NewzIntel.com

Category: housing

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Heavy rain forecast for Westland and Buller Districts, ahead of Top of the South on Thursday

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    With wet weather approaching the top of the South Island, hitting Westland and Buller districts from Thursday, drivers are urged to take extra care on the roads, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    The MetService has issued multiple weather warnings.

    “Most significant impacts on the West Coast are expected through the Buller District, and over the SH73 alpine passes – Arthur’s to Porters, with smaller amounts of rainfall forecast south of Greymouth that might affect SH6 drivers,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA on the West Coast.

    People need to be alert for localised flooding, debris and slips and drive to the conditions with headlights on.

    • There is an orange heavy rain warning over the Westland ranges from late Wednesday into the early hours of Friday, with peak rates of around 15-25mm an hour from Thursday afternoon and evening. While rivers are currently low, the ground is dry so drivers might strike some overflows.
    • The Buller District also has an orange heavy rain warning from Thursday afternoon to 8 am Friday morning. Similar total amounts are forecast as for Westland – 150-200mm – and similar peak rates – 15-25mm/hour.

    Check before you head out

    If conditions are uncertain heading into the evening on Thursday, highways may close overnight at short notice. All travellers are asked to check NZTA’s traffic and travel maps before heading along SH6 through Westland or across SH73. 

    Earlier traffic bulletin issued for the Top of the South:

    Top of the South drivers, be ready for bad weather driving

    Image above from: Metservice weather alerts(external link)

    View larger/downloadable map [PNG, 301 KB]

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northcote: a shining example of smart growth 

    Source: Auckland Council

    Inside a decade, Northcote has become a residential community that exemplifies smart growth, in line with Auckland Council’s long-term vision for Tāmaki Makaurau.

    The ongoing renewal of Northcote is enabled by the Auckland Unitary Plan, boosting housing capacity and delivering more choices including apartments and townhouses near public transport hubs and town centres.

    This proximity is giving Aucklanders easier access to jobs, parks and schools, and Northcote is becoming a model of the vision in the Plan.

    A network of rebuilt streets now flourishes with landscaped terrace housing and apartment buildings, a partly daylighted Awataha Stream sees the sun, and tuna (eel) and kaka have returned – indicators of the stream’s growing good health.

    Locals stroll along walkways lined with foliage, children play on new playgrounds, mana whenua expression is woven throughout, a market garden has been re-born and local schools are thriving.

    North Shore Councillor Richard Hills says the transformation of Northcote has been many years in the making, with much more to come as well.

    “Growth needed to be masterplanned and supported by our investment in quality infrastructure, including flood mitigation, new parks and community facilities. We’ve increased services on popular bus routes too.

    “The council wants excellent growth in Auckland. Growth for the greater good. And that’s what we’re seeing in Northcote.

    “As housing choices expand, communities are more connected, transport links are more seamless, people are healthier as warm, dry housing becomes the norm, and walking is increasingly the way families get around.

    “Northcote is growing for all generations too, with younger families moving in and more homes coming for our older residents too.

    Northcote new housing complex.

    “We want to lock in these benefits for many more Auckland suburbs across the region, so more people can experience the same,” Councillor Hills says.

    Auckland Council Chief Economist Gary Blick says the Northcote redesign illustrates how the Auckland Unitary Plan has enabled more efficient use of urban land.

    “The Terrace Housing and Apartment Buildings Zone is allowing for more households to live near a town centre and access its amenities,” he says.

    Read about Auckland’s improving affordability trends on OurAuckland.

    Northcote, the new norm

    It will be another decade before the upgrade of Northcote will be fully delivered including Auckland Council’s regeneration of the Northcote town centre, but the community is embracing the change they’re seeing already and giving it life.

    One of the people whose work has been instrumental in helping Northcote flourish is the Principal of Northcote Intermediate School Phil Muir.

    “We have healthy confident children here now. The kids and some of our teachers are able to walk a short distance to school. Not only are we seeing regenerated housing we are also seeing a regenerated community and school.

    “Our neighbourhood is reflective of a modern city. It respects traditions, remembers where we are and looks to a positive future. Sometimes we feel like we are flying a 70-year-old DC3 while turning it into a Dreamliner! Our beautiful new school building has come about because of roll growth,” Phil Muir says.

    The growth of the school roll reflects not only the school’s strong leadership but also the broader impact of the community’s renewal, with more families having the opportunity to live closer to the school, thanks to new housing choices.

    “The change in the health of our children is like chalk and cheese. They used to live in dusty old wooden houses. Their new housing is sustainable, warm and dry now and the children are sick less often. Attendance is now over 90%.

    “We are the most multi-cultural school on the shore. It’s a harmonious place to be. The students are accepting of all of our ethnicities and gender diversity. It’s a privilege to lead a diverse community and see our kids thriving,” Phil Muir says.

    Phil Muir, Principal of Northcote Intermediate School.

    Principal Phil Muir speaks with gratitude to the Auckland Council group for the ongoing work to daylight the stream, the shared Te Ara Awataha greenway and restored environment. The area is used as an outdoor classroom and a pleasant walk to school, away from dense traffic along Lake Road.

    Northcote intermediate students in Te Ara Awataha greenway play.

    He speaks also about the reduction in crime recorded in the area, a by-product of the new compact, quality housing and restored natural environment. The change has enabled the school to remove the bars from school windows.

    The ongoing transformation of Northcote highlights how well-designed, well-planned, higher density housing can build a strong sense of belonging in the community, especially when it is located close to jobs, transport, schools, improved parks, playgrounds and public spaces – many of the things they value most.

    Northcote Intermediate students with their chicken coop.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT celebrates law change to liberate builders and embrace international materials

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT is welcoming the passage of the Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certification Schemes) Amendment Bill, which delivers on ideas ACT campaigned on in 2023.

    “Finally, we’re liberating builders and tradies to make use of materials widely approved overseas,” says ACT Housing and Construction spokesperson Cameron Luxton, who is also a Licenced Building Practitioner.

    “Outdated local rules have denied New Zealand builders access to innovative, effective, and affordable products, and this has limited competition, driven up costs, and locked younger generations out of the housing market.

    “We’ve seen massive price hikes for essential materials, and the previous Government’s response was to set up a ‘plasterboard taskforce’. It was like a bad joke. The real issue was that we’d banned popular plasterboard equivalents and other building materials used overseas.

    “Internationally and locally, there’s constant innovation in building materials, but our bespoke local rules have held us back. We don’t need to reinvent the wheel, because regulators in trusted jurisdictions are already doing the work of evaluating these products.

    “This aligns with ACT’s wider war on red tape, including our ‘rule of two’ proposal for approving overseas medicines in New Zealand. It’s common-sense thinking: if a product is good enough for our friends overseas, we shouldn’t deny access to it at home.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: 3 April 2025 Te is a creative force in her community Since moving into Kāinga Ora apartment complex Te Mātāwai, Te has become known for her creativity and leadership skills.

    Source: New Zealand Government Kainga Ora

    Naturally artistic, Te can lend her hand to most arts and crafts. She crochets, and her new favourite past times are photography and print making.

    These are skills she’s put to great use in the Te Mātāwai community, contributing work to an onsite art exhibition, assisting with photography projects, taking photos at events, selling her arts and crafts offsite and helping to plan activities for the onsite youth group.

    “When I moved in 18 months ago, I got involved in art classes which led to exhibiting one of my artworks. Then I helped with costumes and a lot of the paperwork for two photography projects involving tenants with artist and lecturer Dieneke Jansen from Auckland University of Technology.

    “I was very excited when Dieneke then invited me to assist on a film and photography project outside Te Mātāwai, it’s a big opportunity for me.”

    Dayne, the Community Development Manager at Te Mātāwai, says Te is a gifted creative and her sense of humour shines through in everything that she does.

    “Te’s worked with us on several projects and events that have benefitted from her creativity and clever thinking, with heaps of laughs along the way. She’s a doer and a leader, and the skills she’s shared with our community have led to new opportunities for her which is awesome. We’re really grateful for all of Te’s contributions to the Te Mātāwai community.”

    Te’s new ventures are part of the upward trajectory her life has taken since moving into Te Mātāwai. The central Auckland complex with 200 apartments for social housing tenants and 24/7 on-site support is a place where lives change.

    “I’d been living in backpacker hostels and boarding houses for years because I couldn’t afford anything more, but it wasn’t very healthy for me.”

    With long-term health problems, Te often felt trapped in her room as she wasn’t well enough to use communal spaces.

    “Now I have my own studio apartment, I can cook and do laundry without having to risk my health. And when I’m well, I can join all the activities going on here.

    “There are so many programmes on offer and there are a lot of nice people around. Everything I need is either here or very nearby which makes life easier.”

    With a place to call her own, improved health and a supportive community, Te says her next goal is to find part-time work, preferably in a reception or administration role. “I like organising other people,” she laughs, another talent that has come to the fore at Te Mātāwai.

    Page updated: 3 April 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal grand jury indicts seven people for their roles in narcotics conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BUFFALO, N.Y.-U.S. Attorney Michael DiGiacomo announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging seven defendants for their roles in a narcotics conspiracy. Named in the indictment and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and fentanyl are:

    • Winnie Taru Woods a/k/a Ru, 50, of Buffalo
    • Sharron McCullough a/k/a Black, 34, of Brooklyn, NY
    • Marlon Holt, Jr. a/k/a Scooter a/k/a Professor, 51, of Buffalo
    • Norman Patillo, 44, of Houston, Texas
    • Gary Sudesh Gosine, Sr., 50, a citizen of Trinidad and Tobago
    • Ian Dyer, 25, of Austin, Texas
    • Shannell Gosine, 27, of Baytown, Texas

    In addition, defendants Woods, McCullough, and Holt are also charged with possession with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life, and a $10,000,000 fine.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael J. Adler, who is handling the case, stated that according to the indictment, between April 2023, and February 2025, the defendants conspired to sell cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. During the conspiracy, defendants Winnie Taru Woods and Sharron McCullough would purchase bulk quantities of narcotics from cartels in Mexico for later resale by others in Buffalo, New York City, and elsewhere. Gary Sudesh Gosine, Sr. was one of their sources of supply in Mexico. Defendants Holt, Patillo, Dyer, and Shannell Gosine, took numerous trips to and from Texas, New York, and other cities, transporting the narcotics and bulk currency. On May 7, 2024, Holt, while traveling back from Texas, was stopped by the Ontario County, NY, Sheriff’s Office and arrested after being found in possession of nine kilograms of cocaine and 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine in his trunk. 

    The defendants have all been arraigned. Defendants Woods, McCullough, Gary Sudesh Gosine, Sr. and Patillo were detained. Defendants Holt, Dyer, and Shannell Gosine were released on conditions.

    “This case falls within the parameters of Operation Take Back America,” stated U.S. Attorney DiGiacomo. “The Operation Take Back America initiative focuses resources on the elimination of cartels, such as the ones allegedly involved in this case, in an effort to protect our communities from the members of these criminal organizations.”

    HSI Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan stated, “As alleged, the defendants conspired with Mexican cartels to traffic deadly narcotics into the U.S., across the country and into our New York communities. The unified strength and versatility of the U.S. federal law enforcement system, together with our state partners, has once again stopped an allegedly dangerous drug trafficking organization in its tracks. Securing the homeland from dangers posed by foreign organizations and threats is among HSI’s top priorities. We are relentlessly prepared to confront bad actors seeking financial gain by whatever means necessary.”

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

    The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Erin Keegan, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Frank Tarantino, New York Field Division. Additional assistance was provided by the Ontario County, NY, Sheriff’s Office, the 23rd Judicial Taskforce, Tennessee, as well as Homeland Security Investigations in NY, and Houston and Austin, Texas.

    The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

    # # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Podcast: AI Is lowering the cost of expertise. What does that mean for business?

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Podcast: AI Is lowering the cost of expertise. What does that mean for business?

    MOLLY WOOD: Today I’m talking to Karim Lakhani, a Harvard business professor who also chairs several university programs dedicated to technology management, innovation, and AI transformation, including the university’s new research center called Digital Data Design Institute. In 2020, before a lot of business leaders had even heard of generative AI or large language models, Lakhani co-authored a book titled, Competing in the Age of AI: Strategy and Leadership When Algorithms and Networks Run the World. That’s kind of happening now. AI is revolutionizing every aspect of how we work. We thought he would be a great person to talk to about strategies and insights that can help leaders and organizations navigate the AI era. And now my conversation with Karim. Thanks so much for joining me.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: Thanks, Molly. Great to be here with you.  

    MOLLY WOOD: So you’ve been writing about and teaching about digital transformation and the potential of AI for years now. I’d love to know what this relatively recent rise of generative AI looks like to you as somebody who’s been such a close observer for so long. 

    KARIM LAKHANI: The generative AI moment was sort of like, for me, feels like the 1992, 1993 browser moment. Like, we had 30 years of the internet, then Andreessen invents the browser and then, boom, the internet becomes democratized and becomes available. And so generative AI, for me, is that moment where all of a sudden AI, which was sort of the work of the pointy-headed nerds who knew math and computer science, where all of a sudden you could now use a generative AI yourself for your particular tasks. We anticipated democratization of this technology, but we didn’t anticipate the scale, the speed, and the scope of what generative AI has unleashed. 

    MOLLY WOOD: So what changes now? So, you know, there you are, as a Harvard business professor, what are you telling these baby MBAs, these aspiring MBAs? 

    KARIM LAKHANI: Yeah, I have 935 of them right now, so I’m actually, I just launched a brand new course I’ve co-developed with my colleagues, and it’s called Data Science and AI for Leaders. We’ve tried to make this an AI-native course. There are two bots. There’s a bot that sort of understands all the concepts, from statistics and machine learning to data architectures, all the way to transformation challenges inside of organizations. And then also we’re using a service which basically removes the constraint of programming R or Python to do machine learning, to do statistics. You could now basically do that in natural language. So all of a sudden our MBAs have this superpower available to them. The big thesis I have, and we have some data on this, if you sort of imagine this discussion we’re having right now on video and audio, 30 years ago, this would’ve cost us $10,000 per minute. Now, the marginal cost for us to do this conversation is effectively zero. And what the internet did is that it basically lowered the marginal cost of information transmission. Everything else flew from that. And so my view has been, and we now have evidence of this, that generative AI is lowering the cost of expertise. 

    MOLLY WOOD: Right. In fact, you recently co-wrote a piece about that for Harvard Business Review, and this seems really relevant to this conversation about AI transformation. It’s called Strategy in an Era of Abundant Expertise. 

    KARIM LAKHANI: Yeah, we had some great colleagues from Microsoft actually work with us on this. And so if you believe this world of abundant expertise, companies are just bundles of expertise, right? We have expertise in software, we have expertise in marketing, in customer, in supply chain, and so forth. And if effectively the cost of expertise is dropping, then that changes the very core of what the firm is. So we’re obsessed, you know, at our institute with various questions around this. One perspective we have at our institute is that generative AI is like a drug. We don’t know dose, we don’t know efficacy, we don’t know the right regimes, we don’t know side effects in the world of business. The only way we’ll actually be able to figure out what it’s good for, what it’s not good for, what all the issues are is to actually do these as randomized controlled trials, be experimental, be scientific about their effects, so we can both advise the companies that are adopting what to do, but also the creators of these tools to say like, here’s the good signs and here’s the bad signs.  

    MOLLY WOOD: Right. And then how should leaders be thinking about the way they introduce AI into their organization? If it’s controlled trials, is it, you know, phase one and phase two? We’ve had a lot of conversations on this show, in fact, about whether you should pilot or whether you need to give it to everybody, because bottom-up is the only way that you truly determine the value. 

    KARIM LAKHANI: So I see a lot of leaders here. You know, we have both an MBA program, but we also have exec ed. Today, the average leader is happy to talk about AI, be in meetings about AI, but they’re not themselves using AI. And I think that’s a problem.  

    MOLLY WOOD: That’s not gonna work.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: That’s not gonna work because you can’t outsource your browsing to somebody else. You can’t outsource your email to somebody else. You have to do it yourself. And similarly, because this is a cognitive effect, because it’s an expertise story, it’s a skill story, you actually have to use it yourself to understand its power, and then you can start to make decisions. So my complaint right now to them, and I’m very frank with them, it’s like, you actually have to use this stuff and do it for your own work. And then you’ll know what it means. And so the first thing is like, what I tell organizations, is that pilot or no pilot, you first need to get activated, and it’s activation at the highest levels of the organization and the C-suite, and for them to actually understand how this works. And so my colleague, Iavor Bojinov, who’s a faculty member here at HBS, he came up with this brilliant exercise that in 90 minutes, through a series of structured prompts, you can create a snack food company. You sort of do this—they’re very skeptical. You go, yeah, you only have 90 minutes, you work in teams, there’s a set of prompts. Start to use these prompts and get answers. At the end, they have a business plan, they have a jingle, they have a deck, go-to-market plan in 90 minutes, and all of a sudden they’re stunned. That’s the big light bulb moment that I gotta pay attention on. So the activation is important and the activation has to be across the board at the C-suite level and so forth. And the activation has to be, I think, tied to, like, what’s gonna be your bold stroke? Like, if you believe this conversation and we have evidence, we have data from companies about the cost of expertise going down, what’s gonna be your bold stroke around this? How do you think about this? What do you want people to do? And then there’s a question about, are you gonna democratize or are you gonna do this in pilots? I think it just depends on the organization and where they’re comfortable.  

    MOLLY WOOD: I wonder, as you interact with the next generation of leaders, what are they bringing to the table on this topic? 

    KARIM LAKHANI: If we get it right here with our MBAs, there’s gonna be a generation of leaders coming out now that will be AI native, and—   

    MOLLY WOOD: It’ll be like breathing to them.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: Exactly.    

    MOLLY WOOD: You wouldn’t go anywhere without the phone, you wouldn’t run a business without AI, yeah. 

    KARIM LAKHANI: You know, we said if the last century was about MBAs with Excel spreadsheets, this century will be MBAs with AI. You’ve heard this in many ways. You know, we say, machines aren’t gonna replace humans, but humans with machines are gonna replace humans without machines. And so our view is that, you know, if we do it right here at HBS, that many of our graduates will be AI native. They’ll know how to use these tools. We’ll have a sense of some of the downsides, the sharp edges and know how to navigate that. But we’ll come in with a variety of interesting approaches to solve business problems. And I think there’ll be two things going on. I was just talking to some colleagues in our entrepreneur management unit, they have a founder’s class, about 30 students that are starting companies, and, typically in the MBA program there are people that have technical knowledge and business knowledge—and of course we give them all business knowledge. But if you’re founding a company, the folks that have a business orientation are looking for technical co-founders. Early indications are that they may not need them right away. That they could do the first MVP using the tools that, you know, Microsoft has in coding and website design. This is the expertise story. Like, all of a sudden some of our students will be feeling very empowered to go start these companies now with these AI bots, and then those that join incumbent companies, they’ll be coming with the tool set, and the question will become, how will their managers, how will their peers respond to them showing up with their AI tools and AI agents?  

    MOLLY WOOD: Right. I want to relate this back to the idea of abundant expertise, and then what happens to the value of expertise, which is, I would venture to say, the question.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: We’re in the business. I mean, that’s what we do. We give degrees because we think you’re an expert in something.  

    MOLLY WOOD: Exactly. And so how do companies continue to be the best at expertise when expertise is so abundant?  

    KARIM LAKHANI: I think the, and this is part of the paper that we wrote, that for companies—and I think this is also for individuals—that you will have to be thinking about you with AI compared to AI itself. If the AI keeps improving, what value am I adding so that I’m better?  

    MOLLY WOOD: No pressure. 

    KARIM LAKHANI: No pressure, no pressure. And that, I think, is gonna be the key thing. At the moment, what this requires is—these large language models love to freelance, love to solve more problems than you’ve asked them to solve, right? And they come up with amazing answers. How do you know that these answers are correct? And if you don’t know what it’s talking about, but it sounds good, you better go back to your large language model, understand what it’s talking about, and then come up with an answer, if that makes sense. So in statistics, right, you’d run a regression, but it might do five different regressions, it might do additional tests. If you’re gonna go present to your management board results of some analysis you did and you don’t understand what the large language model did to give you the answer, and it gave you a task and it’s significant, that’s not good enough. You actually have to understand that, is this the right test? Is it appropriate or not? So I think it’s the combination of what you know, how well you know it, what the AI is unlocking for you, and then this ongoing conversation about, AI is getting better. How are you with AI going to be better?  

    MOLLY WOOD: So it sounds like, if I had to break it down, it sounds like what you’re saying to your students, but also even within the context of the Harvard Business Analytics program, to existing executives, it’s use it but don’t turn everything over to it, which is the message we’ve heard before, I think, on the show.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: Yeah. You know, my postdoc, Fabrizio Dell’Acqua, did this great study while he was at Columbia doing his PhD, and his thing was like falling asleep at the wheel.  

    MOLLY WOOD: Yes. I liken this to the level three, level four self-drive. 

    KARIM LAKHANI: Exactly. Like, with full self-driving cars, you know, right now they have sort of the various tools to alert you. There’s automatic braking, it’ll buzz you, if your eyes are darting it’ll intervene. The current versions of these models don’t do that in our knowledge work, they’ll just be happy to please you and so forth. And what Fabrizio found in his experiment is that good people with good AI often fell asleep at the wheel because they started just like, trust the output and didn’t pay attention. And so I think that paying attention and knowing your expertise, improving your expertise, and you with AI is gonna be a critical factor. 

    MOLLY WOOD: It takes a lot of discipline though, right? I mean, ultimately, that is a leadership skill. Like the ability to—because good leaders do the research behind the scenes, good leaders actually read the reports that they’re given. I mean, it’s very interesting because it sounds like what you’re describing is also still pretty basic leadership. 

    KARIM LAKHANI: Leadership 101?  

    MOLLY WOOD: Leadership 101, turns out.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: Like, come prepared to your meeting? Read the report?  

    MOLLY WOOD: [Laughter] Yeah. You’ve also written about the need to focus on the customer problems that you can directly solve. I think where people feel overwhelmed with AI is like, I have this tool, but I don’t know what it’s for. 

    KARIM LAKHANI: Throughout this journey I’ve been on, and sort of looking at AI in its various forms, you would always see pilot hell—lots of pilots, no implementation. What would happen in most organizations is that people would not say that if the pilot works, I’m going to implement. I think now we’re at a stage where, you know, you can solve real customer problems with these tools. You can actually get voice of the customer. So, for example, and on the customer side where I sort of focus a lot of my research on, which is on the new product development side, you can start to explore and hypothesize way more. There’s always this limited bandwidth of, do I have access to customers? Can I run consumer tasks? Can I do all these things? Now you can do way more. From design to testing in virtual in silico and lead to better outcomes. So that’s one side. The second is the customer experience, right? Both from customer service to how the products are being used. Certainly we see low-hanging fruits on changing customer experiences by embedding generative AI in your user workflows. And in many ways, I think customers are now going to be sort of expecting that. You know, everybody wants one-click shopping, you know, and they get mad when they don’t have that. I think very soon, I think those standards will change around that. And then I think the pilots can be on like, what are some customer value problems that we can solve first? Let’s go build those pilots first and actually have an intention to scale. So, the scaling story is like, if it works, and in many cases they work, you should not then be in another yearlong process to think about scaling. The managerial, the leadership decision is, if it works, we’re gonna scale and we’re gonna change our process.  

    MOLLY WOOD: Right.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: Not that we’re not gonna think about it. If you were a leader and you say, I’ve got my tech team, my IT department figuring it out, or my marketing group figuring it out, they will figure it out, but then they’ll face a ton of friction. It behooves leaders to be engaged. Now, you’re not gonna spend all day, every night on this, but it has to be your projects, sponsored by you, with a commitment to launch. And I think now there are low-hanging fruits on the customer side, customer service side, customer innovation side, on the marketing side, on the software side, software development side. Those are things that there’s no doubt those can be implemented and put into play. And the longer you wait, the harder the jump is gonna be. So what I say to many leaders is that these models, these capabilities, the performance capabilities of these models and what they can continue to do appears to be increasing quite radically or exponentially. And we don’t know what the ceiling is. Of course, everything has a ceiling. We’ll get to the ceiling when we get to it, but at least for the time being, we don’t see ceilings. And you add gentech workflows on top, it’s like, wow.  

    MOLLY WOOD: Well, so that actually, that’s my next question. You’ve got this leadership challenge, and you’re clearly saying, in the words of the new great American classic Twisters, if you feel it, chase it. 

    KARIM LAKHANI: Yes, yes. Oh, I like that. [Laughter]  

    MOLLY WOOD: Thanks, Glen Powell for the new catchphrase for all of us. And then there is this question of agents rewriting team structures, potentially.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: Yes. Yes.  

    MOLLY WOOD: So how do you, as a leader, think about incorporating AI agents on top of AI?   

    KARIM LAKHANI: Yes. Figure it out—that’s why you get paid the big bucks. [Laughter] Figure it out. No, I mean, so let me just add one more bit and then we’ll go to agents and you’ll see the connectivity. So, technology is improving quite radically, exponentially. Most companies are absorbing linearly. So that creates, over time, an increasing exponential gap between what you are able to do and what these models are able to do. But this question about adoption is not a simple technological adoption. Should we have Wi-Fi or not in our buildings? Remember, this was a question?  

    MOLLY WOOD: Yes, I do.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: Twenty years ago. Big debates.  

    MOLLY WOOD: And should it be public Wi-Fi, and should it be locked Wi-Fi?  

    KARIM LAKHANI: And how many layers of authentication do we need? You know, this is not a Wi-Fi adoption question because Wi-Fi’s about communication and information transmission. If these tools are about expertise, then it’s back to the work. It’s about work. Your work has to change, and your workflow has to change, your work process has to change, and the longer you wait to adopt, the bigger the hurdle is gonna be for you to change your work processes. Your teams, your organizations, your people haven’t kept up with the speed of change that these models are undergoing. And so they will be doing old line processes, but all of a sudden you’re gonna have a totally transformed process because you need to build the fitness in your companies to be able to keep changing and keep adapting and get everybody ready for it. Which would then, by the way, argue this question about democratization. Like, you really need to make everybody available to this kind of stuff. So I think the answer is yes, people will get there one way or the other. But, you know, it’s already on your bloody phone, right? Come on. Like, you’re gonna say no, they’re gonna do it on their phone with other risks. But the problem is change and change management and change fitness. And we know from lived experiences by all of us, and also lots of research, lots of papers, lots of data, lots of blog posts. That change is damn hard in organizations. It’s really hard to change—  

    MOLLY WOOD: And risky.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: Risky, change is hard to do, people don’t like it. Given that, if your organization is gonna be averse to change, then this becomes an even harder task. So just think, you are living in this world where your people haven’t kept up, your processes haven’t kept up, and then agents pop in and then, boom, what are you gonna do? Versus, you have been in the journey, everybody is adapting, everybody’s figured out, oh, I can do this, I can do that. I can actually take advantage of these core capabilities and actually do something additional with that. Then you’ll be in better shape. To your question about agents, I think agents are team technology. It’s a work technology. And I, you know, I’m an HBS professor, so I’m always used to asking. I never give answers, I ask questions. So, Molly, let me ask you a question. What in your life today is, and I think most people listening will have experienced this, basically has some kind of an algorithm directing the work of humans, some kind of a proto agent. So, like, everybody takes Uber, right? Who’s the manager for the driver? It’s the AI algorithm at Uber. Amazon warehouses, AI algorithm. Instacart, you know, you name it. So, already, services we’re using every day are already, have this world where the agent is part of the workflow. It’s not a GenAI agent yet at Uber or at Lyft, but it tells you that already some work is already being transformed because we don’t have the dispatcher telling people where to go. We basically have an algorithm directing work. So when we now think about agents, what we imagine, and this is part of the work in our recent HBR paper, an expertise paper, is that people will come with their own agents. Or the companies will give them their agents. One of the conversations we’re having at Harvard and with HBS is like, should we have an agent companion for our students that learns with them and then it goes off and keeps learning? That feature is not that far off. It probably exists in some form already. So workers will come with their agents, workers will have teammates that are agents. And then workers may also have bosses that are agents.  

    MOLLY WOOD: Yeah. And soon. 

    KARIM LAKHANI: And soon. And in many ways, a version of that exists at Uber, right, and various automated warehouses and that kind of stuff.  

    MOLLY WOOD: Yeah.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: So that’s already happening.  

    MOLLY WOOD: Is there anything that we have not discussed yet about AI and opportunities and challenges that you think we’re really overlooking? 

    KARIM LAKHANI: So let’s think about this at the three layers—at the company level, at the leader level, and at the individual level. At the company level, my biggest worry is strategic shifts are ahead. They might happen faster than we imagine, but the bigger story is if you sort of, again, you’ll remember this time, Molly, Amazon being invented, right, and you have e-commerce. So bookstores also—remember, Barnes and Noble had an e-commerce site, and Borders also had a website too. It’s not as if Barnes and Noble and Borders did not have websites, but they didn’t reimagine their business from top to bottom because the cost of communication had dropped to zero. They all invested. They, you know, they hired all the consultants. E-commerce, is it, we’re gonna have new business, we’re gonna do that. They did all that. But they did the old business. The operating model of a retailer had changed dramatically. And they didn’t realize it until much, much later, until it was too late. So the worry I have with companies is that they will do the Barnes and Noble-Borders strategy. Let’s add a chatbot, check the box, go to the board. We’re AI native. Instead of saying, if you believe what I’m saying, that the cost of expertise has dropped, then you should be really rethinking your business and reimagining it from the core up before somebody else does. So I think that’s the first thing at the company level. At the leader level, I think there are three big gaps. There’s a learning gap, right, like, they don’t know enough. They haven’t, you know, what I call the learning-doing gap. Everybody talks about AI. Nobody does AI. So I think there’s a learning gap. Then there’s an adoption gap, like, you are just not adopting fast enough, fierce enough, wide enough. And then a transformation gap. Like, you’ve thought of this as a technology play when this is a culture play, this is a work play, this is a team play. And your HR officer should be married to your data AI officer, and all adoption needs to be thought about in terms of technology and change and process change, not in terms of anything else. And for individuals what I would say is, you know, I sort of hark back to the bicycle of the mind analogy that allows you to go further and faster. Well, that’s what these things are showing, but we’re adults now trying to learn the bike, and if you remember trying to ride a bike when you were a kid, you know, you fell down, you scraped knees, you were embarrassed. It was hard to learn, but you had to keep practicing to learn to use this new instrument called the bike. And then once you got that, you had all this amazing freedom, you could sort of pretend to run away from your house very quickly when you were upset at your parents. That never happened to me. [Laughter]  

    MOLLY WOOD: I did that like 30 times. I’m just flashing back to my entire childhood, and it was always the bike. [Laughter] 

    KARIM LAKHANI: Right? So, but you had to invest, and you had, you know, maybe even a concussion to get there. So this is a practice thing. You’ve gotta practice this stuff to really understand. Like, don’t talk about—I got so mad at an exec class recently. I’m like, all of you guys are just talking about it. One was like, oh yeah, we’re thinking about AI and regulation. I go, does AI have a seat at the table with you? Are you asking it what it thinks? And they’re like, no. I’m like, then, what’s it gonna do? And so that, that’s where I see, I think, you know, at the company level, the leader level, and the individual level.  

    MOLLY WOOD: Thank you so much. Karim Lakhani is a Harvard professor and chair of the school’s Digital Data Design Institute. What an absolute treat. Thanks for the time.  

    KARIM LAKHANI: So much fun, Molly. 

    MOLLY WOOD: Thank you all for joining us, and keep checking your feeds. We have more fascinating guests on the way with actionable insights that can help leaders develop an AI-first mindset, and maximize the ROI of AI. If you’ve got a question or a comment, please drop us an email at worklab@microsoft.com. And check out Microsoft’s Work Trend Indexes and the WorkLab digital publication, where you’ll find all our episodes along with thoughtful stories that explore how business leaders are thriving in today’s new world of work. You can find all of that at microsoft.com/worklab. As for this podcast, please, if you don’t mind, rate us, review us, and follow us wherever you listen. It helps us out a ton. The WorkLab podcast is a place for experts to share their insights and opinions. As students of the future of work, Microsoft values inputs from a diverse set of voices. That said, the opinions and findings of our guests are their own, and they may not necessarily reflect Microsoft’s own research or positions. WorkLab is produced by Microsoft with Godfrey Dadich Partners and Reasonable Volume. I’m your host, Molly Wood. Sharon Kallander and Matthew Duncan produced this podcast. Jessica Voelker is the WorkLab editor.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Statement on Trump Tariffs that Will Hurt WA State Businesses, Agriculture & Economy, Raise Costs on Everyone

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray
    ***TODAY: Senate to vote on a resolution to reverse Trump’s tariffs on Canada—Trump’s trade war with Canada, which has resulted in severe, 25 percent retaliatory tariffs on nearly all goods, is already seriously hurting WA businesses and agriculture industry***
    Washington state is one of the most trade-dependent states in the U.S., with 40 percent of WA jobs tied to international commerce
    Senator Murray: “Trump’s refusal to accept basic economic realities or listen to the desperate pleas of American businesses, farmers, and families who can’t afford his costly tariffs is risking serious economic catastrophe and pushing our country toward a Republican recession.”
    Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on President Trump’s reckless and sweeping new tariffs, which are expected to go into effect later today and will raise costs, and severely harm Washington state businesses, agriculture, and our overall economy. A recent analysis found that Trump’s tariffs could raise costs on the average American household by $5,200 a year—and these price hikes on working families are coming at the very same time that Republicans are forcing through Congress massive new tax cuts for billionaires.
    The Senate will also vote today on a resolution from Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) that would reverse Trump’s tariffs on Canada by nullifying the emergency declaration issued by President Trump that underpins them. The resolution requires a simple majority to pass in the Senate and would also need to be brought up and passed in the Republican-controlled House in order to go into effect.
    “Trump’s ham-fisted, utterly pointless tariffs are a tax that families in Washington state will pay on nearly everything they buy—whether at the grocery store, the car dealership, or your neighborhood coffee shop.
    “We have all the data in the world that tells us exactly how these tariffs will hurt American businesses and push up prices—that’s not an opinion, it’s a fact. Trump and his cabinet are choosing to ignore the mountains of evidence we have that tariffs do not work and push ahead because they simply don’t care. They don’t care if small businesses have to close their doors, if farmers lose access to markets, or if prices go up—because it won’t affect Trump and his cabinet full of billionaires.
    “Trump’s trade war is an especially deep cut to farmers, fishers, and producers in Washington state—I’ve talked to so many who are absolutely furious that Trump is putting their livelihoods at risk because he cannot seem to grasp the basic fact that they actually rely on international markets to sell their goods. Trump doesn’t have a clue—and businesses in Washington state are already paying the price for his ignorance.
    “Today I will vote for Senator Kaine’s resolution to reverse Trump’s disastrous tariffs on Washington state’s largest trading partner, Canada—Trump’s trade war has already forced businesses in Washington state who rely on imported materials and business from Canada to lay off employees and close their doors, and is upending supply chains across the Pacific Northwest.
    “Trump’s refusal to accept basic economic realities or listen to the desperate pleas of American businesses, farmers, and families who can’t afford his costly tariffs is risking serious economic catastrophe and pushing our country toward a Republican recession.”
    Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs tied to international commerce and approximately $60 billion in annual exports. Washington is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will struggle to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—as one example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins RFD-TV to Discuss Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act and Liberation Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Market Day Report on RFD-TV today to discuss the Senate Agriculture Committee’s hearing yesterday on his legislation, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act – a bipartisan bill that would bring back whole and reduced milk to American schools.
    Senator Marshall also discussed President Donald Trump’s Liberation Day tariffs and how the president is leveling the playing field for American workers and businesses while also fighting for long-term solutions for farmers and ranchers.

    [embedded content]

    Click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s interview.
    Highlights from the interview include: 
    On health benefits of consuming whole milk:
    “Growing up, my grandfather stopped by our house twice a week with whole milk from our farm… We had a generation of healthy kids. But today… 40% of our children are obese. We have a generation of children now that have not ever [drunk] much milk… They’re going to have osteoporosis, osteopenia, at a decade sooner than previous generations.
    “… Whole milk helps absorb vitamins A, D, E and K. It’s very important. There’s good fats in milk. It helps your brain health… Lots of good things about whole milk.”
    On whole milk being part of the solution to Make America Healthy Again:
    “The big movement with my MAHA moms is whole foods. I think whole milk is equally the same. Rather than breaking it down in its part, God made it whole. Let’s drink it that way. I think it’s much healthier for you, and the benefits outweigh any potential risk.
    “The problem with our diets today is about 70% of our calories come from opening a package one way or another. So that’s what we need to change as far as getting the obesity levels down in our nation. Whole milk is not the problem, whole milk is part of the solution.”
    On Liberation Day:
    “Today is liberation today, and I think about milk products. Right now, Canada has a 200% tariff on cheese and butter going into their country. I just want to remind all your listeners what happened in Trump 45 – that there was a tariff war, a trade war with China. He gave the farmers $28 billion from that tariff money. Just last week, President Trump released $10 billion of emergency economic aid for our farmers because of high input costs and low commodity prices. 
    “Our farmers trust President Trump, and just like again with Trump 45 he used those tariffs as levers to negotiate really good trade deals with Japan, with South Korea, USMCA, and China Phase One, and we’re still benefiting from those trade agreements. I think the bright spot in agriculture in Kansas anyways, of course, the cattle and beef industry, a lot of that beef is going overseas, to South Korea, to Japan, and China as well.
    “We have to give the president a little bit of leeway… This is a national security issue, we want to stop the fentanyl flowing into this country, and the president is using these tariffs as levers on Mexico, Canada, and China to say, stop making fentanyl, stop bringing it into our country.”
    On unfair trade practices harming American ranchers and farmers:
    “Every time I talk to the president, he asks me, ‘How are my farmers and ranchers doing?’ And I say, ‘Well… you know, we’re struggling.’ He says, well, ‘Tell them I love them, that I’ll take care of them.’ He realizes 90% of rural America voted for President Trump.
    “On the other hand, though, farmers and ranchers have been complaining to me since I was a boy, that there’s unfair trade practices. Again, [the] European Union [has] a 50% tariff on most agricultural products. India, 50% to 100% – they use non-tariff barriers as well. And those farmers and ranchers said, we want free and reciprocal trade agreements. We have a president now who’s out here fighting for long-term solutions for our farmers and ranchers, not just the short-term gain. So I understand, I have empathy. There’s going to be some short-term pain. We are the tip of the spear. The president knows that. He’s going to do everything he can to make it right with his farmers and ranchers. So we appreciate them hanging in there with us.
    “We’re the patriots. We are the modern-day patriots of our nation, our Republic. We are the backbone of this country. We give our country values and that agriculture is a way of life, so much more. So the president gets that. Give us a little bit of grace, and we’ll make it right.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Slams Trump’s Massive Cuts To Food Bank Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Amid Sky-High Grocery Prices, Trump Is Denying Food To Hungry Families 

    New York Food Banks Receive Tens Of Millions Of Dollars’ Worth Of Food Through Now Slashed Federal Programs 

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference slamming the Trump administration’s massive cuts to funding for food banks.

    Last month, President Trump slashed $1 billion in federal funding used to purchase food for food banks and other organizations that provide meals, like schools and child care centers. Now, he is canceling another $500 million in already approved funding for food banks and other emergency food providers through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). New York receives roughly $30 million through TEFAP each year in regular funding; this supplemental money would have funded additional food purchases at New York’s regional food banks and their partner soup kitchens and food pantries.

    Senator Gillibrand was joined by CEO of Hunger Free America Joel Berg. 

    “Seventy-two days into Trump’s presidency, grocery prices are still sky-high, with no sign of improvement on the horizon,” said Senator Gillibrand. “And as hungry families turn to food banks and soup kitchens for help, Trump is now slashing the funding they rely on. It’s outrageous. Programs like TEFAP have overwhelming bipartisan support. They help serve every community – rural, urban, Democratic, Republican – in every state in times of need. They are not an extraneous expense; they are an investment in healthy kids, healthy families, and healthy futures. I am calling on the Trump administration to provide answers on what plans – if any – it has to keep Americans from going hungry after these cuts, and I will be doing everything in my power to reverse them.”

    The full text of Senator Gillibrand’s letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on cuts to The Emergency Food Assistance Program is available here or below.

    Dear Secretary Rollins:

    We write regarding the reported cancellation of hundreds of millions of dollars in previously approved funding for food banks and other emergency food providers through The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). A cancellation of these funds could result in $500 million in lost food provisions to feed millions of Americans at a time when the need for food shelves is extremely high due to costly groceries and an uncertain economy. If true, this major shift in a program utilized by emergency food providers in every state in the nation will have a significant and damaging impact upon millions of people who depend upon this program for critical food assistance.

    In addition, this program consists of purchases of U.S. commodities at a time when America’s growers and producers are struggling due to tariffs, proposed tariffs, animal disease and many other challenges.

    According to recent statistics, nearly one in every seven Americans have faced food insecurity. Many of these households turn to community and emergency relief organizations such as food banks and food pantries to help them obtain sufficient nutrition. In 2023 alone, 50 million Americans turned to emergency food providers, according to a report from Feeding America, America’s largest network of food banks. While food banks rely on a variety of sources (including private) to obtain food for distribution through their networks, federally purchased commodities are a key part of how they provide nutritious meals to Americans.

    Due to this reported change, a number of us have heard that trucks delivering American-grown foods may not arrive. These trucks represent hundreds of thousands of nutritious meals containing poultry, fruits, vegetables, and dairy. If confirmed, the cancellation of this previously announced funding also comes on top of the cancellation of Local Food for School Program and the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program funding, which also helps farmers deliver nutritious foods to schools and food banks. These cuts will deprive Americans of food assistance, emergency food providers of necessary support to carry out their work, and American farmers of vital domestic markets.

    To help us understand USDA’s actions and their impact on communities around the country, we ask that you answer the following questions.

    1. Has USDA cancelled previously approved purchases of food provided through TEFAP? If so, what level of funding has been cancelled thus far and when will state agencies be notified of any cancelled TEFAP purchases?

    2. Does USDA plan to cancel additional purchases of food provided through TEFAP?

    3. Has USDA paused any TEFAP food orders or purchases? If so, what is the current status of those orders or purchases? Does USDA intend to un-pause these funds?

    4. Please provide information on what types of funding, by commodity, have been cancelled and the financial impact of those cancellations on producers such as pork, chicken, turkey and dairy farmers.

    5. Is the funding announced on October 1, 2024 and detailed in the implementation memo that the Food and Nutrition Service sent to state agencies on December 2 rescinded?

    6. Does USDA intend to use Commodity Credit Corporation funds in Fiscal Year 2025 for future purchases that will be distributed through TEFAP?

    We ask for a prompt response to these questions by the end of the week.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo: FY 2025 Budget Resolution will Deliver Permanent Tax Relief, Spur Economic Growth and Restore Fiscal Order

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee and member of the Senate Budget Committee, issued the following statement after Senate Budget Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) released the text of the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Resolution, which provides a $1.5 trillion instruction to the Senate Finance Committee on a current policy baseline.

    “The 2017 Trump tax cuts powered a booming economy, made the United States more competitive, and allowed working families to save more of their hard-earned dollars,” said Crapo.  “This budget resolution unlocks the process to permanently extend proven, pro-growth tax policy, ensure Americans can keep more of their hard-earned money, provide additional tax relief to those who need it most, and take long-overdue steps toward getting our fiscal house in order.” 

    READ: FY 2025 Budget Resolution will Deliver Permanent Tax Relief, Spur Economic Growth and Restore Fiscal Order

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Going for Growth: More affordable building products

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Just-passed legislation is expected to put up to 250,000 more building products on shelves this year alone – giving Kiwis building and renovating their homes more choice to fit their budgets, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says.“Making it easier and more affordable to build in New Zealand is a central pillar in this Government’s Going for Growth plan to get the economy back on track. “That’s why we have made changes to the Building Act to reduce barriers for using high-quality building products imported from overseas. “The status quo is unacceptable. Construction costs have risen a staggering 40 percent since 2019, spurred on by a lack of competition in the building system. Bringing hundreds of thousands of new options into the market will put downward pressure on prices. “Builders and designers have long called for this change, so they can get the best deals on goods and materials countries like Australia are already benefiting from. “We expect that from July, more than 12,000 essential products – including plasterboard, cladding, and insulation – will be cleared for use through cited standards in the new Building Product Specifications pathway. Building Consent Authorities must accept them, so long as the products are used as intended. “Increasing options on the market is critically important for improving supply chain resilience. Giving our tradespeople alternatives to turn to during product shortages will allow projects to continue without delays. “Local manufacturers will also benefit from being able to test their products against internationally accepted standards, opening the door to valuable export markets. “Work is already underway to establish robust regulations for recognising new products and standards, ensuring only top-quality materials enter the market. This includes targeted consultation with industry leaders and local government.”Note to editors:    

    Under the new system: 

    The Minister for Building and Construction will be able to issue a notice that recognises groups of overseas product standards and standards certification schemes for use in New Zealand.
    A new building product specifications pathway will be introduced to streamline the process of citing international product standards that can be used with acceptable solutions or verification methods to establish compliance with the building code.
    Building Consent Authorities will be required to accept building products and methods that have been certified by an overseas product certification scheme and recognised by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment. 

    The Building (Overseas Building Products, Standards, and Certification Schemes) Amendment Bill responds to recommendations from the Commerce Commission’s 2022 market study into residential building supplies, which highlighted issues with the current lack of competition for the supply and acquisition of building products.  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Strengthening reo Māori accessibility

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Toi te kupu, toi te mana, toi tū te reo.
    Talented appointees to prominent reo Māori entities will help grow accessibility to the language and culture in homes and communities, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka says.
    “Beloved shows from the past like Hōmai Te Pakipaki, popular celebrations like Te Wiki o te Reo Māori and inspiring national events like Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga attract large diverse audiences to reo Māori me ngā tikanga. Stories about Māori told in a uniquely Māori will continue to support language learners and fluent speakers alike as we move to an increasingly digital mediascape.
    “The appointments I’m announcing today include leaders in governance, business, broadcasting, and language revitalisation.” The entities and appointments are:
    Te Mātāwai

    Penetaui Kleskovic is General Manager of Te Aupōuri and Councillor of Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori Ward. In addition to his te reo expertise, his three-year appointment will bring valuable insights to the board in asset growth and community engagement. 

    Te Mangai Pāho 

    Erana Reedy will be appointed for three years. She has 40 years of experience in broadcasting, producing te reo Māori content across radio, television, and online platforms as well as being Chief Operating Officer of Radio Ngāti Porou and Deputy Chair of Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori.
    Tamalene Painting will be reappointed for three years. She has strong te reo Māori capability, financial skills, and extensive experience in broadcasting and production management.

    Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori

    Professor Rawinia Higgins. With extensive experience in language revitalisation, governance, and policy development, with a strong academic background and leadership experience. This 18-month reappointment as Chair will provide valuable continuity of leadership at Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori.
    Te Haumihiata Mason appointed for three years. Linguist, translator, and educator with a lifelong commitment to te reo Māori revitalisation.

    Whakaata Māori 

    Jamie Tuuta has extensive governance experience with a strong strategic focus. This 18-month reappointment as Chair will provide strong leadership on strategic priorities.
    Tiwana Tibble has been reappointed for three years. He has expertise in financial management, governance, and a background in Māori economic authorities, commercial accountancy and sector governance.
    Holly Bennett has been appointed for three years. Her strong governance and business expertise will bring valuable insights.

    “These entities fulfil a wide range of roles, from preserving cultural practices and archival material to engaging with communities, so their leadership reflects the depth of expertise needed to advance te reo Māori revitalisation,” Mr Potaka says.
    “This kaupapa is at the heart of many homes and communities across the country so I especially want to acknowledge and thank all the outgoing members for their valuable contributions.”
    Te whakapakari i te whai wāhitanga ki te reo Māori
    Toi te kupu, toi te mana, toi tū te reo.
    Kia atamai ngā kopounga ki ngā hinonga reo Māori whakarae e āwhina ki te whakatipu i te whai wāhitanga ki te reo Māori me ōna tikanga ki ngā kāinga me ngā hapori, e kī ana te Minita Whanaketanga Māori a Tama Potaka.
    Ko ngā whakaaturanga whakaipoipo nō ngā rā o mua pēnā i te Homai te Pakipaki, ngā whakatairanga e aroha nuitia ana e te iwi, pēnā i Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, tatū atu ki te ihi, te wehi, te mana o ngā taumāhekeheke ā-motu pēnā i Te Matatini o Te Kāhui Maunga, katoa ēnei he mea tō mai i ngā mata tini, mata kanorau anō hoki ki te reo Māori me ōna tikanga. Ko ngā kōrero pūrākau mō te Māori Māori ake nei te āhua e tautoko tonu i ngā ākonga reo Māori tatū atu ki te hunga matatau i a tātou e tahuri ake ana ki tētahi ao pāpāho e matihiko haere, e matihiko haere nei.
    “Ko ētahi o ngā kopounga e pānuitia ake ana e au i te rangi nei he kaiarataki i te mana ārahi, te pakihi, te pāpāho, me te whakarauoratanga reo.” E whai ake nei ko ngā hinonga me ngā kopounga:
    Te Mātāwai

    Ko Penetaui Kleskovic – he Pou Whakahaere Whānui o Te Aupōuri, he Kaikaunihera hoki o Ngā Tai o Tokerau Māori Ward. I tua atu i tōna tohungatanga ki te reo Māori, aua atu ngā hua e puta mai ki te poari i ana mātau ki te whakatipu rawa me te honohono ki te hapori. 

    Te Māngai Pāho

    Kua kopounga a Erana Reedy mō te toru tau. E whai wheako ana ia i tana 40 tau i te ao pāpāho, e whakaputa ana i te ihirangi reo Māori huri noa i te reo irirangi, te pouaka whakaata, me ngā aratuku tuihono tae atu ki te tūranga o te Tumuaki o Te Reo Irirangi o Ngāti Porou me te Toihau Tuarua o Te Whakaruruhau o Ngā Reo Irirangi Māori.
    Kua kopounga anō a Tamalene Painting mō te toru tau. Ko ōna pūkenga he tino matatau ki te reo Māori, ki te taha pūtea, ka mutu, he whānui ōna wheako i ngā mahi whakahaere i te pāpāho me te whakanao.

    Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori

    Te Ahorangi Rawinia Higgins. Aua atu te wā e ruku ana ia i ngā mahi o te whakarauora reo, o te mana ārahi kaupapa, oti rā, o te whakawhanake kaupapahere, he tautōhito nō te ao mātauranga, he manu taupunga tātaki tangata. E whaihua tēnei kopounga anō mō te 18 marama ki te tūranga a te Toihau ki te ukiuki o te mana whakahaere ki Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori.
    Kua kopounga mai a Te Haumihiata Mason mō te toru tau. He tohunga wetereo, he kaiwhakamāori, he kaiwhakaako ngākau nui mō te hemo tonu atu ki te whakarauoratanga o te reo Māori.

    Whakaata Māori 

    He tautōhito a Jamie Tuuta ki te mana ārahi kaupapa me te aronga rautaki nui. Mā tēnei kopounga anō mō te 18 marama ki te tūranga a te Toihau e whakarite he kaha te mana whakahaere mō te taha ki ngā whakaarotau rautaki.
    Kua kopounga anō a Tiwana Tibble mō te toru tau. He mātanga ia i te mahi whakahaere pūtea, mana ārahi kaupapa, kua haere mai hoki ia i te ao o ngā mana ōhanga Māori, te mahi tiaki pūtea arumoni me te mana ārahi rāngai.
    Kua kopounga a Holly Bennett mō te toru tau. E hia nei ngā hua e puta mai ai i tana mātau ki te mahi mana ārahi kaupapa me te pakihi.

    “He whānui ngā tūranga e kawea ana e ēnei hinonga, mai i te penapena o ngā tikanga ahurea me ngā rawa pūranga tae atu ki te hononga atu ki ngā hapori, nō reira e whakaataria ana e tā rātou mana whakahaere te hōhonu o te tohungatanga e tika ana ki te kōkiri whakamua i te whakarauoratanga o te reo Māori,” e kī ana a Minita Potaka.
    “I ngā tini kāinga, hapori hoki huri noa i te motu, kāore i tua atu, kāore i tua mai i tēnei kaupapa, nō reira, kāore e ārikarika te mihi me te maioha atu ki ngā kaiwhiri tahito me ā rātou takoha puiaki ki te kaupapa.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján: President Trump’s Reckless Tariffs Will Make Life More Expensive for Families and Put New Mexico Jobs at Risk

    US Senate News:

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

    Experts Say Trump Tariffs Could Throw U.S. Into a Recession, Increase Annual Costs By Thousands for New Mexico Families 

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, issued the following statement on President Trump’s announcement to impose additional tariffs on global trading partners:

    “President Trump’s sweeping tariffs are a tax on hardworking New Mexicans. From the cost of groceries, to the price at the pump, to buying a car or building a home, these new tariffs will make daily life more expensive for many New Mexico families and businesses.

    “While President Trump should be focused on lowering prices for Americans, he is instigating a trade war and making everyday Americans the casualties. President Trump – who has said that he doesn’t care if costs go up – is creating economic uncertainty, shrinking life savings, putting New Mexico jobs at risk, and driving up costs for working families.

    “These tariffs are new and drastic tax increases on New Mexicans and the American people. President Trump is recklessly threatening the American economy – all while working to give the wealthiest few another tax handout and blowing up the national debt.”

    What People Are Saying: 

    Chamber of Commerce: “[T]he imposition of tariffs … will only raise prices for American families and upend supply chains.”

    National Association of Manufacturers: “Ultimately, manufacturers will bear the brunt of these tariffs, undermining our ability to sell our products at a competitive price and putting American jobs at risk.”

    United Steelworkers: “Our union calls on President Trump to reverse course on Canadian tariffs so that we can focus on trade solutions that will serve working families for the long-term.”

    International Association of Machinists: “The 25% tariffs on Canadian goods imported to the U.S., will result in job losses, increased prices, and a variety of other negative impacts.”

    National Association of Home Builders: “Tariffs on lumber and other building materials increase the cost of construction and discourage new development, and consumers end up paying for the tariffs in the form of higher home prices.”

    American Farm Bureau: “farmers and rural communities will bear the brunt of retaliation. … Tariffs that increase fertilizer prices threaten to deliver another blow to the finances of farm families.”

    National Farmers Union: “We are already facing significant economic uncertainty, and these actions only add to the strain. … Without a clear plan, family farmers will once again be left to bear the burden of decisions beyond their control, and eventually, so will consumers.”

    Retail Industry Leaders Association: “Stacking tariffs on household goods will also raise costs on American families.”

    Food Industry Association: “New tariffs will also drive up the cost of doing business and food prices at a time consumers are extremely concerned about prices.”

    National Consumers League: “these tariffs could hurt everyday Americans. … Higher prices on basic goods would make life harder for families across the country, all as a result of these ill-conceived trade policies.”

    American Automakers: “Our American automakers, who invested billions in the U.S. to meet these requirements, should not have their competitiveness undermined by tariffs that will raise the cost of building vehicles in the United States and stymie investment in the American workforce.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins Schatz, Wicker, Warner, Hyde-Smith, and Barrasso to Lead Bipartisan Group Of 60 Senators In Introducing Legislation To Expand Telehealth Access, Make Permanent Telehealth Flexibilities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    CONNECT For Health Act Holds Broad Bipartisan Support, Most Comprehensive Legislation On Telehealth In Congress
    Current Flexibilities Set To Expire September 30 Without Congressional Action
    WASHINGTON D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Peter Welch joined U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) in leading a bipartisan group of 60 senators to reintroduce the Creating Opportunities Now for Necessary and Effective Care Technologies (CONNECT) for Health Act. The CONNECT for Health Act will expand coverage of telehealth services through Medicare, make COVID-19 telehealth flexibilities permanent, improve health outcomes, and make it easier for patients to connect with their doctors. Current flexibilities are set to expire on September 30 unless Congress extends them.
    “The COVID-19 pandemic proved that telehealth not only works, but is essential,” said Senator Welch. “Rural and underserved areas in Vermont and across the country desperately need solutions to address the widening gap in health care access, and increasing telehealth services must be part of the answer. This bipartisan bill takes commonsense steps to help bridge that gap and make sure that our policies adapt to the capabilities of our technology.”
    “While telehealth use has rapidly increased in recent years, our laws have not kept up,” said Senator Schatz. “Telehealth is helping people get the care they need, and it’s here to stay. Our comprehensive bill makes it easier for more people to see their doctors no matter where they live.”
    “We live in a digital world, and our health services should reflect that. In the past decade, telehealth has made medical care more accessible for patients across the state and country,” said Senator Wicker. “It is time to make telehealth coverage permanent for Medicare recipients so that more Americans, especially those in rural Mississippi, have access to health care.”
    “Telehealth services have proven to be a safe and effective form of medical care. Through the expansion of telehealth services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, more patients have received quality, affordable care. I’m glad to introduce legislation that will make permanent some of these services and ensure Virginians continue to access affordable health care when they need it, and where they need it,” said Senator Warner.
    “Even before the pandemic, Mississippi recognized the vital role of telehealth. Across America, rural communities, the elderly, and those with mobility challenges have long struggled to access traditional healthcare,” said Senator Hyde-Smith. “This legislation is essential to delivering affordable, accessible, and quality care that Americans deserve, and I’m proud to continue this years-long effort to expand telehealth services.”
    “Telehealth is a critical for rural states like Wyoming,” said Senator Barrasso. “It has given folks access to specialized care no matter where they live. This important bipartisan bill will make it easier for Medicare patients, especially those in remote areas, to continue to have access to the health care they need.”
    In addition to Welch, Schatz, Wicker, Warner, Hyde-Smith, and Barrasso, the bill is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Angus King (I-Maine.), Jim Justice (R-W.V.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), and John Boozman (R-Ark.).
    Telehealth provides essential access to care with nearly a quarter of Americans accessing telehealth in a month, according to the most recent available data.
    The CONNECT for Health Act would:

    Permanently remove all geographic restrictions on telehealth services and expand originating sites to the location of the patient, including homes;
    Permanently allow health centers and rural health clinics to provide telehealth services;
    Allow more eligible health care professionals to utilize telehealth services;
    Remove unnecessary in-person visit requirement for telemental health services;
    Allow for the waiver of telehealth restrictions during public health emergencies; and
    Require more published data to learn more about how telehealth is being used, impacts of quality of care, and how it can be improved to support patients and health care providers.

    The CONNECT for Health Act was first introduced in 2016 and is considered the most comprehensive legislation on telehealth in Congress. Since 2016, several provisions of the bill have been enacted into law or adopted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, including provisions to remove restrictions on telehealth services for mental health, stroke care, and home dialysis.
    Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Mike Thompson (D- Calif.), Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), David Schweikert (R-Ariz.), and Troy Balderson (R-Ohio).
    The CONNECT for Health Act has the support of more than 150 organizations including the American Medical Association, AARP, American Hospital Association, National Association of Community Health Centers, National Association of Rural Health Clinics, and American Telemedicine Association.
    The full text of the bill is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Declares National Emergency to Increase our Competitive Edge, Protect our Sovereignty, and Strengthen our National and Economic Security

    Source: The White House

    PURSUING RECIPROCITY TO REBUILD THE ECONOMY AND RESTORE NATIONAL AND ECONOMIC SECURITY: Today, President Donald J. Trump declared that foreign trade and economic practices have created a national emergency, and his order imposes responsive tariffs to strengthen the international economic position of the United States and protect American workers.

    • Large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; resulted in a lack of incentive to increase advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries.
    • President Trump is invoking his authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) to address the national emergency posed by the large and persistent trade deficit that is driven by the absence of reciprocity in our trade relationships and other harmful policies like currency manipulation and exorbitant value-added taxes (VAT) perpetuated by other countries.
    • Using his IEEPA authority, President Trump will impose a 10% tariff on all countries.
      • This will take effect April 5, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
    • President Trump will impose an individualized reciprocal higher tariff on the countries with which the United States has the largest trade deficits. All other countries will continue to be subject to the original 10% tariff baseline.
      • This will take effect April 9, 2025 at 12:01 a.m. EDT.
    • These tariffs will remain in effect until such a time as President Trump determines that the threat posed by the trade deficit and underlying nonreciprocal treatment is satisfied, resolved, or mitigated.
    • Today’s IEEPA Order also contains modification authority, allowing President Trump to increase the tariff if trading partners retaliate or decrease the tariffs if trading partners take significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements and align with the United States on economic and national security matters.
    • Some goods will not be subject to the Reciprocal Tariff. These include: (1) articles subject to 50 USC 1702(b); (2) steel/aluminum articles and autos/auto parts already subject to Section 232 tariffs; (3) copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and lumber articles; (4) all articles that may become subject to future Section 232 tariffs; (5) bullion; and (6) energy and other certain minerals that are not available in the United States.
    • For Canada and Mexico, the existing fentanyl/migration IEEPA orders remain in effect, and are unaffected by this order. This means USMCA compliant goods will continue to see a 0% tariff, non-USMCA compliant goods will see a 25% tariff, and non-USMCA compliant energy and potash will see a 10% tariff. In the event the existing fentanyl/migration IEEPA orders are terminated, USMCA compliant goods would continue to receive preferential treatment, while non-USMCA compliant goods would be subject to a 12% reciprocal tariff.

     
    TAKING BACK OUR ECONOMIC SOVEREIGNTY: President Trump refuses to let the United States be taken advantage of and believes that tariffs are necessary to ensure fair trade, protect American workers, and reduce the trade deficit—this is an emergency.

    • He is the first President in modern history to stand strong for hardworking Americans by asking other countries to follow the golden rule on trade: Treat us like we treat you.
    • Pernicious economic policies and practices of our trading partners undermine our ability to produce essential goods for the public and the military, threatening national security.
    • U.S. companies, according to internal estimates, pay over $200 billion per year in value-added taxes (VAT) to foreign governments—a “double-whammy” on U.S. companies who pay the tax at the European border, while European companies don’t pay tax to the United States on the income from their exports to the U.S.
    • The annual cost to the U.S. economy of counterfeit goods, pirated software, and theft of trade secrets is between $225 billion and $600 billion. Counterfeit products not only pose a significant risk to U.S. competitiveness, but also threaten the security, health, and safety of Americans, with the global trade in counterfeit pharmaceuticals estimated at $4.4 billion and linked to the distribution of deadly fentanyl-laced drugs.
      • This imbalance has fueled a large and persistent trade deficit in both industrial and agricultural goods, led to offshoring of our manufacturing base, empowered non-market economies like China, and hurt America’s middle class and small towns. 
      • President Biden squandered the agricultural trade surplus inherited from President Trump’s first term, turning it into a projected all-time high deficit of $49 billion.
    • The current global trading order allows those using unfair trade practices to get ahead, while those playing by the rules get left behind.
    • In 2024, our trade deficit in goods exceeded $1.2 trillion—an unsustainable crisis ignored by prior leadership.
    • “Made in America” is not just a tagline—it’s an economic and national security priority of this Administration. The President’s reciprocal trade agenda means better-paying American jobs making beautiful American-made cars, appliances, and other goods.
    • These tariffs seek to address the injustices of global trade, re-shore manufacturing, and drive economic growth for the American people.
    • Reciprocal trade is America First trade because it increases our competitive edge, protects our sovereignty, and strengthens our national and economic security.
    • These tariffs adjust for the unfairness of ongoing international trade practices, balance our chronic goods trade deficit, provide an incentive for re-shoring production to the United States, and provide our foreign trading partners with an opportunity to rebalance their trade relationships with the United States.

     
    REPRIORITIZING U.S. MANUFACTURING: President Trump recognizes that increasing domestic manufacturing is critical to U.S. national security.

    • In 2023, U.S. manufacturing output as a share of global manufacturing output was 17.4%, down from 28.4% in 2001.
    • The decline in manufacturing output has reduced U.S. manufacturing capacity.
      • The need to maintain a resilient domestic manufacturing capacity is particularly acute in advanced sectors like autos, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, transport equipment, technology products, machine tools, and basic and fabricated metals, where loss of capacity could permanently weaken U.S. competitiveness.
    • U.S. stockpiles of military goods are too low to be compatible with U.S. national defense interests.
      • If the U.S. wishes to maintain an effective security umbrella to defend its citizens and homeland, as well as allies and partners, it needs to have a large upstream manufacturing and goods-producing ecosystem.
      • This includes developing new manufacturing technologies in critical sectors like bio-manufacturing, batteries, and microelectronics to support defense needs.
    • Increased reliance on foreign producers for goods has left the U.S. supply chain vulnerable to geopolitical disruption and supply shocks.
      • This vulnerability was exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and later with Houthi attacks on Middle East shipping.
    • From 1997 to 2024, the U.S. lost around 5 million manufacturing jobs and experienced one of the largest drops in manufacturing employment in history.

     
    ADDRESSING TRADE IMBALANCES: President Trump is working to level the playing field for American businesses and workers by confronting the unfair tariff disparities and non-tariff barriers imposed by other countries.

    • For generations, countries have taken advantage of the United States, tariffing us at higher rates. For example:
      • The United States imposes a 2.5% tariff on passenger vehicle imports (with internal combustion engines), while the European Union (10%) and India (70%) impose much higher duties on the same product. 
      • For networking switches and routers, the United States imposes a 0% tariff, but India (10-20%) levies higher rates.
      • Brazil (18%) and Indonesia (30%) impose a higher tariff on ethanol than does the United States (2.5%). 
      • For rice in the husk, the U.S. imposes a tariff of 2.7%, while India (80%), Malaysia (40%), and Turkey (31%) impose higher rates. 
      • Apples enter the United States duty-free, but not so in Turkey (60.3%) and India (50%).
    • The United States has one of the lowest simple average most-favored-nation (MFN) tariff rates in the world at 3.3%, while many of our key trading partners like Brazil (11.2%), China (7.5%), the European Union (5%), India (17%), and Vietnam (9.4%) have simple average MFN tariff rates that are significantly higher.
    • Similarly, non-tariff barriers—meant to limit the quantity of imports/exports and protect domestic industries—also deprive U.S. manufacturers of reciprocal access to markets around the world. For example:
      • China’s non-market policies and practices have given China global dominance in key manufacturing industries, decimating U.S. industry. Between 2001 and 2018, these practices contributed to the loss of 3.7 million U.S. jobs due to the growth of the U.S.-China trade deficit, displacing workers and undermining American competitiveness while threatening U.S. economic and national security by increasing our reliance on foreign-controlled supply chains for critical industries as well as everyday goods.
      • India imposes their own uniquely burdensome and/or duplicative testing and certification requirements in sectors such as chemicals, telecom products, and medical devices that make it difficult or costly for American companies to sell their products in India. If these barriers were removed, it is estimated that U.S. exports would increase by at least $5.3 billion annually.
      • Countries including China, Germany, Japan, and South Korea have pursued policies that suppress the domestic consumption power of their own citizens to artificially boost the competitiveness of their export products. Such policies include regressive tax systems, low or unenforced penalties for environmental degradation, and policies intended to suppress worker wages relative to productivity.
      • Certain countries, like Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, and Vietnam, restrict or prohibit the importation of remanufactured goods, restricting market access for U.S. exporters while also stifling efforts to promote sustainability by discouraging trade in like-new and resource-efficient products. If these barriers were removed, it is estimated that U.S. exports would increase by at least $18 billion annually.
      • The UK maintains non-science-based standards that severely restrict U.S. exports of safe, high-quality beef and poultry products.
      • Indonesia maintains local content requirements across a broad range of sectors, complex import licensing regimes, and, starting this year, will require natural resource firms to onshore all export revenue for transactions worth $250,000 or more.
      • Argentina has banned imports of U.S. live cattle since 2002 due to unsubstantiated concerns regarding bovine spongiform encephalopathy.  The United States has a $223 million trade deficit with Argentina in beef and beef products.
      • For decades, South Africa has imposed animal health restrictions that are not scientifically justified on U.S. pork products, permitting a very limited list of U.S. pork exports to enter South Africa. South Africa also heavily restricts U.S. poultry exports through high tariffs, anti-dumping duties, and unjustified animal health restrictions. These barriers have contributed to a 78% decline in U.S. poultry exports to South Africa, from $89 million in 2019 to $19 million 2024.
      • U.S. automakers face a variety of non-tariff barriers that impede access to the Japanese and Korean automotive markets, including non-acceptance of certain U.S. standards, duplicative testing and certification requirements, and transparency issues. Due to these non-reciprocal practices, the U.S. automotive industry loses out on an additional $13.5 billion in annual exports to Japan and access to a larger import market share in Korea—all while the U.S. trade deficit with Korea more than tripled from 2019 to 2024.
    • Monetary tariffs and non-monetary tariffs are two distinct types of trade barriers that governments use to regulate imports and exports. President Trump is countering both through reciprocal tariffs to protect American workers and industries from these unfair practices.

     
    THE GOLDEN RULE FOR OUR GOLDEN AGE: Today’s action simply asks other countries to treat us like we treat them. It’s the Golden Rule for Our Golden Age.

    • Access to the American market is a privilege, not a right.
    • The United States will no longer put itself last on matters of international trade in exchange for empty promises.
    • Reciprocal tariffs are a big part of why Americans voted for President Trump—it was a cornerstone of his campaign from the start.
      • Everyone knew he’d push for them once he got back in office; it’s exactly what he promised, and it’s a key reason he won the election.
    • These tariffs are central to President Trump’s plan to reverse the economic damage left by President Biden and put America on a path to a new golden age.
      • This builds on his broader economic agenda of energy competitiveness, tax cuts, no tax on tips, no tax on Social Security benefits, and deregulation to boost American prosperity.

     
    TARIFFS WORK: Studies have repeatedly shown that tariffs can be an effective tool for reducing or eliminating threats that impair U.S. national security and achieving economic and strategic objectives.

    • A 2024 study on the effects of President Trump’s tariffs in his first term found that they “strengthened the U.S. economy” and “led to significant reshoring” in industries like manufacturing and steel production.
    • A 2023 report by the U.S. International Trade Commission that analyzed the effects of Section 232 and 301 tariffs on more than $300 billion of U.S. imports found that the tariffs reduced imports from China and effectively stimulated more U.S. production of the tariffed goods, with very minor effects on prices.
    • According to the Economic Policy Institute, the tariffs implemented by President Trump during his first term “clearly show[ed] no correlation with inflation” and only had a temporary effect on overall price levels.
    • An analysis from the Atlantic Council found that “tariffs would create new incentives for US consumers to buy US-made products.”
    • Former Biden Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen affirmed last year that tariffs do not raise prices: “I don’t believe that American consumers will see any meaningful increase in the prices that they face.”
    • A 2024 economic analysis found that a global tariff of 10% would grow the economy by $728 billion, create 2.8 million jobs, and increase real household incomes by 5.7%.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Regulating Imports with a Reciprocal Tariff to Rectify Trade Practices that Contribute to Large and Persistent Annual United States Goods Trade Deficits

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-left”>By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.)(IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.)(NEA), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, 

    I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that underlying conditions, including a lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships, disparate tariff rates and non-tariff barriers, and U.S. trading partners’ economic policies that suppress domestic wages and consumption, as indicated by large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits, constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and economy of the United States.  That threat has its source in whole or substantial part outside the United States in the domestic economic policies of key trading partners and structural imbalances in the global trading system.  I hereby declare a national emergency with respect to this threat.

    On January 20, 2025, I signed the America First Trade Policy Presidential Memorandum directing my Administration to investigate the causes of our country’s large and persistent annual trade deficits in goods, including the economic and national security implications and risks resulting from such deficits, and to undertake a review of, and identify, any unfair trade practices by other countries.  On February 13, 2025, I signed a Presidential Memorandum entitled “Reciprocal Trade and Tariffs,” that directed further review of our trading partners’ non-reciprocal trading practices, and noted the relationship between non-reciprocal practices and the trade deficit.  On April 1, 2025, I received the final results of those investigations, and I am taking action today based on those results.  

    Large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits have led to the hollowing out of our manufacturing base; inhibited our ability to scale advanced domestic manufacturing capacity; undermined critical supply chains; and rendered our defense-industrial base dependent on foreign adversaries.  Large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits are caused in substantial part by a lack of reciprocity in our bilateral trade relationships.  This situation is evidenced by disparate tariff rates and non-tariff barriers that make it harder for U.S. manufacturers to sell their products in foreign markets.  It is also evidenced by the economic policies of key U.S. trading partners insofar as they suppress domestic wages and consumption, and thereby demand for U.S. exports, while artificially increasing the competitiveness of their goods in global markets.  These conditions have given rise to the national emergency that this order is intended to abate and resolve.

    For decades starting in 1934, U.S. trade policy has been organized around the principle of reciprocity.  The Congress directed the President to secure reduced reciprocal tariff rates from key trading partners first through bilateral trade agreements and later under the auspices of the global trading system.  Between 1934 and 1945, the executive branch negotiated and signed 32 bilateral reciprocal trade agreements designed to lower tariff rates on a reciprocal basis.  After 1947 through 1994, participating countries engaged in eight rounds of negotiation, which resulted in the General Agreements on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) and seven subsequent tariff reduction rounds. 

    However, despite a commitment to the principle of reciprocity, the trading relationship between the United States and its trading partners has become highly unbalanced, particularly in recent years.  The post-war international economic system was based upon three incorrect assumptions:  first, that if the United States led the world in liberalizing tariff and non-tariff barriers the rest of the world would follow; second, that such liberalization would ultimately result in more economic convergence and increased domestic consumption among U.S. trading partners converging towards the share in the United States; and third, that as a result, the United States would not accrue large and persistent goods trade deficits. 

    This framework set in motion events, agreements, and commitments that did not result in reciprocity or generally increase domestic consumption in foreign economies relative to domestic consumption in the United States.  Those events, in turn, created large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits as a feature of the global trading system. 

    Put simply, while World Trade Organization (WTO) Members agreed to bind their tariff rates on a most-favored-nation (MFN) basis, and thereby provide their best tariff rates to all WTO Members, they did not agree to bind their tariff rates at similarly low levels or to apply tariff rates on a reciprocal basis.  Consequently, according to the WTO, the United States has among the lowest simple average MFN tariff rates in the world at 3.3 percent, while many of our key trading partners like Brazil (11.2 percent), China (7.5 percent), the European Union (EU) (5 percent), India (17 percent), and Vietnam (9.4 percent) have simple average MFN tariff rates that are significantly higher.  

    Moreover, these average MFN tariff rates conceal much larger discrepancies across economies in tariff rates applied to particular products.  For example, the United States imposes a 2.5 percent tariff on passenger vehicle imports (with internal combustion engines), while the European Union (10 percent), India (70 percent), and China (15 percent) impose much higher duties on the same product.  For network switches and routers, the United States imposes a 0 percent tariff, but for similar products, India (10 percent) levies a higher rate.  Brazil (18 percent) and Indonesia (30 percent) impose a higher tariff on ethanol than does the United States (2.5 percent).  For rice in the husk, the U.S. MFN tariff is 2.7 percent (ad valorem equivalent), while India (80 percent), Malaysia (40 percent), and Turkey (an average of 31 percent) impose higher rates.  Apples enter the United States duty-free, but not so in Turkey (60.3 percent) and India (50 percent).

    Similarly, non-tariff barriers also deprive U.S. manufacturers of reciprocal access to markets around the world.  The 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers (NTE) details a great number of non-tariff barriers to U.S. exports around the world on a trading-partner by trading-partner basis.  These barriers include import barriers and licensing restrictions; customs barriers and shortcomings in trade facilitation; technical barriers to trade (e.g., unnecessarily trade restrictive standards, conformity assessment procedures, or technical regulations); sanitary and phytosanitary measures that unnecessarily restrict trade without furthering safety objectives; inadequate patent, copyright, trade secret, and trademark regimes and inadequate enforcement of intellectual property rights; discriminatory licensing requirements or regulatory standards; barriers to cross-border data flows and discriminatory practices affecting trade in digital products; investment barriers; subsidies; anticompetitive practices; discrimination in favor of domestic state-owned enterprises, and failures by governments in protecting labor and environment standards; bribery; and corruption.

    Moreover, non-tariff barriers include the domestic economic policies and practices of our trading partners, including currency practices and value-added taxes, and their associated market distortions, that suppress domestic consumption and boost exports to the United States.  This lack of reciprocity is apparent in the fact that the share of consumption to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the United States is about 68 percent, but it is much lower in others like Ireland (27 percent), Singapore (31 percent), China (39 percent), South Korea (49 percent), and Germany (50 percent).

    At the same time, efforts by the United States to address these imbalances have stalled.  Trading partners have repeatedly blocked multilateral and plurilateral solutions, including in the context of new rounds of tariff negotiations and efforts to discipline non-tariff barriers.  At the same time, with the U.S. economy disproportionately open to imports, U.S. trading partners have had few incentives to provide reciprocal treatment to U.S. exports in the context of bilateral trade negotiations.

    These structural asymmetries have driven the large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficit.  Even for countries with which the United States may enjoy an occasional bilateral trade surplus, the accumulation of tariff and non-tariff barriers on U.S. exports may make that surplus smaller than it would have been without such barriers.  Permitting these asymmetries to continue is not sustainable in today’s economic and geopolitical environment because of the effect they have on U.S. domestic production.  A nation’s ability to produce domestically is the bedrock of its national and economic security.

    Both my first Administration in 2017, and the Biden Administration in 2022, recognized that increasing domestic manufacturing is critical to U.S. national security.  According to 2023 United Nations data, U.S. manufacturing output as a share of global manufacturing output was 17.4 percent, down from a peak in 2001 of 28.4 percent. 

    Over time, the persistent decline in U.S. manufacturing output has reduced U.S. manufacturing capacity.  The need to maintain robust and resilient domestic manufacturing capacity is particularly acute in certain advanced industrial sectors like automobiles, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, technology products, machine tools, and basic and fabricated metals, because once competitors gain sufficient global market share in these sectors, U.S. production could be permanently weakened.  It is also critical to scale manufacturing capacity in the defense-industrial sector so that we can manufacture the defense materiel and equipment necessary to protect American interests at home and abroad.  

    In fact, because the United States has supplied so much military equipment to other countries, U.S. stockpiles of military goods are too low to be compatible with U.S. national defense interests.  Furthermore, U.S. defense companies must develop new, advanced manufacturing technologies across a range of critical sectors including bio-manufacturing, batteries, and microelectronics.  If the United States wishes to maintain an effective security umbrella to defend its citizens and homeland, as well as for its allies and partners, it needs to have a large upstream manufacturing and goods-producing ecosystem to manufacture these products without undue reliance on imports for key inputs. 

    Increased reliance on foreign producers for goods also has compromised U.S. economic security by rendering U.S. supply chains vulnerable to geopolitical disruption and supply shocks.  In recent years, the vulnerability of the U.S. economy in this respect was exposed both during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Americans had difficulty accessing essential products, as well as when the Houthi rebels later began attacking cargo ships in the Middle East. 

    The decline of U.S. manufacturing capacity threatens the U.S. economy in other ways, including through the loss of manufacturing jobs.  From 1997 to 2024, the United States lost around 5 million manufacturing jobs and experienced one of the largest drops in manufacturing employment in history.  Furthermore, many manufacturing job losses were concentrated in specific geographical areas.  In these areas, the loss of manufacturing jobs contributed to the decline in rates of family formation and to the rise of other social trends, like the abuse of opioids, that have imposed profound costs on the U.S. economy.

    The future of American competitiveness depends on reversing these trends.  Today, manufacturing represents just 11 percent of U.S. gross domestic product, yet it accounts for 35 percent of American productivity growth and 60 percent of our exports.  Importantly, U.S. manufacturing is the main engine of innovation in the United States, responsible for 55 percent of all patents and 70 percent of all research and development (R&D) spending.  The fact that R&D expenditures by U.S. multinational enterprises in China grew at an average rate of 13.6 percent a year between 2003 and 2017, while their R&D expenditures in the United States grew by an average of just 5 percent per year during the same time period, is evidence of the strong link between manufacturing and innovation.  Furthermore, every manufacturing job spurs 7 to 12 new jobs in other related industries, helping to build and sustain our economy.

    Just as a nation that does not produce manufactured products cannot maintain the industrial base it needs for national security, neither can a nation long survive if it cannot produce its own food.  Presidential Policy Directive 21 of February 12, 2013 (Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience), designates food and agriculture as a “critical infrastructure sector” because it is one of the sectors considered “so vital to the United States that [its] incapacity or destruction . . . would have a debilitating impact on security, national economic security, national public health or safety, or any combination of those matters.”  Furthermore, when I left office, the United States had a trade surplus in agricultural products, but today, that surplus has vanished.  Eviscerated by a slew of new non-tariff barriers imposed by our trading partners, it has been replaced by a projected $49 billion annual agricultural trade deficit. For these reasons, I hereby declare and order:

    Section 1.  National Emergency.  As President of the United States, my highest duty is ensuring the national and economic security of the country and its citizens.  

    I have declared a national emergency arising from conditions reflected in large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits, which have grown by over 40 percent in the past 5 years alone, reaching $1.2 trillion in 2024.  This trade deficit reflects asymmetries in trade relationships that have contributed to the atrophy of domestic production capacity, especially that of the U.S. manufacturing and defense-industrial base.  These asymmetries also impact U.S. producers’ ability to export and, consequentially, their incentive to produce. 
    Specifically, such asymmetry includes not only non-reciprocal differences in tariff rates among foreign trading partners, but also extensive use of non-tariff barriers by foreign trading partners, which reduce the competitiveness of U.S. exports while artificially enhancing the competitiveness of their own goods.  These non-tariff barriers include technical barriers to trade; non-scientific sanitary and phytosanitary rules; inadequate intellectual property protections; suppressed domestic consumption (e.g., wage suppression); weak labor, environmental, and other regulatory standards and protections; and corruption.  These non-tariff barriers give rise to significant imbalances even when the United States and a trading partner have comparable tariff rates. 

    The cumulative effect of these imbalances has been the transfer of resources from domestic producers to foreign firms, reducing opportunities for domestic manufacturers to expand and, in turn, leading to lost manufacturing jobs, diminished manufacturing capacity, and an atrophied industrial base, including in the defense-industrial sector.  At the same time, foreign firms are better positioned to scale production, reinvest in innovation, and compete in the global economy, to the detriment of U.S. economic and national security.  
    The absence of sufficient domestic manufacturing capacity in certain critical and advanced industrial sectors — another outcome of the large and persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits — also compromises U.S. economic and national security by rendering the U.S. economy less resilient to supply chain disruption.  Finally, the large, persistent annual U.S. goods trade deficits, and the concomitant loss of industrial capacity, have compromised military readiness; this vulnerability can only be redressed through swift corrective action to rebalance the flow of imports into the United States.  Such impact upon military readiness and our national security posture is especially acute with the recent rise in armed conflicts abroad.  I call upon the public and private sector to make the efforts necessary to strengthen the international economic position of the United States.  

    Sec. 2.  Reciprocal Tariff Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to rebalance global trade flows by imposing an additional ad valorem duty on all imports from all trading partners except as otherwise provided herein.  The additional ad valorem duty on all imports from all trading partners shall start at 10 percent and shortly thereafter, the additional ad valorem duty shall increase for trading partners enumerated in Annex I to this order at the rates set forth in Annex I to this order.  These additional ad valorem duties shall apply until such time as I determine that the underlying conditions described above are satisfied, resolved, or mitigated.   

    Sec. 3.  Implementation.  (a)  Except as otherwise provided in this order, all articles imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be, consistent with law, subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty of 10 percent.  Such rates of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 5, 2025, except that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 5, 2025, and entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 5, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty.  

    Furthermore, except as otherwise provided in this order, at 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025, all articles from trading partners enumerated in Annex I to this order imported into the customs territory of the United States shall be, consistent with law, subject to the country-specific ad valorem rates of duty specified in Annex I to this order.  Such rates of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025, except that goods loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading and in transit on the final mode of transit before 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025, and entered for consumption or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025, shall not be subject to these country-specific ad valorem rates of duty set forth in Annex I to this order.  These country-specific ad valorem rates of duty shall apply to all articles imported pursuant to the terms of all existing U.S. trade agreements, except as provided below. 

    (b)  The following goods as set forth in Annex II to this order, consistent with law, shall not be subject to the ad valorem rates of duty under this order:  (i) all articles that are encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b); (ii) all articles and derivatives of steel and aluminum subject to the duties imposed pursuant to section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and proclaimed in Proclamation 9704 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), as amended, Proclamation 9705 of March 8, 2018 (Adjusting Imports of Steel Into the United States), as amended, and Proclamation 9980 of January 24, 2020 (Adjusting Imports of Derivative Aluminum Articles and Derivative Steel Articles Into the United States), as amended, Proclamation 10895 of February 10, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Aluminum Into the United States), and Proclamation 10896 of February 10, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Steel into the United States); (iii) all automobiles and automotive parts subject to the additional duties imposed pursuant to section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, as amended, and proclaimed in Proclamation 10908 of March 26, 2025 (Adjusting Imports of Automobiles and Automobile Parts Into the United States); (iv) other products enumerated in Annex II to this order, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles, certain critical minerals, and energy and energy products; (v) all articles from a trading partner subject to the rates set forth in Column 2 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS); and (vi) all articles that may become subject to duties pursuant to future actions under section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962.

    (c)  The rates of duty established by this order are in addition to any other duties, fees, taxes, exactions, or charges applicable to such imported articles, except as provided in subsections (d) and (e) of this section below. 

    (d)  With respect to articles from Canada, I have imposed additional duties on certain goods to address a national emergency resulting from the flow of illicit drugs across our northern border pursuant to Executive Order 14193 of February 1, 2025 (Imposing Duties To Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border), as amended by Executive Order 14197 of February 3, 2025 (Progress on the Situation at Our Northern Border), and Executive Order 14231 of March 2, 2025 (Amendment to Duties To Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border).  With respect to articles from Mexico, I have imposed additional duties on certain goods to address a national emergency resulting from the flow of illicit drugs and illegal migration across our southern border pursuant to Executive Order 14194 of February 1, 2025 (Imposing Duties To Address the Situation at Our Southern Border), as amended by Executive Order 14198 of February 3, 2025 (Progress on the Situation at Our Southern Border), and Executive Order 14227 of March 2, 2025 (Amendment to Duties To Address the Situation at Our Southern Border).  As a result of these border emergency tariff actions, all goods of Canada or Mexico under the terms of general note 11 to the HTSUS, including any treatment set forth in subchapter XXIII of chapter 98 and subchapter XXII of chapter 99 of the HTSUS, as related to the Agreement between the United States of America, United Mexican States, and Canada (USMCA), continue to be eligible to enter the U.S. market under these preferential terms.  However, all goods of Canada or Mexico that do not qualify as originating under USMCA are presently subject to additional ad valorem duties of 25 percent, with energy or energy resources and potash imported from Canada and not qualifying as originating under USMCA presently subject to the lower additional ad valorem duty of 10 percent.  

    (e)  Any ad valorem rate of duty on articles imported from Canada or Mexico under the terms of this order shall not apply in addition to the ad valorem rate of duty specified by the existing orders described in subsection (d) of this section.  If such orders identified in subsection (d) of this section are terminated or suspended, all items of Canada and Mexico that qualify as originating under USMCA shall not be subject to an additional ad valorem rate of duty, while articles not qualifying as originating under USMCA shall be subject to an ad valorem rate of duty of 12 percent.  However, these ad valorem rates of duty on articles imported from Canada and Mexico shall not apply to energy or energy resources, to potash, or to an article eligible for duty-free treatment under USMCA that is a part or component of an article substantially finished in the United States. 

    (f)  More generally, the ad valorem rates of duty set forth in this order shall apply only to the non-U.S. content of a subject article, provided at least 20 percent of the value of the subject article is U.S. originating.  For the purposes of this subsection, “U.S. content” refers to the value of an article attributable to the components produced entirely, or substantially transformed in, the United States.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to the extent permitted by law, is authorized to require the collection of such information and documentation regarding an imported article, including with the entry filing, as is necessary to enable CBP to ascertain and verify the value of the U.S. content of the article, as well as to ascertain and verify whether an article is substantially finished in the United States. 

    (g)  Subject articles, except those eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, which are subject to the duty specified in section 2 of this order and are admitted into a foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern daylight time on April 9, 2025, must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41. 

    (h)  Duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(A)-(B) shall remain available for the articles described in subsection (a) of this section.  Duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) shall remain available for the articles described in subsection (a) of this section until notification by the Secretary of Commerce to the President that adequate systems are in place to fully and expeditiously process and collect duty revenue applicable pursuant to this subsection for articles otherwise eligible for de minimis treatment.  After such notification, duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321(a)(2)(C) shall not be available for the articles described in subsection (a) of this section.  

    (i)  The Executive Order of April 2, 2025 (Further Amendment to Duties Addressing the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China as Applied to Low-Value Imports), regarding low-value imports from China is not affected by this order, and all duties and fees with respect to covered articles shall be collected as required and detailed therein.

    (j)  To reduce the risk of transshipment and evasion, all ad valorem rates of duty imposed by this order or any successor orders with respect to articles of China shall apply equally to articles of both the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau Special Administrative Region.

    (k)  In order to establish the duty rates described in this order, the HTSUS is modified as set forth in the Annexes to this order.  These modifications shall enter into effect on the dates set forth in the Annexes to this order.

    (l)  Unless specifically noted herein, any prior Presidential Proclamation, Executive Order, or other Presidential directive or guidance related to trade with foreign trading partners that is inconsistent with the direction in this order is hereby terminated, suspended, or modified to the extent necessary to give full effect to this order.

    Sec. 4.  Modification Authority.  (a)  The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, shall recommend to me additional action, if necessary, if this action is not effective in resolving the emergency conditions described above, including the increase in the overall trade deficit or the recent expansion of non-reciprocal trade arrangements by U.S. trading partners in a manner that threatens the economic and national security interests of the United States. 

    (b)  Should any trading partner retaliate against the United States in response to this action through import duties on U.S. exports or other measures, I may further modify the HTSUS to increase or expand in scope the duties imposed under this order to ensure the efficacy of this action. 

    (c)  Should any trading partner take significant steps to remedy non-reciprocal trade arrangements and align sufficiently with the United States on economic and national security matters, I may further modify the HTSUS to decrease or limit in scope the duties imposed under this order.

    (d)  Should U.S. manufacturing capacity and output continue to worsen, I may further modify the HTSUS to increase duties under this order.

    Sec. 5.  Implementation Authority.  The Secretary of Commerce and the United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Chair of the International Trade Commission are hereby authorized to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to implement this order.  Each executive department and agency shall take all appropriate measures within its authority to implement this order.

    Sec. 6.  Reporting Requirements.  The United States Trade Representative, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Assistant to the President for Economic Policy, the Senior Counselor for Trade and Manufacturing, and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, is hereby authorized to submit recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).

    Sec. 7.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        April 2, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Capito Outlines Surface Transportation Principles at Hearing with DOT Secretary Duffy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito
    To watch Chairman Capito’s opening statement, click here or the image above.
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, led a hearing beginning the development of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill with the Secretary of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), Sean Duffy.
    In her opening remarks, Chairman Capito detailed her vision for the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill, and welcomed input and collaboration from the Trump administration and Secretary Duffy as the reauthorization effort begins. This hearing serves as the first of a two-part series of hearings on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill.
    Below is the opening statement of Chairman Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) as delivered.
    “Thank you for joining us this morning as we begin our work to develop the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill. This hearing is the first of a two-part series that we are having to help us guide our work, and I really want to thank Secretary Duffy for being here with us today.
    “My vision for this legislation is simple, but important. We want to improve the movement of people and goods.
    “Our roads and bridges are what connect us to the people and places that matter most in our lives. They help American businesses, large and small, create jobs and economic opportunities, and enable that competitiveness in the global marketplace. They connect everything around us from Point A to Point B. Every state has transportation needs and stands to benefit from the Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill.
    “My home state of West Virginia is pursuing important projects, like the Coalfields Expressway, I’m specifically mentioning these in front of the Secretary, because he will be hearing from me on these two, Corridor H also, to better link our communities to essential services and economic opportunity. This legislation provides the funding and establishes the policies and programs that enable the improvement of the surface transportation network that we all so rely on. 
    “Since the enactment of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the EPW Committee has reviewed and conducted oversight of the existing policies and programs. We’ve learned a lot about what is working and what isn’t. That effort has provided me with three key principles for the next bill. By focusing on these principles, I’m confident that we can work towards bipartisan legislation, as we have in the past, that will deliver results for the American people. 
    “Principle One: Improving the safety and reliability of America’s surface transportation network with impactful investments.
    “In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the number and scope of federal transportation programs. These programs have often had duplicative purposes, and project availability and eligibility. This leads to an expensive and time-intensive process to get funding out the door that disrupts the focus of federal funding and lessens the impact that the legislation can make.
    “As we craft the next Surface Transportation Reauthorization Bill we must make investments that instead, optimize the impact of federal funding and give state partners the confidence that they can invest over a longer period of time. We should focus on eliminating duplicative programs that invite regulatory overreach and increase funding for the highway formula programs that our states rely on and have a proven track record of success.
    “Principle Two: Reforming and modernizing federal programs and policies to increase efficiency.
    “We all know that as currently structured, federal requirements can add red-tape that increases costs and time, and slows down the completion of projects. We all want to deliver transportation benefits faster and save money for American taxpayers. 
    “To achieve this goal, we need to take a serious look at the federal requirements to determine how to make meaningful improvements to our planning and procurement procedures, our environmental review process for projects, and discretionary grants and loans requirements. By reforming and modernizing these requirements, we can create certainty for the partners who make these projects happen and ensure that the public receives the benefits of these needed investments quickly. 
    “Principle Three: Addressing the variety of surface transportation needs across all states.
    “Obviously, different states have different needs. I wouldn’t expect West Virginia, with our mountainous peaks and valleys, to prioritize the same transportation projects in other states in other parts of the country. By avoiding top-down mandates from Washington, and giving states flexibility to address the individual improvements, I think that is what we need to be looking at. The bill can support our common goals while ensuring that federal regulations, programs, and policies recognize the different needs in our states. 
    “It will take collaboration from my Senate colleagues, our stakeholders, and the Trump administration in order to complete the bill before the IIJA expires in September of 2026. We must be pragmatic, and work in a bipartisan way, as we have in the past, to develop a Senate bill that sets us up for a productive conversation on this reauthorization effort with our colleagues in the House.
    “I am grateful to Secretary Sean Duffy, who is here to share the Trump administration’s priorities for this legislation, and I look forward to learning more about those priorities. The Department of Transportation’s technical assistance and support will be critical parts of this process. 
    “This is an excellent opportunity ahead of us to make a pivotal impact in our surface transportation network. Each of us knows how important that network is and the role that it plays in keeping our country’s economy and people on the move. I am excited to get to work and continue the EPW Committee’s bipartisan tradition of developing this legislation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pueblo and Southern Colorado Leaders Discuss Region’s Workforce and Broadband Needs

    Source: US State of Colorado

    PUEBLO – Today, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) and Southern Colorado Economic Development District (SCEDD) hosted a Regional Talent Summit at the Pueblo Convention Center to convene industry and community leaders, discuss much needed career pathway solutions and begin developing tactical workforce plans to ensure that Colorado workers develop the skills employers need.

    “As Colorado’s economy grows, we’re making sure local workforces are ready to support the industries driving Colorado’s future. These important regional conversations are helping to ensure Coloradans are equipped to thrive in good-paying jobs and businesses have the skills needed to succeed in our state,” said Gov. Polis.

    Today’s summit focused on the advanced manufacturing, construction, and technology industries in Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Lake, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers and Pueblo counties. The roundtable discussions and industry breakout sessions will inform the creation of tactical plans to develop industry-specific career pathways that connect Coloradans to good-paying jobs, meet the needs of the region’s employers and support broadband expansion within the region.

    “As a state, we are doubling down on workforce development to connect Coloradans to good-paying jobs while supporting regional economic development goals. Today’s Regional Talent Summit will result in a tactical action plan developed by community and business leaders from Pueblo and across Southern Colorado to meet the region’s unique goals and needs,” said Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director.

    “Economic development is a team sport. It takes everybody—public, private, and nonprofit sectors—working together to create opportunities for businesses, workers, and residents. A common refrain I’ve heard from all sectors is the need for a trained and dependable workforce throughout our region,” said Leslie Mastroianni, SCEDD Executive Director. “This need became apparent through the development of the region’s Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and more recently since SCEDD was awarded over $28 million in broadband funds. Today’s conversations will contribute to local workforce solutions and provide valuable input as we work on a grant application to provide training and job placement for unemployed and underemployed people in our region.”

    Today’s event was the third of seven Regional Talent Summits taking place across the state. Established by HB24-1365, these summits build on the impact of the Opportunity Now grant program which has, to date, distributed nearly $90 million to 89 grant recipients to launch and expand innovative talent development programs across the state. Within the 13-county region represented at today’s Regional Talent Summit, notable grant recipients include:

    • Colorado State University-Pueblo (CSU-Pueblo) – $1.4 million to collaborate with Southern Colorado Partners Leading Advancement in Nursing Track (PLANT) to train nurses to work in local communities. Serving 15 counties in Southern Colorado, CSU-Pueblo’s goal is to reduce the infant mortality rate and improve the quality of care for Coloradans over the age of 65 who are most in-need of services.
    • Emergent Campus – Trinidad – $3.5 million to broaden economic opportunities in tech, with a special focus on rural Colorado. This funding is expected to support the growth of more than 155 tech jobs and over 50 paid internships in Fremont County, with an anticipated annual economic impact of more than $25 million. In collaboration with Trinidad State College, these on-the-job and work-based learning opportunities are intended to support business relocation and expansion.
    • Servicios de la Raza – Pueblo – $900,000 to work with education and industry partners to address talent shortages in transportation, infrastructure, warehousing, construction and skilled trades. Focusing on credentialing and skill development, Servicios de la Raza offers training and ongoing wraparound support to place hundreds of Coloradans into jobs.

    Grant recipients from CSU-Pueblo, Emergent Campus, Servicios de la Raza and Skill Distillery participated in today’s summit.

    “The Regional Talent Summit held today is an important milestone for workforce development in Pueblo and southern Colorado. We have an opportunity to help working Coloradans develop and maintain skill sets that are in demand through the entire duration of their careers, and I look forward to working alongside regional partners to implement the resulting action plan,” said Senate Majority Whip, Nick Hinrichsen.

    “Pueblo and southern Colorado are home to hardworking families ready to take on new jobs, contribute to a strong economy and maintain our tightknit communities. Today’s summit is just one way state and local leaders are working together to ensure more Coloradans in our region develop the skills to access today’s and tomorrow’s new jobs,” said Sen. Rod Pelton.

    “Access to quality education in southern Colorado is a necessity to ensure our residents have the skills they need for good paying jobs. When both business and community leaders collaborate to ensure our region has the education opportunities for individuals to support their families, this is what continues to make headway for work force development in House District 47,” said House Assistant Minority Leader, Ty Winter.

    “Today’s regional workforce summit and the resulting action plan will help ensure that hardworking Coloradans in Pueblo and the region have the skills to access good-paying jobs in advanced manufacturing, construction, and technology, while improving broadband. That’s a win for our regional economy and our communities,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro

    Four more summits will take place across the state between now and June 2025, and each region’s tactical workforce plans will be published in the 2025 Colorado Talent Pipeline report, with annual progress reports being published through 2030. The next summits will take place May 12 in Grand Junction, focusing on construction, early childhood education and healthcare; and May 16 in Durango, with a focus on construction, early childhood education and healthcare.  

    About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kean, Frankel Send Letter to FAA Advocating for Businesses Affected by Presidential Flight Restrictions

    Source: US Representative Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07)

    (April 2, 2025) WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Representatives Tom Kean, Jr. (NJ-07) and Lois Frankel (FL-22) sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau, advocating for the reimbursement of airports and aviation businesses affected by Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) during President Trump’s visits to his residences in Bedminster, New Jersey and Palm Beach, Florida.  

    Temporary Flight Restrictions have significantly impacted operations at Somerset Airport and Solberg-Hunterdon Airport in New Jersey, as well as Lantana Airport in Florida. These restrictions, particularly during peak flying seasons, have led to notable declines in airport activity and revenue losses.

    Since the first Trump Administration, Congress has appropriated $3.5 million annually to compensate businesses that are regularly affected by TFRs, which temporarily limit airspace access when the President is traveling within a designated radius. However, before affected businesses can apply for reimbursement, the FAA must open a Notice of Funding Opportunity.

    “Protecting national security and supporting small businesses should not be mutually exclusive,” said Rep. Tom Kean, Jr. “I am proud to represent a district with small, family-run airports that play a vital role in our community—and one that the President calls home part-time. While Temporary Flight Restrictions are critical for the President’s safety, they can also impose significant financial hardships on local airports and aviation businesses. That’s why Rep. Frankel and I are urging the FAA to use money that Congress has already provided to reimburse businesses for lost revenue and disrupted operations.”

    “Protecting the President is a responsibility we all share, regardless of political affiliation,” said Rep. Lois Frankel. “But it’s the federal government—not local businesses or airports—that should bear the cost of these necessary security measures.”

    The full text of the letter from Representatives Kean and Frankel is available HERE.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Requests Federal Disaster Declaration in Response to March 14-15 Severe Storms and Tornadoes

    Source: US State of Missouri

    APRIL 2, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe requested that President Donald J. Trump approve a major disaster declaration to provide federal assistance in a total of 28 counties in response to the severe storms and tornadoes that devastated Missouri March 14-15, claiming 13 lives and causing significant damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

    “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and local partners have been working in close coordination with FEMA to document damage in the areas impacted by these storms,” Governor Kehoe said. “Today, we are requesting a federal disaster declaration to support the affected communities and their recovery efforts. We are confident federal assistance will be forthcoming and greatly appreciate the critical work already being done by local response agencies and many volunteer partners to help Missourians in need.”

    Based on the documented damage, Governor Kehoe is requesting FEMA Individual Assistance for the following 25 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Camden, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Laclede, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pulaski, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Louis, Stoddard, Wayne, Webster, and Wright.

    Individual Assistance would allow eligible residents to seek federal assistance for temporary housing, housing repairs, replacement of damaged belongings, vehicles, and other qualifying expenses.  

    Based on the documented damage and emergency response costs, Governor Kehoe is also requesting FEMA Public Assistance for the following 20 counties: Bollinger, Butler, Callaway, Carter, Dunklin, Franklin, Howell, Iron, Madison, New Madrid, Oregon, Ozark, Perry, Phelps, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, and Wayne.

    If approved, Public Assistance would allow local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure.

    Joint damage assessments conducted by FEMA, SEMA, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and local officials estimate more than $26.9 million in emergency response costs and damage to public infrastructure.

    Several Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs), one-stop shops for recovery resources, were hosted March 25 – April 1 in Rolla, Hartville, West Plains, Van Buren, Popular Bluff, Doniphan, Piedmont, Perryville, Florissant, and Arnold. These MARCs served over 2,873 impacted individuals from 1,171 households. Due to the potential for severe weather, the MARC previously scheduled to take place at Eagles Hall in Pacific (707 W. Congress St.) has been rescheduled to Wednesday, April 9 from 1-7 p.m.

    Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, please visit recovery.mo.gov.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: First Degree Child Cruelty and Other Charges Filed in July 2023 Assault of Two-Year Old

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – William Woodson, 26, of Southeast Washington, D.C. was indicted today by a D.C. Superior Court grand jury on three felony counts. Specifically, he is charged with one count of first degree child cruelty and one count of assault with significant bodily injury against a minor for his assault on a two-year-old victim, along with another felony charge from conduct directed at a separate adult the same day. The charges are in connection with an allegation that the defendant kicked a stranger’s two-year-old child down the escalator at the Mount Vernon Square metro station.  The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department.

                Woodson is detained while the case remains pending.

                According to the government’s evidence, presented in police affidavits, on July 24, 2023 around 11:20 a.m., the victim’s mother was walking down the escalator at the Mount Vernon Square metro station when the defendant came up behind them.  He then (without any prior interaction or provocation) kicked the two-year-old child, causing him to fall down the escalator, hitting his head and face. Woodson exited the station and the victim’s mother followed him while carrying the now-injured child victim. The victim’s mother followed the defendant out of the metro station and called 911, providing law enforcement with information about the defendant.

                Responding MPD officers met the mother who gave them a lookout and, subsequently, officers stopped Woodson a short distance away. Medics arrived on scene and, noting that the two-year-old victim was bleeding from the head, advised the victim’s mother that he required transport to Children’s Hospital immediately. During transport, the victim lost consciousness. The victim remained hospitalized for approximately twelve hours and was diagnosed with a mild concussion before being sent home with his mother.

                This case is being investigated by the Metropolitan Police Department and the Metropolitan Transit Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Ballou of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia.

                An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Bowie County man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for fentanyl overdose death

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TEXARKANA, Texas – A Hooks man who sold fake prescription pills containing fentanyl has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, announced Eastern District of Texas Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Henry Wayne Milligan, 28, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death and was sentenced to 240 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Robert W. Schroeder, III, on April 2, 2025.

    “The Eastern District of Texas will continue to aggressively prosecute those who distribute deadly drugs such as fentanyl in our communities and seek enhanced sentences commensurate with the tragic consequences and immeasurable losses suffered by victims and their families,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    According to information presented in court, Milligan pleaded guilty to selling the victim what were purported to be prescription pills, after which the victim was found dead in his home of what an autopsy later determined to be a fentanyl overdose. The pills sold by Milligan were tested and confirmed to be laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid commonly used as an analgesic or anesthetic that is 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin. Following his arrest, Milligan provided a voluntary statement during which he confessed.

    “We sincerely appreciate the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in prosecuting this case,” said Texarkana, Texas Police Department’s Public Information Officer Shawn Vaughn. “Their dedication to seeking justice for the victim and holding those accountable who distribute deadly fentanyl is invaluable in our ongoing fight against this epidemic.  We also want to recognize Detective Daniel Linn for his outstanding work in leading this investigation. His relentless efforts and attention to detail were instrumental in identifying Milligan as the supplier of the fentanyl that tragically led to the victim’s death.  Additionally, we extend our gratitude to the Texas Department of Public Safety for their invaluable assistance in this case. Their collaboration and resources played a crucial role in bringing this investigation to a successful resolution.”

    The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a public safety alert warning Americans of the alarming increase in the lethality and availability of fake prescription pills containing fentanyl and methamphetamine.  The public safety alert coincides with the launch of DEA’s One Pill Can Kill public awareness campaign to educate the public of the dangers of counterfeit pills and urges all Americans to take only medications prescribed by a medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.  The campaign aims to raise public awareness of a significant nationwide surge in fake pills that are mass-produced by criminal drug networks in labs, deceptively marketed as legitimate prescription pills, and are killing unsuspecting Americans at an unprecedented rate. For more information, please visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.

    This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations Division; and Texarkana Texas Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lucas Machicek.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Department of Justice and United States Attorney for the Northern District of Iowa Honors Crime Victims and Survivors During 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Cedar Rapids, Iowa — The United States Attorney from the Northern District of Iowa will commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) from April 6 through 12, 2025.

    This year’s NCVRW theme—Connecting Healing—recognizes that shared humanity drives vital connections to services, rights, and healing. KINSHIP is where victim advocacy begins.

    This annual observance challenges us to build a world where every connection built through KINSHIP — between survivors, advocates, and communities — holds the potential to heal. It asks us to ensure that resources are available to all survivors and that we show up for one another with empathy and intention.

    NCVRW 2025 will be commemorated in Iowa with many events across the state, including the following:

    • Friday April 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.: The 2025 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Commemoration, Polk County River Place, 2309 Euclid Ave., Des Moines, Iowa
      • Saturday April 5 at 9:00 a.m.: Go the Distance for Crime Victims 5K Run/Walk at Thomas Park in Marion, Iowa
      • Tuesday April 8 at 1:00 p.m and Thursday April 10 at 11:15 a.m.: From War to Wellness: A Journey of Resilience and Transformation on the Ankeny and Urban campuses of the Des Moines Area Community College.

    In the Northern District of Iowa, United States Attorney Timothy T. Duax announced winners for the following awards based on their service to victims in Iowa:

    • The Law Enforcement Victim Services Award is presented to Investigator Tracy Johnson from the Cedar Rapids Police Department. This award is presented to law enforcement officers in Iowa who go beyond the call of duty to help crime victims. It is the highest federal honor in Iowa for victim services by a law enforcement officer. Investigator Johnson is recognized for her excellent work investigating human trafficking and her work with a minor victim of trafficking.
    • The Law Enforcement Victim Services Award is also presented to Detective Chris Thomas of the Sioux City Police Department.  Detective Thomas was nominated for his outstanding investigative and advocacy work that led to the successful prosecution of Bobby Ray Rhoden.

    Investigator Johnson was the lead investigator in a human trafficking case involving a minor victim, two individuals who were eventually charged and convicted, and numerous other men who paid to participate in abusing the victim.  Investigator Johnson took a victim-centered approach to the investigation, developing a rapport with the minor victim and utilizing a trauma-informed interview style that gave the minor victim confidence that she was safe with Investigator Johnson.  Investigator Johnson’s outstanding and compassionate work with the victim was crucial to the case.  One of the charged defendants, Jarod Anderson, went to trial.  The victim testified during the trial and was able to tell the jury what had been done to her.  Investigator Johnson’s hard work during the investigation and prior to trial helped prepare the victim to face the difficult task of testifying in open court.  As a result of the victim’s brave testimony and Investigator Johnson’s outstanding work, Anderson was found guilty and is awaiting sentencing.  The second charged defendant, Tana Torres, pled guilty and was sentenced to up to eight years in prison.

    Rhoden victimized multiple individuals, including a former girlfriend.  Roden initially manipulated his victim into believing that she was responsible for the abuse he inflicted upon her, including torturing her, threatening her with a gun, and recording his abuse.  The victim eventually broke free, but Rhoden kidnapped her.  He used threats to get his victim into his car to help him recover a phone she had taken. Over the next 36 hours, he brutalized her and drove her to at least two locations in an effort to find his phone. The victim escaped Rhoden by running away from him to a neighbor’s house. As she ran, Rhoden fired his gun at or near her. A subsequent investigation of the kidnapping revealed live ammunition and a spent casing in the garage where Rhoden lived, and one of the locations where he held his victim.

    Detective Thomas demonstrated outstanding investigatory skills and compassion for the victim while he was investigating the kidnapping.  The victim was initially reluctant to trust or cooperate with law enforcement.  But Detective Thomas persisted in working with the victim until the victim came to trust him and the criminal justice system.  Thanks to Detective Thomas’s patience, the victim agreed to and was able to testify in very difficult circumstances during Rhoden’s trial.  Without her strength in doing so, Rhoden may have remained free to victimize others.  Detective Thomas’s compassion and care for the victim led directly to the victim having the strength to free herself from Rhoden’s hold and protect others from him by testifying.  As a result, Rhoden was found guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2, 2025.

    “These awards recognize the exceptional efforts of two law enforcement officers to provide assistance to federal and state victims in the Northern District of Iowa,” said United States Attorney Duax. “Ensuring victims feel safe while going through the difficult process of an investigation and trial is crucial to securing justice for the victims. The service of these officers, and other state and federal law enforcement officers and victim advocates, is a vital component of our criminal justice system.”

    NCVRW began in 1981 to honor victims and survivors of crime, raise awareness of victims’ rights and services and recognize the dedication of those who work with crime victims.

    For additional information about this year’s NCVRW activities and more ideas on supporting crime victims, visit OVC’s website at www.ovc.gov. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Major Case Fugitive Wanted for Kentucky Murder Captured by U.S. Marshals in South Carolina

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Washington, DC – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force (CRFTF), in coordination with the Southern District of West Virginia, the Eastern District of Kentucky, the District of South Carolina, and the USMS Special Operations Group, arrested a West Virginia man in South Carolina on March 31. He was wanted for a 2019 murder in Kentucky.

    Charles Ray Blevins, 38, of Williamson, West Virginia, was a USMS major case fugitive and was being considered for elevation to the agency’s 15 Most Wanted fugitives list. He was wanted by the Kentucky State Police for first-degree murder and for being a felon in possession of a firearm, as well as by the West Virginia Department of Corrections for a parole violation.

    Blevins was convicted of second-degree murder in Cabell County, West Virginia, in 2009 and was released on parole in 2019. On July 6, 2019, he was accused of shooting and killing a man in South Williamson, Kentucky. Warrants for his arrest were issued on July 11, 2019.

    U.S. Marshals investigators with the Eastern District of Kentucky’s Central Kentucky Fugitive Task Force and Southern District of West Virginia CUFFED Task Force requested that Blevins be elevated to major case status due to the potential danger he posed. Blevins was known to carry firearms, had access to body armor, and had stated that he would not return to prison but would instead engage in violence with any law enforcement officers who attempted to arrest him.  

    Investigators in West Virginia and Kentucky recently learned that Blevins had traveled to South Carolina and sent a collateral lead to the USMS Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force.

    Information was developed that Blevins was frequenting a house in the 300 block of Coach Hill Drive in Gaffney.  Investigators began surveilling the residence.  Because of the threat Blevins presented based on his previous actions and statements, USMS Special Operations Group deputies were requested to assist with the apprehension.

    As SOG members approached the house, Blevins attempted to flee through the back of the house but fell, breaking his leg. He was taken into custody without further incident.   

    Blevins was transported to a local hospital for treatment and will remain in USMS custody pending his extradition back to Kentucky to answer for his crimes. 

    “Given the seriousness of Mr. Blevins’ alleged crimes, the threat he posed to the public,  and his ability to avoid capture, it was critical that we bring him into custody swiftly and safely,” said Acting U.S. Marshals Service Director Mark Pittella. “This arrest, just before he was set to be named one of our 15 Most Wanted fugitives, speaks to the dedication and coordination of our Marshals Service personnel and the many law enforcement professionals who worked together to ensure he is held accountable and brought to justice. This is what protecting our communities looks like.”

    “Mr. Blevins learned what fugitives have been learning since 1789,” said U.S. Marshal for the Southern District of West Virginia Michael Baylous. “The United States Marshals Service never grows weary in its pursuit of justice.” 

    “The United States Marshals Service has proven, yet again, why we are the leaders in fugitive apprehension,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of South Carolina Chrissie C. Latimore. “The coordinated efforts with our state and local partners led to the arrest of a major fugitive. The District of South Carolina remains steadfast in our unwavering commitment to the pursuit of justice, fortified by strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts. It is both a privilege and a solemn responsibility to seek justice for the victims of the senseless and tragic act of violence committed by Blevins.” 

    “This investigation is a testament to the commitment the U.S. Marshals in the Eastern District of Kentucky and Southern District of West Virginia have for finding, apprehending and bringing to justice violent fugitives,” said acting U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Kentucky Jeremy Honaker. “Our Deputies and support staff have tirelessly collaborated to locate and apprehend Blevins. Yesterday’s arrest was a strong symbolic gesture of this commitment.”   

    The USMS is grateful for the assistance and support of the Gaffney Police Department, the Rock Hill Police Department, Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, York County Sheriff’s Office, and especially the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division.

    The USMS established its major case fugitive program in 1985 to supplement the agency’s 15 Most Wanted fugitive program to draw attention to some of the country’s most dangerous and high-profile fugitives. These fugitives tend to be career criminals with histories of violence who pose a significant threat to public safety.  Major case fugitives are considered among the “worst of the worst” and can include murderers, sex offenders, major drug kingpins, organized crime figures and individuals wanted for high-profile financial crimes. 

    The USMS has a long history of providing expertise to other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in support of their fugitive investigations. Working with authorities at the federal, state, tribal, and local levels, USMS-led fugitive task forces arrested more than 74,000 fugitives and cleared nearly 89,000 warrants in FY 2024.

    The USMS CRFTF began operations in January 2018. The CRFTF has partnership agreements with four federal and 68 state and local agencies; and operates in South Carolina and North Carolina. The CRFTF has apprehended more than 8,900 fugitives since its inception and is always striving to make communities safer.

    Established in 1971 as one of the first federal tactical units, the USMS Special Operations Group is a specially trained, rapidly deployable tactical unit composed of deputy U.S. marshals capable of responding to high-risk and sensitive law enforcement situations, national emergencies, and civil disorders.

    USMS SOG prepares to enter the residence in Gaffney to arrest Blevins.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: reAlpha Tech Corp. Announces Financial Results for the Year Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBLIN, Ohio, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) (the “Company” or “reAlpha”), a real estate technology company developing and commercializing artificial intelligence (“AI”) technologies, today provides a business update and reports financial results for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024.

    “We have made great strides in 2024 in advancing reAlpha’s goal to become a leader in the real estate technology industry through strategic innovation and impactful acquisitions,” commented Piyush Phadke, Chief Financial Officer of reAlpha. “Our continued investment in AI-driven technologies and strategic acquisitions has translated into meaningful revenue growth, and we believe we are well-positioned to drive further expansion of our business and deliver value to our stockholders.”

    Business Highlights

    Strategic and operational highlights during the period ended December 31, 2024, include:

    • Launched the reAlpha platform, an end-to-end, commission-free homebuying platform, in April 2024, which was designed to reshape the homebuying experience by eliminating traditional commission fees. The reAlpha platform is powered by Claire, reAlpha’s AI-real estate agent, which is available 24/7.
    • Acquired a controlling interest in Hyperfast Title, LLC, in July 2024, which enabled us to offer title services in 3 U.S. states.
    • Acquired an 85% stake in AiChat Pte. Ltd. (“AiChat”) in July 2024, which enhanced reAlpha’s AI capabilities in conversational customer engagement and expanded its presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
    • Introduced the reAlpha Super App in August 2024, which provided homebuyers with the ability to use the reAlpha platform and its AI-driven homebuying services directly in their mobile devices.
    • Completed the acquisition of Debt Does Deals, LLC (“Be My Neighbor”), which allowed us to offer mortgage brokerage services in 27 U.S. states. Later in the year, Be My Neighbor became licensed in an additional state, for a total of 28 U.S. states.

    Financial Results and Operational Update

    In the beginning of 2024, reAlpha halted its short-term rental operations under its rental business segment due to macroeconomic conditions, such as high interest rates and inflationary pressures. As a result, in the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, reAlpha recognized a goodwill impairment of Roost Enterprises, Inc. (“Rhove”) of $17,337,739, which reAlpha acquired to operate under its rental business segment. As such, reAlpha’s financial statements and related financial notes thereto for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, reflect the Rhove goodwill impairment as discontinued operations. Because macroeconomic conditions persisted during 2024, and in connection with Rhove’s goodwill impairment, the board of directors of reAlpha approved to discontinue its short-term rental business operations entirely in the first quarter of 2025.

    Revenue for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024 was $948,420, an increase of 270%, compared to $256,436 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. reAlpha’s revenues consist of technology services income that it receives from its technologies and services provided by its subsidiaries. This increase in revenues is mainly attributed to the revenue derived from strategic acquisitions that reAlpha completed during 2024, such as AiChat and Be My Neighbor.

    Cash and cash equivalents were $3,123,530 as of December 31, 2024 and $ 6,456,370 as of December 31, 2023.

    Net loss was approximately $26.02 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, compared to a net loss of approximately $2.46 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023. This increase in net loss is predominantly due to the goodwill impairment of Rhove during the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, and the one-time gain of $5,502,774 from the sale of myAlphie, a technology platform reAlpha previously developed and sold, that was recognized in the comparable 2023 period, which was not present in 2024. Loss from discontinued operations was approximately $18.3 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $0.31 million for the comparable 2023 period, which is mainly due to Rhove’s goodwill impairment and intangibles being presented as discontinued operations. Net loss from continuing operations was $7.68 million for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $2.14 million for the comparable 2023 period. The increase in net loss from continuing operations was primarily due to the one-time gain from the sale of myAlphie that was not present in 2024.

    Adjusted EBITDA was $(5,572,214) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2024, compared to $(7,387,223) for the twelve months ended December 31, 2023.

    About reAlpha Tech Corp.

    reAlpha Tech Corp. (Nasdaq: AIRE) is a real estate technology company developing an end-to-end commission-free homebuying platform. Utilizing the power of AI and an acquisition-led growth strategy, reAlpha’s goal is to offer a more affordable, streamlined experience for those on the journey to homeownership. For more information, visit www.realpha.com.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Adele Carey, VP of Investor Relations
    investorrelations@realpha.com

    Media Contact:

    Fatema Bhabrawala, Director of Public Relations
    fbhabrawala@allianceadvisors.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    The information in this press release includes “forward-looking statements.” Any statements other than statements of historical fact contained herein, including statements as to planned acquisitions, business strategy and plans, objectives of management for future operations of reAlpha, market size and growth opportunities, competitive position and technological and market trends, are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may”, “should”, “could”, “might”, “plan”, “possible”, “project”, “strive”, “budget”, “forecast”, “expect”, “intend”, “will”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “predict”, “potential” or “continue”, or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: reAlpha’s ability to pay contractual obligations; reAlpha’s liquidity, operating performance, cash flow and ability to secure adequate financing; reAlpha’s limited operating history and that reAlpha has not yet fully developed its AI-based technologies; whether reAlpha’s technology and products will be accepted and adopted by its customers and intended users; reAlpha’s ability to commercialize its developing AI-based technologies; reAlpha’s ability to successfully enter new geographic markets; reAlpha’s ability to integrate the business of its acquired companies into its existing business and the anticipated demand for such acquired companies’ services; reAlpha’s ability to scale its operational capabilities to expand into additional geographic markets and nationally; the potential loss of key employees of reAlpha and of its subsidiaries; the outcome of certain outstanding legal proceedings against reAlpha; reAlpha’s ability to obtain, and maintain, the required licenses to operate in the U.S. states in which it, or its subsidiaries, operate in, or intend to operate in; reAlpha’s ability to successfully identify and acquire companies that are complementary to its business model; reAlpha’s ability to commercialize its developing AI-based technologies; the inability to maintain and strengthen reAlpha’s brand and reputation; any accidents or incidents involving cybersecurity breaches and incidents; the inability to accurately forecast demand for short-term rentals and AI-based real estate-focused products; the inability to execute business objectives and growth strategies successfully or sustain reAlpha’s growth; the inability of reAlpha’s customers to pay for reAlpha’s services; the inability of reAlpha to obtain additional financing or access the capital markets to fund its ongoing operations on acceptable terms and conditions; the outcome of any legal proceedings that might be instituted against reAlpha; changes in applicable laws or regulations, and the impact of the regulatory environment and complexities with compliance related to such environment; and other risks and uncertainties indicated in reAlpha’s U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. Although reAlpha believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. reAlpha’s future results, level of activity, performance or achievements may differ materially from those contemplated, expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, and there is no representation that the actual results achieved will be the same, in whole or in part, as those set out in the forward-looking statements. For more information about the factors that could cause such differences, please refer to reAlpha’s filings with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and reAlpha does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

       
    reAlpha Tech Corp. and Subsidiaries  
    Consolidated Balance Sheet  
    December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023  
       
        December 31,
    2024    		     December 31,
    2023    		  
    ASSETS            
                   
    Current Assets            
    Cash   $ 3,123,530     $ 6,456,370  
    Accounts receivable     182,425       30,630  
    Receivable from related parties     12,873       –  
    Prepaid expenses     180,158       242,795  
    Current assets of Discontinued operations     56,931       88,036  
    Other current assets     487,181       582,463  
    Total current assets   $ 4,043,098     $ 7,400,294  
                     
    Property and Equipment, at cost                
    Property and equipment, net   $ 102,638     $ 328,539  
                     
    Other Assets                
    Investments     215,000       115,000  
    Other long term assets     31,250       406,250  
    Intangible assets, net     3,285,406       –  
    Long term assets of discontinued operations     –       18,335,701  
    Goodwill     4,211,166       –  
    Capitalized software development – work in progress     105,900       839,085  
                     
    TOTAL ASSETS   $ 11,994,458     $ 27,424,869  
                     
    LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT)                
    Current Liabilities                
    Accounts payable   $ 655,765     $ 431,700  
    Related party payables     9,287       –  
    Short term loans – related parties – current portion     115,086       –  
    Short term loans – unrelated parties – current portion     666,053       190,095  
    Accrued expenses     1,164,813       799,624  
    Current liabilities of Discontinued operations     –       47,665  
    Deferred liabilities, current portion     1,534,433       593,750  
    Total current liabilities   $ 4,145,437     $ 2,062,834  
                     
    Long-Term Liabilities                
    Deferred liabilities, net of current portion     –       406,250  
    Mortgage and other long term loans – related parties – net of current portion     45,052       –  
    Mortgage and other long term loans – unrelated parties – net of current portion     241,121       247,000  
    Note payable, net of discount     4,909,376       –  
    Other long term liabilities     1,086,000       –  
    Total liabilities   $ 10,426,986     $ 2,716,084  
                     
    Stockholders’ Equity (Deficit)                
    Preferred stock, $0.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023     –       –  
    Common stock ($0.001 par value; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 45,864,503 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024; 200,000,000 shares authorized, 44,122,091 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2023)     45,865       44,123  
    Additional paid-in capital     39,770,060       36,899,497  
    Accumulated deficit     (38,260,913 )     (12,237,885 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income     5,011       –  
    Total stockholders’ equity (deficit) of reAlpha Tech Corp.     1,560,023       24,705,735  
                     
    Non-controlling interests in consolidated entities     7,449       3,050  
    Total stockholders’ equity (deficit)     1,567,472       24,708,785  
                     
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKOLDERS’ EQUITY   $ 11,994,458     $ 27,424,869  
    reAlpha Tech Corp. and Subsidiaries  
    Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss  
    For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 and Eight Months Ended December 31, 2023 and Year Ended April 30, 2023  
       
        For the
    Year Ended    		     For the
    Eight
    Months
    Ended    		     For the
    Year Ended    		  
        December 31,
    2024    		     December 31,
    2023    		     April 30,
    2023    		  
                       
    Revenues   $ 948,420     $ 121,690     $ 419,412  
    Cost of revenues     302,084       94,665       293,204  
    Gross Profit     646,336       27,025       126,208  
                             
    Operating Expenses                        
    Wages, benefits and payroll taxes     2,841,591       710,737       1,114,403  
    Repairs & maintenance     3,216       51,436       24,794  
    Utilities     11,545       12,321       32,456  
    Travel     259,661       46,476       –  
    Dues & subscriptions     118,656       24,426       98,000  
    Marketing & advertising     793,004       193,612       2,002,884  
    Professional & legal fees     2,124,946       4,572,026       1,470,306  
    Depreciation & amortization     282,095       30,029       157,802  
    Impairment of intangible assets     202,968       –       –  
    Other operating expenses     911,268       418,697       159,166  
    Total operating expenses     7,548,950       6,059,760       5,059,811  
                             
    Operating Loss     (6,902,614 )     (6,032,735 )     (4,933,603 )
                             
    Other Income (Expense)                        
    Gain on sale of myAlphie     –       5,502,774       –  
    Interest expense, net     (333,759 )     (70,119 )     (169,776 )
    Other expense, net     (500,601 )     (144,764 )     (334,228 )
    Total other (expense) income     (834,360 )     5,287,891       (504,004 )
                             
    Net Loss from continuing operations before income taxes     (7,736,974 )     (744,844 )     (5,437,607 )
    Income tax (expense) benefit     54,260       (204,286 )     –  
                             
    Net Loss from continuing operations     (7,682,714 )     (949,130 )     (5,437,607 )
                             
    Discontinued operations (Roost and Rhove)                        
    Loss from operations of discontinued Operations     (261,242 )     (302,129 )     (14,776 )
    Loss on abandonment of discontinued Operations     (18,078,393 )     –       –  
    Income tax benefit     –                  
    Loss on discontinued operations   $ (18,339,635 )   $ (302,129 )   $ (14,776 )
                             
    Net Loss after income taxes   $ (26,022,349 )   $ (1,251,259 )   $ (5,452,383 )
                             
    Less: Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Non-Controlling Interests     679       464       726  
                             
    Net Loss Income Attributable to Controlling Interests   $ (26,023,028 )   $ (1,251,723 )   $ (5,453,109 )
                             
    Other comprehensive income                        
    Foreign currency translation adjustments     5,011       –       –  
    Total other comprehensive gain     5,011       –       –  
                             
    Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Controlling Interests   $ (26,018,017 )   $ (1,251,723 )   $ (5,453,109 )
                             
    Basic and diluted loss per share                        
    Continuing operations   $ (0.17 )   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.13 )
    Discontinued operations   $ (0.41 )   $ (0.01 )   $ (0.00 )
    Net Loss per share – basic and diluted   $ (0.58 )   $ (0.03 )   $ (0.13 )
                             
    Weighted-average outstanding shares – basic     44,631,577       42,688,666       40,439,190  
                             
    Weighted-average outstanding shares – diluted     44,631,577       42,688,666       40,439,190  
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows  
    For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 and Eight Months Ended December 31, 2023 and Year Ended April 30, 2023  
       
        For the
    Year Ended    		     For the
    Eight
    Months
    Ended    		     For the
    Year Ended    		  
        December 31,
    2024    		     December 31,
    2023    		     April 30,
    2023    		  
                       
    Cash Flows from Operating Activities:                  
    Net (Loss) income   $ (26,022,349 )   $ (1,251,259 )   $ (5,452,383 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:                        
    Depreciation and amortization     466,691       289,067       157,802  
    Stock based compensation – employees     207,453       –       –  
    Stock based compensation – services     108,730       –       –  
    Legal & professional expenses     –       3,045,290          
    Amortization of loan discounts and origination fees     181,875                  
    Write-off of capitalized software costs     145,746       –       –  
    Impairment of goodwill and Intangible assets     18,280,947       –       –  
    Commitment fee expenses     500,000       –       –  
    Loss on sale of properties     301       (85,077 )     (22,817 )
    Gain on previously held equity     (20,663 )     –       –  
    Gain on sale of myAlphie     –       (5,502,774 )     –  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                        
    Accounts receivable     (16,437 )     37,490       65,696  
    Receivable from related parties     (12,873 )     20,874       (20,874 )
    Payable to related parties     (56,241 )     –       –  
    Prepaid expenses     62,637       (226,889 )     96,038  
    Other current assets     (19,773 )     (419,849 )     (81,689 )
    Accounts payable     58,756       48,928       235,433  
    Accrued expenses     (185,118 )     621,815       60,741  
    Deferred liabilities     278,080       593,750       –  
    Total adjustments     19,980,111       (1,577,375 )     490,330  
    Net cash used in operating activities     (6,042,238 )     (2,828,634 )     (4,962,053 )
                             
    Cash Flows from Investing Activities:                        
    Proceeds from sale of properties     293,307       731,343       1,539,997  
    Additions to property, plant & equipment     (12,533 )     (40,840 )     19,721  
    Cash paid to acquire business     (1,268,630 )     (50,000 )     (25,000 )
    Cash paid for equity method investment     (50,000 )     –       –  
    Cash used for additions to capitalized software development and intangibles     (516,544 )     (134,400 )     (452,451 )
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities     (1,554,400 )     506,103       1,082,267  
                             
    Cash Flows from Financing Activities:                        
    Proceeds from issuance of debt     6,155,539       190,095       247,000  
    Payments of debt     (1,164,241 )     –       (1,071,709 )
    Deferred financing costs     (727,500 )                
    Proceeds from issuance of common stock             7,331,938       4,282,274  
    Settling subscription issuance of common stock contributions     –       –       –  
    Offering costs paid on issuance of common stock     –       –       (416,312 )
    Net cash provided by financing activities     4,263,798       7,522,033       3,041,253  
                             
          Net Increase (decrease) in cash     (3,332,840 )     5,199,502       (838,533 )
                             
    Cash – Beginning of Period     6,456,370       1,256,868       2,095,401  
                             
    Cash – End of Period   $ 3,123,530     $ 6,456,370     $ 1,256,868  
                             
    Cash   $ 3,123,530     $ 6,456,370     $ 1,256,868  
    Restricted cash     –       –       –  
    Total cash   $ 3,123,530     $ 6,456,370     $ 1,256,868  
                             
    Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information                        
    Interest expense   $ (58,897 )   $ (70,119 )   $ (169,776 )


    Explanatory Notes on Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    To supplement reAlpha’s financial information presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP (“GAAP”), reAlpha believes “Adjusted EBITDA,” a “non-GAAP financial measure”, as such term is defined under the rules of the SEC, is useful in evaluating reAlpha’s operating performance. reAlpha uses Adjusted EBITDA to evaluate reAlpha’s ongoing operations and for internal planning and forecasting purposes. reAlpha believes that Adjusted EBITDA may be helpful to investors because it provides consistency and comparability with past financial performance. However, Adjusted EBITDA is presented for supplemental informational purposes only, has limitations as an analytical tool, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. In addition, other companies, including companies in reAlpha’s industry, may calculate similarly titled non-GAAP measures differently or may use other measures to evaluate their performance, all of which could reduce the usefulness of reAlpha’s non-GAAP financial measures as tools for comparison. A reconciliation is provided below for each non-GAAP financial measure to the most directly comparable financial measure stated in accordance with GAAP. Investors are encouraged to review the related GAAP financial measures and the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures, and not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate reAlpha’s business.

    We use Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure, to evaluate our operating performance and facilitate comparisons across periods and with peer companies. We reconcile our Adjusted EBITDA to our net income (loss) adjusted to exclude interest expense, depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation, and other non-cash, non-operating, or non-recurring items that we believe are not indicative of our core business operations. We believe this measure provides useful insight into our ongoing performance; however, it should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, net income or other financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented below:

        2024     2023  
    Net (Loss) Income   $ (26,022,349 )   $ (2,462,407 )
    Adjusted to exclude the following                
    Depreciation & amortization     282,095       346,171  
    Gain on sale of myAlphie     –       (5,502,774 )
    Interest Expense     333,759       128,268  
    Share-based Compensation (1)     316,183       –  
    GEM commitment fee (2)     500,000       –  
    Acquisition related expense (3)     517,251       103,519  
    Gain on previously held equity (4)     (20,663 )     –  
    Amortization of loan discounts and origination fees (5)     181,875       –  
    Loss from discontinued operations before tax (6)     18,339,635       –  
    Adjusted EBITDA   $ (5,572,214 )   $ (7,387,223 )
     
    (1) Reflects share-based compensation provided to non-executive officer employees and certain members of our board of directors for services rendered to us, which is recognized as a non-cash expense.
    (2) Reflects the commitment fee incurred in connection with the equity facility we have in place with GEM Global Yield LLC SCS and GEM Yield Bahamas Limited (collectively, “GEM”) pursuant to that certain Share Purchase Agreement, among reAlpha and GEM, dated December 1, 2022.
    (3) Reflects expenses related to acquisitions, including professional and legal fees, which are excluded to provide a clearer view of ongoing operational performance.
    (4) Reflects the gain from the fair value measurement of previously held equity interests, which is recognized as a non-operational item and treated as a non-GAAP measure.
    (5) Reflects the amortized original issue discount related to that certain secured promissory note, dated as of August 14, 2024.
    (6) Reflects the loss from the discontinuation of our rental business segment operations, which consists mainly of the goodwill impairment of Rhove operations.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Oportun Closes $187.5 Million Committed Warehouse Facility

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN CARLOS, Calif., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT), a mission-driven financial services company, today announced the closing of a new warehouse facility. Features of this facility include:

    • $187.5 million total commitment
    • Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, as senior lender
    • Neuberger Berman, on behalf of client funds, as mezzanine lender
    • Two-year revolving period
    • Collateralization by Oportun’s unsecured and secured personal loan originations

    “This new warehouse facility materially increases Oportun’s warehouse capacity with a diversified group of lenders,” said Paul Appleton, Interim Chief Financial Officer of Oportun. “With the support of Natixis and Neuberger Berman, this committed financing will help drive Oportun’s responsible growth in the years ahead.”

    Oportun maintains a diverse set of capital sources including committed warehouse facilities, asset-backed securitizations, corporate-level debt financing, and whole loan sales.

    About Oportun

    Oportun (Nasdaq: OPRT) is a mission-driven financial services company that puts its members’ financial goals within reach. With intelligent borrowing, savings, and budgeting capabilities, Oportun empowers members with the confidence to build a better financial future. Since inception, Oportun has provided more than $19.7 billion in responsible and affordable credit, saved its members more than $2.4 billion in interest and fees, and helped its members save an average of more than $1,800 annually. For more information, visit Oportun.com.

    About Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking

    Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking is a leading global financial institution that provides advisory, investment banking, financing, corporate banking and capital markets services to corporations, financial institutions, financial sponsors and sovereign and supranational organizations worldwide.

    Our teams of experts in about 30 countries advise clients on their strategic development, helping them to grow and transform their businesses, and maximize their positive impact. Natixis CIB is committed to aligning its financing portfolio with a carbon neutrality path by 2050 while helping its clients reduce the environmental impact of their business.

    As part of Groupe BPCE, the second largest banking group in France through the Banque Populaire and Caisse d’Epargne retail networks, Natixis CIB benefits from the Group’s financial strength and solid financial ratings (Standard & Poor’s: A+, Moody’s: A1, Fitch: A+, R&I: A+).

    About Neuberger Berman

    Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $508 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. The PRI identified the firm as part of the Leader’s Group, a designation awarded to fewer than 1% of investment firms for excellence in environmental, social and governance practices. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last eleven years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of December 31, 2024.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to the safe harbor provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this press release, including statements as to our expectations regarding our future growth, are forward-looking statements. These statements can be generally identified by terms such as “expect,” “plan,” “goal,” “target,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “predict,” “project,” “outlook,” “continue,” “due,” “may,” “believe,” “seek,” or “estimate” and similar expressions or the negative versions of these words or comparable words, as well as future or conditional verbs such as “will,” “should,” “would,” “likely” and “could.” These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events, financial trends and risks and uncertainties that we believe may affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. These risks and uncertainties include those risks described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our most recent annual report on Form 10-K. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made and, except to the extent required by federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In light of these risks and uncertainties, there is no assurance that the events or results suggested by the forward-looking statements will in fact occur, and you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Contact
    Dorian Hare
    (650) 590-4323
    ir@oportun.com

    Media Contact
    Michael Azzano
    Cosmo PR for Oportun
    (415) 596-1978
    michael@cosmo-pr.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: High Ranking MS-13 Leader and Fugitive Wanted for Multiple Murders Found and Arrested in Long Island

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    Last night, a high-ranking leader of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, was arrested in New York for his alleged role in a conspiracy responsible for 11 murders.

    Joel Vargas-Escobar, also known as Momia, was indicted the District of Nevada and charged with racketeering conspiracy that involved 11 murders. Vargas-Escobar is also charged with two counts of murder-in-aid of racketeering and associated firearms charges. Vargas-Escobar – who previously had been deported to El Salvador and illegally re-entered the United States – had been a fugitive from justice for nearly four years.

    “The American people are safer following the arrest of yet another MS-13 leader thanks to the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and Joint Task Force Vulcan,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This terrorist entered our country illegally and is accused of orchestrating 11 murders — under President Trump’s leadership, we will not rest until this terrorist organization is completely dismantled and its members are behind bars.”

    “The arrest of yet another violent and dangerous MS-13 leader is a major win for our FBI agents, law enforcement partners, and safer American streets,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Our agents and analysts are continuously coordinating across multiple field offices and investigating with our valued partners to keep this work going — and we will not stop until that work is done.”

    According to court documents, MS-13 is a national and transnational gang composed largely of individuals of Salvadoran or other Central American descent. MS-13 has more than 10,000 members regularly conducting gang activities in at least 10 states and Washington, D.C., with thousands more conducting gang activities in Central America and Mexico. MS-13 operates through the use of intimidation and violence, including murder, and enriching members and associates through criminal activities, including breaking into houses and stealing firearms, jewelry, cash, and other items of value, and selling narcotics. MS-13 is organized by subsets known as “cliques,” and each clique typically has one or more leaders, commonly referred to as “shot callers.”

    Vargas-Escobar and his co-defendants are allegedly part of MS-13’s command and control structure in Las Vegas and California and exercised significant leadership roles in the organization’s operations. The indictment charges members of the “Parkview” clique of MS-13 with committing 11 murders over about a year in Nevada and California. According to the indictment, many of the victims were allegedly kidnapped by MS-13 members and taken to remote locations in the mountains and desert where they were tortured and killed.

    Vargas-Escobar was the alleged leader of the Parkview clique of MS-13 in Las Vegas and personally ordered two of the charged murders. He was deported to El Salvador in 2018 but illegally re-entered the country.

    The arrest operation was coordinated by the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division in Washington, D.C., with support from the FBI’s Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York field offices, the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, and Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV).

    JTFV, which was created in 2019 to destroy MS-13 and now expanded to target Tren de Aragua, is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the Southern District of New York; the Eastern District of New York; the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; the Southern District of Texas; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; DEA; HSI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; and the Federal Bureau of Prisons have been essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America and an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Vargas-Escobar appeared this morning for his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York – Central Islip. He was ordered detained and will be transferred to the District of Nevada for trial. If convicted, Vargas-Escobar faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Christopher Taylor and Justin Bish from the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melanee Smith and Steven Rose for the District of Nevada, with substantial assistance from Joint Task Force Vulcan Deputy Director Jeremy Franker, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Miss. Delegation Urges Trump to Approve Federal Disaster Declaration for Mississippi

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Mississippi Roger Wicker
    WASHINGTON – The Mississippi congressional delegation today shared their strong support for Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a federal disaster declaration after deadly weather struck the state on March 14-15.
    U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., and U.S. Representatives Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Trent Kelly, R-Miss., Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Mike Ezell, R-Miss., sent President Trump a letter endorsing the governor’s request for an expedited major disaster declaration for the State of Mississippi, and for individual federal assistance for 14 counties. If approved, the presidential disaster declaration would unlock additional federal resources to supplement state recovery efforts. 
    “In the wake of recent extreme weather that brought severe thunderstorms and violent tornadoes to the State of Mississippi, we request your full consideration of Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a federal disaster declaration,” the lawmakers wrote.
    The letter follows a preliminary disaster assessment, which highlights the extent of loss of life, injuries, and damage.
    “Available resources from state and local governments and volunteer organizations are inadequate to meet the state’s recovery needs. Significant federal assistance and cooperation are needed for Mississippi to rebuild,” the lawmakers wrote.
    Read the full letter below.
    Dear President Trump,
    In the wake of recent extreme weather that brought severe thunderstorms and violent tornadoes to the State of Mississippi, we request your full consideration of Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ request for a federal disaster declaration.
    We appreciate the efforts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help Mississippians recover from past disasters.  As recovery efforts continue, we anticipate expeditious support from the agency in assisting state and local officials.
    From the night of March 14 through March 15, 2025, at least 20 Mississippi counties endured extreme weather conditions, including hurricane-force winds, baseball-sized hail, 18 tornadoes, and flash flooding.  A magnitude 3.0 earthquake also struck near Magee, Mississippi, during the storms.  Tragically, seven Mississippians lost their lives as a result of these storms, which caused extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.  FEMA-validated reports indicate that the storms caused at least $18.2 million in damages, including 233 destroyed homes and 208 homes with major damage.
    Governor Reeves has requested a federal disaster declaration including Individual Assistance for the following 14 counties: Carroll, Covington, Grenada, Holmes, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jasper, Jefferson Davis, Leflore, Marion, Montgomery, Pike, Smith, and Walthall.  The request also includes Public Assistance for the following 17 counties: Calhoun, Carroll, Covington, Grenada, Humphreys, Issaquena, Itawamba, Jefferson Davis, Lee, Leflore, Marion, Pike, Prentiss, Sharkey, Smith, Walthall, and Washington.
    Available resources from state and local governments and volunteer organizations are inadequate to meet the state’s recovery needs.  Significant federal assistance and cooperation are needed for Mississippi to rebuild.  Thank you for your consideration of this request.  Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance in this effort.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: With its executive order targeting the Smithsonian, the Trump administration opens up a new front in the history wars

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Tucker, Professor of History, Wesleyan University

    A portrait of President Donald Trump in the ‘America’s Presidents’ exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery. Win McNamee/Getty Images

    I teach history in Connecticut, but I grew up in Oklahoma and Kansas, where my interest in the subject was sparked by visits to local museums.

    I fondly remember trips to the Fellow-Reeves Museum in Wichita, Kansas, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. A 1908 photograph of my great-grandparents picking cotton has been used as a poster by the Oklahoma Historical Society.

    This love of learning history continued into my years as a graduate student of history, when I would spend hours at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum learning about the history of human flight and ballooning. As a professor, I’ve integrated the institution’s exhibits into my history courses.

    The Trump administration, however, is not happy with the way the Smithsonian Institution and other U.S. museums are portraying history.

    On March 27, 2025, the president issued an executive order, “Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History,” which asserted, “Over the past decade, Americans have witnessed a concerted and widespread effort to rewrite our Nation’s history, replacing objective facts with a distorted narrative driven by ideology rather than truth. Under this historical revision, our Nation’s unparalleled legacy of advancing liberty, individual rights, and human happiness is reconstructed as inherently racist, sexist, oppressive, or otherwise irredeemably flawed.”

    Trump singled out a few museums, including the Smithsonian, dedicating a whole section of the order on “saving” the institution from “divisive, race-centered ideology.”

    Of course, history is contested. There will always be a variety of views about what should be included and excluded from America’s story. For example, in my own research, I found that Prohibition-era school boards in the 1920s argued over whether it was appropriate for history textbooks to include pictures of soldiers drinking to illustrate the 1791 Whiskey Rebellion.

    But most recent debates center on how much attention should be given to the history of the nation’s accomplishments over its darker chapters. The Smithsonian, as a national institution that receives most of its funds from the federal government, has sometimes found itself in the crosshairs.

    America’s historical repository

    The Smithsonian Institution was founded in 1846 thanks to its namesake, British chemist James Smithson.

    Smithson willed his estate to his nephew and stated that if his nephew died without an heir, the money – roughly US$15 million in today’s dollars – would be donated to the U.S. to found “an establishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge.”

    The idea of a national institution dedicated to history, science and learning was contentious from the start.

    An 1816 portrait of British chemist James Smithson.
    Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images

    In her book “The Stranger and the Statesman,” historian Nina Burleigh shows how Smithson’s bequest was nearly lost due to battles between competing interests.

    Southern plantation owners and western frontiersmen, including President Andrew Jackson, saw the establishment of a national museum as an unnecessary assertion of federal power. They also challenged the very idea of accepting a gift from a non-American and thought that it was beneath the dignity of the government to confer immortality on someone simply because of a large donation.

    In the end, a group led by congressman and former president John Quincy Adams ensured Smithson’s vision was realized. Adams felt that the country was failing to live up to its early promise. He thought a national museum was an important way to burnish the ideals of the young republic and educate the public.

    Today the Smithsonian runs 14 education and research centers, the National Zoo and 21 museums, including the National Portrait Gallery and the National Museum of African American History and Culture, which was created with bipartisan support during President George W. Bush’s administration.

    In the introduction to his book “Smithsonian’s History of America in 101 Objects,” cultural anthropologist Richard Kurin talks about how the institution has also supported hundreds of small and large institutions outside of the nation’s capital.

    In 2024, the Smithsonian sent over 2 million artifacts on loan to museums in 52 U.S. states and territories and 33 foreign countries. It also partners with over 200 affiliate museums. YouGov has periodically tracked Americans’ approval of the Smithsonian, which has held steady at roughly 68% approval and 2% disapproval since 2020.

    Smithsonian in the crosshairs

    Precursors to the Trump administration’s efforts to reshape the Smithsonian took place in the 1990s.

    In 1991, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, which was then known as the National Museum of American Art, created an exhibition titled “The West as America, Reinterpreting Images of the Frontier, 1820-1920.” Conservatives complained that the museum portrayed western expansion as a tale of conquest and destruction, rather than one of progress and nation-building. The Wall Street Journal editorialized that the exhibit represented “an entirely hostile ideological assault on the nation’s founding and history.”

    The exhibition proved popular: Attendance to the National Museum of American Art was 60% higher than it had been during the same period the year prior. But the debate raised questions about whether public museums were able to express ideas that are critical of the U.S. without risk of censorship.

    In 1994, controversy again erupted, this time at the National Air and Space Museum over a forthcoming exhibition centered on the Enola Gay, the plane that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima 50 years prior.

    Should the exhibition explore the loss of Japanese lives? Or emphasize the U.S. war victory?

    Veterans groups insisted that the atomic bomb ended the war and saved 1 million American lives, and demanded the removal of photographs of the destruction and a melted Japanese school lunch box from the exhibit. Meanwhile, other activists protested the exhibition by arguing that a symbol of human destruction shouldn’t be commemorated at an institution that’s supposed to celebrate human achievement.

    Protesters demonstrate against the opening of the Enola Gay exhibit outside the Smithsonian Institution’s National Air and Space Museum in 1995.
    Joyce Naltchayan/AFP via Getty Images

    Republicans won the House in 1994 and threatened cuts to the Smithsonian’s budget over the Enola Gay exhibition, compelling curators to walk a tightrope. In the end, the fuselage of the Enola Gay was displayed in the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. But the exhibit would not tell the full story of the plane’s role in the war from a myriad of perspectives.

    Trump enters the fray

    In 2019, The New York Times launched the 1619 project, which aimed to reframe the country’s history by placing slavery and its consequences at its very center. The first Trump administration quickly responded by forming its 1776 commission. In January 2021, it produced a report critiquing the 1619 project, claiming that an emphasis on the country’s history of racism and slavery was counterproductive to promoting “patriotic education.”

    That same year, Trump pledged to build “a vast outdoor park that will feature the statues of the greatest Americans to ever live,” with 250 statues to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    President Joe Biden rescinded the order in 2021. Trump reissued it after retaking the White House, and pointed to figures he’d like to see included, such as Christopher Columbus, George Washington, Betsy Ross, Sitting Bull, Bob Hope, Thurgood Marshall and Whitney Houston.

    I don’t think there is anything wrong with honoring Americans, though I think a focus on celebrities and major figures clouds the fascinating histories of ordinary Americans. I also find it troubling that there seems to be such a concerted effort to so forcefully shape the teaching and understanding of history via threats and bullying. Yale historian Jason Stanley has written about how aspiring authoritarian governments seek to control historical narratives and discourage an exploration of the complexities of the past.

    Historical scholarship requires an openness to debate and a willingness to embrace new findings and perspectives. It also involves the humility to accept that no one – least of all the government – has a monopoly on the truth.

    In his executive order, Trump noted that “Museums in our Nation’s capital should be places where individuals go to learn.” I share that view. Doing so, however, means not dismantling history, but instead complicating the story – in all its messy glory.

    The Conversation U.S. receives funding from the Smithsonian Institution.

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

    – ref. With its executive order targeting the Smithsonian, the Trump administration opens up a new front in the history wars – https://theconversation.com/with-its-executive-order-targeting-the-smithsonian-the-trump-administration-opens-up-a-new-front-in-the-history-wars-253397

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: High Ranking MS-13 Leader and Fugitive Wanted for Multiple Murders Found and Arrested in Long Island

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Last night, a high-ranking leader of La Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, was arrested in New York for his alleged role in a conspiracy responsible for 11 murders.

    Joel Vargas-Escobar, also known as Momia, was indicted the District of Nevada and charged with racketeering conspiracy that involved 11 murders. Vargas-Escobar is also charged with two counts of murder-in-aid of racketeering and associated firearms charges. Vargas-Escobar – who previously had been deported to El Salvador and illegally re-entered the United States – had been a fugitive from justice for nearly four years.

    “The American people are safer following the arrest of yet another MS-13 leader thanks to the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division and Joint Task Force Vulcan,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This terrorist entered our country illegally and is accused of orchestrating 11 murders — under President Trump’s leadership, we will not rest until this terrorist organization is completely dismantled and its members are behind bars.”

    “The arrest of yet another violent and dangerous MS-13 leader is a major win for our FBI agents, law enforcement partners, and safer American streets,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “Our agents and analysts are continuously coordinating across multiple field offices and investigating with our valued partners to keep this work going — and we will not stop until that work is done.”

    According to court documents, MS-13 is a national and transnational gang composed largely of individuals of Salvadoran or other Central American descent. MS-13 has more than 10,000 members regularly conducting gang activities in at least 10 states and Washington, D.C., with thousands more conducting gang activities in Central America and Mexico. MS-13 operates through the use of intimidation and violence, including murder, and enriching members and associates through criminal activities, including breaking into houses and stealing firearms, jewelry, cash, and other items of value, and selling narcotics. MS-13 is organized by subsets known as “cliques,” and each clique typically has one or more leaders, commonly referred to as “shot callers.”

    Vargas-Escobar and his co-defendants are allegedly part of MS-13’s command and control structure in Las Vegas and California and exercised significant leadership roles in the organization’s operations. The indictment charges members of the “Parkview” clique of MS-13 with committing 11 murders over about a year in Nevada and California. According to the indictment, many of the victims were allegedly kidnapped by MS-13 members and taken to remote locations in the mountains and desert where they were tortured and killed.

    Vargas-Escobar was the alleged leader of the Parkview clique of MS-13 in Las Vegas and personally ordered two of the charged murders. He was deported to El Salvador in 2018 but illegally re-entered the country.

    The arrest operation was coordinated by the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division in Washington, D.C., with support from the FBI’s Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New York field offices, the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada, and Joint Task Force Vulcan (JTFV).

    JTFV, which was created in 2019 to destroy MS-13 and now expanded to target Tren de Aragua, is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including the Southern District of New York; the Eastern District of New York; the District of New Jersey; the Northern District of Ohio; the District of Utah; the District of Massachusetts; the Eastern District of Texas; the Southern District of Florida; the Eastern District of Virginia; the Southern District of California; the District of Nevada; the District of Alaska; the Southern District of Texas; and the District of Columbia, as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; DEA; HSI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the U.S. Marshals Service; and the Federal Bureau of Prisons have been essential law enforcement partners with JTFV.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America and an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Vargas-Escobar appeared this morning for his initial court appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge James M. Wicks of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York – Central Islip. He was ordered detained and will be transferred to the District of Nevada for trial. If convicted, Vargas-Escobar faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Christopher Taylor and Justin Bish from the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melanee Smith and Steven Rose for the District of Nevada, with substantial assistance from Joint Task Force Vulcan Deputy Director Jeremy Franker, as well as the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –