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Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI Economics: GlobalData highlights potential impact of US tariffs on medical tourism

    Source: GlobalData

    GlobalData highlights potential impact of US tariffs on medical tourism

    Posted in Medical Devices

    US trade policy has seen notable changes recently, particularly with regard to import tariffs on countries such as China. Though these policies are usually justified by economic and geopolitical considerations, they also impact other areas, including the medical device industry and, more specifically, medical tourism. One growing outcome is how these tariffs are affecting medical tourism—the practice of traveling to another country to receive healthcare services. As medical expenses continue to climb in the US, a growing number of patients are looking overseas for more cost-effective treatment options, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    The US has imposed steep tariffs on a range of medical products imported from China, including syringes and needles, rubber medical and surgical gloves, and facemasks. These items are integral to a wide variety of medical procedures and daily healthcare operations. The imposition of tariffs on such goods has disrupted supply chains, constrained hospital procurement strategies, and driven up the cost of healthcare delivery across the US.

    In response to these rising costs, a growing number of Americans are turning to medical tourism. Popular destinations include Mexico, India, Thailand, and Costa Rica, which offer competitive pricing and internationally accredited healthcare facilities. For example, the average cost of a knee replacement surgery in the US can exceed $50,000, but the same procedure in India or Mexico can be performed for $8000-$12,000. As US healthcare providers face increased operational costs due to tariffs – especially on imported surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and protective gear – the price gap between domestic and international care continues to widen, creating a financial incentive for patients to consider treatment overseas.

    Alexandra Murdoch, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While the intended impact of tariffs may not have been to effect healthcare, they do shape patient behavior. The rise in the cost of medical devices ultimately leads to more out-of-pocket expenses for patients.”

    US tariffs on medical imports are reshaping not only international trade relationships but also domestic healthcare economics. The direct result is an increase in the cost of medical care, which disproportionately affects uninsured and underinsured populations. One of the most notable responses to these price pressures has been a rise in outbound medical tourism. Patients are seeking high-quality, affordable care in countries that are not impacted by these tariffs — a trend that is likely to continue if current trade and healthcare cost trajectories remain unchanged.

    Murdoch concludes: “This dynamic highlights a deeper connection between global trade policy and patient access to care. As the US continues to adjust its economic strategy, it will be important for policymakers and healthcare leaders to consider the downstream impacts on medical accessibility, affordability, and patient behavior.”

    For further information on trade and tariff developments, GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence platform offers comprehensive insights.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Coinbase’s S&P 500 inclusion sparks optimism among influencers about cryptocurrency future, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Coinbase’s S&P 500 inclusion sparks optimism among influencers about cryptocurrency future, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    Coinbase Global Inc. has garnered significant attention among social media influencers in the middle of May 2025, following the announcement of its upcoming inclusion in the S&P 500 index, marking the first instance of a cryptocurrency company being represented in this widely followed market benchmark. The shift from niche status to institutional recognition reflects a broader trend of digital assets gaining traction within established financial frameworks. Influencers widely regard this development as a pivotal endorsement of the cryptocurrency sector’s legitimacy and its progressive integration into mainstream financial markets, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The overall sentiment remains notably optimistic, with influencers expressing strong confidence in Coinbase’s strategic positioning and long-term potential. Several influencers interpret Coinbase’s milestone as indicative of the broader technological disruption reshaping traditional finance.”

    Below are a few popular influencer opinions captured by GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform:

    1. Jason Yanowitz, Co-Founder at Blockworks:

    “Coinbase is now the first crypto company in the S&P. My favorite line: “Since going public… Coinbase has become a bigger part of the U.S. financial system” It makes me happy knowing that starting Monday, even people who despise crypto will now own a piece of the industry.”

    1. Nick Tomaino, Founder at 1confirmation:

    “Coinbase now in the S&P 500 stacking ETH with its L2. Robinhood acquired an L2 that hasn’t launched yet. Every serious dev and company thinking about app chains. Now watch the VC chains all pivot to an L2 strategy.”

    1. Simon Taylor, Head of Strategy & Content at Sardine:

    “Let’s unpack what this actually means:1. Institutional adoption just hit warp speed Every S&P 500 index fund must now buy Coinbase shares. Vanguard, BlackRock, Fidelity all buy crypto exposure through the index.”

    1. Aftab Hossain, Private Cryptocurrency Investor:

    “Coinbase joining the S&P 500 will spur a new wave of interest in crypto and they’re all going to see that Coinbase is building the future of their business on Ethereum, and hold ETH as a substantial treasury asset but it’s probably nothing…”

    MIL OSI Economics –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: International observers to Romania’s repeat presidential election second round to hold press conference on Monday

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: International observers to Romania’s repeat presidential election second round to hold press conference on Monday

    International observers to Romania’s repeat presidential election second round to hold press conference on Monday | OSCE
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Reintroduces Humane Accountability Act with Support from New Mexico Advocates

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 15, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced the re-introduction of the Humane Accountability Act alongside key New Mexican groups including El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, NM Comunidades en Acción y de Fe, Center for Civic Policy, and New Mexico Immigration Law Center. 

    WATCH: VASQUEZ UNVEILS BILL TO HOLD DHS ACCOUNTABLE

    “Today, I’m proud to announce the updated Humane Accountability Act because due process, transparency, and accountability are not optional in a democracy,” said Vasquez. “This bill is about making sure that every person is treated humanely, that Congress is informed, and that our constitutional values are upheld no matter who’s in power.”

    The bill, which was previously introduced in the 118th Congress, has been updated to address new immigration enforcement concerns. U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) have co-sponsored the legislation. 

    “Every single person in this country has the right to due process and should be treated with dignity and humanity. That includes migrants in detention centers. As Trump continues to ramp up his attacks on immigrants and the rule of law, it’s on all of us to stand up for our constitutional rights and this nation’s values,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “We need the Humane Accountability Act to help increase oversight, hold immigration detention centers accountable, and protect due process for all.”

    “Reforming our broken immigration system while securing our borders has long been one of my top priorities,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski. “But the Trump administration’s recent actions, including the unlawful detention of U.S. Citizens, has proven that Congress must strengthen oversight and demand greater transparency from ICE. The Humane Accountability Act seek to do just that—establishing clear accountability measures to ensure detainees are treated fairly and humanely, and that the administration is following the rule of law.”

    The legislation includes three key provisions:

    • Transparency on Detention and Removal: DHS would be required to provide Congress with specific data on all encounters, detentions, and removals that have occurred since January, including the legal authority for removals and any transfers to detention centers located outside the territorial U.S.
    • Oversight of Detention Conditions: The bill mandates comprehensive reporting on abuses, deaths, injuries, lack of legal access, enforcement in sensitive locations, and the whereabouts of individuals in custody.
    • Notification for Non-Traditional Detention Sites: DHS would be required to notify Congress before using any non-traditional site, such as military installations, Tribal lands, or locations outside the territorial lands, for immigrant detention. 

    Multiple key organizations in New Mexico have endorsed the bill. 

    “My parents fled a war-torn nation to the United States, knowing that they would be guaranteed freedom and constitutional rights. Now, our community is facing dire threats as they are being detained without due process, not receiving proper notification or information in their own languages, and potentially being sent to countries they have never lived in. As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, the Humane Accountability Act speaks to the needs of transparency and language access as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Representative Gabe Vasquez’s leadership on this issue is crucial, as it shines a light on the darkest corners of our immigration system and demands accountability from those in power.” Lan Sena, MHA Policy Director, Center for Civic Policy

    “As the Trump administration pursues its terrifying vision of mass deportation—including the removal of essential workers who haven’t been convicted of any crime, sometimes to countries where they aren’t even citizens—and even considers suspending habeas corpus, the constitutional right to challenge unlawful detention, it is more urgent than ever to pass the Humane Accountability Act,” said Fabiola Landeros, immigrants’ rights organizer with El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos. “This legislation would strengthen oversight, ensure due process, and mandate humane conditions in detention centers. These are New Mexico values—values our country should aspire and fight to uphold, no matter our political affiliation.”

    “The Humane Accountability Act is a bold step toward shining a light on unchecked abuses and bringing transparency and oversight to the Department of Homeland Security — whose agencies ICE and CBP have blatantly violated the due process and human rights of immigrants, asylum seekers and even U.S. citizens — including a citizen from New Mexico,” said NM Comunidades en Acción y de Fe. “We applaud Rep. Vasquez for defending the civil liberties of our people and for demanding that our federal government follows the Constitution and the rule of law. This bill, if passed, would expose the deplorable conditions in New Mexico’s private immigrant detention centers and help prevent unlawful deportations of immigrants like Kilmar Obrego Garcia. It’s not just necessary — it’s the moral imperative.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU became a venue for a meeting of participants of the international patriotic expedition “Unconquered”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Pavel Doroshenko, Marina Malyutina, Victoria Motorenko, Victoria Boginskaya and Marina Grigorenko

    SPbGASU became a stop on the route of the international patriotic expedition “Unconquered”. The expedition’s partner is the All-Russian student project “Your Move”, which is part of the presidential platform “Russia – the Land of Opportunities” and is implemented by the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh) with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation.

    Expedition of friendship and creation

    As explained by Pavel Doroshenko, a representative of the directorate of the all-Russian student project “Your Move”, the patriotic expedition “Unconquered” was launched in Russia as part of the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland in honor of the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. The selection of participants took place through the platform of the project “Your Move”. More than 2.5 thousand applications were received, each was studied in detail, after which 60 participants were admitted to the expedition during a personal interview.

    “During the two-week expedition, students will travel more than five thousand kilometers, visit 14 cities in Russia and Belarus. Travel, communication, and the educational program are filled with meetings with interesting speakers and various events. The time spent together will allow students to become friends, learn about opportunities for self-development, outline plans for joint work and the creation of public projects,” Pavel Doroshenko specified.

    Vice-Rector for Youth Policy at SPbGASU Marina Malyutina reported that our university is pleased to join the project “Your Move” and the patriotic expedition “Unconquered”, as it considers them important in the comprehensive education of young people, their advancement in professional and social activities, and the formation of a civic position.

    “It is significant that the program began at our university, and this is not surprising, because the results of our graduates’ work are visible throughout Russia: starting from the 19th century, our engineers, architects, and builders created the cities where we live, which educate us, which we preserve and protect, and which we are proud of. It is important to emphasize that our university combines academic tradition with modern trends in Russian science, so it can be said about us that we preserve our traditions, our history, and create the future,” Marina Malyutina noted.

    Irina Peretokin, a second-year student at the construction faculty and a representative of the SPbGASU volunteer club, said that volunteers participate in various events at both the university and federal levels and not only complete assigned tasks, but also help organize events.

    “The Unconquered Project is a socially significant project aimed at developing patriotism. We consider it our duty to promote such events and participate in them, because they are necessary to strengthen the correct civic position and realize the potential of modern youth,” Irina explained.

    Great opportunities for young people

    Opening the plenary session, Marina Malyutina emphasized that the activities of our university are aimed at forming a full-fledged student personality, which has both professional and project competencies, as well as soft skills.

    “The ecosystem of youth policy of SPbGASU includes various initiatives at all levels: the world, the country, the university, the faculty, the student environment. The Center for Student Entrepreneurship and Career of our university closely cooperates with the industry, organizes joint events and competitions, develops entrepreneurial competencies and creates conditions for further employment of students and graduates. Through the platform “Russia – the Country of Opportunities”, students successfully participate in the international engineering championship CASE-IN. We support the project “Startup as a Diploma” and the TIM movement. The youth policy of SPbGASU takes into account the needs of the region: students participate in the improvement of small towns, designing spaces and objects for them. Thus, we create conditions in which students can try themselves in various directions and choose their own,” the vice-rector noted.

    At the plenary session

    Director of the St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution “Youth Spaces “PROSTO”” Victoria Motorenko agreed that today students have huge opportunities, and now is the best time to try to find the right direction for themselves.

    “All industries offer enormous opportunities for self-realization of a specialist. There are many options for development in public life. “PROSTO” is the flagship project in the field of work with youth of the Government of St. Petersburg. We work in two directions. The infrastructure one involves a network of free modern and fully equipped youth spaces. Now there are seven of them, this year we plan to open 15 more and cover all districts of St. Petersburg. The spaces have areas from one hundred to one thousand square meters. Each has comfortable workplaces, high-speed Internet, all the necessary office equipment, so, for example, you can print, laminate, order a meeting room for free. In the intellectual direction, we focus on the development of youth entrepreneurship, competencies in the field of information technology, creative industries, fine arts, design. We are constantly expanding cooperation. Today we have already discussed common ground with SPbGASU,” said Victoria Motorenko.

    Find something you enjoy doing

    The founder of the YARUS design center, member of the Union of Architects of Russia Victoria Boginskaya called student time ideal for finding an occupation to your liking and, using her own example, told how, having professional competencies and a desire to develop, you can turn an idea into your own company.

    “Today, the state provides great opportunities not only for students, but also for young people. In 2018, I completed my Master’s degree at the University of Yaroslavl and realized that I didn’t want to just draw projects, but also build, including something useful for the city. I asked myself: what do I need to do for this? While searching for an answer, I saw grant competitions. I applied and won 100 thousand rubles to implement my idea. Cool! Thanks to the grants, I got the opportunity to implement my idea and subsequently expand the level and geography of implementation. With the grant, I also published a book on the methodology for designing improvements in the Arctic zone and, as I found out today, I consulted students of St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering on this topic. This is how grants can introduce you to successful professional activity,” noted Victoria Boginskaya.

    Deputy Director of the Competence Center for Urban Environment Development and Smart City, graduate of SPbGASU Marina Grigorenko reminded that many students are worried about their professional future, their income, and industrial practices and internships help them avoid uncertainty, after which employment is possible. The organization builds such cooperation with students and graduates.

    “Our team is young, the architects are young professionals. We are engaged in a variety of activities, one of the important aspects of which is working with young people. There are 36 small towns in the Leningrad Region; unfortunately, there is a large outflow of young people to St. Petersburg. Among the reasons for this is the lack of leisure and places for recreation. Taking into account the comments, we not only improve parks, embankments, public spaces, but also support educational activities, within the framework of which we organize competitions and implement the best submitted projects. We have already held three architectural competitions, 350 people took part in them, seven were invited to the bureau as part of the expert council, 18 projects have been implemented. There are also competitions, the winners of which receive grants,” said Marina Grigorenko.

    Master classes from a teacher, architect and welding queen

    Lecture by Marina Khramova

    The expedition participants’ further stay at SPbGASU was equally interesting. Senior lecturer of the Department of Architectural Environment Design Marina Khramova gave a lecture on the architecture of St. Petersburg.

    The master classes were conducted by Victoria Boginskaya and the artist, sculptor, and curator of the creation of art objects for public spaces, Alexandra Weld Queen.

    Alexandra Weld Queen has gained recognition as a professional, highly skilled welder and has elevated her work to the level of art. Her objects are unique: even a park bench turns into an amazing, but functional creation. “Working with metal, I convey to people certain meanings that help them live, develop, and feel stronger. A durable material, steel allows me to create works for urban spaces that serve people for many years,” she said.

    Master class by Alexandra Weld Queen (center) and Victoria Boginskaya

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Current events: New river feature at the legislature

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 17, 2025

  • India’s forex reserves surge by $4.5 billion to cross $690.6 billion mark

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s foreign exchange reserves jumped by $4.5 billion to reach $690.62 billion for the week ended May 9, according to data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday.
     
    Foreign currency assets, the largest component of the reserves, rose by $196 million to $581.37 billion. These assets, expressed in US dollar terms, reflect the impact of appreciation or depreciation in other currencies such as the euro, pound, and yen that are part of the reserves.
     
    Gold reserves also saw a modest increase, rising by $4.5 million to $86.33 billion during the reporting week.
     
    However, special drawing rights (SDRs) declined by $26 million to $18.53 billion, while India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) fell by $134 million to $4.37 billion, the RBI data showed.
     
    A strengthening foreign exchange reserve position bolsters the rupee against the US dollar and reflects the strong fundamentals of the Indian economy. It also provides the RBI with greater flexibility to manage volatility in the currency markets.
     
    A robust forex kitty allows the central bank to intervene in the spot and forward markets by releasing dollars to curb excessive depreciation of the rupee. On the other hand, a declining reserve base limits the RBI’s ability to defend the currency during turbulent periods.
     
    Meanwhile, India’s external sector continues to gain momentum, with total exports of goods and services registering a strong 12.7% growth in April, reaching $73.80 billion, compared to $65.48 billion in the same month last year. This growth comes despite global economic uncertainties triggered by US tariff hikes, according to data released by the Commerce Ministry on Thursday.
     
    Merchandise exports alone grew by 9.03% to $38.49 billion, driven largely by high-value electronics and engineering goods, underscoring the expansion of India’s manufacturing sector.
     
    Electronic goods exports rose sharply by 39.51% to $3.69 billion in April, up from $2.65 billion a year ago. Engineering goods exports climbed by 11.28% to $9.51 billion, compared to $8.55 billion last April. Exports of gems and jewellery also increased by 10.74% to $2.5 billion, up from $2.26 billion in the corresponding period last year.
     
    — IANS
    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Ombudsman attends Board Meeting of International Ombudsman Institute (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Ombudsman attends Board Meeting of International Ombudsman Institute  
    The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, led a delegation on a visit to Morocco early this week, and the visit concluded today (May 16).
          
    During his stay in Morocco, Mr Chan attended the annual Board Meeting of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) as Chairman of the IOI’s Standing By-laws Committee and member of the United Nations and International Cooperation Working Group and exchanged views and ideas with representatives of other countries and regions. The Board Meeting of IOI involved participation from around 20 countries and regions among which were the United States of America, Canada, the Netherlands, Mexico, South Africa, Korea and Thailand.
          
    The Office’s delegation also met with the Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr Hassan Tariq, and the President of the National Authority for Integrity, Prevention and Fight Against Corruption, Mr Mohamed Benalilou, and visited the Mediator’s regional office.
          
    Throughout the visit, Mr Chan also shared with IOI Board Members and his many international counterparts the latest developments and opportunities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as presenting Hong Kong’s important position of having strong support from the motherland and close connections to the world.
    Issued at HKT 21:47

    NNNN

    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Leads Democratic Colleagues in Demanding Answers about the National Security Risks Posed by Trump’s Acceptance of $400 Million Plane-Shaped Qatari Bribe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    May 15, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Assistant Minority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and nine other Democratic colleagues across U.S. Senate Armed Services, Appropriations and Intelligence Committees in demanding that the Department of Defense be transparent with them about the substantial national security and operational risks posed by President Trump’s plan to accept a $400 million aircraft “gift” from the Qatari royal family. In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink last night, the Senators called for answers from the Department of Defense about how it would prevent these national security risks if Donald Trump accepts this gift, and how much taxpayers will have to pay for the extensive upgrades that would need to be made on this unvetted aircraft in order to protect the President, servicemembers and sensitive information from nefarious espionage, attack or disruption.

    “[We] write today with alarm over the dangers to operational and national security presented by President Trump’s desire to execute an unconstitutional and unseemly acceptance of a $400 million gift from the Qatari royal family in the form of a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft. To serve as Air Force One during his administration, the U.S. Department of Defense would be required to accelerate a comprehensive upgrade to the aircraft, with the direct cost to the American taxpayer likely exceeding $1 billion. We are especially concerned about the operational security and counterintelligence risks of potentially using this aircraft for sensitive Presidential travel— and the massive cost to American taxpayers to identify and close critical vulnerabilities,” the lawmakers said.

    The Senators continued: “Having the President travel without the necessary security precautions or secure communications renders the aircraft an easy target for adversaries to gain access to sensitive Presidential-level discussions or classified information, impeding the success of ongoing military operations and endangering our servicemembers… President Trump is claiming that this ‘gift’ of an aircraft worth $400 million is saving taxpayers money, but in reality, his decision will force taxpayers to foot an unnecessary bill—potentially more than $1 billion—to convert a foreign-provided aircraft into the fortress necessary to protect him and his communications—all while taxpayers are already paying at least $3.9 billion for the contract for two aircraft currently being built by Boeing to add to the Air Force One fleet.” 

    In addition to Duckworth, Schumer and Durbin, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

    The full text of the letter follows and is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth on Trump Seeking to Deploy National Guard for Immigration Enforcement on US Soil: “This is What Dictators Do to Destroy Democracies”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    May 15, 2025

    Deploying National Guardsmen to support immigration enforcement on our own soil is not part of the National Guard’s mission, and it has never happened in our nation’s history

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration reportedly sought to deploy 20,000 National Guardsmen for civilian law enforcement efforts on U.S. soil:

    “I’m deeply disturbed that Donald Trump keeps escalating his abuse and misuse of our nation’s military for his own partisan benefit—claiming to do so because of make-believe foreign threats. In reality, he’s distracting our troops from executing their core mission: protecting the American people and keeping our country safe from real adversaries who wish us harm.

    “In less than 4 months in office, we’ve seen Trump force servicemembers to do clerical work in support of non-military missions and threaten to unleash the military to arrest political opponents. And now, Trump’s DHS is asking for 20,000 National Guardsmen to assist with immigration enforcement within our nation’s borders—something they’ve never been asked to do before and that is not part of the National Guard’s mission.

    “Not only does this undermine readiness and our national security, it also means Trump is testing the limits of how he can misuse our military against the American people. No one should believe that he will stop at immigrants if this plan moves forward. These are the sorts of things dictators do to destroy democracies and consolidate their own power—and everyone’s freedom is at risk if he succeeds.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Senate Foreign Relations Democrats Statement on Trump’s Middle East Trip

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    May 15, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in releasing the following statement on President Trump’s trip to the Middle East: 

    “The President’s first extended foreign trip abroad should have been about advancing U.S. interests in the Middle East. Instead, it has been an instructive lesson in how foreign governments can use their influence to benefit the president personally and those around him— all while creating substantial risks to our national security. 

    “The President has failed to engage in substantial dialogue on the most urgent strategic challenges facing the region. His Administration has failed to sustain the ceasefire he inherited in Gaza and has systemically undercut America’s diplomatic infrastructure in a way that has created an unprecedented opening for the People’s Republic of China.  

    “Promoting investment by our Gulf partners in the United States must not come at the expense of protecting our most valuable A.I. and advanced chip technology and it should never line the pockets of the President and his family or inner circle. President Trump must reject all “gifts” and refocus the remainder of his trip on steps to make all Americans safer, secure and more prosperous—not just those with Trump in their name.” 

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Our Health, Or Economy, Our Nation, Our Future

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    For more than 80 years, colleges and universities across the country have collaborated with the federal government on research and innovation that has changed the world. UConn is proud of its longstanding relationships with agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, the departments of Energy and Defense, and multitudes of other funders who have enabled the discoveries that define our society.

    Connecticut’s workforce and economy, public health, and technological ingenuity are intertwined with the research that takes place in Storrs, at UConn Health in Farmington, and campuses across the state. UConn, like other universities across the nation, carries out critical research in facilities and with the expertise required to move America forward.

    This report and website illustrate the impact of UConn’s research enterprise. It outlines the University’s influence on Connecticut, the breakthroughs made in fields from healthcare to national security, and the importance of continued federal financial support.

    For more information, please visit research.uconn.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Detainee Admits Role in Conspiracy to Smuggle Contraband into the Wyatt Detention Center

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – A detainee at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center admitted to a federal judge on Thursday that he participated in a conspiracy to smuggle contraband into the detention center, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Shawn D. Hart, 46, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and obtaining or attempting to obtain prohibited objects as an inmate. He admitted that, in late 2023, he and others, inside and outside of the Wyatt Detention Center, conspired to obtain and smuggle papers soaked with K2, a synthetic marijuana, into the facility.

    According to information presented to the court, on December 1, 2023, sheets of paper that an FBI testing lab later confirmed had been treated with Schedule I controlled substances were provided to an associate of Hart for her to smuggle into the facility and to deliver to Hart. That person, Theresa Marie DiJoseph, 51, with whom Hart had a personal relationship, used her status as an attorney to regularly arrange for “contact” visits with Hart, so they could meet without a plexiglass screen between them. Wyatt correctional officers seized the tainted papers from DiJoseph as she attempted to enter the facility.

    Hart is scheduled to be sentenced on November 18, 2025.

    DiJoseph, who pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025, to one count each of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, and providing a prohibited object to an inmate, is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12, 2025.

    The sentences imposed will be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julianne Klein and Peter I. Roklan.

    The matter was investigated by FBI and the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Center Professional Standards Unit.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two California Businesses and Their Owners Resolve Allegations They Misrepresented Businesses’ Size to Obtain Paycheck Protection Program Loans

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    JEV&B Services LLC and D4 Inc., two entities with their principal places of business in California, and their owners — William Nelson and Vicki Rollins — have agreed to pay $153,598.90 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false statements and certifications to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for which the entities were not eligible.

    The PPP, an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), was intended to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA. In addition to the SBA’s guarantee, the PPP protected and supported financial institutions by reimbursing the lender’s costs of processing PPP applications. Regulations and legislation passed by Congress set various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the size of eligible businesses, so that the limited PPP funds would reach small businesses. In 2021, when Congress authorized a second round of PPP loans, it imposed even stricter size limits. The second-draw PPP loans were limited to businesses with 300 employees or less, including the employees of the applicant’s affiliated businesses.

    On their PPP loan applications, borrowers were required to disclose their affiliated companies and to state the combined number of employees. Borrowers also certified that they were eligible for the PPP loan and that the information provided was accurate.

    The United States alleged that JEV&B Services and D4 are companies that, through Nelson and Rollins, have common ownership and management with numerous other companies. Like several of Nelson’s and Rollins’ other businesses, JEV&B Services and D4 obtained first-draw PPP loans, which the SBA later forgave in full. JEV&B Services and D4 also obtained second-draw PPP loans. The United States alleged that JEV&B Services and D4 were not eligible for any second-draw PPP loans because they far exceeded the size limits that Congress placed on second-draw PPP loans. The United States further contended that JEV&B Services and D4 knowingly misled their lender to get the second-draw loans, including by under-reporting the total number of employees, not disclosing their affiliated companies to the lender, falsely certifying that they were eligible for the second-draw PPP funds, and certifying that the information on their applications was accurate when, in fact, it was not.

    JEV&B Services, D4, Nelson, and Rollins will pay $153,598.90 to redress these allegations, including paying the SBA for the processing fees that the lender incurred and that were reimbursed by the SBA. The companies have also agreed to repay the loans in full, relieving the SBA of liability to the lender for the federal guaranty of the improper loans.  

    The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Ashwani Chawla. Under those provisions, private parties may initiate an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The lawsuit is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ashwani Chawla v. Agathos Support Service, Inc., et al., Civil No. LACV 22-2798 KK (JCx) (C.D. Cal.). Chawla will receive $11,519.92 in connection with this settlement.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the SBA Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of Capital Access.

    Trial Attorney Christopher Belen of the Justice Department’s Civil Division handled the matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Navy, Pearl Harbor National Memorial take next step in USS Arizona preservation, removal of mooring platforms 

    Source: United States Navy

    After a year of focused planning and analysis, the installation of this mooring system is a necessary precaution to ensure environmental protection ahead of removing the platforms later this year.   Additionally, this action supports the platform removal emergency response plan.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: LHV Group’s own share acquisition transactions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AS LHV Group announces that on 13 May 2025, it has acquired the company’s own shares on the Nasdaq Tallinn Stock Exchange as follows:

    Date Aggregated volume Weighted average price per day (EUR)
    13.05.2025 19,627 3.565197

    LHV Group is acquiring its own shares based on the resolution of the company’s general meeting of shareholders held on 26 March 2025, and under the conditions decided by the Supervisory Board. The authorized agent for the transactions is AS LHV Pank. Summary data of the acquisitions will be disclosed no later than on the seventh trading day after the transaction and will be made available to the Financial Supervision and Resolution Authority, via the Nasdaq Tallinn system, and on LHV Group’s investor website.

    LHV Group is the largest domestic financial group and capital provider in Estonia. LHV Group’s key subsidiaries are LHV Pank, LHV Varahaldus, LHV Kindlustus, and LHV Bank Limited. The Group employs over 1,150 people. As at the end of April, LHV’s banking services are being used by 468,000 clients, the pension funds managed by LHV have 113,000 active clients, and LHV Kindlustus protects a total of 176,000 clients. LHV Bank Limited, a subsidiary of the Group, holds a banking licence in the United Kingdom and provides banking services to international financial technology companies, as well as loans to small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Priit Rum
    Communications Manager
    Phone: +372 502 0786
    Email: priit.rum@lhv.ee 

    The MIL Network –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: HashFly Empowers Space and Time (SXT) Crypto Holders with Profitable Cloud Mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    As the digital asset ecosystem matures, Space and Time (SXT) token holders increasingly turn to innovative strategies to grow their portfolios, without liquidating their assets. In response to this evolving demand, HashFly, a global leader in secure and scalable cloud mining, is proud to introduce ded

    Let Your SXT Work Smarter — Not Harder

    SXT, the native utility token of Space and Time, a decentralised data warehouse enabling trustless data services for blockchain and AI-powered applications, continues to gain momentum as a critical infrastructure asset in the Web3 economy.

    As interest grows in holding SXT for the long haul, more users are seeking non-custodial, capital-efficient ways to generate passive income. Hicated mining opportunities for SXT holders.

    With passive income’s growing importance in the blockchain landscape, HashFly is positioning itself as the most trusted mining partner for long-term SXT investors seeking returns without trading exposure.ashFly’s cloud mining platform offers a seamless solution, enabling token holders to earn daily rewards without the complexity or risks of traditional mining.

    Maximize Passive Income Through Secure Cloud Mining

    HashFly offers an all-in-one platform for profitable and secure cloud mining, enabling users to earn daily rewards without the need for hardware, technical skills, or electricity costs. Whether you’re holding SXT or other cryptocurrencies, HashFly empowers you to:

    • Earn while you hold: Don’t let your crypto sit idle — turn it into a revenue-generating asset.
    • Mine top assets: Including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and fast-rising tokens like SXT.
    • Enjoy daily payouts: Withdraw earnings at your convenience, with full transparency.
    • Choose your plan: Flexible contracts designed for short-term gains or long-term growth.
    • Zero hassle: No hardware, no noise, no maintenance — just consistent returns.

    How to Earn Daily Passive Income with HashFly

    You can easily accumulate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by following these simple steps:

    1. Sign Up: Register on the official HashFly website and receive a $10 bonus instantly.
    2. Choose a Contract: Select a mining contract that aligns with your investment goals.
    3. Start Earning: Begin receiving daily passive income with minimal effort.
    4. Flexible Withdrawal Options: Withdraw your earnings once you reach $200, or choose to reinvest and upgrade your contract for higher returns.
    5. Diverse Cryptocurrency Support: Mine and receive payouts in various cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDT, and more.

    HashFly Mining Plans: Maximize Your Earnings

    HashFly offers flexible mining plans tailored to different investment levels. Each plan provides daily returns and a guaranteed return on investment.

    Contract Price Duration Daily Interest Rate Daily Income Total Payout (Principal + Profit)
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    $16,000 3 Days 5% $800 $16,000 + $2,400
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    HashFly: The Most Trusted Cloud Mining Platform Since 2013

    With over 1 million users worldwide, HashFly has built a reputation for integrity, performance, and transparency. The company operates secure, high-performance mining facilities backed by real-time monitoring, 24/7 support, and guaranteed uptime.

    SXT holders — whether you’re a long-term investor or exploring ways to boost your crypto earnings — can trust HashFly to deliver a seamless and secure mining experience.

    Join HashFly today and let your SXT holdings open the door to real, passive income.
     Start now at www.hashfly.com

    MEDIA CONTACT
    Name: Scott Joseph
    Email: info@hashfly.com
    Job Title: Director
    City/Country: New York, USA

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Assisted dying: five questions that need answering before it can work in practice

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Suzanne Ost, Professor of Law, Lancaster University

    Collagery/Shutterstock

    An attempt to make assisted dying legal in England in Wales continues to make its way through parliament, with MPs currently scheduled to have a final vote on the bill in June.

    The bill has sparked both passionate support and strong opposition, raising vital questions: how would such a law work in practice? Who would deliver it? And what would it cost?

    While much attention has focused mostly on the ethics of assisted dying, the government’s recently published impact assessment looks at the practical side and it deserves closer attention.

    Of course, we shouldn’t base a decision about life and death solely on financial or logistical grounds. But if assisted dying is to become part of the law in England and Wales, we need to understand how it would work in reality. The report highlights a number of key challenges:

    1. The medication question

    The assessment draws mainly on data from 11 other jurisdictions, especially Oregon, where assisted dying has been legal for years. It found that the drugs used can lead to prolonged and unpredictable deaths, in part due to inconsistent drug availability.

    However, the report doesn’t compare this to Switzerland, where assisted dying must be self-administered and is tightly regulated. There, a single barbiturate is typically used, leading to death within two to ten minutes depending on whether it’s taken orally or via injection. This raises questions about what kind of medications would be used in the UK and how reliably they would work.

    2. Opt-outs: who will deliver the service?

    Experience from countries like Canada shows that most doctors opt out of providing assisted dying. In Canada, over 5,000 assisted deaths were carried out by just 80 people. Similarly, in the US and New Zealand, entire institutions – especially palliative care services – have opted out.

    Kim Leadbeater, the MP sponsoring the bill, has confirmed that it would not oblige hospices to participate. While this protects individual conscience, it may leave patients struggling to find willing clinicians or being discharged home to die.

    3. Can the NHS cope with a new service?

    The bill assumes the NHS would be responsible for delivering assisted dying. But is the system ready?

    Switzerland uses volunteer doctors outside the healthcare system, which may be more sustainable. In the UK, oversight is expected to come from a panel including a senior judge or lawyer, a psychiatrist and a social worker.

    However, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) has raised serious concerns, both about the role psychiatrists would play and whether there are enough professionals to fulfil that role. The RCP currently opposes the bill.

    4. Funding: a two-tier system?

    The impact assessment suggests assisted dying would be free at the point of delivery. Yet palliative care – the alternative end-of-life support – often receives less than 40% government funding, relying heavily on charity.

    Could this create a two-tier system, where assisted dying is fully funded while palliative care remains under resourced?

    5. Legal costs and challenges

    If passed, the bill could trigger human rights challenges, particularly around mental capacity and access. Legal experts suggest several grounds on which it might be contested and these cases would need to be defended, incurring additional costs.

    Families might also seek judicial review of a panel’s decision to permit a request for assisted dying. And public protests outside clinics or hospitals offering the service could require increased policing and security – all of which have financial and social implications.

    This bill tackles one of the most morally sensitive issues in society. But if it is to succeed, and be implemented safely, it must be built on more than good intentions.

    The government’s impact assessment lays out the many practical hurdles: medication protocols, workforce readiness, conscientious objection, legal protections, and funding disparities. These aren’t technicalities. They’re the framework that would determine whether assisted dying is accessible, safe and ethically delivered.

    As the bill progresses, the debate must move beyond principle alone. The future of this legislation – and its real world impact – will depend on how well we address these deeply human, and deeply complex, practicalities.

    Suzanne Ost has previously received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy for research that she has conducted.

    Nancy Preston receives funding from Horizon Europe but not for her work on assisted dying. She is affiliated with European Association of Palliative Care where she Co-Chairs the Task Force on the role of palliative care professionals in supporting patients and families considering assisted dying.

    – ref. Assisted dying: five questions that need answering before it can work in practice – https://theconversation.com/assisted-dying-five-questions-that-need-answering-before-it-can-work-in-practice-256270

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Touch can comfort and heal, but also harm − a psychologist explains why gestures don’t always land as intended

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Brian N. Chin, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Trinity College

    Touch is not always received the way it’s intended. Olga Pankova/Moment via Getty Images

    A hug from a friend. A squeeze of the hand. A steady arm around your shoulders. Many of us are taught to think of touch as comforting – an instinctive way to offer or receive comfort and express a sense of connection.

    But comfort is not always the outcome.

    For some, that same gesture can feel intrusive – even jarring. In moments of stress or vulnerability, even a caring touch can miss the mark, leaving someone feeling unseen, misunderstood or more alone than before.

    As a social-health psychologist, I study how close relationships shape emotional well-being, especially through the ways people give and receive support. Decades of research in psychology and neuroscience show that touch is more than just a physical act – it’s a form of communication. Whether it lands as comforting or off-putting depends on timing, context and the emotional safety of the underlying relationship.

    When touch lands well

    When touch provides comfort, it’s because it communicates safety, understanding and care. It works best when grounded in clarity, respect and emotional timing.

    Trust also matters. Comfort comes most naturally when we feel safe – when we know that someone truly sees us and wants to ease our distress. A hug from a friend after you’ve shared bad news feels good not just because of the gesture itself but because of what it says: “I’m here, and you’re not alone.”

    Sitting quietly next to a partner or child after they’ve had a hard day at school and offering them a steady hand and gentle presence can do more than any question or explanation. It provides a moment of connection that says: “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”

    Over time, attuned touch can do more than provide comfort in the moment – it can strengthen relationships, regulate our stress responses and promote well-being. Recent research highlights how affectionate touch may even support better sleep by reducing stress and increasing feelings of emotional safety. These benefits aren’t limited to romantic or parent-child relationships; many people also find comfort through physical closeness with trusted friends or pets. When it’s offered with care and sensitivity to the moment, touch can build connection, both immediately and over time.

    But even in safe relationships, consent and receptivity are essential. Comforting touch should be honest and clear – not ambiguous, not tentative and never assumed. Simple gestures, such as asking “Would a hug help right now?” or offering “It’s OK if you’d rather not” can turn an awkward moment into one that feels safe and seen. And respecting someone’s “no” is just as important as offering touch in the first place. Hearing and honoring that boundary isn’t rejection; it’s attunement.

    Ultimately, the most comforting touch communicates care for the person receiving it, not just the intentions of the person offering it. Small shifts in awareness such as paying attention to body language, asking first or simply waiting for the right moment can be the difference between discomfort and feeling understood. When offered with clarity, warmth and respect, physical closeness can do more than just comfort: It can restore.

    A pediatrician discusses the importance of teaching kids consent from an early age, including for hugs.

    Why touch sometimes backfires

    If touch is a form of communication, it can miscommunicate too. A gesture meant to convey comfort might instead land as pressure, intrusion or something you want to escape.

    Sometimes the issue is timing. One person reaches out with genuine care, while the other just needs space. A partner’s hand on your shoulder mid-argument might feel more like control than comfort. A hug meant to soothe can instead feel jarring, coming across as emotionally tone-deaf or misaligned.

    Research shows that support is effective only when it’s grounded in mutual understanding and appreciation. If the gesture isn’t wanted or the moment is wrong, even well-intended touch can do more harm than good.

    People’s attachment styles also shape how they respond to touch. People with avoidant tendencies often find physical closeness intrusive and may pull away from even small gestures. In contrast, people with more anxious attachment styles may crave the closeness of touch but remain on high alert, wondering whether it’s sincere, if it’s enough or if it will still be there in the future.

    In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic led many people to renegotiate their comfort with touch and spatial boundaries. For some of us, keeping our distance became comforting – a new kind of safety that we’re not ready to give up just yet. And a handshake or hug might not feel like a return to normal – it might feel like crossing a boundary you didn’t know you’d built.

    Ultimately, what makes touch comforting isn’t just the gesture – it’s emotional attunement: how well it fits the moment, the relationship and the person on the receiving end. When that alignment is off, even the most well-meaning touch can fall flat or make things worse.

    The COVID-19 pandemic shifted many people’s level of comfort around space and touch.
    Cheryl Bronson/Moment via Getty Images

    Want your next touch to land as you intended it?

    Like any form of care, how touch is received depends on how, when and why it’s offered. If you want your touch to feel truly supportive, here are a few ways to stay attuned:

    • Who is this for? Ask yourself: Is this really for them or mostly for me? The most comforting touch comes from meeting another person’s need, not your own.

    • Notice what’s unspoken. Physical cues – leaning in, pausing or pulling away – can sometimes tell us more than words. Discomfort doesn’t always need to be spoken to be understood.

    • Offer choice. A simple question like “Would a hug help right now?” is more comforting than reaching out before checking in. And hearing a respectful no doesn’t disrupt connection – it builds trust.

    We don’t have to give up on hugs, hand squeezes or reassuring pats. But comfort doesn’t automatically follow from physical closeness – it comes from the understanding and care behind it.

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

    – ref. Touch can comfort and heal, but also harm − a psychologist explains why gestures don’t always land as intended – https://theconversation.com/touch-can-comfort-and-heal-but-also-harm-a-psychologist-explains-why-gestures-dont-always-land-as-intended-255725

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why we fall for fake health information – and how it spreads faster than facts

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Angshuman K. Kashyap, PhD candidate in Health Communication, University of Maryland

    Should you share that health-related Instagram post? Catherine McQueen/Moment via Getty Images

    In today’s digital world, people routinely turn to the internet for health or medical information. In addition to actively searching online, they often come across health-related information on social media or receive it through emails or messages from family or friends.

    It can be tempting to share such messages with loved ones – often with the best of intentions.

    As a global health communication scholar studying the effects of media on health and development, I explore artistic and creative ways to make health information more engaging and accessible, empowering people to make informed decisions.

    Although there is a fire hose of health-related content online, not all of it is factual. In fact, much of it is inaccurate or misleading, raising a serious health communication problem: Fake health information – whether shared unknowingly and innocently, or deliberately to mislead or cause harm – can be far more captivating than accurate information.

    This makes it difficult for people to know which sources to trust and which content is worthy of sharing.

    The allure of fake health information

    Fake health information can take many forms. For example, it may be misleading content that distorts facts to frame an issue or individual in a certain context. Or it may be based on false connections, where headlines, visuals or captions don’t align with the content. Despite this variation, such content often shares a few common characteristics that make it seem believable and more shareable than facts.

    For one thing, fake health information often appears to be true because it mixes a grain of truth with misleading claims.

    For example, early in the COVID-19 pandemic, false rumors suggested that drinking ethanol or bleach could protect people from the virus. While ethanol or bleach can indeed kill viruses on surfaces such as countertops, it is extremely dangerous when it comes into contact with skin or gets inside the body.

    Stopping to check the facts helps stem the spread of misinformation.
    World Health Organization adaptation from Siouxsie Wiles and Toby Morris in The Spinoff, CC BY-SA

    Another marker of fake health information is that it presents ideas that are simply too good to be true. There is something appealingly counterintuitive in certain types of fake health information that can make people feel they have access to valuable or exclusive knowledge that others may not know. For example, a claim such as “chocolate helps you lose weight” can be especially appealing because it offers a sense of permission to indulge and taps into a simple, feel-good solution to a complex problem. Such information often spreads faster because it sounds both surprising and hopeful, validating what some people want to believe.

    Sensationalism also drives the spread of fake health information. For instance, when critics falsely claimed that Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the chief medical adviser to the president at the time, was responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, it generated a lot of public attention.

    In a study on vaccine hesitancy published in 2020, my colleagues and I found that controversial headlines in news reports that go viral before national vaccination campaigns can discourage parents from getting their children vaccinated. These headlines seem to reveal sensational and secret information that can falsely boost the message’s credibility.

    The pull to share

    The internet has created fertile ground for spreading fake health information. Professional-looking websites and social media posts with misleading headlines can lure people into clicking or quickly sharing, which drives more and more readers to the falsehood. People tend to share information they believe is relevant to them or their social circles.

    In 2019, an article with the false headline “Ginger is 10,000x more effective at killing cancer than chemo” was shared more than 800,000 times on Facebook. The article contained several factors that make people feel an urgency to react and share without checking the facts: compelling visuals, emotional stories, misleading graphs, quotes from experts with omitted context and outdated content that is recirculated.

    Visual cues like the logos of reputable organizations or photos of people wearing white medical coats add credibility to these posts. This kind of content is highly shareable, often reaching far more people than scientifically accurate studies that may lack eye-catching headlines or visuals, easy-to-understand words or dramatic storylines.

    But sharing content without verifying it first has real-world consequences. For example, studies have found that COVID-19-related fake information reduces people’s trust in the government and in health care systems, making people less likely to use or seek out health services.

    Unfounded claims about vaccine side effects have led to reduced vaccination rates globally, fueling the return of dangerous diseases, including measles.

    Check it out before you share.

    Social media misinformation, such as false claims about cinnamon being a treatment for cancer, has caused hospitalizations and even deaths. The spread of health misinformation has reduced cooperation with important prevention and treatment recommendations, prompting a growing need for medical professionals to receive proper training and develop skills to effectively debunk fake health information.

    How to combat the spread of fake health information

    In today’s era of information overload in which anyone can create and share content, being able to distinguish between credible and misleading health information before sharing is more important than ever. Researchers and public health organizations have outlined several strategies to help people make better-informed decisions.

    Whether health care consumers come across health information on social media, in an email or through a messaging app, here are three reliable ways to verify its accuracy and credibility before sharing:

    • Use a search engine to cross-check health claims. Never rely on a single source. Instead, enter the health claim into a reputable search engine like Google and see what trusted sources have to say. Prioritize information from established organizations like the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United Nations Children’s Fund or peer-reviewed journals like The Lancet or Journal of the American Medical Association. If multiple reputable sources agree, the information is more likely to be reliable. Reliable fact-checking websites such as FactCheck.org and Snopes can also help root out fake information.

    • Evaluate the source’s credibility. A quick way to assess a website’s trustworthiness is to check its “About Us” page. This section usually explains who is behind the content, their mission and their credentials. Also, search the name of the author. Do they have recognized expertise or affiliations with credible institutions? Reliable websites often have domains ending in .gov or .edu, indicating government or educational institutions. Finally, check the publication date. Information on the internet keeps circulating for years and may not be the most accurate or relevant in the present context.

    • If you’re still unsure, don’t share. If you’re still uncertain about the accuracy of a claim, it’s better to keep it to yourself. Forwarding unverified information can unintentionally contribute to the spread of misinformation and potentially cause harm, especially when it comes to health.

    Questioning dubious claims and sharing only verified information not only protects against unsafe behaviors and panic, but it also helps curb the spread of fake health information. At a time when misinformation can spread faster than a virus, taking a moment to pause and fact-check can make a big difference.

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

    – ref. Why we fall for fake health information – and how it spreads faster than facts – https://theconversation.com/why-we-fall-for-fake-health-information-and-how-it-spreads-faster-than-facts-250718

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Cultivating obedience: Using the Justice Department to attack former officials consolidates power and deters dissent

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joe Wright, Professor of Political Science, Penn State

    Miles Taylor, center, a Homeland Security official during the first Trump administration, wrote an op-ed in September 2018 that criticized Trump. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    During President Donald Trump’s first three months in office, his administration has targeted dozens of former officials who criticized him or opposed his agenda.

    In April 2025, Trump directed the Department of Justice to investigate two men who served in his first administration, Miles Taylor and Chris Krebs, because they spoke out against his policies and corrected his false claims about the 2020 election that he lost.

    Further, Trump revoked the security clearances for advisers and retired generals who publicly criticized him during the 2024 election campaign.

    On their face, such moves appear to be a coordinated campaign of personal retribution. But as political science scholars who study the origins of elected strongmen, we believe Trump’s use of the Justice Department to attack former officials who stood up to him isn’t just about revenge. It also deters current officials from defying Trump.

    More than revenge

    Like all presidents, Trump needs allies who will faithfully implement his policy agenda. For most presidents, this means surrounding themselves with longtime friends.

    For example, Don Evans, George W. Bush’s commerce secretary and close confidant, worked with Bush for decades before becoming a fixture in his White House.

    But to carry out a power grab, incumbent leaders also need allies who will stay silent or, better yet, endorse their attempts to consolidate control.

    In El Salvador, for example, President Nayib Bukele’s legislative allies gave him free rein in 2023 to run for president a second time despite constitutional provisions banning reelection.

    Recall that Trump only left office in January 2021 because key Republican officials defied his attempts to overturn an election he lost.

    Former Vice President Mike Pence, facing violent threats from a Trump-fueled mob, refused Trump’s request to overturn the election he lost. And Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger refused Trump’s entreaties to stuff the ballot boxes in Georgia with another 11,000 votes for Trump.

    An audio recording of President Donald Trump talking to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is played in Washington, D.C., on Oct, 13, 2022.
    Alex Wong/Getty Images

    Notably, both men first won political office on their own, without an endorsement from Trump. This means they were less reliant on Trump for access to political power. Therefore, they were more likely to prioritize their loyalty to the Constitution over their loyalty to Trump.

    Attacks enforce loyalty

    In authoritarian contexts, loyalty is not an intrinsic quality. Authoritarian leaders do not necessarily select those with whom they have long work experience that leads to mutual trust.

    For instance, during Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship in the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1961, the head of intelligence, Johnny Abbes, was plucked from obscurity in Mexico and in 1958 began to lead the dictator’s repression machine.

    Instead, the challenge for authoritarian leaders is finding people to do their bidding. And the best people for this job are those who never would have earned their position in politics without the leader’s influence.

    Unqualified appointees who can’t ascend to political power based on their merits have little choice but to stick with the leader. These people appear loyal, but only because their careers are tied to the leader staying in power.

    A litany of failed politicians

    This logic, where people with few career prospects outside of the leader express the most loyalty, explains why Trump has appointed a number of political candidates who have lost elections.

    The head of the Small Business Administration, Kelly Loeffler, though briefly appointed as a U.S. senator from Georgia, lost her first Senate election to Raphael Warnock in 2021.

    Doug Collins, Trump’s secretary of Veterans Affairs, lost to Loeffler in a Georgia Senate primary during the same election cycle.

    Dan Bongino, the deputy director of the FBI, lost a 2016 primary contest for a congressional seat in a heavily Republican district in Florida.

    And don’t forget Jeanine Pirro, Trump’s nominee to head a politically crucial federal judicial office. Her political career derailed 20 years ago when she came under federal investigation for “scheming to catch a cheating spouse in the act.” She lost an attorney general race in New York in 2006 to Andrew Cuomo.

    Jeanine Pirro lost the 2006 New York attorney general race.
    AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh

    Trump also picked two politicians who had failed presidential runs as Democrats – Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – to act as director of national intelligence and secretary of Health and Human Services.

    For appointees who can’t win elections, the only shot at power is steadfast alignment with the leader. This dynamic, in turn, provides a strong incentive for these officials to remain loyal, even when the leader breaks the law or orders them to do the same.

    When leaders place loyalists in charge of federal law enforcement, attempts to conjure votes for the president out of thin air or to seize ballot boxes in opposition districts are more likely to succeed.

    The Trump administration’s attacks on former Republican officials who criticized him, such as Taylor and Krebs, reinforces this dynamic. It sends a signal of future punishment to current Justice Department officials should they speak out against Trump or refuse to carry out illegal orders.

    Attacks also target opposition power

    Of course, the Trump administration’s political attacks haven’t stopped with officials in his previous administration who have fallen out of favor.

    They have expanded to include independent institutions such as universities, not-for-profit media and law firms.

    As research on authoritarian regimes shows, the goal of attacking independent institutions this way is to sap their capacity to resist the incumbent government’s attempts to cheat in future elections.

    After Hungary’s leader, Viktor Orban, had rewritten his country’s Constitution and reined in the courts, he changed the electoral rules to ensure he won reelection in 2022. Along the way, Orban forced an entire university into exile after failing to subdue it.

    In these ways, incumbents’ acts of retribution toward people and organizations that oppose their agenda reinforce loyalty among their allies. They also undermine and weaken their opponents and ultimately facilitate incumbents’ efforts to consolidate power.

    Joe Wright has received funding from the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, and private foundations.

    Erica Frantz has received funding from the US Agency for International Development and private foundations.

    – ref. Cultivating obedience: Using the Justice Department to attack former officials consolidates power and deters dissent – https://theconversation.com/cultivating-obedience-using-the-justice-department-to-attack-former-officials-consolidates-power-and-deters-dissent-256397

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council shares reminder ahead of Queen Street closure

    Source: City of York

    Published Friday, 16 May 2025

    City of York Council is reminding residents, commuters and visitors to plan ahead for the closure of Queen Street later this month.

    As an essential part of the Station Gateway project, Queen Street will close to vehicle traffic from 7pm on Saturday 24 May until 6am on Tuesday 27 May.

    This closure will allow contractor John Sisk & Son to remove the existing temporary road surfaces and re-lay them to form the new road layouts.

    Detailed information has been published online offering advice for all those who travel in the area.

    The station and nearby businesses will remain open. Trains will run to and from York as usual. Buses will continue to operate but some routes will be diverted as a result of the closure. There will also be free shuttle buses running between Blossom Street and the station during the closures.

    Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the closure, and the gates at Lowther Terrace will be open to allow pedestrians and cyclists through.

    The station long stay car park will remain closed as Network Rail work on a new multi-storey car park.

    Residents and visitors are being asked to please plan ahead if travelling in the area and, where possible, consider other ways to travel into the city during these closures.

    Councillor Kate Ravilious, Executive Member for Transport at City of York Council, said:

    “There has been a lot of change around the station recently and I would like to thank everybody for their continued cooperation and patience as these works are ongoing.

    “We want to stress that York is open for business and over the bank holiday there will be lots of great things for people to enjoy. We are working closely with Sisk to minimise disruption throughout the bank holiday, but as with the previous Queen Street closures, we are encouraging everyone to plan their journey ahead and help reduce traffic congestion by using public transport, walking and cycling where possible.”

    The scheme is being delivered by City of York Council, Network Rail, LNER and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority alongside delivery contractor for the highways works of the project, John Sisk & Son.

    The ambitious project will completely transform the area to the front of York Station by providing an improved transport interchange, welcoming and inclusive public spaces and an improved setting for the City Walls.

    Find more information on the Station Gateway project.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham set for government jobs boost to drive local growth and deliver for communities

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Friday, 16th May 2025

    Birmingham has been named as one of 13 locations where more Civil Service jobs will be moved in a boost for the local economy.

    Under the shake up, government roles will be shifted outside of London to towns and cities in all four nations of the UK, delivering and developing policy closer to the communities it affects.

    The move is projected to bring £729 million worth of economic benefit to the 13 growth areas by 2030.

    Currently, 13,330 civil service roles are based in Birmingham. Over 34,000 full time equivalent roles are based in the wider West Midlands, with 14 major Government departments having a presence in the region.

    Councillor John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

    “This is a vote of confidence in Birmingham which will create jobs and help our young and talented population to build careers in the civil service.

    It is great to have a government that cares about all regions of the country, and we will work with the government to ensure that the apprenticeship pilot benefits people in every community of Birmingham.”

    Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Pat McFadden, said:

    “To deliver our Plan for Change, we are taking more decision-making out of Whitehall and moving it closer to communities all across the UK.

    “By relocating thousands of Civil Service roles we will not only save taxpayers money, we will make this Government one that better reflects the country it serves. We will also be making sure that Government jobs support economic growth throughout the country.

    “As we radically reform the state, we are going to make it much easier for talented people everywhere to join the Civil Service and help us rebuild Britain.”

    Useful links

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Life sciences consultancy picks Birmingham for new Research Centre of Excellence

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Life sciences consultancy Cambridge Healthcare Research has chosen Birmingham as the location for its new Research Centre of Excellence, where it plans to create up to 40 research analyst roles.

    • Life sciences consultancy Cambridge Healthcare Research picks Birmingham as the location for its new Research Centre of Excellence, where it plans to create up to 40 research analyst roles by the end of 2025.
    • New facility at The Lewis Building in Birmingham’s city centre officially opened by Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council.
    • Investment reinforces region’s rise as a dynamic investment alternative to traditional life sciences ‘golden triangle’ of London, Oxford and Cambridge.

    The new facility at The Lewis Building in Birmingham’s City Centre was officially opened by Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council.

    Cambridge Healthcare Research’s new Research Centre of Excellence will focus on delivering strategic research projects for a range of UK and international clients operating within the life sciences sector. The facility represents the consultancy’s first office outside of Cambridge and London, reinforcing the West Midlands’ growing reputation as a diverse and dynamic life sciences investment hub. The region’s thriving life sciences sector incorporates a diverse, static population of 4.7 million, four medical schools and the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator [WMTHIA], which recently received £4 million additional funding for 2025/26.

    The region will seek to capitalise on the growth potential of its life sciences cluster through its flagship Investment Zone. In particular, the 210-hectare Birmingham Knowledge Quarter [B-KQ] will build on the region’s globally recognised strengths in diagnostics, digital and data-driven healthcare, providing a centre of excellence for advanced manufacturing aligned to health and life sciences.

    Matteo Perucchini, CEO at Cambridge Healthcare Research, said:

    “Combining a deep STEM talent pool, unrivalled connectivity and affordable office space, Birmingham ticked all our boxes when it came to selecting a location for our first office outside of the traditional life sciences ‘golden triangle’.

    “We’re looking forward to contributing to the rise of the West Midlands’ life sciences ecosystem while delivering exceptional research projects for our clients from our new Birmingham base.”

    The West Midlands Growth Company [WMGC] – the region’s official investment promotion agency – supported the investment.

    Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

    “From companies advancing pioneering drug development to manufacturers of next-generation medical devices, Birmingham has established a reputation as an attractive destination for life sciences focused occupiers.

    “As the region’s vision for Birmingham Knowledge Quarter gathers pace, its offer to healthcare innovators will strengthen even further, with companies like Cambridge Healthcare Research exemplifying the innovation taking place here.

    “It’s brilliant to be welcoming another new and enterprising company to our city, which will help boost the economy and create jobs for local people.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two California Businesses and Their Owners Resolve Allegations They Misrepresented Businesses’ Size to Obtain Paycheck Protection Program Loans

    Source: US State of Vermont

    JEV&B Services LLC and D4 Inc., two entities with their principal places of business in California, and their owners — William Nelson and Vicki Rollins — have agreed to pay $153,598.90 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false statements and certifications to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for which the entities were not eligible.

    The PPP, an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), was intended to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA. In addition to the SBA’s guarantee, the PPP protected and supported financial institutions by reimbursing the lender’s costs of processing PPP applications. Regulations and legislation passed by Congress set various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the size of eligible businesses, so that the limited PPP funds would reach small businesses. In 2021, when Congress authorized a second round of PPP loans, it imposed even stricter size limits. The second-draw PPP loans were limited to businesses with 300 employees or less, including the employees of the applicant’s affiliated businesses.

    On their PPP loan applications, borrowers were required to disclose their affiliated companies and to state the combined number of employees. Borrowers also certified that they were eligible for the PPP loan and that the information provided was accurate.

    The United States alleged that JEV&B Services and D4 are companies that, through Nelson and Rollins, have common ownership and management with numerous other companies. Like several of Nelson’s and Rollins’ other businesses, JEV&B Services and D4 obtained first-draw PPP loans, which the SBA later forgave in full. JEV&B Services and D4 also obtained second-draw PPP loans. The United States alleged that JEV&B Services and D4 were not eligible for any second-draw PPP loans because they far exceeded the size limits that Congress placed on second-draw PPP loans. The United States further contended that JEV&B Services and D4 knowingly misled their lender to get the second-draw loans, including by under-reporting the total number of employees, not disclosing their affiliated companies to the lender, falsely certifying that they were eligible for the second-draw PPP funds, and certifying that the information on their applications was accurate when, in fact, it was not.

    JEV&B Services, D4, Nelson, and Rollins will pay $153,598.90 to redress these allegations, including paying the SBA for the processing fees that the lender incurred and that were reimbursed by the SBA. The companies have also agreed to repay the loans in full, relieving the SBA of liability to the lender for the federal guaranty of the improper loans.  

    The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Ashwani Chawla. Under those provisions, private parties may initiate an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The lawsuit is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ashwani Chawla v. Agathos Support Service, Inc., et al., Civil No. LACV 22-2798 KK (JCx) (C.D. Cal.). Chawla will receive $11,519.92 in connection with this settlement.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the SBA Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of Capital Access.

    Trial Attorney Christopher Belen of the Justice Department’s Civil Division handled the matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures $200 Billion in New U.S.-UAE Deals and Accelerates Previously Committed $1.4 Trillion UAE Investment

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    BUILDING LASTING PROSPERITY FOR AMERICA AND OUR ALLIES: Today in Abu Dhabi, President Donald J. Trump announced over $200 billion in commercial deals between the United States and the United Arab Emirates—bringing the total of investment agreements in the Gulf region to over $2 trillion.
    President Trump continues to advance the interests of the American people, enhancing market access for American exporters to strengthen our economic and national security.
    These deals will significantly expand investment in the United States and U.S. market access in the United Arab Emirates.
    The following represent just a few of the many transformative deals secured in the United Arab Emirates:
    Boeing and GE Aerospace secured a $14.5 billion commitment from Etihad Airways to invest in 28 American-made Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE engines. With the inclusion of the next-generation 777X in its fleet plan, the investment deepens the longstanding commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States, fueling American manufacturing, driving exports, and supporting 60,000 U.S. jobs.
    In Oklahoma, Emirates Global Aluminum will invest to develop a $4 billion primary aluminum smelter project, one of the first new aluminum smelters in America in 45 years, that will create a thousand jobs in America, strengthen critical mineral supply chains, and double current U.S. production capacity.
    In line with President Trump’s executive order to unleash American energy leadership worldwide, ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources are partnering with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for expanded oil and natural gas production valued at $60 billion that will help lower energy costs and create hundreds of skilled jobs in both countries.
    RTX is partnering with Emirates Global Aluminum and the UAE’s Tawazun Council on a pioneering Gallium project that will help secure and stabilize the United States’ critical mineral supply chain. By diversifying sources of this essential input for semiconductors and defense technologies, the partnership strengthens America’s supply security, supports high-tech manufacturing, and creates jobs across the U.S. critical minerals and defense industrial base.
    Qualcomm is expanding its global innovation footprint through partnerships with ADIO and e&.  A new Global Engineering Center in Abu Dhabi will focus on AI, data centers, and industrial IoT – advancing the UAE’s digital transformation while supporting U.S. research, engineering jobs and demand for American technologies.  Meanwhile, the collaboration with e& accelerates the deployment of advanced connectivity, edge AI, and cloud computing solutions.  Together, these efforts strengthen Qualcomm’s leadership in critical technologies, fuel U.S high-tech job creation, and bolster America’s economic and national security. 
    Amazon Web Services, e&, and the UAE Cybersecurity Council have launched a Sovereign Cloud Launchpad to accelerate public cloud services adoption in the UAE.  The initiative is expected to contribute $181 billion to the UAE’s digital economy by 2033 and includes a new UAE cybersecurity technology Innovation center. This collaboration expands demand for U.S.–developed cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity technologies, supporting high-skilled jobs in the United States and reinforcing U.S. leadership in secure digital innovation globally.

    These deals lay the foundation for investment, innovation and good-paying U.S. jobs, including in frontier technologies, aerospace, energy, and critical minerals.
    Today’s deals strengthen the U.S.-UAE investment and trade relationship and build on the UAE’s landmark commitment to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework that will contribute to the U.S. boom in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, quantum computing, biotechnology, and manufacturing. 
    The U.S. and UAE signed an AI agreement today that supports the $1.4 trillion investment commitment secured in March. This includes the UAE committing to invest in, build, or finance U.S. data centers that are at least as large and as powerful as those in the UAE. The agreement also contains historic commitments by the UAE to further align their national security regulations with the United States, including strong protections to prevent the diversion of U.S.-origin technology.
    The U.S.-UAE AI agreement strengthens bilateral investment partnerships, ensuring U.S. security interests and dominance in AI while extending the American tech stack to an important strategic partner. 

    ACCELERATING TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP:  The strategic partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates has spanned decades and supported the prosperity and security of Americans and Emiratis. This partnership encompasses strategic cooperation in defense, trade, energy, space and diplomacy, reflecting shared interests and mutual respect.
    This partnership is particularly significant thanks to the historic achievement of the Abraham Accords announced during President Trump’s first term.
    The UAE stands as a significant commercial partner for the United States in the Middle East.  Bilateral trade and investment have flourished, with the UAE serving as a hub for American businesses seeking opportunities in the region.
    The UAE had $35 billion in foreign direct investments in the United States, supporting over 33,000 American jobs in 2023.
    U.S. total goods trade with the UAE was an estimated $34.4 billion in 2024, with a U.S. trade surplus of $19.5 billion, the third largest in the world.

    President Trump’s historic visit to the United Arab Emirates is another opportunity to welcome new partnerships in frontier technologies, health and life sciences, mobility, entertainment, and many other fields.
    NEVER TIRED OF WINNING: President Trump keeps scoring great deals for the American people, securing over $2 trillion in investment agreements with Middle Eastern nations for a more safe and prosperous future.
    The $200 billion UAE deals build on the $600 billion in Saudi Arabia and $1.2 trillion in Qatar the President secured on behalf of the American people.
    This comes days after President Trump announced the U.S.-UK trade agreement and a joint agreement with China in pursuit of more fair, reciprocal trade that grows good-paying jobs and prosperity in America.
    While it took President Biden nearly four years to secure $1 trillion in investments, President Trump achieved this in his first month, with additional investment commitments continuing to roll in.
    President Trump is accelerating investment in America and securing fair trade deals around the world, paving the way for a new Golden Age of lasting prosperity for generations to come.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: At Hearing, Warren Stresses Importance of Right-to-Repair, Highlights How Restrictions Limit International Cooperation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    May 16, 2025

    Repair restrictions limit service members’ abilities to fix their weapons even in the middle of life-and-death missions

    Warren successfully pushed the Army to get rid of right-to-repair restrictions, urges the rest of the military to follow

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) uplifted how right-to-repair can help the U.S. military and allied forces promote innovation and reduce costs. 

    As Senator Warren explained, the Department of Defense (DoD) spends billions of dollars buying equipment, but contractors impose repair restrictions preventing servicemembers from fixing their weapons, even in the middle of dangerous missions, and often at the expense of innovation. She highlighted how important innovation has been in Ukraine’s ability to continue to defend itself against Russia. 

    Dr. Lisa Saum-Manning, Associate Director, International Security and Defense Policy Program for RAND, testified to the importance of servicemembers’ ability to repair their own weapons without unnecessary contractor interference, stating, “When it comes to life and death decisions, I think you sort of overlook policy… that’s what I would do if I were on the battlefield.”

    This month, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll announced that the Army will ensure right-to-repair provisions are included in future Army contracts and will identify and propose contract modifications for right-to-repair provisions in current contracts.

    “Army Secretary Driscoll has taken a necessary and overdue step, but we need all of the services and DOD to prioritize lethality. And that means commanders in the field should never have to beg a contractor to come repair a plane that the Air Force owns or that soldiers could fix themselves,” said Senator Warren. 

    Senator Warren argued that right-to-repair can help strengthen American allied forces and enhance their capabilities, allowing them to work better with our troops, take missions off the military’s plate, and support U.S. jobs. If U.S. contractors limit our allies and partners’ ability to sustain equipment, that can hurt the ability of those companies to win contracts. Dr. Saum-Manning expressed support for adopting a right-to-repair policy across the military, stating that RAND researchers agreed on a need for change. 

    Senator Warren has been a leader on right-to-repair, including in the military. In January 2025, Senator Warren secured a commitment from Secretary Driscoll during his nomination hearing about enhancing the Army’s right to repair its own equipment. Senator Warren also pushed for commitments from the Navy Secretary and Military Transportation Command Chief on allowing servicemembers to repair their own equipment. 

    “I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to make sure that we aren’t letting bad contracting practices limit our soldiers’ ability to win on the battlefield,” concluded Senator Warren. 

    Transcript: Hearings to examine the Department of Defense responsibilities related to Foreign Military Sales system and international armaments cooperation
    Senate Armed Services Committee
    May 15, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, being lethal on the battlefield means being scrappy. And when Russia first invaded Ukraine, we sat in the briefings when we were told by experts that Ukraine would only be able to hold out for a few weeks maximum. But over the past three years, Ukrainians have been incredibly innovative, especially in the deployment of drones to keep Russian forces at bay. 

    The U.S. military may not be nearly as agile. One problem: soldiers are not allowed to repair many of their own weapons. DoD spends billions of dollars buying all sorts of equipment, but then contractors impose restrictions on who can maintain systems and who can produce spare parts. Contractors rake in billions, but service members are not allowed to fix their own weapons when they break, even in the middle of life-and-death missions. That is the opposite of scrappy. 

    Dr. Saum-Manning, you are an expert on building military capacity. How important is it for readiness for service members just to be able to repair their own weapons?

    Dr. Lisa Saum-Manning: I mean, they are on the front lines and critical. When it comes to life and death decisions, I think you sort of overlook policy. That would—, that’s what I would do if I were on the battlefield. Again, this is my personal opinion, not an opinion of RAND.

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: But I take it. You think the right to repair is important to being able to do your job?

    Dr. Saum-Manning: I do think it’s important, that said, you have to know how to do it. And so I would want to make sure that they actually knew what they were doing.

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Okay. The problem we’ve got is that too often, when the U.S. military goes to contractors, they are told when something is broken, they’re going to have to wait months for critical parts. In just one case that we have, the Army discovered that instead of waiting months, they could actually just use a 3D printer to print the safety clip they needed in less than an hour and for 1/100th of the cost that was being charged by the contractor. 

    So, this month, the Trump administration took an important step toward making sure that U.S. soldiers can be just as scrappy as the Ukrainians. The Army’s new transformation initiative requires new contracts to include a right to repair their own equipment, and they’re also going back to review old contracts to add similar protections. I want to give a shout-out to the new Secretary of the Army, Dan Driscoll, for pushing this initiative. 

    So, Dr. Saum-Manning, would adopting this policy across the military services enhance innovation and help reduce costs?

    Dr. Saum-Manning: Well, as all RAND researchers say, we have to study that. This is very new. It’s very exciting to see, when we were doing our study, the Army was in the midst of their sort of transformation, and there was a consensus of opinion that it needed to change. And so it’s exciting that they’re innovating. We’re watching it. It’s definitely a great experiment to see if it happens and to see if we can apply these lessons elsewhere.  

    Senator Warren: Well, you know, I would argue here on right-to-repair that it can also be used to help strengthen American allied forces as well. When our closest allies buy U.S. weapons, it can help enhance their capabilities, help them work better with our troops. We really like all of that. They can take missions off our plate, and they can support U.S. jobs. But our allies and partners have a lot of other companies that they can choose from, and they are willing to drive a harder bargain than we are. For example, a Canadian task force found that failing to acquire data rights hurt their ability to independently support their own equipment— right to repair—and they recommended prioritizing sustainability and competition. The bottom line? Lockheed Martin’s higher repair costs meant that Lockheed Martin just wasn’t competitive for the contract. 

    So Dr. Saum-Manning isn’t the best outcome for us, is not only if we can repair our own equipment, but also if our allies, who are buying from us contractors, can repair their weapons in the field and have those weapons made in America?

    Dr. Saum-Manning: Well, we have not studied that, but I would say that if we are, sort of, part of that process and can help train, help equip, help be there to help sustain—our partners need to actually be able to sustain the equipment that we give them. Those are priority decisions that need to be made prior to them actually getting on the battlefield.

    Senator Warren: Yeah, well, Army Secretary Driscoll has taken a necessary and overdue step, but we need all of the services and DOD to prioritize lethality. And that means commanders in the field should never have to beg a contractor to come repair a plane that the Air Force owns or/and that soldiers could fix themselves. Our Navy should never have to wonder if an ally won’t show up because they’re waiting months for a contractor to fix a fuel gauge. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to make sure that we aren’t letting bad contracting practices limit our soldiers’ ability to win on the battlefield. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Can One Be Just in an Unjust Society? A Graduate Conference on Ethics and Politics

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    What happens when ethics meet politics? A new generation of political theorists is rethinking classic notions and divides dating back from Ancient Philosophy and the Age of Enlightenment. On the occasion of the eleventh edition of Sciences Po’s Graduate Conference in Political Theory, in May 2025, we spoke with its organisers, Sciences Po School of Research’s PhD students Cloé Artaut, Thomas Charrayre, Sibylle Léonard and Ciara Luxton. From ancient ideals of the just city to contemporary struggles over global justice, they walk us through the Conference’s purpose and programme.

    Why did you choose to bring together these two concepts, “ethics” and “politics”, for this eleventh doctoral conference?

    Thomas Charrayre: Going back – perhaps in a somewhat textbook-like way – to ancient philosophy, we see that the notions of ethics and politics have long been closely intertwined. For instance, Plato develops the idea of an organic unity between the good life and the just city: a well-organised society was seen as a necessary condition for a happy life, and, conversely, the virtue of citizens as essential to the establishment of justice.

    In the modern world, this unity dissipates: we tend to draw a clear line between private and public life, between what we do as individuals and what we do as citizens. We assume that it is possible to act justly even within an unjust society. Our moral imagination is, in fact, full of heroic figures who manage to follow their own ethical code despite living in politically unjust contexts – think, for example, of the Righteous Among the Nations.

    This separation between ethics and politics is also reflected in the academic world. We distinguish between ethical philosophy and political philosophy, political theory and political science, as though ethics were solely concerned with right and wrong, while politics dealt only with what is or isn’t possible. Indeed, when we ask for an ethical analysis of a situation, we expect a moral judgement; whereas a political analysis is supposed to describe power dynamics and potential outcomes.

    The conference we are organising seeks to revisit these distinctions, which we often take for granted, without necessarily advocating a return to the Greek conception of the good. That is why it revolves around three key areas, all aimed at showing just how blurred the boundary between ethics and politics can be. The first area brings together presentations focused on the historical study of the relationship between ethics and politics, in order to illustrate how this relationship varies depending on context. The second explores the possible need to “moralise” politics – that is, to view it as a domain governed first and foremost by ethical norms. Lastly, the third area features contributions that offer a political critique of moral norms, analysing the political implications of our ethical beliefs.

    Participants in the conference come from France, but also from Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Quebec, and the United Kingdom. What does this international perspective bring?

    Ciara Luxton: Having spent time in France and elsewhere in Europe as a visiting fellow, Nancy Fraser, our the guest of honour for this edition, has shown how much scholarship can benefit from engagement with ideas that are culturally embedded. Her work demonstrates a deep appreciation both for what is specific to national contexts and for the perspectives that intersect around questions of global justice. Inspired by Nancy Fraser’s example, we have put together panels ranging from the intimate ethics of the body and sexuality to intrinsically collective issues such as planetary justice and climate transition. The international outlook of our conference therefore enriches these reflections on the connections and tensions between ethics and politics.

    Intercultural exchange offers us a unique opportunity to challenge our intuitions – often shaped by national and cultural inheritances – and to rethink them in light of other traditions. We have the privilege and the pleasure of welcoming to Sciences Po – an institution that is resolutely international and multilingual – young researchers from far and wide, brought together by a shared language of political and moral theory. The bilingual nature of the event (French–English) facilitates direct and inclusive dialogue between participants, reflecting our shared commitment to advancing research together. Here, political theory takes on a truly global dimension: our conclusions, far from being confined to a single country, engage with the realities of diverse societies. In a connected world, our analyses are interdependent: an idea originating in Quebec can inspire reform in Italy, just as a moral insight from Ireland can cast new light on a political hypothesis from France.

    In this way, we are creating a space for exchange among a new generation of scholars, who will continue this dialogue throughout their careers. Together, we will develop new ways of thinking about politics and ethics, experiment with more flexible and inclusive methodologies, and build conceptual tools suited to a globalised world.

    Nancy Fraser, Professor of Philosophy at the New School in New York, will be giving a public lecture during your event. She has worked extensively on social justice, feminism, and equality. What perspective will she bring?

    Sibylle Léonard: Nancy Fraser is the guest of honour for this edition. She brings a fundamentally critical perspective to the theme of “Ethics and Politics.” Like many feminist theorists, she challenges the classical Enlightenment-era separation between the ethical and political spheres – a division that sees ethics as a matter of individual conscience, while politics is understood as an impersonal domain concerned with government systems, laws, public policy, and quantifiable data such as votes and taxes. I am thinking in particular of Iris Marion Young’s book Justice and the Politics of Difference, which addresses this issue.

    In her approach to social justice, Nancy Fraser puts forward the ethical-political norm of parity of participation: everyone must be able to take part, on an equal footing, in social, economic, and political life. This is an ethical norm in that it defines what it means to treat individuals as equals; but it is also – and above all – political, insofar as it demands institutions that can guarantee the real-world conditions for such equality. This demand is expressed through her tripartite conception of justice – redistribution, recognition, and representation – which she sets out in her book Scales of Justice. According to Fraser, these three dimensions are co-constitutive; they cannot be ranked or addressed in isolation. It is their imbrication that enables a nuanced analysis of contemporary injustices.

    Thus, against single-issue approaches that fragment social struggles, Nancy Fraser advocates for an integrative way of thinking, at the intersection of theory and practice, ethics and politics. She stands within a critical tradition that combines insights from Marxism, materialist feminism, anti-racist and anti-imperialist struggles, and democratic and ecological theory. The cross-cutting nature of her thought explains its deep resonance with the wide range of topics addressed during this graduate conference.

    A highlight of the conference will be Nancy Fraser’s lecture on 19 May, titled “Politics and Ethics in Extremis: A View from Trump’s America.” It will echo her recent analyses of the rise of authoritarian right-wing movements, the impasses of liberal progressivism, and the need to build counter-hegemonic blocs capable of advancing a genuine emancipatory project – themes she explores in her 2019 book The Old Is Dying and the New Cannot Be Born.

    What will you take away from organising this major conference?

    Cloé Artaut: The Graduate Conference is part of a well-established tradition within Sciences Po’s doctoral programme in political theory. Organising its eleventh edition, in May 2025, has been both a unique and formative intellectual and collective experience for us. We now fully appreciate just how valuable it is to have the opportunity, early in our research careers, to organise an academic event of this scale. It is a real learning experience, and one that reflects an essential aspect of the work of a scholar.

    From an organisational point of view, it allowed us to strengthen our skills in scientific coordination, learning how to balance intellectual rigour with logistical constraints and the expectations of participants. On the intellectual front, our aim was to create a space for international and interdisciplinary dialogue around a theme we saw as both classical and timely: the relationship between ethics and politics. Drawing on a line of thinking that dates back to ancient philosophy, as Thomas reminded us, but has undergone many developments in the contemporary era, we wanted to explore how these two concepts – and the links between them – continue to shape our political practices and analyses. This meant building a conference programme that reflected that ambition, giving equal space to both historical approaches and more modern reinterpretations.

    While we feel we largely achieved that goal, it was both surprising – and very rewarding – to discover that some of the proposals we received were quite far from what we had initially imagined when drafting the call for papers, yet still highly relevant to our theme. The gap between what we anticipated and what actually emerged proved to be immensely fruitful, allowing us to construct a rich and diverse programme that we are ultimately very proud of!

    Following the conference, we are considering coordinating a special journal issue dedicated to the conference theme. This project would allow us to extend the conversation we began, showcase the research presented, and continue fostering dialogue among the young scholars involved.

    En savoir plus 

    Cover image caption: Sibylle Léonard, Cloé Artaut, Ciara Luxton et Thomas Charrayre, PhD students at Sciences Po (credits: Sciences Po)

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Refunds still available for 4,000 people who didn’t submit their debt relief order application

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Refunds still available for 4,000 people who didn’t submit their debt relief order application

    People who started a debt relief order application before April 2024 but did not complete the process are being offered refunds for any fees paid

    • Almost 4,000 people are still due a refund for debt relief order applications they paid for but did not submit 

    • The Insolvency Service has written to those due a refund and £65,000 has already been reimbursed since March 

    • Refunds worth a total of £500,000 are still available going back to 2016 for those who did not finish the application process 

    The Insolvency Service is trying to refund money to 4,000 people who made payments towards a debt relief order (DRO) but did not submit their application.  

    Before April 2024, a £90 fee was payable when making a DRO application. 

    Applicants could choose to pay in full or in instalments.  

    However, many thousands of people made a payment towards the fee, but did not submit their application. 

    The £90 fee was scrapped by the Government in April 2024 to make things easier for people with debts to access the help they need. 

    The Insolvency Service still has £500,000 to return to individuals who paid towards these incomplete applications, going back to 2016. 

    The agency has already written to 5,000 people due a refund, with around 1,000 responding and £65,000 being reimbursed since March so far.  

    Another letter is due to be sent out in the coming days.  

    Caroline Shanahan, senior leader in the Personal Insolvency Team at the Insolvency Service, said: “We sent letters to all 5,000 people who are due a refund, but many of them have not come back to us. There are still about 4,000 people who have not responded.  

    We want to return their money as soon as possible, but they need to contact us after receiving the letter.

    In some cases, people may have changed their email address or moved home, meaning we do not have their current details to contact them. Those people can still apply for a refund if they paid towards a debt relief order that was not submitted, they just need to get in touch and let us know.

    Applications for DROs are made through authorised intermediaries. Up until April 2024, payments were made by the individual as part of the application process, either in full or in instalments.  

    The Insolvency Service is keen to provide refunds directly to the individuals who made payments towards the application fee but did not complete their application for whatever reason. 

    If you are owed a refund 

    If you feel you are due a refund after making a payment but not submitting a debt relief order application, please contact dro.preorder@insolvency.gov.uk 

    To request payment into your bank account or building society, please include the following details:  

    • Debt Relief Order application number (if known) 

    • Your name 

    • Your address 

    • Your telephone number 

    • Bank/building society Name 

    • Account name (as shown on bank statement) 

    • Bank account number (full 8 numbers) 

    • Bank sort code (full 6 numbers) 

    • Building Society roll number (if applicable) 

    All applications will be fully verified against system inform to prevent fraudulent claims.  

    If you would like to request a cheque instead, please state this in your email. 

    If your contact details have changed since making the application, please include your previous name and address alongside your current details.  

    If payment was made by a charity or third party on your behalf, please provide the details of the organisation that made the payment. 

    You can also write to us, including the above information in your correspondence, at: The Insolvency Service DRO Team, C/O Met Office, Fitzroy Road, Exeter, EX1 3PB. 

    ENDS 

    Further information 

    • Letters were sent to individuals this week, dated May 2025. 

    • Any interested parties with further questions can call the Insolvency Service customer service helpline on 0300 678 0016. It is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 5pm and on Fridays from 9am to 3pm

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    Updates to this page

    Published 16 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 17, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Law War Memorial rededication

    Source: Scotland – City of Dundee

    A programme of conservation and renovation work on the Dundee Law war memorial has been carried out in time to mark its 100th anniversary.

    And to highlight the occasion Lord Provost Bill Campbell has joined other dignitaries and veterans for the rededication of the refurbished city cenotaph.

    Backed by grant funding from the War Memorials Trust and Dundee City Council, the stonework has been sensitively steam cleaned, repairs carried out and the monument fully repointed.

    The existing light fittings to illuminate the cenotaph have been replaced with low energy LED feature lighting, and the gas installation has also been fully restored allowing the living flame to be lit on ceremonial occasions.

    This will allow the monument to be lit during the hours of darkness and on special commemorative days, such as the anniversary of the start of the Battle of Loos in September.

    Lord Provost Campbell said: “These works are an exciting development which reinstate the significance and importance of what is perhaps one of the most prominent monuments in the country due to its location.

    “When the beacon is lit it is visible from so many places in Dundee that it is a fitting and poignant reminder of the sacrifice of previous generations from the city.

    “On behalf of the people of Dundee, I want to thank the contractors SCAN Building Services, VF Electrical Services and Ecoguard Scotland for their hard work and focus on this unique project.”

    Rev Bob Wightman, Ex-Services Association Chaplain performed the rededication service.

    The city’s war memorial was designed by Thomas Braddock, London with work getting underway in 1921.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 17, 2025
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