NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Lee Urge DOJ to Investigate Fanatics-Ticketmaster Agreement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Lee (R-UT) are urging the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division to investigate the recent Live Nation-Ticketmaster and Fanatics agreement that would allow Ticketmaster to sell secondary tickets to sporting events through the Fanatics sports app despite reports that Fanatics explored entering the ticket resale market itself. 
    “We write to express our concern that Live Nation-Ticketmaster has entered yet another concerning transaction that may undermine competition, deter innovation, and ultimately harm consumers seeking to buy tickets online,” wrote the Senators. “Last month, reporting indicated that Live Nation-Ticketmaster and Fanatics reached an agreement that would allow Ticketmaster to sell secondary tickets to sporting events through the Fanatics sports app.”
    “This deal may raise competitive concerns, especially in light of Live Nation-Ticketmaster’s history of anticompetitive conduct detailed in the Justice Department’s lawsuit against Live Nation, which cites numerous transactions to “eliminate rivals, expand its network, and grow its moat,” in addition to a track record of charging high fees to consumers,” the Senators continued. “Though not an acquisition, this deal appears that it may have the effect of eliminating a potential rival in secondary sports ticket sales, expanding its ticketing network, and growing its moat through anticompetitive means.”
    The full letter is available here and below. 
    Dear Assistant Attorney General Slater,
    We write to express our concern that Live Nation-Ticketmaster has entered yet another concerning transaction that may undermine competition, deter innovation, and ultimately harm consumers seeking to buy tickets online.
    Last month, reporting indicated that Live Nation-Ticketmaster and Fanatics reached an agreement that would allow Ticketmaster to sell secondary tickets to sporting events through the Fanatics sports app. This deal may raise competitive concerns, especially in light of Live Nation Ticketmaster’s history of anticompetitive conduct detailed in the Justice Department’s lawsuit against Live Nation, which cites numerous transactions to “eliminate rivals, expand its network, and grow its moat,” in addition to a track record of charging high fees to consumers. Though not an acquisition, this deal appears that it may have the effect of eliminating a potential rival in secondary sports ticket sales, expanding its ticketing network, and growing its moat through anticompetitive means.
    Since its founding in 2002, Fanatics has grown exponentially, disrupting various sports-related markets, including those for officially licensed merchandise, sports memorabilia, and trading cards. Recently, Fanatics announced an ambitious plan to “evolve into a leading global digital sports platform,” seeking to become a one-stop shop for sports fans. To this end, Fanatics has secured official licensing deals with major sports leagues, acquired Topps trading cards, and launched Fanatics Collectibles and Fanatics Betting and Gaming, where it claims to serve “approximately 95% of the addressable online sports bettor market in the U.S.” In short, Fanatics has a strong track record of aggressive expansion into new sports-related markets and appeared poised to enter the online ticketing market for sporting events as a potential competitor to Ticketmaster.
    But instead of using its expertise in developing complex online marketplaces and its strong relationships with every major sports league in the country to enter the online ticketing market, Fanatics instead partnered with a company that the Justice Department has found controls more than 70 percent of all primary tickets sold from NBA and NHL arenas and has “a growing share of ticket resales in the secondary market.” Reporting about the deal confirms that Fanatics “explored possible M&A, and it also looked into building its own platform before settling on the Ticketmaster partnership.”
    While the terms of the deal are not public, that Fanatics entered an agreement with an online ticketing monopolist, rather than innovate, disrupt, and compete themselves as they have in numerous other sports-related markets, raises significant questions about whether Live Nation-Ticketmaster used its monopoly power to prevent Fanatics from entering the online ticketing market, depriving consumers of the benefits of competition. Given Live Nation-Ticketmaster’s long history of anticompetitive conduct, we urge you to look into this deal to determine if any antitrust laws were broken and whether consumers were illegally denied the benefits of new competition in this market.
    We appreciate your attention to this important issue. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man Charged with Threatening Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Her Family

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

    ATLANTA – Aliakbar Mohammad Amin has been arrested and charged pursuant to a criminal complaint with transmitting interstate threats to injure Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard and her family. 

    “Threatening to harm public officials is a criminal act that cannot be excused as political discourse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr.  “Our Office, in coordination with our law enforcement partners, will vigorously prosecute individuals who commit these acts of violence.”

    “The FBI sees all threatening communications as a serious federal offense. We will employ every investigative tool and resource available to identify those responsible and ensure they are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Paul Brown, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. “Let this arrest serve as a clear warning: if you engage in this kind of criminal behavior, you will be caught and you will go to prison.”

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the complaint, and other information presented in court: Between March 29 and April 1, 2025, Amin allegedly sent text messages that included threats against DNI Gabbard and her husband, including the following statements: 

    • “You and your family are going to die soon” and “I will personally do the job if necessary.”
    • “Death to America means death to America literally, Tulsi is living on borrowed time.
    • “The home you two own . . . is a legitimate target and will be hit at a time and place of our choosing.”
    • “Prepare to die, you, Tulsi, and everyone you hold dear. America will burn.”

    During the investigation, federal agents also discovered similar threats allegedly made by Amin in social media posts, including an image depicting a firearm pointed at a photograph of DNI Gabbard,  and a second image of a firearm pointed at a photograph of DNI Gabbard and her husband. Federal agents later recovered a firearm while executing a warrant to search Amin’s home.

    Aliakbar Mohammad Amin, 24, of Lilburn, Georgia, was charged on April 11, 2025, via a previously sealed criminal complaint alleging a violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 875(c). He was ordered detained pending trial by a U.S. Magistrate Judge after making his initial appearance in federal court.

    This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    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 –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort McMurray — Wood Buffalo RCMP investigate flight from police, seize guns

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Mar. 25, 2025 at approximately 3 p.m., Wood Buffalo RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) were conducting patrols in downtown Fort McMurray when they noted a speeding vehicle leaving the area. CRU continued to observe the vehicle, a red GMC Acadia, and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Thickwood Drive in Fort McMurray. The vehicle failed to stop for Police, proceeded to Timberline Drive and onto Gladstone Drive. Wood Buffalo RCMP Police Dog Services attended, pre-emptively blocking the path of the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle slowed and attempted to flee by reversing into police. The suspect was not successful. RCMP were able to prevent the vehicle from fleeing any further and arrested the six occupants of the vehicle without further incident. There were no injuries to any occupants or police and only minor damage to the police vehicle.

    During a subsequent search of the vehicle incidental to arrest, Police located and seized:

    • Loaded 12-gauge shotgun

    • Pellet style handgun

    • Hard body armour

    A 35-year-old individual, a resident of Fort McMurray, is facing charges:

    • Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon

    • Possession of a Firearm in a vehicle

    • Operation while Prohibited

    • Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle

    • Two Counts Possession of a Weapon contrary to an order

    • Flight from Police

    • Three counts Fail to Comply with Release Order

    The 35-year-old individual was held for a judicial interim release order. He was remanded into custody and is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on March 27, 2025.

    A 33-year-old individual, a resident of Fort McMurray, is facing charges:

    • Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon

    • Possession of a Firearm in a vehicle

    • Fail to comply with Probation Order

    • Three counts Fail to Comply with Release Order

    The 33-year-old individual was held for a judicial interim release order. He was remanded into custody and is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on March 27, 2025.

    A 42-year-old individual, a resident of Fort McMurray, is facing charges:

    • Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon

    • Possession of a Firearm in a vehicle

    • Possession of Weapon contrary to Order

    • Five counts Fail to Comply with Release Order

    The 42-year-old individual was held for a judicial interim release order. He was remanded into custody and is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on March 27, 2025.

    A 33-year-old individual, a resident of Fort McMurray, is facing charges:

    • Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon

    • Possession of a Firearm in a vehicle

    • Two counts Fail to Comply with Release Order

    The 33-year-old individual was held for a judicial interim release order. She was remanded into custody and is set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on March 27, 2025.

    The other two vehicle occupants were released from police custody on Appearance Notices. Both females, who cannot be named until an Information is sworn, are set to appear in the Alberta Court of Justice in Fort McMurray on April 30, 2025.

    Wood Buffalo RCMP continue to investigate the incident. RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911. If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Security Education Day held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Activities for 2025 National Security Education Day were launched at the Convention & Exhibition Centre today.

    In his keynote speech, delivered via video link at the opening ceremony, CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong said China had achieved historic successes in national security work over the past decade, while Hong Kong had gone through an extraordinary journey from chaos to governance and then from governance to greater prosperity.

    Mr Xia highlighted three “beliefs” in his speech. The first belief is that the national security institutions of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will resolutely shoulder the sacred mission of maintaining national security and further strengthen the solid barrier for national security.

    The second belief is that all sectors of Hong Kong can actively fulfil their obligation to maintain national security and jointly protect the city.

    While the third belief is that the business community and entrepreneurs can make Hong Kong their home, build their businesses, and contribute to both Hong Kong and the country with more practical actions.

    Mr Xia also mentioned that many Hong Kong officials have been unreasonably sanctioned by the US for their work in maintaining national security, but added that they are steadfastly fulfilling their duties and willing to sacrifice their own interests for the benefit of the country.

    He expressed hope that the Hong Kong business community and entrepreneurs would continue to play a leading role in driving economic development, carry forward the tradition of patriotism and love for Hong Kong, correctly understand the relationship between their own enterprises and the development of both Hong Kong and the nation, and uphold righteousness and never forget national interests.

    Chief Executive and Hong Kong National Security Committee Chairman John Lee supplemented that the international landscape is complex and fast changing, noting that threats to national security can appear suddenly.

    He called for vigilance when embracing immense challenges and making preparations in four areas: resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the “one country, two systems” principle; thoroughly implement the holistic approach to national security; continuously improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security; and actively promote by way of education across society the need to safeguard national security of our own accord.

    Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong Director and National Security Committee National Security Advisor Zheng Yanxiong also attended the activities.

    He emphasised in his speech the need to further strengthen the foundation for the awareness of safeguarding national security, to better co-ordinate high-quality development with high-level security, and to actively pursue Hong Kong’s important mission.

    To mark the 10th National Security Education Day, the National Security Exhibition Gallery launched an expo last month on national security education advanced by both the country and the Hong Kong SAR Government over the years.

    Meanwhile, about 3,000 tutors have completed training under the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme launched in November last year and shared national security messages with over 120,000 people in the community. 

    Additionally, the “Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge” has introduced an English section for non-Chinese speaking secondary school students this academic year.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: EIA projections show U.S. energy consumption decreasing in the near term, increasing after early 2040s

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
    WASHINGTON DC 20585

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    April 15, 2025

    U.S. energy consumption decreases in the next several years and doesn’t increase again until the early 2040s through 2050, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s Annual Energy Outlook 2025 (AEO2025). U.S. energy consumption in 2050 is lower than in 2024 in most of the scenarios modeled in AEO2025, but the range of outcomes varies significantly based on the underlying assumptions in the scenarios EIA analyzed.

    AEO2025 explores long-term energy trends in the United States. It relies on a Reference case that assumes laws and regulations in effect as of December 2024 remain in effect through 2050. AEO2025 also includes scenario-based analyses of separate side cases that make various other assumptions about the energy sector:

    • The Alternative Electricity case assumes electric generators can operate under regulations that existed prior to April 2024, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) implemented a new rule targeting carbon dioxide emissions from new and existing generating units.
    • The Alternative Transportation case assumes recent rules targeting vehicle fuel economy and emissions from the EPA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the California Air Resource Board are not in place.
    • The High Oil Price case assumes the price of Brent crude oil increases to $155 per barrel (b) in 2050, compared with $91/b in the Reference case and $47/b in the Low Oil Price case.
    • The High Oil and Gas Supply case assumes ultimate recovery for new tight oil, tight gas, or shale gas wells are 50% higher than in the Reference case. The case also assumes 50% higher undiscovered resources in Alaska and offshore fields. Technological improvement is assumed to be 50% faster. The Low Oil and Gas Supply case assumes the converse.
    • The Low Zero-Carbon Technology Cost case assumes faster cost declines for zero-emissions electricity-generating technologies resulting in 40% lower costs in 2050 than in the Reference case. The High Zero-Carbon Technology Cost case assumes no additional cost reductions with additional deployment.
    • The High Economic Growth case assumes the compound annual growth rate for U.S. GDP is 2.1% through 2050, compared with 1.2% in the Low Economic Growth case and 1.8% in the Reference case.

    For AEO2025, EIA significantly updated the model that underpins the results, adding a hydrogen market module; a carbon capture, allocation, transportation, and sequestration module; and an enhanced upstream oil and natural gas resources module. EIA also enhanced many existing modules to better reflect market dynamics and emerging technologies.

    The full Annual Energy Outlook 2025 is available on the EIA website, including full projection tables, a brief narrative, and a detailed description of the assumptions used in each case.

    The product described in this press release was prepared by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. By law, EIA’s data, analysis, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. government. The views in the product and this press release therefore should not be construed as representing those of the U.S. Department of Energy or other federal agencies.

    EIA Press Contact: Chris Higginbotham, EIAMedia@eia.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Anderson Man Found Guilty of Impersonating Homeland Security Officer and Possessing Molotov Cocktails

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    INDIANAPOLIS— A federal jury has found Joshua W. Stearman, 42, of Anderson, Indiana, guilty of unlawfully possessing incendiary bombs, commonly referred to as Molotov cocktails, and falsely impersonating an officer or employee of the United States.

    According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, on December 12, 2023, at approximately 1:47 a.m., a police officer in Ingalls, Indiana, was dispatched to an address that had recently been vandalized multiple times, including with fires set in the driveway and inside the mailbox at that address. Dispatch received a report of a suspicious man walking toward the house carrying something but who ran back to his red Toyota RAV4 when the house’s security lights came on.

    The officer located the RAV4 and pulled it over. As the officer approached, Stearman pressed against the window his ID as well as an unknown government identification that included a government seal at the bottom. Repeatedly, Stearman claimed he was a Homeland Security Officer returning from a “mission.” Stearman was wearing black gloves with black duct tape around his wrists.

    Eventually, Stearman exited the vehicle and was placed in custody. Inside the vehicle, officers found four bottles containing a yellow-brown liquid that gave off an odor of fuel, as well as what appeared to be small pieces of wood or kindling inside of them. All four had a piece of cloth or fabric sticking out from under the cap. Officers also found a lighter in the vehicle.

    During the trial, experts from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) testified about their analysis of the four bottles. An ATF Forensic Chemist testified that she had analyzed the liquid inside the bottles, and each was found to contain gasoline. Then, an ATF Destructive Device Examiner testified how each of the bottles was designed to be used as an incendiary bomb: The wick is ignited by an open flame and the device is thrown against a surface, with the intent that the ignitable liquid and wooden sticks inside will spread fire to a combustible surface against which it was thrown.  Incendiary bombs, commonly known as Molotov cocktails, are a type of destructive device that is generally unlawful to possess under federal law.

    The ATF and Ingalls Police Department investigated this case, with valuable assistance provided by Lapel, Indiana Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Chief U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt presided over the trial and will sentence Stearman at a later date.

    Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayson W. McGrath and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Nate Walter, who are prosecuting this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Yatahey Man Faces Federal Charges for Sexual Assault

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Yatahey man is facing charges in federal court in connection with a violent sexual assault.

    According to court documents, on March 29, 2025, Jane Doe reported that she has been sexually assaulted the day before by Fernando Brown, 34, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Following the assault, Jane Doe was transported to Gallup Indian Medical Center for treatment. When questioned by law enforcement, Brown allegedly admitted to continuing sexual activity after Jane Doe repeatedly told him to stop and also disclosed prior instances of physical violence against Doe.

    Brown is charged with aggravated sexual abuse and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been set. If convicted of the current charges, Brown faces up to life in prison.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Ramah-Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jordan is prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Red Deer — Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team execute search warrant

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On March 19, 2025, the Red Deer RCMP Crime Reduction Team executed a search warrant on a residence in the Rosedale neighbourhood of Red Deer. As a result of the search warrant, police have seized approximately 800 grams of cocaine, packing materials, a digital scale and approximately $14,495 of Canadian currency.

    A youth (16) was arrested on scene and was found in possession of 16 pre-packaged bags of cocaine and 2 spitballs of cocaine. The youth, who cannot be named under Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with the following offences:

    • Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking

    • Proceeds of crime over $5000

    • Illegal possession of government documents

    The youth was taken before a Justice of the Peace and was released on a Release Order with conditions. They are scheduled to appear in court on April 3, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer.

    “This arrest is part of our ongoing efforts to disrupt street level drug trafficking within Red Deer. Drug trafficking poses a threat to the safety and well-being of everyone, and we are committed to holding those involved responsible,” said Sgt. Robert Daisley. “We encourage anyone who sees suspicious activity to report it. If you see something, say something”

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: What caused the crisis at British Steel?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Hossein Zarei, Assistant Professor of Operations Management, Aston University

    The two blast furnaces at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant are the last of their kind in the UK. Baxter Media/Shutterstock

    The two blast furnaces at British Steel’s Scunthorpe plant in England are the last of their kind in the UK. The UK steel industry was once a world leader, powering the industrial revolution. But these days it is in crisis.

    The Chinese owner of the plant, Jingye Group, stopped ordering the raw materials needed for steel production and recently announced the furnaces would close down for good. Around 2,700 jobs are at risk at the plant – which is reportedly losing £700,000 a day.

    In response, the UK government introduced emergency powers to take control of production in a scramble to stop the furnaces from going cold. But its future remains uncertain.

    So why couldn’t the government just buy the raw materials needed to keep the furnaces burning? With steel, there are peculiarities around the production and supply chain.

    Virgin steel is the strongest form of the material and is used in key industries like railways, construction and manufacturing. It will be vital for the government’s ambitions to invest in UK infrastructure, from housing to green energy. Virgin steel is made using the extreme heat from a blast furnace, which must run 24 hours a day all year round.

    Manufacturing in other industries can be paused when demand goes down and then resumed once products are needed again. But for blast furnaces, if paused, the molten iron inside solidifies. And once reheated, it expands and cracks the furnace.

    To keep the blast furnaces running, it needs steady supplies (and “steady” is a key word here) of coking coal and iron ore. These are the two main raw materials needed for virgin steel.

    Planning for a steady supply requires inventory management, a science that aims to avoid either over-supply or shortages in the production process.

    Within inventory management, there are various models. For the steel industry, the “economic order quantity” model minimises the costs of ordering and holding raw materials to work out the best order size.

    When ordering costs go up, for example, due to increased shipping costs, the model adjusts the order size by buying larger batches. This should eventually keep the total inventory cost to a minimum.

    Ordering steel supplies builds on models like this, accompanied by other inventory management techniques. This ensures that costs are minimised while keeping enough iron ore and coking coal on hand to keep the furnaces burning.

    This is opposite to the “just-in-time” model, which recommends smaller quantities are ordered only when and where needed. Models like just-in-time are a better fit further downstream in supply chains, closer to the end customers. Here there is more variability in demand as customers’ tastes change.



    Read more:
    The past, present and uncertain future of the UK’s steel industry

    Virgin steel, on the other hand, follows a much more stable demand pattern. It prioritises cost-efficiency over agility.

    But problems arise when supply chains are distorted by external factors. The UK government has questioned whether Jingye was guilty of neglecting the plant. There is no doubt that if the furnaces in Scunthorpe went cold, the UK would become the only country in the G7 without the ability to produce its own virgin steel.

    It would then have to turn to China, the single largest global producer of steel (subsidised by the Chinese state), for imports.

    Where did it go wrong?

    Research on geopolitical tensions in supply chains shows that larger firms often adopt a “wait and see” strategy, rather than a proactive one in the face of these tensions. And geopolitical risks are less damaging to firms that have planned their supply chain resilience better, and that have greater cash holdings.

    Both of these were overlooked at British Steel, which has been struggling with financial problems and inefficient planning in recent years.

    Research on supply chains also shows that in the face of disruptions, firms can reconfigure their supplier networks. They can adopt a more diversified base of suppliers, create parallel supply chains, and consider reshoring (moving operations back from overseas).

    Again, the opposite is true for British Steel. It transitioned from domestic coking coal suppliers to international ones due to stricter UK environmental regulations and cheaper prices overseas.

    Another factor is lead times – the time from when an order is placed until it reaches the plant’s gate. Unlike the downstream of the supply chain, which is based on agile response to changing customer demands (the “pull” concept), the upstream of supply chains, where commodities like steel are manufactured, works in anticipation of demand (“push”) for the weeks and even months to come.

    Here, the lead times are long and cost-efficiency, not responsiveness, is the main objective. For steel production supplies, the lead time is around 45 days in normal times. The government has been able to secure emergency shipments from US, Australia and Sweden to tackle the supply shortage for now.

    But there are other factors that exacerbate British Steel’s problems. The 25% tariffs imposed by the US on steel imports and fears of a global trade war may drive down the already declining global demand for steel.

    The energy demands of blast furnaces are immense.
    ABCDstock/Shutterstock

    Second, producing virgin steel in blast furnaces is extremely energy-intensive compared to other methods of production like electric arc furnaces (although these cannot produce virgin steel). And the UK already has higher energy costs than rival steel-producing nations.

    Third, after years of apparent neglect, the Scunthorpe furnaces are now near the end of their lives. They should retire soon, even without Jingye’s decision to shut them down. All these elements have accelerated British Steel’s loss of competitive edge, leading to it filing those huge daily losses.

    Supply chain issues compounded by global tensions and an uncertain market create a perfect storm for the demise of British Steel. Government efforts to secure supplies are half measures that will merely keep the old furnaces operational for another few years. Whether it is eventually nationalised or acquired by a new parent company, the long-term sustainability of British Steel lies in investment in newer, greener virgin steel production methods – and getting a hold of the supply chain.

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

    – ref. What caused the crisis at British Steel? – https://theconversation.com/what-caused-the-crisis-at-british-steel-254557

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: If we must bring back extinct species, let’s focus on the giant herbivores

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Timothy Neal Coulson, Professor of Zoology and Joint Head of Department of Biology, University of Oxford

    The American genetic engineering firm Colossal Biosciences recently announced to much fanfare it had “de-extincted” the dire wolf, a canine species that was wiped out around 10,000 years ago. However, the three animals it presented are actually modern grey wolves with some genetic modifications.

    Regardless of whether you consider them dire wolves or not, Colossal Bioscience made the interesting claim that it had genetically engineered lost ecological function. This made me ponder what ecological functions are missing from today’s ecosystems as a result of extinctions we have caused.

    By ecological function, I am referring to the way all animals have some sort of influence on the ecosystems they inhabit. Honeybees and many other insects pollinate flowering plants, beavers build dams that create ponds and alter the flow rate of streams, elephants knock over trees helping to keep savannas open, and ants and termites shift vast amounts of soil and help decompose plant litter.

    It is not clear to me what functions Colossal’s genetically engineered wolves might have that is different from grey wolves, but it is hypothetically possible they would hunt different animals in different ways or places. With only three wolves, they are unlikely to have the statistical power to compellingly demonstrate any new ecological effects. But nonetheless, the idea that these wolves may play different ecological roles from grey wolves is more compelling than the claim they have brought back the dire wolf.

    One group of animals that have ecological functions that are oversized as they, are those that weigh more than half a tonne. These animals have also been hit hard by humans, and many species went extinct in the past few tens of thousands of years.

    Each time our ancestors colonised new continents as they spread around the world from Africa, large animals were driven to extinction at a higher rate than smaller ones. Giant ground sloths, mammoths and elephants, giant bison and tapirs, even species of massive armadillos and camels all died out in the millennia after humans arrived in the Americas.

    The rhino-sized giant armadillo Doedicurus survived in South America until 7,000 or so years ago.
    Daniel Eskridge / shutterstock

    Australia lost all its large animals, including a giant wombat-relative called diprotodon, giant short-faced kangaroos, and a marsupial that resembled a huge tapir. Along with these massive herbivores, marsupial lions that evolved from a lineage of herbivores, terrestrial crocodiles, giant constrictor snakes and huge monitor lizards were also lost. Europe and Asia similarly lost many large species when our ancestors settled these lands.

    The whole world was once like Africa

    Africa is the only continent to maintain lots of large herbivores, including rhinos, elephants, hippos, giraffes and buffalo. However, even on the continent where we evolved, losses occurred. Gone is a giant gnu-like beast and at least one elephant species, extinctions both attributed by some scientists to our ancestors.

    In Africa, the remaining giant herbivores play important ecological roles that have been lost elsewhere in the world. Elephants knock down trees keeping savannas open, while hippos create grazing lawns on land and add nutrients to the water through their dung, fuelling aquatic food chains.

    Until relatively recently, much of the world had huge animals like Africa.
    Rita Willaert / flickr, CC BY-NC-SA

    All giant herbivores trample vegetation and riverbanks and are key players in nutrient cycling thanks to the vast quantities of faeces they produce. They can also help disperse seeds and generate a mix of different habitats. These processes can determine how often an area is burned by wildfire, the type of ecosystem in an area, and can indirectly affect weather patterns and climate.

    The loss of these large animals, particularly in Australia, led to very significant changes in ecosystems ranging from tropical forests to deserts. Cycles of fires and nutrients changed with the extinction of giant herbivores, and the loss of all the apex predators led to an increase in grazing and browsing pressure from smaller herbivores including kangaroos, wallabies and koalas. This made it harder to avoid woodlands turning into savannas and semi-arid lands.

    The absence of large native predators meant the remaining marsupials lost their fear. When cats, dogs and foxes were introduced by humans, they decimated populations of many marsupials, driving some extinct. Lesser bilbies, desert bandicoots and broad-faced potoroos are gone for good, having been easy prey for introduced carnivores.

    Rhino-sized diprotodon was the largest ever marsupial. It coexisted with humans in Australia for thousands of years.
    Ryan B / flickr, CC BY-NC

    An impressive feat for Colossal Biosciences would be re-engineering large animals to provide lost ecological functions. De-extincting large herbivores like diprotodons and short-faced kangaroos, or even predators like marsupial lions, would be a seriously impressive achievement, but I suspect will be forever beyond the reach of science.

    Jurassic Park is fiction, as is recreating the fauna of Australia 60,000 years ago. Even if we could do this, it is not clear the de-extincted animals would thrive given how much the ecology of Australia has changed since their extinction.

    Instead of trying recreate lost ecological function through the genetic tinkering of living animals that are unlikely to be allowed back into the wild any time soon, we should take a different approach. The focus should be on maintaining and restoring ecological function using existing species within the areas in which they live or once lived. The science of doing this may not be as exciting as the genetic engineering of Colossal Biosciences, but it will be easier to deliver and will be more ecologically useful.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Timothy Neal Coulson is affiliated with the University of Oxford

    – ref. If we must bring back extinct species, let’s focus on the giant herbivores – https://theconversation.com/if-we-must-bring-back-extinct-species-lets-focus-on-the-giant-herbivores-254517

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Birmingham bin strikes: a threat to public health

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Hunter, Professor of Medicine, University of East Anglia

    The bin workers’ strike in Birmingham – which began on March 11 – is set to continue after the latest pay offer was “overwhelmingly” rejected.

    Not only are the growing mountains of refuse unsightly and creating foul odours, they could pose significant threats to local residents’ health. Birmingham city council has declared the situation a “major incident”. This enables council leaders to request extra support from central government.

    This is not the first time bins have gone uncollected in the UK, though. Glasgow experienced a major refuse strike in 2021, while Birmingham previously saw significant disruption to refuse collection in 2017.

    Internationally, one of the most infamous garbage crises occurred in Naples, Italy, where mismanagement and mafia involvement led to a waste buildup that lasted over a decade. It finally ended in 2008.

    Surprisingly, studies on the health effects of the build up of domestic refuse in towns and cities are scarce. The few studies that do exist tend to be in developing countries or in people living close to waste treatment centres.

    Several studies have suggested increased deaths, cancer rates and birth defects associated with the Naples garbage crisis. However, these were associated with exposure over several years.

    The most comprehensive review that I can find dates back to 1967 before several of the major infectious concerns were even discovered.

    Rats

    Probably the most apparent danger from the Birmingham crisis is the reported appearance of rats – which some locals have described as being “bigger than cats”.

    Rats can transmit several diseases to humans. The infection of most concern is Weil’s disease, which can severely damage the liver and kidneys and can cause neurological problems. It can even be fatal.

    This infection is transmitted in rats’ urine and gains entry to the human body through cuts and grazes on the skin. Infections are mostly acquired during immersion in water contaminated by rats’ urine. There have been outbreaks associated with swimming in contaminated water or during flooding.

    Another infection is rat bite fever, a bacterial infection acquired following rodent bites. Both these infections are rare but can be fatal if not promptly treated.

    Then there is Seoul hantavirus, a viral infection that is mainly caught from breathing in aerosols (fine sprays) of rat urine and faeces. All of these rat-associated infections are quite rare. But even excluding these infections, rat bites can be severe and, like all animal bites, can become infected.

    Bacteria

    Another worry is stomach bugs such as Salmonella, Campylobacter and E coli, as well as bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Wild animals, such as birds and foxes, might tear open bin bags, pick up these germs and then spread them to people through food or water. Even contact with pet dogs or cats can be a risk, since they can carry some of these bacteria.

    Seagulls can pick up Salmonella and Campylobacter from waste dumps and then pass that infection onto humans. At least one outbreak of Campylobacter was caused by birds pecking through milk bottle tops.

    Flies breed in rubbish and can also spread Campylobacter infections.

    Needles

    Finally, there is the issue of clinical waste such as needles being inappropriately disposed of in domestic refuse. Such clinical waste could include needles that could cause injury and spread blood-borne viruses, especially HIV and hepatitis B.

    Figuring out the likelihood of these harms is not that easy, though. But top of my list of concerns would be sharps injuries from contact with inappropriately discarded clinical waste. I would be particularly concerned about children playing around collections of waste. Bites from rats and other vermin attracted to waste would also be high on my list.

    Until the piles of refuse can be removed, children and pets must be kept away from them. If you need to move refuse sacks, make sure you wear a mask, strong gloves and as much protective clothing as possible.

    Paul Hunter consults for the World Health Organization and sits on a science advisory committee for Suez. He receives funding from National Institute for Health Research and has received funding from the World Health Organization and the European Regional Development Fund.

    – ref. Birmingham bin strikes: a threat to public health – https://theconversation.com/birmingham-bin-strikes-a-threat-to-public-health-254400

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Enhertu: drug approved for advanced cancers – here’s what you need to know

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Justin Stebbing, Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University

    Sergey Novikov/Shutterstock

    A new cancer drug called trastuzumab deruxtecan, also known as Enhertu, has just been approved in the UK. This drug is designed to help adults with certain types of advanced cancer that cannot be removed by surgery, or which has spread to other parts of the body.

    It targets cancers linked to a protein called HER2. This approval is an exciting development because it could save lives and offer hope to patients who may have run out of treatment options.

    The drug has been authorised for use in the UK on the back of positive data, where patients were randomly assigned to this drug or the previous existing best treatment, which I have led studies on with large teams of researchers.

    Using this new precision medicine or targeted therapy, those who received the drug, had longer lives (as measured by these clinical trials). Other research I have been involved with has shown, that this is what matters most for the patients themselves, though, of course, quality of life is a priority too.

    Cancer is one of the biggest health challenges we face today. While there are many treatments available, not all cancers respond well to them. Some cancers grow and spread very quickly, making them harder to control. Others stop responding to treatments that initially worked, leaving patients with few options. For people with these types of cancers, new drugs can make a huge difference. They can help patients live longer, improve their quality of life, and provide hope when other treatments fail.

    Targeted treatment

    One reason new drugs are so important is that they often offer better ways to treat cancer. Older treatments like chemotherapy can be effective but often harm healthy cells along with cancer cells, causing unpleasant side effects. Newer drugs are more targeted, meaning they focus on killing cancer cells while leaving healthy cells alone as much as possible. This makes treatment less harsh and more effective. Drugs like Enhertu represent this new generation of targeted therapies, though it can have very serious side effects.

    To understand how it works, it’s helpful to know about HER2. HER2 is a protein found on the surface of some cells in the body. It helps cells grow and divide normally, but in certain cancers, there’s too much HER2. This overproduction causes the cancer to grow faster and become much more aggressive. These types of cancers are called HER2-positive cancers, and they can occur in places like the breast, stomach and lungs.

    Enhertu is part of a newer type of cancer treatment called antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). It works like a delivery system for medicine, even a “biologic missile”. Imagine you’re trying to deliver a package (a powerful cancer-killing drug) directly to a specific house (the cancer cell). You don’t want the package to end up at the wrong house (healthy cells), because it could cause damage there. An ADC uses an antibody, a special protein that acts like a guide, to make sure the package is delivered to the correct address.

    Trojan horse

    First, the antibody part of the drug finds and attaches itself to HER2 on the surface of cancer cells. Once attached, the drug gets pulled inside the cancer cell like a Trojan horse. Inside the cell, it releases its chemotherapy agent, a strong medicine that kills cells and destroys the cancer from within.

    The drug can also kill nearby cancer cells that might not have as much HER2 but are still part of the tumour. This precise targeting means fewer healthy cells are harmed during treatment.

    The approval of Enhertu in the UK is great news for patients with advanced HER2-positive cancers that have spread or cannot be removed by surgery. Up to 20% of breast cancers are HER2 positive and many of these are cured before they spread. What’s even more exciting is that this drug also works for people with lower levels of HER2 (called HER2-low cancers), which means it could help even more patients in the future.

    For patients with advanced or hard-to-treat cancers, this approval offers new hope. Many people with HER2-positive cancers have already tried treatments like chemotherapy or surgery. Most of those will have had other anti-HER2 drugs but will still need help because their cancer has come back or spread further. This drug has shown in clinical trials that it can shrink tumours and help patients live longer than standard treatments. It gives doctors another option when other treatments aren’t working anymore.

    This approval also highlights how international collaboration can speed up access to life-saving drugs. The investigators here worked collaboratively across numerous countries in the world to undertake these studies.

    But while Enhertu brings hope to many patients, it’s important to remember that no drug is perfect. Like all medicines, it comes with some risks and side effects. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue and low blood counts. A rare but serious side effect is interstitial lung disease, which affects the lungs and can be dangerous if not treated quickly. Doctors will carefully monitor patients taking this drug to catch any problems early and stop the drug if necessary.

    Despite these risks, in most situations doctors and patients feel that the potential benefits outweigh them. It offers a chance for better outcomes, in those for whom it is suitable.

    This approval also represents progress in how we treat cancer using personalised medicine (an approach where treatments are tailored specifically for each patient based on their unique biology or the genetic makeup of the cancer) to treat the right person at the right time with the right drug.

    Every breakthrough like this brings us closer to a world where fewer people die from cancer, and where those who do face it have better chances of living longer and healthier lives.

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

    – ref. Enhertu: drug approved for advanced cancers – here’s what you need to know – https://theconversation.com/enhertu-drug-approved-for-advanced-cancers-heres-what-you-need-to-know-254254

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: How architecture shapes video game play

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gabriele Aroni, Senior Lecturer in Games Art at the School of Digital Arts, Manchester Metropolitan University

    When players enter the virtual worlds of video games, they are greeted by complex architectural environments. These virtual spaces do more than serve as mere backdrops for gameplay. The design of buildings, streets and entire cities guides player emotions, behaviours and even advances the narrative.

    As an architect specialising in digital media, I am interested in how video games use architecture to convey meaning. Virtual worlds in video games are often rooted in real-world architectural principles.

    Game rules are technically completely disjointed from our physical world: we could easily traverse a concrete wall as if made of air. However, how players understand how to play is the opposite. For instance, if I see a door in a game, I can assume that it can opened, or that it leads somewhere. Players need a frame of reference to understand games, and this is why most game environments resemble, at least in some way, real-world architecture.

    Video game architecture varies wildly. There are realistic historical cities like the ones in Assassin’s Creed or the contemporary Japan of Like a Dragon. Fantastic interpretations of architecture range from the ancient Chinese scenery of Black Myth: Wukong to the science fiction metropolis of Cyberpunk 2077.

    Visionary architectural sceneries are less common, as they are harder to relate to. Their design displays architectural forms that are so transformed in their size, shape or materials that they look distant from normal architectural conventions and the laws of physics. Examples of this can be seen in experimental independent games such as Manifold Gardenor NaissanceE.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Much like real-world architecture, game architecture must work. There is a budget, even though it is based on how many polygons and textures buildings can be made of, rather than their construction costs. There is no building code to comply with, but distances and paths must follow the coded rules of the game.

    Take Assassin’s Creed II, where the protagonist runs and climbs buildings in 15th-century Florence. The reconstruction is relatively accurate, so much so that people who played the game can reasonably orientate themselves in the real Florence. But there are several adjustments which were necessary on technical and gameplay terms.

    The whole city and all of the buildings are noticeably scaled down to offer shorter distances to traverse and jump across. While not a large city, taking half an hour to traverse it on foot is an eternity in video game time.

    Environmental storytelling

    In addition to guiding gameplay, architecture in video games plays a critical role in telling stories. This is known as environmental storytelling. Unlike traditional forms of narrative, where story is told through dialogue or cutscenes, environmental storytelling allows the world itself to communicate plot and themes.

    In games, the design of spaces can hint at a game’s backstory, themes or the emotions players should feel at a given moment. For instance, in the cyberpunk game Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, shady corporations dominate the world. To establish this narrative, their buildings are designed to manifest their power through impenetrable monolithic structures which loom over the skyline of future Prague.

    Some games exclusively use their environments to tell their stories. This is the case in Manifold Garden, a puzzle game created by artist William Chyr. Players are catapulted in a world where space repeats in every direction and objects that fall down reappear from the top, including the player. Chyr was inspired by the visionary art of M.C Escher – you might know his artwork Relativity where staircases go off in all directions and appear upside down. Chrys was also inspired by real architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Tadao Ando. As such, he used architectural elements to guide players in this strange world, such as placing windows strategically in order not to lose their orientation.

    All these elements are implemented most successfully when they are seamlessly blended into the game space and setting, while not being too conspicuous. In Mirror’s Edge, a game set in a sterile modern metropolis dominated by white skyscrapers, primary colours on common structural elements are used to indicate directions and interactable items, such as red pipes or doors. This way, players are easily and rapidly directed by objects that are not out of place, but distinct enough to be noticeable.

    When clues indicating what to do are too evident, they are usually not looked upon too well by players. For instance, in the recent games Resident Evil 4 Remake and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, splotches of yellow paint have been placed on the objects necessary to progress. This was met with ridicule from many players.

    So game architecture must always walk a fine line between presenting engaging environments and helping gameplay without being too obtrusive. As games continue to evolve, the role of architecture will remain central to the ways in which digital environments are designed to engage, challenge and inspire players.

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

    – ref. How architecture shapes video game play – https://theconversation.com/how-architecture-shapes-video-game-play-254632

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Implementation of artificial intelligence in the organization: what effects do employees note

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    “The impact of AI on the labor market is a relevant topic that has been little studied in Russia. In our study, we used unique data from a survey of AI-using organizations, allowing us to analyze the effects of AI implementation taking into account the characteristics of organizations and the parameters for implementing these technologies,” the authors note.

    Overall, the implementation of AI technologies has resulted in an increase in the quality of products or services (in 54.3% of user organizations), an increase in the efficiency of business processes (51%), and labor productivity (45%). More than a quarter of AI-using companies (27.6%) reported an increase in labor safety. The least common impacts of AI on the work of organizations were a decrease in the number of employees (10%) and labor costs (9.4%).

    Most often, organizations use AI in marketing and sales (55.9%) and organizational management (39.9%), less often in working with personnel (16.5%), logistics and transportation (17.4%).

    Visual data processing technologies are the most popular in all types of economic activity, except for activities in the field of information and communication, where text processing technologies are more widespread.

    In total, 69.2% of user organizations participating in the survey used visual data processing technologies. Text processing technologies are used by 48.7% of respondents, and audio data processing technologies are used by 46.3%. “Four AI technologies are used by 11.3%, three by 14.6%, two by 20.1%, but a separate class of AI technologies is in demand at the majority of organizations (45.1%),” the study notes.

    “While more and more organizations are adopting AI technologies, many are still in their early stages of AI integration,” the authors write.

    Researchers have found that various effects on labor have a significant relationship with different characteristics of organizations and the implementation of AI. For example, the implementation of all types of AI technology (except for visual data processing) in all business processes in which AI is implemented (except for security) leads to an increase in labor productivity in the organization. At the same time, the effect, unlike others, turned out to be more typical for large organizations.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Pythian Doubles Down on AI-Readiness, Expanding AI Practice with Valuable Services and Expertise

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pythian Services Inc. (“Pythian”), a leading global services company specializing in data, analytics, and AI solutions, is introducing a new AI Readiness Workshop and two new AI thought leaders to the Pythian team. Shishir Suresh will join Pythian as Senior Director, AI Services, along with Karen Pfeifer, Field CAIO. 

    Two new workshops – the AI Readiness Workshop and the Gemini for Google Workspace Instant AI Workshop – demonstrate Pythian’s commitment to empowering its customers in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The offerings are designed to equip businesses with the knowledge, tools and expertise needed to effectively integrate and optimize AI solutions, ultimately driving innovation and streamlining AI adoption.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Shishir and Karen to the Pythian team, and to expand our AI readiness services with the addition of two new workshops,” said Paul Lewis, CTO at Pythian. “Their combined expertise and leadership will be instrumental in guiding our customers through the complexities of AI adoption.” The new team members and additional services are key elements in Pythian’s commitment to becoming the market leader as it relates to AI readiness and empowering businesses to harness the full potential of AI.

    Suresh and Pfeifer bring a wealth of experience and expertise to Pythian, joining a team with a solid record of transformative AI engagements. For example, Pythian’s AI team created an all-in-one solution to automate data extraction for  transportation and logistics company Day & Ross. Using Google Gemini Generative AI, the solution interfaces with the company’s transportation management system (TMS), validating data accuracy and creating real-time shipment data.

    Shishir Suresh has a strong background in mathematics and physics, and is a recognized Google Cloud AI/ML Champion Innovator. His career has been defined by innovation, working at the forefront of AI and ML technologies. Suresh’s unique ability to translate complex AI concepts into practical business solutions makes him a valuable addition to Pythian’s AI team. 

    Karen Pfeifer brings over 20 years of experience in data strategy, governance and product operations. Her leadership roles at the enterprise level informed her deep understanding of data-driven business transformation. Pfeifer’s expertise in strategic planning and solution design, coupled with her proven leadership skills, will be instrumental in helping Pythian’s clients navigate the complexities of AI adoption.

    Pythian’s AI Readiness Workshop equips businesses to strategically integrate AI solutions, focusing on responsible AI implementation and ethical considerations. Through expert guidance, the workshop helps define use cases, assess AI readiness, and develop a tailored roadmap, ensuring businesses can confidently navigate the AI landscape. 

    Pythian’s Gemini for Google Workspace Instant AI Workshop focuses on providing hands-on, practical training to empower employees with AI skills for immediate integration and increased productivity. The workshop emphasizes real-world scenarios, ensuring that businesses can quickly realize the benefits of AI and foster a culture of innovation. With these new AI workshops available to our customers and the recently announced AI partnership with GigaOm, Pythian is further supporting transformational journeys across multiple industries and use cases.

    Schedule your AI or Google Cloud workshop today.

    About Pythian

    Founded in 1997, Pythian is a leading data and AI services provider specializing in digital transformation and operational excellence for enterprise customers. We help organizations optimize their data estates, helping them to drive AI enablement, innovation, and growth. Through strategic consulting, managed services and cloud migrations, we enable cost savings, risk reduction and seamless operations while preparing businesses to adopt AI and for the future of data management. A Google Cloud Premier Partner with multiple Specializations, including Data Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Machine Learning and a certified Google Cloud MSP, we’ve delivered thousands of professional and managed services projects for leading enterprises. For more information, visit www.pythian.com or follow us on X, LinkedIn, and our Blog.

    Pythian Media Contacts        

    Matt Malanga
    Senior Vice President, Marketing
    mmalanga@pythian.com    		 Elisabeth Grant
    Branch Out Public Relations
    egrant@branchoutpr.com
    +1 612-599-7797    		  
         

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fcc692ce-d627-48f0-b3c3-19d602507dbf

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/061351eb-e73e-4909-8076-d32f92a09777

    The MIL Network –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Community Savings Dominates BC Cannabis Banking — Celebrates 4/20 with Free Accounts, Bold Campaign, and Game-Changing Credit Access

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    – BC’s largest cannabis banker with 233 businesses as part of its cannabis community has disbursed over $22M in commercial loans and working capital, expanded market share to 30%, and is rolling out its “We’re Not Your Usual Banking Joint – We’re Better” campaign to support additional sector growth

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia / Unceded Territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Community Savings, BC’s largest cannabis-friendly credit union, is shaking up the system. As the first and only financial institution in the province to offer full-service banking, credit cards, and working capital to cannabis businesses, the credit union is marking 4/20 by celebrating its most significant milestones yet—and launching a bold new campaign: “Not Your Usual Banking Joint.”

    Mike Schilling, President & CEO, Community Savings says, “Legal cannabis entrepreneurs have been overcharged, overregulated, and overlooked. We’re putting money back in their pockets with smarter, fairer financial tools—because it’s long past the time the cannabis industry got treated like real businesses. We’re eliminating red tape and providing real financial support to help cannabis businesses scale and succeed. Over the last 6 years, we’ve made sure our cannabis members have the same banking privileges as any other industry. This community needs a financial partner that rolls at their speed and we’re here to deliver that.”

    Community Savings has been a fierce advocate for financial inclusivity in the cannabis sector, pushing back against outdated banking norms and championing tailored solutions that directly benefit businesses. Key achievements include:

    • Credit Cards for Cannabis? Finally.: In an industry where major banks still refuse basic services, Community Savings has stepped up—becoming the only institution to offer pre-approved credit cards to cannabis businesses. To date, 38 credit cards have been provided. This shift enables cannabis businesses to move beyond cash-only transactions, improving both security and scalability.
    • $22 million in commercial lending and working capital to the cannabis industry: In partnership with We Can Capital Inc, Community Savings has advanced funds against invoices from the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (BCLDB), Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis (AGLC), Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries (MBLL) and the Ontario Cannabis Store (OCS). This immediate cash liquidity helps accelerate production, secure better supplier terms, scale their business, and drive net financial gains.
    • Fueling the growth of BC’s cannabis industry: Community Savings now supports 233 legal cannabis businesses in BC with fair, stigma-free financial services. In just two years, it has grown its cannabis banking portfolio by 70% – a testament to the urgent need for accessible banking in the industry.
    • Fair, accessible banking for cannabis businesses: Community Savings offers its QUADs business account with the same transparent pricing as any other business. This is revolutionary in a space where traditional banks are charging cannabis retailers up to $7,500 just to open a chequing account – often refusing service outright or imposing fees that are 1,500% to 5,000% higher than those for other retail businesses. At Community Savings, the account opening fee is $0. That’s right – zero. By removing these financial barriers, Community Savings is making banking affordable and accessible to the industry.

    Community Savings’ latest campaign, ‘We’re not your usual banking joint – we’re better’ welcomes new cannabis businesses with waived application fees to its QUADs business account. With the QUAD account, cannabis businesses get access to fair and accessible banking products that help them scale and grow their business, and improve cash flows.

    For more information or to sign up for their chequing package, visit: https://www.comsavings.com/rollwithus

    Hear from the industry

    Regulatory roadblocks, cash flow headaches, and financial stigma have made running a cannabis business needlessly difficult. But for Randy Tingskou, President of A Little Bud, having the right financial partner has been a game-changer.

    “The cannabis industry is run on a pay to play model, where cash is often the only option, even for placing orders to BCLDB. This creates major barriers for retail businesses like ours looking to expand into new markets and open more storefronts. Community Savings actually fought to get us access to credit. Now we’ve shifted to credit payments for everyday expenses. This has been a game-changer in streamlining our operational costs and freeing up cash flow for growth,” Randy says. A Little Bud is opening its fourth location in Duncan in July.

    Another perspective comes from Joshua Reynolds, Director of Partnerships at We Can Capital, who has seen firsthand how the right financing tools can reshape the cannabis industry. “What Community Savings is doing isn’t flashy or new – it’s foundational. They’re giving businesses the tools to function like any other industry. That shouldn’t be revolutionary, but in cannabis, it is,” Joshua says.

    Through a partnership with Community Savings, We Can Capital is focused on expanding access to affordable accounts receivable financing for BC-based LPs, helping remove systemic barriers and creating a strong foundation for growth across the sector.

    About Community Savings:
    Community Savings Credit Union is driven by its purpose to unite working people to build a just world. As BC’s largest fully unionized credit union, Community Savings provides best-in-class personal and business banking. It is the largest provider of banking services to the BC cannabis industry of growers, producers, retailers and ancillary businesses, providing day-to-day banking, lending, and account receivables financing to support the growing sector.

    Community Savings operates seven branches across the Lower Mainland and Victoria and services its cannabis members province-wide. It lives by its values, from being the first financial institution to become a Living Wage employer in 2010 to winning the 2022 BCBusiness Business of Good Workplace Wellness Award for its innovative staff wellness programs. For more about Community Savings, visit www.comsavings.com.

    Media Contact
    Yulu Public Relations
    cscu@yulupr.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: DTE Energy breaks ground on new solar park to help meet Ford Motor Company’s needs for 100% carbon-free and renewable energy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Detroit, April 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DTE Energy, the state’s largest producer of and investor in renewable energy, broke ground this morning on a 100-megawatt solar array near Coldwater, MI. When complete in 2026, Cold Creek Solar Park will be the first of several DTE parks that will help Ford Motor Company reach its goal of attributing 100 percent carbon-free and renewable energy to its Michigan manufacturing facilities.  

    Ford’s purchase of 650 megawatts of renewable energy from DTE’s CleanVision MIGreenPower program is the larges such purchase from a utility in U.S. history. MIGreenPower, DTE’s voluntary renewable energy program, enables business and residential customers to attribute their electricity use to Michigan-made renewable energy while funding the development of new solar and wind parks, such as the new array now under construction near Coldwater.  

    Ford’s enrollment in MIGreenPower, which will help the company avoid as much as 600,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, is part of its global environmental commitments. The company’s goal is to achieve carbon neutrality across its vehicles, manufacturing and supply chain no later than 2050, and to use 100% carbon-free electricity in its global manufacturing facilities by 2035.  

    “Thanks to this strategic investment with DTE, Ford will soon be able to attribute all of our electricity supply in Michigan to clean energy,” said Amir Mirshahi, director of Utilities and Energy Infrastructure at Ford. “This partnership is proof of Ford’s unwavering commitment to transitioning to clean energy and aligns us with our sustainability objectives. It represents a significant step toward our goal of achieving carbon neutrality and will also help make our local Michigan communities more resilient to the impacts of climate change.” 

    “We’re excited to be on this clean energy journey with Ford to fulfill its electricity needs with affordable, Michigan-made renewable energy,” said Matt Paul, president and chief operating officer, DTE Electric. “Our customers – whether they are large manufacturers like Ford, or hometown businesses, or families – are telling us they want more renewable energy, and we will continue to develop and deliver it to them.” 

    DTE’s renewable energy portfolio currently consists of 20 wind parks and 34 solar parks – all located in Michigan. DTE has invested $4.6 billion in its renewable energy infrastructure since 2009 and aims to invest an additional $4 billion in renewable energy over the next several years.  

    In 2025, DTE will have three new solar parks coming online in the first half of year, with three additional solar parks beginning construction. The six parks will total 800 megawatts, or enough clean energy to power more than 220,000 homes. The developments will help DTE make significant progress toward its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions as well as meeting the State of Michigan’s clean energy goals. 

    For more information on DTE’s MIGreenPower program, please visit www.migreenpower.com.   

    About Ford Motor Company 
    Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is a global company based in Dearborn, Michigan, that is committed to helping build a better world, where every person is free to move and pursue their dreams. The company’s Ford+ plan for growth and value creation combines existing strengths, new capabilities and always-on relationships with customers to enrich experiences for and deepen the loyalty of those customers. Ford develops and delivers innovative, must-have Ford trucks, sport utility vehicles, commercial vans and cars and Lincoln luxury vehicles, as well as connected services. Additionally, Ford is establishing leadership positions in mobility solutions, including self-driving technology, and provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Ford employs about 182,000 people worldwide. More information about the company, its products and Ford Credit is available at corporate.ford.com. 

    About DTE Energy 
    DTE Energy (NYSE:DTE) is a Detroit-based diversified energy company involved in the development and management of energy-related businesses and services nationwide. Its operating units include an electric company serving 2.3 million customers in Southeast Michigan and a natural gas company serving 1.3 million customers across Michigan. The DTE portfolio also includes energy businesses focused on custom energy solutions, renewable energy generation, and energy marketing and trading. DTE has continued to accelerate its carbon reduction goals to meet aggressive targets and is committed to serving with its energy through volunteerism, education and employment initiatives, philanthropy, emission reductions and economic progress. Information about DTE is available at dteenergy.com, empoweringmichigan.com, x.com/dte_energy and facebook.com/dteenergy.  

    The MIL Network –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: A small difference in how ratings are displayed can unintentionally mislead consumers

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Deepak Sirwani, Assistant Professor, UBC Sauder School of Business, University of British Columbia

    Ratings have become as crucial to purchasing decisions as factors like price, brand reputation or recommendations from family and friends (Shutterstock)

    Ratings are ubiquitous in today’s digital world. Platforms like Amazon, Yelp and Uber Eats bombard users with stars, numbers and symbols that can heavily influence consumer decision-making.

    Research suggests ratings have become as crucial to purchasing decisions as factors like price, brand reputation or recommendations from family and friends, especially in terms of online shopping. Even a small increase of 0.2 in a rating can boost sales by 30 to 200 per cent.

    However, not all rating formats are created equal. Consider two hotels, both rated 3.5 out of five stars. One hotel displays its rating as a visual image of three stars with a fourth partially filled, while the other just lists the numerical score “3.5.” Which one would you be more likely to choose?

    My recent research study with my co-authors found that the way ratings are displayed — as stars versus numbers — can shape consumer perceptions in subtle yet predictable ways. Visual star ratings, fractional ones in particular, tend to appear more appealing to consumers than their number rating counterparts.

    Stars versus number ratings

    We conducted a series of 12 experiments involving thousands of participants. In one, participants were asked to plot fractional numbers on an unmarked line; another tested how people visually process partially filled stars. In another experiment, respondents were given half ratings (like 1.5 or 2.5) and asked how they might round up or down, while another tested whether one format was more memorable than the other.

    We found that fractional star ratings (a visual image of three stars with the fourth partially filled) tend to be overestimated by roughly 0.12 points, meaning a 3.5-star rating feels more like 3.62. In contrast, numeric ratings (like “3.5”) are underestimated by about 0.05 points, making them feel close to 3.45.

    These biases stem from different cognitive processes. Fractional star ratings trigger the visual-completion effect, in which the brain instinctively tries to complete the image. When people see a half-filled star, their brains unconsciously perceive it as closer to a full star, effectively rounding the rating upward because it can’t resist filling in the missing piece.

    This process occurs automatically, without conscious awareness. This mental shortcut is a fundamental aspect of how humans see the world. It’s what allows people to recognize familiar faces behind masks, identify logos from partial images and interpret obscured road signs. When applied to product ratings, this natural tendency can lead consumers to overestimate a product or service’s true rating.

    Numeric fractions, on the other hand, trigger left-digit bias where the brain anchors on the leftmost digit — the three in 3.5 — causing perceptions to lean downward, instead of up.

    While these biases may seem small, they can significantly influence where consumers decide to eat, stay or shop.

    The ethical dilemma for marketers

    For businesses, star ratings can offer a subtle, often irresistible boost in perceived quality. Yet, exploiting this illusion comes with ethical implications.

    Inflated ratings might drive short-term sales, but they risk damaging consumer trust over time. Take, for example, a hotel boasting a four-and-a-half-star rating. Such a score sets expectations of near perfection, and when reality falls short, customer disappointment can lead to critical reviews. In the digital age, such reviews spread quickly, potentially causing long-term damage to a company’s reputation.

    Negative online reviews can have enduring detrimental effects on both sellers and platforms. Research indicates that negative reviews can significantly decrease consumer trust and purchase intentions. In one study, consumers who encountered just one negative review were 41.8 per cent less likely to buy a product compared to when no negative feedback was present.

    Transparency matters deeply in today’s marketplace. Marketers and online rating platforms should carefully consider how their rating designs might unintentionally mislead customers. Honest ratings build lasting trust; misleading ratings erode it.

    A call for rating standardization

    Our research has also identified practical solutions to the problem of misleading ratings. One simple yet effective approach is to use visually complete stars. Showing visually complete stars instead of partially filled ones dramatically reduces the tendency to round up. In fact, overestimation of fractional ratings was reduced by 86 per cent by replacing normal stars with visually complete stars.

    Another effective approach is to prioritize numeric ratings, which have smaller biases. A numeric rating might cause a consumer to dismiss a quality establishment because a 3.5 feels closer to three than four. While this might lead them away from genuinely good choices, this distortion is less impactful than the significant overestimation triggered by partial stars.

    Given how influential ratings are, standardization across platforms is crucial. Policymakers and industry bodies should consider establishing consistent standards, such as requiring visually complete stars or using numeric scores, to ensure fairness and transparency. This would enable consumers to make informed decisions and ensure businesses compete based on actual quality.

    Small visual illusions can drive big changes in behaviour, but by understanding and correcting these subtle biases, we can create a fairer digital marketplace. Clearer, standardized rating displays benefit everyone: consumers make better-informed choices, businesses are rewarded for genuine quality and platforms build lasting consumer trust.

    Next time you see a rating, pause for a moment and ask yourself: is this star rating nudging me toward an inflated expectation? Being aware of these subtle visual tricks can help you make better choices as a consumer and avoid disappointment.

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

    – ref. A small difference in how ratings are displayed can unintentionally mislead consumers – https://theconversation.com/a-small-difference-in-how-ratings-are-displayed-can-unintentionally-mislead-consumers-250985

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: IOM Chief Urges Greater Global Support to Haiti Amid Growing Crisis

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Port-au-Prince, 15 April 2025 – Amid a worsening humanitarian emergency in Haiti, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope concluded a high-level visit this week urging the international community to step up and support for communities uprooted by violence and instability.

    More than 1 million people are now displaced inside of Haiti – triple the number from just a year ago. Gang control over vast areas of Port-au-Prince has forced families to flee repeatedly, leaving them without access to shelter, water, or medical care. At the same time, nearly 200,000 Haitians were deported back from neighboring countries last year, adding pressure to already overwhelmed local systems.

    “This is one of the most complex and urgent crises in the world, with implications for regional and global stability,” said DG Pope. “When we invest in humanitarian support, we don’t just save lives – we build resilience and safety to helps stabilize communities and reduce the conditions that cause forced migration.”

    During her visit, DG Pope met with displaced families at a Port-au-Prince site, listening to their experiences and assessing their most pressing needs. “A mother told me she had fled her neighborhood three times in two months. She was living under a tarp with her children, with no idea where they could go next,” DG Pope said. “These are not just statistics—they are lives caught in crisis over and over.”

    DG Pope also held discussions with Haitian Government officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Religious Affairs, and Haitians Living Abroad, to identify concrete ways to reinforce migration governance, broaden access to legal documentation, and strengthen reintegration.

    IOM is currently leading efforts across more than 50 displacement sites, including shelter, camp management, protection, and emergency water, sanitation and hygiene services – even in areas affected by violence. The organization is also working with communities to rehabilitate infrastructure and expand access to education and livelihoods.

    Beyond immediate relief, IOM is also helping people reintegrate into communities, including through the rehabilitation of public infrastructure to expand access to essential services in areas that are hosting displaced people.

    “The Haitian people are showing remarkable strength in the face of unthinkable hardship,” DG Pope said. “But relying on resilience alone is not a strategy. The Haitian people need support—and they need it now. The cost of inaction will not only be measured in lives lost, but also in broader instability that affects us all.”

    IOM remains committed to working alongside the Haitian people and the Haitian Government to restore safety, dignity, and opportunities for people across the country.

    For more information please contact: 

     

    In Haiti: Antoine Lemonnier, alemonnier@iom.int 

    In Panama: Jorge Gallo, jgallo@iom.int 

    In Geneva: Daniela Rovina, drovina@iom.int 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: State’s first Work Zone Speed Camera launches April 16 on I-5 near JBLM

    Source: Washington State News 2

    Cameras focus on safety by slowing speeders and protecting workers on Washington highways

    OLYMPIA – Washington transportation leaders are taking a bold step to protect road construction workers and drivers as the first Work Zone Speed Camera begins enforcement Wednesday, April 16, near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

    The trailer-mounted camera photographs vehicles speeding through active work zones. The Washington State Department of Transportation will rotate the camera between construction, maintenance and emergency projects where speeding is an issue. This safety tool aims to protect workers and the traveling public by encouraging drivers to follow work zone speed limits and reducing the number of speed-related crashes. The first site was selected because of ongoing safety concerns with people speeding through that Interstate 5 work zone.

    Signs will notify drivers when the camera is at a job site and when possible, a radar feedback sign will accompany the camera to remind drivers to slow down. The program will expand with two more cameras this spring and three more by summer.

    “Too many workers have been injured or killed, and statistics show drivers are not slowing down,” said Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. “This provides another tool to help ensure workers – and everyone on the roadway – comes home safe at the end of the day.”

    Program and enforcement details

    The cameras will only record infractions when workers are present on a job site. Work can take place day or night, so drivers should assume there are workers in all work zones, particularly if they are in the area where they see a sign notifying them about a camera ahead.

    After the camera detects a speeding vehicle, information will be forwarded to the Washington State Patrol. The photos do not include images of drivers. Troopers will determine if a violation was committed and, if so, issue an infraction. The vehicle’s registered owner will receive the infraction in the mail and can contest it, ask for a reduction or request a payment plan.

    When someone receives a notice of infraction, they will be directed to the program’s website to acknowledge the incident. There is no fine for the first work zone speed camera infraction; the second and every infraction after that is $248. The vehicle’s registered owner must respond to the notice of infraction online or through the mail, even if it carries no financial penalty. The infractions are recorded as non-moving violations and do not affect driving records or insurance. Unpaid fines will be added to vehicle registration renewals.

    The state Office of Administrative Hearings will oversee appeals for infractions. After people appeal, they can submit supporting evidence such as photographs or other documents for the judge to consider. Depending on the reason for the appeal, they will have either a brief adjudicative proceeding, which involves only documents, or a formal adjudicative hearing, where they can also provide testimony over the phone to a judge.

    Legislative, agency and industry partnerships

    The cameras result from partnerships and support by the state Legislature, several state agencies, law enforcement and union and industry groups. Legislation for the cameras took effect July 1, 2023, with an Amendment bill passed the following year.

    The money received from fines will pay for the program’s costs and any extra money will support WSP DUI and safety programs. The program runs through 2030 unless extended by the Legislature.

    Proven safety tool

    Through scanning light detection and ranging, called LiDAR, the camera detects vehicles traveling faster than the posted speed limit and takes images of the vehicle, its license plate and related information (e.g., speed limit, a vehicle’s recorded speed, location, date, time, etc.). Work zone speed camera vendor Elovate works with other states on similar programs, including Maryland and Indiana.

    Since 2020, Washington has averaged 1,345 work zone crashes every year. Meredith said the goal of the safety program is to reduce speeding, not issue tickets.

    “We would be ecstatic if these cameras never resulted in infractions,” she said, “because that would mean drivers instead changed their behavior.”

    This program is separate from the recently launched Highway Speed Camera Program, which is currently underway on I-5 and I-90 in Skagit and Spokane counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Help shape the future of rail in Washington: Online open house and survey launches April 15

    Source: Washington State News 2

    A growing state needs a smart transportation future – rail is key

    OLYMPIA – Washington is growing – fast. In the next two decades, millions more people will call this state home and demand for efficient, sustainable transportation will be greater than ever. Highways are already congested, freight movement is critical to our economy and communities need safe, reliable ways to connect.

    That’s why the Washington State Department of Transportation is updating the State Rail Plan. To ensure residents across the state have a voice in this future, WSDOT is seeking public feedback on rail-related issues that are important to communities to help shape the plan update.

    “Rail is a vital part of Washington’s transportation system, moving people and goods efficiently while reducing congestion and emissions,” said Jason Biggs, director of WSDOT’s Rail, Freight and Ports Division. “Public input is essential in shaping a rail system that supports our communities, economy and the environment.”

    Feedback from these outreach activities will help inform the plan update, which will be submitted to state and federal leaders in early 2026.

    State Rail Plan online open house and survey information

    When:  April 15 – June 24, 2025 (available 24/7)

    Where:  Online at the Washington State Rail Plan online engagement site

    Details:  This is a self-guided online open house available 24/7 from Tuesday, April 15, through Tuesday, June 24, to obtain feedback on the State Rail Plan. Visitors can explore background materials on statewide rail planning efforts and complete a brief survey to share how they currently use the rail system and what they’d like to see in the future. Both the background information and the survey are available in several different languages, including: English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Arabic, and Russian.

    Free internet access

    Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest Drive-In WiFi Hotspot visit the Department of Commerce website at www.commerce.wa.gov/building-infrastructure/washington-state-drive-in-wifi-hotspots-location-finder/

    More ways to be involved

    In addition to the online open house, WSDOT will host several online webinars in May and June. These interactive sessions will give community members and interested partners the opportunity to learn more about passenger and freight rail topics, as well as ask questions and share ideas that will help shape Washington’s rail system. Register for the webinars on the online open house webpage.

    For ongoing future information, subscribe to receive email updates on the State Rail Plan and future engagement opportunities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bringing Broadband to Hardest to Serve Areas

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the ConnectALL Deployment Program Request for Applications (RFA) for Priority, Reliable, and Alternative Technology Solutions, a critical milestone in the multi-year process to secure affordable, reliable, high-speed internet service to the final remaining unserved and underserved locations across New York State. ConnectALL will accept applications from April 15 through May 5, 2025 to fund projects deploying traditional fiber optic, cable, hybrid fiber-coaxial, and licensed fixed wireless broadband service, and federally designated alternative technologies such as unlicensed fixed wireless and low earth orbit satellite services. Applicants can view the Request for Applications and submit a proposal by May 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

    “Today marks a watershed moment in New York’s digital future as we launch the final application phase of our historic ConnectALL Deployment Program,” Governor Hochul said. “Broadband is no longer a luxury — it’s essential infrastructure for education, healthcare, economic opportunity, and daily life. With this program, we are ensuring that every single New Yorker, regardless of their zip code or economic circumstances, will have access to high-speed internet. By leveraging innovative technologies to reach our most remote communities, we are fulfilling our commitment to create a more equitable and connected Empire State.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Closing the digital divide in New York requires innovative approaches and strong partnerships between government and the private sector. This RFA represents the culmination of years of strategic planning and implementation to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to affordable, reliable broadband service. By embracing a range of technology solutions, including alternative options for our hardest-to-reach areas, we are demonstrating our commitment to leaving no community behind in the digital age.”

    The RFA is open for applications and information on the Project Areas and eligible locations is available on the ConnectALL website. Organizations that have not yet completed the prequalification process, which was conducted from June 2024 to February 2025, will have an additional opportunity to submit these materials as part of their RFA response.

    The Deployment Program is the component of the Governor’s ConnectALL Initiative that exclusively addresses locations in the state that have no option for reliable, high-speed internet service. The Program launched in December 2022 with a statewide mobilization to improve the accuracy of federal broadband maps. ConnectALL, along with federal, county, and local partners, have since secured commitments for service for thousands of homes and businesses that allowed the Deployment Program to focus on approximately one percent of locations in the state. Following an earlier RFA that focused exclusively on fiber optic and other reliable solutions, ConnectALL is currently reviewing proposals to serve more than half of those locations. The Request for Applications announced today focuses on the approximately 20,000 homes and businesses that have not yet received proposals, do not have other commitments in place, and cannot currently be connected by a standard installation from an earth-based broadband provider.

    ConnectALL will make the planned awards for the full $644 million in federal grants available for public comment upon submitting them to the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) for approval by the federally-mandated deadline of July 25, 2025. Pending NTIA approval, selected projects are expected to commence in 2025 with completion within four years.

    Governor Hochul’s ConnectALL Initiative

    Governor Hochul has made expanding broadband access a cornerstone of her administration’s efforts to create a more equitable New York. Through the ConnectALL initiative, New York State is investing $1 billion to transform the state’s digital infrastructure, enhance competition among providers, and ensure that every New Yorker has access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet. To date, ConnectALL has overseen the successful launch and implementation of several programs to advance broadband access, including:

    • The Digital Equity Program will invest $50 million, including a federal allocation of at least $37 million, to implement the New York State Digital Equity Plan to close the digital divide. On March 24, ConnectALL closed the Digital Equity Program Capacity Grant Request for Applications, through which ConnectALL expects to award approximately $15.5 Million of the federal allocation.
    • The Affordable Housing Connectivity Program will provide up to $100 million in grants to bring new broadband infrastructure to homes in affordable and public housing leveraging funds from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Capital Projects Fund. The first awards under this program are securing $10 a month broadband service and $30 a month Gigabit service for over 14,000 low-income households in Buffalo, New York City and Rochester. The program continues to accept applications from internet service providers and expressions of interest from housing owners and public housing authorities.
    • The Municipal Infrastructure Program will fund broadband expansion projects owned by a public utility or publicly controlled. ConnectALL is accepting applications to Phase 4 through April 25, 2025. To date, ConnectALL has awarded over $240 million through the program, funding construction of nearly 2,400 miles of broadband infrastructure that will reach 98,000 locations across New York State. Visit the ConnectALL Projects Dashboard for more information on Municipal Infrastructure Program projects.
    • The Connectivity Innovation Program advances innovation and new broadband solutions, business models, and technologies in order to increase private sector investment and entrepreneurship; drive equity and innovation in the broadband marketplace; and reinforce a thriving research, development, and manufacturing ecosystem to support connectivity innovation in New York. ConnectALL is accepting applications to the Connectivity Innovation – Mobile Service RFA through June 17, 2025.

    State Senator Kristen Gonzalez said, “As Chair of the Senate Internet and Technology Committee, I’m proud to support the launch of this next phase of the ConnectALL Deployment Program. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to ensuring every New Yorker, in every part of our state, can access affordable, high-speed internet.”

    Assemblymember Steve Otis said, “Difficult to reach locations present the greatest challenge to providing all New Yorkers high-speed broadband access. This is a noteworthy request for applications that invites innovative and alternative approaches to provide access to hard-to-reach locations and underserved communities. Governor Hochul and Empire State Development’s ConnectALL office are national leaders in the drive for broadband expansion by encouraging varied approaches that fit the situation. This Deployment program is another example of why New York’s programs continue to break new ground.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cochrane — Cochrane RCMP Crime Reduction Unit recover over $200,000 of stolen vehicles

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    In January of 2025, Cochrane RCMP Crime Reduction Unit began an investigation into the re-vinning and fraudulent registration of stolen vehicles in the area of Cochrane. With the assistance of community partners, the police launched an investigation into the suspect.

    Through the investigation, it was learned that the operation spanned across Alberta and into Saskatchewan. With assistance from the Wynyard RCMP, Saskatchewan RCMP’s Auto Theft Unit and Saskatoon Police Service, a Ford Expedition and a Lexus RX350 were recovered, resulting in the arrest of a suspect.

    In March 2025, Cochrane RCMP recovered a Ford F150 and then executed a search warrant at a Calgary residence, resulting in the seizure of a re-vinned Dodge Ram. The total value of recovered vehicles across the two provinces exceeds $200,000.

    A 32-year-old individual, a resident of Calgary, was charged with the following:

    • Fraud Over $5000;

    • Altering a VIN;

    • Uttering Forged Documents;

    • Possession of Property Obtained by Crime over $5000; and

    • Possession for the Purposes of Trafficking a Controlled Substance.

    The individual is scheduled to appear on April 28, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Cochrane.

    “The success of this investigation demonstrates the exceptional work of our investigators and the strong relationships we have with our partner law enforcement agencies and the community” says Inspector Dave Brunner, Commanding Officer of the Cochrane RCMP.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Grande Prairie — Grande Prairie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit conducts multiple drug-related arrests

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Throughout the month of February, the Grande Prairie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) conducted multiple drug-related arrests. Included in the arrests are the following instances:

    On Feb. 3, 2025, Grande Prairie RCMP CRU members, while on an unrelated call, witnessed a drug exchange involving an individual known to police. This individual had been arrested twice in Oct. 2024 for similar offences, brought before a justice of the peace and released on both occasions. As a result of the investigation, 36g of fentanyl were seized and a 36-year-old individual, a resident of Grande Prairie, was charged with:

    • Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking;
    • Possession of property obtained by crime; and
    • Failure to comply with release order (x4).

    The 36-year-old individual was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody. He is to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on Dec. 2, 2025.

    On Feb. 19, 2025, Grande Prairie RCMP CRU conducted a traffic stop in the Grande Prairie area, resulting in the arrest of three individuals. A search of the vehicle and its occupants revealed:

    • 95g of cocaine;
    • 126 oxy pills;
    • $1660 in Canadian currency; and
    • Unstamped tobacco products.

    As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were arrested and charged:

    A 50-year-old, 30-year-old individuals, both residents of Grande Prairie as well as a 23-year-old individual, a resident of Clairmont, Alta., were charged with:

    • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking;
    • Possession of oxy for the purpose of trafficking;
    • Possession of property obtained by crime; and
    • Possession of unstamped tobacco.

    All individuals were released on conditions after their arrest and are to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on June 4, 2025.

    On Feb. 20, 2025, Grande Prairie RCMP CRU conducted a traffic stop in the Grande Prairie area, from which a vehicle fled. The vehicle was later located by CRU members, who safely arrested the driver, who had multiple outstanding warrants, including one for assault with a weapon. A search of the vehicle incidental to arrest revealed 86g of methamphetamines and 5g of fentanyl.

    As a result of the investigation, a 44-year-old individual, a resident of Peace River, Alta. was charged with:

    • Possession of methamphetamines for the purpose of trafficking;
    • Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking;
    • Dangerous Driving;
    • Flight from Peace Officer; and
    • Failure to comply with release order (x2).

    The 44-year-old individual was brought before a justice of the peace and remanded into custody, to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Peace River on April 7, 2025.

    On Feb. 27, 2025, Grande Prairie RCMP CRU conducted a traffic stop in the Grande Prairie area, resulting in the arrest of three individuals. A search of the vehicle and its occupants revealed:

    • A handgun, complete with extra ammunition. The handgun was later discovered to have been stolen during a break and enter;
    • 13 grams of fentanyl;
    • 33 grams of cocaine; and
    • 33 grams of methamphetamines.

    As a result of the investigation, the following individuals were arrested and charged:

    A 41-year-old individual, a resident of Crooked Creek, Alta., and a 54-year-old individual, a resident of Grande Prairie, were charged with:

    • Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking;
    • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking;
    • Possession of methamphetamines for the purpose of trafficking;
    • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000; and
    • Firearms-related offences (x6).

    A 41-year-old individual, a resident of Grande Prairie, was charged with:

    • Possession of fentanyl for the purpose of trafficking;
    • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking;
    • Possession of methamphetamines for the purpose of trafficking;
    • Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000;
    • Firearms-related offences (x6); and
    • Failure to comply with release order.

    All individuals were brought before a justice of the peace and originally remanded into custody. Shea and Trautman have since been released. All three are to appear before the Alberta Court of Justice in Grande Prairie on April 9, 2025.

    “I would like to start by thanking the members of the Grande Prairie RCMP CRU for their hard work and dedication in keeping our community safe” said Staff Sergeant Groenen of the Grande Prairie RCMP. “Grande Prairie RCMP CRU believes in our mission to help our community and we do so by ensuring that drugs such as Fentanyl are removed from our streets and that those peddling in such goods are brought before the courts.”

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lorton man sentenced to 18 years in prison for sexually exploiting children on Snapchat

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Lorton man was sentenced today to 18 years in prison for sexually exploiting minor girls as young as nine years old and enticing them to create and send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves on Snapchat.

    According to court documents, between at least May 1, 2021, and May 8, 2024, Jose Alejandro Belmonte Cardozo, 31, used Snapchat to find minor girls and entice them to send him child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Belmonte Cardozo created different Snapchat accounts depending on the scheme he used to obtain CSAM from the minors.

    For example, Belmonte Cardozo used a particular account to catfish two 15-year-old girls, convincing them that he was a teenage boy. He sent the minors pictures that he claimed depicted him, but which actually depicted a boy who appeared to be approximately 16 years old. Belmonte Cardozo persuaded the minors to send him CSAM, which he surreptitiously recorded on a second cell phone to avoid the in-app notification. He then saved the recordings to a password-protected hidden folder on his cell phone.

    Belmonte Cardozo used a second account to convince other minors to send him CSAM in exchange for admission to a phony group chat he purported to administer. Once Belmonte Cardozo obtained CSAM from the minors, he enticed them to send him additional images and videos.

    Belmonte Cardozo amassed more than 1,000 images and videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct on five different electronic devices. On May 8, 2024, he transported two cellphones containing approximately 600 sexually explicit images and videos of minors, into the United States at Dulles International Airport.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Christopher Heck, Acting Special Agent in Charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI) Washington, D.C., made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Halper and Zoe Bedell prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-125.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Preston County Convicted Felon Admits to Firearms Violation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Pedro Antonio Pacheco, age 46, of Kingwood, West Virginia, has admitted to the unlawful possession of a firearm. 

    According to court documents, Pacheco was stopped for a traffic violation. The officer noticed a firearm laying on the passenger seat. Pacheco is prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony drug convictions.

    Pacheco is facing up to 15 years in federal prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Christie Utt is prosecuting the case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the West Virginia State Police investigated.

    U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael John Aloi presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Forging Futures: How Samsung’s PrePARe Programme is Pioneering a New Era of Research Leadership

    Source: Samsung

     
    In today’s rapidly evolving innovation ecosystem, the ability to translate academic research into real-world impact has become a defining need. Recognising this, Samsung R&D Institute India-Bangalore (SRI-B) launched the Ph.D. Internship Programme for Advanced Industrial Research (PrePARe) in 2022.
     
    The programme is designed to empower India’s brightest Ph.D. scholars with industry exposure, deep tech research opportunities, and mentorship from seasoned experts, enabling them to work on next-generation technologies such as Generative AI, Deep Learning, 6G, MIMO, AI in Wireless, and Computer Vision.
     
    Through PrePARe, Samsung is creating a unique platform where academic brilliance meets industrial scale. Scholars selected for this six-month internship are given the chance to contribute to high-impact projects that align with Samsung’s vision of building a better future through innovation.
     
    “We continue to strengthen our R&D capabilities with next-gen thinking and fresh ideas. PrePARe connects our seasoned experts with the top Ph.D. scholars to co-create impactful technologies. The programme offers interns an unmatched opportunity to tackle real-world challenges while shaping their careers. I wish them a meaningful and purpose-driven journey with us,” said Mohan Rao Goli, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, SRI-B.
     
    Research scholars for this programme are selected from top-tier institutions including IISc, IITs (Bombay, Delhi, Kanpur, Madras, Hyderabad, Roorkee, BHU, Kharagpur), and IIITs (Hyderabad, Bangalore). They go through a rigorous selection process based on their research track record, relevance of their thesis, and innovation potential.
     
    More than 80 scholars have joined the programme so far, contributing to patents, publications, and future-ready tech solutions. At SRI-B, they are not treated as interns—they are seen as domain experts. Each is entrusted with meaningful projects that push the boundaries of applied research.
    For Chaitra D Desai, joining SRI-B as a Ph.D. intern was a turning point.
     
    “Beyond theoretical research, I am gaining robust experience working with large-scale datasets, optimizing models for edge devices, helping me inculcate a product-focused approach. Transitioning from academia to industry was an eye-opening experience,” she said.
     
    Chaitra is currently working on innovations in Robotics, AR/VR, and Autonomous Driving. Meanwhile, Bhogavalli Satwika is tackling a different challenge—integrating Radio Frequency (RF) sensing capabilities into the 5G framework to enhance network efficiency.
     
    The exposure to real-world innovation is what sets PrePARe apart. Interns work closely with SRI-B mentors, contribute to ongoing research projects, and present their findings to SRI-B leadership at the end of the programme—receiving critical insights on how their work fits into Samsung’s broader innovation strategy.
     
    Most of them also speak highly of the collaborative, high-performance culture at SRI-B.
     
    “The hands-on experience I get at Samsung will significantly improve my research,” said Sumit Sharma, while Yamini Shankar said, “I’m loving the collaboration and support my team empowers me with.”
     
    In just three years, PrePARe has emerged as a high-impact initiative one that not only nurtures academic talent but also enables them to contribute meaningfully to industry innovation. As these Ph.D. scholars push the boundaries of what is possible, they are not just gaining experience, together with Samsung, they are helping shape the technologies of tomorrow.

    MIL OSI Economics –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Europe: AMERICA/HAITI – Children and adults of the Pourcine Pic Makaya community: a people of heroes

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Tuesday, 15 April 2025

    MM

    by Father Massimo Miraglio*Pourcine Pic Makaya (Agenzia Fides) – Every morning, around 250 children walk for hours along steep and dangerous paths to reach the primary and nursery school in Pourcine Pic Makaya, where the village is located. They come from hamlets scattered throughout the area: some climb from the nearby valleys, others descend from the top of the plateau, facing stony and slippery paths that become almost impassable in the rain or dew.“Every morning, at 7:30, I stand at the entrance to the schoolyard to welcome our young heroes, aged between 4 and 14,” says a missionary present in the community. “Many arrive punctually and dressed up, within their means. Even the little ones, who travel long distances, have washed at the public fountain and put on their school uniforms.” Punctuality, however, is not always possible. “Are you late, Jean?” the missionary asks a child. “Father, I live in Loran. This morning my mother sent me to the fountain to get water, then I took the goat to graze… and the path is very slippery,” the little boy replies. It’s barely 8:30 in the morning, and this seven-year-old has already covered several kilometers and completed multiple family chores.“Falling ill at Pourcine Pic Makaya is a tragedy that must be avoided. The hospital is inaccessible and reserved for the most serious cases, who are carried by hand on a stretcher to the bottom of the valley (a six-hour walk) and then… by motorbike, or if you are lucky enough to meet one of the very rare cars that pass by, you can hope to reach the hospital in Jérémie, but many often die along the way.”Illnesses, especially those that are not too serious, are treated at Pourcine Pic Makaya with traditional medicine, which combines the use of medicinal plants with rituals and beliefs that are more difficult to understand. In many cases, this medicine is effective and decisive, but there are situations that, due to their severity, require immediate treatment and the presence of professional personnel. In these cases, continuing to administer traditional remedies can have fatal consequences.“In recent months, several people have died because of these ‘false beliefs’ fueled by cults. In Pourcine Pic Makaya, the parish priest’s house has become a point of reference for all those who fall ill, whether it’s a toothache, bronchitis, or a wound that needs treating… not to mention schoolchildren: parasites, fever, cough, wounds, and some then, with so much hope in their hearts, come from far away to seek a solution to even serious health problems.” “For the time being,” he continues, “what we can do is monitor the symptoms and help the person reach the bottom of the valley where, with luck, they may be able to reach the hospital. Every time I am amazed to see how a person in very poor health manages to make such an arduous and difficult journey. They arrive at the parish feverish or seriously injured, and from there they set off to reach the hospital. A people of heroes.”“In 2024 and in this first part of 2025, some steps have been taken to improve the living conditions of the local community (see Fides, 5/3/2025). During 2025, we will continue along this path, despite the country’s enormous difficulties. We will begin the literacy project for adults, maintenance work on some sections of the paths and mule tracks in the area, the second section of the aqueduct, and the safety of two other sources, the coffee nursery. The greatest challenge remains: building a small clinic to meet the population’s significant health needs.”(Agenzia Fides, 15/4/2025)* Father Massimo Miraglio is a Camillian missionary of the Order of Ministers to the Sick, parish priest of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Pourcine Pic Makaya.
    MM

    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Building contractor sentenced for £50,000 Covid loan fraud

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Building contractor sentenced for £50,000 Covid loan fraud

    Florin-Petrica Bodale, who was a sole trader operating as a building contractor, exaggerated his turnover to obtain the maximum Bounce Back Loan.

    • Florin-Petrica Bodale was a building contractor and sole trader, operating in Harrow.  

    • He claimed his business had a turnover of more than £200,000 to claim the maximum Covid Bounce Back loan.  

    • He was sentenced to 13-months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, following a hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court.  

    A building contractor who fraudulently claimed a £50,000 Covid Bounce Back loan has received a 13-month suspended sentence.  

    Florin-Petrica Bodale operated as a building contractor offering plumbing, heating and air-conditioning installation and was based in Harrow, London.  

    In November 2020, the 34-year-old successfully applied to a bank for a Covid Bounce Back loan of £50,000.  

    But an Insolvency Service investigation found that he had falsely claimed the company’s turnover was £240,000 to receive the maximum loan available.  

    In reality, the turnover of the company was around £22,000 – meaning he was only entitled to £5,500. 

    On 10 April 2025, at Snaresbrook Crown Court, Bodale was sentenced to 13-months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, for one count of fraud by false representation.   

    He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of unpaid work.  

    Insolvency Service Chief Investigator David Snasdell said: 

    Florin-Petrica Bodale falsely claimed a much higher turnover for his business and the reality of this is a notable sentence on top of his earlier disqualification as a director.  

    These loans were intended to help keep small businesses afloat, not to take money from the public purse that businesses were not entitled to. 

    We will continue in our efforts to bring those who abuse this scheme to justice.

    In 2022, before the criminal investigation, Bodale signed a ten-year bankruptcy restriction undertaking which also included a ten-year director disqualification following a civil investigation by the Insolvency Service. 

    The court noted that he had repaid some money as part of the bankruptcy process. 

    Measures were introduced during 2020 to support businesses affected by COVID-19 such as loans, grants and tax allowances. The Bounce Back loan scheme helped small and medium-sized businesses to borrow between £2,000 and £50,000, at a low interest rate, guaranteed by the Government. 

    The Bounce Back loans were made on the condition that they were not to be used for personal purposes, but could be used, for example, to purchase a company asset such as a vehicle, if it would provide an economic benefit to the business. 

    Further information:  

    • Florin-Petrica Bodale’s last known address is Elmsleigh Avenue, Harrow. Date of birth: 26/06/1990 

    • Read more about the Bounce Back Loan Scheme and the action the Insolvency Service can take if it finds misconduct. 

    • The Insolvency Service can investigate complaints about corporate abuse by live companies. This may include serious misconduct, fraud, scams or dishonest practice in the way the company operates. Further information on our live investigations can be found here    

    • Further information about the work of the Insolvency Service, and how to complain about financial misconduct.

    Share this page

    The following links open in a new tab

    • Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
    • Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

    Updates to this page

    Published 15 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 16, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Icebreaking near Bruce Mines, Ontario

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    April 15, 2025

    Sarnia, Ontario – The Canadian Coast Guard advises residents of Bruce Mines, Ontario that the USCGC Neah Bay will carry out icebreaking operations in the area on or around April 16, 2025. The purpose of this operation is to break up the ice to allow commercial vessels safe and efficient movement.

    It is recommended that all traffic on the ice, including pedestrians, fishers, snowmobilers, and all-terrain vehicle operators, leave the ice during icebreaking operations. The ice may move, creating a real danger for anyone on it. Additionally, plan activities carefully and use extreme caution after operations are complete as the ice will remain unstable even once the icebreaker has left the area.

    Icebreaking on the Great Lakes and connecting waterways is delivered through close co-operation between the Canadian and United States Coast Guards. By working together, the two Coast Guards ensure scheduled vessel traffic can move through the shipping channels and in and out of community harbours. Vessels will be assigned as needed to provide this service.

    The date and assets are subject to change with no notice, as activities could begin before or after that period, depending on operational requirements or weather conditions.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    April 16, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 1,321 1,322 1,323 1,324 1,325 … 2,663
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress