NewzIntel.com

Category: Education

  • MIL-OSI USA: Securing a Healthier Future for SUNY Downstate

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today received the Downstate Community Advisory Board proposal for the more than $1 billion State reinvestment in SUNY Downstate’s hospital. Following months of community input and engagement, the advisory board advanced a proposal that aims to stabilize and renovate the facility and deliver a modern hospital to Central Brooklyn.

    “Central Brooklyn deserves world-class health care, and with this historic $1 billion investment, we’re securing a brighter, healthier future for SUNY Downstate and the communities it serves,” Governor Hochul said. “This plan was shaped by the voices of those who know and rely on Downstate — community members, faculty and staff — and their input was critical to getting this right. I’m grateful to SUNY and the advisory board for their commitment to building a strong, sustainable future SUNY Downstate, and I look forward to thoroughly reviewing the proposed plan.”

    The proposal from the advisory board will:

    • Retain all current inpatient and outpatient services, including maternity and kidney transplant services
    • Convert all double occupancy rooms to private rooms with showers and add additional rooms, resulting in 225 operational beds (with the goal of increasing the current 165 average daily census)
    • Modernize and expand the emergency department to 45 stations
    • Establish/renovate dedicated inpatient specialty units for cardiology, oncology, and orthopedics
    • Build a new hospital annex, including a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgery center that expands services in oncology and cardiology
    • Address the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure issues that have resulted in repeated system failures
    • Improve leadership and operations to achieve greater operational sustainability

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY Downstate has long served as a cornerstone of care for Brooklynites – and as a result of Governor Hochul’s leadership and investment, it will continue to do so long into the future. Thank you to Governor Hochul, to the advisory board, and to every community member who contributed to this proposal that will ensure a strong and sustainable SUNY Downstate hospital for the communities we are proud to serve.”

    The advisory board’s task was to consider recommendations to establish a reasonable, scalable and fiscally responsible plan for the financial health, viability, and sustainability of SUNY Downstate within a range of available funds.

    The advisory board – consisting of healthcare and community leaders – worked throughout the past nearly six months to gather input and ideas directly from the community to inform the proposal. Over the course of their deliberations, the advisory board:

    • Held four public hearings (one more than statutorily required) on January 22, February 27, March 13, and April 28, with two in Community Board #9 and two in Community Board #17
    • Met with numerous community stakeholders including the SUNY Downstate Medical School Department Chairs, the Brooklyn for Downstate advocacy group (twice), the leadership at SUNY Downstate, and other regional healthcare providers
    • Carefully reviewed analysis of the community health needs (including the Brooklyn for Downstate data needs analysis and recommendations for the future of SUNY Downstate, the Community Health Needs Assessment 2022 prepared by the NYC Health & Hospitals, and the New York State Department of Health’s Study of Healthcare System Inequities and Perinatal Access in Brooklyn report), Downstate Hospital’s financials, and the condition of Downstate Hospital’s physical plant
    • Engaged a team of consultants to provide expert analysis, infrastructure assessment, financial modeling, architectural and engineering scenarios, and coordination, including ADENA Consulting Group, LLC, QPK Design, Ramboll, Ewing Cole, and Kaufman Hall. In addition, at stakeholders’ request, the advisory board engaged Deloitte to independently assess the reasonableness of the financial modeling and identify options to reduce the ongoing operating deficit.

    After gathering public and stakeholder input over many months, the approach now recommended by the advisory board was presented to the public as an option under consideration at the fourth public hearing on April 28. View materials from the public hearings here.

    Downstate’s hospital provides inpatient and outpatient health care services in Central Brooklyn and leads in research and scholarship to address health disparities in New York City and across the state.

    Last year, SUNY Downstate’s hospital faced a $100 million annual deficit and was at risk of being unable to operate without additional funding, while contending with a hospital facility in disrepair and vulnerable to major crises, including recent major infrastructure incidents.

    In response, Governor Hochul worked with the Legislature and SUNY to develop a plan to engage community leaders in developing a sustainable future for Downstate and provided a historic capital investment. The Governor championed $750 million in capital funding for SUNY Downstate’s hospital in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 Enacted State Budgets, and directed SUNY to dedicate its anticipated $50 million annual capital allocations in each of the next seven years to bring the total investment to more than $1 billion.

    SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University President Dr. Wayne J. Riley said, “This plan represents an extraordinary investment in SUNY Downstate’s hospital and a bright future for our patients, our students, and our faculty and staff. I want to thank Governor Hochul, the Brooklyn legislative delegation, the SUNY Board of Trustees and Chancellor King, the faculty and staff of SUNY Downstate, and the faith leaders, labor organizations, and other community stakeholders who have worked together to envision a strong and achievable future for SUNY Downstate.”

    SUNY Trustee and Chair of the Academic Medical Centers and Hospitals Committee Eric Corngold said, “SUNY is proud of the unique and important role SUNY Downstate plays in Central Brooklyn and New York State. We are committed to a strong and sustainable future for SUNY Downstate and grateful to Governor Hochul for a historic investment in SUNY Downstate’s hospital.”

    New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James V. McDonald said, “Governor Hochul has shown a strong commitment to strengthening health care across New York—from expanding mental health services to supporting the nursing workforce and modernizing medical facilities. Investing in SUNY Downstate’s hospital is a critical step that will improve health outcomes and better serve the residents of Central Brooklyn.”

    SUNY Downstate Chair of the Department of Community and Family Health Dr. Enitza George, M.D., MBA, MSAI. said, “After six months of working with the DCAB members, I believe these recommendations truly reflect our commitment to listening to the community. We carefully considered what’s needed and balanced it with what’s possible given the current funding. I’m genuinely excited about what’s next—for Brooklyn as a whole and for Downstate in particular.”

    SUNY Downstate Community Advisory Board Member Pastor Louis Hilton Straker Jr. said, “Reinvesting in Downstate will not only mean improved care, it will also mean a sense of safety and dignity for Central Brooklynites. Over the last year, we’ve seen how different voices and perspectives can enter a room and come together to deliver for our communities. Let Downstate serve as a sign of hope on what we can do when New Yorkers stand by each other and insist on solutions.”

    SUNY Downstate Community Advisory Board Member Dr. Lesly Kernisant said, “In my decades of caring for Brooklyn patients, a simple fact is clear: modern facilities and comprehensive services lead to improved care. This investment in SUNY Downstate’s future–which includes vital support for maternal health care–marks an important moment in the collective effort to reduce health disparities and secure a better future for our community.”

    Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “Securing this historic investment in SUNY Downstate is a major victory for Brooklyn—preserving critical services, modernizing the hospital, and reaffirming our commitment to equitable, high-quality care. By establishing the Community Advisory Board, we ensured that the voices of patients, workers, and the community were central to every discussion about Downstate’s future. I applaud Senator Myrie and all my Brooklyn colleagues whose tireless advocacy made this moment possible and who continue to lead the charge toward the full revitalization of SUNY Downstate Medical Center.”

    Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, “Securing $1 billion for Downstate is historic – I applaud Governor Hochul and the community leaders who helped shape this proposal. This is an important moment to be investing in our healthcare ecosystem, and Downstate’s modernization can serve as a model for vulnerable facilities across the state.”

    Assemblymember Brian Cunningham said, “As the representative for Central Brooklyn and SUNY Downstate, I have made it a priority to advocate to Governor Hochul and legislative leaders for the investments this hospital needs to serve our community and the city. Through this year’s budget process, we fought to secure critical funding for Downstate and for the healthcare infrastructure that so many New Yorkers rely on. With federal threats to Medicaid mounting, this new commitment from the state could not be more important. I commend the Governor for her leadership in protecting access to care and driving equity across the healthcare system.

    Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermelyn said, “SUNY Downstate was founded 165 years ago, and served as a vital healthcare institution and safety-net hospital, helping over 300,000 Brooklynites annually, regardless of their ability to pay. In recent years, our borough’s only academic medical center kept trying to provide innovative, high-quality-care for all, while its 19th century infrastructure crumbled; putting the Downstate Hospital in serious peril; while leaving our most vulnerable constituents with next-to-nothing for healthcare. Gov. Hochul took decisive action, when other leaders swept this problem under the rug, and worked with the Brooklyn Delegation and our communities to deliver a one billion-dollar solution ensuring a bright future for SUNY Downstate and the Brooklynites who depend on it. Thank you to the Advisory Board for providing a blueprint to revitalize SUNY Downstate into a world-class, state-of-the-art health center that will truly save the lives of Brooklynites today and for decades to come.”

    New York City Council Member Farah N. Louis said, “I wholeheartedly applaud Governor Hochul for this historic and transformative $1 billion investment in SUNY Downstate Medical Center—a bold commitment that demonstrates extraordinary leadership and responsiveness to the urgent needs of Central Brooklyn residents. Knowing that this funding will restore full inpatient and outpatient care over 200 beds is a massive achievement in our fight to save this institution. As our community continues to advocate for a transformative and responsive investment, I am proud that our concerns were heard to bring modernized facilities and high-quality services to the working-class families of Central Brooklyn. Governor Hochul listened to the needs of our neighborhoods and I look forward to the strengthening of this essential institution.”

    New York City Council Member Mercedes Narcisse said, “This $1 billion investment and the restoration of 225 beds are crucial steps in ensuring Downstate stays open and continues to serve our community. I am deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership and unwavering commitment to preserving this essential healthcare institution in Central Brooklyn. By implementing the majority of the Downstate Community Advisory Board’s recommendations, we are listening to those who know best and ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all who rely on Downstate.”

    Bishop Orlando Findlayter said, “We’ve seen private hospitals across the city close or limit services in recent years, which has been a rising threat to the healthcare of New Yorkers in underserved communities. But thanks to leadership from the Governor and our local community, Downstate will ensure the long-term commitment of all existing inpatient and outpatient services, and will serve as a beacon of care and community.”

    Assemblymember Latrice Walker said, “The release of the Downstate Community Advisory proposal for the reinvestment of more than $1 billion is a victory for the entire Central Brooklyn community, including the constituents of my district who rely on SUNY Downstate Hospital. I’d like to thank all the people who have fought so hard to get us to this point. That includes advocates, SUNY leadership, lawmakers, union leaders, and members of the faith and medical communities. And, of course, we would not be at this critical juncture without the leadership of Gov. Kathy Hochul. The proposal, which follows months of community input, retains kidney transplant and maternity services – which are priorities for my community, as we battle high rates of diabetes and fight for better Black maternal health outcomes. I look forward to the modernization of the emergency department, infrastructure upgrades and many other improvements stemming from the proposal. We have collectively struck a decisive blow in the ongoing effort to combat health disparities in Brooklyn communities of color. The quality of one’s care should not be determined by zip code.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fellowship Allows NYS Artists to Partner with State Agencies

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul announced the launch of a new opportunity for New York State artists to partner with State agencies to develop innovative engagement for key state initiatives. Administered by the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), the State of the Arts Fellowship will bring artists and State government together to foster community connection, enhance public spaces, and amplify vital public service initiatives.

    “New York State artists inspire audiences worldwide with their artistry and innovation and are one of our most important resources,” Governor Hochul said. “By combining our renowned creative talent with our hard-working State agencies, we will discover new solutions to important state initiatives.”

    Guidelines for the program are available at arts.ny.gov/SOAfellow. The deadline is July 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Fellows will be announced by fall 2025.

    The State of the Arts Fellowship will embed selected artists within three State agencies for year-long residencies beginning in fall 2025. Artists from all disciplines — including visual, performance, literature, film, and interdisciplinary practices — are invited to apply for this unique opportunity.

    The inaugural placements are:

    • Office of General Services (OGS): revitalizing the Empire State Plaza through creative, community focused programming. (Albany)
    • Office of Mental Health (OMH): destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting access to OMH services. (at least one facility serving a rural upstate area and at least one in the NYC region)
    • Office of Victim Services (OVS): working with underserved populations to reduce barriers to access the Fair Access to Victim Compensation Act. (Brooklyn or Albany)

    Through a collaborative process, fellows will work closely with State agencies to address pressing issues and implement projects that leave a lasting impact on communities across New York. Fellows will be chosen by the host agency and NYSCA. Award amount per artist fellow is $60,000, inclusive of all project expenses.

    New York State Council on the Arts Director Erika Mallin said, “NYSCA has long recognized the essential role that artists play in our state: as changemakers and futurists, as bridge builders between communities, and as teachers and leaders. We are so proud to lead this important program that will bring artists and government together to benefit the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.”

    New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “OGS is proud to be among the state agencies selected to participate in the State of the Arts Fellowship hosted by NYSCA. Through this collaboration, OGS will be exploring placemaking strategies for the Empire State Plaza to deepen our connection with neighboring communities and enhance our public spaces to be more welcoming, vibrant, and reflective of the people we serve. This work will guide and inform future decision making across our entire portfolio. I would like to thank Governor Hochul and NYSCA for their dedication to finding new ways to engage with our state’s communities through this innovative program.”

    New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “We are deeply thankful to be among the agencies chosen by the New York State Council on the Arts to host an artist fellowship. This collaborative work will provide a new and creative approach to de-stigmatizing mental health and demonstrating recovery is both possible and accessible. Portraying individuals in recovery will acknowledge the progress they’ve made and inspire others. This fellowship represents Governor Hochul’s innovative approach to using the arts to promote the important work our state agencies undertake to help and serve New Yorkers.”

    New York State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “Art has the power to transcend barriers and bring people together. We are thrilled to participate in the Artist Fellowship program, which will help us to better connect with victims and survivors of crime and improve access to the critical financial assistance available through OVS. I thank Governor Hochul and the Council on the Arts for their support and vision in creating this program.”

    About the New York State Council on the Arts
    The mission of the New York State Council on the Arts is to foster and advance the full breadth of New York State’s arts, culture and creativity for all. For FY 2026, the Council on the Arts will award over $161 million, serving organizations and artists across all 10 of the state’s regions. The Council on the Arts further advances New York’s creative culture by convening leaders in the field and providing organizational and professional development opportunities and informational resources. Created by Governor Nelson Rockefeller in 1960 and continued with the support of Governor Hochul and the New York State Legislature, the Council is an agency that is part of the Executive Branch. For more information on NYSCA, please visit arts.ny.gov/SOAfellow, and follow NYSCA’s Facebook page, on X @NYSCArts and Instagram @NYSCouncilontheArts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The proposed Strong Borders Act gives police new invasive search powers that may breach Charter rights

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Robert Diab, Professor, Faculty of Law, Thompson Rivers University

    The new Liberal government has tabled its first bill in Parliament, the Strong Borders Act, or Bill C-2. Buried within it are several new powers that give police easier access to our private information.

    The bill responds to recent calls to beef up the enforcement of our border with the United States. It gives customs and immigration officials new powers: to search items being exported, like potentially stolen vehicles, and to deport migrants believed to be abusing Canada’s refugee protections.

    New police powers

    But while facing pressure from the U.S. to act, the Canadian government is using the apparent urgency of the moment to give police and intelligence agents a host of new powers to search our private data — powers that have nothing to do with the border.

    Some of them are already controversial and will no doubt be tested in the Supreme Court of Canada, if and when they’re passed. But many have also been on the wish list of previous governments, as part of “lawful access” bills that would make it easier for police to obtain details about a person’s online activity in cases involving child pornography, financial or gang-related crime.

    Why now? Why make another attempt to lower the barriers to police access to private data? And what is the controversy over these new powers?

    Gaps in the law

    The Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects the right to privacy of anyone in Canada. Police need authority — explicit permission set out somewhere in the law — to carry out a search or seizure of our private data for an investigative purpose.

    A law that allows police to do this must itself be reasonable, in the sense of striking the right balance between law enforcement and individual privacy.

    For the first 20 years of the web, it wasn’t clear what the police could or couldn’t do to gather information about us online.

    The Supreme Court held in 2014 that when police ask Shaw or Telus to give them a name attaching to an online account, this amounts to a search. While a person’s name and address may not reveal much on its own, the court held, it opens a door to something very private: a person’s entire search history.

    But the court in that case did not decide what kind of power police needed to make this demand, only that police need permission in law to make it.

    In Canadian law, requesting a name and address attached to an online account amounts to a search.
    (Shutterstock)

    In 2024, the Supreme Court held that when police ask for an internet protocol (IP) address linked to a person’s online activity, even that is private because it can open a window onto a lot more personal information.

    Police have been using warrant provisions in the Criminal Code to make a demand for an IP address, or the name and address linked to an online account. To get a warrant, in most cases, they need to show a judge they have reason to believe a crime has been committed that is linked to the account — in other words, they must show probable cause.

    Police have complained about how difficult this can be in some cases. They’ve long been calling for more tools.

    Expansive new powers

    The Strong Borders Act makes it easier for police and other state agents in a few ways.

    It will be easier to get a warrant because the new bill allows police to ask service providers like Shaw or Telus — without a warrant — whether they have information about an IP address or a person’s account.

    To then obtain that information, police need a warrant — but on the lower standard of reasonable suspicion of a crime, instead of probable cause. This can also apply to foreign entities like Google or Meta.

    Canadian Security Intelligence Service agents can ask a provider like Shaw or Google whether they have information about an account holder on no grounds at all. But in this case, the person of interest can’t be a citizen or a permanent resident.

    Compelling providers

    More concerning are powers in the bill compelling companies like Google or Apple, along with Shaw and Telus, to assist police in obtaining access to private data.

    Any company that provides Canadians with a service that stores or transmits information in digital form — pretty much anything we do on a phone or computer — can be ordered to help police gain immediate access to our data.

    The bill does this by stipulating that a company can be told to install “any device, equipment or other thing that may enable an authorized person to access information.”

    There are important limits on this. Police can only gain access if they have a warrant or other lawful permission. And a service provider need not comply with any order that would “introduce a systemic vulnerability,” like compelling them to install a backdoor to encryption.

    But the point is that these new powers compel companies to implement “capabilities” for “extracting… information that is authorized to be accessed.” They turn the brands we have an intimate relationship with — gmail, iCloud, Instagram and many others — into tools of the state.

    Future challenges

    For some of us, the thought that Apple or Google can now be conscripted to serve as a state agent to facilitate ready access to private data is unsettling. Even if there are safeguards.

    Courts will have to decide at some point whether searches conducted under these new powers strike a reasonable balance between law enforcement and personal privacy. Courts have held that our privacy interest in personal data is high.

    Whether police interest in quicker and easier access to that data in certain cases is equally high is an open question. But one thing is clear: it doesn’t seem to have much to do with the border.

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

    – ref. The proposed Strong Borders Act gives police new invasive search powers that may breach Charter rights – https://theconversation.com/the-proposed-strong-borders-act-gives-police-new-invasive-search-powers-that-may-breach-charter-rights-258257

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Appoints Group Chief Financial Officer Ayo Adepoju as Group Executive Director

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    LOMÉ, Togo, June 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Board of Directors of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (ETI) (www.Ecobank.com), the parent company of the Ecobank Group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Ayo Adepoju, the current group chief financial officer (CFO), to the Board as Group Executive Director, effective June 4, 2025. 

    Ayo brings two decades of broad-based leadership experience and deep institutional knowledge as a proud product of the Ecobank Group. His expertise spans financial management, capital markets, strategic planning, capital raising and structuring, treasury management, investor relations, business performance management, governance, enterprise transformation, financial due diligence, internal control, and risk-based audit. 

    As a distinguished finance executive, he has been instrumental in shaping the Group’s financial transformation, capital strategy, and long-term resilience. Since joining Ecobank in 2012, he has held several key leadership positions, including Group Financial Controller, Group Head of Business Performance and Analytics, and currently Group CFO. 

    Over the years, Ayo has led numerous strategic initiatives, including landmark capital market transactions such as Eurobonds, Basel III-compliant instruments, and sustainability-linked debt. These efforts have significantly enhanced Ecobank’s presence in international capital markets and strengthened transparency and investor engagement. 

    Prior to joining Ecobank, he worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in London and Lagos, serving in the Financial Services Practice. 

    Commenting on the appointment, Papa Madiaw Ndiaye, Chairman of the Ecobank Group, stated: “On behalf of my fellow directors, I commend Ayo for his outstanding performance and warmly welcome him to the ETI board. His proven leadership has fostered trusted relationships with the Board and made this appointment both natural and strategic for the Group’s future. I believe that Ayo embodies Ecobank’s renewed talent philosophy, a homegrown leader with global exposure and a compelling track record. His intellect, integrity, and impact-driven leadership have long been evident. His appointment to the Board is a testament to our belief in recognizing and elevating excellence from within.” 

    Jeremy Awori, Group Chief Executive Officer, added: “Ayo has played a critical role in strengthening Ecobank’s financial resilience and enabling sustainable business growth. His ability to manage complexity, innovate in financial strategy, align finance with enterprise-wide transformation, and lead collaboratively has made him a critical member of our executive team. I look forward to deepening our partnership as we drive forward our Growth, Transformation and Returns strategy.” 

    Ayo holds a First-Class Honours degree from the University of Lagos and is a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK. He also holds an MBA from Warwick Business School and a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, USA. 

    He has completed executive education programs at Wharton, London Business School, and most recently in 2024, the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School. An official member of the Forbes Finance Council, he is also a published author and respected thought leader in finance and organizational strategy. 

    This appointment reinforces Ecobank’s continued commitment to nurturing internal talent and promoting leadership excellence across Africa.  

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: At Hearing, Senator Murray Highlights Lack of Transparency from Trump Administration, Presses Nominees on Commitment to Following the Law

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    *** VIDEO of Senator Murray’s questioning HERE***
    Washington, D.C. — Today, at a Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee hearing to consider pending education and labor nominations, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), a former chair and senior member of the HELP Committee, questioned Deputy Secretary of Education nominee Dr. Penny Schwinn, and Assistant Secretary for the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) nominee Kimberly Richey. Senator Murray pressed Dr. Schwinn on whether she’ll ensure the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) annual Condition of Education report, which is required by law and is overdue, is finally submitted—and NCES fulfills its requirement to administer the National Assessment of Educational Progress, (NAEP). Senator Murray pressed Ms. Richey on how firing half the staff at OCR could possibly help reduce the 25,000 case backlog.
    [PENNY SCHWINN]
    Senator Murray began by asking Dr. Schwinn about the Condition of Education report which the Department is required by law to publish: “For nearly 160 years, the federal government has published the Condition of Education report, which is really critical to help us understand how students and schools are doing. But this year, for the first time ever, the National Center for Education Statistics missed its June 1 deadline to publish the report, which is actually required by law. This happened after the Department fired almost all of the National Center for Education Statistics staff and canceled contracts that was needed to complete that work. Now all we have is a bare bones ‘highlight’ document with no explanation to Congress or to the public. And that is really unacceptable—students, families, teachers all deserve to see a full report. And this is not just about one report. NCES is also responsible for administering the National Assessment of Educational Progress, NAEP, which you referred to Dr. Schwinn, also required by law as you know. I have written the Secretary on this issue and not yet received an adequate response. And the Department has not yet provided a promised briefing to me on NAEP. So, Dr. Schwinn I want to ask you, if you’re confirmed, will you ensure that NCES finally, and fully, and promptly produces a complete Condition of Education report, and has the staff that it needs to carry out all of its statutory required duties, including NAEP?”
    Dr. Schwinn responded, “If confirmed, I will absolutely ensure that we follow all of the laws that you all have passed and certainly want to reinforce our commitment to NAEP and its full execution.”
    “Clearly, the decimation of NCES has compromised its ability to provide the data that we in Congress and the public rely on. So, I hope you will work to see that those cuts are reversed. Cause we can’t afford to fly blind when it comes to knowing how our students and our schools are doing. I look forward to working with you on that,” said Senator Murray.
    Senator Murray turned to questioning Ms. Schwinn about the Department’s low rate of review for schools identified as needing additional support, following complaints: “Dr. Schwinn, the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act, which we wrote on this committee under Senator Alexander, I helped write that as well with him. It requires states to identify and support their most struggling schools. But according to the GAO now, less than half of the schools that were identified for additional support have compliant improvement plans. The Department has only reviewed three out of five states total so far this year—and with no plans for further oversight. And it’s really hard to imagine that the rate of review improves because of the massive staff cuts we’ve seen across the Department. So, I wanted to ask you what is your proposal to improve the Department’s rate of review—and therefore help our nation’s struggling schools and students?”
    “I think the most important thing in your question is to say that there must be a commitment to showing our most struggling schools improve because our students deserve that. If confirmed, one of my top priorities is going to be looking at any of the departments within the Department of Education and ensuring that we know our statutory obligations, certainly to Congress, that we have the most efficient practices in place, and that we meet our obligations. And I look forward to working with you on any of those,” replied Dr. Schwinn.
    “Would you commit to publicly reporting the Department’s monitoring findings and state responses, so Congress, and educators, and students, and families can see where struggling schools are?” asked Senator Murray.
    Dr. Schwinn answered, “I would certainly want to discuss that with Secretary McMahon, but I would absolutely want to work with your office on that project.”
    [KIMBERLY RICHEY]
    Senator Murray continued her questioning by addressing the backlog of cases at OCR, “Ms. Richey, do you believe that the staff at OCR are important to protect students’ civil rights?”
    “I do Senator,” replied Ms. Richey.
    “And do you believe that every complaint must be investigated in a timely way?” asked Senator Murray.
    “I do,” responded Ms. Richey.
    Senator Murray inquired, “Well, earlier this week, Secretary McMahon, appearing before another committee, told me the current backlog is 2,500 cases. The Department later clarified to me that it is actually 25,000 backlog. This administration has fired more than half of the staff at OCR and President Trump is now asking in his budget to slash that $49 million next year. So, explain to me how those firings and that funding cut will help reduce that backlog? I want to understand how you’re going to square that circle.”
    Ms. Richey avoided the question, “As you can imagine, as a nominee I do not have access to information with regard to the decisions that are being made at the Department. I am not in communication with OCR leadership or the Secretary. One of the reasons why this role is so important to me is because I am always going to advocate for OCR to have the resources it needs to do its job. I think that what it means is that I am going to have to be really strategic, if I’m confirmed, stepping into this role, helping come up with a plan where we can address these challenges.”
    “I think it’s pretty clear if you have a 25,000 case backlog, and you fire half the staff and cut the budget by 36 percent, it’s going to be pretty hard to get those cases through,” Senator Murray concluded.
    A senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee, Senator Murray has championed students and families at every stage of her career—fighting to help ensure every child in America can get a high-quality public education. Among other things, Senator Murray negotiated the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), landmark legislation that she got signed into law, replacing the broken No Child Left Behind Act. As a longtime appropriator, she has successfully fought to boost funding to support students and invest in our nation’s K-12 schools, and she has secured significant increases to the Pell Grant so that it goes further for students pursuing a higher education. Senator Murray also successfully negotiated the FAFSA Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the financial aid application process, simplify the FAFSA form for students and parents, and significantly expand eligibility for federal aid.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 5th, 2025 Heinrich, Luján Introduce Legislation to Combat Obesity Epidemic

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act to combat the obesity crisis in the United States by providing regular screenings. The bill would also prevent diseases associated with obesity through expanded coverage of new health care specialists and chronic weight management medications for Medicare recipients.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diseases associated with obesity such as heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, and certain types of cancer are the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S. The Treat and Reduce Obesity Act would work to directly prevent these comorbidities.

    The legislation is led by U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) Alongside Heinrich and Luján, the legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.).

    The following organizations have endorsed the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pas, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, American Diabetes Association, American Gastroenterological Association, American Medical Group Association, American Psychological Association, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, American Society for Nutrition, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, Black Woman’s Health Imperative, Boehringer-Ingelheim, ConscienHealth, Currax, Diabetes Leadership Council, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, Eli Lilly and Company, Endocrine Society, Gerontological Society of America, Global Liver Institute, Healthcare Leadership Council, HealthyWomen, Intuitive Surgical, MedTech Coalition for Metabolic Health, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, National Consumers League, National Council on Aging, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Kidney Foundation, Novo Nordisk, Obesity Action Coalition, Obesity Medicine Association, Ro, Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance, The Obesity Society, Trust for America’s Health, WW Weight Watchers International, and YMCA of the USA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Auburn Team Wins 2025 NASA Moon and Mars Design Competition

    Source: NASA

    A team from Auburn University took top honors in NASA’s 2025 Revolutionary Aerospace Systems – Academic Linkage (RASC-AL) Competition Forum, where undergraduate and graduate teams competed to develop new concepts for operating on the Moon, Mars and beyond. 
    Auburn’s project, “Dynamic Ecosystems for Mars Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) Testing, Evaluation, and Reliability (DEMETER)” advised by Dr. Davide Guzzetti, took home top prize out of 14 Finalist Teams from academic institutions across the nation. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University took second place overall for their concept, “Adaptive Device for Assistance and Maintenance (ADAM),” advised by Dr. Kevin Shinpaugh. The University of Maryland took third place overall with their project, “Servicing Crane Outfitted Rover for Payloads, Inspection, Operations, N’stuff (SCORPION),” advised by Dr. David Akin, Nich Bolatto, and Charlie Hanner. 
    The first and second place overall winning teams will present their work at the 2025 AIAA Accelerating Space Commerce, Exploration, and New Discovery (ASCEND) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada in July. 

    The RASC-AL Competition, which took place from June 2-4, 2025, in Cocoa Beach, Florida, is a unique initiative designed to bridge the gap between academia and the aerospace industry, empowering undergraduate and graduate students to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world challenges in space exploration. This year’s themes included “Sustained Lunar Evolution – An Inspirational Moment,” “Advanced Science Missions and Technology Demonstrators for Human-Mars Precursor Campaign,” and “Small Lunar Servicing and Maintenance Robot.”  
    “The RASC-AL Competition cultivates students who bring bold, imaginative thinking to the kinds of complex challenges we tackle at NASA,” said Dan Mazanek, RASC-AL program sponsor and senior space systems engineer at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. “These teams push the boundaries of what’s possible in space system design and offer new insights. These insights help build critical engineering capabilities, preparing the next generation of aerospace leaders to step confidently into the future of space exploration.” 
    As NASA continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the RASC-AL Competition stands as an opportunity for aspiring aerospace professionals to design real-world solutions to complex problems facing the Agency. By engaging with the next generation of innovators, NASA can collaborate with the academic community to crowd-source new solutions for the challenges of tomorrow. 
    Additional 2025 Forum Awards include: 
    Best in Theme: Sustained Lunar Evolution: An Inspirational Moment 

    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 

    Project Title: Project Aeneas 

    Advisor: Dr. Kevin Shinpaugh 

    Best in Theme: Advanced Science Missions and Technology Demonstrators for Human-Mars Precursor Campaign 

    Auburn University 

    Project Title: Dynamic Ecosystems for Mars ECLSS Testing, Evaluation, and Reliability (DEMETER) 

    Advisor: Dr. Davide Guzzetti 

    Best in Theme: Small Lunar Servicing and Maintenance Robot 

    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University 

    Project Title: Adaptive Device for Assistance and Maintenance (ADAM) 

    Advisor: Dr. Kevin Shinpaugh 

    Best Prototype: South Dakota State University 

    Project Title: Next-gen Operations and Versatile Assistant (NOVA) 

    Advisor: Dr. Todd Letcher, Allea Klauenberg, Liam Murray, Alex Schaar, Nick Sieler, Dylan Stephens, Carter Waggoner 

    RASC-AL is open to undergraduate and graduate students studying disciplines related to human exploration, including aerospace, bio-medical, electrical, and mechanical engineering, and life, physical, and computer sciences. RASC-AL projects allow students to incorporate their coursework into space exploration objectives in a team environment and help bridge strategic knowledge gaps associated with NASA’s vision. Students have the opportunity to interact with NASA officials and industry experts and develop relationships that could lead to participation in other NASA student research programs.   
    RASC-AL is sponsored by the Strategies and Architectures Office within the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters, and by the Space Mission Analysis Branch within the Systems Analysis and Concepts Directorate at NASA Langley. It is administered by the National Institute of Aerospace.   
    For more information about the RASC-AL competition, including complete theme and submission guidelines, visit: http://rascal.nianet.org. 
    National Institute of Aerospace

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Earth Scientist Elected to National Academy of Sciences

    Source: NASA

    Earth scientist Compton J. Tucker has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences for his work creating innovative tools to track the planet’s changing vegetation from space. It’s research that has spanned nearly 50 years at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, where he is a visiting scientist after retiring in March. 
    Tucker’s research began with identifying wavelengths of light that are absorbed or reflected as plants undergo photosynthesis, and has evolved into calculating the health and productivity of vegetation over time with satellites. 
    “I’m honored and surprised,” Tucker said of his election. “There were opportunities at the Goddard Space Flight Center that have enabled this work that couldn’t be found elsewhere. There were people who built satellites, who understood satellite data, and had the computer code to process it. All the work I’ve done has been part of a team, with other people contributing in different ways. Working at NASA is a team effort of science and discovery that’s fun and intellectually rewarding.” 

    Tucker earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Colorado State University, where he worked on a National Science Foundation-funded project analyzing spectrometer data of grassland ecosystems. In 1975, he came to NASA Goddard as a postdoctoral fellow and used what he learned in his graduate work to modify the imager on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) meteorological satellites and modify Landsat’s thematic mapper instrument. 
    He became a civil servant at the agency in 1977, and continued work with radiometers to study vegetation – first with handheld devices, then with NOAA’s Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer satellite instruments.  He has also used data from Landsat satellites, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer instruments, and commercial satellites. His scientific papers have been cited 100,000 times, and one of his recent studies mapped 10 billion individual trees across Africa’s drylands to inventory carbon storage at the tree level.
    “The impact of Compton Tucker’s work over the last half-century at Goddard is incredible,” said Dalia Kirschbaum, director of the Earth Sciences Division at NASA Goddard. “Among his many achievements, he essentially developed the technique of using satellites to study photosynthesis from plants, which people have used to monitor droughts, forecast crop shortages, defeat the desert locust, and even predict disease outbreaks. This is a well-deserved honor.”

    The National Academy of Sciences was proposed by Abraham Lincoln and established by Congress in 1863, charged with advising the United States on science and technology. Each year, up to 120 new members are elected “in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research,” according to the organization.
    In addition his role as a visiting scientist at Goddard, Tucker is also an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland and a consulting scholar at the University of Pennsylvania’s University Museum. He was awarded the National Air and Space Collins Trophy for Current Achievement in 1993 and the Vega Medal by the Swedish Society of Anthropology and Geography in 2014. He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Geophysical Union, and won the Senior Executive Service Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Service in 2017, among other honors. 
    By Kate Ramsayer
    NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s IXPE Obtains First X-ray Polarization Measurement of Magnetar Outburst

    Source: NASA

    What happens when the universe’s most magnetic object shines with the power of 1000 Suns in a matter of seconds? Thanks to NASA’s IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer), a mission in collaboration with ASI (Italian Space Agency), scientists are one step closer to understanding this extreme event. 
    Magnetars are a type of young neutron star – a stellar remnant formed when a massive star reaches the end of its life and collapses in on itself, leaving behind a dense core roughly the mass of the Sun, but squashed down to the size of a city. Neutron stars display some of the most extreme physics in the observable universe and present unique opportunities to study conditions that would otherwise be impossible to replicate in a laboratory on Earth.

    The magnetar 1E 1841-045, located in the remnants of a supernova (SNR Kes 73) nearly 28,000 light-years from Earth, was observed to be in a state of outburst by NASA’s Swift, Fermi, and NICER telescopes on August 21, 2024. 
    A few times a year, the IXPE team approves requests to interrupt the telescope’s scheduled observations to instead focus on unique and unexpected celestial events. When magnetar 1E 1841-045 entered this brighter, active state, scientists decided to redirect IXPE to obtain the first-ever polarization measurements of a flaring magnetar.
    Magnetars have magnetic fields several thousand times stronger than most neutron stars and host the strongest magnetic fields of any known object in the universe. Disturbances to their extreme magnetic fields can cause a magnetar to release up to a thousand times more X-ray energy than it normally would for several weeks. This enhanced state is called an outburst, but the mechanisms behind them are still not well understood. 
    Through IXPE’s X-ray polarization measurements, scientists may be able to get closer to uncovering the mysteries of these events. Polarization carries information about the orientation and alignment of the emitted X-ray light waves; the higher the degree of polarization, the more the X-ray waves are traveling in sync, akin to a tightly choreographed dance performance. Examining the polarization characteristics of magnetars reveals clues about the energetic processes producing the observed photons as well as the direction and geometry of the magnetar magnetic fields. 
    The IXPE results, aided by observations from NASA’s NuSTAR and NICER telescopes, show that the X-ray emissions from 1E 1841-045 become more polarized at higher energy levels while still maintaining the same direction of propagation. A significant contribution to this high polarization degree comes from the hard X-ray tail of 1E 1841-045, an energetic magnetospheric component dominating the highest photon energies observed by IXPE. “Hard X-rays” refer to X-rays with shorter wavelengths and higher energies than “soft X-rays.” Although prevalent in magnetars, the mechanics driving the production of these high energy X-ray photons are still largely unknown. Several theories have been proposed to explain this emission, but now the high polarization associated with these hard X-rays provide further clues into their origin.

    The results are presented in two papers published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, one led by Rachael Stewart, a PhD student at George Washington University, and the other by Michela Rigoselli of the Italian National Institute of Astrophysics..  
    “This unique observation will help advance the existing models aiming to explain magnetar hard X-ray emission by requiring them to account for this very high level of synchronization we see among these hard X-ray photons,” said Stewart. “This really showcases the power of polarization measurements in constraining physics in the extreme environments of magnetars.”
    Rigoselli, lead author of the companion paper, added, “It will be interesting to observe 1E 1841-045 once it has returned to its quiescent, baseline state to follow the evolution of its polarimetric properties.”
    IXPE is a space observatory built to discover the secrets of some of the most extreme objects in the universe. Launched in December 2021 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on a Falcon 9 rocket, the IXPE mission is part of NASA’s Small Explorer series. 
    IXPE, which continues to provide unprecedented data enabling groundbreaking discoveries about celestial objects across the universe, is a joint NASA and Italian Space Agency mission with partners and science collaborators in 12 countries. IXPE is led by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. BAE Systems, headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, manages spacecraft operations together with the University of Colorado’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder.
    Learn more about IXPE’s ongoing mission here:
    https://www.nasa.gov/ixpe
    Media Contact
    Elizabeth LandauNASA Headquarterselizabeth.r.landau@nasa.gov202-358-0845
    Lane FigueroaMarshall Space Flight Center, Huntsville, Ala.lane.e.figueroa@nasa.gov256.544.0034 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s PACE Mission Reveals a Year of Terrestrial Data on Plant Health

    Source: NASA

    A lot can change in a year for Earth’s forests and vegetation, as springtime and rainy seasons can bring new growth, while cooling temperatures and dry weather can bring a dieback of those green colors. And now, a novel type of NASA visualization illustrates those changes in a full complement of colors as seen from space.

    [embedded content]
    Researchers have now gathered a complete year of PACE data to tell a story about the health of land vegetation by detecting slight variations in leaf colors. Previous missions allowed scientists to observe broad changes in chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color and also allows them to perform photosynthesis. But PACE now allows scientists to see three different pigments in vegetation: chlorophyll, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. The combination of these three pigments helps scientists pinpoint even more information about plant health. Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center

    NASA’s Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite is designed to view Earth’s microscopic ocean plants in a new lens, but researchers have proved its hyperspectral use over land, as well.
    Previous missions measured broad changes in chlorophyll, the pigment that gives plants their green color and also allows them to perform photosynthesis. Now, for the first time, PACE measurements have allowed NASA scientists and visualizers to show a complete year of global vegetation data using three pigments: chlorophyll, anthocyanins, and carotenoids. That multicolor imagery tells a clearer story about the health of land vegetation by detecting the smallest of variations in leaf colors.
    “Earth is amazing. It’s humbling, being able to see life pulsing in colors across the whole globe,” said Morgaine McKibben, PACE applications lead at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “It’s like the overview effect that astronauts describe when they look down at Earth, except we are looking through our technology and data.”

    Anthocyanins are the red pigments in leaves, while carotenoids are the yellow pigments – both of which we see when autumn changes the colors of trees. Plants use these pigments to protect themselves from fluctuations in the weather, adapting to the environment through chemical changes in their leaves. For example, leaves can turn more yellow when they have too much sunlight but not enough of the other necessities, like water and nutrients. If they didn’t adjust their color, it would damage the mechanisms they have to perform photosynthesis.
    In the visualization, the data is highlighted in bright colors: magenta represents anthocyanins, green represents chlorophyll, and cyan represents carotenoids. The brighter the colors are, the more leaves there are in that area. The movement of these colors across the land areas show the seasonal changes over time.
    In areas like the evergreen forests of the Pacific Northwest, plants undergo less seasonal change. The data highlights this, showing comparatively steadier colors as the year progresses.
    The combination of these three pigments helps scientists pinpoint even more information about plant health.
    “Shifts in these pigments, as detected by PACE, give novel information that may better describe vegetation growth, or when vegetation changes from flourishing to stressed,” said McKibben. “It’s just one of many ways the mission will drive increased understanding of our home planet and enable innovative, practical solutions that serve society.”
    The Ocean Color Instrument on PACE collects hyperspectral data, which means it observes the planet in 100 different wavelengths of visible and near infrared light. It is the only instrument – in space or elsewhere – that provides hyperspectral coverage around the globe every one to two days. The PACE mission builds on the legacy of earlier missions, such as Landsat, which gathers higher resolution data but observes a fraction of those wavelengths.
    In a paper recently published in Remote Sensing Letters, scientists introduced the mission’s first terrestrial data products.
    “This PACE data provides a new view of Earth that will improve our understanding of ecosystem dynamics and function,” said Fred Huemmrich, research professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, member of the PACE science and applications team, and first author of the paper. “With the PACE data, it’s like we’re looking at a whole new world of color. It allows us to describe pigment characteristics at the leaf level that we weren’t able to do before.”
    As scientists continue to work with these new data, available on the PACE website, they’ll be able to incorporate it into future science applications, which may include forest monitoring or early detection of drought effects.
    By Erica McNamee
    NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Astronaut Jeanette Epps Retires

    Source: NASA

    NASA astronaut Jeanette Epps retired May 30, after nearly 16 years of service with the agency. Epps most recently served as a mission specialist during NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission, spending 235 days in space, including 232 days aboard the International Space Station, working on hundreds of scientific experiments during Expedition 71/72.
    “I have had the distinct pleasure of following Jeanette’s journey here at NASA from the very beginning,” said Steve Koerner, acting director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “Jeanette’s tenacity and dedication to mission excellence is admirable. Her contributions to the advancement of human space exploration will continue to benefit humanity and inspire the next generation of explorers for several years to come.”
    Epps was selected in 2009 as a member of NASA’s 20th astronaut class. In addition to her spaceflight, she served as a lead capsule communicator, or capcom, in NASA’s Mission Control Center and as a crew support astronaut for two space station expeditions.
    “Ever since Jeanette joined the astronaut corps, she has met every challenge with resilience and determination,” said Joe Acaba, NASA’s chief astronaut. “We will miss her greatly, but I know she’s going to continue to do great things.”
    Epps also participated in NEEMO (NASA Extreme Environment Mission Operation) off the coast of Florida, conducted geologic studies in Hawaii, and served as a representative to the Generic Joint Operations Panel, which addressed crew efficiency aboard the space station.
    The Syracuse, New York, native holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Le Moyne College in Syracuse. She also earned master’s and doctorate degrees in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland in College Park. During her graduate studies, she became a NASA Fellow, authoring several journal and conference articles about her research. Epps also received a provisional patent and a U.S. patent prior to her role at NASA.
    Learn more about International Space Station research and operations at: 
    https://www.nasa.gov/station
    -end-
    Chelsey Ballarte
    Johnson Space Center, Houston
    281-483-5111
    chelsey.n.ballarte@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Jack Kaye Retires After a Storied Career at NASA

    Source: NASA

    Jack Kaye [NASA HQ—Associate Director for Research, Earth Science Division (ESD)] has decided to retire on April 30, 2025, following 42 years of service to NASA – see Photo 1. Most recently, Kaye served as associate director for research of the Earth Science Division (ESD) within NASA’s Science Mission Directorate (SMD). In this position, he was responsible for the research and data analysis programs for Earth System Science that addressed the broad spectrum of scientific disciplines from the stratopause to the poles to the oceans.

    A New York native, Kaye’s interest in space was piqued as a child watching early NASA manned space launches on television. He would often write to NASA to get pictures of the astronauts. In high school, he started an after school astronomy club. Despite a youthful interest in Earth science, as he explained in a 2014 “Maniac Talk” at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Kaye pursued a slightly different academic path. He obtained a Bachelor’s of Science in chemistry from Adelphi University in 1976 and a Ph.D. in theoretical physical chemistry at the California Institute of Technology in 1982. For his graduate studies, he focused on the quantum mechanics of chemical reactions with an aim toward being able to understand and calculate the activity.
    Following graduate school, Kaye secured a post-doctoral position at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, where he studied the chemistry of Earth’s atmosphere with a focus on stratospheric ozone. It was while working in a group of meteorologists at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center that Kaye returned to his roots and refocused his scientific energy on studying Earth.
    “NASA had a mandate to study stratospheric ozone,” Kaye said in an interview in 2009. “I got involved in looking at satellite observations and especially trying to interpret satellite observations of stratospheric composition and building models to simulate things, to look both ways, to use the models and use the data.”
    Kaye has held numerous science and leadership positions at NASA. He began his career at GSFC as a researcher for the Stratospheric General Circulation and Chemistry Modeling Project (SGCCP) from 1983–1990 working on stratospheric modeling.  In this role, he also worked on an Earth Observing System Interdisciplinary proposal.  His first role at NASA HQ was managing  as program scientist for the Atmospheric Chemistry Modeling and Analysis Program (ACMAP), as well as numerous other missions. In this role, he was a project scientist for the Atmospheric Laboratory for Applications and Science (ATLAS) series of Shuttle missions. While managing ATLAS, Kaye oversaw the science carried out by a dozen instruments from several different countries. He also managed several other Earth Science missions during this time. See the link to Kaye’s “Maniac Talk.”
    Kaye entered the Senior Executive Service in 1999, where he continued to contribute to the agency by managing NASA’s Earth Science Research Program. In addition, Kaye has held temporary acting positions as deputy director of ESD and deputy chief scientist for Earth Science within SMD. Throughout his career he has focused on helping early-career investigators secure their first awards to establish their career path—see Photo 2.

    On numerous occasions, Kaye spoke to different groups emphasizing the agency’s unique role in both developing and utilizing cutting-edge technology, especially remote observations of Earth with different satellite platforms – see Photo 3. With the launch of five new NASA Earth science campaigns in 2020, Kaye stated, “These innovative investigations tackle difficult scientific questions that require detailed, targeted field observations combined with data collected by our fleet of Earth-observing satellites.”

    Kaye has also represented NASA in interagency and international activities and has been an active participant in the U.S. Global Change Research Program (USGCRP), where he has served for many years as NASA principal of the Subcommittee on Global Change Research. He served as NASA’s representative to the Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology and chaired the World Meteorological Organization Expert Team on Satellite Systems. Kaye was named an honorary member of the Asia Oceania Geoscience Society in 2015. He previously completed a six-year term as a member of the Steering Committee for the Global Climate Observing System and currently serves an ex officio member of the National Research Council’s Roundtable on Science and Technology for Sustainability and the Chemical Sciences Roundtable, as well as a member of the Roundtable on Global Science Diplomacy.
    NASA has honored Kaye with numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal in 2022 and the Meritorious Executive in the Senior Executive Service in 2004, 2010, and 2021. In 2024 he was awarded the NASA-USGS Pecora Individual Award honoring excellence in Earth Observation. He was named a Fellow by the American Meteorological Society in 2010 and by the American Association of the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2014. Kaye was elected to serve as an office of the Atmospheric and Hydrospheric Science section of the AAAS (2015–2018). AGU has recognized him on two occasions with a Citation for Excellence in Refereeing.
    Over the course of his career Kaye has published more than 50 papers, contributed to numerous reports, books, and encyclopedias, and edited the book Isotope Effects in Gas-Phase Chemistry for the American Chemical Society. In addition, he has attended the Leadership for Democratic Society program at the Federal Executive Institute and the Harvard Senior Managers in Government Program at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
    “The vantage point of space provides a way to look at the Earth globally, with the ability to observe Earth’s interacting components of air, water, land and ice, and both naturally occurring and human-induced processes,” Kaye said in a November 2024 article published by Penn State University. “It lets us look at variability on a broad range of spatial and temporal scales and given the decades of accomplishments, has allowed us to characterize and document Earth system variability on time scales from minutes to decades.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Memoriam: Dr. Stanley Sander

    Source: NASA

    Dr. Stanley Sander dedicated more than five decades to atmospheric science at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, beginning his JPL career as a graduate research assistant in 1971. A leading figure in atmospheric chemistry, Stan made foundational contributions to our understanding of stratospheric ozone depletion, tropospheric air pollution, and climate science related to greenhouse gases.
    His pioneering work in laboratory measurements—particularly of reaction rate constants, spectroscopy, and photochemistry—was designed to forge consensus among often disparate measurements.  His steadfast application of the scientific method was essential for furthering scientific research, as well as for providing sound advice for use in air quality management and environmental policies. His expertise extended beyond Earth’s atmosphere, with studies of methane chemistry on Mars, halogens on Venus, and hydrocarbons in Titan’s atmosphere.
    Stan’s scientific output was vast. He authored over 180 peer-reviewed publications, beginning with his 1976 paper on sulfur dioxide oxidation. His work spans major aspects of atmospheric chemistry—from chlorine, bromine, and nitrogen oxides to sulfur compounds and peroxides. The rate constants, cross-sections, and photochemical data produced in his lab form the cornerstone of atmospheric modeling crucial to the scientific foundation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.  He played a central role in the widely used JPL Chemical Kinetics and Photochemical Data for Use in Atmospheric Studies reports, which have collectively garnered over 10,000 citations. His spectroscopic research, which included development of novel spectrometers and polarimeters, resulted in insightful data from sites at JPL, the Table Mountain Facility as well as the California Laboratory for Remote sensing (CLARS). These activities have contributed significantly to the calibration and validation of satellite missions like TES, OCO, OMI, and SAGE, helped advance remote sensing technologies, and informed local air quality metrics.
    Stan was not only a brilliant scientist but a deeply respected mentor and leader. He guided 40 postdocs at JPL, 14 graduate students at Caltech, and 14 undergraduate researchers. At JPL, he held key leadership roles including Supervisor of the Laboratory Studies and Modeling Group, Chief Engineer and Acting Chief Technologist in the Science Division, and Senior Research Scientist.  Those of us lucky enough to be fostered by Stan in this capacity will always remember his kindness first approach and steadfast resolve in the face of challenges.
    Stan’s contributions were recognized with numerous honors, including two NASA Exceptional Achievement Medals, a NASA Exceptional Service Medal, and elected as a fellow for both the American Geophysical Union (2021) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (2024). Although the announcement of his AAAS Fellowship came posthumously, he was informed of this honor before his passing.
    Stan was a rare combination of scientific brilliance, humility, and kindness. He was not only a leader in his field, but also a generous collaborator and cherished mentor. His loss is profoundly felt by the scientific community and by all who had the privilege of working with him. His legacy, however, will endure in those he mentored and the substantial contributions he made to scientific knowledge. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Labubus, Sonny Angels and Smiskis: Are blind toy boxes just child’s play or something more concerning?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Eugene Y. Chan, Associate Professor of Marketing, Toronto Metropolitan University

    Collectible figurines on display at Pop Mart in Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine, on April 29, 2025. (Shutterstock)

    If you’ve seen videos of people tearing into tiny toy packages online, or noticed teens obsessing over pastel-coloured figurines at the mall, you’ve probably encountered the global craze for blind box toys.

    These small collectibles — usually figures of cartoonish characters — are sold in sealed packaging that hides which specific item is inside. You might get the one you want, or you might not. That uncertainty is part of the thrill.

    Unlike traditional toys, these figures are marketed as collectibles. Many are part of themed series, with some designs labelled as “rare” or “secret,” appearing in as few as one in every 144 boxes. This sense of exclusivity fuels repeat purchases and has spawned a resale market where rare figures can command hundreds of dollars.

    Popular among children and adults alike, blind box toys have grown into a billion-dollar industry. One of the more popular brands is Pop Mart, a Chinese toy company founded in 2010 known for its collectible designer toys sold in mystery packs.

    Gen Z consumers, in particular, have embraced blind box toys both as a nostalgic pastime and as a form of legitimate collecting. The proliferation of unboxing videos on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where creators open dozens of blind boxes on camera, has added to their appeal.

    For many fans, these toys offer more than just cuteness: they also provide suspense, surprise and a rush of dopamine with every box opened. But how did this niche product become a global obsession?

    From Tokyo streets to western malls

    The origins of blind box toys trace back to East Asia. Capsule toy vending machines called gashapon originated in Japan in the 1960s. By the 1980s, they had become a cultural fixture. These machines dispense small toys in opaque plastic balls, with customers never quite sure which item they’ll receive.

    In the early 2010s, Chinese companies like Pop Mart adapted the gashapon model for the mainstream retail space. Instead of vending machines, they began selling artist-designed vinyl toys in blind boxes at dedicated boutiques.

    A tourist uses a gashapon machine in Osaka, Japan, in 2024. Gashapon machines are similar to the coin-operated toy vending machines seen outside grocery stores and other retailers in North America.
    (Shutterstock)

    Pop Mart’s success helped transform the blind box into a mainstream commercial phenomenon. Characters like Molly, Skullpanda and Dimoo became instant hits, combining Japanese kawaii esthetics with western pop art sensibilities.

    Pop Mart figures have since developed a cult-like following. Many consumers treat the toys as affordable art objects, displayed in cabinets, on purses or traded online.

    Today, blind box retail stores have expanded globally from Asia to Europe and North America. In October 2024, Pop Mart opened its first store in the Midwestern United States, located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile at The Shops at North Bridge. The store offers exclusive products and taps into the growing demand for collectibles among American consumers.

    The psychology behind the mystery

    What makes blind box toys so hard to resist?

    Their success relies on a psychological principle known as variable-ratio reinforcement — the same reward pattern that makes slot machines so addictive.

    You never know exactly when you’ll score the item you’re after, but the possibility that the next box might contain it keeps people coming back. This unpredictability keeps people engaged, especially when the potential reward is framed as rare or valuable.

    Cconsumer psychology research also suggests that anticipation plays a major role. Studies show that dopamine, the brain’s reward chemical, spikes not just when we get what we want, but when we anticipate it. The sealed packaging, the suspense of unwrapping and the hope for a rare figure all heighten this effect.

    Sonny Angels on display in a store in Shenzhen, China, in March 2019.
    (Shutterstock)

    For younger collectors, the excitement of “the chase” can foster compulsive buying habits. This effect is amplified by the social influence of watching unboxings online or seeing friends complete their sets, and it becomes a powerful loop.

    Even when buyers don’t get the figure they want, the sunk cost fallacy — the feeling that they’ve already invested too much time or money to walk away — keeps them buying more.

    The hidden costs of blind boxes

    As blind box toys surge in popularity, they have drawn criticism from consumer advocates, psychologists and environmentalists alike.

    Some worry that blind boxes normalize gambling-like behaviours, especially among children. The randomness, excitement and promise of rare rewards closely mirror the mechanisms behind loot boxes in video games — another product that has sparked global concern over youth exposure to gambling psychology.

    Several countries, including Belgium and the Netherlands, have regulated loot boxes under gambling laws. Blind boxes, though currently unregulated, may be next in line for scrutiny.



    Read more:
    Blind bags: how toy makers are making a fortune with child gambling

    There are also environmental concerns. Many blind box toys come in excessive packaging — plastic wraps, foil bags, cardboard boxes — most of which is discarded immediately. The collectibles themselves are often made of non-recyclable plastics, raising questions about sustainability in an era of rising consumer awareness over waste.

    Even among adult fans, some critics question whether blind boxes are designed less to bring joy and more to trigger compulsive consumption. The joy of collecting, they argue, is increasingly overshadowed by the mechanics of engineered desire.

    What should we make of the blind box boom?

    Blind box toys are not inherently harmful, and for many, they’re a source of fun, nostalgia and self-expression. They also offer an accessible way for consumers to engage with designer art in a collectible, miniature form, as many of them are created by individual artists.

    But blind box toys also raise deeper questions about how modern marketing leverages psychological triggers associated with gambling, especially when it comes to children.

    As these toys continue to gain traction in the West, it’s worth asking more critical questions, like: are we buying into mystery or are we being sold obsession and compulsion?

    The blind box trend reflects broader shifts in how products are marketed, how value is perceived and how consumer behaviour is shaped in a digital, attention-driven economy. Understanding the forces at play may be the first step toward more informed — and perhaps more mindful — collecting.

    Eugene Y. Chan 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. Labubus, Sonny Angels and Smiskis: Are blind toy boxes just child’s play or something more concerning? – https://theconversation.com/labubus-sonny-angels-and-smiskis-are-blind-toy-boxes-just-childs-play-or-something-more-concerning-257611

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ramirez, Jacobs, Jayapal, Pocan, 18 Members of Congress Introduce Legislation to Condition Weapons to Israel, Save Lives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    The legislation comes as the government of Netanyahu escalates ground operations in Gaza and the West Bank and the Trump Administration advocates for the displacement of Palestinians

    Washington, D.C. – Today, Members of Congress Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Mark Pocan (WI-02)  led 18 members of Congress to introduce the Block the Bombs Act. The legislation would withhold the transfer of offensive weapons to Israel and demand Israel’s compliance with U.S. and international law. Given Netanyahu and Trump’s plan to continue and expand ground operations in Gaza and the West Bank and displace Palestinians, the Block the Bombs Act is an important and time-sensitive step to assert Congress’s oversight authority to protect civilians from starvation, displacement, and death.

    Watch the Press Conference

     

    Amid the negotiation of a new ceasefire deal, it is reported that the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 54,000 people, while the entire 2.1 million population of Gaza faces prolonged food shortages due to Israeli military blockades. Nearly half a million people are facing a possible famine, acute malnutrition, starvation, illness, and death. Since filing the bill, 36 people, including children, were killed while sleeping in a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City, and more than two dozen have been killed close to aid distribution points in Gaza. The actions of Netanyahu’s government in Gaza have been described by Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert as “war crimes” against Palestinians. 

    “Netanyahu and Trump are a lethal, unaccountable, extremist duo. Trump has bypassed Congressional oversight on weapons transfers. The Israeli government is currently escalating attacks on the civilian population of Gaza. They are both out of control. Congress needs to assert its oversight authority,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “Enough is enough. By introducing the Block the Bombs Act, a broad coalition is listening to the American people who don’t want their taxpayers’ money to continue supporting gross violations of US, international, and humanitarian law.”

    “Self-defense cannot be justification for killing tens of thousands of people, imposing a humanitarian blockade, or forcing the displacement of a population. And yet, this is exactly what the Netanyahu Government has done for more than a year in Gaza. The United States shouldn’t facilitate this any longer by transferring offensive weapons to Israel that will be used to prolong and compound this mass suffering and death,” said Congresswoman Jacobs. “While I will always support the Iron Dome and other defensive systems, I believe we can’t in good conscience send offensive weapons systems that have caused significant civilian casualties and violated U.S. and international law.” 

    “This is a moment of great moral consequence. Over the past year and a half, the Government of Israel has repeatedly used U.S.-supplied weapons in violation of both international and U.S. laws,” said Jayapal. “We can no longer be complicit and allow our tax dollars to facilitate this violence and destruction. I am proud to co-lead this bill that would prevent the transfer of the most egregious offensive weapons to Israel without firm assurances that they will not be used indiscriminately against civilian populations.”

    “For the last year and a half, Benjamin Netanyahu has laid siege to Gaza, killing at least 54,000 people, repeatedly displacing the entire population, and cutting off access to desperately needed humanitarian aid,” said Congressman Pocan. “This commonsense bill will prevent more unchecked transfers of these offensive weapons systems that are used to violate international human rights laws and hopefully help bring this devastating conflict to an end.”

    The Block the Bombs Act requires Israel’s government to establish in writing the use of offensive weapons in accordance with US and International law, and it must be approved by Congress through a joint resolution. The legislation focuses on the worst-offending offensive weapons that are supplied by the US and have been involved in the grossest civilian casualties and documented violations of international law in Gaza. It does not impact Iron Dome or Israel’s ability to defend itself. 

    The bill is cosponsored by Representatives Becca Balint (VT-AL), André Carson (IN-07), Greg Casar (TX-35), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Veronica Escobar (TX-16) Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Jesús Chuy García (IL-04), Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Hank Johnson (GA-04), Summer Lee (PA-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Nydia Velázquez (NY-07), and Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12).

    It also has the support of local and national organizations like Adalah Justice Project, American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), American Muslims for Palestine (AMP), Americans for Justice in Palestine Action (AJP Action), Amnesty International USA, Arab Resource & Organizing Center Action (AROC Action), Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), Center for Constitutional Rights, Center for International Policy Advocacy, Center for Jewish Nonviolence, Christians for a Free Palestine, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Defense for Children International – Palestine, Demand Progress, Emgage Action, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Global Ministries of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ, Human Rights Watch, Illinois Muslim Action Network, IfNotNow Movement, IMEU Policy Project, Indivisible, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Jews for Racial & Economic Justice (JFREJ), Justice Democrats, MADRE, MPower Change Action Fund, Muslim Advocates, New Internationalism Project, Institute for Policy Studies, Presbyterian Church (USA), Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), Rabbis for Ceasefire, Rising Majority, Sunrise Movement, The American Council for Judaism, The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights Action, US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), Win Without War, Working Families Party

    “The Block the Bombs Act is a historic bill that prohibits the transfer and sale of specific U.S. weapons to Israel that the Israeli government has consistently used to commit atrocities against civilians in violation of both international and U.S. law,”” said Brad Parker, Associate Director of Policy at the Center for Constitutional Rights. “It’s a straightforward challenge to United States complicity in Israel’s genocidal campaign in Gaza as Israeli forces block humanitarian assistance and directly target schools, hospitals, and civilians. As the Israeli government escalates the murder, starvation, and forcible transfer of Palestinians with President Trump’s full support, we recognize and appreciate the bold leadership of Reps. Ramirez, Jacobs, Jayapal, and Pocan.”

    “Despite opportunities to change course, the Biden administration failed to do so. And now the Trump administration is failing to do so. They have to stop providing weapons to Israel, and they won’t do it without Congressional oversight. Which is why this Block the Bombs Bill is so important. It is your right to demand it, and we are standing with Congresswoman Ramirez to build support for it,” said Paul O’Brien, Executive Director of Amnesty International, during a press conference.

    “Our weapons have been used to inflict atrocity after atrocity against Palestinians in Gaza. This is why HR 3565, the Block the Bombs Act, is so necessary. By passing it, Congress will prevent the Trump administration from delivering more bombs, artillery shells, and tank rounds that would enable further atrocities against the Palestinian people,” expressed Josh Ruebner, Policy Director of IMEU, at a press conference. 

    “We’ve documented how the Israeli government has collectively punished the civilian population, deprived the population of objects indispensable to its survival, and used starvation as a weapon of war. This year, Human Rights Watch found that US officials are complicit in Israel’s war crimes and will remain so unless and until weapons are suspended. Legislation like the Block the Bombs Act is long overdue. We hope members will support this effort in recognition of the humanity and dignity of the population suffering in Gaza and to bring US actions in line with US and international law,” Ida Sawyer, Director for Crisis and Conflict of Human Rights Watch. 

    For photos and videos of the event, click here. 

    BACKGROUND:

    Israel’s war in Gaza began after a Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages. Israel’s military campaign has killed over 54,000 people, mostly women and children. The offensive has destroyed vast areas, displaced around 90% of the population, and left people almost completely reliant on international aid. According to the United Nations, Gaza is “the hungriest place on Earth. The agency warns that the entire Palestinian territory’s population is at risk of famine, given that the mission to deliver help is “one of the most obstructed aid operations in recent history.”

    At the moment, Hamas militants are still holding 58 hostages, around a third believed to be alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump’s ‘gold standard’ politicizes federal science

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By H. Christopher Frey, Glenn E. Futrell Distinguished University Professor of Environmental Engineering, North Carolina State University

    President Donald Trump holds up an executive order promoting coal production, with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, left, and the secretaries of Interior and Energy behind him. AP Photo/Evan Vucci

    The first time Donald Trump was president, the head of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency developed a regulation known as the “science transparency” rule. The administration liked to call it the “secret science” rule.

    “Transparency” sounds positive, but this rule instead prevented the EPA from using some of the best available science to protect human health.

    For example, it required the EPA to ignore or downplay studies that established links between exposure to chemicals and health damage if those studies were based on confidential patient information that could not be released to the public. The problem: Many health studies, including those underpinning many U.S. pollution rules, rely on confidential patient information.

    A U.S. District Court struck down the rule on procedural grounds a few weeks after it was issued. But now, the idea is back.

    Trump’s so-called Restoring Gold Standard Science executive order of May 23, 2025, resurrects many features of the EPA’s vacated rule, but it applies them to all federal agencies.

    To many readers, the executive order might sound reasonable. It mentions “transparency,” “reproducibility” and “uncertainty.” However, the devil is in the details.

    What’s wrong with transparency and reproducibility?

    “Transparency” implies that scientists should adequately explain all elements of their work, including hypotheses, methods, results and conclusions in a way that helps others see how those conclusions were reached.

    “Data transparency” is an expectation that scientists should share all data used in the study so other scientists can recalculate the results. This is also known as “reproducibility.”

    Trump’s executive order focuses on reproducibility. However, if there are errors in the data or methods of the original study, being able to reproduce its results may only ensure consistency but not scientific rigor.

    More important to scientific rigor is “replicability.” Replicability means different scientists, working with different data and different methods, can arrive at consistent findings. For example, studies of human exposure to a set of pollutants at different locations, and with different populations, that consistently find relationships to health effects, such as illness and premature death, can increase confidence in the findings.

    Replicability doesn’t require releasing confidential health data, as reproducibility would. Instead, it looks for the same results broadly from other sources.

    During the first Trump administration, people in cities across the U.S. participated in marches for science, protesting the administration’s actions to cut the use of scientific evidence out of policymaking.
    Michael Siluk/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    The science transparency rule in the first Trump administration was intended to limit the EPA’s ability to consider epidemiologic studies like those that established the health harms from exposure to secondhand smoke and to PM2.5, fine particles often from pollution.

    Many large-scale studies that assess how exposure to pollution can harm human health are based on personal data collected according to strict protocols to ensure privacy. Preventing policymakers from considering those findings means they are left to make important decisions about pollution and chemicals without crucial evidence about the health risks.

    These attempts to create barriers to using valid science echoed tactics used by the tobacco industry from the 1960s well into the 1990s to deny that tobacco use harmed human health.

    Uncertainty: A matter of balance

    Trump’s new executive order also emphasizes “uncertainty.”

    In the first Trump administration, the EPA administrator and his hand-picked science advisers, none of whom were epidemiologists, focused on “uncertainty” in epidemiological studies used to inform decisions on air quality standards.

    The EPA’s scientific integrity policy requires that policymakers “shall not knowingly misrepresent, exaggerate, or downplay areas of scientific uncertainty associated with policy decisions.”

    That might sound reasonable. However, in the final 2020 rule for the nation’s PM2.5 air quality standard, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler stated that “limitations in the science lead to considerable uncertainty” to justify not lowering the standard, the level considered unhealthy. PM2.5 comes largely from fossil fuel combustion in cars, power plants and factories.

    In contrast, an independent external group of scientific experts, which I was part of as an environmental engineer and former EPA adviser, reviewed the same evidence and came to a very different conclusion. We found clear scientific evidence supporting a more stringent standard for PM2.5.

    Skepticism versus denial

    The executive order also requires that science be conducted in a manner that is “skeptical of its findings and assumptions.”

    A true skeptic can be swayed to change an inference based on evidence, whereas a denialist holds a fixed view irrespective of evidence. Denialists tend to cherry-pick evidence, set impossible levels of evidence and engage in logical fallacies.

    The first Trump administration stacked the EPA Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee, which advises EPA on setting health-protective air quality standards, with opponents of environmental regulation, including people connected to industries the EPA regulates. The committee then amplified uncertainties. It also shifted the burden of proof in ways inconsistent with the statutory requirement to protect public health with an adequate margin of safety.

    The current administration has been dismantling science advisory committees in various agencies again and purging key EPA committees of independent experts.

    Who decides when politics trumps science

    According to Trump, “violations” of his executive order will be determined by a “senior appointee designated by the agency head.” This means a political appointee accountable to the White House. Thus, science in each federal agency will be politicized.

    The political appointee is required to “correct scientific information.”

    Anyone can file a “request for correction” regarding a published agency report. During the first Trump administration, chemical companies or their representatives repeatedly filed requests for changes to final EPA toxicity assessments on ethylene oxide and chloroprene. The administration delayed health-protective actions, which were finally addressed during the Biden administration for both chemicals.

    The request for correction process is intended to correct errors, not to bias assessments to be more favorable to industry and to delay protective actions.

    The bottom line on Trump’s ‘gold standard’

    While the language of the executive order may seem innocuous based on a casual reading, it risks undermining unbiased science in all federal agencies, subject to political whims.

    Setting impossible bars for “transparency” can mean regulators ignore relevant and valid scientific studies. Overemphasizing uncertainties can be used to raise doubt and unduly undermine confidence in robust findings.

    A politicized process also has the potential to punish federal employees and to ignore external peer reviewers who have the temerity to advance evidence-based findings contrary to White House ideology.

    Thus, this executive order could be used to deprive the American public of accurate and unbiased information regarding chemicals in the environment. That would prevent the development of effective evidence-based policies necessary for the protection of human health, rather than advancing the best available science.

    H. Christopher Frey receives funding from the California Air Resources Board via a research grant to North Carolina State University. He was on leave from NCSU to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from 2021 to 2024. From 2021 to 2022, he served as Deputy Assistant Administrator of Science Policy. From 2022-20224, he served as the senate-confirmed Assistant Administrator of the Office of Research and Development and concurrently served as the EPA Science Advisor. He was a member of the EPA Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee from 2008 to 2012, and chaired CASAC from 2012 to 2015.

    – ref. How Trump’s ‘gold standard’ politicizes federal science – https://theconversation.com/how-trumps-gold-standard-politicizes-federal-science-258277

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.C. 911 Board Celebrates Inaugural Graduates of 911 Communications & Operations Associate Degree Program

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: N.C. 911 Board Celebrates Inaugural Graduates of 911 Communications & Operations Associate Degree Program

    N.C. 911 Board Celebrates Inaugural Graduates of 911 Communications & Operations Associate Degree Program
    aljohnson

    In recognition of a milestone nearly five years in the making, N.C. 911 Board members and staff recently celebrated the inaugural graduates of Richmond Community College’s 911 Communications & Operations Associate Degree Program. The first of its kind, the online program is designed to provide not only a pathway for individuals who are interested in starting a career in the field, but also skills enhancement for those already working as 911 telecommunicators.

    “Our state’s telecommunicators perform vital life-saving work, and it is imperative that we have a strong pipeline of talent in this field,” said L.V. Pokey Harris, executive director of the N.C. 911 Board. “I am incredibly proud of our team’s hard work in partnership with Richmond Community College to quickly make this program a reality.”

    In late 2020, the N.C. 911 Board’s Education Committee initiated the idea of collaborating with the state’s community college system to establish standardized telecommunicator training. The board then connected with Richmond Community College to develop the online degree program.

    “We designed the curriculum with direct input from educators and 911 education leaders to ensure it reflects the unique needs of North Carolina’s 911 community,” said Angie Turbeville, education and training coordinator for the N.C. 911 Board, who helped spearhead the program’s development.

    In addition to the 12 graduates, the program currently has 70 students enrolled. Since its launch in fall 2023, the program has expanded to 11 other community colleges across the state.

    “I want to thank Richmond Community College and the 911 Board for creating the opportunity to obtain an associate’s degree in 911 Communications and Operations,” said Tricia McKnight, assistant director for Hoke County Emergency Communications and one of the program’s graduates. “They made it possible for me to complete a degree in the career I love. It was a challenge to return to school after 30 years, but it was a wonderful experience that I will cherish the rest of my life. It just proves you are never too old to return to school.”

    Along with developing this degree program, the N.C. 911 Board continues to focus on promoting 911 telecommunicator careers. Recent disasters like Hurricane Helene have underscored the necessity of this role and the essential service it provides to North Carolina. 

    The board has an ongoing statewide public service announcement campaign that has attracted more than 200,000 visitors to its telecommunicator career page, which highlights the benefits of working for 911 and links to job opportunities available in communities across the state. The board also offers ongoing education to telecommunicators, including an online training platform.

    A unit of the N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), the N.C. 911 Board administers funding to 124 public safety answering points (PSAPs) across the state to create an enhanced statewide 911 system. PSAPs are operated by and under the jurisdiction of counties and other local government entities.

    A single, statewide service charge per connection for any type of voice communication service provider goes to the 911 Fund, which the N.C. 911 Board manages and distributes to support the state’s PSAPs. NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione serves as the N.C. 911 Board’s chair. 

    Jun 5, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: 401(K) Plan Sponsors Expected to Favor Blend Target Date Funds, according to PIMCO Consultant Survey

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Nearly two-thirds of institutional consultants and 80 percent of aggregators say they expect plan sponsors to increase their implementation of blend target date funds, retirement asset allocation vehicles that blend active and passive management approaches, according to the 19th Annual Defined Contribution (DC) Consulting Study conducted by PIMCO, a global leader in active fixed income with expertise across public and private markets.

    Institutional consultants and aggregators also said they plan to focus more research and ratings on blend TDFs; while aggregators, in particular, intend to significantly increase their focus on personalized TDFs, advisor managed accounts (AMAs) and dual qualified default investment alternatives, vehicles that start out as traditional TDFs and then transition to a more personalized solution as workers approach retirement.

    Additionally, in the next year, roughly half of the consultants surveyed and one-third of the aggregators said they expect sponsors to adopt private market investments within their asset allocation offerings, with private credit as the most likely option.

    PIMCO surveyed 35 consultants and advisory firms, who serve over 27,000 clients, as part of the firm’s effort to capture the breadth of views in the industry as well as services available amid rapidly changing demographics of plan participants. Published results were based on responses from firms with more than $8.8 trillion in DC assets under management.

    “We have seen the emergence of new themes in our survey as the industry continues to evolve,” said Rene Martel, Managing Director and PIMCO’s Head of Retirement. “This year, blend TDFs and private investments have joined other priorities as plan sponsors broaden their offering to address the diverse needs of their participants.”

    Other survey findings:

    • Incorporating Collective Investment Trusts (CITs) is the most common priority of sponsors, followed by evaluating both guaranteed and non-guaranteed retirement income strategies.
    • The overall number of fund options remains steady, with two-thirds, on average, focused on active management; consultant recommendations have a stronger bias towards active management in fixed income, capital preservation, and inflation mitigation.
    • DC plan offerings continue to evolve, with a shift from passive to active fixed income and from active to passive equity; there is also growing adoption of active multi-asset inflation strategies and removal of balanced funds.
    • Interest in multi-sector fixed income is increasing due to its potential to help savers accumulate wealth through a broader opportunity set, sector rotation, and potential for higher yield generation, along with aiming to produce consistent income generation to support retirees.
    • When evaluating tradeoffs of guaranteed income products, consultants have a strong preference for opt-in solutions that offer fee transparency, liquidity, and immediate income upon annuitization.

    A summary of the survey’s key findings can be found here: https://www.pimco.com/us/en/investment-strategies/dc-survey

    About the Survey
    In its 19th year, the PIMCO US Defined Contribution Consulting Study seeks to help consultants, advisors and plan sponsors understand the breadth of views and consulting services available within the defined contribution (DC) marketplace. Our 2025 study captures data, trends and opinions from 35 consulting and advisory firms who serve over 27,000 clients with aggregate DC assets in excess of $8.85 trillion as of the date survey responses were collected. All responses were collected from January 14 through March 10, 2025.

    About PIMCO 
    PIMCO is a global leader in active fixed income with deep expertise across public and private markets. We invest our clients’ capital across a range of fixed income and credit opportunities, drawing upon our decades of experience navigating complex debt markets. Our flexible capital base and deep relationships with issuers have helped us become one of the world’s largest providers of traditional and nontraditional solutions for companies that need financing and investors who seek strong risk-adjusted returns.

    The survey results contain the opinions of the respondents at the time of the survey and may not reflect current opinions or investment strategies. These results may or may not match the views of PIMCO and are not intended to be reflective of PIMCO’s opinions on the market or any particular investment style or strategy. This material is distributed for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or product. Information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but not guaranteed.

    Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, including the performance of financial markets, the investment performance of PIMCO’s sponsored investment products and separately managed accounts, general economic conditions, future acquisitions, competitive conditions and government regulations, including changes in tax laws. Readers should carefully consider such factors. Further, such forward-looking statements speak only on the date at which such statements are made. PIMCO undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

    Contact:
    Agnes Crane
    PIMCO – Media Relations
    Ph. 212-597-1054
    Email: agnes.crane@pimco.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Bringing together Gaelic and Irish stakeholders to empower communities Leading voices in Gaelic from Ireland and Scotland will come together in Aberdeen to examine key challenges and opportunities facing Gaelic and Irish-speaking communities today.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Leading voices in Gaelic from Ireland and Scotland will come together in Aberdeen to examine key challenges and opportunities facing Gaelic and Irish-speaking communities today.
    The landmark symposium ‘Ceangal / Connect’ jointly hosted by the Consulate General of Ireland, the Research Institute for Irish and Scottish Studies (University of Aberdeen), and Údarás na Gaeltachta, will gather policymakers, academics, cultural leaders, and civil society organisations to consider lessons that can be learned in language revival.
    The event, to be held at the University of Aberdeen from June 9-10, will explore Scotland and Ireland’s experiences with Gaelic and Irish and look at how shared strategies and solidarity can strengthen the languages.
    The cultural and economic importance of the languages will be in the spotlight with representatives from state and economic agencies in Scotland and Ireland and speakers from businesses and social enterprises in Scotland taking to the podium.
    Jerry O’Donovan, the Consul General of Ireland, will attend the event to support cross-country collaboration. He said that “Gaelic and Irish speaking communities across the island of Ireland and Scotland share many similar geographical, economic, social and cultural challenges. Identifying common opportunities and examples of best practice can provide common solutions to the benefit of all and we are delighted to see such a broad range of stakeholders gathering in one location from both sides of the Irish Sea. The University of Aberdeen, which has a long tradition of both supporting the Gaelic language and bringing together a diverse range of perspectives, is an ideal host for this important event.”
    The symposium will explore a number of key themes including the synergies around social and economic development and rural language communities; how national language strategies impact community use; how culture and broadcasting initiatives support language revitalisation and the importance of dispersed and city-based speaker communities.
    Professor Michael Brown, Director of the Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies, said: “Gaelic connects generations in both Scotland and Ireland in a way that continues to teach us the value of community, identity, and mutual understanding.
    ‘This symposium will provide a platform to share knowledge and understanding, helping us to protect and promote Gaelic and Irish across our countries’.
    It reflects growing cooperation between Irish and Scottish institutions to strengthen and sustain Gaelic and Irish.”
    Professor Michelle MacLeod, Chair in Gaelic and Head of School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture, added: “We know that language is much more than the spoken word, it is about shared heritage, a sense of belonging, community and a driver for future opportunity. Learning from each other makes a valuable contribution to the resilience and revival of our languages and we are delighted to be able to bring together so many leading voices from both Ireland and Scotland.”
    The symposium will be followed by a reception hosted by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen to provide a further opportunity for networking and discussion.
    A’ toirt còmhla luchd-ùidh Gàidhlig agus Gaeilge gus coimhearsnachdan a neartachadh
    Thig prìomh ghuthan ann an Gàidhlig à Èirinn agus Alba còmhla ann an Obar Dheathain gus prìomh dhùbhlain agus cothroman a tha mu choinneimh coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig agus Gaeilge an-diugh a sgrùdadh.
    Cruinnichidh a’ cho-labhairt chudromach ‘Ceangal / Connect’ air a chumail le Consalachd Coitcheann na h-Èireann, Institiùd Rannsachaidh airson Èolas Èireannach agus Albannach (Oilthigh Obar Dheathain), agus Údarás na Gaeltachta, luchd-poileasaidh, acadaimigich, stiùirichean cultarail, agus buidhnean comann catharra gus beachdachadh air leasanan a ghabhas ionnsachadh ann an ath-bheothachadh cànain.
    Bheir an tachartas, a thèid a chumail aig Oilthigh Obar Dheathain bho 9-10 Ògmhios, sùil air suidheachaidhean Gàidhlig na h-Alba agus na h-Èireann agus mar a dh’fhaodas ro-innleachdan co-roinnte agus dlùth-phàirteachas na cànanan a neartachadh.
    Bidh cudromachd chultarail agus eaconamach nan cànanan ann an aire le riochdairean bho bhuidhnean stàite agus eaconamach ann an Alba agus Èirinn agus luchd-labhairt bho ghnìomhachasan agus iomairtean sòisealta ann an Alba a’ bruidhinn aig a’ cho-labhairt.
    Bidh Jerry O’Donovan, Consal Coitcheann na h-Èireann, an làthair aig an tachartas gus taic a thoirt do cho-obrachadh thar-dùthcha. Thuirt e gu bheil “coimhearsnachdan Gàidhlig agus Gaeilge air feadh eilean na h-Èireann agus Alba a’ coinneachadh mòran dhùbhlain cruinn-eòlasach, eaconamach, sòisealta agus cultarail coltach. Faodaidh comharrachadh chothroman cumanta agus eisimpleirean de dheagh chleachdadh fuasglaidhean cumanta a thoirt seachad a tha buannachdail do na h-uile agus tha sinn air leth toilichte a bhith a’ faicinn raon cho farsaing de luchd-ùidh a’ tighinn còmhla ann an aon àite bho gach taobh de Shruth na Maoile. Tha Oilthigh Obar Dheathain, aig a bheil traidisean fada de bhith a’ toirt taic don Ghàidhlig agus a’ toirt còmhla raon farsaing de sheallaidhean, na àite air leth freagarrach airson an tachartais chudromaich seo.”
    Bidh a’ cho-labhairt a’ sgrùdadh grunn chuspairean cudromach a’ gabhail a-steach sinergidhean timcheall air leasachadh sòisealta agus eaconamach agus coimhearsnachdan cànain dùthchail; mar a tha ro-innleachdan cànain nàiseanta a’ toirt buaidh air cleachdadh coimhearsnachd; mar a tha iomairtean cultarail agus craolaidh a’ toirt taic do ath-bheothachadh cànain agus cudromachd coimhearsnachdan luchd-labhairt sgapte gus stèidhichte sa Bhaile-mhòr.
    Thuirt an t-Àrd Ollamh Mìcheal Brown, Stiùiriche Institiùd Rannsachaidh airson Eòlas Èireannach agus Albannach: “Tha Gàidhlig a’ ceangal ghinealaichean ann an Alba agus Èirinn ann an dòigh a tha a’ leantainn oirnn a’ teagasg dhuinn luach coimhearsnachd, dearbh-aithne, agus tuigse dha chèile.
    “Bheir a’ cho-labhairt seo àrd-ùrlar airson eòlas agus tuigse a cho-roinn, a’ cuideachadh le bhith a’ dìon agus a’ brosnachadh Gàidhlig agus Gaeilge air feadh ar dùthchannan.”
    Tha e a’ nochdadh co-obrachadh a tha a’ sìor fhàs eadar institiudan Gaeilge agus Albannach gus Gàidhlig agus Gaeilge a neartachadh agus a chumail suas.”
    Thuirt an t-Àrd-Ollamh Michelle NicLeòid, Ceannard Sgoil nan Cànan, Litreachas, Ceòl agus Cultar Lèirsinneach: “Tha fios againn gu bheil cànan mòran a bharrachd na facal labhairteach, tha e mu dheidhinn dualchas co-roinnte, faireachdainn de bhuinteanas, coimhearsnachd agus dràibhear airson cothrom san àm ri teachd. Tha ionnsachadh bho chèile a’ cuir rud luachmhor ri seasmhachd agus ath-bheothachadh ar cànanan agus tha sinn air leth toilichte a bhith comasach air uimhir de phrìomh ghuthan a thoirt còmhla à Èirinn agus Alba.”
    Bidh cuirm ann às dèidh na co-labhairt air a chumail le Àrd-Phrobhaist Obar Dheathain gus cothrom a bharrachd a thoirt airson lìonrachadh agus deasbad.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: HSE Wins AI Research Center Selection

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    The Higher School of Economics has become one of the winners of the third wave of research centers in the field of artificial intelligence. The HSE Center for Optimization and Adaptation of Large Fundamental Models (AI Center) will work on creating new methods and tools to make training, use, and adaptation of complex artificial intelligence models cheaper and more efficient.

    At the Russian Government Coordination Center, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko presented the results of the selection of the third wave of research centers in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The winning universities and research organizations will receive grants to conduct research and create breakthrough world-class industry solutions.

    Dmitry Chernyshenko reported that the winners were HSE, Innopolis, ISP RAS, ITMO, MIPT, Skoltech, and for the first time, Lomonosov Moscow State University will be involved in the research.

    “Investments in AI research centers have already proven their effectiveness. The first wave of centers dealt with issues of strong, trusted, ethical artificial intelligence. The second wave is dedicated to industry research for medicine, transport, industry and smart cities. These centers create almost half of all Russian scientific groundwork in AI. President Vladimir Putin has set the task of publishing at least 450 papers at top-level conferences in the field of AI in the world by 2030 — A*. We see that investments are achieving results, so the government continues to develop such support programs,” Dmitry Chernyshenko emphasized.

    A total of 19 applications from centers from 10 regions of Russia were submitted to the competition. The centers’ programs stated key areas of foresight in fundamental and exploratory research in the field of AI, conducted in 2024: agent/multi-agent systems, elements of strong AI, fundamental and generative AI models.

    Expert support for the competitive selection and subsequent support for the implementation of research center activity programs is provided by the Strategic Agency for Support and Formation of AI Developments (SAPFIR), a project office created on the basis of the Skolkovo Foundation.

    “In 2025, the Strategic Agency for Support and Formation of AI Developments (SAPFIR), created on the basis of the Skolkovo Foundation, acted as the coordinator of the third wave of the competitive selection of research centers in the field of artificial intelligence. Each of the 7 winners will receive 676 million rubles for 2 years to conduct research in the field of strong, trusted, multi-agent artificial intelligence. Over the next 2 years, SAPFIR will focus on supporting research centers to achieve all their goals in both the scientific and commercial parts. Their activities will contribute to the creation of a technological reserve in Russia in the field of artificial intelligence, as well as attracting the best personnel of the country to the development of science in the field of artificial intelligence,” said SAPFIR Director Tatyana Soyuznova.

    The Higher School of Economics has confirmed its readiness to successfully cope with the tasks set thanks to the rich experience accumulated during the previous stages. For the period 2021–2024 HSE AI Center of the first wave has implemented more than 20 socially significant projects and about 30 initiatives for industrial partners. Initially, its activities were focused on companies with a high degree of maturity of AI technologies (IT, fintech, telecommunications), but subsequently the center managed to extend its competencies to less prepared industries, such as tourism, transport, household chemicals and genetics. This made it possible to develop solutions with prospects for scaling in industries, taking into account the priorities of the National Strategy for the Development of AI.

    The HSE AI Center’s third wave program will be aimed at creating new architectures and approaches to reduce training costs, as well as to improve the efficiency and adaptation of large fundamental models. Scientific research will cover four key areas AI foresight: architecture and algorithms of machine learning, development of fundamental and generative models, ensuring security and trust, system management and decision-making. Innovative software products will be used in the financial sector, science and education, information security and the labor market. The center’s partners include the country’s leading technology companies (Sber, VTB, Alfa-Bank, MTS Web Services, Gazprombank, T-Bank, ALMI Partner) and government agencies (the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Federal Service for Labor and Employment (Rostrud)).

    The head of the HSE AI Center will be Alexey Naumov, Doctor of Computer Science, Director Institute of AI and Digital SciencesHe has authored over 40 A* level AI conference publications on high dimensional probability, statistics, machine learning, reinforcement learning, and is a member of the AI Alliance scientific advisory board.

    “Our center will focus on creating fundamentally new architectures and effective methods that will significantly reduce the costs of training and operating large fundamental models of artificial intelligence, increase their performance, and expand the range of possible applications,” said Alexey Naumov. “This will allow us to get closer to creating strong artificial intelligence capable of solving the most complex problems and bringing real benefits to society and business. We actively collaborate with leading technology companies and scientific organizations, combining the efforts of the best scientists and practitioners to achieve our goals and make a significant contribution to the future of AI technologies.”

    The core of the HSE AI Center will be Institute of AI and Digital Sciences Faculty of Computer Science at HSE. Leading researchers and experts will also work on projects within the third wave Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge (ISSEK), Center of Language and Brain, MIEM im. A.N. Tikhonova, Labor Market Research Laboratories, International Laboratory of Intangible Assets Economy, HSE – Perm, and also Schools of Computer Science, Physics and Technology of the National Research University Higher School of Economics – Saint Petersburg.

    The HSE AI Center project office team, led by Deputy Vice-Rector Elena Kozhina, will coordinate work on projects and initiatives aimed at developing AI technologies and implementing innovative solutions in various sectors of the economy and social sphere. The project office will become a key link in the successful implementation of projects, ensure effective interaction between all participants in the processes and allow for the effective implementation of orders from industrial partners.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Canada needs a law that gives workers the right to govern their workplace

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Tom Malleson, Associate Professor of Social Justice & Peace Studies, Western University

    Democratic worker co-operatives are workplaces where workers collectively own the firm and elect the governing board. (Shutterstock)

    A major fault line in contemporary society is that while our political lives are governed by democratic principles, our economic lives largely are not.

    At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, Maple Leaf Foods experienced an outbreak in its Brandon, Man. factory. Not only were workers ordered to keep working in unsafe conditions, they were forced to work overtime.

    Walmart has long been accused of forbidding its cashiers from sitting down, even during long shifts.

    At one of its warehouses in Pennsylvania, Amazon allowed the temperature to reach an unbearable 102 F in 2011. When employees pleaded to open the loading doors to let in fresh air, management refused, claiming this would lead to employee theft. Instead, Amazon parked ambulances outside and waited for employees to collapse from heat stroke. Employees who were sent home because of the heat were given demerits for missing work, and fired if they accumulated too many.

    These examples reflect the fact that, in most workplaces, employees have no say in who manages them or how major decisions are made. Entering the workplace typically means leaving the freedoms of democratic society behind and entering a private domain unilaterally controlled by an employer. For most workers who are not in senior management, the main job of every job is to follow orders. Functionally speaking, workers are servants.

    In its governance structure, the modern workplace operates as a kind of mini dictatorship. Although workplace discipline isn’t enforced with physical violence, supervisors still have the power to discipline or punish those who dissent.

    But what if there were an actual legal right to workplace democracy?

    My research scrutinized the pros and cons of such novel legislation by drawing on decades of research comparing conventional, top-down firms with democratic worker co-operatives (where workers collectively own the firm and elect the governing board).

    Why workplace democracy matters

    In large American firms, the average CEO-to-worker pay ratio is now a jaw-dropping 351 to one. As CEO, Jeff Bezos made roughly 360,000 times more than Amazon’s minimum wage workers. This inequality ripples across society with significant consequences.

    By contrast, most worker co-ops maintain a pay ratio of three to one and only very rarely exceed 10 to one.

    There’s also a stark difference in how workers are treated. While conventional firms lay off workers whenever it’s profitable to do so, co-ops do everything in their power to save jobs.

    Top-down decision-making also breeds degradation and disrespect. A 2016 Oxfam report, for instance, documented how some Tyson Foods employees were prevented from using the bathroom to the point where some urinated themselves and other felt compelled to wear diapers to work.

    A Gallup survey from 2021 found that across the American economy as a whole, only 20 per cent of workers strongly agreed with the statement that “my opinions seem to count.”

    In co-ops, workers are generally treated with more respect and dignity. They typically participate more in decision-making, have higher job satisfaction and have less antagonism with management.

    In conventional workplaces, many employees hate or fear their boss. Roughly 17 per cent of the workforce opt for self-employment in order to get away from the tyranny of the boss, even though self-employed workers typically earn about 15 per cent less than their salaried counterparts and receive less than half the benefits.

    Worker co-operatives are typically less dominating than conventional firms because workers elect their managers and can create self-managing teams where workers have more autonomy over matters like scheduling and how tasks are carried out. Though co-ops are far from perfect, with workers often feeling that they aren’t able to participate in decision-making as much as they would like.

    Most workers are trapped in undemocratic jobs

    Most workers have no viable alternative to undemocratic work, and so no choice but to suffer its harms. While in theory, workers can quit and rely on welfare or social assistance, in practice, this isn’t viable because welfare rates are often too low to live on.

    Starting a business or becoming self-employed is another theoretical option, but it’s too financially risky to be a serious alternative for most.

    Joining a worker co-operative is the most promising alternative, but there were less than 400 worker co-ops in Canada in 2022, representing less than one per cent of employment.

    Converting an existing workplace into a co-op faces serious barriers too. Even if the workers desperately want a conversion, if the employer doesn’t, they’re out of luck; their employer owns the organization and can simply say no.

    So what’s the solution?

    Canada needs a new law to expand democracy by granting workers the legal right to collectively buy into the firms they work for. The process would resemble how unionization works today.

    It would start after a majority of employees sign a declaration stating their intent to form a worker co-operative. After this threshold is reached, a formal process would be triggered: employers would be required to disclose all relevant financial documents with the workers, and workers would receive education on the managerial, technical and legal requirements of co-ops. Co-op development bankers would provide loans and financing options.

    Once this is done, workers would hold a final vote. If a simple majority (50 per cent plus one) votes in favour, the employer would be paid the fair market value for the firm and the business would be restructured as a worker co-operative.

    Importantly, the law would allow this transition even if the employer is opposed, just as collective bargaining legislation allows workers to unionize without employer approval. It would also ensure owners are fairly compensated; owners shouldn’t lose their property, but they should lose the right to unilaterally govern other human beings in perpetuity, especially when those others are willing and ready to govern themselves.

    Of course, this law might bring some economic disruption. It’s possible that certain owners might oppose democratic ownership so strongly that they would rather shut down the business altogether than work as equals, but such cases would likely be rare.

    On the other hand, research shows that worker co-ops are just as productive as conventional firms (if not more so) and they have similar survival rates. This is highly reassuring for the overall well-being of the economy.

    Moreover, workers would need to invest significant amounts of their own money in order to buy out the firm, so conversions will occur only after serious consideration.

    The bottom line is that while the costs of this legislation would likely be modest, the benefits to workers and society at large would be substantial: reduced inequality and domination, increased job security and respect. Canada should establish a right to buy-in as soon as possible.

    Tom Malleson has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

    – ref. Why Canada needs a law that gives workers the right to govern their workplace – https://theconversation.com/why-canada-needs-a-law-that-gives-workers-the-right-to-govern-their-workplace-257776

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Inside Ukraine’s remarkable drone attack

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Este, Senior International Affairs Editor, Associate Editor

    You can generally tell when Vladimir Putin appears rattled by an adverse event in his war on Ukraine. He (or one of his proxies) ramps up the bloodcurdling rhetoric. And so it is with Ukraine’s “Spiderweb” drone attack on four airbases inside Russia, which reportedly destroyed or damaged as many as 40 warplanes, a good chunk of Russia’s fleet of strategic nuclear-capable bombers.

    These aircraft have been used during the war to deliver cruise missiles at targets within Ukraine and have been kept on airbases far enough from Ukraine to be well out of range of anything Kyiv could fire at them. So Ukraine’s secret intelligence service, the SBU, hatched a plot to send truckloads of home-grown drones in vans to locations close to airbases as far away as Irkutsk in Siberia and Murmansk close to the top of Finland.

    Technological savvy aside, perhaps the most remarkable thing about the plan was that it was 18 months in the making and yet the SBU managed to keep it a secret shared by only a few, including Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky. Significantly, the plan was reportedly kept from the US government.

    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.

    An angry Putin is reported to have accused Ukraine of “organising terrorist attacks”, saying to aides: “How can we have meetings like this under these conditions? What is there to talk about? Who has negotiations with  … terrorists?”

    Nothing much has been revealed as to what was actually said about the drone attack when delegates for the two sides met on Monday, apparently for barely an hour, to continue their peace talks. But as Stefan Wolff and Tetyana Malyarenko suggest, the fact that both sides have continued to land blows against each other is hardly a sign of a sincere commitment to serious negotiations.

    As it is, both sides restated their maximalist positions. For Kyiv this means that any concessions over territory or sovereignty are out of the question. For Moscow this means Ukrainian and international recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea as well as four provinces it has partially occupied since 2014, no Ukrainian membership of Nato and limits to Ukraine’s armed forces.

    Wolff and Malyarenko, experts in international security and politics at the University of Birmingham and National University Odesa Law Academy, respectively, believe that little will change on the battlefield in the foreseeable future. A lot will now depend on Washington. And it should be noted that the US president had a lengthy chat with Putin on June 4, after which Trump delivered the Kremlin’s message that: “President Putin did say, and very strongly, that he will have to respond to the recent attack on the airfields.”

    We’ve already seen a blitz on the southern city of Kherson, where Russia launched glide bombs and attacked with drones and artillery this morning. But Trump’s envoy to Russia, Keith Kellog, among other senior officials have talked about the drone strike being an attack on part of Russia’s [nuclear] triad, impying the threat level is actually far greater.



    Read more:
    Ukraine ‘spiderweb’ drone strike fails to register at peace talks as both sides dig in for the long haul

    Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in 1994 in return for an undertaking, signed by Russia, the US, UK and France, to guarantee the inviolability of Ukraine’s borders. So as Matthew Sussex of the Australian National University in Canberra writes, the drone attack was very much a case of a David striking a clever blow against a Goliath.

    Sussex says this and other missions, such as the targeting of the Kerch bridge – Putin’s pride and joy – and the relentless attacks on Russia’s power infrastructure, are an effective counter to Russia’s attritional style of warfare. This involves throwing as many men as possible at its objectives, something Ukraine cannot hope to compete directly with. The truth is, writes Sussex, that Kyiv “has focused on winning the war they are in, rather than those of the past”.



    Read more:
    The secret to Ukraine’s battlefield successes against Russia – it knows wars are never won in the past

    “This isn’t just asymmetric warfare, it’s a different kind of offensive capability,” concludes Michael A Lewis, an expert in autonomous vehicles at the University of Bath. Lewis notes that both sides have been using drones almost continuously on the frontlines of the war and each has developed their own strategy for countering the threat.

    But this operation combined the use of drones with smart intelligence planning. The key was getting the drones to where they could exploit vulnerabilities in Russia’s air defence systems. “In low-level airspace, visibility drops, responsibility fragments, and detection tools lose their edge,” he writes. “Drones arrive unannounced, response times lag, coordination breaks.”

    The attack will have defence planners around the world scratching their heads as to how to cope with this emerging threat. Lewis believes the operation exposed the problems with centralised airspace management which will require new and better detection systems and faster responses to counter. “Operation Spiderweb didn’t just reveal how Ukraine could strike deep into Russian territory,” he writes. “It showed how little margin for error there is in a world where cheap systems can be used quietly and precisely.”



    Read more:
    Ukraine drone strikes on Russian airbase reveal any country is vulnerable to the same kind of attack

    Not that Russia has exactly been standing still when it comes to drone warfare. As Marcel Plichta of the University of St Andrews writes, having initially relied on Iran for the supply of its Shahed drones, Russia has been quick to establish its own sizeable drone manufacturing industry. Plichta, a drone specialist and former US government intelligence analyst, walks us through some of the innovations that Russian-made drones are now employing, including Sim cards which can transmit data back to Russia via mobile networks, carbon coating to avoid radar detection, and enhanced incendiary and fragmentation warheads that can start fires or spread large volumes of shrapnel to make them more deadly.

    But also notable is the sheer volume of drones that Russia is deploying – 472 against Ukrainian cities on June 1, as well as large numbers of decoys – with the aim of simply exhausting Ukrainian air defences. Even if Ukraine manages to shoot down 80% as it claims, that still leaves enough to wreak utter havoc for the defenders.



    Read more:
    Russia has been working on creating drones that ‘call home’, go undercover and start fires. Here’s how they work

    From the Oval Office

    The latest controversial measure announced by the White House is the planned travel ban on people from 12 countries thought by the Trump administration to pose a threat. The ban is scheduled to come into effect on June 9.

    Less than a week later, the US will host – jointly with Mexico and Canada – the Fifa Club World Cup, which will feature players from some of these countries. Next year the US hosts the Men’s World Cup and in 2028 the Olympics are scheduled to be held in Los Angeles.

    The announcement of the ban said that “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives travelling for the World Cup, the Olympics, or other major sporting events as defined by the Secretary of State” will be exempted.

    But, as Eric Storm from Leiden University points out, this does not include fans who might have been planning to travel to these major sporting carnivals. Storm, a historian who has researched the intersection of politics and tourism, says that the way geopolitical tensions manifested themselves at big sporting events was a feature of the cold war, but that these sorts of tensions largely dissipated after 1991. Now we may see politics being played out on the pitch, once again.



    Read more:
    Trump’s travel ban casts shadow over the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup and other US-hosted sporting events

    South Korea’s new president

    Voters in South Korea backed the liberal candidate, Lee Jae-myung for the Democratic Party, by nearly 50% in the June 3 election. This gave the man who led the campaign to topple former president Yoon Suk Yeol a clear mandate in what is reported to have been the election with the highest turnout since 1997.

    But while women had been very prominent in the campaign to oust Yoon, there were no female presidential candidates and very little discussion of some of the massive gender issues besetting Korea, including structural inequality, harassment and domestic violence, write Ming Gao of Lund University and Joanna Elfving-Hwang of Curtin University, both experts in South Korean politics and society. In fact, some candidates actively campaigned in a manner they clearly hoped would engage with disenchanted young men who feel their position may be under threat from women.



    Read more:
    South Korea election: Lee Jae-myung takes over a country split by gender politics

    The new South Korean president will bring with him what he calls a “pragmatic” approach to foreign affairs. He has restated his commitment to the longstanding alliance with the US, but has also stressed the need for his country to improve relations with China and North Korea, believing that South Korea should not be wholly dependent on Washington.

    This, writes Christoph Bluth, could become a point of tension between Seoul and Washington. “The Trump administration has taken a hawkish approach towards China and wants its allies to do the same,” he says.

    Lee has made it quite clear that while Seoul’s relationship with Washington is the “basic axis of [South Korea’s] diplomacy,” the country “should not put all [its] eggs in one basket”. He has already signalled that he would resist any attempts by the US to draw South Korea into a conflict with China over Taiwan.



    Read more:
    Why South Korea’s new leader may be on a collision course with Trump

    Gaza: when aid is politicised

    There was yet more tragedy in Gaza this week as the new aid distribution scheme backed by Israel and the US got underway and quickly descended into chaos, with Israeli troops shooting at people it claimed were Hamas militants, resulting in the deaths of dozens of people.

    The new plan handed control of aid distribution to a private company called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which established four depots, three in the very south of the Strip and one in the centre, close to Israeli checkpoints. As a result many people had to travel considerable distances to get desperately needed supplies.

    As Irit Katz of the University of Cambridge writes here, the GHF plan is similar in character to a scheme put forward last December by an Israeli veterans group that prioritises control over humanitarianism. She says the resulting chaos and violence should come as no surprise.



    Read more:
    Lethal humanitarianism: why violence at Gaza aid centres should not come as a surprise

    World Affairs Briefing from The Conversation UK is available as a weekly email newsletter. Click here to get updates directly in your inbox.

    – ref. Inside Ukraine’s remarkable drone attack – https://theconversation.com/inside-ukraines-remarkable-drone-attack-258326

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Japanese walking: the benefits of this fitness trend

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sean Pymer, Academic Clinical Exercise Physiologist, University of Hull

    A fitness trend known as Japanese walking is capturing attention online, promising major health benefits with minimal equipment and time.

    Based on interval-style bursts of fast and slow walking, Japanese walking was developed by Professor Hiroshi Nose and Associate Professor Shizue Masuki at Shinshu University in Matsumoto, Japan. It involves alternating between three minutes of walking at a higher intensity and three minutes at a lower intensity, repeated for at least 30 minutes, four times per week.

    The higher-intensity walking should be done at a level that is “somewhat hard”. At this level, it is still possible to talk, but holding a full conversation would be more difficult.

    The lower-intensity walking should be done at a level that is “light”. At this level, talking should be comfortable, though a little more laboured than an effortless conversation.

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    Japanese walking has been likened to high-intensity interval training or Hiit, and has been referred to as “high-intensity walking”, although it is less taxing than true Hiit and is performed at lower intensities.

    It is also easy to perform and requires only a stopwatch and space for walking. It requires little planning and is less time-consuming than other walking targets, such as achieving 10,000 steps a day. This makes it suitable for most people.

    What does the evidence show?

    Japanese walking offers significant health benefits. A 2007 study from Japan compared this method to lower-intensity continuous walking, with a goal of achieving 8,000 steps per day. Participants who followed the Japanese walking approach experienced notable reductions in body weight. Blood pressure also dropped – more so than in those following the lower-intensity continuous walking routine.

    Leg strength and physical fitness were also measured in this study. Both improved to a greater extent in those following the Japanese walking programme, compared to those completing moderate-intensity continuous walking.

    A longer-term study also found that Japanese walking protects against the reductions in strength and fitness that happen with ageing.

    These improvements in health would also suggest that Japanese walking can help people live longer, though this has not yet been directly studied.

    There are a few things to consider with this new walking trend. In the 2007 study, around 22% of people did not complete the Japanese walking programme. For the lower intensity programme, with a target of 8,000 steps per day, around 17% did not complete it. This means that Japanese walking may not be suitable for everyone, and it might not be any easier or more attractive than simple step-based targets.

    Achieving a certain number of steps per day has also been shown to help people live longer. For those aged 60 and older, the target should be around 6,000 to 8,000 steps a day and 8,000 to 10,000 for those aged under 60. Similar evidence does not appear to exist for Japanese walking… yet.

    So is this walking trend really the be-all and end-all? Or does it matter less about what exercise you do and more about how often and how hard you do it? The answer is likely to be the latter.

    Research tells us that people who regularly perform more bouts of moderate to vigorous physical activity live longer, regardless of how long each bout is.

    This means that we should focus on ensuring we perform regular moderate to vigorous physical activity and make it habitual. If that activity happens to be Japanese walking, then it’s a worthwhile choice.

    Sean Pymer receives funding from The National Institute for Health and Care Research.

    – ref. Japanese walking: the benefits of this fitness trend – https://theconversation.com/japanese-walking-the-benefits-of-this-fitness-trend-257302

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Dippy the dinosaur remains beloved, 120 years after arriving at the Natural History Museum

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Michael J. Benton, Professor of Vertebrate Palaeontology, University of Bristol

    Shutterstock/I Wei Huang

    Dippy – a complete cast of a diplodocus skeleton – is Britain’s most famous dinosaur. It has resided at the Natural History Museum in London since 1905 and is now on show in Coventry where it is “dinosaur-in-residence” at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.

    Dippy, the star attraction in the huge entrance hall of the Natural History Museum from 1979 to 2018, is now on tour around the UK, with Coventry as its latest stop. It had previously been shown in Dorchester, Birmingham, Belfast, Glasgow, Newcastle, Cardiff, Rochdale, Norwich and London.

    So what is it that makes Dippy so popular? I got a sense of the dino’s appeal in August 2021 when I gave a lecture under the Dippy skeleton in Norwich Cathedral.

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    The lecture was about dinosaur feathers and colours. It highlighted new research that identified traces of pigment in the fossilised feathers of birds and dinosaurs. I wanted to highlight the enormous advances in the ways we can study dinosaurs that had taken place in just a century.

    Before arriving, I thought that Dippy would fill the cathedral – after all the skeleton is 26 metres long and it had filled the length of the gallery at the Natural History Museum. However, Dippy was dwarfed by the gothic cathedral’s scale. In fact, the building is so large that five Dippys could line up, nose to tail, from the great west door to the high altar at the east end.

    This sense of awe is one of the key reasons to study palaeontology – to understand how such extraordinary animals ever existed.

    I asked the Norwich cathedral canon why they had agreed to host the dinosaur, and he gave three answers. First, the dinosaur would attract lots of visitors. Second, Dippy is from the Jurassic period, as are the rocks used to construct the cathedral. Finally, for visitors it shared with the cathedral a sense of awe because of its huge size. Far from being diminished by its temporary home, visitors still walked around and under Dippy sensing its grandeur.

    Dippy at the unveiling ceremony at the Reptile Gallery of the Natural History Museum in 1905.
    WikiMedia

    Dippy arrived in London in 1905 as part of a campaign for public education by the Scottish-American millionaire Andrew Carnegie (1835–1919). At the time, there was a debate in academic circles about the function of museums and how far professionals should go in seeking to educate the public.

    There was considerable reticence about going too far. Many professors felt that showing dinosaurs to the public would be unprofessional in instances where they moved from description of facts into the realm of speculation. They also did not want to risk ridicule by conveying unsupported information about the appearance and lifestyle of the great beasts. Finally, many professors simply did not see such populism as any part of their jobs.

    Henry Fairfield Osborn in 1916.
    Wiki Commons

    But, at that time, the American Museum of Natural History was well established in New York and its new president, Henry Fairfield Osborn (1857-1935) was distinctly a populist. He sponsored the palaeo artist Charles Knight (1874-1953), whose vivid colour paintings of dinosaurs were the glory of the museum and influential worldwide. Osborn was as hated by palaeontology professors as he was feted by the public.

    Carnegie pumped his steel dollars into many philanthropic works in his native Scotland and all over America, including the Museum of Natural History in Pittsburgh. When he heard that a new and complete skeleton of a diplodocus had been dug up in Wyoming, he bought it and brought it to his new museum. It was named as a new species, Diplodocus carnegiei.

    On a visit to Carnegie’s Scottish residence, Skibo Castle, King Edward VII saw a sketch of the bones and Carnegie agreed to donate a complete cast of the skeleton to Britain’s Natural History Museum.

    The skeleton was copied by first making rubber moulds of each bone in several parts, then filling the moulds with plaster to make casts and colouring the bones to make them look real. The 292 pieces were shipped to London in 36 crates and opened to the public in May 1905. Carnegie’s original Dippy skeleton only went on show in Pittsburgh in 1907, after the new museum building had been constructed.

    Illustration of the Brontosaurus by Charles Knight (1897).
    Wiki Commons

    Carnegie had got the royal bug and donated further complete Dippy casts to the great natural history museums in Berlin, Paris, Vienna, Bologna, St Petersburg, Madrid, Munich, Mexico City and La Plata in Argentina. Each of these nations, except France, had a king or tsar at the time. The skeletons went on show in all these locations, except Munich, and Dippy has been seen by many millions of people in the past 120 years.

    Dippy’s appeal

    Dippy’s appeal is manifold. It’s huge – we like our dinosaurs big. It has been seen up close by more people around the world than any other dinosaur. It also opens the world of science to many people. Evolution, deep time, climate change, origins, extinction and biodiversity are all big themes that link biology, geology, physics, chemistry and mathematics.

    Also, since 1905, palaeontology has moved from being a largely speculative subject to the realms of testable science. Calculations of jaw functions and limb movements of dinosaurs can be tested and challenged. Hypotheses about physiology, reproduction, growth and colour can be based on evidence from microscopic study of bones and exceptionally preserved tissues, and these analyses can be repeated and refuted.

    Dippy has witnessed over a century of rapid change and its appeal is sure to continue for the next.

    Dippy is on display at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum in Coventry until February 21 2026.

    Michael J. Benton 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. Why Dippy the dinosaur remains beloved, 120 years after arriving at the Natural History Museum – https://theconversation.com/why-dippy-the-dinosaur-remains-beloved-120-years-after-arriving-at-the-natural-history-museum-209945

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Mel Stride promises the Tories won’t repeat the mistakes of Liz Truss – except they already have

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tim Bale, Professor of Politics, Queen Mary University of London

    It’s a mistake to think that, when it comes to the UK economy, the Conservatives have always been seen by British voters as a safer pair of hands than Labour. But, notwithstanding the damaging austerity imposed on the country by David Cameron’s chancellor, George Osborne, it was, by and large, the case between 2008 and 2022. This was a period bookended by the global financial crisis that occurred under Gordon Brown’s watch as Labour chancellor and then prime minister, and by Liz Truss’s disastrous 49-day stint in the top job.

    In reality, people were already beginning to lose faith in the Tories’ economic competence when Truss beat Rishi Sunak in the race to succeed Boris Johnson in Number 10. But she right royally trashed whatever reputation the party still had on that score and, as a result, set it on the road that led to its cataclysmic defeat at the polls last July.

    Another leadership race duly followed that election. But instead of using it as an opportunity both to conduct a thorough postmortem and issue a full-throated apology for the mess they’d made of things across a whole range of domestic policy, the candidates stayed largely in the party’s comfort zone.

    The country’s crumbling public services got hardly a mention, any acknowledgement of their dire state drowned out by discussion of immigration and taxation. The eventual winner, Kemi Badenoch, was apparently convinced that the Conservatives had lost because they “talked right but governed left”.

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

    Clearly that message doesn’t seem to have persuaded the public. The Tories are now even more unpopular than they were at the general election. They rarely break 20% in the opinion polls and consistently finish behind not just a very poorly-regarded Labour government but a surging Reform UK.

    Cue the decision by Mel Stride, a cabinet minister in Rishi Sunak’s doomed government and now Badenoch’s shadow chancellor, to issue an apology of sorts. This was, however, not an apology for the mess the Conservatives made of the country during 14 (arguably wasted) years in office – but for the month and half in which they were led by Truss.

    Sir Mel (as he is now) was never much of a fan, but he’s now taking public potshots at the former prime minister in a very well trailed speech. Apparently it was only during this short period, when Truss delivered her now legendary “mini-budget” that derailed the economy, that it all went wrong.

    “For a few weeks,” he declared, “we put at risk the very stability which Conservatives had always said must be carefully protected. The credibility of the UK’s economic framework was undermined by spending billions on subsidising energy bills and tax cuts, with no proper plan for how this would be paid for.”

    “Never again,” he continued, “will the Conservative party undermine fiscal credibility by making promises that we cannot afford.” Stride here seemed to be conveniently forgetting that, at least in the judgment of the respected Institute for Fiscal Studies, that was exactly what he and his colleagues did when they presented their manifesto to the country at last year’s general election – long after Truss had departed Downing Street.

    As such, Stride’s speech is unlikely to impress anyone. Rather than a confession of collective guilt and an acknowledgement of a pattern of behaviour stretching over years, it seeks to deflect the blame onto a one-off event and onto one already-derided individual (or maybe two if one includes the man who actually delivered the bungled mini-budget, Kwasi Kwarteng).

    Moreover, such is the presidentialised nature of British politics these days, that, unless a message is delivered by the party leader, it won’t be seen as representing its official position. Nor will it cut through to voters.

    More profoundly, Stride’s “contrition” (the closest he got to actually saying sorry) is meaningless because rather than challenge any of his party’s underlying assumptions, it actually doubles down on them.

    To stand a chance of signalling to a sceptical public that they’ve truly changed, the Tories need to break out of their essentially Thatcherite-cum-culture-warrior comfort zone. But obsessed (and in some ways understandably so) as they are with the potentially existential threat posed to them by Reform UK, that currently seems like a very distant prospect. And so, therefore, does another Tory government.

    Tim Bale 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. Mel Stride promises the Tories won’t repeat the mistakes of Liz Truss – except they already have – https://theconversation.com/mel-stride-promises-the-tories-wont-repeat-the-mistakes-of-liz-truss-except-they-already-have-258324

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Pillen Signs the Stand With Women Act

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . The Stand With Women Act, introduced on his behalf by Sen. Kathleen Kauth, requires that students in K-12 and postsecondary school participate on sports teams that correspond to their biological sex, as defined in law. Gov. Pillen and Sen. Kauth were joined in today’s bill signing event by Husker athletes Jordy Bahl and Rebekah Allick, who attended the bill’s introduction back in January, as well as nationally known advocate-athletes Riley Gaines and Payton McNabb.

    “We cannot ignore that girls and women have the right to a level playing field when it comes to sports,” said Gov. Pillen. “Otherwise, we are denying them opportunities to compete and win, earn scholarships and develop their own athletic abilities. LB89 ensures they are protected. It codifies my executive order of August 2023 – establishing a Women’s Bill of Rights — and it also aligns with President Trump’s executive order issued in February.”

    Sen. Kauth expressed gratitude for the support the bill received from Nebraskans, fellow senators, and advocates from across the political spectrum. 

    “I am pleased we were able to get the athletic portion of the bill passed and thank all the senators, individuals and groups who helped get us here. The work is not done. I will continue to work hard with my fellow senators to protect women in their locker rooms and bathrooms in the upcoming session.”

    Standout University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who is now host of Outkick’s Gaines for Girls podcast, talked about meeting Gov. Pillen two years ago and discussing the need for legislation then.

    “At the time only three states had codified such language. Days later, Governor Pillen signed sex-based definitions into law through executive action,” said Gaines. “Two years later, and after countless hours spent advocating for the importance of defining ‘woman’ and protecting women’s sports and spaces, Sen. Kauth and her colleagues have achieved a remarkable victory for Nebraskans. Today, the Women’s Bill of Rights has evolved into an even more powerful legislative package and the Stand with Women Act of 2025 is being signed into law. I am so proud to have been a part of this multi-year fight for women’s rights and be here in Lincoln to watch Nebraska become the 28th state to protect women’s sports.”

    Payton McNabb, who has also been outspoken on the issue of protecting women’s sports, shared her story of being injured during a volleyball match in high school. She is now a sports ambassador for the Independent Women’s Forum, which testified in support of LB89.

    “Thank you, Governor Pillen and Sen. Kauth for prioritizing women and girls. By signing the Stand with Women Act into law today, Nebraska is codifying Governor Pillen’s early action to reclaim language and protect women’s sports,” said McNabb. “I am so proud to be here today and witness this historic moment. Thank you, Nebraska, for standing with women.”

    Calling the signing of LB89 as an “incredible accomplishment,” Husker softball pitcher Jordy Bahl indicated that advocating for this issue was, for her, bigger than playing softball, and echoed Sen. Kauth’s message that more was needed to provide appropriate protections to girls and women in sports.

    “In standing up for this, it was never out of my own personal interests. I have one year left of playing. I was always thinking about the younger athletes — the athletes who haven’t even started their careers yet. So, that’s where this is at in my heart.”

    Husker volleyball player Rebekah Allick added, “I’m just really grateful to be surrounded by independent and individual thinkers. Again, this is not a political matter. This is common sense. We are trying to defend reality.”

    In addition to signing LB89 into law, Gov. Pillen signed ceremonial copies of the legislation presented to each of the speakers at today’s news conference.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stoke 20mph zone to be introduced next week

    Source: City of Plymouth

    A reduced speed limit of 20mph will be introduced in parts of Stoke on Thursday 12 June.

    The 20mph speed limit is part of a scheme to make it safer for children travelling to school, which will also include a new parallel (pedestrian and cycle) crossing on Mill Bridge, linking Stonehouse Creek to Victoria Park.

    The scheme, which was developed following feedback from local ward councillors about residents’ safety concerns and approved in January following public consultation, is being implemented in two phases.

    The first will cover residential streets around Stoke, Millbridge and Eldad Hill, including Stuart Road Primary Academy in Palmerston Street. The second, which will be implemented within two years, will extend the existing 20mph zone around High Street Primary Academy further to cover streets in the Stonehouse area.

    Enforcement cameras for the first zone have been installed and we are in the process of putting up new 20mph signage and painting road markings, ready for the change. Advanced warning signs will be in place before the new speed limit becomes enforceable to let drivers know.

    Construction of the new crossing is nearing completion and it is expected to open within the next couple of weeks.

    Larger ‘terminal’ signs at the entry points to the new 20mph zone will include artwork featuring safety messages, designed by pupils at Stuart Road Primary. The school recently introduced the city’s first permanent Safer School Streets scheme following a successful 18-month pilot.

    Two designs were chosen from nearly 60 created by the young artists to alert drivers to the importance of road safety, speed limits and people walking, cycling or wheeling in the area. The winning pupils will receive a gift card, a goodie bag and a certificate.

    Councillor John Stephens, Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, said: “The zebra crossing and 20mph zone are being introduced in response to feedback from ward members and residents concerned about speeding, accidents and near misses in their neighbourhood.

    “Many of these concerns are for pupils and families travelling to and from school and vulnerable road users will always be our number one priority. There are several primary and secondary schools within the two phases of the scheme and this will significantly improve safety on their daily journeys.

    “Our road safety team works closely with Stuart Road Primary, including supporting the introduction of its Safer School Streets scheme, which has been a huge success. We are really pleased to be using signs designed by pupils as part of this first phase.

    “We hope the reduced speed limit – and the new crossing, when it opens – will help people feel safer when they travel through this busy area.”

    Britta Nicholls, headteacher at Stuart Road Primary, said: “We are delighted with the new speed restrictions that will make sure that parents and children can safely travel to and from school. We have had too many near misses in the past and welcome the reduced speed enforcement in roads around Stuart Road. This supports our mission to increase the number of families who walk, cycle or scooter to school for a healthier lifestyle, cleaner air and is environmentally friendly.”

    Full details of the 20mph zone and maps showing the streets it covers can be viewed on our Stoke 20mph zone page. The new speed limit will be enforced by Devon and Cornwall Police.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on the recovery of Judih Weinstein’s remains by Israel

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    “On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a terrorist entity, launched the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Approximately one thousand two hundred innocent people were murdered. Young revelers with their whole lives ahead of them were slaughtered. Communities were burnt to the ground. Among the countless victims of this attack were seven Canadians, including Judih Weinstein.

    “Today, after over a year and a half, Ms. Weinstein’s remains have finally been recovered by Israel. Ms. Weinstein was a mother, grandmother, teacher, and mentor, who dedicated her life to guiding others with empathy, charity, and humanity.

    “As the family grieves the unimaginable loss of both Ms. Weinstein and her husband, Gadi Haggai, who was murdered in that same horrific attack, the recovery of their remains is a time to begin to heal and to rest. We mourn with her family. May her memory be a blessing.

    “Since October 7, Jewish communities have faced a reprehensible resurgence of antisemitism. It has to stop. We cannot look away from the power of antisemitism and its radicalization – we must confront it, denounce it, and act to keep Jewish Canadians safe.

    “The government is fighting the horrifying rise in hate, protecting our communities, and working with our allies to promote long-term peace and security in the Middle East – including calling for Hamas to lay down its arms, release all remaining hostages immediately, and have no role in the future of a Palestinian state.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Completes State-Wide Bill Signing Tour, Signing New Laws to Reduce Housing Costs, Make Colorado Safer and Save People Money

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis completed his 2025 bill state-wide signing tour, signing bills passed by Democrats and Republicans during the landmark 2025 legislative session. Governor Polis signed 476 bills, 87.5% of which were bipartisan, breaking down barriers to housing Coloradans can afford, increasing funding for students and teachers, enhancing public safety, saving people money, protecting the domestic and wild animals Colorado calls home, and protecting and expanding access to outdoor recreation. 

    “This session we continued delivering on our commitment to reduce the cost of living in our state by passing laws to build more housing people can afford, increase student funding to drive student success, improve public safety and more. I am proud of the progress we delivered this year and was thrilled to travel the state from Grand Junction to Alamosa, Keenesberg, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins and more to sign these transformational laws in the communities that make Colorado the best state in the nation to live, raise a family, and thrive,” said Governor Polis. 

    MORE HOUSING NOW: 

    IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY: 

    • SB25-310 – Proposition 130 Implementation: This law supports funding for local law enforcement agencies to help recruit peace officers by providing financial reimbursements and tuition assistance for initial and continuing education and training for peace officers, as well as pay incentives and bonuses. The bill also provides funding to ensure that the families of fallen officers get the support they need after losing their loved one in the line of duty.
    • HB25-1062 Penalty for Theft of Firearm: This law cracks down on gun theft by reclassifying firearm theft as a class 6 felony regardless of the value of the firearm stolen.
    • HB25-1171 – Possession of Weapon by Previous Offender Crimes: This law adds first-degree motor vehicle theft to the list of criminal offenses that would make an individual ineligible to possess a firearm.
    • SB25-281 – Increase Penalties Careless Driving: adjusts penalties for persons convicted of careless driving, making each individual seriously injured or killed in a careless driving event a separate violation and clarifies that careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury or death is an included crime for the purposes of the “Victim Rights Act”.
    • A State Budget to Make Colorado Safer: Governor Polis continues working to make Colorado safer for everyone and by signing this year’s budget, Colorado continues investing in preventing and addressing crime. This includes:
      • Youth Crime Prevention: Helping to prevent at-risk youth from entering the criminal justice system through increased funding for prevention services.
      • Community Corrections Capacity: The budget also provides $2.4 million to invest in community corrections placement, increasing capacity.
      • Supporting Crime Victims: Additionally, this budget implements Colorado’s Proposition KK, designating $30.0M in spending authority to crime victims’ services, $8 million for mental health services, and $1 million for school safety.
      • $15 million ongoing for critical public safety communication infrastructure, supporting over 1,000 local, regional, state, tribal, and federal public safety entities.
      • Funding for CBI’s Colorado Gangs Database: The Colorado Gangs database (CoG) is an application that stores gang information such as gang names, gang members, gang contacts, and is used by law enforcement as an investigative tool. It allows law enforcement the ability to add and change any information about the gangs, tracking gangs, and gang members that they contact during patrol or other investigative efforts conducted by law enforcement. This information is also queryable in the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC), which provides law enforcement with the most accurate information possible.
    • HB25-1146 – Juvenile Detention Bed Cap: This law allows judicial districts to utilize more juvenile detention beds to ensure that individuals deemed high-risk do not re-enter communities before receiving the rehabilitative services they need.
    • SB25-168 – Prevention of Wildlife Trafficking: This law will crack down on wildlife trafficking to keep Coloradans and wildlife safe. 

    FULLY FUND SCHOOLS AND SUPPORT COLORADO’S WORKFORCE: 

    • HB25-1320 – School Finance Act: This legislation implements Colorado’s student-focused school finance formula without bringing back the budget stabilization factor. It also increases per-pupil funding again to $11,864, an increase from FY24-25 of $412 per student, or an average of $9,000 per classroom.
    • SB25-315 – Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness Programs: This legislation realigns Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness administration and funding to ensure all students have the opportunity to graduate high school with postsecondary credit, an industry-recognized credential, or work-based learning experience.
    • HB25-1278 – Education Accountability System: This legislation modernizes Colorado’s K-12 accountability system for the first time since 2009 to better measure student outcomes, including the creation of a new sub-indicator to support postsecondary and workforce readiness before graduation.
    • HB25-1192 – Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement: This legislation ensures that every student takes a course incorporating all financial literacy standards before they graduate high school, as well as practice filling out financial aid forms so that they are equipped with the know-how to plan for and secure their financial futures.
    • HB25-1038 – Postsecondary Credit Transfer Website: This law will support students by providing more information about how their credits earned through prior learning, concurrent and dual enrollment, and GT Pathways courses will transfer to each Colorado public institution. By allowing students to evaluate and compare the value of their transfer credits across institutions and programs, students can save money and more successfully plan their educational journeys. 

    DRIVING COLORADO’S ECONOMY: 

    • HB25-1005 – Tax Incentive for Film Festivals: This legislation supports film festivals in Colorado and helped the state land the iconic Sundance Film Festival, starting in 2027, which will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits and thousands of jobs.
    • HB25-1021 – Tax Incentives for Employee-Owned Businesses: This law helps businesses by save more toward taxes, when they transition to employee-owned, which is good for employees and businesses.
    • HB25-1090 – Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices: This legislation will help eliminate fees that drive up costs and get rid of deceptive practices that make Coloradans spend more money than they want.
    • HB25-1001 – Enforcement Wage Hour Laws: This legislation combats wage theft, ensuring that more workers are paid fairly, on time, and in full. It enhances enforcement of Colorado’s wage and hour laws, disincentivizes violations, and provides the Department of Labor and Employment with new tools to prevent and address wage theft.
    • HB25-1215 – Redistribution of Lottery Fund: This legislation directs the first $4 million of the lottery fund to the outdoor equity fund, increasing outdoor recreation opportunities and protecting Colorado parks. 

    SAVING PEOPLE MONEY: 

    FREE STATE OF COLORADO: 

    BOLD CLIMATE GOALS AND IMPROVING AIR QUALITY: 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Radcred Relaunches Personal Loan Marketplace to Expand Access for U.S. Borrowers With No Credit Check

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Glendale, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Disclaimer: RadCred is not a lender and does not make credit or underwriting decisions. It is a personal loan marketplace that connects applicants with a network of licensed third-party lenders. Loan terms, rates, and approval times vary by lender and are not guaranteed by RadCred. Submitting a loan request does not guarantee approval or funding. All financial decisions should be made with care and reviewed with a financial advisor if needed. Availability of loan products may vary by state. RadCred does not charge users any fees for using the platform.

    The revamped platform aims to simplify access to personal loans by bridging the gap between consumers and vetted lenders nationwide.

    RadCred, a U.S.-based digital platform, has relaunched as a full-service personal loan marketplace. The redesigned site is built to improve access to unsecured loans and streamline connections between borrowers and direct lenders. The update expands the company’s ability to serve applicants across a wide credit spectrum, including those with bad credit scores.

    The revised platform introduces tools that allow users to submit a single application to access offers from multiple licensed lenders. Borrowers can now explore options for same-day loans, quick loan approvals, and even no credit check personal loans. This format simplifies the application process while giving consumers more control over their borrowing decisions.

    “We wanted to create a space where users, regardless of credit score, can view and compare real offers from verified lenders,” said Lara Smith, Senior Accounting Executive of RadCred. “This relaunch reflects our commitment to transparency and efficiency in personal lending.”

    Key Features of the Updated Platform

    The revamped RadCred platform introduces key features aimed at improving borrower access, especially for those seeking quick loan approval, no credit check options, or support with bad credit, while simplifying comparisons and accelerating the overall lending process.

    Broader Loan Options
    RadCred now supports unsecured personal loans ranging from $300 to $35,000. These include emergency cash advances, short-term installment plans, and options suited for debt consolidation or education-related needs. Borrowers can use the same platform to access small urgent loans or explore longer repayment terms.

    Support for Borrowers with Bad Credit
    RadCred’s network includes lenders who consider income and employment status rather than only credit score. The updated platform highlights no credit check loan categories and bad credit loan filters, enabling users to find potential options even if they have limited credit history.

    Soft Credit Inquiries
    Applicants using RadCred undergo only a soft credit check at the pre-qualification stage. This approach does not affect their credit score and helps determine basic eligibility before a formal application. Users can explore instant loan offers without risk to their credit report.

    Streamlined Application Process
    Borrowers submit a single digital application, which is securely shared with multiple lenders in RadCred’s network. The platform then presents loan offers side by side, including interest rates, fees, and repayment terms. This system allows users to evaluate multiple personalized offers efficiently.

    Faster Approval and Disbursement
    Many lenders in RadCred’s network offer quick loan approval and same day funding for eligible applicants. Those who accept an offer early in the day may receive funds in their account by the evening or the next business morning.

    Digital Lending in the Current Market

    The relaunch of RadCred comes at a time when more Americans are turning to online platforms for personal finance solutions. Rising living costs and higher interest rates on credit cards have driven demand for alternative forms of credit. According to industry reports, unsecured personal loan balances reached $232 billion in the U.S. by the end of 2023.

    Online lending has grown significantly, with platforms that offer digital-first tools and inclusive criteria gaining momentum. Consumers are seeking options that support quick access, straightforward application processes, and transparent terms, particularly those that accommodate borrowers with bad credit scores or limited borrowing history.

    RadCred’s upgraded interface addresses these needs by focusing on ease of use and lender accessibility. The company’s role as a marketplace, not a lender, ensures that users can compare multiple products in one place without bias toward a single provider.

    Roadmap and Future Development

    Looking ahead, RadCred plans to introduce additional resources for borrowers. Planned updates include:

    • AI-powered matching tools for better loan-personalization
    • Educational content about managing loan repayments
    • Partnerships with credit unions and local banks to expand lender coverage

    These changes are designed to continue improving access and supporting informed borrowing personal loan decisions.

    About RadCred

    RadCred is a personal loan marketplace based in Glendale, California. The platform connects applicants with a network of licensed lenders offering unsecured loan products. These include personal loans, emergency loans, and installment loan plans tailored to a range of credit backgrounds. RadCred is not a lender and does not make credit decisions. Its goal is to simplify the loan search process and help borrowers compare offers efficiently.

    The MIL Network –