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Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chorlton Library opens its doors after major renovation

    Source: City of Manchester

    Following a one-year transformation project, the crowds returned to the Grade II listed Chorlton Library on Saturday 5 April to celebrate the grand reopening of the main library building, and were sui

    The iconic building in the heart of Chorlton has been lovingly refurbished unveiling long-hidden architectural treasures including the reveal of the stunning dome in the library entrance not seen since the 1970s, flooding the library with natural light.

    The Lord Mayor, Councillor Paul Andrews and the Lady Mayoress joined Cllr John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure, contractors, designers, staff and lots of local residents and children to mark the historic day.

    They were treated to a fun-filled event, including a choir singing in the newly unveiled balcony around the atrium of the library. They also had the chance to check out the modern facilities and admire the restoration work including the original tiles and historic lettering which adorned key areas of the library which have been uncovered and carefully preserved and restored.

    As Manchester journeys towards becoming a UNICEF recognised Child Friendly City and being the best place possible to grow up in, children and the needs of young readers have been very much also at the heart of the library renovations – with a new dedicated children’s library space in the building, a computer suite for research and homework tasks, and even a play climbing frame to keep tiny tots active once they’ve chosen their library books to take home with them.

    Councillor John Hacking, Executive Member for Skills, Employment and Leisure said:

    “This was a fantastic day for everyone involved. The sun shone, the library looked wonderful, residents were thrilled to have this historic library open for business and were delighted by the care and attention and detailed work in the restoration of this much-loved local library. I’d like to thank everyone who played a part in the journey to get us here.”

    Alyson Seddon, Construction Director at Equans who managed the project said:

    “Chorlton library is a beloved landmark in the local community, and we are incredibly proud of our role in restoring it to its former glory. We’re excited to see the community benefit from their renewed access to this historically significant space, and making the most of its modernised facilities which will meet the needs of today’s users whilst having preserved the library’s timeless charm.”

    Daniela Hislop, CEO, The Design Concept said:

    “It was our honour to be a part of this significant restoration. We worked closely with the amazing team at Manchester Libraries to seamlessly blend the old and the new and the result is a brilliant example of how classic and contemporary design can enrich each other.

    We also loved adding a touch of magic to the history, transforming the children’s area into a jungle-themed wonderland with a bespoke tree house and sensory features designed to inspire young readers. The library’s redesigned spaces offer a calm, welcoming atmosphere with modern amenities, including a sleek digital zone. This refurbishment beautifully marries the library’s historical significance with its role as a vibrant community hub, celebrating both heritage and imagination.“

    Visitors to the library have also heaped praise on the refurbishment leaving comments such as :

    ” I think the library is fantastic” ;
    “Such a sympathetic refurbishment. The building looks beautiful.” ;
    “Stunning, I love how light it feels. The playhouse is a wonderful idea, I can’t wait to bring my daughter.”
    “What a difference. Stylish, colourful, and so light! Terrific job, well done.”
    “It is a fantastic community space. Wonderful.”

    Alongside the internal restoration work, the exterior stonework and windows have been repaired and electrical and mechanical systems renewed, to ensure the building contributes to lower carbon emissions to help the council meet its target of becoming zero carbon by 2038.

    The second phase of the refurbishment to enhance the flexible community and new meeting spaces within the existing structure at the building’s rear will now start and will be ready later in the year.
    Ends

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Great British Energy to lead the field in ethical supply chains

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 2

    Press release

    Great British Energy to lead the field in ethical supply chains

    An amendment to the Great British Energy Bill will enable the company to ensure forced labour is not used in its supply chains.

    Great British Energy will act to secure supply chains that are free of forced labour, under an amendment brought forward by the government today.

    Owned by and for the British public, Great British Energy will be a sector leader in building new energy infrastructure using ethical supply chains.

    A new measure set out in the Great British Energy Bill will enable the company to ensure that forced labour does not take place in its business or its supply chains.

    The amendment is the latest move in the government’s work to tackle the issue of forced labour as it becomes a global leader in clean energy. Great British Energy is already able to bar suppliers that use illegal and immoral practices from bidding for its contracts.

    Energy Minister Michael Shanks said:

    Great British Energy will be an industry-leader in developing supply chains free of forced labour as it propels us in our clean energy superpower mission.

    Owned by and for the British public, Great British Energy will be an institution we can all be proud of as we build our clean energy future here in the UK.

    The government has already:

    • brought the Procurement Act 2023 into force, so public bodies can reject bids and terminate contracts with suppliers that are known to use forced labour
    • committed that Great British Energy’s strategic priorities will include an overarching expectation to tackle forced labour, becoming a sector leader in this space, as expected from any company owned by the British public
    • set out that Great British Energy will appoint a senior leader on ethical supply chains and modern slavery
    • relaunched the Solar Taskforce, to develop supply chains that are resilient, sustainable and free from forced labour
    • encouraged renewable developers accessing its flagship Contracts for Difference scheme to grow the supply chain through the Supply Chain Plan process
    • published updated guidance on producing modern slavery statements, providing all businesses and public bodies with practical advice on how to tackle modern slavery in their supply chains

    And the Solar Roadmap will set out how government will work with industry to triple the UK’s solar capacity by 2030. It is set to be published later this year.

    Chris Hewett, Chief Executive of the trade association Solar Energy UK said:

    Solar Energy UK welcomes the government’s amendment to the GB Energy Bill.

    The Solar Stewardship Initiative (SSI), which we developed with SolarPower Europe, is already having a real impact on the global supply chain. By the end of this year, SSI-certified manufacturing facilities will be able to produce 100 gigawatts of solar panels per year from independently-assessed sites that are not complicit in forced labour. That is around five times more than all of the UK’s existing solar panels put together, more than enough to meet both UK and EU demand. This number will continue to grow.

    Given progress in ensuring that the UK supply chain is free from solar panels produced with raw materials tainted by human rights abuses, we are confident that there will be no slowdown in solar deployment. The amendment poses no threat to the attainment of clean power by 2030, nor to reaching net zero by 2050.

    This latest commitment will support growth in the UK and plans to deliver clean power by 2030, by using domestic suppliers, alongside those across the world, who have safe supply chain practices.

    The solar industry is confident that the government can meet its clean power ambitions whilst also tackling forced labour in supply chains, and the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan sets out the supply chain requirements to deliver on this ambition.  

    Notes to editors

    The proposed amendment, to Clause 3 of the GBE Bill, will be voted on by MPs and Peers.

    This clause sets Great British Energy’s activities as: facilitating, encouraging and participating in clean energy projects; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; improving energy efficiency; ensuring energy security; and now, measures to ensure that slavery and human trafficking is not taking place in its business or supply chains.

    The amendment text is available in full here:

    • Great British Energy Bill: Lords amendment

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    Published 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: History in numbers: how statistics help us understand the stability of Soviet society

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    On April 16, as part of XXV April International Scientific Conference of the National Research University Higher School of Economics a round table discussion entitled “Historical Statistics for Studying Mechanisms of Social Stability in the USSR” was held. The event was supported by Interdisciplinary group on historical statistics of the National Center for Humanities and Social Sciences “Center for Interdisciplinary Research of Human Potential”.

    The opening speech was given by the Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Liliya Ovcharova. She emphasized the importance of studying the socio-economic legacy of the USSR not only for understanding the past, but also for analyzing modern trends: “The Soviet past contains the reasons for those long-term trends that are still in effect today. We see them in science and scientific schools, in education, in demography, as well as in the development features of Russian regions. Without attention from the Russian research community, important components may be missed in this history, which I include the connecting, civilizational role of the Soviet Union and Russia, as an institution for the development of union republics – future independent states in the post-Soviet space, as well as adjacent territories.”

    Round table chaired by the director Expert Institute And Center for Productivity Research The HSE Ilya Voskoboinikov conference brought together not only HSE experts, but also representatives of the Presidential Academy (RANEPA), Rosstat, Moscow State University, and the Institute of Ethnology and Anthropology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The discussion focused on rethinking Soviet official statistics and the availability of archival data, as well as the need for an interdisciplinary approach to studying the socio-economic development of the USSR and Russia using modern quantitative methods. Participants discussed the complexity of interpreting Soviet data, the comparability of sources, and the institutional barriers facing researchers.

    Vladimir Sokolin, Chairman of the Federal State Statistics Service (1999-2008) and the Interstate Statistical Committee of the Commonwealth of Independent States (2009-2022), devoted his speech to the importance of revising and refining official Soviet statistics based on modern scientific principles. He emphasized the uneven quality of Soviet data — high in terms of physical indicators of industrial production and transport, but questionable in agriculture. He also pointed out the almost complete lack of data in terms of price statistics and mentioned the influence of ideology on decisions to publish data and even statistical developments in certain areas — for example, in cross-country comparisons of living standards. The expert paid special attention to the importance of restoring long dynamic series of statistical indicators and preserving expert knowledge in the field of Soviet statistics as long as its bearers are alive.

    A presentation of the results of a project to analyze wage inequality in the USSR was given by Professor Leonid Borodkin of Lomonosov Moscow State University and Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences. His research showed how the degree of differentiation of wages between workers and engineering and technical workers changed in different periods, from the NEP to the late Soviet era. The professor emphasized that data on actual accruals in the archives of enterprises often contradict official statistics. For example, under the conditions of equalization in the post-war period, responsible engineering and technical workers (ITW) were supposed to receive salaries comparable to or even lower than those of workers. This did not correspond to the role of IWW in production and could lead to a shortage of specialists. The solution was incentive funds, which made it possible to create material incentives for responsible and qualified engineers.

    Roman Konchakov, Dean of the Faculty of History and Philology at the Institute of Social Sciences of the Russian Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration, spoke about institutional and methodological obstacles to the use of Soviet statistics. He presented statistics not only as a source of data, but also as an element of state building. Konchakov emphasized the importance of the 1920s as a key period for the formation of the Soviet statistical school and pointed out the need to create an infrastructure for combining various historical datasets.

    Speech by Ekaterina Boltunova, Director Institute of Regional Historical Research HSE, was devoted to the study of financial and time budgets of households in the context of late Soviet domestic tourism (late 1950s – 1960s). She paid special attention to how the prism of tourism can be used to study the availability of infrastructure, the perception of territories and the everyday economy of Soviet citizens.

    Mikhail Denisenko, director Institute of Demography HSE named after A.G. Vishnevsky, in his report examined the dynamics of the age structure of the population of Russia in the 20th century. In his speech, the expert emphasized the importance of demographic data for the analysis of social sustainability, and also spoke about the challenges that researchers face when reconstructing this data, especially in the absence of continuous data for a number of years.

    The discussion was summed up by the moderator of the round table, Ilya Voskoboinikov: “When a modern statistician submits a report, the document goes into the archive – but this is not the end of the work. In ten, twenty, fifty years, a historian will come to this archive. Statistics are not only numbers, but also a long-term contribution to our understanding of the past and the present. Soviet historical statistics are very important for modern research, since the Soviet experience touches on a big issue of the modern economy – finding a balance between economic efficiency and social sustainability.”

    The second part of the round table included a discussion with representatives of the scientific community, including Maria Drobysheva, Deputy Head of the Department of Living Standards Statistics and Household Surveys of Rosstat, Vyacheslav Stepanov, Leading Researcher at the Center for Ethnopolitical Studies at the Institute of Economics and Economics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and Researcher Laboratories for institutional analysis of economic reforms HSE University Alexey Popov. The latter noted that many statistical funds still remain classified and this greatly complicates working with data.

    The discussion confirmed the high interest in the topic and emphasized the need for further development of the historical data infrastructure. Deputy Vice-Rector of the National Research University Higher School of Economics Maria Nagernyak noted the often fragmented and unsystematic nature of a large part of the statistical data collected over a long period of time: “These data on various areas of the socio-economic development of our country are of interest not only to the scientific community, but also to the general public. The activities of the Interdisciplinary Group on Historical Statistics are aimed at uniting the efforts of scientists from various fields of science for the joint study of historical statistical data on the development of human potential both in our country and in the post-Soviet space, as well as in friendly foreign countries.”

    The group plans to create working groups to discuss statistics in various areas and to formulate an official position of Rosstat on unofficial data, as well as to organize regular conferences to discuss issues of access to archival data and cooperation between historians, economists and statisticians with the involvement of specialists from the faculties of social and economic sciences, as well as schools of historical research National Research University Higher School of Economics.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. supports advanced manufacturing of forestry products

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    New support for forestry-sector manufacturers in the province is creating sustainable jobs, strengthening local supply chains, establishing new made-in-B.C. products and reinforcing B.C.’s position as a leader in mass-timber innovation.

    “These timely investments into our province’s manufacturing and forestry value-added sectors will help strengthen homegrown B.C. companies, which in turn creates stronger local economies and sustainable jobs,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “We’re working alongside industry to build a stronger, more resilient economy that works better for people and communities.”

    Through the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund (BCMJF), the Government of B.C. is contributing as much as $11 million toward four forestry-sector capital projects in the province. The projects are helping B.C.-based forestry-product manufacturers grow their businesses by constructing new production facilities, purchasing new equipment and adding new high-value product lines, while creating and protecting hundreds of jobs.

    Spearhead Timberworks Inc., near Nelson, specializes in the design and fabrication of highly advanced timber architecture. Spearhead is strengthening its capabilities, backed by as much as $7.5 million from the B.C. government to drive its expansion. This includes construction of a new purpose-built facility and implementation of advanced technology that will increase its competitiveness on the international stage, adding state-of-the-art production lines for specialized curved and double-curved glulam. The project will strengthen Spearhead’s capacity to fabricate high-complexity, high-value timber projects using B.C. wood, while creating more than 60 skilled jobs in the Nelson area.

    Spearhead’s cutting-edge technology and high-value products demonstrate how B.C.’s fibre can be used to generate significant economic benefits and highly skilled jobs in a high-demand sector. The Kootenay region is quickly establishing itself as a hub for British Columbia’s growing mass-timber economy, uniting a network of local sawmills. The network includes but is not limited to Harrop-Procter Community Cooperative and J.H. Huscroft Ltd., value-added wood manufacturers, such as Kalesnikoff Mass Timber Inc., and progressive training in wood design, digital fabrication and sustainable construction delivered through Selkirk College.

    “Over the past 35 years, we’ve honed our craft in advanced timber fabrication, completing over 450 projects worldwide and building a reputation as trailblazers in our field,” said Josh Hall, partner at Spearhead Timberworks Inc. “This investment from the Province will help us showcase B.C.’s remarkable wood resources globally, while creating long-term jobs at home. We’re honoured by the trust placed in us and excited to continue contributing meaningfully to our community and timber industry.”

    More forestry-sector manufacturers receiving funds from the BCMJF include:

    • Langley – Westlam Industries Ltd. is a wood-product manufacturer that specializes in construction-grade plywood. Westlam’s products play an important role in the housing and commercial building sector in B.C. and Canada, ensuring a strong local supply of key building materials. It will receive as much as $1.5 million to construct a new production facility and install new automated equipment that will introduce automation, improve fibre utilization, and increase output and productivity, while creating 46 jobs.
    • Castlegar – Mercer Celgar Limited Partnership is a kraft pulp mill and biorefinery that produces premium pulp and generates bioenergy for the BC Hydro power grid. The company will receive as much as $1.75 million to modernize its small-log line and install equipment capable of processing smaller-diameter logs and a wider range of low-grade fibre. This investment will help maximize the value of fibre inputs and secure more than 400 jobs at the facility, making it one of the largest employers in the region.
    • Penticton – Greyback Construction Ltd. is a commercial, residential and industrial construction contractor that is diversifying into prefabricated housing construction. It will receive as much as $235,000 to renovate a former mill site and purchase equipment that will vertically integrate and streamline production of prefabricated exterior walls and floors while creating 12 jobs, helping to create more homes quicker in B.C.

    “British Columbia’s forestry companies and workers show what innovation, craftsmanship and hard work looks like,” said Ravi Parmar, Minister of Forests. “Spearhead, Westlam, Mercer Celgar, Greyback Construction, and many, many more across the province are stepping up and investing in their workers and their communities, and we’re right there with them. The Manufacturing Jobs Fund creates jobs, strengthens supply chains and supports people in their incredible work around this province.”

    The BCMJF is helping manufacturers throughout the province scale and grow their operations to make more made-in-B.C. products that create good jobs and strengthen the economy. BCMJF has also accelerated transition within the forestry-product sector to high-value manufacturing. The program has incentivized more than $680 million flowing into forestry-product manufacturing, leading to the direct creation and protection of more than 3,500 forestry-sector jobs, many in regional, remote and Indigenous communities. Nearly one-quarter of all wood-product manufacturers in B.C have applied to the program, demonstrating that producers are investing in the future of forestry in the province.

    BCMJF has also led to increased production of mass timber, engineered wood and bioproducts, with B.C.-based companies leading the way in innovative uses of waste wood, residuals and available fibre for high-value, high-demand products and exports. The Province has partnered with 73 forestry-product manufacturers with more to come, dedicating more than $97 million to the industry in collaboration toward a stable, sustainable forestry sector in B.C.

    Quick Facts:

    • The BCMJF supports high-value industrial and manufacturing capital projects in all sectors that create and protect well-paying jobs.
    • The BCMJF has committed $146 million toward 132 projects to date, unlocking more than $1 billion in private-sector and other public investment.
      • Every million dollars invested results in $7 million in total direct capital investments in B.C., $590,000 in tax revenue to the Province and $5.3 million in provincial gross domestic product (GDP) during the capital construction phase alone.
    • Funded projects will create and protect more than 4,700 jobs throughout B.C. 

    Learn More:

    To learn about the BC Manufacturing Jobs Fund, including a list of recipients and updated application deadline information, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/ManufacturingJobsFund     

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Montana Private Nonprofits Affected by July Winds

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Montana of the May 23, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the straight-line winds occurring July 24, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Montana counties of Missoula and Powell.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to PNPs providing non-critical services of a governmental nature who suffered financial losses directly related to the disaster. Examples of eligible non-critical PNPs include, but are not limited to, food kitchens, homeless shelters, museums, libraries, community centers, schools and colleges.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 3.25% and terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    The SBA encourages applicants to submit their loan applications promptly. Applications will be prioritized in the order they are received, and the SBA remains committed to processing them as efficiently as possible.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than May 23.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Companies and President Operating Oregon Wood Treatment Facility to Pay $1.5M in Criminal Fines for Hazardous Waste and Air Pollution Charges

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    A federal judge in Oregon yesterday sentenced the two companies responsible for the operation of the J.H. Baxter wood treatment facility in Eugene, Oregon, and their president, for hazardous waste and Clean Air Act violations. Collectively, they were ordered to pay a total of $1.5 million in criminal fines. In addition, the court ordered the companies to serve five years of probation and the companies’ president, Georgia Baxter-Krause, of Deschutes, Oregon, to serve 90 days in prison and one year of supervised release.

    Both companies — J.H. Baxter & Co. Inc. and J.H. Baxter & Co., A California Limited Partnership (collectively J.H. Baxter) — previously pleaded guilty to charges of illegally treating hazardous waste and knowingly violating the Clean Air Act’s regulations for hazardous air pollutants. Georgia Baxter-Krause previously pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal statute governing hazardous waste management.

    “On more than 100 different days, J.H. Baxter knowingly and illegally boiled off hazardous waste, emitting the discharge into the air,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “J.H. Baxter’s President, Georgia Baxter-Krause, then made false statements about the unlawful practice. Protecting the public’s health is among our highest priorities, and we will prosecute those who violate environmental laws.”

    “The J.H. Baxter companies knowingly mishandled hazardous waste and repeatedly violated the Clean Air Act by venting hazardous substances directly into the air, right across the street from people’s homes. The company president then lied to cover up these crimes,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Jeffrey Hall for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s sentencing highlights the significant penalties that Congress has provided for illegally treating or disposing of hazardous waste as well as the Agency’s continued efforts to ensure that Americans have clean air, land, and water.”

    “The defendant companies boiled hazardous waste into our community’s air instead of properly dealing with it and Georgia Baxter-Krause lied when confronted about it,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the Eugene and Medford Branches of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute those who put Oregonians at risk in violation of federal law.”

    According to court documents, J.H. Baxter used hazardous chemicals to treat and preserve wood at its Eugene facility. The wastewater from the wood preserving processes was hazardous waste.

    To properly treat wastewater from its wood treatment process, J.H. Baxter operated a legal wastewater treatment unit to treat and evaporate the waste. For years, however, when J.H. Baxter had too much water on site, including process wastewater and precipitation, J.H. Baxter’s employees at the facility would transfer hazardous process wastewater to an available wood treatment retort to “boil it off,” greatly reducing its volume. J.H. Baxter would then remove the remaining waste from the retort, label it as hazardous waste and ship it offsite for disposal.

    J.H. Baxter did not have a permit to treat its hazardous waste in this manner, as required by RCRA. Additionally, J.H. Baxter’s facility was subject to certain Clean Air Act emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants, which required it to minimize air pollution emissions. However, during the illegal treatment, employees were directed to open all vents on the retorts, allowing discharge to the surrounding air.

    After Oregon inspectors discovered this activity, they requested information about the companies’ practice of boiling off hazardous wastewater. On two separate occasions, Georgia Baxter-Krause gave false information in response, which included information about the dates the practice took place and which retorts were used.

    The investigation determined that Georgia Baxter-Krause knew J.H. Baxter maintained detailed daily production logs for each retort. From approximately January to October 2019, J.H. Baxter boiled off hazardous process wastewater in its wood treatment retorts on 136 known days. Georgia Baxter-Krause was also aware that during this time J.H. Baxter used four of its five retorts to boil off wastewater.

    This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, EPAs Pacific Northwest (Region 10) office, and the Oregon State Police.

    This case was an Environmental Crimes Task Force (ECTF) investigation. ECTF is an initiative in the District of Oregon that identifies, investigates, and prosecutes significant environmental, public lands, and wildlife crimes. ECTF leverages the resources and effort of federal, state and local regulatory agencies and law enforcement to protect human health, safeguard natural resources and wildlife and hold violators accountable.

    Trial Attorneys Rachel Roberts and Stephen J. Foster of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren for the District of Oregon and EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Karla G. Perrin prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: CISA, DHS S&T, INL, LSU Help Energy Industry Partners Strengthen Incident Response and OT Cybersecurity

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    WASHINGTON – The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) and the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) hosted Louisiana State University (LSU) and several energy industry and critical infrastructure partners to train against simulated, high-impact cyberattacks on operational technology (OT) and traditional information technology (IT) at CISA’s Control Environment Laboratory Resource (CELR) in Idaho Falls, Idaho, last week. LSU is the first university in the U.S. invited to participate in the CELR exercise, as part of CISA and INL’s efforts to strengthen cyber talent development and research partnerships.

    Cybersecurity threats exploit the increased complexity and connectivity of critical infrastructure systems. The potential incapacitation or destruction of assets, systems and networks, whether physical or virtual, could have a debilitating effect on national security, economic security and on public health and safety. As the nation’s cyber defense agency, CISA is committed to growing operational and strategic partnerships to increase collaboration across the OT and industrial control systems (ICS) community.

    On April 15-17, energy industry partners and the CISA-INL-LSU team used the CELR chemical processing platform, located at and operated by INL on behalf of CISA. CELR platforms are benchtop models of critical infrastructure with integrated industrial processes to represent how real-world components and facilities might be compromised through cyber-physical attacks. The participants were positioned in a live environment with IT and OT traffic and attacked by a technical team posing as a sophisticated adversary. The training participants’ mission was to detect and respond to kinetic cyberattacks through ICS elements, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, human-machine interfaces (HMIs), programmable logic controllers (PLCs), OT and IT systems and other key components widely used in industrial facilities.

    “Collaborating with LSU and industry partners is extremely beneficial in strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity knowledge and ability to respond to threats. This training is another step in our shared vision to expand the opportunity for critical infrastructure entities to strengthen their cybersecurity using CELR,” said Matt Hartman, CISA Deputy Executive Assistant Director for Cybersecurity. “Malicious cyber actors and nation-state adversaries are a persistent, highly capable threat to critical infrastructure operations, functionality and safety. CELR is a valuable resource for critical infrastructure owners and operators seeking to improve the security of their ICS/OT networks.”

    “INL’s Controls Laboratory hosts five CISA-sponsored ICS testbeds, offering immersive environments for partners to experience realistic cyberattack scenarios against critical infrastructure,” said Tim Huddleston, INL’s Cybersecurity Program Manager. “We were proud to host industry partners and academia in this exercise, helping them improve their skills in cyber hunting and incident response, which reduces the risk from malicious cyber actors.”

    INL leverages scientific expertise and unique controls environments to support the departments of Energy, Defense and Homeland Security in national security challenges, including critical infrastructure protection. Last week’s training is part of an ongoing collaborative effort by CISA, DHS S&T, INL and LSU to equip energy industry cyber defenders to protect ICS environments and develop deeply technical cyber talent for critical infrastructure. Under CISA and S&T oversight, INL is currently developing the first university-based CELR platform. DHS S&T and CISA plan to deliver an Oil and Natural Gas CELR platform to LSU by fall of this year.

    Through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement, LSU will operate and maintain the Oil and Natural Gas platform and host similar trainings for energy sector partners, state cyber defenders, and LSU faculty, staff and students. This agreement will provide government and industry security professionals in the Louisiana gulf region an extremely valuable, local opportunity to hone their OT/ICS cybersecurity skills.

    “This partnership is a wonderful example of DHS S&T’s role in enabling effective, efficient, and secure operations by applying scientific, engineering, analytic, and innovative approaches to deliver timely solutions. The CELR platforms help ensure critical infrastructure is better positioned to detect, mitigate, or prevent cyber-attacks in the real world. By positioning a platform in close proximity to critical infrastructure owners and operators, as well as making it accessible to the next generation of oil refinery workforce through the university, DHS S&T and CISA are ensuring our nation’s oil supply remains secure and available to consumers,” said Jonathan McEntee,Acting Executive Director for S&T Office of Mission and Capability Support.

    “As a leading energy and chemical manufacturing state, Louisiana’s cybersecurity posture around its critical infrastructure has national implications,” said Greg Trahan, director of economic development at LSU and special advisor to LSU President William F. Tate IV on cyber initiatives. “The invitation by CISA and INL to participate in this exercise underscores what we know: LSU has emerged as one of the most important and consequential cybersecurity schools in the country. The opportunity to be joined by our close industry partners means we can bring these skills and agency relationships home to support and protect Louisiana—that is the LSU Scholarship First Agenda and flagship mission in action.”

    Another outcome from this collaborative effort, LSU and Battelle Energy Alliance, the company that manages INL, recently signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their partnership in areas of mutual interest, including cybersecurity and advanced nuclear technology. Over the past year, INL has hosted six LSU cybersecurity interns and successfully hired two LSU graduates. This collaboration exemplifies INL’s commitment to expanding partnerships with other industry and academic entities, fostering an environment to develop cyber resilience skills.

    For more information on ICS security, visit the CISA Industrial Control Systems webpage.

    Control Environment Laboratory Exercise (CELR) Exersice

    Government, industry and academia partners gather to view Control Environment Laboratory Resource (CELR) exercise

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Revitalizing Historic Landmarks in Western New York

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the Historic Post Office at One East Avenue in the City of Lockport after a comprehensive historic rehabilitation and renovation as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The $9.7 million project included a rehabilitation of the interior and exterior historic fabric of the building together with renovations to improve the facility for modern use. Before and after photos of the project are available here.

    “I’m working to revitalize historic landmarks and the communities that they define, and the revitalization of the Historic Post Office will allow Lockport’s rich history to live on through generations to come,” Governor Hochul said. “As the first Governor from Western New York in over 100 years, I’m committed to providing resources and investment so that all of our extraordinary communities can live up to their full potential.”

    The One East Avenue Historic Post Office was opened in 1902. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The three-story, red brick and terra cotta building combines Beaux Arts massing with sculptural detail inspired by classical and Renaissance design. The historic rehabilitation and renovation undertaken by Iskalo Development Corp. included meticulous restoration of the building’s historic features and modernization improvements including new electrical, plumbing, mechanical and sprinkler systems and elevator installation. Iskalo purchased the building in 2015 and served as the Architect and Construction Manager for the project.

    The 31,600-square-foot building offers “move-in ready” boutique retail and office suites for lease and is anchored by Big Ditch Brewing which recently opened a Tap Room and Innovation Brewery. The Grigg Lewis Foundation was the first tenant to occupy space in the building.

    New York State Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “As a round three winner of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Lockport is really harnessing its Canal history and heritage as a catalyst for future growth and rejuvenation. The completion of the renovated Historic Post Office continues the City’s momentum toward becoming a world-class destination for residents to live, work and play, and for visitors from all over to enjoy.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Governor Hochul’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects are strengthening city centers throughout the state. Seeing new life breathed into the century-old Historic Post Office as part of Lockport’s reenergization is a testament to investing in our downtowns.”

    New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As we reflect on 200 years of the Erie Canal, we continue to contemplate ways to elevate the communities that have risen along its banks over these last two centuries. The completion of the Lockport post office, made possible in large measure by Governor Hochul’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, is the perfect illustration of how this program works to bring positive change to downtown centers throughout the state. It is just one of many examples of how the DRI program is bringing positive change to communities from across the Erie Canal.”

    City of Lockport Mayor John Lombardi III said, “What an exciting time for the City of Lockport. I sincerely thank the New York Department of State for being in our great city today and for creating a much-needed initiative for the Revitalization of our Downtown Corridor. The Historic rehabilitation and renovation of the ‘Historic Post Office,’ the former Niagara County Courthouse, and the establishment of the anchor tenant ‘Big Ditch Brewing,’ has created a much-needed catalyst for our city. And has provided a destination point for many new visitors, hopefully generating some interest in the gifts Lockport has to offer. What better place for the Big Ditch than within a hundred yards of The Big Ditch? Thank you, Paul Iskalo and Matt Kahn, for creating another reason to love Lockport.”

    Founder and President of Iskalo Development Paul B. Iskalo said, “The historic rehabilitation and renovation of the Historic Post Office is a great accomplishment for Iskalo Development and downtown Lockport. And its completion would not have been possible without assistance from the State of New York, City of Lockport, Five Star Bank and Niagara County Industrial Development Agency.”

    The City of Lockport was named the Western New York Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Round 3 winner in October 2018. The Historic Post Office received $1.795 million from the DRI, as well as state and federal historic preservation tax credits. In addition to the Historic Post Office, other projects awarded DRI funding include $2.2 million to create rooftop and outdoor event space at the Spalding Mill; $1.35 million to redevelop the F&M Building to house a mix of residential and commercial uses; $955,000 to support the development of commercial space as part of the Harrison Lofts project; $865,000 to enhance connectivity on Pine Street; $800,000 for the renovation of the Tuscarora Club including a boutique hotel; $600,00 for the renovation of the Historic Palace Theatre; $275,000 for additional sculptures as part of the Lock Tenders Tribute; $230,000 for reconstruction of South Street; and $630,000 for a Small Project Grant Fund to support smaller, commercial and mixed-use projects.

    The City of Lockport has been chosen as a featured field visit during the World Canals Conference in Buffalo in September. The Department of State will be presenting a panel at the Conference on the ways that the Downtown Revitalization Initiative has helped spark a renaissance in downtown revitalization in over 20 Canal corridor communities. In advance of the conference, DOS produced a case study on the subject entitled, “Downtown Revitalization Along the Erie Canal.”

    Downtown Revitalization Initiative
    The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through eight rounds, the DRI has awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across every region of the State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Companies and President Operating Oregon Wood Treatment Facility to Pay $1.5M in Criminal Fines for Hazardous Waste and Air Pollution Charges

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A federal judge in Oregon yesterday sentenced the two companies responsible for the operation of the J.H. Baxter wood treatment facility in Eugene, Oregon, and their president, for hazardous waste and Clean Air Act violations. Collectively, they were ordered to pay a total of $1.5 million in criminal fines. In addition, the court ordered the companies to serve five years of probation and the companies’ president, Georgia Baxter-Krause, of Deschutes, Oregon, to serve 90 days in prison and one year of supervised release.

    Both companies — J.H. Baxter & Co. Inc. and J.H. Baxter & Co., A California Limited Partnership (collectively J.H. Baxter) — previously pleaded guilty to charges of illegally treating hazardous waste and knowingly violating the Clean Air Act’s regulations for hazardous air pollutants. Georgia Baxter-Krause previously pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements in violation of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the federal statute governing hazardous waste management.

    “On more than 100 different days, J.H. Baxter knowingly and illegally boiled off hazardous waste, emitting the discharge into the air,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). “J.H. Baxter’s President, Georgia Baxter-Krause, then made false statements about the unlawful practice. Protecting the public’s health is among our highest priorities, and we will prosecute those who violate environmental laws.”

    “The J.H. Baxter companies knowingly mishandled hazardous waste and repeatedly violated the Clean Air Act by venting hazardous substances directly into the air, right across the street from people’s homes. The company president then lied to cover up these crimes,” said Acting Assistant Administrator Jeffrey Hall for EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance. “Today’s sentencing highlights the significant penalties that Congress has provided for illegally treating or disposing of hazardous waste as well as the Agency’s continued efforts to ensure that Americans have clean air, land, and water.”

    “The defendant companies boiled hazardous waste into our community’s air instead of properly dealing with it and Georgia Baxter-Krause lied when confronted about it,” said Nathan J. Lichvarcik, Chief of the Eugene and Medford Branches of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and prosecute those who put Oregonians at risk in violation of federal law.”

    According to court documents, J.H. Baxter used hazardous chemicals to treat and preserve wood at its Eugene facility. The wastewater from the wood preserving processes was hazardous waste.

    To properly treat wastewater from its wood treatment process, J.H. Baxter operated a legal wastewater treatment unit to treat and evaporate the waste. For years, however, when J.H. Baxter had too much water on site, including process wastewater and precipitation, J.H. Baxter’s employees at the facility would transfer hazardous process wastewater to an available wood treatment retort to “boil it off,” greatly reducing its volume. J.H. Baxter would then remove the remaining waste from the retort, label it as hazardous waste and ship it offsite for disposal.

    J.H. Baxter did not have a permit to treat its hazardous waste in this manner, as required by RCRA. Additionally, J.H. Baxter’s facility was subject to certain Clean Air Act emissions standards for hazardous air pollutants, which required it to minimize air pollution emissions. However, during the illegal treatment, employees were directed to open all vents on the retorts, allowing discharge to the surrounding air.

    After Oregon inspectors discovered this activity, they requested information about the companies’ practice of boiling off hazardous wastewater. On two separate occasions, Georgia Baxter-Krause gave false information in response, which included information about the dates the practice took place and which retorts were used.

    The investigation determined that Georgia Baxter-Krause knew J.H. Baxter maintained detailed daily production logs for each retort. From approximately January to October 2019, J.H. Baxter boiled off hazardous process wastewater in its wood treatment retorts on 136 known days. Georgia Baxter-Krause was also aware that during this time J.H. Baxter used four of its five retorts to boil off wastewater.

    This case was investigated by the EPA Criminal Investigation Division with assistance from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, Lane Regional Air Protection Agency, EPAs Pacific Northwest (Region 10) office, and the Oregon State Police.

    This case was an Environmental Crimes Task Force (ECTF) investigation. ECTF is an initiative in the District of Oregon that identifies, investigates, and prosecutes significant environmental, public lands, and wildlife crimes. ECTF leverages the resources and effort of federal, state and local regulatory agencies and law enforcement to protect human health, safeguard natural resources and wildlife and hold violators accountable.

    Trial Attorneys Rachel Roberts and Stephen J. Foster of ENRD’s Environmental Crimes Section, Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. McLaren for the District of Oregon and EPA Regional Criminal Enforcement Counsel Karla G. Perrin prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Serhat Gumrukcu Convicted of Murder-for-Hire

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Burlington, Vermont – The United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that earlier today, after a five-week trial before Chief United States District Judge Christina Reiss, a federal jury convicted Serhat Gumrukcu, 42, of Los Angeles, California, of murder-for-hire, conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Gumrukcu remains in jail pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. Gumrukcu has been held in custody since his arrest in May of 2022.

    According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Gumrukcu solicited the murder of Gregory Davis due to Davis’s threats of legal action related to Gumrukcu’s role in a failed oil commodities transaction.  Gumrukcu’s conviction for wire fraud stemmed from his fraudulent activities in relation to this failed oil deal.  Gumrukcu was particularly motivated to silence Davis due to his negotiations of a multi-million-dollar biotech merger involving Gumrukcu’s alleged discovery of a cure for HIV.  Gumrukcu relied on his close friend, Berk Eratay, to arrange through a second intermediary, Aaron Ethridge, the hiring of a hitman to kill Davis.  Ethridge recruited Jerry Banks for the hitman role, who on January 6, 2018, posed as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, and abducted Davis from his Danville, Vermont home.  On January 7, 2018, Davis’s deceased body was located in a snowbank a short distance from his home.  Investigators quickly discovered emails and messaging indicating the tension between Gumrukcu and Davis over the failed oil deal, resulting in Gumrukcu being interviewed twice by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Gumrukcu made false statements during each interview.  Cellphone location information, purchase records, banking documentation, emails, and messaging discovered during the investigation led to the identification of the four conspirators who caused the kidnapping and death of Davis.
      
    Based on the jury’s verdict, Gumrukcu faces a statutorily mandated sentence of life imprisonment.
     
    “Serhat Gumrukcu tried to hide his role in the murder of Greg Davis by paying one man to pay another man to pay the hitman, who shot and killed Greg Davis on a January night in Vermont. Uncovering Gumrukcu’s responsibility for this murder involved years of determined investigation by the men and women of Vermont’s United States Attorney’s Office, working closely with the FBI and the Vermont State Police,” stated Acting United States Attorney Michael P. Drescher. “Holding Gumrukcu responsible for this murder also required the work of an extraordinarily talented trial team, consisting of Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Van de Graaf and Zachary Stendig, with tremendous courtroom support from Erin Thompson-Moran and Karen Arena-Leene.” Drescher also thanked the numerous law enforcement entities across the country who worked to identify Banks as the hired hitman, Ethridge and Eratay as middlemen, and Gumrukcu as the financier and benefactor of the murder scheme.

    FBI Special Agent in Charge, Craig L. Tremaroli stated, “Serhat Gumrukcu is a ruthless criminal whose greed drove him to order the death of his own business partner. Today, our thoughts are with Gregory Davis’s family. We are proud to have brought them justice and are incredibly grateful to our partners at the United States Attorney’s Office, and all our law enforcement partners across the country who assisted with this complex investigation.”

    “We join our federal partners in thanking the members of the jury for their careful deliberations and verdict convicting Serhat Gumrukcu of all charges,” said Col. Matthew T. Birmingham, director of the Vermont State Police. “The jury’s determination of guilt reflects the diligent police work and the copious evidence collected during what would become one of the most sweeping, comprehensive and complex investigations in Vermont State Police history. Starting on the day more than seven years ago that Gregory Davis’s body was discovered on a snowy, remote road in Barnet, the state police, along with our investigative partners including the FBI, focused on identifying those responsible for his senseless killing and bringing them to justice. We hope that with today’s verdict, Mr. Davis’s family may be able to find a small measure of comfort knowing the person who bore ultimate responsibility has been held accountable.”

    At trial, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul J. Van de Graaf and Zachary Stendig represented the government, with supported from Karen Arena-Leene and Erin Thompson-Moran.  Gumrukcu was represented by Susan K. Marcus, Esq., and Ethan A. Balogh, Esq. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston Encourages West Virginians to Participate in DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Acting United States Attorney Lisa G. Johnston is encouraging West Virginians to dispose of old, unwanted and unneeded medications during the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    “Properly disposing of unneeded prescription drugs can save lives and prevent medication misuse and abuse,” Johnston said. “Every household that participates in Drug Take Back Day makes themselves and their community safer from potential harm and tragedy.”

    Take Back Day offers a free, safe and anonymous way to get rid of prescription drugs that are susceptible to diversion and abuse. More than 60 collection sites throughout the Southern District of West Virginia and elsewhere in the state have already been announced. A collection site locator and other information is available at www.DEATakeBack.com.

    Law enforcement and other collection site partners will accept tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs. Collection sites will not accept syringes, sharps, or illicit drugs. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container and the cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.

    April 26, 2025, is the 28th National Take Back Day since the DEA launched this initiative. In partnership with local law enforcement, Take Back Day has removed 9,600 tons of medication from circulation since its inception. The total includes 68.77 tons collected in West Virginia.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    ###

     

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Union County Teacher Admits to Producing Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – A Union County, New Jersey, man who was employed as a New Jersey high school teacher, admitted to producing child pornography, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Michael Hamilton, 53, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Christine P. O’Hearn in Camden federal court to one count of producing child pornography.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    Hamilton admitted to meeting a minor victim and engaging in sexual conduct with that victim, which Hamilton recorded on video. Law enforcement seized a copy of that video during the search of his home in October 2023. Hamilton also admitted to receiving and possessing sexually explicit messages, pictures, and videos of two other minor victims.

    The charge of production of child pornography carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of 30 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.  Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited FBI Newark’s Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge Terence G. Reilly, with the investigation.  U.S. Attorney Habba also thanked the Springfield Police Department and the Union County Prosecutor’s Office.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    The government is represented by Rebecca Sussman and Robert Taj Moore of the Narcotics/OCDETF Unit in Newark.

                                                                           ###

    Defense counsel: Randy Davenport, Esq.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: This Ain’t Our First Hike: National Park Week in the Heart of Texas

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    National Park Week is here—April 19 through April 26—and it’s the perfect time to step back and appreciate the natural heritage that makes the Lone Star State so extraordinary. This year, the National Park Service (NPS) is celebrating with the theme “National Park Playlist,” highlighting the connections between music and nature from songs about nature to heavy metal.

    With Earth Day falling right in the middle of National Park Week, it’s also a time to honor both the planet and the great outdoors—two birds, one stone. National Park Week also includes National Junior Ranger Day, a special opportunity for young Texans to connect with nature through the NPS Junior Ranger Program. With games, hands-on activities, and guided learning offered at more than 400 national parks across the country, it’s a fun and family-friendly way to plant the seeds of environmental stewardship early.

    You don’t have to travel far to experience the great outdoors. Texas is home to numerous parks, offering everything from piney woods and desert plains to sweeping mountain ranges. Among its most treasured gems are Guadalupe Mountains and Big Bend National Parks, two stunning landscapes that exemplify the natural beauty and vibrant wildlife of the Lone Star State.

    Guadalupe Mountains National Park is home to Texas’ highest peak and a rugged beauty that draws hikers and nature lovers year-round. Established as a national park in 1966, it shares a geological history with nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park, where over 119 caves were formed through the dissolution of limestone over millions of years. These mountains carry the stories of ancient hunter-gatherers and the Mescalero Apache, whose presence is still honored today.

    In the northern reaches of the Chihuahuan Desert, Big Bend stretches more than 800,000 acres. It offers dramatic canyons, desert solitude, and some of the best stargazing in the world. The park is a haven for wildlife, hosting approximately 31 species of snakes, 22 species of lizards, and more than 450 species of birds. Despite scorching summer temperatures that can exceed 115 degrees, the desert blooms with ocotillo, yucca, lechuguilla, bluebonnets, and desert marigolds. In fact, Big Bend contains more species of cacti than any other national park in the country.

    Humans have called this region home for millennia, with archaeological sites within the park that date back nearly 10,000 years. The Comanche were the last indigenous people to inhabit the area before American settlers in the late 1800s. And in a little-known chapter of Texas history, camels once roamed this land, having been brought in for military purposes in the 1850s. Through several expeditions, these camels marched over rough, rocky terrain with little to no water or vegetation. They were eventually sold off to ranchers and circuses after the expeditions.

    This year, Big Bend is at the heart of an exciting conservation effort. I introduced the Big Bend National Park Boundary Adjustment Act, which would allow the NPS to acquire approximately 6,100 acres along the park’s western edge and help protect the land that makes this region, rich in ecological and culture meaning, so special. If passed, the legislation would be a step forward in preserving Texas’ natural wonders not just for us, but for generations to come.

    Here in Texas, National Park Week is a celebration of our land and our communities. The Lone Star State has never done things halfway, and our approach to public lands is no exception. Because in Texas, we know the land isn’t just ours to enjoy—it’s ours to protect for those who will walk it next.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Botswana Vice President Lauds African Development Bank’s 60-Year Legacy, Urges Economic Resilient Africa

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

    GABORONE, Botswana, April 23, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Botswana’s Vice President and Finance Minister Ndaba Nkosinathi Gaolathe has urged African leaders to build an economically viable and resilient continent amid global funding challenges, geopolitical tensions, and increased tariff regimes.

    Speaking at an event marking the African Development Bank Group’s 60 years of transformative impact across Africa and 53 years of its operations in Botswana,  Gaolathe envisioned a new Africa as a “value definer” rather than a “price taker” in finance, energy, minerals, and technology.

    He highlighted the African Development Bank Group’s development impact, noting it has remained the continent’s partner of choice not merely as an institution but “a beacon of Africa’s own dream.”

    “We have seen the Bank not only as a builder of roads and dams, but also as a partner in thinking, reforming, and reimagining. Whether through technical assistance in procurement reforms, lines of credit to our development institutions, or policy advisory during our most difficult transitions, the African Development Bank has walked quietly, consistently, and strategically with us,” Gaolathe stated.

    “From the construction of the Lobatse-Kanye Road in the 1970s to the Nata-Maun Road, the Gaborone-Lobatse Water Supply, and the Morupule B Power Plant, this Bank’s footprint is woven into the story of our progress,” he said. “As we celebrate these past six decades, I am especially inspired by the bold and courageous conversations that the African Development Bank is leading today, which challenge the world to rethink Africa, not as a continent of scarcity, but as the richest cradle of life on earth.”

    Gaolathe expressed concern about the “systematic undervaluation of Africa’s natural resources.” “When African carbon credits are traded for a fraction of their true value, that is not commerce; it is quiet violence,” he stated, echoing African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina’s call to stop “carbon grabs” across the continent.

    Since 1972, the Bank Group has supported transformative projects in Botswana across multiple sectors, including agriculture, finance, power, transport, and industry, with investments exceeding $2.6 billion across 67 projects.

    Gaolathe praised a proposal by the Bank for a Critical Minerals-Backed African Currency, and its push to include natural capital in national balance sheets as “unapologetically African, innovative, and sovereign” leadership. “Africa holds over 30% of the world’s critical minerals. From lithium to cobalt, we power the world’s batteries, yet all too often, we are still exporting dust while importing debt. That must end,” he emphasized.

    Leila Mokaddem, the Bank’s Director General for Southern Africa, highlighted the impact of the Bank’s work in Southern Africa, including the Kazungula Bridge connecting Botswana and Zambia, which she described as “a gateway of integration across SADC.” She also cited the Pandamatenga Agriculture Infrastructure Project that transformed 40,000 hectares of farmland and increased cereal production by 46%.

    “As we mark this Diamond Jubilee, we do so to honor the past and embrace the future. Let us build the next decade of partnership with purpose, optimism, and shared commitment,” she said.

    Angola’s Ambassador to Botswana and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Beatriz Morais, took the audience on a memory lane to September 1964, when 25 countries converged in Khartoum with a singular vision—to create a financial institution by Africans for Africans. “Today, 61 years later, we take pride in what that vision has become.”

    Mothobi Matila, a retiree who joined the Bank from Botswana’s Ministry of Finance in 2005, delivered an emotional speech. He described the Bank as an “equal opportunity place” that became his employer and second home.

    Moono Mupotola, the Bank’s Country Manager for Botswana and Deputy Director General for Southern Africa emphasized its five-decade partnership with Botswana, which began in 1972 with the first loan extended in November 1973 to support telecommunications infrastructure.

    She outlined the Bank’s 2022-2026 strategy for Botswana, which focuses on building economic resilience through improved economic governance, private sector development, and infrastructure development to enhance competitiveness and productivity.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Recruitment starts for Independent Climate Council members23 April 2025 Recruitment has started for the appointment of members of​ Jersey’s newly established Independent Climate Council, which will be funded through the Climate Emergency Fund. The Independent Climate Council… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    23 April 2025

    Recruitment has started for the appointment of members of​ Jersey’s newly established Independent Climate Council, which will be funded through the Climate Emergency Fund. 

    The Independent Climate Council will play a vital role in ensuring oversight and accountability of the Government of Jersey’s climate actions, as outlined in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, CNR. The Council will report on progress every four years, aligned with the electoral cycle, and provide independent, science-based analysis on greenhouse gas, GHG, emission reductions and the delivery of climate policy initiatives. 

    Final appointments to the Council will be confirmed jointly by the Minister for the Environment and the Chair of the Environment, Housing and Infrastructure, EHI, Scrutiny Panel, in line with the proposal approved by the States Assembly.

    The recruitment process will be overseen by Jersey Appointments Commission. 

    Minister for the Environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said: “Recruitment for the Independent Climate Council comes at a crucial time, when global climate action is under scrutiny. The Council will provide robust scientific analysis and essential transparency. It will review how effectively the Government of Jersey is delivering the measures set out in the Carbon Neutral Roadmap and progress made towards the Island’s emission reduction targets under the Paris Agreement. In holding the Government to account, the Council will play a vital role in supporting a renewed focus on delivering Jersey’s net zero commitment.

    “Appointment to Jersey’s first Climate Council offers an exceptional opportunity to review our actions and achievements since the Carbon Neutral Roadmap was approved in 2022. The Council’s report and recommendations will be published early next year before final agreement of the priorities for the Roadmap’s second delivery plan running from 2027 to 2030. We welcome applications from suitably qualified and experienced Islanders as well as candidates from further afield. I look forward to supporting the Council’s work when it convenes later this year.” 

    Deputy Hilary Jeune, Chair of the EHI Scrutiny Panel, said: “This initiative stems from an amendment by the EHI Scrutiny Panel to the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, following the recognition that independent oversight was missing. The establishment of this Council is fundamental to maintaining good governance and ensuring Jersey remains on track to meet its climate goals. The four-yearly reports will offer transparent, evidence-based insight to the public, who are central to our collective progress towards becoming a net-zero Island. I’m proud that Scrutiny will continue its role as a constructive and critical friend to Government throughout this process.” 

    The States Assembly declared a climate emergency in May 2019, acknowledging its likely profound effects on Jersey. In response, the Carbon Neutral Roadmap was approved on 29 April 2022, setting out the initial policies to reduce GHG emissions during the 2022–2025 Delivery Plan period.

    The Council’s primary responsibility will be to produce a comprehensive report at the end of each governmental term, assessing Jersey’s progress on GHG emissions reductions and evaluating how effectively the CNR is being delivered. The first report is due to be presented to the States Assembly by the end of Q1 2026. 

    The Independent Climate Council will comprise up to five members, including a Chair elected from within the membership. At least one member must be a full-time Jersey resident. Appointed members will serve a single fixed term and will primarily conduct their work during the final quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. 

    Council members will bring independent expertise and strategic insight to help guide Jersey’s transition to net zero, evaluating implementation of current policies and advising on how best to apply resources to meet climate objectives. 

    Further details on the recruitment process can be found here: Leading our Island and the candidate brief.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Government on road to climate chaos by scrapping car journey targets

    Source: Scottish Greens

    23 Apr 2025 Transport

    We badly need to cut the cost of public transport if we are to reduce the number of cars on our roads.

    More in Transport

    If we are to reduce car use we need to make public transport affordable, accessible and available for all, says Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell.

    Mr Ruskell’s comments come as the Scottish government has dropped a nationwide target to cut the number of car journeys taken in Scotland by 20 per cent by 2030.

    Transport is Scotland’s largest carbon emitter, accounting for 29% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2022.

    Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said:

    “The lack of ambition from the Scottish Government is disappointing. Dropping this target won’t change the fact that, since the target was set, there has been a serious lack of action from SNP ministers to meet it.

    “Emissions from transport remain the largest source of pollution in Scotland, and private car use makes up a huge share of that. We’ve known for decades that to tackle the climate emergency, we need to cut car use, and while the Scottish Government has been strong with words, their actions have been lacking.

    “We are on the road to climate chaos. We need to make public transport affordable, accessible and available to all if we are to start cutting emissions.

    “The action we need to be taking is exactly what the Scottish Greens have been pushing to introduce for years: cheaper trains and buses, better connections for rural communities and an end to spending on new unnecessary road building schemes.

    “Making public transport cheaper and more accessible makes the choice to leave the car at home easier for many people. Many commuters want to play their part in reducing our carbon emissions but the cost is simply too high for some. It’s time to make trains and buses cheaper across Scotland.”

    Mr Ruskell added:

    “Whilst in Government, the Scottish Greens introduced the free bus pass for young people, which has been used over 200 million times, we scrapped peak rail fares for a period, which led to 10 million more commuter journeys, and we delivered record investment in active travel infrastructure allowing more people than ever to walk, wheel or cycle.

    “This is the kind of ambition needed to reduce carbon emissions in Scotland, but we need to go further. With more Scottish Green MSPs in Holyrood, we can push for real change to tackle the climate emergency and save commuters money, such as a permanent removal of peak rail fares, a nationwide bus fare cap, and radical investment in Scotland’s railways.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Russell Laffitte Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Misapplying Bank Funds

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Former banker Russell Lucius Laffitte, 54, of Estill, has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud; wire fraud; bank fraud; and three counts of misapplication of bank funds.

    “Russell Laffitte and Alex Murdaugh abused their positions of power to victimize people who trusted them,” said Ben Garner, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division. “As of today, both have pleaded guilty and accepted responsibility for their crimes in federal court. We appreciate the exhaustive work of our partners at the FBI, SLED, and South Carolina Attorney General’s Office to ensure justice for Laffitte and Murdaugh’s victims.”

    Laffitte was an officer and executive at Palmetto State Bank in Hampton, South Carolina. His co-conspirator, Alex Murdaugh, was a personal injury attorney at a law firm in Hampton.

    As part of his guilty plea, Laffitte admitted that he agreed to serve as conservator and personal representative for several of Murdaugh’s clients, knowing that he would personally profit from doing so. Beginning in 2011, Laffitte began extending himself and Murdaugh loans from conservator accounts Laffitte was charged with managing. Laffitte did not disclose the loans to the conservatees, despite owing them a fiduciary duty.

    Around that time, Murdaugh devised a scheme to obtain money belonging to his clients. In furtherance of the scheme, Murdaugh directed law firm employees to make clients’ checks payable to Palmetto State Bank. The checks were drawn on the law firm’s client trust account, identified the clients on the memo lines, and corresponded to amounts set forth in the clients’ disbursement sheets.

    As to two of Murdaugh’s clients, Laffitte—their conservator—saw their disbursement sheets and knew that the bank was supposed to receive their settlement funds. Murdaugh presented the clients’ checks to Laffitte and directed that they be used for Murdaugh’s personal benefit, including to pay off loans Laffitte had extended from conservator accounts. Laffitte negotiated nine separate transactions for Murdaugh’s benefit, knowing that the funds belonged to the clients.

    Laffitte also aided and abetted the structuring of transactions from a second check belonging to one of the clients, disbursing the funds at Murdaugh’s direction and for Murdaugh’s personal benefit.

    As to a third client of Murdaugh’s, Laffitte negotiated 12 separate transactions, disbursing $1,325,000 in client settlement funds for Murdaugh’s benefit. Despite knowing they were client funds, Laffitte allowed Murdaugh to use the funds to repay Murdaugh’s personal loans, repay loans Laffitte extended from a conservator account, purchase vehicles and equipment, and receive cash back. Laffitte also deposited some of the funds into Murdaugh’s personal account.

    Laffitte received $75,000 in conservator fees and $35,000 in personal representative fees from these three clients. He intentionally failed to report this income on his tax returns, knowing that he could hide the income because the fee checks were drafted to Palmetto State Bank rather than to him personally. Laffitte also structured transactions to avoid reporting requirements and intentionally failed to file suspicious activity reports.

    In 2015, Laffitte misapplied bank funds by extending over $284,000 from a line of credit that was supposed to be for farming to repay Murdaugh’s remaining loans from the conservatorship.

    Laffitte also misapplied bank funds on two other occasions. In July 2021, he extended Murdaugh a $750,000 loan for the stated purpose of beach house renovations. But Laffitte authorized a $350,000 wire transfer to an attorney and then transferred $400,000 of “loan proceeds” to Murdaugh’s account to cover over $367,000 in overdraft, knowing that these funds had nothing to do with beach house renovations.

    In October 2021, the law firm uncovered that Murdaugh had stolen from clients. Laffitte knew he had negotiated stolen checks at Murdaugh’s direction despite knowing the funds did not belong to Murdaugh. Laffitte then paid the law firm $680,000 in bank funds without the knowledge or consent of the full bank Board of Directors or Executive Committee in an attempt to settle the matter with the law firm.

    A federal jury previously convicted Laffitte of these same six charges in 2022. His conviction was overturned by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in late 2024.

    Under the terms of the plea agreement, Laffitte agrees to pay $3,555,884.80 in criminal restitution before sentencing. Laffitte also agrees that his guilty plea prohibits him from controlling or participating in the conduct of any federally insured bank or credit union, and he cannot serve as a director or officer of any such bank or credit union without permission.

    If Laffitte complies with the plea agreement’s terms, the parties agree that the appropriate sentence is five years in prison, and the Government agrees not to file any additional related charges against Laffitte.

    United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will impose a sentence at a later date.

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse, Kathleen Stoughton, and Winston Holliday are prosecuting this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: ModelOp Recognized in AI Governance Landscape Analyst Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ModelOp, the leading AI Governance software for enterprises, announced today its inclusion in Forrester’s new report, The AI Governance Solutions Landscape, Q2 2025. The report provides an overview of 22 vendors. It helps AI leaders understand the value that they can expect from an AI governance solution, while giving them the opportunity to explore potential partners. ModelOp believes its inclusion affirms its strength in delivering enterprise-grade governance capabilities across the model lifecycle – from model development and risk management to deployment and compliance monitoring.

    “We’re honored to be included and believe that Forrester’s recognition of ModelOp in their AI governance landscape report further demonstrates that our platform is driving clear business outcomes for enterprises,” said Pete Foley, CEO of ModelOp. “We are committed to helping large enterprises, such as FINRA, P&G, Bristol Myers Squibb, and more, accelerate and scale their AI lifecycle management with confidence, accountability, and transparency.”

    ModelOp’s platform empowers enterprises to:                                                          

    • Brings AI to market 2X faster through AI lifecycle automation
    • Scales AI lifecycle processes by 10X enabling enterprises to manage thousands of use cases
    • Instills trust by consistently enforcing governance policies across teams and lines of business

    ModelOp’s recognition by Forrester adds to a series of industry achievements, including being named a Representative Vendor in the 2025 Gartner Market Guide for AI Trust, Risk, and Security Management, and receiving the Business Intelligence Group’s 2025 Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award.

    Visit https://www.modelop.com/ to learn more about ModelOp’s AI Governance platform.

    Forrester does not endorse any company, product, brand, or service included in its research publications and does not advise any person to select the products or services of any company or brand based on the ratings included in such publications. Information is based on the best available resources. Opinions reflect judgment at the time and are subject to change. For more information, read about Forrester’s objectivity here.

    About ModelOp
    ModelOp is the leading AI Governance software that helps enterprises safeguard all AI initiatives – including generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), in-house, third-party, and embedded systems – without stifling innovation. Through automation and integrations, ModelOp empowers enterprises to quickly address the critical governance and scale challenges necessary to protect and fully unlock the transformational value of enterprise AI – resulting in effective and responsible AI systems. In 2024, ModelOp received the prestigious AI Breakthrough Award for “Best AI Governance Platform” and was also recognized as a winner in Inc.’s Best in Business Awards in the AI & Data category. In 2025, it was awarded the “Best AI Governance Software Award” from Netty Awards and received Business Intelligence Group’s Artificial Intelligence Excellence Award. Follow ModelOp on LinkedIn.

    Media Contact
    Ria Romano, Partner
    RPR Public Relations, Inc.
    Tel. 786-290-6413

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/35d0d322-6f78-4fae-8659-89383bcaa634

    The MIL Network –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Radware Finds 57% of Online Shopping Traffic Now Bots, Not Buyers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MAHWAH, N.J., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —  Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR), a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments, today released its “2025 E-commerce Bot Threat Report.” The report found that automated bots—good and bad bots—accounted for 57% of e-commerce website traffic during the 2024 holiday season. It marks the first time that automated, non-DDoS generating bots drove more traffic than human shoppers, signaling a critical shift in the cybersecurity landscape for e-commerce providers and online retailers.

    “Bad bots are no longer just based on simple scripts—they’re sophisticated, AI-enhanced agents capable of outsmarting traditional defenses,” said Ron Meyran, vice president of cyber threat intelligence at Radware. “E-commerce providers and online retailers that rely on conventional security measures will find themselves increasingly exposed, not just during the holidays but year-round.”

    The report highlights major bot attack trends and real-world attack data observed during the 2024 online holiday shopping season. In addition, it offers insights into the distributed, multi-vector attacks e-commerce providers and retailers can expect to battle this year.

    Key findings and insights

    • AI-generated bots with human-like behavior gain dominance: According to the report, bad bots made up 31% of total internet traffic during the last holiday season. Nearly 60% of the malicious traffic employed advanced behavioral techniques to evade traditional, signature-based detection. Combating these bots requires accurate AI-powered detection of attack patterns, including rotating IPs and identities, distributed attacks, CAPTCHA farm services, and other advanced anomalies, without causing false positives.
    • Mobile-focused attacks surge: Malicious bot traffic directed at mobile platforms rose 160% between the 2023 and 2024 holiday shopping seasons, representing a fundamental shift in attacker focus. Security strategies need to be shored up and tailored for vulnerable mobile platforms and attackers using more sophisticated techniques, including mobile emulators, mobile-specific proxies, and headless browsers with mobile user-agent strings.
    • Attacks leveraging distributed infrastructures and residential proxy networks increase: The proportion of holiday attack traffic originating from and blending in with ISP networks increased 32% between 2023 and 2024. Attackers are leveraging wider network and residential proxy services to evade rate-limiting, geo-based, and IP-based blocking mechanisms, creating even greater mitigation challenges for security teams working without advanced, multi-layered protections.
    • Coordinated multi-vector attack campaigns escalate: To maximize their success, attackers are targeting applications by combining bot attacks with web application vulnerability exploits, business logic attacks, and API-focused attacks. Protecting already burdened security systems requires an integrated application security strategy that uses the latest threat intelligence and cross-correlates security threats across security modules.

    Radware will be addressing the new report and advanced protection strategies during the RSA 2025 Conference at the Moscone Center in San Francisco (booth #S-1227). The event takes place April 28–May 1, 2025.

    Radware’s complete bot report can be downloaded here.

    About Radware
    Radware® (NASDAQ: RDWR) is a global leader in application security and delivery solutions for multi-cloud environments. The company’s cloud application, infrastructure, and API security solutions use AI-driven algorithms for precise, hands-free, real-time protection from the most sophisticated web, application, and DDoS attacks, API abuse, and bad bots. Enterprises and carriers worldwide rely on Radware’s solutions to address evolving cybersecurity challenges and protect their brands and business operations while reducing costs. For more information, please visit the Radware website.

    Radware encourages you to join our community and follow us on: Facebook, LinkedIn, Radware Blog, X, and YouTube.

    ©2025 Radware Ltd. All rights reserved. Any Radware products and solutions mentioned in this press release are protected by trademarks, patents, and pending patent applications of Radware in the U.S. and other countries. For more details, please see: https://www.radware.com/LegalNotice/. All other trademarks and names are property of their respective owners.

    THIS PRESS RELEASE AND 2025 E-COMMERCE BOT THREAT REPORT ARE PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. THESE MATERIALS ARE NOT INTENDED TO BE AN INDICATOR OF RADWARE’S BUSINESS PERFORMANCE OR OPERATING RESULTS FOR ANY PRIOR, CURRENT, OR FUTURE PERIOD.

    Radware believes the information in this document is accurate in all material respects as of its publication date. However, the information is provided without any express, statutory, or implied warranties and is subject to change without notice.

    The contents of any website or hyperlinks mentioned in this press release are for informational purposes and the contents thereof are not part of this press release.

    Safe Harbor Statement
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statements made herein that are not statements of historical fact, including statements about Radware’s plans, outlook, beliefs, or opinions, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements may be identified by words such as “believes,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “estimates,” “plans,” and similar expressions or future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “may,” and “could.” For example, when we say in this press release that e-commerce providers and online retailers that rely on conventional security measures will find themselves increasingly exposed, not just during the holidays but year-round, we are using forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties, and actual results, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, could differ materially from Radware’s current forecasts and estimates. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of global economic conditions, including as a result of the state of war declared in Israel in October 2023 and instability in the Middle East, the war in Ukraine, tensions between China and Taiwan, financial and credit market fluctuations (including elevated interest rates), impacts from tariffs or other trade restrictions, inflation, and the potential for regional or global recessions; our dependence on independent distributors to sell our products; our ability to manage our anticipated growth effectively; our business may be affected by sanctions, export controls, and similar measures, targeting Russia and other countries and territories, as well as other responses to Russia’s military conflict in Ukraine, including indefinite suspension of operations in Russia and dealings with Russian entities by many multi-national businesses across a variety of industries; the ability of vendors to provide our hardware platforms and components for the manufacture of our products; our ability to attract, train, and retain highly qualified personnel; intense competition in the market for cybersecurity and application delivery solutions and in our industry in general, and changes in the competitive landscape; our ability to develop new solutions and enhance existing solutions; the impact to our reputation and business in the event of real or perceived shortcomings, defects, or vulnerabilities in our solutions, if our end-users experience security breaches, or if our information technology systems and data, or those of our service providers and other contractors, are compromised by cyber-attackers or other malicious actors or by a critical system failure; our use of AI technologies that present regulatory, litigation, and reputational risks; risks related to the fact that our products must interoperate with operating systems, software applications and hardware that are developed by others;  outages, interruptions, or delays in hosting services; the risks associated with our global operations, such as difficulties and costs of staffing and managing foreign operations, compliance costs arising from host country laws or regulations, partial or total expropriation, export duties and quotas, local tax exposure, economic or political instability, including as a result of insurrection, war, natural disasters, and major environmental, climate, or public health concerns; our net losses in the past and the possibility that we may incur losses in the future; a slowdown in the growth of the cybersecurity and application delivery solutions market or in the development of the market for our cloud-based solutions; long sales cycles for our solutions; risks and uncertainties relating to acquisitions or other investments; risks associated with doing business in countries with a history of corruption or with foreign governments; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; risks associated with undetected defects or errors in our products; our ability to protect our proprietary technology; intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties; laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting our business; compliance with open source and third-party licenses; complications with the design or implementation of our new enterprise resource planning (“ERP”) system; our reliance on information technology systems; our ESG disclosures and initiatives; and other factors and risks over which we may have little or no control. This list is intended to identify only certain of the principal factors that could cause actual results to differ. For a more detailed description of the risks and uncertainties affecting Radware, refer to Radware’s Annual Report on Form 20-F, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the other risk factors discussed from time to time by Radware in reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except as required by applicable law, Radware undertakes no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statement in order to reflect events or circumstances after the date any such statement is made. Radware’s public filings are available from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or may be obtained on Radware’s website at www.radware.com.

    The MIL Network –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: historian Frank Bongiorno on dramatic shifts in how elections are fought and won

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    This election has been lacklustre, without the touch of excitement of some past campaigns. Through the decades, campaigning has changed dramatically, adopting new techniques and technologies. This time, we’ve seen politicians try to jump onto viral podcasts.

    To discuss old and new campaigning, we’re joined by professor of history at the Australian National University, Frank Bongiorno.

    Many decades ago, campaigns were marked by lots of public meetings, and with them came hecklers. Bongiorno says politicians

    needed to be able to command an audience and to deal with interjectors in a big public meeting. Radio was really coming into its own.

    Very famously – not in a political campaign and not as prime minister – but Menzies made a number of broadcasts that are still remembered. [That was] back in the earlier part of the 1940s, when he was out of government. The most famous of which is the “Forgotten People” broadcast in 1942.

    Over time, campaigns have focused more on the leaders, in the style of the United States.

    [It’s] another aspect perhaps of the Americanisation and presidentialisation of our political system, that focus on party leaders in that kind of way. The 1984 debate was between Bob Hawke as prime minister and Andrew Peacock. I think many people thought that Peacock actually got the better of Hawke on that occasion and that was really, in some ways, the assessment of the whole campaign.

    …That does speak to the American influence in particular. Very famously of course there was the 1960 presidential debate between Nixon and Kennedy, that is such an important part of the collective memory of Kennedy’s success in that election in 1960.

    Do debates still have any impact on campaigns? Bongiorno says “they have become something that I think a lot of people shun.”

    They do seem rather neutral affairs, in which the pundits’ ideas about who won don’t seem to probably matter very much to most voters.

    On the move from traditional media sources to an online campaign, Bongiorno says,

    A lot of the campaign now is fought online. And I guess that trend began really as long ago as the late 1990s and early 2000s, when the parties would maintain campaign websites. It seems so long ago and so primitive, compared to where we are now.

    And social media took off from about the middle of the first decade of this century. Facebook and YouTube came into their own in 2007. Twitter, now called X, in 2010… The use of memes really took off about 2019. And I think TikTok, which is often particularly used by younger people, from about 2022.

    He says scare campaigns have become harder to report on or rebut, due to more targeted online campaigns and advertising.

    Everything depends on your algorithm. The election campaign that I’m seeing when I go into my feed for X or for Facebook will be quite different to my next door neighbour’s, for instance, who could have a totally different sense of what’s happening in the campaign, what are the issues that matter, where the sort of balance of public opinion is.

    On this year’s record start to pre-poll voting, Bongiorno says it makes timing more important than ever.

    It means that whatever the parties are saying now, whatever candidates are saying and doing in the media over the next little while, is going to have no impact on anyone who’s already voted. So it can only be those who are still to vote.

    It probably makes leaving the release of policy – and perhaps even costings as well – to the last minute a riskier venture, because if you do have goodies on offer, they’re going to miss anyone who has already voted.

    It does mean that the parties need to be pretty careful in how they’re timing the release of particular aspects of their policy offerings.

    Michelle Grattan 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. Politics with Michelle Grattan: historian Frank Bongiorno on dramatic shifts in how elections are fought and won – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-historian-frank-bongiorno-on-dramatic-shifts-in-how-elections-are-fought-and-won-255113

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s Press Encounter on Climate

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Ladies and gentlemen of the media, may I first express to the Government and people of Türkiye my full solidarity in this difficult moment. 

    President Lula of Brazil and I just concluded a unique meeting with a cross-section of world leaders focused on climate action and a just transition.

    The gathering included 17 participants at level of heads of state and government representing some of the world’s largest economies — including China and the European Union — and some of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries.

    We also had leaders currently chairing important regional partnerships — the African Union, ASEAN, and the Alliance of Small Island States and CARICOM, along with many others.   

    It was among the most diverse meetings of heads of state focused exclusively on climate in some time.

    Yet I heard a unifying message.

    Yes, our world faces massive headwinds and a multitude of crises.

    But we cannot allow climate commitments to be blown off course.

    We must keep building momentum for action at COP30 in Brazil — and today was an important part of that effort. 

    We don’t have a moment to lose.

    No region is being spared from the ravages of accelerating climate catastrophes.   

    And the crisis is deepening poverty, displacing communities, and fuelling conflict and instability.

    At the same time, countries are waking up to a clear fact: 

    Renewables are the economic opportunity of the century.

    Dissenters and fossil fuel interests may try to stand in the way.  

    But as we heard today, the world is moving forward.  Full-speed ahead.

    No group or government can stop the clean energy revolution.  

    Science is on our side — and economics have shifted.

    Prices for renewables have plummeted and the sector is booming — creating jobs and boosting competitiveness and growth worldwide.

    The pathway out of climate hell is paved by renewables.

    They offer the surest route to energy sovereignty and security, and ending dependence on volatile and expensive fossil fuel imports.

    We also know collective climate action works. 

    Since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the projected global warming-curve has been bent down — from over four degrees of temperature rise within this century, to 2.6 degrees if current national climate action plans are fully implemented.

    But that is catastrophic so we must go further and faster. 

    Today, I urged leaders to take action on two fronts.  

    First — to step up efforts to submit the strongest possible national climate plans well ahead of COP30.

    And leaders today committed to put forward ambitious and robust plans as soon as possible what was a strong message of hope.  

    These new climate plans offer a unique opportunity to lay out a bold vision for a just green transition over the next decade.

    They should align with 1.5 degrees and set emissions-reduction targets that cover all greenhouse gases and the whole economy as several today mentioned clearly.

    Most importantly, they should help speed-up a just transition away from fossil fuels to renewables… 

    Link national energy and development strategies with climate goals…

    And signal to policymakers and investors alike a total commitment to achieving global net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

    Second — as leaders turbocharge their own transitions, I urged them to scale-up support for developing countries.

    Those least responsible for climate change are suffering from its worst effects.

    Africa and other parts of the developing world are experiencing faster warming —and the Pacific islands are seeing faster sea-level rise — even while the global average itself is accelerating. 

    Meanwhile, despite being home to 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources, Africa has only around 1.5 per cent of installed solar capacity – and receives just two per cent of global investment into renewables.

    We need to change this — fast.

    At COP30, leaders must deliver a credible roadmap to mobilize $1.3 trillion a year for developing countries by 2035.

    Developed countries must honour their promise to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year, by this year.

    And we need significantly increased contributions and innovative sources of finance to support the Fund for responding to Loss and Damage.

    Across all these fronts, we will keep up the push — including at a special event in September in the final weeks to COP30.

    As today’s meeting made clear, we cannot, must not, and will not let up on climate action.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Upstate Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    GREENVILLE, S.C. — Daniel Turner Widner, 26, of Roebuck, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse material. *

    Evidence presented at the sentencing hearing established that Widner was the moderator of an online chat group focused on the trading of child sexual abuse material. An undercover law enforcement officer infiltrated the group and posed as an 11-year-old girl. Widner sent the officer multiple images of child sexual abuse material. Believing he was chatting with a minor, Widner asked the undercover officer to be his girlfriend and to send him compromising pictures.

    Further investigation led authorities to discover Widner’s home address, and a search warrant was conducted. All of Widner’s electronic devices were seized and law enforcement found over 80,000 images of child sexual abuse material on his devices.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Cain sentenced Widner to 15 years’ imprisonment and lifetime supervised release.

    This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Office of Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Watkins prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    ###

    NOTE: The term “child pornography” is currently used in federal statutes and is defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a person less than 18 years old. While this phrase still appears in federal law, “child sexual abuse material” is preferred, as it better reflects the abuse that is depicted in the images and videos and the resulting trauma to the child. The Associated Press Stylebook also discourages the use of the phrase “child pornography.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jefferson County Man Admits Possessing Pipe Bomb

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ST. LOUIS – A man from Jefferson County, Missouri on Tuesday admitted possessing a pipe bomb.

    Robert Hiler, 38, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of possession of an unregistered destructive device.

    Hiler admitted that on Sept. 11, 2023, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputies were seeking another man who had several active felony warrants. They had a court-approved search warrant for Hiler’s house, and arrested their target in the woods behind the home. Deputies then obtained Hiler’s consent to search the home and found a pipe bomb on a grey bucket in a room adjacent to Hiler’s garage. Hiler admitted building the bomb and said he had planned to ignite it with a car battery.

    Hiler is scheduled to be sentenced in July. The charge carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine or both prison and a fine.

    The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Ware and Mohsen Pasha are prosecuting the case. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: WISeKey Expands Implementation of Digital Identity Solutions from Seychelles to Africa: Empowering Nations with Secure National ID Systems

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeKey Expands Implementation of Digital Identity Solutions from Seychelles to Africa: Empowering Nations with Secure National ID Systems

    Geneva, Switzerland – April 23, 2025 — WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces that following the successful implementation of “SeyID” in the Seychelles, it is extending proven digital identity solutions to other African nations to help them modernize and secure their national identification systems.

    Since 2022, WISeKey has collaborated with the government of Seychelles to launch SeyID, a comprehensive, secure, and user-friendly digital ID platform. Designed to integrate seamlessly with both public and private sector services, SeyID is now serving as a model for other African nations looking to establish or upgrade their national identity infrastructure.

    A Blueprint for Digital Transformation

    The SeyID platform leverages WISeKey’s trusted WISeID digital identity technology, which provides citizens with a mobile-accessible, secure virtual ID linked to key public services. These include healthcare, government portals, and the tourism industry, vital economic pillars for Seychelles.

    Through SeyID, citizens are able to complement their traditional physical ID cards with a virtual identity stored securely on their smartphones, making authentication easier and services more accessible. Tourists visiting Seychelles can also generate a digital Tourist ID using SeyID, which offers a frictionless digital experience while allowing visitors to access local services. This innovation has positioned Seychelles as a digital pioneer in the African region, providing a strong example of how national digital identity platforms can support economic growth and government efficiency.

    Scaling the Model Across Africa

    WISeKey is now in discussions with several African governments to replicate the SeyID model, tailoring it to meet local needs and regulatory frameworks. These next-generation digital ID solutions aim to:

    • Promote Financial Inclusion by enabling secure digital onboarding and Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance for banking services;
    • Streamline Public Administration by digitizing identity verification for social programs, healthcare, and education;
    • Enhance Tourism and Cross-Border Travel with digital tourist ID systems similar to that of Seychelles; and,
    • Protect Citizen Data with robust Swiss-grade cybersecurity and encryption.

    Use Cases: National Digital IDs as Catalysts for Economic Growth

    1. Digital Financial Services:
      A national digital ID allows unbanked populations to open bank accounts, access credit, and use mobile payment platforms securely, boosting participation in the formal economy and reducing reliance on cash.
    2. e-Government Services:
      Digital IDs facilitate efficient delivery of public services such as tax filing, business registration, land ownership verification, and social welfare programs, increasing transparency and reducing corruption.
    3. Agricultural Supply Chains:
      Farmers can register digitally to receive subsidies, track inputs, and access markets. This fosters trust, increases productivity, and reduces fraud in government support schemes.
    4. Healthcare Access:
      Verified digital IDs help in creating unified health records, ensuring that citizens receive timely, targeted, and secure healthcare, even across borders through regional interoperability.
    5. Job Market Activation:
      With a verifiable identity, citizens can access vocational training, apply for jobs online, and participate in gig economy platforms, driving workforce participation and economic inclusion.
    6. Entrepreneurship & Innovation:
      Startups and SMEs can benefit from streamlined licensing and easier access to investment through identity-based digital platforms, reducing bureaucratic delays and stimulating innovation.
    7. Tourism Growth:
      Digital tourist IDs simplify visa issuance, hotel check-ins, and tourist service access, creating a smoother visitor experience and increasing tourism revenues.
    8. Education & Youth Empowerment:
      Digital IDs allow students to enroll in programs, access e-learning platforms, and validate academic credentials, enhancing skills development for the digital economy.
    9. A Human-Centered, Privacy-First Approach

    WISeKey’s approach is grounded in respecting human dignity and data privacy. All identities created under its platforms are anchored in the OISTE.ORG Root of Trust, a globally recognized cryptographic trust model that guarantees sovereign control over digital identities.

    With the support of international development agencies and local governments, WISeKey is set to deliver customized digital ID solutions that are interoperable, future-proof, and aligned with international standards for data protection and digital governance.

    As Africa accelerates its digital transformation, WISeKey’s expansion beyond Seychelles marks a critical step in ensuring that secure, inclusive, and innovative identity solutions are at the heart of the continent’s technological and economic future.

    For more information, visit www.wisekey.com or follow WISeKey on LinkedIn and Twitter.

    About WISeKey

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

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

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

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

    Press and Investor Contacts

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

    The MIL Network –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Coop Pank held an investor webinar to introduce unaudited results of Q1 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On Wednesday, 23 April 2025 at 9 am (EET), Coop Pank held an investor webinar, where the Chairman of the Board Margus Rink and the Chief Financial Officer Paavo Truu introduced the bank’s unaudited financial results of First Quarter of 2025. Webinar was held in Estonian language. 

    Coop Pank would like to thank all participants. Webinar recording is available here:
    https://youtu.be/pWHBsVjOwUI

    Coop Pank’s report for unaudited results of Q1 2025 and the presentation is available here:
    https://view.news.eu.nasdaq.com/view?id=bbb5642fa5392e27df29e013b9455d65a&lang=en

    Coop Pank, based on Estonian capital, is one of the five universal banks operating in Estonia. The number of clients using Coop Pank for their daily banking has reached 213,000. Coop Pank aims to put the synergy generated by the interaction of retail business and banking to good use and to bring everyday banking services closer to people’s homes. The strategic shareholder of the bank is the domestic retail chain Coop Eesti comprising 320 stores.

    Additional information:
    Katre Tatrik
    Communication Manager
    Tel: +372 5151 859
    E-mail: katre.tatrik@cooppank.ee

    The MIL Network –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Birkin v Wirkin: the backlash against the global elite and their luxury bags – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    Tony Neil Thompson/Shutterstock

    The Birkin bag made by French luxury retailer Hermès has become a status symbol for some of the global elite. Notoriously difficult to obtain, a select few obsess over how to get their hands on one.

    But when US retailer Walmart recently launched a much cheaper bag that looked very similar to the Birkin, nicknamed a “Wirkin” by others, it sparked discussions about wealth disparity and the ethics of conspicuous consumption.

    In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to two sociologists about the Birkin and what it symbolises.

    For the rich housewives of Delhi, the Birkin bag is a must have, says Parul Bhandari. A sociologist at the University of Cambridge in the UK, she’s spent time interviewing wealthy Indian women about their lives and preoccupations. She told us:

     A bag that is carried by rich women of New York, of London, of Paris, is something that you desire as well, so it’s a ticket of entry into the global elite.

    Birkins are also used by some of these rich women as a way to show off their husband’s affection, Bhandari says: “ Not only from the point of view of money, because obviously this bag is extremely expensive, but also because it is difficult to procure.” The harder your husband tries to help you get the bag, the more getting one is a testimony of conjugal love.

    Manufactured scarcity

    Named after the British actress Jane Birkin, Hermès’s signature bag can cost tens of thousands of dollars, or more on the resale market for those made in rare colours or out of rare leathers. But you can’t just walk into any Hermès store to buy one, as Aarushi Bhandari, a sociologist at Davidson College in the US who studies the internet – and is no relation to Parul – explains.

    You need to have a record of spending tens of thousands of dollars even before you’re offered to buy one. But spending that money doesn’t automatically mean you get a bag. You have to develop a relationship with a sales associate at a particular Hermès store and the sales associate really gets to decide, if there’s availability, whether or not you get offered a bag.

    Bhandari became intrigued by online communities where people discuss the best strategies for obtaining an Hermès. So when US retailer Walmart launched a bag in late 2024 that looked very similar to a Birkin, and the internet went wild, Bhandari was fascinated.

    She began to see posts on TikTok discussing the bag. First it was fashion accounts talking it up, but then a backlash began, with some users criticising those who would spend thousands on a real Birkin and praising the “Wirkin” as a way to make an iconic design accessible to regular people. Bhandari sees this as an example of an accelerating form of anti-elitism taking hold within parts of online culture.

    In February, the chief executive of Hermès, Axel Dumas, admitted that he was “irritated” by the Walmart bag and that the company took counterfeiting “very seriously”.

    The Walmart bag quickly sold out and no more were put on sale. It has since entered into a partnership with a secondhand luxury resale platform called Rebag, meaning customers can buy real Birkins secondhand through Walmart’s online marketplace.

    The Conversation approached Hermès for comment on the Walmart bag, and to confirm how the company decides who is eligible to buy a Birkin. Hermès did not respond.

    Listen to the full episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast to hear our conversation with Parul Bhandari and Aarushi Bhandari, plus an introduction from Nick Lehr, arts and culture editor at The Conversation in the US.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Katie Flood. Mixing and sound design by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    TikTok clips in this episode from babydoll2184, chronicallychaotic and pamelawurstvetrini.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    Parul Bhandari and Aarushi Bhandari do 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. Birkin v Wirkin: the backlash against the global elite and their luxury bags – podcast – https://theconversation.com/birkin-v-wirkin-the-backlash-against-the-global-elite-and-their-luxury-bags-podcast-254723

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA expresses condolences at passing of Pope Francis

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA expresses condolences at passing of Pope Francis

    Date：2025-04-21
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 21, 2025  
    No. 105

    Following the announcement by the Press Office of the Holy See of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on April 21, President Lai Ching-te immediately instructed the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Holy See to transmit a message of condolences expressing the profound sympathies of the people and government of Taiwan. 
     
    In addition, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung immediately conveyed Taiwan’s condolences to Reverend Monsignor Stefano Mazzotti, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) also expressed its condolences to Bishop John Lee Keh-Mien, President of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan. Given the profound diplomatic bond between Taiwan and the Holy See and in order to extend the deepest sympathies of the Taiwanese people, Taiwan’s Catholic parishioners, and the government of Taiwan, high-level officials will be dispatched to serve as special envoys in attending Pope Francis’s funeral, while senior government officials will also attend a memorial mass convened by the Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan.
     
    During his pontificate from 2013 to 2025, Pope Francis voiced sympathy for those injured during the major earthquake that struck Hualien and prayed for the victims of the disaster. He cared deeply for the Catholic Church in Taiwan and appointed several bishops of ROC (Taiwan) nationality. In addition to receiving a number of special presidential envoys who visited the Holy See to attend important ceremonial events, Pope Francis also maintained cordial interactions and exchanges with interfaith groups in Taiwan. His humility and concern for all humanity, and especially his active calls for world peace, will remain forever in the hearts of the people and government of Taiwan. In this moment of sorrow, the Taiwanese people, Taiwan’s Catholic parishioners, and the government of Taiwan grieve together.
     
    Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to promote cooperation with the Holy See and the Catholic Church in the field of humanitarian care. It will do its utmost to advance world peace and demonstrate the democratic values of humankind, further deepening its long-standing diplomatic partnership with the Holy See based on common ideals. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Fortinet Achieves GovRAMP Security Authorization

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    News Summary

    Fortinet®, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced that FortiGuard AI-Powered Security Services and FortiCare Services have received GovRAMP, previously known as StateRAMP, authorization at a moderate impact level from the Government Risk and Authorization Management Program (GovRAMP®).

    “Fortinet’s GovRAMP authorization underscores our commitment to delivering trusted security solutions for state and local government agencies, educational institutions, and other public sector partners,” said John Whittle, Chief Operating Officer at Fortinet. “With Fortinet, state and local government institutions have access to robust threat intelligence and security support, facilitating the effective detection and mitigation of risks, and faster incident response.”

    GovRAMP standardizes cybersecurity technology delivery for state and local organizations, and provides accreditation to vendors that meet the collective security requirements of such entities. Fortinet’s designation as a GovRAMP-authorized vendor provides public sector organizations with the comprehensive threat intelligence and analysis required to proactively address security gaps and vulnerabilities.

    “We congratulate Fortinet on achieving GovRAMP Authorization at the Moderate Impact Level for its FortiCare and FortiGuard services,” said Leah McGrath, Executive Director, GovRAMP. “This milestone reflects Fortinet’s continued leadership and commitment to meeting the high security and transparency standards required to serve the public sector. GovRAMP is proud to support providers who prioritize risk reduction, continuous monitoring, and cybersecurity resilience across government.”

    FortiGuard AI-Powered Security Services, natively integrated into the Fortinet Security Fabric, delivers comprehensive, actionable threat intelligence enabling teams to detect and counter evasive and never-seen-before threats. FortiGuard services, which are continuously updated with the latest intelligence data and telemetry from Fortinet’s broad sensor base and research discoveries, ensure heightened efficacy against complex cyberthreats.

    The GovRAMP authorization of FortiCare Services also helps government organizations with the deployment and sustainment of their security operations. Agencies often lack the in-house expertise and resources to support security initiatives, FortiCare Support Services provides users with global technical support 24×7 and access to over 1,900 experts to ensure efficient operation and maintenance of Fortinet capabilities.

    GovRAMP validation requirements for vendors are built on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication 800-53 Rev. 4 framework, modeled in part after FedRAMP. To obtain GovRAMP authorization at a moderate impact level, Fortinet fulfilled the security requirements outlined in this framework, and completed a successful independent audit conducted by a third-party assessing organization (3PAO).

    Fortinet has a long history of leadership within the public sector security community. The company works closely with government agencies to define security requirements and deliver leading solutions to serve its departments and organizations. To further build on these efforts, Fortinet intends to also pursue Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) certification as part of the company’s ongoing commitment to meet the rigorous security standards required to serve government entities.

    Additional Resources

    • Visit fortinet.com/trust to learn more about Fortinet innovation, collaboration partners, product security processes, and enterprise-grade products. 
    • Learn more about Fortinet’s commitment to product security and integrity, including its responsible product development and vulnerability disclosure approach and policies. 
    • Learn about Fortinet’s free cybersecurity training, which includes broad cyber awareness and product training. The Fortinet Training Institute also provides training and certification through the Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification, Academic Partner, and Education Outreach programs.
    • Learn more about FortiGuard Labs threat intelligence and research and Outbreak Alerts, which provide timely steps to mitigate breaking cybersecurity attacks.
    • Learn more about Fortinet’s FortiGuard Security Services portfolio.
    • Read about how Fortinet customers are securing their organizations.
    • Follow Fortinet on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Subscribe to Fortinet on our blog or YouTube.

    About Fortinet (www.fortinet.com)
    Fortinet (Nasdaq: FTNT) is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices, and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere our customers need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet’s solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented, and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with esteemed organizations from both the public and private sectors, including Computer Emergency Response Teams (“CERTS”), government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organization, develops and utilizes leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs.

    Copyright © 2025 Fortinet, Inc. All rights reserved. The symbols ® and ™ denote respectively federally registered trademarks and common law trademarks of Fortinet, Inc., its subsidiaries and affiliates. Fortinet’s trademarks include, but are not limited to, the following: Fortinet, the Fortinet logo, FortiGate, FortiOS, FortiGuard, FortiCare, FortiAnalyzer, FortiManager, FortiASIC, FortiClient, FortiCloud, FortiMail, FortiSandbox, FortiADC, FortiAgent, FortiAI, FortiAIOps, FortiAgent, FortiAntenna, FortiAP, FortiAPCam, FortiAuthenticator, FortiCache, FortiCall, FortiCam, FortiCamera, FortiCarrier, FortiCASB, FortiCentral, FortiCNP, FortiConnect, FortiController, FortiConverter, FortiCSPM, FortiCWP, FortiDAST, FortiDB, FortiDDoS, FortiDeceptor, FortiDeploy, FortiDevSec, FortiDLP, FortiEdge, FortiEDR, FortiEndpoint FortiExplorer, FortiExtender, FortiFirewall, FortiFlex FortiFone, FortiGSLB, FortiGuest, FortiHypervisor, FortiInsight, FortiIsolator, FortiLAN, FortiLink, FortiMonitor, FortiNAC, FortiNDR, FortiPAM, FortiPenTest, FortiPhish, FortiPoint, FortiPolicy, FortiPortal, FortiPresence, FortiProxy, FortiRecon, FortiRecorder, FortiSASE, FortiScanner, FortiSDNConnector, FortiSEC, FortiSIEM, FortiSMS, FortiSOAR, FortiSRA, FortiStack, FortiSwitch, FortiTester, FortiToken, FortiTrust, FortiVoice, FortiWAN, FortiWeb, FortiWiFi, FortiWLC, FortiWLM, FortiXDR and Lacework FortiCNAPP. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Fortinet has not independently verified statements or certifications herein attributed to third parties and Fortinet does not independently endorse such statements. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, nothing herein constitutes a warranty, guarantee, contract, binding specification or other binding commitment by Fortinet or any indication of intent related to a binding commitment, and performance and other specification information herein may be unique to certain environments.

    The MIL Network –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Controlled burns reduce wildfire risk, but they require trained staff and funding − this could be a rough year

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Laura Dee, Associate Professor of Ecology, University of Colorado Boulder

    Prescribed burns like this one are intentional, controlled fires used to clear out dry grass and underbrush that could fuel more destructive wildfires. Ethan Swope/Getty Images

    Red skies in August, longer fire seasons and checking air quality before taking my toddler to the park. This has become the new norm in the western United States as wildfires become more frequent, larger and more catastrophic.

    As an ecologist at the University of Colorado Boulder, I know that fires are part of the natural processes that forests need to stay healthy. But the combined effects of a warmer and drier climate, more people living in fire-prone areas and vegetation and debris built up over years of fire suppression are leading to more severe fires that spread faster. And that’s putting humans, ecosystems and economies at risk.

    To help prevent catastrophic fires, the U.S. Forest Service issued a 10-year strategy in 2022 that includes scaling up the use of controlled burns and other techniques to remove excess plant growth and dry, dead materials that fuel wildfires.

    However, the Forest Service’s wildfire management activities have been thrown into turmoil in 2025 with funding cuts and disruptions and uncertainty from the federal government.

    The planet just saw its hottest year on record. If spring and summer 2025 are also dry and hot, conditions could be prime for severe fires again.

    More severe fires harm forest recovery and people

    Today’s severe wildfires have been pushing societies, emergency response systems and forests beyond what they have evolved to handle.

    Extreme fires have burned into cities, including destroying thousands of homes in the Los Angeles area in 2025 and near Boulder, Colorado, in 2021. They threaten downstream public drinking water by increasing sediments and contaminants in water supplies, as well as infrastructure, air quality and rural economies. They also increase the risk of flooding and mudslides from soil erosion. And they undermine efforts to mitigate climate change by releasing carbon stored in these ecosystems.

    In some cases, fires burned so hot and deep into the soil that the forests are not growing back.

    While many species are adapted to survive low-level fires, severe blazes can damage the seeds and cones needed for forests to regrow. My team has seen this trend outside of Fort Collins, Colorado, where four years after the Cameron Peak fire, forests have still not come back the way ecologists would expect them to under past, less severe fires. Returning to a strategy of fire suppression − or trying to “go toe-to-toe with every fire” − will make these cases more common.

    Parts of Cameron Peak, burned in a severe fire in 2020, still showed little evidence of recovery in 2024. Efforts have been underway to try to replant parts of the burned areas by hand.
    Bella Oleksy/University of Colorado

    Proactive wildfire management can help reduce the risk to forests and property.

    Measures such as prescribed burns have proven to be effective for maintaining healthy forests and reducing the severity of subsequent wildfires. A recent review found that selective thinning followed by prescribed fire reduced subsequent fire severity by 72% on average, and prescribed fire on its own reduced severity by 62%.

    Prescribed burns and forest thinning tend to reduce the risk of extremely destructive wildfires.
    Kimberley T. Davis, et al., Forest Ecology and Management, 2024, CC BY

    But managing forests well requires knowing how forests are changing, where trees are dying and where undergrowth has built up and increased fire hazards. And, for federal lands, these are some of the jobs that are being targeted by the Trump administration.

    Some of the Forest Service staff who were fired or put in limbo by the Trump administration are those who do research or collect and communicate critical data about forests and fire risk. Other fired staff provided support so crews could clear flammable debris and carry out fuel treatments such as prescribed burns, thinning forests and building fire breaks.

    Losing people in these roles is like firing all primary care doctors and leaving only EMTs. Both are clearly needed. As many people know from emergency room bills, preventing emergencies is less costly than dealing with the damage later.

    Logging is not a long-term fire solution

    The Trump administration cited “wildfire risk reduction” when it issued an emergency order to increase logging in national forests by 25%.

    But private − unregulated − forest management looks a lot different than managing forests to prevent destructive fires.

    Logging, depending on the practice, can involve clear-cutting trees and other techniques that compromise soils. Exposing a forest’s soils and dead vegetation to more sunlight also dries them out, which can increase fire risk in the near term.

    Forest-thinning operations involve carefully removing young trees and brush that could easily burn, with a goal of creating conditions less likely to send fire into the crowns of trees.
    AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

    In general, logging that focuses on extracting the highest-value trees leaves thinner trees that are more vulnerable to fires. A study in the Pacific Northwest found that replanting logged land with the same age and size of trees can lead to more severe fires in the future.

    Research and data are essential

    For many people in the western U.S., these risks hit close to home.

    I’ve seen neighborhoods burn and friends and family displaced, and I have contended with regular air quality warnings and red flag days signaling a high fire risk. I’ve also seen beloved landscapes, such as those on Cameron Peak, transform when conifers that once made up the forest have not regrown.

    Recovery has been slow on Cameron Peak after a severe fire in 2020. This photo was taken in 2024.
    Bella Oleksy/University of Colorado

    My scientific research group and collaborations with other scientists have been helping to identify cost-effective solutions. That includes which fuel-treatment methods are most effective, which types of forests and conditions they work best in and how often they are needed. We’re also planning research projects to better understand which forests are at greatest risk of not recovering after fires.

    This sort of research is what robust, cost-effective land management is based on.

    When careful, evidence-based forest management is replaced with a heavy emphasis on suppressing every fire or clear-cutting forests, I worry that human lives, property and economies, as well as the natural legacy of public lands left to every American, are at risk.

    Laura Dee receives funding from NASA.

    – ref. Controlled burns reduce wildfire risk, but they require trained staff and funding − this could be a rough year – https://theconversation.com/controlled-burns-reduce-wildfire-risk-but-they-require-trained-staff-and-funding-this-could-be-a-rough-year-251705

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump is stripping protections from marine protected areas – why that’s a problem for fishing’s future, and for whales, corals and other ocean life

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By David Shiffman, Faculty Research Associate in Marine Biology, Arizona State University

    The coral reefs of Palmyra Atoll, part of Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, provide nurseries for many fish species. Andrew S. Wright/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Flickr, CC BY-SA

    The single greatest threat to the diversity of life in our oceans over the past 50 years, more than climate change or plastic pollution, has been unsustainable fishing practices.

    In much of the ocean, there is little to no regulation or oversight of commercial fishing or other human activities. That’s part of the reason about a tenth of marine plant and animal species are considered threatened or at risk.

    It’s also why countries around the world have been creating marine protected areas.

    These protected areas, covering over 11.6 million square miles (30 million square kilometers) in 16,000 locations, offer refuge away from human activities for a wide variety of living creatures, from corals to sea turtles and whales. They give fish stocks a place to thrive, and those fish spread out into the surrounding waters, which helps fishing industries and local economies.

    In the U.S., however, marine protection is being dismantled by President Donald Trump.

    Marine protected areas as of 2022. Fully or highly protected areas represented less than 3% of the ocean, according to the Marine Protection Atlas.
    Marine Conservation Institute via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA

    Trump issued a proclamation on April 17, 2025, titled “Unleashing American commercial fishing in the Pacific,” ordering the removal of key protections to allow commercial fishing in parts of a nearly-500,000-square-mile marine protected area called the Pacific Island Heritage National Marine Monument.

    He also called for a review of all other marine national monuments to decide if they should be opened to commercial fishing too. In addition, the Trump administration is proposing to redefine “harm” under the Endangered Species Act in a way that would allow for more damage to these species’ habitats.

    I’m a marine biologist and scuba diver, and it’s no accident that all my favorite dive sites are within marine protected areas. I’ve found what scientific studies from across the world show: Protected areas have much healthier marine life populations and healthier ecosystems.

    What’s at risk in the Pacific

    The Pacific Island Heritage National Marine Monument, about 750 miles west of Hawaii, is dotted by coral reefs and atolls, with species of fish, marine mammals and birds rarely found anywhere else.

    It is home to protected and endangered species, including turtles, whales and Hawaiian monk seals. Palmyra Atoll and Kingman Reef, both within the area, are considered among the most pristine coral reefs in the world, each providing habitats for a wide range of fish and other species.

    These marine species are able to thrive there and spread out into the surrounding waters because their habitats have been protected.

    A tour of several marine protected areas and their inhabitants in 2016.

    President George W. Bush, a conservative Republican, created this protected area in 2009, restricting fishing there, and President Barack Obama later expanded it. Trump, whose administration has made no secret of its aim to strip away environmental protections across the country’s land and waters, is now reopening much of the marine protected area to industrial-scale fishing.

    The risks from industrial fishing

    When too many fish are killed and too few young fish are left to replace them, it’s considered overfishing, and this has become a growing problem around the world.

    In 1974, about 10% of the world’s fish stocks were overfished. By 2021, that number had risen to 37.7%, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s annual State of Fisheries and Aquaculture Report.

    A fishing net caught on a coral reef can destroy habitat.
    Kampee Patisena/Moment/Getty Images

    Modern industrial-scale fishing practices can also harm other species.

    Bycatch, or catching animals that fishermen don’t want but are inadvertently caught up in nets and other gear, is a threat to many endangered species. Many seabirds, sea turtles and whales die this way each year. Some types of fishing gear, such as trawls and dredges that drag along the sea floor to scoop up sea life, can destroy ocean habitat itself.

    Without regulations or protected areas, fishing can turn into a competitive free-for-all that can deplete fish stocks.

    How marine protected areas protect species

    Marine protected areas are designed to safeguard parts of the ocean from human impacts, including offshore oil and gas extraction and industrial fishing practices.

    Studies have found that these areas can produce many benefits for both marine life and fishermen by allowing overfished species to recover and ensuring their health for the future.

    A decade after Mexico established the Cabo Pulmo protected area, for example, fish biomass increased by nearly 500%.

    How marine protected areas help marine life and local economies.

    Successful marine protected areas tend to have healthier habitats, more fish, more species of fish, and bigger fish than otherwise-similar unprotected areas. Studies have found the average size of organisms to be 28% bigger in these areas than in fished areas with no protections. How many babies a fish has is directly related to the size of the mother.

    All of this helps create jobs through ecotourism and support local fishing communities outside the marine protected area.

    Marine protected areas also have a “spillover effect” – the offspring of healthy fish populations that spawn inside these areas often spread beyond them, helping fish populations outside the boundaries thrive as well.

    Ultimately, the fishing industry benefits from a continuing supply. And all of this happens at little cost.

    A need for more protected areas, not fewer

    Claims by the Trump administration that marine protected areas are a heavy-handed restriction on the U.S. fishing industry do not hold water. As science and my own experience show, these refuges for sea life can instead help local economies and the industry by allowing fish populations to thrive.

    For the future of the planet’s whales, sea turtles, coral reefs and the health of fishing itself, scientists like me recommend creating more marine protected areas to help species thrive, not dismantling them.

    David Shiffman has consulted for many environmental non-profit groups including the Ocean Conservancy, as well as fishing industry groups and fisheries managment agencies.

    – ref. Trump is stripping protections from marine protected areas – why that’s a problem for fishing’s future, and for whales, corals and other ocean life – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-stripping-protections-from-marine-protected-areas-why-thats-a-problem-for-fishings-future-and-for-whales-corals-and-other-ocean-life-254925

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 24, 2025
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