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Category: Business

  • MIL-OSI USA: Councilman Chris Hinds to Join DeGette at Energy & Commerce Committee Markup of Republican Attack on Medicaid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Diana DeGette (First District of Colorado)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Diana DeGette (CO-01) announced that Denver City Councilman Chris Hinds will be joining her at the Energy & Commerce Committee markup of House Republicans’ bill that would kick at least 13.7 million Americans off their health care.

    “Today, House Republicans are trying to force through Trump’s big, bogus bill to kick millions of Americans, like Councilman Hinds, off their health care,” said DeGette. “Throughout his time in public service, Councilman Hinds has not allowed his disability to get in the way of his commitment to his constituents and our city of Denver. He represents what is possible when you have the care that you need to live a healthy and successful life, but Republicans just see him as a few extra dollars they can squeeze out to fund their billionaire tax cuts. Throughout this markup and beyond, I’m going to fight on behalf of the millions of Americans, like Councilman Hinds, who rely on Medicaid.”

    “Defunding Medicaid isn’t just a policy issue—it’s a direct threat to the health and wellbeing of Denverites, including myself. I’m in D.C. to advocate for the 48% of Denver Health patients on Medicaid, the 60% of Denver births that happen there, and the countless uninsured who rely on it. Without Medicaid, the future of Denver’s only Level 1 trauma center—and healthcare across Colorado—is at risk,” said Councilman Hinds. 

    Councilman Chris Hinds is the first elected official in Denver (local, state, or federal) who uses a wheelchair for mobility. In 2008, Councilman Hinds was in an accident that paralyzed him from the chest down. He represents District 10 on the Denver City Council.

    Councilman Hinds and Rep. DeGette will be available for interviews throughout the day. Contact Rep. DeGette’s Communications Director, Jack Stelzner, with interview requests. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCMA visits Hungary and Egypt to promote development opportunities in GBA

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCMA visits Hungary and Egypt to promote development opportunities in GBA 
         While in Beijing, Mr Tsang led the HKSAR Government delegation to meet with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ms Hua Chunying and leaders of various bureaus to deepen their understanding of the country’s foreign policies and the latest developments of the international situation. He expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its staunch and continuous support for the HKSAR and hoped it would continue to provide support and guidance the HKSAR Government in handling external affairs of Hong Kong, to support Hong Kong in intensifying international interaction and co-operation, and to showcase the successful implementation of “one country, two systems” to the world.
     
         In addition to the visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Tsang also met with the Hong Kong Basic Law Committee of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress and the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and toured the China Foreign Affairs University. Before leaving Beijing tomorrow, he will visit the Museum of Early Revolutionary Activities of the Communist Party of China in Beijing (the Red Building of Peking University), one of the main venues of the May Fourth Movement, meet with Hong Kong students in Beijing, and visit the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing to receive briefings on its work.
     
         Mr Tsang will depart Beijing for Budapest, Hungary, in the early hours of May 15. He will attend the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Europe (Hungary) Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference co-organised by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao on May 16. The conference aims to promote the enormous business opportunities brought about by the GBA to the Hungarian business community and how Hong Kong can play its important function as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the two places.
     
         During his stay in Hungary, Mr Tsang will meet with local political and business representatives to learn about the latest developments in the region and explore ways to further strengthen co-operation between Hungary and Hong Kong, with a view to opening up new opportunities for enterprises of both places.
     
         After completing his visit to Hungary, Mr Tsang will depart for Cairo, Egypt, on May 17 and attend the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area – Africa (Egypt) Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Conference on May 19 to promote the latest developments and the development potential of the GBA, as well as Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems”. During his stay, he will exchange views with representatives of the local political and business circles to understand the local development trends and promote interface between the industries of Hong Kong and Egypt.
     
         The Commissioner for the Development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Ms Maisie Chan, and the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, will join the visit.
     
         Mr Tsang will depart from Egypt on the evening of May 19 and return to Hong Kong on May 20. During his absence, the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo, will be the Acting Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs.
    Issued at HKT 19:24

    NNNN

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Support for Seaboard Centre – Community Hub For Easter Ross

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Highland Opportunity Investments Limited, (HOIL) has recently provided Seaboard Memorial Hall Limited in Balintore with funding towards their on-going development plans.  

    HOIL, The Highland Council’s business loan company supports Highland based businesses and encourages applications from all business sectors, including community organisations. Interested businesses benefit from straightforward loan conditions and a tailored offer to support their project. 

    Seaboard Memorial Hall Limited approached HOIL for a working capital loan to support their growth aspirations.  These funds will contribute to the provision of facilities and services to the local community and beyond.   Recent initiatives include the completion of three stone entrances at the Seaboard Villages and the future development of The John Ross Visitor website.

    Seaboard Memorial Hall Limited is a registered charity, which has been trading since 2001. The charity provides employment for 15 people and re-invests all its profits to provide facilities and services to the local community and visitors to Easter Ross. The Seaboard Centre, also known as the Seaboard Memorial Hall, is a community-run hall based in the Seaboard Villages of Easter Ross.  The Centre provides venue, meeting room hire and hot desk workspaces. The Seaboard Café offers homemade baking and lunches.  In addition, visitor facilities are available for public use and include a disabled access toilet and shower, washing machine, tumble dryer and hairdryer.  There is also a free Chemical Waste Disposal Unit.

    Councillor Paul Oldham, Chair of HOIL said: “I welcome this opportunity to help the Seaboard Memorial Hall with their finances. The hall provides invaluable facilities and services to the people of and visitors to the Seaboard Villages of Easter Ross.

    “The Community Loan Fund managed by HOIL provides accessible and affordable finance for community organisations across the Highlands and is one of several funds we can use to help projects across the area.”

    Maureen Ross, Director of Seaboard Memorial Trust Limited said: “Cashflow for a business is so important and something we take very seriously.  Due to the timing of recoverable VAT on a large community project we realised we would be under pressure for several months.  Therefore, to keep operations running smoothly we took the proactive move of approaching Highland Opportunity Investments Ltd for a loan which would bridge that period of need easing pressure.  The whole process was easy, and people were very helpful throughout.”

    To find out more about the support HOIL can provide businesses with, visit here or email hoil@highland.gov.uk

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Trumbull Man Charged with Defrauding Amazon of More Than $3 Million

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Anish Shukla, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New Haven Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), today announced that a federal grand jury in New Haven has returned a 13-count indictment charging AMEER NASIR, 24, of Trumbull, with offenses stemming from a fraud scheme against Amazon.com, Inc. (“Amazon”).

    The indictment was returned on May 7, 2025.  Nasir was arrested yesterday, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Dave Vatti in Bridgeport, and was released on a $300,000 bond.

    As alleged in the indictment, Amazon Logistics, an Amazon subsidiary, contracts with various interstate trucking businesses to transport both empty trailers and trailers containing heavy loads of freight between cities and between warehouses and fulfillment centers operated by Amazon.  Nasir registered 23 trucking businesses with Amazon Logistics.  One of the accounts was created in the name of Nasir’s business, Pak Express Transport, LLC, and others were created fraudulently using the names and identifying information of other trucking or transportation companies without the knowledge of the operators of those companies.  Between approximately December 2019 and February 2021, Nasir used these accounts to sign up for more than 1,000 transportation assignments with Amazon Logistics, manipulated information in Amazon Logistics’ transportation management system to misrepresent that he had completed trailer movements when he had not, and submitted fraudulent invoices to Amazon Logistics that were subsequently paid.  Through this scheme, Nasir defrauded Amazon of more than $3 million.

    The indictment charges Nasir with 13 counts of wire fraud, an offense that carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years on each count.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Silverman stressed that an indictment is not evidence of guilt.  Charges are only allegations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

    This matter is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from Amazon.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena L. Coronado.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woodbridge, Connecticut, Man Admits $2.3 Million Pandemic Relief Program Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, today announced that on May 9, 2025, YASIR G. HAMED, 60, of Woodbridge, waived his right to be indicted and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport to offenses stemming from a scheme to defraud a COVID-19 pandemic relief program of more than $2.3 million.

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act provided emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  One source of relief provided by the CARES Act was the authorization of forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”).  The PPP was overseen by the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”), and individual PPP loans were issued by private lenders, which received and processed PPP applications and supporting documentation, and then made loans using the lenders’ own funds, which were guaranteed by the SBA.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Hamed, an accountant, had an ownership interest or representative relationship with several New Haven-based businesses, including Access Consulting and Professional Services Inc.; Connecticut Medical Transportation Inc.; Arabic Language Learning Program Inc.; Institute for Global Educational Exchange Inc.; Access Medical Transport Inc.; Ikea Car & Limo Inc.; Center of the World Tours, North America LLC.; and Sudanese American Friendship Association Inc.  Between June 2020 and September 2021, Hamed submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of these companies, overstating employee numbers and average monthly payroll, and making other fraudulent representations.  As part of the applications, he submitted false tax filings that had never been filed with the IRS.

    Hamed also submitted PPP loan applications on behalf of companies owned by his clients.  In at least one instance, Hamed convinced the owner of a business, which he knew was not active and had no employees, to seek PPP funding.  Hamed prepared the paperwork for the PPP application and then took a significant portion of the loan proceeds.

    Through this scheme, Hamed obtained than $2.3 million in PPP loans for his businesses and for his clients, receiving more than $1 million in loan proceeds for himself and his family, and significant kickbacks from his clients.  Hamed used the funds for personal expenses, including education expenses for a family member, and for a downpayment on a $880,000 house in Woodbridge that he purchased in October 2020.

    Hamed has agreed to pay $2,384,772 in restitution.

    Hamed pleaded guilty to bank fraud, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, and engaging in illegal monetary transactions, which carries a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years.  Judge Underhill scheduled sentencing for August 8.

    Hamed was arrested on November 13, 2024.  He is released on a $500,000 bond pending sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher W. Schmeisser.

    Individuals with information about allegations of fraud involving COVID-19 are encouraged to report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721, or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Texas Man Sentenced to 33 Months’ Imprisonment for Embezzling Over $900,000 From Two Companies

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

    HARRISBURG – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Vincent Villarreal, age 35, of Sachse, Texas, was sentenced yesterday, May 7, 2025, by United States District Judge Jennifer P. Wilson to 33 months’ imprisonment for wire fraud.  Villarreal was also ordered to pay restitution.

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney John C. Gurganus, Villarreal previously admitted that he embezzled approximately $475,000 from a building-products company headquartered in central Pennsylvania while employed by the company in an information technology position. Villarreal made numerous unauthorized transfers from his company credit card, and then improperly accessed the company’s accounting system to delete records of those transfers.  Villarreal further admitted that after he was terminated from the company, he was employed in an information technology position for a software company, where he fraudulently purchased over $470,000 worth of technology products for his own benefit.

    The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Carlo D. Marchioli prosecuted the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: TRA recommends quota caps on steel imports

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    TRA recommends quota caps on steel imports

    The TRA has recommended that country-specific caps be imposed on certain categories of steel to help defend the UK’s steel-production industry.

    The TRA has recommended that country-specific caps be imposed on certain categories of steel imported to the UK to help defend the country’s steel-production industry.

    The caps will come into effect from 1 October 2025 to allow steel importers time to adjust. The TRA has also recommended that carry over quotas be scrapped from 1 July 2025.

    In March, the TRA expanded the matters being considered in its tariff rate quota review of the steel safeguard measure to ensure new concerns raised by the UK steel industry were fully considered.

    Having examined UK Steel’s data and submissions from a range of interested parties, the TRA has in its Statement of Intended Final Determination (SIFD) proposed that country-specific caps should be imposed on the residual quota in the following categories:

    • Category 4 (metallic coated sheet): 40%
    • Category 7 (non-alloy and other alloy quarto plates): 40%
    • Category 13 (rebar): 40%

    The TRA determined that there had been a change in demand for steel, both within the UK and globally, creating significant pressures on the UK steel industry, which warranted the TRQs being varied.

    The TRA cited the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Steel Committee, which said in November last year: “The overall trends discussed at the Steel Committee meeting suggest that global excess capacity will increase significantly in 2025 and 2026, which will add further pressure on oversupply conditions and deepen the economic challenges facing the steel industry.”

    TRA Chair Nick Baird said:

    The TRA has listened to the concerns of the UK’s steel industry and worked at pace to recommend changes to steel import quota allocations to help protect the UK steel industry from the destabilising impact of global overcapacity.

    Further variation to TRQ allocation

    The TRA has also proposed further changes to the allocation of the TRQs.

    Under the TRA’s proposals, the “carry-over” facility, where unused quotas are made available in the following quarter, should be removed; countries with a country-specific quota should no longer have access to the residual quota in the final quarter; country-specific quotas for developing countries excepted from the measure would not be redistributed.

    Interested parties can comment by 26 May 2025 via the TRA’s public file. Once the TRA has examined these comments, it will submit its final recommendation to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.

    Background information:

    • The TRA is the UK’s independent body for investigating and recommending trade remedies.
    • UK industries concerned about imports have been able to submit applications for a new trade remedy measure since January 2021. These applications are considered by the TRA to see if there are grounds for an investigation.
    • Tariff rate quotas (TRQs) are part of the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework. They specify how much of a product can be imported from a country before its imports are subject to higher tariffs.
    • Under the TRA’s initial proposals published today, a 40% country cap would apply to the residual quotas in Categories 4, 7 and 13. This means that when imports from an individual country accessing the residual quota in these categories exceeds 40% of the residual quota allocation, those imports would become subject to the safeguard measure.

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    Published 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: EMGS reports first quarter 2025 results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Electromagnetic Geoservices ASA’s (“EMGS” or the “Company”) financial report and market presentation for the first quarter of 2025 are attached.

    Summary:

    * The Company recorded revenues of USD 10.0 million, up from USD 0.2 million in the first quarter of 2024 and up from USD 9.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2024.

    * Adjusted EBITDA (including capitalised multi-client expenses and vessel and office lease expenses) of USD 2.0 million, up from negative USD 3.8 million in the first quarter of 2024.

    * Free cash decreased with USD 3.1 million during the quarter, to USD 6.0 million.

    * During the quarter, the Atlantic Guardian completed the first of two proprietary acquisitions in India and commenced mobilisation for the second proprietary acquisition.

    * Subsequent to the end of the quarter, on 6 May 2025, EMGS announced the establishment of a new business platform within offshore subsea construction through the acquisition of the OSCV Siem Day.

    A pre-recorded presentation will be available over the internet from 20:00 (local time Norway) today. To access the presentation, please go to the Company’s homepage (www.emgs.com) and follow the link.

    Contact
    Anders Eimstad, Chief Financial Officer, +47 94 82 58 36

    About EMGS
    EMGS, the marine EM market leader, uses its proprietary electromagnetic (EM) technology to support oil and gas companies in their search for offshore hydrocarbons. EMGS supports each stage in the workflow, from survey design and data acquisition to processing and interpretation. The Company’s services enable the integration of EM data with seismic and other geophysical and geological information to give explorationists a clearer and more complete understanding of the subsurface. This improves exploration efficiency and reduces risks and the finding costs per barrel. CSEM technology can also be used to detect the presence of marine mineral deposits (primarily Seabed Massive Sulphides) and EMGS believes that the technology can also be used to estimate the mineral content of such deposits. The Company is undertaking early-stage initiatives to position itself in this future market.

    This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    Attachments

    • EMGS Q1 2025 Report
    • EMGS Q1 2025 Presentation

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Saudi Arabia and NVIDIA to Build AI Factories to Power Next Wave of Intelligence for the Age of Reasoning

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NVIDIA and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) today announced partnerships to transform the country into a global powerhouse in AI, cloud and enterprise computing, digital twins and robotics.

    During a state visit today with U.S. President Donald Trump and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang said that the effort will harness sovereign AI infrastructure and expertise to propel Saudi Arabia to the ranks of global hyperscale AI leaders.

    “AI, like electricity and internet, is essential infrastructure for every nation,” Huang said. “Together with HUMAIN, we are building AI infrastructure for the people and companies of Saudi Arabia to realize the bold vision of the Kingdom.”

    “Our partnership with NVIDIA is a bold step forward in realizing the Kingdom’s ambitions to lead in AI and advanced digital infrastructure,” said Tareq Amin, CEO of HUMAIN. “Together, we are building the capacity, capability and a new globally enabled community to shape a future powered by intelligent technology and empowered people.”

    Powerful Partnerships

    NVIDIA and leading Saudi organizations will work together on several key initiatives:

    • HUMAIN, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund focused on AI, is making a major investment to build AI factories in KSA with a projected capacity of up to 500 megawatts powered by several hundred thousand of NVIDIA’s most advanced GPUs over the next five years. The first phase of deployment will be an 18,000 NVIDIA GB300 Grace Blackwell AI supercomputer with NVIDIA InfiniBand networking.
    • HUMAIN will deploy the country’s first NVIDIA Omniverse Cloud to simulate and test physical AI solutions with digital twins.
    • NVIDIA will strengthen the nation’s computing ecosystem and train thousands of developers with the skills to solve complex challenges with accelerated computing and AI.
    • NVIDIA and the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) will deploy up to 5,000 Blackwell GPUs for a sovereign AI factory and enable smart city solutions. NVIDIA and SDAIA will train government and university scientists and engineers on how to develop and deploy models for physical and agentic AI.
    • Aramco Digital will develop AI computing infrastructure, collaborate with NVIDIA’s startup ecosystem, establish AI enterprise platforms, and create an engineering and robotics center of excellence including NVIDIA platforms.

    “This partnership with NVIDIA reflects SDAIA’s commitment to harnessing and advancing the potential of data and AI through continuous innovation,” said H.E. Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, president of the SDAIA. “It marks a significant step toward positioning the Kingdom as a leader among data- and AI-driven economies, and in building a knowledge-based society and an advanced digital economy aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.”

    These initiatives will help industries such as energy, manufacturing and logistics to develop and deploy innovative solutions using the power of AI and digital twins to fuel growth and prosperity throughout the region, while boosting efficiency, safety and sustainability.

    This effort will contribute to building a robust AI ecosystem and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of economic diversification and digital leadership.

    About NVIDIA
    NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

    For further information, contact:
    Corporate Communications
    NVIDIA Corporation
    press@nvidia.com

    Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the benefits and impact of NVIDIA’s products, services, and technologies; NVIDIA’s collaborations with third parties and the impact and benefits thereof; third parties adopting NVIDIA’s products and technologies and the impact and benefits thereof; and together with HUMAIN, NVIDIA building the AI infrastructure for the people and companies of Saudi Arabia to realize the bold vision of the Kingdom are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections and that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test our products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to our existing product and technologies; market acceptance of our products or our partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems; as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    © 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA and the NVIDIA logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: ESS Launches the H.E.L.P.® Alert Network™ 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Emergency Safety Solutions (ESS), a leader in modernizing roadway safety with advance warning technologies, today announced the launch of the H.E.L.P.® Alert Network™ — a breakthrough in real-time hazard communication. This vertically integrated, collaborative alerting and communications network delivers life-saving alerts and enhanced situational awareness, dramatically improving safety for all road users by overcoming the limitations of outdated hazard lights and fragmented connected vehicle technologies.

    “The H.E.L.P. Alert Network represents a groundbreaking leap forward in how we protect vulnerable vehicles and individuals on the road,” said Tim VanGoethem, ESS Chief Product Officer. “By empowering a broader community of vehicles and systems to communicate with each other in real time, we’re working with our customers and network partners to deliver critical, life-saving awareness precisely where – and when – it’s needed most.”

    The H.E.L.P. Alert Network collects, algorithmically calculates and distributes critical hazard data from connected vehicles, roadway work zones, fleet platforms and emergency systems — then delivers trusted, relevant information to navigation apps and in-vehicle displays with exceptional speed and accuracy.

    This system enables smarter decision-making across the entire roadway ecosystem, giving both human drivers and autonomous systems more time to react — and more accurate information to act on. 

    A Unified Network for Safer Roadways 

    The H.E.L.P. Alert Network includes three coordinated service pillars: 

    • Notification Partner Network: Vehicles, devices, and platforms that detect and transmit critical hazard data, including disabled and vulnerable vehicles equipped with ESS’ globally patented H.E.L.P.® Digital AlertsTM, work crew vehicles, commercial fleet vehicles, DOT and municipal infrastructure, emergency response vehicles, and wrong way drivers. 
    • Protect Partner Network: Calculates and then distributes accurate, relevant and timely location of roadway hazards to mobile and embedded navigation platforms, in-dash displays, mobile devices, and autonomous vehicle systems as real-time alerts so that approaching drivers can safely avoid them. 
    • Response Partner Network: Shares incident and event information with Traffic Management Centers, 9-1-1 providers, public safety networks and incident response platforms to facilitate faster, more informed emergency response in situations where every second matters. 

    With its patented safety technologies now deployed in market, ESS is expanding H.E.L.P. and actively bidding projects with commercial fleets, Department of Transportation fleets, OEMs and beyond – advancing public safety and extending protection across America’s roadways.

    Innovation Where It Counts 

    ESS’s H.E.L.P. safety features are redefining hazard communication for the modern roadway, replacing outdated systems that fail to keep pace with today’s transportation systems. 

    • H.E.L.P.® Lighting Alerts: High-visibility flash pattern dramatically increases visibility of stationary and vulnerable vehicles – proven to induce behavior change in oncoming drivers by prompting them to slow down and move over. 
    • H.E.L.P.® Digital Alerts: Disabled and vulnerable vehicle alerts that are delivered to oncoming motorists via mobile navigation applications and in-cabin displays to warn approaching drivers of potentials dangers ahead. 

    These connected vehicle features work together to enhance situational awareness, reduce collisions, and increase protection for not just drivers – but also passengers, pedestrians and roadside workers alike.  

    Advantages for OEMs, Fleets, Public Safety and Beyond 

    The H.E.L.P. Alert Network offers flexible deployment models tailored to the distinct needs of each customer segment ESS serves — including passenger and commercial vehicle OEMs, commercial fleets, emergency response teams, roadway work crews, and partners in connected infrastructure and communications.  

    With several leading automotive OEMs, commercial fleets and state DOT fleets already using ESS’ safety features as well as a rapidly growing roster of network partners, the H.E.L.P. Alert Network is connecting people, vehicles and infrastructure to save lives. 

    About ESS 

    Emergency Safety Solutions (ESS) is a certified minority-owned company revolutionizing roadway safety through its patented H.E.L.P.® technologies. ESS delivers advanced lighting and real-time digital alerts as advance warnings to protect vulnerable passenger and commercial vehicles, emergency responders, and roadway workers. With the launch of the H.E.L.P. Alert Network™, ESS is building a globally connected roadway safety community that helps prevent crashes and save lives. Learn more at www.ess-help.com. 

    Media Contact: Craig Keller | ESS Communications | ckeller@ess-help.com | 847-476-7543 

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3f2ef5c4-9e50-4773-be7f-5192f535e179

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Jeffersonville Bancorp Announces First Quarter Earnings of $2,718,000 or $0.64 per share; Declares Dividend of $0.15

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JEFFERSONVILLE, N.Y., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Jeffersonville Bancorp, Inc. (OTCQB – JFBC) announced today first quarter net income of $2,718,000 or $0.64 per share compared to $2,553,000 or $0.60 per share for the same quarter in 2024. The increase in quarterly net income compared to 2024 of $165,000 was primarily attributable to a decrease in interest expense of $621,000, an increase in loan interest and fees of $328,000, and an increase in non-interest income of $102,000. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in other interest income of $666,000, an increase in tax expense of $46,000, in salaries and employee benefits of $43,000, and in other non-interest expense of $33,000.

    “The Company retired all wholesale funding by the end of 2024, reducing forward interest expense from already low levels.” said George W. Kinne, Jr., President and CEO, “Strong loan growth in the first quarter partially offset lower rates on funds held at the Federal Reserve and some planned runoff of securities. With economic uncertainty expected to continue in the near term, we are comfortable with our balance sheet continuing to be very liquid.”

    A cash dividend in the amount of fifteen cents ($0.15) per share on the common stock of the company was declared at the May 13, 2025 meeting of the Board of Directors. The dividend is payable on June 5, 2025 to stockholders of record at the close of business on May 27, 2025.

    Jeffersonville Bancorp is a one-bank holding company, which owns all the capital stock of Jeff Bank. Jeff Bank maintains ten full-service branches in Sullivan and Orange County, New York located in Anawana Lake Road/Monticello, Eldred, Callicoon, Jeffersonville, Liberty, Livingston Manor, Monticello, Port Jervis, White Lake, and Wurtsboro.

    For More Information, call: 845-482-4000

    Contact: George W. Kinne, Jr., President – CEO

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Oak Valley Community Bank Announces Promotion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OAKDALE, Calif., May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oak Valley Community Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Oak Valley Bancorp (NASDAQ: OVLY), is pleased to announce the promotion of Jaime Gonzalez to Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager of the Modesto–Dale Road Branch.

    Gonzalez has over 20 years of banking experience and has been with OVCB for more than eight years. He most recently served as Customer Service Manager at the Modesto–McHenry Branch. In his new role, he will oversee branch operations, manage sales efforts, and focus on business development.

    “We are excited for Jaime to take on this new role,” said Julie DeHart, Executive Vice President of the Retail Banking Group. “His strong leadership and deep commitment to customer service will be instrumental in strengthening both new and existing client relationships in the Modesto region. We are confident in his continued dedication and passion for serving our clients.”

    In 2019, Gonzalez was recognized as Customer Service Manager of the Year, a testament to his exemplary performance and contributions to the bank. He is an active member of St. Jude Catholic Church in Ceres and resides in Modesto with his wife, Viviana, and their two sons. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, bike riding, coaching his sons’ baseball and soccer teams, and spending quality time with his family.

    Oak Valley Bancorp operates Oak Valley Community Bank and its Eastern Sierra Community Bank Division, offering a full range of loan and deposit services to individuals and small businesses. The bank currently serves customers through 18 conveniently located branches in Oakdale, Turlock, Stockton, Patterson, Ripon, Escalon, Manteca, Tracy, Sacramento, Roseville, two locations in Sonora, three in Modesto, and three in the Eastern Sierra communities of Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes, and Bishop. A 19th branch location is scheduled to open in Lodi later this year.

    For more information, call 1-866-844-7500 or visit www.ovcb.com.

    Contact: Chris Courtney/Rick McCarty
    Phone: (209) 848-BANK (2265)
      Toll Free (866) 844–7500
      www.ovcb.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: VERB Publishes Management’s Prepared Remarks From Its First Quarter 2025 Earnings Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB) (“VERB” or the “Company”), Transforming the Landscape of Social Commerce, Social Telehealth and Social Crowdfunding with MARKET.live; LyveCom; VANITYPrescribed; GoodGirlRx; and the GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show, today filed its Form 10-Q reporting financial and operating results for the quarter ending March 31, 2025 and held an earnings conference call at 1 p.m. ET to discuss these results. Prepared remarks during the conference call of Rory J. Cutaia, the Company’s Chairman & CEO, are provided below.

    Management Prepared Remarks

    VERB 2025 First Quarter Financial Results Conference Call

    Tuesday, May 13, 2025, 1 p.m. ET

    Company Participant
    Rory J. Cutaia, CEO

    Operator:

    Good afternoon and welcome to the first quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call for Verb Technology Company, Inc. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode. Please be advised, the call is being recorded at the Company’s request.

    On our call today is Rory J. Cutaia, Verb’s Founder, Chairman and CEO.

    Before we begin, I’d like to remind everyone that statements made during this conference call will include forward-looking statements under the Safe Harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve risks and uncertainties that can cause actual results to differ materially. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, except as required by law, as the underlying facts and circumstances may change. Verb Technology Company disclaims any obligations to update these forward-looking statements, as well as those contained in the Company’s current and subsequent filings with the SEC.

    I would now like to turn the call over to Rory J. Cutaia, CEO. Rory?

    Rory:

    Thank you moderator, and thanks to everyone for joining us today for our first quarter 2025 financial results and business update conference call.

    So for those of you who have reviewed our 10-Q filed this morning or the summarized results in the press release we issued this morning – well – you already know – right – you know the Company is firing on all cylinders – I’m talking about a 12 cylinder finely tuned exotic sports roadster – yeah – we had a crazy good quarter. This is the VERB we’ve envisioned – this is the VERB we’ve manifested and this is the VERB we have worked so hard to deliver. And the best part – the really best part – is this is just the beginning.

    I’ve got to hand it to my management team – they never stopped believing – through all the trials and tribulations – and we’ve had more than our share – they stuck it out with me – we drew strength from one another – and no matter what – we never gave up. I appreciate them all so very much – and our amazing Board of Directors – and now that we’ve begun to hit our stride – they’re all feeling it – they know where we’re taking this vehicle – and for those of you listening to this who have stuck it out with us and for those of you thinking about joining us – from here on out, it’s going to be a fun ride.

    We’re cashed-up, zero debt – insanely under-valued – and each VERB division is performing very, very well.

    I’m not going to take your time reading the 10-Q or reiterating everything we discussed about the Company just 6 weeks or so ago when we reported our 2024 results – but I will definitely enjoy sharing some of our team’s accomplishments in the first 3 months of this year.

    Let’s start with revenue – but first let me provide some context:

    In Q1 of 2024 we reported revenue of just $7,000; In Q4 of 2024 we reported revenue of $723,000 – definitely a great quarter and the first full quarter after we instituted a number of changes to our business model – and for the entirety of 2024 – we reported a total of $895,000.

    But in Q1 of 2025 we reported $1.3 Million – that’s 80% revenue growth over the prior quarter and approximately 46% growth over all 4 quarters of revenue of 2024 combined.

    And while we were busy signing and launching a plethora of new clients, we identified what we believe is the hottest AI social commerce technology company in the market and negotiated the terms of an $8.5 Million cash and stock acquisition, signed a comprehensive term sheet, and then rapidly drove the deal to a closing – all while actively integrating their AI technology into our own platform.

    We used about $4.2 Million in cash closing the acquisition – but I liked having a robust – zero debt – cashed-up balance sheet – so being an opportunist we identified a funding opportunity with extraordinary – shareholder friendly terms – negotiated it, documented it and closed it. A non-dilutive, non-convertible, non-voting, preferred stock deal with just a 9% annual dividend – and with that we added $5 Million back onto the balance sheet.

    This deal is with a trusted financial partner with whom we’ve now done several very successful deals. I do feel sorry for other companies doing terrible – horrible financings – steep discounts to market price, pre-funded warrants, triple warrant coverage – decimating cap tables and rendering many of these companies unfinanceable going forward who ultimately get shorted into oblivion. You see it every day. Tough times for a lot of companies and I’m very grateful that we’re in such a strong cash position and we’ve been able to maintain a super clean cap table – no warrant overhang and a very tight float and obviously not desperate to find a source of capital.

    In fact, with our cash on hand, no debt, and growing revenue across all business units, we expect to be able fund operations easily into 2028 and beyond.

    As to the growth behind MARKET.live, we’ve signed many very high profile clients and continue to do so. I’ve been asked why we aren’t announcing them – which we’d have to do multiple times a month – but the answer is most of these deals are where we’re white labeling our platform for these well-known brands and our contract prohibits us from announcing the names. I wish I could – if I could, I doubt our stock would still be trading for 50% of our net cash – with zero value given for all our business units – it’s crazy – just crazy.

    I’ve also been asked why we don’t see as many livestreams from MARKET.live as we used to and that’s because our new technology allows us to stream directly from our clients’ own websites and multicast their streams across multiple social media channels simultaneously. This is really the killer app, drawing so many more clients, because it allows these brands to own the customer relationship while still streaming over other social platforms. We’re also seeing strong, strong growth in shoppable ads, among many other areas of our MARKET.live and now Lyvecom business units.

    Our telehealth platforms, VanityPrescribed and GoodGirlRX continue to grow month over month adding recurring subscription-based revenue. And our Go Fund Yourself, crowd funding TV show is developing an almost cult-like following and more and more issuers are applying to be on the show, forcing us to become much more selective, and to accommodate the demand we’re now shooting multiple episodes twice a month. Issuers pay to be on the show. We’re about to launch Season 2 on Cheddar.

    In closing, I refer you to our Form 10-Q filed today for greater details concerning our Q1 2025 financial results as well as the press release distributed today summarizing those results for additional information I’ve not covered in my conference call today.

    So thank you for your interest in VERB and for taking the time to listen to our Q1 2025 financial results. I presume you can tell how excited we are about the business – really excited – and oh yes – I do indeed expect Q2 results to be even better than this Q1 – so stand by.

    Operator: This concludes the conference call. You may now disconnect.

    About VERB

    Verb Technology Company, Inc. (Nasdaq: VERB), is transforming the landscape of social commerce, social telehealth and social crowdfunding with MARKET.live, LyveCom, VANITYPrescribed, GoodGirlRx, and the GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show. The Company operates multiple business units, each of which leverages the Company’s social commerce technology and video marketing expertise.

    MARKET.live, together with recently acquired AI social commerce technology innovator LyveCom, is a multi-vendor, livestream social shopping platform that allows brands and merchants to deliver a true omnichannel livestream shopping experience across their own websites, apps, and social platforms. Advanced AI capabilities power real-time user-generated-content creation, automated video content repurposing for high conversion video ads, and AI-powered virtual live shopping hosts that are virtually indistinguishable from human hosts, capable of real-time audience engagement. Brands utilize the Company’s proprietary AI model trained on tens of thousands of video commerce interactions to automate content creation and intelligent tools designed to optimize merchandising strategies and increase conversion rates.

    GO FUND YOURSELF TV Show is a revolutionary interactive social crowd funding platform for public and private companies seeking broad-based exposure for their crowd-funded Regulation CF and Regulation A offerings. The platform combines a ground-breaking interactive national TV show with MARKET.live’s back-end capabilities allowing viewers to tap, scan or click on their screen to facilitate an investment, in real time, as they watch companies presenting before the show’s panel of “Titans”. Presenting companies that sell consumer products are able to offer their products directly to viewers during the show in real time through shoppable onscreen icons.

    VANITYPrescribed.com and GoodGirlRx.com are telehealth portals, intended to redefine telehealth by offering a seamless, digital-first experience that empowers individuals to take control of their healthcare needs. They were designed and developed to disrupt the traditional healthcare model by providing tailored healthcare solutions at affordable, fixed prices – without hidden fees, membership costs, or inflated pharmaceutical markups. GoodGirlRx.com, a partnership with Savannah Chrisley, a well-known lifestyle personality and advocate for health and wellness, offers customers access to convenient, no-hassle telehealth services and pharmaceuticals, including the new weight-loss drugs, with fixed pricing regardless of dosage, breaking away from the industry’s traditional model of excessive pricing and pharmaceutical gatekeeping.

    The Company is headquartered in Las Vegas, NV and operates full-service production and creator studios in the Los Angeles, California vicinity.

    For more information, please visit: www.verb.tech

    Follow VERB here:

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VerbTechCo

    X: https://twitter.com/VerbTech_Co

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/verb-tech

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0eCb_fwQlwEG3ywHDJ4_KQ

    Sign up for E-mail Alerts here: https://ir.verb.tech/news-events/email-alerts

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
    Statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements as defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, these forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “anticipate,” “designed,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “should” and other comparable terms. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding VERB’s intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses or current expectations and the other risk factors and other cautionary statements included in VERB’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and its subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including subsequent periodic reports on Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K. All forward-looking statements made in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release and are based on management’s assumptions and estimates as of such date. Except as required by law, VERB undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information, future events, changed conditions or otherwise after the date of this press release.

    Investor Relations Contact: investors@verb.tech
    Media Contact: info@verb.tech

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Atlantic American Corporation Reports First Quarter Results for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ATLANTA, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Atlantic American Corporation (Nasdaq- AAME) today reported net income of $0.8 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025 compared to net loss of ($2.0) million, or ($0.10) per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2024. The increase in net income for the first quarter of 2025 was primarily the result of an increase in premium revenue and favorable loss experience in the Company’s life and health operations. Premium revenue for the three month period ended March 31, 2025 increased $2.4 million, or 5.3%, to $46.9 million from $44.6 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2024.

    The Company reported operating income (as defined below) of $0.3 million in the three month period ended March 31, 2025 compared to operating loss of ($2.4) million in the three month period ended March 31, 2024. The increase in operating income was primarily due to an increase in premium revenue and favorable loss experience in the Company’s life and health operations, as previously mentioned.

    Commenting on the results, Hilton H. Howell, Jr., Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, “We are pleased to report strong quarterly results, highlighted by improved profitability and solid growth in insurance premiums. New business momentum within our life and health segments remains robust, reinforcing our confidence in the Company’s long-term growth trajectory. While our property and casualty operations faced elevated losses this quarter, we expect recent rate adjustments to begin positively impacting results in the coming periods. Looking ahead, we see significant opportunities and remain confident in our outlook for the remainder of 2025.”

    Atlantic American Corporation is an insurance holding company involved through its subsidiary companies in specialty markets of the life, health, and property and casualty insurance industries. Its principal insurance subsidiaries are American Southern Insurance Company, American Safety Insurance Company, Bankers Fidelity Life Insurance Company, Bankers Fidelity Assurance Company and Atlantic Capital Life Assurance Company.

    Note regarding non-GAAP financial measure: Atlantic American Corporation presents its consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). However, from time to time, the Company may present, in its public statements, press releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, non-GAAP financial measures such as operating income (loss). We define operating income (loss) as net income (loss) excluding: (i) income tax expense (benefit); (ii) realized investment (gains) losses, net; and (iii) unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities, net. Management believes operating income (loss) is a useful metric for investors, potential investors, securities analysts and others because it isolates the “core” operating results of the Company before considering certain items that are either beyond the control of management (such as income tax expense (benefit), which is subject to timing, regulatory and rate changes depending on the timing of the associated revenues and expenses) or are not expected to regularly impact the Company’s operating results (such as any realized and unrealized investment gains (losses), which are not a part of the Company’s primary operations and are, to a limited extent, subject to discretion in terms of timing of realization). The financial data attached includes a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to net income (loss), the most comparable GAAP financial measure. The Company’s definition of operating income (loss) may differ from similarly titled financial measures used by others. This non-GAAP financial measure should be considered supplemental to, and not a substitute for, financial information prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Note regarding forward-looking statements: Except for historical information contained herein, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements due to a number of factors and risks, including, among others: the effects of macroeconomic conditions and general economic uncertainty; unexpected developments in the health care or insurance industries affecting providers or individuals, including the cost or availability of services, or the tax consequences related thereto; disruption to the financial markets; unanticipated increases in the rate, number and amounts of claims outstanding; our ability to remediate the identified material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting; the level of performance of reinsurance companies under reinsurance contracts and the availability, pricing and adequacy of reinsurance to protect the Company against losses; changes in the stock markets, interest rates or other financial markets, including the potential effect on the Company’s statutory capital levels; the uncertain effect on the Company of regulatory and market-driven changes in practices relating to the payment of incentive compensation to brokers, agents and other producers; the potential impact of public health emergencies; the incidence and severity of catastrophes, both natural and man-made; the possible occurrence of terrorist attacks; stronger than anticipated competitive activity; unfavorable judicial or legislative developments; the potential effect of regulatory developments, including those which could increase the Company’s business costs and required capital levels; the Company’s ability to distribute its products through distribution channels, both current and future; the uncertain effect of emerging claim and coverage issues; the effect of assessments and other surcharges for guaranty funds and other mandatory pooling arrangements; information technology system failures or network disruptions; risks related to cybersecurity matters, such as breaches of our computer network or those of other parties or the loss of or unauthorized access to the data we maintain; and those other risks and uncertainties detailed in statements and reports that the Company files from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. As a result, undue reliance should not be placed upon forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent developments, changes in underlying assumptions or facts or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    For further information contact:  
    J. Ross Franklin Hilton H. Howell, Jr.
    Chief Financial Officer Chairman, President & CEO
    Atlantic American Corporation Atlantic American Corporation
    404-266-5580 404-266-5505
       
    Atlantic American Corporation
    Financial Data
           
      Three Months Ended
      March 31,
    (Unaudited; In thousands, except per share data)   2025       2024  
    Insurance premiums      
    Life and health $ 28,582     $ 26,674  
    Property and casualty   18,331       17,878  
    Insurance premiums, net   46,913       44,552  
           
    Net investment income   2,442       2,556  
    Unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, net   767       (114 )
    Other income   3       3  
           
    Total revenue   50,125       46,997  
           
    Insurance benefits and losses incurred      
    Life and health   17,316       19,112  
    Property and casualty   14,597       12,813  
    Insurance benefits and losses incurred, net   31,913       31,925  
           
    Commissions and underwriting expenses   11,680       12,666  
    Interest expense   774       855  
    Other expense   4,723       4,057  
           
    Total benefits and expenses   49,090       49,503  
           
    Income (loss) before income taxes   1,035       (2,506 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)   233       (508 )
           
    Net income (loss) $ 802     $ (1,998 )
           
    Earnings (loss) per common share (basic & diluted) $ 0.03     $ (0.10 )
           
    Reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measure      
           
    Net income (loss) $ 802     $ (1,998 )
    Income tax expense (benefit)   233       (508 )
    Unrealized (gains) losses on equity securities, net   (767 )     114  
           
    Non-GAAP operating income (loss) $ 268     $ (2,392 )
                   
                   
      March 31,   December 31,
    Selected balance sheet data   2025       2024  
           
    Total cash and investments $ 268,424     $ 265,696  
    Insurance subsidiaries   263,490       258,675  
    Parent and other   4,934       7,021  
    Total assets   388,436       393,428  
    Insurance reserves and policyholder funds   220,520       225,106  
    Debt   37,760       37,761  
    Total shareholders’ equity   102,385       99,613  
    Book value per common share   4.80       4.61  
    Statutory capital and surplus      
    Life and health   33,468       32,443  
    Property and casualty   47,614       47,670  
           

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE begins Kuwait visit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee met Kuwait’s local leaders and business representatives, as well as visited cultural facilities on the first day of his visit to the country.
     
    While leading a business delegation comprising representatives from Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises, Mr Lee met the Amir, head of state of Kuwait Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Kuwait Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah and Kuwait Acting Prime Minister Fahad Yousuf Saud Al-Sabah in the morning to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Kuwait.
         
    Mr Lee then attended a roundtable meeting chaired by the Acting Prime Minister, engaging in in-depth discussions with senior officials of the Kuwait government on areas such as finance, trade, and innovation and technology (I&T).
     
    Mr Lee and the Acting Prime Minister witnessed the signing of Memoranda of Understanding by Invest Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council with the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority respectively. He and the delegation also participated in a luncheon hosted by the Acting Prime Minister.
     
    The Chief Executive noted that Kuwait is the first member of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) to sign both an Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement and a Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement with Hong Kong, establishing a robust framework and foundation for economic and trade co-operation between the two places.
     
    He pointed out that Kuwait has been actively developing a diversified economy in recent years, proposing Kuwait Vision 2035 to promote digital transformation and develop the country into a regional and international financial and trade centre.
     
    He highlighted that Hong Kong, as an international financial, shipping and trade centre with world-class professional services, has vast opportunities for co-operation with Kuwait in areas such as finance, investment, digital economy, and I&T, and can assist Kuwait in advancing its Vision 2035.
     
    Underscoring that Kuwait is the rotating President of the GCC currently, Mr Lee expressed his anticipation to strengthen co-operation between Hong Kong and Kuwait, adding that he looks forward to establishing closer economic, trade and cultural exchanges with more GCC member states.
     
    Additionally, Mr Lee emphasised that Hong Kong enjoys the advantage of connecting the country with the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. Hong Kong will fully leverage its role as a bridge to serve enterprises in going global and attracting external investment, complementing the strengths of Mainland enterprises while deepening international exchanges and co-operation.
     
    He welcomed the Kuwaiti Government and enterprises to utilise Hong Kong’s role as a super connector and super value-adder to explore new opportunities under the Belt & Road Initiative for mutual benefit.
     
    Later, Mr Lee and the delegation met representatives of a local corporation, Bukhamseen Group Holding Company, to learn about the latest developments in the company’s businesses in construction, real estate, financial services, and culture and tourism.
     
    Apart from introducing Hong Kong’s development opportunities and its highly internationalised and market-oriented business environment with its pool of professional services talent, Mr Lee also welcomed the company to use Hong Kong as a springboard to develop diversified businesses and tap into the Mainland market, better grasping the immense opportunities brought by the Belt & Road Initiative and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
     
    Afterwards, Mr Lee visited the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre to learn about Kuwait’s arts and culture projects and developments.
     
    Mr Lee made it clear that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchanges, with the West Kowloon Cultural District as one of the world’s largest arts and culture projects.
     
    He noted that both Hong Kong and Kuwait place importance on arts and culture development, and he looks forward to further deepening connections and co-operation in cultural exchanges between the two places.
     
    The delegation led by Mr Lee attended a dinner hosted by the Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to the State of Kuwait Zhang Jianwei.
     
    Mr Lee thanked the embassy for making meticulous arrangements for the visit and for its continued support to the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office in Dubai.
     
    The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to promote economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and Kuwait.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Amazon’s new robot has a sense of touch, but it’s not here to replace humans

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kartikeya Walia, Lecturer, Department of Engineering, Nottingham Trent University

    Amazon has just unveiled its newest warehouse robot called Vulcan, which has a “sense of touch”. Designed to gently stow items using pressure-sensitive gripping and artificial intelligence (AI), Vulcan is now being tested in two Amazon facilities, in Spokane, Washington state, US, and Hamburg, Germany.

    The robot is part of Amazon’s long-term investment in warehouse automation. The inevitable question that always comes up is: will robots like this replace human workers? In short: not yet, and probably not completely. In fact, Vulcan is a good example of how robotics are being designed to work with people, not against them.

    Vulcan is designed to assist warehouse workers in stowing – the process of placing items into storage bins (called pods) before they’re picked, packed and shipped. Human pickers often work at different height levels when they’re stowing, with repetitive bending, reaching or climbing of steps.

    Amazon has divided the workspace into zones: the “kneel and lunge” zone (low height), the “power” zone (mid height), and the “ladder” zone (high height). Vulcan is designed to operate in the lowest and highest zones – the most physically demanding areas for humans – to reduce the risk of injury and improve efficiency.

    Amazon’s new Vulcan robot.

    The “sense of touch” comes from Vulcan’s force-sensitive gripper. This adjusts how firmly it should hold each item. Using AI, Vulcan can predict the right amount of force to use, squeezing gently for soft, squishy items, and more firmly for flat or rigid ones.

    It also uses a clever flat prong to make space inside the bins, packing things more
    efficiently, almost like playing a game of Tetris.

    Right now, Vulcan can match the speed of a human worker and operate for around 20 hours a day. The movements are fast, hence it still works behind a protective safety fence. However, it’s not flawless – it can only handle objects up to about 8lbs (3.6kg) and struggles with round items.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The human factor

    So, does this mean fewer jobs for humans? New technologies often raise concerns about job losses – and in some cases, with good reason. Some roles will inevitably disappear as robots become more commonplace, especially those that are dull, dirty, or dangerous. But that’s only part of the picture.

    From what I’ve seen in my own research and experience with robotics, automation
    doesn’t usually eliminate jobs entirely – it changes them. Amazon insists that
    Vulcan is being introduced not to replace staff, but to reduce the physical strain of repetitive tasks and support faster, safer warehouse operations.

    Importantly, Amazon also runs a Mechatronics and Robotics Apprenticeship Program – a free course for workers to upskill and move into more technical roles,
    often with a pay increase of up to 40%. The company also runs other upskilling programmes.

    Though it’s also worth repeating here that Amazon has been the subject of criticism and complaints from employees about its intensive working conditions (Amazon says its employees’ safety and health is its top priority and that some inaccurate information has gone around), these kinds of upskilling initiatives are key to the future of work in environments that use robots. As machines take over the repetitive tasks, humans will move into roles involving assembly, commissioning, maintenance, quick repair, and eventually, system reconfiguration.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Join The Conversation for free today.

    In theory, a fully automated, 24/7 “lights-out” warehouse sounds like a dream for
    business – no breaks, no injuries, no wages. But in practice, completely removing
    humans from the shop floor is incredibly risky. Robots and automation systems,
    especially those that are used in an environment as complex as Amazon’s logistics and warehouse management chain, can break down.

    If even one component in the workflow fails – a sensor, a motor, or a software module – and there are no humans around to spot it or fix it quickly, the entire operation could grind to a halt. In high-volume environments like Amazon warehouses, even an hour of downtime could cost a fortune.

    Keeping humans in the loop provides the flexibility and quick thinking that complex
    systems still depend on. It’s a safety net no algorithm can yet replace. It’s also a way to adapt to changes quickly, something that rigid automation often can’t do.

    Vulcan isn’t Amazon’s first robot, and it won’t be the last. Earlier systems like Sparrow could handle about 60% of the company’s inventory. With Vulcan, that number jumps to 75%. That’s certainly progress, but it also shows the limits of automation.

    There’s still a long way to go before a robot can match the flexibility, judgement and care of a human worker. The future of robotics in warehouses won’t be about replacing people, it will be about working alongside them, easing physical strain, increasing efficiency, and creating new types of jobs.

    We’re already seeing shifts in the industry. Modular robots are built using a core set of hardware “modules” that can be combined and recombined to form a customised machine. These are making it easier to tailor automation.

    An example of a reconfigurable modular robot.

    At the same time, vendor lock-in – where companies rely on proprietary hardware and software from a single supplier – is becoming less common. Instead, firms like Amazon are increasingly developing their own bespoke components to better suit their operational needs. A shift towards in-house, self-deployable robotics would mean that companies will need more technically skilled workers who can assemble, modify, and maintain these systems.

    For now, Vulcan is a glimpse of what’s coming: smarter robots, safer work and
    hopefully, a future where technology supports people, not the other way around.

    Kartikeya Walia receives funding from the EPSRC and UKRI.

    – ref. Amazon’s new robot has a sense of touch, but it’s not here to replace humans – https://theconversation.com/amazons-new-robot-has-a-sense-of-touch-but-its-not-here-to-replace-humans-256273

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: The trend for ‘quiet’ and ‘soft’ quitting is a symptom of our deteriorating relationship with work

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By John-Paul Byrne, Lecturer, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    shutterstock Hananeko_Studio/Shutterstock

    How do you feel about your work? Do its daily demands leave you burned out and drained of energy?

    Do you find yourself reducing how much effort you make to engage in some “quiet” or “soft” quitting? Or maybe you dream of taking a more decisive step and joining the “great resignation”.

    The prevalence – and popularity – of these responses suggests that there has been quite a change in many people’s attitude to the way they earn a living. Some think that this change stems from a post-COVID evaluation of work-life balance. Others say it’s an individual form of industrial action.

    However, these explanations keep the spotlight firmly on workers rather than the work itself. Perhaps the truth lies in a fundamental deterioriation in people’s relationship with their work and maybe the work needs to shoulder some of the responsibility.

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    Our experience of working, and its impact on our lives, is about more than what goes on within the office or school or hospital or factory which pays our wages. Even something as simple (yet important) as the number of hours someone works might be the result of a complex combination of national law, professional expectations and an organisation’s resources.

    This is where something known as the “psychosocial work environment” comes in – an approach (especially popular in Scandinavia) which examines the various structures, conditions and experiences that effect an employee’s psychological and emotional wellbeing.

    Research in this field suggests that there are three conditions vital to the modern work experience: autonomy, boundary management and “precarity”.

    Autonomy is about how much control and influence you have when it comes to doing your job and is key to how most employees feel about their work.

    Low levels of autonomy can leave people feeling overwhelmed and powerless. But high levels can also be detrimental, leading to excessive levels of individual responsibility and overwhelming hours.

    Ideally, you should have enough autonomy to feel a sense of flexibility and self-determination – but not so much that you feel you need to always be available and constantly on the clock.

    Setting boundaries

    Boundary management is the ability to manage the physical and mental boundaries between work and non-work lives. Achieving a suitable work-life balance has become even more important in a world of hybrid working.

    But in jobs with high levels of autonomy and responsibility, boundaries can become blurred and unpredictable. Phones ping with work related notifications, and leisure becomes work at the swipe of a screen.

    All of this can lead to feelings of anxiety and exhaustion. The goal here is to set clear boundaries that bring predictability and clarity around work time and demands. This provides flexibility which is empowering rather than exploitative.

    Finally, “precarity” refers to a lack of stability and security in life. It refers specifically to a harmful state of uncertainty which is typically associated with job insecurity (zero hours contracts for example).

    This uncertainty and insecurity can dominate daily work time (and free time), leading to feelings of stress and anxiety. It can also have a negative impact on personal finances and career plans.

    Looking for a way out.
    Aleutie/Shutterstock

    Income and contract security can help here, although people working in insecure jobs often have little power when it comes to persuading their employers to make the necessary changes.

    But addressing the deteriorating relationship between employees and their work means confronting certain core conditions. Reflecting on the psychosocial elements of employment can help to identify the gap between expectation and actual experience.

    Before experiencing burnout or resorting to quitting (in any of its forms), this approach encourages employees and employers to reflect on two key questions. How does work make you feel? And what are the things that cause those feelings?

    Research on psychosocial work environments provides some guidance. It suggests that workers are more likely to thrive when they have autonomy that feels like control rather than abandonment, and flexibility and clarity that allows for a good work-life balance. They also need security that offers certainty in the present – and confidence in the future.

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

    – ref. The trend for ‘quiet’ and ‘soft’ quitting is a symptom of our deteriorating relationship with work – https://theconversation.com/the-trend-for-quiet-and-soft-quitting-is-a-symptom-of-our-deteriorating-relationship-with-work-248787

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister announces new Ministry

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Today, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced the members of Canada’s new Ministry.

    Canadians elected this new government with a strong mandate to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States, to build a stronger economy, to reduce the cost of living, and to keep our communities safe. This focused team will act on this mandate for change with urgency and determination.

    The new government will act to catalyze investment and build a new Canadian economy – one that creates higher-paying careers, raises incomes, and can withstand future shocks. They will work in collaboration with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples to advance the nation-building investments that will support the government’s core mission of building one strong, united economy – the strongest economy in the G7.

    The new Cabinet is appointed as follows:

    • Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board
    • Rebecca Alty, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations
    • Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs
    • Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety
    • François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue
    • Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
    • Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
    • Sean Fraser, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
    • Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
    • Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
    • Mandy Gull-Masty, Minister of Indigenous Services
    • Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
    • Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
    • Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
    • Dominic LeBlanc, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy
    • Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement
    • Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
    • Steven MacKinnon, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
    • David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
    • Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
    • Lena Metlege Diab, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
    • Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health
    • Eleanor Olszewski, Minister of Emergency Management and Community Resilience and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
    • Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
    • Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
    • Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
    • Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
    • Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)

    The Cabinet will be supported by 10 secretaries of State who will provide dedicated leadership on key issues and priorities within their minister’s portfolio.

    The new secretaries of State are appointed as follows:

    • Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development)
    • Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
    • Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth)
    • Wayne Long, Secretary of State (Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions)
    • Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State (Seniors)
    • Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
    • Ruby Sahota, Secretary of State (Combatting Crime)
    • Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development)
    • Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport)
    • John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour)

    Quote

    “Canada’s new Ministry is built to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve. Everyone is expected and empowered to show leadership – to bring new ideas, a clear focus, and decisive action to their work.”

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Launches New Program to Boost Oil Production and Generate Investment

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 13, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan has launched the Low Productivity and Reactivation Oil Well Program (LPRP) to create new incremental oil production and revenue from low-producing or inactive wells. 

    The LPRP promotes industry investment in low-producing or inactive horizontal oil wells through a new royalty structure for eligible wells. In the final year of the four-year LPRP program, it is projected to add 30,000 barrels per day of oil production and generate $21 million in additional royalty revenue for the province.

    “Growing Saskatchewan’s oil and gas industry is a priority for our government,” Energy and Resources Minister Colleen Young said. “This new program will encourage companies to make new investments in existing assets and increase oil production in our province. With our abundant resources, competitive regulatory environment, and targeted incentives, Saskatchewan is one of the best places in the world to develop oil and gas projects.”

    The LPRP can extend the life of wells that have already been drilled and allow access to oil that would otherwise have been left in place. The incremental oil production generated through the program will contribute to reaching Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan goal of increasing oil production to 600,000 barrels per day.

    “Not only does the LPRP support the government’s goal of increasing oil production, it has the added benefits of reducing inactive asset retirement obligations, improving environmental performance and enabling companies to convert liabilities into assets,” Saturn Oil and Gas CEO John Jeffrey said. “Saturn recently completed a successful Frobisher re-entry and is excited to identify further candidates, as we believe the LPRP will spur increased production, activity and revenue for the province; reduce the inactive well count and create additional employment and investment opportunities. Ultimately, the new LPRP represents a win-win for all stakeholders.”

    Last year, the value of Saskatchewan oil and gas production reached $13.5 billion, with the sector employing more than 26,000 people. Saskatchewan is the second-largest oil producer in Canada and sixth largest onshore oil producer in North America.

    For more details about LPRP, including information about how to apply for the program, visit: link.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘The red Welsh way’: Welsh Labour attempts to distance itself from the UK party

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nye Davies, Lecturer in Politics, Cardiff University

    David Michael Bellis/Shutterstock

    More than two decades ago, Rhodri Morgan, then first minister of Wales, put “clear red water” between Welsh Labour and the UK party. It’s a phrase that became one of the most enduring cliches in Welsh politics.

    Now, his successor Eluned Morgan is trying to chart a fresh course with a new slogan: “the red Welsh way”. In a recent speech, Morgan set out Welsh Labour’s core values ahead of the 2026 Senedd (Welsh parliament) election: “Solidarity, equality, sustainability and justice.” These, she argued, are progressive principles rooted in Wales’ political traditions.

    But the speech also had a clear strategic purpose: to reassert Welsh Labour’s distinct identity at a time when its dominance in devolved politics is under pressure.

    Morgan pledged to stand up for Wales whenever she believed it was being neglected by Westminster or when UK government policies disproportionately harmed the nation. Deploying nationalistic language, while insisting she is not a nationalist, Morgan invoked a history of exploitation in Wales and vowed that such injustices would not be tolerated under Welsh Labour’s watch.

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    It was also a notable shift in rhetoric. During the 2024 general election, Welsh Labour leaned heavily on the idea of “two governments at both ends of the M4” working together. Morgan’s speech also represents her most forthright attempt yet to replenish the red waters between the Welsh government and Keir Starmer’s leadership, and her most passionate defence of Welsh Labour as a distinct entity.

    Poll pressure

    On the very same day, a new poll placed Welsh Labour in third place, behind Plaid Cymru and Reform UK. The polling comes with the familiar caveats. It is only one poll, a lot can change in the course of a year and it would be unwise to underestimate the strength of Welsh Labour’s electoral machine.

    Nevertheless, while the Senedd is expanding from 60 to 96 members, Welsh Labour’s presence within it is at risk of shrinking.

    Morgan’s speech implicitly recognises that the Labour brand is tainted. With the UK government chasing Reform UK’s voter base in light of recent election results, the red Welsh way feels like an effort to reclaim ground from Plaid Cymru, to which Welsh Labour appears to be losing support, particularly from left-leaning and Welsh-identifying voters.

    Morgan will hope that formulating a new image (or, rather, resurrecting an old one) can revive the party’s fortunes and allow it to continue its over 100 years dominance of Welsh politics.

    There is logic to this strategy. I have argued before that Welsh Labour thrives when it articulates a clear, values-driven Welsh identity. But there are now formidable obstacles in Morgan’s path.

    First, trying to position a party that has been in government for 26 years as an insurgent force is challenging. The clear red water rhetoric, rooted in progressive principles, has not always been matched in reality.
    Strained public services and entrenched poverty in Wales undermine Welsh Labour’s claims to achieving social justice. While constitutional constraints and funding limitations from Westminster are real, slogans alone do not shield people from hardship.



    Read more:
    Devolving justice and policing to Wales would put it on par with Scotland and Northern Ireland – so what’s holding it back?

    Ultimately, after years of austerity, people in Wales are looking for a party that will offer them hope of a brighter future. Instead of slogans, Welsh Labour will need to show the electorate that it is making a tangible difference to people’s lives. As Morgan herself insisted in the speech: “Less chat, and more do.”

    Second, Morgan faces a further challenge from an emboldened Welsh parliamentary Labour party (PLP). A recent Politico article documents the various ways in which the central Labour party is attempting to have a greater say in Welsh Labour’s affairs, from manifesto writing to candidate selection. One Labour figure was quoted as stating: “The Welsh PLP hate the Senedd group.”

    Amid reports that Morgan accused Welsh MPs of not standing up for Wales, a Labour Senedd member has warned of “simmering discontent” with Westminster.

    A party at a crossroads

    Among these challenges, Welsh Labour will struggle with its claim to be standing up for Wales when judged against outcomes. Repeated failures to secure rail funding, further devolution and even consideration for the effects of policy changes on Wales, suggest that Welsh Labour’s voice in Westminster still struggles to carry weight. That’s even under a Labour-led UK government.

    In truth, the red Welsh way reflects a party caught in a strategic bind. It’s eager to differentiate itself, but hamstrung by its own long-term incumbency, internal divisions and limited power.

    As the 2026 Senedd election draws closer, Welsh Labour will throw everything at shifting the narrative. But as things stand, the clear red water that once symbolised distance from Westminster has become muddied.

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

    – ref. ‘The red Welsh way’: Welsh Labour attempts to distance itself from the UK party – https://theconversation.com/the-red-welsh-way-welsh-labour-attempts-to-distance-itself-from-the-uk-party-256496

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: How breast tissue density affects your risk of breast cancer

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

    Breast density is a significant yet often overlooked factor in breast cancer awareness, risk assessment and screening practices. Understanding what breast density is, how it affects breast cancer risk and what it means for screening can help women make informed decisions about their health.

    Breast density refers to the proportions of glandular and connective tissue compared to fatty tissue in the breast, as seen on a mammogram. Simply put, dense breasts have more glandular and fibrous tissue and less fat.

    On a mammogram, both dense tissue and tumours appear white, making it harder to detect abnormalities in women with dense breasts. This masking effect can lead to cancers being missed during routine screening, which is why breast density is not just a risk factor for developing breast cancer, but also for having it go undetected until it is more advanced.

    Recent large-scale studies have confirmed that women with dense breasts face a higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to women with less dense, fattier breasts. For example, a major study involving more than 33,000 women found that those with dense breasts were nearly twice as likely to develop breast cancer than those with low breast density.

    This increased risk is seen across both pre-menopausal younger women and post-menopausal older women, although the proportion of women with high breast density tends to decrease with age.

    In practical terms, women with the lowest breast density have about a 6% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer after age 50, while those with the highest density face a risk closer to 15%.

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    The impact of breast density on cancer detection is also significant. Mammography, the standard screening tool, is less sensitive in women with dense breasts. While mammograms can detect about at least nine out of ten cancers in women with mostly fatty breasts, the sensitivity drops to about seven out of ten in women with extremely dense breasts.

    This means that tumors can be missed, leading to what are known as “interval cancers”, cancers that are diagnosed between regular screenings, often at a more advanced stage.

    Supplemental screening methods, such as MRI scanning, can help detect cancers that mammography might miss in women with dense breasts, and some pilot studies have shown that additional cancers are found this way.

    Breast density is now recognised as one of the most important risk factors for breast cancer, even as much as family history or other commonly discussed risk factors.

    About 40% of women fall into the higher density categories, and dense breasts are common in younger women, those taking hormone replacement therapy, and those with certain genetic backgrounds and ethnicities. However, breast density can also be influenced by lifestyle and hormonal factors, and it tends to decrease with age and higher body mass index and obesity.

    Given the importance of breast density, there has been a growing movement to ensure women are informed about their own breast density after mammograms, and to address this appropriately. A recent UK survey showed that most women aren’t aware of their breast density.

    In the US, new regulations require that all women undergoing mammography be notified if they have dense breasts and be advised about the associated risks. This aims to empower women to have more informed discussions with their healthcare providers about their personal risk and the potential need for additional screening.

    Despite the increased risk, it is important to remember that the majority of women with dense breasts will not develop breast cancer. Breast density is just one factor among many, and decisions about screening and risk reduction should be made on an individual basis.

    For women with dense breasts, discussing options for supplemental screening with their doctor is recommended. While there is currently no widely accepted intervention to reduce breast density, in my own research, I’m exploring new ways to address this risk factor.

    In summary, breast density is both a common and significant risk factor for breast cancer, and it can complicate the detection of cancer through standard mammography.

    Women should be aware of their breast density status, understand its implications for both risk and screening, and work with their doctors to determine the best approach for their individual situation. As awareness grows and screening practices evolve, the hope is that more cancers will be detected earlier, improving outcomes for all women.

    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. How breast tissue density affects your risk of breast cancer – https://theconversation.com/how-breast-tissue-density-affects-your-risk-of-breast-cancer-256028

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Could the assisted dying bill fall at the next hurdle?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel Gover, Senior Lecturer in British Politics, Queen Mary University of London

    Almost six months after MPs backed the principle of assisted dying, the terminally ill adults (end of life) bill – sponsored by Labour backbencher Kim Leadbeater – is set to return to the House of Commons chamber on May 16 to undergo further debate.

    This is the report stage of the bill’s passage, during which MPs will consider whether to make further amendments to the bill, followed by a third reading, when MPs vote on the bill in its final form. After this, the bill would then need to complete a similar process in the House of Lords.

    There had been fears that because this is a backbench private member’s bill, the assisted dying bill would not be subjected to meaningful scrutiny. But these fears have not been borne out in practice.

    Between January and March, a committee of MPs considered the bill over 29 separate sittings, heard evidence from around 50 expert witnesses, and received hundreds of written submissions from the public – all unheard of on backbench bills. The committee made many detailed amendments to the bill, informed partly by this evidence. It is the amended version of the bill that is now being put to MPs.

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    When MPs debated the bill’s second reading in November, an absolute majority supported the legislation – by 330 to 275. But second reading is a vote only on the bill’s principle.

    Several MPs indicated that they could vote the other way next time if changes were not made to the specifics of the legislation. So it is not certain that the bill will pass so easily at third reading – or indeed that it will pass at all.

    During the bill’s committee scrutiny, over 150 amendments were made. Although the majority of these were put forward by Leadbeater herself – for instance to improve the bill’s operability after discussions with civil servants – around 40 of them were proposed by other MPs – including many led by MPs who voted against the bill at second reading.

    They cover a range of topics, including the training for medical staff involved in assisted dying to identifying domestic abuse and coercive control, and a requirement that those considering an assisted death should be given information about palliative care alternatives.

    Concerns raised by some disability groups have also led to a new requirement for a disability advisory board that will feed into the implementation of the law and report on its impact on disabled people. Such changes may provide some reassurance to wavering MPs.

    But other issues remain unresolved. One example is the question of whether medical practitioners may raise assisted dying with a patient rather than leaving it to them. This is now the subject of a change proposed by Meg Hillier, the senior Labour MP who chairs the high-profile Liaison Committee and a vocal opponent of the bill.

    A bumpy road ahead?

    Even if MPs can agree on the text of the bill itself, it nonetheless faces significant procedural hurdles. This is because there is very little House of Commons time for private members’ bills – typically just 13 Fridays per annual session for all bills. This in practice means they must usually complete their report stage in a single five-hour sitting to stand any chance of passing.

    The key challenge is that MPs could table large numbers of amendments, and speak at length, meaning that the bill runs out of time. The bill’s supporters can counter this by attempting to move the “closure” – which if successful brings that part of the debate to a close – but this requires at least 100 MPs to vote in support. This is a high threshold on most Fridays, though may be possible in this case.

    Even then, it may not be enough. Much will depend on key decisions by the Speaker – in particular, how he groups the amendments up for debate. In recent years, the trend has been towards all amendments being discussed together in a single group.

    But if he splits them up into more than one group, this would likely mean “closure” is required multiple times – creating a high risk that the debate overruns the available five hours.

    If the bill does not complete report stage in a single day, it would then drop down the queue behind any other bills awaiting report on the next available Friday. This is usually fatal to a bill’s passage.

    Yet something unusual may be about to occur in this case. As things stand, the next bill in line is scheduled to begin its committee stage only this week, after a long – and quite possibly tactical – delay. It is therefore possible that the assisted dying bill could secure a second day for report.

    To the Lords…and back?

    Yet any delay in the bill’s Commons passage would present further complications down the line. If the bill requires two days for report, this would push the final third reading vote to June 13 or 20. If it passed, the bill would then need to go through an equivalent series of stages in the House of Lords.

    Lords scrutiny is likely to be rigorous on the bill. The chamber contains many members with expertise directly relevant to this bill – including medical, legal, disability advocacy and health. They are likely to want to scrutinise the bill in depth and to make their own amendments. Yet if peers make any changes, these would then need to be approved by the Commons.

    As things stand, the last available sitting Friday for private members’ bills in the Commons is scheduled for July 11, potentially leaving less than a month for Lords scrutiny. This is a very tight timetable, and it is very possible the bill could run out of time.

    One way of addressing this would be for the Lords to expedite its scrutiny of this bill. If not, ministers would need to provide additional time for any final Lords amendments to the bill to be considered – something for which there is recent precedent. Since 2010, two regular private members’ bills have had stages for MPs to approve Lords amendments (in 2019 and 2023); in both cases these required ministers to make available additional Fridays.

    Daniel Gover 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. Could the assisted dying bill fall at the next hurdle? – https://theconversation.com/could-the-assisted-dying-bill-fall-at-the-next-hurdle-256512

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Threat of enslavement hangs over reported plans to deport migrants from US to Libya

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Plaut, Senior Research Fellow, Horn of Africa and Southern Africa, Institute of Commonwealth Studies, School of Advanced Study, University of London

    Human rights organisations have expressed alarm at possible US plans to send a group of migrants from Vietnam, Laos and the Philippines to Libya on a military flight. They have pointed to the appalling conditions migrants face there, which the US State Department described as “harsh and life-threatening” in its 2023 Libya review.

    The review quoted the UN support mission in Libya and civil society groups as saying they had “numerous reports of women subjected to forced prostitution in prisons or detention facilities”. A UN fact-finding mission to Libya, also in 2023, made similarly shocking allegations about conditions in Libya’s network of official migrant detention centres.

    Such centres are run by the Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration, an official entity of the Libyan interior ministry. But, in reality, it is Libya’s complex patchwork of militias that is in control.

    Based on interviews with more than 100 migrants, the report concluded that it had “reasonable grounds to believe that migrants were enslaved in detention centres … in Abu Salim, Zawiyah and Mabani, as well as in places of detention in al-Shwarif, Bani Walid, Sabratah, Zuwarah and Sabha”.

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    There is no evidence that the proposed US scheme is in any way connected to the Libyan organisations involved in slavery. Trump has also denied any knowledge of the Libya deportations, referring journalists questioning him about it to the US Department of Homeland Security.

    But the situation is dire for the tens of thousands of refugees and migrants who wind up in Libya each year in an attempt to cross into Europe. The threat of enslavement poses a real threat to anyone sent there.

    Concern about slavery in Libya was perhaps most visibly highlighted in a CNN report from 2017. After receiving grainy footage of a slave sale, CNN sent journalists to Libya to gather evidence. They reported uncovering nine migrant slave auction sites.

    In their report, which gained widespread international attention, the journalists wrote:

    Carrying concealed cameras into a property outside the capital of Tripoli last month, we witness[ed] a dozen people go ‘under the hammer’ in the space of six or seven minutes.

    ‘Does anybody need a digger? This is a digger, a big strong man, he’ll dig,’ the salesman, dressed in camouflage gear, says. ‘What am I bid, what am I bid?’ Buyers raise their hands as the price rises, ‘500, 550, 600, 650 …’ Within minutes it is all over and the men, utterly resigned to their fate, are being handed over to their new ‘masters’.

    After the auction, we met two of the men who had been sold. They were so traumatised by what they’d been through that they could not speak, and so scared that they were suspicious of everyone they met.

    Unlike the Libyan media, which questioned the credibility of the CNN report, Libya’s authorities denounced the migrant slave auctions and said they would launch a formal investigation. But there is no indication that the proposed investigation has changed the operation of the detention centres.

    CNN journalists witnessed migrants being sold at auctions in 2017.

    CNN’s findings were replicated by other investigations. Shamsuddin Jibril, a Cameroonian migrant who saw men traded publicly in the streets of the Libyan town of Sabha, told the Guardian in 2017: “[The slave traders] took people and put them in the street under a sign that said ‘for sale’. They tied their hands just like in the former slave trade, and drove them … in the back of a Toyota Hilux”.

    These practices are still happening. David Yambio, who himself experienced enslavement in Libya, is now the president of the Refugees in Libya movement. I spoke to Yambio while writing my book, Unbroken Chains: A 5,000 year history of African enslavement. He told me:

    From my own experience, and through my daily work with Refugees in Libya, I can confirm that slavery is taking place inside Directorate for Combating Illegal Migration detention facilities.

    I was held in places in such conditions between 2019 and 2022. To this day, people are still being enslaved inside these centres: Tariq al-Sikka, Ain Zara, Abu Salim, Al-Nasr in Zawiya, Al-Mabani, Bir Al-Ghanam, Al-Assah, Al-Maya, Ganfouda and Ajdabiya. The list goes on.

    Just hours ago, I was in contact with around 130 women still enduring the same conditions inside Al-Nasr detention centre (known as Osama Prison) in Zawiya. It is concerning and it is an indisputable fact.

    The Libyan route

    Libya is one of the leading destinations for migrants attempting to reach Europe through Africa. In April 2025 alone, the European border force, Frontex, recorded 15,718 migrants from across the world making what they term “illegal border crossings” by traversing the central Mediterranean from Libya.

    One of the largest groups seeking to reach Europe via Libya are Eritreans. Work led by Mirjam van Reisen of Leiden University has provided firsthand accounts of Eritreans describing the situation in the Tajoura detention centre, where Libyans come to select people to work.

    The labourers are often referred to as slaves. One interviewee said: “Every morning when someone comes there, he says: ‘We need five eubayd, which means five slaves. I need five slaves.’ Everybody that is hearing that one, they are feeling angry.” Their forced labour ranges from farm and construction work to road work and garbage collecting.

    Some refugees manage to raise funds from friends and family members to escape captivity. They are held in detention centres until they are deported or traffickers receive fees for taking them across the Mediterranean. Research by the UN suggests this ranges between US$850 (£644) and US$4,500 (£3,400) per crossing.

    US officials say the military could start flying migrants to Libya imminently. However, authorities in Tripoli have rejected the use of Libyan territory as a destination for deporting migrants without its knowledge or consent.

    There are also judicial hurdles. On May 7, a federal judge in Massachusetts ruled that the deportation of immigrants to Libya would be in violation of a court order he issued in March.

    However, the Trump administration’s record suggests it does not always follow such rulings. This leaves the migrants in considerable jeopardy.

    Martin Plaut 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. Threat of enslavement hangs over reported plans to deport migrants from US to Libya – https://theconversation.com/threat-of-enslavement-hangs-over-reported-plans-to-deport-migrants-from-us-to-libya-256145

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: From blood clots to rare cancers, a plastic surgeon explains the risks to consider before going under the knife – or the needle

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By James D. Frame, Professor of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, Anglia Ruskin University

    RomarioIen/Shutterstock

    A series of ads for Brazilian butt lifts (BBL) on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook were recently banned by the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). These ads were found to be misleading and irresponsible, often downplaying serious health risks and pressuring consumers with time-limited offers.

    This move highlights growing concerns over how cosmetic surgery is marketed online and the safety of BBL procedures. But BBLs are not the only cosmetic surgeries under scrutiny.

    Liposuction has a high rate of post-operative complications, and even non-surgical procedures like lip fillers and liquid BBLs have raised health concerns among experts.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    According to recent data from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), there were 27,462 cosmetic procedures performed in 2024 – a 5% rise from 2023. More than nine out of ten (93.5%) of these procedures were performed on women.

    Body contouring – including liposuction, abdominoplasty and thigh lifts – are the most popular surgeries, while facial rejuvenation procedures, particularly face and neck lifts, brow lifts and eyelid surgery have all increased in popularity since 2023.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Join The Conversation for free today.

    Risk factors

    Many of these popular procedures are also among the riskiest. Body contouring surgeries like liposuction, tummy tucks and fat grafting, for example, are major operations that typically take hours and involve general anesthesia.

    And the aesthetic outcomes are not always as expected either. Fat removal can sometimes lead to uneven body contours, lumps, or skin irregularities, which may worsen as the body continues to age.

    All surgeries carry risks, but complications from cosmetic procedures are often downplayed or misunderstood. These risks can manifest immediately after surgery or even weeks later, ranging from minor issues like infection and scarring to life-threatening conditions such as blood clots or organ failure.

    One of the most dangerous risks is pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot travels to the lungs. In the US, around 18,000 cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) occur annually among plastic surgery patients, with about 10% resulting in death within just one hour of symptoms appearing.

    This already serious threat has become even more pressing in the post-COVID era, as VTE cases are rising. COVID is known to increase the body’s tendency to form blood clots – even in those with mild or no symptoms.

    These lingering effects can persist for weeks or months and, when combined with the usual surgical risks like immobility, tissue trauma and inflammation, they significantly increase the likelihood of a life-threatening event like a pulmonary embolism. As a result, people undergoing plastic surgery today may face a higher baseline risk than before the pandemic.

    Fat embolism is another potentially deadly complication, often associated with procedures like liposuction or BBLs. This occurs when fat particles enter the bloodstream and travel to vital organs, leading to serious medical emergencies.



    Read more:
    Brazilian butt lifts are the deadliest of all aesthetic procedures – the risks explained

    After surgery, some patients may wake up disoriented, confused, or with lingering neurological symptoms – signs of a serious medical emergency. Fat embolism can have immediate, life-threatening effects and, in severe cases, can cause permanent brain damage, organ failure, or sudden death.

    Procedures like rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) or breast augmentation can come with relatively high rates of dissatisfaction. Implants, in particular, can cause issues like rupture, deflation, capsular contracture (hardening around the implant), or asymmetry. There is also some concern about a rare form of cancer – breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) – linked to certain types of implants.

    Even if surgery doesn’t result in major complications, many patients still walk away unhappy. A common issue is that procedures don’t account for how the body continues to age. A facelift or tummy tuck might look great initially, but the natural ageing process can quickly undo or distort those results.

    The problem is that many cosmetic procedures fail to account for the inevitable changes our bodies undergo with age. Our bodies change over time – skin loses elasticity, fat distribution shifts and trends evolve. What feels like a good decision in your 20s might look very different in your 40s.

    Non-surgical treatments

    One of the most troubling issues in the cosmetic industry is the lack of consistent regulation. This is particularly true for non-surgical treatments, where injectable products can be administered by anyone, from trained doctors to self-taught beauty influencers. Cosmetic tourism adds another layer of complexity. Many people travel abroad for cheaper procedures, only to face complications once they return home – with limited recourse or support.

    Non-surgical treatments like dermal fillers and Botox have become increasingly popular due to their quick results and minimal downtime. However, they are not without risk.



    Read more:
    The hidden health risks of lip fillers

    Modern fillers like hyaluronic acid are generally safer than older materials such as silicone. They’re less likely to cause issues like granulomas – as long as they don’t become infected – and they can even be reversed if needed. However, when injected incorrectly, especially into a blood vessel, fillers can cause serious complications like tissue death, permanent scarring, or even blindness.

    Botox injections also carry risks, including muscle paralysis, nerve damage, and uneven facial results – particularly when performed by unqualified practitioners.

    Before undergoing any cosmetic procedure – whether surgical or non-surgical – it’s essential to research a qualified practitioner, understand the risks and set realistic expectations.

    Cosmetic surgery can be empowering for many people, helping them feel more confident in their own skin. But the decision to alter your appearance permanently should never be taken lightly. Behind the glamour and glossy Instagram stories lies a more serious picture – one where the risks are real and the consequences, sometimes irreversible.

    James D. Frame 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. From blood clots to rare cancers, a plastic surgeon explains the risks to consider before going under the knife – or the needle – https://theconversation.com/from-blood-clots-to-rare-cancers-a-plastic-surgeon-explains-the-risks-to-consider-before-going-under-the-knife-or-the-needle-229093

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke leads a four-day US Midwest trade and investment mission

    Source: Government of Ireland – Department of Jobs Enterprise and Innovation

    13th May 2025

    • Minister for Enterprise embarks on ambitious US Trade Mission to the Midwest
    • The trip will also see him lead the largest ever delegation of Irish companies to Select USA, the US government-backed FDI summit

    Minister Peter Burke is embarking on a trade and investment mission to the Midwest of the US this week. Minister Burke will be accompanied by IDA Ireland CEO Michael Lohan and Department of Enterprise officials.

    IDA Ireland operates three offices in the region – Chicago, Atlanta and Austin. In 2024, the US Midwest and South Territory supported 313 headquartered companies operating in Ireland, employing a total of 67,879 people with 80% of the jobs located in regional locations.

    Ireland and the US enjoy a significant and mutually beneficial economic relationship. The economic benefits flow both ways, creating prosperity and jobs for large numbers of people on both sides of the Atlantic. The US continues to be Ireland’s largest trading and investment partner, and Ireland is the sixth largest source of foreign direct investment into the US, with more than 200,000 people employed directly by 770 Irish companies across all 50 States.

    Over the course of the week, the Minister will meet with some of IDA’s clients in Minneapolis and Chicago, highlighting the unique advantages of locating in Ireland to service a European marketplace of 450 million people.

    The Minister will also visit Washington DC where he will meet with a number of Enterprise Ireland client companies and attend the Select USA Investment summit. This year marks the biggest ever Irish delegation to Select USA by Irish companies, with over 25 companies travelling to partake. Strengthening and diversifying trade links in this context means working at the federal level, the State level and at regional levels, to promote and advocate the value of two-way trade.

    Minister Burke said:

    “During this trade mission I will be working to strengthen our trade links, promoting and advocating the value of our two-way trade relationship with some of our most important transatlantic businesses.  US companies employ over 210,000 people in Ireland and our value proposition to companies looking to do business here or expand continues to be strong, with companies based here having access to the European market of 450 million customers. It is important we invest in these partnerships with business leadership, and that we promote and encourage new business relationships into the future”.

    List of Enterprise Ireland Companies attending Select USA Summit:

    3C Global

    Kerry Group

    Amesto Global

    Konversational

    Bard Global

    MCS Tech

    Clark Hill

    Net Feasa

    Core Optimisation

    Nomad Analytics

    DAA International

    Nua Surgical

    FuturFaith

    OptaHaul

    Gasgon Medical

    Prodigy Learning

    iTARRA

    PRONAV Clinical

    Relate Care

    Reddy Architecture + Urbanism

    Sonolake

    VRAI

    Sisk

    Suretank

    ENDS

    Back to Department News

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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ezell, Carter, Letlow Introduce Bipartisan Safer Shrimp Imports Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Ezell (Mississippi 4th District)

    Representatives Mike Ezell (MS-04), Julia Letlow (LA-05), and Troy Carter (LA-02) today introduced the Safer Shrimp Imports Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at tightening federal inspection standards for imported shrimp and protecting American consumers and domestic seafood producers.

    Imported shrimp accounts for roughly 90% of the shrimp consumed in the United States, much of which comes from countries with weak food safety standards and inadequate oversight of harmful contaminants such as antibiotics, pesticides, and bacteria. The Safer Shrimp Imports Act would require the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to significantly increase testing of imported shrimp and publicly report inspection results, giving consumers more confidence in the safety of what’s on their plates.

    “Growing up on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, I know how important the shrimp industry is—not just to our economy, but to our way of life,” Ezell said. “Our local gulf coast shrimpers are playing by the rules while foreign producers are flooding the market with unsafe, low-quality products. This bill is about leveling the playing field and protecting our American producers, and keeping America healthy.”

    “As we work to restore an economy built on American sweat and labor, it’s vital that Congress stands up for our Gulf Coast shrimpers,” Letlow said. “Our Safer Shrimp Imports Act would hold foreign governments accountable for dumping inferior, subsidized shrimp into American markets, contaminating our food supply and undercutting our Louisiana shrimpers.”

    “This bill is a crucial step toward protecting Louisiana families and supporting Louisiana’s fishing industry. By holding foreign shrimp imports to the same safety standards as our domestic producers, this legislation will safeguard public health, promote fair trade, and guarantee consumers can trust what’s on their plates. I want to thank my colleagues Rep. Ezell and Rep. Letlow for standing with me and fighting for American shrimpers and the safety of our food supply,” Carter said.

    “The Safer Shrimp Imports Act is common sense legislation to ensure the safety of our nation’s most consumed imported seafood commodity, shrimp. For far too long, importing countries have dumped products into the American marketplace that are manufactured and processed without the same strict regulations that American producers must face,” Ryan Bradley, Executive Director of Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United said.

    “We are very grateful to Congressman Ezell for introducing this important legislation to ensure the safety of foreign shrimp imported into this country,” Armond Gollott III, the President of C.F. Gollott & Son Seafood, Inc. said. “As a fourth-generation shrimp processor, we are committed to producing the safest, best tasting gulf shrimp for our customers. It is only fair that foreign producers be required to meet the same health and safety standards as the domestic industry.”

    “The American Shrimp Processors Association strongly supports the Safer Shrimp Imports Act,” Trey Pearson, the president of the American Shrimp Processors Association (ASPA) said. “Imports account for over 90 percent of the shrimp that Americans eat, and for far too long domestic shrimp producers have been forced to compete with imports that do not have to comply with our health and safety rules. If foreign countries cannot show that they meet our food safety standards, their shrimp should not be in this country, period.”

    “We need the Safer Shrimp Imports Act to guarantee that foreign shrimp imports meet the same rules as domestic, gulf-caught shrimp,” Dean Blanchard, the owner of Dean Blanchard Seafood said. “The U.S. government inspects less than one percent of the 1.5 billion pounds of shrimp imported into our country each year, while our U.S. shrimp fishermen, docks, and processors must comply with strict health and safety rules. This bill will help ensure that imports meet the same standards as our Gulf shrimp industry.”

    “Under the USDA’s equivalency requirements, if you want to import catfish or pangasius into this country, there are just 42 companies in three countries approved to ship that fish to the United States. Under the FDA’s current system, if you want to import shrimp, you can do so from anyone, anywhere, at any time. That’s why the FDA refused shrimp from ‘Rudong Zhengxiong Trade Co., Ltd.’ shipped to our East Coast in March and then, a month later, refused shrimp from ‘Zhengxiong (Rudong) Trade Co., Ltd.’ shipped to our West Coast,” John Williams, executive director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance said. “The Safer Shrimp Imports Act sets a common-sense minimum standard for exporting shrimp to this country by requiring that our trading partners administer a food safety system that is equivalent to our own.”

    “FWC is pleased to support the Safer Shrimp Imports Act. For years, Florida shrimpers have been hurt by foreign companies that have been dumping their products into US markets while skirting safety standards. This bill brings more accountability to foreign companies and is an important step to helping US shrimpers and US customers,” Jessica McCawley, director, Division of Marine Fisheries Management at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said. 

    The legislation works to execute on President Trump’s and HHS Secretary Kennedy’s vision to keep America health and eradicate its public health crisis. This bill is supported by a coalition of Gulf Coast seafood industry groups and food safety advocates. This is the House companion to S. 667 introduced by Senator Hyde-Smith in the Senate. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Mike Collins Leads Letter Calling for the Department of Justice to Establish a Task Force on Staged Accident Fraud

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Collins (R-Georgia 10th District)

    Washington, DC – Representative Mike Collins (GA-10) led a letter today to Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting the establishment of a specialized task force dedicated to investigating and prosecuting staged accident fraud.

    “Criminal elements are launching an assault against America’s truckers, in the courtroom and on our roads. Staged accidents take advantage of truckers’ high insurance coverage and make them prime targets for criminals looking for a quick payday, saddling truckers with millions of dollars in inflated damages, increasing insurance premiums for all Americans, and driving up the costs for every transported good,” said Rep. Mike Collins. “These fraudsters and their co-conspirators need to be held accountable for their actions and put in jail for making every one of us less safe on the roads.”

    Rep. Patronis said, “Staged accidents and insurance fraud are not victimless crimes, and they drive up premiums for every hardworking Floridian. My office stands ready to work hand-in-hand with Attorney General Pam Bondi, fraud investigators, and congressional colleagues to protect consumers by rooting out these fraudsters and holding them accountable. We must send a clear message – if you commit insurance fraud, you will be caught, and you will be prosecuted.”

    “Staged accident fraud raises insurance rates and jeopardizes the safety of motorists. The criminal networks behind these fraud schemes must be pursued, dismantled, and prosecuted to protect our communities and curb rising insurance costs,” said Rep. Gooden.

    “Fraudulent insurance claims from staged vehicle accidents are rapidly increasing, negatively impacting public safety, driving up consumer costs, and raising insurance premiums. I am glad to join my colleagues in requesting that Attorney General Pam Bondi create a task force to put an end to these organized fraudsters’ schemes. No one in this country should be able to profit off breaking the law and the time to end it is now,” said Rep. Tony Wied.

    “Enhanced public awareness campaigns, increased enforcement, and stricter penalties for offenders are essential to deter these scams. Holding these criminal enterprises accountable for their actions will send a signal that the Administration is serious about restoring law and order,” said Rep. Tom Barrett.

    “Staged vehicle accidents enable scammers to endanger lives, drive up insurance premiums, and diminish public trust in the safety of our roads,” said Rep. Grothman. “Staging a crash is not an opportunity to make a quick cash grab; it’s a federal crime with serious consequences. I’m proud to join Representative Mike Collins in urging the DOJ to create a task force to crack down on these fraudulent scammers, ensure our roads are safe, and minimize costs for hardworking Americans.”

    “We commend Rep. Collins and his colleagues for their leadership on this effort. This task force will bring much-needed coordination and oversight to address a growing problem of insurance fraud. These schemes put the driving public at risk and contribute to higher costs for American consumers. We are pleased to see Congressional focus on this important matter,” said Uber Head of Federal Affairs Javi Correoso.

    “When con artists seeking a big payday intentionally collide with commercial motor vehicles, their reckless disregard for safety puts innocent truck drivers and the motoring public at risk.  These unscrupulous individuals perpetuate their selfish actions by filing frivolous lawsuits against honest trucking companies, raising costs for consumer goods and inflating insurance premiums,” said American Trucking Associations Senior Vice President of Legislative Affairs Henry Hanscom.  “ATA strongly encourages Attorney General Bondi to crack down on this dangerous lawlessness by establishing a specialized task force dedicated to holding these criminals accountable, and we thank Congressman Collins for spearheading this effort to protect America’s hardworking truckers.”

    “Staged accidents are not victimless crimes. These are calculated, premeditated assaults that endanger lives, destroy livelihoods, and compromise highway safety. To add insult to injury, criminals abuse the legal system for profit through false accusations and lawsuits, which contribute to skyrocketing insurance premiums for small trucking businesses,” said Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. “OOIDA and our 150,000 members support Representative Collins’ efforts to protect law-abiding truckers from sophisticated criminal fraud schemes that exploit the hardworking men and women behind the wheel.”

    Background

    There has been a rise of con-artists defrauding the insurance industry by intentionally colliding with commercial vehicles in order to win damages from lawsuits. This form of insurance fraud poses a threat to public safety, drives up consumer costs, and strains the insurance system. States such as Louisiana, Florida, New York, and Georgia have uncovered elaborate conspiracies to defraud insurance companies that involve plaintiff attorneys, medical providers, and recruiters, many of whom are tied to organized crime and human trafficking.

    With decades of experience in the Georgia trucking industry, Rep. Mike Collins brings firsthand knowledge of this rising problem to Congress.

    This follows Collins’ introduction of the Staged Accident Prevention Act, which makes staging a vehicular accident a federal crime.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Summerfield Man Pleads Guilty to Ponzi Scheme and Tax Fraud

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

    Winston-Salem, NC – William Lamar Rhew, III of Summerfield pled guilty today, May 6, 2025, to wire fraud, money laundering, securities fraud, tax evasion, and failure to file tax return in connection with a $20 million Ponzi scheme, announced Acting United States Attorney Randall S. Galyon.  

    According to court documents, from November 2017 to December 2023, Rhew defrauded at least 117 investors of at least $24 million.  He induced victims to invest with his company Chadley Capital, LLC which would allegedly buy accounts receivable at a discount, sell them for a profit, and provide consistently high rates of return on investment.  Rhew touted the company’s increasing deal flow and underwriting standards and, in offering materials, claimed $300 million in transactions in 2023, consistent returns in excess of 20% per year, and nearly 74% total growth over 24 months.  All of Rhew’s representations were false.  Instead of investing victims’ funds as promised, Rhew used their money to pay his personal expenses including the purchases of a boat, a beach house, and luxury cars, and to make “interest” and “withdrawal” payments to other victim-investors as part of the Ponzi scheme.  In addition, for Tax Years 2018 through 2022, Rhew willfully failed to report nearly $9 million in income to the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  As part of the plea agreement, Rhew has agreed to pay restitution to the victims in the amount of $14,868,815.67 and to the IRS in the amount of $3,056,936.

    Sentencing is scheduled to take place on August 22, 2025, at 2:30 p.m. in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, before United States District Judge Thomas D. Schroeder. At sentencing, Rhew faces a maximum sentence of twenty years in prison, a period of supervised release of up to three years, and monetary penalties.

    “Sadly, we see an abundance of investment fraud schemes in which perpetrators exploit people who know and trust them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Galyon. “We are committed to pursuing justice for victims in these cases but encourage the public to beware of any investment opportunity that sounds too good to be true, no matter who is promoting it.”

    “Today’s guilty plea represents the dedication of our agency in ensuring the actions of one individual are not at the expense of others,” said Special Agent in Charge Donald “Trey” Eakins, Charlotte Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “In this case, the defendant not only victimized his investors, but he also defrauded American taxpayers by concealing his income from the IRS and evading his tax liability. IRS Criminal Investigation’s special agents will continue to use their financial expertise to find and investigate these types of investor fraud schemes alongside our law enforcement partners.”

    “It’s unlikely fraudsters will be up front and admit they’re taking your money and pumping it into a Ponzi scheme.  But there are warning signs: investors should be wary anytime you’re guaranteed high returns with little or no risk,” said FBI Charlotte Special Agent in Charge Robert M. DeWitt.  “Hopefully, the defendant’s acceptance of responsibility will offer some comfort and closure to the victims.”

    “This guilty plea marks another significant victory in the pursuit of justice for the citizens of North Carolina,” said the Director of the NC SBI. “The victims in this case are hardworking men and women, many of whom are small business owners.  The Financial Crimes Investigations Unit of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation will continue to work diligently to combat fraud against the citizens of our great state.  The SBI would like to thank the IRS and FBI for their efforts in ensuring justice for the victims involved in this case.”
        
    The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Jeanne Dildine.

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    MIL Security OSI –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey, Luján Urge FCC to Operate Transparently with Paramount-SkyDance Merger

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Letter Text (PDF)
    Washington (May 13, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Ben Ray Luján, Ranking Member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, today wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr, urging the FCC to take a vote on the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media. Given the reports that Paramount is considering settling a frivolous lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump against CBS, a Paramount subsidiary, the senators stated that the FCC should only approve the merger with an affirmative vote by the full Commission.
    In the letter the lawmakers write, “In late October, then-candidate Trump sued CBS for $10 billion — later raising this outrageous amount to $20 billion — for supposedly deceptively editing an interview of then-Vice President Kamala Harris on its programs 60 Minutes and Face the Nation. As the transcript of the interview showed, the excerpts that CBS aired were a quintessential example of editorial decision-making. Trump’s claim that such conduct constituted “voter interference” and violated Texas’s consumer protection law is both false and a clear attempt to intimidate the news media. CBS has rightfully moved to dismiss the case.”
    The lawmakers continue, “Despite the obviously frivolous nature of the lawsuit, Paramount is reportedly considering settling the case to ‘increase the odds that the Trump administration does not block or delay’ its merger with Skydance. In fact, Paramount executives and directors are reportedly concerned that such a settlement could open them up to accusations of bribery. Paramount would not be the first to settle a lawsuit brought by the President in the past few months. In the weeks following the inauguration, ABC ($16 million), Meta ($25 million), and X ($10 million) all settled cases brought by Trump. With Paramount on the hook to pay Skydance a $400 million breakup fee if the FCC blocks the deal, the company has strong financial incentives to facilitate FCC approval of the merger.”
    The lawmakers conclude, “For those reasons, this transaction has signs of a deal between a company eager for approval of a multi-billion dollar merger and a President willing to exploit his position to intimidate the media and secure a multi-million dollar payout. The unique position of this merger necessitates the utmost transparency at the FCC. A matter of this significance deserves the scrutiny of the entire Commission. We urge you to only approve this merger through a full Commission vote.”
    Senator Markey has aggressively pushed back on efforts by the Trump administration to attack news organizations and intimidate the media. In February 2025, Senators Markey and Luján, along with Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) wrote to FCC Chairman Carr and Commissioner Nathan Simington regarding recent actions taken by the FCC under the Trump administration demonstrating that the FCC is weaponizing its authority over broadcasters and public media for political purposes. In March, Senators Markey and Luján, along with Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), introduced the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they broadcast.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: HBC’s artworks and collections help us understand Canada’s origins — and can be auctioned off

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Norman Vorano, Associate Professor of Art History and Head of the Department of Art History and Art Conservation, Queen’s University, Ontario

    The proposed liquidation of many of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s (HBC) collections that together trace over three centuries of Indigenous and European interaction across this continent represents a profound threat to Canada’s collective memory and identity.

    An Ontario Superior Court judge ruled that the company could move forward with an auction of 4,400 items — including historic artifacts and artworks.

    Several government and non-government cultural agencies, including the Manitoba Museum and the Indigenous Council of the Canadian Museums Association, have expressed concern to HBC and the financial advisory firm it’s working with.

    First Nations leaders and scholars say many of the objects likely have profound significance to Indigenous Peoples and are calling for repatriaton.

    As an art history professor who has researched curatorial and museum practices, I can attest to the cultural and scholarly value of keeping documentary and cultural collections intact, rather than being scattered across the globe or disappearing into private hands.

    This situation exposes the reach and limits of Canada’s Cultural Property Export and Import Act (CPEIA). The act has provisions to delay or block export of cultural property, defined broadly as “any cultural or heritage object, regardless of its place of origin, which may be important from an archaeological, historical, artistic or scientific perspective.” Yet, this legislation offers no guarantees that the objects will end up in Canadian museums or under Indigenous stewardship.

    Importance for memory

    After moving its head office from London to Canada in 1970, HBC first loaned records to the Archives of Manitoba in 1974 and then donated them in 1994 to the province. The vast collection includes about 130,000 images and all minute books from meetings of HBC’s governor and committee from 1671 to 1970.

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated a substantial part of that collection as part of the Memory of the World Register. Items with this designation are recognized as showcasing and preserving the most significant documents of human heritage.

    If the items heading to auction are similar, they, too, would be embedded with stories of political negotiation, cultural exchange and economic transformation that helped forge Canada over three centuries.

    Some HBC records have provided a window into Canada’s climate history and ecology, offering valuable long-term data to environmental researchers. Others show evidence of Indigenous trade, land occupation and cultural presence relevant to genealogical research, band membership documentation and land claims.

    The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, citing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, has called for transparency and consultation in any discussion concerning the disposition of HBC items and stopping any sale or transfer of artifacts that “may belong to or be linked with First Nations.”

    1977 legislation

    Prior to Parliament passing the CPEIA legislation in 1977, the federal government had few legal mechanisms to safeguard cultural heritage at home or abroad.

    The 1951 Massey Report into the development of Canadian arts and culture acknowledged the sale and export of important collections, including Indigenous cultural belongings. It noted that some Canadian museums had been requesting “an embargo on the sale abroad of objects of particular national significance as well as for suitable grants to the museums which should preserve these objects ….”

    Global concern for cultural property

    An emerging global consensus on the need for a stronger cross-border regulatory system also shaped CPEIA’s development. The 1954 UNESCO Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict was the first international legal framework for the protection of moveable “cultural property.” This was created in response to the Nazi looting of private and public collections.

    By the 1960s, Canada was studying British and French laws, particularly the U.K.’s 1952 Waverly Report, as models for export controls.
    Borrowing from the Waverly Report, CPEIA relied upon, in the words of Canadian diplomat Ian Christie Clark, a “co-operation of the collector-dealer fraternity” working together with the government to ensure compliance.

    The final push to develop national policies flowed from the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. This obliged signatory states to develop their own laws to protect cultural heritage and facilitate the return of illegally exported property. To claim the reciprocal benefits of the convention, Canada had to act.

    Relevance of the CPEIA

    An independent committee of specialists, established through the CPEIA, can designate parts, or the entirety, of the HBC collection as “of outstanding significance and national importance” if the HBC proposed to donate or sell items to a designated Canadian institution.



    Read more:
    More than a department store: The long, complicated legacy behind Hudson’s Bay Company

    In such a circumstance, the HBC, in tandem with a collecting institution, can request a review to unlock generous tax incentives if certified.

    This designation could also arise if the owner — either the HBC or a successful buyer — applied for an export permit to move the collection out of Canada. This application would be screened against CPEIA’s export control list, which covers everything from archaeological and scientific specimens to documentary records and artworks that exceed age and value thresholds.

    If those thresholds were met, and an export permit is denied, the works would be referred to an expert examiner for a full Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board assessment. A private sale within Canada would not alone prompt the review.

    Receiving a cultural property designation would, at least temporarily, restrict the possibility of exporting items.

    Importantly, the delay would give federally designated institutions like public museums or archives, as well as Indigenous-led organization with the mandate to preserve and support Indigenous heritage, an opportunity to purchase cultural property that has been denied an export permit. For this, CPEIA offers grants and loans for designated institutions to match the appraised value. Those grants and loans can also be used to repatriate collections that are abroad.

    HBC’s historic archive is a prism through which we view Canada’s origins.

    Dispersing or exporting this collection would significantly diminish our understanding of Canada. While CPEIA may play a role in retaining it, it offers no certainties.

    Norman Vorano received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.

    – ref. HBC’s artworks and collections help us understand Canada’s origins — and can be auctioned off – https://theconversation.com/hbcs-artworks-and-collections-help-us-understand-canadas-origins-and-can-be-auctioned-off-256044

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025
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