NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Global: The ‘romantic’ advertising tricks that give you unrealistic expectations of love

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Carl W. Jones, Senior Lecturer at Westminster School of Media and Communication, University of Westminster

    Brent Hofacker/Shutterstock

    The run up to February 14 is a good time for selling certain products. And alongside the jewellery and flowers, advertisers also try to sell us something broader: a notion of what we should consider romantic.

    This might involve an idyllic and perfectly filmed holiday destination, or the casting of a glamorous Hollywood star to represent a particular perfume. For research has shown that advertising can shape our expectations of what love should look like – from the perfect partner to the things we should buy for them.

    It’s become a familiar tactic for all kinds of advertising. And it fits with an idea explored by the French literary theorist Roland Barthes in his 1957 collection of essays, Mythologies: that if a message is repeated enough, it becomes true.

    Advertisers seem to have embraced this notion, and we see the same kind of messages repeated year after year, telling potential customers what they should aspire to – and invest in – to achieve their best and most romanticised ideals.

    Whether those ideals are realistic or not is not the goal here. Advertising generates money for brands by creating a commercially driven view of what love should look like.

    There are various techniques available to advertisers to shape those expectations. Emotional appeals, for example, try to evoke feelings of passion and desire.

    Google did this effectively in a simple video which tells a love story through the medium of an online search tool.

    To connect with consumers, some brands use humour to elicit a positive emotional response, like the men’s body shaver company which uses innuendo and suggestive storytelling to sell its product.

    These narratives associate various emotions with specific products or experiences in order to persuade consumer to buy.

    “Social proof” is a different advertising approach which involves relaying a specific message about what consumers can achieve if they turn to a particular brand. You too can be happy if you drink coffee with your new partner at a local branch of McDonalds for example.

    This kind of marketing is designed to appeal to people’s need for social validation. It is advertising which implies that using certain products will lead to a fulfilling romantic life, and that your partner will really love you if you buy them a Toblerone this Valentine’s Day.

    “Targeted marketing” is a method which focuses on creating personalised campaigns for specific audiences. This strategy has become more common as we spend more time online, providing big tech with plenty of data about our likes and dislikes.

    And with online dating still growing in popularity, targeted marketing is applied through apps like Tinder and Hinge, which are able to provide valuable insights into users’ preferences, enabling advertisers to tailor their messages to specific demographics.

    Match up

    Marketing can also apply pressure to consumers to purchase gifts or experiences as a way of demonstrating affection. This could be anything from a box of chocolates to an engagement ring.

    And who came up with the idea that one of those rings should cost the proposer the equivalent of two months’ salary? It was the jewellery company, De Beers.

    In fact, it was only after the company’s 1947 advertising campaign with the slogan “A diamond is forever”, that diamond rings became an engagement tradition at all.

    But depictions of diamonds and perfect lifestyles can lead to feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem when people compare themselves to idealised portrayals in the media. Research suggests that how we process these romantic ideals is affected by our own attachment styles – the patterns of bonding that we learn as children and carry into our adult relationships.

    Feelings of inadequacy have also inspired alternative Valentine’s Day celebrations. For instance, an Indian chocolate bar created a campaign to “destroy Valentine’s Day” using the assumption that as soon as uncles join a trend, such as celebrating February 14th, it becomes instantly unfashionable – and Generation Z runs for the hills.

    Another harmful effect of advertising romance is how young people’s perception of relationships is shaped by the media promoting unrealistic lifestyles, body shapes and beauty standards. These kinds of branded messages are being delivered to romantic consumers of all ages as the battle for their money and time continues.

    Advertisers want you to buy their products. And to make this happen, they also want you to buy into fabricated expectations of romantic love – through repetition, strategy and a familiar date in February.

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

    – ref. The ‘romantic’ advertising tricks that give you unrealistic expectations of love – https://theconversation.com/the-romantic-advertising-tricks-that-give-you-unrealistic-expectations-of-love-249672

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Key Tronic Corporation Executes New Lease to Expand Domestic Operations In Arkansas

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Key Tronic Corporation, a provider of electronic manufacturing services (EMS), is expanding its clean-tech manufacturing operations in Arkansas, establishing its flagship manufacturing and research and development location in Springdale. The company anticipates investing more than $28 million in the new facility and expects to create over 400 new jobs in the next five years.

    “We are pleased to announce the expansion of our U.S. manufacturing operations in Northwest Arkansas. Our new center of excellence in Springdale will provide both our employees and customers with cutting-edge technology and the increased capacity necessary to accommodate expected growth,” said Brett Larsen, CEO of Key Tronic. “We are committed to continuously investing in our capabilities and attracting innovative talent. Our people are our most valuable asset, and we are delighted to enhance our operations in a region where we have maintained a longstanding presence and a strong team and can benefit from a business-friendly environment.”

    “When we invest in education and our workforce, we can attract companies like Key Tronic and ensure they have the skilled workforce they need. Arkansas LEARNS and ACCESS are laser-focused on that issue and help attract announcements like this one, which mean $28 million and nearly 400 jobs for Springdale,” said Governor Sanders.

    Key Tronic will be shifting its existing Arkansas operations to a new larger facility in Springdale, located at 601 W Apple Blossom Avenue later in 2025, increasing its total U.S. production capacity by approximately 40 percent.

    “Crossland purchased the land in 2021 with a vision to build a modern, best-in-class facility, and we are grateful that Key Tronic has chosen this location to call home. This building is part of a larger business park, representing an investment of over $100 million in the Springdale community,” said Director of Real Estate Mattie Crossland. “Our goal is to provide spaces that allow our tenants to run their businesses efficiently while also contributing to the growth and future of the community.”

    Crossland Realty Group developed the 300,000-square-foot building shell in late 2023, with Crossland Construction completing Key Tronic’s tenant improvements, slated for completion in Q3 2025.

    “Key Tronic has a long history of manufacturing electronics in Arkansas, and we are proud that the company has decided to expand their presence and increase production capacity in our state,” said Clint O’Neal, Executive Director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. “Congratulations to the Key Tronic team and to the City of Springdale on this major economic development win.”

    “Key Tronic’s decision to relocate to Springdale is a strong endorsement of our city’s talented workforce, thriving economy, and commitment to fostering business success,” said Springdale Mayor Doug Sprouse. “This investment brings significant job opportunities to our community, further strengthening Springdale’s reputation as a prime destination for industry and innovation. We proudly welcome Key Tronic and look forward to their future growth here.”

    “This exciting announcement would not have been possible without the leadership of Governor Sanders and the unwavering support of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission,” said Bill Rogers, president and CEO of the Springdale Chamber of Commerce. “Thanks to our regional partners and the proactive efforts of Mayor Sprouse’s administration, we were able to roll out the red carpet for Key Tronic. We are thrilled to welcome them to Springdale and look forward to supporting their success in our community.”

    “Key Tronic’s reinvestment in Northwest Arkansas highlights our region’s strong workforce and pro-growth environment,” said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. “As a leader in electronics manufacturing, their expansion strengthens our economy, retains quality jobs and creates new opportunities—reinforcing our position as a top destination for business and innovation.”

    About Key Tronic
    Founded in 1969, Key Tronic is a leading contract manufacturer offering value-added design and manufacturing services from its facilities in the United States, Mexico, China and Vietnam. The Company provides its customers with full engineering services, materials management, worldwide manufacturing facilities, assembly services, in-house testing, and worldwide distribution. Its customers include some of the world’s leading original equipment manufacturers. Key Tronic has operated in Arkansas since 1985.

    For more information about Key Tronic visit: www.keytronic.com.

    About Crossland Construction Company
    Crossland is a top-ranked construction firm offering a wide range of services through its family of companies. Crossland Construction provides general contracting, construction management, and much more. Crossland Realty, a division of Crossland Construction, offers complete real estate services, guiding clients through location scouting, planning, development, construction, and leasing. Crossland is dedicated to Building So Much More for its clients and the communities they serve. Learn more: www.crossland.com

    About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
    At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including Key Tronic’s opportunities and its partnership, the potential success of Key Tronic and the customer, and related revenues. Forward-looking statements include all passages containing verbs such as aims, anticipates, believes, estimates, expects, hopes, intends, plans, predicts, projects or targets or nouns corresponding to such verbs.  Forward-looking statements also include other passages that are primarily relevant to expected future events or revenue or that can only be fully evaluated by events that will occur in the future.  There are many factors, risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted or projected in forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the success and timing of our expansion plans; the success and timing of ramping; availability and timing and receipt of critical parts or components; demand from customers and sales channels; the future of the global economic environment and its impact on our customers and suppliers; the availability of a healthy workforce; the accuracy of suppliers’ and customers’ forecasts; development and success of customers’ programs and products; success of new-product introductions; the risk of legal proceedings or governmental investigations relating to the previously reported financial statement restatements and related material weaknesses, the May 2024 cybersecurity incident and the subject of the internal investigation by the Company’s Audit Committee and related or other unrelated matters; acquisitions or divestitures of operations or facilities; technology advances; changes in pricing policies by the Company, its competitors, customers or suppliers; impact of new governmental legislation and regulation, including tax reform, tariffs and related activities, such trade negotiations and other risks; and other factors, risks, and uncertainties detailed from time to time in the Company’s SEC filings.

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    CONTACTS:   Anthony G. Voorhees   Michael Newman
        Chief Financial Officer   Investor Relations
        Key Tronic Corporation   StreetConnect
        (509) 927-5345   (206) 729-3625

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: US says European security no longer its primary focus – the shift has been years in the making

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David J. Galbreath, Professor of International Security, University of Bath

    European defence ministers left their meeting in Brussels on February 12 in shock after the new US secretary of defence, Pete Hegseth, told them they could no longer rely on the US to guarantee their security.

    Hegseth said he was there “to directly and unambiguously express that stark strategic realities prevent the United States of America from being primarily focused on the security of Europe”.

    He also insisted that European countries provide the “overwhelming” share of funding for Ukraine in the future. The US has been the biggest source of military aid to Ukraine, with its weapons, equipment and financial assistance crucial in helping Kyiv resist the Russian invasion.

    Hegseth’s comments are in keeping with the stance of the US president, Donald Trump, on the Nato transatlantic military alliance. Trump sees Nato as an excessive financial burden on the US and has repeatedly called on its members to increase their defence spending.

    But Hegseth’s remarks could also be seen as a sign of America’s waning commitment to the terms of Nato’s founding treaty. Signed in 1949 by the US, Canada and several western European nations, Article 5 of the treaty requires member states to defend each other in the event of an armed attack.

    The US has the largest military – and the biggest stockpile of nuclear weapons – in Nato. So, on the face of it, efforts to recast the alliance appear a drastic shift in Europe’s security landscape in the post-cold war era.

    However, those familiar with the political sentiment around Nato and the defence of Europe in the US will see that this move follows in the footsteps of what others have sought to do – starting from the very end of the cold war.

    Changing over time

    In 1991, following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Nato was under considerable pressure to change for the new world order. A rising China was not yet on the minds of many in Washington, but the feeling was that the financial commitments the US had made to defend western Europe during the cold war could not continue.

    The so-called “peace dividend”, a slogan popularised by former US president George H.W. Bush and former UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher, allowed nearly all Nato states to reduce their military spending at this time.

    In 1992, almost as soon as European Nato countries were shrinking their forces and moving away from mass armies to professional soldiering, the alliance became actively engaged in maintaining a no-fly zone over Yugoslavia.

    A new Nato was becoming apparent. It was transitioning from being a collective defence organisation to one of collective security, where conflicts were managed on Nato’s borders.

    A US fighter jet at Aviano air base, Italy, after a mission over Bosnia to enforce the no-fly zone in 1993.
    Sgt. Janel Schroeder / Wikimedia Commons

    This collective security arrangement worked well to keep the alliance together until 2001, when the administration of George W. Bush entered the White House and involved the US in wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US, Nato invoked Article 5 and returned to the principle of collective defence.

    Many European countries, including the new, smaller Nato states like Estonia and Latvia, sent troops to Iraq and Afghanistan. The persistent justification I heard in the Baltic states was “we need to be there when the US needs us so that they will be there when we need them”.

    Yet in 2011, before the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were over, the administration of Barack Obama introduced a foreign policy strategy known as the “pivot to Asia”. The implication was that the US would shift its attention from primarily the western hemisphere to China.

    By this point, China had become the second-largest economy in the world and was rapidly developing its military. The reaction to this US policy shift in European capitals was one of shock and disappointment. They saw it as the US deciding that its own security did not sit in Europe like it had since 1945.

    Then, in 2014, Russia invaded Crimea and the Donbas in eastern Ukraine. The pivot to Asia looked like it had stalled. But US interest and investment in European defence continued to decline, with American military bases across Europe closed down. The first Trump administration continued the pattern set by Obama.

    President Joe Biden, who entered office in 2021, used Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 to show European leaders that the US still saw its own security in Europe and that it would stand beside Ukraine.

    But the US continued to insist that European countries invest in their own defence. The UK, Poland and France have all committed to increase their defence spending over recent years – though spending by European Nato states as a whole continued to fall.

    There has been a long-held belief in the US that Europe is “freeriding” on American power. While the US saw its own security in Europe, this freeriding was allowed to continue.

    But as the perspective of the US has changed, with the focus now on countering China, it has been keen to suggest that European defence should increasingly become the job of Europe itself.

    Nato will not go out with a bang. It is much more likely to gradually disappear with a whimper. After all, who did Trump meet on his second day in office? Not Nato but the Quad: an alliance between Australia, India, Japan and the US in the Indo-Pacific.

    David J. Galbreath has received research funding from the UKRI.

    – ref. US says European security no longer its primary focus – the shift has been years in the making – https://theconversation.com/us-says-european-security-no-longer-its-primary-focus-the-shift-has-been-years-in-the-making-249813

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Islamic Development Bank, WFP launch ‘nutritious start’ financing initiative to boost funding for child nutrition and school meals

    Source: World Food Programme

    ROME – The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the UN World Food Programme (WFP) today launched an innovative financing initiative to boost funds available for governments to combat child malnutrition and expand school meals programmes.

    The ‘Nutritious Start’: Human Capital Development Initiative (HCDI) will see IsDB provide governments with financing worth up to US$3 for every $1 secured in grants for nutrition and school meals programmes in least-developed and lower-middle-income countries belonging to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

    The agreement was signed by WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain and IsDB President H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser at WFP headquarters in Rome on 12 February 2025.

    “Ensuring vulnerable people are well-nourished, healthy, and educated is fundamental for long-term economic growth,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. “Across the world, school meals and nutrition programs are the essential building blocks of a future free from hunger and poverty. WFP is proud to partner with IsDB on this innovative financing initiative. Together, we will mobilize critical resources to transform the lives of the most vulnerable people.”

    HCDI addresses the first 8,000 days of a child’s life through adolescence (up to 21 years of age). This starts with the first 1,000 days – a crucial window for cognitive and physical growth. Every US$1 invested in addressing early childhood undernutrition can yield up to US$23 in economic returns, while school feeding programmes generate between US$7 and US$35 per dollar invested.

    “Investing in human capital is fundamental to breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving sustainable development,” said H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. “The ‘Nutritious Start’ initiative is not just about combating malnutrition—it is about equipping future generations with the foundation to thrive. By strategically blending our financing with targeted grant funding, we are amplifying impact and ensuring that every dollar drives meaningful progress toward national development goals.”

    This collaboration builds on the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IsDB and WFP reinforcing their shared commitment to addressing food insecurity and malnutrition. The IsDB and WFP are also partners in the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement and the School Meals Coalition, two country-driven initiatives focusing on combating child malnutrition.

    Notes to Editor

    • Least-developed and lower-middle-income Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Benin, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, Egypt, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen

    • The Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement is an initiative led by 66 countries and 4 Indian States – collectively known as the SUN Countries and includes thousands of stakeholders from across society – all united in their mission to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. 

    • The School Meals Coalition, hosted by the World Food Programme (WFP) as Secretariat, is led by over 100 governments and supported by more than 140 partners, working together to urgently scale and strengthen school meals programmes worldwide to ensure every child receives a healthy, nutritious meal at school by 2030.
    • High resolution photos are available here.

    #                 #                   #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Twitter @wfp_media 

    About the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB)

    Rated AAA by the major rating agencies of the world, the Islamic Development Bank is the pioneering multilateral development bank (MDB) of the Global South that has been working for over 50 years to improve the lives of the people and communities it serves by delivering impact at scale. The Bank brings together 57 Member Countries across four continents, touching the lives of nearly 1 in 4 of the world population. It is committed to addressing development challenges and promoting collaboration to help

    achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by equipping people to drive their own green economic and sustainable social progress, putting planet-friendly infrastructure in place and enabling them to fulfil their potential. Headquartered in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, IsDB has 10 regional hubs and a center of excellence.  Over the years, the Bank has evolved from a single entity into a group comprising: the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI); the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC); the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD); the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC); and the Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD).

    For more information, please visit ( www.isdb.org). Find updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/islamic-development-bank/

    Visit us on X: @isdb_group Engage with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isdbgroup

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Asian immigrants to the U.S. resisted pressures to assimilate, creating a vibrant American suburbia

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Bianca Mabute-Louie, Sociology PhD candidate, Rice University

    This article is adapted from UNASSIMILABLE: An Asian Diasporic Manifesto for the 21st Century by Bianca Mabute-Louie (HarperCollins, January 2025).

    I grew up in San Gabriel Valley — also referred to as SGV or the 626. SGV is an ethnoburb — an ethnic enclave — that grew out of the 1970s, with its own economy and ecosystem that includes banks, grocery stores, hair salons and restaurants.

    Since many early Asian immigrants to this country were barred from accessing white institutions, working together to build and protect this ethnic ecosystem was a matter of survival and necessity.

    Wei Li, a Chinese American geographer, first proposed the term “ethnoburb” to describe the hybridity of ethnic enclaves and middle-class suburbs: suburban ethnic clusters of people and businesses.

    The ethnoburb demonstrates that we can create our own power and belonging — without learning English, without participating in white institutions, and Americanizing. It is a communal endeavour, one that requires everybody’s imagination and care.

    The ‘Chinese Beverly Hills’

    Fuelled by foreign capital, ethnoburb immigrants redefined the entire landscape of the suburb and instigated an economic boom. The growth of Chinese American banking institutions, along with the political and economic factors that prompted the migration of wealthy ethnic Chinese from Taiwan and Hong Kong, played an important role in facilitating the Chinese economic growth in Monterey Park, a city in San Gabriel Valley.

    With their resources, Chinese immigrants bought homes and started businesses with distinct Chinese and Vietnamese language signs to cater to fellow Asian transplants. Valley Boulevard, which runs through 10 cities in San Gabriel Valley, became home to Asian-owned malls, commercial plazas, office complexes, shops, hotels and industrial plants, often with trilingual signage in Chinese, Vietnamese and English.

    Asian immigrants transformed neglected strip malls into prosperous Asian marketplaces and forged a sense of permanence and community. Monterey Park, and eventually the rest of San Gabriel valley, began to be referred to as “Little Taipei” or the “Chinese Beverly Hills” by journalists and Chinese diasporic media.

    By the 1980s, Monterey Park was known as “the first suburban Chinatown,” converting San Gabriel Valley from predominantly white suburbs into an Asian-majority ecosystem with a conspicuous and diverse first-generation, unassimilated immigrant presence.

    Bypassing urban Chinatowns for the suburbs

    The ethnoburb troubles the American construction of the suburbs as static sites of whiteness and socioeconomic mobility.

    The majority of new immigrants, especially those with resources, bypassed urban ethnic enclaves like Chinatown that previously served as immigrant gateway cities and settled immediately into suburbs instead.

    Min Zhou, a professor of sociology and Asian American Studies at UCLA, argues that the deliberate preservation of ethnic values, ties and institutions is what actually acclimates non-white immigrants to the U.S.

    Zhou also says the direct insertion of new Asian immigrants into traditionally white middle-class suburbs offends the conventional understanding of immigration and assimilation. Ethnoburb immigrants were non-white, didn’t always speak English, made considerably less effort to acculturate into whiteness, and many of them were already educated and affluent. They broke the bounds of the American imagination of an immigrant.

    In addition to higher levels of education and incomes, many ethnoburb immigrants also possessed expansive and transnational social networks that shaped their reluctance to acculturate. They did not need to learn English or go through the ethnic enclave to reach a middle-class dream of financial stability.

    The ethnoburb was not a “staging ground” for somewhere better or whiter. The ethnoburb was the final desired destination.

    In actuality, contrary to popular conceptions, the ethnoburb was not apolitical or insular at all. It was and remains a site of resistance against the confining, white imagination of suburbia. With the emergence of Monterey Park as an Asian ethnoburb, questions over group identity, spatial boundaries, and the character of Monterey Park became politicized.

    White hostility in an ‘all-American’ city

    Nativist white residents were at the forefront of erecting boundaries of belonging that stigmatized first-generation immigrants. In addition to Asian businesses changing the esthetic and cultural identity of Monterey Park, Asian immigrants took on local politics. This direct insertion of unassimilated Asian immigrants into traditionally white suburbs and its institutions troubled conventional American understandings of who an immigrant is, the norms they should follow, and how they should behave.

    Lily Lee Chen’s official portrait as mayor of Monterey Park, California, 1983. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

    On Nov. 8, 1983, Lily Lee Chen, a first-generation immigrant from Taiwan, was inaugurated in Monterey Park as the first Chinese American mayor in the nation. Chen was relatable, charismatic, and not assimilated. The Los Angeles Times described Chen’s speech as “accented with pauses and grammatical errors, characteristic of someone speaking in their second language.”

    In another Times article from 1985, Chen told the reporter that she enjoyed dressing in bright reds and jade greens, despite being told by her consultant to look more subdued because her bright colours made her appear “aggressive.” During her campaign, she was met with fierce resistance from white residents, who commonly took down her neighbourhood campaign signs.

    As a response, Chen worked tirelessly on voter engagement among Asian Americans and Latinos, publishing multilingual voter handbooks, registering voters, and building relationships with ethnic communities, including working with Cesar Chavez to support the Latinos in Southern California.

    The same year as Chen’s election, Monterey Park’s five-member city council became multiethnic, with two Mexican Americans, one Filipino American, one Chinese American, and one white council member.

    As Monterey Park became touted as a “successful suburban melting pot” by journalists and even won an “All-American City” award in 1985 for its civic engagement and racial diversity, white flight accelerated and resentment festered among the minority of white residents.

    The large influx and increasing influence of Chinese immigrants over a short period of time caused racial tension to build, with mounting struggles over cultural differences, language barriers, and explicit mistrust of immigrants. Chinese businesses, political candidates, religious institutions, and entrepreneurs became racialized targets of nativist animus.

    A particularly contentious conflict emerged over the proliferation of business signs in languages other than English. In 1986, white hostility among the remaining white residents swept the council members of colour out of office, and replaced them with three long-established white residents, who promptly launched an anti-immigrant, “English-only” campaign attacking the proliferation of business signage in Chinese.

    A scene from the 2010 play by Annette Lee about the English only movement from the 80s. 17-year-old Scarlett Wong, an ‘all-American teenager’ struggles with her neighbors who don’t speak English.
    Angry Asian Man/Annette Lee

    The “English-only” movement in Monterey Park reflects the struggle to control the identity and narrative of a built environment. It represents the tension between America’s idea of how immigrants should assimilate, and how ethnoburb immigrants instead created their own unassimilable institutions and communities.

    Frank Arcuri, one of the Monterey Park residents and community activists who started the “English-only” petition campaign, insisted, “Immigrants are welcome here, but they must realize that English is the language we use in America… They must realize they are making a negative impact on our city. They must adapt to our ways. They must use our language and respect our culture.”

    The nativist, inflammatory rhetoric Arcuri employed to speak about immigrants is as American as apple pie, comparable to replacement theory touted by white nationalist conspiracists today.

    The English-only conflict illustrates the deeper, ideological tensions behind an increasingly diverse and polyglot constituency, composed of politically active immigrants, and nostalgic white residents desperately (and at times violently) clinging on to institutional power and a homogeneous past.

    Asian immigrants defied assimilation theories

    Traditionally, sociologists of immigration and assimilation theorists believed that all immigrant groups would eventually assimilate and integrate into white Protestant American institutions, culture, and society. They argued that doing so would be in the best interests of immigrants. They were also all white scholars. For the most part, what they theorized was true for European immigrants.

    However, Asian immigrants in the ethnoburb remained proudly unassimilable and trans-national. While the ethnoburb was their final destination, they maintained diasporic ties. Many with socioeconomic privilege shuttled back and forth to their home countries.

    It is our diasporic connections to our motherlands and our ethnic communities, not necessarily our assimilation into whiteness, that help us thrive in the U.S.

    Bianca Mabute-Louie is affiliated with Asian Texans for Justice.

    – ref. How Asian immigrants to the U.S. resisted pressures to assimilate, creating a vibrant American suburbia – https://theconversation.com/how-asian-immigrants-to-the-u-s-resisted-pressures-to-assimilate-creating-a-vibrant-american-suburbia-247184

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    FORT WAYNE – Yesterday, Jonathon Buck Eason, 37 years old, of Fort Wayne Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Eason was sentenced to 180 months in prison followed by 2 years of supervised release.

    According to documents in the case, on October 22, 2022, Fort Wayne police officers responded to a 911 call for assistance. Upon arrival, they spoke to an individual who reported being battered and threatened with a firearm by Easton.  When Officers located Easton at his residence, they recovered a firearm from his pocket. Based on a prior felony conviction, Easton was prohibited from possessing the firearm.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives with assistance from the Fort Wayne Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

    This case was also 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cross-city race promotes GBA sports

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Head of the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) Yeung Tak-keung said the 2025 Shenzhen-Hong Kong marathon and the 15th National Games athletics (marathon) test event, to be held on February 23, can foster sports exchange between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and promote the development of sports in the Greater Bay Area.

    At a press conference held in Shenzhen today, Mr Yeung pointed out that taking the opportunity of the 15th National Games, Shenzhen and Hong Kong join hands to hold this cross-city event by making use of the Shenzhen Bay Bridge as the track for the first time.

    Noting that both sides have conducted multiple site inspections, he stressed that Hong Kong will fully co-operate with Shenzhen, and is committed to ensuring the smooth running of the event, so as to get well prepared for the 15th National Games this November.

    Shenzhen Municipal Government Deputy secretary-general and Executive Vice Chairperson of Executive Committee for 15th National Games, 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities & 9th National Special Olympic Games in Shenzhen Kuang Bing, who also attended the press conference, remarked that the race gives full play to the important role of the 15th National Games in areas including promoting regional integration, integrated development of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, and enhancing national cohesion.

    The marathon test event will start and finish at Shenzhen. Of the 42.195km race distance, 21.841km are in the Hong Kong section.

    Athletes will start from Shenzhen Bay Sports Center, enter Hong Kong via Shenzhen Bay Port, pass through Shenzhen Bay Bridge and Kong Sham Western Highway Viaduct, then head back to Shenzhen Bay Port through the same route and return to Shenzhen, and finish at Shenzhen Bay Sports Center. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Spokane Bank Robber Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Spokane, Washington – On February 11, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Dustin T. Perrin, age 41, of Spokane, Washington, to 96 months in prison for several bank robberies. Judge Dimke also imposed 3 years of supervised release and restitution of $9,224.00.

    According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on October 13, 2023, Perrin entered the First Interstate Bank brank at 57th Avenue and Regal in Spokane. Perrin was wearing a wig under his hat. Perrin handed a bank teller a bag and a handwritten note demanding the teller put cash in a bag. Perrin also warned the teller about activating the silent alarm. The teller handed Perrin $1,986 in cash, and Perrin left the bank on a bike and headed north.

    Perrin left the note at the bank. It was collected by law enforcement and sent to the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory. DNA analysis later confirmed Perrin’s DNA on the note. 

    On November 17, 2023, Perrin rode his bike to the Numerica Credit Union branch on South Regal Street in Spokane, just a half mile from the bank Perrin robbed one month earlier. Perrin entered the bank, handed two bank tellers one bag each, and demanded the tellers put money in the bags. The tellers handed Perrin a total of $5,238 in cash. Perrin then left the bank on his bike. 

    Perrin went to a Wal-Mart store that night. A security camera recorded him spreading out a large amount of cash while making a purchase.

    On January 22, 2024, Perrin rode his bike to a Washington Trust Bank branch located at 27 E. Indiana Avenue in Spokane. Perrin entered the bank wearing a blond wig. Perrin handed the teller a small bag and told the teller to put money in the bag. Perrin also warned the teller he had a gun and “not to do anything stupid,” while he pointed at a lump in his jacket. The teller handed Perrin $2,000 in cash, and Perrin left the bank on his bike. 

    “For the people of Eastern Washington, their banks should be places of trust and security – not fear,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker. “Mr. Perrin’s repeated acts of intimidation and theft put innocent employees and community members at risk. As today’s sentence makes clear, violent crime will not be tolerated in Eastern Washington, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue working alongside our federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement partners to hold offenders accountable and protect the safety if neighborhoods and communities in Spokane and throughout Eastern Washington.”

    “Today we, together with our law enforcement partners, are holding Mr. Perrin responsible for stealing from three different federally insured financial institutions,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “We are grateful no one was hurt, but this kind of violent crime terrorizes our communities nonetheless and is completely unacceptable.”

    “Today’s successful prosecution of Mr. Perrin is a testament to the strong partnership of our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and our commitment to keep our community safe,” stated Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels.     

    This case was investigated by the FBI Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force and the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nowles Heinrich. 

    2:24-cr-00075-MKD

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 65th Medical Brigade Hosts Republic of Korea Army Leaders for Medical Capabilities Overview

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea  –  

    The 65th Medical Brigade hosted senior leaders from the Republic of Korea Army Feb. 6 for a briefing and static display walk-through at the 135th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment. The visit highlighted the ongoing partnership between U.S. and ROK medical forces and their efforts to modernize battlefield medical capabilities.

    “As our partnership with the Republic of Korea Army continues to strengthen, we are working together to modernize battlefield medical capabilities,” said Col. Edgar G. Arroyo, commander of the 65th Medical Brigade. “The exchange of knowledge and experience between our forces ensures that we remain ready to provide life-saving care in any operational environment.”

    As the ROKA transitions from its Mobile Army Surgical Hospital model to adopt the U.S. Army’s FRSD structure, the engagement provided an in-depth look at how expeditionary surgical teams deliver advanced combat casualty care in austere environments. The event included a briefing on FRSD operational capabilities and a static display walk-through to showcase how this capability enhances battlefield survivability.

    Two senior ROKA generals attended the visit. Brig. Gen. Seo, the ROKA equivalent of the U.S. Army surgeon general, plays a pivotal role in shaping medical doctrine and force modernization. Brig. Gen. Jeon, head of the ROKA Analysis and Evaluation Department, oversees the assessment and implementation of force structure advancements. Additional attendees included commanders from ROK 7th Corps, 2nd Operational Command and 5th Corps, along with representatives from the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff, Armed Forces Medical School and other ROK medical institutions.

    “The ability to sustain the fight starts with effective medical care,” Arroyo said. “Through engagements like this, we are reinforcing our shared commitment to ensuring our warfighters have access to the best possible battlefield medical support, no matter the conditions.”

    This event supports bilateral efforts to enhance interoperability and improve combined medical readiness. By sharing best practices and demonstrating the effectiveness of the FRSD, U.S. and ROK forces continue to improve their ability to respond to future operational challenges.

    For imagery, please visit:

    The 65th Medical Brigade hosted senior leaders from the Republic of Korea Army on Feb. 6 for a briefing and static display walk-through at the 135th Forward Resuscitative Surgical Detachment. The visit highlighted the ongoing partnership between U.S. and ROK medical forces and their efforts to modernize battlefield medical capabilities. Photo courtesy of Cpl. Yum Jin-young, 65th Medical Brigade

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI from Bloomberg: “Markwayne Mullin’s Personal Bond Propels Him to Trump Confidant”

    US Senate News:

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

    ICYMI from Bloomberg: “Markwayne Mullin’s Personal Bond Propels Him to Trump Confidant”

    Washington, D.C. – ICYMI, Bloomberg Government published the following story this morning crediting U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) as, “one of the most influential lawmakers in Trump’s second term.” Bloomberg notes Mullin’s position as a powerful nexus lawmaker among the White House, GOP House majority, and the Republican-led Senate. The story also includes that Mullin, “played a pivotal role” in getting some of Trump’s cabinet nominees across the finish line, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and HHS pick Robert F. Kennedy Jr., among others.
    Read the full Mullin profile story from Bloomberg Government HERE and below:
    Markwayne Mullin’s Personal Bond Propels Him to Trump ConfidantBy Ian Kullgren | February 13, 2025 5:00AM ET 
    Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) is an unconventional leading ally for President Donald Trump. As Trump prepared to return to Washington, plenty of Republicans with higher profiles and deeper pockets were jockeying to be his congressional facilitator-in-chief. 
    To understand Mullin’s rise from congressman to senator to Trump confidant, it must be recognized this isn’t a relationship built on politics — rather one forged in the deeply personal throes of a tragedy deferred.
    In early 2020, Mullin’s 15-year-old son, Jim, suffered a life-threatening blow to the head while wrestling, his pulse faint as paramedics airlifted him to a Tulsa hospital. When Trump learned what Mullin’s family was facing, he began calling.
    He never stopped. 
    “He was at rehab for 18 months,” Mullin said in an interview with Bloomberg Government on Capitol Hill. “The president called every week. He flew to Bakersfield, California, to see him. He offered to help us financially, which we didn’t need, but he offered to help us financially with it. He still asks about him. Every time we talk, he still asks how my boy is doing.”
    “You just see a different side of the guy. Not everybody sees it.”
    ‘Significant Relationship’ 
    Mullin’s bond with the president has positioned him to be one of the most influential lawmakers in Trump’s second term, with both a direct line to the president and congressional ties to help shape his legislative agenda. He stuck by Trump during the times when the president’s political career seemed over — through Jan. 6, a second impeachment, and the barrage of criminal charges. In doing so, as Trump returned to the White House, Mullin had demonstrated the attribute he values above all: loyalty.
    “There’s no question he has a significant relationship with the president,” Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), Mullin’s close friend and roommate in Washington, told Bloomberg Government. “I know that to be certain.”
    On the surface, Trump and Mullin look like opposites. Trump, as a boy in New York, had a chauffeur, while Mullin grew up with six siblings in rural Oklahoma.
    The Oklahoman wears square-toed cowboy boots, a look his male staffers copy but one Trump wouldn’t be caught dead in. “And no, I don’t play golf,” Mullin said.
    Despite lacking the name recognition of some of Trump’s other allies, his close ties to the House — where he served for a decade before becoming one of the youngest senators at 45 years old in 2023 — give him a level of influence across the Capitol few senators have. 
    Mullin still leads a bipartisan workout group at 6:30 a.m. in the House gym, a group that included former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), who was confirmed on Wednesday as Trump’s director of National Intelligence, and former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. It has become his forum for maintaining relationships and building new ones, Smith said.
    “There’s not one senator over there that has better relationships with as many House members as Markwayne, and there is not a senator over there that campaigned more for Donald Trump,” Smith said.
    Frequent Fighter 
    At the same time, he’s one of Trump’s most effective attack dogs. He posts on X frequently — often more than a dozen times a day — defending the administration’s policies, talking up his nominees, and slapping down the “woke” mob out to get Trump. 
    He spent weeks on the road campaigning for Trump last fall, and as a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, he’s one of the few Native Americans in Congress — an attribute that has made him a credible attack dog in Trump’s anti-DEI crusade.
    “I grew up in Indian Country, living on the same land my ancestors were forced to move to,” Mullin posted on X last month. “I was born with bowed [legs] and a bad speech impediment. I lived in a barn. I NEVER let that be an excuse.”
    Mullin also played a pivotal role in getting some of Trump’s nominees across the line, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. for Secretary of Health and Human Services, according to a senior White House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal strategy. The official described him as working tirelessly and being “energetic” in advancing Trump’s goals.
    “President Trump loves people who are fighters,” said Rep. Kevin Hern (R-Okla.). “Clearly, Markwayne Mullin is a fighter.” 
    Mullin’s pugilistic nature was on show in 2023 when he threatened to fight Teamsters President Sean O’Brien during a committee hearing. The two nearly came to blows until Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) intervened. The clip went viral on social media, raising the profile of both men. 
    As far as the president is concerned, Mullin has distinguished himself as a resource, Justin Clark, a former Trump White House official who later worked for Mullin’s campaign, said. He is one of a few senators who had direct access to Trump, meaning he can call him directly rather than go through handlers, and has established a regular back-and-forth where the two exchange ideas.
    Yet despite that access, Mullin doesn’t over-communicate — even as countless others constantly fight to get in the president’s ear.
    Mullin said he talks to Trump a few times a week. The two had spoken that morning, he said. However, Mullin wouldn’t say what was discussed — offering a hint at why the relationship has blossomed.
    “There’s a trust factor there, too,” he said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Imperial Petroleum Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Twelve Months 2024 Financial and Operating Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATHENS, Greece, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. (NASDAQ: IMPP, the “Company”), a ship-owning company providing petroleum products, crude oil and dry bulk seaborne transportation services, announced today its unaudited financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and twelve months ended December 31, 2024.

    OPERATIONAL AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

    • Fleet operational utilization of 86.0% in Q4 24’ versus 68.5% in Q4 23’.
    • Almost 180% increase in Q4 24’ time charter days compared to Q4 23’, as two of our product tankers and one newly acquired bulk carrier were under time charter (“TC”) employment for the whole period.
    • For the 12M 24’ period our operational utilization was 78.3%. 69% of our fleet calendar days were dedicated to spot activity, while 29% to time charter activity.
    • Delivery of the product tanker, Clean Imperial on January 10, 2025. With this vessel addition, our tanker fleet totals nine ships.
    • Revenues of $26.2 million in Q4 24’ compared to $29.9 million in Q4 23’, representing a 12.4% decline due primarily to decreased spot market rates.
    • Net income of $3.9 million in Q4 24’ compared to $6.5 million in Q4 23’. In Q4 24’ we incurred a $3.3 million foreign exchange loss.
    • Cash and cash equivalents including time deposits of $206.7 million as of December 31, 2024, compared to $124.0 million as of December 31, 2023, representing a 66.7% increase.
    • For the 12M 24’ period our net income was $50.2 million, while our operating cash flow amounted to $77.7 million.
    • Recurring profitability and a debt-free capital structure facilitate robust cash flow generation and low breakeven points.

    Fourth Quarter 2024 Results:

    • Revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $26.2 million, a decrease of $3.7 million, or 12.4%, compared to revenues of $29.9 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to a decrease in the spot market rates.
    • Voyage expenses and vessels’ operating expenses fo        r the three months ended December 31, 2024 were $8.5 million and $6.7 million, respectively, compared to $13.8 million and $5.7 million, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The $5.3 million decrease in voyage expenses is mainly attributed to increased time charter activity leading to a decline of spot days by 10.3%. The decline in spot days along with the decrease in the Suez Canal transits compared to the same period of last year, led to decreased bunker consumption by 15.6% and lower port expenses by 44.9%. The $1.0 million increase in vessels’ operating expenses is primarily due to the increased size of our fleet by an average of 2.0 vessels between the two periods.
    • Drydocking costs for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $0.2 million and $2.5 million, respectively. This decrease is due to the fact that during the three months ended December 31, 2024, no vessel underwent drydocking and charges related only to a drydocking which took place at the end of the third quarter of 2024, while one of our suezmax tankers and one of our handysize dry vessels underwent drydocking in the fourth quarter of last year.
    • General and administrative costs for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $1.0 million and $1.2 million, respectively. This change is mainly attributed to the decrease in stock-based compensation costs.
    • Depreciation for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $4.5 million and $3.5 million, respectively. The change is attributable to the increase in the average number of vessels in our fleet.
    • Management fees for each of the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $0.4 million.
    • Interest and finance costs for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $0.3 million and $0.01 million, respectively. The $0.3 million of costs for the three months ended December 31, 2024 relate mainly to accrued interest expense – related party in connection with the $14.0 million, part of the acquisition price of our bulk carrier, Neptulus, which is payable by May 2025.
    • Interest income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was $2.3 million as compared to $2.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The $0.3 million increase is mainly attributed to a higher amount of funds placed under time deposits.
    • Foreign exchange gain/(loss) for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was a loss of $3.3 million as compared to a gain of $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The $3.3 million foreign exchange loss for the three months ended December 31, 2024, is mainly attributed to the decline in the euro/dollar exchange rate and to the higher amount of funds placed under time deposits in euro.
    •    As a result of the above, for the three months ended December 31, 2024, the Company reported net income of $3.9 million, compared to net income of $6.5 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Dividends paid on Series A Preferred Shares amounted to $0.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024. The weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding, basic, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 32.7 million. Earnings per share, basic and diluted, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $0.10 and $0.10, respectively, compared to loss per share, basic and diluted, of $0.02 and $0.02, respectively, for the three months ended December 31, 2023.
    • Adjusted net income1 was $4.6 million corresponding to an Adjusted EPS1, basic of $0.12 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to an Adjusted net income of $7.2 million corresponding to an Adjusted EPS, basic, of $0.01 for the same period of last year.
    • EBITDA1 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $6.4 million, while Adjusted EBITDA1 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $7.1 million.
    • An average of 11.0 vessels were owned by the Company during the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to 9.0 vessels for the same period of 2023.

    Twelve months 2024 Results:

    • Revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $147.5 million, representing a decrease of $36.2 million, or 19.7%, compared to revenues of $183.7 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to softer market spot rates. As of the end of 2024, daily spot market rates were about $22,000 for standard product tankers versus $33,000 as of the end of the same period of 2023 and $30,000 for standard suezmax tankers as opposed to $60,000 as of the end of the same period of 2023.
    • Voyage expenses and vessels’ operating expenses for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 were $52.0 million and $26.4 million, respectively, compared to $62.5 million and $25.6 million, respectively, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The $10.5 million decrease in voyage expenses is mainly attributed to a reduction in port expenses due to decreased transits through the Suez Canal and a decrease in voyage commissions resulting from lower market rates and consequently softer revenue generation. The $0.8 million increase in vessels’ operating expenses was primarily due to the increase in the average number of vessels.
    • Drydocking costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $1.7 million and $6.6 million, respectively. This decrease is due to the fact that during the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 two tanker vessels underwent drydocking, while in the same period of last year three of our product tankers, one of our suezmax tankers and two of our drybulk carriers underwent drydocking.
    • General and administrative costs for each of the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $4.9 million.
    • Depreciation for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $17.0 million, a $1.4 million increase from $15.6 million for the same period of last year, mainly due to the depreciation of the vessels added in the fleet during 2024.
    • Management fees for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively. The increase of $0.1 million is attributable to the slight increase in the average number of vessels in our fleet.
    • Other operating income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $1.9 million and related to the collection of a claim in connection with repairs undertaken in prior years.
    • Net loss on sale of vessel/ Net gain on sale of vessel – related party for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was a loss of $1.6 million and related to the sale of the Aframax tanker Gstaad Grace II to a third party whereas net gain on sale of vessel for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 was $8.2 million and related to the sale of the Aframax tanker Afrapearl II (ex. Stealth Berana) to C3is Inc., a related party.
    • Impairment loss for the twelve months period ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 stood at nil and $9.0 million, and related to the spin-off of two drybulk carriers to C3is Inc. in 2023. The decline of drybulk vessels’ fair values, at the time of the spin off, compared to one year before when these vessels were acquired resulted in the incurrence of impairment loss.
    •    Interest and finance costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 were $0.4 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The $0.4 million of costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 relate mainly to accrued interest expense – related party in connection with the $14.0 million, part of the acquisition price of our bulk carrier, Neptulus, which is payable by May 2025. The $1.8 million of costs for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023 related mainly to $1.3 million of interest charges incurred up to the full repayment of all outstanding loans concluded in April 2023 along with the full amortization of $0.5 million of loan related charges following the repayment of the Company’s outstanding debt.
    • Interest income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023 was $8.3 million and $5.8 million, respectively. The increase is mainly attributed to the interest earned from the time deposits held by the Company as well as the interest income – related party for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 in connection with the $38.7 million of the sale price of the Aframax tanker Afrapearl II (ex. Stealth Berana) which was received in July 2024.
    • As a result of the above, the Company reported net income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 of $50.2 million, compared to a net income of $71.1 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. The weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was 29.9 million. Earnings per share, basic and diluted, for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $1.54 and $1.40, respectively, compared to earnings per share, basic and diluted, of $3.22 and $2.93 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.
    • Adjusted Net Income was $55.1 million corresponding to an Adjusted EPS, basic of $1.70 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 compared to adjusted net income of $74.4 million, corresponding to an Adjusted EPS, basic of $3.39 for the same period of last year.
    • EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $59.2 million while Adjusted EBITDA for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 amounted to $64.2 million.
    • An average of 10.4 vessels were owned by the Company during the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 compared to 10.0 vessels for the same period of 2023.
    • As of December 31, 2024, cash and cash equivalents including time deposits amounted to $206.7 million and total bank debt amounted to nil.

    1 EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS are non-GAAP measures. Refer to the reconciliation of these measures to the most directly comparable financial measure in accordance with GAAP set forth later in this release. Reconciliations of Adjusted Net Income, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income are set forth below.

    Fleet Employment Table

    As of February 13, 2025, the profile and deployment of our fleet is the following:

                             
    Name    Year
    Built    		   Country
    Built    		   Vessel Size
    (dwt)    		   Vessel
    Type    		   Employment
    Status    		   Expiration of
    Charter(1)
    Tankers                         
    Magic Wand    2008   Korea   47,000   MR product tanker   Spot    
    Clean Thrasher    2008   Korea   47,000   MR product tanker   Time Charter   May 2025
    Clean Sanctuary (ex. Falcon Maryam)    2009   Korea   46,000   MR product tanker   Spot    
    Clean Nirvana    2008   Korea   50,000   MR product tanker   Spot    
    Clean Justice    2011   Japan   46,000   MR product tanker   Time Charter   August 2027
    Aquadisiac   2008   Korea   51,000   MR product tanker   Spot    
    Clean Imperial   2009   Korea   40,000   MR product tanker   Time Charter   January 2026
    Suez Enchanted    2007   Korea   160,000   Suezmax tanker   Spot    
    Suez Protopia    2008   Korea   160,000   Suezmax tanker   Spot    
    Drybulk Carriers(2)                         
    Eco Wildfire    2013   Japan   33,000   Handysize drybulk   Time Charter   February 2025
    Glorieuse    2012   Japan   38,000   Handysize drybulk   Time Charter   February 2025
    Neptulus   2012   Japan   33,000   Handysize drybulk   Time Charter   March 2025
    Fleet Total                 751,000 dwt            
                             
    (1) Earliest date charters could expire.
    (2) We have contracted to acquire seven Japanese built drybulk carriers, aggregating approximately 443,000 dwt, which are expected to be delivered to us between February 2025 and May 2025.
       

    CEO Harry Vafias Commented

    For yet another year Imperial Petroleum demonstrated exceptional results; we continued to be consistent with profitability, cash flow generation and fleet growth across the quarters. Market conditions in 2024 were somewhat softer than 2023 when tanker rates oscillated around all time high levels. Nevertheless, our debt free fleet of eleven vessels managed to generate $50 million of profit and maintain an enviable cash base of $207 million. In the period ahead our key focus is to materialize our already announced fleet growth plans, sustain our profitable momentum and as always, seek opportunities to enhance the value of our Company.

    Conference Call details:

    On February 13, 2025 at 10:00 am ET, the company’s management will host a conference call to discuss the results and the company’s operations and outlook.

    Online Registration:

    Conference call participants should pre-register using the below link to receive the dial-in numbers and a personal PIN, which are required to access the conference call.

    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI127dcd86b3bd4efc8d71152e3b8a8800

    Slides and audio webcast:

    There will also be a live and then archived webcast of the conference call, through the IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. website (www.ImperialPetro.com). Participants to the live webcast should register on the website approximately 10 minutes prior to the start of the webcast.

    About IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.        

    IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. is a ship-owning company providing petroleum products, crude oil and drybulk seaborne transportation services. The Company owns a total of twelve vessels on the water – seven M.R. product tankers, two suezmax tankers and three handysize drybulk carriers – with a total capacity of 751,000 deadweight tons (dwt), and has contracted to acquire an additional seven drybulk carriers of 443,000 dwt aggregate capacity. Following these deliveries, the Company’s fleet will count a total of 19 vessels. IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.’s shares of common stock and 8.75% Series A Cumulative Redeemable Perpetual Preferred Stock are listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market and trade under the symbols “IMPP” and “IMPPP,” respectively.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and may include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. cannot assure you that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, geopolitical conditions, including any trade disruptions resulting from tariffs imposed by the United States or  other countries, general market conditions, including changes in charter hire rates and vessel values, charter counterparty performance, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled drydockings, changes in IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC’s operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, ability to obtain financing and comply with covenants in our financing arrangements, actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, domestic and international political conditions, the conflict in Ukraine and related sanctions, the conflicts in the Middle East, potential disruption of shipping routes due to ongoing attacks by Houthis in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden or accidents and political events or acts by terrorists.

    Risks and uncertainties are further described in reports filed by IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC. with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Fleet List and Fleet Deployment        
    For information on our fleet and further information:
    Visit our website at www.ImperialPetro.com

    Company Contact:
    Fenia Sakellaris
    IMPERIAL PETROLEUM INC.
    E-mail: info@ImperialPetro.com

    Fleet Data:
    The following key indicators highlight the Company’s operating performance during the periods ended December 31, 2023 and 2024.

    FLEET DATA Q4 2023   Q4 2024   12M 2023   12M 2024  
    Average number of vessels (1) 9.00   11.00   10.00   10.39  
    Period end number of owned vessels in fleet 9   11   9   11  
    Total calendar days for fleet (2) 828   1,012   3,650   3,801  
    Total voyage days for fleet (3) 789   1,010   3,481   3,700  
    Fleet utilization (4) 95.3 % 99.8 % 95.4 % 97.3 %
    Total charter days for fleet (5) 160   446   1,058   1,092  
    Total spot market days for fleet (6) 629   564   2,423   2,608  
    Fleet operational utilization (7) 68.5 % 86.0 % 75.1 % 78.3 %
                     

    1) Average number of vessels is the number of owned vessels that constituted our fleet for the relevant period, as measured by the sum of the number of days each vessel was a part of our fleet during the period divided by the number of calendar days in that period.
    2) Total calendar days for fleet are the total days the vessels we operated were in our possession for the relevant period including off-hire days associated with major repairs, drydockings or special or intermediate surveys.
    3) Total voyage days for fleet reflect the total days the vessels we operated were in our possession for the relevant period net of off-hire days associated with major repairs, drydockings or special or intermediate surveys.
    4) Fleet utilization is the percentage of time that our vessels were available for revenue generating voyage days, and is determined by dividing voyage days by fleet calendar days for the relevant period.
    5) Total charter days for fleet are the number of voyage days the vessels operated on time or bareboat charters for the relevant period.
    6) Total spot market charter days for fleet are the number of voyage days the vessels operated on spot market charters for the relevant period.
    7) Fleet operational utilization is the percentage of time that our vessels generated revenue, and is determined by dividing voyage days excluding commercially idle days by fleet calendar days for the relevant period.

    Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS:

    Adjusted net income represents net income before impairment loss, net (gain)/loss on sale of vessel and share based compensation. EBITDA represents net income before interest and finance costs, interest income and depreciation. Adjusted EBITDA represents net income before interest and finance costs, interest income, depreciation, impairment loss, net (gain)/loss on sale of vessel and share based compensation.
    Adjusted EPS represents Adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average number of shares. EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted EPS are not recognized measurements under U.S. GAAP. Our calculation of EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted EPS may not be comparable to that reported by other companies in the shipping or other industries. In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income and Adjusted EPS, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses that are the same as or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation.

    EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted net income and adjusted EPS are included herein because they are a basis, upon which we and our investors assess our financial performance. They allow us to present our performance from period to period on a comparable basis and provide investors with a means of better evaluating and understanding our operating performance.

    (Expressed in United States Dollars, except number of shares) Third Quarter Ended December 31st,   Twelve Months Period Ended December 31st,  
      2023   2024   2023   2024  
    Net Income – Adjusted Net Income                
    Net income 6,463,943   3,917,661   71,134,002   50,157,772  
    Less/Plus net (gain)/loss on sale of vessel —   —   (8,182,777 ) 1,589,702  
    Plus impairment loss —   —   8,996,023   —  
    Plus share based compensation 752,407   665,062   2,434,855   3,397,082  
    Adjusted Net Income 7,216,350   4,582,723   74,382,103   55,144,556  
                     
    Net income – EBITDA                
    Net income 6,463,943   3,917,661   71,134,002   50,157,772  
    Plus interest and finance costs 11,139   276,622   1,821,908   398,320  
    Less interest income (2,004,611 ) (2,268,975 ) (5,833,756 ) (8,305,517 )
    Plus depreciation 3,485,073   4,466,447   15,629,116   16,991,900  
    EBITDA 7,955,544   6,391,755   82,751,270   59,242,475  
                     
    Net income – Adjusted EBITDA                
    Net income 6,463,943   3,917,661   71,134,002   50,157,772  
    Less/Plus net (gain)/loss on sale of vessel —   —   (8,182,777 ) 1,589,702  
    Plus impairment loss —   —   8,996,023   —  
    Plus share based compensation 752,407   665,062   2,434,855   3,397,082  
    Plus interest and finance costs 11,139   276,622   1,821,908   398,320  
    Less interest income (2,004,611 ) (2,268,975 ) (5,833,756 ) (8,305,517 )
    Plus depreciation 3,485,073   4,466,447   15,629,116   16,991,900  
    Adjusted EBITDA 8,707,951   7,056,817   85,999,371   64,229,259  
                     
    EPS                
    Numerator                
    Net income 6,463,943   3,917,661   71,134,002   50,157,772  
    Less: Cumulative dividends on preferred shares (462,225 ) (435,246 ) (2,130,254 ) (1,740,983 )
    Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to non-vested shares —   (122,899 ) (2,508,399 ) (2,311,172 )
    Less: Deemed dividend from the conversion
    of the Series C Preferred Shares    		 (6,507,789 ) —   (6,507,789 ) —  
    Net (loss)/ income attributable to common shareholders, basic (506,071 ) 3,359,516   59,987,560   46,105,617  
    Denominator                
    Weighted average number of shares 23,566,153   32,729,505   18,601,539   29,933,920  
    EPS – Basic (0.02 ) 0.10   3.22   1.54  
                     
    Adjusted EPS                
    Numerator                
    Adjusted net income 7,216,350   4,582,723   74,382,103   55,144,556  
    Less: Cumulative dividends on preferred shares (462,225 ) (435,246 ) (2,130,254 ) (1,740,983 )
    Less: Undistributed earnings allocated to non-vested shares (12,908 ) (146,370 ) (2,638,768 ) (2,549,216 )
    Less: Deemed dividend from the conversion
    of the Series C Preferred Shares    		 (6,507,789 ) —   (6,507,789 ) —  
    Adjusted net income attributable to common shareholders, basic 233,428   4,001,107   63,105,292   50,854,357  
                     
    Denominator                
    Weighted average number of shares 23,566,153   32,729,505   18,601,539   29,933,920  
    Adjusted EPS, Basic 0.01   0.12   3.39   1.70  
                     

    Imperial Petroleum Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income
    (Expressed in United States Dollars, except for number of shares)

        Quarters Ended December 31,
    		     Twelve Month Periods Ended December 31,
    		  
        2023     2024     2023     2024  
                          
    Revenues                        
     Revenues   29,881,814     26,211,665     183,725,820     147,479,980  
                              
    Expenses                        
     Voyage expenses   13,470,678     8,122,190     60,276,962     50,168,529  
     Voyage expenses – related party   348,535     338,262     2,253,979     1,856,361  
     Vessels’ operating expenses   5,541,258     6,561,878     25,295,851     26,044,734  
     Vessels’ operating expenses – related party 117,500     89,500     346,583     328,000  
     Drydocking costs   2,454,960     195,418     6,551,534     1,691,361  
     Management fees – related party   364,320     445,280     1,606,440     1,672,440  
     General and administrative expenses   1,173,120     994,777     4,934,468     4,894,070  
     Depreciation   3,485,073     4,466,447     15,629,116     16,991,900  
     Other operating income   —     —     —     (1,900,000 )
     Impairment loss   —     —     8,996,023     —  
     Net gain on sale of vessel – related party   —     —     (8,182,777 )   —  
     Net loss on sale of vessel   —     —     —     1,589,702  
    Total expenses   26,955,444     21,213,752     117,708,179     103,337,097  
                              
    Income from operations   2,926,370     4,997,913     66,017,641     44,142,883  
                              
    Other (expenses)/income                        
     Interest and finance costs   (11,139 )   (3,508 )   (1,821,908 )   (16,269 )
     Interest expense – related party   —     (273,114 )   —     (382,051 )
     Interest income   1,260,971     2,268,975     4,470,396     6,668,877  
     Interest income – related party   743,640     —     1,363,360     1,636,640  
     Dividend income from related party   191,667     191,667     404,167     762,500  
     Foreign exchange gain/(loss)   1,352,434     (3,264,272 )   700,346     (2,654,808 )
    Other income/(expenses), net   3,537,573     (1,080,252 )   5,116,361     6,014,889  
                             
    Net Income   6,463,943     3,917,661     71,134,002     50,157,772  
                             
    Earnings per share                        
    – Basic   (0.02 )   0.10     3.22     1.54  
    – Diluted   (0.02 )   0.10     2.93     1.40  
                             
    Weighted average number of shares                      
    -Basic   23,566,153     32,729,505     18,601,539     29,933,920  
    -Diluted   23,566,153     34,704,542     22,933,671     33,008,816  
                             

    Imperial Petroleum Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (Expressed in United States Dollars)

      December 31,     December 31,  
      2023     2024  
               
    Assets          
    Current assets          
     Cash and cash equivalents 91,927,512     79,783,531  
     Time deposits 32,099,810     126,948,481  
     Receivables from related parties 37,906,821     —  
     Trade and other receivables 13,498,813     13,456,083  
     Other current assets 302,773     652,769  
     Inventories 7,291,123     7,306,356  
     Advances and prepayments 161,937     250,562  
    Total current assets 183,188,789     228,397,782  
                 
    Non current assets          
     Operating lease right-of-use asset —     78,761  
     Vessels, net 180,847,252     208,230,018  
     Investment in related party 12,798,500     12,798,500  
    Total non current assets 193,645,752     221,107,279  
    Total assets
         		 376,834,541     449,505,061  
                 
    Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity          
    Current liabilities          
     Trade accounts payable 8,277,118     5,243,872  
     Payable to related parties 2,324,334     18,725,514  
     Accrued liabilities 3,008,500     3,370,020  
     Operating lease liability, current portion —     78,761  
     Deferred income 919,116     1,419,226  
    Total current liabilities 14,529,068     28,837,393  
                 
    Total liabilities 14,529,068     28,837,393  
                 
    Commitments and contingencies          
                 
    Stockholders’ equity          
     Common stock 332,573     382,755  
     Preferred Stock, Series A 7,959     7,959  
     Preferred Stock, Series B 160     160  
     Treasury stock (5,885,727 )   (8,390,225 )
     Additional paid-in capital 270,242,635     282,642,357  
     Retained earnings 97,607,873     146,024,662  
    Total stockholders’ equity 362,305,473     420,667,668  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity 376,834,541     449,505,061  
               

    Imperial Petroleum Inc.
    Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (Expressed in United States Dollars

      Twelve Month Periods Ended December 31,
    		  
      2023     2024  
           
    Cash flows from operating activities          
    Net income for the year 71,134,002     50,157,772  
               
    Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash          
    provided by operating activities:          
    Depreciation 15,629,116     16,991,900  
    Amortization of deferred finance charges 474,039     —  
    Non – cash lease expense 62,609     71,237  
    Share based compensation 2,434,855     3,397,082  
    Impairment loss 8,996,023     —  
    Net gain on sale of vessel – related party (8,182,777 )   —  
    Net loss on sale of vessel —     1,589,702  
    Unrealized foreign exchange (gain)/loss on time deposits (426,040 )   1,983,810  
    Dividend income from related party (404,167 )   —  
               
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
    (Increase)/decrease in          
    Trade and other receivables (6,477,912 )   42,730  
    Other current assets (62,771 )   (349,996 )
    Inventories (1,908,513 )   (15,233 )
    Changes in operating lease liabilities (62,609 )   (71,237 )
    Advances and prepayments (181,990 )   (88,625 )
    Due from related parties (2,940,967 )   2,206,821  
    Increase/(decrease) in          
    Trade accounts payable 118,523     (2,173,926 )
    Due to related parties —     3,091,759  
    Accrued liabilities 1,383,841     361,520  
    Deferred income (54,903 )   500,110  
    Net cash provided by operating activities 79,530,359     77,695,426  
               
    Cash flows from investing activities          
    Dividends income received 241,667     —  
    Proceeds from sale of vessel, net 3,865,890     41,153,578  
    Acquisition and improvement of vessels (28,145,103 )   (74,672,266 )
    Increase in bank time deposits (167,501,480 )   (247,603,451 )
    Maturity of bank time deposits 203,827,710     150,770,970  
    Proceeds from seller financing —     35,700,000  
    Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities 12,288,684     (94,651,169 )
               
    Cash flows from financing activities          
    Proceeds from exercise of stock options —     475,000  
    Proceeds from equity offerings 29,070,586     —  
    Proceeds from warrants exercise —     8,600,000  
    Stock issuance costs (1,492,817 )   —  
    Issuance costs on warrants exercise —     (22,178 )
    Stock repurchase (5,885,727 )   (2,504,498 )
    Warrants repurchase (1,521,738 )   —  
    Dividends paid on preferred shares (2,130,254 )   (1,736,562 )
    Loan repayments (70,438,500 )   —  
    Cash retained by C3is Inc. at spin-off (5,000,000 )   —  
    Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (57,398,450 )   4,811,762  
               
    Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 34,420,593     (12,143,981 )
    Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 57,506,919     91,927,512  
    Cash and cash equivalents at end of year 91,927,512     79,783,531  
    Cash breakdown          
    Cash and cash equivalents 91,927,512     79,783,531  
    Total cash and cash equivalents shown in the statements of cash flows 91,927,512     79,783,531  
               

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel Light Beer Now Available Online in 40 US States

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nashville, TN, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), is very excited to announce that customers across 40 US states can now order American Rebel Light Lager online at americanrebelbeer.com. American Rebel Beer has accomplished this milestone by contracting with Bevstack, a leading platform aiding adult beverage brands in expanding the brand’s e-commerce presence. A customer’s order at americanrebelbeer.com to one of the 40 compliant states is routed directly from americanrebelbeer.com to a network of over 1,300 retailers across the 40 participating states, enabling in-state shipping and timely delivery.

    “Customers now have the ability to enjoy America’s Patriotic, God-Fearing, Constitution-Loving, National Anthem-Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer across 40 US states,” said American Rebel CEO Andy Ross. “As we grow our brick-and-mortar distribution network it’s really exciting for customers in states or areas our beer is not yet physically stocked in stores to be able to buy our beer.”

    “Another great benefit of being able to sell Rebel Light online is that potential investors can now try our beer,” said Andy Ross. “People love our brand and what we stand for, but they also want to love the taste of our beer. No matter how much I tell them they’re going to love it, there’s nothing like tasting it yourself.”

    American Rebel Light Beer orders at americanrebelbeer.com can be shipped to Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

    About American Rebel Light Beer

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

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

    About Bevstack

    Bevstack stands as the leading platform aiding adult beverage brands in expanding their e-commerce presence. With a three-tier compliant retail network, seamless technology, and unparalleled customer service, Bevstack is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of brands in the digital marketplace. Visit Bevstack.com for more info.

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

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

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com

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

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of selling beer online, actual placement timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Military Billion Dollar Drone Market Expecting Substantial Growth Opportunity as Usage Skyrockets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The Military Drone Market is expected to see substantial growth in the coming years. A recent report from Straits Research. Said that the global military drone market size was valued at USD 21.81 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow from USD 24.25 billion in 2025 to reach USD 56.69 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 11.20% during the forecast period (2025-2033). The report said: “A military drone, also known as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), is a type of aircraft that operates without a human pilot on board. These drones are equipped with advanced technologies for surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and, in some cases, targeted strikes. Military drones are used extensively in modern warfare for a variety of roles, including combat, surveillance, logistical support, and search-and-rescue missions. The global market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing global demand for enhanced surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance capabilities. As nations recognize the strategic advantages of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) in military operations, drones are increasingly deployed in both combat and non-combat roles. This expansion is further supported by rising defense budgets, particularly in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Middle East. Despite the promising growth, there are significant challenges facing the global market, including complex regulatory issues and ethical concerns surrounding the use of autonomous weapons. However, innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), miniaturization, and battery life are expected to open new growth opportunities, enabling more advanced, efficient, and versatile drone capabilities in the near future.” Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL), The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA).

    Straits Research continued: “Geopolitical tensions, especially in regions like Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, are driving a significant demand for military drones. As nations seek to strengthen their surveillance, intelligence, and tactical capabilities, military drones have become integral to modern defense strategies. For example, the Indo-Pacific region increasingly views drones as vital for maintaining a strategic balance in contested areas. Similarly, Russia’s actions in Ukraine have highlighted the tactical advantages of drones, prompting Eastern European nations near the conflict zone to prioritize drone investments to enhance border security and ensure readiness in case of escalations.

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) ZenaDrone Subsidiary Develops and Tests Proprietary Drone Communications System Enabling Secure and Reliable Communications for US Defense Applications – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that its subsidiary ZenaDrone has developed and is currently testing a proprietary drone communications management system called “DroneNet” that enables direct and secure drone communications in situations without reliable internet, cellular or satellite communications. The internally developed system is specifically built for use with the Company’s ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ series of drone products. A drone communications system is a two-way link between a drone and its base station used to direct the drone and relay real-time drone video and sensor data.

    “We believe our proprietary DroneNet communications system will improve both the reliability and performance of our drones ensuring we are not dependent on third-party products with compatibility issues. This internal development ensures we gain more customization of our products, cost management, and control of our supply chain, all of which results in what we believe to be superior drone solutions. Once we’ve tested this initial version, our plan for future advancements includes developing and testing our own microchips with multilayer encryption suitable for NDAA-compliant use required for US Defense applications,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    Drones used by the military for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications require reliable communications systems for uninterrupted data transmission, mission effectiveness, and operational security. Drones must relay real-time video, sensor data, and telemetry to command centers, allowing defense operators to make time-sensitive decisions. This is especially critical for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, where drones operate over longer distances often in harsh or contested environments. Without secure and resilient communications links, drones risk losing control, can face signal jamming, or data latency, which can compromise mission success. Advanced proprietary communication solutions, using satellite and 4G help ensure connectivity in GPS-denied or high-interference environments and can safeguard data against jamming and cyber threats.

    The ZenaDrone 1000 is an autonomous drone, in a VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) quadcopter design with eight rotors; it is considered a medium-sized drone measuring 12X7 feet in size. It is designed for stable flight, maneuverability, heavy lift capabilities up to 40 kilos, incorporating innovative software technology, AI, sensors, and purpose-built attachments, along with compact and rugged hardware engineered for industrial and defense use. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) recently announced it recently completed a successful demonstration of its eBee VISION Intelligence Safety and Reconnaissance (ISR) UAS platform for key officials of the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD).

    AgEagle CEO Bill Irby commented, “As we continue to expand our presence in the defense sector, this demonstration underscores AgEagle’s commitment to delivering innovative UAV solutions that meet the rigorous demands of diverse military applications. By providing enhanced intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, the eBee VISION ensures our defense customers have the operational efficiency and situational awareness information they require for mission success.”

    EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH) recently announced the launch of its Exhibition (Experience) Center in Shenzhen’s Luohu Sports and Leisure Park. It is the world’s first EH216-S takeoff and landing site featuring a fully automated vertical lift vertiport. It also marks a new smart infrastructure in Shenzhen dedicated to the commercial operations of the EH216-S pilotless passenger-carrying aerial vehicle, establishing a groundbreaking model for electric vertical takeoff and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft operations in urban areas.

    The Luohu UAM Center, designed by EHang, boasts an automated three-dimensional vertical lift vertiport. This innovative facility reduces labor costs and optimizes space usage through its automated operations. The Luohu UAM Center, spanning approximately 753 square meters, has brought this advanced design to life. The first floor is dedicated to a hangar and boarding area, providing passengers with a seamless and comfortable experience. The integrated takeoff and landing pad with the hangar enables rapid charging, thereby streamlining flight operations. During the launch ceremony on January 21, an EH216-S aircraft was lifted from the first to the second floor by the vertical lift platform. It then took to the skies, completing a lap over the Luohu Sports and Leisure Park before landing smoothly, marking its first flight at the Luohu UAM Center. The demonstration received widespread acclaim from attendees.

    Vertical Aerospace (NYSE: EVTL) has successfully completed the second stage of piloted thrustborne testing of its full scale VX4 prototype. The company is now preparing for a new chapter in its history, with the VX4 entering the penultimate phase of flight testing: wingborne flight. This phase will mark a defining moment in the VX4’s development, pushing beyond the limits of the secure airspace of Cotswold Airport’s airfield and into real-world operating conditions for the first time.

    During Phase 2, the aircraft completed over thirty piloted test flights. Flight tests included completing successful hover and low speed flight maneuvers, as well as executing handling and performance procedures including roll, yaw, and spot-turns.

    Shift5, the observability platform for onboard operational technology, and The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA) have recently entered into a global strategic reseller partnership to offer Shift5’s Compliance Module to automate Aircraft Network Security Program (ANSP) compliance efforts for commercial and civil aviation operators. The partnership will drastically reduce the time and manual effort required by maintenance and security teams to identify and report anomalies in onboard data in e-enabled aircraft, allowing them to address credible cyber threats and potential safety issues to improve the safety and operations of fleets.

    Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) guidelines in Advisory Circular (AC) 119-1 and European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) guidelines in Common Requirements Regulation (EU) 2017/373 and the Single European Sky Framework require operators flying connected or e-enabled aircraft with advanced connectivity capabilities to create an ANSP to ensure their safety, integrity, and reliability are in alignment with regulatory standards.

    About FN Media Group:
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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Navy Week Charts Course to Tucson February 17-23

    Source: United States Navy

    This year’s Tucson Navy Week holds special significance as it coincides with the U.S. Navy’s 250th birthday — a historic milestone celebrating a quarter-millennium of maritime excellence, national security and global leadership.

    “As we celebrate 250 years of naval tradition and excellence as a maritime nation, we recognize it’s the combination of the world’s most sophisticated weapons systems, and more importantly our highly skilled people – at sea and ashore – who provide an unmatched advantage in promoting prosperity and security, deterring aggression, and protecting the American way of life,” said Cmdr. Julie Holland, Navy Office of Community Outreach director. “Your Sailors continue a tradition of decisive power from seabed to space and we’re thrilled to bring them to Tucson so you can witness their treendous character, competence, and dedication firsthand.”

    Tucson Navy Week is one of 15 Navy Weeks in 2025, which brings a variety of assets, equipment, and personnel to a single city for a weeklong series of engagements designed to bring America’s Navy closer to the people it protects. Each year, the program reaches more than 140 million people — about half the U.S. population.

    During Tucson Navy Week, more than 50 Sailors, to include those with direct ties to Tucson, will engage in education and community outreach events throughout the city.

    “Participating in Tucson Navy Week is important to me because it brings me back to where it all started,” said U.S. Navy Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Sherman, from the city of Tucson, assigned to Naval Information Force Reserve. “Growing up in Tucson, we went to air shows and had a ton of exposure to the Air Force, which is world-class in many respects, but young men and women from Arizona need to know the Navy provides opportunities and experiences that simply cannot be matched by other services. I want to tell them about it firsthand.”

    Tucson Navy Week events include a Navy Week proclamation and recognition ceremony at the Arizona Heroes Memorial; Discovery Night at the Children’s Museum; Navy Day at the Reid Park Zoo; 100th La Fiesta de los Vaqueros Tucson Rodeo; the Pima Air and Space Museum; and free live music at venues throughout the city performed by Navy Band Southwest. Sailors will also volunteer with organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs; Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids (TRAK); StandUp for Kids; YMCA; Habitat for Humanity; Market on the Move; GAP Ministries; Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona; and Tucson Bicycle Classic, among others.

    Tucson Navy Week senior executive, Vice Adm. James Pitts, Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Warfighting Requirements and Capabilities, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, will participate in community engagements and meet with local businesses, civic, education, and government leaders.

    Other Navy Week Sailors include those from the Los Angeles-class fast-attack submarine USS Tucson (SSN 770), Virginia-class fast-attack submarine pre-commissioning unit USS Arizona (SSN 803), Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10), USS Constitution, Naval Talent Acquisition Group Phoenix, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303, Naval History and Heritage Command, Navy Band Southwest, Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center, Vietnam War Commemoration, Navy eSports, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and The Strike Group virtual reality activation.

    Media organizations wishing to cover Tucson Navy Week events, to include interviewing hometown heroes and the senior Navy executive, should contact Ensign Jordyn Diomede at (901) 232-4450 or jordyn.s.diomede.mil@us.navy.mil.

    Stories featuring Sailors from the Tucson area:

    Lt. Cmdr. Daniel Sherman – 2000 Tucson Accelerated High School graduate

    https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/02/tucson-accelerated-high-alum-returns.html

     

    Lt. j.g. Gina Gulli – 2018 Cienega High School graduate

    https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/02/cienega-high-alum-returns-home-for.html

     

    Petty Officer 2nd Class Mason Bricker – 2020 Amphitheater High School graduate

    https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/02/amphitheater-high-alum-returns-home-for.html

     

    Petty Officer 2nd Class Abrianna Thompson – 2015 Buena High School graduate

    https://navyoutreach.blogspot.com/2025/02/sierra-vista-native-returns-home-for.html

     

    For a list of public events, visit https://outreach.navy.mil/Navy-Weeks/Tucson-2025/

    Follow Navy Outreach on social media:

    About Navy Week:

    Navy Weeks are a series of outreach events coordinated by the Navy Office of Community Outreach designed to give Americans an opportunity to learn about the Navy, its people, and its importance to national security and prosperity. Since 2005, the Navy Week program has brought the Navy’s mission, people, and capabilities to hundreds of communities nationwide, inspiring new generations and strengthening the bonds between the Navy and the American people.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts dinner for the Outgoing Permanent Representative of Lao PDR to ASEAN

    Source: ASEAN

    Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, today hosted a dinner for the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), in honour of H.E. Ambassador Bovonethat Douangchak, Permanent Representative of the Lao PDR to ASEAN, who will soon conclude his tenure in Jakarta. Since assuming his post in 2021, Ambassador Bovonethat Douangchak has played a pivotal role in the work of the CPR, especially during his time as Chair of the CPR in 2024.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts dinner for the Outgoing Permanent Representative of Lao PDR to ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What to do if your partner wants to speak to your baby in a language you don’t understand

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Una Cunningham, Professor emerita, Department of Teaching and Learning, Stockholm University

    Mladen Zivkovic/Shutterstock

    Finding out you and your partner are expecting a baby throws many discussions that might have once been hypothetical into stark relief. This certainly may be the case if your partner speaks another language beyond the one spoken where you live and that the two of you communicate in.

    “I’d like to bring the baby up to speak my language”, they say, and suddenly what seemed a wonderful idea – a bilingual child – might throw up panicked visions of being left out of private jokes and conversations at the dinner table. But growing up with two or more languages can be hugely beneficial for children, and there’s plenty you can do to help out and get involved.

    When children acquire a minority language – a language other than the dominant language or languages in the place they live – spoken by one or both parents, they have the key to that culture. It offers the possibility of a deep relationship with extended family and others they might otherwise not be able to talk to at all. You really want to do everything in your power to support your partner and your child in this venture.

    Learning something of your partner’s language will effectively solve your problem. You may be able to join a class to learn the language or even just use a language app such as Duolingo to get a head start on vocabulary and basic phrases. This becomes more challenging if the language in question is not a standard variety or is a language not spoken by many people.

    If a parent is proficient in a lower-status and higher-status variety of a language – such as Cypriot Greek and standard Greek, or colloquial Singapore English and standard English – it may be tempting to want the child to learn the high-status variety. But the lower-status variety might be the one that the child will need to be able to visit family and feel like an insider. The higher-status variety can be added later if and when your child needs or wants it.

    Even if you’re learning a non-standard language, and it takes time to achieve proficiency, you can learn a lot of useful language along with your baby. You just need to understand the gist of a conversation to be able to join in in your own language, and honestly, most conversations with a baby are not difficult to follow.

    Even minimal effort towards learning to understand the language is worthwhile for the goodwill it encompasses. Just accepting that your partner will use another language with your child is really enough.

    Family language policy

    If your partner is speaking their language most of the time with your child, you don’t need to aspire to do that. Your job is to speak the other language.

    Together you, your partner and your child will develop a family language policy about who speaks which language to whom. A popular approach is one-person-one-language: you speak your language to your child, your partner speaks theirs to them, and as parents you communicate in any available language, usually what you spoke together before you became parents.

    This leads to dinner-table conversations with two or more languages, but children manage this easily. A major advantage of each parent mostly sticking to one language is that it is easier to get into the habit of using the languages, particularly a minority language that might not have had a place in your life as a couple before your baby was born.

    The family linguistic repertoire can be said to be partially shared, with your child as the winner of the jackpot, developing skills in at least a couple of the languages spoken by their parents.

    Learning the language spoken by extended family will help children build a relationship with them.
    Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

    Welcoming your partner’s language into your home means that you are preparing the ground for them and their extended family to support your child’s language development.

    Grandparents are a powerful resource, especially if they have limited proficiency in the majority language – the language most commonly spoken where you live. They are often very motivated to help your child develop proficiency in their language so that they can have a relationship with them.

    Your partner will face challenges, particularly as the child gets older and has more opportunity to hear and use the majority language with other children. It is likely that the child will at some point answer your partner in the majority language. Help them both to persevere with using the minority language.

    Encourage your partner and child to make trips without you to environments where the minority language is spoken. You can help your partner create a linguistic landscape in your home: put up alphabet posters, and get books and children’s TV shows and films in their language.

    Don’t worry about the majority language – your child has you and the surrounding community to support their majority language development. There is zero risk that your child will end up monolingual in the minority language if they have the opportunity to use the majority language with you and outside the home. Together, you and your partner can give your baby the gift of bilingualism.

    Una Cunningham 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. What to do if your partner wants to speak to your baby in a language you don’t understand – https://theconversation.com/what-to-do-if-your-partner-wants-to-speak-to-your-baby-in-a-language-you-dont-understand-248588

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP welcomes contribution from Japan to save lives in war-torn Sudan

    Source: World Food Programme

    PORT SUDAN/NAIROBI– The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a contribution of JPY 150 million (approx. US $1 million) from the Government of Japan for its operations in Sudan. This vital funding will enable WFP to purchase locally grown grains, such as sorghum or millet, which will be distributed to over 30,000 people as part of the emergency food rations.

    The support from Japan arrives at a critical time as WFP works tirelessly to expand food and nutrition assistance to millions more people across Sudan – aiming to triple the number of people it supports to 7 million per month. WFP’s top priority is to deliver life-saving assistance to locations facing famine or teetering on its brink. 

    “We are working tirelessly to ramp up food assistance across Sudan and this contribution will help us to save lives and prevent vulnerable families from going hungry. We are incredibly grateful to the Government of Japan for their support to the Sudanese people,” said Laurent Bukera, WFP Regional Director for Eastern Africa. 

    Sudan continues to face a catastrophic humanitarian situation with approximately 24.6 million people – nearly half of Sudan’s population – facing acute food insecurity (Integrated Phase Classification, Phase 3+). Twenty-seven locations across Sudan are either in famine or at risk of famine, while more than one-third of children in the hardest hit regions are acutely malnourished, well above the threshold for a famine declaration. 

    Mr. Mizuuchi Kentaro, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of the Sudan, said: “In response to the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan, Japan remains committed to addressing the urgent needs of those affected by the ongoing conflict, with a particular emphasis on food and nutrition assistance. Recognizing the critical role played by WFP in these efforts, Japan is dedicated to supporting its invaluable work in alleviating the suffering.” 

    “Japan’s contribution will help alleviate the food insecurity crisis facing the most vulnerable populations in Sudan,” he added.

    With Japan’s generous contribution, WFP will provide a lifeline to thousands of people enduring the devastating effects of conflict and hunger, while supporting the local economy through the purchase of grains from Sudanese farmers. Japan has been a steadfast supporter of WFP in Sudan, contributing over US$13 million since 2021.   

     

    #                 #                   #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media and @wfp_sudan

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Sam Kerr verdict: what it means for law in the UK and the star athlete’s soccer career

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Megan McElhone, Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Monash University

    A London court has found Sam Kerr not guilty of the racially aggravated harassment of Metropolitan Police officer Stephen Lovell.

    As captain of the Australian women’s national soccer team, Kerr was widely condemned when news broke she had used a “racial slur” against an officer during an altercation.

    The high-profile incident sparked debate across the globe.

    Initially, former Australian soccer player Craig Foster criticised Kerr’s behaviour before retracting it and publicly apologising to her.

    Meanwhile, politicians and academics argued her comments did not amount to racism given the power dynamics at play: not only is Kerr of Indian descent, but official inquiries have found the Metropolitan Police to be institutionally racist.

    Historically, police have played a role in sustaining colonialism, racism and white supremacy. Calling Kerr’s words racist overlooks that they don’t accord with an entrenched, global system of power.

    What happened that night?

    Kerr has maintained she and her partner – United States’ women’s national team player Kristie Mewis – believed they were being kidnapped by a cab driver.

    He refused to let them out of the cab after Kerr vomited, taking them to Twickenham police station instead of their destination.

    There, Mewis broke the cab window in an attempt to get out of the vehicle.

    At the station, Kerr reportedly appealed to officers to “understand the emergency that both of us felt”, referencing the 2021 abduction, rape and murder of Sarah Everard by a Metropolitan Police officer.

    The commissioned inquiry into Everard’s murder characterised the Metropolitan Police as institutionally racist, misogynistic and homophobic.

    However, Kerr soon faced an allegation of racism after becoming distressed and antagonistic towards the officers.

    Believing they were siding with the cab driver after forming negative preconceptions because of her skin colour, she repeated “you guys are stupid and white, you guys are fucking stupid and white”.

    What are the legal ramifications in the UK?

    Kerr pleaded not guilty to the offence of intentionally causing harassment, alarm, or distress to another by using threatening, abusive, or insulting words under Section 4A of the Public Order Act 1986, and to the racial aggravation of the offence per the Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

    She faced a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and an unlimited fine.

    Kerr accepted she used the words “fucking stupid and white”. But it still had to be proven she intended and caused harassment, alarm, or distress to Lovell and that the offence was racially motivated.

    Initially, the Crown Prosecution Service concluded there was not enough evidence to charge Kerr.

    But after receiving a request from the Metropolitan Police to review the case, and a new statement from Lovell about Kerr’s words making him feel “belittled” and “upset”, they authorised police to charge the athlete.

    A jury found her not guilty after a seven-day trial.

    Broadly speaking, public order offences criminalise words and behaviour that might breach the peace. Police have significant discretion to use these offences as tools to regulate people’s uses of public space.

    In Australia and the UK, police have been shown to use these powers in discriminatory ways.

    Kerr has conceded her behaviour was regrettable but the charge against her is difficult to align with the purpose of public order legislation.

    What does it mean for Kerr’s soccer career?

    It is unclear what this verdict means for Kerr’s career.

    Her English club, Chelsea, is anticipating she will return from a long-term knee injury soon.

    It is possible the club was kept in the loop about Kerr’s altercation with police from the beginning, as she reportedly threatened to involve its lawyers in the body-cam footage shown at trial.

    The club is yet to make a statement about the trial or verdict.

    Football Australia is in a different position though, having been blindsided by the news Kerr had been charged by police.

    The fact Kerr is the captain of the Matildas, and the sport’s highest-profile marketing asset, adds layers of complexity to Football Australia’s decision-making.

    CEO of Football Australia James Johnson declined to weigh in on Kerr’s captaincy until her trial concluded.

    It is possible the governing body will impose a sanction, with Kerr falling afoul of clause 2.14 of their national code of conduct and ethics after being charged with a criminal offence.

    Kerr could return to the pitch later this month, but has been left out of the Matildas squad for the SheBelieves Cup in the US because of her fitness.

    With the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the horizon, interim Matildas head coach Tom Sermanni no doubt hopes her recovery stays on track.

    Meanwhile, Kerr is yet to play under Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor. She could prove crucial as the club chases an elusive UEFA Women’s Champions League title, but faces competition for her spot.

    Megan McElhone 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. Sam Kerr verdict: what it means for law in the UK and the star athlete’s soccer career – https://theconversation.com/sam-kerr-verdict-what-it-means-for-law-in-the-uk-and-the-star-athletes-soccer-career-249153

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Tiruppur Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd., Tamil Nadu

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 07, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.50 lakh (Rupees One Lakh Fifty Thousand only) on The Tiruppur Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd., Tamil Nadu (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Exposure Norms and Statutory / Other Restrictions – UCBs’, and ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had failed to:

    1. adhere to the prudential inter-bank (gross) exposure limit; and

    2. upload the KYC records of customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed timeline.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2153

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Ramanathapuram Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd., Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated February 07, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) on The Ramanathapuram Co-operative Urban Bank Ltd., Ramanathapuram, Tamil Nadu (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2023. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had failed to upload the KYC records of customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed timeline.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2152

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 60 years of progress in expanding rights is being rolled back by Trump − a pattern that’s all too familiar in US history

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Philip Klinkner, James S. Sherman Professor of Government, Hamilton College

    There’s a long history in the U.S. of denying the rights, liberties and benefits of democracy to some Americans. rob dobi/Getty Images

    For many Americans, Donald Trump’s head-spinning array of executive orders in the early days of his second term look like an unprecedented effort to roll back democracy and the rights and liberties of American citizens.

    But it isn’t unprecedented.

    As we have written, American history is not a steady march toward greater equality, democracy and individual rights. America’s commitment to these liberal values has competed with an alternative set of illiberal values that hold that full American citizenship should be limited by race, ethnicity, gender and class.

    The most famous example of this conflict is the Jim Crow era after Reconstruction, when many of the political and legal rights gained by African Americans in the Civil War era were swept away by disenfranchisement, segregation and discrimination. From roughly 1870 until 1940, democracy and equal rights were retreating, not advancing, leaving what was described in the 1960s by President Lyndon Johnson as “the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice.”

    Today, the Trump administration is seeking to roll back America’s commitment to equality and engaging in a broad effort to limit – if not outright deny – the rights, liberties and benefits of democracy to all Americans.

    President Donald Trump attacked the FAA’s DEI initiatives during a press conference on the D.C. plane crash.

    Progress, then rollbacks

    The biggest gains in African American rights came during the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War II and the Cold War, when the United States confronted enemies that Americans believed contradicted its liberal values – the British monarchy, Southern slaveholders, fascist dictators and communist tyrants. The United States highlighted its commitments to democracy and human rights as a way of contrasting itself from its enemies.

    But once the pressures of war faded, America’s illiberal values reasserted themselves. With the end of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, the movement for greater equality stalled and many of the previous gains were rolled back.

    The onset of World War II and then the Cold War forced Americans to renew their commitment to democracy and human rights for all Americans. This period is often described as the Second Reconstruction.

    Like the First Reconstruction a century earlier, the federal government helped to ensure civil and voting rights for African Americans. These efforts laid the groundwork for advancing the political and civil rights of women, other racial and ethnic groups, immigrants, disabled persons and, eventually, members of the gay and lesbian community.

    But like the First Reconstruction, these changes generated intense backlash.

    Bigger than anti-DEI

    Since the demise of the Cold War over 30 years ago, the Republican Party has increasingly sided with those seeking to roll back the gains of the Second Reconstruction.

    Even before Trump first ran for president, the Republican Party began adopting nativist, anti-immigration policies. In 2012, a Republican-dominated Supreme Court gutted a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, the landmark 1965 law barring racial discrimination in voting that was one of the signal achievements of the Second Reconstruction.

    In 2016, Trump rose to the Republican nomination by expressing and amplifying the racist and xenophobic views of many white Americans, including the claim that Barack Obama was born outside of the U.S., that Mexican immigrants were criminals and rapists, and that the U.S. should close its borders to anyone from Muslim countries.

    Since his second inauguration, Trump has mounted a full-scale effort to undermine the policies of the Second Reconstruction. This effort has been masked as an attack on diversity, equity and inclusion – or DEI – policies. According to Trump and other critics of DEI, these policies are themselves racist, since they allegedly single out white Americans for shame and scorn.

    As scholars of race and American politics, we believe that, overall, DEI initiatives have combated racial discrimination and expanded the pools of talented people who can contribute to the nation’s progress.

    The Trump administration’s effort to end DEI programs is really an attack on decades of efforts by the federal government to make good on the promise of America: to engage in rigorous nondiscrimination efforts and open up opportunities for all.

    One of Trump’s first executive orders, which prominently featured abandonment of DEI policies, also repealed a 60-year-old executive order signed by President Johnson mandating “affirmative action” to end widespread discrimination by the federal government and its contractors.

    Antidiscrimination is discrimination?

    These diversity initiatives have for more than 50 years included requirements that beneficiaries of these policies must be qualified for the benefits they obtain.

    But to Trump and many conservatives, such policies force employers to engage in racial and gender quotas to prove that they don’t discriminate. Furthermore, these efforts to end discrimination, according to Trump’s executive order, “diminish the importance of individual merit, aptitude, hard work, and determination,” leading to “disastrous consequences.”

    In other words, Trump and others claim that efforts to end discrimination are themselves a form of discrimination and force the hiring of unqualified and incompetent people.

    Trump made this view clear in his comments on the recent collision between a passenger airliner and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C. Before any formal investigation, Trump alleged that the crash resulted from Obama and Biden administration efforts to diversify the Federal Aviation Administration staff. Such efforts, he suggested, elevate unqualified people.

    “If they don’t have a great brain … they’re not going to be good at what they do and bad things will happen,” he said.

    Efforts to reverse DEI have been accompanied by other antidiversity moves. One example: According to a news release, the Defense Department will no longer use “official resources” to mark “Black History Month, Women’s History Month, Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Pride Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and National American Indian Heritage Month.”

    Undoing 19th-century advances

    The attack on DEI goes beyond the federal government. Other executive orders mandate that K-12 schools as well as colleges and universities end DEI programs, since they are “anti-American, subversive, harmful, and false ideologies.”

    Instead, Trump insists that schools engage only in “patriotic education.”

    Such a policy will almost certainly prevent schools from honestly addressing the ways in which racial, ethnic and gender discrimination have influenced America’s past and present.

    The Trump administration is attacking the First Reconstruction as well. Another Trump executive order seeks to end birthright citizenship for children of unauthorized alien residents.

    That move would limit the 14th Amendment, one of the constitutional cornerstones of the First Reconstruction. Passed in 1868 in order to guarantee citizenship rights for African Americans, it begins by stating:

    “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

    This provision was included in order to explicitly overturn the notorious 1857 Supreme Court decision, Dred Scott v. Sandford, that ruled that African Americans were not citizens and consequently “they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.”

    Pushback capacity

    A protester at a demonstration against the Trump administration at the Texas State Capitol on Feb. 5, 2025, in Austin, Texas.
    Brandon Bell/Getty Images

    How far can the Trump administration go in its efforts to undo the Second Reconstruction?

    Numerous legal challenges have already been filed. In the case of the executive order limiting birthright citizenship, a lower federal court judge appointed by President Ronald Reagan blocked the order, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.”

    Many of these cases will ultimately be decided by the Supreme Court, which under Chief Justice John Roberts has been willing to overturn long-established equal rights precedents. Besides its 2012 gutting of the Voting Rights Act, in 2022 the court limited the reproductive rights of women by overturning its 1973 decision, Roe v. Wade. Most recently, in 2023 the court ended a 45-year precedent that allowed colleges and universities to engage in limited forms of affirmative action in order to achieve more student diversity.

    Yet despite years of attacks by conservatives and now the Trump administration, most efforts to end discrimination and open doors to all Americans, including DEI, remain popular. And the groups empowered by the Second Reconstruction – racial and ethnic minorities, women, immigrants, the LGBTQ community – are far more numerous and have far more legal and political resources available with which to fight back than those that were aided by the First Reconstruction.

    There are now no government pressures driving Americans to make greater progress toward democracy and equal rights for all, as in the relatively brief earlier periods of significant reform in America.

    But those reforms have given many more Americans the capacity to push back against policies that violate both American values and American interests.

    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. 60 years of progress in expanding rights is being rolled back by Trump − a pattern that’s all too familiar in US history – https://theconversation.com/60-years-of-progress-in-expanding-rights-is-being-rolled-back-by-trump-a-pattern-thats-all-too-familiar-in-us-history-248526

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sun Dong visits Hengqin, Zhuhai

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Prof Sun Dong was in Hengqin and Zhuhai today, where he toured the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Co-operation Zone in Hengqin, met officials, and inspected a university and two companies.

    Prof Sun’s first stop was the co-operation zone in Hengqin, with a view to speeding up the implementation of the development planning of the Hong Kong Park at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science & Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.

    The tour of the Hong Kong Park project was in accordance with the spirit of the important instructions given by CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong, when he inspected the park.

    During an engagement session with CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee Hengqin Working Committee Deputy Secretary, Guangdong Province Hengqin Office Director and Executive Committee Deputy Director Nie Xinping, Prof Sun learnt about the in-depth planning and industry development of the co-operation zone, taking into account the development of the Hong Kong Park.

    At the Zhuhai MUST Science & Technology Research Institute in the co-operation zone, the technology chief found out more about its work in promoting the cross-boundary flow of data in the zone.

    The institute is an industry-academia-research demonstration base built by the Macau University of Science & Technology in the Greater Bay Area.

    Prof Sun also met CPC Zhuhai Municipal Committee Deputy Secretary and Zhuhai’s Acting Mayor Wu Zetong as well as the city’s Vice Mayor Huang Zhenqiu, where he introduced the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s latest policies on leading the city’s innovation and technology (I&T) development and the current developments.

    The tech chief also learnt about Zhuhai’s achievements in I&T and high-tech industrialisation. Both sides exchanged views on promoting I&T collaboration and exchanges between the two places.

    In the afternoon, Prof Sun visited the cell production workshops of the Zhuhai SoleFiori Technology Company.

    He welcomed the enterprise’s plan to expand its business in Hong Kong, which involved the technologies and productivity of new high-efficiency heterojunction solar cells and modules with low energy consumption and low carbon emissions.

    Prof Sun then proceeded to the headquarters of Gree Electric Appliances Inc of Zhuhai, a technology-based household consumer goods and industrial equipment manufacturing group.

    Apart from receiving a briefing on the group’s latest developments in quality assurance, product innovations and talent training, Prof Sun also learnt more about the self-developed industrial robots, computer numerical control machine tools, and smart warehousing products and systems developed by the group.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Directions under Section 35 A read with section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 (As Applicable to Co-operative Societies) – New India Co-operative Bank Limited, Mumbai

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    It is hereby notified for information of the public that in exercise of powers vested in it under sub section (1) of Section 35 A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) vide Directive Ref. No. CO.DOS.SED.No.D-01/12-22-350/2024-2025 dated February 13, 2025, has issued certain Directions to New India Co-operative Bank Limited, Mumbai (“the bank”), whereby, as from the close of business on February 13, 2025, the bank shall not, without prior approval of RBI in writing, grant or renew any loans and advances, make any investment, incur any liability including borrowal of funds and acceptance of fresh deposits, disburse or agree to disburse any payment whether in discharge of its liabilities and obligations or otherwise, enter into any compromise or arrangement and sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any of its properties or assets except as notified in the RBI Direction dated February 13, 2025, a copy of which is displayed on the bank’s website / premises for perusal by interested members of the public. Considering the bank’s present liquidity position, the bank has been directed not to allow withdrawal of any amount from savings bank or current accounts or any other account of a depositor but is allowed to set off loans against deposits subject to the conditions stated in the above RBI Directions. The bank may incur expenditure in respect of certain essential items such as salaries of employees, rent, electricity bills, etc., as specified in the said Directions.

    2. These directions are necessitated due to supervisory concerns emanating from the recent material developments in the bank, and to protect the interest of depositors of the bank.

    3. The eligible depositors would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of their deposits up to a monetary ceiling of ₹5,00,000/- (Rupees five lakh only) in the same capacity and in the same right, from the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC), as applicable under the provisions of the DICGC Act, 1961, based on submission of willingness by the depositors concerned and after due verification. The depositors may contact the bank officials for further information. Details may also be accessed on the DICGC website: www.dicgc.org.in.

    4. The issue of the above Directions by the RBI should not per se be construed as cancellation of banking license by RBI. The bank will continue to undertake banking business subject to restrictions specified in the said Directions till its financial position improves. The RBI continues to monitor the position of the bank and will take necessary actions including modifications of these Directions, as warranted, depending upon circumstances and in the interest of the depositors.

    5. These Directions shall remain in force for a period of six months from the close of business on February 13, 2025 and are subject to review.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2154

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Wins Gold in AVA Digital Awards for Integrated Marketing Campaign

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung was named a Gold Winner of the 2025 AVA Digital Awards program, an annual, international competition that recognizes excellence in digital communications. The company received this distinction for its integrated marketing campaign, “Samsung Celebrates Big Ideas, Small Businesses,” which aimed to spotlight the lifeblood of the U.S. economy – small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
    The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP) launched the AVA Digital Awards program over 30 years ago to honor creative professionals and teams from across industries for the planning, concept, direction, design and production of both digital campaigns and projects. Samsung’s multifaceted campaign set itself apart from other nominees through its use of marketing strategy, social media and influencer marketing, content marketing, customer relationship management (CRM) and email marketing, web development and public relations to promote how SMBs are actively using display technology and software to achieve their unique business goals.

    SMBs featured in the campaign included:
    Harvest Gap Brewery
    Wrigleyville Sports
    Figurella
    Beach People Studio
    SB Korean BBQ
    Through the campaign, Samsung garnered over 1 million impressions and 30K engagements across its social channels and notable media placements in publications such as Commerce magazine, the official magazine of the Commerce and Industry Association of New Jersey (CIANJ). As a result of its product giveaway and a special holiday pricing promotion hosted in tandem with the campaign, Samsung awarded Big Spoon Creamery, an Alabama-based artisan ice cream company, a Samsung Pro TV and a one-year subscription to the all-in-one content management system Samsung VXT.

    “As a long-time partner of SMBs, this campaign served as an amazing opportunity to shine a light on many incredible entrepreneurs currently using our display technology within their businesses,” said Sukhmani Mohta, Chief Marketing Officer of the Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “We are proud to not only take home Gold in the AVA Digital Awards, but also to amplify the unique brand stories of our SMB customers on a larger stage.”
    To learn more about how Samsung’s digital signage innovations help small businesses engage their customers, please visit samsung.com/us/business/displays.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDIA – Parish priest: May the new government of the capital Delhi “give more attention for the poor and the marginalized”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Foto di Aquib Akhter su Unsplash

    New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) – “The priorities in a city of millions like New Delhi are to ensure education and health care for all 32 million inhabitants. Our hope is that the new city government, now led by the Baraytya Janata Party (BJP), will launch programs that are not only aimed at the needs of the middle class or entrepreneurs, the business class, but that it will also be able to take care of the suburbs and the less well-off people,” said Father Sankar Savarimuthu, parish priest and spokesman for the Archdiocese of Delhi, after the local elections that gave power to the party of Indian Prime Minister Naraytya Janata on February 8. The BJP has thus defeated the opposition for the first time in 27 years, after the city had previously been governed by the Congress Party and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Father Savarimuthu, who has a direct relationship with the people as parish priest of St. Matthew’s Church in the east of the city, notes: “The Indian federal government in the hands of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his nationalist BJP party had a kingdom without a capital, like a body without a head, because for 27 years Delhi had been administered by the opposition.” “The will of the people,” he continues, “was clear. And it was in some ways an expected result after AAP leader Kejriwal was arrested along with two other key party members over the past two years on charges of accepting bribes.” “The BJP’s victory,” he continues, “underlines the ambition and pride of the nationalists. The government will have to be measured against the complex reality of a megalopolis of 32 million people. We will see what approach is taken when the city executive is formed. Today I would say that the urgency is above all to ensure health and education services for all citizens. The attitude of Christians is one of waiting: they hope for more attention to the poor and the marginalized.”Another aspect dear to the Catholic Church, says the priest, “is not to encourage the division of society along communal lines. In the city and throughout India, what is needed is social peace, not division or discrimination on religious, caste or ethnic grounds. This is something that is dear to us and for which we will continue to work with an always constructive approach,” he concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 13/2/2024)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FORT WAYNE – Yesterday, Hamed A. Martin, 42 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly Brady after pleading guilty to distributing methamphetamine, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Martin was sentenced to 84 months in prison followed by 4 years of supervised release.

    According to documents in the case, in July 2022, Martin distributed methamphetamine on several  occasions.  A search warrant executed at his residence in August 2022, resulted in the recovery of a firearm along with evidence of drug distribution.   

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Fort Wayne Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes the FBI, the Indiana State Police, the Allen County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department.  Also assisting in the investigation were the Drug Enforcement Administration and the DEA’s North Central Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stacey R. Speith.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    This case was also 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Nineteenth International Capacity-building Seminar on Trade and Transport Facilitation and data sharing

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    This event is organized by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the Government of Turkmenistan, the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), with the participation of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), the Organisation for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD), the railway agencies of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), Eurasian Development Bank, and other partners from the States participating in the UN Special Programme for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA).

    This event is part of the implementation of the for the Digitalization of Multimodal Data and Document Exchange along the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor Using UN Legal Instruments and Standards, which was adopted by the SPECA Summit on 24 November 2023 in Baku. It follows up on the request of the SPECA Governing Council for capacity-building on the UN/CEFACT standards.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: GLMX and FlexTrade Announce a Strategic Collaboration to Deliver Seamless Trading and Enhanced Workflows

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GLMX Technologies LLC (“GLMX”), a leading global provider of transformative technology solutions for securities financing, money markets, and total return swaps, and FlexTrade Systems, a global leader in multi-asset execution and order management systems, have collaborated to allow their mutual clients to seamlessly manage their repo workflow and execution between the GLMX platform and FlexTrade’s Order and Execution Management (O/EMS) solutions suite.

    GLMX’s technology platform enables global financial market participants to negotiate and execute securities financing transactions and is used by over 140 buy- and sell-side institutions worldwide. GLMX’s new initiative with FlexTrade’s FlexONE OEMS and FlexTRADER EMS provides mutual clients with a comprehensive solution for managing the entire trade lifecycle–from order execution to post-trade compliance and reporting.

    As a result of the collaboration, FlexTrade and GLMX’s mutual clients can now gain greater control and efficiency through customizable and shared pre- and post-trade workflows. The newly created workflows allow trading teams to automate complex order routing and allocation strategies, minimize manual errors, and ensure adherence to regulatory requirements. 

    The new API integration is immediately available for deployment by mutual FlexTrade and GLMX clients. The first mover, a global asset manager, is already live and in production using the combined functionality between GLMX and FlexTrade’s FlexONE OEMS, with a second client, an APAC-based Hedge Fund, set to go live in Q1 2025.

    “Client demand for cross-market efficiency is a primary driver for GLMX to deliver new technologies and connectivity,” said Andy Wiblin, Chief Operating Officer, GLMX. “By partnering with FlexTrade, we aim to support our clients’ trading, risk management, and operational resilience efforts globally.”

    Satish Ramanath, SVP – Buy-Side, APAC at FlexTrade Systems, noted, “We’re delighted to make our new integration to the GLMX platform available for FlexTrade’s global asset management and hedge fund community. Working together with GLMX, we’ve provided our clients with a seamless and efficient means of accessing differentiated liquidity within their existing workflows.”

    About GLMX
    GLMX is a leading global provider of transformative technology for financial markets, serving clients in the repo market, the securities lending market, and adjacent short end markets.  With offices in North America, the United Kingdom, and Asia, global buy-side and sell-side institutions rely on GLMX for access to enhanced market liquidity and to maximize trade lifecycle efficiency and reporting.  For more information about GLMX, please visit https://www.glmx.com/.

    About FlexTrade Systems
    FlexTrade Systems provides customized multi-asset execution and order management trading solutions for buy- and sell-side financial institutions. Through deep client partnerships with some of the world’s largest, most complex, and demanding capital markets firms, we develop flexible tools, technology, and innovation that deliver our clients a competitive edge. Our globally distributed engineering teams focus on adaptable technology and open architecture to develop highly sophisticated trading solutions that can automate and scale with your business strategies.

    Media inquiries, please contact:
    GLMX
    +1 646 854-4569
    sales@glmx.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Magnite to Participate in the Susquehanna Financial Group 14th Annual Technology Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Magnite (Nasdaq: MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising company, today announced that members of its executive team will host in-person investor meetings at the Susquehanna Financial Group 14th Annual Technology Conference in New York City on Thursday, February 27, 2025.

    About Magnite

    We’re Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising company. Publishers use our technology to monetize their content across all screens and formats including CTV, online video, display, and audio. The world’s leading agencies and brands trust our platform to access brand-safe, high-quality ad inventory and execute billions of advertising transactions each month. Anchored in bustling New York City, sunny Los Angeles, mile high Denver, historic London, colorful Singapore and down under in Sydney, Magnite has offices across North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC.

    Investor Relations Contact
    Nick Kormeluk, 949-500-0003
    nkormeluk@magnite.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Expand Energy Corporation Appoints Dan Turco Executive Vice President, Marketing & Commercial

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OKLAHOMA CITY, Feb. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: EXE) (“Expand Energy”) today announced that Dan Turco has been appointed Executive Vice President, Marketing & Commercial, effective February 18, 2025.

    “With nearly two decades of experience in global upstream natural gas marketing and trading, Dan is a key addition to our team as we work to expand energy access to markets in need and grow our customer base to power, industrial and LNG markets,” said Nick Dell’Osso, Expand Energy’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “His leadership will be instrumental in building a world-class marketing organization to capitalize on our role as the leading natural gas producer in the United States.”

    “Expand Energy has a bold vision to address global energy insecurity, and I am honored to join the team as they lead the industry in this effort,” Turco said. “I believe this company, given its team, portfolio and financial strength, is uniquely positioned to deliver affordable, reliable, lower carbon energy to meet growing domestic and international demand.”

    Prior to joining Expand Energy, Mr. Turco spent nearly 20 years with ExxonMobil in various leadership roles in upstream natural gas marketing and trading, spanning LNG, U.S., Europe and Asia gas markets. Most recently, he served as Head of Global LNG Trading / Head of Asia Gas & Power Marketing in Singapore. Mr. Turco earned an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier University (Canada) and an Honors Bachelor of Applied Science, Civil Engineering & Management Science from the University of Waterloo (Canada).

    About Expand Energy
    Expand Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: EXE) is the largest independent natural gas producer in the United States, powered by dedicated and innovative employees focused on disrupting the industry’s traditional cost and market delivery model to responsibly develop assets in the nation’s most prolific natural gas basins. Expand Energy’s returns-driven strategy strives to create sustainable value for its stakeholders by leveraging its scale, financial strength and operational execution. Expand Energy is committed to expanding America’s energy reach to fuel a more affordable, reliable, lower carbon future.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to Expand Energy marketing organization and customer base, as well as statements reflecting expectations, intentions, assumptions or beliefs about future events and other statements that do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Forward-looking statements often address our expected future business, financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as “expect,” “could,” “may,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “ability,” “believe,” “seek,” “see,” “will,” “would,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “target,” “guidance,” “outlook,” “opportunity” or “strategy.” The absence of such words or expressions does not necessarily mean the statements are not forward-looking. Although Expand Energy’s management believes the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are inherently subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond Expand Energy’s control. No assurance can be given that such forward-looking statements will be correct or achieved or that the assumptions are accurate or will not change over time. Particular uncertainties that could cause Expand Energy’s actual results to be materially different than those expressed in such forward-looking statements include commodity price volatility and other factors described in Expand Energy’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, Expand Energy’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other documents that Expand Energy files with the SEC. For a discussion of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, investors are urged to refer to Expand Energy’s documents filed with the SEC that are available through Expand Energy’s website at www.expandenergy.com or through EDGAR at www.sec.gov. We caution you not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release, which speak only as of the date of the release, and we undertake no obligation to update this information. We urge you to carefully review and consider the disclosures in this release and our filings with the SEC that attempt to advise interested parties of the risk and factors that may affect our business.

    INVESTOR CONTACT: MEDIA CONTACT:
    Chris Ayres Brooke Coe
    (405) 935-8870 (405) 935-8878
    ir@expandenergy.com media@expandenergy.com

    The MIL Network –