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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s remarks to the opening of the Finance in Common Summit 2025 [as prepared for delivery]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, Distinguished guests,

    I thank Remy Rioux and Adama Mariko from Finance in Common’s leadership, and this event’s co-hosts, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, for bringing us together.

    Excellencies,

    The world is dangerously off track in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

    While we have made progress on many aspects of our development agenda, we have also faced multiple setbacks, including the pandemic, new conflicts, slowing global growth, and escalating borrowing costs.

    Looking ahead, accelerating climate impacts, crushing debt burdens, and the specter of escalating trade and geopolitical tensions are darkening the horizon.

    The only way out of this storm is financing.

    But right now, developing countries are unable to mobilize SDG investments in the face of debt overhangs, capital flight, climate risks, and illicit financial flows that bleed their economies dry.

    Even official development assistance, which has long provided a minimum safety net, is now under threat.

    The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development in Sevilla in July will be a pivotal moment to renew the global financing framework and redouble our collective efforts to achieve the 2030 Agenda.

    It presents a significant, and perhaps the last, opportunity before 2030 for real financial commitments to turn aspirations into actions.

    Addressing the sustainable development crisis requires two essential changes – both of which require the work of the institutions here at the Financing in Common Summit.

    The first change is a massive investment push.

    The now-adopted Pact for the Future called for a massive financial stimulus to help developing countries invest in sustainable development.

    This push must be publicly-led but designed to leverage private investment and innovation. It must work to mobilize capital at low cost. And it must focus on transformative investments that can yield the greatest impact.

    Public development banks are integral to meeting this challenge.

    Doing so requires good governance, careful risk management, and effective, independent management.

    Development banks also need clear direction from policymakers to align their operations with the 2030 Agenda.

    The second change is reforming the international financial architecture.

    This was another key commitment in the Pact for the Future.

    The existing architecture was crafted 80 years ago when many countries were still under colonial rule.

    It’s high time for change.

    This system needs to be fit for purpose in today’s world, which means putting developing countries squarely in the driver’s seat.

    The elevation of public development banks is a critical part of this change.

    National banks are best placed to source projects and work with governments to develop project pipelines that align with country priorities.

    MDB financing, co-financing, and working with national development banks can all combine to expand developing country ownership and improve the efficiency of the international system.

    The Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development is uniquely placed to support this agenda.

    The zero draft of the conference’s outcome document already contains ambitious proposals related to public development banks. While Member States will ultimately decide how to proceed, I urge you to support them.

    Excellencies,

    Across this work and more, your engagement with the FfD process will help ensure the Conference has political traction and the best chance of success.

    I wish you a successful Summit this week and hope to see you again in Sevilla.

    Thank you.
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Johanna Bartee Appointed to Boards of First Fed and First Northwest Bancorp

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORT ANGELES, Wash., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — First Northwest Bancorp (NASDAQ: FNWB) and its subsidiary First Fed Bank are pleased to announce the appointment of Johanna Bartee to the Board of Directors for both companies.

    Ms. Bartee brings extensive experience in banking, finance, and economic development, along with a strong commitment to community-driven initiatives across the North Olympic Peninsula.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Johanna to our Board of Directors,” said Matt Deines, President and CEO of First Fed Bank and FNWB. “Her expertise in finance and community development will be invaluable as we continue to serve our customers and communities.”

    Ms. Bartee is the Executive Director of JST Capital, a Native Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) in Sequim, WA, dedicated to supporting underserved communities. Before founding JST Capital in 2018, she built a successful career in finance, working in institutional banking, investment banking, and business development roles at leading financial firms in New York and Southern California. Prior to completing an MBA at Columbia Business School, she managed large-scale communications and IT security projects as an Account Manager for a Department of Defense contractor in Honolulu, Hawaii.

    Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Bartee is actively involved in community development. She serves as a Board Director for the Clallam County Opportunity Fund and is a member of the Port Angeles Waterfront District Board, advocating for economic growth and revitalization initiatives.

    Ms. Bartee’s appointment reflects First Fed’s commitment to strengthening its leadership with professionals dedicated to fostering economic and social impact.

    About FNWB

    First Northwest Bancorp (Nasdaq: FNWB) is a financial holding company engaged in investment activities including the business of its subsidiary, First Fed Bank. First Fed is a Pacific Northwest-based financial institution which has served its customers and communities since 1923. Currently First Fed has 18 locations in Washington state including 12 full-service branches. First Fed’s business and operating strategy is focused on building sustainable earnings by delivering a full array of financial products and services for individuals, small businesses, non-profit organizations and commercial customers. In 2022, First Northwest made an investment in The Meriwether Group, LLC, a boutique investment banking and accelerator firm. Additionally, First Northwest focuses on strategic partnerships to provide modern financial services such as digital payments and marketplace lending. First Northwest Bancorp was incorporated in 2012 and completed its initial public offering in 2015 under the ticker symbol FNWB. First Fed is headquartered in Port Angeles, Washington.

    First Fed Bank was recognized by Puget Sound Business Journal as a Best Workplace in 2023 and top Corporate Philanthropist in 2023 and 2024. By popular vote, First Fed received 2024 awards for Best Bank and Best Lender in Best of the Peninsula for Clallam County. First Fed is a Member FDIC and equal housing lender.

    Contact: Matthew P. Deines
    President & CEO
    (360) 457-0461

    The MIL Network –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Faith and Ethical Communities Unite to Champion Reparative Justice for Africans and People of African Descent

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 26, 2025/APO Group/ —

    In alignment with the African Union’s (AU) 2025 theme, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations,” a two-day workshop will be held on February 27-28, 2025, at the Kuriftu Resort African Village and the African Union Commission in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This initiative aims to address the enduring impacts of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, slavery, and colonization, while promoting healing and reparations for affected communities.

    Organized by SECAM (Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar), the AU Catholic Chaplaincy, HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), COPAB (Pan African Conference on Ethics and Bioethics), IAPD-Africa (Interreligious Association for Peace and Development), URI (United Religions Initiative), and other key partners, in collaboration with the Citizens and Diaspora Directorate (CIDO) of the African Union Commission, the workshop will gather AU officials, diplomats, religious leaders, scholars, human rights advocates, and policymakers to advance the AU’s reparations agenda.

    The Call for Reparative Justice

    For centuries, Africans and people of African descent have endured the consequences of historical injustices, including economic disenfranchisement, social marginalization, and psychological trauma. The legacies of slavery, colonization, apartheid, and genocide continue to impact communities today. Recognizing this, the AU is dedicated to addressing these issues through comprehensive policies, advocacy, and global engagement.

    Ghana, a leader in the reparations movement, has made significant contributions to this cause through initiatives like the 2019 “Year of Return.” This workshop aims to build on such efforts by amplifying the voices of faith-based and ethical organizations in the pursuit of justice.

    Workshop Agenda Highlights

    The two-day event will feature a diverse program, including keynote addresses, panel discussions, and faith-based perspectives on reparations.

    On Day 1 (February 27, 2025), the workshop will take place at the Kuriftu Resort African Village, beginning with a keynote address by Dr. Rita Bissoonauth, Head of the UNESCO Liaison Office to the African Union Commission (AUC) and Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). This will be followed by panel discussions featuring perspectives from African Traditional Religion, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, along with insights from diaspora and global faith leaders. A special session will focus on the ethical and moral imperatives of reparations, with contributions from HWPL, URI, All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), CIDO, and SECAM. An open forum will provide participants an opportunity for dialogue and policy recommendations, concluding with a dinner hosted by SECAM for all attendees.

    On Day 2 (February 28, 2025), the event will move to the African Union Commission. The agenda will include presentations on transgenerational trauma, genocide, and peace-building initiatives in Africa, as well as discussions on economic reparations, including microfinancing opportunities. International perspectives on advancing justice through reparations will also be explored. The event will conclude with the signing and presentation of the Addis Ababa Declaration on Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations, followed by closing remarks and commitments from participating organizations.

    Expected Outcomes

    The workshop seeks to enhance awareness of reparative justice within faith communities and the public. It aims to establish a coalition of faith-based and ethical organizations dedicated to this cause and to develop policy recommendations and an action roadmap in partnership with the African Union. Additionally, a formal commitment document supporting the AU’s 2025 reparations theme will be produced as an outcome of the workshop.

    A Unified Call to Action

    This workshop underscores the essential role of faith and ethical communities in shaping public opinion, influencing policy, and fostering reconciliation. By collaborating with the AU and global stakeholders, these organizations can play a transformative role in advancing justice and restitution for Africans and people of African descent.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: N.M. Delegation Demands HHS Secretary Kennedy Take Immediate Action to Contain Measles Outbreak

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Delegation Letter Comes Amid Measles Outbreak in New Mexico and Texas;
    Measles is One of the Most Highly Infectious Diseases and Can Lead to Serious Complications Like Pneumonia, Blindness, Brain Swelling, and Death
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), and U.S. Representatives Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.), Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.), and Gabe Vasquez (D-N.M.) wrote to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. demanding immediate action to contain the recent outbreak of measles in New Mexico. Measles, once declared eliminated in the U.S. over two decades ago, has sickened nine individuals in Lea Country.
    “Given the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) important responsibility to stop the spread of infectious diseases, we request that you utilize HHS’ authorities for testing and monitoring and vaccine education and promotion, as well as rehire critical federal employees, to stop the spread of this dangerous infection,” the lawmakers wrote in their letter to Secretary Kennedy.
    The lawmakers urged Secretary Kennedy to maintain regular reporting on measles cases, “States report confirmed measles cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Previously, measles tracking on the CDC website was consistently updated weekly. These updates are critical for public health officials to effectively track the rapid spread of this life-threatening disease. We urge you to maintain posting updated measles tracking data weekly.”
    Following the firing of federal public health officials, the lawmakers demanded the reinstatement of these officials to contain the outbreak, “Just last Friday, two dozen employees at the CDC charged with training public health laboratory staffers and supporting outbreak response efforts were fired. These firings will worsen outbreaks and ultimately threaten the health of all Americans in the face of the next public health emergency. We urgently request that you reinstate the fired federal health workers to help stop the spread of measles and other infectious diseases.”
    Additionally, to prevent future outbreaks, the lawmakers pressed Secretary Kennedy to support life-saving measles vaccines, “Given that most of the infected individuals are unvaccinated, more must be done to increase vaccination rates against measles. Vaccination rates can and should be increased and therefore we request that HHS launch a national campaign to improve measles vaccination rates to prevent future outbreaks.”
    The text of the letter is here and below:
    Dear Secretary Kennedy,
    We are concerned about the recent outbreak of measles in New Mexico. As of Wednesday, there are nine people with confirmed cases of measles in isolation in Lea County, New Mexico. This news comes as the nearby counties of Gaines, Terry, Lubbock, and Yoakum in Texas have recently reported 90 cases with 16 people hospitalized. Given the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) important responsibility to stop the spread of infectious diseases, we request that you utilize HHS’ authorities for testing and monitoring and vaccine education and promotion, as well as rehire critical federal employees, to stop the spread of this dangerous infection.
    Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases because the virus can survive in the air for up to 2 hours. Ninety percent of people who are susceptible will become infected if exposed. While many recover, some experience serious complications like pneumonia, blindness, brain swelling, and death.
    Preventing and mitigating outbreaks is only possible through effective disease tracking and communication, an adequate workforce, and vaccination. States report confirmed measles cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System. Previously, measles tracking on the CDC website was consistently updated weekly. These updates are critical for public health officials to effectively track the rapid spread of this life-threatening disease. We urge you to maintain posting updated measles tracking data weekly.
    The public health workforce protects community health by tracking disease and communicating with the public about health threats. But on January 29, 2025, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that there are still health care workforce shortages that inhibit the U.S.’s ability to protect and improve the health of American communities. Despite these health care workforce shortages, federal employees have been fired from the CDC, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and Indian Health Service (IHS). Just last Friday, two dozen employees at the CDC charged with training public health laboratory staffers and supporting outbreak response efforts were fired. These firings will worsen outbreaks and ultimately threaten the health of all Americans in the face of the next public health emergency. We urgently request that you reinstate the fired federal health workers to help stop the spread of measles and other infectious diseases.
    Finally, the most effective way to protect people from contracting measles is to increase vaccination rates as quickly as possible. The measles vaccine, which also inoculates against mumps and rubella, has been in use for about 60 years and has consistently been found to be safe and effective. We urge you to keep your commitment to maintain the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for vaccination. The ACIP is critical for ensuring safe and effective vaccination practices among American adults and children. The resources provided by the ACIP not only help health care providers make vaccination recommendations to their patients but also empower everyday Americans to make informed decisions about their health. Given that most of the infected individuals are unvaccinated, more must be done to increase vaccination rates against measles. Vaccination rates can and should be increased and therefore we request that HHS launch a national campaign to improve measles vaccination rates to prevent future outbreaks.
    In closing, your action is urgently needed to stop the spread of measles in New Mexico and across America. In order to mitigate the further spread of this life-threatening disease, we urge you to utilize HHS’ authorities and proven outbreak mitigation strategies. Specifically, we are asking that you maintain weekly disease tracking data updates, rehire federal health workers, launch a vaccination promotion campaign against measles and other life-threatening infectious diseases, and trust the recommendations of public health experts, physicians, and scientists.
    Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s, minister’s statements on Pink Shirt Day

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Pink Shirt Day:

    “Today is Pink Shirt Day, a day for all of us to celebrate kindness and work together against bullying.

    “In 2007, two Nova Scotia high school students encouraged classmates to wear pink in support of a boy who had been teased for wearing a pink shirt. This act of solidarity inspired Pink Shirt Day, which is observed on the last Wednesday in February every year as Canada’s official anti-bullying day.

    “Bullying is still far too common. According to the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth, 71% of Canadian youth, ages 12 to 17, experienced at least one form of bullying in the previous reporting year. One in four reported being cyberbullied.

    “Our government is committed to making sure that every student in every community in B.C. feels safe and supported – at school and at home.

    “The Erase (expect respect and a safe education) program is dedicated to helping students, adults and school staff build safe, caring and inclusive school communities, and offers resource support for diversity and inclusion, mental health and substance use, and school and online safety.

    “Recognizing the significant harms that can result from online harassment and cyberbullying, we launched services to remove images from the internet and pursue predators who share images without consent.

    “We invested nearly $75 million over three years to enhance and expand Foundry services in the province. Foundry provides integrated health and wellness services for young people, ages 12 to 24, and allows young people to access mental-health care, substance-use services, physical and sexual health care, youth and family peer supports, and social services all in one location.

    “In B.C., we celebrate the diversity that makes our province strong and vibrant. There’s no place for bullying in schools, on the streets or at home.”

    Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, said:

    “On the 18th anniversary of Pink Shirt Day, we join British Columbians taking a stand against bullying. Every MLA who celebrates this day recognizes our immense responsibility to do the work that keeps every child in B.C. safe.

    “Alongside our partners, we continue the critical work to make schools free from bullying and discrimination. Together, we must ensure that we create the environment where all B.C. students feel safe, cared for and included, so they can be their authentic selves at school and thrive out in the world.

    “Both as a minister and a parent, I am proud to celebrate this day. Now more than ever, we need everyone to come together to stand up to bullies.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/SUDAN – War in Sudan continues: use of the air force, including drones, is becoming increasingly important

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) – According to the latest information from the authorities, 46 people were killed in the crash of a military transport plane in Omdurman, the “sister city” of the Sudanese capital Khartoum. Among the victims is a senior army officer, General Bahr Ahmed Bahr.The plane crashed yesterday evening, February 25, for reasons that are still unknown. Fighting is raging in and around Khartoum between soldiers of the Sudanese army (Sudan Armed Forces, SAF) and militiamen of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). It cannot therefore be ruled out that the plane was hit by anti-aircraft defenses. Two days ago, the RSF claimed to have shot down another army transport plane near Nyala in South Darfur, but this was not confirmed by the military.In recent weeks, the army and its affiliated Sudan Shield Forces militias have regained control of Khartoum Bahri and important parts of the East Nile region.Meanwhile, the army announced that it gained control of the strategically important Soba Bridge three days ago, which should enable the regular army and the Sudan Shield Forces to advance into the center of Khartoum, which is still in the hands of the RSF.The army is also on the offensive in other parts of the country. With the help of drones acquired from Turkey, the military managed to break the siege of El-Obeid in North Kordofan and deal a heavy blow to the RSF. With the help of precision attacks by Turkish drones, the Sudanese army managed to regain control of important areas occupied by the RSF. However, the latter also uses combat drones. The army said it shot down several enemy drones that were attacking the military airport in Merowe, in northern Sudan, in the early hours of today, February 26. Over the past two months, RSF drones have attacked power plants in the north of the country, including the cities of Ad-Daba and Dongola, which are still not functioning properly due to a lack of spare parts.On a political level, the signing of a founding charter on February 22 in Nairobi by several armed, political and civil organizations calling for the formation of a “parallel government” in the areas controlled by the RSF has provoked reactions from various Sudanese political parties, who fear a further fragmentation of the country. The repeatedly postponed signing of this agreement in Nairobi (see Fides, 19/2/2025) has led to a serious diplomatic crisis between Kenya and the Sudanese government in Port Sudan, linked to the SAF. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 26/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SRI LANKA – Cost of living and fight against crime: the population’s expectations from the new government

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Foto di Eddy Billard su Unsplash

    Colombo (Agenzia Fides) – “The people of Sri Lanka are waiting for a change in the new government, especially on the economic level, with measures that reduce the cost of living and lower taxes on essential goods such as food and medicines,” said Fr. Cyril Gamini Fernando, priest in Colombo and director of the Catholic weekly newspaper in the Sinhalese-language “Gnartha Pradeepaya” (“The Light of Knowledge”), in an interview with Fides, while a public debate is underway in the nation on the issue of tax reform. “Patience is required because the government has only been in power for a few months. People have confidence in the current President, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, elected last September, and believe that he will work to improve the socio-economic conditions of the population,” reports Father Fernando, while a nationwide signature campaign is underway in the country, calling on the government to significantly reduce taxes on basic food, medicine and school supplies.Believers of all religions, including Catholics, have participated in the signature collection. Father Jeewantha Peiris, a Catholic priest of the Diocese of Badulla who works for social justice, is among those in favor of the necessary reduction, noting that “the tax cut was announced by Dissanayake during the election campaign and is therefore one of his commitments.”Fr. Fernando adds other elements in his interview with Fides: “As I recently wrote in my editorial in our Catholic weekly, it is the government’s duty to side with the poorest and meet their needs: this is one of the expectations of today’s people.” In addition,” he continues, “a second problem that must be addressed is that of organized crime, with the proliferation of groups active in drug trafficking, which puts our young people at risk”. On the other hand, he concludes, “the government is struggling with the phenomenon of corruption: this too is a key issue in the management of public affairs. Of course, these are issues that take time and must be considered in the long term. The president, who has only been in office for a few months, still enjoys the trust of the population. Our position is: we must wait to see how he will move, what political choices he will make, how and if they will really benefit people’s lives”. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 26/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/TANZANIA – Appointment of auxiliary bishop of Tabora

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 26 February 2025

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – The Holy Father has appointed the Reverend Josaphat Jackson Bududu, of the metropolitan archdiocese of Tabora, Tanzania, until now vicar for consecrated life and parish priest of Saint Joseph in Kipalapala, as auxiliary bishop of the same archdiocese, assigning him the titular see of Vegesela di Numidia.Msgr. Josaphat Jackson Bududu was born on 6 March 1977 in Kaliua, Tabora.He studied philosophy at the major seminary of Kibosho, Moshi, and theology at the major seminary of Kipalapala, Tabora. He was awarded a doctorate in spirituality at the Tamil Nadu Institute of Spirituality and Saint Peter’s Pontifical Institute in Bangalore, India.He has held the following offices: deputy parish priest (2009-2011) and parish priest (2015-2018) of Saint Therese in Tabora.Since 2019, he has served as formator at Archbishop Mario Mgulunde Propaedeutic Seminary in Kipalapala, professor at Saint Paul’s Senior Seminary in Kipalapala, parish priest of Saint Joseph in Kipalapala, spiritual director of the Religious Congregation of the Daughters of Mary Sisters in Tabora and vicar for consecrated life of the metropolitan archdiocese of Tabora. (Agenzia Fides, 26/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: AFRICA/DR CONGO – M23 rebels loot 10 tons of strategic minerals from a plant in South Kivu

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:4447M-cassiterite.jpg

    Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides) – More than 10 tons of strategic minerals were taken by M23 militiamen from a plant in the Congolese province of South Kivu. This is what was reported by the “Thematic Working Group on Mining and Hydrocarbons of the Civil Society of South Kivu” sent to Fides. The province in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), together with the province of North Kivu, is gradually being conquered by M23 militias, supported by Rwanda (see Fides, 18/2/2025).”During the night of February 19 and 20, 2025, the mineral processing plant of the company ‘CJX Minterals’ was looted by armed fighters of the M23,” the statement reads. The militiamen are said to have turned off the surveillance cameras and abducted security officers from the facility.According to information from the Congolese civil society organization, the militiamen took a shipment of about 10 tons of the so-called 3T minerals, which were already labeled and prepared for export. The so-called 3T minerals are tin, tungsten (tungsteno) and coltan (tantalum), three strategic minerals for the global electronics, aerospace and military industries that are at the heart of the war in eastern DRC (see Fides, 1/2/2023).“CJX Minerals” is a private company under Congolese law, founded in 2014, and is the largest exporter of 3T minerals in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”These targeted lootings demonstrate the clear will of the M23 to destroy the local economy for the benefit of Rwanda, whose economy depends on the plundering of the DRC’s natural resources,” the note says. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 26/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Europe: VATICAN – Pope Francis: Let us learn to “detect” the presence of God in smallness

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 26 February 2025

    Vatican Media

    Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Learn to “detect” the presence of God in smallness, as did the two elders of the Temple, Simeon and Anna, who thanks to their “clear eyes” were “capable of seeing beyond appearances” and recognize in the child Jesus the salvation of the world.While waiting to know the results of the CT scan carried out in recent hours, from the tenth floor of the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where he has been hospitalized for over ten days for bilateral pneumonia, Pope Francis released late this morning the text of the catechesis prepared for the General Audience that he was supposed to preside over this morning in the Paul VI Hall.Continuing the cycle of catecheses dedicated to the life of Jesus in the perspective of the Jubilee, the Pope, in the text of the catechesis released today, dwells again on the infancy of Jesus, in particular on the episode of the presentation at the Temple. In Israel, the Bishop of Rome explains in the text, ” there was no obligation to present the child at the Temple, but those who lived listening to the Word of the Lord and wished to conform to it, considered it a valuable practice”.In this way, ” Mary and Joseph do not simply embed Jesus in a history of the family, the people, of the covenant with the Lord God. They take care of His growth, and introduce Him into the atmosphere of faith and worship. And they too gradually grow in their comprehension of a vocation that far surpasses them “.And in the Temple they meet two elderly people. The first, Simeon, is a man to whom “the Holy Spirit speaks”, and he “perceives in the Temple the presence of the Lord’s Anointed One”. In embracing the child he finds “consolation and the fullness of his existence”. His joy is transformed in “a canticle full of heartfelt gratitude, which in the Church has become the prayer at the end of the day”, that is, the Nunc Dimittis (“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in sight of all the peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel”).In this canticle “Simeon sings the joy of those who have seen Him, who have recognized Him and are able to transmit to others the encounter with the Saviour of Israel and of the peoples. He is a witness of faith received as a gift and communicated to others”. Now, this elderly, “sees death not as the end, but as fulfilment, fullness; he awaits it like a “sister” that does not annihilate but introduces to the true life that he has already foretasted and in which he believes”. And the same also happens to Anna. Both become “pilgrims of hope” “who know how to welcome God’s visit with joy and rekindle hope in the heart of brothers and sisters”. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 26/2/2025)
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    MIL OSI Europe News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: King County Man Who Dealt Narcotics on the Dark Web and Kept a Cache of Weapons at His RV Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison

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

    Law enforcement was already investigating dark web drug trafficking when defendant was shot near Olallie State Park

    Seattle – A King County man, arrested after law enforcement discovered a drug lab and cache of firearms and explosives inside an RV near a state park, was sentenced today to eight years in prison for possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, unlawful possession of a machinegun, and unlawful possession of destructive devices, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Braiden F. Wilson, 29, and his partner, 30- year-old Chandler B. Bennett were arrested following a May 12, 2024, shooting in rural King County.  At today’s sentencing hearing U.S. District Judge Lauren King said, the crimes “were egregious… You distributed a large amount of drugs that cause a danger to our community.”

    “Mr. Wilson used the dark web to advertise his potentially deadly wares, shipping fentanyl pills across the country,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Miller. “He further placed the lives of the community in danger by stockpiling a cache of weapons and explosives, which he stored adjacent to a state park frequented by the public.”

    According to records filed in the case, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) was investigating Wilson for dealing drugs on the dark web, when King County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the RV near Olallie State Park when Wilson was shot. The deputies noticed that the RV had surveillance cameras and asked to get access to the recorded video to identify the assailant. Bennett refused to allow law enforcement to enter the RV, so they sought a warrant from a King County Judge.

    When law enforcement entered the RV, they found a large cache of weapons as well as fentanyl powder, tablets containing fentanyl, and sundry items associated with the manufacture of tablets, including a manual pill press. Law enforcement located more than two and a half kilograms of fentanyl-laced pills. Law enforcement seized 16 firearms, body armor, silencers, and ballistic shields. They also found gun parts made from 3D printers – making them untraceable. There were multiple destructive devices and literature on the chemistry and manufacturing of explosives, as well as literature on how to convert firearms to fully automatic capability.

    Agents and officers also searched two storage units associated with Wilson and found two additional pill presses, more controlled substances, and mailing supplies. In all law enforcement seized more than two kilos of fentanyl-laced pills, nearly a kilo of fentanyl powder, and more than three kilos of methamphetamine. Computer and bank records reveal that Wilson distributed controlled substances via his dark web identity more than 2,000 times and he took in more than $287,000 in crypto currency.

    Wilson pleaded guilty in October 2024.

    Asking for an eight-year prison sentence prosecutors wrote to the court, “Wilson engaged in a comprehensive enterprise to distribute fentanyl-laced pills throughout the country by offering his products for sale on dark web 

    marketplaces…  He maintained a veritable armory while engaged in his drug distribution business. Inside the motorhomes Wilson shared with his co-defendant, investigators found an operable machinegun; silencers designed to muffle the report of a discharged firearm; a shotgun stored in a case designed to look like it carried a musical instrument; destructive devices commonly called pipe bombs; and materials to make more destructive devices.”

    “This is another example of great work by our patrol deputies, as they went above and beyond on a call that resulted in taking two dangerous criminals off the street,” said King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall. “Additionally, I am so proud of the work done by our Gun Violence Reduction Unit.  That team was able to ensure the proper steps were taken in this investigation, and in partnership with several federal agencies, were able to hold these people accountable and ensure justice was served.”

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), the King County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from the Washington State Patrol.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Casey Conzatti and Brian Wynne.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Announces Sentencing of New York Man for Role in Scheme Defrauding Bernalillo County

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

    strong>ALBUQUERQUE – A New York man was sentenced today in federal court for his role in a business email compromise scheme that defrauded Bernalillo County of over $447,000.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    According to court documents, Oscar Kipikirui Ngeno, a naturalized U.S. citizen originally from Kenya, was involved in a business email compromise scheme targeting the government of Bernalillo County, New Mexico. Between October and December 2019, while residing in New York on an immigrant visa, Ngeno allowed others to have access to his bank account, which was used for fraudulent transfers.

    The scheme involved a spoofed email sent to Bernalillo County, purportedly from a legitimate vendor, containing falsified payment information and a phone number controlled by Ngeno. As a result, the county transferred a total of $447,372.89 to Ngeno‘s account over several months.

    Ngeno became aware of the illegal nature of these transfers and the criminal origin of the funds in his account. On November 6, 2019, he used approximately $13,090.82 of the fraudulently obtained money to pay off a personal vehicle loan with Capital One Auto.

    On November 15, 2024, Ngeno pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering, acknowledging his role in the scheme. Ngeno was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $15,000 to Bernalillo County.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Albuquerque Field Office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Buffalo Field Office, the Rochester Resident Agency, Richmond FBI Field Office and Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly A. Brawley is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Defiance ETFs’ QTUM, Quantum Computing ETF, Earns 5-Star Morningstar Rating and Surpasses $1 Billion in AUM

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MIAMI , Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Defiance ETFs, a pioneer in thematic investing, is proud to announce that its QTUM – Defiance Quantum Computing ETF has achieved two significant milestones: a prestigious 5-star Overall Morningstar Rating™ and assets under management (AUM) exceeding $1 billion. These accomplishments underscore QTUM’s position as a leader in providing investors with targeted exposure to the rapidly evolving quantum computing sector. The 5-star Morningstar Rating, based on risk-adjusted returns as of January 31, 2025, places QTUM among the top-performing funds in its technology category, evaluated against 262 peers over a three-year period.

    Launched in September 2018, QTUM tracks the BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index, offering access to a diversified portfolio of global companies at the forefront of quantum innovation. With holdings including industry trailblazers like D-Wave Quantum (NYSE: QBTS), IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), and Rigetti Computing (NASDAQ: RGTI), QTUM has capitalized on the surging demand for computational power driving the AI age.

    “We’re thrilled to see QTUM earn a 5-star Morningstar Rating and break the $1 billion AUM barrier,” said Sylvia Jablonski, CEO of Defiance ETFs. “This dual achievement is a testament to the vision we had when we launched QTUM—to give investors a front-row seat to one of the most disruptive technological shifts of our time. Quantum computing isn’t just the future; it’s the now”

    The quantum computing market is projected to grow exponentially, with estimates suggesting a valuation of $90 billion to $170 billion by 20401, driven by its ability to solve complex problems beyond the reach of classical computing. QTUM’s success reflects this momentum, offering a compelling option for investors seeking to tap into this high-growth sector without the risks of single-stock exposure.

    For more information on QTUM, including current holdings and performance data, visit www.defianceetfs.com/qtum.

    About Defiance ETFs
    Founded in 2018, Defiance ETFs is a leading issuer of thematic, leveraged, and income-focused exchange-traded funds.

    1. Source: bcg.com The Long-Term Forecast for Quantum Computing Still Looks Bright, July 18, 2024.

    Past performance does not guarantee future results. Fund holdings and sector allocations are subject to change at any time and should not be considered recommendations to buy or sell any security.

    The Funds’ investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses must be considered carefully before investing. The prospectus and summary prospectus contains this and other important information about the investment company. Please read it carefully before investing. A hard copy of the prospectus can be requested by calling 833.333.9383.

    Morningstar Disclaimer: The Morningstar Rating™ for funds, or “star rating,” is calculated for managed products with at least a three-year history. The top 10% of products in each category receive 5 stars. The Overall Morningstar Rating is derived from a weighted average of performance figures associated with its three-, five-, and 10- year (if applicable) Morningstar Rating metrics. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. ©2025 Morningstar, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible. The Funds are not actively managed and would not sell a security due to current or projected under performance unless that security is removed from the Index or is required upon a reconstitution of the Index. A portfolio concentrated in a single industry or country may be subject to a higher degree of risk. The value of stocks of information technology companies are particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition.

    The Fund is considered to be non-diversified, so it may invest more of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers. Investments in foreign securities involve certain risks including risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability. This risk is magnified in emerging markets. Small and mid-cap companies are subject to greater and more unpredictable price changes than securities of large-cap companies.

    The possible applications of quantum computing are only in the exploration stages, and the possibility of returns is uncertain and may not be realized in the near future.

    The “BlueStar Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index™”, “BQTUM™ Index” (collectively “Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index”), is the exclusive property and a trademark of BlueStar Global Investors LLC d/b/a BlueStar Indexes® and has been licensed for use for certain purposes by Defiance ETFs LLC. Products based on the Quantum Computing and Machine Learning Index are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by BlueStar Global Investors, LLC or BlueStar Indexes®, and BlueStar Global Investors, LLC and BlueStar Indexes® makes no representation regarding the advisability of trading in such product(s). It is not possible to invest directly in an index.

    QTUM is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC.

    Contact Information

    David Hanono
    info@defianceetfs.com
    833-333-9383

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3d994faf-766a-4a4d-8949-39f33c321b95

    The MIL Network –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Economics: How Microsoft adaptive cloud offerings help deliver more reliable and secure energy

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: How Microsoft adaptive cloud offerings help deliver more reliable and secure energy

    As utilities adapt to increasing electrification, grid modernization, and the expansion of distributed energy, traditional operational technology (OT) environments are being pushed beyond their limits. At the same time, utilities and energy providers must navigate an increasingly complex regulatory landscape, from data sovereignty requirements in Europe to cybersecurity mandates like North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection (NERC CIP) and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

    While cloud adoption is accelerating, many OT systems, such as Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Energy Management Systems (EMS), Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS), and Outage Management Systems (OMS), require hybrid architectures to ensure operational continuity, compliance, and secure integration with real-time grid control.

    The challenge is clear: how do energy providers unlock the full potential of the cloud while helping to ensure mission-critical operations remain secure, resilient, and interoperable with legacy infrastructure?

    Microsoft for energy and resources

    Drive innovation to achieve net zero and deliver safe, reliable, equitable energy for a sustainable future.

    Adaptive cloud: The bridge between IT, OT, and AI-powered intelligence

    The Microsoft adaptive cloud approach provides a seamless, scalable, and secure framework for unifying on-premises, edge, and cloud environments. Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all migration to the cloud, the Microsoft adaptive cloud integrates IT and OT seamlessly, bringing together on-premises control systems and edge intelligence with cloud-scale analytics. Instead of forcing a binary choice between on-premises versus cloud, adaptive cloud supports energy providers to:

    • Integrate on-premises systems with cloud-driven intelligence while meeting global compliance and sovereignty requirements.
    • Utilize complex AI algorithms and real-time data streaming to unlock operational efficiencies, increase resilience, and enhance reliability.
    • Strengthen cybersecurity with built-in Zero Trust protections and industry-aligned security frameworks.
    • Support edge computing for localized grid control while harnessing the cloud’s computational power.

    At Microsoft, we’re working with energy leaders around the world to implement this adaptive cloud approach that unites and integrates siloed teams, distributed sites, and operational systems into a unified model for operations, security, applications, and data. With a foundation built on Microsoft Azure and spanning more than 60 public cloud regions, our approach supports energy providers to utilize cloud-native and AI capabilities across the enterprise while bringing together IT and OT systems to accelerate energy production and help teams manage increasingly complex environments more efficiently.

    Meeting growing demand while driving critical efficiencies

    As population growth and rapidly changing markets continue driving demand for energy, industry leaders are faced with immense pressure to not only provide secure, equitable, and sustainable energy, but to optimize every aspect of business for continued growth. The Microsoft adaptive cloud environment sets the stage for critical improvements that help energy companies keep up with demand without overextending their own resources. These improvements include:

    • Secure integration of cloud AI with critical OT systems. Many grid control systems such as SCADA, EMS, and DERMS must interact with real-time operational data while helping to ensure security and compliance. The Microsoft adaptive cloud supports these systems to securely connect to cloud-based AI and analytics without disrupting mission-critical workflows.
    • Enhanced security. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats makes security a non-negotiable priority. Supporting an adaptive cloud-based environment is a critical step in improving security measures and allowing quick responses, helping to ensure that energy systems are protected against evolving cyber threats. Real-time OT and IT threat detection is an imperative going forward.
    • Faster data analytics. Energy operators require high-speed decision-making, but traditional OT systems often rely on static models that struggle to adapt to real-time fluctuations. Running enterprise systems in Azure facilitates faster, more informed decision-making based on real-time data and supports cloud-based, high-speed analytics that ingest, process, and visualize terabytes of operational data from the grid. These data-driven insights can be applied to predictive maintenance, which helps reduce unplanned downtime and mitigates related operational expenses. Applying AI capabilities on top of analytics can supercharge the value of enterprise data, saving time and empowering decision-makers with actionable information.
    • Compliance with global regulatory and data sovereignty requirements. Energy companies navigate a complex web of regional regulations, including:
      • NERC CIP (North America)—critical infrastructure protection for utilities
      • GDPR (European Union)—data privacy and protection regulations
      • Schrems II Ruling (European Union)—restrictions on data transfers from the EU to third countries
      • ISO 27001 & IEC 62443—international cybersecurity frameworks for industrial control systems

    With hybrid capabilities in Azure, utilities can process sensitive data on-prem or within sovereign cloud regions while still using cloud-scale AI and automation.

    • Edge computing for low-latency control and decision-making. Certain grid operations require millisecond response times, making local processing at the substation or field level critical. Adaptive cloud allows real-time decision-making at the grid edge while still syncing with cloud-based AI for broader optimization.
    • Increased scalability and flexibility. An adaptive cloud also supports energy providers to remain agile with changing demands and adopt new technologies that can easily integrate with current infrastructure investments.

    Global energy leaders unlock new value with Azure

    Microsoft collaborates with energy customers to unearth insights that help them make better, faster decisions and optimize efficiencies across the enterprise. For many, that starts with introducing cloud solutions that make it easier to collect and organize data. But data regulations, legacy on-premises systems, and a growing number of applications to manage are just a few challenges that pop up along the way. Below are two recent examples of how Microsoft has worked with energy leaders to address these and other challenges.

    Uniper: Standardizing IT and OT with a hybrid cloud strategy

    Uniper, the world’s largest power generation company, wanted to introduce cloud solutions but faced strict regulations around where certain applications could operate depending on the type of data involved, making it difficult for the IT team to manage all applications in a uniform, secure way. Their solution:

    • Microsoft Azure Arc and Microsoft Azure Monitor created a single dashboard for managing applications across cloud and on-premises environments.
    • Microsoft Azure Stack HCI allowed hybrid use of cloud services while helping to ensure compliance with European data regulations.

    With this adaptive cloud strategy, Uniper can now manage IT and OT environments in a standardized way, launch new services faster, and optimize performance without disrupting critical infrastructure. This translates to launching orders more quickly, bringing new services to market faster, and building new systems with just a few clicks.

    Emirates Global Aluminum (EGA): AI-powered edge intelligence for industrial operations

    EGA is another energy leader that turned to Azure to pave a path for sustainable, scalable infrastructure. EGA’s on-premises environment couldn’t deliver the level of flexibility needed to manage increasingly complex and data-intensive operations with scalable computing infrastructure. EGA needed a hybrid cloud approach to support real-time AI and analytics across its energy-intensive operations. To address this challenge, the company deployed a hybrid environment managed by Azure Arc. The new environment allowed EGA to connect private cloud services through on-premises datacenters—which host operational data, quality control data, environmental and energy data, and supply chain and market data—with the public cloud. This helped optimize latency, support advanced AI and automation solutions, and offer sustaining commercial savings by applying intelligence at the edge. It also streamlined processing for massive amounts of real-time readings from sensors, machinery, and production lines.

    Using an adaptive cloud approach went a long way in helping EGA accelerate industrial AI use cases and improve production processes. The company experienced 10 to 13 times faster AI response time, lower latency, and 86% cost savings associated with AI image and video use cases. They also developed and trained a model on 100,000 images to define and differentiate between what makes a good anode and what makes a bad one, ultimately helping to improve the overall quality of their aluminum production.

    An adaptive cloud approach to power a sustainable energy future

    As enterprises from across all industries aim to reduce their carbon footprint through more efficient, sustainable practices, there’s little doubt that all eyes are on the energy industry to lead the way. Microsoft is proud to be recognized as a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant for Distributed Hybrid Infrastructure (DHI), placing Microsoft Furthest and Highest in Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute. Microsoft offers an adaptive cloud approach and can help energy companies make real progress toward a resilient and sustainable future by setting the stage for significant value-adds like improved data management and generative AI capabilities. Collectively, these improvements help strengthen security posture, simplify management of applications, improve operational performance, and, critically, reduce carbon footprint.

    By partnering with Microsoft, global energy providers can:

    • Unify IT and OT systems across on-premises, edge, and cloud for seamless integration.
    • Meet global regulatory and compliance requirements while maximizing cloud capabilities.
    • Enhance cybersecurity with real-time threat detection and Zero Trust protections.
    • Scale AI and analytics to energy infrastructure, reduce downtime, and improve efficiency, reliability, and resilience.

    By embracing adaptive cloud, energy providers can future-proof their operations, strengthen cybersecurity, and build the resilient energy systems of tomorrow—without compromising compliance, security, or operational continuity.

    We’re here to support customers and partners along the way, as we all look to accelerate the energy transition and build a sustainable energy future for the next generation.

    Explore more energy solutions and resources

    Learn more about Microsoft for energy and resources.

    GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, Magic Quadrant is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved. 

    Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner’s research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. 

    Bilal Khursheed

    Worldwide Power and Utilities Leader, Energy and Resources Industry, Microsoft

    With nearly two decades at the forefront of the Power and Utilities (P&U) industry, Bilal Khursheed holds the role of Worldwide Power & Utilities Leader at Microsoft, leading its go-to-market strategy for P&U. Renowned for merging innovation with tangible results, Bilal drives Microsoft’s global P&U vision and dedicates his expertise championing sustainability and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.

    See more articles from this author

    MIL OSI Economics –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner Presses Defense Department on Moving Issues for Military Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) today contacted the commander of U.S. Transportation Command (USTRANSCOM) to express concern that military families are experiencing delays and poor communication from the contractor that handles moving of household goods. In a letter to General Randall Reed, Warner urged immediate action to address the failures reported by more than 1,000 military families, including missed household goods pickups, delivery issues, and difficulties communicating with the contractor responsible for the moves, HomeSafe Alliance.

    “My constituents and press reporting indicate that HomeSafe Alliance is struggling to support military moves in a timely and predictable manner, calling into question performance on the contract, and ultimately degrading the readiness of our nation’s servicemembers and their families. As the military community enters the permanent change of station (PCS) peak season, it is essential that our servicemembers and their families have the logistical support they need to meet the mission,” wrote Sen. Warner.

    In the letter, Warner requested a briefing from USTRANSCOM to discuss how the command plans to resolve these issues and ensure HomeSafe Alliance fulfills its obligations in a timely and efficient manner.

    “I am disappointed to once again find that intervention is necessary to ensure the military community has what they need to focus on their jobs and families. Public reporting that cites USTRANSCOM officials indicates that more than 1,000 military families have already experienced missed household goods pickup or delivery dates, contractor communication challenges, or other issues associated with this contract. Your Director of the Defense Personal Property Management Office said that failures on a program this size, in the midst of transformation, are ‘to be expected,’” Warner added. “I can assure you that the military families missing their beds, kitchen appliances, and comforts of home expect far more in terms of support.”

    A copy of today’s letter is available here.

    Warner has previously engaged with USTRANSCOM on behalf of military families experiencing problems with moving. In 2014, Warner was forced to step in when more than 160 Virginians reported that their personal vehicles had been significantly delayed or misplaced by the contractor responsible for moving their vehicles during permanent change of station moves to and from overseas duty stations.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Respect for Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is vital for a sustainable end to this war: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Respect for Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is vital for a sustainable end to this war: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Sudan.

    President, nearly two years since the start of this war, and once again I cannot fail to be struck by the reports of death and destruction. 

    More violence. More families ripped apart. More children starving. 

    Last month, my Foreign Secretary visited Adré and heard first-hand about the suffering faced by women. The suffering of sexual violence, of rape, of hunger, who had fled the conflict.

    It does not need to be this way. 

    The parties to the conflict can take actions now to end the suffering. 

    And I’d like to highlight three priorities. 

    First, we urge the parties to end their military ambitions and focus on creating the conditions for peace, including through full co-operation with UN and African Union mediation efforts. 

    We share the Secretary-General’s deep concern at the announcement by the Rapid Support Forces and affiliated civilian actors and armed groups of a political charter that expresses an intention to establish a governing authority in areas of their control.

    Deepened divisions risk even further destabilisation in Sudan and the region. 

    Respect for Sudan’s charter rights, its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity is vital and will be necessary for a sustainable end to this war.

    In April, my Foreign Secretary will invite Foreign Ministers from some 20 states and international organisations to London, for discussions focused on supporting a peaceful way forward for the Sudanese people.

    Second, both parties must facilitate the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief to people in need. 

    The decision by the Sudanese Armed Forces to keep the Adré border crossing open is welcome. 

    But with over 30 million people in humanitarian need, it is simply not enough. 

    We urge the SAF to open Adré permanently, and authorise the use of further regional border crossings. 

    We call on both sides to lift unnecessary bureaucratic impediments which are delaying aid deliveries by weeks, and to provide humanitarian actors with security guarantees to operate safely.

    Third, we reiterate the Council’s calls for the Rapid Support Forces to end their siege on El Fasher and cease all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. 

    We call on both parties to protect civilians, in line with their obligations under the Jeddah Declaration.

    Mr President, the parties to the conflict should act now to end this suffering.

    Updates to this page

    Published 26 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Last Chance’ to Achieve Two-State Solution, UN Mediator Tells Security Council, as Speakers Highlight Need to Sustain Gaza Ceasefire

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    This may be “the last chance” to achieve a two-State solution — the creation of independent Israel and Palestine coexisting peacefully side by side — a United Nations mediator told the Security Council today, as it considered the fragile ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the first phase of which is set to expire on 1 March.

    While welcoming the implementation of this initial phase, including the release of 34 hostages, Sigrid Kaag, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process ad interim, added:  “None of us will forget the harrowing pictures of the coffins of the Bibas children taken hostage with their mother and killed while in captivity.” Condemning Hamas’ public parading of hostages, she also noted the release of 1,135 Palestinian prisoners and detainees, and reports of the ill treatment and humiliation they experienced.

    In Gaza, far more remains to be done to address over 15 months of deprivation of basic human necessities and “above all, a loss of human dignity”, she said, while noting some improvements in humanitarian aid access.  “Palestinians must be able to resume their lives, to rebuild and to construct their future in Gaza,” she stressed, adding that there can be no question of forced displacement.  Gaza must remain an integral part of a future Palestinian State, and the Strip must be unified with the West Bank including East Jerusalem, “politically, economically and administratively”, she said, calling on the Council to ensure continued support for the full realization of the ceasefire deal, urgent de-escalation in West Bank and support for Gaza’s recovery and reconstruction — which would cost $53 billion.

    Also briefing the Council today was Daniel Levy, President of the US/Middle East Project, who stressed that Israelis and Palestinians both deserve security, while acknowledging the “power asymmetry” between a colonizing State and a colonized people.  Recalling the Israeli ambassador’s “gimmick” of shredding the UN Charter at the General Assembly podium, he said:  “When a State like Israel conducts itself in ways that render the Charter meaningless and which assault [international] conventions, including on genocide […] then that is a challenge that cannot be allowed to pass.”

    Calling for a full ceasefire, the release of all Israeli hostages and a surge in humanitarian assistance, he cautioned:  “There is good reason to fear that this could collapse.”  In that vein, he warned against the attempt to permanently depopulate the north of Gaza, adding:  “Hamas non-governance in Gaza is achievable, the movement itself has said so.”  But, there will be resistance if the structural violence of occupation and apartheid continue.  He also cautioned against zero-sum thinking, also stressing that the unlawful forced displacement of Palestinians must not be endorsed or encouraged by any State, let alone, one of the permanent five.

    Testimony from Ex-Hostage

    “I was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on 7 October 2023 from the Nova music festival with my partner,” recalled Noa Argamani, who also addressed the Council today.  She added that she was taken by force into Gaza and “held in total fear, living in a nightmare”.  Noting that she was rescued by Israeli soldiers after eight months in captivity, she said:  “Being here today is a miracle, but I’m here today to tell you we have no time.” There are still 63 hostages in captivity — 24 believed to still be alive — “the [ceasefire] deal must go on, in full”, she urged.

    Recalling that her captors murdered her friend, she underscored:  “Every second in captivity is dangerous.”  The Council must “not let the darkness take over”, she warned, stating that she came to the Council so that the international community understands that “the hostages are in hell” and deserve to return home immediately.

    Determined to Eradicate Hamas

    “This is the story of every hostage and every family shattered by Hamas’ terror,” said Israel’s delegate, urging the Council to adopt a resolution condemning the group — a move he argued the 15-member organ could have taken 16 months ago.  Stressing that the tragedy will not end “until each one of them is back home”, he continued: “The question now is whether this Council will help write that ending, or continue to look away.”

    “No matter what happens, our commitment to freeing all the hostages and completely eradicating Hamas is unshakeable,” he underscored. Turning to the humanitarian situation, he pointed to thousands of trucks entering Gaza every week to deliver aid and stressed:  “The only starved people in Gaza are the hostages.”  He added that “it is time to think beyond the frameworks of the past and build a new reality — one where terrorists do not hold entire communities hostage and where life is sacred once more”.

    Recordings of Gunfire at Family 

    Riyad H. Mansour, Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine, said while “nothing justifies” what happened to the Bibas family, Palestinian children are “not any less deserving of your outrage for their killing”.  He went on to play recordings of the calls made to emergency services by 15-year-old Layan Hamadeh and her 6-year-old cousin Hind Rajab — both found dead later — after their family members were shot dead while evacuating Gaza City by car. He also remembered the Palestinian parents who had to collect “what remained of their children’s bodies in plastic bags”.

    “Did you see the images of our released prisoners, often starved, with marks and scars on their bodies?”, he asked, noting that Israel subjects them to beatings and humiliating treatments.  “How many hostages were released by military actions and how many hundreds of Palestinians have perished in these military attacks that were supposed to rescue the hostages but led to the death of many of them?”, he asked, adding:  “Ceasefire works.”  The next few days is a test of Israel’s true priorities, he said.

    Support for Ceasefire’s Second Phase

    Council members stressed the need to uphold the ceasefire and reach an agreement on the second phase, which aims to establish a permanent truce.  Under this phase, Israel would fully withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas would release all remaining hostages in exchange for additional detainees.

    The representative of Sierra Leone, voiced a “renewed sense of relief and optimism” despite “the uncertainty that still looms”.  The representative of the Republic of Korea noted that the agreement shows “what firm political will can bring to the region” as Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners reunite with their families.  The ceasefire is also saving lives, Denmark’s delegate said, adding that it is vital that it moves to its second phase.  Georgios Gerapetritis, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Greece, added that the ceasefire will “allow planning for a more prosperous and secure ‘day after’ for the whole region”.

    The representative of France said that his country has deployed specialized personnel within the framework of the European Union Border Assistance Mission at the Rafah Crossing Point to support the ceasefire.  He also noted that his country and Saudi Arabia will co-chair an international conference for the implementation of a two-State solution in June.

    The Russian Federation’s delegate expressed concern about the “opaque monitoring mechanism”, highlighting accusations from both sides about the other side’s bad faith in the implementation of individual steps.  Somalia’s delegate said that the continued attacks, illegal arrests, settlement-expansion and excessive use of force “undermine the spirit of the ceasefire deal” and that “mediation efforts will not succeed if the aggression continues unchecked”.  If the ceasefire fails, Panama’s delegate warned, “then the human toll will be incalculable and prospects for regional peace and stability will fade further”.

    The representative of the United Kingdom welcomed improved aid supplies since the ceasefire agreement as having “demonstrated the central role of the UN and humanitarian actors, including UNRWA [United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East]”.  She also expressed concern over tightening humanitarian space, as well as the expansion of Israel’s operations killing and displacing civilians in the West Bank.

    Gaza’s Future without Hamas

    The representative of the United States expressed support for Israel’s “sovereign decision” to close UNRWA offices in Jerusalem, adding:  “UNRWA is not and never has been the only option for providing humanitarian assistance in Gaza”.  Her country stands with all hostages, she said, adding that the desecration of the remains of Shiri Bibas shows “the depth of Hamas’s cruelty”.  President Donald J. Trump has made clear that the future of Gaza must look different, she said, adding that Hamas must be fully removed from power and held accountable for its 7 October 2023 terrorist massacre.

    Save West Bank from Becoming Next Gaza

    Other speakers, however, highlighted the impact of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories, and the escalation of settlements and violence in the West Bank.  “Israel is not trying to return to calm,” said Kuwait’s delegate, speaking for the Arab Group.  Asking the Council if it is waiting for a repeat of the Gaza tragedy, he called on the international community to help end the occupying Power’s aggression in the West Bank and its attacks on Christian and Muslim holy sites in the Aqsa Mosque compound.

    Algeria’s delegate drew attention to the Israeli Finance Minister’s declaration that the “goal for 2025 is to demolish more than what Palestinian are building in the West Bank”.  Stressing the need to support UNRWA and empower the Palestinian Authority, he added that weakening the Authority is a deliberate strategy by the Israeli occupying Power which dreams “of a land free of Palestinians”, from the river to the sea.  Five newborn babies froze to death yesterday in a hospital in Gaza City, he noted, adding “we have no more time to waste”.  The ceasefire agreement should serve as a foundation for a durable peace plan.

    Slovenia’s delegate stressed:  “Gaza belongs to Gazans and it is an integral part of the Palestinian State.”  Pointing to the “many more steps” needed for lasting peace to persist in the Middle East, he observed:  “While peace seems to be a big word, it essentially boils down to everyday decisions to work for it.”

    “The cumulative effect of Israel’s violent occupation of Palestinian territories has entrapped the Palestinian people in a cycle of violence and poverty,” Guyana’s delegate noted.  Pakistan’s representative pointed to the forcible displacement, military raids, settler violence and illegal land annexations Israel is conducting, describing these as “ethnic cleansing in real time”.

    The representative of China, Council President for February, speaking in his national capacity, urged the international community to support the parties in moving ahead with negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire and called on Israel to cease its military and settler activity in the West Bank, underscoring:  “The West Bank must not become the next Gaza.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Nations: At Least Five Peacekeeping, Associated Personnel Killed in Malicious Attacks During 2024, United Nations Staff Union Committee Says

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    At Least 116 Staff Members of United Nations Palestine Refugee Agency Killed in 2024, Bringing Total to 263 Staff Fatalities Since War in Gaza

    At least five United Nations personnel — four military peacekeeping personnel and one civilian UN security coordination officer — were killed in deliberate attacks in 2024, the United Nations Staff Union Standing Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service said today.  By nationality, the UN personnel who died in 2024 were from Cameroon (1), Ghana (1), India (1) Pakistan (1) and Uganda (1).

    This does not include the personnel of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) who died in the war in Gaza, since they were not deliberately targeted.  However, at least 116 UNRWA personnel had been confirmed killed in 2024 in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in response to the terror attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023, the largest loss during a conflict in the 79-year history of the United Nations.  As of 29 December 2024, the total number of UNRWA team members killed since 7 October 2023 is 263 (UNRWA Situation Report #153).

    Peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were also affected by conflicts in the region.

    On 11 October, two peacekeepers from Indonesia serving with UNIFIL were injured after two explosions occurred close to an observation tower near the mission’s base in Naquora.

    On 29 October, eight peacekeepers from Austria serving with UNIFIL were wounded after a rocket, likely fired by Hizbullah or an affiliated group, hit UNIFIL headquarters in southern Lebanon.

    On 7 November, a UNIFIL convoy bringing newly arrived peacekeepers from Malaysia to south Lebanon was passing Saida when a drone strike occurred nearby.  Five peacekeepers were lightly injured.

    On 19 November, four peacekeepers from Ghana serving with UNIFIL were wounded when a rocket most likely fired by Hizbullah hit their base in southern Lebanon.  Peacekeepers and facilities were targeted in three separate incidents.

    On 22 November, four peacekeepers from Italy serving with UNIFIL were wounded when two rockets, likely launched by Hizbullah or affiliated groups, struck the Sector West Headquarters in Shama.

    In addition, three members of the World Food Programme (WFP) Sudan country team — the Head of field office, a programme associate and a security guard — lost their lives on 19 December after an aerial bombardment hit the WFP Field Office Compound in Yabus, Blue Nile State.

    The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) was the deadliest for peacekeepers with two fatalities, followed by the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) with one.

    In 2023 at least 11 United Nations personnel (seven military and four civilians) were killed in malicious attacks, and in 2022 at least 32 (28 peacekeepers and four civilians).  The drop in fatalities can partly be attributed to the conclusion in 2023 of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), the deadliest peacekeeping mission with 175 fatalities due to malicious acts.

    Deliberate Attacks

    Following is a non-exhaustive list of deliberate attacks in 2024 that resulted in the death or injury of United Nations and associated personnel, compiled by the United Nations Staff Union Standing Committee on the Security and Independence of the International Civil Service.

    On 10 January, Al-Shabaab militants seized a helicopter with United Nations personnel travelling onboard in Galmdug, Somalia.  The helicopter was captured after it had to make an emergency landing in an area controlled by the armed group.  According to media reports, the helicopter took off from the city of Beledweyne and landed close to Gadoon village (near Hindhere village) in central Somalia’s Galgaduud region due to a technical glitch.  The UN-contracted helicopter was conducting an air medical evacuation.  According to media reports, nine people were on board:  four Ukrainian crew members, two Kenyan nurses, an Egyptian working for a contractor who provides emergency medical evaluations, a Somali military doctor and a Ugandan protection officer.  At least one passenger was reportedly killed and six were seized by al-Shabaab.

    On 11 January, Maimudu Edema, a peacekeeper from Uganda, serving with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia, was killed when mortar rounds landed inside the Aden Adde International Airport area, in which the UN Compound was located.  Al-Shabaab has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack.

    On 15 January, Emmanuel Steve Atebele, a peacekeeper from Cameroon serving with MINUSCA, was killed when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Mbindali, in Ouham-Pendé Prefecture, north-west of Paoua, Central African Republic.  Five other blue helmets were injured in the attack.

    On 27 January, Kyere Evans, a peacekeeper from Ghana serving with UNISFA, was killed when the mission’s base in Agok came under attack by an armed group.

    On 28 January, Muhammad Tariq, a peacekeeper from Pakistan serving with UNISFA, died in Abyei when a UNISFA convoy transporting civilians came under attack.

    On 2 February, two peacekeepers from South Africa serving with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), were injured in an attack on a UN helicopter in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.  The helicopter was carrying out a medical evacuation when it came under fire from presumed members of the M23 armed group in the Karuba region, North Kivu Province.  The helicopter was able to land safely in the provincial capital, Goma.

    On 16 March, eight peacekeepers serving with MONUSCO were wounded during clashes between the M23 armed group and Government troops.  The incident occurred in the vicinity of Sake, 20 kilometres from Goma.  The wounded peacekeepers, who were part of Operation Springbok initiated in November 2023 to safeguard civilians in the region, sustained their injuries amidst the ongoing fighting, where MONUSCO troops had been assisting Government forces to protect vulnerable civilians.

    On 13 May, Waibhav Anil Kale, a former military officer from India working as a security coordination officer for the United Nations Department for Safety and Security (UNDSS), was killed in Rafah, southern Gaza, when a weapon impacted the back of his clearly marked United Nations vehicle.  The vehicle was driving to the European Hospital in Rafah.  Another UNDSS staff member, a Jordanian woman travelling in the same vehicle, was injured.  The shots were thought to come from an Israel Defense Forces tank in the area.

    On 10 October, two peacekeepers from Sri Lanka serving with UNIFIL were injured after an Israel Defense Forces tank fired its weapon toward an observation tower at UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, directly hitting the tower and causing its fall.

    Violations of the Independence of the International Civil Service

    On 24 January, the Houthi authorities in Yemen ordered United Nations and other humanitarian staff holding United States and United Kingdom passports to leave the country within a month.  The de facto authorities, who controlled the capital, Sana’a, along with many other areas of the country, thus violated the independence of the international civil service.

    On 11 June, the Secretary-General called for the immediate release of all United Nations staff held in Yemen by the de facto Houthi authorities, following the arbitrary detention of 13 of the Organization’s personnel, including six staff members of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).  Four additional United Nations staff members had been detained and held incommunicado by the de facto authorities since 2021 and 2023, without access to their families or their respective organizations and agencies.

    On 12 October, the heads of the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Food Programme, the World Health Organization and OHCHR, as well as the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, renewed urgent calls for the immediate release of their staff arbitrarily detained by the Houthi de facto authorities in Yemen, amid reports that some of them might face “criminal prosecution”.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Health System Council; NSH Administrator Appointed

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Province will establish a new Health System Performance and Accountability Council to improve health outcomes and experiences for Nova Scotians.

    The council will monitor the quality and performance of the health system and make evidence-based recommendations to the Minister of Health and Wellness in areas where there could be improvement.

    “We’ve made many improvements across our healthcare system, both behind the scenes and on the front lines to provide Nova Scotians with better and faster healthcare,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “We can always do more, and we will do more. This council will help us identify further areas of improvement to ensure patients continue to receive the care they expect and deserve.”

    Areas of focus for the council include acute care, primary care, addictions and mental health, public health and health promotion, emergency health services, and seniors and long-term care.

    The council will have between three and nine members appointed by the Minister of Health and Wellness. Members can serve up to a three-year term and can only be re-appointed once.

    The council will meet quarterly and report its recommendations to the Minister on or before August 1 each year.

    The government has also appointed Chris Power as the new administrator of Nova Scotia Health. She will take over from Janet Davidson, who held the position since 2021 and has resigned.

    “I want to thank Janet for her service and commitment to providing the leadership and guidance needed to support our journey to transform healthcare for Nova Scotians,” said Minister Thompson. “The work she has started will continue as we welcome Chris, who has extensive experience working in and providing leadership within our healthcare system.”

    Ms. Davidson’s resignation and Ms. Power’s appointment are both effective November 6.

    Action for Health is the government’s plan to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia. The Health System Performance and Accountability Council supports Solution 4 in the plan, to build accountability at every level.


    Quick Facts:

    • Nova Scotia will join provinces such as Alberta and Ontario that have quality councils in place to provide strategic, system-level advice on performance and improvement opportunities
    • Ms. Power began her career in healthcare as a front-line nurse and later became president and CEO of the former Capital District Health Authority.
    • she has served as CEO of the Canadian Patient Safety Institute, which later merged with the Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement to become Healthcare Excellence Canada

    Additional Resources:

    Action for Health: https://novascotia.ca/actionforhealth/

    Mandate letter for the Minister of Health and Wellness: https://novascotia.ca/exec_council/letters-2021/ministerial-mandate-letter-2021-DHW.pdf


    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero to Step Down from the Commission and Retire from Federal Service

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    With the fulfillment of her term, and the nomination of Brian Quintenz to succeed her, Commissioner Christy Goldsmith Romero will step down from the Commission upon Mr. Quintenz’s confirmation, and retire from federal service.  Commissioner Goldsmith Romero said, “It’s been a tremendous privilege to serve in the federal government for 23 years.  Following my wonderful tenure at the SEC and as the Special Inspector General for TARP at the Department of the Treasury, it has been a joy to be a CFTC Commissioner and serve alongside my fellow Commissioners and the CFTC staff.  History has shown how sound regulation plays a critical role in U.S. financial markets being the envy of the world, and I am honored to have played a part in promoting U.S. markets and protecting investors and customers.” “I congratulate my friend and fellow Commissioner, Christy Goldsmith Romero, on her retirement from decades of dedicated federal service” said Acting Chairman Caroline Pham. “Throughout her distinguished career, she has worked tirelessly to protect the American public and address risks in banking and financial services. I have appreciated her notable accomplishments towards our shared goal of supporting the CFTC’s robust enforcement program—to hold those who break the law accountable and deter bad actors from causing harm to our markets. In particular, Christy has been a thought leader in combatting fraud and addressing cybersecurity in new technologies such as AI and blockchain as sponsor of the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee. I will miss her partnership and collegiality on the Commission.”Commissioner Goldsmith Romero is a well-regarded, trusted, and internationally recognized leader in financial regulation and oversight.  She has served as a Presidential appointee since 2012, was twice unanimously confirmed by the Senate, has testified before Congress 14 times, and was recently nominated to be the FDIC Chairman and Board Member.  Her work has received substantial media coverage, and she is a sought-after speaker.  Commissioner Goldsmith Romero led the CFTC during a time of expansion of derivatives markets and amid geopolitical uncertainty.  Her overriding priority has been to ensure that markets work well—that they remain vibrant, resilient and have integrity.  She has visited farmers, agricultural and energy providers, and critical mineral providers, and met with exchanges, trading platforms, clearing houses, banks and brokers.During her term, Commissioner Goldsmith Romero prioritized risk management, focusing on the Commission’s mission to promote market resilience.  Her work led to increased surveillance to ensure prices for food and fuel were not artificially increased by fraud or manipulation.  She led the drafting of the CFTC’s first proposed rule on cyber resilience for banks and brokers, which garnered a unanimous Commission vote.  She spoke about resilience to climate risk, given the impact of severe climate events on agricultural and energy markets. Commissioner Goldsmith Romero built on her career-long enforcement record of combating fraud and other illegality and of advancing investor and customer protection.  She changed the CFTC’s routine practice of settling all cases without requiring defendants to admit their misconduct and called for stricter penalties for recidivism and violations of anti-money laundering laws.  She proposed the creation of a National Financial Fraud Registry, and advocated that Congress define “retail customer” for derivatives markets.Commissioner Goldsmith Romero has been a leader at the CFTC on future of finance issues.  She promoted responsible innovation and competition in the CFTC’s regulation of trading of digital assets and engaged with technology innovators.  She sponsored the CFTC’s Technology Advisory Committee, to which she added technology experts in cryptocurrency, stablecoins, blockchain, digital identity, AI, fintech, and cybersecurity.  The committee examined emerging technology and cyber resilience and released first-of-its-kind reports on “Decentralized Finance” and “Responsible AI in Financial Markets.”Commissioner Goldsmith Romero was the first AANHPI lawyer to serve as a CFTC Commissioner and the first LGBTQIA+ Commissioner.  She thanks President Biden for her nomination, the U.S. Senate for its unanimous confirmation, and her current and former staff and CFTC for their outstanding public service.About Commissioner Goldsmith RomeroCommissioner Goldsmith Romero was sworn in as a CFTC Commissioner on March 30, 2022, after being nominated by President Biden and unanimously confirmed by the Senate.  In June 2024, President Biden nominated her to be the FDIC Chairman and Board Member (nomination returned by the Senate in January 2025).Prior to becoming a CFTC Commissioner, she served for 12 years at the Department of Treasury, including for a decade as the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (SIGTARP), after being nominated by President Obama and unanimously confirmed by the Senate.  She continued to serve in that position throughout President Trump’s administration and the beginning of President Biden’s administration.  There, she led a nationwide law enforcement and audit watchdog office conducting oversight over TARP, the government’s response to the financial crisis that covered banks, derivatives, housing, the automotive industry and insurance.  She testified before Congress and served as a non-partisan Congressional resource on the U.S. financial system, the global financial crisis and TARP.  SIGTARP returned more than $11 billion to taxpayers and other victims, a 27 times return on investment.  SIGTARP developed a unique ability to find hidden fraud in banks.  SIGTARP investigations led to criminal charges against 465 defendants (including 75 bankers sentenced to prison and 121 homeowner scammers sentenced to prison), as well as civil charges by the DOJ, the SEC & others against 25 entities including large financial institutions.Commissioner Goldsmith Romero served for six years at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including as counsel to two SEC Chairs, Christopher Cox (R) and Mary Schapiro (I), after serving on the staff of the Enforcement Division.  She also was an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center teaching a class on the SEC and securities regulation, and at the University of Virginia Law School teaching classes on cryptocurrency regulation and federal oversight.  Prior to joining the SEC, she worked at national law firms including Jenner & Block, Snell and Wilmer, and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, and served a federal clerkship. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Workers at Delta Air Lines Ground Handling Subsidiary Vote to Join IAM Union

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Approximately 60 Unifi Aviation ground handling workers based in San Jose, Calif., last week voted nearly 70 percent to join the IAM Union. Unifi Aviation is 49% owned by Delta Air Lines Inc. and waged a scorched-Earth union-busting campaign, led by the anti-worker law firm Jones Day. The workers cited low and stagnant wage rates, poor benefits and working conditions as reasons to form a union and gain a seat at the table.

    Although the IAM Union filed the petition to hold a representation election in July 2024, it took six months for an election to be held due to Delta management’s stall tactics.

    “I am very proud to welcome these determined and courageous workers into aviation’s largest union, the IAM,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “And a special thanks to District 141 Director of Membership Services Frank Giannola, Local 1781 veteran organizer Danny Paulazzo, and the IAM Legal Department for leading the campaign to a successful conclusion.”

    The IAM Union is currently working to organize approximately 20,000 Delta Air Lines ramp, cargo and tower workers nationwide.

    “District 141 salutes these Unifi workers who never backed down and took on Delta’s high-priced union-busters and sent them packing,” said IAM District 141 President Mike Klemm. “We will now continue this campaign and negotiate the dignified first contract that these workers deserve.”

    Unifi Aviation employs approximately 60 workers at San Jose Mineta International Airport who perform ground handling services for Delta Air Lines.

    “Proud is an understatement,” said IAM District 141 Director of Membership Services Frank Giannola. “Not only do these workers endure the disrespect of low wages and poor treatment on a daily basis, but they had to withstand the lies and threats for six months because of Delta’s stalling and union-busting tactics.”

    Unifi Aviation operates in approximately 180 airports across the United States performing ground handling and other services for airlines.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: The Republican Budget is going to take health care away from millions of working Americans to pay for billionaire tax cuts

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI – February 25, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar and Vice Chair Ted Lieu were joined by House Budget Committee Ranking Member Brendan Boyle and Rep. Veronica Escobar for a press conference on the Republican budget scheme that betrays working families by cutting Medicaid to pay for tax breaks to billionaires.

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Good morning. Pleased to be joined, as always, with Vice Chair Ted Lieu and also Ranking Member Brendan Boyle of the Budget Committee and Congresswoman Veronica Escobar of the Budget Committee, as well.

    Folks, Donald Trump’s first month has been a disaster. The only president less popular than Donald Trump in the first month of his second term is Donald Trump in the first month of his first term. People are angry that Trump and Republicans broke their promise to lower costs on day one, and the Trump-endorsed Republican Budget does nothing to bring down the costs of gas, groceries, housing, rent or utilities. It is yet another reminder of Republicans’ only priority, which is lowering taxes for billionaires. 

    The Republican Budget is going to take health care away from millions of working Americans—and even children—to pay for a tax cut that Elon Musk and Republican billionaire donors asked for. Now, some of our friends on the other side of the aisle will say this is just a procedural step. Please don’t hold this vote against me. Here’s the truth: this vote doesn’t just open the door for Medicaid cuts, it guarantees them. Republicans are hiding because they’re terrified of voting against Trump’s endorsed budget, but their constituents are banging down their doors and demanding answers on why they care more about reducing costs for billionaires instead of working families. 

    Our challenge to House Republicans is, after you pass this budget today, which cuts Medicaid by $880 billion, go home and have a town hall with your constituents, see how they feel about what you just did. If you’re going to rip away health care from people, then you ought to be able to defend your vote directly to them, but that would require the House Republican Conference growing a spine, so we’ll see. Next Vice Chair Ted Lieu.

    VICE CHAIR LIEU: Thank you, Chairman Aguilar. It’s an honor to be here with Brendan Boyle and Veronica Escobar on the Budget Committee

    At the beginning of Donald Trump’s term, shortly after the inauguration, Donald Trump was at plus six approval. Reuters has been tracking Donald Trump’s approval and disapproval for the first 30 days, and they recently released a poll showing that Donald Trump is now at minus seven. So less than one month, that’s a swing of 13 points. And why are Trump’s numbers free-falling? One reason is because Trumponomics sucks. His indiscriminate tariffs are increasing prices and increasing inflation. Firing people who work on the bird flu, or cutting funding for folks who work on bird flu is going to increase egg prices. And by the way, a lot of places you can’t even get eggs. 

    And nowhere is the harm of Trumponomics more exemplified than the Republican Budget. This GOP Budget is going to cut $880 billion of Medicaid to then fund huge tax cuts for the super-wealthy and for billionaires. And what does $880 billion in Medicaid look like? It means the shutting down of community health clinics, the shutting down of hospitals, the shutting down of nursing homes, and approximately two-thirds of nursing home patients are paid for by Medicaid. This is going to have a huge impact on the middle class, on the poor, all so that billionaires can get even richer. We’re asking everyone to stand up and oppose this Republican Budget betrayal.

    I’m so honored now to introduce the Ranking Member of our Budget Committee, the great Brendan Boyle from Philadelphia, home of the Super Bowl-winning Eagles.

    RANKING MEMBER BOYLE: I did not pay Ted to introduce me in that way, but I appreciate it. Brendan Boyle, Congressman, proudly of Philadelphia, and also the Ranking Member of the Budget Committee. 

    Let’s be clear: the Republican budget represents the Republican betrayal of the middle class. It cuts at least one and a half trillion dollars, including at least $880 billion from Medicaid, in order to partially pay for trillions of dollars in tax cuts, most of which go to the richest 1% of Americans. It also increases the deficit and the national debt to the tune of $4 trillion. Even a number of House Republicans have come out upon reading the bill and recognized this fact. And by the way, this is from the same crowd that for the last four years, did nothing but shed crocodile tears over the national debt. So, you can see why this is such a Republican betrayal of the middle class. It betrays the very folks who voted for Donald Trump in order to bring down costs at the supermarket. We haven’t seen one second spent on that subject. What we have seen is that, yet again, the top priority for my Republican colleagues is to cut and slash government programs, most especially Medicaid, in order to finance tax cuts for the richest 1%. And let’s be clear about it, because there are some on the other side who are attempting to confuse people. This absolutely guarantees Medicaid cuts that would amount to the largest cuts to Medicaid in American history, all to deliver tax cuts for the richest 1%. 

    With that, I’m happy to yield to a great Budget Committee Member, my friend, Veronica Escobar.

    REP. ESCOBAR: Thank you, Chairman. Thank you, Vice Chair. Thank you, Ranking Member. Buenos días. It’s my privilege to be here standing with great champions for hard working American families. 

    I think it’s really important for us to remember what happened last year. Last year, the American people went to the polls and overwhelmingly told candidates and told incumbents, ‘we want you to focus on the cost of living. We want you to lower our everyday costs. We want you to tackle inflation.’ Where are we today? We are seeing inflation increase. We are seeing costs go up, and the American people need our help.

    This budget not only doesn’t help hard working Americans, this budget will devastate hard working Americans in a way that is absolutely a betrayal of the middle class. This budget will make Americans sicker, poorer, and this budget will make their lives more challenging. You cannot make the kind of deep cuts that this budget resolution unlocks without harming the people who are depending on us to make their lives better. And as my colleagues mentioned in Medicaid alone, in the cuts that will have to happen as a result of this resolution, we are going to see Americans have their premiums, their Affordable Care Act premiums, double. Does that make their lives better? Does that make things more affordable? We are going to see families who have a loved one who is disabled lose their benefits. Does this make their lives better? Does this make the cost of living more affordable for them? We are going to see families who have a loved one in a nursing home have to figure out the future for their elderly parent or grandparent, because Medicaid cuts will impact them. Will that make their lives better or more affordable? When community hospitals close, when community clinics close, will that make people’s lives better or more affordable? Absolutely not. 

    And there will also be an impact on local economies. We have data that shows for every dollar spent on SNAP, that means $1.50, that means it impacts the local economy by $1.50. By removing the support that the American people look to us to guarantee, we are not just going to hurt everyday Americans. We’re going to hurt economies around the country at a time when Americans want us to do the opposite. 

    Let every Republican considering voting in favor of this terrible budget explain to their constituents how this improves their lives or makes their lives better. I’ll tell you who it does, whose life it does improve – those billionaires who will be able to buy another yacht because of these tax cuts; another jet because of these tax cuts; another luxury home because of these tax cuts. But go talk to Thomas Massie also, about what this will do to the debt, and he’ll tell you what it’ll do to the debt. Thank you. 

    Video of the full press conference and Q&A can be viewed here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: Rockford-Area Contractor Sent To Prison For Investment Scam

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

              LANSING – Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Andrew Birge announced today that Matthew Mencarelli, 39, of Belmont, Michigan was sentenced to 97 months in prison for a wire fraud scheme in which he offered phony investments in nonexistent “fiber optic cable” and other infrastructure projects. He used the money to finance his lifestyle and make Ponzi-type payments to earlier investors. U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou, who imposed the sentence, found Mencarelli responsible for causing $1,615,180 in loss to 15 victims of the scheme.    

              “Those who steal from others to line their own pockets will be held accountable,” Birge said. “We are committed to combatting financial fraud and white-collar crime and would like to thank the victims who came forward to report it.”

              “Today’s sentencing of Matthew Mencarelli sends a stern message that fraudulent investment schemes will not be tolerated in Michigan,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “The FBI remains committed to investigating and deterring financial fraud that harms our community. We appreciate the Grand Rapids Police Department for their invaluable partnership and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Michigan in bringing Mr. Mencarelli to justice.”

              Court records indicate that Mencarelli, who owned a contracting business called Matthew’s Woodworking LLC, began soliciting fictitious investments in 2018 when his business was suffering from financial difficulties and unsatisfied customers.  He approached friends and acquaintances from his family’s yacht club and county club and told them he had lucrative contracts with local governments in Traverse City to install fiber optic cable or other infrastructure projects.  He told them he needed money to maintain a “surety bond” in connection with the contracts and guaranteed high rates of return if the investors loaned him money. In truth, there were no such contracts and Mencarelli used the money instead to finance his lifestyle, pouring at least $400,000 into a custom-built home.  He also used payments from newer investors to pay off older investors. When it came time to pay investors back, he lied, bullied, and threatened them and manufactured false documents to maintain the charade.   

              The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Clay Stiffler.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Bank of Åland Plc: Notice to convene the Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Bank of Åland Plc
    Notice to convene general meeting
    February 26, 2025, 17.15 EET.

    Notice to convene the Annual General Meeting

    Notice is hereby given to the shareholders of the Bank of Åland Plc (Ålandsbanken Abp) of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) to be held at 3.00 p.m. Finnish time (15.00 EET) on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at the Alandica Kultur & Kongress auditorium, Strandgatan 33, Mariehamn, Åland, Finland.

    The reception of persons who have registered to participate in the Meeting and the distribution of voting tickets will commence at 2.00 p.m. on the above date.

    A. Matters on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting

    The following matters will be dealt with at the Meeting:

    1. Opening of the Meeting

    2. Calling the Meeting to order
    3. Election of persons to check the minutes and to supervise the counting of votes

    4. Verification of the legality of the Meeting

    5. Verification of attendance at the Meeting and adoption of the voting list

    6. Presentation of the financial statements, the Report of the Directors and the Auditors’ Report for 2024

    Managing Director’s review.

    7. Adoption of the financial statements

    8. Decision on allocation of the profit shown in the balance sheet and dividend distribution

    The Board of Directors proposes that a dividend of EUR 2.40 per share plus an extra dividend of EUR 0.35 per share shall be paid for the financial year January 1 – December 31, 2024, that the record date for dividend payment shall be Thursday, March 27, 2025 and that the payment date shall be Thursday, April 3, 2025.

    9. Decision on granting discharge from liability to the members of the Board of Directors and the Managing Director for the financial year January 1 – December 31, 2024

    10. Presentation and adoption of the compensation report

    11. Decision on the number of members on the Board of Directors

    It is proposed that the number of Board members shall be set at seven.

    12. Decision on fees for the members of the Board

    The Board of Directors proposes an unchanged annual fee for its Chairman (EUR 37,000), the Deputy Chairman (EUR 31,500) and each other Board member (EUR 29,000). The Board also proposes an unchanged fee per meeting attended for the Chairman (EUR 1,000) and for each other Board member (EUR 750).

    It shall be noted that the fee per meeting for Board members’ attendance at meetings of the committees appointed by the Board is EUR 750 per Board member and EUR 1,000 for the committee Chairman. In addition, it shall be noted that compensation for travel and accommodation expenses as well as daily subsistence allowances are paid in compliance with the instructions of tax authorities and the Bank’s travel guidelines.

    13. Election of Board members

    The Nomination Committee proposes the re-election of Board members Anders Å Karlsson, Nils Lampi, Mirel Leino-Haltia, Malin Lombardi, Christoffer Taxell, Ulrika Valassi and Anders Wiklöf for a term of office that will run until the closing of the next AGM.

    14. Decision on the auditors’ fees

    In accordance with the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes that the auditors’ fees be paid as invoiced.

    15. Decision on the number of auditors

    The Board of Directors proposes that the number of auditors shall be unchanged, that is, one auditor.

    16. Election of auditors

    In accordance with the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes the re-election of the authorised accounting firm of KPMG Oy Ab, with Henry Maarala (KHT) as auditor in charge, for a term of office that will run until the closing of the next AGM.

    17. Decision on the sustainability auditors’ fees

    In accordance with the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes that the sustainability auditors’ fees be paid as invoiced.

    18. Election of sustainability auditors

    In accordance with the recommendation of the Audit Committee, the Board of Directors proposes the election of the authorised accounting firm of KPMG Oy Ab, with Henry Maarala (KHT) as auditor in charge, for a term of office that will run until the closing of the next AGM. KPMG Oy Ab has informed the Bank that certified sustainability auditor Henry Maarala will be the sustainability auditor in charge.

    19. Closing of the Meeting

    B. General Meeting documents

    The above-mentioned proposals by the Board of Directors, this notice convening the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and other documents that shall be available as provided by the Finnish Companies Act are found on the website of the Bank of Åland Plc, www.alandsbanken.fi in Swedish.

    The Board’s proposals and the accounting documents will also be available at the Company’s Head Office and at the AGM. Copies of these documents and of this notice convening the AGM will be sent to shareholders upon request.

    C. Instruction for participants in the Annual General Meeting

    1. Shareholders listed in the Company’s shareholder register

    Shareholders who were listed on March 13, 2025 (the record date for the AGM) in the Company’s shareholder register, which is maintained by Euroclear Finland Ab, are entitled to participate in the Meeting. A shareholder whose shares are registered in his or her Finnish personal book-entry securities account is listed in the Company’s shareholder register.

    Shareholders wishing to participate in the AGM must register no later than 12 noon on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

    They may register for the AGM:

    a) via the internet at the address www.alandsbanken.fi/bolagsstamma

    b) by telephone at +358 18 29 011;

    c) by letter addressed to Bank of Åland Plc, PB 3, AX-22101 Mariehamn, Åland, Finland.

    When registering, please state the shareholder’s name, personal identity code or business ID number and the name of any assistant or authorised representative and the representative’s personal identity code. These personal data will be used only for purposes attributable to the AGM and for processing of registrations related to this.

    If needed, the shareholder and his/her authorised representative must be able to prove their identity and/or authorisation at the Meeting venue.

    2. Holders of nominee-registered shares

    A holder of nominee-registered shares is entitled to participate in the AGM on the basis of the shares he or she would be entitled to be listed on March 13, 2025 (the record date for the AGM) in the Shareholder Register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ab. Participation also requires that on the basis of these shares, no later than 10.00 a.m. on March 20, 2025 the shareholder has been listed in the temporary shareholder register maintained by Euroclear Finland Ab. In the case of nominee-registered shares, this shall be counted as registration for the AGM. Changes in the shareholding after the record date for the AGM shall not affect the right to participate in the AGM or the shareholder’s number of votes.

    Registration shall be carried out by the asset manager’s account administrator no later than the above-mentioned deadline. A holder of nominee-registered shares is urged to request instructions well in advance from his or her asset manager regarding entry into the temporary shareholder register, issuance of powers of attorney and registration for the AGM. The asset manager’s account managing institution shall register the holder of nominee-registered shares who wishes to participate in the AGM in the Company’s temporary shareholder register no later than the above-mentioned deadline.

    3. Authorised representatives and powers of attorney

    Shareholders may participate in the AGM and exercise their rights at the Meeting through authorised representatives. A shareholder’s authorised representative must show a dated power of attorney or otherwise prove in a reliable manner that he or she is authorised to represent the shareholder.

    If a shareholder is represented at the Meeting by more than one authorised representatives, who represent a shareholder with shares in different book-entry securities accounts, at the time of registration the shareholder must state on the basis of which shares each authorised representative is representing the shareholder.

    Any original powers of attorney should be sent to the Bank of Åland Plc, PB 3, AX-22101 Mariehamn, Åland, Finland and be in the possession of the Company before the expiration of the registration period. Please label the envelope “Annual General Meeting” or “AGM”. Alternatively, a copy of the power of attorney may be sent by e-mail to bolagsstamma@alandsbanken.fi, in which case the original power of attorney shall be shown at the AGM.

    4. Other instructions and information

    Shareholders who attend the Meeting are entitled to ask questions concerning matters being dealt with at the Meeting, pursuant to Chapter 5, Section 25 of the Finnish Companies Act.

    On the date of this Notice convening the Annual General Meeting, the number of shares in the Bank of Åland Plc totals 6,476,138 Series A shares, which represent 129,522,760 votes, and 8,890,781 Series B shares, which represent 8,890,781 votes, or 15,366,919 shares and 138,413,541 votes in all. Each Series A share has 20 votes at the Meeting and each Series B share has one vote, but subject to the limitation on voting rights stipulated in the Articles of Association, Section 7.

    Mariehamn, February 25, 2025

    Board of Directors

    The MIL Network –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: BlueCat appoints Peter Brennan as Chief Revenue Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlueCat Networks, a leading provider of Intelligent Network Operations solutions that help organizations modernize, optimize, and secure their network infrastructure, announced Peter Brennan as its new Chief Revenue Officer (CRO).

    Brennan, who joined the company in January, is responsible for driving revenue growth and providing leadership for field teams, including sales, technical, channel, and alliances. Previously, he was the CEO for Scality, Inc., a leader in software-defined storage and data management, and the worldwide CRO for Scality, Grp.

    “BlueCat delivers important network infrastructure solutions to some of the biggest companies in the world,” said Brennan. “Our recent acquisition of LiveAction enhanced BlueCat’s industry-recognized offerings with industry leading network intelligence capabilities and I’m excited to show our prospects and customers how our technology can help them achieve their biggest goals.”

    Earlier in his career, Brennan achieved record growth over two decades in executive roles at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and VMware. “His decades of experience with infrastructure software companies, sales execution, and ability to transform go to market organizations is aligned with our mission to greatly accelerate growth and expand our reach,” said BlueCat CEO Stephen Devito. “We deliver products and services that help our customers spend less time managing the network and more time helping their businesses grow, and Peter is key to amplifying that story.”

    In October, BlueCat announced it was acquiring LiveAction, Inc., a global provider of network observability and intelligence solutions. Adding LiveAction’s industry-leading network performance monitoring, packet capture, and forensics offerings has strengthened BlueCat’s mission-critical DNS, DHCP, and IP address management (together known as DDI) and network infrastructure management solutions. Audax Private Equity is a strategic growth investor in BlueCat Networks.

    About BlueCat

    BlueCat’s Intelligent Network Operations (NetOps) provide the analytics and intelligence needed to enable, optimize, and secure the network to achieve business goals. With an Intelligent NetOps suite, organizations can more easily change and modernize the network as business requirements demand. BlueCat’s growing portfolio includes unified core network services, security and compliance, network observability and intelligence. These solutions can be deployed in hybrid or multicloud environments, in the data center, at remote or branch locations, and via SD-WAN. BlueCat’s DDI management platform was recognized as a market leader and outperformer in GigaOm’s 2024 Radar report. The company is headquartered in Toronto and New York and has additional offices in the United States, France, Germany, Iceland, Japan, Singapore, Serbia, and the United Kingdom. Learn more at bluecat.com.

    About Audax Private Equity

    Based in Boston and San Francisco, Audax Private Equity is a leading capital partner for middle and lower middle market companies that seeks to facilitate transformational growth. With approximately $19 billion of assets under management, over 250 employees, and 100-plus investment professionals, the firm has invested in more than 170 platforms and 1,250 add-on acquisitions since its founding in 1999. Through our disciplined Buy & Build approach, across six core industry verticals, Audax helps portfolio companies execute organic and inorganic growth initiatives that fuel revenue expansion, optimize operations, and significantly increase equity value. For more information, visit audaxprivateequity.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

    The MIL Network –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: NBC Securities Promotes Sam Ransom to Chief Financial Officer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Feb. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NBC Securities, a leading independent full-service broker-dealer and registered investment advisor headquartered in Alabama, is pleased to announce the promotion of Sam Ransom to Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Since joining NBC in 2021 as Director of Finance, Mr. Ransom has played a critical role in overseeing financial operations and driving strategic financial initiatives that have strengthened the firm’s long-term growth.

    In his new role, Mr. Ransom will oversee all financial functions, ensuring NBC Securities remains positioned for continued national expansion and operational excellence. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing the company’s financial strategy, budgeting, and reporting while maintaining the Southeastern roots of the BD/RIA, as well as its commitment to providing advisors with industry-leading support and resources.

    “Sam has been a driving force behind NBC Securities’ financial strategy, bringing expertise and forward-thinking leadership to our firm,” said Peyton Falkenburg, NBC Securities Executive Vice President. “His broad understanding of financial operations and commitment to NBC’s growth make him an invaluable part of our leadership team. His contributions in this new role will advance our mission to help the legacies of those we serve reach their full potential.”

    With a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics from the University of Richmond, Mr. Ransom brings a proven track record of close to 15 years across various financial sectors, specializing in accounting, budgeting, financial reporting, and operational efficiency. His expertise has been pivotal in developing and implementing financial policies that support NBC’s mission to provide customized investment solutions and comprehensive advisor support.

    “I am honored to step into the role of CFO at NBC Securities and proud to be part of a team that is so deeply committed to supporting our advisors and clients,” said Sam Ransom. “NBC’s advisor-first approach and dedication to growth—while fostering a culture of caring and support—create an environment focused on delivering exceptional service, and I look forward to further strengthening our financial strategy to drive continued success.”

    About NBC Securities
    NBC Securities is a privately held, full-service broker-dealer and registered investment advisor catering to individuals and companies across the United States. They provide private wealth services and asset management strategies from financial professionals who average over 25 years of industry experience, in addition to technology-driven custodial solutions that streamline and optimize operations for advisors nationwide.

    They are independent and employee-owned, committed to building lasting relationships and legacies. The firm achieves this through the combined power of its network of advisors, sophisticated suite of business services, and in-house portfolio products and research that spans equities, fixed income, mutual funds, SMAs, annuities, and life insurance.

    NBC Securities manages or advises approximately $5 billion in assets with an operating footprint that spans the US with corporate headquarters located in Birmingham, Alabama, and 28 branch offices, including Alabama, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, and Ohio.

    For more information, visit www.nbcsecurities.com.

    Contact: press@mbcstrategic.com

    The MIL Network –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Minister to convene gathering on democracy and respect

    Source: Scottish Government

    A new initiative to unite Scotland together against extremism.

    First Minister John Swinney will convene a pivotal gathering of Scottish society to work together and unite Scotland against the “increasingly extreme far right”. 

    Representatives from key organisations across Scotland including churches, trades unions and charities will be invited to attend a gathering in April, alongside the leaders of Scotland’s parliamentary parties.

    Speaking at a press conference at Bute House, following the passage of the 2025-26 Budget, the First Minister said the new gathering will be an opportunity renew public trust in politics and unite Scotland in a common cause – “for democracy and respect.” 

    The First Minister said:

    “At the start of the year, I warned that failure to pass the budget would send a signal that Parliament and politics could not deliver. That failure would only serve the interests of an increasingly extreme far right and leave devolution dangerously exposed.

    “But the budget has passed, and a different story can be told. Yesterday’s vote demonstrated that partnership and collaboration are possible. And that is something precious, something vitally important itself.

    “But we must do more. It is time to come together to draw a line in the sand. To set out who we are and what we believe in. 

    “The threat from the far right is real. But that leaves me all the more convinced that working together is not only the right choice, but the only choice. 

    “That is why I want to share a new initiative to bring Scotland together in common cause. I want us to work together to agree a common approach to asserting the values of our country, to bringing people together and creating a cohesive society where everyone feels at home.

    “It was a mobilisation of mainstream Scotland that delivered our parliament a quarter of a century ago. And I have no doubt, it is only by mobilising mainstream Scotland that we can protect those things we care most about, those things that are most important to us today.”

    Background

    The First Minister will write to all party leaders and the leaders of civic organisations with the details of the upcoming gathering in due course. 

    A new initiative to bring Scotland together: First Minister’s speech – 26 February 2025 – gov.scot

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Centre for Internationally Trained Physicians Now Open

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Nova Scotia opened a new centre that will see internationally trained physicians get licensed faster to practise in communities across the province.

    The Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence and its clinic are now open with four internationally trained physicians who will be providing primary care to 2,600 patients. All patients are assigned from the Need a Family Practice Registry.

    “We know there are many talented and in-demand internationally trained doctors who are eager to practise primary care medicine in our beautiful province. This assessment centre is the first of its kind in North America, and it will get these doctors seeing patients much faster than before while providing the quality of care Nova Scotians expect,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness.

    The internationally trained physicians are supervised by a team of Nova Scotia physicians who will assess them for independent licensure. The program takes about 12 weeks to complete, and individuals who become licensed will be required to sign a three-year return-of-service agreement to practise in the province.

    The centre takes over from Dalhousie University’s Practice Ready Assessment Program, which did similar work and since 2019, issued 39 licences. The timeline was about 18 months from the date of application to licensure.

    It is anticipated that once the program is fully implemented, it will issue more licences than have been issued over the last five years. The duration of the new program is 12 continuous weeks if the candidate meets all requirements.

    Over time, the centre will expand to include five physician-led teams of up to three internationally trained physicians each. At full scale, the clinic will have capacity for 6,500 patients.

    The new centre is a partnership between the Province, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia and the Medical Council of Canada, which oversees physician assessment standards in Canada.

    Quotes:

    “Having been a family physician for over 20 years in a more rural setting, I understand some of what internationally trained primary care providers will experience in our healthcare system. I welcomed the opportunity to become trained in workplace-based physician assessment, and I am excited to make a contribution to improving access to care by assessing internationally trained family care providers for practise in Nova Scotia.”
    — Dr. Andria MacAulay, physician assessor, Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence

    “PACE will help improve access to care for Nova Scotians. PACE has a hybrid mission: it will assess internationally trained family care providers for independent licensure while delivering excellent primary care in a busy clinic. It is the first primary care model of its kind in Canada.”
    — Dr. Gus Grant, Registrar and CEO, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia


    Quick Facts:

    • 28 per cent of new physicians who began practising in Nova Scotia last year were recruited internationally

    Additional Resources:

    News Release – New Centre to Support More International Medical Graduates: https://news.novascotia.ca/en/2024/10/08/new-centre-support-more-international-medical-graduates


    Other than cropping, Province of Noa Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, Schiff, Senate Judiciary Democrats Oppose Use Of Federal Prisons As Part Of President Trump’s Mass Deportation Efforts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 25, 2025

    Senate Judiciary Democrats to Pam Bondi: “We write to object to the recent decision to use Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities to detain immigrants swept up in the Trump Administration’s mass deportation efforts and urge you to reconsider this plan”

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) led a group of Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats in a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi stating opposition to the Trump Administration’s intended use of Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities to detain immigrants. The move is a policy revival from President Trump’s first Administration, where detained immigrants described allegations of mistreatment and unconstitutional detention conditions.

    The Senators begin by describing the allegations of mistreatment and unconstitutional detention conditions experienced under the previous Trump Administration, which this announcement revives, writing:“We write to object to the recent decision to use Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities to detain immigrants swept up in the Trump Administration’s mass deportation efforts and urge you to reconsider this plan. During the previous Trump Administration, detained immigrants described alleged mistreatment and unconstitutional detention conditions in federal prisons.  The detainees, many of whom were seeking asylum, lacked access to legal counsel, religious rights, phone calls, educational or other programming, and even clean clothing. Despite this troubling history, the current Trump Administration is apparently relying on the same poorly conceived detention scheme.”

    The Senators continue by stating concerns with the February 7th memo from BOP’s Correctional Programs Branch directing the policy change, writing: “[This memo fails] to provide meaningful guidance and direction to staff on the serious questions raised by these instructions. These questions include how to manage interactions between civil immigration detainees and the existing criminally incarcerated population; how the Department of Justice (DOJ) and DHS will ensure BOP staff receive adequate training and resources to meet the needs of the civil immigrant detainee population; and whether BOP facilities would even be able to meet basic immigration detention standards. Due to BOP already suffering from years of understaffing, inadequate resources, and crumbling infrastructure, the Administration’s decision to revive immigration detention in BOP facilities seriously threatens the safety and well-being of BOP staff, incarcerated individuals, and immigrant detainees.”

    The Senators then outline the long-faced staffing and infrastructure challenges that this policy change would perpetuate, as detailed by labor unions and previous Senate Judiciary Committee hearings. Additionally, they describe understaffing as just “one symptom of chronic underinvestment in the Bureau,” among which include growing maintenance needs that executive staff characterize as a “foundational, enterprise-wide challenge” to the tune of $3 billion.

    The Senators conclude by summarizing the challenges facing the Bureau that make immigration detention at BOP facilities problematic, writing: “Until serious funding and staffing challenges outlined above are addressed, federal prisons simply cannot safely and humanely meet the needs of its current inmate population, much less the needs of civil immigration detainees. Immigration detainees in federal prisons will face substandard conditions and care and their detention will only exacerbate significant institutional problems facing the Bureau. We therefore urge you to reconsider this plan and instead work with us to address BOP’s existing challenges.”

    In addition to Durbin and Schiff, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Alex Padilla (D-CA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

    For a PDF copy of the letter to Attorney General Bondi, click here.

    During his tenure as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin prioritized oversight of BOP and revived the Committee’s practice of holding annual BOP oversight hearings. In April 2021, the Committee held a BOP oversight hearing with then-Director Carvajal to address chronic understaffing issues and other concerns.  Later, Durbin called for a new, reform-minded BOP Director after an Associated Press report that found that BOP is a “hotbed of abuse, graft and corruption, and has turned a blind eye to employees accused of misconduct.” Then-Director Carvajal’s resignation was announced less than two months later.

    In September 2022, the Committee held its second BOP oversight hearing under Durbin, which was BOP Director Peters’ first time testifying before Congress since taking over as head of the Bureau. At that hearing, Durbin pressed Director Peters about abuse in federal prisons. In September 2023, Durbin held his third BOP oversight hearing. 

    In February 2024, Durbin convened a hearing entitled “Examining and Preventing Deaths of Incarcerated Individuals in Federal Prisons” at which Director Peters and DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz testified regarding issues related to the operation and management of BOP, including staffing shortages, that contributed to deaths in custody.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 27, 2025
  • MIL-OSI USA: In Senate Floor Speech, Durbin Announces Resolution With Van Hollen, Alsobrooks, Other Senate Democrats To Support Critical Work At NIH As Elon Musk, President Trump Continue To Slash Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    February 25, 2025

    Durbin asked for unanimous consent from the Senate to pass a resolution in support of NIH; Republicans rejected it

    WASHINGTON – Today, in a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a resolution he introduced with U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), as well as 21 other Senators, that would pledge support for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as President Trump and Elon Musk continue to illegally cut funding and resources at NIH. The resolution simply says that the work of NIH should not be subject to interruption, delay, or funding disruptions in violation of the law, and it reaffirms that the NIH workforce is essential to sustaining medical progress. U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-WY) rejected Durbin’s UC request.

    “All the progress we have made [at NIH], all the progress we hope to make is in danger because of Donald Trump and Elon Musk. That’s right—these two men promised to bring down the price of eggs, gasoline, and make housing more affordable. None of that has happened. Instead, they are carrying out an unprecedented and devastating campaign to cut research funding for cancers, ALS, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and infectious diseases,” Durbin said. “Instead of making life better for Americans, they want to slash research funding for the National Institutes of Health.”

    Durbin continued, “NIH funding is why people are beating cancer, why babies are being spared from preventable illnesses, why HIV is no longer a death sentence, why progress is being made on dementia and other neurological diseases.”

    Since the start of this Administration, the White House has unleashed a lawless, chaotic attack on everything from funding for farmers to biomedical research.

    “Let me tell you this—there is nothing to cheer about when it comes to [cutting] medical research. It was this bizarre memo from the Office of Management and Budget that illegally froze federal grant funding. They even prohibited the recipients of federal grants and medical research from physically meeting in the same place… The cuts that were announced by this Administration were quickly halted by a federal judge… but it seems even though the Court made a ruling, this Administration is still holding up funding, in violation of the court’s order. As a result, NIH has delayed awarding approximately $1 billion in grant funding—delaying research at institutions nationwide,” Durbin said.

    Durbin spoke about how the Administration’s cuts to NIH is harming one of his constituents, Dr. Timothy Koh—a Professor of Kinesiology and Nutrition at the University of Illinois Chicago. For 15 years, Dr. Koh has been researching why people with diabetes develop wounds that do not heal, as well as researching treatments to address these wounds. While having steady federal funding for his research through the years, Dr. Koh was recently informed that his NIH grant application is on hold because of the federal funding freeze. His current grant is scheduled to end on Friday, and if his grant is not renewed, he will have to lay off lab staff and will see major setbacks in his research. Dr. Koh recently said, “It’s going to potentially put an end to my research career, and we won’t be able to develop these new therapies for diabetic [patients].”

    “Make no mistake: under the Constitution, Congress is supposed to have the ‘power of the purse’ and over the past decade, bipartisan members of Congress have worked on a bipartisan basis to [increase] NIH’s funding [by 60 percent]… We did this because we know that NIH funding leads to new cures and treatments for patients in need, it supports well-paying jobs nationwide, and it cements our global leadership,” Durbin continued.

    Illinois universities and hospitals receive approximately $1.2 billion in NIH funding—which supports 14,000 jobs in the state and $3.5 billion in economic activity. Reports indicate that 1,200 NIH employees have been fired so far under President Trump and Musk’s direction—from experienced vaccine researchers to the next generation of scientists, to the Acting Director of the NIH’s Alzheimer’s and dementia program. Further, President Trump and Musk have reportedly ended a popular trainee program that brought 1,600 young scientists just out of college to the NIH’s world-renowned campus in Maryland to help run labs.

    Durbin concluded, “NIH research leads to the new cures and treatments that extend, improve, and save lives which is why I am introducing a resolution today to simply say of Senators on both sides of the aisle: let’s pledge support to make NIH an exception. Let’s not let wanton cuts stop something very valuable. This resolution is straight-forward—it says that the work of NIH should not be subject to interruption, delay, or funding disruptions in violation of the law, and it reaffirms that the workforce of the NIH is essential to sustaining medical progress… This is not controversial—Americans get sick on a bipartisan basis—shouldn’t we support medical research on a bipartisan basis? For as long as I can stand, for as long as I can speak, I will fight to protect NIH and the medical research it supports… I hope my Republican colleagues wake up and join me before it’s too late.”

    Van Hollen and Alsobrooks—whose state is home to NIH’s campus—helped lead the introduction of today’s resolution with Durbin. Along with Durbin, Van Hollen, and Alsobrooks, today’s resolution was cosponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Tina Smith (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Angus King (I-VT), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Jack Reed (D-RI).

    “The dedicated civil servants at NIH work tirelessly on behalf of the American people to develop medical advancements that save lives. Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s reckless efforts to attack the agency are not only throwing this critical work into chaos, they’re also flat-out illegal. It’s disgraceful that Republicans refuse to join us in defending what has been a long record of bipartisan investment in biomedical research that helps Americans live longer, healthier lives,” said Van Hollen.

    “The Marylanders who work at NIH are contributing to lifesaving research and medical advancements. To stop this work will literally cost lives. The President and this Administration are no longer just targeting civil servants—they’re targeting the American people,” said Alsobrooks.

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the floor is available here for TV Stations.

    Text of the resolution can be found here.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    February 27, 2025
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