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  • MIL-Evening Report: Streaming, surveillance and the power of suggestion: the hidden cost of 10 years of Netflix

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Marc C-Scott, Associate Professor of Screen Media | Deputy Associate Dean of Learning & Teaching, Victoria University

    Shutterstock

    This month marks a decade since Netflix – the world’s most influential and widely subscribed streaming service – launched in Australia.

    Since then the media landscape has undergone significant transformation, particularly in terms of how we consume content. According to a 2024 Deloitte report, Australians aged 16–38 spent twice as much time watching subscription streaming services as free-to-air TV (both live and on-demand).

    Part of the success of streaming services lies in their ability to provide content that feels handpicked. And this is made possible through the use of sophisticated recommender systems fuelled by vast amounts of user data.

    As streaming viewership continues to rise, so too do the risks associated with how these platforms collect and handle user data.

    Changing methods of data collection

    Subscription streaming platforms aren’t the first to collect user data. They just do it differently.

    Broadcasters have always been invested in collecting viewers’ information (via TV ratings) to inform promotional schedules and attract potential advertisers. These data are publicly available.

    In Australia, TV data are collected anonymously via the OzTam TV ratings system, based on the viewing habits of more than 12,000 individuals.

    Each television in a recruited household is connected to a metering box. Members of the household select a letter that corresponds to them, after which the box records their viewing data, including the program, channel and viewing time. But this system doesn’t include broadcasters’ video-on-demand services, which have been around since the late 2000s (with ABC iView being the first).

    In 2016 a new system was launched to measure broadcast video-on-demand data separately from OzTam ratings.

    However, it collected data in a rolling seven-day report, in the form of total minutes a particular program had been watched online (rather than the number of individuals watching, as was the measurement for TV). This meant the two data sources couldn’t be combined.

    In 2018, OzTAM and Nielsen announced the Virtual Australia (VoZ) database which would integrate both broadcast TV and video-on-demand data. It took six years following the announcement for the VoZ system to become the industry’s official trading currency.

    Streamers’ approach

    Streaming platforms such as Netflix have a markedly different approach to acquiring data, as they can source it directly from users. These data are therefore much more granular, larger in volume, and far less publicly accessible due to commercial confidence.

    In recent years, Netflix has shared some of its viewing data through a half-yearly report titled What We Watched. It offers macro-level details such as total hours watched that year, as well as information about specific content, including how many times a particular show was viewed.

    Netflix also supplies information to its shareholders, although much of this focuses on subscriber numbers rather than specific user details.

    The best publicly accessible Netflix data we have is presented on its Tudum website, which includes global Top 10 lists that can be filtered by country.

    The main data Netflix doesn’t share are related to viewer demographics: who is watching what programs.

    Why does it matter?

    Ratings and user data offer valuable insights to both broadcasters and streaming services, and can influence decisions regarding what content is produced.

    User data would presumably have been a significant factor in Netflix‘s decision to move into live content such as stand-up comedy, the US National Football League (NFL) and an exclusive US$5 billion deal with World Wrestling Entertainment.

    Streaming companies also use personal data to provide users with targeted viewing suggestions, with an aim to reduce the time users spend browsing catalogues.

    Netflix has an entire research department dedicated to enhancing user experience. According to Justin Basilico, Netflix’s Director of Machine Learning and Recommender Systems, more than 80% of what Netflix users watch is driven by its recommender system.

    As noted in its privacy statement, Netflix draws on a range of information to provide recommendations, including:

    • the user’s interactions with the service, such as their viewing history and title ratings
    • other users with similar tastes and preferences
    • information about the titles, such as genre, categories, actors and release year
    • the time of day the user is watching
    • the language/s the user prefers
    • the device/s they are watching on
    • how long they watch a particular Netflix title.

    If a user isn’t happy with their recommendations, they can try to change them by editing their viewing and ratings history.

    Personalised or predetermined?

    The rise of streaming hasn’t only transformed how we watch TV, but also how our viewing habits are tracked and how this information informs future decisions.

    While traditional broadcasters have long relied on sample anonymised data to measure engagement, streaming platforms operate in a landscape in which detailed user data can be used to shape content, recommendations and business decisions.

    While personalisation makes streaming more appealing, it also raises important questions about privacy, transparency and control. How much do streaming platforms really know about us? And are they catering to our preferences – or shaping them?

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

    – ref. Streaming, surveillance and the power of suggestion: the hidden cost of 10 years of Netflix – https://theconversation.com/streaming-surveillance-and-the-power-of-suggestion-the-hidden-cost-of-10-years-of-netflix-244921

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ASIC puts payday lenders on notice they may be breaching the law

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jeannie Marie Paterson, Professor of Law (consumer protections and credit law), The University of Melbourne

    Late last week, corporate watchdog the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) issued a warning to lenders that provide high-fee small-amount loans – known as payday lenders – that they may be breaching consumer-lending laws.

    Trying to provide effective protections to borrowers of these small loans is fiendishly difficult. People in financial hardship turn to payday loans, even though they are expensive. Lenders can charge high fees for such loans but may change products to avoid regulation.

    If access to payday loans dries up, borrowers in need are likely to turn to other products. And so the cycle begins again.

    The regulator’s report might be a prompt to government to think about other strategies.

    What is payday lending and why is it a concern?

    Payday lending is the name commonly given to loans of small amounts (under A$2,000) for short periods of time (16 days to one year) that promise quick credit checks and don’t require collateral.

    They are called payday loans because the original idea was borrowers would pay them back when they got their next pay cheque. But often that is not how it works, and borrowers struggle to repay.

    Payday lenders offer fast cash, but there are strings attached.

    ASIC said the total value of small and medium loans provided to consumers in 2023–24 was $1.3 billion. An earlier study by Consumer Action Law Centre found 4.7 million individual payday loans were written over three years to July 2019.

    Why do borrowers use (expensive) payday loans?

    Small, short-term loans like payday loans have been around for a long time – and in part, they respond to a reality that, for many people, their income is not sufficient to give them buffers.

    Payday loans can be used by borrowers who don’t have savings or credit cards to pay for one-off unexpected bills – a broken fridge, an emergency medical appointment or even utilities bills. But they can also be used to meet daily living expenses.

    There are limited other practical options – for some types of bills, there are hardship schemes, but these are not always well-known. For one-off expenses, there are low and no-interest loan schemes but they can be quite restrictive. Free financial counselling may also help, but knowledge and access can be an issue.

    Payday lenders have been moving customers into bigger loans that are harder to repay.
    Doucefleur/Shutterstock

    Why were new laws dealing with payday loans introduced?

    Payday lenders have typically charged very high fees. In 2013, concerns about the high cost of payday loans led to specific provisions to limit the fees that could be charged.

    Nonetheless, regulators and consumer advocates remain concerned these kinds of loans lock borrowers into debt spirals because they keep accumulating and that lenders manage to avoid many of the restrictions.

    Further reforms in 2022 introduced a presumption a loan is unsuitable if the borrower has already taken out two payday loans in the preceding 90 days. The reforms also prohibit payday lenders from offering loans where the repayments would exceed a prescribed proportion of a borrower’s income.

    What did ASIC say?

    ASIC said it found a trend of payday lenders moving borrowers who previously might have borrowed relatively small amounts ($700 to $2,000) to medium-sized loans ($2,000 to $5,000), which are not subject to the same consumer protections.

    The regulator said small loan credit contracts fell from 80% of loans in the December quarter of 2022 to less than 60% of loans by the August 2023 quarter.

    It said it was concerned by this approach and reminded lenders they were still subject to the reasonable lending regime. This effectively means not lending amounts that would be unsuitable for borrowers.

    Why are payday lenders moving consumers to larger loans?

    It’s a concern that lenders change products to avoid restrictive rules. But it is not altogether surprising.

    One response from increasing restrictions on one form of credit might be that lenders decide to focus on other, less restricted, products like medium-sized loans – this is what ASIC seems to have found.

    This is problematic if those larger loans are not meeting consumers’ needs and objectives (for instance, if they only needed a smaller amount), or complying with the loan would cause substantial hardship. It’s important to remind lenders that the responsible lending obligations apply to medium size loans, and for ASIC to take enforcement action where appropriate.

    What might be a better approach?

    The ASIC report highlights the increasing complexity of the National Consumer Credit Act regime – with the standard obligations complemented by specific and unique rules for a range of credit products. These include small amount credit, standard home loans, credit cards, reverse mortgages, and Buy Now Pay Later.

    It’s worth thinking about whether a better strategy might be to go back to a simpler approach, where one set of rules applied to all consumer credit products. Regulatory exceptions and qualifications are minimised.

    If access to payday loans becomes more restrictive, borrowers are likely to turn to other products. This means ASIC should also be looking at other products that are used to provide short-term small loans. These are likely to include buy now pay later schemes and pawn broking.

    Buy now pay later products are subject to their own regulations, including responsible lending obligations. But
    pawn brokers aren’t covered by the Consumer Credit laws and are subject to little regulatory scrutiny. This is also something that should change.

    We also need to consider whether there are financial inclusion options not dependent on lenders out to make a profit from borrowers struggling with the cost of living.

    Jeannie Marie Paterson receives funding from the Australian Research Council for a project on Treating Consumers Fairly.

    Nicola Howell receives funding from funding from the Australian Research Council for a project on Treating Consumers Fairly. She is affiliated with the Consumers’ Federation of Australia, as a member of the CFA Executive.

    – ref. ASIC puts payday lenders on notice they may be breaching the law – https://theconversation.com/asic-puts-payday-lenders-on-notice-they-may-be-breaching-the-law-252375

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why build nuclear power in place of old coal, when you could have pumped hydropower instead?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Timothy Weber, Research Officer for School of Engineering, Australian National University

    Phillip Wittke, Shutterstock

    Australia’s energy policy would take a sharp turn if the Coalition wins the upcoming federal election. A Dutton government would seek to build seven nuclear power plants at the sites of old coal-fired power stations.

    The Coalition says its plan makes smart use of the existing transmission network and other infrastructure. But solar and wind power would need to be curtailed to make room in the grid for nuclear energy. This means polluting coal and gas power stations would remain active for longer, releasing an extra 1 billion to 2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide.

    So is there another option? Yes: pumped hydro storage plants. This technology is quicker and cheaper to develop than nuclear power, and can store solar and wind rather than curtail it. It’s better suited to Australia’s electricity grid and would ultimately lead to fewer emissions. Drawing on our recent global analysis, we found the technology could be deployed near all but one of the seven sites the Coalition has earmarked for nuclear power.

    The Coalition is likely to spend anywhere from A$116 billion to $600 billion of taxpayers’ money to deliver up to 14 gigawatts of nuclear energy. Experts say the plan will not lower power prices and will take too long to build. Our findings suggest cheap storage of solar and wind, in the form of pumped hydro, is a better way forward.

    This way, we can continue to build renewable energy capacity while stabilising the grid. More than 45GW of solar and wind is already up and running, with a further 23GW being supported by the Capacity Investment Scheme until 2027. Only a handful of the pumped hydro sites we found would be needed to decarbonise the energy system, reaching the 1,046 gigawatt-hours of storage CSIRO estimates Australia needs.

    Building pumped hydro storage systems near old coal-fired power generators has some advantages, such as access to transmission lines – although more will be needed as electricity demand increases. But plenty of other suitable sites exist, too.

    Filling the gaps

    Pumped hydro is a cheap, mature technology that currently provides more than 90% of the world’s electrical energy storage.

    It involves pumping water uphill from one reservoir to another at a higher elevation for storage. Then, when power is needed, water is released to flow downhill through turbines, generating electricity on its way to the lower reservoir.

    Together with battery storage, pumped hydro solves the very real problem of keeping the grid stable and reliable when it is dominated by solar and wind power.

    By 2030, 82% of Australia’s electricity supply is expected to come from renewables, up from about 40% today.

    But solar panels only work during the day and don’t produce as much power when it’s cloudy. And wind turbines don’t generate power when it’s calm. That’s where storage systems come in. They can charge up when electricity is plentiful and then release electricity when it’s needed.

    Grid-connected batteries can fill short-term gaps (from seconds to a few hours). Pumped hydro can store electricity overnight, and longer still. These two technologies can be used together to supply electricity through winter, and other periods of calm or cloudy weather.

    Two types of pumped-storage hydropower, one doesn’t require dams on rivers.
    NREL

    Finding pumped hydro near the Coalitions’s proposed nuclear sites

    Australia has three operating pumped hydro systems: Tumut 3 in the Snowy Mountains, Wivenhoe in Queensland, and Shoalhaven in the Kangaroo Valley of New South Wales.

    Two more are under construction, including Snowy 2.0. Even after all the cost blowouts, Snowy 2.0 comes at a modest construction cost of A$34 per kilowatt-hour of energy storage, which is ten times cheaper than the cost CSIRO estimates for large, new batteries.

    We previously developed a “global atlas” to identify potential locations for pumped hydro facilities around the world.

    More recently, we created a publicly available tool to filter results based on construction cost, system size, distance from transmission lines or roads, and away from environmentally sensitive locations.

    In this new analysis, we used the tool to find pumped hydro options near the sites the Coalition has chosen for nuclear power plants.

    Mapping 300 potential pumped hydro sites

    The proposed nuclear sites are:

    • Liddell Power Station, New South Wales
    • Mount Piper Power Station, New South Wales
    • Loy Yang Power Stations, Victoria
    • Tarong Power Station, Queensland
    • Callide Power Station, Queensland
    • Northern Power Station, South Australia (small modular reactor only)
    • Muja Power Station, Western Australia (small modular reactor only).

    We used our tool to identify which of these seven sites would instead be suitable for a pumped hydro project, using the following criteria:

    • low construction cost (for a pumped hydro project)

    • located within 85km of the proposed nuclear sites.

    We included various reservoir types in our search:

    Exactly 300 sites matched our search criteria. No options emerged near the proposed nuclear site in Western Australia, but suitable sites lie further north in the mining region of the Pilbara.

    One option east of Melbourne, depicted in the image below, has a storage capacity of 500 gigawatt-hours. Compared with Snowy 2.0, this option has a much shorter tunnel, larger energy capacity, and larger height difference between the two reservoirs (increasing the potential energy stored in the water). And unlike Snowy 2.0, it is not located in a national park.

    Of course, shortlisted sites would require detailed assessment to confirm the local geology is suitable for pumped hydro, and to evaluate potential environmental and social impacts.

    More where that came from

    We restricted our search to sites near the Coalition’s proposed nuclear plants. But there are hundreds of potential pumped hydro sites along Australia’s east coast.

    Developers can use our free tool to identify the best sites.

    So far, the Australian electricity transition has mainly been driven by private investment in solar and wind power. With all this renewable energy entering the grid, there’s money to be made in storage, too.

    Large, centralised, baseload electricity generators, such as coal and nuclear plants, are becoming a thing of the past. A smarter energy policy would balance solar and wind with technologies such as pumped hydro, to secure a reliable electricity supply.

    Timothy Weber receives funding from the Australian government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics.

    Andrew Blakers receives funding from the Australian government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and other organisations.

    – ref. Why build nuclear power in place of old coal, when you could have pumped hydropower instead? – https://theconversation.com/why-build-nuclear-power-in-place-of-old-coal-when-you-could-have-pumped-hydropower-instead-252017

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: I’m avoiding a hearing test because I don’t want chunky hearing aids. What are my options?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katie Ekberg, Senior Lecturer, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University

    Ksenia Shestakova/Shutterstock

    One in six Australians have hearing loss and, for most adults, hearing starts to decline from middle age onwards.

    Many of us, however, hesitate to seek help or testing for our hearing. Perhaps you’re afraid you’ll be told to wear hearing aids, and envision the large and bulky hearing aids you might have seen on your grandparents decades ago.

    In fact, hearing aids have changed a lot since then. They’re often now very small; some are barely noticeable. And hearing aids aren’t the only option available for people experiencing hearing loss.

    The earlier you do something about your hearing, the greater the likelihood that you can prevent further hearing decline.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Why you shouldn’t ignore hearing loss

    Acquired hearing loss can have a serious impact on our life. It is associated with or can contribute to:

    • social isolation
    • loneliness
    • not being able to work as much, or at all
    • memory problems
    • trouble thinking clearly
    • conditions such as dementia.

    Hearing loss has also been associated with depression, anxiety and stress. A systematic review and meta-analysis found adults with hearing loss are 1.5 times more likely to experience depression than those without hearing loss.

    A large population study in the US found self-reported hearing loss was associated with:

    • higher levels of psychological distress
    • increased use of antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications, and
    • greater utilisation of mental health services.

    The good news is that doing something about your hearing loss can help you live a happier and longer life.

    So why don’t people get their hearing checked?

    Research has found adults with hearing loss typically wait ten years to seek help for their hearing.

    Less than a quarter of those who need hearing aids actually go ahead with them.

    Hearing declines slowly, so people may perceive their hearing difficulties aren’t concerning. They may feel they’re now used to not being able to hear properly, without fully appreciating the impact it’s having on their life.

    Some people harbour negative attitudes to hearing aids or don’t think they’ll actually help.

    Others may have overheard their partner, family or friends say negative things or make jokes about hearing aids, which can put people off getting their hearing checked.

    Stigma can play a big part.

    People often associate hearing loss with negative stereotypes such as ageing, weakness and “being different”.

    Our recent research found that around one in four people never tell anyone about their hearing loss because of experiences of stigma.

    Adults with hearing loss who experience stigma and choose not to disclose their hearing loss were also likely not to go ahead with hearing aids, we found.

    Modern hearing aids may be a lot smaller than you realise.
    Daisy Daisy/Shutterstock

    What are my options for helping my hearing?

    The first step in helping your hearing is to have a hearing check with a hearing care professional such as an an audiologist. You can also speak to your GP.

    If you’ve got hearing loss, hearing aids aren’t the only option.

    Others include:

    • other assistive listening devices (such as amplified phones, personal amplifiers and TV headphones)
    • doing a short course or program (such as the Active Communication Education program developed via University of Queensland researchers) aimed at giving you strategies to manage your hearing, for instance, in noisy environments
    • monitoring your hearing with regular checkups
    • strategies for protecting your hearing in future (such as wearing earplugs or earmuffs in loud environments, and not having headphone speakers too loud)
    • a cochlear implant (if hearing loss is severe)

    Hearing care professionals should take a holistic approach to hearing rehabilitation.

    That means coming up with individualised solutions based on your preferences and circumstances.

    What are modern hearing aids like?

    If you do need hearing aids, it’s worth knowing there are several different types. All modern hearing aids are extremely small and discrete.

    Some sit behind your ear, while others sit within your ear. Some look the same as air pods.

    Some are even completely invisible. These hearing aids are custom fitted to sit deep within your ear canal and contain no external tubes and wires.

    Some types of hearing aids are more expensive than others, but even the basic styles are discrete.

    In Australia, children and many adults are eligible for free or subsidised hearing services and many health funds offer hearing aid rebates as part of their extras cover.

    Despite being small, modern hearing aids have advanced technology including the ability to:

    • reduce background noise
    • direct microphones to where sound is coming from (directional microphones)
    • use Bluetooth so you can hear audio from your phone, TV and other devices directly in your hearing aids.

    When used with a smartphone, some hearing aids can even track your health, detect if you have fallen, and translate languages in real time.

    Modern hearing aids use Bluetooth so you can hear audio from your phone.
    Daisy Daisy/Shutterstock

    What should I do next?

    If you think you might be having hearing difficulties or are curious about the status of your hearing, then it’s a good idea to get a hearing check.

    The earlier you do something about your hearing, the greater the likelihood that you can prevent further hearing decline and reduce other health risks.

    And rest assured, there’s a suitable option for everyone.

    Katie Ekberg has previously received funding from the Hearing Industry Research Consortium, which funded research into stigma associated with hearing loss and hearing aids.

    Barbra Timmer is a part-time employee of Sonova AG, a global hearing care company. She was a Chief Investigator on a Hearing Industry Research Consortium grant that investigated the experiences of stigma for adults with hearing loss. She is the president of Audiology Australia.

    – ref. I’m avoiding a hearing test because I don’t want chunky hearing aids. What are my options? – https://theconversation.com/im-avoiding-a-hearing-test-because-i-dont-want-chunky-hearing-aids-what-are-my-options-250925

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Local newspapers are a lifeline in Ukraine, but USAID cuts may force many to close or become biased mouthpieces

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Galyna Piskorska, Associate Professor, Faculty of Journalism, Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University (Ukraine) and Honorary Principal Fellow at the Advanced Centre for Journalism, The University of Melbourne

    Three years into Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine, Ukrainian journalists are facing enormously difficult challenges to continue their work.

    Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, 40% of Ukrainian media outlets have been forced to close down, mostly due to the Russian occupation or financial difficulties caused by the war. Many of these are in Russian-occupied eastern Ukraine.

    Ukrainian journalists and media outlets have also become targets. More than 100 media workers have been killed since the full-scale war began.

    Some, like 28-year-old journalist Viktoriya Roshchyna, were captured by Russian forces and died in brutal conditions in captivity. More than 30 media workers are still in Russian captivity.

    Others were killed by Russian missile and drone attacks, like Tetiana Kulyk, who died alongside her husband, a surgeon, after her home was hit by a drone in late February.

    For those journalists that remain, fatigue is a major issue. Many are emotionally exhausted. Some cannot cope and leave their jobs. The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU) helps with seminars and psychological support.

    Despite the dangers, local media remains in high demand near the front lines of the war. These outlets have lost so much – advertising, subscribers and staff – but their journalists still have the passion and determination to continue their work documenting history.

    The role of local media on the front lines

    According to researchers who interviewed 43 independent local media outlets last year, the key challenges for newsrooms have not changed since the start of the war:

    • a shortage of employees (22% of respondents said this was a challenge in 2023, compared to 16% in 2022);

    • psychological stress (18% in 2023, 16% in 2022)

    • lack of funds (16% in both years).

    Often, journalists must perform different roles in their work, including being a driver, mail carrier and even a psychotherapist.

    Without working telephones or internet in areas near the front lines, print newspapers remain the only source of trusted information for many people. This includes up-to-date information on evacuation plans and humanitarian aid, as well as content not related to the war, such as public transport schedules and how to access medicines and necessary items for home repairs.

    Tetiana Velika, editor in chief of the Voice of Huliaipillia in southeastern Ukraine, was one of about 120 journalists who took part in a recent online conference organised by the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine to discuss the state of Ukraine’s media.

    She said media have remained connected with readers through both openness and authenticity. This includes having active social media networks, publishing journalists’ mobile phone numbers and allowing people to reach out anytime.

    Vasyl Myroshnyk, the editor in chief of Zorya, a newspaper in eastern Ukraine, described how he travelled 400 kilometres each week to deliver copies of his newspaper to even the most dangerous places.

    Svitlana Ovcharenko, editor of the newspaper Vpered in the city of Bakhmut, which was destroyed by Russian forces in the opening weeks of the war, said the paper has remained a lifeline for a displaced population.

    We have a unique situation — we don’t have a city. It’s virtual, it’s only on the map, it doesn’t physically exist. Not only is it destroyed, but it’s also been bombed with phosphorus bombs, and no one lives there.

    Ovcharenko, who now lives in the city of Odesa, said her newspaper’s readers are scattered all over the world. (There are 6,000 printed copies distributed each week across Ukraine.) The coverage focuses on how former Bakhmut residents have restarted their lives elsewhere, while also paying homage to the city’s past.

    Independent media is now at stake

    Funding remains a formidable challenge. Advertising revenue has dried up for many outlets, leaving international donors as the primary journalism funding source.

    Now, the Trump administration in the United States is gutting much of this funding through its dismantling of the US Agency for International Development (USAID). According to one estimate, 80% of Ukrainian media outlets received funding through USAID. As Oksana Romaniuk, director of the Institute of Mass Information, said:

    The problem is that almost everyone had grants. The question is that for some, these grants amounted to 100% of their income and they could only survive thanks to grants. These grants amounted to 40–60% for some, less for others.

    According to media researchers, without donor aid or state budget support in 2025, newspapers and magazines may decrease by a further 20% in Ukraine, while subscription circulation could drop by 25–30%.

    The heavy reliance on such funding has already led to the closure of some outlets, while others have been forced to launch public fundraising campaigns.

    Donor funding has also given Ukrainian outlets a measure of independence, allowing them to report on corruption within the Ukrainian government, for example. Many independent outlets are now vulnerable to being taken over by commercial or political entities. When these groups gain control, they can influence media coverage to benefit their own interests. This is known as “media capture”.

    Research shows how this has occurred in other post-conflict and developing countries where independent media outlets have been transformed into business entities more focused on profits and maintaining good relations with authorities than on producing quality journalism.

    This is a critical time for the future of Ukrainian media, to ensure it remains financially self-sufficient and free from the influence of both Russian propaganda and Ukrainian oligarchs. Without this funding, the preservation of Ukraine’s independent media and democracy remain under dire threat.

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

    – ref. Local newspapers are a lifeline in Ukraine, but USAID cuts may force many to close or become biased mouthpieces – https://theconversation.com/local-newspapers-are-a-lifeline-in-ukraine-but-usaid-cuts-may-force-many-to-close-or-become-biased-mouthpieces-250917

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Less than 1% of the world’s biggest radio telescope is complete – but its first image reveals a sky dotted with ancient galaxies

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Randall Wayth, SKA-Low Senior Commissioning Scientist and Adjunct Associate Professor, Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, Curtin University

    The first image from an early working version of the SKA-Low telescope, showing around 85 galaxies. SKAO

    Part of the world’s biggest mega-science facility – the SKA Observatory – is being built in outback Western Australia.

    After decades of planning, countless hours of work, and more than a few setbacks, an early working version of the telescope has captured its first glimpse of the sky.

    Using 1,024 of what will eventually be 131,072 radio antennas, the first SKA-Low image shows a tiny sliver of sky dotted with ancient galaxies billions of light-years from Earth.

    This first snapshot shows the system works, and will improve dramatically in the coming months and years – and starts a new chapter in our exploration of the universe.

    A glimpse of the universe

    The SKA-Low telescope is currently under construction on Wajarri Yamaji Country in Western Australia, around 600 kilometres north of Perth. Together with the SKA-Mid telescope (under construction in South Africa), the two telescopes will make up the world’s largest and most sensitive radio observatory.

    SKA-Low will consist of thousands of antennas spread across a vast area. It is designed to detect low-frequency radio signals from some of the most distant and ancient objects in the universe.

    The first image, made using just 1,024 of the planned 131,000 antennas, is remarkably clear, confirming that the complex systems for transmitting and processing data from the antennas are working properly. Now we can move on to more detailed observations to analyse and verify the telescope’s scientific output.

    Bright galaxies, billions of years old

    The image shows a patch of the sky, approximately 25 square degrees in area, as seen in radio waves.

    Twenty-five square degrees is an area of sky that would fit 100 full Moons. For comparison, it would be about the area of sky that a small apple would cover if you held it at arm’s length.

    The first image from an early working version of the SKA-Low telescope, showing around 85 galaxies.
    SKAO

    The dots in the image look like stars, but are actually some of the brightest galaxies in the universe. These galaxies are billions of light-years away, so the galaxies we are seeing now were emitting this light when the universe was half its current age.

    They are so bright because each of these distant galaxies contains a supermassive black hole. Gas orbiting around black holes is very hot and moves very quickly, emitting energy in X-rays and radio waves. SKA-Low can detect these radio waves that have travelled billions of light years across the universe to reach Earth.

    The world’s largest radio telescope

    SKA-Low and SKA-Mid are both being built by the SKAO, a global project to build cutting-edge telescopes that will revolutionise our understanding of the universe and deliver benefits to society. (SKA stands for “square kilometre array”, describing the initial estimated collecting area of all the antennas and radio dishes put together.)

    My own involvement in the project began in 2014. Since then I, along with many local and international colleagues, have deployed and verified several prototype systems on the path to SKA-Low. To now be part of the team that is making the first images with the rapidly growing telescope is extremely satisfying.

    A complex system with no moving parts

    SKA-Low will be made up of 512 aperture arrays (or stations), each comprised of 256 antennas.

    Unlike traditional telescopes, aperture arrays have no moving parts, which makes them easier to maintain. The individual antennas receive signals from all directions at once and – to produce images – we use complex mathematics to combine the signals from each individual antenna and “steer” the telescope.

    The SKA-Low telescope uses arrays of radio antennas (called stations) to create images of the universe.
    SKAO / Max Alexander

    The advantages and flexibility of aperture arrays come at the cost of complex signal processing and software systems. Any errors in signal timing, calibration or processing can distort the final image or introduce noise.

    For this reason, the successful production of the first image is a key validation – it can only happen if the entire system is working.

    The shape of the universe and beyond

    As SKA-Low grows, it will see more detail. Simulations show the full telescope may detect up to 600,000 galaxies in the same patch of sky shown in the first test image.
    SKAO

    Once completed, SKA-Low promises to transform our understanding of the early universe.

    The antennas of the full telescope will be spread across an area approximately 70 kilometres in diameter, making it the most sensitive low-frequency radio array ever built.

    This unprecedented sensitivity to low-frequency radio signals will allow scientists to detect the faint signals from the first stars and galaxies that formed after the Big Bang – the so-called “cosmic dawn”. SKA-Low will be the first radio telescope capable of imaging this very early period of our universe.

    It will also help map the large-scale structure of the universe. We expect the telescope will also provide new insights into cosmic magnetism, the behaviour of interstellar gas, and the mysterious nature of dark matter and dark energy.

    The sensitivity and resolution of SKA-Low gives it a huge discovery potential. Seven out of the top 10 discoveries from the Hubble Space Telescope were not part of the original science motivation. Like the HST, SKA-Low promises to be a transformative telescope. Who knows what new discoveries await?

    What’s next

    SKA-Low’s commissioning process will ramp up over the course of the year, as more antenna arrays are installed and brought online. With each additional station, the sensitivity and resolution of the telescope will increase. This growth will also bring greater technical challenges in handling the growing complexity and data rates.

    By the end of 2025, SKA-Low is expected to have 16 working stations. The increased volume of output data at this stage will be the next major test for the telescope’s software systems.

    By the end of 2026, the array is planned to expand to 68 working stations at which point it will be the the most sensitive low-frequency radio telescope on Earth.

    This phase will be the next big test of the end-to-end telescope system. When we get to this stage, the same field you see in the image above will be able to comprehensively map and detect up to 600,000 galaxies. I’m personally looking forward to helping bring it together.

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

    – ref. Less than 1% of the world’s biggest radio telescope is complete – but its first image reveals a sky dotted with ancient galaxies – https://theconversation.com/less-than-1-of-the-worlds-biggest-radio-telescope-is-complete-but-its-first-image-reveals-a-sky-dotted-with-ancient-galaxies-252382

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: AI at work: Reasoning models and the future of business

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: AI at work: Reasoning models and the future of business

    We are now living in a new reality—one in which AI can think and reason like humans, solving complex problems that have stumped even the most capable experts. This reality emerged just a few months ago, when OpenAI released the first of its AI “reasoning” models, which can understand and solve problems by making logical inferences and adapting to new information. More recently, DeepSeek made waves with a reasoning model that was developed more quickly and cheaply than we thought possible, and Anthropic released a hybrid reasoning model that can handle both immediate responses and those that require deeper consideration.  

    Let’s decode what happens when AI “reasons,” and what this remarkable new capability will mean for your business. 

    Understanding the breakthrough—and why it matters 
    Most current AI models rely heavily on pattern recognition to answer questions almost instantly, but reasoning AI takes a more deliberate approach. It engages in logical, multi-step analysis—a process called chain-of-thought reasoning—to break down complex problems into smaller, more manageable chunks. That lets the AI explore different paths and backtrack or pivot when it’s wrong, similar to how humans solve problems.  

    Until recently, the go-to method for improving AI model performance was feeding it increasingly massive data sets during the training stage. Reasoning models leverage a different strategy called test-time compute, which involves using more processing power and time during the actual problem-solving stage. This means the AI takes more time and uses more resources to think deeply and provide more complete, accurate answers. 

    Reasoning AI isn’t perfect: humans still have a premium on common sense, and AI struggles with tasks that require understanding context beyond logical reasoning, such as interpreting nuanced language. Still, reasoning capabilities make AI extraordinarily powerful, able to solve problems that stymie other systems. 

    Here’s one example of that power in action: Ethan Mollick, professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, wondered if OpenAI’s o1 reasoning model could spot a recently unearthed math error in a research paper that briefly sparked a panic about the safety of black plastic cooking utensils. He asked it to “carefully check the math in this paper,” and it quickly pinpointed the mistake.   

    As Mollick wrote, “When models are capable enough to not just process an entire academic paper, but to understand the context in which ‘checking math’ makes sense, and then actually check the results successfully, that radically changes what AIs can do.” 

    Reasoning models are racking up astonishing results on intelligence benchmarks, as Mollick points out. The GPQA Diamond benchmark tests high-level science knowledge that isn’t available online, and OpenAI o3 beat human experts with a score of 87.7%. In FrontierMath, a set of incredibly tough math problems, o3 scored 25.2%, a major improvement over previous models. And on ARC-AGI, a test designed to be doable for humans but hard for AIs, o3 scored 87.5%, besting both previous AIs and the baseline human level. 

    All this isn’t to say that AI is going to take the place of human expertise and judgment. But reasoning as a scalable, always-on resource represents a powerful new paradigm. This is a watershed moment—one that every leader and organization will need to come to terms with. 

    Decoding reasoning’s potential impact on business 
    Reasoning AI offers huge promise for business, across industries. Think of its potential for research and development. AI can now propose hypotheses and simulate outcomes on its own—thinking that’s well beyond the capabilities of standard prompt-and-response models. That advancement could cut years off traditional R&D cycles and bring breakthroughs in fields from renewable energy to pharmaceuticals. 

    More broadly, reasoning AI will upend many of our assumptions about work. Leaders should keep two things in mind: First, these models can perform cognitive labor that is equivalent to or better than humans. In other words, they can perceive, understand, reason, and execute—sometimes even create—at levels that approach or surpass human abilities. For every task your team needs to tackle, ask yourself, “Can AI do this job?” If the situation doesn’t call for uniquely human skills like judgment, nuance, originality, or emotional intelligence, the answer is now yes. We need to imagine a new division of labor for humans and AI—and new approaches to managing that labor. 

    Second, reasoning models change the economics of work. Historically, “acquiring” reasoning meant hiring humans, but that’s no longer exclusively the case. You can now rent or purchase cognitive labor on a consumption basis, similar to acquiring any other input for your business, from electricity to equipment. And that’s a very big deal. With efficient and affordable reasoning capabilities, your organization and industry will radically change. I expect that disruption to come from AI-native firms rather than incumbent companies. AI natives will have a competitive edge simply because they’ve been weaving AI into every process from the start.  

    It’s still early days for AI reasoning—and these are my initial thoughts. I’m certain that reasoning will crack open possibilities—and opportunities for business—that I haven’t even begun to imagine.  

    For more insights on AI and the future of work, subscribe to this newsletter.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Cutting digital curbs: How Azure AI Foundry is building a more accessible world

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Cutting digital curbs: How Azure AI Foundry is building a more accessible world

    As we celebrate innovation in accessibility at Microsoft’s Ability Summit 2025, we invite you to explore how Azure AI can enhance accessibility in your products and services. The future isn’t just about removing barriers—it’s about building a world where everyone moves forward together.

    When my wife and I had our first child, I started seeing the world differently. Pushing a stroller through our neighborhood, I quickly realized how much I had taken for granted—sidewalks that suddenly ended, intersections without curb cuts, pathways that were technically walkable but not built for wheels.

    It wasn’t just a minor inconvenience. It made me think about my elderly grandmother, who relied on a walker. And my parents, who are active now but won’t always move as easily as they do today. Mobility and accessibility are deeply connected, and for the first time, I saw how infrastructure shapes our daily experiences—whether we notice it or not.

    But physical mobility is only part of the equation. In the digital world, there are just as many curbs that need cutting. Websites that don’t work with screen readers. Captions that lag behind real-time speech. AI models that fail to understand diverse voices. These barriers may be invisible to many, but they create real limitations for millions of people.

    And just like curb cuts in sidewalks, digital accessibility doesn’t just benefit one group—it makes technology better for everyone. That’s where Azure AI Foundry, Azure OpenAI Service, and the latest innovations in multimodal AI and Responsible AI (RAI) come in—helping organizations cut digital curbs and build a world that works for all.

    As we recognize the impact of accessibility innovation at Microsoft’s Ability Summit 2025, we encourage you to explore how AI can drive greater inclusion in your products and services. 

    The goal isn’t just to eliminate obstacles—it’s to design a world where everyone moves forward together. Here are some of my favorite real-world examples.

    Build with Azure AI Foundry today

    Real-world impact: How Azure AI is cutting digital curbs

    The curb cuts of digital accessibility didn’t start with generative AI—Microsoft has been building inclusive technologies for decades. From early screen readers to speech-to-text innovations, AI has long played a pivotal role in expanding access. But now, we’re going even bigger. 

    Bridging the mental health gap with AI-powered conversations 

    Technology: Azure AI

    Mental health support is a growing necessity worldwide, but in Kenya, where there are only about 100 psychiatrists for a population of 50 million, access to professional care is extremely limited. Financial and cultural barriers often keep people from seeking the help they need.

    Kenya Red Cross saw an opportunity to bridge this gap using Azure AI-powered chatbots. In partnership with Pathways Technologies, they developed Chat Care, an AI-based mental health assistant that provides guidance, emotional support, and referrals—all in English and Swahili.

    This isn’t just a chatbot; it’s a lifeline for people who may otherwise suffer in silence. Chat Care allows users to start conversations about their mental health in a low-pressure, anonymous way, reducing stigma and offering resources that are accessible 24/7. It can suggest breathing exercises, gratitude practices, and in-person services, all tailored to the user’s responses.

    And for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or unable to speak on the phone, Chat Care offers text-based support, ensuring mental health services are available to everyone, regardless of ability or circumstance.

    Improving AI speech recognition for non-standard speech

    Technology: Azure AI Speech x UIUC Partnership

    Voice recognition technology often struggles to understand people with non-standard speech patterns, making it harder for individuals with conditions like cerebral palsy or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) to interact with AI-powered experiences.

    To solve this, Microsoft partnered with the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and fellow tech leaders to build the Speech Accessibility Project—a research initiative to train AI models that recognize diverse speech patterns.

    By integrating this breakthrough into Azure AI Speech, Microsoft is ensuring that AI-powered voice technology works for everyone, making digital experiences more inclusive across industries.

    Making AI more accessible from the ground up

    Technology: Azure AI Foundry

    With Azure AI Foundry, Microsoft has embedded accessibility into the AI development lifecycle itself. By partnering with EY, the Azure AI Foundry now empowers neurodivergent customers, and features improved usability, reducing cognitive overload and improving navigation for all people.

    In 2024, Azure AI Foundry reached a milestone for usability, reflecting feedback from people with disabilities that helped improve the platform. The updates included:

    • Grouping notifications and deployment errors to reduce cognitive overload.
    • Ensuring screen readers provide structured, easy-to-follow AI workflows.
    • Enhancing keyboard navigation for people who rely on shortcuts over mouse input.

    This is a prime example of why accessibility is about building better, more intuitive technology for everyone.

    Making accessible AI work for agents

    Technology: Computer-Using Agent (CUA)

    Microsoft’s Computer-Using Agent (CUA) in Azure AI Foundry enables AI-powered automation of digital interactions, making software more accessible for people with limited mobility or dexterity. By allowing CUA to navigate interfaces, complete multi-step tasks, and execute actions through natural language commands, it reduces reliance on traditional keyboard and mouse inputs.

    This breakthrough enhances digital accessibility, empowering people who use any kind of assistive technology. As CUA dynamically interprets UI elements, it makes it easier to navigate applications and workflows.

    Hope, action, and moving forward together with Azure AI

    There are days when it feels like progress is slow. That accessibility, whether physical or digital, takes too long to improve. But then I think about something as simple as the sidewalks at my cross streets.

    Not that long ago, they were completely inaccessible. But after making a call, filing a report, and pushing the issue, those sidewalks finally got curb cuts just in time for the birth of our second child. It was a small fix in the grand scheme of things, but it made a real difference.

    The truth is, sometimes it just takes someone noticing the problem and taking action. But I also know I say that from a place of privilege—I had the time, the resources, and the ability to advocate for that change. Many people don’t. That’s why it’s so important that we build accessibility into our systems from the start—so that no one has to fight for the basics.

    With Azure AI Foundry, organizations can now scale accessibility faster than ever, making the digital world more navigable, usable, and welcoming to all. The curb cuts are being built—and the future of accessibility is wide open.

    Join us at Ability Summit 2025

    As we celebrate innovation at Microsoft’s Ability Summit 2025, we invite you to explore how AI can enhance accessibility in your products and services.

    The future isn’t just about removing barriers—it’s about building a world where everyone moves forward together. 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Enabling inclusivity by gender mainstreaming the quality infrastructure for trade

    Source: United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

    Background

    Standards shape the products that surround us. They also help facilitate trade. It is important to ensure that all human beings are properly represented in the processes that develop the standards that affect them, especially women and that this gender mainstreaming remains constant throughout the quality infrastructure for trade.

    Building upon work within the UNECE Working Party on Regulatory Cooperation and Standardization Policies (WP.6), this project will raise awareness and build capacity on gender mainstreaming in standards development bodies and the government agencies involved in the quality infrastructure for trade.

    The work undertaken so far revealed that the main challenge for standards development organizations is to develop a workable gender action plan and to roll this out. The UNECE Guidelines on the topic provide a clear way forward to increase inclusiveness and ensure a gender lens to standards development. This project aims to tackle some of the remaining challenges:

    • building the consensus and buy-in;
    • making sure that the gender action plan is not just words on paper but actionable targets;
    • verifying that the results are effective;
    • developing recommendations on the best way forward…

    Objective

    This launch event will mark the start of this project in Georgia. It will bring together the main actors in the quality infrastructure for trade and outline the work which has already been achieved internationally in relation to gender-responsive standards. It will then explore how this can be rolled out to other bodies involved in the quality infrastructure for trade.

    The first day shall be a conference open to a wide audience laying down the basic principles of gender mainstreaming in standards development and in the processes linked to quality infrastructure for trade.

    The second day shall be a closed workshop for a targeted group of experts from each of the relevant quality infrastructure bodies who will be directly working on this project over the next two years.

    Target audience

    Target institutions include agencies with a remit on metrology, market surveillance, conformity assessment, accreditation, standardization, laboratory testing and all other stakeholders involved in the quality infrastructure for trade.

    Draft agenda

    20 February 2025, workshop aimed at enabling the team who will work on this project meet the objectives

    21 February 2025, conference

    • Opening and welcome remarks
      • Ariel Ivanier, Chief, Market Access Section, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) [Bio & PPT]

      • Erik Andermo, Economist, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator (RCO) [Bio & PPT]

      • Mariam Gabunia, Head of the Foreign Trade Policy Department, Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development
      • Davit Tkemaldze, Director General, Georgian National Agency for Standards and Metrology (GeoSTM) [Bio & PPT]
      • Giorgi Chitadze, Deputy Director General, Georgian Accreditation Center [Bio & PPT]
    • Keynote speech
      • Nino Elizbarashvili, Association Women in Business
    • Case study
      • Karin Lindmark, Head of Technical Policies and Standardization Services, Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS) [Bio & PPT]
    • Why quality infrastructure?
      • Lance Thompson, Head Regulatory Cooperation Unit, UNECE [Bio & PPT]
      • Nino Manvelidze [Bio & PPT]
    • Why gender mainstreaming?
      • Lance Thompson, UNECE [PPT2]
      • Rachel Miller, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) [Bio & PPT] 
      • Karin Lindmark, SIS

    Lunch break

    • Basics of gender
      • Rachel Miller, ISO
      • Karin Lindmark, SIS
      • Nino Elizbarashvili, Association Women in Business
      • Ketevan Shubashvili, UN Women
    • Gender perspectives in trade policy and standards
      • Ariel Ivanier, UNECE
      • Nino Manvelidze
    • Lessons learned from gender-responsive standards
      • Lance Thompson, UNECE [PPT3]
      • Rachel Miller, ISO
    • Barriers and enablers for gender mainstreaming in quality infrastructure
      • Rachel Miller, ISO

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: John A. Sarcone III’s Remarks Upon his Swearing-In as United States Attorney

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBANY, NEW YORK – United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III made these remarks today upon his swearing-in at the James T. Foley U.S. Courthouse:

    Thank you, Chief Judge Sannes. Thank you to the Judges of the Northern District of New York, to Clerk of the Court John Domurad, and to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Hanlon, who has ably assisted me with the onboarding process.

    I would like to first thank my family for the support and love throughout my life and career, My Wife Cecilia and Children who could not join us today, John Anthony (a Junior at Penn State) and Francesca (a freshman at the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina) and Juliet, a sophomore at Croton Harmon High School who is missing school to be here.

    Also present are my Mom Deann, my sister Jennifer Genes, Aunt Jane Fiorito and cousins Bill and Janet Tuttle, Cousin Bruce Fiorito and his wife Lorraine, thank you for your steadfast support.

    To my brothers Michael and Raymond and their families who could not join us today and extended Sarcone, Fiorito and Hickey families and my wife Cecilia’s family, thank you for your love and support.

    Thanks, and a big shout out to my close confidante and friend Ola Hawatmeh.

    My dear friends Father Douglas Crawford and Rabbi Abraham Klein. Thank you for joining me today.

    Thank you, Governor George Pataki, for all your support throughout the years.

    I would like to recognize Senate Leader Rob Ortt, Senator Bill Weber, Assembly Leader Will Barclay, Assemblyman Robert Smullen, my dear friends Chairman Douglas Colety and Chairman Don Minichino, who took time out of their busy schedules to join me today.

    Thank you, Ambassador Elise Stefanik, for your support of my appointment.

    Also joining me are my Dear friend, mentor and former law partner, NYS Appellate Division 2nd Department Justice Mark Dillon and his wife Michelle, my longtime friend and colleague Maury Heller, Al Buonamici, and mentor in everything election law John Ciampoli.

    Thanks to some very special friends who believed in me and fought with me in the political trenches for the past 10 years, Former Congressman John Sweeney, White House Counsel David Warrington, First Deputy White House Counsel Gineen Bresso, Deputy White House Counsel Stuart McCommas.

    And to all friends and colleagues who traveled to Albany today to witness my swearing-in on this most sacred and blessed day, THANK YOU.

    Incidentally, the family bible that I swore my oath on was passed down from my great grandmother Jennie Curtis Hickey to my grandmother Dorothy “Dot” Hickey Fiorito and to my mom Deann Sarcone. I chose today to be sworn in to honor my late grandmother Dot! I was also spiritually moved when my brother Raymond pointed out the date Attorney General Bondi signed the Order appointing me to this most prestigious position, February 28. That day would have been my father’s 87th birthday, whom we lost 35 years ago.

    During the first Trump Administration, I had the privilege and honor of serving as the 14th Regional Administrator for the United States General Services Administration, Northeast Caribbean Region. My jurisdiction included the Northern District of New York and this historic courthouse.

    These federal courthouses mean something – they project the majesty and authority of our government. Everyone knows that important work is going on inside.

    I am honored to be welcomed again into this building, this time as U.S. Attorney, to lead the men and women of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of New York, who are doing the important work of representing the United States in enforcing its laws both civil and criminal.

    Since I was appointed U.S. Attorney two weeks ago, here are just some of the great results this office has achieved:

    • A Nigerian citizen, who has been illegally present in this country for decades and living under stolen identities, pled guilty to bank fraud and money laundering conspiracies that caused $1.7 million in losses;
    • A North Country woman pled guilty to her role in an alien smuggling conspiracy that left a Romanian family of four dead in the St. Lawrence River; and
    • A former music teacher was convicted after trial of transporting students across state lines, and raping and sexually abusing them.

    These cases are each the result of close collaboration between AUSAs and our law enforcement partners. My goal is to continue this great work, and to implement the mandate by President Trump and task of Attorney General Pam Bondi to restore public confidence in our justice system. I am humbled and honored that President Trump and Attorney General Bondi have placed their faith and trust in me to carry forth that mandate as the chief federal law enforcement officer in this district.

    Which leads me to this subject – what makes a good prosecutor? It’s not what college or law school you went to, or whether you have been a career prosecutor, as recent events show. What matters is judgment.

    A good prosecutor has wisdom, common sense, a strong moral and ethical compass, a sense of fairness and empathy, coupled with legal skills and acumen honed over time and from a diversity of representations and matters. As recent events have also shown, there’s just no substitute for common sense. For instance, we recently witnessed the heads of Ivy League institutions equivocate on whether calling for the genocide of Jews by a minority of its students and others violates their own rules.

    I believe the prosecutorial power, and discretion, is best entrusted to those with the full breath of professional and life experiences, from which common sense, wisdom and informed judgment emerge. With these values in mind, I look forward to working together with everyone at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with our dedicated Federal, State and Local law enforcement agencies, in pursuit of honest, transparent, non-political enforcement of federal laws and to restore public confidence in our federal government and our Justice Department.

    As United States Attorney leading this office, I will prioritize our resources to keep our northern border secure; to work with federal, state and local authorities to maintain safe communities; root out public corruption; protect our seniors from being victimized by endless scams and consumer fraud; to end lawlessness and willful disregard for Federal laws; keep our kids safe from illegal drugs; and combat human trafficking.

    I pledge to dedicate steadfast resources to root out hate crimes of all kinds and will not tolerate violations of college students’ rights to be free from harassment or threats because of their religious beliefs and I give fair warning to university leaders that our reach will not stop at prosecuting those who choose to violate our laws but also those who knowingly support any violations in any way, shape or form.

    In conclusion, I am honored and humbled to be standing here before you, my family, friends, colleagues, distinguished guests and our amazing Judges of the Northern District of New York. Thank you all for honoring me with your presence.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Furkat Kasimov Makes a Case of Why Every Large Company Needs a Full-Time Futurisk

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Photo Courtesy of: Furkat Kasimov

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Industries are constantly evolving, and disruptions can arise overnight. This is why Furkat Kasimov believes the role of full-time futurisk is crucial for companies that want to stay ahead. As a leader in digital marketing and an advocate for forward-thinking business strategies, Kasimov argues that futurisks provide a competitive edge by helping organizations prepare for what lies ahead.

    “It is not about guessing what the future holds but creating strategies to navigate it,” he says. With years of experience in identifying and capitalizing on emerging trends, Kasimov makes a compelling case for why every large company should have a futurisk on board.

    A Swift Ascent

    A knack marks Kasimov’s career for recognizing opportunities before they become apparent. After earning a degree in accountancy and a master’s in international business, he joined InsuranceLeads.com in 2006. He quickly rose to vice president of digital marketing, where he honed his skills in search engine optimization and digital advertising. His contributions helped the company become a major player, eventually leading to its acquisition in 2011.

    After the acquisition, Kasimov co-founded LeadsMarket.com, a platform that connects buyers and sellers of leads, calls, and clicks. Under his leadership, the company grew to nearly $100 million in annual revenue without external funding. He developed proprietary software like LeadBrain, ClickBrain, and ListBrain, revolutionizing how businesses optimize their lead generation strategies. Kasimov’s early adoption of artificial intelligence and predictive analytics positioned LeadsMarket.com as a leader in the industry.

    “I approach every role with a founder’s mindset,” he says. “This perspective allows me to identify trends others might overlook and take action to capitalize on them.”

    Why Companies Need Futurisks

    Kasimov views the futurisk role as one that goes beyond traditional strategic planning. A futurisk analyzes trends, anticipates disruptions, and helps organizations craft strategies that align with long-term goals. He emphasizes that waiting to react to change is not an option in today’s fast-paced business environment.

    “Most companies spend too much time responding to what has already happened,” he says. “A futurisk ensures that you are not just reacting but leading the way forward.”

    For large companies, the stakes are exceptionally high. Rapid advancements in technology, evolving consumer behaviors, and unpredictable market shifts require a level of foresight that only a futurisk can provide. Kasimov’s career illustrates this. At InsuranceLeads.com, he used data-driven strategies to reverse engineer Google’s PageRank algorithm, enabling the company to rank first for highly competitive keywords like “auto insurance” and “life insurance.”

    Examples of Futurisk in Action

    In 2007, Kasimov developed one of the first lead capture applications for the iPhone, years before mobile app marketing strategies became standard. The app, which targeted the auto and life insurance industries, generated significant revenue without advertising. Kasimov says this innovation came from recognizing how mobile technology would change consumer behavior.

    “At the time, many in the industry were not ready to embrace mobile apps,” he says. “But I saw the potential and built apps to meet that future need.”

    The Expanding Role of Futurisks

    As businesses face increasing challenges such as sustainability, regulatory changes, and technological disruption, Kasimov believes the role of a futurisk will continue to grow in importance. He envisions futurisks’ role in shaping corporate strategies and societal outcomes.

    “The future is complex, and navigating it responsibly requires insight and preparation,” he says. “Futurisks help companies innovate in ways that are impactful.”
    Kasimov advocates for greater investment in futurisk roles and training programs, noting that the cost of inaction often far exceeds the investment needed to prepare for the future.

    Kasimov’s advocacy for full-time futurisks is grounded in his experiences as an entrepreneur and strategist. He says futurisks are essential for companies that want to move beyond merely surviving. “In today’s business world, you cannot afford to just keep up,” he says. “You have to lead. A futurisk helps ensure you are shaping the future, not just reacting to it.”

    Contact info:
    Furkat Kasimov
    LeadsMarket.com LLC
    Company website: https://www.leadsmarket.com
    Contact: furkat@dontdothis.ai

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b833d56b-5899-47a7-baab-4e3be2f7ed80

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CalAmp to Attend North American Snow Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan, April 6-9

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CARLSBAD, Calif., March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CalAmp, a leading provider of connected solutions for the transportation, logistics, and government sectors, is excited to announce its participation in the 2025 North American Snow Conference, taking place in Grand Rapids, Michigan, from April 6-9. As a premier event for local government professionals, the conference provides a unique opportunity for attendees to engage with industry leaders, explore cutting-edge educational sessions, and discover innovative solutions to enhance snow and ice management practices.

    CalAmp will be showcasing its latest technologies at Booth 1111, where attendees can learn about the company’s advanced connected solutions for snow removal, fleet management, and asset tracking. The company’s solutions are designed to help municipalities optimize operations, improve efficiency, and ensure the safety of citizens during winter weather events.

    “We are excited to be attending the North American Snow Conference and connecting with local government professionals who are focused on improving snow and ice management,” said Paul Washicko, GM of Telematics Solutions at CalAmp. “The conference offers a unique platform for sharing our innovative solutions and demonstrating how our technologies can help municipalities streamline operations, reduce costs, and ultimately provide better service to their communities.”

    The North American Snow Conference is renowned for its educational sessions, covering the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in snow and ice management. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with peers, exchange ideas, and explore cutting-edge solutions that can drive efficiency and safety in their snow removal operations.

    For more information about CalAmp and its student transportation solutions, visit www.calamp.com.

    About CalAmp

    CalAmp provides flexible solutions to help organizations worldwide monitor, track, and protect their vital assets. Our unique device-enabled software and cloud platform enables commercial and government organizations worldwide to improve efficiency, safety, visibility, and compliance while accommodating the unique ways they do business. With over 10 million active edge devices and 220+ approved or pending patents, CalAmp is the telematics leader organizations turn to for innovation and dependability. For more information, visit calamp.com, or LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube or CalAmp Blog.

    CalAmp, LoJack, TRACKER, Here Comes The Bus, Bus Guardian, CalAmp Vision, CrashBoxx and associated logos are among the trademarks of CalAmp and/or its affiliates in the United States, certain other countries and/or the EU. Spireon acquired the LoJack® U.S. Stolen Vehicle Recovery (SVR) business from CalAmp and holds an exclusive license to the LoJack mark in the United States and Canada. Any other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Fifth Committee Reviews Revised Costs of United Nations Iraq Mission Drawdown

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Fifth Committee (Administrative and Budgetary) delegates today began reviewing the revised financial implications of the Secretary-General’s plan to draw down 510 personnel from the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) over the course of 2025, with the bulk of reductions set for year-end.

    UNAMI’s drawdown was decided by the Security Council through the adoption of resolution 2732 (2024), which extended the Mission’s mandate for a final 19-month period until 31 December 2025.  (See Press Release SC/15714.)  According to the Secretary-General’s transition plan, 126 of the Mission’s 636 personnel would be retained to support liquidation and related activities in 2026.

    Christophe Monier, Director of the Programme Planning and Budget Division of the Office of Programme Planning, Finance and Budget, presented the Secretary-General’s report “Revised estimates relating to the programme budget for 2025 under section 3, Political affairs, and section 36, Staff assessment” (document A/79/6(Sect.3)/Add.10).

    Mr. Monier said the revised budget will allow the Mission to support its mandate’s tasks while ensuring the safe and orderly drawdown of personnel and assets.  A provision of $21.7 million has been made for separation costs, in line with the phased downsizing of posts and positions, he added.  The resources supersede the proposed financial and human resources of $103.2 million laid out in the Secretary-General’s report “Proposed programme budget for 2025, Part II Political affairs, Section 3 Political affairs, Special political missions, United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq” (document A/79/6(Sect.3)/Add.6).

    In presenting the Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) related report (document A/79/7/Add.48), Advisory Committee Vice-Chair Carlo Jacobucci noted that the revised estimates are up $12.3 million, compared with the $98.1 million appropriation approved for 2024, and up $24 million, compared with the General Assembly’s December 2024 authorized allotment.

    As the concentration of drawdown schedule towards the year-end, he urged the Secretariat to create a more balanced withdrawal schedule with an earlier and more gradual transition of responsibilities to the United Nations country team.  Noting that a portion of staff separation liabilities would fall payable in 2026, the Advisory Committee recommends that staff separation costs be clarified.

    Considering that the previous estimate of $9.7 million for staff separation costs for 2025 would be more appropriate, the Advisory Committee recommends a reduction of $12 million under civilian personnel costs.  Under operational costs, the Advisory Committee recommends a reduction of $2.1 million to the proposed requirements:  $1.2 million under facilities and infrastructure; $188,500 under air operations; and $681,100 under communications and information technology.

    Thanking the Organization and Member States for its financing of the Mission for the past 22 years, the representative of Iraq said the country’s situation is very different than when it was established in 2003.  “There have been many developments on the political, security, economic, social and regional levels,” he said.  “Now, our priorities are focusing more on supporting efforts in the areas of sustainable development and health services and infrastructure.”  The Iraqi Government will work with the United Nations and the Mission for the responsible closure of its operations by year’s end and supports the provision of adequate funding.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Rwanda has moved people into model ‘green’ villages: is life better there?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa Allyn Dale, Director of the MA in Climate and Society program at the Columbia Climate School, Columbia University

    After the devastating 1994 genocide, Rwandans returning from the violence established homes and began farming where they could find land.

    Since then, the Rwandan government has aimed to bring people scattered across rural parts of the country into grouped settlements which they have called “model villages”. These are intended to provide extra support for highly vulnerable residents, such as the homeless and those who are living in “high risk zones” – areas prone to floods, drought and mudslides, and which are likely to be affected by climate change in the future.

    Rwanda has a population of 14.5 million. An estimated 62,000 rural families have been resettled into 14,815 villages, of which 253 are considered “model villages”. Some of them are considered “green”, because they use solar power and biofuels as energy sources. Rainwater harvesting, tree planting, and terraced vegetable plots are other features of the green, environmentally friendly model villages.

    We conducted a study to understand the impact of relocating rural communities from high risk zones where they face threats from a changing climate, such as erratic rainfall, drought, floods and landslides. We looked at two lake island communities who were experiencing floods. They also suffered a lack of health and education services and security problems from being too close to an unguarded border.

    We used the Rweru Model Green Village as a case study. Based on our interviews with families who were moved there, we found that relocating people can be double-edged. On the positive side, resettlement increased access to modern facilities and social services. On the downside, people found it hard to earn a living. They lacked access to natural and financial capital and had to adapt to a different climate.

    The resettlement programme overall is now understood to be part of the government of Rwanda’s approach to climate change adaptation. However, our findings suggest that this should be done with care, considering factors like community expectations and government development plans.

    Why people were moved

    The Rweru Model Green Village was set up in 2016 to house residents from two nearby islands on Lake Rweru, Sharita and Mazane. Located along the southern border with Burundi, these islands were home to generations of Rwandans. But they lived in relative isolation without access to services like education, healthcare or markets.

    We interviewed and surveyed people from 64 households in the Rweru village. At the time of our research, 1,777 people had been moved in, all from Sharita and Mazane islands.



    Read more:
    Rising risks of climate disasters mean some communities will need to move – we need a national conversation about relocation now

    Participants said fishing had been a way of life on the islands, providing them with a consistent source of protein. Beans, potatoes, cassava and sorghum grew successfully. Even relatively impoverished households said they had enough food to live on: 55% said the productivity of the land was high.

    However, 84% of respondents also described an isolated life without services. As one put it:

    we were cut off from the rest of the world.

    Many mentioned the lack of drinking water, roads and electricity as a major drawback to living on the islands. While primary school was available, older children could only get to a secondary school by a two hour boat ride. Some dropped out of school.

    Healthcare was absent, and respondents described harrowing journeys to find medical attention. As one woman said:

    When we were still there in Sharita, a woman could want to deliver a baby but getting a boat it takes a long time, a woman can even lose her life waiting.

    The boat rides were dangerous because of hippos in the lake, malaria-carrying mosquitoes, and the risk of drowning.

    Others said that people from Burundi could access the islands easily and sometimes assaulted or killed the island residents. About 76% of the people we interviewed described their lives before relocation as dangerous. Residents had been asking to be resettled for some time because of these problems.

    One of the driving forces for organising rural life into model villages is to enhance the capacity of residents to adapt to changes, including climate impacts such as the increased risks of flooding, drought or landslides. In that way, the model green village programme is also understood to have climate change adaptation elements.

    The pros and cons after resettlement

    After resettlement, most respondents described improvements in their overall quality of life. They were less exposed to floods, which they’d experienced on the islands. They had improved access to healthcare, social services and quality housing.

    Many (66%) described the housing they received as the most important advantage of their new lives:

    Above all, the nicest thing I was given was the house.

    They also described clean water (26%), markets (50%), healthcare (55%), schools (50%) and electricity (24%) as benefits of living in the new model village. It was the first time they’d been able to manage livestock, having only had chickens on the islands. Their children were benefiting from having milk.



    Read more:
    Climate change will force up to 113m people to relocate within Africa by 2050

    Some residents appreciated having a mattress for the first time; 50% indicated furniture and kitchen equipment as advantages. About 34% of respondents were pleased that they no longer needed to travel by boat.

    They also felt safer. But despite these positive outcomes, they said they were poorer and had less food. Unlike the islands, the micro-climate inland was very hot, with little rain and increasing drought.

    Most people we interviewed (55%) said their new, smaller plots of land were “infertile”, “unproductive” or “barren”. They couldn’t fish or grow enough fruit or vegetables. One person said many of the elderly people who were moved only ate one meal a day in the village “and others are starving completely”.

    Increased hunger caused children to miss school:

    Sometimes I cannot put food on the table, my son sleeps with an empty stomach and he cannot go to school the next day.

    The future of model green villages

    The Rwandan government plans to continue setting up model villages, and wants these to be sustainable for many years.

    More research is needed to determine whether living in a model village provides young people with a better quality of life. The government will also need to address the economic challenges, food insecurity and welfare needs of residents in the new villages.

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

    – ref. Rwanda has moved people into model ‘green’ villages: is life better there? – https://theconversation.com/rwanda-has-moved-people-into-model-green-villages-is-life-better-there-250975

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Bug drugs: bacteria-based cancer therapies are finally overcoming barriers

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    Lightspring/Shutterstock

    Imagine a world where bacteria, typically feared for causing disease, are turned into powerful weapons against cancer. That’s exactly what some scientists are working on. And they are beginning to unravel the mechanisms for doing so, using genetically engineered bacteria to target and destroy cancer cells.

    Using bacteria to fight cancer dates back to the 1860s when William B. Coley, often called the father of immunotherapy, injected bacteria called streptococci into a young patient with inoperable bone cancer. Surprisingly, this unconventional approach led to the tumour shrinking, marking one of the first examples of immunotherapy.

    William Coley (centre), a pioneer of bug drugs.
    Wikimedia Commons

    Over the next few decades, as head of the Bone Tumour Service at Memorial Hospital in New York, Coley injected over 1,000 cancer patients with bacteria or bacterial products. These products became known as Coley’s toxins.

    Despite this early promise, progress in bacteria-based cancer therapies has been slow. The development of radiation therapy and chemotherapy overshadowed Coley’s work, and his approach faced scepticism from the medical community.

    However, modern immunology has vindicated many of Coley’s principles, showing that some cancers are indeed very sensitive to an enhanced immune system, an approach we can often capture to treat patients.

    How bacteria-based cancer therapies work

    These therapies take advantage of the unique ability of certain bacteria to proliferate inside tumours. The low oxygen, acidic and dead tissue in the area around the cancer – the tumour “microenvironment” (an area I am especially interested in) – create an ideal niche for some bacteria to thrive. Once there, bacteria can, in theory, directly kill tumour cells or activate the body’s immune responses against the cancer. However, several difficulties have hindered the widespread adoption of this approach.

    Safety concerns are paramount because introducing live bacteria into a patient’s body can cause harm. Researchers have had to carefully attenuate (weaken) bacterial strains to ensure they don’t damage healthy tissue. Additionally, controlling the bacteria’s behaviour within the tumour and preventing them from spreading to other parts of the body has been difficult.

    Bacteria live inside us, known as the microbiome, and treatments, disease and, of course, new bacteria that are introduced can interfere with this natural environment. Another significant hurdle has been our incomplete understanding of how bacteria interact with the complex tumour microenvironment and the immune system.

    Questions remain about how to optimise bacterial strains for maximum anti-tumour effects while minimising side-effects. We’re also not sure of the dose – and some approaches give one bacteria and others entire colonies and multiple bug species together.

    Recent advances

    Despite these challenges, recent advances in scientific fields, such as synthetic biology and genetic engineering, have breathed new life into the field. Scientists can now program bacteria with sophisticated functions, such as producing and delivering specific anti-cancer agents directly within tumours.

    This targeted approach could overcome some limitations of traditional cancer treatments, including side-effects and the inability to reach deeper tumour tissues.

    Emerging research suggests that bacteria-based therapies could be particularly promising for certain types of cancer. Solid tumours, especially those that have a poor blood supply and are resistant to conventional therapies, might benefit most from this approach.

    Colon cancer, ovarian cancer and metastatic breast cancer are among the high-mortality cancers that researchers are targeting with these innovative therapies.
    One area we have the best evidence for is that “bug drugs” may help the body fight cancer by interacting with routinely used immunotherapy drugs.

    Recent studies have shown encouraging results. For instance, researchers have engineered strains of E coli bacteria to deliver small tumour protein fragments to immune cells, effectively training them to recognise and attack cancer cells. In lab animals, this approach has led to tumour shrinkage and, sometimes, complete elimination.

    E coli have been used to deliver cancer tumour fragments to immune cells.
    Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

    By exploiting these mechanisms, bacterial therapies can selectively colonise tumours while largely sparing healthy tissues, potentially overcoming limitations of conventional cancer treatments.

    Ultimately, we need human trials to give us the answer about whether this works, by controlling or eradicating cancer and, of course, if there are side-effects, its toxicity.

    In one study I worked on, we showed that part of a bacterial cell wall, when injected into patients, could safely help control melanoma – the most deadly form of skin cancer.

    While we’re still in the early stages, the potential of bacteria-based cancer therapies is becoming increasingly clear. As our understanding of tumour biology and bacterial engineering improves, we may be on the cusp of a new era in cancer treatment.

    Bacterial-based cancer therapies take advantage of several unique mechanisms to specifically target tumour cells. As a result, these therapies could offer a powerful new tool in our arsenal against cancer, working in synergy with existing treatments like immunotherapy and chemotherapy. And, as we look to the future, bacteria-based cancer therapies represent a fascinating convergence of historical insight and groundbreaking science.

    While challenges remain, the progress in this field offers hope for more effective, targeted treatments that could significantly improve outcomes for cancer patients.

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

    – ref. Bug drugs: bacteria-based cancer therapies are finally overcoming barriers – https://theconversation.com/bug-drugs-bacteria-based-cancer-therapies-are-finally-overcoming-barriers-251278

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Stop waiting for a foreign hero: NZ’s supermarket sector needs competition from within

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lisa M. Katerina Asher, Retail Academic Researcher, PhD Candidate & Sessional Academic, University of Sydney

    non c/Shutterstock

    New Zealand’s concentrated supermarket sector is back in the spotlight after Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she was open to offering “VIP treatment” to a third international player willing to create competition.

    However, New Zealanders hoping for a foreign hero to break up the current supermarket concentration will be waiting a long time.

    It could take five years or more for an international brand such as Aldi to enter New Zealand and establish a nationwide chain. It is a risky bet. So far, no foreign operator has expressed interest publicly in setting up shop here on a national scale.

    To create more competition in the supermarket sector, the New Zealand government needs go back to where the issues began: allowing multiple companies to merge until there were few alternatives for shoppers.

    Breaking up two of the major entities in the sector would be a relatively quick way to reintroduce competition and improve affordability for everyone.

    The rise in concentration

    The current state of New Zealand’s supermarket sector – dominated by Woolworths (formerly Countdown), Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island – is a result of successive mergers and acquisitions along two tracks.

    The first was Progressive Enterprises’ (owner of Foodtown, Countdown and Five Guys banners) purchase of Woolworths New Zealand (which also owned Big Fresh and Price Chopper) in 2001.

    Progressive Enterprises was sold to Woolworths Australia, its’ current owner, in 2005. In less than 25 years, six brands owned by multiple companies were whittled down to a single brand, Woolworths.

    The second was the concentration of the “Foodstuffs cooperatives” network. This network once included four regional cooperatives and multiple banners including Mark’n Pak and Cut Price, as well as New World, PAK’nSave and Four Square.

    The decision of the four legally separate cooperatives to include “Foodstuffs” in their company name blurred the lines between them. The companies looked similar but remained legally separate.

    As a result of mergers, these four separate companies have now become Foodstuffs North Island – franchise limited share company, operating according to “cooperative principlies” and Foodstuffs South Island, a legal cooperative.

    In a recent failed application to merge into one company, Foodstuffs North Island and Foodstuffs South Island admitted to sharing information between the two legally separate companies. They are also not meaningfully competing with each other as they operate in regions which do not overlap.

    Breaking up the current players to compete

    While the Commerce Commission declined the clearance for Foodstuffs North Island Limited and Foodstuffs South Island to merge into one single national grocery entity, more can be done to drive competition in the supermarket sector.

    The fastest option would be to break up the “Foodstuffs” companies into smaller entities, with the breakaway and re-branding of PAK’nSave across both islands.

    But to do this the government would need to update legislation to allow parliament to force divestiture, consistent with the United Kingdom and the United States.

    This would allow New Zealand to go from three supermarket companies to five or more in a short period of time.

    Reducing the power dependency of suppliers and customers on the current companies would also reduce barriers to entry for overseas brands.

    Global players will take too long

    Breaking up the local dominant supermarket players is simply faster, and more straightforward, than waiting for a foreign company to enter New Zealand. It takes time and is expensive to build scale with stores. It can also be risky, as recent history in Australia shows.

    Aldi Australia, a favourite of New Zealand consumers hoping for a global alternative, took 20 years to reach scale as a third major player in that country. Originally from Germany, Aldi entered Australia as a declining brand – Franklins – left the market.

    In 2017, another German company, Kaufland, announced ambitious plans to enter the Australian market, starting with 20 stores. It purchased its first site in 2018 and hired 200 staff. However, the company abandoned launch plans in 2020 and divested completely from the market.

    Additionally, it took US-based bulk retail store Costco three years – and NZ$100 million – to go from announcing its plans for one New Zealand store to open. The retailer has hinted at opening a second location but this has not yet happened.

    In the end, the solution to New Zealand’s concentrated supermarket sector needs to come from within. Breaking up the power held by the dominant supermarket companies will allow prices to come down more quickly than waiting for a foreign supermarket to arrive.

    The government allowed the market to become concentrated, so it can now fix it. An international brand is not the hero – local, New Zealand-owned competition is.

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

    – ref. Stop waiting for a foreign hero: NZ’s supermarket sector needs competition from within – https://theconversation.com/stop-waiting-for-a-foreign-hero-nzs-supermarket-sector-needs-competition-from-within-251910

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: Blueprint Enterprises Launches to Invest In and Accelerate the Growth of Canadian Companies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Blueprint Enterprises (“Blueprint”), a family-backed holding company dedicated to acquiring and growing exceptional Canadian businesses, launched today.

    Blueprint plans to make majority investments in established Canadian businesses with a long-term ownership horizon. As experienced operators and investors, the Blueprint team will provide capital, operating expertise, and strategic resources to these companies to accelerate growth.

    Damian Creber, Blueprint’s CEO and Co-Founder, stated, “We want to see more Canadian companies on the global stage and believe we can help them achieve that exciting mission through our differentiated partnership approach. Uniquely, Blueprint’s preferred ownership period is forever which allows us to meaningfully invest for the future while providing a long-term home for wonderful Canadian companies.”

    David Mowat, Blueprint’s President and Co-Founder, adds, “Having most recently operated a large business in the U.S., I am excited to return to my Canadian roots and apply my experience at home. Blueprint is designed with an appreciation for the uniqueness of each company – whether an owner wants to continue with the business or transition immediately, we have the capability to facilitate that while protecting their legacy.”

    Blueprint is launching with an Advisory Board of highly accomplished founders, operators, and investors who will provide support to both Blueprint and its companies. Yen Liow, Chairman of Blueprint’s Advisory Board, says, “As an investor across both public and private markets for 30 years, I believe the opportunity that Blueprint is pursuing is incredibly exciting. Damian and David, alongside their team and the Blueprint Advisory Board, are well-equipped to help Canadian business owners realize the full potential of their companies.”

    Blueprint can make investments up to $100 million and will consider any form of majority investment, including growth partnership, succession planning, or owner transition.

    About Blueprint Enterprises
    Blueprint Enterprises is a family-backed holding company dedicated to acquiring and growing exceptional Canadian businesses. We are hands-on partners: investing our capital, time, expertise, and resources to accelerate growth in our companies while preserving each of their unique legacies. Our focus is on multi-decade growth, our preferred ownership period is forever, and we can make investments up to $100 million. For more information, visit: www.blueprintenterprises.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Canadian General Investments, Limited Files Annual Disclosure Documents

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Canada, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canadian General Investments, Limited (CGI) (TSX:CGI) (LSE: CGI) (the Company), announces that it has submitted its 2024 Annual Report, which includes the Management Report of Fund Performance and Audited Financial Statements and the 2025 Management Information Circular, including the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders, Form of Proxy and Annual Information Form with applicable Canadian securities regulators and to the National Storage Mechanism (https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism).

    PDF versions of these documents are also available at www.canadiangeneralinvestments.ca and at www.sedarplus.com.

    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
    Jonathan A. Morgan
    President & CEO
    Phone: (416) 366-2931
    Fax: (416) 366-2729
    e-mail: cgifund@mmainvestments.com
    website: www.canadiangeneralinvestments.ca

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Supply & Demand Chain Executive Names AutoScheduler.AI Executives as 2025 Pros to Know

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Orchestration Platform and WMS accelerator, announces that Keith Moore, CEO, and Jeff Potts, Chief Customer Officer, are winners of this year’s Pros to Know Award given by Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain. This award recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments offer a roadmap for other leaders leveraging the supply chain for competitive advantage. Keith Moore is recognized in the Rising Stars category, and Jeff Potts is recognized in the Leaders in Excellence category.

    “Jeff Potts is a great asset for the company with over 30 years of experience in the supply chain industry and truly deserves to be recognized as a Leader in Excellence,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “He uses his strategy, analytics, and the best talent to target new customers and markets while deepening engagement with existing clients. I am honored to be recognized again in the Rising Star category for this prestigious award.”

    “Many of today’s supply chain pros are more than just leaders within their space; they’re true pioneers of change. This year’s list of winners really pushed the boundaries in all facet, creating, implementing, transforming, innovating, reinventing, and collaborating. They executed on all fronts, over-delivering and over-performing. They are true professionals to know in the supply chain space,” says Marina Mayer, editor-in-chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive and co-founder of the Women in Supply Chain Forum.

    Jeff Potts is the Chief Customer Officer of AutoScheduler.AI. He is responsible for all aspects of expanding customer business for the company. Jeff focuses on improving sales performance, creating great product and pricing strategies, and delivering customer satisfaction.

    Keith Moore is the CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. He is responsible for providing organization-wide strategic oversight and establishing external engagement and development initiatives. He spends most of his time working with his customers to deliver supply chain solutions focused on driving efficiency in distribution centers.

    AutoScheduler.AI ushers in a new era as the brains of a warehousing operation and is the only solution on the market designed to optimize operational activity to decrease touches and increase capacity per headcount. AutoScheduler.AI helps businesses manage what they need today to succeed while predicting what they need in the future to meet the increased demand in labor, space, and time.

    Go to https://sdce.me/51zgjx6o to view the full list of winners.

    About AutoScheduler.AI

    AutoScheduler.AI empowers you to take full control of your warehouse with a cloud-based solution that seamlessly integrates with your existing WMS/LMS/YMS or any other solution. We automate critical tasks like labor scheduling, dock management, and task sequencing, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. You’ve already invested in the software to run your warehouse—what we do is provide the orchestration layer that ties it all together to make real-time data driven decisions. With AutoScheduler.AI, you get smart orchestration for a smarter, more agile warehouse. For more information, visit: http://www.autoscheduler.ai.

    About Supply & Demand Chain Executive

    Supply & Demand Chain Executive is the only supply chain publication covering the entire global supply chain, focusing on trucking, warehousing, packaging, procurement, risk management, professional development and more. Supply & Demand Chain Executive and its sister publication, Food Logistics, also operate SCN Summit and the Women in Supply Chain Forum. Go to www.SDCExec.com to learn more.

    About IRONMARKETS 

    IRONMARKETS, formerly known as AC Business Media, is a leading business-to-business media and buyer engagement platform with a portfolio of renowned brands in heavy construction, asphalt, concrete, paving, rental, sustainability, landscape, manufacturing, logistics, and supply chain markets. IRONMARKETS delivers relevant, cutting-edge content through its industry-leading digital properties, trade shows, conferences, videos, magazines, webinars, and newsletters. Learn more at https://www.iron.markets.

    Contact:
    Becky Boyd
    MediaFirst PR
    Becky@MediaFirst.Net
    Cell: (404) 421-8497  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Boomer Benefits Unveils New Blog Post: What is My Medicare Initial Enrollment Period?

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORT WORTH, Texas, March 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boomer Benefits, a leading Medicare insurance agency based in Fort Worth, TX, is pleased to announce the release of a new blog post titled What is My Medicare Initial Enrollment Period? Written by Lauren Bigham,This informative piece aims to guide individuals through the complexities of Medicare enrollment, providing clarity and understanding to those approaching this critical phase of their healthcare journey.

    Boomer Benefits Medicare Agency Logo

    Founded in 2005, Boomer Benefits has established itself as an award-winning agency, representing national insurance carriers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and Mutual of Omaha. With a commitment to excellence and customer service, the company continues to empower its clients with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their Medicare options.

    The new blog post delves into the specifics of the Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), a crucial time frame for individuals to enroll in Medicare for the first time. Understanding the IEP is essential for avoiding late enrollment penalties and ensuring seamless access to healthcare benefits. Boomer Benefits’ latest publication breaks down the timeline, eligibility criteria, and steps involved in the enrollment process.

    “Our goal is to demystify the Medicare enrollment process for our clients,” said Lauren Bigham, Assistant Marketing Manager at Boomer Benefits. “By providing clear and concise information, we aim to alleviate the stress and confusion often associated with Medicare enrollment.”

    This blog post is part of Boomer Benefits’ ongoing efforts to educate and support Medicare beneficiaries. The company recognizes the importance of accessible information and strives to be a trusted resource for those navigating the complexities of Medicare.

    Readers are encouraged to visit the Boomer Benefits website to read the full blog post and explore additional resources available to assist with Medicare planning and enrollment. With a focus on transparency and client education, Boomer Benefits continues to lead the way in Medicare insurance services.

    About Boomer Benefits

    Founded in 2005 in Fort Worth, TX, Boomer Benefits is an award-winning Medicare insurance agency for national insurance carriers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Mutual of Omaha and many other A-rated carriers.

    Press inquiries

    Boomer Benefits
    https://boomerbenefits.com
    Kelsey Mundfrom
    info@boomerbenefits.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f740eb9e-295e-47b0-ac7e-063e1c7d3513

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/29ac6cb6-c806-43e5-9b5a-9ad3cfc0f8a2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Financial news: 03/17/2025, 16-39 (Moscow time) the values of the upper limit of the price corridor and the range of market risk assessment for the security RU000A1035Y6 (BMBankP08) were changed.

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Exchange – Moscow Exchange –

    03/17/2025

    16:39

    In accordance with the Methodology for determining the risk parameters of the stock market and deposit market of Moscow Exchange PJSC by NCO NCC (JSC) on 17.03.2025, 16-39 (Moscow time), the values of the upper limit of the price corridor (up to 81.65) and the range of market risk assessment (up to 839.18 rubles, equivalent to a rate of 7.5%) of the security RU000A1035Y6 (BMBankP08) were changed.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    HTTPS: //VVV. MEEX.K.M.M.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Antigua and Barbuda

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    March 17, 2025

    Washington, DC: On March 13, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Antigua and Barbuda and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting on a lapse-of-time basis. The authorities need more time to consider the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]

    Antigua and Barbuda’s post-pandemic economic expansion is continuing. Real output is estimated to have surpassed pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with growth estimated at 4.3 percent, driven by strong tourism and one-off events (including the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States and the T20 Cricket World Cup). Inflation was elevated in 2024, reflecting contributions from specific items, notably communication, as well as increases in indirect taxes.

    The recovery in nominal GDP, along with improved fiscal balances, brought down the public debt from around 100 percent of GDP in 2020 to 67 percent in 2024. However, gross financing needs are projected to remain around 10 percent of GDP in the medium term. Substantial domestic and external arrears, albeit with domestic arrears uncertain in size, have limited financing options. The fiscal primary balance improved to 4.6 percent in 2024, aided by indirect tax increases, a broader economic recovery, and one-off factors (e.g., nearly 2 percent of GDP from an asset forfeiture and unusually low capital spending). The 2025 Budget envisages stronger tax revenues and higher capital spending.

    According to Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) preliminary estimates, the current account deficit narrowed to 7 percent of GDP in 2024, reflecting both a higher service trade balance—mainly tourism receipts—and a smaller goods deficit due to a contraction in imports. FDI inflows were resilient to tightening global financial conditions and continued to support ongoing hotel construction. Credit growth is recovering, with nonperforming loans contained.

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    In concluding the 2025 Article IV consultation with Antigua and Barbuda, Executive Directors endorsed the staff’s appraisal, as follows:

    Antigua and Barbuda’s post-pandemic economic expansion continues. Economic activity, boosted by tourism, is estimated to have surpassed pre-pandemic levels. As the recovery matures, staff projects economic growth to moderate from 3 percent in 2025 to 2½ percent over the medium term. After an increase in inflation in 2024, in part reflecting one-off factors, underlying price pressures are expected to dissipate. The external position in 2024 is assessed to be moderately weaker than the level implied by medium term fundamentals and desirable policies. Efforts to raise revenue and address debt and fiscal challenges bore fruit in 2024, though further steps will be needed to restore debt sustainability, address the stock of outstanding arrears, and reduce gross financing needs in the medium term.

    Risks are currently tilted to the downside, although upside risks are also present. Downside risks emanate from elevated uncertainty about the global outlook; a deepening of geoeconomic fragmentation; commodity price volatility; climate-related vulnerabilities; and capacity constraints in the construction sector. Upside risks stem from stronger demand for tourism; improved air connectivity; new cruise port facilities; hosting of special events; and the intensification of productivity-enhancing structural reforms, which could support higher medium- and long-term growth.

    Addressing external and domestic arrears is key to broadening financing options. While the fall in nominal debt in 2024 is welcome, outstanding arrears to domestic suppliers and to the Paris Club remain obstacles to debt sustainability and constrain Antigua and Barbuda’s potential access to external and domestic financing. Given the additional vulnerabilities stemming from climate change and the resulting substantial adaption and resilience-building investment needs, efforts to address the current debt challenges, bolster government revenues, and improve public financial management are all the more critical. 

    Recent improvements in tax revenue are welcome, with further domestic revenue mobilization needed in the medium term to ensure fiscal sustainability. Antigua and Barbuda’s tax revenues remain below the authorities’ fiscal resilience guideline targets and are low by peer country standards. The authorities’ 2024 Budget measures have started to close the gap, but more will be needed in the medium term. To mobilize revenue without recourse to a personal income tax or higher ABST rates, near-term priorities could include tighter control of tax exemptions, transitioning to HS2022 classification in customs, and modernizing the framework for property taxation. Intensifying efforts to introduce a single window system at customs and to operationalize systems to allow e-filing, e-payment and e-registration of taxes is warranted. Introducing a large taxpayer unit as well as modernized IT systems would strengthen tax administration.

    Better targeted social assistance would enhance inclusion while curbing inefficiencies. The current framework of social protection is fragmented across sectors and ministries. Staff sees scope to streamline these social programs to reduce overlap and tailor social assistance to the most vulnerable households. In this vein, staff encourages the development of a centralized information system or unified database to maintain accurate records of all beneficiaries, track support received, and identify gaps or duplications in coverage.

    Room remains to strengthen fiscal institutions and oversight, building on recent progress. The operationalization of the Fiscal Responsibility Oversight Committee is welcome. To promote transparency and help build public understanding, staff encourages publication of FROC reports once further experience has been gained. These goals would also be served by parliamentary endorsement of the Fiscal Resilience Guidelines and the medium-term fiscal framework. Statutory exemptions should be consistent with the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority Act and the Antigua and Barbuda Investment Authority should monitor the approved projects. The envisaged reestablishment of the SOE unit in the Ministry of Finance would enhance SOE oversight and contain potential fiscal risks.

    To reinforce financial stability and build on efforts to promote financial inclusion, regional coordination remains key. Staff assesses the financial sector to be broadly stable, with credit growth recovering and non-performing loans approaching prudential levels. The launch of the regional credit bureau can promote faster access to credit while maintaining lending standards. The ECCB-led climate risk initiatives and the regional partial credit guarantee scheme should also boost credit quality and financial intermediation. A more risk-based supervisory framework for credit unions, with enhanced monitoring of asset quality and credit forbearance measures in the context of the planned regional common regulatory standards, would help put credit unions and banks on a more level playing field. The inclusion of the ECCB in the National Oversight Committee on Financial Action improves coordination among supervisory authorities. The increase in investment thresholds for the Citizenship by Investment Program and the improved due diligence process can help safeguard the program’s integrity. 

    Intensifying reforms to improve the business environment would support potential growth by improving the allocation of resources between firms and addressing obstacles to firms’ operations. Staff analysis finds potential for large aggregate productivity gains from the reallocation of resources between firms, and scope to continue addressing obstacles that firms report in areas such as workforce education, access to finance, and customs and trade regulations. Targeted efforts to increase educational opportunities, employer‑employee matching at the One Stop Employment Centre, and the completion of the Skills Demand Survey, are warranted. Offering courses at local institutions could increase financial literacy among MSMEs, and implementing the single electronic window at customs would increase the efficiency of importing and exporting of goods.

    Table 1. Antigua and Barbuda: Selected Economic and Financial Indicators

     

    Population (2023)

    102,195

    Adult literacy rate (2015)

    99

    GDP per capita (US$, 2023)

    19,627

    Mean years of schooling (2022)

    10.5

    Life expectancy at birth (years, 2022)

    79.2

    Human Development Index rank

    54

    Mortality rate (under 5, per 1,000 live births, 2022)                    10                                        (2022, of 193 economies)

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Est.

    Projections

    2020

    2021

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    National Income and Prices

    Real GDP

    -18.9

    8.2

    9.1

    2.4

    4.3

    3.0

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    2.5

    Nominal GDP

    -18.2

    13.5

    16.5

    7.5

    10.9

    6.7

    5.0

    4.6

    4.5

    4.5

    Consumer prices (end of period)

    2.8

    1.2

    9.2

    3.3

    6.0

    3.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

    Consumer prices (period average)

    1.1

    1.6

    7.5

    5.1

    6.4

    3.5

    2.4

    2.0

    2.0

    2.0

     

    Money and Credit

    Net foreign assets

    -4.4

    18.2

    3.3

    0.2

    3.3

    3.2

    3.8

    2.5

    1.3

    0.3

    Net domestic assets

    -0.6

    -4.4

    1.3

    4.4

    -1.3

    6.4

    1.3

    2.0

    3.2

    4.2

    Broad money (M2)

    -8.7

    13.9

    4.6

    4.6

    2.1

    9.5

    5.0

    4.6

    4.5

    4.5

    Credit to private sector

    4.8

    -4.1

    -2.1

    7.0

    10.2

    6.0

    5.5

    5.0

    5.0

    5.0

     

    Central Government

    Primary balance

    -3.7

    -2.3

    -0.3

    0.5

    4.6

    0.7

    0.8

    0.9

    1.0

    1.0

    Overall balance

    -6.2

    -4.5

    -2.8

    -1.7

    2.5

    -1.3

    -1.0

    -0.7

    -0.6

    -0.5

       Total revenue and grants

    19.8

    18.9

    17.9

    17.1

    21.4

    19.9

    20.1

    20.2

    20.1

    20.0

       Total expenditure

    26.0

    23.4

    20.7

    18.8

    18.9

    21.2

    21.1

    20.9

    20.7

    20.5

     

    External Sector

    Current account balance

    -15.6

    -17.8

    -15.6

    -13.5

    -7.0

    -10.5

    -10.2

    -10.1

    -9.8

    -9.5

    Trade balance

    -28.6

    -29.6

    -34.4

    -32.8

    -28.2

    -30.4

    -30.3

    -30.2

    -30.0

    -29.9

    Nonfactor service balance

    17.3

    19.5

    28.2

    28.4

    30.4

    28.8

    29.1

    29.4

    29.6

    29.9

       Of which: Gross tourism receipts

    29.2

    30.5

    44.4

    45.4

    46.8

    46.7

    47.2

    47.7

    48.1

    48.5

    Overall balance

    -6.5

    3.5

    -0.1

    -2.5

    0.5

    0.9

    1.5

    -0.1

    -1.1

    -1.4

    External public sector debt

    47.5

    45.5

    39.4

    36.0

    30.9

    31.1

    34.5

    37.3

    39.7

    39.0

     

    Savings-Investment Balance

    -15.6

    -17.8

    -15.6

    -13.5

    -7.0

    -10.5

    -10.2

    -10.1

    -9.8

    -9.5

    Savings

    22.4

    28.4

    25.4

    25.3

    28.0

    25.6

    25.2

    25.0

    24.8

    24.7

    Investment

    38.0

    46.2

    41.0

    38.8

    35.0

    36.1

    35.4

    35.0

    34.6

    34.2

     

    Memorandum Items

    Net imputed international reserves (US$ million)                      222          324           346           319          322           375           443

    491

    517

    524

      (Months of prospective imports)

    3.1

    3.2

    3.3

    3.1

    2.7

    3.0

    3.4

    3.6

    3.6

    3.5

    GDP at market prices (EC$ million)

    3,811

    4,326

    5,040

    5,416

    6,007

    6,408

    6,731

    7,037

    7,353

    7,684

    Public debt stock (EC$ million) 1/, 2/

    3,829

    4,021

    4,134

    4,134

    4,028

    4,063

    4,265

    4,410

    4,502

    4,601

      (Percent of GDP)

    100.5

    93.0

    82.0

    76.3

    67.1

    63.4

    63.4

    62.7

    61.2

    59.9

    Sources: Country authorities, ECCB, UN Human Development Report, World Bank, and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1/ Includes stock of principal and interest arrears, unpaid vouchers, and suppliers’ credits.

    2/ Includes central government guarantees of state enterprises’ and statutory bodies’ debt.
                                 

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The authorities have requested additional time to decide on the publication of the staff report. A final decision is expected not later than 28 days from the Board consideration date.

    [3] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/03/17/pr25067-antigua-and-barbuda-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Launch of Joint Task Force October 7

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    The Justice Department today announced the leadership team and membership of Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7), an initiative that will seek justice for the victims of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel and address the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and its affiliates.

    “The barbaric Hamas terrorists will not win—and there will be consequences,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “As Attorney General, I have had the solemn honor of meeting with several families of U.S. citizens whose loved ones were kidnapped by Hamas on that dark day. This task force will strengthen the Department’s resolve to achieve justice for these families and their loved ones as we continue to fight antisemitism in all its forms.”

    The Attorney General established JTF 10-7 on her first day in office, demonstrating the high priority the Justice Department is placing on honoring the memories of the approximately 1,200 people murdered by Hamas in the attack, including 47 U.S. citizens, and supporting the approximately 250 additional people that Hamas abducted, including 8 U.S. citizens.

    JTF 10-7 will focus on targeting, charging, and securing for prosecution in the United States the direct perpetrators of the October 7 attack — the terrorists on the ground that day who murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians. JTF 10-7 will also assume responsibility for the pending charges against Hamas leadership relating to the October 7 attack and other acts of terrorism, and to bring those criminals to the United States to face justice for their reprehensible role in these atrocities. Finally, JTF 10-7 will investigate acts of terrorism and civil rights violations by individuals and entities providing support and financing to Hamas, related Iran proxies, and their affiliates, as well as acts of antisemitism by these groups.

    “The victims of Hamas’s decades-long violent campaign of terrorism against Israel will always have the support of the U.S. government, and the Department will no longer permit illegal support of Hamas on our campuses and elsewhere in the homeland,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Antisemitic acts of terrorism – whether here or abroad – will never go unpunished. This task force represents our unyielding commitment to those who have suffered at the hands of these brutal terrorists.”

    “The FBI is committed to establishing the Joint Task Force October 7 to continue the FBI’s investigative and victim assistance efforts related to the horrific acts of terror committed by Hamas,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Working with our federal and international partners, this task force is a collaborative initiative between agencies, and together we will work to accomplish our vital counterterrorism mission.”

    JTF 10-7 will be led by a senior counterterrorism prosecutor from the Justice Department’s National Security Division (NSD), a senior FBI Special Agent as the Task Force Commander, and an FBI Intelligence Analyst as Deputy Task Force Commander, all under the supervision of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. JTF 10-7 will also include trial attorneys from NSD, the Civil Rights Division, the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, and other detailees, with additional dedicated support from the Department’s Office of International Affairs.

    JTF 10-7 will be supported by dedicated FBI agents, analysts, forensic accountants, data scientists, and linguists who are mostly co-located in Virginia. These professionals will contribute to JTF 10‑7’s expertise in investigating and prosecuting domestic and extraterritorial terrorism cases, including terrorism-financing matters, and serve as points of contact with the FBI’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell and Victim Services Division.

    The FBI will coordinate with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies on JTF 10-7 activities, as well as foreign counterparts through the FBI’s Legal Attaché office in Israel. FBI agents will be embedded with Israel’s National Bureau of Counter Terror Finance, which has already been a tremendous partner in the ongoing investigations.

    These efforts will build on the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations into the perpetrators of these heinous acts and demonstrate the Department’s commitment to degrading and dismantling Hamas, holding Hamas supporters accountable, achieving justice for victims, and fighting terrorist-led antisemitism.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: FAO warns of ‘unprecedented’ avian flu spread, in call for global action

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Health

    The rapid spread of the highly infectious avian flu virus H5N1 has reached an “unprecedented” scale, wiping out hundreds of millions of birds worldwide and increasingly spilling over into mammals, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned on Monday.

    Briefing Member States in Rome, FAO officials called for urgent action to strengthen biosecurity, surveillance and rapid-response mechanisms to curb the outbreak.

    FAO Deputy Director-General Godfrey Magwenzi stressed that the crisis threatens to have “serious impacts on food security and food supply in countries, including loss of valuable nutrition, rural jobs and income, shocks to local economies, and of course increasing costs to consumers.”

    With millions relying on poultry for meat and eggs, the challenge is not only to contain the virus but also to protect food production systems.

    The economic impact is also being felt worldwide. For example, egg prices reached a record high in the United States during February according to the US Consumer Price Index, with farmers forced to slaughter over 166 million birds so far in total as avian flu has spread – mostly egg-laying chickens.

    So far this year more than 30 million birds in the US have been killed, according to news reports.

    Coordinated response needed

    FAO Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol underlined the need for a global, coordinated response, calling H5N1 a “transboundary” threat that no country can tackle alone.

    To address the crisis, FAO and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) have launched a ten-year Global Strategy for the Prevention and Control of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza.

    “A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. By working together, we can reduce the impact of avian influenza and protect both animal and human health – locally and globally,” Ms. Bechdol said.

    Over the past four years, H5N1 has expanded to new regions, causing massive losses in domestic birds, disrupting food supplies and pushing poultry prices higher.

    At least 300 new wild bird species have been affected since 2021, posing a serious threat to biodiversity.

    Collective action and innovation

    FAO reaffirmed its commitment to global monitoring, data sharing and technical guidance to help countries contain the virus.

    Ms. Bechdol also stressed the importance of private sector engagement, particularly in developing vaccines, diagnostics and high-quality animal health services.

    The briefing also included a third call for funding proposals under the Pandemic Fund, hosted by the World Bank.

    Over the past two years, FAO has co-led dozens of Pandemic Fund projects aimed at strengthening disease surveillance, early warning systems and health infrastructure to prevent future outbreaks.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Announces 2025 National Small Business Week Program and Specialty Award Winners

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced the national program and specialty award winners for SBA’s 2025 National Small Business Week, which will take place May 4-10, 2025. These awards recognize businesses and resource partners for their efforts in government contracting and disaster recovery as well as individual awards for exporter, small business investment company and surety bond agent of the year.

    “The Small Business Administration is proud to recognize excellence across our small businesses and key resource partners,” SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said. “As we prepare to highlight just a few of the many success stories during National Small Business Week, we are laser-focused on our mission to empower American job creators and drive economic growth.”

    Government Contracting-related Awards

    8(a) Graduate of the Year: Owner/President Gina Hill, G.M. Hill Engineering Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.

    Small Business Prime Contractor of the Year: President and CEO Karen Renee Paschal, Conco Inc., Louisville, Ky.

    Small Business Subcontractor of the Year: President and CEO Antonio Martinez, Renaissance Global Services LLC, Holmdel, N.J.

    Dwight D. Eisenhower Awards for Excellence

    These awards recognize small business prime contractors that have excelled in using small businesses as suppliers and subcontractors in various industries.

    • Construction: Vice President, Contracts and Compliance Glenn Sweatt, Environmental Chemical Corporation, Burlingame, Calif.
    • Manufacturing: Executive Director, Supplier Diversity and Sustainability Rondu Vincent, Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrence Township, N.J.
    • Services: Small Business Liaison Officer and Senior Manager of Supply Chain Excellence Lisa Tanner, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, Aiken, S.C.

    Phoenix Awards for Disaster Recovery

    These awards recognize inspiring resilience in the aftermath of devastating natural disasters and outstanding contributions toward recovery efforts.

    Small Business: Luis and Amy Fuentes Ruiz, Island Catering LLC, Lahaina, Hawaii

    Outstanding Contributions, Public Official: Mayor Jennifer Linam Hobbs, Wynne, Ark.

    Outstanding Contributions, Volunteer: Senior Pastor John Grayson, Gospel Tabernacle Church, Selma, Ala.

    SBA Resource Partner Awards

    These awards recognize SBA-funded training and assistance partners for their impact on local economic growth, job creation and entrepreneurial support.

    SCORE Chapter of the Year: SCORE Greater Seattle, Seattle, Wash., led by Chapter Chair Suvendoo Ray

    Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Center Award: Angelo State University Small Business Development Center, San Angelo, Texas, led by Director Dezaray Kathlaine Johnson

    Women’s Business Center of Excellence Award: Women’s Business Center of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, led by Director Anne Marie Wallace

    Veterans Business Outreach Center of the Year: Veterans Business Outreach Center at University of Texas Arlington College of Business, Arlington, Texas, led by Director Patrick Alcorn

    Exporter of the Year

    President and CEO Louis Auletta and Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing Michael Auletta, Bauer Inc., Bristol, Conn.

    Small Business Investment Company of the Year – Established Manager

    GMB Capital Partners, Minneapolis, Minn.

    Surety Bond Agent of the Year

    Vice President of Bond Operations Alicia Marasco, Capstone Risk Management Services, Las Vegas, Nev.

    Details on the National Small Business Week virtual summit, registrations and speakers are featured on National Small Business Week and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. Local events will be featured on Find upcoming events and identifiable by searching with #SmallBusinessWeek.  

    # # #

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of entrepreneurship. As the leading voice for small businesses within the federal government, the SBA empowers job creators with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Thirty years ago Ukraine got rid of its nuclear arsenal – now some people regret that decision

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jennifer Mathers, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, Aberystwyth University

    Around 73% of Ukrainians now want their country to “restore” its nuclear weapons, according to a recent opinion poll. Most Ukrainians (58%) were in favour of their country owning nuclear weapons, even if it meant losing western allies.

    This suggests an underlying regret that Ukraine agreed to relinquish the world’s third largest nuclear arsenal as part of the Budapest Memorandum around 30 years ago. This agreement, signed in December 1994, provided security guarantees for Ukraine from the US, the UK and Russia in return for giving up the weapons. Ukraine also agreed it would not acquire nuclear weapons in the future.

    The focus on nuclear weapons is intensifying all over Europe. This week the Polish president, Andrzej Duda, called on the US to station its nuclear weapons in his country to deter Russian attacks. He cited Moscow’s decision to deploy nuclear weapons just across the border in Belarus during 2023 as part of his reasoning.

    Trump’s apparent weakening commitment to Nato has also prompted the French president, Emmanuel Macron, to suggest that France could extend protection of its own nuclear weapons to its allies.

    It’s clear that some Ukrainians now believe that their country would have been less likely to have experienced a Russian invasion if it had held on to its nuclear capacity. Ukrainians now question how much they can rely on other states after the failure of security guarantees that were central to the 1994 agreement.

    The pledges by the US, UK and Russia to protect the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine were put to the test in 2014 when Russia invaded and then annexed Crimea and began providing financial and military backing for militia leaders in eastern Ukraine who claimed to lead pro-Russian separatist movements.



    Read more:
    Are Ukrainians ready for ceasefire and concessions? Here’s what the polls say

    The US and UK imposed economic sanctions against Russia and provided training, equipment and non-lethal weapons to the Ukrainian armed forces. But these measures fell well short of ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and were insufficient to help Ukraine retake its territory.

    Similarly, US and UK support for Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, although valuable and much appreciated by the Ukrainians, has not been enough to allow Kyiv to completely expel Russian troops from Ukrainian territory.

    What was the Budapest Memorandum?

    What if Ukraine still had nuclear weapons?

    But what if Ukraine had never given up its nuclear weapons? The logic of deterrence suggests that Putin would have not have invaded and attacked a nuclear-armed Ukraine. But the argument that Ukraine should not have surrendered the Soviet nuclear weapons on its territory overlooks the specific circumstances. For while physical components of a nuclear weapons capability – delivery vehicles and nuclear warheads – were within Ukraine’s grasp, the launch codes remained in Moscow, and Russian leaders showed no willingness to relinquish them.

    So, Kyiv would have had no control over whether, when or against whom those weapons might have been used. The risk to Ukraine of becoming the target of another state’s nuclear strike would have been considerable, and the Kyiv government would have been unable to do anything to reduce that risk. Retaining nuclear weapons left over from the Soviet period would have probably made Ukrainians less rather than more secure.



    Read more:
    What is the value of US security guarantees? Here’s what history shows

    Ukraine also lacked the economic resources to maintain the nuclear weapons on its territory, or develop them into a credible deterrent force. In exchange for giving up nuclear weapons, Ukraine received much-needed economic assistance from the west.

    In the 1990s Ukrainian views were shaped by the 1986 accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. This had a devastating and lasting impact on the land and the people in that part of Ukraine, highlighting the risks of the nuclear sector. In 1994, when the Budapest Memorandum was being negotiated, only 30% of Ukrainians were in favour of Ukraine possessing nuclear weapons.

    What now?

    Ukraine would face considerable technical challenges in developing nuclear weapons today, both in creating the necessary quantities of fissile material for warheads and manufacturing delivery vehicles.

    Kyiv would also need to pay for an expensive nuclear weapons development programme at a time when the Ukrainian economy is struggling to supply its soldiers with conventional weapons and meet the needs of civilians.

    And unless Ukraine’s international supporters were on board, Kyiv might face the withdrawal of economic and military aid at a crucial juncture. If Moscow detected any move on Ukraine’s part to develop nuclear weapons, there would be a strong motive for a preemptive Russian strike to put an end to that plan.

    But even though it may not be feasible for Ukraine to develop an independent nuclear deterrent in the short term, Kyiv may feel compelled to pursue a nuclear weapons programme unless Ukraine is provided with serious and reliable security guarantees. With the Trump administration apparently ruling out Nato membership for Ukraine, the onus is on the country’s international supporters to come up with an alternative unless they want to see further nuclear proliferation in Europe.

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

    – ref. Thirty years ago Ukraine got rid of its nuclear arsenal – now some people regret that decision – https://theconversation.com/thirty-years-ago-ukraine-got-rid-of-its-nuclear-arsenal-now-some-people-regret-that-decision-251733

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is the rules-based order? How this global system has shifted from ‘liberal’ origins − and where it could be heading next

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew Latham, Professor of Political Science, Macalester College

    Global order? Put a pin in it. Getty Images

    The phrase “international rules-based order” has long been a fixture in global politics.

    Western leaders often use it to describe a framework of rules, norms and institutions designed to guide state behavior. Advocates argue that this framework has provided the foundation for decades of stability and prosperity, while critics question its fairness and relevance in today’s multipolar world.

    But what exactly is the international rules-based order, when did it come about, and why do people increasingly hear about challenges to it today?

    The birth of a universal vision

    The rules-based international order, initially known as the “liberal international order,” emerged from the devastation of World War II. The vision was ambitious and universal: to create a global system based on liberal democratic values, market capitalism and multilateral cooperation.

    At its core, however, this project was driven by the United States, which saw itself as the unmatched leader of the new order.

    The idea was to replace the chaos of great power politics and shifting alliances with a predictable world governed by shared rules and norms.

    Central to this vision was the establishment of institutions such as the United Nations, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. These institutions, alongside widely accepted norms and formalized rules, aimed to promote political cooperation, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and economic recovery for countries damaged by war.

    However, the vision of a truly universal liberal international order quickly unraveled. As the Cold War set in, the world split into two competing blocs. The Western bloc, led by the United States, adhered to the principles of the liberal international order.

    Meanwhile, the Soviet-led communist bloc established a parallel system with its own norms, rules and institutions. The Warsaw Pact provided military alignment, while the Council for Mutual Economic Assistance managed economic cooperation. The communist bloc emphasized state-led economic planning and single-party rule, rejecting the liberal order’s emphasis on democracy and free markets.

    Emerging cracks

    When the Soviet Union collapsed in the early 1990s, the liberal international order appeared to have triumphed. The United States became the world’s sole superpower, and many former communist states integrated into Western institutions. For a brief period, the order’s universal vision seemed within reach.

    By the 1990s and early 2000s, however, new cracks began to appear.

    NATO expansion, the creation of the World Trade Organization and greater emphasis on human rights through institutions such as the International Criminal Court all closely aligned with Western liberal values. The spread of these norms and the institutions enforcing them appeared, to many outside the West, as Western ideology dressed up as universal principles.

    In response to mounting criticism, Western leaders began using the term rules-based international order instead of liberal international order. This shift aimed to emphasize procedural fairness – rules that all states, in theory, had agreed upon – rather than a system explicitly rooted in liberal ideological commitments. The focus moved from promoting specific liberal norms to maintaining stability and predictability.

    New challenges to the status quo

    China’s rise has brought these tensions into sharp relief. While China participates in many institutions underpinning the rules-based international order, it also seeks to reshape them.

    The Belt and Road Initiative and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank illustrate Beijing’s efforts to establish alternative frameworks more aligned with its interests. These initiatives challenge existing rules and norms by offering new institutional pathways for economic and political influence.

    Meanwhile, Russia’s actions in Ukraine – especially the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the 2022 invasion – challenge the order’s core principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Western inconsistencies have long undermined the credibility of the rules-based order. The 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, widely criticized for bypassing international norms and institutions, exemplified a selective application of the rules. This double standard extends toward Washington’s selective engagement with international legal bodies and its inconsistent approach to sovereignty and intervention.

    An uncertain future

    Supporters argue that the rules-based order remains vital for addressing global challenges such as climate change, pandemics and nuclear proliferation.

    However, ambiguity surrounds what these “rules” actually entail, which norms are genuinely universal, and who enforces them.

    This lack of clarity, coupled with shifting global power dynamics, complicates efforts to sustain the system.

    The future of the rules-based international order is uncertain. The shift from “liberal” to “rules-based” reflected an ongoing struggle to adapt a complex web of rules, norms and institutions to a rapidly changing international environment.

    Whether it evolves further, splinters or endures as is will depend on how well it balances fairness, inclusivity and stability in an increasingly multipolar world.

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

    – ref. What is the rules-based order? How this global system has shifted from ‘liberal’ origins − and where it could be heading next – https://theconversation.com/what-is-the-rules-based-order-how-this-global-system-has-shifted-from-liberal-origins-and-where-it-could-be-heading-next-250978

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Announces Launch of Joint Task Force October 7

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    The Justice Department today announced the leadership team and membership of Joint Task Force October 7 (JTF 10-7), an initiative that will seek justice for the victims of the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack in Israel and address the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and its affiliates.

    “The barbaric Hamas terrorists will not win—and there will be consequences,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “As Attorney General, I have had the solemn honor of meeting with several families of U.S. citizens whose loved ones were kidnapped by Hamas on that dark day. This task force will strengthen the Department’s resolve to achieve justice for these families and their loved ones as we continue to fight antisemitism in all its forms.”

    The Attorney General established JTF 10-7 on her first day in office, demonstrating the high priority the Justice Department is placing on honoring the memories of the approximately 1,200 people murdered by Hamas in the attack, including 47 U.S. citizens, and supporting the approximately 250 additional people that Hamas abducted, including 8 U.S. citizens.

    JTF 10-7 will focus on targeting, charging, and securing for prosecution in the United States the direct perpetrators of the October 7 attack — the terrorists on the ground that day who murdered and kidnapped innocent civilians. JTF 10-7 will also assume responsibility for the pending charges against Hamas leadership relating to the October 7 attack and other acts of terrorism, and to bring those criminals to the United States to face justice for their reprehensible role in these atrocities. Finally, JTF 10-7 will investigate acts of terrorism and civil rights violations by individuals and entities providing support and financing to Hamas, related Iran proxies, and their affiliates, as well as acts of antisemitism by these groups.

    “The victims of Hamas’s decades-long violent campaign of terrorism against Israel will always have the support of the U.S. government, and the Department will no longer permit illegal support of Hamas on our campuses and elsewhere in the homeland,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “Antisemitic acts of terrorism – whether here or abroad – will never go unpunished. This task force represents our unyielding commitment to those who have suffered at the hands of these brutal terrorists.”

    “The FBI is committed to establishing the Joint Task Force October 7 to continue the FBI’s investigative and victim assistance efforts related to the horrific acts of terror committed by Hamas,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Working with our federal and international partners, this task force is a collaborative initiative between agencies, and together we will work to accomplish our vital counterterrorism mission.”

    JTF 10-7 will be led by a senior counterterrorism prosecutor from the Justice Department’s National Security Division (NSD), a senior FBI Special Agent as the Task Force Commander, and an FBI Intelligence Analyst as Deputy Task Force Commander, all under the supervision of the Office of the Deputy Attorney General. JTF 10-7 will also include trial attorneys from NSD, the Civil Rights Division, the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, and other detailees, with additional dedicated support from the Department’s Office of International Affairs.

    JTF 10-7 will be supported by dedicated FBI agents, analysts, forensic accountants, data scientists, and linguists who are mostly co-located in Virginia. These professionals will contribute to JTF 10‑7’s expertise in investigating and prosecuting domestic and extraterritorial terrorism cases, including terrorism-financing matters, and serve as points of contact with the FBI’s Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell and Victim Services Division.

    The FBI will coordinate with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies on JTF 10-7 activities, as well as foreign counterparts through the FBI’s Legal Attaché office in Israel. FBI agents will be embedded with Israel’s National Bureau of Counter Terror Finance, which has already been a tremendous partner in the ongoing investigations.

    These efforts will build on the Justice Department’s ongoing investigations into the perpetrators of these heinous acts and demonstrate the Department’s commitment to degrading and dismantling Hamas, holding Hamas supporters accountable, achieving justice for victims, and fighting terrorist-led antisemitism.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, McCormick introduce bipartisan, bicameral bill to combat the flow of fentanyl

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Dave McCormick (R-Pa.) introduced the Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics Act of 2025 to combat the flow of fentanyl coming into American communities that is killing hundreds of thousands of Americans. This legislation would improve federal coordination to?combat this crisis, with a particular focus of responding to China’s central role in producing fentanyl precursors and laundering drug money.
    In addition to Senators Coons and McCormick, the bill is cosponsored by Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.) and John Fetterman (D-Pa.). Representatives Dan Newhouse (R-Wash.), Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Neal Dunn (R-Fla.), Ro Khanna (D-Calif.), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), and Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) cosponsored the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “Fentanyl?continues to claim lives every day and?devastate?communities in Delaware and across the country,” said Senator Coons. “We know China is contributing to this crisis, and I’m proud to support the introduction of this bipartisan bill to determine how agencies can best coordinate to eliminate redundancies, maintain safeguards, and make our law enforcement efforts to address China’s role as effective as possible.”
    “Fentanyl killed nearly 4,000 Pennsylvanians last year and over 200 Americans each day,” said Senator McCormick. “This legislation would empower our federal government to coordinate all the tools at its disposal to combat the trafficking of lethal fentanyl that is ruining American families. I’ve heard from too many families who have lost their loved ones to fentanyl overdoses, I refuse to allow it to continue.”
    “The CCP is the leading force behind the fentanyl crisis, and the United States is failing to respond while they profit from the loss of American lives. This Joint Task Force will pool resources across the federal government and respond to this crisis with everything from sanctions to joint drug raids to keep this deadly substance out of our communities,” said Representative Newhouse. “This task force will help President Trump and his administration accomplish his goal of stopping the flow of fentanyl from China across our northern and southern borders.”
    “The U.S. government must take decisive action at every link of the illegal synthetic narcotic supply chain, beginning with China,” said Representative Auchincloss. “This Task Force would provide a coordinated framework to hold bad actors accountable for the state-sanctioned poisoning of Americans.”
    Improving federal coordination is critical to combatting fentanyl. This legislation establishes a Joint Task Force to Counter Illicit Synthetic Narcotics, which will be composed of representatives from the Departments of Justice, Treasury, Homeland Security, State, Commerce, Defense, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and any other agency deemed appropriate. Together, these agencies can conduct joint operations, enforce sanctions, disrupt trafficking networks, and address the central role of the People’s Republic of China in the opioid crisis.
    As Co-Chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus, Senator Coons has worked across the aisle in the Senate to address America’s fentanyl crisis. He introduced the bipartisan Fentanyl Safe Testing and Overdose Prevention Act with Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) in 2023, which aims to prevent deaths from fentanyl poisoning by increasing access to fentanyl test strips. Senator Coons also hosted a Senate Law Enforcement Caucus roundtable last year with Senator Cornyn to hear on-the-ground perspectives on the fentanyl and xylazine crises from Delaware and Texas and discuss ways to support law enforcement and public health officials. He also introduced a resolution designating May 7, 2024, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day with Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) to raise awareness and educate the public regarding the dangers posed by counterfeit fentanyl pills.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Coface SA: Disclosure of trading in own shares (excluding the liquidity agreement) made on March 10, 2025 to March 14, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COFACE SA: Disclosure of trading in own shares (excluding the liquidity agreement) made on March 10, 2025 to March 14, 2025

    Paris, 17 March 2025 – 17.45

    Pursuant to Regulation (EU) No 596/2014 of 16 April 2014 on market abuse1

    The main features of the 2024-2025 Share Buyback Program have been published on the Company’s website (http://www.coface.com/Investors/Disclosure-requirements, under “Own share transactions”) and are also described in the 2023 Universal Registration Document.

    Trading session
    of (Date)    		 Number
    of shares    		 Weighted
    average price    		 Gross amount MIC Code Purpose
    of buyback
    10/03/2025 12,000 16.5508 € 198,609 € XPAR LTIP
    11/03/2025 11,478 16.4003 € 188,243 € XPAR LTIP
    12/03/2025 9,000 16.5253 € 148,727 € XPAR LTIP
    13/03/2025 9,000 16.5720 € 149,148 € XPAR LTIP
    14/03/2025 8,500 16.7526 € 142,397 € XPAR LTIP
    Total 10/03/2025 – 14/03/2025 49,978 16.5498 € 827,125 €   LTIP

    CONTACTS

    ANALYSTS / INVESTORS
    Thomas JACQUET: +33 1 49 02 12 58 – thomas.jacquet@coface.com
    Rina ANDRIAMIADANTSOA: +33 1 49 02 15 85 – rina.andriamiadantsoa@coface.com

    FINANCIAL CALENDAR 2025
    (subject to change)

    Q1-2025 results: 5 May 2025 (after market close)
    Annual General Shareholders’ Meeting: 14 May 2025
    H1-2025 results: 31 July 2025 (after market close)
    9M-2025 results: 3 November 2025 (after market close)

    FINANCIAL INFORMATION
    This press release, as well as COFACE SA’s integral regulatory information, can be found on the Group’s website: http://www.coface.com/Investors

    For regulated information on Alternative Performance Measures (APM), please refer to our Interim Financial Report for H1-2024 and our 2023 Universal Registration Document (see part 3.7 “Key financial performance indicators”).

      Regulated documents posted by COFACE SA have been secured and authenticated with the blockchain technology by Wiztrust.
    You can check the authenticity on the website www.wiztrust.com.
     

    COFACE: FOR TRADE
    As a global leading player in trade credit risk management for more than 75 years, Coface helps companies grow and navigate in an uncertain and volatile environment.
    Whatever their size, location or sector, Coface provides 100,000 clients across some 200 markets. with a full range of solutions: Trade Credit Insurance, Business Information, Debt Collection, Single Risk insurance, Surety Bonds, Factoring.
    Every day, Coface leverages its unique expertise and cutting-edge technology to make trade happen, in both domestic and export markets.
    In 2024, Coface employed ~5,236 people and registered a turnover of €1.84 billion.

    www.coface.com

    COFACE SA is listed in Compartment A of Euronext Paris
    ISIN: FR0010667147 / Ticker: COFA

    1 Also in pursuant to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 of 8 March 2016 (and updates); Article L.225-209 and seq. of the French Commercial Code; Article L.221-3, Article L.241-1 and seq. of the General Regulation of the French Market Authority (AMF); AMF Recommendation DOC-2017-04 Guide for issuers on their own shares transactions and for stabilization measures.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –