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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Meet the Space Ops Team: Anum Ashraf

    Source: NASA

    For Anum Ashraf, Ph.D., the interconnectedness of NASA’s workforce presents the exciting opportunity to collaborate with a multitude of people and teams. With more than 11 years at the agency, Ashraf has played a fundamental role in leading efforts that actively bridge these connections and support NASA’s mission. 
    Ashraf serves as the mission commitment lead for NASA’s SCaN (Space Communication and Navigation) Program, which is managed through the agency’s Space Operations Mission Directorate. SCaN provides communications and navigation services that are essential to the operation of NASA’s spaceflight missions, including enabling the success of more than 100 NASA and non-NASA missions through the Near Space Network and Deep Space Network. Whether she is supporting missions involving astronauts in space or near-Earth missions monitoring the health of our planet, Ashraf ensures that critical data is efficiently transferred between groups. 

    “I am the ‘front door’ for all missions that are requesting space communication through the SCaN program,” said Ashraf. “My job is to understand the mission requirements and pair them with the right assets to enable successful back and forth communication throughout their mission life cycle.” 
    Prior to her current role, Ashraf served as the principal investigator for the DEMETER (DEMonstrating the Emerging Technology for measuring the Earth’s Radiation) project at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. DEMETER is the next-generation observational platform for measuring Earth’s radiation. Leading a team of engineers and scientists across NASA’s multifaceted organizations, Ashraf helped develop an innovative solution that will allow future researchers to assess important climate trends affecting the planet.
    Outside of work, Ashraf finds a creative outlet through hobbies like knitting, cross stitching, and playing piano. She brings her ambitious, passionate, and authentic qualities to caring for her two children, who are also her daily source of inspiration.  
    “Inspiration is a two-way street for me; my kids inspire me to be my best, and, in turn, I inspire them,” said Ashraf. “My kids love telling their friends that we are a NASA family.” 

    Looking toward the future, Ashraf is excited to see a collaboration between NASA, industry, academia, and international space enthusiasts working together towards a common goal of space exploration. As a devoted and collaborative leader, Ashraf will continue to play an important role in advancing the agency’s missions of space research and exploration. 
    NASA’s Space Operations Mission Directorate maintains a continuous human presence in space for the benefit of people on Earth. The programs within the directorate are the hub of NASA’s space exploration efforts, enabling Artemis, commercial space, science, and other agency missions through communication, launch services, research capabilities, and crew support.
    To learn more about NASA’s Space Operation Mission Directorate, visit:  
    https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/space-operations

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s Dust Shield Successfully Repels Lunar Regolith on Moon

    Source: NASA

    NASA’s Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) successfully demonstrated its ability to remove regolith, or lunar dust and dirt, from its various surfaces on the Moon during Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, which concluded on March 16. Lunar dust is extremely abrasive and electrostatic, which means it clings to anything that carries a charge. It can damage everything from spacesuits and hardware to human lungs, making lunar dust one of the most challenging features of living and working on the lunar surface. The EDS technology uses electrodynamic forces to lift and remove the lunar dust from its surfaces. The “before” image highlights the glass and thermal radiator surfaces covered in a layer of regolith, while the “after” image reveals the results following EDS activation. Dust was removed from both surfaces, proving the technology’s effectiveness in mitigating dust accumulation.
    This milestone marks a significant step toward sustaining long-term lunar and interplanetary operations by reducing dust-related hazards to a variety of surfaces for space applications ranging from thermal radiators, solar panels, and camera lenses to spacesuits, boots, and helmet visors. The EDS technology is paving the way for future dust mitigation solutions, supporting NASA’s Artemis campaign and beyond. NASA’s Electrodynamic Dust Shield was developed at Kennedy Space Center in Florida with funding from NASA’s Game Changing Development Program, managed by the agency’s Space Technology Mission Directorate.
    Image Credit: NASA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT ON 23ANDME BANKRUPTCY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS TO PROTECT GENETIC DATA

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    DCCA NEWS RELEASE: DCCA ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT ON 23ANDME BANKRUPTCY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS TO PROTECT GENETIC DATA

    Posted on Mar 27, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER AFFAIRS

    KA ʻOIHANA PILI KĀLEPA

    OFFICE OF CONSUMER PROTECTION

     

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.

    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    NADINE Y. ANDO

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

    MANA MORIARTY

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR    

         DCCA ISSUES CONSUMER ALERT ON 23ANDME BANKRUPTCY AND CONSUMER RIGHTS TO PROTECT GENETIC DATA

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    March 27, 2025

    HONOLULU — The state of Hawai‘i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) is issuing a consumer alert regarding the recent bankruptcy filing of the company 23andMe. DCCA’s Office of Consumer Protection advises Hawai‘i consumers to manage their sensitive information carefully and offers guidance on how to delete or control access to their genetic information stored with the company.

     

    23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic testing company, announced its bankruptcy filing on March 23, 2025. In its press release, the company stated it intends to “commence a process to sell substantially all of its assets,” while continuing to operate “in the ordinary course throughout the sale process.” Currently, the company has stated there are no planned changes to how it stores, manages, or protects customer data. However, the bankruptcy raises the risk that 23andMe may attempt to sell customers’ genetic data and other private information as part of the bankruptcy proceedings.

    Hawai‘i consumers should be aware of the procedures to delete or withdraw consent for the use of their genetic data. Those who wish to delete their genetic data from 23andMe or revoke permission for their DNA samples to be used in research can follow these simple steps:

    How to Delete Genetic Data from 23andMe:

    1. Sign in to your 23andMe account at www.23andme.com.
    2. Navigate to the “Settings” section of your profile.
    3. Scroll down to the “23andMe Data” section at the bottom of the page.
    4. Click “View” next to the “23andMe Data” heading.
    5. If you would like to keep a copy of your genetic data, download your data before continuing.
    6. Locate the option to delete your data.
    7. Select “Permanently Delete Data.”
    8. Check your email for a confirmation link and follow the instructions to complete the deletion process.

     

    How to Destroy Your 23andMe Test Sample:

    If you allowed 23andMe to store your saliva sample and DNA but now wish to opt out, you can update your preferences on your account page under the “Preferences” section.

     

    How to Revoke Permission for Your Genetic Data to be Used in Research:

    If you previously consented to allowing 23andMe and third-party researchers to use your genetic data for research purposes, you can withdraw your consent by visiting the “Research and Product Consents” section of your account settings.

    “Consumers can demand the removal and destruction of their genetic data from 23andMe,” stated OCP Executive Director Mana Moriarty. “The Office of Consumer Protection encourages all 23andMe customers to take action to safeguard their sensitive data against misuse or unauthorized exposure, which can lead to severe consequences such as identity theft and compromised privacy.”

    By taking these actions, Hawai‘i consumers can take control of their genetic information and better protect their privacy. The DCCA is committed to ensuring the safety and privacy of Hawai‘i residents and will continue to monitor this issue.

    For more information on Hawai‘i consumer protection laws and issues, please visit the official DCCA website at https://hdcca.hawaii.gov/s/.

    ###

    Media Contact:

    Communications Office
    Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

    Phone: 808-586-2760
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor Green Makes Key Announcements for Water Resource Management and the Judiciary

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — Governor Green Makes Key Announcements for Water Resource Management and the Judiciary

    Posted on Mar 27, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 

    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

    GOVERNOR GREEN MAKES KEY ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND THE JUDICIARY

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    March 27, 2025

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., has appointed Hannah Kihalani Springer to the Commission on Water Resource Management (CWRM), effective immediately.

    Springer will serve through June 30, 2028, pending confirmation by the Hawaiʻi State Senate. She has been appointed to the Loea seat on the commission, which is reserved for a member with substantial experience or expertise in traditional Hawaiian water resource management techniques and in traditional Hawaiian riparian usage.

    A kamaʻāina of Kaʻūpūlehu in North Kona, Springer has served on numerous advisory councils, nonprofit boards and state commissions focused on environmental protection, cultural heritage and community-based resource management. She previously served as a member of both the Hawaiʻi County Planning Commission and the Public Access, Open Space and Natural Resources Preservation Commission, as well as the Board of Trustees for the Office of Hawaiian Affairs. Her leadership spans organizations such as the Akaka Foundation for Tropical Forests, Kuaʻāina Ulu ʻAuamo and the Kaʻūpūlehu Marine Life Advisory Committee. Through her work, Springer has championed the integration of traditional knowledge and community voices into decisions affecting Hawaiʻi’s land and water.

    “Hannah Springer’s lifelong commitment to ʻāina stewardship, cultural wisdom and public service makes her an invaluable addition to the Commission on Water Resource Management,” said Governor Green. “Her perspective will help ensure that our approach to managing water resources reflects the values and priorities of Hawaiʻi’s people and places. I am proud to appoint her to this important role.”

    Springer expressed humility and enthusiasm upon learning of the appointment. “If confirmed, I look forward to bringing the sensibility of a kamaʻāina of a water-scarce and fire-prone region, to the work of the commission,” she said.

    In his newest Judicial selection, Governor Green has nominated Kauanoe A. D. Jackson to serve as a Circuit Court Judge in the Circuit Court of the Third Circuit (island of Hawaiʻi) for a term of 10 years, in accordance with Article VI, Section 3 of the Hawaiʻi State Constitution. The nomination is subject to Senate confirmation.

    Jackson currently serves as the Supervising Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Hawaiʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney – West Hawaiʻi office, where she oversees felony prosecutions, supervises attorneys and staff and contributes to administrative leadership. Since joining the office in 2007, she has served in progressively senior roles, including as Circuit Court Co-Supervising Deputy and as a lead prosecutor in several high-profile felony trials. Her 18-year legal career also includes specialized assignments in narcotics and traffic safety, reflecting both breadth and depth in criminal law.

    “Kauanoe Jackson’s extensive courtroom experience, steady leadership and unwavering commitment to public safety and justice make her exceptionally qualified to serve on the bench,” said Governor Green. “Her deep understanding of Hawaiʻi Island’s communities and legal landscape will be a tremendous asset to the Third Circuit.”

    “I am deeply honored by Governor Green’s nomination and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community in this new capacity. I look forward to upholding justice with fairness, integrity and a steadfast commitment to the people of Hawai‘i Island.”

    A photo of CWRM Loea appointee Springer can be found here.
    A photo of Judicial nominee Jackson can be found here.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:   
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected]

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Additional humanitarian support for Gaza, Myanmar and Afghan women and girls

    Source: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

    Australia will provide a further $11 million in lifesaving humanitarian assistance for civilians in Gaza, and an additional $15 million in critical support for people affected by humanitarian crises in Myanmar and Afghanistan.

    The additional funding to Gaza will address urgent needs, including healthcare, food and water.

    The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, and Australia reiterates calls for sustained, unimpeded aid to those who desperately need it.

    Additional assistance will be provided to those impacted by rapidly escalating humanitarian crises. It includes:

    • $7 million in lifesaving food assistance for Rohingya refugees who have fled Myanmar, as well as their host communities in Bangladesh. More than one million Rohingyas in Bangladesh depend on humanitarian support, with no legal status or right to work.
    • $3 million in lifesaving assistance to provide food, health, shelter and protection support for displaced people on the Thai-Myanmar border.
    • An additional $5 million will also be provided to enable United Nations partners to deliver services for Afghan women and girls that address critical sexual and reproductive health needs, gender-based violence and displacement.

    Quote attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

    “Helping others in crisis reflects Australian values, but also supports our interests in a peaceful, stable world. Australia’s contribution will provide lifesaving assistance to people enduring immense suffering.
    “Australia is engaging diplomatically as part of the international call for all parties to return to the ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza. We continue to press for the protection of civilians, the release of hostages and unimpeded and sustained humanitarian aid.

    “Humanitarian needs have increased twenty-fold since the Myanmar coup. We call on the military regime to prioritise civilian safety and immediately cease violence and ensure unhindered and safe humanitarian access across the country.

    “Australia is steadfast in its support for Afghan women and girls, who have shown incredible courage in the face of the Taliban’s systematic human rights violations and abuses.”

    Quote attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

    “Humanitarian crises contribute to regional instability and global insecurity.

    “Australia is providing lifesaving healthcare and assistance for civilians in need, as part of an international effort to reduce the devastating human toll of the Israel-Gaza conflict.

    “Protection for women and girls in humanitarian emergencies is a central pillar of the Humanitarian Policy we released in 2024. We know the situation under the Taliban is particularly egregious and we are proud to be supporting the provision of critical health services to Afghan women and girls.

    “We will continue to play our part to support people in humanitarian need, both in our region and globally.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard inspection team reveals hazardous cargo threatening safety, security of Puerto Nuevo Terminals port facility in San Juan, Puerto Rico

    Source: United States Coast Guard

     

    03/27/2025 03:45 PM EDT

    A Coast Guard Sector San Juan inspections team discovered an Anhydrous Ammonia  hazardous cargo  shipment threatening the safety and security of the Puerto Nuevo Terminals (PNT) port facility, Wednesday.  A Coast Guard investigation into the situation is ongoing. A team of three Coast Guard Marine Science Technicians conducting a routine examination at the facility identified three tank-containers, one of which was deemed to be unlawful, with more than 5,000 gallons of Anhydrous Ammonia, a hazardous, highly toxic and corrosive gas or colorless liquid which is flammable in high concentrations. The product is used for various industrial applications including detergents, pesticides and fertilizers, among others. 

    For more breaking news follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three District Men Indicted Following Firearms Arrest During Early Morning Traffic Stop in Logan Circle

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – Wesley Hilliard, 32, and Sequan Collier, 27, and Naseer Green, 19, all of Washington D.C., were indicted today on federal gun charges in the latest case to be federally adopted as part of the “Make D.C. Safe Again” initiative, announced U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin Jr., Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Hilliard and Collier are both charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; Green is charged with carrying a pistol without a license and unlawful possession of a machine gun. The charges follow their March 16th arrests in the Logan Circle Neighborhood.

                According to court documents, at approximately 2:00 a.m. on March 16, 2025, officers from the Metropolitan Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a running vehicle parked illegally near a fire hydrant on 7th Street NW in the Logan Circle neighborhood.

                Court documents allege that the vehicle was occupied by three individuals: driver Sequan Collier, front-seat passenger Naseer Green, and rear-seat passenger Wesley Hilliard. Officers allegedly observed open containers of alcohol in the vehicle and detected the presence of firearms. All three individuals were then detained by police.

                It is alleged that a handgun was recovered from the seat where Hilliard had been sitting. Hilliard, also a convicted felon, is currently on supervised release for a federal narcotics offense.

                It is further alleged that a loaded firearm was recovered from Collier’s waistband. A records check confirmed Collier is a convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms.

                Green was also allegedly found with a loaded firearm, modified with a device that converts it to fully automatic fire. The firearm was reported stolen from the state of Georgia. Green does not possess a valid license to carry a firearm in the District.

                All recovered firearms were allegedly loaded with rounds chambered. Due to the absence of firearms manufacturing in the District, the weapons are presumed to have traveled in interstate commerce.

                The investigation is ongoing.

                The ATF and MPD are investigating this case. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Dreher.

                This case is part of Make DC Safe Again, a public safety initiative led by U.S. Attorney Martin that is surging resources to reduce violent crime in the District. This initiative was created to address gun violence in the District, prioritize federal firearms violations, pursue tougher penalties for offenders, and seek detention for federal firearms violators.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Update 282 – IAEA Director General Statement on Situation in Ukraine

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team has this week been observing operational tests of diesel generators at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) as part of ongoing efforts to help prevent a nuclear accident during the military conflict in Ukraine, where the off-site power situation remains challenging, Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said.

    The ZNPP has repeatedly lost all access to external electricity during the conflict, forcing it to temporarily rely on diesel generators for the power it needs to cool its reactors and for other essential nuclear safety and security functions. The tests carried out in recent days were designed to confirm that they are fully operational.  

    “As the off-site power situation at ZNPP is still highly precarious, it is very important that these diesel generators can immediately start up without any issues. Our experts were this week able to confirm that the diesel generators that were tested can fulfil their function if the plant once again were to lose its external connections. Continued vigilance in this respect is necessary,” Director General Grossi said.

    The plant has 20 emergency diesel generators (EDGs) for its six reactors. Six mobile diesel generators (MDGs) were installed by Ukraine as part of the safety measures introduced in light of the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident – four of which are connected to reactor units and two of which are being used outside of the ZNPP site. Last year, the ZNPP procured three new MDGs that are located adjacent to the turbine buildings of three of the reactor units, but have yet to be connected. This week, the IAEA team based at the site witnessed the testing of one EDG and one of the new MDGs.

    Separately, the IAEA is aware of a report of a purported spillage of fuel held in storage for the ZNPP’s diesel generators. When asked about the report, the ZNPP told the IAEA team that it was “fake” and that no such leaks had been detected from the site’s fuel tanks. In addition, the plant said it has enough fuel in storage for a minimum of ten days of operation of its diesel generators. The IAEA has requested access to the fuel tanks to independently assess the situation there first-hand.

    Over the past week, the IAEA team has also continued to monitor maintenance of some of the ZNPP’s safety systems and discussed emergency preparedness and response arrangements with the site. Team members conducted a walkdown of the site’s waterworks facilities, and of the reactor building of unit 4, where the team observed traces of dried boric acid in some rooms as well as a defective seal on a pump.

    The IAEA team was informed by the site that the 330 kilovolt (kV) switchyard of the nearby Zaporizhzhya Thermal Power Plant (ZTPP) was reconnected to the ZNPP’s 750 kV switchyard last Friday, about a month and a half after the connection was cut as a result of damage to the ZTPP switchyard, which can now once again function as an alternative way of providing back-up power to the ZNPP.

    Throughout the week, the IAEA team reported hearing military activities at varying distances away from the ZNPP.

    The IAEA teams stationed at the other nuclear sites in Ukraine continued to monitor the status of the respective facilities – the Khmelnytskyy, Rivne and South Ukraine NPPs and the Chornobyl site.

    At the Khmelnytskyy site, one 750 kV line was disconnected at the request of the grid operator on 21 March and was reconnected that same evening, while refuelling activities at one of the reactor units continues. At the Rivne NPP, one reactor unit has been shut down for planned refuelling. The IAEA team at the South Ukraine NPP was informed that the site has repaired a leaking pump and that unit 1 has since returned to nominal full power.

    At the Chornobyl site, a fire caused an emergency outage of one 330 kV line that provides off-site power to the plant. It was switched back on after the Ukrainian State Emergency Service extinguished the fire.

    The teams at all four sites reported hearing air raids over the past week. At Chornobyl, the IAEA team was informed that a drone was detected 3 km from the site in the evening of 21 March. At around the same time, the team heard a loud explosion and also witnessed a flying drone.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: ARB IOT Group Limited Unveils Cutting-Edge Smart AI Robot to Revolutionize Fertilization in Agriculture

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ARB IOT Group Limited (“ARB IOT” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: ARBB) has unveiled its AI-powered fertilizer system that seamlessly integrates the intelligent multi-functional agricultural robot (“Smart AI Robot”). This innovation is set to revolutionize modern farming by optimising fertilisation processes, enhancing crop yield, and promoting sustainable farming. This advanced AI-powered robot represents a significant leap forward in precision agriculture.

    The Smart AI Robot features unmanned field operations, modular design, all-terrain capability, centimetre-level positioning, ultra-long endurance, quick-replaceable battery, and precise operation, among others. It can be widely used in various types of plants such as palm oil, durian, lychee, mango, citrus, and orchards to realize unmanned spraying, mowing, fertilizing and delivery. The Company’s AI-powered fertilizer system will contribute to the materialization of a new mode of environmentally friendly agriculture production, through a series of new energy unmanned robotics and a big data platform that carry out intelligent and standardized management of various types of agricultural plants with fully automated fertilization, pesticide application, diagnostic scanning of plant and fruit conditions, and soil NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) measurement.

    It is estimated that by 2027, approximately 35% of Malaysia’s oil palm land will be overaged. Currently, only approximately 17% of such land has trees in the optimal four to eight-year range where motorised cutters could be effective—though their performance remains inconsistent. In Sabah and Sarawak, which account for approximately 55% of Malaysia’s oil palm areas, the terrain is dominated by steep hills and vast peatlands.

    The Company’s AI-powered fertilizer system utilizes cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and real-time soil data analysis to determine the precise amount of fertilizer needed for each section of farmland. When paired with the Smart AI Robot, the system is able to automate fertilizer application, minimize waste, maximize crop yield, and reduce environmental impact.

    “Traditional farming methods often rely on manual labor and generic fertilizer application, leading to inefficiencies and excessive resource consumption. By integrating AI and automation, our Smart AI Robot empowers farmers with more efficient and sustainable farming practices. This technology is a major step towards addressing global food security and environmental challenges” said Dato’ Sri Liew Kok Leong, CEO of ARB IOT. “With our AI-driven solution, farmers can now achieve precision farming at an unprecedented scale, ensuring optimal nutrient distribution tailored to specific crop and soil conditions.”

    Key benefits of the integrated Smart AI Robot include:

    • Precision Application: AI-driven data analytics ensure targeted fertilizer distribution, reducing overuse and underuse.
    • Automation and Efficiency: The autonomous agricultural robot reduces the need for manual labor, operating seamlessly across vast farmlands.
    • Sustainability: By minimizing fertilizer runoff and optimizing nutrient absorption, the system supports eco-friendly farming practices.
    • Cost Reduction: The conversion of solid fertilizers to liquid form leads to cost savings by reducing waste and improving absorption efficiency.
    • Real-time Monitoring: The AI system continuously collects and analyzes soil health and crop growth data, allowing for timely adjustments.

    The convergence of IoT technology with our smart farming system enables real-time monitoring through strategically placed sensors across plantations. These sensors capture data on soil moisture, temperature, humidity and other key environmental factors, providing farmers with instant insights via a central digital hub. This empowers them to make data-driven decisions, respond proactively to environmental changes and optimize farm productivity.

    With a focus on AI-driven advancements, we aim to drive progress in precision agriculture worldwide.

    About ARB IOT Group Limited

    ARB IOT Group Limited is a provider of complete solutions to clients for the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) systems and devices from designing to project deployment. We offer a wide range of IoT systems as well as provide customers a substantial range of services such as system integration and system support service. We deliver holistic solutions with full turnkey deployment from designing, installation, testing, pre-commissioning, and commissioning of various IoT systems and devices as well as integration of automated systems, including installation of wire and wireless and mechatronic works.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, such as statements regarding our estimated future results of operations and financial position, our strategy and plans, and our objectives or goals, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should,” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our actual results may differ materially or perhaps significantly from those discussed herein, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. There are a significant number of factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from statements made in this press release, including, but not limited to, those that we discussed or referred to in the Company’s disclosure documents filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F as well as in our other reports filed or furnished from time to time with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

    For further information, please contact:
    ARB IOT Group Limited
    Investor Relations Department
    Email: contact@arbiotgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Gevo Reports Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results and Reaffirms Business Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ENGLEWOOD, Colo., March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ: GEVO) (“Gevo”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”), a leading developer of cost effective, renewable hydrocarbon fuels and chemicals with reduced greenhouse gas emissions, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, and reaffirmed the Business Update that was released on March 7, 2025 (the “Business Update”), which is available on our website at https://investors.gevo.com/news-releases/news-release-details/gevo-provides-business-update-1.

    2024 Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights

    • Ended the fourth quarter with cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash of $259.0 million.
    • Combined operating revenue and investment income was $8.9 million and $32.7 million for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, respectively.
      • On a standalone basis, our RNG subsidiary generated revenue of $15.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2024. This reflects an increase of $0.3 million compared to the previous year, primarily due to higher sales of environmental attributes from our RNG project. We expect a lower CI score in anticipation of receiving the final pathway approval under the LCFS Program, which is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025. 
    • Loss from operations of $19.6 million for the fourth quarter.
    • Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA loss1 of $11.3 million for the fourth quarter.
    • Sale of environment attributes net of $5.4 million for the fourth quarter.
    • RNG subsidiary generated a loss from operations of $3.5 million, and non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA profit1 of $2.7 million for the fourth quarter.
    • Net loss per share of $.08 for the fourth quarter.

    1        Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure calculated by adding back depreciation and amortization, allocated intercompany expenses for shared service functions, and non-cash stock-based compensation to GAAP loss from operations. A reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA to GAAP loss from operations is provided in the financial statement tables following this release. Adjusted EBITDA was referred to as “cash EBITDA” in previous periods.

    2024 Fourth Quarter Financial Results

    Operating revenue. During 2024, operating revenue decreased $0.3 million compared to the prior year, primarily due to lower sales of environmental attributes from our RNG project. This is due to a buildup of environmental attribute inventory in anticipation of receiving the final pathway approval under the LCFS Program, which we expect to result in a lower CI score. The approval is anticipated in the first quarter of 2025. During 2024, we sold 366,557 MMBtu of RNG from our RNG project, resulting in biogas commodity sales of $0.7 million and environmental attribute sales of $15.1 million. Additionally, we recognized $0.8 million of licensing and development revenue from the agreement with LG Chem as well as $0.3 million from the sale of isooctane and software services during 2024.

    Cost of production. Cost of production remained consistent during 2024, compared to the prior year.

    Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization, which includes depreciation and amortization which was allocated to inventory and is included in depreciation and amortization upon the sale of the associated inventory, decreased $0.7 million during 2024, compared to the prior year, primarily due to the timing of sales of environmental attribute inventory.

    Research and development expense. Research and development expense decreased $1.1 million during 2024, compared to the prior year, primarily due to a reduction of consulting expenses and personnel related costs.

    General and administrative expense. General and administrative expense increased $3.2 million during 2024 compared to the prior year, primarily due to increases in personnel costs related to the hiring of highly qualified and skilled professionals, and professional consulting fees, partially offset by a decrease in stock-based compensation.

    Project development costs. Project development costs are related to our future Alcohol-to-Jet Projects and Verity and consist primarily of employee expenses, preliminary engineering costs, and technical consulting costs. Project development costs increased $3.4 million during 2024, compared to the prior year, primarily due to patent related costs, increases in personnel costs, and consulting fees.

    Acquisition related costs. Certain acquisition costs incurred related to the Red Trail Purchase Agreement during the year ended December 31, 2024.

    Facility idling costs. Facility idling costs are related to care and maintenance of our Luverne Facility. Facility idling costs decreased by $1.1 million during 2024, compared to the prior year.

    Loss from operations. The Company’s loss from operations increased by $9.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2024, compared to the year ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to the increase in costs related to acquisitions, general and administrative expenses, and project development costs.

    Interest expense. Interest expense increased by $1.7 million during 2024 compared to the prior year, primarily due to interest on the Remarketed Bonds.

    Interest and investment income. Interest and investment income decreased $3.4 million during 2024, compared to the prior year, primarily due to the usage of cash for our capital projects and operating costs, resulting in a lower balance of cash equivalent investments during 2024.

    Other income. Other income increased $1.6 million during 2024, compared to the prior year, primarily due to the termination of the expediting procurement agreement with a local utility which resulted in a one-time charge of $1.6 million in 2023.

    Webcast and Conference Call Information

    Hosting today’s conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET will be Dr. Patrick R. Gruber, Chief Executive Officer, L. Lynn Smull, Chief Financial Officer, Dr. Paul Bloom, Chief Business Officer and Dr. Eric Frey, Vice President of Corporate Development. They will review Gevo’s financial results and provide an update on recent corporate highlights.

    To participate in the live call, please register through the following event weblink: https://register.vevent.com/register/BIfe02700a31384d12946e60bf35964cb8. After registering, participants will be provided with a dial-in number and pin.

    To listen to the conference call (audio only), please register through the following event weblink: https://edge.media-server.com/mmc/p/h9wkbjf5.

    A webcast replay will be available two hours after the conference call ends on March 27, 2025. The archived webcast will be available in the Investor Relations section of Gevo’s website at www.gevo.com.

    About Gevo

    Gevo is a next-generation diversified energy company committed to fueling America’s future with cost-effective, drop-in fuels that contribute to energy security, abate carbon, and strengthen rural communities to drive economic growth. Gevo’s innovative technology can be used to make a variety of renewable products, including SAF, motor fuels, chemicals, and other materials that provide U.S.-made solutions. By investing in the backbone of rural America, Gevo’s business model includes developing, financing, and operating production facilities that create jobs and revitalize communities. Gevo owns and operates one of the largest dairy-based RNG facilities in the United States, turning by-products into clean, reliable energy. We also operate an ethanol plant with an adjacent CCS facility, further solidifying America’s leadership in energy innovation. Additionally, Gevo owns the world’s first production facility for specialty ATJ fuels and chemicals. Gevo’s market-driven “pay for performance” approach regarding carbon and other sustainability attributes, helps ensure value is delivered to our local economy. Through its Verity subsidiary, Gevo provides transparency, accountability, and efficiency in tracking, measuring and verifying various attributes throughout the supply chain. By strengthening rural economies, Gevo is working to secure a self-sufficient future and to make sure value is brought to the market.

    For more information, see www.gevo.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this press release and the Business Update may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements relate to a variety of matters, including, without limitation, the financing and the timing of our NZ1 project, the agreement with LG Chem, the DOE loan guarantee process, the Red Trail Energy acquisition and timing of its closing, the successful integration of the CultivateAI acquisition, the success and revenue of Verity, the success of our ETO business, our financial condition, our results of operation and liquidity, our business plans, our business development activities, our Alcohol-to-Jet Projects, financial projections related to our business, our RNG project, our fuel sales agreements, our plans to develop our business, our ability to successfully develop, construct, and finance our operations and growth projects, our ability to achieve cash flow from our planned projects, the ability of our products to contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions, particulate and sulfur pollution, and other statements that are not purely statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are made based on the current beliefs, expectations and assumptions of the management of Gevo and are subject to significant risks and uncertainty. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and Gevo undertakes no obligation to update or revise these statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Although Gevo believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, these statements involve many risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from what may be expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. For a further discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those expressed in these forward-looking statements, as well as risks relating to the business of Gevo in general, see the risk disclosures in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in subsequent reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission by Gevo.

    Non-GAAP Financial Information

    This press release contains a financial measure that does not comply with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), including non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA excludes depreciation and amortization, allocated intercompany expenses for shared service functions, and non-cash stock-based compensation from GAAP loss from operations. Management believes this measure is useful to supplement its GAAP financial statements with this non-GAAP information because management uses such information internally for its operating, budgeting and financial planning purposes. This non-GAAP financial measure also facilitates management’s internal comparisons to Gevo’s historical performance as well as comparisons to the operating results of other companies. In addition, Gevo believes this non-GAAP financial measure is useful to investors because it allows for greater transparency into the indicators used by management as a basis for its financial and operational decision making. Non-GAAP information is not prepared under a comprehensive set of accounting rules and therefore, should only be read in conjunction with financial information reported under U.S. GAAP when understanding Gevo’s operating performance. A reconciliation between GAAP and non-GAAP financial information is provided below.

    Gevo, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
    (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                 
        December 31, 2024      December 31, 2023
    Assets              
    Current assets              
    Cash and cash equivalents   $ 189,389     $ 298,349  
    Restricted cash     1,489       77,248  
    Trade accounts receivable, net     2,411       2,623  
    Inventories     4,502       3,809  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets     5,920       4,353  
    Total current assets     203,711       386,382  
    Property, plant and equipment, net     221,642       211,563  
    Restricted cash     68,155       —  
    Operating right-of-use assets     1,064       1,324  
    Finance right-of-use assets     1,877       210  
    Intangible assets, net     8,129       6,524  
    Goodwill     3,740       —  
    Deposits and other assets     75,623       44,319  
    Total assets   $ 583,941     $ 650,322  
    Liabilities              
    Current liabilities              
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   $ 22,006     $ 22,752  
    Operating lease liabilities     333       532  
    Finance lease liabilities     2,001       45  
    Loans payable     21       130  
    2021 Bonds payable, net     —       67,967  
    Total current liabilities     24,361       91,426  
    Remarketed Bonds payable, net     67,109       —  
    Loans payable     —       21  
    Operating lease liabilities     966       1,299  
    Finance lease liabilities     187       187  
    Other long-term liabilities     1,830       —  
    Total liabilities     94,453       92,933  
    Commitments and Contingencies              
    Stockholders’ Equity              
    Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 500,000,000 shares authorized; 239,176,293 and 240,499,833 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively.     2,392       2,405  
    Additional paid-in capital     1,287,333       1,276,581  
    Accumulated deficit     (800,237 )     (721,597 )
    Total stockholders’ equity     489,488       557,389  
    Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity   $ 583,941     $ 650,322  
    Gevo, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
    (In thousands, except share and per share amounts)
                 
           Year Ended December 31, 
           2024        2023  
    Total operating revenues   $ 16,915     $ 17,200  
    Operating expenses:              
    Cost of production     12,002       11,991  
    Depreciation and amortization     18,298       19,007  
    Research and development expense     5,576       6,637  
    General and administrative expense     45,798       42,628  
    Project development costs     18,166       14,732  
    Acquisition related costs     4,932       —  
    Facility idling costs     2,967       4,040  
    Total operating expenses     107,739       99,035  
    Loss from operations     (90,824 )     (81,835 )
    Other income (expense)              
    Interest expense     (3,879 )     (2,161 )
    Interest and investment income     15,740       19,090  
    Other income (expense), net     323       (1,309 )
    Total other income, net     12,184       15,620  
    Net loss   $ (78,640 )   $ (66,215 )
    Net loss per share – basic and diluted   $ (0.34 )   $ (0.28 )
    Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding – basic and diluted     231,674,716       238,687,621  
    Gevo, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss
    (In thousands)
                 
        Year Ended December 31, 
         2024        2023  
    Net loss   $ (78,640 )   $ (66,215 )
    Other comprehensive income:            
    Unrealized gain on available-for-sale securities     —       1,040  
    Comprehensive loss   $ (78,640 )   $ (65,175 )
    Gevo, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
    (In thousands, except share amounts)
                                       
        For the Year Ended December 31, 2024 and 2023
        Common Stock         Accumulated Other   Accumulated    Stockholders’
           Shares      Amount      Paid-In Capital      Comprehensive Loss      Deficit      Equity
    Balance, December 31, 2023      240,499,833        $ 2,405        $ 1,276,581        $ —        $ (721,597 )      $ 557,389  
    Non-cash stock-based compensation   —       —       14,847       —       —       14,847  
    Stock-based awards and related share issuances, net   5,784,668       58       495       —       —       553  
    Repurchase of common stock   (7,190,006 )     (72 )     (4,638 )     —       —       (4,710 )
    Issuance of common stock upon exercise of warrants   81,798       1       48       —       —       49  
    Net loss   —       —       —       —       (78,640 )     (78,640 )
    Balance, December 31, 2024   239,176,293     $ 2,392     $ 1,287,333     $ —     $ (800,237 )   $ 489,488  
                                       
    Balance, December 31, 2022      237,166,625        $ 2,372        $ 1,259,527        $ (1,040 )      $ (655,382 )      $ 605,477  
    Non-cash stock-based compensation   —       —       17,087       —       —       17,087  
    Stock-based awards and related share issuances, net   3,333,208       33       (33 )     —       —       —  
    Other comprehensive income   —       —       —       1,040       —       1,040  
    Net loss   —       —       —       —       (66,215 )     (66,215 )
    Balance, December 31, 2023   240,499,833     $ 2,405     $ 1,276,581     $ —     $ (721,597 )   $ 557,389  
    Gevo, Inc.
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (In thousands)
                 
        Year Ended December 31, 
        2024        2023  
    Operating Activities                 
    Net loss   $ (78,640 )   $ (66,215 )
    Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:              
    Stock-based compensation     14,733       17,087  
    Depreciation and amortization     18,298       19,007  
    Amortization of marketable securities discount     —       (102 )
    Other noncash expense     2,497       908  
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects of acquisition:            
    Accounts receivable     417       (2,147 )
    Inventories     (706 )     670  
    Prepaid expenses and other current assets, deposits and other assets     (19,050 )     (25,620 )
    Accounts payable, accrued expenses and non-current liabilities     5,068       2,693  
    Net cash used in operating activities     (57,383 )     (53,719 )
    Investing Activities              
    Acquisitions of property, plant and equipment     (51,085 )     (54,455 )
    Proceeds from sale of investment tax credit     15,336       —  
    Payment of earnest money deposit     (10,000 )     —  
    Acquisition of CultivateAI, net of cash acquired     (6,070 )     —  
    Proceeds from maturity of marketable securities     —       168,550  
    Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment     —       34  
    Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities     (51,819 )     114,129  
    Financing Activities              
    Proceeds from issuance of Remarketed Bonds     68,155       —  
    Extinguishment of 2021 Bonds, net     (68,155 )     —  
    Payment of debt offering costs     (1,665 )     —  
    Proceeds from the exercise of warrants     49       —  
    Payment of loans payable     (130 )     (167 )
    Payment of finance lease liabilities     (906 )     (22 )
    Repurchases of common stock     (4,710 )     —  
    Net cash used in financing activities     (7,362 )     (189 )
    Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents     (116,564 )     60,221  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period     375,597       315,376  
    Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period   $ 259,033     $ 375,597  
    Gevo, Inc.
    Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Information
    (In thousands)
                             
           Three Months Ended December 31,       Year Ended December 31, 
           2024        2023        2024        2023  
    Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA (Consolidated):                            
    Loss from operations   $ (19,646 )   $ (21,337 )   $ (90,824 )   $ (81,835 )
    Depreciation and amortization     6,076       4,684       18,298       19,007  
    Stock-based compensation     2,248       4,335       14,733       17,087  
    Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (loss) (Consolidated)   $ (11,322 )   $ (12,318 )   $ (57,793 )   $ (45,741 )
                             
        Three Months Ended December 31,    Year Ended December 31, 
        2024     2023        2024     2023  
    Non-GAAP Adjusted EBITDA (Gevo NW Iowa RNG):                        
    Loss from operations   $ (3,497 )   $ (1,274 )   $ (8,760 )   $ (7,656 )
    Depreciation and amortization     5,233       1,606       8,580       6,705  
    Allocated intercompany expenses for shared service functions     890       890       3,561       3,561  
    Stock-based compensation     46       42       171       102  
    Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (Gevo NW Iowa RNG)   $ 2,672     $ 1,264     $ 3,552     $ 2,712  

    Media Contact
    Heather Manuel
    Vice President of Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships
    PR@gevo.com

    Investor Contact
    Eric Frey, PhD
    Vice President of Corporate Development
    IR@Gevo.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Credit Acceptance Announces Completion of $400.0 Million Asset-Backed Financing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Southfield, Michigan, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Credit Acceptance Corporation (Nasdaq: CACC) (the “Company”, “Credit Acceptance”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) announced today the completion of a $400.0 million asset-backed non-recourse secured financing (the “Financing”). Pursuant to this transaction, we conveyed loans having a value of approximately $500.2 million to a wholly owned special purpose entity which will transfer the loans to a trust, which will issue three classes of notes:

    Note Class   Amount   Average Life   Price     Interest Rate  
      A   $ 223,080,000     2.48 years     99.99519 %       5.02 %  
      B   $ 65,780,000     3.14 years     99.97454 %       5.30 %  
      C   $ 111,140,000     3.52 years     99.98897 %       5.71 %  

    The Financing will:

    • have an expected average annualized cost of approximately 5.6% including upfront fees and other costs;
    • revolve for 24 months after which it will amortize based upon the cash flows on the conveyed loans; and
    • be used by us to repay outstanding indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

    We will receive 4.0% of the cash flows related to the underlying consumer loans to cover servicing expenses. The remaining 96.0%, less amounts due to dealers for payments of dealer holdback, will be used to pay principal and interest on the notes as well as the ongoing costs of the Financing. The Financing is structured so as not to affect our contractual relationships with dealers and to preserve the dealers’ rights to future payments of dealer holdback.

    The notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act of 1933 and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. This news release does not and will not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes. This news release is being issued pursuant to and in accordance with Rule 135c under the Securities Act of 1933.

    Description of Credit Acceptance Corporation

    We make vehicle ownership possible by providing innovative financing solutions that enable automobile dealers to sell vehicles to consumers regardless of their credit history. Our financing programs are offered through a nationwide network of automobile dealers who benefit from sales of vehicles to consumers who otherwise could not obtain financing; from repeat and referral sales generated by these same customers; and from sales to customers responding to advertisements for our financing programs, but who actually end up qualifying for traditional financing.

    Without our financing programs, consumers are often unable to purchase vehicles or they purchase unreliable ones. Further, as we report to the three national credit reporting agencies, an important ancillary benefit of our programs is that we provide consumers with an opportunity to improve their lives by improving their credit score and move on to more traditional sources of financing. Credit Acceptance is publicly traded on the Nasdaq stock market under the symbol CACC.  For more information, visit creditacceptance.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Russia: Anti-war activist Maria Ponomarenko’s prison sentence extended in escalating repression

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Reacting to the Shipunovsky District Court ruling to extend the six-year sentence of Maria Ponomarenko, Russian journalist and anti-war activist, for speaking out against Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty International’s Russia Director, said:

    “The Russian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Maria Ponomarenko. Sentencing her to six years imprisonment for merely speaking out against the war, condemning the Russian bombing of the drama theatre in Mariupol, and mourning the loss of innocent lives was already unconscionable. Extending that sentence under spurious charges of attacking two guards – clearly a smokescreen to punish her for not changing her views and for standing up for justice – represents a new low in the authorities’ treatment of Maria.”

    Extending that sentence under spurious charges of attacking two guards – clearly a smokescreen to punish her for not changing her views and for standing up for justice – represents a new low in the authorities’ treatment of Maria

    Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty International’s Russia Director

    “Since the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine, the Russian authorities have routinely and brazenly used tactics to silence dissent, using spurious charges to imprison critics on politically motivated grounds. The Russian authorities must stop the war against Ukraine, stop the repression of their own people, repeal the ‘war censorship’ legislation and release all those imprisoned under it.”

    Background

    On 27 March, the Shipunovsky District Court granted an additional one year and 10 months to Maria Ponomarenko and ordered her to undergo outpatient psychiatric treatment upon her release. Taking into account the partial concurrence of sentences, the 22-month sentence will not be automatically added to Maria Ponomarenko’s previous term of imprisonment, meaning her combined prison term is less than seven years and 10 months.

    Maria Ponomarenko is a journalist with the online RusNews media and an activist from Barnaul, Altai Krai. On 15 February 2023, she was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment under Article 207.3 of the Russian Criminal Code (“disseminating knowingly false information about the Russian Armed Forces”). The charges stemmed from her social media post about the bombing of the drama theatre in Mariupol, where hundreds of civilians were reportedly sheltering.

    She is serving her term in penal colony IK-6, in Shipunovo, a village 175 km from Barnaul. Throughout her imprisonment, she has faced ill-treatment, including solitary confinement in a punishment cell (SHIZO) – a harsh, cramped and isolating detention unit used to break prisoners’ spirits through severe restrictions and deprivation – where she had been placed multiple times on spurious grounds, and denied adequate health care, including for her deteriorating mental health.

    In November 2023, just months after Maria Ponomarenko’s transfer to IK-6, the authorities initiated another criminal case against her. This time it was under Article 321(2) of the Russian Criminal Code, for allegedly attacking two male penal colony officers, charges she firmly denies. Her additional criminal prosecution continues the trend whereby the Russian authorities impose additional penitentiary sanctions on those who are imprisoned on politically motivated charges, as the case of Aleksei Gorinov, another powerful anti-war voice, demonstrates.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Serbia: BIRN journalists targeted with Pegasus spyware 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Two journalists from Balkan Investigative Reporting Network (BIRN), an award-winning Serbian network of investigative journalists, were targeted with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware last month, a new Amnesty International investigation reveals.   

    Journalists Bogdana (not her real name) and Jelena Veljkovic received suspicious messages on the Viber messaging app from an unknown Serbian number linked to Telekom Srbija, the state-telecommunications operator. 

    Suspecting that their smartphones were being targeted by a spyware attack, they approached Amnesty International’s Security Lab, whose forensic analysis confirmed their suspicions.  

    “We discovered that the text messages contained hyperlinks to a Serbian language domain name which we have determined with high confidence to be associated with NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware,   

    Donncha Ó Cearbhaill, the Head of Amnesty International’s Security Lab.

    This is the third time in two years that Amnesty International’s Security Lab has found NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware being used against civil society in Serbia. In November 2023, Amnesty International, Access Now, SHARE Foundation and Citizen Lab documented how two Serbian civil society members where targeted by a zero-click spyware attack, which Amnesty International later attributed as Pegasus attack attempts.   

    On 14 February 2025, Bogdana received a message on Viber with a link to a news article and a message asking: “Do you have info that he is next? I heard something completely different.” 

    At the time she was working on an article about foreign investments and state-linked corruption cases. The previous day she had met sources for her story including individuals close to the government. 

    Bogdana did not click the Pegasus infection link, and a forensic analysis of her device did not indicate that Pegasus spyware had been installed on her phone. Amnesty International’s Security Lab later found that, if clicked, the infection link redirected to a decoy page on a Serbian media website, a technique previously seen in a Pegasus attempt targeting a Serbian protest leader in July 2023. 

    NSO Group stated in a letter to Amnesty International that “all sales of our systems are to vetted government end-users”. Amnesty International believes that the continued use of Serbian language Pegasus infection domain names, and the targeting of Serbian civil society with a consistent methodology are indicative of these attacks being carried out by a Serbian state entity.  

    Bogdana said: “When I found out that the link on my phone was Pegasus, I was absolutely furious. This was the phone registered to my name, and I felt as if I had an intruder in my own home. This is an unnerving feeling…. I was extremely concerned about my sources who could be at risk because they communicated with me.” 

    Jelena Veljkovic received a similar Viber message to the one sent to Bogdana from the same Serbian phone number on 14 February and deleted it without clicking it. Amnesty International concluded that, based on the nature of the attempt, this was also a Pegasus 1-click infection attempt. 1-click attacks require action from the target to enable the infection of their device, typically the opening of a malicious link. 

    “When I found out that I was a target of a Pegasus attack, I was not particularly scared but found it quite unsettling. This was my private telephone, which I also use for work, and a virus like Pegasus, which is not selective at all and can access everything on one’s phone, can have repercussions on my family too. 

    “This was a targeted attack on investigative journalists – a form of pressure and a warning. Whether it was an attack on me personally or on BIRN, as a media outlet, I am not sure,  

    Jelena. 

    BIRN and its staff face frequent threats, harassment and Strategic Lawsuits against Public Participation (SLAPPs), including by senior government officials, for their investigative journalism. Currently it is fighting four SLAPP suits, mostly filed by public officials, including the current mayor of Belgrade, or others with known links to the authorities. 

    Amnesty International shared its findings with NSO Group who responded saying: “We cannot comment on specific existing or past customers. Additionally, as a matter of policy, we are unable to disclose any information regarding our technical specifications, functionality or operational features of our products.” 

    Repeated attempts to engage the Serbian Security Information Agency (BIA, Bezbednosno-informativna Agencija) were unanswered. 

    These findings provide further evidence that Serbian authorities are abusing highly invasive spyware products and other digital surveillance technologies to target journalists, activists, and other members of civil society amid widespread student protests that have gripped the country since November 2024.  

    Serbian authorities must stop using highly invasive spyware and provide effective remedy to victims of unlawful targeted surveillance and hold those responsible for the violations to account. NSO Group must stop selling Pegasus and the use of its products in Serbia. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Russia: Anti-war activist Maria Ponomarenko’s prison sentence extended ‘under spurious charges’

    Source: Amnesty International –

    In 2023, Maria was sentenced to six years in prison for speaking out against the war in Ukraine

    An additional one year and 10 months has been added to Maria’s prison sentence

    Maria has faced ill-treatment including solitary confinement

    Extending the sentence is ‘clearly a smokescreen to punish her for not changing her views and for standing up for justice’ – Natalia Zviagina

    Reacting to the Shipunovsky District Court ruling to extend Russian journalist and anti-war activist Maria Ponomarenko’s six-year sentence, for speaking out against Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Natalia Zviagina, Amnesty International’s Russia Director, said:

    “The Russian authorities must immediately and unconditionally release Maria Ponomarenko.

    “Sentencing Maria to six years imprisonment for merely speaking out against the war, condemning the Russian bombing of the theatre in Mariupol and mourning the loss of innocent lives was already unconscionable. Extending that sentence under spurious charges of attacking two guards – clearly a smokescreen to punish her for not changing her views and for standing up for justice – represents a new low in the authorities’ treatment of Maria.

    “Since the start of the war of aggression against Ukraine, the Russian authorities have routinely and brazenly used tactics to silence dissent, using false charges to imprison critics on politically motivated grounds. The Russian authorities must stop the war against Ukraine, stop the repression of their own people, repeal the ‘war censorship’ legislation and release all those imprisoned under it.”

    Jailed for highlighting Mariupol killings

    On 27 March, the Shipunovsky District Court added a further one year and 10 months to Maria Ponomarenko’s sentence bringing up to nearly eight years and ordered her to undergo outpatient psychiatric treatment upon her release.

    Maria Ponomarenko is a journalist with the online RusNews media and an activist from Barnaul, Altai Krai. On 15 February 2023, she was sentenced to six years’ imprisonment under Article 207.3 of the Russian Criminal Code (“disseminating knowingly false information about the Russian Armed Forces”). The charges stemmed from her social media post about the bombing of the theatre in Mariupol, where hundreds of civilians were reportedly sheltering.

    She is serving her term in penal colony IK-6, in Shipunovo, a village 175 km from Barnaul. Throughout her imprisonment, she has faced ill-treatment, including solitary confinement in a punishment cell, a harsh, cramped and isolating detention unit used to break prisoners’ spirits through severe restrictions and deprivation – where she had been sent multiple times on false grounds, and denied adequate health care, including for her deteriorating mental health.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Helsinki Biennial 2025: A Reflection on Shelter and Empathy in Three Unique Urban, Maritime, and Biodiverse Locations

    Source: Helsinki Biennial 2025

    Helsinki Biennial 2025 brings together 37 artists and collectives across three distinct locations: Vallisaari Island, Esplanade Park, and HAM Helsinki Art Museum. Now in its third edition, the biennial explores the theme Shelter: Below and Beyond, Becoming and Belonging. The event will take place from 8 June to 21 September 2025.

    Welcoming all, the biennial opens to the public on 8 June, transforming Helsinki into a city-wide, summer-long celebration of art. Known for its vibrant cultural scene and innovative spirit, Helsinki provides a unique setting for the event. The biennial unfolds in three locations that highlight the city’s environmental diversity: Vallisaari Island, a protected natural haven; Esplanade Park, a lively green space in the city center; and HAM Helsinki Art Museum, a hub for contemporary art.

    “Helsinki’s ambitious vision is to become an art capital recognised worldwide for its exceptional art and cultural offerings. That vision finds exemplary expression in this year’s Helsinki Biennial,” says Helsinki Mayor Juhana Vartiainen.

    With a strong focus on new commissions and site-specific works, the biennial draws inspiration from Vallisaari Island’s unique ecosystem, untouched by human habitation for decades. The theme of Shelter encourages a shift away from human-centered perspectives, inviting artists to foreground non-human actors—such as plants, animals, fungi, and minerals—as central figures in their works. By embracing alternative viewpoints, the biennial reimagines humanity’s relationship with nature, aiming to inspire climate optimism and positive environmental action.

    37 Artists with a Focus on Site-Specific Commissions

    Each edition of Helsinki Biennial includes major site-specific commissions by leading international artists. This year, it features 37 artists and collectives representing 30 cultures, with a particular focus on the Nordic countries, Latin America, and Asia. As a lasting legacy, select artworks from each edition remain on permanent display throughout the city.

    The participating artists and collectives for Helsinki Biennial 2025 are:
    Maria Thereza Alves (BR/DE), Band of Weeds (FI), Ana Teresa Barboza (PE), Sissel M Bergh (Sápmi/NO), Sara Bjarland (FI/NL), Saskia Calderón (EC), Edgar Calel (GT), Tania Candiani (MX), Regina de Miguel(ES/DE), Olafur Eliasson (DK/IS), Carola Grahn (Saepmie/SE), Tue Greenfort (DK), Kalle Hamm (FI) & Dzamil Kamanger (IR/FI), Tamara Henderson (CA/AU), Gunzi Holmström (FI), Katie Holten (IE/US), Ingela Ihrman(SE), Geraldine Javier (PH), Aluaiy Kaumakan (TW), Kristiina Koskentola (FI/NL), Yayoi Kusama (JP), Jenni Laiti (FI/SE) & Carl-Johan Utsi (SE), LOCUS / Thale Blix Fastvold & Tanja Thorjussen (NO), Nabbteeri (FI), Ernesto Neto (BR), Otobong Nkanga (NG/BE), Giuseppe Penone (IT), Laura Põld (EE/AT), Marjetica Potrč(SI), Kati Roover (EE/FI), Hans Rosenström (FI), Paul Rosero Contreras (EC), Raimo Saarinen (FI), Pia Sirén(FI), Theresa Traore Dahlberg (SE/BF), Nomeda & Gediminas Urbonas (LT/US), and Juan Zamora (ES).

    “Our goal for the Helsinki Biennial 2025 is to shift our thinking away from human-centered views and towards understanding our relationship with nature. We want to inspire new ways of coexisting with all lifeforms and encourage positive environmental action. The biennial invites reflection on shelter as a caring space where all lifeforms can thrive. We want to create new ways of coexisting in a world that needs more understanding and empathy and to inspire positive environmental action,” say curators Kati Kivinen and Blanca de la Torre.

    Key Dates for Helsinki Biennial 2025

    5 June – Media Day
    6–8 June – Helsinki Biennial Preview for professionals
    8 June – Helsinki Biennial 2025 opens to the public
    21 September – Helsinki Biennial 2025 closes.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Kelly Introduce Bill to Cut Red Tape for State DOTs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Under current law, state departments of transportation (DOTs) submit a Transportation Asset Management Plan (TAMP) every four years to the Federal Highway Administration. State TAMPs are planning and budget documents, intended to ensure effective management and long-term functionality of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and the National Highway System. In addition to the TAMPs, State DOTs are required to file separate annual reports with information about the implementation of their TAMPs. These reports reiterate the state’s transportation planning from the TAMP, but require extensive labor hours and tedious review to compile and submit to federal authorities.

    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the Transportation Asset Management Simplification Act (TAMSA) to streamline reporting requirements by eliminating the annual submissions and incorporating them into the TAMPs every four years. The bill also provides states additional time to remedy any deficiencies, to match the 90-day TAMP deficiency cure period, and allows the Secretary of Transportation to extend this period upon the request of a state.

    “Our bill reduces red tape, easing the burden on state DOTs so they can spend more time actually maintaining roads and bridges instead of filing unnecessary reports,” said Cramer. “It’s a commonsense, responsible way to get rid of bureaucracy while ensuring states remain responsible stewards of their infrastructure.”

    “States shouldn’t have to waste time on redundant federal paperwork when they could be focused on maintaining safe and reliable roads and bridges,” said Kelly. “Streamlining these requirements means more time and resources go directly into improving infrastructure that communities depend on every day, while ensuring appropriate oversight.” 

    “Thank you, Senator Cramer, for working to reduce federal red tape for State DOTs,” said Ron Henke, Director of the North Dakota Department of Transportation. “This proposed common sense change to the Asset Management reporting requirements should save NDDOT numerous hours of work every four years, without decreasing the end benefits to the citizens of North Dakota.”

    “The nation’s state departments of transportation are uniquely equipped to plan, design, construct, operate, and maintain a robust program of transportation investments,” said Jim Tymon, Executive Director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. “We very much appreciate Senator Cramer and Kelly’s efforts to streamline and modernize reporting requirements associated with transportation asset management plans. By removing this federal program burden, the bill will enable state DOTs to place even greater focus on ensuring state of good repair and reducing lifecycle costs.”

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Denis Manturov presented the Government prizes in the field of quality

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Denis Manturov presented the Government awards in the field of quality.

    First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov awarded the winners of the 2024 government quality award. The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Gennady Abramenkov, head of Roskachestvo Maxim Protasov, head of Rosstandart Anton Shalaev, as well as leading experts of the award and representatives of Roskachestvo.

    “We need to expand the perimeter of companies that are ready to set ambitious goals for themselves. This is the approach that is needed for the successful implementation of national projects, for strengthening our resource, scientific, technological and production potential, as well as for solving the problems of developing human capital,” Denis Manturov noted.

    The winners of the 2024 Government Quality Award were 12 organizations from the following constituent entities of the Russian Federation:

    · Republic of Bashkortostan, Ufa;

    · Sverdlovsk region, Yekaterinburg;

    · Chelyabinsk region, Trekhgorny city;

    · Novosibirsk region, Novosibirsk city;

    · Nizhny Novgorod region, Nizhny Novgorod city;

    · Kemerovo region – Kuzbass, Kemerovo city;

    · Chelyabinsk region, Miass;

    · Leningrad region, Kingisepp district, industrial zone “Phosphorit”;

    · Tula region, Tula urban district, Inshinsky settlement;

    · Moscow;

    · Saint Petersburg.

    Applications for the 2024 competition were submitted by enterprises from 70 regions. The most active participating regions include Moscow, St. Petersburg, Moscow, Tula and Sverdlovsk regions. The winners represent the following industries:

    · healthcare;

    · medical industry;

    · education;

    · automotive industry;

    · oil refining industry;

    · mining and coal industry;

    · chemical industry;

    · metallurgy.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: State funding distributed to leading engineering schools of the second wave

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Universities participating in the second wave of the Advanced Engineering Schools project reported on the work done over the year. All 20 schools created at the end of 2023 remained in the project. Based on the results of their defenses, they will receive funding from the federal budget in the amount of more than 4 billion rubles.

    “Advanced engineering schools, in close cooperation with partner companies, make an important contribution to the training of highly qualified engineering personnel and the creation of developments to achieve technological leadership – the national goal set by President Vladimir Putin. In our country, the development of advanced engineering schools is carried out within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”. In total, there are currently 50 advanced engineering schools in 23 regions. By 2030, on the instructions of the head of state, their number should be increased to 100. Based on the results of the defenses, 20 Russian universities, on the basis of which advanced engineering schools were opened, will receive more than 4 billion rubles in 2025,” said Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    The head of the Ministry of Education and Science, Valery Falkov, noted that the project “Advanced Engineering Schools” found a great response from representatives of the real sector of the economy.

    “If at the start of the implementation of our flagship project, the schools had about 80 industrial partners, now their number has increased by 3.5 times – now there are more than 280. Among the partners of advanced schools in different regions of the country are such large companies as, for example, Rosatom, Roscosmos, Rostec, Sibur Holding, Gazprom Neft. It is important that business does not just finance the development programs of advanced engineering schools, it participates in the development of educational programs, organizes internships for students, sends specialists as mentors to universities and facilitates the employment of students,” the minister emphasized.

    In 2024, leading engineering schools managed to attract 1.2 rubles from extra-budgetary sources for every budget ruble. This year, schools plan to raise the bar.

    The reports on the implementation of the development programs of the PIS are assessed by the Council for the Review of Issues and Coordination of Activities of Advanced Engineering Schools according to a number of criteria, including the ambitiousness of the goals and the results of their implementation (including compliance with the Strategy for Scientific and Technological Development of Russia), work with high-tech companies and the amount of funds that enterprises have invested in the school.

    Participants of the Advanced Engineering Schools project of the second selection wave are divided into three groups. Thus, schools from the first group have been allocated 311.8 million rubles for 2025. Participants of the second group – 210.1 million rubles. The third group – 88.1 million rubles.

    The first group consists of:

    — National Research University “Moscow Institute of Electronic Technology”,

    — Almetyevsk State Technological University “Higher School of Oil”,

    — Kazan National Research Technical University named after A.N. Tupolev – KAI,

    — MIREA – Russian Technological University,

    — Rybinsk State Aviation Technical University named after P.A.Soloviev.

    Composition of the second group:

    — South Ural State University (National Research University),

    — Togliatti State University,

    — Saint Petersburg State University,

    — Grozny State Oil Technical University named after Academician M.D. Millionshchikov,

    — Tula State University,

    — Russian University of Transport,

    — Saint Petersburg State Electrotechnical University “LETI” named after V.I. Ulyanov (Lenin),

    — Ulyanovsk State University,

    — Moscow State University named after. M.V. Lomonosov,

    — Emperor Alexander I St. Petersburg State University of Railway Engineering.

    Composition of the third group:

    — Cherepovets State University,

    — Sakhalin State University,

    — Voronezh State University,

    — Omsk State Technical University,

    — Moscow State Technological University “Stankin”.

    The first wave (30 PISs created in 2022) will report on their activities in April and continue to operate using funds from industrial partners.

    The Advanced Engineering Schools project was developed by the Ministry of Education and Science as one of 42 strategic initiatives approved by the Government and was part of the state program “Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation”. As part of the implementation of the Decree of the President of Russia dated May 7, 2024 No. 309 “On the national development goals of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030 and for the future up to 2036”, since 2025 the continuity of the activities of the PISH project was ensured by including them in the federal project “Universities for the Generation of Leaders” of the national project “Youth and Children”.

    The goal of the project is to train highly qualified engineering personnel capable of ensuring the country’s achievement of technological sovereignty.

    In 2024, 6,000 people studied in 50 advanced engineering schools, more than 1,500 students completed practical training and internships, more than 13,500 engineers and more than 14,000 teachers improved their qualifications. More than 1,200 new educational programs for advanced training of engineering personnel were developed, more than 400 special educational spaces equipped with modern equipment were created. 81 thousand schoolchildren took part in the activities of the PISH.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: 25 years into a new century and housing is less affordable than ever

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Coates, Program Director, Housing and Economic Security, Grattan Institute

    Of all the problems facing Australia today, few have worsened so rapidly in the past 25 years as housing affordability.

    Housing has become more and more expensive – to rent or buy – and home ownership continues to fall among poorer Australians of all ages.

    Housing makes up most of Australia’s wealth, so more expensive homes concentrated in fewer hands means growing wealth inequality, with a marked generational divide.

    To unwind inequality, we need to make housing cheaper, and that means building much more of it.

    Housing has become more expensive

    The price of the typical Australian home has grown much faster than incomes since the turn of the century: from about four times median incomes in the early 2000s, to more than eight times today, and nearly 10 times in Sydney.

    Housing has also become more expensive to rent, especially since the pandemic.

    Rental vacancy rates are at record lows and asking rents (that is for newly advertised properties) have risen fast – by roughly 20% in Sydney and Melbourne in the past four years, and by much more in Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth.

    Home ownership is falling fast among the young

    Rising house prices are pushing home ownership out of reach for many younger Australians.

    In the early 1990s it took about six years to save a 20% deposit for a typical dwelling for an average household. It now takes more than 12 years.

    Unsurprisingly, home ownership rates are falling fastest for younger people. Whereas 57% of 30–34 year-olds owned their home in 2001, just 50% did so by 2021. And just 36% of 25–29 year olds own their home today, down from 43% in 2001.

    And home ownership is falling fastest among the poorest 40% of each age group.

    Fewer homeowners means more inequality

    People on low incomes, who are increasingly renters, are spending more of their incomes on housing.

    The real incomes of the lowest fifth of households increased by about 26% between 2003–04 and 2019–20. But more than half of this was chewed up by skyrocketing housing costs, with real incomes after housing costs increasing by only 12%.

    In contrast, the real incomes for the highest fifth of households increased by 47%, and their after-housing real incomes by almost as much: 43%.

    Wealth inequality in Australia is still around the OECD average but has been climbing for two decades, largely due to rising house prices.

    In 2019–20, one-quarter of homeowning households reported net wealth exceeding $1 million. By contrast, median net wealth for non-homeowning households was $60,000.

    Since 2003–04, the wealth of high-income households has grown by more than 50%, much of that due to increasing property values. By contrast, the wealth of low-income households – mostly non-homeowners – has grown by less than 10%.

    The growing divide between the housing “haves” and “have nots” is largely generational. Older Australians who bought their homes before prices really took off in the early 2000s have seen their share of the country’s wealth steadily climb.

    This inequality will get baked in as wealth is passed onto the next generation.

    Some Australians will be lucky enough to inherit one or more homes. Others – typically those on lower incomes – will receive none.

    To unwind inequality, we need to make housing less expensive

    We haven’t built enough

    Australians’ demand for housing since the turn of the decade is a story of historically low interest rates, increased access to finance, tax and welfare settings that favour investments in housing, and a booming population.

    But one widely-blamed villain – the introduction of the 50% capital gains tax discount in 1999, together with negative gearing – is likely to have played only a small part in rising house prices.

    That’s because the value of these tax advantages – about $10.9 billion a year – is tiny compared to Australia’s $11 trillion housing market.

    Instead, the biggest problem is that housing construction in recent years hasn’t kept up with increasing demand.

    Strong migration over the past two decades has seen Australia’s population rise much faster than most other wealthy countries in recent decades, boosting the number of homes we need. Rising incomes, and demographic trends such as rising rates of divorce and an ageing Australia, have further increased housing demand.

    Yet Australia has one of the lowest levels of housing per person of any OECD country, and is one of only four OECD countries where the amount of housing per person went backwards over the past two decades.

    This is largely a failure of housing policy. Australia’s land-use planning rules – the rules that dictate what can get built where – are highly restrictive and complex. Current rules and community opposition make it very difficult to build new homes, particularly in the places where people most want to live and work.

    More homes would mean less inequality

    Fixing this will allow mores home to get built, moderate house price growth, and reduce barriers to home ownership. In turn, this will reduce the inequalities created by our broken housing system.

    Easing planning restrictions is hard for governments, because many residents don’t want more homes near theirs.

    The good news is that the penny has started to drop and state governments – particularly in Victoria and New South Wales – are making meaningful progress towards allowing more homes in activity centres and on existing transport links.

    But now the real test begins: how will governments respond to the backlash from people who would prefer their communities to stay the same?

    How well governments hold the line against the so-called NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard) will tell us a lot about what we can expect to happen to inequality in Australia in the future.

    Grattan Institute began with contributions to its endowment of $15 million from each of the federal and Victorian governments, $4 million from BHP Billiton, and $1 million from NAB. In order to safeguard its independence, Grattan Institute’s board controls this endowment. The funds are invested and contribute to funding Grattan Institute’s activities. Grattan Institute also receives funding from corporates, foundations, and individuals to support its general activities, as disclosed on its website.

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

    – ref. 25 years into a new century and housing is less affordable than ever – https://theconversation.com/25-years-into-a-new-century-and-housing-is-less-affordable-than-ever-250067

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: How can I tell if my child is too sick to go to school?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Liz Sturgiss, Professor of Community Medicine and Clinical Education, Bond University

    Chay_Tay/Shutterstock

    As a GP and mum to two boys I have many experiences of trying to navigate the school morning when my boys aren’t feeling well. It always seems to happen on the busiest days.

    None of us want to send our child to school when they are not well – I hate the thought of my kids feeling sick in the classroom and also the idea they might make other children sick.

    Lots of families have someone for whom illnesses are more dangerous. They might have a weakened immune system because they are going through cancer treatment or suffer from another illness.

    But it can be hard to tell. A child might be dramatically crying “my tummy HURTS” one minute and racing around with their sibling the next. Or you might wonder if they are angling for some time off in front of the TV.

    How can you tell if your child is too sick to go to school?

    None of us want to send our child to school when they are not well.
    Pixel Shot/ Shutterstock

    Symptoms to look out for

    In school-aged children here are some symptoms to consider.

    Fever: if your child feels hot to touch, or you have a thermometer showing a fever (a temperature above 38 degrees), then they shouldn’t attend school.

    This is even if you are giving them regular paracetamol or ibuprofen to keep their temperature down. Your child won’t feel comfortable at school with a fever and they have a high chance of making others unwell.

    Vomiting and diarrhoea: children should stay home until it is at least 24 hours since their last vomit or runny poo. This is to reduce the spread of viral gastroenteritis (or stomach flu) and to make sure your child can stay hydrated and well. If your child is vomiting or has diarrhoea, it also is important to keep a close eye on them to make sure they are improving and to seek medical care if they are getting worse.

    Runny noses: a runny nose without a fever might be a sign of hayfever, especially if your child has other symptoms like itchy eyes or sneezing. On its own, this is not a reason to stay home.

    But a new runny nose with a fever is a reason to stay home. Many infections, including influenza, COVID and even measles can start with a fever and runny nose, although usually it signals a common cold.

    The common cold needs rest, fluids and encouraging your child to keep their nose clear with gentle blowing or saline sprays. And a reminder, the annual flu vaccine is an excellent way to protect your family from the serious consequences of the “proper flu”.

    Cough: there are many different reasons for a child to cough. This includes infections such as COVID, whooping cough and influenza and non-infectious reasons such as hayfever and reflux. If your child has developed a new cough, and especially if they are also feverish, this is a reason to keep them at home. A cough that doesn’t go away after two weeks should also be checked out by your GP.

    Tiredness: mostly on Fridays, my kids are tired after a busy week – much like me! Tiredness can be an early sign of a lurking infection or some other health issue. But on its own is probably not a reason to keep your child home. However, ongoing tiredness is a good reason to have your child checked out by your GP as there are many causes from poor sleep to iron deficiency.

    Poor appetite: kids’ appetites can vary so wildly, especially when they move into growing phases. Not wanting to eat breakfast in the morning might be an early gastro infection, a sign of constipation or nervous butterflies for the day ahead. If your child is otherwise OK, with no tummy pain, fever or tiredness, then a lack of appetite for breakfast is not a solid reason to stay home.

    It’s common for kids to feel tired, but this on its own is not a reason to skip school.
    Andrew Will/ Shutterstock

    Watch out for school refusal

    I find it helpful to let my child know if they stay home, they will need to stay in bed with no screens to rest and get well. This tends to separate the “truly feeling unwell” days from the “just hoping to have a rest” days.

    But feeling unwell in the morning – particularly in the tummy, tiredness or unexplained headaches – can be an early sign something might not be going smoothly for your child at school or home.

    School refusal is a serious problem where a child is completely overwhelmed and unable to attend school. It can come on gradually or suddenly. Talking with your child’s school is a critical first step if you are concerned about school refusal – it should be a conversation that happens promptly and your school should have procedures for helping you to manage it.



    Read more:
    Is it school reluctance or refusal? How to tell the difference and help your child

    Phone a friend

    If you’re not sure, consider giving a trusted friends or family member a quick call to talk things over.

    You can also contact Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (or 13 Health if you are in Queensland). This is a national phone service open 24 hours for anyone who has symptoms and needs advice on what to do next.

    Liz Sturgiss receives funding from the NHMRC, MRFF, RACGP Foundation, Diabetes Australia and VicHealth that is unrelated to this article. She is affiliated with Australian Journal of Primary Health (CSIRO), Australian Prescriber, RACGP, NAPCRG, Guidelines Development Committee for the review and update of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults, Adolescents and Children in Australia and Australasian Association for Academic Primary Care.

    – ref. How can I tell if my child is too sick to go to school? – https://theconversation.com/how-can-i-tell-if-my-child-is-too-sick-to-go-to-school-252731

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Coalition wants to increase Medicare psychology rebates from 10 to 20 sessions. Here’s what happened last time

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joanne Enticott, Associate Professor, Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University

    Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock

    The most disadvantaged Australians have long experienced higher rates of mental illness than the broader population. But they also access fewer mental health services.

    Increasing everyone’s access to mental health care led to the creation of the Better Access initiative, which subsidised psychology sessions under Medicare. Officially called Better Access to Psychiatrists, Psychologists and General Practitioners through the Medicare Benefits Schedule, the Howard government launched the initiative in November 2006.

    During COVID, the former Morrison Coalition government temporarily expanded the yearly cap on the number of psychology sessions, from ten to 20. The Labor Albanese government reverted to ten sessions at the end of 2022.

    Now the Coalition says if elected at this year’s polls, it will take the number of sessions back to 20.

    But did capping sessions at 20 increase access to mental health care, especially for disadvantaged Australians? Or are there more effective ways to achieve this?

    How does it work?

    Australians can access up to ten rebated psychology sessions annually. Patients need to have a mental health treatment or management plan from their GP or psychiatrist.


    The Australian Psychological Society recommends consultation fees of around $311 for a standard 46- to 60-minute consultation.

    The typical Medicare rebate is $141.85 per session with a clinical psychologist and $96.65 with other registered psychologists. (All psychologists are university qualified mental health professionals, but clinical psychologists have more qualifications.)

    Psychologists can choose their own fees. They can bulk bill (no out of pocket cost for patients) or charge consultation fees, leaving some patients hundreds of dollars out of pocket for each session.

    How did access change during COVID?

    To assess the changes during COVID, we need to consider three components: number of people accessing services, service use rates (number of sessions per population) and the average number of sessions per patient.

    1. Number of people accessing services

    In 2020-21, all states saw a 5% jump in the number of people accessing Medicare mental health services, coinciding with the first year of the COVID pandemic.

    In the three years prior to this, there was an average yearly increase of about 3% more people.

    However, a 2022 independent evaluation of the Better Access initiative showed that between 2018 and 2021, new users declined from 56% to 50%, with the steepest drop between 2020 and 2021.

    This reduction in new users coincided with the temporary increased cap to 20 sessions.

    Australians from disadvantaged backgrounds continued to have poorer access to psychologists than those from wealthier population groups, despite an increase in the number of sessions.

    2. Service use rates (number of sessions per population)

    Service use rates tell us how much a particular service is being used each year. To compare service use rates between different years, and because the Australian population is growing yearly, we report service use rates per 1,000 people in the population.

    In 2020-21, service use rates for clinical psychologists and other psychologists increased by 18%. This was a large increase compared to the typical 5% increases in previous years. This persisted in the next two years.

    When the cap on number of sessions was reduced to ten sessions, there was a small drop in service use rates, but it didn’t return to the pre-pandemic levels.

    Most clients use ten or fewer sessions a year.
    Ben Bryant/Shutterstock

    3. Average number of sessions people used

    The increase in services occurring in the first two years of the COVID pandemic (and around the time as the cap temporarily increased from ten to 20 sessions), resulted in a small increase in the average number of sessions per patient.

    In the ten years between 2013-14 and 2022-23, average number of sessions with a clinical psychologist increased from five to six sessions whereas the average number of sessions with other psychologists increased from four to five sessions.

    Importantly, more than 80% of people received fewer than ten sessions.

    What does this tell us?

    Overall, most people used ten or fewer sessions, even when up to 20 sessions were available.

    Some extra services were provided to existing clients during COVID and this may have actually prevented new people from receiving services.

    So the evidence suggests simply increasing the number of rebated psychology sessions from ten to 20 for everybody isn’t the most effective approach.

    What should Labor and the Coalition do instead?

    We don’t limit the number of chemotherapy sessions for cancer patients, so why do we cap evidence-based psychological treatments for mental illness?

    Instead of capping access to Medicare rebates for mental health care, access should be based on a person’s needs and treatment outcomes. The number of sessions should be determined collaboratively between the person and the provider, ensuring people receive the appropriate level of evidence-based care for their condition.

    Measure outcomes

    Currently in Australia for Medicare-funded mental health services, we only measure service activity. Patient outcomes are not collected, which hinders the development of value-based mental health care.

    Without collecting outcomes, current initiatives to address inequities are only partially informed and may not work as intended.

    We urgently need to establish a set of outcomes (patient-reported outcome measures and experience measures) through consensus with the community, providers, professional organisations and governments.

    Address affordability

    We should also address inequities, such as gap fees that act as barriers to accessing services.

    Greater rebates and bulk billing incentives for vulnerable people can assist those with less money.

    Offer other evidence-based support

    Evidence also suggests people with mild to moderate mental health problems can benefit from psychological and social supports provided by people who are non-health-care professionals, such as the Friendship Bench and digital mental health programs.

    We need to develop and invest in a range of services that cater to differing levels of need. This would ensure more specialised services are available for those with higher complexity or severity.

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

    – ref. The Coalition wants to increase Medicare psychology rebates from 10 to 20 sessions. Here’s what happened last time – https://theconversation.com/the-coalition-wants-to-increase-medicare-psychology-rebates-from-10-to-20-sessions-heres-what-happened-last-time-249606

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Reliable science takes time. But the current system rewards speed

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jason Chin, Senior Lecturer, College of Law, Australian National University

    P.Cartwright/Shutterstock

    Lately, there have been many headlines on scientific fraud and journal article retractions. If this trend continues, it represents a serious threat to public trust in science.

    One way to tackle this problem – and ensure public trust in science remains high – may be to slow it down. We sometimes refer to this philosophy as “slow science”. Akin to the slow food movement, slow science prioritises quality over speed and seeks to buck incentive structures that promote mass production.

    Slow science may not represent an obvious way to improve science because we often equate science with progress, and slowing down progress does not sound very appealing. However, progress is not just about speed, but about basing important societal decisions on strong scientific foundations. And this takes time.

    Unfortunately, the pressures and incentives modern scientists face are almost universally against slow science. Secure, permanent university jobs are scarce, and with budget cuts, this appears to be getting worse.

    As a result, the pressure to publish has never been higher. Indeed, in my yearly performance meetings, I am asked how many articles I’ve published and what is the status of the journals I published in. I am not asked how robust my methods are and how discerning my peer reviewers were.

    The problems with fast science

    Our current “fast science” approach has produced a host of problems.

    Much as with fast food, scientists are incentivised to produce as much science as possible in as little time as possible. This can mean cutting corners. We know, for instance, that larger samples lead to more trustworthy results because they are more likely to be representative of the relevant population. However, collecting large samples takes time and resources.

    Fast science is also associated with gaming the system. As a hypothetical example, an educational scientist might collect data to find evidence for their theory that a new teaching style promotes better learning. Then, they look at the data and realise the intervention did not quite improve learning. But if you squint at it, there might be a trend if you drop a couple of pesky outliers that didn’t see a benefit. So, they do just that.

    This an example of what’s known as a “questionable research practice”, because it’s not considered outright fraud by conventional standards. Surveys in many fields suggest these practices are widespread, with about 50% of scientists saying they have engaged in them at least once.

    Fast science is also associated with more obviously unethical practices.

    Reports of fabricated data are likely due, in part, to scientists trying to publish as quickly as possible. An industry has even sprung up around scientific fraud – what are known as “paper mills”. These organisations produce articles around fabricated data and then sell authorship to those papers.

    Surveys have shown about 50% of scientists have engaged in questionable research practices such as slightly tweaking research data.
    National Cancer Institute/Unsplash

    Why trustworthy science takes time

    So, what does slow science look like and how can it help?

    The late English statistician Douglas Altman provided one of the most famous descriptions of the slow science mantra: “We need less research, better research, and research done for the right reasons”.

    In many ways, it is the opposite of fast science: large samples and careful, well-documented, transparent practices.

    Recall the hypothetical example of the scientists testing a new education practice. Rather than immediately jumping into data collection, the slow practice would be to first write a “registered report”. In other words, scientists would write out their theory and how they propose to test that theory, and send that out for peer review prior to collecting data.

    The journal would then follow the normal process of soliciting peer reviews and allowing the scientists to revise their report in response to those reviews. Then, the authors would collect data, with publication in the journal being assured as long as they follow the agreed upon methods.

    There are two major benefits to registered reports: it allows for peer feedback while it is still possible to improve the study and it removes an incentive to engage in questionable or fraudulent practices. Using the registered report format can take longer. But it is associated with more credible findings.

    Two other slow practices worth mentioning are conducting research in a way that is reproducible and correcting errors in the existing body of research.

    In theory, all science should be reproducible. That is, scientists should share their methods and data such that other scientists can both verify that work and build on it (developing new recipes, to continue the analogy to slow food).

    Similarly, cleaning up the scientific record is incredibly important. For the same reasons that chef Gordon Ramsay likes to a clean a kitchen out before improving it, science needs to get a handle on what existing findings are reliable before we can build on them.

    This means carefully going through existing publications to find studies that show indications of being fabricated or otherwise unreliable. This sleuthing is rare among university scientists because it does not typically result in publications. But it is highly important.

    Slow science is the opposite of fast science: large samples and careful, well-documented, transparent practices.
    National Cancer Institute/Unsplash

    Slow science is slowly gaining steam

    Currently, it requires bravery to engage in slow science.

    Universities are keen to move up the university rankings lists. Those rankings are driven by publishing. So, universities hire, promote and retain their scientists based on their publications. This makes it risky to slow down.

    There are, however, some reasons to hope. Movements are afoot to redefine research quality to take into account more aspects of slow science.

    The Declaration on Research Assessment is a worldwide initiative to move away from ranking systems that ignore the principles of slow science.

    Grassroots organisations are also creating platforms for more open and exacting peer review.

    And advocates for more careful research practices have recently been appointed to important positions, such as with research funders and academic journals.

    These developments are worth following and building upon because society does not need heaps of low-quality science. It needs science that deserves trust.

    Jason Chin is affiliated with the Association for Interdisciplinary Metaresearch and Open Science (AIMOS), a charity that promotes the study and improvement of research methods. AIMOS is a co-founder of the open peer-review platform, MetaROR.

    – ref. Reliable science takes time. But the current system rewards speed – https://theconversation.com/reliable-science-takes-time-but-the-current-system-rewards-speed-249497

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Video: South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo & other topics – Daily Press Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    – Secretary-General’s Town Hall
    – South Sudan
    – Sudan
    – Security Council
    – Democratic Republic of the Congo
    – Occupied Palestinian Territory
    – Haiti
    – Financial Contribution

    SECRETARY-GENERAL’S TOWN HALL
    This morning, the Secretary-General held a global town hall meeting with UN staff.
    He thanked staff members for their service and encouraged them to continue and persevere with their work despite various political and budget pressures.
    He underscored that it’s important to stay fixed on the fundamentals and emphasized that the United Nations has never been more needed, our values have never been more relevant, and the demands have never been greater.
    He also updated staff members on the financial situation of the Organization and on cash conservation measures and added that he would continue to appeal to donors to reconsider and for Member States to pay up their budget dues.
    The Secretary-General reiterated his support to doing everything possible to support people in need around the world, to exercise our mandate, and to honour staff.

    SOUTH SUDAN
    The Secretary-General is following with deep concern the alarming situation in South Sudan.
    The peacekeeping mission on the ground has called on all Parties in the country to exercise restraint and uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement. The peacekeeping mission is also joining other regional and international peace partners in expressing alarm at the detention under house arrest of First Vice President Riek Machar.
    The UN warns that this action takes the country yet one step closer to the edge of a collapse into civil war and the dismantling of the peace agreement.
    The peacekeeping mission is, again, urging the President and First Vice President to resolve grievances, end the military confrontation, uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement and take the country forward together towards the peaceful and democratic future their people deserve.
    It should be clear to all that the people of South Sudan can ill afford to endure the consequences of the civil war.
    As a stark reminder, 9.3 million people are already in need of some form of humanitarian assistance, with conflict, climate and the economic crisis keeping too many people on the very edge of survival.
    It’s vital that the leaders of the country put the interest of the people first and foremost.

    SUDAN
    Turning to Sudan, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs is following the situation in Khartoum closely, amidst the latest shifts of control in the city. They continue to receive alarming reports of reprisals by armed groups against civilians.
    The UN reiterates that civilians are not a target and that all parties must adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law and international human rights law. Serious violations must be investigated, with perpetrators held to account.
    Meanwhile, the UN and its humanitarian partners are seizing every opportunity to reach people in need with vital support.
    The World Food Programme says that today 1,200 metric tonnes of food and nutrition assistance were distributed to about 100,000 people in Bahri and Omdurman localities of Khartoum state. These are the first WFP aid trucks to get through to these specific areas within Khartoum since the latest round of hostilities started.
    And the International Organization Migration reports that nearly 400,000 internally displaced people have recently returned to their towns and villages of origin across Al Jazirah, Sennar, and Khartoum states. However, many are returning to areas with little – to no access to – basic services, including shelter, food, and healthcare. Unfortunately, displacement from North Darfur and White Nile states has increased due to heightened insecurity.

    Full Highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=27%20March%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqsfYzw4frE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the General Assembly on the International Day of Zero Waste [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Mr. President, Madame First Lady, Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    The waste crisis is an issue that goes to the heart of how we produce, and how we consume.

    And one that requires action at every level – local, national, and global. 

    This year’s International Day focuses on fashion and textiles.

    And rightly so.

    Unless we accelerate action, dressing to kill could kill the planet.

    Textile production often uses thousands of chemicals – many of them harmful to people and the environment.

    It devours resources like land and water – putting pressure on ecosystems.

    And it belches out greenhouse gases – inflaming the climate crisis.  

    Clothes are being produced and discarded at a staggering rate – driven by business models that prioritize newness, speed, and disposability.  

    Every second, the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothing is incinerated or sent to landfill.

    Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    Fashion is just the tip of a toxic iceberg.

    Waste is an issue in every sector. 

    Every year, humanity produces over two billion tonnes of garbage.

    If you pack all that into shipping containers stacked end to end, they would stretch to the moon and back.

    Here on Earth, toxin-filled waste is seeping into our soil, our water, and our air. And ultimately into us.

    As usual, the poorest pay the highest price.

    More than one billion people live in slums and informal urban settlements, where waste management is non-existent and disease runs rampant.

    The rich world is flooding the Global South with garbage, from obsolete computers to single-use plastic and more.

    Many nations do not have the infrastructure to process even a fraction of what is dumped on their shores.

    As a result, materials that could be recycled are burned or sent to landfill. 

    And waste pickers are exposed to toxic chemicals as they sift through potentially hazardous materials, including broken electronics, in appalling conditions.

    Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    We need a different approach: one that delivers on the commitment in the Sustainable Development Goals for sustainable production and consumption.

    And there are signs of hope.

    Change is possible. And it presents exciting opportunities.

    In fashion, for example, designers are experimenting with recycled materials.

    Consumers are increasingly demanding sustainability.

    In many countries, resale markets are booming.

    And important initiatives are bringing together large and small businesses, industry associations, civil society and many others to drive sustainability across the sector.

    They include the Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action, and the Fashion Pact.

    We must celebrate the power of these innovations to transform the industry.

    But we need more.

    And we need change in every sector.

    I welcome the work of the Chair and the First Lady and members of the United Nations Advisory Board on Zero Waste to raise awareness, and help meet the SDGs.

    The fight against waste requires us all.

    Governments must act:

    Through policies, regulations and subsidies:

    That promote sustainability, and zero waste initiatives…

    That encourage businesses to adopt positive practices…

    That provide decent jobs…

    And that empower everyone – not just the wealthy – to afford products that last.

    The current negotiations for a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution – due in August this year – are a key opportunity for governments to drive progress.

    I urge them to take it…

    And to translate any treaty into action to support consumers to make environmentally friendly choices, and into a clear roadmap across industries.

    Addressing plastic pollution must be at the core of corporate responsibility.

    There is no space for greenwashing.

    Businesses must increase circularity, waste reduction and resource efficiency across their supply chains.

    We need accountability for corporate sustainability commitments.

    We need transparency for customers. 

    And we need consumers to use their purchasing power to encourage change:

    Reducing excessive consumption, valuing products that last, and embracing exchanges and resales.

    And we need young people and civil society to keep using their voices and power to demand change through advocacy.

    Excellencies, Dear Friends,

    We must build on progress, to end the waste practices wasting our planet.

    On this International Day, let us commit to do our part to clean up our act, and build a healthier, more sustainable world for us all. 

    And I thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘Go Getter’ High School Students Explore Data Analytics Profession at UConn Event: ‘It Looks Like a Fun Career’

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Isabella Escobar and Anwesha Gupta, both juniors at Avon High School, spent a few minutes Monday morning in a friendly competition to see whose robot could scoop up more blocks and get them across a goal line.

    They were among 40 students from Avon, Farmington, and Capital Preparatory Magnet School in Hartford, who spent part of the day at UConn’s Graduate Business Learning Center, exploring careers in data analytics. The Data Analytics Day event was organized in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southwest New England.

    Gupta’s older sister is studying business in college and that piqued her own interest in the field.

    “I want to major in business and I’m figuring out what direction interests me. I’m testing the water for data analytics,’’ she said. “I’ve enjoyed myself today. It was very fun.’’

    Escobar is also leaning toward a business career, possibly in marketing or international affairs, but is open to other options. “I’m very lucky to be here. I’m excited,’’ she said.

    In addition to learning about emerging technology, including robotics, the students attended programs about communication and leadership, and how Microsoft Excel and Tableau can benefit business.

    During the latter program, professor John Wilson, academic director for the master’s in FinTech program, explained that visual analytics—collecting, analyzing and presenting information in an appealing and easy-to-understand way—is one of the hottest jobs in business today.

    Professor John Wilson, Academic Director for the graduate FinTech program told 40 high school students that careers in data visualization are among the most promising in business. (Nathan Oldham / UConn School of Business)

    That captured the interest of Capital Prep students Javaris Spencer, a junior, and Sherdon Rodney, a senior.

    “I wanted more information and a better understanding of the data analytics field,’’ Spencer said. “It’s been a good experience so far.’’

    “I learned about the role data analytics plays in life,’’ Rodney said, after viewing a brief introduction to a visual analytics presentation on the impact of domestic violence. “I’ve been thinking about how data has evolved and how it works, and how more companies want to use it. It looks like a fun career.’’

    Julie Armstrong, director of education at Junior Achievement, was excited about the new partnership between her organization and UConn, and felt it would be fruitful.

    “The students are self selected and all are interested in data analytics and in business, and have an aptitude for research,’’ Armstrong said. “The teachers we work with send us the real go-getters who want as much career exposure as possible.’’

    Wilson said the event appeared to be a success.

    “We’ve been tasked with workforce development and creating a pipeline to drive interest in STEM careers early on,’’ he said. “There’s great enthusiasm here today. Many students are interested in careers in analytics, and others are here just to gain a better understanding of what it is.’’

    UConn graduate student Gomathi Ramachandran helped develop the curriculum for the event. Ramachandran, a former educator now working as an educational financial systems analyst, is pursuing an advanced degree in business analytics and program management. She said she could witness the students’ engagement and hopes the program will expand their interests.

    “Growing up, I remember wishing for a mentor who would encourage me to believe in myself and in my ability to learn new things,’’ she said. “Back then, I was often afraid to take risks due to the fear of failure. Now, as an adult, I’m pursuing courses that push me out of my comfort zone daily. I’ve learned to embrace challenging subjects like SQL, visual analytics, and public speaking.’’

    She said she hopes the students who participated in Monday’s program developed curiosity, a belief in themselves and their abilities, and recognize that no concept is too difficult to grasp.
    Junior Achievement serves 35,000 students in Connecticut alone. The organization’s three pillars are financial literacy, career preparation, and entrepreneurship.

    Jeremy Race, President and CEO of the Southern New England chapter, said programs like the Data Analytics Day are invaluable and offer students exposure to high-impact careers that they might not otherwise experience.

    “By partnering with the UConn School of Business, Junior Achievement is providing high school students with unprecedented access to expertise in data analytics, showing them how numbers can tell powerful stories that drive business outcomes,’’ Race said.

    “This collaboration creates a unique bridge between academic theory and real-world application, allowing students to learn directly from professors and student mentors who are at the cutting edge of the field,’’ he said. “We are deeply grateful to our friends at UConn for their commitment to cultivating the next generation of business leaders and for opening their doors to give JA students this glimpse into the world of data-drive decision making.’’

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 19th MSI Research Day Draws Nearly 100

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Dr. Jordan Bauer, second-year orthopedic surgery resident, presents at UConn Health’s MSI Research Day, March 14, 2025. (Photo by Lisa Cianchetti)

    Nearly 100 current and future physicians and scientists attended 2025 UConn Musculoskeletal Institute (MSI) Research Day, March 11 at the Cell and Genome Sciences Building.

    The day included oral presentations, a symposium on osteoarthritis, 18 poster presentations, an awards ceremony, and a keynote address from an international leader in the field of cartilage and developmental biology.

    Dr. Ernesto Canalis, MSI co-director, speaks at MSI Research Day at UConn Health, March 14, 2025. (Photo by Lisa Cianchetti)

    “This is a day where clinical and research faculty meet and get together to share recent accomplishments in musculoskeletal research at the University of Connecticut,” says Dr. Ernesto Canalis, professor of orthopedic surgery and medicine and MSI co-director. “It allows for interactions among faculty and presentations by faculty, students, residents, and trainees.”

    It was the 19th MSI research day and the most well-attended since before the pandemic, with the UConn School of Medicine’s Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Medicine, and Neuroscience represented, as well as the UConn School of Dental Medicine’s Center for Regenerative Medicine and the Department of Biomedical Engineering, a joint department of the dental, medical, and engineering schools.

    The keynote speaker was Dr. Maurizio Pacifici, director of research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

    Dr. Maurizio Pacifici, director of research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, delivers the keynote address at UConn Health’s MSI Research Day, March 14, 2025. (Photo by Lisa Cianchetti)

    “Dr. Pacifici was an ideal speaker, as he has first-hand experience translating basic science discoveries into clinical treatment – a core mission of the UConn MSI”, says Dr. Isaac Moss, professor and chair of orthopedic surgery and MSI co-director.

    “Participants leave this event having learned recent advances in musculoskeletal research at UConn, with the opportunity to learn from a national leader,” Canalis says. “Faculty interactions are expected to lead to new collaborative efforts to enhance research in the musculoskeletal field.”

    From left: Research intern Tomer Korabelnikov, Dr. Cory Edgar, clinical research assistant Nandan Nayak, and research intern Rohan Patel are among those who collaborated on projects presented at MSI Research Day at UConn Health, March 14, 2025. (Photo by Lisa Cianchetti)

    Awards presented:

    • Best MD/Ph.D., Marta Stetsiv
    • Best Graduate Student, Biology, Kai Clarke
    • Best Graduate Student, Engineering, Travis Wallace
    • Best Young Innovative Investigator Program, Arianna Cedeño
    • Best Undergraduate Student, Bailey Millis
    • Best Medical Student, Daniel Brocke
    • Best Orthopedic Research Resident Fellow, Lisa Tamburini
    • Best Orthopedic Research Fellow, Rohan Patel

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Oral question – Protective measures for EU citizens regarding the risks of dental tourism in countries outside the EU – O-000011/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for oral answer  O-000011/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 142
    Michele Picaro
    on behalf of the ECR Group

    The phenomenon of dental tourism has seen an increasing number of EU citizens travel to non-EU countries to receive dental treatment, attracted mainly by lower costs and reduced waiting times. However, despite the economic benefits, significant health risks emerge due to varying quality and safety standards, language barriers, difficulties in managing post-treatment complications and complex legal issues in cases of poor practice. In this context, it is imperative to ask the Commission what actions it is taking to ensure that EU citizens are adequately protected and informed when they choose to use dental services outside the EU.

    We therefore ask:

    • 1.What action does the Commission plan to take to ensure that EU citizens are adequately informed about the health risks associated with dental tourism in non-EU countries?
    • 2.How does the Commission intend to work with non-EU countries to ensure that the dental treatments offered meet the safety and quality standards necessary to protect the health of EU citizens?

    Submitted: 25.3.2025

    Lapses: 26.6.2025

    Last updated: 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Croatia’s climate action strategy – 27-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Croatia does not set its own national climate targets, but has emissions reduction obligations under EU law, and contributes to the EU-wide target of reaching climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1). Croatia accounts for 0.62 % of the EU’s net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and has reduced its net emissions by 19.5 % from 2005 to 2023, compared with an average EU reduction of 30.5 % over the same period. The country’s land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector is a significant but declining carbon sink. Emissions from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) were reduced by 51.6 %. For the effort-sharing sectors, Croatia remained within emissions allocations from 2013 to 2020. Although slightly exceeding allocations in 2022, and at the limit in 2023, the country projects that it will achieve its 2030 obligation. In August 2023, Croatia proposed to add a REPowerEU chapter to its recovery and resilience plan, comprising significant climate spending. Croatia submitted a draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) on 4 July 2023. The European Commission assessed it and made recommendations for Croatia’s final updated NECP, overdue since June 2024. In a 2023 survey, 42 % of Croatians, compared with an EU average of 46 %, identified climate change to be one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect the EU (53 %) and national government (50 %) to tackle climate change, while 26 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Luxembourg’s climate action strategy – 27-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Luxembourg is legally bound to reach climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1) and deliver a 55 % greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction in the effort-sharing sectors by 2030 compared with 2005. Luxembourg accounts for 0.3 % of the EU’s net GHG emissions, and achieved a net emissions reduction of 35.7 % from 2005 to 2023, greater than the 30.5 % EU average reduction over the same period. Emissions from sectors under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) dropped by more than two thirds (-69.5 %). The land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector remains a carbon sink, albeit with fluctuations. For the effort-sharing sectors, Luxembourg managed to stay within its 2013 2020 allocations, and would overachieve its 2030 target based on the European Commission’s assessment of its draft national energy and climate plan (NECP). Luxembourg submitted its final updated NECP on 24 July 2024. In May 2024, Luxembourg added a REPowerEU chapter to its recovery and resilience plan, increasing its climate spending. In a 2023 survey, 57 % of Luxembourgers, compared with an EU average of 46 %, identified climate change to be one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect the EU (76 %), business and industry (66 %) or national government (63 %) to tackle climate change, while 62 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – Slovenia’s climate action strategy – 27-03-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Slovenia is legally bound to reach climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory on Figure 1) and reduce total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by at least 55 % by 2033 compared with 2005. Slovenia accounts for 0.5 % of the EU’s net GHG emissions, and increased its net emissions by 8.0 % from 2005 to 2023, compared with an EU average reduction of 30.5 % over the same period. This was due to a sharp increase in emissions from the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector – traditionally a carbon sink – in the 2014-2019 period. Nonetheless, Slovenia’s total emissions reduction of 28.9 % over the 2005 2023 period only falls slightly short of the -30.2 % EU average. Emissions covered by the EU emissions trading system (ETS) over the same period fell by 48.4 %. For the effort-sharing sectors, Slovenia overachieved its 2020 target but must enhance efforts to meet its 2030 obligations. In July 2023, Slovenia sent its draft updated national energy and climate plan (NECP) to the European Commission, which assessed it, before submitting the final updated NECP in December 2024. In a 2023 survey, 41 % of Slovenians, compared with an EU average of 46 %, identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most expect business and industry (58 %) and/or the EU (43 %) to tackle climate change, while 22 % find it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –