Category: United States of America

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Foreign Secretary statement, 20 May 2025

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Oral statement to Parliament

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Foreign Secretary statement, 20 May 2025

Statement by Foreign Secretary David Lammy to the House of Commons on the situation in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

With permission, Madam Deputy Speaker, I will make a statement on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

This weekend, the Israeli Defence Force started a new, extensive ground operation throughout Gaza, Operation Gideon’s Chariot. Five Israeli divisions are now operating there.

Prime Minister Netanyahu says that they are going to take control of the Strip letting only minimal amounts of food reach Gazans. Madam Deputy Speaker I quote Prime Minister Netanyahu – “just enough to prevent hunger.”

Fewer than ten trucks entered Gaza yesterday. The UN and WHO have issued stark warnings of the threat of starvation hanging over hundreds of thousands of civilians. Madam Deputy Speaker, this is abominable.

Civilians in Gaza facing starvation, homelessness, trauma, desperate for this war to end, now confront renewed bombardment, new displacement and new suffering. And the remaining hostages kept apart from their loved ones by Hamas for almost six hundred days are now at heightened risk from the war around them.

Madam Deputy Speaker, two months ago the ceasefire collapsed. Since then, the humanitarian catastrophe has rapidly intensified.

For eleven weeks, Israeli forces have blockaded Gaza, leaving the World Food Programme without any any remaining stocks. Israel has repeatedly struck hospitals, with three more hospitals in northern Gaza ceasing operations this weekend.

Yet more aid workers and medical workers have been killed. After last year proved the deadliest year on record for humanitarian personnel.

The diplomatic deadlock between Israel and Hamas has sadly also hardened. Despite the efforts of the United States, Qatar and Egypt – which we of course support – no ceasefire has emerged.

We repeat our demand that Hamas release all the hostages immediately and unconditionally and reiterate that they cannot continue to run Gaza.

Madam Deputy Speaker, we are now entering a dark new phase in this conflict. Netanyahu’s government is planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the Strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need.

Yesterday, Minister Smotrich even spoke of Israeli forces “cleansing” Gaza, “destroying what’s left”, of resident Palestinians “being relocated to third countries”.

We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous. And I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.

Madam Deputy Speaker, Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7th and the Government has always backed Israel’s right to defend itself. We have condemned Hamas and its abhorrent treatment of the hostages. And we have stood with families and demanded their loved ones be released.

But the planned displacement of so many Gazans is morally unjustifiable, wholly disproportionate and utterly counter-productive. Whatever Israeli ministers claim, this is not the way to bring the hostages safely home.

Nearly all the hostages have been freed through negotiations, not military force. And that is why hostage families themselves – and many other Israelis – oppose this plan so strongly.

Nor will this plan eliminate Hamas or make Israel secure. This war has left a generation orphaned and traumatised, ready for Hamas to recruit. As we learned in Northern Ireland to defeat terrorists and their warped ideology you cannot just rely on military might. You have to offer a viable political alternative. Opposing the expansion of a war that’s killed thousands of children is not rewarding Hamas.

Madam Deputy Speaker, since entering office, we have taken concerted action on Gaza.

We restored funding to UNRWA. We supported the independence of international courts. We suspended arms export licences. We provided food and medical care to hundreds of thousands of Gazans. We’ve worked with Arab partners on a plan to ensure a reconstructed Gaza no longer run by Hamas.

And since Israel restarted strikes on Gaza, this Government has demanded Israel change course. Privately, in my conversations with Foreign Minister Sa’ar and Strategic Affairs Minister Dermer, and publicly, in repeated joint statements with my French and German counterparts, we have made clear that Israel’s actions are intolerable.

We have raised our concerns in the UN Security Council and before the International Court of Justice. Yesterday, my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister joined leaders from France and Canada strongly opposing the expansion of Israel’s military operations. And the UK led a further statement with twenty-seven partners criticising Israel’s proposed new aid delivery mechanism and defending the essential humanitarian principles of the international system that the UK did so much to establish in the first place.

Our message is clear. There is a UN plan ready to deliver aid at scale, needed with mitigations against aid diversion. There are brave humanitarians ready to do their jobs. There are 9,000 trucks at the border. Prime Minister Netanyahu: end this blockade now and let the aid in.

Regrettably, Madam Deputy Speaker, despite our efforts, this Israeli government’s egregious actions and rhetoric have continued. They are isolating Israel from its friends and partners around the world. Undermining the interests of the Israeli people. And damaging the image of the state of Israel in the eyes of the world.

I find this deeply painful, as a lifelong friend of Israel and a believer in the values expressed in its declaration of independence.

As the Prime Minister and fellow leaders said yesterday, we cannot stand by in the face of this new deterioration. It is incompatible with the principles that underpin our bilateral relationship. Rejected by Members across this House and frankly it’s an affront to the values of the British people.

Therefore today, I am announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement. We will be reviewing cooperation with them under the 2030 Bilateral Roadmap.

The Netanyahu government’s actions have made this necessary. Madam Deputy Speaker, today, my Honourable Friend the Minister for the Middle East is summoning the Israeli Ambassador to the Foreign Office to convey this message.

I say now to the people of Israel: we want, I want a strong friendship with you based on our shared values with flourishing ties between our people and societies. We are unwavering in our commitment to your security and to your future, to countering the very real threat from Iran, the scourge of terrorism and the evils of antisemitism.

But the conduct of the war in Gaza is damaging our relationship with your government. And, as the Prime Minister has said, if Israel pursues this military offensive as it has threatened, failing to ensure the unhindered provision of aid, we will take further actions in response.

The UK, Madam Deputy Speaker, will not give up on a two-state solution. Israelis living in secure borders, recognised and at peace with their neighbours, free from the threat of terrorism. Palestinians living in their own state, in dignity and security, free of occupation.

The two-state solution remains the ideal framework, indeed, the only framework, for a just and lasting peace. But as the House knows, its very viability is in peril.

Endangered not only by the war in Gaza, but by the spread of illegal Israeli settlements and outposts across the Occupied West Bank, with the explicit support of this Israeli government.

There are now weekly meetings to approve new settlement construction. Settlement approval has accelerated while settler violence has soared. Here too, we have acted, repeatedly pressing for a change in this course and direction, sanctioning seven entities last October, and signing a landmark agreement to bolster support for the Palestinian Authority, when Prime Minister Mustafa visited London just last month.

But here too, we must do more. Today, we are therefore imposing sanctions on a further three individuals and four entities involved in the settler movement.

I have seen for myself the consequences of settler violence. The fear of its victims. The impunity of its perpetrators. Today, we are demonstrating again that we will continue to act against those who are carrying out heinous abuses of human rights.

Madam Deputy Speaker, despite the glimmer of hope from January’s ceasefire, the suffering from this conflict has worsened. But January showed another path was possible.

We urge Netanyahu’s government to choose this path. The world is judging. History will judge them. Blocking aid, expanding the war, dismissing the concerns of your friends and partners. This is indefensible and it must stop.

I commend this statement to the House.

Updates to this page

Published 20 May 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Testimony Before the United States House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government

Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

Chairman Joyce, Ranking Member Hoyer, and members of the Subcommittee. Thank you for inviting me to testify today.[1]

I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss the SEC, including our important mission on behalf of our fellow citizens, investors, and taxpayers. I also appreciate the opportunity as well to speak to some of my priorities as Chairman.

Four weeks ago today, I was sworn in by Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent in the Oval Office with President Donald Trump; my family was by my side. I am honored by the trust and confidence that the President and the Senate placed in me to lead the SEC.

As I testify before you, this is my 20^th working day as Chairman. I have returned to the SEC where I was a Commissioner from 2002 to 2008. In that time, I advocated for greater transparency at the agency and emphasized robust cost-benefit analysis when considering new regulations. I also previously served on the staff of two SEC chairmen—Richard Breeden, appointed by President George H.W. Bush, and Arthur Levitt, appointed by President Bill Clinton.

With my fellow Commissioners, Congress, and SEC staff, I look forward to working to ensure that the United States is well-positioned to seize on the new excitement for investment and economic opportunity that President Trump’s leadership and pro-growth policies have inspired.

SEC Mission

First and foremost, it is a new day at the SEC. I am determined that we return to our core mission that Congress set for us more than 90 years ago.

The SEC’s three-part mission was enunciated by Congress in the Exchange Act: protecting investors; facilitating capital formation; and maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets.

Investor protection is vital to our mission—holding accountable those who lie, cheat, and steal. The SEC will remain vigilant in our important role to ensure that investors have confidence to participate in the markets.

Capital formation is also at the root of what we do—fostering a direct, economical route for investors’ capital to find its way to entrepreneurs and industry to create products and services. This engine of growth employs people, helping them to work and save to achieve their dreams.

The third core part of our mission is maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets. Congress calls on the Commission to ensure that our regulations balance costs and benefits, that they do not become too burdensome by adding needless friction to the marketplace, undermining the capital formation that yields so much benefit.

During my tenure as chairman, the SEC will not stray from this core three-part mission.

My time in public service and the private sector, both earlier in my career and more recently, has allowed me to see firsthand how regulations affect markets and investors. They can stoke innovation, facilitate investment goals, and create opportunities—or burdens—on businesses’ ability to compete and serve their customers.

How we implement regulations at the SEC is crucial; it is one thing to write a regulation, quite another for it to achieve its intended goal. Regulation should be smart, effective, and appropriately tailored within the confines of our statutory authority.

It takes market experience and focused application to ensure that customers and investors of financial services firms benefit from efficient, effective, and well-designed regulation. Our goal at the SEC must be to facilitate those efforts, analyze their effectiveness, and use our enforcement power to cure and rectify wayward actions.

In short, clear rules of the road benefit all market participants.

The SEC is returning rulemaking to regular order. Our comment periods will not be artificially short, and the public will have ample time to provide feedback. The SEC will also be sure to take into consideration how rules overlap and how regulatory burdens build, in keeping with our obligation to consider their costs and benefits. The SEC also looks forward to working with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs on our rulemaking.

I am grateful to Commissioner Mark Uyeda for his stewardship of the agency as acting Chairman of the SEC from January to April, a very productive three months.

During this transition, he brought clarity to some urgent policy issues that we faced in the courts and some organizational issues as the new Administration came into office.

He established the Crypto Task Force together with Commissioner Pierce, which has worked with staff to provide necessary guidance to the industry. He normalized the agency’s stance regarding materiality of disclosure requirements to comply with Supreme Court rulings and backed agency actions to extend certain compliance dates and remove personally identifiable information (PII) from the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT).

As we look ahead, I am confident in the direction of our work. My experience over the decades will naturally inform my approach as Chairman.

The Commission will focus on providing meaningful pathways for entrepreneurs to obtain the capital that they need to execute their innovative ideas and grow their companies in both the private and public markets. At the same time, investors that provide such capital must be able to continue to depend on effective enforcement against fraudulent activities.

Digital Assets

From 2017 until my nomination, I worked to help develop best practices for the digital assets industry and saw firsthand how ambiguous or nonexistent regulations in this space created uncertainty and inhibited innovation. That lack of regulatory framework also invites fraud.

A key priority of my Chairmanship will be to develop a rational regulatory framework for crypto asset markets that establishes clear rules of the road for the issuance, custody, and trading of crypto assets while continuing to discourage bad actors from violating the law. Clear rules of the road are necessary for investor protection against fraud—not the least to help them identify scams that do not comport with the law.

Policymaking will be done through notice and comment rulemaking not through regulation-by-enforcement. The Commission will utilize its existing authorities to set fit-for-purpose standards for market participants. The Commission’s enforcement approach will return to Congress’ original intent, which is to police violations of these established obligations, particularly as they relate to fraud and manipulation.

This undertaking requires coordination across multiple offices and divisions within the Commission, which is why I am pleased that Commissioner Uyeda and Commissioner Hester Peirce have worked together to establish the Crypto Task Force. For too long, the Commission has been hindered by policymaking silos. The Crypto Task Force exemplifies how our policy divisions can come together to expeditiously provide long-needed clarity and certainty to the American public.

I am confident that Commissioner Peirce, known for her principled and tireless advocacy for common-sense policy, is the right person to lead the Crypto Task Force’s effort to come up with a rational regulatory framework for crypto asset markets.

The task force has held four roundtables so far on further defining security status, tailoring regulation for crypto trading, custody considerations, and tokenization. I look forward to the input from industry and additional public feedback during the next roundtable on decentralized finance.

This is important work. Entrepreneurs across the United States and around the world are harnessing blockchain technology to modernize aspects of our financial system. I anticipate benefits from this market innovation for efficiency, cost reduction, transparency, and risk mitigation.

SEC Commissioner Roles

In addition to Commissioner Peirce’s continued leadership of the Crypto Task Force, I have asked Commissioner Uyeda to be our “ambassador” to the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). Commissioner Caroline Crenshaw has agreed to take on the SEC’s administrative law proceedings framework and the procedures in adjudications used by our administrative law judges in light of Supreme Court rulings that oblige us to rethink and reform this area.

SEC Staff Numbers

The SEC’s Offices and Divisions have decreased headcount by 15% since the beginning of the current fiscal year. Many of our colleagues at the SEC elected to take advantage of the Administration’s Fork in the Road, Voluntary Early Retirement Authority (VERA) or Voluntary Separation Incentive Payments (VSIP). Some left to pursue other opportunities. These departures leave vacancies that in many cases need to be filled. When I left the agency in 2008, we had approximately 3,600 employees. At our height a year ago, we had approximately 5,000 employees plus 2,000 contractors. Today we are at approximately 4,200 employees and 1,700 contractors.

Reorganization

Under Acting Chairman Uyeda, the reporting lines in the Divisions of Enforcement and Examinations were realigned to better reflect each Division’s national programs to improve efficiency, management, and oversight of the Divisions. There will be targeted, common-sense reorganizations to come at the SEC. To start, I am seeking approval from Congress to disband what is known as agency’s Strategic Hub for Innovation and Financial Technology (FinHub). Innovation should be ingrained into the culture SEC-wide and not limited to a relatively small office. Established in 2018, FinHub was created during a critical period of emerging technologies. The rapid development of distributed ledger technology, including digital assets, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, required a centralized effort to build understanding at the SEC. The principles and priorities under which it was established are being integrated into the very fabric of the SEC.

Technology Review and Optimizing Efficiency

We have begun a process to review our technology infrastructure and our contractual obligations. This review is long overdue—call it a spring cleaning and reassessment of contracts, especially regarding information technology.

We publicly announced last week that the Commission determined that certain masked data fields on publicly available reports on Form N-PORT submitted between Feb. 3, 2025, and May 8, 2025, were inadvertently made public on the SEC’s EDGAR system. This was the result of a software update effective Feb. 3. The masking error has been corrected and did not affect Form N-PORT filings made after May 8, 2025.

This situation is not acceptable. I have directed the initiation of a comprehensive review of the EDGAR system to ensure for data integrity. We need to evaluate what we have, where our vulnerabilities are, and how we can shore up and improve our systems. We will work on optimizing our efficiency and eliminating redundancy.

SEC Regional Offices and Leasing

The SEC has 10 regional offices across the country. In late February, the GSA informed the SEC that it would terminate leases utilized by the SEC’s Los Angeles Regional Office and the Philadelphia Regional Office. Discussions with the GSA and the landlords are ongoing, and I will keep this committee apprised of those developments. In the meantime, the leases are in their “soft term” and are not terminated.

I firmly believe in the SEC’s regional office concept. We cannot and should not have all of the SEC’s staff in Washington and New York. Risk management, human resource development, and practicality for our examination teams –as one example – provide ample reinforcement for the need to maintain these offices.

SEC Funding

The SEC’s budget is set through the Appropriations process. Fees on securities transactions that the SEC collects provide an offset. The annual collections–fees paid by SROs based on the aggregate dollar amount of securities sales–go to the Treasury’s general fund.

On April 8, 2025, the SEC announced that starting on May 14, 2025, the fee rates applicable to most covered sales would be set at $0 per million in securities transactions.[2] The Commission determined this new rate in accordance with Section 31 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

The Commission collected its entire fiscal year 2025 appropriation before the new fee rate of $0 per million became effective on May 14. The prior fee rate was $27.80 per million. The Commission is required to set the fee rate to a level that generates fees equal to the Commission’s appropriated amount, so no further collections for fiscal year 2025 are required.

The Commission will continue to keep this committee, and the public, informed of developments relating to fees on the SEC website.

Conclusion

As I said at the outset of this testimony, it is a new and brighter day for the SEC.

We will work with our colleagues in the Administration, especially other financial services regulators, and with Congress to bolster the economy and build on U.S. leadership of the global markets.

This is a pivotal moment for our economy. Entrepreneurs, businesses, and individuals here at home and across the globe are eager to invest in America.

This SEC will work to protect investors from fraud, keep politics out of how our securities laws and regulations are applied, and advance clear rules of the road that encourage investment in our economy to the benefit of all Americans.

This SEC will work to ensure that regulations promote capital formation rather than stifle it. We will work together to ensure American investors get disclosures that actually help them understand the true risks of an investment.

This SEC will make every effort to ensure that the U.S. is the best and most secure place in the world to invest and do business. Americans should always have utmost confidence when investing their hard-earned dollars to save and provide for their future and the future of their families.

Thank you.

[1] The views expressed in this testimony are those of the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and do not necessarily represent the views of the President, the full Commission, or any Commissioner.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Georgia’s Gubernatorial Dem Primary Takes Shape

Source: US Republican Governors Association

The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Republican Governors Association (RGA) issued the following statement in response to Keisha Lance Bottoms’ announcement that she is entering the Georgia gubernatorial race, joining Jason Esteves in the Democratic primary:

“The gubernatorial primary is shaping up to be nothing but disappointing for Georgia Democrats. Keisha Lance Bottoms’ record as Mayor is one that was a disaster for Atlanta — crime skyrocketed, with incidents of homicide, rape, aggravated assault all surging due to her failed policies. Atlanta was drastically unsafe under Bottoms, and the last thing Georgians want is to bring her policies to the entire state. Bottoms is a risk Georgians cannot afford,” said RGA Communications Director Courtney Alexander. “She joins Jason Esteves who, from opposing the border wall, to standing in the way of parental rights in education, has proven over and over again that he is woefully out of touch with Georgians. And let’s not forget, Democrats are still hopeful that two-time failed candidate Stacey Abrams will hop into the race.”

Keisha Lance Bottoms’ Record:

–Bottoms was a key member of the Biden-Harris campaign teams and their failed administration that was responsible for skyrocketing costs and increasingly dangerous communities.

–Bottoms did not run for a second term as mayor as crime skyrocketed in Atlanta as homicides, rapes, and aggravated assaults surged due to her failed leadership.

–Bottoms enacted sanctuary policies, and refused to work with ICE to hold those with immigration violations accountable – letting illegal criminals run free, and making Georgia less safe.

–Bottoms pushed to implement a statewide mask mandate as Georgia was safely being reopened during the COVID-19 pandemic and fought to keep the state locked down.

–Bottoms was unable to even be responsible when it came to managing her own finances, and was fined for campaign finance violations.

Jason Esteves’ Record:

-Esteves strongly supported Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ failed administration and even backed him after his disastrous debate performance.

-Esteves stood against allowing parents to have a choice in their children’s education and opposed a statewide school choice program in Georgia.

-Esteves opposed safety measures that would hold sanctuary cities accountable for crimes committed by illegal immigrants.

-Esteves opposed building a Southern border wall to keep families and communities safe, even after Georgia was devastated by crimes committed by illegal aliens.

-Esteves would allow children to receive irreversible transgender surgeries.

-Esteves failed to protect girls’ sports, opposing a commonsense bill that banned biological males from playing on girls’ sports teams.

-Esteves is against Second Amendment rights.

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MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: NIST Moonlight Data Will Help Satellites Get a More Accurate Look at Earth

Source: US Government research organizations

NASA’s ER-2 taking off with the air-LUSI moonlight collection equipment on board.

Credit: NASA photo/Ken Ulbrich

Weather forecasting, mineral prospecting and farming all could improve from a trove of data the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently gathered about moonlight, late at night and far above the clouds.

NIST’s measurements of the Moon’s brightness — 10 times more accurate than previously available data — are a valuable commodity for engineers, who can use the data to calibrate the visual sensors aboard Earth-observing satellites. Proper calibration can help ensure that these satellites are accurately recording the actual amounts and colors of light from the ground, water and vegetation far below. NIST obtained its new set of moonlight measurements by deploying its equipment on a high-altitude NASA aircraft.

“Our goal with this data release is to help the satellite industry develop better models of lunar irradiance,” said Joe Rice, the NIST group leader for the project. “Using the data will help ensure that scientists have a more accurate understanding of what images of Earth from orbit actually mean.”

Before a satellite can take reliable visuals of the planet, the satellite’s sensors need to be calibrated to make sure they are recording accurate data. Without this vital step, a sensor might indicate that a swath of territory is a different shade or intensity of color than it really is, leading farmers or prospectors to base their decisions on the inaccuracy.

Measuring Moonlight from the Edge of the Atmosphere

Researchers want to accurately measure the spectrum of moonlight so that the Moon can be used as a reference to calibrate satellite imagers. However, measuring this spectrum from the ground is challenging because the atmosphere distorts the moonlight, shifting the spectrum. This animation illustrates the NIST team’s solution, which is to place the measurement equipment in a high-altitude plane called the ER-2 and take the spectrum measurement above 95% of Earth’s atmosphere. Credit: Sean Kelley/NIST

Sometimes engineers calibrate satellites before launch, but it costs time, money and effort, partly because a rocket ride to space puts a lot of stress on a satellite. The acceleration of launch subjects a satellite to forces that are the equivalent of many times Earth’s gravity, and powerful vibrations during flight shake and rattle the instruments vigorously, potentially undoing the effects of the calibrations.

Larger satellites might carry devices that allow them to self-calibrate after launch, but such devices add weight and use up valuable real estate. And not all satellites are large enough even to have this option. In cubesats, built from a few cubic modules that are 10 centimeters to a side, volume is at a premium.

An easier approach is to use light from the Moon, which has reflectance properties that change very little over time and therefore offers a consistent benchmark. From time to time, a satellite sensor may take an image that includes the Moon, and the sensor can be calibrated to the different wavelengths of light reflecting from its surface.

Land-based telescopes have trouble getting accurate details of the Moon’s irradiance because our planet’s constantly changing atmosphere introduces too much uncertainty. So NIST physicist John Woodward and his colleagues arranged to mount a special telescope on a NASA ER-2 aircraft that flies at 70,000 feet, or 21 kilometers, which is higher than 95% of the atmosphere. The mission, called the Airborne Lunar Spectral Irradiance Mission (air-LUSI), flew from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center. After several years of engineering and test flights, the project began gathering data in 2022 and conducted its most recent measurements in early 2025.

The air-LUSI telescope during a calibration. The light on the other side of the room is an “artificial moon,” a stable source of light that has already been well characterized.

Credit: NASA photo/Ken Ulbrich

The new dataset allows distinct improvements over previous lunar irradiance models, which were good at measurements that could show how a sensor’s performance was changing over time but made it difficult to know if and how the Earth itself was changing. The new data not only reduces the uncertainty inherent in ground-based data, but it is also directly tied to the International System of Units (SI), making it easier to apply.

“This dataset is 10 times more accurate than the data people previously had to use,” said Woodward. “It will permit a distinct improvement over the other ways we have calibrated satellites.”

The dataset, now available through NIST’s data portal, is in the netCDF format widely used by the scientific community. It contains irradiance measurements along with the time, location and uncertainty associated with them. It includes information about the instrument NIST used, to help people make useful comparisons with their own sensors’ performance. Also available are details of how to read and display the data along with guidance to help users get started working with it.

Woodward said he was optimistic about the future use of the dataset. One reason is because accurate, consistent calibration among satellites would enable observers on the ground to spot trends more effectively.

“Satellites are expensive national assets, and you want them to be as useful as possible,” he said. “If we calibrate them using the Moon, satellite observations could become more valuable. For example, we’d know whether the color of farmland had changed because rain had improved crop health, rather than because two different satellites took two different images at different times.”

The air-LUSI project is a collaboration between scientists and engineers from NASA, NIST, the U.S. Geological Survey, the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and Ontario’s McMaster University.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stefan Wolff, Professor of International Security, University of Birmingham

After a two-hour phone call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on May 19, US president Donald Trump took to social media to declare that Russia and Ukraine will “immediately start negotiations” towards a ceasefire and an end to the war. He did, however, add that the conditions for peace “will be negotiated between the two parties, as it can only be”.

With the Vatican, according to Trump, “very interested in hosting the negotiations” and European leaders duly informed, it seems clear that the US has effectively abandoned its stalled mediation efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

It was always a possibility that Trump could walk away from the war, despite previous claims he could end it in 24 hours. This only became more likely on May 16, when the first face-to-face negotiations between Ukraine and Russia for more than three years predictably ended without a ceasefire agreement.

When Trump announced shortly afterwards that he would be speaking to his Russian and Ukrainian counterparts by phone a few days later, he effectively mounted the beginning of a rearguard action. This was further underlined when, shortly before the Trump-Putin call, Vice-President J.D. Vance, explicitly told reporters that the US could end its shuttle diplomacy.

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The meagre outcomes of the talks between Russia and Ukraine – as well as between Trump and Putin – are not surprising. Russia is clearly not ready for any concessions yet. It keeps insisting that Ukraine accept its maximalist demands of territorial concessions and future neutrality.

Putin also continues to slow-walk any negotiations. After his call with Trump, he reportedly said that “Russia will offer and is ready to work with Ukraine on a memorandum on a possible future peace agreement”, including “a possible ceasefire for a certain period of time, should relevant agreements be reached.”

The lack of urgency on Russia’s part to end the fighting and, in fact, the Kremlin’s ability and willingness to continue the war was emphasised the day before the Trump-Putin call. Russia carried out its largest drone attack against Ukraine so far in the war, targeting several regions including Kyiv.

There has been no let-up in the fighting since. And the fact that Putin spoke to Trump while visiting a music school in the southern Russian city of Sochi does not suggest that a ceasefire in Ukraine is high on the Russian leader’s priority list.

A large part of the Kremlin’s calculation seems to be its desire to strike a grand bargain with the White House on a broader reset of relations between the US and Russia. It is signalling clearly that this is more important than the war in Ukraine and might even happen without the fighting there ending.

This also appears to be driving thinking in Washington. Trump foreshadowed an improvement in bilateral relations by describing the “tone and spirit” of his conversation with Putin as “excellent”. He also seemed pleased about the prospects of “large-scale trade” with Russia.

Abandoning European allies

Trump is on record as saying that there would be no progress towards peace in Ukraine until he and Putin get together. But it is worth bearing mind that very little movement towards a ceasefire in Ukraine – let alone a peace agreement – occurred after the last phone call between the two presidents in February.

Part of this lack of progress has been Trump’s reluctance to put any real pressure on Putin. And despite agreement in Brussels and preparations in Washington for an escalation in sanctions against Russia, it is unlikely that Trump will change his approach.

In this context, the sequence in which the calls occurred is telling. Trump and Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, had a short call before the former spoke with Putin. Zelensky said he told Trump not to make decisions about Ukraine “without us”.

But rather than presenting Putin with a clear ultimatum to accept a ceasefire, Trump apparently discussed future relations with Putin at great length before informing Zelensky and key European allies that the war in Ukraine is now solely their problem to solve.

This has certainly raised justifiable fears in Kyiv and European capitals that, for the sake of a reset with Russia, the US might yet completely abandon its allies across the Atlantic.

However, if a reset with Russia at any cost really is Trump’s strategy, it is bound to fail. As much as Putin seems willing to continue with his aggression against Ukraine, Zelensky is as unwilling to surrender. Putin can rely on China’s continued backing while Zelensky can count on support from Europe.

Supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine is essential for China to keep Moscow on side in its rivalry with the US. And for Europe, supporting Ukraine has become an existential question of deterring and containing a revisionist Russia hell-bent on restoring a Soviet-style sphere of influence in central and eastern Europe.

In a world that has been in flux since Trump’s return to the White House, these are some of the emerging constants. And they make a US-Russia reset highly improbable.

Even if it were to happen, it would not strengthen Washington’s position with Beijing. Walking away from Ukraine and Europe now will deprive the US of the very allies it will need in the long term to prevail in its rivalry with China.

By abandoning his mediation between Moscow and Kyiv, Trump may have broken the deadlock in his efforts to achieve a reset with Russia. But getting this deal over the line will be a pyrrhic victory.

Stefan Wolff is a past recipient of grant funding from the Natural Environment Research Council of the UK, the United States Institute of Peace, the Economic and Social Research Council of the UK, the British Academy, the NATO Science for Peace Programme, the EU Framework Programmes 6 and 7 and Horizon 2020, as well as the EU’s Jean Monnet Programme. He is a Trustee and Honorary Treasurer of the Political Studies Association of the UK and a Senior Research Fellow at the Foreign Policy Centre in London.

– ref. After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine – https://theconversation.com/after-another-call-with-putin-it-looks-like-trump-has-abandoned-efforts-to-mediate-peace-in-ukraine-257021

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Rubio testifies before the Senate Committee – 2:00 PM

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

Secretary of State Marco A. Rubio testifies before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs on the FY26 Department of State Budget Request on Capitol Hill, on May 20, 2025.

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

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

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#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sR-ASE6cmc

MIL OSI Video –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Foreign Affairs Day Celebration

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

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and Senior Bureau Official Lew Olowski deliver remarks at the Department of State’s 60th annual Foreign Affairs Day celebration, on May 2, 2025.

The AFSA Memorial Plaque Ceremony follows the remarks, honoring those who have lost their lives while serving overseas due to circumstances distinctive to the Foreign Service, including acts of violence or terrorism. AFSA President Tom Yazgerdi presides over the ceremony and delivers welcoming remarks. Deputy Secretary Landau pays tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country around the world.

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

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

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

Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSTATEBPA/signup/32562

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

#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

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

MIL OSI Video –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: 20 Reasons Why Congress Must Unite Behind the One, Big, Beautiful Bill

US Senate News:

Source: The White House
Congressional Republicans MUST unite to pass President Donald J. Trump’s One, Big, Beautiful Bill and take advantage of the once-in-a-generation opportunity they were given by voters.
Here are 20 reasons why Congress must unite behind the One, Big, Beautiful Bill:
It delivers the largest tax cut in American history. This means an extra $5,000 in Americans’ pockets with a DOUBLE-DIGIT percent DECREASE to their tax bills. Americans earning between $30,000 and $80,000 will pay around 15% less in taxes.
It includes NO TAX ON TIPS and NO TAX ON OVERTIME. This makes good on two of President Trump’s cornerstone campaign promises and will benefit hardworking Americans where they need it the most — their paychecks.
It delivers Big, Beautiful Deportations. The bill permanently secures our borders by making the largest border security investment in history, funding at least one million annual removals of illegal immigrants and ramping up “mass deportation operations to a level never before seen in American history.”
It finishes President Trump’s border wall. As a result, 701 miles of primary wall, 900 miles of river barriers, 629 miles of secondary barriers, and 141 miles of vehicle and pedestrian barriers will be constructed — stopping deadly fentanyl from flowing into our communities and securing the border from dangerous illegal immigrant murderers and rapists.
It boosts Border Patrol and ICE agents on the frontlines. It empowers immigration authorities to carry out their mission by hiring 10,000 new ICE personnel, 5,000 new customs officers, and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents — and gives $10,000 bonuses in each of the next four years to agents on the frontlines.
It protects Medicaid for Americans by kicking 1.4 million illegals off the benefits. This bill eliminates waste, fraud, and abuse by ending benefits for at least 1.4 million illegal immigrants who are gaming the system.
It requires able-bodied Americans to work if they receive benefits. With 4.8 million able-bodied adults choosing not to work, The One, Big, Beautiful Bill puts work requirements in place and supports them as they find dignity through employment.
It reverses the spending curse plaguing Washington, D.C. The legislation delivers the largest deficit reduction in nearly 30 years, with $1.6 trillion in mandatory savings.
It ends taxpayer-funded sex change for minors. It reverses the Biden-era mandate that Medicaid cover so-called “gender transition” procedures for minors — ending the taxpayer-funded chemical castration and mutilation of American children.
It provides historic tax relief to Social Security recipients. It slashes taxes on seniors’ Social Security benefits.
It will give Americans PERMANENT tax relief through the Trump Tax Cuts. If the bill doesn’t pass, Americans will see the largest tax increase in history.
It finally modernizes air traffic control, fulfilling President Trump’s plan to completely overhaul the systems that keep Americans flying safely and efficiently. This will allow President Trump to update our air traffic control systems and act where the Biden Administration failed (despite repeated warnings).
It ends the taxpayer-funded Green New Scam. The legislation repeals or phases out every “green” corporate welfare subsidy in Democrats’ so-called “Inflation Reduction Act,” immediately stops credits from flowing to China and saves taxpayers $500+ billion every year, and reverses electric vehicle mandates that let radical climate activists set the standards for American energy.
It incentivizes MADE IN AMERICA. It rewards companies that build their products in America with lower taxes — and allows Americans who buy an American-made vehicle to fully deduct their auto loan interest.
It is pro-family. The One, Big, Beautiful Bill increases the child tax credit, establishes MAGA Accounts for newborns to start saving, and strengthens paid family leave.
It repeals Democrats’ insane attack on the gig economy. It repeals the requirement that Venmo, PayPal, and other gig transactions over $600 be reported to the IRS.
It protects family farmers. The bill prevents the greedy death tax from hitting two million family-owned farms who would otherwise see their exemptions cut in half and cuts taxes on farmers by over $10 billion.
It’s a once-in-a-generation chance to revolutionize our nation’s defense capabilities and protect the homeland against new threats. It funds President Trump’s Golden Dome, invests in American shipbuilding, and modernizes our military.
It unleashes American energy dominance. The legislation increases onshore and offshore oil and gas leases, which provides certainty for energy producers, spurs job growth, and makes energy more affordable for American consumers.
It boosts American mineral development. This bill increases mining of domestic minerals and makes America less dependent on foreign adversaries for critical minerals.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: Organizations race to embed AI into enterprise workflows, EXL study finds
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Organizations are changing the ways they work, sometimes radically, to embed AI throughout their workflows and to scale and maximize ROI, according to new research by EXL [NASDAQ: EXLS], a global data and AI company. A 90% majority of organizations have significantly changed their operating model to accommodate AI, with 39% having completely redesigned how they work. Over the next year, companies expect over half of their processes will include AI.

The second annual EXL Enterprise AI Study: Driving Execution at Scale is based on a survey of 290 C-suite and other senior decision makers across the banking and finance, insurance, retail, utilities, and healthcare payer industries. Its findings shine a spotlight on the massive growth of enterprise GenAI implementations to date but also warn of data quality issues, talent shortages, and other roadblocks that could curtail some of the early progress companies have made as they move deeper into company-wide enterprise AI initiatives.

The following are some of the report’s key findings:
- Confident AI Leaders Emerge: Respondents in this year’s survey are feeling confident in how they’re faring on AI adoption. More than half (54%) believe they are “a little ahead” of their competitors in AI implementation and 22% believe they are “far ahead.” Leaders in the field have been able to create a new operating model by embedding AI into their business workflows. These organizations are capitalizing on AI and are able to effectively manage and make available the data AI needs to excel at scale.
- New Customers, Improved Margins Among Top AI Priorities: Half (50%) of business leaders say that improving ways to target and attract new customers are their top priority for AI technology. Executives also say they hope AI can help them improve margins and profitability (47%) and reduce operating costs (47%).
- Some AI Integrations Stuck in Neutral: While many organizations have quickly adopted GenAI, companies reported AI initiatives across roughly 60% of their enterprise remain stuck in pilot mode. What’s more, some executives fear the speed of these adoptions may soon be interrupted due to talent, user adoption, and data quality obstacles, with 73% of organizations of the belief that improving their data capabilities will present a moderate or significant challenge. Just 30% of respondents said their company’s data is accessible on an enterprise-wide basis.
- Talent Tops Cost as Biggest Barrier to AI Adoption: The biggest single barrier to AI adoption is shortage of talent or skills for AI use (31%), followed by concerns about data privacy and security (30%) and cost or budget constraints (30%).
“The true power of AI can only truly be unlocked when it is seamlessly embedded into workflows—fueled by data that is AI ready, enabled by the right technology and infrastructure and powered by skilled talent,” said Anand “Andy” Logani, chief data and AI officer at EXL. “When executed effectively, it delivers meaningful business value without disruption.”

The full report, 2025 EXL Enterprise AI Study: Bridging Strategy and Operations, can be accessed here.

About EXL

EXL (NASDAQ: EXLS) is a global data and AI company that offers services and solutions to reinvent client business models, drive better outcomes and unlock growth with speed. EXL harnesses the power of data, AI, and deep industry knowledge to transform businesses, including the world’s leading corporations in industries including insurance, healthcare, banking and capital markets, retail, communications and media, and energy and infrastructure, among others. EXL was founded in 1999 with the core values of innovation, collaboration, excellence, integrity and respect. We are headquartered in New York and have approximately 60,000 employees spanning six continents. For more information, visit www.exlservice.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You should not place undue reliance on those statements because they are subject to numerous uncertainties and factors relating to EXL’s operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond EXL’s control. Forward-looking statements include information concerning EXL’s possible or assumed future results of operations, including descriptions of its business strategy. These statements may include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate” or similar expressions. These statements are based on assumptions that we have made in light of management’s experience in the industry as well as its perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors it believes are appropriate under the circumstances. You should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although EXL believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect EXL’s actual financial results or results of operations and could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These factors, which include our ability to maintain and grow client demand, our ability to hire and retain sufficiently trained employees, and our ability to accurately estimate and/or manage costs, rising interest rates, rising inflation and recessionary economic trends, are discussed in more detail in EXL’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including EXL’s Annual Report on Form 10-K. You should keep in mind that any forward-looking statement made herein, or elsewhere, speaks only as of the date on which it is made. New risks and uncertainties come up from time to time, and it is impossible to predict these events or how they may affect EXL. EXL has no obligation to update any forward-looking statements after the date hereof, except as required by federal securities laws.

Contacts
Media
Keith Little
+1 703-598-0980
media.relations@exlservice.com

Investor Relations
John Kristoff
+1 212 209 4613
IR@exlservice.com

PDF available: http://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/4e977a3b-6c39-4444-a5ef-b4859e3e2a1e

The MIL Network –
May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: ServiceTrade Announces Integration with Viewpoint Spectrum ERP
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

DURHAM, N.C., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ServiceTrade, Inc., the premier commercial field service management software provider tailored specifically for mechanical and fire protection contractors, expanded its integrations portfolio with a new seamless integration with Viewpoint Spectrum, a widely adopted web-based construction ERP solution.

The integration enables contractors to connect ServiceTrade’s leading field service management platform with Spectrum’s comprehensive ERP system. It combines ServiceTrade field efficiency, customer communications, office coordination, and sales enablement workflows with Spectrum’s powerful accounting, payroll, project management, equipment tracking, inventory, and reporting tools.

“Contractors using Spectrum for back-office operations and ServiceTrade for service delivery now benefit from a unified, real-time connection between the two platforms,” said Brook Bock, Chief Product Officer. “We are dedicated to providing integrations with the business systems our customers rely on. Seamless integration with Viewpoint Spectrum virtually eliminates manual data entry, improves accuracy, and enhances visibility across the business, driving greater efficiency, accountability, and profitability.”

Key Benefits of the Integration Include:
- Eliminate manual data entry with automatic customer, job, and invoice synchronization.
- Accelerate billing and revenue cycles with faster, more accurate period-end processes.
- Reduce administrative burden on field technicians, operations, and accounting teams.
- Improve operational visibility from the field to the back office.
- Ensure audit-ready compliance with secure, documented processes.
“When business systems talk to each other, the contractor’s whole business moves faster and more profitably. Contractors can reduce costs, accurately forecast and account for revenue, and make smarter decisions with clean, connected data. Accurate, timely customer communication and billing build trust, leading to better reviews, faster payments, and better retention rates,” concluded Ms. Bock.

To learn more about ServiceTrade:

About ServiceTrade
ServiceTrade, Inc. is a leading Field Service Management (FSM) software platform for commercial mechanical, fire, and life safety contractors. During a chronic skilled labor shortage, ServiceTrade helps contractors increase profits by improving service and project operations, enhancing technician productivity, selling more service agreements, and fostering customer loyalty. Located in Durham, North Carolina, ServiceTrade was founded in 2012 to automate and streamline the commercial mechanical and fire protection industry and has grown to have more than 1,300 customers. More than 10% of the commercial or industrial buildings in the United States are serviced by commercial service contractors using ServiceTrade. Learn more at www.servicetrade.com.

Contact:
media@ktcmarketingandpr.com

The MIL Network –
May 21, 2025

MIL-OSI: Invitation: Boralex to hold Investor Day and present its 2030 Strategy on June 17, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MONTREAL, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Boralex inc. (“Boralex” or the “Company”) (TSX: BLX) announces that its 2030 Strategy will be presented at an Investor Day on June 17, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., in Toronto.

Financial analysts, investors and the media are invited to attend the conference in person in Toronto or via a live video webcast during which members of Boralex’s senior management will present the various aspects of the 2030 Strategy and financial targets.

Date and time

Tuesday, June 17, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (ET)

To attend the live conference

Webcast link: https://meetings.lumiconnect.com/400-747-683-475

In person in Toronto (analysts, investors and media): please contact Dominique Hamelin (dominique.hamelin@boralex.com) to reserve your place.

Anyone interested in this conference are invited to attend the webcast, which will be broadcast live and available for replay on Boralex’s website at www.boralex.com until July 17, 2026.

Media availability

Members of Boralex’s Executive Committee will be available for media interviews on the afternoon of June 17, 2025, either by telephone or videoconference, to discuss the company’s 2030 Strategy. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Camille Laventure, Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and Communications. Her contact details are provided at the end of this press release.

About Boralex

At Boralex, we have been providing affordable renewable energy accessible to everyone for over 30 years. As a leader in the Canadian market and France’s largest independent producer of onshore wind power, we also have facilities in the United States and development projects in the United Kingdom. Over the past five years, our installed capacity has increased by more than 50% to 3.2 GW. We are developing a portfolio of projects in development and construction of more than 8 GW in wind, solar and storage projects, guided by our values and our corporate social responsibility (CSR) approach. Through profitable and sustainable growth, Boralex is actively participating in the fight against global warming. Thanks to our fearlessness, discipline, expertise and diversity, we continue to be an industry leader. Boralex’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol BLX.

For more information, visit boralex.com or sedarplus.com. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

For more information

MEDIA	INVESTOR RELATIONS
Camille Laventure Senior Advisor, Public Affairs and External Communications Boralex Inc. 438 883-8580 camille.laventure@boralex.com	Stéphane Milot Vice President, Investor Relations and Financial Planning and Analysis Boralex Inc. 514 213-1045 stephane.milot@boralex.com

Source: Boralex inc.

The MIL Network –

May 21, 2025

MIL-OSI Global: Meta’s Community Notes program is promising, but needs to prioritize transparency

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sameer Borwankar, Assistant Professor of Information Systems, McGill University

Meta has changed its approach to fact-checking, moving away from platform-controlled moderation. (Shutterstock)

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has more than 3.35 billion combined monthly active users. Recently, Meta has changed its approach to fact-checking in response to criticisms of its role in circulating fake news and disinformation. The company frames its Community Notes program as a way to uphold free expression.

Although Meta has not officially announced a launch date for Community Notes in Canada, interested users can join the waitlist via Meta’s Community Notes page.

Read more:
Meta shift from fact-checking to crowdsourcing spotlights competing approaches in fight against misinformation and hate speech

The initiative was first launched in the United States, and will be expanding globally. Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) has already experimented with a similar program, with mixed results. The experience of X’s Community Notes (previously known as Birdwatch) underscores that both platforms and regulators must take an active role in refining these programs.

Meta has the opportunity to learn from four years of Community Notes evolution at X and improve upon its shortcomings. This involves adjusting features, addressing algorithmic biases and ensuring that they function as effective tools rather than mere symbolic gestures.

CBC reports on Meta ending its fact-checking program.

Community-driven moderation

X launched Birdwatch in January 2021 when it was known as Twitter. Marketed as a way to broaden the range of voices beyond platform-based and centralized fact-checking efforts, the program aimed to curb the spread of misinformation through community-driven moderation.

Over time, the team refined many of its features based on feedback from pilot participants and internal research. When Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, he implemented major changes, including a rebranding of the program’s name.

Community Notes operates on the principles of crowdsourcing, a method proven effective in various domains. Research has shown that groups of users can collectively identify low-quality news sources and misleading content.

On X, users participating in the Community Notes program contribute additional context to posts in the form of notes. They can also rate others’ contributions. Notes that receive supportive ratings from a diverse group of users become publicly visible. Once approved, they appear directly beneath the original post, providing added context for the broader audience.

However, even if a post is widely deemed misleading by Community Notes contributors, the platform does not take action against the post itself or the individuals who spread misinformation. Instead, the program relies solely on surfacing user-generated context rather than the company moderating content.

Positive impact?

Preliminary research suggests that the Community Notes program has had a positive impact on curbing the spread of misinformation on the platform. Recent work shows that when a note is attached to a post, authors often voluntarily retract their posts by deleting them.

On the content creation aspect, participation in the program appears to influence user behaviour: contributors tend to adopt a more measured tone, reducing extreme sentiment in their writing after engaging with the system.

One of the most notable strengths of X’s Community Notes is its transparency. Since the program’s inception, X has provided public access to both the data and the algorithms that determine which fact-checks are displayed.

This open-source approach has allowed researchers — both within and outside the company — to study the program and propose improvements. This stands in contrast to the recent trend of social media platforms rolling back data-sharing partnerships.

Prior to Musk’s acquisition, X also had a dedicated team researching the impact of the program. Early changes to the program were shaped by feedback from participants and internal research.

For example, in November 2021, X introduced anonymity for fact-checkers to prevent trolling and harassment. This decoupling of roles between content creators and fact-checkers has had a positive effect, reducing the risk of retaliation and fostering a more positive content creation by the participants of the program.

Groups of users can collectively identify low-quality news sources and misleading content.
(Shutterstock)

Challenges and limitations

Despite its potential, X’s Community Notes program faces several significant challenges, including its low popularity among users. Meta now has an opportunity to address these shortcomings from the outset.

One of the biggest concerns is manipulation by co-ordination. Given the presence of organized troll networks on social media, there is a high risk that co-ordinated groups could misuse the program to flag legitimate content as misinformation.

To counteract this, X implemented a consensus-based approach, where a note is only made visible if users with diverse viewpoints agree on its accuracy.

While this system appears sound in theory, in practice it has led to a severe lack of approved notes as less than nine per cent of submitted notes reach the general audience. Many contributions never gain visibility, often due to insufficient ratings from diverse users.

Another limitation of the consensus approach is that the algorithm must first recognize diverse viewpoints, which are not always straightforward. Social media platforms operate across hundreds of countries, where political, cultural and social divisions can be complex and nuanced. In such cases, enforcing consensus among a diverse audience may be highly unreliable and require reassessment.

Shifting responsibility

There is also the risk that Community Notes serve as a smokescreen, allowing platforms to shift responsibility away from active misinformation management. Since taking over X, Musk has laid off more than 80 per cent of the company’s Trust and Safety team.

This included members of the Community Notes team, leaving critical gaps in oversight and research. Meta’s recent move to distance itself from third-party fact-checkers suggests a similar retreat from proactive intervention.

Legal frameworks across different countries add further complications. Although Community Notes contributors remain anonymous to the public, it is unclear how platforms will respond if governments demand access to contributor identities.

The Wikipedia legal case in India serves as a cautionary example of how platforms may be pressured into compliance. In September 2024, the Delhi High Court issued a contempt-of-court notice to Wikipedia over the site’s delay in providing identifying information about edits.

No real consequences

Finally, these programs are further weakened by the platforms’ explicit assurance that they will not take enforcement action based on Community Notes outcomes. Without real consequences for those spreading misinformation, the program risks being a symbolic effort rather than an effective tool for content moderation.

Overall, there is hope that Meta’s Community Notes program can be effective, but its success will depend on continuous experimentation and improvement. The company must prioritize transparency to rebuild public trust and ensure the program does not become another performative gesture.

Regulators also have a crucial role in holding platforms accountable, ensuring that data from these programs remains accessible to independent researchers and that the algorithms determining which notes are displayed are fair and unbiased.

Without these safeguards, Community Notes risks becoming yet another tool that platforms use to shift responsibility rather than a meaningful solution to misinformation.

Sameer Borwankar receives funding from SSHRC.

– ref. Meta’s Community Notes program is promising, but needs to prioritize transparency – https://theconversation.com/metas-community-notes-program-is-promising-but-needs-to-prioritize-transparency-248324

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: King, Blumenthal, Murray Press Trump Administration to Protect Veteran Caregivers

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), Ranking Member Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) are calling on the Trump Administration to protect veteran caregivers in Maine and across the country. In a letter to Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins, the Senators press the administration to extend a pause in discharges for legacy caregivers enrolled in the VA caregivers’ program – to give these caregivers– and the veterans they serve – more certainty about the path forward.
While the Biden Administration issued a Proposed Rule in December 2024 to extend this pause, Congress has received no information about the Trump Administration’s plans for the program to date.
The Senators began, “We write to request an extension of the pause in discharges for legacy caregivers enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) on or before September 30, 2020. No information has been provided about how the current Administration plans to proceed with this rulemaking process, and we have serious concerns a failure to extend this pause will cause thousands of caregivers and veterans to lose life-changing benefits on September 30, 2025.”
“In addition, VA has not provided any information as to how the recent firings, resignations, cancellations of contracts and other Trump Administration actions have affected staffing for the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), including PCAFC,” the Senators continued in the letter. “You have said your target is to cut staffing to Fiscal Year 2019 levels, however CSP program participation has more than doubled since that time, due to the MISSION Act expansion of PCAFC to veterans of all eras…If CSP staff are cut to your target levels, the program would simply not be able to maintain the current level of support provided.”
Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing free secure firearm storage to veterans. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. Senator King has also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. Earlier this year, he cosponsored the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act that would provide more combat-injured veterans with their full earned benefits. Most recently, Senator King introduced the bipartisan Review Every Veteran’s Claims Act to make the veteran’s benefits claims process fairer by making sure bureaucracy, mistakes or unplanned schedule conflicts do not prevent veterans from receiving their benefits.
The full text of the letter is available here and below.
+++
Dear Secretary Collins,
We write to request an extension of the pause in discharges for legacy caregivers enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) on or before September 30, 2020.
President Biden’s Executive Order 14095, Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers, requested VA make appropriate modifications to the eligibility criteria for PCAFC. VA subsequently issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in December 2024, which included an extension of the pause in program discharges for Legacy caregivers. However, no information has been provided about how the current Administration plans to proceed with this rulemaking process, and we have serious concerns a failure to extend this pause will cause thousands of caregivers and veterans to lose life-changing benefits on September 30, 2025.
In addition, VA has not provided any information as to how the recent firings, resignations, cancellations of contracts and other Trump Administration actions have affected staffing for the Caregiver Support Program (CSP), including PCAFC. You have said your target is to cut staffing to Fiscal Year 2019 levels, however CSP program participation has more than doubled since that time, due to the MISSION Act expansion of PCAFC to veterans of all eras. In Fiscal Year 2024 alone, CSP served more than 86,000 caregivers, and expanded access to critical mental health care, respite care, bereavement and other services. If CSP staff are cut to your target levels, the program would simply not be able to maintain the current level of support provided. In fact, because VA recently cut hours for the Caregiver Support Line, access to that support has decreased because of the elimination of weekend availability and the curtailment of business hours and after-hours availability.
Since Congress enacted PCAFC in 2010, there have been considerable changes to the program, many of them resulting in caregivers and veterans being unjustifiably denied or discharged from the program. Given this history, VA must work to increase transparency and maintain sufficient staffing and funding levels for CSP, and ensure legacy caregivers are not kicked out of the program in September.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Grassley, Banks Renew Call for Investigation into Milley’s Chain of Command Interference, Efforts to Undermine Civilian Control of the Military

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
WASHINGTON – Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Jim Banks (R-Ind.) are renewing calls for the Department of Defense (DOD) to finally address alleged misconduct by former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) General Mark Milley.
In a letter to the DOD’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG), the senators cite reports Milley tampered with the statutory chain of command, undermined civilian control of the military, violated military code through making derogatory and political public statements and provided inaccurate sworn testimony.
“The nation’s highest-ranking military officer has a solemn responsibility to set an example of excellence and to model good conduct for all American service members. The record suggests that General Milley failed to meet those standards,” the senators wrote.
Grassley and Banks are following up on their 2022 request for an independent review of Milley’s actions. Former DOD Inspector General Robert Storch closed the review without providing answers.
“[Milley’s] conduct and willful undermining of his Commander-in-Chief posed a grave threat to civilian control of the military. The issues raised by Milley’s alleged misconduct are too important to be swept under the rug. They must be examined, and if substantiated, General Milley should be held accountable,” the senators continued.
In January, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth directed OIG to conduct a review of Milley’s misconduct and determine whether enough evidence exists for Milley to be stripped of a star in retirement.
The full text of the letter is available HERE.
Background:Milley – who, per the Constitution and law, does not have command authority as JCS chairman – reportedly ordered senior officers to check with him before executing orders from President Trump during his first term.
Milley also has made partisan statements to the press, admissions in the book Peril and derogatory comments about Trump, including those in his now-public draft resignation letter. Milley also reportedly promised a Chinese military official he would alert them ahead of time if the United States was about to attack China.
In April 2022, Grassley and Banks wrote to Milley regarding their concerns. After months without answers, they sought an inspector general review of Milley’s actions.
After nearly nine months, the OIG claimed to have conducted a thorough review, but offered no material or details to support its finding to halt its investigation.
-30-

MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Hoyle Statement on Charges Being Filed Against Rep. McIver

Source: US Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04)

May 20, 2025

For Immediate Release: May 20, 2025

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Val Hoyle (OR-04) released the following statement after the acting-U.S. Attorney in New Jersey Alina Habba announced charges against U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver (NJ-10):

“Targeting a Member of Congress for doing their job is an attack on the foundations of our democracy. Let’s be clear: this isn’t about justice or accountability, it’s about sending a message. They’re trying to intimidate anyone who can hold them accountable into silence. Rep. McIver was in her district doing her constitutional duty. I stand with her and believe that every American should be alarmed.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Places Holds on EPA Nominees Until Republicans Cease Efforts to Abuse the CRA to Revoke California’s Clean Air Act Waivers

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

Padilla Places Holds on EPA Nominees Until Republicans Cease Efforts to Abuse the CRA to Revoke California’s Clean Air Act Waivers

Senator Padilla: “If this attempt is successful, the consequences will be far-reaching, not only for our clean energy economy, the air our children breathe, and for our climate, but for the future of the CRA and for the Senate as an institution.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration and a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, placed a hold on the four pending Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) nominees until Republicans stop their reckless attempts to overrule the Senate Parliamentarian’s decision regarding California’s clean air waivers that allow the state to implement more protective air quality standards.

The Trump-led EPA recently submitted three California waivers as “rules” to Congress — despite knowing full well that these waivers were not rules — in a cynical attempt to overturn the waivers with a 50-vote threshold under the Congressional Review Act (CRA). The Senate Parliamentarian determined that any resolutions aimed at overturning California waivers would not be entitled to the CRA’s expedited procedures and would therefore require 60 votes to secure Senate passage. Reporting indicates that Senate Republicans may soon move forward to bypass the filibuster to rescind these waivers, which would require overruling the Parliamentarian.

Revoking California’s waivers would not only cause disastrous public health, environmental, and economic impacts, but would also mean Republicans took the “nuclear option,” undermining longstanding Senate procedures that could be applied to legislation far beyond the CRA and giving agencies significantly more control over the Senate floor.

“This objection is a direct result of the agency’s cynical attempt to weaponize the Congressional Review Act (CRA) by attempting to submit as ‘rules’ three waivers issued to the State of California under the Clean Air Act (CAA),” wrote Senator Padilla. “If this attempt is successful, the consequences will be far-reaching, not only for our clean energy economy, the air our children breathe, and for our climate, but for the future of the CRA and for the Senate as an institution.”

Padilla detailed the longstanding precedent making clear that EPA’s waivers are not rules subject to the Congressional Review Act. None of the more than 100 individual waivers or waiver-related decisions to California — under both Democratic and Republican Administrations — have ever been submitted as a rule since Congress granted the EPA this waiver authority in 1967 in bipartisan fashion. He also underscored the enormous stakes of overruling the Senate Parliamentarian, including for providing essential checks against executive branch agencies trying to exploit the CRA to enact their own agenda on matters that are not rules.

“Here, for the first time in the history of the CRA, an agency submitted matters that they knew were not rules. Some of my Republican colleagues are now arguing that the Parliamentarian should have no role to limit this partisan gamesmanship, and the Senate should throw out the rulebook and overturn the Parliamentarian,” continued Senator Padilla. “If the Trump EPA and Senate Republicans are successful at this ploy, the Senate will have no choice but to accept this as status quo in the future. This would grant agencies unchecked control over the Senate floor — an unprecedented encroachment by the executive branch into the Senate’s internal operations.”

Padilla laid out a list of potential actions that the Trump Administration could take to abuse the CRA, including revoking the broadcast licenses or other approvals for media outlets when they disagree with their news coverage; rescinding Food and Drug Administration approvals of vaccines, birth control, or mifepristone; or targeting the organizations of President Trump’s political opponents for retribution.

“None of these actions are rules, which is why they’ve never been submitted to Congress as rules. But if my Republican colleagues open this door and overturn the Parliamentarian’s wise safeguards on this type of abuse, there would be no practical limit, and the Senate could be forced to vote repeatedly on such matters that are clearly not ‘rules’ notwithstanding the plain language of the CRA,” added Senator Padilla.

By taking the nuclear option to overrule the Senate Parliamentarian, Padilla noted that a future Democratic Administration could target approvals for fossil fuel project leases, loan agreements, or permitting as well as for liquified natural gas (LNG) export terminals. They could also use the CRA to try to reverse the Trump Administration’s actions on matters including immigration, foreign policy, and staffing cuts.

“Since this cynical attempt to weaponize the CRA was triggered by the administration’s political leadership at the EPA, at the urging of their Big Oil allies, I must object to proceeding to any nominations for the EPA pending on the Senate’s executive calendar,” concluded Senator Padilla. “I will continue to object until the agency withdraws its false submissions to Congress or the Majority Leader commits not to overturn the Parliamentarian’s determination on this matter.”

A Senate hold blocks unanimous consent to speed up consideration of a nomination and forces the body to spend time debating and voting on the nominee. The EPA nominees currently pending on the Senate floor include Deputy Administrator nominee David Fotouhi, Chief Financial Officer nominee Catherine Hanson, and Assistant Administrator nominees Jessica Kramer and Aaron Szabo.

Senator Padilla has been outspoken in pushing back against Republican attacks on California’s Clean Air Act waivers. Earlier this month, Senators Padilla, Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, took to the Senate floor to sound the alarm on Senate Republicans’ consideration of moving forward with their plan to revoke California’s Clean Air Act waivers. Padilla, Whitehouse, and U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) also led Democratic Ranking Members in strongly warning Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Majority Whip John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) of the dangerous and irreparable consequences if Senate Republicans overrule the Senate Parliamentarian’s decision on California’s waivers.

Last month, Senators Padilla, Whitehouse, and Schiff welcomed the Senate Parliamentarian’s decision that the waivers are not subject to the CRA. Padilla also joined Whitehouse and Schiff in blasting Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin’s weaponization of the EPA after the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) similar finding. Padilla and Schiff previously slammed the Trump Administration’s intent to roll back dozens of the EPA’s regulations that protect California’s air and water.

Full text of Padilla’s hold statement is available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: Optimum selects the Digital Vending Machine® from Bango to bring new subscription bundles to customers

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bango (AIM: BGO), the leader in subscription bundling, today announces a new licensing agreement with Optimum, a leading U.S. telecommunications provider, operated by Altice USA. Through this collaboration, Optimum customers can access compelling subscription bundles, powered by the Digital Vending Machine® (DVM™) from Bango. Optimum is a significant brand in the U.S. telecommunications market, providing fiber internet, mobile, TV, and phone services to approximately 4.5 million customers in 21 states across the country.

Eligible Optimum TV and Internet customers can now enjoy a promotional offer of six complimentary months of access to two popular SVOD services, directly through Optimum, offering a new way to manage their subscriptions through their Optimum bill. The offer is the first of many that the company plans to bring to customers, with more streaming partners and consumer subscription services to be made available through Optimum’s partnership with Bango.

This launch marks the beginning of Optimum’s use of the Bango DVM™, which is already transforming how companies across telecommunications, retailing, and banking deliver digital services. With a single integration, partners gain access to a growing portfolio of premium subscription providers, enabling them to quickly and easily create and customize compelling bundles that resonate with their customers.

“We’re delighted to partner with Optimum to bring these exciting offers to life,” said Anil Malhotra, CMO at Bango. “The DVM™ empowers Bango partners to innovate through subscription bundling and to scale quickly, delivering high-impact offers that increase customer satisfaction and business growth.”

About Bango

Bango enables content providers to reach more paying customers through global partnerships. Bango revolutionized the monetization of digital content and services, by opening-up online payments to mobile phone users worldwide. Today, the Digital Vending Machine® is driving the rapid growth of the subscriptions economy, powering choice and control for subscribers.

The world’s largest content providers, including Amazon, Google and Microsoft trust Bango technology to reach subscribers everywhere.

Bango, where people subscribe. For more information, visit www.bango.com

About Optimum

Optimum is a brand of Altice USA, one of the largest broadband communications and video services providers in the United States, delivering broadband, video, mobile, proprietary content and advertising services to approximately 4.5 million residential and business customers across 21 states. The company operates Optimum Media, an advanced advertising and data business, which provides audience-based, multiscreen advertising solutions to local, regional and national businesses and advertising clients. Altice USA also offers hyper-local news through its News 12 Networks.

Media contact:

Anil Malhotra, CMO, Bango
anil@bango.com
Tel: +44 7710 480 377

The MIL Network –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: Thomas Financial Group Closes Over $34 Million in Bridge Loans for USDA Takeout in Under 40 Days
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ATLANTA, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a powerful demonstration of speed and strategic execution, Thomas Financial Group (TFG), a wholly owned subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc., in partnership with Siguler Guff, Phoenix Lender Services (PHX), and Community Bank & Trust, successfully originated, underwrote, and closed three hospitality bridge loans totaling over $34 million in less than 40 days. All loans are structured for USDA Business & Industry (B&I) program takeout, reinforcing the firm’s capacity to deliver complex, time-sensitive financing solutions.
- $11.335MM Bridge Loan (USDA B&I Takeout Pending)
- $12.19MM Bridge Loan (USDA B&I Takeout Pending)
- $10.545MM Bridge Loan (USDA B&I Takeout Pending)
While USDA lending is traditionally known for its thorough but lengthy approval process, TFG is redefining what’s possible. Through creative structuring and seamless collaboration across its lending ecosystem, TFG and its partners provide rapid bridge loan execution to fill the timing gap – giving borrowers immediate access to capital while finalizing their long-term USDA financing. The recently closed projects will create and retain nearly 50 jobs across key rural markets.

“These transactions prove that USDA lending doesn’t have to be slow or complicated,” said Zach Chandler, SVP, Government Guaranteed Lending of Thomas Financial Group. “When you work with TFG, PHX, and Community Bank & Trust, you’re getting a team that understands how to move at the speed of business – without compromising the long-term benefits of USDA-backed financing.”

TFG’s USDA bridge-to-permanent platform is available in all 50 states and every U.S. territory, providing borrowers in rural communities with access to flexible financing structures tailored to their timing and growth needs. In a market climate defined by rate uncertainty and capital constraints, borrowers value the security of a 30-year fully amortizing loan with no balloons or call provisions – exactly what USDA lending can provide.

“Peace of mind in today’s economy is priceless,” added Chandler. “Our ability to deliver both speed and long-term stability makes us a trusted partner for developers, business owners, and project sponsors across the country.”

If you’re seeking fast, creative financing for your rural project – with the peace of mind that comes from a long-term USDA solution – now is the time to act.

Contact TFG today to explore our USDA bridge-to-permanent platform and discover what’s possible when you partner with a team built for execution.

TFG Contact
Email: Zach@thomasfinancialgroup.com
Phone: (770) 655-1569

About Thomas Financial Group

Thomas Financial Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc., is a nationally recognized leader in USDA and SBA lending. In partnership with Phoenix Lender Services and Community Bank & Trust, TFG specializes in complex capital solutions that support rural economic development, small business growth, and infrastructure expansion.

About Community Bankshares Inc.

Community Bankshares Inc. is a privately held financial holding company headquartered in LaGrange, Georgia, with subsidiaries including Community Bank & Trust, Thomas Financial Group, and Phoenix Lender Services. Through its network of specialized financial institutions, Community Bankshares Inc. delivers innovative, relationship-driven banking and lending services across the United States, with a strong emphasis on rural development, government-guaranteed lending, and community reinvestment.

About Community Bank & Trust

Community Bank & Trust is a full-service commercial bank and a subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc. Based in LaGrange, Georgia, CB&T is an SBA Preferred Lender with a growing national footprint in USDA and small business lending. Known for its personalized service and deep lending expertise, CB&T partners with businesses and communities to deliver flexible, dependable financing solutions that support long-term growth across rural and underserved markets.

About Phoenix Lender Services

Phoenix Lender Services is the operational engine behind the USDA and SBA lending platform and wholly owned subsidiary of Community Bankshares Inc. Specializing in origination, underwriting, processing, closing, and servicing, Phoenix provides seamless back-end support and strategic oversight for government-guaranteed loans. With a team of seasoned professionals and a nationwide reach, Phoenix empowers lenders and borrowers with the tools and expertise needed to deliver consistent, compliant, and efficient results.

Media Contact
Abigail Davison
Uproar by Moburst for Community Bankshares, Inc.
abigail.davison@moburst.com

The MIL Network –
May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI: Simpliigence Expands Its Footprint with a New Office Opening in Indiranagar, Bangalore

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BANGALORE, India, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Simpliigence, a leading Salesforce consulting firm focused on digital transformations, is proud to announce the opening of its new office in the vibrant business district of Indiranagar, Bangalore (often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India). This marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey, strengthening its commitment to delivering world-class digital solutions globally.

With a strong presence already established in New York and Bangalore, Simpliigence is experiencing rapid growth, driven by its success in helping clients streamline sales, service, and operations, enhance customer experiences, and maximize their Salesforce investment. The new office further solidifies the company’s expansion plans and reinforces its dedication to supporting businesses of all sizes & industries in adopting innovative technology solutions that drive measurable results.

The Bangalore office will serve as a hub for Simpliigence’s growing team of certified Salesforce experts, providing a collaborative space designed for innovation, strategy development, and ensuring client success. It will support Simpliigence’s mission of delivering personalized, flexible, and fast Salesforce implementations, while fostering an employee-first culture that values innovation, creativity, and excellence.

“We are excited to open our new office in one of Bangalore’s most dynamic districts,” said Raghu Seetharam, CEO at Simpliigence. “Bangalore is truly the heartbeat of IT ecosystem and this expansion not only highlights our commitment to providing tailored Salesforce solutions to businesses but also positions us for continued growth as we partner with more businesses looking to unlock the full potential of Salesforce.”

The expansion into Indiranagar enhances Simpliigence’s capacity to serve clients across various industries, offering a comprehensive suite of services including Salesforce advisory, integration, concierge support, custom development, strategic positioning, and capacity building. This move aligns with Simpliigence’s vision to transform the way businesses manage their customer relationships and business operations using Salesforce ecosystem and other CRMs.

Simpliigence’s Bangalore office is now open and ready to support businesses looking to optimize their Salesforce capabilities.

About Simpliigence:
Founded in 2020, Simpliigence is a Salesforce consulting firm focused on helping businesses implement, optimize, and manage the Salesforce platform. With a team of certified Salesforce professionals based in the USA, Canada, and India, Simpliigence specializes in delivering flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that empower 150+ businesses to leverage the full potential of Salesforce.

Media Contact:
Subhasmita
Marketing Lead
subhasmita@simpliigence.com
https://simpliigence.com/

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5ad3ad5d-ef4e-45c2-bee6-55cca1584e5b

The MIL Network –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Do photons wear out? An astrophysicist explains light’s ability to travel vast cosmic distances without losing energy

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jarred Roberts, Project Scientist, University of California, San Diego

Light, whether from a star or your flashlight, travels at 186,000 miles per second. Artur Debat/Moment via Getty Images

My telescope, set up for astrophotography in my light-polluted San Diego backyard, was pointed at a galaxy unfathomably far from Earth. My wife, Cristina, walked up just as the first space photo streamed to my tablet. It sparkled on the screen in front of us.

“That’s the Pinwheel galaxy,” I said. The name is derived from its shape – albeit this pinwheel contains about a trillion stars.

The light from the Pinwheel traveled for 25 million years across the universe – about 150 quintillion miles – to get to my telescope.

My wife wondered: “Doesn’t light get tired during such a long journey?”

Her curiosity triggered a thought-provoking conversation about light. Ultimately, why doesn’t light wear out and lose energy over time?

Let’s talk about light

I am an astrophysicist, and one of the first things I learned in my studies is how light often behaves in ways that defy our intuitions.

The author’s photo of the Pinwheel galaxy.
Jarred Roberts

Light is electromagnetic radiation: basically, an electric wave and a magnetic wave coupled together and traveling through space-time. It has no mass. That point is critical because the mass of an object, whether a speck of dust or a spaceship, limits the top speed it can travel through space.

But because light is massless, it’s able to reach the maximum speed limit in a vacuum – about 186,000 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second, or almost 6 trillion miles per year (9.6 trillion kilometers). Nothing traveling through space is faster. To put that into perspective: In the time it takes you to blink your eyes, a particle of light travels around the circumference of the Earth more than twice.

As incredibly fast as that is, space is incredibly spread out. Light from the Sun, which is 93 million miles (about 150 million kilometers) from Earth, takes just over eight minutes to reach us. In other words, the sunlight you see is eight minutes old.

Alpha Centauri, the nearest star to us after the Sun, is 26 trillion miles away (about 41 trillion kilometers). So by the time you see it in the night sky, its light is just over four years old. Or, as astronomers say, it’s four light years away.

Imagine – a trip around the world at the speed of light.

With those enormous distances in mind, consider Cristina’s question: How can light travel across the universe and not slowly lose energy?

Actually, some light does lose energy. This happens when it bounces off something, such as interstellar dust, and is scattered about.

But most light just goes and goes, without colliding with anything. This is almost always the case because space is mostly empty – nothingness. So there’s nothing in the way.

When light travels unimpeded, it loses no energy. It can maintain that 186,000-mile-per-second speed forever.

It’s about time

Here’s another concept: Picture yourself as an astronaut on board the International Space Station. You’re orbiting at 17,000 miles (about 27,000 kilometers) per hour. Compared with someone on Earth, your wristwatch will tick 0.01 seconds slower over one year.

That’s an example of time dilation – time moving at different speeds under different conditions. If you’re moving really fast, or close to a large gravitational field, your clock will tick more slowly than someone moving slower than you, or who is further from a large gravitational field. To say it succinctly, time is relative.

Even astronauts aboard the International Space Station experience time dilation, although the effect is extremely small.
NASA

Now consider that light is inextricably connected to time.
Picture sitting on a photon, a fundamental particle of light; here, you’d experience maximum time dilation. Everyone on Earth would clock you at the speed of light, but from your reference frame, time would completely stop.

That’s because the “clocks” measuring time are in two different places going vastly different speeds: the photon moving at the speed of light, and the comparatively slowpoke speed of Earth going around the Sun.

What’s more, when you’re traveling at or close to the speed of light, the distance between where you are and where you’re going gets shorter. That is, space itself becomes more compact in the direction of motion – so the faster you can go, the shorter your journey has to be. In other words, for the photon, space gets squished.

Which brings us back to my picture of the Pinwheel galaxy. From the photon’s perspective, a star within the galaxy emitted it, and then a single pixel in my backyard camera absorbed it, at exactly the same time. Because space is squished, to the photon the journey was infinitely fast and infinitely short, a tiny fraction of a second.

But from our perspective on Earth, the photon left the galaxy 25 million years ago and traveled 25 million light years across space until it landed on my tablet in my backyard.

And there, on a cool spring night, its stunning image inspired a delightful conversation between a nerdy scientist and his curious wife.

Jarred Roberts receives funding from NASA.

– ref. Do photons wear out? An astrophysicist explains light’s ability to travel vast cosmic distances without losing energy – https://theconversation.com/do-photons-wear-out-an-astrophysicist-explains-lights-ability-to-travel-vast-cosmic-distances-without-losing-energy-252880

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Senator Mullin Slams Democrats for Ignoring Biden’s Health Decline, Highlights President Trump Restoring Peace Through Strength on Fox News

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

ICYMI: Senator Mullin Slams Democrats for Ignoring Biden’s Health Decline, Highlights President Trump Restoring Peace Through Strength on Fox News

Washington, D.C. – On Monday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) joined Fox News’ “The Will Cain Show” at the Pentagonto discuss the cover up of President Biden’s health decline amid his recent announcement as well as President Trump’s call with President Putin. Highlights below.

Sen. Mullin’s full interview can be found here.
On the release of former President Biden’s troubling interview with Special Counsel Robert Hur:
“Well, you got to remember, he actually put it in his report. I mean, he actually said he feels like the jury would find him incompetent, essentially, by saying they would see this guy has a failing memory and would take pity on him, which is why they chose not to bring the charges to him.”
On the cover up of former President Biden’s health decline:
“It’s interesting, though, the timing of them releasing the cancer, right? I said this while we were talking… a while ago, but it seems like since the Hur tapes were released, they were like, ‘Hey, wait. May be a good time to distract the American people and talk about his cancer,’ because we know that cancer has been there for a while. And then when you start talking about the tapes themselves, I think as a special counsel, he went as far as he could, but then you had the left media that was completely covered up.”
“You start looking at even Jake Tapper, who has now wrote a book on this, he wrote a book pretty quick. So that means that they knew this was being covered up for quite some time, and now they’re starting to say that he didn’t even meet with his Cabinet members for the last two years, when he was in office, like a full Cabinet meeting because his staff was protecting the President. It brings the question, who actually was running the country?”
On questions surrounding former President Biden’s time in office:
“Remember how big of a story it was when Secretary Austin went in for surgery, and even the left was making a big deal that he… didn’t let Congress know, didn’t let the White House know? And that was a three-day period. You have years. We know at least two years, because they’ve admitted themselves that he didn’t meet with the cabinet for two years, that his team was keeping him protected.”
“So, we know, for at least two years, the duly elected President of the United States, which would have been Biden, I guess if that’s what you’re going to say, because he did get somewhat elected, you say who was the bureaucrat? Who was the unelected official that was running it? That is a major cover up and a major concern, because who was taking the daily briefings? Who was in there that was actually receiving the briefings at the time, that was making the critical decisions that you and I both know have to be made on a daily, not if an hourly basis? And you’ve got an incoherent, essentially, incoherent President running the United States.”
On President Trump’s call with President Putin:
“When you have leadership in the White House, and it’s led through peace through strength, not peace through appeasement, which is what you had the last four years of the Biden administration, you have a world that will respond. And it’s taking time to reshape.”
“Zelensky and Putin wanted Trump in the middle of this, not just because he’s the deal maker, which he is. I mean, he is the deal maker, he literally wrote the book on it. But because of his leadership, because they know that you can stand by his word, what he says will actually happen.”
“And who’s leading this? It’s President Trump. He said in the campaign, he wanted to end the bloodshed, and he’s the only president that could do it. Let’s not forget, though, it would have never happened if he would have won office in 2020.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Land, Sea and Air – NMRTC Bremerton Sailors Join JBLM TCCC

Source: United States Navy

BREMERTON , Wash. – Land, sea and air assets of the U.S. military assigned in the Pacific Northwest came together to hone life-saving techniques and strategies during a joint scenario-based field Tactical Combat Casualty Care exercise, May 15, 2024.

MIL Security OSI –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NRL Hosts Innovation Day for Industry

Source: United States Navy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) hosted Innovation Day for Industry, May 7, at NRL-DC headquarters to inform industry and to assess interest in a focused set of six emerging technologies that are ready for collaboration with industry partners.

MIL Security OSI –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: FY 2024 U.S. Pacific Fleet Sailors of the Year

Source: United States Navy

HONOLULU – Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (PACFLT), announced the FY 2024 Sailors of the Year (SOY) during a ceremony held, May 14, at the Ala Moana Hotel in Honolulu. Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Andrew Velikic was selected as the Sea Sailor of the Year, and Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class Joseph Hopkins was selected as the Shore Sailor of the Year.

MIL Security OSI –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Statement by ICE Acting Director Todd M. Lyons on Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s anti-ICE comments

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

May 20, 2025Washington, DC, United StatesStatement

“On the final day of National Police Week — when those brave enough to put on a badge and a uniform mourn their fallen brothers and sisters — Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz referred to my professional, hard-working ICE agents and officers as ‘modern-day Gestapo.’ This abhorrent, dehumanizing and ignorant comment should not be tolerated.

It seems that Mr. Walz prefers violent criminal aliens are released into Minnesota’s communities. If the governor doesn’t like the laws, he’s free to advocate that Congress change them, but he should refrain from putting ICE officers in danger by likening them to one of the most appalling groups in history. Assaults against ICE officers are up over 400% from this time period last year, and part of that is because politicians like Gov. Walz are careless with their politically motivated rhetoric. He should issue an immediate apology to the men and women protecting his communities.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Liang Zhang Appointed as New Electrical and Computer Engineering Head

Source: US State of Connecticut

Dean JC Zhao of the UConn College of Engineering is pleased to appoint Professor Liang Zhang as the new head of the electrical and computer engineering (ECE) department. Zhang’s appointment will start in August 2025.

“I am honored to lead the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UConn, where our commitment to innovation and education continues to drive impactful research and student success,” Zhang said. “Together with the talented faculty and staff of the ECE department, we will advance the field of electrical and computer engineering to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

Liang Zhang (Christopher LaRosa/UConn photo).

Zhang joined UConn Engineering in 2013 as an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Since then, he has held various positions within the department, including the director of undergraduate studies, Pratt & Whitney Associate Professor in Advanced Systems Engineering, and director of the Department of Energy Southern New England Industrial Training and Assessment Center. He also holds an affiliated position with the management and engineering for manufacturing program.

“Dr. Zhang exemplifies the strengths we value at the UConn College of Engineering—rigorous research, deep commitment to student success, and impactful engagement with industry,” said Dean JC Zhao. “His leadership will play a vital role in advancing the department’s strategic goals and driving innovation that benefits both Connecticut and the broader engineering community.”

Zhang’s research focuses on smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0, with an emphasis on energy-efficient operations, human-robot collaboration, industrial data analytics, and the resilience of cyber-physical systems.

Before arriving at UConn, he was an assistant professor of industrial and manufacturing engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee from 2009 through 2013.

Zhang earned his Ph.D. in electrical engineering systems from the University of Michigan in 2009. Previously, he earned a master’s in control theory and engineering and a bachelor’s in automation from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China in 2004 and 2002, respectively.

Zhang will take the reins from John Chandy, the outgoing department head who has served since 2018.

“Dr. Zhang has been an integral part of our department’s success, leading impactful research, mentoring students, and building strong industry partnerships,” says Chandy. “His vision, dedication, and collaborative spirit make him the ideal leader to guide ECE into its next chapter.”

According to Chandy, the department is in good hands.

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank Professor John Chandy for his leadership and service as head of the ECE Department here at UConn,” says Zhao. “John devoted his time and energy for the betterment of the department and is highly respected by his colleagues at peers.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Dramatic Decline in Overdose Deaths

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul today announced preliminary figures from the Centers for Disease Control verifying her fight to reduce drug overdose deaths in New York State. Findings reveal a 32 percent drop in drug related deaths in 2024, compared to those in 2023. New York State’s historic investments have been important in contributing to addressing the opioid and overdose epidemic and bringing new services to all areas of the state. The Governor continues her pledge to reach high-need and underserved individuals and populations.

“These numbers are further validation of our commitment to investing in real solutions which address the negative impacts of the opioid epidemic,” Governor Hochul said. “We continue to expand and enhance services across the state, ensuring New Yorkers in need can access these lifesaving resources.”

New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “These numbers show that our hard work, and innovative approaches to establishing services are making a difference across the state. New York has one of the strongest systems of addiction care in the nation, and we look forward to seeing further reductions in overdose deaths as we continue to strengthen our continuum of prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery services.”

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, “The data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are encouraging. It’s a testament to the countless communities, organizations and programs that are focused on reducing drug overdoses and the harmful impacts of substance use disorder. While this is good news and shows we are moving in the right direction, there’s still more work to do to prevent overdose deaths. It’s vital we continue to identify communities that are not experiencing these declines equally. There’s still much to do and we remain committed to our central goal of preventing all drug overdoses in New York State and achieving an overdose free generation.”

An estimated 4,567 New Yorkers died of a drug overdose in 2024, compared to 6,688 in 2023. Approximately 77 percent of these deaths involved an opioid, such as heroin or fentanyl. More information about these figures can be found on the NYS Overdose Death Dashboard.

New York State has instituted a series of innovative new programs that have helped contribute to this drop in overdose deaths. This includes making nearly $400 million in Opioid Settlement Funds available, which is the most of any state in the country. This funding is supporting various initiatives including efforts to increase medication for addiction, linking high-need individuals to services through outreach and referral programs as well as transportation services, funding recovery centers to provide recovery support services, supporting initiatives to recruit and train the addiction workforce, and public awareness activities to inform people on the risks of substance use and where they can find help.

In addition, OASAS established a new online ordering portal that allows any state resident to order fentanyl and xylazine test strips and naloxone for free. To date, more than 13.2 million fentanyl test strips, 10 million xylazine test strips, and 296,000 naloxone kits have been ordered through this portal. The State Department of Health has distributed more than 537,600 naloxone kits from January 2024 to April 2025.

The New York State Department of Health has over 1,300 opioid overdose registered programs with over 5,000 sites across New York State who provide opioid overdose prevention trainings and naloxone at no cost to the participant. Further, the State has increased funding to amplify the range of services provided by community-based drug user health hubs. These act as a safety net for the most vulnerable New Yorkers and offer services including information on opioid overdose prevention, hepatitis C treatment, access to harm reduction services, and more rapid access to buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder. The Department of Health’s opioid data dashboards also provide opioid-related data to support statewide prevention efforts.

The State has also funded Mobile Medication Units (MMUs) which provide medication for addiction treatment and other services and resources, bringing these services directly to underserved communities and addressing barriers that keep some people from seeking treatment. Funding has been provided to establish 11 of these units across the State, and the FY26 Enacted Budget includes additional funding to further increase the number of MMUs.

New York’s MATTERS referral network has contributed to the increase in linkage to care and access to treatments like buprenorphine. MATTERS is a statewide rapid referral network to outpatient services for individuals with opioid use disorder in emergency departments, obstetrician and gynecologist offices, correctional facilities, inpatient units, pre-hospital settings, community-based clinics and peer navigation services.

New Yorkers struggling with an addiction, or whose loved ones are struggling, can find help and hope by calling the state’s toll-free, 24-hour, 7-day-a-week HOPEline at 1-877-8-HOPENY (1-877-846-7369) or by texting HOPENY (Short Code 467369).

Available addiction treatment including crisis/detox, inpatient, residential or outpatient care can be found on the NYS OASAS website.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Nonprofit news media leaders are struggling to stop leaning on the foundations that say they should branch out more

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Katherine Fink, Associate Professor of Media, Communications, and Visual Arts, Pace University

If the basket falls, at least there are some other eggs on hand that might not break. Iryna Veklich/Moment via Getty Images

You’ve probably heard the adage about not putting all your eggs in one basket.

It’s an especially meaningful one for newspapers. For decades, they relied heavily on advertising revenue. That arrangement stopped working about 20 years ago, as audiences moved online and advertisers followed. News media outlets moved online as well, but they found themselves in a losing battle for advertising dollars against new digital competitors such as Craigslist, Facebook and Google. One-third of U.S. newspapers have closed in the past two decades, most of them local.

As their income from ads and subscriptions has dwindled, some news organizations that used to rely mainly on ad revenue, such as The Salt Lake Tribune and Philadelphia Inquirer, have become nonprofits – opening the door to other sources of revenue. And interest in launching news organizations as nonprofits has been growing. Meanwhile, some for-profit media outlets have begun to obtain some philanthropic support and ask for donations from readers and subscribers.

I’m a journalism studies researcher and a former journalist myself. To better understand how news leaders were thinking about their future in this ever-evolving landscape, I researched the fundraising approaches of local nonprofit news outlets across the U.S.

I interviewed 23 local news leaders about their fundraising strategies and their views on the best way to balance their sources of funding in the long term. What I found is that nonprofit news media outlets are finding it necessary to pursue multiple streams of revenue, including from foundations, in the search for sustainable business models. But the ideal revenue mix may look different for each organization.

Foundations are footing half the bill

Foundations, especially the Knight Foundation, have become major supporters of nonprofit news media in recent years. According to the Institute for Nonprofit News, foundations provided about half of all revenue for nonprofit news media in 2023. Another 29% came from individual donations. And 17% came from ads and other sources of earned, rather than donated, revenue.

Money raised through grants from foundations can arrive in larger amounts and be more predictable than advertising revenue. But it often comes with strings attached. For example, in exchange for a grant, a media outlet might be pressured to adjust its editorial priorities or adopt specific technologies.

The nonprofit news leaders I interviewed also said foundations tend to be more interested in starting new organizations than sustaining media outlets that are already up and running.

Some foundations are now making that point clearer than ever by telling the nonprofit news organizations they have supported not to depend too much on them anymore. The Knight Foundation and other funders have informed potential applicants they must demonstrate they are pursuing revenue diversity as a condition for getting a grant.

In other words, nonprofit media shouldn’t put all of their eggs in the foundation basket, either.

Branching out

The local news leaders I interviewed said they didn’t necessarily see having a variety of revenue sources as a path to sustainability. And adding new revenue streams comes with costs, such as hiring membership directors or advertising salespeople. Local news leaders said it’s hard to know whether making those investments will pay off.

Still, under pressure to rely less on foundations and more on other types of revenue, they’ve been branching out in recent years. According to the Institute for Nonprofit News, foundations provided 57% of nonprofit news revenue in 2018; in 2024, that share had declined to 51%.

But it’s not clear how much more revenue could come from other sources. Donations from readers tend to be provided in small amounts, so news organizations need a lot of them. And individuals donate to news organizations for a variety of reasons, so news organizations need to hire fundraisers who can craft a variety of messages. Getting large numbers of readers to donate is hard, however, because audiences for local news tend to be small.

Nonprofit news organizations can also accept advertising. However, advertising is a taxable form of revenue, unlike donations. The IRS has also warned organizations that they can lose their tax-exempt status if they accept too much income that is “unrelated” to their nonprofit missions, including advertising.

Pooling donor funds

Ultimately, the nonprofit news leaders I interviewed say every type of revenue has its drawbacks. And the more complicated their revenue mix becomes, the more complicated their approach to fundraising has to be.

Local news organizations already operating on shoestring budgets don’t have the capacity to complicate their fundraising, even though they say they agree with the general principle of revenue diversity.

The nonprofit news leaders did have encouraging things to say about a newer fundraising trend: pooled donor funds. With pooled donor funds, multiple donors contribute to a single charity that serves as an intermediary that disburses that donated money to a particular kind of nonprofit.

For the media, examples include the Institute for Nonprofit News’ NewsMatch and Press Forward, a coalition of 20 foundations.

Pooled donor funds can be considered a form of revenue diversity, since they combine contributions from multiple sources and are used to persuade individual readers to “match” donations from the pooled funds with their own contributions. That can potentially insulate news organizations from major changes as grants from individual foundations come and go.

Researching the role of ‘earned revenue’

I plan to publish the results of another study soon. It’s about the role that “earned revenue,” meaning advertising, sponsorships and other entrepreneurial sources of money, is playing in the funding of nonprofit news media.

The Institute for Nonprofit News has called it “perhaps the most underutilized revenue stream for nonprofit news.”

But the nonprofit news leaders I interviewed had mixed feelings about earned revenue. In part, that was because of ambiguous guidance about how much of it news organizations may accept without jeopardizing their tax-exempt status.

Given President Donald Trump’s recent threats against other nonprofits, including universities and hospitals, news organizations may be even more reluctant to test those limits.

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

– ref. Nonprofit news media leaders are struggling to stop leaning on the foundations that say they should branch out more – https://theconversation.com/nonprofit-news-media-leaders-are-struggling-to-stop-leaning-on-the-foundations-that-say-they-should-branch-out-more-255821

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The one-size-fits-all diversity training model is broken – here’s a better alternative

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Radostina Purvanova, Professor of Management and Organizational Leadership, Drake University

Diversity training is more effective when it’s personalized, according to my new research in the peer-reviewed journal Applied Psychology.

As a professor of management, I partnered with Andrew Bryant, who studies social marketing, to develop an algorithm that identifies people’s “personas,” or psychological profiles, as they participate in diversity training in real time. We embedded this algorithm into a training system that dynamically assigned participants to tailored versions of the training based on their personas.

We found that this personalized approach worked especially well for one particular group: the “skeptics.” When skeptics received training tailored to them, they responded more positively – and expressed a stronger desire to support their organizations’ diversity efforts – than those who received the same training as everyone else.

In the age of social media, where just about everything is customized and personalized, this sounds like a no-brainer. But with diversity training, where the one-size-fits-all approach still rules, this is radical. In most diversity trainings, all participants hear the same message, regardless of their preexisting beliefs and attitudes toward diversity. Why would we assume that this would work?

Thankfully, the field is realizing the importance of a learner-centric approach. Researchers have theorized that several diversity trainee personas exist. These include the resistant trainee, who feels defensive; the overzealous trainee, who is hyper-engaged; and the anxious trainee, who is uncomfortable with diversity topics. Our algorithm, based on real-world data, identified two personas with empirical backing: skeptics and believers. This is proof of concept that trainee personas aren’t just theoretical – they’re real, and we can detect them in real time.

But identifying personas is just the beginning. What comes next is tailoring the message. To learn more about tailoring, we looked to the theory of jujitsu persuasion. In jujitsu, fighters don’t strike. They use their opponent’s energy to win. Similarly, in jujitsu persuasion, you yield to the audience, not challenge it. You use the audience’s beliefs, knowledge and values as leverage to make change.

In terms of diversity training, this doesn’t mean changing what the message is. It means changing how the message is framed. For example, the skeptics in our study still learned about the devastating harms of workplace bias. But they were more persuaded when the message was framed as a “business case” for diversity, rather than a “moral justice” message. The “business case” message is tailored to skeptics’ practical orientation. If diversity training researchers and practitioners embrace tailoring diversity training to different trainee personas, more creative approaches to tailoring will surely be designed.

Why it matters

The Trump administration is leading a backlash against diversity initiatives, and a backlash to that backlash is emerging. This isn’t entirely new: Diversity has long been a contentious issue.

Organizations like the Pew Research Center, the United Nations and others have consistently reported a conservative-liberal split, as well as a male-female split, around diversity. Diversity training has done little to bridge these gaps.

For one, diversity training is often ineffective at reducing bias and improving diversity metrics in organizations. Many organizations treat diversity training efforts as a box-checking exercise. Worse, it’s not unusual for such efforts to backfire.

Our research offers a solution: Identify the trainee personas represented in your audience and customize your training accordingly. This is what social media platforms like Facebook do: They learn about people in real time and then tailor the content they see.

To illustrate the importance of tailoring diversity training specifically, consider how differently skeptics and believers think. One skeptic in our study – which focused on gender diversity training – said: “The issue isn’t as great as feminists try to force us to believe. Women simply focus on other things in life; men focus on career first.” In contrast, a believer said: “In my own organization, all CEOs and managers are men. Women are not respected or promoted very often, if at all.”

Clearly, trainees are different. Tailoring the training to different personas, jujitsu style, may be how we change hearts and minds.

What still isn’t known

Algorithms are only as good as the data they rely on. Our algorithm identified personas based on information the trainees reported about themselves. More objective data, such as data culled from human resources systems, may identify personas more reliably.

Algorithms also improve as they learn over time. As artificial intelligence tools become more widely used in HR, persona-identifying algorithms will get smarter and faster. The training itself needs to get smarter. A one-time training session, even a tailored one, stands less of a chance at long-term change compared with periodic nudges. Nudges are bite-sized interventions that are unobtrusively delivered over time. Now, think about tailored nudges. They could be a game changer.

The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

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

– ref. The one-size-fits-all diversity training model is broken – here’s a better alternative – https://theconversation.com/the-one-size-fits-all-diversity-training-model-is-broken-heres-a-better-alternative-250495

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 21, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Celebrating 10 years of ‘invaluable’ foster carer peer support network in Leeds

Source: City of Leeds

A foster carer has praised the ‘invaluable’ help provided by a series of nurturing networks which have just celebrated 10 years of supporting families in Leeds.

The mockingbird hub model of fostering was first set up in Leeds in 2015 and involves linking foster families with an experienced foster carer – known as the ‘hub home carer’ – who provides much-needed guidance and support for both adults and children as they navigate their new lives together.

The model first originated in Seattle, USA and Leeds City Council was one of the early pioneers, now having the largest and most established network in the UK.

Michelle Raw, 53, of Whinmoor, has been a hub home carer for the past six years, having fostered children with husband Mark, 49, for 21 years.

She supports eight families – most of whom are ‘kinship carers,’ where relatives or close friends step in to care for children who are unable to remain living with their parents.

She said: “The mockingbird hub model is amazing – it acts just like an extended family.

“I help provide practical support as well as just having a cuppa and chat about the day with carers. Carers come to my house, we might do a bit of training, have a chat about life, they meet other carers and get to know each other and the children get to know each other and play together.

“It feels like we become part of their family and they become part of ours.”

As the hub home carer, Michelle provides support in a variety of ways – such as hosting coffee mornings, supporting with any appointments, holding activity days in school holidays and looking after children for overnight stays or weekends.

She added: “The hubs are vital for both carers and the children because everyone needs that connection and bit of help and time to recharge their batteries.

“It’s the most amazing model, it works really well.

“I work really closely with our supervising social worker from Foster 4 Leeds to support our families too. I speak to her three or four times a week and if I ever need help with anything, she’s there.”

Leeds currently has nine hubs across the city with a 10^th soon to launch.

All the families supported by the city’s hubs recently came together to celebrate the network’s landmark anniversary with a special event at Herd Farm Activity Centre, where they joined staff from the council’s fostering and kinship care teams and children enjoyed face-painting, a climbing wall, inflatables, ice creams, a barbecue and sporting fun.

The event also coincided with Foster Carer Fortnight (May 12-25) which this year has a theme of ‘The Power of Relationships’ – of which the mockingbird family model is a poignant example.

The model is one of many ways Foster 4 Leeds provides support to 400 fostering placements and 350 children living with kinship or connected carers across Leeds.

The service also offers high quality social work support, training and an extensive programme of enrichment activities and family fun days throughout the year.

As is the case nationally, however, Leeds has an ever-increasing need for more foster carers.

Currently, there are nearly 1,500 of the city’s children in care and Foster 4 Leeds continues to appeal for carers who can offer a stable, safe and loving home for children in Leeds.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, who attended the anniversary event at Herd Farm, said: “We’re absolutely committed to supporting all our carers and it’s great to see and hear how valuable these mockingbird hubs have been for our families over the past ten years.

“I’d like to thank all who have contributed to their success – with particular thanks, once again, to our amazing foster and kinship carers who play such a vital role in transforming the lives of our children looked after.

“Celebrating our mockingbird hubs during Foster Carer Fortnight and its theme of relationships feels particularly timely. Relationships are the golden thread that run through every fostering story – but we urgently need more foster carers who can invest in these relationships and offer a stable, home environment to allow children to grow and thrive.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about foster caring in Leeds can visit the https://foster4.leeds.gov.uk/ website.

ENDS

For media enquiries please contact:

Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

Tel: 0113 378 6007

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

May 21, 2025

Category: United States of America

Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories: Foreign Secretary statement, 20 May 2025

Updates to this page

SEC Mission

Digital Assets

SEC Commissioner Roles

SEC Staff Numbers

Reorganization

Technology Review and Optimizing Efficiency

SEC Regional Offices and Leasing

SEC Funding

Conclusion

Abandoning European allies

Community-driven moderation

Positive impact?

Challenges and limitations

Shifting responsibility

No real consequences

Padilla Places Holds on EPA Nominees Until Republicans Cease Efforts to Abuse the CRA to Revoke California’s Clean Air Act Waivers

Let’s talk about light

It’s about time

Foundations are footing half the bill

Branching out

Pooling donor funds

Researching the role of ‘earned revenue’

Why it matters

What still isn’t known