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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at HKSTP Co-Acceleration Programme Fund Launch and Partnership Signing Ceremony (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the HKSTP Co-Acceleration Programme Fund Launch and Partnership Signing Ceremony today (April 7):
     
    Sunny (Chairman of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Dr Sunny Chai), Albert (Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, Mr Albert Wong), distinguished guests, tech ventures, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good afternoon. It is a pleasure to join you all today as we celebrate the launch of the Co-Acceleration Fund by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks (HKSTP) and witness the signing of partnership agreements between the HKSTP and leading industry players.  
     
    Innovation and technology are a key pillar of Hong Kong’s future prosperity. Over the years, we have invested substantial resources to build a dynamic and vibrant innovation ecosystem. As a result, the number of start-ups in our city has been rapidly increasing. In 2024, we were home to nearly 4 700 start-ups, representing a 40 per cent rise since 2020. We expect this number to continue growing at an impressive pace. 
     
    Just now, I am delighted to learn that I had the privilege of engaging with founders and CEOs of start-ups at the newly established ARENA platform. It is heartening to learn how our start-ups are transforming bold ideas into promising ventures, and how the HKSTP is supporting them to connect with collaborators, corporate partners and investors.
     
    We all understand that access to capital is critical as start-ups grow and develop. Hong Kong offers a full range of funding support, from angel investments, venture capital and private equity to our deep and liquid stock market. This ecosystem effectively supports the ambitions and needs of enterprises at various stages of development.

    Besides, we recognise the unique value of public-private partnerships in driving innovation. Here in Hong Kong, we aim to guide capital into sectors that are strategically important to our future, including AI and data science, life and health technology, fintech and new energy and new materials. We understand that for frontier technologies and sectors, the Government may sometimes need to take the lead to show our vision and demonstrate our commitment to bringing our vision into reality. That’s why we established the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC). Serving as patient capital, the HKIC invests in nascent-stage ventures and sectors of tomorrow. To date, it has invested in more than 90 projects, achieving a 1 to 4 co-investment ratio – meaning that for every dollar the HKIC invested, it has attracted four dollars from private investors to follow.
     
    The HKSTP’s Acceleration Fund aligns with our vision. By partnering with industry leaders to co-invest in high-potential start-ups, particularly in generative AI, intelligent connected systems and sustainability, the Fund amplifies our collective capacity to turn innovation into impact.
     
    Beyond funding, I applaud the HKSTP for offering start-ups holistic support: mentorship, technical expertise, connections, market access and global platform, equipping entrepreneurs with the tools to accelerate growth and enhance global competitiveness.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen, we live in an era of profound challenges. Now we are confronted with the impact of unilateralism and protectionism unseen in a century. Beyond tariffs and trade barriers, disruptions to global scientific collaboration are also happening. Yet, it is precisely in this very climate of fragmentation that Hong Kong must leverage its unique strengths. With our vision, agility, connectivity and strong backing from our country, we are in the position to become a global convergence point of talent, capital and know-how. We can foster more cross-sectoral and cross-boundary collaboration to advance humanity’s shared progress.
     
    For that mission, every initiative matters. In this regard, allow me to extend my appreciation and gratitude to everyone involved in bringing the Co-Acceleration Fund to life. I wish you all the best of health and success in the time ahead. Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pain Management Clinic Owners and Operators Indicted on Health Care Fraud Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE – The owners and operators of a Warwick pain management clinic have been indicted by a federal grand jury on health care fraud charges for allegedly defrauding government and private health care insurers, announced Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom.

    Brandon Nowak, 32, and Jason Simmons, 33, both of Foster, RI, and officers and operators of Alternative Integrative Medicine, LLC, d/b/a Aim Health, are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud and fourteen counts of health care fraud.

    It is alleged that beginning in October 2020, Nowak and Simmons conspired to and did intentionally and repeatedly submit fraudulent claims to Medicare and Medicare Advantage, Medicaid Managed Care, and four private insurers in order to collect payments for certain purportedly “medically necessary” services that were not actually provided to patients.

    The indictment also alleges that patients were routinely informed that massage therapy was a service covered by their insurance, when in fact it was not. In order to receive insurance payment for massage therapy provided by a massage therapist, the defendants allegedly billed insurers for covered services such as acupuncture, physical therapy, and evaluation and management office visits, none of which the patients actually received.

    Additionally, it is alleged that the defendants submitted claims for services such as infrared therapy, hot and cold therapy, therapeutic activity, and self-care/home management training that were not provided to the patients and for which AIM Health did not employ appropriate providers.

    The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned in U.S. District Court on April 11, 2025. A federal indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dulce Donovan, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorney John P. McAdams.

    The matter was investigated by the U.S. Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Office of Inspector General.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 7 April 2025 Departmental update The multigenerational charge for women’s health and gender equality

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Photo credit: WHO/WUN/Emilie Mills

    During the 69th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), held from 10–21 March 2025, countries from around the world reaffirmed their commitment to gender equality through a high-level political declaration. The declaration renewed the global commitment to women’s rights, acknowledged the setbacks and called for urgent, gender-responsive policy action, including the protection of the right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health across the life course.

    A major moment for this advocacy came on 10 March with the official WHO flagship side event, “No gender equality without women’s health”, co-sponsored by WHO, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United Mexican States, UN Women and the World Economic Forum. The event drew a full house and highlighted a unified call for evidence-based approaches to address gaps in women’s health across the life course as a core component of advancing gender inequality and through health, particularly amid rising anti-rights rhetoric around the world.

    A call for holistic, life-course approaches

    The event emphasized that women’s health is not a niche concern, but a global issue that must be addressed across the life course. Without universal access to integrated care for all women, the goals associated with the key commitments of the Beijing Platform for Action will remain out of reach.

    Speakers pointed out that while women often live longer than men, they experience poorer health due to systemic barriers and lifelong disadvantage. Investing in women’s health is not only critical for gender equality but could also yield major economic gains, with national health systems potentially saving billions each year.

    Addressing data gaps

    Several speakers at the event emphasized that limited availability, analysis and use of disaggregated sex and gender data continues to hinder progress. The lack of such data contributes to underinvestment and misdiagnosis, in conditions that specifically, differently or disproportionately affect women and particularly in conditions that remain widely underrecognized, such as endometriosis. Closing this gap and ensuring women’s inclusion in clinical trials could not only improve health outcomes but also generate significant global economic savings, estimated at up to US$ 1 trillion annually.

    Young people at the forefront of change

    Lucy Fagan, WHO Youth Council member representing the UN Major Group for Children and Youth, offered a vital perspective on the role of youth in advancing gender equality and women’s health. “The Beijing agenda was created before many of us were born,” she said. “Progress is slowing, but youth are now part of the conversation. And we’re here to carry it forward.”

    Fagan highlighted that youth-led groups are not only active on the ground, but also resilient, continuing to drive momentum for issues such as sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), gender-based violence (GBV) and mental health despite political pressures and reduced funding. As well as stressing the need for more data disaggregated by age and sex, she emphasized that “we’re driving the work forward from the ground up.” Lucy’s remarks served as a reminder that young people are essential actors in safeguarding progress from CSW through to Beijing+30, and that their voices are especially critical to countering rising anti-rights narratives, especially in digital spaces.

    Working towards more intersectional solutions

    Panellists emphasized the need for intersectional approaches that address systemic discrimination faced by marginalized groups: older women, women in detention, women with disabilities, those living in rural or indigenous communities and many others. It was also emphasized that women make up the majority of the global health workforce as well as taking 80% of health decisions at the household level, a massive yet underleveraged influence in shaping healthier societies.

    WHO at CSW69

    WHO’s engagement at CSW69 extended beyond this flagship event. Other sessions included:

    • Closing the gender nutrition gap: a key feminist approach to fight hunger and malnutrition, co-sponsored by Action contre la Faim, FHI360;
    • Digital solutions for gender equality and SRHR, which explored tech-driven innovations for advancing women’s health, co-sponsored by Norway, Colombia, UNFPA and WHO/HRP; 
    • Bridging the divide: men and boys as allies and agents of change, co-sponsored by MenEngage Alliance, UN Women, OHCHR, WHO, UNFPA, Government of Sweden, Government of Rwanda, Equimundo and others; and
    • From potential to progress: multisectoral approaches to empower adolescents, co-sponsored by UNICEF, WHO, FCDO, Plan International and BRAC. 

    These events reinforced WHO’s commitment to a rights-based and evidence-driven agenda for gender equality and women’s health. The takeaway from WHO at CSW69 is clear: investing in women’s health is not optional; it is essential to achieving the 2030 Agenda and reflects our shared values. In a time of global challenges, advancing gender-responsive health systems and policies that uphold women’s rights is more urgent than ever. And the voices of young people like Lucy Fagan, which are grounded in community action and solidarity, are joining the multigenerational charge and reminding us that there is no gender equality without women’s health and well-being.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, law enforcement partners arrest MS-13 gang member in Virginia, wanted in El Salvador for extortion, blackmail, terrorist affiliation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, working with law enforcement partners from the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and Virginia State Police, apprehended an illegal Salvadoran national and documented member of the notorious MS-13 street gang wanted in El Salvador for extortion, blackmail and terrorist affiliation. Officers from ICE Washington, D.C.; agents from FBI Washington, D.C.; DEA Washington, D.C. and officials from VSP arrested Silvia Lorena Bonilla-De Jandres, 40, in Alexandria, Feb. 25.

    “Silvia Lorena Bonilla-De Jandres is not only the member of a transnational criminal enterprise known for violence, she has also apparently attempted to flee justice in her home country and hide out in Northern Virginia,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russ Hott. “We will not allow our Washington, D.C. and Virginia communities to become safe havens for the world’s bad actors. ICE Washington, D.C. remains dedicated to our mission of prioritizing public safety and protecting our residents by arresting and removing illegal alien offenders.”

    U.S. Border Patrol arrested Bonilla after she illegally entered the United States, Feb. 21, 2016, near Rio Grande Valley, Texas. USBP placed Bonilla into removal proceedings. Authorities in El Salvador issued a warrant for Bonilla’s arrest, Aug. 28, 2017, charging her with aggravated extortion, blackmail and terrorist affiliation due to her documented MS-13 membership. Interpol issued a red notice for Bonilla, Nov. 24, 2017.

    On July 11, 2025, a Department of Justice immigration judge ordered Bonilla removed from the United States to El Salvador.

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Booker Statement on Vote Against Republican Budget Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Jersey Cory Booker
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), issued the following statement:
    “Senate Republicans passed a budget resolution that betrays hard-working families across our nation, many of whom are already struggling to make ends meet. This resolution sets the stage for tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans instead of offering any relief to those who need it most. Billionaires will reap the benefits at the expense of vital programs, like Medicaid, that millions of American families rely on.
    “This budget paves the way for $5.8 trillion of deficit increases – more than the borrowing from the American Rescue Plan, TCJA, CARES Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law combined. For what? So President Trump can deliver $1.5 trillion in new tax cuts for his billionaire friends and make his 2017 tax law permanent — the same tax law that cut the corporate tax from 35% to 21%  with the promise that these cuts would increase the average household income in the United States by $4000. That never happened. Instead, wealthy shareholders received nearly all of the benefits through stock buybacks, large corporations made more money, and U.S. workers and employees hardly saw any of those net gains. 
    “The budget put forth by Senate Republicans says it will ‘reduce the deficit by not less than $880 billion’ for the period from 2025 to 2034. While the White House has argued that these tax cuts will ‘pay for themselves,’ we know from history that isn’t true. The part that my Republican colleagues don’t want to admit is that reducing the deficit by $880 billion is not possible without completely gutting Medicaid, a program that over 70 million Americans rely on for essential health care.
    “I voted against this resolution because I stand for the people across New Jersey and our country who are struggling to make ends meet and for the families who rely on Medicaid to provide vital health care services.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Vermont Congressional Delegation Calls on HHS to Reinstate Fired Workers and Protect Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    LIHEAP provides heating assistance for more than 26,000 Vermonters
    WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large) called on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to immediately reinstate the staff of the Division of Energy Assistance and disburse funding to states for the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps more than 26,000 Vermonters and 6.2 million Americans afford heat and air conditioning.  
    “Your decision to close the Division of Energy Assistance (DEA) at HHS and terminate its employees is unacceptable. These arbitrary firings will threaten the continued existence of the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is a lifeline for more than 26,000 Vermonters and 6.2 million Americans across the country. The Administration must reinstate DEA staff immediately and continue to disburse Congressionally-appropriated LIHEAP funding to states so that thousands of Vermonters and millions of Americans are not forced to make the unacceptable choice between putting food on the table, paying for prescription drugs, or heating their homes in the winter,” wrote the Vermont Delegation. 
    “As energy prices have increased across the country, LIHEAP has seen record utilizations in recent years. In Vermont, approximately 23% of households report that they were unable to pay their energy bills in full, with tariffs on Canadian energy products threatening to drive utility bills even higher. Vermont receives around $20 million in LIHEAP funding per year that provides energy assistance to more than 26,000 households. For children and seniors, for individuals with medical devices, and for working families, LIHEAP is a lifesaving service during the long winter heating months and hot summers,” the Delegation continued. 
    “The administration has a moral responsibility to disburse LIHEAP funds to states and ensure the program lives up to its promise to help families keep the heat on. Failure constitutes an illegal impoundment of bipartisan, congressionally-appropriated funds and will put millions of households across the country at risk of energy insecurity. You must immediately reinstate DEA staff so they can continue the urgent work of administering LIHEAP and providing critical assistance to American families. Being able to heat your home is not a luxury. It is a matter of life and death,” the Delegation concluded. 
    The Vermont Congressional Delegation’s letter was addressed to Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy. 
    Read and download the full letter. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How our unconscious memory keeps us functioning efficiently in our daily lives

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ben Sclodnick, Postdoctoral Fellow, Psychology, McMaster University

    Automatic memory keeps working even when our minds wander. (Shutterstock)

    Have you ever been on a long drive and suddenly realized that you barely remember the past several minutes of driving?

    Although the thought of driving without paying conscious attention to the road may be unsettling, we actually carry out complex behaviours without much thought all the time — and it’s all thanks to our memory.

    In its simplest form, memory does one basic job: it forms associations between things that occur together. Just as we learn to associate a name with a face, or a scent with a food, memory allows certain contexts to become associated with specific thoughts and actions.

    For instance, when we learn to drive, we’re taught to move our foot to the brake pedal whenever we see brake lights ahead. As we gain experience behind the wheel and these two events repeatedly occur together, we quickly reach a point where we automatically get set to press the brake pedal the moment we see brake lights — without needing to think about doing so.

    Or perhaps you’ve noticed how fluently you can navigate through the apps and menus on your smartphone — as if your thumbs have little minds of their own — and that if someone re-organizes the apps on your home screen, this fluency can be difficult to relearn.

    Each time we do something, our memory system makes connections between the behaviour and the current context. With experience, behaviours that once required conscious control can be activated automatically when we encounter a familiar context.

    These automatic behaviours show how memory can control our behaviour without the need to consciously remember past events. Some researchers even call this form of memory “automatic control.”

    Because automatic memory is by nature unconscious, we often don’t notice how essential it is for most of our everyday behaviour. Automatic memory allows us to function efficiently.

    If we couldn’t rely on automatic control to trigger key actions while driving, we would be far less likely to survive those episodes of highway mind-wandering. If every thought and action required a conscious choice, something as simple as walking and talking would become an enormously demanding task.

    Automatic decision-making

    Driving scenarios are relatable, which makes them useful for illustrating how automatic memory works. They also show how important this form of memory is for us to function effectively.

    We rely on unconscious memory processes to keep our feet and thoughts on track while walking and talking with a friend.
    (Shutterstock)

    However, once you begin looking for automatic memory elsewhere, it becomes difficult to identify behaviours that don’t rely on these unconscious processes. Even our attempts to consciously control our attention may depend on automatic processes.

    For example, why is it that certain things come to mind when we walk into a meeting with our boss — while very different things come to mind when you get together with an old friend? It’s not as if we always make conscious decisions about what to remember in these cases.

    The explanation is that these two different scenarios are each associated with different sets of past experiences. When we encounter a particular person, experiences associated specifically with them spring to mind automatically as a result of the memory associations we’ve formed over time.

    Although automatic memory is essential to our daily functioning, it does come at a cost. For instance, we all find ourselves acting the same way over and over in familiar situations — even when those actions run contrary to the way we’d prefer to act. But the truth is, if we want to change our patterns of behaviour, we need repeated opportunities to form new associations so that our automatic behaviours being to align with our goals.

    One strategy for overcoming automatic memory is to practise the behaviours you want to change in new contexts. For example, if you find that having difficult conversations with your partner always ends with you to reacting negatively without meaning to, perhaps you need to try having those discussions in front of a friend or therapist.

    Changing the context like this can help reduce the chance that your typical responses will be activated, making it easier to practise changing your behaviours in critical moments. For behaviours that have been built over a lifetime, there’s no quick hack. Relearning takes time and effort.

    That is why, as an expert in memory and attention, I have compassion for people who struggle to change old habits. It’s also why I’m downright terrified when the city adds a new stop sign to an intersection where drivers are used to having the right of way.

    Ben Sclodnick receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. How our unconscious memory keeps us functioning efficiently in our daily lives – https://theconversation.com/how-our-unconscious-memory-keeps-us-functioning-efficiently-in-our-daily-lives-246763

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bacon, Huffman, and Van Hollen Reintroduce Bicameral Legislation to Fully Fund Special Education

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Don Bacon (2nd District of Nebraska)

    Today, U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02) and Jared Huffman (CA-02) and U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) reintroduced the bicameral IDEA Full Funding Act to ensure all children with disabilities can access a free, high-quality public education.In 1975, Congress passed the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) to provide these essential educational opportunities, and this legislation ensures that Congress fulfills its commitment.

    Under IDEA, the federal government committed to pay 40 percent of the average per pupil expenditure for special education. However, that pledge has never been met, and current funding is below 13 percent. The IDEA Full Funding Act would require regular, mandatory increases in IDEA spending to finally meet our obligation to America’s children and schools. It is cosponsored by more than 30 Senators and over 60 House members. Text of the IDEA Full Funding Act can be viewed here.

    “This bipartisan legislation is fulfilling a long overdue promise made by the federal government to support students with disabilities by funding 40% of the cost of special education,” said Rep. Don Bacon. “For far too long that commitment has gone unfulfilled, and now we are taking action to deliver on that promise. I’m honored to co-lead the reintroduction of the IDEA Full Funding Act.”

    “While we’ve made substantial progress to fund special education services in recent years, we still have important work left to do to live up to the original commitment Congress made,” said Rep. Jared Huffman. “All children – no matter their zip code, race, disability, or any other factor – should be able to access a full, exceptional education, and this legislation will help school districts provide thenecessary resources to make this vision a reality. The current chronic underfunding leaves an unfair burden on students, teachers, schools, and families.Our bill holds up the federal government’s end of the bargain to fully fund special education services on apermanent basis and set all students up for long-term success.”

    “Fifty years ago, Congress passed the IDEA Act, and with it, made a promise to children with disabilities and their families – but we have fallen short of that promise every year since. While Donald Trump and Elon Musk are illegally gutting public education in America, we are fighting to strengthen it. Our bill will ensure that Congress finally meets its commitment to fully fund IDEA, putting us closer to delivering equal access to high-quality education for every student in this country,” said Senator Van Hollen.

    Rep. Huffman requested $16.3 million for IDEA Part B Grants to States in FY2024, taking a key step toward securing full federal funding. He will continue to advocate for more federal funding in the upcoming FY2025 appropriations cycle, ensuring that every child can access the resources they need to succeed.

    This bill is co-led in the House by Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Angie Craig (MN-02), Pete Stauber (MN-08), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), and Mike Bost (IL-12). 

    “As the Trump Administration slashes support for students with disabilities by dismantling the Department of Education, I am proud to join my colleagues in advancing legislation that mandates increased IDEA funding. Together with parents, teachers, and education advocates, we will hold the President accountable for his reckless attacks on accessible education and make sure every kid has the chance to learn, grow, and–ultimately–succeed,” said House Assistant Minority Leader Joe Neguse.

    “For too long, the federal government has fallen short on its commitment to share the cost of education with states for individuals with special needs, placing an unfair burden on schools, teachers, and families,” said Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson. “The IDEA Full Funding Act reaffirms our promise and makes IDEAwhole over the next 10 years. This is a positive step toward ensuring every student with disabilities receives the support and resources they need to thrive.

    “As the mother of a child who benefited from special education, I know firsthand just how lifechanging these programs can be for Minnesota students and their families,” said Rep. Angie Craig. “I’m proud to be co-leading this bipartisan legislation to fully fund special education programs and ensure our special educators and paraprofessionals have the resources they need to keep up this critical work.”

    “Every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to a high-quality education and a fair opportunity to succeed,” said Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick. “For too long, the federal government has fallen short of its commitment to fully fund the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), leaving schools and families to shoulder the burden. We’re working to change that through the bipartisan, bicameral IDEA Full Funding Act—legislation that will ensure students in Bucks and Montgomery counties, and across the nation, have access to the full range of resources, support, and high-quality education they need to reach their fullest potential.”

    “Parents of kids with special needs are fresh off of fighting for their kids during COVID, and we won’t stop. We know that every kid has needs – and gifts. No one is disposable and we’re tired of having to fight for the crumbs. Fully fund IDEA. Now,” said Rep. Janelle Bynum.

    “For many parents, raising a child with a disability is a full-time job. Every child, regardless of their abilities or disabilities, deserves the opportunity to develop skills that will help them lead fulfilling lives. That’s why I’m a proud co-lead of the IDEA Full Funding Act,” said Rep. Eric Swalwell. “Parents have to fight too damn hard to get their child the resources they need, and Congress has fallen short of our promise to support all students as they learn essential skills for adulthood. This bill would require regular mandatory increases in spending to match the needs of America’s classrooms. Fully funding IDEA is a big step in bringing down barriers and stepping up our students for success.”

    “For too long, the federal government has fallen short of its funding commitment to students with special needs, forcing schools to subsidize rising special education costs with general education funds,” said Rep. Pete Stauber. “This leaves every student at a disadvantage. As the parent of a child with special needs, I am proud to continue the fight to ensure Congress fulfills its promise to our special needs students and their parents, so our educators can strengthen special education services while meeting the needs of every American student.”

    This legislation is supported by a broad and diverse group of over 70 national and localorganizations, including by the School Superintendents Association (AASA), theAssociation of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and the Council for Exceptional Children.

    “I see firsthand the critical role special education plays in shaping the future of our students. With the growing needs of students with disabilities, it is more important than ever that we fully fund IDEA. Every child, regardless of ability, deserves access to the education and support they need to thrive. I urge Congress to please find it in their hearts to vote this critical legislation through and support all our beautiful children across this great nation,” said Jaime Green, Superintendent of Trinity Alps Unified School District (TAUSD).

    “AASA is proud to support the IDEA Full Funding Act being introduced today. We strongly support this legislation as a key priority in strengthening our nation’s schools and supporting them in their work to ensure all students—regardless of ability—have an opportunity to access a high-quality education. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) represents a critical commitment to help level the playing field for historically disadvantaged populations, students with disabilities. We are proud to endorse the IDEA Full Funding Act, being introduced in both the House and Senate this week, for its work to hold Congress accountable and create a clear path and plan of action. We thank Senator Van Hollen and Representatives Thompson and Huffman for their leadership on this important issue,” said AASA Executive Director Dr. David R. Schuler.

    “School districts everywhere are facing significant financial strain as they strive to educate and serve all students, including those with disabilities. Fully funding IDEA would help schools keep up with rising costs to effectively assess and respond to increasing needs, attract and retain specialized instructional support personnel, and provide assistive equipment and technology to help students learn and succeed,” said Elleka Yost, ASBO Director of Advocacy & Research.

    “As the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) turns 50 years old this year, now is the perfect time for Congress to make good on its pledge to fully fund IDEA,” said Chad Rummel, executive director of the Council for Exceptional Children. “We thank Sen. Van Hollen, Reps. Huffman and Thompson, and all the bill cosponsors for introducing this bill to provide the resources needed to support the infants, toddlers, children and youth served under IDEA,” said Kuna Tavalin, Senior Advisor at the Council for Exceptional Children.

    Additional cosponsors in the House include Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Becca Balint (VT-AL), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Mike Bost (IL-12), Julia Brownley (CA-26), Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Janelle Bynum (OR-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), André Carson (IN-07), Sean Casten (IL-06), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Judy Chu (CA-28), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Gerald E. Connolly (VA-11), Jim Costa (CA-21), Angie Craig (MN-02), Jason Crow (CO-06), Madeleine Dean (PA-04), Diana DeGette (CO-01), Suzan DelBene (WA-01), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Debbie Dingell (MI-06), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Sylvia R. Garcia (TX-29), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Jim Himes (CT-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Hank Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Ro Khanna (CA-17), John Mannion (NY-22),Lucy McBath (GA-06), Sarah McBride (DL-AL), Lisa McClain (MI-09), Morgan McGarvey (KY-03), LaMonica McIver (NJ-10), Joseph Morelle (NY-25), Seth Moulton (MA-06), Joe Neguse (CO-02), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Scott Peters (CA-50), Brittany Pettersen (CO-07), Chellie Pingree (ME-01),Mark Pocan (WI-02), Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Jamie Raskin (MD-08),Josh Riley (NY-19),AndreaSalinas (OR-06), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), Brad Sherman (CA-32), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), PeteStauber (MN-08), Marilyn Strickland(WA-10), Eric Swalwell, (CA-14),Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Bennie G. Thompson (MS-02), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Paul D. Tonko (NY-20), Lori Trahan (MA-03), Juan Vargas (CA-52), Nikema Williams (GA-05), and Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24).

    The legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    The bill is also supported by: The School Superintendents Association (AASA), AFT, AFL-CI”, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), American Occupational Therapy Association, American PsychologicalAssociation, Assistive Technology Industry Association, Association of Educational Service Agencies, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents, Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators, Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE), Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, CAST, Center for Learner Equity, Coalition for Adequate Funding for Special Education, Coalition for Community Schools, Consortium of State School Boards Associations (COSSBA), Council for Exceptional Children, Council for Learning Disabilities, Council of Administrators of Special Education, Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, EDGE Consulting Partners, EdTrust, Education Reform Now, First Focus Campaign for Children, Higher Education Consortium for Special Education, Institute for Educational Leadership, Learning Disabilities Association of America, NAESPA (NationalAssociation of ESEA State Program Administrators), National Association for Music Education, National Association for Pupil Transportation, NationalAssociation of Councils on Developmental Disabilities, NationalAssociation of Federally Impacted Schools (NAFIS), National Association of Private Special Education Centers, NationalAssociation of School Psychologists, NationalAssociation of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), National Center for Learning Disabilities, National Consortium for Physical Education for Individuals with Disabilities (NCPEID), National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), National Down Syndrome Congress, National Down Syndrome Society, National Education Association, National PTA, National Rural Education Association (NREA), NBJC, Teach For America, TheAdvocacy Institute, TheArc of the United States, TNTP.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two More Sentenced in Federal Pandemic Fraud Unemployment Benefit Scheme

    Source: United States Department of Justice (National Center for Disaster Fraud)

    ABINGDON, Va. – Two more of the 17 defendants charged with conspiring to defraud the United States, commit program fraud, and commit mail fraud in connection to a scheme involving  filing  fraudulent claims for pandemic unemployment benefits, were sentenced last week in U.S. District Court in Abingdon.

    Last week, Clinton Michael Altizer and Jeramy Blake Farmer were each sentenced to 12 months and 1 day for their roles in the conspiracy.

    Previously sentenced as part of the conspiracy were:  Christopher Webb, 20 months; Russell Stiltner, 24 months; Jessica  Lester, 19 months; Cara Camille Bailey, 19 months; Justin Meadows, 18 months; Terrence Vilacha, 18 months; Joseph Hass, 27 months; Brian Addair, 24 months; and Stephanie Amber Barton and Hayleigh McKenzie Wolfe were each sentenced to 12 months and 1 day.

    Jonathan Webb, the individual charged with recruiting others to file fraudulent claims, mostly inmates at local jails, was sentenced to 48 months was ordered to pay $150,218 in restitution.

    All defendants were also ordered to pay restitution to the Virginia Employment Commission for the amount of their individual fraudulent claims.

    According to court documents, between March 2020 and September 2021, Josef Brown, Jonathan Webb, and Crystal Shaw developed a scheme to file fraudulent claims and recertifications for pandemic unemployment befits via the Virginia Employment Commission website. The scheme involved the collection of personal identification information (PII) of inmates housed at SWVRJA-Haysi and Abingdon, as well as personal friends and acquaintances of Brown, Webb, and Shaw. The conspirators used that information to file fraudulent claims and recertifications for pandemic unemployment benefits for incarcerated individuals and others who were ineligible for the benefits.

    In all, the defendants stole $341,205 in pandemic relief to which they were not entitled.

    As part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Task Force, this investigation was conducted by the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General were charged with identifying major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending. According to the United States Department of Labor, Virginia paid approximately $1.1 billion in fraudulent unemployment claims between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021.

    Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee, Stanley M. Meador, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Richmond Division, and Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares announced the sentences.

    Agencies that assisted with this investigation included the Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office, the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority, the FBI, U.S. Department of Labor, and the Virginia Employment Commission.

    Special Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Suzanne Kerney-Quillen, a Senior Assistant Attorney General with the Virginia Attorney General’s Major Crimes and Emerging Threats Section, and Assistant United States Attorney Danielle Stone are prosecuting the case for the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Ninja Theory celebrates 11BAFTA Games Awards nominations for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Ninja Theory celebrates 11BAFTA Games Awards nominations for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II

    But today, we wanted to shine a light on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, which picked up a staggering 11 nominations across a wide variety of categories, covering practically every element of the art of making games, and beyond. It’s a major moment for developer Ninja Theory (which previously picked up 9 nominations, winning in 5 categories, for Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice), a testament to the hard work and care that went into creating this singular experience.

    To celebrate this moment, we spoke to developers across the studio about the work that went into their nominated category, and what it means to see this recognition.

    [embedded content]

    Animation

    “The whole animation team was thrilled to be specifically recognised in the Animation category. We’re glad that all the hard work, love and specific vision for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II has been received so well.

    “Our aim was to bring Senua, her cohort and adversaries to life as vividly as possible , whether it was the up-close nuance of an intimate moment between friends or life and death struggle against her deepest fears.”

    Guy Midgley, Ninja Animation Director

    Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton

    Artistic Achievement

    “The team at Ninja Theory has always had such a passion for taking the art to new places in our games, but to have the recognition from BAFTA is incredible and means so much to everyone here.

    “For Senua’s Saga we learnt so much on the journey, whether it was getting to grips with new features of UE5 and understanding how they could allow us to present our vision like never before, working with costume designers to build the real-life outfits for us to scan and understand their movements, or training how to fly professional drones so that we could capture meaningful data from the beauty of the Iceland landscape.”

    Mark Slater-Tunstill, Ninja VFX Director

    Audio Achievement

    “To bring to life the world, the reality of Senua through sound is a privilege, a journey that requires a strong vision and a certain bravery that leads to finding a unique voice.

    “Receiving this nomination brings a lot of joy to the whole Ninja audio team, who have worked tirelessly and with such craftsmanship to deliver an experience like no other.”

    David García Díaz, Ninja Audio Director

    Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton

    British Game

    “We’re very proud to receive a nomination for Best British Game and have Hellblade II sit alongside such a diverse and creative group of nominees in the category. Best British Game is a particularly special category for me, as I see it as a vehicle for inspiring the next generation of developers in my home country.

    “I like to think that there will be a kid out there somewhere that will see the wonderful games being created in the UK and it will spark in them a dream to one day feel the same pride that I do in receiving a BAFTA nomination of their own.”

    Dom Matthews, Ninja Studio Head

    Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton

    [embedded content]

    Game Beyond Entertainment

    “In Senua’s Saga, Ninja Theory have represented one of the most misunderstood of conditions with incredible skill, respect and sensitivity. Their depiction of psychosis was crafted with unerring attention to the underlying clinical neuroscience and, more importantly, to the personal experiences of those who have themselves carried the burden of psychosis.

    “Ninja Theory have told the story, and amplified the voice, of people who are frequently unheard or dismissed. It has been an enormous privilege to play a small part in their work and to observe the depth and range of its impact in challenging stigma.”

    Paul Fletcher, Bernard Wolfe Professor of Health Neuroscience, University of Cambridge

    Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton

    Music

    “To tell a story without words that connects the emotions with the listener, that is the quest of all the musicians involved in the creation of the soundtrack for the game.

    “At the core of it is the word ‘collaboration’: From Heilung, Ren and Arunka, the fantastic voices and talent of Helen and Abbi, plus our own composers here at Ninja. It’s an honour for us to receive this nomination for a work that is done with great passion and care.”

    David García Díaz, Ninja Audio Director

    Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton

    Narrative

    “Our heroine Senua faces down both inner and outer conflicts with persistence and strength of heart, and I feel fortunate to be part of the team sharing her unique perspective with the world.

    “Storytelling is always foremost in our minds with all of Ninja Theory’s games, and I’m deeply honoured and grateful that the team’s work in this area has been recognised by BAFTA with a nomination in the Narrative category.”

    Lara Derham, Writer and Stage Director

    Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton

    Performer in a Leading Role – Melina Juergens as Senua

    “I am deeply honored to be nominated at this year’s BAFTA Games Awards as ‘Performer in a Leading Role’ for my portrayal of Senua for the second time. It means the world to have my work as a performer recognized in such a meaningful way.

    “BAFTA Games Awards play a vital role in elevating gaming as an art form, putting it on the same cultural stage as film and television. Their commitment to celebrating creativity, storytelling, and innovation in games is incredible, and their charity work, supporting new talent and making the industry more accessible is truly inspiring.

    “In Senua’s Saga, we managed to push the performance tech further than ever before, which gave me the freedom to pour everything into my performance, knowing that every emotion and every little nuance would come through on screen. It was an incredible and rewarding experience.”

    Melina Juergens

    Photo Credit: Gareth Dutton

    [embedded content]

    Performer in a Supporting Role – Aldís Amah Hamilton as Ástríðr

    “It’s hard to put into words how much this nomination means to me and how grateful I am to everyone involved in creating this beautiful game, and for allowing me to be a part of that creation. Every step of the process has been an unforgettable experience. I’ve made dear friends, learned new skills, worked abroad for the first time, and taken part in making something meaningful. As a gamer from the age of 5, I couldn’t have imagined what my future would hold. And to receive this recognition for our work goes beyond what I could ever have dreamed of. Thank you dearly dear Ninjas and Xbox for giving me the honor of working with you.”

    Aldís Amah Hamilton

    Photo Credit: Thelma Arngrims

    Performer in a Supporting Role – Abbi Greenland and Helen Goalen as The Furies

    “We are delighted to be jointly nominated for our role as the Furies. Working on Senua’s Saga was a joy thanks to the brilliance of David García Díaz and his dream team.

    “We are a theatre company who work a lot with vocal improvisation and it was really exciting to collaborate with David in this way. It was fascinating for us to get an insight into how games are made. Everyone works so incredibly hard and it’s wonderful to see the team receiving such recognition for this.”

    Helen Goalen and Abbi Greenland

    Technical Achievement

    “It’s a great honour to receive a Technical Achievement BAFTA nomination for Hellblade II, alongside a shortlist of excellent and varied nominees. This nomination celebrates not just the technology itself, but the vision and perseverance of the entire team; it’s a testament to the detail, artistry and technical effort we poured into crafting Senua’s world and its inhabitants, as part of our dedication to pushing the boundaries of interactive storytelling. We’re immensely grateful to BAFTA for this acknowledgement, and it fuels our passion to continue creating experiences that aim to resonate on a profound level. Thank you.”

    Gavin Costello, Ninja Technical Director

    Congratulations to everyone at Ninja Theory for their work on Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, and to all the recipients of BAFTA nominations this year.

    You can watch the BAFTA Games Awards live on Tuesday, April 8 at 11am Pacific / 2pm Eastern / 7pm UK via YouTube and Twitch.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Funding boost for new Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The 2024-25 ACT Budget includes funding for the planning and development of a new Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre.

    The ACT Government will provide funding in the 2024-25 ACT Budget to continue the planning and development of a new Canberra Convention and Entertainment Centre.

    The centre will form part of an events and entertainment precinct proposed for the south-east section of the CBD that includes the current convention centre site and the Canberra Olympic Pool site.

    Master-planning for the new precinct will see concept designs developed for an integrated convention and entertainment centre for live music, events and performances.

    The ACT Government will invest in site investigations and concept design options for the replacement of the ageing Canberra Olympic Pool to provide aquatic facilities for the city’s growing population in Commonwealth Park.

    The ACT Government will continue to work with the Australian Government under the National Capital Investment Framework and through the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program to progress infrastructure projects such as the Convention and Entertainment Centre.

    As Canberra’s population nears half a million people, this project is important for the local tourism and business sector, ensuring Canberra is a more attractive tour option for live music and entertainment.

    Bruce Sports, Health, and Education Precinct update

    Further funding will be provided in the 2024-25 ACT Budget to progress development of the Bruce Sports, Health, and Education Precinct.

    The ACT Government intends to partner with the Commonwealth Government to develop a mixed-use urban renewal precinct, which will include housing, commercial, hospitality and retail opportunities to support sport, health and education infrastructure projects.

    Through the 2024-25 Budget, the Government will also progress planning for the new Northside Hospital, a renewed CIT campus and a new stadium.

    This work will complement the Commonwealth Government’s AIS precinct renewal announced in the recent Federal Budget.

    The Government will consider options for the development, including the optimal delivery model and the declaration of an urban renewal site.

    This declaration will help coordinate ACT Government Directorates and agencies to work together on the precinct planning.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Next steps for Canberra Theatre Centre project

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Lyric Theatre concept design – Vernon Circle

    The ACT Government is funding the next stage of the Canberra Theatre Centre revitalisation in the 2024–25 Budget.

    Major Projects Canberra will collaborate an industry partner which will be engaged through an early contractor involvement (ECI) delivery model.

    They will work in partnership to complete the project.

    A two-stage process will begin in July to confirm the industry partner.

    Construction approvals for the redevelopment will be sought in 2025.

    The expanded Canberra Theatre Centre will enhance Civic as a live entertainment and hospitality destination.

    This will provide opportunities for Canberrans to come together and connect, and will lead to more jobs.

    A transformed Canberra Theatre Centre

    The Canberra Theatre Centre revitalisation will create a performing arts centre of national and international significance. It will include:

    • a new 2,000-seat lyric theatre (suitable for musicals, opera and ballet)
    • a refurbishment of The Playhouse and Canberra Theatre
    • expanding the studio theatre for flexible use by local artists for intimate shows
    • improved accessibility and connections to the precinct
    • hospitality offerings, including bars.

    Project benefits

    This project offers benefits for the whole community.

    • First Nations Connection to Country are celebrated and acknowledged through design.
    • Canberra will be able to attract and enjoy world-renowned musicals, circus shows, ballet and opera without the need for expensive interstate travel.
    • Canberra will have a world-class theatre and cultural precinct.
    • More visitors to the ACT will grow the local economy.
    • The city centre will be enhanced as a lively destination for dining and entertainment – day and night.
    • The project will create more jobs in the arts, hospitality and construction. With more career pathways for emerging creatives and technicians, more arts workers will remain in Canberra.
    • The Centre will be a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
    • The revitalised Canberra Theatre Centre will feature sustainable, green-star all-electric design.
    • The project will generate more opportunities, networks and audiences for Canberra’s performing arts sector.

    Share your thoughts on the centre’s design

    Previous community consultation responses highlighted that the centre’s design should prioritise:

    • First Nations Connection to Country
    • Accessibility requirements for people with disability, mental health conditions and neurodiversity
    • High-quality audience experience and usability
    • Connection to the wider entertainment precinct.

    The ACT Government wants to explore these ideas further with specific stakeholder communities.

    Dedicated engagement sessions are planned, both in person and online.

    Personal experiences and insights shared in these sessions will help ensure better access, inclusion and diversity in the design.

    Register your interest and the team will be in touch to understand your requirements to enable your attendance.

    Find out more on the Built for CBR website.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Community mental health services in focus in ACT Budget

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The ACT’s PACER teams provide acute mental health assessment and care services in the community.

    Funding in the ACT 2024–25 Budget will help Canberrans access mental health help earlier and more easily.

    The initiatives funded aim to support Canberrans to remain healthy in the community.

    This will help services provide support when and where people need it and reduce demand on the ACT hospital system.

    Funding has been allocated over the next four years for:

    1. the continuation of the second Police, Ambulance, and Clinician Early Response (PACER) team to provide acute mental health assessment and care services in the community
    2. the co-design of a new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth mental health service
    3. the continuation of community child and youth mental health support programs, including
      1. MindMap Online Navigation Portal
      2. WOKE
      3. Stepping Stones
      4. Youth Mental Health Promotion program
    4. staged implementation of approximately 10 accommodation support packages as part of the introduction of the Housing and Accommodation Support Initiative
    5. delivery of a more holistic approach in the Step-Up-Step Down at-home program, to better address the factors in someone’s life which cause distress
    6. additional funding for the Detention Exit Community Outreach program to provide transitional mental health and life skills support for people with a mental illness returning to the community.

    When people have early access to mental health support, they are more likely to stay healthy, engaged and connected.

    This funding will help ensure the continuation of services that currently support Canberrans facing mental health challenges, allowing them to get the help they need in the community, rather than in hospital.

    The investment in tailored youth mental services and culturally responsive mental health services for First Nations people will help bolster the health and wellbeing of those in crisis.

    The PACER model, particularly, has proven very successful in addressing mental health crises, offering faster assessments, connecting individuals with vital community resources, and reducing the strain on emergency response teams.

    This not only helps those who need it most but also helps ensure a safer, more supportive Canberra.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Integrated Energy Plan to help electrify Canberra

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The plan sets out the next stage of work for the Territory’s transition to an all-electric city over the next 20 years.

    The ACT Government is releasing new Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) as part of its investment in an all-electric, zero-emissions future for Canberra.

    The plan includes a range of Government commitments to support Canberrans through the transition to cheaper, cleaner energy.

    The Integrated Energy Plan 2024–2030 sets out the next stage of work for the Territory’s transition to an all-electric city over the next 20 years.

    It builds on the ACT’s success in reaching 100 percent renewable electricity in 2020.

    It aims to ensure all Canberrans benefit from the transition, not just those most able to afford the necessary changes involved.

    Energy bill savings

    As well as being the cheapest, most effective pathway to net-zero emissions for the ACT, electrification can also bring significant energy bill savings.

    A household that swaps gas cooking, heating and hot water for efficient electric appliances can save around $735 per year – or even more with the addition of solar.

    The Sustainable Housing Scheme

    Households needing support to make such changes can take advantage of the Sustainable Household Scheme.

    Almost 20,000 households – 10 per cent of Canberra’s households – have accessed the scheme, which supports people with loans to electrify their homes and forms of transport. Those who have accessed loans to date have already saved an estimated $43 million on their energy bills.

    Equipping community and public housing

    The ACT Government will electrify all feasible community and public housing properties in the ACT by the end of 2030.

    This work has already started, and will continue to be a priority, along with continued energy efficiency improvements to properties.

    Further support for low-income homeowners

    A new Community Partnership Electrification Program will be delivered over two years, to support vulnerable and low-income homeowners.

    This will cover upfront costs of energy efficiency upgrades and electrification, for approximately 350 low-income households.

    Assistance for apartment owners

    The Integrated Energy Plan will also support apartment residents, who may face extra challenges in electrification.

    A new Retrofit Readiness program will offer free advice and electrification planning for those living in multi-unit buildings, such as apartments.

    To help reduce obstacles for apartment residents, the IEP will also deliver strata reform work to identify and resolve regulatory barriers to electrification upgrades in multi-unit buildings.

    Upskilling a workforce

    An appropriately skilled workforce is crucial to supporting the energy transition.

    The IEP will also target training subsidies to priority trades that support the energy transition. It will also increase subsidies for the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Technician.

    Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) will host Australia’s first TAFE Centre of Excellence, focusing on electric vehicles.

    ACT Infrastructure Plan updates

    The ACT Government is also updating the ACT Infrastructure Plan, outlining future investments in climate action, energy and environment infrastructure for Canberra’s future.

    This plan outlines how the Government will provide energy infrastructure to support greater electricity usage, the electrification of Government assets as well as water and natural environment protection.

    Both the IEP and updated Infrastructure Plan continue the ACT Government’s commitment to transition to net-zero emissions by 2045.

    Find out more

    Learn more about the ACT’s Pathway to Electrification and read the first Integrated Energy Plan on the Everyday Climate Choices website.

    To read the ACT Infrastructure Plan refresh for climate action, energy and environment infrastructure, visit the Built for CBR website.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra’s best coffees (as voted by you)

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Working in the city and in need of a coffee in between meetings? ARC is a beautiful light-filled shop and focuses on local produce and great coffees.

    Barrio, Braddon

    A small and humble café serving delicious food and superb specialty coffee! If you’re looking for the perfect spot to stop off and enjoy a morning coffee before work, then Barrio is your café. You can even take home their roasted beans or homemade hot sauce!

    Kopiku is an Indonesian style café located at the O’Connor shops. Blending Asian and Australian influences together why not try this unique place and try out the coffee. You can also grab some Nasi Goreng, Mee Goreng and much more.

    Doubleshot, Deakin

    Looking for coffee and a healthy menu? Doubleshot Deakin offer a relaxing experience coupled with a guilt free menu.

    Curio Press, Lake Burley Griffin

    The perfect finish line for those running or walking around the lake. Sit back and enjoy the view, Curio is located next to Blundells Cottage, nestled among the mature, shady trees.

    Early Edition, Kingston

    Want vintage charm meets modern flavour? Try Early Editions range of coffees and organic lattes. Grab a quick coffee or relax and enjoy the weekend with your friends.

    Silo Bakery, Kingston

    Looking for a bakery that offers some of Canberra’s best pastries, artisanal bread, and tarts? You need to check out Silo. Renowned for its high-quality food and excellent service, Silo is a popular choice among locals. Stop by for a coffee and a tart, and don’t forget your loaf of bread for the week!

    East Row Specialty Coffee, Canberra City

    Enjoy Ona coffee and Instagram-worthy food at East Row. Visit their stylish, industrial café for a meal and coffee before work or during lunch. They’re open 7 days and also offer catering.

    The Pialligo Bakesmith, Pialligo

    Looking for a place to sit outdoors with views of lush trees and gardens? The Bakesmith, owned by the former owner of Le Bon Melange, is the ideal spot to enjoy coffee and a delicious French pastry.

    Bedst Coffee, Canberra City

    Coffee with a Nordic twist? Try Bedst light, bright roasted coffees. They specialise in coffees from the Nordic region but also showcase coffee from all over the world. A worthwhile trip to check out this niche and popular offering.

    Need a coffee on the go? Flatheads not only serves up delicious fish and chips, but also a yummy Will & Co coffee.

    Clay Coffee, Turner

    Grab a coffee, bring your dog and hang out with friends in the small but inviting outdoor area. A popular spot for locals on weekends serving Redbrick coffee.

    DOP is a small but mighty coffee shop serving up authentic Italian Street food and artisan coffee. It’s hole in the wall vibe is hard to miss with the lines of people waiting for a cup of their morning brew!

    Superfine Café, Canberra Central

    Start your morning feeling superfine! Grab a coffee and specialty toastie on the way to work. Superfine is a popular morning spot known for its friendly staff and good coffee.

    Café by day, function space by night, Deakin & Me is a local fave and beloved by all. Grab a coffee and choose a sandwich from the selection in the deli cabinet.

    In Canberra’s industrial area and needing a pick-me-up? Pellegrino’s Café is the perfect spot to grab a toastie and takeaway.

    Not only does the Cupping Room roast award winning lattes, but they also have a cookbook! Last year this Canberra local café won the Best Flat White in the Wotif awards, so it’s worth trying out.

    Good Neighbour, Kingston

    Living or working in Kingston and want a great coffee, or an even greater strawberry matcha? Good Neighbour offers delicious baked goods and a huge range of iced matcha’s.

    B-side is home to a mix of European comfort foods, tasty coffees, and wines for the night. Wander down Lonsdale Street with which a cup of this European coffee blend.

    Ona Coffee House, Fyshwick

    Get your award-winning coffee straight from the source. The Ona Coffee House offers those in Fyshwick specialty coffee and a fresh, seasonal menu for breakfast and lunch.

    Sonoma Bakery, Braddon

    Want amazing specialty coffees, artisan sourdough, and pastries crafted to perfection? Sonoma is worth getting in early for. Enjoy their range of baked goods and coffees.

    After a cosy warm pub vibe for your morning coffee? Edgar’s Inn has an awarding winning outdoor beer garden and beautiful scenery to enjoy.

    Super Sweet, Braddon

    Enjoy a coffee and some delicious cake at Super Sweet. Their selection of foods is mouthwatering.

    Want a rainbow salad bagel with your coffee? Nicky’s has you covered! You can also grab a French toast tiramisu which is made with their Redbrick coffee.

    Gungahlin

    Escape to France without leaving Canberra! This French patisserie will serve you up a cup of coffee alongside a French treat.

    Serving up a house cold brew and many more delicious coffee choices this isn’t one to miss.

    This hole in the wall café is proud to deliver local and quality ingredients within their great coffee.

    After a café that loves to experiment with flavours and try out new coffee styles? The Usual is always adding new and exciting things to its specials, think Caramello cold brews, Taro lattes and so much more.

    Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo

    In Woden for the day and need to grab a coffee? Happy Hub café will serve up great coffee and meals with a smile.

    On the outskirts of Canberra and need a local comfortable café? Check out Pitch Black Café for a great community vibe.

    Village Café, Warramanga

    Village Café offers a good cuppa with a friendly smile. They make in-house jams, and their menu includes produce from their kitchen garden. Come for fresh, good-quality food and coffee.

    Space Kitchen, Phillip

    Looking for the perfect cup of coffee and a sweet treat? Find Space Kitchen in the Woden precinct nestled amongst office buildings. A busy café offering breakfast and lunch and a range of specialty cakes and sweet treats.

    Tuggeranong

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New recycling facility and community infrastructure upgrades

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Eight new mowers will be added to the city’s mowing teams.

    The ACT Government is investing in essential city services to support new recycling infrastructure and Canberra’s growing horticultural maintenance needs.

    The ACT and Australian Governments will jointly fund the construction of a new recycling facility for Canberra.

    It will be built on the same Hume site that was extensively damaged by fire in December 2022, as well as on the adjoining block.

    The facility will feature new technology to expand capacity to sort and process glass, plastic, paper and cardboard.

    This will increase resource recovery by:

    • creating higher-quality recycled products
    • reducing the amount of waste ending up in landfill.

    Funding will allow work to begin, with a contract expected to be awarded in mid‑2024.

    New community infrastructure and maintenance

    The 2024-25 ACT Budget will support new and upgraded community facilities and infrastructure across the city.

    The investment will deliver new toilets at Evatt Shops and Ruth Park Playground in Coombs, an upgraded toilet at Mawson Shops, and support the delivery of a new toilet near Bizant Street in Amaroo as part of the Yerrabi Pond Upgrade.

    Budget funding will drive renewal of the city’s playgrounds and skateparks, including safety improvement works, mulch and rubber soft fall top ups, and a program of regular audits and inspections.

    The Government will respond to community feedback regarding resources at ACT libraries. There will be new portable phone chargers and more power boards and charging stations, in addition to improving building security.

    Other initiatives include funding for:

    • master planning of upgrades to the Mugga Lane and Hume Resource Management Centres
    • upgrades to dams
    • further security upgrades.

    Funding will allow work to begin, with a contract expected to be awarded in mid‑2024.

    FOGO pilot expanded

    Canberra’s Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) pilot program will be expanded.

    This will generate useful information on how households in different types of multi-unit developments use the service.

    The pilot currently services 5,300 households in Belconnen, Bruce, Cook and Macquarie.

    An additional 1,150 units will be added, increasing the pilot by more than 20 per cent.

    Mowing and horticulture maintenance

    The combination of unpredictable weather and a growing city have increased demands on those taking care of Canberra’s grass, trees, weeds and gardens.

    Through this Budget a temporarily expanded city maintenance crew will become permanent.

    The expansion aimed to respond to short-term pressures resulting from weather conditions. With these pressures continuing, the Government is reinforcing resources in the city’s mowing, in-house traffic management and tree management teams.

    Ten full-time positions and eight new mowers will be added to the city’s mowing teams.

    In the low season, mowing crews will help with horticultural work across the city, including weeding, road edging and maintenance.

    The Budget will also fund the continuation of a 10-person in-house traffic management crew. This crew provides traffic management control for Canberra’s mowing, litter picking, weed control and tree maintenance teams.

    Their work has helped increase the safety of roadside workers. It has also helped reduce inconvenience for both workers and road and path users during maintenance activities.

    The ACT Government has exceeded its target of planting 54,000 trees across the ACT from 2021 to 2024.

    Forecasts predict over 60,000 new trees will be added to the city’s tree canopy during this period.

    Staff will continue to be funded to care for Canberra’s trees and continue planting more trees in an increasingly sophisticated way, drawing from Connecting Nature Connecting People initiative and other research and insights.

    Budget investment over four years will continue support for volunteer park care groups to nurture and restore local parks and nature reserves, with a particular focus on weed management in the first year.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: More than 21,000 new homes for Canberrans

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    More than 866,000m2 of land is scheduled for release over the next five years.

    The ACT Government’s Indicative Land Release Program for 2024-25 through to 2028-29 aims to provide more housing for Canberrans, where they want to live.

    The Plan outlines the land releases that will enable 21,422 new homes to be built.

    With the ACT’s population set to reach 500,000 people by the end of 2027, the Government will cater for this growth through additional housing in new suburbs such as:

    • Macnamara in Ginninderry
    • Jacka in Gungahlin
    • Denman Prospect, Whitlam
    • the future Molonglo Town Centre in the Molonglo Valley.

    More than 866,000m2 of land is scheduled for release over the next five years to support the growing population, anticipated new homes and the services required for our community.

    This will include land release for a diverse range of housing from single-residential through to townhouses and multi-unit homes.

    The Indicative Land Release Program also includes mixed use, commercial, industrial and community uses with close to 97,000m2 of this land to be released in 2024-25.

    In particular, the 2024-25 land release includes sites with requirements for 608 dedicated community, public, or affordable homes.

    Through this plan, the Government will continue to work the private sector to be able to meet ambitious housing goals and support further growth. Developments in existing areas on privately-owned land will continue to play a role in developing this city.

    The district strategies, recently released as part of the ACT’s new planning system, help to inform where growth can still occur and where the ACT Government could intervene to facilitate and direct this growth.

    Working towards delivering 70 per cent of new housing within the ACT’s existing urban footprint, the Government will continue to plan for housing and land release around key precincts, rapid transport corridors and shops close to services.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Forløb af ordinær generalforsamling i Investeringsforeningen Nordea Invest

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Investeringsforeningen Nordea Invest har i dag den 7. april 2025 afholdt ordinær generalforsamling.

    Bestyrelsens beretning for det forløbne år blev taget til efterretning og årsrapporten for 2024, herunder udbytter, blev godkendt. Endvidere blev bestyrelsesmedlemmernes honorar for 2025 godkendt.

    Forslaget fremsat af bestyrelsen om fusion af afdeling European Small Cap Stars KL (ophørende) ind i afdeling European Stars KL (fortsættende), jf. dagsordenens bilag 4.a blev godkendt.

    Forslaget om fusion af afdeling Japan Enhanced KL og afdeling Global Enhanced KL blev tilbagetrukket af bestyrelsen.

    På generalforsamlingen blev  Per Skovsted, direktør Kim Balle og direktør Astrid Simonsen Joos genvalgt til bestyrelsen.

    Bestyrelsen konstituerede sig efterfølgende med Marianne Philip som formand, Per Skovsted som næstformand og med Claus Schønemann Juhl, Astrid Simonsens Joos og Kim Balle som medlemmer.

    Herudover blev PricewaterhouseCoopers Statsautoriseret Revisionspartnerselskab genvalgt som foreningens revisionsselskab.

    Med venlig hilsen

    Investeringsforeningen Nordea Invest

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UN reflects on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Peace and Security

    The UN Secretary-General called on Monday for commitment to build a world of justice and dignity in honour of the victims and survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. 

    António Guterres joined survivors, diplomats and civil society members for the annual ceremony in the UN General Assembly Hall to mourn the lives lost in this “chilling chapter in human history” and to prevent it from ever happening again.

    He recalled that the genocide occurred at terrifying speed.

    The atrocities took place over 100 days, starting on 7 April 1994.  Some one million children, women and men were killed.  While the overwhelming majority were Tutsi, Hutu and others who opposed the genocide also were slaughtered. 

    Collective failure to act

    “This was not a spontaneous frenzy of horrendous violence,” he said.

    “It was intentional. It was premeditated. It was planned, including through the hate speech that inflamed division, and spread lies and dehumanization. And it was the product of a collective failure to act.”

    The President of the UN General Assembly, Philémon Yang, also addressed the international community’s inaction.

    “Despite early warnings, despite clear signs of impending catastrophe, the world stood by as the killing unfolded. Governments debated while cries for help went unanswered, while lives were lost,” he said.

    “Today, as we reflect on our failure, we must ask: Have we truly learned from the past? Have we done enough to ensure that such atrocities never happen again? Or is it happening somewhere as we speak?”

    Testimony of survival

    Global health researcher and author Germaine Tuyisenge Müller shared her harrowing testimony of survival. She was just nine when the genocide began and was living in the capital, Kigali, with her mother, aunt and two young cousins. Her three siblings were visiting relatives at the time.

    “Our country was plunged into unimaginable horror,” she said. “Families torn apart; children, including the unborn, slaughtered; women raped, often in front of their loved ones, and entire communities wiped out simply because they were Tutsi.”

    The period was marked by efforts to seek safety, separation from beloved family members, and news of death. At one point Ms. Tuyisenge Müller stayed alone in an abandoned house for two months, living off powdered milk and sugar dissolved in rainwater.

    It would be seven months before she would see her mother again, who had been shot in the early stage of the genocide.  

    Her mother and aunt were at that point living with 13 members of their extended family from across the country. The eldest was her grandmother, who joined them after her husband was killed.

    UN Photo/Manuel Elías

    Survivor Germaine Tuyisenge Müller, global health researcher, author and educator, addresses the 31st mark of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

    Remembrance and resilience

    “Today, I share this testimony in memory of the more than one million lives lost during the genocide,” said Ms. Tuyisenge Müller.

    “I also speak for the survivors: for our resilience, our strength, our unwavering commitment to remembrance. Thirty-one years later, we continue to carry this truth, even in the face of growing genocide denial and revisionism.”

    In his remarks, the Secretary-General noted that Rwanda has made an extraordinary journey towards reconciliation, healing and justice since the genocide, yet this terrible period in its history is a reminder that no society is immune from hate and horror.

    Lessons for today

    “As we reflect on how these crimes came about, we must also reflect on resonance with our own times,” he said, referring to divisions today.

    Mr. Guterres warned that “the narrative of ‘them’ versus ‘us’ is increasingly polarizing societies in the Great Lakes region and around the world.” At the same time, “digital technologies are being weaponized to inflame hate, stoke division, and spread lies.”

    He also pointed to the “alarming array of racism, misogyny, and genocide denial” circulating online.

    “We see conspiracies, untruths, and deep fakes spread at an alarming pace. We must stem the tide of hate speech and stop division and discontent mutating into violence,” he said.

    The UN chief called for the international community to work to “stem the tide of hate speech and stop division and discontent mutating into violence.” 

    In this regard, he urged countries to fully implement the Global Digital Compact, adopted last year, which outlines important commitments to tackle falsehoods and hate.

    “Above all, we all must act, to prevent human rights violations. And to hold those who commit them to account,” he said.

    He called on all countries to become parties to the Genocide Convention “and to honour the responsibility to protect their populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity.”  

    UN Photo/Manuel Elías

    A wide view of the UN General Assembly hall as members states commemorate the 31st mark of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Everyday Americans Support President Trump’s Trade Action

    Source: The White House

    President Donald J. Trump is finally doing what politicians have refused to do for decades — fighting back against the one-sided war waged on American workers. As he puts into action his bold plan to reverse the decades of globalization that has decimated our industrial base, President Trump is putting the Forgotten Men and Women of America first.

    There’s a reason groups like the United Auto Workers, the Steel Manufacturers Association, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Southern Shrimp Alliance, and the National Council of Textile Organizations have all praised President Trump’s policy.

    Across the country, everyday Americans, small business owners, and industry leaders are supporting President Trump’s plan:

    Illinois cattle farmer Alan Adams: “We’ve struggled with tariffs my whole adult life in the cattle business, so we were happy last week to hear the president last week mentioned that beef was one of the things he wanted to have tariffs lowered. And so some of the European countries and Australia have been difficult for us to sell beef in — and so they get to sell beef into our country, and we’re happy to have them compete against us, but we’d like the same chance to sell the great taste of American beef to them.”

    Fourth-generation Louisiana shrimp producer Acy Cooper: “We’ve been suffering for over 20 years … this country can’t feed itself, this country can’t sustain its own way of life. If we get into a war with China, one of our big importers … how are we going to feed the people of this country? … It has to come [from] within this country.”

    Retired auto worker Brian Pannebecker: “To see those plants close, one after another, and just sit idle and then fall into disrepair and collapse, they become abandoned buildings… I’m glad to see Donald Trump finally standing up saying he’s going to do something about it.”

    Guardian Bikes CEO Brian Riley: “[President Trump’s trade agenda] is a welcome departure from a trade and economic policy that prioritized offshoring production and cheap consumption.”

    Paddock Chevrolet, Inc., CEO Duane Paddock: “Whether President Trump was a Democrat or Republican, I have to have faith in my president and that’s what I choose to do … It’s a great opportunity for people to get back with manufacturing and have an opportunity to have a great middle-class life and increase their compensation over the course of time.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Congresswoman Frederica Wilson’s Tele-town Hall Featuring Multiple National Experts Attracts 60,000 Listeners

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

    Miami, Fla.— On Wednesday, March 26, Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) held a tele-town hall with national experts to discuss the White House’s executive orders, recent Republican actions, and the resulting concerns across the nation. Don Lemon, host of “The Don Lemon Show,” served as moderator. Panelists included  Arne Duncan, Former Secretary of Education; Marc Elias, Founder of Democracy Docket and Firm Chair of Elias Law Group; Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Former Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works; and Sui Chung, Executive Director of Americans for Immigrant Justice.

    Congresswoman Frederica Wilson said, “Republicans have gone after Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, public education, our immigrant community, and so much more. People are afraid and want answers. We must meet this moment. Democrats are fighting back, and unity is our strength right now. We need folks to let Republicans know how furious they are. Only by keeping the pressure high, that’s how we will protect our democracy.”

    Over 60,000 people tuned in to the event via their phones, the Congresswoman’s Facebook page, YouTube, and Website.

    Don Lemon, host of The Don Lemon Show, said “I believe that we are at a constitutional crisis. I believe we are rapidly heading towards dictatorship, autocracy, and we don’t want to go there.”

    Former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, said, “This is not an R versus D issue. This is not left versus right. This is unprecedented in our nation’s history. Dismantling the Department of Education, attacking public education, starting to attack institutions of higher educations, our colleges and universities, is an entirely new phenomenon we have never seen.”

    A listener asked Secretary Duncan what would happen to the student loan system and Secretary Duncan responded, “When I led the Department of Education, my biggest concern every night going home was the operational risk around grants and loans—literally trillions of dollars for millions of students. And what they have done is they have gutted that department—the Department of Federal Student Aid—and, with them moving that over to SBA, it has no knowledge or expertise on this. The chance for a catastrophic operational failure as we go back to college in the fall is extraordinarily high.”

    Marc Elias, founder of Democracy Docket and Firm Chair of Elias Law Group, said,

    “Congress has the right to pass laws. Donald Trump does not have the right and ability to change them. And we will litigate against him every step of the way.”

    The Elias Law Group is litigating multiple cases against President Trump and Republicans.

    Elias added, “Most recently, he has started targeting law firms: Basically, law firms and individual lawyers who have stood up to him. He has named me in several of his executive orders and in memoranda hoping to intimidate me and others from continuing to litigate him against him in court. The reason he’s doing that is because he is losing those court cases.” 

    Former Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Chiquita Brooks-LaSure,  said,  “We now have over 100 million people covered by Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act tax credits. And what are the first couple of things this new administration has talked about doing? Cutting healthcare programs by $880 billion dollars to pay for a tax cut.” “Medicaid supports so many people: children who have high needs; it supports so many middle-class families who can’t afford long-term care or care  for their elderly parents or relatives. Medicaid is  the one program providing that coverage in this country. Taking away $880 billion will hurt families, the economy, workers, and hospitals.”

    She added, “Florida specifically is extremely dependent on Medicaid. Republican governors from states across the country have signaled that they too, are  concerned about cutting the Medicaid program. There is no way to come up with that level of cuts without going after healthcare.”

    Nancy Altman, President of Social Security Works  said, “It is not exaggeration to say that in the last few weeks, the Social Security Administration has lost nearly a thousand years of institutional knowledge.”

    One listener asked whether they will be able to receive their Social Security benefits in two years. Ms. Altman’s response: “Before January 20, I would have said 100 percent. Absolutely. I guarantee it. It’s never missed a payment in those 90 years. The problem now is that they’ve gutted the agency. Although there’s a certain amount of automation to those benefits if you’re already receiving them, it is a legacy system and it has to be maintained. Just in the last week or so, the system’s crashed several times and that’s what the real danger is.”

    She urged the public to take actions, noting that close to 73 million Americans rely on Social Security. “Everyone needs to stay alert, raise their voices, and demand accountability,” she said. “Tell your members of Congress to do their jobs and protect Social Security. Even MAGA voters don’t want to see these benefits cuts.”

    “We should all be proud of our immigrant history, whether you’re U.S.-born or not,” Sui Chung, Executive Director of Americans for Immigrant Justice, said. “The concept of prosecutorial discretion has really been undone by the current administration. If  you are encountered by ICE, even if you have no criminal record, you will be an enforcement priority if you cannot demonstrate that you have current status at this time.”

    Multiple immigration organizations, including Americans for Immigrant Justice have formed a coalition called RAISE, a rapid response hotline for immigrants at risk of detention or deportation.

    If any communities are facing an ICE raid and need assistance, please call RAISE’s hotline at 1-888-600-5762 or visit their website for immigration resources at www.Raise.is.

    The event opened with  remarks from Congresswoman Wilson, followed by remarks from Don Lemon and the  experts panel, each of whom discussed different aspects of the administration’s executive actions and Congressional Republicans’ actions. The remainder of the event was dedicated to audience questions for Congresswoman Wilson and the panelists.

    Congresswoman Frederica Wilson also urged listeners to call Republican members of Congress, Republican Senators, and the White House.

    For the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate Switchboard, call (202) 224-3121.

    For the White House Comment Line, call 202-456-1111.

    Follow the tele-town hall special guest on social media at @DonLemonOfficial, @ArneDuncan, @AmericansForImmigrantJustice, @MarcEElias, @DemocracyDocket, @SocialSecurityWorks, @Century_Foundation, and @TCFdotorg.

    “The Don Lemon Show” is also available live Monday through Friday at 10 AM and 5 PM EST on YouTube and other podcast streaming services @TheDonLemonShow.

    For the full video link to the tele-town hall, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Opening Remarks of Commissioner Kristin N. Johnson at GAIM Ops AI Summit: Using AI To Combat Cybersecurity and Fraud Risks

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    Good afternoon. Thank you to the event organizers for the generous invitation to join you to kick off the AI Summit. The Summit will explore critical topics—data quality and security, good governance for AI, critical third-party service providers, and the integration of generative AI in operating infrastructure, trade execution, clearing, and settlement, and trade surveillance, among others.
    I’d like to highlight two risks implicated by the integration of AI in our markets—cybersecurity and fraud risks. 
    Cyber and fraud risks are ever-present in our markets. Sophisticated AI models have the potential to facilitate high-quality, near-flawless, synthetic content, enabling stunning heists. AI models train, test, and refine their functionality by aggregating and analyzing vast amounts of data, creating enticing targets for cyber intrusion campaigns.
    While the threats are well-documented, we have not yet fully explored the potential for AI to address cyberthreats and AI-driven fraud. In the least, carefully studying coordinated efforts to develop cyber resilience may teach us some important lessons regarding how to use AI to mitigate cyber and fraud threats in our markets. 
    We are witnessing an increasing number of cyber and fraud threats executed using AI technologies. In some instances, the technology that drives these cyber and fraud threats may be an important offensive and defensive tool. 
    Your agenda rightly aims to identify pathways to good AI governance and best practices for individual firms and the broader financial ecosystem.[1]  
    AI and Financial Markets 
    Over the last few years, markets have witnessed the increasing potential for AI to engender efficiencies, reduce costs, harness and analyze vast amounts of data, and enable personalized access to markets. Many firms quickly discovered the potential for AI to streamline trade reporting, anti-money laundering (AML), and other regulatory compliance obligations. Financial services firms have used AI tools for many years, but “maturity in utilization and deployment of AI systems varies by institution and continues to evolve.”[2] 
    In addition, financial services firms use AI tools in both cyber and fraud threat assessments. Integrating innovative AI into legacy systems may, however, create vulnerabilities. 
    In recent years, firms have discovered that AI may become a tool for addressing these vulnerabilities. Machine learning or generative AI may replace or enhance legacy tools for fraud and cyber detection and risk management strategies. AI is enabling firms to educate employees and customers and to identify gaps in their cybersecurity and fraud detection and prevention measures.[3]
    These issues are at the heart of the work of the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and its mission[4] and resonate with my experiences as a lawyer in private practice, in-house, and my service as a Commissioner.[5] At the CFTC, I sponsor the Market Risk Advisory Committee (MRAC), a multi-stakeholder group of market participants that examines risk management issues and makes recommendations on how to improve market structure, mitigate risks, and enhance market integrity and stability for global derivatives markets.[6] MRAC has spent a significant amount of time considering cybersecurity and recommendations to enhance cyber resilience.[7] Fraud-related risks and applications are part of these conversations.
    We know that algorithmic models that may be accurately described as AI have long been employed in financial services markets[8] and that these applications include regulatory surveillance and compliance monitoring.[9] In recent years, however, the use and integration of predictive technologies has increased. 
    In January of 2024, the CFTC issued a request for comment seeking to learn more about the uses of AI in CFTC-regulated markets.[10] I applaud the Commission for issuing the RFC as a pathway to increase visibility and better understand the implications of AI use in our markets. This dialogue between the Commission and market participants aims to enable markets and the Commission to leverage the benefits of evolving AI models while mitigating risks.
    AI fraud and cyber threat prevention, detection, and mitigation represent common ground areas where the Commission and market participants are focused on the potential for AI to enhance market integrity.[11] 
    AI Fueled Cyber and Fraud Threats
    About a year ago, the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) released a report on Managing Artificial Intelligence-Specific Risks in the Financial Services Sector.[12] Several of the observations in the Treasury Report are unlikely to surprise this audience—cyber and fraud-related incidents continue to increase and, in parallel, the losses that firms experience as a result of these threats increase.[13]
    Surveyed market participants indicate that cyberthreat actors benefit from lower barriers to entry, increasingly sophisticated automation, and decreasing time-to-exploit.[14] Firms face cyberthreats from actors including opportunistic fraudsters with access to advanced AI tools to sophisticated nation-state hackers who deploy targeted attacks.
    AI-Driven Fraud
    Evidence suggests that hackers are repurposing AI-based tools previously used in cyber defense tactics to identify weaknesses in networks and cybersecurity applications.[15] These weaknesses open back doors for cyber attacks. Generative AI may enable sophisticated actors to execute more convincing phishing campaigns. Deep fakes and similar campaigns may be more difficult to identify. Generative AI may accelerate the creation of new malware variants, lowering the barrier to entry and empowering a greater number of less sophisticated threat actors.[16] As a result, time-to-exploit is shrinking and the overall risk level to financial organizations is climbing. Notwithstanding many AI developers’ efforts to prevent the adaptation of their models to facilitate fraud, there is a rising tide of misuse of AI technologies.
    Vulnerabilities of Technology
    In addition to cyber threats, the vulnerability of AI systems is equally concerning. Through data poisoning, model evasion, and model extractions, those seeking to adapt models may introduce false data, model weights, and similar tactics to corrupt the AI models to manipulate outputs to benefit their outcome and distort or steal from AI-driven processes.[17] These adaptations potentially undermine the reliability of the models as well as features designed to enable cybersecurity and fraud detection. Data privacy also presents a notable concern. 
    Synthetic Identities and Impersonation
    Identity impersonation and synthetic identity fraud are becoming ever more sophisticated. “Fraudsters can use AI to mimic voice, video, and other behavioral identity factors that financial institutions use to verify a customer’s identity.”[18] The ability to generate near-flawless fake credentials and believable digital appearances raises the stakes for banks, insurers, payment processors, and other financial entities that have traditionally relied on physical or behavioral markers for identification. Fraudsters posing as CEOs and CFOs have caused millions in losses by using AI to execute elaborate schemes to develop synthetic identities to convince company employees to make unauthorized transfers.[19] In response to these concerns, the Commission has issued customer education and outreach announcements to enhance market participants and customers’ awareness of these threats.[20]
    Third Party Risks
    Addressing these threats requires a comprehensive and collaborative approach to third-party risk management and data security. 
    According to the Treasury Report, “financial institutions should appropriately consider how to assess and manage the risks of an extended supply chain, including potentially heightened risks with data and data processing of a wide array of vendors, data brokers, and infrastructure providers.”[21] 
    In some instances, there may be high barriers to entry for providing third-party services. For example, few firms have the capability to offer globally accessible cloud-based services that demonstrate the requisite security protocols to enable financial services market participants to comply with substantial data security, integrity, and transfer standards. 
    As a result, only a few service providers may have the capability to deliver the quality of services needed or to respond to the vast amounts of data or information stored or processed by financial services firms. The limited competition for services may lead to a significant percentage of market participants relying on a handful of service providers.
    We may describe these concerns as concentration risks.[22] While CFTC-regulated entities must “assess the risks of using AI and update policies, procedures, controls, and systems, as appropriate, under applicable CFTC statutory and regulatory requirements,”[23] the Commission, as a regulator, should also take an active role in understanding these risks.
    Each of these links in the supply chain introduces potential vulnerabilities, especially with the increasing volume of data and the complexity of AI models. I have repeatedly raised these concerns.[24] It is important that all partners adhere to robust data protection, privacy guidelines, and contingency planning. These protocols are not only essential for safeguarding financial services firms, but also crucial for the resilience of the entire financial system.
    Next Steps 
    The Treasury Report suggested next steps that identify both challenges and opportunities. I’d like to highlight a few of them that resonate with me and some proposals that I have advocated for during my service at the CFTC.
    As I have intimated, as we study market participants’ use of AI, we are increasingly thoughtful about the Commission’s use of AI. As I’ve noted previously:
    The CFTC has on staff surveillance analysts, forensic economists, and futures trading investigators, each of whom identify and investigate potential violations. These groups use supervisory technology (SupTech) in support of their work. Over the past few years, the CFTC has transitioned much of its data intake and data analysis to a cloud-based architecture. This increases the flexibility and reliability of our data systems and allows us to scale them as necessary. This transition will allow the Commission to store, analyze, and ingest this data more cost-effectively and efficiently.[25]
    Coordination
    I have consistently encouraged both inter-agency and international coordination on issues related to AI.[26] 
    I have advocated for “the creation of an inter-agency task force composed of financial regulators…. [to develop] guidelines, tools, benchmarks, and best practices for the use and regulation of AI in the financial services industry.”[27]  As I have noted, “this approach promises efficiencies and a needed clarity for market participants trying to navigate diverse and sometimes divergent regulatory and compliance frameworks.”[28] 
    Financial services firms have indicated a desire to clarify regulatory approaches to innovative technologies. As reported to Treasury, “[s]ome financial institutions, however, expressed concern about the possibility of regulatory fragmentation as different financial sector regulators at both the state and federal level consider regulations around AI. This concern also extends to firms operating under different international jurisdictions.”[29] 
    Collaboration can help address significant issues and problems of scale, as well as some smaller changes that can help along the way. For example, the Treasury Report notes that “[a]s Generative AI increases in usage, there appears to be a significant gap in data available to financial institutions for training their models to prevent fraud….Ramifications of this data divide are especially apparent for anti-fraud use cases where larger institutions generally have much more internal data.”[30] This is not something that can be solved overnight, and will require thoughtful consideration and coordinated efforts.
    The Treasury Report also encourages clarifying how we understand AI by advocating for a common lexicon specific to AI. Developing an agreed upon definition  which would benefit financial institutions, regulators, and consumers alike, to “not only facilitate appropriate discussion with third parties and regulators but could help improve understanding of the capabilities AI systems may have to improve risk management or to amplify new risks,” and “may help address the current lack of clarity around measuring and identifying risks, especially with the rapid adoption of Generative AI. As noted in the introduction, terminology can have implications for the common understanding of AI technology and its associated risks as well.”[31]
    Conclusion
    I usually offer a standard disclaimer at the start of my remarks—something like, my thoughts are my own and do not reflect the perspectives of others. Today, however, I feel compelled to disclose that I used ChatGPT to draft this speech. Just kidding. 
    The research and development of this speech reflects weeks of effort by my staff and their patience with my not-so-gentle editing. However, as someone who spends significant amounts of time reading, studying, and processing data, I am tempted, at times, to defer to an increasingly capable generative AI model to serve as my speechwriter-in-chief. Assuming others will find tempting uses for AI as well, let’s figure out the best, responsible path for bringing this technology into our markets. 

    [1] The thoughts and perspectives that I share with you today are my own; they are not the views and perspectives of my fellow Commissioners, the Commission, or the staff of the CFTC.

    [3] Treasury Report at 12-15.

    [4] See, e.g., 7 U.S.C. § 5.

    [5] See, e.g., Keynote Remarks of Commissioner Johnson for Governing Data at Iowa Innovation and Business Law Center and Yale Law Journal of Law & Technology at Yale Law School: Twin Peaks – Emerging Technologies (AI) and Critical Third Parties (Apr. 4, 2025), https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/SpeechesTestimony/opajohnson16.

    [8] U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission, Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC-Regulated Markets (Jan. 25, 2024), https://www.cftc.gov/PressRoom/PressReleases/8853-24 (citing Commissioner Kristin Johnson, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Financial Markets, Manuel F. Cohen Lecture, George Washington University Law School (Oct. 17, 2023) (describing the historic development and integration of increasingly complex algorithms including supervised and unsupervised machine learning algorithms in financial markets)).

    [11] For example, a joint letter from trade associations and exchanges referred to the use of AI for compliance processes and controls and the World Federation of Exchanges identified compliance as a use case, stating “AI can be used to reduce manual inputs for trade documentation and regulatory reporting, as well as reducing market manipulation….” See Letter from World Federation of Exchanges to CFTC, Regarding Response to Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC-Regulated Markets (Apr. 24, 2024), https://comments.cftc.gov/PublicComments/ViewComment.aspx?id=73447; Letter from Futures Industry Association, FIA Principal Traders Group, CME Group, Inc., and Intercontinental Exchange Inc. to CFTC, Regarding Release No. 8853-24 (Jan. 25, 2024) Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC-Regulated Markets (Apr. 24, 2024), https://comments.cftc.gov/PublicComments/ViewComment.aspx?id=73444. The Bank Policy Institute stated that “… AI models, including generative AI tools, are being evaluated or piloted [by banking organizations] to enhance operational efficiencies and risk mitigation in the cybersecurity and fraud prevention contexts.” See Letter from Bank Policy Institute to CFTC, Regarding Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC-Regulated Markets (CFTC Release No. 8553-24) (Apr. 17, 2024), https://comments.cftc.gov/PublicComments/ViewComment.aspx?id=73424.

    [12] See Treasury Report. 

    [13] Treasury Report at 10-11. Responses to the CFTC’s RFC also highlighted AI-driven fraud risk. For example, Letter from Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy to CFTC, Regarding Request for Comment on the Use of Artificial Intelligence in CFTC Regulated Markets (Apr. 24, 2024), https://comments.cftc.gov/PublicComments/ViewComment.aspx?id=73457.

    [14] Treasury Report at 16.

    [15] See, e.g., id. at 17.

    [21] Treasury Report at 19.

    [29] Treasury Report at 35.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Work to start on Athllon Drive upgrades

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Part of the road, between Sulwood Drive and Drakeford Drive in Tuggeranong, will be duplicated.

    Work to duplicate part of Athllon Drive in Tuggeranong is set to start in the coming months.

    The ACT Government will invest in the project through the 2024–25 ACT Budget, as part of a 50:50 funding agreement with the Australian Government.

    The project will see the duplication of 2.4 kilometres of Athllon Drive between Sulwood Drive and Drakeford Drive in Tuggeranong.

    The work to begin in the coming months will include:

    • relocating overhead electricity cables
    • water and sewer works
    • new walking and cycling path connections
    • path widening
    • new lighting.

    The first work on the northern section of the duplication will also commence in the coming year.

    This will include the construction of a widened intersection at Shea Street in Phillip to support access to the future Woden Bus Depot.

    About Athllon Drive

    Athllon Drive extends south from Woden, through Mawson and Wanniassa to Tuggeranong.

    Two rapid bus routes, cyclists and nearly 2,000 vehicles currently use this road every hour during peak periods.

    The duplication project will improve safety for motorists, walkers and cyclists, and result in a smoother, safer and faster journey between Tuggeranong and Woden.

    Budget invests in roads across Canberra

    This year’s Budget will maintain and upgrade the ACT’s road network over the coming years.

    This will include investment to start planning on new and upgraded roads, through a 50:50 partnership with the Australian Government, following commitments in the recent Federal Budget.

    Included in this is the future Molonglo Parkway-Drive Connector. The road will provide access between the future Molonglo Town Centre and the Tuggeranong Parkway.

    Design will also commence on future road improvements in Gungahlin. This includes possible road widening and intersection upgrades, following the finalisation of the Gungahlin Transport Plan later this year.

    The Budget commits additional funding to complete the Beltana Road upgrade in Pialligo and the Gundaroo Drive duplication in Belconnen in the coming financial year.

    In addition to these new road projects, this Budget continues to invest in road maintenance. This includes:

    • creating four new full-time positions in the City Services in-house line-marking crew, to renew faded road and path line-marking
    • carrying out critical bridge upgrades and improvements to traffic signals
    • renewal of Canberra’s green road signs, the Diddams Close boat ramp in Belconnen and the Parkes Way tunnel through Acton.

    Road pavement maintenance and rehabilitation will also remain a focus, thanks to investment from the Australian Government through the Roads to Recovery program.

    Funding to improve active travel

    Budget funding will be used to establish a new path replacement crew.

    This includes an additional 10 full-time positions plus new equipment to replace old or hazardous sections of concrete paths.

    This insourced crew will be able to respond to cracked, broken and lifted paths more quickly.

    They will also be able to make small-scale age-friendly improvements, such as building new ramps, kerbs and missing sections of paths.

    Over the next year, budget funding will be used to construct missing path links and connections across the city.

    This is in response to community feedback on gaps in the path network.

    New lighting will be installed to improve visibility and safety, prioritising areas identified by women and vulnerable users as requiring improvement.

    Funds will be invested in major works to renew the Emu Bank foreshore as part of the next stage of the Lake Ginninderra path upgrade.

    These works will include:

    • completely reconstructing the ageing lake retaining wall
    • replacing the pavers which present ongoing trip hazards
    • widening the path along the foreshore to create a safer, more pleasant environment.

    New funding will also be provided to undertake planning and design on segments of the future walking and cycling network identified in the Active Travel Plan, released earlier this year.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Castor, Buchanan, Soto and Bilirakis Aim to Protect Florida’s Coasts from Offshore Drilling

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Reprepsentative Kathy Castor (FL14)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Kathy Castor (FL-14), Vern Buchanan (FL-16), Darren Soto (FL-9) and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) introduced critical bipartisan legislation, the Florida Coastal Protection Act, to permanently prohibit oil and natural gas exploration, development, and production off Florida’s coast.  

    “Florida is a special but fragile place, and our way of life depends on clean water. Dangerous offshore drilling can devastate both our environment and our economy, posing huge risks to everything that makes Florida special. Our Florida coasts are beloved by people across the globe. Tourism and fishing are the lifeblood of our coastal economy in the Sunshine State, so we must ensure our water, beaches, and wildlife in the Eastern Gulf are sustained, said Rep. Castor. “Together we can permanently protect these waters, our planet, our pocketbooks and our people from costly oil disasters and pollution.”

    “While I support responsible investments in American energy, we must also recognize the unique importance of protecting Florida’s coastline,” said Rep. Buchanan. “The Deepwater Horizon disaster in 2010 showed just how devastating an offshore spill can be to our economy, environment and way of life. As co-chair of the bipartisan Florida congressional delegation, I remain committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to safeguard our state’s beautiful beaches and coastal waters.”

    “Florida’s coastline is more than a beautiful backdrop—it’s a vital part of who we are. Our beaches and marine ecosystems support hundreds of thousands of jobs, drive tourism, sustain our fishing industries, and provide a home to some of the most unique and fragile wildlife in the world,” said Rep. Darren Soto. “Offshore drilling puts all of that at risk. One spill could devastate our economy and irreparably damage ecosystems that took generations to build. This bipartisan legislation reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding our waters—not just for today, but for every generation that comes after us. Floridians deserve clean beaches, thriving marine life, and a resilient coastal economy—and that starts with keeping oil rigs off our shores for good.”

    “We’ve seen the long-lasting harm that can come from oil spills including: damage to the environment, disruption to marine life, and the paralysis of local economies that depend heavily on fishing, tourism, and recreation,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “Protecting Florida’s pristine coastline from future oil spills is crucial for preserving its unique ecosystems.  Ensuring the health of the coastline will safeguard not only the environment but also the livelihoods of communities that rely on its natural beauty and resources.”

    Endorsing organizations of the Florida Coastal Protection Act include Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Defenders of Wildlife, Earthjustice, League of Conservation Voters, Environment America, Surfrider Foundation, Turtle Island Restoration Network, Nassau Hiking & Outdoor Club, Lee (MA) Greener Gateway Committee, South Shore Audubon Society (Freeport, NY), Sierra Club, and The CLEO Institute.

    Read the full text of the bill.

    “Oceana applauds Rep. Castor and Rep. Buchanan for advancing the bipartisan tradition of protecting Florida’s coasts,” said Oceana Campaign Director Joseph Gordon. “Oil spills can be economically devastating for communities that rely on clean oceans and healthy wildlife. This visionary bill will forever secure Florida’s treasured coastlines from the threat of offshore oil drilling, protecting an essential way of life for millions of people who call the Sunshine State home – and millions more who visit its shores every year.”

    “This important legislation will protect Florida’s environment, economy, climate, and way of life from the harmful effects of offshore oil and gas development,” said Katie Bauman, Florida Policy Manager of the Surfrider Foundation. “The Surfrider Foundation urges members of Congress to support the Florida Coastal Protection Act and other bills to permanently prohibit new offshore drilling in U.S. waters.”

    Yoca Arditi-Rocha, Executive Director of The CLEO Institute added, “As a state where our clean beaches are a central driver of our tourism economy, The Florida Coastal Protection Act is essential to protecting the people and places we love. We can avoid using dirty and dangerous fuels by transitioning to clean electric vehicles and investing in public transportation. This is how we guarantee clean water and air for all.

    “Florida’s beaches, bottlenose dolphins and manatees are too important to risk for more oil, but we’ve seen repeatedly that when we drill, we spill,” said Lisa Frank, Executive Director of Environment America. The Florida Coastal Protection Act would conserve our waters and wildlife for generations to come by keeping offshore drilling out of Florida’s waters. Congress should pass this bill immediately and send it to President Trump’s desk.”

    “The barrier islands, white sandy beaches and coastal marshes surrounding Florida’s shoreline provide necessary habitat for iconic reef fish, extensive shorebird populations, sea turtles and marine mammals like the Florida manatee,” said Ben Prater, Southeast Program Director for Defenders of Wildlife. “This legislation will protect Florida’s coasts from the known, concrete risks of offshore drilling while moving to ensure a safer future for the endangered and imperiled coastal wildlife that call the state home.”

    “Permanently protecting Florida’s pristine Gulf coast from the threats of offshore drilling has had resounding support for years, regardless of political party,” said Earthjustice senior legislative representative Laura M. Esquivel. “From their robust tourism sector to their vital sustainable fishing industry, Floridians cherish the Gulf and want it free of toxic oil and gas. This bipartisan bill is proof that safeguarding a brighter future for Florida’s Gulf coast is within reach, and that Representatives Castor, Soto, Buchanan, and Bilirakis can make it happen.”

    “For decades, Floridians—Democrats and Republicans alike—have stood united against offshore drilling, knowing it threatens the state’s tourism-driven economy, coastal communities, and way of life. The Florida Coastal Protection Act reflects this long-standing bipartisan opposition by ensuring that our beaches, fisheries, and marine ecosystems are not put at risk for the sake of short-term fossil fuel profits. Healthy Gulf supports efforts to secure permanent protections for Florida’s waters, and we urge Congress to uphold the will of the people by passing this vital legislation,” said Martha Collins, Executive Director for Healthy Gulf.

    “Protecting Florida’s waters puts coastal communities and wildlife above polluters and brings us closer to a world where our waters are free from oil spills, endangered whale populations are free from seismic blasting, and local economies can thrive,” said Taryn Kiekow Heimer, Director of Ocean Energy at the Natural Resources Defense Council. “Now more than ever, we need leadership from Congress to protect our oceans from an industry that only cares about its bottom line – and a Trump administration willing to do anything to give those oil billionaires what they want.”

    “Our coasts are a source of life, livelihood, and recreation for coastal communities and the millions of visitors they see every year,” said Athan Manuel, Director of Sierra Club’s Lands Protection Program. “They also support untold diverse wildlife and ecosystems that are put at risk by exploitation from the oil and gas industry. This bill provides much-needed critical protections for the health of our coastal communities and to ensure that future generations will get to enjoy the wonders of our oceans and beaches.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Disability Opportunity Office to Award 23 Organizations $2 Million in Funding for Disability Application Assistance

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER — The Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC), now housed in the recently established Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE), will be awarding $2 million in grant funding for disability application assistance. Grantees across the state were selected for their work in helping individuals and families complete their applications for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), long-term Medicaid, appeals, tax filing assistance, property tax rebates, rent and heat assistance, earned income, state tax credits, and other benefit applications. T

    he committee received requests for over $8.4 million in grant funding from a widely diverse group of 61 organizations that specialize in services for individuals with specific disabilities, underserved demographic communities, and diverse geographical areas across Colorado. The Governor-appointed members of the CDFC report that this assessment and award-granting process was the most competitive and difficult one to date. 

    “Every Coloradan deserves access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive and are eligible to receive, but applying for these benefits can be challenging. The overwhelming response to this grant program shows just how critical these services are for individuals with disabilities across our state,” said Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera. “Through this funding, we are empowering organizations that are helping individuals and families with disabilities navigate complex application processes and access essential benefits. I am grateful for the work of the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office and the Colorado Disability Funding Committee in advancing equity and opportunity for the disability community.” 

    “With more than 61 applications for this round of funding, and requests for well over the available $2 million, the CDFC had difficult decisions to make,” said CDOO Director, Danny Combs. “It’s clear there is a huge need to offer further support to individuals with disabilities, and CDOO is committed to doing all we can to provide more pathways to opportunity for all Colorado’s disability community. ” 

    23 Non-profit organizations and county human services agencies from all corners of the state have been selected to receive funds. The grantees CDOO intends to award are listed below. 

    In the Denver metro area and along the Front Range: 

    • Atlantis Community, Inc.
    • The Denver Indian Center Inc.
    • El Grupo Vida, Inc.
    • Work Options for Women
    • Easter Seals Colorado La Raza Services, Inc.
    • The Center for People with Disabilities
    • The Arc of Larimer County Disabled Resource Services
    • The Mental Health Care Center of Denver
    • Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment (DOVE)
    • The Rocky Mountain MS Center
    • The Aurora Comprehensive Community Mental Health Center, Inc.
    • The Ensight Skills Center, Inc.
    • The Center for Legal Advocacy

     In Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and some of Southeast Colorado: 

    • The Resource Exchange, Inc. 

    In rural and underserved areas: 

    • Community Connections, Inc.
    • The Northwest Colorado Center for Independence Connections for Independent Living
    • The Center for Independence, Inc.
    • Archuleta County Department of Human Services
    • Montrose County Department of Human Services
    • Morgan County Department of Human Services 

    CDOO’s most recent New and Innovative grant application recently closed after receiving 191 applications and more than $15 million in grant requests for ideas that will improve the independence and quality of life for Coloradans experiencing a disability. The CDFC has just begun analysis and hopes to make recommendations and award decisions by the end of April. CDOO expects to open a third round of grant funding later this summer. 

    About The Colorado Disability Funding Committee (CDFC) 

    The Colorado Disability Funding Committee is made up of 13 Governor-appointed members, with the requirement that at least seven members must identify as living with a disability or have first-hand experience working with someone who does. Members oversee the distribution of grant funds which are used to invest in new and innovative initiatives working to increase the quality of life and independence of Coloradans with disabilities, and to assist Coloradans with disabilities apply for programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicaid. 

    About The Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) 

    Established by HB24-1360 in 2024, the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office (CDOO) is the point of contact for state agencies, private sector organizations, and the public to advance the integration and inclusion of the disability community. CDOO sits at the intersection of policy development and implementation, and HB 24-1360 ensures that CDOO leadership continues to advise the Governor and his team on disability policy, ensure cross-agency collaboration, and provide funding through the CDFC to disability organizations and businesses. ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Proposals Sought for New Cruise Terminal in Buffalo

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the state is moving forward with plans to bring Great Lakes cruises to Buffalo. A Request for Proposals was issued today by the state’s Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation seeking proposals to design, develop and create a new cruise terminal to support Great Lakes cruise operations at Slip 2 on the Outer Harbor. Based on expressed interest by cruise companies, it is expected that Buffalo could serve as a port as early as 2027. This request follows ECHDC’s previously completed Market Demand Study for the cruise industry in Buffalo, which is available on the Empire State Development website. Proposals must be submitted to ESD by May 7 at 2 p.m. with an anticipated contract start date in June 2025.

    “Adding Buffalo as a terminal on a Great Lakes cruise itinerary is a tremendous opportunity for the City of Buffalo and Western New York,” Governor Hochul said. “Buffalo is well-positioned as a destination in the growing industry, allowing the city and region to benefit from the increased visitors and resulting positive economic impact. New York State is committed to providing the facilities needed to accommodate the cruise operations and ensure smooth sailing ahead.”

    The project aims to reimagine the current site for cruise ship docking for both domestic and international travel. Site improvements will include upgrades to seawall shoring; site remediation; improved public access; landscaping, drainage, lighting, and a small parking lot. The scope of work also includes design of one or two small, single-story buildings for customs processing and public restroom facilities.

    In 2024, ECHDC completed a Market Demand Study for the cruise ship industry in Buffalo, that focused on the potential and viability for Buffalo to become a destination for cruise lines already touring the Great Lakes. The study also analyzed six potential locations along the Buffalo waterfront that could support cruise operations. The recommended site for this is at the south berth space of Slip 2, near the former location of the Pier Restaurant that was demolished in 2007. ECHDC used this study to initiate conversations with several Great Lakes cruise lines to bolster the city’s potential as a cruise destination. Based on these conversations, ECHDC is issuing this RFP for a consultant to work with ECHDC and various state, federal, and local agencies to develop a comprehensive site plan to support cruise operations. The building and site design will be reflective of the aesthetic created by previous ECHDC projects at the nearby Bell Slip and Wilkeson Pointe.

    While a small subset of the cruise ship industry, the Great Lakes cruise sector has nearly tripled its total passenger numbers—from 9,000 in 2010 to more than 25,000 in 2023. The post-COVID growth of the industry is expected to continue, with larger numbers of passengers, vessels, revenues, and related activities in Great Lakes port cities. Cleveland, Milwaukee, Duluth, Detroit, and other coastal cities are already taking advantage of these upward trends. Buffalo’s strategic position at the southern end of the Welland Canal – the only access point for cruise ships into the Great Lakes from the St. Lawrence River – coupled with its unique attractions and assets make the destination a logical stopover point. Given Buffalo’s variety of tourist sites, airports, hotels, and access to consumers within a four- to six-hour drive, the community has in place the primary destination infrastructure necessary to support homeport status, meaning starting or ending a cruise itinerary, activities as well.

    Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Chairperson Joan Kesner said, “With a cruise terminal on the Outer Harbor, Buffalo can play an important and growing role as a unique, seasonal destination for small vessels across the industry, whether luxury, expedition, or niche market cruises. Governor Hochul recognizes the tremendous cultural, architectural, and other assets our region offers and now we’re ready to share them with the rest of the world.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Buffalo offers diverse cultural and historical experiences, making it ideal for cruise operations and their customers on the Great Lakes. As we take the first step toward establishing a cruise terminal on the Outer Harbor, we are also taking steps toward contributing to economic development in a new industry for Western New York by the associated boost in local tourism that will support local businesses and create new jobs.”

    The Buffalo waterfront and its development are priorities for Governor Hochul, with today’s announcement being the latest milestone in a series of her Buffalo waterfront announcements. Construction on the Wilkeson Pointe Improvement Project on the Outer Harbor and the Gateway Building at Canalside are slated to be complete by Memorial Day with the Waterway of Change exhibit at the Longshed also opening then. The Slip 2 ecosystem restoration continues this summer with the North Aud Block and Terminal B water’s edge project in the planning phase. Terminal B and the Bell Slip were completed last year.

    State Senator April Baskin said, “I applaud Governor Hochul for her forward thinking in developing a cruise terminal on the Outer Harbor and the economic impact it will undoubtedly have on tourism in Western New York. I value any economic development, and this project is uniquely positioned to highlight the beautiful assets only our area can tout.”

    Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Reimagining Buffalo’s Outer Harbor to allow for Great Lakes Cruises will give locals and visitors the chance to explore what makes Western New York special. This project is yet another way we can chart our own course using natural resources to expand the blue economy in Buffalo and along other port cities. I look forward to seeing this site grow into another tourism asset on our Great Lakes thanks to the leadership of Governor Hochul.”

    Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “It makes tremendous sense to include Buffalo as a port on the Great Lakes Cruise schedule and is another way that Erie County can showcase all that it has to offer. This plan will bring more visitors to our area to enjoy our restaurants, sports teams, shopping and recreation. I thank Governor Hochul for moving this plan forward and I look forward to cruise ships full of tourists arriving here.”

    City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, “Buffalo has long been known for its waterfront and its revitalization, and today’s announcement by Governor Hochul marks an exciting new chapter in how we can connect that asset to tourism and economic development. The potential to welcome Great Lakes cruises to Buffalo not only elevates our city as a premier destination, but also opens the door to new jobs, businesses, and investment opportunities. I thank Governor Hochul and the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation for their continued commitment to revitalizing our waterfront.”

    About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation

    As a subsidiary of ESD, the state’s chief economic development agency, ECHDC supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance, and natural beauty.

    ECHDC is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a ESD as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two non-voting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guilty Verdict for Man Who Shot Groundskeeper In Dispute Over Leaf Blowing

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – A Superior Court jury found Lawrence Murphy, 52, of Washington, D.C., guilty on April 4, 2025, of one count of aggravated assault while armed and related charges for shooting the victim, an entrepreneur with a groundskeeping business, in March 2020, over a dispute about blowing leaves and debris in his yard, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                In addition to the aggravated assault charge, the jury also found Murphy guilty of one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, one count of felon in possession, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition. Superior Court Judge Jennifer Di Toro scheduled sentencing for June 9, 2025.

                According to the evidence presented at trial, at approximately 6:30 p.m., on March 31, 2020, the victim was blowing leaves in the alley of the 1300 block of Queen Street NE, when the defendant, Murphy, became upset alleging the victim was blowing leaves towards his house. The defendant was standing on his porch and yelled at the victim words to the effect, “blow that sh*t before I kill you’re a**.” Murphy then shot the victim causing injuries to his wrist. The victim observed the shooter run inside the house of 1311 Queen Street NE. Camera footages in the area captured the defendant leaving out of the back yard and running down an alley a minute later. An eyewitness heard a “pop” noise, looked out the window and saw the victim in the alley and the defendant on the porch. The eyewitness informed the officers that a Green GMC, which was parked on the road, is associated with the defendant. Officers stayed on scene to see if anyone returned to the area, and at approximately 8:03 p.m., Murphy returns to the scene and attempted to get into the Green GMC, which is captured on the officer’s body worn camera footage. He was wearing the same clothing and matching the description the victim provided to police. He was arrested at the scene.

                This case was investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department.

                It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shaniqua Butler and Negar Kordestani.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The radical European peasant movements that formed populist parties and breakaway republics

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jakub Beneš, Associate Professor in Central European History, UCL

    From Poland and France to the US, rightwing populist parties dominate rural and post-industrial hinterlands while the centrist liberal vote is concentrated in cities. This urban-rural divide is arguably the main political fault line in Europe and North America today.

    It appears the backlash against globalised capitalism is strongest when associated with rural conservatism and xenophobia against migrants. But anti-urban populism has not always been – and perhaps isn’t now – a simple reaction against the forces of modernity.

    In my new book, The Last Peasant War: Violence and Revolution in Twentieth-Century Eastern Europe, I explore how peasant movements in eastern Europe during the first half of the 20th century often combined deep resentment of cities with aspirations for radical social and economic change. These movements aimed to create a more egalitarian countryside while enhancing its influence and prosperity.

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    The first world war was the main catalyst. Warring countries in central and eastern Europe introduced harsh controls of the rural economy to secure food for armies and the urban labour force. Villagers working small plots of land resented these measures and the cities that dictated their terms.

    Confronted with shortages at home and death at the front, hundreds of thousands of peasants deserted from the poorly led armies of Austria-Hungary and Russia. In Austria-Hungary, and later in the Russian civil war, scores of thousands of armed peasant deserters banded together to form motley “green” forces based in forests and hilly areas.

    These men, along with recently demobilised soldiers, led a wave of bloody violence in many areas of the east European countryside as the old empires disintegrated. Large estates were sacked, officials chased off, and Jewish merchants robbed and humiliated. Peasant crowds often targeted towns as the places that appeared to mastermind and benefit from their exploitation.

    In most places, the unrest did not last long. Yet the deserter movements and other forms of rural wartime resistance galvanised interwar agrarian politics – that is, politics concerned with the cultivation and distribution of land – on a scale not seen before or since.

    Peasants demanded the breakup and redistribution of large estate land, the end of wars led by parasitic cities, representation of peasants in national governments proportionate to their numbers, and local autonomy.

    These were undeniably revolutionary goals. The Russian Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin and his followers were forced to revise the mainstream Marxist view of a backward peasantry. His government legalised land seizures by peasants with a 1917 decree before reintroducing the despised wartime economy and later concluding an uneasy truce with the countryside during the 1920s. The war against the Soviet peasantry was finally won during Stalin’s brutal collectivisation drive in the early 1930s.

    Many ambitious peasant initiatives remained isolated from each other: village republics sprouted up in parts of the former Habsburg and Romanov empires with the chief aim of redistributing large estate land.

    As the new countries of east central Europe consolidated their power, they faced competition from micro-states in parts of Croatia, Slovenia and Poland. Many short-lived republics were reported across Ukraine and European Russia.

    More durable were the rural populist parties that became a defining feature of east European politics. From 1919 to 1923, Bulgaria was ruled by the Bulgarian Agrarian National Union under Aleksandar Stamboliyski, who introduced far-reaching reforms to elevate and reward agricultural work before he was murdered in a coup.

    In the former Habsburg lands, agrarian politics mushroomed in the aftermath of the first world war, influencing national politics through the end of the second world war. The peasant masses looked to the Polish People’s party, the Croatian Peasant party, and others to lead them forward on a “third way” to modernity, avoiding the pitfalls of both heartless liberalism and tyrannical communism.

    Eastern European governments implemented agrarian reform to benefit land-hungry villagers, but it fell short of expectations. Later, the rise of authoritarian regimes across much of the region by the early 1930s forced many peasant movements out of parliamentary politics. Politically marginalised, reeling from the Great Depression, millions of villagers embraced extremist politics, fascism included.

    But Hitler’s occupation of much of eastern Europe found little support among them. Large numbers of peasants joined or supported resistance movements, tipping the scales against the axis forces in Yugoslavia. In Poland, the rural populists had their own armed resistance numbering in the hundreds of thousands: the Peasant Battalions.

    By around 1950, peasant revolution was extinguished in Europe. Collectivisation in the east and mechanisation across the continent altered the fabric of rural life. Tens of millions left the land for cities, never to return.

    The politics they backed in the era of world wars are now a distant memory. At the time, city dwellers looked at them with a mixture of fear and puzzlement. How, they asked, could men like Stamboliyski and Stjepan Radić of the Croatian Peasant party rail against city life while claiming they wanted to make their societies more equal and prosperous?

    Then, as now, the world beyond the metropolis nurtured sentiments far more radical than we often assume.

    Jakub Beneš has received funding from UKRI’s Arts and Humanities Research Council.

    – ref. The radical European peasant movements that formed populist parties and breakaway republics – https://theconversation.com/the-radical-european-peasant-movements-that-formed-populist-parties-and-breakaway-republics-251379

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Peru is losing its battle against organised crime

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Amalendu Misra, Professor of International Politics, Lancaster University

    The president of Peru, Dina Boluarte, declared a state of emergency in the capital city, Lima, on March 18. The decree, which came amid a wave of violence, gives the police and military full control of the security situation there for a period of 30 days.

    Peru is no stranger to emergencies of this kind. Only last year, in September 2024, Boluarte’s government declared a 60-day state of emergency in 12 districts of the capital. The rationale for declaring the emergency now, as in the past, remains the same: to address the threat posed by criminal gangs.

    The latest emergency was prompted by the brazen killing of Paul Flores, the popular 39-year-old lead singer of a Peruvian band called Armonia 10. Flores was shot dead by assailants who attacked a bus he was riding in with bandmates and attempted to extort money from them as they left a concert.

    Peru has seen a spate of killings, violent extortion and attacks on public places in recent months. According to the Peruvian police, there were 459 killings across the country between January 1 and March 16, and over 1,900 reports of extortion in January alone.

    Many Peruvians point to the fact that the extortion and homicide racket may be far more severe than official statistics suggest. Plenty of those affected by criminality do not report their misfortune for fears of reprisal by criminal gangs.

    On March 21, a few days after the state of emergency in Lima was declared, Peru’s Congress voted to remove the interior minister, Juan José Santiváñez, from office. In a post on X, they said Santiváñez must take responsibility for his “inability to address the wave of citizen insecurity the country is facing”.

    Peru serves as a hotspot for sexual slavery, illegal organ trafficking and labour exploitation. In addition, it is also the second-largest producer of cocaine in the world.

    Over 95,000 hectares of land was dedicated to coca cultivation in the country in 2023 – an 18% increase from the figure recorded in 2021. This expansion has been driven primarily by cultivation in Peru’s indigenous territories and protected areas. Indigenous territories now account for 20% of all the coca cultivated in Peru.

    These lucrative operations are led by local crime organisations, often working in collusion with corrupt public officials and foreign partners. According to Organized Crime Index, these criminal networks include police officers and migration officials who work at control points on the borders and facilitate illegal activities.

    The logistics of Peru’s cocaine trade are often also managed by Serbian, Mexican and Colombian mafias. From Peru, cocaine goes through Mexico for the US market and Brazil for the European market. Some shipments are sent directly to Oceania and Japan.

    Criminal governance

    Peru’s perpetual political instability, weak criminal justice system and the poor presence of the state in its outlying territories allow various criminal groups to engage in their nefarious trade.

    Two former Peruvian presidents have faced corruption charges. One of them, Alejandro Toledo, was sentenced to 20 years in jail for corruption in 2024. The authorities accused Toledo of accepting US$35 million (£27 million) in bribes from Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht to allow the company to build a highway in Peru.

    Another controversial former president, Alberto Fujimori, had been in prison for 16 years for human rights abuses and corruption after being extradited from Chile in 2007. He was released in 2023 on humanitarian grounds and died the following year.

    Meanwhile, prosecutors in Peru are seeking a 34-year sentence for ex-president Pedro Castillo, who was removed from office and arrested after his attempt to dissolve Congress in late 2022 and rule by decree. Castillo has described his trial as “politicised” and has refused legal counsel provided by the judicial system.

    So many former Peruvian presidents have been accused of crimes that the country has designated a small jail on the outskirts of Lima specifically to house them. As Colombia-based journalist John Otis put it in a radio interview in 2023, the Barbadillo prison not only serves as a symbol of corruption, but also a testimony to political dysfunction in the country.

    The spread of economic activities operating outside the law, such as illegal gold mining, has emboldened organised crime in Peru. Instances of politicians and criminals working together to line their pockets are not uncommon.

    A good example is César Álvarez, the governor of the resource-rich Áncash region of western Peru. Nicknamed “the beast” by the citizens of the province because of his reputation for political violence, Álvarez allegedly operated with impunity by asserting his control through an elaborate network of government institutions and criminal organisations.

    According to an indictment by Peru’s public prosecutor’s office, Álvarez extorted, threatened and ordered the assassination of political adversaries while in office between 2007 and 2014. Álvarez, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, was sentenced to eight years and three months in prison in 2019.

    When the government in Lima last declared an emergency in parts of the capital in 2024, the country’s federation of business associations stated: “We live under siege from organised crime which has taken control of the country in the alarming absence of the state”.

    This statement appears prophetic. Peru, it appears, is losing the battle against organised crime.

    Amalendu Misra is a recipient of Nuffield Foundation and British Academy Fellowships.

    – ref. Peru is losing its battle against organised crime – https://theconversation.com/peru-is-losing-its-battle-against-organised-crime-252349

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: At a pivotal meeting, the world is set to decide how to cut shipping emissions

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Simon Bullock, Research Associate, Shipping and Climate Change, University of Manchester

    GreenOak / shutterstock

    You’re probably reading this article on a device assembled in Asia, using materials shipped there from all around the world. After it was made, your phone or laptop most likely travelled to your country on a huge ship powered by one of the world’s largest diesel engines, one of thousands plying the world’s oceans. All this maritime activity adds up: international shipping burns over 200 million tonnes of fossil fuels a year.

    The sector is trying to clean up its act. Its 2023 global climate strategy set a “strive” ambition of 30% cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, relative to 2008 emissions and 80% by 2040. That’s close to a level of ambition that can deliver on the Paris climate agreement, but this target urgently needs policies to make it happen. This is also urgent: 2030 is only five years away.

    The technology to deliver a rapid transition exists. Wind propulsion technology – yes, sails – can be fitted to existing ships, and much of the sector could soon switch to zero-emission fuels if they were seen as a good investment.

    That said, the transition needs to be fast and will be costly. This raises questions about who is to foot the bill.

    That’s the backdrop for a pivotal meeting this week in London at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The IMO is the United Nations’ agency, made up of 175 nation states, charged with coordinating a response on shipping’s climate pollution. At this meeting, nations will take a series of decisions which will have a profound impact on whether the sector makes a rapid transition away from fossil fuels, or if it continues to limp along on its current high-carbon course.

    There are two crucial and interlinked decisions to be taken, and at the moment the proposals range from strong to exceptionally weak. Outcomes could go either way.

    Improving efficiency

    The efficiency of shipping hasn’t got much attention, even though it’s an important part of reducing emissions. One key policy is the Carbon Intensity Indicator, which measures how much carbon is emitted per tonne of cargo for every mile travelled. The IMO’s current strategy requires improving this efficiency by 40% by 2030, compared to 2008 levels.

    Annual fuel oil consumption (by ship type):

    How different fuels were used by different ship types (2023 data).
    IMO Future Fuels, CC BY-NC-SA

    But here’s the problem: global demand for shipping is expected to grow by around 60% in that same time. So even with a 40% efficiency boost, total emissions from shipping could stay the same – or even go up – because so much more cargo will be moved.

    Despite this, many countries haven’t updated their policies to reflect this growing demand or to align with the IMO’s updated “30% cuts by 2030” target.

    Some countries, including Palau – a Pacific island nation vulnerable to climate change – and the UK, have pushed for stronger action. But there remains a long way to go before the world agrees on an ambitious path forward.

    Green energy

    The more hotly debated issue is around a fiendishly complicated set of “mid-term measures”. A key part of this is creating a “global fuel standard” – essentially, targets for how much “zero emission” (or “green”) fuel ships must use and by when.

    These rules would come with penalties or costs for using polluting fuels, which would effectively put a price on greenhouse gas emissions. Experts have long agreed that putting a price on shipping pollution is the most effective way to encourage cleaner and more efficient practices. But despite nearly 20 years of discussions, countries still haven’t agreed how to do this.

    Decisions are further complicated by wrangles over how to fairly distribute the revenues from these penalties.

    Who should get the revenues from shipping pollution?
    Uncle_Dave / shutterstock

    The good news is that the world is less than a week away from a decision which will put a price on shipping pollution in some form. The bad news is that proposals on the table could easily deliver a weak, uncertain price signal which doesn’t push the industry to invest in more green solutions. And the fuel standard itself might fall short of the ambitious climate targets set in 2023.

    Until now, talks on improving shipping efficiency and on pricing polluting fuels have happened separately. A big task at the IMO summit in London is to integrate the two into one coordinated plan.

    From a climate perspective, these policies should be judged by whether they will work together to cut shipping emissions by 30% by 2030 (the IMO’s current target).

    As things stand, that outcome is still possible – but is now an uphill battle. Agreement this week is crucial and countries will show their true colours. If they can’t agree to agree more ambitious policies it will undermine the IMO’s ability to regulate shipping emissions.

    Historically, the IMO tends to take its biggest decisions in the last hours of Thursday in week-long negotiations. Both ambitious and more cautious countries have a lot on the line, as the measure adopted will be legally binding for all of them.

    A positive result depends on whether powerful groups such as the European Union line up to support ambitious measures, as as proposed by African, Caribbean, Central American and Pacific countries as well as the UK.

    Although countries have agreed on climate targets for shipping, some still refuse to support the policies needed to actually phase out fossil fuels fast enough. That stance much change. If done right, IMO negotiations this week could be a turning point – not just for shipping, but for renewable energy and climate action worldwide.

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

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

    Simon Bullock is a member of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology

    Christiaan De Beukelaer receives funding from the ClimateWorks Foundation.

    Tristan Smith owns shares in UMAS International, that working alongside UCL Energy Institute, provides advisory services on the subject of maritime decarbonisation. My research group is recipient of research funding from UKRI, Climateworks Foundation and Quadratue Climate Foundation. I am on the advisory board of the Global Maritime Forum, and the Strategy Board of the Getting to Zero Coalition – not for profit structures that work across governments and industry stakeholders on maritime decarbonisation.

    – ref. At a pivotal meeting, the world is set to decide how to cut shipping emissions – https://theconversation.com/at-a-pivotal-meeting-the-world-is-set-to-decide-how-to-cut-shipping-emissions-253462

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –