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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO hosts Colombian Chief of Defence

    Source: NATO

    Brussels, NATO HQ, 12 May – The Colombian Chief of Defence Admiral Francisco Hernando Cubides Granados was welcomed to NATO Headquarters by the Chair of the NATO Military Committee (CMC), Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. During his stay at NATO, he engaged in a series of high-level engagements with NATO IMS leadership, on NATO-Colombian cooperation.

    At the Military Committee in Permanent Session, Admiral Cubides briefed NATO Military Representatives on Colombia’s security strategy and leading role in countering illicit trafficking through Operation ORION. During the session, CMC recognised “Colombia’s extensive experience in maritime security and tackling organised crime”, with a wider link to Colombia’s counter-terrorism agenda.

    During an official meeting, Admiral Cavo Dragone highlighted Colombia’s role as a Global Partner, the successful implementation of practical military cooperation between NATO and Colombia, and addressed ways to further strengthen the partnership between the Alliance and its only South American Partner.

    Admiral Cubides also met with the Director General of the NATO International Military Staff, Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak, where the linkages between NATO and Colombia’s respective security environments were discussed. The need for strong partnerships with like-minded nations such as Colombia aiming at maintaining the rules-based international order was also underlined.  

    The next engagement for Admiral Cubides was a briefing by Major General Dacian-Tiberiu Serban, Director of the IMS Cooperative Security Division. Both parties used the opportunity to discuss practical elements of military cooperation between NATO and Colombia, defined by the political goals set in Colombia’s Individually Tailored Partnership Programme (ITPP) and translated into military objectives facilitating the implementation of practical military cooperation. As the current ITPP cycle is coming to an end, and the negotiations for the next ITPP cycle have started, Admiral Cubides and Major General Serban acknowledged the need to continue engaging in strong, mutually beneficial military cooperation aimed at interoperability between Colombia and NATO.

    NATO and Colombia began their cooperation in 2015, which only grew following Colombia’s signing of their ITPP in 2021. At the time, Colombia was the first partner country to sign an ITPP, paving the way for a more streamlined approach to NATO partnerships. Today, the cooperation covers a wide range of issues, including cyber security, terrorism, the fight against corruption and maritime security. 

    Operation ORION is a multilateral counter narcotics campaign which has been coordinated by Colombia and consists of numerous international actors, including NATO Allies and Partner countries.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Euronext completes the acquisition of Admincontrol

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext completes the acquisition of Admincontrol

    The integration of Admincontrol accelerates Euronext Corporate Solutions development in the Nordics and scales up Euronext’s SaaS offering.

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 13 May 2025 – Euronext, the leading European capital market infrastructure, today announces that it has completed the acquisition of 100% of the shares of Admincontrol for an enterprise value of NOK 4,650 million. The transaction complies with Euronext’s capital allocation policy, with a ROCE expected to exceed WACC between years three to five after closing1.

    Admincontrol will be part of Euronext Corporate Solutions, strengthening the development of the franchise in the Nordics and the UK. The acquisition accelerates Euronext’s strategic ambition to scale up its SaaS offering and increases Euronext’s share of subscription-based revenue. It more than doubles the size of the Euronext governance offering and broadens capabilities with state-of-the-art solutions addressing mission-critical workflows.

    Admincontrol has seen double-digit annual growth over the last five years and recorded NOK 452 million of revenues and NOK 200 million of EBITDA and 44% EBITDA margin in 20242. From the second quarter of 2025, Admincontrol’s revenue will be integrated into Euronext’s revenue line Corporate and Investor Solutions and Technology Services, which represented €170.8 million in 20243.

    Stéphane Boujnah, CEO of Euronext, said: “The acquisition of Admincontrol positions Euronext Corporate Solutions as a leader in the governance SaaS space and expands our access to new clients in the Nordics where we have already expanded our presence over the years with promising growth prospects. Admincontrol will benefit from Euronext Corporate Solutions’ unique network and expertise across Europe to boost the growth of its state-of-the-art governance solutions. We look forward to welcoming Admincontrol’s talented teams to further accelerate the deployment of its strategy in Europe.”

    Møyfrid Øygard, CEO of Admincontrol, said: “Joining Euronext is a significant milestone in Admincontrol’s growth journey. Excellent governance is critical for the Euronext network of issuers and customers, and we are excited to bring our complementary product offering to market, supporting Euronext Corporate Solutions’ business and its position in the Nordics.”

    CONTACTS  

    ANALYSTS & INVESTORS – ir@euronext.com

    Investor Relations        Aurélie Cohen                 

            Judith Stein        +33 6 15 23 91 97          

    MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com 

    Europe        Aurélie Cohen         +33 1 70 48 24 45   

            Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13 

    Belgium        Marianne Aalders         +32 26 20 15 01                 

    France, Corporate        Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella        +33 1 70 48 24 45                 

    Ireland        Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13                 

    Italy         Ester Russom         +39 02 72 42 67 56                 

    The Netherlands        Marianne Aalders         +31 20 721 41 33                 

    Norway         Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund        +47 41 69 59 10                 

    Portugal         Sandra Machado        +351 91 777 68 97                

    Corporate Solutions        Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13                          

    About Euronext  

    Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal.

    As of March 2025, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host nearly 1,800 listed issuers with €6.3 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.

    For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.

    © 2025, Euronext N.V. – All rights reserved. 

    The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.


    1 The cashflow related to the transaction will be communicated as part of Q2 2025 results
    2 Based on unaudited figures
    3 Based on Euronext’s new reporting framework: http://www.euronext.com/en/media/13322/download

    Attachment

    • 20250513_Euronext PR_Admincontrol closing

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, law enforcement partners arrest almost 200 alien offenders during 4-day immigration enforcement operation in Washington, D.C.

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement working with law enforcement partners apprehended 189 illegal aliens and served notices of inspection to 187 local businesses during an enhanced targeted immigration enforcement operation focusing on criminal alien offenders operating in and around Washington, D.C. May 6 to May 9.

    “The District of Columbia is exponentially safer today because of countless hours of investigative work and dedication to duty displayed by ICE Washington, D.C. and our law enforcement partners,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russell Hott. “Working with our partner agencies, ICE officers and agents arrested 189 illegal aliens and removed them from the streets of our nation’s capital. Throughout this enhanced enforcement operation, we targeted the most dangerous alien offenders in some of the most crime-infested neighborhoods in the city of Washington, D.C. Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid. I commend the efforts of everyone involved, as all were truly committed to the success of this operation. ICE Washington, D.C. remains dedicated to our mission of prioritizing public safety by arresting and removing criminal offenders from our nation’s capital and surrounding communities.”

    During the four-day enhanced operation, ICE’s ERO and Homeland Security Investigations directorates and their law enforcement partners from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, the Virginia Department of Corrections, the FBI, the ATF, the DEA, the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service targeted criminal alien offenders including members of transnational criminal organizations known to operate in and around Washington, D.C. These organizations include the notorious MS-13, Tren de Aragua and 18th Street gangs.

    “The success of this enhanced operation highlights the resolve of ICE and our federal partners in keeping our country safe from criminal alien offenders,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Washington, D.C. Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck. “Many of the aliens arrested have egregious criminal histories to include violent crimes against residents of our Washington, D.C. communities. I am exceptionally grateful for the professionalism and dedication of our ICE HSI Washington, D.C. special agents as well as the unwavering support from our law enforcement partners during this operation to remove dangerous alien offenders from our Washington, D.C. communities.”

    Aside from targeting criminal alien offenders at large, ICE also served 187 notices of inspection to Washington, D.C. business to ensure they are complying with U.S. immigration and employment laws.

    “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership and this administration’s focus on law and order, these arrests represent a major step forward in making Washington, D.C., safer for legal citizens and their families,” said U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr. “These arrests make clear that violating our nation’s immigration laws will not be ignored.”

    ICE and their law enforcement partners made many of the apprehensions after local jurisdictions refused to honor immigration detainers and released the alien offenders back into their communities.

    “The Diplomatic Security Service is a key partner in the United States’ work to reduce illegal immigration and root out those who endeavor to exploit the U.S. travel system,” said Diplomatic Security Service Washington Field Office Special Agent in Charge David Richeson. “DSS proudly coordinates with our U.S. and international law enforcement partners to investigate transnational crimes and apprehend fugitives who violate U.S. law.”

    Among those arrested during the enhanced targeted operation include the following:

    • A 47-year-old illegally present Guatemalan alien whose criminal history includes drug possession, illegal reentry, aggravated assault, trespassing, disorderly conduct and sexual assault. His current criminal charges include unlawful reentry of a previously deported alien, disorderly conduct, lewd acts, possession of a controlled substance, sex abuse, assault with a dangerous weapon and possessing an open container. Additionally, he has numerous gang-affiliated tattoos on his arms, legs and chest.

    • A 25-year-old illegally present Guatemalan alien whose criminal history includes threat to kidnap, attempted possession of a prohibited weapon, threats to bodily harm and simple assault. He is currently charged with alien present without admission or parole.

    • A 30-year-old illegally present Salvadoran alien whose criminal history includes simple assault, driving while intoxicated, brandishing a machete and unauthorized use of a vehicle. He is currently charged with alien present without admission or parole. 

    • A 36-year-old illegally present Mexican alien whose criminal history includes misdemeanor larceny, misdemeanor indecent exposure, possession of an open container, simple assault, theft, unlawful entry, and possession of prohibited weapon – knife, a misdemeanor. He is currently charged with being an alien present without admission or parole.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X at @EROWashington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Unemployment rate increases by 1%

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Tuesday, May 13, 2025

    The official unemployment rate has crept up by 1% to reach 32.9% in the first quarter of 2025.

    This according to Statistics South Africa’s (Stats SA) Quarterly Labour Force Survey released on Tuesday morning.

    “There was a decrease of 291 000 in the number of employed persons to 16.8 million from 17.1 million in Q4: 2024, while there was an increase of 237 000 in the number of unemployed persons to 8.2 million. This resulted in a decrease of 54 000 [down by 0,2%] in the labour force during the same period.

    “Discouraged work-seekers increased by 7000 [up by 0.2%], and the number of persons who were not economically active for reasons other than discouragement increased by 177 000 [up by 1.4%] between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. This led to an increase of 184 000 in the number of the not economically active population, to 16.7 million,” Stats SA said.

    The expanded unemployment rate increased by 1.2 percentage points to 43.1%.

    “The number of persons employed in the formal sector decreased by 245 000 in Q1: 2025, and the informal sector employment increased by 17 000 over the same period. The largest industry increases in employment were recorded in transport [67 000] finance [60 000] and utilities [35 000].

    “Decreases in employment were recorded in trade [194 000], construction [119 000], private households [68 000], community and social services [45 000], and mining [35 000],” the institution said.

    The provincial breakdown of increases and decreases in employment is as follows:

    • Western Cape: 49 000 increase
    • Gauteng: 9000 increase
    • Free State: 4000 increase
    • KwaZulu-Natal: 104 000 decrease
    • Eastern Cape: 83 000
    • North West: 57 000 decrease
    • Limpopo: 55 000 decrease
    • Mpumalanga: 43 000 decrease
    • Northern Cape: 12 000 decrease

    The institution highlighted that South African youth remain “vulnerable in the labour market”.

    “The results for the first quarter of 2025 show that the total number of unemployed youth increased by 151 000 to 4.8 million, while employed youth recorded a decrease of 153 000 to 5.7 million. 

    “As a result, the youth unemployment rate increased from 44.6% in the fourth quarter of 2024 to 46.1% in the first quarter of 2025,” Stats SA said. – SAnews.gov.za

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Elevating the delivery of government services

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    While  government has made significant strides since the 1990s in adopting digital technologies to ensure that it delivers efficient services to its citizens, it has not fully achieved this ideal.

    To make up for this shortfall, government has, in recent years, taken important steps to improve the quality of and access to services. 

    Digital platforms have expanded in many areas, making it possible to file taxes, apply for grants and access some services online. But for too many people, the experience of accessing public services remains a time-consuming and expensive exercise. 

    Information often proves difficult to find, processes are duplicated in some instances, and some departments still operate in ways that are incompatible with the digital age and the evolving expectations of citizens. 

    “South Africa has made considerable but uneven strides toward government digitalisation. 

    “Despite pockets of excellence, slow and uncoordinated progress has left many people dissatisfied,” says Presidency Director of Strategy and Delivery Support, Saul Musker. 

    In an ongoing effort to ensure that government services are easier to access, more reliable and less complicated to navigate for the people who depend on them, government has launched the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government.

    “We are building on a lot of work that’s unfolded over decades. It started in the 1990s with the early adoption of digital technologies by government. In the 2000s, we had e-Government, which was characterised by silos.

    “We are moving towards taking the ‘whole-of-government and society’ approach, developing solutions that are citizen-centered; that make life for citizens easier and introduces greater cohesiveness in government, so that citizens interface with government in one place to receive services and access information,” Musker said recently, addressing the launch of the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government, which was launched as part of Operation Vulindlela Phase ll.

    Operation Vulindlela Phase ll is a joint initiative between the Presidency and National Treasury to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms to enable economic growth and job creation.

    Phase II of Operational Vulindlela will implement reforms in three new areas, including in digital transformation.

    The roadmap sets out a focused plan to modernise delivery of government services through investment in digital public infrastructure.

    These crucial digital reforms will enable all citizens to access seamless government services through a single trusted platform. This will be driven through improvements in identity verification, real-time payments, and data exchange.

    “We want to invest in shared infrastructure and digital public infrastructure that can be used for hundreds of applications that reduces cost for the State and opens the door to innovation. We are moving away from the silo approach towards Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).

    “We recognise that digital transformation holds the potential for growth in South Africa. A new approach to digital transformation will restore trust in government and make services more reliable and accessible, reducing administrative burdens and costs for both government, organisations and people,” Musker said.

    The Digital Transformation Roadmap will focus on four catalytic initiatives:

    1. A Digital Identity System will allow South Africans a simple way to verify themselves and access services remotely.
    2. A Data Exchange Framework will eradicate the silo effect in government, and allow greater efficiency and coordination in how the government operates.
    3. A Digital Payments System that provides universal access to secure, low-cost payment options between government and citizens.
    4. A single, zero-rated Digital Services Platform, where citizens can access all government services and information.

    Digital reform

    The Digital Transformation Roadmap will be implemented in two phases, with phase 1 being March 2025 – February 2027 and Phase 2 being March 2027 – February 2030. 

    Phase 1 will prioritise social protection and its linkages with learning and earning opportunities due to its direct impact on millions of vulnerable South Africans. 

    “This phase will deliver immediate, measurable impact and lay the foundation for broader digital reform.  The focus will be on digitising services for faster, more reliable access, linking social grants to employment, training, and income-generating opportunities to create pathways to sustainable livelihoods. 

    “Additionally, technology will be used to address issues such as fraud and exclusion in the SRD370 grants, saving money and strengthening public trust.

    “Phase 2 will expand focus to other key sectors, such as healthcare, education, and business services, building on the lessons learned from Phase 1 to scale successful technologies across government,” the Roadmap for the Digital Transformation of Government said.

    To drive implementation of the roadmap, the Presidency is establishing the Digital Service Unit (DSU) to coordinate this whole-of-government effort to modernise services.

    The Presidency has appointed South African tech entrepreneur, Melvyn Lubega, to lead the DSU. 

    Lubega is a globally recognised technology pioneer, who co-founded Go1 – a platform used by businesses, non-profit organisations, and governments in more than 60 countries. 

    He has advised governments in Africa, Asia and Europe on digital transformation programmes. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Stifel Extend Groundbreaking Title Partnership Through 2034

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PARK CITY, Utah and ST. LOUIS, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — U.S. Ski & Snowboard and Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) are proud to announce a landmark renewal of their partnership from May 2026 through April 2034. This unprecedented 8-year agreement marks the most expansive partnership in U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s history and reflects a bold, shared vision through the next three Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

    Under the renewed agreement, Stifel will be the title partner of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team, supporting the alpine, cross country, freeski, moguls, aerials, ski jumping, nordic combined and Para alpine teams, as well as the exclusive financial services partner of U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

    “As we look ahead to three Olympic and Paralympic Games, including a home Salt Lake City-Utah 2034 Games, this extended partnership with Stifel represents a generational investment in our teams and our athletes,” said Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. “Stifel’s support has also enabled us to implement innovative new initiatives that are having a direct impact on the organization. From World Cup podiums to grassroots development, Stifel’s belief in the power of sport and our athletes has been a game-changer.”

    Since launching the partnership in 2022, Stifel’s support of U.S. Ski & Snowboard has driven record-breaking performances, increased the visibility of U.S. athletes and fueled the growth of competitive skiing in the U.S. Over the initial three years of partnership, the Stifel U.S. Ski Team has achieved historic success both athletically and as an organization.

    Organizationally, U.S. Ski & Snowboard has expanded its World Cup footprint in North America with the support of Stifel, bringing the total amount of World Cups from four to a record 11 in 2024-25. In the same season, the organization’s streaming and broadcast audience has doubled, earned media surpassed 30 billion impressions and social media impressions increased 70%.

    2024 was also a record-breaking year for Stifel, highlighting the strength and balance of a diversified business model, achieving net revenues of $4.97 billion, the highest in the firm’s history, and delivering a 23% return on average tangible equity, with non-GAAP net earnings of $756 million, or $6.81 per share – a 46% increase from the prior year. And finally, over the year, Stifel’s share price increased 56.4%.

    “The news of Stifel’s renewal as title sponsor of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team is so incredible,” said two-time Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin. “Ron (Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel) and Stifel have shown amazing support for snow sports and are truly invested in the stories of our athletes and the growth of our sports, which has translated into more success on the mountain.”

    “Stifel has opened up so many opportunities for us as athletes and humans looking to reach our full potential, and I am so grateful for their support and proud to be part of their team,” said Olympic champion cross country skier Jessie Diggins. “Their commitment to helping us reach the top level is incredible and makes all the difference!”

    “The Stifel U.S. Ski Team partnership continuation is monumental for both parties,” said two-time Olympic medalist freeskier Alex Ferreira. “It is where success meets success. I am humbled and grateful to benefit from all sides.”

    Stifel also launched innovative programs around the increased domestic World Cup events, including the Stifel HERoic Cup, designed around U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s HERoic initiative celebrating women’s sport. Stifel also invested in the Stifel Bibbo Award for the athlete who moves up the most in ranks in alpine World Cup races, and continues to support the Stifel Success Tour, development-level NorAm races in the U.S. that feed the Stifel U.S. Ski Team pipeline. Additionally, Stifel supported the Stifel Snow Show, a weekly series on CNBC, Peacock and YouTube that highlighted the achievements and stories of U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes each week throughout the season.

    The Stifel brand will remain prominently displayed on team uniforms and event signage at US events, along with a continuation of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team branding across digital and broadcast platforms. Stifel will also support a new performance bonus program for athletes and coaches based on key results during the season.

    “This partnership is about helping athletes reach their full potential,” said Ron Kruszewski, Chairman and CEO of Stifel. “As the firm Where Success Meets Success, we believe in backing those who strive for excellence—and that’s exactly what these athletes do, every day. We’re proud to support them not only as champions on the podium, but as role models, teammates and leaders who inspire us all.”

    QUOTES
    Mikaela Shiffrin, Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team
    The news of Stifel’s renewal as title sponsor of the Stifel U.S. Ski Team is so incredible. Ron and Stifel have shown amazing support for snow sports and truly are invested in the stories of our athletes and the growth of our sports which has translated into more success on the mountain.

    Jessie Diggins, Stifel U.S. Cross Country Ski Team
    Stifel has opened up so many opportunities for us as athletes and humans looking to reach our full potential, and I am so grateful for their support and proud to be part of their team. Their commitment to helping us reach the top level is incredible and makes all the difference!

    Alex Ferreira, Stifel U.S. Freeski Team
    The Stifel U.S. Ski Team partnership continuation is monumental for both parties. It is where success meets success. I am humbled and grateful to benefit from all sides.

    Nick Page, Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team
    Thank you Stifel for all of your support – it means the world to have you in our corner and on our team. I’m looking forward to the future and our continued success in 2026.

    Niklas Malacinski, Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team
    Having Stifel step up as the title sponsor of the Stifel U.S. Nordic Combined Team means the world to us. It’s not just an investment in our sport but it’s a belief in our potential. Their support gives us the opportunity to focus on training and competition so we can be at our best. We’re proud to wear their name and represent the U.S. with everything we’ve got.

    Andrew Kurka, Stifel U.S. Para Alpine Ski Team
    Stifel has been huge supporter of the Para alpine team. Helping fund our development, pipeline and giving us the support we need to pursue our careers as athletes. Most Para sports aren’t seen as equal opportunity athletic endeavors. But the fact that Stifel stands behind us, helping to fund our team. Shows they see the big picture and treat athletes on the US Ski team as more than just philanthropic endeavors.

    Tate Frantz, Stifel U.S. Ski Jumping Team
    Having Stifel come on as a title sponsor is a huge boost for our team. Their support means we can keep pushing the limits and representing our country at the highest level. It’s exciting to have a partner that believes in our journey and wants to be part of the ride.

    ABOUT STIFEL
    Stifel Financial Corp. (NYSE: SF) is a financial services holding company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, that conducts its banking, securities, and financial services business through several wholly owned subsidiaries. Stifel’s broker-dealer clients are served in the United States through Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, including its Eaton Partners business division; Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.; Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC; and Stifel Independent Advisors, LLC; and in the United Kingdom and Europe through Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited. The Company’s broker-dealer affiliates provide securities brokerage, investment banking, trading, investment advisory, and related financial services to individual investors, professional money managers, businesses, and municipalities. Stifel Bank and Stifel Bank & Trust offer a full range of consumer and commercial lending solutions. Stifel Trust Company, N.A. and Stifel Trust Company Delaware, N.A. offer trust and related services. To learn more about Stifel, please visit the Company’s website at www.stifel.com.

    ABOUT U.S. SKI & SNOWBOARD
    U.S. Ski & Snowboard is the Olympic and Paralympic National Governing Body of ski and snowboard sports in the USA, based in Park City, Utah. Started in 1905, the organization now represents nearly 240 elite skiers and snowboarders competing on 10 teams: alpine, cross country, freestyle moguls, freestyle aerials, snowboard, freeski, nordic combined, ski jumping, Para alpine and Para snowboard. In addition to the elite teams, U.S. Ski & Snowboard also provides leadership and direction for tens of thousands of young skiers and snowboarders across the USA, encouraging and supporting them in achieving excellence. By empowering national teams, clubs, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and fans, U.S. Ski & Snowboard is committed to the progression of its sports, athlete success and the value of team. For more information, visit www.usskiandsnowboard.org

    FOR MORE INFORMATION
    Courtney Harkins
    U.S. Ski & Snowboard, Director of Marketing & Communications
    courtney.harkins@usskiandsnowboard.org

    Rhett Geraghty
    Stifel, Director, Advisor Recruiting & Brand Marketing
    geraghtyr@stifel.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: What or where is the Indo-Pacific? How a foreign policy pivot redefined the global map

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Andrew Latham, Professor of Political Science, Macalester College

    Is the Indo-Pacific concept about international dialogue … or just containing China? Tetra images/Getty Images

    Open a book of maps and look for the “Indo-Pacific” region – it likely won’t be there.

    Yet the Indo-Pacific is now central to how many countries think about strategy and security. It describes a region spanning two oceans and dozens of countries, encompassing much of the world’s trade routes.

    The Indo-Pacific did not emerge from the patterns of ancient trade, nor from long-standing cultural or civilizational ties.

    Instead, the concept comes from the realms of political science and international relations. The term can be traced back to the work of German political scientist and geographer Karl Haushofer – a favorite of Adolf Hitler – in the 1920s. But it only really began to take hold in the think tanks and foreign policy-setting departments of Washington and other Western capitals in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

    It coincided with a shift in the global balance of power from unipolarity – that is, dominated by one superpower – to multipolarity over the past decade or so.

    ‘Confluence of the two seas’

    For much of the Cold War, the United States treated the Pacific and Indian oceans as separate theaters of operation. Its military forces in the area, known as U.S. Pacific Command, focused on East Asia and the western Pacific, while the Indian Ocean figured mainly in energy security discussions, tied to the Middle East and the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea.

    Strategic maps during that era divided the world into distinct zones of interest. But China’s economic rise, India’s growing influence and the increasing strategic significance of sea lanes across both oceans since the end of the Cold War blurred those old dividing lines.

    The Indian Ocean could no longer be treated as a secondary concern. Nor could the Pacific be thought of in isolation from what was happening further west.

    Japan helped give political voice to this emerging reality. In 2007, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stood before India’s parliament and spoke of the “confluence of the two seas” − an image that deliberately linked the Indian and Pacific oceans as a single geopolitical space.

    Abe’s message was clear: The fate of the Pacific and Indian oceans would be increasingly intertwined, and democratic states would need to work together to preserve stability. His vision resonated in Washington, Canberra and New Delhi, and it helped set the stage for the revival of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or Quad.

    In 2018, the United States made the shift official, renaming U.S. Pacific Command as U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.

    What might have seemed like a bureaucratic rebranding was in fact a serious strategic move. It reflected the growing recognition that the rise of China − and Beijing’s growing influence from East Africa to the South Pacific − required an integrated regional approach.

    Framing the challenge in Indo-Pacific terms allowed Washington to strengthen its ties with India, deepen cooperation with Australia and Japan, and reposition itself as a maritime balancer across a vast strategic arc.

    The phrase “free and open Indo-Pacific” quickly became the centerpiece of American regional diplomacy. It emphasized freedom of navigation, respect for international law, and democratic solidarity.

    But while the rhetoric stressed inclusivity and shared values, the driving force behind the concept was clear: managing China’s expanding power. The Indo-Pacific framework allowed Washington to draw together a range of initiatives under a single banner, all aimed at reinforcing a rules-based order at a time when Beijing was testing its limits.

    Rejecting zero-sum thinking

    Not every country has enthusiastically embraced this vision. Many Southeast Asian states, wary of being drawn into a competition between the United States and China, have approached the Indo-Pacific concept with caution. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ document titled Outlook on the Indo-Pacific, released in 2019, deliberately avoided framing the region in confrontational terms. Instead, it stressed dialogue and the centrality of Southeast Asia − a subtle rebuke to visions that seemed to pit democracy against authoritarianism in stark, zero-sum terms.

    The breadth of the Indo-Pacific concept also raises difficult questions. It covers an enormous range of political, economic and security realities. The priorities of small island states in the Pacific differ sharply from those of major continental powers such as India or Australia. Treating the Indo-Pacific as a single strategic space risks flattening these differences and could alienate smaller nations whose concerns do not always align with those of the major players.

    The Indo-Pacific today

    Recent shifts in Washington’s foreign policy also complicate matters. The Trump administration’s skepticism toward alliances created doubts among regional partners about the reliability of U.S. commitments. Even as the Indo-Pacific idea gained traction, questions remained about whether it represented a long-term strategy or a short-term tactical adjustment.

    The Biden administration maintained the Indo-Pacific framework, launching the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity to provide an economic counterpart to the security-heavy focus of earlier years. But the central strategic challenge remains the same: how to manage China’s rise without forcing the region into a rigid geopolitical divide.

    For now, the Indo-Pacific framing has reshaped how policymakers, military planners and diplomats think about Asia’s future. It provides a vocabulary for coordinating alliances, building new partnerships and addressing the challenges posed by China’s expanding influence.

    Yet its long-term success will depend on whether the framework can genuinely accommodate the region’s diversity − and whether it can be seen as something more than just a mechanism for great power competition and a thinly veiled strategy to contain China.

    This article is part of a series explaining foreign policy terms commonly used but rarely explained.

    Andrew Latham 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. What or where is the Indo-Pacific? How a foreign policy pivot redefined the global map – https://theconversation.com/what-or-where-is-the-indo-pacific-how-a-foreign-policy-pivot-redefined-the-global-map-256406

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Staying socially connected can help maintain healthy eating with age, especially for older women

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Annalijn I. Conklin, Associate Professor, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia

    Older people who are socially isolated have poor diet quality compared to those with frequent friend contact.
    (Shutterstock)

    Healthy eating supports healthy aging: Canada’s Food Guide recommends daily intake of fruits and vegetables as a way to help prevent multiple chronic conditions that typically affect older adults.

    We know that healthy eating is strongly influenced by our social connections and different settings. But aging often brings losses to different social connections that can put healthy eating at risk.

    As researchers who study the interaction of nutrition, age and social issues, we were curious to know if adverse changes in an older person’s social connections matter for maintaining a good diet, and who is most affected?

    Social isolation and social diversity change with age

    There is broad health research focused on social isolation that measures this concept at one point in time using a combination of different types of social contexts such as living alone, infrequent social contact, no social participation and not married.

    About one in five aging adults reduces the variety of their social engagement.
    (Shutterstock)

    Social isolation, however, is not a static experience as aging adults frequently go through changes in different types of social relationships, often reducing their social contacts and activities over time.

    Our recent research shows that the number of different social activities decreases over time for middle-age and older adults.

    About one in five aging adults reduces the variety of their social engagement (for example, seeing friends and family, volunteering, sports, religious and educational activities, etc.), with greater declines seen among older women.

    In addition, about 14 per cent of aging Canadians either became socially isolated or stayed socially isolated over time. Canadians in the oldest age group and in more socio-economically disadvantaged groups appear most vulnerable to staying or becoming either socially isolated or less socially diverse over time.

    It is important, then, for research on nutrition and healthy aging to better capture distinct alterations in social engagement over time, not only in terms of a lack of regular social interaction but also in terms of a diversity of social interactions.

    Dietary risks of changing social connections

    Both the quantity and the quality of the foods we eat can be affected by our meal setting, and eating alone is correlated with poor diet quality.

    Eating alone is correlated with poor diet quality.
    (Shutterstock)

    Among older adults, being socially isolated is linked to inadequate intakes of fruits and vegetables — a marker of diet quality that is associated with chronic disease. More specifically, both older men and women with no or rare friend contact have poor diet quality compared to those with frequent friend contact.

    It has been unclear whether staying or becoming socially isolated is a problem for maintaining healthy eating habits as people age. It is also unknown whether reducing the variety of social activities puts diet quality at risk of declining.

    The handful of nutrition studies that do consider changes in social connections all focus on marital transitions, leaving a critical gap in knowledge for healthy aging policy and practice.

    Our new study with collaborators is filling this knowledge gap by using multiple waves from a nationally representative cohort of middle-aged and older Canadians.

    The first important finding is that older women who stayed socially isolated — meaning one or no monthly activity — reduced their diet quality over time compared to women who stayed engaged in two or more monthly social activities.

    The second notable finding is the older women who reduced their diversity of social activities also had declines in diet quality over time. And finally, both older women and older men who had a small number of social activities that stayed the same over time were also at risk of declining diet quality.

    These results were not explained by other social or behavioural factors that were included in the study’s analysis.

    Social interventions to support healthy eating

    Canada’s healthy aging strategy and Food Guide both emphasize the important role of social connections for maintaining health and healthy eating. There have long been programs, such as Meals on Wheels, that support health and well-being by providing hot, nutritious meals to individuals, especially older adults, who are home-bound.

    Both older women and older men who had low social diversity over time were also at risk of declining diet quality.
    (Shutterstock)

    Maintaining regular and diverse social activities is vital for promoting health and well-being as people transition from mid to later life. Everybody can benefit from not just being connected, but also from staying connected across a range of social settings.

    We want to call attention to the significance of both persistent isolation and losses of social diversity for women’s nutrition and health in Canada. Different types of social connections may matter for women than for men, and their maintenance over time can show different effects on diet and health that need more research and policy action.

    Understanding the social determinants of diet for women is key to addressing health inequities and to tailoring more effective social interventions for aging Canadians, such as social prescribing and other social relational models of care.

    Annalijn I. Conklin receives funding from The Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, and Michael Smith Health Research BC. Dr. Conklin is affiliated with Obesity Canada.

    Gilciane Ceolin and Sanaz Mehranfar 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. Staying socially connected can help maintain healthy eating with age, especially for older women – https://theconversation.com/staying-socially-connected-can-help-maintain-healthy-eating-with-age-especially-for-older-women-254585

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: Have journalists skipped the ethics conversation when it comes to using AI?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Angela Misri, Assistant professor, Toronto Metropolitan University

    It’s become clear that many news organizations are still operating in the ethical equivalent of the Wild West when it comes to how they use artificial intelligence. (Shutterstock)

    Artificial intelligence (AI) is being used in journalistic work for everything from transcribing interviews and translating articles to writing and publishing local weather, economic reports and water quality stories.

    It’s even being used to identify story ideas from the minutes of municipal council meetings in cases where time-strapped reporters don’t have time to do so.

    What’s lagging behind all this experimentation are the important conversations about the ethics of using these tools. This disconnect was evident when we interviewed journalists in a mix of newsrooms across Canada from July 2022 to July 2023, and it remains a problem today.

    We conducted semi-structured interviews with 13 journalists from 11 Canadian newsrooms. Many of the people we spoke to told us that they had worked at multiple media organizations throughout their careers.

    The key findings from our recently published research:

    • AI literacy varies within the same newsroom and certainly within the industry as a whole.

    • There’s agreement that humans play an important role in supervising the use of AI, but there’s no agreement on where human journalists must be involved in the process — at the AI tool coding level? Before a piece is published?

    • Journalists believe professional practice and industry standards are being followed when using AI in journalism, but there is no agreed-upon “rule book” for how AI should be used.

    • There are issues with transparency about how and when AI is being used, both among journalists working in the same newsroom and in terms of what is revealed to audiences about whether the content they are consuming was created using AI tools.




    Read more:
    Transparency and trust: How news consumers in Canada want AI to be used in journalism


    What journalists told us

    Some of what we heard was reassuring. One journalist told us:

    “The one thing that we are very particular about when we use this technology is that our editors always have the ability to override what the machine is doing.”

    At the same time, however, it became clear that many news organizations are still operating in the ethical equivalent of the Wild West.

    In many cases, journalists we spoke to talked about just following their gut when it came to deciding if using that AI tool to do that task was ethical. As one of our interviewees put it: “There’s a rule book in my head.”

    When we asked interviewees how they knew their colleagues at the same publication followed the same ethical code they did when using AI, most could not answer except to imply that their co-workers wouldn’t have been hired if they didn’t share the same principles. One journalist said:

    “I’ve worked there for 14 years now …I can’t think of anyone whose ethics I would disagree with.”

    Getting the ethics of AI right and being seen to be doing so is important because journalism has a growing trust problem and needs to do everything possible to reverse the trend.

    Multiple studies have shown that Canadian audiences want to know if AI tools are being used in newsrooms, and they aren’t sure if they want to pay for journalism created using AI.




    Read more:
    How audience data is shaping Canadian journalism


    AI and news

    Audiences, meanwhile, are being fed a steady diet of examples that illustrate how using AI tools to create journalistic work can go very wrong. For instance:

    • The Winnipeg Free Press was forced to disavow its AI audio tool because it was mispronouncing the Manitoba premier’s name.

    • An article in the Los Angeles Times was accused of “softening the image of the Ku Klux Klan.”

    • An AI-generated poll about a report in The Guardian provoked outrage when it quizzed readers on how a woman who was featured in the article had died. The poll was created by a Microsoft news aggregator, but The Guardian stated that it damaged their reputation.

    • Sports Illustrated was caught creating fake bylines for AI-generated stories on their websites.

    Journalists and news organizations are still struggling to arrive at a shared understanding of how to use AI tools.
    (Shutterstock)

    News organizations might think they’re being transparent with audiences about how much content is being created using AI, but our research finds the evidence is mixed at best, especially in circumstances where AI generates the content and an editor approves it in the content management system before it is published.

    In one memorable Zoom interview, an editor walked us through the AI-generated content in an article posted online, saying that it was clearly identified as AI on the webpage.

    However, upon sharing the page, they were shocked to discover there was no information about the article being AI-generated anywhere. They said it would be fixed immediately, but when we last checked, the article still said nothing about the AI tool used to generate it.

    While we gathered data from interviews, newsrooms in Canada started releasing guidance through internal emails and public blog posts. It is hard to find any language in publicly accessible policies that refers explicitly to how AI is being used or the ethics surrounding such use. It’s also unclear who is involved in conversations about ethical AI use in newsrooms, and who is not.

    As one journalist we interviewed put it:

    “I think my frustration personally comes from again the lack of openness to have this conversation about AI, and the urgency of it, because I think … we’re so busy trying to survive, we don’t realize that having this conversation about AI will help us survive.”

    Our research suggests journalists and news organizations are still struggling in the midst of rapid technological change to arrive at a shared understanding of AI tools, their usage, the limitations of programming and best practices that build rather than erode trust.

    Angela Misri receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University.

    April Lindgren receives funding from the School of Journalism and the Journalism Research Centre at Toronto Metropolitan University, the Rossy Foundation and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. She has received funding previously from MITACS, CTV News, the Ken and Debbie Rubin Public Interest Advocacy Fund and CWA Canada, the Media Union.

    Nicole Blanchett receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University, and the School of Journalism at Toronto Metropolitan University. She has received funding previously from Centre d’études sur les médias and Mitacs.

    – ref. Have journalists skipped the ethics conversation when it comes to using AI? – https://theconversation.com/have-journalists-skipped-the-ethics-conversation-when-it-comes-to-using-ai-255485

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA News: FOUR-YEAR LOW: Prices for Essentials Fall as Workers See Relief in President Trump’s Economy

    Source: The White House

    Inflation has fallen to the lowest level in more than four years as April’s Consumer Price Index smashes expectations for the third straight month in President Donald J. Trump’s Golden Age.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Grocery prices saw their largest decline in nearly five years.
    • Gas prices fell for the third month in a row.
    • Egg prices saw the largest one-month decline in more than four decades.
    • Workers’ real wages are up 1.9%, increasing each of the last three months.
    • Prices for airfare, energy, hotels, and used vehicles are all down compared to last year.

    Here’s what they’re saying:

    • Bloomberg’s Augusta Saraiva: “US inflation rose by less than forecast in April amid tame prices for clothing and new cars, suggesting little urgency so far by companies to pass along the cost of higher tariffs to consumers.”
    • Investopedia Editor-in-Chief Caleb Silver: “The smoke was much worse than the fire … A big part of that was the drop in gasoline prices. This is very significant for households … That drop in gasoline and energy prices — a big deal.”
    • Fox Business Network’s Maria Bartiromo: “Oil is down, eggs are down, food is down. We’re seeing that reflected, so all that hysteria over tariffs is not showing up in these numbers.”
    • USA TODAY: Inflation eased to 4-year low in April as Trump’s tariffs took effect, CPI report shows
      • “Prices for groceries, including eggs, used cars and airfares all fell sharply.”
    • Bloomberg: US Consumer Prices Rose Less Than Expected in April
      • “The pace is the slowest since the sprinsg of 2021 when inflation broke out in earnest.”
      • “Grocery prices were down 0.4% on the month, and eggs fell 12.7%, the most since 1984, validating some of President Donald Trump’s messaging.”
    • NBC News: April consumer price index report shows inflation dropped to slowest pace since 2021

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Happy Mother’s Day from Amata

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata released the following statement in celebration of Mother’s Day:

    “Have a happy Mother’s Day! Motherhood is a great joy and one of life’s most wonderful blessings. Mothers are entrusted with the care, guidance, and inspiration of children. ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.’ (Proverbs 22:6) In that influential way, mothers provide the lessons and direction that last entire lifetimes, and are still doing good years in the future. 

    “Mother’s Day is always the right time to let your mom know how much you love, admire, and appreciate her. For many of us, Mother’s Day will also bring back special memories of our mom. Throughout life, most of us will never know more complete support than a mother’s love.

    “Moms, thank each one of you for all you have done for your children! ‘Her children rise up and call her blessed,’ (Proverbs 31:28). May your children bring ongoing joy. God bless you this Mother’s Day.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Honors 522nd Field Artillery Battalion at Historic 80th Anniversary Ceremony in Germany

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata, who serves as Vice Chairman of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, was humbled to speak in honor of the soldiers that liberated prisoners on a death march from the Dachau Concentration Camp at an 80th Anniversary remembrance, days before the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day). This historic rescue by the soldiers of the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, part of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. These were “Nisei” Japanese-American soldiers, 58 percent from Hawaii, while the rest were from the mainland, often the West Coast.

    At the Memorial showing sculptures honoring those who died on the Dachau death march before thousands were rescued by the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion (US Army photo)

    The ceremony with the German War Graves Commission and the Japanese American Veterans Association, included prayers, a wreath-laying, placement of a new plaque at the Memorial, local musicians, and remarks by German leaders and mayors, and U.S. Army and other officials including Congresswoman Amata; Dr. James Miller, Consul General, U.S. Consulate Munich; and Ellen Germain, U.S. State Department’s Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues. 

    Brig. Gen. Steven P. Carpenter, Commanding General, 7th Army Training Command, took time to speak to our Samoan families in Germany

    Of local interest to American Samoa, there is a unique historic link between these heroes and the American Samoa Army Reserve unit, which was a component of the Hawaii-based 100th Infantry Battalion – the only successor unit of the 442nd Regimental Battalion. For more than three decades, until 2021, members of the American Samoan community served with Charlie Company of the 100th Infantry Battalion in American Samoa.

    “Some of these heroic soldiers served in the U.S. military during World War II while they had relatives waiting out the war in internment camps, a difficult and sad chapter in U.S. history. One member of the 442nd became a U.S. Senator, Daniel Inouye, now a towering figure in Hawaii’s history, which I’m reminded of every time I land at the Honolulu International Airport named for him. Senator Inouye knew me and came to my wedding, as he was close friends with my father. After both served in World War II, Governor Coleman and Senator Inouye were both in law school in Washington, graduating from universities in the same city one year apart. They were active together in what was then the Hawaii Territorial Society of Washington, DC. So, it’s very personal to me to honor these Japanese-American soldiers, and this Hawaii connection to our Pacific region for this anniversary,” said Congresswoman Amata.

    Congresswoman Amata and Brig. Gen. Carpenter, 7ATC CG, with our Samoan group in Germany

    In 1945, the 522nd was assigned to the Seventh Army to support the last great Allied advance into Germany. On April 26, 1945, the SS started 14,180 prisoners on a death march from the Dachau concentration camp and Munich area subcamps. 

    On May 2, 1945, with the approach of U.S. troops, the SS abandoned the survivors on the road where the 522nd Field Artillery Battalion, along with units of the 12th Infantry Regiment, and 4th Infantry Division, arrived and rescued 2,700 to 3,000 mostly Jewish Dachau prisoners along with 990 German political prisoners and 100 Slavic, Russian and Polish prisoners. About 3,300 other prisoners were rescued by other American troops nearby. Of the starting 14,180, fewer than half, approximately 6,300, survived to be rescued. The majority of the prisoners had died from murder, disease, medical neglect, exposure, exhaustion, and starvation.

    The Pacific soldiers of the 522nd saw these terrible sights and were able to stay with the rescued prisoners to provide food, security and care for the next few days. 

    “At the 80th Anniversary, we memorialize their role in rescuing and restoring these prisoners after the terrible crimes against them. I am here, first because of the historic ties to our Pacific soldiers who were here, but also because my own father-in-law, Hobart Radewagen, was a member of the 20th Armored Division, one of the three divisions involved in the liberation of Dachau 80 years ago. He was awarded a Bronze Medal for his part in a battle at an SS barracks outside Dachau, another direct link for my family. 

    “In a personal parallel, in 2023, I was at Guadalcanal in Solomon Islands where my father served. They had just marked the 80th anniversary of the first allied offensive against the Japanese which halted their Pacific expansion. Now, I have the humbling honor to join you here to mark the 80th anniversary of Waakirchen, Dachau and the capture of Munich, leading to the end of the war. 

    “Truly, we can look at these events and understand why these soldiers are known as the greatest generation,” she concluded. “God bless the memories here, the important history, and the many descendants as we seek to live in peace and harmony.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Dan Goldman Introduces Legislation to Extend Student Loan Forgiveness to Volunteer Firefighters and First Responders

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    80,000 Volunteer Firefighters Across New York State, Nearly Half of NY EMS Agencies Rely Solely on Volunteers   

       

    PSLF Encourages Public Service Enrollment in Fields Where Limited Staffing Jeopardizes Emergency Response Efforts  

       

    Volunteer Firefighters Account for 65% of U.S. Firefighting Force  

       

    Read the HEROES Act of 2025 Here  

    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) introduced the Helping Emergency Responders Overcome Student Debt (HEROES) Act of 2025, which would expand eligibility for loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program to include volunteer firefighters and volunteer EMTs.  

    “Volunteer firefighters and EMTs risk their lives every day to keep us safe, yet they’re too often denied the recognition and support granted to other public servants,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “As the number of volunteer firefighters and EMTs continues to decline, we must prioritize the first responders who keep communities across our city, state, and country safe. Those who put their lives on the line deserve nothing less than the full support and resources afforded to all public servants.”

    The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) said, “One of the biggest challenges facing volunteer response agencies is the critical need to attract new members. Including volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program would be an effective addition to their recruitment toolbox. It would also assist them in retaining existing volunteers, who often work several jobs in addition to volunteering. We commend Congressman Goldman for recognizing the value of volunteer first responders and for his efforts to support them.”  

    Volunteer firefighters are estimated to save localities across the country nearly 47 billion dollars annually. The HEROES Act would not only provide crucial support to our dedicated first responders but also help address staffing shortages by incentivizing more individuals to volunteer their time.  

    Established to bolster recruitment and retention efforts in the public sector, the PSLF Program forgives borrowers’ student loans after they work for ten years in a qualifying public service and make 120 qualifying payments. Despite working in qualifying public services, however, volunteer EMTs and firefighters are currently excluded from the program. Nationwide, volunteer firefighters make up 65% of the firefighting force, with 19,000 fire stations relying on them exclusively.  

    In addition to expanding coverage to volunteer firefighters and EMTs, the HEROES Act would require the Department of Education, which oversees the PSLF program, to outline minimum volunteer time requirements for eligibility and develop regulations for tracking and verifying volunteer time.  

    Congressman Dan Goldman is committed to supporting first responders who dedicate their lives to the betterment of their communities.   

    This past February, Congressman Goldman introduced the ‘9/11 Responder and Survivor Health Funding Correction Act’ which would provide permanent and mandatory funding for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) and update an outdated funding formula to prevent a future funding shortfall, ensuring survivors and first responders don’t lose access to care.  
    In February, Congressman Goldman introduced the ‘Chief Herbert D. Proffitt Act,’ which would ensure the families of law enforcement officers who are killed as a result of their work on behalf of their communities are not unjustly denied benefits due to arbitrary retirement status restrictions. The legislation would amend the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits (PSOB) program to ensure the families of fallen officers receive the benefits they deserve.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Honors Law Enforcement for Police Week

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is honoring American Samoa’s police, and law enforcement officers everywhere, in recognition of National Police Week (May 11-17), and National Peace Officers Memorial Day (observed May 15th every year).

    This year, Congresswoman Amata is cosponsoring two Resolutions expressing support for professional law enforcement officers and honoring their vital role in the safety of communities, that are being introduced during Police Week. In 2019, she cosponsored the House bill authorizing the National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum Commemorative Coin (final passage in Consolidated Appropriations, Public Law 116-94, signed by President Trump). In April of this year, Congress passed the yearly Resolution for special use of the U.S. Capitol grounds for this year’s 44th Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition.

    “My heartfelt thank you to all of our law enforcement officers as we observe this National Police Week and Peace Officers Memorial Day. In a time of crisis, we look to you. That fact means you deserves our strong support, including the best in training and preparation activities, and high quality equipment and facilities. When there is a need, our officers rush toward it, including the possibility of danger. As a free and law-abiding society, we depend on honorable, dedicated officers that protect and serve. May God bless our police, law enforcement and peace officers daily, and especially keep them safe in times of crisis.” 

    “We also specially think of Peace Officers Memorial Day, which commemorates those who gave their lives in the line of duty. We respect, honor, and remember their sacrifice, and pray for their families and memories.” 

    HISTORY: In 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and Congress that year established National Police Week. The National Law Enforcement Memorial and Museum holds an annual Candlelight Vigil, which is May 13th this year, for fallen officers. The Memorial, dedicated in 1991, currently has the names of more than 24,000 officers carved into the walls, with names added yearly, as part of National Police Week. In April, 10,000 daffodils bloom at the Memorial site. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Adding More Affordable Mixed-Use Housing in Brooklyn

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul and New York City Mayor Eric Adams today announced the completion of Logan Fountain, a new affordable housing development in the Cypress Hills neighborhood of Brooklyn. The $214 million project transformed a vacant parcel into affordable apartments, transitional housing for homeless families, and new retail space. With 343 total units, the new building includes 173 affordable apartments and 169 units of transitional housing, as well as one unit reserved for a superintendent. The development is a city-state project with investments from New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), New York City Department of Social Services (DSS), and New York City Housing Preservation and Development (HPD). Since the Governor has taken office, HCR has financed over 7,600 affordable homes in Brooklyn. Logan Fountain continues this effort and complements Governor Hochul’s $25 billion five-year housing plan, which is on track to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide.

    “It’s simple: the only way to address the housing crisis is to build more housing,” Governor Hochul said. “New Yorkers deserve a safe, stable and affordable home. By working together with Mayor Adams and our partners in New York City, we can address the needs of New Yorkers and create the types of modern and sustainable homes that uplift communities and allow families to grow.”

    New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, “Every day, we are working to make New York City more affordable, and our whole-of-government approach is allowing us to partner with Governor Hochul and the state today to deliver over 340 units of affordable and transitional housing. This project will provide exactly the type of long-term stability our families need to help them thrive — providing them access to on-site services, resources, and housing. We are thrilled to open this world-class building with crucial supports and energy efficient designs that will make a lasting impact on hundreds of families, and which will serve as a model for how we can smartly address our decades-long housing crisis.”

    Apartments are available to households earning up to 70 percent of the Area Median Income. Of the 173 affordable apartments, there are 105 supportive apartments with onsite social services including case management, career counseling, mental health support, and referrals to healthcare. Logan Fountain was designed to appeal to families of different sizes and has a mix of studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. Additionally, the building includes ground-floor retail, play areas, fitness space, and a courtyard.

    Logan Fountain will also host 169 units of transitional housing for families. Designed with trauma-informed principles, HELP New Leaf will offer critical support for families including clinical care, employment counseling, and housing placement support.

    Logan Fountain’s sustainability measures include rooftop solar panels for on-site energy generation, a Variant Refrigerant Flow heating and cooling system that captures and repurposes heat already in the environment, as well as ENERGY STAR (r) appliances.

    The project to redevelop the vacant site into a mixed-use hub for families was identified in the New York City Department of City Planning’s East New York Neighborhood Plan. The project’s developer is Hudson Companies, Jericho Project is providing the onsite support services, and HELP USA is operating the transitional housing within the building.

    The 173 affordable and supportive apartments at Logan Fountain are supported by HCR’s Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program which generated nearly $50 million in equity and $18 million of long-term bond financing from its Housing Finance Agency.

    The site is also participating in the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s successful Brownfield Cleanup Program and will be eligible for approximately $9 million in tax credits to be issued by the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Operational funding for the 105 supportive apartments is being provided by the New York City 15/15 Supportive Housing Program. DSS’s 30-year contract facilitates financing for the development and not-for-profit ownership of the 169 units of transitional housing.

    Additional support included $24 million from HPD’s Supportive Housing Loan Program, $1 million in discretionary capital funding from the New York City Council, and over $150,000 in incentives from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority.

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “HCR’s investment in affordable housing will bring benefits to Brooklyn’s Cypress Hills community for generations to come. With affordable apartments, family-friendly amenities, and energy-efficient features, Logan Fountain demonstrates the potential housing can have on the lives of New Yorkers and the future of our neighborhoods. We thank Governor Hochul for her dedication to addressing the housing crisis in Brooklyn, and we appreciate the continued collaboration and support from City Hall and our partner agencies.”

    NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen Harris said, “Reimagining vacant infrastructure by incorporating the latest sustainable building technologies moves New York State forward in its just and equitable transition to a clean energy economy. The transformation of Logan Fountain will help to meet the diverse, local needs of the Brooklyn community, while creating comfortable, and affordable spaces for future generations.”

    New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, “Cleaning up environmental pollution in communities like Brooklyn unlocks investments in critical needs like affordable housing, transitional housing services, and commercial development. New York State’s Brownfield Cleanup Program is a vital tool that supports community revitalization across the state and the Logan Fountain project in Cypress Hills is a prime example of how this successful cleanup program is helping advance Governor Hochul’s continued efforts to increase affordable, sustainable housing statewide while also protecting public health and the environment.”

    New York City Housing Preservation and Development Acting Commissioner Ahmed Tigani said, “Turning a former gas station into the largest project of its kind in New York City with affordable homes, supportive services, and transitional shelter all under one roof shows what real public-private partnership can deliver. Logan Fountain is a powerful example of what’s possible when we rethink how underused land can serve our communities. These 105 supportive homes, along with critical onsite care, reflect a new model for housing that prioritizes stability, dignity, and opportunity.”

    New York City Department of Homeless Services Administrator Joslyn Carter said, “The Logan Fountain is an exemplary project that transforms underutilized city space into much-needed supportive and transitional housing for vulnerable families. At DHS, we are committed to reimagining the shelter system through innovative high-quality models and strong provider partnerships that enhance our delivery of services and strengthen pathways to long-term housing stability for New Yorkers experiencing homelessness. We are grateful to our partners at HELP USA, The Hudson Companies, and others as we continue to raise the bar on the physical infrastructure of our shelter system.”

    U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said, “I’m proud that the federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit that I worked hard to protect and expand has generated $68 million to help build Logan Fountain in Cypress Hills, Brooklyn — a new development with 174 affordable apartments and a 169-unit family shelter with on-site support services. I applaud Governor Hochul’s efforts to create and preserve affordable homes across the state, especially for vulnerable New Yorkers, and I will continue working to deliver the federal resources needed for more affordable housing options.”

    State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, “This is an incredible addition to the Cypress Hills neighborhood. By providing affordable housing alongside comprehensive wraparound services, Logan Fountain sets a standard for how we should address community needs — strengthening families, supporting vulnerable New Yorkers, and building more resilient neighborhoods.”

    Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso said, “I am thrilled to see what was once a vacant gas station transformed into a vibrant mixed-use facility with more than 300 units of housing, including transitional housing for our most vulnerable neighbors. Logan Fountain’s unique financing embodies the innovative thinking we need more of to make a dent in our housing crisis. I am so thankful to Governor Hochul and NYS Homes and Community Renewal for supporting Logan Fountain and their long-term commitment to building desperately needed housing in Brooklyn.”

    New York City Council Member Sandy Nurse said, “Logan Fountain will bring hundreds of much-needed affordable, supportive, and transitional housing units to Brooklyn. I am particularly grateful that forty-one percent of the units will be family sized units, which will help stem the exodus of primarily Black families from the city. This project will help stabilize those most in need of permanent housing and allow families to put down roots in East New York.”

    Hudson Companies President David Kramer said, “Logan Fountain stands as the largest project of its kind in New York City — a truly groundbreaking achievement that brings much-needed housing and social services to East New York. Today’s ribbon-cutting marks the transformation of a long-vacant site into a vibrant, mixed-use development designed to support and uplift our most vulnerable residents and tackle the city’s housing crisis. We’re deeply grateful to Governor Hochul for her support in bringing this development to life and to The Jericho Project and Help USA for their vital role in delivering these essential social services.

    Jericho Project CEO Tori Lyon said, “Jericho Project is honored to provide support to the 105 families residing in Logan Fountain’s supportive housing complex — a critical initiative made possible through strong public and private partnership. Through our integrated service model – which includes mental health care, employment support, family counseling, and housing stabilization – our experienced staff will help ensure these families have the tools and support necessary to thrive.”

    HELP USA President and CEO Dan Lehman said, “HELP New Leaf Family Shelter at Logan Fountain is a powerful example of what’s possible when the City and State work in true partnership with nonprofits and private developers. This shelter stands on the site of HELP 1 — our very first family shelter — which opened in the 1980s and set a national standard for transitional housing. As we celebrate HELP USA’s 40th anniversary and our work serving more than 30,000 people each year, New Leaf reflects all we’ve learned since then — a new model of care, services, and design built to meet the complex needs of today’s families. Logan Fountain is more than a building — it’s a commitment to dignity, stability, and opportunity for families rebuilding their lives.”

    Governor Hochul’s Housing Agenda
    Governor Hochul is committed to addressing New York’s housing crisis and making the State more affordable and more livable for all New Yorkers. As part of the Fiscal Year FY25 Enacted Budget, the Governor secured a landmark agreement to increase New York’s housing supply through new tax incentives for Upstate communities, new incentives and relief from certain state-imposed restrictions to create more housing in New York City, a $500 million capital fund to build up to 15,000 new homes on state-owned property, an additional $600 million in funding to support a variety of housing developments statewide and new protections for renters and homeowners. In addition, as part of the FY23 Enacted Budget, the Governor announced a five-year, $25 billion Housing Plan to create or preserve 100,000 affordable homes statewide, including 10,000 with support services for vulnerable populations, plus the electrification of an additional 50,000 homes. Nearly 60,000 homes have been created or preserved to date.

    The FY25 Enacted Budget also strengthened the Pro-Housing Community Program which the Governor launched in 2023. Pro-Housing certification is now a requirement for localities to access up to $650 million in discretionary funding. Over 300 communities have currently been certified, including the City of New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Angola at 50: Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2025 Affirms Oil and Gas as a Development Driver

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

    LUANDA, Angola, May 13, 2025/APO Group/ —

    As sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest oil producer and an emerging global gas player, Angola is revitalizing its oil and gas sector through policy reform, upcoming projects and aligned industry goals. The country has secured over $60 billion in commitments over the next five years, reflecting the growing interest by international financiers and operators in advancing Angolan projects. As the country continues to promote investment, the upcoming Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) conference affirms the role oil and gas plays as a fuel for development in Angola.  

    This year’s edition of AOG – taking place September 3-4 in Luanda – is hosted under the theme Angola 50 Years: Oil and Gas as a Development Driver, highlighting the fundamental role the industry has played in the country’s economic growth. Taking place on the eve of Angola’s 50 years of independence celebration and with a focus on policy improvements, upcoming investment prospects, major developments and cross-sector opportunities, the event underscores how investing in Angola will unlock long-term growth and high returns.  

    AOG is the largest oil and gas event in Angola. Taking place with the full support of the Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas; the National Oil, Gas and Biofuels Agency; the Petroleum Derivatives Regulatory Institute; national oil company Sonangol; and the African Energy Chamber; the event is a platform to sign deals and advance Angola’s oil and gas industry. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    Angola’s oil and gas industry is at a critical juncture, striving to address production decline while accelerating sustainable growth. An upcoming licensing round – planned for this year – in tandem with the country’s 2025-2028 project pipeline is set to bolster production and unlock greater value from the industry. Major developments include the New Gas Consortium’s Quiluma and Maboqueiro fields (2026); the Azule Energy-led Agogo Integrated West Hub Development (late-2025); the TotalEnergies-operated Kaminho Deepwater Development (2028); and the Cabinda Oil Refinery (2025). Beyond existing projects, Angola has committed to unlocking its frontier basins, with the Namibe-Benguela, Etosha-Okavango and Kassanje basins at the fore. ExxonMobil is leading exploration in Namibe while Vietnam’s XTG signed a deal to explore the Etosha-Okavango basin in 2025. Future discoveries will augment the industry’s contribution to the economy while creating new opportunities for joint ventures, increased output and value addition.  

    By sustaining production above one million barrels per day, Angola is positioning the oil and gas industry as a fuel for cross-sector development. The industry already supports activities across key sectors, including mining, agriculture and industry. With goals to become a globally-leading critical mineral producer, produce 17.5 million carats of diamonds by 2027 while enhancing fertilizer production for agri-operations, strengthened synergies between the hydrocarbon, mining and agricultural industries would stand to drive future growth. As such, the government has been implementing policies to support multi-sector development.

    Regulatory reform and aligned policies are expected to support future projects while diversifying the industry through natural gas monetization. To offset production decline, the country implemented an Incremental Production Decree, comprising attractive firms for companies re-investing in producing assets. The country is also expected to introduce its Gas Master Plan in 2025, designed to attract investment across the gas value chain. These policies have already begun to entice spending, and the government is promoting a flexible approach to investing in Angola.

    The AOG 2025 conference steps into this picture to provide a platform where the industry can connect, engage and sign deals. In celebration of 50 years of independence and energy leadership in Angola, the event unites stakeholders from across the economy. Major sponsors have already come on board, underscoring the value AOG plays in supporting portfolio expansion and brand exposure by major oil and gas players. Sonangol Integrated Logistics Services, Cabship and Azule Energy have joined as Gold Sponsors; FAMAR and Petrotec have joined as Silver Sponsors; while Algoa Cabinda Services and Enagol have joined as Bronze Sponsors. There are still a range of sponsorship opportunities available. Visit www.AngolaOilAndGas.com for more information.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Disrupting criminal finances in Africa: INTERPOL’s Silver Notice

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    NAIROBI, Kenya – Law enforcement and financial crime experts from across Africa have gathered for a workshop dedicated to promoting and implementing the INTERPOL Silver Notice and Diffusion.

    Organized crime in Africa, as in other regions, thrives on illicit financial flows and the laundered proceeds of crimes such as scams, illegal logging, terrorism and corruption. These crimes are increasingly supported by complex financial structures that span borders.

    Launched in January 2025, the INTERPOL Silver Notice allows participating countries to request information related to criminal assets — such as real estate, vehicles, financial accounts, or businesses — with links to individuals suspected or charged of various offences including fraud, drug trafficking and migrant smuggling. The mechanism supports cross-border intelligence exchange and can lay the groundwork for subsequent requests for asset seizure or confiscation under national legal frameworks.

    The Silver Notice, currently in pilot across 51 countries, is one of several tools—alongside the I-GRIP stop-payment mechanism—empowering agencies to move swiftly against illicit finances and fraud.

    The four-day event (13-16 May) brings together 85 participants from 12 pilot African countries including representatives from INTERPOL National Central Bureaus, financial intelligence units, prosecutors’ offices, judicial authorities and asset recovery focal points. This regional session follows similar workshops held in the Americas and Europe earlier this year.

    Mohamed I. Amin, Director of Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations, said:

    “The Silver Notice is more than a tool, it is a symbol of global solidarity against crime. By targeting illicit wealth, we strike at the heart of criminal enterprises and uphold justice. Let us commit to leveraging this mechanism, ensuring that crime never pays, anywhere, at any time.”

    Theos Badege, Director pro tempore of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Corruption Centre said:

    “Money is the thread that runs through almost every form of organized crime. For some, it’s the motive; for others, the means. To dismantle criminal networks, we must follow the money—identify it, trace it, and disrupt the financial systems that enable these operations to survive and expand.”

    INTERPOL Silver Notice/ Diffusion Pilot: Regional Workshop for Africa

    IFCACC Director: Theos Badege, Director pro tempore of INTERPOL’s Financial Crime and Corruption Centre

    Alena Kern, Head of Development Cooperation of the German Embassy

    DCI Director: Mohamed I. Amin, Director of Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations

    Building capacity for maximum impact

    Throughout the workshop, participants will explore how to leverage INTERPOL’s full range of capabilities—including its Notices, databases, expert networks, and operational support tools—to conduct financial investigations and disrupt criminal economies. Sessions also focus on emerging technologies, such as the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in laundering illicit funds.

    Interactive table-top exercises and case-based discussions are designed to encourage regional exchange, identify common challenges and stimulate the practical use of Silver Notices in ongoing cases.

    The workshop was supported by German Development Cooperation through the GIZ Global Program Combatting Illicit Financial Flows and the GIZ Program on Strengthening Good Governance in Kenya, as well as the EU-joint action SecFin Africa.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Defendants Sentenced for Their Roles in Drug Trafficking Organization

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    ATLANTA – Six members of a drug trafficking organization have been sentenced for their roles in distributing deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout the metro-Atlanta area.

    “These defendants distributed substantial amounts of fentanyl and methamphetamine with no regard for the grave public safety risk,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “Our Office will continue to closely coordinate with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prosecute drug traffickers and prevent dangerous narcotics from poisoning our communities.”

    “These drug traffickers endangered countless lives by distributing large quantities of deadly fentanyl and methamphetamine,” Jae W. Chung, the Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division commented on the case. “DEA will continue to aggressively pursue the criminals that contribute to the drug crisis.”

    “This case highlights the critical role Homeland Security Investigations plays in dismantling transnational drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “The defendants in this case were responsible for introducing massive quantities of deadly narcotics into the metro-Atlanta area—methamphetamine that was trafficked across borders, chemically altered, and distributed without regard for the devastating impact on public health and safety. Through the combined efforts of HSI and our federal, state, and local partners, we’ve disrupted a dangerous supply chain and brought key members of this organization to justice.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: In 2022, federal special agents discovered that a drug trafficking organization (DTO) was distributing drugs obtained from a Mexico-based supplier throughout metro-Atlanta. These drugs included methamphetamine which arrived from Mexico in liquid form and was converted to crystal methamphetamine.

    During an early phase of the investigation, defendant Erik Rosales-Lopez was arrested in December 2022 at a residence used to process liquid methamphetamine that had been mixed with paint. Rosales Lopez had distributed methamphetamine on three previous occasions, including to an undercover agent. During a search of his residence, investigators seized 11 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine. 

    In April 2023, agents surveilled defendants Brayan Garcia-Picasso and Bryan Pacheco-Carranza as they left a residence believed to be used as a methamphetamine lab. Local law enforcement then conducted a traffic stop of their vehicle. Police officers seized approximately 16 kilograms of methamphetamine during a search of the vehicle. Agents later searched the residence as well and, while doing so, confirmed that the location was a methamphetamine lab. The agents found approximately six kilograms of methamphetamine and methamphetamine conversion equipment on the premises.

    Following the arrests of Garcia-Picasso and Pacheco-Carranza, agents continued to investigate the DTO. In June 2023, defendant Alex Chamorro-Valencia was arrested after a search of a vehicle he was driving was found to contain nearly a kilogram of methamphetamine. Investigators also searched the residence from which he was seen departing and discovered a second methamphetamine lab used by the DTO. Agents recovered 15 gallons of liquid methamphetamine and 135 kilograms of finished crystal methamphetamine in the residence. Defendant Hedgarciney Gameno-Cortez was encountered in the residence and arrested.  

    The following defendants were convicted and sentenced:

    • Juventino Rodriguez was sentenced earlier today by U.S. District Judge Victoria M. Calvert to 54 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Rodriguez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl after he pled guilty on December 19, 2024.
    • Garcia-Picasso was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Michael L. Brown to 12-and-a-half years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Garcia-Picasso was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on November 7, 2023.
    • Pacheco-Carranza was sentenced by Judge Brown to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Pacheco-Carranza was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on January 18, 2024.
    • Chamorro-Valencia was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Eleanor L. Ross to eight years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Chamorro-Valencia was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine after he pled guilty on October 16, 2023.
    • Hedgarciney Gameno-Cortez was sentenced by Judge Ross to eight years in prison followed by four years of supervised release. Gameno-Cortez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine after he pled guilty on February 28, 2024.
    • Erik Josue Rosales-Lopez was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven D. Grimberg to seven years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Rosales-Lopez was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine after he pled guilty on July 31, 2023.

    The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations, with valuable assistance from the Clayton County Police Department, Henry County Police Department, Georgia State Patrol, DeKalb County Police Department, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, and Cobb County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren E. Renaud and Sandra E. Strippoli, and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Howard, prosecuted the case. 

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. The specific mission of the David G. Wilhelm Atlanta OCDETF Strike Force (Atlanta Strike Force) is to eliminate transnational organized crime syndicates and major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations in the Atlanta metropolitan area and the Northern District of Georgia. To accomplish this mission, the Atlanta Strike Force will target these organizations’ leaders, focusing on targets designated as Consolidated Priority Organization Targets, Regional Priority Organization Targets, and their associates.  The Atlanta Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from ATF, DEA, FBI, HSI, USMS, USPIS, and IRS, as well as numerous state and local agencies; and the prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Global: AI methods help predict the emergence of ‘gazelles’ and other high-growth firms, but challenges remain

    Source: The Conversation – France – By Tatiana Beliaeva, Enseignante–chercheuse en entrepreneuriat, UCLy (Lyon Catholic University)

    Predicting whether or not companies will be successful is crucial for guiding investment decisions and designing effective economic policies. However, past research on high-growth firms – enterprises thought to be key for driving economic development – has typically shown low predictive accuracy, suggesting that growth may be largely random. Does this assumption still hold in the AI era, in which vast amounts of data and advanced analytical methods are now available? Can AI techniques overcome difficulties in predicting high-growth firms? These questions were raised in a chapter I co-authored in the De Gruyter Handbook of SME Entrepreneurship, which reviewed scientific contributions on firm growth prediction with AI methods.

    According to the Eurostat-OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) definition, high-growth firms are businesses with at least 10 employees in the initial growth period and “average annualised growth greater than 20% per annum, over a three year period”. Growth can be measured by the firm’s number of employees or by its turnover. A subset of high-growth firms, known as “gazelles”, are young businesses – typically start-ups – that are up to five years old and experience fast growth.


    A weekly e-mail in English featuring expertise from scholars and researchers. It provides an introduction to the diversity of research coming out of the continent and considers some of the key issues facing European countries. Get the newsletter!

    High-growth firms drive development, innovation and job creation. Identifying firms with high-growth potential enables investors, start-up incubators, accelerators, large companies and policymakers to spot potential opportunities for investment, strategic partnerships and resource allocation at an early stage. Forecasting outcomes for start-ups is more challenging than doing so for large companies due to limited historical data, high uncertainty, and reliance on qualitative factors like founder experience and market fit.

    How random is firm growth?

    Accurate growth forecasting is especially crucial given the high failure rate of start-ups. One in five start-ups fail in their first year, and two thirds fail within 10 years. Some start-ups can also contribute significantly to job creation: research analysing data from Spanish and Russian firms between 2010 and 2018 has shown that while “gazelles” represented only about 1-2% of all businesses in both countries, they were responsible for approximately 14% of employment growth in Russia and 9% in Spain.

    High-growth firms are “widely considered essential for stimulating economic growth and employment” but are difficult to identify. Stakeholders need accurate growth predictions to help optimize decision-making and minimize risks by identifying firms with the highest potential for success.

    In an effort to understand why some firms grow faster than others, researchers have looked into various factors including the personality of entrepreneurs, competitive strategy, available resources, market conditions and macroeconomic environment. These factors, however, only explained a small portion of the variation in firm growth and were limited in their practical application. This led to the suggestion that predicting the growth of new businesses is like playing a game of chance. Another viewpoint argued that the problem of growth prediction might stem from the methods employed, suggesting an “illusion of randomness”.

    As firm growth is a complex, diverse, dynamic and non-linear process, adopting a new set of methods and approaches, such as those driven by big data and AI, can shed new light on the growth debate and forecasting.

    AI offers new opportunities for predicting high-growth firms

    AI methods are being increasingly adopted to forecast firm growth. For example, 70% of venture capital firms are adopting AI to increase internal productivity and facilitate and speed up sourcing, screening, classifying and monitoring start-ups with high potential. Crunchbase, a company data platform, claims that internal testing has shown that its AI models can predict start-up success with “95% precision” by analysing thousands of signals. These developments promise to fundamentally change how investors and businesses approach decision-making in private markets.

    The advantages of AI techniques lie in their ability to process a far greater volume, variety and velocity of data about businesses and their environments compared to traditional statistical methods. For example, machine learning methods such as random forest (RF) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) help identify key variables affecting business outcomes in datasets with a large number of predictors. A “fused” large language model has been shown to predict start-up success using both structured (organized in tables) fundamental information and unstructured (unorganized and more complex) textual descriptions. AI techniques help enhance the accuracy of firm growth predictions, identify the most important growth factors and minimize human biases. As some scholars have noted, the improved prediction indicates that perhaps firm growth is less random than previously thought. Furthermore, the ability to capture data in real time is especially valuable in fast-paced, dynamic environments, such as high-technology industries.

    Challenges remain

    Despite AI’s rapid progress, there is still considerable potential for advancement. Although the prediction of high-growth firms has been improved with modern AI techniques, studies indicate that it continues to be a challenge. For instance, start-up success often depends on rapidly changing and intangible factors that are not easily captured by data. Further methodological advances, such as incorporating a broader range of predictors, diverse data sources and more sophisticated algorithms, are recommended.

    One of the main challenges for AI methods is their ability to offer explanations for the predictions they make. Predictions generated by complex deep learning models resemble a “black box”, with the causal mechanisms that transform input into output remaining unclear. Producing more explainable AI has become one of the key objectives set by the research community. Understanding what is explainable and what is not (yet) explainable with the use of AI methods can better guide practitioners in identifying and supporting high-growth firms.

    While start-ups offer the potential for significant investment returns, they carry considerable risks, making careful selection and accurate prediction crucial. As AI models evolve, they will increasingly integrate diverse and unstructured data sources and real-time market signals to detect early indicators of potential success. Advancements are expected to further enhance the scalability, accuracy, speed and transparency of AI-driven predictions, reshaping how high-growth firms are identified and supported.

    Tatiana Beliaeva ne travaille pas, ne conseille pas, ne possède pas de parts, ne reçoit pas de fonds d’une organisation qui pourrait tirer profit de cet article, et n’a déclaré aucune autre affiliation que son organisme de recherche.

    – ref. AI methods help predict the emergence of ‘gazelles’ and other high-growth firms, but challenges remain – https://theconversation.com/ai-methods-help-predict-the-emergence-of-gazelles-and-other-high-growth-firms-but-challenges-remain-255907

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: New Albany Man Charged with Threatening Public Officials

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

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A New Albany man has been charged with federal crimes related to sending at least 65 threatening letters and electronic communications to approximately 34 victims, including public officials, a local TV station and law enforcement. Many of the letters included a white powder and one letter included a bullet etched with the victim’s last name.

    “Perpetrators who violate federal law by sending such serious threats in the mail or online will not remain anonymous. Actual or threatened political violence in any form must be condemned,” said Acting United States Attorney Kelly A. Norris. “We will work with our law enforcement partners to identify these bad actors and prosecute them.”

    “Targeting public officials with threatening messages and substances is a serious federal crime that won’t go unpunished,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Elena Iatarola. “FBI agents have worked closely with our local, state, and federal partners to investigate these incidents and arrest the suspected offender.”

    Ronald Lidderdale, 39, appeared in federal court in Columbus this afternoon. He is charged with making interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure, mailing threatening communications, false information and hoaxes, and cyberstalking.

    According to charging documents, Lidderdale allegedly sent the threatening communications to publicly elected officials holding statewide office in Ohio, elected officials holding office in the federal government, and individuals involved in Ohio politics.

    It is alleged that Lidderdale sent at least 49 letters containing suspicious white powders, which at times the sender claimed to be Ricin. To date, 29 victims received the white powder letters.

    One letter contained a 9mm bullet with the last name of the public official etched on it.

    For example, between July and early August 2024, it is alleged that Lidderdale sent a dozen threatening letters via the mail in five different mailings. The return labels on the letters contained mailing information for individuals who were either currently or previously employed by the targeted public official.

    In the letters, Lidderdale allegedly threatened violence against the letter recipients, including language like, “I will kill you for your ignorant loyalty to your pedophilic party” and “I will kill you for the good of The People. Your death will come when you least expect it.”

    Last week, Lidderdale allegedly sent letters to eight victims containing a hitlist of eight individuals he said he would kill in the month of May.

    Court documents allege that Lidderdale sent a letter to a local TV station and emails to federal and local law enforcement outlining his plans.

    It is further alleged that Lidderdale sent threatening emails to public officials stating, “Each [victim] will receive the gift of their names etched onto a single bullet. Their skull is the target the bullet is the gift.”

    On May 8, Lidderdale allegedly told FBI agents that he had sent the letters and emails with the intent to incite fear, including the fear of bodily injury, and to make threats with the goal of changing behavior.

    Mailing threatening communications carries a potential penalty of up to 10 years in prison. Making interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure, conveying false information and hoaxes, and cyberstalking are all federal crimes punishable by up to five years in prison.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; Sue J. Bai, head of the Justice Department’s National Security Division; Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division; and Lesley Allison, Inspector in Charge, U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS); as well as the U.S. Capitol Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol and several Ohio police departments; announced the charges filed today. Deputy Criminal Chief Brian J. Martinez and Assistant United States Attorneys Damoun Delaviz and Jessica W. Knight, National Security Division Counterterrorism Section Trial Attorney James Donnelly and Trial Attorney Aaron L. Jennen of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are representing the United States in this case.

    A criminal complaint merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Best AI Voiceover Tool (2025): Voices, by Epidemic Sound, Named Top AI Voiceover Tool by Software Experts

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK CITY, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Voices, by Epidemic Sound, has been named the top AI-powered voiceover tool for 2025 by Software Experts, following a detailed evaluation of AI voiceover tools and their applications in digital media production. The designation highlights the growing relevance of high-quality, automated voice solutions amid increasing global demand for scalable content creation.

    Best AI Voiceover Tool:

    • Voices, by Epidemic Sound – takes AI-generated audio beyond robotic tones and into the realm of expressive, real voices crafted by professional voice artists.

    The recognition comes at a time when businesses, educators, marketers, and content producers are seeking reliable and professional voiceover tools that can match the cadence and emotional depth of human narration. Voices, by Epidemic Sound has gained traction for addressing that need through a balance of voice quality, usability, and licensing clarity.

    The full review, published on SoftwareExperts.org, analyzes the platform’s architecture, pricing models, and voice library capabilities in relation to modern creative workflows and production needs. Based on these findings, the site recognized Voices, by Epidemic Sound, as a leader in text-to-speech solutions for audio production in 2025.

    Acknowledging the Rise of AI Voiceover Technology

    The adoption of AI voiceover technology is expanding across industries such as digital education, podcasting, online advertising, social media, and product marketing. Businesses are increasingly investing in automated voice tools to scale voiceover production.

    In this evolving environment, the need for AI voiceovers that sound natural, are easy to deploy, and come with reliable licensing terms has become critical. Software Experts notes that Epidemic Sound’s voiceover tool has met this demand through its streamlined interface and extensive voice options, aligning with broader shifts toward automation and remote-first content production.

    The tool’s growing user base includes digital creators, communication teams, instructional designers, and advertising agencies who prioritize speed, consistency, and authentic human voices in their projects.

    Overview of Voices, by Epidemic Sound

    Epidemic Sound, a Swedish company globally known for its expansive catalog of authentic, world-class music and sound effects, expanded its offering in 2025 to include human voiceovers enhanced by AI. The company’s sound expertise, built over more than a decade, provides a foundation of human voices with the tonal quality and emotional range expected in professional narration, enabling instant voiceovers enhanced by AI.

    Voices enables creators to transform written scripts into speech using a web-based tool or directly in video editing software through plugins for Adobe and DaVinci Resolve Studio. The tool’s functionality supports instant creation of voiceovers in multiple languages, speed adjustment, and real-time previews.

    Software Experts emphasized that, unlike general-purpose voice generator tools built solely on synthetic models, Voices, by Epidemic Sound is built upon the foundation of real human performances by professional voice artists, transformed into AI-powered replicas. The result is natural-sounding voiceovers suited for a wide range of commercial and creative applications. At the same time, the collaboration provides new opportunities for voice artists through a fair and equitable partnership, transparency, and choice, as well as discovery and security.

    Key Use Cases and Industry Applications

    According to the Software Experts’ evaluation, Voices, by Epidemic Sound aligns well with current industry requirements for high-quality narration. The AI voiceover tool supports a variety of use cases, including:

    • Video tutorials and explainers
    • Social media marketing content
    • Brand promotional materials
    • E-learning courses and modules
    • Corporate communications
    • Podcasts and video intros

    Each voice was recorded with careful attention to nuance, intonation, and expression — the elements that make human speech truly compelling. This ensures that any voiceovers created with Epidemic Sound’s tool retain the natural tone and emotional depth of a human performance, making it the perfect vocal match for a variety of content types — from storytelling and instructional videos to persuasive marketing materials.

    Voices also enables consistency across serialized projects, supporting uniform audio branding without fluctuations in quality or delivery. This is particularly beneficial for organizations managing multiple campaigns or regional adaptations that require reliable voice replication over time.

    Technology and Workflow Features

    Software Experts highlighted the usability and technical features of Voices as core strengths. The voiceover tool is web-based, and for an even more streamlined workflow, it is also available directly within video editing software through Epidemic Sound’s plugins for Adobe and DaVinci Resolve Studio. Users can input scripts, select a voice, and customize the output, all within minutes.

    By working with voiceovers directly within video editors, users can seamlessly fine-tune them alongside their video and music in real time, streamlining the production process and reducing the need for additional post-production editing.

    Voiceover files are downloadable in high-quality audio formats, and licensing is automatically aligned with Epidemic Sound’s content usage guidelines. This simplifies the compliance process for professional users who need to deploy content across multiple channels, including commercial broadcast, corporate training portals, and subscription-based platforms.

    Subscription Tiers and Licensing Structure

    Voices, by Epidemic Sound is available through two subscription models, providing scalable access depending on content production volume and usage rights.

    • Pro Plan: Intended for freelancers, agencies, and businesses using voiceovers in monetized or client-facing content. Offers expanded usage rights and premium voice options.
    • Enterprise Plan: Developed for large-scale production teams and media organizations. Includes advanced features such as API access, team collaboration tools, and enhanced licensing flexibility.

    This tiered structure supports both individual users and larger operations, making it possible for content teams to integrate Voices, by Epidemic Sound into existing production workflows without significant friction.

    Addressing Trends in Content Automation

    Software Experts’ report places the emergence of tools like Voices within a larger context of AI adoption in digital content creation. As video and audio production become more decentralized, cloud-based tools that simplify narration and reduce dependency on traditional studio setups are becoming integral to creative operations.

    With a growing emphasis on rapid content deployment and global reach, businesses are turning to voice automation not only for speed but also for consistency in tone and messaging. Voices, by Epidemic Sound, addresses both of these trends, offering a tool that balances the quality of human voiceovers with the accessibility of AI.

    Market Outlook and Platform Developments

    Epidemic Sound continues to invest in expanding its catalog with new voices, styles, and soundtracking tools, with plans for additional language support, emotion-driven voice modulation, and even more streamlined workflows.

    As AI-generated media becomes more prevalent, platforms that emphasize creative control, licensing transparency, and production efficiency are expected to lead market growth. Voices, by Epidemic Sound, by leveraging its existing position in the audio licensing space, is strategically positioned to contribute to this evolution.

    The tool’s consistent updates, responsive user interface, and strong licensing framework are contributing to wider adoption across industry verticals, particularly in education, branded content, and media publishing.

    Recognition by Software Experts

    Software Experts’ review concluded that Voices, by Epidemic Sound addresses the main pain points found in other AI voice tools, particularly in the areas of usability, consistency, and creative flexibility, while staying true to authentic human performances. The recognition of the platform as the top AI voiceover tool in 2025 underscores its relevance to professionals seeking scalable solutions in the fast-changing digital media environment.

    The evaluation criteria included clarity of voice, editing functionality, licensing terms, and user experience. Voices, by Epidemic Sound, scored highly across all categories.

    For readers interested in a detailed breakdown of the platform’s features, pricing, and supported use cases, the full review is available at the Software Experts website.

    About Software Experts: Software Experts provides news and reviews of consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Software Experts may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Blockchain-based HUMO token backed by government bonds to be piloted in Uzbekistan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Uzbekistan is set to pilot a new asset-backed token, HUMO, tied to government bonds. The project aims to create innovative methods of attracting foreign investment, increase transparency of financial transactions, and establish an even more attractive investment environment.

    The HUMO token will be backed by government bonds. This structure is intended to provide price stability while minimizing speculative volatility – often a key concern for tokenized instruments.

    It should be noted that the project fully complies with the legislative requirements of the Republic of Uzbekistan regarding the circulation of crypto assets.

    Institutional anchors and technical foundations

    The project is being developed with support from several domestic and international partners. HUMO, the payment system serving over 35 million cardholders and widely integrated into the country’s banking and retail sectors, will serve as the foundation of the project. HUMO’s vast integration with banks and merchants naturally sets the token for mass adoption.

    Technical development is spreadheaded by Asterium, a local crypto service provider, and Broxus, blockchain infrastructure vendor. The project is planned to be launched based on two technologies – EVM and TVM. The technological foundation chosen for TVM is Tycho, a protocol that will ensure support for high loads, scalability, and cost-effective transactions. Tycho is built to support high throughput and low transaction costs, which is critical for potential government-scale use cases.

    Token benefits: Transparency, cost reduction, and integration

    The HUMO token aims to facilitate instant payments, reduce transaction fees, and improve transparency by recording operations on a public blockchain. According to project headliners, it may also help limit informal financial flows and improve the efficiency of cashless payments.

    Alexey Maksimov, Chairman of HUMO, noted that the launch of the HUMO-backed token is an important step towards building an innovative and modern financial system in Uzbekistan: “The creation of this token, fully backed by real assets, will help increase public trust, simplify transactions, and accelerate the development of the country’s digital economy. One of our key objectives is to enhance transparency and reduce the risk of fraud, which is especially important in the current environment.“

    Komilkhuzha Sultonov, Director of Asterium, described the initiative as a step towards integrating blockchain into everyday financial processes: “The HUMO token project lays the groundwork for a new financial system. We are creating a solid infrastructure that integrates modern technology into daily financial transactions, making interactions with crypto assets as simple and routine as it would be with traditional assets.”

    Broxus founder Sergey Shashev emphasized the importance of scalable and secure infrastructure: “We’re delighted to see Broxus technologies contributing to a project of such significance for the government.
    Our mission is to deliver solutions that make digital transactions safe, accessible and transparent, and the Tycho blockchain can achieve that while maintaining high transaction speeds, low fees and reliability required by projects at this level.”

    Looking ahead

    With linkage to real-world assets, the HUMO token may serve as a ground for broader blockchain integration into Uzbekistan’s financial system. In the future, the blockchain platform created within this project could serve as a basis for the development of new digital services in Uzbekistan.

    About HUMO

    National Interbank Processing Center of Uzbekistan (national payment system HUMO) is one of the leading financial infrastructures of Uzbekistan. Its main goal is to become a key financial hub not only in Central Asia but also beyond its borders.

    Since its inception, HUMO has demonstrated steady growth, actively expanding its payment services ecosystem and strengthening partnerships both domestically and internationally.

    Contact:
    Aleksey Maksimov
    Chairman of the Board of the National Interbank Processing Center (NMPC)
    info@humocard.uz

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by HUMO token. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.
    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6bae3662-1d63-4133-bced-52c87d1a4de8

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: North Carolina Sex Offender Indicted for Attempting to Entice 11-Year-Old Child to Engage in Sexual Activity

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces the return of an indictment charging Geoffrey Lee Dudding (39, Concord, NC) with attempting to entice an 11-year-old child to engage in sexual activity. If convicted, Dudding faces a minimum penalty of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison and a potential lifetime term of supervised release. Dudding is a registered child sex offender who was twice previously convicted in North Carolina – once of indecent liberty with a minor (2007) and of solicitation of a child by computer to commit an unlawful sex act (2024). 

    According to court documents, on January 13, 2025, an FBI agent (UC) in Jacksonville was conducting an undercover operation to identify individuals seeking to make online contact with and engage in sexual activity with children. Posing as the parent of an 11-year-old child, the UC posted several short messages in a public chatroom on an online social messaging platform (app). An individual using the name “metalh34d321,” who was subsequently identified as Dudding, contacted the UC by private text message on the app and expressed interest in the UC’s “daughter.” Dudding told the UC, “Let me know if ya ever down to let me do her.” Despite being advised several times that the “child” was 11 years old and lived in Florida, Dudding stated that he wanted to meet the “child” to “[h]ave a good time and sex.” Dudding described sexual acts that he wanted to perform on the “child” and sent the UC an explicit video of himself to show to the “child.”

    Dudding and the UC also communicated by cellphone text messaging. They discussed plans for Dudding to travel to Jacksonville so that he could engage in sexual activity with the “child.” Dudding told the UC that he would book a hotel room in Jacksonville.

    On May 8, 2025, Dudding was arrested by FBI agents in Concord, North Carolina. He was detained and will be transported by the United States Marshals Service to Jacksonville for prosecution in this case. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cabarrus County (North Carolina) Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: USNH Sigonella and USNMRTU Bahrain Honor Nurses with Blessing of the Hands Ceremonies

    Source: United States Navy (Medical)

    SIGONELLA, Italy – On May 6, 2025, United States Naval Hospital (USNH) Sigonella and U.S. Naval Medical Readiness and Training Unit (USNMRTU) Bahrain marked the beginning of Nurses Week with solemn Blessing of the Hands ceremonies—a cherished tradition that recognizes the sacred role of nurses and corpsmen in healing and compassionate care.

    The ceremonies, led by Navy chaplains at each location, served as a spiritual and symbolic gesture to affirm the healing mission at the heart of military medicine. At USNH Sigonella, Lieutenant Pedro Fernandez Soto guided staff through the ritual, while in Bahrain, Lieutenant Commander James Hardy facilitated the event for deployed and stationed personnel.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: EarthOptics Launches First Scalable MIR-Based Carbon Testing Solution, Significantly Cutting Costs, and Unlocking Access to Registry-Quality Soil Data

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EarthOptics, a leader in soil intelligence technology, today announced the commercial launch of its mid-infrared (MIR) carbon analysis solution—the first at-scale, registry-quality carbon test using MIR technology. This innovation slashes the cost of traditional carbon testing while delivering fast, reliable results that meet the high-integrity data needs of carbon markets, sustainability initiatives, and Scope 3 reporting.

    By integrating automated MIR spectroscopy workflows with soil texture analysis, EarthOptics new pathway streamlines testing from start to finish, reducing manual labor, increasing throughput, and dramatically accelerating carbon verification and modeling timelines.

    “This is a game-changer for soil carbon measurement,” said Lars Dyrud, CEO of EarthOptics. “For the first time, carbon project developers and sustainability leaders can access affordable, high-quality carbon data—at scale—without sacrificing rigor or accuracy.”

    Key Features and Benefits:

    • Registry-quality results suitable for Scope 3 reporting and potential Verra methodology compatibility
    • Faster turnaround times through highly automated MIR workflows
    • Much lower cost than traditional soil carbon testing methods
    • Includes soil texture analysis, enabling more precise modeling and management
    • Commercially scalable, providing access for large-acreage carbon projects and enterprise ESG efforts

    This launch unlocks new opportunities for carbon project developers, organic and regenerative brands, and corporate sustainability programs to scale their soil carbon initiatives without budgetary or logistical barriers. Whether for registry-approved credits or internal sustainability metrics, EarthOptics MIR solution delivers high-quality data at unmatched efficiency.

    “Our goal is to remove the barriers to widespread soil carbon measurement and accelerate climate-smart agriculture,” said Britt Buchanan, SVP of Sales at EarthOptics. “By offering soil texture and fertility insights at a low incremental price, we’re delivering comprehensive, lab-grade data at a fraction of traditional costs, making it easier than ever to scale climate-smart practices with confidence.”

    For more information on EarthOptics carbon testing or to inquire about partnerships, visit www.earthoptics.com.

    ABOUT EARTHOPTICS

    At EarthOptics, we see soil. Differently. EarthOptics leverages advances in soil-sensing technologies, genomics, and data science to give farmers and ranchers actionable insights into their soil’s chemical, physical, and biological properties. By combining cutting-edge lab-based analysis with leading field-based sensors, we unlock a wide range of predictive insights that help farmers and ranchers optimize their spending and unlock sustainable farming opportunities. EarthOptics has offices in Raleigh, North Carolina; Emeryville, California; Arlington and Blacksburg, Virginia; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Fayetteville, Arkansas, along with two laboratories in Emeryville, California, and Memphis, Tennessee. To learn more, visit www.EarthOptics.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: AutoScheduler Named Top 50 Logistics Technology Provider for 4th Consecutive Year

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AutoScheduler.AI, an innovative Warehouse Orchestration Platform and WMS accelerator, has been named a Top 50 Logistics Technology Provider by the American Journal of Transportation for the fourth consecutive year. Companies on the list include innovative solutions for transportation and warehousing operations. AutoScheduler.AI was selected for its AI-driven warehouse orchestration platform that dynamically orchestrates labor allocation, automation performance, and inventory workflows in real-time, delivering measurable productivity gains, lower costs, and improved customer service.

    “Being recognized by the American Journal of Transportation as a Top 50 Logistics Technology Provider for the fourth year in a row is an incredible honor,” says Keith Moore, CEO of AutoScheduler.AI. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our team and the real-world impact our platform delivers every day. We remain committed to transforming warehouse operations with intelligent orchestration and driving measurable value for our customers.”

    Driving the technological trajectory in the supply chain, the vendors on AJOT’s 2025 Top Fifty Tech Logistics Tech Providers list are leading a variety of digital tech trends this year, including integrated, data-driven logistics solutions; real-time visibility; predictive analytics; AI automation; AI-powered demand forecasting; and advanced GenAI.

    AutoScheduler aggregates data from existing WMS, ERP, MES, TMS, production scheduling, and automation systems to provide unified, real-time visibility across warehouse operations. It synchronizes every element of the warehouse to work together seamlessly, eliminating inefficiencies and bottlenecks and maximizing productivity while reducing costs.

    “AutoScheduler.AI’s consistent innovation and measurable impact on supply chains have solidified its position as a leader in logistics technology,” says Moore.

    About AutoScheduler.AI

    AutoScheduler.AI empowers you to take full control of your warehouse with a cloud-based solution that seamlessly integrates with your existing WMS/LMS/YMS or any other solution. We automate critical tasks like labor scheduling, dock management, and task sequencing, ensuring everything runs smoothly and efficiently. You’ve already invested in the software to run your warehouse—what we do is provide the orchestration layer that ties it all together to make real-time data driven decisions. With AutoScheduler.AI, you get smart orchestration for a smarter, more agile warehouse. For more information, visit: http://www.autoscheduler.ai.

    Contact:
    Becky Boyd
    MediaFirst PR
    Becky@MediaFirst.Net
    Cell: (404) 421-8497        

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Guelph General Hospital receives $300,000 from Alectra to assist in establishing a new women’s health diagnostic imaging centre

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, May 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Alectra Inc. is proud to announce a $300,000 contribution over five years to help establish a new community-based medical centre including a diagnostic imaging centre at Guelph General Hospital (GGH). This initiative marks a significant step forward in enhancing access to critical women’s health services for residents of Guelph and Wellington County.

    This new centre, focused on preventative screening, diagnostics and intervention, will serve as a hub for women’s health imaging including breast and bone density imaging. The funding from Alectra will support the purchase of a second mammography machine, significantly expanding capacity for breast cancer screening, diagnosis and treatment support. By locating the facility in a community-based setting, with accessible parking and transit, the medical centre will help eliminate common barriers that prevent women from accessing life-saving screening services.

    “As part of our ongoing commitment to the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve, Alectra is proud to continue its support for Guelph General Hospital with this transformative project,” said Brian Bentz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Alectra Inc. “This new community-based diagnostic imaging centre will significantly enhance access to preventative care, ensuring more women in the region benefit from early detection services that are crucial for saving lives.”

    As one of only three Breast Assessment Centres in the region, GGH’s new facility will help ease pressure on neighbouring hospitals and address the growing demand for services, especially now that Ontario has lowered the breast cancer screening age to 40. The innovative centre will provide a full continuum of care, guiding patients from screening to biopsy to surgery, and will serve individuals across Guelph and surrounding communities.

    Julie Byczynski, Foundation CEO, spoke to the significance of this support. “This exciting new GGH medical centre is a huge leap forward for access to imaging services for our community, and requires significant start-up funding to support the purchase and installation of the new equipment. Therefore, having this generous commitment from Alectra underscores the vital role that corporate partners can play in helping build stronger, healthier communities.” Byczynski continued, “in this initial phase of the centre, the additional mammogram capacity of Guelph General is a huge win for women’s health locally. Increasing access and early screening will save lives.”

    Through its AlectraCARES Community Support Program, Alectra has been supporting the GGH Foundation since 2021, including a previous contribution to the Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD). In 2022, Alectra furthered its commitment with a $180,000 donation to help reduce medical waste by funding the purchase of a new sterilization container system designed to minimize the waste generated from operating room surgeries.

    Guelph General Hospital announced in December 2024 that the medical centre would be located at the Speedvale Campus of Conestoga College in Guelph. With a fundraising goal of approximately $10 million, bringing this transformative vision to life will rely on the generosity of donors and strong community partnerships.

    About Alectra Inc.

    Serving more than one million homes and businesses in Ontario’s Greater Golden Horseshoe area, Alectra Utilities is now the largest municipally-owned electric utility in Canada, based on the total number of customers served. We contribute to the economic growth and vibrancy of the 17 communities we serve by investing in essential energy infrastructure, delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, and providing innovative energy solutions.

    X: https://x.com/alectranews

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alectranews/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alectranews/?hl=en

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/16178435/admin/

    Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alectranews.bsky.social

    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/alectranews

    Media Contact

    Ashley Trgachef, Media Spokesperson
    ashley.trgachef@alectrautilities.com | Telephone: 416.402.5469 | 24/7 Media Line: 1.833.MEDIA-LN

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3566edac-4318-414f-96f4-f61a641f75eb

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government celebrates geographers in seventh annual awards

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    Government celebrates geographers in seventh annual awards

    The seventh Geography in Government awards took place on 12 May 2025

    The seventh annual Geography in Government Awards took place on Monday 12 May 2025 at Geovation in London, celebrating the work done by members of the geography profession across the public sector.

    These awards reflect the importance of geography and spatial thinking in the design and delivery of public policy and celebrates the successes of our members, who come from a diverse range of organisations.

    This year had a record number of nominations across the seven categories, the winners of those categories were;

    Communication

    This award is in collaboration with the British Cartographic Society and recognises excellence in communication of geographic content.

    • English offshore Marine Protected Area (MPA) byelaw work (stage 2), Marine Management Organisation.

    Innovation (joint winners)

    This award recognises excellence by a team or individual in advancing geography through the introduction and/or implementation of innovative methods.

    • Mapping peatland using AI and machine learning, Natural England
    • AI Predicted Historic Woodlands, Welsh Government

    Knowledge Driven Policy Making

    This award recognises the application of geographic knowledge and skills to develop excellent domestic or international policy-making in action and have an impact.

    • National Infrastructure Spatial Tool, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

    Local Impact

    This award is in collaboration with Geoplace and recognises the breadth and depth of geographical work undertaken at a local or regional level.

    • Report It, Westminster City Council

    Making a Difference (joint winners)

    This award recognises projects, teams or individuals whose efforts support sustained ‘business as usual’ work.

    • Improvements to Great Britain 1:50,000 air charts, Defence Geographic Centre, MOD
    • Cultural Lighting product to assist Amphibious Operations, Scotia Kaczor, UK Hydrographic Office

    Leading by Example

    This award recognises a team or individual who has made a difference within their work area through the application of geography or through promoting geography.

    • Transforming data processing in the marine domain to improve customer experience, Andrew Talbot, UK Hydrographic Office

    Rising Star

    This award is in collaboration with the Association for Geographic Information – Early Careers Network.

    This award is to recognise someone in the first five years of their career as a geographer in government or a public sector organisation, who has gone above and beyond what would be expected for someone of their experience or has championed the importance of applying a geographic approach.

    The three rising stars this year were;

    • Jasmine Elliot, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
    • Tyde D’Souza, Office for National Statistics
    • Gabriella Fasoli, Natural England

    Winner of Government in Geography Award 2025

    From all of the category winners, the winner of the Geography in Government Awards 2025, was won by;

    • National Infrastructure Spatial Tool, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

    The decision was announced at the ceremony, but they will also be presented with their award at the prestigious Royal Geographical Society (with IBG) medals and awards ceremony in June.

    David Wood, Head of Government Geography Profession said:

    It is great to recognise the outstanding contributions of our Government Geography Profession members every year. The awards emphasise the importance of space and place in policy design and implementation.

    If you are a crown, civil or public servant applying geographic principles in your work and would like to become a member of the Government Geography Profession, you can join via our members site.

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    Published 13 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Tuberville on Kudlow: “We’re so fortunate to have President Trump”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alabama Tommy Tuberville
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined Larry Kudlow on Fox Business to discuss how President Trump is delivering wins for the American people left and right.
    Read excerpts from the interview below or watch on YouTube or Rumble.

    KUDLOW: “The great Alabama Senator, Mr. Tommy Tuberville. Senator Tuberville, welcome, sir, as always. You know, Charles Payne was on in the first segment of the show, and he was talking about ‘Pax Americana’ and, you know, listing things that Mr. Trump is getting done. India, Pakistan, perhaps a ceasefire deal, the last American hostage being released by Hamas, the potential for, you know, Zelensky-Putin meeting, Trump himself might broker it. President Trump will be in the Middle East and maybe something is cooking with Iran. Is there a ‘Pax Americana’ back on? Is Mr. Trump reordering the chaos of the world under Biden into something resembling, you know, peace and prosperity and America first?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Yeah, Larry. Don’t forget about the Abraham Accords. I think that might be one of the reasons he’s going to see the Saudis and bounce around the Middle East, but I don’t know how he keeps up with it. It’s hard for us here in the States to keep up with what’s going on. From the tariffs to the wars to the, you know, great big beautiful bill—it is mind boggling. But I’m enjoying every bit of bit of it. The Democrats are running for cover. We dealt for four years with somebody that had no negotiation skills. Now we got somebody that just loves to do it. He eats and breathes it, and we’re so fortunate to have President Trump as President.”
    KUDLOW: “So, think about this, on the home front, I guess, but it’s also international affairs. Basically, in the same four- or five-day period, we got a very good trade deal with the United Kingdom, and we have a 90-day pause and a significant easing of tariffs with China and the US. What do you make of that?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, and there’s about 30 to 35 [countries] Larry. I know for a fact they’re lined up ready to make deals with the United States. We’re controlling it, and we should, you know—[…] we’re the grocery store of the world. You know, we make everything in terms of being able to make it available to other people. Now, we’ve got to get in the manufacturing business again—that’s what President Trump’s doing all this for. But we’ve got to be choosy with it. But in my state of Alabama, I have people coming every day about new manufacturing ideas [saying] ‘We wanna move it here from either Ireland or Germany.’ It is amazing how much busier we are here in the Senate as Republicans [who are] wanting to bring [manufacturing] back and on the contrary of what the Democrats just tried to say, ‘No, we don’t want you here. We wanna raise all of our food out of the country, put our farmers out of business.’ It is totally different than what it was six months ago.”
    KUDLOW: “So, nobody really talks much about it, but President Trump has raised $4 or $5 trillion dollars for American investment. He’s gone to the Middle East and so forth. He’ll probably raise, I don’t know, a couple trillion dollars more. I’m just guessing, but that’s part of the deal. The tax changes, the tax policy coming out of the Ways and Means Committee will provide incentives for those people who invest in the United States. So, there’s a tide of onshoring that seems to be coming not only from foreign relations and trade relations, but also just tax incentive relations. Where, you know, this is unheard of. This is unseen. It all goes hand in glove. Trump is taking advantage of this. What do you make of it? Can it all pass the Senate? I guess that’s my final thought. Is it gonna get through the Senate?”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, all the tax incentives normally come from the states, in which they still do. President Trump’s doing it on a national level. You know, the Opportunity Zones, all those things that he’s put into place. But right now, they’re negotiating [potential reforms to] Medicare, Medicaid, all the things that everybody are a little bit worried about. But always remember this—there’s really, as we’ve looked at all this, it’s all about reform. We have algorithms now that can go into the Social Security and Medicare and Medicaid that can be hooked up to these machines that can make sure that we can cut out all this fraud and all this nonsense with people getting on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, that shouldn’t be on it. We’re not in the 20th century. This is the 21st century, and all those things will kick in this year. You don’t hear much talk about AI in that area, but Larry, we will get it passed. It’s gonna be tough. We have to get cuts. We cannot pass a bill that does not have cuts in it. We’ve got to cut back somewhere close to the 2019 budget [spending levels]. And if we don’t do that, I don’t know how we can save the country, but President Trump is all for that, but he wants to do it in the right spot.”
    KUDLOW: “But, Senator Tuberville, you know, able-bodied young men should not be on Medicaid. They should not be on Medicaid and the expansion of eligibility. So that’s not a cut really, sir. That’s enforcing the eligibility mandate, which Barack Obama tried to break. Now you all have a chance to put it back together again. And Medicaid is still gonna grow significantly. It’s just gonna grow by slightly less. It’s not really a cut. It’s just a slowdown in the phenomenal, bankrupting growth.”
    TUBERVILLE: “Well, illegals are on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Everything that goes along with people that, as you said, are sitting around at home, watching The View on television, getting [EBT] cards, food stamps, and on Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid—that’s got to be over with. Our country is not gonna make it. We cannot afford [for] that to happen, and President Trump is all about that. That’s what the House is pushing very hard. All the reforms that you just talked about have to be in there, but we cannot afford to take care of the world. Let’s take care of the people in this country first and then we might be able to help outside our borders.”
    KUDLOW: “Actually, [if] we cut taxes and spending and have an investment-led boom and onshoring, the rest of the world might copy us. That’s what happened under Reagan. Anyway, Senator Tommy Tommy Tuberville. Thank you, sir, as always. We appreciate your wisdom.”
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: NEWS: Sanders Releases Report Documenting Trump’s War on Science

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, May 13 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today released a new report uncovering the far-reaching scope of Trump’s attacks on science and their impact on public health.
    “Since January, Trump has launched an unprecedented, illegal and outrageous attack on science and scientists. Trump is not only denying scientific truth but actively seeking to undermine it,” said Sanders. “That is beyond unacceptable.  This is a war we cannot allow Trump to win. Far too many lives are at stake.”
    The report finds that Trump officials effectively cut $2.7 billion in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding in the first three months of 2025 – including a 31 percent cut to cancer research through March, compared to the same timeframe last year.
    “Trump’s war on science is an attack against anyone who has ever loved someone with cancer,” said Sanders. “The American people do not want us to slash cancer research in order to give more tax breaks for billionaires.”
    The report draws on HELP Committee Minority Staff’s interviews with dozens of federal scientists, workers, and experts to explain how Trump officials are suppressing what scientists can say, controlling how scientists work together, and erasing scientific data. Among those interviewed:
    One doctor said, “purging public health agency websites of data” would leave health care workers “without vetted guidance on how to treat patients.”
    Staff at the NIH Clinical Center explained how clinical care had been abruptly interrupted, and said, “Initially, we had whole labs full of people that were fired. Complete chaos. Nobody had any idea if their tests were being run. This administration has a lot of blood on their hands. We’re not political people. We just want to take care of people.”
    One former HHS official said, “I chose to go into federal service because I care about people. I want to be able to answer to the taxpayer, not the shareholder.”
    Multiple officials confirmed that scientific communication with the World Health Organization has been severely restricted.
    Trump’s arbitrary firings of HHS workers are already threatening the health and well-being of tens of millions of seniors, children, and working families.  For example, HHS has fired:
    A division at FDA that helped millions of Americans get faster access to low-cost generic prescription drugs;
    A team at CDC that supported states responding to environmental health threats like pollution, wildfires, and lead in drinking water; and
    Critical staff in NIH’s clinical cell-therapy program, delaying treatment for patients with advanced cancer. One Stage IV cancer patient said, “The reality is that by reducing money and staff, the NIH will not be able to produce my treatment and it might cost me my life. That does not sound like an administration that cares about its people.”
    The report documents how Trump officials have undermined the important role that vaccines play in preventing disease during the single largest measles outbreak in over 25 years –  with 1,001 cases reported, 126 hospitalizations, and 3 deaths.
    Trump officials have also lied about the consequences of their actions. Elon Musk says “no one” has died from the foreign aid freeze. But researchers estimate nearly 200,000 people have already died, and a global vaccine program estimates 1.2 million children – equivalent to 60,000 classrooms of kids – will die because of cuts that will save taxpayers 0.005 percent of the federal budget.
    “Let’s be clear. Trump’s war on science is not making America healthy again. It is making Americans and people throughout the world sicker,” said Sanders. “This must end. Congress, the scientific community, and the American people must stand up and fight back.”
    Read the report here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 14, 2025
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