the Aquaculture and Marine Stewardship Councils.

But few tropical seaweed farms meet the criteria outlined in this standard due to known consequences that affect seagrass (rightly defined in the standard as vulnerable marine habitats) and likely negative effects on endangered species, like dugong, that frequent seagrass habitats.

Seaweed cultivation strategies have mixed evidence for long-term success. In Tanzania, many farmers have abandoned the industry due to low monetary rewards compared to the investments they put in, and some evidence suggests that the activity reduces income and health, particularly for women. Where seaweed cultivation has been implemented to reduce fishing pressure, it has instead increased (and often just displaced) fishing activity.

Given the rapidly increasing threats faced by tropical marine habitats despite the role they play in climate resilience, understanding trade-offs prior to large scale expansion of seaweed farming is a priority. To reduce further any negative effects, international programmes and research advocating for large-scale seaweed farms need to align more readily with the seaweed standard.

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

– ref. Expanding seaweed farms pose a risk to vital marine life – https://theconversation.com/expanding-seaweed-farms-pose-a-risk-to-vital-marine-life-248329

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Ne Zha 2: the record-breaking Chinese animated film showcases China’s ambition on the global stage

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ming Gao, Research Scholar of East Asia Studies in History Division, Lund University

Ne Zha is a legendary child warrior from Chinese mythology, often depicted as a rebellious deity who defies fate to carve out his own destiny. Born as a demon, feared for his supernatural powers and doomed to live only three years, he struggles to overcome his destiny and forge his own path.

A new Chinese film about the warrior has broken several box office records, including becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time (beating Pixar’s Inside Out 2).

Ne Zha 2 is a Chinese animated fantasy adventure film. That it is breaking so many records might seem surprising. It’s a sequel to a film that didn’t do as well, it’s not American and it’s not in English. But its record-breaking run seems to show no signs of slowing down. After debuting during the Chinese Lunar New Year, its success has seen it premiere abroad in regions such as wider Asia, North America and Australia.

For years, Hollywood has dominated China’s box offices, but the release of Ne Zha 2 marks a significant milestone in China’s cinematic and cultural expansion. Its unprecedented box office performance seems to signal a shifting dynamic in the global film industry.

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It showcases China’s ambition and ability to produce world-class content that competes with western animation giants, like Disney and Pixar. It also plays a role in enhancing cultural confidence and soft power projection, which President Xi Jinping has emphasised for years.

Capturing a feeling

The story of Ne Zha, and its many adaptations, have long captivated Chinese people of all ages – including me. I fondly recall watching the 1979 version on a black-and-white TV with my family when I was little. The story originates from the Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644) novel Fengshen Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods) and over the centuries, it has been reinterpreted in various cultural forms of religion and literature.

The original plotline of Ne Zha revolves around his rebellion against feudal patriarchal authority. This struggle is set against a backdrop of familial conflicts and even attempted patricide. In contrast, today’s reinterpretation recasts this mythological unruly child as a dutiful deity who fights for his clan’s interests by forging alliances, confronting rival factions and challenging the existing order.

Ne Zha 2 trailer.

As a commercial film, it has astutely tapped into the emotional needs of contemporary Chinese audiences in a society facing various challenges, such as economic downturn and rising unemployment. Themes of familial love and supportive parenting have struck a deep chord with Chinese audiences, offering both cultural and sentimental reassurance in uncertain times.

Another clear resonance with domestic audiences lies in the themes of Chinese technological success and cultural excellence. This has cultivated a strong sense of cultural identity and national pride among Chinese people.

In China, no words currently seem to better capture the feelings after watching the movie than “pride” and a sense of patriotism – both for the film’s visually striking animation techniques and for its depiction of China’s rich cultural traditions. However, the film needs to be understood within the broader contexts of China’s domestic landscape and its evolving position on the global stage.

‘Cultural confidence’

Beyond entertainment, Ne Zha 2’s success fits within President Xi Jinping’s ideas on “cultural confidence,” which can be succinctly defined as a nation’s firm belief in the strength and vitality of its own culture. Since the film’s record-breaking performance, state media and various state-owned outlets have been actively echoing this narrative.

People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, equates Ne Zha to China’s cultural confidence as a means to expand soft power and navigate uncharted territory. This emphasis on cultural confidence, however, is not merely state-driven.

Ne Zha.
Enlight Pictures

The film’s director, Jiao Zi, has expressed his confidence in China’s traditional culture, stating: “China’s stories don’t need to deliberately cater to the west.” Instead, he believes that traditional Chinese culture is a vast treasure trove of inspiration, which is interesting to all.

Indeed, Ne Zha is not an isolated success in drawing inspiration from traditional Chinese culture. Last year’s Black Myth: Wukong, a record-breaking gaming blockbuster, gained global attention at the 2024 Game Awards (the Oscars of the video games industry). Like Ne Zha, it’s based on another legendary 16th-century Chinese novel Xiyouji (Journey to the West). China’s official news agency, Xinhua, characterised the enduring popularity of these ancient tales as “part of a broader cultural renaissance”.

Ne Zha’s success is emerging as a key example of China’s growing cultural identity, aligning with the cultural confidence discourse. A foreign ministry spokesperson has described Ne Zha as “a new bridge for exchanges” and “a fresh window for the world to see China”.

Whether Ne Zha 2 achieves lasting international success remains to be seen. But one thing is clear – Chinese animation is no longer just for domestic audiences. The film’s popularity reflects China’s broader ambitions to expand its soft power alongside its growing economic and strategic influence.

Ming Gao receives funding from the Swedish Research Council. This research was produced with support from the Swedish Research Council grant “Moved Apart” (nr. 2022-01864). Ming Gao is a member of Lund University Profile Area: Human Rights.

– ref. Ne Zha 2: the record-breaking Chinese animated film showcases China’s ambition on the global stage – https://theconversation.com/ne-zha-2-the-record-breaking-chinese-animated-film-showcases-chinas-ambition-on-the-global-stage-249899

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: How satellites revolutionised climate change science

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Will de Freitas, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

aappp / shutterstock

Until relatively recently, humans were limited by the horizon. Climate scientists of the early 20th century could gather data from the world around them and perhaps what they were able to see from a hot air balloon or plane. But the really big picture – the global snapshot – remained out of sight.

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The first satellite of any kind was the USSR’s Sputnik 1, launched in 1957. But it wasn’t until the 1960s that satellites designed specifically to observe the Earth and its climate made it into orbit and gave us the first overview of weather patterns. By the 1970s Nasa’s Landsat satellites were able to monitor things like tree cover.

Jonathan Bamber, a climate scientist at the University of Bristol, says this “revolutionised our ability to carry out a comprehensive and timely health check on the planetary systems we rely on for our survival”. Data that once required months or even years of fieldwork was suddenly available in the time it took a satellite to orbit the planet.

These days, this data can be remarkably precise and detailed. Bamber says: “We can measure changes in sea level down to a single millimetre, changes in how much water is stored in underground rocks, the temperature of the land and ocean and the spread of atmospheric pollutants and greenhouse gases, all from space.”

Here’s a map of sea level rise, from Bamber’s article highlighting five satellite images that show how fast our planet is changing:

The sea is rising quickly – but not evenly.
ESA/CLS/LEGOS, CC BY-SA

“This image,” writes Bamber, “shows mean sea level trends over 13 years in which the global average rise was about 3.2mm a year. But the rate was three or four times faster in some places, like the south western Pacific to the east of Indonesia and New Zealand, where there are numerous small islands and atolls that are already very vulnerable to sea level rise.”

Read more:
Five satellite images that show how fast our planet is changing

In recent years, scientists have used AI to sift through and analyse satellite data. Bamber’s latest research, published in January this year, illustrates this nicely.

A team of scientists, lead by Tian Li also of the University of Bristol, gathered millions of satellite images of glaciers in Svalbard, a remote and icy archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. In their write up, they note that human researchers once painstakingly looked through this sort of data.

“This process”, they write, “is highly labour-intensive, inefficient and particularly unreproducible as different people can spot different things even in the same satellite image. Given the number of satellite images available nowadays, we may not have the human resources to map every region for every year.”

Their solution was to use AI to “quickly identify glacier patterns across large areas”. The satellite-AI combo meant they could examine Svalbard’s retreating glaciers – surely among the least accessible places on the planet – in “unprecedented scale and scope”.

They found that 91% of the many glaciers that flow into the sea around the archipelago have been “shrinking significantly”. They note that the same types of glacier can be found across the Arctic, and “what happens to glaciers in Svalbard is likely to be repeated elsewhere”.

Read more:
We built an AI model that analysed millions of images of retreating glaciers – what it found is alarming

Many of those glaciers can be found in Greenland, home of the northern hemisphere’s largest ice sheet. In research published earlier this month, Tom Chudley of Durham University used satellite images to assess crevasses (cracks in the glaciers) in Greenland.

A large glacier in west Greenland flows into the sea. That iceberg filled fjord is several miles wide.
Copernicus Sentinel / lavizzara / shutterstock

Chudley also combined satellite images with computerised analysis. His work made use of “ArcticDEM”, three dimensional maps of the polar regions based on high resolution satellite images.

“By applying image-processing techniques to over 8,000 maps, we could estimate how much water, snow or air would be needed to “fill” each crevasse across the ice sheet. This enabled us to calculate their depth and volume, and examine how they evolved.“

His conclusion was very blunt: the Greenland ice sheet is falling apart.

Read more:
The Greenland ice sheet is falling apart – new study

Health watchdogs

Many of you will be well aware that satellites are being used to monitor the health of the planet. What’s less well known is the role they can play in monitoring human health.

Dhritiraj Sengupta, a satellite scientist at Plymouth Marine Laboratory, says satellites have become Earth’s new health and nature watchdog. His article details how satellites can map mosquito breeding sites to combat malaria, for instance, or can identify air pollution hotspots in cities.

In his own research, he’s used satellite-derived chlorophyll data to assess the risk of cholera. Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that helps them use sunlight to make their food and grow.

“Many bacteria like Vibrio cholerae which causes cholera, thrive in stagnant water,” Sengupta writes. “My team worked with the European Space Agency to show that its presence can be modelled using the concentration of chlorophyll found on the surface of bodies of water.”

Read more:
How satellites have become Earth’s new health and nature watchdogs

So far, so good. Satellites have undeniably been useful for climate scientists. But in the longer-term, the satellites themselves may have an unforeseen effect on the climate.

Last year, SpaceX announced it would “deorbit” 100 of its Starlink satellites to burn up in the atmosphere. Fionagh Thomson is a space expert, also at Durham University. She says that “atmospheric scientists are increasingly concerned that this sort of apparent fly-tipping by the space sector will cause further climate change down on Earth.”

Particles from the satellites themselves won’t have a huge effect compared to the “440 tonnes of meteoroids that enter the atmosphere daily, along with volcanic ash and human-made pollution from industrial processes on Earth.”

But one team “recently, and unexpectedly, found potential ozone-depleting metals from spacecraft in the stratosphere, the atmospheric layer where the ozone layer is formed.” The worry is that satellite debris may help form certain types of clouds that lead to ozone loss and may add to the greenhouse effect.

She notes that this is all uncertain and needs more research. “But,” she writes, “we’ve also learnt that if we wait until indisputable evidence is available, it may be too late, as with the loss of ozone. It’s a constant dilemma.”

Something for SpaceX scientists to look into, perhaps, once they’ve finished rescuing stranded astronauts from the International Space Station.

Read more:
Satellites are burning up in the upper atmosphere – and we still don’t know what impact this will have on the Earth’s climate

– ref. How satellites revolutionised climate change science – https://theconversation.com/how-satellites-revolutionised-climate-change-science-250312

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Files Amicus Brief in Support of Challenge to Refugee Ban and Refugee Funding Suspension
Source: US State of California

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta, as part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, today announced filing an amicus brief in Pacito v. Trump in support of a challenge to the suspension of refugee entry and application processing, and the stop work orders for refugee resettlement agencies. In their brief, the attorneys general argue that the Trump Administration’s Refugee Ban and Refugee Funding Suspension are unlawful, misrepresent the concerns and interests of states, and undermine states’ ongoing efforts to successfully assimilate and integrate newly arrived refugees.

“The foundation of our nation was built by people seeking to create a better life away from persecution,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Refugees are not a burden — they’re a benefit to states. Refugees contribute to our communities both socially and economically as business owners, doctors, teachers, and neighbors. In California, we are home to approximately 50,000 refugee entrepreneurs who bring in an estimated $1.9 billion in business income collectively. The actions by the Trump Administration are unlawful and directly undermine the efforts of states like California to welcome people into our communities.”

Each year, thousands of refugees are admitted into the United States and welcomed into communities across the country where they can connect with services, resources, and members of their family or cultural community; these resources help them not just adjust but thrive. During the first Trump Administration, President Trump issued an executive order requiring states and towns to opt in if they wanted to resettle refugees; despite the order being quickly enjoined, 42 states and more than 100 mayors elected to opt in. States recognize the benefits of refugee resettlement and are proud to be home to large and diverse refugee populations, whose presence not only enriches the social fabric of our states and local communities, but also promotes a vibrant economy.

The Refugee Ban, which imposes by executive order an indefinite suspension on all refugee entry and refugee application processing, conflicts with the established Refugee Act by suspending entry and final approvals even for “follow-to-join” refugees — the spouses or unmarried under-21-year-old children of admitted refugees — despite Congress’s judgment that those persons “shall” be entitled to admission so long as they are not specifically barred on other grounds.

The Refugee Funding Suspension, which relies on the President’s executive order regarding foreign aid, suspends federal funding for resettlement agencies that help refugees apply for admission and help refugees who have been admitted into our country and are already present in the states. The suspension directly prevents agencies from fulfilling their statutorily mandated task of providing basic needs and ensuring economic self-sufficiency and effective resettlement of refugees.

In the amicus brief, the coalition urges the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington to grant a preliminary injunction preventing this order from going into effect, arguing that both the Refugee Ban and the Refugee Funding Suspension are unlawful and:
- Conflict and misrepresent states interests, ignoring states’ existing role in the distribution of refugees before their placements; and
- Harm states by disrupting critical work to assimilate and integrate refugees by depriving them of basic needs and essential services.
In filing the amicus brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Washington, Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

A copy of the brief can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – “I only kneel before God”: the last words of Father Martin Ye Naing Win

Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

Wednesday, 19 February 2025

Archdiocese of Mandalay

by Paolo AffatatoMandalay (Agenzia Fides) – When on the evening of February 14 a commando of ten armed men arrived at the rectory of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes in the village of Kangyi Taw (in the Shwe Bo district of the Sagaing region), Father Donald Martin Ye Naing Win, a 44-year-old priest of the Archdiocese of Mandalay, fearlessly confronted the ten militiamen who threatened him. They had first threatened and silenced two women, teachers and parish workers, who were on the church premises and were helping the priest to organize classes for the children of the parish’s about 40 Catholic families. In the Sagaing region, affected by the clashes between the Burmese army and the resistance forces, the state system has collapsed, there are no public services and education is only guaranteed by spontaneous initiatives such as those of the parishes.It is the two women who were present at the events and are now in a protected place for security reasons who tell the details of the incident. Their testimony, which Fides has received, has already reached the Ministry of Justice of the National Unity Government (NUG) in exile, on which the People’s Defense Force (PDF) depends, which controls the territory in the so-called “liberated areas”, i.e. those taken from the control of the military junta by the opposition forces.The men who attacked Father Donald, the women reported, were in an an evident abnormal mental state, either due to alcohol or drugs. They came from the neighboring village. It is not clear why they attacked the priest with such violence, whom the leader ordered to kneel. Father Donald watched them and replied with the gentleness and inner peace that characterize him as a man and priest with an upright conscience: “I only kneel before God”. And then he continued quietly: “What can I do for you? Is there a matter we can discuss?”.One of the men responded to his words by striking him from behind with a dagger that was still in its sheath. However, with this weapon he accidentally hit the leader of the armed group. The leader, who was already in a state of drunkenness and rage, which was also due to Father Donald’s reaction, pulled out a knife and angrily attacked the priest, repeatedly stabbing him brutally in the body and neck. Father Donald did not utter a word or complain. He endured the senseless violence without reacting, like an innocent man, “like a lamb to the slaughter,” as the witnesses report. The other men stood by and watched the murder being carried out. The repeated blows to the throat almost severed the head from the body, which sank in a lake of blood. After the crime, the group of men left the scene.The women raised the alarm and called the villagers, who, in shock and tears, took the lifeless body with them. The soldiers of the People’s Defence Force were then alerted, who tracked down and arrested the attackers. The two women’s testimonies were recorded and sent to the Government of National Unity, which stressed in a statement that it was “deeply saddened by the murder of Father Donald Martin, a priest from Mandalay” and that it would “commit itself to punishing the alleged murderers according to the law”. “The People’s Defence Forces (PDF) of Shwebo district arrested ten suspects on the same day” and began the relevant investigations, the statement continued. “The accused belong to a local defence group,” the text said. “As it is known that they belong to the armed forces, the Government of National Unity and the Ministry of Defence will take legal action”, applying the law provided for the military. “The National Unity Government,” it concludes, “strongly condemns attacks on civilians, including religious leaders, by any organization.”As the Association for the Assistance of Political Prisoners (AAPP) explains, in the areas controlled by the resistance – which constitute a kind of “parallel state” – “there is no definitive legal framework to guide governance, administration and legislation.” In some liberated areas, “there is a judicial system with district judges who establish a procedure and, in some cases, apply their own legal framework.”On the other hand, in the current context, it is difficult to draft and implement completely new laws, so in many liberated areas, national laws are still applied. However, efforts are being made to selectively enforce laws that are “consistent with international human rights standards” enacted and amended by the army for Myanmar in recent years, with a focus on laws enacted by the country’s successive military juntas that “give the authorities excessive power and disproportionate punishments”. The AAPP points to the need for “comprehensive judicial reform” and a “fair and just system” in which no authority (judges, administrative bodies, local police officers and other armed groups), regardless of their status, “is above the law”.It is pointed out that, meanwhile, anyone accused of a crime must have the opportunity to defend themselves. Currently, in the liberated areas, a district judge has the power to impose the death penalty. If the accused is sentenced to death, he has de facto no right of appeal.(Agenzia Fides, 19/2/2025)
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MIL OSI Europe News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Evansville Fentanyl Dealers Sentenced to a Combined Decade in Federal Prison for Manufacturing Counterfeit Drugs Using a Pill Press

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

EVANSVILLE— Ethan Parker, 31 and Joshua Harvey 33, of Evansville, have been sentenced for their parts in a fentanyl trafficking scheme. Parker was sentenced to four years in federal prison, followed by one year of supervised release after pleading guilty to possession and distribution of a tableting machine. Harvey was sentenced to 92 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl.

According to court documents, between January 1, 2022, and April 4, 2022, Parker and Harvey conspired together to manufacture and distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl laced pills to individuals in and around the city of Evansville.

In the furtherance of the conspiracy, on multiple occasions in February and March of 2022, Harvey sold fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills in Evansville, Indiana, and Henderson, Kentucky. On March 23, 2022, Parker, communicating through an encrypted messaging application, agreed to sell Harvey 100 fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills for $350. On April 4, 2022, Harvey possessed approximately 31.9 grams of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills with the intent to distribute them to dealers.

On August 25, 2021, Parker sold a blue pill press, along with an Alprazolam imprinting die, for $1,400, knowing that the pill press would be used to manufacture a controlled substance. The die could be used to manufacture counterfeit Alprazolam (Xanax). On April 4, 2022, Parker was found in possession of another pill press and pill imprinting dies of various shapes and imprints for use in the manufacture of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.

“Fentanyl dealers value their profits far more than the lives of our families and neighbors,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “We must fight to save lives by investigating and prosecuting criminals who exploit the epidemic of substance use disorder to satisfy their own greed. Our office, the DEA, and the Evansville Police Department are committed to holding fentanyl traffickers accountable for pushing deadly poison on our streets.”

“The charges against Mr. Parker and Mr. Harvey were necessary and justified. This case exemplified high level investigative work conducted by the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force in collaboration with the DEA Evansville HIDTA Task Force,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Gannon. “Mr. Parker and Mr. Harvey were responsible for distributing significant quantities of fake pills containing fentanyl. In addition, the investigation led to the seizure of two pill presses capable of manufacturing fake Xanax pills and fentanyl pills. Taking two pill presses off the streets is a major win for our community. The DEA remains committed to working hand-in-hand with our partners to hold reckless drug dealers, who peddle poison to our communities, accountable for their actions and make our community safer.”

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Evansville Police Department investigated this case. The sentences were imposed by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young. This prosecution is part of the Indiana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program.

Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd S. Shellenbarger, who prosecuted this case.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, as little as two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal, depending on a person’s body size, tolerance, and past usage—a tiny amount that can fit on the tip of a pencil. Seven out of ten illegal fentanyl tablets seized from U.S. streets and analyzed by the DEA have been found to contain a potentially lethal dose of the drug.

One Pill Can Kill: Avoid pills bought on the street because One Pill Can Kill. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of death for adults in the United States. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid that drug dealers dilute with cutting agents to make counterfeit prescription pills that appear to be Oxycodone, Percocet, Xanax, and other drugs. Fake prescription pills laced with fentanyl are usually shaped and colored to look like pills sold at pharmacies. For example, fake prescription pills known as “M30s” imitate Oxycodone obtained from a pharmacy, but when sold on the street the pills routinely contain fentanyl. These pills are usually round tablets and often light blue in color, though they may be in different shapes and a rainbow of colors. They often have “M” and “30” imprinted on opposite sides of the pill. Do not take these or any other pills bought on the street – they are routinely fake and poisonous, and you won’t know until it’s too late.

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MIL Security OSI –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Whale-sized exhibition coming to the Royal Alberta Museum | Une exposition gigantesque ouvre au Musée royal de l’Alberta
This spring, meet the rulers of the ocean as Alberta’s government, in cooperation with the Royal BC Museum and MuseumsPartner, present Orcas: Our Shared Future, opening May 16.

Alberta’s government is committed to supporting the province’s world-class museums and historic sites that tell our story to the world and provide all Albertans and visitors with immersive experiences. As one of the province’s major museums, the Royal Alberta Museum has entertained and educated visitors with engaging exhibitions for more than 57 years.

“Orcas are some of the most fascinating creatures on earth, and I am thrilled that the Royal Alberta Museum is giving visitors the opportunity to learn more about these intelligent animals. Museums in our province offer countless memorable opportunities for learning and I know this much-anticipated exhibition will be sure to spark curiosity, while offering a deeper understanding of orcas.”

Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

The newest feature exhibition coming to the Royal Alberta Museum will be immersive and interactive, featuring life-size orca replicas, fossils, films, objects from popular culture and original artwork from the Indigenous peoples of the North American west coast.

Long feared in Western cultures as “killer whales,” the exhibition traces the evolution of our beliefs about orcas, from fear to admiration and awe. Visitors will gain a new appreciation of these sophisticated animals, their complex social structures, stunning intelligence and the consequences of captivity.

“We’re excited to once again fill our feature gallery with unique stories our visitors won’t find in our permanent exhibits. We look forward to bringing a bit of the ocean to Alberta and fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the incredible world of orcas.”

Meaghan Patterson, executive director, Royal Alberta Museum

Quick facts
- Orcas: Our Shared Future opens May 16 and runs until Oct. 19.
- Entry to the exhibition is included with general admission, which can be purchased through the Royal Alberta Museum website or in person.
- The previous feature exhibition, Angkor: The Lost Empire of Cambodia, welcomed more than 161,000 visitors.
Related information
- Royal Alberta Museum
Plongez-vous dans les récits et la science qui entourent la majestueuse orque au Musée royal de l’Alberta.

Le gouvernement de l’Alberta, en partenariat avec le Royal BC Museum et MuseumsPartner, vous invite ce printemps à découvrir les souverains de l’océan avec l’exposition Orques : un avenir commun, qui ouvrira ses portes le 16 mai prochain.

Le gouvernement de l’Alberta s’est engagé à soutenir les musées et les lieux historiques de classe mondiale de la province, qui racontent notre histoire au monde entier et offrent des expériences immersives à toute la population albertaine et aux visiteurs de la province. Depuis plus de 57 ans, le Musée royal de l’Alberta, l’un des grands musées de la province, divertit et éduque ses visiteurs grâce à des expositions captivantes.

« Les orques figurent parmi les créatures les plus fascinantes de la planète, et je suis ravie que le Musée royal de l’Alberta donne à ses visiteurs l’occasion de mieux les connaître. Les musées de notre province proposent des expériences d’apprentissage inoubliables, et je suis certaine que cette exposition tant attendue éveillera la curiosité tout en enrichissant notre compréhension de ces animaux intelligents. »

Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

La toute nouvelle exposition du Musée royal de l’Alberta offrira une expérience immersive et interactive. Elle présentera des répliques d’orques grandeur nature, des fossiles, des films, des objets de la culture populaire et des œuvres d’art originales des peuples autochtones de la côte Ouest de l’Amérique du Nord.

L’exposition retrace l’évolution de nos croyances, depuis la peur jusqu’à l’admiration et l’émerveillement, par rapport à cet animal longtemps redouté dans les cultures occidentales. Les visiteurs apprendront à mieux connaître la complexité de l’orque, ses structures sociales diversifiées, son intelligence stupéfiante et les conséquences de sa captivité.

« Nous sommes ravis de présenter de nouveau dans notre galerie thématique des récits originaux que nos visiteurs ne découvriront pas dans nos expositions permanentes. Nous avons hâte d’apporter un souffle de l’océan en Alberta et de favoriser une compréhension et une appréciation meilleures du monde fascinant des orques. »

Meaghan Patterson, directrice générale, Musée royal de l’Alberta

En bref
- L’exposition Orques : notre avenir commun sera présentée au musée du 16 mai au 19 octobre 2025.
- La visite de l’exposition est comprise dans les droits d’entrée du musée, qui peuvent être payés en personne ou en ligne, dans le site web du Musée royal de l’Alberta.
- L’exposition précédente, Angkor : l’empire perdu du Cambodge, a accueilli plus de 161 000 visiteurs.
Renseignements connexes
- Musée royal de l’Alberta (en anglais seulement)
MIL OSI Canada News –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Boozman, Colleagues Mark 80th Anniversary of Iwo Jima
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator for Arkansas – John Boozman

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) joined Senators Todd Young (R-IN) and Mark Warner (D-VA) to introduce a bipartisan resolution recognizing the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The major clash between U.S. and Japanese forces in World War II’s Pacific theater began on February 19, 1945, and lasted until March 26, 1945.

“The 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima is a solemn yet important reminder of the sacrifice of the Greatest Generation,” said Boozman. “The resilience and courage of our U.S. Marines was famously characterized as a display of uncommon valor. Decades later, we continue to remember and honor our servicemembers’ heroism. I am proud to join my colleagues in recognizing them, this milestone and the vital partnership between our nation and Japan today.”

“For myself, every Marine, and many Americans, Iwo Jima is a symbol of duty and sacrifice,” said Young. “I’m proud to lead this resolution that recognizes the heroic servicemembers who gave their lives at Iwo Jima, honors those who fought in the battle, and reaffirms our reconciled friendship with Japan.”

“I’m proud to introduce this resolution to pay tribute to the service and the sacrifice of all the heroes who fought for our country at Iwo Jima, which included my late father, Marine Corporal Robert Warner. The 80th anniversary of this pivotal battle offers us an opportunity to reflect on the bravery and perseverance of the Greatest Generation, and is an enduring reminder about the power of courage and unity in the face of adversity,” said Warner.

More specifically, the resolution:
- Honors the Marines, Sailors, Soldiers, Army Air Crew and Coast Guardsmen who fought bravely on Iwo Jima;
- Remembers the brave servicemembers who lost their lives in the battle;
- Commemorates the iconic and historic raising of the United States flag on Mount Suribachi that occurred on February 23, 1945;
- Encourages Americans to honor the veterans of Iwo Jima; and
- Reaffirms the bonds of friendship and shared values that have developed between the United States and Japan over the last 80 years.
The resolution is also cosponsored by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Chris Coons (D-CT), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Angus King (I-ME), Rick Scott (R-FL), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jim Justice (R-WV), Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

Click here for full text of the resolution.
MIL OSI USA News –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley, Colleagues Urge President Trump to Reject Republican Budget Raising Costs for Families

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
February 19, 2025
More than 30 Democratic senators demand Trump reject GOP budget proposals “Republican budget plans do not focus on lowering costs, and in fact will raise costs for American families by forcing them to pay more for groceries, health care, education, and caregiving.”
Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they are demanding Donald Trump reject Congressional Republicans’ legislative plans to increase the cost of living for Americans after pledging to lower costs on “Day One” of his presidency.
The letter to Trump from Wyden, Merkley and 30 other Democratic senators —more than two-thirds of the party caucus— comes after Congressional Republicans last week approved their 2025 budget proposals for floor consideration, their blueprints for a large legislative package that they hope to pass in the coming months.
“But the Republican budget plans do not focus on lowering costs, and in fact will raise costs for American families by forcing them to pay more for groceries, health care, education, and caregiving,” wrote the senators.
The senators explained that the Republicans’ budget plans will do the following:
Raise food costs: The Republican budget plans tee up extensive cuts to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and Meals on Wheels.
Raise health care costs: The Republican budget plans also pave the way for 15 Republican proposals to cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act coverage. These Republican cuts would raise health care costs for more than 160 million Americans.
Raise education costs: The Republican budget plans set them up to pass cuts to programs that help families afford college, including Pell Grants and income-driven repayment plans, and tax scholarships for hard-working students.
Raise caregiving costs: The Republican budget plans pave the way to cutting programs that help families care for kids, people with disabilities, and aging loved ones. Cuts to these essential programs will make it impossible for many working families to live and work with dignity.
“If Congressional Republicans are successful at passing their proposals, it will mean that families will pay more for food, healthcare, education, and caregiving – while Republicans plot more tax cuts for billionaires,” concluded the senators. “We urge you to stand by the promises you made to the American people about lowering costs, including by committing not to sign any legislation that raises their costs.”
In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the letter was led by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. The letter was also signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senators Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Tim Kaine, D-Va., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., Mark Warner, D-Va., Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Jacky Rosen, D-Nev., Ed Markey, D-Mass., Gary Peters, D-Mich., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Peter Welch, D-Maine, Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., and Andy Kim, D-N.J.
Full text of the letter is here.

MIL OSI USA News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family
Source: Apple

Headline: Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family

February 19, 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Apple debuts iPhone 16e: A powerful new member of the iPhone 16 family

iPhone 16e joins the iPhone 16 lineup, featuring the fast performance of the A18 chip, Apple Intelligence, extraordinary battery life, and a 48MP 2-in-1 camera system — all at an incredible value

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced iPhone 16e, a new addition to the iPhone 16 lineup that offers powerful capabilities at a more affordable price. iPhone 16e delivers fast, smooth performance and breakthrough battery life, 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, Apple’s groundbreaking satellite features — including Emergency SOS, Roadside Assistance, Messages, and Find My via satellite — help iPhone 16e users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most.¹

iPhone 16e will be available in two elegant matte finishes — black and white — with colorful cases available to accessorize. Pre-orders begin Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28.

“iPhone 16e packs in the features our users love about the iPhone 16 lineup, including breakthrough battery life, fast performance powered by the latest-generation A18 chip, an innovative 2-in-1 camera system, and Apple Intelligence,” said Kaiann Drance, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide iPhone Product Marketing. “We’re so excited for iPhone 16e to complete the lineup as a powerful, more affordable option to bring the iPhone experience to even more people.”

A Beautiful and Durable Design with Breakthrough Battery Life

iPhone 16e is built to last, featuring splash, water, and dust resistance with a rating of IP68; the Ceramic Shield front cover with an advanced formulation that is tougher than any smartphone glass; and the toughest back glass in a smartphone.² The 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display with OLED technology has an edge-to-edge design that is perfect for watching HDR videos, playing games, and reading crisp text.³ iPhone 16e has the best battery life ever on a 6.1-inch iPhone, lasting up to six hours longer than iPhone 11 and up to 12 hours longer than all generations of iPhone SE.⁴ And with Face ID enabled by the TrueDepth camera system, users can securely unlock their iPhone, authenticate purchases, sign in to apps, and more. iPhone 16e also offers convenient charging options, including both wireless charging and USB-C for easy connection to a wide range of accessories.

Performance and Connectivity

iPhone 16e is powered by Apple’s latest-generation A18 chip, which enables fast, smooth performance, incredible power efficiency, and Apple Intelligence. The 6-core CPU is up to 80 percent faster than the A13 Bionic chip on iPhone 11, handling both everyday and intensive tasks with ease — from simple workloads, to more demanding actions with Apple Intelligence. The 4-core GPU powers stunning graphics performance and unlocks next-level mobile gaming on the go, enabling graphically demanding AAA titles and hardware-accelerated ray tracing for more realistic lighting and reflections. The 16-core Neural Engine is optimized for large generative models and runs machine learning (ML) models up to 6x faster than A13 Bionic.

Expanding the benefits of Apple silicon, C1 is the first modem designed by Apple and the most power-efficient modem ever on an iPhone, delivering fast and reliable 5G cellular connectivity. Apple silicon — including C1 — the all-new internal design, and the advanced power management of iOS 18 all contribute to extraordinary battery life.

Built for Apple Intelligence

iPhone 16e is built for Apple Intelligence, unlocking exciting new capabilities that make iPhone even more helpful and powerful. With the Clean Up tool, it’s easy to remove distracting elements in images, and natural language search in the Photos app allows users to search for just about any photo or video by simply describing what they are looking for.

Users can also explore creative new ways to express themselves visually with Image Playground, create the perfect emoji with Genmoj, and make their writing even more dynamic with Writing Tools. They can now type to Siri, and Siri is more conversational with the ability to follow along if users stumble over their words. Siri can also maintain context from one request to the next. With extensive product knowledge, Siri can answer thousands of questions about the features and settings of Apple products, so users can learn how to do things like take a screen recording or schedule a text message to send later.

With access to ChatGPT seamlessly integrated into Writing Tools and Siri, users can choose to access ChatGPT’s expertise without jumping between applications, so they can get things done faster and easier than ever before. In addition, users can access ChatGPT for free without creating an account, and privacy protections are built in — their IP addresses are obscured and OpenAI won’t store requests. Users can choose whether to enable ChatGPT integration, and are in full control of when to use it and what information is shared with ChatGPT.

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 Inteligence run entirely on device. For requests that require access to larger models, Apple’s groundbreaking Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. When using Private Cloud Compute, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple; it is used only to fulfill their request.

Access Favorite Features and Unlock Visual Intelligence with the Action Button

iPhone 16e features the Action button, allowing users to easily access a variety of functions with just a press. Once customized in Settings, the Action button can be used to quickly open the camera or flashlight; switch between Ring and Silent modes; recognize music with Shazam; activate Voice Memos, Focus, Translate, and accessibility features like Magnifier; or use Shortcuts for more options. The Action button can even access in-app functionality like launching the camera in Snapchat, unlocking a car door with FordPass, tracking a child’s sleep schedule with Napper, and more.

The Action button on iPhone 16e also unlocks a new visual intelligence experience that builds on Apple Intelligence to help users learn about objects and places. Visual intelligence can summarize and copy text, translate text between languages, detect phone numbers or email addresses with the option to add to contacts, identify an animal or plant, and more. Visual intelligence also allows users to search Google so they can see where they can buy an item, or benefit from ChatGPT’s problem-solving skills. Users are in control of when third-party tools are used and what information is shared.

A Powerful Camera System to Capture Any Moment

The powerful 2-in-1 camera system on iPhone 16e is perfect for capturing everyday moments and important memories, including in Night mode and Portrait mode. Using computational photography, the 48MP Fusion camera takes super-high-resolution photos, so users can capture gorgeous images that balance light and detail. With an integrated 2x Telephoto, users have the equivalent of two cameras in one, and can zoom in with optical quality to get closer to the subject and easily frame their shot. And the front-facing TrueDepth camera with autofocus enables sharper close-ups and beautiful group selfies. The latest generation of HDR captures subjects and the background with true-to-life renderings of skin tones, while ensuring photos have bright highlights, rich mid-tones, and deep shadows.

iPhone 16e takes stunning videos with the ability to record in 4K with Dolby Vision up to 60 fps, and users can stop and restart a recording for more flexibility when capturing the moment. iPhone 16e also records video in Spatial Audio for immersive listening with AirPods, Apple Vision Pro, or a surround sound system, and enables more ways to edit video sound with Audio Mix. Users can adjust their sound after capture to focus on the voice of the person on camera, make it sound like the video was recorded inside a professional studio, or position vocal tracks in the front and environmental noises in surround sound. With wind noise reduction, powerful ML algorithms automatically reduce unwanted noise for better audio quality.

Groundbreaking Safety and Communication Capabilities

iPhone 16e helps users stay connected and get assistance when it matters most. Apple’s satellite features help users text via satellite when they’re outside of cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. This includes Messages via satellite to text friends and family; Emergency SOS via satellite to connect with emergency services; and Roadside Assistance via satellite to reach a roadside assistance provider in case of car trouble. Users can also use the Find My app to share their location via satellite, reassuring friends and family of their whereabouts while traveling off the grid. Crash Detection on iPhone 16e can detect a severe car crash and automatically dial emergency services if a user is unconscious or unable to reach their iPhone.⁵

Featuring iOS 18

iOS 18 makes iPhone 16e more personal, capable, and intelligent than ever.⁶ With more customization options, users can give apps and widgets a new dark or tinted look and arrange them in any open space on the Home Screen. The controls at the bottom of the Lock Screen can be customized; Control Center has been redesigned to provide users with easier access to many of the things they use every day, including third-party apps; and new privacy protections include the ability to lock and hide apps to protect sensitive apps and the information inside them. iOS 18 also provides powerful updates for staying connected. In Messages, users can use text effects to bring words, phrases, sentences, and more to life. Tapbacks expand to include emoji, Genmoji, or stickers, and now users can schedule a message to send later. When messaging contacts who do not have an Apple device, the Messages app now supports RCS for richer media and more reliable group messaging when compared to SMS and MMS.

Better for the Environment

iPhone 16e is designed with the environment in mind. As part of Apple 2030, the company’s ambitious goal to be carbon neutral across its entire carbon footprint by the end of this decade, Apple is transitioning to renewable electricity for its manufacturing, and investing in wind and solar projects around the world to address the electricity used to charge all Apple products, including iPhone 16e. Today, all Apple facilities run on 100 percent renewable electricity — including the data centers that power Apple Intelligence.

To achieve Apple 2030, the company is designing products with more recycled and renewable materials, which further drives down the carbon footprint. iPhone 16e features over 30 percent recycled content overall, including 100 percent recycled cobalt and 95 percent recycled lithium in the battery, 85 percent recycled aluminum in the enclosure, and more.⁷ Additionally, the main logic board and back glass of iPhone 16e are designed to be manufactured more efficiently, reducing the amount of raw materials needed. The packaging is also entirely fiber-based, bringing Apple closer to its goal of removing plastic from its packaging by the end of this year.⁸

Pricing and Availability
- iPhone 16e will be available in white and black in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB storage capacities, starting at $599 (U.S.) or $24.95 (U.S.) per month for 24 months.
- Apple offers great ways to save and upgrade to the latest iPhone. With Apple Trade In, customers can get up to $120 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 11, or up to $170 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 12. With a carrier offer, customers can get up to $400 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 11, or up to $599 (U.S.) in credit when they trade in iPhone 12 to put toward an iPhone 16e. Customers can take advantage of these offers by visiting the Apple Store online or an Apple Store location. For carrier offer eligibility requirements and more details, see apple.com/shop/buy-iphone/carrier-offers. To see what their device is worth and for Apple Trade In terms and conditions, customers can visit apple.com/shop/trade-in.
- Customers in 59 countries and regions, including Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Korea, Türkiye, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S., will be able to pre-order iPhone 16e beginning at 5 a.m. PST on Friday, February 21, with availability beginning Friday, February 28.
- Apple Intelligence is available in localized English for Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the U.S. Additional languages — including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (simplified), English (Singapore), and English (India) — will be available in April, with more languages coming over the course of the year, including Vietnamese. Some features, applications, and services may not be available in all regions or all languages.
- Visual intelligence is available in iOS 18.2 or later on all iPhone 16 models. For more information on visual intelligence, visit support.apple.com/guide/iphone.
- iPhone 16e Silicone Case will be available in five colors for $39 (U.S.): winter blue, fuchsia, lake green, black, and white.
- AppleCare+ for iPhone provides unparalleled service and support. This includes unlimited incidents of accidental damage, battery service coverage, and 24/7 support from the people who know iPhone best. For more information, visit apple.com/support/products/iphone.
- iCloud+ plans start at just $0.99 (U.S.) per month and offer up to 12TB of additional storage to keep photos, videos, files, and more safe in the cloud and available across devices. An iCloud+ subscription gives access to premium features such as unlimited event creation in the new Apple Invites app, as well as Private Relay, Hide My Email, and custom email domains. With Family Sharing, users can share their subscription with five other family members at no extra cost.
- Customers who purchase iPhone 16e may receive three free months of Apple Music, Apple TV+, Apple Arcade, Apple News+, and Apple Fitness+, with a new subscription. Offer and services availability varies by region. See apple.com/promo for details.
About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.
1. Apple’s satellite features are included for free for two years starting at the time of activation of a new iPhone 14 or later. 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 UK 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.
2. iPhone 16e is splash-, water-, and dust-resistant. It was tested under controlled laboratory conditions and has a rating of IP68 under IEC standard 60529 (maximum depth of 6 meters for up to 30 minutes). Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions. Resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear. Do not attempt to charge a wet iPhone; refer to the user guide for cleaning and drying instructions. Liquid damage is not covered under warranty.
3. The display has rounded corners that follow a beautiful curved design, and these corners are within a standard rectangle. When measured as a standard rectangular shape, the screen is 6.06 inches diagonally. The actual viewable area is smaller.
4. All battery claims depend on the cellular network, location, signal strength, feature configuration, usage, and many other factors; actual results will vary. The battery has limited recharge cycles and may eventually need to be replaced. Battery life and charge cycles vary by use and settings. Battery tests are conducted using specific iPhone units. See apple.com/batteries and apple.com/iphone/compare for more information.
5. Crash Detection is designed for four-wheel passenger vehicle crashes with certain mass, G-force, and speed profiles consistent with severe, life-threatening crashes. It was designed for severe, life-threatening, high-impact front and rear, side-swipe, T-bone, and rollover crashes. Crash Detection is available worldwide on iPhone 14 or later, Apple Watch Series 8 or later, Apple Watch SE, and Apple Watch Ultra or later.
6. Some features may not be available for all countries or all areas. For more information on iOS 18, visit apple.com/ios/ios-18.
7. All cobalt and lithium references use a mass balance allocation.
8. Based on retail packaging as shipped by Apple. Breakdown of U.S. retail packaging by weight. Adhesives, inks, and coatings are excluded from calculations of plastic content and packaging weight.
Press Contacts

Blair Ranger

Apple

blair_ranger@apple.com

Alex Kirschner

Apple

alexkirschner@apple.com

Apple Media Helpline

media.help@apple.com
MIL OSI Economics –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Jury Convicts Winnebago Woman for Second Degree Murder

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that on February 7, 2025, a jury found Michelle Lee Marr, 49, of Winnebago, Nebraska, guilty of second-degree murder and tampering with documents or evidence after an almost five-day federal trial in Omaha, Nebraska. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher presided over the trial. Marr faces a maximum sentence of life in prison for the second-degree murder charge and a maximum 20 years in prison for the tampering with documents or evidence charge.

On March 12, 2022, Marr contacted Winnebago EMS to report the victim was not waking up and requested an ambulance respond to her residence. EMS transported the victim to Twelve Clans Unity hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, the victim was taken by helicopter to Mercy One Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. The medical treatment team at Mercy determined the victim had brain trauma and swelling. Nurses also noted significant amounts of makeup applied to the victim’s face, which revealed bruising when removed, as well as numerous bruises on the victim’s body. On March 13, 2022, the victim succumbed to his injuries. A subsequent autopsy determined the victim’s cause of death to be blunt force trauma and the manner of death to be homicide. The pathologist testified the victim’s injuries were consistent with inflicted trauma as opposed to trauma which might result from some type of fall.

Marr claimed to have been passed out from approximately 5:00 PM on March 11, 2022, until finding the victim on March 12, 2022. Social media evidence and evidence from Marr’s phone, found during the investigation, contradicted Marr’s claims. During the trial, witnesses testified to observing previous incidents of Marr physically assaulting the victim.

Marr will be sentenced on June 5, 2025, at 10:00 AM, before Judge Buescher in Omaha.

This case was prosecuted in federal court because the offense was a felony and occurred on the Winnebago Indian Reservation in Nebraska.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

MIL Security OSI –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Lowell Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Methamphetamine Pills

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

Defendant sold thousands of the counterfeit “Adderall” pills supplied by the Asian Boyz gang

BOSTON – A Lowell man pleaded guilty on Feb. 14, 2025 to trafficking methamphetamine pills supplied by three fellow Asian Boyz gang associates.

Bill Phim, a/k/a “Bonez,” 36, pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine, and two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine. U.S. District Court Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton scheduled sentencing for May 14, 2025.

A long-term investigation proved that Asian Boyz gang members and associates had access to a plentiful supply of homemade methamphetamine pills marketed as the pharmaceutical product, Adderall. These pills were similar in shape, size, and appearance to genuine Adderall. On 12 different dates in 2022, Phim sold these counterfeit “Adderall” pills to an undercover agent. In total, Phim sold the undercover agent over 10,000 pills for more than $36,000.

Phim’s supplier for the first five pill deals with the undercover agent was Asian Boyz gang member, Erickson Dao. Between February and May 2022, Dao gave Phim the pills from his home in Lowell shortly before Phim was planning to meet the undercover agent for the sales. After the deals, Phim either returned to Dao’s house to split the cash paid by the undercover agent, or he used an electronic payments service to send Dao his share of the drug proceeds.

For the next five deals, Phim conspired with Asian Boyz gang associate, Brian Gingras, to source the pills. Between May 2022 and September 2022, Gingras met Phim prior to the planned deals with the undercover agent to deliver the pills personally. The investigation revealed that Gingras was stashing the pills in a nearby storage unit.

For the final two pill sales with the undercover agent, alleged Asian Boyz gang member Marcus Holder allegedly delivered pills to Phim in Lowell immediately before Phim met the undercover agent, on Sept. 30, 2022, and again on Oct. 18, 2022.

The charges of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to life of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million.

In January 2025, both Gingras and Dao pleaded guilty. Gingras is scheduled to be sentenced on April 15, 2025. Dao is scheduled to be sentenced on May 13, 2025. Holder has pleaded not guilty and his case is pending trial.

U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley, Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division and Superintendent Gregory C. Hudon of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

This case is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining defendant in the case is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN joins Ambassador of Canada to ASEAN for a working dinner

Source: ASEAN

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this evening attended a working dinner hosted by Ambassador of Canada to ASEAN, H.E. Vicky Singmin, in Jakarta, Indonesia. They exchanged views on strengthening and deepening the ASEAN-Canada Strategic Partnership as well as discussed the new ASEAN-Canada Plan of Action (2026-2030).

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN joins Ambassador of Canada to ASEAN for a working dinner appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USCGC Clarence Sutphin Jr. rescues seven mariners

Source: United States Navy

Following a distress signal from the mariners, the Coastguardsmen embarked a rigid-hull inflatable boat to offer assistance. After determining the vessel was no longer sea worthy, the Coastguardsmen brought the mariners back to their ship. Devastator provided back-up support during the operation.

None of the mariners appeared to be injured.

“Providing assistance at sea to mariners in distress is a core Coast Guard mission,” said Coast Guard Lt. Michael O’Dell, Clarence Sutphin, Jr.’s commanding officer. “It is inherently dangerous, but the team executed without hesitation – without fear – to extend their compassion to people in a dire situation. I’m incredibly proud of to be a part of this team.”

Clarence Sutphin, Jr. is forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations as part of Patrol Forces Southwest Asia. Devastator is an Avenger-class mine countermeasures ship also forward deployed to U.S. 5th Fleet. Both ships help ensure maritime security and stability in the Middle East region.

The U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations encompasses about 2.5 million square miles of water area and includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean. The expanse is comprised of 20 countries and includes three critical choke points at the Strait of Hormuz, the Suez Canal and the Strait of Bab al Mandeb at the southern tip of Yemen.

MIL Security OSI –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Japan: IAEA Samples Water with Experts from China, Korea and Switzerland

Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

Video of Japan: IAEA Samples Water with Experts from China, Korea and Switzerland

The IAEA Director General and his team have been collecting water samples off the coast of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station, with scientists from China, Korea and Switzerland, as part of additional measures to promote transparency and build trust in the region, during the ongoing release of ALPS-treated water from the plant.

MIL Security OSI –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: International Day for Commemorating Air Crash Victims and their Families 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

AAIB remembers all those affected by air accidents
Thursday, 20th February 2025 is the International Day Commemorating Air Crash Victims and Their Families.

Recent events in the USA, South Korea, Brazil and Kazakhstan remind us of the impact these events have on the loved ones of those involved.

Our dedicated team remains committed to conducting thorough and independent investigations, working to improve aviation safety and prevent future accidents.

We acknowledge the profound impact these events have on families and will continue to ensure they are treated with respect and are kept informed throughout our investigation process.

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Published 19 February 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: 100x Leverage, Double Deposit Bonus, and $50 Welcome Bonus at BexBack – Start Trading with No KYC

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.

What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

With BexBack’s deposit bonus

BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?

The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

About BexBack?

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

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Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

Website: www.bexback.com

Contact: business@bexback.com

Contact:
Amanda
business@bexback.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/714b490f-cc1c-412f-beb4-9b3dc1ec2e06

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/36cd0ec5-a1f7-4760-b807-c2db6a7c6909

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/508c5eb7-e23a-4a46-ab45-202db77ee998

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f9cd05d1-9e67-4cc0-be44-b7a42a2a1bdc

The MIL Network –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CEPA forum held

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Ministry of Commerce today co-organised a forum on the Second Agreement Concerning Amendment to the Mainland & Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA) Agreement on Trade in Services (Amendment Agreement II).

The forum aimed to familiarise business sectors with the liberalisation measures and implementation arrangements of the Amendment Agreement II signed by both sides under the CEPA framework on October 9, 2024.

The Hong Kong SAR Government thanked the central government for its support for the Hong Kong SAR, with the Ministry of Commerce and relevant authorities actively responding to the Hong Kong SAR Government’s proposal of further opening up the Mainland market to Hong Kong in trade in services and signing the Amendment Agreement II, enabling more Hong Kong businesses and professionals to enter the Mainland market with more preferential treatment.

Representatives from over 20 central ministries and Hong Kong SAR Government bureaus and departments briefed participants at the forum on the content and implementation arrangements of the Amendment Agreement II as well as the criteria and procedures for application for preferential treatment, and answered questions from the trade.

Over 350 people, including representatives from local and foreign chambers of commerce, consulates, major trade associations and professional sectors, participated in the forum.

To be implemented on March 1, the Amendment Agreement II introduces new liberalisation measures across a number of service sectors where Hong Kong enjoys competitive advantages, thus making it easier for Hong Kong service suppliers and professionals to set up enterprises and develop businesses in the Mainland.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NUWC Division, Keyport embraces wartime readiness culture

Source: United States Navy

Led by NUWC Division, Keyport wartime readiness director Troy Kelley and chief logistician Wendy Kierpiec, the WRAT is focused on ensuring the command’s ability to anticipate and respond to warfighter needs across the entire spectrum of operations, from peacetime to active conflict. Its goal is to achieve initial operational capability for wartime readiness by Sept. 30, 2025.

The team includes senior command leaders, technical experts from each department, and advisory and ad-hoc members with specialized subject matter expertise. Its work is part of a broader effort to shift the Navy’s focus from peacetime efficiency to wartime effectiveness, driven by the need to counter the growing potential for military and economic challenges from China between now and 2027, a period known as the “Davidson window.”

This period takes its name from Adm. Phil Davidson, former commander of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, who warned, in testimony to Congress four years ago, about the potential for China to take action against Taiwan by 2027.

Kelley elaborated on the need to adopt a posture of wartime effectiveness.

“Everything we [currently] do is about return on investment: How can we produce more with less and be the most efficient organization out there,” said Kelley. “When you get into a time of conflict, that measure flips the opposite way. Effectiveness becomes your measure.”

To drive this shift, the WRAT has been developing wartime response plans, identifying and addressing readiness gaps, improving command communication, and establishing a crisis response center to coordinate and respond to wartime-related activities.

Kierpiec, who developed the command’s wartime concept of operations and crisis response posture, emphasized the importance of being prepared for any scenario and the need for a flexible, adaptable response plan.

“We haven’t had to tackle in so many decades, and since the end of the Cold War, we’ve downsized a lot of our military resources,” said Kierpiec. “As a result, we’re building the airplane as we’re flying it—we’re still figuring things out and developing our plans and processes in real time, which can be difficult, but it’s also an opportunity for us to be innovative and adaptable in our approach.”

Kierpiec stressed the need to prepare for various wartime scenarios, including communication disruptions, damage or destruction to military assets, and contested environments where commercial transportation and shipping may be restricted, necessitating the use of other means to deploy personnel. She added that these challenges would likely be particularly pronounced in the context of a war in the Indo-Pacific Command area of operation, given its distance from Keyport.

“We’ve got approximately 7,000 nautical miles between Keyport and the Straits of Taiwan,” said Kierpiec. “How do we overcome that from a logistics perspective? What’s the communication flow? Who would we be getting direction and orders from? How can we still provide our expertise to support the problem from stateside? Or should we be sending someone out there, and how do we get them out there? Do we have to get them on a military transport aircraft? Are they prepared to go in theater?”

These are among the many questions the WRAT has been actively working to address through planning, exercises and drills.

Held monthly in the CRC, the drills use realistic wartime scenarios to assess and refine the team’s communication strategies, response times and logistical capabilities. To simulate real-world conditions, they are unannounced and involve the use of secure communication channels and classified networks.

Common scenarios include responding to an attack on a naval vessel, providing emergency repairs to a damaged ship, and supporting a large-scale military operation in a contested or degraded environment.

Each of the command’s departments is represented during these drills, with key personnel assuming the roles of watch stander, battle watch captain and assistant battle watch captain. The watch stander monitors and reports on the command’s crisis response efforts, while the battle watch captain oversees the crisis response and provides strategic guidance, and the assistant battle watch captain supports the battle watch captain as needed.

The team must work together to assess the situation, develop a response plan and allocate resources as needed. It is evaluated on its ability to collaborate, make decisions quickly and decisively, and communicate effectively both internally and with higher headquarters.

Jeff Kistler, head of NUWC Division, Keyport’s Information Technology Support Services Branch, and Amy Abbott, the command’s emergency management officer, have been instrumental in establishing and maintaining the CRC. Kistler oversees its IT infrastructure, while Abbott manages its operational and procedural aspects.

“We’ve spent hundreds of hours developing things that make us as lethal and prepared as possible,” said Abbott. “We’ve spent a lot of time really pulling apart the nuts and bolts of our processes. We’ve developed standard operating procedures, directives and desk guides, and we’ve developed them in such a way that anybody could walk in, sit at a departmental desk, open the book from page one and know what they’re doing without guidance.”

Kistler stressed the CRC’s vital role in enabling the command to quickly respond to and support naval operations in real-world scenarios.

“If we’re in a wartime scenario and there are casualties out in the fleet, we may be called upon to help get that ship back into the fight,” said Kistler. “[Providing that type of support] takes a lot of knowledge of what Keyport does, and that’s the kind of expertise that our personnel in the room collectively bring to the table.”

Effective communication is crucial in such situations, and to this end, Kistler is tasked with ensuring the command’s communication systems are robust and reliable. This involves developing redundant communication paths, planning for continuity of operations in the event of disruptions or outages, and identifying and mitigating single points of failure in the CRC’s command and control systems.

A key aspect of wartime readiness is the ability to anticipate ways in which one may need to pivot and redirect resources to address emerging priorities and gaps.

“To support wartime efforts, we need to be able to pivot and change the way we conduct our business, prioritize our business and increase the tempo of our operations,” said Bryan Duffey, head of NUWC Division, Keyport’s Enterprise Systems Engineering Division and WRAT team lead for his division’s parent unit, the Fleet Readiness Department. “We need to be able to redirect resources to reinforce priority areas, increase op tempo areas, or leverage other technical capabilities and skills to fill emerging gaps.

Duffey is responsible for ensuring his department is prepared to support the fleet during wartime. In the event of a conflict, this support would involve providing expeditionary repair capabilities and technical expertise for ship and submarine maintenance and repair.

Among Kierpiec’s top priorities is identifying and addressing NUWC Division, Keyport’s readiness gaps and pivot points. The latter are capabilities the command has today that might need to be expanded or accelerated to support the warfighter.

One pivot point of particular interest is NUWC Division, Keyport’s additive manufacturing capability.

“We have a pretty a robust infrastructure in place for that,” said Kierpiec. “How would we respond to a request to do additive manufacturing for potentially a different customer? Maybe we get asked to make helicopter blades because [another customer] cannot for some reason. How could we rise to that occasion?”

Wartime readiness gaps often stem from the challenges of operating in a contested or denied environment. These can include disruptions to communications and logistics, limited access to transportation and the need for rapid technical support to address emerging fleet requirements.

According to program analyst Havalah Noble, WRAT team co-lead for the Unmanned and Theater Undersea Warfare Systems Department, the command is on track to meet its wartime readiness goals.

“I feel like Keyport is ready and we will meet the NAVSEA and Navy goals of the Davidson window of 2027,” said Noble. “We’re perpetuating a culture of readiness now and there is urgency and dedication and vigilance in the practice, and it is important that we continue to do this work.”

Command policy officer Melissa Berry, who oversees policy for the WRAT, agrees.

“I think the clarity coming down from the Chief of Naval Operations and from NAVSEA on what we’re trying to accomplish, has really resonated with the team and provided a sense of urgency,” Berry said. “I am optimistic that come 2027, we will be in a strong place.”

But the real goal of the 2027 target is not to get ready for war, but to make war unnecessary.

“We want to demonstrate that our Navy is prepared to fight a war in 2027, but obviously our goal is to not have to do that,” said Jack Smith, lead exercise planner for the Naval Sea Systems Command’s Warfighting Readiness Directorate and a WRAT team lead for the Undersea Weapons Department. “We want to demonstrate the strength and the capability, so that potential enemies decide that 2027 is not when they want to fight a war.”

Abbott emphasized the importance of wartime preparedness not just at work, but also at home.

“We need to be thinking not only about how we support our warfighters who are out there on the water, but also how we support our brothers, our sisters, our husbands, our wives and other family members out there,” said Abbott. “This means being prepared at home, having discussions with our families, and having a plan in place, so that we can take care of our loved ones and be the best asset we can be for our warfighters in a time of crisis.”

Abbott recommends having an emergency kit, establishing local emergency contacts, drafting powers of attorney for children’s care, and planning for how to manage everyday responsibilities such as school schedules and childcare in the event of a crisis.

For additional resources and guidance on emergency preparedness, visit Ready.gov.

Naval Undersea Warfare Center Division, Keyport is headquartered in the state of Washington on the Puget Sound, about 10 miles west of Seattle. To provide ready support to Fleet operational forces at all major Navy homeports in the Pacific, NUWC Division, Keyport maintains detachments in San Diego, California and Honolulu, Hawaii, and remote operating sites in Guam; Japan; Hawthorne, Nevada; and Portsmouth, Virginia. At NUWC Division, Keyport, our diverse and highly skilled team of engineers, scientists, technicians, administrative professionals and industrial craftsmen work tirelessly to develop, maintain and sustain undersea warfare superiority for the United States.

Are you ready to join one of the largest and most dynamic employers in Kitsap County? We are continually hiring engineers, scientists and other STEM professionals—as well as talented experts in business, finance, logistics and support roles—so if you are eager to be at the forefront of undersea research and development, we want you on our team. Explore our exciting job opportunities at nuwckeyport.usajobs.gov and take the first step toward building your career at NUWC Division, Keyport.

MIL Security OSI –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Haivision Releases Sixth Annual Broadcast Transformation Report, Showcasing Key Industry Shifts and Emerging Technologies
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MONTREAL, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Haivision (TSX: HAI), a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions, today announced the release of its sixth annual Broadcast Transformation Report.

This industry-leading report provides valuable insights into the state of technology adoption in the broadcast sector, based on responses from nearly 900 broadcast and media professionals—the highest number Haivision has surveyed—between November and December 2024.

The 2025 Broadcast Transformation Report explores how the industry is embracing innovative technologies while continuing to navigate key challenges such as budget constraints and workforce shortages. As broadcasters seek to enhance operational efficiency and scalability, the report identifies major trends shaping the future of live video contribution and production.

Key findings from the 2025 Broadcast Transformation Report:
- SRT adoption soars, widening the gap with RTMP: SRT usage grew by 9%, rising from 68% in 2024 to 77% in 2025. It is the most widely used transport protocol among this year’s respondents, while RTMP, in second place, is used by 58%.
- Demand for efficiency fuels 5G usage: 76% of broadcasters using cellular networks now rely on 5G, with 21% planning adoption within a year. The top benefits include greater bandwidth (55%), lower latency (50%), and cost savings (31%).
- Broadcasters accelerate AI adoption: 25% of broadcasters are using AI (up from 9% in 2024), with 64% believing it will have the biggest impact on the industry in the next five years.
- Hybrid on-premise and cloud usage becomes mainstream: While 86% use cloud technology in some capacity, 49% of total respondents rely on it for less than a quarter of their workflows (up from 43% in 2024), emphasizing continued dependence on on-premise solutions.
- HEVC catches up with H.264: HEVC usage has reached 70%, up from 50% in 2021, bringing it closer to H.264’s leading position at 79%.
“The findings in this year’s Broadcast Transformation Report reveal both the exciting innovations and the persistent challenges facing broadcasters today,” said Marcus Schioler, Vice President of Marketing at Haivision. “From the continued expansion of SRT, 5G, and AI to the measured adoption of cloud technologies, broadcast ecosystems are evolving to leverage new tools that drive efficiency, enhance production quality, and future-proof their operations.”

The Haivision Broadcast Transformation Report 2025 is available for download here: https://www3.haivision.com/broadcast-report-2025-press

About Haivision

Haivision is a leading global provider of mission-critical, real-time video networking and visual collaboration solutions. Our connected cloud and intelligent edge technologies enable organizations globally to engage audiences, enhance collaboration, and support decision-making. We provide high-quality, low-latency, secure, and reliable live video at a global scale. Haivision open-sourced its award-winning SRT low-latency video streaming protocol and founded the SRT Alliance to support its adoption. Awarded four Emmys® for Technology and Engineering from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Haivision continues to fuel the future of IP video transformation. Founded in 2004, Haivision is headquartered in Montreal and Chicago with offices, sales, and support located throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. To learn more, visit Haivision at www.haivision.com.

Jennifer Gazin
514.334.5445 ext 8309
jgazin@haivision.com

The MIL Network –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: On the Polytechnic’s birthday, the exhibition “Laboratory and Museum of Mineralogy and Geology” opened

Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

On February 19, the Polytechnic University turned 126 years old, and on the university’s birthday, the Polytechnicians received a wonderful gift: a new exhibition of the SPbPU History Museum, “The Laboratory and Museum of Mineralogy and Geology,” opened in the Chemical Building.

In 1902, one of the first four departments of the Polytechnic Institute was metallurgy. And each department at that time had its own museum. The laboratory and museum of mineralogy were located on the first floor of the Chemical Pavilion. The total area of the premises was 639 m². The laboratory was equipped with modern devices and instruments, there was a special library, which contained reference books and publications on metallurgy and metallography.

The museum showcases included a systematic collection of minerals arranged according to the Dana system; a collection of physical properties of minerals consisting of 200 samples; 400 samples of rocks; a collection of general features of rocks consisting of 150 samples; a collection of dynamic geology consisting of 200 samples; a collection of historical geology consisting of 750 samples; and 150 samples of ore-forming minerals.

Today, on the initiative of the rector of SPbPU Andrey Rudskoy, the director of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Transport Anatoly Popovich and with the financial support of VTB Bank, the historical exhibition has been restored almost in full and supplemented with new exhibits.

“In honor of the Polytechnic University’s birthday, we had to give a gift to all of us – and we did, we restored the Mineralogy Museum,” Andrey Rudskoy said at the grand opening ceremony. “Here we will see the beauty and harmony of the world created by God, the study of which helped us, students of the metallurgical faculty, to become professionals and achieve a lot in life.”

“It is a great honor to be involved in such an event,” added Yuri Levchenko, Senior Vice President of VTB Bank and Polytechnic graduate. “I once took exams in this auditorium, so the restoration of the museum is my personal history, as is the history of the entire Chemical Building and the entire Polytechnic Institute.”

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the director of the SPbPU History Museum, Valery Klimov, conducted the first tour of the new exhibition.

“We restored historical display cases and minerals collected from all over the world – from Brazil, North America, Australia, New Zealand. And I put this quartz found in the Urals separately,” said Valery Yuryevich. “The museum also has modern technologies, for example, on this screen you can read more about the minerals and leaf through a very interesting reprint of the 1914 book “Metallurgical Department”, which describes in detail everything that happened in our beloved chemical house.”

In addition to the reprint, the exhibition also features the original paper inventory book of the chemical house metallurgical laboratory, in which records were kept from 1902 to 1937; they are well preserved. The museum premises are also decorated with the original portrait of Dmitry Mendeleyev, painted by the artist Drozdov in 1914, and portraits of famous polytechnic metallurgists, founders of scientific and pedagogical schools in the field of metal science and metallurgy.

The museum contains many interesting exhibits, including a world map made from minerals, a historic sink for washing test tubes, and a variety of laboratory equipment and instruments. For example, a glass research chamber; a direct current voltmeter and a Hartmann pointer galvanometer pyrometer N. S. Kurnakov, created in 1904 at the St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute according to the design of the head of the Department of General Chemistry from 1902 to 1930 Nikolai Kurnakov. This is the only copy in the world.

Another gift for the 126th anniversary of the Polytechnic University was the opening of an auditorium named after Academician I. V. Gorynin, a graduate of the Leningrad Polytechnic Institute, in the Chemical Building. The auditorium was opened by the rector of SPbPU, Academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy and the scientific director of the I. V. Gorynin Central Research Institute of Structural Materials “Prometheus” of the National Research Center “Kurchatov Institute”, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences Alexey Oryshchenko.

“For me, Igor Vasilyevich Gorynin was a summit that was scary to approach, but he treated me, his student, like a father, and this obliged me to do a lot,” Andrei Ivanovich shared. “We remember, love and respect Igor Vasilyevich, he always was, is and will be a great polytechnician, a great metallurgist.”

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 –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: DEI programs are designed to help white people too – here’s how

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Liza Bondurant, Associate Professor of Secondary Math Education, Mississippi State University

Many DEI programs support students with a disability, about a fifth of whom are white. simonkr/E+ via Getty Images

While diversity, equity and inclusion may on the surface seem focused on certain groups, in fact DEI programs benefit people from all walks of life – including white people.

President Donald Trump and other conservatives have increasingly attacked such initiatives as discriminatory based on the presumption that they benefit only students of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Most recently, Trump issued an executive order on Jan. 20, 2025, directing federal agencies, including the Department of Education, to eliminate support for DEI positions and projects. The order labels them “illegal and immoral discrimination” and “radical and wasteful.”

The impact of this sweeping order has been seismic across the U.S. government, private sector and in education in particular as universities have begun eliminating or rebranding their DEI programs and the Department of Education has removed any initiative and even any document or material that referenced diversity, equity or inclusion.

As professors of education who have studied DEI programs in higher education, we believe these attacks represent a misconception about which groups DEI higher education programs actually support. The reality is, DEI policies help a wide range of people access and succeed in college regardless of their racial or ethnic background.

Breaking down DEI funding by race

It’s a challenge to determine the exact percentages of federal DEI funding allocated to groups of students broken down by race and ethnicity. There is limited publicly available data.

Broadly speaking, a large majority of people within most racial and ethnic groups receive some kind of federal funding – some of which is connected to DEI programs. That includes 81% of Black students, 74% of American Indian/Alaska Native students, 72% of Hispanic or Latino students, 70% of white students, and 66% of Asian students, according to a 2023 report from the National Center for Education Statistics based on data during the 2019-20 academic year.

The center’s data does not indicate whether those grants were explicitly designated for DEI initiatives. For example, Pell Grants are need-based, but not explicitly DEI.

That said, DEI initiatives encompass a broad range of programs that support various underrepresented groups, including first-generation college students and students with disabilities. They also benefit women and veterans. Each of these groups invariably includes many white students.

University DEI programs support underrepresented students from all kinds of backgrounds, such as those who are the first in their family to attend college, about half of whom are white.
AP Photo/Darron Cummings

First-generation students

At most universities, a portion of DEI funding is dedicated to programs designed to support the success of first-generation students, or students whose parents did not graduate from college.

DEI initiatives enhance first-generation students’ academic success by addressing their unique challenges, such as financial constraints, cultural adjustments and unfamiliarity with college environments. They do this through tailored support programs, inclusive learning communities and mentorship opportunities.

Research shows that first-generation students are likely to adopt what psychologists call performance avoidance goals – such as the fear of looking incompetent – so they play it safe and don’t try too hard, which can hinder their academic success. But DEI efforts such as faculty engagement programs and dorm communities that mix academics and social support help foster supportive environments that mitigate those challenges.

National data shows that 56% of college students are first-generation attendees. White students represent 46% of that group, more than any other single race.

Students with disabilities

People with disabilities make up the largest minority group in America – and represent a growing share of college students.

Disability access is a vital yet often overlooked component of DEI efforts, with 20.5% of undergraduate students reporting a disability. Many institutions address this through disability services, which ensure students receive such appropriate testing accommodations as extended exam times, classroom support and access to assistive technology.

Accommodations for individuals with both sensory and physical disabilities are universally accepted and ensure access to everyone regardless of their ability. DEI initiatives, particularly those focusing on accessibility and support services, play a pivotal role in ensuring students with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed.

Given that disabilities affect people from every ethnicity, gender and socioeconomic background, the erasure of DEI programs that support them hurts all groups – and that includes white people, who made up 21.1% of all undergraduate students with disabilities in the 2019-20 academic year.

We believe it is particularly critical to fund programs that include students with disabilities because, in the past, public providers did not create equitable opportunities for all.

Before the passage of key legislation such as the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, students with disabilities were often excluded from mainstream educational settings or received inadequate support. Even since those laws were enacted, enforcement has been inconsistent, and gaps in accessibility persist today.

Women and veterans

In addition to those two groups, DEI programs also target women and veterans.

For women, who make up more than half of college students, they promote equity in male-dominated fields such as science, technology, engineering and math, and leadership roles in government, academia and the private sector.

For veterans, DEI programs provide tailored resources like academic support, mental health services and career transition assistance that recognize the unique challenges some of them face in higher education.

The GI Bill, which provides financial assistance to veterans pursuing higher education, has also gotten caught up in Trump’s DEI purge. While it wasn’t designed back in 1944 as a DEI initiative – and has often failed to ensure equitable access for Black veterans – the Department of Veterans Affairs has recently tried to provide targeted support to veterans of diverse backgrounds. Trump’s order ended those programs.

While veterans make up only 6% of undergraduate students, the majority of them – about 60% – are white, with 16% Black, 14% Hispanic and 3% Asian.

Close to home

Collectively, those groups and others have benefited from the over US$1 billion in grants the Education Department has allocated to DEI programs since 2021.

Diversity encompasses a lot more than just race, and that’s why DEI programs are intended to benefit a broad range of people who historically have been underrepresented at universities or have lacked support.

For both of us, the end of these types of programs hits close to home. One of us is white, and one of us is Black, but we’ve both benefited from DEI initiatives aimed at first-generation college students and women.

We also both have family members who are veterans or who have disabilities and who have received financial support and resources that made a significant difference in their ability to go to college.

Most American families – even if they don’t realize it – can tell a similar story of how programs aimed at diversity, equity and inclusion helped them achieve the American dream.

Trump’s order describes DEI programs as “illegal and immoral discrimination programs” and says Americans deserve “a government committed to serving every person with equal dignity and respect.”

In our view, the orders are more likely to have the opposite effect.

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

– ref. DEI programs are designed to help white people too – here’s how – https://theconversation.com/dei-programs-are-designed-to-help-white-people-too-heres-how-248989

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Ataccama and Concord Partner to Accelerate Data Modernization in Regulated Industries

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BOSTON, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ataccama, the data trust company, today announced a strategic partnership with Concord USA, LLC (“Concord”), a leading technology consultancy, to tackle the complex challenges of data modernization in highly regulated industries. This partnership builds on Ataccama’s Solution Partner Program to support joint enterprise clients to accelerate data-driven digital transformation and deliver measurable business value.

Many organizations struggle to achieve high-quality, trusted data due to siloes created by legacy systems and fragmented data environments. This creates unstructured, inconsistent data that complicates analytics. These issues are magnified in highly regulated sectors like healthcare and financial services where inaccuracies can have costly—even critical—consequences. For example, healthcare requires 99.9% data accuracy to support confident decision-making and meet stringent regulatory standards, far exceeding the 80% threshold acceptable in other industries.

Ataccama’s unified data trust platform tackles these challenges by enabling organizations to catalog and classify their data, giving them clarity on its health and origin, and allowing them to improve the quality of their data by fixing all identified issues. With data cleansed, standardized, and consolidated into a single, trusted source of truth, organizations are empowered to make informed, compliant decisions and drive meaningful outcomes.

Concord brings a proven track record in healthcare and financial services, specializing in digital transformation and seamless data migration for Fortune 500 clients. Together, Ataccama and Concord help organizations modernize data ecosystems, and achieve digital transformation with the confidence that comes from trusted, high-quality data.

“Healthcare and insurance organizations face some of the most complex data challenges, from fragmented legacy systems to meeting stringent regulatory requirements,” said Florin Ibrani, Chief Executive Officer at Concord. “Our partnership with Ataccama better enables highly-regulated organizations to future-proof their data infrastructure and achieve the data accuracy and availability required to advance their modernization goals confidently.”

“Data trust is non-negotiable in healthcare and insurance—where inaccuracies can have costly, even critical, consequences,” said Jessica Goulart, vice president of Partnerships at Ataccama. “Our solution partner program supports consultancies and system integrators to provide the implementation services to support our joint clients to implement the Ataccama unified data trust platform for data quality, catalog, lineage, observability and master data management. Through our partnership with Concord, we help organizations overcome their regulated industry challenges and advance their digital transformation initiatives to drive success.”

For more information about the Ataccama Partner Program, visit the Ataccama Partner Hub.

About Ataccama
Ataccama is the data trust company. Organizations worldwide rely on Ataccama ONE, the unified data trust platform, to ensure data is accurate, accessible, and actionable. By integrating data quality, lineage, observability, governance, and master data management into a single solution, Ataccama enables businesses to unlock value from their data for AI, analytics, and operations. Trusted by hundreds of global enterprises, Ataccama helps organizations drive innovation, reduce costs, and mitigate risk. Recognized as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Augmented Data Quality and the 2025 Magic Quadrant for Data and Analytics Governance, Ataccama continues to set the standard for trusted data at scale. Learn more at www.ataccama.com.

About Concord
Concord USA, LLC (“Concord”) is a next-generation technology consultancy focused on experience, data, and cloud engineering & modernization. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with supporting operations across the United States, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and India, Concord serves leading enterprises and innovators in the healthcare, technology, consumer, manufacturing, distribution, and financial services industries. With a unique combination of industry expertise, technology know-how, and project execution reliability, Concord helps customers unlock business value by solving their most difficult data and technology problems. For more information, visit concordusa.com.

The MIL Network –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Condor Well in Uzbekistan Flows at 1,300 boepd After Workover Operation

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Condor Energies Inc. (“Condor” or the “Company”) (TSX: CDR), a Canadian based energy transition company is pleased to provide an update on the eight gas fields production enhancement project it operates in Uzbekistan.

On a recent workover operation, a potential gas pay section was identified using advanced cased-hole logging tools and reprocessed existing 3-D seismic data which provided significant formation imaging improvements. Prior to the workover, the well had watered out and was not producing. After perforating 23 meters of this newly identified 60-meter interval, the well began flowing at over 1,100 boepd based on a 24-hour production test and has increased to 1,300 boepd during the past 5 days as the completion fluid has now been recovered.

At least five additional well candidates have been identified with similar geologic characteristics using a combination of legacy data and reprocessed 3-D seismic data. Over the coming weeks, these wells will be evaluated to identify potential pay intervals and perforated accordingly. The Company is currently operating two workover rigs and a wireline unit. A third workover rig and second wireline unit with advanced evaluation tools from a North American based services provider is mobilizing to Uzbekistan.

Average production for the fourth quarter of 2024 was 10,510 boepd, up 5% from the third quarter of 2024 and yielded Q4 sales revenues of CA$20.9 million. Production was hampered in the latter part of December 2024 and January 2025 mainly from natural decline rates, as the two workover rigs focused on evaluating shallower Cretaceous-aged, stacked channel sands that had not previously been penetrated on the fields. Despite gas flowing to surface, wellhead pressures were not sufficient to match the existing flowline gathering system pressures. This was likely due in part to having limited zonal isolation to prevent water flows and also not having perforating charges that fully penetrated through two existing casing strings to provide unimpeded access to these gas reservoirs. Given that gas presence was confirmed at surface, Condor will further evaluate these Cretaceous channel sands as part of its 2025 infill well drilling campaign. Both workover rigs have now resumed work on Carbonate formation intervals and production for the past 5 days has averaged 11,455 boepd as newly perforated Carbonate zones begin flowing.

Don Streu, President and CEO of Condor commented: “The material production gains from the ongoing workover program and facility enhancements highlights the capital efficiencies realized from our production enhancement approach. We are continuing to execute our production growth plans in 2025 by adding a third workover rig, drilling a four well vertical and horizontal infill program, continued artificial lift and in-field water separation installations, expanded regions of 3D seismic reprocessing, and field compression. The collaborative working relationship with the national company, JSC “Uzbekneftegaz (“UNG”) and national technical institutes has been instrumental in these early successes.”

ABOUT CONDOR ENERGIES INC

Condor Energies Inc is a TSX-listed energy transition company that is uniquely positioned on the doorstep of European and Asian markets with three distinct first-mover initiatives: increasing natural gas and condensate production from its existing fields in Uzbekistan; an ongoing project to construct and operate Central Asia’s first LNG ‘lower carbon fuel’ diesel substitution facility in Kazakhstan; and a separate initiative to develop and produce critical minerals from brines in Kazakhstan. Condor has already built a strong foundation for reserves, production and cashflow growth while also striving to minimize its environmental footprint.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking statements under applicable securities legislation. Such statements are generally identifiable by the terminology used, such as “anticipate”, “appear”, “believe”, “intend”, “expect”, “plan”, “estimate”, “budget”, “outlook”, “scheduled”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would”, “in the process of” or other similar wording. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, information concerning: the timing and ability to complete workovers on the next five well candidates and have them produce at commercial gas rates; the timing and ability to mobilize a third workover rig and second wireline unit; the timing and ability to access and evaluate future Cretaceous channel sands; the timing and ability to execute the 2025 work plan, including adding a third workover rig, drilling a four well vertical and horizontal infill program, continued artificial lift and in-field water separation installations, expanded regions of 3D seismic reprocessing, and field compression; and the timing and ability to maintain a collaborative working relationship with UNG and national technical institutes.

ABBREVIATIONS

The following is a summary of abbreviations used in this news release:

boepd barrels of oil equivalent per day*

CA$ Canadian dollar

MM million

* Barrels of oil equivalent (“boe”) are derived by converting gas to oil in the ratio of six thousand standard cubic feet (“Mscf”) of gas to one barrel of oil based on an energy conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. Given the value ratio based on the current price of crude oil as compared to natural gas is significantly different from the energy equivalency of 6 Mscf to 1 barrel, utilizing a conversion ratio at 6 Mscf to 1 barrel may be misleading as an indication of value, particularly if used in isolation.

The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

For further information, please contact Don Streu, President and CEO or Sandy Quilty, Vice President of Finance and CFO at 403-201-9694.

The MIL Network –

February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Locafy Limited Highlights Growth and Strategic Partnerships in Recent Investor Presentations
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

PERTH, Australia, Feb. 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Locafy Limited (Nasdaq: LCFY, LCFYW) (“Locafy” or the “Company”), a globally recognized leader in location based digital marketing solutions, with market leading SEO capabilities, recently participated in two investor-focused presentations, highlighting its latest business developments and strategic initiatives.

Breakout Investors Presentation with Fathom Holdings (NASDAQ: FTHM)
Locafy CEO Gavin Burnett joined Breakout Investors alongside Fathom Holdings CEO Marco Fregenal to discuss their partnership, which is designed to enhance real estate professionals’ digital presence through advanced SEO solutions. The collaboration leverages Locafy’s proprietary Localizer technology to help real estate agents and brokerages improve their search engine rankings, attract more leads, and convert online visibility into business growth.

During the presentation, Locafy and Fathom Holdings provided insights into how Locafy’s innovative SEO technology is supporting Fathom’s rapidly expanding network of real estate professionals. The discussion covered the integration of Locafy’s local SEO solutions into Fathom’s existing technology ecosystem, driving increased visibility and engagement for agents and clients.

A recording of the presentation and further details are available on the Breakout Investors platform here.

Locafy Featured on Planet MicroCap Podcast
Locafy was also recently featured on the Planet MicroCap Podcast, hosted by Robert Kraft, where Burnett discussed the Company’s latest advancements and growth strategies.

During the interview, Burnett provided insights into:
- Locafy’s Competitive Edge: How its proprietary local SEO technology is helping businesses secure Page 1 Google rankings with minimal effort.
- Growth Strategy & Market Expansion: The Company’s capital-efficient approach to scaling its operations and revenue.
- Recent Partnerships & Industry Impact: Including the collaboration with Fathom Holdings to enhance the real estate sector’s digital presence.
- AI & SEO Innovations: The increasing role of AI-driven search and how Locafy is positioning itself at the forefront of the industry’s evolution.
The full podcast episode can be accessed here.

Locafy will be attending the Planet MicroCap Showcase: VEGAS 2025 being held April 22-24, 2025 at the Paris Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Investors interested in scheduling a one-on-one meeting with Locafy management can contact Locafy’s investor relations team at LCFY@gateway-grp.com.

“We appreciate the opportunity to engage with the investment community and showcase how Locafy’s technology is driving real business impact,” said Burnett. “Our partnership with Fathom Holdings highlights the increasing demand for effective local SEO solutions in the real estate sector, and our conversation on Planet MicroCap allowed us to share how we’re positioning Locafy for sustained growth.”

For more information about Locafy’s technology, including educational blogs and case studies, please visit Locafy’s investor relations website at investor.locafy.com.

About Locafy
Locafy (Nasdaq: LCFY, LCFYW) is a globally recognized software-as-a-service technology company specializing in local search engine marketing. Founded in 2009, Locafy’s mission is to revolutionize the US$700 billion SEO sector. We help businesses and brands increase search engine relevance and prominence in a specific proximity using a fast, easy, and automated approach. For more information, please visit www.locafy.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “subject to”, “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “could,” “can,” the negatives thereof, variations thereon and similar expressions, or by discussions of strategy, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the SEC on November 12, 2024, as amended, and available on its website (www.sec.gov). All forward-looking statements attributable to the Company or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Other than as required under the securities laws, the Company does not assume a duty to update these forward-looking statements.

Investor Relations Contact
Matt Glover
Gateway Group, Inc.
(949) 574-3860
LCFY@gateway-grp.com

The MIL Network –
February 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: ADB Supports Digital Transformation of Uzbekistan’s Water Sector

Source: Asia Development Bank

MANILA, PHILIPPINES (19 February 2025) — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $125 million loan to support the Government of Uzbekistan in modernizing water management, improving water security, and increasing access to safe and reliable water in the country.

The Climate-Smart Water Management Improvement Project will improve asset management and sustainability of service delivery, while strengthening the institutional capacity of the country’s national water utility. This will help decision making and enhance water management and energy-use efficiency, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.

“Uzbekistan’s water resources are under acute threat from climate change and inefficient usage,” said ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan Kanokpan Lao-Araya. “ADB’s project introduces smart water management systems to improve water usage, reduce energy consumption, and increase operational efficiency to lower Uzbekistan’s carbon footprint.”

The project will support the Joint Stock Company Uzsuvtaminot (the national water utility) and its regional branches in completing the installation of an ongoing nationwide bulk flow metering and telemetry system on the main water resource’s locations. The project will also carry out an asset inventory and prepare onsite geographic mapping for all existing water supply and wastewater infrastructure, including about 4 million customer connections.

An integrated package of climate-smart, IT-based utility management systems will be launched, including relevant training for the national water utility staff. The project will also improve customer centers by providing new financial management software that will lead to transparent financial statements based on international standards.

The project will promote transformative digital solutions and technologies to decrease operational expenditure, increase workforce efficiency, and enhance customer engagement and satisfaction.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the partnership between ADB and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Since the Republic of Uzbekistan joined ADB in 1995, the bank has committed public sector loans, grants, and technical assistance totaling $14.3 billion to the country.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 69 members—49 from the region.

MIL OSI Economics –

February 20, 2025

boepd	barrels of oil equivalent per day*
CA$	Canadian dollar
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Category: Asia Pacific

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