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  • MIL-OSI Global: Minimum alcohol pricing: what we found in Wales after five years

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Katy Holloway, Professor of Criminology, University of South Wales

    Almost five years ago, a new law came into force in Wales making it illegal to sell alcohol for less than 50p per unit.

    Since its introduction, we have been evaluating the effects of minimum alcohol pricing and our findings have recently been published. These will help Welsh Government ministers decide on the future of the policy beyond its six-year trial period.

    The price of many alcoholic drinks in Welsh shops increased in March 2020. Most noticeably, large three litre bottles of strong white cider (containing 22 units of alcohol) rose from less than £5 to £11.

    The price of some beers, wines and spirits also increased, though to a lesser extent. In pubs, clubs and restaurants, the introduction of minimum pricing for alcohol made little difference, as prices were already well above the 50p per unit threshold.

    The main goal of the Public Health (Minimum Price for Alcohol) (Wales) Act 2018 is to reduce alcohol-related harm and protect the health of those regularly drinking more than the recommended 14 units per week.

    Contrary to popular belief, minimum pricing for alcohol is not a tax. This means that any extra money from higher prices goes to the retailers and producers, not to the Welsh government.

    While many people enjoy drinking alcohol without any problem, some patterns of alcohol use are associated with significant physical, mental and social harms. It costs UK society more than £27 billion a year through a combination of health, crime, workplace and social welfare costs.

    Research has shown that making alcohol less affordable can reduce consumption and hence related harms. The World Health Organization considers minimum pricing one of its “best buys” for tackling harmful alcohol use.

    While minimum alcohol pricing is in place in several countries, policies differ. In 2018, Scotland became the first country to introduce a national minimum price for all types of alcohol. Two years later, Wales followed suit.

    The Republic of Ireland introduced minimum pricing in January 2022, while Northern Ireland has been engaged in consultation on the policy for several years. There are no plans for the introduction of minimum pricing for alcohol in England.

    The policy was introduced in Wales primarily to protect hazardous and harmful drinkers, who tend to consume more low-cost, high-strength alcohol. But evaluating its effect has been complex, especially due to the COVID pandemic, which disrupted drinking habits and the availability of alcohol. Other economic factors, including the cost of living crisis, have also influenced affordability.

    What we found

    Many of the findings within the 11 reports from our Welsh evaluation have strong resonance with those elsewhere, particularly those of the final Scottish evaluation.

    Drawing from our research, we have five important findings. First, implementation in Wales has been smooth. Retailers have largely complied with the law, and enforcement has been effective.

    Second, certain cheap alcohol products have disappeared. Large bottles of strong cider, for example, are now rare. There have also been shifts in promotions and product availability.

    Third, there are indications that overall alcohol consumption in Wales has declined. While it is difficult to measure directly, purchasing data suggests a reduction.

    Fourth, concerns about unintended consequences have not materialised significantly. Predictions of a rise in home brewing, substance switching, shoplifting and cross-border purchasing have not been widely observed. While some people living near the border have bought alcohol in England, this appears to be opportunistic rather than nationwide.

    Finally, some drinkers have changed their purchasing habits. A minority have switched from cider to wine or spirits as price differences narrowed. Others, particularly those on low incomes, experienced further struggles in financially maintaining their drinking habits.

    Our recommendations

    Minimum pricing for alcohol is well supported by evidence. It is not without its critics, especially those citing continued trends in actual numbers of alcohol-related deaths. Its implementation in Wales has noticeable effects, most of which are positive.

    Based on our findings, we recommend that the Welsh Government retains minimum alcohol pricing. But we also recognise the need for some adjustments.



    Read more:
    Alcohol prescribing for severe withdrawal – what the research shows

    The 50p per unit price, set over a decade ago, should be reviewed. Our evidence suggests an increase in price is needed to maintain the policy’s effectiveness. We believe the policy needs to be accompanied by well-funded treatment and support services for people experiencing alcohol-related difficulties.

    Policymakers must also acknowledge the disproportionate effect of minimum alcohol pricing on those with the lowest incomes. But this should not be a reason to abandon it. We do not advocate for making unhealthy foods cheaper to tackle food poverty. The same principle applies to alcohol policy.

    Minimum alcohol pricing targets affordability rather than addressing all aspects of alcohol harm. It is not a silver bullet, and so should only be one component of comprehensive strategy delivery. If combined with other policy measures and social support, it has the potential to significantly contribute to reductions in alcohol-related harm in Wales.

    Katy Holloway currently receives funding from Health Care Research Wales and Welsh Government. She has previously received funding from a wide range of organisations including NIHR, Home Office, and Ministry of Justice.

    Wulf Livingston receives funding from Welsh and Scottish Governments, World Health Organisation, National Institute for Health Research, Health Boards, alcohol and drug commissioning partnerships and third sector charities. He has previously recieved funding from many of the aforementioned, and in addition ERSC, Local Authorities, Pocklington Trust, Alcohol research UK and Welsh Universities WIN Fund.

    – ref. Minimum alcohol pricing: what we found in Wales after five years – https://theconversation.com/minimum-alcohol-pricing-what-we-found-in-wales-after-five-years-248189

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Shein could be a shot in the arm for the London Stock Exchange – but the fashion giant might not like the added scrutiny

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Isaac T. Tabner, Senior Lecturer in Finance, Director of the MSc Finance, University of Stirling

    T. Schneider/Shutterstock

    Fast fashion giant Shein’s mooted flotation on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) could be larger than any stock exchange listing seen in Europe in the last year. Coming at a time when the LSE is struggling to attract new listings, with some firms migrating to other exchanges, this could be a welcome boost. So it is perhaps unsurprising that the Chinese-founded company has been courted by the UK government, the LSE and those whose role it is to champion the City of London.

    Yet there are ongoing concerns about the controversial business model and practices of Shein, whose founder Chris Xu relocated himself and the company’s headquarters to Singapore in 2022. These were exacerbated when Shein’s lawyer struggled to tell the UK’s business and trade parliamentary committee whether the company uses cotton from China.

    Campaign group Stop Uyghur Genocide recently said it will seek a judicial review if the UK regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), approves the LSE listing. And a “Say No to Shein” campaign has nearly 50,000 signatures on the activist website 38 Degrees. (Shein says it strictly prohibits forced labour in its supply chain globally.)

    More idealistic observers might question whether it is really a good idea for the UK to be courting such a controversial listing. The UK, after all, is a second-choice destination after Shein’s ambition to list on the US market failed – amid concerns about forced labour, among other things.

    So what are the claims against Shein? On environmental, social and governance (ESG) grounds the firm is controversial. Although Shein says it is working hard to reduce its environmental impact, its business model – supplying items cheap enough to be discarded after a single use – is at odds with a more sustainable society and thus problematic for the “E” in ESG.

    Some people add an additional “E” (for ethics) to the acronym. Concerns raised about the human and employee rights of workers in Shein’s supply chain and Shein’s reluctance to talk about them, even to a parliamentary committee, highlight both the “social” and the “ethical”. For its part, the company said last year it was actively working to improve its suppliers’ practices.

    If less than 10% of Shein’s equity is floated, which is the what company is proposing, it will still be controlled by its founders and majority shareholders as if it had remained a fully private company. An LSE listing would normally compel Shein to either comply with the UK corporate governance code, or explain why it did not. But dispersed minority investors with a combined ownership of less than 10% would have little or no say in the governance of a business that remained more than 90% owned and controlled by a few founding investors.

    Therefore, a listing of 10% or less would also raise concerns among minority investors about the “G” for governance. This is particularly true if their holding is involuntary, for example as part of an employee pension scheme. Shein said in a social impact report, however, that it has set up a sustainability committee to provide an extra layer of corporate governance.

    Shein’s lawyer struggled to answer questions on the source of its cotton.

    Given these issues, who gains and who loses from the proposed flotation? Shein itself could of course be among the winners. Common motives for a stock exchange listing are raising capital to finance new investment or giving founding shareholders an opportunity to cash out. Listing can also make mergers and acquisitions more straightforward and incentivise employees to stay with the company by offering preferential terms for buying shares.

    There is also no doubt that a listing would be presented as a positive sign that the UK is open and attractive for business. It would generate an initial windfall, and ongoing revenue for the LSE, plus substantial fees for financial and legal service providers based in the City of London.

    Downsides

    As a private company, Shein has kept details of its financial situation out of the public domain. If the LSE listing does go ahead (which is by no means certain), the company will be required to give detail on its legal and reputational risks, as well as its financial accounts.

    This will let prospective investors and others involved in the listing estimate a pricing range for the flotation. Recent headlines suggest a total equity valuation between US$50 billion and US$66 billion (£40 billion and £52 billion), yet if the listing does not go ahead it is impossible to estimate its market value with any reliability using information that is currently in the public domain.

    Shein’s apparent desire for secrecy, and its reluctance to publish detailed financial data, suggests that its founders and controlling investors may not be comfortable with the increased scrutiny that a listing will require. A 2023 report from the company, however, claimed Shein was committed to “continued progress and transparency” in terms of sustainability and its social impact.

    If credible revelations about controversial business practices such as forced labour or illegal working conditions emerge, this is likely to damage the stock price. No doubt outside investors would have plenty of incentive to scrutinise Shein’s activities – at least, more than the consumer buying a £10 dress for a night out.

    Perhaps a cautionary example can be drawn from the UK’s much smaller home-grown fast-fashion contender, Boohoo.com (now worth around £400 million after peaking at more than £5 billion in 2020). After an initial stellar performance, the firm’s stock price never recovered from reports in 2020 about workers in its UK supply chain being paid £3.50 an hour.

    An independent review published the same year found many failings in the company’s UK supply chain – Boohoo Group responded by pledging to implement the recommendations of the review in full. However, a BBC Panorama investigation indicated that it had not fulfilled its pledges. And at under 30 pence per share, its stock price is down more than 90% since the scandal first broke. (After the programme, Boohoo insisted that it had implemented “every one” of the independent review’s recommendations.)

    Shein’s listing – if it goes ahead – will open its inner workings to public scrutiny in a way that it has never experienced before. Already, people who have never engaged with fast fashion are discussing the business practices of the company.

    If awareness is the first stage of progress, such increased scrutiny can only be a good thing for those concerned about the darker side of the fast fashion industry.

    Isaac T. Tabner is a member of the following professional bodies:

    CFA Institute,
    CFA Society of the UK,
    Personal Finance Society and Chartered Insurance Institute.

    – ref. Shein could be a shot in the arm for the London Stock Exchange – but the fashion giant might not like the added scrutiny – https://theconversation.com/shein-could-be-a-shot-in-the-arm-for-the-london-stock-exchange-but-the-fashion-giant-might-not-like-the-added-scrutiny-249541

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Supersonic passenger aircraft may be returning – here’s what that would mean for the climate

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Kshitij Sabnis, Lecturer in Aerospace Engineering, Queen Mary University of London

    The US aerospace company Boom Supersonic recently announced it has successfully tested its latest aircraft, the XB-1. The company is developing a larger plane and aims to begin passenger flights at supersonic (faster than sound) speed within the next five years, and claims it already has orders from a handful of airlines.

    However, with ever-increasing scrutiny on the environmental consequences of flying, it is important to consider how supersonic aviation may affect the industry’s ability to meet its ambitious net zero by 2050 target.

    The latest test flight represents an important stage in the development of supersonic aircraft that minimise their characteristic “sonic boom” – the considerable noise generated as the shock waves travelling along with a supersonic aircraft pass over people on the ground.

    Boom Supersonic has carefully designing the aircraft shape to reduce this noise pollution. It did this by exploiting a phenomenon known as “Mach cutoff”, where air temperatures in the atmosphere cause shock waves to reflect upwards rather than towards the ground.

    Supersonic aircraft won’t receive certification to fly over land if they are too noisy, and overland flights are essential for their commercial viability. Indeed, failing to receive such certification limited Concorde’s routes to London-New York and Paris-New York, ultimately contributing to its demise. These recent noise improvements pave the way for Boom Supersonic to progress its larger 80-seat supersonic airliner, Overture. If all goes to plan, Overture will cruise at 1.7 times the speed of sound and could fly from London to New York in just 3.5 hours.

    Other organisations working on supersonic flight are making similar progress. US firm Spike Aerospace is developing a smaller business jet, for instance, while Nasa and defence and aerospace firm Lockheed Martin plan to begin test flying their supersonic X-59 later this year. There is every indication that planes like these are on their way back, more than two decades after Concorde last took to the skies.

    Concorde’s maiden flight back in 1969. It flew commercially between 1976 and 2003.
    Andre Cros / wiki, CC BY-SA

    Shock waves increase aerodynamic drag

    The key to understanding the environmental effects of supersonic aircraft is that, whenever its speed exceeds the speed of sound, shock waves form around the aircraft. These shock waves significantly increase the aerodynamic drag, and so more fuel needs to be burned to compensate for the drag force. Indeed, it is estimated that up to ten times more fuel needs to be burned by a supersonic aircraft compared to the equivalent subsonic airplane for every passenger mile.

    At supersonic speeds, sound itself is a drag.
    Chabacano / wiki, CC BY-SA

    The cost of this extra fuel is why typical aircraft speeds have remained pretty constant at around 85% of the speed of sound for several decades. It also leads to greater greenhouse gas emissions – as much as five to seven times more than subsonic aircraft.

    In fact, the situation may be even more stark. Supersonic aircraft tend to fly at high altitudes (Concorde flew at 60,000ft (18km) rather than the 40,000ft (12km) typical for most passenger jets) to take advantage of lower turbulence levels. This means their emissions tend to remain in the atmosphere for longer.

    Supersonic and sustainable?

    There are considerable efforts to align supersonic aircraft development with the aviation industry’s environmental ambitions. For instance, the new engines designed by Boom Supersonic are powered entirely by “sustainable aviation fuels” (Saf) which are direct replacements for traditional jet fuels that are made from renewable raw materials, often used cooking oil or crop residues. Due to its exclusive use of Saf, the Overture is advertised as having a zero-carbon footprint.

    A concept image of the Overture, the plane Boom Supersonic ultimately wants to build.
    Boom Supersonic, CC BY-SA

    In reality, the situation is more complex. Saf is often produced from edible crops and has been linked to deforestation – the total land required to power all of commercial aviation in this way is impractically immense.

    To address this longer-term problem, it is necessary to look towards alternative fuel sources. While hydrogen or electric power is being developed for regular aircraft, for now they aren’t developed enough to ensure a plane reaches supersonic speeds. Instead, one possibility is e-kerosene, a synthetic fuel generated from hydrogen and carbon dioxide using renewable electricity.

    Despite all these technological advances, a supersonic aircraft still cannot beat physics. Shock waves, and their associated drag, will still exist. So, a single supersonic aircraft will still produce considerably more carbon emissions than its subsonic counterpart.

    Beyond carbon emissions, contrails also have an effect. These are thin clouds of water vapour produced by aircraft exhausts, which can trap heat in the atmosphere the same way as greenhouse gases. These contrails are thought to have twice the impact of carbon emissions, or perhaps even more, so it is essential to take their effects into account. For now, we simply don’t know enough about contrails, especially at much higher altitudes, to definitively say how supersonic aircraft will affect the environment.

    Given the costs involved, supersonic aircraft will account for only a very small percentage of aircraft worldwide. The overall impact on the environment, in comparison to the tens of thousands of subsonic aircraft currently in operation, will be moderate.

    There is perhaps one environmental upside. The research and development activity making supersonic aviation more environmentally friendly (such as developments in fuel and propulsion technology) will likely yield technologies that transfer to subsonic aircraft too. This should help to address the much broader problem of environmental damage caused by the aviation industry as a whole.

    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.

    Kshitij Sabnis 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. Supersonic passenger aircraft may be returning – here’s what that would mean for the climate – https://theconversation.com/supersonic-passenger-aircraft-may-be-returning-heres-what-that-would-mean-for-the-climate-250116

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With Flu and Norovirus Levels High, Good Health Habits Recommended

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    With rates of seasonal viruses, such as flu and norovirus, still elevated throughout Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) is urging people to practice good health habits to help keep everyone healthy and safe.

    So far, more than 900 people in Rhode Island have been hospitalized with influenza this flu season, the most since the 2019-2020 flu season. (Individual cases of flu are not reportable to RIDOH.) Since December 1, 2024, Rhode Island has had 74 confirmed or suspected norovirus outbreaks. Rhode Island’s norovirus outbreaks have largely been associated with locations such as schools and congregate living settings.

    Flu and other respiratory viruses (such as COVID-19 and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus) spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, by direct contact with someone who is sick, or by touching a contaminated surface.

    Norovirus, often called the “stomach flu” or “stomach bug,” causes vomiting and diarrhea and spreads quickly. It can make people very sick for 1 to 2 days. Norovirus is found in the stool (poop) and vomit of an infected person. People can become infected with norovirus by eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus; by touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth; or if an infected person prepares food. People can even get infected with norovirus after a sick person has vomited in a public space because tiny drops of vomit from a person with norovirus can spray through the air, landing on surfaces or entering another person’s mouth.

    “The flu is a very serious virus that can send someone to the hospital, and norovirus can be dangerous for some people too,” said Director of Health Jerry Larkin, MD. “Both viruses spread easily. However, by taking a few simple preventive steps, you can help keep yourself and those around you safe. These steps are especially important for people who are at higher risk due to underlying medical conditions or pregnancy, as well as younger children and older adults.”

    How to prevent flu and other respiratory viruses (such as COVID-19 and RSV):

    – Everyone 6 months or older should get a flu shot and an updated COVID-19 vaccine. It is not too late in the year to get vaccinated against either virus. Vaccination is particularly important for older adults and people with underlying health issues such as weakened immune systems, diabetes, obesity, asthma, cancer, and heart or lung disease. Many people are also eligible for RSV immunizations. Talk to your healthcare professional about RSV immunization.

    – Stay home and away from others until your symptoms are getting better for 24 hours and you are fever-free without fever-reducing medications for 24 hours. Children who are sick should not go to school or childcare.

    – Wash your hands often throughout the day. Use warm water and soap. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand gel.

    – Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands. Always wash your hands as soon as you can after you cough or sneeze.?

    How to prevent norovirus:

    – Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food. Hand sanitizer alone does not work well against norovirus.

    – Stay home if you are sick and keep children home from school and childcare if they are sick. Stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.

    – After an episode of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label or a solution made by adding 5�25 tablespoons of household bleach to 1 gallon of water.

    – Do not prepare food while infected. People who are infected with norovirus should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover from their illness.

    While levels of flu and norovirus are high, Rhode Island’s COVID-19 rate has been decreasing since early January. Rhode Island’s COVID-19 rate is considerably lower than it was at this time in 2024.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man convicted of murdering partner in Kilburn

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A man has been convicted of murdering his partner at her flat in west London, following an investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service.

    A jury at Southwark Crown Court found Steven Clark, 50 (02.03.1974), of Bravington Road, Kilburn, guilty of the murder of 80-year-old Ursula Uhlemann at her home in Queens Park in March 2024.

    DCI Wayne Jolley, from the Met’s Specialist Crime South unit – who led the investigation – said:“Ms Uhlemann’s life was taken in appalling circumstances. In light of Clark’s conviction, our thoughts are with those that knew her.

    “Clark had consistently lied about his role in Ms Uhlemann’s murder, denying any involvement whatsoever. I would like to thank the numerous witnesses who assisted investigators in building a picture of the events leading up to the killing.”

    The court heard that, just after 03:00hrs on Wednesday, 20 March, 2024, a London Ambulance Service crew attended Ms Uhlemann’s flat – inside a retirement housing complex – following a 999 call by Clark. They found Ms Uhlemann unresponsive on the floor of her living room. Despite the efforts of paramedics to resuscitate her, she was pronounced dead at 04:11hrs.

    Investigators were alerted of the death by paramedics and attended the flat. They noted that Ms Uhlemann had suffered numerous injuries.

    Clark was present at the scene when the police arrived. He told them he had been staying at Ms Uhlemann’s flat that night, and had found her unconscious. Investigators noted inconsistencies in Clark’s account, and, as a result, he was arrested and charged with murder on Friday, 22 March, 2024.

    Clark claimed that, after arriving at his partner’s flat on Monday, 18 March, 2024, he had left and returned on several occasions. However, after making CCTV enquiries, investigators established that he had never left the flat at any point in the two days preceding her death.

    Officers were able to establish that Clark had been abusive towards the victim on previous occasions. A postmortem later determined that Ms Uhlemann had died from neck compression.

    Clark will be sentenced at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 21 February.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: AMA Insurance Takes Action on Reducing Claims Emissions with EcoClaim™

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EDMONTON, Alberta, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Together, the Alberta Motor Association Insurance Company and EcoClaim are leading a new chapter in Alberta’s insurance sector, one that prioritizes measurable environmental impact, a core value for many Albertans.

    AMA Insurance’s relationship with EcoClaim highlights AMA’s mission to support Albertans through forward-thinking practices while prioritizing the environment. This collaboration equips AMA’s teams and contractor network with the tools to track and minimize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions tied to property claims. EcoClaim’s training and certification programs provide vendors with a comprehensive toolkit to implement sustainable practices in their operations. By using EcoClaim’s TRAX software, they gain access to accurate claim-level data on avoided emissions.

    “At AMA, we have always believed in championing initiatives that protect what matters most: our members, our communities, and our environment,” said Jordan Andrew, Claims Manager. “By working with EcoClaim, we’re taking practical steps to reduce the environmental impact of each claim while supporting our members and contractor network with the tools they need to succeed.”

    As part of this collaboration, AMA is adopting EcoClaim’s innovative TRAX software to support its supply chain partners while implementing EcoClaim sustainability training and certification.

    “At EcoClaim, we help insurance companies build sustainable practices directly into the core of their claims process,” said Jodi Scarlett, CEO of EcoClaim. “This approach transforms supply chain behaviors, delivering measurable reductions in emissions related to claims. For example, in 2024, EcoClaim vendors across Canada reported nearly 1 million kilograms of avoided emissions directly related to changes in recycling practices on property claims. AMA’s participation in the program is sure to amplify this result significantly!”

    AMA Insurance’s commitment to sustainability reflects growing momentum across the insurance sector to reduce GHG emissions. Together with EcoClaim, they are implementing practical solutions that achieve measurable environmental impact and transforming claims into climate action.

    About EcoClaim™

    EcoClaim™ transforms insurance claims into climate action with its innovative platform, offering industry-leading training, GHG management software, and a Carbon Exchange marketplace. Tailored for P&C insurers, EcoClaim replaces generic emissions benchmarks with precise claim-level data, empowering insurers to measure, manage, and reduce Scope 3 emissions effectively. The platform not only strengthens sustainability disclosures but also lowers claims costs, proving that the low-carbon way can also be the cost-efficient way.

    About AMA Insurance

    AMA Insurance Agency and the Alberta Motor Association Insurance Company operate as part of the Alberta Motor Association, which is the largest membership-based organization in Alberta.

    AMA Insurance was incorporated as an insurance company in 1962. Today AMA Insurance underwrites, sells and services a wide range of products to AMA members, including auto, home, accident and business insurance. AMA Insurance also sells the products of carefully selected external partners and is supported by internal claims and legal departments.

    About AMA

    The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) is one of the largest membership organizations in Alberta, representing a million members provincewide. As a leading advocate for traffic safety, travel, consumer protection, and crime prevention, AMA helps protect the things that matter most, cares for and participates in the communities we serve, and represents our members’ needs to industry and government.

    Media Contact:

    Meaghan Ralston, EcoClaim CMO, 1.403.926.8112, mralston@ecoclaim.ca  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ASUS Republic of Gamers Announces 2025 ROG Flow Z13 is now available in Canada

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) announced that the 2025 ROG Flow Z13 is now available for pre-order on the ASUS Store and Best Buy with deliveries starting as early as February 25th, 2025. This versatile gaming 2-in-1 feature AMD’s newest AMD Ryzen™ AI Max+ 395 Processor with Radeon™ 8060S Graphics and a unified memory structure, allowing for incredible performance and power efficiency. A new stainless steel and copper vapor chamber, larger intake vents, and 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans™ offer 70% more airflow for quiet and efficient cooling.

    This 13-inch tablet boasts a stunning ROG Nebula Display, a 2.5K resolution 180Hz touchscreen with 500 nits of peak brightness, and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 protection. The Flow Z13 now also features a larger 70Wh battery, a larger touchpad and keycaps, and a convenient Command Center button for quick access to vital system functions. With dual USB-C® ports, both of which support USB4® and power delivery, as well as a dedicated HDMI® 2.1 port, the Flow Z13 lets gamers leave their dongles at home.

    Power efficiency reimagined 
    Inside ROG Flow Z13 is AMD’s new Ryzen™ AI Max processors with Radeon 8060S Graphics. With 16 high-performance Zen 5 CPU cores and 40 compute units worth of RDNA 3.5 graphics on the same processor, the Z13 has the muscle for both intense multitasking and heavyweight gaming. The RDNA 3.5 GPU cores power gaming performance that rivals dedicated graphics, with the added benefit of drawing significantly less power, making it the perfect choice for a gaming tablet. The Z13’s processor also boasts 50 TOPS of NPU performance, making it a certified Copilot+ PC that offers incredible versatility with built-in AI features and tools. 

    Unified quad channel memory 
    With both the CPU and GPU cores sharing a single processor die, the ROG Flow Z13 is able to utilize a unified memory structure, allowing for incredible flexibility and versatility. Traditional gaming laptops and tablets have a dedicated CPU and GPU, both with distinct pools of RAM that can’t be shared. The Flow Z13 has one large pool of memory that can be allocated to the Zen 5 and RDNA 3.5 compute cores dynamically, giving gamers access to plentiful VRAM in modern games and excellent performance in other memory intensive tasks when not gaming. 

    With 32GB of ultra-high speed LPDDR5X 8000MHz RAM gives gamers plenty of memory for even the most demanding games and applications, all shared dynamically as needed for a seamless experience. This quad-channel memory configuration offers maximum bandwidth and minimal latency, offering both the CPU and GPU cores the most performance possible. 

    With a dedicated NPU, a high-performance GPU, and the ability to allocate up to 24GB of VRAM, the Flow Z13 is the ultimate portable workstation. Capable of running a larger language model locally, the Z13 is ready for any advanced AI task. Another variant of the ROG Flow Z13 is available in other markets featuring an impressive 128GB of memory. This allows for up to 96GB of VRAM allocation, enabling seamless local execution of large 70B language models locally with ease.

    Revamped cooling 
    The 2025 ROG Flow Z13 features a brand-new vapor chamber, now built with lightweight stainless steel and copper and offering 54% more coverage of the mainboard compared to the previous generation design. Larger intake vents and dual 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans help push exhaust air through ultrathin 0.1mm heatsink fins that are extra-efficient without adding bulk to the machine. As a tablet, the Flow Z13 houses all of its heat-producing components behind the display and rarely sits flat on a table, with a standing design granting ample access to fresh air and a natural cooling advantage compared to gaming laptops. 

    The Flow Z13 features a redesigned routing for air from the pair of 2nd Gen Arc Flow Fans, diverting a small amount to a specially designed channel behind the touchscreen to keep the user’s skin temperatures lower during use. In addition, integrated dust filters help keep hair and debris out of the machine, keeping the Z13’s cooling system reliable for years to come. 

    Brilliant visuals 
    This compact 13-inch laptop boasts a gorgeous high-resolution 2.5K and 180Hz refresh rate Nebula Display, for incredibly immersive games and video content. Corning® Gorilla® Glass 5 protects the touchscreen from accidental knicks and scratches. With 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, a 16:10 aspect ratio, and 500 nits of peak brightness, this ROG Nebula Display is ready to light up the gaming world. 

    More ports and features than ever 
    Despite its svelte size, the 2025 ROG Flow Z13 stands ready to become the centerpiece of any gaming battle station. Featuring dual USB-C ports, both of which support USB4, DisplayPort™ 1.4 output, and power delivery, the Z13 offers incredible flexibility for any devices and peripherals. It also sports a dedicated HDMI 2.1 port, a USB Type-A port, a microSD card reader, and an audio combo jack. The Flow Z13 is the only tablet that truly allows gamers to leave their dongles behind. 

    ROG Flow Z13 now sports a much larger 70Wh battery, when combined with the power efficiency of AMD’s Ryzen™ AI processors, gives gamers more battery life than ever before. A larger touchpad and individual keycaps offer a more comfortable typing experience. And as a final touch, a brand-new Command Center button allows for seamless access to vital system functions, essential for any tablet. 

    AVAILABILITY AND PRICING

    The new ROG Flow Z13 (GZ302EA-XS96) 2-in-1 is now available for pre-order in Canada with deliveries starting from February 25th, 2025, via the ASUS Store, and Best Buy. Equipped with the newly announced AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 with Radeon 8060S graphics, 32 GB of RAM, and 1 TB of storage, it starts at C$2,999.

    Pricing and configurations are subject to change. Contact your local ASUS representative for more details or visit ASUS Canada.

    NOTES TO EDITORS

    ROG Flow Z13 Where to Buy Links:

    ROG Flow Z13 Product Page: https://rog.asus.com/ca-en/laptops/rog-flow/rog-flow-z13-2025/

    2025 ROG Gaming Laptops: https://rog.asus.com/content/2025-rog-gaming-laptops/ 

    ROG Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asusrog

    ROG X (Twitter): https://www.x.com/asus_rog

    ASUS Pressroom: http://press.asus.com

    ASUS Global Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asus

    ASUS Global Twitter: https://www.x.com/asus

    SPECIFICATIONS

    Model Flow Z13 (GZ302EA-XS96)
    CPU AMD Ryzen™ AI MAX+ 395 Processor 3.0GHz (80MB Cache, up to 5.1GHz, 16 cores)
    NPU AMD XDNA™ NPU up to 50 TOPS
    Memory 32GB LPDDR5X 8000 (max capacity: 32GB)
    GPU Integrated Radeon™ 8060S Graphics
    Panel 13.4” 16:10 WQXGA 180Hz,
    3ms, 500nits, DCI-P3 100%
    ROG Nebula Display
    Pantone Validated, with Dolby Vision®
    Storage 1TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD (2230)
    Operating System Windows 11 Pro
    I/O PORT 2x USB Type-C (with USB4 + DP 2.1+ PD 3.0)
    1x HDMI 2.1
    1x Command Center button 
    1x USB 3.2 Type-A 
    1x microSD Card Reader (UHS II) 
    1x 3.5mm Combo Audio Jack
    Battery 70Whr
    Connectivity Wi-Fi 7 (802.11ab)
    Bluetooth® 5.4
    Adapter 200W ASUS Slim Power Jack
    154×72.5x23mm (472g)
    Dimensions 30.0 x 20.4 x 1.29 ~ 1.49 cm (11.81″ x 8.03″ x 0.51″ ~ 0.59″)
    1.2 Kg (2.65lbs) without keyboard
    1.59 Kg (3.51lbs) with keyboard
    Webcam 13MP camera and 5MP IR camera
    Pricing C$2,999
    Where to Buy ASUS Store & Best Buy
     

    About ROG

    Republic of Gamers (ROG) is an ASUS sub-brand dedicated to creating the world’s best gaming hardware and software. Formed in 2006, ROG offers a complete line of innovative products known for performance and quality, including motherboards, graphics cards, system components, laptops, desktops, monitors, smartphones, audio equipment, routers, peripherals and accessories. ROG participates in and sponsors major international gaming events. ROG gear has been used to set hundreds of overclocking records and it continues to be the preferred choice of gamers and enthusiasts around the world. To become one of those who dare, learn more about ROG at http://rog.asus.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6d8808db-0dc3-4995-b5eb-54559833040a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to the Maldives

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    February 18, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • The Maldives’ economy is expected to grow by 5 percent in 2025, driven by robust tourism activity. Nevertheless, macroeconomic imbalances have continued to widen and risks are tilted to the downside.
    • The immediate policy priority is to restore sustainable public finance and debt. Broad-based fiscal reforms and a comprehensive debt strategy, alongside well-calibrated monetary and macro-financial policies, are urgently needed.
    • Reforms to strengthen climate resilience, improve the business climate and governance, and enhance skill developments will support stronger external competitiveness and strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Ms. Piyaporn Sodsriwiboon, visited Malé during February 3 – 16, 2025, to discuss recent economic developments, the outlook, and the country’s policy priorities in the context of the 2025 Article IV consultation.

    At the end of the mission, Ms. Sodsriwiboon issued the following statement:

    “Thanks to the Maldives’ strong tourism base, growth has held up well. Real GDP growth is projected at 5 percent in 2025, and the opening of airport terminal expansion would ease supply-side bottleneck for tourism and help sustain growth momentum over the medium term. Inflation is expected to rise to 2.3 percent in 2025, partially due to higher import duties. There is large uncertainty around the forecasts and risks are tilted to the downside.

    “External vulnerabilities remain, amid a persistently large current account deficit and pressures on foreign exchange reserves. The overall fiscal deficits and public debt are projected to stay elevated, calling for urgent policy adjustment. Over the medium term, the Maldives is highly vulnerable to climate change risks, due to sea level risk, floods and the degradation of its natural capital.

    “The Maldives is navigating a pivotal moment to urgently restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability. The Government of Maldives has assumed its homegrown fiscal reform agenda, importantly with the discontinuation of exceptional use of Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) advances and the passage of Fiscal Responsibility Act and Public Debt Management Act. Swift implementation of expenditure reform measures as outlined in the 2025 Budget would be key to reduce imbalances in an orderly manner and restore economic stability.

    “In addition to the revenue mobilization measures enacted by the government, there is the need for more urgent and stronger fiscal consolidation. Holistic expenditure rationalization is necessary to restrain excessive spending, while improving spending efficiency and protecting priority social spending. Subsidy reforms, which phase out untargeted subsidies and roll out well-targeted direct income transfers to vulnerable households, should be introduced as envisaged in the 2025 Budget. The reprioritization and rationalization of public sector investment program (PSIP) is critically necessary to address immediate fiscal challenges. Building on recent progress, the reforms of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and Aasandha-healthcare reforms should be continued. Strengthening the public financial framework is critical to enhance fiscal policy credibility and effectiveness. A comprehensive debt strategy would also help restore debt sustainability and improve debt management.

    “A coordinated tightening of the policy mix would effectively help address macroeconomic vulnerabilities. The MMA’s commitment to resume active monetary operations is a welcome step in this regard. Should inflationary or external pressures intensify, the MMA should stand ready to further tighten monetary policy. Heightened systemic risks from bank-sovereign nexus call for tighter macroprudential policies and vigilant financial sector oversight. Prudent foreign exchange reserve management, alongside the necessary macroeconomic adjustments that include substantial and immediate fiscal adjustments as well as stricter monetary and macroprudential policies to address economic imbalances effectively, would help safeguard the exchange rate peg.

    “Given the Maldives’ threats to climate change, integrating climate sensitivity into public financial and investment management processes is essential for tackling climate-related challenges and mobilizing additional climate finance. Structural reforms aimed at improving the business environment and governance, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing skill development remain crucial for sustaining robust and inclusive growth.

    “The IMF team would like to thank the Maldivian authorities for their hospitality and constructive discussions. Meetings were held with Finance Minister M. Zameer, Governor A. Munawar, and other senior officials, as well as representatives from the private sector and development partners.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Cathay’s Lawrence Fong on tackling his folder of unanswered emails

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Cathay’s Lawrence Fong on tackling his folder of unanswered emails

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft shares its agenda for the 2025 Washington state legislative session

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft shares its agenda for the 2025 Washington state legislative session

    This year is historic for Washington state as we welcome Governor Bob Ferguson, the first new governor in twelve years. In the few weeks since his inauguration, Bob Ferguson has signaled a pragmatic approach to governance, launching a new era in Washington State. Alongside Washingtonians across the state, Microsoft welcomes the Ferguson administration.  

    Today, in line with our commitment to transparency, we are sharing our annual legislative agenda. 

    This year is also notable as the 2025 session is a biennial budget year where over the course of 105 days, the legislature will negotiate, write, and ultimately pass three distinct yet interdependent operating, capital, and transportation budgets, outlining the critical spending and revenue plans for the next twenty-four months. With a new federal administration, new governments around the world, and our new government here in Washington, this biennial budget process has a certain gravitas. 

    Indeed, this is a critical moment for our state. The complexity of our state’s economic fabric—aerospace, technology, life sciences, agriculture, and space—has resulted in both a growing population and now, more than ever, a moment of unprecedented technological progress, presenting opportunities for Washington State and Washingtonians. Given the pace of progress all around us and the unique role we play in the innovation economy, Governor Ferguson and our legislators must be equally agile with deft and delicate policies over these next weeks of the 2025 legislative session. 

    As in years past, Microsoft’s 2025 legislative agenda aligns closely with the priorities of Washingtonians. As a homegrown global company, we have an eye on these global shifts of change and opportunity. And in these global shifts of change and opportunity, the priority of policymakers in Olympia must be on maintaining and expanding economic vitality, addressing the crisis of affordable housing, supporting high-quality education, and improving public safety and quality of life for all of Washington.  

    People-centered outcomes with policies that genuinely increase housing supply 

    Washington and Oregon have the tightest housing markets in the United States and in Washington we need housing of every kind. There is wide agreement that Washington needs to add one million new housing units over the next 20 years to meet the needs of state residents, thereby making housing more affordable.  

    In 2019, Microsoft announced a historic investment of $750 million to support the creation and  

    preservation of affordable housing. This initiative aimed to help low- and middle-income workers, such as nurses, teachers, and police officers, who are increasingly unable to afford housing near their workplaces. Our investment contributed and preserved 12,000 units of housing for our neighbors in the Puget Sound region. What we learned through our financial investment, however, is that funding is not enough. We must increase the supply of land and do more to incentivize housing development.  

    As we have for the past decade, Microsoft supports policies that make it easier, faster, and less expensive to increase housing production. We need to unlock more land for housing, increase financing, and enable efficient and effective government permitting, including the use of new technology to speed up permit review. This includes reforms and incentives that enable more housing in areas with abundant employment and transportation modes, leveraging public investments in transit to provide affordable living options for people across various income levels, enabling them to build their lives closer to their jobs, schools, parks, and other neighborhood amenities.  

    Among the novel and promising ideas being advanced this session is to promote and unlock residential uses in commercial zones, especially in close proximity to frequent and reliable transit. The rise of online shopping has led to an increase in empty big box stores and underutilized strip malls surrounded by empty parking lots. Policymakers should prioritize rezoning underutilized commercial spaces along existing transit hubs to create vibrant new communities. Freeing up larger tracts of underutilized land will help housing developers overcome the first hurdle to building multi-family apartments, townhomes, and condos.  

    For the 2025 legislative session, the legislature must continue to take big swings at policy so that Washington State has housing for all. 

    Access to all types of education for all Washingtonians 

    In April, Microsoft will celebrate 50 years in business. In the decades after Microsoft was founded, Washington state shifted to a knowledge and innovation economy. Now, we are participating in the shift to an AI economy. And to meet the needs of this moment, we need an interactive jungle gym of skilling and credentialing opportunities for all Washingtonians so we can move both upward and across career paths to follow the job opportunities that hold the most promise now and as job opportunities evolve.  

    Washington businesses are creating great jobs, but many people lack the necessary skills or credentials to attain them. We need our state to prioritize policies that address the skills gap limiting employment options for too many people. As a leader in global technology, Washington is also a leader in future technologies like AI, clean energy, and quantum computing, which will create a new wave of meaningful family-wage jobs. Washingtonians must be prepared with the right skills to participate in the economy now and in the economy of the future. 

    Microsoft also supports policies that enhance K-12 student achievement, foster career awareness in middle school, and encourage more students to pursue post-secondary credentials. Offering all Washington kids these opportunities has long been a priority for Microsoft. This year, lawmakers are advancing policies that create seamless pathways into higher education through guaranteed enrollment and generous eligibility for the Washington College Grant program. We are excited about the work being done in these areas.  

    We also encourage the state to establish more apprenticeships in high-demand fields and expand higher education programs to produce enough qualified applicants to match available jobs.  

    These are the policies that create a jungle gym of opportunity. 

    Committing to our statewide transportation plan 

    Our transportation system is the lifeblood of our state, and our state legislature has done extraordinary work in recent years. We have many important projects underway across the state. People rely on our roads, highways, rail, and ferries to travel to work, school, obtain healthcare, and find recreation. Employers also depend on reliable transportation to move parts and products around the state and beyond. We applaud the work that has been done to keep Washington moving. 

    This biennium, the priority is to ensure that projects currently underway are completed on time, provide sufficient maintenance funding for existing facilities, and continue to make necessary investments in transformative regional projects, including ultra high-speed rail in the Cascadia corridor. 

    Cascadia at the forefront of the digital economy and looking to the future 

    Washington state serves as one of the world’s leading centers for the development of artificial intelligence technology. Advances in artificial intelligence are enhancing customer service interactions, transaction processing, and workflow efficiency across various sectors. Microsoft sees extraordinary opportunities for our state government to leverage local AI expertise to maximize public resources. We look forward to participating in these crucial conversations, which are more important than ever this year.  

    As we look to the future, we are optimistic. Microsoft’s long-standing partnership with the state of Washington has been part of the success of our state. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are as committed as we have ever been to collaborating with lawmakers to secure our state’s vibrant future. We look forward to working together to meet the challenges and opportunities of the next 50 years. 

    We see this as a unique opportunity to partner with Governor Ferguson and the legislature to advance Washington State using technology and innovation, increasing individual productivity capacity, and expanding access to government services for Washingtonians. 

    State budgets that are sustainable and prioritized 

    The most important policy bills the legislature will pass, however, will be the budget bills. More than anything, this bill will reflect the state’s priorities now and for the next two years. Budgets are where Washington’s tax dollars are put to work. Over the years, Microsoft has supported targeted tax increases for important programs and services. We have supported and defended nearly every transportation package in recent history. We supported the creation of the Workforce Education Investment Act to expand higher education opportunities for all Washingtonians. We have also provided millions in matching funds to help accelerate affordable housing. And just last year we helped lead the business community in defending the Climate Commitment Act. 

    This year, legislators are facing grim budget news—a budget deficit ranging from $10 to16 billion, depending on who you ask and how you do the math. Importantly, Washington State is not in a recession. This deficit is not due to an economic downturn that caused a decline in revenues. In fact, most revenues are still marginally increasing or flat. Very simply, our policymakers in Olympia have passed budgets that went beyond our means. 

    We believe this challenge affords an opportunity to reexamine recent spending and Washington State’s priorities of government. 

    We join others in Washington in asking straightforward questions about the outcomes Washingtonians are gaining from past and current state investments. Ultimately, the state budget is the state’s most important investment opportunity for improving economic competitiveness and encouraging private sector job growth.  

    We stand ready 

    This year, we stand ready to work with Governor Ferguson and the Legislature to find solutions to all these challenges. 

    The 2025 legislative session is a pivotal moment for our state. With the can-do spirit Washington has always been known for, we are optimistic our legislature and Governor Ferguson will collaborate and find creative solutions to our most pressing challenges. Like so many others across the state, we at Microsoft are eager to be partners.  

    Together, we can create a brighter, more equitable future for Washington State. 

    Tags: affordable housing, Education and Jobs, transportation, Washington state

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Demand Trump Administration Make No Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    February 18, 2025

    Oregon senators: “Hands off Medicare and Medicaid.”

    Washington, D.C. — Oregon’s U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley said today they have sent a letter with their Senate colleagues urging Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and Donald Trump’s administration not to make cuts to Medicare and Medicaid to pay for billionaires’ tax cuts.

    “Every cut risks Americans paying more, waiting longer, and wading through more insurance red tape for care. Every cut risks hospitals and community health centers struggling harder to keep their doors open and forcing health providers and workers out of their jobs,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The letter follows reports of Elon Musk and DOGE officials gaining access to key payment and contracting systems at the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services, which administers Medicare and Medicaid for millions of Americans. In 2024, 68 million seniors and people with disabilities relied on Medicare for basic care, including hospital visits, cancer screenings, diabetes, and prescription drugs. Medicaid is the largest public health insurance program in the United States, serving nearly 80 million Americans, including more than 1.1 million Oregonians.

    “It is dangerously unacceptable that an unelected Musk and his unqualified acolytes have access to sensitive CMS systems and are ready to bypass Congress to make life and death decisions affecting millions of Americans. No one asked for this lawless approach to our critical government health care systems. We urge you to stop this threat to Americans’ health care, now,” the lawmakers continued.

    Along with Wyden and Merkley, the letter was led by Senators Edward J. Markey, D-Mass., and Elizabeth Warren D-Mass., and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. The letter was also signed by Senators Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., Cory Booker, D-N.J., Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Chris Coons, D-Del., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., Andy Kim, D-N.J., Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M., Chris Murphy, D-Conn., Alex Padilla, D-Calif., Jack Reed, D-R.I., Bernard Sanders, I-Vt., Adam Schiff, D-Calif., Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., Tina Smith, D-Minn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., Peter Welch, D-Vt., and Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I.

    The letter text is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Staff Completes 2025 Article IV Mission to the Maldives

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    February 18, 2025

    End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • The Maldives’ economy is expected to grow by 5 percent in 2025, driven by robust tourism activity. Nevertheless, macroeconomic imbalances have continued to widen and risks are tilted to the downside.
    • The immediate policy priority is to restore sustainable public finance and debt. Broad-based fiscal reforms and a comprehensive debt strategy, alongside well-calibrated monetary and macro-financial policies, are urgently needed.
    • Reforms to strengthen climate resilience, improve the business climate and governance, and enhance skill developments will support stronger external competitiveness and strong, sustainable, and inclusive growth.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Ms. Piyaporn Sodsriwiboon, visited Malé during February 3 – 16, 2025, to discuss recent economic developments, the outlook, and the country’s policy priorities in the context of the 2025 Article IV consultation.

    At the end of the mission, Ms. Sodsriwiboon issued the following statement:

    “Thanks to the Maldives’ strong tourism base, growth has held up well. Real GDP growth is projected at 5 percent in 2025, and the opening of airport terminal expansion would ease supply-side bottleneck for tourism and help sustain growth momentum over the medium term. Inflation is expected to rise to 2.3 percent in 2025, partially due to higher import duties. There is large uncertainty around the forecasts and risks are tilted to the downside.

    “External vulnerabilities remain, amid a persistently large current account deficit and pressures on foreign exchange reserves. The overall fiscal deficits and public debt are projected to stay elevated, calling for urgent policy adjustment. Over the medium term, the Maldives is highly vulnerable to climate change risks, due to sea level risk, floods and the degradation of its natural capital.

    “The Maldives is navigating a pivotal moment to urgently restoring macroeconomic stability and debt sustainability. The Government of Maldives has assumed its homegrown fiscal reform agenda, importantly with the discontinuation of exceptional use of Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) advances and the passage of Fiscal Responsibility Act and Public Debt Management Act. Swift implementation of expenditure reform measures as outlined in the 2025 Budget would be key to reduce imbalances in an orderly manner and restore economic stability.

    “In addition to the revenue mobilization measures enacted by the government, there is the need for more urgent and stronger fiscal consolidation. Holistic expenditure rationalization is necessary to restrain excessive spending, while improving spending efficiency and protecting priority social spending. Subsidy reforms, which phase out untargeted subsidies and roll out well-targeted direct income transfers to vulnerable households, should be introduced as envisaged in the 2025 Budget. The reprioritization and rationalization of public sector investment program (PSIP) is critically necessary to address immediate fiscal challenges. Building on recent progress, the reforms of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and Aasandha-healthcare reforms should be continued. Strengthening the public financial framework is critical to enhance fiscal policy credibility and effectiveness. A comprehensive debt strategy would also help restore debt sustainability and improve debt management.

    “A coordinated tightening of the policy mix would effectively help address macroeconomic vulnerabilities. The MMA’s commitment to resume active monetary operations is a welcome step in this regard. Should inflationary or external pressures intensify, the MMA should stand ready to further tighten monetary policy. Heightened systemic risks from bank-sovereign nexus call for tighter macroprudential policies and vigilant financial sector oversight. Prudent foreign exchange reserve management, alongside the necessary macroeconomic adjustments that include substantial and immediate fiscal adjustments as well as stricter monetary and macroprudential policies to address economic imbalances effectively, would help safeguard the exchange rate peg.

    “Given the Maldives’ threats to climate change, integrating climate sensitivity into public financial and investment management processes is essential for tackling climate-related challenges and mobilizing additional climate finance. Structural reforms aimed at improving the business environment and governance, expanding trade and investment, and enhancing skill development remain crucial for sustaining robust and inclusive growth.

    “The IMF team would like to thank the Maldivian authorities for their hospitality and constructive discussions. Meetings were held with Finance Minister M. Zameer, Governor A. Munawar, and other senior officials, as well as representatives from the private sector and development partners.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Randa Elnagar

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/18/pr25037-maldives-imf-staff-completes-2025-article-iv-mission-to-the-maldives

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Navy EOD Conducts Arctic Warfare Exercise ‘Arctic Specialist’ with NATO Allies in Norway

    Source: United States Navy

    Arctic Specialist is an annual Norway-hosted multinational joint EOD and expeditionary mine countermeasures (ExMCM) exercise providing training at the platoon and squad level and the development of land and maritime EOD tactics, techniques and procedures (TTPs) in a cold-weather environment. Allied forces from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden trained alongside U.S. forces at this year’s event.

    “Arctic Specialist represents one of the premier exercises where Thunderstealers hone our cold weather survival, EOD, and diving skills,” said Cmdr. John Kennedy, Commander, Task Group (CTG) 68.1 (EODMU 8). “The opportunity to train alongside such capable Allies builds confidence in our ability to deploy to the Arctic region and sustain combat operations.”

    According to the Department of Defense’s 2024 Arctic Strategy, “Major geopolitical changes are driving the need for this new strategic approach to the Arctic, including Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the accession of Finland and Sweden to the NATO Alliance, increasing collaboration between the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and Russia, and the accelerating impacts of climate change. This increasingly accessible region is becoming a venue for strategic competition, and the United States must stand ready to meet the challenge alongside Allies and partners.”

    While arctic strategy and presence is a growing priority for the U.S. military, training for arctic warfare with our Allies in the high north is not a new initiative for U.S. Navy EOD. In 1986, Norway began hosting an annual “EOD Ex”, which in 2012 became Arctic Specialist.

    “This is my 14th year participating at this exercise. The value of it, beyond working together on realistic scenarios and exchanging knowledge and TTPs, is getting to know other nations. Learning cultural respect and traditions, their working methods, the ‘do’s and don’ts’. Whatever the operation is going to be, it is important to get to know your Allies on a deep level,” said a Lieutenant Commander Operations Officer of Norwegian Naval EOD Command.

    The exercise has continued to provide an excellent training ground for EOD operators to hone their skills and operate in a uniquely challenging environment alongside NATO Allies and partners. Unique to this year’s exercise was the participation of Sweden, NATO’s newest member, for the first time.

    Participation in such exercises will enable our EOD and diving forces to increase warfighting skills in arctic conditions, use lessons learned from past engagements, and provide opportunities to learn from our Allies’ extensive cold weather operating experience.

    During the 11-day exercise, EOD and MCM forces exchanged knowledge for countering regional and global security threats. A multinational Tactical Operations Center (TOC) was established to provide command and control, intelligence, and advanced communications for all participating units.

    Beyond in-depth training on cold weather survival techniques, the exercise included live demolition for mine countermeasure diving, conventional munition disposal, limpet mine response, historical ordnance disposal operations (HODOPS), and chemical and homemade explosive (HME) response. All training was designed with an emphasis on integrated multinational operations at the tactical level in preparation for major combat operations.

    EODMU 8’s MCM Company Commander, Lt. Andrew Lewis, said, “Forward deploying our team to Norway has been critical to our development of warfighting skills in arctic conditions. Through working with our peers from Denmark, Sweden, and Norway—subject matter experts who live and operate in this environment year-round—we have gained a new understanding of and respect for the difficult conditions we could face while operating in the Arctic. Exercises like Arctic Specialist allow us to continue improving our knowledge, skills, and tactics by conducting increasingly complex and high-end missions, and to build lasting bonds with our Allies.”

    As the arctic security environment evolves, training, exercising, and operating in the Arctic will improve U.S. Navy EOD’s operational effectiveness by familiarizing the expeditionary Force with the unique and demanding operating environments of the European Arctic region. By exercising alongside Arctic Allies, the Force continues to improve interoperability and gains regional expertise.

    “This exercise is designed for the operators. The focus is ground level training, developing the skills of the EOD technicians, and everyone getting stronger,” said a Lieutenant from Norwegian Naval EOD Command.

    Before AS kicked off, a platoon of U.S. Navy EOD operators from EODMU 8 and Norwegian Navy EOD clearance divers from Minedykker Kommandoen (Norwegian Naval EOD Command) completed a 2-week winter warfare training in Hovden, Norway, focused on arctic mobility and survivability.

    The winter warfare course consisted of academic training, gear preparation, cross country, back country, and downhill skiing instruction, ski training with heavy rucksack, cold weather injury treatment and prevention, improvised shelter building, camp set up, proper clothing loadout, avalanche safety training, cold weather demolition, small arms shooting on skis, and freezing water response.

    “The value to the guys was immeasurable. Most of them started off the training without ever having skied and some never having seen snow in their lives. We went from that, to being able to self-sustain for 96 hours in the brutal, non-forgiving Norwegian wilderness in 6 feet of snow, transiting roughly 20 kilometers through the mountains, on back country skis, while wearing 70 lb. rucks,” said Explosive Ordnance Disposal Senior Chief Karl Sowinski, EODMU 8 ExMCM Company senior enlisted leader and lead exercise planner. “The cost of ending up out there alone, without the proper gear and training, is death. Out of all the environments we operate in, the Arctic is the only one that is actively trying to kill you 24/7.”

    The team did a cold-water plunge in a freezing river, where they had to function under extreme stress and cold shock. Surrounded by snow and ice, they fully submerged in the icy water, then worked through their cold response by controlling their breathing and responding to a series of questions to demonstrate mental acuity before exiting the water, donning dry clothing, and rewarming.

    “The critical takeaway of this exercise was the integration and interoperability. During the winter warfare portion, prior to Arctic Specialist, the U.S. EOD operators looked to us for our expertise in Arctic survival techniques. During Arctic Specialist, we [Norwegian EOD] looked to the U.S., Sweden, and Denmark teams for new technology or methods that we may not currently use,” said a platoon commander from Norwegian Naval EOD Command. “When we work with our Allied peers, the most valuable part is the group dynamic and becoming a team. We bond on both a personal level and as a military team, making us stronger for future engagements.”

    Continuing to exercise presence in the high north through training and operations will enhance deterrence by demonstrating combat-credible capabilities and the ability to respond rapidly to threats in the Arctic and elsewhere around the globe.

    U.S. Navy EOD stands ready to protect U.S. interests from explosive threats in the face of new challenges and an evolving security environment.

    CTF-68 commands all naval expeditionary combat forces in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility in direct support of U.S. Naval Forces Europe -Africa, and U.S. 6th Fleet.

    U.S. 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and inter-agency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.

    For additional news about U.S. Navy EOD, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/unit/EODG-2.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Boston arrests Guatemalan national convicted in Massachusetts for Assault and Battery on a Family Member, Intimidation, Violation of the Abuse Prevention Act

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BOSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Boston apprehended an illegally present, 27-year-old Guatemalan national convicted in Massachusetts of three counts of assault and battery on a family member, intimidation, and violation of the Abuse Prevention Act. Officers with ICE Boston arrested Wilber Chinic-Villagran, Jan. 26, in Framingham, Massachusetts.

    “Wilber Chinic-Villagran illegally came to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and committed some horrendous crimes,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Boston acting Field Office Director Patricia H. Hyde. “We simply will not tolerate such a threat to the residents of our Massachusetts communities. ICE Boston will continue to prioritize public safety by arresting and removing egregious alien offenders from New England.”

    U.S. Border Patrol arrested Chinic, July 28, 2020, after he illegally entered the United States near Laredo, Texas. USBP voluntarily returned Chinic to Mexico.

    Chinic illegally re-entered the United States on an unknown date, at an unknown location, and without being inspected, admitted or paroled by a U.S. immigration official.

    On Feb. 7, 2023, ICE lodged an immigration detainer and a warrant for arrest against Chinic with the Middlesex County House of Corrections in Billerica, Massachusetts, following his arrest by local authorities. However, on Feb. 28, 2023, the MCHOC informed ICE that Framingham District Court released Chinic without honoring the detainer.

    ICE lodged another immigration detainer against Chinic, Sept. 22, 2024, with the MCHOC following another apprehension by local authorities.

    The Framingham District Court convicted Chinic, Oct. 23, 2024, for two counts of assault and battery on a family/household member, intimidation, and violation of the Abuse Prevention Act. The Court sentenced Chinic to 18 months in prison. The court suspended all but four months of that sentence.

    The Framingham District Court convicted Chinic December 24, 2024, for an additional count of assault and battery on a family/household member. The court sentenced Chinic to 18 months in prison. The court suspended all but 90 days of that sentence. Later that day, the MCHOC informed ICE that Framingham District Court released Chinic without honoring their immigration detainer.

    Chinic remains in ICE custody.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our New England communities on X: @EROBoston.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pennsylvania man sentenced for role in burglary of 55 UPS warehouses following ICE investigation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    CAMDEN, N.J. – The last of four Pennsylvania men who admitted their roles in a conspiracy to burglarize approximately 55 United Parcel Service warehouses was sentenced, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Jersey, announced Feb. 13.

    Aboudramane Karamoko, 21, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was sentenced to 39 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release in Camden federal court Feb. 13. Three other defendants, all from Philadelphia, were previously sentenced. His accomplices Sekou Fofanah, 20, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release; Shamaire Brown, 19, was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release; and Quamaire Brown, 19, was sentenced to 33 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release.

    “Our incredible partnership with multiple agencies nationwide garnered sentencings that hold these thieves accountable for the over $1.6 million worth of merchandise they robbed from consumers,” said ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations Newark Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “We use every investigative tool available to safeguard the interstate and international commerce of the United States as well as our nation’s overall supply chain.”

    As part of their sentences, all four defendants were ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1,600,157.

    According to the investigation, at least as early as January 2021 through at least as recently as April 2023, Fofanah, Brown, Brown, Karamoko, and others conspired to commit burglaries of UPS facilities throughout the United States, including warehouses in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Rhode Island, among other States. The defendants gained access to the UPS facilities by breaking the windows of the loading bay doors or prying open loading bay doors. Once inside, they sought parcels marked with “lithium-ion battery” warnings, which indicated that the packages contained high-value electronic devices, such as a cell phones.

    Agencies nationwide supported ICE HSI Newark in the investigation leading to the sentencings including HSI offices in Philadelphia, State College, Rhode Island. Supporting New Jersey law enforcement agencies include the New Jersey State Police and the South Brunswick Police Department. Pennsylvania law enforcement agencies who assisted include the Pennsylvania State Police, the Centre County District Attorney’s Office, the State College Police Department, the Philadelphia Police Department and the Taylor Borough Police Department. New York agencies include the New York State Police, the Clarkstown Police Department and the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office. Rhode Island’s Warwick Police Department, Michigan’s Livonia Police Department, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio’s Summit County Prosecutor’s Office and Connecticut’s Brookfield Police Department also assisted in the investigation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Grangemouth: UK government must work with Holyrood to protect community

    Source: Scottish Greens

    18 Feb 2025 Economy

    We must retain workers and skills in Grangemouth.

    More in Economy

    Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement of an investment package for Grangemouth, and has called on the UK government to urgently work with Holyrood and unions to protect jobs and skills.

    Ms Mackay said:

    “This is a welcome announcement from the Scottish Government, but it needs to be backed up by resources and a plan from the UK government.

    “I hope that Ministers will work with the trade unions to retain jobs and skills in the community and to ensure that it is workers and local people who are leading the process.

    “The reality is that the biggest decisions have to be made in Westminster. Labour promised that they would protect jobs but since taking office they have done nothing of the sort. They simply got people’s hopes up and walked away.

    “Grangemouth is my home, and it has been infuriating to watch promises being made and then dropped. People in the town have been let down so many times already and a lot of them are feeling abandoned.

    “Local workers have been cast aside by INEOS and misled and discarded by a Labour Party that was happy to make big promises to secure their votes and has ignored them ever since.

    “Even at this late stage I urge the UK government to apply every lever available to ensure that the community is protected and that we can keep people and skills in Grangemouth.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Sellafield supported family hub hits the road

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A mobile support service for Cumberland’s families and young people has been launched.

    Hub2U launch event, Whitehaven Harbour

    Hub2U takes Cumberland Council’s resources to people who need them in neighbourhoods across the area.

    Our Social Impact Multiplied programme and organisations in our Decommissioning Delivery Partnership are among partners who helped make the initiative a reality.

    Euan Hutton, Sellafield Ltd’s chief executive officer, was among the VIPs who helped launch the service at a family fun day at Whitehaven Harbour.

    Tracey West, Sellafield Ltd’s senior social impact manager, said:

    Working with the council to contribute funding and resource has been key to the successful delivery of this project.

    Our social impact programme ensures our supply chain is aligned to local priorities enabling them to focus on an impactful project that is based on local need.

    Barry Pilkington, framework manager in the Decommissioning Delivery Partnership, added:

    The partnership is committed to making a positive impact in our local community.

    We worked with Cumberland to develop this project so all the partners can contribute to leaving a legacy after our current contract at Sellafield comes to an end.

    We look forward to supporting the rollout of the programme going forward.

    Hub2U also received support from Stagecoach, who donated the bus and carried out a refit, and Copeland Community Fund.

    Councillor Emma Williamson, executive member for children’s and family wellbeing and housing at Cumberland Council, said:

    Supporting Cumberland’s families and improving the lives of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do.

    It’s incredibly exciting to see the bus unveiled. By bringing services directly into communities, we’re making it easier than ever for families to access the right support, exactly when and where they need it.

    Hub2U will provide:

    • Support for families, including early years guidance and resources for teenagers and young adults
    • Themed sessions and targeted programmes in schools and community locations covering topics such as emotional well-being, healthy relationships, and staying safe
    • A partnership approach bringing together multiple local agencies to provide holistic support for families.

    The launch event allowed people to explore the bus, find out more about the services on offer, and meet the team behind the project.

    Activities include inflatable football penalty shootout, face painting, and advice stalls from local service providers.

    Hub2U will now begin visiting schools, community spaces, events, and rural areas.

    For information on its schedule and locations, visit: Hub2U | Cumberland Family Hubs.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s quiet change to US position on Taiwan is all about the economy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Chee Meng Tan, Assistant Professor of Business Economics, University of Nottingham

    The US state department has removed a highly symbolic phrase from its routine update on Taiwan. Its previous briefings said: “We do not support Taiwan independence.” This disappeared on February 13 2025.

    That’s not all. Donald Trump’s new government also stated on the same day that it advocated a peaceful and coercion free resolution to the Sino-Taiwan issue and opposes unilateral changes to the status quo from either side. These may seem like small tweaks to previous US positions, but they are sending a big signal to China.

    Beijing is concerned that the changes in the state department’s factsheet suggest that Trump’s government may be taking a stronger tack than was expected in being prepared to defend, or throw support behind, the island of Taiwan.

    The issue for China is that it sees Taiwan as a breakaway province, which it believes should return to Beijing’s orbit. Many Taiwanese see it as a separate state.

    China hasn’t ruled out the use of force to make Taiwan part of the republic and has even sent warplanes to defend the Taiwan Strait in the past week. China claims the waterway between the island and the mainland as its own, though this is disputed under the United Nations convention on the law of the sea.

    Beijing will be concerned that Washington’s updated wording on Taiwan might mean that the US is less likely to stand idly by if China invades the island than it might have expected. But what’s also interesting is why the US is warming up to Taiwan despite how aggrieved Trump has been by how Taiwan has “stolen” the semiconductor industry from the US.

    Trump’s eye on business

    Given Trump’s transactional, or business-first approach, towards politics, it is hardly surprising that Washington’s updated statement of support on Taiwan’s independence may be aimed towards enhancing US rather than Taiwanese interests.

    Many in Trump’s second cabinet such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz are China hawks who view Beijing as a national security threat and advocate a more aggressive stance towards China. One major US concern is China’s growing influence in Asia, which challenges US influence within the region.

    Trump announces more tariffs on China in his first weeks in office.

    While Washington still appears to tip its hat towards a one-China policy, its updated statement on Taiwanese independence suggests that the US might adopt an aggressive approach to any move by Beijing. The US’s watching brief on the China-Taiwan conflict will mean Beijing will have to think hard before taking any measures towards reclaiming the island right now.

    A weakened Beijing?

    China’s president, Xi Jinping, had hoped to win international hearts and minds through the Belt and Road Initiative, its global trade plan to build an international network of countries receiving Chinese investment. But as China’s own economy is weakened by a real estate crisis that started in 2021, the aim of showing Xi’s success through economic means is not working out as hoped.

    The other avenue for Xi to enhance his reputation as leader is to bring Taiwan back into the Chinese fold. Since the Chinese Communist party came to power in 1949, various Chinese leaders have made reunification with Taiwan a long-term goal. So, if Xi could return Taiwan to China, he could be hailed domestically as one of the greatest leaders the country has ever seen.

    If China’s plan to reunify with Taiwan was already a major challenge, Washington’s altered stance on Taiwan independence and overt opposition towards coercion or the use of force makes this task even more difficult for Beijing. This could weaken Xi’s image and undermine his rule further (and may of course be part of Trump’s agenda).

    Prepped for the negotiation table

    The US and China had spent years in trade negotiations before US tariffs were imposed on China during Trump’s first term, culminating in the phase one deal in January 2020. Trump has already announced an extra 10% of tariffs on Chinese goods in his first month in office.

    It is plausible that these statements on Taiwan are aimed at enhancing Washington’s bargaining power in the burgeoning China-US trade war.

    In 2016, Trump accused China of “raping” the US with unfair trade policies, and imposed tariffs of up to 25% on Chinese goods coming into the US. During his 2024 presidential campaign trail, Trump went as far as to suggests that tariffs on Chinese goods could go as high as 60%.

    Higher tariffs are bad news for China since the country relies heavily on exports for economic growth, especially on high tech “new three” products – electric vehicles, lithium batteries and solar panels – to recover its ailing economy.

    However, if Beijing is forced to retreat from Taiwan, Xi might have to fall back heavily on the economy to maintain political legitimacy. When that happens, Beijing could be forced to offer concessions to the Americans, such as buying more US products, and to address how subsidies are used to aid Chinese firms to the detriment of US businesses in China.

    Overall, it’s likely that someone on Trump’s team has thought about all the implications of tweaking its Taiwan stance, and sees it as working out well for the US economy and, potentially, the Trump government overall. Taiwan is just a pawn in the game.

    Chee Meng Tan 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. Trump’s quiet change to US position on Taiwan is all about the economy – https://theconversation.com/trumps-quiet-change-to-us-position-on-taiwan-is-all-about-the-economy-250106

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 5 ways to improve security governance and prevent future illegal mining tragedies from happening

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Andrew Grant, Associate Professor of Political Studies, Queen’s University, Ontario

    After six months trapped underground, roughly 246 illegal miners were rescued at Buffelsfontein gold mine in Stilfontein, South Africa, in mid-January following a court order and intense public outcry.

    An estimated 2,000 miners had been trapped underground after police blocked food and water from families and supporters in an attempt to force them into surrendering for arrest. In total, 87 died, many from starvation or dehydration, according to civic groups. Some survivors reportedly resorted to eating cockroaches or the flesh of their deceased colleagues to survive.

    Illegal miners, known as “zama zamas” in South Africa, are people who enter mining sites without authorization to extract leftover gold and other minerals, often under dangerous and exploitative conditions.

    This incident highlights the current failures in security governance at abandoned mining sites. Rather than ensuring safety and protecting lives, the police response contributed to the scale of the tragedy.

    To prevent similar tragedies, security governance at abandoned or closed mining sites must be improved, and inclusive policies that address employment needs must be implemented.

    A dangerous occupation

    As more mining sites in South Africa and across the world reach the end of their life cycles, the number of mine closures will increase, along with the need for more effective security governance.

    The value of remaining minerals, combined with the dearth of alternatives to sustain livelihoods, has led some people to engage in illegal artisanal mining, despite the significant risks involved.

    While illegal mining provides financial support for households in impoverished regions, it also releases pollutants into the environment, disrupts and degrades water resources and supports criminal networks.

    South Africa is a prime example of these challenges. The country is home to an estimated 6,000 abandoned mines and 30,000 illegal miners. Security governance challenges are a major part of South Africa’s socioeconomic reality, and these challenges continue to grow despite government crackdowns in recent years.

    Current enforcement efforts are doing little to address the decades of poor post-mine closure management. South Africa’s Petroleum and Mineral Resources Development Act requires mining companies to rehabilitate sites after closure, although compliance is sporadic, leaving communities and ecosystems at risk.

    With limited job opportunities in the formal sectors of the economy, many young people aged 15 to 34 have turned to informal sectors, including illegal mining, due to its low entry barriers. Compounding the problem is the government’s failure to legally distinguish between illegal and informal mining.

    5 ways to improve security governance

    The Buffelsfontein incident is a grim reminder that security governance cannot rely solely on policing tactics. Addressing the worsening socioeconomic cycle of miners trapped in abandoned and uncontrolled mines will require governments, companies and local communities to build stronger relationships before crises arise.

    Solutions must recognize that zama zamas work with no safety equipment and face daily threats from criminal syndicates who control mining territories. We propose five solutions that, together, address the socioeconomic and governance challenges:

    1. The Petroleum and Mineral Resources Development Act should be amended so mining permits are only granted when firms provide a mine closure security plan. This plan must include physical barriers like fencing and sealed shafts, with local communities involved in security enforcement. Funding would come from an independent relinquishment fund via annual contributions over the active lifespan of the mine to an interest-earning annuity held by a local financial institution and monitored by government and civil society.

    2. Security efforts should combine private security firms with community-based approaches, including hiring local residents in monitoring roles. This approach will foster trust, create jobs, improve security governance and enhance environment, social and governance (ESG) investment ratings.

    3. Drawing from successful models in other countries like Chile, drones, unmanned aerial vehicles and artificial intelligence monitoring methods can help monitor and secure high-risk areas. When used ethically, such technologies can reduce unauthorized mining activities.

    4. With unemployment in South African mining regions exceeding 40 per cent, governments and the private sector must focus on renewable energy, agriculture and entrepreneurship as economic alternatives for mining communities. Germany’s Emscher Park Project, for instance, has transformed coal mining regions into renewable energy hubs that create jobs and revitalize local economies. South Africa can also repurpose abandoned mining sites for such initiatives.

    5. As South Africa turns its attention to critical minerals, it has an opportunity to expand its green bonds to include funding for post-closure financial recovery for mining communities. These funds could finance infrastructure projects, vocational training and education so mining communities can transition successfully to other economic sectors.

    Lessons for Canada

    Canada is no stranger to the challenges of managing mines after closure. Across the Yukon, Northwest Territories and northern parts of several provinces, tailing pond failures have led to environmental pollution during the post-closure phase of the mining cycle.

    Investing in post-closure mine rehabilitation can prevent future harms to the environment, as well as enhance the human security of local communities. Green investors and sustainable finance funds like those informed by the Institute for Sustainable Finance must take a more active role in funding these efforts.

    The Buffelsfontein tragedy should serve as a wake-up call: security governance must evolve from punitive enforcement to proactive protection. Providing alternative livelihoods to illegal mining weakens criminal networks, removes dangerous working conditions, reduces environmental harms and saves lives.

    Though Canada is considered a mining superpower, it could learn valuable lessons from South Africa’s experience. Adopting our suggested solutions could help Canada address its own abandoned mine risks and ensure a more sustainable future for its mining communities.

    Andrew Grant has received grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

    Benjamin Ofosu-Atuahene has received funding in the form of an Ontario Graduate Scholarship.

    Olusola Ogunnubi has received funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. 5 ways to improve security governance and prevent future illegal mining tragedies from happening – https://theconversation.com/5-ways-to-improve-security-governance-and-prevent-future-illegal-mining-tragedies-from-happening-248741

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Luján Speaks at New Mexico Legislature

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Video of the speech is available HERE. 
    Santa Fe, N.M. – On Presidents’ Day, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) delivered remarks to a joint session of the New Mexico Legislature at the New Mexico State Capitol. 
    “It’s always an honor to be back at the Roundhouse. As a proud son of New Mexico, I grew up witnessing the dedication and hard work of those who serve in the State Legislature. Through my dad and his colleagues, I learned the importance of working together, standing up for what’s right, and serving our fellow New Mexicans. I’ll always be a strong voice for our state, and I’m grateful for the partnership of the legislature.
    “My job is to serve the people of New Mexico. Just last year, through constituent services, we saved New Mexicans millions of dollars—helping families, veterans, and small businesses navigate federal agencies. My team is committed to going above and beyond for our communities.
    “I had the privilege of welcoming several guests for my address. One of them was Mariah Solano from Santa Fe. She had been denied life-saving cancer treatment by her insurance, but my office intervened. Thanks to the quick efforts of everyone involved, I’m happy to share that she is now receiving the care she needs. Another guest, Leo Maes, a beloved New Mexico musician, faced a life-altering medical emergency while traveling abroad, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. My office worked closely with the State Department to coordinate his treatment and bring him home. Today, thanks to the grace of God and the incredible care of New Mexico’s medical professionals, he is not only recovering but walking again.
    “No matter our political differences, our shared values and traditions as New Mexicans unite us. In challenging times, like those we face today, we must stand together, speak up, and look out for one another.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Illegal Border Crossings “Plummeted” In January

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    Illegal immigration at the southern border “plummeted” in January amid President Donald J. Trump’s return to office and immediate crackdown.
    Call it the Trump Effect.
    According to newly released data from Customs and Border Protection (CBP), just 61,465 illegal aliens were apprehended at the southern border during the entire month of January — a 36% decline from the previous month. That number includes 29,116 apprehended along the border — the lowest since May 2020 — and 32,349 at ports of entry.
    After President Trump took office, apprehensions declined even more rapidly: “From Jan. 21 through Jan. 31, the number of U.S. Border Patrol apprehensions along the southwest border dropped 85% from the same period in 2024, according to data obtained by ABC News. In the 11 days after Jan. 20, migrants apprehended at ports of entry declined by 93%.”
    During the previous administration, the average number of illegal aliens encountered at the southern border in January was 141,710 — the result of dangerous policies that ferried illegal aliens directly into our communities, where they were allowed to stay indefinitely.
    Now, under President Trump, illegal border crossings are at record lows as illegal aliens are promptly arrested and sent home.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford school creates new woodland

    Source: City of Salford

    City of Trees, the Community Forest for Greater Manchester, has been working with Salford City Academy in Eccles to plant over 600 trees on the school grounds.

    602 whips were planted as part of a programme of works with the school’s eco and intervention group over a seven-week period. As well as learning how to plant trees, the pupils were educated on topics such as woodland design, and proper tool handling.

    In addition to the woodland creation, five fruit trees and 16 standard trees have been planted by the City of Trees in-house contract team. The 16 semi mature standard trees were funded by Defra’s Northern Forest programme.

    The new woodland forms part of Salford City Council’s pledge to support the planting of 8,000 trees by 2028, demonstrating their commitment to tackling climate change.

    Working with City of Trees, the council has already supported the planting of 1,654 trees during this current planting season, which runs from September to March.

    The council is also working with developers in the planning process to plant new trees as part of new developments, and working with City of Trees to identify planting sites for street trees and other new woodland areas.

    Grace Lee, Standards Officer at City of Trees, said “It was a real pleasure working with the pupils at Salford City Academy. We hope some of them left feeling inspired to become the next generation of Urban Foresters.

    “Greening school grounds is an important part of our work, trees improve student’s health and wellbeing, create habitats for wildlife and help to combat climate change. We encourage any schools in Salford to get in touch to learn more about woodland creation opportunities on their land”

    City Mayor Paul Dennett said “I’m delighted to see the new woodland which will make a huge and lasting impact to staff and pupils at the school.

    “It’s great to see the school doing their bit to respond to climate change. This is one of the council’s priorities and we’re investing in the city’s vital green spaces to support biodiversity. Our pledge to plant 8,000 new trees in Salford by 2028 is picking up pace, with 1,654 trees planted so far.”

    Susan Halsall, Director of Education with Character at Salford City Academy said “Our pupils have really enjoyed this experience. They have been excellent ambassadors for the school, with representatives from all year groups demonstrating their commitment to the environment, planting a legacy for the future.”

    Photo left to right: Grace Lee, Standards Officer, City of Trees; Paul Dennett, Salford City Mayor, Susan Halsall, Director of Education with Character, Salford City Academy

    Share this

    Date published
    Tuesday 18 February 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana announces departure of U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BILLINGS — The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana today announced the departure of U. S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, effective yesterday.

    Mr. Laslovich has served as the chief federal law enforcement officer for the District of Montana since being sworn into office on June 2, 2022. President Joe Biden nominated Mr. Laslovich for the position on Jan. 31, 2022, and the U.S. Senate confirmed him on May 17, 2022.

    As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Laslovich oversaw all federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation on behalf of the U.S. government. The district has offices in Helena, Great Falls, Missoula, Butte, and Billings.

    “It has been the honor of my life to serve as the United States Attorney for the state that raised me. I am profoundly grateful to the talented and hard-working people in this office, as well as our federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners who strive every day to uphold the rule of law, keep people safe, and steadfastly defend the interests of the United States of America. I have never been prouder to have served with them, and I will always be rooting hard for their continued safety and success,” Mr. Laslovich said.

    During Mr. Laslovich’s tenure, the U.S. Attorney’s Office focused on prosecuting drug trafficking and violent and sexual abuse crimes occurring on Montana’s six Indian Reservations that are within federal jurisdiction for major crimes; building strong partnerships with other federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement agencies; addressing violent and firearms crimes in communities across the state through initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF); and protecting civil rights for all Montanans. The office continued its work to protect children from online and in person sexual predators, abusers, and traffickers, and to catch fraudsters, especially those who prey on elderly and vulnerable persons.

    Mr. Laslovich also emphasized the importance of strong working relationships with numerous law enforcement agencies at the local, state, tribal and federal levels. Mr. Laslovich and office representatives met regularly with tribal leadership to discuss various issues. The office also worked closely with other federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and organizations to strengthen trust, communications, and cooperation in working toward the shared goal of keeping people safe and holding offenders accountable.

    In Indian Country, the U.S. Attorney’s Office worked with tribal and federal law enforcement partners to shut down trafficking rings attempting to set up bases on Montana reservations and enlist residents to distribute drugs transported from outside Montana. One of those cases involved dismantling a large, multi-state drug trafficking organization that was based on Crow Indian Reservation property known as Spear Siding and distributed methamphetamine and fentanyl to three other Montana Indian reservations and communities from suppliers in Washington and a Mexican cartel. The case resulted in federal convictions in Montana of 27 persons and was one of the largest federal drug trafficking investigations in Montana.

    Additionally, a recent six-month-long enforcement initiative led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, in cooperation with Blackfeet Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Reservation, led to indictments of multiple individuals on drug crimes. The enforcement action was aimed at identifying hot spots and devoting law enforcement resources to communities facing rising rates of drug-related violent crime and overdose deaths.

    During the last three years, federal prosecutors remained committed to making communities across Montana safer by identifying and prosecuting the most dangerous offenders through initiatives like PSN and OCDETF. In Great Falls, a multi-agency investigation into a large fentanyl trafficking ring led to a coordinated take down of suspects and convictions of 10 individuals.

    During Mr. Laslovich’s tenure, prosecutions of individuals on federal firearms crimes increased significantly. The average number of defendants charged with illegal possession of a firearm averaged 111 cases a year from 2022 through 2024, compared with an average of 83 cases per year from 2014 to 2021. And the number of defendants charged with carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking also increased to an average of 56 cases a year from 2022 to 2024 from an average of 40 cases per year from 2014 to 2021.

    Additionally, Mr. Laslovich oversaw the launch in Montana of United Against Hate, a Justice Department initiative focused on improving the prevention of hate crimes and hate incidents by building relationships at the local level. Laslovich and the office’s civil rights coordinator and prosecutor held a series of community meetings across the state with law enforcement partners, community and faith organizations, tribal communities, and citizens to discuss identifying and reporting hate crimes and to learn about available resources. Further, the office successfully prosecuted a Basin man on federal hate and firearms crimes after he fired an AK-style assault rifle at the residence of a woman, who identified as lesbian, and was home at the time. The defendant was sentenced to 18 years in prison.

    The office’s civil team continued its work defending the United States in litigation, collecting debts owed to the federal government, and investigating fraud. As part of that work, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reached a civil settlement agreement in 2024 between the federal government and St. Peter’s Health, in Helena, in which St. Peter’s agreed to pay $10,844,201 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by submitting false claims for payments to federal health care programs for services performed by an oncology doctor.

    Prior to becoming U.S. Attorney, Mr. Laslovich served as regional vice president for SCL Health Montana-Wyoming since 2017. From 2009 to 2016, Mr. Laslovich was chief legal counsel in the office of the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, where he prosecuted securities fraud cases. During 2011 and 2012, Laslovich also served as a special assistant U.S. attorney on securities cases in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana. He previously worked in the Montana Attorney General’s Office. Mr. Laslovich began his legal career at Datsopoulos, MacDonald & Lind, P.C. in Missoula and taught as an adjunct professor at the University of Montana School of Law for two semesters.

    As one of the youngest Montanans ever elected to the Montana Legislature, Mr. Laslovich first served in the House of Representatives from 2001 through 2004 and then in the Senate from 2005 to 2010, representing Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Granite, and Powell counties.

    Mr. Laslovich received his J.D. from the University of Montana School of Law in 2006 and his B.A., with high honors, from the University of Montana in 2003.

    XXX

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dragon reactor dismantling underway

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton has visited the Winfrith Site to see how a cutting-edge robotic laser is taking apart the site’s Dragon reactor core.

    Laser cutting the Dragon reactor neck ring

    South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton has visited the Winfrith Site to see how a cutting-edge robotic laser is taking apart the site’s Dragon reactor core.

    MP Lloyd Hatton commented: “It was a privilege to visit the Winfrith site and witness first-hand the remarkable work being done to decommission the Dragon reactor. The innovation and dedication displayed by the team is truly impressive. The work at Winfrith is integral, both to making the UK’s nuclear waste safe, and to moving the country towards a cleaner and greener future.”

    Inside the Dragon reactor control room

    Pictured left to right – MP Lloyd Hatton, Andy Philps, Gary Reid, William Matheson, Ellanor Joyce and Robert Coan.

    Winfrith site was constructed in the 1950s as a centre of excellence for nuclear reactor research which laid the basis for the development of nuclear power. Seven of the nine unique experimental reactors have been removed – the final two Dragon and the Steam Generated Heavy Water Reactor (SGHWR) are being decommissioned.

    Dragon was a prototype 20-megawatt power output graphite moderated, helium cooled reactor. It began testing nuclear fuel and materials to support high temperature reactor programmes in 1964 – the year that Top of the Pops began, Beatlemania was global and the Forth Road suspension bridge opened in Scotland.

    Early decommissioning removed the redundant plant components and equipment from the 100ft diameter cylindrical Dragon building, following defueling in the late 1990s.  All that remains is the irradiated steel reactor pressure vessel and its core.

    Driving innovation

    The feasibility of using laser technology to cut the reactor core’s varying material types and thicknesses was initially tested on mock-up components at the Welding Institute, Cambridge. Further testing followed with a full-scale mock-up at Winfrith site.

    Technical data and learning from these trials were then applied to perform keyhole surgery using a snake robot (Lasersnake) to remotely cut a three-tonne heat exchanger vessel known as the Purge Gas Pre-cooler (PGPC) from Dragon’s highly radioactive reactor core in 2018.   This was a first for the UK nuclear industry and its success proved laser cutting as the principal technique for reactor core dismantling over the use of alternative hot cutting techniques.

    The purge gas pre-cooler being removed in 2018

    Phoebe Lynch, NRS strategic innovation programme manager, said: “Driving innovation into our mission is our greatest opportunity at NRS. All the learning from the initial operational phase of using laser cutting for the Dragon reactor core provided valuable insights into the feasibility, reliability and safety of this technique.  These have been applied to refine the process to deliver this new phase of reactor core dismantling efficiently and pave the way for its broader adoption within the industry.”

    Progress

    The skilled team of operators have removed almost half of the one-inch-thick carbon steel plates that form the Top Ring Thermal Shield into removable sections using a telescopic mast-manipulator robotic arm and a laser cutter from a control room located outside the reactor building.

    The laser cutting head cell

    Laser cutting the Dragon reactor top ring thermal shield

    Andy Philps, NRS senior project manager, commented: “It is fantastic to start the core dismantling after years of meticulous in-house engineering design, planning and decommissioning of the sub-systems in preparation for this phase.

    “Once the upper shielding structures are removed, we will have access to the top of the  reactor pressure vessel and then the core within.”

    Waste management

    This is the first of eleven phases to fully dismantle the Dragon reactor core over the next few years and pack it into 6m3 concrete intermediate level waste storage boxes. These will then be transported to Harwell site for storage until the national Geological Disposal Facility is available for permanent disposal.

    The Dragon reactor building

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: RCMP Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams Continue to Deliver Safer Communities

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on February 18, 2025

    Provincially funded RCMP Saskatchewan Enforcement Response Teams (SERTs) continue to deliver significant results in preventing and addressing crime in Saskatchewan. From July to December 2024, RCMP SERT executed 385 arrest warrants, seized over 11.4 kilograms of illicit drugs, 144 firearms and more than $286,000 in cash from Saskatchewan communities.

    “Our partnership with the RCMP plays an important role in reducing crime across Saskatchewan and promoting community safety,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said. “These teams tackle a wide range of critical issues and we are proud of their accomplishments. The province will continue to work collaboratively with our policing partners to ensure the continued safety and security of Saskatchewan residents.”

    SERT includes the Crime Reduction Teams (CRTs), Warrant Enforcement and Suppression Team (WEST), and the Saskatchewan Trafficking Response Team (STRT), each tackling critical areas of enforcement across the province.

    “These investigational successes demonstrate how SERT and local RCMP detachments work together as the provincial police force to enhance community safety across Saskatchewan,” Saskatchewan RCMP Commanding Officer Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore said. “As a highly skilled and specialized unit, SERT’s intelligence-led, enforcement-based policing initiatives continue to combat dangerous crime and violent gang activity in the province. We will continue to help make Saskatchewan a safer place for all those who call it home.”

    RCMP STRT is a specialized, intelligence-led enforcement team that investigates weapons, drug and human trafficking cases. From July through December 2024, the STRT opened 17 human trafficking files, executed 37 search warrants and made 31 arrests, seizing over 651,000 packs of tobacco and more than 900 grams of cocaine and laying 81 charges.

    In July 2024, a Saskatchewan Highway Patrol (SHP) Officer conducted an inspection of a semi and trailer near Swift Current and determined the semi’s documentation was inconsistent. As a result of the investigation, the officer located approximately 30 pallets of unstamped tobacco in the trailer. Working collaboratively, RCMP STRT took carriage of the investigation with assistance of the Swift Current Rural RCMP detachment. STRT determined the truck was carrying about 8.75 million unstamped cigarettes, which SHP indicated was one of the largest tobacco seizures in their history. 

    RCMP CRT responds to crime surges in rural areas, targeting prolific offenders and street gangs in Saskatchewan. From July through December 2024, the CRT executed 288 arrest warrants, laid over 400 charges, seized more than 8.6 kg of illicit drugs and made 352 arrests.

    In October 2024, North Battleford RCMP CRT- Gang Task Force executed search warrants at two residences as part of an ongoing drug trafficking investigation. At the residences, officers located and seized a loaded handgun, a rifle, approximately 81 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 58 grams of crack cocaine, ammunition, a sum of cash and drug trafficking paraphernalia. Continued investigation led officers to arrest three individuals and charge two with possession for the purpose of trafficking, among other charges.

    RCMP WEST targets high-profile offenders who are a significant threat to public safety, such as gang members and violent offenders with outstanding warrants. The RCMP operates one WEST team out of Saskatoon and Meadow Lake and another out of Prince Albert. From July through December 2024, WEST executed 97 arrest warrants and made 82 arrests.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congress.gov New, Tip, and Top Featuring Improvements to the Congressional Globe – February 2025

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    In our last Congress.gov post, Emily announced that Statute Compilations are now available on Congress.gov. Today, we are excited to announce enhancements to the Congressional Globe on Congress.gov that continue the process of migrating the Globe from our legacy Century of Lawmaking site.

    The Globe is a predecessor to the Congressional Record and it covers the years 1833-1873, which means that it includes debates on many significant events in American history, including the Civil War and a portion of Reconstruction. You can locate the Congressional Globe by clicking on the browse page at the top of the screen, selecting a Congress between the 23rd – 42nd Congresses, and then taking a look under the heading “Debates of Congress.”

    The Globe is legacy data that is not yet full-text searchable, so it is a good idea to use the indexes for the volumes to locate what you are interested in. If you have a particular date in mind, you can also select “Browse by Date.” For instance, you could find congressional reactions to a significant Civil War battle by browsing any debates that took place shortly after the battle. I used the browse-by-date feature to locate a reaction to the first Battle of Bull Run by Rep. Wright.

    Map of the Battles of Bull Run Near Manassas. Solomon Bamberger. (1861). World Digital Library, https://hdl.loc.gov/loc.wdl/wdl.2743

    Though the Globe is not yet full-text searchable, it is possible to search the page headings of the Globe by selecting “Congressional Record” in the dropdown menu on the Congress.gov homepage, typing in your search terms, and then at the bottom left-hand side of the results screen, clicking on the “Debates of Congress Edition” filter, and selecting “Congressional Globe.” Here is an example of search results concerning debates on the Civil War that have the page heading “Defense of the Union.”

    When you select a page you would like to read, you will see a page-turner that has controls at the top that allow you to jump to a certain page using a dropdown menu, turn the page using the arrow buttons, zoom in on the page using the + or – buttons, or download the page. Continuing with the Civil War and Reconstruction theme, this example demonstrates the page-turner with a speech beginning at the bottom, right-hand side of the page by Hiram Revels, the first African American senator who served as a senator from Mississippi from 1870 to 1871.

    Hiram R. Revels of Miss. 1870. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/cwpbh.00554
    The page-turner display for the Congressional Globe on Congress.gov.

    Do you have ideas on how to continue to improve the presentation of the Congressional Globe on Congress.gov? Send us your feedback.

    Enhancements

    Enhancement – Congressional Globe

    Congress.gov Tip

    Congress.gov has several two-minute tip videos available on topics ranging from how to set up email alerts, how to locate a bill, how to use search terms and filters, and how to locate appropriations resources on Congress.gov.

    Most-Viewed Bills

    The most-viewed bills for the week of February 9, 2025 are below.

    1. H.R.899 [119th] To terminate the Department of Education.
    2. H.R.86 [119th] NOSHA Act
    3. H.R.722 [119th] To implement equal protection under the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution for the right to life of each born and preborn human person.
    4. H.R.55 [119th] To repeal the National Voter Registration Act of 1993.
    5. H.R.8281 [118th] SAVE Act
    6. S.5 [119th] Laken Riley Act
    7. H.R.25 [119th] FairTax Act of 2025
    8. H.Res.59 [119th] Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the sermon given by the Right Reverend Mariann Edgar Budde at the National Prayer Service on January 21st, 2025, at the National Cathedral was a display of political activism and condemning its distorted message.
    9.

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: AutoScheduler.AI Hosts LinkedIn Live Event on Cutting Through the AI Buzzwords

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Orchestration Platform and WMS accelerator, announces a LinkedIn Live Event on Cutting Through the AI Buzzwords. As AI is everywhere in supply chain conversations, companies have trouble discerning whether it is right for their business.

    “Between ChatGPT, DeepSeek, Machine Learning, and ‘Proprietary Algorithms’ supply chain executives are getting lost in all the verbiage and having a hard time determining what is real and what isn’t,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “In this event, I will provide a straight-talking session on what AI actually does in supply chain operations, whether in warehousing, transportation, procurement, or other, and help companies see where the real business value is.”

    Date of Event: February 27, 2025
    Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM EST

    The AutoScheduler LinkedIn Live Event: Cutting Through the AI Buzzwords will cover

    • What AI Actually Is – DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT vs. Machine Learning vs. “Proprietary Algorithms” – what’s real?
    • How AI is Used in Supply Chain – Warehousing, transportation, procurement, demand planning & beyond
    • What AI Delivers – The business value, success stories, and how to measure ROI

    Presenter: Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI, is focused on bringing the future of technology into warehousing. He works with the top 10 Consumer Goods, Beverage, and Distribution companies to drive efficiency in distribution centers. Before launching AutoScheduler.AI, Keith was voted by Hart Energy Magazine as an Energy Innovator of the Year in 2020, was selected as a Pi Kappa Phi 30 under 30 member, and holds multiple patents in the fields of neural architecture search and supply chain planning. Keith has been published in journals and groups like SupplyChainBrain, Inbound Logistics, ISSA, and OTC for his work in logistics, cyber security, and predictive maintenance applications.

    To register for the event, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/events/cuttingthroughtheaibuzzwords7297372946942083072/theater/.

    About AutoScheduler.AI

    AutoScheduler.AI empowers you to take full control of your warehouse with a cloud-based solution that seamlessly integrates with your existing WMS/LMS/YMS or any other solution. We automate critical tasks like labor scheduling, dock management, and task sequencing, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. You’ve already invested in the software to run your warehouse—what we do is provide the orchestration layer that ties it all together to make real-time data driven decisions. With AutoScheduler.AI, you get smart orchestration for a smarter, more agile warehouse. For more information, visit: http://www.autoscheduler.ai.

    Contact:
    Becky Boyd
    MediaFirst PR
    Becky@MediaFirst.Net
    Cell: (404) 421-8497

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CodeMonkey Launches Comprehensive Digital Literacy Curriculum for K-8 Students

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CodeMonkey is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand-new Digital Literacy Curriculum designed for K-8 students. This innovative program delivers a comprehensive approach to digital education, featuring over 130 engaging lessons on digital literacy, online safety, and responsible internet usage. Additionally, the curriculum includes more than 100 interactive typing lessons, ensuring that young learners develop essential keyboarding skills alongside their digital knowledge.

    Empowering Students with Digital Literacy and Online Safety

    In today’s technology-driven world, digital literacy has become a fundamental skill for students. CodeMonkey’s new curriculum is specifically designed to equip young learners with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital landscape safely and effectively. Through a structured, age-appropriate learning pathway, students will explore critical topics such as:

    • Understanding Computers & the Internet – How computers and the internet work, including hardware, software, and connectivity basics.
    • Online Safety & Privacy – The importance of secure passwords, recognizing scams, and protecting personal information online.
    • Responsible Digital Citizenship – Ethical behavior, digital etiquette, and strategies to combat cyberbullying.
    • Media Literacy & Critical Thinking – Identifying reliable online sources, avoiding misinformation, and developing critical thinking skills.

    By engaging students in interactive, gamified lessons, CodeMonkey makes learning about digital literacy both fun and accessible and ensures that students receive high-quality education in preparation for the digital future.

    Mastering Keyboarding with 100+ Typing Lessons

    In addition to digital literacy and safety, the new curriculum places a strong emphasis on typing proficiency. With over 100 typing lessons, students will develop proper keyboarding techniques, improving their typing speed and accuracy—a critical skill for success in the modern classroom and beyond. Through engaging and adaptive typing exercises, students will gain confidence in their ability to efficiently use digital tools.

    About CodeMonkey
    CodeMonkey is a leading platform in computer science education for kids, providing award-winning courses that introduce students to digital literacy, ai and real programming languages like CoffeeScript and Python. From schools to after-school programs and at-home learning, CodeMonkey offers a robust curriculum that makes computer science accessible and fun for students worldwide.

    Why Digital Literacy Matters More Than Ever

    With the increasing presence of technology in education, work, and social interactions, digital literacy is no longer optional—it’s essential. Research shows that students who are digitally literate perform better academically and are better prepared for future careers. However, many schools struggle to find comprehensive, structured programs that effectively teach these essential skills.

    CodeMonkey’s new Digital Literacy Curriculum bridges this gap by offering a holistic, engaging, and structured learning experience that empowers students to become competent, responsible, and confident digital users.

    Designed for Educators, Built for the Classroom

    CodeMonkey understands that educators play a pivotal role in preparing students for a digital world. That’s why the new Digital Literacy Curriculum is designed with teachers in mind, featuring:

    • Easy-to-Follow Lesson Plans – Structured, step-by-step guides for teachers with little to no prior digital literacy experience.
    • Interactive and Self-Paced Learning – Engaging activities, real-world scenarios, and game-based lessons that adapt to students’ learning pace.
    • Comprehensive Assessments – Built-in quizzes, projects, and progress tracking tools to measure student understanding and growth.

    Bridging the Digital Divide with Future-Ready Learning

    As technology continues to shape education and the workforce, CodeMonkey’s mission is to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has access to high-quality digital literacy instruction. This new curriculum provides a comprehensive and engaging solution to help students develop the critical skills necessary for success in a digitally connected world. By fostering responsible digital behavior, enhancing technical skills, and promoting ethical internet usage, CodeMonkey is paving the way for a generation of informed and empowered digital citizens.

    CodeMonkey’s Digital Literacy Curriculum is now available for schools, districts, and individual educators. Schools and educators interested in integrating this program into their classrooms can reach out through the CodeMonkey website: www.codemonkey.com.

    About CodeMonkey

    CodeMonkey is a K12 Computer Science Curriculum and K8 Digital Literacy Curriculum, introducing kids to fundamental knowledge in today’s digital world in a gamified, engaging and fun approach. CodeMonkey is a globally recognized leader in coding and digital education and provides award-winning educational programs used by millions of students and thousands of schools worldwide. Through interactive, game-based learning, CodeMonkey empowers young learners with the skills they need to thrive in the digital age.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa has failed to deliver access to enough water for millions – a new approach is needed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Tracy Ledger, Head: Energy and Society Programme, University of Johannesburg

    South Africa is one of only 52 countries that guarantee access to water as a human right. “Access” from a human rights perspective means that water is physically accessible, clean and safe for consumption, and affordable. Section 27 of the country’s constitution stipulates that everyone has the right to access sufficient water.

    But South Africa is not doing well on meeting the standards of a full human rights approach to water access. In a recent paper, I and my colleagues at the Public Affairs Research Institute’s Just Transition Programme set out the extent of this failure, and mapped out what needs to be done to rectify the situation.

    The Just Transition Programme aims to contribute to a successful climate transition that prioritises social justice, equity and poverty reduction.

    Part of our research method is ethnography – spending time in communities struggling to access water. We do this to learn what concrete changes are required to improve people’s lives, from their own perspective.

    December 2024 water protest in South Africa. Silver Sibiya/GroundUp

    Physical access to water for households has increased significantly since the country’s first democratic elections in 1994. Nevertheless, water quality and safety has declined over the past ten years. Almost half the country’s drinking water is considered unsafe for human consumption. Water service interruptions – sometimes lasting days – are becoming more common.

    Read more: Basic water services in South Africa are in decay after years of progress

    South Africa’s household poverty rate (the number of households who live below the upper bound poverty line) is now at 55%. We found that water is becoming more and more unaffordable for impoverished households. The result is that these families have to limit the amount of water they use. This worsens poverty and inequality.

    To solve this problem, the South African government needs to embrace a human rights approach to access to water, where people are given enough water to live a full life.

    What went wrong?

    The first problem is affordability. People cannot access water if they don’t have the money to pay for it, but most clean and safe water in South Africa must be paid for. Poverty is a key barrier to access.

    The United Nations special rapporteur on the human rights to water and sanitation has emphasised that it is the responsibility of the state to assess whether households can afford to pay for water, without sacrificing other basic essential items such as food. It is up to governments to take steps to make water affordable.

    The country’s Free Basic Water policy was originally intended to address this issue. It guaranteed impoverished households access to a free 6,000 litres of water per month. This is roughly 200 litres per household of eight people per day. However, in practice this policy is not a meaningful solution, for two reasons:

    • the amount provided is an average of 25 litres of water per person per day. This is way below the World Health Organization recommendation of a minimum water allowance of between 50 and 100 litres of water per person per day.

    • many millions of poor households are excluded from the benefit because of poor implementation of the policy by municipalities.

    This situation reflects the failure to create, implement and oversee a regulatory environment that is necessary to realise affordable access to sufficient, clean water for all South Africans.

    The policy failures

    Firstly, water policy – at both national and municipal levels – has failed to take a human rights approach. A human rights approach requires that access to sufficient, quality and affordable water is the starting point for all policy making and resource allocation decisions. This has not been the case.

    Secondly, access to water has been narrowly defined as making water physically available without considering affordability. Most water access policy in South Africa includes statements declaring that water must be affordable for everyone. Unfortunately, all of these policy promises have remained exactly that – just promises.

    Meeting the goal of affordability requires more from the government than stating that water should be affordable. The state must develop affordability standards – in other words, calculate a water tariff that everyone can afford – and monitor it. At the moment, there is no national government oversight of water tariffs and so the affordability policy is effectively meaningless.

    Read more: The lack of water in South Africa is the result of a long history of injustice — and legislation should start there

    The actual state practices of tariff setting and approval, particularly in local municipalities, have not translated any of these promises into reality.

    Thirdly, many households are denied access to even the 25 litres of free water per person per day, because municipalities don’t always implement the free basic water policy as intended.

    Read more: Why ordinary people must have a say in water governance

    Fourthly, the state has failed to acknowledge the contradiction between providing universal access to services, and requiring municipalities to generate enough money to cover 90% of their running costs. Tariffs for water have increased at rates well above inflation over the past 20 years. But in a very impoverished environment where many people cannot afford to pay for water, up to two thirds of South Africa’s municipalities have been classified as being in financial distress.

    There is a fundamental – and currently insoluble – conflict between the tariffs that municipalities must charge in order to maintain fully funded budgets, and the tariffs that could be defined as affordable.

    What needs to be done?

    These actions should be taken in the short term:

    • the free basic water allowance must be increased

    • the household indigent policy, which determines how households can access free municipal services like water, must be restructured.

    • affordability standards must be developed in close consultation with affected communities. This is the only way to set water tariffs that are based on what households are actually able to pay.

    • there must be oversight of the provision of sufficient, affordable water for everyone.

    In the longer term, these two additional problems must be solved:

    A 2022 water leak in South Africa. Joseph Chirume/GroundUp

    • municipalities are losing revenue from water, particularly from leaking pipes and other infrastructure

    • the local government fiscal framework requires that municipalities earn a surplus on trading services such as water. This must be changed so that municipal finances prioritise affordability of water instead.

    The ethnographic research team for this work was led by Mahlatse Rampedi, who holds a master’s degree and has ten years of experience, together with Ntokozo Ndhlovu, who holds an honours degree.

    – South Africa has failed to deliver access to enough water for millions – a new approach is needed
    – https://theconversation.com/south-africa-has-failed-to-deliver-access-to-enough-water-for-millions-a-new-approach-is-needed-247831

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: DR Congo: Children reportedly killed in summary executions by M23 fighters

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    The humanitarian emergency in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has deteriorated sharply with serious human rights violations and abuses, including reported summary executions of children and generalised sexual violence.

    In an alert on Tuesday, the UN human rights office, OHCHR, confirmed that three children were killed by Rwanda-backed M23 armed group in Bukavu, the city in South Kivu which fell to the fighters on Sunday.

    “Our office has confirmed cases of summary execution of children by M23 after they entered the city of Bukavu last week. We are also aware that children were in possession of weapons,” said OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani. “We call on Rwanda and M23 to ensure that human rights and international humanitarian law are respected.”

    The OHCHR spokesperson also condemned attacks on hospitals and humanitarian warehouses as well as threats against the judiciary, directly linked to the rapid advance of the M23 fighters across North Kivu and South Kivu.

    Burundi-bound

    The crisis has uprooted hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people in a matter of weeks in eastern DRC and between 10,000 and 15,000 people have now crossed into neighbouring Burundi in a matter of days, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

    The majority of those arriving in Burundi are Congolese, and they have mainly come from the outskirts of Bukavu, where the situation is deteriorating.

    These newly uprooted families and individuals join more than 91,000 refugees and asylum-seekers from DRC who arrived decades ago, said UNHCR spokesperson Matt Saltmarsh.

    “The situation in the eastern DRC remains extremely challenging and fluid, with recent clashes in South Kivu forcing more than 150,000 people to flee,” he added. “At least 85,000 of these individuals are living in newly created spontaneous sites for internally displaced people, where basic services such as water, shelter and access to health are in extremely short supply.”

    Eastern DRC is a mineral-rich region that has seen decades of instability amid a proliferation of armed groups which have forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes, often seeking safety in displacement camps or in neighbouring countries.

    Fighting escalated sharply in late January as the largely-Tutsi M23 fighters seized control of parts of North Kivu, including areas near Goma, and advanced towards South Kivu and the eastern DRC’s second city of Bukavu.

    Prison break threat

    Other worrying developments stemming from the crisis include break-outs from Kabare and Bukavu central prisons on 14 February, OHCHR’s Ms. Shamdasani noted.

    “We have received protection requests from victims and witnesses; they fear retaliation from escapees, given their active participation in the trials against some of these prisoners convicted of grave human rights violations and abuses, some of which amount to international crimes,” she told journalists in Geneva. “We also have concerns for the safety of lawyers and other judicial staff.”

    The OHCHR spokesperson added that journalists, human rights defenders and members of civil society organizations have also been threatened and forced to leave the area.

    “Others are still stuck in Bukavu and Goma and expressed fear for their safety due to their active engagement for human rights and their denunciation of violations and abuses committed by Rwanda and M23 in various territories of eastern DRC.”

    In response to the unfolding emergency, UN human rights chief Volker Türk called on Rwanda and M23 to protect all individuals in territories under their control.

    “He expresses his horror at the events unfolding in South and North Kivu and the impact this is having on civilians,” Ms. Shamdasani said. “The violence must stop immediately. All parties must respect international humanitarian law, in particular regarding the protection of civilians and human rights law, and resume dialogue within the framework of the [regionally backed] Luanda and Nairobi processes.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –