Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
Americans, and certainly Arkansans, are no strangers to adversity. In our most challenging times, folks across Arkansas have always been courageous, shown sincere determination and grit, and come together in order to emerge more united and stronger than we were before. Last week’s storms certainly brought adversity and uncertainty, and it was encouraging to see the state come together to provide relief and help to friends and neighbors.
There wasn’t a single corner of the Natural State that didn’t find itself on the receiving end of rainfall levels unlike anything we’ve seen before. Flooding created road closures and life-threatening situations for many areas across the state. Tornadoes wreaked havoc on homes and businesses, laying waste and devastating everything in its path, including 3 people who lost their lives and 32 more injured.
In these moments when Arkansans find themselves wondering how to move forward, the Arkansas National Guard steps up time and time again, fully embodying their motto of “Arkansas First.” Across the state, we witnessed these selfless men and women travel to the communities most heavily hit to administer aid like the 39th Brigade Support Battalion who traveled to Malvern to set up a potable water station to support the city and its surrounding areas until clean water could be restored. Other units were mobilized across the state to combat the issues brought by increased water levels and storm damage that would be the result of the severe weather passing through.
Everyone from local businesses and governments, fire departments, law enforcement, EMS, and even friends and neighbors, have been eager to serve their fellow Arkansans in the wake of the devastation brought by these spring storms. It’s been immensely encouraging to see everyone come to the aid of Arkansans in need, painting a true depiction of the values that make the Natural State truly such a great place to live: hospitality, generosity, and service. It’s times like these that I’m especially proud to be an Arkansan, and it is my sincere hope that everyone stays safe as we continue to restore the damage across our state.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04)
After the 119th Congress was sworn in on January 3, House Republicans hit the ground running to deliver on their promise to the American people to lower the cost of living, reduce frivolous government spending, secure our borders, and unleash energy dominance. Since then, every House committee has been working diligently to meet those demands and this week, we kicked off one of the most important steps in the reconciliation process with full committee markups.
Before any of this can happen, however, certain House committees are instructed to draft their recommendations to meet the instructions outlined by the budget resolution. Once each committee has passed their legislation package, they will then be submitted to and ultimately combined together by the Budget Committee to become “one big, beautiful bill” that will then make its way to the House Floor for a vote.
House Republicans have been working for months to finalize legislation that will reduce taxes and cut spending, and now we find ourselves in the first wave of reconciliation markups across several committees. As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee, it was exciting to participate in our full committee markup, where we were tasked with reducing the federal deficit by no less than $10 billion, and our reconciliation package certainly reached that goal.
In fulfilling our mandate to bolster President Trump’s border and national security agenda, the committee is providing historic funding to the U.S. Coast Guard to stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants from entering the country, bolstering the security of our communities and nation. In addition, the committee is providing funds to modernize our severely outdated air traffic control (ATC) technology, ushering our ATC systems into the modern era and strengthening the aviation community. We’re also putting our focus on cutting wasteful spending, rescinding funding for seven unnecessary Green New Deal style programs that were created in the Inflation Reduction Act. And lastly, the committee is ensuring that EVs no longer get a free ride and must begin contributing to the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) to support our nation’s highway system.
As House Republicans work together to restore fiscal sanity, protect our borders, and ensure American energy dominance, we will certainly continue in these efforts to close out the reconciliation process, deliver on the mandate from our constituents, and ultimately create a budget that puts Americans – and Arkansans – first.
Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Aleksi Ylönen, Professor, United States International University
More than three decades after unilaterally declaring independence from Somalia, Somaliland still seeks international recognition as a sovereign state. Despite a lack of formal acknowledgement, the breakaway state has built a relatively stable system of governance. This has drawn increasing interest from global powers, including the United States. As regional dynamics shift and great-power competition intensifies, Somaliland’s bid for recognition is gaining new currency. Aleksi Ylönen has studied politics in the Horn of Africa and Somaliland’s quest for recognition. He unpacks what’s at play.
What legal and historical arguments does Somaliland use?
The Somali National Movement is one of the main clan-based insurgent movements responsible for the collapse of the central government in Somalia. It claims the territory of the former British protectorate of Somaliland. The UK had granted Somaliland sovereign status on 26 June 1960.
The Somali government tried to stomp out calls for secession. It orchestrated the brutal killing of hundreds of thousands of people in northern Somalia between 1987 and 1989.
But the Somali National Movement declared unilateral independence on 18 May 1991 and separated from Somalia.
This subsided only after the politician Mohamed Egal consolidated power. He was elected president of Somaliland in May 1993.
Egal made deals with merchants and businessmen, giving them tax and commercial incentives to accept his patronage. As a result, he obtained the economic means to consolidate political power and to pursue peace and state-building. It’s something his successors have kept up with since his death in 2002.
What has Somaliland done to push for recognition?
Successive Somaliland governments continue to engage in informal diplomacy. They have aligned with the west, particularly the US, which was the dominant power after the cold war, and the former colonial master, the UK. Both countries host significant Somaliland diaspora communities.
The US and the UK have for decades flirted with the idea of recognising Somaliland, which they consider a strategic partner. However, they have been repeatedly thrown back by their respective Somalia policies. These have favoured empowering the widely supported Mogadishu government to reassert its authority and control over Somali territories.
This Somalia policy has been increasingly questioned in recent years, in part due to Mogadishu’s security challenges. In contrast, the Hargeisa government of Somaliland has largely shown it can provide security and stability. It has held elections and survived as a state for the last three decades, though it has faced political resistance and armed opposition.
The government has also engaged in informal foreign relations with the United Arab Emirates. The Middle Eastern monarchy serves as a business hub and a destination of livestock exports. Many Somalilanders migrate there.
Somaliland maintains representative offices in several countries. These include Canada, the US, Norway, Sweden, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Taiwan. Hargeisa has alienated China because it has collaborated with Taiwan since 2020. Taiwan is a self-ruled island claimed by China.
On 1 January 2024, Somaliland’s outgoing president Muse Bihi signed a memorandum of understanding with Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed for increased cooperation. Bihi implied that Ethiopia would be the first country to formally recognise Somaliland. The deal caused a sharp deterioration of relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu.
Abiy later moderated his position and, with Turkish mediation, reconciled with his Somalia counterpart, President Hassan Mohamud.
What’s behind US interest in Somaliland?
The US, like other great powers, has been interested in Somaliland because of its strategic location. It is on the African shores of the Gulf of Aden, across from the Arabian Peninsula. Its geographical position has gained currency recently as Yemeni Houthi rebels strike maritime traffic in the busy shipping lanes. Somaliland is also well located to curb piracy and smuggling on this global trade route.
In 2017, China, which had become the main foreign economic power in the Horn of Africa, set up a navy support facility in Djibouti. This encouraged closer collaboration between American and Somaliland authorities. The US played with the idea of establishing a base in Berbera, which hosts Somaliland’s largest port.
With Donald Trump winning the US presidential election in 2024, there were reports of an increased push for US recognition of Somaliland. This would allow the US to deepen its trade and security partnerships in the volatile Horn of Africa region.
Since March 2025, representatives of the Trump administration have engaged in talks with Somaliland officials to establish a US military base near Berbera. This would be in exchange for a formal but partial recognition of Somaliland.
What are the risks of US recognition of Somaliland?
Stronger US engagement with Somaliland risks neglecting Somalia.
US recognition would reward Hargeisa for its persistent effort to maintain stability and promote democracy. However, it could encourage other nations to recognise Somaliland. This would deliver a blow to Somali nationalists who want one state for all Somalis.
– Somaliland’s 30-year quest for recognition: could US interests make the difference? – https://theconversation.com/somalilands-30-year-quest-for-recognition-could-us-interests-make-the-difference-255399
Lima (Agenzia Fides) – “As a Church, we reaffirm our call to build a society in which life is respected and the dignity of every person is protected, and development is accompanied by justice, honesty, and charity,” said the Peruvian Bishops (CEP) in a joint statement condemning the murder of 13 workers kidnapped on April 25 in the town of Pataz, in the La Libertad region.”We feel deep pain and dismay at these criminal acts of organized crime, which are deeply damaging to human dignity and social peace,” emphasized Carlos García Camader, President of the Bishops’ Conference and Bishop of Lurín, in the statement.The victims are believed to have been murdered by criminal gangs linked to illegal mining.The bishops not only expressed their solidarity with the victims’ families and assured them of their prayers, but also strongly condemned the murders and called on the judicial authorities to speed up the investigations and ensure a fair trial.”Do not let yourselves be robbed of hope,” Bishop Camader appealed to Peruvians, quoting Pope Francis. He urged them not to give in to despair and emphasized that even in the midst of pain, it is possible to work for a more just and fraternal country. In recent months, the Peruvian government has extended the state of emergency in the capital, Lima, and the constitutional province of Callao for 30 days, starting on April 17, 2025. This is the first time since 2022. A total of 459 people were killed between January 1 and March 16, according to police, who registered 1,909 extortion charges in January aloneThe Bishops’ Conference reiterated its commitment to defending life and peace in the country. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 8/5/2025)
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Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Martin Bekker, Computational Social Scientist, University of the Witwatersrand
The problem is simple: it’s hard to know whether a photo’s real or not anymore. Photo manipulation tools are so good, so common and easy to use, that a picture’s truthfulness is no longer guaranteed.
The situation got trickier with the uptake of generative artificial intelligence. Anyone with an internet connection can cook up just about any image, plausible or fantasy, with photorealistic quality, and present it as real. This affects our ability to discern truth in a world increasingly influenced by images.
I teach and research the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), including how we use and understand digital images.
Many people ask how we can tell if an image has been changed, but that’s fast becoming too difficult. Instead, here I suggest a system where creators and users of images openly state what changes they’ve made. Any similar system will do, but new rules are needed if AI images are to be deployed ethically – at least among those who want to be trusted, especially media.
Doing nothing isn’t an option, because what we believe about media affects how much we trust each other and our institutions. There are several ways forward. Clear labelling of photos is one of them.
Deepfakes and fake news
Photo manipulation was once the preserve of government propaganda teams, and later, expert users of Photoshop, the popular software for editing, altering or creating digital images.
Today, digital photos are automatically subjected to colour-correcting filters on phones and cameras. Some social media tools automatically “prettify” users’ pictures of faces. Is a photo taken of oneself by oneself even real anymore?
The basis of shared social understanding and consensus – trust regarding what one sees – is being eroded. This is accompanied by the apparent rise of untrustworthy (and often malicious) news reporting. We have new language for the situation: fake news (false reporting in general) and deepfakes (deliberately manipulated images, whether for waging war or garnering more social media followers).
Misinformation campaigns using manipulated images can sway elections, deepen divisions, even incite violence. Scepticism towards trustworthy media has untethered ordinary people from fact-based accounting of events, and has fuelled conspiracy theories and fringe groups.
Ethical questions
A further problem for producers of images (personal or professional) is the difficulty of knowing what’s permissable. In a world of doctored images, is it acceptable to prettify yourself? How about editing an ex-partner out of a picture and posting it online?
Would it matter if a well-respected western newspaper published a photo of Russian president Vladimir Putin pulling his face in disgust (an expression that he surely has made at some point, but of which no actual image has been captured, say) using AI?
The ethical boundaries blur further in highly charged contexts. Does it matter if opposition political ads against then-presidential candidate Barack Obama in the US deliberately darkened his skin?
Would generated images of dead bodies in Gaza be more palatable, perhaps more moral, than actual photographs of dead humans? Is a magazine cover showing a model digitally altered to unattainable beauty standards, while not declaring the level of photo manipulation, unethical?
A fix
Part of the solution to this social problem demands two simple and clear actions. First, declare that photo manipulation has taken place. Second, disclose what kind of photo manipulation was carried out.
The first step is straightforward: in the same way pictures are published with author credits, a clear and unobtrusive “enhancement acknowledgement” or EA should be added to caption lines.
The second is about how an image has been altered. Here I call for five “categories of manipulation” (not unlike a film rating). Accountability and clarity create an ethical foundation.
The five categories could be:
C – Corrected
Edits that preserve the essence of the original photo while refining its overall clarity or aesthetic appeal – like colour balance (such as contrast) or lens distortion. Such corrections are often automated (for instance by smartphone cameras) but can be performed manually.
E – Enhanced
Alterations that are mainly about colour or tone adjustments. This extends to slight cosmetic retouching, like the removal of minor blemishes (such as acne) or the artificial addition of makeup, provided the edits don’t reshape physical features or objects. This includes all filters involving colour changes.
B – Body manipulated
This is flagged when a physical feature is altered. Changes in body shape, like slimming arms or enlarging shoulders, or the altering of skin or hair colour, fall under this category.
O – Object manipulated
This declares that the physical position of an object has been changed. A finger or limb moved, a vase added, a person edited out, a background element added or removed.
G – Generated
Entirely fabricated yet photorealistic depictions, such as a scene that never existed, must be flagged here. So, all images created digitally, including by generative AI, but limited to photographic depictions. (An AI-generated cartoon of the pope would be excluded, but a photo-like picture of the pontiff in a puffer jacket is rated G.)
Degrees of photo manipulation.Martin Bekker
The suggested categories are value-blind: they are (or ought to be) triggered simply by the occurrence of any manipulation. So, colour filters applied to an image of a politician trigger an E category, whether the alteration makes the person appear friendlier or scarier. A critical feature for accepting a rating system like this is that it is transparent and unbiased.
The CEBOG categories above aren’t fixed, there may be overlap: B (Body manipulated) might often imply E (Enhanced), for example.
Feasibility
Responsible photo manipulation software may automatically indicate to users the class of photo manipulation carried out. If needed it could watermark it, or it could simply capture it in the picture’s metadata (as with data about the source, owner or photographer). Automation could very well ensure ease of use, and perhaps reduce human error, encouraging consistent application across platforms.
Of course, displaying the rating will ultimately be an editorial decision, and good users, like good editors, will do this responsibly, hopefully maintaining or improving the reputation of their images and publications. While one would hope that social media would buy into this kind of editorial ideal and encourage labelled images, much room for ambiguity and deception remains.
The success of an initiative like this hinges on technology developers, media organisations and policymakers collaborating to create a shared commitment to transparency in digital media.
– How to tell if a photo’s fake? You probably can’t. That’s why new rules are needed – https://theconversation.com/how-to-tell-if-a-photos-fake-you-probably-cant-thats-why-new-rules-are-needed-252645
The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –
WASHINGTON, D.C. –RGA Right Direction PAC today launched a second advertisement in its five-figure digital campaign in the Virginia gubernatorial race, highlighting Virginia Democrat Abigail Spanberger’s failed record on the economy.
“Abigail Spanberger voted for trillions in government spending, fueling inflation and destroying the economy for working families,”said RGA Rapid Response Director Kollin Crompton.“Calling a middle class tax cut irresponsible when families needed relief is a slap in the face to Virginians still facing the higher prices Spanberger helped create.”
The ad follows RGA Right Direction PAC’s earlier launch of the site,TruthAboutSpanberger.com.
View the latest adhere.
SCRIPT:
ANCHOR:Inflation during the Biden Administration is still being felt acrossthe country – overall inflation is upnearly18 percent.
ANCHOR:One of the reasons inflation was high was all the government spending. And after we agreed on that, what did the government do? They spent more!
V.O.:Abigail Spanberger was in lock step with Joe Biden’s failed economic agenda. Voting for trillions in spending – fueling inflation and hurting Virginia families.
SPANBERGER:I am proud that theHouse passedtheBuild Back Better Act.
V.O.:But when families needed relief, Spanberger called a middle class tax cut: irresponsible.
Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will participate in joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) of public infrastructure in sixcounties following the severe storms, straight-line winds, and tornadoes that heavily damaged areas of southwest and southeast Missouri from April 28 to 29.
“Last week, intense severe storms once again brought destruction to areas of Missouri, further burdening families, businesses, and communities already dealing with the aftermath of previous damaging severe weather,” Governor Kehoe said. “The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has been on the ground for days, helping local officials document damage. Our local partners and SEMA believe the emergency response costs and damage to roads, bridges, and other important public infrastructure warrant a formal review by FEMA and meet the levels required for a federal disaster declaration for Public Assistance.”
Joint PDAs are being requested for the following counties: Barry, Greene, Lawrence, McDonald, Newton and Washington. Additional counties may be added as damage information is received from local officials.
Joint PDA teams are made up of representatives from FEMA, SEMA and local emergency management officials. Beginning Tuesday, May 13, five teams will verify documented damage to determine if Public Assistance can be requested through FEMA. Public Assistance allows local governments and qualifying nonprofit agencies to seek federal assistance for reimbursement of emergency response and recovery costs, including repair and replacement of damaged roads, bridges and other public infrastructure.
SEMA continues to coordinate with local officials, other state agencies, and volunteer and faith-based partners to identify needs and assist impacted families and individuals. If you have damage, you should contact your insurance company and file a claim as soon as possible.
Missourians with unmet needs are encouraged to contact United Way by dialing 2-1-1 or the American Red Cross at 1-800-733-2767. For additional resources and information about disaster recovery in Missouri, including general clean-up information, housing assistance, and mental health services, visit recovery.mo.gov.
Luxembourg – 8 May 2025 – Subsea 7 S.A. (Oslo Børs: SUBC, ADR: SUBCY) today announced the election of Lucia Andrade as a Non-Executive Director at the 2025 annual general meeting of shareholders (AGM) and the decision of Jean Cahuzac to retire from his position as Non-Executive Director with immediate effect.
Jean has served on the Board since 2008, and was also CEO of Subsea7 until 31 December 2019. The Board would like to thank him for his commitment and valuable contribution to Subsea7.
Jean was a member of the Compensation Committee and the Tender Committee and changes to committee memberships will be discussed at the next meeting of the Board, later this month.
******************************************************************************* Subsea7 is a global leader in the delivery of offshore projects and services for the evolving energy industry, creating sustainable value by being the industry’s partner and employer of choice in delivering the efficient offshore solutions the world needs. Subsea7 is listed on the Oslo Børs (SUBC), ISIN LU0075646355, LEI 222100AIF0CBCY80AH62.
Contact for investment community enquiries: Katherine Tonks Investor Relations Director Tel +44 20 8210 5568 ir@subsea7.com agm@subsea7.com
This information is subject of the disclosure requirements of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. This stock exchange release was published by Katherine Tonks, Investor Relations, Subsea7, on 8 May 2025 at 17:00 CET.
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) introduced the bipartisan Strengthening Essential Manufacturing and Industrial (SEMI) Investment Act to expand tax incentives for semiconductor facilities to include upstream materials suppliers. This would help protect U.S. defense supply chains by supporting domestic investment and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries like Communist China.
“Communist China has rapidly increased its grip on semiconductor production, threatening America’s economy and national security,” said Senator Blackburn. “TheSEMI Investment Actwould boost manufacturing here in the United States and help secure our supply chains by expanding tax incentives for semiconductor facilities to reduce our dependence on Beijing.”
“The CHIPS and Science Act revitalized advanced domestic manufacturing and restored funding for cutting-edge research and development. But without sustained investment across the semiconductor supply chain, we risk undermining these important efforts,” said Senator Bennet. “Our bipartisan bill will secure our supply chains and ensure companies across the semiconductor ecosystem can invest in and expand U.S. production.”
“The U.S. must do everything we can to strengthen the domestic semiconductor supply chain,” said Senator Tillis. “It is crucial for our national security and economic resilience that we get this policy right and I am proud to cosponsor this legislation to ensure we reduce our reliance on our adversaries like China.”
“Semiconductors drive everything from smartphones to medical devices to automobiles, and countries that excel at manufacturing them will be stronger and more secure in the decades ahead,”said Senator Coons. “Expanding the semiconductor manufacturing investment tax credit—established by President Biden’s CHIPS and Science Act—will strengthen our semiconductor supply chain and advance us toward that goal.”
BACKGROUND
Fueled by massive government subsidies, China’s state-controlled companies now dominate nearly 85% of global processing capacity for rare earth minerals used in semiconductor manufacturing.
Last month, China imposed new export bans on rare earth materials like gallium, germanium, and antimony, which are key to semiconductor production.
Under current law, tax incentives are only available for facilities that directly produce semiconductors or manufacturing equipment. However, much of the upstream materials and components used in these facilities are sourced from China, leaving our critical supply chains vulnerable and heavily reliant on foreign adversaries.
SEMI INVESTMENT ACT
To safeguard national security and counter China’s growing dominance in the semiconductor sector, theSEMI Investment Act would foster the development of a robust U.S.-based supply chain by expanding the tax credit to include upstream materials suppliers.
Expanding incentives to include upstream production would also bolster American innovation, create jobs, and ensure the resilience of this vital industry.
HMRC interest rates are set in legislation and are linked to the Bank of England base rate.
Late payment interest is currently set at base rate plus 4.00%. Repayment interest is set at base rate minus 1%, with a lower limit – or ‘minimum floor’ – of 0.5%.
The differential between late payment interest and repayment interest is in line with the policy of other tax authorities worldwide and compares favourably with commercial practice for interest charged on loans or overdrafts and interest paid on deposits.
The rate of late payment interest encourages prompt payment and ensures fairness for those who pay their tax on time, while the rate of repayment interest fairly compensates taxpayers for loss of use of their money when they overpay.
With wildfire season fast approaching, B.C. ranchers and farmers are encouraged to register the location of their livestock to protect their animals during emergencies.
“Ranchers and farmers are deeply committed to the well-being of their animals, especially in times of crisis,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “By registering with Premises ID, they ensure emergency responders have access to fast and accurate information — providing critical support and peace of mind when every second counts.”
Premises ID is mandatory in British Columbia. Registration is free and confidential. The program helps link livestock and poultry to the geographic areas where they are kept. This information helps emergency responders reach animals faster so they can quickly prioritize assistance during evacuations or animal disease outbreaks.
“As we approach another wildfire season, it is important that we use what we have learned from the previous years of fire events,” said Kevin Boon, general manager, BC Cattlemen’s Association. “Premises ID has become a cornerstone of our communications and co-ordination for livestock welfare and movement. Making sure your operation is registered is one more way to help us help you with things like the Ranch Liaison and Range Rider programs.”
Premises ID is a key component of B.C.’s animal traceability system, which contributes to ensuring stable, local meat supply chains and market access for livestock producers throughout the province.
“Registering for a Premises ID through this provincial program makes it easier for local governments to support residents with large animals during emergencies when evacuation is required,” said Jamie Vieira, general manager of operations, Thompson-Nicola Regional District. “In recent years, our emergency operations centre has been able to support residents more quickly when they have a Premises ID. Whether residents have a hobby farm or a large agricultural production, we encourage all residents to make sure they have a Premises ID set up.”
Quick Facts:
The main priority of the mandatory Premises ID program is to help producers and communities prepare for emergencies and be better equipped to respond to them.
There are more than 10,000 ranchers and farmers registered with Premises ID with 100% supply-managed (i.e., dairy cattle and poultry) participation and over 80% of cattle producers.
Premises ID is one of three pillars of an effective livestock traceability system, along with animal identification and animal movement reporting.
Premises ID registration is currently mandatory in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and Prince Edward Island.
Learn More:
Premises ID registration: https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ext/pid-ext/
Additional information on who needs to register for premises ID and what types of animals, is available here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/premises-id
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of “Triple Three Triple One” – a new real-time emergency and weather alert system – as part of the State’s Hurricane Preparedness Week recognition efforts. Managed by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), this text option allows New Yorkers to text their county of residence to 3-3-3-1-1-1 to begin receiving real time emergency and weather alerts and updates directly to their phones. In New York City, text the name of your borough with no spaces. The system is not case sensitive. If you want all of metro New York, text NewYorkCity. Additionally, State-initiated hurricane preparedness activities include initiating the distribution of $15 million in flood-related equipment to counties and conducting specialized training for State emergency operations personnel.
“My highest priority is the safety of New Yorkers, especially during times of severe and unpredictable emergency events,” Governor Hochul said. “To best prepare for inclement weather – especially as hurricane season approaches – I am encouraging all New Yorkers to sign up for alerts so they can remain safe and vigilant when high-impact events occur.”
It’s easy to get started and free to sign up. New Yorkers can simply text the name of the county they’d like to receive alerts for to 3-3-3-1-1-1. Once the text message is sent, users will automatically be enrolled and begin receiving emergency and weather alerts when they occur in their selected county. In New York City, text the name of your borough with no spaces. For example, StatenIsland. For the entire New York City metro area, text NewYorkCity. The system is not case sensitive. Users can also register to receive alerts for multiple counties by texting additional county names, one at a time. This will allow residents to stay up to date on alerts in areas where their loved ones may live. It is free to sign up for Triple Three Triple One and the service is available on all cellular carriers. Standard text messaging and data rates may apply.
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “As Hurricane Season approaches, the launch of Triple Three Triple One alerting gives New Yorkers access to another tool that they can use to help keep themselves and their loved ones prepared for and safe during severe weather. And, it’s an additional way that we can assist our local emergency management partners. I encourage everyone to take a moment right now and text their county name to Triple Three Triple One.”
In addition to launching the Triple Three Triple One text alerts, New York State recently signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with 51 counties to provide them with $15 million of flood-related equipment and supplies. The equipment, being procured by DHSES includes pumps, generators, chain saws, and flood barrier technology.
Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. On April 3, Colorado State University released its preseason hurricane forecast, calling for above average activity in the tropical Atlantic with 17 named storms, nine hurricanes, and four major hurricanes predicted. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is expected to release the 2025 Hurricane Outlook later in May.
In December 2023, Governor Hochul announced the creation of New York’s State Weather Risk Communication Center (SWRCC) at the State University of New York at Albany. The Center is a first-of-its kind operational collaboration between university researchers and state emergency managers and serves as a clearinghouse for critical weather information. It also works to develop tools to help emergency managers make informed decisions to help protect communities and examines how communicating extreme weather risks to the public can be improved.
New York State Weather Risk Communication Center Director Dr. Nick Bassill said, “Being prepared is crucial when it comes to extreme weather. New York is no stranger to the impacts hurricanes can have on our communities, so have a plan made ahead of time to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones in the event of an emergency. Follow trusted news sources such as the National Weather Service and state and local government alerts, so you can respond accordingly when severe weather strikes.”
The National Weather Service said, “Everyone should learn their risk by considering the threats from tropical storms. Threats include storm surge, flooding from heavy rain, strong winds, tornadoes and rip currents. All of these threats can occur far from the center of a storm so pay attention to the latest forecasts and be alert for warnings.”
State agencies undertake a number of activities to prepare for hurricane season including:
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services operates the State Office of Emergency Management (OEM). OEM routinely assists local governments, voluntary organizations, and private industry through a variety of emergency management programs including hazard identification, loss prevention, planning, training, operational response to emergencies, technical support, and disaster recovery assistance.
In April, OEM launched a weeklong State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Training and Simulation initiative created to introduce new staff to the major functions of the EOC. This initiative included EOC simulations, including one simulation focused on responding to a forecasted tropical storm. This training builds understanding across State OEM personnel so that during a real activation teams are prepared to respond accordingly.
DHSES also conducts the Citizen Preparedness Corps training program, along with the New York National Guard and the American Red Cross. The course provides an introduction to responding to a natural or human-caused disaster. Participants are advised on how to properly develop family emergency plans and stock up on emergency supplies. To date, more than 400,000 people have been trained.
The Department of Public Service reports New York’s utilities have approximately 5,500 workers available statewide to engage in damage assessment, response, repair and restoration efforts across New York State in the event of a hurricane or a major storm. Utilities maintain agreements with external contractors who may be able to assist in restoration efforts. Department of Public Service staff track utilities’ work throughout all events and work to ensure appropriate staffing for regions that experience the greatest impact.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s hurricane preparedness efforts take place year-round. New and renewed assets are designed to meet or exceed the agency’s climate resilience guidelines, which consider the potential risks of climate change out to 2100. Across the agency’s airports, a host of flood protection measures have been implemented, including flood walls, flood rated doors, and deployable shields. At LaGuardia Airport, electrical substations, pumps, and newly constructed terminals have been elevated or protected to reduce the risk of hurricane flooding, even as sea levels rise. Other flood mitigation projects include installation of flexible floodproof barriers at the Holland Tunnel portals and a water intrusion protection system to seal off the iconic World Trade Center site from coastal storm surge. The Port Authority’s Office of Emergency Management tracks storm development, projecting eventual impacts on the New York and New Jersey region, and communicating with each Port Authority facility, where staff use customized information to respond to rapidly changing conditions.
For more information, visit the Hurricane Safety page on the DHSES website.
Headline: Governor Stein Announces PPG Will Establish Cleveland County Manufacturing Center Creating 110 Jobs
Governor Stein Announces PPG Will Establish Cleveland County Manufacturing Center Creating 110 Jobs lsaito
Raleigh, NC
Today Governor Josh Stein announced that PPG will create 110 jobs in the City of Shelby. The company reports it will invest $380 million to establish a new manufacturing center in Cleveland County, marking the return of the PPG brand name to Shelby, where the company first established a facility in the 1950s.
“PPG knows what I know: North Carolina is the #1 state for manufacturing in the Southeast,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Our state’s workforce is our greatest asset, and I will continue to advocate for more training and education programs so that employees can build a career and employers have the well-trained people they need to get to work.”
PPG (NYSE: PPG) is an American Fortune 500 company and global supplier of paints, coatings, and specialty materials. The company operates in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. PPG’s aerospace business is a leading provider of innovative solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) and aftermarket customers, such as airlines and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for commercial, general aviation, and military segments. The company’s aerospace portfolio includes advanced coatings, sealants, transparencies, packaging, chemical services, engineered materials, and specialty products designed to enhance the performance, durability, and safety of aircraft. The company’s new project in Shelby will establish a modern manufacturing facility to produce the full line of PPG’s aerospace coatings and sealants.
“PPG’s investment in this new manufacturing facility demonstrates the significant demand growth for our world-class technologies and our continued commitment to serving our aerospace customers,” said Tim Knavish, PPG chairman and chief executive officer. “By modernizing and digitizing our facilities, PPG will continue to embody our purpose – to protect and beautify the world – while contributing to the growth and innovation of the aerospace sector.”
“It’s great to see another top manufacturing company select North Carolina as a place to do business,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “It’s also gratifying to see a company like PPG, with its historical ties to the region, once again become part of the strong and vibrant community of Shelby. I look forward to the great things to come from this renewed partnership.”
Although wages will vary depending on the position, the average salary for the new jobs will be $66,861. The average wage in Cleveland County at the time of the company’s grant application was $48,310.
A performance-based grant of $300,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help facilitate PPG’s project into Cleveland County, based on a company investment of $221.8 million and the creation of 62 jobs. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching grant from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.
“PPG is a name held in high regard in our area, and we’re all excited to open the next chapter of this partnership for our region and for our state,” said Representative Kelly Hastings. “We welcome these new jobs and investment to our region, and I am especially proud that my mom is a PPG retiree.”
“Bringing PPG back to Cleveland County and Shelby took a lot of effort by many people and organizations working behind the scenes,” said Senator Ted Alexander. “Our community looks forward to supporting the company as they re-establish operations in our area.”
Partnering with the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina on this project were the North Carolina General Assembly, the North Carolina Community College System, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, the Commerce Department’s Division of Workforce Solutions, Cleveland Community College, Cleveland County, the City of Shelby, and the Cleveland County Economic Development Partnership.
WASHINGTON, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Virtru, a leader in data-centric security, today announced Dr. Wayne Chung has joined the company as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), where he will lead technical strategy and execution, partnering with Will Ackerly, Virtru Co-Founder, Chief Architect, and inventor of the Trusted Data Format (TDF), an open standard for data-centric security that is rapidly being adopted by national defense and intelligence agencies around the world.
Chung’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Virtru as it accelerates the deployment of its Data Security Platform in the national security and commercial markets—while simultaneously growing its 6,000+ customer commercial SaaS business.
“I’m honored to join Virtru at such an exciting moment,” said Chung. “The team’s vision for data-centric security across SaaS, defense, and AI is both bold and timely. Our national institutions need the fine-grained security, control, and simplicity that Virtru provides. I look forward to partnering with this team to scale Virtru’s impact and drive greater adoption of data-centric security.”
Chung brings an exceptional track record with executive roles across both public and private sectors. At the FBI, he served as CTO, leading cloud migration, cybersecurity modernization, and the development of advanced data analytics, AI and ML capabilities. Chung also previously held the position of Innovator-In-Residence at the NSA’s Cybersecurity and Computer Network Operations Mission. He currently serves as a Technical Amicus Curiae to the U.S. Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Courts, and is a Senior Fellow at the Center for National Security and the Law at Georgetown University.
In the private sector, Chung has held CTO roles at BlueVoyant and Clara Analytics, where he scaled cutting-edge data security and AI platforms.
Ackerly will focus on advancing Virtru’s technical architecture and research, continuing to lead innovation efforts surrounding the Trusted Data Format (TDF) and pushing the boundaries of what data-centric solutions can achieve in the era of agentic AI.
“As Virtru continues to deploy software at scale across large federal and commercial organizations, Wayne’s unique blend of public and private-sector experience is a valuable asset to our team,” said Ackerly. “His leadership will help Virtru remain ahead of the curve in enabling secure, data-centric collaboration for both government and enterprise customers.”
For more information about Virtru and its Data Security Platform, please visit www.virtru.com.
About Virtru
Virtru empowers organizations to unlock the power of data while maintaining control wherever it’s stored and shared. Trusted by over 6,000 global customers, Virtru provides simple, powerful solutions for Zero Trust data-centric security, underpinned by the Trusted Data Format (TDF). Learn more at Virtru.com.
More than three decades after unilaterally declaring independence from Somalia, Somaliland still seeks international recognition as a sovereign state. Despite a lack of formal acknowledgement, the breakaway state has built a relatively stable system of governance. This has drawn increasing interest from global powers, including the United States. As regional dynamics shift and great-power competition intensifies, Somaliland’s bid for recognition is gaining new currency. Aleksi Ylönen has studied politics in the Horn of Africa and Somaliland’s quest for recognition. He unpacks what’s at play.
What legal and historical arguments does Somaliland use?
The Somali National Movement is one of the main clan-based insurgent movements responsible for the collapse of the central government in Somalia. It claims the territory of the former British protectorate of Somaliland. The UK had granted Somaliland sovereign status on 26 June 1960.
The Somali government tried to stomp out calls for secession. It orchestrated the brutal killing of hundreds of thousands of people in northern Somalia between 1987 and 1989.
But the Somali National Movement declared unilateral independence on 18 May 1991 and separated from Somalia.
This subsided only after the politician Mohamed Egal consolidated power. He was elected president of Somaliland in May 1993.
Egal made deals with merchants and businessmen, giving them tax and commercial incentives to accept his patronage. As a result, he obtained the economic means to consolidate political power and to pursue peace and state-building. It’s something his successors have kept up with since his death in 2002.
What has Somaliland done to push for recognition?
Successive Somaliland governments continue to engage in informal diplomacy. They have aligned with the west, particularly the US, which was the dominant power after the cold war, and the former colonial master, the UK. Both countries host significant Somaliland diaspora communities.
The US and the UK have for decades flirted with the idea of recognising Somaliland, which they consider a strategic partner. However, they have been repeatedly thrown back by their respective Somalia policies. These have favoured empowering the widely supported Mogadishu government to reassert its authority and control over Somali territories.
This Somalia policy has been increasingly questioned in recent years, in part due to Mogadishu’s security challenges. In contrast, the Hargeisa government of Somaliland has largely shown it can provide security and stability. It has held elections and survived as a state for the last three decades, though it has faced political resistance and armed opposition.
The government has also engaged in informal foreign relations with the United Arab Emirates. The Middle Eastern monarchy serves as a business hub and a destination of livestock exports. Many Somalilanders migrate there.
Somaliland maintains representative offices in several countries. These include Canada, the US, Norway, Sweden, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Taiwan. Hargeisa has alienated China because it has collaborated with Taiwan since 2020. Taiwan is a self-ruled island claimed by China.
On 1 January 2024, Somaliland’s outgoing president Muse Bihi signed a memorandum of understanding with Ethiopian prime minister Abiy Ahmed for increased cooperation. Bihi implied that Ethiopia would be the first country to formally recognise Somaliland. The deal caused a sharp deterioration of relations between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu.
Abiy later moderated his position and, with Turkish mediation, reconciled with his Somalia counterpart, President Hassan Mohamud.
What’s behind US interest in Somaliland?
The US, like other great powers, has been interested in Somaliland because of its strategic location. It is on the African shores of the Gulf of Aden, across from the Arabian Peninsula. Its geographical position has gained currency recently as Yemeni Houthi rebels strike maritime traffic in the busy shipping lanes. Somaliland is also well located to curb piracy and smuggling on this global trade route.
In 2017, China, which had become the main foreign economic power in the Horn of Africa, set up a navy support facility in Djibouti. This encouraged closer collaboration between American and Somaliland authorities. The US played with the idea of establishing a base in Berbera, which hosts Somaliland’s largest port.
With Donald Trump winning the US presidential election in 2024, there were reports of an increased push for US recognition of Somaliland. This would allow the US to deepen its trade and security partnerships in the volatile Horn of Africa region.
Since March 2025, representatives of the Trump administration have engaged in talks with Somaliland officials to establish a US military base near Berbera. This would be in exchange for a formal but partial recognition of Somaliland.
What are the risks of US recognition of Somaliland?
Stronger US engagement with Somaliland risks neglecting Somalia.
US recognition would reward Hargeisa for its persistent effort to maintain stability and promote democracy. However, it could encourage other nations to recognise Somaliland. This would deliver a blow to Somali nationalists who want one state for all Somalis.
Aleksi Ylönen is affiliated with the Center for International Studies, Iscte-Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, and is an associate fellow at the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies.
The problem is simple: it’s hard to know whether a photo’s real or not anymore. Photo manipulation tools are so good, so common and easy to use, that a picture’s truthfulness is no longer guaranteed.
The situation got trickier with the uptake of generative artificial intelligence. Anyone with an internet connection can cook up just about any image, plausible or fantasy, with photorealistic quality, and present it as real. This affects our ability to discern truth in a world increasingly influenced by images.
I teach and research the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI), including how we use and understand digital images.
Many people ask how we can tell if an image has been changed, but that’s fast becoming too difficult. Instead, here I suggest a system where creators and users of images openly state what changes they’ve made. Any similar system will do, but new rules are needed if AI images are to be deployed ethically – at least among those who want to be trusted, especially media.
Doing nothing isn’t an option, because what we believe about media affects how much we trust each other and our institutions. There are several ways forward. Clear labelling of photos is one of them.
Deepfakes and fake news
Photo manipulation was once the preserve of government propaganda teams, and later, expert users of Photoshop, the popular software for editing, altering or creating digital images.
Today, digital photos are automatically subjected to colour-correcting filters on phones and cameras. Some social media tools automatically “prettify” users’ pictures of faces. Is a photo taken of oneself by oneself even real anymore?
The basis of shared social understanding and consensus – trust regarding what one sees – is being eroded. This is accompanied by the apparent rise of untrustworthy (and often malicious) news reporting. We have new language for the situation: fake news (false reporting in general) and deepfakes (deliberately manipulated images, whether for waging war or garnering more social media followers).
Misinformation campaigns using manipulated images can sway elections, deepen divisions, even incite violence. Scepticism towards trustworthy media has untethered ordinary people from fact-based accounting of events, and has fuelled conspiracy theories and fringe groups.
Ethical questions
A further problem for producers of images (personal or professional) is the difficulty of knowing what’s permissable. In a world of doctored images, is it acceptable to prettify yourself? How about editing an ex-partner out of a picture and posting it online?
Would it matter if a well-respected western newspaper published a photo of Russian president Vladimir Putin pulling his face in disgust (an expression that he surely has made at some point, but of which no actual image has been captured, say) using AI?
The ethical boundaries blur further in highly charged contexts. Does it matter if opposition political ads against then-presidential candidate Barack Obama in the US deliberately darkened his skin?
Would generated images of dead bodies in Gaza be more palatable, perhaps more moral, than actual photographs of dead humans? Is a magazine cover showing a model digitally altered to unattainable beauty standards, while not declaring the level of photo manipulation, unethical?
A fix
Part of the solution to this social problem demands two simple and clear actions. First, declare that photo manipulation has taken place. Second, disclose what kind of photo manipulation was carried out.
The first step is straightforward: in the same way pictures are published with author credits, a clear and unobtrusive “enhancement acknowledgement” or EA should be added to caption lines.
The second is about how an image has been altered. Here I call for five “categories of manipulation” (not unlike a film rating). Accountability and clarity create an ethical foundation.
The five categories could be:
C – Corrected
Edits that preserve the essence of the original photo while refining its overall clarity or aesthetic appeal – like colour balance (such as contrast) or lens distortion. Such corrections are often automated (for instance by smartphone cameras) but can be performed manually.
E – Enhanced
Alterations that are mainly about colour or tone adjustments. This extends to slight cosmetic retouching, like the removal of minor blemishes (such as acne) or the artificial addition of makeup, provided the edits don’t reshape physical features or objects. This includes all filters involving colour changes.
B – Body manipulated
This is flagged when a physical feature is altered. Changes in body shape, like slimming arms or enlarging shoulders, or the altering of skin or hair colour, fall under this category.
O – Object manipulated
This declares that the physical position of an object has been changed. A finger or limb moved, a vase added, a person edited out, a background element added or removed.
G – Generated
Entirely fabricated yet photorealistic depictions, such as a scene that never existed, must be flagged here. So, all images created digitally, including by generative AI, but limited to photographic depictions. (An AI-generated cartoon of the pope would be excluded, but a photo-like picture of the pontiff in a puffer jacket is rated G.)
The suggested categories are value-blind: they are (or ought to be) triggered simply by the occurrence of any manipulation. So, colour filters applied to an image of a politician trigger an E category, whether the alteration makes the person appear friendlier or scarier. A critical feature for accepting a rating system like this is that it is transparent and unbiased.
The CEBOG categories above aren’t fixed, there may be overlap: B (Body manipulated) might often imply E (Enhanced), for example.
Feasibility
Responsible photo manipulation software may automatically indicate to users the class of photo manipulation carried out. If needed it could watermark it, or it could simply capture it in the picture’s metadata (as with data about the source, owner or photographer). Automation could very well ensure ease of use, and perhaps reduce human error, encouraging consistent application across platforms.
Of course, displaying the rating will ultimately be an editorial decision, and good users, like good editors, will do this responsibly, hopefully maintaining or improving the reputation of their images and publications. While one would hope that social media would buy into this kind of editorial ideal and encourage labelled images, much room for ambiguity and deception remains.
The success of an initiative like this hinges on technology developers, media organisations and policymakers collaborating to create a shared commitment to transparency in digital media.
Martin Bekker receives funding from the National Research Foundation in South Africa.
NEW YORK, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Deutsche Bank today announced the lineup for its Depositary Receipts Virtual Investor Conference (“dbVIC”) on Thursday, May 15, 2025 featuring live webcast presentations from international companies with American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programs in the United States.
Representatives from participating companies based in China, Hong Kong, Philippines, Denmark, Germany, South Africa, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom will respond to questions during formal presentations. The conference is targeted to all categories of investors and analysts interested in international companies.
There is no fee for participants to log in, attend live presentations and/or ask questions.
13:00 PM: Epiroc AB (Nasdaq Stockholm: EPIA, OTC: EPOAY)
13:30 PM: International Airlines Group (LSE: IAG, MAD: IAG, OTC: ICAGY)
14:00 PM: BDO Unibank, Inc (PSE: BDO, OTC: BDOUY)
14:30 PM: iHuman Inc. (NYSE: IH)
The presentations will be available for replay after the conference.
In addition to specializing in administering cross-border equity structures such as American and Global Depositary Receipts, Deutsche Bank provides corporates, financial institutions, hedge funds and supranational agencies around the world with trustee, agency, escrow and related services. The Bank offers a broad range of services for diverse products, from complex securitizations and project finance to syndicated loans, debt exchanges and restructurings.
For further information, please contact: Dylan Riddle Deutsche Bank AG Press & Media Relations Tel. +12122504982 Cell. +1(904)3866481 Email dylan.riddle@db.com
Deutsche Bank provides commercial and investment banking, retail banking, transaction banking and asset and wealth management products and services to corporations, governments, institutional investors, small and medium-sized businesses, and private individuals. Deutsche Bank is Germany’s leading bank, with a strong position in Europe and a significant presence in the Americas and Asia Pacific.
Deutsche Bank is sponsoring the Deutsche Bank Depositary Receipt Investor Conference solely for informational purposes. Deutsche Bank does not prepare, review, approve or edit any presentations, statements, documents or other information or materials, whether in written, electronic or verbal form, provided by any company participating in such conference, and disclaims any responsibility for the accuracy or adequacy of any such information or materials. Deutsche Bank is not promoting, endorsing or recommending any company participating in the conference.
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:
Afreximbank’s Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) unveils third edition of short film competition Filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 35 years can enter the competition for a chance to win a cash prize of $2,000 for outstanding work in each of the competition’s three categories: Best Fiction, Best Documentary, and Best Animation CAIRO, Egypt, May 8, 2025/APO Group/ — Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an intervention by African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) (www.Afreximbank.com) has announced the third edition of its vibrant short film competition, CANEX Shorts, that is designed to recognise and celebrate talents of young filmmakers from Africa and the Diaspora. Filmmakers between the ages of 18 and 35 years can enter the competition for a chance to win a cash prize of $2,000 for outstanding work in each of the competition’s three categories: Best Fiction, Best Documentary, and Best Animation. To be eligible, they must be Africans living on the continent, in the diaspora or the Caribbean. Each filmmaker can only enter one film for which they must hold all rights. The entered films should have been produced in 2023 or after and can be in any language. Besides the cash prize, CANEX Shorts winners will also get an opportunity to participate and have their films screened at CANEX at IATF2025, which will take place in Algiers, Algeria, from 4 – 10 September 2025. This will also provide them with a chance to connect with potential investors and partners in what has become the largest gathering of creatives on the continent. To enter the competition, filmmakers are required to submit their films, not more than five minutes long, via the Film Freeway digital platform (https://FilmFreeway.com/CANEXShorts). From all entries, the selection committee will curate a shortlist of 30 films – 10 films per category for submission to the jury that comprises, well-respected film experts from across the continent. The jury will then select a winning film in each of the categories during CANEX at IATF2025. The 2024 CANEX shorts winners were unveiled at CANEX WKND 2024. The winning films were: Silent Screams by Esenaga Mbwe (Botswana) in the CANEX Shorts Best Fiction category; We Shall Not Forget by Brian Obra (Kenya) in the CANEX Shorts Best Documentary category; and Room-5 by Francis Y. Brown (Ghana) in the CANEX Shorts Best Animation category. According to the jury, the quality of films submitted during CANEX WKND 2024 was exceptionally high, necessitating award of two Special Mentions: Vodoun Nouminssin and Rain Is Not the Cloud’s Last Parade. CANEX at IATF2025, where the winners will be unveiled, will provide a unique platform for nurturing business, investment opportunities, collaboration, partnerships and inspiration amongst the creatives fraternity across value chains of diverse creative and cultural industries from film, music, and fashion to culinary arts, sports, and visual arts amongst others. The event participants will include creatives, policymakers, financial institutions, business and political leaders, development partners, thought leaders as well as some of the most respected names in the Creative and Cultural Industries from across the continent and the diaspora. Highlighting the importance of the competition, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development at Afreximbank said: “Africa’s film industry, estimated at over $5 billion is thriving and brimming with untapped potential,” adding, “At Afreximbank, we are committed to unlocking this immense value by supporting platforms like CANEX Shorts that aim to propel African storytelling to the global stage. By investing in our creatives, we are not only creating jobs and economic opportunities; we’re actively ensuring Africa’s vibrant culture and talents gain global recognition.” To enter the 2025 CANEX Shorts competition, please visit Filmfreeway: https://FilmFreeway.com/CANEXShorts. To register to attend CANEX at IATF for free: Canex.Africa (https://apo-opa.co/3GK4Bo8). Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank. Media contact: Vincent Musumba Communications and Events Manager (Media Relations) Email: press@afreximbank.com About CANEX: Given the relevance and opportunities provided by the creative economy as a key driver for development and job creation, Afreximbank has developed the Creative Africa Nexus programme to facilitate the development and growth of the creative and cultural industries in Africa and the diaspora. The initiative provides a range of financing and non-financing instruments /interventions aimed at supporting and developing Africa’s production, trade, and investment in the creative sector. The key strategic objectives under the CANEX Programme include increasing Africa’s share of global cultural trade flows through trade and investment promotion activities, deploying specialized financial products to support the CCI ecosystem, facilitating technical capacity programs that enable export-grade production, facilitating market access to high-value demand hubs (through partnerships) and advocating for harmonized regulatory reform, especially concerning IP rights and incentives About Afreximbank: African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is a Pan-African multilateral financial institution mandated to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade. For over 30 years, the Bank has been deploying innovative structures to deliver financing solutions that support the transformation of the structure of Africa’s trade, accelerating industrialisation and intra-regional trade, thereby boosting economic expansion in Africa. A stalwart supporter of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Afreximbank has launched a Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) that was adopted by the African Union (AU) as the payment and settlement platform to underpin the implementation of the AfCFTA. Working with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the AU, the Bank has set up a US$10 billion Adjustment Fund to support countries effectively participating in the AfCFTA. At the end of December 2024, Afreximbank’s total assets and contingencies stood at over US$40.1 billion, and its shareholder funds amounted to US$7.2 billion. Afreximbank has investment grade ratings assigned by GCR (international scale) (A), Moody’s (Baa1), China Chengxin International Credit Rating Co., Ltd (CCXI) (AAA), Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) (A-) and Fitch (BBB). Afreximbank has evolved into a group entity comprising the Bank, its equity impact fund subsidiary called the Fund for Export Development Africa (FEDA), and its insurance management subsidiary, AfrexInsure (together, “the Group”). The Bank is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. About the Intra-African Trade Fair: Organised by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment. In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 8 — China’s human resources authorities on Thursday unveiled a list of 17 newly recognized professions.
These new professions include cross-border e-commerce operations manager, drone swarm flight planner and electronic circuit designer, according to the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security.
The ministry also announced 42 newly classified types of work — its largest expansion in recent years — such as generative AI systems testing, and intelligent warehouse operations and maintenance.
Experts say the emergence of these new professions reflects evolving demand in production and everyday life, blazing new trails for Chinese jobseekers, especially those of younger generations.
China initiated its new profession recognition work in 2018. From 2019 to 2024, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security recognized 93 new professions.
The country’s government work report this year set the target of creating over 12 million new urban jobs in 2025, with the aim of maintaining a surveyed urban unemployment rate of about 5.5 percent for the year.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xi says China-Russia coordination injects stability, positive energy into turbulent world
Chinese President Xi Jinping enters the St. George’s Hall at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. Xi held talks here on Thursday with Russian President Vladimir Putin. [Photo/Xinhua]
MOSCOW, May 8 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said here Thursday that in face of unprecedented global changes, China and Russia have continuously deepened political mutual trust and strategic coordination, maintained close coordination and cooperation in international affairs, and injected valuable stability and positive energy into the changing and turbulent world.
Xi made the remarks while holding talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his state visit to Russia.
China-Russia ties have enjoyed stable, healthy and high-level development thanks to joint efforts from both sides, Xi said, hailing long-term good-neighborly friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation as distinct features of bilateral ties.
Noting that China has for years been a main contributor to and stabilizer of global economic growth, Xi said China stands ready to work with Russia to safeguard the global multilateral trading system and keep the industrial and supply chains stable and unimpeded.
Chinese President Xi Jinping shakes hands with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. Xi held talks here on Thursday with Putin. Putin held a welcome ceremony for Xi at the St. George’s Hall. [Photo/Xinhua]Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a welcome ceremony for Chinese President Xi Jinping at the St. George’s Hall at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. Xi held talks here on Thursday with Putin. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin enter the venue of their talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. Xi held talks here on Thursday with Putin. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold small-group talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. Xi held talks here on Thursday with Putin. [Photo/Xinhua]Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold large-group talks at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. Xi held talks here on Thursday with Putin. [Photo/Xinhua]
Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
May 07, 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Jim Risch (R-ID), and Peter Welch (D-VT) today introduced the Testing and Evaluation Systems for Trusted Artificial Intelligence (TEST) AI Act of 2025, legislation to improve the federal government’s capacity to test and evaluate Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems to drive innovation, protect national security, and build trust and confidence for Americans utilizing AI systems.
The TEST AI Act aims to ensure that AI systems used by federal agencies are trustworthy, secure, and objective, and lays the groundwork for broader national AI evaluation standards through a transparent and collaborative approach. The TEST AI Act would direct a collaboration between the National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to establish a testbed pilot program to develop and refine measurement standards for evaluating AI systems.
“While AI holds enormous positive potential, this new technology must be tested thoroughly to ensure that it is used responsibly,” said Durbin. “With the bipartisan TEST AI Act, we can direct the Department of Energy and the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop AI testbeds, allowing us to safely explore the boundaries of AI, establish necessary guardrails, and protect against misuse.”
“The TEST AI Act is a step towards transparency and accountability in artificial intelligence,” said Americans for Responsible Innovation (ARI) President Brad Carson. “Right now, AI systems are being deployed in high-stakes environments without independent oversight or clear standards. By building federal capacity for rigorous AI evaluations, this bill helps ensure AI tools are secure, effective, and ready for deployment.”
Specifically, the TEST AI Act would:
Codify the ongoing collaboration between NIST and DOE to evaluate AI models;
Improve public-private partnerships through an AI Testing Working Group to guide standard development related to performance, reliability, security, privacy, and bias; and
Direct the development of a public strategy for testing, construction of testbeds, and compilation of a report to Congress on the results and recommendations for future standards development.
Durbin, Luján, Blackburn, and Risch are co-leads of the Senate National Labs Caucus. The caucus works to elevate the National Labs’ visibility and support them as they meet national energy and security objectives. This caucus also helps identify bipartisan initiatives to maintain and extend U.S. leadership in critical scientific sectors.
Full text of the bill is available here.
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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)
Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced the reintroduction of two bipartisan bills — the Rural Broadband Assistance Act and the ReConnecting Rural America Act — to expand access to affordable, high-speed internet in rural communities across Illinois and the country.
“Every hometown in Illinois deserves the necessary tools to stay connected and grow,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “Whether it’s helping our neighbors get the support they need to apply for broadband funding or strengthening programs that bring faster internet to places that need it most, these bills are about making sure rural America isn’t left behind.”
The Rural Broadband Assistance Act will make it easier for small towns, local governments, nonprofits, and rural businesses to access expert support when applying for broadband funding — making sure communities have the help they need to get connected.
The ReConnecting Rural America Act, introduced alongside Congressman Zach Nunn (IA-03) and co-led by Representative Gabe Vasquez (D-NM), strengthens the USDA’s successful ReConnect Program by reauthorizing it, improving service speed requirements, and ensuring communities most in need are prioritized for funding.
Both bills reflect Congressman Sorensen’s ongoing commitment to bridging the digital divide and delivering real results for rural Illinois. Congressman Sorensen is hoping to include both pieces of legislation in the Farm Bill.
Report by the Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova: UK statement, May 2025
Ambassador Holland welcomes the work of the OSCE Mission towards preventing escalation and finding practical solutions to issues, amid the challenging backdrop of energy shortages during the reporting period.
Thank you, Mr Chair.
I would like to offer a warm welcome to Ambassador Keiderling for the final time at the Permanent Council as Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova. Thank you to you and your team for the Mission’s work over the last six months, and for the comprehensive presentation this morning.
The United Kingdom fully supports the work of the Mission towards preventing escalation, mitigating a deterioration of relations between Chisinau and Tiraspol and finding practical solutions to the challenges of everyday life for all citizens on both banks of the Nistru. We regret Russia’s continued instrumentalisation of the Mission’s mandate and reiterate our call for a return to a full 12-month directive to ensure the Mission has the stability and predictability it needs to fulfil its vital role.
The UK commends the Mission’s efforts across its three lines of action during the reporting period, amid the challenging backdrop of energy shortages on both banks. We appreciate the constructive engagement between Chisinau and Tiraspol and the Mission’s role in facilitating dialogue through the Chief Negotiators and Working Groups. We also welcome the engagement of Special Representative Thomas Lenk during this period.
The UK again notes the lack of progress Russia has made in withdrawing its illegally stationed troops from Moldovan sovereign territory, which runs in direct contradiction to other efforts. Russia must remove its forces without delay and present a considered proposal to resume the process of removal and destruction of ammunition from the Cobasna site.
As our Foreign Secretary stated during his visit to Moldova in November, the UK will not stand by as the Kremlin attempts to undermine democracy, stability and security across Europe. As shown by the signing last year of the UK-Moldova Defence and Security Partnership, the UK is strengthening its commitment to Moldova’s security. At the UK-Moldova Strategic Dialogue yesterday, our officials were proud to reaffirm UK support on cyber, counter-disinformation and judicial cooperation to help Moldova to defend its democratic institutions from malign interference.
To conclude, Ambassador Keiderling, the UK highly appreciates the energy and dedication that you have brought to the role and towards advancing a peaceful resolution. As we look ahead to parliamentary elections in September, the United Kingdom will continue to support the OSCE Mission in fulfilling its mandate, and to support peace and stability for the people of Moldova.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
May 08, 2025
Congressional Republicans’ current plan sets them up to slash hundreds of billions from Medicaid and CHIP
Lawmakers cite bipartisan support for cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare Advantage
Letter from House (PDF) | Letter from Senate (PDF)
Washington, D.C. – As Congress considers reconciliation legislation, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, along with Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas) and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) led their colleagues in writing to Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, urging them to crack down on waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare Advantage (MA) instead of forging ahead with cuts to Medicaid.
“As Congress considers reconciliation legislation, we urge you to reject cuts to Medicaid, which are deeply unpopular and will rip away health care from millions of Americans,” wrote the lawmakers. “Where there is widespread agreement is the need to address waste, fraud, and abuse by private, for-profit insurance companies. We write to urge you to crack down on the growing threat to the Medicare program known as ‘upcoding.’”
Upcoding is the practice by which private insurers in Medicare Advantage exaggerate the medical diagnoses of their enrollees to secure higher payments from the federal government. This results in wasteful spending in Medicare, overcharging seniors and taxpayers while adding tens of billions in costs to the federal government. Analysis from the non-partisan Medicare Payment Advisory Committee (MedPAC) found that upcoding is expected to increase Medicare payments to private health insurance companies by an estimated 10 percent, or $40 billion, in 2025.
This waste, fraud, and abuse has been called out by both Democrats and Republicans. CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz even noted that tackling this fraud “is relatively enjoyable to go after, because … we have bipartisan support.” Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) has launched an inquiry into UnitedHealth’s billing practices in Medicare Advantage, and Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) supports the No UPCODE Act, which would ban some of the most aggressive forms of upcoding by private insurers in the program.
“The Wall Street Journal, MedPAC, Administrator Oz, and Congressional Republicans all seem to agree: wasteful spending in MA, driven by abusive upcoding practices, are a ‘more rational’ route to securing health care savings that will benefit the Medicare program and taxpayers,” continued the lawmakers. “Your directive to cut federal health care spending should come from reducing waste, fraud, and abuse like upcoding by for-profit insurance companies, not by cutting health care benefits for American families who rely on Medicaid to make ends meet.”
Nevertheless, Congressional Republicans are forging ahead with plans to slash hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) – which will put health and livelihoods at risk for the nearly 80 million Americans, including 37 million children, eight million people with disabilities, and seven million seniors covered by these programs
“If there is no course correction that protects Medicaid, tens of millions of Americans will be kicked off their health care,” wrote the lawmakers. “We urge you instead to listen to Administrator Oz and tackle real fraud, waste, and abuse by private, for-profit health insurers in MA.”
The letters were also signed by Senators Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), as well as Representatives Hank Johnson (D-Ga.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.), Joaquin Castro (D-Texas), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Al Green (D-Texas), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Lateefah Simon (D-Calif.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Eleanor Homes Norton (D-D.C.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Delia Ramirez (D-Ill.), Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.), Mark Takano (D-Calif.), Danny Davis (D-Ill.), Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.), Maxwell Frost (D-Florida), Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.), Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Jill Tokuda (D-Hawaii), Val Hoyle (D-Ore.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Andre Carson (D-Ind.), Adriano Espaillat (D-N.Y.), Marcy Kaptur (D-Ohio), and Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.).
The letters have been endorsed by the Center for American Progress, Center for Medicare Advocacy, LeadingAge, P Street Project, Protect Our Care, and Public Citizen.
Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
May 08, 2025
Senator warns Michael Obadal that financial conflicts “will compromise your ability to serve with integrity, raising a cloud of suspicion over your contracting and operational decisions.”
Text of Letter (PDF)
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) wrote to Mr. Michael Obadal, nominee for Under Secretary of the Army, with concerns about his refusal to divest from major defense contractors. Obadal will face lawmakers at his nomination hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on May 8, 2025.
If confirmed, Obadal will help manage the Army’s operations—consisting of a $186 billion budget, over 100,000 contracts a year, and over one million personnel. Obadal currently serves as a Senior Director at Anduril Industries, which was recently awarded a $22 billion contract to produce high-tech headsets for the Army. Obadal also holds between $250,000 and $500,000 in Anduril stock, which he has refused to divest from ahead of his confirmation. Anduril is also currently eyeing an initial public offering, and the company’s plan of going public would be boosted if it can secure more Pentagon contracts.
Even after divesting, Warren said Obadal should still recuse from specific-party matters involving Anduril.
“If you were to participate in a decision about an Anduril contract, your prior employment relationship with the company would lead the public to reasonably question whether you were more motivated to protect the company’s interests than the public interest,” said Senator Warren.
Obadal also holds stock in several other large defense contractors, including up to $15,000 in each of the following: General Dynamics, Eli Lilly, Thermo Fischer Scientific, and Cummins, Inc.
“By attempting to serve in this role with conflicts of interest, you risk spending taxpayer dollars on wasteful DoD contracts that enrich wealthy contractors but fail to enhance Americans’ national security,” said Senator Warren.
To address his conflicts of interest, Senator Warren asked him to make five commitments:
Divest his equity in Anduril;
Recuse from any matters involving Anduril;
Divest his equity in stock in other major defense contractors;
Commit not to seek compensation from any company that works with the Army for four years after leaving government service; and
Commit not to lobby the Defense Department for at least four years after leaving office.
Some DoD appointees have agreed to a cooling-off period before seeking compensation from defense contractors. For example, Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, recently committed not to work for major defense contractors after leaving government.
Relatedly, multiple former Biden appointees agreed to post-employment lobbying restrictions, including Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, IRS Chief Counsel Marjorie Rollinson, and Treasury Assistant Secretary for Investment Security Paul Rosen.
Senator Warren asked Obadal to make these ethics commitments in writing by May 9, 2025.
Senator Warren has sought to protect servicemembers and national security by pushing defense nominees to resolve their conflicts of interest:
In March 2025, ahead of his confirmation vote, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Deputy Defense Secretary Nominee Stephen Feinberg, urging him to recuse himself from all matters related to Ligado Networks, which has a pending $39 billion lawsuit against the DoD.
In March 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Mr. Emil Michael, nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, with concern over his history of inappropriate behavior at work, his attacks on journalists and public accountability, and his ties to technology companies that may seek contracts with the Department of Defense.
In February 2025, ahead of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Mr. Stephen Feinberg, nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defense, pressing him to explain his “serious conflicts of interest” and his track record of mismanagement.
In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Mr. Michael Duffey, nominee for Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment of the Department of Defense, ahead of his confirmation hearing, with serious concerns about his record, which include violating the law, disregarding Congressional authority, and his involvement in Project 2025.
In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to Mr. Pete Hegseth, nominee for Secretary of the Department of Defense, regarding his ethics conflicts ahead of the Senate’s consideration of his nomination. Mr. Hegseth’s household’s ownership of stock in several defense contractors and his unwillingness to commit to the same post-employment restrictions he previously advocated for were particularly troubling for a prospective Secretary of Defense.
In March 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured ethics commitments from Douglas Schmidt, ahead of his confirmation to be the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) for the Department of Defense.
In June 2023, Senator Elizabeth Warren and representative Andy Kim reintroduced the Department of Defense Ethics and Anti-Corruption Act, to limit the influence of contractors on the military, constrain foreign influence on retired senior military officers, and assert greater transparency over contractors and their interaction with DoD.
In July 2021, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured agreements to four-year recusals from former clients’ and employers’ party matters from then-Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall and then-USD(R&E) Heidi Shyu.
In January 2021, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured a commitment from General Lloyd Austin III, then-nominee for Secretary of Defense, to extend his recusal from Raytheon Technologies for four years and to not seek a position on the board of a defense contractor or become a lobbyist after his government service.
Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
May 08, 2025
“The Trump administration is now moving beyond broken promises to purposely dismantling the very system that provides hopeful families with accountability and transparency regarding fertility clinic success rates.”
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Cory Booker, D-N.J., today led colleagues in demanding answers from Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for eliminating the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) team responsible for making sure people who are trying to become pregnant have the information they need to thoughtfully and safely grow their families – despite Donald Trump’s broken promise to support families seeking IVF treatments.
“Because IVF is a complicated and expensive process, the American people deserve access to the best information possible to inform their family building journey. Unfortunately, hollowing out National Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Surveillance System capabilities and capacity is consistent with Donald Trump’s deceitful and disingenuous rhetoric on IVF,” the senators wrote in a letter to HHS Secretary Kennedy. “Your actions threaten hopeful parents and families’ ability to access high-quality, safe, and effective fertility care. The American people deserve assurances that their rights under the [Fertility Clinic Success Rate and Certification Act of 1992] will continue to be guaranteed, as Congress intended.”
The Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance and Research team (ARTS) was established following a 1992 Wyden law passed by Congress aimed at guaranteeing consumer protections for people seeking to grow their family through IVF and other assisted reproductive technology. The fired team of six deeply qualified scientists and public health practitioners were responsible for carrying out the CDC’s mandated responsibilities under the Wyden law, including conducting IVF clinic data analysis related to success rates and important clinic oversight through yearly audits and site visits and the monitoring of lab certification status.
ARTS served as a critical source of unbiased information for patients seeking fertility treatment, collecting and maintaining data on approximately 98 percent of all IVF and assisted reproductive technology cycles performed in the United States.
In addition to Wyden, Duckworth, Murray, and Booker, the letter was signed by Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.
The senators demanded the immediate rehiring of every civil servant formerly on the ARTS team and answers to the following questions by Friday, May 16:
When will you reinstate the entirety of the ARTS team?
How many employees on the ARTS team, and any supporting contracts, have been fired since January 20, 2025? Please provide a complete breakdown by position, provide information on GS level and veteran status, and clearly state the justification for termination. This accounting should include any employees who have since been reinstated or placed on administrative leave, noting that change in status.
Which officials at HHS were involved in these staffing reduction decisions and what planning, if any, was undertaken prior to these reductions? Please describe the events that unfolded and name each office that was involved in the decision. Further, please name the official(s) who approved the staffing reductions as well as specifically indicate if any of the below individuals, or direct reports to these individuals, were involved in the decision-making. Name any such direct reports.
Elon Musk, Special Government Employee, DOGE.
Amy Gleason, Acting Administrator, DOGE.
Susan Monarez, Acting Director, First Assistant to the Director, Principal Deputy Director, CDC.
Without an ARTS team, how will the CDC continue to carry-out its statutorily-required responsibilities under FCSRCA? Please provide a detailed plan, including noting who has the expertise, skills, capacity, and resources to carry-out the responsibilities formerly carried-out by the ARTS team.
Have, or will, any of the CDC’s responsibilities previously carried-out by the ARTS team been contracted out?
If so, what assurance will you give the American people that the data and analysis produced will be comprehensive, transparent, publicly-accessible and cover all IVF cycles annually, as the ARTS team did?
If so, please describe the cost of contracting out these services.
In some instances, the HHS’s Reduction In Force (RIF) efforts have been characterized as final. Those same people have stated that, as per the nature of the layoffs, the roles and responsibilities previously carried out by fired staff cannot be refilled. Is this characterization of the RIF efforts correct?
If so, how can the CDC continue to carry-out its statutorily required responsibilities under FCSRCA?
What communication, if any, has been given to IVF clinics in connection with the ARTS layoffs and how to report data going forward? If any such communication was distributed, please produce it.
Does the CDC continue to collect data from IVF clinics across the country? If so, who is responsible for collecting that data and where is the data presently being stored?
People considering and undergoing IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies rely on up-to-date information to make informed medical decisions. Each year, CDC collects data from IVF clinics across the country and standardizes this information into a public-facing website and report.
As of the ARTS team’s firings, the 2023 data had been fully collected. What is the anticipated release date for the 2023 IVF report? Has this timeline been impacted by the ARTS layoffs?
Have any of the information categories published in previous years been removed or altered? If so, please describe the changes that have been made to information categories and provide a rationale for any changes.
The ARTS team was operational for over 30 years and the historical information it held related to ARTS is uniquely instructive to public health efforts and contains sensitive PII about hopeful parents undergoing IVF and their children. How will the CDC maintain patient confidentiality, protect PII, and sustain this critical database moving forward? Please provide a detailed plan.
Further, who is presently in charge of the historical information previously held by the ARTS Team and where is this information held?
Was the decision to dismiss the ARTS team made in consultation with any non-governmental entities, including nonprofits, think tanks, advocacy organizations, research or educational institutions, or public policy research organizations.
If so, please provide any written documents or correspondence that informed this decision and name all non-governmental entities involved in the decision to terminate the ARTS team.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11)
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman August Pfluger (TX-11), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security’s Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, had legislation pass through the U.S. House of Representatives. Chairman Pfluger’s “DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes Act“ will defend American students from the Chinese Communist Party by prohibiting any Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding from flowing to universities that host a Confucius Institute or maintain a relationship with a Chinese entity of concern.
Following the legislation’s passage, Rep. Pfluger released the following statement:
“The Chinese Communist Party has proven to be an untrustworthy, adversarial actor by continually undermining American interests at every turn – in no world should they have a front-row seat in our classrooms funded by our own taxpayer dollars,” said Rep. Pfluger. “The bipartisan passage of my legislation today sends a clear message: America’s universities and research labs will no longer be used to steal critical research, recruit talent for Military-Civil fusion enterprises, conduct espionage, commit transnational repression, and influence academic institutions to the benefit of the CCP. This is a victory for our national security and future generations of Americans.”
Several leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives also praised the passage of Rep. Pfluger’s legislation:
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson said,“House Republicans will not tolerate adversarial regimes, like the Chinese Communist Party, using propaganda to manipulate students, undermine academic institutions, and compromise national security. Higher education in America must remain free from foreign malign influence. I commend Rep. Pfluger for his leadership in protecting students and ensuring taxpayer dollars are not used to fund institutions that host Confucius Institutes or maintain ties to Chinese entities supporting CCP interests.”
House Committee on Homeland Security Chairman Mark Green said,“Beijing’s malign influence should never have been allowed to reach American campuses. Chairman Pfluger’s legislation will protect our universities from the CCP’s efforts to steal American research and innovation, which Xi uses to undermine our nation’s sovereignty,” Chairman Green said. “After years of hard work by Chairman Pfluger, I look forward to getting this bill to the Senate and signed into law by President Trump. We must prevent American taxpayer dollars from funding our greatest geopolitical adversary’s sinister ambitions.”
Majority Leader Steve Scalise said,“For years, the Chinese Communist Party targeted the United States and our institutes of higher education in attempts to influence and exploit American classrooms and research. Specifically, Confucius Institutes were extensions of the CCP’s influence network meant to conduct espionage in the U.S., impact academic institutions’ decisions, push propaganda, and steal intellectual property and trade secrets. We cannot allow foreign adversaries to infiltrate U.S. education, participate in shaping the minds of America’s future leaders, or allow them access to steal intellectual property. That is why we must ensure American institutions of higher education fully cut ties with these hostile entities or face consequences. I’m grateful to Rep. Pfluger for his leadership on this issue and for bringing legislation to protect our best and brightest.”
House GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain said,“There’s no place for Chinese propaganda in America. House Republicans are ending CCP influence on college campuses and ensuring taxpayer dollars are not funding foreign agendas. My colleague Rep. Pfluger has done a great job getting this bill to the finish line, and I’m proud to have voted YES to pass this bill and defend our students from harmful CCP influence.”
Majority Whip Tom Emmer said,“We cannot allow the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate and influence American schools without consequence—especially schools that are funded by taxpayer dollars. I thank Rep. Pfluger for leading a bill that rightly restricts federal funding to any institution of higher education that chooses to align with the CCP’s anti-American agenda.”
Background:
Confucius Institutes have historically been presented as centers for promoting Chinese language and culture, but unfortunately, they have proven to be far from that. Confucius Institutes have been used to steal critical research, recruit talent for Military-Civil fusion enterprises, conduct espionage, commit transnational repression, and influence academic institutions to the benefit of the CCP.
At their peak, the United States hosted approximately 118 Confucius Institutes, primarily at colleges and universities. There are fewer than 14 active Confucius Institutes today, but the danger remains. Many of these programs have rebranded themselves within universities with the same mission as before: to subvert national security and expand CCP influence operations.
Prior to its passage, Chairman Pfluger delivered remarks on the House floor highlighting these dangers and more to outline the critical need for this legislation.
Chairman Pfluger has led this legislation since the 117th Congress, reintroduced the “DHS Restrictions on Confucius Institutes Act, and held a CTI Subcommittee hearing to combat threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party to U.S. National Security. During the hearing, Chairman Pfluger had experts agree with the need for his legislation, stating that federal funding should be restricted from universities with Confucius institutes.
Following the hearing, Chairman Pfluger’s legislation passed through the House Committee on Homeland Security’s legislative markup with bipartisan support.
Welcome to the penultimate day of the SEC’s 31st International Institute for Securities Market Growth and Development. Before I begin, as I am sure you anticipate based on what you have heard from many SEC speakers this week, my views are my own as a Commissioner and not necessarily those of the SEC or my fellow Commissioners.
The Institute’s longevity signals the importance of capital formation and the development of capital markets. These topics can get lost in regulatory conversations, which tend to focus on what government can do to protect investors, rather than what markets can do to protect investors. Efficient, flourishing capital markets do more than serve investors; their function is much grander—to serve humanity. As the lifeblood of businesses and innovation, capital markets help a nation’s economy to meet its people’s needs and generate the societal prosperity that enriches the lives of individuals and their communities. Affording investors an opportunity to share in the fruits of the economy’s growth is a welcome byproduct of well-functioning capital markets and a central element of investor protection.
The capital markets themselves are the means by which investors prosper, but carefully crafted, well-balanced regulation of markets gives investors the confidence to participate in those markets. If a nation regulates its capital markets with too heavy a hand, businesses will wither, innovators will migrate elsewhere, consumers will pay more for inferior products and services, and investors will suffer economically. If a nation establishes a clear regulatory perimeter that provides broad latitude to people to transact as they like, people will have the confidence to make choices that benefit them and their families. An important regulatory objective is ensuring that investors have sufficient, reliable information to be willing to take the risk to invest their money in innovative and growing businesses. This balancing act is not easy, and every country has its own idiosyncrasies that factor into determining the right mix. Moreover, determining the proper regulatory balance is an ongoing exercise in which all countries—no matter the stage of development of their capital markets—must engage.
The U.S. capital markets are well-developed and well-functioning, but keeping them preeminent requires continued care and creativity. Here in the United States, we are constantly asking ourselves how we can do better and watching for signs that something may be amiss in the markets or the way we regulate them. For example, we are reflecting on why the number of public companies listed on exchanges in the U.S. fell from 5,243 in 2004 to 4,862 in 2024.[1] This decline reflects positively on the robustness of our private markets, but the regulatory requirements the Commission has imposed on public companies also are partly responsible for dissuading companies from going public. We need to take a look at these requirements and ask whether some of them are extraneous, or even harmful. Much public company regulation takes the form of disclosure requirements but even disclosure requirements can be costly and distracting to management and may change the company’s practices in ways that are not good for investors. Requiring a company to disclose in detail executive compensation, including how it relates to other employees’ pay, for example, can limit the company’s ability to hire the best people to run the company. Keeping disclosure requirements principles-based and rooted in materiality of the information to investors seeking to maximize the long-term value of the company helps them stand the test of time.
Good regulatory balance also requires ensuring that new competitors can come into the marketplace to serve investors and provide market infrastructure. Sensible regulation protects investors and markets from dishonest and careless intermediaries, whether those intermediaries are established or new. But heavy-handed regulation can protect incumbents by making it too costly for would-be competitors who want to challenge existing firms with better, cheaper products and services. Scaled regulation—imposing fewer requirements on smaller firms—is one way to foster competition. Without dynamic competition, capital markets cannot effectively serve people. Moreover, a concentrated set of incumbents, comfortably hiding behind regulatory barriers, may contribute to market fragility.
Poor regulation may not only keep new competitors out, but may prevent incumbents from using new technologies. Here too regulators can take measures to ensure that regulation does not become a barrier to technology. Rules that mandate objectives to be achieved without prescribing how to achieve them can create a welcoming environment for new technologies. When rules stand in the way of market experimentation with new technologies and fast-to-market innovation, regulators should think creatively. Let me give you a concrete example that I am pondering right now.
As you may be aware, the Commission is revising its approach to crypto regulation. This endeavor is multi-faceted, but one focus is tokenization of traditional securities. Tokenization refers to the use of distributed ledger technology to maintain the record of ownership of traditional assets, including securities, such as stocks and bonds. It entails formatting these assets as crypto assets (or “tokens”) on a blockchain or other distributed ledger technology (“DLT”).
In thinking about how to facilitate private sector tokenization initiatives, I have been inspired by the “regulatory sandbox” structures implemented in other jurisdictions, including some represented in this audience. Those structures have allowed firms to innovate in a live, but controlled, environment. Innovating firms are able to get to market quickly under appropriate, reasonably calibrated conditions. They do not have to comply with inapt regulations, which, in many cases, were developed well before the technologies being tested existed and may be obviated by attributes of that technology. In addition to offering individual firms the opportunity to try something out in the marketplace, these sandboxes can help regulators think about how existing rules could be adapted to accommodate trading tokenized securities at scale.
The SEC’s Crypto Task Force, informed by a February request for comment,[2] is considering a potential exemptive order that would allow firms to use DLT to issue, trade, and settle securities. This potential conditional exemption from certain SEC registration requirements and associated rules would allow firms to use innovative trading systems for eligible tokenized securities. Firms seeking to operate an automated market making system for tokenized securities, for example, may face challenges in complying with the SEC’s Regulation National Market System. Such systems, their operators, or persons interacting with them also may have to register as a broker-dealer, clearing agency, or an exchange. Because only a small number of securities have been tokenized to date, firms may not be willing to devote resources to identify and address the regulatory barriers to trade and settle them. Companies may be hesitant to issue tokenized securities because only a limited number of venues can trade such securities. Exemptive relief could help resolve this chicken-and-egg problem. It also would afford the SEC time to develop and adopt durable adaptations to its existing rules to accommodate DLT.
The contemplated exemption would be conditional. Exempted entities would comply with market integrity conditions for the prevention of fraud and manipulation. Additional conditions might include requirements to provide material and relevant disclosures to users about a platform’s products, services, operations, conflicts of interest, and risks, including smart contract risks; comply with recordkeeping and reporting requirements; be subject to monitoring and examination by SEC staff; and have adequate financial resources for operations. Supplemental requirements for participants offering crypto custodial services might include customer disclosures about custody arrangements and risks and a requirement to implement policies and procedures or substantive requirements related to blockchain and wallet security. Restrictions such as limiting the number and types of tokenized securities listed or traded or trading volume could mitigate risks to investors and markets. The SEC could raise these ceilings for a firm that has performed successfully at its initial limits.
This sketch of a potential exemption is a work-in-progress. The goal is to formulate a commercially feasible approach that protects investors, including by ensuring that they have the benefit of cutting-edge technologies for trading, clearing, and settling securities. I welcome feedback from market participants and other interested parties, including participants in this Institute who have designed and implemented regulatory sandbox frameworks in your jurisdictions. Enabling firms to deploy new products and services in a streamlined fashion contributes to balanced regulation.
Each of us has responsibilities to foster innovation in our own jurisdiction, but cross-border collaboration can help in this regard. Many firms want to serve customers in more than one jurisdiction, particularly because financial markets are international. Regulators would benefit from seeing how products or services work in different environments. Accordingly, I have advocated bilateral collaboration to allow participants in foreign sandboxes simultaneously to run their market experiments in the United States. Such an arrangement would require regulatory information sharing agreements and other cooperation. The challenges that U.S. and non-U.S. firms face in innovating in one nation pale in comparison to the difficulties that await them when they try to offer products and services in more than one jurisdiction. We owe it to our respective citizenry to tackle these frictions through cooperative approaches. The regulatory balancing act is not a solo exercise.
This Institute provides a forum for a discussion of how we can help grow our respective capital markets by implementing a sensible regulatory regime. While each country’s capital market has its own characteristics, this Institute enables regulators to discuss what has worked in developing their markets and, just as importantly, what has not. Getting the balance right in each of our countries is essential, and it is not a zero-sum game. To the contrary, good regulation benefits everyone. Having strong capital markets globally will in turn help foster economic growth at home in all our countries. Balanced regulation in capital markets across the world helps to ensure that resources and, importantly, human talent are deployed in ways that benefit all of us.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, May 8 (Xinhua) — The U.S.’s vile attempts to attack and discredit China-Caribbean relations and cooperation are doomed to failure, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said Thursday.
Lin Jian made this comment on recent statements by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the selection of suppliers and contractors by Caribbean countries for the implementation of important infrastructure projects.
Speaking at a regular departmental press conference, Lin Jian said such statements constitute a malicious attack on China and are aimed at denigrating and undermining relations between China and relevant countries, revealing ideological bias and disregard for basic norms governing international relations.
“China expresses strong dissatisfaction and categorical protest,” the Chinese diplomat noted.
Lin Jian stressed that Caribbean countries have the right to independently choose friendly cooperation partners and do not need to be lectured by any country.
China’s relations with the Caribbean countries serve the fundamental and long-term interests of both sides, Lin Jian said, noting that the US’s cowardly attempts to attack and discredit China-Caribbean relations and cooperation are doomed to failure. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
MOSCOW, May 8 (Xinhua) — China will work with Russia to shoulder special responsibilities as major countries in the world and permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, Chinese President Xi Jinping said here on Thursday during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin as part of his state visit to Russia.
At present, in the face of unilateralism, power politics and bullying in the world, the two sides should take a clear stance to jointly advance the correct view of the history of World War II, safeguard the authority and status of the UN, firmly safeguard the rights and interests of China and Russia as well as a wide range of developing countries, and promote the building of an equal and orderly multipolar world and an all-round beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, Xi said.
Noting that he is very glad to visit Russia again at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin and take part in the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet Union in the Great Patriotic War, Xi Jinping said that history and reality fully demonstrate that the continuous development and deepening of Chinese-Russian relations are necessary for passing on the friendship between the two peoples from generation to generation.
It is also an inevitable choice for the two sides to achieve mutual achievements and promote their development and rejuvenation, the Chinese leader noted, adding that it is the call of the times to uphold international justice and promote the reform of the global governance system.
Recalling that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s Victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, the Soviet Union’s Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Victory in the World Anti-Fascist War, Xi Jinping pointed out that 80 years ago, the peoples of China and Russia, at the cost of enormous losses, won a great victory and made significant historical contributions to maintaining world peace and the cause of human progress. –0–
