NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coventry Township Man Sentenced to more than 10 Years in Prison for Transportation and Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    AKRON, Ohio – Matthew Lamp, 29, of Coventry Township, Ohio, was sentenced March 11, 2025, by U.S. District Judge David Ruiz to 130 months in prison after he admitted to transporting and possessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), also known as child pornography. He pleaded guilty to transportation of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child pornography.  Lamp was also ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution to the victims of the child pornography images he possessed.

    According to court documents, in February 2024 during a search warrant execution at the defendant’s residence, federal investigators seized a cellphone and other electronic devices that contained CSAM. During the investigation, it was determined that Lamp possessed more than 2,000 images of CSAM, including prepubescent minors, toddlers, and images involving sadistic or masochistic conduct.  

    The investigation was conducted by the FBI-Akron Field Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Dangelo for the Northern District of Ohio.

    To report child exploitation, please visit cybertipline.org, or call 1-800-843-5678, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Home Secretary speech at the Community Security Trust

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Home Secretary speech at the Community Security Trust

    Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper gave a speech at the Community Security Trust where she announced new measures to protect places of worship from intimidation.

    Thank you, Sir Lloyd for those kind words, good evening everyone. 

    And let me start by thanking everyone involved in CST for the remarkable, tireless and crucial work you have done not just this year, but day-in, day-out for the past 3 decades to keep our Jewish communities safe and secure. The work CST does makes the difference every single day between confidence and fear, between safety and danger, between life and death, and we owe you all a huge debt of thanks. 

    For the research and analysis they undertake to expose the scourge of antisemitism. The critical security they provide for hundreds of Jewish communal buildings and events every year. The fact that every week, thousands of British Jews go to school, or to synagogue, more confident in the knowledge that CST are providing protection and support.  

    And I particularly want to thank all the volunteers keeping us safe here tonight. 

    It is a real honour for me to be here as Home Secretary and I want to talk tonight about why CST plays such a remarkable and important role not just in the security of Jewish families and communities across Britain, but also in the security of our entire nation. And why defending our national security – the first and foremost task of any government – means defending the security and safety of Britain’s Jews. 

    But there is no way to pay tribute to this extraordinary organisation, without first paying tribute to its extraordinary founder and chairman, Sir Gerald Ronson. Gerald you have been the most formidable champion for CST and for the wider Jewish community, but also whose philanthropic work on causes from protecting children to older care has had such a profoundly positive impact on society. 

    Since I came to Parliament in 1997, I have watched Gerald build CST into the pioneering and world-leading organisation that it is today. So Gerald thank you for being such an astonishing advocate – because without your determination and dedication, CST would not be what it is today.  

    And on a personal note, Gerald and Gail, let me thank you for being such good friends to Ed and I over these last 25 years. 

    Ed and I have come many times to CST dinners through the years in different roles. I think the first time we came was before 2010 government ministers, as shadow ministers. More recently for me as Home Affairs Select Committee Chair and for Ed as co-chair of the Holocaust Memorial Foundation. But we come not because of our jobs but because of what tonight is about – strongly supporting Britain’s Jewish communities and strongly supporting the remarkable work of CST. 

    Many of you have asked where Ed is tonight. He does send his apologies tonight – and this is a sentence I never thought I would hear myself say, certainly not 10 years ago – he is in Hong Kong with George Osborne recording a special edition of their podcast. Such is the life of the former politician turned dancer turned glamorous media star.  

    Although I did have a moment at a recent reception like this, when I introduced myself to a table of guests and started talking about my husband co-chairing the work on the memorial. Only for one of the older guests to nod wisely and tell her friends: “I knew I recognised her from somewhere – she’s married to Eric Pickles!”.

    But I do want to commend the work that the Holocaust Memorial Foundation is doing – chaired by Ed and Eric and backed by so many of you – to ensure that the Memorial and Learning Centre are built according to plan, next to the Palace of Westminster and the seat of our democracy, to ensure that future generations of young people in our country will learn about the evil of antisemitism and the horror of where it leads. 

    This government will continue the work of our predecessors ensuring that the Holocaust Memorial is built for future generations. Just as we will continue our steadfast support for the CST and for the security of Jewish communities across the UK. 

    And just as the Prime Minister was unrelenting in his mission to root out the stain of antisemitism from the Labour Party after that truly shameful period in our party’s history. Now in government, we will be equally unrelenting in our crackdown on those who spread the poison of antisemitism on our streets or online.  

    We may have disagreed with the previous government on many things. And we may have inherited difficult decisions on the economy and spending. But when it comes to our support for CST and keeping our communities safe, there will be absolute continuity and certainty.  

    I have spoken to 2 of my predecessors here tonight, Grant Schapps and James Cleverly here tonight and we have committed to maintaining the multi-year funding for CST that Rishi Sunak announced here last year. And why we will always seek to build the broadest cross-party consensus on public protection, so that no matter who has the keys to number 10 Downing Street, our Jewish communities know that the government is on their side. 

    And I know that for the community this has been another extremely difficult year. In the short months I have been in the Home Office, I and other ministers in my department have met with many of you – just as we did many times when we were on the opposition benches.  

    With the CST, the Board of Deputies, the Jewish Leadership Council, the Union of Jewish Students and many more. We’ve talked about the 3,500 incidents of anti-Jewish hate that were recorded by CST last year. 

    The second highest total ever reported in a single calendar year. Threats to kill sent to synagogues. Individuals spat on or assaulted in the street. Graffiti daubed on religious sites. Antisemitic bullying in schools.  

    And we’ve talked not just about the disgraceful crimes and the action needed, but about the real impact they have – for you and your families. 

    I have heard some of your personal experiences of what recent years have felt like. Holding your child’s hand that bit more tightly on the way to school, the extra worry about your teenagers away at university. And the sickening jolt in the stomach from the antisemitic hatred posted online, waved on placards, worn on t-shirts, or shouted openly in the streets. 

    It is those painful, personal experiences that lie behind the figures.  

    And make no mistake – these horrific incidents are a stain on our society that simply will not be tolerated. Not now and not ever. Because there is no place for antisemitism in Britain.  

    We all know that fear has grown since the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. The single deadliest day for Jewish people since the Holocaust. And the past 16 months have seen intense anguish. The living nightmare of hostages and their families. The appalling devastation and destruction we have seen in Gaza.  

    The ceasefire deal agreed in January provided a glimmer of hope. I know the joy every one of us in this room will have felt seeing Emily Damari reunited with her mother Mandy, and the relief of so many hostage families, as well as the desperately needed aid flowed back into Gaza. 

    But the breakdown of the ceasefire and resumption of airstrikes has devastating consequences – both for the remaining hostage families and for innocent civilians in Gaza, as this cycle of suffering continues.  

    That’s why the Foreign Secretary has been clear that all parties must re-engage with negotiations, because diplomacy, not more bloodshed, is how we will achieve security for Israelis and for Palestinians. And that’s why the UK government will continue to strive for a return to a path of peace and the goal of a two-state solution. 

    But as Home Secretary, I am clear that we must never allow conflict happening elsewhere to lead to greater tension or hatred here on our streets, and we will never allow antisemites to use this or any conflict as an opportunity or as an excuse to spread poisonous hatred against our Jewish community here at home. 

    But let me be clear what zero tolerance means, because I know how wary you are of warm words that mean nothing in practice. Zero tolerance means that we cannot and will not accept people being abused, attacked or threatened because of who they are or what they believe.  

    It means where antisemitic hate crimes are committed – whether in a local community, on a national protest or on the internet – we will back the police in the action they need to take. Arrests, charges and convictions. Whenever and wherever it takes place. But zero-tolerance also means ensuring that Jewish people in this country can take part in communal life free from intimidation and fear.  

    Just as all communities are entitled to that right, but particularly when they attend their place of worship. Whether it’s going to synagogue for a Shabbat service; for a bar or bat mitzvah; for a wedding; to celebrate a festival or for any other community event. We know how sacred and special those moments are in the week, in the month and in the year for the family.  

    And there is no shying away from the fact that over the last 18 months – for congregants of Central Synagogue, Western Marble Arch and Westminster – those sacred and special moments have been hugely disrupted by protest activity.  

    On too many occasions, Shabbat services have been cancelled and people have stayed at home – worried to travel and attend shul as they normally would. We always say, and I say it again, so nobody is in any doubt. Protest and freedom of expression are cornerstones of our democracy, and of course that must always be protected. 

    People have made use of that right to peaceful protest through generations, and they will do so for many more to come. But the right to protest is not the right to intimidate.  

    And the right to protest must always be balanced against the freedom for everybody else to go about their daily lives. The police already have powers to place conditions on protests. And just as we supported officers last summer taking every possible action to defend mosques from appalling attacks violent disorder on Britain’s streets. 

    I have strongly supported action taken by the Metropolitan Police in recent weeks and months to divert protest routes away from synagogues on Saturday mornings. But I know how hard the community has had to fight for those conditions – each and every time. And I have listened to your calls for change.  

    So tonight I can announce that we will legislate in the Crime and Policing Bill currently going through Parliament to strengthen the law. And to give the police an explicit new power to prevent intimidating protests outside places of worship. To give the police total clarity – that where a protest has an intimidating effect, such that it prevents people from accessing or attending their place of worship – the full range of public order conditions will be available for the police to use. 

    Because the right to protest must not undermine a person’s right to worship. And everybody has a right to live in freedom from fear.  

    We will also never stand for the desecration of memorials and gravestones, or the vandalism and graffiti inflicted on synagogues, schools, shops and community centres. These are not minor acts of criminal damage, they are hateful acts of antisemitism and they will continue to be punished as such. 

    And we will make a further amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill. 

    We have carried over from the previous government an important new proposal to make it a criminal offence to climb the most significant memorials in our country, such as the Cenotaph, with a maximum penalty of 3 months’ imprisonment and a £1,000 fine. So I can tell you tonight that I plan to extend the proposed list of protected memorials to include the new Holocaust Memorial in Westminster, to demonstrate our commitment to ensure it is valued as a place of reflection and respect. 

    And I don’t need to tell this audience why that matters so much. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. 

    And I had the enormous privilege of attending the special service at the Guildhall on Holocaust Memorial Day, to hear first-hand from those who witnessed those unimaginable horrors and still tell their stories. 

    When you hear the testimony of survivors – they so often start with a description of a happy childhood. Going to the park, enjoying school, playing with friends. The joy of being children – free from worry and from fear.  

    And they describe how quickly things changed. How almost overnight – peace became war; communities became ghettos; life became death.  

    There are only a couple of generations separating those brave survivors from our children today. So when students feel compelled to remove their kippahs or their star of David necklaces, when organisations like CST say their workload has doubled, I understand why – for this community – freedom feels so fragile and safety does not feel guaranteed. 

    But that is why understanding the history of antisemitism and where it can lead is so important. Not just for us to talk about tonight, but right across government and public services, and right across society. 

    And certainly, for us in the Home Office where our core responsibility is to keep the country and communities safe.  

    So I have agreed with the Permanent Secretary at the Home Office, that we will roll out antisemitism awareness training across the Home Office, and when Home Office staff seek to visit Auschwitz or other concentration camps with the Holocaust Educational Trust, March of the Living, and other organisations, that will not count towards their annual leave, because we will treat that experience as a crucial part and asset for their employment. 

    I want to thank the Holocaust Educational Trust, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, the Anne Frank Trust and other brilliant organisations for the work they do to educate new generations about the horrors of the past, just as we thank the CST for its work to challenge antisemitism and keep our communities safe today. 

    But there must be no doubt. CST’s work and the work of the police and the government is not just about public safety, it is about our national security. 

    Because in the last few years we have seen the threats to UK national security change and become more complex. 

    Not just here, but across the world, we face a series of rapidly evolving and overlapping threats, from terrorism to malign state actors. 

    Just as we are updating our counter terrorism response to deal with the greatest threat from Islamist extremism, followed by far right extremism, including reforming Prevent and our counter terror laws. 

    And we are also upgrading our response to state threats here on our shores. As our Security Minister, Dan Jarvis set out in the House of Commons earlier this month, it is no secret that there is a long-standing pattern of the Iranian intelligence services targeting Jewish and Israeli people across the world. 

    And we are not prepared to stand for the increasingly brazen Iranian activity on British shores in recent years, with our security services thwarting an increasing number of direct plots.  

    This month we have announced that the whole of the Iranian State – including Iran’s intelligence services, like the IRGC – will be placed on to the enhanced tier of our new Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. This is a critical disruptive tool that will mean those who are being directed by Iran to conduct activities in the UK must register that activity, whatever it is, or face 5 years in prison. 

    And we will not hesitate to go further when we need to – to protect our communities and protect our communities and democracy from the malign influence of the Iranian state. 

    And this government will continue to work in lockstep with the police, the security services, our partners overseas, we work too with partners in this country. And I speak on behalf of both the government and law enforcement when I say how important a partner CST is in that work.  

    Be it the response to different extremist ideologies or the interaction with state threats, CST’s work identifies how antisemitism is the poison that pollutes so many of our wider national security challenges.  

    And no one should be in any doubt about the unparalleled professionalism and extraordinary expertise with which Mark Gardner and all the teams and volunteers carry it out. The information and intelligence-sharing with police forces and government, which has contributed to the arrests and convictions of the removal of so many individuals intent on causing harm.  

    And the SAFE programme, through which CST shares expertise with other minority groups who want to keep their communities safe and secure – building the bonds and bridges across different faiths that help to keep our society as a whole cohesive and strong.  

    Through all of this work, CST play a pivotal role not just in securing the safety of the Jewish community but our country as a whole.  

    And for that, again, to Sir Gerald, to Mark, to Sir Lloyd and everyone at CST, I want to say a heartfelt and enduring thank you. In a few short weeks, I know many people here will be gathering with family and friends to mark Passover. Gathering around the Seder (say-der) table to recount the story of the Jews’ liberation from Egypt.  

    A story of hardship, of resilience and ultimately one of freedom. These are undoubtedly difficult and unstable times, we keep sight of the light in the darkness. And the light of the Jewish community continues to shine so brightly in our country. 

    Just look at the thousands of volunteers who work with CST every day.  

    The synagogues who, throughout the winter, have hosted homeless shelters or drop-in centres for refugees. 

    The life-saving humanitarian work of World Jewish Relief in Ukraine and across the world.  The brilliance of Mitzvah Day, inspiring thousands of people to contribute to their communities. The fantastic and essential work of Jewish Women’s Aid, who support survivors of domestic abuse.  

    And all of the other countless ways that our Jewish communities enrich and enhance communal life here in Britain.  

    As Home Secretary, I know that security and safety are the bedrock on which all of these other opportunities in our lives are built.  

    A Jewish community that feels secure means a Jewish community that can flourish. And a successful, vibrant, confident Jewish community means a better future for Britain. 

    Thank you very much.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement on behalf of the Transition Board

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Statement on behalf of the Transition Board

    The Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board met on 27th March 2025.

    The Tata Steel / Port Talbot Transition Board met on 27th March 2025.

    The Secretary of State for Wales and Chair of the Transition Board, Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP sought endorsement from the Board on a £3.27 million mental health and well-being fund, designed to support affected workers, families, and associated communities. The funding will bolster and expand the current services provided by the local authority and third sector partners. This support will look to provide grants to community groups, school support, and mental health advisory services.

    This has been a challenging time for the communities impacted by Tata Steel UK’s transition. By ensuring the third sector is properly funded, resourced and equipped to deliver essential services within the community, this Board is demonstrating its commitment to securing the right mental health support for those impacted. The Board understands that with this preventative action good mental health and resilience can be safeguarded within the community ensuring a healthy workforce, which in turn steers people away from long term sickness, securing jobs and livelihoods while boosting economic growth for the whole region.

    The Board also received updates on:

    • Tata Steel UK’s decarbonisation programme;
    • The Department of Business and Trade’s plans for a steel strategy;
    • The Transition Board funds that have already been announced, including applications received for the Supply Chain fund, and support being provided from the Employment and Skills fund.

    Those in attendance included: Rt Hon Jo Stevens MP, Secretary of State for Wales; Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning in the Welsh Government; Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State in the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the Department of Business and Trade; Cllr Steve K Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council; Frances O’Brien, CEO of Neath Port Talbot Council; Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK; Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberafan Maesteg; David Rees, MS for Aberavon; Luke Fletcher MS for the region of South Wales West; Sarah Williams-Gardener; independent member of the Board; Alun Davies, National Officer for Steel & Metals, Community Union and Tom Hoyles, Politics, Press and Research Officer, GMB Wales.

    -ends-

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Rouge Bouillon closure update27 March 2025 The external steel strapping has now been completed, and work is underway to fit the internal ties, which is expected to be finished in the coming days. Once in place, this will enable monitoring of… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    27 March 2025

    The external steel strapping has now been completed, and work is underway to fit the internal ties, which is expected to be finished in the coming days. 

    Once in place, this will enable monitoring of any settling or movement next week. Following this, geotechnical surveys will begin to assess the voids beneath the site. Work remains on schedule. 

    We have now collated all relevant information including a upcoming schedule of works here: gov.je. ​

    Public impact 

    We recognise the disruption the closure continues to cause for commuters and local businesses. 

    Currently, there are only two major road closures in St Helier: Rouge Bouillon, due to the structural issues caused by a burst water main, and Colomberie, where emergency work is being carried out by Island Energy. 

    The road will only reopen once the buildings are stabilised and all risks of structural collapse have been mitigated. 

    Routes and safety assurance 

    We urge both pedestrians and drivers to follow the designated public diversions and avoid cutting through private land, particularly College Gardens. 

    These measures are in place to ensure the safety of all road users and residents. 

    Rouge Bouillon continues to remain closed between Clarendon Road and Palmyra Road as investigations continue into the stability of an adjacent building wall, affected by a burst water main. 

    We have considered other options to manage the traffic around the closure however, the decision to retain the current traffic arrangement is based on the following factors: 

    • reversing Clarendon Road poses additional safety risks for residents and pedestrians
    • allowing right-turn access onto Clarendon Road from Val Plaisant could cause severe traffic congestion, particularly near the Gyratory
    • reversing Midvale Road, while potentially useful, would necessitate signal junction changes, creating confusion, complications, and further safety concerns. 

    We advise the traveling public to continue to avoid the area and use alternative routes to access town where possible. 

    Background and plan 

    The situation is highly complex with several adjacent walls & buildings that are severely cracked and have been subject to significant movement following a burst watermain. The property and external walls were rendered unsafe with voids created under the structures. Multiple parties are involved, including Infrastructure and Environment (I&E), Jersey Water, structural engineers, building surveyors, loss adjustors, and insurance companies. 

    The team of professionals, working on behalf of the property owners and their insurance companies, has devised a plan to stabilise the property and then demolish the external walls.

    Step 1: a Contractor working on behalf of the owner of 28 Clarendon Road will install steel strapping around the building. 

    Step 2: the structural engineers, assisted by geotechnical engineers will investigate soil conditions under the foundations. 

    Step 3: the external structures and boundary walls will be demolished. 

    Step 4: re-open Rouge Bouillon once it has been determined that it is safe to do so.

    The project remains under constant review to ensure the best and safest outcome. 

    Next steps 

    A further update on the situation will be provided in seven days.​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Vegreville — RCMP Central Alberta Crime Reduction Unit arrest three individuals after a pursuit and carjack attempt

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Jan. 30, 2025, at approximately 1:30 a.m., a Peterbilt semi-truck was stolen from Edmonton. When it was discovered stolen at roughly 8 a.m., it was immediately reported to Edmonton Police Service, and the truck was subsequently tracked with an installed GPS device by the company. Members of the Vegreville RCMP were dispatched to the area, where they located the semi-truck and attempted to stop it, but it fled from police. No pursuit was initiated.

    With the help of the RCMP helicopter, RCMP were able to observe the semi as it drove through the towns of Lamont, Alta., Chipman, Alta., and Bruderheim Alta., before officers were able to successfully deploy a tire deflation device, and after traveling a short distance, the semi stopped. The driver of the semi exited the truck and immediately attempted to carjack another vehicle before being subdued by responding officers. Two other occupants attempted to flee on foot but were also apprehended.

    A search of the semi incidental to the arrest as well as a bag tossed by the occupants revealed:

    • Government ID cards and cheques belonging to at least 6 individuals;
    • tools commonly used for property crime;
    • Approximately 13 grams of Crystal Meth.

    The driver, a 46-years-old male resident of Edmonton, was taken to hospital where he received medical treatment, he is facing the following charges:

    · Possession of Property obtained by Crime over $5000;

    · Possession of Break & Enter instruments;

    · Possession of Identity Documents (x6);

    · Fail to Comply with Release Order;

    · Criminal Flight;

    · Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle;

    · Possession a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose;

    · Theft of Motor Vehicle;

    · Mischief over $5000; and

    · Possession of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine).

    The 46-year-old individual was taken before a justice of the peace and remanded with their next court date set for Feb. 10, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville.

    A 49-years-old individual, a resident of Sturgeon County, Alta., is facing the following charges:

    · Possession of Property obtained by Crime over $5000;

    · Possession of Break & Enter instruments; and

    · Six counts of Possession of Identity Documents.

    The 49-year-old individual was taken before a justice of the peace and remanded in custody with their next court date set for Feb. 10, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville.

    A 37-years-old individual, a resident of Sturgeon County, is facing the following charges:

    · Possession of Property obtained by Crime over $5000;

    · Possession of Break & Enter instruments; and

    · Six counts of Possession of Identity Documents.

    The 37-year-old individual was released on a $2,000.00 Promise to Pay Release Order with a next appearance date set for Feb. 24, 2025, to appear at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville.

    “Offenders such as these commit crime almost continuously until they are caught.,” says Cpl. Troy Savinkoff,” arrests like this is protects the public from being their next victim.”

    The RCMP continue to investigate and anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to contact the Vegreville RCMP at (780) 631-2750. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1‐800‐222‐8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

    RCMP encourage the public to report any criminal or suspicious activity to police. Reports tell us where to look, who to look for, and where to patrol in the future. If you see a crime in progress, dial 911.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Drayton Valley — Drayton Valley RCMP lay charges after stolen vehicle found

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Jan. 22, 2025, Drayton Valley RCMP responded to a report that a truck had been stolen in the area of 50 Street, in Drayton Valley.

    Surveillance was obtained from a local business, which relayed to the Central Alberta District Crime Reduction Unit (CAD CRU). Later that same day, CAD CRU members who were assisting the Rimbey RCMP, observed what they believed to be this same stolen truck, along with a second stolen truck, in the area of Highway 22 in Clearwater County, Alta. near Alder Flats, Alta.

    Air Services was requested to assist, and the two vehicles were located shortly after, and the two trucks fled the area upon RCMP arrival. A tire deflation device was deployed, and was successful in stopping the vehicles momentarily until the drivers eventually abandoned the truck stolen from Drayton Valley, fleeing in the second vehicle to a residence, dropping off one occupant near Alder Flats to a residence, and then tried to hide the stolen vehicle in a forested area, fleeing on foot to another residence.

    A 30-year-old individual, a resident of Brazeau County, Alta., was charged with: possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 x2, possession of break in instruments, flight from police officer, possession of weapons for dangerous purpose, dangerous operation of motor vehicle, operation of motor vehicle while prohibited, failure to comply with alcohol/drug recognition demand, and traffic safety act related warrants.

    The 30-year-old individual was brought before a justice of the peace, where he was remanded with a court date of Feb. 12, 2025, in the Alberta Court of Justice in Breton, Alta.

    A 35-year-old individual, a resident of Brazeau County, who was out on a conditional sentencing order, was charged with: possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 x2, possession of break in instruments and flight from police officer.

    The 35 year od individual was brought before a justice of the peace, where he was remanded with a court date of Feb. 12, 2025, in the Alberta Court of Justice in Breton.

    A 38-year-old individual, a resident of Brazeau County, was charged with: possession of property obtained by crime over $5000 x2, possession of break in instruments and failure to comply with release order conditions x 2, as well as her 5 warrants for possession of stolen property x2, flight from police officer and failure to attend court x2.

    The 38-year-old individual was brought before a justice of the peace, where he was remanded with a court date of Feb. 12, 2025, in the Alberta Court of Justice in Breton.

    The Drayton Valley RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the location of, or sightings of crimes in the area. Anyone with information in relation to this incident or any other crimes is asked to please contact the Drayton Valley RCMP at 780-542-4456 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Evansburg — Evansburg RCMP lay charges on male after reported kidnapping

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Feb. 2, 2025, Evansburg RCMP responded to a third-party report where it was believed an adult victim had been kidnapped at gunpoint in the area of Highway 16A and Range Road 81 in Evansburg.

    Acting on this reported information, RCMP deployed significant resources, including dozens of members from Evansburg RCMP, Edson RCMP Traffic Unit, Edson RCMP, Whitecourt RCMP, Mayerthorpe RCMP, Parkland RCMP, Drayton Valley RCMP, Hinton RCMP, Barrhead RCMP, Saddle Lake RCMP, Real Time Operation Centre, RCMP Air Services, Alberta’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), Major Crimes Unit, Emergency Response Team, and the Federal Serious & Organized Crime Unit.

    RCMP located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled at an extremely high rate of speed, especially considering the road conditions; due to the perceived danger of the to the victim, a pursuit was initiated. RCMP were able to make contact with the vehicle, resulting in the driver fleeing on foot; the victim was secured safely with RCMP members.

    RPAS and members began attempts at locating the suspect in a rural residential area, north of Range Road 150. The suspect was located running behind a shed, and the suspect attempted to break into a residence but was confronted by the homeowner, containment was initiated and shortly after, the suspect came out of the forest in surrender.

    A 50-year-old individual, a resident of Onoway, Alta., was charged with flight from police, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, resist/obstruct a police officer, mischief under $5000, break and enter to a residence and forcible confinement.

    The 50-year-old individual was brought before a justice of the peace, where he was remanded with a court date of Feb. 5, 2025, at the Alberta Court of Justice in Stony Plain, Alta.

    This investigation is still ongoing, and the RCMP would like to extend gratitude to community members for their assistance thus far.

    The Evansburg RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance with any information regarding the incident and any dashcam footage if available. Anyone with information in relation this incident is asked to please contact the Evansburg RCMP at 780-727-4446 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

    Background:

    Feb. 2, 2025

    Evansburg RCMP issuing shelter in place for rural area east of Edson – Update

    Evansburg RCMP have lifted the shelter place for the area east of Edson on Range Road 150.

    A suspect has been taken into custody and police are not searching for any others.

    A release with additional details is anticipated. RCMP thank the public for their cooperation.

    Background:

    Feb. 2, 2025

    Evansburg RCMP issuing shelter in place for rural area east of Edson

    Evansburg RCMP is advising residents in the area east of Edson to shelter in place and not to open their doors to unknown persons.

    RCMP are responding to an unfolding event north of the Yellowhead Highway, on Range Road 150 and south of Township Road 532D.

    Residents of the area are asked to remain indoors, lock their residences and stay away from windows while officers respond.

    There are a significant number of resources focused on responding to this unfolding event. Please refrain from posting photos of responding officers on social media or those stationary in this vicinity.

    An update will be provided when further information is available.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Woking — Spirit River RCMP find stolen vehicles, firearms and drugs in successful search warrant

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Feb. 27, 2025, Spirit River RCMP began an investigation into a property in the area of 45 Ave in Woking, where stolen property was suspected to be stored.

    A search warrant was approved, and on March 1, 2025, Spirit River RCMP, assisted by Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) from Grande Prairie Crime Reduction Unit, and members from the Containment Unit, who entered the property to collect the stolen property.

    RCMP located stolen property including 6 vehicles -and 3 additional with tampered VIN’s still under investigation-, a mower, trailers, skidoo’s, license plates, gas cards, various tools, several firearms, ammunition, suspected cocaine and methamphetamine, and approximately four pounds of cannabis.

    Spirit River RCMP are requesting public assistance with locating one suspect in relation to this incident, Kyle Dale Hudson (41), a resident of Woking, who is wanted for 15 offenses related to this file including: possession of property obtained by crime, altering a VIN, and firearms offenses; additionally, Hudson has three warrants out of Grande Prairie, Alta., for driving offenses and failure to appear to court.

    Hudson is described as:

    • 41-years-old
    • Approximately 5 foot 8 inches
    • Approximately 240 pounds
    • Brown short cut hair
    • Brown eyes
    • Fair to medium skin tone
    • Tattoo on left hand saying “Kyle”
    • Has been known to travel to BC and the Northwest Territories

    If you see Hudson, do not approach. Call 911.

    Spirit River RCMP appreciates any public assistance thus far and encourages any community members to contact them, should they have any information they believe may be helpful.

    This investigation is still ongoing and RCMP would like to extend gratitude to community members for their assistance thus far.

    The Spirit River RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the location of, or sightings of Hudson. Anyone with information in relation to Hudson is asked to please contact the Spirit River RCMP at 780-864-3533 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Operator of Fraudulent Investment Vehicle Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Prison for Securities Fraud, Tax Fraud and Other Charges

    Source: United States Attorneys General 8

    A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to 15 and a half years in prison yesterday for defrauding investors, conspiring to defraud the IRS, filing false tax returns, employment tax fraud, wire fraud, obstruction, and other charges.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Joseph LaForte, of Philadelphia, engaged in a scheme to defraud investors using a fraudulent investment vehicle known as Par Funding. In total, LaForte and his co-conspirators caused an actual loss to investors exceeding $288 million.

    LaForte also engaged in a series of federal tax crimes. LaForte and co-conspirators diverted approximately $20 million in taxable income from Par Funding to another entity controlled by LaForte and nominally owned by another, then filed false tax returns that did not report this income. He also received more than $9 million in cash kickbacks from a customer of Par Funding and did not report this income to the IRS on his individual tax returns. As a result, LaForte’s individual tax returns for the years 2016 through 2018 were false. He also paid off-the-books, cash wages to some employees of Par Funding. He did not report these wages to the IRS and did not pay employment taxes on wages paid to employees in cash. The total federal tax loss stemming from LaForte’s crimes exceeds $8 million. He also caused $1.6 million in state tax loss to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue by falsely reporting that he and his wife were residents of Florida from 2013 through 2019, when in fact they resided in Pennsylvania.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney David Metcalf for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.

    The FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Newcomer, Sam Dalke, Eric Gill, and Patrick J. Murray for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Ezra Spiro of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Boscia for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania assisted with the prosecution.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Hakimo secures $10.5M to transform physical security with human-like autonomous security agent

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Menlo Park, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With surging crime rates, acute security staffing shortages, and mounting false alarms, organizations are desperately seeking smarter ways to strengthen their security while reducing costs. Today, Hakimo, a leader in AI-powered physical security monitoring, announced a $10.5 million funding round and the launch of AI Operator, a breakthrough autonomous security agent that monitors existing security hardware, detects threats in real time, and executes response protocols just like a human security professional. 

    The Series A funding round was led by Vertex Ventures and Zigg Capital with participation from RXR Arden Digital Ventures and existing investors Defy.vc and Gokul Rajaram. Hakimo has now raised a total of $20.5 million, including prior funding rounds led by Neotribe Ventures and Rocketship.vc.

    Hakimo founders: Sam Joseph and Sagar Honnungar.

    Hakimo’s AI Operator combines computer vision and generative AI to monitor existing security hardware such as cameras and badge readers. Unlike conventional systems, it can detect any anomaly or potential threat that can be described in words – a breakthrough in physical security monitoring. Beyond detection, the system issues real-time speaker warnings and executes standard operating procedures (SOPs) to respond to incidents, with human operators providing intervention only when necessary. This AI-human collaboration delivers superior protection at a fraction of the cost of traditional security approaches.

    “Hakimo has pioneered a new era of AI-driven security by creating an intelligent AI agent that understands and responds to threats like never before. We’re not just automating security—we’re redefining it with AI that can recognize and act on any security event and deliver unmatched protection for businesses worldwide.” said Sam Joseph, Co-Founder & CEO of Hakimo. 

    Hakimo was founded in early 2020 by Sam Joseph and Sagar Honnungar, Stanford-trained AI experts with backgrounds in building enterprise-grade software as a service (SaaS). The duo launched Hakimo after identifying converging trends: exploding camera deployments, plummeting hardware costs, and rapid advancements in computer vision. The founders recognized the potential for AI to reinvent physical security and have since assembled a talented, growing team of engineers and industry professionals to execute their vision of autonomous security monitoring.

    Hakimo’s solution comes at a critical inflection point for physical security. The traditional manned guarding industry struggles with severe hiring and quality challenges, while alarm monitoring services face growing issues with false alarms and police departments increasingly refusing to respond to unverified alerts. By leveraging existing cameras, AI capabilities, and remote operators, Hakimo eliminates these challenges while offering the advantages of both on-site guards and traditional alarm systems.

    Hakimo technology has a vast range of use cases including detecting tailgating.

    The company has experienced explosive growth over the past year, tripling its customer base and securing more than a hundred clients across diverse industries including multifamily apartments, car dealerships, construction sites, and Fortune 500 enterprises. In 2024 alone, Hakimo’s technology prevented thousands of security incidents, assisted law enforcement in multiple arrests, and even saved a life. “We got a drastic reduction in trespassing right after deploying Hakimo, and I now sleep better at night with the peace-of-mind provided by Hakimo’s AI agent,” said Rodrigo Duran, General Manager at Kia Santa Maria, one of those customers. 

    The technology’s impact extends beyond the scope of traditional security applications. Its ability to monitor multiple sites simultaneously while maintaining human-level reasoning has proven transformative for businesses seeking comprehensive security without the escalating costs and reliability issues of conventional approaches.

    Commenting on the investment, Piyush Kharbanda, General Partner of Vertex Ventures SEA & India said, “We are very excited to partner with the Hakimo team, who are bringing ground-up technological innovation to the large but antiquated physical security industry. There is a dire need for innovation, as current solutions lack the speed or accuracy to offer affordable real-time protection for offline businesses. Hakimo bridges this gap with an AI + Services approach, coupling the speed of cutting-edge vision AI algorithms with the reliability of humans-in-the-loop, thus delivering a 10x better service at more affordable rates.”

    Ryan Orley, Managing Partner at Zigg Capital added: “After studying the security monitoring ecosystem, our team concluded that Hakimo’s AI + Services solution is more robust and offers better value than any other technology we have encountered. Hakimo’s capabilities at its accessible price point are without peer. In fact, I became a Hakimo customer before our firm’s investment”.

    “Hakimo is transforming physical security with AI, delivering real-time threat detection and smarter operations,” said Neil Sequeira, Founder & Partner, Defy.vc. At Defy, we back bold teams tackling big challenges, and Sam and Sagar’s vision aligns perfectly with that mission. We’re excited to support Hakimo as they scale and set a new standard for AI-powered security.” 

    Ends

    Media images can be found here 

    About Hakimo
    Hakimo is a technology company that builds AI agents for physical security monitoring. The company provides state-of-the-art, AI-driven, human-in-the-loop security software solutions that work with existing security hardware to enhance real-time threat detection, optimize resources, and proactively deter security breaches. Hakimo was founded by AI researchers from Stanford University and is funded by top venture capital firms. For more information, please visit https://www.hakimo.ai/ or follow Hakimo on LinkedIn.

    About Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia and India (VVSEAI)
    Vertex Ventures Southeast Asia & India is a leading early-stage venture capital firm focused on partnering with high-growth startups across Southeast Asia and India. With a strong network and strategic expertise, they have invested in successful companies such as Grab, FirstCry, Nium, Licious, Kuku FM, and PatSnap, driving innovation and scaling businesses across various sectors. For more information, please visit: https://www.vertexventures.sg  

    About Zigg Capital
    Zigg Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York City that invests globally in technology companies that touch the real estate, construction, or retail industries. Over the last decade, the partners in Zigg have made early-stage investments in leading companies such as Procore, Matterport, OpenSpace, Steadily, and Crusoe. For more information, please visit www.ziggcap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: WISeSat Prepares for June Launch of Its Second-Generation Satellite and Expands Global Footprint

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WISeSat Prepares for June Launch of Its Second-Generation Satellite and Expands Global Footprint

    WISeSAT.space will be attending the 40thSpace Symposium in Colorado Springs from April 6-10, 2025 (booth #808 located in the South Hall)

    Geneva, Switzerland – March 27, 2025 – WISeKey International Holding (“WISeKey” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: WKEY; SIX: WIHN), a leading global cybersecurity, AI, and IoT company, alongside its subsidiary WISeSat.Space (“WISeSat”) today announces that the launch of its second-generation satellite is scheduled for June 2025. This follows the successful deployment of WISeSat’s first NDR-generation satellite in January 2025 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Spaceport in California. The satellite launched in January is currently in orbit and its location can be tracked via https://wisesat.wisekey.com/?tags=WISeSat.

    This second-generation launch marks an important milestone in WISeSat’s vision to build a European constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, designed to provide secure communications for the Internet of Things (IoT), 5G (in progress), RSSI, SIGINT, SEALCOIN for transactional IoT (tIoT) and post-quantum cybersecurity capabilities across the globe.

    The 2025 satellite launches build on the earlier success of WISeSat in collaboration with FOSSA Systems, which saw the launch of 17 picosatellites to test the resilience and performance of its core technologies. These tests laid the foundations for the current generation of satellites, which as of June will be equipped with more robust security protocols and a post-quantum cryptographic infrastructure developed by SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ: LAES) (“SEALSQ”), a WISeKey subsidiary.

    WISeSat also announced a new strategic partnership with Skyroot Aerospace in India. This collaboration will diversify launch operations by enabling satellites to be deployed on alternative orbital trajectories, optimizing constellation coverage and efficiency. The partnership also includes the possibility of manufacturing satellites on Indian soil, to Indian specifications, thereby strengthening WISeSat’s global production and launch capabilities.

    By the end of 2025, WISeSat satellites will be able to carry out transactions in SEALCOIN tokens with each other and with connected objects on Earth, forming a secure, autonomous mesh for machine-to-machine (M2M) transactions. This innovation will create a financial and data exchange infrastructure in space, where connected machines will be digitally certified via a “Know Your Object” (KYO) protocol. The KYO process integrates Wecan’s technology and WISeID’s WISeKey platform, guaranteeing reliable identity and accountability throughout the ecosystem.

    Each WISeSat satellite is built with:

    • Post-quantum cryptographic chips from SEALSQ.
    • WISeKey root of trust and WISeID digital identity infrastructure.
    • Hedera’s Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) for decentralized, forgery-proof data integrity.

    This technological foundation positions WISeSat as a global leader in secure satellite-based IoT infrastructure.

    “Our vision is to become the first low-orbit satellite constellation enabling secure Internet of Things connectivity and trusted communications anywhere in the world,” said Carlos Moreira, founder and CEO of WISeKey. “With upcoming launches, new international partnerships and post-quantum capabilities, we offer the next frontier in decentralized and secure space infrastructure.”

    About WISeSat.Space
    WISeSat.Space AG is pioneering a transformative approach to IoT connectivity and climate change monitoring through its innovative satellite constellation. By providing cost-effective, secure, and global IoT connectivity, WISeSat is enabling a wide range of applications that support environmental monitoring, disaster management, and sustainable practices. The integration of satellite data with advanced climate models holds great promise for enhancing our understanding of climate change and developing effective strategies to combat its impacts. As the world continues to grapple with the challenges of climate change, initiatives like WISeSat’s IoT satellite constellation are essential for creating a more resilient and sustainable future.

    About WISeKey

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.

    Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.

    Disclaimer
    This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa’s predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.

    Press and Investor Contacts

    WISeKey International Holding Ltd
    Company Contact: Carlos Moreira
    Chairman & CEO
    Tel: +41 22 594 3000
    info@wisekey.com
    media@wisekey.com    		 WISeKey Investor Relations (US) 
    The Equity Group Inc.
    Lena Cati
    Tel: +1 212 836-9611
    lcati@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Defiance’s XMAG ETF Outshines S&P 500 Amid “Magnificent 7” Crash, Proving Its Value as a Diversification Powerhouse

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Defiance ETFs, a trailblazer in innovative exchange-traded funds, is proud to spotlight the strong performance of the Defiance Large Cap Ex-Magnificent Seven ETF (XMAG), which has outpaced the S&P 500 in 2025 as the so-called “Magnificent 7” tech giants—Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta, and Tesla—face a significant downturn. Launched in October 2024, XMAG has quickly emerged as a game-changing tool for investors seeking to diversify and manage concentration risk in a market rattled by the Mag 7 crash.

    Unlike traditional S&P 500 funds, XMAG tracks the BITA US 500 ex-Magnificent 7 Index, offering exposure to the largest 500 U.S. equities while deliberately excluding the Mag 7. This strategic design has paid off handsomely this year, delivering robust returns and stability at a time when overexposure to these tech titans has dragged down broader market performance. As the S&P 500 struggles under the weight of the Mag 7’s decline, XMAG stands out as a core replacement for large-cap exposure—a direct, smarter alternative to the S&P 500.

    “Investors and advisors have long been overexposed to the Magnificent 7 through mutual funds, ETFs, and individual stock portfolios,” said Sylvia Jablonski, CEO and CIO of Defiance ETFs. “This year’s market dynamics have exposed the risks of that concentration, and XMAG has proven its worth as a powerful solution. It’s not just about dodging the Mag 7 crash—it’s about delivering diversified, resilient returns that redefine large-cap investing.”

    With the Mag 7’s dominance waning, XMAG offers a timely and effective way to rebalance portfolios, reduce risk, and capture the strength of the broader U.S. equity market. Its performance in 2025 underscores its role as an essential tool for advisors and investors looking to pivot away from tech-heavy strategies and embrace a more balanced approach to growth.

    “XMAG isn’t a niche play—it’s a core holding,” Jablonski added. “It’s the diversification investors have been craving, and the results speak for themselves. As the market evolves, XMAG is setting a new standard for large-cap exposure.”

    For more information on XMAG and how it can transform your portfolio, visit www.defianceetfs.com or contact Defiance ETFs at info@defianceetfs.com.

    About Defiance ETFs
Founded with a mission to empower investors with cutting-edge tools, Defiance ETFs is a leader in thematic and innovative ETF solutions. Based in Miami, Defiance is committed to delivering strategies that meet the evolving needs of the modern investor

    Contact Information

    David Hanono

    info@defianceetfs.com

    833.333.9383

    Important Disclosures

    Defiance ETFs LLC is the ETF sponsor. The Fund’s investment adviser is Tidal Investments, LLC (“Tidal” or the “Adviser”).

    The Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contain this and other important information about the investment company. Please read the prospectus and / or summary prospectus carefully before investing. Hard copies can be requested by calling 833.333.9383.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. As an ETF, the funds may trade at a premium or discount to NAV. Shares of any ETF are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country, may be subject to a higher degree of risk.

    Tracking Error Risk. As with all index funds, the performance of the Fund and the Index may differ from each other for a variety of reasons.

    Large-Capitalization Investing. The securities of large-capitalization companies may be relatively mature compared to smaller companies and therefore subject to slower growth during times of economic expansion. Large-capitalization companies may also be unable to respond quickly to new competitive challenges, such as changes in technology and consumer tastes.

    Market Events Risk. The Fund’s investments are subject to changes in general economic conditions, general market fluctuations and the risks inherent in investment in securities and other financial instruments. Investment markets can be volatile and prices of investments can change substantially due to various factors.

    Passive Investment Risk. The Fund is not actively managed and does not attempt to outperform the Index or take defensive positions in declining markets. As a result, the Fund’s performance may be adversely affected by a general decline in the market segments relating to the Index.

    New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

    Diversification does not ensure a profit nor protect against loss in a declining market.

    Brokerage Commissions may be charged on trades.

    The Fund holds 0% in Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Meta, and Tesla.

    Distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1578c4c6-57a2-4dc4-b82f-5a180fbc8052

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Trust Stamp announces timing for filing its 2024 10K and gives historic and forward-looking revenue guidance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Atlanta, GA, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trust Stamp announces that:

    1. It plans to file its 10-K report for the 2024 Financial Year after the Nasdaq market closes on March 31st, 2025.
    1. Q4 2024 Revenue will be reported at $1.497m (up from $0.575m for Q4 of 2023) versus recent analysts’ forecasts of $0.51m.
    2. Current estimates of anticipated revenue from existing customers for the full year 2025 is believed to exceed $5.0m.

    Inquiries:
    Trust Stamp                                                   Email: Shareholders@truststamp.ai 

    About Trust Stamp

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

    Located in eight countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa, Trust Stamp trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market (Nasdaq: IDAI).

    Safe Harbor Statement: Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Remarks 

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Women are reclaiming their place in baseball

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Callie Maddox, Associate Professor of Sport Leadership and Management, Miami University

    For most baseball fans, hope springs eternal on Opening Day.

    Many of those fans – more than you might think – are women.

    A 2024 survey found that women made up 39% of those who attended or watched Major League Baseball games, and franchises have taken notice. The Philadelphia Phillies offer behind-the-scenes tours and clinics for their female fans, while the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees offer fantasy camps that are geared to women.

    The number of women working professionally in baseball has also grown. Kim Ng made history in 2020 when she became the first woman general manager of an MLB team, the Miami Marlins. As of 2023, women made up 30% of central office professional staff and 27% of team senior administration jobs. In addition, 43 women held coaching and managerial jobs across the major and minor league levels – a 95% increase in just two years.

    As a fan and scholar of the game, I’m happy to see more women watching baseball and working in the industry. But it still nags at me that the girls and women who play baseball don’t get much recognition, particularly in the U.S.

    Women take the field

    In the U.S., baseball is seen as a sport for boys and men. Girls and women, on the other hand, are supposed to play softball, which uses a bigger ball and has a smaller field.

    It wasn’t always this way.

    Women have been playing baseball in the U.S. since at least the 1860s. At women’s colleges such as Smith and Vassar, students organized baseball teams as early as 1866. The first professional women’s baseball team was known as the Dolly Vardens, a team of Black players formed in Philadelphia in 1867. Barnstorming teams, known as Bloomer Girls, traveled across the country to play against men’s teams from the 1890s to the 1930s, providing the players with independence and the means to make a living.

    American women have been playing baseball since at least the 1860s.
    Ullstein Bild/Getty Images

    The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, founded by Philip K. Wrigley in 1943, also offered women the chance to play professionally. The league, which inspired the 1992 film “A League of Their Own,” enforced rigid norms of femininity expected at the time. Players were required to wear skirts and makeup while playing and were fined if they engaged in any behavior deemed “unladylike.” Teams were open only to white women and light-skinned Latinas. Black women were not allowed to play, a policy that reflected the segregation of the Jim Crow era.

    Three Black women – Connie Morgan, Mamie “Peanut” Johnson and Toni Stone – did play in the otherwise male Negro Leagues in the early 1950s. However, their skills were often downplayed by claims that they’d been signed to generate ticket sales and boost interest in the struggling league.

    The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League folded in 1954, and by the late-1950s women’s participation in baseball had dwindled.

    Girls funneled into softball

    Softball was invented in Chicago in 1887 as an indoor alternative to baseball.

    Originally aimed at both men and women, it eventually became the accepted sport for girls and women due to its smaller field, larger ball and underhand pitching style – aspects deemed suitable for the supposedly weaker and more delicate female body.

    The passage of Title IX in 1972 further pushed the popularization of fast-pitch softball, as participation in high school and college increased markedly. In 1974, the National Organization for Women filed a lawsuit against Little League Baseball because the league’s charter excluded girls from playing. The lawsuit was successful, and girls were permitted to join teams.

    In response, Little League created Little League Softball as a way to funnel girls into softball instead of baseball. As political scientist Jennifer Ring has pointed out, this decision reinforced the gendered division of each sport and “cemented the post-Title IX segregated masculinity of baseball.”

    Girls can still play baseball, but most are encouraged to eventually switch to softball if they want to pursue college scholarships. If they want to keep playing baseball, they have to constantly confront stubborn cultural beliefs and assumptions that they should be playing softball instead.

    Instead of encouraging girls to play baseball, Little League launched Little League Softball to direct girls away from the sport.
    Chris Ryan/Corbis via Getty Images

    A global game

    You might be surprised to learn that the U.S. fields a national women’s baseball team that competes in the Women’s Baseball World Cup. But they receive scant media attention and remain unknown to most baseball fans.

    In a 2019 article published in the Journal of Sport and Social Issues, I argued that the U.S. has experienced inconsistent success on the global stage because of a lack of infrastructure, limited resources and persistent gendered assumptions that hamper the development of women’s baseball. Other countries such as Japan, Canada and Australia have established solid pathways that allow girls and women to pursue baseball from the youth level through high school and beyond.

    That being said, opportunities for girls to play baseball are increasing in the U.S. thanks to the efforts of organizations such as Baseball for All and DC Girls Baseball.

    Approximately 1,300 girls play high school baseball, and a handful of young women play on men’s college baseball teams each year. In recent years, numerous women’s collegiate club baseball teams have been established; there’s even an annual tournament to crown a national champion.

    Japanese pitcher Yukari Isozaki competes during the 2010 Women’s Baseball World Cup in Venezuela.
    AP Photo/Fernando Llano

    Pro league in the works

    Momentum continues to build.

    MLB recently appointed Veronica Alvarez as its first girls baseball ambassador, who will oversee development programs such as the Trailblazers Series and the Elite Development Invitational. A new documentary film, “See Her Be Her,” is touring the country to celebrate the growth of women’s baseball and raise awareness of the challenges these athletes face.

    Perhaps most significantly, the Women’s Pro Baseball League announced that it is planning to start play in summer 2026 with six teams located in the northeastern U.S. Over 500 players from 11 countries have registered with the league, with a scouting camp and player draft scheduled for later this year.

    Should the league have success, it will mark a revitalization of women’s professional baseball in the U.S., a nod to the rich history of the women’s game and a commitment to securing opportunities for the girls and women who continue to defy cultural norms to play the game they love.

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

    – ref. Women are reclaiming their place in baseball – https://theconversation.com/women-are-reclaiming-their-place-in-baseball-252590

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Losing your job is bad for your health, but there are things you can do to minimize the harm

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Jeffrey Anvari-Clark, Assistant Professor of Social Work, University of North Dakota

    Losing your job can hurt you in many ways. Maskot/Getty Images

    The Trump administration’s firing and furloughing of tens of thousands of federal workers and contractors have obviously caused economic hardship for Americans employed in national parks, research labs and dozens of government agencies.

    As a professor of social work who studies how people’s finances affect their physical and mental well-being, I’m concerned about the health hazards they’ll face too.

    My research shows that losing your job can seriously harm your physical and mental health, especially when you see the situation as a catastrophe rather than a temporary setback.

    Power of financial perception

    When people lose their jobs, they do have real problems. Typically, for example, their income and savings decline. They might struggle to keep up on their rent or mortgage payments and might not be able to afford to maintain the same standard of living they had beforehand.

    However, research shows that your perspective regarding your financial situation can do more harm to your health than your actual financial circumstances – even as your savings dwindle.

    Someone might view losing their job as a temporary setback and remain relatively calm, while another person might experience the same circumstances as a disaster, triggering intense stress that cascades into serious health problems, such as depression and substance abuse. This difference in perspective often determines whether somebody will suffer significant health problems when they lose their job or experience a similar financial setback.

    In a study I published in 2023 with social work scholar Theda Rose, we found that how a person felt about a decline in income mattered 20 times more than the actual financial change itself.

    This finding comes from our analysis of data from the 2018 National Financial Capability Study, which surveyed more than 27,000 American adults. We used advanced statistical methods to examine how different financial factors affected people’s health and financial decision-making, looking specifically at financial strain, confidence in managing money and overall financial satisfaction.

    The study confirmed earlier work about the vastly different psychological and physical responses two people can have when their income falls by the same amount, based on how they perceive this change.

    Pathway to illness

    Previous research has typically viewed what’s known as “financial precarity” – not having enough money to get by – in either purely technical terms, such as being able to come up with US$400 in an emergency, or in terms related to your feelings about that situation, such as persistent worrying about your finances.

    However, we found that both aspects of financial precarity can influence health and behavior.

    Among the many variables we explored, a decline in income surprisingly contributed much more in terms of worry than just not being able to pay the bills.

    This distress caused by economic hardship isn’t just a psychological problem – it can produce physical changes that may have long-term health implications, such as high blood pressure.

    A fired IRS employee, right, talks to a recruiter during a jobs fair for laid-off federal workers on March 15, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo.
    AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

    Mental health suffers

    There’s also a toll on your mental health.

    Losing a job can lead to anxiety, depression and lower self-esteem.

    Interestingly, people who face ongoing financial challenges but don’t get stressed about their situation aren’t more likely to develop depression symptoms than people without any financial stress.

    A systematic review of 65 studies found clear connections between debt and mental health problems, depression and even suicide attempts.

    Physical health troubles

    Losing your job can harm your body in two main ways.

    First, the stress from financial worries can affect people’s bodies directly – for example, by increasing blood pressure. Being in debt is associated with other ailments, including back pain and obesity.

    Second, when money is tight, people often try to save money by skipping doctor visits or forgoing prescription drugs. Even with health insurance, high deductibles can mean paying thousands of dollars out of pocket before insurance helps. When choosing between paying for rent, food and health care, people often put their medical needs last.

    Unhealthy coping methods

    Some people turn to alcohol, tobacco or other substances to cope with the loss of their jobs. These habits are bad for your health and may empty your wallet, adding to the financial strain.

    Others turn to gambling or excessive shopping to cope, which can also make money problems even worse.

    Marriage and other relationships may fray amid financial stress too. Borrowing money excessively from friends and family or snapping at your loved ones when you feel stressed out can weaken ties with those closest to you.

    Moving on in healthy ways

    To be sure, some people become more resilient after losing their job by adopting positive coping strategies.

    Whenever you lose a job, try reaching out. Your friends and loved ones can help protect your health while you move on.

    In addition to applying for new positions, spend time networking. Reach out to former colleagues, join professional groups and attend events related to your career.

    Try to volunteer. It will help you sharpen or expand your skills while expanding your networks and perhaps lead you to a new job.

    And consider starting or expanding a side hustle. It will generate some income, give you a greater sense of control over your life and keep you feeling productive during the monotony of sending out applications.

    It’s also essential to stick to self-care basics: Regular exercise reduces stress hormones. Getting enough sleep improves cognitive function, and maintaining a busy social life provides emotional support.

    Keeping healthy habits is always important. But they could protect your mental and physical health during challenging times. Losing a paycheck is hard enough. Losing your health over it is even worse.

    Jeffrey Anvari-Clark received nominal funding from Bank Roll’d in support of his forthcoming book: “Financial and Behavioral Health for Helping Professionals.”

    – ref. Losing your job is bad for your health, but there are things you can do to minimize the harm – https://theconversation.com/losing-your-job-is-bad-for-your-health-but-there-are-things-you-can-do-to-minimize-the-harm-252270

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ecological disruptions are a risk to national security

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Bradley J. Cardinale, Professor, Ecosystem Science and Management, Penn State

    Illegal deforestation is one way terrorist groups fund their activities. Amaury Falt-Brown/AFP via Getty Images

    When the natural environment is stretched beyond its ability to meet basic human needs for food, clean air, drinkable water and shelter, it is not just a humanitarian concern for the world community. Research shows that these crises are a matter of national security for the U.S. and other countries.

    The Pentagon and the U.S. intelligence community have long paid close attention to the influence of climate change on national security. Although recent intelligence reports of the Trump administration have omitted any mention of climate change, prior intelligence reports have shown how climate change can generate flash points for global conflict, affect how troops and equipment work, and influence which defense locations are vulnerable.

    The effects of ecological disruptions on national security get less attention. But they, too, can cause social and political instability, economic strife and strained international relations. Ecological disruptions occur when ecosystems that provide natural resources are compromised and can no longer meet basic human needs. Examples include overfishing, human disease and environmental crime.

    Protecting access to fish

    Some 3.2 billion people worldwide rely on fisheries as a major source of protein. Overexploitation of ocean fisheries is a common root of international conflict.

    From the 1950s to the 1970s, intermittent conflict broke out between British and Icelandic fishermen over the Icelandic cod fisheries, which had been depleted by overfishing. The Icelandic government sought to ban British trawlers from a broader area around the country’s coast, but the British continued to fish. The result was standoffs between fishing boats and Icelandic gunboats, and even the intervention of the British Royal Navy.

    These “Cod Wars” broke diplomatic relations between Iceland and the United Kingdom for a time. Iceland even threatened to withdraw from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and close a U.S. military base in Iceland. The U.K. ultimately agreed to abide by a 200-mile territorial limit on fishing around Iceland. Decades later, in 2012, the British government issued an apology and offered £1,000 each in compensation to 2,500 British fishermen for the loss of jobs and livelihoods that resulted from abiding by the 200-mile limit.

    More recently, China’s rampant overfishing of its own coastal waters has meant expanding fishing in the South China Sea and using fishing fleets to assert new territorial claims. Indonesia has responded by blowing up more than 40 Chinese vessels accused of fishing illegally in its waters and stealing more than US$4 billion per year in Indonesian profits.

    The United States, Australia, New Zealand and Britain have stepped up naval patrols against illegal fishing in the waters of Pacific island nations. Conflicts have arisen with Chinese coast guard vessels that routinely escort fishing fleets entering other countries’ waters without permission.

    China’s fishing fleets have also expanded their activities off the coasts of Africa and South America, depleting fish stocks and creating political instability in those regions, too. In 2024, the U.S. Coast Guard and Argentine navy began joint exercises to combat illegal Chinese fishing in the Atlantic Ocean.

    Public health crises

    The best-known examples of ecologically related public health crises that jeopardize national security involve what are called zoonotic diseases, which spread from animals to humans as a result of close contact between people and wildlife. More than 70% of the world’s emerging infectious diseases – uncommon or newly identified infectious diseases – stem from contact with wild animals.

    The risks of animal-to-human disease transmission are especially high for those who handle or eat wild meat.

    A recent example is the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus responsible for the COVID-19 global pandemic. Epidemiological and genetic studies suggest that SARS-CoV-2 first spilled over to humans from wild animals sold in the Huanan live animal market in Wuhan, China. Although the specific animal that served as the original host is still under investigation, bats and other mammals are considered likely natural reservoirs of SARS-CoV-2 because they harbor other coronaviruses with closely related genomes.

    Following the zoonotic spillover event, the pathogen spread rapidly across the globe, killing more than 7 million people and causing acute disruptions not only to global markets and supply chains but also to social cohesion and political stability. Countries with high COVID-19 mortality rates had elevated levels of civil disorder and fatalities caused by political violence as the trust of citizens in the ability of governments to protect them eroded.

    Many other zoonotic diseases caused by human-wildlife contact, such as Zika, Ebola, SARS and West Nile virus, have similarly generated international political and economic crises that have activated security measures within the U.S. government.

    Environmental crime

    International Anti-Poaching Foundation rangers, seen here demonstrating a patrol in Zimbabwe, seek to protect natural resources from criminals.
    Gianluigi Guercia/AFP via Getty Images

    Illegal poaching and trade of wildlife and forest products is valued at $91 billion to $258 billion per year. That makes environmental crime one of the world’s largest crime sectors, comparable with drug trafficking, at $344 billion, and human trafficking, at $157 billion.

    Exorbitant black market prices for rare wildlife specimens and body parts provide funding for terrorist groups, drug cartels and criminal organizations.

    Illegal logging helps finance terrorist groups such as Al-Shabaab in Somalia, where trade in charcoal has become a critical revenue source. Money from illegally cut trees turned into charcoal and sold to markets in the Middle East has funded al-Shabab-linked suicide bombings in Mogadishu, the 2013 Westgate mall attack in Nairobi that killed 67 Kenyan and non-Kenyan nationals, and the 2015 massacre of 147 university students in Garissa, Kenya.

    Those and other terrorist activities funded through environmental crime have contributed to the destabilization of countries throughout the Horn of Africa.

    These examples make clear how ecological disruptions to nature increase national security risks.

    National security is not just a matter of military strength. It also depends on the ability of a nation to maintain productive and stable ecosystems, resilient biological communities and sustainable access to natural resources. Sovereign nations already develop and protect physical infrastructure that is essential to security, such as roads, communication networks and power grids. The natural world plays an equally vital role in social and political stability and, we believe, deserves more attention in planning for national security.

    Bradley J. Cardinale has received funding from the US National Science Foundation, US Department of Energy, US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and US Department of Agriculture.

    Emmett Duffy has received funding from the US National Science Foundation, US Environmental Protection Agency, and the Lenfest Ocean Program.

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

    – ref. Ecological disruptions are a risk to national security – https://theconversation.com/ecological-disruptions-are-a-risk-to-national-security-248754

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: What ‘The White Lotus’ gets wrong about the meaning and goals of common Buddhist practices

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Brooke Schedneck, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Rhodes College

    Thai men can be ordained from a few days to the rest of their lives. Pakin Songmor/Moment via Getty Images

    The new season of “The White Lotus” is set on a luxury resort on the Thai island of Koh Samui. This comedy-drama series, which critiques wealthy tourists, focuses one plotline on foreigners who arrive in Thailand with an interest in engaging with its Buddhist traditions.

    It depicts a young American woman who is interested in joining a yearlong meditation program at a Buddhist temple, even though Thai temples do not offer such programs. It also portrays a temple environment with many foreigners staying there long term, not dressed in typical clothing for residents of a temple – unusual in Thailand – and inaccurately describes the Buddhist view of the afterlife.

    I have studied Buddhism in Thailand for over a decade, including the diverse ways in which Thai Buddhists practice their religion. While the Thai Buddhism depicted in The White Lotus is not completely realistic, there are several authentic ways to engage deeply with Buddhism, ranging from offering donations to short meditation retreats to ordination as a monastic.

    Generosity and Buddhist laity

    Without donations, Buddhist temples and monastic institutions could not exist.

    The lay community provides for monks and temples, in exchange for the spiritual currency of merit, which is believed to turn into good karma. This good karma is believed to produce favorable conditions in this life and the next life, such as attaining wealth or being reborn into a privileged family.

    Some laypeople might give food to monks as they walk on their alms rounds every morning, while others may visit the temple only on most Buddhist holidays. The main intention behind interacting with a monk or visiting a temple is to make merit. Each temple has donation boxes for specific funds it needs, such as paying the electricity bill, completing renovation projects, providing education for young monks and funding the monastic community’s health care.

    People can take home blessed objects such as a lucky candle or small amulet in exchange for a small donation. In some temples, a monk’s duty is to sit inside one of the main halls and wait until the laity comes to receive offerings and give blessings.

    Meditation retreats

    Temples with meditation centers generally offer meditation retreats for a short period of time. Many offer 10-day retreats; participants can also sign up for a 21-day program in the north of Thailand, where they will aim to spend their days in 10-15 hours of meditation and minimize any other activity, including sleep.

    Participants in the 21-day program aim to reach the first of the four stages of enlightenment within Thai Theravada Buddhism. Buddhists believe that those who attain the first stage have “entered the stream” of enlightenment and are guaranteed to attain it within seven lifetimes.

    Contrary to popular Western beliefs about Buddhist meditation, it is not viewed as a secular practice. Thai Buddhists believe that meditation is a meritorious activity, helping them not only to ultimately leave the cycle of rebirth but also to accumulate merit and good karma along the way – in this life and future ones.

    At a meditation center, every moment is spent in mindfulness of every action, along with periods of formal walking or sitting meditation. All meditation centers have a structured program and schedule that practitioners, typically dressed in white pants and top, must follow individually or in group periods of meditation.

    Ordination of men and women

    Ordination is an important part of the Buddhist life course. Thai Buddhists often enter a monastery for a short period of time, temporarily being ordained as a monk or nun. Even for those who intended to enter for life but choose to leave the monastic life, the process is simple; it usually carries no shame or disappointment. However, if a monk was well known for his teaching, his followers would likely feel upset.

    In Theravada Buddhism, the kind of Buddhism practiced in Thailand, there are two levels of ordination: novice and full “bhikkhu” – the term for a fully ordained male. Males under the age of 20 may pursue only novice ordination, while those over 20 can become fully ordained monks.

    It is often considered a rite of passage, or at least a sign of discipline and maturity, for a male to have been ordained at some point in his life. Temporary ordination is seen as a way for men to make merit for their parents, especially their mothers, who sacrificed so much for their existence.

    Women are generally not allowed to be ordained in Thai Buddhism, but some have received ordination in Sri Lanka, where they are allowed to be monks, and set up communities in Thailand, which are gaining in popularity. These female monastic practice centers have initiated temporary ordination programs for female monks, or “bhikkhuni.”

    These centers host special programs once or twice a year, where up to 100 women, including international visitors, can ordain as novice female monks for a short period. During this time, they learn what it is like to wear the robes, receive offerings and study the Buddhist texts.

    Many women find this opportunity meaningful because they can offer merit to their parents, which was previously only available to a male.

    Thai women fighting to be ordained.

    Women can also ordain temporarily or long term as a “mae chi” in Thailand, or a precept nun. They usually follow Eight Precepts, including celibacy, wearing white robes and shaving their head. Although more accepted today in Thailand as a role for Buddhist women than bhikkhuni, this category of ordination was not initiated by the Buddha. Precept nuns are believed to have existed for centuries, but without a clear origin.

    These are some common ways in which Thai Buddhists practice Buddhism, often with the goal of achieving prosperity in this life and a better rebirth. Such practices, Buddhists believe, may also get them closer to the ultimate aspiration of enlightenment.

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

    – ref. What ‘The White Lotus’ gets wrong about the meaning and goals of common Buddhist practices – https://theconversation.com/what-the-white-lotus-gets-wrong-about-the-meaning-and-goals-of-common-buddhist-practices-251769

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Signal is not the place for top secret communications, but it might be the right choice for you – a cybersecurity expert on what to look for in a secure messaging app

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Frederick Scholl, Associate Teaching Professor of Cybersecurity, Quinnipiac University

    Signal is in the news because of a security failure, but the app itself is quite secure. AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato

    When top White House defense and national security leaders discussed plans for an attack on targets in Yemen over the messaging app Signal, it raised many questions about operational security and recordkeeping and national security laws. It also puts Signal in the spotlight.

    Why do so many government officials, activists and journalists use Signal for secure messaging? The short answer is that it uses end-to-end encryption, meaning no one in position to eavesdrop on the communication – including Signal itself – can read messages they intercept.

    But Signal isn’t the only messaging app that uses end-to-end encryption, and end-to-end encryption isn’t the only consideration in choosing a secure messaging app. In addition, secure messaging apps are only part of the picture when it comes to keeping your communications private, and there is no such thing as perfect security.

    I’m a cybersecurity professor who worked for several decades advising companies on cybersecurity. Here are some of the factors I recommend considering when looking for a secure messaging app:

    Secure app choices

    The most common messaging protocol, SMS, is built into every smartphone and is easy to use, but does not encrypt messages. Since there is no encryption, carriers or government agents with a warrant, which are typically submitted by law enforcement and issued by a judge, can read the message content. They can also view the message metadata, which includes information about you and your recipient, like an internet address, name or both.

    Truly secure messaging is based on cryptography, a mathematical method to scramble data and make it unreadable. Most secure messaging apps handle the scrambling and unscrambling process for you. The gold standard for secure messaging is end-to-end encryption. End-to-end encryption means your message is fully encrypted while in transit, including while transiting the communications provider’s networks. Only the recipient can see the message. The communication provider does not have any encryption key.

    How end-to-end encryption works.

    Apple iMessage and Google Messages use end-to-end encryption, and both are widely used, so many of your contacts are likely already using one of them. The downsides are the end-to-end encryption is only iPhone to iPhone and Android to Android, respectively, and Apple and Google can access your metadata – who you communicated with and when. If a company has access to your metadata, it can be compelled to share it with a government entity.

    WhatsApp, owned by Meta, is another widely used messaging app. Its end-to-end encryption works across iOS and Android. But Meta has access to your metadata.

    There are a number of independent secure messaging apps to choose from, including Briar, Session, Signal, SimpleX, Telegram, Threema, Viber and Wire. You can use more than one to adapt to your individual needs.

    Default end-to-end encryption is only the first factor to consider when thinking about message security. Depending on your needs, you should also consider whether the app includes group chats and calls, self-destructing messages, cross-device data syncing, and photo and video editing tools. Ease of use is another factor.

    You can also consider whether the app uses an open-source encryption protocol, open-source code and a decentralized server network. And you can weigh whether the app company collects user data, what personal information is required on sign-up, and generally how transparent the company is.

    Human factors

    Beyond the messaging app, it’s important to practice safe security hygiene, like using two-factor authentication and a password manager. There’s no point in sending and receiving messages securely and then leaking the information via another vulnerability, including having your phone itself compromised.

    People can be lured into compromising their apps and devices by unintentionally giving access to an attacker. For example, Russian operatives reportedly tricked Ukrainian troops into giving access to their Signal accounts.

    Also, if you use Signal, you should probably use its nicknames feature to avoid adding the wrong person to a group chat – like National Security Adviser Michael Waltz apparently did in the Signalgate scandal.

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

    – ref. Signal is not the place for top secret communications, but it might be the right choice for you – a cybersecurity expert on what to look for in a secure messaging app – https://theconversation.com/signal-is-not-the-place-for-top-secret-communications-but-it-might-be-the-right-choice-for-you-a-cybersecurity-expert-on-what-to-look-for-in-a-secure-messaging-app-250906

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Guinea-Bissau’s political crisis: a nation on the brink of authoritarianism

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Carlos Eduardo Machado Sangreman Proença, enseignant-chercheur, Universidade de Aveiro (Portugal)

    Guinea-Bissau faces a deep political crisis. For several years, the small west African nation has endured growing tensions between political institutions and there’s now a strong climate of uncertainty.

    Guinea-Bissau’s general elections had been scheduled for November 2024, but President Umaro Sissoco Embaló postponed them citing political instability, logistical challenges and disputes over presidential term limits. He has since announced 30 November 2025 as the new date for elections.

    Embaló has been president of Guinea Bissau since 27 February 2020. The opposition and the Supreme Court argue that his presidency should have ended on 27 February 2025. Embaló however insists his mandate should end on 4 September 2025. The dispute over Embaló’s five-year term stems from different interpretations of his inauguration date. He argues his official term began later, in November 2020 – when legal challenges to his election were resolved.

    The opposition now regard Embaló as an illegitimate president. Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) representatives were also recently threatened with expulsion from the country when they came to assess the political situation.

    These developments highlight an unprecedented crisis. They raise concerns about Guinea-Bissau’s democratic future, given the political uncertainty.

    I’m an expert on Guinea-Bissau’s politics and have carried out research on the state of the country’s democracy. In this article, I examine the country’s current political crisis.

    Weakening institutions

    Nearly 50 years after independence, Guinea-Bissau is a fragile state, struggling to meet its people’s needs. Weak institutions, a self-serving political and economic elite, and a lack of basic public services have fuelled instability.

    The army, led by veterans, has staged three coups, and the country’s 1998-1999 civil war caused significant destruction.

    Despite this, civil society remains vibrant. It fills gaps left by the state. It plays a vital role in education, human rights, women’s rights, and environmental protection. It also supports vulnerable groups, including child beggars (talibés).

    Since taking office, Embaló has been weakening democratic institutions and consolidating power.

    His recent dissolution of parliament in December 2023, without scheduling timely elections, violated constitutional norms. He also directly appoints and dismisses governments, while the Supreme Court lacks the quorum needed to function. As a result, the legislative, executive and judicial branches all fall under the president’s direct control.

    The parliament’s permanent commission, made up of elected members, is the only institution still operating within constitutional limits. However, the president’s dissolution of parliament has blocked legislative sessions.

    This broader trend of power consolidation started with João Mário Vaz, who led the country between 23 June 2014 and 27 February 2020. Guinea Bissau has, for the past decade, been slipping into authoritarianism under different leaders.

    Growing authoritarianism

    Since Embaló won the 2019 presidential election, political, economic and social instability has persisted. This has severely affected human rights in the country.

    One of the major drivers of the current crisis was Embaló’s dissolution of the National Assembly in 2023.

    The assembly was being controlled by the opposition. This followed 2023 legislative elections in which a coalition led by the African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC) won. Its leader, Domingos Simões Pereira, became speaker of parliament. A government appointed by the winning coalition was then sworn in.

    In December 2023, a brief clash between two paramilitary groups – the national guard and the presidential battalion – became a pretext to dissolve the National Assembly. The president then appointed a prime minister and formed a government himself.

    Losing external support

    Embaló has taken every step to stay in power. He will eventually hold a presidential election but, I believe, only when the opposition is too weak to unite behind a candidate. He is also distancing himself from Ecowas, which urges elections within constitutional deadlines.

    Embaló is, however, not alone in his efforts for control. His 2020 provisional inauguration in a hotel in the capital in 2020 was attended by politicians and business figures. He continues to receive backing, as shown by ongoing consultations and public statements from political and civil actors.

    Still, his domestic support appears to be shrinking. He may consolidate his authoritarian rule as long as the military stays in its barracks and elections are delayed.

    Guinea-Bissau faces two possible paths. It could transition into a liberal democracy if presidential and legislative elections restore functioning institutions. Alternatively, it could slip into dictatorship marked by unchecked presidential power, repression of opposition, and lawlessness, including armed groups and drug trafficking.

    In a region already struggling with Islamist insurgencies and instability, Guinea-Bissau’s trajectory matters. The international community, particularly in Africa, must not ignore this crisis. Pressure on Embaló to allow a democratic transition is crucial for the country’s stability.

    – Guinea-Bissau’s political crisis: a nation on the brink of authoritarianism
    – https://theconversation.com/guinea-bissaus-political-crisis-a-nation-on-the-brink-of-authoritarianism-252317

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 26 March 2025 Living with scoliosis: the story of Yeliza

    Source: World Health Organisation

    At 15, Yeliza Natali began to notice a deformation in her spine, but no one around her paid much attention since she was too thin, and some bones protruded more than others. Growing up in rural Colombia, her constant back pain was attributed to hard work in the fields. Over the years, the discomfort became a barrier to her daily life, even forcing to change her job as a waitress to a lower-paying one, that was less physical.  

    At the age of 24, her reality changed when she was diagnosed with scoliosis. The medical recommendation was blunt: surgery. The possibility of undergoing surgery on her spine generated fear and uncertainty. However, before reaching that point, she was recommended to do rehabilitation with a physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles surrounding her spine. Thus began a long process of transformation.  

    The key to her recovery was her rehabilitation through a physical therapist, Marcela Bustamante, who accompanied her through every stage of the treatment, both physically and psychologically. In the beginning, the sessions were uncomfortable and challenging, but Yeliza stuck to the idea of avoiding surgery. As time passed, the results were evident: her posture improved, her pain decreased, and her mobility increased significantly. When she finally returned to the neurosurgeon’s office, the news was startling: her recovery had been so effective that surgery was no longer necessary.  

    But her road to a pain-free life did not end there. In total, her rehabilitation program spanned three years.  

    Access to therapy was not easy. The lack of a specialized center in her town forced her to travel six hours to Medellín, bearing the cost of transportation, lodging and per diems. Although the so-called Colombian Health Promoting Entities (EPS) covered the physiotherapy sessions, the long waits for appointments with specialists and the lack of resources in her community complicated her recovery. 

    Despite all the challenges faced, Yeliza was able to transform her life. Today, free of pain, she has her own catering business and enjoys activities that once seemed unthinkable. Her story is a testament to the power of rehabilitation.  

    “If I hadn’t undergone rehabilitation, I wouldn’t even be able to walk today without help,” she says. Her call to the authorities is clear: investing in rehabilitation is urgent. “Health is the most valuable thing we have.”  

    Yeliza’s story highlights Colombia’s lack of access to rehabilitation services, especially in rural areas. As long as rehabilitation services are not available in small towns, many people will continue to face economic and logistical barriers to receiving the treatment that can change their lives.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 26 March 2025 Departmental update WHO Launches Online Training to Strengthen Filovirus Outbreak Response

    Source: World Health Organisation

    WHO Launches Online Training to Strengthen Filovirus Outbreak Response

    The World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva has introduced FiloTREAT, a new online training program designed to help countries manage outbreaks of Ebola and Marburg viruses. Developed according to WHO’s rigorous training standards, the course is available in English and French and aims to equip healthcare providers and policymakers with essential outbreak preparedness and response skills.

    Participants will learn about filovirus history, transmission dynamics, infection control measures, and the critical components of a safe and efficient treatment center. The course also covers optimized supportive care for infected patients, including recognizing and managing common complications.

    Enroll now:

    FiloTREAT (English)

    FiloTREAT (French)

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese military stands ready to thwart any ‘Taiwan independence’ attempt: spokesperson

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    A mainland spokesperson on Thursday reaffirmed the Chinese military’s resolve and capability to thwart any separatist attempt for “Taiwan independence.”
    Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks in response to recent separatist statements by Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te.
    Wu noted that the recent drill of the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in areas around Taiwan was a legitimate and necessary measure, serving as both punishment and deterrence against “Taiwan independence” separatists and a stern warning to external interfering forces.
    The PLA’s naval and air forces carried out combat-readiness patrols and joint exercises to test and enhance their operational capabilities, Wu said.
    In response to Lai’s separatist rhetoric — claiming that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are “not subordinate to each other” and referring to the mainland as a “foreign hostile force” — Wu cited a Chinese saying: “When the heavens are about to destroy someone, they first make them delusional.”
    The PLA remains ready and able to fight and win at all times, and will take resolute measures to thwart any separatist attempts, the spokesperson said.
    “Taiwan is a part of China. It has never been a nation; neither in the past, nor in the present, nor will it ever be in the future,” he added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Japan Airlines’ new AI app will make it easier for cabin attendants to report inflight events with Microsoft’s Phi‑4 small language model

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Japan Airlines’ new AI app will make it easier for cabin attendants to report inflight events with Microsoft’s Phi‑4 small language model

    Read the story in Japanese

    TOKYO, Japan – On a small percentage of flights, despite everyone’s best intentions, something unplanned happens. A passenger gets sick or a flight has a long delay. 

    After the cabin attendant attends to these kinds of situations, the senior cabin attendant writes up a report so ground staff can follow up – such as making sure there’s a wheelchair waiting at the gate or re-arranging onward travel.  

    Logging a single case, depending on complexity, can take an hour or more, taking time away from other inflight duties. Now Japan Airlines (JAL) is developing an AI app that can generate these handover reports by cabin attendants simply typing in a few keywords and phrases and checking a series of boxes – which can all be done while in the sky, even when connectivity isn’t dependable.  

    “The JAL-AI Report makes our cabin attendants’ jobs more productive,” said Keisuke Suzuki, a senior vice president of JAL’s Digital Technology Department. “They can spend more time on customer service instead of doing administrative work.” 

    Keisuke Suzuki, a senior vice president in charge of JAL’s Digital Technology Department, said the JAL-AI Report will generate reports faster, giving cabin attendants more time with passengers. Photo by Noriko Hayashi for Microsoft.

    The JAL-AI Report is being developed using Microsoft’s Phi-4 small language model or SLM, which requires less computing power than the large language models or LLMs most generative AI tools run on, so it can be used offline on a device for specific tasks. 

    Cabin attendants who have tried it say it can slash the time for writing operation reports by up to two thirds, say, from one hour to 20 minutes, or from 30 minutes to 10 for simpler cases.  

    [embedded content]

    The app also translates the reports with one tap from Japanese to English, a task needed on international flights. 

    Making an AI app work offline

    Japan’s flagship carrier operates a fleet of 227 planes flying worldwide and serves 66 countries and regions including code sharing. Last year, it ranked sixth amongst the world’s best airlines for customer satisfaction according to Skytrax. Its current group chief executive Mitsuko Tottori is the first woman to lead the airline, having risen up the ranks from cabin attendant. 

    The JAL-AI Report is being developed with the help of Microsoft’s Azure AI Foundry and using Microsoft’s Phi-4 SLM.  

    While LLMs are good for tackling complex tasks that need advanced reasoning and analysis, SLMs can handle simpler tasks and run locally on a device rather than the cloud. 

    Japan Airlines is building an AI app, the JAL-AI Report, for cabin attendants to report situations on board for ground staff to act on. Photo by Noriko Hayashi for Microsoft.

    They can also be fine-tuned with less data. The JAL-AI Report is fine-tuned on 100 previous reports, said Ryuto Ikeuchi, an AI engineer from Headwaters, which together with Fujitsu, are the system integrators for the project. 

    The goal is for these apps to be usable in environments with weak Wi-Fi, such as the outdoor ramp and inflight.

    Manabu Yamawaki is leading JAL’s generative AI charge. Photo by Noriko Hayashi for Microsoft.

    JAL chose the Phi-4 small language model because “even though there is Wi-Fi inflight, some areas have bad connection,” said Manabu Yamawaki, manager of security planning in the System Management Department of JAL, who is leading the airline’s generative AI charge. 

    Tech in flight 

    Takako Ukai joined JAL as a cabin attendant 35 years ago. She says she likes meeting and talking to people from around the world. 

    The business has changed over the years. With the advent of low-cost carriers, passengers now expect more from full-service carriers like JAL, she said, adding: “The challenge is how to serve better than expectations.” 

     “In the past [if something happened], we verbally conveyed information about connecting passengers to the crew of the next flight. Now we have to report it on a tablet, as an official report so [the cabin attendant on] the next flight knows and ground staff knows.” 

    Ukai is currently a member of the airline’s employee experience team, providing a cabin attendant’s point of view to JAL’s digital transformation team.  

    Right now, when there is an episode, the senior cabin attendant fills out a template on a tablet. This includes a section of free text where they type in chronological order what happened. To do this, the senior crew member may have to interview the cabin attendant involved and maybe also the passenger involved.  

    Takako Ukai, cabin attendant, at JAL’s training facility at Haneda Airport. Photo by Noriko Hayashi for Microsoft.

    “There are frequent interruptions to serve passengers, so you can’t do it all at once. Sometimes, you have to rework many times,” Ukai said.  

    The JAL-AI Report app speeds it up by taking cabin attendants through a series of checkboxes – whether the category is medical, flight delay, etc. – and also what the situation was – stomachache, fever, maintenance and so on. The cabin attendant then types a series of keywords or phrases in bullet points briefly noting what happened, for example – “Fever.” “Seat 3H.” “Moved seat and lay down.” “Requesting to go clinic.”  

     The AI might have questions – such as whether a doctor was called, or whether the captain or ground staff were told, to prevent omissions in reporting.

    Once that’s done, the cabin attendant taps on a button to generate the complete report. Another button translates from Japanese to English if needed. 

    The app can cut the time for reporting down to about 20 mins from an hour, Ukai said.  

    Better quality reports 

    Of the 1,000 flights JAL flies each day, a small percentage involves such report creation when an event requiring a handover occurs, said Yamawaki. These reports get sent to relevant departments – from security to customer service and other kinds of ground staff. 

    Yamawaki’s remit has grown over the years as the use of electronics has grown on board – from software security to inflight entertainment to Wi-Fi and now generative AI. 

    He thinks that in addition to saving time, the JAL-AI Report could help improve quality, as some cabin attendants currently write in more detail than necessary.  

    Chief cabin attendants Maya Tanaka and Takako Ukai at Haneda Airport in Tokyo. Noriko Hayashi for Microsoft.

    Once the proof-of-concept period is over at the end of March, he said, the challenge is making sure the system works well offline. 

    In the future, he would like the JAL-AI Report to be able to receive verbal accounts from those involved – cabin attendants or passengers, transcribe and summarize the information and generate a report.  

    “Improved voice handling is high priority,” he said. 

    The JAL-AI Report app is part of a wider roll-out of generative AI across JAL that began in mid-2023. All of the group’s 36,500 employees now have access to AI tools grouped under JAL-AI Home on the Microsoft Azure OpenAI platform for administrative tasks like drafting emails, summarizing and translating documents and more. 

    JAL sees opportunities to “put generative AI at the center of the business and bring changes in operations and customer service,” Suzuki said. “We are excited to have the AI and humans work together.” 

    Top Image: Chief cabin attendant Maya Tanaka tests out the JAL-AI Report at Japan Airlines’ training facility in Haneda Airport. Photo by Noriko Hayashi for Microsoft. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc. Closes Merger with Carlyle Secured Lending III

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc. (“CGBD”) (NASDAQ: CGBD) announced today the closing of its previously announced merger with Carlyle Secured Lending III (“CSL III”) with CGBD as the surviving company. Based on March 25, 2025 financial data, the combined company has more than $2.8 billion of assets.

    In connection with the closing of the merger, CSL III shareholders received 18,935,108 shares of CGBD common stock for each common share of CSL III based on the final exchange ratio and payment of cash in lieu of fractional shares.

    Prior to the closing of the merger, Carlyle Investment Management L.L.C. (“CIM”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Carlyle, exchanged its shares of CGBD convertible preferred stock for CGBD common stock at current NAV, eliminating the risk of dilution from the potential conversion of the shares at the December 31, 2024 conversion price of $8.87. CIM exchanged all shares of CGBD preferred stock into 3,004,808 shares of common stock and entered into a tiered lock-up agreement, further demonstrating Carlyle’s commitment to supporting the vehicle. In addition, Carlyle incurred $5.0 million in transaction costs on behalf of CGBD to mitigate the expense impact of the merger.

    Justin Plouffe, Chief Executive Officer of CGBD, said, “We are pleased to announce the closing of the merger transaction and thank our shareholders for their support of this strategic initiative. Building on CGBD’s momentum in 2024, we look forward to continuing to execute CGBD’s strategy with greater scale and seamless integration to deliver consistent income and returns for shareholders of the combined company.”

    Sullivan & Cromwell LLP served as legal counsel to CGBD and CSL III. Raymond James & Associates, Inc. served as financial advisor and Sidley Austin LLP served as legal counsel to the special committee of the independent directors of CGBD. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, served as financial advisor and Sullivan & Worcester LLP served as legal counsel to the special committee of the independent trustees of CSL III.

    About Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc.    

    Carlyle Secured Lending, Inc. is a publicly traded (NASDAQ: CGBD) business development company (“BDC”) which began investing in 2013. The Company focuses on providing directly originated, financing solutions across the capital structure, with a focus on senior secured lending to middle-market companies primarily located in the United States. Carlyle Secured Lending is externally managed by Carlyle Global Credit Investment Management L.L.C., an SEC-registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of Carlyle. Further information is available at carlylesecuredlending.com.

    About Carlyle   

    Carlyle (NASDAQ: CG) is a global investment firm with deep industry expertise that deploys private capital across three business segments: Global Private Equity, Global Credit and Global Investment Solutions. With $441 billion of assets under management as of December 31, 2024, Carlyle’s purpose is to invest wisely and create value on behalf of its investors, portfolio companies and the communities in which we live and invest. Carlyle employs more than 2,300 people in 29 offices across four continents. Further information is available at www.carlyle.com. Follow Carlyle on X @OneCarlyle and LinkedIn at The Carlyle Group.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Some of the statements in this press release constitute forward-looking statements because they are not historical facts, but instead relate to future events, future performance or financial condition or the merger of CSL III with and into CGBD. The forward-looking statements may include statements as to: future operating results of CGBD and distribution projections; business prospects of CGBD; and the impact of the investments that CGBD expects to make. You can identify these statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “plans,” “continue,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “would,” “could,” “targets,” “projects,” “outlook,” “potential,” “predicts” and variations of these words and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements include these words. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release involve risks and uncertainties. Certain factors could cause actual results and conditions to differ materially from those projected, including the uncertainties associated with (i) changes in the economy, financial markets and political environment; (ii) risks associated with possible disruption in the operations of CGBD or the economy generally due to terrorism, war or other geopolitical conflict; (iii) future changes in laws or regulations (including the interpretation of these laws and regulations by regulatory authorities); (iv) conditions in CGBD’s operating areas, particularly with respect to business development companies or regulated investment companies; and (v) other considerations that may be disclosed from time to time in CGBD’s publicly disseminated documents and filings. CGBD has based the forward-looking statements included in this press release on information available to it on the date hereof, and CGBD assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition and other similar matters. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. There may be events in the future, however, that we are not able to predict accurately or control. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which we make it. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ, possibly materially from our expectations, include, but are not limited to, the risks, uncertainties and other factors we identify in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and it is not possible for us to predict or identify all of them. Although CGBD undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, you are advised to consult any additional disclosures that CGBD may make directly to you or through reports that CGBD has filed or in the future may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K.

    Contacts:

    Investors: Media:
    Nishil Mehta Kristen Ashton
    +1-212-813-4900 +1-212-813-4763
    publicinvestor@carlylesecuredlending.com kristen.ashton@carlyle.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orlando Man Indicted For Unlawful Possession Of A Machine Gun Conversion Device

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the  unsealing of an indictment charging Jaquarius McDonald (24, Orlando) with unlawful possession of a machinegun conversion device. If convicted, McDonald faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. 

    According to the indictment, on January 1, 2025, McDonald knowingly possessed a machinegun which was not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

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

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Orlando Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kaley Austin-Aronson.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Didsbury — Didsbury RCMP and Airdrie Crime Reduction Unit charge male with numerous drug offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On Oct. 16, 2024, Didsbury RCMP initiated an investigation after information was received that suspects were using a butane extractor as well as in possession of multiple controlled substances. Didsbury RCMP requested assistance from Airdrie RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU).

    The investigation resulted in two search warrants being executed. With the assistance of the RCMP’s Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response (CLEAR) Team, Didsbury RCMP and Old’s CRU, a search warrant was executed at a residence in Carstairs, Alta. while Airdrie CRU executed a search warrant at an Airdrie business.

    During the search of the Carstairs residence, a butane extractor (called a BHO lab by CLEAR) was located. This extractor is volatile in nature if not monitored/operated correctly, and possessed an explosion/fire risk to the public of Carstairs. Also seized at this residence was the following:

    • Approximately 250 illicit cannabis plants
    • Approximately 10 pounds of psilocybin (magic mushrooms)
    • Three firearms
    • A taser
    • Multiple ounces of cannabis extracts

    During the search of the Airdrie business, a male suspect was arrested. At the time the suspect was in possession of the following:

    • 55.9 grams suspected cocaine, pre-packaged for 3 individual sales;
    • 6.4 grams of suspected MDMA, pre-packaged for 13 individual sales;
    • Approx. 48 grams of suspected psilocybin mushrooms
    • Assorted regulated CBD/THC products (balms and tinctures);
    • 26 packages of illicit cannabis edibles;
    • Approx. 1.3 kgs of cannabis believed to be possessed for illicit sales;
    • 567 g of suspected hash believed to be possessed for illicit sales;
    • Approx. 160 grams of suspected cannabis extracts believed to be possessed for illicit sales;
    • A taser

    A 59-year-old individual, a resident of Carstairs, has been charged with the following:

    • Assault
    • Uttering threats (x2)
    • Trafficking Controlled Substance (MDMA)
    • Possession of a prohibited weapon knowing its possession is unauthorized (Taser)
    • Possession of property obtained by crime
    • Possession of a prohibited weapon contrary to Order (x3)
    • Careless use (storage) of a firearm (x2)
    • Possession of a firearm knowing its possession is unauthorized (x2)
    • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (PPT) controlled substance (x4) Cocaine, Psilocybin and MDMA
    • Making shatter with the use of butane (production of cannabis by the use of an organic solvent) – S.12(1)(B) Cannabis Act (CA)
    • Possessing shatter made personally (not made by governing body) – Sec. 8(1)(b) Cannabis Act.
    • Trafficking (sell) illicit Cannabis – Sec. 10(1)(a) CA.
    • Possession for the purpose of trafficking (selling) illicit Cannabis – Sec. 10(2) CA.
    • An organization is prohibited from possessing cannabis – Sec. 8(1)(f) CA

    After a judicial interim release hearing, the individual was released on $500 bail to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Airdrie on April 10, 2025.

    The investigation continues.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council set to launch latest round of business grants at support roadshow

    Source: City of Wolverhampton

    Grants will be offered between £3,000 and £100,000, at a maximum 50% intervention rate of total project costs the funding is for.

    Funding will come from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

    The latest grants will be launched at a free Business Support Roadshow – supported by Business Growth West Midlands – at Molineux Stadium (WV1 4QR) on Tuesday 8 April, between 10am and 12.30pm, where full details of grant eligibility, impact measures and the application processes will be shared along with details of some of the other new business support programmes.

    The window for Expressions of Interest in the grants will open the same day and close on 30 April, 2025.

    To book a place at the Business Support Roadshow, visit Wolverhampton Business Support Roadshow Tickets, Tue 8 Apr 2025 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

    Councillor Chris Burden, City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for City Development, Jobs and Skills, said: “In Wolverhampton, we are utilising the UKSPF funds to support SMEs in maximising their offer and capitalising on opportunities being generated by investment in our city.

    “The allocation of UKSPF funding over the past 12 months is helping to create more than 80 new jobs, safeguard a further 179, and underpin a projected average growth rate of over 14%.

    “I would urge businesses to sign up for the event on 8 April to find out exactly what funding is available to them.

    “Following the event there will also be support in place to help guide businesses through the process to access these grants.”

    Wolverhampton business Barr and Grosvenor – manufacturers of calibrated weights and producers of specialised castings in iron, brass, bronze and other white metals – benefitted from the previous round of grants, securing £14,000 for a capital investment critical to securing a contract to renovate Blackfriars Bridge in London.

    Dominic Grosvenor, Barr and Grosvenor Managing Director, said: “The advice and support from Ross Edgley at the council’s business growth team has been invaluable – it’s great to know that help is always close at hand. They not only helped me secure the grant but also introduced me to a number of other organisations that are able to support my business.”

    The company lists an array of high profile conservation projects amongst its works, including the restoration of The Iron Bridge in Shropshire, the production of a new Shrine to St Chad in Lichfield Cathedral, the casting of bronze door locks for galleon lighting columns down The Mall for the Queen Mother’s funeral, door hinges for the Palace of Westminster and bronze handrails for Westminster Cathedral. The company also played a key role in the regeneration of the Springfield Brewery site in Wolverhampton.

    Applications for the grants are on a competitive basis, subject to availability of funds, and distributed at the discretion of the council.

    If you need help with your grant application or have a general query, you can get in touch by emailing business.development@wolverhampton.gov.uk or calling the business support phone line on 01902 555572 between 9am and 5pm from Monday to Thursday or from 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: US tariffs may harm global carmakers: EU auto group

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) on Thursday voiced deep concern over a new U.S. tariff measure targeting the auto sector, warning it could harm global carmakers and disrupt U.S. manufacturing.

    It came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order to impose 25 percent tariffs on all vehicles and foreign-made auto parts imported into the United States.

    In a statement, ACEA Director General Sigrid de Vries urged the U.S. administration to reconsider the tariffs, warning that the measure would not only raise costs for American consumers but also hurt manufacturers that rely on imported automotive parts to produce vehicles in the United States.

    “European automakers have been investing in the U.S. for decades, creating jobs, fostering economic growth in local communities, and generating massive tax revenue for the U.S. government,” said de Vries.

    According to ACEA, the export value of EU-made cars to the United States fell 4.6 percent last year to over 38.46 billion euros (about 41.4 billion U.S. dollars). Despite the decline, the United States remained the largest market for EU car exports.

    The association called on both Washington and Brussels to engage in dialogue and work toward an “immediate resolution” to prevent tariffs and avoid the broader fallout of a trade war. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Panel discussions held during Boao Forum for Asia

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

    Panel discussions held during Boao Forum for Asia

    Updated: March 27, 2025 21:07 Xinhua
    A panel discussion themed on “Maintaining Global Supply Chain Stability: The Role of Connectivity” is held during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Akylbek Zhaparov, former chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, speaks at a panel discussion themed on “Maintaining Global Supply Chain Stability: The Role of Connectivity” during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Yasiru Bandara Ranaraja, founding director of the Belt and Road Initiative Sri Lanka, speaks at a panel discussion themed on “Maintaining Global Supply Chain Stability: The Role of Connectivity” during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Ai Yilun, general manager of Hainan State Farms Investment Holdings Group, speaks at a panel discussion themed on “Maintaining Global Supply Chain Stability: The Role of Connectivity” during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Ricardo Arroja, president of Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency, speaks at a panel discussion themed on “Maintaining Global Supply Chain Stability: The Role of Connectivity” during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Liu Qiao, dean of the Guanghua School of Management at Peking University, speaks at a panel discussion themed on “Maintaining Global Supply Chain Stability: The Role of Connectivity” during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Albert Park, chief economist of the Asian Development Bank, speaks at a panel discussion themed on “Maintaining Global Supply Chain Stability: The Role of Connectivity” during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Benjamin Simpfendorfer, partner of Oliver Wyman, speaks at a panel discussion themed on “Maintaining Global Supply Chain Stability: The Role of Connectivity” during the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in Boao, south China’s Hainan Province, March 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The United States remained the world’s largest liquefied natural gas exporter in 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    March 27, 2025

    The United States exported 11.9 billion cubic feet per day (Bcf/d) of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in 2024, remaining the world’s largest LNG exporter. LNG exports from Australia and Qatar—the world’s two next-largest LNG exporters—have remained relatively stable over the last five years (2020–24); their exports have ranged from 10.2 Bcf/d to 10.7 Bcf/d annually, according to data from Cedigaz. Russia and Malaysia have been the fourth- and fifth-largest LNG exporters globally since 2019. In 2024, LNG exports from Russia averaged 4.4 Bcf/d, and exports from Malaysia averaged 3.7 Bcf/d.

    U.S. LNG exports remained essentially flat compared with 2023 mainly because of several unplanned outages at existing LNG export facilities, lower natural gas consumption in Europe, and very limited new LNG export capacity additions since 2022. In December 2024, Plaquemines LNG Phase 1 shipped its first export cargo, becoming the eighth U.S. LNG export facility in service. We estimate that utilization of LNG export capacity across the other seven U.S. LNG terminals operating in 2024 averaged 104% of nominal capacity and 86% of peak capacity, unchanged from the previous year. While Europe (including Türkiye) remained the primary destination for U.S. LNG exports in 2024, accounting for 53% (6.3 Bcf/d) of the total exports, the share of U.S. LNG exports to Asia increased from 26% (3.1 Bcf/d) in 2023 to 33% (4.0 Bcf/d) in 2024. U.S. LNG exports to other regions, including the Middle East, North Africa, and Latin America, also increased last year and accounted for 14% (1.6 Bcf/d) of total exports, compared with 8% (0.9 Bcf/d) in 2023.

    In 2024, U.S. natural gas exports to Europe decreased by 19% (1.5 Bcf/d), mostly to countries in the EU and the UK. U.S. LNG exports increased only to Türkiye and Greece in 2024—by 0.2 Bcf/d and 0.1 Bcf/d, respectively, compared with 2023. Türkiye imported more U.S. LNG compared with the prior year mainly to offset a decline in imports from other countries, such as Egypt and Russia. U.S. LNG exports to other EU countries and the UK decreased by 24% (1.7 Bcf/d) compared with 2023, primarily because of lower natural gas consumption and high storage inventories following the mild 2023–24 winter. At the same time, LNG import capacity in the EU and the UK expanded by more than 40% between 2021 and 2024 and will continue to grow in 2025 once new and expanded regasification facilities in Croatia, Cyprus, and Italy come online.

    As in 2023, the Netherlands, France, and the UK imported the most U.S. LNG among countries in Europe, accounting for a combined 46% (2.9 Bcf/d) of the regional total. Since Germany started LNG imports in December 2022, U.S. LNG exports to Germany have grown and averaged 0.6 Bcf/d in both 2023 and 2024. However, in early 2025, Germany reduced its regasification capacity by terminating a charter for one of its floating storage and regasification units, citing high operational costs.

    In 2024, countries in Asia imported 33% (4.0 Bcf/d) of total U.S. LNG exports. Among countries in Asia, Japan, South Korea, India, and China imported the most U.S. LNG—a combined 76% (3.0 Bcf/d). U.S. LNG imports increased the most in India—by 0.2 Bcf/d. Other countries in Asia imported 24% (1.0 Bcf/d) of U.S LNG.

    In other regions, Egypt—a natural gas producer and LNG exporter—imported 0.3 Bcf/d of LNG from the United States, its first U.S. LNG imports since 2018. In recent years, Egypt’s domestic natural gas consumption, particularly in summer months, exceeded available supply and turned Egypt from an exporter to an importer of natural gas during several months of the year. In Brazil and Colombia, imports of U.S. LNG increased last year because drought reduced hydropower electricity generation and increased demand for generation from natural gas-fired power plants.

    Principal contributor: Victoria Zaretskaya

    MIL OSI USA News –