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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Downing Street opens doors to Adolescence creators for vital discussion on protecting our children

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Downing Street opens doors to Adolescence creators for vital discussion on protecting our children

    The Prime Minister met with Adolescence creators, charities and young people to discuss the issues raised in the series during a meeting focused on rethinking adolescent safety today.

    • Prime Minister convenes conversation on rethinking adolescent safety and how to prevent young boys being dragged into “whirlpool of hatred and misogyny”
    • Downing Street welcomes Adolescence creators, charities and young people to listen to experiences of children today
    • Backed by the Prime Minister, students to watch Netflix drama Adolescence for free in secondary schools across the country

    Today the Prime Minister met with Adolescence creators, charities and young people to discuss the issues raised in the series during a meeting focused on rethinking adolescent safety.

    Joined by Adolescence co-writer Jack Thorne and producer Jo Johnson, the group met to discuss the challenges facing children and parents today. It also looked at how the Government can work in collaboration to ensure young people have the right tools, support and environment to learn about healthy relationships.

    The meeting comes as Netflix makes the drama free to all secondary schools across the country through the Into Film+ schools streaming service and backed by the Prime Minister in the House of Commons. The series will help students better understand the impact of misogyny, dangers of online radicalisation and the importance of healthy relationships.

    Giving children the best start in life, making our communities safer and preventing young people falling into crime are central to this government’s Plan for Change.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

    As a father, watching this show with my teenage son and daughter, I can tell you – it hit home hard.  

    It’s an important initiative to encourage as many pupils as possible to watch the show. As I see from my own children, openly talking about changes in how they communicate, the content they’re seeing, and exploring the conversations they’re having with their peers is vital if we are to properly support them in navigating contemporary challenges, and deal with malign influences.

    This isn’t a challenge politicians can simply legislate for. Believe me, if I could pull a lever to solve it, I would. Only by listening and learning from the experiences of young people and charities can we tackle the issues this groundbreaking show raises.

    At the meeting, the Prime Minister set out how this issue is personal to him. After years spent working as the Director of Public Prosecutions, he has seen the devastation that misogyny and violence leaves behind, and how it tears through families and communities.   

    Charities invited to Downing Street include the NSPCC, Movember, Beyond Quality, Children’s Society as well as a young person who shared their own experience of becoming immersed in similar online content.

    The Prime Minister was also joined by Netflix and Tender charity who have provided resources and guides for parents, carers and teachers on the issues explored in Adolescence, as well as Into Film, the charity enabling the free viewing in schools via its Into Film+ schools streaming service.

    Jack Thorne, Adolescence Co-Writer, said: 

    We made this show to provoke a conversation. We wanted to pose the question – how do we help stop this growing crisis. So to have the opportunity to take this into schools is beyond our expectations. We hope it’ll lead to teachers talking to the students, but what we really hope is it’ll lead to students talking amongst themselves.

    Anne Mensah, Netflix VP UK Content, said:

    Adolescence has captured the national mood, sparking important conversations and helping articulate the pressures young people and parents face in today’s society.

    We’re incredibly proud of the impact the show has made, and are delighted to be able to offer it to all schools across the UK through Into Film+. As part of this, healthy relationships charity Tender will create resources for teachers and parents to help them navigate the important topics the show explores.

    The Government has taken action to ensure it is protecting children from the issues raised in the series.

    The Online Safety Act’s illegal content duties have come into force targeting the most harmful material including extreme pornography.

    From the summer, platforms will also have to ensure children have an age-appropriate experience online preventing them from seeing dangerous content which includes abusive and hateful misogyny and violence.  

    The Online Safety Act is not the end of the conversation but the foundation. As the Prime Minister has done so today, the Government is committed to listening and will not hesitate to strengthen the law further where necessary.  

    The Government is also reviewing the relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) statutory guidance, following a consultation that closed last summer. It is closely looking at the consultation responses, engaging with stakeholders and considering the relevant evidence before setting out next steps to take the guidance forward. 

    Maria Neophytou, NSPCC Director of Strategy & Knowledge said:

    The debates around the Netflix series Adolescence, and the themes within it, are both disturbing and important. Today’s meeting with the Prime Minister was a critical milestone for young people and for the NSPCC; a chance to come together and discuss what we can do to ensure young people are growing up in healthy, happy and safe environments.

    The online world is being polluted by harmful and misogynistic content which is having a direct impact on the development of young people’s thinking and behaviours. This cannot be allowed to continue.

    It is vital young people have access to high-quality, age-appropriate lessons in school about healthy relationships and understand why misogyny is so harmful and has no place in our society. And that parents have guidance and support around how to keep their children safe online. But we can’t expect teachers and parents to do all the heavy lifting.

    Tech companies must now put the wellbeing of children first, as demanded by the Online Safety Act. They have a responsibility to ensure their platforms and sites are safe by design for young users: that age limits are enforced, that children’s privacy is respected, that algorithms are not targeting and bombarding them with harmful content, and that there are clear and simple ways for young users to complain about what they are experiencing online and seek support.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Work begins on new affordable homes at former Cowan’s Close depot site

    Source: Scotland – City of Edinburgh

    Construction has begun on a new residential development in Newington which will provide 19 modern, fully wheelchair-accessible homes available for social rent.

    Work commenced today (Monday 31 March), with the project expected to be completed by summer 2026.

    Upon completion, the homes will provide much-needed wheelchair accommodation in a city centre location whilst incorporating innovative, energy efficient design features. A fabric first approach with high levels of insulation will ensure that the homes stay warm, reducing the level of heating needed and helping to prevent fuel poverty.

    The development will also include renewable heating and energy generation with the use of Air Source Heat Pumps and Photovoltaic (solar) panels which will produce low-cost, sustainable energy and significantly reduce carbon emission from the development.

    Housing, Homelessness and Fair Work Convener Lezley Marion Cameron said:

    Edinburgh is in urgent need of new affordable and accessible homes to address the shortage of suitable accommodation options for residents who have disabilities and residents who are wheelchair users.

    I am therefore delighted that the new Cowan’s Close development in Newington is now underway to provide 19 new, modern, fully wheelchair accessible homes for social rent.

    CCG Managing Director, David Wylie, said:

    We are delighted to have commenced construction at Cowan’s Close. The project is another great example of how The City of Edinburgh Council and CCG are working collaboratively to address the demand for new, affordable homes in the city, and it will be a much welcome addition to the Newington community upon completion next year.

    Published: March 31st 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham City Council declares major incident

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Published: Monday, 31st March 2025

    Birmingham City Council has today declared a major incident to address the impact of the waste service industrial action.

    The council has a contingency plan using our limited resources to collect from all properties in the city once a week, but actions on the picket line have prevented us from doing this.

    The daily blocking of our depots by pickets has meant that we cannot get our vehicles out to collect waste from residents. Often, we can only get one vehicle out per hour.

    This has meant that to date around 17,000 tonnes of waste remains uncollected across the city.

    This has led to rising concerns of risks to public health and damage to our environment.

    The council is already working to an emergency plan; declaring a major incident will initially allow the council to:

    • Quickly increase the availability of street cleansing and fly-tip removal with an additional 35 vehicles and crews around the city.
    • Work with partners to better manage the risks the city is facing, including health and fire risks and allow for increased data and intelligence sharing. Initially this will be focussed upon support to allow our vehicles to safely exists and enter our depots on time.
    • Allow the council to explore what further support is available from neighbouring authorities and government to assist us in managing the situation.

    Councillor John Cotton, leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “It’s regrettable that we have had to take this step, but we cannot tolerate a situation that is causing harm and distress to communities across Birmingham.

    “I respect the right to strike and protest, however actions on the picket line must be lawful and sadly the behaviour of some now means we are seeing a significant impact on residents and the city’s environment.

    “Unless we declare a major incident and deploy the waste service’s contingency plan, then we would be unable to clear the backlog of waste on the streets or improve the frequency of collections.

    “I want to thank residents for their continued patience under difficult circumstances and the community groups who have been working hard within their communities to help with clear-up.

    “I would reiterate that we have made a fair and reasonable offer to our workers which means none of them have to lose any money and I would urge Unite to reconsider their position.”

    The council usually deploys around 200 vehicles over 8-hour daily shifts. Our contingency allows 90 vehicles per day but because of pickets blocking depots they are deployed much later and therefore for shorter working periods.

    Normally we would make well over 500,000 collections per week. Our strike contingency would mean 360,000 but due to the blockade of depots we are doing far below this.

    • Our waste collection rate against our reduced service plan (one single collection per property / week) has declined from 87% in the week of 10th March, to 64% in the week of 17th March, to 17% in the week of 24th March. 
    • The daily rate of accumulation of uncollected waste in the city has increased from 483 tonnes per day in the week of 10th March, to 655 tonnes per day in the week of 17th March, to almost 900 tonnes per day in the week of 24th March. 
    • We estimate there are now over 17,000 tons of uncollected rubbish in the city.

    Notes to editors –

    Our contingency arrangements include:

    • We are now running a significantly reduced service to maintain a single weekly collection to each property in the city to maintain public health and safety.
    • We have suspended recycling, green waste, bulky waste and paused the introduction of food waste collection.
    • We have increased the opening hours of our household waste recycling centres. We will now look to increase these hours further to increase capacity.
    • We have increased the availability of our Mobile Household Waste collection vehicles from five to seven days a week.
    • We are increasing caretaking capacity for BCC tower blocks to avoid the build-up of refuse and improve fire safety.
    • We have established a multi-agency response with key partners including police to share information and ensure we can deploy our vehicles on time from our depots
    • We have increased the opening hours of our household waste recycling centres. We will now look to increase these hours further to increase capacity.
    • We have increased the availability of our Mobile Household Waste collection vehicles from five to seven days a week.
    • We are increasing caretaking capacity for BCC tower blocks to avoid the build-up of refuse and improve fire safety

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council Announces Intention to Appoint Nursing Provider for Two Liverpool Care Homes

    Source: City of Liverpool

    Liverpool City Council has completed a competitive tender process to appoint a new nursing care provider for Millvina nursing home in Anfield and Brushwood nursing home in Speke. 

    The tender, launched in February 2025, invited qualified providers to submit proposals for delivering high-quality nursing care across both homes. 

    The Council, which owns both buildings, took over the management of the homes last year, with Mersey Care delivering nursing care. This was because the previous provider had decided to withdraw. Mersey Care subsequently informed the Council it did not wish to continue providing nursing care after May 2025, triggering the tender process.

    Following a thorough evaluation of all submissions, the Council can announce that it intends to award the contract for nursing provision to Primary Care 24 Merseyside Ltd (PC24).

    In line with procurement regulations, an 8 working day standstill period is now in place allowing bidders to review the outcome and raise any questions before the contract is formally awarded.  

    Liverpool City Council reaffirms its commitment to residents, families, and staff by making clear assurances that health, safety, and wellbeing remains the highest priority and there will be no disruption to care services during the transition to the new provider.

    Engagement with care home residents and staff has already begun and will continue throughout the standstill period and beyond, to ensure everyone is fully informed and supported. 

    Cllr Angela Coleman, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Services, said:“As we move forward, our priority remains the same, to ensure that residents continue to receive the highest-quality, compassionate care, and that everyone feels supported every step of the way.

    “Our care homes are of the utmost importance to us, and we know how much they mean to the people who live and work there. We are committed to ensuring this transition is as smooth, respectful, reassuring with everyone involved.”

    Corporate Director for Adult Social Care, Health and Homelessness, Anne Marie Lubanski said: “The health and wellbeing of our residents and their families is at the heart of everything we do. We understand how important it is that people feel supported and reassured during this time of change. 

    “That’s why we’re committed to working together to ensure the best possible care is in place, both now and in the future. 

    “This decision follows a thorough and careful process, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the organisations who submitted applications to support the care of our residents.”

    “In particular, I want to thank Mersey Care for their commitment and compassion in supporting Millvina and Brushwood. Their contribution has been deeply valued, and we are truly grateful for the care they have provided.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: OEM Encourages Caution Today as Severe Weather Moves into Western Oregon

    Source: US State of Oregon

    alem, Ore. — The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms are expected across parts of the Pacific Northwest this afternoon and evening, with supercells possible west of the Cascades across Oregon into Washington. These storms may produce large hail, perhaps a tornado or two, and strong wind gusts. The Oregon Department of Emergency Management is encouraging people to take caution when travelling in Western Oregon today.

    Even if the chance of a tornado or severe storm appears slight, preparing ahead of time can make a significant difference.

    Lightning Safety

    • When thunder roars, go indoors. If you see lightning or hear thunder, seek shelter inside a sturdy, enclosed building. Do NOT take shelter under trees or open-sided shelters like picnic areas.
    • If shelter isn’t available, a vehicle with a metal roof, turned off, with the windows closed is safer than remaining outside. Vehicles act as a Faraday cage and will disperse electrical strikes away from you into the ground.

    Heavy Rain, Hail & Flooding

    • Slow down while driving to avoid hydroplaning or sliding on hail-covered streets.
    • Avoid driving through flooded roadways. Even a few inches can be deadly.
    • Watch for water accumulation in low-lying areas.

    Tornado Preparedness

    • The safest place during a tornado is a basement. If that’s not available, go to the lowest floor of your home in a small interior room—like a closet or bathroom—away from windows.
    • Cover yourself with a mattress or sturdy object to protect against debris.
    • If caught outside without shelter, lie in a ditch or culvert and cover your head.

    Damaging Winds

    • Remain indoors and away from windows.
    • Don’t park under trees due to falling limb risk.
    • Be aware that falling trees may impact power lines, buildings, and roadways.

    Power Outage Preparedness

    Severe weather can lead to power outages. Take these steps now to prepare:

    • Charge mobile devices and backup battery packs.
    • Assemble an emergency kit with flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food, drinking water, and necessary medications.
    • Have a plan for medical devices that require electricity.
    • Store extra blankets or cooling supplies, depending on the season.
    • Have books, games, or activities on hand to help pass the time without electricity.

    Farm & Livestock Safety

    • Secure loose outdoor items like garbage cans, patio furniture, and tools.
    • If possible, bring livestock indoors to barn or shelter. Animals often seek shelter under trees or along fences, both of which can be hazardous in thunderstorms.

    For More Information

    Visit the National Weather Service Thunderstorm Safety website: https://www.weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm

    For travel conditions make sure to visit: TripCheck.com
    Sign up for emergency alerts at: ORalert.gov

    Stay informed by monitoring local weather reports and signing up for OR-Alert to receive emergency notifications directly to your phone. Preparedness today can protect lives tomorrow. Stay alert, stay safe, and be ready.

    ###

    It is the mission of the Oregon Department of Emergency Management to proactively develop emergency response, risk reduction and disaster recovery programs to better serve Oregonians during times of disaster. OEM prioritizes an equitable and inclusive culture of preparedness that empowers all Oregonians to thrive in times in crisis. The agency leads collaborative statewide efforts, inclusive of all partners and the communities we serve, to ensure capability to get help in an emergency and to protect, mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies or disasters. For more information about the OEM, visit oregon.gov/oem.

    You can get this document in other languages, large print, braille, or a format you prefer. For assistance, email OEM_publicinfo@oem.oregon.gov or dial 711.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Fifth-Grade Teacher at San Gabriel Valley School Sentenced to Four Years in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

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

    RIVERSIDE, California – A former elementary school teacher who worked at a school district in the San Gabriel Valley was sentenced today to 48 months in federal prison for possessing more than 400 videos containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

    Steven Pilar, 47, of Las Vegas, was sentenced by United States District Judge Sunshine S. Sykes, who also ordered him to pay $115,000 in restitution.

    Pilar pleaded guilty in December 2024 to one count of possession of child pornography. He has been in federal custody since August 2024.

    In February and April of 2020, Pilar used his computer and a peer-to-peer file-sharing program called BitTorrent to download videos and images containing CSAM via the internet. Specifically, Pilar – at his then-home in Victorville – knowingly received and downloaded approximately 444 videos containing CSAM, and knowingly possessed the videos for a time before deleting them. 

    At the time of download and possession, Pilar knew these videos and images contained visual depictions of actual children engaging in sexually explicit conduct. 

    Many of the videos and images that Pilar knowingly downloaded involved a pre-pubescent minor and a minor who had not attained 12 years of age, sadistic and masochistic conduct, and sexual abuse and exploitation of an infant and toddler.

    Pilar was employed as a fifth-grade teacher working in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District at the time of the offense. He no longer works at the school.

    In April 2020, Pilar was arrested on state charges, which were later dropped so a federal case could be pursued.

    “His actions caused direct and significant harm to the victims in this case, and his offense is aggravated by fact that he was teaching young children at the time,” prosecutors argued in a sentencing memorandum. “In fact, when [Pilar] downloaded and viewed the CSAM, he took part of a perpetual re-victimization of the victims.”

    The FBI and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigated this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorney Joshua J. Lee of the General Crimes Section prosecuted this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “Two Lights for Tomorrow” Will Shine in Communities Across North Carolina April 18

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: “Two Lights for Tomorrow” Will Shine in Communities Across North Carolina April 18

    “Two Lights for Tomorrow” Will Shine in Communities Across North Carolina April 18
    mwwalker

    As we approach the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, America 250 NC invites all North Carolinians to take part in a powerful national moment of reflection and unity: “Two Lights for Tomorrow.” Communities across the United States will join together April 18, 2025, to honor the spirit of cooperation and courage that helped ignite the American Revolution.

    On the night of April 18, 1775, Paul Revere and William Dawes rode out from Boston to alert their fellow patriots of the movement of the British regulars. A prearranged signal—two lanterns in the tower of Christ Church—warned that the British troops were traveling via the Charles River. Other riders joined Revere and Dawes, creating a network across the Massachusetts countryside. These midnight rides preceded the battles at Lexington and Concord, the start of the American Revolution.

    Two hundred and fifty years later, “Two Lights for Tomorrow” commemorates Revere’s famous ride and uses the imagery of two shining lights to honor the beginning of the American Revolution.

    Overnight on Friday, April 18, 2025, two lights will shine forth from statehouses across the nation, including North Carolina’s State Capitol in Raleigh. Communities across North Carolina have been invited to participate by shining two lights on their own significant buildings.

    The nationwide initiative is part of the upcoming America 250 semiquincentennial observance in 2026. In North Carolina, the event is led by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ America 250 NC initiative.

    For more information, please visit https://www.america250.nc.gov/events/two-lights-tomorrow.

    About America 250 NC
    America 250 NC is North Carolina’s commemoration of the United States’ 250th anniversary and is led by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. For more information about America 250 NC, visit america250.nc.gov. 
     

    Mar 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lower Ship Harbour — RCMP seeking information about hate motivated crime in Lower Ship Harbour

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment is investigating hate motived crime that occurred at a property in Lower Ship Harbour.

    On March 25, at approximately 11:10 a.m., RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment received a report of mischief at a residential property on West Ship Harbour Rd. RCMP officers learned that a Pride flag and an Every Child Matters flag located at the end of a driveway had been vandalized sometime the previous day.

    The mischief is considered to have been motivated by hate based on race, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression.

    Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance to identify a person of interest who has grey hair and was wearing a black jacket, black pants and grey shoes at the time of the incident.

    The RCMP takes incidents of hate with the utmost seriousness and condemns these criminal acts.

    The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident, or who can identify the person of interest, is asked to contact police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File #: 25-40728

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Taos Man Admits to Killing Up-And-Coming Native American Artist Deanna Suazo

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – Santiago Martinez pleaded guilty in federal court to voluntary manslaughter for the death of his girlfriend, DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo, a talented Indigenous artist, following a late-night argument in November 2021.

    According to court records, on November 12, 2021, Santiago Martinez and his girlfriend, DeAnna Suazo, were at their shared home, where they consumed alcohol and listened to music in her vehicle. Early in the morning hours, the couple engaged in a heated argument outside their home about the future of their relationship, during which Suazo reiterated her desire to end things. The argument escalated into a physical altercation, leading to Martinez intentionally running over Suazo with her SUV, resulting in her death due to mechanical asphyxia and blunt trauma

    Although Martinez had consumed alcohol, he acknowledged being aware of his actions and their wrongfulness at the time of the incident.

    DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo (Diné, Taos Pueblo) was a talented artist and the daughter of Native American artists Geraldine Tso, a Navajo artist, and David Gary Suazo, a Taos Pueblo painter. She celebrated her Indigenous heritage through figural paintings of strong Indigenous women, blending traditional and contemporary styles with inspiration from Japanese manga. Suazo’s work was exhibited nationwide, including at the IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native Arts and the Balzer Contemporary Edge Gallery. In 2022, IAIA established the DeAnna Autumn Leaf Suazo Memorial Fund for Indigenous female artists in the MFA in Studio Arts Program, honoring her legacy and contributions to the art world.

    DeAnna pictured with her artwork courtesy of David Gary Suazo

    At sentencing, Martinez faces between 10 and 15 years in prison followed by not less than three years of supervised release.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrinand Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Taos Pueblo Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Jones and Nora Wilson are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Condemns the Termination of Union Rights for Federal Employees

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Florida 20th district))

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) condemned the recent executive order that eliminates the collective bargaining rights of over 1 million federal government employees. 

    “This Executive Order strips protections from the hard-working men and women who care for our veterans, keep our communities safe, ensure our national security, and provide other essential services that Florida families depend on. These public servants give their everything to make sure that our government functions and meets our communities’ most basic needs. 

    “I’m proud to represent a district that is home to over 9,000 federal workers — from the nurses at the West Palm Beach VA helping our warriors recover when they come home from war, to those at the Social Security Administration ensuring our seniors retire with dignity. 

    “Collective bargaining rights strengthen America’s workforce. I’ll always stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in labor and defend their fundamental rights.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Patrushev: Protecting biological diversity is one of the most important tasks in the environmental protection sphere

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev took part in the first meeting of the Coordination Committee for the support of environmental and nature conservation projects. It was chaired by First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko.

    “The activities of the Presidential Fund for Ecological and Nature Conservation Projects will be aimed, among other things, at preserving rare and endangered species of plants and animals. Our country has unique biological diversity, and its protection is one of the most important tasks in the environmental sphere. However, we cannot do without consolidating the efforts of the authorities and the public. We need educational projects in the field of protecting wild animals, plants and unique ecosystems. We have many areas in which to prove ourselves and contribute to the environmental well-being of our country,” said Dmitry Patrushev.

    The Deputy Prime Minister cited the example of the Arctic zone, where work on ecological improvement of territories, preservation of biodiversity has been underway for several years, with the active involvement of businesses, public organizations and volunteers. Dmitry Patrushev emphasized that these activities must be continued, including in dialogue with the presidential foundation.

    The Russian Nature Reserve Fund is one of the largest in the world. It is about 12 thousand specially protected natural areas. The Deputy Prime Minister added that one of the grant areas chosen is to promote the development of human resources in specially protected natural areas, as well as charitable and volunteer activities on their basis.

    The Presidential Fund for Ecological and Nature Conservation Projects was registered on March 3, 2025. It was created in accordance with the decree of the President of Russia. The main grant areas include the protection of rare and endangered animal species, as well as their habitats, the study and monitoring of biodiversity, information and educational projects in the field of protecting wild animals, unique and relict ecosystems, as well as plant species listed in the Red Books.

    The First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of Russia Sergei Kiriyenko has been appointed Chairman of the Coordination Committee for the Support of Environmental and Nature Protection Projects. His deputies are the Special Representative of the President of Russia for Environmental Protection, Ecology and Transport Sergei Ivanov and Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: ONDCP Recognizes Law Enforcement’s Work to Stop Drug Traffickers

    Source: The White House

    class=”wp-block-heading has-text-align-center”>National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Awards Ceremony Recognizes Excellence Across 14 Key Categories

    Washington, D.C.—Last night, the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) recognized individuals and initiatives of the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Program at the 2025 National HIDTA Awards Ceremony for their critical work to combat the national security threat posed by drug traffickers, including those who traffic deadly illicit fentanyl in the United States, killing tens of thousands of Americans each year.  

    The Trump Administration is taking the fight to the cartels and drug traffickers in order to save American lives. The HIDTA Program plays a key role in disrupting and dismantling drug trafficking organizations and provides assistance to federal, state, local, Tribal, and territorial law enforcement agencies operating in areas determined to be critical drug trafficking regions across all 50 states. Last year, the 33 HIDTAs seized 4.1 million pounds of fentanyl and other drugs and denied drug traffickers $17.7 billion in illicit profits. For every dollar invested in the HIDTA Program, the American people get $68.07 in benefits, making HIDTA an effective and efficient use of taxpayers’ money, and an important tool in the nation’s effort to stop drug traffickers and save American lives.  

    The following awards were presented March 27 to individuals and initiatives of the HIDTA Program for their efforts to reduce the supply and trafficking of dangerous drugs in communities across the country: 

    INVESTIGATIVE COLLABORATION

    Chicago HIDTA, Chicago HIDTA Counternarcotics and Cryptocurrency Task Force

    Created to identify, disrupt, and dismantle transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), the Chicago HIDTA Counternarcotics and Cryptocurrency Task Force (CNCTF) targeted one of the largest, fastest-growing dark net markets in the world – Nemesis Market. This marketplace facilitated drug trafficking, fraud, hacking, and other illicit activities responsible for more than $20 million in illicit transactions to more than 150,000 registered users around the world. Led by DEA and comprising an array of federal and local partners, CNCTF undertook Operation Keyboard Warrior, which received designation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). In March 2024, CNCTF, working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the German Bundescriminalamt, disrupted Nemesis Market by executing simultaneous, multinational search and seizure warrants on critical technological infrastructure. The warrants resulted in nearly $1 million in frozen and seized cryptocurrency-related assets, twelve computer servers, various electronic devices, and terabytes of data containing financial records and personal information of more than 1,000 vendors trafficking in drugs and engaging in fraud, hacking, and forgeries on the marketplace. CNCTF leveraged this information to effect arrests and warrants in eight U.S. federal districts, and provided investigative leads to foreign law enforcement counterparts in multiple countries using international treaty-based disclosure agreements that were novel to cyber cases.

    PROSECUTION

    South Florida HIDTA, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Gerarde and Sean McLaughlin

    With the support of the South Florida HIDTA and assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) Kevin Gerarde and Sean McLaughlin secured a jury verdict against the Premier of the British Virgin Islands (BVI) for drug trafficking. Andrew Fahie, who was elected as the Premier in 2019, was accused of assisting the Sinaloa Cartel in transporting loads of cocaine weighing three metric tons from the coast of Colombia through the BVI en route to the United States for distribution. In exchange for his assistance, Fahie allegedly received a 12 percent cut of the proceeds when the cocaine was sold in the United States. After an extensive undercover operation conducted with the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency and the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force, DEA arrested Fahie. In prosecuting Fahie, AUSAs Gerarde and McLaughlin overcame a variety of evidentiary challenges, including United Kingdom and BVI foreign law determinations regarding the applicability of U.S. money laundering statutes. On February 8, 2024, the jury returned a verdict finding Fahie guilty on all counts, and he was subsequently sentenced to 135 months imprisonment.

    PUBLIC HEALTH/PUBLIC SAFETY COLLABORATION

    Texoma HIDTA, Caprock Drug Initiative

    The Texoma HIDTA’s Caprock Initiative launched a program at the behest of local officials to address alarming increases in fentanyl overdoses in and around Lubbock, Texas. Since its inception, the program has reached nearly 26 thousand individuals from all walks of life. Undertaken with substantial support from the United States Attorney’s Office, the Texas Anti-Gang Center, and the Lubbock County District Attorney’s Office, the program has become the most requested fentanyl awareness presentation in the South Plains region. It has been presented to numerous local schools, including to the Texas Tech football team. The program provides candid, factual information from people in recovery, overdose survivors, and families of overdose victims. It is credited with raising public awareness and contributing to a reduction in overdoses in the region.

    HIDTA SUPPORT

    Atlanta Carolinas HIDTA, Lydia Sheffield

    Lydia Sheffield has served the Atlanta Carolinas HIDTA for two decades, providing continuity with her outstanding support to three executive directors. In addition to her myriad duties as the Executive Assistant, Ms. Sheffield is the primary Performance Management Process (PMP) Coordinator for the HIDTA, and has established herself as an expert user of PMP. In that role, she has generously provided training to PMP users from multiple other regional HIDTAs at the behest of the National HIDTA Assistance Center and to National HIDTA Program staff. Ms. Sheffield has drawn upon her own background and experience as a skilled trainer to develop curriculum materials to support trainings to both peer PMP coordinators and initiative commanders across the United States.

    INVESTIGATION INVOLVING INNOVATIVE APPROACHES

    Gulf Coast HIDTA, Mobile Baldwin Major Investigations Team

    In 2023, the Mobile Baldwin Major Investigations Team (MBMIT) began investigating a deactivated DEA confidential source who was coordinating large shipments of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine from Texas and Georgia into the Mobile, Alabama area. Because the former source was familiar with law enforcement communication and investigative techniques and was still being used by local law enforcement agencies, the source was emboldened to conduct illicit drug-related transactions via an end-to-end encrypted phone app. MBMIT agents successfully executed a search warrant to clone the source’s phone and initiated real-time Title III intercepts of the encrypted app. This was the first time an end-to-end encryption application was successfully intercepted in the New Orleans Division and only the third time this type of intercept had been conducted worldwide within DEA. The success of this investigative technique enabled 120 electronic and voice Title III intercepts resulting in 24 state and federal arrests, the seizure of 19 kilograms of cocaine and 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, and the seizure of over $500,000 in cash, jewelry, and vehicles. Additionally, these intercepts lead to the identification and follow-on investigation of regional drug traffickers in the United States with links to multiple Mexican TCOs.

    INTELLIGENCE AND INFORMATION SHARING

    Nevada HIDTA, Investigative Research Assistant Phillip Scichilone

    In early 2024, the Nevada Highway Patrol received a tip regarding a suspicious trucking company suspected of transporting illicit drugs from northern Nevada across the county, and subsequently passed the tip to Investigative Research Assistant Phillip Scichilone. Mr. Scichilone provided Northern Nevada Interdiction Task Force members with key intelligence related to the travel patterns of the vehicle involved, suspicious financial activity of the trucking company, and identification of the suspected owner and driver of the vehicle. The task force used this information to interdict the vehicle involved, resulting in the seizure of approximately $1 million and the identification of the driver and passenger, who were suspected of being linked to a known terrorist organization. After conducting follow-up analysis linking the suspects to out-of-state DEA and FBI investigations, Mr. Scichilone connected representatives of both agencies to deconflict and share information and then worked with both agencies to pass on key intelligence information.

    INTERDICTION

    New England HIDTA, Greater Boston HIDTA Task Force

    The Greater Boston HIDTA Task Force, co-led by the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), initiated an investigation targeting a California-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) involved in large-scale illicit drug smuggling, distribution, and transportation from the Southwest Border to destinations throughout the United States and Canada. The initial phase of this ongoing investigation resulted in the disruption of a large-scale criminal enterprise with two arrests and the interdiction of 32 kilograms of methamphetamine and 490 kilograms of cocaine from a tractor trailer that traveled cross country to meet with undercover law enforcement agents in Massachusetts. The Massachusetts State Police have claimed this to be the largest seizure of narcotics from a tractor trailer in New England history, and the ongoing investigation has wide-ranging impact on DTO operations in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

    INVESTIGATION INVOLVING A VIOLENT ORGANIZATION

    Texoma HIDTA, ATF Oklahoma City Violent Crime Initiative

    The ATF Oklahoma City Violent Crime Initiative led interagency Operation Sonic Boom that used information from the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to overlay maps of Oklahoma City with shooting incidents to identify critical, high gun violence areas to deploy additional resources. In a 60-day operation, ATF Confidential Sources and Undercover Agents conducted 117 undercover firearm purchases that led to the indictment of 64 defendants and the seizure of 110 firearms, 83 machinegun conversion devices (MCDs), 53 kilograms of methamphetamine, 5 kilograms of cocaine, and more than 1.5 kilograms of fentanyl tablets. Highlighting the critical links between the undercover operations in this case and the ongoing violent crime investigations in Oklahoma City, twelve of the firearms purchased by undercover agents had confirmed links in NIBIN to open shooting and homicide cases by violent criminal gangs in the greater Oklahoma City area. From a HIDTA perspective, the case was also a statistical success, with investigators identifying eight separate Drug Trafficking or Money Laundering Organizations and disrupting six of them during the course of the operation. 

    COMMUNITY IMPACT INVESTIGATION

    Northwest HIDTA, DEA Bellingham Regional HIDTA Task Force

    Over the past year, the DEA Bellingham Regional HIDTA Task Force (BRHTF) initiated an investigation that resulted in a substantial impact concerning public safety and health on the greater Lummi Nation Tribal Lands. Over a one-year period, BRHTF, along with partner agencies, seized over 850,000 fentanyl pills, seven kilograms of fentanyl powder, seven kilograms of cocaine, 29 illicit firearms, over $120,000 in U.S. currency, and disrupted a centralized DTO responsible for trafficking and distributing fentanyl and other drugs in the Lummi Nation within Whatcom County, WA. This investigation resulted in a notable decrease in both fentanyl availability and overdose deaths on Lummi Tribal Lands.

    OVERDOSE REDUCTION

    South Texas HIDTA, Laredo DEA HIDTA Task Force

    In 2023, the DEA Laredo District Office created a HIDTA Overdose Task Force initiative to address the dramatic rise in overdose deaths in Laredo, Texas, and its surrounding communities. The City of Laredo experienced 21 overdose deaths in 2021, rose to 41 overdose deaths in 2022, and was on pace to experience nearly 100 overdose deaths in 2023, when the task force was launched. Formed with multiple local and federal agencies and comprising six task force officers, the task force proved to be effective, with Laredo reporting 73 deaths in 2023, well short of the expected numbers. Throughout 2024, Laredo and its surrounding communities experienced 40 overdose deaths, and preliminary data indicate the city is on pace for a remarkable 45 percent decrease.

    INVESTIGATION

    Arizona HIDTA, Metro Intelligence Support and Technical Investigative Center (MISTIC)

    Throughout 2024, the Phoenix Police Department (PPD) Drug Enforcement Bureau’s (DEB) Conspiracy Squad and the DEA Phoenix Field Division’s Financial Investigations Group (FIG) conducted a long-term, complex investigation that targeted a TCO responsible for the trafficking and distribution of bulk quantities of illicit drugs, as well as for money laundering. Investigators conducted 2,000 hours of surveillance, utilized 225 court orders and search warrants, and initiated 35 wire intercepts targeting TCO members. Through the course of this investigation, detectives identified, disrupted, and dismantled the international drug trafficking activities of both foreign and United States-based sources of supply, load coordinators, couriers, stash house operators, and distribution coordinators, while also dismantling metropolitan Phoenix-based DTO operations.

    TASK FORCE OF THE YEAR

    Appalachia HIDTA, Appalachia HIDTA Diversion Task Force

    In response to an influx of counterfeit pharmaceuticals flooding southeastern Kentucky that were contributing to a rise in drug poisoning deaths, investigators with the Appalachia HIDTA Diversion Drug Task Force initiated an investigation into a dark net market distributor operating under the name GreenBeansUSA. This investigation was conducted jointly with the Appalachia HIDTA DEA London Task Force in coordination with the FBI, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service under the OCDETF Operation “Loyal Business.” Investigators identified GreenBeansUSA as a global supplier responsible for the sale and distribution of over 16 million counterfeit pharmaceutical pills, and the receipt of over $11 million in drug proceeds in the form of illicit cryptocurrency. In the course of the operation, investigators issued more than 200 grand jury subpoenas, 47 pen registers, 8 ping orders, Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) requests, IP analysis, blockchain and cluster analysis, 2703(d) orders, undercover purchases, undercover money laundering operations, pole cameras, and electronic search warrants to multiple telecommunications and technological entities. Their efforts resulted in federal indictments of six key members of the organization, the seizure of 11 kilograms of controlled pharmaceuticals (nitazene, benzodiazepine, and ketamine), six pill press machines, and approximately $1.2 million in assets.

    HIDTA AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE

    Ohio HIDTA, Sergeant Breck Williamson, Ohio State Highway Patrol

    Sergeant Breck Williamson has distinguished himself as both a prolific and successful interdictor of illicit drugs transiting the nation’s highways, and as an expert instructor and mentor to other officers conducting highway interdictions. Since October 2023, Sergeant Williamson has personally seized over 405 pounds of methamphetamines, 11 pounds of fentanyl, 141 pounds of cocaine, 3,203 pounds of marijuana, and $135,000 in U.S. currency. He also serves as an instructor for both the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) and the Drug Interdiction Awareness Program (DIAP), sharing his expertise with hundreds of students throughout the past year. In addition to his day-to-day supervisory and highway interdiction duties, Sergeant Williamson is a DEA task force officer and is regularly called upon by DEA offices nationwide to advise on interdiction tactics and techniques.

    HIDTA OF THE YEAR

    SOUTH FLORIDA HIDTA

    The South Florida HIDTA has demonstrated an exemplary capacity for multidimensional vision and leadership. Through its Executive Director and Executive Board, it has targeted emerging threats, such as synthetic drugs, while remaining steadfastly committed to the interdiction of metric tons of cocaine destined for the United States from South America. It has inspired national efforts, like the launch of Crime Gun Intelligence Centers in HIDTA regions across the United States, without losing focus of the core HIDTA mission to disrupt and dismantle DTOs and while maintaining deep and sustaining partnerships at the local level. It has launched enterprising collaborations with law enforcement partners, such as partnering with the Federal Aviation Administration to access radar interdiction operability and records of straw registration of aircraft, while embracing public health initiatives focused on overdose reduction and drug use prevention.

    Among its many accomplishments, in 2023 South Florida HIDTA initiatives dismantled or disrupted 54 DTOs, of which 19 were international in scope and nearly 20 percent were OCDETF-designated or linked to consolidated or regional priority organization targets. Task forces seized illicit drugs with a total estimated value of $748 million, including 23 metric tons of cocaine, 248 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 224 kilograms of fentanyl. South Florida HIDTA initiatives also seized more than $105 million in cash and other assets, delivering a return on investment of $56.22 for every dollar financed by the National HIDTA Program. Finally, in pursuit of one of its most vital functions – ensuring officer safety – the South Florida HIDTA provided deconfliction services to all its partners, preventing more than 400 “blue on blue” incidents.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ryan M. Katz-Rosene, Associate Professor, School of Political Studies, with Cross-Appointment to Geography, Environment and Geomatics, L’Université d’Ottawa/University of Ottawa

    In his very first act as prime minister, Mark Carney did what critics had long demanded — he axed the federal carbon tax. Yet while Carney was the one who dealt the final blow, there were many who aided and abetted in its death.

    Since it was first proposed nearly a decade ago, the Liberal government’s keystone climate policy, the consumer carbon tax, became the target of both legal and political attacks. Nevertheless, these attacks were held at bay thanks in part to the 2021 Supreme Court ruling that upheld the constitutionality of carbon pricing and the Liberals’ success in maintaining power.

    The axing of the consumer carbon tax marks a major turning point in Canadian climate policy. It shifts the discussion from the effects of the fuel charge on household budgets to how to best compel large industrial emitters to reduce their climate impact in a swiftly evolving global trade context.



    Read more:
    The carbon tax needs fixing, not axing — Canada needs a progressive carbon tax

    The Liberals now propose instead a system of financial incentives for household-level purchases, while expanding the existing industrial pricing mechanism and potentially applying a carbon adjustment levy on imports from countries with lax environmental standards.

    The Conservatives, on the other hand, are vowing to do away with the industrial carbon pricing system, promoting clean tech innovation and manufacturing through financial incentives at the producer level, and offering greater autonomy to the provinces to set their own climate policies.

    Cost-effective, regressive

    The death of the consumer carbon tax serves as a predictable political tragedy in the Shakespearean sense of the word: widely regarded by scholars and other experts as a cost-effective and non-regressive tool to further reduce the carbon emissions, the tax ultimately fell to relentless populist attacks when its original proponents and supporters caved to this pressure.

    It’s useful to break down the various layers of support for — and opposition to — the tax to examine the role each played in its death.



    Read more:
    What the Supreme Court ruling on national carbon pricing means for the fight against climate change

    The most obvious contributors involved the political opponents of the Liberal Party and critics of former prime minister Justin Trudeau. This included not only the federal Conservative Party and provincial Conservative premiers, but also the rising anti-Trudeau populism that manifested early on, even before the tax’s introduction.

    These sentiments were seen in the Canadian Yellow Vests movement; “Wexit” and subsequently the so-called Freedom Convoy, which started as an anti-COVID-19 vaccine, anti-lockdown movement but morphed into a “carbon tax convoy” in the post-lockdown years.

    The role of inflation

    These populist movements were in part nourished by the Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre after he became leader in 2022, and helped drive further support for the party in the years to follow.

    Circumstantial factors — such as the global inflation crisis — played a key role too. By 2023, Poilievre capitalized on the first annual carbon tax rate increase to associate it with ongoing inflation, launching the widely popular “Axe the Tax” campaign.

    This campaign, bolstered by a significant amount of misinformation, played a significant role in driving popular discontent with the policy.



    Read more:
    The Canada Carbon Rebate is still widely misunderstood — here’s why

    Former allies

    In responding to this rising popular discontent, some of the federal Liberals’ allies and original supporters of carbon pricing also played a role in further weakening the policy.

    For instance, sympathetic provincial premiers who in principle supported federal climate policy began to distance themselves from the carbon tax. In 2024, Manitoba’s NDP Premier Wab Kinew, British Columbia’s NDP Premier David Eby, Newfoundland and Labrador’s Liberal Premier Andrew Furey and New Brunswick’s Liberal Premier Susan Holt all made public comments seeking an end (or an alternative) to the carbon levy.

    Yet the most significant loss of support from a former ally came when NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh withdrew the federal NDP from the supply-and-confidence agreement it made with the Liberals, citing concerns that the carbon tax was placing a burden on everyday working Canadians.

    This withdrawal of support put the government on track for either a non-confidence vote or prorogation, which in turn fuelled an even further slide in voter support for the carbon tax.



    Read more:
    What does the end of the Liberal-NDP agreement mean for Canadians?

    Party leadership

    It was the Liberal Party’s own inside leadership circle that dealt the final blows to the tax.

    Chrystia Freeland’s surprise resignation late in 2024 hastened Trudeau’s political downfall earlier this year. Both leading candidates to replace Trudeau — including Freeland herself and the eventual winner, Carney — centred their campaigns around bringing an end to the tax, noting how the policy was too divisive.

    Yet the Liberal leadership also made several strategic missteps in recent years that contributed to the demise of the tax.

    For one, the party’s 2023 exemption for heating oil undermined the credibility of the policy and gave rise to charges of regional favouritism. Similarly, the party’s consistently poor communications around the carbon tax rebate — including difficulties in properly labelling the reimbursement cheques sent to Canadians — was yet another self-inflicted wound.

    Policy death

    Six years after its introduction, the federal consumer carbon tax was scrapped — ironically by the very party that had championed it for years.

    Yet the list of those who aided and abetted includes a secondary group of previous allies and other entities who in recent years publicly turned their backs on the carbon tax. That eroded public support for a policy that was already facing concerted attacks from Conservative political opponents and growing anti-Trudeau populism.

    While the tax could conceivably be replaced by an equally effective tool, its repeal increases uncertainty about Canada’s ability to meet its already faltering international commitments to support climate change mitigation.

    Ryan M. Katz-Rosene receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike – https://theconversation.com/who-really-killed-canadas-carbon-tax-friends-and-foes-alike-252364

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Rwanda and Belgium are at odds over the DRC: what’s led to the latest low point

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jonathan Beloff, Postdoctoral Research Associate, King’s College London

    Rwanda’s foreign affairs ministry suspended all diplomatic relations with Belgium in March 2025. Soon afterwards, Belgium expelled Rwandan diplomats. This came weeks after Belgium had suspended foreign aid to Rwanda. At the root of this diplomatic fallout is the resurgence of the rebel group, March 23 Movement (M23), which has made recent military gains in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Prior to Rwanda suspending diplomatic relations, President Paul Kagame accused Belgium of continually undermining Rwanda. This deterioration in Rwanda-Belgium relations illustrates decades of the Kagame regime’s lack of trust in Brussels since the 1994 genocide. Jonathan Beloff, who has studied Rwanda’s political, security and foreign policies for nearly two decades, explains.

    What is the historical relationship between Rwanda and Belgium?

    Belgium is perhaps better known for having colonised the Congo. However, it also colonised present-day Rwanda and neighbouring Burundi.

    Belgian forces conquered Rwanda, a former German colony, in 1916 during the first world war. They got help from nearby British forces in Uganda. The Treaty of Versailles, which brought an end to the world war, officially transferred Rwanda and Burundi to Belgium’s colonial holdings.

    While Rwanda was never a significant interest for the Belgian colonial authorities compared to neighbouring Congo, Brussels nevertheless helped shape Rwandan politics, economy and society for decades.

    Rwanda’s current government claims that ethnic divisions of Hutu, Tutsi and Twa only came to the foreground during Belgian colonial rule, which ended in 1962. Before German and Belgian colonisation, Rwandan officials described these communities as socio-economic groupings rather than ethnicities. It was only with the introduction of ethnic identification cards in 1933 that these groups became intractable ethnicities.

    During much of its rule, Belgium used the existing political structures of kings, called Mwami, to carry out colonial policies.

    While a majority of Tutsis and Hutus suffered under these policies, Belgian officials often blamed the Mwami and his courts. The Mwami was often a Tutsi based on the number of cattle he owned. This led to a growing anti-Tutsi sentiment within the majority Hutu population.

    Eventually, it boiled over and led to the 1959 Hutu Revolution and the 1961 Coup of Gitarama. This anti-Tutsi sentiment established much of the political order following Rwandan independence in July 1962.

    What key moments have shaped the relationship?

    Prior to Rwandan independence, Belgium’s political allegiance shifted away from the mostly Tutsi Mwami and their power base to the growing Hutu movement. Under Rwanda’s Hutu leader and later first post-independence president Grégoire Kayibanda, Belgium began favouring Hutus. The community got increased education opportunities. Its leaders were given more say over post-colonial political events than the Mwami and his court.

    Rwanda-Belgium relations focused on promoting the majority Hutu population, despite some discontent from conservative, mostly Tutsi, actors. With independence, Belgium played an important but diminishing role. It did not provide the financial support Kigali wanted. In response, Kigali turned to France, whose influence grew significantly under President Juvénal Habyarimana (1973-1994).

    Despite their diminished state, relations between Rwanda and Belgium were still important. Belgium became the primary western nation to help provide stability in Rwanda during the waning years of the Rwandan Civil War (1990-1994), known locally as the Liberation War.

    A peace deal in 1993, called the Arusha Accords, between the Rwandan Patriotic Front and the Habyarimana regime paved the way for a UN mission. However, getting western nations to send soldiers for the mission proved difficult. This was after a peacekeeping disaster in Somalia (the Battle of Mogadishu) earlier that year. As a result, Belgium ended up providing the bulk of troops for the Rwanda mission.

    The assassination of Habyarimana on 6 April 1994 triggered the Genocide against the Tutsi. The UN mission’s commander sent a platoon to guard the home of prime minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana. The platoon had 10 Belgian and five Ghanaian soldiers. They were captured when Rwandan Presidential Guard officers stormed Uwilingiyimana’s home and killed her.

    The Ghanaian soldiers were released relatively unharmed, while the Belgian soldiers were killed at the Camp Kigali military base. The murders were intended to provoke the UN mission’s withdrawal from Rwanda. Belgian troops departed within the genocide’s first week. This allowed Rwanda’s genocide to run uninterrupted for 100 days until the Rwandan Patriotic Front stopped it in July 1994.

    Since the genocide, the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front has had a sceptical view of Belgium. In 2000, former prime minister Guy Verhofstadt apologised for Belgium’s failure to stop the genocide and for fostering ethnic divisions during the colonial period.

    Nevertheless, many Rwandan officials still believe Brussels hasn’t done enough to acknowledge its colonial record.

    What’s behind the current fallout?

    The current diplomatic crisis erupted because of accusations of Rwandan involvement in eastern DRC. UN experts’ reports have accused Rwanda of supporting the reanimated M23. The rebel group has captured large swathes of eastern DRC.

    Belgium has been leading calls for European sanctions against Rwanda for this involvement. However, Rwanda – which denies supporting the M23 – claims that Belgium’s accusations are aimed at gaining favourable mining rights in the DRC.

    Relations between the two countries have been deteriorating steadily in 2025. In February, Rwanda suspended a five-year (2024-2029) €95 million (US$102.8 million) deal. This was one of the largest aid deals between the two countries. In March, in addition to the suspension of diplomatic ties, the Rwanda Governance Board, which registers and monitors non-governmental organisations, placed restrictions on NGOs receiving financial support from Belgium.

    What’s the impact of this diplomatic falling out?

    Rwanda-Belgium relations have never broken down to the current level.

    It is unlikely to last in the long term. Like many other donor nations, Belgium needs Rwanda as a case study for proper aid utilisation and for its contribution to African peacekeeping.

    Rwanda is Africa’s most active troop-contributing country to UN missions and the fourth most active worldwide. Its primary political, security and economic allies remain the United States and the United Kingdom. While relations with these two nations are strained, they’re not at the level reached with Belgium.

    Nevertheless, the current state of affairs will continue in the near future unless the M23 is defeated. The only available avenues for quick restoration of relations are if Belgium apologises for seemingly siding with the DRC over Rwanda in the conflict in eastern Congo and repeats its apology for its colonial legacy. Neither of these options seems likely in the short term.

    Jonathan Beloff received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AH/W001217/1).

    – ref. Rwanda and Belgium are at odds over the DRC: what’s led to the latest low point – https://theconversation.com/rwanda-and-belgium-are-at-odds-over-the-drc-whats-led-to-the-latest-low-point-253349

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Rwanda and Belgium are at odds over the DRC: what’s led to the latest low point

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Jonathan Beloff, Postdoctoral Research Associate, King’s College London

    Rwanda’s foreign affairs ministry suspended all diplomatic relations with Belgium in March 2025. Soon afterwards, Belgium expelled Rwandan diplomats. This came weeks after Belgium had suspended foreign aid to Rwanda. At the root of this diplomatic fallout is the resurgence of the rebel group, March 23 Movement (M23), which has made recent military gains in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Prior to Rwanda suspending diplomatic relations, President Paul Kagame accused Belgium of continually undermining Rwanda. This deterioration in Rwanda-Belgium relations illustrates decades of the Kagame regime’s lack of trust in Brussels since the 1994 genocide. Jonathan Beloff, who has studied Rwanda’s political, security and foreign policies for nearly two decades, explains.

    What is the historical relationship between Rwanda and Belgium?

    Belgium is perhaps better known for having colonised the Congo. However, it also colonised present-day Rwanda and neighbouring Burundi.

    Belgian forces conquered Rwanda, a former German colony, in 1916 during the first world war. They got help from nearby British forces in Uganda. The Treaty of Versailles, which brought an end to the world war, officially transferred Rwanda and Burundi to Belgium’s colonial holdings.

    While Rwanda was never a significant interest for the Belgian colonial authorities compared to neighbouring Congo, Brussels nevertheless helped shape Rwandan politics, economy and society for decades.

    Rwanda’s current government claims that ethnic divisions of Hutu, Tutsi and Twa only came to the foreground during Belgian colonial rule, which ended in 1962. Before German and Belgian colonisation, Rwandan officials described these communities as socio-economic groupings rather than ethnicities. It was only with the introduction of ethnic identification cards in 1933 that these groups became intractable ethnicities.

    During much of its rule, Belgium used the existing political structures of kings, called Mwami, to carry out colonial policies.

    While a majority of Tutsis and Hutus suffered under these policies, Belgian officials often blamed the Mwami and his courts. The Mwami was often a Tutsi based on the number of cattle he owned. This led to a growing anti-Tutsi sentiment within the majority Hutu population.

    Eventually, it boiled over and led to the 1959 Hutu Revolution and the 1961 Coup of Gitarama. This anti-Tutsi sentiment established much of the political order following Rwandan independence in July 1962.

    What key moments have shaped the relationship?

    Prior to Rwandan independence, Belgium’s political allegiance shifted away from the mostly Tutsi Mwami and their power base to the growing Hutu movement. Under Rwanda’s Hutu leader and later first post-independence president Grégoire Kayibanda, Belgium began favouring Hutus. The community got increased education opportunities. Its leaders were given more say over post-colonial political events than the Mwami and his court.

    Rwanda-Belgium relations focused on promoting the majority Hutu population, despite some discontent from conservative, mostly Tutsi, actors. With independence, Belgium played an important but diminishing role. It did not provide the financial support Kigali wanted. In response, Kigali turned to France, whose influence grew significantly under President Juvénal Habyarimana (1973-1994).

    Despite their diminished state, relations between Rwanda and Belgium were still important. Belgium became the primary western nation to help provide stability in Rwanda during the waning years of the Rwandan Civil War (1990-1994), known locally as the Liberation War.

    A peace deal in 1993, called the Arusha Accords, between the Rwandan Patriotic Front and the Habyarimana regime paved the way for a UN mission. However, getting western nations to send soldiers for the mission proved difficult. This was after a peacekeeping disaster in Somalia (the Battle of Mogadishu) earlier that year. As a result, Belgium ended up providing the bulk of troops for the Rwanda mission.

    The assassination of Habyarimana on 6 April 1994 triggered the Genocide against the Tutsi. The UN mission’s commander sent a platoon to guard the home of prime minister Agathe Uwilingiyimana. The platoon had 10 Belgian and five Ghanaian soldiers. They were captured when Rwandan Presidential Guard officers stormed Uwilingiyimana’s home and killed her.

    The Ghanaian soldiers were released relatively unharmed, while the Belgian soldiers were killed at the Camp Kigali military base. The murders were intended to provoke the UN mission’s withdrawal from Rwanda. Belgian troops departed within the genocide’s first week. This allowed Rwanda’s genocide to run uninterrupted for 100 days until the Rwandan Patriotic Front stopped it in July 1994.

    Since the genocide, the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front has had a sceptical view of Belgium. In 2000, former prime minister Guy Verhofstadt apologised for Belgium’s failure to stop the genocide and for fostering ethnic divisions during the colonial period.

    Nevertheless, many Rwandan officials still believe Brussels hasn’t done enough to acknowledge its colonial record.

    What’s behind the current fallout?

    The current diplomatic crisis erupted because of accusations of Rwandan involvement in eastern DRC. UN experts’ reports have accused Rwanda of supporting the reanimated M23. The rebel group has captured large swathes of eastern DRC.

    Belgium has been leading calls for European sanctions against Rwanda for this involvement. However, Rwanda – which denies supporting the M23 – claims that Belgium’s accusations are aimed at gaining favourable mining rights in the DRC.

    Relations between the two countries have been deteriorating steadily in 2025. In February, Rwanda suspended a five-year (2024-2029) €95 million (US$102.8 million) deal. This was one of the largest aid deals between the two countries. In March, in addition to the suspension of diplomatic ties, the Rwanda Governance Board, which registers and monitors non-governmental organisations, placed restrictions on NGOs receiving financial support from Belgium.

    What’s the impact of this diplomatic falling out?

    Rwanda-Belgium relations have never broken down to the current level.

    It is unlikely to last in the long term. Like many other donor nations, Belgium needs Rwanda as a case study for proper aid utilisation and for its contribution to African peacekeeping.

    Rwanda is Africa’s most active troop-contributing country to UN missions and the fourth most active worldwide. Its primary political, security and economic allies remain the United States and the United Kingdom. While relations with these two nations are strained, they’re not at the level reached with Belgium.

    Nevertheless, the current state of affairs will continue in the near future unless the M23 is defeated. The only available avenues for quick restoration of relations are if Belgium apologises for seemingly siding with the DRC over Rwanda in the conflict in eastern Congo and repeats its apology for its colonial legacy. Neither of these options seems likely in the short term.

    – Rwanda and Belgium are at odds over the DRC: what’s led to the latest low point
    – https://theconversation.com/rwanda-and-belgium-are-at-odds-over-the-drc-whats-led-to-the-latest-low-point-253349

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, Peters, and Murkowski Introduce Resolution to Preserve Independent USPS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski

    03.28.25

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced a bipartisan resolution to support the independence and critical public service mission of the United States Postal Service, emphasizing the essential role the Postal Service has played in connecting and serving Americans, especially in rural communities. Sens. Sullivan and Peters were joined in introducing the resolution by U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.).

    “In a state as vast as ours, with many remote communities only accessible by air or water, the USPS serves as an essential government agency that keeps postal services affordable for Alaskans,” Senator Sullivan said. “The Bypass Mail program—a lifeline for Rural Alaska that I have fought for since becoming a senator—allows the USPS to fulfill its universal service obligation to deliver goods and services to even the most remote parts of our state. I will forcefully oppose any action that threatens that program. I am glad to work with my colleagues from other rural states on this resolution to oppose the privatization of the Postal Service and ensure that this critical agency remains focused on its statutory requirement to reliably deliver mail to every household, no matter how remote.”  

    “Federal statute has long recognized that the Postal Service’s core purpose is ‘to bind the Nation together through the personal, educational, literary, and business correspondence of the people.’ In Alaska, where most communities are unconnected by road and where internet connectivity—when available—is often unreliable or prohibitively expensive, we rely on the USPS to deliver vital basic necessities, whether that is food, medicine, election ballots, spare parts, store inventory, or subsistence supplies,” said Senator Murkowski. “I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution again to reaffirm the significance of the United States Postal Service as an independent establishment of the Federal Government and to reject its privatization.”

    “For more than 250 years, the Postal Service has been a cornerstone of our nation, connecting every household and business across the country,” said Senator Peters. “Any efforts to undermine the Postal Service’s independence or privatize it would jeopardize affordable, universal mail service and harm the millions of Americans—especially veterans, small business owners, and rural communities—who rely on the Postal Service every day. This resolution reaffirms our commitment to keeping the Postal Service independent and self-sustaining, ensuring it continues to serve as a vital lifeline for all Americans.”

    “The privatization of the United States Postal Service would be devastating to Alaskans not only in remote communities, but throughout the state. The Postal Service currently serves all Alaskans, regardless of where they live. It serves many areas of the state that are not profitable for other shippers. If the Postal Service is privatized, it will significantly increase shipping costs throughout the state and be devastating to Alaska’s economy. All Alaska letter carriers of the National Association of Letter Carriers stands by Senator Sullivan in his efforts to keep the Postal Service a public service to all Alaskans,” said Chris Crutchfield, Alaska State Chair for the National Association of Letter Carriers.

    The full text of the resolution can be found here.

    BACKGROUND

    Since 1775, the United States Postal Service and its dedicated postal workforce have performed the essential government function of “providing postal services to bind the Nation together through the personal, educational, literary, and business correspondence of the people” and “rendering postal services to all communities” (39 USC 101). Across the nation today, 630,000 postal employees deliver the mail to more than 168 million residential and business customers, six days a week. The Postal Service is consistently the highest-rated government agency in nonpartisan opinion polls. It also plays a crucial role in our national security, protecting us from mail-borne threats.

    In support of the Postal Service, this bipartisan resolution expresses the sense of the Senate that Congress should take all appropriate measures to ensure the Postal Service remains an independent establishment of the Federal Government and is not subject to privatization. The resolution also recognizes:

    • The Postal Service is at the center of the $1.9 trillion mailing industry, which employs 7.9 million people in the United States.
    • The Postal Service is a self-sustaining, independent establishment that relies on revenue derived from the sale of postal services and products, not on taxpayer funds.
    • The Postal Service maintains an affordable and universal network, connecting rural, suburban, and urban communities.
    • Postal Service employees, including over 73,000 military veterans, are dedicated public servants who serve as the eyes and ears of our communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio Visits Jamaica, Guyana, and Suriname

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Secretary Rubio: We need mutually beneficial relationships. That’s how we achieve positive results like we’re seeing right now in the Caribbean.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: / statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: / statedept
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    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=asRfHTRUZkY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi’s article on building strong country in science, technology to be published

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, March 31 — An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on forging ahead toward the grand goal of building a strong country in science and technology will be published on Tuesday.

    The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year’s seventh issue of Qiushi Journal, the flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.

    The article notes that since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the CPC Central Committee has vigorously implemented an innovation-driven development strategy, setting the goal of building China into a sci-tech powerhouse by 2035. Meanwhile, it has been deepening reforms in the sci-tech system, unleashing the enthusiasm and creativity of sci-tech personnel, and advancing self-reliance and strength in science and technology, leading to historic achievements and transformation in the sector.

    Chinese modernization must be underpinned by advancements in scientific and technological modernization, and achieving high-quality development relies on new growth drivers cultivated by innovation in science and technology, says the article. It stresses the importance of fully acknowledging the strategic leading position and fundamental supporting role of science and technology.

    The article outlines key elements for building China into a sci-tech powerhouse, including strong basic research and original innovation capabilities, a robust capacity to achieve breakthroughs in key and core technologies, significant global influence and leadership that make China a major scientific and innovation hub, strong ability to attract and nurture top-tier talent, and outstanding governance systems and capabilities in science and technology.

    The article also proposes key measures to accelerate sci-tech development, including leveraging the advantages of the new system to mobilize resources nationwide for major tasks to boost high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology, promoting the integration of sci-tech innovation and industrial innovation to help develop new quality productive forces, and deepening reforms of sci-tech systems and mechanisms to fully unleash the vitality of innovation.

    Such measures also include promoting coordinated development of education and talent cultivation, and advancing international sci-tech cooperation with the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity, according to the article.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Media Advisory: District Court in Prince George’s County offers Schools in the Court program for high school students

    Source: US State of Maryland

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 31, 2025

    Government Relations and Public Affairs
    187 Harry S. Truman Parkway
    Annapolis, Maryland 21401

    Media Advisory:
    District Court in Prince George’s County offers Schools in the Court program for high school students

    UPPER MARLBORO, Md. – In a unique court educational program, students will learn about the benefits and consequences of familiar decisions. The program includes a mock traffic stop where students will see in real-time the legal implications of bad decisions. This interactive program allows the students to meet and interact with key players in the legal process, including police officers, K-9 officers, commissioners, assistant public defenders, assistant state’s attorneys, bailiffs, clerks, and judges. Students will learn about the dangers of fentanyl and the impact of narcotics on the developing juvenile brain. In addition, students will have an opportunity to engage judges and court personnel in a question-and-answer session regarding the Judiciary.

    WHO:

    Administrative Judge Lisa Hall Johnson, Prince George’s County District Court, and Judge Cheri Simpkins, Prince George’s County Circuit Court, presiding judges

    Students from Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. and Frederick Douglass High Schools
    WHAT: Schools in the Court Program
    WHEN: Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 9 a.m.
    WHERE: Prince George’s County District Court 
    Courtroom 357, Bourne Wing
    14735 Main Street
    Upper Marlboro, MD 20772-3042

    Please contact the Maryland Judiciary, Government Relations and Public Affairs Division, at [email protected] or 410-260-1488, to attend or for questions. Cameras will be allowed in the courtroom during the program but not during the student-observed court docket portion. If Prince George’s County Public Schools has a delayed opening or school closure, the Schools in the Court program will be cancelled.

    There are 80 metered public spaces in the surface lot in front of the courthouse. There is metered parking available near the courthouse at a rate of $.75 per hour with a two-hour maximum. Additionally, the Equestrian Center has four free satellite parking lots with free shuttle service to the courthouse.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Salad Disrupts AI Transcription Market: Highest Accuracy at the Lowest Cost

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SALT LAKE CITY, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Salad Technologies, a leader in distributed cloud computing, today announced the launch of the upgraded Salad Transcription API, delivering the highest accuracy in the industry for AI batch transcription at the lowest cost.

    Ranking No.1 in an accuracy benchmark (95.1% accuracy rate), Salad’s API outperforms all major market alternatives, such as Deepgram, Assembly AI, Amazon Transcribe, Google Speech-to-Text, and OpenAI Whisper. The API is priced at just $0.16 per hour – at least 40% lower than competing APIs. 

    Designed for high-volume enterprise batch transcription, this launch sets a new industry standard – combining cutting-edge AI accuracy with unprecedented affordability. With asynchronous processing, the API can transcribe millions of hours of audio in parallel, making it genuinely built for scale.

    “There is an epidemic of overcharging in AI transcription today. Enterprises and startups have been forced to overpay for Transcription APIs as providers passed on the high cost of custom model research, large team sizes, and datacenter GPUs for inference to customers,” said Bob Miles, CEO of Salad Technologies. 

    “With Salad’s Transcription API, we’ve broken that cycle – delivering best-in-class accuracy while halving the cost to customers. Without training a proprietary model, Salad has taken an open source, multi-step, multimodal approach to ship the most powerful, cost-effective batch transcription API available today.”

    The API delivers transcription, translation, summarization, custom prompts, and custom vocabulary as a fully unified solution – no hidden fees, upcharges, or secondary API calls – just one all-inclusive rate for every advanced feature.

    Accuracy Benchmark Results

    Results from an accuracy benchmark over the CommonVoice5.1 dataset show the Salad Transcription API achieved the highest Word Accuracy Rate in English (95.1%), Spanish (96.8%), and German (96.3%) and the lowest Word Error Rate (WER).

    The benchmark processed over 1 million audio files, surpassing 4,500 hours of audio, and with new in-house optimizations, Salad Transcription API outperformed all six major API providers in accuracy across multiple languages.

    The API also shows industry-best accuracy for Russian (96.3%), Italian (93.3%), Portuguese (92%), and French (92%). 

    “With this API, our goal is to democratize the AI Transcription landscape and help companies realize massive cost savings at a price point that unlocks new use cases with the industry’s best accuracy,” said Bob Miles, CEO of Salad Technologies. 

    For more information, visit the website: https://salad.com/transcription

    About Salad Technologies

    Salad Technologies is a leader in distributed cloud computing, leveraging idle consumer and datacenter GPUs to deliver high-performance compute at industry-low costs. Our mission is to democratize cloud computing by utilizing latent consumer resources to power a sustainable, affordable, and environmentally friendly cloud for everyone.

    Media Contact:
    Prashanth Shankara
    prashanth.shankara@salad.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ccd7d05b-7ce3-42fd-82a0-aa7225d18f8a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Striim Announces General Availability of SQL2Fabric-X to Accelerate Real-Time Data Replication & Insights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALO ALTO, Calif., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Striim, a leader in real-time data streaming and integration, is excited to announce the general availability of SQL2Fabric-X, a powerful low latency, low cost solution that enables customers to replicate their SQL Server databases and tables to Microsoft Fabric Mirrored database, Microsoft Fabric Data Warehouse, and Azure Databricks.

    With SQL2Fabric-X, businesses can now move data effortlessly from on-premise SQL databases to their cloud ecosystems, ensuring AI, analytics, and decision-making are powered by the freshest data possible.

    Key highlights of SQL2Fabric-X:

    • Expanded Data Replication Capabilities: Customers can now replicate their SQL Server databases and tables to Microsoft Fabric Mirrored database, Microsoft Fabric Data Warehouse, or Azure Databricks.
    • Automated Data Management: SQL2Fabric-X reduces manual effort by automating data replication workflows, ensuring consistency and accuracy across target destinations.
    • Flexible Pricing Plans: Flexibility to write to Microsoft Fabric Mirrored database, Microsoft Fabric Data Warehouse, or Azure Databricks using SQL2Fabric-X. Mirroring Plans start at $1500/monthly.
    • Fast and Easy Deployment: Customers can change plans and get started directly from the Azure Marketplace. New users can get started today with a 30-day free trial.

    SQL2Fabric-X is designed for high-speed, reliable replication, helping businesses streamline their data operations without complex setup or maintenance.

    “At Ignite in November 2024, we jointly announced our strategic partnership on Open mirroring with Microsoft by launching a public preview of a simple low cost, low latency solution to mirror on premise SQL Server data,” said Alok Pareek, co-founder and Executive Vice President of Engineering and Products at Striim. “We were the first partner to announce that, and now we are delighted to offer broader, flexible capabilities in this GA service with great feedback from early customers who expressed an interest in unlocking on-premise SQL Server data for Azure Databricks in addition to Mirroring.”

    For more information about SQL2Fabric-X, visit Striim at booth #312 during the Microsoft Fabric Community Conference, taking place March 31–April 2 in Las Vegas.

    ABOUT STRIIM, INC.
    Striim pioneers real-time intelligence for AI by unifying data across clouds, applications, and databases via a fully managed, SaaS-based platform. Striim’s platform, optimized for modern cloud data warehouses, transforms relational and unstructured data into AI-ready insights instantly with advanced analytics and ML frameworks, enabling swift business action. Striim leverages its expertise in real-time data integration, streaming analytics, and database replication, including industry-leading Oracle CDC technology, to achieve sub-second latency in processing over 100 billion daily events for ML analytics and proactive decision-making. To learn more, visit www.striim.com.

    Media Contact:
    Dianna Spring, Vice President of Marketing at Striim
    Phone: (650) 241-0680 ext. 354
    Email: press@striim.com

    Source: Striim, Inc.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Reimagines Karaoke Experience with New Mobile Microphone Integration

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics is bringing a first-of-its-kind experience to Stingray Karaoke on select 2025 Samsung AI-powered Smart TVs and offering an exclusive promotion with the purchase of any new 2025 Smart TV, shipping globally soon.
    Stingray Karaoke1 offers an expansive catalog spanning the most popular genres, including pop, rock, country, R&B, hip-hop and more. The app features an intuitive interface that enables you to search for songs by title, artist, lyrics or genre in more than 30 languages. With weekly updates adding new songs and specially curated playlists for different occasions, you can queue up to 100 songs, ensuring the ultimate karaoke party experience at home.
    An Unmatched Karaoke Experience
    Together, Samsung and Stingray Karaoke are transforming home entertainment with a brand-new mobile microphone integrated with SmartThings on select 2025 Samsung Smart TVs2, eliminating the need for expensive sound systems and bringing a seamless, high-quality karaoke experience directly into the living room. For the first time ever, fans of Stingray Karaoke can now sing along to their favorite songs directly into their smartphone3 with award-winning mobile technology that ensures their voice is perfectly mixed in real-time, while delivering premium sound through their Samsung TV speakers without delay.
    “Samsung Smart TVs are dynamic entertainment hubs providing tremendous value and access to an ever-expanding ecosystem of experiences,” said Maya Harris, VP & Head of Strategic Partnerships for Samsung’s TV & Mobile Services. “The seamless mobile microphone integration with SmartThings is a brand-new innovation that allows trailblazing partners like Stingray to push the boundaries of interactive entertainment on Tizen, delivering even more immersive and accessible experiences that bring people together in new ways.”

    “Partnering with an industry leader in Samsung has allowed us to create a unique and accessible karaoke experience that takes entertainment technology to new heights,” said Eric Boyko, President, Co-Founder and CEO of Stingray. “As we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, we remain dedicated to delivering exceptional innovations to audiences worldwide.”
    To jump in, simply select the Samsung Daily+4 icon located on the left panel of your Samsung TV Smart Hub, launch the Stingray Karaoke app, and scan the QR code to activate your mobile microphone to start singing along to popular songs across genres and eras.
    Exclusive Stingray Karaoke Promotion, Available Only on 2025 Samsung Smart TVs
    New 2025 Samsung Smart TV owners will receive a free six-month trial of Stingray Karaoke5, unlocking access to the new mobile microphone feature and its vast library of more than 100,000 licensed songs from today’s top charting artists and yesterday’s legends. The offer is redeemable from the day of purchase through December 31, 2025.
    Additionally, owners of 2023 and 2024 Samsung Smart TVs6 can redeem free access to Stingray Karaoke for one month. To redeem the free trial offer, select the Samsung Daily+ icon on your Samsung TV Smart Hub and launch the Stingray Karaoke app. A pop-up will appear to grant you access.

    Samsung Tizen OS Continues to Evolve
    Stingray Karaoke on Samsung Smart TVs is powered by Tizen OS, your home for discovering endless entertainment, staying connected with your favorite apps and services, and controlling your smart home – all from your TV screen.
    As the #1 global TV brand for 19 years and counting, Samsung is dedicated to providing not only premium viewing experiences, but consistently improving how you interact with its TVs. That’s why Samsung is now offering up to 7 years7 of Tizen updates across its lineup, ensuring your experience remains consistently smooth and effortlessly responsive.
    Tizen allows Samsung partners to deliver their content to millions of shoppers through its vast TV ecosystem. The partnership with Stingray Karaoke is yet another example of the Samsung commitment to truly making Tizen OS your central hub for everything from streaming and gaming, to working out, getting ready for your day and now, even belting out your favorite hits.
    1 The Stingray Karaoke app is available on 2018 model year and newer Samsung Smart TVs.
    2 Stingray Karaoke mobile microphone integration with SmartThings is compatible on select 2025 model year Samsung Smart TVs, including Neo QLED, QLED, OLED and The Frame.
    3 Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S22+, S22 Ultra, and all S23, S24 and S25 models. It is also supported on all Samsung Z Flip and Fold models, iPhone 15 and iPhone 16.
    4 Samsung Daily+ is a hub for lifestyle experiences, providing a wide range of services and features — from personal training and telehealth to video calls and remote PC solutions — in one single interface.
    5 Trial is available with purchase of any new 2025 Samsung Smart TV, including all Neo QLED, QLED, OLED, The Frame models.
    6 Available on all Neo QLED, QLED, OLED, The Frame models.
    7 Viewing experience may vary according to types of content and format. 4K AI Upscaling may not apply to PC connection and Game Mode. Utilizes AI-based formulas to upscale. Samsung Account required for network-based smart services, including streaming apps and other smart features. Computer, mobile or other devices may be necessary to create/log in to Samsung Account (free to download and create). Without Account log in, only external device connections (E.g., via HDMI) and terrestrial/over-the-air TV (only for TVs with tuners) available.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Dame June Raine: How innovations are transforming regulation and speeding new treatments to healthcare

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Dame June Raine: How innovations are transforming regulation and speeding new treatments to healthcare

    As Dame June Raine gets ready to pass the baton on after nearly 40 years at the agency, the last five of which she has been CEO, she reflects on how new innovations are transforming regulation and how honoured she feels to have worked with such inspiring people through a period she has not just lived through but helped to shape.

    When I entered the world of regulation in the mid-1980s, approvals for new medicines or the trials investigating them were arduous and subjective, requiring the review of juggernauts of paper files with thousands of graphs and tables of data in each file – not to mention a retentive memory, a very big desk and many painstaking hours of review.

    Fast forward to today, and healthcare product regulation is being transformed by technology. Just as Lord Darzi called for a major tilt to technology in the heath service, so MHRA is working to take time out of the development and review process for transformative medicines and MedTech.

    For example, new AI tools can reduce the length of time taken to assess vital aspects of clinical trial applications from 3 hours to as few as 35 seconds, without compromising on safety. By rapidly pinpointing common errors in applications made by companies to the regulator, AI has sped up the overall assessment process and is helping to make it consistent and predictable.

    The intention of this is not to replace the expertise of our experienced and knowledgeable scientific assessors but rather to give them more time to focus on higher risk analyses and more finely balanced judgements. This will see clinical trials being set up more swiftly, saving companies valuable funds and giving patients quicker access to the potentially life-saving medicines being studied.

    Thanks to successful pilots, this AI technology is now coming on stream in regulation, with international approval of the work we are doing at MHRA. It shows how far regulation has come from the days of paper-based assessments, and how exciting regulation is today – and you don’t often hear the words ‘exciting’ and ‘regulation’ in the same sentence.

    We’re in a new era of medicine – one defined by technological advancements like AI and genomics; a focus on meeting the needs of the individual rather than the whole population. A continued challenge for the next decade will be to ensure that regulation doesn’t just keep pace with this innovation but enables it.

    That’s why last week saw the launch of our first Centres of Excellence of Regulatory Science and Innovation, two of which are driving forward AI and health technology and one active in improving safety through pharmacogenomics.

    As I get ready to pass the CEO baton on after nearly 40 years at the MHRA, the last five of which I have been Chief Executive, I have been reflecting on what has been accomplished during my time holding the reins. My leadership was one dominated by two main events that in many ways came to set the pace and direction of change.

    The first of these was EU Exit, which offered new freedom to form novel international partnerships with trusted healthcare agencies both at home and abroad. Our ACCESS consortium of the regulatory agencies of Australia, Canada, Singapore and Switzerland has created an attractive market for innovative industry of close on 160 million people.

    The second event was one that few saw coming. The COVID-19 pandemic brought devastation and hardship to many people’s lives. But in 10 months it ushered in the level of innovative change you would expect to see in 10 years. When we announced our world-first approval of the COVID-19 vaccine made by Pfizer and BioNTech, we didn’t cut any corners. We developed innovative approaches to delivering the same high scientific standards and worked hand in hand with NICE and the NHS.

    These two seismic events have come to define my leadership, and probably rightly so. But advances in AI and the strides we’ve made towards a more personalised regulatory approach are also vitally important and will set the trajectory for regulation in years to come.

    The next few years will be defining ones for medicines regulation. I have absolutely no doubt that the agency I am leaving behind will continue to step up to the job, never losing sight of paramount importance of patient safety. I feel truly honoured to have worked with inspiring people in a period we have not just lived through but helped to shape.

    I look forward to watching – this time from the sidelines with a much warmer cup of tea in hand.

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homes England agrees purchase of key Nottingham regeneration site 

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Homes England agrees purchase of key Nottingham regeneration site 

    Acquisition of Broad Marsh site signals boost for city’s regeneration vision  and the start of major redevelopment in Nottingham

    The regeneration of Nottingham city centre has taken a major step forward following an agreement for Homes England to purchase the Broad Marsh site from Nottingham City Council.  

    The Government’s housing and regeneration agency will acquire the council’s land ownership of the former shopping centre, land to the west of the Green Heart, a multi-storey car park, Severns House and a former college site.  

    The next stage of development will include de-risking of the site, such as demolition and enabling works, to attract private sector developers with the necessary credentials and proven track record to deliver transformational, exemplar city centre projects.  

    The development of the site will bring forward around 1,000 homes, up to 20,000 square metres of retail, office and community spaces and create around 2,000 full-time jobs.

    Eamonn Boylan, Chief Executive of Homes England, said:  

    The acquisition of Broad Marsh is a major milestone in the city council’s vision of regeneration for this area of Nottingham.  

    We have worked closely with the council since 2022 to provide professional advice and support. Now that we have acquired the site, our teams will be working with partners to attract the right developer to deliver the new homes, employment spaces and leisure facilities necessary to create a vibrant city centre neighbourhood that the people of Nottingham can be proud of.

    Broad Marsh is Nottingham’s top priority regeneration project, with significant progress already made by Nottingham City Council (NCC) in advancing its vision. Key achievements include the establishment of a new Nottingham College hub, the opening of the Central Library, Broad Marsh bus station, car park, and, most recently, the completion of the Green Heart public realm. 

    Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said:   

    It’s great to finally reveal the name of the buyer for such an important site. I have confidence in Homes England and the work they have already delivered across the country.  

    This is really positive news for Nottingham and marks the start of a major redevelopment for this key part of our city.  

    We know that people have wanted to see progress here for a long time and we understand that it has been a frustration for some that this hasn’t happened.  

    We’re excited by the plans that Homes England has, and we look forward to working closely with them to bring these to fruition.

    The project will also benefit from investment by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), underlining Broad Marsh’s strategic significance to the region and showcasing the collaboration of organisations skilled in delivering complex regeneration projects, in line with the Government’s new Devolution arrangements.  

    The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, said:   

    Homes England’s purchase of Broad Marsh is an investment into the future of Nottingham – a future that the people of Nottingham have been asking for and the city council has been pushing for, which can now be realised.”  

    As the Mayor of the East Midlands, I have been pleased to lead EMCCA into investing its resources so that this purchase could occur. This is exactly what the region expected when it chose to have a directly elected Mayor, and EMCCA will continue to work closely with Homes England as they transform the area.

    Homes England will maintain close collaboration with the council, ensuring the strategic vision for Broad Marsh is successfully realised. The Agency will also commit to continue the work undertaken so far by the council, to engage residents, partners and stakeholders in shaping the delivery of this important project.  

    Updates to this page

    Published 31 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: World Tuberculosis (TB) Day: Minister West’s speech

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Speech

    World Tuberculosis (TB) Day: Minister West’s speech

    To mark World TB Day, Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, spoke at a reception hosted by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Global TB.

    I wanted to thank everybody in this room for their efforts to fight this terrible disease, from finding and treating patients, to working on the new drugs and methods we need to combat TB. 

    We know it will take strong and united efforts to stamp out this age-old disease – so thank you for the important roles you play.  

    Now, I’ll begin by addressing the elephant in the room – the fact that the government will be lowering its spend on international development.  

    At this time of profound change, with conflicts overseas undermining security and prosperity at home, the Prime Minister had to make this very difficult decision. He was clear this was not an announcement he wanted make. 

    We are all proud of Britain’s record on development around the world, including when it comes to fighting TB. 

    Our support to the TB Alliance has led to game-changing research and development with new and better treatments being rolled out around the world – including within our own NHS. 

    Our support to brilliant organisations like MedAccess, Unitaid and the Clinton Health Access Initiative has driven down prices and improved access to critical drugs and diagnostics. All increasing the impact of our substantial investment in the Global Fund. 

    As the Prime Minister said, we will do all we can to move towards rebuilding our capacity when it comes to development. 

    And we remain determined to help the most vulnerable people.  

    As Minister for the Indo-Pacific region, I am painfully aware of the devastation that TB continues to wreak, particularly in the poorest communities. 

    This is one of the reasons why I am so committed to supporting the Global Fund, which provides more than three-quarters of all international funding to combat TB.  

    This is making a real impact – deaths have fallen by 40 per cent over the past two decades in countries where the Global Fund invests.  

    The UK is proud to be a founding and significant donor. And we are very glad that later this year we will co-host the Global Fund’s eighth replenishment together with South Africa. That joint convening role we’re looking forward to playing very much.

    Deputy High Commissioner, I am delighted that our countries are working together on this as the firmest of friends and partners on the international stage. 

    I know our teams will be collaborating closely behind the scenes to make the replenishment the biggest possible success. 

    And we want to work with all the people in this room. Everyone here has an important part to play in the fight against TB. 

    We know the stakes are high – we have to make this moment count. 

    Because the world is off-track when it comes to our goal of ending TB by the end of this decade. There is still time however, to make significant progress. 

    We are making big steps forward in finding the tools we need to prevent, diagnose and treat this disease. But we need much greater political will from countries with the ability to finance their own fight. 

    And we need a successful Global Fund replenishment to support those who need it most. There is a huge amount we can do by 2029 and we must continue to press our efforts to reduce new cases of TB by more than a quarter and deaths by more than a half, while finding and treating nearly 20 per cent more TB patients.  

    So, together with South Africa we will use our convening power to galvanise global efforts in this pivotal year. 

    I hope that by the time the world marks the next TB Day, we will have further progress to celebrate. 

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 25 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeSat.Space Creates WISeSat España SA Subsidiary to Lead European Space Projects from Andalusia and Build a 100% “Made in Europe” Solution Aligned With the IRIS² Strategy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeSat.Space Creates WISeSat España SA Subsidiary to Lead European Space Projects from Andalusia and Build a 100% “Made in Europe” Solution Aligned With the IRIS² Strategy

    Madrid / Geneva / La Línea, Cadiz – March 31, 2025 – WISeSat.Space, a pioneer in secure satellite connectivity solutions and part of the WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leading global cybersecurity, blockchain, and IoT company, today announces the creation of its new subsidiary WISeSat España, headquartered in La Línea de la Concepción (Cádiz, Andalusia). This strategic decision represents a decisive step toward the consolidation of a fully European industrial and technological ecosystem in the space and quantum domains, in line with the digital sovereignty priorities defined by the European Union.

    The choice of La Línea de la Concepción as the official headquarters of WISeSat España is no coincidence. This Andalusian city, located at a geostrategic point between Europe and Africa, is positioning itself as an emerging hub for technological innovation, thanks to its institutional will, international openness, and proximity to key logistical infrastructures.

    Establishing WISeSat in La Línea makes the company a founding pillar of the project LL4GIR.COM, an ambitious public-private initiative aimed at creating a Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in southern Europe. This center will promote high-impact projects in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, blockchain, IoT, and space connectivity, transforming the region into a global benchmark for resilience, sustainability, and economic progress.

    A 100% “Made in Europe” solution

    The launch of WISeSat España aims to build a 100% European space value chain, combining technological sovereignty, security, sustainability, and autonomous access to space. The proposal is fully aligned with the principles of the IRIS² program (Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite), promoted by the European Commission to establish a satellite constellation ensuring secure connectivity across the continent.

    The WISeSat España roadmap includes:

    • Manufacturing secure nanosatellites in collaboration with the Spanish company FOSSA Systems, where WISeKey is an investor, specializing in IoT and low Earth orbit communications solutions.
    • Launching satellites in partnership with PLD Space, a leading Spanish company in reusable rockets. The first launch is scheduled for early 2026, marking a milestone for European autonomy in space access.
    • Developing post-quantum processors in cooperation with QuantixS (Murcia) and SEALSQ (France) to ensure ultra-secure communications in the era of quantum computing.
    • Already operational, the installation of a satellite antenna in La Línea’s City Hall building, enabling direct connection with WISeSat satellites currently in orbit and serving as a local operations hub.
    • Incorporating WISeTalkie radio communication technology, developed by WISeKey and its partner Global Radio System (GRS), which ensures highly secure radio communications using advanced encryption, authentication protocols, and resistance to interference or unauthorized access. This innovation strengthens the security architecture of the WISeSat ecosystem at both space and ground levels.

    A new paradigm of decentralized innovation

    The model proposed by WISeSat España breaks with traditional centralized structures. Its vision is to create a decentralized network of European technological nodes, collaborating under principles of transparency, interoperability, resilience, and sovereign control. The La Línea node will serve as the secure space gateway for European institutions, companies, and citizens.

    “At WISeSat, we firmly believe that Europe needs its own secure and resilient infrastructure to avoid dependence on external players in critical areas such as space or cybersecurity. With WISeSat España and our partnerships with FOSSA Systems, PLD Space, QuantixS, and SEALSQ, we demonstrate that a 100% European model is not only possible but necessary,” said Carlos Creus Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey.

    The January satellite, currently in orbit:
    https://wisesat.wisekey.com/?tags=WISeSat
    This launch builds on the previous success of WISeSat in collaboration with FOSSA Systems, which achieved the launch of 17 picosatellites to test the resilience and performance of its core technologies. These tests laid the foundation for the current generation of satellites, which, starting in June, will be equipped with more robust security protocols and post-quantum cryptographic infrastructure developed by SEALSQ.

    WISeSat also announced a new strategic partnership with Skyroot Aerospace in India. This collaboration will diversify launch operations by enabling satellites to be deployed on alternative orbital trajectories, optimizing constellation coverage and efficiency. The alliance also includes the possibility of manufacturing satellites on Indian soil, to local specifications, further strengthening WISeSat’s global production and launch capabilities.

    By the end of 2025, WISeSat satellites will be able to carry out transactions in SEALCOIN tokens with each other and with connected objects on Earth, forming a secure, autonomous mesh network for machine-to-machine (M2M) transactions. This innovation will create a financial and data exchange infrastructure in space, where connected machines will be digitally certified through a “Know Your Object” (KYO) protocol. The KYO process integrates Wecan technology and WISeKey’s WISeID platform, ensuring reliable identity and accountability throughout the ecosystem.

    Each WISeSat satellite is built with:

    • Post-quantum cryptographic chips from SEALSQ
    • WISeKey Root of Trust and digital identity infrastructure (WISeID)
    • Hedera’s Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for decentralized, tamper-proof data integrity

    This technological foundation positions WISeSat as a global leader in secure satellite-based IoT infrastructure.

    Invitation to Collaborate

    WISeSat España invites governments, universities, R&D centers, investors, and technology companies to join this transformative vision. The goal is to build together a new paradigm of smart economic development by integrating emerging technologies, specialized training, high-quality employment, and international cooperation.

    About WISeSat.Space
    WISeSat.Space AG is pioneering a transformative approach to IoT connectivity and climate change monitoring through its innovative satellite constellation. By providing cost-effective, secure, and global IoT connectivity, WISeSat is enabling a wide range of applications that support environmental monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable practices. The integration of satellite data with advanced climate models holds great promise for enhancing our understanding of climate change and developing effective strategies to combat its impacts. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like WISeSat’s IoT satellite constellation are essential for creating a more resilient and sustainable future.

    About WISeKey

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

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

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

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

    Press and Investor Contacts

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Press Briefing – March 31, 2025 – 2:00 PM

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    Spokesperson Tammy Bruce leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on March 31, 2025.
    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

    Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6e7-AX_zdg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. natural gas consumption set new winter and summer monthly records in 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    March 31, 2025

    In 2024, U.S. natural gas consumption averaged a record 90.3 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) and set new winter and summer monthly records in January and July, according to data in our Natural Gas Monthly. Overall, U.S. consumption last year increased 1% (0.9 Bcf/d) from 2023. In January, natural gas consumption was up 12% (12.5 Bcf/d) compared with January 2023 consumption, and in July, consumption increased by 3% (2.5 Bcf/d) compared with July 2023.

    Weather has a significant effect on natural gas consumption patterns. Natural gas consumption peaks in the United States in both the winter and summer. In winter, the most natural gas is consumed in January or February, when demand for space heating in the residential and commercial sectors peaks. In the summer, electricity generation increases in July and August to meet air-conditioning demand, driving more natural gas consumption.

    Despite the record in January, from February through April 2024, mild weather led to less consumption of natural gas compared with the same months in 2023. In each month from May through September 2024, natural gas consumption surpassed the previous year’s monthly records. Historic low natural gas prices in 2024 meant that natural gas was more competitive in the electric power sector, especially compared with coal, contributing to increased use of natural gas for electricity generation.

    Annual consumption in the combined residential and commercial sectors declined by an average of 2% (0.4 Bcf/d) last year compared with 2023, despite a cold January that resulted in record-high natural gas consumption in these sectors. Natural gas consumed in the industrial sector held steady from the year before, while consumption in the electric power sector, which accounted for 41% of U.S. natural gas consumption in 2024, increased by 4% (1.6 Bcf/d).

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Natural Gas Monthly
    Note: Other=natural gas volumes consumed as transportation fuel, as lease and plant fuel, and in pipeline and distribution use

    The summer of 2024 (June–August) ranked as the fourth-warmest on record in the U.S. Lower 48 states, leading to strong demand for air conditioning and resulting in new daily records for electricity generation in July and August. As a result, natural gas consumption in the electric power sector rose in July and August to be the highest ever recorded for the summer.

    Principal contributors: Jordan Young, Katy Fleury

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: SEER LAUNCHES CARBON FOCUSED DIVISION TO PRODUCE LICENSED BIOCHAR, MONETIZE AND TOKENIZE ASSETS AND CARBON CREDITS AND DEVELOP TURBINE BLADE TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEER Engages First Block AI to Assist in its Carbon Division Launch and Funding as well as Develop and Create SEER Security and Utility Tokens Backed by Assets and Fully-Insured Biochar Carbon Credits

    Broomfield, CO, March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc. (SEER) (OTCQB: SENR), forms SEER Carbon Corp. as the entity to spearhead efforts to produce in-house biochar utilizing a patented technology under license from Biochar Now (www.biocharnnow.com) and create high-integrity, fully-insured carbon credits. SEER will transfer certain assets to SEER Carbon Corp. and then raise equity and growth capital through the sale of SEER Carbon security tokens. Additionally, SEER will offer for sale utility tokens backed by the carbon credits generated from the production of its biochar. Biochar carbon credits are among the most valuable credits worldwide and the Company will utilize these credits to back a specialized utility token, which will be sold internationally to targeted industries, including the golf and airline sectors.

    Biochar Market Generally    www.gosupercritical.com

    • Biochar has emerged as the most accessible and scalable permanent carbon dioxide removal (CDR) solution currently available, with one of the highest valued concomitant carbon credits presently valued at ~US$176 per credit (3/27/25) and recently traded above US$200 (www.ecoengineers.us)
    • It accounts for nearly 50% of engineered CDR solutions listed on most global marketplaces.

    Market Growth and Quality Concerns

    • The biochar market is expected to experience rapid growth, with a projected 30x increase in credits produced by 2028.
    • By 2026, only 42% (1.2 MT) of the projected 2.86 MT biochar capacity is expected to meet industry vetting criteria, with the remaining 58% failing due to issues like lack of additionality, poor monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV), and permanence concerns.
    • The concentration of low-quality growth raises concerns about the future quality of biochar credits, highlighting the need for a market-wide shift toward producing high-quality credits.

    SEER’s High-Quality Biochar, Insured Smart Carbon Credits & Utility Token with Unquestionable Environmental Benefits

    SEER, along with its partners, has addressed and resolved concerns in the biochar market. A significant benefit of SEER’s initiative is the production of the highest-quality biochar available globally, as well as the generation of audited, fully-insured carbon credits that can be traded using smart contracts with blockchain verification. This will result in verifiable carbon offsets that ensure recognition and rewards for the environmental benefits of SEER’s various biochar applications. The manufacture of this carbon-rich biochar will generate high-value carbon credits, as well as significant revenue and value for both SEER and its project partners. The Company’s decarbonization and monetization initiatives reflect both government and private sector commitment to reducing carbon emissions while providing significant financial incentives for continued environmental stewardship.

    “At the core of this launch will be the production of high-quality biochar at a 60-kiln facility we will build in Texas,” said John Combs, CEO of SEER. “We have selected real estate in the heart of Texas lumber country and have already received an air permit from the TCEQ, which will be transferred to the designated location. The launch of this new division is perfectly in line with SEER’s original corporate mission: to make environmental stewardship and compliance profitable. We will create high-value carbon credits and incorporate a utility token and a 45Q tax program to better achieve our corporate objectives. This new strategy will create additional revenue streams for SEER while adding incremental value for our customers,” Combs continued. “By leveraging the expertise of our existing partners, such as DevvStream (www.devvstream.com ), and bringing on new industry leaders and innovators like First Block AI (www.firstblock.ai), SEER can develop one-of-a-kind environmental solution offerings and enter into the emerging global markets of carbon credits and tokens. We have already commenced initial marketing efforts to possible offtake companies operating in the golf and airline industries,” Combs added.

    “First Block is extremely excited to join forces with SEER and Biochar Now,” said Daniel Cannon, CEO of First Block. “The timing for this collaboration is perfect. With increasing international and domestic financial and political tailwinds, the opportunity couldn’t be better to tokenize and monetize SEER’s existing technologies and its new biochar production. First Block will create an entire program to maximize the value of SEER’s product offerings and the creation of its high-value, insured carbon credits,” said Cannon. “There will also be real-time, smart contract verification through SEER’s blockchain-enabled system developed by First Block. This system will be decentralized, immutable, and tamper-proof; meaning once SEER issues a carbon credit, it cannot be altered or falsified. This creates a permanent record of each credit that all stakeholders can trust. Every SEER carbon credit will be permanently recorded on blockchain, providing any customer with an undisputed record of their carbon offsets and environmental compliance,” explained Cannon.

    “We have been producing the highest-quality biochar available for over ten years and we have now developed the most secure and valuable carbon credit to go along with it,” said James Gaspard, CEO of Biochar Now. “A Carbon Credit is a tradable certificate representing the right to emit, or offset, one metric ton of carbon dioxide. SEER will generate several carbon credits for every metric ton of our biochar produced under our license, utilizing our patented biochar production technology. SEER will also benefit from Biochar Now’s success in creating a fully insured carbon credit, backed by major financial institutions. Our insurance program ensures the authenticity, permanence, and exclusivity of the verified carbon credits. The insurance program also provides coverage against devaluation, degradation, or invalidation of our verified biochar carbon credit for the life of the carbon credit. Our patented process and insurance essentially eliminate risk and assure the buyer of the authenticity and value of each carbon credit SEER will produce while utilizing our patented biochar production technology at their Texas facility,” said Gaspard.

    “It has taken time, but we feel that we have assembled a remarkable team of synergistic companies and highly experienced executives to accomplish our near and mid-term objectives of increasing and diversifying SEER’s revenue with new product lines, expanding our market reach and adding demonstrable value to our technologies for the benefit of our customers and shareholders,” concluded Combs.

    ________________________________

    About Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc.
    Strategic Environmental & Energy Resources, Inc. (SEER) (OTCQB: SENR), identifies, secures, and commercializes patented and proprietary environmental clean technologies in several multibillion-dollar sectors (including oil & gas, renewable fuels, and all types of waste management, both solid and gaseous) for the purpose of either destroying/minimizing hazardous waste streams more safely and at lower cost than any competitive alternative, and/or processing the waste for use as a renewable fuel for the benefit of the customers and the environment. SEER has two wholly-owned operating subsidiaries: MV Technologies, LLC and SEER Environmental Materials, LLC; and two majority-owned subsidiaries: Paragon Waste Solutions, LLC; and PelleChar, LLC. For more information about the Company visit: www.seer-corp.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of various provisions of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, commonly identified by such terms as “believes,” “looking ahead,” “anticipates,” “estimates,” and other terms with similar meaning. Although the company believes that the assumptions upon which its forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these assumptions will prove to be correct. Such forward-looking statements should not be construed as fact. Statements in this press release regarding future performance or fiscal projections, the cost effectiveness, impact and ability of the Company’s products to handle the future needs of customers are forward-looking statements. The information contained in such statements is beyond the ability of the Company to control, and in many cases the Company cannot predict what factors would cause results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements. All forward-looking statements in the press release are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and by reference to the underlying assumptions.

    Contact Information:

    ir@seer-corp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: A Survey by Spruce Reveals Social Media’s Growing Influence on Gen Z’s Financial Decisions, Highlighting a Generational Divide in Learning about Money

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Designated as National Financial Literacy Month, April is intended to raise awareness about the importance of financial education and to encourage healthy financial habits. Yet, a survey conducted by Spruce, the mobile banking app built by H&R Block1, 2, reveals many may be relying on platforms where virality is valued over validity. The findings underscore the growing role of digital content in shaping financial habits and the pressing need for reliable, accessible financial education in today’s technology-driven landscape.

    The survey highlights a generational shift in financial education, with younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, increasingly turning to social media for financial tips and education, while older generations more heavily rely on traditional sources like family and banking institutions. The survey also revealed the impact of social media on their financial choices and their confidence in managing money. Despite the digital media shift, financial tools and apps remain essential across all generations.

    “With nearly 70% of Gen Z influenced by financial trends on social media, it’s clear they are open to improving their financial knowledge, but it’s also imperative they have the capacity to discern fact from fiction, which is obviously difficult,” said John Thompson, Vice President, Spruce. “This Financial Literacy Month, we want to empower individuals to take control of their finances by offering a safe and accessible space to manage their money with Spruce as they learn, plan, and build a secure financial future.”

    Financial Education Pivots from Tradition to Trends

    The survey data paints a clear picture: traditional sources of financial education are being supplemented—and in some cases, supplanted—by newer sources, often on platforms where the origin or the validity of the guidance may not be clear.

    Parents and banking institutions remain the most common sources of financial education. While the landscape is evolving, key findings highlight a critical gap in formal education:

    • 31% of respondents cite family members as the main source for financial guidance
    • 29% of respondents turn first to banks
    • only 13% of respondents reported learning about personal finance in school, highlighting a critical gap in financial literacy programs.

    Social media, however, has become an increasingly popular source of financial information, particularly among younger generations, with 16% of all respondents looking to social media for financial education.

    • Gen Z leads the charge as 33% note that they look to social media for financial education
    • Millennials follow closely behind at 23%

    Viral Tips on Social Sway Financial Behaviors

    The survey also explored the impact of social media trends on financial behavior, examining the influence of viral concepts, which includes ideas like soft saving, loud budgeting, cash stuffing, and doom spending on consumer choices.

    These viral trends have proven to play a significant role in shaping financial behaviors, with 37% of respondents admitting they have been swayed by social media and tried a finance trend they discovered online.

    • The influence of these trends varies dramatically across generations, with Gen Z impacted the most at 68%
    • 51% of Millennials and 27% of Gen X cite being inspired to try social media finance trends
    • While not as likely as other generations, 12% of Boomers still noted being influenced to partake in a financial trend

    Among the platforms driving this shift, TikTok (39%) and Instagram (34%) are the most popular sources of financial information for Gen Z, followed by Facebook (23%) and even podcasts (17%). These findings highlight the growing impact of digital content on personal finance decisions, particularly among younger generations.

    Digital Tools Bolster Financial Management

    Online financial tools and apps have become essential for money management, with Millennials and Gen Z being the most likely to utilize them for everyday matters such as keeping track of a budget, planning for the future or establishing savings. Credit score monitoring emerged as the most common use case among respondents (38%). Budgeting was cited as a key priority, with 29% of respondents using financial tools or apps to track their expenses.

    However, reliance on digital financial tools extends beyond convenience—confidence in making major financial decisions is bolstered by the use of online tools or apps. From our findings, 66% of Gen Z share that they are not confident or only somewhat confident in making large decisions without digital assistance. These findings highlight the increasing role of technology in empowering individuals across all generations to manage their finances with greater confidence and ease.   Furthermore, many of the traditional rules-of-thumb for financial management are becoming out of reach, and tools to support decision-making become even more critical when thinking through more nuanced choices in a more complicated financial world.

    With 70% of American households working to become “financially healthy,”3 selecting the right resources that promote sound financial practices is essential. According to John Thompson for many people this can start with selecting a mobile banking solution with no sign-up fees, no minimum balance requirements, and no monthly fees, while also offering features, such as the Watchlist budget tracker and multiple saving goals, that can aid in financial planning and management.

    “We purposefully designed Spruce to remove barriers to accessing useful banking tools, such as the ability to customize saving goals, earn high-yield interest and provide access to innovative tools and features that can help improve financial wellness such as the ability to set spending guardrails, jumpstart savings with a tax refund allocation, and view credit score insights4 at any time,” said Thompson. “By opting into savings with 3.50% APY,5 you can build your savings faster than at the national average rate6.”

    To learn more about Spruce’s saving, budgeting, spending, and other financial-planning features, and how you can make your money go further, visit sprucemoney.com. To take advantage of the many secure and innovative tools offered through Spruce, sign up here. To get access to financial articles vetted by experts, head over to sprucemoney.com/resource-center/news/.

    1Spruce fintech platform is built by H&R Block, which is not a bank. Spruce℠ Spending and Savings Accounts established at, and debit card issued by, Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard®. Mastercard and the circles design are registered trademarks of Mastercard International Incorporated.

    2Research conducted with Morning Consult via online research on the omnibus fielded in March 2025 among a national sample of 2,200 adults. All data are weighted to their respective representative sample on age, ethnicity/race, education, and region based on in-market available data (such as the U.S. Census). Results from the full survey have a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points.

    3Research conducted by the Financial Health Network: Financial Health Pulse® 2024 U.S. Trends Report.

    4Credit score is FICO® Score 8 based on Experian data. Your lender or insurer may use a different FICO Score than FICO Score 8, or another type of credit score altogether. FICO® is a trademark of Fair Isaac Corporation. This is a separate service from your Spruce Spending and Savings accounts, provided by Pathward®, N.A., Member FDIC.

    5The Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate as of 04/02/2025. This rate is variable and can change without notice. Fees may reduce earnings. To start earning interest on your Spruce Savings Account, simply opt in through the Spruce app or at sprucemoney.com.

    6Based on FDIC average national savings rate as of 04/02/2025.

    About H&R Block
    H&R Block, Inc. (NYSE: HRB) provides help and inspires confidence in its clients and communities everywhere through global tax preparation services, financial products, and small-business solutions. The company blends digital innovation with human expertise and care as it helps people get the best outcome at tax time and also be better with money using its mobile banking app, Spruce. Through Block Advisors and Wave, the company helps small-business owners thrive with year-round bookkeeping, payroll, advisory, and payment processing solutions. For more information, visit H&R Block News.   

    About Spruce
    Spruce helps you stay in control of your money through spending and savings accounts backed by technology that provides budgeting tools, automatic saving options, and financial insights that help you be good with money. To learn more, see sprucemoney.com/features.

    About Pathward®
    Pathward®, N.A., a national bank, is a subsidiary of Pathward Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq: CASH). Pathward is a U.S.-based financial empowerment company driven by its purpose to power financial inclusion. Pathward strives to increase financial availability, choice and opportunity across our Partner Solutions and Commercial Finance business lines. The strategic business lines provide support to individuals and businesses. Learn more at Pathward.com.

    The MIL Network –