NewzIntel.com

Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Space, advanced aviation boost economy by $2.5b

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The space and advanced aviation sectors added more than $2.5 billion to the New Zealand economy last year, a report released today by Space Minister Judith Collins shows.

    The Deloitte/Space TrailBlazer Innovation for Growth, Charting the Space and Advanced Aviation Sectors report showed the space sector contributed $2.47b to the economy in the 2023-24 financial year.

    The advanced aviation sector, which includes emerging aviation technologies and overlaps with the space sector, contributed $480 million.

    “The report showed our fast-growing space sector with revenue increasing by 53 percent in the five years to 2024 – a faster rate than the world’s space economy,” Ms Collins says.

    “This is a success story we should be proud as it shows the sector is creating jobs for New Zealanders, attracting billions of dollars of investment into New Zealand, and driving innovation and scientific advancement.

    “We want to keep up the momentum, which is why we set the ambitious target of doubling the size of New Zealand’s space and advanced aviation sectors by 2030.”

    The space sector’s year-on-year revenue growth of nearly 9 percent since 2019 was largely driven by increases in space manufacturing, operations and applications. The report, commissioned by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, also found New Zealand’s space sector is commercially led and homegrown, with 78 percent of survey respondents saying more than half their workforce is local.

    “As the sector grows, so does the number of people and communities it supports. The space sector now supports 17,000 jobs in New Zealand’s economy, up from 12,000 in 2019,” Ms Collins says.

    “Whether it’s a research lab, a drone manufacturer, or a rocket launch pad, there are some amazing companies and an immense depth of talent working in the space and advanced aviation sectors throughout the country.

    “Last year the Government signalled our intention to support the sector through a light-touch regulatory approach. We have natural advantages of clear skies and geography, and we want to give innovators the flexibility to test their ideas and continue driving growth.”

    “It’s also important we encourage the next generation to consider careers in the space and advanced aviation sectors.  

    “Applications for the Prime Minister’s Space Prizes open on 12 May. These prizes recognise and encourage innovative expertise for professionals and students, and I’d encourage people to apply,” Ms Collins says.

    The Innovation for Growth, Charting the Space and Advanced Aviation sectors report is available on the MBIE website.

    Note to Editors

    The attached infographic (PDF) shows high-level information on the space and advanced aviation sectors from the report.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Energy Department Aligns Award Criteria for For-profit, Non-profit Organizations, and State and Local Governments, Saving $935 Million Annually

    Source: US Department of Energy

    WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced three new policy actions that are projected to save more than $935 million annually for the American taxpayer, while expanding American innovation and scientific research. In three new policy memorandums, the DOE announced that it will follow best practices used by fellow grant providers and limit “indirect costs” of DOE funding to 10% for state and local governments, 15% for non-profit organizations, and 15% for for-profit companies.

    The Energy Department expects to generate over $935 million in annual cost savings for the American people, delivering on President Trump’s commitment to bring greater transparency and efficiency to federal government spending. Estimated savings are based on applying the new policies to 2024 fiscal year spending.

    “This action ensures that Department of Energy funds are supporting state, local, for-profit and non-profit initiatives that make energy more affordable and secure for Americans, not funding administrative costs,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said. “By aligning our policy on indirect costs with industry standards, we are increasing accountability of taxpayer dollars and ensuring the American people are getting the greatest value possible from these DOE programs.”

    These policy actions follow an announcement made in April to limit financial support of “indirect costs” of DOE research funding at colleges and universities to 15%, saving an estimated additional $405 million annually.

    By enacting indirect cost limits, the Department aligns its practices with those common for other grant providers.

    The full three memorandums are available below:

    POLICY FLASH

    SUBJECT: Adjusting Department of Energy Financial Assistance Policy for State and Local Governments’ Financial Assistance Awards

    BACKGROUND: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2), the Department of Energy (“Department”) is updating its policy with respect to Department financial assistance funding awarded to state and local governments.

    Through its financial assistance programs (which include grants and cooperative agreements), the Department funds research, development, and deployment projects and activities in furtherance of its mission consistent with its policies and priorities.  A portion of the funding provided pursuant to a DOE financial assistance agreement (“Award”) goes to “indirect costs,” sometimes referred to as facilities and administration (F&A) costs.  Facilities costs can sometimes be comprised of such things as depreciation of buildings, rent, equipment, capital improvements, and other operations and maintenance expenses, while administration costs can include such things as general expenses for administrative salaries and fringe benefits such as insurance and paid time off, accounting, office supplies, payroll, and other general administration costs.   

    While the Department is aware that many Award recipients use indirect cost payments to effectuate activities funded by the Department’s financial assistance awards, these indirect cost payments are not for funding the Department’s direct project activities.  As these funds are entrusted to the Department by the American people, the Department must ensure it is putting funds to appropriate use on financial assistance programs.  To improve efficiency and curtail costs where appropriate, the Department seeks to better balance the financial needs of financial assistance award recipients with the Department’s obligation to responsibly manage federal funds. 

    Accordingly, this policy flash announces the Department’s updated policies, procedures, and general decision-making criteria for establishing standards (and limits) for payment of indirect costs related to financial assistance awarded to state and local governments.  When awarding financial assistance to state and local governments these policies, procedures, and criteria are intended to better balance the Department’s dual responsibilities to financial assistance award recipients and the American people.

    Effective immediately, this guidance only applies to new or conditional Awards with state and local governments.  New Awards are considered to be Awards issued under Notices of Funding Opportunity yet to be released. Conditional Awards are awards for prior Notices of Funding Opportunity or Funding Opportunity Announcements where negotiations are not yet complete and/or the Award has not been executed. This guidance does not apply to tribal entities.

    ESTABLISHING APPROPRIATE INDIRECT COST REIMBURSEMENT LIMITS:

    At present, the indirect cost rate for state and local government financial assistance Awards is typically negotiated by one of nine other Federal agencies, depending on the state and local governmental entity involved, see 2 C.F.R. 200, app. V(F)(1). The Department plans to establish a new policy on the payment of indirect costs under Awards to state and local governments.  The Department plans to establish a maximum allowable dollar amount (stated in terms of a percentage of the total project award amount) that it will reimburse for allowable, allocable, and reasonable indirect costs under Awards.  The percentage that will be reimbursable is inclusive of total indirect costs and fringe benefit costs.  

    For the reasons set forth in this memorandum, for New Awards, recipients should continue to utilize their negotiated and approved indirect cost rate(s) in applications for Awards, but the Department will establish a maximum dollar amount that it will reimburse under Awards to state and local governments.  The maximum limit of funds to be paid or reimbursed to a new Award recipient as indirect costs will be calculated as a percentage of the total project award amount and will be included in the Award terms as a cap.  For state and local government financial assistance awards, this maximum percentage is 10 percent (10%). 

    All New Awards to state and local governments will mandate that the Department will limit the payment or reimbursement of all allowable, allocable, and reasonable indirect costs to a maximum of ten percent (10%) of the total project award amount.  This policy will better balance the Department’s twin aims of funding meaningful financial assistance programs to stimulate a public purpose, such as improved infrastructure or technology deployment, and upholding its fiduciary Federal Stewardship obligations to the American people.

    In circumstances where the Secretary has determined it is necessary and appropriate, the dollar threshold for reimbursement of indirect costs may be modified for Award(s) to state and local governments that are subject to this policy.

    Additional information is forthcoming.

    POLICY FLASH

    SUBJECT: Adjusting Department of Energy Financial Assistance Policy for Non-profit Organizations’ Financial Assistance Awards

    BACKGROUND: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2), the Department of Energy (“Department”) is updating its policy with respect to Department financial assistance funding awarded to nonprofit organizations.

    Through its financial assistance programs (which include grants and cooperative agreements), the Department funds research, development, and deployment projects and activities in furtherance of its mission consistent with its policies and priorities. A portion of the funding provided pursuant to a Department financial assistance agreement (“Award”) goes to “indirect costs,” sometimes referred to as facilities and administration (“F&A”) costs. Facilities costs can sometimes be comprised of such things as depreciation of buildings, rent, equipment, capital improvements, and other operations and maintenance expenses, while administration costs can include such things as general expenses for administrative salaries and fringe benefits such as insurance and paid time off, accounting, office supplies, payroll, and other general administration costs.  

    While the Department is aware that many Award recipients use indirect cost payments to effectuate activities funded by the Department’s financial assistance awards, these indirect cost payments are not for funding the Department’s direct project activities. As these funds are entrusted to the Department by the American people, the Department must ensure it is putting funds to appropriate use on financial assistance programs. To improve efficiency and curtail costs where appropriate, the Department seeks to better balance the financial needs of financial assistance award recipients with the Department’s obligation to responsibly manage federal funds.

    Accordingly, this policy flash announces the Department’s updated policies, procedures, and general decision-making criteria for establishing standards (and limits) for payment of indirect costs related to financial assistance awarded to nonprofit organizations. When awarding financial assistance to nonprofit organizations these policies, procedures, and criteria are intended to better balance the Department’s dual responsibilities to Award recipients and the American people.

    Effective immediately, this guidance only applies to new or conditional Awards with nonprofit organizations. New Awards are considered to be Awards issued under Notices of Funding Opportunity yet to be released. Conditional Awards are awards for prior Notices of Funding Opportunity or Funding Opportunity Announcements where negotiations are not yet complete and/or the Award has not been executed.

    ESTABLISHING APPROPRIATE INDIRECT COST REIMBURSEMENT LIMITS:

    At present, the indirect cost rate for nonprofit organization Awards is typically negotiated by the Federal agency with the largest dollar value of Federal awards directly funded to the nonprofit organization, see 2 C.F.R. 200, app. IV(C)(2)(a). The Department plans to establish a new policy on the payment of indirect costs under Awards to nonprofit organizations. The Department plans to establish a maximum allowable dollar amount (stated in terms of a percentage of the total project award amount) that it will reimburse for allowable, allocable, and reasonable indirect costs under Awards. The percentage that will be reimbursable is inclusive of total indirect costs and fringe benefit costs.

    For the reasons set forth in this memorandum, for New Awards, recipients should continue to utilize their negotiated and approved indirect cost rate(s) in applications for Awards, but the Department will establish a maximum dollar amount that it will reimburse under Awards to nonprofit organizations. The maximum limit of funds to be paid or reimbursed to a new Award recipient as indirect costs will be calculated as a percentage of the total project award amount and will be included in the Award terms as a cap. For nonprofit organization Awards, this maximum percentage is 15 percent (15%).

    All New Awards to nonprofit organizations will mandate that the Department will limit the payment or reimbursement of all allowable, allocable, and reasonable indirect costs to a maximum of fifteen percent (15%) of the total project award amount. This policy will better balance the Department’s twin aims of funding meaningful financial assistance programs to stimulate a public purpose, such as improved infrastructure or technology deployment, and upholding its fiduciary Federal Stewardship obligations to the American people.

    In circumstances where the Secretary has determined it is necessary and appropriate, the dollar threshold for payment of indirect costs may be modified for Award(s) to nonprofit organizations that are subject to this policy.

    Additional information is forthcoming.

    POLICY FLASH

    SUBJECT: Adjusting Department of Energy Financial Assistance Policy for For-profit Organizations’ Financial Assistance Awards 

    BACKGROUND: Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(a)(2), the Department of Energy (“Department”) is updating its policy with respect to Department financial assistance funding awarded to for-profit organizations.

    Through its financial assistance programs (which include grants and cooperative agreements), the Department funds research, development, and deployment projects and activities in furtherance of its mission consistent with its policies and priorities. A portion of the funding provided pursuant to a Department financial assistance agreement (“Award”) goes to “indirect costs.”. Indirect costs can be comprised of one or more indirect pools to include fringe pools associated with employee benefits, overhead pools that support business operations, and general and administrative (G&A) pools associated with the overall administration of a business.  These indirect pools typically may include costs for health insurance, paid leave, payroll taxes, rent, utilities, professional services, IT, supplies, executive salaries, rent, training, licenses and permits, depreciation, and other general expenses not directly tied to a specific project.  

    While the Department is aware that many Award recipients use indirect cost payments to effectuate activities funded by the Department’s financial assistance awards, these indirect cost payments are not for funding the Department’s direct project activities. As these funds are entrusted to the Department by the American people, the Department must ensure it is putting funds to appropriate use on financial assistance programs. To improve efficiency and curtail costs where appropriate, the Department seeks to better balance the financial needs of financial assistance award recipients with the Department’s obligation to responsibly manage federal funds.

    Accordingly, this policy flash announces the Department’s updated policies, procedures, and general decision-making criteria for establishing standards (and limits) for payment of indirect costs related to financial assistance awarded to for-profit organizations, as defined by 2 C.F.R. Part 910.122. When awarding financial assistance to for-profit organizations these policies, procedures, and criteria are intended to better balance the Department’s dual responsibilities to Award recipients and the American people.

    Effective immediately, this guidance only applies to new or conditional Awards with for-profit organizations. New Awards are considered to be Awards issued under Notices of Funding Opportunity yet to be released. Conditional Awards are awards for prior Notices of Funding Opportunity or Funding Opportunity Announcements where negotiations are not yet complete and/or the Award has not been executed.

    ESTABLISHING APPROPRIATE INDIRECT COST REIMBURSEMENT LIMITS:

    At present, the indirect cost rate for for-profit organization Awards is typically negotiated by the Federal agency with the largest dollar value of Federal awards directly funded to the for-profit organization, see 48 C.F.R. Part 42.003(a). The Department plans to establish a new policy on the payment of indirect costs under awards to for-profit organizations. The Department plans to establish a maximum allowable dollar amount (stated in terms of a percentage of the total project award amount) that it will reimburse for allowable, allocable, and reasonable indirect costs under Awards. The percentage that will be reimbursable is inclusive of total indirect costs and fringe benefit costs.

    For the reasons set forth in this memorandum, for New Awards, recipients should continue to utilize their negotiated and approved indirect cost rate(s) in applications for Awards, but the Department will establish a maximum dollar amount that it will reimburse under Awards to for-profit organizations. The maximum limit of funds to be paid or reimbursed to a new Award recipient as indirect costs will be calculated as a percentage of the total project award amount and will be included in the Award terms as a cap. For for-profit organization Awards, this maximum percentage is fifteen percent (15%).

    All New Awards to for-profit organizations will mandate that the Department will limit the payment or reimbursement of all allowable, allocable, and reasonable indirect costs to a maximum of fifteen percent (15%) of the total project award amount. This policy will better balance the Department’s twin aims of funding meaningful financial assistance programs to stimulate a public purpose, such as improved infrastructure or technology deployment, and upholding its fiduciary Federal Stewardship obligations to the American people.

    In circumstances where the Secretary has determined it is necessary and appropriate, the dollar threshold for payment of indirect costs may be modified for Award(s) to for-profit organizations that are subject to this policy.

    Additional information is forthcoming.

    These flashes will be available online at the Department of Energy Policy Flashes website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Sunlight Simplify and AndDone Unite to Streamline Insurance Operations and Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORLANDO, Fla. and KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sunlight Simplify, a leading provider of cloud-based, no-code and low-code policy administration solutions for insurance carriers and managing general agents (MGAs), and AndDone, a premier insurance-focused payments platform wholly owned by IPFS, are excited to announce a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing the insurance industry’s operational and payment processes.

    This collaboration integrates Sunlight Simplify’s robust policy administration capabilities, tailored specifically for the Medical Professional Liability (MPL) insurance sector, with AndDone’s flexible and secure payment solutions. The synergy between the two platforms promises to deliver a seamless experience for insurers, from policy management to premium collection.

    “By partnering with AndDone, we’re enhancing our platform’s capabilities to offer a more comprehensive solution for MPL insurers,” said Bernadette Leh, President & Co-Founder of Sunlight Simplify. “This integration allows our clients to manage policies and process payments within a unified, efficient system.”

    AndDone’s suite of payment solutions—including hosted payment portals, embedded payment options, and secure APIs—complements Sunlight Simplify’s features such as customer relationship management, billing, subledger management, and reporting analytics. Together, they provide a holistic approach to insurance operations, reducing administrative burdens and enhancing customer satisfaction.

    “Our mission at AndDone has always been to simplify payment processes for insurance professionals,” said Chase Courtney, Vice President at AndDone. “Collaborating with Sunlight Simplify aligns perfectly with our goals, enabling us to offer integrated solutions that address the unique challenges of the insurance industry.”

    The partnership is set to roll out in phases, with an initial integration focusing on streamlining payment processing for MPL insurers.  Future developments will include a premium finance option powered by IPFS as well as an aim to expand these capabilities to other insurance sectors, further enhancing the value proposition for clients.

    For more information about the partnership and upcoming integrations, please visit www.sunlightsimplify.com and www.anddone.com

    About Sunlight Simplify
    Sunlight Simplify is a cloud based, no-code & low-code, Policy Administration software solution for Insurance Carriers and MGAs. The enterprise suite is tailored to support the specific requirements of the Medical Professional Liability Insurance line of business. The highly flexible, multi-language, multi-currency configurable solution allows for quick implementation across states, territories and countries.

    Contacts:

    Martin Kowal
    Sunlight Simplify
    mkowal@sunlightsolutions.com
    708-668-3794

    About AndDone

    AndDone is a leading payments platform tailored specifically for the insurance industry. Offering a range of solutions including hosted payment portals, embedded payment options, secure payment APIs, and premium financing, AndDone simplifies the premium collection process for insurance professionals. With a focus on flexibility, security, and user experience, AndDone empowers agencies to enhance their payment workflows and improve customer satisfaction. For more information, please visit www.anddone.com.

    Contacts:

    Chase Courtney
    AndDone
    chase@anddone.com
    318-664-2053

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TiiCKER CEO Walter Ward to Join Michigan’s Leading Startup Founders on Stage at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TiiCKER, the world’s first shareholder engagement and retail investor perks platform, announced today that its CEO and co-founder, Walter Ward III, will join an elite panel of entrepreneurs at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference to explore how high-growth startups thrive in Michigan.

    Titled “How High-Growth Startups Make It in Michigan,” the panel will take place on Wednesday, May 29 from 1:30 to 2:10 p.m. at the Grand Hotel Theatre on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Ward will appear alongside Dr. Anthony Chang (Founder and CEO, BAMF Health), Greg Schwartz (Co-founder, StockX), and Andrea Wallace (CEO, Opnr), in a conversation moderated by Gary Torgow, Chairman of Huntington National Bank ($HBAN).

    The discussion will focus on the diverse and growing ecosystem that’s helping startups in Michigan scale, from financial and human capital to innovation hubs and public-private partnerships. Each panelist will share their personal entrepreneurial journey and insights on what it takes to succeed and scale in the Great Lakes State. TiiCKER was a 2023 recipient of a $510,000 talent incentive grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) aimed at supporting recruiting engineers and fintech talent to the Grand Rapids-based startup.

    “As we continue to grow TiiCKER in Michigan – where I was born and raised – I’m excited to highlight how this state is becoming a global model for startup success,” said Ward. “From fintech to healthtech and creative industries, we’re building something special here, and I couldn’t be prouder to represent the Michigan startup community on this national stage.”

    TiiCKER’s inclusion in this prestigious panel reflects the company’s rapid ascent as a disruptive force in fintech and retail investor engagement, including its work with Michigan public companies offering shareholder perks like Hagerty ($HGTY), Whirlpool ($WHR) and Wolverine Worldwide ($WWW). The platform enables publicly traded companies to connect to and reward their verified retail shareholders, creating new channels for brand engagement and customer loyalty. And it provides a pathway for retail investors to experience the benefits of being a shareholder in the companies and brands they love.

    For more information and ongoing updates about the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, visit www.detroitchamber.com/mpc.

    For more information, visit www.TiiCKER.com.

    About TiiCKER
    Fintech TiiCKER invented verified stock perks and direct-to-shareholder marketing through its web-based and mobile app software platforms, providing consumers and investors with a revolutionary way to engage with the brands they own and love. For America’s more than 100 million retail investors and fans of publicly traded brands, TiiCKER provides unique access to shareholder perks and discounts, custom articles and content, CEO and company-access events for retail investors, and TiiCKER Perks from marketing partners.

    For its brands and public company partners, TiiCKER creates and markets measurable Shareholder Loyalty Programs that drive more spending, investing and voting among their consumers and verified owners, maximizing Shareholder Lifetime Value™. As a result of its innovation and leadership in direct-to-shareholder marketing, TiiCKER was named: Best Shareholder Engagement Platform (2024 Benzinga Global Fintech Awards); Most Innovative Tech Companies of the Year at the 2024 American Business Awards®; Top MarTech Startup of 2023 by MarTech Outlook; and won the 2023 cohort for the AWS (Amazon Web Services) Fintech Accelerator program.

    Media Contact:
    Sarah Smith
    ssmith@tiicker.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Kaine Introduce Bills to Protect Wilderness in Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, and Bath Counties

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner and Tim Kaine (both D-VA) introduced two bills to protect wilderness in Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, and Bath counties.
    “We are lucky to have such beautiful natural resources in Virginia, and we need to do more to ensure that these lands are protected for future generations,” said the senators. “We’re proud to introduce this legislation to preserve wilderness in Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, and Bath counties, protect wildlife, and support local economies that depend on tourism and outdoor recreation.”
    These additions were recommended by the U.S. Forest Service in 2014 and endorsed by members of the George Washington National Forest Stakeholder Collaborative, a group of forest users that started work together over a decade ago to agree on acceptable locations in the George Washington National Forest for wilderness, timber harvest, trails, and other uses. 
    In 2023, the tourism economy directly employed 7,562 people and generated $842.5 million in expenditures in Augusta, Rockingham, Bath, and Highland counties, as well as Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Waynesboro.
    Shenandoah Mountain Act
    The Shenandoah Mountain Act would establish a 92,562-acre Shenandoah Mountain National Scenic Area (SMNSA) in Rockingham, Augusta, and Highland counties. National Scenic Areas protect the scenic, historic, recreational, and natural resources in specific areas and allow compatible uses such as outdoor recreation activities.
    The SMNSA encompasses four wilderness areas—Skidmore Fork, Little River, Ramsey’s Draft, and Lynn Hollow—and establishes a wilderness area at Beech Lick Knob. It also includes headwaters for the Potomac and James Rivers and watersheds that provide municipal drinking water sources for Harrisonburg, Staunton, and other communities. The NSA designation would protect these rivers and streams from industrial development and safeguard populations of at-risk species, such as the Cow Knob and Shenandoah Mountain Salamander.
    James Madison University scientists estimate that lands within the SMNSA proposal already generate $13.7 million per year in other local benefits, including the value of the water supply and energy savings, and that the designation of the SMNSA would further grow this value.
    “Friends of Shenandoah Mountain is so pleased with the reintroduction of the Shenandoah Mountain Act. For decades, we’ve worked with folks who hunt, hike, paddle, fish, and ride mountain bikes in this landscape, and everyone agrees that a National Scenic Area designation strikes the right balance between recreation and preservation,” said Lynn Cameron, Co-Chair of Friends of Shenandoah Mountain.
    Full text of the Shenandoah Mountain Act is available here.
    Virginia Wilderness Additions Act
    The Virginia Wilderness Additions Act would add 5,600 acres to the existing Rough Mountain and Rich Hole wilderness areas within the George Washington National Forest in Bath County.
    “Expanding the Rough Mountain and Rich Hole Wilderness Areas honors decades of work by dozens of stakeholders, and results in a number of ecological, economic, and recreational benefits. The Virginia Wilderness Committee is grateful to Senators Kaine and Warner for this reintroduction,” said Ellen Stuart-Haentjens, Executive Director of the Virginia Wilderness Committee.
    Full text of the Virginia Wilderness Additions Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM remarks on the UK’s landmark economic deal with the US: Thursday 8 May

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    PM remarks on the UK’s landmark economic deal with the US: Thursday 8 May

    Prime Minister’s remarks that he delivered at Jaguar Land Rover today (Thursday 8 May) on the UK agreeing a landmark economic deal with the United States.

    Just a few moments ago, I spoke to President Trump, the President of the United States.

    And I am really pleased to announce to you, and I wanted to come to you to announce it, that we have agreed the basis of an historic Economic Prosperity Deal.

    That is a deal will protect British businesses and save thousands of jobs in Britain, really important, skilled, well-paid jobs.

    It will remove tariffs on British steel and aluminium, reducing them to zero.

    It will provide vital assurances for our life sciences sector, so important to our economy and grant unprecedented market access for British farmers without compromising our high standards.

    And for the great British cars that you make here, that we see all around us, this deal means that US tariffs will now be cut from 27.5% to 10% for 100,000 vehicles every year, that’s a huge and important reduction.

    And I know from when I was last here, how much that will have been weighing on your minds when you knew the size of the tariffs that would otherwise be in place. 

    To get that decrease was hugely important to me and I can tell you my teams were working really hard on this deal night and day for weeks. I was working with them.

    And in politics what matters sometimes is who you have in your mind’s eye when you are making these deals, who do you have in your mind’s eye when you are taking decisions. 

    What I took away from here last time was you and the brilliant work that you do and had you in my mind’s eye as we did that. 

    We have scope to increase that quota as we go forward, this is not fixed, this is where we have got to. 

    And all of these tariff cuts will come into place as soon as possible and that’s really important in relation as well to the work that you are doing, and the brilliant cars that you make.

    And as Adrian has said I was here with you just a few weeks ago and I promised you that I would deliver in the national interest.

    And today I am really pleased to come back here, to be able to look you in the eye and say I have delivered on the promise I made to you. 

    And that’s why as soon as I knew this deal was coming in today, I said I want to come back to JLR to talk to the workforce there, for whom this means so such. 

    Now of course we are the first country to secure such a deal with the United States.

    In an era of global instability that is so important. The great challenge of our age is to secure and renew Britain. 

    And that is what we are going to do.  

    Acting in the national interest.

    Shaping this new era – not being shaped by it.

    If it’s not good for Britain, we won’t do it.

    If it doesn’t mean more money in people’s pockets, we won’t do it.

    If it doesn’t mean security and renewal in every part of the country – we won’t do it.

    But that doesn’t mean we’re turning inward. 

    Instead, we are sending a message to the world that Britain is open for business – seeking trade agreements with India on Tuesday, with the US today, and working to boost trade with other partners too – including of course the EU with who we have an important meeting just a week on Monday. 

    Making deals that will benefit working people.

    You know – in recent years an idea has taken hold that you show strength by rejecting your allies. 

    That you shut the door, put the phone down, storm off. I’ve had plenty of people urging me to do that rather than stay in the room and fight for the interests of our country. 

    I want to be absolutely crystal clear – that is not how this Government operates. It is never how this Government operates. We don’t storm off, we stay in the room, and we negotiate, and we work for our country with the national interest at the foremost of our mind. 

    Because the other way of working doesn’t deliver the benefits that working people need.

    And so I also want to be clear – this is just the start.

    With the deal we have done today we can say: jobs saved. Jobs won. But not job done. 

    Because we are more ambitious for what the UK and US can do together.

    So we are hammering out further details to reduce barriers to trade with the United States across the board.

    We have £1.5 trillion invested in each other’s economies, creating 2.5 million jobs across both countries.

    There are so many areas where I think we can even more than that and put more pounds in the pockets of working people across the United Kingdom.

    As the two biggest services exporters in the world, we will work to bring down barriers, creating jobs in our thriving services sectors – in Leeds, in Manchester, London and Birmingham.

    As the only two western nations with trillion-dollar tech sectors we will go further to deepen our partnership in new technologies to shape the innovations of this century together and create the jobs of the future. 

    Because, look – our history shows what we can achieve when we work together.

    And what timing for this deal, that we have agreed this deal on VE Day.  

    80 years ago, today Churchill was addressing the nation at the end of the Second World War. Victory in Europe. 

    And we were standing the United Kingdom with the United States on defence and security. For 80 years we have been the closest of partners, and today we have added to that trade and the economy in the special relationship between us. 

    Defined by peace and economic prosperity. 

    So, it is fitting today that we renew the bond on the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Altana Federal Credit Union employee sentenced to more than 1 year in prison for embezzlement and ordered to pay over $65,000 in restitution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS – A Billings woman who formerly served as the Operations Manager for Altana Federal Credit Union in 2023 was sentenced yesterday to 12 months and 1 day in prison to be followed by 3 years of supervised release and ordered to immediately pay full restitution of $65,046.37, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

    Kelly Jo Muzzana, 40, pleaded guilty in July 2024 to embezzlement by a credit union employee.

    U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided.

    The government alleged in court documents that throughout 2023, Muzzana served as the Operations Manager for Altana Federal Credit Union in Billings, Montana. In that role, Muzzana had access to customer data and was responsible for managing Altana’s entire fraud-alert process. This included supervising the employees who documented customers’ fraud claims and facilitating what funds were reimbursed by Altana. Muzzana also managed the fraud reporting system and was entrusted to independently authorize bank cards that were re-issued to customers or returned to the bank through the mail.

    During her time as Operations Manager, Muzzana created duplicate bank cards for customers’ accounts and took them home with her. She did the same with cards that Altana received in the mail that were undelivered to customers. Muzzana took numerous bank cards from Altana and used them to make purchases online and in retail stores around Billings, Montana such as Target and Walmart. After using their cards to finance her private spending, Muzzana personally handled many of the subsequent fraud claims to prevent detection by law enforcement.

    Eventually, an Altana customer reported one of Muzzana’s fraudulent purchases to law enforcement. When a detective called Altana to investigate, Muzzana downloaded a recording of the call and, upon learning of the investigation, fled the building and never returned.

    Altana reimbursed its customers all of the money Muzzana stole. In a victim impact statement, Altana’s CEO, Jason Hagadone explained that the credit union “suffered significant reputation risk from this incident. As a financial institution, our members entrust us with one of the most important aspects of their life: their finances. Kelly breached that trust by stealing and using their debit cards.”

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Hargrove prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the Billings Police Department and FBI.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Viventium Unveils Enhanced Per Visit Pay Solution to Empower Home Health Agencies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BERKELEY HEIGHTS, N.J., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Viventium, who offers an industry-leading payroll, HR, and compliance platform purpose-built for healthcare providers, today announced Per Visit Pay enhancements to Viventium Payroll. Designed specifically to meet the growing needs of home health agencies, these enhancements streamline payroll processing and safeguard agencies against frequent errors that can result in costly penalties.

    As home health agencies adapt to shifting regulations, tight margins, and workforce expectations, Viventium Payroll with Per Visit Pay provides a smarter way for agencies to pay clinicians for skilled nursing and therapy visits. By aligning compensation with visit type while ensuring full compliance with Fair Labor Standards Act and Affordable Care Act requirements, the enhanced offering allows agencies to scale, optimize labor costs, and improve care delivery.

    “Home health organizations are being asked to do more with less while continuing to deliver exceptional care,” said Navin Gupta, CEO at Viventium. “Viventium Payroll is purpose-built for home health agencies. Our mission is to deliver industry-specific functionality that empowers agencies to stay compliant, support clinicians, and gain financial control — all in one powerful platform.”

    Unlike legacy payroll systems that convert visits into hours using a fixed multiplier, Viventium Payroll captures both the actual hours worked and the number of visits completed. This dual-tracking approach ensures accurate calculation of overtime, retroactive pay, ACA eligibility, sick leave accruals, and more. By automating every step of the payroll process, Viventium Payroll helps eliminate errors, prevent under- or overpayment, and ensure full compliance, streamlining the entire payroll process from start to finish.

    Key benefits for home health agencies include:

    • Predictable profitability: Consistent visit-based pay enables better cost forecasting and margin control.
    • Full compliance: Automatically tracks hours worked across visit types for accurate overtime, sick leave accruals, PTO accruals, and benefit calculations.
    • Integrated workflow: Imports data from the EHR and combines visit pay, hourly pay (meetings, travel, documentation), and mileage to reduce errors and save time.
    • Transparency and trust: Itemized pay stubs with visit details that clinicians can access easily in the employee self-service app reduce confusion and improve staff satisfaction.
    • Higher productivity: Seeing the direct impact of productivity on earnings potential, clinicians are rewarded for being efficient.

    This release comes at a crucial time. Despite rising costs, home health agencies only saw a modest 0.5% Medicare rate increase in 2025, a rate well below inflation. With expectations that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will further adjust payments under the Patient-Driven Groupings Model, agencies must maximize efficiency and quality to stay competitive.

    “With rising cost pressures and increasingly complex compliance demands, it’s more important than ever for home health agencies to have a payroll partner that truly understands their unique needs. At Viventium, we designed our enhanced Per Visit Pay solution to deliver the precision, adaptability, and visibility agencies need to support their clinicians and protect their margins with confidence,” said Terra Vicario, Chief Client Officer, Viventium.

    To learn more about Viventium Payroll and Per Visit Pay, visit viventium.com.

    About Viventium
    Viventium is healthcare’s trusted ally for payroll, HR, and compliance, combining innovative solutions with deep expertise in the healthcare industry. Its purpose-built cloud-based platform is designed to tackle the complexity and compliance challenges healthcare providers face, simplifying the workday, every day. Viventium helps organizations hire and retain care staff, improve the employee experience, and drive measurable value. Serving clients in all fifty states and supporting over 500,000 healthcare employees, Viventium enables organizations to focus on what matters most: providing compassionate care. It’s a new day, with Viventium. 

    For more information, visit viventium.com.

    Media Contact:
    Amanda Evans
    Director of Marketing, Home-Based Care
    aevans@viventium.com
    718.766.0360

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JAMining Launches Secure and Sustainable Cloud Mining Contracts Amid Crypto Market Maturity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Warwick, UK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As global interest in cryptocurrency continues to grow, JAMining, a world-leading cloud mining platform, is introducing a new generation of secure and stable cloud mining contracts, making digital asset generation more accessible, sustainable, and profitable than ever before.

    By combining clean energy infrastructure, FCA regulation, and an intuitive user experience, JAMining is removing traditional entry barriers in the crypto mining space—such as high hardware costs and complex configurations—and empowering users to participate in mining Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin, and other major digital currencies with just a few clicks.

    Cloud Mining Reimagined: Simplicity, Security, and Real Profit

    For those seeking an alternative to volatile trading environments, cloud mining offers a dependable path to passive crypto income. JAMining’s platform is designed for investors of all backgrounds—whether they’re exploring crypto for the first time or diversifying an existing portfolio. With mining plans backed by top-tier infrastructure and daily payouts, users can enjoy a fully managed, automated revenue stream.

    Each mining contract is supported by enterprise-grade equipment, operated in facilities powered by 100% renewable energy sources. The result is a mining model that is both eco-conscious and investor-friendly.

    Key Advantages of JAMining

    •  $100 Welcome Bonus
       New users receive $100 in credit to try cloud mining risk-free—no obligations, no deposits.
    •  Zero Hidden Fees
       JAMining charges no service or management fees, ensuring transparent earnings.
    •  Green Energy Operations
       All mining activity is powered by solar, hydro, and wind energy, contributing to a carbon-neutral crypto future.
    •  FCA-Regulated Platform
       JAMining is officially registered and supervised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority, providing unparalleled trust and regulatory oversight.
    •  High Profitability & Daily Payouts
       Users benefit from daily return-sharing, making it easier to compound gains or withdraw at any time.
    •  Multi-Crypto Settlement Support
       JAMining supports over 9 cryptocurrencies for payouts, including BTC, DOGE, ETH, SOL, USDC, USDT, XRP, LTC, and BCH.
    •  Reliable Security & Infrastructure
       With McAfee® and Cloudflare® protection, and a 100% uptime guarantee, users enjoy a secure, seamless mining experience.

    Profit Potential – Daily Earnings Table

    To help investors better understand JAMining’s income model, below is a sample profit table based on recent contract terms:

    Mining Without Complexity

    JAMining’s team handles all the technical operations—from maintenance and energy management to 24/7 customer support—so users don’t have to. This hands-off approach allows users to focus purely on profits, without the burden of configuring hardware, paying electricity bills, or monitoring complex metrics.

    Whether you’re just starting out in crypto, looking to supplement your income, or planning a long-term accumulation strategy, JAMining delivers a frictionless entry into one of the most promising areas of digital finance.

    About JAMining

    JAMining is a globally trusted cloud mining platform offering access to clean-energy-driven mining services for BTC, DOGE, ETH, and more. Backed by a team of blockchain professionals, sustainable infrastructure, and regulatory oversight, JAMining provides users with a modern, secure way to mine digital currencies—anytime, anywhere.

    Company: JAMining
    Website: https://jamining.com
    Contact: info@jamining.com

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MEXC Lists USD1, Accelerating Global Stablecoin Innovation with World Liberty Financial

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, announced that it will list World Liberty Financial USD (USD1) in the Innovation Zone on May 9, 2025 (UTC). The USD1/USDT trading pair will also open at 08:00 on May 8, 2025 (UTC), and the MEXC Convert feature will be available from 09:00 on May 8, 2025 (UTC), offering users a seamless asset conversion experience. This listing expands the range of digital assets on the platform and further demonstrates MEXC’s commitment to advancing the global stablecoin ecosystem.

    USD1: A New Era in Stablecoins and Financial Transparency

    USD1 is World Liberty Financial’s stablecoin that provides secure and transparent digital asset services for global users. The stablecoin is backed 1:1 by the US dollar, with its reserve assets custodied by BitGo, held by Fidelity and subject to regular audits by third-party accounting firms to ensure transparency and stability. Currently, USD1 is deployed on both Ethereum and Binance Smart Chain (BSC), with plans to expand to additional blockchains in the future to enhance interoperability.

    Furthermore, USD1 has made significant strides in the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. For example, ListaDAO has launched a USD1 lending vault on BNB Chain, providing liquidity support for 20 million USD1. Renowned market maker DWF Labs has also deployed USD1 liquidity across multiple platforms, further enhancing its availability and market depth. According to the data from CoinMarketCap, USD1’s market capitalization has surpassed USD 2.12 billion, demonstrating strong market demand.

    Special Promotion to Celebrate the Listing

    To celebrate the successful listing of USD1, MEXC is launching a series of special offers to thank its users for their support. Starting May 8, 2025, at 08:00 (UTC), users can enjoy the following benefits:

    • Zero Trading Fees: The USD1/USDT spot trading pair will have 0 trading fees.
    • Zero Withdrawal Fees: Users will enjoy 0 withdrawal fees when withdrawing USD1.

    MEXC Drives the Evolution of Stablecoins Through Ecosystem Empowerment

    As a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, MEXC has earned the trust of 36 million users across 170+ countries worldwide, thanks to its fast token listing process, diverse asset offerings, deep liquidity, and robust security. At the same time, MEXC continues to empower quality projects and partners, actively promoting the healthy development of the global digital asset and stablecoin ecosystem.

    Looking Ahead: A Shared Vision for the Future of Stablecoins

    MEXC’s listing partnership with World Liberty Financial further drives innovation in the development of stablecoins. Looking ahead, MEXC will continue to strengthen its support for stablecoin projects, promoting the widespread adoption of stablecoins globally. At the same time, the platform will keep iterating its products and services to provide users with a more secure and seamless trading experience.

    About MEXC
    Founded in 2018, MEXC is committed to being “Your Easiest Way to Crypto.” Serving over 36 million users across 170+ countries, MEXC is known for its broad selection of trending tokens, everyday airdrop opportunities, and low trading fees. Our user-friendly platform is designed to support both new traders and experienced investors, offering secure and efficient access to digital assets. MEXC prioritizes simplicity and innovation, making crypto trading more accessible and rewarding.
    MEXC Official Website｜ X ｜ Telegram ｜How to Sign Up on MEXC

    Risk Disclaimer:
    The information provided in this article regarding cryptocurrencies does not constitute investment advice. Given the highly volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market, investors are encouraged to carefully assess market fluctuations, the fundamentals of projects, and potential financial risks before making any trading decisions.

    Source

    Contact:
    Lucia Hu
    lucia.hu@mexc.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/15818921-c5b2-4fbf-93a6-e7e0c7d6fdf6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Israeli plan to occupy all of Gaza could open the door for annexation of the West Bank

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Leonie Fleischmann, Senior Lecturer in International Politics, City St George’s, University of London

    Israel’s security cabinet has announced a plan to “capture” the whole of the Gaza Strip. The prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said on May 5 the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) would remain in the territory indefinitely and take over the administration of humanitarian aid. What his government is referring to as its latest “intensive operation” is likely to result in Israel occupying all of Gaza.

    This development should come as no surprise, given previous rhetoric from members of Netanyahu’s cabinet. But the announcement marks a turning point in official policy that could have significant implications.

    Israel’s far-right has repeatedly advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians and the resettlement of Gaza. In response to Netanyahu’s announcement, the finance minister and leader of the Religious Zionist party, Bezalel Smotrich, said that there will be “no retreat from the territories we have conquered, not even in exchange for hostages”.

    Smotrich envisioned that a successful Israeli incursion would leave Gaza “totally destroyed”, with the Palestinian population left “totally despairing” and wanting to leave the Strip.

    Yair Golan, leader of the Israeli left-of-centre Democrats party, criticised the plans for an all-out occupation of Gaza. He wrote on X on May 5 that the operation was approved “not in order to protect the security of Israel, but in order to save Netanyahu and his government of extremists”.

    Sign up to receive our weekly World Affairs Briefing newsletter from The Conversation UK. Every Thursday we’ll bring you expert analysis of the big stories in international relations.

    It’s an argument that has consistently been raised against Netanyahu’s response to the October 7 Hamas attacks. The Hostage and Missing Families Forum also criticised the government for sacrificing the lives of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza and spilling the blood of more Israeli soldiers.

    Despite this opposition, it is Israel’s far-right politicians who hold the reins of power and appear to be influencing Israeli government policy when it comes to Gaza.

    The government’s objectives to eradicate Hamas in Gaza, and shore up Netanyahu’s precarious position as prime minister – as well as Trump’s plan to expel Palestinians from Gaza to neighbouring countries – have given them the opportunity to realise their maximalist dreams. This is not only the reoccupation of Gaza, but also the annexation of the West Bank.

    Gaza and the West Bank have notable differences. An all-out war of the kind being waged in Gaza is unlikely in the West Bank, at least at present. But there have been many attempts from various arms of the Israeli system to drive Palestinians from their land there.

    Driving Palestinians from the West Bank

    At the end of 2023, half a million Israelis were reported as living in the West Bank, compared with almost 3 million Palestinians. As of November 2024, the Israeli Peace Now movement recorded 141 settlements that it said were “officially established” by the Israeli government in the West Bank (not including those in East Jerusalem), with a further 224 outposts established without government approval since the 1990s. These are considered illegal according to Israeli law – although only two of these outposts have ever been evicted.

    In 1993, under the sponsorship of the Clinton administration, the Israeli government and the Palestinian Liberation Organisation signed the Oslo Declaration of Principles (also commonly referred to as Oslo Accord 1). This divided the West Bank into three areas: A, B and C. These are not delineated areas, rather – as the Oslo accords map below shows – they differentiate between Palestinian cities and villages and areas under Israeli civil and military control, about 60% of the total of the land area of the West Bank.

    Area C is where the majority of Israeli settlers live, alongside, at present, 200,000 Palestinians. Oslo Accord II mandated the gradual transfer of control of this area to the Palestinians, but this has never happened.

    Map of Areas A B and C after Oslo II.
    Researchgate

    Research by the Norwegian Refugee Council has found that, despite full control of Area C being central for the creation of a viable Palestinian state, there are two separate planning systems in place, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians.

    Israeli Human Rights Organisation, B’Tselem, has criticised Israel’s planning and building policy in Area C as “aimed at preventing Palestinian development and dispossessing Palestinians of their land”. This is achieved through denying permits for Palestinian construction and demolishing Palestinian buildings, while allowing Israeli settlement construction.

    Meanwhile, for decades the Israeli settlers have engaged in intimidation and violent attacks against Palestinians there. This continuing harassment has led to Palestinian communities being displaced. In his recent documentary film, The Settlers, Louis Theroux films and interviews ultranationalist settlers who make it clear they have nothing but contempt for the Palestinians – solely motivated by what they believe to be their God-given right to sovereignty over the Greater Land of Israel.

    As the exclusive authority over Area C of the West Bank, Israel is obliged by international law to protect the Palestinian communities. But a report by Israeli human rights organisation, Yesh Din, dating back to 2006 identified, even then, “a systematic evasion of applying the law to Israeli civilians who harm Palestinians in the West Bank”. The Israeli authorities, according to Yesh Din, “stand idly by” as crimes are committed by the settlers towards Palestinians.

    2025 the ‘year of sovereignty’

    In February 2023, Smotrich was entrusted with administration over civilian life in Area C. He has made no effort to hide his intentions of establishing Israeli sovereignty over the occupied territory.

    Unlike in Gaza, the annexation of territory in the West Bank has been incremental and often under the radar. The Palestinian human rights organisation, Al Haq, claims this amounts to de facto annexation of the West Bank.

    Smotrich this week said the government would move forward with its plans to approve construction in the highly contentious E1 area of the West Bank. This would include the building of enough Israeli settlements to “bring in a million residents”.

    Should it go ahead, it would significantly alter the situation by effectively dividing the West Bank in half and would bury any remaining hope for a two-state solution. In the words of Smotrich: “this is how you kill the Palestinian state”.

    Leonie Fleischmann 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. Israeli plan to occupy all of Gaza could open the door for annexation of the West Bank – https://theconversation.com/israeli-plan-to-occupy-all-of-gaza-could-open-the-door-for-annexation-of-the-west-bank-256029

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Ernst Lead Bipartisan Bill to Ensure Coverage for Children Born with Congenital Anomalies or Birth Defects

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) led a bipartisan group of their colleagues in re-introducing legislation to ensure health insurance covers needed treatment and procedures for individuals born with congenital anomalies or birth defects. The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act would close a coverage gap to ensure that health insurance plans cover medically necessary services related to a birth defect, including any serious dental and oral-related procedures that are necessary for the child’s health and overall function.

    Senator Baldwin first introduced this legislation in 2018 after hearing the story of Aidan Abbott of Slinger, Wisconsin, who was born with Ectodermal Dysplasia (ED), a rare congenital disease. Aidan has needed intense dental and oral care and will need reconstructive surgeries throughout his life, among other services related to ED. Despite having comprehensive health insurance, the Abbotts were denied coverage for Aidan’s dental work and forced to pay out of pocket for his treatments. Although most health plans cover care for congenital anomalies, claims are routinely denied or delayed for any oral-related procedures due to an individuals’ disorder.

    “There is no reason that big insurance companies should be able to deny families like Aidan’s the care they need. For millions of Americans, medically necessary care for birth defects can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket, or for others, it is entirely out of reach because of the cost – despite having health insurance,” said Senator Baldwin. “I’m proud to work with Democrats and Republicans to put this care in reach so more Americans can lead healthy lives and more families can focus on caring for their loved ones, not figuring out how they will afford medically necessary care.”

    “It’s an honor to advocate alongside passionate patient and provider advocates who are united in a common goal to ensure individuals and children born with congenital anomalies receive the medically necessary treatments they deserve,” said Becky M. Abbott, MPH, from Slinger, Wisconsin and Co-Chair of the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias Family Advocacy Committee. “We are fortunate that this advocacy initiative is being led by extraordinary bill leads who not only understand the importance of passing the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act (ELSA), but have and continue to make it a priority to move ELSA forward. We are grateful for every advocate and member of Congress who stand beside us and support the efforts to move this life-changing legislation across the finish line in the 119th Congress.”

    “To support young Iowans like Alli Steele, who was born with Ectodermal Dysplasia, this bipartisan legislation will help Iowa families by ensuring that health plans cover medically necessary services related to patients’ congenital anomalies of the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw,” said Senator Ernst.

    About four percent of children in the U.S. are born with congenital anomalies that affect the way they look, develop, or function. Many born with congenital anomalies suffer from severe oral defects (such as cleft lip or palate, hypodontia, or enamel hypoplasia), vision defects (such as congenital cataracts or aphakia), hearing defects (such as microtia), or other loss of bodily functions. Patients who do not receive timely, continuous care for their congenital anomalies face long-term physical and psychological injuries. Individuals who suffer from ED and other craniofacial anomalies can expect to incur significant out of pocket costs on reconstructive oral and dental procedures related to their disorder during their lifetime.

    Most group and individual health plans include coverage for congenital anomalies, and many states require insurers to provide coverage for treatments of congenital anomalies. Despite this, health plans systematically and routinely deny or delay claims and appeals for treatment of congenital anomalies by wrongfully categorizing certain treatments or body parts as cosmetic or not medically necessary. This is a common practice that leaves families with the burden of paying the full cost of their child’s medically necessary treatments, despite having private health insurance. 

    The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act would address these coverage denials and delays and ensure that children suffering from congenital anomalies or birth defects get the treatment they need and deserve.

    Specifically, the legislation would:

    • Ensure that all group and individual health plans cover outpatient and inpatient items and services related to the diagnosis and treatment of a congenital anomaly or birth defect that primarily impacts the appearance or function of the eyes, ears, teeth, mouth, or jaw; 
    • Stipulate that such coverage include services and procedures that improve, repair, or restore function due to a congenital anomaly or birth defect, including treatment to any missing or abnormal body part that the treating physician determines is medically necessary. The bill makes clear that this includes adjunctive dental, orthodontic, or prosthodontic support; and
    • Exclude cosmetic procedures or surgery.

    The Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act is supported by a broad coalition of national health care professional and patient advocacy organizations including the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Dental Association, American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Pathways for Rare and Orphan Solutions (PROS Foundation), Rare and Undiagnosed Network (RUN), American Institute of Dental Public Health, FACES: The National Craniofacial Association, Children’s Wisconsin, Crane Dental Laboratory, Inc., American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association, M-CM Network, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Ear Community, American College of Surgeons, Academy of General Dentistry, TMJ Association, American Association of Orthodontists, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus, and American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research.

    In addition to Senators Baldwin and Ernst, the Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act is co-sponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Angus King (I-ME), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR).

    Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Kim Schrier, M.D. (D-WA-08) and Neal P. Dunn, M.D. (R-FL-02).

    “Many families with children who are born with congenital anomalies face significant financial barriers to accessing the treatment their child needs. This treatment is not just cosmetic. These conditions can have long-term health consequences that can severely impact everyday life,” said Congressman Dunn. “This bipartisan and bicameral legislation will help alleviate the financial hardship that many families endure to get their children the vital care they need. I’m proud to lead this important initiative and would like to thank my colleagues for helping us put a smile on every child’s face.”

    “For far too long, countless patients, including children, have been unable to access treatment for congenital anomalies such as ectodermal dysplasias and cleft lip and palate because their health insurance refused to cover care, leaving them either without treatment or burdened with thousands of dollars in medical expenses,” said Congresswoman Schrier. “This bill would tackle this issue head on by requiring private health insurance plans to cover medically necessary services for treating congenital anomalies and birth defects, thus allowing patients with these conditions to secure and afford the treatment they need.”

    A one-pager on this legislation is available here. Full text of this legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Cline Introduces Bipartisan Bill To Close Loophole in Foreign Agents Registration Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

    Today, Congressman Ben Cline (R-VA) introduced the Foreign Agents Transparency Act, joined by co-sponsors John Moolenaar (R-MI), Chairman of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), and Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Rob Wittman (R-VA), and Don Davis (D-NC).

    In a 2022 ruling, a D.C. district judge determined that a suspected foreign agent could not be held liable for not registering as a foreign agent since he had ceased lobbying for the Chinese government prior to the lawsuit being filed. This ruling sets a troubling precedent: if the DOJ takes legal action against an unregistered foreign agent, that agent could merely declare the end of their relationship and avoid registration altogether, facing no penalties for their actions.

    This bill ensures that individuals no longer acting as foreign agents are required to register retroactively for their work as foreign agents.

    “Congress must take decisive action to restore FARA to its original and critical purpose following the misguided ruling that weakened this statute,” Rep. Cline said. “We cannot afford to stand idly by while the Chinese Communist Party and other adversaries exploit foreign agents to undermine our nation at every turn. This bill is essential because it mandates that anyone working on behalf of a foreign government must register as a foreign agent. We must uphold FARA’s transparency requirements to safeguard America and protect our national security.” 

    “To protect our democracy and national security, we must close loopholes that foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party exploit to run lobbying and influence campaigns,” Chairman Moolenaar said. “The bipartisan Foreign Agents Transparency Act is a targeted measure to ensure that foreign agents cannot skirt disclosure requirements in law.”

    “Foreign influence campaigns have no place operating in the shadows of our democracy,” Ranking Member Krishnamoorthi said. “I’m proud to co-lead the bipartisan Foreign Agents Transparency Act to close loopholes that let unregistered foreign agents evade accountability and deny the American people essential transparency. This bill will ensure more comprehensive disclosure of foreign influence to better protect our national security and democratic institutions.”

    “Foreign agents have exploited loopholes to avoid registering with our government, undermining transparency and enabling foreign adversaries like China to influence U.S. policy and security without oversight,” Rep. Johnson said. “The Foreign Agents Transparency Act will close these gaps by strengthening reporting requirements, ensuring foreign agents can no longer deceive our government.”

    “I’m proud to join my Virginia delegation colleague Rep. Cline and my colleagues on the Select Committee in reintroducing the Foreign Agents Transparency Act, which closes a dangerous loophole that adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party are eager to exploit,” Congressman Rob Wittman said. “Americans deserve to know when foreign governments are working to influence our institutions. This bill restores accountability to the Foreign Agents Registration Act and ensures individuals can’t evade transparency by simply walking away from their foreign principals — strengthening this is absolutely critical to defending our national security and protecting our democracy from covert foreign interference.”

    Background: The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) requires persons engaging in certain political, financial, or public-relations activities on behalf of a foreign principal to register with the Attorney General and to make periodic disclosures about the relationship with the foreign principal. The purpose of these disclosures is to “prevent covert influence over U.S. policy by foreign principals.”

    Section 612 of FARA states that “termination of [foreign agent] status shall not relieve such agent from his obligation to file a registration statement for the period during which he was an agent of a foreign principal” (emphasis added). In 1987, the D.C. Circuit Court held that an agent’s obligation to file “expires when the agent ceases activities on behalf of the foreign principal.” This reading of the statute is textually strained and wrongly interprets congressional intent. In other words, agents should have an ongoing obligation to register their conduct that covers the period for which they were foreign agents. Under current precedent, an agent may simply terminate the relationship to avoid registration and will face no penalties for failing to register while actively representing the foreign principal. Despite the glaring inconsistencies of the D.C. Circuit’s 1987 ruling, courts are still bound by it today. 

    Read more in Breitbart HERE and the full bill text HERE. 

    Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: First Federal Savings Bank and ICBA Offer Tips to Help Graduates Strengthen Their Financial Futures

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EVANSVILLE, Ind., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As new graduates prepare to transition into the workforce, First Federal Savings Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are providing tips to put them on the path to a prosperous financial future.

    “As financial stewards of our community, First Federal Savings Bank can be a resource for individuals taking the next step in their career journey to help them assess their financial situations and create a plan based on their unique circumstances and life goals,” said Courtney Schmitt, VP, Marketing Manager at First Federal Savings Bank. “We know that the move from scholarly activities to workplace dynamics can be a challenge and want to support recent graduates as they manage new financial obligations at this pivotal life stage.”

    First Federal Savings Bank and ICBA offer the following tips to help graduates create a financial game plan during their wealth-building years to set them up for success through their major financial lifecycle events:

    • Start a Budget: Use tools like online budgeting services to track your income, expenses, and savings. Establishing a budget early helps build strong financial habits and prevents overspending.
    • Prioritize Debt Management: Consider making extra payments on student loans or refinancing options to lower interest rates. If you have federal student loans, explore income-driven repayment options that adjust your monthly payments based on your income.
    • Spend Responsibly: Comparison shop before making major purchases and stay within budget to avoid jeopardizing your financial goals.
    • Invest in Yourself: Explore opportunities to continue your professional development and increase your earning potential. Many employers offer education benefits or tuition reimbursement programs that can offset costs and lead to long-term career growth.
    • Automate Savings: Set up automatic transfers to a savings account at First Federal Savings Bank. Even small, regular contributions can grow into significant savings over time, thanks to compound interest and can also provide a cushion against unexpected life events.
    • Understand Taxes: For many new graduates, taxes can be confusing. Ask about financial tools or resources available to ensure you’re filing correctly and maximizing refunds.

    “It’s never too early to take stock of your financial situation, develop and maintain good financial habits, and create a framework to help meet your financial goals and prepare for unexpected life occurrences,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey. “Reach out to your local community banker to create an action plan to put your finances to work to help ensure your prosperous financial future.”

    To learn more about how to take control of your financial future, contact First Federal Savings Bank or stop by any of our 10 convenient locations.

    About First Federal Savings Bank Member FDIC

    First Federal Savings Bank was established on Evansville, Indiana’s Westside in 1904. A community bank offering eight locations in Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Henderson County. First Federal Savings Bank is also proud to offer Home Building Savings Bank locations in Daviess and Pike County.

    About ICBA

    The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

    As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark Economic Deal with US saves thousands of jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Landmark Economic Deal with US saves thousands of jobs

    Today the UK and US has agreed a landmark economic deal which will save thousands of jobs for British carmakers and steel industry

    • Britain secures the first US trade deal protecting British business and British jobs, the second landmark deal in Britain’s national interest in a matter of days following the India deal
    • Prime Minister delivers on his promise to save UK steel and British car makers – saving thousands of jobs across the country
    • US tariffs on automotives immediately slashed from 27.5%, with steel and aluminium reduced to zero
    • Unprecedented market access for British farmers with protections on food standards maintained 

    Thousands of jobs have been saved as the Prime Minister secured a first-of-a-kind trade agreement with the US.

    It is the second major trade announcement this week – following the India Free Trade Agreement on Tuesday, this historic agreement with the US to slash tariffs delivers for UK carmakers, steelworks and farmers – protecting jobs and providing stability for exporters. 

    Car export tariffs will reduce from 27.5% to 10% – saving hundreds of millions a year for Jaguar Land Rover alone. This will apply to a quota of 100,000 UK cars, almost the total the UK exported last year. 

    The Prime Minister visited Jaguar Land Rover last month announcing greater freedom for car manufacturers to back British industry in the face of global headwinds. During this visit he told workers he would accelerate trade deals to protect their jobs, their livelihoods, and to champion British business worldwide. 

    The UK steel industry – which was on the brink of collapse just weeks ago – will no longer face tariffs thanks to today’s deal. The Prime Minister negotiated the 25% tariff down to zero, meaning UK steelmakers can carry on exporting to the US. This follows last month’s intervention from the Prime Minister to take control of British Steel to save thousands of jobs in Scunthorpe.

    In a win for both nations, we have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef – with UK farmers given a tariff free quota for 13,000 metric tonnes. There will be no weakening of UK food standards on imports. 

    We will also remove the tariff on ethanol – which is used to produce beer – coming into the UK from the US, down to zero. 

    It is one of many international deals that the Government is landing to boost our economy – following an Indian trade deal which will add £4.8 billion to the UK economy and £2.2 billion in wages every year.

    Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

    “The new global era demands a government that steps up, not stands aside. 

    “This historic deal delivers for British business and British workers protecting thousands of British jobs in key sectors including car manufacturing and steel. 

    “My government has put Britain at the front of the queue because we want to work constructively with allies for mutual benefit rather than turning our back on the world.

    “As VE Day reminds us, the UK has no greater ally than the United States, so I am delighted that eight decades on, under President Trump the special relationship remains a force for economic and national security. 

    “This is jobs saved, jobs won but not job done and our teams will continue to work to build on this agreement. 

    “My Government is determined to go further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.”

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    “I am delighted our calm approach and proactive engagement with the US has resulted in this deal which cuts tariffs for UK industry and cuts costs for businesses.

    “Businesses across the country will be glad to see our approach working, but this is only the beginning. We look forward to strengthening our trading relationship with the US through a wider economic deal, which will help us to deliver on our Plan for Change to provide economic stability and make this country fit for the future.”

    Adrian Mardell, Chief Executive Officer, JLR said:  

    “The car industry is vital to the UK’s economic prosperity, sustaining 250,000 jobs. We warmly welcome this deal which secures greater certainty for our sector and the communities it supports. We would like to thank the UK and US Governments for agreeing this deal at pace and look forward to continued engagement over the coming months.”

    Work will continue on the remaining sectors – such as pharmaceuticals and remaining reciprocal tariffs. But – in an important move – the US has agreed that the UK will get preferential treatment in any further tariffs imposed as part of Section 232 investigations. The deal opens the way to a future UK US technology partnership through which our science-rich nations will collaborate in key areas of advanced technology, for example biotech, life sciences, quantum computing, nuclear fusion, aerospace and space. 

    The Digital Services Tax remains unchanged as part of today’s deal. Instead the two nations have agreed to work on a digital trade deal that will strip back paperwork for British firms trying to export to the US – opening the UK up to a huge market that will put rocket boosters on the UK economy.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RI Delegation Announces Unfrozen Federal Transportation Funding

    Source: US Congressman Gabe Amo (Rhode Island 1st District)

    Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Seth Magaziner and Gabe Amo today announced that the Trump administration unfroze $251 million in previously announced federal funding to support critical transportation projects across Rhode Island’s I-95 corridor.

    “Transportation investment should be driven by need and merit – not partisanship.  The Trump Administration is legally required to provide these funds — which were authorized and appropriated by Congress and awarded by the previous administration – and never should have been frozen in the first place.  We’re talking about overdue, needed upgrades and maintenance to bridges along our interstate highway system.  We have seen the exponential cost of allowing bridges to fail,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee.  “I appreciate Senator Whitehouse’s bipartisan efforts at EPW and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for approaching this issue with commonsense and reaching the right decision. Going forward, the Trump Administration needs to work with Congress and states to wisely invest in our infrastructure, enhance the safety and reliability of our transportation network, and strengthen our economy.”

    “Through the Environment and Public Works Committee, I have successfully pushed to release significant funds for major Rhode Island infrastructure projects.  Chair Capito has helped me, and I am grateful for her effort and support.  As a result, USDOT is freeing a quarter billion dollars we had secured for the I-95 bridge repairs on top of our previously announced $221 million emergency Washington Bridge funding,” said Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.  “That’s more than half a billion dollars kicked loose for Rhode Island infrastructure.  I’ll continue pressing to free and secure federal funding for Rhode Island’s job-creating infrastructure investments.”

    “This funding will improve safety and commute times for thousands of Rhode Islanders every day,” said Magaziner.  “Along with the rest of the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, I will continue to advocate for our state to get our share of federal funding to improve our infrastructure and quality of life.” 

    “I’m thrilled that our state will be receiving federal infrastructure funds that we helped secure for critical upgrades in the Ocean State,” said Amo.  “As we continue to translate these federal dollars into improvements to better connect communities in Rhode Island, I look forward to working in close coordination with our delegation, state, local, and federal partners, to deliver safe, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure for generations to come.”

    The most recent unfrozen federal funding includes $251.1 million for the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) to address the condition of 15 bridges located along nearly 10 miles of National Highway System pavement.  These bridges provide key neighborhood connections throughout the cities of Providence and Cranston, and also serve 180,000 vehicles daily, including roughly 9,000 truck and heavy freight vehicles.  This federal funding will allow RIDOT to take a major step in addressing the I-95 corridor holistically while maintaining the safe and efficient movement of freight and multimodal users to arterial roads carried over interstates.  RIDOT plans call for replacing 11 bridges and eliminating four.  The project will improve vertical clearances on I-95 and reduce bridge strikes.

    The federal funds will flow to Rhode Island through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bridge Investment Program (BIP).  Senators Reed and Whitehouse helped create BIP in 2021 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which provided federal funding for bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection with the goal of improving safety, efficiency, and reliability.

    An additional $549,770 will be unfrozen for the City of East Providence to support the City’s traffic circulation improvements project.

    In late March, the delegation announced significant progress to unfreeze federal funding for reconstruction of the westbound Washington Bridge, as the state gained access to the first $30 million wave of funds from over $220.9 million in federal grants for the Interstate-195 Washington Bridge, which has been partially closed since December 2023 due to a catastrophic failure.

     On a national level, the American Society of Engineers’ most recent report found that underinvestment in infrastructure could cost American households and businesses nearly $2 trillion over 20 years, or as much as $625 per household per year. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: UAB “Valstybės investicinis kapitalas” Dividend Decision

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    UAB Valstybės investicinis kapitalas, UAB informs that the company’s shareholder has decided to allocate EUR 34,059 for dividends. The remaining share of profit available for distribution EUR 6,777,798 will be allocated to the legal reserve.

    This decision follows the Resolution No. 256 of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania dated April 30, 2025 “Regarding the Dividends Payable by UAB Valstybės investicinis kapitalas for Shares Owned by the State”, which authorized the Ministry of Finance to decide in 2025 to allocate 0.5 percent of the company’s profit available for distribution for the 2024 financial year to dividends.

    Enclosed:

    Approved distribution of Valstybės investicinis kapitalas UAB profit (loss) for the year 2024.

    Contact person:

    Vaidas Daktariunas
    Valstybės investicinis kapitalas UAB, Chief Executive Officer
    Phone: +370 618 29216
    E-mail: vaidas.daktariunas@vika.lt

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Landmark economic deal with United States saves thousands of jobs for British car makers and steel industry

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Landmark economic deal with United States saves thousands of jobs for British car makers and steel industry

    Thousands of jobs have been saved as the Prime Minister secured a first-of-a-kind trade agreement with the US.

    • Britain secures the first US trade deal protecting British business and British jobs, the second landmark deal in Britain’s national interest in a matter of days following the India deal
    • Prime Minister delivers on his promise to save UK steel and British car makers – saving thousands of jobs across the country
    • US tariffs on automotives immediately slashed from 27.5%, with steel and aluminium reduced to zero
    • Unprecedented market access for British farmers with protections on food standards maintained

    Thousands of jobs have been saved as the Prime Minister secured a first-of-a-kind trade agreement with the US.

    It is the second major trade announcement this week – following the India Free Trade Agreement on Tuesday, this historic agreement with the US to slash tariffs delivers for UK carmakers, steelworks and farmers – protecting jobs and providing stability for exporters. 

    Car export tariffs will reduce from 27.5% to 10% – saving hundreds of millions a year for Jaguar Land Rover alone. This will apply to a quota of 100,000 UK cars, almost the total the UK exported last year. 

    The Prime Minister visited Jaguar Land Rover last month announcing greater freedom for car manufacturers to back British industry in the face of global headwinds. During this visit he told workers he would accelerate trade deals to protect their jobs, their livelihoods, and to champion British business worldwide. 

    The UK steel industry – which was on the brink of collapse just weeks ago – will no longer face tariffs thanks to today’s deal. The Prime Minister negotiated the 25% tariff down to zero, meaning UK steelmakers can carry on exporting to the US. This follows last month’s intervention from the Prime Minister to take control of British Steel to save thousands of jobs in Scunthorpe.

    In a win for both nations, we have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef – with UK farmers given a tariff free quota for 13,000 metric tonnes. There will be no weakening of UK food standards on imports. 

    We will also remove the tariff on ethanol – which is used to produce beer – coming into the UK from the US, down to zero. 

    It is one of many international deals that the Government is landing to boost our economy – following an Indian trade deal which will add £4.8 billion to the UK economy and £2.2 billion in wages every year.

    Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:

    The new global era demands a government that steps up, not stands aside. 

    This historic deal delivers for British business and British workers protecting thousands of British jobs in key sectors including car manufacturing and steel. 

    My government has put Britain at the front of the queue because we want to work constructively with allies for mutual benefit rather than turning our back on the world.

    As VE Day reminds us, the UK has no greater ally than the United States, so I am delighted that eight decades on, under President Trump the special relationship remains a force for economic and national security. 

    This is jobs saved, jobs won but not job done and our teams will continue to work to build on this agreement. 

    My Government is determined to go further and faster to strengthen the UK’s economy, putting more money in working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    I am delighted our calm approach and proactive engagement with the US has resulted in this deal which cuts tariffs for UK industry and cuts costs for businesses.

    Businesses across the country will be glad to see our approach working, but this is only the beginning. We look forward to strengthening our trading relationship with the US through a wider economic deal, which will help us to deliver on our Plan for Change to provide economic stability and make this country fit for the future.

    Adrian Mardell, Chief Executive Officer, JLR said:

    The car industry is vital to the UK’s economic prosperity, sustaining 250,000 jobs. We warmly welcome this deal which secures greater certainty for our sector and the communities it supports. We would like to thank the UK and US Governments for agreeing this deal at pace and look forward to continued engagement over the coming months.

    Work will continue on the remaining sectors – such as pharmaceuticals and remaining reciprocal tariffs. But – in an important move – the US has agreed that the UK will get preferential treatment in any further tariffs imposed as part of Section 232 investigations. The deal opens the way to a future UK US technology partnership through which our science-rich nations will collaborate in key areas of advanced technology, for example biotech, life sciences, quantum computing, nuclear fusion, aerospace and space. 

    The Digital Services Tax remains unchanged as part of today’s deal. Instead the two nations have agreed to work on a digital trade deal that will strip back paperwork for British firms trying to export to the US – opening the UK up to a huge market that will put rocket boosters on the UK economy.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Director of Kent car sales company banned for Covid loan abuse

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Director of Kent car sales company banned for Covid loan abuse

    Joseph Harrison, the director of South East Commercials Ltd was disqualified as a director for 12 years and ordered to repay £38,295.

    • Car dealer Joseph Harrison applied for two Covid Bounce Back loans, totalling £90,000 on behalf of his company. 

    • He was only entitled to one Covid loan for his company, South East Commercials Ltd, under the rules of the scheme. 

    • Harrison was subject to a director disqualification order which came into effect on 6 May 2025 following a hearing at the High Court in London.  

    A car dealer from Kent – who is now living in Spain – has been banned from being a company director for 12 years after his company received a second £45,000 Covid Bounce Back loan it was not entitled to.  

    Joseph Harrison, from Wrotham, was the director of South East Commercials Ltd – a used car sales dealership in Kent – before it was dissolved in January this year.  

    An Insolvency Service investigation found that the 38-year-old applied for a Covid loan of £45,000 in June 2020.   

    However, he applied for a second loan – in August 2020 – for a further £45,000 having declared this was his first and only application for his business.  

    At a hearing at the High Court in London on 15 April 2025 Harrison was disqualified from being a director for 12 years, with his ban beginning on 6 May 2025. 

    He was also ordered to repay the current balance of £38,295 from the second loan.  

    Ann Oliver, Chief Investigator at the Insolvency Service, said:  

    Joseph Harrison applied for and received a second Covid loan when he was only entitled to one for his car sales business.  

    A 12-year ban is a significant disqualification and demonstrates the seriousness of his actions.  

    The Insolvency Service is committed to ensuring those who abused this scheme – which was designed to benefit the economy and help small businesses – are brought to justice. 

    Joseph Harrison operated as a sole trader for a number of years before South East Commercials Ltd was incorporated in May 2020.  

    The company sold used cars and light motor vehicles, such as motorcycles.  

    In the report to creditors, Mr Harrison stated that the first Bounce Back loan application was made by a third party on his behalf.  

    The Insolvency Service did not find evidence of a third party’s involvement.  

    He also stated that he did not know that only one successful loan application was permitted under the scheme.  

    However, the Insolvency Service has seen evidence that Mr Harrison signed the declaration on his company’s second loan application confirming that this was his first and only application. 

    Joseph Harrison was disqualified for 12 years under sections 6 and 15A of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. 

    The Bounce Back loan scheme helped small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the Government.  

    Further information:  

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Martin Bekker, Computational Social Scientist, University of the Witwatersrand

    The problem is simple: it’s hard to know whether a photo’s real or not anymore. Photo manipulation tools are so good, so common and easy to use, that a picture’s truthfulness is no longer guaranteed.

    The situation got trickier with the uptake of generative artificial intelligence. Anyone with an internet connection can cook up just about any image, plausible or fantasy, with photorealistic quality, and present it as real. This affects our ability to discern truth in a world increasingly influenced by images.

    Read more: Can you tell the difference between real and fake news photos? Take the quiz to find out

    I teach and research the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), including how we use and understand digital images.

    Many people ask how we can tell if an image has been changed, but that’s fast becoming too difficult. Instead, here I suggest a system where creators and users of images openly state what changes they’ve made. Any similar system will do, but new rules are needed if AI images are to be deployed ethically – at least among those who want to be trusted, especially media.

    Doing nothing isn’t an option, because what we believe about media affects how much we trust each other and our institutions. There are several ways forward. Clear labelling of photos is one of them.

    Deepfakes and fake news

    Photo manipulation was once the preserve of government propaganda teams, and later, expert users of Photoshop, the popular software for editing, altering or creating digital images.

    Today, digital photos are automatically subjected to colour-correcting filters on phones and cameras. Some social media tools automatically “prettify” users’ pictures of faces. Is a photo taken of oneself by oneself even real anymore?

    Read more: The use of deepfakes can sow doubt, creating confusion and distrust in viewers

    The basis of shared social understanding and consensus – trust regarding what one sees – is being eroded. This is accompanied by the apparent rise of untrustworthy (and often malicious) news reporting. We have new language for the situation: fake news (false reporting in general) and deepfakes (deliberately manipulated images, whether for waging war or garnering more social media followers).

    Misinformation campaigns using manipulated images can sway elections, deepen divisions, even incite violence. Scepticism towards trustworthy media has untethered ordinary people from fact-based accounting of events, and has fuelled conspiracy theories and fringe groups.

    Ethical questions

    A further problem for producers of images (personal or professional) is the difficulty of knowing what’s permissable. In a world of doctored images, is it acceptable to prettify yourself? How about editing an ex-partner out of a picture and posting it online?

    Would it matter if a well-respected western newspaper published a photo of Russian president Vladimir Putin pulling his face in disgust (an expression that he surely has made at some point, but of which no actual image has been captured, say) using AI?

    The ethical boundaries blur further in highly charged contexts. Does it matter if opposition political ads against then-presidential candidate Barack Obama in the US deliberately darkened his skin?

    Would generated images of dead bodies in Gaza be more palatable, perhaps more moral, than actual photographs of dead humans? Is a magazine cover showing a model digitally altered to unattainable beauty standards, while not declaring the level of photo manipulation, unethical?

    A fix

    Part of the solution to this social problem demands two simple and clear actions. First, declare that photo manipulation has taken place. Second, disclose what kind of photo manipulation was carried out.

    The first step is straightforward: in the same way pictures are published with author credits, a clear and unobtrusive “enhancement acknowledgement” or EA should be added to caption lines.

    Read more: AI isn’t what we should be worried about – it’s the humans controlling it

    The second is about how an image has been altered. Here I call for five “categories of manipulation” (not unlike a film rating). Accountability and clarity create an ethical foundation.

    The five categories could be:

    C – Corrected

    Edits that preserve the essence of the original photo while refining its overall clarity or aesthetic appeal – like colour balance (such as contrast) or lens distortion. Such corrections are often automated (for instance by smartphone cameras) but can be performed manually.

    E – Enhanced

    Alterations that are mainly about colour or tone adjustments. This extends to slight cosmetic retouching, like the removal of minor blemishes (such as acne) or the artificial addition of makeup, provided the edits don’t reshape physical features or objects. This includes all filters involving colour changes.

    B – Body manipulated

    This is flagged when a physical feature is altered. Changes in body shape, like slimming arms or enlarging shoulders, or the altering of skin or hair colour, fall under this category.

    O – Object manipulated

    This declares that the physical position of an object has been changed. A finger or limb moved, a vase added, a person edited out, a background element added or removed.

    G – Generated

    Entirely fabricated yet photorealistic depictions, such as a scene that never existed, must be flagged here. So, all images created digitally, including by generative AI, but limited to photographic depictions. (An AI-generated cartoon of the pope would be excluded, but a photo-like picture of the pontiff in a puffer jacket is rated G.)

    Degrees of photo manipulation. Martin Bekker

    The suggested categories are value-blind: they are (or ought to be) triggered simply by the occurrence of any manipulation. So, colour filters applied to an image of a politician trigger an E category, whether the alteration makes the person appear friendlier or scarier. A critical feature for accepting a rating system like this is that it is transparent and unbiased.

    The CEBOG categories above aren’t fixed, there may be overlap: B (Body manipulated) might often imply E (Enhanced), for example.

    Feasibility

    Responsible photo manipulation software may automatically indicate to users the class of photo manipulation carried out. If needed it could watermark it, or it could simply capture it in the picture’s metadata (as with data about the source, owner or photographer). Automation could very well ensure ease of use, and perhaps reduce human error, encouraging consistent application across platforms.

    Read more: Can you spot a financial fake? How AI is raising our risks of billing fraud

    Of course, displaying the rating will ultimately be an editorial decision, and good users, like good editors, will do this responsibly, hopefully maintaining or improving the reputation of their images and publications. While one would hope that social media would buy into this kind of editorial ideal and encourage labelled images, much room for ambiguity and deception remains.

    The success of an initiative like this hinges on technology developers, media organisations and policymakers collaborating to create a shared commitment to transparency in digital media.

    – How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed
    – https://theconversation.com/how-to-tell-if-a-photos-fake-you-probably-cant-thats-why-new-rules-are-needed-252645

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Springfield man sentenced to over 30 years in prison for crypto-terror financing scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Springfield man was sentenced yesterday to 30 years and four months in prison for his efforts to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least October 2019 through October of 2022, Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35, collected and sent money to female ISIS members in Syria to benefit ISIS in various ways, including by financing the escape of female ISIS members from prison camps and supporting ISIS fighters. Chhipa would raise funds online on various social media accounts. He would receive electronic transfers of funds and travel hundreds of miles to collect funds by hand. He would then convert the money to cryptocurrency and send it to Turkey, where it was smuggled to ISIS members in Syria.

    “This defendant directly financed ISIS in its efforts to commit vile terrorist atrocities against innocent citizens in America and abroad,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This severe sentence illustrates that if you fund terrorism, we will prosecute you and put you behind bars for decades.”

    “Those who fund and facilitate terror bear the same responsibility as those who carry out attacks,” said Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Mohammed Chhipa knowingly and persistently collected and provided a considerable amount of money to fund the violence of an organization bent on forcing their extremist ideology on others. That he did so from a nation that holds individual freedom sacrosanct is unconscionable.”

    “With this sentencing, this defendant will pay the price for helping finance ISIS, a brutal terrorist organization,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This is more proof that the FBI will investigate and work with our DOJ partners to hold accountable anyone who assists ISIS or other terrorist groups. Whether you are a fighter or send money, these activities are illegal and against the national security interests of the United States.”

    “Mr. Chhipa transferred more than $185,000 to members of a designated terrorist organization,” said Steven J. Jensen, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office. “Such funds could have been used to enable terrorist operations and attacks targeting innocent U.S. citizens at home and abroad. Today’s sentencing underscores the FBI’s commitment to severing these streams of funding and keeping the American people safe.”

    His primary co-conspirator was an ISIS member residing in Syria who was involved in raising funds for prison escapes, terrorist attacks, and ISIS fighters.

    Over the course of the conspiracy, Chhipa sent over $185,000 in cryptocurrency.

    In December 2024, a federal jury convicted Chhipa of one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and four counts of providing and attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony T. Aminoff and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda St. Cyr for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Andrew John Dixon and former Trial Attorney Andrea Broach for the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-cr-97.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RGA Right Direction PAC Releases New Campaign: Virginia Can’t Afford Abigail Spanberger

    Source: US Republican Governors Association

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –RGA Right Direction PAC today launched a second advertisement in its five-figure digital campaign in the Virginia gubernatorial race, highlighting Virginia Democrat Abigail Spanberger’s failed record on the economy.

    “Abigail Spanberger voted for trillions in government spending, fueling inflation and destroying the economy for working families,” said RGA Rapid Response Director Kollin Crompton. “Calling a middle class tax cut irresponsible when families needed relief is a slap in the face to Virginians still facing the higher prices Spanberger helped create.”

    The ad follows RGA Right Direction PAC’s earlier launch of the site, TruthAboutSpanberger.com.

    View the latest ad here.

    SCRIPT: 

    ANCHOR: Inflation during the Biden Administration is still being felt across the country – overall inflation is up nearly 18 percent.

    ANCHOR: One of the reasons inflation was high was all the government spending. And after we agreed on that, what did the government do? They spent more!

    V.O.: Abigail Spanberger was in lock step with Joe Biden’s failed economic agenda. Voting for trillions in spending – fueling inflation and hurting Virginia families.

    SPANBERGER: I am proud that the House passed the Build Back Better Act.

    V.O.: But when families needed relief, Spanberger called a middle class tax cut: irresponsible.

    Now she wants to be governor? 

    Virginia cannot afford Abigail Spanberger.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Shop App: Making Mother’s Day Shopping Easier Than Ever

    Source: Samsung

     
    This Mother’s Day, Samsung is helping you celebrate the most important woman in your life with ease and style through the Samsung Shop App – a powerful online platform designed to simplify your shopping experience and help you find the perfect gift. The Samsung Shop App has you covered with;
     
    Up to 30% off mother’s day gift ideas
    An EXTRA 10% off your first order on the Samsung Shop App
    Free delivery
    Flexibile finance to spread the cost of your favourite tech at your convenience
     
    The Samsung Shop App offers a full range of Samsung products – from cutting-edge mobile devices and stylish wearables to home appliances that bring both function and joy. It’s the ultimate tool to make shopping for mom thoughtful, seamless, and stress-free.
     

     
    If you find yourself shopping last minute, you’re in luck because you can avoid the hassle of in-store crowds this Mother’s Day by browsing the Samsung Shop App from the comfort of your home. With just a few taps, you can explore gift ideas, access limited-time deals, and enjoy a smooth checkout process with multiple payment options.
     
    Here’s why the Samsung Shop App is the perfect gifting platform this Mother’s Day:
     
    Free Delivery: Get your new Samsung products delivered to your door at no cost to you.
    Exclusive In-App Deals: Enjoy access to special offers available only through the app.
    Flexible Finance: Choose from a variety of secure payment methods and flexible finance such as PayJustNow, Mobicred, Float and more.
    Samsung Rewards: Earn Bonus Samsung Rewards when you purchase selected products that could well be the perfect tech gift for mom.
    Wide Product Range: From smartphones to smartwatches, kitchen appliances to tablets – discover everything mom might love, all in one place.
    Personalised Recommendations: The app suggests gifts based on your preferences and browsing history, making it easy to find something special.
    Order Tracking and Delivery Updates: Stay updated on your order status with real-time notifications and shipping details.
    24/7 Customer Support: Need help? Access expert assistance at any time, right from the app.
     
    Whether you’re gifting a new smartphone, a time-saving appliance, or a stylish wearable, the Samsung Shop App makes it easy to show your appreciation for mom in a meaningful way.
     
    Download the Samsung Shop App today from the Google Play Store or Apple Play Store, visit https://www.samsung.com/za/offer/mothers-day to discover exclusive Mother’s Day offers and gift ideas that are just a tap away.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 05/8/2025 Blackburn, Bennet, Tillis, Coons Introduce Bill to Bolster Domestic Semiconductor Supply Chains

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the bipartisan Strengthening Essential Manufacturing and Industrial (SEMI) Investment Act to expand tax incentives for semiconductor facilities to include upstream materials suppliers. This would help protect U.S. defense supply chains by supporting domestic investment and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries like Communist China.

    “Communist China has rapidly increased its grip on semiconductor production, threatening America’s economy and national security,” said Senator Blackburn. “The SEMI Investment Actwould boost manufacturing here in the United States and help secure our supply chains by expanding tax incentives for semiconductor facilities to reduce our dependence on Beijing.”

    “The CHIPS and Science Act revitalized advanced domestic manufacturing and restored funding for cutting-edge research and development. But without sustained investment across the semiconductor supply chain, we risk undermining these important efforts,” said Senator Bennet. “Our bipartisan bill will secure our supply chains and ensure companies across the semiconductor ecosystem can invest in and expand U.S. production.”

    “The U.S. must do everything we can to strengthen the domestic semiconductor supply chain,” said Senator Tillis. “It is crucial for our national security and economic resilience that we get this policy right and I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to ensure we reduce our reliance on our adversaries like China.”

    “Semiconductors drive everything from smartphones to medical devices to automobiles, and countries that excel at manufacturing them will be stronger and more secure in the decades ahead,”said Senator Coons. “Expanding the semiconductor manufacturing investment tax credit—established by President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act—will strengthen our semiconductor supply chain and advance us toward that goal.”

    BACKGROUND

    • Fueled by massive government subsidies, China’s state-controlled companies now dominate nearly 85% of global processing capacity for rare earth minerals used in semiconductor manufacturing.
    • Last month, China imposed new export bans on rare earth materials like gallium, germanium, and antimony, which are key to semiconductor production.
    • Under current law, tax incentives are only available for facilities that directly produce semiconductors or manufacturing equipment. However, much of the upstream materials and components used in these facilities are sourced from China, leaving our critical supply chains vulnerable and heavily reliant on foreign adversaries.

    SEMI INVESTMENT ACT

    • To safeguard national security and counter China’s growing dominance in the semiconductor sector, the SEMI Investment Act would foster the development of a robust U.S.-based supply chain by expanding the tax credit to include upstream materials suppliers.
    • Expanding incentives to include upstream production would also bolster American innovation, create jobs, and ensure the resilience of this vital industry.

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study looking at Parkinson’s Disease risk and proximity to golf courses

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at proximity to Golf Courses and the risk of Parkinson’s Disease.

    Prof David Dexter, Director of Research, Parkinson’s UK, said: 

    “This study suggests an association between pesticides and Parkinson’s, however there are some important limitations in the methodology to be aware of. Firstly, Parkinson’s starts in the brain 10-15 years before diagnosis and the study didn’t only use subjects who permanently lived in the area. This would not only affect participants’ exposure, but also suggests their Parkinson’s could have started before they moved around a golf course. The population was also not matched for location with 80% of the Parkinson’s subjects living in urban areas, compared to only 30% of controls, hence other factors like air pollution from motor vehicles etc could also account for some of the increases in Parkinson’s incidence. Additionally, no analysis was made of the drinking water for pesticide levels. Once again, this lessens the validity of the claim of pesticide exposure because the studies have not been carefully controlled.”

     

    Dr Katherine Fletcher, Research Lead at Parkinson’s UK, said:

    “Parkinson’s is complex. The causes of the condition are unclear and are likely to involve both genetic and environmental factors. Many studies have investigated whether pesticides increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s in different populations around the world. The results have been varied, but overall suggest that exposure to pesticides may increase the risk of the condition. However, the evidence is not strong enough to show that pesticide exposure directly causes Parkinson’s. This study supports the association between pesticides and Parkinson’s. However, it’s quite reductive and doesn’t take into account how someone might have been exposed to pesticides at their workplace or whether they have a genetic link to the condition.

    “In Europe and the UK, the use of pesticides are strictly controlled, and some – like paraquat – are banned, due to concerns about their wider health and environmental impacts. So, the risk of exposure to these for most people is extremely low.”

     

    ‘Proximity to Golf Courses and Risk of Parkinson Disease’ by Krzyzanowski et al. was published in JAMA Network Open at 16:00 UK time on Thursday 08th May 2025.

     

    DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.9198

     

    Declared interests

    Prof David Dexter: “The author declares that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence their comment reported in this article.”

    Dr Katherine Fletcher: “The author declares that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence their comment reported in this article.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces PPG Will Establish Cleveland County Manufacturing Center Creating 110 Jobs

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces PPG Will Establish Cleveland County Manufacturing Center Creating 110 Jobs

    Governor Stein Announces PPG Will Establish Cleveland County Manufacturing Center Creating 110 Jobs
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced that PPG will create 110 jobs in the City of Shelby. The company reports it will invest $380 million to establish a new manufacturing center in Cleveland County, marking the return of the PPG brand name to Shelby, where the company first established a facility in the 1950s.

    “PPG knows what I know: North Carolina is the #1 state for manufacturing in the Southeast,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our state’s workforce is our greatest asset, and I will continue to advocate for more training and education programs so that employees can build a career and employers have the well-trained people they need to get to work.”

    PPG (NYSE: PPG) is an American Fortune 500 company and global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials. The company operates in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. PPG’s aerospace business is a leading provider of innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket customers, such as airlines and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for commercial, general aviation, and military segments. The company’s aerospace portfolio includes advanced coatings, sealants, transparencies, packaging, chemical services, engineered materials, and specialty products designed to enhance the performance, durability, and safety of aircraft. The company’s new project in Shelby will establish a modern manufacturing facility to produce the full line of PPG’s aerospace coatings and sealants.

    “PPG’s investment in this new manufacturing facility demonstrates the significant demand growth for our world-class technologies and our continued commitment to serving our aerospace customers,” said Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. “By modernizing and digitizing our facilities, PPG will continue to embody our purpose – to protect and beautify the world – while contributing to the growth and innovation of the aerospace sector.” 

    “It’s great to see another top manufacturing company select North Carolina as a place to do business,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “It’s also gratifying to see a company like PPG, with its historical ties to the region, once again become part of the strong and vibrant community of Shelby.  I look forward to the great things to come from this renewed partnership.” 

    Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new jobs will be $66,861. The average wage in Cleveland County at the time of the company’s grant application was $48,310.

    A performance-based grant of $300,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate PPG’s project into Cleveland County, based on a company investment of $221.8 million and the creation of 62 jobs. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment.  All OneNC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

    “PPG is a name held in high regard in our area, and we’re all excited to open the next chapter of this partnership for our region and for our state,” said Representative Kelly Hastings. “We welcome these new jobs and investment to our region, and I am especially proud that my mom is a PPG retiree.”

    “Bringing PPG back to Cleveland County and Shelby took a lot of effort by many people and organizations working behind the scenes,” said Senator Ted Alexander. “Our community looks forward to supporting the company as they re-establish operations in our area.” 

    Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the Commerce Department’s Division of Workforce Solutions, Cleveland Community College, Cleveland County, the City of Shelby, and the Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership. 

    May 8, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Man Sentenced to Over 30 Years in Prison for Crypto-Terror Financing Scheme

    Source: US State of California

    A Springfield, Virginia, man was sentenced yesterday to 364 months in prison for his efforts to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, from at least October 2019 through October 2022, Mohammed Azharuddin Chhipa, 35, collected and sent money to female ISIS members in Syria to benefit ISIS in various ways, including by financing the escape of female ISIS members from prison camps and supporting ISIS fighters. Chhipa would raise funds online on various social media accounts. He would receive electronic transfers of funds and travel hundreds of miles to collect funds by hand. He would then convert the money to cryptocurrency and send it to Turkey, where it was smuggled to ISIS members in Syria.

    “This defendant directly financed ISIS in its efforts to commit vile terrorist atrocities against innocent citizens in America and abroad,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This severe sentence illustrates that if you fund terrorism, we will prosecute you and put you behind bars for decades.”

    “With this sentencing, this defendant will pay the price for helping finance ISIS, a brutal terrorist organization,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “This is more proof that the FBI will investigate and work with our DOJ partners to hold accountable anyone who assists ISIS or other terrorist groups. Whether you are a fighter or send money, these activities are illegal and against the national security interests of the United States.”

    “Those who fund and facilitate terror bear the same responsibility as those who carry out attacks,” said U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Mohammed Chhipa knowingly and persistently collected and provided a considerable amount of money to fund the violence of an organization bent on forcing their extremist ideology on others. That he did so from a nation that holds individual freedom sacrosanct is unconscionable.”

    His primary co-conspirator was an ISIS member residing in Syria who was involved in raising funds for prison escapes, terrorist attacks, and ISIS fighters.

    Over the course of the conspiracy, Chhipa sent over $185,000 in cryptocurrency.

    In December 2024, a federal jury convicted Chhipa of one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization and four counts of providing and attempting to provide material support or resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony T. Aminoff and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda St. Cyr for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Andrew John Dixon and former Trial Attorney Andrea Broach of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tech CU Expands Executive Leadership Team with Strategic Appointments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif. , May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Technology Credit Union (Tech CU) today welcomed two new leaders to its executive team: Terri Giannetti as Chief Marketing Officer and Josh Bluhm as Chief Lending Officer. These hires underscore Tech CU’s continued focus on growth, innovation, and delivering a strong member experience.

    As Chief Marketing Officer, Giannetti will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to drive lead generation, sales conversion, market share growth, member retention, and brand awareness. She brings over 27 years of leadership experience across the financial services and retail industries, most recently serving as Chief Experience Officer at Seattle Credit Union. There, she led a 72-person team spanning marketing, brand, retail, contact center, and facilities.

    “Terri’s extensive background in marketing, customer segmentation, data analytics and member experience, paired with her leadership at both credit unions and well-known retail brands, makes her an ideal fit to lead our marketing strategy,” said Todd Harris, CEO of Tech CU. “Her ability to align marketing and operational goals will be essential as we continue building momentum toward our current and future goals.”

    Additionally, Josh Bluhm has been promoted to Chief Lending Officer and officially joined Tech CU’s Executive Team. In this role, he will continue overseeing Consumer and Strategic Lending while focusing on growth and operational excellence.

    Bluhm brings over 27 years of banking and financial services leadership experience, with expertise spanning consumer lending, credit risk, and operations. Prior to becoming Chief Lending Officer, he served as Senior Vice President and Head of Retail Credit Risk and Operations at Tech CU, where he played a key role in creating operational efficiencies, implementing a strong consumer credit risk strategy, and driving lending growth. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at Peoples Bank and Whatcom Educational Credit Union.

    “Josh has demonstrated outstanding leadership and vision, particularly in executing a thoughtful structure for our new lending division,” said Harris. “His commitment to performance and collaboration has made a big impact, and I’m confident he will continue to elevate our lending programs as part of the executive team.”

    Bluhm was promoted to Chief Lending Officer in late 2024 and has since led the integration of new reporting lines, roles, and process redesign to support Tech CU’s evolving lending strategy.

    For more information about Tech CU, visit www.techcu.com.

    About Tech CU
    Tech CU is a $4.7 billion Bay Area credit union. As a federally insured not-for-profit organization, Tech CU has invested its resources to deliver superior rates, lower fees, and outstanding service and member benefits for more than 60 years while also supporting quality of life in local communities. It serves more than 200,000 members throughout the United States and provides financial products for all stages of its members’ lives, including personal banking, wealth management, private banking, commercial lending, and business banking. To learn more, please visit www.techcu.com.

    Contact:
    Linden Kohtz
    Public Relations, Tech CU
    lkohtz@techcu.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Supervisory divisions set out engagement programmes

    Source: Isle of Man

    The Isle of Man Financial Services Authority has set out its two-year programme of supervisory engagement to be delivered by its Prudential, Portfolio and HMI Divisions.

    A document published on the Authority’s website highlights the supervisory priorities for 2025-27 under the three broad themes of:

    • Culture, Governance and Risk Management
    • Financial and Operational Resilience
    • Quality of Supervisory Data

    The priorities will support the Authority’s ongoing supervision at firm and sector level, with work taking place in line with the engagement model published as part of the Supervisory Methodology Framework.

    The Prudential, Portfolio and HMI initiatives will also complement the supervisory, policy and outreach work focused on Countering Financial Crime being conducted by the AML/CFT Division.

    The Supervisory Priorities 2025-27 document includes a continuation of projects that have already started, as well as further development of areas that have been previously highlighted to Island firms.

    Direct communications will be sent to all firms by the relevant supervisory division to provide further insight into the planned workstreams.

    Work will be delivered through a suite of supervisory activities including engagement meetings, inspections, thematic reviews, data requests and other stakeholder communication.

    The three themes link to the Frameworks and Infrastructure pillars in the Authority’s Strategic Plan 2024-2027 and will cover matters such as:

    • Consumer value, fairness and outcomes
    • Quality of oversight and assurance (including business model change/complexity)
    • Managing financial pressures and shocks
    • Ensuring continuity of services for consumers

    Topics and approximate timelines will be included as part of the At-A-Glance calendar, which provides advance notice of the Authority’s future activities and key milestones.

    Andrew Kermode, Head of Prudential Supervision, said: ‘The Isle of Man is home to a large and diverse population of firms and the Authority’s supervisory divisions work closely to deliver a risk and impact-led programme of engagement. We expect firms to embed the right culture to effectively manage conduct risk. This includes having robust governance and risk management structures in place and ensuring that consumers obtain fair value, and do not suffer from poor outcomes.’

    He added: ‘We will also continue to monitor firms’ financial resilience and health and seek to enhance the quality and integrity of supervisory data that informs our understanding of risk at firm and sector level.’

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Martin Bekker, Computational Social Scientist, University of the Witwatersrand

    The problem is simple: it’s hard to know whether a photo’s real or not anymore. Photo manipulation tools are so good, so common and easy to use, that a picture’s truthfulness is no longer guaranteed.

    The situation got trickier with the uptake of generative artificial intelligence. Anyone with an internet connection can cook up just about any image, plausible or fantasy, with photorealistic quality, and present it as real. This affects our ability to discern truth in a world increasingly influenced by images.



    Read more:
    Can you tell the difference between real and fake news photos? Take the quiz to find out

    I teach and research the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), including how we use and understand digital images.

    Many people ask how we can tell if an image has been changed, but that’s fast becoming too difficult. Instead, here I suggest a system where creators and users of images openly state what changes they’ve made. Any similar system will do, but new rules are needed if AI images are to be deployed ethically – at least among those who want to be trusted, especially media.

    Doing nothing isn’t an option, because what we believe about media affects how much we trust each other and our institutions. There are several ways forward. Clear labelling of photos is one of them.

    Deepfakes and fake news

    Photo manipulation was once the preserve of government propaganda teams, and later, expert users of Photoshop, the popular software for editing, altering or creating digital images.

    Today, digital photos are automatically subjected to colour-correcting filters on phones and cameras. Some social media tools automatically “prettify” users’ pictures of faces. Is a photo taken of oneself by oneself even real anymore?



    Read more:
    The use of deepfakes can sow doubt, creating confusion and distrust in viewers

    The basis of shared social understanding and consensus – trust regarding what one sees – is being eroded. This is accompanied by the apparent rise of untrustworthy (and often malicious) news reporting. We have new language for the situation: fake news (false reporting in general) and deepfakes (deliberately manipulated images, whether for waging war or garnering more social media followers).

    Misinformation campaigns using manipulated images can sway elections, deepen divisions, even incite violence. Scepticism towards trustworthy media has untethered ordinary people from fact-based accounting of events, and has fuelled conspiracy theories and fringe groups.

    Ethical questions

    A further problem for producers of images (personal or professional) is the difficulty of knowing what’s permissable. In a world of doctored images, is it acceptable to prettify yourself? How about editing an ex-partner out of a picture and posting it online?

    Would it matter if a well-respected western newspaper published a photo of Russian president Vladimir Putin pulling his face in disgust (an expression that he surely has made at some point, but of which no actual image has been captured, say) using AI?

    The ethical boundaries blur further in highly charged contexts. Does it matter if opposition political ads against then-presidential candidate Barack Obama in the US deliberately darkened his skin?

    Would generated images of dead bodies in Gaza be more palatable, perhaps more moral, than actual photographs of dead humans? Is a magazine cover showing a model digitally altered to unattainable beauty standards, while not declaring the level of photo manipulation, unethical?

    A fix

    Part of the solution to this social problem demands two simple and clear actions. First, declare that photo manipulation has taken place. Second, disclose what kind of photo manipulation was carried out.

    The first step is straightforward: in the same way pictures are published with author credits, a clear and unobtrusive “enhancement acknowledgement” or EA should be added to caption lines.



    Read more:
    AI isn’t what we should be worried about – it’s the humans controlling it

    The second is about how an image has been altered. Here I call for five “categories of manipulation” (not unlike a film rating). Accountability and clarity create an ethical foundation.

    The five categories could be:

    C – Corrected

    Edits that preserve the essence of the original photo while refining its overall clarity or aesthetic appeal – like colour balance (such as contrast) or lens distortion. Such corrections are often automated (for instance by smartphone cameras) but can be performed manually.

    E – Enhanced

    Alterations that are mainly about colour or tone adjustments. This extends to slight cosmetic retouching, like the removal of minor blemishes (such as acne) or the artificial addition of makeup, provided the edits don’t reshape physical features or objects. This includes all filters involving colour changes.

    B – Body manipulated

    This is flagged when a physical feature is altered. Changes in body shape, like slimming arms or enlarging shoulders, or the altering of skin or hair colour, fall under this category.

    O – Object manipulated

    This declares that the physical position of an object has been changed. A finger or limb moved, a vase added, a person edited out, a background element added or removed.

    G – Generated

    Entirely fabricated yet photorealistic depictions, such as a scene that never existed, must be flagged here. So, all images created digitally, including by generative AI, but limited to photographic depictions. (An AI-generated cartoon of the pope would be excluded, but a photo-like picture of the pontiff in a puffer jacket is rated G.)

    The suggested categories are value-blind: they are (or ought to be) triggered simply by the occurrence of any manipulation. So, colour filters applied to an image of a politician trigger an E category, whether the alteration makes the person appear friendlier or scarier. A critical feature for accepting a rating system like this is that it is transparent and unbiased.

    The CEBOG categories above aren’t fixed, there may be overlap: B (Body manipulated) might often imply E (Enhanced), for example.

    Feasibility

    Responsible photo manipulation software may automatically indicate to users the class of photo manipulation carried out. If needed it could watermark it, or it could simply capture it in the picture’s metadata (as with data about the source, owner or photographer). Automation could very well ensure ease of use, and perhaps reduce human error, encouraging consistent application across platforms.



    Read more:
    Can you spot a financial fake? How AI is raising our risks of billing fraud

    Of course, displaying the rating will ultimately be an editorial decision, and good users, like good editors, will do this responsibly, hopefully maintaining or improving the reputation of their images and publications. While one would hope that social media would buy into this kind of editorial ideal and encourage labelled images, much room for ambiguity and deception remains.

    The success of an initiative like this hinges on technology developers, media organisations and policymakers collaborating to create a shared commitment to transparency in digital media.

    Martin Bekker receives funding from the National Research Foundation in South Africa.

    – ref. How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed – https://theconversation.com/how-to-tell-if-a-photos-fake-you-probably-cant-thats-why-new-rules-are-needed-252645

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –