Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 28 — Beijing Daxing International Airport had handled a cumulative import and export value of 102 billion yuan (about 14.19 billion U.S. dollars) as of April this year since its opening in 2019, according to the Beijing Customs on Wednesday.
Data shows that the airport has seen solid growth in import and export values in recent years, with annual figures surpassing 20 billion yuan in 2023 and 50 billion yuan in 2024. In the first four months of this year, the airport handled imports and exports totaling 16.1 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 6.8 percent.
Since 2019, the airport has established trade links with 127 countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with cumulative import and export value hitting 56.3 billion yuan, accounting for 55.2 percent of the total foreign trade volume handled by the airport. From January to April 2025, the airport saw trade with BRI partner countries totaling 7.83 billion yuan, up 48.6 percent year on year.
According to Yu Li, a Beijing Customs official, the import-export cargo volume via the airport has increased significantly, breaking the 100,000-tonne mark for the first time in 2023 and climbing further to 205,000 tonnes in 2024. During the January-April period this year, the figure reached 68,000 tonnes, representing 4.8-percent year-on-year growth.
Earlier this month, an Airbus A330 freighter fully loaded with garments, accessories and aviation electrical components departed from the airport on a direct flight to Paris. This route will serve as a dedicated air bridge for China-Europe cross-border e-commerce.
“We are currently in contact with Chinese enterprises that are suitable for air cargo exports to European countries, helping them reduce logistics costs, secure overseas orders and expand into Europe,” said a business manager of a global cross-border e-commerce business agency, which integrates three core functions — namely seller services, supply chain optimization and ecosystem innovation.
Beijing Daxing International Airport, located in the south of the Chinese capital, has established an air route network connecting 48 global cities, such as Moscow, London and Amsterdam. The airport has attracted 39 international airlines and has launched 50 international routes.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Premier Li returns to Beijing after official visit to Indonesia, ASEAN-China-GCC summit in Malaysia
BEIJING, May 28 — Chinese Premier Li Qiang returned to Beijing on Wednesday aboard a chartered plane after paying an official visit to Indonesia and attending the ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-China-GCC (the Gulf Cooperation Council) Summit in Malaysia.
Li was seen off from the airport by Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia Ouyang Yujing and Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Hou Yanqi.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
News story
UK-South America partnership to help prevent cocaine smuggling
Security Minister signs agreement with Ecuador to affirm international commitment to crackdown on organised criminal gangs.
The UK will be better protected from deadly cocaine as the government strengthens crucial partnerships with Colombia and Ecuador to tackle drug smuggling at source.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis struck a co-operation agreement as part of the first ever visit by a security minister to the 2 countries.
Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine producer while Ecuador has emerged as a key smuggling route, with organised crime groups targeting UK borders.
As part of efforts to tackle the trade upstream, Home Office International Operations, Border Force officers and UK law enforcement have been stationed in Colombia and Ecuador. Officers have provided training, equipment and support to enhance the capabilities of South American law enforcement – better preventing cocaine from reaching British borders.
This UK law enforcement presence has had a significant impact on cocaine seizures. Of the 64 tonnes seized by the ports and airports division of anti-narcotics police in Colombia, 50.5 tonnes can be attributed to activity supported by Home Office International Operations. In Ecuador, Home Office International supported the seizure of nearly 95 out of the 300 tonnes seized by police last year.
During his visit, Minister Jarvis signed a memorandum of understanding with Ecuador, cementing both countries’ commitment to dismantling and disrupting violent criminal networks, which threaten the safety of communities in Britain and South America alike.
On behalf of the UK, Minister Jarvis donated further equipment to Ecuador’s law enforcement unit to aid their operations to disrupt illegal activity.
Security Minister Dan Jarvis said:
We will not tolerate criminal gangs exploiting international routes and bringing harmful drugs into our communities. That’s why this government is deepening our security partnerships with Colombia and Ecuador to strengthen our frontline fight against organised crime.
Our agreement marks a step forward in our international efforts to prevent drugs reaching the UK. We are making strong progress on this with cocaine seizures by Border Force in England increasing by 75% since last year.
As part of our Safer Streets Mission, we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to prevent cocaine from crossing our border and strengthening our security, a cornerstone of this government’s Plan for Change.
In a speech, Minister Jarvis recognised the sacrifices and bravery of frontline officers in South America to disrupt and dismantle organised crime gangs. Officers are continuing to protect their local communities but also communities across the world as the war on drugs continues. The UK, Colombia and Ecuador all remain resolute in their commitment to tackling illegal drug smuggling.
In Colombia, Border Force officers provided bespoke training to a team who had previously seized only 14kg of cocaine destined for UK ports last year. Following a 2-week training course in March this year, the team have already prevented 1.4 tonnes from reaching the UK.
This international action comes as cocaine-related deaths in England and Wales rose by 31% between 2022 and 2023. As part of the Plan for Change, the government is committed to making streets safer by driving down drug misuse and harms through prevention and treatment.
UK Border Force are also taking action to prevent cocaine from reaching the UK border and harming communities. In January 2025, Border Force’s National Deep Rummage team seized 1.5 tonnes of cocaine on a ship travelling from Ecuador, with an estimated street value of just under £60 million.
There have also been record seizures of cocaine in recent years, with over 26 tonnes seized by Border Force in England, a 75% increase compared to the year before.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this morning received Chairman of the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) He Dongfeng, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. They discussed efforts to broaden civil aviation cooperation, particularly through COMAC’s engagement with ASEAN Member States. Both sides acknowledged the importance of closer technical collaboration, capacity building, and advancing regional air connectivity through innovative and diversified aircraft solutions.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with the Chairman of the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make a significant visit to Bihar on Thursday and Friday, inaugurating and laying the foundation stones for a slew of major development projects aimed at transforming the state’s infrastructure and boosting economic growth.
On 29 May, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the newly constructed passenger terminal at Patna Airport, a state-of-the-art facility built at a cost of approximately Rs 1,200 crore. The new terminal is designed to handle up to one crore passengers annually, marking a significant upgrade in air travel infrastructure for the region. In addition, Modi will lay the foundation stone for the civil enclave at Bihta Airport, worth over Rs 1,410 crore. This development is particularly crucial as Bihta is rapidly emerging as an educational hub near Patna, home to institutions such as IIT Patna and the proposed NIT Patna campus, promising improved connectivity and accessibility to this growing center of learning.
The following day, on 30 May, Prime Minister Modi will inaugurate, lay foundation stones, and dedicate to the nation several key projects worth over Rs 48,520 crore in Karakat, Bihar. A major highlight will be the foundation stone laying for the Nabinagar Super Thermal Power Project Stage II in Aurangabad district, a massive venture valued at nearly Rs 29,930 crore. With a capacity of 3×800 MW, this power project is expected to strengthen energy security not only for Bihar but for the entire eastern region of India. It promises to spur industrial growth, generate employment opportunities, and provide affordable electricity to the population.
Alongside the power sector developments, the Prime Minister will also launch important road infrastructure projects to enhance connectivity and trade within the state. These include the four-laning of the Patna–Arrah–Sasaram stretch of National Highway 119A and six-laning of the Varanasi–Ranchi–Kolkata highway (NH-319B), as well as the Ramnagar–Kacchi Dargah section of NH-119D. A new bridge over the Ganga River between Buxar and Bharauli will also be constructed to further facilitate seamless travel and commerce. Additionally, Modi will inaugurate the four-laning of the Patna–Gaya–Dobhi section of NH-22, a project worth Rs 5,520 crore, along with improvements on the elevated highway and at-grade roads in Gopalganj on NH-27.
Prime Minister will also dedicate to the nation the third rail line between Son Nagar and Mohammad Ganj, a project costing over Rs 1,330 crore, which is expected to ease rail traffic and boost freight and passenger movement.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) — Since the official launch of the Beijing Daxing International Airport border checkpoint in 2019 to April this year, China’s total trade turnover with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative reached 56.3 billion yuan (about 7.82 billion U.S. dollars), Beijing Customs said.
According to customs data, the total volume of imports and exports through Daxing Airport Port during the period was 102 billion yuan.
In January-April 2025, the volume of imports and exports through Daxing Airport Port increased by 6.8 percent year-on-year to 16.1 billion yuan. In particular, China’s trade turnover with countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative through Daxing Airport Port amounted to 7.83 billion yuan, an increase of 48.6 percent.
According to the airport administration, the volume of import and export cargo handled through Daxing Airport has increased significantly in recent years. In 2023, it exceeded 100,000 tons for the first time, and rose to 205,000 tons in 2024. In the first four months of this year, the figure jumped 4.8 percent year-on-year to 68,000 tons.
At present, Daxing Airport has a route network covering 48 cities around the world, including major hubs such as Moscow, London and Amsterdam. It has 39 international airlines operating there and 50 international airlines. -0-
An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor began its official engagements in Panama with a visit to the Indian Cultural Centre in Panama City, where they offered prayers at a local temple.
The visit was marked by a powerful moment of interfaith harmony as members from different religious backgrounds joined together in devotion.
Taking to social media platform X, Tharoor posted, “The multi-party MPs’ delegation visited the Indian Cultural Centre in Panama City and offered devotions at the beautiful temple there. It was moving to see our Muslim colleague Sarfraz Ahmed join his Hindu and Sikh colleagues at the temple. As he later told the audience, “jab bulane walon ko koi aitraaz nahin, toh jaane walo ko aitraaz kyon hoga?”
The delegation arrived in Panama on Tuesday, to begin a key leg of its international outreach. Upon arrival at the airport, the delegation was warmly received and welcomed by India’s Ambassador to Panama, Dr. Sumit Seth, and members of the Indian diplomatic mission.
The visit carries a significant diplomatic message, with the delegation tasked with conveying India’s firm stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism.
The delegation also held high-level meetings with Panama’s President of the National Assembly, Dana Castañeda, along with senior members of Parliament Edwin Vergara and Julio de la Guardia, the latter a former Ambassador to India.
Tharoor noted that he explained the purpose of the delegation’s visit and received “strong assurances of understanding and support for India’s war against terror.”
The visit included signing the visitors’ book and a tour of the main hall of Panama’s National Assembly.
“A positive start to our Panama visit,” said Tharoor, summing up the day’s events.
Earlier, Ambassador Dr Sumit Seth briefed them on various facets of India-Panama bilateral relations, as well as key areas of cooperation.
The delegation’s visit to Panama is part of India’s wider outreach, aiming to bolster diplomacy and cooperation in the global fight against terrorism.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO), is pleased to announce the appointment of Oluwagbemileke (Leke) Agiri as Chief Financial Officer, effective as of May 21, 2025. Mr. Agiri succeeds L. Lynn Smull, who will continue with the Company in a new role as Executive Vice President and Senior Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, focusing on strategic initiatives and to aide and support a seamless transition.
Mr. Agiri brings extensive experience and leadership in corporate finance, capital markets, and strategic growth, both organic and inorganic. Since joining Gevo in August 2022, he has served in key leadership roles, most recently as Executive Vice President, Finance, where he has been instrumental in driving financial strategy and planning. His prior experience includes finance positions in the renewable energy and energy sectors at organizations including Bank of America (BAC), Occidental Petroleum Corporation (OXY) and Anadarko Petroleum Corporation (APC). Mr. Agiri earned a Masters in Business Administration in Finance and Energy from Jones Graduate School of Business at Rice University and a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia.
“We’ve been developing Leke to replace me as the CFO as I approach retirement in my future. Leke has stepped up to every challenge that we have thrown at him. I look forward to a smooth transition with him. It’s my duty to make sure I can help Gevo in any way possible. I also look forward to bringing my skills to bear on some of the exciting projects that Gevo is developing,” said Lynn Smull, Executive Vice President and former CFO of Gevo.
“Leke has been an integral part of our finance team and has demonstrated outstanding leadership and expertise in advancing Gevo’s mission,” said Patrick Gruber, CEO of Gevo. “His appointment reflects our long–term succession planning and confidence in his ability to help lead Gevo through its next phase of growth.
This leadership evolution reflects Gevo’s commitment to building a strong, future-ready team capable of executing on its ambitious goals for innovation and value creation.”
About Gevo Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including synthetic aviation fuel (“SAF”), motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring, and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, without limitation, including the promotion of Leke Agiri, and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gevo for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.
Media Contact Heather L. Manuel VP, Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships PR@gevo.com
Investor Contact Eric Frey, PhD Vice President of Finance & Strategy IR@gevo.com
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO), a leader in sustainable aviation fuel and renewable chemicals, announced today the appointment of James J. Barber, Ph.D., to its Board of Directors. Dr. Barber brings decades of executive leadership and board experience in public and private companies including fuels, chemicals, biobased materials, micro-optics, carbon nanofibers, joint ventures and licensing. Dr. Barber currently serves on the board of directors of Graham Corporation (NYSE: GHM), where he chairs the Compensation Committee and is a member of the Audit and Nomination and Governance Committees.
Dr. Barber holds a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a B.S. in Chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is also a recipient of the American Chemical Society’s Henry F. Whalen, Jr. Award for Business Development and holds a Directorship Certification from the National Association of Corporate Directors.
“We welcome Dr. Barber to the Board,” said Dr. Patrick R. Gruber, CEO of Gevo. “His deep technical expertise, strategic acumen, and boardroom leadership will be invaluable as we grow our company.”
About Gevo Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including synthetic aviation fuel (“SAF”), motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.
Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, without limitation, including the promotion of James Barber, and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made on the basis of the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Gevo for the year ended December 31, 2024, and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.
Media Contact Heather L. Manuel VP, Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships PR@gevo.com
Investor Contact Eric Frey, PhD Vice President of Finance & Strategy IR@gevo.com
1 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, discuss procedures with the crew of a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook, Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). This exercise required this multinational team to stage an ammunition package on the landing zone for retrieval by Moroccan air assets, demonstrating how munitions can be transported. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, sling load a reduced range practice rocket to a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, sling load a reduced range practice rocket to a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in Tan Tan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –A member of a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces guides a reduced range practice rocket during a multinational sling load exercise alongside U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –A member of a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces guides a reduced range practice rocket, during a multinational sling load exercise alongside U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL6 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –The crew of a CH-47 Chinook with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces inspect a reduced range practice rocket, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise with U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL7 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –U.S. Army National Guard Sgt. Kyle Almonte, a motor transport operator with the 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard walks through the rotor wash of a Moroccan CH-47 Chinook as it lands at Cap Draa, ahead of sling load operations at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL8 / 8Show Caption +Hide Caption –The crew chief of a CH-47 Chinook with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces observes the landing zone during a multinational sling load exercise conducted alongside U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL
Back to
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)
TAN TAN, Morocco – Soldiers assigned to the 744th Forward Support Company (744TH FSC), 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard partnered with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), for a sling load exercise, May 17, 2025, at Tan Tan, Morocco, during African Lion 25.
The Royal Kingdom of Morocco was recently approved to purchase High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems and related equipment, and the exercise demonstrated air transportation of munitions for the system. U.S. Army Sgt. Jeff Splain, a motor transport operator with the 744th FSC led his soldiers through the training event where the FAR, using their CH-47 Chinook, flew into the training area, retrieved a reduced range practice rocket pod, departed, and then returned the pod to the landing zone.
A Moroccan pilot with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces explains the process for using the static discharge wand to U.S. Army Sgt. Dylan Dibernardo, a wheeled vehicle mechanic assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, to ensure the aircraft is properly grounded for safe sling load operations at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL
“My team spent five days rehearsing concepts of this operation,” Splain said. “We brainstormed with the pilot and his crew what the best way to hook up the pod was, keeping safety in mind.”
A Royal Moroccan Armed Forces CH-47 Chinook pilot discusses safety with U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL
Military operations require a combined force, which demands rigorous training as teams integrate with allies and partners. This ensures combat experience and readiness to dominate and win on contemporary battlefields.
U.S. Soldiers assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, inspect a reduced range practice rocket, alongside a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces, ahead of a multinational sling load exercise at Cap Draa, Tantan, Morocco, May 17, 2025, during African Lion 2025 (AL25). The exercise demonstrated the capability of aircraft to retrieve and deliver munitions. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL
The multinational team worked together to determine the best way to complete the sling load by inspecting the pod, sling legs and apex, as well as the individual hookup equipment which includes the static discharge wand; keeping safety at the forefront of the mission.
Members of a CH-47 Chinook crew with the Royal Moroccan Armed Forces outfit a U.S. Soldier assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, during a multinational sling load exercise at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) VIEW ORIGINAL
U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Alomonte, a motor transport operator with the 744th FSC played a key role in ensuring safety.
U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Almonte, a motor transport operator assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, guides a Royal Moroccan Armed Forces CH-47 out of the landing zone during a multinational sling load exercise at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)U.S. Army Sgt. Kyle Almonte, a motor transport operator assigned to 3rd Battalion, 197th Field Artillery Regiment, New Hampshire Army National Guard, adjusts the sling legs on a reduced range practice rocket alongside a Royal Moroccan Armed Forces CH-47 Chinook crew member during a multinational sling load operation at African Lion 2025 (AL25), May 17, 2025, in TanTan, Morocco. AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, brings together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF,) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations – preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester) (Photo Credit: Sgt. 1st Class Jessica Forester)VIEW ORIGINAL
After the best course of action was determined, the teams took their respective places on the landing zone, completing two successful hookups.
“This sling load exercise was a great success. It was a culminating event following months of training on both sides,” said Splain. “I’m very proud of my team and what they’ve done, and the knowledge they’ve shared with our Moroccan partners. There’s been no other training I’ve done so far that’s comparable to this.”
About African Lion
AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, and about 10,000 troops. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), on behalf of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM), the exercise will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. AL25 is designed to restore the warrior ethos, sharpen lethality, and strengthen military readiness alongside our African partners and allies This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight, and win.
Mathematicians use their expert knowledge of math to solve problems and gain new understanding about how our world works. They analyze data and create mathematical models to predict results based on changes in variables. Many different fields rely heavily on math, such as engineering, finance, and the sciences. Using math to solve real-world problems is called “applied math.” This is different from “abstract math,” which refers to the study of the structure of mathematics. At NASA, applied math enables new discoveries in space science, astronomy, and aeronautics. For example, professionals might use math techniques to calculate the mass or thrust capability of rockets. Others might work to analyze calorie and food consumption rates aboard the International Space Station. Math is also central to physics and astronomy roles.
Astronomer: Uses skills in advanced math and physics, computer programming, and more to learn about the universe.
Mathematical modeler: Uses math to create models that help explain or predict how processes behave over time.
Electrical engineer: Relies on trigonometry, calculus, and other math skills to design, test, and operate electrical systems.
Data analyst: Uses skills such as algebra and statistics to find meaningful patterns in data.
Computer scientist: Writes code that involves math, programming, data processing, and the use of special software for complex operations.
If you have an affinity for math, high school is a good time to grow those skills. Taking challenging math courses will help build a strong foundation. Participating in extracurricular activities that use math, such as robotics teams or engineering clubs, will also provide helpful opportunities to apply and hone your skills. Careers in applied math vary widely. The type of math skills you’ll need depends on which career you’re interested in – such as astronomer or engineer – and what mathematical tools you’ll need in that job. Students may pursue a degree in applied mathematics or in their chosen field, knowing they will need to take math courses. Current job openings, guidance counselors, and mentors can shed light on the best academic path. With this information, you can begin planning for the skills and education you’ll need. Most math-heavy careers will require at least a four-year degree in the student’s primary field of study along with several college-level math courses. Other careers may require a master’s or Ph.D.
Ready to start flexing your math muscles? NASA STEM provides a variety of hands-on activities you can use to practice applying math principles to real-world situations in space exploration and aviation. These activities are available for a variety of ages and skill levels. NASA also hosts student challenges and competitions that offer great experience for those looking to level up their applied math skills and make genuine contributions to helpful new technologies. NASA also offers paid internships for U.S. citizens aged 16 and up. Interns work on real projects with the guidance of a NASA mentor. Internship sessions are held each year in spring, summer, and fall; visit NASA’s Internships website to learn about important deadlines and current opportunities.
Ask yourself if you enjoy mathematics and if you like problem solving and puzzles. Mathematics careers rarely involve “crunching numbers,” but rather thinking of ideas and theories (for theoretical mathematics) or how to manage data, graphics, machine learning, and related computer and data skills (for applied mathematics).– Jennifer Wiseman, senior astrophysicist, Hubble Space Telescope Research specific fields where mathematics is applied (data science, engineering, finance) and seek internships or shadowing opportunities to experience these environments firsthand. Connect with math professionals for informational interviews and join mathematical communities or organizations related to areas that interest you.– Justin Rice, Earth Science Data and Information Systems deputy project manager, Data Systems Curiosity, willingness to learn, and good communication skills (writing, speaking, illustrating) are important. The last is because although numbers and data are cool, the real magic is being able to interpret them in a way that helps people make business or policy decisions that improve people’s lives.– Nancy Carney, allocation specialist, NASA High-End Computing
“Big Data” jobs are one area that might be very active in terms of internships, as there is huge demand for people who can help to process the incredible amounts of data that are being created in various areas. These include space science, but also everyday areas, as companies across the board build up huge customer datasets and seek ways to analyze and interpret that information.– Kenneth Carpenter, Hubble Space Telescope operations project scientist and Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope ground system scientist
HARTFORD, Conn., May 27, 2025 — Approximately 3,000 IAM Union Local 1746 and Local 700 (District 26) members have voted by 74% to ratify a new four-year collective bargaining agreement with engine-maker Pratt & Whitney, officially ending the three-week strike that began on Monday, May 5. Members will return to work tomorrow.
IAM members at Pratt & Whitney produce and maintain jet aircraft engines for military and commercial jets, such as the KC-46 air refueling tanker, the F-35 joint strike fighter, and the A320 commercial airliner.
The new agreement addresses key member concerns surrounding wage growth, retirement security, and job stability. The ratification follows a new round of bargaining and a strong show of solidarity from IAM members and their allies across the state of Connecticut.
Some highlights of the agreement ratified by IAM Union Local 1746 and Local 700 (District 26) members include:
Job Security:
Continued operations in East Hartford and Middletown facilities through 2029.
No involuntary layoffs if parts are subcontracted for more than 90 days without a return date.
New agreement regarding job protections for turbine airfoil production and a voluntary separation program.
Contract Term: New four-year contract from May 28, 2025 to May 4, 2029.
Wages:
6% increase in the first year (includes $0.57 cost-of-living adjustment added to base pay, 2% special adjustment, and 4% general wage increase).
Future general wage increases: 3.5% (2026), 3% (2027), and 3% (2028).
Promotions: Pay increase of $1 or up to the maximum pay for the new job level, whichever is less.
Pension Plan:
Pension payment amount increases from $94 to $113 (effective June 1, 2025).
Pension plan contributions end December 31, 2028, and a savings plan will begin January 1, 2029.
New options for retirees to receive their pension as a lump sum or while still employed.
Savings Plan:
The maximum weekly matched contribution rises to $115 by 2028, matched 100%.
Company automatic contributions increase each year with the GWIs, starting at $118 in 2025.
Work Schedules: More flexible workweek options for employees.
“Our committee worked tirelessly to ensure our members’ priorities were heard, and this agreement is a direct result of that determination,” said IAM Union District 26 Directing Business Representative Jeff Santini. “We are proud of what was achieved at the table and even prouder of the solidarity shown by our membership throughout this process.”
IAM leadership credited the strength and unity of the membership in securing an improved offer from the company.
“Pratt & Whitney is a leader in the aerospace industry because of the dedication and skill of our members,” said IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “The voice of the membership was heard loud and clear — and this new agreement reflects the value they bring to Pratt & Whitney. I commend this committee for reflecting the will of the membership.”
This agreement shows the negotiating committee’s commitment to protecting the future for all generations of workers
“We fight every day for the well-being of our IAM members across North America,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “This ratified agreement is a testament to the power of collective bargaining and the importance of respecting the workforce. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Pratt & Whitney in a way that strengthens both our members and the company.”
IAM Union members at Locals 700 and 1746 play a critical role in Pratt & Whitney’s military and commercial aerospace production.
“Our members stood together with strength and resolve,” said IAM Local 700 President Wayne McCarthy. “This agreement includes real gains for our members and proves what we can accomplish when we stick together.”
IAM members were supported on the picket lines by the Connecticut AFL-CIO and from the likes of U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S Sen. Chris Murphy, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, U.S. Rep. John Larson, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, Gov. Ned Lamont, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, State Attorney General William Tong, State Treasurer Erick Russell, as well as many other state and local officials.
“We went into these negotiations with clear goals, and thanks to the support and unity of our membership, we’ve delivered results,” said IAM Local 1746 President Howie Huestis. “This contract puts our members in a stronger position for the future, and we’re proud of the work that went into making it happen.”
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
The post IAM Union Workers at Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut Achieve Contract Victory, Ending Three-Week Strike appeared first on IAM Union.
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced a partnership with ESAero to provide critical AS9100 manufacturing capacity for the Black Widow sUAS and its subsystems. The AS9100 standard ensures a manufacturer has a quality management system in place to meet the stringent requirements of the aerospace industry.
Teal Drones is a wholly owned subsidiary of Red Cat Holdings. The company’s Black Widow drone is a small unmanned aerial system (sUAS) designed for short-range reconnaissance (SRR) missions. The system, which was down selected for the U.S. Army’s SRR Program of Record contract, provides military operators with improved situational awareness, autonomous capabilities, and rugged performance in contested environments.
“As we ramp up production of the Black Widow to fulfill our SRR contracts and meet growing demand from U.S. and international customers, securing high-quality, aerospace-certified manufacturing capacity is critical,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “ESAero’s facilities, combined with their deep engineering expertise, make them an ideal partner for Red Cat. This collaboration supports our ability to scale manufacturing, focus on continuous improvement, and deliver mission-ready sUAS platforms to the warfighters that depend on them.”
ESAero is committed to supporting Red Cat’s mission of delivering high-quality Made-in-America sUAS to its customers and the warfighter. With multiple AS9100-certified manufacturing facilities located in San Luis Obispo, CA, ESAero is well-positioned to enhance the production throughput of Teal’s technologies for key customers. ESAero’s vertically integrated facilities and robust supply chain are perfectly suited to bolster the production of components and subsystems for Black Widow in a schedule-driven manner.
“We have had a great relationship with Red Cat over the past year and a half supporting various developments, including the Teal 2 and Black Widow,” said Andrew Gibson, President, CEO, and Co-Founder of ESAero. “During this time, we have made significant investments in our manufacturing capability for producing Group I – III UAS at scale, which we are thrilled to now provide to Red Cat and Teal. We believe this partnership will effectively and efficiently provide Teal the capacity they need to meet the production needs of their customers and the warfighter.”
Red Cat and ESAero recognize the importance of strong partnerships within America’s industrial base to meet the critical production needs of the warfighter. By combining Teal’s core technology with ESAero’s proven ability to scale production of advanced systems, Black Widow will be well positioned to be deployed rapidly and reliably.
About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.
Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.
About Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero)
ESAero produces Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and advanced aerospace technologies for commercial and military applications. An established leader in the field, ESAero has been demonstrating for decades its core competencies in the design and manufacturing of innovative, reliable, and scalable aircraft systems including power and battery management systems. Based in San Luis Obispo, California, ESAero provides vertically integrated AS9100 certified services in R&D, engineering, design for manufacturing, rapid prototyping, testing, and serialized production expanding in the thousands. With over 130,000 sq.ft., ESAero has the capacity, capability, and facilities to scale and accelerate manufacturing to support its partners and customers.
Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
DGCA visits Beijing Mr Liu called on the Administrator of the CAAC, Mr Song Zhiyong, and expressed his gratitude for the CAAC’s staunch support to the aviation industry of Hong Kong throughout the years. He also briefed Mr Song on the latest civil aviation developments in Hong Kong to further enhance co-operation. Mr Liu also met with Deputy Administrator of the CAAC Mr Han Jun and representatives from the relevant bureaux, to discuss how to establish closer ties in the areas including civil aviation development, aviation safety and technical co-operation.
During the visit, the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) signed a Letter of Intent on Strengthening Technical Exchanges and Collaboration in Civil Aviation Safety Oversight, and a Cooperation Arrangement on Strengthening Civil Aviation Science and Technology with the CAAC and the China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology (CAST) under the CAAC respectively.
In addition, witnessed by Mr Liu and Mr Han, the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy and the Civil Aviation Flight University of China signed a framework agreement to foster co-operation in cadet pilot training. Both flying training organisations were granted with the CAD 509 approval.
Mr Liu also met with the Director General of the ATMB of the CAAC, Mr Miao Xuan, to exchange views on further strengthening co-operation in air traffic management, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency of the aviation industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. Mr Liu welcomed the participation of the ATMB in Airspace Asia Pacific 2025 to be held in Hong Kong this December, showcasing the innovative technologies used in Mainland air traffic management.
Mr Liu took the opportunity to visit the Third Civil Aviation Science and Education Innovation Achievement Exhibition and the CAST Aviation Safety Experimental Base to learn about the achievements in innovative technologies and development trends in the Mainland aviation industry.
Accompanying Mr Liu to Beijing was the Assistant Director-General of Civil Aviation (Air Services and Safety Management), Mr Raymond Ng; the Assistant Director-General of Civil Aviation (Air Traffic Management), Mr Hui Man-ho; and the Assistant Director-General of Civil Aviation (Airport Standards), Mr Samuel Ng.
Mr Liu will return to Hong Kong tomorrow (May 28). Issued at HKT 18:40
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CSB and departments hold career talks in Mainland universities Issued at HKT 19:24
The Civil Service Bureau (CSB), together with representatives from the Civil Aviation Department, the Home Affairs Department and the Digital Policy Office are visiting Guangzhou and Wuhan to conduct career talks at Sun Yat-sen University, Jinan University, Wuhan University and Huazhong University of Science and Technology for four consecutive days starting today (May 27), to provide Hong Kong students studying on the Mainland with information on various positions in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government.
Speaking at the talk at Sun Yat-sen University today, the Director of General Grades of the CSB, Mr Hermes Chan, said that since 2023, the CSB of the HKSAR Government has been sending delegations to a number of universities and local offices of the HKSAR on the Mainland to introduce the diverse job opportunities offered by the HKSAR Government to Hong Kong students and Hong Kong people residing on the Mainland. In May last year, the CSB held career talks together with various departments for the first time at several universities in Guangdong and Fujian. The briefings are effective, as shown by the continuous increase in the number of applications for civil service positions from Hong Kong students graduating from Mainland universities. He encouraged Hong Kong students with aspirations to serve the community to equip themselves early to join the civil service.
The career talks covered information related to Student Air Traffic Control Officer, Liaison Officer Grade, Analyst/Programmer Grade, Computer Operator Grade, Executive Officer Grade, and other general grades. Information booths, mock skills tests and mock interview sessions were also provided on-site to allow students to experience the recruitment process.
For information on matters related to civil service recruitment, job vacancies and the latest examination arrangements, please visit the CSB website: www.csb.gov.hk/english/recruit/7.html.
Source: US Congressman Ryan Zinke (Western Montana)
Zinke prioritizes infrastructure, law enforcement, and rural development across 13 Counties
WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Ryan Zinke announced that he requested federal funding for 15 projects in Western Montana to improve infrastructure, economic development, and law enforcement capabilities. The requests were submitted to the House Appropriations Committee of which he is a member. The projects would benefit communities in the following counties: Beaverhead, Flathead, Gallatin, Granite, Lake (2), Lincoln (2), Missoula (2), Mineral (2), Powell, Ravalli (3), and Sanders (3). The projects are posted on Congressman Zinke’s website for public inspection here and listed below.
“Rural America’s infrastructure needs have been ignored for too long, as a member of the Appropriations Committee I can ensure our tax dollars are spent on projects that directly support our communities,” said Zinke. “With the help of county commissioners, mayors, and sheriffs, we’ve identified and nominated strong, shovel-ready projects that reflect real community needs and deliver the highest return to Montana taxpayers. These investments will support our law enforcement, expand access to clean water, repair failing infrastructure, and spur economic growth across Western Montana. This is about building a stronger Montana by making sure our families have access to housing, clean water, and safe streets for generations to come.”
The submissions were made through the U.S. House of Representatives Community Project Funding program, which allows Congress to direct appropriations from specific grant accounts to eligible projects. All projects must meet the published grant requirements and pass a series of legislative hurdles. Every project must be approved by the House Appropriations Committee, the full House of Representatives and be included in the joint funding package approved by the House and Senate and signed by the President. In Fiscal Year 2024, Zinke successfully secured $35 million in funding for Western Montana.
Proposed projects include:
*Projects listed by county in alphabetical order
Beaverhead, Lake, Lincoln, Mineral and Sanders Counties, $2,889,500 – Five-County Law Enforcement Resilience Project
Provides a funding level of $2,889,500 for Mineral County, located at P.O. Box 99, 310 River Street, Superior, MT 58972. To reduce cost to the taxpayer and promote equipment continuity in the event of a multi-county response to an incident, Mineral, Lake, Beaverhead, Lincoln, and Sanders counties have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to purchase much needed vehicles and equipment in bulk for bolstered law enforcement and public safety. The 2021-2025 crisis at the southwest border turned every state into a border state -including Montana. Five rural counties with a combined population of less than 80,000 are experiencing the lingering effects of the border crisis with criminal aliens still at large. These five counties have formed a joint purchasing agreement to purchase desperately needed equipment and vehicles in bulk to save tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars per county. The funding will purchase patrol vehicles, body scanners, radios and telecom equipment, rifles, vests, and fund safety upgrades.
Flathead County, $1,936,170 – North Fork Road Guardrails
The significance of the North Fork Road cannot be overstated. It provides crucial access for residents, U.S. Customs and Border Protection operations along the Canadian border, year-round recreational activities, and timber industry operations. It also serves as the route for approximately 150,000 annual visitors to Glacier National Park that access the park through the Camas and Polebridge entrances. The North Fork Road plays a pivotal role in the economic and recreational vitality of the region. Despite its significance, the North Fork Road poses safety concerns. Composed of a mostly gravel surface and winding in nature, it has numerous roadside hazards, including sections of roadway with steep side slopes descending to the river below. The existing guardrail along this section of road have surpassed their service life and due to their poor condition, have reduced ability to function as intended. The project will add or replace guardrail to improve safety along 3.71 miles of roadway.
Gallatin County, $906,660 – Sheriff’s Office Rapid DNA Capabilities and Patrol Vehicles
Provides a funding level of $906,660 for Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, located at 615 South 16th Street, Bozeman, MT 59715. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Department and Belgrade Police Department have formed an MOU to combine their purchasing power and coordinate complementary technology. This funding request will fund the purchase of all necessary equipment, software, warranties, consumables, and technical DNA support for the county sheriff’s office and all other municipal law enforcement agencies. This comprehensive Rapid DNA program will be open to all law enforcement agencies within the county, and hopefully beyond. The state crime lab is facing an overwhelming number of DNA evidence items awaiting processing. To manage this caseload, they have created strict guidelines prioritizing certain crimes and limiting the number of DNA samples that can be processed. To help ease the burden on the state crime lab and enable them to focus on more complex and high-priority cases, the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office will be able to process DNA samples that can lead to immediate investigative leads. Additionally, the Belgrade Police Department will acquire fully outfitted patrol sport utility cruisers to enhance the safety of the citizens of Belgrade. Belgrade is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Western Montana and budgets are stretched thin across city government to support that growth.
Granite County, $5,000,000 – Clean Water Infrastructure Project “Phase 1”
Provide a funding level of $5,000,000 for the town of Phillipsburg, Montana, located at 104 South Sansome St. Philipsburg, MT 59858, to construct a new water transmission line. The town of Phillipsburg derives over 82% of its municipal water supply from the Fred Burr Reservoir, a high mountain lake located approximately 7 miles from the town. The dependability of the Fred Burr supply hinges on the reliability of the 7-mile-long transmission main that connects the lake to the town. The transmission line recently experienced a catastrophic failure. The pipeline traverses through rugged, forested, mountainous terrain at high elevations. Replacement of this transmission line is critical for the community to ensure clean and plentiful drinking water.
Lake County, $730,000 – Ronan Volunteer Fire Department Replacement of 30 Year Old Type 1 Fire Truck
Support $730,000 for the purchase of a Type 1 Structure Engine to replace the current vehicle which is over 30 years old. The purchase would replace aging equipment and improve emergency response capacity. This funding will directly strengthen emergency response capacity in Montana’s First Congressional District, where many rural and tribal communities face long response times and limited firefighting resources. By equipping the Ronan Fire Department with a modern, NFPA-compliant Type 1 engine, we not only enhance local fire protection but also regional mutual aid support across Lake County and surrounding areas. This project promotes public safety, supports rural infrastructure, and aligns with congressional priorities to invest in underserved communities. Additionally, it strengthens partnerships between local, tribal, and federal entities in protecting critical infrastructure and natural resources.
Lincoln County, $820,319 – Rural Airport Reconstruction and Emergency Services Expansion
The Troy Airport runway is in poor condition at-best, requiring extensive runway restoration and repair. This rural airport is vital to search and rescue, wildland firefighting efforts and medical flights within Northwest Montana. With the wildland fire trend in NW Montana, the need for a central location for deploying firefighting aircrafts and for a well-maintained runway is essential and cannot be overstated. The Troy Airport is situated close to many forested regions that are susceptible to wildland fire allowing for quick response time to extinguish fires before they spread further. A poorly maintained runway can have significant negative effects on airport operations and safety including the delay of firefighting efforts. Additionally, the 797 residents of Troy rely on the airport for air ambulance service as the closest trauma center is located more than 2 hours away in Kalispell.
Missoula County, $1,400,000 – Lolo Wastewater Treatment Plant
The community of Lolo is deficient in the water supply requirements for having the largest well out of service and meeting the max day water demand for the system. The community currently operates a public water supply system through an RSID and requires an upgrade to Well No. 1 and Well No. 2, to increase the water supply for the community. The water rights exist, and the wells can easily be upgraded to increase their capacity. The project was bid last year, and the community didn’t have enough money to award the bid. The benefit is that the project is shovel-ready and already approved by DEQ to move forward as soon as funds are available for the community to use. The community is concerned about having enough water for the citizens, but particularly concerned during the summer months when the fire season is imminent. The lack of redundancy for the water system is a great concern for the community and upgrading these two wells would provide that necessary capacity and surety.
Missoula County, $21,134,250 – Seeley Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant
The largest employer in Seeley Lake and one of the largest in Missoula County announced it was closing after 75 years in business citing it was “crippled” by labor shortages driven by a lack of affordable housing, inflation, and lumber prices. The mill employed roughly 250 employees. The town of Seeley Lake is very rural and unable to build additional housing because it does not have a municipal water system to support additional housing and the existing septic system is at capacity and contaminating the groundwater. Building a water system will allow developers to invest in affordable workforce housing to support reopening the mill and growing jobs and economic activity in the region.
Mineral County, $1,000,000 – Alberton Water Tower
Currently, the storage volume for Alberton is inadequate. The proposed Water Storage Improvements Projects will add 200,000 gallons of drinking water storage in order to provide adequate water volume to satisfy maximum day demands and also to deliver sufficient fire flow/volume. The Town is implementing a major improvements project to its distribution system in ’24-’25 and the storage tank project is the next highest priority project according to the Town’s 2020 Preliminary Engineering Report.
Powell County, $1,009,934 – Equipment for Volunteer Fire Departments
Provides a funding level of $1,009,934 to Powell County, Montana located at 409 Missouri Ave, Suite 203, Deer Lodge, MT 59722. Powell County is larger than the entire state of Delaware, and large sections of the County are very remote. First responders are responsible for responding to more than 800 miles of county road, 90 miles of state highway, and 36 miles of Interstate. Volunteer departments respond to hundreds of interstate accidents every year in addition to countless search and rescue operations on millions of acres of rugged wilderness. This request would fund the acquisition of equipment for EMS, fire department and search and rescue operations. This will help both Granite and Powell Counties, as both Gold Creek and Drummond’s Valley Fire work together per a mutual aid agreement, which further extends the impact of this request.
Ravalli County, $1,143,000 – Bridge Replacement, Groff Lane
Ravalli County is one of the fastest growing counties in Montana. Groff Lane provides access to larger agricultural tracts in Ravalli County and a future potential public access. The narrow bridges need to be replaced to allow for safer passage and also to ensure that irrigation water delivery can continue to some larger agricultural water users in the Bitterroot Valley.
Ravalli County, $5,500,000 – Old Corvallis Road Repair
The funding would be used for repair of the Old Corvallis Road in the critical north-south transportation corridor of the greater Hamilton area. The Project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because Old Corvallis Road serves as a crucial transportation artery in the greater Hamilton area, connecting the Corvallis community with essential services and employment opportunities in the City of Hamilton, notably a large pharmaceutical facility as well as a soon-to-be residential development that will consist of 140 units. The road suffers from poor pavement conditions and lacks dedicated non-motorized facilities, making walking hazardous. Traffic counts from 2023 reveal an average daily traffic of 2,705 vehicles with an anticipated increase of nearly 50% once the residential development is completed. Addressing these infrastructure challenges is crucial to ensuring safe and efficient travel along Old Corvallis Road.
Ravalli County, $10,000,000 – Wastewater Treatment Plant
Ravalli county is currently one of the most rapidly developing counties in Montana and one of the greatest in need of affordable housing. One of the greatest barriers to that is the lack of water and sewage treatment capacity. Ravalli county until recently has been forced to send its raw sewage by truck to Missoula county for disposal and treatment. Recently this arrangement was terminated due to Missoula counties own issues with sewage treatment capacity. Currently all sewage pumped from septic tanks in Ravalli county is being deposed of on National Forest lands. This is a concern both environmentally and economically due to the capacity barriers this creates. Septic seepage levels are reaching a dangerous level and because of this the county is limited in new septic permits it can issue to build new homes and dwellings. This new facility if funded would protect drinking water, ease capacity restrictions inhibiting development, and protect environmental quality by keeping septic seepage and human waste out of critical groundwater siphons and the Bitterroot river.
Sanders County, $10,000,000 – Noxon Bridge Replacement Project Phase 1
This funding would replace a failing 102-year-old bridge that is on an important emergency service, school bus, and commodity transportation route. The 102-year-old structure is now facing serious structural concerns, leading to its indefinite closure. This is the only bridge which links Highway 200 to the town of Noxon, and has developed cracks in its foundation and holes in the roadbed have opened, prompting urgent safety evaluations. The Sanders County Commissioners commissioned a study to assess the bridge’s condition, with findings recommending full replacement rather than rehabilitation. The closure has already disrupted daily life, affecting food deliveries, emergency services, and local businesses. School busses fully loaded are unable to traverse the bridge. Due to budget constraints of a small taxbase, the county is unable to fund the project alone. With its historical significance and essential role in local infrastructure, restoring the Noxon Bridge remains a top priority for both county and state officials. Securing the necessary funding remains a challenge, leaving the community in limbo as they await further action.
Sanders County, $1,150,000 – Repaving Marten Creek Road
This project aims to rehabilitate and upgrade a surface transportation asset that if left unimproved threatens the mobility of people, delivery of services to residents, economic growth from tourism and vital national forest access. This project will improve the lifespan of Marten Creek Road, reduce future maintenance costs and allow more time, money and resources to be spent on other roads in the county. Sanders County proposes to hire a contractor to overlay 4.5 miles of Marten Creek Road with 2.5″ thick asphalt 22′ wide. Estimated cost of the project is $1,150,000.
AI has already transformed industries and the way the world works. And its development has been so rapid that it can be hard to keep up. This means that those responsible for dealing with AI’s impact on issues such as safety, privacy and ethics must be equally speedy.
But regulating such a fast-moving and complex sector is extremely difficult.
At a summit in France in February 2025, world leaders struggled to agree on how to govern AI in a way that would be “safe, secure and trustworthy”. But regulation is something that directly affects everyday lives – from the confidentiality of medical records to the security of financial transactions.
One recent example which highlights the tension between technological advancement and individual privacy is the ongoing dispute between the UK government and Apple. (The government wants the tech giant to provide access to encrypted user data stored in its cloud service, but Apple says this would be a breach of customers’ privacy.)
It’s a delicate balance for all concerned. For businesses, particularly global ones, the challenge is about navigating a fragmented regulatory landscape while staying competitive. Governments need to ensure public safety while encouraging innovation and technological progress.
That progress could be a key part of economic growth. Research suggests that AI is igniting an economic revolution – improving the performance of entire sectors.
In healthcare for example, AI diagnostics have drastically reduced costs and saved lives. In finance, razor-sharp algorithms cut risks and help businesses to rake in profits.
Logistics firms have benefited from streamlined supply chains, with delivery times and expenses slashed. In manufacturing, AI-driven automation has cranked up efficiency and cut wasteful errors.
But as AI systems become ever more deeply embedded, the risks associated with their unchecked development increase.
Data used in recruitment algorithms for instance, can unintentionally discriminate against certain groups, perpetuating social inequality. Automated credit-scoring systems can exclude people unfairly (and remove accountability).
Issues like these can erode trust and bring ethical risks.
A well-designed regulatory framework must mitigate these risks while ensuring that AI remains a tool for economic growth. Over-regulation could slow development and discourage investment, but inadequate oversight may lead to misuse or exploitation.
International intelligence
This dilemma is being treated differently across the world. The EU for example, has introduced one of the most comprehensive regulatory frameworks, prioritising transparency and accountability, especially in areas such as healthcare and employment.
While robust, this approach risks slowing innovation and increasing compliance costs for businesses.
China meanwhile uses government-led regulation, prioritising national security and economic growth. This brings major state investment, driving advances in things such as facial recognition and surveillance systems, which are used extensively in train stations, airports and public buildings.
These varying approaches demonstrate a lack of international agreement about AI. And they also pose significant challenges for businesses operating globally.
Companies must now comply with multiple, sometimes conflicting AI regulations, leading to increased compliance costs and uncertainty.
This fragmentation could slow down AI adoption as firms hesitate to invest in applications that could become non-compliant in some countries. A globally coordinated regulatory framework seems increasingly necessary to ensure fairness and promote responsible innovation without excessive constraints.
Innovation vs regulation
But again, achieving this kind of framework would not be easy. The impact of regulation on innovation is complex and involves careful trade-offs.
Transparency, while essential for accountability, could mean sharing new technology, potentially eroding competitive advantages. Strict compliance requirements, crucial in industries such as healthcare and finance, can be counterproductive where rapid development is vital.
Effective AI regulation should be dynamic, adaptive and globally harmonised, balancing ethical responsibilities with economic ambition. Companies that actively align with ethical AI standards are likely to benefit from improved consumer trust.
For now, in the absence of global agreement, the UK has chosen a flexible approach, with guidelines set by independent bodies such as the Responsible Technology Adoption Unit. This model aims to attract investment and encourage innovation by offering clarity without overly rigid constraints.
With a robust research ecosystem, world-class universities and a skilled workforce, the UK has a solid foundation for AI-driven economic growth. Continued investment in research, infrastructure and talent are essential.
The UK must also stay proactive in shaping international AI standards. For achieving effective AI governance that is safe and trustworthy, will be key to securing its future as an engine of economic and social transformation.
Jun Du is a member of the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) Economic Advisory Council, and part of BCC Global Britain Challenge Group; the Vice Chair of the Trade and Investment Panel for the International Chambers of Commerce, and advisor to the Midlands Engine Observatory Program Board and the Business Commission West Midlands Advisory Panel. Jun is a member of the Council of Experts of the UKRI-funded Innovation & Research Caucus, and part of the OECD Innovation Review Advisory Group.
Cher Li is a member of the Council of Experts of the UKRI-funded Innovation & Research Caucus, and government Expert Peer Review Group (PRG). Her recent research projects have been funded by the ESRC and United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
Xingyi Liu has received funding from the Innovation & Research Caucus for his recent research.
India attracted a record USD 81.04 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) in the fiscal year 2024–25, up 14% from the previous year, driven by a liberalized policy regime and strong inflows into the services and manufacturing sectors, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry said on Tuesday.
The services sector emerged as the top recipient of FDI equity in FY 2024–25, attracting 19% of total inflows, followed by computer software and hardware (16%) and trading (8%). FDI into the services sector rose by 40.77%, reaching USD 9.35 billion, up from USD 6.64 billion in the previous year.
India is also becoming a hub for manufacturing FDI, which grew by 18% in FY 2024–25, reaching USD 19.04 billion compared to USD 16.12 billion in FY 2023–24.
Maharashtra accounted for the highest share (39%) of total FDI equity inflows in FY 2024–25, followed by Karnataka (13%) and Delhi (12%). Among source countries, Singapore led with a 30% share, followed by Mauritius (17%) and the United States (11%).
Over the last eleven financial years (2014–25), India attracted FDI worth USD 748.78 billion, reflecting a 143% increase over the previous eleven years (2003–14), which saw USD 308.38 billion in inflows. This constitutes nearly 70% of the total USD 1,072.36 billion in FDI received over the past 25 years.
Additionally, the number of source countries for FDI increased from 89 in FY 2013–14 to 112 in FY 2024–25, underscoring India’s growing global appeal as an investment destination.
In the regulatory domain, the government has undertaken transformative reforms across multiple sectors to liberalize FDI norms. Between 2014 and 2019, significant reforms included increased FDI caps in the Defence, Insurance, and Pension sectors, as well as liberalized policies for Construction, Civil Aviation, and Single Brand Retail Trading.
From 2019 to 2024, notable measures included allowing 100% FDI under the automatic route in coal mining, contract manufacturing, and insurance intermediaries. In 2025, the Union Budget proposed increasing the FDI limit from 74% to 100% for companies investing their entire premium within India.
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
May 20, 2025
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—today pressed Air Force Secretary Troy Meink and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin on the more than $1 billion in taxpayer money it would cost to convert the Qatari jet into a secure Air Force One, as well as the operational security risks inherent with using a jet gifted by a foreign government to transport the President. Video of Duckworth’s remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube.
“It’s not enough that Donald Trump has given the pathetic appearance that he can be bought with a luxury jet—this flying national security risk will also force taxpayers to waste over $1 billion in upgrades to make the aircraft fit to protect a President of the United States,” Duckworth said. “We already have two fully operational and capable Air Force One aircraft. This would be a colossal, unnecessary waste of taxpayer dollars that needlessly creates operational security risks and gives the dangerous impression that our foreign policy is for sale. We cannot allow this.”
Duckworth has been an outspoken critic of the Trump Administration’s plan to accept the $400 million luxury jet from Qatar. Last Thursday, she led her Senate Democratic colleagues in demanding that the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) be transparent with them about the substantial national security and operational risks posed by President Trump’s plan to accept the $400 million jet from the Qatari royal family. Last Friday, the Senator joined U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Adam Schiff (D-CA) and other colleagues in urging the DOD Acting Inspector General to open an inquiry into DOD’s involvement facilitating the transfer of an unprecedented foreign gift intended for President Trump’s personal use.
Since day one, Duckworth has repeatedly called out the Trump Administration’s top-ranking national security officials and the severe national security failures they have been responsible for. After The Atlantic reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent classified war plans in a Signal group chat with other Trump Administration officials, putting the lives of our men and women in uniform at greater risk and undermining the effectiveness of the mission, Duckworth released a statement demanding Hegseth’s resignation and an independent investigation into all officials on the Signal chain. The Senator reiterated her call for Hegseth to resign in disgrace after the New York Times reported that Hegseth also shared the classified airstrike plans with his wife and brother. In March, Duckworth joined her Senate colleagues in calling on the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, SASC and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee to hold hearings to investigate why members of President Trump’s national security team were recklessly discussing classified military operations on unsecured devices.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
St. Petersburg, May 27 (Xinhua) — Russia’s Baltic Fleet on Tuesday began scheduled exercises to maintain combat readiness and practice defensive actions of the navy in the Baltic Sea, the press service of the Russian Defense Ministry reported.
The exercise involves about 3,000 servicemen, more than 20 warships, boats and support vessels, including a frigate, corvettes, small missile ships and boats, small anti-submarine ships, minesweepers and support vessels. Also involved are about 25 aircraft and helicopters, up to 70 units of military and special equipment.
The exercises include anti-submarine missions and protection against unmanned boats, as well as practical artillery fire at sea and air targets. –0–
Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice sentenced Brandon L. Scott, age 40, to 22 months in prison for making a bomb threat onboard a flight to Seattle. Judge Rice also imposed 3 years of supervised release and $79,449.47 in restitution to Alaska Airlines and the Spokane International Airport.
According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, On July 5, 2023, Scott was a passenger on an Alaska Airlines flight from Atlanta to Seattle. During the flight, Scott handed a flight attendant a note that said in part:
“There is a bomb on the plane. This is not a joke. Several pounds of homemade explosives are in my carry-on bag. I have a detonator with me. Handle this matter carefully and exactly how I say, otherwise I will detonate the explosives and kill everyone on board. You are to alert the pilot to this note and keep the issue to yourself. Many innocent lives are in your hands, do as I demand and everyone will live. Deviate and the consequences will be deadly for all of us. I have nothing left to lose.”
The note included instructions to reroute the plane from its destination in Seattle and land at another airport. The flight attendant alerted the captain and co-pilot to the threat who then alerted Air Traffic Control. Air Traffic Control diverted the flight to the Spokane International Airport. The airport placed a ground stop on all aircraft, resulting in significant delays to other departing and arriving aircraft and passengers.
The plane landed at Spokane International Airport and Scott was taken into custody and admitted to what he had done. No explosive materials or devices were found on the plane.
“Threatening the safety of a commercial flight is a serious federal crime that puts lives at risk, disrupts national air travel, and drains emergency resources,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Mr. Scott’s actions caused widespread disruption and alarm, and this case underscores our commitment to protecting the safety of passengers and airline personnel in Eastern Washington and across the country.”
“The threat made by Mr. Scott ended up being a hoax, but he is finding it had real-life consequences,” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “Fortunately, his actions did not result in anyone being hurt. I am grateful that the flight landed without incident in this case and applaud the flight crew for the professional manner in which they handled a potentially dangerous situation.”
This case was investigated the FBI. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Tyler H.L. Tornabene and Patrick J. Cashman.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared infrastructure as “fundamental” to South Africa’s development and a propellant of growth.
The President was delivering the keynote address at the fourth annual Sustainable Infrastructure Development Symposium South Africa (SIDSSA) held at Century City in Cape Town on Tuesday.
The two-day symposium kicked off on Monday and brings together government leaders, infrastructure funding representatives, construction sector representatives and technical experts to discuss and share strategies and best practices for infrastructure development in the country.
“In many ways, this is a moment that – I believe – is filled with great promise and endless opportunities for infrastructure development in our country. Earlier this year, one industry publication said the country was ready to unleash an infrastructure boom. As we gather at this symposium year after year, it is important for us to understand the important role that is played by infrastructure in the life of a nation, particularly our South African nation.
“This is so because infrastructure is fundamental to the development of our country. It serves as the backbone of economic growth and social progress and contributes to the improvement of the life of our people,” the President said.
He described public infrastructure as the “flywheel that our economy needs to boost growth and to create jobs”.
“Through public infrastructure we are able to build roads, ports, railways and airports to enable what we produce as a nation to move efficiently. Infrastructure development demonstrates stability and great potential to investors. Infrastructure that is well constructed and maintained encourages investors to see our country as a great investment destination.
“Infrastructure projects create jobs not only in construction and maintenance but in a number of related industries as well. Public infrastructure in water supply, electricity, schools and health clinics improves living standards and provides dignity to our people and fosters national unity.
“When we have good infrastructure, we are a nation that is connected by rail, road, telecommunications, electricity, education facilities, good health centres and outstanding entertainment facilities like stadiums,” he explained.
WATCH | President Ramaphosa addresses the SIDSSA
From planning to execution During the past month, Infrastructure South Africa released the second edition of the Construction Book – which showcases some 250 fully funded infrastructure projects with a value estimated to exceed R238 billion.
This, the President said, is a good show of intent by government to move from concept to implementation.
“By showcasing the types of infrastructure projects being developed, the Construction Book helps the construction sector and supplier industries anticipate demand for local materials, components and services.
“By focusing on projects that are procurement-ready and financially secured, it also reduces uncertainty for contractors, consultants, manufacturers and material suppliers.
“We are showing that we have moved from great ideas on paper to executable plans to implementation,” President Ramaphosa noted.
Reflecting on the R1 trillion earmarked for infrastructure investment by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana, the President said government will look to partner with the private sector.
“As the state substantially increases its capital investment, we recognise that government does not have the financial resources to undertake this work alone. That is why we are working to mobilise all available capital, both domestic and international, towards this infrastructure boom.
“This requires that our projects have the credibility that is necessary for stakeholders to invest in our projects and so that we can mobilise the trillions of rands in long-term savings managed by the domestic financial sector,” he said.
Reforms will be implemented to “make public-private partnerships easier, faster and more predictable”.
“Some of the reforms we are focusing on will make it easier for public-private partnerships under the value of R2 billion to gain approval.
“This will significantly reduce the procedural complexity of implementing public-private projects. We are implementing the reforms necessary to make it easier for more construction by reducing regulatory duplication and providing investors with long-term certainty,” he revealed.
Developmental agenda
On Monday, the SIDSSA hosted a Leaders Forum with a number of Ministers from across the continent, premiers, MECs and representatives of local government.
The President described the gathering as “vital”.
“The Leaders Forum is a vital platform for…creating space for strategic dialogue, knowledge exchange and policy alignment. This level of collaboration is essential if we are to overcome shared challenges and realise the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“As we seek to transform our country and continent and unlock its full potential, we must place infrastructure at the heart of our development agenda. Not only as a tool for economic growth and social development, but as a symbol of our great ambition and our hope for a better future,” President Ramaphosa concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
ESCONDIDO, Calif., May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — One Stop Systems, Inc. (OSS or the Company) (Nasdaq: OSS), a leading provider of rugged, enterprise-class compute solutions for AI, machine learning (ML), and sensor processing at the edge, and an NVIDIA TIER 2 OEM and a NPN Elite Partner, today announced its participation in the upcoming NVIDIA GTC Paris Conference. The event takes place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris, France, on June 11–12, 2025.
“NVIDIA is a valued long-time partner,” stated OSS President and CEO, Mike Knowles. “GTC Paris provides a premier platform to showcase our rugged, enterprise-class compute solutions designed for large-scale, data center-class AI, autonomy, and sensor fusion applications in edge environments.”
Visitors to NVIDIA GTC Paris can experience OSS’s specialized AI computing solutions at Booth E07. Representatives from Bressner, OSS’s European subsidiary, will also be present and exhibiting at the conference.
NVIDIA GTC Paris, organized in partnership with VivaTech 2025, brings together developers, researchers, business leaders, and technical experts to explore real-world applications of AI and accelerated computing. The event features live demos and sessions on generative AI, industrial digitalization, robotics, large language models, and more.
For product inquiries or to schedule a meeting, contact OSS sales engineers at sales@onestopsystems.com or call +1 (877) 438-2724.
About One Stop Systems One Stop Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: OSS) is a leader in AI enabled solutions for the demanding ‘edge’. OSS designs and manufactures Enterprise Class compute and storage products that enable rugged AI, sensor fusion and autonomous capabilities without compromise. These hardware and software platforms bring the latest data center performance to harsh and challenging applications, whether they are on land, sea or in the air.
OSS products include ruggedized servers, compute accelerators, flash storage arrays, and storage acceleration software. These specialized compact products are used across multiple industries and applications, including autonomous trucking and farming, as well as aircraft, drones, ships and vehicles within the defense industry.
OSS solutions address the entire AI workflow, from high-speed data acquisition to deep learning, training and large-scale inference, and have delivered many industry firsts for industrial OEM and government customers.
As the fastest growing segment of the multi-billion-dollar edge computing market, AI enabled solutions require-and OSS delivers-the highest level of performance in the most challenging environments without compromise.
OSS products are available directly or through global distributors. For more information, go to www.onestopsystems.com. You can also follow OSS on X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Forward-Looking Statements One Stop Systems cautions you that statements in this press release that are not a description of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Words such as, but not limited to, “anticipate,” “aim,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “continue,” “could,” “design,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “suggest,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and similar expressions or phrases, or the negative of those expressions or phrases, are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. These statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs and expectations. The inclusion of forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by One Stop Systems or its partners that any of our plans or expectations will be achieved, including but not limited to the potential and/or the results of current or future programs, the future adoption of technologies or applications, or the potential benefit of attending NVIDIA GTC Paris. Actual results may differ from those set forth in this press release due to the risk and uncertainties inherent in our business, including risks described in our prior press releases and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including under the heading “Risk Factors” in our latest Annual Report on Form 10-K and any subsequent filings with the SEC. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to revise or update this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. All forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, which is made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
Media Contacts: Robert Kalebaugh One Stop Systems, Inc. Tel (858) 518-6154 Email contact
Investor Relations: Andrew Berger Managing Director SM Berger & Company, Inc. Tel (216) 464-6400 Email contact
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, May 27 /Xinhua/ — In response to massive Ukrainian drone attacks, the Russian military is striking exclusively at military facilities and enterprises of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.
The agency also reported that from the evening of May 20 to the morning of May 27, Russian air defense systems destroyed and intercepted 2,331 attack unmanned aerial vehicles, including 1,465 outside the special military operation zone.
According to the full list published by the department, military facilities include airfield infrastructure facilities, ammunition depots, missile and artillery weapons depots of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, temporary deployment points for foreign mercenaries, as well as aircraft repair shops, unloading areas and container warehouses with military property and ammunition in the port of Odessa, infrastructure facilities and training sites for attack UAVs at airfields, etc.
“The strikes will be carried out exclusively on military facilities and enterprises of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine,” the Russian Defense Ministry’s statement emphasized. –0–
One reason for the air traffic controller shortage relates to the demands of the job: The training to become a controller is extremely intense, and the Federal Aviation Administration wants only highly qualified personnel to fill those seats, which has made it difficult for what has been the sole training center in the U.S., located in Oklahoma City, to churn out enough qualified graduates each year.
As scholars who study and teach tomorrow’s aviation professionals, we are working to be part of the solution. Our program at Ohio State University is applying to join over two dozen other schools in an effort to train air traffic controllers and help alleviate the shortage.
In fact, about 30% of students fail to make it from their first day of training at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City to the status of a certified professional air traffic controller. The academy currently trains the majority of the air traffic controllers in the U.S.
Before someone is accepted into the training program, they must meet several qualifications. That includes being a U.S. citizen under the age of 31 and speaking English clearly enough to be understood over the radio. The low recruitment age is because controllers currently have a mandatory retirement age of 56 – with some exceptions – and the FAA wants them to work for at least 25 years in the job.
Candidates, additionally, must have three years of general work experience, or a combination of postsecondary education and work experience totaling at least three years.
This alone is no easy feat. Fewer than 10% of applicants meet those initial requirements and are accepted into training.
An air traffic controller monitors a runway in the tower at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. AP Photo/Seth Wenig
This begins with several weeks of classroom instruction and several months of simulator training. There are several types of simulators, and a student is assigned to a simulator based on the type of facility for which they will be hired – which depends on a trainee’s preference and where controllers are needed.
There are two main types of air traffic facilities: control towers and radar. Anyone who has flown on a plane has likely seen a control tower near the runways, with 360 degrees of tall glass windows to monitor the skies nearby. Controllers there mainly look outside to direct aircraft but also use radar to monitor the airspace and assist aircraft in taking off and landing safely.
Radar facilities, on the other hand, monitor aircraft solely through the use of information depicted on a screen. This includes aircraft flying just outside the vicinity of a major airport or when they’re at higher altitudes and crisscrossing the skies above the U.S. The controllers ensure they don’t fly too close to one another as they follow their flight paths between airports.
If the candidates make it through the first stage, which takes about six months and extensive testing to meet standards, they will be sent to their respective facilities.
Once there, they again go to the classroom, learning the details of the airspace they will be working in. There are more assessments and chances to “wash out” and have to leave the program.
Finally, the candidates are paired with an experienced controller who conducts on-the-job training to control real aircraft. This process may take an additional year or more. It depends on the complexity of the airspace and the amount of aircraft traffic at the site.
Two control towers watch over Newark Liberty International Airport, where a shortage of air traffic controllers has led to blackouts and other problems lately. AP Photo/Seth Wenig
Increasing the employment pipeline
But no matter how good the training is, if there aren’t enough graduates, that’s a problem for managing the increasingly crowded skies.
Other plans include paying retention bonuses and allowing more controllers to work beyond the age of 56. That retirement age was put in place in the 1970s on the assumption that cognition for most people begins to decline around then, although research shows that age alone is not necessarily a predictor of cognitive abilities.
But we believe that aviation programs and universities can play an important role fixing the shortage by providing FAA Academy-level training.
Currently, 32 universities including the Florida Institute of Technology and Arizona State University partner with the FAA in its collegiate training initiative to provide basic air traffic control training, which gives graduates automatic entry into the FAA Academy and allows them to skip five weeks of coursework.
The institution where we work, Ohio State University, is currently working on becoming the 33rd this summer and plans to offer an undergraduate major in aviation with specialization in air traffic control.
This helps, but an enhanced version of this program, announced in October 2024, allows graduates of a select few of those universities to skip the FAA Academy altogether and go straight to a control tower or radar facility once they’ve passed all the extensive tests. These schools must match or exceed the level of rigor in their training with the FAA Academy itself.
At the end of the program, students are required to pass an evaluation by an FAA-approved evaluator to ensure that the student graduating from the program meets the same standards as all FAA Academy graduates and is prepared to go to their assigned facility for further training. So far, five schools, such as the University of North Dakota, have joined this program and are currently training air traffic controllers. We intend to join this group in the near future.
Allowing colleges and universities to start the training process while students are still in school should accelerate the pace at which new controllers enter the workforce, alleviate the shortage and make the skies over the U.S. as safe as they can be.
Melanie Dickman is a member at large of the Air Traffic Controllers Association
Brian Strzempkowski does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By John Deni, Research Professor of Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational Security Studies, US Army War College
American soldiers join 3,000 troops from other NATO member countries in a four-week exercise in Hohenfels, Germany, in March 2025. Sean Gallup/Getty Images
The U.S. and 11 other countries in North America and Europe founded NATO in 1949, following World War II. NATO has since grown its membership to include 32 countries in Europe and North America.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly spoken of a desire to seize Greenland, which is an autonomous territory of Denmark, a NATO member. He has declared that Canada, another NATO member, should become “the 51st state.” Trump has also sided with Russia at the United Nations and said that the European Union, the political and economic group uniting 27 European countries, was designed to “screw” the U.S.
For decades, both liberal and conservative American politicians have recognized that the U.S. strengthens its own military and economic interests by being a leader in NATO – and by keeping thousands of U.S. troops based in Europe to underwrite its commitment.
President Donald Trump speaks at a NATO Summit in July 2018 during his first term. Sean Gallup/Getty Images
Understanding NATO
The U.S., Canada and 10 Western European countries formed NATO nearly 80 years ago as a way to help maintain peace and stability in Europe following World War II. NATO helped European and North American countries bind together and defend themselves against the threat once posed by the Soviet Union, a former communist empire that fell in 1991.
NATO employs about 2,000 people at its headquarters in Brussels. It does not have its own military troops and relies on its 32 member countries to volunteer their own military forces to conduct operations and other tasks under NATO’s leadership.
NATO does have its own military command structure, led by an American military officer, and including military officers from other countries. This team plans and executes all NATO military operations.
In peacetime, military forces working with NATO conduct training exercises across Eastern Europe and other places to help reassure allies about the strength of the military coalition – and to deter potential aggressors, like Russia.
NATO has a relatively small annual budget of around US$3.6 billion. The U.S. and Germany are the largest contributors to this budget, each responsible for funding 16% of NATO’s costs each year.
Although NATO is chiefly a military alliance, it has roots in the mutual economic interests of both the U.S. and Europe.
Europe is the United States’ most important economic partner. Roughly one-quarter of all U.S. trade is with Europe – more than the U.S. has with Canada, China or Mexico.
Over 2.3 million American jobs are directly tied to producing exports that reach European countries that are part of NATO.
NATO helps safeguard this mutual economic relationship between the U.S. and Europe. If Russia or another country tries to intimidate, dominate or even invade a European country, this could hurt the American economy. In this way, NATO can be seen as the insurance policy that underwrites the strength and vitality of the American economy.
The heart of that insurance policy is Article 5, a mutual defense pledge that member countries agree to when they join NATO.
Article 5 says that an armed attack against one NATO member is considered an attack against the entire alliance. If one NATO member is attacked, all other NATO members must help defend the country in question. NATO members have only invoked Article 5 once, following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in the U.S., when the alliance deployed aircraft to monitor U.S. skies.
Many political analysts expect the U.S. to shift its national security focus away from Europe and toward threats posed by China – specifically, the threat of China invading or attacking Taiwan.
At the same time, the Trump administration appears eager to reset relations with Russia. This is despite the Russian military’s atrocities committed against Ukrainian military forces and civilians in the war Russia began in 2022, and Russia’s intensifying hybrid war against Europeans in the form of covert spy attacks across Europe. This hybrid warfare allegedly includesRussia conducting cyberattacks and sabotage operations across Europe. It also involves Russia allegedly trying to plant incendiary devices on planes headed to North America, among other things.
The available evidence indicates that the U.S. is backing away from its role in Europe. At best – from a European security perspective – the U.S. could still defend European allies with the potential threat of its nuclear weapon arsennal. The U.S. has significantly more nuclear weapons than any Western European country, but it is not clear that this is enough to deter Russia without the clear presence of large numbers of American troops in Europe, especially given that Moscow continues to perceive the U.S. as NATO’s most important and most powerful member.
For this reason, significantly downsizing the number of U.S. troops in Europe, giving up key American military leadership positions in NATO, or backing away from the alliance in other ways appears exceptionally perilous. Such actions could increase Russian aggression across Europe, ultimately threatening not just European security bu America’s as well.
Maintaining America’s leadership position in NATO and sustaining its troop levels in Europe helps reinforce the U.S. commitment to defending its most important allies. This is the best way to protect vital U.S. economic interests in Europe today and ensure Washington will have friends to call on in the future.
John Deni does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) — New sources on the participation of Soviet volunteer pilots in the war were recently handed over to the Nanjing Anti-Japanese War Martyrs’ Memorial Museum, the Yangtze Wanbao (Yangtze Evening Newspaper) reported.
Chinese-American Lu Zhaoning donated 37 relics, including foreign newspapers, magazines, books and other items, to the museum. The donation ceremony was held last week at the museum in Nanjing, capital of east China’s Jiangsu Province.
In particular, The New York Times reported on September 26, 1937, that on September 25, 1937, 80 Japanese bombers bombed Nanjing for seven hours straight, killing 200 people and destroying many facilities, including a $1 million power plant. That night, Chinese aircraft retaliated by attacking the Yangshupu airfield in Shanghai.
The sources donated to the museum include the weekly magazine Colliers, published on November 12, 1938. It featured an article by American pilot Alvy Gibbon with an attached photograph related to the aid provided by the Soviet Union to China.
The Nanjing Anti-Japanese War Airmen’s Martyrs Memorial Museum was founded in 2009. Earlier this month, the museum released updated information on the 18 Soviet volunteers who died in the war against Japanese invaders. -0-
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Hourly Electric Grid Monitor
At EIA, we publish U.S. electricity net generation from two different perspectives:
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
May 22, 2025
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Note: Real prices are adjusted to May 2025 dollars.
The retail price for regular-grade gasoline in the United States on May 19, the Monday before Memorial Day weekend, averaged $3.17 per gallon (gal), 11% (or 41 cents/gal) lower than the price a year ago. After adjusting for inflation (real terms), average U.S. retail gasoline prices going into Memorial Day weekend are 14% lower than last year, largely because crude oil prices have fallen.
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
May 21, 2025
Data source: United Nations Statistics Division, UN Comtrade Note: Excludes trade within regions.
China has a major role at each stage of the global battery supply chain and dominates interregional trade of minerals. China imported almost 12 million short tons of raw and processed battery minerals, accounting for 44% of interregional trade, and exported almost 11 million short tons of battery materials, packs, and components, or 58% of interregional trade in 2023, according to regional UN Comtrade data.
Read More ›
In-depth analysis
May 20, 2025
Colorado State University’s hurricane forecast estimates the 2025 hurricane season will exceed the 1991–2020 average, with an estimate of 17 named storms, compared with a historical average of 14 storms. Meteorologists expect 13–18 named storms, including 3–6 storms with direct impacts on the United States, during this year’s Atlantic hurricane season, according to reports from AccuWeather in April.
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
May 19, 2025
We expect U.S. hydropower generation will increase by 7.5% in 2025 but will remain 2.4% below the 10-year average in our May Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO). Hydropower generation in 2024 fell to 241 billion kilowatthours (BkWh), the lowest since at least 2010; in 2025, we expect generation will be 259.1 BkWh. This amount of generation would represent 6% of the electricity generation in the country.
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
May 15, 2025
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), May 2025, and Oxford Economics Note: Excludes 2020 and 2021 as outlier years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
We forecast consumption growth of crude oil and other liquid fuels will slow over the next two years, driven by a slowdown in economic growth, particularly in Asia, in our May Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO).
Read More ›
In-depth analysis
May 14, 2025
Retail electricity prices have increased faster than the rate of inflation since 2022, and we expect them to continue increasing through 2026, based on forecasts in our Short-Term Energy Outlook. Parts of the country with relatively high electricity prices may experience greater price increases than those with relatively low electricity prices.
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
May 13, 2025
In our latest Short-Term Energy Outlook, we forecast U.S. annual electricity consumption will increase in 2025 and 2026, surpassing the all-time high reached in 2024. This growth contrasts with the trend of relatively flat electricity demand between the mid-2000s and early 2020s. Much of the recent and forecasted growth in electricity consumption is coming from the commercial sector, which includes data centers, and the industrial sector, which includes manufacturing establishments.
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
May 12, 2025
The average electric monthly bill for U.S. residential customers was $144 in 2024, but average costs for customers in some states were much higher or lower. Customers in states such as Hawaii and Connecticut, where retail electricity prices are relatively high, paid more than $200 per month for electricity, or more than twice as much as customers in states such as New Mexico and Utah.
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
May 7, 2025
Data source: FracFocus Note: To calculate the number of wells completed per location, we grouped wells within a 50-foot radius into single locations. We then identified wells completed by their completion start and end dates, counting concurrent completions when their completion periods overlapped.
We estimate that the average number of wells completed simultaneously at the same location in the Lower 48 states has more than doubled, increasing from 1.5 wells in December 2014 to more than 3.0 wells in June 2024. By completing multiple wells at once rather than sequentially, operators can accelerate their production timeline and reduce their cost per well. The increasing number of simultaneous completions reflects significant technological advances in hydraulic fracturing operations, particularly in equipment capabilities and operational strategies.
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
May 6, 2025
Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Petroleum Supply Monthly; company announcements and trade press Note:Other Biofuels includes sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), renewable heating oil, renewable naphtha, renewable propane, renewable gasoline, and other emerging biofuels that are in various stages of development and commercialization. SAF production capacity is an estimate based on company announcements and trade press and only includes hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) SAF. We do not publish SAF production capacity data.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production is growing in the United States as new capacity comes online. U.S. production of Other Biofuels, the category we use to capture SAF in our Petroleum Supply Monthly, approximately doubled from December 2024 to February 2025.
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
May 5, 2025
Data source: AAA
Retail prices for regular grade gasoline in California are consistently higher than in any other state in the continental United States, often exceeding the national average by more than a dollar per gallon. Several factors contribute to this high price, including state taxes and fees, environmental requirements, special fuel requirements, and isolated petroleum markets.
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
May 1, 2025
Data source: CME Group, Bloomberg L.P. Note: Refinery margin is calculated as the 3-2-1 crack spread on the U.S. Atlantic Coast, which represents two barrels of gasoline and one barrel of distillate fuel oil minus three barrels of Brent crude oil. 1Q25=first quarter of 2025
During the first quarter of 2025 (1Q25), crude oil prices generally decreased while U.S. refinery margins initially increased before decreasing in the final month of the quarter. In this quarterly update, we review petroleum markets price developments in 1Q25, covering crude oil prices, refinery margins, biofuel compliance credit prices, and natural gas plant liquids prices.
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
Apr 30, 2025
Data source: Evaluate Energy Note: Production expenses include costs of goods sold, operating expenses, and production taxes from company income statements. Interest expenses are in 2024 dollars and deflated using the Consumer Price Index.
Higher oil prices, increased drilling efficiency, and structurally lower debt needs have contributed to lower interest expenses for some publicly traded U.S. oil companies over the past decade, despite the level of interest rates across the economy being relatively high.
Read More ›
In-brief analysis
Apr 29, 2025
U.S. imports of petroleum products decreased by 210,000 barrels per day (b/d) in 2024 to average 1.8 million b/d. Imports of all major transportation fuels, such as motor gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, as well as other products, such as unfinished oils, decreased.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 27 (Xinhua) — Rolls-Royce Corp.’s first aircraft engine maintenance, repair and overhaul (AER) joint venture (JV) on the Chinese mainland plans to start operations by the end of 2025, an official from the British aircraft engine maker said.
The new plant, located in the northeastern suburbs of Beijing, marks a significant expansion of the aircraft engine giant’s presence in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets, reflecting the corporation’s optimism about the Chinese market and its recognition of the country’s supply chain.
Beijing Aero Engine Services Ltd (BAESL), a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Air China, plans to initially service Trent 700 engines for Airbus A330 aircraft, and then move on to Trent XWB and Trent 1000 engines for Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft respectively, Troy Wang, executive vice president of Rolls-Royce Greater China, told Xinhua in an exclusive interview.
“When the facility reaches full capacity, which is expected to be reached by the mid-2030s, BAESL will be able to handle up to 250 requests per year,” he said.
The plant, which will employ up to 800 people at full capacity, represents a strategic growth initiative in China, Rolls-Royce’s third-largest single-country market globally by revenue.
Prior to the creation of BAESL, Rolls-Royce served Chinese customers through its global network of retail outlets, which included Hong Kong-based HAESL, established in 1997.
BAESL is the latest in a series of Rolls-Royce investments in China, including five joint ventures with Chinese partners.
The aviation sector is projected to need more than 8,200 new passenger aircraft by 2043 to meet growing demand, including more than 1,500 wide-body jets, according to a report released by the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC).
“China is not only a market, but also an important part of our supply chain,” said Troy Wang, stressing that Rolls-Royce has built a vast network of more than 50 suppliers across the country who produce key engine components and parts, “innovating in digitalization and automation.”
BAESL is being established as “the world’s leading aircraft engine repair shop using the latest digital technologies.” The joint venture is already collaborating with leading digital solution providers in China to develop capabilities using artificial intelligence.
Despite global economic uncertainty, China’s aviation sector is showing surprising resilience and growth potential as its industrial ecosystem continues to demonstrate competitiveness in cost, quality and lead times, according to Troy Wang.
Last year, Rolls-Royce expanded its joint venture in China with Guangxi Yuchai Machinery Co. Ltd., a Chinese internal combustion engine maker, to tap into the country’s fast-growing market. -0-
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory in St. Petersburg
The historic building of the St. Petersburg State Conservatory named after N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov has received permission to put it into operation. One of the most beautiful buildings in St. Petersburg will reopen its doors to students on September 1. At the same time, it is ready to resume its work as a concert venue this summer, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin reported.
“The reconstruction of the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory began back in 2015, but due to the change of several contractors, the building ended up in a state of disrepair. If it were not for the direct order of the President to intervene in this matter, we could simply lose this beautiful historical building. In 2021, the implementation of the project was transferred to the company “Single Customer in the Sphere of Construction”. A team of builders, restorers, and acousticians was able to complete a very large and complex project for the restoration of a cultural heritage site in three years – significantly ahead of the deadlines established by the contract. As of today, permission for commissioning has already been received. The facades and interiors of the building have been returned to their historical appearance. After the reconstruction, the historical building of the first music university in the country is equipped with the most modern technologies for teaching music,” said Marat Khusnullin.
The reconstruction and restoration of the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory was carried out within the framework of the comprehensive state program “Construction”.
“The building of the St. Petersburg Conservatory has a rich history. Here in 1783, Antonio Rinaldi erected the first Stone Theatre in Russia. Fragments of the walls and foundation of the theatre were used by the architect Vladimir Nikolay to build the conservatory building, which was opened in 1896. At different times, such architects as A. Cavos, T. Bardt and Thomas de Thomon worked here. The result of a large-scale restoration was the return of the facades to their historical light beige colour, as a result of the scientific restoration of the house church, the paintings by famous artists of the late 19th century Andrei Ryabushkin and Vasily Belyaev, lost in Soviet times, were returned. Thanks to the construction of new domes made of glass and aircraft-grade aluminium, the usable area of the conservatory increased by 700 sq. m – to 31,864 sq. m,” said Minister of Construction and Housing and Public Utilities Irek Fayzullin.
In the summer of 2025, after the finishing works are fully completed, the staff of the N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory will finish preparing the premises for the resumption of the educational process for students, and will finish tuning the historical musical instruments that were returned to the building from the restoration workshops. The mechanism of the German organ from the late 19th century in the Glazunov Small Hall will also be tuned.
“The reconstruction and restoration of the St. Petersburg Conservatory is a unique, incredibly complex project, where we carefully combined the past and the future, strictly following the principles of the Venice Charter – specialists tried to use materials and technologies from the time of the building’s construction as much as possible. We managed to completely restore the sound of instruments that are rare today – harmoniums, which will sound like new again. In total, there are about 1,000 unique exhibits – from grand pianos and paintings by the founders of the conservatory to furniture. All stages of design, construction work and restoration were coordinated with the Committee for the Protection of Monuments of St. Petersburg, in agreement with the Academic Council of the University, the historical decoration in the style of the Renaissance was returned to the interiors of the Great Hall of the Conservatory,” emphasized Karen Oganesyan, General Director of the Unified Customer in Construction.
Rector of the St. Petersburg State Conservatory named after N.A. Rimsky-Korsakov Alexey Vasiliev noted that the renovated building is equipped with first-class technologies that improve the educational process. “The Rubinstein Great Hall for 1,100 people is equipped with variable acoustics technologies, which will allow performing not only opera and symphonic music, but also works of a wide variety of genres, such as jazz, musicals, rock. 40 classrooms of the conservatory are equipped with the latest equipment for recording and playing music, which enables the faculty to actively use digital technologies and modern teaching standards,” he said.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
