NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Adante Balke Appointed IAM Midwest Territory Special Representative

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM International President Brian Bryant has appointed Adante Balke as a Midwest Territory Special Representative, effective April 1, 2025.

    Balke has been an IAM member since 2016 when he began his career as a rank-and-file production worker at Allmetal, Inc., in Bensonville, Ill. He became a member of IAM Local 48 (District 8) and got involved in the union.

    Balke, a first-generation union member, served as the shop’s chief steward from 2018 through 2022. In 2023, he was appointed as a Midwest Territory Associate Organizer. He’s had the opportunity to lead and assist with over a dozen organizing campaigns.

    “Adante has a distinct passion for serving and fighting for the betterment of IAM members,” said IAM Midwest Territory General Vice President Sam Cicinelli. “He’s an inspiration for a growing number of young people who are realizing their potential and getting active in the labor movement. We’re thrilled to welcome Adante to this new role and have an even larger impact on our union.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The EU subsidiaries of third country players account for 10% of total EU assets. Their presence is more significant in the derivatives market, the EBA Report finds

    Source: European Banking Authority

    The European Banking Authority (EBA) today published two Reports on the market share of subsidiaries of non-EU banks in the EU, as well as on EU banks’ assets and liabilities in foreign currencies. The market share of EU subsidiaries of third country banking groups amounts to 10.17% of total assets as of December 2023, mostly owing to exposures towards credit institutions and other financial corporations in the EU. Of the individual asset categories, the market share of third country players is highest in derivatives while their largest sources of income are fees and commission income and interest income from credit institutions and other financial corporations.

    As of December 2023, the market share of third country players was 10.17% of total assets, and accounted for 33.73% in derivatives, 8.17% in loans and 6.06% in debt securities. More than 70% of loans and derivatives were granted to counterparties domiciled outside the home country. The market share of third country players mostly owed to exposures towards credit institutions and other financial corporations in the EU, amounting to 30.79% and 22.44% of total assets of all counterparties, respectively.

    As of December 2023, the assets reported by subsidiaries of third country banking groups towards credit institutions and other financial corporations accounted for 78% of total assets. Moreover, 80% of these assets were located outside of the country where the subsidiaries were domiciled.

    In relation to the P&L items, the market share of subsidiaries of third country banking groups represented 5.16% of interest income, 1.85% of dividend income, 12.22% of fee and commission income and 32.28% of other operating income. Subsidiaries of third country banking groups enjoyed a high market share on fee income originating from commodities (77.34%), fiduciary transactions (48.74%), central bank administrative services for collective investment (30.57%), corporate finance (30.19%), custody (25.68%) and foreign exchange (19.73%).

    Finally, in terms of the assets involved in the services provided, the market share of subsidiaries of third country banking groups is high in central administrative services for collective investment (53.11%), fiduciary transactions (28.87%) and custody assets (20.55%).

    The Reports also show that EU/EEA banks hold nearly 30% of their exposures in foreign currencies, while they receive 21% of total funding in foreign currencies (without including foreign subsidiaries of EU banks). Foreign currency funding consists of funding in Euro (4% of total funding), other EEA currencies (1.9% of total funding) and other foreign currencies (14.7% of total funding). The US dollar is the main contributor to funding in other foreign currencies (12% of total funding).

    On wholesale funding, EU/EEA banks mainly tap markets of foreign currency funding. Unsecured wholesale funding represents two thirds of total foreign currency funding, followed by repurchase agreements (13% of foreign currency funding). More than half of unsecured wholesale funding in foreign currencies comes from financial customers, while non-financial customers provide less than a third of unsecured wholesale funding in foreign currencies.

    On net stable funding ratio (NSFR), EU banks’ buffers remain comfortably above the minimum requirement both for the total NSFR ratio and for the NSFR in the main significant currencies. The average foreign currency NSFR is below 100% only for Norwegian krone and Japanese yen. The average NSFR in USD stood at 107.2% as of December 2023,  higher than the level observed in June 2021 (83%). However, the NSFR in USD remains below 100% for 60 banks out of the 267 banks reporting USD as a significant currency.

    Note to the editors

    1. The identification of non-EU entities and operators was made based on the country of domicile of the ultimate parent.
    2. The EBA relied on different data sources to carry out the analyses included in the Report. The analysis on funding structure and assets and liabilities in foreign currency is based on EBA supervisory reporting data. The investigation of the market share relies mainly on FINREP templates, available at the EBA for banking groups (i.e. institutions that report on a consolidated basis). However, only a limited number of subsidiaries of third country banking groups have established a banking group in the EU and report on a consolidated basis, while the majority of the subsidiaries operate on a solo basis and report FINREP individual templates. 

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three men sentenced for brutal attack on teenager

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A Met investigation into a savage attack where a man suffered life-changing injuries after he was shot and stabbed in broad daylight has led to three men being handed lengthy prison sentences.

    Caleb Wallace, 18 (05.01.07), of Beam Avenue, Barking and Dagenham, Hayat Umar, 18 (13.03.07) of Stern Close, Barking and Dagenham and Joshua Amoaka, 18 (03.08.2006), of Cornflower Road, Chelmsford were sentenced at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 3 April.

    Wallace and Umar, who were both convicted of attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent and possession of a knife following a trial earlier this year were sentenced to 19 years’ imprisonment each.

    Amoaka, who was previously found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm, possession of a firearm with intent and possession of a knife, was sentenced to nine years’ imprisonment.

    All three were subject to between a third to a half reduction to their sentence due to being aged under 18 at the time the offence was committed.

    The court heard that on Thursday, 2 May 2024 the victim, who was 18 at the time of the incident, was cycling along Whalebone Lane South in Dagenham when Wallace, Umar and Amoaka jumped out of a vehicle and chased him.

    While attempting to escape from his attackers, the victim briefly collided with a member of the public and fell off his bike. In CCTV footage seen by the jury in court, Umar can be seen firing a sawn-off shotgun into the back of the victim at point-blank range before Wallace stabs him with a machete. Amoaka is also seen in the footage standing nearby, all during the day and in full-view of passers-by.

    Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and treated the victim at the scene before he was taken to hospital. His injuries were life-changing and he required a number of significant surgeries and extensive time spent in hospital recovering.

    Detective Inspector Iain Wallace from the Specalist Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: “The brutality displayed by Wallace and Umar, while Amoaka stood menacingly by, all in broad daylight and in full view of passers-by is shocking.

    “This has been an incredibly distressing time for the victim and his family. Equally, many of those who witnessed such a vicious attack will still be deeply traumatised and concerned about safety in the community.

    “I hope these lengthy sentences will give the victim some small sense of closure, and allow those in the community to feel safer knowing that Wallace, Umar and Amoaka are no longer on the streets.”

    A determined manhunt began immediately following the attack, with officers speaking to witnesses at the scene as well as painstakingly combing through hours of CCTV footage to understand what took place and to track the movements of the attackers after they fled the scene.

    Umar and Wallace were arrested at an address in Kent on 10 May 2024. During a search of the address, officers found the distinct red trainers that Umar wore during the incident, as well as the multi-coloured trainers Wallace could be seen wearing on CCTV as he attacked the victim. A large black machete matching the one seen on CCTV was also discovered hidden under a bed at the property.

    Amoaka was arrested at an address in Birmingham on 17 May 2024, where officers found a quantity of class A drugs as well as a hunting knife.

    Wallace and Amoaka’s hats were both discarded at the scene after each came off while they chased the victim. They were sent for forensic testing. DNA found on the hats provided a match to both – further proof they had been at the scene.

    Officers also discovered a series of TikTok videos by a gang affiliated with the three men, where those in the videos brazenly claim responsibility for the attack while mocking the victim.

    This helped to further establish a watertight case against Wallace, Umar and Amoaka.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Canmore — RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit recover e-bikes after rash of thefts

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On March 25, 2025, Canmore RCMP received multiple reports regarding the theft of e-bikes and mountain bikes which were stolen from locked bike racks near the 1200 block of Bow Valley Trail in Canmore.

    RCMP Southern Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (SAD CRU) was requested to assist Canmore RCMP with the investigation. Through the investigation, a suspect was identified on CCTV footage.

    On March 27, 2025, SAD CRU located and arrested a 38-year-old individual, a resident of Calgary, and recovered all four stolen bikes. The individual has been charged with the following:

    • Trafficking of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000 (x2)
    • Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000
    • Theft of Bicycle Under $5000 (x2)
    • Fail to Comply with Release Order (x2)

    After a judicial interim release hearing, the individual was remanded into custody to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Calgary on April 3, 2025.

    RCMP would like to thank the victims for their speedy reporting of the thefts, which aided in a quick and successful investigation.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Importer and Distributer of Wholesale Quantities of Fentanyl Pleads Guilty

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

               WASHINGTON – Ronnie Rogers, 69, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy that imported and redistributed wholesale quantities of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine in the District of Columbia.

              The plea agreement was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr., Special Agent in Charge Ibrar A. Mian of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Washington Division, FBI Special Agent Sean Ryan of the Washington Field Office Criminal and Cyber Division, Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Washington Field Division, and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

              Rogers pleaded guilty to a three-count Information charging him with conspiracy to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, 100 grams or more of a fentanyl analogue, and 100 grams or more of heroin; conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine and cocaine base; and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

    U.S. District Court Judge Trevor N. McFadden scheduled a sentencing hearing for July 21, 2025. Rogers is eligible for a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison to a maximum of life.

              According to the plea agreement, between July 2021 and November 2023, Rogers coordinated with his co-conspirators to traffic fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and cocaine base in the District of Columbia and elsewhere. This included over 12 kilograms of fentanyl (including carfentanil, which is 10,000 times more potent than morphine and 100 times more potent than fentanyl), over 1967 grams of fentanyl analog (p-Fluorofentanyl, which is also more lethal than fentanyl), over 236 grams of heroin, over 500 grams of cocaine, and less than 28 grams of cocaine base.

              On November 29, 2023, law enforcement executed search warrants at Rogers’ various residences.

              At his apartment on the 1200 block of Massachusetts Avenue, NW, law enforcement recovered an array of narcotics that included a large baggie containing 494.8 grams of mixture of heroin, fentanyl, and carfentanil; another baggie with 704.8 grams of carfentanil, an envelope containing 115.91 grams of fentanyl; another baggie containing 201 grams of fentanyl; and baggies containing 1,785 grams acetaminophen and 18 grams of fentanyl. In addition, officers recovered a Smith & Wesson SD-40 firearm, a Glock 43 pistol, a Rugar LCP pistol, $23,000 in cash, and an assortment of drug packaging materials and scales.

              At Roger’s residence on the 6500 block of Gateway Boulevard, in District Heights, Maryland, law enforcement recovered more narcotics and weapons including two baggies containing 151 grams of fentanyl; plastic bags containing 2.4 grams of xylazine and 1.8 grams of heroin; baggies containing bundles of smaller bags containing 7.7 grams of  fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, 1.4 grams of carfentanil, and 2.8 grams of acetaminophen, 20 small baggies containing 5.1 grams of fentanyl, heroin and xylazine; and bags containing 97.3 grams of heroin and fentanyl, 45.4 grams of cocaine base, and 14.2 grams of fentanyl with xylazine. Officers also recovered a Smith &Wesson .357 revolver, a Springfield XD 9mm firearm, a Canik TP9 pistol, assorted ammunition and magazines and $1,524 in cash.

              At another residence utilized by Rogers located on the 2100 block of Pineview Court, Waldorf, Maryland, law enforcement recovered a FedEx parcel containing 1,013 grams of fentanyl.

             This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

             This case is being investigated by the DEA Washington Division, the FBI Washington Field Office, the Alexandria Police Department, and the Metropolitan Police Department. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Washington Field Division, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, U.S. Bureau of Prisons, Montgomery County Police Department, Prince George’s County Police Interdiction Unit, Charles County Sheriff’s Office, Arlington County Police, Montgomery County Department of Police, Virginia State Police, Loudoun County Sherriff’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland (Greenbelt), the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Tennessee.

              The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Eliopoulos and Matthew Kinskey of the Violence Reduction and Trafficking Section.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vermilion — Vermillion RCMP lay trafficking charges

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On March 17, 2025, Vermillion RCMP responded to a report from the Alberta Sheriff’s at the Vermillion Provincial Courthouse, of possible drugs found on someone at the location.

    Vermillion RCMP attended and located a 35-year-old individual, of no fixed address, and after investigation, was found to have a quantity of suspected fentanyl in individual baggies.

    The individual was charged with Possession of CDSA for the purpose of trafficking, and failure to comply with Undertaking.

    The individual was brought before a justice of the peace, where she was remanded with a court date of April 7, 2025 at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vermillion.

    The Vermillion RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the location of, or sightings of any drug related crimes in the area. Anyone with information in relation to drug or organized crimes is asked to please contact the Vermillion RCMP at 780-835-4441 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (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 –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Sudan crisis: UN rights chief condemns extrajudicial killings in Khartoum

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Human Rights

    The fight for Sudan’s capital, Khartoum, likely involved widespread summary executions of civilians following its recent recapture by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), UN human rights chief Volker Türk said on Thursday.

    Citing credible reports of extrajudicial killings in several areas of the capital, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that the victims were suspected of collaborating with rival Rapid Support Forces (RSF) fighters.

    “I urge the commanders of the Sudanese Armed Forces to take immediate measures to put an end to arbitrary deprivation of life,” insisted Mr. Türk, pointing to reports attributing the killings to SAF soldiers, State security personnel and affiliated militias.

    Video horrors

    The High Commissioner’s comments follow the review of “multiple horrific videos” available on social media since 26 March, apparently filmed in southern and eastern Khartoum and showing armed men “some in uniform and others in civilian clothes” executing civilians.

    In some of the video footage, perpetrators state that they are punishing supporters of RSF, the UN rights chief said, adding that he was “utterly appalled” by the development.

    One report from the Janoub Al Hezam area of southern Khartoum apparently showed the alleged killing of at least 20 civilians, including one woman, by SAF and affiliated supporters.

    Accountability call

    “Extrajudicial killings are serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law,” Mr. Türk said. “Individual perpetrators, as well as those with command responsibility, must be held accountable for such unacceptable actions under international criminal law.”

    Sudan’s spiralling crisis stems from the breakdown of a transition to civilian rule after the overthrow of long-time ruler Omar al-Bashir in 2019.

    The country was the first that Mr. Türk visited as High Commissioner in November 2022 and he has invested heavily in trying to protect Sudanese people from heavy fighting and the catastrophic humanitarian crisis that has gripped the country. In May 2024 he spoke to rival generals Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan of the SAF and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, head of the RSF, in an effort to pursue a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

    Human Rights Council spotlight

    At the current Human Rights Council session in Geneva, however, the High Commissioner warned more than 600,000 people are on the brink of starvation in Sudan after nearly two years of fighting.

    “Famine is reported to have taken hold in five areas, including Zamzam displacement camp in North Darfur,” Mr. Türk said, referring to the shelter where the UN World Food Programme (WFP) was forced to suspend its lifesaving operations amid intense fighting.

    An additional five more areas could face famine in coming months and a further 17 are at risk, the High Commissioner told the Council on 27 February. “My own staff have heard harrowing testimonies of death from starvation in Khartoum and Omdurman.”

    El Fasher alert

    In an alert late Wednesday, the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, warned that 250,000 people – mostly women, children and older people – had fled violence in the Al Malha area, around 180 kilometres north of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state.

    “Many are now scattered across 15 villages, lacking even basic necessities, the UN agency said, highlighting that just last week, the UN migration agency, IOM, said that 75,000 people had been displaced because of clashes.

    “The newly reported figure would mark a very significant escalation in displacement and signal a serious deterioration in an already dire humanitarian situation across North Darfur,” OCHA said.

    In eastern Sudan, meanwhile, humanitarian partners continue to respond to a hepatitis outbreak spreading among displaced communities at the Gharb Al Matar displacement site in Kassala state.

    Between 27 and 31 March, more than 60 new suspected cases were reported, bringing the total to 236 cases in less than a month.

    The outbreak is being driven by overcrowded living conditions, poor sanitation and limited healthcare.

    Millions displaced

    To date, an estimated 8.8 million people have been forced from their homes to camps and other locations within Sudan; 3.5 million more have fled across borders.

    More than 30.4 million people need assistance, from healthcare to food and other forms of humanitarian support. Less than 30 per cent of hospitals and clinics are still working, and outbreaks of disease are rampant in displacement camps.

    Online threat

    In a statement, Mr. Türk expressed concern at the rise in online hate speech and incitement to violence in Sudan, “with lists of individuals accused of collaborating with the RSF posted online”. The High Commissioner also warned that ethnic groups from the Darfur and Kordofan regions were being targeted disproportionately, before calling for the Sudanese authorities to launch independent, transparent and effective investigations into the latest incidents.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Uganda’s speedy motorbike taxis will slow down for cash – if incentives are cleverly designed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Claude Raisaro, Assistant Professor, International Economics, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID)

    Every day, 10 people die on the roads of Kampala, Uganda’s capital.

    Road accidents cost Uganda US$1.2 billion annually, which is about 5% of its GDP. The cost typically arises from healthcare spending. Families face crippling medical bills and businesses lose workers.

    Motorbike taxis, which are popular in Uganda, are a leading cause of accidents. They are responsible for 64% of all recorded accidents – mostly as a result of speeding.

    Why do so many motorbike taxi drivers in Uganda speed? The common wisdom suggests that they do it for financial reasons. Higher speed translates to more trips, and more trips mean more income.

    But a closer look reveals a more complex reality: speeding isn’t just a money decision – it’s about social pressure among motorbike taxi drivers and the need to adhere with behaviours that signal masculinity. Most drivers are male.

    Uganda’s current approaches to counter speeding include fines and awareness campaigns. There is little evidence that these methods have been effective.

    My recent study in Kampala challenges these traditional road safety approaches, which often fail to change behaviour. I am a behavioural economist, and my findings show offering financial incentives can work – but only if these incentives provide drivers with a socially acceptable reason to slow down.

    Financial incentives need to be made public, and only work when they allow motorbike taxi drivers to justify safer behaviour to their peers. This is key, because getting road safety incentives right saves lives. It also reduces healthcare costs, lowers fuel consumption and emissions, and helps shift harmful social norms that encourage reckless driving.

    Why drivers speed

    My research finds that speeding among motorbike taxi drivers isn’t just a financial decision in Uganda, it’s a social one. Drivers work in tight-knit communities where reputation matters as much as income.

    I collected data from a representative sample of 386 passengers and found commuters prefer safer drivers and are willing to pay up to 8% more for careful driving. Yet, speeding remains the norm.

    The reason? Driving fast is a status symbol for motorbike taxi drivers.

    I carried out an experiment to test whether drivers who speed are perceived more positively by their co-workers. Results are clear: fast drivers are perceived as more skilled and have a higher social status, measured as their ability to influence decisions at their taxi stations.

    This presents a policy challenge: how can financial incentives encourage safer driving without making drivers feel like they are losing respect among their peers?

    To test how financial incentives could encourage safer driving, I conducted an experiment in which a research team offered 360 drivers two options:

    1. a contract that paid them a daily incentive of UGSh6,000 (US$1.64) – roughly a third of their daily income – for observing speed limits

    2. or an equivalent lump sum cash payment with no conditions attached, including limiting a driver’s speed.

    But the framing of these choices mattered.

    • Some drivers knew their decision would be private, meaning no one else would know if they took the safe-driving contract.

    • Others knew that only the safe-driving contract would be public, while the alternative lump sum cash option remained private – giving them a socially acceptable reason to slow down.

    • A third group knew their decision would be fully public, meaning their peers would see if they chose the safe-driving contract over the lump sum.

    The results were clear. Twice as many drivers accepted the safe-driving contract when it was public and provided a justification for slower speeds.

    Why? Because when the incentive was visible but also justified, drivers could explain their decision as a financial one:

    I’m not driving slower because I’m scared, I’m doing it because I’m getting paid.

    The design of this experiment allowed me to answer the question: what mechanism favours socially desirable behaviours when incentives are offered?

    But would the drivers actually slow down?

    Did it work?

    To see whether these contracts actually changed driving behaviour, I conducted an impact experiment, offering incentives for two weeks and tracking drivers for six months.

    Drivers were randomly offered one of the following contracts:

    1. a private safe-driving contract – where only the driver knew about the financial reward

    2. a public safe-driving contract – where their peers knew they were being paid to slow down

    3. a control group – who received a contract consisting of a simple cash payment with no conditions.

    The results were striking. While both safe-driving contracts reduced speeding, the public contract was nearly twice as effective as the private one. The most significant reductions were seen in extreme speeding (occurrences of 80km/h or more) – the kind most likely to cause severe accidents.

    The key takeaway is that visibility makes incentives work, but only when it provides justification. If a driver had to publicly choose the safe-driving contract over another cash offer, it lost effectiveness. But when structured as a justifiable contract, it allowed drivers to slow down without social consequences.

    Reframing safe driving as a smart decision, not just a rule, is important. Featuring respected drivers in safety programmes can potentially help shift perceptions of what makes a “good” driver.

    Finally, drivers operate in tight social networks. Policies should be developed with their input rather than imposed externally. Programmes that actively engage drivers will be more widely accepted and successful.

    Rethinking how incentives shape behaviour

    Speeding is often framed as a problem of reckless individuals making bad choices. My research shows that’s rarely the case – rather it’s about social incentives and peer influence.

    A poorly designed financial incentive may slow drivers down temporarily, but it won’t change long-term behaviour. Incentives that help drivers escape the social pressure of adopting risky behaviours may shift norms – creating lasting improvements in road safety, economic efficiency and environmental impact.

    Claude Raisaro receives funding from the Swiss National Science Foundation (grant no. 195266), the Forschungskredit of the University of Zurich (grant no. FK-22-020), the Swiss Re Foundation for Research in Development Economics, and SurveyCTO. He is affiliated with Mistra Center for Sustainable Markets at Stockholm School of Economics.

    – ref. Uganda’s speedy motorbike taxis will slow down for cash – if incentives are cleverly designed – https://theconversation.com/ugandas-speedy-motorbike-taxis-will-slow-down-for-cash-if-incentives-are-cleverly-designed-249608

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Uganda’s speedy motorbike taxis will slow down for cash – if incentives are cleverly designed

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Claude Raisaro, Assistant Professor, International Economics, Graduate Institute – Institut de hautes études internationales et du développement (IHEID)

    Every day, 10 people die on the roads of Kampala, Uganda’s capital.

    Road accidents cost Uganda US$1.2 billion annually, which is about 5% of its GDP. The cost typically arises from healthcare spending. Families face crippling medical bills and businesses lose workers.

    Motorbike taxis, which are popular in Uganda, are a leading cause of accidents. They are responsible for 64% of all recorded accidents – mostly as a result of speeding.

    Why do so many motorbike taxi drivers in Uganda speed? The common wisdom suggests that they do it for financial reasons. Higher speed translates to more trips, and more trips mean more income.

    But a closer look reveals a more complex reality: speeding isn’t just a money decision – it’s about social pressure among motorbike taxi drivers and the need to adhere with behaviours that signal masculinity. Most drivers are male.

    Uganda’s current approaches to counter speeding include fines and awareness campaigns. There is little evidence that these methods have been effective.

    My recent study in Kampala challenges these traditional road safety approaches, which often fail to change behaviour. I am a behavioural economist, and my findings show offering financial incentives can work – but only if these incentives provide drivers with a socially acceptable reason to slow down.

    Financial incentives need to be made public, and only work when they allow motorbike taxi drivers to justify safer behaviour to their peers. This is key, because getting road safety incentives right saves lives. It also reduces healthcare costs, lowers fuel consumption and emissions, and helps shift harmful social norms that encourage reckless driving.

    Why drivers speed

    My research finds that speeding among motorbike taxi drivers isn’t just a financial decision in Uganda, it’s a social one. Drivers work in tight-knit communities where reputation matters as much as income.

    I collected data from a representative sample of 386 passengers and found commuters prefer safer drivers and are willing to pay up to 8% more for careful driving. Yet, speeding remains the norm.

    The reason? Driving fast is a status symbol for motorbike taxi drivers.

    I carried out an experiment to test whether drivers who speed are perceived more positively by their co-workers. Results are clear: fast drivers are perceived as more skilled and have a higher social status, measured as their ability to influence decisions at their taxi stations.

    This presents a policy challenge: how can financial incentives encourage safer driving without making drivers feel like they are losing respect among their peers?

    To test how financial incentives could encourage safer driving, I conducted an experiment in which a research team offered 360 drivers two options:

    1. a contract that paid them a daily incentive of UGSh6,000 (US$1.64) – roughly a third of their daily income – for observing speed limits

    2. or an equivalent lump sum cash payment with no conditions attached, including limiting a driver’s speed.

    But the framing of these choices mattered.

    • Some drivers knew their decision would be private, meaning no one else would know if they took the safe-driving contract.

    • Others knew that only the safe-driving contract would be public, while the alternative lump sum cash option remained private – giving them a socially acceptable reason to slow down.

    • A third group knew their decision would be fully public, meaning their peers would see if they chose the safe-driving contract over the lump sum.

    The results were clear. Twice as many drivers accepted the safe-driving contract when it was public and provided a justification for slower speeds.

    Why? Because when the incentive was visible but also justified, drivers could explain their decision as a financial one:

    I’m not driving slower because I’m scared, I’m doing it because I’m getting paid.

    The design of this experiment allowed me to answer the question: what mechanism favours socially desirable behaviours when incentives are offered?

    But would the drivers actually slow down?

    Did it work?

    To see whether these contracts actually changed driving behaviour, I conducted an impact experiment, offering incentives for two weeks and tracking drivers for six months.

    Drivers were randomly offered one of the following contracts:

    1. a private safe-driving contract – where only the driver knew about the financial reward

    2. a public safe-driving contract – where their peers knew they were being paid to slow down

    3. a control group – who received a contract consisting of a simple cash payment with no conditions.

    The results were striking. While both safe-driving contracts reduced speeding, the public contract was nearly twice as effective as the private one. The most significant reductions were seen in extreme speeding (occurrences of 80km/h or more) – the kind most likely to cause severe accidents.

    The key takeaway is that visibility makes incentives work, but only when it provides justification. If a driver had to publicly choose the safe-driving contract over another cash offer, it lost effectiveness. But when structured as a justifiable contract, it allowed drivers to slow down without social consequences.

    Reframing safe driving as a smart decision, not just a rule, is important. Featuring respected drivers in safety programmes can potentially help shift perceptions of what makes a “good” driver.

    Finally, drivers operate in tight social networks. Policies should be developed with their input rather than imposed externally. Programmes that actively engage drivers will be more widely accepted and successful.

    Rethinking how incentives shape behaviour

    Speeding is often framed as a problem of reckless individuals making bad choices. My research shows that’s rarely the case – rather it’s about social incentives and peer influence.

    A poorly designed financial incentive may slow drivers down temporarily, but it won’t change long-term behaviour. Incentives that help drivers escape the social pressure of adopting risky behaviours may shift norms – creating lasting improvements in road safety, economic efficiency and environmental impact.

    – Uganda’s speedy motorbike taxis will slow down for cash – if incentives are cleverly designed
    – https://theconversation.com/ugandas-speedy-motorbike-taxis-will-slow-down-for-cash-if-incentives-are-cleverly-designed-249608

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Canberra’s best Easter treats

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Traditional fruit or chocolate chip? This local list caters to all tastes.

    We put the call out on the WeAreCBR Instagram page for Canberrans to vote for their favourite local Easter treat.

    Remember that opening hours vary over Easter, so if you’re hoping to snap up a treat this weekend, be sure to check opening hours ahead of time.

    From Easter eggs to hot cross buns, these are the best treats as voted by you:

    Le Bon Melange’s hot cross buns are just as delicious as their standard offerings of pastries and cakes.

    Southsiders can get their Easter fix at L’épi Artisan Baker, with gluten-free hot cross buns, traditional hot cross buns, and chocolate hot cross buns.

    In addition to their usual Filipino fare, Lola and Lola are offering bright purple ube-langka hot cross buns.

    The local chocolatier have Easter bunny lollipop packs, chocolate easter bunnies and chocolate Easter eggs, each available in dark, milk and white chocolate.

    Studio Cocoa, online and at various stores throughout Canberra

    Studio Cocoa stock a range of handmade chocolate Easter treats. Choose from cute bonbons, mini eggs, praline bunnies, smash eggs, crème eggs, funfetti truffles and hampers.

    Wildflour, Townsville Street Fyshwick, Brierly Street Weston and Eyre Street Kingston

    Check your local Wildflour café for chocolate and traditional hot cross buns or buy a hot cross bun pack from their online store.   

    Sweet Bones, Scullin Place Scullin and Lonsdale Street Braddon

    In addition to their usual line-up of vegan treats, Sweet Bones have a special limited Easter menu on Saturday 30 March from 9am to 1pm. You can buy individual hot cross buns or pre-order a pack of their bake-at-home cinnamon scrolls from their online shop.

    Locals flock to this Scandinavian-inspired bakery for their deliciously spiced Easter fruit buns.

    Danny’s hot cross buns are a Canberra classic. If you happen to miss out this year, don’t fret: they’re available year-round on Saturdays as fruit buns (without their cross).

    Although it’s not strictly a Canberra bakery, Clementine Bakery’s hot cross buns are available at all Two Before Ten locations.  

    Pop Canberra, Lonsdale Street Braddon

    Consider Pop Canberra your one-stop local Easter chocolate shop. This Easter you’ll find hot chocolate bombs, smash eggs, chocolate bars and more.

    Three Mills Bakery, Leeton Street Fyshwick, Newcastle Street Fyshwick, Cooyong Street City and Market Street Belconnen
    Three Mills’ hot cross buns are available at their bakeries, stockists across Canberra and online. You can also order their Easter bundle, which includes hot cross buns and a selection of bake-at-home goodies to get you through the long weekend.

    Spilt Milk’s Easter egg smash features gelato with smashed chocolate Easter eggs and caramel sauce.

    If your Easter travels take you beyond Canberra’s border, stop in at Little Sutton Bakehouse for their freshly baked hot cross buns.

    Another regional favourite, Murrumbateman Chocolate offers chocolate tasting experiences as well as easter treats including chocolate hens, hot cross bun chocolates, mini eggs, chocolate bars, cocktail-inspired chocolates and more. Visit their café or order online for Canberra delivery.

    While Kate specialises in hot chocolate bombs, her Easter range includes sham bunnies and eggs filled with lollies and treats, cracked eggs, an extreme gift box and more.

    Sonoma, Lonsdale Street Braddon

    Sonoma’s ‘not cross buns’ feature their signature ‘s’ in place of a cross, but otherwise carry all the delicious hallmarks of a traditional hot cross bun.

    The Knox are offering traditional fruit and chocolate hot cross buns this Easter.

    Did we miss your favourite? Send us an email at ourcanberra@act.gov.au.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Keeping kids safe online

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Canberra students benefit from learning protective behaviours to use online.

    From TikTok to Discord and beyond, Canberra kids are logging into a whole lot of online platforms.

    But how much do teachers and parents know about them?

    ACT school leaders gathered recently to discuss the topic at an online safety education leadership summit.

    Principals and deputy principals from across Canberra engaged with a panel of experts on keeping students safe online.

    Working together on online safety

    Kellie Britnell from the eSafety Commissioner says there has been a recent increase in reporting online safety incidents such as cyberbullying and sexual extortion.

    “Cyberbullying has now been around for quite a while … but you couple that with some of the new technologies like we’re seeing with artificial intelligence and it’s all new, it’s not regulated and it’s not just in Australia,” Kellie said.

    Kellie recommends a whole-of-school and whole-of-community approach to education, with consistent messaging.

    “We have to be working with children and young people, staff and teachers, but also with families. We need to keep talking,” she said.

    A principal’s perspective

    Ainslie Primary School Principal Wendy Cave says schools must work with students to help them draw on protective behaviours, skills and strategies.

    Educators – many of whom may not have grown up with such technology – need to be on the front foot.

    “There’s such a lot that’s hidden in the online world and it’s important for us all to explore it, unpack it and work together to understand the risks and challenges and opportunities,” Wendy said.

    Kellie Britnell, Manager, Awareness and Capability, eSafety Commissioner (left) and Wendy Cave, Principal of Ainslie Primary

    What can parents do?

    Parents unsure of their role in all this can access a wealth of resources on the eSafety Commissioner website.

    It provides tips on helping children safely navigate the digital world and educating them to avoid harmful online experiences.

    Core to this are three key strategies:

    1. Be engaged, open and supportive

    • Share online time as part of family life. Play games together. Talk about favourite apps, games or websites.
    • Keep communication open.
    • Reassure your child they can always come to you.
    • Let them know you will not cut off internet access if they report feeling uncomfortable or unsafe when online – this is a real concern that may stop your child from communicating with you openly.
    • If you notice a change in behaviour or mood, talk to your child about it. If you are concerned, consider seeking professional help – from your GP, a psychologist or school counsellor.

    2. Set some rules

    • Set age-appropriate rules for devices and online access, with consequences for breaking them.
    • Get your child’s input.
    • Consider creating a family tech agreement
    • Model behaviour you would like to see.

    3. Use technology and get information

    • Take advantage of parental controls, based on your child’s age and experience.
    • Choose apps and games carefully and visit the App Store or Google Play for age ratings and consumer advice.

    Further resources

    Learn more about online safety via the ACT Education Directorate.

    Register to attend the directorate’s free online safety webinar series.

    Learn about the latest platforms in the eSafety Commissioner’s eSafety guide.

    Students can contact the ACT Children and Young People Commissioner.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: 2023 a record year for Canberra tourism

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The city’s diverse, accessible visitor experience is growing Canberra’s reputation as a go-to holiday destination.

    Figures released by Tourism Research Australia show that 2023 was a record-breaking year for Canberra tourism.

    During 2023 the ACT welcomed 5.8 million visitors who spent $3.8 billion in Canberra. This is the highest ever visitor expenditure in a 12-month period over the past 25 years. It surpassed 2022’s expenditure by $770 million.

    Total visitor numbers have recovered to 95 per cent from pre-COVID levels. Expenditure has also surpassed pre-COVID levels, at 135 per cent compared to 2019.

    Last year the ACT welcomed 5.63 million domestic visitors who spent a total of $3.33 billion. In the last 25 years, this is:

    • the highest ever number of visitor nights
    • the highest ever expenditure
    • the third highest number of domestic visitors.

    Across all states and territories, the ACT experienced the biggest growth in domestic overnight visitation, and second highest expenditure growth, when compared to 2022. NSW remains the main source of domestic visitors to the ACT, accounting for two thirds of overnight visitors, and three quarters of day trip visitors.

    International markets continue to rebound strongly with the USA, UK, China and India delivering 40 per cent of international visitors.

    The city’s diverse, accessible visitor experience, led by its major attractions and events, are growing Canberra’s reputation as a go-to holiday destination. Major exhibitions at national attractions have been significant drawcards and new investment in a range of tourism products is providing more reasons to visit and return.

    The ACT’s expanding aviation connectivity is making it cheaper and easier for visitors to get to Canberra. Canberra Airport connects to 12 domestic destinations, three North American hubs with Fiji Airways, and a host of destinations through Asia with Batik Airways.

    Canberra’s Tourism industry is thriving on a national stage, receiving a record seven awards at the 2023 Qantas Australian National Awards including three gold awards.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Yarralumla Nursery banks seeds for the future

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Yarralumla Nursery’s staff carefully monitor the conditions of the seed bank.

    When bushfire swept through Yarramundi Reach in 2003, it took with it Roman Cypress trees first planted in 1916.

    While that exact type of Cyprus could well have disappeared from the ACT, Yarralumla Nursery’s seed bank came to the rescue.

    “Yarralumla Nursery’s seed bank is a wonderful resource that has been used to create Canberra’s urban forest,” the nursery’s Senior Director Matt Parker said.

    “We were able to propagate the same genetic Cyprus from our seed bank.”

    The seed bank is a living record of every seed collected, purchased and stored at the Yarralumla Nursery since 1913.

    The latest to be added are the seeds of the Bunya Pine tree.

    Native to Queensland, these large conifers hold sacred values for First Nations peoples and come from a plant family dating back to the Jurassic period.

    Bunya Pines can be found throughout Canberra – from the National Arboretum to Lanyon Homestead.

    The seed bank is a valuable historical asset for the nursery and the role it has played in establishing Canberra’s green spaces.

    It now contains over 200 genus of seeds, with relevant information painstakingly recorded.

    Seeds are stored in alphabetical order, in old glass ‘lolly’ jars of all shapes and sizes.

    They are hand-labelled with the species weight and seed registration number and consistently maintained at 20–22°C.

    “If seeds are dried and stored correctly, there are minimal issues,” Yarralumla Nursery Production Operations Manager Belinda Ryan said.

    “Our propagation staff specialise in monitoring the conditions of the seed bank and storing the seeds. For example, jars need to be at least two-thirds full of seed to maintain temperature and reduce air moisture and you can’t put seed into warm jars as this may break seed dormancy, meaning they could start to grow.”

    Around 15,000 plant cards – which staff refer to as birth certificates – feature seed information dating back to 1913.

    While these were once housed in wooden draws at the nursery they have since been digitised and are available on the Archives ACT website.

    “Some Eucalyptus species from the ’60s are still viable and germinating,” Belinda said.

    “The seed bank at Yarralumla Nursery is an amazing space full of nostalgia; I like searching through and finding the oldest seeds,” Matt said.

    And now the newest are safely stored under B for Bunya Pine.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Easy ways for Canberrans to reduce waste

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Getting involved in neighbourhood initiatives like community gardens can help make a positive difference.

    If you avidly use your household recycling bin, upcycled old furniture, or received something from a “buy nothing” group in your community, you’ve been a part of the circular economy.

    It’s a system that’s designed to minimise waste and maximise the use of resources. It promotes the repurposing, recycling and reuse of materials so nothing goes to waste.

    The circular economy reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, but it’s also a pretty useful way to save money.

    There are lots of ways that Canberrans can get involved in the circular economy.

    Recycle correctly

    If you can’t reduce or reuse, then recycling is the best choice.

    Not everything that can be recycled can go in your yellow recycling bin.

    Recycle these in your recycling bin:

    • aluminium and steel cans
    • glass bottles and jars
    • paper and flat cardboard
    • plastic bottles and containers

    For other items, the Recyclopaedia is your go-to guide for recycling.

    For example, batteries aren’t accepted in household bins. However, there are over 60 local collection points for the safe disposal of batteries.

    Choose alternatives to single-use plastics

    Choose reusable alternatives to single-use items such as water bottles, shopping bags and food containers to reduce waste.

    Support local sustainable businesses

    Look for local businesses that prioritise sustainability by offering products made from recycled materials or following eco-friendly production practices.

    Some examples of sustainable businesses in Canberra include:

    • Thor’s Hammer
    • Soft Landing
    • repair businesses
    • local charity shops.

    Get things repaired

    Instead of automatically replacing broken or damaged items, consider repairing them.

    Explore local repair cafes, workshops, or DIY repair tutorials to extend the lifespan of products and minimise waste.

    A great place to start is the Tuggeranong Repair Café or the Hawker Community Repair Café.

    The handy team of volunteers can help fix a range of items including household electrical items, clothing, laptops, tablets and mobile phones and more.

    Find out more about the Tuggeranong Repair Café or learn more about the Hawker Community Repair Café.

    Connect with your community

    Get involved in local community initiatives focused on waste reduction and circular economy practices. These might include:

    • neighbourhood clean-up events
    • clothing swaps
    • community gardens
    • composting and food waste reduction.

    By working together, Canberrans can create positive change on a larger scale.

    Live in an apartment building? Consider working with a local collection and composting service.

    Do your research

    Make informed choices about what to buy and where to buy it. Prioritise products that are:

    • durable
    • energy-efficient
    • made from recycled or renewable materials.

    Shop second-hand

    Buying your items second-hand helps reduce waste to landfill and is typically more affordable.

    Ways to buy second-hand goods include:

    • local charity shops
    • vintage stores or boutiques
    • markets, such as the Old Bus Depot Markets
    • Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace.

    Make your own

    Your Libraries ACT card comes with access to Creativebug, an online platform with art and craft video classes. There are classes on making and repairing clothes, knitting, and crocheting. There are also courses on how to make home décor or craft projects that make brilliant gifts for friends and family.

    Keep an eye on the Tuggeranong Repair Café and Hawker Community Repair Café who sometimes offer repair workshops where you can learn skills from local volunteers.

    Growing your own produce is another way to prevent food wastage and resources. New to gardening? Learn how to grow veggies at home in Canberra.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New 30-unit public housing development opens in Tuggeranong

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The new homes vary in size and cater to a wide range of needs.

    A new 30-unit public housing development has opened in Tuggeranong and is ready to welcome tenants.

    The unit complex is one of the largest public housing developments delivered under the ACT Government’s Growing and Renewing Public Housing program.

    The program, launched in 2019, aims to deliver 1,400 renewed or new public homes by mid-2027, which will increase the total number of public housing in the ACT by 400.

    The new homes cater to a wide range of needs and are Class C Adaptable, making them suitable for people with disability and people as they grow older.

    The development features an onsite playground and a range of unit sizes, from one-bedroom to four-bedroom.

    They have each been completed with above-standard energy efficiency ratings, to provide tenants greater comfort and increased affordability.

    The development is located close to shops, services and transport, as well Lake Tuggeranong and surrounding parks, allowing residents easy access to Tuggeranong’s outdoor spaces.

    The ACT has the second-highest proportion of public housing out of any jurisdiction in the country.

    The ACT Government’s Growing and Renewing Public Housing program is on track to meet its targets.

    More than 640 homes have already been built or bought, and another 577 are in the construction pipeline.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Construction starts on Franklin Dog Park

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Canberrans are keen for spaces where their dogs can run free.

    Work has begun on the new Franklin Dog Park, located in the open space bound by Nullarbor Avenue and Oodgeroo Avenue.

    Major works are expected to take approximately nine months to complete (weather permitting), meaning Gungahlin dog owners should be able to use it next summer.

    The new fully fenced dog park will be the third in Gungahlin and the eighth in Canberra.

    Its design follows community consultation in 2022.

    Key features include:

    • 2,870m2 fenced recreational area
    • Accessible loop path within the perimeter of the dog park
    • Gravel car park with seven car spaces, including two accessible spaces and four bike rails
    • Picnic shelter, seating and drinking fountain
    • Dog agility area with some play elements including low and tall bar jumps, weave poles, pyramid ramp, hoop tunnels and log balance beams
    • Irrigated grass area for ball and frisbee play
    • Dog poo bag dispensers and bins.

    There will also be 48 new trees planted for canopy cover, and additional shade once matured.

    The ACT has one of Australia’s highest rates of pet ownership. Community feedback revealed Canberrans want space for their dogs to run free and a variety of terrains for dogs to explore and use their sense of smell.

    Fenced dog exercise areas contribute to the effective management of dogs in public spaces by providing a controlled space where dogs can freely exercise and play. They also assist in alleviating the pressure on shared recreational areas.

    There are several other projects currently underway across Canberra to provide more recreational opportunities for people and their dogs.

    The new fenced dog park planned for the Lanyon Valley will provide more spaces for southsiders to socialise and exercise their dogs.

    The Lanyon Valley dog park will include many of the same features as Franklin, including a grass play and agility areas, shade structures and seating.

    A construction tender for that park will be released around the middle of the year.

    Improvements to public open spaces present additional opportunities for on-leash dog walks.

    These include improvements to the Tuggeranong foreshore, which are nearly complete, and upgrades to the Lake Ginninderra path circuit and Yerrabi Pond District Park.

    Stay up to date on the suburban infrastructure projects being delivered, including playgrounds, local shopping centres and dog parks, at cityservices.act.gov.au/bettersuburbs.

    The park will be located in the open space bound by Nullarbor Avenue and Oodgeroo Avenue.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: The dog owner’s guide to Tuggeranong

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Tuggeranong has over 30 dog off-leash areas and one dog park, with another on the way.

    Tuggeranong is a dog friendly region of Canberra, with plenty of on-leash and off-leash open spaces for you and your four-legged friend to explore together.

    Here are some of our favourite spots:

    Dog parks

    There is one dog park in Tuggeranong, with another one on its way.

    Greenway – Mortimer Lewis Drive, Lake Tuggeranong

    Located next to the picturesque Lake Tuggeranong, this scenic dog park is an ideal spot for your dog to socialise and play.

    Large eucalyptus trees provide shade and there are large grassy areas. There are also benches so you can take a seat while your dog plays nearby.

    There are two separate play areas: one for smaller dogs, and one for larger dogs.

    Lanyon dog park – corner of Jim Pike Avenue and Woodcock Avenue, Gordon

    Design work is progressing for a new fenced dog park near Point Hut Pond. Construction is expected to begin later in 2024.

    Find more information and keep up to date.

    Off-leash areas

    There are over 30 areas that are dog off-leash in the Tuggeranong region.

    Point Hut Pond

    On hot days, take your dog to the western riverbank of Point Hut Crossing and Point Hut Bond. There are dog swimming spaces where your pooch can have a paddle before running themselves dry on the riverbank.

    Calwell Playing Fields

    With plenty of open space, Calwell Playing Fields is the perfect spot for zoomies or a game of fetch.

    It’s important to know that ovals or sportsgrounds are conditional spaces. This means that if the oval is in use (i.e. when it is booked for formal sport, including training sessions), you and your dog will need to come back later.

    Fadden Pines District Park

    The side of this park closest to the Futsal Centre (the opposite side to the playground and skate park) is a dog off-leash area. There’s a large grassy area perfect for playing, and shady trees throughout the area.

    There are public toilets on the other side of the park near the barbecue area. However, remember that when in use, all playgrounds, picnic areas and barbecue areas (as well as sportsgrounds) become dog prohibited areas. If they’re not in use, you’re able to venture into this area with your dog on their lead.

    Simpsons Hill, Chisholm

    This area is perfect for active dogs. There’s a grassy hill with lots of trees and space to run around.

    On-leash areas

    All streets, verges, footpaths and cycle paths are on-leash areas. You’ll also need to keep your dog on-leash if you’re within 10 metres either side of the path.

    Lakes are also dog on-leash areas unless otherwise signposted.

    Remember that regardless of where you are, it’s an offence not to pick up your dog droppings. You can receive a $150 fine for not picking up your dog’s droppings, and a $75 fine for not carrying appropriate equipment to collect your dog’s droppings. Keeping poo bags on hand near your leash (and using them to clean up after your dog) is an easy way to avoid copping a fine!

    Learn more about local spots to take your dog or view on-leash, off-leash, conditional off-leash and dog prohibited areas on ACTmapi’s dog exercise area map.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New West Belconnen public housing ready for tenants

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    There are nine new units complete.

    Nine new public housing units in West Belconnen are now complete and ready to welcome tenants.

    The homes have been developed under the ACT Government’s Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program, which has seen more than 475 homes built and a further 577 under design or construction since the launch of the program in July 2019.

    The new homes add to the category of public housing in highest demand: approximately 80 per cent of all housing applicants can be housed in a two-bedroom dwelling.

    Each of the homes is equipped with Class C adaptable features, suitable for people with different mobility and accessibility needs, and support tenants to age in place.

    They are located close to a school, shops, and transport and feature a 7-star energy rating, offering greater comfort and increased affordability for tenants.

    The program demonstrates the ACT Government’s commitment to providing high-quality public housing that caters to tenants’ needs.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese railways expect travel rush during Qingming holiday

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, April 3 — China’s railways are gearing up for an expected surge in travel during the upcoming three-day Qingming Festival holiday, which starts on Friday this year.

    China Railway, the country’s railway operator, said the travel rush would actually span five days, as it started on Thursday. The operator expects 84.5 million passenger trips to be made in total from April 3 to 7, averaging 16.9 million trips daily.

    The travel peak during the holiday will be on Friday, it forecasted.

    Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, falls on April 4 this year. It is a traditional Chinese festival for people to pay tribute to the dead and worship their ancestors. The holiday also provides a short break for Chinese citizens as they engage in outdoor activities and sightseeing.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: GAO’s Comptroller General Inducted into the Government Hall of Fame

    Source: US Government Accountability Office

    WASHINGTON (April 3, 2025) The Honorable Gene L. Dodaro, Comptroller General of the United States and head of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), is a 2025 Government Hall of Fame inductee. Government Executive created the Government Hall of Fame in 2019 to recognize individuals who have profoundly shaped the federal government and helped serve the American people. Dodaro is one of two honorees in this year’s class. He joins a cohort of esteemed individuals honored for their unwavering dedication and excellence in public service.

    “It is a great honor to be inducted to the Government Hall of Fame alongside many dedicated public servants,” said Dodaro. “Throughout my career, I have remained motivated by GAO’s mission to help the Congress improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the federal government to make it work better for the American people.”

    Dodaro began his distinguished career as an auditor with GAO more than 50 years ago and is the first career civil servant to serve as Comptroller General of the United States. Throughout his 15-year term, he has successfully leveraged the agency’s resources to review spending and improve program management across the federal government. These efforts have resulted in more than $1 trillion in financial benefits to American taxpayers and an average return on investment of $133 for every $1 invested in GAO.

    For example, in service of the Congress and the nation, Dodaro directed GAO’s efforts to highlight current and emerging issues that warrant attention from policymakers through GAO’s High Risk List. Since 1990, this list, updated every 2 years, has identified government programs with serious vulnerabilities to fraud, waste, abuse, mismanagement, or in need of transformation. The High Risk List has yielded significant savings for the American taxpayer, totaling $759 billion so far—an average of $40 billion per year.

    Throughout his distinguished career, Dodaro has remained steadfast in his commitment to responsible stewardship of GAO. He has fostered a work culture where people strive to develop, excel, and serve the American people and the Congress with trust and dedication. Under his leadership, GAO has been consistently recognized as the top mid-sized agency in the “Best Places to Work.”

    “Gene is the model civil servant, and I—along with the rest of GAO—am thrilled he is being recognized as a Hall of Fame inductee,” said Orice Williams Brown, Chief Operating Officer at GAO. “His contributions to our nation throughout his career have reached every corner of the federal government, and his lasting impact still resonates as he continues to serve the Congress and the American public.”

    In addition to being inducted to the Government Hall of Fame, Dodaro has earned numerous honors throughout his career, including the National Public Service Award for the American Society for Public Administration and the National Academy of Public Administration, Administrator of the Year Award from the Romney Institute, BYU Marriott School of Business, the John Glenn Excellence in Public Service Award, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arthur S. Flemming Commission and George Washington University.

    For more information, contact Sarah Kaczmarek, Managing Director of GAO Public Affairs at media@gao.gov.

    #####

    The Government Accountability Office, known as the investigative arm of Congress, is an independent, nonpartisan agency that exists to support Congress in meeting its constitutional responsibilities. GAO also works to improve the performance of the federal government and ensure its accountability to the American people. The agency examines the use of public funds; evaluates federal programs and policies; and provides analyses, recommendations, and other assistance to help Congress make informed oversight, policy, and funding decisions. GAO provides Congress with timely information that is objective, fact-based, nonideological, fair, and balanced. GAO’s commitment to good government is reflected in its core values of accountability, integrity, and reliability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Expanding Inpatient Capacity at State Mental Health Facilities

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that 125 new beds have opened at state-operated psychiatric centers over the past four months, boosting New York’s capacity to provide intermediate-level care to individuals living with mental illness. Opened statewide since December 1, 2024, the new beds represent more than a third of the capacity added at state psychiatric centers since Governor Hochul took office in 2022 — the largest inpatient expansion at these facilities in decades.

    “New Yorkers living with longer-term psychiatric challenges need access to care they can count on and that’s what these new beds promise to deliver,” Governor Hochul said. “Adding new capacity complements other critical investments we’re making in mental health care, including an expansion of outpatient supports, services and specialized housing to help individuals in recovery live safely in their community.”

    OMH has added 125 new beds split between five state psychiatric centers during the first three months of 2025. This expansion added 60 adult beds, 15 children’s beds and 50 forensic beds, including:

    • 25 beds at the Greater Binghamton Psychiatric Center in Binghamton
    • 25 beds at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens
    • 10 beds at Capital District Psychiatric Center in Albany
    • 15 beds at Rockland Children’s Psychiatric Center in Orangeburg
    • 25 beds at Kirby Psychiatric Center in Manhattan
    • 25 beds at Rochester Psychiatric Center in Rochester

    With these additions, Governor Hochul has brought 875 beds online since taking office, including 325 new beds at state-operated psychiatric centers, and 550 beds restored at community-based hospitals. An additional 75 beds are in planning for three Transition to Home units slated to begin opening at the Creedmoor campus in 2026.

    The first 25-bed Transition to Home unit opened at Manhattan Psychiatric Center in late 2022, with a second 25-bed unit opening several months later. These units provide recovery-focused treatment specifically designed for individuals with severe mental illnesses who are experiencing homelessness.

    In addition to this expansion at state facilities, Governor Hochul has helped restore 550 beds that were offline at community-based hospital beds statewide. These hospitals typically serve individuals requiring shorter term care –often several weeks or less –while the state psychiatric centers provide longer-term treatment that can last months.

    Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Our focus is to ensure all New Yorkers can access the right level of care whenever and wherever they need it. In addition to expanding both acute and intermediate inpatient capacity, we are also investing in outpatient supports and specialized housing to help people receive mental health care in the setting most appropriate for their need. Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to strengthening our mental health system is creating one that is truly responsive to the needs of all New Yorkers.”

    Governor Hochul’s signature $1 billion investment into strengthening New York State’s mental health care system and her subsequent budget initiatives have resulted in a significant expansion of outpatient services. This includes tripling the number of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics statewide from 13 to 39, which provide mental health and substance use disorder services to anyone who walks in the door.

    This plan has added 24 new adult and young adult Assertive Community Treatment teams, with an additional 16 teams under development. This ongoing expansion will significantly increase the capacity of these teams to treat New Yorkers most in need within their communities, rather than in more restrictive hospital settings.

    Governor Hochul’s plan has funded 22 new Youth ACT teams. These multi-disciplinary teams are designed to address the significant needs of children ages 10 up to 21, who are at risk of entering, or are returning home from high intensity services, such as inpatient settings or residential services.

    Additionally, the State has added 31 new Critical Time Intervention teams under the Governor’s initiative to provide care management services and support that help people during transitions in care, including when they leave inpatient settings. An additional 19 teams are in planning.

    Governor Hochul’s mental health initiative has also expanded the ‘Safe Options Support’ program to operate in all five boroughs of New York City and throughout the state, helping more than 970 chronically homeless individuals into permanent housing. There are now 17 teams operating throughout New York City, one on Long Island and 10 in communities in upstate.

    To date, the plan has provided funding for 1,276 units of new specialized housing, with an additional 2,224 housing units in the pipeline. This housing includes community residence-single room occupancy units, supportive housing-single room occupancy units and short term transitional residential units.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: H2 Clipper Transforms Aviation and Aerospace Manufacturing with Patented Swarm Robotics Innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA BARBARA, Calif., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — H2 Clipper, Inc. (“H2C”), a leader in sustainable hydrogen-based infrastructure and transportation, has been granted U.S. Patent No. 12,234,035 for the company’s innovative approach to using autonomous and semi-autonomous robotic swarms in aircraft and aerospace manufacturing. This milestone marks H2C’s 15th awarded patent.

    The newly issued patent is a continuation of H2C’s foundational robotics patent (U.S. Patent No. 11,851,214) granted on December 26, 2023. It extends the scope of H2C’s proprietary robotics claims to expressly cover large-scale aviation and aerospace manufacturing. The use of Swarm Robotics in aerospace production significantly reduces manufacturing time and costs, while enabling unparalleled precision and continuous round-the-clock autonomous production.

    “The issuance of this patent marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of aerospace and aviation manufacturing. By replacing traditional assembly lines with robotic swarms, this breakthrough enables aircraft and large aerospace assets to be built faster, at a significantly lower cost, and with far greater precision,” said Rinaldo Brutoco, H2C Founder and CEO. “Conservative estimates based on current aerospace production benchmarks suggest this approach can reduce total manufacturing costs by 40% or more, and cut production timeframes by up to 60%, while simultaneously improving quality.”

    H2C’s newly patented system employs a network of robots that operate collaboratively and autonomously to construct large aerospace structures with unprecedented efficiency and a significantly smaller production facility footprint. The innovation includes:

    • Automated Manufacturing: Robots work in a coordinated “swarm” to assemble airframes, attach the exterior skin, install structural and internal components, perform bonding and fastening operations, conduct in-process quality inspections, and carry-out other complex, high-precision tasks.
    • AI-Driven Optimization: Machine learning and generative AI guide the robotic swarm to self-correct, improve manufacturing precision, reduce errors, and optimize construction timelines.
    • Scalability and Safety: The system uses built-in sensors and AI-driven oversight to safely manage all operations, assuring collision-free operation and eliminating the need for workers to operate at dangerous heights. With no fixed assembly line or gantries required, manufacturing can be supervised remotely and scaled across multiple locations.
    • Heavy-Lift Robotics Integration: The technology enables large-scale structures to be constructed entirely in place—horizontally or vertically—using autonomous robots capable of repositioning and aligning major components. This flexibility supports multiple assembly approaches while reducing infrastructure requirements and improving safety.

    Whereas traditionally, aircraft must be moved through multiple stages, requiring massive facilities, complex scheduling and high logistical overhead, these assets are built in place using H2C’s approach, eliminating costly movement, saving time, and reducing the need for assembly line infrastructure. H2C’s focus on Swarm Robotics arose from its pursuit of a manufacturing approach that would be suited for constructing its Pipeline-in-the-Sky™ airships. But it soon realized the applicability of the novel approach to addressing multiple challenges faced in all aviation and aerospace manufacturing. With the continuation patent now issued, the company plans to assemble a select group of industry leaders in aerospace engineering, robotics, artificial intelligence, regulatory affairs, and advanced manufacturing to guide the next phase of development and demonstration. This expert team will play a key role in shaping a technology roadmap that supports potential licensing to OEMs—and may lay the groundwork for a broader industry consortium to accelerate adoption of Swarm Robotics across the aerospace sector.

    “This patent represents a game-changing moment for aerospace manufacturing—a shift as significant as the invention of the assembly line itself,” added Brutoco. “Swarm Robotics gives OEMs the ability to build aircraft and spacecraft smarter, faster, and more affordably than ever before, opening the door to a new era in aviation and the future of flight.”

    H2C was selected in 2021 for inclusion in Dassault Systèmes’ prestigious 3DEXPERIENCE® Lab accelerator program; and in 2024, H2C and Dassault agreed on a renewed three-year contract to further develop robotic software for this novel construction method.

    H2C is represented in intellectual property matters by John C. Serio, a Partner in the Boston Intellectual Property and Technology Group at Withers Worldwide.

    About H2 Clipper, Inc. (H2C)
    H2C is the developer of high-speed, Pipeline-in-the-Sky™ hydrogen-powered airships for long distance global transport that use no fossil fuels and have a host of commercial and humanitarian applications, and of the novel H2C Safety Pipe™ for “last mile” distribution of hydrogen to end users. Since 2008, the company has made significant strategic investments to research, develop, and patent core IP in modern airship design, including advanced software systems, and midstream solutions for efficient delivery of both gaseous and liquid hydrogen.

    Media Contact:
    Lisa Murray
    Trevi Communications, Inc.
    lisa@trevicomm.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d82ad9a1-9fa0-4c84-8753-303feda9ea1f
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/313f4f34-bd77-4122-bdd0-244873dba26d
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9d5d0cb1-06e7-472b-a293-62f3a6e8a432

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [ADVANCED MEDICAL SOLUTIONS GROUP PLC – 02 04 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ADVANCED MEDICAL SOLUTIONS GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 02 APRIL 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 5p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 11,887,656 5.4524    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 11,887,656 5.4524    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    5p ORDINARY PURCHASE 6,870 220.98p
    5p ORDINARY PURCHASE 5,250 224p
    5p ORDINARY SALE 8,870 221.001p
    5p ORDINARY SALE 1,500 222.75p
    5p ORDINARY SALE 6,600 224p
    5p ORDINARY SALE 7,000 225p
    5p ORDINARY SALE 7,980 226.75p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 03 APRIL 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Trust Stamp Selected for CyberBoost Catalyse Program to Accelerate Global Growth in Cybersecurity in Singapore and APAC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trust Stamp (Nasdaq: IDAI), the Privacy-First Identity Company™, has been selected to participate in the prestigious CyberBoost Catalyse program, an initiative led by the CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth (TIG) Collaboration Centre, powered by Plexal, and supported by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) and the National University of Singapore (NUS). This competitive international program supports high-growth cybersecurity companies looking to expand their impact across Singapore, APAC the UK, and key global markets.

    Trust Stamp’s selection reflects its innovation in privacy-preserving, AI-powered identity verification technologies, and its proven ability to solve critical challenges in digital security, fraud prevention, and data privacy, without compromising usability or interoperability—key considerations for both governments and enterprises. Through CyberBoost Catalyse, Trust Stamp will participate in intensive boot camps, expert-led sessions, and one-on-one mentoring to further develop its market strategies, engage with global investors, and scale its solutions in international markets.

    The program offers participants a unique opportunity to gain deep market insights, build strategic partnerships, and engage with cybersecurity leaders in Singapore and beyond. Trust Stamp will leverage this platform to explore new opportunities across the Asia Pacific region and accelerate the adoption of its privacy-first biometric authentication technologies in sectors such as financial services, government, healthcare, and digital infrastructure.

    “This opportunity to participate in CyberBoost Catalyse marks a key milestone in our global expansion strategy. Singapore is a world leader in cybersecurity innovation, and being part of this program enables us to refine our market approach while building meaningful partnerships across Asia and beyond. We look forward to collaborating with the CSA, Plexal, NUS, and fellow participants to bring scalable, secure, and privacy-enhancing identity solutions to new markets,” said Ajmir Safi, Vice President, APAC, Trust Stamp.

    Through CyberBoost Catalyse, Trust Stamp aims to accelerate its mission of empowering individuals and organizations with ethical, privacy-first identity solutions that drive digital inclusion and resilience across borders.

    For more information about Trust Stamp and its initiatives, visit www.truststamp.ai.

    Inquiries
    Trust Stamp                                                   Email: Shareholders@truststamp.ai

    Ajmir Safi

    Vice President, Trust Stamp APAC  

    About Trust Stamp

    Trust Stamp is a global provider of AI-powered services for use in multiple sectors including banking and finance, regulatory compliance, government, healthcare, real estate, communications, and humanitarian services. Its technology empowers organizations via advanced solutions that reduce fraud, tokenize and secure data, securely authenticate users while protecting personal privacy, reduce friction in digital transactions, and increase operational efficiency, enabling customers to accelerate secure financial inclusion and reach and serve a broader base of users worldwide.

    With team members from twenty-two nationalities in eight countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Trust Stamp trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market (Nasdaq: IDAI).

    Safe Harbor Statement: Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Remarks 

    All statements in this release that are not based on historical fact are “forward-looking statements” including within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The information in this announcement may contain forward-looking statements and information related to, among other things, the company, its business plan and strategy, and its industry. These statements reflect management’s current views with respect to future events-based information currently available and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. The company does not undertake any obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after such date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EarthOptics Launches Scalable $4/Acre Total Farm Platform, Marking Its First Significant Step Post-Merger with Pattern Ag

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MINNEAPOLIS, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EarthOptics announced its new subscription-based Total Farm program for the 2025 crop year. This is the company’s first collaborative release following last year’s merger of EarthOptics and Pattern Ag, two ag technology firms each founded in 2018. The Total Farm program combines the EarthOptics GroundOwl™ sensor suite, soil biological test results (DNA), a farmer’s yield data, and satellite imagery to produce full-field soil fertility and crop planning recommendations that farmers can use to increase yield profitability and lower input costs.

    Agronomic advisors and farmers who sign up for the Total Farm program receive a comprehensive data service, including a high-resolution nutrient map that shows automated variable-rate soil fertility prescriptions and soil biological risk assessments. The new platform keeps farmers informed about key in-season and long-term agronomic decisions across their entire farm, with the goal of improving their efficiency, productivity, and input optimization. A Total Farm subscription includes soil testing and analysis, crop protection recommendations, fertility prescriptions, and use of a first-of-its-kind crop planning tool, all at a flat rate of $4 per acre.

    “Total Farm makes the highest-resolution agronomic data accessible and actionable to farmers at the whole-farm level,” said Dr. Lars Dyrud, EarthOptics CEO. “We integrate soil biology, soil fertility, and yield-based data into a single workflow that farmers and their trusted advisors can use to make informed decisions and eliminate much of the guesswork that goes into crop planning.”

    Once farmers are enrolled in the Total Farm program, EarthOptics seamlessly handles everything for the customer from start to finish, including soil testing, laboratory analysis, and results reporting. The entire process is managed and carefully documented within the EarthOptics chain of custody, ensuring testing integrity along with fast, reliable results.

    Farmers and their trusted advisors can export Total Farm recommendations in multiple file formats, including shapefiles, for use with farm machinery or prescription software. For example, Total Farm is compatible with and integrates with most popular ag data platforms, including Climate FieldView, MyJohnDeere, CNH, and Raven.

    With more than 4.6 million acres being measured, EarthOptics continues expanding its reach through its vast dealer network of participating agronomists, seed dealers, ag retailers, and professional crop consultants.

    “EarthOptics and PatternAg merged to join complementary technologies and data systems,” said Dyrud. “Our first collaboration is a platform that supports a new level of accurate agronomic decision-making while contributing to improved soil health and more targeted use of fertilizer and crop inputs. Total Farm is the beginning of many great new product offerings on the horizon that we are working to create and launch in coming months and years.”

    Interested farmers can enroll in the Total Farm program and schedule soil sampling either before planting or after the harvest. Enrollment operates on a first-come, first-serve basis, with early signups prioritized for soil sampling, testing, and planning in the upcoming 2026 crop year. For more details, visit earthoptics.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Digital Wealth Partners Launches Fund Enabling Income & Growth Strategies for XRP Holders

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dallas, Texas, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Wealth Partners has launched their Income Fund and Growth Fund, two investment options that let qualified investors utilize XRP directly. Digital assets like XRP have typically not produced income, leaving investors with few ways to use their holdings. The Income and Growth Funds allow investors to keep their XRP exposure while benefiting from institutional strategies. Qualified investors can now use their XRP to access investment strategies that aim to generate income and growth, with a strong focus on risk management.

    Digital Wealth Partners

    “We’re excited to launch these funds. This offers XRP holders a fresh way to interact with their assets,” said Matthew Snider, CIO at Digital Wealth Partners. “Our team has worked hard to create strategies. We balance potential returns with careful risk management. We look forward to helping our investors reach their financial goals.””

    The Income Fund aims to provide regular income by investing in a mix of income-generating assets. The Growth Fund, on the other hand, seeks to grow capital with investments in growth-focused opportunities. Both funds are available exclusively to accredited and qualified investors.

    “We are deeply grateful to our early partners and investors for their trust and support,” added Snider. “These funds aim to meet investor needs. They blend opportunity with institutional discipline and a risk-aware approach.””

    About Digital Wealth Partners:

    Digital Wealth Partners is a Registered Investment Advisor dedicated to providing investment solutions for digital asset holders. With a focus on risk management and client-centric strategies, Digital Wealth Partners manages the Income and Growth Funds. Visit www.digitalwealthpartners.net for more information.

    This communication release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Investments in the Income and Growth Funds are speculative and involve a high degree of risk, including the loss of principal. Offers are made solely pursuant to formal offering documents and only to accredited and qualified investors under applicable securities laws.

    About Digital Wealth Partners

    Digital Wealth Partners is a Registered Investment Advisory (RIA) that specializes in digital assets (crypto/blockchain)

    Press inquiries

    Digital Wealth Partners
    https://www.digitalwealthpartners.net
    Max Avery
    max.avery@digitalwealthpartners.net
    307-396-0295 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: First Merchants Corporation to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results, Host Conference Call and Webcast

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MUNCIE, Ind., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Merchants Corporation (Nasdaq:FRME) will report first quarter 2025 financial results on April 24, 2025. The Corporation will host a first quarter 2025 earnings conference call and webcast at 11:30 a.m. (ET) on Thursday, April 24, 2025.

    To access via phone, participants will need to register using the following link where they will be provided a phone number and access code: (https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI4ae3a07cb07a47258d30e4f3dba2448b)

    In order to view the webcast and presentation slides, please go to (https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/uqvoojku) during the time of the call. A replay of the webcast will be available until April 24, 2026.  

    About First Merchants Corporation

    First Merchants Corporation is a financial holding company headquartered in Muncie, Indiana. The Corporation has one full-service bank charter, First Merchants Bank. The Bank also operates as First Merchants Private Wealth Advisors (as a division of First Merchants Bank).

    First Merchants Corporation’s common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market System under the symbol FRME. Quotations are carried in daily newspapers and can be found on the company’s Internet web page (http://www.firstmerchants.com).

    FIRST MERCHANTS and the Shield Logo are federally registered trademarks of First Merchants Corporation.

    For more information, contact:
    Nicole M. Weaver, Vice President and Director of Corporate Administration
    765-521-7619
    http://www.firstmerchants.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Correction: Invesco Ltd: Form 8.3 – American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings Inc; Public dealing disclosure

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1. KEY INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Full name of discloser: Invesco Ltd.  
    (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
    The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		    
    (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
    Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc.  
    (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:    
    (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken:
    For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 02.04.2025  
    (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
    If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 Yes, Dowlais Group plc  
       
    2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.  
    (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)  
       
    Class of relevant security: USD 0.01 common US0240611030  
      Interests Short Positions  
      Number % Number %  
    (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 2,282,988* 1.92      
    (2) Cash-settled derivatives:          
    (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:          
      Total 2,282,988* 1.92      
    *The change in the holding of 15 shares since the last disclosure on 02.04.2025 is due to the transfer in of a discretionary holding at 3.95 USD.  
       
    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    		  
       
       
    (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)  
       
    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:    
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:    
       
    3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE  
       
    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    		  
    (a) Purchases and sales  
       
    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit  
    USD 0.01 common US0240611030 Purchase 1,120 3.95 USD  
       
    (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit  
               
       
    (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)
     
    (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying
     
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   
       
    (ii) Exercise  
       
    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit  
               
       
    (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)  
                 
    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable)  
             
       
    4. OTHER INFORMATION  
       
    (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements  
       
    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
    (b) Agreements, arrangements, or understandings relating to options or derivatives  
       
    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”    		  
    None  
       
       
    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO  
       
    Date of disclosure 03.04.2025  
    Contact name Philippa Holmes  
    Telephone number +441491417447  
       

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: YMX Logistics CEO Speaking on Panel at ACT Expo on the Electrification of Yard Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HENDERSON, Nev., April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YMX Logistics, a national leader in integrated yard logistics, including gate management, spotting and shuttling services, trailer rentals, and yard management technology solutions, announces that CEO Matt Yearling will participate on a panel at the Advanced Clean Transportation (ACT) Expo, discussing the electrification of logistics.

    Warehouse Sector: Logistics from Storage to Shipment will take place on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM in Room 157 – 159 at the Anaheim Convention Center in California. The panel of logistics experts will explore cutting-edge strategies and technologies to maximize the efficiency of distribution centers and manufacturing plants’ operations.

    Manufacturing and distribution facilities are under pressure to improve efficiencies and reduce costs. Discover how technologies like yard trucks, forklifts, and pallet jacks lead the transition to alternative fuels in warehouse operations.

    “With substantial reductions in fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and carbon emissions, EV yard trucks are emerging as a strategic necessity rather than a luxury,” says Matt Yearling, CEO of YMX Logistics. “For enterprise shippers looking to optimize yard operations without taking on the burden of fleet ownership, outsourcing to a specialized yard logistics provider that deploys EV yard trucks offers a scalable, cost-effective path to efficiency and sustainability.”

    Matt Yearling is a strong advocate for electrifying yard operations and will be discussing the need for how yard operations must evolve. He will discuss how YMX has created a new gold standard for yard operations, delivering operational excellence through service excellence, electrification, technology enablement, and process optimization. YMX recently introduced YMS OS, a proprietary logistics framework designed to optimize YMX yard operations through technology-enabled insights and execution. YMX OS is redefining how enterprise yard operations can create value at the intersection of operations and technology.

    Matt will also discuss whether enterprises should manage the transition to EV trucks in-house or outsource yard management to a yard logistics provider. Outsourcing yard operations to an integrated yard logistics provider that operates EV yard trucks can unlock immediate benefits like cost reduction, fuel savings, and lower maintenance costs.

    ACT Expo is the largest conference and trade show highlighting the most advanced transportation technologies and renewable fuels available in the marketplace today. The show serves as the official annual meeting place for 12,000+ transportation leaders looking to gain insight and hands-on access to the fuels, technologies, and vehicles driving the future of transportation. ACT Expo features dozens of product debuts and significant announcements from leading OEMs and suppliers, unparalleled networking opportunities with the industry’s most influential and progressive leaders, peer-to-peer learning for progressive fleet operators, and access to the most extensive assembly of advanced commercial vehicles anywhere.

    ABOUT YMX

    YMX Logistics is trusted by the world’s largest shippers and specializes in sustainable and optimized integrated yard logistics operations, spotting and shuttling services, and yard management technology solutions. With a team that brings decades of experience working for large shippers, Silicon Valley innovators, and top-tier consulting firms, YMX delivers reliable and high-performance outsourced yard and transportation operations to enterprise customers and Fortune 500 companies in the retail, manufacturing, and distribution sectors across North America. For more information, please visit ymxlogistics.com. 

    For More Information, Contact:
    Becky Boyd
    MediaFirst PR
    Cell: (404) 421-8497
    Email: Becky@MediaFirst.Net

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: The Big Takeaway — We’re headed to NATO!

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

    Here’s the big takeaway – we’re headed to @NATO! — Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce

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

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

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2nnwVUdKV4

    MIL OSI Video –