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Category: Fisheries

  • MIL-OSI Global: The best exercises to do while taking weight loss drugs

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack McNamara, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology, University of East London

    Body weight exercises, such as lunges, can be a great way to start resistance training. Andrey_Popov/ Shutterstock

    Weight loss drugs, such as those containing GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro, have emerged as effective tools for people struggling to lose weight. These drugs reduce appetite and sometimes slow digestion which can help people to consume fewer calories.

    But while these drugs can significantly lower body weight, it’s important you take steps to avoid losing too much lean mass while taking them.

    When we lose fat, it often unfortunately comes with a hidden cost: losing lean mass. Lean mass is made up of your muscles, bones and organs – essentially everything in your body that isn’t fat. Preserving as much of this lean mass as possible is vital for staying strong, keeping a healthy metabolism and enjoying a better quality of life.

    But why does losing lean mass happen in the first place? When we lose weight the body sometimes taps into muscle as a source of energy. Research shows that 20–30% of weight lost during a diet comes from muscle rather than fat alone. This is especially true if protein intake or physical activity isn’t sufficient.

    Loss of muscle matters for several reasons. First, muscle burns more calories than fat, even when you’re not doing anything. Maintaining muscle mass supports a healthier metabolism that can help you maintain your weight loss long term.

    Second, muscle is important for many everyday tasks – from lifting shopping bags to climbing stairs.

    Preserving muscle can also keep you feeling more energetic and reduce the likelihood of regaining weight later.

    Thankfully, resistance training (also known as strength training) has been consistently shown to help reduce muscle loss when losing weight. This holds true whether you switch to a healthier diet or use weight loss drugs as part of your strategy.

    Even though specific studies looking at GLP-1 agonist drugs combined with exercise are still limited, early evidence suggests that people who regularly do resistance workouts tend to retain more muscle than those relying purely on the drug or diet changes.

    Why resistance training works

    When you challenge your muscles against resistance – whether that’s weights, resistance bands or just your own body weight – you signal the body to preserve that valuable muscle tissue. Your body responds by strengthening the muscles involved during these exercises so they can handle that challenge again.

    If you’re in a calorie deficit – either from dieting or while taking a weight loss drug – these exercises help direct your body to burn more fat instead and hang on to muscle. There’s also a beneficial metabolic effect: muscle tissue burns more calories at rest than fat, which can support long-term weight management.

    Cardio helps maintain lean mass.
    Pressmaster/ Shutterstock

    Even short sessions of resistance training a few times a week can help. One study found that resistance training for as little as 11 minutes per session, three times a week was enough to elicit changes.

    You don’t even need a gym membership or fancy machines. Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, lunges and planks are a great place to start. Add simple items like water bottles or backpacks filled with books for extra resistance. Over time, you can consider using resistance bands or free weights (such as dumbbells) to challenge your muscles as you get stronger continuously.

    Also, consider adding moderate cardio activities such as brisk walking, cycling or swimming. Cardio helps burn additional calories, benefits heart health and nicely complements resistance training enhancing reductions in body fat.

    Keeping active

    Some people worry about feeling too tired or lightheaded to exercise while on weight loss drugs. Monitoring how your body responds is essential, especially at the beginning. You might find it easier to break workouts into short sessions, such as 10 to 15 minutes of strength training, two or three times a day. This approach can be less intimidating and can fit into a busy schedule.

    Some other things you can do when starting resistance training include:

    • Start slow: If you’ve never lifted weights or done formal exercise before, try simple bodyweight moves first. Squats, push-ups (on your knees if needed) and planks are good starting exercises.
    • Use resistance bands: These are affordable, portable and offer varying difficulty levels. Using bands, you can perform exercises such as biceps curls, shoulder presses and glute bridges. Resistance bands can provide a safer, more accessible and versatile way to build a foundation for those new to weight training.
    • Focus on major muscle groups: Aim to work your legs, back, chest, shoulders arms and core. Focusing on major muscle groups improves functionality for daily activities, supports weight loss and reduces injury risk by strengthening large, stabilising muscles.
    • Mind your form: Good technique is crucial to avoid injury. Move slowly and with control, especially when adding weight or increasing resistance.
    • Track progress: Whether it’s increasing the number of reps, adding heavier weights or improving balance, keep note of your achievements. Progress can be a great motivator.

    Taking weight loss drugs can be a gamechanger for people who have struggled to lose weight. But medication alone won’t necessarily protect your muscle mass or overall strength. Resistance training helps ensure muscle isn’t sacrificed as fat is lost. It also supports a healthy metabolism and can improve energy levels, making daily activities more manageable and more enjoyable.

    Combining weight loss drugs with a balanced diet, regular resistance workouts and some cardio makes you far more likely to preserve the lean mass that helps keep your body strong and functional. This balanced approach isn’t just about the number on the scale — it’s about feeling capable, staying healthy, and setting yourself up for long-term success.

    Jack McNamara 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 best exercises to do while taking weight loss drugs – https://theconversation.com/the-best-exercises-to-do-while-taking-weight-loss-drugs-246641

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Most of Britain’s peat bogs could stop forming new peat as the climate changes – new study

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jonathan Ritson, Research Fellow, Geography, University of Manchester

    Joe Dunckley / shutterstock

    By the 2080s, climate change will mean most of Britain’s peatlands could be too dry to form new peat. That’s the stark warning from a new academic study my colleagues and I just published in the Journal of Applied Ecology.

    Peat bogs are found in areas where there is lots of rain but poor drainage. These vital ecosystems are relied upon to deliver drinking water, host rare plant and bird life and to mitigate the risk of floods by slowing rainwater as it heads downstream.

    Perhaps most importantly, peatlands also sequester huge amounts of carbon. That’s because peat is made of the remnants of plants accumulated over hundreds or thousands of years. Waterlogged conditions mean the plants don’t fully decompose, so the carbon they’re made of is kept in the ground and isn’t released into the atmosphere. Peat can be several metres deep so all that plant matter adds up – per square metre, a typical British peat bog stores far more carbon than a tropical rainforest.

    As peat needs very wet conditions to form, our study first mapped out the temperature and rainfall conditions under which this has occurred in the UK in the past. We then took the Met Office’s UK climate projections and looked at where these conditions would continue to occur by the 2080s. The results were, quite frankly, shocking.

    Although small pockets of favourable conditions may still be present in Wales, and larger ones in Scotland, the outlook for England is dismal, with barely any areas continuing to be suitable for peat formation due to increasing temperatures and lower summer rainfall.

    UK peatlands. The large red patch at the top of mainland Scotland is the Flow Country.
    James Hutton Institute / Biogeochemistry

    In the “Flow Country” of northern Scotland, a bog so big it has been designated a Unesco world heritage site, the area in which we might expect peatlands to thrive is likely to be reduced by at least 50% even in the best-case climate scenario. This scenario of mild warming is, unfortunately, unlikely to happen. More extreme scenarios of peatland degradation are increasingly realistic.

    We still don’t know exactly what this will mean for the peatlands in places like Exmoor or Dartmoor in southern England, however we do know that life will become more and more challenging for these precious ecosystems. Not experiencing the temperature and rainfall that caused peat formation in the first place could mean they start to emit the carbon currently stored, as this is reliant on them staying wet and boggy.

    Peatlands are naturally resilient and aren’t going to disappear overnight (the Peak District in northern England was heavily degraded for over a century, yet still hosts many metres of peat soils). But conservation and restoration work is going to be ever more necessary if we are to preserve these landscapes as carbon sinks rather than sources.

    More money for conservation

    One ray of light in all this is that the challenging conditions in England could actually unlock more money for conservation efforts. The UK Peatland Code is a climate finance initiative that allows landowners to generate income from peatland restoration by selling carbon credits. The number of credits they can claim is based on the difference in avoided emissions from a “do nothing” scenario in which they do no restoration.

    Our new results show that doing nothing could be even worse than previously thought, meaning more carbon finance may be unlocked. Perversely, bad news for England’s peatlands could bring about the money needed to save them.

    Thankfully, through measures such as the government’s Nature for Climate scheme and ongoing investment in fundamental peatland science, the UK has something of a head start in peatland restoration. Techniques that were once trialled in small areas are now being rolled out across whole landscapes.

    Gully blocking to raise peatland water tables and limit carbon loss, as part of the GGR-Peat project at the National Trust High Peak Estate.
    Jonathan Ritson

    The Great North Bog initiative, as one example, has linked together restoration organisations, researchers and landowners to deliver restoration across four national parks and three national landscapes. This is truly the scale that is needed if the UK is serious about meeting its climate targets.

    More will be required, however, as huge swathes of peatland remain in a degraded state. While bleak messages like those in our new study could lead to resignation about the effects of climate change, there is an alternative way of looking at it: we must show how bad things could get if we don’t do anything, and then see this as a call to action.

    Jonathan Ritson has received funding from charities delivering peatland restoration.

    – ref. Most of Britain’s peat bogs could stop forming new peat as the climate changes – new study – https://theconversation.com/most-of-britains-peat-bogs-could-stop-forming-new-peat-as-the-climate-changes-new-study-248515

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. helps fruit growers prepare for extreme weather

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    New funding is available to help tree-fruit growers prepare their orchards for extreme weather so people can continue to enjoy the B.C. peaches, cherries and apples that so many farming families and communities depend on.

    “Last summer, British Columbians saw almost no local cherries available and missed out on having delicious Okanagan peaches to enjoy,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “We know these climate impacts will continue, which is why we’re helping growers with a new program so their crops and businesses become more resilient in the face of increasingly challenging growing conditions.”

    The new $5-million Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program will help fund things such as protective covers, energy-efficient heaters and wind machines to help during periods of extreme cold, as well as canopy sprinklers and shade protection to help ward off the effects of extreme heat. The program also is open to applications for innovative projects to support industry resiliency.

    “The Okanagan is home to B.C.’s iconic tree-fruit sector and through my conversations with growers, I know how hard it has been for them to deal with the effects of extreme heat and extreme cold,” said Harwinder Sandhu, parliamentary secretary for agriculture and MLA for Vernon-Lumby. “Climate change is a real challenge for our farming communities and this new program will help growers with projects and equipment that support their farms’ profitability, resiliency and sustainable food production for the years ahead.”

    Multiple growers may also jointly apply for a project that benefits more than one producer, such as a wind machine that could be used on multiple properties.

    “As one of B.C.’s largest cherry producers, we are seeing an increasingly volatile climate stretching the ability of growers to adapt,” said David Geen, CEO of Jealous Fruits Ltd. “Climate mitigation strategies, such as frost-control materials, installation of wind machines, and researching and developing hardier genetics and varieties can all contribute to a more stable cherry industry. It is great that the B.C. government is listening to grower concerns and providing funding for these industry endeavours.” 

    The program was developed with input from the B.C.Fruit Growers Association and the B.C. Cherry Association. The program was announced in August 2024 as one part of government’s efforts to help tree-fruit growers through challenges faced by their industry.

    “We greatly appreciate the B.C. government’s commitment to supporting tree-fruit growers with the new $5-million Tree Fruit Climate Resiliency program. This funding is a significant step toward helping us prepare our orchards for the challenges posed by extreme weather, ensuring that families and communities can continue to enjoy our locally grown peaches, cherries, and apples,” said Deep Brar, vice-president, B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, and a tree-fruit grower. “The climate has been exceptionally tough on our growers for the past few years, with devastating impacts from heat domes and cold snaps. We look forward to working closely with the government and other stakeholders to ensure the tree fruit industry in British Columbia remains strong and sustainable for generations to come.”

    Quick Facts:

    • The $5-million program will provide 80% cost-share funding for eligible projects up to a maximum of $100,000 per farm business.
    • Applications are being accepted and will continue until funds are fully committed.
    • Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff are available to answer questions regarding eligible activities, costs and/or the application process.
    • Applicants can contact AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca with questions about the program or to receive support in developing their applications.
    • The program builds on the extreme-weather-preparedness program and offers specific support to tree-fruit producers following several years of extreme weather that severely affected peach, pear, plum, cherry and apple producers.

    Learn More:

    Program and application information are available here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/tree-fruit-climate-resiliency-program

    Additional support for B.C. Fruit growers was announced in August: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024AF0035-001295

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Landsbankinn hf.: 2024 financial results of Landsbankinn

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Landsbankinn’s profit in 2024 was ISK 37.5 billion after taxes, as compared with ISK 33.2 billion the previous year.
    • Return on equity (ROE) in 2024 was 12.1%, compared with 11.6% in 2023.
    • Profit in the fourth quarter of 2024 was ISK 10.6 billion and return on equity 13.3%.
    • The Board of Directors intends to propose that the Annual General Meeting approve a dividend payment in the amount of nearly ISK 19 billion for the year 2024, corresponding to around 50% of the year’s profit.
    • Total taxes paid by the Bank, both income tax and a special tax on financial undertakings, amounted to ISK 17.2 billion.
    • Operating expenses increase in line with price levels yet the Bank’s cost-income ratio has never been lower, or 32.4%.
    • Lending grew by ISK 177 billion during the year, or 10.8%. Customer deposits increased by ISK 180 billion, or 17,2%, at the same time.
    • Increased activity and new services contributed to growing commission income, with net fee and commission income increasing by 2.3%. 
    • Net interest margin as a ratio of average asset position was 2.7% in 2024 compared to 3.0% for 2023. The net interest margin of domestic households was 2.1%.
    • Use of Landsbankinn’s app continued to grow and surveys show that users are very satisfied with it. Customers who invest their under Smart Savings in the app grew by 39% in 2024, meaning that around 59,000 customers now gain the best interest terms offered on a non-indexed account.
    • Net credit impairment of financial assets was negative by ISK 2.8 billion, with ISK 2.7 billion thereof attributable to natural disaster on the Reykjanes peninsula.
    • The capital ratio at year end was 24.3%. The Financial Supervisory Authority (FSA) of the Central Bank of Iceland sets Landsbankinn’s total capital requirement at 20.4%.
    • Today, the Bank publishes detailed sustainability information, including calculation of the carbon footprint of its credit portfolio, which has decreased by 20% from the reference year, 2019.
    • In 2024, 57.7% of the Bank’s new funding was green and a total of 61.3% of non-domestic funding is green.
    • In September, the FSA published the results of its assessment, finding that Landsbankinn is eligible to control a qualifying holding in TM tryggingar hf. (TM). The conclusion of the Icelandic Competition Authority in the same case is pending.
    • The Pillar III risk report for 2024 is published alongside the annual financial statements.
    • Landsbankinn’s Annual & Sustainability Report will be published 13 February 2025.

       
    Lilja Björk Einarsdóttir, CEO of Landsbankinn:  

    “Landsbankinn achieved all of its main objectives in 2024, whether related to customer service, financial performance or operations. Profit amounted to ISK 10.6 billion in the fourth quarter and ISK 37.5 billion for the full year. Annualised return on equity was 12.1%. The fourth quarter was one of the strongest in the Bank’s history.

    The Bank’s strong performance is built on solid foundations. Over the past ten years, the Bank’s total assets have grown by ISK 1,083 billion and equity by ISK 74 billion, alongside total dividend payments to shareholders amounting to ISK 192 billion. Operating expenses have remained stable, the number of full-time positions has decreased in tandem with technological advancements and the ratio of operating expenses to average total assets – a common measure of bank efficiency – has never been lower. As a result, the Bank’s competitiveness and strength have increased, enabling it to better support value creation and investments. The net interest margin has declined between periods, and the Bank is positioned to offer more favourable terms while still maintaining acceptable profitability.

    The Bank’s strong financial position benefits society by increasing lending capacity. Total loan growth for the year amounted to ISK 177 billion, with around 60% of this increase from corporate lending. Landsbankinn remains the largest lender to the construction industry and has maintained a strong position in lending to fisheries, despite intense competition from foreign financial institutions, which can offer better terms due to greater economies of scale and lower taxes. Our focus on improving services for small and medium-sized enterprises has yielded strong results and we see many opportunities in this market. Demand for the Bank’s mortgage loans exceeded expectations, clearly indicating that borrowers are seeking competitive terms, fast service, and high-quality customer support. When the fixed interest rate period ended for customers who had fixed rates when they were at their lowest, we personally called each one to offer advice and go over the available options.

    The increase in lending is backed by strong financing, not least growing customer deposits, which increased by ISK 180 billion over the year. Competitive rates and first-rate digital services have played a key role in this development. Throughout the year, the number of customers using the Bank’s Smart Savings in the app grew by 39%, allowing them to benefit from the best available rates on unrestricted accounts. Currently, around 59,000 individuals use this simple and favourable savings solution. Funding on both international and domestic capital markets was also successful. A noteworthy milestone was the issuance of senior non-preferred bonds, the first-ever issuance of its kind by an Icelandic bank. The success of bond issuances confirms the Bank’s strong financial position, which was also reflected in an upgrade in its credit rating. We believe that all conditions are in place for further improvements in the credit rating over the coming 1-2 years.

    The Bank’s net interest margin declined during the year, reflecting the lower interest rate environment and there was a slight decrease in net interest income. Fee and commission income grew, particularly due to strong performance in acquiring services, where the Bank has firmly established its position. In 2024, 757 new businesses joined our acquiring services, including several of the country’s largest retail companies. The payment acquiring service has expanded the Bank’s service offering, boosted customer satisfaction, and created new growth opportunities in the corporate market: Nearly 40% of businesses that joined the service had no prior banking relationship with us.

    Similarly, the Bank’s acquisition of TM presents significant growth opportunities, both on the corporate and retail side. We believe that the integration of banking and insurance services will be beneficial for customers, cost-efficient and full of potential, as evidenced by the success of similar models across Europe. At the same time, the acquisition will diversify revenue streams and support long-term profitability. The Bank’s strategic focus in recent years, providing outstanding service across Iceland both on-site and through leading digital solutions, including a top-tier app, creates exciting opportunities for both the Bank and TM.

    One of the most significant events on the Icelandic market last year was JBT’s acquisition of Marel. Landsbankinn has long held an indirect ownership stake in Marel through Eyrir Invest, dating back to Eyrir’s refinancing in 2009. The value of this stake in Eyrir has fluctuated significantly over the years, at times impacting the Bank’s financial results considerably. Overall, the Bank’s involvement with Marel and Eyrir has been successful.

    The vast majority of our customers use Landsbankinn’s app for their banking needs. The app is intuitive, offering unique features not available elsewhere and user satisfaction surveys indicate high approval. We are committed to continuous improvement, having released 33 app updates last year. Alongside our focus on development of the app and other digital innovation, we remain dedicated to the human element in customer service. We operate 35 branches and outlets across Iceland and this year we placed even greater emphasis on enabling employees all over the country to work on tasks that are not limited to geographic location. The results have been undeniably positive, reflected in shorter processing and wait times, as well as higher employee satisfaction, with staff appreciating the diverse and challenging work opportunities. Landsbankinn is a trusted bank for a successful future and its performance in recent years proves that with a dedicated and ambitious team, anything is possible.”

    Landsbankinn’s financial calendar  

    • Annual General Meeting 19 March 2025  
    • Q1 2025 results 30 April 2025  
    • Q2 2025 results 17 July 2025  
    • Q3 2025 results 23 October 2025  
    • Annual results 2025 29 January 2026 

     

    For further information contact:

    Public Relations, pr@landsbankinn.is

    Investor Relations, ir@landsbankinn.is

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Cegedim’s revenue grew 6.3% in 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

         

    PRESS RELEASE

    Quarterly financial information as of December 31, 2024
    IFRS – Regulated information – Not audited

    Cegedim’s revenue grew 6.3% in 2024

    • Full year revenue rose 4.7% like for like to €654.5 million
    • Fourth quarter revenue grew 5.9% like for like to €178.7 million
    • All operating divisions contributed to growth in the fourth quarter

    Boulogne-Billancourt, France, January 30, 2025, after the market close

    Revenue

      Fourth quarter Change Q4 2024 / 2023
    in millions of euros 2024 2023

    reclassified(1)

    		 Reclassification(1) 2023

    Reported

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)(3)

    vs. reclassified(1)
    Software & Services 80.1 75.7 (8.7) 84.4 +5.8% +2.8%
    Flow 27.0 24.2 (0.6) 24.8 +12.0% +11.7%
    Data & Marketing 38.4 35.8 0.0 35.8 +7.1% +7.1%
    BPO 21.2 19.6 0.0 19.6 +7.8% +7.8%
    Cloud & Support 12.0 11.3 +9.3 2.0 +6.2% +6.2%
    Cegedim 178.7 166.6 0.0 166.6 +7.2% +5.9%
      Full year Change FY 2024 / 2023
    in millions of euros 2024 2023

    reclassified(1)

    		 Reclassification(1) 2023

    Reported

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)(4)

    vs. reclassified(1)
    Software & Services 307.8 302.3 (24.3) 326.6 +1.8% (1.2)%
    Flow 100.3 93.4 (2.5) 95.9 +7.3% +7.2%
    Data & Marketing 125.9 114.9 0.0 114.9 +9.6% +9.6%
    BPO 82.7 71.5 0.0 71.5 +15.8% +15.8%
    Cloud & Support 37.8 33.9 +26.8 7.1 +11.3% +11.3%
    Cegedim 654.5 616.0 0.0 616.0 +6.3% +4.7%

    Cegedim’s consolidated fourth quarter 2024 revenues rose to €178.7 million, up 7.2% as reported and 5.9% like for like(2) compared with the same period in 2023. All operating divisions contributed to like for like growth in the fourth quarter.

    Over the full year, revenues rose 6.3% as reported and 4.7% like for like compared with 2023. Marketing, health insurance, HR, and cloud businesses delivered the most solid growth over the full year. As expected, the Software & Services division felt the impact of comparisons with Ségur public health investment spending in 2023 and a slowdown in international sales because the Group decided to refocus its UK doctor software activities on Scotland, and then later decided to voluntarily place that business under administration.

    Analysis of business trends by division 

    • Software & Services
    Software & Services Fourth quarter Change Q4 2024 / 2023 Full year Change FY 2024 / 2023
    in millions of euros 2024 2023

    Reclassified(3)

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 2024 2023

    reclassified(1)

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)

    vs. reclassified(1)
    Cegedim Santé 21.3 18.1 +17.2% +1.8% 80.2 76.5 +4.8% (7.1)%
    Insurance, HR, Pharmacies, and other services 47.2 44.9 +5.1% +5.1% 176.7 173.3 +2.0% +1.9%
    International businesses 11.6 12.7 (8.2)% (3.5)% 50.9 52.5 (3.0)% (3.0)%
    Software & Services 80.1 75.7 +5.8% +2.8% 307.8 302.3 +1.8% (1.2)%

    Revenues at Cegedim Santé grew 17.2% as reported in the fourth quarter and 1.8% like for like. Reported growth over the full year came to 4.8%, but like-for-like revenues fell 7.1% due to the absence of Ségur public health investments, which generated revenue of €4.7 million in 2023. Reported growth includes Visiodent from March 1, 2024. The new subsidiary has already started marketing Group products like the Maiia appointment scheduling app and the Claude Bernard database to its clients, but those sales are not reflected in like-for-like growth.

    Others French subsidiaries saw reported revenue growth of 5.1% in the fourth quarter and 2% over the full year (1.9% LFL; Phealing acquired in Q4 2023). Over both the fourth quarter and the full year, the division was propelled by growth at the insurance businesses, thanks to robust project-based sales, and by HR, which is still getting a boost from its client diversification strategy. On the other hand, sales to pharmacies were down substantially—as they were at some of the competitors. This was partly because equipment sales slowed after many pharmacies updated their equipment in 2023. In addition, the pharmacy software business took in more than €2 million in Ségur public health investment revenues in 2023, creating a tough comparison.

    Internationally, revenues from software sales to UK doctors declined, as expected, following the Group’s decision early in the year to refocus the activity on Scotland. Unfortunately, the market proved too sluggish for this plan to succeed. On December 10, the Group decided to deconsolidate this subsidiary after announcing it would be voluntarily placed under administration. That move aggravated the drop in reported revenues in the fourth quarter, which came to 8.2%.

    Flow Fourth quarter Change Q4 2024 / 2023 Full year Change FY 2024 / 2023
    in millions of euros 2024 2023

    reclassified(1)

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 2024 2023

    reclassified(1)

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)

    vs. reclassified(1)
    e-business 15.0 14.0 +7.1% +6.7% 58.5 55.4 +5.6% +5.3%
    Third-party payer 12.0 10.2 +18.7% +18.7% 41.8 38.0 +9.9% +9.9%
    Flow 27.0 24.2 +12.0% +11.7% 100.3 93.4 +7.3% +7.2%

    Fourth-quarter growth in e-business, e-invoicing, and digitized data exchanges was 7.1%. The boost came from a rebound in Invoicing & Purchasing in France and a continued surge at the Healthcare Flow segment, which started early in the year, owing to dynamic new offerings for hospitals that are designed to make their drug purchasing secure. Growth over the full year was a solid 5.6%.

    The digital data flow business dealing with reimbursement of healthcare payments in France (Third-party payer) experienced 18.7% growth in Q4. It was boosted by strong growth in demand for its fraud and long-term illness detection offerings. Over the full year, this trend more than offset the transfer of revenue attributable to the Allianz contract—now attributed to the BPO business—and allowed the unit to post growth of 9.9%.

    • Data & Marketing
    Data & Marketing Fourth quarter Change Q4 2024 / 2023 Full year Change FY 2024 / 2023
    in millions of euros 2024 2023

    reclassified(1)

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 2024 2023

    reclassified(1)

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)

    vs. reclassified(1)
    Data 22.4 21.0 +6.3% +6.3% 65.5 64.5 +1.6% +1.6%
    Marketing 16.0 14.8 +8.2% +8.2% 60.4 50.4 +19.9% +19.9%
    Data & Marketing 38.4 35.8 +7.1% +7.1% 125.9 114.9 +9.6% +9.6%

    Data businesses posted 6.3% yoy growth in the fourth quarter, cementing an improvement over the second half, particularly in France. Thanks to its strong presence on the ground and its agility in adapting to customer demands, the Data business has been able to post positive growth of 1.6% in 2024, following a remarkable year in 2023.

    The Marketing segment had a solid fourth quarter, up 8.2%, and a record year, with growth of 19.9%. The performance showed the soundness of its phygital media strategy for pharmacies and was bolstered by special ad campaigns during the Olympics.

    BPO Fourth quarter Change Q4 2024 / 2023 Full year Change FY 2024 / 2023
                    in millions of euros 2024 2023

    Reclassified(4)

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 2024 2023

    reclassified(1)

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)

    vs. reclassified
    Insurance BPO 15.4 14.0 +9.9% +9.9% 60.0 49.9 +20.2% +20.2%
    Business Services BPO 5.8 5.6 +2.8% +2.8% 22.7 21.6 +5.5% +5.5%
    BPO 21.2 19.6 +7.8% +7.8% 82.7 71.5 +15.8% +15.8%

    The Insurance BPO business grew by 9.9% over the fourth quarter, chiefly owing to its overflow business, which has been flourishing since the start of the year. Growth over the full year amounted to 20.2%, partly thanks to a favorable comparison stemming from the April 1, 2023, launch of the Allianz contract.

    Business Services BPO (HR and digitalization) reported growth of 2.8% in the fourth quarter and 5.5% over the full year on the back of a popular compliance offering and new clients.

    • Cloud & Support
    Cloud & Support Fourth quarter Change Q4 2024 / 2023 Full year Change FY 2024 / 2023
    in millions of euros 2024 2023

    reclassified(1)

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 2024 2023

    reclassified(1)

    		 Reported

    vs. reclassified(1)

    		 Like for like(2)

    vs. reclassified(1)
    Cloud & Support 12.0 11.3 +6.2% +6.2% 37.8 33.9 +11.3% +11.3%

    The Cloud & Support division’s trajectory continued over the fourth quarter, with growth of 6.2% bringing FY growth to 11.3%. The progress reflects our expanded range of sovereign cloud-backed products and services, which earned the ANSSI security visa for SecNumCloud certification.

    Highlights

    Apart from the items cited below, to the best of the company’s knowledge, there were no events or changes during Q4 2024 that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.

    On December 10, 2024, Cegedim announced that it had voluntarily placed its UK subsidiary—INPS, which sells software for doctors—under administration.

    Significant transactions and events post December 31, 2024
    To the best of the company’s knowledge, there were no post-closing events or changes after December 31, 2024, that would materially alter the Group’s financial situation.

    Outlook

    Like-for-like revenue growth(1) in 2024 was just below the bottom of the announced 5% to 8% range compared with 2023. Had the Group not refocused INPS on Scotland and then closed it later in the year, it would have met the 5% target. This performance is unlikely to jeopardize the outlook for recurring operating income, which is expected to continue improving.
    That said, the deconsolidation of INPS is likely to result in significant non-cash adjustments.
    These statements are not forecasts and are based on financial information that has not yet been audited.

    —————

    WEBCAST ON JANUARY 30, 2025 AT 6:15 PM (PARIS TIME)
    The webcast is available at: www.cegedim.fr/webcast
    The FY 2024 revenue presentation is available at:
    https://www.cegedim.fr/documentation/Pages/presentation.aspx

    Financial calendar:

    2025 March 27 after the close

    March 28 at 10:00 am

    April 24 after the close

    June 13 at 9:30

    July 24 after the close

    September 25 after the close

    September 26 at 10:00 am

    October 23 after the close

    		 2024 results

    SFAF meeting

    Q1 2025 revenues

    Shareholders’ general meeting

    H1 2025 revenues

    H1 2025 results

    SFAF meeting

    Q3 2025 revenues

    Financial calendar: https://www.cegedim.fr/finance/agenda/Pages/default.aspx

    Disclaimer
    This press release is available in French and in English. In the event of any difference between the two versions, the original French version takes precedence. It was sent to Cegedim’s authorized distributor on January 30, 2025, no earlier than 5:45 pm Paris time.
    The figures cited in this press release include guidance on Cegedim’s future financial performance targets. This forward-looking information is based on the opinions and assumptions of the Group’s senior management at the time this press release is issued and naturally entails risks and uncertainty. For more information on the risks facing Cegedim, please refer to Chapter 7, “Risk management”, section 7.2, “Risk factors and insurance”, and Chapter 3, “Overview of the financial year”, section 3.6, “Outlook”, of the 2023 Universal Registration Document filled with the AMF on April 3, 2024, under number D.24-0233.

    About Cegedim:
    Founded in 1969, Cegedim is an innovative technology and services group in the field of digital data flow management for healthcare ecosystems and B2B, and a business software publisher for healthcare and insurance professionals. Cegedim employs nearly
    6,700 people in more than 10 countries and generated revenue of over €654 million in 2024.
    Cegedim SA is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: CGM).
    To learn more please visit: www.cegedim.fr
    And follow Cegedim on X: @CegedimGroup, LinkedIn, and Facebook.

    Aude Balleydier
    Cegedim
    Media Relations
    and Communications Manager

    Tel.: +33 (0)1 49 09 68 81
    aude.balleydier@cegedim.fr

    		 Damien Buffet
    Cegedim
    Head of Financial
    Communication

    Tel.: +33 (0)7 64 63 55 73
    damien.buffet@cegedim.com

    		 Céline Pardo
    Becoming RP Agency
    Media Relations Consultant

    Tel.:        +33 (0)6 52 08 13 66
    cegedim@becoming-group.com

    		  

    ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

    (1) At constant scope and exchange rates.

    Annexes

    Breakdown of revenue by quarter and division

    in millions of euros   Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total
    Software & Services   74.3 77.8 75.6 80.1 307.8
    Flow   25.4 24.2 23.7 27.0 100.3
    Data & Marketing   27.0 32.3 28.2 38.4 125.9
    BPO   20.2 19.7 21.6 21.2 82.7
    Cloud & Support   9.0 9.1 7.7 12.0 37.8
    Group revenue   155.9 163.1 156.8 178.7 654.5
    in millions of euros   Q1
    reclassified    		 Q2
    reclassified    		 Q3
    reclassified    		 Q4
    reclassified    		 Total
    reclassified
    Software & Services   74.4 76.2 76.0 75.7 302.3
    Flow   24.0 22.8 22.4 24.2 93.4
    Data & Marketing   24.6 30.3 24.1 35.8 114.9
    BPO   14.4 18.4 19.0 19.6 71.5
    Cloud & Support   8.4 7.4 6.8 11.3 33.9
    Group revenue   145.9 155.1 148.3 166.6 616.0

    Revenue breakdown by geographic zone, currency, and division at December 31, 2024

    as a % of consolidated revenues   Geographic zone   Currency
      France EMEA
    ex. France    		 Americas   Euro GBP Other
    Software & Services   83.5% 16.4% 0.1%   86.9% 11.4% 1.7%
    Flow   92.1% 7.9% 0.0%   94.6% 5.4% 0.0%
    Data & Marketing   97.9% 2.1% 0.0%   98.1% 0.0% 1.9%
    BPO   100.0% 0.0% 0.0%   100.0% 0.0% 0.0%
    Cloud & Support   99.9% 0.1% 0.0%   100.0% 0.0% 0.0%
    Cegedim Health Data UK   90.6% 9.3% 0.1%   92.2% 6.6% 1.2%

    (1)   As of January 1, 2024, our Cegedim Outsourcing and Audiprint subsidiaries—which were previously housed in the Software & Services division—as well as BSV—formerly of the Flow division—have been moved to the Cloud & Support division in order to capitalize on operating synergies between cloud activities and IT solutions integration.
    (2)   At constant scope and exchange rates.
    (3)   The positive currency impact of 0.2% was mainly due to the pound sterling. The positive scope effect of 1.1% was attributable to the first-time consolidation in Cegedim’s accounts of Visiodent starting March 1, 2024.
    (4)   The positive currency impact of 0.2% was mainly due to the pound sterling. The positive scope effect of 1.4% was attributable to the first-time consolidation in Cegedim’s accounts of Visiodent starting March 1, 2024.

    (1)   3To take advantage of synergies, Cegedim Outsourcing, Audiprint, and BSV have been reassigned to the Cloud & Support division.
    (2)   At constant scope and exchange rates.

    (1)   4To take advantage of synergies, Cegedim Outsourcing, Audiprint, and BSV have been reassigned to the Cloud & Support division.
    (2)   At constant scope and exchange rates.

    Attachment

    • Cegedim_Revenue_4Q2024_ENG

    The MIL Network –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two jailed for murder of Sarah Mayhew in Croydon

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man and a woman have been jailed for murder after detectives pieced together a wealth of evidence to prove they murdered Sarah Mayhew, then dismembered her and dumped her body over several trips, in plain sight of the public.

    Steve Samson, 45 (10.05.79) of Burnell Road, Sutton, and Gemma Watts, 49 (22.07.75) of Holmbury Grove, Croydon, were sentenced to life imprisonment at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 30 January for the murder of Sarah Mayhew.

    Samson will serve a whole life order and Watts will serve a minimum of 30 years’ imprisonment.

    The pair were also sentenced to five years each for perverting the course of public justice, to run concurrently.

    At an earlier hearing they both pleaded guilty to murder and preventing a lawful burial.

    Detective Chief Inspector Martin Thorpe, from the Specialist Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: “I would like to send my deepest condolences to Sarah’s family and friends. A loss is always hard, but to hear about the way Sarah spent her last moments must be heart-breaking. I commend their bravery and strength throughout this investigation; we will continue to support them should they need us.

    “Secondly, I would like to commend my colleagues from across the Met. The dedication shown to this investigation, which has been complex and challenging, has been extraordinary, they worked around the clock to pull together the evidence needed to bring this case to court.

    “The investigation included viewing hundreds of hours of CCTV, extensive forensic examinations within the defendants’ houses, the searching of fields and rivers, witness accounts, and reviewing the defendants’ phones. These revealed messages detailing what the defendants planned to do to Sarah, with texts and voice notes recorded by the defendants themselves, also revealing their intention to carry out violent attacks on others.

    “Sarah was a young woman who had the rest of her life ahead of her, before it was selfishly taken by Samson and Watts for their own sadistic motive.

    “Their sick and twisted desires were heard in court by her family. They listened to traumatising evidence which revealed that the two enjoyed the pain and torment that they put Sarah through. No sentence can ever bring Sarah back or compensate for her loss, we ask for you to please respect their privacy during this tough time.”

    An investigation was launched following a call to police shortly after 09:00hrs on 2 April 2024, to reports of human remains found in Rowdown Fields in Croydon.

    A forensic examination revealed the remains to be of Sarah Mayhew, 38, who was living in Croydon at the time of her death.

    Shortly after the first discovery, remains were also found in Mitcham in May 2024. A further examination revealed that the remains also belonged to Sarah.

    The investigation revealed messages on Samson’s phone which showed a conversation that suggested the pair wanted to murder Sarah. The conversation revealed that Samson was going to invite Sarah over to his house to which Watts replied “only if it’s a deal she ain’t leaving in one piece” to which Samson added “okay”.

    Following on from the discussion further messages were sent that indicated a sexual and sadistic motivation.

    Sarah was last seen on CCTV entering a property in Sutton on 8 March 2024 accompanied by Samson and his dog. It is believed that Sarah was murdered on this day.

    Messages were found from the same date sent by Samson who was trying to justify what they had done. The message to Watts said “we’re not evil, we’re not evil”.

    Two days later, Samson was captured on CCTV in a retail shop purchasing a hacksaw, blades and a bucket.

    The pair then began their attempt to clean-up the crime scene and conceal their involvement in the murder. Watts was seen on CCTV in a retail shop buying multiple cleaning products such as bleach and scourers, a receipt was later recovered for these following a search of her property.

    Further intelligence found that as well as the cleaning products, a silver incinerator bin was purchased to burn Sarah’s personal belongings, which were never recovered.

    Officers discovered that Samson and Watts travelled to and from Rowdown Fields using public transport on 11 March 2024 while carrying oversized shopping bags, which they appeared to have struggled to carry.

    In April, parts of Sarah’s body were found in the same location.

    It was also found that the pair travelled to the River Wandle with a suitcase. CCTV showed them returning from their journey with no suitcase.

    Sarah’s torso was then found in May in the same location.

    Following the discovery of Sarah’s remains in April, Samson was arrested at his home address on 6 April 2024 and Watts was arrested later on the same day.

    A search of Samson’s house found traces of blood in the same black bucket he had earlier purchased.

    A forensic detection dog also indicated areas of interest, one being the bottom of a wall in Samson’s bedroom – testing revealed extensive amounts of blood.

    They were charged on 9 April 2024 and convicted as above.

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Schatz Presses Commerce Secretary Nominee Howard Lutnick on Census, NOAA Protection, Pacific Fisheries Consultation, AI Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    WASHINGTON — At today’s Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing for Secretary of Commerce nominee Howard Lutnick, U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) pressed Lutnick on conducting a fair census count, protecting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) from Project 2025 threats, consulting with Hawai‘i leaders on Pacific fisheries decisions, and strengthening artificial intelligence (AI) safety.
    First, Schatz asked Lutnick if he would pledge to carry out the census in an apolitical manner. Lutnick responded, “I promise you we will count each whole person. That’s what the Constitution says, and we will stick right to it rigorously.”
    Schatz then questioned whether Lutnick agreed with Project 2025’s threat to “dismantle” NOAA, to which Lutnick replied, “No.”
    Schatz also raised the issue of NOAA’s impact on the Hawai‘i Longline Fishery, asking, “Do I have your assurance that before NOAA, National Marine Fisheries, or anyone makes a move regarding our fishery in the Pacific that you will consult with our office, and our delegation, and the state of Hawai‘i?”
    In response, Lutnick said, “I’d be delighted to consult with your office… On the things that matter to you, I will happily commit to working with your office. That sounds like it would make me better at my job, so I’d appreciate your input.”
    Schatz brought up President Trump’s repeal of President Biden’s AI executive order, including potential impacts to the AI Safety Institute, asking, “What do we do in place of this and how quickly can we get it done? Because that part of this was one of the few things that we were not arguing about when it comes to AI policy.”
    Lutnick said, “The Department of Commerce has the gold standard when it comes to cybersecurity standards, so I think AI standards along the lines of that gold standard, that same model will be very effective. So that if you think of it as standards, I think we can get bipartisan agreement that we can find the right way to set those standards.”
    Schatz said he would continue to urge the Department of Commerce to ensure greater AI safety.
    Since the previous Trump Administration attempted to interfere with the count for political purposes, Schatz has led efforts to ensure a fair census. He has introduced legislation to ensure any future proposed changes are studied and tested.
    Video of Senator Schatz’s full exchange at today’s hearing is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Study Confirms Positive Impact of Early Release Initiative

    Source: United States Courts

    “I realized I could effect change as well as be the change,” said Brough, who now works as a driver transporting medical supplies and other goods across the Midwest. “It was fulfilling to know that my testimony played a pivotal role in the commission’s decision to make a rule change retroactive and allow more people like me to be released early and get a second chance at life.”

    The Judiciary is making increased use of early release from supervision as a way to allow low-risk former supervisees to get their lives on track earlier than they otherwise could.

    With early release, people who satisfy the terms of their probation and prove that they pose no danger to the community are freed from supervision before the date originally established by the court. Judges make the decisions on a case-by-case basis and must be satisfied that “such action is warranted by the supervisee’s conduct and is in the interest of justice,” according to a new report by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts (AO).

    The study found that the rate of approved early releases increased to 28 percent of all case closures in 2023, up from 22 percent in 2014. People who were considered low-risk based on scientific methods employed by probation offices were three times more likely to receive early termination than people in the high-risk category.

    Early release from supervision can also remedy the excessive terms of supervision given to non-violent drug offenders in recent decades. The study showed that people convicted of drug offenses were about two times more likely to receive early termination – 34 percent – than those convicted of weapons or public order violations.

    “Some people on supervision are at a high risk of recidivism and do need help, but that’s not everyone in our system,” said Thomas H. Cohen, an AO researcher who conducted the study. “The majority of them skew low risk. They should be monitored for some time, but if they demonstrate they are unlikely to commit a new crime, why not consider them for early release?”

    Robert Gumm was one of those low-risk people on supervision after serving nearly seven years in prison. His eyes welled with tears when his U.S. probation officer called him with the news that he had been approved for early release from supervision. For the first time in over a decade, Gumm was a free man and he was determined to right wrongs and rebuild trust within his community.

    “Nick, my probation officer, took a chance on me, and I’ve not let him down and I won’t let him down. But I also won’t let myself or my family down,” said Gumm, who now owns and operates a concrete business in Somerset, Kentucky. “The fact that he trusted in me meant everything to me.” 

    Gumm had been convicted of the illegal sale of the prescription drug oxycodone and served his time in a federal prison in Kentucky. Today, he is striving to be a positive force in his community. Gumm started a bass fishing team for junior and high school students and organized a fishing tournament for adults, which raised over $50,000 for Kentucky flood victims.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Art, music and science combine at a new whale exhibition at Winchester Cathedral

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ryan Reisinger, Associate Professor in Marine Biology and Ecology, University of Southampton

    University of Southampton, CC BY-NC-ND

    The nave of Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire is, until February 26 2025, home to three monumental ambassadors from the sea, sculpted by artist Tessa Campbell Fraser.

    In Campbell Fraser’s immersive art installation, three sculpted sperm whales (the largest of the toothed whales), hang from the cathedral ceiling. Toothed whales have teeth instead of the keratinous baleen that blue whales and others use to feed on tiny animals, such as krill. Sperm whales, which feed mainly on squid, are the largest predators alive today.

    Their ecology is strange, but impressive. They are socially sophisticated, massive-brained, far-wandering, deep-diving and loud. Sperm whale clicks are the loudest biologically produced sound ever recorded.

    Whales use these strange vocalisations to echolocate as they hunt for prey and to communicate to each other. In this installation, Campbell Fraser has creatively employed sperm whale clicks to vibrate paint on the banners that hang alongside the whales in the cathedral, serving as a visual representation of sperm whale “codas”. These repetitive patterns of clicks, lasting a few seconds, have intrigued researchers since they were first recorded off North Carolina, US, in the 1950s.

    We now know that groups of sperm whales are organised into “vocal clans” based on unique coda repertoires. These whale call signatures have probably been learned culturally, but scientists are yet to understand what they mean.

    While carrying out her research, Fraser Campbell referenced a multidisciplinary research collaboration that’s seeking to translate whale calls using artificial intelligence. Already, that project has discovered that sperm whale codas are far more complex than previously thought.

    The three whale sculptures (which are between three and five metres long) are made, in part, from “ghost gear” – this is abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear, collected at sea by British charity Ghost Fishing UK. Floating ghost gear, which includes fishing nets, can kill or entangle marine life such as whales.

    At the opening of the exhibition, Campbell Fraser recounted reports of stranded sperm whales whose stomachs were filled with plastic debris. One sperm whale that was found dead in Pas-de-Calais, France, had 25kg of debris, including nets and rope, in its stomach.

    Despite this lethal backstory, Fraser Campbell’s method of construction gives the whales an ephemerality and lightness. This seems at odds with their mass in real life, for sperm whales can weigh 45 tonnes, but it is apt considering they are nearly weightless in water. This has allowed baleen whales to evolve such massive bodies. Blue whales are the largest animals to have ever lived, despite feeding almost exclusively on tiny krill.

    These three sperm whales are on exhibition until 26 February 2025.
    The University of Southampton., CC BY-NC-ND

    Using netting in these sculptures represents, on one level, the increasing effects of humans on the ocean and whales. On another level, it hints at the long entanglement between human history and whales. Our spiritual, cultural and intellectual links with whales are represented through rich intersections of art and science.

    One famous literary example is the 1851 novel Moby Dick by Herman Melville, which artfully weaved descriptions of whale biology with the human story of pre-industrial whaling. This theme is also explored by our colleague Philip Hoare in his book Leviathan (2009).

    Unfortunately, people have negative effects on the oceans. The consequences of pollution, overfishing and climate change are widespread and increasing. Even in the furthest corners of the sea, whales may encounter humans or be affected by our influence, through climate change, noise and plastic pollution.

    Our research has shown how whale foraging areas in the remote western Antarctic peninsula overlap with an increasing fishery for Antarctic krill which now requires urgent and careful management to ensure its sustainability for people and whales.

    Through an unprecedented compilation of over 1,000 tracks from eight whale species globally, we have produced a world-first map of “whale superhighways” – the blue corridors whales use as they migrate across oceans. This map also highlights how these extensive migrations expose whales to a mosaic of threats at various scales. As a result, protecting whales requires coordinated effort at local and global scales.

    The art of acoustics

    Of course, scale is a key consideration in the design of cathedrals. Winchester is a particularly fine example – at 170m, it is the longest medieval cathedral in the world.

    On February 6, four composer-performers from the University of Southampton’s department of music will perform a specially commissioned, site-specific piece called Echolocations. The music will approach this intersection of art and scientific research from another angle, in part by responding to the expansive acoustics of the cathedral.

    Vocalist Liz Gre and pianist Ben Oliver, with live electronics performed by Pablo Galaz and Drew Crawford, will work with this acoustic to evoke the vast aquatic distances across which whales communicate. And inspired by the ghost netting in Fraser Campbell’s sculptures, the music will address the threat that ongoing human activities are having on marine ecosystems via noise pollution.

    We are polluting the oceans with plastic and sonic garbage. It sometimes seems we will be incapable of action until whale song ends up a digitally rendered collective memory.

    But this performance inspires the same qualities of imagination that enable us to conceive of building the gothic medieval wonder of the cathedral’s nave, conquer oceans to build global trade networks, mine the ocean floor and use machine learning to understand whale song. This level of imagination will be vital in creating a new set of sustainable relations with the rest of the planet.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Ryan Reisinger receives funding from WWF and the UK Government through Darwin Plus.

    Drew Crawford 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. Art, music and science combine at a new whale exhibition at Winchester Cathedral – https://theconversation.com/art-music-and-science-combine-at-a-new-whale-exhibition-at-winchester-cathedral-248024

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Turning the tide of hepatitis C treatment in Machar Colony, Pakistan

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    In southern Pakistan’s Sindh province, on the edge of Karachi’s bustling fish harbour, sits Machar Colony. It is an informal settlement where life is harsh, often unkind, and plagued by overcrowding, poor sanitation, and limited access to basic services. The community’s struggles with health and well-being have long been exacerbated by these conditions, leaving residents vulnerable to a range of medical issues. 

    Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) had been providing essential healthcare services in Machar Colony since 2012, offering emergency services, maternal health, and general health consultations. However, as the years progressed, MSF’s team noticed troubling patterns at our health clinic.  

    “Many residents started coming in with symptoms such as body aches, fatigue, decreased appetite, fever, or sometimes infection signs that hinted at a serious health issue,” says Dr Khawar Aslam, the project’s medical lead, who has been working with the team since 2014.

    “As we investigated further, we found that a significant number of these cases were related to hepatitis C, a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to severe health complications.” 

    “Notably, during that time, Pakistan had the second-highest hepatitis C disease burden globally, and had already initiated its national hepatitis control programme in 2005,” says Dr Aslam. 

    A skilled lab technician carefully sets up a cartridge for accurate hepatitis C testing with the GeneXpert® at the MSF clinic in Machar Colony, Karachi, Pakistan, April 2024.
    Asim Hafeez

    Hepatitis C transmission in Pakistan is largely driven by inadequate sterilization of medical equipment and the improper reuse of needles and syringes. Contaminated blood transfusions also pose a significant risk. Common practices like barbering, tattooing, and piercing are contributing to the spread of the virus, as equipment is often not properly sterilized. In addition to these factors, the growing issue of intravenous drug use is also fuelling the transmission of hepatitis C in Pakistan.  

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of April 2024, Pakistan has the highest number of viral hepatitis C infections in the world, with around 8.8 million cases. The country accounts for 44 per cent of all new hepatitis C infections attributed to unsafe medical injections. People are usually screened for hepatitis C only when they start showing signs of liver disease, which is often too late. If left untreated for too long, hepatitis C can progress to severe liver disease and even liver cancer. 

    “Even those who recognised their condition, either elsewhere or at our clinic, often faced obstacles to treatment, including high costs and the challenge of travelling to distant hospitals.” 

    “Residents have limited income sources, primarily relying on fishing, daily wage work, or small-scale businesses, which barely cover their daily needs,” Dr Aslam continues.

    “Additionally, upon referrals to other hospitals, identity cards were required for hepatitis C care; however, most of the community in Machar Colony was undocumented, so they were refused treatment.”

    Recognising the urgent need for action, in 2015 MSF started a comprehensive programme to provide free testing and treatment directly to residents. The hepatitis C services were integrated into the existing healthcare facility, allowing our teams to reach people who would otherwise remain unaware of their condition. In 2018, we closed our basic healthcare services and shifted our focus solely to the treatment of hepatitis C patients. 

    During a mobile clinic in Machar Colony, Karachi, MSF nurse Aman Ullah explains more about the symptoms of hepatitis C, how it affects people, and what measures can be taken to prevent it, Pakistan, November 2023.
    Gul Nayab/MSF

    “My wife was diagnosed with hepatitis C about a year ago and received successful treatment at the MSF clinic in Machar Colony,” says Javeed Ali, one of the programme’s patients.

    “When I subsequently developed symptoms such as leg and back pain, as well as weakness, I sought medical attention and was referred to the MSF clinic.” 

    “Inspired by my wife’s positive experience, I underwent testing and was diagnosed with hepatitis C,” says Ali. “I then completed a three-month treatment course, and fortunately, my follow-up test results were negative. My wife and I are both now in good health.” 

    To effectively address the crisis, MSF implemented a proactive strategy focused on community engagement. In a basic healthcare setup, free-of-charge hepatitis C services including screening, diagnosis, treatment, health education, and patient support were provided under one roof.  

    Between 2022 and 2024, MSF teams conducted widespread testing, going door-to-door and using mobile vans to offer in-home testing for residents aged 12 and older. This approach, called ‘bending the curve’, ensured that no one was overlooked and that those who tested positive were quickly referred for treatment, helping to bend the curve of hepatitis C prevalence in the community. 

    “By offering free services in one location, we made it easier for people to access care,” says Dr Aslam. 

    MSF also collaborated with the Ministry of Health to bring hepatitis C care closer to the community. In August 2022, we established a treatment facility at the Baldia town rural health centre, in Kemari district, Karachi. In this initiative, patients referred from Baldia hospitals’ outpatient departments, and those identified by community health workers, were screened for hepatitis C. The community health workers were trained to educate the community about hepatitis C risk factors and prevention.  

    Patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C received treatment for 12 or 24 weeks, depending on the severity of their liver disease. Additionally, all patients were offered hepatitis B vaccination to prevent future infections. This centre, handed over to the Ministry of Health in August 2023, serves as a crucial hub for hepatitis C treatment in the region. It is equipped with modern diagnostic tools and is now recognised as a key site for hepatitis care in Sindh province. 

    MSF team members during an outreach activity to find and support hepatitis C patients in a neighborhood of Machar Colony, Karachi, Pakistan, April 2024.
    Asim Hafeez

    In addition to reducing hepatitis C, MSF also played a vital role in Machar Colony during the COVID-19 pandemic. We supported vaccination efforts in Machar Colony and surrounding areas, ensuring residents received vital information about COVID-19 symptoms, prevention, and vaccination. MSF teams also distributed reusable masks and soap to help the community stay safe during the pandemic.

    As our hepatitis C programme concludes, the results are clear: thousands of lives have been transformed, and the rate of new infections has significantly declined. While hepatitis C remains a challenge in Machar Colony, the alarming spread has been curtailed, thanks to widespread awareness and early detection. 

    MSF has achieved the target of mobilising nearly 100 per cent of the community for hepatitis C awareness, and screening more than 72 per cent of residents.  Between 2015 and 2024, MSF screened over 129,922 individuals in our clinic and in the community, undertook 64,984 consultations for hepatitis C at the MSF clinic, performed 25,553 diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and provided treatment to over 9,398 patients. Among them, 6,909 completed their treatment. Of the remaining people, 2,061 were lost to follow-up without completing treatment, 176 with completed treatment were lost to follow-up, 14 people died during this period, while for the remaining 50 people, either treatment was not completed or follow-up stopped. Of the 6,909 completed treatments, 6,755 were cured of hepatitis C, which is 93.3 per cent, while the remaining 459 failed treatment. The success of MSF’s treatment initiatives will serve as a model for similar programmes in other underserved communities across Pakistan. 

    Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) first began working in Pakistan in 1986 and currently provides a range of health services across all four provinces of the country, including maternal and child healthcare, primary healthcare, treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), and ongoing emergency responses. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: DLNR News Release-Additional Debris Trap Installed in Ala Wai Canal in Advance of Severe Weather, Jan. 29, 2025

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DLNR News Release-Additional Debris Trap Installed in Ala Wai Canal in Advance of Severe Weather, Jan. 29, 2025

    Posted on Jan 29, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

    DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

    KA ʻOIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    DAWN CHANG

    CHAIR

     

    ADDITIONAL DEBRIS TRAP INSTALLED IN ALA WAI CANAL IN ADVANCE OF SEVERE WEATHER

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    January 29, 2025

    HONOLULU – Installation of a temporary debris boom in advance of incoming severe weather was completed this afternoon by Hawaiian Dredging Co., on contract to the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR).

    Working with the state Dept. of Transportation (HDOT), the City and County of Honolulu, and Senator Sharon Moriwaki, this second debris trap is intended to divert any rubbish flowing down the canal into the permanent trap on the opposite side of the Ala Moana Bridge.

    Meghan Statts, administrator of the DLNR Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DOBOR), along with Dickey Lee from the DLNR Engineering Division, observed the deployment of the floating curtain (boom). Statts said, “We are trying to mitigate some of the debris coming down the canal with the big storm that’s predicted to hit us shortly.”

    The trap will augment the work being done upstream by HDOT. “HDOT has been a great partner,” said Statts. “They were up here earlier, yesterday and today, doing cleanup.”

    Statts said the issue of post-storm debris in the Ala Wai canal has been discussed for more than 30 years. DLNR is working closely with other agencies and Senator Moriwaki to create a long-term solution to the chronic, reccurring problem.

    The permanent DOBOR trap was cleared yesterday and only catches 20-25% of what flows downstream. It was fortified this morning with the expectation that additional debris diverted by the second trap will possibly fill it faster than normal.

    “We’re trying to catch as much as we can to help protect our natural resources and keep it out of the Ala Wai Small Boat Harbor and the ocean,” Statts explained. Unfortunately, over the years tons of debris have flowed out into the Pacific unchecked, she said.

    That creates potential navigational problems for boaters and recreational users of the Ala Wai canal, the small boat harbor and the ocean. When full of natural vegetation and manmade rubbish, the canal is also unsafe for people during storm runoff events.

    The Hawai‘i Department of Health advises the public to stay out of waters when they appear brown, murky, or contain visible debris, especially following storms or heavy rain when the water may contain higher-than-normal pollutant levels. Entering freshwater streams, canals or ponds increases the risk of bacterial infections, including leptospirosis.

    Statts concluded that when the Ala Wai canal was built as a flood control measure, people probably didn’t think much about the consequences of storm debris. She encourages people not to  throw trash into the canal or any of its tributary streams.

    “I think people need to remember that if you have trash, any kind of ‘ōpala, throw it away properly. Don’t drop it into streams or the canal because much of this stuff ends up in the ocean.”

    # # #

    RESOURCES

    (All images/video courtesy: DLNR)

    HD video – Debris trap deployment (Jan. 29, 2025):

    (Meghan Statts SOTS transcript attached)

    HD video – Ala Wai debris trap clearing (Jan. 28, 2925):

    Photographs – Debris trap deployment (Jan. 29, 2025):

    (Images 5722-5809)

    Photographs – Ala Wai debris trap clearing (Jan. 28, 2025):

    (Images 5667-5715)

    For more information on brown water pollution and health:

    Media contact:

    Dan Dennison

    Communications Director

    Hawai‘i Dept. of Land and Natural Resources

    Phone: 808-587-0396

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: New Report Finds that Work-From-Anywhere Employees Work Longer Hours

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jan. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new report from Cloudbrink, a leader in high-performance secure connectivity, reveals that work-from-anywhere (WFA) employees are starting earlier and logging off later than the typical eight-hour workday. In the report, “2025 Trends in Hybrid Work Report: The Facts Behind Balancing Security and Performance” usage data shows heavy transfer of data on Fridays, an indication that ‘work from anywhere’ employees actually put in longer hours than their ‘9 to 5’ counterparts — with heavy usage starting at 7:00 am and continuing to 7:00 pm. Despite employer fears about worker focus, the report concludes that employees are working quite a bit outside the office, but could be even more productive if technical challenges could be reduced. The report points to the impact on network performance by security measures such as VPNs and traditional ZTNA approaches as an issue impacting hybrid work.

    “Employers shouldn’t worry that remote workers are slacking off. It’s simply not true. Our data shows they actually work longer hours,” said Prakash Mana, CEO of Cloudbrink. “What’s really impacting productivity is when users waste hours trying to get work done because of network connectivity issues caused by VPNs and other outdated security. There’s no question security is a requirement, but it doesn’t have to slow down productivity outside the office.”

    Remote Work is Now Just Work  
    Cloudbrink analyzed its usage data pulled from thousands of users for more detail into how and when these workers are logging in when using Cloudbrink’s Personal SASE service. Perhaps not surprisingly, the heaviest work-from-anywhere day is Friday. In addition to weekdays, data transfer trends suggest many workers are also logging in on Saturdays and Sundays.

    According to a survey also commissioned for the report, more than half of all respondents say 40 percent or more of their employees work remotely at least one day each week. These workers need to securely connect to company resources yet often face a number of challenges in getting their work done. According to survey respondents, the number one challenge for remote workers is the inability to maintain a steady connection. This is followed by poor quality audio and video, hindering important conference calls that keep teams connected. Other top challenges include slow performance for file transfer, and the inability to access apps and systems. Each of these issues impacts more than 45 percent of remote workers according to the survey.

    Security vs Performance
    A primary cause of remote access challenges is the need to keep connections secure. Balancing security with access is a challenge for every employer with remote workers. Survey results say 70 percent of companies believe that their security negatively impacts performance and user experience. However, findings suggest professionals don’t understand the full impact or how to fix it.

    The hidden culprit: Packet Loss
    Diving more deeply into the issue, the report highlights one technical culprit of poor performance that is often overlooked: packet loss. Legacy and even some modern security approaches add latency which combined with packet loss can reduce a 100Mbps or 1Gbps connection to just a few Mbps. According to the report, “Adding just 0.5% packet loss on top of just 10 milliseconds of latency can cause throughput to plummet by 90%.” According to Cloudbrink, 60 percent of end users struggle with packet loss above 0.5 percent, enough to greatly exacerbate the impact of normal network latency.

    Mana added, “Unfortunately you can’t solve all connectivity issues with a bigger pipe. Frustrated workers paying for high-speed connections still experience maddening upload speeds that get slower instead of faster. Packet loss is the ten-ton gorilla hiding in the shadows, and it’s a more prevalent problem than most people think.”

    The Cloudbrink report is based on a combination of real usage data from millions of sessions a day from hybrid workers and a survey of 251 IT/network (57.8%) and cybersecurity (42.2%) professionals from a broad range of industry sectors. More than half of all participants in the survey work at companies with 5,000 employees or more. For more detail or to download a copy of the report go to: https://cloudbrink.com/trends-in-work-from-anywhere/

    About Cloudbrink
    Cloudbrink delivers a high-performance secure connectivity solution that significantly enhances productivity for the work-from-anywhere generation. The Personal SASE service offers up to a 30-fold increase in network performance and ensures a secure, seamless, in-office experience for employees, no matter where they are. With a focus on speed, simplicity, security, and savings, Cloudbrink streamlines management and support while providing edge-native zero-trust access for users and devices for simplified operations, reduced complexity, and fewer support calls. For more information go to www.cloudbrink.com.

    Media contact:
    Chris Fucanan
    AquaLab PR for Cloudbrink
    chris@aqualabpr.com
    916-345-3475

    The MIL Network –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: ‘Sustainable’ aviation fuel and other myths about green airport expansion debunked

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack Marley, Environment + Energy Editor, UK edition

    Taking off: emissions from the aviation sector. WildSnap/Shutterstock

    Environmentalists and locals have resisted a third runway at London’s Heathrow, Europe’s busiest airport, for more than two decades. Today, their efforts took a major setback.

    The UK government has announced it will give the green light to airport expansion. This is not guaranteed to increase growth in the national economy as Chancellor Rachel Reeves hopes. More flights and more emissions are certain, however, at a time when experts are practically screaming at governments to rein them in.

    This roundup of The Conversation’s climate coverage comes from our award-winning weekly climate action newsletter. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed.

    “No airport expansions should proceed” without a UK-wide plan to annually assess and control the sector’s climate impact said the government’s watchdog, the Climate Change Committee, in 2023. Aeroplanes are 8% of UK emissions and 2% of the world’s, but they also release gases that seed heat-trapping clouds in the upper atmosphere, which triples air travel’s greenhouse effect.

    While the government’s own advisers have effectively ruled out new runways for the sake of net zero, airport and airline bosses play a different tune. So what does the sector propose to manage its own pollution?

    Not enough cooking oil to save us

    Aviation is a notoriously difficult sector to decarbonise says Richard Sulley, a senior research fellow in sustainability policy at the University of Sheffield: “If electric or hydrogen-powered planes are possible, it won’t be for many years yet.”

    To justify air travel emissions ballooning in the meantime, the aviation sector has promised a mix of “supply-side” measures, like replacing kerosene with so-called “sustainable aviation fuel” (SAF), which Reeves described as “a game changer”, and making planes lighter and more fuel-efficient.

    Efficiency, in this context, is a slippery path to decarbonisation. When a high-emitting activity is reformed so that it consumes less energy, the efficiency savings are generally eclipsed by the increasing demand it drives.



    Read more:
    Expanding Heathrow is incompatible with net zero – here’s the evidence

    “Indeed, the sector’s own plans for growth will outstrip efforts to decarbonise through synthetic fuel, delivering a neutral effect at best,” Sulley says.

    Fuel consumption is the biggest emissions source in aviation.
    Sergey Ginak/Shutterstock

    “Demand-side” measures like fewer flights, taxes on frequent flying and domestic flight bans (see France) could cut emissions, he notes, but are seldom mentioned.

    The UK has set a target for airline fuel to be 10% SAF by 2030. So far we’re at 1.2% – and Sulley reports that the industry has not said how it will scale up in time.

    Even if airlines start taking their commitment to SAF seriously very soon, it’s a dubious solution to aviation’s climate impact according to political economists Gareth Dale (Brunel University) and Josh Moos (Leeds Beckett University).



    Read more:
    Why the world’s first flight powered entirely by sustainable aviation fuel is a green mirage

    Earlier SAF test flights burned coconut oil – 3 million coconuts to power a journey from London to Amsterdam, as Dale and Moos calculate it. At that rate, they argue Heathrow would exhaust the world’s entire crop in a few weeks (there are 18,000 commercial airports worldwide).

    Modern SAF is blended with waste products from farms and kitchens. But the pair argue that the market for used cooking oil is “notoriously unregulated”. SAF may in fact be relabelled palm oil from plantations that are erasing orangutan habitat in the tropics. Again, Dale and Moos argue there is not enough used cooking oil to meet existing, let alone future, demand.

    Transport for the rich, by the rich

    At least the hype around SAF addresses the main problem, albeit misleadingly. Policy experts David Howarth (University of Essex) and Steven Griggs (De Montfort University) marvel at how often “carbon-neutral airports” in aviation sustainability strategies simply mean terminals powered by renewable energy.

    “A terminal’s heating or lighting is, of course, largely irrelevant when its core business is as emissions-intensive as flying,” says Sulley.



    Read more:
    Heathrow 2.0: a ‘sustainable airport’ that pretends no one has to choose between planes and pollution

    Unfortunately for Rachel Reeves, a 2023 report by the New Economics Foundation found that any economic benefits of airport expansion will be largely confined to the airports themselves. Meanwhile, a wealthy subset of UK society can be expected to capture the biggest share of any new flight capacity. Each year, around half of British residents do not fly at all, Sulley points out.

    At the stratospheric heights of that subset are the private jet passengers who are served by “more or less dedicated airports” that are more obscure to the general public, says Raymond Woessner, a geographer at Sorbonne Université. A study published in November found that emissions from these flights rose by 46% between 2019 and 2023. The lead author described wealthy passengers using jets “like taxis”.



    Read more:
    L’insolent succès des jets privés, entre empreinte carbone et controverses

    “Discretion and anonymity” is what one airport nestled in the Oxfordshire countryside promises for “routine celebrity, head of state and royal visits”. Without state direction or regulation, it is these people who are setting the agenda for air travel.

    Woessner notes that the world’s richest man, Elon Musk, successfully lobbied to derail a high-speed rail project in California in 2013. Instead of an option that has shown its ability to cut flight demand, the US will be offered intercontinental rocket travel.



    Read more:
    With planning, high speed rail could reduce flight demand

    Musk’s company SpaceX says that rockets could ferry passengers between New York and Shanghai in under an hour. Rockets would burn “vastly more fuel per trip than conventional aircraft”, says aerospace engineer Angadh Nanjangud of Queen Mary University of London, but this might “drive critical research into carbon-neutral” methane-based rocket fuel.

    It would not be the first time an industry seeking to grow has used an as yet fantastical fuel to justify more carbon in Earth’s atmosphere.



    Read more:
    New York to Paris in 30 mins? How to achieve Elon Musk’s vision of rockets replacing long haul

    “There is the potential to create a good life for all within planetary boundaries,” say Dale and Moos.

    “But getting there requires clipping the wings of the aviation industry.”

    – ref. ‘Sustainable’ aviation fuel and other myths about green airport expansion debunked – https://theconversation.com/sustainable-aviation-fuel-and-other-myths-about-green-airport-expansion-debunked-248483

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    January 31, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New report published highlighting the value of seabed mapping

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A new report reveals the significant economic and environmental benefit of seabed mapping within the UK Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

    The report, developed by Eunomia Research & Consulting (Eunomia) defines the cost benefit relationship of seabed mapping to the UK economy. It highlights the potential benefits of seabed mapping in environmental conservation, compliance with legislation, and in varying maritime sectors like shipping, offshore energy, and coastal leisure.

    The report estimates that the average total benefits of seabed mapping in the UK EEZ is around £8.9 billion, compared to an estimated annual investment of £103 million each year. This represents a remarkable average estimate of cost benefit ratio of £86 benefit for every £1 spent.

    The majority of the value derived from seabed mapping efforts are from market sectors such as offshore energy and shipping, trades, and ports, with the remainder stemming from non-market sectors, such as environmental protection and legislative compliance.

    The importance of seabed mapping

    Seabed mapping has the potential to drive growth and innovation across a range of maritime sectors by improving navigational safety, supporting job creation and facilitating economic development.

    This data is critical to a range of maritime sectors and their associated value. For example, accurate seabed mapping is essential for the development of navigational charts to enable the safe passage of vessels and support maritime trade. Elsewhere, such data is critical for sectors like offshore energy, fishing and aquaculture, defence, and telecommunications, by identifying and surveying suitable sites for development.

    Beyond market applications, seabed mapping also contributes to environmental protection and marine resource management. This data helps establish conservation areas to protect marine habitats, while also monitoring levels of erosion and seabed landslides. In tandem, it plays a vital role in helping the UK government to comply with various regulations and legislations.

    Thanks to collective initiatives such as the UK Centre for Seabed Mapping (UK CSM), the UK has a coordinated approach to the collection and management of bathymetric and marine data. However, advancements in seabed mapping technologies in recent decades have allowed for a more comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of the seafloor.

    Foundation data for maritime decisions

    With the maritime industry making up a vital part of the UK’s national infrastructure, the UKHO commissioned this project with the goal of improving the quality, access and coverage of seabed mapping data across the UK EEZ. This aligns with the UKHO’s goal to support maritime decision making and the safe passage of vessels at sea.

    David Parker, Head of Hydrographic Programmes, commented:

    Mapping the seabed isn’t just about uncovering what lies beneath our ocean’s surface – it is a foundation data set for supporting economic growth, protecting our vital ecosystems, and steering the maritime industry towards a safer, more sustainable future.

    We hope the findings of this report demonstrate the tangible value in having comprehensive, accurate mapping of the seabed for the many organisations in the UK that collect this data and rely upon it for responsible decision making.

    You can download and view the report using the link below:

    Cost Benefit Analysis of Seabed Mapping (PDF, 992 KB, 51 pages)

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    Published 30 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: Defense Ministry Spokesperson’s Remarks on Recent Media Queries Concerning the Military on January 17, 2025 2025-01-21 The Lai Ching-te administration, in collusion with foreign forces, has been making constant provocations for “Taiwan independence”.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense 2

    On the morning of January 17, 2025, Senior Colonel Wu Qian, Director General of the Information Office of the Ministry of National Defense (MND) and Spokesperson for the MND, answered recent media queries concerning the military.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on January 17, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    (The following English text is for reference. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the Chinese text shall prevail.)

    I have one piece of information at the top.

    According to the cooperation plan between the Chinese and French militaries, General Wu Yanan, Commander of the PLA Southern Theatre Command and Rear Admiral Guillaume Pinget, Joint Commander of the French Armed Forces in the Asia-Pacific had a video phone call on the morning of January 17. They had an in-depth exchange of views on issues of common interest.

    Question: After an earthquake struck the city of Rikaze in Xizang, President Xi Jinping made important instructions. The PLA and the PAP are actively involved in rescue and disaster relief efforts. Please share more information on it.

    Wu Qian: On January 7, a 6.8-magnitude earthquake jolted Dingri County in the city of Rikaze in Xizang Autonomous Region and caused heavy casualties. President Xi Jinping attached great importance to the disaster relief work and gave important instructions. He emphasized that every effort be made to search for and rescue survivors, treat the injured, and minimize fatalities.

    Military organs and troops at all levels resolutely implemented the important instructions of President Xi and the CMC, making all out efforts to protect the safety of people’s lives and property and ensure social stability. The CMC Joint Operations Command Center promptly activated the emergency response mechanism and guided the PLA Western Theater Command and PAP troops to organize ground and air forces to effectively carry out rescue operations. As of January 15, the PLA and the PAP had all together deployed 2,055 service members and 869 militia personnel, 20 transport aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles, as well as 297 sets of vehicles and engineering equipment. They have rescued 27 people, relocated 2,756 people, set up 21 field medical support stations, treated and provided medical service to 22,359 injured, constructed 2,812 tents or portable houses, provided more than 95,000 portions of hot meals, transported disaster relief supplies of over 4,300 tons, and cleared more than 4,700 cubic meters of debris.

    When the people are affected by disasters, the military will come to their rescue. When the military and the people unite, there is no challenge we cannot overcome. The Tibetan for “Hello, PLA” echoing through the earthquake-stricken area reflects the profound bond between the military and the people. Standing together with the people in earthquake-stricken areas, the people’s military put into practice the fundamental mission of serving the people wholeheartedly with concrete actions, and built an unbreakable great wall of steel to protect the people.

    Question: Since the beginning of 2025, the PLA and the PAP have commenced their annual military training, making an all out effort to meet the military’s centenary goal. Please provide more information about this.

    Wu Qian: In 2025, military training will focus on responding to real security threats, enhance training under real combat scenarios, strengthen exercises on joint operations system, and fully leverage the deterring and conflict-preventing functions of military training. We will implement the arrangements made at the on-site meeting on basic training and the on-site meeting on combined training, conduct training in accordance with the new basic training outline, and address challenging issues by extensively conducting cross-service mixed formations training. We will give priority to training on new equipment such as new-type fighter jets, vessels and missiles, actively explore training in emerging fields such as unmanned systems and intelligent technologies, and create new growth points for combat capabilities. We will use more “technology+” and “cyber+” methods to solve training problems and advance innovations in technology-enhanced training. We will continue to carry out joint exercises and training with the armed forces of relevant countries and regions on more subjects, expand the scale of forces, increase joint training time, actively participate in international military sports competitions, and promote in-depth and practical training exchanges and cooperation between China and foreign countries.

    Question: General Liu Zhenli, Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the CMC, led a delegation to visit Malaysia and Indonesia. Please brief us more on the bilateral military relations between China and these two countries.

    Wu Qian: General Liu Zhenli, member of the CMC and Chief of the Joint Staff Department of the CMC, visited Malaysia and Indonesia from January 6 to 12. During the visit, the two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, such as the relations between the two countries and militaries, and international and regional situation. The visit aimed at implementing the important consensus reached between the leaders of China and these two countries, enhance strategic communication, deepen cooperation, and elevate the mil-to-mil relationship to new heights.

    Both Malaysia and Indonesia are friendly neighbors of China across the sea. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and the leaders of these two countries, China-Malaysia and China-Indonesia relations have witnessed rapid and comprehensive growth, and started a new chapter of building a community with a shared future. As an important part of bilateral relationship, the mil-to-mil relations have also made positive progress. Sound exchanges and cooperation have been realized in high-level exchanges, joint training and exercises, maritime security, and multilateral coordination under the ASEAN framework. We stand ready to work together with the two militaries to further consolidate strategic mutual trust, strengthen personnel exchanges, extend substantive cooperation, jointly uphold international fairness and justice, work together to implement the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and make joint contributions to peace, stability and prosperity of the region and beyond.

    Question: The first Type 076 amphibious assault ship PLANS Sichuan had its launching and commissioning ceremony recently in Shanghai, which received wide media coverage around the world. According to media of the Taiwan region, the ship has astonishing capabilities for three-dimensional landing operations, and the deployment of the ship would be the most dangerous moment for Taiwan. Some foreign news outlets also claimed that the ship will break regional balance of military power and bring unstable factors. What’s your comment?

    Wu Qian: It is a common practice for countries around the world to develop weapons and equipment in accordance with their national defense requirements. China’s independent development and construction of the Type 076 amphibious assault ship is a normal arrangement consistent with China’s national security needs and the overall development of the PLA Navy. The goal is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests and better protect peace and stability in the region and beyond. The vessel is a new-type amphibious assault ship independently developed by China. It applies electromagnetic catapult and arresting technology, and can carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and amphibious equipment. The ship has strong capabilities for amphibious and far-seas operations. After its launching, the ship will conduct equipment adjustments, mooring trials and sea trials.

    China stays committed to the path of peaceful development and a defense policy that is defensive in nature. The launching of the ship is a normal arrangement in the development of the PLA Navy. It is not targeted at any specific entity, region or country.

    Question: According to media reports, China’s military exchanges with foreign countries witnessed solid progress with many highlights in the year 2024. Please brief us more information.

    Wu Qian: In 2024, officers, soldiers and civilian personnel engaged in military diplomacy carried forward our fine traditions and made innovative efforts in our undertaking, and continued to improve the quality and efficiency of international military cooperation. First, shaping a favorable strategic environment. Staying in line with the directions set by head-of-state diplomacy, the Chinese military maintained close and practical military cooperation with Russia; progressively restored strategic communications and institutionalized dialogues with the US; deepened strategic communications with European countries, and engaged in exchanges with defense authorities and militaries from dozens of other countries. Second, safeguarding national sovereignty and security. We lodged diplomatic representations and released information in a timely way to respond to provocations and violations made by certain countries on the Taiwan question and the South China Sea issue, refuting the wrong words and deeds of relevant parties. Third, expanding multilateral diplomacy. As the host, the Chinese military successfully held the 11th Beijing Xiangshan Forum and the West Pacific Naval Symposium. We also actively participated in multilateral events like the Shangri-La Dialogue and the Defense Ministers’ Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to make our voice heard on multilateral stages. Fourth, deepening cooperation on joint training and exercises. For the first time, our troops participated in Exercise Peace Unity in Africa and Exercise Formosa in Brazil, which contributed to regional peace and stability. Fifth, fulfilling the responsibilities of a major country. China’s Blue Helmets (peacekeepers) stayed on their combat posts in war zones; Channel 16 (of the PLAN vessel-protection task forces) remains a code for peace in the Gulf of Aden and waters off the coast of Somalia; the Ark Peace, the PLAN hospital ship provided medical services to people of 13 countries in Asia and Africa; and humanitarian demining courses were organized for Cambodia and Laos. The Chinese military has been taking concrete actions to deliver hope, warmth and strength.

    In the new year, staff for military diplomacy will continuously act on Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military and Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy in promoting military diplomacy. We will uphold the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind and go all out to achieve the centenary goal of the PLA.

    Question: According to media reports, the Chinese military’s oxygen supply support system for plateau units has achieved initial results in recent years, effectively meeting the oxygen needs of troops stationed at high altitudes. Please provide more information about this.

    Wu Qian: President Xi and the CMC have always cared for the well-being and health of officers and soldiers stationed on the plateau regions, and have paid close attention to the issue of providing them with adequate oxygen supply. In recent years, we have developed a plateau oxygen supply support system covering large areas, establishing permanent storage points and a tiered distribution network. This system ensures that our troops on the plateau have access to oxygen during routine duties and can carry portable oxygen supplies during mobile operations. The transition from using oxygen solely for life-saving purposes to using it for improving health and conducting operations has significantly decreased the incidence of plateau-related diseases and acute altitude sickness among military personnel.

    First, we have constructed more permanent oxygen production and supply stations, and equipped more oxygen generators to high-altitude units, making oxygen supply available at the soldiers’ bedside. Second, mobile oxygen production facilities, like oxygen-generating cabins, have been deployed to mission areas, effectively overcoming the challenge of sustaining oxygen supply in remote locations. Third, portable individual oxygen supply devices have been issued to to troops, allowing for flexible utilization based on mission requirements. Fourth, we have intensified our efforts in technological innovation, initiating multiple projects for the development of new oxygen production and supply equipment.

    It is cold in the border areas, yet the troops there are full of passion. For a long time, border defense troops stationed on the plateau have guarded the borders in extremely harsh conditions, making great sacrifices for the country and the people. Their dedication to the country will never be forgotten, and their well-being always tugs at the heartstrings of the people.

    Question: It is reported that a naval vessel recently rescued a sick fisherman while performing a mission in the waters of Huangyan Dao. Could you please give us more details about it?

    Wu Qian: Recently, a Chinese fisherman on Qiongqionghai 03003, who was fishing near Huangyan Dao, suddenly suffered from gastric bleeding. The replenishment ship Qinghaihu of the PLA Navy, which was operating in the vicinity, promptly responded and transferred the ailing fisherman aboard for initial medical treatment. It then navigated to waters east of Yongxing Dao, where a rescue helicopter from the Sansha Maritime Search and Rescue Sub-center airlifted the fisherman to the People’s Hospital of Sansha City for further treatment. The fisherman has now been discharged from the hospital and is in stable condition. The Chinese military will continue to protect the safety of the people’s lives and property and contribute to peace and stability in the South China Sea.

    Question: According to the “Taiwan Central News Agency”, Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region recently said that countries like China and Russia threaten the rule-based international order and undermine peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond. Therefore, Taiwan needs to continue to raise “defense budget” and enhance “defense capabilities.” What’s your comment?

    Wu Qian: Lai Ching-te and his kind have betrayed their ancestors and what he said was far away from the truth. International documents including the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation have confirmed that the Taiwan region should be returned to China. Such fact is an important part of the post-WWII international order. The victory and outcome of the WWII must be respected and safeguarded. There is no other status of the Taiwan region in the international law than being a part of China.

    The Lai Ching-te administration, in collusion with foreign forces, has been making constant provocations for “Taiwan independence”. It is now the biggest source of chaos that undermines peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and the Asia Pacific. We warn the Lai Ching-te administration and separatists for “Taiwan independence” that any attempt to seek independence by force is just like holding back the tide with a broom, and will eventually lead to self-destruction. Those seeking “Taiwan independence” will never have a good end. The PLA will spare no effort to fight separatism and promote national reunification. We have full confidence that the Taiwan region will return to the motherland and will have a better future after its return.

    Wu Qian: The Chinese Spring Festival of the Year of the Snake is just around the corner. In Chinese tradition, the snake is a symbol of wisdom and vitality It also implies adapability and the conquering of the unyielding with the yielding. As families reunite to bid farewell to the past and embrace the future, I would like to extend warm New Year wishes to you all on behalf of my colleagues. Rest assured that the Chinese military will continue to stand by your side, offering warmth and protection. We will always be the sturdy support you can count on. May our country prosper and our people live in harmony.

    Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense (MND) of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), answers recent media queries concerning the military on January 17, 2025. (mod.gov.cn/Photo by Li Xiaowei)

    MIL OSI China News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Banking: GlobalData 2025 Cybersecurity Predictions: AI to change and complicate the game

    Source: GlobalData

    GlobalData 2025 Cybersecurity Predictions: AI to change and complicate the game

    Posted in Technology

    GlobalData expects in the coming year social engineering, regulatory compliance, and the need to streamline security infrastructure management to lead to shifts in the sector

    With every innovation that a legitimate developer creates, threat actors can and will weaponize. Despite advances in security technology, the threat environment will continue to be complex and challenging for enterprises in 2025. AI can be an important defensive tool, but it stands out as a dangerous instrument in hackers’ toolkits, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report “2025 Enterprise Predictions: Digital Trust and Resiliency,”  reveals that advances in AI will only fuel social engineering campaigns. Bad actors are evolving their social engineering tactics to exploit human vulnerabilities and carry out nefarious activities, including credential theft.

    Amy Larsen DeCarlo, Principal Analyst, Enterprise Technology and Services at GlobalData: “We expect AI to be incorporated in more identity and access management offerings to help better define user and device privileges, restrict access, and track behavior. Providers will extend the use of AI in areas like penetration testing, vulnerability management, and endpoint security.

    “Threat actors have everything to gain and little to lose, as prosecutions and convictions are relatively few and far between. Cybercriminals have long understood the biggest vulnerability in any enterprise is the human element.”

    Advances in AI, automation, and analytics will help ease some of the conflict that exists between enforcing security controls and optimizing end-user experience. GlobalData expects vendors and MSSPs to do more work to remove the friction between the two and improve the process without compromising security.

    On the security management front, enterprises have long struggled to collate security information from disparate sources in a cohesive way. While improvements have been incremental, there has been progress in resolving some of the security infrastructure issues that have hindered successful execution.

    Larsen DeCarlo continues: “In 2025, the industry will see advances that will support more proactive and effective cybersecurity. APIs will play an even larger role in helping organizations correlate data from disparate sources. While challenges remain, enterprises continue to make real progress in implementing DevSecOps initiatives. These will go a long way toward better internal development efforts.”

    GlobalData notes that with a new US administration and other shifts in power around the world, new agendas translate to regulatory changes. Hyperscalers responded to changes in data privacy requirements with more local facilities and personnel to meet data sovereignty laws.

    Larsen DeCarlo concludes: “This investment continues into 2025. The expectation is that there will be more demand for localized data processing and storage and not less. Unfortunately, even with the development of better tools to support compliance needs, the business of meeting these rules will remain a steep challenge.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Hen Harrier and More: What Rare Animals Have Been Discovered in the Capital’s Forests

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    More than 370 monitoring studies in 111 natural and green areas of the city were carried out by specialists from the capital Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection in 2024. They kept records of animals using scientifically proven methods, through observation, identification by voice and traces of their presence.

    “The results of the animal census for 2024 indicate a satisfactory ecological situation in the city. The identification of 157 species listed in the Red Book of Moscow confirms that the capital’s natural areas are an important link in preserving its rich diversity of flora and fauna. This achievement was made possible by constant monitoring of the state of ecosystems and comprehensive measures to protect nature,” said Azamat Kunafin, head of the biodiversity monitoring department of the city Department of Nature Management and Environmental Protection.

    In total, 408 animal species were recorded in 2024, which is 136 more than the year before. The number of identified protected species listed in the Moscow Red Book has increased. Among them are 10 species of mammals, including the European hare, common beaver and pine marten, as well as 74 species of birds. These include, for example, the stock dove, peregrine falcon, little bittern, marsh harrier and black-necked grebe. Rare species of reptiles, amphibians, fish, mollusks and insects were also noted.

    One of the most surprising findings of the 2024 monitoring was the Hen Harrier. This bird of prey belongs to the zero category of rarity. This means that such animals lived in a certain area, but now their presence in the wild is not confirmed. The discovery of the Hen Harrier indicates that the capital’s green areas have preserved conditions suitable for this species. Another significant discovery was the detection of the golden-pitted ground beetle, a rare beetle with a bright metallic color. The discovery of these rare inhabitants, listed in the Red Book of Moscow, indicates favorable changes in the city’s ecosystem.

    In 2024, the long-eared owl, the purple emperor and the camilla ribbon were also spotted. They belong to the second and third categories of rarity, which are assigned to species vulnerable to urban conditions. And for the first time in recent years, the greater spotted eagle, a large bird of prey listed in the Red Book of Russia, was recorded in Moscow’s natural areas.

    Biologists have also recorded the emperor dragonfly, one of the largest dragonflies that prefers clean and calm waters. This species is also listed in the Red Book of Russia and was considered endangered for a long time.

    In addition, specialists have recorded 57 species of butterflies, including rare representatives such as the swallowtail and the mourning cloak. Several species of bumblebees and bees of the Dasypodaidae family have been found on the city’s territory. And a special achievement of last year was the discovery of a rare, graceful day butterfly – the laodike fritillary.

    Every year in Moscow, not only the number of habitual inhabitants of natural areas, such as the European elk, raven, nightingale and jay, is growing, but also the appearance of rare and endangered species is recorded. This indicates an improvement in the environmental situation in the capital. The results of the animal census will form the basis for developing new environmental initiatives and strengthening measures to protect nature.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/149487073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Questions RFK Jr. on Medicaid, Federal Funding Freeze, and His Pledge to Fire 2,200 HHS Employees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

     

    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO OF THE FULL EXCHANGE IS AVAILABLE HERE 

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, today questioned President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy’s career has focused on touting disproven claims about vaccines, and he has a rapidly changing record on abortion rights. 

    Responding to Kennedy’s statements maligning Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, Sen. Warner said (0:05):

    “Well, I have to tell you, for literally hundreds of thousands of Virginians, Medicaid is what prevents them from health crises on a daily and weekly basis. And some imaginary new plan? If there was a new plan, that was to be the basis of what Trump was going to do on repealing Obamacare… I would have thought by now we’d have seen it.” 

    Sen. Warner’s questions also follow an unlawful directive from President Trump on Monday night to freeze trillions in government grants, loans, and programs. While the action was successfully blocked until Feb. 3 by a federal judge, it could still go into effect at that point, directly threatening countless federal benefits, funding for public schools and community health centers, local domestic violence shelters, firefighters and law enforcement, and much more.

    Kennedy’s campaign fundraised off this unlawful directive in an email to supporters, celebrating it as a way to “prevent unelected bureaucrats from further undermining our health freedom.” Kennedy’s unsuccessful presidential campaign is $2 million in debt, and the email was an attempt to garner donations from supporters to cover that shortfall. Questioning Kennedy on these decisions, Sen. Warner said (1:20),

    “So the fact that you celebrate this freeze, do you think that was a good idea to put all of this on hold for 90 days, NIH funding, and any kind of further work in your research? I’d like you to explain to a domestic violence center in Richmond that’s saying, because of this freeze, they may have to close down… where are those battered women going to go? Or to a rural nonprofit I’ve got in the Shenandoah Valley saying that freeze is going to potentially shut down their ability to operate…”

    Sen. Warner also pushed Kennedy on his pledge to remove 2,200 HHS employees, and asked what departments he might be firing people from. He also touched on President Trump’s questionably legal action to offer all federal employees a “buyout” (2:41):

    “Now, you’ve said publicly you want to immediately get rid of 600 workers on job one on day one… When we had our meeting, you said you actually like to get rid of 2,200 people from HHS. Which offices are you going to start cutting and ripping these 2,200 workers from? … When we’re looking at this purge and we’re looking at laying off workers, when we’re looking at potentially the president’s illegal offer to try to buy out federal employees, which I would say to any federal employees, think twice… has this individual in his business role ever fulfilled his contracts or obligations to any workers in the past? … But if you are in this position, will you pledge that you will not fire federal employees who work on food safety, work on trying to prevent things like salmonella?”

    While Kennedy refused to answer any specific departments he would protect or fire, Sen. Warner pushed him to see if his determinations on worthy departments would be at his discretion or based on President Trump’s ideas. When Kennedy responded that it would be his choice, Sen. Warner answered (5:09),

    “So I guess that means a lot of folks who’ve had any type of views on vaccines will be out of work.”

    Sen. Warner went on to question Kennedy about protecting funding for community health centers (5:20) and continue to push him on the federal funding freeze (6:00). His full comments can be watched here.

    Kennedy will face additional questioning in front of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) tomorrow, before the Finance Committee eventually votes on his nomination.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: “Chaos on Steroids”: Warner Speaks on the Senate Floor About Reckless Federal Funding Freeze Back-And-Forth

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

     

    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO OF SEN. WARNER’S SPEECH IS AVAILABLE HERE

     

    WASHINGTON – Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today spoke on the Senate floor about the recklessness of President Trump’s attempt to freeze all federal funding.

    “President Trump got hired because he promised to bring down prices. None of this is going to bring down grocery prices. None of this is going to bring down consumer prices. None of this is going to make our government more efficient or effective… This is day 10 of the Trump administration. We have chaos on steroids… In the meantime, I implore the administration: get your act together. Don’t put out two separate statements totally contradicting each other. It just makes chaos and stress go up.”

    Sen. Warner’s remarks follow an unlawful directive from President Trump on Monday night to freeze trillions in government grants, loans, and programs. The pause directly threatened countless federal benefits, funding for public schools and community health centers, local domestic violence shelters, firefighters and law enforcement, and much more.

    On Tuesday evening, a federal judge halted the unlawful order. On Wednesday afternoon, OMB seemingly rescinded the order, before White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added fuel to the fire with a confusing tweet that implied the freeze was not canceled. The battle, while paused for now, is currently working its way through the federal court system. 

    Sen. Warner’s full remarks as prepared are below:

    Mr. President, I rise to the floor today amid a great deal of confusion.

    Two days ago… the Trump administration issued an order to freeze all federal spending.

    Earlier today… less than 48 hours later…that order was formally rescinded.

    But the story doesn’t end there.

    Shortly thereafter, the White House tweeted… that the federal funding freeze remains in place… and will be rigorously implemented.

    So I ask… which one is it?

    Unfortunately… I’m not the only one asking that question. And I’ve got a list of stressed-out Virginians to prove it.

    In Virginia, federal funding supports countless programs that serve children… seniors… community infrastructure needs… and more.

    Yesterday alone, my office was flooded with outreach from organizations and local governments.

    I heard from firefighters in Southwest Virginia. They’re worried that they won’t be able to replace their tanker truck without the funding that was supposed to head their way.

    I heard from an affordable housing organization in Northern Virginia. They’re worried that they will need to cease operations entirely.

    I heard from law enforcement in the Valley… and the greater-Richmond area. These localities rely on federal funding to pay the salaries of several police officers.

    That’s right… this federal funding freeze will take cops off the streets. 

    I also heard from a number of domestic violence shelters across the Commonwealth. Without funding… they’ll have to leave battered women and children without housing support.

    You’ve also got meals for low-income seniors… child care for vulnerable kids… support for teens who have been trafficked… that’s what’s on the chopping block.

    As someone who ran a business… as someone who ran the Commonwealth… this is unbelievable.

    This is not the way to run the most important enterprise in the world: the American government.

    And the truth is: Rescinded or not… these chaotic antics have real consequences.

    I know of organizations in Virginia that had to call emergency board meetings yesterday.

    I’ve heard from folks who are worried that they’ll have to lay off all their employees. Without federal funding… many organizations simply won’t be able to make payroll.

    One Virginian wrote in, saying “the mental and physical damage is already immense.”

    It’s not right to toy with people’s lives… or with the resources that keep folks fed… police employed… fire departments stocked… and domestic violence shelters running.

    As long as I’m Senator, I’m going to keep fighting back against these antics, which frankly, make the President’s first term look organized.

    With that, Mr./Madam President, I yield the floor.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Peter Fegan, 4BC, Brisbane

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Peter Fegan:

    Well, there was a bit of good news yesterday and don’t we all need it? Inflation is down. In fact, some economists are declaring the worst of inflation is behind us. The figures released yesterday have Australia’s underlying inflation rate at around 3.2 per cent. That’s a three‑year low, which is fantastic. And there’s further good news because, with the inflation down, it’s now more than likely that the RBA will offer a rate cut in February. Economists are suggesting that’s what will happen. And joining me on the line now to discuss it is the federal Treasurer, Jim Chalmers. Treasurer, a very good morning to you.

    Jim Chalmers:

    Good morning to you, Pete. How are you doing?

    Fegan:

    I’m very well, my friend. Before we get into the facts and figures of inflation and the economy, can I just briefly get your comments on yet another antisemitic attack in Sydney? This is abhorrent behaviour. Look, fingers crossed and touch wood, Treasurer, we haven’t seen a lot of it here in Queensland, but it is absolutely and utterly unacceptable in our society.

    Chalmers:

    Completely disgraceful, despicable, unacceptable, as you say, and unfortunately not the first time that we’ve seen this. This is why we work so closely with state governments, with the police, with the authorities, because there’s no place in a country like ours for antisemitism or for violence or for these kinds of incidents which have unfortunately become more frequent.

    Fegan:

    The underlying inflation rate is at 3.2 per cent. It was a great result. So, are you now confident, Treasurer, that economists are saying the RBA will offer some more mortgage relief? Are you confident, as Treasurer of Australia, that we will see that relief in February?

    Chalmers:

    I try not to make predictions about interest rates because the Reserve Bank will come to their view independently in the middle of February and they’ll announce their decision then. What I try and do is to focus on my part of this. We’ve got the same objective as the Reserve Bank to get this inflation down. We’ve made really quite substantial progress in the fight against inflation now and those numbers showed that. And my part of the job is to get inflation down, get wages up, and keep unemployment low, and on all 3 of those fronts Australians should be really proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together in meeting those objectives.

    I know that when your listeners are listening to this, that many, if not most of them are still under a lot of pressure and that’s why we don’t get carried away when we get these great numbers. We know that these cost‑of‑living pressures haven’t disappeared, but they are easing and that’s the encouraging thing about yesterday’s numbers.

    Fegan:

    If the RBA doesn’t, will you demand that Michele Bullock provide a ‘please explain’ to Australians? I think we all deserve it because it has been so long now since we’ve had a rate cut. And as you mentioned, the cost‑of‑living crisis is hurting all of us, and mortgage holders are really feeling the crunch.

    Chalmers:

    I acknowledge that one of the big pressures on household budgets has been these higher interest rates. Interest rates haven’t gone up since November of 2023, but they’re still –

    Fegan:

    They haven’t gone down either.

    Chalmers:

    – so, they’re putting pressure on people. One of the things that I’m really pleased about, Pete, is one of the changes I made to the Reserve Bank with the support of Governor Michele Bullock – she actually explains every decision. She comes out publicly and makes herself available to explain a decision whether interest rates go up or stay steady or go down. And so, people can expect whatever the decision that they take independently in February, Governor Bullock will make herself available after that to talk people through it.

    Fegan:

    Treasurer, we’re not far off from an election. I’ve suggested it may be mid‑April. I’m sure you have some idea, but look, everyone’s keeping their cards close to their chest. I understand that. I’ve got a fair bit of –

    Chalmers:

    I’m not sure if you can hear me, Pete, but I can’t hear you, my friend. My phone is playing up today.

    Fegan:

    Have you got me there, Treasurer? You still got me. I can hear you. Treasurer, can you hear me?

    Chalmers:

    I’ve got you now.

    Fegan:

    Sorry, Treasurer.

    Chalmers:

    That’s on my end, I apologise.

    Fegan:

    No, that’s okay. No dramas. Just talking about the election. It’s upcoming. I think we suggest it might be in April sometime. You’re keeping your cards close to your chest. We understand that as Australians. So, that’s what politics is. I’ve got a little bit of feedback here, questions from our listeners to ask you, Treasurer, but I want to ask you this, and I think this is a very, very fair question. Is Australia in a better position than we were 3 years ago under a Labor government? And just hear me out here for a moment because we’re currently experiencing a cost‑of‑living crisis. National debt is at a record high, energy prices are through the roof, as most people have mentioned on the text line this morning. Household living standards for working Australians are down by about 18 per cent. A typical mortgage holder of that $600- and $700-thousand range is paying around $50,000 more in interest. That’s just to name a few so, Treasurer, is Australia in a better position than we were 3 years ago?

    Chalmers:

    Well, let’s run through each of those, Pete, because I think in running through each of those, you get a good answer. Think about inflation, that when we came to office it was higher than 6 per cent and rising. Now it’s got a 2 in front of it and it’s falling. Similarly with living standards – they were falling fast when we came to office. We’re seeing a recovery in living standards, acknowledging that people have still got a lot of ground to make up in their household budgets. You mentioned energy prices numbers that we got yesterday. Energy’s gone down a little over 25 per cent in the year.

    Fegan:

    But have our prices gone down, though, Treasurer? I mean, we were offered, we were promised at the election, promised that our energy prices would go down. And I know there has been some relief. I know the state’s offered some relief, but federally, I have to say that you’ve let us down.

    Chalmers:

    No, we’re offering relief as well, Pete. I think we need to acknowledge that. There’s energy bill relief at the federal level, not just the work of the –

    Fegan:

    Is that the $275 that’s gone missing, though?

    Chalmers:

    Three hundred dollars, $300 electricity bill rebate – and because of that, but not just because of that. If you look at yesterday’s numbers, one of the most heartening things is electricity went down I think 25.1 per cent. A lot of that is the rebates that we’re providing federally, but not all of that would have gone down without it. Happy to front up to your listeners and to you this morning, Pete, and say that I know that the cost‑of‑living pressures aren’t over, but what we’ve been able to do together as Australians is get that inflation down and get wages up and keep unemployment low. And that does give me a bit of confidence about the year ahead because a lot of these indicators which you ran through and then I ran through, were much worse in May of 2022 when we came to office. We’ve worked around the clock to try and turn things around, but we know that it’s not yet mission accomplished because so many of your listeners are still under the pump.

    Fegan:

    Just on some of those listeners, we’ve got some – this is just a fraction of what we’ve got here this morning, Treasurer, but it’s good to have this feedback because a lot of people do want to talk to you. And this is Mark at Park Ridge. He says ‘Hi, Peter. Can you please ask the Treasurer did they lose their plan to lower our electricity bills?’ John at Thornland says, ‘Morning, Peter. A question for the Treasurer. The drop in electricity prices was one of the stated reasons for the drop in rate of inflation, as this was artificially achieved by government’. Another one from Steve. This is just another one. It says, ‘Can you ask the Treasurer and ask him to be honest, no spin. Can he look Australians in the eye and say that we are financially better off under an ALP government?’ I mean, think they’re all very fair questions, Treasurer?

    Chalmers:

    Yep, yep. And one of the reasons I like coming on is because I like feedback questions. It’s one of the reasons why I perch myself outside the supermarket on a Saturday in my local community so that people can give me feedback in a characteristically blunt and Aussie way. I like that. Yeah, I welcome that. Welcome those questions. And so, if you run through the ones that I can recall from your list on energy –

    Fegan:

    It’s energy essentially.

    Fegan:

    Yes, energy bills. We did provide that $300 rebate. That’s the second time we’ve done that. But that’s not the whole reason that electricity prices have come down in that year to December. They would have gone down a bit even without our efforts, but I don’t see that as artificial, Pete. I think helping people with the bills which are putting pressure on family budgets, there’s nothing artificial about that. That’s what we’re doing proudly as a Labor government – helping people take some of the edge off these cost‑of‑living pressures, doing that at the same time as we get inflation down and get the budget in better nick. And so, for all of these reasons, whether it’s the progress we’re making together on inflation or employment or wages, 2 surpluses in the budget, less Liberal debt in the budget, rolling out this cost‑of‑living relief, we found a good combination of ways to deal with these cost‑of‑living pressures.

    And I think we saw yesterday the progress that we’re making together, very welcome, very encouraging, but we don’t get carried away because we know, whether it’s people calling into your show or texting into your show or right around Australia that people are still under pressure. That’s why our cost‑of‑living help is so important. And that’s why it would be, I think, important that we remind your listeners that at the election, it’s a choice, really. We have been providing people with cost‑of‑living help and we want to build the future of this country. Our opponents didn’t want to see this cost‑of‑living help. And because of that, if Peter Dutton had his way, people would be thousands of dollars worse off and they’ll be worse off still if he wins and that’s because his nuclear insanity will push electricity prices up, not down.

    Fegan:

    Treasurer, thank you for your time this morning, and let’s chat before the election.

    Chalmers:

    Really enjoyed the chat, Pete.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Rafael Epstein, ABC Melbourne

    Source: Australian Treasurer

    Raf Epstein:

    Just keep in mind, interest rates went up and up and up. We expect them to come down in February, and everyone’s also expecting the Prime Minister to call an election for April. Well, not everybody, but a lot of people.

    The federal Treasurer is Jim Chalmers. Treasurer, good morning.

    Jim Chalmers:

    Good morning, Raf, how are you?

    Epstein:

    I’m okay. What are you doing on April the 12th?

    Chalmers:

    On April the 12th? I’ll have to check the diary. But –

    Epstein:

    Is it clear?

    Chalmers:

    Usually if that’s Saturday, I’ll be perched outside a supermarket in my electorate talking to the people I represent.

    Epstein:

    That’s the speculated election date. Three weeks until the bank meets, the Reserve Bank. Is that the longest wait of your life?

    Chalmers:

    I don’t know about that, and I’m very careful not to engage in commentary or make predictions about the conversation around the board table at the Reserve Bank in the middle of February. I am focused on my part of this, my job. And I see my job as really 3 things: getting inflation down, getting wages up, keeping unemployment low. Australians collectively can be proud of the fact that we have been able to do all 3 of those things. Not every other country has been able to make the kind of progress that we’re making on inflation which we saw in yesterday’s numbers without seeing a big spike in unemployment. We’ve been able to manage that. That’s really important. We should all be proud of that. But we should also not get too carried away when we get these good inflation numbers because, as you said rightly in your introduction, people are still under pressure. The cost‑of‑living pressures haven’t disappeared but they have eased. They are easing, and we saw that in the numbers yesterday.

    Epstein:

    So the pressures are there. We all notice it, no matter how much – how good our income is. Twelve interest rate rises – it’s really tough. It is a very blunt instrument. Has that been worth the pain?

    Chalmers:

    First of all, Raf, there were 13 –

    Epstein:

    Oh, sorry.

    Chalmers:

    – and the reason I point that out to you is because the first one happened before the change of government. Our political opponents always neglect to mention the first one, which was during the Morrison government. But overall your point, I think, is broadly right, that those interest rate rises have put a lot of pressure on people and they have slowed our economy considerably, a point that I’ve made in different ways over the course of the last year or 2. I think it’s self‑evident that those rate rises the put pressure on people and slowed the economy.

    It’s part of the Reserve Bank’s efforts to get on top of this inflation challenge, and we’ve got different responsibilities here, me and the Reserve Bank Governor, but we’ve got the same objective. And together we’ve got inflation from where it was at the election, which was higher than 6 per cent and rising fast; now it’s got a 2 in front of it. It’s had a 2 in front of it for a couple of consecutive quarters now –

    Epstein:

    So are you saying that you do think it’s worthwhile? I mean, I don’t want to ask you about the alternative ways like GST yet, but do you think – like, it’s the only instrument we’ve got. It was worth the pain? Yes or no.

    Chalmers:

    Well, I don’t really do those kind of yes or no questions, Raf – and the reason for that is, whether it’s after decisions taken by the bank independently or before they take decisions, I don’t see myself as a commentator on that. My job is different. My job is to be a helpful part of getting on top of inflation, and the government has been helpful – 2 surpluses, the way we’ve designed our cost‑of‑living help to be part of the solution, not part of the problem. I’m focused on getting on top of inflation without sacrificing jobs and getting wages growing again, getting the budget in better nick, rolling out the cost‑of‑living help. These are the things that I focus on because they are my job. What we saw in those inflation numbers – and all Australians should take the credit for the progress that we’ve made together – what we saw was a really quite remarkable moderation in inflation. The improvements are now quite sustained. And that is a factual point, and the Reserve Bank will weigh all of that up. They’ll come to a decision independently, and I’m not going to colour that in for them in advance.

    Epstein:

    Okay.

    Chalmers:

    And I’m not going to second guess the decisions that they’ve already taken.

    Epstein:

    The federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers is with you on 774. It’s 18 minutes to 9. The Treasurer is on the National Security Committee of Cabinet. I might get to those issues in Sydney in a moment. But, Treasurer, just another really important but general point: the ABS says inflation is coming down. Maybe we’ll get a rate cut. We probably will. When is it going to feel better at the supermarket?

    Chalmers:

    I think we’ve seen a lot of those prices, goods prices, in the inflation numbers, they’ve come off pretty substantially. One of the reasons why we’ve been so tough on the supermarkets, why we are cracking down on anything which looks like anti‑competitive behaviour, why we’ve put so much effort into the changes we’ve made to get a fair go for families and farmers is because when the prices come down, we want to see that passed on at the checkout. And in those numbers yesterday we saw that goods inflation had come down a lot.

    Again, I come back to the point I made a moment ago, and that is that we recognise that even with this very substantial, very sustained progress on inflation, it doesn’t always translate immediately into how people are feeling or faring. The cost‑of‑living pressures haven’t disappeared, but they have eased considerably, and we want to see that passed on at the checkout.

    Epstein:

    We lost little bits of that Treasurer, but we did get the gist of the answer, so I’m going to pursue the interview with that phone line. I do want to get to a few issues in Melbourne, including the Suburban Rail Loop, and I know a lot of people texting about a fire around Bentleigh and Moorabbin. If you can see that, if you know what’s going on, we’ll come to that as well.

    Treasurer, the really disturbing story, we’ve only learnt in the last few days that there was a caravan found with explosives in New South Wales. It was actually found almost 2 weeks ago. So it had explosives in it and a list of Jewish organisations. That was found on January the 19th, a Sunday. We didn’t know that. We only heard this in the last few days.

    I’m just asking sort of a timing question, because the day after the caravan was found you had the opposition demanding a National Security Cabinet Meeting on antisemitism. The Prime Minister resisted that and then sort of relented a day later. Did – was the government told? Was the federal government told about the discovery of that caravan on January the 19th, the Sunday or on the Monday?

    Chalmers:

    A couple of things about that, Raf. First of all, these revelations and these reports are chilling. they are incredibly disturbing. We know that some of the fears that Jewish Australians have right now are not unfounded when we get these kinds of reports, and we know from the authorities that this was a potential mass casualty event. This is why it’s so important that we work so closely with the police and other authorities, the states and territories and others because obviously there is no place for violence or antisemitism in country like ours.

    You asked me about the timing, and the reason I’m going to be reluctant to get into that, Raf, is because there are important operational and other reasons why we don’t speak publicly about some of these briefings that we receive from time to time. I know that people would like to know more about that. I do genuinely understand that. I don’t begrudge you asking me that, but there are very important operational reasons not to go into that, and that’s why I won’t go into it today.

    Epstein:

    But there’s nothing to divulge in simply – we now know the caravan was found by police. Surely it’s just a matter of transparency to ask when did the federal government get told about the discovery of the caravan. Did – I mean, I’m really asking in some ways a very political question – did you guys know about the caravan when the Opposition’s demanding a big meeting on antisemitism, a National Cabinet Meeting?

    Chalmers:

    I understand the question. I’m not dark at you for asking it. But the advice that we get in the briefings that we receive is that it is unhelpful to go into the nature or the timing of those briefings. I understand the answer that you’re after, but unfortunately that’s the best answer that I can give.

    Epstein:

    I’m sure it’s a question the Opposition will pursue. Okay, I’m grateful for your time. Something that’s really significant – and I could actually ask you – I could spend the whole interview on it – is the Suburban Rail Loop Project. The federal – the plan from the state government is that the federal government funds one‑third of that project. I realise a lot of that is in years where you may well not be Treasurer, even if Labor wins the next few elections. Do you prefer the Suburban Rail Loop over Airport Rail, or are you very keen for Airport Rail to proceed ahead of the Suburban Rail Loop?

    Chalmers:

    I think the best way to describe our position on that is I know in some of the commentary about those 2 projects that it is often presented as if they are very closely linked. And we haven’t really proceeded with our thinking about those projects as if they are 2 sides of the one coin. We’ve thought about them in separate and distinct ways. We’ve made commitments and provisions to both, subject to the responsible work that goes into stacking up these business cases. We’ve made a couple‑of‑billion‑dollar commitment to the Suburban Rail Loop. We’ll work closely with the Victorian government – I know my wonderful colleague, a fine Victorian, in Catherine King, speaks to her counterparts down your way frequently about these projects – to see if we can get at this time built. But we’ve made big provisions. We’re enthusiastic about building more Victorian infrastructure, and we work with the Victorian colleagues to make that a reality.

    It’s not talking out of school to say that I caught up with the new Victorian Treasurer yesterday afternoon in Melbourne, had a cup of coffee and talked about some of these sorts of issues, and that’s because we work closely with the governments around the country.

    Epstein:

    Okay, so can I – let me ask you the blatant question, if I can. It’s very much the feeling amongst some in both your government and the state government that it’s a game of chicken – you won’t really commit to the Suburban Rail Loop until the state government tips in more on airport rail. Is that what’s going on? You’re sort of – you won’t let the dollars flow further on the SRL until the state commits further to airport rail?

    Chalmers:

    I can genuinely say to you, Raf, that I’ve never been in a conversation of that nature. I haven’t seen it that way. I haven’t considered it that way. Nobody’s put it to me that way. We’re big and enthusiastic investors in Victorian infrastructure. We do as much as we responsibly can to work with the states to fund these projects. We’ve made a big provision for Suburban Rail Loop subject to the usual kinds of processes and pressures. And I haven’t thought of it the way that you’ve just described it.

    Epstein:

    I appreciate your time this morning. Thanks for joining us.

    Chalmers:

    Appreciate yours, Raf. All the best.

    Epstein:

    Jim Chalmers, the federal Treasurer.

    MIL OSI News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Questions Howard Lutnick at Confirmation Hearing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer
    Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, questioned Howard Lutnick at the confirmation hearing on his nomination to be Secretary of Commerce. 
    During the hearing, Senator Fischer’s exchange with Lutnick focused on federal spectrum management and its critical role in national security, the impact of retaliatory tariffs on agriculture and manufacturing, the need to expand export markets, preserving critical broadband funding, and strategies to counter threats from China in technology markets.

    Click the image above to watch a video of Senator Fischer’s questioning
    Click here to download audio
    Click here to download video
    On the Role Spectrum Plays in Protecting National Security:
    Senator Fischer: If confirmed, you will lead a massive federal agency across 13 bureaus. And to start with, I want to highlight one that you’ve already heard of—the NTIA. It has critical influence over the U.S. economy and over our security, as well. Among its roles . . . NTIA coordinates spectrum management, ensuring that federal airwaves are being used most effectively. But, as spectrum becomes more scarce, critical federal operations, especially those essential for our national security, have been seen as obstacles. At the onset, I want to make it clear to you that DOD airwaves are not lying dormant and that proposals to clear them would jeopardize our national security.
    We have constellations of DOD satellites that rely on spectrum. Our nuclear command and control relies on spectrum. Advanced fighter aircraft like F-35s rely on spectrum. And we are investing tens of billions of dollars in developing sixth-generation aircraft that will rely on spectrum. We have radar systems on our Navy ships tracking incoming missiles around the world. These allowed us to help defend Israel from over 300 missile and drone attacks last year. They rely on spectrum. I can go on and on, as my colleagues know, but this is all to say that I hope we can work together so that we can come up with a really strong strategy for federal spectrum management in the future.
    On Protecting Nebraska’s Industries From Retaliatory Tariffs:
    Senator Fischer: I’m from Nebraska, and Nebraska’s agricultural and manufacturing industries rely on our strong export markets for our products. You and I talked about trade and about the need under this administration for trade to be front and center. We know that we didn’t see much of that happen in the previous administration. We also know, though sir, that other countries may try to retaliate against our agricultural and our manufacturing industries. So, if confirmed, will you work with your colleagues at other agencies to understand the impact of retaliatory tariffs on agriculture and manufacturing?
    Howard Lutnick: I will.
    On Opportunities To Expand Export Markets:Senator Fischer: Thank you. Can you also talk a little bit about what opportunities you view that are out there so that we can expand certain export markets over the next four years under this administration?
    Howard Lutnick: I think our farmers, ranchers, and fishermen are treated with disrespect.Senator Fischer: Always, the fish.Howard Lutnick: Always, you have to include them. You know, how often do we eat seafood? Come on. So they are treated with disrespect around the world. They are our farmers, our ranchers, and our fishermen are treated with disrespect. The countries take advantage of American kindness, American gratitude, that we used to rebuild the world after the World Wars, and after the Korean War, and after the Vietnam War.
    We need that disrespect to end. And I think tariffs are a way to create reciprocity, to be treated fairly, to be treated appropriately. And I think it will help our farmers, our ranchers, and our fishermen to flourish. And that’s what I expect this administration is going to drive. And that’s why I am honored to serve President Trump in his pursuit of that reciprocity and that fairness, and the end of the disrespect.
    These countries have reliance on the American economy, and they need to start respecting us and respect us now.
    On Understanding the Importance of the BEAD Broadband Program:Senator Fischer: Thank you. You heard about the BEAD funding from Senator Thune and other members of this committee as well. And I hope you will take that to heart and help our states get through some of those regulations that are out there. It has been an impediment to us.
    On Bolstering American Competitiveness Against China:  Senator Fischer: I’d like to talk a little bit here in the last few seconds about technology and competitiveness. I think I have Senator Wicker’s time.
    In previous hearings, this committee has discussed the United States’ AI capabilities and that we are in a dead heat with China. This week, we heard about DeepSeek, and I think it’s having us to examine kind of where we are right now with that.
    If confirmed, given the Commerce Department’s breadth of influence on that issue, how will you address different threats that we see coming from the CCP within these information and technology markets?Howard Lutnick: I take a very jaundiced view of China. I think they only care about themselves and seek to harm us. We need to protect ourselves, we need to drive our innovation forward, and we need to stop helping them.
    Open platforms—Meta’s open platform, let DeepSeek rely on it. Nvidia’s chips, which they bought tons of and they found their ways around it, drive their DeepSeek model. It’s got to end.
    If they are going to compete with us, let them compete, but stop using our tools to compete with us. So I’m going to be very strong on that. I am thrilled to oversee BIS and I’m thrilled to coordinate and empower BIS with tariffs that will improve the strength. When we say no, that answer’s got to be no.Senator Fischer: I look forward to working with you, sir. Thank you.Howard Lutnick: Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ministers welcome Kāinga Ora’s revised approach to wool carpets

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson have welcomed Kāinga Ora’s decision to re-open its tender for carpets to allow wool carpet suppliers to bid.

    “In 2024 Kāinga Ora issued requests for tender (RFTs) seeking bids from suppliers to carpet their properties,” Mr Bishop says.

    “As part of this process, Kāinga Ora specifically excluded woollen carpets from the tender’s scope. While they did so in an effort to be fiscally responsible, unfortunately this meant that suppliers of carpets using New Zealand wool did not have the opportunity to put their best foot forward as a cost-effective option. 

    “Although flooring choices for Kāinga Ora properties are operational decisions for the agency, I was disappointed to see woollen carpets ruled out unequivocally. The coalition Government is proudly pro-wool. It’s a fantastic fibre, and we support our wool farmers. 

    “I welcome Kāinga Ora’s decision to go back out to market to seek bids from all carpet suppliers, including woollen carpets. While it remains essential that Kāinga Ora delivers homes as cost-effectively as possible, it’s only fair that wool products are given the chance to compete for government contracts on an equal footing with nylon carpet suppliers.

    “There is a commitment under the National-New Zealand First coalition agreement to direct government agencies to prefer wool where practical and appropriate. The Government is currently working through the finer details of this and once decisions have been made there will be more to say.”

    “I welcome Kāinga Ora’s decision to change its tender approach. This is a great step toward ensuring wool, a sustainable and high-quality product, is given the fair consideration it deserves. It creates a level playing field, supports the wool industry and honours the coalition agreement,” Mr Patterson says.

    “We encourage suppliers of wool carpets to consider participating in Kāinga Ora’s tender process.” 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lutnick Commits to Championing Alaska Fishermen & “Freedom Fish” as Commerce Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    01.29.25
    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today received commitments from Howard Lutnick, President Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of Commerce, to visit Alaska, champion the interests of Alaska’s fishermen and seafood industry, help implement President Trump’s “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential” executive order, and work to advance the Alaska Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project. Sen. Sullivan highlighted the serious challenges facing Alaska and America’s fishermen, including the decade-long unfair, non-reciprocal seafood trade relationship between the U.S. and Russia, which was fixed by executive orders Sen. Sullivan secured in 2022 and 2023. Sullivan noted the Commerce Department’s important role in enforcing the comprehensive ban on the import of Russian seafood and advocating for America’s fishing communities.
    Sen. Sullivan posed his questions to Mr. Lutnick during his confirmation hearing before the committee.
    [embedded content]
    Below is a full transcript of Sen. Sullivan’s exchange with Mr. Lutnick.
    Sen. Dan Sullivan: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Lutnick, congratulations to you and your family. Thank you for that very powerful opening statement. I appreciated our meeting. I’m really enjoying this hearing, all the focus on fish. It’s great. In all seriousness, certain secretaries, most secretaries, in my view, have not embraced their role that they are really important to our fishing community. As you and I talked about, this is really important to my state. Alaska is the superpower of seafood. Over two-thirds of all seafood harvested in America—commercial, subsistence, sport—is harvested in Alaska’s waters. Over two-thirds. So we’re it. We’re the 800-pound gorilla. Tens of thousands of Alaskans are connected to this industry. We are a huge powerhouse in terms of American exports. Mr. Lutnick, the vice president, in his opening statement, called you a “product guy,” a “sales guy,” a “good dude.” That’s a quote from the vice president. Good dude. I want to also maybe give you the title of “Godfather of American Fishermen” or the patron saint of American fishermen…
    Howard Lutnick: This is working for me.
    DS: …to keep a focus on these communities, on these great Americans—just look at Deadliest Catch and things like that—and to be a leader on focusing on them. That does not always happen. As a matter of fact, it usually hasn’t happened with the Secretaries of Commerce. Can you commit to me on doing that?
    HL: Well, I love to fish, and I’m happy to commit to you. The fishermen of the United States of America are one of our great assets. It’s easy for me to promise to take care of them.
    DS: Great. Since you love to fish, this next question might be the easiest one you get all day. I need a commitment from you to come to Alaska. You can bring the family.
    HL: As long as I can bring my family, we’re coming.
    DS: You can go fishing—but to meet these great American fishermen who are my constituents. It’d be great for you to get up there soon to meet them. Can I get your commitment to do that as well?
    HL: It’s my pleasure.
    DS: Great. Let me mention—we already talked about it: The last four years have been tough on my state. This is a chart I’ve shown all over the place—the Last Frontier Lock Up, we called it. 70 executive orders and actions from the Biden administration singularly focused on shutting down Alaska. 70. Fortunately, this is now a thing of the past. We want to get rid of that. On day one, the President issued this executive order, President Trump. It’s called “Unleashing Alaska’s Extraordinary Resource Potential.” It’s long, right? It’s very detailed. The Secretary of Commerce is mentioned in it. One of the lines in there: “It’s the policy of the United States”—this is from President Trump on day one—”to fully avail itself of Alaska’s vast lands and resources for the benefit of the nation and the American citizens who call Alaska home.” You’re mentioned in this, the Secretary of Commerce. Can I get your commitment to work with me on implementing every aspect of this really great Trump day one executive order?
    HL: Yes.
    DS: Great. Thank you. You mentioned disrespect for our fishermen. You and I talked about what we’ve been enduring for the last ten years. Russia instituted a ban on any exports of American seafood in 2014, and yet we had open borders essentially for them, for the last ten years, taking market share. Literally the most disrespectful, unfair trading situation I could see anywhere in the world. They were coming after our market share. Our fishermen in America could not export one fish to Russia. I worked really hard to get that changed. We got a ban, and then the Russians start sending their fish to China to essentially create a loophole, then to come into the U.S. We shut that down finally. Can you work with me to make sure we don’t have that incredibly unfair—Russia bans everything and they can import everything here. Ridiculous. Same with China. You’re a sales guy, a products guy. I want you to commit to me to promote American “freedom fish,” Alaska “freedom fish,” and don’t allow “communist fish” from Russia and China coming into our markets. Can you commit…
    HL: We’ve got to get rid of those communist fish.
    DS: So can I get a commitment on that?
    HL: I do.
    DS: Excellent. No “communist fish.” Freedom fish is what we want. Finally, Mr. Lutnick, the chairman is going to focus this committee a lot on energy, which I think is great. I know you care about unleashing our extraordinary energy potential. One of the big areas of focus of the Trump day-one EO on unleashing Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential is moving forward and finally getting done this massive Alaska LNG project that we’ve been working on for a number of years. We got all of the permits during the Trump administration. Of course, Biden blocked those. This would create thousands of jobs, would revitalize the American steel industry, would—estimates are—would reduce our trade deficit by about $10 billion a year. Can you commit to work with me, the President—who’s very focused on that in his EO, the secretaries of Interior and Energy, and other cabinet officials, including our Asian allies, to make this project a reality, which will be great for the country, great for our workers, great for our trade deficit, and really boost America’s national security?
    HL: I can.
    DS: Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: If the government wants science to have an economic impact it has to put its money where its mouth is

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nicola Gaston, Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau

    jittawit21/Shutterstock

    Billed as the most significant change to the science system in 30 years, last week’s announcement of major structural changes to scientific research institutions was objectively a big deal.

    But the devil will be in the details. The proposed reforms are focused on the economic impact of the science sector and are based on the first of two reports from the Science System Advisory Group (SSAG).

    Success will depend on how they are implemented and, most of all, on the sector receiving sufficient funding.

    The government’s reforms include:

    • the merger of seven public Crown Research Institutes to create three larger Public Research Organisations (PROs)

    • the creation of a fourth new PRO focused on “advanced technology” such as artificial intelligence, synthetic biology and potentially cleantech

    • the disestablishment of Callaghan Innovation and the creation of a new agency called “Invest New Zealand” to target international investment

    • the creation of a new national intellectual property policy, meaning scientists working in PROs and in the university system are on a level playing field when it comes to commercialisation

    • the establishment of a Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council to provide strategic direction and oversight.

    As the reforms move forward, the government will have to answer several questions. For example, how will the expertise relating to advanced technologies, much of which currently sits within our university sector, be moved into the new PRO?

    And how will the funding model be changed as these new PROs are established?

    Long running issues

    Overall, the higher level changes are positive. Reforms have been a long time coming and are based on years of discussion within the crown research sector.

    But we need to look at the reforms in the context of the science advisory group’s first report.

    The report is strongly and deliberately focused on the potential economic impact of science and research. The authors outline how this must be supported by a properly functioning system.

    According to the authors, a lack of strategy from the highest level of government is a barrier for the sector.

    It is clear the advisory group recommends structural change (such as the PRO model). But it is also explicit that sufficient research funding is a necessary condition for these reforms to work:

    The SSAG stands firmly of the view that our parsimonious attitude to research funding is a core reason that New Zealand has become an outlier in performance on productivity growth.

    Barriers to progress

    The advisory group identified certain cultural attitudes, such as New Zealand’s “number-eight wire” thinking, as a reason the country doesn’t value research as it should. The group also strongly advocated for bipartisan agreement on funding systems and investment levels.

    The group had strongly positive things to say about research in the social sciences and mātauranga Māori through the lens of economic growth.

    There is no debate that research into Māori culture and knowledge is an obligation of the New Zealand research system and that this should be largely determined by experts in mātauranga Māori. We will be recommending a distinct funding stream in the proposed National Research Foundation.

    Unfortunately, this government’s defunding of the social sciences and humanities, announced in December, suggests it has already made its mind up on the value of these disciplines.

    Missing the bigger picture

    Reading the full report, there is the sense that while the government announcement has taken the most visible recommendations for change, it has missed the bigger picture: the need for sufficient funding to strengthen the sector as a whole and help New Zealand become internationally competitive.

    This means we need to benchmark ourselves against other countries and their economic and scientific performance. According to the report:

    The international analysis is clear: we are spending significantly less than comparable countries spend from the public purse on [research and development].

    The authors emphasise that for countries with low expenditure, improved research and development activity is especially important for GDP growth. New Zealand should take note – it is an outlier both as a low investor and a poor economic performer.

    These messages are not new.

    Steven Joyce, science minister in the National-led government between 2011 and 2016, advocated for the National Science Challenges as a way to justify increased government investment to the sector. But issues with the implementation costs effectively killed off his promise of increased funding.

    Labour’s science minister between 2022 and 2023, Ayesha Verrall, had a similar argument about needing to establish research “priorities” in order to justify increased spending. Again, it never happened.

    It is possible the current reforms will be more effective in providing justification for increased investment.

    But this time we need to put the horse before the cart by investing money in the system – one that has been underfunded for years and which has only recently seen further funding cuts and job losses.

    And this has to happen before the system absorbs the implementation costs of these reforms.

    Nicola Gaston receives funding from TEC as Director of the MacDiarmid Institute for Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology, and from the Marsden fund administered by the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

    – ref. If the government wants science to have an economic impact it has to put its money where its mouth is – https://theconversation.com/if-the-government-wants-science-to-have-an-economic-impact-it-has-to-put-its-money-where-its-mouth-is-248299

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: WATCH: Padilla Votes Against Advancing Attorney General Nominee Pam Bondi

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    WATCH: Padilla criticizes Bondi’s ability to serve as an independent Attorney GeneralWASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted against advancing the nomination of Pamela Jo Bondi to be U.S. Attorney General during a Senate Judiciary Committee (SJC) executive business meeting. In his remarks, Padilla voiced serious concerns over Bondi’s ability to run the Department of Justice independently from President Trump’s improper influence, especially given her support for Trump’s false claims of 2020 presidential election fraud. He criticized Bondi for her refusal to commit to defending birthright citizenship as clearly defined by the 14th Amendment after President Trump issued an unlawful Executive Order attempting to overturn the constitutional right.
    The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance Bondi’s nomination on a party-line vote of 12-10.
    Key Quotes:
    Colleagues, after carefully evaluating Ms. Bondi’s record and after her testimony before this committee, I continue to have significant reservations about her ability to serve as an independent Attorney General who will put her duty to the Constitution and to the American people above her loyalty to President Trump. So for that reason, I’m unable to support Ms. Bondi’s nomination to serve as our nation’s chief law enforcement officer.
    I was particularly struck by the fact that despite practicing law for decades, two terms as Attorney General of the State of Florida, private practice experience, despite all that, Ms. Bondi claimed to be unfamiliar with the 14th Amendment and the citizenship clause within it? She and I discussed the very issue when we met one-on-one, it’s clearly been in the news, and when given the opportunity to discuss it during the hearing, here in public, she refused to answer. Even worse, offensively, either claimed that she needed to study or telling me that she was not going to be doing my homework. Colleagues, in that moment, I wasn’t asking her to do my homework. I was asking her if she did hers.
    The law is clear. The Constitution is clear. But what’s increasingly clear is that when push comes to shove, Pam Bondi is not the kind of person who will defend the Constitution, defend the 14th Amendment, or defend Americans when the President instructs otherwise.
    There were some glimmers of potential agreement in areas that I’d be hopeful to maybe agree and work together on. Things like tackling the threat and the dangers of human trafficking. Things like her positions on gun safety, building on some of the work in the state of Florida, where she served as Attorney General, that seemed to be commonsense ideas that can and should be spread across the country. But instead of focusing on those, Ms. Bondi kept coming back to her unwillingness to answer some key questions.
    I remain deeply concerned about Ms. Bondi’s willingness to go on national television and propagate lies about the results of a free and fair election despite a total lack of evidence. I raised this during the hearing, colleagues, as you recall, not because they were political talking points that she was pushing that I might have happened to disagree with, but they were outright lies that pose a real threat to our democracy, a threat to voters, and a threat to the election workers who dedicate themselves to administering our elections.
    Ms. Bondi will face far more daunting challenges as Attorney General to shield the department’s work and professional civil servants from politicization and weaponization, and we’ve seen what’s happened just in the last couple of days as evidence of what will continue to happen. It is not hypothetical. Look at the President’s activities this last week alone. Despite some of my colleagues’ assurances that he would refrain, President Trump has issued roughly 1,500 blanket pardons for January 6th insurrectionists and commuted the sentences of 14 of his supporters, including those convicted of violence against police officers.
    The American people need and deserve to have faith that the Department of Justice enforces the law fairly, neutrally, and free from political interference. We need and deserve an Attorney General who will push back against illegal, immoral, and unethical requests. And unfortunately, I don’t believe Ms. Bondi is up to the task.
    Bondi was one of the leading defense lawyers for President Donald Trump during his first impeachment trial. She traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the day after the general presidential election in 2020 to appear alongside Rudy Giuliani where she falsely asserted that Trump had won Pennsylvania despite there being at least 1 million outstanding ballots still left to count. She has continued to double down in her support of President Trump’s false claims of election fraud.
    Padilla pressed Bondi for refusing to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed principle of birthright citizenship and declining to disavow the false claim that the 2020 election was stolen during an SJC hearing earlier this month.
    Video of Senator Padilla’s remarks is available here.
    Footage of his remarks can be downloaded here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: First of 3 new Coast Guard cutters arrives to homeport in Kodiak, Alaska

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 01/29/2025 06:30 PM EST

    News Release

    		  

    U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska
    Contact: 17th District Public Affairs
    Office: (907) 463-2065
    After Hours: (907) 463-2065
    17th District online newsroom

     

    01/29/2025 06:05 PM EST

    KODIAK, Alaska — The crew of Coast Guard Cutter John Witherspoon (WPC 1158) arrived at the cutter’s new homeport in Kodiak, Tuesday.  The cutter is scheduled to be commissioned during a ceremony in April.  The Witherspoon is the first of three Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) scheduled to be homeported at Coast Guard Base Kodiak and is now the fourth FRC currently based in Alaska. While these ships will be homeported in Kodiak, they will operate throughout the 17th Coast Guard District to include the U.S. Arctic, Gulf of Alaska, and Bering Sea.   The crew of the Witherspoon will carry out integral Coast Guard missions such as maritime law enforcement and security, living marine resources, and search and rescue. They will provide security for Alaskan coastal communities as they continue to utilize the ocean for their livelihoods while preserving Alaska’s living marine resources in conjunction with our partner agencies.   “The crew is humbled to be associated to a namesake honoring Capt. John G. Witherspoon, a trailblazer who found enjoyment and purpose in leading and mentoring others,” said Lt. Cmdr. Adam Young, commanding officer of the Witherspoon. “It is fitting that the cutter’s first sail was no tall order, stretching more than 7,000 nautical miles from Key West to Kodiak. Throughout the last five months, the crew displayed remarkable teamwork and resilience, a true testament to the core values Capt. Witherspoon epitomized throughout his illustrious career. I couldn’t be prouder of the team we have onboard, and I look forward to experiencing the beauty of Alaska once again.”  The new FRCs arriving in Alaska are designed to replace the service’s fleet of 110-foot cutters that are projected to be decommissioned this year. The Coast Guard is currently scheduled to have six FRCs operating throughout Alaska by the end of 2025 to reinforce our maritime boundaries and shorten on-scene response times to support search and rescue efforts and better serve the people of Alaska.  FRCs feature advanced command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance equipment as well as over-the-horizon response boat deployment capability and improved habitability for the crew. The ships can reach speeds of 28 knots and are equipped to coordinate operations with partner agencies and long-range Coast Guard assets such as the Coast Guard’s National Security Cutters.  FRCs are 154-foot multi-mission ships designed to conduct drug and migrant interdictions; ports, waterways and coastal security operations; fisheries and environmental protection patrols; national defense missions; and search and rescue. Each cutter is designed for a crew of 24, has a range of 2,500 miles and is equipped for patrols up to five days. The FRCs are part of the Coast Guard’s overall fleet modernization initiative. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Cowsert Column: Week Two Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Bill Cowsert (R–Athens)

    The second week of the legislative session is commonly referred to as “Budget Week” at the State Capitol. The budget process begins with Gov. Brian Kemp presenting a proposed budget for consideration by the General Assembly. This year’s budget proposal is presented in a printed report of 390 pages, which is just the increases to the 2025 budget. Various agencies present budget requests during joint Senate and House Appropriations Committee meetings. The House then passes an appropriations bill setting forth governmental spending for the upcoming year. Finally, the Senate makes its changes and the differences are worked out by a joint conference committee and the final version is sent to the Governor for his signature. The General Assembly’s most important endeavor is passing a balanced, commonsense budget, addressing the needs of Georgia citizens each year. In fact, the only bill which the General Assembly is required to pass each year is the annual appropriations bill.

    Over the past 15 years, Georgia’s state budget has experienced steady growth, reflecting the state’s expanding economy and increasing demands for public services. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2010, Georgia’s budget was approximately $17.4 billion during the heart of the Great Recession. Fast forward to FY 2026, and that figure has more than doubled to $37.71 billion. In addition, approximately $22.46 billion in federal funds are included in Georgia’s 2026 budget.

    Without going into extensive detail, the Governor proposes spending 20.33 billion (53.9%) on education, 8.76 billion (23.2%) on healthcare, 3.05 billion (8.1%) on public safety and 2.78 billion (7.4%) on transportation. This leaves only $2.79 billion (7.4%) for all other areas of government spending.

    A key factor in Georgia’s economic stability is our unwavering commitment to maintaining a balanced budget. Unlike the federal government, which has spent both recklessly and unapologetically, Georgia is constitutionally required to balance its budget every year. This requirement ensures that the state lives within its means, preventing excessive debt accumulation and promoting long-term financial health for all citizens. Maintaining a balanced budget encourages responsible spending, requiring lawmakers to prioritize essential services and eliminate wasteful expenditures. It also enhances Georgia’s credit rating, allowing us to finance large-scale projects at lower interest rates, saving taxpayers money in the long run. Perhaps most importantly, a balanced budget fosters public confidence in our state’s financial management, reinforcing Georgia’s reputation as a great place to live, work and raise a family. By adhering to a balanced budget and prioritizing critical investments, we continue to build a prosperous future for all Georgians.

    Thanks to our responsible fiscal management, Georgia has built a robust Revenue Shortfall Reserve (RSR), commonly known as the “rainy day fund.” The reserve was depleted to less than $50 million during the great recession, however, By FY 2023, the reserve had reached its statutory cap of 15% of the prior year’s revenue, totaling $5.4 billion. This financial cushion allows the state to weather economic downturns without resorting to drastic spending cuts or tax increases, ensuring continuity in essential public services. In addition, Georgia has over $11 billion in additional undesignated reserves over and above the funds held in the rainy day fund. There is really no authority for the State to accumulate taxpayer funds above the amounts needed to fund basic state needs. Fortunately, Gov. Kemp and the legislature have refunded at least $1 billion per year to taxpayers and significantly reduced taxes in response to our financial good fortune.

    It’s important to highlight the stark contrast in spending at the federal level due to the Biden administration’s recent mismanagement of funds. Unfortunately, both political parties are guilty of irresponsible budgeting at the federal level. In fact, the last time that the federal budget was balanced was in the early 1990s when Bill Clinton was President and John Kasich was Chairman of the Appropriations Committee in the United States House. As of 2024, our national debt exceeded $35 trillion, with annual budget deficits contributing over $1 trillion annually to this growing burden. Persistent federal deficits pose risks such as higher interest rates, reduced national savings and potential economic uncertainty for future generations. These misguided spending practices have led our country down a dangerous path. Calls are growing for a constitutional amendment requiring the federal government to pass a balanced budget just like Georgia and almost all other states must do.

    It is a privilege and an honor to serve the people of the 46th Senate District. As always, don’t hesitate to contact my office with any legislative concerns. I hope to see you under the Gold Dome soon.

    # # # #

    Sen. Bill Cowsert serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Regulated Industries and Utilities. He represents the 46th Senate District which includes portions of Barrow, Clarke, Gwinnett, Oconee and Walton Counties. He may be reached at (404) 463-1366 or via email at bill.cowsert@senate.ga.gov

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Two to front court after plans spiked 

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    A man who drove a stolen car recklessly from Bombay to Hamilton has had his plans spiked.

    At about 8.15pm, officers observed the stolen Honda as it entered the South-Western Motorway at speed.

    Acting Detective Inspector Simon Harrison, Waitematā CIB, says a short time later the Police Eagle helicopter located the vehicle, tracking it as it entered the Southern Motorway heading south.

    “The vehicle was not pursued, however we continued observations as the vehicle continue south and into Waikato, before it was spiked near Taupiri.

    “It has then continued towards Hamilton where it has slowed down due to the tyre destruction.”

    Acting Detective Inspector Harrison says the vehicle was also allegedly driven on the wrong side of the road before staff moved in and were able to block the vehicle.

    “It’s extremely fortunate that no one suffered any injuries as a result of this man’s alleged actions.

    “I’m pleased we were able to take this person into custody and hold them to account for their actions.”

    A 19-year-old will appear in Waitākere District Court today charged with burglary, unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and dangerous driving.

    A 17-year-old charged with unlawfully getting into a motor vehicle and escapes custody will appear in North Shore Youth Court today.

    ENDS.

    Holly McKay/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    January 30, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Dog Man PSA Campaign, DreamWorks Animation, the Ad Council and FEMA Partnered to Encourage Kids to Help Prepare for Emergencies

    Source: US Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Headline: New Dog Man PSA Campaign, DreamWorks Animation, the Ad Council and FEMA Partnered to Encourage Kids to Help Prepare for Emergencies

    New Dog Man PSA Campaign, DreamWorks Animation, the Ad Council and FEMA Partnered to Encourage Kids to Help Prepare for Emergencies

    DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man, based on the best-selling Dav Pilkey books, arrives in theaters Jan. 31, 2025WASHINGTON — FEMA’s Ready Campaign and the Ad Council have partnered with DreamWorks Animation’s new film, Dog Man, based on the best-selling Dav Pilkey book series, for a national public service advertising (PSA) campaign. The campaign features the beloved canine crime-fighting hero spreading the message to children across the nation about the importance of being ready for the unexpected.            In DreamWorks Animation’s upcoming film, in theaters Jan. 31, 2025, Dog Man must lean on his crime-fighting skills and planning abilities to stop the evil plots of Petey, the feline supervillain. His planning skills are being brought to life in the new PSA campaign, launching today, where Dog Man encourages kids to help their families prepare for emergencies. The initiative includes billboards and bus shelter advertising, as well as 30- and 15-second PSAs in both English and Spanish languages that are airing in donated media across the country.”Empowering our children to be active participants in disaster preparedness is vital to creating a more prepared nation,” said Lucas Hitt Acting Associate Administrator for FEMA’s Office of External Affairs. “This collaboration presents a unique opportunity to engage America’s youth in a relatable and impactful way, harnessing the beloved characters of DreamWorks Animation’s Dog Man to give the entire family the tools they need to be ready for anything.”Ready campaign messaging includes a four-step approach to preparedness:Be informed about different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate protective action.Make a family emergency plan including information on how to reconnect and reunite.  Build emergency supply kits to ensure preparedness whether at home, at work or in the car. Get involved by finding opportunities to support community preparedness.      The new creatives are an extension of FEMA and the Ad Council’s ongoing partnership on the Ready campaign, which has helped generate more than 128 million visitors to Ready.gov and Listo.gov in Spanish language since its launch in 2003. The Ready Campaign is designed to educate and empower all Americans to prepare for and respond to disasters including earthquakes, tornadoes, floods and wildfires.      Launched in 2016 by Dav Pilkey—the #1 global bestselling author and award-winning illustrator of the Captain Underpants books—the Dog Man Scholastic series now includes 13 books. The series is one of the bestselling graphic novel series of all time with more than 60 million copies in print and translations in 47 languages. The series’ 2024 releases include Dog Man: The Scarlet Shedder, which became the #1 bestselling book in the U.S. and internationally and Dog Man: Big Jim Begins, published Dec. 3, 2024.   For more information on what to do before, during or after emergencies, visit Ready.gov and Listo.gov in Spanish language. Television stations can download advertisements from the Ad Council’s website. The PSA video is also available to view on ready.gov/videos. About FEMA and the Ready CampaignFEMA’s mission is helping people before, during and after disasters. FEMA’s Ready Campaign, launched in Feb. 2003, is a national public service campaign designed to educate and empower the American people to prepare for, respond to and mitigate emergencies and disasters. The goal of the campaign is to promote preparedness through public involvement.Ready and its Spanish language version Listo ask individuals to do four key things:•    Stay informed about the different types of emergencies that could occur and their appropriate responses.•    Make a family emergency plan.•    Build an emergency supply kit.•    Get involved in your community by taking action to prepare for emergencies.Follow FEMA on social media at: FEMA Blog on fema.gov, @FEMA or @FEMAEspanol on X, FEMA or FEMA Espanol on Facebook, @FEMA on Instagram, and via FEMA YouTube channel.Follow Ready on social media at @ReadyGov on X, Ready on Facebook and ReadyGov on Instagram.  The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.      About the Ad Council The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change. For more than 80 years, the nonprofit organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country’s most iconic social impact campaigns – Smokey Bear, A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Love Has No Labels, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. With a current focus on mental health, gun violence prevention, combating hate and bias, the overdose crisis and other critical issues, the Ad Council’s national campaigns encompass advertising and media content, ground game and community efforts, trusted messenger and influencer engagement, employer programs and other innovative strategies.To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, and view campaign creative on YouTube.           About DreamWorks Animation’s Dog ManPart dog, part man, all hero. From DreamWorks Animation—creators of the beloved blockbuster franchises Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon and The Boss Baby—comes the canine-crime-fighting film adaptation of Dav Pilkey’s New York Times bestselling literary phenomenon: Dog Man. When a faithful police dog and his human police officer owner are injured together on the job, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together and Dog Man is born. Dog Man is sworn to protect and serve—and fetch, sit and roll over.   As Dog Man embraces his new identity and strives to impress his Chief (Lil Rel Howery, Get Out, Free Guy), he must stop the pretty evil plots of feline supervillain Petey the Cat (Pete Davidson; Saturday Night Live, The King of Staten Island). Petey’s latest plan is to clone himself, creating the kitten Lil Petey, to double his ability to do crime stuff. Things get complicated, though, when Lil Petey forges an unexpected bond with Dog Man. When Lil Petey falls into the clutches of a common enemy, Dog Man and Petey reluctantly join forces in an action-packed race against time to rescue the young kitten. In the process, they discover the power of family (and kittens!) to bring even the most hostile foes together.  Dog Man also stars Isla Fisher (Wedding Crashers, Rango) as TV reporter Sarah Hatoff, Poppy Liu (Hacks, The Afterparty) as Petey’s assistant, Butler, Emmy nominee Stephen Root (Barry, King of the Hill) as Grampa, Billy Boyd (the Lord of the Rings franchise, Seed of Chucky) as Sarah’s cameraman, Seamus, and Emmy and Golden Globe winner Ricky Gervais (The Office, Extras) as Flippy the fish.Dog Man is directed by Emmy winner Peter Hastings (The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness), whose credits include the groundbreaking animated series Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain. The film is produced by Karen Foster (Spirit Untamed), who served as co-producer on DreamWorks Animation’s How to Train Your Dragon. About DreamWorks AnimationDreamWorks Animation (DWA), a division of the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, within NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation, is a global family entertainment company with feature film and television brands. The company’s deep portfolio of intellectual property is supported by a robust, worldwide consumer products practice, which includes licensing and location-based entertainment venues around the world. DWA’s feature film heritage includes many of the world’s most beloved characters and franchises, including Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Spirit, Trolls, The Boss Baby and 2022’s The Bad Guys and Puss in Boots: The Last Wish have amassed more than $16 billion in global box office receipts. DreamWorks Animation’s television studio is one of the world’s leading producers of high-quality, animated family programming, reaching consumers in more than 190 countries with a diverse array of award-winning original content through streaming and linear broadcasters.About Universal PicturesUniversal Pictures is a division of Universal Studios. Universal Studios is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group and world-renowned theme parks. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
    erika.suzuki
    Wed, 01/29/2025 – 20:06

    MIL OSI USA News –

    January 30, 2025
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