NewzIntel.com

Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davids, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Protect and Expand Access to Birth Control, Reproductive Health Care Services

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) joined Representative Judy Chu (CA-28) and Dina Titus (NV-01) and Senators Tina Smith (MN), Patty Murray (WA), and Elizabeth Warren (MA) in introducing the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act, legislation that would safeguard and increase funding for Title X — the nation’s only federal program dedicated to providing comprehensive family planning and preventive health services.

    For more than 50 years, Title X has provided critical health care services, including birth control, cancer screenings, and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Title X clinics serve 4 million people annually, and in 2023 alone, more than 1.5 million visits to Planned Parenthood health centers were made possible by the program. But that care is under threat, as the Trump Administration continues its attacks on this critical program.

    “In Kansas and across the country, people are being turned away from the only places they can afford to get basic, lifesaving reproductive care — all because the Trump Administration is playing politics with their health,” said Davids. “This bill protects trusted providers and ensures access to cancer screenings, birth control, and STI testing, no matter your income, where you live, or how you vote.”

    The need for the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act comes as the Trump Administration has recently frozen millions of dollars in already-appropriated Title X funding, impacting 16 organizations across several states. Planned Parenthood affiliates have lost access to as much as $3 million annually — resources they rely on to serve tens of thousands of patients each year. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the freeze could impact access to care for up to 1.25 million people, many of whom are low-income, people of color, or live in medically underserved communities.

    “The Trump Administration is denying women across Nevada and the U.S. the freedom to make decisions about their own bodies and their families’ futures,” said Representative Dina Titus (NV-01). “By fully funding family planning services, we can protect their rights to access lifesaving preventive care, birth control, and other reproductive health services at a time when these freedoms are under constant attack.”

    “While the Trump-Musk administration freezes Title X funding around the country, threatening family planning and health screenings for hundreds of thousands of women, Democrats are fighting back with the bicameral introduction of the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act,” said Representative Judy Chu (CA-28). “Trump and Congressional Republicans may not care about providing American women the freedom to plan their futures, but we do. And we are backing it up with this legislation to guarantee stable funding for Title X, improve health clinics’ infrastructure, and protect their access to comprehensive, affordable reproductive health care.”

    “We are at a time when Americans’ reproductive freedoms are under attack from extremist Republicans – which makes the Title X Family Planning Program more important than ever,” said Senator Tina Smith (MN). “Title X funding provides American women with access to critical reproductive health services. I invite my Republican colleagues who claim to champion family planning services to join us in supporting this commonsense legislation that will protect women’s access to life-saving services and birth control, pregnancy counseling, infertility services, and more.”

    The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act would:

    1. Guarantee stable, annual funding for Title X, preventing repeated Republican-led efforts to eliminate the program.
      • The bill would provide $512 million annually for 10 years, addressing the current funding shortfall and ensuring access to essential services.
      • It also allocates $50 million in mandatory funding for clinic construction, renovations, and infrastructure improvements.
    2. Protect providers like Planned Parenthood from being excluded, as seen under the Trump Administration’s so-called “domestic gag rule.”
      • The bill would reinstate regulations prohibiting discrimination against providers who offer Title X services, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
    3. Ensure access to comprehensive, affordable reproductive health care for all patients, regardless of income, race, immigration status, or gender.
      • This includes information and services related to prenatal care, delivery, infant care, foster care, adoption, and pregnancy termination — unless a patient opts out of receiving information on certain options.

    Last week, Davids led more than 160 House Democrats in urging U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to immediately restore all appropriated Title X funding. The letter also called for an urgent meeting with impacted providers to ensure that care is not disrupted.

    “The Trump administration is trying to strip health care access from people nationwide, and now they’re attacking Title X — the nation’s only federal program dedicated to providing affordable sexual and reproductive health care,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America. “Sadly, we already know what happens when health care providers, including Planned Parenthood health centers, lose Title X funding. People across the country suffer, cancers go undetected, access to birth control is severely reduced, and the nation’s STI crisis worsens. Thank you to Senators Smith, Murray, and Warren, and Representatives Davids, Chu, and Titus for reintroducing this critical bill to protect continued investment in the Title X family planning program. The withholding of Title X funds from Planned Parenthood health centers cannot stand.”

    “The recent, unjustified attacks on the Title X program have detrimental real-life consequences across the country,” said Clare Coleman, President & CEO, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. “Withholding Title X funds for a quarter of all grantees in the Title X network has impacted 870 health clinics and more than 850,000 patients. The impact is vast and disproportionately affects low-income individuals, rural communities, people of color. I applaud Rep. Sharice Davids and Senator Tina Smith for introducing this legislation and look forward to a future where Title X family planning providers are fully funded and able to serve every patient in their community who needs high-quality reproductive health care.”

    “The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act secures sustainable, consistent funding for Title X that would help patients by helping to stabilize the provider network, prevent service disruptions, and uphold its commitment to person-centered care — care that respects and responds to an individual’s preferences, needs, and values,” said Kelly Baden, Vice President of Public Policy, Guttmacher Institute. “Guttmacher data shows that restrictions appearing to target one type of reproductive health care have ripple effects on all aspects of reproductive care, including abortion and contraception. Attacks on Title X from the Trump Administration are devastating to the thousands of people who rely on those health centers every day as their trusted provider of contraception and other affordable care.  Congress must support Title X as a vital program ensuring access to reproductive health care and addressing longstanding health disparities in care. We thank Rep. Davids for her leadership in championing this critical legislation.”

    The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act is endorsed by a wide coalition of public health and reproductive rights organizations, including Guttmacher Institute, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Women’s Law Center, National Council of Jewish Women, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Upstream USA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davids Introduces New Bill to Defend Manufacturing Jobs After Trump Slashes Key Program

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Today, Representative Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) introduced the Defend American Manufacturing Act, legislation to protect a key program that supports local manufacturing companies across the country. The bill comes after President Trump quietly cut the program in 10 states — including Kansas — just hours before taking the stage to proclaim his support for American manufacturing. 

    “Dismantling one of the most successful manufacturing programs in the country is not the way to help grow American manufacturing,” said Davids. “My Defend American Manufacturing Act ensures that state manufacturing centers — like Kansas Manufacturing Solutions — can continue helping local manufacturers grow, innovate, and create jobs. To make our country more competitive, we should be doubling down on what works. This bill will do just that.”

    For nearly 40 years, the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program has helped small and mid-sized manufacturers become more efficient, strengthen supply chains, and grow their businesses. Through 51 cost-effective public-private centers in every state and Puerto Rico, MEPs offer services like workforce training, cybersecurity support, and market expansion strategies. In 2024 alone, the program created or saved over 108,000 manufacturing jobs, generated $15 billion in sales, and saved local businesses $2.6 billion.

    The Trump administration’s latest decision pulled nearly $13 million from MEP centers, blindsiding states like Kansas, Delaware, and others. Davids’ Defend American Manufacturing Act would require the National Institute of Standards and Technology to renew and award MEP centers annually, freeing the program’s funding from politically motivated decisions by future administrations.

    Kansas’ MEP, known as Kansas Manufacturing Solutions (KMS), has made a tremendous impact on the state’s economy, where 86 percent of the yearly exports are manufactured goods. In 2024, KMS created or retained 2,339 jobs, spurred $122 million in new investment, saved local businesses $14.3 million, and generated $328 million in sales. In Kansas’ Third District alone, KMS assisted 552 manufacturers and more than 30,000 manufacturing employees last year.

    “Cutting MEP funding undermines the small manufacturers essential for reshoring U.S. production. With 98 percent of U.S. manufacturers being small or mid-sized, they are the backbone of reshoring effort and the ones most reliant on MEP support,” said Tiffany Stoval, CEO, Kansas Manufacturing Solutions. “These manufacturers can’t afford expensive consultants, yet still need expert guidance to modernize, automate, and grow. That’s where KMS and MEP-backed services come in. Without this support, these businesses are left vulnerable. We’ve seen firsthand how relying on foreign suppliers creates a fragile supply chain — especially in a crisis. Let’s not repeat that mistake. We must support American jobs, innovation, and manufacturers by restoring MEP funding.”

    Representatives Sarah McBride (DE-01) and Zoe Lofgren (CA-18) joined Davids in introducing today’s legislation to defend this critical manufacturing program. Earlier this week, Davids and McBride also called on the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to reverse its decision to halt funding for MEP centers, emphasizing the need for stability as local manufacturers face rising costs from Trump’s tariffs.

    “I’ve heard directly from Delaware’s manufacturers and the leaders of the Delaware Manufacturing Extension Partnership leadership — and they’re warning that the illegal decision to rip funding from the DEMEP will cost us jobs, investments, and the progress we’ve worked so hard to build,” said Representative Sarah McBride (DE-01). “In Delaware, the MEP has supported more than 400 local jobs and helped small and mid-sized manufacturers grow across all three Delaware counties. The Defend American Manufacturing Act will ensure that federal investments in manufacturing are used as Congress intended — to strengthen supply chains, boost innovation, and support the businesses at the heart of our economy so we can make more in America. This program works, and we should be doing everything we can to protect it. I’m grateful to Representative Davids for her partnership on this.”

    “Nearly 98 percent of manufacturers in the U.S. are small or mid-sized businesses, and they play a crucial role in reshoring efforts,” said Carrie Hines, President & CEO, American Small Manufacturers Coalition. “These businesses are also the ones most reliant on the Manufacturing Extension Partnership, which provides vital technical assistance to help them stay competitive in the global market,” said Carrie Hines, President and CEO of the American Small Manufacturers Coalition. “This bill ensures that MEP Centers will continue to receive the federal funding allocated by Congress, enabling them to support these manufacturers.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Davids Warns of Rising Costs for Kansas Families as Trump’s Tariffs Take Effect

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Today, Representative Sharice Davids released the following statement in response to President Trump’s latest round of tariffs, which went into effect early this morning. Experts warn the tariffs could raise costs for American families by $4,000 to $8,000 per year and further damage an already fragile economy.

    “Once again, President Trump has taken a drastic economic action without a clear plan for what comes next — and it’s Kansas families who will pay the price,” said Davids. “These reckless tariffs threaten our small businesses, farmers, and working families, all while we’re already facing the worst market performance under any president since World War II. People’s retirement savings, grocery bills, and long-term stability are on the line. We need smart, bipartisan trade policy that protects American workers and opens new markets — not chaotic political stunts that could raise prices for hardworking families by at least $3,800 a year.”

    Background:

    President Trump’s new tariffs have thrown financial markets and the broader economy into chaos. Since the announcement, the stock market has plummeted — marking the worst start for any president since World War II. This historic downturn is directly tied to the tariffs and is already hitting everyday Americans in their retirement accounts. A typical 401(k) for someone nearing retirement age has lost thousands of dollars in just a week.

    These tariffs also threaten key industries in Kansas, including agriculture and manufacturing, by increasing the cost of imported equipment and materials, and by inviting retaliatory tariffs on exports. This reckless approach to trade policy underscores the need for thoughtful, bipartisan solutions that promote fair trade without harming American consumers and businesses.

    Davids has consistently supported bipartisan approaches to trade that balance competitiveness with consumer protection, including measures to hold unfair actors accountable while avoiding broad, unpredictable economic consequences.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Craig, Jayapal, Deluzio, Ryan Launch Monopoly Busters Caucus to Fight Corporate Greed and Lower Costs for Everyday Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Angie Craig (MN-02)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representatives Angie Craig (MN-02), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and Pat Ryan (NY-19) launched the Monopoly Busters Caucus, a new caucus with nine founding Members to fight corporate greed, lower costs and promote a pro-worker, pro-consumer, and pro-small business economic agenda.

    During today’s press conference announcing the caucus, the Members were joined by founding members Representatives Becca Balint (VT), Greg Casar (TX-25), Jerry Nadler (NY-12) and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) as well as Mike Stranz, Vice President of Advocacy, National Farmers Union; Clayton Bennet, Manager, Safeway; and Jonathan Akanowicz RPh., Co-Owner, Towne Drugs.

    “As the top Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee, I have seen firsthand how consolidation in the ag industry is squeezing our family farmers and producers – and driving up costs for consumers too,” said Rep. Craig. “At a time when the Administration is launching our country headfirst into a global trade war, it’s more important than ever that we uplift small and local businesses right here at home. I’m proud to be joining Representatives Jayapal, Ryan and Deluzio to fight consolidation, strengthen the middle class and lower costs for producers and consumers.”  

    “Something is wrong in this country when families go to the grocery store and can’t afford milk or eggs or cereal. As people struggle under the weight of inflation, corporate profits are higher than ever,” said Rep. Jayapal. “From rent to groceries, to health care — life in America has become unaffordable. The answer to why is simple: corporate monopolies. When we take on corporate power, we can make a meaningful difference in the everyday lives of working people across the country – and we must, the American people are counting on us.”

    “Monopolies have been rigging the system, crushing competition and small businesses, and ripping off the American people for decades. And for too long, politicians in Congress have let it happen,” said Rep. Deluzio. “We’re launching the Monopoly Busters Caucus today because we think that it’s long overdue for Congress to step up to take on consolidated corporate power and to reinvigorate American capitalism with competition. It’s our duty to help take the squeeze off of America’s workers, small businesses, and consumers and pave a path back to the American Dream. It’s time to get real, patriotic competition back in our economy.”

    “When I talk with folks in the Hudson Valley, the number one thing I hear is frustration. Frustration that even though they’re working hard and doing everything that’s asked of them, they can’t afford to provide for their family – housing, health care, gas, groceries, utilities. It’s inherently un-American that only a select few are able to live out the American dream,” said Rep. Ryan. “The reason for this is clear – in every one of those industries, we’ve let monopolies drive up costs and drive down quality, all while making record breaking profits. We’re gonna fight back against these big and powerful corporations, hold the bad actors accountable, and ultimately put power back where it belongs: with the American people.”

    The full press conference can be viewed here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neguse, Bennet, Hickenlooper Demand Answers to DOGE Lease Cancellations for Land Management Agencies in Colorado

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — Congressman Joe Neguse (CO-02), Ranking Member of the Federal Lands Subcommittee, and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper called for immediate clarification regarding recent announcements from the Trump Administration that nearly twenty federal leases for land management agencies are to be terminated throughout Colorado. These cancellations come as part of the so-called “Department of Government Efficiency” or DOGE’s nationwide gutting of federal agencies and mass firings of federal employees.  

    In Colorado, the impacted agencies listed on DOGE’s “Wall of Receipts”, included the National Park Service and Forest Service, among numerous others. 

    “We write requesting immediate clarification regarding recent announcements from the Administration on the planned termination of nearly twenty facility leases in Colorado. These lease cancellations include facilities for federal land and natural resource management agencies, which play an integral role in the federal government’s resilience to wildfire, response to drought, and management of our public lands,” the Colorado lawmakers wrote.

    Neguse, Bennet, and Hickenlooper continued by calling specific attention to the impact these closures would have on the state’s ability to combat the increased threat of wildfires, stating: “As federal agencies, states, and local communities work to prepare for heightened wildfire and drought risk during the warmer summer months ahead, we are extremely concerned about the risk that the closure of USFS or Department of Interior (DOI) facilities in Colorado could result in a decrease of our state’s wildfire preparedness, ability to respond to drought conditions, and react to other threats to public safety. As one particularly concerning example, DOGE’s list of terminations includes the Supervisor’s Office for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forest in Fort Collins. Closure of that facility would directly affect wildfire emergency operations during an active wildfire, including dispatch and incident command. This facility also supports important research that makes us more resilient to wildfire. The decision to terminate this lease would have detrimental effects not just for the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests, but for nearby communities.”  

    In recent years, Colorado has experienced several devastating wildfires, with 2020 and 2021 seeing some of the largest and most destructive events in state history, including the Cameron Peak Fire, East Troublesome Fire, and Marshall Fire. The termination of noted leases would be detrimental to not only the management of public lands but also the safety of residents and state visitors.  

    The lawmakers also made note of the significant uncertainty around the status of federal leases that are listed on the DOGE website, demanding increased transparency in the group’s decision-making process and rollout, and asking for immediate answers to the following questions: 

    1. What is the current status of all USFS and DOI facility leases in Colorado, including but not limited to the following offices:
    2. USFS facility at 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E in Fort Collins;
    3. NPS and USFWS facility at 1201 Oakridge Drive in Fort Collins; and
    4. USGS facilities at 3215 Marine Street and 4725 Nautilus Court in Boulder.
    5. What criteria were utilized to determine which facility leases would be terminated across the United States? Why have the status of leases changed without notification or explanation on DOGE’s website?
    6. What is the timeline for these leases to be terminated?
    7. What impacts would terminating the leases for DOI and USFS facilities have on wildfire readiness and emergency response operations leading into the summer months?
    8. How will Federal agencies accomplish their mission, meet statutory requirements, and continue to provide critical services without dedicated office space?
    9. Where will current employees with duty stations at these facilities, including those returning to in- person work to comply with the Return to In-person Presidential Action, work once these leases have been cancelled? Will employment terminations occur as a result of their office’s lease termination? 

    The full text of their letter, penned to Stephen Ehikian the Acting Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, is available HERE. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Helps Introduce Bill to Protect and Expand Access to Life-Saving Reproductive Health Care Services

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    In New Hampshire, nearly 10,000 Granite Staters who receive essential care at their local Planned Parenthood affiliate are being affected by the Trump administration’s funding freeze on Title X.

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) helped introduce the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act. This legislation would safeguard and increase funding for Title X — the nation’s only federal program dedicated to providing comprehensive family planning and preventive health services.

    For more than 50 years, Title X has provided critical health care services, including birth control, cancer screenings, annual exams, and testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Title X clinics serve 4 million people annually, and in 2023 alone, more than 1.5 million visits to Planned Parenthood health centers were made possible by the program. But that care is under threat, as the Trump administration continues its attacks on this critical program. 

    “In New Hampshire and across the country, Planned Parenthood and other family planning providers offer lifesaving care under Title X, including annual exams, cancer screenings, and STI testing. This administration has chosen to put their own extreme political views over the health and well-being of millions of Americans,” said Congressman Pappas. “That’s why I’m helping introduce legislation to safeguard and support Title X for the thousands of Granite Staters who depend on it. I’ll keep fighting to pass this legislation and continue standing up for access to health care and reproductive rights.”

    The need for the Expanding Access to Family Planning Act comes as the Trump administration has recently frozen millions of dollars in already-appropriated Title X funding, impacting 16 organizations across several states, including New Hampshire. Planned Parenthood affiliates have lost access to as much as $3 million annually — resources they rely on to serve tens of thousands of patients each year. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the freeze could impact access to care for up to 1.25 million people, many of whom are low-income, people of color, or live in medically underserved communities.  

    The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act would:

    • Guarantee stable, annual funding for Title X, preventing repeated Republican-led efforts to eliminate the program.
      • The bill would provide $512 million annually for 10 years, addressing the current funding shortfall and ensuring access to essential services.
      • It also allocates $50 million in mandatory funding for clinic construction, renovations, and infrastructure improvements.
    • Protect family planning providers, including Planned Parenthood, from being excluded, as seen under the Trump Administration’s so-called “domestic gag rule.”
      • The bill would reinstate regulations prohibiting discrimination against providers who offer Title X services, ensuring continuity of care for patients.
    • Ensure access to comprehensive, affordable reproductive health care for all patients, regardless of income, race, immigration status, or gender.
      • This includes information and services related to prenatal care, delivery, infant care, foster care, adoption, and pregnancy termination — unless a patient opts out of receiving information on certain options.

    Pappas, alongside the New Hampshire delegation, condemned the Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding for life-saving reproductive health care services, including those provided by Planned Parenthood of Northern New England (PPNNE). Last week Pappas joined more than 160 House Democrats in urging U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to immediately restore all appropriated Title X funding. The letter also called for an urgent meeting with impacted providers to ensure that care is not disrupted. 

    Last year Pappas and U.S. Senators Shaheen and Hassan joined PPNNE to highlight the impact abortion bans and efforts to limit access to medication abortion have had in New Hampshire since Roe v. Wade was overturned. The delegation has pushed for Title X funding, and following obstruction from Republicans on New Hampshire’s Executive Council, the delegation helped secure critical Title X funding for PPNNE.

    The Expanding Access to Family Planning Act is endorsed by a wide coalition of public health and reproductive rights organizations, including Guttmacher Institute, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, National Women’s Law Center, National Council of Jewish Women, Physicians for Reproductive Health, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Power to Decide, Reproductive Freedom for All, and Upstream USA.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Takes Action to Protect Public Employees’ Right to Organize

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) announced he is cosponsoring the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act, bicameral legislation to guarantee the right of public sector employees to organize, and the Protect America’s Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to nullify a recent Trump Administration Executive Order ending collective bargaining rights for a wide-ranging group of federal employees.

    The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would establish baseline federal protections to ensure all public service workers can join a union and negotiate workplace conditions, regardless of state law. The bill comes at a critical time, as recent federal actions have renewed attention on the collective bargaining rights of public employees, including those serving in national security-related agencies.

    The Protect America’s Workforce Act would nullify President Trump’s March 27 executive order seeking to end collective bargaining rights for unionized federal employees across several agencies.

    “Working families are the engine that drive our economy, but all too often we’ve seen the right to organize for better wages, safe conditions, and full benefits come under attack, including by this administration’s recent attempt to roll back collective bargaining rights for federal employees,” said Congressman Pappas. “All workers, including public employees, deserve to be able to collectively bargain for fair wages and safe working conditions, and I am proud to support legislation that will ensure those who put in a hard day’s work have a seat at the table and a say in their future.”

    The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is supported by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME); the Communications Workers of America (CWA); American Federation of Teachers (AFT); AFL-CIO; Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE); International Brotherhood of Teamsters; International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM); International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE); International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE); International Union of Police Associations (IUPA); International Union of Painters & Allied Trades (IUPAT); Laborer’s International Union of North America (LiUNA); National Education Association (NEA); National Nurses United; Service Employees International Union (SEIU); Transport Workers Union of America (TWU); UNITE HERE!; United Autoworkers; United Steelworkers (USW).

    “Passing this legislation has never been more urgent — especially now, as federal workers face unprecedented attacks on their collective bargaining rights,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “We believe, as most Americans do, that every worker deserves a union — no matter who they work for. This bill is about something fundamental: respect. Respect for the public service workers who’ve devoted their careers to serving their communities. And respect means the freedom to negotiate.”

    “When workers stand together in a union, their jobs and lives improve. But in half of the country, the people who keep our cities and towns running are banned from collectively bargaining for a good union contract. Every day, the attacks on the fundamental freedoms of workers who keep our streets and water clean, our public transportation moving, and our children learning are increasing from the highest level of government. We need federal law to protect their rights to form a union and negotiate fair contracts that allow them to continue to do the work that is so essential to our communities. We call on every member of Congress to stand with working people and support the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler.

    “For years now, the rights of workers like nurses, librarians, educators, and all our essential public servants who dedicate themselves to our communities have been chipped away at, despite their dedication and selfless service to their communities,” said Claude Cummings Jr., president of the Communications Workers of America. “That’s why the Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act is so vital. It protects public sector workers’ fundamental right to join together, bargain for fair pay, and stand up for decent working conditions. Congress needs to step up and pass this now and push back against efforts trying to undermine these essential rights.”

    “As education, healthcare and public service workers, our members make a difference in the lives of others every day. But too many states don’t allow the people who do the work to have a voice,” said Randi Weingarten, President of AFT. “The Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act would change that, ensuring public servants, no matter where they reside, have a means to influence their own lives. Whether it’s higher wages, safer working conditions, or a secure retirement, the ability to organize a union and bargain collectively lifts working families, students, patients, and entire communities up. That’s why we enthusiastically support this legislation and are committed to moving it forward.”

    The Protect America’s Workforce Act is supported by the AFL-CIO, the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU), Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS), and Service Employees International Union (SEIU).

    “Donald Trump is trying to end collective bargaining for hundreds of thousands of federal workers, silencing their voices and ripping up their contracts. This order would strike a blow to every American’s fundamental right of freedom of speech and association,” said AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler. “More than 70 percent of Americans and nearly 9 in 10 young people support unions — no one voted to attack the freedom to organize with our co-workers for a better life. We commend the leadership of Reps. Jared Golden and Brian Fitzpatrick for using Congress’ power to reverse this executive order. The labor movement is 100 percent behind this bill, and we call on every member of Congress, Democrat and Republican, to take a stand in support of our fundamental rights by backing this critical legislation.”

    Last month, Congressman Pappas helped reintroduce H.R. 20, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a comprehensive, bipartisan proposal to protect workers’ right to come together and bargain for higher wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces, and spoke out forcefully against news that the Trump administration had moved to end collective bargaining rights for a wide-ranging group of federal employees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Republicans Attack Public Education, Rep. Omar Joins Rep. Pressley in Reintroduces Bills to Invest in Safe, Nurturing Learning Environments for All Students

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-MN)

    Pair of Bills Would Address Pushout of Black Girls, Invest in Counselors and End Over-Policing of Public K-12 Schools

    Ending PUSHOUT Act | Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act

    WASHINGTON – As Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Republicans attack public education, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) reintroduced a pair of bills, the Ending PUSHOUT Act and Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, which would collectively end the discriminatory treatment of Black and brown students, LGBTQIA+ students, and students with disabilities in schools, and invest in safe, nurturing learning environments for all students.

    “Classrooms should be a place for students to learn, grow, and thrive – not be overpoliced and criminalized. With Republicans gutting public education and attacking vulnerable students, our bills would help protect our students by promoting trauma-informed policies and investing in counselors, nurses, social workers, and other trained professionals who actually make our schools safer,” said Congresswoman Pressley. “I’m grateful to my House and Senate colleagues for their ongoing partnership and for the coalition of individuals and organizations from across the country who joined us in support of these bills. We must affirm the right for every student to learn in a setting free from fear.”

    Reps Ilhan Omar (MN-05) and Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) are joined by Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) in reintroducing the Ending PUSHOUT Act, which would end the punitive pushout of girls of color from schools. 

    “Over the last 25 years, more than $1 billion in federal funds have been used to put police officers in our nation’s schools without any evidence that this funding has improved school safety or student outcomes,” said Senator Booker. “Additionally, research shows that students of color, particularly girls, are often subjected to harsher and more frequent disciplinary action compared to their white counterparts. The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act and Ending PUSHOUT Act are critical bills that invest federal dollars in counselors, social workers, and other trauma-informed personnel to support students so we can keep create safer academic environments for all students to thrive.”

    “I want my granddaughter to learn, grow, and receive an education in an environment where she is loved and valued,” said Rep. Watson Coleman. “But we know, both from the data and our own experience, that this is not always the case for Black girls. They are disproportionately likely to face severe punishment for similar behaviors compared to their white peers and we must take action to dismantle this systemic discrimination. The school-to-prison pipeline is real, and it has specifically harmed and targeted Black girls. I’m proud to support Rep. Pressley’s End PUSHOUT Act to put an end to this injustice, and foster a learning environment where every student, regardless of race, gender, or ZIP code, has the opportunity to thrive.”

    “It’s heartbreaking but not surprising that across the country, Black girls and Indigenous girls are still being pushed out of classrooms at staggering rates. Black students in Minnesota are eight times more likely to be suspended than white students. For Indigenous students, it’s ten times,” said Rep. Omar. “The Ending PUSHOUT Act is about creating school environments where girls of color feel safe, supported, and free to learn. I’m proud to stand with Congresswoman Pressley and Congresswoman Watson Coleman to say our girls deserve better and we’re going to fight for them.”

    Rep. Pressley is joined by Congresswoman Omar (MN-05), Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12), and Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) in introducing the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act, which would invest in safe and nurturing school climates that support all students and end over-policing in our nation’s public K-12 schools.

    “Every kid deserves to feel secure and supported in their classroom. But too often students, especially kids of color and students with disabilities, are arrested at school instead of getting the help that would actually address the root causes of their behavioral issues. While a number of school districts across the country have made progress by taking police out of classrooms and giving our kids the kind of support that we know leads to better results, other schools have gone back to old rules that just punish kids but don’t help them get back on track. This legislation would put more counselors and social workers in schools and make sure school districts have the resources they need to make classrooms safe for all students,” said Senator Murphy.

    “Our children deserve to feel safe, supported, and seen in their schools, not criminalized for simply being kids. Schools have increasingly relied on policing to manage behavior in our classrooms, a practice that has disproportionately harmed Black, brown, LGBTQ+, and disabled students,” said Rep. Omar. “This bill moves us toward justice by directing resources toward counselors, social workers, and the support systems our students actually need to thrive. I’m proud to join my colleagues in fighting for a future where every child has the freedom to learn in an environment that uplifts their potential instead of policing their existence.”

    “Schools should be a place our students feel safe and supported without fear of surveillance or punishment,” said Rep. Summer Lee. “Rather than increasing police presence in schools, the Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act would invest in trauma-informed counselors and social workers to create more positive learning environments. We should be bringing students in, not pushing them out—especially marginalized students disproportionately criminalized for normal childhood and adolescent behavior.”

    Across the country, the education of Black and brown students is often disrupted as a result of discriminatory and punitive discipline policies that criminalize and push them out of school. In particular, Black girls are suspended, expelled, referred to law enforcement, and arrested on school campuses at disproportionately higher rates than white girls due to unfair dress code and hair policies and a lack of understanding of the historical, social, and economic inequities such as poverty, trauma, hunger, and violence that often impact student behavior. Overall, Black girls, girls of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities are disproportionately subjected to exclusionary school discipline policies such as suspension and expulsion, which can have long-term effects on the safety, wellbeing, and academic success of all students.

    Additionally, research shows that the presence of mental and behavioral health personnel in schools, like counselors, social workers, and psychologists, improves educational outcomes for kids, specifically by improving attendance and graduation rates while lowering the rates of suspension, expulsion and other disciplinary incidents. Meanwhile, the presence of police in schools leads to an increase in arrests of students — disproportionately students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and students with disabilities — often for common misbehavior that a school could address without the involvement of law enforcement. 

    The Ending PUSHOUT Act will work to disrupt the school-to-confinement pathway by investing in safe and nurturing school environments for all students, especially girls of color.  Specifically, the bill would:

    • Establish new federal grants to support states and schools that commit to ban unfair and discriminatory school discipline practices and improve school climate.
    • Protect Civil Rights Data Collection and strengthen the Department of Education’s (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
    • Establish a federal interagency taskforce to end school pushout and examine its disproportionate impact on girls of color.

    The Counseling Not Criminalization in Schools Act would:

    • Prohibit the use of federal funds for maintaining police in schools: Since 1999, the federal government has spent more than $1 billion to increase the number of police in schools. However, evidence does not show this funding has improved student outcomes and school safety. This legislation would prohibit federal funds from being used to hire or maintain police in K-12 schools, diverting that funding toward other uses related to school safety within applicable grant programs.
    • Invest billions to help schools hire counselors, social workers, and other trauma-informed support personnel necessary to create safe, supportive learning environments for all students: This legislation helps schools build safe and positive learning cultures by establishing a new $5 billion grant program to support the hiring of counselors, social workers, school psychologists, and other personnel. The grant would also help schools implement programs to improve school climate, such as school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports, as well as invest in trauma-informed services and professional development. As more schools move away from policies that criminalize students and push them out of school, this historic investment will ensure districts have the resources to provide students with the support they need to feel safe in school and thrive.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Stauber Slams Senator Smith’s Anti-Mining, Anti-Labor Legislation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08) released the following statement after Senator Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced legislation to enact a moratorium on copper-nickel mining in the Superior National Forest. 

    “I am disappointed yet not surprised that another harmful piece of pro-China legislation has been introduced by an out of touch Democrat trying to prevent the responsible development of the Duluth Complex. If this last election taught us anything, it’s that Democrats have lost the confidence of working Americans, and legislation like this is a large reason for that. 

    “Not only would critical mineral mining in northern Minnesota create good-paying union jobs and revitalize our economy, but it would provide much-needed funding for every school district in Minnesota and reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign adversaries like China. It is offensive to oppose these worthy goals.

    “With the introduction of this legislation, Senator Smith has once again proven herself to be anti-union. Fortunately, Senator Smith is in the minority and retiring soon, so any chance of this legislation becoming law is virtually impossible.”

    Recently, Stauber reintroduced his Superior National Forest Restoration Act, legislation to overturn the Biden administration’s harmful mineral withdrawal of 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest, restore long-held mineral leases, and ensure timely reviews of Mine Plans of Operation. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) launches first-ever guidelines on meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Download logo

    The World Health Organization (WHO) has today published its first-ever global guidelines for meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care, aiming to speed up detection, ensure timely treatment, and improve long-term care for those affected. By bringing together the latest evidence-based recommendations, the guidelines provide a critical tool for reducing deaths and disability caused by the disease.

    Despite effective treatments and vaccines against some forms of meningitis, the disease remains a significant global health threat. Bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous form and can become fatal within 24 hours. Many pathogens can cause meningitis with an estimated 2.5 million cases reported globally in 2019. This includes 1.6 million cases of bacterial meningitis which resulted in approximately 240 000 deaths.

    Around 20% of people who contract bacterial meningitis develop long-term complications, including disabilities that impact quality of life. The disease also carries heavy financial and social costs for individuals, families, and communities.

    “Bacterial meningitis kills one in six of the people it strikes, and leaves many others with lasting health challenges,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “Implementing these new guidelines will help save lives, improve long-term care for those affected by meningitis, and strengthen health systems.”

    Meningitis can affect anyone anywhere, and at any age, however the disease burden remains particularly high in low- and middle-income countries and in settings experiencing large-scale epidemics.  The highest burden of disease is seen in a region of sub-Saharan Africa, often referred to as the ‘meningitis belt’, which is at high risk of recurrent epidemics of meningococcal meningitis.

    Recommendations for the clinical management of meningitis in children and adults

    Improving clinical management of meningitis is essential to reducing mortality and morbidity, minimizing long-term complications and disability, and improving quality of life for affected individuals and communities.

    The new guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for the clinical management of children over one month of age, adolescents, and adults with acute community-acquired meningitis.

    They address all aspects of clinical care, including diagnosis, antibiotic therapy, adjunctive treatment, supportive care, and management of long-term effects. Given the similarities in clinical presentation, diagnosis and management approaches across different forms of acute community-acquired meningitis, the guidelines address both bacterial and viral causes.

    The guidelines provide recommendations for both non-epidemic and epidemic settings, the latter superseding previous 2014 WHO guidelines, which covered  meningitis outbreak response.

    As resource-limited settings bear the highest burden of meningitis, these guidelines have been specifically developed to provide technical guidance suitable for implementation in low- and middle-income countries.

    The guidelines are intended for use by health-care professionals in first- and second-level facilities, including emergency, inpatient, and outpatient services. Policymakers, health planners, academic institutions, and civil society organizations can also use them to inform capacity-building, education, and research efforts.

    Defeating meningitis by 2030

    The guidelines contribute to the broader Defeating Meningitis by 2030 Global Roadmap, adopted by WHO Member States in 2020, which aims to: eliminate bacterial meningitis epidemics, reduce cases of vaccine-preventable bacterial meningitis by 50% and deaths by 70%, and reduce disability and improve quality of life after meningitis.

    Achieving these goals requires coordinated action across five key areas:

    1. Diagnosis and treatment: Faster detection and optimal clinical management.
    2. Prevention and epidemic control: Developing new affordable vaccines, achieving high immunization and coverage, and improving outbreak preparedness and response.
    3. Disease surveillance: Strengthening monitoring systems to guide prevention and control.
    4. Care and support for those affected by meningitis: Ensuring early recognition and improved access to care and support for after-effects from meningitis. 
    5. Advocacy and engagement: Increasing political commitment and inclusion in country plans, better public understanding of meningitis, and increased awareness of right to prevention, care and after-care services.

    With these guidelines, WHO provides countries with a critical tool to close gaps in meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care, ensuring that more people receive timely treatment and long-term support.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Surge In Global Defense Budgets Having Significant Impact On The Global Military (UAS) Drone Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The global unmanned aerial system (UAS) military drones market has been rising steadily over the past years and it is projected to continue substantially into the next decade at least. A recent report from one such industry insider said that the surge in global defense budgets has had a significant impact on the global market. As political tensions rise worldwide, nations are investing in cutting-edge unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to bolster their defense and security capabilities. Increased defense expenditure has allowed countries like the United States, China, and other NATO members to allocate substantial funds to advanced drone programs, enhancing surveillance, supporting combat missions, and improving autonomous drone features.  Geopolitical tensions, especially in regions like Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, are driving a significant demand for military drones. As nations seek to strengthen their surveillance, intelligence, and tactical capabilities, military drones have become integral to modern defense strategies.  Active companies in the markets this week include: Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO), Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), and Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT).

    The report continued: “North America, with the United States leading the charge, dominates the military drone market. This leadership is driven by significant investments in advanced military technologies, a strong defense budget, and the presence of key industry players like General Atomics and Northrop Grumman. The U.S. military continues to strengthen its drone capabilities, emphasizing the development of state-of-the-art systems for a range of missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations. Moreover, the country is strategically investing in autonomous systems and artificial intelligence, ensuring its drones remain at the forefront of modern warfare and maintain a technological edge on the global stage… The U.S. military remains the largest operator of drones… These drones play a vital role in a wide range of operations, including reconnaissance, surveillance, combat, and logistics.”

    Draganfly Inc. (NASDAQ: DPRO) (CSE: DPRO) and SafeLane Global Enter into Multi-Year Agreement with Draganfly as the Preferred Global Provider of Landmine Mapping Drones and Aerial Survey Services – First Ukraine Landmine Aerial Survey Contract Underway– Draganfly Inc. (FSE: 3U8A) (“Draganfly” or the “Company”), an industry-leading developer of drone solutions and systems, today announced that it has been selected by SafeLane Global Ltd. (“SafeLane”) as its preferred unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and aerial survey provider.

    SafeLane, a world-renowned specialist in explosive threat mitigation, is one of only two private organizations licensed by the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense to conduct landmine and explosive ordnance clearance operations in Ukraine. With over 30 years of experience across more than 60 countries, SafeLane supports governments, humanitarian organizations, and commercial clients in the clearance and disposal of landmines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and explosive remnants of war (ERW), both on land and underwater.

    Under the agreement, Draganfly will provide advanced drone solutions, including UAVs, specialized sensors, and data analysis services, to support SafeLane’s global mine action initiatives. The collaboration aims to enhance the speed, accuracy, and safety of explosive threat detection and removal operations in high-risk environments.

    “We are honored to be selected as SafeLane’s UAS partner,” said Cameron Chell, President and CEO of Draganfly. “This partnership represents a significant opportunity to leverage Draganfly’s technology to support critical humanitarian and defense efforts. Together, we will work to deliver scalable, innovative solutions for global landmine action.”

    The companies will co-develop joint intellectual property and standard operating procedures tailored for aerial mine detection and clearance. SafeLane will lead proposal submissions and operational deployment, while Draganfly will provide technology, mission planning, piloting, and survey analysis.

    According to the Landmine Monitor 2023, more than 60 million landmines remain buried across over 60 countries, posing a persistent threat to civilians, especially children, who account for nearly half of the casualties. Ukraine is currently one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world.

    “Draganfly’s drone-based technology will significantly increase the safety and efficiency of our operations,” said Asa Gilbert, Director of Business Development at SafeLane. “This partnership is a critical step in helping communities recover from the legacy of conflict.”

    The collaboration further positions Draganfly as a key player in the defense and humanitarian sectors, supporting efforts to create safer environments in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.  CONTINUED… Read this full press release and more news for Draganfly at:  https://draganfly.com/news/

    Other recent developments in the defense/military industries of note include:

    Unusual Machines, Inc. (NYSE American: UMAC), a drone and drone components manufacturer, recently announced it filed its Form 10-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 and provided the following letter to its shareholders from CEO Allan Evans.  Dear Shareholders,  This shareholder letter follows the completion of our fiscal year 2024. This is our first year being public. It has been an excellent fourth quarter and an incredible year. We continue to see great interest in the company and receive questions from shareholders. We would like to take this opportunity to provide context and deeper insights into our operations and what these represent for Unusual Machines’ future.

    Unusual Machines revenue for the fourth quarter revenue was over $2.0 million which represents a sequentially quarter over quarter increase of approximately 31%. This is our best revenue quarter of all time (again) and was done while improving gross margins slightly to 28%. With the launch of our Blue Framework products, approximately 15% of our Q4 revenue was from enterprise sales. Our total revenue of $5.65M for FY2024 exceeded our target of $5M for 2024 by 13%. This growth was achieved without customer concentration as no single customer represented more than 5% of our total revenue for 2024.

    Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ: KTOS), a technology company specializing in defense, national security, and global markets, recently announced the groundbreaking of Kratos’ Hypersonic System Indiana Payload Integration Facility (IPIF) in Crane, Indiana. This state-of-the-art 68,000-square-foot office, laboratory, integration and test complex will support critical hypersonic vehicle and payload activities and systems for the Multi-Service Advanced Capabilities Hypersonic Testbed (MACH-TB) program. The project demonstrates Kratos’ commitment to advancing hypersonic system payload integration and test capabilities and expanding crucial infrastructure needed to accelerate the time to Mach 5+ flight testing.

    Eric DeMarco, President and CEO of Kratos, said: “The Kratos Hypersonic System Indiana Payload Integration Facility represents a strategic investment in our Nation’s hypersonic infrastructure, workforce and capabilities. Kratos is committed to achieving, if not exceeding, the MACH-TB program’s primary goals, which include, increasing the cadence of flight tests and to mature and qualify advanced hypersonic technologies. Kratos’ IPIF will provide a vital commercial launch vehicle environmental test and assembly capability to supplement existing DoD and NASA facilities.”

    Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently announced that it will webcast live its first quarter 2025 earnings results conference call (listen-only mode) on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. ET.  James Taiclet, chairman, president and CEO; Jay Malave, chief financial officer; and Maria Ricciardone, vice president, Treasurer and Investor Relations, will discuss first quarter 2025 results, provide updates on key topics and answer questions.  First quarter 2025 results will be published prior to the market opening on April 22.

    The live webcast will be available at www.lockheedmartin.com/investor and the accompanying presentation slides and relevant financial charts will also be available on the same website prior to market open.

    An on-demand replay of the webcast will be available through Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at www.lockheedmartin.com/investor, and a podcast will be available here.

    General Dynamics Information Technology (GDIT), a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), recently announced that it has expanded its technology partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) through a new Strategic Collaboration Agreement to drive digital modernization, deliver efficiencies and advance government missions.

    GDIT and AWS will collaborate to develop cutting-edge cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, cloud migration and modernization solutions to accelerate digital transformation for defense, intelligence and civilian agencies. Government agencies will benefit from AWS’s cloud computing environment, widely considered to be one of the most secure available today, to support their unique missions. GDIT will leverage its research and development labs to collaborate with AWS on emerging technologies such as quantum, edge computing and high-performance computing.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

    Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: https://twitter.com/FNMgroup

    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/financialnewsmedia/

    DISCLAIMER:  FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels.  FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein.  FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security.  FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities.  The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material.  All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks.  All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release.  FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers.  Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks.  For current services performed FNM was compensated twenty five hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by Draganfly Inc. by a non-affiliated third party.  FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757 

    SOURCE: FN Media Group, LLC.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Gillibrand And Congressmembers Lawler And Gillen Demand Answers From Secretary Kennedy On Head Start Field Office Closures

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, along with Congressmembers Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Laura Gillen (D-NY), sent a letter to United States Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers on closures of Office of Head Start (OHS) regional offices across the nation, including in New York. Head Start and Early Head Start are the only federally supported early care and education programs specifically dedicated to serving low-income households. The members reinforced the critical role that these regional offices have in serving Head Start and Early Head Start grantees to ensure that these programs continue to help to reduce poverty by providing the unique combination of early childhood education and support services that foster social and economic advancement for families.
    Head Start and Early Head Start programs serve over 50,000 children in New York State, and as the members note, there are long-term benefits that show these programs work. Research consistently finds that “children enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and demonstrate improved social, emotional, and behavioral development.”
    The letter requests answers about the following:
    1.           The timeline for developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to replace or supplement the services that are provided by staff in these regional offices.
    2.           The interim or temporary services OHS has in place to ensure the continuity of services to local Head Start and Early Head Start grantees.
    a.           What plans are in place to ensure that grant contracts and renewals, some as soon as May 1, will not be delayed or otherwise disrupted by these personnel decisions.
    3.           Documentation of OHS’s communication with regional staff and local grantees on the status of closures. 
    Senator Gillibrand has been a leader on supporting Head Start and Early Head Start programs. In 2023 alone, she announced over $100 million in federal funding for Head Start programs in New York State.
    A full copy of the letter can be found here and in the text below.
    Dear Secretary Kennedy,
    We write to express our deep concern regarding the reported closures of at least five Office of Head Start (OHS) regional offices across the nation, including the Region II office, which serves the families, children, and grant recipients in New York, New Jersey, the Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. We strongly urge you to reverse this decision and commit to ensuring that any agency restructuring decisions do not result in service disruption or delays for children and families. 
    As you know, Head Start and Early Head Start are the only federally supported early care and education programs specifically dedicated to serving low-income households. These programs help to reduce poverty by providing the unique combination of early childhood education and support services that foster social and economic advancement for families. Research consistently shows that children enrolled in Head Start and Early Head Start programs are more likely to graduate from high school, attend college, and demonstrate improved social, emotional, and behavioral development. In New York alone, over 50,000 children and their families rely on Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
    Head Start programs are administered by OHS within the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) in the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). OHS provides federal policy direction through regional offices located across the country and play a critical role in ensuring that Head Start and Early Head Start grantees are equipped to deliver high-quality early childhood education, child care, health services, nutrition, and family support. Staff in these offices – including policy, compliance, and fiscal specialists – assist local grantees with program requirements and safety standards and provide training and technical assistance. Head Start grantees rely on these regional offices for the efficient and reliable administration of grant funding, distribution, and oversight. 
    Employees in at least five regional offices (New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Seattle) appear to have received reduction-in-force (RIF) notices. Closing these offices would deprive local Head Start and Early Head Start grantees of these critical services. While this decision may be driven by the goal of improving government efficiency, it could lead to significant delays in program support, undermine service quality, and jeopardize the overall effectiveness of the Office of Head Start.
    We strongly urge the Administration to reconsider these closures until a comprehensive plan to replace or supplement these services is developed and shared with the relevant stakeholders. At a minimum, we ask that you ensure that local Head Start and Early Head Start grantees in Region II have timely and adequate access to the services and support they would typically receive. Additionally, please provide a written response to questions related to continuity and interim services by Wednesday, April 23, 2025. 
    Please confirm and provide the timeline for developing and implementing a comprehensive plan to replace or supplement the services that are provided by staff in these regional offices. 
    Please confirm and provide a description of the interim or temporary services OHS has in place to ensure the continuity of services to local Head Start and Early Head Start grantees?
    How will you ensure grant contracts and renewals, some as soon as May 1, will not be delayed or otherwise disrupted by these personnel decisions?
    Please provide documentation of OHS’s communication with regional staff and local grantees on the status of closures.  
    Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons and Moran, Reps. Pingree and Lawler introduce NO TIME TO Waste Act to combat American food loss and waste

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Representatives Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) reintroduced today the bipartisan, bicameral New Opportunities for Technological Innovation, Mitigation, and Education To Overcome Waste, or NO TIME TO Waste Act. The bill would reduce food loss and waste in the United States in an effort to increase food security, foster productivity, promote resource and energy conservation, and address climate change. This reintroduction comes during National Food Waste Prevention Week (April 7-13) to raise awareness around the issue of food waste and highlight bipartisan opportunities to find solutions.
    “Food waste exacerbates hunger, pollutes the environment, and undercuts our economy,” said Senator Coons. “As we celebrate National Food Waste Prevention Week, I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan, bicameral bill that takes commonsense steps to tackle food waste. Together, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve health outcomes, and ensure food reaches the communities across Delaware and the nation who need it most.”
    “Kansas is the breadbasket of the country, helping feed the nation and the world,” said Senator Moran. “However, nearly 40 percent of food produced in the U.S. goes to waste while many Americans face hunger and food shortages. This legislation would require collaboration between agencies to help cut food waste and support partnerships to feed those in need.”
    “With food insecurity on the rise across the country and the cost of groceries continuing to rise, it’s more important than ever that we develop whole-of-government solutions and strategies to prevent food loss and waste, encourage greater food recovery, and ensure that no one in this country goes hungry. This bill is a big step in the right direction,” said Congresswoman Pingree, co-founder of the bipartisan Food Recovery Caucus and member of the House Agriculture Committee. “Our NO TIME TO Waste Act would strengthen the federal government’s approach to food loss by tackling waste in every step of our food system—from prevention research to composting and education programs. Food waste isn’t just an economic or environmental issue; it’s a moral one—and it’s long past time that we address it.”
    “I’m proud to join Congresswoman Pingree and Senators Coons and Moran in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral NO TIME TO Waste Act to cut food waste and fight hunger. From Rockland to Putnam to Westchester, I’ve seen local food banks and community groups doing incredible work—and this bill gives them the tools, funding, and federal support they need to do even more,” said Congressman Lawler (NY-17).
    Each year, 30 to 40% of the U.S. food supply is lost or wasted—133 billion pounds. Meanwhile, 47 million Americans go hungry, including 7 million children, often in rural communities. In the United States, food is the single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills, generating methane gas as it decomposes, a greenhouse gas approximately 28% more potent than carbon dioxide. In response, the United States committed in the 2018 Farm Bill to cut food loss and waste (FLW) in half by the year 2030 through the U.S. 2030 Food Loss and Waste Reduction Goal, the first-ever domestic goal to reduce FLW.
    Specifically, the NO TIME TO Waste Act would: 
    Improve federal coordination by formally authorizing the existence of collaboration between the USDA, EPA, and FDA to reduce FLW by 50% by 2030
    Establish an Office of Food Loss and Waste at USDA to support the role of the Food Loss and Waste Liaison, strengthen research on FLW and new technologies, and quantify the impact of current FLW policies on greenhouse gas emissions
    Strengthen current USDA research programs to include FLW as part of their priorities and support states’ efforts to assist local food recovery infrastructure and coordination
    Launch a national public awareness and education campaign to educate households on practical ways to reduce waste at home, the impacts of FLW, methods for preserving and storing foods, tips for identifying whether food is still safe and edible, and developing educational materials
    The NO TIME TO Waste Act is endorsed by the Zero Food Waste Coalition (Natural Resources Defense Council, Harvard Food Law and Policy Clinic, World Wildlife Fund, ReFED), Upcycled Food Association, Plastic Free Delaware/Zero Waste First State, and Health Care Without Harm.
    “Food waste is a systemwide problem that requires systemwide action to solve, said Renee Albrecht, Co-Chair Federal Working Group, Zero Food Waste Coalition. “The bipartisan NO TIME TO Waste Act provides commonsense solutions to tackle waste throughout the food system and deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits.” 
    “With the massive scale of wasted food comes tremendous opportunity for transformative bipartisan food systems change,” said Amanda Oenbring, CEO, Upcycled Food Association. “EPA’s Food Waste Scale identifies upcycling as a ‘most-preferred’ pathway alongside donation to managing wasted food because it displaces the need for additional food production while ensuring food reaches its highest and best use in the human food system. The NO TIME TO Waste Act will increase collaboration support for the entrepreneurs and innovators rescuing nutrition from half of food surplus that is excess and byproducts while educating consumers about the value these ingredients and products bring to our tables. In doing so we can scale efforts to stop food waste and realize greater social, economic and environmental benefits across the US and beyond.”
    “Plastic Free Delaware (aka Zero Waste First State) applauds our Delaware Senator Coons, and Senator Moran, for pursuing the goals inherent in the NO TIME TO Waste Act,” said Dee Durham, Plastic Free Delaware/Zero Waste First State. “The Act would bolster our efforts on the ground in Delaware to reduce food waste and divert organics from Delaware’s landfills, saving Delawareans money, conserving resources, and reducing emissions of methane which is a significant climate change component.”
    A one-pager is available here. 
    You can read the full text of the bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Salford City Council appoints new Chief Executive

    Source: City of Salford

    • Stephen Young confirmed as city’s new Chief Executive
    • He will move from his current role of Chief Executive at Halton Borough Council
    • He is expected to take up the role in the autumn
    • He brings over 30 years of public sector experience, including 17 years in senior leadership roles and the past three years as Chief Executive
    • He will take over from current Interim Chief Executive Melissa Caslake

    Salford City Council has confirmed the appointment of a new Chief Executive, the permanent successor to Tom Stannard, who departed the role in January.

    Following an extensive recruitment and selection process, Stephen Young has been appointed to the role. He is currently Chief Executive at Halton Borough Council, a role he has held since March 2022.

    Stephen brings a wealth of experience to the role, with over 30 years working in the public sector, with seventeen of those being in senior leadership roles. He has previously held the role of Executive Director of Growth, Environment, Transportation and Community Services at Lancashire County Council. Other key roles include Director of Place and Assistant Director of Development and Regeneration at Bolton Council, having started his public sector career as a Council Tax Recovery Officer at Burnley Borough Council in 1995.    

    Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “I’m delighted to confirm Stephen’s appointment; this really is an exciting appointment for Salford City Council. I’ve been impressed by his views and his approach to the public sector, firmly aligned with our organisation values.

    “I was especially impressed with his track record of delivering growth through regeneration and of improving outcomes for children and young people in Halton. His experience and expertise of working for a Combined Authority make him the perfect candidate for Salford as we continue to work to ensure our city’s voice is heard within our own Greater Manchester Combined Authority.

    “I’d like to thank Melissa Caslake who has been our Interim Chief Executive, for all her leadership and dedication and her calm, steady guidance and unwavering commitment to both the organisation and the city.
     
    “I now look forward to working with Stephen, and to jointly leading our organisation through the next phase of delivering for the people of Salford – supporting our communities, tackling inequality, and continuing to work in partnership across the city and beyond to champion the work of Salford City Council.” 

    Stephen Young said “Salford is an incredible city – full of energy, pride and potential. I’m honoured to step into the role of Chief Executive and to work with elected members, colleagues, partners, and communities to help drive forward our shared ambitions. There’s so much to be proud of, and even more to look forward to. We’re entering an exciting new chapter, and I can’t wait to meet everyone, get started, and deliver for this great city.” 

    Salford City Council will officially ratify Stephen Young’s appointment at a special meeting of the full council on Wednesday 30 April. He is then expected to take up the role in the autumn.   

    Share this

    Date published
    Thursday 10 April 2025

    Press and media enquiries

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Classical High School senior wins R.I. ‘Poetry Out Loud’ recitation contest

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Providence, RI � A senior at Classical High School, Emmanuel Obisanya, was named the Rhode Island 2025 winner of the state’s Poetry Out Loud Championship on March 8 at the Providence Public Library. He won with his stand-out recitation of the following poems: Dirge Without Music, Edna St. Vincent Millay; I am the People, the Mob, Carl Sandburg; and Revenge, Letitia Elizabeth Landon.

    Obisanya moves onto the regional competition starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, in Washington, D.C., at George Washington University. The competition will be streamed via www.arts.gov/Poetry-Out-Loud. The nine finalists named during the regional semifinals will proceed to the national finals on Wednesday, May 7.

    During the state’s championship, Central High School’s Jaydan Wirawan, placed second; Jennifer Shon, Portsmouth Abbey School, netted third place; and honorable mentions went to Sebastiana Lux Hernandez, Johnston High School, and Mays Miller, Providence Country Day School.

    Local school finalists included:

    � Kiernan Elliott, Bishop Hendricken High School. � Andrew Smith, La Salle Academy. � Carter Stolt, Chariho Regional High School. � Sula Prentiss, School One. � Elska Alario, East Providence High School. � Teeghan Riley, Central Falls High School. � Yiadalis Cardec, William M. Davies Career and Technical High School. � Lola Darling, Moses Brown School.

    “On behalf of RISCA, congratulations to Emmanuel and everyone, students, teachers and mentors, who participated in this year’s Poetry Out Loud. We wish Emmanuel the best of luck in the national competition,” said Todd Trebour, Executive Director of RISCA. “Our arts agency has been a longtime partner with the NEA and the Poetry Foundation� having participated in all 20 Poetry Out Loud competitions. These students dedicated themselves to months of preparation for this key arts education program, and we are inspired by their display of bravery, skill and passion.”

    Locally, more than 1,700 R.I. students, 32 teachers and 13 schools from throughout the state participated in the arts education competition. Prior to the championship the competitors spent most of the school year studying poetry through learning, memorization and performance.

    This year marks the competition’s 20th anniversary. Out of the 157,000 students who participated in Poetry Out Loud state championships, 55 have advanced to the 2025 National Finals. Since its inception in 2005, this arts education program has reached more than 4.5 million students.

    A special thank you to guest poet Marlon Carey; the content judges April Brown, Lawrence Nunes and Lenore Rheaume; Paul Rheaume for accuracy; prompting support from Sarah Ashley; and tabulation by Ellen House and Toni Rose. The Poetry Out Loud staff members were teaching artists Kate Lohman and Carey, and co-director Damont Combs. Thank you to the Providence Public Library, the R.I. Center for the Book and Providence Athenaeum.

    The winner of the Poetry Out Loud Rhode Island championship receives $200 with a $500 stipend to the winning school for the purchase of poetry materials. Second place wins $100, with $200 stipend for the school’s library.

    Poetry Out Loud: National Recitation Contest, a partnership with RISCA, NEA and the Poetry Foundation, inspires high school students to learn about great poetry through memorization, performances and competition. Poetry Out Loud is a national arts education program that encourages the study of great poetry by offering educational materials and a dynamic recitation competition to high schools throughout the country.

    Poetry Out Loud lifts poetry off the page, creating community and connection. The program starts in the classroom/school or at the local level with an area organization. Students memorize and recite poems they select from an anthology of more than 1,200 classic and contemporary poems. Winners then may advance to a regional and/or state competition, and ultimately to the National Finals. Since the program began in 2005, more than 4.5 million students and 85,000 teachers from 21,000 schools and organizations across the nation have participated in Poetry Out Loud. For more information about Poetry Out Loud and how to participate in the 2025�2026 program, visit PoetryOutLoud.org.

    Established by Congress in 1965, the National Endowment for the Arts is an independent federal agency that is the largest funder of the arts and arts education in communities nationwide and a catalyst of public and private support for the arts. By advancing opportunities for arts participation and practice, the NEA fosters and sustains an environment in which the arts benefit everyone in the United States. Visit Arts.gov to learn more.

    The Poetry Foundation recognizes the power of words to transform lives. The Foundation works to amplify poetry and celebrate poets by fostering spaces for all to create, experience, and share poetry. Follow the Poetry Foundation and Poetry magazine on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkLinkedInedIn.

    Mid Atlantic Arts supports artists, presenters, and organizations through unique programming, grant support, partnerships, and information sharing. Created in 1979, Mid Atlantic Arts is aligned with the region’s state arts councils and the National Endowment for the Arts. Mid Atlantic Arts combines state and federal funding with private support from corporations, foundations, and individuals to nurture diverse artistic expression while connecting people to meaningful arts experiences within our region and beyond. To learn more about Mid Atlantic Arts visit www.midatlanticarts.org.

    Rhode Island State Council on the Arts (RISCA) is a state agency, supported by appropriations from the Rhode Island General Assembly and grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. RISCA provides grants, technical assistance and staff support to arts organizations and artists, schools, community centers, social service organizations and local governments to bring the arts into the lives of Rhode Islanders. For more information, visit RISCA’s website. www.arts.ri.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: UN Human Rights Council adopts resolution on the situation of human rights in Iran

    Source: Government of Iceland

    Iceland’s first session as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council 2025-2027 concluded on 5 April. 

    Thirty-two resolutions were adopted by the Human Rights Council during the 58th session after six weeks of negotiations. The resolution that addresses the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran put forward by a core group led by Iceland was adopted by vote with broad cross-regional support.

    “It is encouraging to see such strong support for the resolution on the human rights situation Iran led by Iceland. By adopting the resolution, the Human Rights Council expresses its support for the people of Iran and offers hope for accountability of the widespread human rights violations and abuses committed in the country,” says the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir. The resolution was adopted by 24 votes in favor, 8 votes against and 15 abstentions. 

    The resolution renews the mandate of the Special Rapporteur to monitor and report regularly on the human rights situation in the Islamic Republic of Iran. In addition, it extends and expands the mandate of the independent international fact-finding mission (FFM) which Iceland initiated along with Germany, following the death in custody of Jina Mahsa Amini and the subsequent nationwide protests in the autumn of 2022. The fact-finding mission, together with the Special Rapporteur, provides valuable information on the number and nature of human rights violations in Iran, playing a key role in efforts to ensure accountability for those responsible for committing human rights violations and abuses.

    The 58th session of the Human Rights Council commenced with a high-level segment where Iceland’s Foreign Minister participated and addressed the Council. 

    Alongside several joint statements by the Nordic and Baltic states, which work closely together in the Council, Iceland also delivered a few national statements. Additionally, Iceland led and delivered a joint statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries calling for the establishment of an independent investigative mechanism with a comprehensive mandate and broad scope to complement the important work of the UN Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan. All statements delivered by Iceland during this session can be found here.

    Further information about Iceland’s membership in the Human Rights Council can be found here. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood concludes his visit to Tunisia

    Source: NATO

    NATO’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, Mr Javier Colomina, travelled to Tunis on 7-8 April 2025. This was his first visit to Tunisia in his new capacity. He met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Ali Nafti, the Minister of National Defence Khaled Sehili, and the National Security Advisor to the President of the Tunisian Republic Abderraouf Atallah, to discuss NATO’s relations with Tunisia, and exchange views on regional security issues.

    Special Representative Colomina highlighted the long-term importance of the committed partnership between NATO and Tunisia, notably in the context of current regional security challenges, including developments in the Sahel region. Taking stock of the cooperation to date, Special Representative Colomina and the Tunisian authorities discussed opportunities to further deepen political dialogue and enhance practical cooperation, on the basis of NATO’s strengthened approach to the southern neighbourhood, approved at the NATO Summit in Washington, in July 2024. Noting the links between regional and global security, the NATO Special Representative said: “Strengthening our partnership is of great value for both NATO and Tunisia. The challenges we face are global and interconnected; we can better address them and ensure stability through international cooperation.” 

    “Tunisia is one of the most ambitious partners within the Mediterranean Dialogue and we value the country’s active involvement. Under the Defence Capacity Building (DCB) Package, NATO and Tunisia are deepening their cooperation,” he added. The DCB package includes important initiatives on defence and security, fostering interoperability with NATO and enabling cooperation  in areas such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, cyber security, countering-improvised explosive devices, women peace and security, building integrity and defence against chemical and biological agents. Tunisia is also enhancing its role as a regional capacity-building hub and contributes greatly to regional stability, including through military education programmes supported by NATO and open to African countries.

    Tunisia joined the Mediterranean Dialogue in 1995. This NATO partnership framework aims to contribute to regional security and stability in the Mediterranean through political dialogue and practical cooperation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Amongst Volatility in The Markets, More Organizations Embrace Bitcoin, Adding Cryptocurrency to Their Treasury

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – A growing number of organizations are embracing Bitcoin as a financial asset, adding the cryptocurrency to their Treasury in order to safeguard wealth, as well as capitalize on other benefits. A recent article by industry insiders, Consultancy-me.com, outlines the opportunities that arise from integrating Bitcoin into corporate treasury strategies. It said: “The radical perception of Bitcoin in corporate treasuries is now a strategic reality, fostering a fundamental reassessment of traditional financial management. Well-known examples of companies embracing Bitcoin as a financial reserve include MicroStrategy (which holds over 100,000 Bitcoins), Tesla, Block (formerly Square), Galaxy Digital, energy multinational Aker, and even traditional financial institutions like Fidelity. Other companies worldwide too have made headlines by strategically allocating significant portions of their capital to Bitcoin, solidifying their perception as a crucial hedge against growing global economic uncertainties and an effective store of long-term value. The accelerating adoption of Bitcoin has prompted businesses to seriously consider integrating cryptocurrencies into their core treasury strategies. This approach offers various benefits, such as protecting against inflation, reducing reliance on traditional financial institutions, and increasing liquidity. Companies drawn to Bitcoin viewing the cryptocurrency as a robust store of value capable of mitigating the erosion caused by inflationary trends. By holding Bitcoin, companies also hope to capitalize on its potential for long-term appreciation.” Active companies in news today include: KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSE: KULR), MicroStrategy® Incorporated (NASDAQ: MSTR), Rumble (NASDAQ: RUM), MARA Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA), Riot Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT).

    The article continued: “Many companies are pioneering advanced treasury management strategies, tactically integrating Bitcoin and stablecoins to achieve optimal financial performance. Integrating Bitcoin into corporate treasuries presents a complex risk-reward scenario. While the potential for diversification and increased liquidity is attractive, the volatility of Bitcoin and the uncertain regulatory landscape necessitate a cautious approach. Added to this are the operational complexities and the need for specialized expertise. Worldwide, the trend of adding Bitcoin to corporate treasuries is still in its early stages, but it is reshaping how businesses approach asset management. With more companies likely to follow the lead of pioneers like MicroStrategy, Bitcoin is becoming an increasingly important part of the corporate finance landscape. However, challenges related to volatility, regulation, and security must be addressed for widespread adoption to occur. If the adoption of Bitcoin by corporate treasuries picks up, its pace will be gradual. Early adopters, such as those in the tech sector, may pave the way, followed by more traditional companies as the infrastructure and regulatory landscape mature.”

    KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NYSE American: KULR) CEO Michael Mo to Speak at Strategy World 2025 – Silver Sponsorship will support AI and Bitcoin focused conference hosted by Strategy – KULR Technology Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “KULR”) ($KULR), a leader in advanced energy management platforms, today announced that CEO and Co-Founder Michael Mo will speak at Strategy World 2025, the premier global conference focusing on AI and BI innovation, as well as the power of Bitcoin treasuries for corporations. KULR is a Silver sponsor of the conference – hosted by Strategy (NASDAQ: MSTR), formerly MicroStrategy – which will be held between May 5th and May 8th in Orlando, Florida.

    KULR is proud to support Strategy, the world’s largest Bitcoin Treasury Company, as they convene industry leaders, data innovators, and transformation-seeking businesses to discuss how two groundbreaking technologies – AI and Bitcoin – can be leveraged within business intelligence to transform individual companies and entire industries. The four-day event will include hands-on workshops, networking opportunities, and cutting-edge content to drive business success in data analytics and corporate strategy.

    In December 2024, KULR announced the launch of its Bitcoin treasury strategy following its Board of Directors’ agreement to include Bitcoin (“BTC”) as a primary asset in the Company’s treasury program. To date, KULR has purchased over 660 BTC – representing over $65 million in value – and has committed to allocating up to 90% of its surplus cash to BTC. By sponsoring Strategy World 2025 at the Silver level, KULR aims to promote discussion around the benefits of a Bitcoin treasury and engage with fellow business leaders who are on a similar path, ultimately furthering industry knowledge and efforts around both Bitcoin and AI.

    Mr. Mo will participate in the “Corporate Bitcoin Success Stories” panel on Tuesday, May 6th starting at 3:20 PM ET to discuss insights and learnings from KULR’s Bitcoin treasury strategy. His presentation will begin at 4:35 PM ET. The panel will include five case studies in which corporate leaders share why they adopted a Bitcoin strategy, how it aligned with their operating models, challenges they faced, and the impact since making the switch. Fellow panelists will include leaders from Semler Scientific, Metaplanet, MARA, and Jetking.

    “Having received insightful advice from Michael Saylor on leveraging Bitcoin as a core asset, we’ve taken steps to position our treasury for long-term growth and stability. This is part of our focus on distributed and decentralized systems, which also includes developing energy management solutions for the AI-enabled world,” said Mr. Mo. “As a Silver sponsor of Strategy World 2025, we’re excited to share our journey with AI and discuss the future of treasury strategies, as Bitcoin increasingly enters the corporate world.”

    KULR recently rebranded their Company website to KULR.ai. This reflects the Company’s integration of AI across its solutions, such as AI-driven software incorporated into battery management systems (BMS). Earlier this year, KULR announced a partnership with EDOM Technology to expand its energy management solutions across the global AI supply chain, ensuring data storage systems in AI-powered infrastructures remain efficient, reliable, and scalable. CONTINUED… Read this entire press release and more news for KULR at: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-kulr/

    In other developments in the markets of note:

    Marathon Digital Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA), a global leader in leveraging digital asset compute to support the energy transformation, recently announced that the Company is mining Kaspa (KAS), a proof-of-work (PoW) digital asset, to further diversify its portfolio of digital asset compute.

    Kaspa is currently the fifth largest proof-of-work digital asset by market cap. It boasts a market cap of $3.9 billion with approximately $64.8 million in daily trading volume as of June 25, 2024. The circulating supply is approximately 24 billion KAS with a current block reward of 103.83 KAS, and the terminal supply is capped at 28.7 billion KAS.

    Similar to Bitcoin, Kaspa is an open-source, decentralized, and fully scalable Layer-1 protocol that uses proof-of-work as its consensus mechanism. However, unlike Bitcoin’s blockchain, which is linear and processes one block every ten minutes, Kaspa utilizes a BlockDAG (Directed Acyclic Graph) that enables multiple blocks to be produced simultaneously. The Kaspa network currently processes one block every second, allowing for faster transactions and providing Kaspa miners with the opportunity to potentially earn more block rewards in a given time frame.

    Riot Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT) recently launched www.ABetterBitfarms.com in connection with its requisition of a special meeting of shareholders (the “Special Meeting”) of Bitfarms Ltd. (BITF) (“Bitfarms” or the “Company”) to reconstitute the Bitfarms Board of Directors (the “Bitfarms Board”). As disclosed in Riot’s June 24, 2024 press release, Riot has nominated three director nominees (the “Nominees”) – John Delaney, Amy Freedman and Ralph Goehring – for election to the Bitfarms Board at the Special Meeting. The Special Meeting will also give Bitfarms shareholders the opportunity to vote on the removal of Bitfarms Chairman Nicolas Bonta and directors Andrés Finkielsztain and Fanny Philip. (Ms. Philip was recently appointed by the Bitfarms Board to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of co-founder Emiliano Grodzki, who was voted off the Bitfarms Board at the Company’s most recent Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders).

    Rumble Inc. (NASDAQ: RUM) recently announced financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    Rumble’s Chairman and CEO Chris Pavlovski commented, “While I am pleased with our topline quarterly growth of 48% year over year, I am even more impressed with the third to fourth quarter growth in U.S. and Canada MAUs of 21% to 52 million. This demonstrates how powerful our North America platform is. Rumble cemented its place in the online media eco-system by setting multiple records on the night of the U.S. election. In addition, the fourth quarter included our biggest announcement since going public: a $775 million strategic investment from Tether, the largest company in the digital asset industry and the most widely used dollar stablecoin across the world. Rooted in this investment was the extremely strong commonalities between cryptocurrency and free speech communities, both built on a passion for freedom, transparency and decentralization. As I look ahead, with the Tether transaction now closed, I could not be more excited about the possibilities and the new era we are entering for Rumble.”

    MicroStrategy® Incorporated (NASDAQ: MSTR) recently announced that it has entered into a sales agreement pursuant to which Strategy may issue and sell shares of its 8.00% series A perpetual strike preferred stock, $0.001 par value per share (the “perpetual strike preferred stock”), having an aggregate offering price of up to $21.0 billion (the “ATM Program”). Shares of the perpetual strike preferred stock are convertible by the holders into shares of Strategy’s class A common stock.

    Strategy expects to make sales of perpetual strike preferred stock pursuant to the ATM Program in a disciplined manner over an extended period, taking into account the trading price and trading volumes of the perpetual strike preferred stock at the time of sale. Strategy intends to use the net proceeds from the ATM Program for general corporate purposes, including the acquisition of bitcoin and for working capital.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia
    Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: https://twitter.com/FNMgroup
    Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/financialnewsmedia/

    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates Financialnewsmedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks or current services performed FNM was compensated forty six hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by KULR Technology Group, Inc. by a non-affiliated third party. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected”, “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:
    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757 

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NextNRG Reports Preliminary March 2025 Revenue Growth of 161% Year-Over-Year and Q1 Revenue Growth of 146%

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NextNRG, Inc. (Nasdaq: NXXT), a pioneer in AI-driven energy innovation—transforming how energy is produced, managed, and delivered through its advanced Utility Operating System, smart microgrid technology, wireless EV charging, and on-demand mobile fuel delivery solutions— today announced preliminary unaudited revenue and volume results for March 2025 and the first quarter of 2025. The company delivered its third consecutive record month, with March revenue increasing 161% year-over-year to approximately $6.15 million.

    March 2025 Highlights

    • Revenue: $6,148,266 (vs. $2,354,048 in March 2024)
    • YoY Revenue Growth: 161%
    • Gallons Delivered: 1,799,955 (vs. 580,217 in March 2024)
    • YoY Gallon Growth: 210%

    Q1 2025 Highlights

    • Revenue: $16,232,354 (vs. $6,597,119 in Q1 2024)
    • YoY Revenue Growth: 146%
    • Gallons Delivered: 4,688,045 (vs. 1,658,272 in Q1 2024)
    • YoY Gallon Growth: 183%

    “We are pleased to report another record-breaking month as our growth trajectory continues to accelerate,” said Michael D. Farkas, Founder and CEO of NextNRG. “With volume nearly tripling year-over-year in March, our focus on disciplined expansion and operational execution is delivering measurable results. The successful integration of strategic acquisitions and our partnerships with major fleet operators are helping to validate our business model as we scale.”

    Farkas continued, “With three consecutive months of all-time high performance, we are seeing strong market demand and consistent customer adoption of our mobile fueling platform. As we expand our AI-powered infrastructure and prepare for future deployments of smart microgrid and wireless charging technologies, we believe NextNRG is playing a key role in powering the transition to a cleaner, more flexible energy future.”

    Note on Preliminary Results
    These March and Q1 2025 financial results are preliminary and unaudited. Final figures may be subject to adjustment pending the completion of month-end and quarter-end closing procedures.

    About NextNRG, Inc.
    NextNRG, Inc. (NextNRG) is Powering What’s Next by implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into renewable energy, next-generation energy infrastructure, battery storage, wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging and on-demand mobile fuel delivery to create an integrated ecosystem.

    At the core of NextNRG’s strategy is its Utility Operating System, which leverages AI and ML to help make existing utilities’ energy management as efficient as possible; and the deployment of NextNRG smart microgrids, which utilize AI-driven energy management alongside solar power and battery storage to enhance energy efficiency, reduce costs and improve grid resiliency. These microgrids are designed to serve commercial properties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, parking garages, rural and tribal lands, recreational facilities and government properties, expanding energy accessibility while supporting decarbonization initiatives.

    NextNRG continues to expand its growing fleet of fuel delivery trucks and national footprint, including the acquisition of Yoshi Mobility’s fuel division and Shell Oil’s trucks, further solidifying its position as a leader in the on-demand fueling industry. NextNRG is also integrating sustainable energy solutions into its mobile fueling operations. The company hopes to be an integral part of assisting its fleet customers in their transition to EV, supporting more efficient fuel delivery while advancing clean energy adoption. The transition process is expected to include the deployment of NextNRG’s innovative wireless EV charging solutions.

    To find out more visit: www.nextnrg.com

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Any statement describing NextNRG’s goals, expectations, financial or other projections, intentions, or beliefs is a forward-looking statement and should be considered an at-risk statement. Words such as “expect,” “intends,” “will,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those related to NextNRG’s business and macroeconomic and geopolitical events. These and other risks are described in NextNRG’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time. NextNRG’s forward-looking statements involve assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove correct, could cause its results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Although NextNRG’s forward-looking statements reflect the good faith judgment of its management, these statements are based only on facts and factors currently known by NextNRG. Except as required by law, NextNRG undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason. As a result, you are cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements.

    Investor Relations Contact
    NextNRG, Inc.
    Sharon Cohen
    SCohen@nextnrg.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Despite Volatility in the Markets Global Drone Market Is Expected to Achieve Remarkable Growth as Usage Skyrockets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Manufactures are projected to see increased manufacturing and sales in the global drone market for the coming several years. Rapid advancements in drone technology are significantly contributing to the drones market growth. Innovations such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and improved sensor technology have enhanced the capabilities of drones, enabling them to perform more complex tasks with greater precision and efficiency. The integration of AI and ML, for instance, allows drones to analyze data in real-time, optimize flight paths, and make autonomous decisions. Furthermore, advancements in battery technology and propulsion systems have improved the endurance and range of drones, allowing them to operate for longer periods and cover greater distances. With the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly drones, market players are focusing on delivering drones with enhanced payload capacities, durability, and flight times. A report from Research And Markets said that the global drones market size aided by the increasing adoption of drones across various sectors, including agriculture, defense, logistics, and entertainment, the market is projected to continue to grow at a CAGR of 22.4% through 2032 to reach a value of USD 244.95 billion by 2032.” Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: ONDS), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA).

    The report said: “As per the global drones market analysis, the increasing interest in urban air mobility (UAM) and the potential for passenger drones and air taxis represent a transformative opportunity for the transportation sector. Several companies and startups are already developing drone-based urban transport solutions, which could redefine urban mobility and create new market segments in the coming years. In conclusion, the global drones market value is set to increase in the coming years, driven by advancements in technology, expanding applications, and increasing demand across a wide range of sectors. Despite facing regulatory challenges and high costs, the market is set to witness robust expansion as drones become an integral part of modern industries, from agriculture to logistics to entertainment. By 2032, the market is expected to achieve remarkable growth, providing numerous opportunities for innovation, investment, and development across the globe.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Closes Miller Land Surveying Corporation, a Third Southeast Acquisition and a Fourth Nationally for the Drone as Service (DaaS) Rollout – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces the closing of its acquisition of Miller Land Surveying Corporation (“Miller”) of Lake Worth, Florida, a land survey and mapping company with a 40 year history and deep portfolio of business customers in the Palm Beach County area of South Florida.

    This is ZenaTech’s third acquisition in the Southeast region as part of a larger national roll-up strategy to disrupt the land survey industry by accelerating the use of drones for their speed and accuracy benefits. The acquisition also furthers the Company’s national Drone as a Service, or DaaS, business rollout as the fourth US acquisition.

    “Miller Land Surveying brings a wealth of experience and customer relationships as a second-generation company known across Palm Beach County for quality land surveys and mapping. Their pioneering team is well suited to helping us bring drone innovation to premium residential and business land surveys. This acquisition is another step towards our vision to create a national DaaS business, bringing AI drone efficiencies and precision to a variety of legacy business verticals and manual tasks,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    ZenaTech’s DaaS business will incorporate the ZenaDrone 1000 and the IQ series of multifunction autonomous drones to provide a variety of service solutions from land surveys to power line inspections or power washing, made accessible and cost effective through an Uber-like business model on a regular subscription or pay-per-use basis. Customers can conveniently access drones for eliminating manual or time-consuming tasks achieving superior results, such as for surveying, inspections, security and law enforcement, or precision farming applications, without having to buy, operate, or maintain the drones themselves.

    The DaaS business model offers customers such as government agencies, real estate developers, construction firms, farmers or energy companies reduced upfront costs as there is no need to purchase expensive drones, as well as convenience, as there is no need to manage maintenance and operation. The model also offers scalability to use more often or less often based on business needs and enables access to advanced drone technology sensors or attachments like spraying, without the need for specialized training.

    Accurate land surveys are essential for the planning, designing, and executing of roads, bridges, and building projects for cities, commercial, and residential projects, and are required for legal purposes. Remotely piloted drones with an array of sensors and cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and GPS systems for capturing high-resolution pictures and data are revolutionizing the land survey industry gathering aerial data across expansive terrains in a matter of hours instead of weeks or months using more traditional photogrammetry methods. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    In Additional ZENA News: ZenaTech’s (NASDAQ:ZENA) Expands Domestic Manufacturing for US Commercial Customers and US Defense Without Needing to Increase Prices – ZenaTech, Inc. (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, today provides an update on its US-based ZenaDrone subsidiary’s expansion plans for “Made in America” manufacturing in light of the recent expanded tariffs announced by the current US Administration. ZenaTech maintains its commitment to domestic manufacturing for US defense drone solutions, including strategic local investments and military-compliant supply chains. ZenaDrone will now move some of its commercial drone production for US commercial customers to Arizona, meaning no need to increase prices for customers to offset tariff costs.

    ZenaDrone’s headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona, which includes sales, administration, research and development, and aerial testing operations. The company plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities over the next two months to produce drones for US commercial customers in addition to planned production for the US military. This expansion will include up to 2,000 additional square feet of production space. This will be the second global manufacturing facility; the company currently has development and production facilities for the ZenaDrone 1000 and IQ series of drones at its 10,000-square-foot facility in Sharjah, UAE.

    In response to the evolving trade landscape, ZenaTech also expects that the expansion of its Phoenix-based manufacturing facility will bring over 150 new jobs to the region by the end of 2026.

    “While tariffs can be challenging, they also reveal which companies are truly agile. ZenaTech has always been long-term in our thinking; engaging in smart resource management and supply chains and prepared to navigate global shifts,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D. “With increased US bans on Chinese drones and components and local incentives for domestic production, we are well-positioned to expand our manufacturing in Arizona, also creating more high-quality American jobs,” added Mr. Passley. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.zenatech.com/newsroom/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a leading innovator in AI-powered defense and security technologies, recently announced a service expansion for its Airborne Response drone services subsidiary. Under its existing multi-year agreement with one of Florida’s largest electric utilities, Airborne Response will now deliver enhanced drone-based critical infrastructure assessment services in addition to its routine monitoring and pre/post-hurricane recovery programs.

    This new order builds on an established partnership and expands Airborne’s role beyond standard visual inspections and hurricane recovery efforts to advanced “Condition Assessment” (CA) services—a mission-critical capability for modern grid resilience. It is anticipated that future assessments could leverage proprietary AI imaging technology to proactively detect faults across transmission lines, substations, and pole infrastructure. As such, the Company intends to explore further support for high-value assessment work in the future utilizing in-house resources such as its Safe Pro AI unit and its patented artificial intelligence (AI)-powered imagery processing technology or through the formation of development partnerships with third-party solution vendors.

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS) a leading provider of best-in-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, recently announced the appointment of Steve Mathias as Vice President of Global Sales and Business Development and Erik de Badts as Global Head of MicaSense Sales.

    AgEagle CEO Bill Irby commented, “As we execute a multi-faceted strategic growth plan focused on expanding our global footprint, the addition of both Steve and Erik’s impressive pedigrees will drive innovation, foster collaboration, and ensure that we remain agile in an evolving UAS marketplace. Steve brings multi-decade expertise in military and commercial aviation, both crewed and uncrewed, while Erik is a true subject matter expert in multi-spectral sensing. We are confident their leadership will help strengthen key partner relationships, unlock new opportunities, and accelerate revenue growth.”

    Ondas Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:ONDS), a leading provider of private industrial wireless networks and commercial drone and automated data solutions through its Ondas Networks and Ondas Autonomous Systems (OAS) business units, reported financial and operating results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.

    “Ondas entered 2024 with deepening customer engagement and a growing business pipeline at OAS, allowing us to end the year with $10 million in backlog at OAS. We believe 2025 will be a record year with OAS expected to contribute at least $20 million in revenues of the expected Ondas Holdings revenue of $25 million,” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas Holdings. “Our momentum in 2024 was supported by securing two key programs with a major military customer for our Optimus and Iron Drone platforms, opening the large and fast-growing global defense markets. Additionally, we fortified our financial position by securing $35 million of capital in the fourth quarter, supporting our strong growth outlook.

    Avionics specialist Aerium recently launched a compact carrier board for the NVIDIA Jetson family of computers-on-modules (COMs), designed for being installed on-board drones to deliver in-flight machine learning and artificial intelligence (ML and AI) capabilities: the Lumen.

    “The Lumen carrier board serves as the ideal partner for unlocking the full potential of Jetson modules, offering an array of features and functionalities tailored for diverse AI and edge computing applications,” claims Aerium of its creation. “The Lumen carrier board provides seamless compatibility and integration with NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ: NVDA) Jetson modules, delivering an optimal platform for developers, researchers, and enthusiasts to harness the power of AI at the edge.”

    NVIDIA’s ever-growing Jetson family of computers-on-modules put the company’s in-house Arm-based processor cores, high-end graphics cores, and dedicated machine learning and artificial intelligence acceleration cores on a small board designed to drive everything from autonomous vehicles to advanced robotics — and when paired with a carrier like the Aerium Lumen, brought to our attention by CNX Software, drones.

    About FN Media Group:

    At FN Media Group, via our top-rated online news portal at www.financialnewsmedia.com, we are one of the very few select firms providing top tier one syndicated news distribution, targeted ticker tag press releases and stock market news coverage for today’s emerging companies. #tickertagpressreleases #pressreleases

    Follow us on Facebook to receive the latest news updates: https://www.facebook.com/financialnewsmedia

    Follow us on Twitter for real time Market News: https://twitter.com/FNMgroup

    Follow us on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/financialnewsmedia/

    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

    Contact Information:

    Media Contact email: editor@financialnewsmedia.com – +1(561)325-8757

    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Marquette Bank Awarded 12th Consecutive ‘Outstanding’ CRA Rating from Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ORLAND PARK, Ill., April 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Marquette Bank, a locally-owned neighborhood bank and the banking subsidiary of Marquette National Corporation (MNAT), was awarded its twelfth consecutive Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) ‘Outstanding’ rating – the highest performance rating – from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, during its most recent evaluation period.

    “This rating reflects our commitment to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve,” said Paul McCarthy, Chairman at Marquette Bank. “Marquette Bank is committed to affordable access to financial services, community development and lending in our neighborhoods.”

    The CRA is a federal law that requires banks to meet the credit needs of the communities they serve, especially low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Banks are rated on their performance in meeting these needs through lending, community investments, and banking services. Marquette Bank has received the highest rating since 2000 making them a leader in community revitalization and placing them among the top 1% of all banks in the nation for CRA performance ratings.

    “Marquette Bank is proud of our comprehensive approach to address the banking and the credit needs of our market,” Manny Jimenez, First Vice President and CRA Officer for Marquette Bank, commented. “We believe in the power of neighborhood oriented financial services and look forward to continuing to work alongside our neighbors, nonprofits, local government and the business community to help create more opportunities for everyone in Chicagoland.”

    Factors contributing to Marquette Bank’s success include: high employee engagement and volunteerism; strong partnerships with local nonprofits and community groups; a focus on affordable housing; its financial education and inclusion efforts; a history of robust community outreach; and balancing financial innovation with friendly, personal service. In a recent survey of 3,832 customers, they were 2x more likely to recommend Marquette Bank to friends and family compared to the banking industry average for that metric.

    “When you bank with Marquette Bank it benefits you and your family, but it is also good for your local neighborhood and Chicagoland,” says Betty Harn, Executive Vice President of Marquette Bank. “The banking you experience is more personal. Many of the families who bank here have banked with us for generations.”

    The bank’s Marquette Neighborhood Commitment initiative has been recognized nationally with the American Bankers Association Foundation Community Commitment Award for Volunteerism and at the state level by the Community Bankers Association of Illinois (CBAI) with their Excellence and Innovation Award.

    Marquette Bank will celebrate its 80th Anniversary on Monday, May 12th with refreshments in the lobby and a special 80th anniversary tote bag for customers. For more information about Marquette Bank: www.emarquettebank.com or call 1-888-254-9500.

    About Marquette Bank:

    Marquette Bank is one of Chicagoland’s largest remaining independent neighborhood banks. The bank has helped neighbors, families and businesses since 1945. Marquette Bank offers a full range of digital and in-person banking services including: consumer banking, business banking, home financing, commercial lending, trust services, student loans, investment, insurance and wealth management services. Marquette Bank is a subsidiary of Marquette National Corporation (MNAT), a diversified financial holding company, and has $2 billion in assets along with a local lending portfolio of $1 billion.

    Marquette Bank has banking centers in Chicago, Bolingbrook, Bridgeview, Evergreen Park, Hickory Hills, Lemont, New Lenox, Oak Lawn, Oak Forest, Orland Park, Summit and Tinley Park Illinois. Marquette Bank is an Equal Opportunity Lender, Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC. For more information visit: emarquettebank.com or call 1-888-254-9500.

    For More Information:
    Jeff MacDonald
    708-873-3560
    jmacdonald@emarquettebank.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Foreign interference threats in Canada’s federal election are both old and new

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Chris Tenove, Assistant director, Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions, University of British Columbia

    Fears of foreign interference loom over the Canadian election. The federal inquiry on foreign interference revealed that entities aligned with India and China interfered in recent elections, albeit without major impact on the results, and concluded that disinformation campaigns pose the greatest threat to Canada’s long-term democratic health.

    Now, with a Canada-bashing American president adding to those foreign interference risks, Canada’s election integrity seems to be in an unprecedented state of fragility.

    However, foreign interference has a longstanding history in Canadian elections. Understanding what is and is not new about current efforts may help to turn down the heat and focus more on how Canadians can make their own decisions this election.



    Read more:
    Thanks to social media platforms, election interference is more insidious and pervasive than ever

    Covert techniques

    For starters, what is foreign interference?

    The commission, following established practice, defined it as an action whereby “states pursue their global interests using covert, corrupt, illegal or coercive techniques.” That means public comments on our election by foreign politicians is not interference, as Canadian government officials have made clear.

    While we largely agree with the commission’s definition, we argue that the interfering entity isn’t necessarily a state. Foreign corporations, crime syndicates and terrorist networks can also interfere in our elections.

    Elon Musk is a tricky case. He is a Canadian citizen, but his current role with the United States government may mean that he can be considered a “foreign entity” according to Canada’s election law, as legal scholar Eve Gaumond has pointed out.

    U.S. interference isn’t new

    History reveals a long menu of options for foreign interference, ranging from bribery to espionage and polling assistance.

    In the 1872 election campaign, Sir Hugh Allan, a Montréal shipping and railroad magnate, successfully used more than $350,000 of mostly U.S. funds to pressure John A. Macdonald and other Conservative party members to award Allan and his allies the contract to build the Canadian Pacific Railway. This was bribery to advance corporate aims.

    After these machinations became public in 1873, Macdonald eventually resigned over what became known as the Pacific Scandal, and Allan lost the Canadian Pacific Railway contract. Today his actions would be a violation of campaign finance laws, which prohibit foreign funding of electioneering. But until the late 19th century, such donations weren’t uncommon.

    Foreign policy has shaped Canadian elections before, even if the last Canadian election that focused almost primarily on tariffs with the U.S. was in 1911. But concerns about relations with other countries are different from foreign interference.

    To date, the most significant foreign interference came in Canada’s 1962 and 1963 elections. Again, Americans were behind it. The John F. Kennedy administration was frustrated by positions taken by Prime Minister John Diefenbaker.

    The Conservative government continued to trade with Cuba despite American sanctions, had made a deal to sell grain to the People’s Republic of China, and — most importantly — had not agreed to a U.S. proposal to station air defence missiles with nuclear warheads on Canadian soil.

    Rather than bribery, the U.S. provided Lester B. Pearson’s Liberal Party with assistance from pollster Lou Harris. Harris was a key figure both in Kennedy’s 1960 election win and in the nascent use of computer-assisted analysis of opinion polls to target specific demographic groups.

    The Kennedy administration went further in 1963 and issued a press release in the midst of the election, calling Diefenbaker a liar and disputing his positions on air defence. Neither of these actions was illegal at the time, though the secret provision of in-kind assistance to the 1962 Liberal campaign would now run afoul of the prohibition on foreign support for electioneering.

    Soviet, American interference

    The Soviets too were interested in Canadian politics, with some Canadians allegedly recruited as spies, according to Igor Gouzenko, a cipher clerk based at the Soviet embassy in Ottawa who defected to Canada in 1945.

    The revelations even led to the arrest of one member of Parliament, Fred Rose.

    In fact, American and Russian interference in general elections around the world was common in the 20th century. Political scientist Dov Levin has estimated that from 1946 to 2000, the U.S. and Soviet Union (Russia after 1991) intervened in 11.3 per cent of all global national elections.

    New digital techniques

    All these techniques can be pursued today, but there are at least three new forms of interference.

    First, foreign interference can include threats made against party leaders or other candidates. As in the past, these can come through clandestine networks or hired thugs. But today, an insult or false accusation from Trump, Musk or others with huge, hostile followings can expose politicians and others to a blizzard of online threats and abuse.

    Second, foreign interference can occur by providing money for electioneering. Rather than a single bundled sum offered to John A. Macdonald, funds are more likely to come through online donations, possibly including crypto-currency transfers that are difficult to monitor.

    For instance, in Romania’s 2024 election, the far-right, Russia-supporting candidate Calin Georgescu was accused of receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal campaign support. In late March, a crypto-currency businessman was arrested and accused of using TikTok’s “gifts” feature to provide US$879,000 to induce 265 people to vote for Georgescu.

    Such acts would be illegal in Canada. More ambiguous is whether social media platforms use their algorithms to amplify some views and diminish others.

    There is no doubt that X, Facebook and TikTok platforms have the capability to do this. While government officials said such actions would be investigated, it is less clear whether they could be detected or what the government would do in response.

    Finally, foreign interference can occur by trying to influence Canadians’ voting choices by threatening illegal or coercive actions or promoting misinformation.

    Trump has already violated trade agreements with Canada and threatened future illegal activities, even going as far as to threaten annexation. Any comments that link these threats to voting outcomes — for example, if Trump said something like “if Canadians choose Carney, they will see tariffs like they have never seen before” — would constitute interference.



    Read more:
    Forget booing the anthem, Canada must employ strategic communications to fight Trump’s lies

    What can be done?

    There are systems in place to detect foreign interference.

    Canadian intelligence agencies and law enforcement are monitoring for foreign interference, and a panel of five senior bureaucrats makes non-partisan decisions about whether to alert the public.

    Global Affairs Canada’s Rapid Response Mechanism is monitoring the online information environment for foreign interference. Elections Canada is also monitoring for violations of election law.

    Members of the public can help. Anyone can share cases of manipulated images and other misleading information related to the election with the Digital Threats Tipline, created by the Canadian Digital Media Research Network. (Our Centre for the Study of Democratic Institutions at the University of British Columbia is a member of this McGill University-based network.)

    These monitoring efforts will help us keep an eye on social media platforms. The companies have agreed to act on interference in the election, but experts are skeptical of their commitment.

    If platforms are pipelines of election interference, they should be more tightly regulated. For instance, the European Union’s Digital Services Act has enabled investigations and potential accountability measures in response to interference in Romania’s election.

    The most important thing Canadians can do is vote in this election based on their own well-informed priorities, worries and aspirations.

    While remaining alert to foreign interference, Canadians can perhaps take some comfort in the resilience of our democratic institutions in the face of a long history of attempts to undermine elections.

    Chris Tenove receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council to research global policies to address online interference in elections.

    Heidi J. S. Tworek receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canada Research Chair programe. She is a senior fellow with the Centre for International Governance Innovation and testified before the Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in October 2024.

    – ref. Foreign interference threats in Canada’s federal election are both old and new – https://theconversation.com/foreign-interference-threats-in-canadas-federal-election-are-both-old-and-new-253600

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Tax Day highlights the costs of single living – but demographics are forcing financial change

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Peter McGraw, Professor of Marketing and Psychology, University of Colorado Boulder

    Tax Day is right around the corner – an annual reminder that without the option to file jointly, singles pay more per dollar earned than married people. Tax advantages are just one of over 1,000 legal and economic benefits married couples enjoy, a disparity worsened by marketplace and employer practices.

    Despite its disadvantages, single living is on the rise. While the average age of first marriage was just 21 in 1960, today it has risen to 29. Half the adults in the U.S. are unmarried, and half of them aren’t seeking a relationship. As many as a third of Zoomers may never tie the knot.

    But this shift is more than cultural – it’s redefining the rules of personal finance. Freed from the constraints of shared decision-making, single people are earning, spending and investing on their own terms.

    And as a behavioral economist who studies single living, I think this could mean big things for the future of money. As more people opt out of marriage, I expect that governments, businesses and financial systems will adapt – just as they did in response to women’s economic independence.

    The price of singlehood

    As a lifelong bachelor, I have a cheeky response when filing my taxes: “That’s the price of freedom.”

    For many singles, the price is too steep. More than half of singles over 30 feel financially insecure, one survey found, and their economic reality backs it up. For example, singles spend about US$5,500 more annually than their married peers – which adds up to more than $200,000 over a 40-year career.

    Some of the challenge is mathematical. Married couples split major expenses like housing, transportation and travel, and rely on dual incomes as a buffer against job loss or disability.

    Policy amplifies the financial burdens. One-person households are the most common type in the U.S., yet developers still prioritize building large single-family houses – driving up apartment and condo costs. Retirement presents another stark contrast. Singles can’t claim spousal or survivor Social Security benefits and solely fund their retirement.

    Employers design benefits around families – offering spousal coverage, dependent tax breaks and family leave. Single employees tend to shoulder more responsibilities yet receive 3.6 fewer paid days off per year than their married peers.

    In the marketplace – from travel to tech and insurance – businesses often price goods and services with couples and families in mind. Solo travelers often pay single supplements on cruises and tours. Streaming, phone and retail memberships offer “family plans” with no option for solo users subscribing as part of a group. Even auto insurance penalizes solo drivers – two-door cars cost 16% more to insure.

    The costs add up – but the news for singles isn’t all bad.

    Peter McGraw discusses living single in a financial system built for two.

    The financial upside of going solo

    I study how singles build financial security through the hallmarks of single living: autonomy and adaptability.

    An obvious financial factor is the cost of children. While some singles are parents, they’re far less likely than married couples to shoulder the expense of raising a child – an outlay of more than $300,000 per child before college.

    A key advantage: Singles have complete financial control. They choose how to earn, save and spend. There’s less risk of absorbing a partner’s credit card or student loan debt, covering for reckless spending, or facing the financial fallout of divorce.

    Career flexibility is another key advantage. Singles can more easily relocate for higher-paying jobs or lower-cost locales – freedom that enables powerful financial arbitrage. Many digital nomads, most of them single, choose countries with lower costs and better quality of life.

    Singles also have greater control over when and how they retire. Unlike couples, who must coordinate timing and strategies, singles have more freedom to retire early, ride out a down market, or ease into semiretirement.

    Building a financial system for everyone

    As a business school professor, I’ve seen how slow business and government can be to respond to demographic shifts. The tax system won’t change overnight – governments have long used the tax code to promote marriage – but other policies and practices will evolve. I believe the rise of singles – and the power of their votes and dollars – will make the status quo unsustainable.

    Scandinavia and parts of Asia are setting precedents. In Sweden, solo adults are recognized as a “family of one,” with access to housing support, parental leave and pension benefits – no marriage required. Smart companies will also adapt to recruit and retain singles, who make up a large portion of the labor force. I expect to see an expansion of single-inclusive offerings like caregiving leave, flexible work arrangements and individual-friendly health plans.

    Singles also build lifelong support systems outside marriage. Sweden again offers a glimpse of what might be: A landmark court case recently granted life insurance benefits to a platonic partner, proving that legal protections don’t have to hinge on romance.

    Housing remains another legacy system built for couples. While most new developments still prioritize single-family homes, markets like Japan and
    Hong Kong have embraced lower-cost micro-apartments with shared community spaces – an appealing model for solo dwellers. Some U.S. cities are beginning to experiment with similar designs, signaling a shift toward more inclusive urban housing.

    China’s celebration of solo living, Singles’ Day – held every year on 11/11 – is now the world’s largest e-commerce holiday, generating more sales than Black Friday and Cyber Monday combined. The company that created it, Alibaba, promotes deals on single-serve appliances, one-way flights and self-care bundles.

    Western companies are catching on: Travel brands are waiving singles supplements, restaurants are welcoming solo diners with dedicated seating, and telecom companies are rolling out “friends and family” plans that don’t require a romantic partner.

    Finally, I believe wealth management will respond to the rise of singles. While I’ve found that most financial advice still assumes that people will eventually marry, solo earners need different strategies, such as bigger emergency funds, flexible housing options and proactive estate planning. Expect a wave of financial products designed for solo living, from retirement tools to mortgages built for one.

    As singles become the majority in many countries, governments, businesses and financial institutions will adapt by necessity.

    The bottom line

    As an advocate for singles, I am an optimist. Yes, singles pay more on Tax Day – among other challenges. But they also have one undeniable advantage: financial freedom. Singles can do more than survive in a system built for two – they can thrive.

    Americans are not going back to the 1960s. As solo living becomes the norm, financial systems will evolve. Governments will face pressure to modernize policy, businesses will launch products and services for one-person households, and financial professionals will adapt to better serve solo earners.

    The institutions that recognize this shift first will shape the future – for everyone.

    I have a book (“Solo: Building a Remarkable Life of Your Own”) and a podcast (“Solo – The Single Person’s Guide to a Remarkable Life”) that are relevant to this article.

    – ref. Tax Day highlights the costs of single living – but demographics are forcing financial change – https://theconversation.com/tax-day-highlights-the-costs-of-single-living-but-demographics-are-forcing-financial-change-254035

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Celebrates Selection of Top 20 Schools for the 2025 Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung in conjunction with the Department of Basic Education have announced the selection of the Top 20 schools in South Africa – celebrating their advancement to the next phase of the Samsung Solve for Tomorrow 2025 STEM competition.
     
    The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition which honours and recognises the innovative spirit of learners from quintile 1 – 4 public schools, aims to empower young people in grade 10 & 11 from underserved communities through education and skill enhancement, particularly focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). This year’s theme: “Infrastructure and Safety” – challenges learners to tackle pressing issues in their schools and respective communities.
     
    The entries to this year’s competition closed at the end of March and from the applications submitted – the Top 20 schools were selected to participate in the next phase of the competition, with the help of assigned Samsung employee mentors. This year, the selected participants are tasked with addressing genuine community problems using STEM principles, thus improving their analytical abilities and gaining professional guidance from Samsung employees.
     
    Launched for the first time in 2023 in South Africa, Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is a unique competition that encourages creative thinking, problem-solving skills and teamwork to nurture social innovative ideas that address local communities’ most pressing challenges. Since inception, the competition has been growing from strength to strength and this alone, is an affirmation of Samsung’s dedication to empowering the youth with the skills required to drive innovation and change.
     
    Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in Southern Africa said: “Congratulations to the top 20 schools for advancing to the 2nd phase of the Solve for Tomorrow contest. We are incredibly impressed by the passion, creativity and innovative ideas demonstrated in their entries. Each submission has shown a deep commitment to addressing real-world challenges with fresh perspectives and practical solutions. At Samsung, we believe that the future is shaped by young minds and we are excited to see how their ideas will continue to inspire change and drive progress.
     
    Makgato explained with excitement how Samsung is now looking forward to seeing the learners’ continued dedication in the next phase – where they will be expected to conduct research, develop paper prototypes and submit their solutions for evaluation.
    Below is a list of the Top 20 schools that have been selected:
     

     
    #
    SCHOOLS
    PROVINCE
    1
    Thengwe High School
    Limpopo
    2
    Setswakgosing Secondary School
    North-West
    3
    Lenakeng Technical School
    Free State
    4
    Mbilwi Secondary School
    Limpopo
    5
    Masibambane Secondary School
    Western Cape
    6
    Phomolong Secondary School
    Gauteng
    7
    NM Tsuene Secondary School
    Gauteng
    8
    Patrick Ramaano Secondary School
    Limpopo
    9
    Umlazi Comprehensive Technical High School
    Kwa-Zulu Natal
    10
    Moyaneng Secondary School
    Limpopo
    11
    Phaphamani Secondary School
    Mpumalanga
    12
    Khwezi Lomso Comprehensive School
    Eastern Cape
    13
    Adams College
    Kwa-Zulu Natal
    14
    Phendukani Full Service High School
    Kwa-Zulu Natal
    15
    Buhlebemfundo Secondary School
    Gauteng
    16
    Tembisa West Secondary School
    Gauteng
    17
    Lereng Secondary School
    Free State
    18
    Mthiyaqhwa High School
    Kwa-Zulu Natal
    19
    Koffiefontein Combined School
    Free State
    20
    Maphuthaditshaba Secondary School
    Mpumalanga
     

     
    And, with Samsung helping them with resources as well as mentors guiding them in phase two, the learners will need to conduct research, develop and submit their paper prototypes for the challenges they had identified in the preliminary phase. As part of this very crucial stage, the teams from the Top 20 schools for 2025 will now be taken to Design Thinking workshops to be held within their respective regions. Also, to help learners conduct their research and communicate with their mentors, the teams from the selected schools will be sponsored with a Samsung tablet as well as data.
     
    At the Design Thinking workshops, learners will be taught invaluable skills on how to best approach and get the most out of their work, think critically, speak and act like designers as well as a cognitive and structured process for human-centred, creative problem-solving. Learners will also be encouraged to focus on building strong teams and will be trained on how to conduct research that can help transform their ideas from mere concepts to workable solutions that can address the identified issues within their communities.
     
    At the end of this phase, the Top 20 Finalists will be expected to submit the paper prototypes of the solutions they have identified and the judges will evaluate to determine the top 10 schools to proceed to the final phase. The participating teams stand a chance to win exciting prizes and the recognition as South Africa’s next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
     
    In recognition of their efforts and brilliance, the participating schools have an opportunity to walk away with an overall, first prize of R100,000, the school that takes 2nd place will receive R50,000 and the school that will complete in third place will be awarded R30,000 in STEM equipment. Moreover, Samsung will yet again sweeten the deal by rewarding each of the learners in the top three teams with a Samsung device.
     
    Makgato added: “These prizes combined with the principles of this competition are a clear indication of Samsung’s commitment to empowering the country’s youth and rewarding excellence. We would therefore like to encourage schools, learners and the broader community to follow the competition and support these schools that are not only participating in the competition but are also representing their respective communities.”
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK sanctions Georgian officials responsible for allowing brutal police violence

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    UK sanctions Georgian officials responsible for allowing brutal police violence

    UK sanctions four Georgian officials, including Georgia’s General Prosecutor, as part of latest action against serious human rights violations.

    • UK becomes first state to sanction Georgia’s General Prosecutor as part of latest action against serious human rights violations.
    • Georgian Head of the Special Investigatory Service also targeted for failure to properly investigate crackdown on protesters.
    • Designations build on five Georgian individuals sanctioned under the UK’s Global Human Rights regime in December 2024.

    The UK has sanctioned four more high-ranking Georgian officials for their role in allowing serious human rights violations in response to legitimate protests in Georgia since 2024.

    Last year saw a series of public protests erupt across the country, triggered by the actions of Georgia’s ruling party, Georgian Dream. In response, the authorities began an aggressive crackdown on demonstrations, attacking and arbitrarily detaining members of civil society, media and opposition figures.

    With today’s action, the UK is the first state to sanction Georgia’s General Prosecutor and the Head of the Special Investigatory Service for failing in their positions to properly investigate those responsible for serious violence.

    These measures support the UK Government’s work internationally to protect human rights, to reduce global instability and deter threats to UK national security – one of the foundations of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    “The scenes of brutal violence against protestors, journalists and opposition figures in Georgia were truly shocking. More than 100 days on, its authorities have failed to hold those responsible to account, flying in the face of Georgian Dream’s claim to be delivering a democratic future for its citizens.

     “Our sanctions show the UK will not accept such a blatant lack of accountability by those in charge, and will continue to consider all options available to us until Georgia reverses its current trajectory. We stand with the people of Georgia and their constitutional right to fundamental freedoms and to pursue a European path.”

    Individuals sanctioned today are:

    1. Giorgi Gabitashvili, General Prosecutor
    2. Karlo Katsitadze, Head of the Special Investigatory Service
    3. Shalva Bedoidze, First Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs of Georgia
    4. Mirza Kezevadze, Deputy Chief of the Special Task Department

    All four are excluded from the UK and its economy through UK travel bans and asset freezes.

    Since the beginning of this year, Georgia’s ruling party – Georgian Dream – has attempted to push through legislation for a series of new repressive laws which critics say will be used to silence civil society and opposition parties, with the prospect of hefty prison sentences for non-compliance.

    Today’s announcement adds to UK sanctions against five Georgian officials in December for their roles in the violent attacks against demonstrators, media and opposition figures following the government’s decision to pause the country’s move towards a European future in – a key tenant of Georgia’s constitution.

    The UK previously paused its annual flagship strategic dialogue, the ‘Wardrop Dialogue’, suspended governmental programme support and restricted engagement with Georgian Dream in response to an increase in anti-western rhetoric and democratic backsliding which restrict media freedoms and limits equality for the Georgian people.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Race isn’t a ‘biological reality,’ contrary to recent political claims − here’s how scientific consensus on race developed in the 20th century

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By John P. Jackson, Jr., Professor of History and Philosophy of Science, Michigan State University

    ‘The Dying Tecumseh,’ a marble sculpture at the Smithsonian, depicts the Shawnee leader in a heroic light. Frederick Pettrich, Smithsonian American Art Museum, CC BY

    In the recent flurry of executive orders from President Donald Trump, one warned of “a distorted narrative” about race “driven by ideology rather than truth.” It singled out a current exhibition at the Smithsonian American Art Museum titled “The Shape of Power: Stories of Race and American Sculpture” as an example. The exhibit displays over two centuries of sculptures that show how art has produced and reproduced racial attitudes and ideologies.

    The executive order condemns the exhibition because it “promotes the view that race is not a biological reality but a social construct, stating ‘Race is a human invention.’”

    The executive order apparently objects to sentiments such as this: “Although a person’s genetics influences their phenotypic characteristics, and self-identified race might be influenced by physical appearance, race itself is a social construct.” But those words are not from the Smithsonian; they are from the American Society of Human Genetics.

    Scientists reject the idea that race is biologically real. The claim that race is a “biological reality” cuts against modern scientific knowledge.

    I’m a historian who specializes in the scientific study of race. The executive order places “social construct” in opposition to “biological reality.” The history of both concepts reveals how modern science landed at the idea that race was invented by people, not nature.

    Race exists, but what is it?

    At the turn of the 20th century, scientists believed humans could be divided into distinct races based on physical features. According to this idea, a scientist could identify physical differences in groups of people, and if those differences were passed on to succeeding generations, the scientist had correctly identified a racial “type.”

    The results of this “typological” method were chaotic. A frustrated Charles Darwin in 1871 listed 13 scientists who identified anywhere between two and 63 races, a confusion that persisted for the next six decades. There were almost as many racial classifications as racial classifiers because no two scientists could seem to agree on what physical characteristics were best to measure, or how to measure them.

    One intractable problem with racial classifications was that the differences in human physical traits were tiny, so scientists struggled to use them to differentiate between groups. The pioneering African American scholar W.E.B. Du Bois noted in 1906, “It is impossible to draw a color line between black and other races … in all physical characteristics the Negro race cannot be set off by itself.”

    But scientists tried. In an 1899 anthropological study, William Ripley classified people using head shape, hair type, pigmentation and stature. In 1926, Harvard anthropologist Earnest Hooton, the leading racial typologist in the world, listed 24 anatomical traits, such as “the presence or absence of a postglenoid tubercle and a pharyngeal fossa or tubercle” and “the degree of bowing of the radius and ulna” while admitting “this list is not, of course, exhaustive.”

    All this confusion was the opposite of how science should operate: As the tools improved and as measurements became more precise, the object of study − race − became more and more muddled.

    Malvina Hoffman’s sculptures illustrate a map titled Races of the World and Where They Live.
    Malvina Hoffman/Field Museum of Natural History

    When sculptor Malvina Hoffman’s “Races of Mankind” exhibit opened at Chicago’s Field Museum in 1933, it characterized race as a biological reality, despite its elusive definition. World-renowned anthropologist Sir Arthur Keith wrote the introduction to the exhibition’s catalog.

    Keith dismissed science as the surest method to distinguish race; one knows a person’s race because “a single glance, picks out the racial features more certainly than could a band of trained anthropologists.” Keith’s view perfectly captured the view that race must be real, for he saw it all around him, even though science could never establish that reality.

    In the scientific study of race, however, things were about to change.

    Turning to culture to explain difference

    By 1933, the rise of Nazism had added urgency to the scientific study of race. As anthropologist Sherwood Washburn wrote in 1944, “If we are to discuss racial matters with the Nazis, we had better be right.”

    In the late 1930s and early 1940s, two new scientific ideas came to fruition. First, scientists began looking to culture rather than biology as the driver of differences among groups of people. Second, the rise of population genetics challenged the biological reality of race.

    In 1943, anthropologists Ruth Benedict and Gene Weltfish wrote a short work also titled The Races of Mankind. Writing for a popular audience, they argued that people are far more alike than different, and our differences owe to culture and learning, not biology. An animated cartoon short later gave these ideas wider circulation.

    ‘The Brotherhood of Man’ was based on Benedict and Weltfish’s pamphlet and pointed out that differences between people come from their environments.

    Benedict and Weltfish argued that while people did, indeed, differ physically, those differences were meaningless in that all races could learn and all were capable. “Progress in civilization is not the monopoly of one race or subrace,” they wrote. “Negroes made iron tools and wove fine cloth for their clothing when fair-skinned Europeans wore skins and knew nothing of iron.” The cultural explanation for different human lifestyles was more robust than confused appeals to an elusive biological race.

    The turn to culture was consistent with a deep change in biological knowledge.

    Genetic research was taking off in the 1940s, as in this lab at Iowa State College in Ames, Iowa.
    Jack Delano, U.S. Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information, CC BY

    A tool to understand evolution

    Theodosius Dobzhansky was a preeminent biologist of the 20th century. He and other biologists were interested in evolutionary changes. Races, which supposedly didn’t change over time, were therefore useless for understanding how organisms evolved.

    A new tool, what scientists called a “genetic population,” was much more valuable. The geneticist, Dobzhansky held, identified a population based on the genes it shared in order to study change in organisms. Over time natural selection would shape how the population evolved. But if that population didn’t shed light on natural selection, the geneticist must abandon it and work with a new population based on a different set of shared genes. The important point is that, whatever population the geneticist chose, it was changing over time. No population was a fixed and stable entity, as human races were supposed to be.

    Sherwood Washburn, who happened to be Dobzhansky’s close friend, brought those ideas into anthropology. He recognized that the point of genetics was not classifying people into fixed groups. The point was to understand the process of human evolution. This change reversed everything taught by Hooton, his old teacher.

    Writing in 1951, Washburn argued, “There is no way to justify the division of a … population into a series of racial types” because doing so would be pointless. Presuming any group to be unchanging stood in the way of understanding evolutionary changes. A genetic population was not “real”; it was an invention of the scientist using it as a lens to understand organic change.

    Classifying for a purpose, not as a ‘true’ assessment of tall or short.
    Buena Vista Images/Stone via Getty Images

    A good way to understand this profound difference relates to roller coasters.

    Anyone who’s been to an amusement park has seen signs that precisely define who is tall enough to ride a given roller coaster. But no one would say they define a “real” category of “tall” or “short” people, as another roller coaster might have a different height requirement. The signs define who is tall enough only for riding this particular roller coaster, and that’s all. It’s a tool for keeping people safe, not a category defining who is “really” tall.

    Similarly, geneticists use genetic populations as “an important tool for inferring the evolutionary history of modern humans” or because they have “fundamental implications for understanding the genetic basis of diseases.”

    Anyone trying to pound a nail with a screwdriver soon realizes that tools are good for tasks they were designed for and useless for anything else. Genetic populations are tools for specific biological uses, not for classifying people into “real” groups by race.

    Whoever wanted to classify people, Washburn argued, must give the “important reasons for subdividing our whole species.”

    The Smithsonian’s exhibit shows how racialized sculpture was “both a tool of oppression and domination and one of liberation and empowerment.” Science agrees with its claim that race is a human invention and not a biological reality.

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

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

    – ref. Race isn’t a ‘biological reality,’ contrary to recent political claims − here’s how scientific consensus on race developed in the 20th century – https://theconversation.com/race-isnt-a-biological-reality-contrary-to-recent-political-claims-heres-how-scientific-consensus-on-race-developed-in-the-20th-century-253504

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s nomination for NASA leader boasts business and commercial spaceflight experience during a period of uncertainty for the agency

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, Air University

    Jared Isaacman, the nominee for next NASA administrator, has traveled to orbit on two commercial space missions. AP Photo/John Raoux

    Jared Isaacman, billionaire, CEO and nominee to become the next NASA administrator, faced questions on April 9, 2025, from members of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during his confirmation hearing for the position.

    Should the Senate confirm him, Isaacman will be the first billionaire – but not the first astronaut – to head NASA. Perhaps even more significant, he will be the first NASA administrator with significant ties to the commercial space industry.

    As a space policy expert, I know that NASA leadership matters. The head of the agency can significantly shape the missions it pursues, the science it undertakes and, ultimately, the outcome of America’s space exploration.

    Jared Isaacman speaks at a news conference in 2024, before his Polaris Dawn mission.
    AP Photo/John Raoux, File

    An unconventional background

    At 16 years old, Isaacman dropped out of high school to start a payment processing company in his basement. The endeavor succeeded and eventually became known as Shift4.

    Though he found early success in business, Isaacman also had a love for aviation. In 2009, he set a record for flying around the Earth in a light jet, beating the previous record by more than 20 hours.

    While remaining CEO of Shift4, Isaacman founded another company, Draken International. The company eventually assembled the world’s largest fleet of privately owned fighter jets. It now helps to train U.S. Air Force pilots.

    In 2019, Isaacman sold his stake in Draken International. In 2020, he took Shift4 public, making him a billionaire.

    Isaacman continued to branch out into aerospace, working with SpaceX beginning in 2021. He purchased a crewed flight on the Falcon 9 rocket, a mission that eventually was called Inspiration4. The mission, which he led, represented the first private astronaut flight for SpaceX. It sent four civilians with no previous formal space experience into orbit.

    Following the success of Inspiration4, Isaacman worked with SpaceX to develop the Polaris Program, a series of three missions to help build SpaceX’s human spaceflight capabilities. In fall 2024, the first of these missions, Polaris Dawn, launched.

    Polaris Dawn added more accomplishments to Isaacman’s resume. Isaacman, along with his crewmate Sarah Gillis, completed the first private spacewalk. Polaris Dawn’s SpaceX Dragon capsule traveled more than 850 miles (1,367 kilometers) from Earth, the farthest distance humans had been since the Apollo missions.

    The Polaris Dawn mission launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in September 2024.
    AP Photo/John Raoux

    The next adventure: NASA

    In December 2024, the incoming Trump administration announced its intention to nominate Isaacman for the post of NASA administrator.

    As NASA administrator, Isaacman would oversee all NASA activities at a critical moment in its history. The Artemis program, which has been in progress since 2017, has several missions planned for the next few years.

    This includes 2026’s Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts to orbit the Moon. Then, in 2027, Artemis III will aim to land on it.

    If the mission proceeds as planned, the Artemis II crew will fly in an Orion crew capsule, pictured behind them, around the Moon in 2026.
    Kim Shiflett/NASA via AP, File

    But, if Isaacman is confirmed, his tenure would come at a time when there are significant questions about the Artemis program, as well as the extent to which NASA should use commercial space companies like SpaceX. The agency is also potentially facing funding cuts.

    Some in the space industry have proposed scrapping the Artemis program altogether in favor of preparing to go to Mars. Among this group is the founder of SpaceX, Elon Musk.

    Others have suggested canceling NASA’s Space Launch System, the massive rocket that is being used for Artemis. Instead, they argue that NASA could use commercial systems, like SpaceX’s Starship or Blue Origin’s New Glenn.

    Isaacman has also dealt with accusations that he is too close to the commercial space industry, and SpaceX in particular, to lead NASA. This has become a larger concern given Musk’s involvement in the Trump administration and its cost-cutting efforts. Some critics are worried that Musk would have an even greater say in NASA if Isaacman is confirmed.

    Since his nomination, Isaacman has stopped working with SpaceX on the Polaris Program. He has also made several supportive comments toward other commercial companies.

    But the success of any of NASA’s plans depends on having the money and resources necessary to carry them out.

    While NASA has been spared major cuts up to this point, it, like many other government agencies, is planning for budget cuts and mass firings. These potential cuts are similar to what other agencies such as the Department of Health and Human Services have recently made.

    During his confirmation hearing, Isaacman committed to keeping the Artemis program, as well as the Space Launch System, in the short term. He also insisted that NASA could both return to the Moon and prepare for Mars at the same time.

    Although Isaacman stated that he believed NASA had the resources to do both at the same time, the agency is still in a time of budget uncertainty, so that may not be possible.

    About his relationship with Musk, Isaacman stated that he had not talked to Musk since his nomination in November, and his relationship with SpaceX would not influence his decisions.

    Additionally, he committed to carrying out space science missions, specifically to “launch more telescopes, more probes, more rovers.”

    But since NASA is preparing for significant cuts to its science budget, there is some speculation that the agency may need to end some science programs, like the Hubble space telescope, altogether.

    Isaacman’s future

    Isaacman has received support from the larger space community. Nearly 30 astronauts signed a letter in support of his nomination. Former NASA administrators, as well as major industry groups, have signaled their desire for Isaacman’s confirmation.

    He also received the support of Senator Ted Cruz, the committee chair.

    Barring any major development, Isaacman will likely be confirmed as NASA administrator by the Senate in the coming weeks. The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation could approve his nomination once it returns from a two-week break at the end of April. A full vote from the Senate would follow.

    If the Senate does confirm him, Isaacman will have several major issues to confront at NASA, all in a very uncertain political environment.

    Wendy N. Whitman Cobb is affiliated with the US School of Advanced Air and Space Studies. Her views are her own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Defense or any of its components.

    – ref. Trump’s nomination for NASA leader boasts business and commercial spaceflight experience during a period of uncertainty for the agency – https://theconversation.com/trumps-nomination-for-nasa-leader-boasts-business-and-commercial-spaceflight-experience-during-a-period-of-uncertainty-for-the-agency-254274

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Stephen Hitchen

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Change of His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Stephen Hitchen

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Mr Stephen Hitchen has been appointed His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in succession to Mr Neil Crompton. Mr Hitchen will take up his appointment during August 2025.

    Curriculum vitae

    Full name: Stephen Charles Hitchen

    Year Role
    2023 to 2025 Baghdad, His Majesty’s Ambassador
    2019 to 2023 FCO, Director, Counter Terrorism Department
    2016 to 2019 FCO, Director, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2013 to 2016 Amman, Counsellor Regional Affairs
    2012 to 2013 FCO, Head of Middle East Reporting, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2009 to 2012 FCO, Head of Iran Political Team, Middle East and North Africa Directorate
    2006 to 2009 Kuwait, Head of Regional Affairs
    2004 to 2006 Cairo, First Secretary, Political
    2004 Joined FCO
    1996 to 2004 Ministry of Defence, including 18 months full time Arabic Language Training

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Contact the FCDO Communication Team via email (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 10 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “Wait, It Is Not About Wigs?” – The Story of Faso Dan Fani Court Robes in Burkina Faso

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Today’s post is a guest post by a foreign law specialist at the Law Library of Congress, Louis Gilbert. 

    The Real Story Behind Faso Dan Fani Robes

    When I first heard about Burkina Faso reforming its courtroom attire, all I could find were headlines and social media posts claiming the country had banned British-style wigs. The idea was everywhere, fueling debates and drawing comparisons to similar reforms in other parts of Africa. Intrigued, I decided to dig deeper only to realize something surprising: Burkina Faso’s courts never used wigs in the first place.

    The real story, however, was just as fascinating. While the rumors were not entirely accurate, there was truth at their core. It was not about British-style wigs being banned, but rather about replacing French-inspired black satin robes with something far more meaningful for the people in Burkina Faso: courtroom attire made from Faso Dan Fani, a traditional Burkinabe fabric steeped in cultural heritage.

    The New Look for Justice

    On October 23, 2024, Burkina Faso’s Council of Ministers approved a report specifying that courtroom attire for magistrates in the Courts of Appeal and other jurisdictions would now be made from Faso Dan Fani. This report was an implementation of a decree from the previous year, which broadly promoted the use of Faso Dan Fani in various professions, including the judiciary. The new robes keep the classic black gown and toque but add golden embroidery on the sleeves, collar, and the outline of the toque. They also feature Burkina Faso’s flag and a sword-piercing-scales emblem of justice. This is more than a fashion update. It is a reflection of national pride and a practical choice that supports the local cotton industry. Faso Dan Fani robes are a bargain at 150,000 CFA (around U.S. $240), compared to imported gowns that could cost up to 3 million CFA (about U.S. $4,760).

    Vue de pagnes tissés faso dan fani dans une boutique à Ouagadoguogu. Souleymane Yalgweogo. 2019. Used under Creative Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pagnes_tiss%C3%A9s_faso_dan_fani.jpg.

    Faso Dan Fani: Weaving History Into the Future

    So why Faso Dan Fani? This is not just any fabric — it is a cornerstone of Burkinabe identity. Its name translates to “woven loincloth of the homeland,” and it has been a symbol of pride, resilience, and craftsmanship for decades. The vibrant patterns and intricate designs tell stories of tradition and history, all woven by hand on traditional looms. The fabric’s rise as a national emblem dates back to the 1980s under Captain Thomas Sankara, the revolutionary leader who championed anti-colonialism and economic independence. For Sankara, wearing Faso Dan Fani was more than a style choice; it was an act of defiance against imperialism and a commitment to supporting local industries.

    The Grand Debut

    The new robes officially took center stage on November 18, 2024, during a formal ceremony. Minister of Justice Rodrigue Bayala declared, “[t]his ceremony officially marks the end of the wearing of court suits inherited from the colonial era and the beginning of Faso Dan Fani court suits.” Prime Minister Dr. Apollinaire Kyelem de Tambela emphasized the symbolic weight of the change: “[t]his suit carries a powerful message. It reminds us that justice is rendered in the name of the people of Burkina Faso and that judges must perform their duties with fairness and integrity.” For Abasse Nombré, President of the High Court of Ouagadougou, the new attire represents more than professionalism. “It symbolizes our belonging to the nation and invites us to cultivate the values of integrity, patriotism, and justice,” he said.

    Beyond the Courtroom

    This is not the first time Faso Dan Fani has been used to reimagine traditional uniforms. In September 2024, school uniforms were redesigned to incorporate the fabric, further strengthening the local economy and reinforcing national identity. These changes align with President Ibrahim Traoré’s vision of sovereignty, economic self-reliance, and cultural pride. Since taking office in 2022, Traoré’s administration has pushed to distance Burkina Faso from its colonial past, whether by promoting local products, expelling French troops, or rethinking national symbols.

    A Continental Shift

    Burkina Faso’s move is part of a broader trend across Africa to revisit colonial legacies. From Kenya’s debates over courtroom wigs to changes in education systems, there is a growing movement to embrace cultural heritage and redefine national identities. These reforms are about more than just symbolism—they are about fostering pride and charting a future rooted in independence.

    What This Change Means

    According to the government, replacing colonial-era robes with Faso Dan Fani is not simply a fashion statement. It is about reclaiming identity, supporting local craftsmanship, and moving forward with pride in one’s heritage. So, while the wigs may not have been part of Burkina Faso’s story, the robes certainly are.

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: This chart explains why Trump backflipped on tariffs. The economic damage would have been huge

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By James Giesecke, Professor, Centre of Policy Studies and the Impact Project, Victoria University

    The Trump administration has announced a 90-day pause on its plan to impose so-called “reciprocal” tariffs on nearly all US imports. But the pause does not extend to China, where import duties will rise to around 125%.

    The move signals a partial retreat from what had been shaping up as a broad and aggressive trade war. For most countries, the US will now apply a 10% baseline tariff for the next three months. But the White House made clear that its tariffs on Chinese imports will remain in place.

    So why did President Trump back away from the broader tariff push? The answer is simple: the economic cost to the US was too high.

    Our economic model shows the fallout, even after the ‘pause’

    Using a global economic model, we have been estimating the macroeconomic consequences of the Trump administration’s tariff plans as they have developed.

    The following table shows two versions of the economic effects of the tariff plan:

    • “pre-pause” – as the plan stood immediately before Wednesday’s 90-day pause, under a scenario in which all countries retaliate except Australia, Japan and South Korea (which said they would not retaliate)
    • “post-pause” after reciprocal tariffs were withdrawn.

    As is clear, the US would have faced steep and immediate losses in employment, investment, growth, and most importantly, real consumption, the best measure of household living standards.

    Heavy costs of the tariff war

    Under the pre-pause scenario, the US would have seen real consumption fall by 2.4% in 2025 alone. Real gross domestic product (GDP) would have declined by 2.6%, while employment falls by 2.7% and real investment (after inflation) plunges 6.6%.

    These are not trivial adjustments. They represent significant contractions that would be felt in everyday life, from job losses to price increases to reduced household purchasing power. Since the current US unemployment rate is 4.2%, these results suggest that for every three currently unemployed Americans, two more would join their ranks.

    Our modelling shows the damage would not just be short-term. Across the 2025–2040 projection period, US real consumption losses would have averaged 1.2%, with persistent investment weakness and a long-term decline in real GDP.

    It is likely that internal economic advice reflected this kind of outlook. The decision to pause most of the tariff increases may well be an acknowledgement that the policy was economically unsustainable and would result in a permanent reduction in US global economic power. Financial markets were also rattled.

    The scaled-back plan: still aggressive on China

    The new arrangement announced on April 9 scales the higher tariff regime back to a flat 10% for about 70 countries, but keeps the full weight of tariffs on Chinese goods at around 125%. Rates on Canadian and Mexican imports remain at 25%.

    In response, China has announced an 84% tariff on US goods.

    The table’s “post-pause” column summarises the results of the scaled-back plan if the pause becomes permanent. For consistency, we assume all countries except Australia, Japan and Korea retaliate with tariffs equal to those imposed by the US.

    As is clear from the “post-pause” results, lower US tariffs, together with lower retaliatory tariffs, equal less damage for the US economy.

    Tariffs applied uniformly are less distortionary, and significant retaliation from just one major partner (China) is easier to absorb than a broad global response.

    However, the costs will still be high. The US is projected to experience a 1.9% drop in real consumption in 2025, driven by lower employment and reduced efficiency in production. Real investment is projected to fall by 4.8%, and employment by 2.1%.

    Perhaps we should not be surprised that the costs are still so high. In 2022, China, Canada and Mexico accounted for almost 45% of all US goods imports, and many countries were already facing 10% reciprocal tariffs in the “pre-pause” scenario. Trump’s tariff pause has not changed duty rates for these countries.

    US President Donald Trump discusses the 90-day pause.

    What does this mean for Australia?

    Much of the domestic commentary in Australia has focused on the risk of collateral damage from a US-China trade war. Given Australia’s economic ties to both countries, it is a reasonable concern.

    But our modelling suggests that Australia may actually benefit modestly. Under both scenarios, Australia’s real consumption rises slightly, driven by stronger investment, improved terms of trade (a measure of our export prices relative to import prices), and redirection of trade flows.

    One mechanism is what economists call trade diversion: if Chinese or European exporters find the US market less attractive, they may redirect goods to Australia and other open markets.

    At the same time, reduced global demand for capital, especially in the US and China, means lower interest rates globally. That stimulates investment elsewhere, including in Australia. In our model, Australian real investment rises under both scenarios, leading to small but sustained gains in GDP and household consumption.

    These results suggest that, at least under current policy settings, Australia is unlikely to suffer significant direct effects from the tariff increases.

    However, rising investor uncertainty is a risk for both the global and Australian economies, and this is not factored into our modelling. In the space of a single week, the Trump administration has whipsawed global investor confidence through three major tariff announcements.

    A temporary reprieve

    Tariffs appear to be central to the administration’s economic program. So Trump’s decision to pause his broader tariff agenda may not signal a shift in philosophy: just a tactical retreat.

    The updated strategy, high tariffs on China and lower ones elsewhere, might reflect an attempt to refocus on where the administration sees its main strategic concern, while avoiding unnecessary blowback from allies and neutral partners.

    Whether this narrower approach proves durable remains to be seen. The sharpest economic pain has been deferred. Whether it returns depends on how the next 90 days play out.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. This chart explains why Trump backflipped on tariffs. The economic damage would have been huge – https://theconversation.com/this-chart-explains-why-trump-backflipped-on-tariffs-the-economic-damage-would-have-been-huge-253632

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –