Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fischer Legislation to Improve Passenger Vehicle Safety Passes Commerce Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nebraska Deb Fischer

    U.S. Senator Deb Fischer’s (R-Neb.) legislation to improve passenger vehicle safety passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee today. The She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety (She DRIVES) Act passed unanimously and is now eligible for a vote on the Senate floor.

    If signed into law, the She DRIVES Act would enhance passenger safety by updating U.S. crashworthiness testing procedures. Today, the dummies used during crash testing are modeled after the average height and weight of an adult male. This bill would require the use of a female crash test dummy in addition to the male dummy, a reform that will save thousands of lives and prevent tens of thousands of serious injuries. In addition to Senator Fischer, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.).

    “Today, women are 17 percent more likely to be killed in auto crashes than men. That tragic statistic is a preventable one. Our bill will update crash test dummy standards to reflect the diversity of drivers on our roads, ensuring protection and safety for more Americans. I’m grateful a bipartisan group of my colleagues voted yes on this commonsense legislation, and I look forward to getting it passed soon,” said Senator Fischer.  

    “Women are far more vulnerable than men to sustaining serious injuries from a car crash,” said Senator Blackburn. “The She DRIVES Act would help keep our mothers and daughters safer on the road by ensuring that women are finally represented in crash testing.”

    “We can be doing so much more to improve roadway safety and make sure visiting a family member or a routine trip to the grocery store doesn’t end in tragedy,” said Senator Duckworth. “I’m proud our bipartisan legislation passed through committee and is now that much closer to helping us save lives by ensuring our crash test standards better represent the safety needs of all Americans. I’ll continue to work with Senator Fischer as we push for the full Senate to pass this bipartisan bill—because all Americans deserve safer roadways.”

    “We applaud Senator Fischer for her steadfast leadership in advancing the She DRIVES Act and ensuring that vehicle safety standards account for all drivers and passengers,” said Women Drive Too Co-Chairs Susan Molinari and Beth Brooke. “This bill is a critical step toward modernizing crash testing to reflect the real-world experiences of women on the road. We are grateful for the bipartisan support from the Commerce Committee and look forward to working with Congress to see this life-saving legislation become law.”

    “For far too long, vehicle safety testing standards have failed American women. Today, with the advancement of the bipartisan She DRIVES Act, the Senate Commerce Committee voted to end this fatal discrimination. While this victory is a testament to the power of collaboration across the aisle and country, the fight is not over yet. Now, it’s up to the full Senate get this across the finish line,” said Drive US Forward President and Founder Maria Weston Kuhn.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Electronics Highlights Galaxy S25 Ultra’s Mobile Gaming Capabilities at #PlayGalaxy Cup

    Source: Samsung

     
    On January 25, Samsung Electronics hosted the third #PlayGalaxy Cup in San Francisco. Collaborating with “Call of Duty®: Mobile” from game developer and publisher Activision, the #PlayGalaxy Cup showcased the Galaxy series’ innovative gaming performance in a tournament broadcasted live to gaming fans around the world via YouTube and Twitch.
     

     
    Participating players used the Galaxy S25 Ultra and fully demonstrated the mobile device’s unmatched gaming capabilities. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy, the Galaxy S25 Ultra supports seamless gameplay even for high-performance games such as “Call of Duty®: Mobile.” Vulkan optimization sets a new standard for mobile gaming with a true-to-life graphic experience, and the enlarged Vapor Chamber optimizes the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s cooling system for more stable gameplay.
     
    Named #PlayGalaxy Cup: The Greatest Rivalry With “Call of Duty®: Mobile,” the tournament was centered around an exciting battle between two of North America’s premiere “Call of Duty®: Mobile” eSports teams. World-renowned professional players participated — including Aerith and Vague from Tribe Gaming and AyeoRaph and Cartels from Luminosity Gaming. The presence of popular game streamers Bobby Plays and TeeP further intensified the rivalry between Team Tribe and Team Luminosity.
     

     
    Livestreamed globally on famous “Call of Duty®: Mobile” content creator iFerg’s YouTube channel, the tournament captivated mobile gaming fans around the world and attracted an impressive three million views. Popular streamers jasontheween, stableronaldo and Arky hosted a #PlayGalaxy Cup watch party and engaged with fans through livestreams at the venue. Meanwhile, “Call of Duty®: Mobile” streamer NoahSunday and other content creators held their own #PlayGalaxy Cup watch parties remotely.
     
    On the day of the event, the venue was packed with more than 250 enthusiastic fans cheering for their favorite teams. A large screen at the center of the arena vividly displayed the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s immersive graphics, quick response time and smooth, seamless gameplay — revealing new possibilities in mobile gaming.
     
    “I am thrilled to see my favorite Tribe players and watch their gameplay in person,” said one Tribe Gaming fan who visited on-site. “I am on the edge of my seat throughout every round, wondering which team will win.”
     
    The Galaxy S25 Ultra hands-on zone was prepared on-site, allowing audience members to experience the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s gaming performance themselves.
     

     
    “Thanks to the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s excellent gaming performance, each team member could perform at their best and lead us to victory,” said Aerith from Tribe Gaming, captain of the winning team.
     
    “The Galaxy S25 Ultra’s outstanding gaming performance provided a console-level gaming experience on mobile,” said TeeP, professional “Call of Duty®: Mobile” player and content creator.
     
    During the tournament rehearsals, the Galaxy Buds3 Pro and JBL Quantum ONE headphones delivered exceptional audio quality that captivated players. Participants praised the wireless earbuds and headphones for their delay-free, realistic sound effects and professional-grade gaming performance.
     
    “Thanks to the sound and noise-cancelling capabilities of the JBL Quantum One headphones, we were able to focus on the game and enjoy a more lifelike gameplay experience,” said Cartels from Team Luminosity.
     
    “The #PlayGalaxy Cup was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s powerful gaming capabilities to the world,” said Kiwook Moon, Head of Influencer Marketing Group, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We will continue to provide more innovative and immersive mobile gaming experiences through Galaxy devices.”
     
    For further details, please visit Samsung Newsroom.
     
    Activision, Call of Duty and the stylized letter M are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Electronics Unveils 6G White Paper and Outlines Direction for AI-Native and Sustainable Communication

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics has published a 6G white paper titled “AI-Native & Sustainable Communication,” detailing the latest trends in next-generation mobile communication technologies.
     
    Following the first 6G white paper “The Next Hyper-Connected Experience for All.” in July 2020, this white paper covers the latest trends driving 6G standardization and next-generation mobile communications — including evolving market and technology needs, emerging services, key attributes of 6G and enabling technologies.
     
    Samsung aims to integrate the latest AI technology throughout the telecommunication system and improve network quality for a future-oriented and sustainable user experience.
     
    “We are intensifying our 6G research efforts, focusing on AI-enabled communication technologies and sustainable networks,” said Charlie Zhang, Senior Vice President of Advanced Communications Research Center (ACRC), Samsung Research. “As the telecommunication industry accelerates 6G standardization this year, Samsung will develop technologies to align with market demands.”
     

     
     
    Market and Technology Trends Toward 6G
    Mobile data traffic has surged, driven by the proliferation of AI technologies and the rise of streaming services. Now more than ever, there is a pressing need for technological advancements to manage increased data traffic and enhance user experiences in next-generation mobile communications.
     
    Since the introduction of 5G, the telecommunications industry has been particularly focused on optimizing system operations, sustainability and user experiences. Beyond communication performance improvements such as data rates and latency, there is an urgency to reduce operating costs, enhance energy efficiency, expand service coverage and introduce innovative technologies such as AI.
     
     
    Emerging Services
    5G-Advanced will provide further enhanced 5G performance and incorporate AI to support new services and use cases — ultimately becoming the foundation for 6G technology.
     
    In this white paper, some key emerging services such as immersive extended reality (XR), digital twin, massive communication, ubiquitous connectivity and fixed wireless access (FWA) are highlighted.
     

     

    Immersive Extended Reality (XR): Offers truly immersive user experiences by integrating and interacting with the virtual and real worlds, attracting attention across industries such as entertainment, healthcare and science.
     
    Digital Twin: Creates virtual replicas of physical entities — including objects, people, devices and places — using 6G technology to allow remote monitoring, problem detection and control.
     
    Massive Communication: Simultaneously connects numerous sensors, machines, terminals and other devices to networks and supports automation and management of smart cities, homes and factories.
     
    Ubiquitous Connectivity: Expands service areas by extending terrestrial network coverage and interworking between terrestrial and non-terrestrial network components — including satellites and high-altitude platform stations (HAPS).
     
    Fixed Wireless Access (FWA): Allows wireless delivery of broadband services that traditionally required wired connections to become recognized as a key driver of expanding telecommunications businesses.

     
     
    6G Key Attributes
    In the white paper, Samsung highlighted four key attributes crucial to adapting to evolving market demands — AI-native, sustainable network, ubiquitous coverage and secure and resilient network.
     

     

    AI-Native: Incorporates the latest AI technologies into communication functionalities from system design to the development, management and operation of systems for performance improvements.
     
    Sustainable Network: Reduces operational costs and increases user satisfaction by improving the energy efficiency of both networks and terminals.
     
    Ubiquitous Coverage: Decreases capital expenditures (CAPEX) of networks and enhances service quality by expanding communication service areas and strengthening connectivity via interconnecting terrestrial and non-terrestrial networks.
     
    Secure and Resilient Network: Ensures network security, user privacy and resilience for significant advancements in computing capabilities and AI technology for the 2030s.

     
     
    6G Timeline
    With the release of this white paper, Samsung solidifies its leadership in shaping the direction of 6G research and key technologies.
     
    The telecommunications industry and standardization organizations have been researching 6G since 2020. In 2030, the 6G technology standards are expected to be finalized — following candidate technology development, evaluation and consensus-building processes. With the recent timelines from the International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R)1 and 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP),2 momentum for 6G research and development is expected to intensify.
     
    Samsung will continue to lead global standardization efforts and prepare for the 6G era while incorporating lessons learned from 5G commercialization and adapting to new market requirements.
     
    Last November, Samsung held the Silicon Valley Future Wireless Summit and hosted an in-depth discussion with industry experts on the convergence of telecommunications and AI technologies. The company demonstrated AI-RAN technologies and Proof of Concept (PoC) results, showcasing the possibilities of AI-native technologies and garnering significant interest from major telecommunications operators.
     
     
    1 ITU is the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies with memberships of 193 Member States and more than 1,000 companies, universities, research institutes and international and regional organizations. The ITU’s Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) is responsible for regulating and standardizing global radio communication.2 3GPP is dedicated to developing the global unified technical specifications for mobile communications.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI USA: Readout of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s Call With Panama’s Minister of Public Security

    Source: United States Department of Defense

    Department of Defense Spokesman John Ullyot provided the following readout:

    On February 4, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth had a constructive introductory call with Panama’s Minister of Public Security, Frank Alexis Ábrego. Secretary Hegseth emphasized that his top priority is to safeguard U.S. national security interests under President Trump’s leadership, to include ensuring unfettered access to the Panama Canal and keeping it free from foreign interference. He and Minister Ábrego reaffirmed our countries’ commitment to the defense of the Canal, and they agreed to expand cooperation between the U.S. military and Panama’s security forces.  Secretary Hegseth stated his appreciation for Panama’s efforts to stop transnational organized crime and illegal migration, and for Panama’s willingness to accept third-country migrants from the United States for repatriation to their home countries.  Secretary Hegseth and Minister Mulino agreed to remain in close communication and to make plans to meet in person in the near future.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Trump Administration Supports Idaho’s Laws, Reverses Title IX Gender Identity Rule, Protects Women’s Sports

    Source: US State of Idaho

    [BOISE] – Following two years of legal defenses of Idaho’s statutes led by Attorney General Raúl Labrador, President Trump’s Department of Education reversed the Biden-era rule re-defining sex discrimination to include “gender identity.”  The Department will now be enforcing the previous 2020 guidelines for Title IX, which protects opportunities for girls and women across K-12, colleges, and universities.
    This move from the Trump Administration reinforces a November court ruling from the United States Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky striking down the 2024 Biden Administration’s re-write of Title IX as “unlawful,” after Republican attorneys general across the country filed multiple suits challenging the rule.  In addition to giving biological males access to women’s bathrooms and locker rooms, the 2024 Title IX re-write also included a mandated use of preferred pronouns which the attorneys general held as a clear violation of free speech.
    President Trump also signed an Executive Order on Wednesday afternoon that bans males from playing on sports teams that do not match their biological sex.  The Order is titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.”  This Order is preceded by Idaho’s 2020 HB500, the first-in-the-nation law that banned men from playing in women’s sports. Labrador is also defending a challenge to this law in Hecox v. Little. 
    “This is a fundamental rejection of the radical agenda that had been pushed onto communities and schools across our country,” said Attorney General Labrador. “We fought back against the Biden-Harris Administration’s illegal and unconscionable re-write of Title IX and we fought for the safety of our female student athletes.  These are huge wins for the safety of Idaho girls, students’ privacy and free speech, and women’s sports across our country.”
    The decision from the Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights follows an Executive Order from President Trump on January 20th which ordered all agencies and departments within the Executive Branch to “enforce all sex-protective laws to promote [the] reality” that there are “two sexes, male and female,” and “these sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI: RentFi Launching, Making Real Estate Investment Available to Everyone

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ROAD TOWN, BVI, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — RentFi has successfully launched its blockchain-based real estate investment platform, making property investment as simple as buying a token. Through its $RENT token, now actively trading, investors worldwide can earn rental income without the traditional hurdles of property ownership.

    “Real estate investment has always been profitable but often unreachable for most people. We’ve changed that by making it as easy as buying any other digital asset,” explains the RentFi Foundation. “Anyone with a smartphone can now invest in real estate and earn rental income.”

    RentFi’s platform transforms how people invest in property through several key innovations:

    The platform distributes rental income in two ways: 50% goes directly to token holders as regular passive income, while the other 50% is used for token buybacks and burns, helping increase token value over time.

    Built on the Solana blockchain, RentFi ensures that transactions are fast and affordable. The platform has set a maximum supply of 100 million tokens, and implementing a deflationary system that supports long-term value growth.

    “Traditional real estate investment typically requires large down payments, complex paperwork, and ongoing property management,” says the RentFi Foundation. “Our platform eliminates these barriers. Token holders can start earning rental income without dealing with tenants, maintenance, or legal complexities.”

    The project’s innovative approach provides several benefits for investors:

    • Access to a diverse property portfolio, reducing the risks typically associated with single-property investments
    • Regular rental income distributed automatically to token holders
    • No property management responsibilities
    • Easy entry and exit through token trading
    • Potential for token value appreciation through systematic buybacks

    RentFi marks a significant step forward in making real estate investment accessible to everyone. Through its global portfolio, the platform combines the stability of property investment with the convenience of digital assets, creating new opportunities for both experienced investors and newcomers to the real estate market.

    Investors interested in participating can now purchase $RENT tokens through major cryptocurrency exchanges. For more information about RentFi and its innovative approach to real estate investment, visit rentfi.io or follow on X: @RentFi_io

    About RentFi

    RentFi Limited, the first-ever Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) on blockchain, is revolutionizing property investment by making it accessible to everyone. By combining traditional real estate with blockchain technology, RentFi creates new opportunities for global investors to earn rental income without the complexities of direct property ownership.

    Social Links

    X: https://x.com/RentFi_io

    Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rentfi/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rentfi-io/

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RentFi

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572318017380

    Telegram: https://t.me/rentfi_io

    Media Contact

    Brand: RentFi

    Contact: media team

    Email: support@rentfi.io

    Website: https://rentfi.io

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: What’s the difference between climate and weather models? It all comes down to chaos

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andy Hogg, Professor and Director of ACCESS-NRI, Australian National University

    Nadia Piet/AIxDESIGN & Archival Images of AI / Better Images of AI , CC BY-SA

    Weather forecasts help you decide whether to go for a picnic, hang out your washing or ride your bike to work. They also provide warnings for extreme events, and predictions to optimise our power grid.

    To achieve this, services such as the Australian Bureau of Meteorology use complex mathematical representations of Earth and its atmosphere – weather and climate models.

    The same software is also used by scientists to predict our future climate in the coming decades or even centuries. These predictions allow us to plan for, or avoid, the impacts of future climate change.

    Weather and climate models are highly complex. The Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator, for example, is comprised of millions of lines of computer code.

    Without climate and weather models we would be flying blind, both for short-term weather events and for our long-term future. But how do they work – and how are they different?

    The same physical principles

    Weather is the short-term behaviour of the atmosphere – the temperature on a given day, the wind, whether it’s raining and how much. Climate is about long-term statistics of weather events – the typical temperature in summer, or how often thunderstorms or floods happen each decade.

    The reason we can use the same modelling tools for both weather and climate is because they are both based on the same physical principles.

    These models compile a range of factors – the Sun’s radiation, air and water flow, land surface, clouds – into mathematical equations. These equations are solved on a bunch of tiny three-dimensional grid boxes and pieced together to predict the future state.

    These boxes are sort of like pixels that come together to make the big picture.

    These solutions are calculated on a computer – where using more grid boxes (finer resolution) gives better answers, but takes more computing resources. This is why the best predictions need a supercomputer, such as the National Computational Infrastructure’s Gadi, located in Canberra.

    Because weather and climate are governed by the same physical processes, we can use the same software to predict the behaviour of both.

    But there most of the similarities end.

    Climate and weather models are made up of thousands of 3-dimensional grid cells which are represented by mathematical equations that describe physical processes.
    NOAA

    The starting point

    The main differences between weather and climate come down to a single concept: “initialisation”, or the starting point of a model.

    In many cases, the simplest prediction for tomorrow’s weather is the “persistence” forecast: tomorrow’s weather will be similar to today. It means that, irrespective of how good your model is, if you start from the wrong conditions for today, you have no hope of predicting tomorrow.

    Persistence forecasts are often quite good for temperature, but they’re less effective for other aspects of weather such as rainfall or wind. Since these are often the most important aspects of weather to predict, meteorologists need more sophisticated methods.

    So, weather models use complex mathematics to create models that include weather information (from yesterday and today) and then make a good prediction of tomorrow. These predictions are a big improvement on persistence forecasts, but they won’t be perfect.

    In addition, the further ahead you try to predict, the more information you forget about the initial state and the worse your forecast performs. So you need to regularly update and rerun (or, to use modelling parlance, “initialise”) the model to get the best prediction.

    Weather services today can reliably predict three to seven days ahead, depending on the region, the season and the type of weather systems involved.

    Chaos reigns

    If we can only accurately predict weather systems about a week ahead before chaos takes over, climate models have no hope of predicting a specific storm next century.

    Instead, climate models use a completely different philosophy. They aim to produce the right type and frequency of weather events, but not a specific forecast of the actual weather.

    The cumulative effect of these weather events produces the climate state. This includes factors such as the average temperature and the likelihood of extreme weather events.

    So, a climate model doesn’t give us an answer based on weather information from yesterday or today – it is run for centuries to produce its own equilibrium for a simulated Earth.

    Because it is run for so long, a climate (also known as Earth system) model will need to account for additional, longer-term processes not factored into weather models, such as ocean circulation, the cryosphere (the frozen portions of the planet), the natural carbon cycle and carbon emissions from human activities.

    The additional complexity of these extra processes, combined with the need for century-long simulations, means these models use a lot of computing power. Constraints on computing means that we often include fewer grid boxes (that is, lower resolution) in climate models than weather models.

    A machine learning revolution?

    Is there a faster way?

    Enormous strides have been made in the past couple of years to predict the weather with machine learning. In fact, machine learning-based models can now outperform physics-based models.

    But these models need to be trained. And right now, we have insufficient weather observations to train them. This means their training still needs to be supplemented by the output of traditional models.

    And despite some encouraging recent attempts, it’s not clear that machine learning models will be able to simulate future climate change. The reason again comes down to training – in particular, global warming will shift the climate system to a different state for which we have no observational data whatsoever to train or verify a predictive machine learning model.

    Now more than ever, climate and weather models are crucial digital infrastructure. They are powerful tools for decision makers, as well as research scientists. They provide essential support for agriculture, resource management and disaster response, so understanding how they work is vital.

    Andy Hogg works for ACCESS-NRI, Australia’s Climate Simulator, based at the Australian National University. He receives funding for ACCESS-NRI from the Department of Education through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy, and receives research funding from the Australian Research Council. He is a member of the Australian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society.

    Aidan Heerdegen works for ACCESS-NRI, Australia’s Climate Simulator, based at the Australian National University.

    ACCESS-NRI receives funding from the Federal Department of Education through the National Collaborative Infrastructure Strategy.

    Kelsey Druken works for ACCESS-NRI, Australia’s Climate Simulator, based at the Australian National University. ACCESS-NRI receives funding from the Australian federal government through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS). She is a member of the American and European Geophysical Unions (AGU, EGU).

    ref. What’s the difference between climate and weather models? It all comes down to chaos – https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-climate-and-weather-models-it-all-comes-down-to-chaos-244914

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts: We’re Overcoming Democrat Obstruction and Confirming President Trump’s Nominees

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) celebrated the rate of Senate confirmations for President Trump’s Cabinet nominees. Ricketts made the comments in a conference call with Nebraska media.

    “We are quickly confirming President Trump’s Cabinet,” Ricketts said. “In the first two weeks of the administration, we confirmed nine Cabinet officials. Eight of those votes were bipartisan. That’s 50% more than were confirmed in the first two weeks of the [first] Trump administration or the Biden administration for that matter. We’ve accomplished that while overcoming historic Democratic obstruction.”

    “Americans deserve a president empowered to do the job they elected him to do,” Ricketts closed. “We’re going to keep doing what it takes to get President Trump’s qualified nominees confirmed. We’re not going to stop until we get the job done.”

    [embedded content]

    TRANSCRIPT:

    Senator Ricketts: “My colleagues and I have been hard at work confirming President Trump’s nominees.

    “In the first days of the Trump administration, we focused on the president’s national security team. 

    “We unanimously confirmed Marco Rubio to be Secretary of State. 

    “We confirmed John Ratcliffe to be the CIA Director in a bipartisan manner – with 74 votes. 

    “We confirmed Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense. 

    “We confirmed Kristi Noem to be Secretary of Homeland Security – again in a bipartisan vote. 

    “And we confirmed Scott Bessent to be Secretary of the Treasury with 68 votes – also, bipartisan. 

    “Over the last week, we completed President Trump’s energy team. 

    “We confirmed Lee Zeldin to be EPA Administrator in a bipartisan vote. 

    “And we confirmed Doug Burgum to be Secretary of Interior – with 79 votes. Again, bipartisan.  

    “And on Monday, we confirmed Chris Wright to be Secretary of Energy in a bipartisan vote.  

    “Plus, we confirmed Sean Duffy to be Secretary of Transportation – with 77 votes. 

    “We are quickly confirming President Trump’s Cabinet.

    “In the first two weeks of the administration, we confirmed 9 Cabinet officials. 

    “8 of those votes were bipartisan. 

    “That’s 50% more than were confirmed in the first two weeks of the [first] Trump administration or the Biden administration for that matter. 

    “We’ve accomplished that while overcoming historic Democratic obstruction. 

    “Democrats have refused to speed up the process to allow President Trump to get his Cabinet. 

    “They’ve insisted on wasting time with extra, unnecessary votes. 

    “Even though all but one of these Cabinet nominees so far have received bipartisan support! 

    “Under President Bush and President Obama, not a single Cabinet nominee had to endure a cloture vote – or a vote to end debate. 

    “Yet Democrats have insisted on cloture votes for every Cabinet nominee except Marco Rubio. 

    “That means Democrats have voted for a nominee in Committee and then insisted on unnecessary floor votes. 

    “They know these qualified nominees will be confirmed, yet they insist upon obstructing them anyway. 

    “That’s an unserious approach. 

    “Americans deserve a president empowered to do the job they elected him to do. 

    “We’re going to keep doing what it takes to get President Trump’s qualified nominees confirmed. 

    “We’re not going to stop until we get the job done.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts, Foreign Relations Committee Republicans Call for Sanctions on Communist China for Transferring Missile Propellants to Iran

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    February 5, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Jim Risch (R-ID), Chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, and six other Senators sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio encouraging the sanctioning of Chinese entities involved in transferring missile propellant ingredients to Iran. The letter comes in response to multiple reports that two Iranian cargo ships are set to deliver 1,000 tons of missile propellant ingredients from Communist China to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The critical ingredients would enable the IRGC to produce hundreds of midrange missiles.

    “Reimposing maximum pressure on the Iranian regime requires imposing costs on Communist China,” the senators wrote. “We encourage the administration to identify and sanction any entities involved in transferring missile propellants to Iran, including any Chinese companies sourcing the propellants and any Chinese ports that allow sanctioned Iranian ships to dock. Additionally, if the press reports referenced above are accurate, we urge you to work with our global partners to intercept and stop the shipments currently underway. Finally, the administration should pressure Beijing to reverse its decision to green light Iran’s drawdown of stored oil or face severe consequences.”

    In addition to Ricketts and Risch, other signatories include Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Ted Cruz (R-TX), John Curtis (R-UT), Steve Daines (R-MT), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), and Rick Scott (R-FL). All are members of the Foreign Relations Committee. 

    Read the full letter here or below:

    Dear Secretary Rubio,

    We write to express our growing concern over recent reports that two Iranian cargo ships are set to deliver 1,000 tons of a critical ingredient for missile propellant – sodium perchlorate – from Communist China to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). This amount of sodium perchlorate would enable the IRGC to produce hundreds of midrange missiles and bolster its efforts to sow discord, promote terrorism, and even directly attack our ally, Israel, once again.

    According to the Financial Times, the first Iranian vessel, the Golbon, departed from Communist China on January 21 and the second, the Jairan, is expected to leave in early February.[1] Both of these vessels are linked to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Line (IRISL), which is sanctioned by the U.S.

    The last 15 months have clearly shown that Tehran’s missile program poses a direct threat to the United States, Israel and other allies and partners in the Middle East and Europe. Since October 7, 2023, the Houthis in Yemen have launched hundreds of missiles at Israel and at commercial cargo vessels and U.S. Navy warships in and around the Red Sea.[2] Hezbollah has fired over 8,000 missiles at Israel.[3] Most concerning, on April 13, Iran directly attacked Israel for the very first time firing over 120 ballistic missiles.[4] On October 1, Iran was even more belligerent, firing 180 ballistic missiles at Israel in the largest ballistic missile attack in history.[5]

    Today, however, Iran is weakened and vulnerable. Its missile inventories are depleted from its aforementioned attacks against Israel, its shipment of ballistic missiles to Russia, and Israeli Defense Force airstrikes that have degraded its missile production facilities. As a result, Tehran has turned to the partner that it has relied on for supplying solid-propellant for its missiles for decades—Communist China.[6]

    Communist China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea continue to increase their coordination as part of a growing axis of authoritarians. Not only is Communist China propping up Iran’s missile program, it also recently gave Tehran the go-ahead to begin drawing down and selling millions of barrels of Iranian oil that have been stored in onshore facilities in Chinese ports for years. Alarmingly, the revenue from these oil sales has already been earmarked for the IRGC.[7]

    Reimposing maximum pressure on the Iranian regime requires imposing costs on Communist China. We encourage the administration to identify and sanction any entities involved in transferring missile propellants to Iran, including any Chinese companies sourcing the propellants and any Chinese ports that allow sanctioned Iranian ships to dock. Additionally, if the press reports referenced above are accurate, we urge you to work with our global partners to intercept and stop the shipments currently underway. Finally, the administration should pressure Beijing to reverse its decision to green light Iran’s drawdown of stored oil or face severe consequences.

    We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter. We stand ready to work with the administration to thwart Iran’s missile program and protect our allies.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on Exercise of Inalienable Rights of Palestinian People Opens 2025 Session

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    (Note: Due to the financial liquidity crisis affecting the UN and the resulting constraints, the full press release will be published at a later date.)

    The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People opened its 2025 session today, hearing from António Guterres, UN Secretary-General; Riyad Mansour, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations; and Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

    Michael Fakhri, Special Rapporteur on the right to food, and Hani Almadhoun, Senior Director of Philanthropy at UNRWA-USA and Co-Founder of the Gaza Soup Kitchen, also briefed.

    MIL OSI United Nations News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – New report highlights the need for culturally safe Māori nursing ratios – NZNO

    Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation

    Culturally safe ratios within nursing must be urgently introduced in Aotearoa to turn around Māori health inequities and improve whānau health and wellbeing, a new report released today by the New Zealand Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa (NZNO) has found.
    The report Kaupapa Māori Culturally Safe Staffing Ratios: Māori nursing leaders’ perspectives was released at Waitangi by NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku.
    The report tells a compelling and previously untold story through a Māori lens about the impact culturally unsafe practice has on our people, she says.
    “It highlights that nurses needed to be both clinically and culturally safe in their practice; and they need enough time to be both.
    “It shows the need for mandatory, fully-funded and legislated culturally safe staffing ratios.”
    Māori nurses need to lead the development and implementation of culturally safe staffing ratios, Kerri Nuku says. Kaumātua and kuia need to be involved, to ensure tikanga is upheld and whānau, hapū and iwi need to define what is culturally safe practice.
    “Māori nursing and the wider Māori health workforce needs to continue to grow across the entire health system. Decision-making about staffing levels needs to be based on consideration of both clinical and cultural factors.”
    Kerri Nuku says there is considerable international interest in the experiences of Māori nurses whose “soft skills” or whanaungatanga and building trust – are critical to keeping Māori whānau engaged in the health system.
    “Māori nurses in the report explain how they do all the regular things required of them, but often get called on to do more. Their cultural work is often invisible.
    “They don’t work with individuals, they work with whānau. They check whether they have kai, whether they are vaccinated. This takes time and can’t be a matter of ‘you’re up next’,” she says.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, Helena Bay

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Emergency services are responding to a serious crash involving a car and a pedestrian on Kaiikanui Rd, Helena Bay.

    Police were called about 11.15pm.

    The road will be closed while emergency services work at the scene.

    Please avoid the area, if possible.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI USA: The U.S. Geological Survey’s Publications Warehouse

    Source: US Geological Survey

    The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Publications Warehouse (https://pubs.usgs.gov) is the authoritative catalog and publicly accessible location for accessing USGS peer-reviewed scientific publications. Users can access metadata about and links to more than 180,000 publications authored by USGS scientists over the century-plus history of the bureau, as well as obtain free online access to full-text publications published by the USGS. Please join USGS Data Scientist Kelly Haberstroh as she provides an overview of the content available in the Publications Warehouse, features of the website, and searching tips and best practices.

    Please note: This program is only being offered as a simultaneous online webinar. Please contact the Library to obtain webinar information for this program.

    To register, please use the DOI Library’s Training Session Registration Form. If the registration form does not work at your location, you may use the Library’s contact form. If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Interior Library by e-mail at library@ios.doi.gov or by phone at (202) 208-5815.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Department of Justice Investigating Richmond Police Department Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506

    Source: US State of California

    Wednesday, February 5, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    **The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve**

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Richmond, California on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at approximately 8:45 p.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual and involved personnel from the Richmond Police Department. 

    Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review.

    More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bendigo NEXT presents a dynamic program to inspire business innovation

    Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

    The region’s biggest tourism conference, Bendigo NEXT, returns with an exciting program tailored for tourism professionals and businesses to thrive in Greater Bendigo.

    Presented by Be.Bendigo in partnership with the City of Greater Bendigo and the Bendigo Tourism Board, Bendigo NEXT’s one-day showcase is from 10am to 4pm on Monday February 24 at the Quality Lakeside Hotel.

    City Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said Bendigo NEXT was a must-attend event for businesses eager to drive innovation, growth, and success in Bendigo and beyond.

    “This year’s Bendigo NEXT conference builds on its tourism-focused roots whilst incorporating dynamic business training seminars designed to appeal to a broader audience in the business community,” Mr Myatt said.

    “From the latest trends to practical tools for growth, this event is packed with insightful presentations, interactive workshops, strategies, and a networking session to connect and build new partnerships.

    The MC for the day’s event is Bendigo Tourism Chair Kath Bolitho and the conference features an impressive program to inspire including:

    • Victorian Tourism Industry and Council Updates & the Future of Business with AI with Despina Karatzias
    • Upgrading nbn across the Bendigo region in 2025 with Emy Peel, Head of nbn Local – Victoria/Tasmania
    • Workforce Requirements and Opportunities with Martin Collins from the Victorian Skills Authority
    • Attracting Multicultural Visitors to Bendigo with Bendigo Heritage Attractions
    • Accessible Content for Businesses with City of Greater Bendigo Community Engagement Officer Angela McKinley
    • 2025 Highlights and Opportunities in Bendigo with Bendigo Art Gallery Curator Lauren Ellis, Manager Bendigo Venues & Events Julie Amos, Manager Major Events Nicole McNamara and Manager Destination and Experience Glenn Harvey

    Be.Bendigo incoming CEO Hayley Tibbett said the program offered something for everyone.

    “We’re really excited to be partnering with the City of Greater Bendigo to deliver the 2025 Bendigo NEXT Conference,” Ms Tibbett said.

    “This is a dynamic and forward-thinking event that builds on its tourism-focused expertise with new elements to support small business owners and entrepreneurs.

    “The program will deliver a wide of range of topics from expert-led presentations on critical topics like AI, workforce development, multicultural tourism, to interactive workshops on finance, marketing, and customer service tailored to your business needs.

    “The conference is more accessible than ever, designed to deliver practical insights and meaningful connections that will help businesses thrive. We encourage tourism professionals, small business owners, and innovators across all industries to join us for a day of learning, inspiration, and networking.”

    Bendigo NEXT stands for Networking, Emerging trends, eXperiences, and Technology.

    To register, visit:

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: LeddarTech Announces Listing Transfer to the Nasdaq Capital Market; Comments on Recent Positive Business Developments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    QUEBEC CITY, Canada, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LeddarTech® Holdings Inc. (“LeddarTech” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: LDTC), an automotive software company that provides patented disruptive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software technology, LeddarVision™, today announced that it has received approval from the Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) to transfer the listing of its securities from the Nasdaq Global Market to the Nasdaq Capital Market. The Company’s Common Shares and publicly traded warrants will continue to trade under the symbols “LDTC” and “LDTCW,” respectively. The transfer of the Company’s listing to the Nasdaq Capital Market is not expected to have any impact on trading in the Company’s securities. This transfer is expected to take effect as of the opening of trading on February 6, 2025.

    As previously disclosed, the Company received notifications from Nasdaq indicating the Company had failed to comply with certain continued listing requirements for the Nasdaq Global Market. In connection with the transfer of its listing to Nasdaq Capital Market, the Company had either cured such deficiencies or met the applicable standards on the Nasdaq Capital Market, and will be subject to robust Nasdaq Capital Market listing standards going forward.

    “We look forward to further growth and development of LeddarTech on the Nasdaq,” said Frantz Saintellemy, President and CEO of LeddarTech. “We are excited about our business momentum, as demonstrated by the selection of LeddarVision, our fusion and perception software solution, by one of the world’s leading commercial vehicle OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) for their advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) program for 2028 model year vehicles. We believe this win along with other recent announcements validate our commercial strategy and reflect the momentum that is building with our business.”

    About LeddarTech

    A global software company founded in 2007 and headquartered in Quebec City with additional R&D centers in Montreal and Tel Aviv, Israel, LeddarTech develops and provides comprehensive AI-based low-level sensor fusion and perception software solutions that enable the deployment of ADAS, autonomous driving (AD) and parking applications. LeddarTech’s automotive-grade software applies advanced AI and computer vision algorithms to generate accurate 3D models of the environment to achieve better decision making and safer navigation. This high-performance, scalable, cost-effective technology is available to OEMs and Tier 1-2 suppliers to efficiently implement automotive and off-road vehicle ADAS solutions.

    LeddarTech is responsible for several remote-sensing innovations, with over 170 patent applications (87 granted) that enhance ADAS, AD and parking capabilities. Better awareness around the vehicle is critical in making global mobility safer, more efficient, sustainable and affordable: this is what drives LeddarTech to seek to become the most widely adopted sensor fusion and perception software solution.

    Additional information about LeddarTech is accessible at www.leddartech.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Facebook and YouTube.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements contained in this Press Release may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which forward-looking statements also include forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws), including, but not limited to, statements relating to LeddarTech’s selection by the OEM referred to above, anticipated strategy, future operations, prospects, objectives and financial projections and other financial metrics and ability to comply with Nasdaq Capital Markets listing standards in the future. Forward-looking statements generally include statements that are predictive in nature and depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, and include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “likely,” “believe,” “estimate,” “project,” “intend” and other similar expressions among others. Statements that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on current beliefs and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties and are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement as a result of various factors, including, without limitation, our ability to continue to maintain compliance with Nasdaq continued listing standards following our transfer to the Nasdaq Capital Market, as well as: (i) the risk that LeddarTech and the OEM referred to above are unable to agree to final terms in definitive agreements; (ii) the volume of future orders (if any) from this OEM, actual revenue derived from expected orders, and timing of revenue, if any; (iii) our ability to timely access sufficient capital and financing on favorable terms or at all; (iv) our ability to maintain compliance with our debt covenants, including our ability to enter into any forbearance agreements, waivers or amendments with, or obtain other relief from, our lenders as needed; (v) our ability to execute on our business model, achieve design wins and generate meaningful revenue; (vi) our ability to successfully commercialize our product offering at scale, whether through the collaboration agreement with Texas Instruments, a collaboration with a Tier 2 supplier or otherwise; (vii) changes in our strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, projects, prospects and plans; (viii) changes in general economic and/or industry-specific conditions; (ix) our ability to retain, attract and hire key personnel; (x) potential adverse changes to relationships with our customers, employees, suppliers or other parties; (xi) legislative, regulatory and economic developments; (xii) the outcome of any known and unknown litigation and regulatory proceedings; (xiii) unpredictability and severity of catastrophic events, including, but not limited to, acts of terrorism, outbreak of war or hostilities and any epidemic, pandemic or disease outbreak, as well as management’s response to any of the aforementioned factors; and (xiv) other risk factors as detailed from time to time in LeddarTech’s reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the risk factors contained in LeddarTech’s Form 20-F filed with the SEC. The foregoing list of important factors is not exhaustive. Except as required by applicable law, LeddarTech does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statement, or to make any other forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact:
    Chris Stewart, Chief Financial Officer, LeddarTech Holdings Inc.

    Tel.: + 1-514-427-0858, chris.stewart@leddartech.com

    Leddar, LeddarTech, LeddarVision, LeddarSP, VAYADrive, VayaVision and related logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of LeddarTech Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries. All other brands, product names and marks are or may be trademarks or registered trademarks used to identify products or services of their respective owners.

    LeddarTech Holdings Inc. is a public company listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “LDTC.”

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Gevo to Participate in Virtual Investor Meeting About Recent Closing of Acquisition of Net-Zero North

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) will participate in a virtual investor presentation and live Q&A, featuring Gevo’s CEO, Dr. Patrick Gruber, and Gevo’s Vice President of Corporate Development, Eric Frey, that will discuss the closing of Gevo’s acquisition of low-carbon ethanol and carbon capture assets at Net-Zero North. The virtual presentation will take place on February 6, 2025, at 10:00am ET.

    Investors and other persons interested in learning more about the virtual investor presentation can find information and registration details at the following link:
    https://www.renmarkfinancial.com/events/renmark-virtual-non-deal-roadshow-nasdaq-gevo-RYaaPSJEzQ

    About Gevo
    Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”), motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based renewable natural gas (“RNG”) facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent carbon capture and sequestration (“CCS”) facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty alcohol-to-jet (“ATJ”) fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.

    For more information, see www.gevo.com.

    Media Contact
    Heather Manuel
    VP of Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
    PR@Gevo.com

    Investor Relations Contact
    Eric Frey
    VP, Corporate Development
    IR@Gevo.com

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: $HAREHOLDER ALERT: The M&A Class Action Firm Encourages Stockholders of OMIC, BERY, WMPN, ALVR to Act Now

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Monteverde & Associates PC (the “M&A Class Action Firm”), has recovered millions of dollars for shareholders and is recognized as a Top 50 Firm by ISS Securities Class Action Services Report. We are headquartered at the Empire State Building in New York City and are investigating:

    • Singular Genomics Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: OMIC), relating to the proposed merger with Deerfield Management Company, L.P. Under the terms of the agreement, Deerfield will acquire Singular Genomics in an all-cash transaction for $20.00 per share.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 19, 2025.

    Click here for more https://monteverdelaw.com/case/singular-genomics-systems-inc-omic/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • Berry Global Group, Inc. (NYSE: BERY), relating to the proposed merger with AMCOR plc. Under the terms of the agreement, Berry shareholders will receive a fixed exchange ratio of 7.25 Amcor shares for each Berry share held upon closing, resulting in Amcor and Berry shareholders owning approximately 63% and 37% of the combined company, respectively.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for February 25, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/berry-global-group-inc-bery/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • William Penn Bancorporation (Nasdaq: WMPN), relating to its proposed merger with Mid Penn Bancorp, Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, shareholders of William Penn will receive 0.4260 shares of Mid Penn common stock for each share of William Penn common stock. Additionally, all options of William Penn will be rolled into Mid Penn equivalent options. The implied transaction value is approximately $13.58 per William Penn share.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for April 2, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/william-penn-bancorporation-wmpn/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    • AlloVir, Inc. (Nasdaq: ALVR), relating to its proposed merger with Kalaris Therapeutics. Under the terms of the agreement, AlloVir will acquire 100% of the outstanding equity interest of Kalaris. Upon completion, pre-Merger AlloVir stockholders are expected to own approximately 25.05% of the combined company.

    ACT NOW. The Shareholder Vote is scheduled for March 12, 2025.

    Click here for more information https://monteverdelaw.com/case/allovir-inc-alvr/. It is free and there is no cost or obligation to you.

    NOT ALL LAW FIRMS ARE THE SAME. Before you hire a law firm, you should talk to a lawyer and ask:

    1. Do you file class actions and go to Court?
    2. When was the last time you recovered money for shareholders?
    3. What cases did you recover money in and how much?

    About Monteverde & Associates PC

    Our firm litigates and has recovered money for shareholders…and we do it from our offices in the Empire State Building. We are a national class action securities firm with a successful track record in trial and appellate courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. 

    No company, director or officer is above the law. If you own common stock in any of the above listed companies and have concerns or wish to obtain additional information free of charge, please visit our website or contact Juan Monteverde, Esq. either via e-mail at jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com or by telephone at (212) 971-1341.

    Contact:
    Juan Monteverde, Esq.
    MONTEVERDE & ASSOCIATES PC
    The Empire State Building
    350 Fifth Ave. Suite 4740
    New York, NY 10118
    United States of America
    jmonteverde@monteverdelaw.com
    Tel: (212) 971-1341

    Attorney Advertising. (C) 2024 Monteverde & Associates PC. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Monteverde & Associates PC (www.monteverdelaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome with respect to any future matter.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Silicon Motion Announces Results for the Period Ended December 31, 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Business Highlights

    • Fourth quarter of 2024 sales decreased 10% Q/Q and decreased 6% Y/Y
      • SSD controller sales: 4Q of 2024 decreased 5% to 10% Q/Q and decreased 5% to 10% Y/Y
      • eMMC+UFS controller sales: 4Q of 2024 decreased 10% to 15% Q/Q and were flat Y/Y
      • SSD solutions sales: 4Q of 2024 decreased 35% to 40% Q/Q and decreased 25% to 30% Y/Y
    • Announced annual cash dividend of $2.00 per American Depositary Share (“ADS”)

    Financial Highlights

      4Q 2024 GAAP 4Q 2024 Non-GAAP*
     • Net sales $191.2 million (-10% Q/Q, -6% Y/Y) $191.2 million (-10% Q/Q, -6% Y/Y)
     • Gross margin 46.8% 47.0%
     • Operating margin 10.3% 16.5%
     • Earnings per diluted ADS $0.68 $0.91
      Full Year 2024 GAAP Full Year 2024 Non-GAAP*
     • Net sales $803.6 million (+26% Y/Y) $803.6 million (+26% Y/Y)
     • Gross margin 46.1% 46.2%
     • Operating margin 11.6% 15.3%
     • Earnings per diluted ADS $2.69 $3.43

    * Please see supplemental reconciliations of U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) to all non-GAAP financial measures mentioned herein towards the end of this news release.

    TAIPEI, Taiwan and MILPITAS, Calif., Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silicon Motion Technology Corporation (NasdaqGS: SIMO) (“Silicon Motion,” the “Company” or “we”) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2024. For the fourth quarter of 2024, net sales (GAAP) decreased sequentially to $191.2 million from $212.4 million in the third quarter of 2024. Net income (GAAP) increased to $23.0 million, or $0.68 per diluted ADS (GAAP), from net income (GAAP) of $20.8 million, or $0.62 per diluted ADS (GAAP), in the third quarter of 2024.

    For the fourth quarter of 2024, net income (non-GAAP) decreased to $30.9 million, or $0.91 per diluted ADS (non-GAAP), from net income (non-GAAP) of $31.0 million, or $0.92 per diluted ADS (non-GAAP), in the third quarter of 2024.

    All financial numbers are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted.

    Fourth Quarter of 2024 Review

    “We continued to execute well in the fourth quarter of 2024 despite the challenging consumer market, delivering revenue within our guided range and further expanding of our gross margin,” said Wallace Kou, President and CEO of Silicon Motion. ”For the full-year 2024, revenue rebounded strongly, growing 26% as compared to full-year 2023 and well above our initial expectations at the start of the year. For the full-year 2024, gross margin (non-GAAP) increased to 46.2% from 43.0% in 2023 despite the overall market weakness in the second half of 2024. We successfully launched our industry-leading PCIE Gen 5 controllers in the second half of 2024, winning four of the six flash makers and multiple module maker customers, which are all anticipated to ramp up throughout 2025. While the consumer market remains challenging in the near-term, we remain focused on delivering strong, sustainable long-term growth by broadening our product portfolio, expanding into new markets and growing our market share in the consumer, enterprise, automotive, industrial and commercial storage markets.”

    Key Financial Results

    (in millions, except percentages and per ADS amounts) GAAP Non-GAAP
    4Q 2024 3Q 2024 4Q 2023 4Q 2024 3Q 2024 4Q 2023
    Revenue $191.2 $212.4 $202.4 $191.2 $212.4 $202.4
    Gross profit $89.5 $99.3 $88.5 $89.9 $99.3 $89.3
    Percent of revenue 46.8% 46.7% 43.7% 47.0% 46.8% 44.1%
    Operating expenses $69.9 $74.8 $71.0 $58.3 $65.1 $61.5
    Operating profit $19.7 $24.5 $17.6 $31.6 $34.2 $27.8
    Percent of revenue 10.3% 11.5% 8.7% 16.5% 16.1% 13.8%
    Earnings per diluted ADS $0.68 $0.62 $0.63 $0.91 $0.92 $0.93

    Other Financial Information

    (in millions) 4Q 2024 3Q 2024 4Q 2023
    Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments—end of period $334.3 $368.6 $369.0
    Routine capital expenditures $7.3 $7.4 $3.5
    Dividend payments $16.8 $16.8 $16.7

    During the fourth quarter of 2024, we had $10.8 million of capital expenditures, including $7.3 million for the routine purchases of testing equipment, software, design tools and other items, and $3.5 million for building construction in Hsinchu.

    Business Outlook
    “Longer-term, we expect to continue increasing our market share within the mobile and PC markets through greater outsourcing by the NAND flash makers, which should drive greater revenue and profitability for Silicon Motion,” said Mr. Kou. “This year, we expect to benefit from the introduction of several new products, including our 8-channel PCIe Gen 5 controller that started shipping in the second half of 2024, our new UFS 4.1 controller for the mobile market that will begin to ramp-up in the second half of this year, and our new 4-channel mainstream PCIe Gen 5 that we expect to launch late this year. Additionally, we will benefit from our many automotive controllers that are rapidly expanding across multiple applications and our MonTitan suite of enterprise controllers that just started shipping in the second half of 2024 and are expected to increase in the second half of this year. Consumer demand remains weak in the first half of 2025 and is proving more challenging than we initially anticipated; however, we expect a strong rebound in the second half of this year driven from new product introductions and new project wins with our OEM customers, reaching close to a run-rate of $1 billion in annual revenue in 4Q25.”

    For the first quarter of 2025, management expects:

    (in millions, except percentages) GAAP Non-GAAP Adjustment Non-GAAP
    Revenue $158m to $167m
    -17.5% to -12.5% Q/Q
    $158m to $167m
    -17.5% to -12.5% Q/Q
    Gross margin 46.9% to 47.4% Approximately $0.1m* 47.0% to 47.5%
    Operating margin 2.3% to 5.2% Approximately $7.5m to $8.5m** 7.7% to 9.7%

    * Projected gross margin (non-GAAP) excludes $0.1 million of stock-based compensation.
    ** Projected operating margin (non-GAAP) excludes $7.5 million to $8.5 million of stock-based compensation and dispute related expenses.

    Conference Call & Webcast:
    The Company’s management team will conduct a conference call at 8:00 am Eastern Time on February 6, 2025.

    Conference Call Details
    Participants must register in advance to join the conference call using the link provided below. Conference access information (including dial-in information and a unique access PIN) will be provided in the email received upon registration.

    Participant Online Registration:
    https://register.vevent.com/register/BI742c56c62eb0464e9ba0c61a39fa4c91

    A webcast of the call will be available on the Company’s website at www.siliconmotion.com.

    Discussion of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    To supplement the Company’s unaudited selected financial results calculated in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), the Company discloses certain non-GAAP financial measures that exclude stock-based compensation and other items, including gross profit (non-GAAP), gross margin (non-GAAP), operating expenses (non-GAAP), operating profit (non-GAAP), operating margin (non-GAAP), non-operating income (expense) (non-GAAP), net income (non-GAAP), and earnings per diluted ADS (non-GAAP). These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with or an alternative to GAAP and may be different from similarly-titled non-GAAP measures used by other companies. We believe that these non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all the amounts associated with the Company’s results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP and that these measures should only be used to evaluate the Company’s results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the most directly comparable GAAP measure. We compensate for the limitations of our non-GAAP financial measures by relying upon GAAP results to gain a complete picture of our performance.

    Our non-GAAP financial measures are provided to enhance the user’s overall understanding of our current financial performance and our prospects for the future. Specifically, we believe the non-GAAP results provide useful information to both management and investors as these non-GAAP results exclude certain expenses, gains and losses that we believe are not indicative of our core operating results and because they are consistent with the financial models and estimates published by many analysts who follow the Company. We use non-GAAP measures to evaluate the operating performance of our business, for comparison with our forecasts, and for benchmarking our performance externally against our competitors. Also, when evaluating potential acquisitions, we exclude the items described below from our consideration of the target’s performance and valuation. Since we find these measures to be useful, we believe that our investors benefit from seeing the results from management’s perspective in addition to seeing our GAAP results. We believe that these non-GAAP measures, when read in conjunction with the Company’s GAAP financials, provide useful information to investors by offering:

    • the ability to make more meaningful period-to-period comparisons of the Company’s on-going operating results;
    • the ability to better identify trends in the Company’s underlying business and perform related trend analysis;
    • a better understanding of how management plans and measures the Company’s underlying business; and
    • an easier way to compare the Company’s operating results against analyst financial models and operating results of our competitors that supplement their GAAP results with non-GAAP financial measures.

    The following are explanations of each of the adjustments that we incorporate into our non-GAAP measures, as well as the reasons for excluding each of these individual items in our reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures:

    Stock-based compensation expense consists of non-cash charges related to the fair value of restricted stock units awarded to employees. The Company believes that the exclusion of these non-cash charges provides for more accurate comparisons of our operating results to our peer companies due to the varying available valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of award types. In addition, the Company believes it is useful to investors to understand the specific impact of share-based compensation on its operating results.

    Restructuring charges relate to the restructuring of our underperforming product lines, principally the write-down of NAND flash, embedded DRAM and SSD inventory valuation and severance payments. 

    M&A transaction expenses consist of legal, financial advisory and other fees related to the transaction.

    Dispute related expenses consist of legal, consultant, other fees and resolution related to the dispute.

    Foreign exchange loss (gain) consists of translation gains and/or losses of non-US$ denominated current assets and current liabilities, as well as certain other balance sheet items which result from the appreciation or depreciation of non-US$ currencies against the US$. We do not use financial instruments to manage the impact on our operations from changes in foreign exchange rates, and because our operations are subject to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, we therefore exclude foreign exchange gains and losses when presenting non-GAAP financial measures.

    Realized/Unrealized loss (gain) on investments relates to the disposal and net change in fair value of long-term investments.

     
    Silicon Motion Technology Corporation
    Consolidated Statements of Income
    (in thousands, except percentages and per ADS data, unaudited)
     
      For Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
      Dec. 31,     Sep. 30,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,  
      2023     2024     2024     2023     2024  
      ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)  
    Net Sales 202,379     212,412     191,160     639,142     803,552  
    Cost of sales 113,854     113,142     101,635     368,752     432,862  
    Gross profit 88,525     99,270     89,525     270,390     370,690  
    Operating expenses                  
    Research & development 56,432     58,486     54,156     174,357     217,822  
    Sales & marketing 6,205     7,009     7,360     26,920     27,450  
    General & administrative 7,600     9,315     8,350     27,923     31,354  
    Loss from settlement of litigation 720             1,312     1,250  
    Operating income 17,568     24,460     19,659     39,878     92,814  
    Non-operating income (expense)                  
    Interest income, net 4,221     3,518     3,768     12,246     14,528  
    Foreign exchange gain (loss), net (1,117 )   (488 )   1,046     914     1,391  
    Realized/Unrealized gain(loss) on investments (51 )   (602 )   956     8,002     601  
    Others, net 8                        –     8      
    Subtotal 3,061     2,428     5,770     21,170     16,520  
    Income before income tax 20,629     26,888     25,429     61,048     109,334  
    Income tax expense (benefit) (464 )   6,045     2,389     8,175     18,614  
    Net income 21,093     20,843     23,040     52,873     90,720  
                       
    Earnings per basic ADS 0.63     0.62     0.68     1.59     2.70  
    Earnings per diluted ADS 0.63     0.62     0.68     1.58     2.69  
                       
    Margin Analysis:                  
    Gross margin 43.7%     46.7%     46.8%     42.3%     46.1%  
    Operating margin 8.7%     11.5%     10.3%     6.2%     11.6%  
    Net margin 10.4%     9.8%     12.1%     8.3%     11.3%  
                       
    Additional Data:                  
    Weighted avg. ADS equivalents 33,416     33,687     33,690     33,353     33,642  
    Diluted ADS equivalents 33,587     33,700     33,814     33,470     33,722  
    Silicon Motion Technology Corporation
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Operating Results
    (in thousands, except percentages and per ADS data, unaudited)
     
      For Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
      Dec. 31,     Sep. 30,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,  
    2023     2024     2024     2023     2024  
    ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)  
    Gross profit (GAAP) 88,525     99,270     89,525     270,390     370,690  
    Gross margin (GAAP) 43.7%     46.7%     46.8%     42.3%     46.1%  
    Stock-based compensation (A) 106     63     162     406     311  
    Restructuring charges 648         164     3,996     209  
    Gross profit (non-GAAP) 89,279     99,333     89,851     274,792     371,210  
    Gross margin (non-GAAP) 44.1%     46.8%     47.0%     43.0%     46.2%  
                          
    Operating expenses (GAAP) 70,957     74,810     69,866     230,512     277,876  
    Stock-based compensation (A) (5,680 )   (3,595 )   (9,585 )   (17,141 )   (16,645 )
    M&A transaction expenses 288             (2,606 )    
    Dispute related expenses (3,477 )   (6,076 )   (1,999 )   (6,973 )   (13,135 )
    Restructuring charges (638 )           (5,217 )    
    Operating expenses (non-GAAP) 61,450     65,139     58,282     198,575     248,096  
                       
    Operating profit (GAAP) 17,568     24,460     19,659     39,878     92,814  
    Operating margin (GAAP) 8.7%     11.5%     10.3%     6.2%     11.6%  
    Total adjustments to operating profit 10,261     9,734     11,910     36,339     30,300  
    Operating profit (non-GAAP) 27,829     34,194     31,569     76,217     123,114  
    Operating margin (non-GAAP) 13.8%     16.1%     16.5%     11.9%     15.3%  
                       
    Non-operating income (expense) (GAAP) 3,061     2,428     5,770     21,170     16,520  
    Foreign exchange loss (gain), net 1,117     488     (1,046 )   (914 )   (1,391 )
    Realized/Unrealized holding loss (gain) on investments 51     602     (956 )   (8,002 )   (601 )
    Non-operating income (expense) (non-GAAP) 4,229     3,518     3,768     12,254     14,528  
                       
    Net income (GAAP) 21,093     20,843     23,040     52,873     90,720  
    Total pre-tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments 11,429     10,824     9,908     27,423     28,308  
    Income tax impact of non-GAAP adjustments (1,202 )   (649 )   (2,049 )   (4,169 )   (3,064 )
    Net income (non-GAAP) 31,320     31,018     30,899     76,127     115,964  
                       
    Earnings per diluted ADS (GAAP) $0.63     $0.62     $0.68     $1.58     $2.69  
    Earnings per diluted ADS (non-GAAP) $0.93     $0.92     $0.91     $2.27     $3.43  
                       
    Shares used in computing earnings per diluted ADS (GAAP) 33,587     33,700     33,814     33,470     33,722  
    Non-GAAP adjustments 110     109     181     129     84  
    Shares used in computing earnings per diluted ADS (non-GAAP) 33,697     33,809     33,995     33,599     33,806  
                       
    (A) Excludes stock-based compensation as follows:                  
    Cost of sales 106     63     162     406     311  
    Research & development 4,103     2,377     6,670     11,709     11,284  
    Sales & marketing 361     455     978     1,858     1,954  
    General & administrative 1,216     763     1,937     3,574     3,407  
    Silicon Motion Technology Corporation
    Consolidated Balance Sheet
    (In thousands, unaudited)
     
      Dec. 31,   Sep. 30,   Dec. 31,
      2023   2024   2024
      ($)   ($)   ($)
    Cash and cash equivalents 314,302   313,924   276,068
    Accounts receivable (net) 194,701   202,726   233,744
    Inventories 216,950   214,574   201,154
    Refundable deposits – current 49,656   51,102   54,645
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets e17,636   38,246   31,187
    Total current assets 793,245   820,572   796,798
    Long-term investments 17,116   16,878   17,326
    Property and equipment (net) 167,417   181,983   188,398
    Other assets 30,183   29,304   30,354
    Total assets 1,007,961   1,048,737   1,032,876
               
    Accounts payable 55,586   30,888   17,773
    Income tax payable 7,544   14,444   13,176
    Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 149,680   131,143   168,624
    Total current liabilities 212,810   176,475   199,573
    Other liabilities 60,455   62,673   59,548
    Total liabilities 273,265   239,148   259,121
    Shareholders’ equity 734,696   809,589   773,755
    Total liabilities & shareholders’ equity 1,007,961   1,048,737   1,032,876
    Silicon Motion Technology Corporation
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (in thousands, unaudited)
     
      For Three Months Ended   For the Year Ended
        Dec. 31,     Sep. 30,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,     Dec. 31,  
        2023     2024     2024     2023     2024  
        ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)     ($)  
    Net income   21,093     20,843     23,040     52,873     90,720  
    Depreciation & amortization   5,356     6,664     7,256     21,810     25,331  
    Stock-based compensation   5,786     3,658     9,747     17,547     16,956  
    Investment losses (gain) & disposals   (432 )   602     (956 )   (8,217 )   (601 )
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities   11,582     22,280     (45,245 )   65,070     (55,213 )
    Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   43,385     54,047     (6,158 )   149,083     77,193  
                         
    Purchase of property & equipment   (10,758 )   (12,436 )   (10,836 )   (50,313 )   (44,449 )
    Proceeds from disposal of properties   1,228         3     1,228     3  
    Purchase of long-term investments           (4,173 )       (4,173 )
    Disposal of long-term investments           4,432         4,432  
    Net cash used in investing activities   (9,530 )   (12,436 )   (10,574 )   (49,085 )   (44,187 )
                         
    Dividend payments   (16,676 )   (16,812 )   (16,814 )   (16,690 )   (67,254 )
    Net cash used in financing activities   (16,676 )   (16,812 )   (16,814 )   (16,690 )   (67,254 )
                         
    Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents & restricted cash   17,179     24,799     (33,546 )   83,308     (34,248 )
    Effect of foreign exchange changes   1,508     186     (717 )   (1,373 )   (409 )
    Cash, cash equivalents & restricted cash—beginning of period   350,303     343,611     368,596     287,055     368,990  
    Cash, cash equivalents & restricted cash—end of period   368,990     368,596     334,333     368,990     334,333  


    Shareholder Litigation:
    On August 31, 2023, a Silicon Motion ADS holder (the “Plaintiff”) filed a putative class action complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, captioned Water Island Event-Driven Fund v. MaxLinear, Inc., No. 23-cv-01607 (S.D. Cal.), asserting claims against MaxLinear, Inc. (“MaxLinear”) and two of its officers (the “MaxLinear Defendants”) for alleged violations of (i) Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder and (ii) Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, in connection with alleged false and misleading statements made by the MaxLinear Defendants between June 6, 2023 and July 26, 2023 concerning MaxLinear’s intent to consummate the merger agreement it had entered into with Silicon Motion. On August 28, 2024, the Court dismissed the complaint against the MaxLinear Defendants without prejudice for lack of standing.  On September 18, 2024, the Plaintiff filed an amended complaint against the MaxLinear Defendants, and also added Silicon Motion and two of its officers (the “Silicon Motion Defendants”), asserting substantially similar claims under the Exchange Act. The complaint seeks compensatory damages, including interest, costs and expenses, and such other equitable or injunctive relief that the court deems appropriate. The motion to dismiss the amended complaint is fully briefed. The Silicon Motion Defendants believe that the claims asserted against them are without merit and intend to defend themselves vigorously.

    About Silicon Motion:
    We are the global leader in supplying NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices.  We supply more SSD controllers than any other company in the world for servers, PCs and other client devices and are the leading merchant supplier of eMMC and UFS embedded storage controllers used in smartphones, IoT devices and other applications.  We also supply customized high-performance hyperscale data center and specialized industrial and automotive SSD solutions.  Our customers include most of the NAND flash vendors, storage device module makers and leading OEMs.  For further information on Silicon Motion, visit us at www.siliconmotion.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements:
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Although such statements are based on our own information and information from other sources we believe to be reliable, you should not place undue reliance on them. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual market trends or our actual results of operations, financial condition or business prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the unpredictable volume and timing of customer orders, which are not fixed by contract but vary on a purchase order basis; the loss of one or more key customers or the significant reduction, postponement, rescheduling or cancellation of orders from one or more customers; general economic conditions or conditions in the semiconductor or consumer electronics markets; the impact of inflation on our business and customer’s businesses and any effect this has on economic activity in the markets in which we operate; the functionalities and performance of our information technology (“IT”) systems, which are subject to cybersecurity threats and which support our critical operational activities, and any breaches of our IT systems or those of our customers, suppliers, partners and providers of third-party licensed technology; the effects on our business and our customer’s business taking into account the ongoing U.S.-China tariffs and trade disputes; the uncertainties associated with any future global or regional pandemic; the continuing tensions between Taiwan and China including enhanced military activities; decreases in the overall average selling prices of our products; changes in the relative sales mix of our products; changes in our cost of finished goods; supply chain disruptions that have affected us and our industry as well as other industries on a global basis; the payment, or non-payment, of cash dividends in the future at the discretion of our board of directors and any announced planned increases in such dividends; changes in our cost of finished goods; the availability, pricing, and timeliness of delivery of other components and raw materials used in the products we sell given the current raw material supply shortages being experienced in our industry; our customers’ sales outlook, purchasing patterns, and inventory adjustments based on consumer demands and general economic conditions; any potential impairment charges that may be incurred related to businesses previously acquired or divested in the future; our ability to successfully develop, introduce, and sell new or enhanced products in a timely manner; and the timing of new product announcements or introductions by us or by our competitors. For additional discussion of these risks and uncertainties and other factors, please see the documents we file from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2024. Other than as required under the securities laws, we do not intend, and do not undertake any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Silicon Motion Announces New $50 Million Share Repurchase Program

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAIPEI, Taiwan and MILPITAS, Calif., Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Silicon Motion Technology Corporation (NasdaqGS: SIMO) (“Silicon Motion” or the “Company”) today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a new share repurchase program and approved related cash disbursement for the Company to repurchase up to $50 million of its American Depositary Shares (“ADSs”) over a six-month period (the “Repurchase Program”), effective immediately.

    “We experienced significant top-and-bottom-line growth in fiscal year 2024 as our strategy to capture greater market share and diversify our product portfolio and addressable markets is delivering results,” said Wallace Kou, President & CEO of Silicon Motion. “We are confident that our opportunities are expanding over the long-term as we enter the enterprise market with our new MonTitan platform and expand our presence in automotive, IoT, gaming, wearables and other emerging growth markets. We remain confident in our strategy, growth prospects and strong financial position and are committed to opportunistically repurchasing our shares when we believe the current equity value may not accurately reflect the strength of our business longer-term.”

    Repurchases made under the Repurchase Program will be made in the open market or according to other methods in compliance with the safe harbor provisions of Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The Company expects to use cash on hand to fund the ADS repurchases. The Repurchase Program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of ADSs, and it may be suspended at any time at the Company’s discretion.

    As of December 31, 2024, the Company had approximately $334.3 million of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and short-term investments.

    About Silicon Motion:

    We are the global leader in supplying NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices.  We supply more SSD controllers than any other company in the world for servers, PCs and other client devices and are the leading merchant supplier of eMMC and UFS embedded storage controllers used in smartphones, IoT devices and other applications.  We also supply customized high-performance hyperscale data center and specialized industrial and automotive SSD solutions.  Our customers include most of the NAND flash vendors, storage device module makers and leading OEMs.  For further information on Silicon Motion, visit us at www.siliconmotion.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements:

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Although such statements are based on our own information and information from other sources we believe to be reliable, you should not place undue reliance on them. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual market trends or our actual results of operations, financial condition or business prospects may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements for a variety of reasons. Potential risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to the unpredictable volume and timing of customer orders, which are not fixed by contract but vary on a purchase order basis; the loss of one or more key customers or the significant reduction, postponement, rescheduling or cancellation of orders from one or more customers; general economic conditions or conditions in the semiconductor or consumer electronics markets; the impact of inflation on our business and customer’s businesses and any effect this has on economic activity in the markets in which we operate; the functionalities and performance of our information technology (“IT”) systems, which are subject to cybersecurity threats and which support our critical operational activities, and any breaches of our IT systems or those of our customers, suppliers, partners and providers of third-party licensed technology; the effects on our business and our customer’s business taking into account the ongoing U.S.-China tariffs and trade disputes; the uncertainties associated with any future global or regional pandemic; the continuing tensions between Taiwan and China including enhanced military activities; decreases in the overall average selling prices of our products; changes in the relative sales mix of our products; changes in our cost of finished goods; supply chain disruptions that have affected us and our industry as well as other industries on a global basis; the payment, or non-payment, of cash dividends in the future at the discretion of our board of directors and any announced planned increases in such dividends; changes in our cost of finished goods; the availability, pricing, and timeliness of delivery of other components and raw materials used in the products we sell given the current raw material supply shortages being experienced in our industry; our customers’ sales outlook, purchasing patterns, and inventory adjustments based on consumer demands and general economic conditions; any potential impairment charges that may be incurred related to businesses previously acquired or divested in the future; our ability to successfully develop, introduce, and sell new or enhanced products in a timely manner; and the timing of new product announcements or introductions by us or by our competitors. For additional discussion of these risks and uncertainties and other factors, please see the documents we file from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on April 30, 2024. Other than as required under the securities laws, we do not intend, and do not undertake any obligation to, update or revise any forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release.

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Aviation – Lufthansa Group Airlines use Apple AirTag location feature for baggage processes

    Source: Lufthansa Group

    Now available: Lufthansa Group Airlines use Apple AirTag location feature for baggage processes:

    • Lufthansa Group airlines now offer Apple AirTag integration for enhanced baggage tracking
    • Passengers can securely share AirTag data for faster and more transparent baggage solutions
    • The new feature is part of ongoing digital innovations by Lufthansa Group’s “Digital Hangar”

    New York, 4 February 2025 – Lufthansa Group Airlines are introducing a new service for their passengers effective immediately. Lufthansa, SWISS, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Eurowings are integrating the Apple AirTag location feature into their baggage tracing. Now, customers can use the new function to privately and securely share the location of their AirTag or Find My network accessory via the familiar digital channels of the baggage tracing service. The group’s airlines integrate this information into their systems accordingly and can therefore digitally support baggage tracking.

    “Our digital products team, the ‘Digital Hangar’ with its approximately 1,000 experts, offers our customers new digital services, transparent information and support along the entire journey every month,” said Dieter Vranckx, Member of the Executive Board and Chief Commercial Officer of the Lufthansa Group. “The use of Apple AirTag data is one example of many ways in which we are continuously developing the customer journey of all our Group airlines due to innovative digital services.”

    “Thanks to our app and website, passengers can now find solutions quickly and easily in the event of irregularities,” added Oliver Schmitt, Head of the Lufthansa Group Digital Hangar. “In particular, we have been able to achieve significant improvements in the last few months in the area of baggage tracing. The integration of our customers’ AirTag data opens up additional possibilities for us to act even more efficiently and quickly.”

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Africa – Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector Signs the Country Work Program 2025 for Egypt, Unveiling $100 Million Financing Plan

    SOURCE: Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)

    Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector Signs the Country Work Program 2025 for Egypt, Unveiling $100 Million Financing Plan. The agreement was officially signed by Engineer Hani Salem Sonbol, Acting CEO of ICD, who highlighted the corporation’s ongoing commitment to Egypt’s economic development

    CAIRO, Egypt, February 5, 2025/ — The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) (www.ICD-ps.org), the private sector arm of the Islamic Development Bank Group (IsDB), has signed it’s the Country Work Program 2025 for Egypt, marking a significant milestone in its strategic partnership with the country.

    The signing ceremony took place in Cairo, in the presence of key government officials, including HE Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Governor of Egypt at the Islamic Development Bank; HE Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel Al-Wazir, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, Minister of Industry and Transport; and HE Dr. Sherif Farouk, Minister of Supply and Internal Trade.

    The agreement was officially signed by Engineer Hani Salem Sonbol, Acting CEO of ICD, who highlighted the corporation’s ongoing commitment to Egypt’s economic development.

    The 2025 country work program focuses on strengthening the private sector and driving economic growth in Egypt. Key initiatives include direct financing, investments, and financing tools aimed at boosting key sectors such as industry, infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.

    Additionally, the program seeks to enhance financial inclusion by providing lines of finance to Egyptian banks, particularly to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ICD also plans to raise market awareness about the importance of Islamic finance as a tool for development and to facilitate access to capital markets by forming strategic alliances with international investors.

    One of the key components of the program is ICD’s intention to provide up to $100 million in new financing to support private sector projects in Egypt.

    Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, the Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, said: “The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector has proven, over the past years, its vital role in supporting the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) by providing innovative financial solutions and supporting developmental projects that contribute to stimulating economic growth, creating job opportunities, and enhancing the role of the private sector, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.”

    He added: “We recognize that the private sector plays a pivotal role in the economic development process, and therefore, a large part of this cooperation will focus on empowering entrepreneurs and supporting small and medium-sized industries, which are the cornerstone of any strong economy. Through this program, efforts will be made to provide the necessary financing for these industries, as well as encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. This support will contribute to creating new job opportunities, enhancing sustainable economic growth, and improving competitiveness in regional and international markets.”

    Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, and Egypt’s Governor at the Islamic Development Bank, praised the successful partnership with the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD). She highlighted the continuation of this fruitful partnership through the ICD’s Country Work Program in the Arab Republic of Egypt for 2025, which includes supporting the private sector in various diverse aspects. The program will allocate $100 million to financial institutions to finance small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as providing funding for large private sector companies operating in strategic sectors that are crucial to economic development. This includes particularly the industrial and agricultural sectors, which are key components of the country’s structural reform plan aimed at enhancing their contribution to GDP.

    Eng. Hani Salem Sonbol, Acting CEO of ICD, commented: “We are proud of our long-standing strategic partnership with the Arab Republic of Egypt. In 2025, we aim to deepen this relationship further by supporting the Egyptian government’s development plans. Our focus will be on enhancing the capacity of Egypt’s private sector and financial institutions, especially in supporting SMEs. Additionally, we will leverage our expertise to provide advisory services in the sukuk sector, particularly in assisting Egypt with issuing foreign currency sukuk and attracting new international investments to bolster financial flexibility.”

    He further added, “Our efforts will also include supporting the Arab-African Trade Bridges (AATB) Program, which aims to increase investments in member states, including Egypt.”

    Since its inception, ICD has provided Egypt with a total of $315 million in financing, including support for private sector companies, financial lines for banks, and direct investments in key sectors such as energy, food, and industry. This financing has played a crucial role in boosting economic growth, creating jobs, and fostering the development of Egypt’s private sector.

    About the Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector:
    ICD, a member of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group, is a multilateral financial institution established in 1999. ICD promotes economic development in member countries by financing private sector projects, fostering competition and entrepreneurship, offering advisory services, and encouraging cross-border investments. It holds strong credit ratings, including A2 by Moody’s, A+ by Fitch, and A- by S&P. ICD focuses on Shari’ah-compliant financing for projects like infrastructure and private equity funds, aiming to create jobs and boost exports.

    For more information, visit: www.ICD-ps.org.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Scott Applauds Scott Turner’s Confirmation as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    Senator Scott: “As HUD Secretary, Scott will make himself known. He will create access to quality, affordability housing…he will work to reverse decades of failed housing policies and make targeted reforms across all segments of the U.S. housing market.” 

    WASHINGTON — Today, the Senate voted to confirm Scott Turner as President Trump’s Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by a vote of 55-44. Following the vote, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, spoke on the Senate floor to highlight Secretary Turner’s life story, qualifications to lead HUD, and their share goal of addressing the housing crisis and increasing access to quality, affordable housing opportunities for Americans across the country. 

    During Secretary Turner’s hearing before the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Scott highlighted Mr. Turner’s record and leadership directing investments in Opportunity Zones, Senator Scott’s initiative under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to increase development in economically distressed communities. Senator Scott noted he looks forward to working with Secretary Turner to cut bureaucratic red tape, advance commonsense housing solutions, and put more Americans on the path to homeownership.

    Click here to watch Senator Scott’s remarks.

    Senator Scott’s full remarks as delivered: 

    Thank you, Mr. President.

    The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s mission is to create strong, sustainable communities and support affordable homes.

    Yet, under President Biden and his administration, the department failed to serve our nation’s most vulnerable.

    Here is the truth: we are facing a homelessness crisis in America.

    The latest homelessness survey found an 18 percent increase in homelessness year-over-year, increasing the number of homelessness in our country to nearly 772,000 Americans not able to find a place to lay their head.

    This is unacceptable!

    On top of that, we are facing an affordability crisis in our country as well.

    During President Biden’s tenure, mortgage rates ballooned 150 percent, and rents 20 percent.

    Over the last four years, far-left housing policies and burdensome regulations have put the American Dream out of reach for millions and millions of hardworking, dedicated patriots throughout our nation.

    It’s no secret that HUD is in serious need of new leadership.

    Fortunately, there is good news: help is right over there. And it’s on its way.

    My good friend Scott Turner has a remarkable life story – tremendous life story.

    Scott is a native Texan who has had an exceptional journey from professional athlete to public servant.

    Scott came from humble beginnings, but he never let those circumstances define who he is. Actually, Scott in high school – I believe it was – worked at a barbecue shop. What I love about Scott is he has an affection for the truth – he told me himself – he conceded that South Carolina barbecue is better than Texas. I’m glad he has no microphone to say anything right now I’m just you that is a man I can appreciate.

    He went on and had a successful career in the NFL, nine seasons as a cornerback, playing for the Denver Broncos, the San Diego Chargers, and yes, the Washington Redskins. And I note that he did not play for America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys.

    Everybody, nobody, can be perfect.

    After hanging up his cleats, Scott served two terms in the Texas State Legislature and then went to work in the Trump administration.

    As the Executive Director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, Scott helped implement the Opportunity Zones initiative I that created, directing over $50 billion in private sector capital into hard-hit, typically majority minority communities – breathing hope and opportunity not only into the neighborhoods of the people desperately, passionately praying for hope. And with less than a 5 percent gentrification rate. That’s what I call success.

    His story and his perspective are essential tools that he will bring to the table to fight the increase of homelessness, to fight the 150 percent ballooning of our mortgages, and to fight back against a 20 percent increase in rents.

    As HUD Secretary, Scott will make himself known. He will create access to quality, affordability housing…he will work to reverse decades of failed housing policies and make targeted reforms across all segments of the U.S. housing market.

    It’s time to make America’s economy work working class Americans.

    It is time for a blue-collar comeback. And I’m so thankful that we have a man prepared to put in 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if necessary, so more people – not 772,000 Americans but more Americans will have a place to lay their head because they’re no longer homeless. More Americans will be able to afford a home because interest rates will come down, the housing supply will increase, and we will thank God Almighty that we live in a land where opportunity is more available because the right person, at the right time, in the right place, says yes.

    Mr. President, I’m very thankful that Scott Turner is the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. But I’m more thankful that we have a president making good decisions to put America back on the right track.

    I yield back the balance of my time.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Scott Shines Light on Debanking of Americans, Pledges Solutions

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for South Carolina Tim Scott

    WASHINGTON — At today’s Senate Banking Committee hearing focused on debanking, Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) highlighted the importance of access to financial services, citing his own story of obtaining a loan to start his small business. Senator Scott called out the Biden administration’s financial regulators who exploited their power and pressured financial institutions to cut off services to individuals and businesses. Senator Scott pledged that the committee will work to find solutions to address this issue, and he reiterated that no regulator, and no bank, is above the principles of fairness and market access.

    Senator Scott’s opening remarks as delivered:  

    Good morning and thank you all for being with us today.

    We’re here to address an issue that strikes at the core of what it means to live in a free and fair society: access to financial services. 

    Every federally legal business and law-abiding citizen deserves to be treated equally, regardless of political views or ideological leanings.  

    This is an issue that is deeply personal to me.

    When my grandfather was growing up in the Jim Crow South, banks did business with people they felt looked the right way – based on the color of their skin. 

    One’s ability to get a loan to finance their home or state a business was based primarily on the color of their skin. And in the 1940s, my mother experienced the same redlining that has been persistent, pervasive, and unfortunate for decades.

    Thankfully, our nation continues to evolve in the right direction.

    And in the 1990s, when I was starting my small business, I went to a bank and looked for an opportunity to get a loan. I’ll say, without any question, at that time as a kid growing up in poverty in a single parent household my best asset – Mr. Ricketts – was a 1990, ten-year old car with 253,000 miles. One would not consider that an asset, perhaps a liability, but it was my only means of transportation. And I will tell you, without a doubt, for me, it was an asset.

    The bank, however, helped me completely understand it was not. However, in those days someone could get a character loan, because of your time in a community, because of your relationships with local and community banks. Because of that, not only was my financial life changed, not only did my American Dream become a reality, but more importantly, my mother’s American Dream became a reality.

    We saw the strengthening confidence in our banking system, because things had changed in the right direction.

    With that loan everything seemed to get better.

    Had I not gotten that line of credit, I may not be here chairing this committee today.

    You see my story is so consistent with so many other Americans story that really reflects positively on the American Dream.

    In this country, access to credit is one of the cornerstones of building your American Dream.

    Owning a home and starting a business are challenging journeys filled with complexities, and achieving success is never a guarantee, nor should it be. 

    That’s why access to financial services is so important.

    The United States is home to a vast competitive network of banks and payment providers, creating one of the most robust and diverse financial services ecosystems on the planet. 

    It is this incredible landscape that offers countless opportunities for homeowners and entrepreneurs to build a healthy foundation and make strides toward achieving their version of the American Dream. 

    However, it is incredibly alarming and disheartening to hear stories about financial institutions cutting off services to digital asset firms, political figures, and conservative-aligned businesses and individuals.

    Under the Biden administration, we’ve seen the rise of what many are calling Operation Chokepoint 2.0, where federal regulators exploited their power, pressuring banks to cut off services to individuals and businesses with conservative disposition, or folks aligned with industries they just didn’t like – like the color of one’s skin in my family’s history.

    I wholeheartedly believe that debanking someone over their political ideology is un-American and goes against the core values that our nation was founded on. 

    Today, we’ll have an opportunity to hear from Anchorage Digital’s CEO, whose OCC-chartered bank was debanked, Old Glory Bank’s CEO, who started a bank to serve those who had been debanked, and from a legal expert with extensive experience navigating these regulatory abuses, and from a policy expert at the Brookings Institution. 

    This hearing will also examine how practices similar to the original Operation Chokepoint have persisted, despite assurances that they would end. 

    We’ll investigate the role both regulators and financial institutions have played in these harmful practices, which hurt not just businesses but also consumers and our entire economy.

    This issue should concern every American, regardless of political affiliation and that’s why I am committed a bipartisan solution to stop this form of discrimination. 

    This hearing is just the beginning.

    We are here to shine a bright light on these unacceptable practices and to hold those responsible accountable. The message is crystal clear: no regulator, and no bank, is above the principles of fairness and market access. 

    Speaking of shining a light, I was so glad to see that just a couple of hours ago, the FDIC under President Trump’s leadership released a fresh set of never-before-seen supervisory documents, which further prove that Chokepoint 2.0 was real.

    I will be going through the documents in greater detail, but rest assured for those in this room, and those watching at home, they paint a disgusting and disheartening picture of abuse. 

    As Acting Chair Hill characterized them, “these and other actions sent the message to banks that it would be extraordinarily difficult—if not impossible—to move forward [with crypto related activities].” 

    I commend the new FDIC leadership for its commitment to transparency, but it is a shame that it took an election – an election – for the agency to begin following the laws of our country.

    Thank you. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses and working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to stop debanking and protect every American’s right to participate fully in the economy.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement on Confirmation of Scott Turner as HUD Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.05.25

    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Eric “Scott” Turner to serve as U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):

    “Congratulations to Secretary Turner on his confirmation to lead HUD,” said Hoeven. “With his experience advancing Opportunity Zones to revitalize and bring investment to economically distressed areas and his background in housing, he will be a great partner as we work to ensure Americans have access to safe and affordable housing.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Peters Introduce Legislation to Help Ensure Access to Safe Infant Formula, Prevent Shortages

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven

    02.05.25

    WASHINGTON – Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced bipartisan legislation to help prevent future infant formula shortages. The senators’ bill comes in response to bacterial contamination at an infant formula manufacturing plant in Michigan that caused the deaths of 9 infants and infant formula recalls that triggered a nationwide shortage in 2022. The legislation would strengthen U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight of infant formula manufacturing to improve the security of U.S. infant formula supply and ensure American families have access to safe formula.

    “Access to safe infant formula is essential for families across the U.S., and as shortages in recent years have demonstrated, improvements are needed to ensure our nation continues to have a secure supply of this important product,” said Senator Hoeven. “Our legislation would build greater resiliency into the infant formula market, helping to protect against contamination and bolstering supplies to prevent future shortages.”

    “As a father and grandfather, I was devastated for the parents who lost their children. Parents deserve to know with complete confidence that the formula they are giving their babies is safe. I’m working to make sure something like that never, ever happens again,” said Senator Peters. “This commonsense bill would help intercept contaminated formula from reaching the shelves in the first place by allowing the FDA to have a hand in testing for dangerous bacteria. Doing so will help protect our children, but also prevent families from facing another nationwide shortage where folks were struggling to both find and afford infant formula.”

    The Protect Infant Formula from Contamination Act (PIFCA) would take a three-pronged approach to reduce the risk of infant formula contamination. Specifically, the bill would: 

    • Strengthen safety reporting and ensure timely corrective action.
      • The bill requires infant formula manufacturers to conduct testing for Cronobacter or Salmonella in infant formula marketed for consumption.
      • The legislation also requires manufacturers to notify FDA within one business day of detecting contamination, while setting timelines for investigation and corrective action.
      • This improves upon current law, under which manufacturers are only required to notify the FDA if the product has left the company’s control.
    • Enhance market resiliency.
      • The FDA would be required to monitor and quarterly report on the in-stock rates of infant formula, as well as work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agencies to ensure markets can meet demand over the long term.
    • Increase accountability and consultation.
      • The FDA would be required to issue a progress report to Congress on implementation of the long-term national strategy that it developed after the 2022 recall and shortage.
      • The bill would also require FDA to consult with industry on contamination mitigation best practices and ways to maximize infant formula supply.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Blackburn Introduce Bill to Dismantle Unlawful IRS Direct File Program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) introduced the Fostering Autonomy in Independent Returns by Prohibiting Redundant and Extralegal Programs (FAIR PREP) Act

    This legislation would end the Biden-Harris Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) blatant overreach by terminating its unauthorized “Direct File” tax filing program. By barring the agency from unlawfully preparing taxpayer returns without congressional approval, the FAIR PREP Act would establish crucial safeguards to protect American taxpayers and prevent future attempts by the IRS to sidestep Congress.

    “The IRS’ Direct File program is costly, unnecessary, and unconstitutional,” said Risch. “The FAIR PREP Act prevents the IRS from railroading Congressional authority, and allows Idahoans to file their taxes as they see fit.” 

    “By taking on the role of both tax preparer and tax auditor, the IRS created an undeniable conflict of interest when it circumvented Congress to establish the Direct File program,” said Blackburn. “This legislation would right this wrong by stopping the IRS from preparing tax returns without explicit legislative approval and ending this wasteful and misguided program.” 

    This legislation is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.).

    BACKGROUND:  

    • In 2024, the Biden-Harris IRS launched the “Direct File” tax-preparation program without congressional authorization. Roughly 140,000 taxpayers utilized the new filing option – less than 1% of the estimated 19 million eligible taxpayers.

    • Last year, Attorneys General from 13 states sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Treasury suggesting that the IRS’s unilateral decision to create the program was “unnecessary and unconstitutional.” Despite low utilization rates and objections from congressional Republicans, the IRS announced that it would make the program permanent.

    • The IRS estimates the program could cost up to $249 million annually, diverting resources from addressing longstanding agency shortfalls. Last month, a U.S. Government Accountability Office report revealed the agency has already abandoned plans to hire additional staff and is reallocating hundreds of employees from its taxpayer-services account.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: DAUPHIN COUNTY – After Budget Address, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh to Visit Childcare & Early Learning Center to Highlight the Governor’s Proposed Investments in the Childcare Workforce

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    February 06, 2025Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – DAUPHIN COUNTY – After Budget Address, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh to Visit Childcare & Early Learning Center to Highlight the Governor’s Proposed Investments in the Childcare Workforce

    Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh will visit CrossPoint Early Learning Center to talk about the Governor’s emphasis on workforce development in his 2025-26 Budget Proposal and his plans for expanding Pennsylvania’s childcare workforce.

    During his first two years in office, Governor Shapiro signed into law a historic expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit and created a new tax credit for businesses who want to contribute to their employees’ childcare costs. Those two initiatives helped make childcare more affordable – and the Governor’s proposal this year would make childcare more available through an investment of $55 million to support childcare workforce recruitment and retention grants.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Secretary of Human Services Dr. Val Arkoosh
    Senator Patty Kim
    Representative Justin Fleming
    Suzanne Brubacher, Director of CrossPoint Early Learning Center

    WHEN:
    Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 1:45PM

    WHERE:
    CrossPoint Early Learning Center
    430 Colonial Road,
    Harrisburg, PA 17109

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Legislation to establish National Code to prevent and respond to sexual violence in Higher Education

    Source: Australian Executive Government Ministers

    The Albanese Labor Government has today introduced legislation to establish a mandatory National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence.

    Not enough has been done to address sexual assault and sexual harassment in our universities, and for too long, students haven’t been heard.

    The 2021 National Student Safety Survey shows one in 20 students have been sexually assaulted since they started university and one in six have been sexually harassed. One in two have felt like they weren’t heard when they made a complaint.

    That’s why the Albanese Labor Government is taking action.

    We have established the National Student Ombudsman which has started its work to hear from students, investigate complaints and resolve disputes with universities.

    Now we take the next step, by establishing this National Code to strengthen the work of the Ombudsman.

    For the first time, the National Code will set standards and requirements that all higher education providers must meet to make students and staff safer, including in student accommodation.

    The National Code will introduce accountability at the highest level, drive cultural change, and make sure staff are adequately trained to support victim-survivors.

    Under the National Code, universities must comply with the recommendations of the Student Ombudsman.

    Universities’ compliance with the obligations in the Code will be monitored and enforced through a range of compliance powers, with serious penalties for non-compliance.

    The National Code has been developed in consultation with victim-survivor advocates, students, the higher education sector, gender-based violence experts, states and territories and relevant Australian Government agencies.

    Addressing sexual assault and sexual harassment in universities was one of five priority actions from the Australian Universities Accord Interim Report.

    The National Code and Student Ombudsman are key measures of the Action Plan Addressing Gender-based Violence in Higher Education, agreed by Education Ministers in February 2024.

    The Action Plan will contribute to the work to end gender-based violence in one generation as outlined in the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare:

    “Not enough has been done to address sexual violence in our universities and for too long students haven’t been heard.

    “Universities aren’t just places where people work and study, they are also places where people live, and we need to ensure they are safe.

    “That’s why the Albanese Labor Government has listened to students and survivors and are taking action.

    “We’ve established a National Student Ombudsman so when the worst does happen, students have somewhere to go if they don’t feel heard. That’s the first step.

    “We also need to take steps to stop sexual violence from happening in the first place.

    “And when the worst does happen, staff and students should get the response and support they deserve, every time.

    “The new National Code will give the Student Ombudsman real teeth to hold providers to account and drive long overdue cultural change in universities.”

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth:

    “Gender-based violence is unacceptable in any form and we must all work together to stamp it out.

    “Young people and all students on campus deserve to feel safe and I’m so pleased our Government is taking action.

    “No one should feel unsafe or not heard when they make a complaint.

    “Ending gender-based violence and sexual violence is everyone’s responsibility.”

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Thousands of students return to new and upgraded schools

    Source: New South Wales Premiere

    Published: 6 February 2025

    Released by: The Premier, Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning


    More than ten thousand students across New South Wales are returning to new and improved schools for day one, term one today as the Minns Labor Government continues work to ensure public schools are quality places to teach and learn.

    Five permanent and two temporary schools will today welcome students for the very first time, at the same time as students return to substantially upgraded facilities at 11 other schools across the state.

    These new schools and upgrades mean more than 400 new classrooms, 20 sports facilities, seven halls, eight libraries and nine canteens will be put to use for the first time today.

    This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s record $8.9 billion investment to deliver new and upgraded schools across the state, including $3.6 billion for Western Sydney and $1.4 billion for regional communities.

    Three of these new public schools, Box Hill High School, Melonba Public School and Gledswood Hills High school have been stood up early, delivering desperately needed local schools which were promised but never delivered by the former Liberal National Government. 

    Students at Melonba High School will transition to their new permanent facilities today after initially opening in fast-tracked temporary buildings in Term 1, 2024.

    In the South West, brand new Gledswood Hills High School is also opening ahead of schedule today in temporary facilities while the permanent school, due to open in 2027, is built.

    Families in Sydney’s densest suburb will finally also have a local high school for their children with the opening of Wentworth Point High School today.

    In the staze’s south, Jindabyne Education Campus is opening with a new state-of-the-art high school and primary school, future-proofing education opportunities for the growing regional community.

    Other students will be starting 2025 alongside a new set of peers, with Randwick Boys and Randwick Girls High School coming together for the first time as Randwick High School; while the Hurstville and Penshurst campuses of Georges River College also begin the year as co-educational schools.

    The campuses have received facilities upgrades to enable the transition to co-education from Thursday, with further works in the pipeline. 

    NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

    “We’re wishing the best to every single student and teacher heading back to the classroom today. I hope you enjoyed the holidays and got the chance to relax and spend time with loved ones.

    “We want NSW public schools to be quality places to work and learn, which is why we are investing to ensure that no matter the post code, whether it’s a rapidly growing part of Western Sydney or a regional community, families have access to a quality, free, public education.”

    Deputy Premier, Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said:

    “This government is committed to rebuilding our public education system and ensuring every child has access to a world class public education close to home.

    “Of the seven new schools opening across the state today, I’m proud to say five of them are in rapidly-growing suburbs of Western Sydney that were neglected for years under the Liberals – and we have pulled out all the stops to deliver them not only on time, but in some cases well ahead of schedule.

    “Today’s opening of the new primary and high school in Melonba – and the many other new and upgraded schools opening across the state – are a testament to our commitment to investing in our children’s futures and providing them with the best learning opportunities possible.”

    Melonba Public School Principal Larissa Maraga said:

    “I cannot wait to welcome our students and families through the gates of their brand-new primary school for the very first time today.

    “To be opening this world-class public school months earlier than expected is truly incredible and I look forward to seeing what generations of students will achieve here at Melonba Public School.”

    Melonba High School Principal Leon Weatherstone said:

    “After a very successful start in 2024 in our temporary school, I am delighted that we are welcoming Melonba High School students and their families to our new permanent facilities that are truly world-class.

    “It has been the ultimate pleasure and privilege to be a part of bringing this school to life. I can’t thank the Melonba school community enough for their involvement and support in making today a reality.”

    New schools opening to students on Day 1, Term 1 2025:

    • Melonba Public School
    • Melonba High School
    • Wentworth Point High School
    • Jindabyne Public School
    • Jindabyne High School
    • Box Hill Public School (temporary school)
    • Gledswood Hills High School (temporary school)

    New facilities opening to students on Day 1, Term 1 2025:

    • Budawang School – new hydrotherapy pool
    • Castle Hill Public School – new classrooms, hall, canteen and COLA (further upgrade continuing)
    • Cecil Hills High School – new canteen and hall (further upgrade continuing)
    • Gregory Hills Public School – new playground and sports field
    • Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus – new T-Block
    • Hurlstone Agricultural High School – new farm hub
    • Lane Cove Public School – new hall
    • Manly Village Public School – building refurbishments (further upgrade continuing)
    • Murwillumbah High School – full redevelopment
    • Neutral Bay Public School – new classrooms, library, canteen, admin facilities and landscaping
    • Wollumbin High School – refurbished canteen, classrooms and sports facilities (further upgrade continuing)

    MIL OSI News