NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI USA: 01.28.2025 Sens. Cruz, Schatz, Britt, and Tuberville Introduce Bill Targeting Illegal Fishing Operations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas Ted Cruz
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) introduced the bipartisan Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, which directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop a standard methodology for identifying the country of origin of red snapper and certain species of tuna imported into the United States.
    Technology exists to chemically test and find the geographic origin of many foods, but not for red snapper and tuna. The legislation aims to develop a field test kit that can be used to accurately ascertain whether fish were caught in U.S. or foreign waters, thus allowing federal and state law enforcement officers to identify the origin of the fish and confiscate illegally caught red snapper and tuna before it is imported back into the U.S.
    Upon the introduction of the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, Sen. Cruz said, “Cartels and other criminal entities are illegally catching, importing, and selling red snapper and tuna to unwitting consumers then using such profits to fund other illicit activities like drug smuggling and human trafficking. I am glad to join my colleagues in introducing this common-sense, bipartisan legislation to support U.S. fishermen, and I am hopeful Congress will act quickly to stop these dangerous criminal gangs.”
    Sen. Schatz said, “Seafood that’s caught illegally or intentionally mislabeled rips off consumers and makes it harder for law-abiding U.S. fishermen to compete. Our bill will help fight against pirate fishermen who try to pass off cheap foreign tuna for high-quality ahi from local Hawai‘i fishermen.”
    Sen. Britt said, “Cartel-backed poachers need to face consequences for their illicit activities in the Gulf of America. Red snapper is a core component of Coastal Alabama’s economy, and our hardworking fishermen and food producers deserve fairness when fishing in the Gulf. Senator Cruz’s and my Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act will help protect Alabama’s fishermen. This is yet another message to Mexico that illegal actions cannot and will not stand.”
    Sen. Tuberville said, “Alabama lands 34 percent of all recreationally caught Red Snapper in the Gulf. Unfortunately, our domestic Red Snapper industry is being undermined by Mexican fishermen who are illegally catching American snapper in the Gulf, smuggling them into Mexico, and then reselling the same fish back to American consumers. In addition to taking business away from Alabama’s fishermen, many of the profits from these illegal fishing operations are funding the cartels. I’m proud to join Senator Cruz in introducing the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act to stop illegal Red Snapper from flooding our markets and bankrupting our great fishermen.”
    Background:
    Mexican fishermen cross the maritime border between Texas and Mexico on small boats called “lanchas” to illegally catch red snapper in U.S. waters and return to Mexico. The fish are sold in Mexico or mixed in with legally-caught red snapper then exported back into the United States across land borders. Red snapper is one of the most well-managed and profitable fish in the Gulf, but illegal fishing by Mexican lanchas puts law-abiding U.S. fishermen and seafood producers at a competitive disadvantage.
    In Hawaii, commercial fishermen have long fought to combat illegal fishing and human trafficking in the seafood industry. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing activities violate both national and international fishing regulations.
    Sens. Cruz, Britt, and Tuberville previously introduced similar legislation during the 118th Congress, which passed the Commerce Committee in July of last year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The scale of England’s special educational needs crisis

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Glazzard, Rosalind Hollis Professor of Education for Social Justice, University of Hull

    ESB Professional/Shutterstock

    A group of MPs has delivered a blistering verdict on the state special educational needs in England. In a new report, the public accounts committee call the system “unaffordable” and warn that the Department for Education (DfE) “risks a lost generation of children leaving school without receiving the help they need”.

    Special educational needs support is administered by local authorities, and they are struggling to cope.

    There has been a 140% increase in the number of children and young people with education, health and care (EHC) plans since 2015. EHC plans are reserved for those with complex needs.

    ECH plans are designed to ensure that children get the support they are entitled to to meet their special educational needs. This may include personal budgets, specialist educational provision, transport or support from specialist staff or teaching assistants.

    About 1.9 million children and young people have special educational needs and 576,000 have an EHC plan, which local authorities are required to fund. The rise in the number of children with EHC plans means that despite a rise in government funding, the amount given per plan has fallen.

    Most local authorities spend more than their allocated funding for pupils with high needs. This has resulted in financial deficits. Some local authorities are at risk of going bankrupt.

    Waiting times for special needs assessments to be carried out are lengthy, and in 2023, only half of children received an EHC plan within the 20-week target time. Parents often appeal when a local authority decides not to offer a child an EHC plan, and most of these appeals are upheld.

    Understanding demand

    The increase in the number of children with special educational needs in England is seen in other countries. One reason for the increase in numbers is that more people are seeking a diagnosis. In some cases, changing diagnostic criteria has also led to an increase in diagnoses.

    The Public Accounts Committee report makes several recommendations. These include the need to improve decision-making at local authority level, and understand more about why demand for special educational needs support is increasing. It recommends improving teacher training and continuing professional development, and improving earlier identification of special educational needs.

    Improving decision making in local authorities is an important step in the right direction, but lack of funding to meet demand will mean that local authorities will still need to prioritise how resources are allocated. Improving knowledge about the underlying factors that result in special educational needs will enable the government to focus on systemic interventions that target the root causes of special educational needs and disabilities.

    Teachers already working in classrooms will benefit from professional development that helps them to meet the specific needs of the pupils that they are teaching. It is also important to acknowledge that teachers have many competing demands on them, as they balance the needs of some children against those of others.

    Adding more special educational needs and disabilities content to the teacher training and early career framework is a reasonable response, but this needs to be done with care. Evidence suggests that 35 hours of professional development is a reasonable time to have an effect. One-off professional development events are likely to have less effect.

    More professional development and training for teachers may help, if it is done carefully.
    Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock

    New intensive training and practice opportunities in initial teacher training courses have been introduced to help new teachers put theory into practice. Focusing one or more of these on special educational needs seems to be a reasonable suggestion.

    The government also intends to introduce an 18-month professional leadership qualification for schools’ special educational needs coordinators. However, this is replacing a previous qualification, which was taught at universities. This suggests a move to a less intellectually rigorous programme of professional development, which undermines the credibility of the new professional leadership qualification.

    In 2024 the DfE committed to investing £21 million to train 400 more educational psychologists. This builds on 200 trainees whose training has already been funded. However, given the current demand, this figure is far too small and will probably result in minimal impact.

    Building on existing support

    There is no specific reference in the Public Affairs Committee report to the existing, and important, role of the Education Mental Health Practitioner (EMHP).

    EMHPs are employed by the NHS and provide vital and timely in-school clinical support for children and young people. They carry out assessments of pupils’ needs and work in schools to support pupils’ mental health. They also help schools to develop a whole school approach to mental health.

    However, most schools do not have access to an EMHP. The government has stated that in 2023, just over a third of pupils had access to an EMHP and there are plans to increase this to 50% by April 2025. This is not enough.

    Extending this service to all pupils would ensure that all pupils can receive rapid mental health support in their school, thus reducing the likelihood of mental health problems becoming more serious.

    What is clear from reading this report is that the current system is broken and has reached crisis point. Additional government funding is needed, but is unlikely to ever be enough to meet the demand.

    Collaboration between schools, local authorities, government and education experts is vital in finding solutions so that young people get the support they desperately need.

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

    – ref. The scale of England’s special educational needs crisis – https://theconversation.com/the-scale-of-englands-special-educational-needs-crisis-247494

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Workplace diversity schemes have a problem – but that doesn’t mean Trump is right to axe them

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Louise Ashley, Senior Lecturer in Sociology of Work, Queen Mary University of London

    Donald Trump’s inauguration was marked by a doubling down against programmes of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Among the executive orders he signed during his first days as US president, two were targeted at DEI. The focus was on federal government but the intention appears to be that this should also extend to other American workplaces. And it comes as Meta and Amazon are also retreating from diversity programmes.

    In Trump’s directive, DEI is said to undermine “traditional American values of hard work, excellence, and individual achievement” in favour of an “identity-based spoils system”. But the move dismayed many workers. It doesn’t just seem regressive, but it also appears to make poor business sense – advocates argue that attention to diversity and inclusion can offer higher performance and profits.

    Trump appears to believe DEI offers unfair advantages on the basis, for example, of gender or ethnicity. But an alternative view could be that DEI is a necessary response to a situation where certain groups (often men, typically white, and generally from privileged backgrounds) have benefited from unearned advantages to maintain their grip on power.

    Here, DEI is a response to the idea that simply belonging to these traditionally advantaged groups can be perceived as “talent”. This comes at the expense of typically marginalised groups, who are subject to discrimination and unconscious bias. From this perspective, hostility to DEI might be seen as a way for the traditionally privileged groups to remain dominant.

    Both sides are apparently in favour of merit as the ultimate goal, although they have different views on what this means and how it is achieved. This suggests a paradox.

    But is there any reason to worry about the widespread use of DEI? Based on my research with firms in the City of London, I think the answer is yes (though for very different reasons than the president suggests).

    This raises the question of what (or whose) purpose corporate commitments to DEI actually serve. Common sense would suggest that a primary function is to ensure people can access positions that would previously have been closed off to them.

    Yet it is also worth remembering that where, for example, more women become corporate lawyers or senior financiers, this has no bearing on wider inequalities in society. In fact, in a further paradox, my research has found that some of the organisations most likely to express their commitment to DEI are also implicated in generating these inequalities.

    I researched diversity and inclusion practices in elite financial and professional service firms. These firms have played a key role in orchestrating a form of “rentier capitalism”, where small elites control the means of generating wealth. This system has much wider detrimental effects, as where wealth is increasingly concentrated towards the top, one consequence is stagnating incomes for the middle and working classes. This in turn drives insecurity and widens the wealth gap.

    Legitimising a broken system

    This, of course, is not the fault of people working in these firms. But overall this system desperately needs legitimacy. This is more difficult when senior jobs at the centre of this model of “financialised capitalism” are mostly taken by those from historically privileged groups. Put simply, it makes them look bad.

    One way they can ensure legitimacy is to shout about their commitment to DEI. This can help suggest that the system is merit-based, as access to these “top jobs” seems fairly distributed while rewards appear justly deserved. Most recently, these impressions have been generated by a vocal commitment among these organisations to promoting “social mobility”.

    Opening access to a wider demographic, while good for the organisation and individual staff, has no impact on underlying inequalities. Yet in practice, these measures lack some efficacy. In fact, by offering an impression of change in terms of who occupies the top jobs, DEI can help legitimise and sustain an unequal status quo.

    Diversity in the workplace can strengthen an organisation.
    PintoArt/Shutterstock

    This matters for everyone because the ramifications can spread beyond the workplace. As wealth trickles up and populations grow frustrated that systems are not becoming fairer, the messages of the populist right can hold more appeal.

    Trump’s objection to DEI is very different. For him, DEI is a convenient tool in the culture wars.

    Yet this leads to the current situation, where conservatives like Trump loudly reject what might be considered a conservative agenda (in that the old economic order remains unchanged). It can all start to feel like a disorientating hall of mirrors.

    I am not suggesting, as Trump is, that governments and employers should abandon DEI. This would certainly represent a backward move. But while measures to improve inclusivity in organisations remain important and worthwhile, this should not be seen as a substitute for much wider structural change.

    Perhaps the most urgent challenge for government is tackling wealth inequality as a source of legitimate grievance. This more radical change in direction might even make reactionary and potentially harmful policies – like Trump’s take on DEI – less alluring to voters.

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

    – ref. Workplace diversity schemes have a problem – but that doesn’t mean Trump is right to axe them – https://theconversation.com/workplace-diversity-schemes-have-a-problem-but-that-doesnt-mean-trump-is-right-to-axe-them-248381

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s method for repatriating migrants risks undermining US interests in Latin America

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amalendu Misra, Professor of International Politics, Lancaster University

    Donald Trump’s mass deportation plan hit a brief stumbling block on January 26 when Colombia’s president, Gustavo Petro, refused to allow two US flights carrying deported Colombian migrants to land. Petro’s complaint was that the US government was treating the migrants like criminals by repatriating them in military planes.

    Around the same time, the US had also deported dozens of Brazilian migrants. These people arrived in the Amazonian city of Manaus handcuffed, with the Brazilian government expressing outrage over their “degrading treatment”. One of the migrants claimed they were not given any water during the six-hour flight nor were they allowed to use the bathroom.

    Petro’s pushback enraged Trump. In a post on his Truth Social media site, Trump wrote: “We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of the criminals they forced into the US”. He then threatened Colombia with 25% tariffs and said his government would impose a travel ban on Colombian government officials.

    Petro responded by launching a scathing social media attack on Trump. He initially vowed retaliatory tariffs on US goods and also insisted he would not accept migrants who were not treated with “dignity and respect”. But, within a few hours, Petro had backed down.

    According to a White House statement released late that evening, Colombia had agreed to all of Trump’s terms. This included the “unrestricted acceptance of all illegal aliens from Colombia returned from the US, including on US military aircraft, without limitation or delay”.

    The White House hailed the agreement with Colombia as a victory for Trump’s hardline immigration strategy. In her statement, press secretary Karoline Leavitt wrote: “Today’s events make clear to the world that America is respected again.” But Trump’s punishing tariff threats and foul rhetoric toward illegal immigrants may only damage the power and position of the US in the region.

    Setting a bad precedent

    As Petro’s row with Trump unfolded, Colombia’s former president Iván Duque accused his successor of engaging in “an act of tremendous irresponsibility”. He stressed that Colombia has a “moral duty” to take back the illegal migrants sent by the US, and highlighted the “enormous” toll sanctions and tariffs would have on the economy.

    However, in an interconnected international economic system, Trump’s unilateral threat of tariffs and sanctions can be a double-edged sword.

    Colombia is a relatively minor trading partner to the US. But if Petro’s government had refused to comply with Trump’s demands, it still would have meant higher prices for coffee, avocado and several other commodities. In 2022, the US imported US$24.8 billion (£20 billion) worth of goods from Colombia – nearly US$2 billion of which was coffee.

    Trump’s willingness to wage a trade war with countries in Latin America may also encourage other economies in the region to speed up their search for alternative trade partners. This could lead to more trade deals between Latin American nations themselves.

    In May 2023, under the leadership of Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, 12 South American nations gathered in Brazil’s capital, Brasília, to express their interest in reviving the Union of South American Nations with the explicit aim of bolstering regional trade and cooperation.

    The union effectively broke down in 2019 after major nations like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia and Peru withdrew their membership amid concerns about Venezuela’s leadership. But the “Latin America is stronger together” slogan often quoted by political leaders in the region may now actually materialise, thanks to Trump.

    Latin American nations are looking further afield, too. The EU established a trade deal with Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia in December 2024, bringing 25 years of on-off negotiations to a close. Trump’s tariff threats could encourage other economies in the region to explore becoming a part of that agreement, potentially at the expense of the US.

    And it’s possible that more Latin American countries may eventually seek membership of the Brics bloc of emerging economies, which has repeatedly drawn Trump’s ire for eating into US power and influence. Bolivia and Cuba, alongside seven other countries, were announced as partner states to Brics in late 2024, and more could follow. While not officially part of the bloc, these partner states will get support from its members.

    Worse still, Trump’s threats could inadvertently push Latin American nations into the arms of China. During Trump’s first term, his administration coined the term “troika of tyranny” to describe Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela. These countries are all led by dictators.

    Since then, Beijing has actively pursued a policy of closer cooperation with these countries by making them “strategic competitors” against the US in the region. A 2024 report by researchers at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, an American thinktank, even found evidence of suspected Chinese spy facilities in Cuba.

    Trump’s uncharitable rhetoric and less-than-civilised treatment of illegal immigrants are, at the very least, likely to fuel more anti-American sentiment in the region. This resentment towards the US may well manifest in building bridges with governments and ideologies that are inimical to US interests.

    Amalendu Misra is a recipient of British Academy and Nuffield Foundation grants.

    – ref. Trump’s method for repatriating migrants risks undermining US interests in Latin America – https://theconversation.com/trumps-method-for-repatriating-migrants-risks-undermining-us-interests-in-latin-america-248396

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: 2024 Q4 Revenue

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • €994.6 million in total revenue for 2024, down -5.9%, reflecting the Group’s strategic orientations
      • Prioritizing margins over revenue growth
      • Managed decrease in the most mature markets
      • Focus on the Group’s profitable growth drivers, primarily in Germany and in Energy activities
    • Q4: €251.8 million in revenue, down -12.4%
      • Q4 2023 comparison basis particularly high
      • Impact of selectivity measures implemented in Q2 in the telecom sector in France and Spain
      • Fiber activity in Belgium remains low as negotiations continue between telco service providers seeking to pool their investments.
      • Strong growth in Germany, the group’s future third pillar: +51%
      • Strong growth in Energy activities: +30%
    • 2024 full-year margin outlook confirmed
      • Improvement of the Group’s adjusted EBITDA margin
      • Increase in adjusted EBITDA despite the revenue decline, demonstrating the relevance of the Group’s reinforced selectivity strategy
      12 months Q4
    In millions of euros (unaudited) 2024 2023 % change 2024 2023 % change
    Group 994.6 1,057.0         -5.9% 251.8 287.3         -12.4%
    Benelux 371.6 381.6         -2.6% 92.7 112.0         -17.2%
    France 360.6 403.3         -10.6% 90.5 105.6         -14.3%
    Other Countries 262.4 272.1         -3.6% 68.6 69.7         -1.6%

    Gianbeppi Fortis, Chief Executive Officer of Solutions30, stated: “As previously announced, Solutions30’s 2024 revenue trends reflect the Group’s strategic priorities, with a stronger focus on margins over revenue growth in a mixed market environment. In the fourth quarter, we continued to selectively scale back our revenue in our most mature segments, particularly in telecoms in France and Spain, in order to enhance operating margins. Meanwhile, fiber activity in Belgium remained temporarily subdued due to ongoing negotiations between service providers. At the same time, our key growth drivers – primarily Germany and energy transition-related services – continued to expand. Notably, energy services now represent nearly 20% of our fourth-quarter revenue. We confirm our objective of increasing the Group’s adjusted EBITDA for the full year 2024, despite the revenue decrease. This demonstrates our ability to significantly improve operating margins and highlights the effectiveness of our selectivity strategy in the market environment we faced in 2024.”

    Consolidated revenue

    In 2024, Solutions30’s consolidated revenue stood at €994.6 million, down -5.9% compared to 2023. This includes an organic contraction of -6.5%, a +0.2% impact from acquisitions, and a +0.4% favorable exchange rate effect.

    It also reflects the Group’s strategic objectives, as outlined during the Capital Markets Day on September 26, 2024, in a context where Solutions30 operates across markets and business segments at different stages of maturity. The Group has chosen to increasingly prioritize margins over revenue growth, leading to a scaling down in the French and Spanish telecom sectors, where certain contracts no longer met profitability requirements. At the same time, Solutions30 is accelerating the expansion of its profitable growth drivers in Germany and in the energy sector.

    Q4 consolidated revenue stood at €251.8 million, down -12.4% (-12.9% organically) compared to Q4 2023, which represented a particularly high basis for comparison (€287.3 million). Trends in Q4 remained in line with those observed in Q3, with: (i) the impact of selectivity measures implemented in Q2 in the French and Spanish telecom sectors, (ii) continued low levels of activity in Benelux, largely due to ongoing negotiations between Belgian service providers seeking to pool their fiber roll-out investments, and (iii) continued strong momentum in the Group’s key growth drivers: Germany, where fiber deployments are accelerating rapidly, and Energy services, a business the Group is successfully expanding.

    Benelux

    2024 Q4 revenue in Benelux stood at €92.7 million, down -17.2% (-17.6% organically) from a particularly high comparison basis (+61% in Q4 of 2023). Connectivity activities posted revenue of €67.3 million in Q4, down
    -26%. In Belgium, fiber optic deployment remained hindered by ongoing negotiations between telecom service providers seeking to streamline nationwide deployment. These negotiations continued to cause delays in activity for Solutions30, with the impact further amplified in Q4 by the merger of two of its local clients, Proximus and Fiberklaar, which led to discussions on adapting operational processes.

    Revenue from Energy activities reached €16.4 million in Q4, posting a modest 1.8% increase. While the roll-out of smart meters in Flanders has reached a plateau, further roll-outs in Wallonia and growth in network services are expected to drive momentum in the coming quarters. Meanwhile, Energy services in the Netherlands have slowed down due to electrical grid congestion, which is expected to prompt additional infrastructure investments.

    Technology Solutions remained strong, generating €9.0 million in revenue, up +67%, driven by the launch of a new IT support contract.        

    2024 annual revenue in Benelux reached €371.6 million, down slightly by -2.6% (-2.8% organically), after extremely strong growth (+72%) in 2023.

    France

    In France, 2024 Q4 revenue was €90.5 million, down -14.3% on an organic basis. This decrease is primarily attributable to Connectivity activities, which contracted by -38.2% to €45.2 million, following the selectivity measures implemented since the second quarter. As part of its strategic focus on profitability, the Group has significantly reduced its exposure to certain contracts that no longer met its profitability standards, with the impact further amplified by the slowdown in the fiber deployment market observed since the beginning of the year.

    The Group continues to successfully expand its Energy business, which posted strong growth of +54% in the fourth quarter, reaching €26.0 million in revenue, or 29% of the total. Supported by highly favorable structural trends, this segment is gradually establishing itself as a major growth driver for Solutions30, particularly in the photovoltaic sector, where the Group is achieving significant commercial and operational successes, recording a +72% increase in the fourth quarter. Momentum also remains strong in energy network services, which grew by +61% over the period.

    Technology activities sustain a strong momentum, generating €19.3 million in revenue in Q4, up +24%. Following an exceptional surge in business during the 2024 Paris Olympics in Q2, IT support services continued to grow strongly, driven by the expansion of Internet of Things solutions, particularly the installation of smart thermostats.

    Annual revenue for France in 2024 stood at €360.6 million, down -10.6%, including a -11% organic contraction and a +0.4% contribution from recent acquisitions.

    Other Countries

    In Other countries, the group generated €68.6 million in revenue in Q4 2024, down slightly by -1.6%. This includes an organic decline of -3.4% and a positive currency impact of +1.8%, reflecting the appreciation of the zloty and pound sterling against the euro during this period.

    In Germany, Solutions30 is capitalizing on exceptional market momentum, with 2024 Q4 revenue increasing by +51.3% to €24.6 million. Coaxial network services remain strong while fiber growth is picking up speed. Firmly established with the leading national telecom operators, the Group has the organization, expertise, and resources required to play a key role in accelerating roll-outs in the coming quarters.

    Solutions30 has continued to grow in Poland, with +6.4% revenue growth in Q4, reaching €15.1 million. While it has, until now, focused on Connectivity activities in this country, the Group recently won two electric vehicle charging infrastructure contracts with two major players, Ekoenergetyka and Inbalance Grid (see press release dated January 8, 2025).

    In Italy, Q4 revenue totaled €14.5 million. Business has returned to growth, posting a +6.2% increase over the period. However, this growth is offset by the positive impact of 2023 negotiations with the Group’s main Italian client, which was fully accounted for in Q4 2023, despite covering the entire fiscal year. This distorts the comparison, resulting in an apparent -10.6% decline in Q4 2024.

    In Spain, revenue amounted to €7.3 million, down -44.1% due to steps taken in Q2 to reduce the Group’s exposure to the mature telecoms market. The restructuring of the Connectivity business and the refocus on the Energy and Technology activities are ongoing.

    Finally, In the United Kingdom, revenue came in at €7.2 million, down -28.4% compared to Q4 2023. The Group continues to shift its focus toward the fiber and energy services markets, driven by a newly appointed local management team.

    In 2024, annual revenue for Other Countries was €262.4 million, down -3.6%, including a -5.0% organic contraction and a positive exchange rate effect of +1.4%.

    2024 full-year margin outlook confirmed

    For the whole of 2024, Solutions30 confirms its outlook for an improvement in its adjusted EBITDA margin, as well as an increase in adjusted EBITDA in absolute terms, despite the decline in revenue. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the selectivity strategy implemented by the Group in 2024.

     
    Governance

    Today the Supervisory Board appointed Mrs. Paola Bruno as Vice Chair of the Supervisory Board. A valued member of the Supervisory Board since 2023, Paola Bruno will continue to bring her extensive experience in corporate finance and strategy to this leadership role and to Solutions30 organization as a whole.

    Webcast for Investors and Analysts
    Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
    6:30 PM (CET) – 5:30 PM (GMT)

    Speakers
    Gianbeppi Fortis, Chief Executive Officer
    Amaury Boilot, Group General Secretary

    Connection Details
    Webcast in French: https://channel.royalcast.com/landingpage/solutions30-fr/20250129_1/

    Upcoming Events

    2024 Earnings Report                                                                                  March 31, 2025

    About Solutions30 SE

    Solutions30 provides consumers and businesses with access to the key technological advancements that are shaping our everyday lives, especially those driving the digital transformation and energy transition. With its network of more than 16,000 technicians, Solutions30 has completed over 65 million call-outs since its inception and led over 500 renewable energy projects with a combined maximum output surpassing 1600 MWp. Every day, Solutions30 is doing its part to build a more connected and sustainable world. Solutions30 has become an industry leader in Europe with operations in 10 countries: France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and Poland.
    The capital of Solutions30 SE consists of 107,127,984 shares, equal to the number of theoretical votes that can be exercised. Solutions30 SE is listed on the Euronext Paris exchange (ISIN FR0013379484- code S30).
    Indices : CAC Mid & Small | CAC Small | CAC Technology | Euro Stoxx Total Market Technology | Euronext Tech Croissance.
    Visit our website for more information: www.solutions30.com.

    Contact

    Individual Shareholders:
    Tel: +33 (0)1 86 86 00 63 – shareholders@solutions30.com

    Analysts/Investors:
    investor.relations@solutions30.com

    Press – Image 7:
    Charlotte Le Barbier – Tel: +33 6 78 37 27 60 – clebarbier@image7.fr

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: StuffThatWorks Survey Reveals High Patient Interest in Participating in Clinical Trials

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Data from the largest patient-reported real-world data exploration underlines new opportunities for medical research to accelerate drug development

    Over 93 percent of more than 6,000 respondents are interested in learning about clinical trials relevant to their condition, but unexpected barriers delay participation

    GAASH, Israel, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — StuffThatWorks, the largest, most up-to-date crowd-sourced patient-centric real-world data optimized for the medical and research community, today released the results of a new custom survey, Barriers in Clinical Trials, which shows that patients are primed to participate in clinical research1. The survey taps the reactions of over 6,000 patients with chronic conditions and reveals that an overwhelming majority of respondents consider clinical trials a path to accessing new medical treatments, with more than 93 percent interested in learning about trials that are relevant to their condition. 

    In addition, nearly 57 percent of respondents report that they are severely impacted by their medical condition, with nearly 43 percent believing they have exhausted all other treatment options, highlighting an urgent need for additional treatment pathways. The survey’s findings also reinforce the need for more proactive engagement and education; nearly 96 percent of respondents reported they received little or no information from providers about clinical trials in the last six months.

    “The survey data reveal a desire among patients to access clinical trials as viable treatment options, underscoring the need for medical professionals to actively consider clinical research for addressing their patients’ needs,” said Yael Elish, Founder and CEO of StuffThatWorks and a WAZE founding team member. “This unique patient perspective and experience collected in structured form along with other organized health information provides valuable insights and underlines a new way for clinicians and researchers to engage with patients to better inform the development of study protocols to benefit patients and advance the science of medicine.”

    The survey was conducted among patients with chronic conditions through StuffThatWorks, the world’s first large scale patient-generated Real World Data platform. StuffThatWorks empowers patients to transform their experiences and health information into structured organized Real World Data optimized for patient centric Real World Data research. Research organizations receive near real time comprehensive access to organized aggregated, de-identified data and corresponding patients. 

    With over 3 million members across 1,250+ conditions and 1.3 billion data points in the U.S. and globally, StuffThatWorks is the largest and most up-to-date patient-generated crowd-sourced Real World Data optimized for generation of unique patient journey insights. From rare to common chronic conditions, patient insights covering various topics, including symptoms, treatments, and disease burden, can be generated in real-time and broken down by racial and ethnic demographics, geography, lifestyle, symptoms, and more. In addition to real-time access to the data set, on-demand custom surveys like this current Barriers to Clinical Trial initiative can be fielded to gain real-world insights from patients.

    Patients on StuffThatWorks share anonymized health information at scale on an ongoing basis.  Instead of exhausting patients by re-asking mundane questions, our approach allows us to benefit from the already collected patient data and to conduct follow-up surveys for the missing information only.  In addition, customers benefit from built in powerful analysis and insight generation tools that cross all conditions. 

    “Until now, researching the experience of people living with chronic conditions in the real world meant interviewing individual patients or running one-off limited surveys, which are time-consuming, costly, and, more importantly, limited in their ability to represent the diversity of patient populations and to provide insight beyond the limited number of questions possible,” added Elish. “Patient crowdsourcing at scale can reveal unmatched insights on any patient-centric topic, in this case – the insights needed to address barriers to patient participation in clinical trials.”

    The custom survey Barriers in Clinical Trials included 6,004 respondents with an average age of 61. Patients who participated in the survey suffered from a wide range of chronic conditions, including COPD, fibromyalgia, peripheral neuropathy, tinnitus, osteoarthritis, COVID-19, multiple sclerosis, migraine, high blood pressure, and clinical depression. 

    The study also revealed that:

    • Most respondents (98 percent) perceive clinical trials as a path through which they can significantly benefit by being included in the development of new medical options
    • Nearly one-third (29 percent) shared that their primary motivation for participating in clinical trials is to help advance science
    • Almost one-quarter (23 percent) want to participate in clinical research because they have no other treatment options available
    • For nearly one-quarter (23 percent), their physician recommended their participation in a trial, but the obstacles to involvement are travel costs and lost wages the patient would shoulder
    • One fifth (19 percent) of respondents shared that having their medical treatment and/or receiving an honorarium would motivate them to participate in a study
    • In addition, 41 percent shared being in a stressful or challenging financial situation, and more than 31 percent said their financials impact decision-making
    • Only 13 percent had a doctor explain why a clinical trial could be helpful for their condition, and an overwhelming majority (nearly 96 percent) revealed they did not receive information from doctors about clinical trials in the last six months
    • Participants indicated they are flexible regarding the possible format of clinical trials and would participate in in-person, virtual, or hybrid settings.

    “The survey’s data show that patients are not simply willing; they are eager to participate in clinical trials, provided they are informed and supported throughout the process,” said Chantal Beaudry, Senior Partner, Health Communications and Patient Recruitment at FINN Partners. “This dataset provides unique, real-world perspectives invaluable to organizations seeking to engage patients more effectively and optimize their clinical trials.” FINN Partners is working with StuffThatWorks to ensure these data are shared broadly to encourage greater participation in clinical trials and accelerate the delivery of new indications and therapies to patients.

    Additional data from the survey is being analyzed to provide information regarding insights and barriers in specific patient populations. This comprehensive database of patient-reported outcomes is now available for custom research and real-time data analysis. These custom surveys are a new offering and can be enriched with past and future data from the comprehensive StuffThatWorks database.

    For more information regarding StuffThatWorks, please visit www.stuffthatworks.health.

    About StuffThatWorks

    Created by Waze founding team members, StuffThatWorks uses crowdsourcing and AI to transform shared patient experiences and data into the first organized large scale, multidimensional, longitudinal, real-world data set facilitating a neutral representation of diverse populations and treatments, insights generation and direct engagement with patients throughout their journey.

    StuffThatWorks is the home to 3M members across 1,250 condition communities that have so far shared 1.3B data points. Already the largest organized Patient Level Real World Data platform, StuffThatWorks is differentiated by its powerful data collection, structuring and organization infrastructure. The unique, proprietary data set and unique AI and powerful Chat GPT like capabilities enable the efficient generation of insights for research, market access and drug development. 

    1. Data on file

    Contact:
    Glenn Silver, Media Relations
    FINN Partners
    +1 973 818 8198

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/49b9fbd5-e984-4f2e-ba4e-22217f2c5ee6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Charter for Budget Responsibility approved by Parliament

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Charter for Budget Responsibility has been approved in the House of Commons, enshrining new fiscal rules into law.

    • Rules demonstrate the government’s commitment to stability and investment to drive growth.  

    • New fiscal rules confirmed as the Chancellor commits to going further and faster to kick start economic growth and make working people better off as part of the Plan for Change.

    Today (Wednesday 29 January) the House of Commons voted to enshrine the Charter for Budget Responsibility and the new fiscal rules into law.  

    These fiscal rules provide the stability which underpins the Plan for Change and the Government’s number one priority to kickstart economic growth. 

    There are two new non-negotiable fiscal rules. The first is the stability rule which ensures that day to day spending is matched by tax revenues, so the Government is only borrowing to invest.  

    The second is the investment rule which requires the government to reduce net financial debt as a share of the economy, keeping debt on a sustainable path while allowing much needed investment to grow the economy.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    In our Plan for Change we were clear that our top priority is growth built on stability. Today I have announced how I will go further and faster on growth and our fiscal rules, which have been enshrined in law, are now non-negotiable and the bedrock of that stability.

    Through the Charter, fiscal and economic stability will be enhanced by confirming the government’s intention to move to one major fiscal event per year, giving families and businesses certainty of tax and spending plans.  

    Stability is also reinforced by confirmation that the Treasury will conduct Spending Reviews every two years, setting spending plans for at least three, to ensure public services have certainty on their funding. 

    Fiscal transparency and accountability will also be strengthened as the Chancellor has accepted all of the recommendations of the OBR’s review of the March 2024 forecast for Departmental Expenditure Limits, including to improve the spending information that the Treasury shares with the OBR. 

    In addition, the Charter now requires the OBR to report on the long-term impacts of capital investment and other policies at fiscal events, showing how economic growth and the health of the public balance sheet is bolstered by good investment decisions. 

    The Charter also outlines the detail of the fiscal lock – the first legislation passed by this government – so that no government can announce fiscally-significant measures without being subject to an independent assessment by the OBR, ensuring they can never again be sidelined.

    The legislation in full can be found on the Houses of Parliament website.

    The approved OBR Charter can be found on GOV.UK.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: King Charles III England Coast Path takes next steps

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    8.8 miles (14.1km) stretch between Birkenhead and Welsh border  gives public access to iconic coastline in the North West and North Wales.    

    The trail passes through New Brighton where walkers can enjoy views out over the Irish Sea before the vista changes to the Dee Estuary near to Burton Point.  

    A new section of the King Charles III England Coast Path has been opened, giving the public a legal right to the iconic coastline of the North West and North Wales.  

    The 8.8 miles (14.1km) stretch completes the Birkenhead to Welsh border section connecting existing KCIIIIEP sections northwards to the ferry across the Mersey and southwards beyond to the Welsh border, from where a link path allows you to continue south along the Wales Coast Path.    

    The iconic scenery changes as the path is followed from Birkenhead towards Wales; passing through urban and suburban promenades to beaches, low clifftop grassy paths, isolated patches of scrub and woodland and boulder clay cliffs, with spectacular views across North Wales and the mountains of Snowdonia, on a clear day  

    Initially, walkers on the eastern side of the peninsula will be able to take in the spectacle of Liverpool’s historic docks, just across the Mersey.

    After turning the corner at New Brighton, there will be views out over the Irish Sea before the vista changes to the Dee Estuary near to Burton Point.   

    Walkers can experience Wirral Way

    The trail passes by the edge of Leasowe Common and North Wirral Coastal Park, where the old Leasowe lighthouse is still a prominent landmark.

    It meanders through low sand dunes, at the edge of Red Rocks Nature Reserve before rejoining the promenade at South Parade. Walkers can also experience Wirral Way, which is a major existing walking and cycling route along Wirral’s southwestern coast.

    South of Station Road, the route rejoins the coast, continuing through Wirral County Park, with its visitor centre and café.  

    Shortly after leaving Wirral Country Park, the route takes walkers on a pleasant path through Tinker’s Dell, where traditional access to the foreshore has now been repaired and reinstated by Wirral Council, alongside the development of the KCIIIECP  

    The final stretch of the KCIIIECP connects walkers to the Welsh Border, near to Burton Point, adjacent to the military firing range.

    However, it’s possible to continue the journey via a link path, which connects to the Wales Coast Path at Hawarden. Marking both sides of the border are some unique artworks by Mike Johnson.  

    Benefits of spending time in nature

    Gerry Rusbridge, Senior advisor for Natural England in the North West, said:   

    We know that spending time in nature benefits both our physical and mental health.

    The new path opens up beautiful new countryside to the public, aiming to make it easier for as many people as possible to experience some of the most stunning and dynamic parts of the North West and Welsh coastlines.  

    The trail will also support the local economy – bringing walkers and visitors to the towns and villages for daytrips, refreshments and places to stay.

    Natural England worked on this section of the King Charles III England Coast Path with key partners including Natural Resources Wales, Flintshire County Council and Wirral Council.  

    Cllr Liz Grey, Chair of the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee for Wirral Council, said:  

    We are already incredibly proud of our coastline in Wirral. As a peninsula it is naturally one of our defining features and along our coast we can boast we have some of the most diverse and distinctive landmarks across the whole North West. 

    We are honoured that a significant stretch of our three sides of coastline is now officially incorporated into the nationwide walking trail, the King Charles III England Coastal Path and we look forward to welcoming new and returning visitors to the borough to enjoy our scenery, our seaside, our internationally-significant wildlife and nature – and our hospitality.

    Cllr Chris Dolphin, Flintshire County Council Cabinet member for Planning, Economy and Environment said: 

    Flintshire County Council welcomes the King Charles III English Coast Path to our border, this will be a fantastic opportunity for communities and visitors alike to explore this wonderful link between our two countries.

    Jont Bulbeck, Outdoor Access and Recreation Team leader for Natural Resources Wales, said:   

    Being able to link up with the King Charles III England Coast Path presents lots more opportunities for people to extend and enjoy their walking experience from both sides of the border. 

    From the link route, the Wales Coast Path welcomes people to enjoy the North Wales coastline offering something for everyone, a taste of Welsh heritage and culture, accessible sections suitable for wheelchair users and families with prams with fantastic views of the Dee Estuary and Menai Strait.

    Start your adventure and discover your perfect trail with National Trails. So that everyone can make the most of the King Charles III England Coast Path, please follow the Countryside Code. This includes not bringing BBQs or dropping litter, and not lighting fires or camping stoves.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: MCQ Markets announces Solana and RWA Strategy for the Future of Data Authenticity and Tokenization of Collector Cars on the Blockchain

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MCQ Markets, an emerging leader in the automotive alternative asset investment space, is thrilled to announce its new strategic endeavor pioneering the curation of ultra-rare luxury vehicles and collectibles via tokenization and data authentication on the Solana Blockchain.

    MCQ provides individuals the opportunity to diversify their investment portfolios with iconic automobiles through their SEC-qualified offerings – breaking down barriers traditionally associated with luxury car ownership.

    MCQ Markets is creating a series of NFTs for each car to be sold on the MCQ platform, ensuring the data authenticity of all automobiles and collectibles. Each vehicle will be linked to a unique NFT, securely storing vital information such as VIN, mileage, acquisition date, and more. This secure and immutable digital ledger will ensure all records are tamper-resistant and fully transparent.

    Backed by the Solana Foundation, which drives the adoption of the Solana blockchain, this integration ensures the seamless tokenization of real-world assets (RWA) like these collector cars, setting a new standard for transparency and innovation in Web3. By leveraging scalability and efficiency offered on the Solana blockchain, MCQ Markets is laying the foundation for the future of data secure authentication in the collector car market, ensuring verified historical records and market valuations.

    CEO of MCQ Markets, Curt Hopkins, shared, “This integration will bring the technical prowess and security of the blockchain to the automotive world, ensuring authenticity, provenance, and transparency for our investors. This partnership will enable MCQ Markets to explore new frontiers in Web3 and be at the forefront of creating the future automotive collecting.”

    MCQ Markets has received an investment from SOL Global Investments Corp. as part of their 2025 Solana ecosystem investment strategy. Curt continued, “This investment into MCQ Markets from SOL Global highlights the innovative potential of Solana’s blockchain technology to revolutionize traditional and alternative asset classes, providing a new level of authenticity and provenance to all investments.”

    About MCQ Markets
    MCQ Markets is redefining luxury asset ownership by making exotic automobiles attainable through its innovative fractional ownership model. The platform serves both passionate enthusiasts and seasoned investors, democratizing luxury ownership and allowing more individuals to invest in assets that were previously out of reach. For more information, please visit: https://on.mcqmarkets.com/pr.

    Investments contain a high degree of risk. You should carefully review the MCQ Markets offering circular before deciding to invest, a copy of which is available on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s website, linked here: https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/2025795/000149315224023512/partiiandiii.htm.

    About Solana Foundation
    The Solana Foundation is dedicated to the adoption and growth of the Solana blockchain, one of the world’s fastest and most scalable decentralized networks. By enabling secure, low-cost, and energy-efficient transactions, Solana powers the next generation of blockchain-based innovations across finance, gaming, and real-world asset tokenization. For more information, visit: https://solana.org/.

    Contact Information:
    MCQ Markets Media Contact
    Email: press@mcqmarkets.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Elliott Broidy and Dr. Thomas Kaplan Co-Chair Fundraising Initiative to Convert Nazi Commandant’s Home Adjacent to Auschwitz into a New Global Center for Combating Antisemitism, Extremism, and Hate

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Boca Raton, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On January 27th, International Holocaust Remembrance Day and the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and co-chairs of The Fund to End Antisemitism, Extremism, and Hate, Elliott Broidy and Dr. Thomas Kaplan announced the launch of a major fundraising campaign to help fund the Auschwitz Research Center on Hate, Extremism, and Radicalization (ARCHER) at House 88.

    Spearheaded by the Counter Extremism Project (CEP), ARCHER aims to transform the former residence of Auschwitz Commandant Rudolf Höss in Oświęcim, Poland, from a center of hate to a center against hate in all forms. In addition to the residence, famed architect Daniel Libeskind has designed an extraordinary new building on the grounds of House 88 to house the organization’s research, education, and advocacy activities.

    “This historic initiative represents a crucial step in our fight against extremism,” said Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, CEO of the Counter Extremism Project. “ARCHER at House 88 will serve as a vital hub for research, education, and—crucially—action in countering hate, antisemitism, and extremism globally.”

    “The lessons of history demand that we do more than just remember—we must act,” said Dr. Thomas Kaplan. “ARCHER at House 88 is not just about preserving history; it is about changing the future. By transforming this house—once a symbol of unimaginable evil—into a center dedicated to combating extremism and hate, we are sending a powerful message. But we cannot do this alone.”

    Elliott Broidy added, “This is a call to action—our fundraising efforts are critical to ensuring that this initiative succeeds in its mission to create a world free from extremism. I am thrilled that leaders and philanthropists Aryeh Bourkoff, Senator Norm Coleman, Eric Herschmann, Kenneth B. Mehlman, George Schaeffer, Lenny Sands, Ambassador Mark D. Wallace, and Dr. Herbert Wertheim have all joined the Board of the Fund.” (Board In Formation)

    Senator Norm Coleman said, “I am honored to stand in support of ARCHER at House 88 and its mission to confront antisemitism and extremism head-on. Converting the former Auschwitz Commandant’s residence into a global center for education and advocacy sends a resounding message: antisemitism, extremism, and hate will never prevail, and we are committed to building a future defined by tolerance and understanding.”

    Businessman Kenneth B. Mehlman said, “Never Again must be more than a slogan. It requires active engagement, education, and vigilance. ARCHER at House 88 will honor Auschwitz’s victims by educating, engaging, and warning future generations about the evils of genocidal hatred.”

    The ARCHER initiative is now actively seeking additional support to expand its programs, including:

    • A fellowship program for leading scholars focused on extremism research
    • Educational programs for policymakers, educators, and the public
    • Policy advocacy implementing actionable strategies to combat hate

    To learn more about ARCHER at House 88 or to make a donation, visit https://www.counterextremism.com/donate.

    For media inquiries:
    Vlad Drazdovich – vlad@redbanyan.com
    (954) 773-9456

    For fundraising inquiries:
    Robert Benton – rbenton@counterextremism.com

    About Elliott Broidy
    Elliott Broidy is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist with a career spanning four decades. As Chairman and CEO of Broidy Capital Holdings, he has invested in over 160 companies across multiple industries. Since 9/11, his investments have focused on companies in the public safety and national security sectors. Through his philanthropic efforts, he has supported numerous organizations dedicated to countering hate and extremism, including The Simon Wiesenthal Center-Museum of Tolerance, The Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab (CELL), the George Washington University Program on Extremism, and StandWithUs.

    About Dr. Thomas Kaplan
    Dr. Thomas Kaplan is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and advocate for global education, cultural preservation, and the fight against extremism. As the former President and Chairman of New York’s 92nd Street Y, a world-renowned Jewish community and cultural center in New York, Dr. Kaplan has long supported initiatives that promote Jewish history and cultural awareness. He is also the founder of the Recanati-Kaplan Intelligence Fellows Program at Harvard’s Belfer Center and co-creator of a similar program at Yale’s Jackson School of Global Affairs, furthering advancements in intelligence and geopolitical strategy. Through his philanthropic work, Dr. Kaplan is committed to fostering education, historical preservation, and impactful global change.

    About ARCHER at House 88
    ARCHER at House 88 is a global research and education center dedicated to combating extremism, antisemitism, and hate. Established by the Counter Extremism Project (CEP) in collaboration with the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum and UNESCO, the center serves as a hub for scholarly research, policy development, and public education.

    About the Counter Extremism Project (CEP)
    The Counter Extremism Project (CEP) is a nonprofit, non-partisan policy organization formed in 2014 to combat extremism by pressuring financial and material support networks; combating online recruitment and communications; and promoting progressive laws, policies, and, regulations.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: AI is bad for the environment, and the problem is bigger than energy consumption

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Hamish van der Ven, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Business Management of Natural Resources, University of British Columbia

    The growing use of artificial intelligence has led to larger and more powerful data centres, with increased demands on the environment. (Shutterstock)

    Artificial intelligence technologies, like chatbots, are attracting growing scrutiny for their voracious energy demands. However, energy consumption is only one part of their broader environmental impact.

    Late last year, ChatGPT, the popular AI chatbot run by OpenAI, celebrated its second birthday. In its brief existence, the platform has amassed over 300 million weekly users who send roughly one billion messages to the chatbot per day.

    With US$6.6 billion raised in its last funding round, OpenAI has emerged as one of the most valuable private companies in the world.

    Soaring emissions

    Elsewhere in tech, other companies marked less savoury milestones. Alphabet — the parent company of Google — recently announced that its GHG emissions are up 48 per cent since 2019. At roughly the same time, Microsoft announced that its emissions are up 29 per cent since 2020.

    Both companies cite emissions associated with the need for more data centres to support AI workloads as a key factor in surging GHG emissions. AI is notoriously thirsty for energy — according to one researcher, one query to ChatGPT uses approximately as much electricity as one light bulb for 20 minutes.

    The collective energy demand of data centres in the United States is so high that Microsoft recently reached a deal to reopen Three Mile Island, the site of the worst nuclear accident in American history.

    The burgeoning AI industry needs so much electricity that plans to decommission several coal plants have been delayed. By some estimates, the collective demand of AI and other digital technologies will constitute 20 per cent of global electricity use by 2030.

    Insidious effects

    The energy use of AI is important, but it does not tell the whole story of AI’s environmental impacts. The social and political mediums through which AI affects the planet are far more insidious and, arguably, more consequential for the future of humanity.

    In the Business, Sustainability and Technology Lab at the University of British Columbia, we specialize in evaluating the social and political ways in which digital technologies affect the environment.

    In our recently published paper, “Does artificial intelligence bias perceptions of environmental challenges?,” my students and I argue that AI changes how humans perceive environmental challenges in ways that obscure the accountability of powerful entities, ignore marginalized communities and promote cautious and incremental solutions that are drastically out of sync with the timeline required to avert environmental crises.

    We asked four chatbots the same series of questions about the issues, causes, consequences and solutions to nine environmental challenges. We found evidence of systematic biases in their responses. Most notably, chatbots avoid mentioning radical solutions to environmental challenges. They are far more likely to propose combinations of soft economic, social or political changes, like greater deployment of sustainable technologies and broader public awareness and education.

    Chatbots by OpenAI and Anthropic exhibited a reluctance to discuss the broader social, cultural and economic issues that are entangled in environmental challenges. For example, the term “environmental justice” is absent from nearly all chatbot responses. Chatbots also avoided references to dismantling colonialism or rethinking infinite economic growth as solutions to these challenges.

    Chatbots may be programmed to avoid raising the broader social, cultural and economic issues that are entangled in environmental challenges.
    (Shutterstock)

    AI bias

    Biases also exist in who chatbots see as responsible or vulnerable to environmental challenges. The chatbots we studied were far more likely to blame governments for environmental challenges than businesses or financial organizations. Similarly, while the vulnerability of Indigenous groups to climate change and biodiversity loss was mentioned frequently, the susceptibility of Black people and women to these same challenges received scant attention.

    All of this is particularly worrisome given the increasingly widespread use of AI chatbots by educators, students, policymakers and business leaders to understand and respond to environmental challenges. Chatbots present information in an oracular way, usually as a single text box written in an authoritative manner and understood as a synthesis of all digitalized knowledge.

    If AI users treat this text uncritically, they risk arriving at conclusions that propagate biased conceptions of environmental challenges and reinforce ineffective efforts to avert ecological crises.

    In the near future, the problem of bias in AI looks to get even worse, as OpenAI and other AI companies consider incorporating advertising to generate the revenue needed to train newer and more complex large language models.

    While it remains unclear what advertising will look like when integrated into ChatGPT, it is not difficult to see a world in which a description of climate change and its attendant solutions will be brought to you by the good folks at ExxonMobil or Shell.

    Hamish van der Ven receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. AI is bad for the environment, and the problem is bigger than energy consumption – https://theconversation.com/ai-is-bad-for-the-environment-and-the-problem-is-bigger-than-energy-consumption-247842

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Search for sympathetic use for historic house

    Source: City of Plymouth

    We are currently looking for a dynamic, sensitive and funded individual or organisation who could give a new and sympathetic lease of life to one of the city’s oldest buildings – the Merchant’s House.

    The property, which dates back to the 16th Century, was once a museum but has been closed for almost a decade.

    Now the Council is hoping to hear from companies, organisations or individuals who are keen to see this incredible Grade II* building come alive once more.

    Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member responsible for the city’s assets said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly but we need to do something. We have invested millions in the Box and the Elizabethan House, but we currently have no use for this building and no prospect of funding to restore this house.

    “We very much hope some thinkers and doers with the finances and the wherewithal to take on a project like this will come forward.

    “The house has been closed for almost a decade and is slowly degrading over time. We hope this appeal will generate interest and open up new possibilities for this building.”

    Ideas could include a heritage attraction, a tea shop with an historic slant, offices for a business – although the preference would be to enable some form of public access.

    While it is not known exactly when the house was built, its first recorded owner was a privateer named William Parker, a friend of Sir Francis Drake. Like Drake he combined a career as a merchant with privateering and civic government. He also served as Mayor of Plymouth from 1601 to 1602.

    He served under Drake in 1588 in the fight against the Spanish Armada and carried out raids against the Spanish in the Caribbean. In 1601 he captured a pair of treasure ships laden with 10,000 gold ducats and on his return to Plymouth, was elected Mayor and used the profits from his ventures to remodel an older house on this site into a fashionable timber-framed house.

    Parker helped promote the Plymouth Company to colonise North America and took an active interest in the Virginia Colony. He died in 1618 on a voyage to the East Indies. His heirs lived here before it was passed to Abraham Rowe, another successful merchant and in 1651 the house was purchased by Justinian Beard, Mayor of Plymouth on two occasions.

    It was occupied by the Beele family until 1707, then by the Martyn family until 1807. In 1807 the building was extended to the rear (towards Finewell Street) and the front used as a shop. In the 1960s it was a taxi office, then restored by the Council and turned into a museum of local heritage, focussing on life in Plymouth over time. Rooms included recreating the Blitz experience and a replica Victorian schoolroom.

    The Council is keen to explore all options including a sale or a long commercially viable lease. Interested parties should provide the following when submitting an offer:

    • Purchase price/rental offer
    • Purchaser details
    • Conditions
    • Proposed use/development plans
    • Finance/evidence of funding
    • Track record in restoration of historic buildings
    • Timescales

    Proposed uses sensitive to the property’s historical significance will be given higher consideration. Interested parties should email Laura Hathaway from the Council’s Land and Property Team at [email protected]

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Apprenticeship Week to highlight ideal pathway to full time employment

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Apprenticeship Week to highlight ideal pathway to full time employment

    29 January 2025

    Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Labour Market Partnership are hosting a number of events for prospective apprentices and employers to mark Apprenticeship Week 2025.

    The Northern Ireland wide initiative, from Monday February 3rd to Friday February 5th 2025, seeks to celebrate and showcase the value of apprenticeships for individuals, businesses, communities and the wider economy.

    The events highlight the apprenticeship route as an alternative to full time education and will allow prospective employers and candidates to connect and learn more about the options available.

    Labour Market Partnership (LMP) Manager, Nicky Gilleece, explained more about the format of the combination of training and employment.

    “Apprenticeships take between two and four years to complete and offer paid employment for participants who can earn as they learn while working alongside experienced staff and gaining experience and qualifications specific to their chosen industry,” she explained.

    “The Derry Strabane LMP work proactively with the North West Regional College, the Careers Service and local private training providers to actively promote this as a viable pathway and to create jobs for young people.

    “We are organising a number of events this week for both employers and students interested in pursuing this route and I would encourage them to access the programme now and get involved.”

    The programme starts on Wednesday February 5th with an Employer Support Lunchtime Briefing for employers based in the Waterside area at the BEAM Centre in Maydown.

    On Thursday February 6th, the LMP will host an Employer Apprenticeship Brunch at 11am in the Guildhall’s Main Hall followed by an Apprenticeship and Careers Fair from 1pm-4pm where prospective apprentices, parents, guardians and school careers staff can meet with employers and education providers to learn more about the opportunities available in the Council area.
    On Friday February 7th employers can attend a Networking Business Breakfast from 8.30am to 12.30pm at Strabane Golf Club which will be followed by an Apprenticeship Lunch Expo from 12.30pm to 2.30pm where anyone considering an apprenticeship can get more information.

    For full details on the Apprenticeship programme visit http://getapprenticeships.me/ or email [email protected].

    For a listing of Apprenticeship Week Events visit https://www.derrystrabane.com/services/employment,-skills-training

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Juniata Valley Financial Corp. Announces Quarter and Year End December 31, 2024 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mifflintown, PA, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Juniata Valley Financial Corp. (OTCQX:JUVF) (“Juniata”) announced net income for the three months ended December 31, 2024 of $1.5 million compared to net income of $1.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Earnings per share, basic and diluted, was $0.30 for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $0.33 for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2024 was $6.2 million compared to net income of $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Basic and diluted earnings per share were $1.25 and $1.24, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to basic and diluted earnings per share of $1.32 and $1.31, respectively, for the corresponding 2023 period.

    President’s Message

    President and Chief Executive Officer, Marcie A. Barber stated, “The Federal Reserve Bank rate decreases made in the last four months of 2024 contributed to a reversal in the last quarter of 2024 of the net interest margin compression trend in prior periods. Our net interest margin increased by twelve basis points compared to last year’s fourth quarter. In addition to an improved margin, we are pleased that our strategies to increase non-interest income have been successful resulting in substantial growth in both the fourth quarter of 2024 and the 2024 year. The decrease in fourth quarter net income compared to last year was due to several one-time noninterest expense items. Our credit quality remains strong with nonperforming loans totaling only 0.1% of the total loan portfolio and delinquent and nonperforming loans comprising just 0.4% of the portfolio. We are optimistic heading into 2025 that we can achieve accelerated loan growth while maintaining our excellent credit quality through increased efforts to cultivate loan and deposit relationships outside of our branch footprint coupled with exploring opportunities for expansion.”           

    Financial Results for the 2024 Year

    Return on average assets for the year ended December 31, 2024, was 0.72%, compared to the return on average assets of 0.79% for the year ended December 31, 2023. Return on average equity for the year ended December 31, 2024 was 14.19%, compared to the return on average equity of 18.20% for the year ended December 31, 2023.

    Net interest income was $22.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $22.7 million for 2023. Average interest earning assets increased $15.7 million, or 1.9%, to $853.9 million, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, due primarily to an increase of $34.6 million, or 6.9%, in average loans. The increase in average loans was partially offset by a decline of $20.1 million, or 6.1%, in average investment securities as the amortization on the mortgage-backed securities portfolio was used to fund loan growth rather than being reinvested into the securities portfolio. Average interest bearing liabilities increased by $14.3 million, or 2.4%, for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the comparable 2023 period, due primarily to growth in average time deposits as well as short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements. The yield on average loans increased by 47 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, while the costs of average interest bearing deposits increased by 116 basis points, and short- and long-term borrowings and other interest bearing liabilities increased by a total of 85 basis points. These increases were primarily the result of higher market interest rates and competitive pricing pressure between periods. The yield on earning assets increased 39 basis points, to 4.35%, for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, while the cost to fund interest earning assets with interest bearing liabilities increased 56 basis points, to 2.31%. The net interest margin, on a fully tax equivalent basis, decreased from 2.74% for the year ended December 31, 2023 to 2.71% for the year ended December 31, 2024.

    Juniata recorded a provision for credit losses of $534,000 for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to a provision for credit losses of $500,000 for the year ended December 31, 2023.

    Non-interest income was $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $5.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, an increase of 9.5%. Most significantly impacting the comparative year end periods were increases of $391,000 in customer service fees, $98,000 in the change in value of equity securities and $182,000 in fees derived from loan activity. These increases were partially offset by a $105,000 decrease in life insurance proceeds compared to the 2023 period.

    Non-interest expense was $21.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to $19.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2023. Most significantly impacting non-interest expense for the comparative year end periods was an increase of $568,000 in employee compensation expense due to annual salary increases, overtime pay from the core conversion in the first quarter of 2024 and having one additional pay period in 2024. Also impacting the comparative year end periods was an increase of $123,000 in occupancy expense due to an increase in rental expense from the early termination of a branch office lease in December 2024, as well as increases of $204,000 in equipment expense and $286,000 in professional fees. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $227,000 in merger and acquisition expense due to the Path Valley branch acquisition in 2023 with no similar transaction occurring in the 2024 period.

    An income tax provision of $979,000 was recorded for the year ended December 31, 2024 compared to an income tax provision of $970,000 recorded for the year ended December 31, 2023. Juniata qualifies for a federal tax credit for investments in low-income housing partnerships. The tax credit decreased $37,000, or 10.1%, from $366,000 in the year ended December 31, 2023 to $329,000 in the year ended December 31, 2024, due to the completion of the amortization period for one of Juniata’s low-income housing partnership investments in January 2023.

    Financial Results for the Quarter

    Annualized return on average assets for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 0.70%, compared to 0.79% for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Annualized return on average equity for the three months ended December 31, 2024 was 12.79%, compared to 18.06% for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

    Net interest income was $5.8 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to $5.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023. Average interest earning assets were relatively the same between the comparable three month periods, decreasing by $280,000, to $847.1 million compared to the 2023 period, with average loans increasing $18.9 million, or 3.6%, and average investment securities decreasing $18.7 million, or 5.8%, over the comparable three month periods. Average interest bearing liabilities increased by $15.8 million, or 2.6%, compared to the comparable 2023 period, primarily due to growth in average short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements. When comparing the three months ended December 31, 2024 to the three months ended December 31, 2023, the yield on average loans increased by 36 basis points, and the rates on average time deposits increased by 67 basis points, primarily due to competitive pricing pressures, while the rates on average short- and long-term borrowings and other interest bearing liabilities decreased by 77 basis points, primarily due to a decline in market interest rates between periods. The yield on earning assets increased 29 basis points, to 4.39%, for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to same period in 2023, while the cost to fund interest earning assets with interest bearing liabilities increased 18 basis points, to 2.26%. The net interest margin, on a fully tax equivalent basis, increased from 2.64% for the three months ended December 31, 2023, to 2.76% for the three months ended December 31, 2024.

    Juniata recorded a provision for credit losses of $63,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to a provision for credit losses of $89,000 for the three months ended December 31, 2023.

    Non-interest income was $1.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024 and $1.4 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, an increase of 12.4%. Most significantly impacting non-interest income in the comparative three month periods were increases of $109,000 in customer service fees and $56,000 in life insurance proceeds, as well as $68,000 in fees derived from loan activity, primarily due to the addition of back-to-back swap fees and an increase in title insurance commissions and letter of credit fees. Partially offsetting these increases was a decrease of $46,000 in the change in value of equity securities due to declines in the market value of community bank stocks owned by Juniata for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023.

    Non-interest expense was $5.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $5.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2023, an increase of 13.7%. Most significantly impacting non-interest expense for the comparative three month periods was an increase of $212,000 in employee compensation expense, primarily due to an extra pay period in the 2024 period, as well as a $273,000 increase in employee benefits expense due to an increase in medical claims expenses. Also contributing to the increase in non-interest expense between comparative three month periods was an increase of $108,000 in occupancy expenses due to an increase in rental expense from the early termination of a branch office lease in December 2024, as well as increases of $80,000 in equipment expense and $90,000 in professional fees. These increases were partially offset by a decrease of $102,000 in other non-interest expense, primarily due to a decrease in the provision for unfunded commitments during the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to the three months ended December 31, 2023.

    An income tax provision of $212,000 was recorded for the three months ended December 31, 2024 compared to an income tax provision of $262,000 recorded for the three months ended December 31, 2023. The federal tax credit for investments in low-income housing partnerships was $82,000 in both the three months ended December 31, 2024 and 2023.

    Financial Condition

    Total assets as of December 31, 2024 were $848.9 million, a decrease of $21.7 million, or 2.5%, compared to total assets of $870.6 million at December 31, 2023. Comparing asset balances on December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents and total debt securities decreased by $17.9 million and $12.0 million, respectively, while total loans increased by $8.5 million. As of December 31, 2024, short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements decreased by $10.6 million compared to December 31, 2023, and long-term debt decreased by $15.0 million over the same period due to the maturity of a 5-year FHLB advance in May 2024.

    Juniata maintains a strong liquidity position as of December 31, 2024, with additional borrowing capacity with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh of $216.2 million and $51.1 million from the Federal Reserve’s Discount Window. In addition, Juniata has internal authorization for brokered deposits of up to $175.0 million. Juniata had no brokered deposits as of December 31, 2024.

    Subsequent Event

    On January 21, 2025, the Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.22 per share to shareholders of record on February 14, 2025 payable on February 28, 2025.

    Management considers subsequent events occurring after the statement of condition date for matters which may require adjustment to, or disclosure in, the consolidated financial statements. The review period for subsequent events extends up to and including the filing date of a public company’s consolidated financial statements with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the financial information in this release is subject to change.

    The Juniata Valley Bank, the principal subsidiary of Juniata Valley Financial Corp., is headquartered in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, with fifteen community offices located in Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Franklin, McKean and Potter Counties. More information regarding Juniata Valley Financial Corp. and The Juniata Valley Bank can be found online at www.JVBonline.com. Juniata Valley Financial Corp. trades through the OTCQX Best Market under the symbol JUVF.

    Forward-Looking Information
    *This press release may contain “forward looking” information as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements reflect the current views of Juniata’s management with respect to, among other things, future events and Juniata’s financial performance. When words such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “predict,” “potential,” “believe,” “will likely result,” “expect,” “continue,” “will,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “goal,” “target,” “would” and “outlook,” the negative variations of those words or similar expressions are used in this release, Juniata is making forward-looking statements. Such information is based on Juniata’s current expectations, estimates and projections about future events and financial trends affecting the financial condition of its business, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond the control of Juniata. These statements are not historical facts or guarantees of future performance, events or results and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. If one or more events related to these or other risks or uncertainties materializes, or if underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from this forward-looking information. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and many factors could affect future financial results. Juniata undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward looking information, whether because of new or updated information, future events, or otherwise. For a more complete discussion of certain risks and uncertainties affecting Juniata, please see the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Forward-Looking Statements” set forth in the Juniata’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    Financial Statements

    Juniata Valley Financial Corp. and Subsidiary
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Condition

                 
    (Dollars in thousands, except share data)      (Unaudited)       
        December 31, 2024   December 31, 2023
    ASSETS            
    Cash and due from banks   $ 5,064     $ 17,189  
    Interest bearing deposits with banks     5,934       11,741  
    Cash and cash equivalents     10,998       28,930  
                 
    Equity securities     1,189       1,073  
    Debt securities available for sale     64,623       67,564  
    Debt securities held to maturity (fair value $182,773 and $198,147, respectively)     191,627       200,644  
    Restricted investment in bank stock     2,530       1,707  
    Total loans     533,869       525,394  
    Less: Allowance for credit losses     (6,183 )     (5,677 )
    Total loans, net of allowance for credit losses     527,686       519,717  
    Premises and equipment, net     9,382       8,180  
    Bank owned life insurance and annuities     15,214       14,841  
    Investment in low income housing partnerships     832       1,154  
    Core deposit and other intangible assets     258       343  
    Goodwill     9,812       9,812  
    Mortgage servicing rights     69       83  
    Deferred tax asset     9,842       11,319  
    Accrued interest receivable and other assets     4,812       5,188  
    Total assets   $ 848,874     $ 870,555  
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
    Liabilities:              
    Deposits:              
    Non-interest bearing   $ 196,801     $ 197,027  
    Interest bearing     551,156       552,018  
    Total deposits     747,957       749,045  
                 
    Short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements     42,242       52,810  
    Long-term debt     5,000       20,000  
    Other interest bearing liabilities     830       951  
    Accrued interest payable and other liabilities     5,388       7,612  
    Total liabilities     801,417       830,418  
    Commitments and contingent liabilities            
    Stockholders’ Equity:              
    Preferred stock, no par value: Authorized – 500,000 shares, none issued     —       —  
    Common stock, par value $1.00 per share: Authorized 20,000,000 shares; Issued – 5,151,279 shares at December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023; Outstanding – 5,003,384 shares at December 31, 2024 and 4,991,129 shares at December 31, 2023     5,151       5,151  
    Surplus     24,896       24,924  
    Retained earnings     53,126       51,297  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (33,320 )     (38,640 )
    Cost of common stock in Treasury: 147,895 shares at December 31, 2024; 160,150 shares at December 31, 2023     (2,396 )     (2,595 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     47,457       40,137  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 848,874     $ 870,555  

    Juniata Valley Financial Corp. and Subsidiary
    Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

                             
        Three Months Ended   Year Ended
    (Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)   December 31,    December 31, 
           2024      2023     2024      2023  
    Interest income:                
    Loans, including fees   $ 7,885   $ 7,159     $ 31,109   $ 26,728  
    Taxable securities     1,408     1,509       5,749     6,193  
    Tax-exempt securities     29     30       118     139  
    Other interest income     24     52       140     121  
    Total interest income     9,346     8,750       37,116     33,181  
    Interest expense:                            
    Deposits     2,924     2,633       11,167     8,247  
    Short-term borrowings and repurchase agreements     568     419       2,719     1,733  
    Long-term debt     31     118       268     471  
    Other interest bearing liabilities     8     9       33     38  
    Total interest expense     3,531     3,179       14,187     10,489  
    Net interest income     5,815     5,571       22,929     22,692  
    Provision for credit losses     63     89       534     500  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses     5,752     5,482       22,395     22,192  
    Non-interest income:                            
    Customer service fees     467     358       1,767     1,376  
    Debit card fee income     450     477       1,752     1,770  
    Earnings on bank-owned life insurance and annuities     62     55       236     222  
    Trust fees     110     85       469     466  
    Commissions from sales of non-deposit products     79     82       388     337  
    Fees derived from loan activity     231     163       682     500  
    Change in value of equity securities     49     95       115     17  
    Gain from life insurance proceeds     56     —       56     161  
    Other non-interest income     101     113       360     472  
    Total non-interest income     1,605     1,428       5,825     5,321  
    Non-interest expense:                            
    Employee compensation expense     2,333     2,121       9,022     8,454  
    Employee benefits     715     442       2,448     2,355  
    Occupancy     433     325       1,412     1,289  
    Equipment     246     166       863     659  
    Data processing expense     719     711       2,881     2,937  
    Professional fees     304     214       1,134     848  
    Taxes, other than income     37     26       191     184  
    FDIC Insurance premiums     140     152       575     504  
    Gain on other real estate owned     —     (16 )     —     (16 )
    Amortization of intangible assets     21     25       85     81  
    Amortization of investment in low-income housing partnerships     80     80       322     353  
    Merger and acquisition expense     —     —       —     227  
    Other non-interest expense     626     728       2,079     2,072  
    Total non-interest expense     5,654     4,974       21,012     19,947  
    Income before income taxes     1,703     1,936       7,208     7,566  
    Income tax provision     212     262       979     970  
    Net income   $ 1,491   $ 1,674     $ 6,229   $ 6,596  
    Earnings per share                            
    Basic   $ 0.30   $ 0.33     $ 1.25   $ 1.32  
    Diluted   $ 0.30   $ 0.33     $ 1.24   $ 1.31  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Femicide in Kenya: William Ruto has set up a task force – feminist scholar explains its flaws

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Awino Okech, Professor of Feminist and Security Studies, SOAS, University of London

    Gender-based violence is a major challenge in Kenya, which has recorded a significant rise in deaths of women and girls in recent years.

    In January 2024, a coalition of organisations across the east African nation organised multi-city public marches to call for government action against these deaths. A year later, President William Ruto established a 42-member taskforce to address gender-based violence. What is its potential to lead to real change for women and girls? Feminist and security studies professor Awino Okech explores the issue.

    What do you make of the Kenyan government’s response to gender-based violence?

    Language matters, in my view, so it is important to focus the attention on femicide, which is what triggered recent public conversation in Kenya and is the primary issue at hand.

    Femicide is the specific act of men killing women because they are women. Gender-based violence focuses on the gender power relations that create conditions for violence. This does not always result in loss of life. Gender-based violence includes men killed by other men because of their sexuality, widows disenfranchised by property laws, female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

    Unlike in the past, Kenya has seen increasing reports of women being murdered. The country doesn’t have a proper data management system for such incidences. Nevertheless, the numbers recorded by organisations such as Femicide Count show the scale of the problem. In 2023 it recorded 152 femicides based on cases reported in the media. Africa Uncensored, an investigative journalism media house, estimates that 500 women were killed between 2017 and 2024. Kenya’s law enforcement agencies recorded 97 cases of femicide between September and November 2024. Globally, UN Women reported that in 2023 alone, one woman was killed every 10 minutes in intimate partner and family-related murders.

    What is the likelihood of the presidential working group’s success?

    First, at face value, any public action taken by a government to illustrate that it is listening to its citizens is an important first step.

    Second, the fact that it is called a “technical working group on gender-based violence” illustrates the potential it has to lose focus on the issue that catalysed its creation – femicide.

    Third, there is a history in Kenya of setting up task forces with financial resources largely directed at remunerating members and conducting “consultations”, only to tell the country what was already known. Consultations are critical for legitimacy and a base for action. But there are more expedient ways to do this work.

    This includes analysing existing reports, statements and recommendations offered by women’s rights organisation over the decades, including a 2024 statement on ending femicide. An insistence on a large task force in the light of the government’s austerity drive only raises questions about where limited resources should be directed.

    Finally, I am concerned that some of the leading voices on femicide in the last 10 years are missing from this task force. It is the activism of the coalition of actors organising under EndFemicideKE that recentred the conversation on femicide with some of the organisations leading urgent response work in their communities. The task force must not ignore this expertise.

    What steps should Kenya be taking to address femicide?

    1. Invest in programmes that emphasise positive masculinities. This means raising a generation of men whose idea of manhood is not based on hatred of or violence against women. This work is an important counter measure to the growing “manosphere” in Kenya. The manosphere refers to websites, blogs and online forums focused on promoting misogyny and opposition to feminism. These online spaces have grown globally and are viewed as central to grooming men to commit femicide.

    2. Increase resources to programmes aimed at women who are at risk of violence. The signs of violence predate the act of violence and murder. Providing resources to create safe physical and online spaces – such as hotlines for women to get the support they need to secure their lives, or effective investigative services – is key. Central to this action is the role of the police service in taking seriously and investigating any claims of potential threats of violence. People need to feel safe going to the police to report threats of harm and have trust in their capacity to deliver justice. This action requires trust building between communities and the police service.

    3. Deal with the structural causes of femicide. At the heart of this targeted violence against women are the underlying patriarchal assumptions about how women should act relative to men in society. We cannot ignore the importance of building people’s consciousness about the deep biases they have been socialised to believe in. This work must be led by community champions who value the sanctity of human life.

    What needs to be done to hold institutions accountable?

    First, the relevant state institutions, such as public hospitals and clinics, the police and judiciary, need money and people with the right skills, so they can intervene in the root causes and symptoms of gender-based violence.

    Second, Kenya needs to create a national database on femicide. This would indicate where and how to deploy resources.

    Third, there needs to be an annual and public report on the state of gender-based violence that tracks where money has gone, and shows the relationship between actions and outcomes. An initial increase in cases might not indicate failure but rather heightened awareness. With the right interventions, numbers should drop over time.

    Fourth, build trust between citizens and state institutions. In December 2024, a peaceful march in Nairobi held during the global 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign was teargassed by police. This happened two weeks after the Kenyan president publicly committed to addressing femicide.

    The right to peaceful protest is enshrined in Kenya’s constitution. When the police respond with violence to peaceful women protesters talking about the murder of women, how can citizens trust officers’ ability to take dead women seriously?

    – Femicide in Kenya: William Ruto has set up a task force – feminist scholar explains its flaws
    – https://theconversation.com/femicide-in-kenya-william-ruto-has-set-up-a-task-force-feminist-scholar-explains-its-flaws-248313

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Chad’s parliamentary election hands Mahamat Déby absolute control. Here’s why it’s dangerous

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Helga Dickow, Senior Researcher at the Arnold Bergstraesser Institut, Freiburg Germany, University of Freiburg

    Chad held parliamentary elections in late December 2024. The final results released on 21 January 2025 gave the well-established former ruling party, the Movement Patriotique du Salut (MPS), 124 seats out of 188.

    The election marked the end of a four-year transition in Chad following the death of former president Idriss Déby Itno in March 2021. Déby had ruled Chad since 1991. Mahamat Déby Itno assumed power on the death of his father.

    The result has meant that Mahamat Déby has given himself a degree of legitimacy as president through elections. He can comfortably remain in power for at least another five or even ten years.

    Read more: Chad’s election outcome already seems set: 4 things Mahamat Déby has done to stay in power

    I have been following Chad’s politics from inside and outside the country for more than 15 years. In my view, Mahamat Déby’s actions during the transition, with the help of the transitional authorities and his late father’s old teams, were aimed at keeping him in power. The December 2024 parliamentary elections were a formality. The poll was not won on polling day. It was clear from the run-up that, as was the case with the May 2024 presidential elections, every effort was being made to minimise the success of the opposition.

    Four factors stand out. They are the composition of the electoral authorities, lack of an up-to-date electoral register, violence against dissenting voices, and high costs of participation in the election.

    In my view Chadians’ trust in the democratic process has ceased completely. This bodes ill for a country that ranks as one of the poorest. It is also one of the most corrupt. The consolidation of Mahamat Déby’s power could widen the social divide and lead to violent conflict between different groups in Chad, which is highly stratified along ethnic and religious lines.

    Dissatisfaction with his decades of autocratic rule characterised Idriss Déby’s reign. Political-military movements challenged him regularly, and the last attack led to his death.

    This dissatisfaction will continue and could once again lead to violent conflicts.

    Read more: Chad: promises of a new chapter fade as junta strengthens its hold ahead of elections

    Corruption of the process

    Mahamat Déby and the Movement Patriotique du Salut took a number of steps to secure victory in the election.

    Firstly, the presidents of the electoral authority ANGE (Agence Nationale de Gestion des Élections) and of the constitutional court nominated by Mahamat Déby were responsible for organising and for validating elections (and will continue to be responsible until 2031). Having been loyal to Idriss Déby and now to his son, they cannot be trusted to be objective and independent in their pronouncements and final decisions.

    Secondly, the electoral register was last updated in August 2024. Therefore, young people who had just turned 18 could not vote. In Chad, the majority of the population is under 25. Young people in particular in the south support the opposition.

    Thirdly, the transitional regime’s violent crackdown on opposing voices played a role in the final outcome of the election.

    The transition was initially characterised by peace talks with the political-military movements and by expanding the security sector to secure its rule. In October 2022, several hundred mainly young people were killed by security forces while demonstrating against the extension of the transition and Mahamat Déby’s candidacy for presidency.

    In the intervening period the state took various steps against opposition figures.

    In February 2024 Yaya Dillo, a cousin of Mahamat Deby and a potential rival in the presidential elections, was shot dead by security forces.

    In May 2024, Mahamat Déby was elected president. In December 2024 he took on the title of marshal – previously held only by his father.

    The opposition was also hampered in participating in the poll for financial reasons. Taking part in the elections is expensive. Each candidate in the parliamentary election had to pay 500,000 CFA (US$785) to the treasury. Candidates for the provincial election paid 200,000 CFA (US$314). In poverty-stricken Chad, without regular funding for political parties, it was particularly difficult for smaller parties to meet these criteria.

    The situation was different for the ruling party, founded by Idriss Déby. For decades it has benefited from state resources. It is the only party with a nationwide presence. Other parties are mainly active in the regions of their founders.

    Read more: Chad’s Mahamat Deby doubles down on authoritarian rule in wake of election victory

    Resistance

    Opposition parties called for a boycott. The Groupe de Concertation des Acteurs Politiques, a coalition of nine parties, criticised the new electoral law and the lack of transparency of the count at the polling stations.

    Succès Masra, leader of Les Transformateurs, a former prime minister who came second in the 2024 presidential elections, also called for a boycott. He accused the government of falsifying the results of the parliamentary election beforehand and of having the final lists saved in a computer. His party did not participate in the poll.

    The results of the parliamentary elections presented on 11 January 2025 by Ahmed Barticheret, president of the electoral commission, and confirmed by the constitutional court on 21 January, therefore revealed no surprises.

    Alongside the huge victory of the Movement Patriotique du Salut, two other parties not really in opposition won 12 and 7 seats respectively. The other successful parties won just one seat each. Chad has over 300 political parties, of which 38 are represented in the new parliament.

    Read more: Chad presidential election: assassination of main opposition figure casts doubt on country’s return to democracy

    Consequences

    Movement Patriotique du Salut has an overwhelming majority in parliament. This means that there are no checks and balances. Like his father, Mahamat Déby can continue to rule without any parliamentary control.

    He is already used to that. Since 2021, he has appointed members of the transitional parliament by presidential decree. The few voices of individual members of parliament belonging to the “real” opposition have no influence.

    As the low turnout – put at 40% on election day – shows, the majority of voters did not expect the election result to change the political situation. On the other hand, supporters of the ruling party continue to benefit from proximity to power and state resources.

    As dissatisfaction continues, the possibility of renewed attacks by dissidents cannot be ruled out. If it is not a military attack, frustrated individuals might try to target the presidency or other symbols of the regime.

    In early January 2025 a group of unidentified young people reportedly attacked the presidency. The incident was played down by the government spokesman, leaving plenty of room for speculation.

    But it was a reminder that a peaceful future is not assured.

    – Chad’s parliamentary election hands Mahamat Déby absolute control. Here’s why it’s dangerous
    – https://theconversation.com/chads-parliamentary-election-hands-mahamat-deby-absolute-control-heres-why-its-dangerous-248342

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Modernizing the Staten Island Institute for Basic Research

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul announced in her FY 2026 Executive Budget proposal a $75 million investment aimed at modernizing the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities. This Office for People With Developmental Disabilities initiative includes the establishment of a Genomic Core Facility to enhance New York’s research capabilities and expand access for genetic testing. This groundbreaking investment will also fund the renovation of “Building 29,” a previously abandoned structure on the former Willowbrook State School grounds, transforming it into a Center for Learning, commemorating the institution’s role in disability rights history.

    “New Yorkers need and deserve access to advanced genomics research to improve therapies for people with developmental disabilities,” Governor Hochul said. “This proposal aims to modernize a community space into a nationally recognized Center for Learning, fostering innovative treatments and educational opportunities while preserving history. I am proud to include this investment in my Executive Budget and I look forward to seeing this campus revitalized as a hub for research and innovation.”

    The Institute for Basic Research (IBR) opened in 1968 as the first large-scale institute in the world with a mandate to conduct basic and clinical research into the causes of developmental disabilities. The IBR became part of the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) in 1979. This proposed funding would be the largest single financial commitment to the IBR since it opened nearly 60 years ago and will help re-establish New York as a leader in this field. The proposed Willowbrook Center for Learning provides an opportunity to memorialize the history of Willowbrook as a birthplace of reform while establishing a space for learning about the past and fostering innovation for the future.

    The Willowbrook State School was opened on Staten Island in 1947 to house and care for children with developmental disabilities. Census at the school grew to 6,000 children by 1965 making it the largest state institution in the country for people with developmental disabilities. The school made national headlines in 1972 when the deplorable conditions and treatment of the children living there were exposed by journalists Jane Curtin of the Staten Island Advance and Geraldo Rivera. Since its closing in 1987, Willowbrook has symbolized the importance of community inclusion and living with dignity for people with developmental disabilities.

    New York State OPWDD Acting Commissioner Willow Baer said, “We are thrilled at the prospect of this investment in the future of people with developmental disabilities and thank Governor Hochul for making this transformation a priority of her administration. New York State’s — and the nation’s — history of institutionalization of people with disabilities is one we continue to learn from every day, making a goal of full community inclusion the heart of everything we do, alongside our self-advocates, families and provider partners. As our nation-leading research arm, the Institute for Basic Research continues to advance our understanding of developmental disabilities, and this investment will allow New York State to be at the forefront of genetic research and testing for the benefit of people with developmental disabilities and their families.”

    New York State’s Chief Disability Officer Kim Hill Ridley said, “With this proposal, and under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State cements its commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers with disabilities through cutting-edge research that will serve as a national resource and model for genetic testing. Reimagining the former Willowbrook School campus as a Center for Learning is a fitting project to highlight and learn from our past while remaining focused on the future, especially as it pertains to inclusion and deinstitutionalization.”

    State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, “As a member of the New York State Senate Disabilities Committee, I’m pleased to see the $75 million investment in the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, which will also enable the establishment of the Willowbrook Center for Learning. This funding marks an important step in ensuring that my constituents, particularly those with disabilities, have access to the care and support they need to live with dignity. These improvements will lead to meaningful, life-changing advancements that will enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities, reinforcing New York’s commitment to the most vulnerable members of our community. I want to thank Governor Hochul, OPWDD, all the advocates, and especially my friend and colleague, Mike Cusick, for his tireless work in championing this effort year after year during his time in the Assembly. I look forward to working alongside OPWDD and the Governor’s office to support my constituents with developmental disabilities and their families throughout this important project.”

    State Senator Andrew J. Lanza said, “The Institute for Basic Research has long been a vital resource providing medical, behavioral and research services to people with developmental disabilities. A strong supporter of their important work, I thank Governor Hochul and Acting Commissioner Willow Baer for their commitment to modernizing IBR into a premier center for science and learning for years to come.”

    Assemblymember Angelo Santabarbara said, “As Chair of the New York State Assembly’s Standing Committee on People with Disabilities, I fully support this investment in modernizing the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities. This effort enhances essential research capabilities, expands access to diagnostic tools and advances education and community inclusion, ensuring the Institute remains a leader in progress for individuals with developmental disabilities. It reflects our collective commitment to innovation and the development of resources that empower individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, building a future grounded in dignity, inclusion, and opportunity.”

    Assemblymember Charles D. Fall said, “Willowbrook is a symbol of how far we’ve come and how far we can still go. Governor Hochul’s $75 million investment honors that journey, turning a painful past into a hopeful future through cutting-edge research and education. It’s personal to me, and I know it’s personal to so many Staten Islanders who carry Willowbrook’s legacy in their hearts.”

    Assemblymember Michael W. Reilly said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul and the team at the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities for making this significant investment into our Staten Island community to help drive the next generation of cutting edge scientific research through a refreshed Institute for Basic Research. I also applaud the transformation of the historic Willowbrook site into a Center for Learning — a meaningful step that ensures this property is used to support those in need for generations to come. I look forward to working with my partners throughout government to ensure this vision becomes a reality and serves as a lasting commitment to our community.”

    Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo said, “As Staten Islanders, we have a unique responsibility to lead the way in disability research and care, given the horrific history of the Willowbrook State School. As a legislator, I appreciate the opportunity to work with the Governor on projects that not only benefit my district but all New Yorkers. I am thrilled that New York State is proposing such a significant investment, to continue and expand life-changing research while also honoring the victims of one of the darkest chapters in our history. Thank you to Governor Hochul for this proposal, and to OPWDD and the incredible team at IBR for the work you do every day.”

    Staten Island Economic Development President and CEO and Former Assemblymember Michael J. Cusick said, “This $75 million investment for the Institute for Basic Research, the largest in the institution’s history, is a significant investment by the State of New York. With this funding, Governor Hochul has shown the State’s commitment to solidify the history and footprint of the Willowbrook State School, ensuring that the tragedy is never forgotten while strengthening IBR’s mission to advance research and improve lives. Staten Islanders are grateful to Governor Hochul for including this proposal in her Executive Budget, which aims to bring critical improvements to IBR while helping re-establish the borough and New York as national leaders in research and innovative treatment for people with developmental disabilities.”

    PEF President Wayne Spence said, “Governor Hochul’s investment in IBR is a testament to her recognition of the critical work performed by our members and PEF will work with the Governor to secure this important proposal in the final budget agreement. This funding not only secures the future of IBR but also reinforces the State’s commitment to advancing research and services for developmental disabilities. We are proud to have an administration that values and supports our mission.”

    New York City Councilmember David Carr said, This investment in IBR’s modernization is not only funding to bring Staten Island to the head of the pack with critical, cutting-edge programs in the field of developmental disabilities and the fight to provide better services for patients and their families. It also represents a new chapter in Staten Island’s history. After the closure of the Willowbrook State School, the name became synonymous with the horrors perpetuated there. Now, Willowbrook will have a new meaning, one that represents a brighter future filled with hope for people with developmental disabilities and their families. I want to thank the Governor for making this investment.”

    Former Willowbrook Resident and Advocate Bernard Carabello said, “It’s always good news when New York announces new funding and new directions to benefit people with developmental disabilities. This necessary funding announced today is going towards programming in a building that I actually grew up in as a little boy: Building 29. I arrived at Building 29 on the Willowbrook State School campus at 5 years old. The ward that I was on was split between the day room and dormitory where I slept at night. Many years later, I was able to come back to this campus, now the College of Staten Island, to receive my honorary doctorate. Back when I lived at Willowbrook I could never have imagined that the building I slept in would be used for research to benefit people with developmental disabilities like those who grew up here. I want to thank the Governor for this funding and her efforts to support people with developmental disabilities in New York.”

    Family Advocate and Brother of Former Willowbrook Resident Jose Rivera said, “By preserving this history through a Center for Learning, Governor Hochul and Acting Commissioner Willow Baer of OPWDD are making a commitment to us and future generations — a commitment that the mistakes of the past will never be repeated.”

    About the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities

    Through its five mission-focused areas of research encompassing 25 laboratories, the Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities focuses on the causes of developmental disabilities and furthers the understanding of brain development and pathology. IBR’s goals are to provide the means to diagnose, prevent and treat developmental disabilities more effectively.

    The Institute also provides extensive, specialized biomedical, psychological and laboratory services to people with developmental disabilities and their families, and educates the public, researchers and health and education professionals regarding the causes, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of developmental disabilities. IBR’s George A. Jervis Clinic offers specialized diagnostic and consultative services for children, adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford, Coons Lead Bill to Incentivize Charitable Giving

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford
    WASHINGTON, DC – Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the Charitable Actto expand and extend the expired non-itemized deduction for charitable giving. The bill would ensure Americans who donate to charities, houses of worship, religious organizations, and other nonprofits of their choice are able to deduct that donation from their federal taxes at a higher level than the previous $300 deduction.  
    This provision was first included under the CARES Act passed by President Donald J. Trump. The policy resulted in 90 million tax returns utilizing the deduction, and households making between $30,000 and $100,000 saw the largest increase in charitable giving. Charitable organizations received $30 billion in increased donations as a result. 
    “America’s first safety net should never be the government—government is the least efficient caregiver by far. Our families, churches, and other nonprofits do incredible work to lift up those who need it most. Updating the tax law to incentivize giving empowers Americans to make an even bigger impact for the homeless, hurting, and hungry,” said Lankford. 
    “Delawareans have always risen to the occasion in support of our communities,” said Coons. “Last year, Americans demonstrated our generosity by donating a collective $557 billion to charities, houses of worship, and nonprofits. I am proud to reintroduce the Charitable Act with Senator Lankford to help the federal government encourage even more Americans to embrace the civic virtue of giving to those in need.”
    Lankford and Coons were joined on this bill by Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), John Curtis (R-UT), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Katie Britt (R-AL), and Tim Scott (R-NC).
    This bill is supported by numerous organizations including National Council of Nonprofits (25,000 member organizations), Charitable Giving Coalition (175 member organizations), the Nonprofit Alliance, Faith & Giving Coalition, Leadership 18, Independent Sector, YMCA, Council on Foundations, American Endowment Foundation, Philanthropy Southwest, Christian Alliance for Orphans, Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, United Philanthropy Forum, National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, Association of Art Museum Directors, ECFA, Association of Fundraising Professionals, Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Americans for the Arts, American Heart Association, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement, Maryland Nonprofits, Boys and Girls Club of America, March of Dimes, and Habitat for Humanity.
    “Bravo to Senators Lankford and Coons on this much-needed support for America’s nonprofits. They both understand from personal experience the key role the nonprofit sector plays both as a provider of critical services to millions of Americans and as a major employer in Oklahoma and nationwide. In this era of historic inflation and ever-rising costs, the need for nonprofit services has not declined — in fact, we are needed more than ever. The Charitable Act will help recreate an environment of years past where charitable givers at every level can feel incentivized and appreciated—after all, we are all in this together,” said Marnie Taylor, President & CEO, Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits. 
    “Nonprofits are the backbone of our communities, addressing critical needs and enhancing the quality of life for all. The Charitable Act is a vital step in restoring a proven incentive that encourages generosity and empowers nonprofits to meet growing demands, even in challenging times. We applaud Senators Lankford and Coons for their leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening the nonprofit sector, ensuring we can continue to deliver essential services and drive positive change.” said Sheila Bravo, President and CEO, Delaware Alliance for Nonprofit Advancement.
    “Faith & Giving heartily thanks and commends Senators James Lankford and Chris Coons for reintroducing the Charitable Act to restore a charitable deduction for taxpayers who do not itemize. Giving by individuals is the financial lifeblood of many thousands of American faith communities and faith-based organizations. Yet since 2017 individual giving to religion has fallen billions of dollars short of keeping pace with inflation. No single policy is more important for restoring the health of individual giving and faith-based charities than a non-itemizer charitable deduction like the one Congress created to stimulate giving in 2020 and 2021,” Brian Walsh, Executive Director, Faith & Giving. 
    “Nonprofits need tools like the nonitemizer deduction proposed by the Charitable Act to meet growing and changing community needs,” said YMCA of the USA President and CEO Suzanne McCormick. “We saw this policy unlock more giving when it was enacted temporarily during the pandemic, and we know that making it permanent will help YMCAs serve and support more neighbors every day. Senators Lankford and Coons recognize the important role nonprofits play in communities and understand that the universal charitable deduction helps nonprofits like the Y make their communities stronger. I’m grateful for their leadership.”
    “The temporary non-itemizer charitable deduction implemented in 2020 and 2021 led to an additional $18 billion in donations to nonprofits. As nonprofits are faced with higher demand for services, increased costs, workforce challenges, and declining donations, the Charitable Act presents an opportunity to reinstate that incentive and provide nonprofits with more resources to carry out their mission. The networks of the National Council of Nonprofits enthusiastically endorse this vital legislation and appreciate leaders like Sen. Lankford and Sen. Coons who continue to be stalwart champions for these efforts and the nonprofit sector,” said Diane Yentel, President & CEO, National Council of Nonprofits.
    “Generosity is a core American value that should be incentivized to help meet the evolving needs of communities,” said Kathleen Enright, Council on Foundations president and CEO. “The temporary non-itemizer deduction in the CARES Act successfully sparked more people to give. We hope Congress will cement this effective policy into law and inspire many more generous Americans to give charitably to support one another and the causes they value. We thank the House and Senate sponsors of the Charitable Act for their leadership on this issue.”
    “American Endowment Foundation (AEF) is mission-motivated to expand philanthropy, and many current and potential donors are seeking new ways to connect with their communities and give back. However, today’s tax code excludes nonitemizers from deducting their charitable contributions, limiting their ability to give. The Charitable Act would level the playing field, offering all donors—regardless of whether they itemize—more opportunities to support their communities. We are proud to support this important legislation and look forward to collaborating with Congress to enact policies that expand philanthropy for everyone,” said Ron Ransom, Chief Executive Officer, American Endowment Foundation.
    “The Charitable Act represents an opportunity to continue to strengthen the philanthropic ecosystem with tax incentives that will reverse a downward trend in levels of charitable giving. Philanthropy Southwest, its members and the charitable sector continue to confront unprecedented needs. By recognizing tax code should support giving at all levels and from all Americans, and encouraging more Americans to support nonprofit organizations, this legislation has the potential to create meaningful, lasting impact across our most critical social challenges,” said Tony J. Fundaro, President & CEO, Philanthropy Southwest. 
    “The generosity of ordinary citizens reflects America at her best and provides immense public good.  It fuels vital projects and services, from aid to the needy, to education for the young, to parks, museums, and civic life, and so much more.  Citizen-giving also nurtures strong, healthy accountability for nonprofits, insisting that they prove their worth in order to earn the support of their neighbors.  Finally, as many studies now confirm, generosity benefits givers, too — measurably boosting happiness, connectedness, and overall well-being.  The Charitable Act will significantly advance all of these benefits and more,” said Jedd Medefind, President, Christian Alliance for Orphans (CAFO). 
    “Churches, faith-based organizations, and other non-profit institutions that depend on charitable giving are the backbone of a healthy civil society, contributing to our communities and serving those in need. Southern Baptists have long understood this principle. Therefore, the ERLC fully supports Sen. Lankford’s reintroduction of the Charitable Act that would extend the Charitable Deduction to 100% of taxpayers. This legislation deserves broad support and quick passage,” said ERLC’s President, Brent Leatherwood. 
    “Charitable giving supports lifesaving work, provides essential services, and strengthens our communities. The past few years have offered incontrovertible proof that tax incentives impact giving: when everyday Americans had access to the charitable deduction, they gave more generously. Fortunately, Congress has a rare opportunity to strengthen the work of charitable organizations and the fabric of our nation by passing the Charitable Act this year,” said Independent Sector President and CEO Dr. Akilah Watkins.
    “United Philanthropy Forum commends these Congressional champions for their steadfast support of America’s charitable sector and the vital services these organizations provide to communities nationwide,” said Deborah Aubert Thomas, President & CEO of United Philanthropy Forum. “The Forum maintains that implementing a non-itemizer deduction would modernize giving incentives, strengthen our nation’s philanthropic foundation, and empower donors across all tax brackets to increase their charitable investments. This approach would be particularly impactful in engaging younger generations in meaningful charitable giving that strengthens their communities,” said Deborah Aubert Thomas, President and CEO, United Philanthropy Forum. 
    “We applaud the reintroduction of this important legislation that would provide all taxpayers with access to the charitable deduction for their generosity,” said Michael Kenyon, President & CEO of the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners. “As gift planners, we know that once a donor starts to support a cause or organization, they are much more likely to continue giving in the future, no matter the size of their initial contribution. Restoring a non-itemizer charitable would encourage all taxpayers, irrespective of income level, to give, instilling a habit of philanthropy that will drive more dollars to charity for years to come from a new generation of givers.”
    “The Charitable Act isn’t just about tax policy – it’s about democratizing generosity and unleashing the full potential of American philanthropy. When teachers, nurses, and other everyday heroes can’t receive the same tax benefits for their charitable giving as wealthy donors, we’re reinforcing inequality in our giving ecosystem. We cannot afford to discourage giving from hardworking Americans. The Charitable Act would empower all donors, regardless of tax filing status, to make a bigger impact and strengthen the vital services that our communities desperately need,” said Shannon McCracken, CEO The Nonprofit Alliance. 
    “The Association of Art Museum Directors thanks Sens. Lankford and Coons for their leadership on the Charitable Act. Donations make possible free and reduced admissions, educational programs, and a host of community services.  We look forward to a resurgence of giving upon passage of their bill, just as gifts increased following the temporary enactment of a deduction for non-itemizers in 2020-21,” said Christine Anagnos, Executive Director of the Association of Art Museum Directors.
    “The charitable deduction sends a powerful message that America wants to honor and encourage openhanded generosity,” said ECFA President & CEO Michael Martin. “The Charitable Act wisely democratizes this proven incentive and supports habits of giving for all taxpayers regardless of whether they itemize on their tax forms or not.”
    “According to Q3 2024 data compiled by AFP’s Fundraising Effectiveness Project, the number of small gift donors (gifts under $100) saw a steep decline of -12.4%; this is a continued decline in the last two years since the charitable deduction for non-itemizers was not renewed.,” said Mike Geiger, President and CEO of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. “On behalf of our more than 26,000 fundraising professional members that raise more than $100 billion annually for charities, we are grateful for our Congressional champions reintroducing the bipartisan Charitable Act as this giving incentive will support nonprofits in their communities who rely on these funds to provide much needed services.”
    “We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Lankford and Coons in reintroducing the bipartisan Charitable Act, legislation that will ensure that all American taxpayers, regardless of income, are encouraged to give more to support local soup kitchens, homeless and domestic abuse shelters, disaster relief organizations, schools, cultural organizations, and religious congregations and ministries—among innumerable other crucial charities. We know from experience that a charitable deduction for non-itemizers will generate additional giving. In 2020 and 2021, the CGC and its members successfully worked with Congress to enact a modest temporary charitable deduction for non-itemizers that led to increased giving, particularly through a significant increase in small gifts. In 2020, 42 million taxpayers used the temporary universal charitable deduction to give $10.9 billion to charities, with a quarter of the Americans taking that $300 deduction made less than $30,000. We look forward to working with Sens. Lankford, Coons and their colleagues to ensure that this important proposal is included in tax reform legislation,” said Brian Flahaven, Chair, Charitable Giving Coalition. 
    “Donors invest in schools, colleges, and universities because of the essential role they play in transforming lives and society. By restoring a charitable deduction for non-itemizers, the bipartisan Charitable Act will encourage more Americans to make donations aimed at funding scholarships, educating and preparing students, supporting ground-breaking research, and strengthening academic programs. We applaud and thank Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Chris Coons (D-DE) for re-introducing the Charitable Act and look forward to advocating for its speedy enactment,” said Sue Cunningham, President and CEO, Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
    “Small donations are crucial to the nonprofit arts and culture sector, which generated $151.7 billion in economic activity, supported 2.6 million jobs, created $29.1 billion in tax revenue, and provided residents $101 billion in personal income in 2022. Those who do not itemize on their taxes are a crucial part of this sector,” said Suzy Delvalle, co-CEO of Americans for the Arts.
    “When we support the arts through small donations, we invest in both economic and community well-being, particularly in rural areas. We thank Senator Lankford and Senator Coons for their leadership on this important issue,” said Jamie Bennett, co-CEO of Americans for the Arts.
    “Charitable organizations work tirelessly to improve and enrich communities nationwide. The bipartisan Charitable Act would support the life-changing work of our nation’s charities by encouraging middle- and lower-income taxpayers to contribute to nonprofits making an impact across the country. The American Heart Association thanks the congressional champions reintroducing the Charitable Act and looks forward to working with these lawmakers to pass this bill,” said Mark Schoeberl, Executive Vice President of Advocacy, American Heart Association.
    “Charitable giving is for everyone, and everyone who donates should have the same opportunity to receive a tax deduction. The Charitable Act expands access to these incentives, ensuring that all Americans—whether they itemize deductions or not—can benefit from a tax break on their contributions. This legislation empowers more people to support the vital work of nonprofits in their communities,” said Heather Iliff, President & CEO of Maryland Nonprofits. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Unveils 100x Leverage Crypto Trading with Double Deposit Bonus & $50 Welcome Offer—No KYC Needed

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As the price of Bitcoin surpassed the $100,000 mark and many analysts believe that it will enter a long-term high-volatility market. Holding spot positions may not continue to generate profits in the short term. BexBack Exchange is stepping up its efforts to provide traders with irresistible preferential packages. The platform now offers a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and a 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, creating unparalleled opportunities for investors.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $60,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $63,000, your profit will be (63,000 – 60,000) * 100 BTC / 60,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 200,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

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    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d653f906-7908-4200-ab66-0a9a33b3d84e

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5b9f6b25-c7eb-436a-8fb8-e59f1ccd5634

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/101ef4e2-f376-4588-a21e-03d8031d15c5

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a9c839a-4633-419f-92e6-dfaeefb06023

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Dash Social Launches Creator Management Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Dash Social proudly announces the launch of its Creator Management platform, designed to empower marketing teams with reliable, verified data and streamlined workflows for managing influencer and social media campaigns.

    This milestone marks the next step in Dash Social’s mission to power the future of social entertainment. As the creator economy surpasses $100 billion globally, brands are increasingly looking to creators as essential partners in driving meaningful connections with their audiences. To fully capitalize on this shift, brands need verified data to accurately measure creator impact, and an integrated approach to seamlessly manage paid, earned and owned campaigns.

    Dash Social’s Creator Management platform meets this demand by combining reliable, API-backed data with unified reporting across every key area of social strategy. This comprehensive solution empowers brands to track performance, optimize budgets and gain a complete, actionable view of campaigns.

    “Our Creator Management platform is a game-changer for the influencer marketing industry,” said Thomas Rankin, CEO of Dash Social. “We have combined data integrity with powerful tools that allow teams to work smarter and with confidence. This isn’t just about replacing existing influencer software solutions — it’s about providing marketers with verified insights that enable them to make intelligent budget allocations, while connecting with audiences in a meaningful and measurable way.”

    Dash Social’s Creator Management platform delivers:

    • Reliable, Verified Data: Access API-backed data for accurate and trustworthy insights, eliminating guesswork and ensuring high-quality decision-making.
    • Scalable High-Performing Influencer Campaigns: Evaluate creator impact with metrics like Earned Media Value (EMV) to demonstrate measurable ROI for your campaigns.
    • Time Back: Simplify workflows and campaign measurement, saving hours while discovering the right influencers for your brand.
    • Influencer Management: Manage paid, owned, and earned media in a single platform, ensuring seamless alignment across teams and campaigns.

    Dash Social has built its reputation on anticipating industry shifts and delivering solutions that meet the evolving needs of marketers. With the launch of its Creator Management platform, the company strengthens its position as a leader in social entertainment.

    “This platform represents the culmination of our expertise and commitment to empowering brands to lead with confidence,” added Rankin. “In a world where creators are reshaping the digital economy, we’re providing the tools to turn opportunities into measurable success.”

    Dash Social’s Creator Management platform is now available. For more information, visit www.dashsocial.com.

    For all PR and media inquiries or to speak with a representative regarding this press release, please contact pr@dashsocial.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/906ee27d-1270-4674-822f-70796360d984

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Yorkshire man ordered to clear illegal waste site

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A man has been given two months to clear waste from an illegal site in North Yorkshire following an investigation by the Environment Agency.

    Image shows illegal waste stored on the site at Catterick.

    Oliver Henry Alexander King, 52, of Bedale, North Yorkshire, appeared at York Magistrates’ Court on Friday 24 January 2025, where he pleaded guilty to one charge of operating a waste site without an environmental permit, and one charge of failing to comply with a notice to clear waste from the site.

    He was sentenced to a 12 month community order with 110 hours of unpaid work, ordered to pay costs of £5,422.75 and a victim surcharge of £114.

    He was also ordered to clear the site of waste by 21 March, 2025. This regulation 44 order requires King to remove all waste from the site and take it to a permitted site for disposal. If he fails to comply he could be subject to further action.

    Waste crime puts ‘environment at risk’

    Ian Foster, Environment Agency Area Environment Manager, said:

    Environmental permits are in place to protect the public and environment and the way the waste was stored at this site posed a risk of contamination and fire.

    King was given a number of opportunities to clear the site of waste but failed to comply with the instructions from our officers. 

    Illegal activity such as this undermines legitimate businesses that work hard to operate within the regulations, as well as putting the environment at risk and impacting on the local community.

    The court heard that King rented land next to allotments at Oran Lane in Catterick.

    On 22 June 2023, Environment Agency officers attended the site following reports of an illegal waste operation.

    They saw a significant amount of waste piled up including wood, plastics, metal, and construction and demolition waste, as well as household waste like fridges and freezers.

    The waste, which was close to a local watercourse, posed a risk of groundwater and surface water pollution and was stored in one big pile, posing a fire risk.

    An Environment Agency letter was sent to King with actions including to stop bringing waste on to the site and to start clearing the waste that was already present immediately. He was given until 21 August, 2023 to comply.

    Image shows illegal waste stored at the site in Catterick.

    Deadline for waste removal extended

    Follow up visits by officers revealed that while some waste had been removed, most still remained. It did appear King had stopped bringing waste on to site and he said financial and vehicle issues had prevented the waste from being removed.

    He was given until 28 February, 2024, to comply with the original deadline.

    On 20 March, 2024, Environment Agency officers went to the site to check compliance with the notice, and it was apparent that the pile of waste remained unchanged.

    In interview in May 2024 King said he claimed to have been unaware that he needed an environmental permit or waste exemption – which allows for low level waste activity without the need for a permit – until he was told this by the Environment Agency.

    He said he stopped importing and treating waste after the initial visit from officers, but didn’t have the money to remove the waste. He added that he owned property which he planned to sell to fund the site clearance.

    Follow up visits by officers during the summer of 2024 saw that while some waste had been cleared, most still remained. An enforcement notice was issued by the Environment Agency requiring the site to be cleared by 23 August 2024. This was also not complied with.

    Illegal waste activity can be reported to the Environment Agency on its 24-hour incident line on 0800 807060 or to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

    Background

    Full charges

    1 – Between 21 June 2023 and 29 August 2024 at land of Oran Lane, Catterick in the county of North Yorkshire, you did operate a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the recovery or disposal of waste, except under and to the extent authorised by an environmental permit.

    Contrary to Regulations 12 and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.  

    2 – On 24 August 2024, you failed, without reasonable excuse, to comply with a notice dated 09 July 2024 and served on you on pursuant to section 59ZB(2) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 in that you failed to remove controlled waste from land at Oran Lane, Catterick.

    Contrary to section 59ZB(6) Environmental Protection Act 1990.

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Orange County Bancorp, Inc. Announces Strategic Realignment of Internal Divisions to Enhance its Wealth Management Services

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIDDLETOWN, N.Y., Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orange County Bancorp, Inc. (the “Company” – Nasdaq: OBT), parent company of Orange Bank & Trust Co. (the “Bank”) and Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc., today announced a realignment of internal divisions designed to promote its wealth management services to better meet the evolving needs of its clients. The Company’s asset management arm, Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc., and trust and private banking offerings will be collectively known as Orange Wealth Management.

    The oversight of Orange Wealth Management will be led by Senior Vice President, David P. Dineen. Dineen is currently the head of the Bank’s wealth service sales and will now serve as the Managing Director of Wealth Management. Dineen has successfully overseen the trust and private banking divisions of the Bank since his hiring in February 2022 and has more than 30 years of banking and wealth management experience, making him uniquely qualified for this new role.

    “We recognize that our entrepreneurial clients frequently prioritize business expansion, which can sometimes overshadow their personal financial needs,” said Dineen. “By unifying our core divisions, we can provide a comprehensive wealth management solution, seamlessly integrating investment guidance, estate planning, and personal banking services. This team approach truly embodies the Bank’s tagline: ‘Guiding your business, Growing your wealth’.”

    Orange Wealth Management will provide clients:

    • Personalized Attention: In-person and cell-phone access to a dedicated team of advisors who understand their unique financial circumstances and goals.
    • Enhanced Convenience: A full suite of wealth management services that bring together old-fashioned service with cutting-edge technology.
    • Seamless Integration: A cohesive experience that seamlessly integrates personal and business banking with wealth management services unlike the banking industry’s traditional siloed approach to wealth management and commercial banking.

    “We are thrilled to have David lead this important initiative,” said Michael Gilfeather, President and CEO of Orange Bank & Trust Co. “His extensive experience in the wealth management industry will be invaluable as we continue to expand our offerings and provide exceptional service to our clients through Orange Wealth Management.”

    He continued, “Nationwide, a significant majority of the top 10 percent built their wealth through business ownership. This fact aligns perfectly with our business, since the majority of our Private Banking clientele have also built their wealth through entrepreneurship. With the ‘Great Wealth Transfer’ underway, involving the transfer of more than $80 trillion in assets, this strategic realignment positions us to capitalize on this unprecedented opportunity to garner an increasing wallet share within our marketplace by serving the evolving needs of high-net-worth individuals and their families with generations in mind.”

    The Company purchased Hudson Valley Investment Advisors (HVIA) in 2012 with $465 million in assets under management (AUM). Today, HVIA has more than $1.7 billion in AUM serving the owners, managers and directors of their business banking clientele as well as individual and institutional investors. This vertical provides the company with a consistent and growing fee-based revenue stream that is synergistic with its traditional commercial bank spread based income.

    About Orange County Bancorp, Inc

    Orange County Bancorp, Inc. is the parent company of Orange Bank & Trust Co. and Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. Orange Bank & Trust Co. is an independent bank that began with the vision of 14 founders more than 125 years ago. It has grown through innovation and an unwavering commitment to its community and business clientele to approximately $2.5 billion in total assets. Hudson Valley Investment Advisors, Inc. is a Registered Investment Advisor in Goshen, N.Y. It was founded in 1996 and acquired by the Company in 2012.

    Forward Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained herein are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period or periods, or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “continue,” or similar terms or variations on those terms, or the negative of those terms. Forward looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to the real estate and economic environment, particularly in the market areas in which the Company operates, competitive products and pricing, fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. Government, inflation, changes in government regulations affecting financial institutions, including regulatory fees and capital requirements, changes in prevailing interest rates, increased levels of loan delinquencies, problem assets and foreclosures, credit risk management, asset-liability management, cybersecurity risks, geopolitical conflicts, public health issues, the financial and securities markets and the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity.

    The Company wishes to caution readers not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. The Company wishes to advise readers that the factors listed above could affect the Company’s financial performance and could cause the Company’s actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed with respect to future periods in any current statements. The Company does not undertake and specifically declines any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events.

    Contact: Candice Varetoni
    AVP Marketing Officer
    Orange Bank & Trust Company
    cvaretoni@orangebanktrust.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: xJar Protocol Launches Revolutionary DeFi Platform on BNB Chain, Offering Sustainable 1% Daily Returns

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — xJar Protocol, a groundbreaking decentralized finance (DeFi) platform, announces its official launch on the BNB Chain. It introduces an innovative investment protocol that offers users a sustainable 1% daily return on their BNB investments through a fully transparent and trustless smart contract system.

    The protocol represents a significant advancement in DeFi technology, combining automated yield generation with unparalleled security and transparency. Built on the robust BNB Chain, xJar Protocol eliminates traditional intermediaries while providing investors predictable returns.

    “xJar Protocol is designed to revolutionize passive income generation in the DeFi space,” said the project’s lead developer. “Our platform’s success lies in its simplicity, security, and sustainability, powered by immutable smart contracts that ensure complete transparency and trustless operations.”

    Key Features:

    – Guaranteed 1% daily ROI through smart contract automation
    – Multi-level referral system for community growth
    – Real-time transaction tracking and verification
    – Fully audited smart contracts
    – Zero administrative control over user funds
    – Minimal entry barrier with competitive gas fees

    The platform’s innovative approach to DeFi investing includes:

    1. Trustless Architecture: All operations are governed by immutable smart contracts
    2. Transparent Mechanics: Every transaction is publicly verifiable on the blockchain
    3. Community Focus: Built-in referral system rewards community growth
    4. Sustainable Returns: Mathematically balanced reward structure

    For more information about xJar Protocol and to start earning daily returns, visit: https://xjar.org

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: OMB Q&A Regarding Memorandum M-25-13

    Source: The White House

    In implementing President Trump’s Executive Orders, OMB issued guidance requesting that agencies temporarily pause, to the extent permitted by law, grant, loan or federal financial assistance programs that are implicated by the President’s Executive Orders.

    Any program not implicated by the President’s Executive Orders is not subject to the pause.

    The Executive Orders listed in the guidance are:

    Protecting the American People Against Invasion

    Reevaluating and Realigning United States Foreign Aid

    Putting America First in International Environmental Agreements

    Unleashing American Energy

    Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing

    Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government

    Enforcing the Hyde Amendment

    Any program that provides direct benefits to individuals is not subject to the pause.

    The guidance establishes a process for agencies to work with OMB to determine quickly whether any program is inconsistent with the President’s Executive Orders. A pause could be as short as day. In fact, OMB has worked with agencies and has already approved many programs to continue even before the pause has gone into effect.

    Any payment required by law to be paid will be paid without interruption or delay.

    Q: Is this a freeze on all Federal financial assistance?

    A: No, the pause does not apply across-the-board. It is expressly limited to programs, projects, and activities implicated by the President’s Executive Orders, such as ending DEI, the green new deal, and funding nongovernmental organizations that undermine the national interest.

    Q: Is this a freeze on benefits to Americans like SNAP or student loans?

    A: No, any program that provides direct benefits to Americans is explicitly excluded from the pause and exempted from this review process. In addition to Social Security and Medicare, already explicitly excluded in the guidance, mandatory programs like Medicaid and SNAP will continue without pause.Funds for small businesses, farmers, Pell grants, Head Start, rental assistance, and other similar programs will not be paused. If agencies are concerned that these programs may implicate the President’s Executive Orders, they should consult OMB to begin to unwind these objectionable policies without a pause in the payments.

    Q: Is the pause of federal financial assistance an impoundment?

    A: No, it is not an impoundment under the Impoundment Control Act. It is a temporary pause to give agencies time to ensure that financial assistance conforms to the policies set out in the President’s Executive Orders, to the extent permitted by law. Temporary pauses are a necessary part of program implementation that have been ordered by past presidents to ensure that programs are being executed and funds spent in accordance with a new President’s policies and do not constitute impoundments.

    Q: Why was this pause necessary?

    A: To act as faithful stewards of taxpayer money, new administrations must review federal programs to ensure that they are being executed in accordance with the law and the new President’s policies.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Press Briefing by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt

    Source: The White House

    1:06 P.M. EST

         MS. LEAVITT:  Good afternoon, everybody. 

    Q    Good afternoon.

    MS. LEAVITT:  How are we?  Good to see all of you.  It’s an honor to be here with all of you.  A lot of familiar faces in the room, a lot of new faces.

    And President Trump is back, and the golden age of America has most definitely begun. 

    The Senate has already confirmed five of President Trump’s exceptional Cabinet nominees: Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.  It is imperative that the Senate continues to confirm the remainder of the president’s well-qualified nominees as quickly as possible.

    As you have seen during the past week, President Trump is hard at work fulfilling the promises that he made to the American people on the campaign trail.  Since taking the oath of office, President Trump has taken more than 300 executive actions; secured nearly $1 trillion in U.S. investments; deported illegal alien rapists, gang members, and suspected terrorists from our homeland; and restored common sense to the federal government.

    I want to take a moment to go through some of these extraordinary actions. 

    On day one, President Trump declared a national emergency at our southern border to end the four-year-long invasion of illegal aliens under the previous administration.  Additionally, President Trump signed an executive order to end catch and release and finish construction of his effective border wall.  By using every lever of his federal power, President Trump has sent a loud and clear message to the entire world: America will no longer tolerate illegal immigration. 

    And this president expects that every nation on this planet will cooperate with the repatriation of their citizens, as proven by this weekend, when President Trump swiftly directed his team to issue harsh and effective sanctions and tariffs on the Colombian government upon hearing they were denied a U.S. military aircraft full of their own citizens who were deported by this administration.  Within hours, the Colombian government agreed to all of President Trump’s demands, proving America is once again respected on the world stage.

    So, to foreign nationals who are thinking about trying to illegally enter the United States, think again.  Under this president, you will be detained, and you will be deported. 

         Every day, Americans are safer because of the violent criminals that President Trump’s administration is removing from our communities.

    On January 23rd, ICE New York arrested a Turkish national for entry without inspection who is a known or suspected terrorist.  On January 23rd, ICE San Francisco arrested a citizen of Mexico unlawfully present in the United States who has been convicted of continuous sexual abuse of a child aged 14 years or younger.  ICE Saint Paul has arrested a citizen of Honduras who was convicted of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor.  ICE Buffalo arrested a citizen of Ecuador who has been convicted of rape. 

    ICE Boston arrested a citizen of the Dominican Republic who has a criminal conviction for second-degree murder.  This criminal was convicted of murder for beating his pregnant wife to death in front of her five-year-old son. 

         And ICE Saint Paul also arrested a citizen of Mexico who was convicted of possessing pornographic material of a minor on a work computer.

    These are the heinous individuals that this administration is removing from American communities every single day.  And to the brave state and local law enforcement officers, CBP, and ICE agents who are helping in the facilitation of this deportation operation, President Trump has your back and he is grateful for your hard work.

    On the economic front, President Trump took immediate action to lower costs for families who are suffering from four long years of the Biden administration’s destructive and inflationary policies.  President Trump ordered the heads of all executive departments and agencies to help deliver emergency price relief to the American people, untangle our economy from Biden’s regulatory constraints, and end the reckless war on American energy.

    President Trump also signed sweeping executive orders to end the weaponization of government and restore common sense to the federal bureaucracy.  He directed all federal agencies to terminate illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion programs to help return America to a merit-based society.

    President Trump also signed an executive order declaring it is now the policy of the federal government that there are only two sexes: male and female.  Sanity has been restored.

    Before I take your questions, I would like to point out to — all of you once again have access to the most transparent and accessible president in American history.  There has never been a president who communicates with the American people and the American press corps as openly and authentically as the 45th and now 47th president of the United States. 

    This past week, President Trump has held multiple news conferences, gaggled on Air Force One multiple times, and sat down for a two-part interview on Fox News, which aired last week.  As Politico summed it up best, “Trump is everywhere again,” and that’s because President Trump has a great story to tell about the legendary American revival that is well underway.

    And in keeping with this revolutionary media approach that President Trump deployed during the campaign, the Trump White House will speak to all media outlets and personalities, not just the legacy media who are seated in this room, because apporting — according to recent polling from Gallup, Americans’ trust in mass media has fallen to a record low.  Millions of Americans, especially young people, have turned from traditional television outlets and newspapers to consume their news from podcasts, blogs, social media, and other independent outlets.

    It’s essential to our team that we share President Trump’s message everywhere and adapt this White House to the new media landscape in 2025.  To do this, I am excited to announce the following changes will be made to this historic James S. Brady Briefing Room, where Mr. Brady’s legacy will endure.

    This White House believes strongly in the First Amendment, so it’s why our team will work diligently to restore the press passes of the 440 journalists whose passes were wrongly revoked by the previous administration. 

    We’re also opening up this briefing room to new media voices who produce news-related content and whose outlet is not already represented by one of the seats in this room.  We welcome independent journalists, podcasters, social media influencers, and content creators to apply for credentials to cover this White House.  And you can apply now on our new website, WhiteHouse.gov/NewMedia. 

    Starting today, this seat in the front of the room, which is usually occupied by the press secretary staff, will be called the “new media” seat.  My team will review the applications and give credentials to new media applicants who meet our criteria and pass United States Secret Service requirements to enter the White House complex.

    So, in light of these announcements, our first questions for today’s briefing will go to these new media members whose outlets, despite being some of the most viewed news websites in the country, have not been given seats in this room. 

    And before I turn to questions, I do have news directly from the president of the United States that was just shared with me in the Oval Office from President Trump directly — an update on the New Jersey drones: After research and study, the drones that were flying over New Jersey in large numbers were authorized to be flown by the FAA for research and various other reasons. 

    Many of these drones were also hobbyists — recreational and private individuals that enjoy flying drones.  In meanti- — in the — in time, it got worse, due to curiosity.  This was not the enemy.  A — a statement from the president of the United States to start this briefing with some news.

    And with that, I will turn it over to questions, and we will begin with our new media members: Mike Allen from Axios, Matt Boyle from Breitbart. 

         Mike, why don’t you go ahead.

    Q    Thank you very much.  Karoline, does the president see anything fishy about DeepSeek, either its origins or its cost?  And could China’s ability to make these models quicker, cheaper affect our thinking about expanding generation data centers, chip manufacturing?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Sure.  The president was asked about DeepSeek last night on Air Force One when he gaggled for, I think, the third or fourth time throughout the weekend with members of the traveling press corps.  The president said that he believes that this is a wake-up call to the American AI industry.  The last administration sat on their hands and allowed China to rapidly develop this AI program.

    And so, President Trump believes in restoring American AI dominance, and that’s why he took very strong executive action this past week to sign executive orders to roll back some of the onerous regulations on the AI industry.  And President Trump has also proudly appointed the first AI and crypto czar at this White House, David Sacks, whom I spoke with yesterday — very knowledgeable on this subject.  And his team is here working every single day to ensure American AI dominance.

    As for the national security implications, I spoke with NSC this morning.  They are looking into what those may be, and when I have an update, I will share it with you, Mike.

    Q    And, Karoline, you say “restore” U.S. dominance.  Is there fear that the U.S. either is falling or has fallen behind?  And how would the president make sure the U.S. stays ahead?

    MS. LEAVITT:  No.  The president is confident that we will restore American dominance in AI. 

    Matt.

    Q    Yeah.  So, Karoline, first off, thank you to you and President Trump for actually giving voices to new media outlets that represent millions and millions of Americans.  The thing I would add — the — I’ve got a two-part question for you.  The first is just: Can you expand upon what steps the White House is going to take to bring more voices, not less — which is what our founder, Andrew Breitbart, believed in — into this room, where they rightly belong?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yeah, absolutely.  And as I said in my opening statement, Matt, it is a priority of this White House to honor the First Amendment.  And it is a fact that Americans are consuming their news media from various different platforms, especially young people.  And as the youngest press secretary in history, thanks to President Trump, I take great pride in opening up this room to new media voices to share the president’s message with as many Americans as possible.

    In doing so, number one, we will ensure that outlets like yours — Axios and Breitbart, which are widely respected and viewed outlets — have an actual seat in this room every day.  We also, again, encourage anybody in this country — whether you are a TikTok content creator, a blogger, a podcaster — if you are producing legitimate news content, no matter the medium, you will be allowed to apply for press credentials to this White House. 

    And as I said earlier, our new media website is WhiteHouse.gov/NewMedia, and so we encourage people to apply.  Again, as long as you are creating news-related content of the day and you’re a legitimate independent journalist, you’re welcome to cover this White House. 

    Q    And secondly, Karoline, you sa- — you laid out several of the actions that President Trump has taken.  Obviously, it’s a stark contrast to the previous administration and a breakneck speed from President Trump.  Can we expect that pace to continue as the hun- — the — you know, the first 100 days moves along here and beyond that?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Absolutely.  There is no doubt President Trump has always been the hardest working man in politics.  I think that’s been proven over the past week.  This president has, again, signed more than 300 executive orders.  He’s taken historic action. 

    I gaggled aboard Air Force One to mark the first 100 days of this administration — 4:00 p.m. last Friday — first 100 hours, rather.  And this president did more in the first 100 hours than the previous president did in the first 100 days. 

    So, President Trump, I think you can all expect to — for him to continue to work at this breakneck speed.  So, I hope you’re all ready to work very hard.  I know that we are.

    Zeke Miller.

    Q    Thanks, Karoline.  A question that we’ve asked your predecessors of both parties in this job.  When you’re up here in this briefing room speaking to the American public, do you view yourself and your role as speaking on — advocating on behalf of the president, or providing the unvarnished truth that is, you know, not to lie, not to obfuscate to the American people?

    MS. LEAVITT:  I commit to telling the truth from this podium every single day.  I commit to speaking on behalf of the president of the United States.  That is my job. 

    And I will say it’s very easy to speak truth from this podium when you have a president who is implementing policies that are wildly popular with the American people, and that’s exactly what this administration is doing.  It’s correcting the lies and the wrongs of the past four years, many of the lies that have been told to your faces in this very briefing room.  I will not do that.

    But since you brought up truth, Zeke, I would like to point out, while I vow to provide the truth from this podium, we ask that all of you in this room hold yourselves to that same standard.  We know for a fact there have been lies that have been pushed by many legacy media outlets in this country about this president, about his family, and we will not accept that.  We will call you out when we feel that your reporting is wrong or there is misinformation about this White House. 

    So, yes, I will hold myself to the truth, and I expect everyone in this room to do the same. 

    Q    And, Karoline, just on a substantive question.  Yesterday, the White House Office of Management and Budget directed an across-the-board freeze with — with some exceptions for individual assistance.  We understand just federal grants.

    MS. LEAVITT:  Right.

    Q    It’s caused a lot of confusion around the country among Head Start providers, among providers — from services to homeless veterans, provid- — you know, Medicaid providers, states saying they’re having trouble accessing the portal.  Could you put — help us clear up some confusion —

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yes.

    Q    — give some certainty to folks?  And then also, is that uncertainty — how does that uncertainty service the president’s voters?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Well, I think there’s only uncertainty in this room amongst the media.  There’s no uncertainty in this building. 

    So, let me provide the certainty and the clarity that all of you need.  This is not a blanket pause on federal assistance in grant programs from the Trump administration.  Individual assistance, that includes — I’m not naming everything that’s included, but just to give you a few examples — Social Security benefits, Medicare benefits, food stamps, welfare benefits — assistance that is going directly to individuals will not be impacted by this pause. 

    And I want to make that very clear to any Americans who are watching at home who may be a little bit confused about some of the media reporting: This administration — if you are receiving individual assistance from the federal government, you will still continue to receive that. 

    However, it is the responsibility of this president and this administration to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars.  That is something that President Trump campaigned on.  That’s why he has launched DOGE, the Department of Government Efficiency, who is working alongside OMB.  And that’s why OMB sent out this memo last night, because the president signed an executive order directing OMB to do just this.  And the reason for this is to ensure that every penny that is going out the door is not conflicting with the executive orders and actions that this president has taken. 

    So, what does this pause mean?  It means no more funding for illegal DEI programs.  It means no more funding for the Green New Scam that has ta- — cost American taxpayers tens of billions of dollars.  It means no more funding for transgenderism and wokeness across our federal bureaucracy and agencies.  No more funding for Green New Deal social engineering policies.  Again, people who are receiving individual asintan- — assistance, you will continue to receive that.

    And President Trump is looking out for you by issuing this pause because he is being good steward of your taxpayer dollars.

    Q    Thanks, Karoline. 

    MS. LEAVITT:  Sure.

    Q    How long is this pause going to last?  And how is the Trump administration recommending that organizations that rely on federal funding make payroll, pay their rent in the meantime?

    MS. LEAVITT:  It is a temporary pause, and the Office of Management and Budget is reviewing the federal funding that has been going out the door, again, not for individual assistance, but for all of these other programs that I mentioned.

    I also spoke with the incoming director of OMB this morning, and he told me to tell all of you that the line to his office is open for other federal government agencies across the board, and if they feel that programs are necessary and in line with the president’s agenda, then the Office of Management and Budget will review those policies. 

    I think this is a very responsible measure.  Again, the past four years, we’ve seen the Biden administration spend money like drunken sailors.  It’s a big reason we’ve had an inflation crisis in this country, and it’s incumbent upon this administration to make sure, again, that every penny is being accounted for honestly.

    Q    Why impose this pause with so little notice?  Why not give organizations more time to plan for the fact that they are about to lose, in some cases, really crucial federal funding —

    MS. LEAVITT:  There was —

    Q    — at least for a — for a period of time?

    MS. LEAVITT:  There was notice.  It was the executive order that the president signed. 

    There’s also a freeze on hiring, as you know; a regulatory freeze; and there’s also a freeze on foreign aid.  And this is a — again, incredibly important to ensure that this administration is taking into consideration how hard the American people are working.  And their tax dollars actually matter to this administration. 

    You know, just during this pause, DOGE and OMB have actually found that there was $37 million that was about to go out the door to the World Health Organization, which is an organization, as you all know, that President Trump, with the swipe of his pen in that executive order, is — no longer wants the United States to be a part of.  So, that wouldn’t be in line with the president’s agenda. 

    DOGE and OMB also found that there was about to be 50 million taxpayer dollars that went out the door to fund condoms in Gaza.  That is a preposterous waste of taxpayer money. 

    So, that’s what this pause is focused on: being good stewards of tax dollars. 

    Q    And so, this doesn’t affect —

    MS. LEAVITT:  Jennifer.

    Q    — Meals on Wheels or Head Start or disaster aid?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Again, it does not affect individual assistance that’s going to Americans.

    Q    To follow up on Nancy, do you think there will be a list of who is affected and how much money is affected?  How — how will these contractors and organizations know if they are actually being — having their funding frozen?

    And then, secondly, if you’re willing, can you just clarify, is the end goal of this to essentially challenge Congress or to — to prove that the president can withhold federal funding?  Is — in other words, is this an attempt to pick a fight to prove that he can do this?

    MS. LEAVITT:  No, absolutely not.  As it says right here in the memo, which I have — and I’d encourage all of you to read it — it says, “The American people elected President Trump to be the president of the United States and gave him a mandate to increase the impact of every federal dollar.”  “This memo requires federal agencies to identify and review all Federal financial assistance programs and supporting activities consistent with the president’s policies and requirements.” 

    The American people gave President Trump an overwhelming mandate on November 5th, and he’s just trying to ensure that the tax money going out the door in this very bankrupt city actually aligns with the will and the priorities of the American people. 

    (Cross-talk.)

    Brian Glenn.

    Q    Yes.  Welcome. 

    MS. LEAVITT:  Thank you.

    Q    You look great.  You’re doing a great job. 

    MS. LEAVITT:  Thank you.

    Q    You talked about transparency.  And some of us in this room know how just transparent President Trump has been the last five or six years; I think you’ll do the same. 

    My question is, do you think this latest incident with the president of Colombia is indicative of the global, powerful respect they have for President Trump moving forward not only to engage in — in economic diplomacy with these countries but also world peace?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Absolutely.  I’ll echo the answer that the president gave on Air Force One last night when he was asked a very similar question by one of your colleagues in the media: This signifies peace through strength is back, and this president will not tolerate illegal immigration into America’s interior. 

    And he expects every nation on this planet, again, to cooperate with the repatriation of their citizens who illegally entered into our country and broke America’s laws.  Won’t be tolerated. 

    And as you saw, the Colombian government quickly folded and agreed to all of President Trump’s demands.  Flights are underway once again.

    (Cross-talk.)

    Diana.

    Q    Two questions on deportations, if I may.  President Trump had said on the campaign trail that he would deport pro-Hamas students who are here on visas, and on his first day in office, he signed an executive order that said, quote, “The U.S. must ensure that admitted aliens and aliens otherwise already present in the U.S. do not bear hostile attitudes toward its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or founding principles.”  So, should we take this executive order as Trump saying he would be open to de- — deporting those students who are here on visas, but, you know, hold pro-Hamas sympathies?

    MS. LEAVITT:  The president is open to deporting individuals who have broken our nation’s immigrations laws.  So, if they are here illegally, then certainly he is open to deporting them, and that’s what this administration is hard at work at doing. 

    We receive data from DHS and from ICE every single day.  From what we hear on the ground, ICE agents are feeling incredibly empowered right now because they actually have a leader in this building who is supporting them in doing their jobs that they were hired to do, which is to detain, arrest, and deport illegal criminals who have invaded our nation’s borders over the past four years.  That’s what the president is committed to seeing. 

    Q    One more. 

    MS. LEAVITT:  Peter.
        
         Q    Just following up on that, Karoline —

    Q    Karoline, if I could ask you very quickly, just following up on the question on immigration.  First, President Trump, during the course of the campaign in 2024, said the following about illegal im- — immigration.  He said, “They’re going back home where they belong, and we start with the criminals.  There are many, many criminals.”  NBC News has learned that ICE arrested 1,179 undocumented immigrants on Sunday, but nearly half of them — 566 of the migrants — appear to have no prior criminal record besides entering the country illegally. 

    MS. LEAVITT:  (Laughs.)

    Q    Is the president still focused exclusiv- — which is a civil crime, not a — not a — it’s not criminal —

    MS. LEAVITT:  It’s a federal crime. 

    Q    It’s a fed- — so, I’m asking though, he said he was going to focus on those violent offenders first.  So, is violent offenders no longer the predicate for these people to be deported?

    MS. LEAVITT:  The president has said countless times on the campaign trail — I’ve been with him at the rallies; I know you’ve been there covering them too, Peter — that he is focused on launching the largest mass deportation operation in American history of illegal criminals. 

    And if you are an individual, a foreign national, who illegally enters the United States of America, you are, by definition, a criminal.  And so, therefore —

    Q    So, to be clear, it’s not exclusively —

    MS. LEAVITT:  — you are subject deportation. 

    Q    I apologize for interrupting.  So, to be clear, it’s not — violent criminals do not receive precedence in terms of the deportations taking place?

    MS. LEAVITT:  The president has also said — two things can be true at the same time.  We want to deport illegal criminals, illegal immigrants from this country.  But the president has said that, of course, the illegal dr- — criminal drug dealers, the rapists, the murderers, the individuals who have committed heinous acts on the interior of our country and who have terrorized law-abiding American citizens, absolutely, those should be the priority of ICE.  But that doesn’t mean that the other illegal criminals who entered our nation’s borders are off the table. 

    Q    Understood.  Then let me ask you a separate question about the confusion that still exists across the country right now as it relates to the — the freeze — or the pause, as it’s described.  President Trump, of course, ran — one of the key policy items was that he was going to lower prices, lower the cost of everything from groceries, as he often said.  But in many of the cases, it would seem that some of these moves could raise prices for real Americans on everything from low-income heating — that program; childcare programs.  Will nothing that the president is doing here, in terms of the freeze in these programs, raise prices on ordinary Americans?

    MS. LEAVITT:  What particular actions are you referring to that would —

    Q    I’m referring to LHEAP right now.  That’s the low-income heating program, for example.  We can talk about — there’s no clarity, so I could refer to a lot of them.  We don’t know what they are specifically.  Can you tell us that LHEAP — that LIHEAP is not one of those affected?

    MS. LEAVITT:  So, you’re asking a hypoc- — -thetical based on programs that you can’t even identify?

    Q    No, I just identified — I —

    MS. LEAVITT:  What I can tell you is that the —

    Q    Well, just to be — just to be clear, since you guys haven’t identified, let’s do it together, just for Americans at home.  Medicaid, is that affected?

    MS. LEAVITT:  I gave you a list of examples — Social Security, Medicare, welfare benefits —

    Q    Medicaid too, correct?

    MS. LEAVITT:  — food stamps — that will not be impacted by this federal pause.  I can get you the full list after this briefing from the Office of Management and Budget.

    But I do want to address the cost cutting, because that’s certainly very important, and — and cutting the cost of living in this country.  President Trump has taken historic action over the past week to do that.  He actually signed a memorandum to deliver emergency price relief for American families, which took a number of actions.  I can walk you through those. 

    He also repealed many onerous Biden administration regulations.  We know, over the past four years, American households has been essentially taxed $55,000 in regulations from the previous administration.  President Trump, with the swipe of his pen, rescinded those, which will ultimately put more money back in the pockets of the American people.  So, deregulation is a big deal. 

    And then, when it comes to energy, I mean, the president signed an executive order to declare a national energy emergency here at home, which is going to make America energy dominant.  We know that energy is one of the number-one drivers of inflation, and so that’s why the president wants to increase our energy supply: to bring down costs for Americans.  The Trump energy boom is incoming, and Americans can expect that.

    Q    Please share that memo.  Thank you.

    MS. LEAVITT:  I will.

    (Cross-talk.)

    Q    Karoline, I think — some of the confusion, I think, may be here with this pause on federal funding.  You’ve made it clear you’re not stopping funds that go directly to individuals, but there certainly are lots of organizations that receive funding and then may pass along a benefit — Meals on Wheels, for one.  They provide meals for over 2.2 million seniors. 

    What is the president’s message to Americans out there, many of whom supported him and voted for him, who are concerned that this is going to impact them directly, even if, as you said, the funding isn’t coming directly to their wallet?

    MS. LEAVITT:  I have now been asked and answered this question four times.  To individuals at home who receive direct assistance from the federal government, you will not be impacted by this federal freeze.  In fact, OMB just sent out a memo to Capitol Hill with Q and A to — to clarify some of the questions and the answers that all of you are a- — are asking me right now. 

    Again, direct assistance will not be impacted.  I’ve been asked and answered about this OMB memo.  There’s many other topics of the day. 

    Jacqui Heinrich. 

    Q    But on indirect assistance, Karoline —

    Q    Thank you, Karoline.

    Q    — if it’s going to another organization and then trickling down?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Direct assistance that is in the hands of the American people will not be impacted. 

    Again, as I said to Peter, we will continue to provide that list as it comes to fruition.  But OMB right now is focused on analyzing the federal government’s spending, which is exactly what the American people elected President Trump to do. 

    (Cross-talk.)

    Q    Thank you, Karoline.

    Q    And one question on immigration, Karoline.  On immigration. 

    Q    Thank you, Karo- —

    Q    Of the 3,500 arrests ICE has made so far since President Trump came back into office, can you just tell us the numbers?  How many have a criminal record versus those who are just in the country illegally.

    MS. LEAVITT:  All of them, because they illegally broke our nation’s laws, and, therefore, they are criminals, as far as this administration goes.  I know the last administration didn’t see it that way, so it’s a big culture shift in our nation to view someone who breaks our immigration laws as a criminal.  But that’s exactly what they are. 

    Jacqui.

    (Cross-talk.)

    Q    Karoline, on tariffs.

    Q    But you made a point of going with the worst first. 

    Q    On tariffs.

    Q    They all have a criminal record?

    Q    And welcome to the briefing room.

    MS. LEAVITT:  If they broke our nation’s laws, yes, they are a criminal. 

    Yes.

    Q    Thank you.  On stripping security details for figures like John Bolton, Pompeo, Brian Hook.  Senator Tom Cotton said that he’s seen the intelligence and the threat from Iran is real for anyone who played a role in the Soleimani strike.  He voiced concern it wouldn’t just impact those individuals but potentially their family, innocent bystanders, friends — anyone who is near them when they’re out in public.  Is the president open to reconsidering his decision?

    MS. LEAVITT:  The president was asked and answered this yesterday, and he was firm in his decision, despite some of the comments that you had referenced.  And he’s made it very clear that he does not believe American taxpayers should fund security details for individuals who have served in the government for the rest of their lives.  And there’s nothing stopping these individuals that you mentioned from obtaining private security. 

    That’s where the president stands on it.  I have no updates on that. 

    Q    Is there any concern that this decision might jeopardize the administration’s ability to hire the best advisers for these kinds of positions in the future?

    MS. LEAVITT:  No.  In fact, I’ve talked to the Presidential Personnel Office who has told me directly that there is such an influx of resumes for this administration that it’s incredibly overwhelming.  There is no lack of talent for the Trump administration. 

    Reagan Ree- —

    Q    And would he — would he take any responsibility —

    Q    Thanks, Karoline.

    Q    — if anything happened to these people?  Would he feel at all that his decision was a factor in that?

    MS. LEAVITT:  The president was asked and answered this yesterday.  I’d defer you to his comments.

    Q    Thanks, Karoline.

    Q    Karoline —

    MS. LEAVITT:  Reagan, since you’re in the back row, I hear y- — the back row hasn’t gotten much attention in the last four years —

    Q    Yes, thank you.

    MS. LEAVITT:  — so I’m happy to answer your question. 

    Q    And I can project.  (Laughter.)

    Does the president intend to permanently cut off funding to NGOs that are bringing illegal foreign nationals to the country, such as Catholic Charities?

         MS. LEAVITT:  I am actually quite certain that the president signed an executive order that did just that, and I can point you to that.

         Q    One more, Karoline.

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yeah.

    Q    President Trump issued an executive order on increased vetting for refugees in visa applications. 

    MS. LEAVITT:  That’s right.

    Q    Part of that order was considering an outright ban for countries that have deficient screening processes.  Has the president considered yet which countries might fall into this category?  Are countries like Afghanistan or Syria under consideration for a full ban?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yeah.  So, the president signed an executive order to streamline the vetting for visa applicants and for illegal immigrants in this country who are coming, of course, from other nations. 

    It also directed the secretary of State to review the process and make sure that other countries around the world are being completely transparent with our nation and the individuals that they are sending here.  And so, the secretary of State has been directed to report back to the president.  I haven’t seen that report yet.  We’ve only been here for a few days.

    (Cross-talk.)

    Q    Karoline, two questions for you.  One on the freeze in federal funding.  Who advised the president on the legality of telling government agencies that they don’t have to spend money that was already appropriated by Congress?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Well, as the OMB memo states, this is certainly within the confines of the law. 

    So, White House Counsel’s Office believes that this is within the pe- — president’s power to do it, and therefore, he’s doing it.

    Q    Okay.  So, they disagree with lawmakers who say that they don’t have the power to — to freeze this funding?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Again, I would point you to the language in the memo that clearly states this is within the law.

    Q    And on what happened on Friday night.  The — the administration fired several inspectors general without giving Congress the 30-day legally required notification that they were being fired.  I think only two were left at DO- — DHS and the DOJ.  And then, yesterday, we saw several prosecutors — I believe 12 — fired from the Justice Department who worked on the investigations into the president.  As you know, they are career prosecutors; therefore, they are afforded civil service protections.  How is the administration deciding which laws to follow and which ones to ignore?

    MS. LEAVITT:  So, it is the belief of this White House and the White House Counsel’s Office that the president was within his exe- — executive authority to do that.  He is the executive of the executive branch, and, therefore, he has the power to fire anyone within the executive branch that he wishes to. 

    There’s also a case that went before the Supreme Court in 2020: Scaila [Seila] Law LLC, v. the Customs — the [Consumer Financial Protection] Bureau Protection.  I would advise you to look at that case, and that’s the legality that this White House has rested on. 

    Q    So, you’re confident that if they bring lawsuits against you — those prosecutors who were fired — that — that they will succeed?

    MS. LEAVITT:  We will win in court, yes.

    Q    And did he personally direct this, given they worked on the classified documents investigation and the election interference investigation?

    MS. LEAVITT:  This was a memo that went out by the Presidential Personnel Office, and the president is the leader of this White House.  So, yes.

    Q    So, it did come from him?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yes, it came from this White House.

    (Cross-talk.)

    Q    Karoline.

    MS. LEAVITT:  Sir.

    Q    Thank you.  Congrats on your first day behind the podium.

    MS. LEAVITT:  Thank you.

    Q    President Trump ended funding for UNRWA and also designated the Houthis a foreign terrorist organization.

    MS. LEAVITT:  That’s right.

    Q    Both were decisions that the previous administration had reversed.  So, here’s my question: Will there be an investigation into who gave the previous administration this terrible advice?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Well, that’s a very good point.  I haven’t heard discussions about such an ins- — investigation, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea, considering that the Houthis cer- — certainly are terrorists.  They have launched attacks on U.S. naval ships across this world, and so I think it was a very wise move by this administration to redesignate them as a terrorist group, because they are.  And I think it was a foolish decision by the previous administration to do so. 

    As for an investigation, I’m not sure about that, but it’s not a bad idea.

    (Cross-talk.)

    Josh.

    Q    Thank you for the question.  I appreciate it.  Can you give us an update on the president’s plan for his tariff agenda?  He spoke a lot about this yesterday, and there’s a couple of dates coming up that —

    MS. LEAVITT:  Sure.

    Q    — he’s spoken to.  Number one, February 1st.  He’s alluded to both the potential for tariffs for Canada and Mexico but also China to take effect on those days.  Where is — what’s he thinking about that?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yeah.

    Q    Should those countries expect that on the 1st?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Again, he was asked and answered this question this past weekend when he took a lot of questions from the press, and he said that the February 1st date for Canada and Mexico still holds.

    Q    And what about the China 10 percent tariff that he also had mused about last Tuesday going into effect on the same date?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yeah, the president has said that he is very much still considering that for February 1st.

    Q    And then, separately, yesterday, he talked also about sectoral tariffs on, for instance, pharmaceuticals, as well as semiconductor computer chips.  He talked about steel, aluminum, and copper.  What’s the timeline on those?  Is that a similar sort of “coming days” thing or —

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yeah, so when the president talked about that in his speech yesterday, that actually wasn’t a new announcement.  That was within a presidential memorandum that he signed in one of the first days here in the White House on his America First trade agenda.  So, there’s more details on those tariffs in there.

    As far as a date, I don’t have a specific date to read out to you, but the president is committed to implementing tariffs effectively, just like he did in his first term.

    Q    And then — and then, finally, he also was asked on the plane when he gaggled about the potential for a universal tariff.  He was asked maybe about two and a half percent.

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yeah.

    Q    There was a report about that.  He said he wanted “much bigger than that.”  Should we understand that these tariffs would add up?  You know, in other words, you might have country-specific tariffs like Canada, Mexico, China.  You might have sectoral tariffs, like on pharmaceuticals, as well as a potential universal tariff on top of that.  Do these stack on one or the other, or would one sort of take precedence over another?

    MS. LEAVITT:  All I can point you to is what the president has said on this front: the February 1st date for Canada and Mexico and also the China tariff that he has discussed.

    He rejected the 2.5 percent tariff.  He said that was a little bit too low.  He wants it to be higher. 

    I’ll leave it to him to make any decisions on that front.

    Q    Do you have any comment on what the —

    (Cross-talk.)

    Q    — what the Mexicans and Canadians —

    MS. LEAVITT:  Phil.

    Q    — have done so far?  Do you have any comment on whether that has met the bar of what he wants to see on fentanyl?  Thank you.

    MS. LEAVITT:   I — I won’t get ahead of the president, again, on advocating to foreign nations on what they should or shouldn’t do to get away from these tariffs.  The president has made it very clear, again, that he expects every nation around this world to cooperate with the repatriation of their citizens.  And the president has also put out specific statements in terms of Canada and Mexico when it comes to what he expects in terms of border security.

    We have seen a historic level of cooperation from Mexico.  But, again, as far as I’m still tracking — and that was last night talking to the president directly — February 1st is still on the books.

    Q    Thank you.

    MS. LEAVITT:  Phil.

    Q    Thank you, Karoline.  Quick programming note, and then a question on taxes.

    MS. LEAVITT:  A programming note.

    Q    Well, in terms of programming, should —

    MS. LEAVITT:  That sounds fun. 

    Q    — we expect to see you here every day?  How frequently will these —

    Q    That’s a good question.

    Q    — press briefings be?

    MS. LEAVITT:  It is a good question, April.

    So, look, the president, as you know, is incredibly accessible.  First day here, he wanted all of you in the Oval Office.  You got a 60-minute press conference with the leader of the free world — while he was simultaneously signing executive orders, I may add.  That’s pretty impressive.  I don’t think the previous office holder would be able to pull such a thing off. 

    So, look, the president is the best spokesperson that this White House has, and I can assure you that you will be hearing from both him and me as much as possible.

    Q    And then a question about tax cuts.  You know, the president has promised to extend the tax cuts from the previous term.  I’m curious, you know, does the president support corresponding spending cuts, as some Republicans have called for in Congress?  And will the new Treasury secretary be leading those negotiations with the Hill, as Mnuchin did during the first administration?

    MS. LEAVITT:  The president is committed to both tax cuts and spending cuts.

    And he has a great team negotiating on his behalf, but there’s no better negotiator than Donald Trump, and I’m sure he’ll be involved in this reconciliation process as it moves forward.

    (Cross-talk.)

    Q    Karoline, in the announcement that you made last night on the Iron Dome, it said the president had directed that the United States will build this Iron Dome.

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yeah.

    Q    When you read into the executive order, it seemed short of that.  It asked for a series of studies —

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yeah.

    Q    — and reports back on — can you tell us whether the president has directed this and, if he is this concerned on this issue, why the suspensions that we saw listed by OMB included so many different nuclear programs, nonproliferation programs, programs to blend down nuclear weapons, and s- — and so forth?

    MS. LEAVITT:  First of all, when it comes to the Iron Dome, the executive order directed the implementation of the — of an Iron Dome.  It also, as you said, kind of directed research and studies to see if — or — or how the United States can go about doing this, particularly the Department of Defense.

    When it comes to the other question that you asked about those specific programs, again, I would say, this is not a — a ban; this is a temporary pause and a freeze to ensure that all of the money going out from Washington, D.C., is in align with the president’s agenda.

    And as the Office of Management and Budget has updates on what will be kick-started, once again, I will provide those to you. 

    Q    Can you clarify for a sec what you were saying before on Medicaid?  It wasn’t clear to me whether you were saying that no Medicaid would be cut off.  Obviously, a lot of this goes to states before it goes to individuals and so forth.  So, are you guaranteeing here that no individual now on Medicaid would see a cutoff because of the pause?

    MS. LEAVITT:  I’ll check back on that and get back to you. 

    Jon.

    Q    Thanks a lot, Karoline.  As you know, in the first week that the president was in office, signed an executive order as it relates to birthright citizenship — trying to eliminate that.  Now, 22 state attorney generals have said that this is unconstitutional.  A federal judge has just agreed with their argument.  What’s the administration’s argument for doing away with birthright citizenship?

    MS. LEAVITT:  The folks that you mentioned have a right to have that legal opinion, but it is in disagreement with the legal opinion of this administration. 

    This administration believes that birthright citizenship is unconstitutional, and that is why President Trump signed that executive order.  Illegal immigrants who come to this country and have a child are not subject to the laws of this jurisdiction.  That’s the opinion of this administration. 

    We have already appealed the rul- — the lawsuit that was filed against this administration, and we are prepared to fight this all the way to the Supreme Court if we have to, because President Trump believes that this is a necessary step to secure our nation’s borders and protect our homeland. 

    Monica.

    Q    And then on foreign policy — on foreign policy, Karoline —

    Q    Thank you, Karoline.  It’s great to see you, and you’re doing a great —

    Q    — on foreign policy, if I may.  The president’s commitment to the NATO defense Alliance, is it as strong as the prior administration?  Is it the same as when he served as president in his first term in office?

    MS. LEAVITT:  As long as NATO pays their fair share.

    And President Trump has called on NATO Allies to increase their defense spending to 5 percent.  You actually saw the head of NATO at Davos last week on Bloomberg Television saying that President Trump is right and if Europe wants to keep itself safe, they should increase their defense spending. 

    I would just add that there was no greater ally to our European allies than President Trump in his first term.  The world, for all nations in Europe, and, of course, here at home was much safer because of Presidents Tru- — Trump’s peace through strength diplomatic approach. 

    Monica.

    Q    Karoline —

    Q    Thank you.  Thank you, Karoline.  And it’s great to finally be called on as well in the briefing room.  I appreciate that. 

    MS. LEAVITT:  You’re welcome. 

    Q    Of course, we know President Trump just got back from North Carolina and California meeting with victims of natural disasters.  There’s the two-year anniversary of the East Palestine, Ohio, toxic train derailment.  Does the president have any plans to go visit the victims of that toxic spill or just visit in general?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Not — no plans that I can read out for you here.  If that changes, I will certainly keep you posted. 

    What I can tell you is that President Trump still talks about his visit to East Palestine, Ohio.  That was one of the turning points, I would say, in the previous election campaign, where Americans were reminded that President Trump is a man of the people.  And he, as a candidate, visited that town that was just derailed by the train derailment — no pun intended — and he offered support and hope, just like I saw the president do this past week. 

    It was a purposeful decision by this president, on his first domestic trip, to go to North Carolina and to California to visit with Americans who were impacted by Hurricane Helene and also by the deadly fires — a red state and a blue state, both of which feel forgotten by the previous administration and the federal government.  That has now — that has now ended under President Trump. 

    He will continue to put Americans first, whether they’re in East Palestine, in Pacific Palisades, or in North Carolina.

    (Cross-talk.)

    Sure.

    Q    Thank you, Karoline.  On California, could you please clarify what the military did with the water last night, as referenced in the president’s Truth Social post?

    MS. LEAVITT:  The water has been turned back on in California, and this comes just days after President Trump visited Pacific Palisades and, as you all saw, applied tremendous pressure on state and local officials in Pacific Palisades, including Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, to turn on the water and to direct that water to places in the south and in the middle of the state that have been incredibly dry, which has led to the expansion — the rapid expansion of these fires.

    Q    So, could you clarify what the military’s role was, where the water came from, and how it got there?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Again, the Army Corps of Engineers has been on the ground in California to respond to the devastation from these wildfires.  And I would point out that just days after President Trump visited the devastation from these fires, the water was turned on.  That is because of the pressure campaign he put on state and local officials there, who clearly lack all common sense. 

    And I will never forget being at that round table with the president last week and hearing the frustration in the voices of Pacific Palisades residents who feel as though their government has just gone insane.  Before President Trump showed up on the scene, Karen Bass was telling private property owners that they would have to wait 18 months to access their private property.

    So, this administration, the president and his team that’s on the ground in California — Ric Grenell, who he has designated to oversee this great crisis — ha- — will continue to put pressure on Karen Bass and state and local officials to allow residents to access their properties. 

    This is a huge part of it.  These residents want to take part in their own clearing out of their properties.  They should be able to do that.  It’s the United States of America.  What happened to our freedom?  Clearly, it’s gone in California, but not anymore under President Trump.

    Q    Karoline —

    MS. LEAVITT:  April.

    Q    Karoline, welcome to the briefing room.

    MS. LEAVITT:  Thank you.

    Q    Several questions.  One on the pause.  Will minority-serving institutions, preferably colleges and universities, have those monies held back temporarily at this moment?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Again, I have not seen the entire list, because this memo was just sent out.  So, I will provide you all with updates as we receive them.  Okay?

    Q    Karoline —

    Q    And secondly — als- —

    Q    Karoline.

    Q    Also, secondly, when it comes to immigration, there is this southern border focus.  What happens to those who have overstayed their visas?  That is part of the broken immigration system.  In 2023, there was a report by the Biden administration, the Homeland Security Department, that said overstays of visas were three times more than usual.  Will there be a focus on the overstays for visas as well?

    MS. LEAVITT:  If an individual is overstaying their visa, they are therefore an illegal immigrant residing in this country, and they are subject to deportation.  

    Q    And also, lastly —

    MS. LEAVITT:  Yes.

    Q    Lastly, as we’re dealing with anti-DEI, anti-woke efforts, we understand this administration could — is thinking about celebrating Black History Month.  Have you got any word on that?  Anything that you can offer to us?

    MS. LEAVITT:  As far as I know, this White House certainly still intends to celebrate, and we will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or creed, have made to our great country.  And America is back.

    Christian Datoc.

    Q    Thanks, Karoline.  Just real quick.  You mentioned the inflation executive order the president signed, but egg prices have skyrocketed since President Trump took office.  So, what specifically is he doing to lower those costs for Americans?

    MS. LEAVITT:  Really glad you brought this up, because there is a lot of reporting out there that is putting the onus on this White House for the increased cost of eggs.  I would like to point out to each and every one of you that, in 2024, when Joe Biden was in the Oval Office — or upstairs in the residence sleeping; I’m not so sure — egg prices increased 65 percent in this country.  We also have seen the cost of everything, not just eggs — bacon, groceries, gasoline — have increased because of the inflationary policies of the last administration.

    As far as the egg shortage, what’s also contributing to that is that the Biden administration and the Department of Agriculture directed the mass killing of more than 100 million chickens, which has led to a lack of chicken supply in this country, therefore a lack of egg supply, which is leading to the shortage.

    So, I will leave you with this point.  This is an example of why it’s so incredibly important that the Senate moves swiftly to confirm all of President Trump’s nominees, including his nominee for the United States Department of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, who is already speaking with Kevin Hassett, who is leading the economic team here at the White House, on how we can address the egg shortage in this country.

    As for cots, I laid out — costs — I laid out the plethora of ways that President Trump has addressed saving costs for the American people over the past week.  He looks forward to continuing to doing that —

    Q    Karoline, what —

    MS. LEAVITT:  — in the days ahead.

    (Cross-talk.)

    Thank you, guys, so much.  I’ll see you soon.

    END                1:52 P.M. EST

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeArt’s Exclusive Reveal of Yan Balestra’s Anvil Wonderland to be Held at WISeKEY’s Geneva Headquarters from January 30 to February 2

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    WISeArt’s Exclusive Reveal of Yan Balestra’s Anvil Wonderland to be Held at WISeKEY’s Geneva Headquarters from January 30 to February 2

    Geneva, Switzerland January 29, 2025: WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a global leader in cybersecurity, AI, Blockchain, and IoT operating as a holding company, today announced that its WISe.Art subsidiary is offering collectors and art enthusiasts an array of diverse projects during ArtGeneve, the iconic annual contemporary art fair to be held from January 30 to February 2, 2025. In this vibrant atmosphere, the various projects will give art aficionados a glimpse into Yan’s unique Neo-Pop vision, blending fine art, digital storytelling, and pop culture nostalgia, a true insight on augmented reality with artists selected by Espace L as well as a world première which will revolutionise the music industry using AI to the advantage of human musicians.

    Anvil Wonderland: As the whimsical and the bold ooze with creativity, Anvil Wonderland invites audiences into a dynamic and colourful world where classical animation meets contemporary art. Inspired by the iconic cartoon trope of falling anvils, the piece transforms this playful chaos into a modern-day tribute to resilience.

    The 60 x 80 cm acrylic on canvas piece features striking colours of pure blue, red, yellow, black, and white showcasing Yonel, the mischievous central figure of Yan’s artistic universe, captured mid-leap in a vibrant and daring composition. Accompanying the physical piece is an exclusive NFT animation: a 9-second loop that brings Yonel to life, diving into the unknown with his signature energy and spirit. The package will be released for sale to the public simultaneously live at the WISeKEY’s headquarters and online via the WISe.ART platform.

    This unique combination of physical and digital artistry provides collectors with a phygital experience that seamlessly bridges the worlds of traditional fine art and cutting-edge innovation.

    About Yan Balestra: Yan Balestra is a contemporary artist celebrated for his Neo-Pop aesthetic and ability to combine extreme sports culture, retro-futuristic elements, and bold storytelling. Through Yonel, his artistic alter-ego, Yan invites audiences to reconnect with their inner child and embrace the joy of exploration and imagination. His work serves as a bridge between playful nostalgia and the forward momentum of contemporary art.
    https://www.instagram.com/yanbalestra/?hl=en
    https://platform.wise.art/author/yan/

    About SpinDreams: Hydroelectric transmutations in the Swiss landscape by River Oracle, Lea Sblandano, Nacoca Ko, Paulo Wirz, Ricardo Meli, Paul Fritz, Antoine Félix Bürcher, Hugo Landlade and Jan Steenman. The project was initiated in 2022 to bridge the fluidity of analog and digital reality questioning dreamlike realities and newer technologies, nature’s resources feeding human energies. The art pieces act as semiotic talismans, focal points that draw awareness to the ceaseless metamorphic interplay between the tangible and the virtual.

    About Espace_L: Inaugurated in 2011, Espace_L is rapidly becoming the reference in Geneva for contemporary art. The gallery interacts in distinct sectors by presenting internationally recognized artists and by orchestrating art meetings, to raise awareness and question current art movements questioning technology and the philosophy of art.

    About “20 Song” by Soren Sorenson aka Dorian Gray: Dorian Gray’s approach is, above all, exploratory, a way to understand how AI can enrich the creative process and open new avenues of expression. “20-version song” is a manifesto for augmented musical creation, where artificial intelligence becomes an ally, not a substitute for humans. The project does not stop there: it invites the public to participate in the experience, navigate this sound labyrinth, discover the 20 interpretations, and choose their favorite by voting directly on the site, a democratic approach that gives a playful and participatory dimension to this unique musical exploration.

    About The Good Token Society: In the dynamic landscape of Web3, the need for support, federation, promotion and representation has never been more pressing. The Good Token Society is a hub for sustainable, global technology development, a base for initiatives focusing on the confluence of impact, technology, and finance. A collective of innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders passionate about the intersection of technologies and impact. We must shift from reactive to proactive and being prepared for the future. Despite facing challenges, blockchain players persist in enhancing capabilities. We are transitioning from theoretical experimentation to tangible business solutions.

    The Event: Yan Balestra’s opening exhibition will take place at WISeKEY headquarters, 58 Avenue Louis Casaï in Geneva, Switzerland on January 29, from 4 to 9 pm, by appointment offering an intimate opportunity for collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts to explore Yan Balestra’s latest creation. While the event is not officially affiliated with ArtGeneve, it takes advantage of the vibrant energy surrounding the city’s most prestigious art week, providing a compelling space for attendees to discover Yan’s unique artistic narrative.

    SpinDream will be on show at the Espace_L booth at ArtGeneve and 20 Song will go live on the air simultaneously.

    Sales Details: The NFTs attached to all these various projects will be available for purchase with Crypto Currencies or Credit Card payment on WISe.ART, WISeKEY’s innovative platform for fine art and digital NFTs. This unique phygital piece offers collectors a rare opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind work of art that bridges the worlds of nostalgia, creativity, and cutting-edge digital innovation.

    About WISe.ART: WISe.ART, powered by WISeKEY, combines blockchain technology with the fine art world to create a secure and innovative space for artists and collectors. It is a cutting-edge platform designed to bring physical and digital art into a new era of authenticity and accessibility.

    About WISeKEY:

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact:  Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com     		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US)
    Contact: The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@equityny.com    		 WISe.ART
    Contact: Sixtine Crutchfield
    Art Director
    Tel: +41764406563
    scrutchfield@wisekey.com

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Triller Steals Social Media Spotlight with $50 Million Fundraise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Triller Group Inc. (Nasdaq: ILLR) secures its place as a fierce competitor to TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels with bold innovations, star power, and continued momentum

    Los Angeles, CA, Jan. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Triller Group Inc. (“Triller” or “the Company”) is making waves in the technology and investor sectors, announcing a $50 million equity funding round secured through a private placement with institutional investors. This investment fuels Triller’s rapid ascent as the next powerhouse in short-form video platforms, further challenging TikTok’s dominance to become the superior platform for creators, users, and collaborators. 

    Backed by global icons like Conor McGregor, The Weeknd, Marshmello, Lil Wayne, and many more, Triller surged into the top five in the “Photo and Video” category of app stores, solidifying its status as a rising star in digital entertainment.

    Supercharging the Creator Revolution

    In addition to enhancing the platform for users, the fundraise enables Triller to accelerate its mission of empowering creators. Triller will unveil cutting-edge AI-driven tools, enhanced live-streaming capabilities, and a revamped video editing suite, providing creators with unmatched opportunities to engage audiences and monetize their content.

    “At Triller, we’re not just building a platform—we’re leading a movement,” said Wing Fai Ng, CEO of Triller Group Inc. “Whether TikTok is banned or not has no bearing on our trajectory. With powerhouses like Conor McGregor and other global icons who champion our vision, we’ve created a platform that is designed to outlast TikTok and any other competitor. We’re not building our business around the failure of others; this seismic shift in social media is only the beginning of what’s to come.”

    Triller: The New Home for Viral Content

    As TikTok faces ongoing challenges and uncertainty, Triller has emerged as the ultimate refuge and frontrunner for displaced influencers and content creators. Triller’s savemytiktoks.com campaign has ushered in waves of creators seeking a U.S.-owned platform free from political and regulatory roadblocks.

    Under the new leadership of former TikTok Executive Sean Kim, Triller is redefining the user experience and what it means to create, distribute and monetize content.

    BKFC & TrillerTV: Entertainment Frontiers Redefined

    Triller isn’t stopping at short-form videos; the Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC) brand reaches over 250 million fans across 60 countries, while TrillerTV is celebrating a decade of streaming success. Upcoming events like Wrestle Kingdom 19 from Tokyo Dome draw millions of viewers and further positions Triller as a multimedia powerhouse.

    Triller’s Future: Poised for Dominance in 2025

    With the fund raise and these developments underway, Triller is poised to become the premier social media hub in 2025, attracting top talent and ensuring long-term growth and success through its transparent and innovative environment.

    Following President Donald Trump’s reelection, Triller Group made a sizeable contribution to the Trump Inaugural Fund, underscoring its dedication to supporting initiatives that resonate with its business values and long-term vision.      

    Navigating the Ship: Investment and Changes to Triller’s Leadership

    Triller Group has also appointed Dr. Roger Kennedy as an non-executive director following a designation by KCP Holdings Limited, the lead investor in this funding round. He will join the board’s audit, remuneration, and nomination committees.

    The private placement consisted of common stock and warrants, with the Company’s shares priced at $2.20 each. This funding round is the first new capital infusion following the AGBA-Triller merger, with an additional fundraise expected later this year.

    This fundraise is a powerful catalyst for Triller Group’s commitment to innovation and growth. With strong backing from our investors and the star power of icons like Conor McGregor, Triller is gearing up to disrupt the digital content landscape like never before. Together with its team, partners, and creators, Triller is creating a platform where ownership, growth, and meaningful monetization are finally within reach.

    For more details, please refer to the Company’s report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 29, 2025.

    About Triller Group Inc.         

    Nasdaq: ILLR. Triller Group is a US-based company that operates two main businesses: the newly merged US-based social media operations (Triller Corp.), and the legacy operations of the Company in Hong Kong (“AGBA”).

    Triller Corp. is a next generation, AI-powered, social media and live-streaming event platform for creators. Pairing music culture with sports, fashion, entertainment, and influencers through a 360-degree view of content and technology, Triller Corp. uses proprietary AI technology to push and track content virally to affiliated and non-affiliated sites and networks, enabling them to reach millions of additional users. Triller Corp. additionally owns Triller Sports, Bare-Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC); Amplify.ai, a leading machine-learning, AI platform; and TrillerTV, a premier global PPV, AVOD, and SVOD streaming service. For more information, visit www.trillercorp.com

    Established in 1993, AGBA is a leading, multi-channel business platform that incorporates cutting edge machine-learning and offers a broad set of financial services and healthcare products to consumers through a tech-led ecosystem, enabling clients to unlock the choices that best suit their needs. Trusted by over 400,000 individual and corporate customers, the Group is organized into four market-leading businesses: Platform Business, Distribution Business, Healthcare Business, and Fintech Business. For more information, please visit www.agba.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. When the Company uses words such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate” or similar expressions that do not relate solely to historical matters, it is making forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, the following: the Company’s goals and strategies; the Company’s future business development; product and service demand and acceptance; changes in technology; economic conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against us following the consummation of the business combination; expectations regarding our strategies and future financial performance, including its future business plans or objectives, prospective performance and opportunities and competitors, revenues, products, pricing, operating expenses, market trends, liquidity, cash flows and uses of cash, capital expenditures, and our ability to invest in growth initiatives and pursue acquisition opportunities; reputation and brand; the impact of competition and pricing; government regulations; fluctuations in general economic and business conditions in Hong Kong and the international markets the Company plans to serve and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing and other risks contained in reports filed by the Company with the SEC, the length and severity of the recent coronavirus outbreak, including its impacts across our business and operations. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Additional factors are discussed in the Company’s filings with the SEC, which are available for review at www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward–looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

    Investor & Media Relations:

    Bethany Lai
    ir@triller.co

    Breanne Fritcher
    triller@wachsman.com

    # # #

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Huddersfield Golf Tech Firm Tees Up for International Success

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    MIA Sports wins Dubai contract with support from HSBC UK and UK Export Finance.

    An MIA Sports studio bay at the Emirates Golf Club, Dubai

    • A Huddersfield-based company which specialises in indoor golf technology has entered the UAE market after it secured a finance package worth £75,000.
    • Financing was provided by HSBC UK, with government backing from UK Export Finance.

    MIA Sports specialises in the design, supply and installation of golf simulators and teaching studios. Though founded only 10 years ago, their products have been adopted as an integral training tool at golf facilities in the UK, Europe, and East Asia.

    MIA Sports has now begun exporting to the United Arab Emirates with the support of UK Export Finance (UKEF), the government export credit agency.

    Faced with the opportunity of supplying its technology to Dubai, MIA Sports had to provide financial guarantees which would have restricted its cashflow – a catch-22 situation. They approached UKEF, who worked with HSBC UK to arrange a finance package for the amount of £75k. This was supported by a government guarantee provided through UKEF’s General Export Facility (GEF), a product specifically tailored to enable SMEs to scale up their exports by giving banks the confidence to lend.

    The finance package, provided by HSBC UK and guaranteed by UKEF, gave MIA Sports the confidence to secure the Dubai contract. This comprised the supply and installation of 5 teaching studio bays for a new academy at the Emirates Golf Club, home to the iconic Dubai Desert Classic tournament.

    Andrew Keast, Managing Director at MIA Sports, said:

    Breaking into the UAE market was a major opportunity for us. Thanks to UKEF and HSBC UK’s support, we were able to access the finance required to bring our technology to a fast-rising capital in the world of golf.

    Alissia Deane, Export Finance Manager for West Yorkshire, said:

    This deal demonstrates how we’re helping Yorkshire businesses reach their export potential. By working closely with HSBC UK, we’ve enabled MIA Sports to bring their innovative golf technology to Dubai’s growing sports market.

    Andy Booth, International Business Manager at HSBC UK, said:

    Working alongside UKEF, we’re committed to helping innovative British businesses like MIA Sports expand internationally. This showcases how effective partnership between banking and government support can boost UK exports.

    The story of MIA Sports shows how UKEF is working towards one of the key objectives in its Business Plan for 2024-2029: to support 1,000 SMEs a year by the end of the decade.

    Contact 

    Media enquiries:

    Updates to this page

    Published 29 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $96M Investment in Niskayuna Advanced Research Center

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that GE Vernova has committed to investing at least $96 million into the company’s Advanced Research Center in Niskayuna, Schenectady County. The company plans to create 75 new jobs on-site, strengthening the Center’s electrification and decarbonization efforts, while advancing transformative technologies including carbon dioxide removal, alternative fuels for power generation and developing the grid of the future. Today’s announcement will support technological advancements that reduce emissions and drive New York State toward a future where clean energy not only boosts the state’s economy, but also reflects the State’s shared commitment to sustainability and opportunity.

    “The clean energy future is bringing new investments, good-paying jobs and a cleaner environment to our state, and we’re proud to work alongside GE Vernova as we further our shared vision in Niskayuna and beyond,” Governor Hochul said. “New York is becoming a leading manufacturing and R&D hub for clean energy; bringing us closer to achieving our climate agenda and building a better, cleaner future for generations to come.”

    The company has committed to investing at least $96 million and plans to build two new state-of-the-art laboratories focused on electrification and decarbonization, expand existing facilities, and rehabilitate two other buildings at the on-site Renewable Learning Center in support of its clean energy research and development efforts. The company has committed to creating at least 75 new full-time jobs at the Advanced Research Center. Empire State Development has agreed to provide up to $9.635 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits to support GE Vernova’s job creation effort. Additionally, Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority has been invited to pursue FAST NY grant funding to support future on-site infrastructure projects.

    GE Vernova Advanced Research Vice President David Vernooysaid, “GE Vernova is committed to strengthening its world class research and development center designed to advance the world’s progress in the energy transition, continuing our long history of innovation here in the Capital Region. This investment aims to enable game changing technologies through state-of-the-art labs, a new customer experience center, and collaboration space to advance partnerships with governments, customers, thought leaders and innovators alike. We are ready to lead, and excited about the breakthroughs this investment will bring forward.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to invest in the companies, technologies and jobs of the future to promote sustainable economic growth. GE Vernova’s Advanced Research Center has a rich history of next-generation developments, and the investments announced today will create new jobs and support new solutions to complex challenges that further the Capital Region’s legacy of innovation.”

    GE Vernova’s Advanced Research Center in Niskayuna has a legacy of developing game-changing technologies, from gas turbines designed to be the world’s most efficient, to advanced algorithms for efficient and resilient grid planning, operations and maintenance, to small modular nuclear reactors and 100 percent hydrogen combustion for carbon-free power generation.

    This project will support research and development efforts that advance new innovations and technologies in clean, sustainable and alternative fuels. GE Vernova will build a cutting-edge, premier laboratory space designed to drive down the energy use and capital expenditure of carbon capture, while developing and delivering fuels that will allow combustion without carbon. The company’s investment will also prioritize research into multi-terminal high-voltage direct current, a key to expanding the capabilities and functionality of the United States power grid of the future. It will also strengthen the ability to connect multiple sources of power generation to the grid. By driving advancements in clean energy technology, this investment will help reduce the cost of renewable power, making sustainable energy more affordable and accessible for both consumers and businesses.

    Through the New York Power Authority’s RechargeNY low-cost power program, GE Vernova has been awarded 9,440 kW in return for its commitments to the State.

    New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “General Electric’s legacy of innovation is closely tied to Schenectady County, and this $96 million investment will help ensure that clean energy jobs of the future remain here in New York State. With support from NYPA low-cost hydropower, GE Vernova’s expansion will help develop and explore new, transformative technologies that will help decarbonize our state and others, and strengthen our electric grid.”

    New York State Energy Research and Development Authority President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Innovation, research and technology are the cornerstones of New York State’s transition to a sustainable and affordable clean energy transition. The GE Vernova Advanced Research Center innovation investments will help further the State’s climate and energy priorities while spurring additional economic development as part of our growing green economy.”

    Schenectady County Legislature Chair Gary Hughes said, “We are grateful to Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their dedicated efforts that have resulted in this historic investment in GE Vernova’s Advanced Research Center. These transformative investments will create high-tech jobs, fuel economic growth, and strengthen our position as a hub for innovation. We thank our Metroplexteam for collaborating with ESD and we are proud that GE continues to make substantial investments in Schenectady County.”

    Niskayuna Supervisor Erin Cassady-Dorion said, “We thank GE Vernova for making this investment and commitment to Niskayuna’s Advanced Research Center. The Town will continue to work with State and County partners to move this project forward, and we thank Governor Hochul and Empire State Development for their efforts that were key in making this happen.”

    New York State’s Climate Agenda

    New York State’s climate agenda calls for an affordable and just transition to a clean energy economy that creates family-sustaining jobs, promotes economic growth through green investments, and directs a minimum of 35 percent of the benefits to disadvantaged communities. New York is advancing a suite of efforts to achieve an emissions-free economy by 2050, including in the energy, buildings, transportation and waste sectors.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Femicide in Kenya: William Ruto has set up a task force – feminist scholar explains its flaws

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Awino Okech, Professor of Feminist and Security Studies, SOAS, University of London

    Gender-based violence is a major challenge in Kenya, which has recorded a significant rise in deaths of women and girls in recent years.

    In January 2024, a coalition of organisations across the east African nation organised multi-city public marches to call for government action against these deaths. A year later, President William Ruto established a 42-member taskforce to address gender-based violence. What is its potential to lead to real change for women and girls? Feminist and security studies professor Awino Okech explores the issue.

    What do you make of the Kenyan government’s response to gender-based violence?

    Language matters, in my view, so it is important to focus the attention on femicide, which is what triggered recent public conversation in Kenya and is the primary issue at hand.

    Femicide is the specific act of men killing women because they are women. Gender-based violence focuses on the gender power relations that create conditions for violence. This does not always result in loss of life. Gender-based violence includes men killed by other men because of their sexuality, widows disenfranchised by property laws, female genital mutilation and forced marriage.

    Unlike in the past, Kenya has seen increasing reports of women being murdered. The country doesn’t have a proper data management system for such incidences. Nevertheless, the numbers recorded by organisations such as Femicide Count show the scale of the problem. In 2023 it recorded 152 femicides based on cases reported in the media. Africa Uncensored, an investigative journalism media house, estimates that 500 women were killed between 2017 and 2024. Kenya’s law enforcement agencies recorded 97 cases of femicide between September and November 2024. Globally, UN Women reported that in 2023 alone, one woman was killed every 10 minutes in intimate partner and family-related murders.

    What is the likelihood of the presidential working group’s success?

    First, at face value, any public action taken by a government to illustrate that it is listening to its citizens is an important first step.

    Second, the fact that it is called a “technical working group on gender-based violence” illustrates the potential it has to lose focus on the issue that catalysed its creation – femicide.

    Third, there is a history in Kenya of setting up task forces with financial resources largely directed at remunerating members and conducting “consultations”, only to tell the country what was already known. Consultations are critical for legitimacy and a base for action. But there are more expedient ways to do this work.

    This includes analysing existing reports, statements and recommendations offered by women’s rights organisation over the decades, including a 2024 statement on ending femicide. An insistence on a large task force in the light of the government’s austerity drive only raises questions about where limited resources should be directed.

    Finally, I am concerned that some of the leading voices on femicide in the last 10 years are missing from this task force. It is the activism of the coalition of actors organising under EndFemicideKE that recentred the conversation on femicide with some of the organisations leading urgent response work in their communities. The task force must not ignore this expertise.

    What steps should Kenya be taking to address femicide?

    1. Invest in programmes that emphasise positive masculinities. This means raising a generation of men whose idea of manhood is not based on hatred of or violence against women. This work is an important counter measure to the growing “manosphere” in Kenya. The manosphere refers to websites, blogs and online forums focused on promoting misogyny and opposition to feminism. These online spaces have grown globally and are viewed as central to grooming men to commit femicide.

    2. Increase resources to programmes aimed at women who are at risk of violence. The signs of violence predate the act of violence and murder. Providing resources to create safe physical and online spaces – such as hotlines for women to get the support they need to secure their lives, or effective investigative services – is key. Central to this action is the role of the police service in taking seriously and investigating any claims of potential threats of violence. People need to feel safe going to the police to report threats of harm and have trust in their capacity to deliver justice. This action requires trust building between communities and the police service.

    3. Deal with the structural causes of femicide. At the heart of this targeted violence against women are the underlying patriarchal assumptions about how women should act relative to men in society. We cannot ignore the importance of building people’s consciousness about the deep biases they have been socialised to believe in. This work must be led by community champions who value the sanctity of human life.

    What needs to be done to hold institutions accountable?

    First, the relevant state institutions, such as public hospitals and clinics, the police and judiciary, need money and people with the right skills, so they can intervene in the root causes and symptoms of gender-based violence.

    Second, Kenya needs to create a national database on femicide. This would indicate where and how to deploy resources.

    Third, there needs to be an annual and public report on the state of gender-based violence that tracks where money has gone, and shows the relationship between actions and outcomes. An initial increase in cases might not indicate failure but rather heightened awareness. With the right interventions, numbers should drop over time.

    Fourth, build trust between citizens and state institutions. In December 2024, a peaceful march in Nairobi held during the global 16 days of activism against gender-based violence campaign was teargassed by police. This happened two weeks after the Kenyan president publicly committed to addressing femicide.

    The right to peaceful protest is enshrined in Kenya’s constitution. When the police respond with violence to peaceful women protesters talking about the murder of women, how can citizens trust officers’ ability to take dead women seriously?

    Awino Okech receives funding from Open Society Foundations

    – ref. Femicide in Kenya: William Ruto has set up a task force – feminist scholar explains its flaws – https://theconversation.com/femicide-in-kenya-william-ruto-has-set-up-a-task-force-feminist-scholar-explains-its-flaws-248313

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –