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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Spring programme announced for Sunday concerts in Scarva

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Music lovers make a date in your diary as the line up has been announced for the concert bands playing in beautiful Scarva village each Sunday from 6th April until 28th September.

    The magnificent Victorian bandstand on Scarva Green will play host to the finest bands from the borough and beyond from 3pm to 4pm each Sunday afternoon as part of the popular concert band series.

    What better way to spend a tranquil afternoon than relishing the relaxing music set amongst the award-winning floral displays and watching the world go by under a sunny Scarva sky.

    April concerts include Castlewellan Accordion Band (6th), Aughnaskeagh Silver Band (13th), and Ardarragh Accordion Band (27th). There will be no concert on Easter Sunday (20th).

    May concerts include Wellington Memorial Silver Band (4th), St. Marks Silver Band (11th), Geoghegan Memorial Pipe Band (18th) and Castlewellan Accordion Band (25th).

    As well as enjoying the marvellous music why not take in the stunning natural beauty of the surrounding area with a stroll or cycle along the Newry Canal Towpath and enjoy the abundance of plants and wildlife. Nearby Scarva Park with its children’s play area is always popular with families.

    Please note all concerts are subject to change. Further details of the season’s programme can be viewed at visitarmagh.com/scarva-bandstand-concerts.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Discover stories from ‘The Saff’ at Leicester Museum

    Source: City of Leicester

    A NEW exhibition at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery will tell the story of the city’s Saffron Lane in the words of the people who live and work in the area.

    Opening on Saturday (22 March), Popping to the Shops: Saffron Lane looks at the development of the Saffron Lane estate in the 1920s, the working men’s clubs that provided entertainment for the new community, and the enterprising locals who converted their front rooms into mini convenience stores and hair salons, before purpose-built shops arrived in the area.

    Oral histories, recorded with past tenants, capture residents’ first impressions of their new homes on the estate – which welcomed its first residents in 1925 and was the first large-scale housing development to be built in Leicester after the First World War.

    One tenant, who moved into her new home on ‘The Saff’ in the 1930s, likened it to ‘paradise’, having running water, a bath and a separate bedroom for the children. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to see how she may have decorated her brand new home, thanks to a display of early 20th century furniture and household items from the museum’s collection.

    Another resident, who moved to The Fairway in 1926, remembers the downside of moving onto a brand new estate, with churned-up mud surrounding the houses until the road was constructed, and the Midland Red bus stop a long walk away at the top of Saffron Lane.  

    There were very few local amenities on the estate when the first residents moved in, but oral histories featured in the exhibition recall the milkman who would come from Countesthorpe, the dairy that sold milk on Cyprus Road, the mobile greengrocer with an open-backed van, the baker with his basket of hot cross buns, and Tommy Newby’s, the grocer, where the boxes were piled high and the cat sat on the bacon slicer!

    Tommy Newby’s may be long gone, but the Saffron Lane businesses that serve the community today are at the heart of the new exhibition.

    These include a locksmith at number 575 that’s been trading in Leicester since 1717 and on Saffron Lane since 1990, an optician at number 441 where the mannequins in the attic provided a clue to the building’s previous incarnation as a haberdashery, and a copy shop at 196B that started life selling furniture, until demand for its photocopying and printing services changed the focus of the business completely.

    In total, eight current Saffron Lane businesses feature in the exhibition, with each of them generously giving up their time to be photographed by exhibition photographer Leila Houston and supporting the project by sharing their stories.

    Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “This brilliant new exhibition shines a light on the people and businesses that help to give Saffron Lane its strong sense of identity and community.

    “It’s 100 years this year since the first residents moved onto the Saffron Lane estate, giving us the perfect opportunity to listen to their stories and look back at the estate’s history, while meeting some of the people who live and work in the area today.

    “I’m very grateful to everyone who has donated items to the exhibition and given their support to this project. Thanks to their generosity, our museum staff have been able to bring the story of ‘The Saff’ to life in an exhibition that I’m sure will be popular with visitors.”

    Popping to the Shops: Saffron Lane opens at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery on Saturday (22 March) and runs until 31 August. Admission is free.

    Much of the historical information in the exhibition has been drawn from ‘The Story of the Saff’, edited by local historian Cynthia Brown, published in 1998 and featuring the memories of the Saffron Past & Present Group.

    The new exhibition follows on from the success of Popping to the Shops: Narborough Road, which launched in January 2024 and is currently on display at Newarke Houses Museum until 27 April. 

    Both exhibitions are supported using public funding from Arts Council England

    Popping to the Shops: Saffron Lane is dedicated to the memory of Philip French, the museum’s former social history curator, who died in November 2024.

    Picture caption: Shops on Saffron Lane in 1980

    Note to editors:

    The eight Saffron Lane businesses that have given their support to the project and are featured in Popping to the Shops are:

    • Fix My Bike (FMB), 210 Saffron Lane
    • Bettinson Ltd Kitchen Design, 212 Saffron Lane
    • The Bread Basket, 581 Saffron Lane
    • Morgan’s Locksmith, 575 Saffron Lane
    • Saffron Eyecare, 441 Saffron Lane
    • Brush & Blade Barbers, 447 Saffron Lane
    • TFG Copyprint, 196B Saffron Lane
    • Millennium Fish Bar, 553 Saffron Lane

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi Story: A chat on the village bench

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

    BEIJING, March 20 — Where does Chinese President Xi Jinping work? Beyond Zhongnanhai and the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, you are just as likely to find him far from the urban sprawl in one of the country’s countless rural villages.

    On Monday afternoon, that was exactly where he was: sitting on a bench at a drum tower, deep in conversation with folk song singers, batik artists, and college grads in a Dong ethnic village in Guizhou Province, southwest China.

    Nestled amid lush mountains, Zhaoxing Dong Village is a picture-perfect landscape of wooden stilt houses, canola flowers, and terraces awash in shades of deep and light green. Drum towers, a typical Dong architecture, stand as the heartbeat of their community life.

    As a crisp spring breeze sharpened the air, the locals opened up, sharing how their lives have shifted.

    “Ever since the Spring Festival in late January, sales of our Dong pipa have hauled in over 100,000 yuan (about 14,000 U.S. dollars). It looks like we’re on track for a record,” one villager said with a grin, referring to a string instrument used by local people.

    Another piped up, “I’m scaling up my batik shop to hire more locals.”

    A third jumped in, “We’re eyeing new tourism ventures to boost our earnings.”

    Xi leaned in, all ears, and offered his own words of encouragement and support. “Really inspiring,” he said, “From the way you put it — and the look on your faces — it’s clear this village is thriving. Tourism’s a large industry now.”

    “Regions with large ethnic minority populations must preserve their unique cultures, weave them into tourism, and let them glow even brighter,” he added.

    Before settling in for the chat, Xi had enjoyed a rendition of a Dong folk song — a lively chorus style inscribed on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list. He listened attentively as the group explained its origins, characteristics, and the various ways the folk art is brought to life.

    He also toured a Dong culture exhibition center and watched batik making at a specialized industrial base. “Traditional yet stylish,” he commented, nodding at its unique charm.

    Xi’s inspection tours often see him travel to some of the country’s most isolated rural communities. “Every place I visit,” he once said, “I’d make a point to check out the villages — they show a basic picture of how our people are doing.”

    His ties to the countryside are deep-rooted. Over a half century ago, he labored for seven years on the Loess Plateau, working the fields, herding livestock, and hauling coal. The work was tough, but the locals’ care and love remain with him to this day. “One thing I wished most at the time was to make it possible for the villagers to have meat for meals and have it often,” he once recalled.

    In 2012, Xi was elected to the Party’s top post — general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. When investigating the causes of poverty in Luotuowan, a village in north China’s Hebei Province, Xi took off his shoes, crossed his legs, and sat on a clay kang — a traditional heated bed — like one of the locals, holding the villagers’ hands as he listened to their struggles.

    The trip sparked a nationwide turnaround. Xi rallied the Party and country into an eight-year campaign against poverty, lifting nearly 100 million rural residents above the poverty line. For the first time in its millennia-long history, the nation eradicated absolute poverty.

    Luotuowan shook off poverty in 2017 by cultivating mushrooms and fruit while branching into tourism. Tang Zongxiu, whom Xi visited in 2012, now works as a cleaner and tour guide at a local scenery spot, pocketing 2,100 yuan monthly.

    With a moderately prosperous society secured, Xi’s next vision for the country is common prosperity. In villages, he emphasized, this means a revitalization drive aimed at narrowing the gap with cities.

    Key to this new effort is supporting the growth of thriving businesses. Xi encouraged people to play to their strengths and find a path that suits them.

    The Zhaoxing Dong Village is ahead of the curve. The Dong people have leaned into their rich heritage, pouring effort into tourism in recent years. They’ve established over 400 hotels, bed-and-breakfasts and restaurants, plus more than 60 handicraft ventures, creating over 2,000 jobs.

    In 2024, the village garnered over 1 billion yuan from tourism, and its collective ventures raked in 2.45 million yuan. This success translated into a per capita disposable income of 41,600 yuan — well above the national rural average of 23,119 yuan.

    As Xi left the drum tower, more villagers gathered. Xi flashed a smile. “The Dong people are sincere, hardworking, cultured and wise,” he said. “Keep pushing to revitalize this place as Chinese modernization moves ahead.”

    “May your lives get even more prosperous.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Homes in the district to benefit from £8m energy efficiency boost

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Homes in the district to benefit from £8m energy efficiency boost

    The energy efficiency of hundreds of council homes will be dramatically boosted after Canterbury City Council was awarded £6.6m through the government’s Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund – the biggest payout in Kent.

    The money will add to the £11.25m the council has put aside in its Housing Revenue Account capital budget over the next three years.

    The money will be used to insulate homes and install high-performance windows and doors to keep in the heat and to replace or upgrade heating systems.

    The measures chosen in each property included in the project will be individually-tailored based on assessments which are already underway.

    Welcoming the cash from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNEZ), Cllr Pip Hazelton, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This huge investment in our council homes will add immeasurably to the quality of life for those people living there.

    “With much less energy wasted, their homes will be warmer and, importantly, their gas and electricity bills will fall meaning they have more money in their pockets.”

    Now the size of the grant has been confirmed by the government, officers are working on a detailed plan for delivering the work.

    On top of this money, the council was also awarded £1.5m as part of the government’s Warm Homes: Local Grant scheme.

    This pot of money is aimed at people on low incomes in privately owned or rented homes whose Energy Performance Certificate is between D and G.

    It could pay for insulation, solar panels or even air source heat pumps.

    Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, Cllr Mel Dawkins, said: “More than £8m in government money dedicated to making people’s homes more energy efficient, less carbon hungry and cheaper to run has to be embraced.

    “It represents a significant step on our journey to creating a net zero district for everyone.

    “But this is where the hard work begins – our plans added to the money received now needs to turn into action on the ground.”

    Arrangements are currently being put in place to administer the Warm Homes: Local Grants scheme and the council will publicise the fact applications are open.

    Published: 20 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 March 2025 News release WHO calls for urgent action to address worldwide disruptions in tuberculosis services putting millions of lives at risk

    Source: World Health Organisation

    On the occasion on World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, marked on 24 March, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for an urgent investment of resources to protect and maintain tuberculosis (TB) care and support services for people in need across regions and countries. TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease, responsible for over 1 million people annually bringing devastating impacts on families and communities.

    Global efforts to combat TB have saved an estimated 79 million lives since 2000. However, the drastic and abrupt cuts in global health funding happening now are threatening to reverse these gains. Rising drug resistance especially across Europe and the ongoing conflicts across the Middle-East, Africa and Eastern Europe, are further exacerbating the situation for the most vulnerable.

     Under the theme Yes! We Can End TB: Commit, Invest, Deliver, World Tuberculosis Day 2025 campaign highlights a rallying cry for urgency, and accountability and hope. “The huge gains the world has made against TB over the past 20 years are now at risk as cuts to funding start to disrupt access to services for prevention, screening, and treatment for people with TB,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “But we cannot give up on the concrete commitments that world leaders made at the UN General Assembly just 18 months ago to accelerate work to end TB. WHO is committed to working with all donors, partners and affected countries to mitigate the impact of funding cuts and find innovative solutions.”

    Funding: threat to global TB efforts

    Early reports to WHO reveal that severe disruptions in the TB response are seen across several of the highest-burden countries following the funding cuts. Countries in the WHO African Region are experiencing the greatest impact, followed by countries in the WHO South-East Asian and Western Pacific Regions. Twenty seven countries are facing crippling breakdowns in their TB response, with devastating consequences, such as:

    • Human resource shortages undermining service delivery;
    • Diagnostic services severely disrupted, delaying detection and treatment;
    • Data and surveillance systems collapsing, compromising disease tracking and management;
    • Community engagement efforts, including active case finding, screening, and contact tracing, deteriorating, leading to delayed diagnoses and increased transmission risks.

      • Nine countries report failing TB drug procurement and supply chains, jeopardizing treatment continuity and patient outcomes.

      The 2025 funding cuts further exacerbate an already existing underfunding for global TB response. In 2023, only 26% of the US$22 billion annually needed for TB prevention and care was available, leaving a massive shortfall. TB research is in crisis, receiving just one-fifth of the US$5 billion annual target in 2022—severely delaying advancements in diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines. WHO is leading efforts to accelerate TB vaccine development through the TB Vaccine Accelerator Council, but progress remains at risk without urgent financial commitments.

      Joint statement with civil society

      In response to the urgent challenges threatening TB services worldwide, WHO’s Director-General and Civil Society Task Force on Tuberculosis have issued a decisive statement. The joint statement released this week, demands immediate, coordinated efforts from governments, global health leaders, donors, and policymakers to prevent further disruptions. The statement outlines five critical priorities:

    • Addressing TB service disruptions urgently, ensuring responses match the crisis’s scale;
    • Securing sustainable domestic funding, guaranteeing uninterrupted and equitable access to TB prevention and care;
    • Safeguarding essential TB services, including access to life-saving drugs, diagnostics, treatment and social protections, alongside cross-sector collaboration;
    • Establishing or revitalizing national collaboration platforms, fostering alliances among civil society, NGOs, donors, and professional societies to tackle challenges;
    • Enhancing monitoring and early warning systems to assess real-time impact and detect disruptions early.

      • “This urgent call is timely and underscores the necessity of swift, decisive action to sustain global TB progress and prevent setbacks that could cost lives,” said Dr Tereza Kasaeva, Director of WHO’s Global Programme on TB and Lung Health. “Investing in ending TB is not only a moral imperative but also an economic necessity—every dollar spent on prevention and treatment yields an estimated US$43 in economic returns.”

      New guidance on TB and lung health

      As one of the solutions to combating growing resource constraints, WHO is driving the integration of TB and lung health within primary healthcare as a sustainable solution. New technical guidance released by WHO outlines critical actions across the care continuum, focusing on prevention, early detection of TB and comorbidities, optimized management at first contact and improved patient follow-up. The guidance also promotes better use of existing health systems, addressing shared risk factors such as overcrowding, tobacco, undernutrition and environmental pollutants.

      By tackling TB determinants alongside communicable and non-communicable diseases, lung conditions, and disabilities through a unified strategy, WHO aims to reinforce the global response and drive lasting improvements in health outcomes.

      On World TB Day, WHO calls on everyone: individuals, communities, societies, donors and governments, to do their part to end TB. Without concerted action from all stakeholders, the TB response will be decimated, reversing decades of progress, putting millions of lives at risk and threatening health security.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: KnowFully Expands Portfolio of Leading Brands in Continuing Medical Education

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RADNOR, Pa., March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KnowFully Learning Group (“KnowFully”), a leading provider of continuing professional education, exam preparation, and digital learning solutions for the accounting, finance, and healthcare sectors, today announced the acquisition of EfficientCME, an innovative provider of continuing education for healthcare professionals.

    This acquisition strengthens the KnowFully Medical Education (KME) Division, which includes CME Outfitters (CMEO) and Creative Educational Concepts (CEC). With EfficientCME joining the KME family, KnowFully now brings together three of the most respected and trusted brands in continuing medical education (CME), reinforcing its commitment to delivering best-in-class education that improves clinical practice and patient outcomes.

    Expanding KME’s Reach & Impact

    Brian Moss, founder of EfficientCME, brings decades of expertise in CME leadership and innovation to KME. Prior to launching EfficientCME in 2019, Brian served as an executive at Research to Practice (RTP), a provider of oncology-focused CME, where he played a pivotal role in expanding the organization’s reach and driving significant growth in oncology education. Brian founded EfficientCME to develop cutting-edge, clinician-centered CME solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of today’s healthcare professionals.

    EfficientCME specializes in live, digital, and enduring CME activities across neurology, psychiatry, and oncology. Through this acquisition, KME broadens its expertise, enhances its educational offerings, and accelerates innovation across all its brands. KnowFully’s advanced technology and personalized learning approach will further expand EfficientCME’s capabilities and capacity for developing impactful education for clinicians at all stages of their careers.

    Leadership Perspectives

    “EfficientCME has built a strong reputation in continuing medical education and brings a new level of innovation to KME,” said Shari Tordoff, Executive Vice President of KnowFully Medical Education. “We are thrilled to welcome Brian Moss and his team to the KME family. Their expertise and commitment to excellence in clinician education will help us expand our impact and reach across diverse therapeutic areas.”

    Brian Moss, founder of EfficientCME, added: “Our mission has always been to provide clinicians with education that they truly feel is worth their limited time. With a daunting wealth of information to learn and so many CME offerings for them to choose from, we want to make it easy for learners and we want them to know that what we provide will meet their needs. We are thrilled to join KnowFully and KME and leverage their expertise to help us continue to outperform ourselves and reach learners in more meaningful ways.”

    About KnowFully Learning Group

    KnowFully Learning Group is a leading provider of end-to-end professional education in the accounting, finance, and healthcare sectors. KnowFully’s brands enable students and professionals to prepare for licensure exams, fulfill continuing education requirements, and stay at the forefront of their fields. KnowFully is backed by NexPhase Capital, LP, a thematic and operationally focused private equity firm. For more information, visit www.knowfully.com.

    About EfficientCME

    EfficientCME is a dynamic and forward-thinking provider of continuing medical education (CME). The organization was founded on the principle that traditional CME activities often fail to align with the needs, professional demands, and lifestyles of today’s clinicians. EfficientCME leverages expertise in instructional design to create accredited live and enduring CME activities that enhance engagement and facilitate the practical application of new medical knowledge. For more information, visit https://efficientcme.com/.

    SOURCE: KnowFully Learning Group

    Related Links
    https://www.knowfully.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Starmer’s plan to ‘build baby build’ risks more American-style car-dominated sprawl

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By James White, Professor of Planning and Urban Design, University of Glasgow

    The UK’s Labour government has promised to “take an axe to red tape” through “bold reforms to the planning system”. It hopes to kickstart economic growth by generating the “biggest building boom in a generation”.

    It seems that the aim to “build baby build”, in Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s words, trumps all else. However, this raises important questions about the government’s parallel ambition to reach net zero by 2050.

    As researchers of urban planning, we worry that plans to hand more power to developers will simply result in more low-density, car-dependent suburbs. These developments are cheap and efficient to build, which is why they underpin the profits of the larger housebuilders.

    But research has consistently demonstrated they are land hungry, poorly designed, unsustainable and damaging to nature.

    The UK instead needs a fundamental rethink of its approach to housing and development as part of the transition to a low carbon future. Any future urban growth must be achieved while simultaneously reducing the amount of land, energy and materials used.

    Redesigning existing towns and cities

    We recently launched a research project, Urban Retrofit, to explore how the UK’s towns and cities can be redesigned to support the transition to net zero. The good news is that we already know a lot about how to make places more environmentally sustainable.

    It is about renovating buildings to improve energy efficiency, like adding insulation and installing things like heat pumps. It includes building at higher densities, using brownfield land better, and adapting streets to encourage safer walking and cycling.

    We can make it easier to travel on public transport and seamlessly transfer between buses, trains and trams. And we can plant indigenous trees and plants to provide wildlife habitats and cool urban areas, and slow down rainwater to help prevent floods.

    Skyscrapers and renovated warehouses in Manchester.
    Alejandro M. Ferrer / shutterstock

    A retrofitting approach to urban development can also have wider benefits, such as bringing derelict buildings back into use or creating spaces to grow food. It is important that these efforts do not exacerbate existing inequalities, though.

    If higher density neighbourhoods are created in places with high house prices, for example, it will be essential to guarantee people can still afford to live in them. This will mean building more social housing.

    Some of the initiatives outlined in Labour’s planning reforms recognise the need to build more sustainably. These include support for some more affordable housing, and higher density development allowed “near transport hubs” and “central to local communities”. It also includes financial packages for local authorities seeking to “unlock housing on brownfield sites”.

    Low density and car-dependent

    The bad news is that there is little evidence that greener urban growth can be realised without further harming the environment. The necessary transformation certainly won’t happen without curbing the development industry’s appetite for the energy-inefficient, low-density and car-dependent neighbourhoods, retail parks and workplaces that already sprawl around the edges of urban areas.

    And that won’t be possible while politicians fall back on blaming an already under-resourced planning system, rather than tackling this deeper problem in our approach to development.

    Policy support for brownfield development is unlikely to convince housebuilders to take on these financially risky sites. This is especially true if, under Labour’s other proposals, local authorities will be required to grant developers planning permission on previously undeveloped land.

    The government is already redefining parts of the green belt as grey belt to make more land available for development. And much of that land will be in precisely those locations developers prefer, on the edges of settlements where costs are usually lower, profits are higher and sites are relatively similar and easier to develop.

    Building new homes here is easy and cheap – but worse for the environment.
    Nick Beer / shutterstock

    As the planning system is pushed to make ever more land available for development, Labour’s reforms will embolden the industry to continue seeking permission for unsustainable urban expansion.

    An array of landowners, developers, land agents, lawyers, consultants, builders and shareholders will likely make a lot of money. But more people will be locked into unsustainable lifestyles while time, resources and energy are focused away from the challenges of adapting our existing settlements.

    As our project is exploring, there is an urgent need to first retrofit within existing towns and cities, especially in suburban areas that were built for the automobile age.

    This will require much more positive ambitions for the planning system and big changes to the ways the development industry operates. It will also require a willingness to ask much more searching questions about the sustainability of going all out for growth.

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

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    James White receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council. He is Principal Investigator of Urban Retrofit (ES/Z50278/1) and Co-Investigator of the UK Collaborative Centre for Housing Evidence (ES/W012278/1).

    Andy Inch receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council. He is Co-investigator on both Urban Retrofit (ES/Z502728/1) and another project called Planning for Nature (ES/Z503459/1)

    – ref. Starmer’s plan to ‘build baby build’ risks more American-style car-dominated sprawl – https://theconversation.com/starmers-plan-to-build-baby-build-risks-more-american-style-car-dominated-sprawl-251316

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Our new study indicates maternal exposure to relatively low fluoride levels may affect intelligence in children

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Maria Kippler, Associate Professor, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet

    Alena Matrosova/Shutterstock

    Fluoride occurs naturally in drinking water, especially well water, but the concentrations are generally low in public water supplies. In some countries, such as the US, Canada, UK, Australia and Ireland, fluoride is commonly added to the public water supply at around 0.7mg per litre to prevent tooth decay. The World Health Organization guideline for fluoride in drinking water is 1.5mg per litre.

    Given the concern that fluoride in drinking water might affect children’s intelligence, the addition of this mineral to drinking water has become controversial. Consensus among researchers about the precise nature of the link between fluoridation and intelligence is lacking and the existing evidence is widely debated.

    The US National Toxicology Program’s, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, most recent evaluation states with moderate confidence that higher fluoride exposure (above the World Health Organization guideline) is consistently associated with decreased child intelligence, while they conclude that more research is needed to understand the effects at lower fluoride exposure levels.



    Read more:
    Fluoride: very high levels in water associated with cognitive impairment in children

    A new study my colleagues and I conducted found that relatively low exposure to fluoride during the foetal stage (as a result of the mother’s exposure to fluoride) or in the child’s early years may affect their intelligence.

    For the study, which was published in Environmental Health Perspectives, we followed 500 mothers and their children in rural Bangladesh, where fluoride occurs naturally in the drinking water, to investigate the link between early life exposure to fluoride and children’s intelligence.

    Psychologists evaluated the children’s cognitive abilities at five and ten years of age, using standard IQ tests. The exposure to fluoride in the mothers during pregnancy and children at five and ten years of age was determined by measuring the concentrations in urine samples. Urine samples reflect the continuing exposure from all sources, such as drinking water, food and dental products (such as toothpaste and mouthwash). Urine samples are the most accurate way of determining fluoride exposure in people.

    Increasing urinary concentrations of fluoride in pregnant women were linked to decreasing intelligence in their children at five and ten. Even the lowest fluoride concentrations were associated with decreases in the children’s cognition. The average maternal urinary fluoride concentration was 0.63mg per litre, with the vast majority of concentrations falling between 0.26 and 1.4mg per litre.

    The children’s average urinary fluoride concentrations at five and ten years of age (0.62 and 0.66mg per litre, respectively) were similar to those of their mothers during pregnancy.

    Among children who had more than 0.72mg per litre of fluoride in their urine by age ten, increasing urinary fluoride concentrations were associated with lower intelligence. In children with less fluoride in their urine, there were no consistent associations with their intelligence. So childhood exposure seemed to be less detrimental than the exposure during early foetal development.

    Out of the cognitive abilities measured, associations of both maternal and child urinary fluoride concentrations were most pronounced with nonverbal reasoning and verbal abilities. There were no consistent differences between boys and girls.

    We didn’t find a link between fluoride concentrations in the urine of the five-year-olds and their intelligence. This could be due to the shorter exposure time or that urinary fluoride concentrations aren’t as reliable in younger children owing to greater variations in how much fluoride is taken up and stored in the body, particularly in the bones.

    As well as the children’s urinary fluoride concentration, the fluoride concentrations in drinking water were measured at the age of ten for a random subset of the studied children. The average was 0.20mg per litre, which is well below the WHO guideline value for fluoride in drinking water.

    The concentrations in drinking water tracked with the concentrations in urine, confirming that water is a main source of exposure. Still, we couldn’t exclude the possibility that there were contributions from other sources. Fluoride in toothpaste is important for preventing tooth decay, but it’s important to encourage small children not to swallow the toothpaste during brushing.

    Limitations

    A limitation of our study is that we measured fluoride only in one urine sample at each time point. As a large fraction of the absorbed fluoride is excreted in some hours, one measurement may give uncertain levels for the individual. However, as the exposure largely comes from water it can be assumed that the intake is rather constant over time.

    Another limitation is that the intelligence tests that were used have not been standardised for the Bangladeshi population. As a result, we did not convert the results to IQ scores (with an average of 100) that can be compared across populations.

    Our findings support previous well-designed studies from Canada and Mexico, where exposure levels obtained below the existing WHO guideline for fluoride in drinking water were associated with impaired cognitive development.

    Similar findings were recently provided when combining multiple studies from several countries. It was noted that at low exposure levels, findings with cognitive development were more conclusive among studies estimating fluoride exposure via urine than among studies that relied on concentrations in drinking water only. This highlights that imprecise estimation of the exposure can lead to difficulties in assessing the true impact on cognitive development.

    Taken together, the concern about the effect of fluoride on children’s intelligence at low exposure levels is further strengthened by our study. In particular exposure during foetal development, but also prolonged childhood exposure seems to be of concern.

    Still, as this is an observational study, no firm conclusions can be drawn about causalities. There is still a need for more well-designed research studies on low-level fluoride exposure and cognitive development, in combination with experimental studies to determine the possible molecular mechanisms driving it. Collectively, this will create a robust basis for reviewing fluoride health risks and thresholds for drinking water, foods, and dental care products, especially for children.

    Maria Kippler receives funding from Swedish Research Council and the Swedish Research Council for Environment, Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning.

    – ref. Our new study indicates maternal exposure to relatively low fluoride levels may affect intelligence in children – https://theconversation.com/our-new-study-indicates-maternal-exposure-to-relatively-low-fluoride-levels-may-affect-intelligence-in-children-251193

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Grateful Dead at 60: three folklore tales that inspired the band’s music

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Max Bowden, PhD Candidate, impact and influence of the Grateful Dead, University of Essex

    Dead & Company, the latest and most enduring post-Grateful Dead project, is about to take to the stage for the second time at the Las Vegas Sphere. The lineup contains original Grateful Dead rhythm guitarist Bob Weir, and one of two original drummers, Mickey Hart. They’re joined by the singer-songwriter John Mayer on lead guitar, Oteil Burbridge on bass and Jay lane on second drums.

    It has now been 60 years since the Grateful Dead formed. The US rock band first played at Ken Kesey’s “acid tests” in La Honda, California, in 1965. There, attendees would consume large doses of LSD and spend the night enjoying psychedelic projections and the Dead’s intermittent musical stylings.

    Before this, a number of the band members had well-established careers in the Californian Bay Area folk scene. Lead guitarist Jerry Garcia and lyricist Robert Hunter performed folk and bluegrass together in the early 1960s.

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    Mother McCree’s Uptown Jug Champions was another project that involved a number of artists who would go on to form the Grateful Dead. The band’s innate chaos was already clear. Playing an early gig at a coffee house, they were described by the host as “just a panic to watch”.

    This chaotic approach is something that continued. Speaking to Rolling Stone in 1971, Garcia said: “Hunter and I always had this thing where we liked to muddy the folk tradition by adding our own versions of songs … taking a well-founded tradition and putting in something that’s totally looped”.

    This revitalising understanding of folk adds an element of Grateful Dead fun, contributing to some of their most enduring and interesting songs. Here are three examples of the folk tales that inspired their music.

    1. Stagger Lee (1978)

    On Christmas Day 1895, two Texans named Lee “Stack” Shelton and Billy Lyons had a disagreement, which ended with Billy snatching Stack’s hat, and Stack shooting him to get it back. This simple story blossomed over time, often richly embellished, into song, folk tale and theatre.

    Hunter and the Dead turned the classic folk tale of murder on its head. In most songs about the incident, the focus is on the slightly renamed “Stagger Lee” and “Billy DeLyon”. Most renditions focus on the details and morality of the murder, or the nuance of Stagger as a proto-gangster, and a victim of racist policing.

    Grateful Dead performing Stagger Lee in 1978.

    The version that the Grateful Dead released is different, with only the first verse dedicated to the murder itself. The body of the song centres the journey of widowed Deliah DeLyon, now in pursuit of justice.

    She first pleads with a policeman for help saying “you’ll arrest the girls for turning tricks, but you’re scared of Stagger Lee,” before going to the bar herself, emasculating Stagger Lee, and dragging him to city hall.

    These changes attack hyper-masculine versions of the song and suggest an alternate perspective that prioritises the previously unheard.

    2. Casey Jones (1970)

    Casey Jones (1863-1900) was a renowned train engineer from Mississippi. He was known for his punctuality and skill, but was killed in a wreck after missing a signal in dense fog.

    Jones was the only fatality in the train crash and his actions are said to have saved the passengers and the train’s fireman. Just like Stagger Lee, this folk hero has been sung about from many different perspectives.

    In the one folk rendition, covered by Pete Seeger, Jones was a union scab, crashing his train though a slavish obedience to his bosses. In Johnny Cash’s song, he was a true hero. But in Grateful Dead’s song, he was a cocaine-addicted speed freak.

    Grateful Dead performing Casey Jones in 1977.

    By bringing Casey Jones into the 1970s, the Dead sought to use folk to give a contemporary moral warning. Hunter philosophises throughout, referencing both the story of the crash and his own shortsightedness when he writes “got two good eyes, but we still don’t see”.

    The Grateful Dead’s approach to folk is at once firmly rooted in tradition and with one foot in the future.

    3. Terrapin Station (1977)

    The first part of one of the Dead’s most famous musical suites is an adaptation of The Lady of Carlisle.

    This folk song tells a story of a lady choosing between two suitors – a soldier and a sailor. To decide, she throws her fan into a lion’s den and challenges the men to retrieve it.

    In traditional versions of the song the lady is fragile, becoming catatonic after delivering her challenge, but Hunter’s changes to the song elevate her. This section of the suite, Lady with a Fan, weaves this into an overarching narrative about the illuminating power of stories.

    Grateful Dead performing Terrapin Station in 1977.

    In the song, a speaker is retelling the story of The Lady of Carlisle while a magical fire conjures images as they happen. Here we see the protagonist emboldened, her “eyes alight with glowing hair,” and much more directly telling the men “I will not forgive you, if you will not take the chance”.

    After the sailor retrieves the fan, the meta-narrative challenges the listener. “You decide if he was wise,” the narrator sings, telling us “the storyteller makes no choice”. Hunter and the Dead again seek to use folklore to explore narrative and stories, their powerful influence on the world and our perspective.

    This visionary approach to folk helped ground the band’s musical catalogue in history, elevating folk music and offering curious listeners threads that lead into the narrative past.

    Max Bowden received a bursary from the Folklore Society.

    – ref. Grateful Dead at 60: three folklore tales that inspired the band’s music – https://theconversation.com/grateful-dead-at-60-three-folklore-tales-that-inspired-the-bands-music-249798

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK businesses face a big tax hike. So what does it mean for workers and the economy?

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Phil Tomlinson, Professor of Industrial Strategy, Co-Director Centre for Governance, Regulation and Industrial Strategy (CGR&IS), University of Bath

    The hospitality sector will be among the most seriously affected. cktravels.com/Shutterstock

    Employers in the UK are about to be hit with a hefty tax rise. From April 1 2025, their national insurance contributions are rising to 15% on salaries above £5,000, instead of 13.8% on salaries above £9,100.

    Unsurprisingly, business owners are not happy. Since the change was announced last autumn, many have complained about the effect it will have on their ability to invest and hire staff. Care homes, supermarkets and GP surgeries are among those who have voiced their concerns, and a recent survey found that 54% anticipate raising prices.

    Some industries will be affected more than others. The hospitality sector, for example, expects around £1 billion in additional costs (alongside an inflation-busting minimum wage increase, which also comes into play on April 1). Partly because of these changes, manufacturing confidence has already taken a hit, contributing to a decline in overall GDP since the start of the year.

    But Rachel Reeves, the UK’s chancellor, has not budged, arguing that she needs to raise £40 billion in tax revenue to fund infrastructure and public services, and to address what she calls a “black hole” in the public finances.

    She had previously condemned the Conservative government’s employer national insurance hike in 2022 as a “tax on jobs”. Yet a Labour party manifesto pledge not to raise personal income tax, employees’ national insurance or VAT, has effectively left her with few options.

    As a result, the burden has been placed firmly on businesses. But in the UK’s sluggish economy, any added cost pressures could push struggling firms into pay freezes and cutbacks.

    Others may seek ways to mitigate the national insurance rise through creative accounting, by offering salary sacrifice schemes (such as cycle-to-work or electric vehicle purchase programmes) instead of direct wage increases.

    Some firms will no doubt explore other cost-cutting measures, such as reducing office space by encouraging more remote work. Or they may shift towards gig economy models, where they employ workers as “subcontractors” rather than as salaried staff. Larger firms might even move jobs abroad.

    Productivity push?

    But there could be an upside to all of this. Despite being politically sensitive, there is an economic argument for raising employment costs as a way of driving innovation and productivity. And some enterprising businesses may respond to the financial pressure by investing in labour-saving technology.

    For years the UK has relied on a low-wage, loosely regulated labour market. This has allowed businesses to hire and fire with ease, but has also led to persistently low levels of investment and weak productivity growth.

    Put simply, UK workers are often using outdated tools and equipment, making them less productive compared with their international competitors. Over time, this depresses wages, lowers economic growth (and living standards) and limits funding (through tax raised) for public services.

    Raising employment costs may now incentivise businesses to invest in automation and efficiency-enhancing technologies. The feasibility of this shift depends on what economists call the “elasticity of substitution” – the ease with which labour can be replaced by technology while maintaining (or improving) output.

    And evidence suggests automation and AI can drive productivity improvements even in traditionally labour-intensive industries. For instance, in social care, AI may be used to create personalised treatment plans, while robots could provide patients with physical, social and cognitive support.

    So far, the UK care sector has been slow to adopt such technology, lagging behind the likes of Australia, the Netherlands and Japan.

    Robotic care.
    Stock-Asso/Shutterstock

    Similarly, in hospitality, there are opportunities to use AI for predictive ordering and automated waste management. This could help hotels and restaurants reduce food waste, streamline supply chains and improve their profitability. Some businesses are also exploring robotic concierge services and automated customer interactions.

    Incentives and stability

    To ensure businesses embrace these productivity-boosting innovations, government support is essential. A well-designed industrial strategy is still needed to position the UK at the forefront of the “industry 4.0” technological revolution.



    Read more:
    The UK’s new industrial strategy is welcome, but here’s what is missing

    And, critically, businesses also need confidence in the broader economic outlook. Yet with continuing geopolitical uncertainty, trade tensions and fears of a global recession, the future feels fragile.

    The government’s challenge lies in encouraging businesses to adopt a strategy which ensures that investment in innovation actually materialises, and the benefits emerge swiftly. If businesses fail to adapt, or if productivity gains take too long, then the national insurance hike could just result in higher costs without any boost to growth.

    Ultimately, success hinges on whether businesses view this tax rise as a burden to absorb or an incentive to modernise. In the coming months and years, the government will need to show it is willing to offer businesses more support – and improve their confidence levels – if there is to be a revival in investment and productivity.

    Phil Tomlinson receives funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for Made Smarter Innovation: Centre for People-Led Digitalisation, and from the Innovation and Research Caucus (IRC).

    David Bailey receives funding from the ESRC’s UK in a Changing Europe Programme.

    – ref. UK businesses face a big tax hike. So what does it mean for workers and the economy? – https://theconversation.com/uk-businesses-face-a-big-tax-hike-so-what-does-it-mean-for-workers-and-the-economy-252325

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dublin Man Pleads Guilty to Three Armed Bank Robberies

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

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – A central Ohio man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court today to federal crimes related to three separate armed bank robberies. 

    Hussein A. Mohamed, 27, of Dublin, pleaded guilty to three counts of committing bank robbery, three counts of conspiring to commit bank robbery, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

    Mohamed admitted to committing three armed bank robberies in Columbus within a week in April 2024.

    According to court documents, on April 11, 2024, Mohamed robbed the Telhio Credit Union on North Hamilton Road. He wore a dark Patagonia sweatshirt, light ripped jeans, white covid mask and black winter hat. Mohamed showed the bank teller a note on his cell phone that demanded cash and indicated he had a gun.

    On April 16, 2024, Mohamed committed two separate armed robberies.

    First, at approximately 4pm, he robbed a Fifth Third Bank on Bethel Road. He wore a red sweatshirt, light jeans, blue covid mask and black New Balance shoes. Again, he showed the teller a note on his phone demanding money and indicating he had a gun.

    About 45 minutes later, he committed another bank robbery, this time at Huntington Bank on North High Street. Mohamed had changed clothes between the robberies.

    At this final robbery, Mohamed showed his phone to one bank teller, who provided him with cash. He then told another teller to empty her drawer. When that victim told Mohamed she did not have any money in her drawer, Mohamed pulled a black firearm from the waist area of his pants, racked the slide on the handgun, and forced the tellers into the vault room while making threats.

    For reach of the three robberies, Mohamed conspired with another individual who was present in the vehicle used to travel to and from the robberies.

    Law enforcement officials recovered the clothing that Mohamed wore at each robbery, a loaded handgun, Mohamed’s wallet and identification at an apartment on Merriwick Crossing Drive in Columbus.

    He was arrested in May 2024.

    Bank robbery is a federal crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Conspiring to commit bank robbery carries a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison. Brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence is punishable by a mandatory seven years and up to life in prison, to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Congress sets minimum and maximum statutory sentences. Sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the Court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors at a future hearing.

    Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, and Elena Iatarola, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Division, announced the guilty plea entered today before U.S. District Judge Michael H. Watson. Assistant United States Attorneys Damoun Delaviz and Elizabeth A. Geraghty are representing the United States in this case.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Gulfport Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison for Illegal Possession of a Machinegun

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

    Gulfport, Miss. – A Gulfport man was sentenced today to 46 months in prison for the illegal possession of a machinegun. 
     

    According to court documents, Elijah Antonio Porter, 23, was found in possession of an illegal machine gun during a traffic stop in Gautier, Mississippi. During the traffic stop, law enforcement located a Glock pistol inside the vehicle, and a machine gun device, also known as a switch, was attached to the pistol. 
     

    Acting U.S. Attorney Patrick A. Lemon of the Southern District of Mississippi; and Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) made the announcement.
     

    The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) and Gautier Police Department investigated the case.
     

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Hunter McCreight prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Debate over H-1B visas shines spotlight on US tech worker shortages

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Moshe Y. Vardi, Professor of Computer Science, Rice University

    Babson College graduate students from India type on their computers in Wellesley, Mass., on June 30, 2016. AP Photo/Charles Krupa

    A heated debate has recently erupted between two groups of supporters of President Donald Trump. The dispute concerns the H-1B visa system, the program that allows U.S. employers to hire skilled foreign workers in specialty occupations – mostly in the tech industry.

    On the one hand, there are people like Donald Trump’s former strategist Steve Bannon, who has called the H-1B program a “total and complete scam.” On the other, there are tech tycoons like Elon Musk who think skilled foreign workers are crucial to the U.S. tech sector.

    The H-1B visa program is subject to an annual limit of new visas it can issue, which sits at 65,000 per fiscal year. There is also an additional annual quota of 20,000 H-1B visas for highly skilled international students who have a proven ability to succeed academically in the United States.

    The H-1B program is the primary vehicle for international graduate students at U.S. universities to stay and work in the United States after graduation. At Rice University, where I work, much of STEM research is carried out by international graduate students. The same goes for most American research-intensive universities.

    As a computer science professor – and an immigrant – who studies the interaction between computing and society, I believe the debate over H-1B overlooks some important questions: Why does the U.S. rely so heavily on foreign workers for the tech industry, and why is it not able to develop a homegrown tech workforce?

    The US as a global talent magnet

    The U.S. has been a magnet for global scientific talent since before World War II.

    Many of the scientists who helped develop the atomic bomb were European refugees. After World War II, U.S. policies such as the Fulbright Program expanded opportunities for international educational exchange.

    Attracting international students to the U.S. has had positive results.

    Among Americans who have won the Nobel Prize in chemistry, medicine or physics since 2000, 40% have been immigrants.

    In 2023, U.S.-born Louis Brus, left, shared the Nobel Prize in chemistry with U.S. immigrants Alexei Ekimov, born in the former USSR, and Moungi Bawendi, born in France.
    AP Photo

    Tech industry giants Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google were all founded by first- or second-generation immigrants. Furthermore, immigrants have founded more than half of the nation’s billion-dollar startups since 2018.

    Stemming the inflow of students

    Restricting foreign graduate students’ path to U.S. employment, as some prominent Trump supporters have called for, could significantly reduce the number of international graduate students in U.S. universities.

    About 80% of graduate students in American computer science and engineering programs – roughly 18,000 students in 2023 – are international students.

    The loss of international doctoral students would significantly diminish the research capability of graduate programs in science and engineering. After all, doctoral students, supervised by principal investigators, carry out the bulk of research in science and engineering in U.S. universities.

    It must be emphasized that international students make a significant contribution to U.S. research output. For example, scientists born outside the U.S. played key roles in the development of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. So making the U.S. less attractive to international graduate students in science and engineering would hurt U.S. research competitiveness.

    Computing Ph.D. graduates are in high demand. The economy needs them, so the lack of an adequate domestic pipeline seems puzzling.

    Where have US students gone?

    So, why is there such a reliance on foreign students for U.S. science and engineering? And why hasn’t America created an adequate pipeline of U.S.-born students for its technical workforce?

    After discussions with many colleagues, I have found that there are simply not enough qualified domestic doctoral applicants to fill the needs of their doctoral programs.

    In 2023, for example, U.S. computer science doctoral programs admitted about 3,400 new students, 63% of whom were foreign.

    It seems as if the doctoral career track is simply not attractive enough to many U.S. undergrad computer science students. But why?

    The top annual salary in Silicon Valley for new computer science graduates can reach US$115,000. Bachelor’s degree holders in computing from Rice University have told me that until recently – before economic uncertainty shook the industry – they were getting starting annual salaries as high as $150,000 in Silicon Valley.

    Doctoral students in research universities, in contrast, do not receive a salary. Instead, they get a stipend. These vary slightly from school to school, but they typically pay less than $40,000 annually. The opportunity cost of pursuing a doctorate is, thus, up to $100,000 per year. And obtaining a doctorate typically takes six years.

    So, pursuing a doctorate is not an economically viable decision for many Americans. The reality is that a doctoral degree opens new career options to its holder, but most bachelor’s degree holders do not see beyond the economics. Yet academic computing research is crucial to the success of Silicon Valley.

    A 2016 analysis of the information technology sectors with a large economic impact shows that academic research plays an instrumental role in their development.

    Why so little?

    The U.S. is locked in a cold war with China focused mostly on technological dominance. So maintaining its research-and-development edge is in the national interest.

    Yet the U.S. has declined to make the requisite investment in research. For example, the National Science Foundation’s annual budget for computer and information science and engineering is around $1 billion. In contrast, annual research-and-development expenses for Alphabet, Google’s parent company, have been close to $50 billion for the past decade.

    Universities are paying doctoral students so little because they cannot afford to pay more.

    Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai speaks at a Google I/O event in Mountain View, Calif., on May 14, 2024.
    AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

    But instead of acknowledging the existence of this problem and trying to address it, the U.S. has found a way to meet its academic research needs by recruiting and admitting international students. The steady stream of highly qualified international applicants has allowed the U.S. to ignore the inadequacy of the domestic doctoral pipeline.

    The current debate about the H-1B visa system provides the U.S. with an opportunity for introspection.

    Yet the news from Washington, D.C., about massive budget cuts coming to the National Science Foundation seems to suggest the federal government is about to take an acute problem and turn it into a crisis.

    Moshe Y. Vardi receives funding from the National Science Foundation and the US Office of Naval Research.

    – ref. Debate over H-1B visas shines spotlight on US tech worker shortages – https://theconversation.com/debate-over-h-1b-visas-shines-spotlight-on-us-tech-worker-shortages-248711

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Fourth and Final Reviews of Kosovo’s Stand-By Arrangement and Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangement

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement on the Fourth and Final Reviews of Kosovo’s Stand-By Arrangement and Resilience and Sustainability Facility Arrangement

    March 20, 2025

    End-of-mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF’s Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    • The IMF staff and Kosovo authorities have reached staff-level agreement on the Fourth and final Reviews under the Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement. Completion of the Reviews will make available SDR 13.35 million (€16.34 million) under the SBA and SDR 7.74 million (€9.48 million) under the RSF. The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board, with Board consideration expected in May. The authorities intend to continue treating the SBA as precautionary, not drawing on the resources.
    • Program performance has also been strong. The authorities met all quantitative performance criteria, indicative targets (ITs) and structural benchmarks for the Reviews. Reforms and implementation of the green agenda, supported by the SBA and the RSF, have progressed
    • Economic performance has remained strong with robust GDP growth and disinflation. Outlook is favorable but is subject to uncertainty, including from international geopolitical developments.

    Pristina, Kosovo – March 20, 2025:An IMF mission, led by David Amaglobeli, visited Pristina during March 12–21, to hold discussions on the Fourth Reviews of Kosovo’s Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) Arrangement. At the conclusion of the mission, Mr. Amaglobeli issued the following statement:

    “The authorities have maintained strong performance under the SBA and RSF. All end-December quantitative and indicative targets (ITs) for the Fourth Reviews have been met, and all end-March ITs are on track to be met. The authorities have been advancing on structural reforms by strengthening liquidity forecasting capacity at the Ministry of Finance and embarking on a major reform to modernize financial sector supervision. The authorities have also implemented, with a short delay, the remaining RSF reform measure—launch of the wind power tender.”

    “The two-year IMF-supported programs have yielded significant results. Macroeconomic fundamentals have been strengthened by sustaining robust growth despite a challenging external environment, curbing inflation after the post-pandemic surge, and enhancing formal sector employment. Growth reached 4.4 percent in 2024 driven by private consumption and investment, which helped offset the effects of a widening trade deficit and slowing remittances. Growth is expected to remain at 4 percent in 2025. After two years of elevated pressures, inflation fell in 2024, averaging 1.6 percent, as food and transport inflation eased. The external current account deficit widened to 9 percent of GDP in 2024, up from 7.5 percent in 2023, reflecting increased imports driven by strong domestic demand.”

    “Prudent fiscal policy has helped keep deficits and debt low and fiscal buffers strong. Deficits were modest at 0.2 and 0.3 percent of GDP in 2023 and 2024, respectively; public debt fell below 17 percent of GDP in 2024—the lowest level since 2017. Treasury deposits at the CBK—a key buffer against shocks—increased to €575 million by end-2024. Successful fiscal reforms have bolstered revenue collection, with the tax-to-GDP ratio reaching 26½ percent of GDP in 2024—the highest ever. Transparency has improved, including for public enterprises and key institutions, such as tax administration. Public financial management (PFM) reforms have led to more effective execution of the public investment program. Additionally, reforms implemented under the RSF, the first in Europe, have facilitated efforts to double renewable energy generation capacity, improve energy efficiency and cut pollution.”

    Looking ahead, the authorities should continue implementing prudent fiscal policies anchored in a sound, rules-based framework to ensure sustainable fiscal outcomes, foster growth, advance social priorities, and enhance resilience. Continued revenue administration reforms will create much-needed fiscal space for increased social and capital investments, while PFM reforms will enhance the efficiency and impact of government spending. EU accession efforts will be key to mobilize additional financial resources to address Kosovo’s large developmental needs. Amid rising uncertainty, strong fiscal buffers and enhanced crisis preparedness remain essential to safeguard stability and resilience.”

    “The CBK has made impressive progress in advancing financial sector reforms. These aim at enhancing stability, resilience, and modernization to support activity. The CBK has successfully implemented important internal institutional reforms to boost effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency. The CBK is undergoing an IMF-led Central Bank Transparency Code (CBT) assessment and a governance audit by a peer central bank, underscoring its commitment to best practices. In addition, several major initiatives are underway to modernize the financial sector regulatory framework, aligning it more closely with EU standards. Central to this is the ongoing adoption of the Supervisory Review and Evaluation Process (SREP)—widely regarded as the most advanced and structured supervisory framework—to enhance risk-based bank supervision. The CBK is also developing and operationalizing a macroprudential policy framework and strengthening crisis preparedness, including through recently-extended ECB backstop (€100 million). Increased premiums from banks to the Deposit Insurance Fund provided additional safety cushion Significant strides were made to integrate with the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) and develop the regional TIPS Clone instant payments system. These initiatives will foster a faster, safer, and more cost-effective payments landscape, benefiting businesses and citizens while enhancing regional integration.”

    These reforms have supported rapid, healthy expansion of the financial sector. After growing by 17 percent in real terms in 2024, private sector credit peaked in 2024, exceeding 56 percent of GDP. Financial inclusion also improved, with bank or e-money account ownership and settlement via the Kosovo Interbank Payment System (KIPS) increasing. The newly launched Platform for Comparison of Financial Products and Services should help enhance financial literacy and transparency. Against this backdrop, the banking sector remains profitable and well-capitalized with low levels of NPLs. Maintaining this stability will require continued vigilance and proactive risk management.”

    “The mission met with Deputy Prime Minister Bislimi, Minister of Finance, Labor, and Transfers Murati, Minister of Economy Rizvanolli, Central Bank Governor Ismaili, and other senior officials, civil society, private sector and international partners. The mission thanks them and their technical staff for constructive discussions and cooperation during this mission.”

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/03/20/pr2571-kosovo-review-sba-rsf

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Belgium

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    March 20, 2025

    Washington, DC: On March 18, 2025, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation with Belgium, and considered and endorsed the staff appraisal without a meeting.[1]

    The Belgian economy was resilient to a series of shocks, but growth has been slowing, and core inflation remains persistent. Labor productivity growth remained sluggish, and labor-cost competitiveness has declined. Successive shocks have increased structural fiscal deficits and public debt. Risks arising from deepening geoeconomic fragmentation and intensification of regional conflicts affecting energy, trade and financial spillovers could worsen the outlook. 

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    In concluding the 2025 Article IV consultation with Belgium, Executive Directors endorsed staff’s appraisal, as follows:

    Notwithstanding its resilience, the Belgium economy faces significant challenges. In the short term, in an increasingly uncertain environment, policies need to see disinflation through while preserving growth and financial stability. From a longer perspective, policies need to rebuild buffers, reduce vulnerabilities associated with high and rising public debt, address spending pressures from aging and the green transition, foster higher growth, and improve the external position which, in 2024, was weaker than implied by medium-term fundamentals and desirable policies based on preliminary assessment. The policy agenda of the new government, which includes significant structural reforms and fiscal consolidation, is an opportunity to make headway. Steady and timely implementation of intended reforms will be key.

    Sustained and significant fiscal consolidation is needed. Considering the magnitude of the needed adjustment to bring the deficit durably below 3 percent of GDP and put debt solidly on a downward path, staff supports the government’s intention to pursue a seven-year adjustment under the EGF, which should be accompanied by credible and front-loaded growth-enhancing reforms. An annual reduction in the structural primary balance of about 0.6 ppt of GDP until 2031 will be necessary. The forthcoming MTFSP should be built on sufficiently conservative assumptions to lower the risk of deviating from the intended path of deficit reduction.

    The adjustment should rationalize current spending, make room for more public investment, and be supported by increased efficiency of spending. Rationalizing social benefits and the public wage bill is crucial to achieve savings. Public investment should be preserved, or ideally, increased to bolster potential growth and support green transition. Amid competing demands for resources and reduced fiscal space, improving the efficiency of spending, is critical, notably with respect to investment in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.

    Fiscal reforms are crucial to support the adjustment. Staff welcomes the government’s intention to reduce the tax burden on labor while introducing capital gain taxation and reducing tax expenditure. Considering the needed overall fiscal adjustment, tax reforms should not result in lower revenue. Similarly, staff welcomes the planned reforms aimed at raising the effective retirement age and reviewing eligibility to specific pension regimes. This is necessary to preserve the sustainability of the pension system despite aging. Staff also encourages the authorities to strengthen the overall fiscal framework, through a revitalized fiscal council and greater accountability of the federal and all federated entities in sharing the burden of fiscal adjustment.

    Overall systemic risks in the financial sector remain moderate and current capital buffer requirements and prudential limits on mortgage loans should be maintained. Recent progress in strengthening systemic risk assessment, supervision, the macroprudential framework, and crisis management and resolution preparedness is welcome. With a new government in place, pending measures that required legislative action should now proceed.

    Labor market and education reforms are essential to foster higher labor participation and better adequation of skills. The government’s intended reforms to widen the income gap between work and nonwork, limit the duration of unemployment benefits, and reduce the cost of hiring and dismissal go in the right direction. Fostering a labor market more inclusive of low-skilled workers, older workers, women, and individuals with an immigration background, or disabilities, notably through lifelong learning and reskilling and active labor-market policies, will enhance overall economic performance. Education reforms are also necessary to upskill the labor force. They should focus on aligning curricula with the skills companies need, better leveraging teachers’ time, and strengthening support to students in difficulty.

    Reforming the wage-setting mechanism will help increase labor-market efficiency and improve competitiveness. Automatic wage and social benefit indexation protected household purchasing power during the inflation shock but increased fiscal deficits and undermined competitiveness. Consideration should be given to abolishing automatic indexation and the 1996 wage law which, together, prevent an optimal allocation of labor and higher employment. At a minimum, the labor market would already benefit from technical reforms to the existing system.

    Further product market reforms and efforts with EU partners to deepen the single market and advance the capital market union will support firms’ productivity. Reforms should focus on reducing regulatory and administrative barriers and improving the insolvency regime. Removing remaining barriers to trade within the EU and harmonizing regulations and bankruptcy frameworks would give Belgian firms’ access to a larger customer base, improve competition, and provide buffers against risks from geo-fragmentation. Developing venture capital at the EU level would help widen Belgian firms’ options to finance their growth.

    Despite progress, much effort remains needed to achieve climate objectives. The planned expansion of the EU ETS should be complemented by carbon taxation and the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies, while ensuring support for vulnerable population. The consolidation of federal and regional climate efforts into a coherent and cohesive national strategy is essential.

    Belgium: Selected Economic Indicators, 2022–30

     

     

     

    Projections

     

     

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    (Percent change, unless otherwise indicated)

    Real economy

    Real GDP 1/

    4.2

    1.3

    1.0

    1.1

    1.1

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    Domestic demand

    4.2

    1.8

    1.0

    1.4

    1.5

    1.5

    1.5

    1.4

    1.5

    Private consumption

    3.6

    0.6

    1.8

    1.2

    1.2

    1.5

    1.3

    1.2

    1.1

    Public consumption

    3.3

    3.2

    3.2

    1.4

    1.9

    1.6

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    Gross fixed investment

    1.7

    3.5

    0.9

    0.6

    1.7

    1.5

    1.6

    1.7

    2.0

    Stockbuilding 2/

    1.1

    -0.1

    -1.0

    0.3

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Foreign balance 2/

    0.1

    -0.5

    0.1

    -0.3

    -0.4

    -0.2

    -0.2

    -0.1

    -0.1

    Exports, goods and services

    5.8

    -7.1

    -4.0

    0.0

    2.6

    3.2

    3.2

    3.1

    3.1

    Imports, goods and services

    5.8

    -6.8

    -4.2

    0.4

    3.3

    3.6

    3.5

    3.3

    3.3

    Household saving ratio

    12.7

    14.1

    13.6

    13.7

    13.7

    13.7

    13.8

    14.0

    14.3

    Potential output growth

    2.0

    1.8

    1.6

    1.4

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    Potential output growth

    1.3

    1.2

    1.0

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.3

    1.4

    1.3

    per working age person

    Output gap (in percent)

    1.6

    1.0

    0.5

    0.2

    0.0

    0.0

    -0.1

    0.0

    0.0

    Employment

    Unemployment rate (in percent)

    5.6

    5.5

    5.8

    5.7

    5.7

    5.5

    5.6

    5.7

    5.8

    Employment growth

    1.9

    0.8

    0.3

    0.2

    0.3

    0.6

    0.3

    0.2

    0.4

    Prices

    Consumer prices (HICP)

    10.3

    2.3

    4.3

    3.5

    2.2

    2.0

    2.0

    1.9

    1.9

    Core CPI (HICP)

    4.0

    6.0

    3.4

    3.0

    2.6

    2.2

    2.1

    1.9

    1.9

    GDP deflator

    6.8

    4.5

    2.7

    2.5

    1.7

    1.5

    1.7

    1.6

    1.6

    (Percent of GDP; unless otherwise indicated)

    Public finance

    Revenue

    48.6

    49.1

    49.6

    49.5

    49.5

    49.5

    49.5

    49.6

    49.7

    Expenditure

    52.2

    53.3

    54.0

    54.3

    55.0

    55.3

    55.7

    56.3

    56.9

    General government balance

    -3.6

    -4.2

    -4.4

    -4.8

    -5.5

    -5.8

    -6.2

    -6.7

    -7.2

    Structural balance

    -4.3

    -4.4

    -4.5

    -4.8

    -5.5

    -5.8

    -6.1

    -6.8

    -7.2

    Structural balance (excl. Covid measures)

    -3.7

    -4.3

    -4.4

    -4.8

    -5.5

    -5.8

    -6.1

    -6.8

    -7.2

    Structural primary balance

    -2.7

    -2.4

    -2.2

    -2.5

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.2

    -3.5

    -3.7

    Primary balance

    -2.0

    -2.2

    -2.2

    -2.4

    -3.0

    -3.0

    -3.3

    -3.4

    -3.7

    General government debt

    102.6

    103.1

    104.1

    105.4

    108.6

    111.9

    115.2

    118.9

    123.0

    External Sector

    Goods and services balance

    -1.5

    -0.6

    -0.1

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.3

    0.5

    0.7

    Current account

    -1.3

    -0.7

    -0.3

    -0.3

    -0.3

    -0.3

    -0.1

    0.1

    0.2

    Exchange rates

    Euro per U.S. dollar, period average

    0.9

    0.9

    0.9

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    NEER, ULC-styled (2005=100)

    96.3

    97.6

    97.8

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    REER, ULC-based (2005=100)

    99.7

    103.8

    105.5

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Memorandum items

    Gross national savings (in percent of GDP)

    25.6

    24.6

    23.8

    23.9

    23.9

    23.9

    24.1

    24.3

    24.5

    Gross national investment

    26.9

    25.3

    24.1

    24.2

    24.3

    24.3

    24.2

    24.2

    24.3

     (in percent of GDP)

    Nominal GDP (in billions of euros)

    563.5

    596.3

    618.6

    640.9

    658.7

    677.3

    697.8

    718.4

    739.8

    Population (in millions)

    11.6

    11.7

    11.8

    11.8

    11.9

    11.9

    11.9

    12.0

    12.0

     Sources: Haver Analytics, Belgian authorities, and IMF staff projections.

    1/ Based on national accounts data available as of January 29, 2025.

    2/ Contribution to GDP growth.

    		  

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] The Executive Board takes decisions under its lapse-of-time procedure when the Board agrees that a proposal can be considered without convening formal discussions.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Eva Graf

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/03/19/pr25070-belgium-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-article-iv-consultation-with-belgium

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Guterres welcomes deals to halt energy attacks in Ukraine, Russia

    Source: United Nations 4

    Peace and Security

    UN chief António Guterres on Thursday hailed positive announcements from the White House, Kremlin and Kyiv aimed at stopping crippling attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine and Russia, linked to Russia’s full-scale invasion of its neighbour.

    “Any ceasefire is welcome because it saves lives, but it is essential that a ceasefire paves the way for a just peace in Ukraine,” the UN Secretary-General said, speaking in Brussels, on the sidelines of high-level meetings and discussions with European partners.

    A “just peace” in Ukraine “is a peace that respects the UN Charter, international law and Security Council resolutions, namely about the territorial integrity of Ukraine”, the UN chief stressed.

    His comments followed an earlier statement in which he welcomed further declarations by President Trump and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine seeking to extend the ceasefire to the Black Sea – a crucial trade route for food and fertilizer exports to the wider world.

    “Reaching an agreement on safe and free navigation in the Black Sea, with security commitments and in line with the UN Charter and international law would be a crucial contribution to global food security and supply chains,” the Secretary-General said, in a statement issued by his spokesperson’s office. “It would reflect the importance of trade routes from both Ukraine and the Russian Federation to global markets.”

    Key shipping lane

    The UN has been heavily invested in ensuring that Ukrainian grain exports via the Black Sea can happen safely, along with the transport of Russian food and fertilizer, to halt spiralling food prices worldwide and stave off famine in vulnerable countries.

    The UN-brokered Black Sea Initiative was agreed by Russia, Ukraine, Türkiye and the UN in Istanbul in July 2022. It allowed more than 30 million tonnes of grain and other foodstuffs to leave Ukraine’s ports and played an “indispensable role” in global food security, Mr. Guterres said at the time.

    A parallel accord was also agreed between the UN and Moscow on grain and fertilizer exports from Russia, known as a Memorandum of Understanding.

    In July 2023, the UN Secretary-General expressed his deep regret at Russia’s decision to terminate its involvement in the grain initiative.

    “The Secretary-General has consistently supported the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea,” his statement continued, adding that he remains “closely engaged in the continued implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Russian Federation on global food security”.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai attends AmCham Taiwan 2025 Hsieh Nien Fan  

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Details
    2025-03-18
    President Lai meets Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs  
    On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. In remarks, President Lai said that Taiwan and Arizona enjoy close economic and trade relations, and expressed hope that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-United States high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. The president indicated that the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation, which would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome for Taiwan-US relations. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome you all to the Presidential Office. Governor Hobbs previously visited Taiwan after taking office in 2023. Her leading a delegation to Taiwan once again demonstrates Arizona’s continued friendship and the importance Arizona attaches to Taiwan. For this, I express my sincerest gratitude, and I welcome you again. In recent years, ties between Taiwan and Arizona have continued to expand and progress. For example, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)’s investment in Arizona is the largest greenfield investment in US history. This month, TSMC announced that it would increase its investment in the US by US$100 billion. It plans to build more semiconductor fabrication and research and development facilities in greater Phoenix, transforming the area into a US semiconductor hub. Due to our close industrial engagement, we now have more than 30,000 Taiwanese living in Arizona. I would like to thank Governor Hobbs for taking care of Taiwanese businesses and people. I believe that through our joint efforts, Arizona will become a shining example for Taiwan-US high-tech collaboration and the creation of non-red supply chains. Taiwan and Arizona also enjoy close economic and trade relations. Taiwan is Arizona’s eighth largest export market and fifth largest source of imports. Last December, the first agreement under the Taiwan-US Initiative on 21st-Century Trade officially came into effect. I believe this will help further deepen our trade and economic ties. At present, the next goal for Taiwan and the US is the signing of an agreement for the avoidance of double taxation. I hope that we can work together to achieve this goal as soon as possible. This would provide greater incentives for Taiwanese businesses to invest in the US, facilitate the establishment of more comprehensive local industry clusters, and generate more job opportunities, representing a win-win outcome. With Governor Hobbs’s support, we look forward to continuing to advance Taiwan-US relations and promoting further cooperation and exchanges between Taiwan and Arizona across all domains. I understand that during this visit, you have visited many important companies and exchanged opinions with government agencies on how to strengthen bilateral relations. These efforts all go toward building an even more solid foundation for future Taiwan-US cooperation. Once again, I thank you all for supporting Taiwan and welcome you to visit us often in the future. Governor Hobbs then delivered remarks, stating that under President Lai’s leadership, Taiwan continues to thrive as a global hub for technology, innovation, and advanced manufacturing. She said that she is proud to be back in Taiwan alongside her secretary of commerce, Sandra Watson, as part of a diplomatic and economic delegation from Arizona. Since arriving, she said, they’ve hit the ground running, meeting with key partners, businesses, and leaders, noting that the takeaway from their meetings has been incredibly positive, and that they underscore the strong and enduring partnership between Arizona and Taiwan. Adding that our partnership that is built on shared values, mutual cultural appreciation, and commitment to innovation and economic growth, Governor Hobbs indicated that Arizona and Taiwan’s partnership extends back decades, as Taiwanese fighter pilots have been training at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix since 1996. She said that we have built a strong base of collaboration across many areas, including technology, workforce, and cultural exchange, and that Arizona is even slated to get its own Din Tai Fung (鼎泰豐), which she expressed she is very thrilled about. Governor Hobbs went on to say that Arizona’s relationship with Taiwan is anchored by its ongoing partnership with TSMC and many Taiwan-based companies in semiconductor and other industries, and that TSMC’s US$165 billion investment in Arizona will help power development of the world’s most advanced technology, such as AI, and promises to cement an unbreakable bond between our two economies.  She stated that as governor, she can say with confidence that her administration is fully committed to strengthening this relationship in every way possible, because when Arizona and Taiwan succeed, we all succeed. Lastly, Governor Hobbs once again expressed gratitude to President Lai and the people of Taiwan for their warm hospitality. She then invited President Lai to Arizona to continue their productive conversations and further strengthen ties between our people and our economies, adding that she knows there is no limit to what we can achieve together, and that she is looking forward to what is to come. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

    Details
    2025-03-18
    President Lai meets delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil Douglas of Saint Christopher and Nevis
    On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Denzil Douglas of the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis. In remarks, President Lai thanked St. Kitts and Nevis for speaking up for Taiwan at major international venues and supporting Taiwan’s international participation. The president expressed hope that our two countries continue to achieve remarkable results through cooperation in such fields as education and training, agricultural development, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability, and create even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I welcome Minister Douglas and our esteemed guests to Taiwan. Last June, Minister Douglas accompanied Prime Minister Terrance Drew and his wife on their trip to Taiwan. I am delighted to be able to meet and exchange views with Minister Douglas again less than one year later. Your presence fully demonstrates the profound bond between Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis. I look forward to the further deepening of our partnership through our exchanges during this visit. Although our two nations are separated by a great distance, we share such universal values as democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights. We also continue to achieve remarkable results through cooperation in such fields as education and training, agricultural development, women’s empowerment, and environmental sustainability. Given that Prime Minister Drew, Minister Douglas, and I all share medical backgrounds, we deeply understand the importance of people’s health. I thus look forward to St. Kitts and Nevis’s climate-smart JNF General Hospital commencing operations as soon as possible thanks to our cooperation. The provision of even higher-quality public health and medical services will yield benefits for many more people. I also believe that by having Taiwan share its experiences in renewable energy and energy-saving technologies, our two countries will jointly drive green industrial transformation and stimulate sustainable development together. I would like to take this opportunity to thank St. Kitts and Nevis for actively speaking up for Taiwan and supporting Taiwan’s participation at such major international venues and organizations as the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Organization, and the International Civil Aviation Organization. In the future, Taiwan will continue to make critical contributions to the international community. With the support of Minister Douglas and our guests, I look forward to our two countries backing each other on the global stage and continuing to build an even stronger foundation for bilateral cooperation. Let us work together to address the various challenges we face and create even greater well-being for our peoples. Minister Douglas then delivered remarks, first conveying greetings from Prime Minister Drew to President Lai, the government, and the people of Taiwan. He then stated that over the last 41 years since the dawn of their nationhood, the Republic of China Taiwan has steadfastly walked beside St. Kitts and Nevis as a strong and immovable partner. As we reflect on four decades of our journey together, he said, we recognize the unswerving and unwavering spirit that has guided both our nations through trials and challenges. The minister then acknowledged the generous support of Taiwan’s government that has helped St. Kitts and Nevis in its own economic and social development. He went on to say that Taiwan’s partnership with St. Kitts and Nevis has been instrumental in helping them achieve the goals of their sustainable island state agenda. Whether in enhancing food security through the diversification of their agricultural sector, fostering clean energy solutions through the solar PV farm, or advancing healthcare through assistance in building their smart hospital, he said, Taiwan has been a steadfast partner in shaping a much more resilient and sustainable future for the people of their federation. In the spirit of reciprocity and solidarity, Minister Douglas said, St. Kitts and Nevis continues to leverage opportunities on the global stage to request incessantly that Taiwan be given its rightful place in international organizations, where it can make a meaningful contribution to resolving the world’s most critical issues. Minister Douglas indicated that the global challenges we face today demand collective action, and that Taiwan has the innovation, the technology, the knowledge, and the expertise to make a tremendous positive impact on some of the world’s most urgent issues. He said that St. Kitts and Nevis will never grow weary in their own support, but shall continue to sound the clarion call of “let Taiwan in,” as well as advocate for peace to be maintained in the Taiwan Strait. To close, Minister Douglas expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality bestowed upon him and his delegation by Taiwan’s government, remarking that the engagements they had thus far were pregnant with promise, and that they are confident in witnessing a fruitful outcome as we work together to build a prosperous and sustainable future for our peoples. The delegation also included Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kaye Bass, Permanent Secretary of Economic Development and Investment Adina Richards, and Director in the Ministry of International Trade Sean Lawrence. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by St. Kitts and Nevis Ambassador Donya L. Francis.

    Details
    2025-03-18
    President Lai meets 2025 Yushan Forum participants
    On the afternoon of March 18, President Lai Ching-te met with participants in the 2025 Yushan Forum. In remarks, President Lai thanked the guests for gathering here in Taiwan and discussing ways to enhance regional cooperation, demonstrating that our democratic allies and friends are standing together as we take on the challenges of a new world and a new era. The president reiterated that Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. He stated that Taiwan will continue to work with international partners to deepen cooperation, exchanges, and partnership in various domains and resist the expansion of authoritarianism. Together, the president emphasized, we can pursue regional peace and security and realize a new vision for a free and open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to begin by thanking Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former prime minister of Denmark and chairman of the Alliance of Democracies Foundation, for inviting then-President Tsai Ing-wen to address the Copenhagen Democracy Summit via video over five consecutive years since 2020, and for inviting myself to give remarks via video last year. Those opportunities allowed Taiwan to share with the world our motivation for, and our work toward, safeguarding freedom and democracy. I would also like to thank Mr. Janez Janša, former prime minister of the Republic of Slovenia, who has visited Taiwan many times already, for actively elevating the cordial ties between Taiwan and Slovenia during his term as prime minister, helping expand friendship for Taiwan throughout Europe. Today’s guests have traveled a long way to show their strong backing for Taiwan. For this, I express my deepest gratitude. Yesterday was my first time attending the Yushan Forum as president. I saw political leaders and representatives gather here in Taiwan and discuss ways to enhance regional cooperation. The event demonstrated that our democratic allies and friends are standing together as we take on the challenges of a new world and a new era. It was truly moving. As I stated at the opening ceremony, Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. Our government will help guide Taiwanese small- and medium-sized enterprises as they expand into the international market and extend Taiwan’s economic power. I hope that during this visit, our guests will be able to explore more opportunities for cooperation in such fields as AI, smart healthcare, and advanced technologies, and join hands in contributing to the prosperity and development of our democratic allies and friends. Taiwan will continue to work with international partners, building upon the shared values of freedom and democracy, to deepen cooperation, exchanges, and partnership in various domains and resist the expansion of authoritarianism. Together, we can pursue regional peace and security and realize a new vision for a free and open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific. And I hope, with the assistance of our guests here today, that we can further strengthen the ties between Taiwan and Europe so that we can all take up the work of maintaining global peace and stability. Once again, I welcome our guests to Taiwan. I look forward to hearing your thoughts in a few moments. I also hope you will visit Taiwan often in the future and continue to experience our vibrant democratic society and culture. Chairman Rasmussen then delivered remarks, saying that it is a great pleasure to be back here in Taipei after meeting with President Lai in 2023. He then thanked President Lai for the Taiwanese hospitality on behalf of the Yushan Forum international visitors and participants, who represent four continents and very different political parties but who are united by one thing – the commitment to democracy. Chairman Rasmussen mentioned that over the past few days, they have met with members of the government, legislature, and civil society in Taiwan. He said that he is more convinced than ever that in a very uncertain world, Taiwan continues to stand as a beacon of democracy, from which people in Europe and in the rest of the world have a lot to learn. Over the past eight years, he has been proud to step up his engagement with Taiwan, he said, as he has always subscribed to the view that freedom must advance everywhere, or else it is in decline everywhere. Chairman Rasmussen noted that they have many interests in making sure Taiwan remains free and that we must always stand up for freedom when it is under assault by a dictator. This is why Ukraine’s fight is also everyone’s fight, he explained. He then praised Taiwan for all of the support it has given to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion and honored the two Taiwanese volunteer soldiers who gave their lives for freedom in Ukraine. Chairman Rasmussen remarked that Taiwan is a strong feature of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit that he convenes each year. His foundation, the Alliance of Democracies, has even been sanctioned by the Chinese government due to its support of Taiwan, he said, which is something he takes as a badge of honor. He added that this year’s Copenhagen Democracy Summit in May will be no different, as they plan to focus on the new world order, urgent measures to strengthen Europe’s military, and the situation in Ukraine. But as the United States pulls back from the transatlantic alliance and Europe focuses more on its own defense, he said, Europe should not retreat from the world. He added that to ensure European security, we need more Europe in the Indo-Pacific, and that is why he has been making the argument for more political and economic cooperation with Taiwan. Chairman Rasmussen praised President Lai’s recent decision to increase Taiwan’s national defense budget to more than 3 percent of GDP, adding that it is important that each nation does what it can for its own defense. The chairman once again thanked President Lai for meeting with them today and for the opportunity to visit Taiwan, a beacon of democracy and liberty in Asia. Also in attendance at the meeting were Chairman of the Czech Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Pavel Fischer; Member of the National Security Advisory Board to India’s National Security Council Anshuman Tripathi; former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Anna Fotyga; former Minister of Health of Canada Tony Clement; and former Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania and current Secretary General of the Polish-based Community of Democracies Mantas Adomėnas.

    Details
    2025-03-17
    President Lai meets Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji
    On the afternoon of March 17, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by Japanese House of Representatives Member and Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji. In remarks, President Lai thanked the Consultative Council for doing its utmost to strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. He also stated that Taiwan and Japan are both part of the first island chain’s key line of defense, and in addition to continuing to bolster its economic strength and enhance its self-defense capabilities, Taiwan will work together with Japan and other like-minded countries to promote regional and global democracy, peace, and prosperity. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I would like to extend a warm welcome to Chairman Furuya, who is visiting us once again. I am also delighted to meet House of Councillors Member Yamamoto Junzo and House of Representatives Member Hiranuma Shojiro today. Although the Japanese Diet is currently in session, our distinguished guests overcame many hurdles and organized a delegation to attend the 2025 Yushan Forum and deliver speeches, providing valuable insights into issues of mutual concern in the Indo-Pacific region and demonstrating the support for Taiwan in the Diet. Here, I would like to express my deepest gratitude. During the Yushan Forum, it was especially inspiring when Chairman Furuya spoke Taiwanese when he emphasized that “if Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” Over the past few years under Chairman Furuya’s leadership, the Consultative Council has done its utmost to strengthen the relationship between Taiwan and Japan. In addition to passing resolutions every year supporting Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization and Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the council has established four internal research groups regarding the CPTPP, exchanges for women legislators, encouraging local-level exchanges, and the Taiwan Relations Act, using an issue-oriented approach to deepen Taiwan-Japan relations. Thanks to the Consultative Council’s long-term assistance and promotional efforts, the Japanese Ministry of Justice has announced that beginning this May, members of the Taiwanese overseas community in Japan included in the country’s family registry system may list “Taiwan” in the field designating their nationality or region of origin. This demonstrates the friendly relations between Taiwan and Japan, and the Taiwanese people will always remember the council’s continued concrete actions in support of Taiwan. In his remarks at the Yushan Forum today, Chairman Furuya mentioned that there are many areas in which Taiwan and Japan can engage in industrial cooperation. We can continue to deepen our partnership in semiconductors, energy, AI, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other areas related to economic security and supply chain resilience, all of which have significant room for cooperation, creating win-win situations for both Taiwan and Japan. As authoritarianism consolidates, democratic nations must come closer in solidarity. Taiwan and Japan are both part of the first island chain’s key line of defense. In addition to bolstering our economic strength and enhancing our self-defense capabilities, Taiwan will also work with Japan and other like-minded countries to promote regional and global democracy, peace, and prosperity. All of our distinguished guests are good friends of Taiwan, and are very familiar with Taiwan. I hope to continue working together with you all to carry Taiwan-Japan relations to an even higher level. Chairman Furuya then delivered remarks, first thanking President Lai for taking time out of his busy schedule to see them. He then noted that Japan, Taiwan, and quite a few other nations around the world changed leaders last year, and conditions around the world are becoming increasingly unstable. One cannot see what the world will be like a few years from now, he said, which is why he is counting so heavily on the strong leadership of President Lai. Chairman Furuya said that, in addition to collaboration in foreign affairs and security matters, economic cooperation between Taiwan and Japan is also very important. He mentioned new technologies, and said he had spoken quite a bit on the topic that very morning at the Yushan Forum. The clearest example, he said, is the establishment by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company of a wafer plant in Japan’s Kumamoto Prefecture, which has sparked robust economic activity. He added that cooperation addressing such matters as cyberattacks and supply chain resilience is also very important. Chairman Furuya noted that President Lai had mentioned in his remarks that beginning from May, Taiwanese overseas community members in Japan will be able to list “Taiwan” on their family registers. The chairman expressed his view that this is not a foreign affairs issue, but rather a human rights issue for the Taiwanese people, and an excellent way to show respect for Taiwan. He further noted President Lai’s mentioning of the four research groups that the Consultative Council has established, and said that these groups will ramp up their work. He also expressed hope that Taiwan and Japan will work together to address challenges that face both countries, such as issues pertaining to democracy and peace in the Taiwan Strait, so that they can together push for international peace and stability. Chairman Furuya stated that reciprocal visits by Taiwanese and Japanese people reached an all-time high last year. He said that in the future, in addition to further promoting local exchanges between the two countries, he also hopes that Japanese middle school and high school students planning to go on overseas study trips will choose Taiwan as their destination, because he feels that any student who visits Taiwan will become a fan of this place. Also in attendance was Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Katayama Kazuyuki.

    Details
    2025-03-17
    President Lai addresses opening of 2025 Yushan Forum
    On the morning of March 17, President Lai Ching-te attended the opening of the 2025 Yushan Forum, the theme of which was “New Southbound Policy+: Taiwan, the Indo-Pacific, and a New World.” In remarks, President Lai stated that the New Southbound Policy has led to great success in economic and trade cooperation, professional exchanges, resource sharing, and building regional links. He said that in the past, Taiwanese industries went from moving westward across the Taiwan Strait, to shifting southbound, to working closer with the north, but that now, Taiwan is confidently stepping across the Pacific, reaching eastward, to the Americas and other regions. While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, he said, Taiwan’s enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. The president stated that Taiwan will strive alongside its partners in democracy to bolster non-red supply chains and digital solidarity, and together respond to the threats and challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism. He indicated that the Yushan Forum is a place to share experiences, and more importantly, lay down firm foundations for exchanges and cooperation among participants’ countries to create greater stability for the region and greater prosperity for the world. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I want to welcome our good friends joining us from around the world. Your presence shows support for a peaceful and stable Taiwan and a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The Yushan Forum has become more than just an important platform for the New Southbound Policy. Over these eight years, more than 3,600 participants from Taiwan and 28 other countries have helped deepen Taiwan’s connections with nations around the world. The New Southbound Policy has led to great success in economic and trade cooperation, professional exchanges, resource sharing, and building regional links. Looking ahead, the Yushan Forum will be taking on the important mission of carrying its legacy forward and transforming it into action. Not only must we turn consensus into action plans for close cooperation among countries in the region; we must also work with partners around the world to forge ahead with cooperative plans for mutual prosperity. We hope to envision a new world from Taiwan – and see Taiwan in this new world. We are also embracing an era of smart technology. The government sessions of this Yushan Forum are therefore centered around topics including smart healthcare, smart transportation, and resilient supply chains for semiconductors. Taiwan is intent on working side by side with other countries to face the challenges of this new era. Today’s Taiwan celebrates not only the democratic achievements that are recognized by the international community, but also our strengths in the semiconductor and other tech industries, which enable us to play a key role in restructuring global democratic supply chains and the economic order. We are building on Taiwan as a “silicon island” for semiconductors while accelerating innovation and AI applications for industry. These efforts will help Taiwan become an “AI island” as well. We are also developing forward-looking fields such as quantum technology and precision medicine, which will create an industry ecosystem that is highly competitive and innovative. The government will also develop economic models powered by innovation. This will help SMEs (small- and medium-sized enterprises) upgrade and transform through the power of digital transformation and net-zero transition. In the past, Taiwanese industries went from moving westward across the Taiwan Strait, to shifting southbound, to working closer with the north. But now, we are confidently stepping across the Pacific, reaching eastward, to the Americas and other regions. While staying firmly rooted in Taiwan, our enterprises are expanding their global presence and marketing worldwide. Taiwan will continue to engage with the world, and we welcome the world to come closer to Taiwan. As we gather here today, I am confident that we share the same goal: Through international cooperation, we hope to build an even more inclusive, resilient, prosperous Indo-Pacific, while jointly defending the democracy, freedom, and peace we so firmly believe in. I want to thank you all once again for supporting Taiwan. We will strive alongside our partners in democracy to bolster non-red supply chains and digital solidarity, and together respond to the threats and challenges posed by expanding authoritarianism. Yushan is also known as Jade Mountain. It is Taiwan’s highest peak and stands as firm as our unwavering spirit. During this critical time of global change and transformation, the Yushan Forum is a place where we can share our experiences, and more importantly, lay down firm foundations for exchanges and cooperation among our countries. This way, we can create greater stability for the region and greater prosperity for the world. I wish everyone a successful forum. Thank you. Also in attendance at the event were former Prime Minister of Denmark and Alliance of Democracies Foundation Chairman Anders Fogh Rasmussen, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Janez Janša, Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council Chairman Furuya Keiji, and American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

    Details
    2025-03-13
    President Lai holds press conference following high-level national security meeting
    On the afternoon of March 13, President Lai Ching-te convened a high-level national security meeting, following which he held a press conference. In remarks, President Lai introduced 17 major strategies to respond to five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces: China’s threat to national sovereignty, its threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting Taiwan’s military, its threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan, its threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges, and its threats from using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth. President Lai emphasized that in the face of increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and expressed hope that all citizens unite in solidarity to resist being divided. The president also expressed hope that citizens work together to increase media literacy, organize and participate in civic education activities, promptly expose concerted united front efforts, and refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, he said, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: At many venues recently, a number of citizens have expressed similar concerns to me. They have noticed cases in which members of the military, both active-duty and retired, have been bought out by China, sold intelligence, or even organized armed forces with plans to harm their own nation and its citizens. They have noticed cases in which entertainers willingly followed instructions from Beijing to claim that their country is not a country, all for the sake of personal career interests. They have noticed how messaging used by Chinese state media to stir up internal opposition in Taiwan is always quickly spread by specific channels. There have even been individuals making careers out of helping Chinese state media record united front content, spreading a message that democracy is useless and promoting skepticism toward the United States and the military to sow division and opposition. Many people worry that our country, as well as our hard-won freedom and democracy and the prosperity and progress we achieved together, are being washed away bit by bit due to these united front tactics. In an analysis of China’s united front, renowned strategic scholar Kerry K. Gershaneck expressed that China plans to divide and conquer us through subversion, infiltration, and acquisition of media, and by launching media warfare, psychological warfare, and legal warfare. What they are trying to do is to sow seeds of discord in our society, keep us occupied with internal conflicts, and cause us to ignore the real threat from outside. China’s ambition over the past several decades to annex Taiwan and stamp out the Republic of China has not changed for even a day. It continues to pursue political and military intimidation, and its united front infiltration of Taiwan’s society grows ever more serious. In 2005, China promulgated its so-called “Anti-Secession Law,” which makes using military force to annex Taiwan a national undertaking. Last June, China issued a 22-point set of “guidelines for punishing Taiwan independence separatists,” which regards all those who do not accept that “Taiwan is part of the People’s Republic of China” as targets for punishment, creating excuses to harm the people of Taiwan. China has also recently been distorting United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2758, showing in all aspects China’s increasingly urgent threat against Taiwan’s sovereignty. Lately, China has been taking advantage of democratic Taiwan’s freedom, diversity, and openness to recruit gangs, the media, commentators, political parties, and even active-duty and retired members of the armed forces and police to carry out actions to divide, destroy, and subvert us from within. A report from the National Security Bureau indicates that 64 persons were charged last year with suspicion of spying for China, which was three times the number of persons charged for the same offense in 2021. Among them, the Unionist Party, Rehabilitation Alliance Party, and Republic of China Taiwan Military Government formed treasonous organizations to deploy armed forces for China. In a democratic and free society, such cases are appalling. But this is something that actually exists within Taiwan’s society today. China also actively plots ways to infiltrate and spy on our military. Last year, 28 active-duty and 15 retired members of the armed forces were charged with suspicion of involvement in spying for China, respectively comprising 43 percent and 23 percent of all of such cases – 66 percent in total. We are also alert to the fact that China has recently used widespread issuance of Chinese passports to entice Taiwanese citizens to apply for the Residence Permit for Taiwan Residents, permanent residency, or the Resident Identity Card, in an attempt to muddle Taiwanese people’s sense of national identity. China also views cross-strait exchanges as a channel for its united front against Taiwan, marking enemies in Taiwan internally, creating internal divisions, and weakening our sense of who the enemy really is. It intends to weaken public authority and create the illusion that China is “governing” Taiwan, thereby expanding its influence within Taiwan. We are also aware that China has continued to expand its strategy of integrated development with Taiwan. It employs various methods to demand and coerce Taiwanese businesses to increase their investments in China, entice Taiwanese youth to develop their careers in China, and unscrupulously seeks to poach Taiwan’s talent and steal key technologies. Such methods impact our economic security and greatly increase the risk of our young people heading to China. By its actions, China already satisfies the definition of a “foreign hostile force” as provided in the Anti-Infiltration Act. We have no choice but to take even more proactive measures, which is my purpose in convening this high-level national security meeting today. It is time we adopt proper preventive measures, enhance our democratic resilience and national security, and protect our cherished free and democratic way of life. Next, I will be giving a detailed account of the five major national security and united front threats Taiwan now faces and the 17 major strategies we have prepared in response. I. Responding to China’s threats to our national sovereignty We have a nation insofar as we have sovereignty, and we have the Republic of China insofar as we have Taiwan. Just as I said during my inaugural address last May, and in my National Day address last October: The moment when Taiwan’s first democratically elected president took the oath of office in 1996 sent a message to the international community, that Taiwan is a sovereign, independent, democratic nation. Among people here and in the international community, some call this land the Republic of China, some call it Taiwan, and some, the Republic of China Taiwan. The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other, and Taiwan resists any annexation or encroachment upon our sovereignty. The future of the Republic of China Taiwan must be decided by its 23 million people. This is the status quo that we must maintain. The broadest consensus in Taiwanese society is that we must defend our sovereignty, uphold our free and democratic way of life, and resolutely oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (1) I request that the National Security Council (NSC), the Ministry of National Defense (MND), and the administrative team do their utmost to promote the Four Pillars of Peace action plan to demonstrate the people’s broad consensus and firm resolve, consistent across the entirety of our nation, to oppose annexation of Taiwan by China. (2) I request that the NSC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs draft an action plan that will, through collaboration with our friends and allies, convey to the world our national will and broad social consensus in opposing annexation of Taiwan by China and in countering China’s efforts to erase Taiwan from the international community and downgrade Taiwan’s sovereignty. II. Responding to China’s threats from infiltration and espionage activities targeting our military (1) Comprehensively review and amend our Law of Military Trial to restore the military trial system, allowing military judges to return to the frontline and collaborate with prosecutorial, investigative, and judicial authorities in the handling of criminal cases in which active-duty military personnel are suspected of involvement in such military crimes as sedition, aiding the enemy, leaking confidential information, dereliction of duty, or disobedience. In the future, criminal cases involving active-duty military personnel who are suspected of violating the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces will be tried by a military court. (2) Implement supporting reforms, including the establishment of a personnel management act for military judges and separate organization acts for military courts and military prosecutors’ offices. Once planning and discussion are completed, the MND will fully explain to and communicate with the public to ensure that the restoration of the military trial system gains the trust and full support of society. (3) To deter the various types of controversial rhetoric and behavior exhibited by active-duty as well as retired military personnel that severely damage the morale of our national military, the MND must discuss and propose an addition to the Criminal Code of the Armed Forces on penalties for expressions of loyalty to the enemy as well as revise the regulations for military personnel and their families receiving retirement benefits, so as to uphold military discipline. III. Responding to China’s threats aimed at obscuring the national identity of the people of Taiwan (1) I request that the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), and other relevant agencies, wherever necessary, carry out inspections and management of the documents involving identification that Taiwanese citizens apply for in China, including: passports, ID cards, permanent residence certificates, and residence certificates, especially when the applicants are military personnel, civil servants, or public school educators, who have an obligation of loyalty to Taiwan. This will be done to strictly prevent and deter united front operations, which are performed by China under the guise of “integrated development,” that attempt to distort our people’s national identity. (2) With respect to naturalization and integration of individuals from China, Hong Kong, and Macau into Taiwanese society, more national security considerations must be taken into account while also attending to Taiwan’s social development and individual rights: Chinese nationals applying for permanent residency in Taiwan must, in accordance with the law of Taiwan, relinquish their existing household registration and passport and may not hold dual identity status. As for the systems in place to process individuals from Hong Kong or Macau applying for residency or permanent residency in Taiwan, there will be additional provisions for long-term residency to meet practical needs. IV. Responding to China’s threats from united front infiltration into Taiwanese society through cross-strait exchanges  (1) There are increasing risks involved with travel to China. (From January 1, 2024 to today, the MAC has received reports of 71 Taiwanese nationals who went missing, were detained, interrogated, or imprisoned in China; the number of unreported people who have been subjected to such treatment may be several times that. Of those, three elderly I-Kuan Tao members were detained in China in December of last year and have not yet been released.) In light of this, relevant agencies must raise public awareness of those risks, continue enhancing public communication, and implement various registration systems to reduce the potential for accidents and the risks associated with traveling to China. (2) Implement a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public officials at all levels of the central and local government. This includes everyone from administrative officials to elected representatives, from legislators to village and neighborhood chiefs, all of whom should make the information related to such exchanges both public and transparent so that they can be accountable to the people. The MOI should also establish a disclosure system for exchanges with China involving public welfare organizations, such as religious groups, in order to prevent China’s interference and united front activities at their outset. (3) Manage the risks associated with individuals from China engaging in exchanges with Taiwan: Review and approval of Chinese individuals coming to Taiwan should be limited to normal cross-strait exchanges and official interactions under the principles of parity and dignity, and relevant factors such as changes in the cross-strait situation should be taken into consideration. Strict restrictions should be placed on Chinese individuals who have histories with the united front coming to Taiwan, and Chinese individuals should be prohibited from coming to Taiwan to conduct activities related in any way to the united front. (4) Political interference from China and the resulting risks to national security should be avoided in cross-strait exchanges. This includes the review and management of religious, cultural, academic, and education exchanges, which should in principle be depoliticized and de-risked so as to simplify people-to-people exchanges and promote healthy and orderly exchanges. (5) To deter the united front tactics of a cultural nature employed by Chinese nationals to undermine Taiwan’s sovereignty, the Executive Yuan must formulate a solution to make our local cultural industries more competitive, including enhanced support and incentives for our film, television, and cultural and creative industries to boost their strengths in democratic cultural creation, raise international competitiveness, and encourage research in Taiwan’s own history and culture. (6) Strengthen guidance and management for entertainers developing their careers in China. The competent authorities should provide entertainers with guidelines on conduct while working in China, and make clear the scope of investigation and response to conduct that endangers national dignity. This will help prevent China from pressuring Taiwanese entertainers to make statements or act in ways that endanger national dignity. (7) The relevant authorities must adopt proactive, effective measures to prevent China from engaging in cognitive warfare against Taiwan or endangering cybersecurity through the internet, applications, AI, and other such tools. (8) To implement these measures, each competent authority must run a comprehensive review of the relevant administrative ordinances, measures, and interpretations, and complete the relevant regulations for legal enforcement. Should there be any shortcomings, the legal framework for national security should be strengthened and amendments to the National Security Act, Anti-Infiltration Act, Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, Laws and Regulations Regarding Hong Kong & Macao Affairs, or Cyber Security Management Act should be proposed. Communication with the public should also be increased so that implementation can happen as soon as possible. V. Responding to threats from China using “integrated development” to attract Taiwanese businesspeople and youth (1) I request that the NSC and administrative agencies work together to carry out strategic structural adjustments to the economic and trade relations between Taiwan and China based on the strategies of putting Taiwan first and expanding our global presence while staying rooted in Taiwan. In addition, they should carry out necessary, orderly adjustments to the flow of talent, goods, money, and skills involved in cross-strait economic and trade relations based on the principle of strengthening Taiwan’s foundations to better manage risk. This will help boost economic security and give us more power to respond to China’s economic and trade united front and economic coercion against Taiwan. (2) I request that the Ministry of Education, MAC, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and other relevant agencies work together to comprehensively strengthen young students’ literacy education on China and deepen their understanding of cross-strait exchanges. I also request these agencies to widely publicize mechanisms for employment and entrepreneurship for Taiwan’s youth and provide ample information and assistance so that young students have more confidence in the nation’s future and more actively invest in building up and developing Taiwan. My fellow citizens, this year marks the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. History tells us that any authoritarian act of aggression or annexation will ultimately end in failure. The only way we can safeguard freedom and prevail against authoritarian aggression is through solidarity. As we face increasingly severe threats, the government will not stop doing its utmost to ensure that our national sovereignty is not infringed upon, and to ensure that the freedom, democracy, and way of life of Taiwan’s 23 million people continues on as normal. But relying solely on the power of the government is not enough. What we need even more is for all citizens to stay vigilant and take action. Every citizen stands on the frontline of the defense of democracy and freedom. Here is what we can do together: First, we can increase our media literacy, and refrain from spreading and passing on united front messaging from the Chinese state. Second, we can organize and participate in civic education activities to increase our knowledge about united front operations and build up whole-of-society defense resilience. Third, we can promptly expose concerted united front efforts so that all malicious attempts are difficult to carry out. Fourth, we must refuse to participate in any activities that sacrifice national interests. The vigilance and action of every citizen forms the strongest line of defense against united front infiltration. Only through solidarity can we resist being divided. As long as every citizen plays their part toward our nation’s goals for prosperity and security, and as long as we work together, nothing can defeat us.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: ClearGrid emerges from stealth with $10M to transform debt collection, starting with MENA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dubai, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Debt collection in MENA is stuck in the past – a fragmented landscape of manual processes, aggressive tactics, and poor outcomes that costs lenders billions while punishing borrowers. As the region’s $500 billion consumer lending market surges and consumer protection regulations tighten, traditional collection methods cannot deliver the reliable capital flows needed to maintain harmony in financial ecosystems. Today, ClearGrid announces its launch from stealth with $10M in funding to build the first modern debt collection infrastructure for the digital age, turning what was once a liability into a competitive advantage that reinforces the financial foundation of the entire MENA region.

    The funding comes across two rounds, with the pre-seed round co-led by Raed Ventures and Beco Capital, and the seed round co-led by Nuwa Capital and Raed Ventures. Additional institutional investors include Aramco’s Waed Ventures, KBW Ventures, Sharaka, 9yards Capital, Protagonist, BYLD, Eirad Holdings, Endeavor Catalyst, and Wamda Capital. The round also attracted marquee angel investors*.

    ClearGrid team is on a mission to transform collections in MENA.

    The company was founded by Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud, Mohammad Al Zaben, and Mohammad Al Khalili, who recognized that at its core, debt collection is fundamentally an information and coordination problem. After encountering these challenges firsthand in their careers, they set out to replace aggressive tactics with data-driven, compassionate solutions that work better for both sides of the equation – creating the equilibrium necessary for healthy economic growth.

    Co-Founder & CEO, Mohammad Al Zaben, said: “Collections should be an extension of good lending—not an afterthought. At ClearGrid, we’re reimagining debt resolution from the ground up, giving lenders the intelligence and tools they need to recover capital effectively while creating better outcomes for borrowers.”

    ClearGrid founders: Mohammad Khalili and Mohammad Al Zaben. 

    ClearGrid offers an AI-powered collections platform that automates every step of the recovery process – from borrower engagement to negotiations – helping lenders scale while providing a better borrower experience. By combining AI, self-service tools, and omni-channel outreach, ClearGrid reduces resolution times and increases recovery rates.

    Since its launch in 2024, ClearGrid has managed hundreds of millions in debt portfolios and secured partnerships with the largest fintech players in the Middle East and leading MENA banks. The company has signed over 10 major enterprise clients and built a robust pipeline for 2025, which includes expanding revenue in the UAE and entering the KSA market. Perhaps most impressive, ClearGrid has achieved profitability for its UAE operation within just a year of launch, though the company remains focused on scaling rather than profitability at this stage.

    ClearGrid platform: provides an overview of the complete debt recovery process.

    ClearGrid’s impact has been transformative. A major UAE bank doubled borrower engagement, leading to a 30% improvement in recovery rates. Leveraging ClearGrid’s AI-powered automation, a leading BNPL provider saw its early-stage debt resolution fully automated—with 95% of cases handled without human intervention—resulting in a doubling of performance and an outstanding 4.8/5 CSAT score. Beyond the numbers, borrowers who previously ignored traditional collection calls have started engaging when they feel their voice is heard and offered better options, like, principal waivers and flexible repayment plans. This improved borrower-lender dynamic builds economic confidence, reduces financial stress, and supports the stable credit markets that power economic development.

    Co-Founder & Chairman of ClearGrid KSA, Khalid Bin Bader Al Saud, said: “Financial systems must evolve with the digital world. Debt resolution should be a bridge to stability, not a roadblock. At ClearGrid, we’re redefining collections with a data-driven, technology-first approach that strengthens trust, ensuring credit fuels growth not distress. This is just the first step in building the infrastructure for the future of debt resolution.” 

    As digital lending accelerates across the MENA region, the need for efficient, technology-driven collections solutions grows. Lenders are seeking ways to improve borrower experiences and gain insights from data – a demand that ClearGrid is uniquely positioned to meet. While legacy collection agencies remain stuck in old models with manual outreach and poor borrower experiences, ClearGrid’s AI-driven approach is faster, smarter, and delivers a fundamentally better experience.

    Founding Partner at Raed Ventures, Omar Majdouie, said: “ClearGrid is tackling a critical pain point in the MENA debt collection industry with a truly innovative approach. Their AI-powered platform not only drives significant operational efficiencies for lenders but also fosters a more positive and sustainable relationship with borrowers. This balance is essential for the healthy growth of the region’s digital lending landscape, and we’re excited to support their mission to modernize collections and drive financial inclusion across the region.”

    Founding Partner at Nuwa Capital, Khaled Talhouni, said: “We invest in founders who see inefficiencies as opportunities for reinvention. Khalid, Mohammad, and Mohammed are doing exactly that with ClearGrid—turning debt resolution from a fragmented, outdated process into a unique commercial opportunity. By leveraging AI and automation, they are not just improving collections but fundamentally reshaping how lenders engage with borrowers, setting a new standard for the industry.”

    Looking ahead, ClearGrid’s vision extends far beyond its current offerings to tackle wider challenges in the lending life cycle. The company plans to build cutting-edge collections systems leveraging AI and machine learning, develop a comprehensive enterprise platform for early risk detection and credit orchestration, and unlock new revenue streams through alternative risk assessments, AI-powered debt counseling, and debt consolidation. This ambitious roadmap positions ClearGrid not just as a collections solution, but as the foundation for a more transparent, efficient financial system across MENA and beyond.

    *List of angels: Anu Hariharan (Avra), Jason Gardner (Marqeta), Bjorn Wagner (Parity Technologies), Amjad Masad (Replit), Vinay Menda (Blank Street), Justin Kan (Twitch), Mohammed Ballout (Kitopi), Sultan Olayan, Ahmed Alenazi (Barq), Ahmed Hamdan (Unifonic), and additional founders from the US and MENA. 

    Ends 

    Notes to the editor
    Media images can be found here. For further information please contact the ClearGrid press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

    About ClearGrid
    ClearGrid is a technology company dedicated to building modern collections infrastructure that empowers lenders and improves borrower outcomes. Leveraging AI and data-driven insights, ClearGrid offers end-to-end solutions that streamline debt resolution, reduce costs, and drive recovery rates for financial institutions. Founded in late 2023, the company operates from the UAE and is rapidly expanding across the MENA region. For more information please visit https://www.cleargrid.ai/

    Ends 

    Notes to the editor
    Media images can be found here. For further information please contact the ClearGrid press office: Bilal Mahmood on b.mahmood@stockwoodstrategy.com or +44 (0) 771 400 7257.

    About ClearGrid
    ClearGrid is a technology company dedicated to building modern collections infrastructure that empowers lenders and improves borrower outcomes. Leveraging AI and data-driven insights, ClearGrid offers end-to-end solutions that streamline debt resolution, reduce costs, and drive recovery rates for financial institutions. Founded in late 2023, the company operates from the UAE and is rapidly expanding across the MENA region.

    About Raed Ventures
    Raed Ventures is a Saudi-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups across MENA. The firm partners with ambitious entrepreneurs to support their growth and create long-term value through strategic investments and market expertise.

    About Beco Capital
    Beco Capital is a leading venture capital firm in the MENA region, investing in technology companies that are transforming industries. With a focus on empowering entrepreneurs, Beco Capital has been a key backer of some of the region’s most successful startups.

    About Nuwa Capital
    Nuwa Capital is a forward-thinking venture capital firm that partners with founders redefining markets in the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond. The firm provides capital, strategic guidance, and a global network to help startups scale rapidly.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Roach Howard Smith & Barton Selects Applied Pay to Digitize Premium Payments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Chicago, IL., March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Applied Systems® today announced that Roach Howard Smith & Barton (RHSB), the exclusive Assurex Global partner in North Texas, has adopted Applied Pay to simplify and speed up their premium collection process. The firm is using Applied Pay with its native integration into its core management system to automate payment reconciliation, reducing the efforts and delays associated with collecting paper check payments.

    “Our staff experienced a lot of delays waiting for checks to arrive and utilized valuable personnel resources sorting the mail and determining which payments went to which accounts,” said Stacie Rand, AVP, Quality Program Manager, RHSB. “Applied Pay’s convenient payment link eliminates the need for clients to mail in paper checks, ensuring we receive their payments in a timely fashion and can reconcile them with minimal effort.” 

    Applied Pay is a cloud-based electronic payments hub that enables agents and brokers to provide their clients with a secure, online way to pay for new and recurring premiums. Directly integrated into Applied Epic, Applied CSR24 and EZLynx Client Center, Applied Pay provides intuitive, branded checkout pages where policyholders can go to pay for premiums via credit/debit card or ACH bank transfer. It automatically handles payment authorization and tokenizes sensitive information to increase security and ensure compliance. The solution also leverages intelligent automation to reconcile receivables at the account level, reducing the time and effort presently needed to reconcile payments.

    “Agencies need to be thoughtful and strategic about how they utilize their resources, and unfortunately, manually collecting and reconciling payments squanders valuable time and labor,” said Chase Petrey, President, Applied Pay, Applied Systems. “Applied Pay’s full-cycle accounts receivable capabilities relieve this burden, reducing internal workloads so the RHSB team can devote more time to their clients.”

    # # #

    The Applied products and logos are trademarks of Applied Systems, Inc., registered in the U.S.

    About Applied Systems
    Applied Systems is the leading global provider of cloud-based software that powers the business of insurance. Recognized as a pioneer in insurance automation and the innovation leader, Applied is the world’s largest provider of agency and brokerage management systems, serving customers throughout the United States, Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and the United Kingdom. By automating the insurance lifecycle, Applied’s people and products enable millions of people around the world to safeguard and protect what matters most.

    About RHSB
    RHSB (Roach Howard Smith & Barton) is an insurance brokerage firm with a rich history spanning 80 years. It was established through the merger of two distinguished agencies, united by a shared commitment to service and complementary strengths in product offerings and industry expertise.  The company takes pride in its extensive experience and client-centric approach. It is the exclusive Assurex Global partner in North Texas. RHSB maintains its roots in Dallas and Fort Worth, with offices in both cities providing a suite of services to businesses, families, and individuals. Their offerings encompass a wide range of insurance solutions, risk management strategies, and employee benefit plans, serving clients locally, nationally, and globally. RHSB’s dedication to client-first service and community engagement continues to be the cornerstone of its success and reputation.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Drone Services Market Size Predicted to Surpass Around $555 Billion By 2034

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – The drone services worldwide market has been growing substantially in recent years and is projected to continue into the several years to come. According to a report from Precedence Research, the global drone services market size accounted for USD 24.56 billion in 2024, grew to USD 33.55 billion in 2025 and is predicted to surpass around USD 555.58 billion by 2034, representing a healthy CAGR of 36.60% between 2024 and 2034. The North America drone services market size is calculated at USD 8.84 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a fastest CAGR of 36.78% during the forecast year. The report said: “North America held the highest share of the global drone services market in terms of value. This is due to major service providers’ presence and early adoption of high-end drone technologies. Furthermore, the region’s market is driven by increased demand for aerial photography in the real estate and construction sectors. The US is a significant market for drone services in North America, accounting for a large share of the region’s market.   Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Large drone service providers exist in APAC countries such as China and Japan. Limited regulation on commercial drone use and price drop drive market demand. Furthermore, the rise is attributed to increased government and OEM investments in drone services propelling the market. The rising demand for industry-specific solutions and the increasing demand for time-efficient delivery are driving the growth of the drone service market… Along with this, the growing initiative from governments and regulatory bodies to develop drones propels the market forward.”   Active Companies in the drone industry today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), Unusual Machines (NYSE: UMAC), ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PRZO).

    Precedence Research continued: “Due to the widespread availability of low-cost drones, photography has become well-known for applications requiring high-resolution cameras. Aerial photography offers new perspectives on innovative city projects, large township projects, and multi-story building projects. Mini drones are also becoming popular for wedding photography and videography. Furthermore, the real estate and infrastructure industries also see increased demand for drones. Drones are used for various commercial purposes, including agriculture, transportation, mapping, aerial photography, and videography. Drones increase productivity and improve farming methods. The growing demand for precision farming propels the agricultural industry and expands the drone services market. Precision farming has the potential to increase crop productivity.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Signs Seventh LOI to Acquire a Land Survey Company in Southeast Region Contributing to Drone as a Service Strategy – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a technology company specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drone, Drone as a Service (DaaS), enterprise SaaS and Quantum Computing solutions, announces that it has signed an LOI (Letter of Intent) to acquire a seventh land survey engineering company located in Florida, marking the fourth LOI in the Southeast Region. The company has closed one acquisition in this region to date so upon completion, this would be the second closed acquisition in the Southeast Region. Having two locations in this region will serve as a launchpad to further regional development and ZenaTech’s national DaaS business model bringing the speed and precision of AI drone solutions in a convenient subscription or pay-per-use business model to commercial and government customers.

    “Florida is strategic to our Drone as a Service strategy as it offers year-round flying conditions, a favorable innovation environment including consistent state-wide regulations, and existing government drone use for public safety, disaster response, and transportation monitoring. With growing commercial sector interest in agriculture, real estate, construction, and industrial inspection applications, we see multiple growth paths to help customers use drones to drive extraordinary efficiencies,” said CEO Shaun Passley, Ph.D.

    ZenaTech’s Drones as a Service or DaaS model is similar to Software as a Service (SaaS), but instead of providing software solutions over the Internet, the company will offer ZenaDrone solutions and services on a subscription or pay-per-use basis. Customers can conveniently access drones for manual or time-consuming tasks achieving more insight and precision, such as for surveying, inspections, security and law enforcement, or precision agriculture applications, without having to buy, operate, or maintain the drones themselves.

    The DaaS business model offers customers such as government agencies, real estate developers, construction firms, farmers or energy companies reduced upfront costs as there is no need to purchase expensive drones, as well as convenience, as there is no need to manage maintenance and operation. The model also offers scalability to use more often or less often based on business needs and enables access to advanced drone technology sensors or attachments like spraying, without the need for specialized training.

    Accurate land surveys are essential for the planning, designing, and executing roads, bridges, and building projects for cities, commercial, and residential projects, and are required for legal purposes. Remotely piloted drones with an array of sensors and cameras, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), and GPS systems for capturing high-resolution pictures and data are revolutionizing the land survey industry gathering aerial data across expansive terrains in a matter of hours instead of weeks or months using more traditional photogrammetry methods.   Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the drone industry include:

    EHang Holdings Limited (NASDAQ: EH), the world’s leading Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) technology platform company, recently announced its unaudited financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Mr. Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EHang: “We are thrilled to have concluded 2024 with a series of achievements that have propelled us closer to the widespread commercial adoption of eVTOLs. As a pioneer in the UAM industry, we achieved our highest-ever quarterly and annual eVTOL deliveries, driving revenues to record-high levels and delivering our first year of non-GAAP profitability. This underscores the accelerating adoption of our pilotless eVTOL solutions. We worked on our production capacity expansion, deepened ecosystem partnerships for infrastructure and talents, and advanced our footprint in Asia, Europe and South America. Looking ahead to 2025, our focus remains on driving innovation, expanding our operational network, and scaling production to meet increasing demands and unlock the full potential of UAM. We are confident in our ability to lead the transformation of aerial transportation and deliver long-term value to our stakeholders.”

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of best-in-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS), sensors and software solutions for customers worldwide in the commercial and government verticals, recently announced the recent completion of a successful four-day proof-of-concept demonstration with France’s Directorate General for Maritime Affairs, Fisheries, and Aquaculture (DGAMPA) testing eBee VISION’s advanced capabilities.

    AgEagle CEO Bill Irby commented, “This successful demonstration underscores the potential of the eBee VISION for enhancing maritime security and environmental protection efforts. Multiple flights were carried out in diverse conditions, both day and night. Our eBee VISION demonstrated outstanding performance, operating within a 20 km range and temperatures as low as 5°C, as well as landing smoothly on sand. Throughout the trials, various observation scenarios were tested for maritime control and surveillance, all of which were completed with positive results. This success not only highlights the robust performance of our technology but also validates the potential for growth across various markets.”

    Unusual Machines (NYSE: UMAC), a leading provider of NDAA-compliant drone components, recently announced that its Fat Shark Aura FPV Camera has been added to the U.S. Defense Department’s Defense Innovation Unit’s (DIU) Blue UAS Framework. It is the only camera on the Blue UAS list purpose-built for first person view (“FPV”) applications, providing a high-performance, NDAA-compliant option for defense and government users.  

    This approval marks another step forward in Unusual Machines’ mission to supply NDAA-compliant FPV components for both commercial and defense applications. The Fat Shark Aura FPV Camera joins the Rotor Riot Brave F7 Flight Controller and Brave 55A ESC, both of which have already been approved under the Blue UAS Framework.

    ParaZero Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: PRZO), an aerospace company focused on safety systems for commercial unmanned aircrafts and defense Counter UAS systems, recently announced that is has received its first order from the strategic partnership that the company recently announced that it entered into with ABOT, one of France’s largest drone distributors of advanced drone solutions for various industries. This partnership, announced earlier this month, was established as part of the company’s effort to expand the availability of its cutting-edge SafeAirTM parachute recovery systems in the French market. Under this new collaboration, ABOT will become an official reseller of ParaZero’s SafeAir products in France, with the two companies jointly launching a new brand, ABOT-PZ SafeAir, to align with local market preferences.

    ParaZero’s SafeAir system is a state-of-the-art drone safety solution designed to enable safe and legal drone operations in urban and high-risk environments. The system features an autonomous parachute deployment mechanism, real-time monitoring and advanced failure detection, ensuring a controlled descent in the event of an emergency. SafeAir provides a critical safety layer for commercial drone operations, supporting compliance with global aviation regulations.

    About FN Media Group:

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    DISCLAIMER: FN Media Group LLC (FNM), which owns and operates FinancialNewsMedia.com and MarketNewsUpdates.com, is a third party publisher and news dissemination service provider, which disseminates electronic information through multiple online media channels. FNM is NOT affiliated in any manner with any company mentioned herein. FNM and its affiliated companies are a news dissemination solutions provider and are NOT a registered broker/dealer/analyst/adviser, holds no investment licenses and may NOT sell, offer to sell or offer to buy any security. FNM’s market updates, news alerts and corporate profiles are NOT a solicitation or recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. The material in this release is intended to be strictly informational and is NEVER to be construed or interpreted as research material. All readers are strongly urged to perform research and due diligence on their own and consult a licensed financial professional before considering any level of investing in stocks. All material included herein is republished content and details which were previously disseminated by the companies mentioned in this release. FNM is not liable for any investment decisions by its readers or subscribers. Investors are cautioned that they may lose all or a portion of their investment when investing in stocks. For current services performed FNM has been compensated fifty one hundred dollars for news coverage of the current press releases issued by ZenaTech, Inc. by the Company. FNM HOLDS NO SHARES OF ANY COMPANY NAMED IN THIS RELEASE.

    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. “Forward-looking statements” describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies and are generally preceded by words such as “may”, “future”, “plan” or “planned”, “will” or “should”, “expected,” “anticipates”, “draft”, “eventually” or “projected”. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, and other risks identified in a company’s annual report on Form 10-K or 10-KSB and other filings made by such company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should consider these factors in evaluating the forward-looking statements included herein, and not place undue reliance on such statements. The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and FNM undertakes no obligation to update such statements.

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    SOURCE: FN Media Group

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: John Snow Labs Introduces First Commercially Available Medical Reasoning LLM at NVIDIA GTC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LEWES, Del., March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — John Snow Labs, the AI for healthcare company, today announced Medical LLM Reasoner, the first commercially available healthcare-specific reasoning large language model (LLM) to date. Rather than simple knowledge recall with traditional LLMs to mimic reasoning [1,2], these models represent a significant advancement in AI-driven medical problem solving with systems that can meaningfully assist healthcare professionals in complex diagnostic, operational, and planning decisions.

    The model was trained using a recipe inspired by that of deepseek-r1 [3], introducing self-reflection capabilities through reinforcement learning. Developed with NVIDIA tools, the company is releasing the Medical LLM Reasoner at the NVIDIA GTC 2025 Conference.

    Clinical reasoning is central to healthcare, encompassing the cognitive processes physicians use to evaluate patients, consider evidence, and make decisions. John Snow Labs’ medical reasoning models are designed to emulate three types of common reasoning patterns in clinical practice [4]:

    • Deductive reasoning – such as systematically applying clinical guidelines, protocols, and established medical knowledge to specific patient scenarios
    • Inductive reasoning – such as identifying patterns across individual patient cases and generating hypotheses about underlying causes or connections
    • Abductive reasoning – making the most plausible inference with limited information, as happens when making time-sensitive decisions about a patient

    These models benefit from a reasoning-optimized training dataset, a hybrid training methodology, medical decision tree integration, and self-consistency verification layers. They are designed to elaborate on their thought processes, consider multiple hypotheses, evaluate evidence systematically, and explain conclusions transparently. The Medical LLM Reasoner can track multiple variables, hypotheses, and evidence points simultaneously without losing context.

    The Medical LLM Reasoner is available in two sizes, 14B and 32B, both with a 32k context window. The 32B model achieves an average score of 82.57% on the OpenMed benchmarks, while the 14B model achieves 80.04% – along with the benefit of verbalizing the chain of thought leading to each answer. These scores outperform the 32B reasoning models by Qwen2.5 (82.02%) and R1 (79.40%). The models also perform well on reasoning benchmarks like Math 500 (81.5% for the 32B model) and BigBench-Hard (64.8% for the 14B model). The Medical Reasoning LLM is designed to run privately inside each customer’s infrastructure, without any calls to third-party APIs, simplifying compliance when reasoning over confidential medical information.

    The training process ran on a cluster of NVIDIA H100-accelerated servers and makes use of a number of NVIDIA software libraries, including NCCL for efficient multi-GPU communication during distributed training and TensorRT for inference optimization and deployment testing.

    While existing benchmarks effectively measure medical knowledge, they inadequately assess the sophisticated reasoning capabilities that are essential for clinical practice. To address this gap, John Snow Labs is developing new specialized benchmarks for clinical reasoning, consistency, safety, and uncertainty quantification, furthering its commitment to responsible AI.

    To learn more about Medical LLM Reasoner, visit: https://www.johnsnowlabs.com/healthcare-llm/.

    About John Snow Labs
    John Snow Labs, the AI for healthcare company, provides state-of-the-art software, models, and data to help healthcare and life science organizations put AI to good use. Developer of Medical LLMS, Healthcare NLP, Spark NLP, Spark NLP, the Generative AI Lab No-Code Platform, and the Medical Chatbot, John Snow Labs’ award-winning medical AI software powers the world’s leading pharmaceuticals, academic medical centers, and health technology companies. Creator and host of The NLP Summit, the company is committed to further educating and advancing the global AI community.

    Contact
    Gina Devine
    Head of Communications
    John Snow Labs
    gina@johnsnowlabs.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ESO Pioneers Connected EMS Platform to Drive Efficiencies for Resource-Constrained Agencies

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ESO, a leading data services and software provider for EMS, fire departments, hospitals, and state and federal agencies, today announced new enhancements to its Electronic Health Record (EHR) platform to improve connectivity between EMS, dispatch, incident reporting and patient health records as demand on emergency services continues to rise.

    The latest enhancements follow ESO’s acquisition of Logis Solutions in 2024 and allow resource-constrained agencies to better predict where EMS resources should be prioritized to achieve better patient outcomes.

    “EMS providers are demanding patient-centered, mobile-enabled solutions in the field that meet their communities’ unique needs,” said Eric Beck, president and CEO of ESO. “Our EHR platform directly responds to our learnings from EMS professionals who need technology that enables them to work smarter, not harder. When providers have better tools, patients receive better care. We are continuing to evolve the platform with additional customizations and intelligence to serve EMS organizations and their communities.”

    In addition to ESO EHR’s high-quality documentation, critical care features, simplified reporting and intuitive workflows, the platform now includes features such as:

    • Longitudinal record, which enables EMS agencies to access vital patient data before, during and after care for a more holistic view of the patient’s long-term health.
    • Improved functionality that powers mobile integrated healthcare (MIH) and community paramedic workflows.
    • A native iOS application equipped with hands-free data collection, voice commands and device scanning.

    “ESO helps us understand what’s actually happening on calls that receive a certain dispatch code,” said Jeff Williams, deputy medical director of Wake County Emergency Medical Services. “By using that information, we can be more efficient and targeted in terms of the prioritization of our responses in terms of what units we send to responses.”

    In parallel, ESO plans to unveil several additional advancements in 2025 built to improve resource utilization, team efficiencies and patient care—including 911 dispatch assistance and auto-generated narratives for patient care reporting. Early adopters have reported success indicators including an 80% reduction in total narrative documentation time for EMS clinicians and a 30% reduction in time-to-lock a record.

    To learn more, sign up for a live demo of the ESO EHR platform here, or see it on-site at ESO’s annual data conference from April 22 to April 24, 2025, in Austin, Texas.

    About ESO
    ESO (ESO Solutions, Inc.) is dedicated to improving community health and safety through the power of data. Since its founding in 2004, the company continues to pioneer innovative, user-friendly software to meet the changing needs of today’s EMS agencies, fire departments, hospitals, and state and federal offices. ESO currently serves thousands of customers across the globe with a broad software portfolio, including the industry-leading ESO Electronic Health Record (EHR), the next-generation ePCR; ESO Health Data Exchange (HDE), the first-of-its-kind health care interoperability platform; ESO Fire RMS, the modern fire Record Management System; ESO Patient Registry (trauma, burn and stroke registry software); and ESO State Repository. ESO is headquartered in Austin, Texas. For more information, visit www.eso.com.

    Media Contact:
    For ESO,
    Hope Sander
    Red Fan Communications
    eso@redfancommunications.com
    737-280-8783

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Flourish to Acquire Sora Finance, Creating First Comprehensive Deposits and Lending Platform for RIAs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Flourish, a platform that helps registered investment advisors (RIAs) grow by evolving from holistic advice to holistic implementation, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Sora Finance (Sora), an AI-driven liability optimization platform for advisors. The acquisition creates one of the industry’s first comprehensive platforms addressing both asset and liability management for RIAs, empowering independent advisors to bring cash and lending services to their clients.

    Sora works with over 750 financial advisors, helping advisors visualize, analyze, and optimize their clients’ loans across mortgages, HELOCs, student loans, credit cards, and more. Leveraging AI-based insights and real-time rates from nationwide lenders, the platform alerts advisors when clients have an opportunity to save money or improve loan performance.

    Sora will continue to operate as a standalone business, providing full support for existing advisors and clients, until Flourish fully integrates Sora’s technology and capabilities, expected in early 2026.

    “This acquisition represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of wealth management and the future of the Flourish platform, furthering our mission of helping advisors fully implement every part of their clients’ financial plans. By combining Flourish’s leading cash management solution in Flourish Cash with Sora’s lending expertise and technology, we’re creating a uniquely comprehensive platform that empowers advisors to bring services traditionally associated with banks directly to their clients,” said Flourish CEO Max Lane. “For the first time, advisors can now aggregate both sides of the balance sheet to analyze cashflows, optimize existing liabilities, and opportunistically leverage credit at competitive rates via a delightful experience that ‘just works.’ Providing both cash management and lending capabilities strengthens client retention, grows and retains assets, and ultimately transforms the advisor role from investment manager to a truly holistic financial wellness advocate.”

    The acquisition addresses several key challenges for advisors:

    • Client and asset retention: Property purchases represent one of the primary reasons clients withdraw assets from advisory management. Sora’s AI-driven mortgage optimization capabilities help advisors retain more assets by identifying the ideal loans and refinancing opportunities.
    • Holistic service: High-net-worth clients increasingly demand comprehensive financial advice that addresses both assets and liabilities.
    • Next-Gen appeal: Liability management services particularly resonate with younger clients, positioning advisors to better serve next-generation wealth.

    “We founded Sora with a vision of helping people optimize their liabilities, which have now reached $18T in household debt across America. We are incredibly excited to bring Sora’s deep expertise in lending and mortgages to Flourish advisors and their clients, and in the process, help transform wealth management as a whole. By integrating Sora’s specialized liability management offering, the more than 900 RIAs already leveraging Flourish for their clients can create even more meaningful value and ‘wow’ moments for their clients,” said Sora Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Rohit Agarwal. 

    “Clients expect comprehensive banking services from their advisors and that means support across the balance sheet. We are excited to bring lending services to more advisors and, in the process, retain assets that might otherwise leave their management during major life events like property purchases,” said Sora Co-Founder and Co-CEO, Siddhartha Oza.

    Over 900 RIAs managing over $1.6 trillion in combined assets trust Flourish to help them fully execute financial plans and bring more assets into their orbit. As a platform that helps RIAs grow by evolving from holistic advice to holistic implementation, Flourish also allows advisors to feature their firm’s branding as well as providing client-friendly marketing materials, premium support, the ability to charge advisor service fees, and more

    ABOUT FLOURISH
    Flourish builds technology that empowers financial advisors, improves financial lives and retirement outcomes, and delivers new and innovative investment options to advisors. Today, the Flourish platform supports more than $7 billion in assets under custody and is used by more than 900 wealth management firms representing more than $1.6 trillion in assets under management. Flourish is wholly-owned by Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual). For more information, visit www.flourish.com. 

    ABOUT SORA 
    Sora Finance is an AI-driven debt optimization platform helping financial advisors manage and improve their clients’ liabilities. The platform automatically analyzes client debt across mortgages, HELOCs, student loans, and credit cards, providing unmatched visibility and proactively alerting advisors when clients can save money. For more information, visit www.sorafinance.com.

    Forward Looking Statements
    This press release may contain forward looking statements that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Actual results, performance, or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied.

    Flourish is an online platform through which investors can access financial services and products. Flourish’s offerings are provided by different entities and are subject to different terms, investor protections, and risks. Flourish Cash is offered by Flourish Financial LLC, a registered broker-dealer and FINRA member. Flourish Financial LLC is not a bank. Check the background of Flourish Financial LLC and its personnel on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. Flourish Annuities refers generally to the annuity platform operated by Flourish Technologies LLC, where applicable, and to Flourish Insurance Agency LLC in its capacity as a licensed insurance producer providing insurance services related to such platform. Flourish Insurance Agency LLC does business in California under the name Flourish Digital Insurance Agency. An annuity is an insurance contract. Annuities shown on the platform are sold through Flourish Insurance Agency LLC, a licensed insurance producer, with offices in Jersey City, New Jersey, and are issued by one or more approved licensed life insurance companies. The Flourish entities mentioned above are affiliates. Flourish Cash and Flourish Annuities accounts are separate accounts and only assets in Flourish Cash accounts may be eligible for protection by the FDIC or SIPC. Please review the Legal section of our website, and the disclosures provided with each Flourish service or product, for further information. © 2025 Flourish. All rights reserved.

    A Flourish Cash account is a brokerage account offered by Flourish Financial LLC, a registered broker-dealer and FINRA member. Flourish Financial LLC is not a bank. Check the background of Flourish Financial LLC and its personnel on FINRA’s BrokerCheck. The cash balance in a Flourish Cash account will be swept from the brokerage account to deposit account(s) at one or more third-party Program Banks that have agreed to accept deposits from customers of Flourish Financial LLC. The accounts at Program Banks will pay a variable rate of interest. The cash balance in a Flourish Cash account that is swept to one or more Program Banks is eligible for FDIC insurance, subject to FDIC rules, including FDIC aggregate insurance coverage limits. FDIC insurance will not be provided until the funds arrive at the Program Bank. Flourish Cash’s current Program Banks can be found here. For additional information regarding FDIC coverage, visit https://fdic.gov/ and https://www.flourish.com/advisors.

    Home lending products offered by SoraFinance, Inc. SoraFinance, Inc. is a licensed mortgage broker. NMLS #2355841. 1007 General Kennedy Avenue, Suite 3 San Francisco, CA 94129. Not available in all states. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Carronade Says Dramatic Change Needed at Cannae Holdings to Halt Persistent Underperformance and Egregious Governance Practices

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Nominates Four Director Candidates with Expertise, Independence and Accountability Required to Unlock Shareholder Value

    Believes Proposed Initiatives Could Result in Share Price Upside of at Least 50%

    DARIEN, Conn., March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carronade Capital Management, LP (together with its affiliates, “Carronade Capital”, “our” or “we”), which beneficially owns approximately 2.9 million shares of Common Stock of Cannae Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNNE) (“Cannae” or the “Company”) and is one of the Company’s top five shareholders, today announced it has issued the below letter to Cannae’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) and nominated four independent director candidates for the four Board seats up for election at the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

    Carronade Capital believes Cannae’s total shareholder return and corporate governance can be meaningfully improved, and significant opportunities exist to unlock substantial value for all shareholders. We believe Cannae can halt persistent underperformance and restore shareholder confidence by improving capital allocation and unlocking portfolio value through spin outs or buybacks, reducing overhead costs and aligning management incentives, and establishing corporate governance and accountability. If decisive action is taken, we believe that Cannae equity could have a share price upside of at least 50% as a result of activities initiated by year end.

    Carronade’s four highly qualified nominees are as follows:

    Mona Aboelnaga

    • 35 years of experience including at Siguler Guff & Company and Proctor Investment Managers with expertise in investment management and private equity industries.
    • Extensive corporate governance expertise as a board member of both public and private companies including Webster Financial, a financial services company, Perpetual Limited, an Australian-based diversified global financial services company, and Sterling Bancorp, a regional financial services company.

    Benjamin Duster

    • 45 years of experience including at Wells Fargo and Salomon Brothers with expertise in working with companies to improve execution effectiveness and create long-term sustainable value.
    • Extensive public and private company board service including Expand Energy, an oil and gas production company, Weatherford International, a global energy services company, Republic First Bancorp, a commercial bank, and Alaska Communications Systems, a broadband and telecommunications service provider.

    Dennis Prieto

    • 21 years of experience including at Aurelius Capital Management and Evercore with expertise in financial analysis and restructuring oversight.
    • Significant investment management and board experience including GO Lab, a privately held building products company, Aventiv Technologies, a provider of telecommunications and technology solutions, Mohawk Gaming Enterprises, a gaming company, and Endo International GUC Trust, a trust established to obtain recoveries for creditors of Endo International plc.

    Cherie Schaible

    • 24 years of experience including as General Counsel of Ankura Consulting Group and Associate General Counsel of AIG Investments with expertise in complex legal and financial matters.
    • Extensive experience in structuring, negotiating and leading a variety of corporate legal matters in public and private companies.

    The full text of the letter is below:

    March 20, 2025

    Cannae Holdings, Inc.
    1701 Village Center Circle
    Las Vegas, Nevada 89134
    Attn: Board of Directors

    Dear Members of the Board of Directors,

    Entities managed by Carronade Capital Management, LP (together with its affiliates, “Carronade Capital” or “We” or “Us” or “Our”) beneficially own approximately 2.9 million shares of Common Stock of Cannae Holdings, Inc. (“Cannae” or the “Company” or “You” or “Your”), making us one of your top five investors. We believe Cannae’s total shareholder return (“TSR”) and corporate governance can be meaningfully improved, and significant opportunities exist within the control of both management and the Board of Directors (the “Board”) to unlock substantial value for all shareholders. We are reiterating these previously communicated views to you, and the broader market, to ensure the entire Board is made aware of our discussions to date and to highlight this potential value creation opportunity in the hope of building a consensus for the best path forward.

    Our letter today outlines why we believe the status quo at Cannae is untenable and why dramatic change is required to halt persistent underperformance and egregious governance practices for the benefit of all stakeholders. We believe there are numerous ways to drive value creation, and, by extension, shareholder returns, including by reducing costs and aligning incentives, improving capital allocation, unlocking the value of the parts of the portfolio, and establishing corporate governance and accountability by reconstituting the Board with truly independent directors. If Cannae takes decisive action to properly implement these achievable steps and rebuild investor confidence, we believe that the equity could have share price upside of at least 50% as a result of activities initiated by year-end.

    The Status Quo is Untenable

    In our view, there is an urgent need for changes in strategy and governance based on Cannae’s substantial long-term relative TSR underperformance, persistent discount to intrinsic value, shareholder frustration with corporate strategy, and a pattern of governance deficiencies that we believe have significantly hindered the Company’s ability to create shareholder value. Our concerns are underscored by the high degree of interconnectedness amongst the current directors and Cannae’s classified Board structure which, among other governance concerns, have resulted in repeated adverse voting recommendations from leading proxy advisory firms. We were further shocked by the Board’s egregious actions earlier this week, while we were engaged in active settlement discussions, to accelerate equity vesting for directors if they fail to be re-elected by shareholders and to require the repurchase of half of CEO and Chairman Bill Foley’s shares at a significant premium to market prices. This is on top of his already rich compensation package if he invokes his right to resign because a single director is elected without his consent. That a Board of Directors deemed these actions consistent with their fiduciary duties and in the best interest of shareholders demonstrates a complete lack of independence and an abdication of their duty. We believe such an offensive combination of entrenchment techniques and unfair enrichment are beyond the pale and make it crystal clear that immediate change is necessary in the boardroom.

    Management’s stated strategy consists of “improving the performance and valuation of our portfolio companies, making new investments primarily in private companies that will grow NAV, and returning capital to shareholders.”1 Put plainly, management’s plan is not working. Cannae has a valuable collection of assets, but buybacks to date have failed to close the discount due to market concerns around overall strategy and perceived misalignment of interests between management and shareholders. Shareholders have consistently shared concerns that they do not want Cannae to sell public shares to invest in small private positions with no disclosure – such actions we believe would only compound the current problems and Cannae’s persistent value discount. Despite a handful of successful investments in the past, the current portfolio of private investments is consistently marked at cost and the remaining investments in public equities have destroyed approximately $900 million of value.2 Market feedback that we have gathered to date suggests a near unanimous view that numerous shareholders prefer a return of their capital as opposed to management’s stated goal of selling down public positions to invest more in private equity.

    “Since Ceridian, they have made a bunch of bad capital allocation decisions…We would rather them distribute value than re-invest. They haven’t earned the right to keep that capital.”
    – Top 10 Shareholder, Nov. 2024
     

    Furthermore, a lack of strategic cohesion amongst investments and limited portfolio company disclosure weigh on investor confidence. There has been no clear investment narrative for shareholders to rally behind, as we consistently hear Cannae described simply as the Bill Foley co-investment vehicle. Additionally, we believe the persistent marking of private investments at cost without balance sheet information and absence of third-party valuations, or enough disclosure for investors to determine performance, are significant contributors to the wide NAV discount. As one analyst queried on the Company’s third quarter 2024 earnings call:

    “If you had your wish how many positions would you have? How large would they be and I just think I kind of look at some of the parts… It’s just kind of all over the place you have things that are worth less than $1 per share and I just don’t see the focus here.”
    – Oppenheimer Q&A on Q3 2024 Earnings Call
     

    As a result of these perceptions in the market, Cannae trades at a much steeper discount to NAV than its disclosed proxy peers and closed end fund peers. The discount widened persistently after the IPO of Dun & Bradstreet in 2019 and the sell down of Dayforce from 2020 through 2023, implying the market lacks confidence in the current leadership’s ability to execute a viable strategy for value creation going forward. Over the past three years, Cannae equity has traded at an average discount to its NAV per share of -40%, which places it in the bottom tenth of US investment firms with assets over $500 million.3 Approximately 90% of Cannae’s market cap is covered by public holdings net of debt, and the market is valuing the remaining nearly $900 million of private NAV at an 85% discount. A well-managed company with a strong asset base should not be trading at such a deep discount. We believe this misalignment points to a failure in capital allocation, strategic planning, and governance oversight.

    Shareholders ‘vote with their feet’, and the most objective indication that fundamental change is required is relative TSR underperformance compared to peers over the long term. Even when viewed on an absolute basis, Cannae shareholders have suffered a negative total return since Cannae became an independent public company despite the backdrop of one of the strongest bull markets in history. Despite the readily identifiable value in the Company’s portfolio, Cannae’s stock has significantly underperformed most relevant benchmarks.4Consistent underperformance is the market telling Cannae, “The status quo is unacceptable.”

    Dramatic Change is Required Immediately

    As discussed previously with Mr. Foley and Mr. Caswell, we believe Cannae can resolve these issues through decisive action in the near term. We believe that Cannae must pursue the following initiatives without delay:

    1. Reduce overhead costs and align management incentives – A history of burdensome fees and non-performance linked compensation paid out to management are out of step with the overall performance of Cannae’s portfolio, are impacting the discount which the market places on the NAV, and need to be streamlined to reflect best-in-class approach. We believe the Company should implement a corporate overhead cost reduction program and convert the termination fee payable to its manager, Trasimene Capital Management, into performance-based, vesting stock compensation.
    2. Improve capital allocation, unlock portfolio value, and provide a clear investment narrative – Management’s current strategy is vague and undifferentiated, and shareholder feedback is that management has lost its mandate from shareholders to allocate capital in this way. We believe a commitment from management and the Board to return shareholder capital tied up in Dun & Bradstreet, Alight and Paysafe shares either via spin outs or substantial buybacks would force a collapse of the discount placed on those assets and result in a re-rating of the remaining portfolio. We appreciate that management has conceded in its last earnings call that a significant return of capital is a priority; however, we believe that Cannae should commit definitively to returning a substantial majority of this capital on an accelerated timeline. Management could then reallocate its time from monitoring small stakes in large public companies where their ability to “improve the performance and valuation” is limited to focusing on improving disclosure and valuation of the remaining private assets.
    3. Establish governance oversight – We believe that market confidence in this new plan would be best supported by new fit-for-purpose directors that will be a voice for shareholders on the Board. To that end, we delivered a formal notice in December nominating a slate of four highly qualified and independent director candidates for election to the Board at the Company’s 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”). In addition to the four new directors, we believe the Board should refresh leadership of the Affiliate Transaction Committee and the Nomination and Governance Committee chosen from the four new candidates, and the Board should also create a new committee for Value Maximization tasked with the formulation and oversight of successful execution of a plan designed to improve shareholder returns. The need for immediate and significant governance reform is underscored by Cannae’s entrenchment and unfair enrichment actions earlier this week.

    Our intent at the time of nomination was, and continues to be, to engage constructively with the Board with the goal of reaching a consensual solution for the benefit of all stakeholders. However, it appears that the current Board fails to recognize the urgency of the situation. We are therefore prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure that shareholders have the opportunity to vote for directors who they believe have the skill sets and experience necessary to drive value creation and ensure accountability in the boardroom.

    Management’s Lack of Willingness to Meaningfully Engage

    We have sought to engage with management and the Board for several months to convey our views with respect to corporate strategy and governance with the aim of closing the NAV discount and improving relative share price performance. As discussed in our original private letter to the Board dated December 19, 2024, we submitted our nomination notice as required under the Company’s Bylaws despite the nomination deadline of December 27, 2024, nearly six months ahead of the anticipated Annual Meeting date. We did so in order to preserve our rights as shareholders to elect directors at the Annual Meeting, but with the hope that it would serve as a starting point for further positive discussions. Unfortunately, we now believe our sincere efforts to engage constructively have not been meaningfully reciprocated in good faith.

    While the Company confirmed receipt of our December letter and nomination notice, it was more than thirty days before we received any further communication. Given the Company’s significant governance failings and chronic underperformance, we have offered to travel to meet in-person with relevant Board members, but Cannae has yet to permit us to speak with any non-management directors. Perhaps as a result, the Board has failed to appreciate the market’s call for urgent, meaningful governance changes. Then on March 17, 2025, we were astounded to learn via a Company 8-K that the Board, in an apparent move to entrench and enrich leadership, determined to further compensate themselves and Mr. Foley at the expense of shareholders. We believe this offensive action trounces shareholder rights and the Board’s fiduciary duties and further disenfranchises the Company’s true owners. It also makes clear to us that Cannae has not been engaging in good faith dialogue despite our persistent and sincere efforts, which necessitated the need to release this letter with the goal of reaching the entire Board and building a market consensus on the best path forward for the Company.

    Carronade Has Nominated Four Highly Qualified Director Candidates

    The fundamental role of a Board in its fiduciary duty to shareholders is to be an advocate in providing oversight of management and corporate strategy. Shareholders deserve a board that is proactive, transparent, and fully committed to driving long-term value. As evidenced by their backgrounds below, we believe our candidates will bring the expertise, independence and accountability required to correct the chronic underperformance of Cannae and champion its strategic transformation.

    • Mona Aboelnaga
      • 35 years of experience including at Siguler Guff & Company and Proctor Investment Managers with expertise in investment management and private equity industries.
      • Extensive corporate governance expertise as a board member of both public and private companies including Webster Financial, a financial services company, Perpetual Limited, an Australian-based diversified global financial services company, and Sterling Bancorp, a regional financial services company.
    • Benjamin Duster
      • 45 years of experience including at Wells Fargo and Salomon Brothers with expertise in working with companies to improve execution effectiveness and create long-term sustainable value.
      • Extensive public and private company board service including Expand Energy, an oil and gas production company, Weatherford International, a global energy services company, Republic First Bancorp, a commercial bank, and Alaska Communications Systems, a broadband and telecommunications service provider.
    • Dennis Prieto
      • 21 years of experience including at Aurelius Capital Management and Evercore with expertise in financial analysis and restructuring oversight.
      • Significant investment management and board experience including GO Lab, a privately held building products company, Aventiv Technologies, a provider of telecommunications and technology solutions, Mohawk Gaming Enterprises, a gaming company, and Endo International GUC Trust, a trust established to obtain recoveries for creditors of Endo International plc.
    • Cherie Schaible
      • 24 years of experience including as General Counsel of Ankura Consulting Group and Associate General Counsel of AIG Investments with expertise in complex legal and financial matters.
      • Extensive experience in structuring, negotiating and leading a variety of corporate legal matters in public and private companies.

    Conclusion

    We remain committed, engaged investors in Cannae due to our conviction in the significant opportunity for value creation that will flow from implementing achievable actions to unlock value, outlining a clear corporate strategy, establishing governance and restoring investor confidence. We repeat our request to meet in-person with the Board, including non-management directors, to discuss these proposals in more detail and explore a consensual solution that is in the best interests of all shareholders. If meaningful changes are not enacted, we are prepared to take our case to shareholders so that they have the opportunity to vote for directors who they believe will best prioritize their interests and ensure accountability in the boardroom.

    Sincerely,

    Dan Gropper
    Managing Partner

    Andy Taylor
    Partner and Head of Research

    About Carronade Capital
    Carronade Capital is a multi-strategy investment firm based in Connecticut with over $2.2 billion in assets under management that focuses on process driven investments in catalyst-rich situations. Carronade Capital was founded in 2019 by industry veteran Dan Gropper and is based in Darien, Connecticut. The Funds managed by Carronade Capital were launched on July 1, 2020, and the firm employs 15 team members. Dan Gropper brings with him nearly three decades of special situations credit experience serving in senior roles at distinguished investment firms, including Elliott Management Corporation, Fortress Investment Group and Aurelius Capital Management, LP.

    Media Contact:
    Paul Caminiti / Jacqueline Zuhse
    Reevemark
    (212) 433-4600
    Carronade@reevemark.com

    Investor Contact:
    Andy Taylor / Win Rollins
    Carronade Capital Management, LP
    (203) 485-0880
    ir@carronade.com

    Disclaimers

    This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein in any state to any person. This press release does not recommend the purchase or sale of a security. There is no assurance or guarantee with respect to the prices at which any securities of Cannae Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) will trade, and such securities may not trade at prices that may be implied herein. In addition, this press release and the discussions and opinions herein are for general information only, and are not intended to provide financial, legal or investment advice. Each shareholder of the Company should independently evaluate the proxy materials and make a decision that aligns with their own financial interests, consulting with their own advisers, as necessary.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and may include projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives, intentions and expectations with respect to future financial results, events, operations, services, product development and potential, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expects”, “anticipates”, “believes”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, “will be” and similar expressions. Although Carronade Capital and its affiliates believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, investors are cautioned that forward-looking information and statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties—many of which are difficult to predict and are generally beyond the control of Carronade or the Company—that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied or projected by, the forward-looking information and statements. In addition, the foregoing considerations and any other publicly stated risks and uncertainties should be read in conjunction with the risks and cautionary statements discussed or identified in the Company’s public filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including those listed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s annual reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q . The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof and, other than as required by applicable law, Carronade does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information or statements. Certain information included in this press release is based on data obtained from sources considered to be reliable. Any analyses provided herein is intended to assist the reader in evaluating the matters described herein and may be based on subjective assessments and assumptions and may use one among alternative methodologies that produce different results. Accordingly, any analyses should not be viewed as factual and should not be relied upon as an accurate prediction of future results. All figures are estimates and, unless required by law, are subject to revision without notice.

    Certain of the funds(s) and/or account(s) managed by Carronade (“Accounts”) currently beneficially own shares of the Company. Carronade in the business of trading (i.e., buying and selling) securities and intends to continue trading in the securities of the Company. You should assume the Accounts will from time to time sell all or a portion of its holdings of the Company in open market transactions or otherwise, buy additional shares (in open market or privately negotiated transactions or otherwise), or trade in options, puts, calls, swaps or other derivative instruments relating to such shares. Consequently, Carronade’s beneficial ownership of shares of, and/or economic interest in, the Company may vary over time depending on various factors, with or without regard to Carronade’s views of the Company’s business, prospects, or valuation (including the market price of the Company’s shares), including, without limitation, other investment opportunities available to Carronade, concentration of positions in the portfolios managed by Carronade, conditions in the securities markets, and general economic and industry conditions. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event of a change in the Company’s share price on or following the date hereof, Carronade may buy additional shares or sell all or a portion of its Account’s holdings of the Company (including, in each case, by trading in options, puts, calls, swaps, or other derivative instruments relating to the Company’s shares). Carronade also reserves the right to change the opinions expressed herein and its intentions with respect to its investment in the Company, and to take any actions with respect to its investment in the Company as it may deem appropriate, and disclaims any obligation to notify the market or any other party of any such changes or actions, except as required by law.

    Certain Information Concerning the Participants

    Carronade Capital Management, LP, together with the other participants named herein (collectively, “Carronade Capital”), intends to file a preliminary proxy statement and accompanying proxy card with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to be used to solicit votes for the election of Carronade Capital’s highly-qualified director nominees at the 2025 annual meeting of stockholders of Cannae Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation (the “Company”).

    CARRONADE CAPITAL STRONGLY ADVISES ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF THE COMPANY TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC’S WEB SITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. IN ADDITION, THE PARTICIPANTS IN THIS PROXY SOLICITATION WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF THE PROXY STATEMENT WITHOUT CHARGE, WHEN AVAILABLE, UPON REQUEST. REQUESTS FOR COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE PARTICIPANTS’ PROXY SOLICITOR.

    The participants in the proxy solicitation are anticipated to be Carronade Capital Master, LP (“Carronade”), Carronade Capital, Carronade Capital GP, LLC (“Carronade GP”), Carronade Capital Management GP, LLC (“Carronade Management GP”), Dan Gropper, Mona Aboelnaga, Benjamin C. Duster, IV, Dennis A. Prieto and Chérie L. Schaible.

    As of the date hereof, Carronade beneficially owns directly 2,627,877 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.0001 per share, of the Company (the “Common Stock”). Carronade GP, as the general partner of Carronade, may be deemed the beneficial owner of the 2,627,877 shares of Common Stock owned by Carronade. As of the date hereof, 262,770 shares of Common Stock were held in a certain account managed by Carronade Capital (the “Managed Account”). Carronade Capital, as the investment manager of Carronade, may be deemed the beneficial owner of an aggregate of 2,890,647 shares of Common Stock directly owned by Carronade and held in the Managed Account. Carronade Management GP, as the general partner of Carronade Capital, may be deemed the beneficial owner of an aggregate of 2,890,647 shares of Common Stock directly owned by Carronade and held in the Managed Account. As the Managing Member of Carronade Management GP, Mr. Gropper may be deemed the beneficial owner of an aggregate of 2,890,647 shares of Common Stock directly owned by Carronade and held in the Managed Account. As of the date hereof, Ms. Aboelnaga directly beneficially owns 800 shares of Common Stock. As of the date hereof, Mr. Duster directly beneficially owns 1,338.329 shares of Common Stock. As of the date hereof, Mr. Prieto directly beneficially owns 820 shares of Common Stock. As of the date hereof, Ms. Schaible directly beneficially owns 1,360 shares of Common Stock.

    ____________________________

    Note: All analyses performed as of 3/17/2025.
    1 Ryan Caswell on Q3 2024 Earnings Call.
    2 Current GAV plus realized sales compared to original cost basis of DNB, ALIT, PSFE, and SST.
    3 Company published NAV reports.
    4 TSR per Bloomberg as of 3/17/2025. Average cumulative shareholder return. TSR Proxy Peers include APO, FSK, GBDC, PSEC, CODI, NMFC. Closed End Fund Peers include UTG, STEW, KYN, CET, GAM, IGR, EOI, MEGI, PEO.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/77496dfe-1ffc-44b7-94dd-bbd69816468b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: FBI Veteran Joseph Bonavolonta Joins Wrap with 27 Years of Experience, Former SAC of Boston Field Office

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”) today announced the appointment of Joseph R. Bonavolonta as Domestic Head of Managed Services of the Company, bringing over 27 years of experience from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) to the Company’s management team.

    Mr. Bonavolonta, who culminated his distinguished FBI career as Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Boston Field Office, led one of the agency’s largest divisions, overseeing high-profile criminal and national security investigations. His leadership extended to managing Joint Terrorism Task Forces, Safe Streets Gang and Violent Crime Task Forces, and directing the New England Region’s Domestic Director of National Intelligence (DDNI) Program.

    In his new role, Mr. Bonavolonta is expected to assist the Company in driving growth while further deepening Wrap’s global law enforcement network. His extensive expertise in national security, compliance and risk management, combined with Wrap’s growing investigative technology partners, will enhance the Company’s mission to provide innovative, non-lethal solutions for public safety worldwide.

    Prior to joining Wrap, Mr. Bonavolonta served as Managing Partner at a global security firm, where he provided strategic security solutions for multinational corporations, critical institutions, and high-net-worth individuals. His deep knowledge of technologies used in risk and vulnerability assessments, insider threats, cybersecurity and physical security strategies makes him an invaluable asset to Wrap’s growing Managed Services Branch.

    “We are committed to bringing together elite-level talent and cutting-edge technology to solve the most pressing security challenges of today and the future,” said Bill McMurry, Chief Executive Officer of Managed Services at WRAP. “Joseph Bonavolonta’s unmatched expertise will be instrumental in strengthening our Managed Services Branch, reinforcing our role in supporting those who protect us and expanding our capabilities across both public and private sectors.”

    Mr. Bonavolonta’s distinguished FBI career also includes leadership roles such as:

    • Deputy Assistant Director of the Counterintelligence Division, overseeing domestic and international operations;
    • Head of the Boston Field Office’s Cyber and Counterintelligence Branch, tackling nation-state driven espionage and cybersecurity threats; and
    • Supervisor of the Complex Financial Crimes Program in the Newark Field Office.

    His investigative achievements include spearheading international organized crime initiatives in coordination with the Italian National Police, and the dismantling of major criminal networks, including the Bonanno La Cosa Nostra (LCN) Family. His work earned him numerous accolades, including the Attorney General’s Director’s Award for Superior Performance, the Law Enforcement Distinguished Community Service Award, and the National Intelligence Meritorious Unit Citation.

    His deep connections within the New England law enforcement community and across federal and international security networks will help solidify Wrap’s relationships globally, strengthening the Company’s impact in law enforcement, security and risk mitigation.

    Expanding Expertise with W1 Global and James DeStefano

    Mr. Bonavolonta’s addition is expected to further strengthen Wrap’s global security, technology and investigative expertise, complementing the experience brought in through Wrap’s recent W1 Global, LLC acquisition. He joins James DeStefano, a retired FBI executive and former head of the FBI New York Field Office’s Crisis Management Program, who has spent years conducting risk and vulnerability assessments for corporate clients.

    Their combined experience is expected to enhance Wrap’s ability to deliver comprehensive technology security solutions to law enforcement agencies, commercial clients and high-net-worth individuals worldwide.

    About Wrap Technologies, Inc.
    Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) is a global leader in public safety solutions, bringing together cutting-edge technology with exceptional people to address the complex, modern day challenges facing public safety organizations.

    Wrap’s BolaWrap® solution is a safer way to gain compliance—without pain. This innovative, patented device deploys light, sound, and a Kevlar® tether to safely restrain individuals from a distance, giving officers critical time and space to manage non-compliant situations before resorting to higher-force options. The BolaWrap 150 does not shoot, strike, shock, or incapacitate—instead, it helps officers operate lower on the force continuum, reducing the risk of injury to both officers and subjects. Used by over 1,000 agencies across the U.S. and in 60 countries, BolaWrap® is backed by training certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), reinforcing Wrap’s commitment to public safety through cutting-edge technology and expert training.

    Wrap Reality™ VR is an advanced, fully immersive training simulator designed to enhance decision-making under pressure. As a comprehensive public safety training platform, it provides first responders with realistic, interactive scenarios that reflect the evolving challenges of modern law enforcement. By offering a growing library of real-world situations, Wrap Reality™ equips officers with the skills and confidence to navigate high stakes encounters effectively, leading to safer outcomes for both responders and the communities they serve.

    Wrap’s Intrensic solution is an advanced body-worn camera and evidence management system built for efficiency, security, and transparency. Designed to meet the rigorous demands of modern law enforcement, Intrensic seamlessly captures, stores, and manages digital evidence, ensuring integrity and full chain-of-custody compliance. With automated workflows, secure cloud storage, and intuitive case management tools, it streamlines operations, reduces administrative burden, and enhances courtroom credibility.

    Trademark Information
    Wrap, the Wrap logo, BolaWrap®, Wrap Reality™ and Wrap Training Academy are trademarks of Wrap Technologies, Inc., some of which are registered in the U.S. and abroad. All other trade names used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective holders.

    Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements – Safe Harbor Statement
    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should”, “believe”, “target”, “project”, “goals”, “estimate”, “potential”, “predict”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Moreover, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the expected benefits of the acquisition of W1 Global, LLC, the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing standards; the Company’s ability to successfully implement training programs for the use of its products; the Company’s ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company’s ability to develop sales for its products; the market acceptance of existing and future products; the availability of funding to continue to finance operations; the complexity, expense and time associated with sales to law enforcement and government entities; the lengthy evaluation and sales cycle for the Company’s product solutions; product defects; litigation risks from alleged product-related injuries; risks of government regulations; the business impact of health crises or outbreaks of disease, such as epidemics or pandemics; the impact resulting from geopolitical conflicts and any resulting sanctions; the ability to obtain export licenses for counties outside of the United States; the ability to obtain patents and defend intellectual property against competitors; the impact of competitive products and solutions; and the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand, as well as other risk factors mentioned in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    (800) 583-2652
    ir@wrap.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/183801f3-4937-4aff-b91a-901b9599b322

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ITS Logistics March Port Rail Ramp Index: Trucking Capacity-to-Demand Ratio Could Increase Rates for Dray and Rail Capacity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ITS Logistics today released the March forecast for the ITS Logistics US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index. This month, the index reveals that Los Angeles/Long Beach (LA/LB) import volumes remain strong following the Lunar New Year, and there are signs that the trucking capacity-to-demand ratio may soon start pushing rates up for dray and rail capacity. In addition, equipment availability for exports is still an issue affecting individual ocean carrier lines throughout North America.

    “Should rates begin to increase, this may affect truckers’ ability to honor dedicated pricing and tender acceptance in Q2,” said Paul Brashier, Vice President of Global Supply Chain for ITS Logistics. “It could be alleviated as more volumes return to the U.S. East & Gulf Coasts, now that labor strikes are no longer a concern. With the return of volumes back to the U.S. East & Gulf Coasts, there has been a tightening of capacity and terminal congestion at the major gateways of New York/New Jersey, Norfolk, Savannah, and Houston.”

    On March 11, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) signed an extension to its Master Contract with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX). This agreement is set to last until September 30, 2030, and includes workforce protection guidelines that require a detailed explanation of the technology that will be used and its effects on capacity and efficiency. The agreement also requires determination on the manning for new equipment to be included with stipulations that new work created by the technology be identified with training included for workers.

    Despite this new agreement, the supply chain continues to experience challenges, including the current equipment availability concerning exporters, which has been a lingering concern thus far in 2025.

    “This latest supply chain challenge in equipment availability that ITS is closely monitoring is driven primarily by equipment imbalance and rail operations,” continued Brashier. “Rail operations are seeing similar sporadic challenges regionally.  LA/Long Beach IPI dwell remains high for imports moving east. That, combined with rail transit delay and lower inland transportation costs, are pushing some shippers to move imports back to the ports on the East Coast and draying inland to avoid IPI legs.”

    As concerns over labor strikes ease, import volumes have begun redistributing from the West back to East and Gulf Coast ports. However, the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) recent proposal targeting Chinese vessels threatens to disrupt U.S. port operations once again. Announced in late January, the proposal includes fees targeting Chinese vessel operators, Chinese-built vessels, and operators with a certain percentage of vessels ordered from Chinese shipyards. Research from the World Shipping Council (WSC) has found that the proposal could add up to $3.5 million in fees per individual port call to 98% of vessels entering the U.S. The WSC notes that ocean carriers have already indicated they may eliminate service to smaller ports to avoid these costs—a move that would severely impact regional logistics ecosystems and exacerbate congestion at major North American ports.

    ITS Logistics offers a full suite of network transportation solutions across North America and distribution and fulfillment services to 95% of the U.S. population within two days. These services include drayage and intermodal in 22 coastal ports and 30 rail ramps, a full suite of asset and asset-lite transportation solutions, omnichannel distribution and fulfillment, LTL, and outbound small parcel.

    The ITS Logistics US Port/Rail Ramp Freight Index forecasts port container and dray operations for the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf regions. Ocean and domestic container rail ramp operations are also highlighted in the Index for both the West Inland and East Inland regions. Visit here for a full comprehensive copy of the Index, with expected forecasts for the U.S. port and rail ramps.

    About ITS Logistics

    ITS Logistics is one of North America’s fastest-growing, asset-based modern 3PLs, providing solutions for the industry’s most complicated supply chain challenges. With a people-first culture committed to excellence, the company relentlessly strives to deliver unmatched value through best-in-class service, expertise, and innovation. The ITS Logistics portfolio features North America’s #19 asset-lite freight brokerage, the #12 drayage and intermodal solution, a top 50 dedicated fleet, an innovative cloud-based technology ecosystem, and a nationwide distribution and fulfillment network.

    Media Contact
    Amber Good
    LeadCoverage
    amber@leadcoverage.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c3fabce8-2035-4eae-84e0-05646b143c0f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: Capito Talks Economic Development, Broadband in Grant and Hardy Counties

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    PETERSBURG/MOOREFIELD, W.Va. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), a leader on the Senate Appropriations Committee, made stops in Petersburg, W.Va. and Moorefield, W.Va. to meet with community leaders and business professionals to discuss economic development opportunities and efforts to expand broadband access across West Virginia.

    First, Senator Capito traveled to Petersburg, W.Va. to meet with county commissioners, community leaders, and other business professionals to discuss Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) awards Senator Capito secured for the area and how they will benefit Grant County. Specifically, Senator Capito secured two Fiscal Year (FY) 24 CDS awards that will support a new Ambulance Headquarters and a trail.

    “When I began the process of congressionally directed spending, I did so in consultation with leaders like those on the county commission and local businesses here in Grant County. That’s because those on the ground know better than anyone else the needs of their communities,” Senator Capito said. “I was proud to secure the resources needed to construct a new Ambulance headquarters in Mt. Storm, which will help save lives, while serving the citizens of northern Grant County. I was just as proud to secure funding needed to expand a trail in the area that will enhance outdoor recreation, boost tourism, and improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Both of these projects will go a long way in enhancing the quality of life for residents in the area, and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition.”

    “We are honored to assist Grant County in bringing reliable emergency response services closer to the Mount Storm area,” Callie Dayton, Clearway’s West Virginia-based External Affairs Manager, said. “This partnership was made possible thanks to the tremendous and insightful feedback that we received from area residents, landowners, and public service officials on the community’s most pressing needs. Clearway has been invested in West Virginia for more than a decade and we could not be more grateful for the support that we have received from the people of Grant and Mineral counties. We are eager to extend that investment and help keep West Virginia on the forefront of American-made power.”

    In the afternoon, Senator Capito traveled to Moorefield, W.Va. where she visited Hardy Telecommunications to discuss efforts to expand broadband accessibility across West Virginia.

    “Expanding broadband access is critical to West Virginia’s growth, and I appreciate the opportunity to meet with Hardy Telecommunications to discuss their efforts to better connect our communities,” Senator Capito said. “Reliable internet is essential for education, healthcare, and economic development, and I remain committed to supporting the investments needed to close the digital divide and ensure every West Virginian has access to high-speed broadband.”

    Photos from today’s visits are below:

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) attends a press conference about funding projects in Grant County, W.Va. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

    U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) attends a press conference about funding projects in Grant County, W.Va. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: St Albans Museums Shortlisted for National Award Following Award Wins at Hertfordshire Association of Museums

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    St Albans Museums has been shortlisted for a prestigious national award following a number of award wins locally at Hertfordshire Association of Museums. 

    The Catching the Chain exhibition, which explores the history of criminal justice, and is on display at St Albans Museum + Gallery until 21 April, has been nominated for Temporary or Touring Exhibition of the Year at the 23rd annual Museum + Heritage Awards. 

    The awards celebrate the very best of museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage visitor attractions. The ceremony to reveal the winners will take place on the evening of Thursday 15 May 15 2025 at Hilton Park Lane, London. 

    Other shortlisted museums across the 18 categories include the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and Horniman Museum and Gardens.

    More locally, the Museums Team have picked up awards for two Arts Council England funded projects at the Hertfordshire Association of Museums awards. The team won the Creative Health Award for their year-long Community in Residence programme with Hertfordshire M.E. / Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Support Group. 

    Learning and Engagement Officer Danielle Cavender-Handley and Archaeologist Tom Lucas each received a Heritage Hero award for their work on Digitising the Park, including the Tread the Past trail around Verulamium Park, Voicing Verulamium in the Hypocaust and the Roman Town House project with Passport to Leisure.

    Councillor Paul de Kort praised the museums team as part of the Leader’s Announcements in this week’s St Albans City and District Strategy and Resource Committee meeting. 

    Councillor Anthony Rowlands, Lead for Museums, echoed Cllr de Kort’s sentiments and said:

    It is wonderful to see the hard work of the museums team being recognised both regionally and nationally. From year-long community focussed programmes to exhibitions and projects which bring history to life, the variety and breadth of what our museums can offer is something to be proud of. We thank Arts Council England for their generous NPO funding which has made each of these projects a possibility.

    Photo above: Danielle Cavender-Handley, right, and Tom Lucas, left, receiving their awards.

    Notes to Editors

    About St Albans Museums

    • St Albans Museums is an award-winning local authority funded museum service which manages and operates two museums, a number of heritage sites and Ancient Scheduled Monuments and cares for the City’s nationally significant collections.
    • Amongst its portfolio, the museum service’s key sites include the city-centre venue St Albans Museum + Gallery and Verulamium Museum, a specialist Roman museum located in a much-loved local park.
    • The Museums operate as part of St Albans City and District Council (SADC) and receive core funding as part of the Community and Place delivery directorate.
    • In April 2023, the Museums Service was awarded just over £1m in funding from Arts Council England as part of its National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) programme. The NPO status has seen the Museums embark on an ambitious programme of events and activities which will be delivered between April 2023 and March 2026.
    • Follow @stalbansmuseums on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for latest news and updates.
    • St Albans Museums’ collections comprise a wide range of artefacts relating to the development of St Albans over the centuries, from a market town to the modern City we see today.
    • For more information about what is on, visit www.stalbansmuseums.org.uk/whats-on where you can view full listings.
    • St Albans Museum + Gallery is free to visit and open to the public every day 10am – 4pm.
    • Verulamium Museum is a charged-for museum and is open to the public every day 10am-4pm

    About Hertfordshire Association of Museums

    The Hertfordshire Association of Museums is a dynamic and active network supporting all people who work for or volunteer in our museums with the aim of increasing awareness and raising professional standards. Each year, the association delivers a programme of training, network events and meetings plus an annual awards event.

    About Museums + Heritage Awards

    The global awards celebrate the very best in the world of museums, galleries, and cultural and heritage visitor attractions.

    Full shortlist and more information available here: https://awards.museumsandheritage.com

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Hertfordshire’s councils and OPCC submit joint response to Government on local government reform

    Source: St Albans City and District

    Publication date:

    All 11 councils in Hertfordshire and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) have agreed a joint interim response to the Government outlining a number of initial options for the reorganisation of local government structures in the county.

    Hertfordshire is what’s known as a two-tier area with the county council responsible for services such as libraries, highways and transport, adult social care and children’s services, and 10 district and borough councils providing services such as bin collections, street cleaning, environmental health, leisure and housing. The Police and Crime Commissioner is responsible for the oversight of policing across the county.

    As part of its plans to reshape local government, on 5 February the Government invited councils in all two-tier areas to submit an interim plan by 21 March for moving to a single tier of unitarity councils providing all services.

    Hertfordshire’s councils and the OPCC’s shared priorities are ensuring any changes benefit residents and businesses, excellent local government services are maintained, residents are kept safe, and strong democratic accountability is available to communities across the county.

    All 11 councils and the OPCC worked together to produce the interim submission which has been shared with elected members at each individual organisation and Hertfordshire’s MPs.

    The submission sets out a number of options for further consideration, ranging from one to four unitary councils providing all services. 

    It also includes early thinking on how each option could support devolution, improve services, deliver value for money and maintain strong links to communities. 

    While a joint submission has been agreed, councils have differing views on the options set out and no decisions are being made at this stage. 

    Councils and the OPCC will continue to collaborate over the coming months to collate and analyse further evidence for each option. 

    The Government will provide feedback on the interim submission which will also inform the development of final proposals to be submitted to the Government by 28 November 2025 for a decision by Ministers.

    The views of residents, businesses, local government partners, colleagues, and other stakeholders across the public and private sectors will be essential as proposals develop. All councils and the OPCC are committed to providing updates throughout the process.

    Councillor Paul de Kort, Leader of St Albans City and District Council, said: 

    There is still considerable work to be undertaken before a decision should be made on the best option for restructuring local government in Hertfordshire.

    We are keeping an open mind until we consult with our residents as well as important stakeholders such as local businesses, other public agencies, parish councils,  voluntary groups and charities. Their views must be heard and taken into account.

    There is also a need for much more guidance from the Government about many crucial aspects of the restructuring they are demanding.

    We need to gather all this information, discuss and analyse it, before we can throw our weight behind one particular option. 

    The last reorganisation has lasted more than 50 years and this current one may well do the same, so it is vital we get this right and do not rush any decision.

    Notes to Editors:

    Interim Submission: Local Government Reorganisation in Hertfordshire will appear here: https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/local-government-reorganisation

    The statutory invitation from the Government received on 5 February to submit proposals for the reorganisation of local government structures in the county.

    The English Devolution White Paper: English Devolution White Paper – GOV.UK

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Tradition of Stewardship, A Future of Innovation: Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s Agricultural Leadership

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Laughter fills the air as children explore agriculture in the greenhouse with controlled environment agriculture systems at Meechooôk Farm, part of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. For some, it’s their first time tasting lettuce and tomatoes despite their parents’ best efforts—and they’re pleasantly surprised.

    Through this program, led by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and supported by UConn Extension, youth are discovering the connections between innovation, tradition, and community.

    “This is about more than growing food; it’s about feeding our future,” says Tribal Chairman Rodney Butler ‘99 (BUS). “Controlled environment agriculture allows us to take control of our health and sustainability in ways our ancestors never could have imagined, all while staying true to who we are.”

    Agricultural and youth education at the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation integrates three key goals: agricultural production, cultural heritage, and nutrition. This program was co-designed by the Nation and UConn Extension with support from USDA’s Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program. The eight-year partnership began when Tribal members sought Extension’s expertise to enhance their agricultural practices.

    Controlled environment agriculture enables food production in small, non-traditional spaces, including shipping containers and urban centers. These systems embody the spirit of innovation, merging technology and sustainability to tackle critical global challenges like food security and climate resilience. The UConn team, led by Shuresh Ghimire, associate extension educator for vegetable crops, collaborates closely with Jeremy Whipple, farm manager of Meechooôk Farm, and Marissa Turnbull, director of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Department of Agriculture.

    By incorporating freight farming, the Nation grows crops year-round, regardless of weather conditions. Shipping containers transform into efficient growing spaces equipped with climate control, LED lighting, and automated irrigation. These LED lights provide precise wavelengths to optimize plant growth, enhancing productivity.

    Tomatoes, lettuce, herbs, and other crops thrive in the farm’s hydroponic greenhouses, ensuring year-round access to fresh, nutritious food within the community. Beyond meeting local needs, these crops contribute to economic viability through sales to restaurants, schools, and other partners.

    With 90% less water usage and crops growing up to four times faster, controlled environment agriculture is remarkably efficient. It reduces reliance on chemical pesticides, ensuring safer, higher-quality produce. By shifting to indoor farming, the Nation strengthens food security, lowers transportation costs, and minimizes waste—improving both human health and environmental sustainability.

    “This partnership is a model for how education can drive meaningful change—benefiting communities while preserving cultural heritage,” says Indrajeet Chaubey, dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). “It goes to the heart of what we do in CAHNR: training the future workforce, equipping youth with leadership and life skills for any career path and using research to create knowledge that directly benefits the communities we serve.”

    Together, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and UConn Extension are building a vibrant, sustainable agricultural program to enhance food security and Tribal health. The Nation employs youth and adults from their community on the farm, while Extension provides agricultural, business, and nutrition expertise. Additionally, weekly community food boxes support those in need.

    “I think one of the special things about UConn is that we’re engaged in every single community in this state,” says Provost Anne D’Alleva. “We hold so much precious, valuable, transformational knowledge embedded in our communities, and UConn serves as the vehicle for ensuring that knowledge has an impact across our state and beyond. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s work with UConn Extension demonstrates the power of learning—blending traditional knowledge with modern science to create sustainable solutions.”

    Work at Meechooôk Farm continues to evolve as the Nation and UConn Extension expand the agricultural and community components of the program. Innovation remains a driving force as the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation balances health and sustainability.

    “Every decision we make as a Tribal Nation reflects our responsibility to the land, our ancestors, and future generations,” Butler concludes. “Controlled environment agriculture is one way we uphold that responsibility—combining technology with tradition to grow not just food, but opportunity.”

    MIL OSI USA News –