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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Charles Dickens would have made Great Expectations a videogame if he were writing today

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Lynda Clark, Lecturer in Creative Writing (Interdisciplinary Futures), University of Edinburgh

    Despite dying over 100 years before the release of Pong, the novelist Charles Dickens has connections to a number of videogames. He appears as a character in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate (2015); is the subject of a mobile app walking-tour, Charles Dickens London: The Writer’s Journey (2022); and his works are brought to virtual life in the forthcoming The Mysteries of Gad’s Hill Place.

    There’s also plenty in Dickens’ work to suggest that were he alive today, he may be writing his own videogames as well as appearing in them.

    Great Expectations (1861) in particular demonstrates Dickens’ ludic credentials. A sense of progression is common in the Bildungsroman or “progress” novel, but Pip seems to embody ideas of “levelling-up” more reminiscent of a playable character accumulating XP (experience points) than a typical protagonist.

    Pip (Philip Pirrip) is a young blacksmith’s apprentice whose life is dramatically changed when he inherits a great fortune. Pip’s guardian, Mr Jaggers, who is also the lawyer in charge of the inheritance, describes Pip’s “expectations” (inheritance) as if it is an attainable in-game currency.

    He makes it clear, just as a videogame NPC (non-playable character) might, how the story’s currency should be spent – on items befitting a gentleman, just as a videogame character might spend on costumes and items for their inventory. As Jaggers puts it, the inheritance is “a sum of money amply sufficient for your suitable education and maintenance”

    This article is part of Rethinking the Classics. The stories in this series offer insightful new ways to think about and interpret classic books and artworks. This is the canon – with a twist.

    On his path to becoming a gentleman, Pip must develop himself in various areas such as intellect and eloquence, and acquire new clothes, which, it is implied, will confer new “powers”. They should not, Mr Jaggers stresses, be “working clothes”.

    This spiritual, physical and sartorial growth is not unlike that found in many roleplaying games such as Metaphor: Refantazio (2024), where the protagonist must develop “royal virtues” through building relationships with followers. This is reminiscent of the way Pip must build his relationship with the wealthy, eccentric Miss Havisham to further his place in society. Like Pip, the protagonist of Metaphor: Refantazio also gains access to progressively advantageous clothing and accessories as the story advances.

    Dickens appears as a character in the game Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.

    As literary theorist Peter Brooks has observed, even Pip’s name is representative of growth – a seed full of potential, the kind of on-the-nose naming scheme that would make auteur videogame designer Hideo Kojima proud. Many of Kojima’s characters in the Metal Gear franchise are named in the same way, such as Fragile, the director of a delivery company that has the motto “handled with love”.

    And before we even get into the story itself, the contents page in later collected editions arranges protagonist Pip’s journey into “stages” – a term more commonly found in videogames.

    Expectations and endings

    Perhaps the strongest argument for Great Expectations as evidence of Dickens’ potential as a videogame writer are its multiple endings. The published ending alludes to future romance. After a chance meeting four years after the primary events of the novel, Pip takes fellow orphan Estella’s hand and sees “no shadow of another parting from her”.

    However the alternate version, often presented as an appendix, has a quite different outlook. Again Pip runs into Estella, and they share fond words, but this time there is no sign of a romantic union. Instead, it’s suggested that the suffering Estella has endured through a cruel marriage has given her a deeper understanding of Pip’s life – “a heart to understand what [his] used to be”.

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    This downbeat tone is more akin to the so-called “bad” ending (or fail state) of choice-based videogames. These are endings which occur when the player has not sufficiently developed their character, or made poor conversational choices during their play.

    Even the published ending is not necessarily so positive if the reader has been paying attention to all of Pip’s “side-quests”. Both he and Estella are childhood wards of Miss Havisham, and in adulthood, a man named Magwitch plays father-figure to Pip and is Estella’s actual father.

    Therefore, it is only possible to accept their union as romantic if putting aside facts which, to contemporary readers at least, may well have verged on incest. This means there are two possible endings even within the single published ending – one where he commits near-incest and one where he doesn’t, depending on your interpretation.

    It could also be argued that the ending of each “stage” is its own potential end, thereby increasing the number of possible endings further still. For instance, literary theorist Caroline Levine has suggested another alternative ending in Pip’s imagined possible future with his childhood friend and confidante, Biddy.

    This kind of premature ending is frequently found in narrative videogames. A memorable example is Far Cry 4 (2014), where it’s possible to get the credits rolling some 15 minutes into a game which typically lasts as long as 60 hours.

    Had Dickens been writing today, I have no doubt he would have seen great narrative potential in videogames, just as modern videogame creators find inspiration in his novels.

    Beyond the canon

    As part of the Rethinking the Classics series, we’re asking our experts to recommend a book or artwork that tackles similar themes to the canonical work in question, but isn’t (yet) considered a classic itself. Here is Lynda Clark’s suggestion:

    The novel All You Need Is Kill by Hiroshi Sakurazaka (2004) remains underappreciated, despite already having been adapted into a manga (2014) and a film (2014’s Edge of Tomorrow).

    Like Pip, young soldier Keiji Kiriya is required to undergo intellectual, physical and emotional growth in order to progress. He undertakes this process of “levelling up” in an even more ludic manner, dying and “respawning” (resurrecting) with knowledge of his previous lives. Each death suggests a potential end, and his relationship with fellow time-looped soldier Rita Vrataski is open to similar interpretations of bittersweet love, doomed romance or platonic respect – depending on reader preference.

    Lynda Clark undertook part of this research during an AHRC-funded PhD.

    – ref. Why Charles Dickens would have made Great Expectations a videogame if he were writing today – https://theconversation.com/why-charles-dickens-would-have-made-great-expectations-a-videogame-if-he-were-writing-today-249199

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Kim Jong-un is launching a crackdown on North Korea’s drinking culture

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By David Hall, PhD Candidate in Korean Studies, University of Central Lancashire

    North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently chaired a meeting of the Korean Worker’s Party Secretariat, the body responsible for prescribing correct behaviour and ensuring it’s adhered to by party members. The party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reported that this meeting was convened to address various shortcomings in discipline (tangnaegyuryurŭl ranp’ok) – including binge drinking by some party officials.

    The meeting was concerned with two violations of party discipline in particular. Party officials in Onchon County (about 60km west of the capital, Pyongyang) were accused of making inadequate preparations for their local party meeting, which – as a result – was held in a “grossly formalistic (hyŏngshikchŏkŭro) way”.

    In North Korea’s early political history, accusations of being formalistic related to overly celebrating foreign governments and their methods of socialism. But used in relation to the officials in Onchon County, it meant going through the motions, and not displaying enough genuine enthusiasm and engagement with the political process.

    This lack of ideological zeal was reportedly further displayed when 40 of the officials went on a “drinking spree” – an act considered directly opposed to the party’s line on maintaining discipline. In the English-language version of the Rodong Sinmun news article, these officials were branded as a “corrupt group”. But in the Korean-language version, they were more colourfully condemned as a “rotten group” (ssŏgŏppajin muri) and an “arrogant rabble” (pangjahan ohapchijol).

    In response, Kim stated that the behaviour of the party officials was a “political and moral” crime which undermined the foundations of the Korean Worker’s Party. Consequently, the Onchon County party committee was dissolved and the 40 officials involved in the drunken revelry were earmarked for punishment. While it was not mentioned what punishment the officials would receive, it’s likely at the very least they will be subject to ideological re-education.

    Accusations of drunkenness and alcoholism as a means of criticising and purging party officials is nothing new in North Korea. In December 1955, Pak Il-u (then the minister of post and telecommunications) was accused of leading a depraved lifestyle and being an alcoholic. This was done to besmirch his reputation, justify his expulsion from the Korean Worker’s Party, and imprison him.

    It isn’t illegal to drink in North Korea. Alcohol has a strong cultural presence: it is used on formal occasions to celebrate weddings, relieve sadness during funerals, and commemorate the birthdays of leaders.

    In recent years, the country has even promoted its alcoholic products on postage stamps. In 2022, the government issued a stamp depicting three variations of Taedonggang Beer, produced at a state-owned domestic brewery since 2002. The beer is named after the Taedong river, which runs through Pyongyang.

    The following year, a stamp depicting Pyongyang Soju was issued. This rice and corn-based liquor has been produced at a state-owned factory since 2009. With an alcohol content of 25%, North Korea’s soju has a higher alcohol content than South Korea’s best-selling version, Jinro Chamisul Original (20.1% ABV).

    In June 2015, Kim designated Pyongyang Soju as the national liquor – underlining that alcohol holds an important place both in North Korea’s cultural heritage and contemporary society.

    That’s not to say North Koreans are heavy drinkers compared with their compatriots in the south, who – according to pre-COVID statistics – drink about twice as much. In North Korea, a litre of alcohol costs about the same as a kilo of corn (a proxy for a day’s food), which may explain this.

    Political and moral vice

    But excessive drinking is regarded, as Kim stated, as a political and moral vice. Alcohol and other drug taking, such as methamphetamine use, is bound up with mental health as a sign of degeneracy.

    Given that mental health care in North Korea is virtually non-existent (mental health conditions are correlated with ideological problems), drinking, smoking and other drug use often become coping mechanisms for people living there. But these have all become regarded as anti-state activities.

    In recent years, North Korea has cracked down more strictly on what is seen as the “ideological and cultural poisoning” of society. For example, it has been reported that people have been sentenced to lengthy prison sentences or execution for consuming and/or distributing foreign media, using foreign slang terms, or wearing foreign clothes and hairstyles.

    Divorcing couples and those caught selling hot dogs have reportedly been the most recent examples of people’s anti-state behaviour receiving labour camp sentences. Divorce represents dissent to the socialist idea of collectivism, prioritising group needs (family) over individual desires.

    Therefore, the attack on excessive alcohol consumption – and it being publicly reported on – can be seen as another development in the trend of North Korea clamping down on individualistic behaviour, because it does not conform to the ideals of how people in this socialist society should behave.

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

    – ref. Kim Jong-un is launching a crackdown on North Korea’s drinking culture – https://theconversation.com/kim-jong-un-is-launching-a-crackdown-on-north-koreas-drinking-culture-249514

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How virtual reality could help revive endangered language and culture

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Fabrizio Galeazzi, Associate Professor in Heritage and Creative Technologies, Anglia Ruskin University

    Every two weeks, a language is at risk of disappearing. According to the UN, at least 50% of the 7,000 different languages spoken around the world today could either disappear or become seriously endangered by the end of this century, leading to a significant loss of cultural diversity.

    “A language is not just words. It’s a culture, a tradition and a unification of a community, a whole history that creates what a community is,” as linguist Noam Chomsky once said.

    To help stem the tide, a collaboration between myself and colleagues at the StoryLab research institute at Anglia Ruskin University and creative industry partner NowHere Media is exploring the use of virtual reality (VR) technology and immersive storytelling to try to revitalise endangered indigenous cultures and languages.

    The results of our research interviews with participants suggest immersive stories, when created with communities, can be a powerful way of fostering group identity and promoting the long-term legacy and custodianship of cultural heritage.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Created by NowHere Media before the start of our project, Kusunda VR is an immersive interactive film that encourages viewers to learn key words of the Kusunda language, which is under threat of disappearing in Nepal. The film documents the nomadic way of life of the Kusunda people. It features their language, in the form of interviews with its last remaining speakers.

    NowHere Media worked closely with shaman Lil Bahadur, just one of 150 Kusunda speakers left in the world, and his granddaughter Hima to capture the nomadic Kusunda world and language. They used volumetric filming and photogrammetry – techniques that create a three-dimensional space and allow for a highly realistic and immersive environment – to be played using virtual reality technology. Voice-based interactions help viewers learn some words in the Kusunda language.

    Lil almost lost his mother tongue when he gave up his hunter-gatherer lifestyle to live in the city at the age of 18. But researchers discovered that his teenage granddaughter was passionate about keeping her grandfather’s language – and culture – alive.

    “If the Kusunda language disappears then the existence of the Kusunda people in Nepal will also fade away,” Hima told us. “We’ll lose our identity. That’s why I want to save our language.”

    Hima began learning the language from community elder Gyani Maiya Sen-Kusunda, one of the last speakers of the language, an ambassador for its preservation and a teacher to the emerging generation. She was the original protagonist of Kusunda VR but died at the age of 83 in 2020 during the production of the film.

    Immersive technology

    StoryLab received a grant from the British Academy to evaluate the potential of immersive technology in bringing endangered languages back to life. Our research study, Reviving Kusunda, compared the interactive Kusunda VR experience alongside a short film created during the project. We wanted to to offer an insight into the role of immersive technologies in creating emotional understanding of the subject in comparison to regular film.

    Audio-visual 2D formats such as film have played an important role over the last century in documenting and archiving cultural heritage such as oral traditions, language and traditional art forms. However, we are keen to know how new technologies, such as virtual and augmented reality, compare with existing audio-visual formats.

    Participants in our research – both members of the Kusunda community in Nepal and the public in the UK – identified many benefits to using multiple formats. However, they expressed a clear preference for VR. They highlighted the importance of interactivity and immersion in engaging viewers in the subject matter. With the VR experience, viewers are part of the story – a key aspect that helps revive stories and memories from the past.

    Participants considered VR especially effective in attracting their interest, creating a connection with the subject, and inspiring audiences to engage further with endangered languages and heritage.

    When viewing the VR experience, participants said they felt like a character in the film, and were immersed within the action which made them feel a strong emotional connection. They also noted how crucial it was to “feel” like the Kusunda people. This opens a range of possibilities for the use of VR for the revitalisation of endangered heritage and languages.

    The Reviving Kusunda project highlights how older speakers can educate younger generations about a language in a highly engaging way. We believe there are huge possibilities to use immersive 3D storytelling to revitalise other endangered languages.

    After the success of the Reviving Kusunda project, StoryLab now leads a €3 million Horizon Europe project called Revive. This looks specifically at two endangered European languages – Griko, spoken in parts of southern Italy, and Cornish, a language spoken in Cornwall in the southwest of England.

    This initiative brings together an international consortium of academic and industry partners to explore the integrated use of immersive technologies, data visualisation, archival research and co-creation to protect Europe’s heritage and linguistic capital.

    The aim is for immersive, interactive experiences to be hosted in museums and visitor centres to raise awareness of a region’s culture, as well as adapted to help with more formal language learning in schools and colleges for future generations.

    Participants of the Reviving Kusunda project universally acknowledged the unique way that VR can truly bring aspects of heritage to life, effectively “making intangible [heritage], tangible”.

    In the words of one participant from the Kusunda community: “When I watched the VR today, I felt I was watching the stories grandmother used to tell me. They were in front of my eyes as if they were real.”

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

    – ref. How virtual reality could help revive endangered language and culture – https://theconversation.com/how-virtual-reality-could-help-revive-endangered-language-and-culture-247856

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feb 24, 2025 ATU Urges Congress to Invest in Transit Funding, Improve Safety, Boost Workforce Development in Transportation Bill

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Bold Proposal for Upcoming Surface Transportation Bill Would be a Game Changer for Transit

    Silver Spring, MD – Calling on Congress to boost transit funding, improve safety, and invest in workforce development, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the largest union representing public transit workers in the U.S., sent its new proposal for the upcoming federal surface transportation bill up to Capitol Hill.  

    The Union’s proposal, which is named “Your Ride is Here,” sets out a vision for the legislation, which will replace the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

    “Issue number one is funding. As the COVID emergency funds under BIL dry up, transit agencies are staring out over a fiscal cliff. While some had the foresight to save their money for a rainy day, in all corners of America, it is now pouring,” said ATU International President John Costa.  

    Under current federal law, with few exceptions, transit systems may only use their Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds for capital projects. Operating assistance, including wages and benefits to provide service or even pay for fuel, is not an eligible expense.  The ATU’s proposal calls for giving agencies flexibility to use their FTA funds to keep service on the road. “The prohibition on transit operating assistance has been in place since 1998, and like many of the broken-down buses of that era, this outdated law has outlived its useful lifespan,” Costa continued.

    In addition, the Union endorses separate legislation by Rep. Hank Johnson and Sen. Chris Van Hollen that would create new programs to maintain and improve transit service. 

    With assaults on transit workers increasing more than 232 percent between 2014 and 2024, the ATU is calling for increased safety measures on public transit. The Union won a huge victory in the BIL on safety issues, requiring labor-management safety committees, with equal numbers on each side, giving workers a role in how Public Transit Agency Safety Plans (PTASPs) are developed and implemented.

    “We had Brothers in Seattle and Atlanta who were tragically murdered on the job just a few months ago. We need immediate improvements to the bus operator workstation to protect our members,” said Costa. “Not one more bus driver should be attacked on the job!  I have been to way too many funerals over the years. Enough is enough!”

    Under ATU’s proposal, no fixed-route or paratransit bus would be operated unless the vehicle is equipped with a barrier between the passenger and driver compartments that fully encloses the operator’s workstation, and prevents the unwanted entry of persons, fluids, and articles into the workstation.  In addition to secure workstations, ATU calls on Congress to fund unarmed transit ambassadors and fare enforcement inspectors to protect operators and deter disruptive behavior. “We should no longer be sitting ducks out there,” said Costa. “Sometimes, we all need a guardian angel by our side. It’s time to let our members concentrate on driving the bus, which is hard enough to do on its own.”

    With the transition to Zero Emissions Bus and changing technology in the industry, Your Ride is Here calls for increased investment in workforce development. Today, transit mechanics need more training to keep their jobs and perform them safely. Bus mechanics now require new skills and knowledge, including electric motor repair, computer literacy, and diagnostic troubleshooting. The ATU proposes to increase the amount that transit systems must set aside for workforce development training, including registered apprenticeships and other labor-management training programs under the Zero Emissions Bus Program.  “These new buses are highly sophisticated. No mechanic should be electrocuted because they haven’t received the training, they need to do their job,” Costa continued.

    Over the next year and a half, the ATU will mobilize its members to educate Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle in an effort to move our agenda and improve public transit for our riders. 

    The entire comprehensive report, which also covers other issues such as mictrotransit and autonomous buses, can be downloaded @ https://www.atu.org/pdfs/LEGIS_YourRideisHere.pdf

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Appoints Associate Circuit Judge for 16th Judicial Circuit, Fills Caldwell County Public Administrator Vacancy

    Source: US State of Missouri

    FEBRUARY 21, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe appointed a new Associate Circuit Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit and filled the Public Administrator vacancy in Caldwell County. 

    John G. Gromowsky, of Kansas City, was appointed as Associate Circuit Judge for Jackson County in the 16th Judicial Circuit. 
    Mr. Gromowsky is a seasoned attorney with extensive experience in both prosecution and defense. He is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army, where he served in several leadership roles, including a platoon leader and executive officer. Following his military service, he earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago. 
    Gromowsky began his legal career as a law clerk in Jackson County before serving in multiple roles in the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, including as a Drug Task Force Prosecutor, Community Prosecutor, and Violent Crimes Unit attorney. In private practice, he spent over 16 years as a defense lawyer, handling trial work and appeals, including cases before the U.S. Supreme Court. Active in his community, Mr. Gromowsky has served on public safety committees, coached youth sports, and held leadership positions within a local bar association. Mr. Gromowsky will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of Judge Lauren D. Barrett to the circuit court of the 16th Judicial Circuit. 

    Crystal McBrayer, of Kingston, was appointed as the Caldwell County Public Administrator.
    Ms. McBrayer is a longtime resident of Caldwell County and has experience in team leadership and community service. She is a graduate of Penny High School and currently works as a Sales Associate and team lead for Walmart. As Public Administrator, McBrayer will serve as the court-appointed guardian and conservator for individuals deemed incapacitated or disabled by the 43rd Judicial Circuit. She will also act as a personal representative for decedent estates and oversee the management of assets when no other responsible party is available.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ahtahkahoop — Ahtahkahoop RCMP investigating fatal rollover

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    On February 21, 2025 at approximately 11:30 p.m., Ahtahkahoop RCMP received a report of a single-vehicle rollover on Highway #55, approximately 6.5 kilometers east of Canwood, SK.

    Officers responded along with local fire and EMS. A passenger of the vehicle was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. He has been identified as a 43-year-old male from Neilburg, SK. His family has been notified.

    The driver and a second passenger were transported to hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening in nature.

    Ahtahkahoop RCMP continue to investigate with the assistance of a Saskatchewan RCMP collision reconstructionist.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Child Predator Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison after Transporting 14-Year-Old Michigan Girl Across State Lines for Sex and Impregnating Her

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    INDIANAPOLIS— Larry Goldsmith., 26, of Indianapolis, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, followed by a lifetime of supervised release after pleading guilty to transportation of a minor with intent to engage in sexual activity.

    According to court documents, in 2020, Goldsmith began messaging a 14-year-old girl living in Michigan through the social media applications Spot-a-Friend and Snapchat. Goldsmith knew of the child’s age at the time yet engaged in sexually explicit conversations with her. 

    At the end of August 2020, the child got into a verbal argument with her mother and expressed to Goldsmith that she wanted to run away from home. Goldsmith drove over four hours to Michigan and picked her up at a business near her home. Goldsmith was 21 years old at the time.

    On the way back to Indiana, Goldsmith engaged in sexually explicit conduct with the child at a rest stop in Michigan and then transported her across state lines to a home he rented in Indianapolis.  During their time living together, Goldsmith had sex with the child numerous times and impregnated her.

    After committing these offenses, Goldsmith continued his sexual abuse of minors by committing essentially the same conduct with another child in Georgia – where he drugged and raped a 13-year-old. In 2022, Goldsmith pleaded guilty to those crimes in Georgia and was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, which he is currently serving.

    “Goldsmith is no longer a danger to children and families in our community,” said John E. Childress, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “He is a manipulative, child predator who used the tools of social media to abuse a vulnerable child over and over again. I commend the outstanding work of local law enforcement agencies in Indiana and Georgia, along with the FBI, to bring the victim home safely.”

    “The FBI is unwavering in our mission to protect the most vulnerable members of our society – our children. This case highlights the disturbing reality of sexual exploitation, and the sentence ensures this predator will remain behind bars and unable to continue to perpetrate such atrocities,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners remain steadfast in our commitment to work together to ensure no child is victimized in this way.”

    “This sentence sends a clear message—those who harm children will be held accountable,” said IMPD Chief Chris Bailey. “The dedication and diligence of our IMPD officers, along with law enforcement agencies across the country, played a critical role in getting this predator behind bars.”

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and IMPD investigated this case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Matthew P. Brookman. Under federal law, Goldsmith must register as a sex offender wherever he lives, works, or goes to school for life.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Childress thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney MaryAnn T. Mindrum, who prosecuted this case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Stolen Debit Card Numbers, Illicit Purchases Lead to Guilty Plea from Massachusetts Man

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Andre Hill faces up to 30 years for bank fraud, 2 additional years for aggravated identity theft

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Massachusetts man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Portland today to bank fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to court records, from January to February 2023, Andre Hill, 25, obtained and used multiple debit card numbers without the knowledge of the account holders. Hill loaded the stolen numbers into a digital wallet application on his phone and then traveled to Maine and other locations to make purchases, request cash back, and purchase money orders payable to himself. The purchases made in Maine took place at multiple retail locations and post offices in the greater Portland area.

    Hill faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a maximum fine of $1 million on the bank fraud charge. He faces a mandatory prison term of two years and a maximum fine of $250,000 on the aggravated identity charge. Any sentence imposed on the aggravated identity theft charge will run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Following a term of incarceration, Hill faces up to five years of supervised release. He will also be required to pay restitution to the victims. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Appeal to locate man in connection with Hackney murder investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Officers are looking to locate a man in connection with an ongoing murder investigation in Hackney.

    Jason Romeo, 20 was fatally stabbed outside an address in Bodney Street, E5 at 17:59hrs on Tuesday, 18 February.

    An investigation remains ongoing and three men have been charged in connection with Jason’s murder.

    Raynolph Asante, 22 (13.03.2002) of Pembury Road, Hackney, Travis Mitchell, 21 (23.07.2002) of Bodney Road, Hackney and Rhamyah Bailey-Edwards, 21 (21.08.2003) of Williams Avenue, Walthamstow have been charged with murder and appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 February.

    On Sunday, 23 February, an 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

    Detectives have named and released an image of 25-year-old Renaldo Roberts, who they would like to speak with in connection with this investigation.

    He has connections across Hackney and Dagenham.

    Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen of Specialist Crime North said “This investigation has moved quickly with officers arresting four men within five days.

    “We are now in the position to release Renaldo Robert’s details, who we would like to speak with to assist with our enquiries.

    “If you have any information on his whereabouts, please do not approach him and call 999 referencing CAD 5635/18FEB.”

    Following Jason Romeo’s death, officers in Hackney have been utilising additional stop and search powers this week.

    A section 60 order was authorised for the area during the weekend, giving officers the power to stop and search a person without reasonable suspicion.

    Detective Superintendent Vicky Tunstall of Central East Command Unit said:

    “We understand that the increased police presence in Hackney this week will be concerning for residents.

    “Our officers will remain in the area carrying out increased patrols. I’d encourage residents to discuss any concerns they may have with officers on patrol.

    “Reducing knife crime is a key focus and we will continue to work closely with partners for a safe borough.

    “I’d encourage anyone with information about those who could cause harm within our community, to contact us directly or through Crimestoppers.”

    Anyone with any information about the whereabouts of Renaldo Roberts is asked to contact the police on 999 as soon as possible, quoting 5635/18Feb.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights ‘Oxygen of Humanity’, Critical to Sustainable Peace, Says Secretary-General

    Source: United Nations 4

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to Human Rights Council, in New York today:

    We begin this session under the weight of a grim milestone — the third anniversary of the Russian Federation’s invasion of Ukraine, in violation of the Charter of the United Nations.  More than 12,600 civilians killed, with many more injured.  Entire communities reduced to rubble.  Hospitals and schools destroyed.  We must spare no effort to bring an end to this conflict, and to achieve a just and lasting peace in line with the UN Charter, international law and General Assembly resolutions.

    Conflicts like the war in Ukraine exact a heavy toll.  A toll on people.  A toll on fundamental principles like territorial integrity, sovereignty and the rule of law.  And a toll on the vital business of this Council.

    Without respect for human rights — civil, cultural, economic, political and social — sustainable peace is a pipedream.  And like this Council, human rights shine a light in the darkest places.

    Through your work, and the work of the High Commissioner’s Office around the world, you’re supporting brave human rights defenders risking persecution, detention and even death.  You’re working with Governments, civil society and others to strengthen action on human rights.  And you’re supporting investigations and accountability.

    Five years ago, we launched our Call to Action for Human Rights, embedding human rights across the work of the United Nations around the world in close cooperation with our partners.  I will continue supporting this important work, and the High Commissioner’s Office, as we fight for human rights everywhere.  We have our work cut out for us.

    Human rights are the oxygen of humanity.  But, one by one, human rights are being suffocated.  By autocrats, crushing opposition because they fear what a truly empowered people would do.  By a patriarchy that keeps girls out of school, and women at arm’s length from basic rights.  By wars and violence that strip populations of their right to food, water and education. By warmongers who thumb their nose at international law, international humanitarian law and the UN Charter.

    Human rights are being suffocated by the climate crisis.  And by a morally bankrupt global financial system that too often obstructs the path to greater equality and sustainable development.  By runaway technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) that hold great promise, but also the ability to violate human rights at the touch of a button.  By growing intolerance against entire groups — from Indigenous Peoples, to migrants and refugees, to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and other identities (LGBTQI+) community, to persons with disabilities.  And by voices of division and anger who view human rights not as a boon to humanity, but as a barrier to the power, profit and control they seek.

    In short — human rights are on the ropes and being pummelled hard.  This represents a direct threat to all of the hard-won mechanisms and systems established over the last 80 years to protect and advance human rights.

    But, as the recently adopted Pact for the Future reminds us, human rights are, in fact, a source of solutions.  The Pact provides a playbook on how we can win the fight for human rights on several fronts.

    First — human rights through peace and peace through human rights.  Conflicts inflict human rights violations on a massive scale.  In the Occupied Palestinian Territory, violations of human rights have skyrocketed since the horrific Hamas attacks of 7 October 2023 and the intolerable levels of death and destruction in Gaza.

    And I am gravely concerned by the rising violence in the occupied West Bank by Israeli settlers and other violations, as well as calls for annexation. We are witnessing a precarious ceasefire.  We must avoid at all costs a resumption of hostilities.  The people in Gaza have already suffered too much.

    It’s time for a permanent ceasefire, the dignified release of all remaining hostages, irreversible progress towards a two-State solution, an end to the occupation and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, with Gaza as an integral part.

    In Sudan, bloodshed, displacement and famine are engulfing the country.  The warring parties must take immediate action to protect civilians, uphold human rights, cease hostilities and forge peace.  And domestic and international human rights monitoring and investigation mechanisms should be permitted to document what is happening on the ground.

    In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, we see a deadly whirlwind of violence and horrifying human rights abuses, amplified by the recent M23 [23 March Movement] offensive, supported by the Rwandan Defence Forces. As more cities fall, the risk of a regional war rises.

    It’s time to silence the guns.  It’s time for diplomacy and dialogue.  The recent joint summit in the United Republic of Tanzania offered a way forward with a renewed call for an immediate ceasefire.  The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo must be respected.  The Congolese people deserve peace.

    In the Sahel, I call for a renewed regional dialogue to protect citizens from terrorism and systemic violations of human rights, and to create the conditions for sustainable development.

    In Myanmar, the situation has grown far worse in the four years since the military seized power and arbitrarily detained members of the democratically elected Government.  We need greater cooperation to bring an end to the hostilities and forge a path towards an inclusive democratic transition and a return to civilian rule, allowing for the safe return of the Rohingya refugees.

    And in Haiti, we are seeing massive human rights violations — including more than a million people displaced, and children facing a horrific increase in sexual violence and recruitment into gangs.  In the coming days, I will put forward proposals to the United Nations Security Council for greater stability and security for the people of Haiti — namely through an effective UN assistance mechanism to support the Multilateral Security Support mission, the national police and Haitian authorities.  A durable solution requires a political process — led and owned by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.

    The Pact for the Future calls for peace processes and approaches rooted in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, international law and the UN Charter.  It proposes specific actions to prioritize conflict prevention, mediation, resolution and peacebuilding.  And it includes a commitment to tackle the root causes of conflict, which are so often enmeshed in denials of basic human needs and rights.

    Second — the Pact for the Future advances human rights through development.  The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and human rights are fundamentally intertwined. They represent real human needs — health, food, water, education, decent work and social protection.

    With less than one fifth of the Goals on track, the Pact calls for a massive acceleration through an SDG Stimulus, reforming the global financial architecture, and taking meaningful action for countries drowning in debt.  This must include focused action to conquer the most widespread human rights abuse in history — inequality for women and girls.

    The Pact calls for investing in battling all forms of discrimination and violence against women and girls, and ensuring their meaningful participation and leadership across all walks of life.  And along with the Declaration on Future Generations, the Pact calls for supporting the rights and futures of young people through decent work, removing barriers for youth participation, and enhancing training.  And the Global Digital Compact calls on nations to champion young innovators, nurture entrepreneurial spirit and equip the next generation with digital literacy and skills. 

    Third — the Pact for the Future recognizes that the rule of law and human rights go hand-in-hand.  The rule of law, when founded on human rights, is an essential pillar of protection.  It shields the most vulnerable.  It’s the first line of defence against crime and corruption.  It supports fair, just and inclusive economies and societies.  It holds perpetrators of human rights atrocities to account.  It enables civic space for people to make their voices heard — and for journalists to carry out their essential work, free from interference or threats.  And it reaffirms the world’s commitment to equal access to justice, good governance and transparent and accountable institutions.

    Fourth — human rights through climate action.  Last year was the hottest on record — capping the hottest decade on record.  Rising heat, melting glaciers and hotter oceans are a recipe for disaster.  Floods, droughts, deadly storms, hunger, mass displacement — our war on nature is also a war on human rights.  We must choose a different path.

    I salute the many Member States who legally recognize the right to a healthy environment — and I call on all countries to do the same.  Governments must keep their promise to produce new, economy-wide national climate action plans this year, well ahead of thirtieth UN Climate Change Conference in Brazil.  Those plans must limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5°C — including by accelerating the global energy transition.

    We also need a surge in finance for climate action in developing countries, to adapt to global heating, slash emissions and accelerate the renewables revolution, which represents a massive economic opportunity. We must stand up to the misleading campaign of many in the fossil fuel industry and its enablers who are aiding and abetting this madness, while also protecting and defending those on the front lines of climate justice.

    And fifth — human rights through stronger, better governance of technology.  As fast-moving technologies expand into every aspect of our lives, I am deeply concerned about human rights being undermined.

    At its best, social media is a meeting ground for people to exchange ideas and spark respectful debate.  But, it can also be an arena of fiery combat and blatant ignorance. A place where the poisons of misinformation, disinformation, racism, misogyny and hate speech are not only tolerated — but often encouraged.  Verbal violence online can easily spill into physical violence in real life.

    Recent rollbacks on social media fact-checking and content moderation are reopening the floodgates to more hate, more threats and more violence.  Make no mistake.  These rollbacks will lead to less free speech, not more, as people become increasingly fearful to engage on these platforms.  Meanwhile, the great promise of AI is matched by limitless peril to undermine human autonomy, human identity, human control — and yes, human rights.

    In the face of these threats, the Global Digital Compact brings the world together to ensure that human rights are not sacrificed on the altar of technology.  This includes working with digital companies and policymakers to extend human rights to every corner of cyberspace — including a new focus on information integrity across digital platforms.

    The Global Principles for Information Integrity I launched last year will support and inform this work as we push for a more humane information ecosystem.

    The Global Digital Compact also includes the first universal agreement on the governance of AI that brings every country to the table and commitments on capacity-building, so all countries and people benefit from AI’s potential.  By investing in affordable Internet, digital literacy and infrastructure.  By helping developing countries use AI to grow small businesses, improve public services and connect communities to new markets.  And by placing human rights at the centre of AI-driven systems.

    The Pact’s decisions to create an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and an ongoing Global Dialogue that ensure all countries have a voice in shaping its future are important steps forward.  We must implement them.

    We can help end the suffocation of human rights by breathing life into the Pact for the Future and the work of this Council.  Let’s do that together.  We don’t have a moment to lose.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Learn more about Washington State Ferries’ recommendation for new Fauntleroy terminal

    Source: Washington State News 2

    Public invited to online open house, virtual information session

    SEATTLE – After extensive community input, Washington State Ferries has selected a concept for a new Fauntleroy terminal. The public is invited to learn more about this option through an online open house and virtual information session.

    WSF’s recommendation features a more efficient design, providing more space to load and unload passengers. The recommended new terminal would hold 124 to 155 vehicles on the dock, compared to just 80 today.

    “Continuing our robust community engagement on the project, we are hosting a virtual information session and an online open house to share the screening results and alternative selected for further environmental review,” said Senior Director of External Relations John Vezina. “We received more than 1,300 comments and hosted seven community meetings, 32 advisory group meetings and two online open houses.

    Community feedback helped us evaluate alternatives and identify an alternative to advance into the environmental review phase.”

    WSF needs to replace the aging Fauntleroy terminal to maintain safe and reliable ferry service for the more than 2 million people traveling the “Triangle” route each year. The current terminal, which was built in the 1950s, connects West Seattle with Vashon Island and the Kitsap Peninsula.

    The new design avoids nearby Cove Park. WSF also will refine the plan to minimize effects to other environmentally sensitive areas.

    The online open house and virtual information session will include the same information.

    Online open house information

    When: Monday, Feb. 24, through Friday, March 21

    Where: engage.wsdot.wa.gov/fauntleroy-ferry-terminal

    Virtual information session information

    When: 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 11

    Where: Zoom, bit.ly/FauntleroyMarch11

    Details: Advance registration required. The week after the information session, a video recording will be available on the project webpage.

    Free, temporary internet access is available to those who do not have broadband service in locations throughout the state. To find the nearest access, visit the state’s drive-in WiFi hotspot location finder.

    WSF, a division of the Washington State Department of Transportation, is the largest ferry system in the U.S. and safely and efficiently carries tens of millions of people a year through some of the most majestic scenery in the world. For breaking news and the latest information, follow WSF on X, Facebook and Instagram.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Eviden unveils new generation of enterprise servers for AI and critical applications

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Powered by the latest Intel® Xeon® 6 processors, the new BullSequana SH server line-up will achieve up to 1.5x better performance and up to 1.7x better memory bandwidth for AI workload and business-critical applications compared to previous generation.

    Paris, France – February 24, 2025 – Eviden, the Atos Group business leading in digital, cloud, big data and security today announces 4 new Bullsequana SH servers based on the latest Intel processing technology, the Intel® Xeon® 6 processor. Combining a performance boost, an unrivalled scale-up architecture and unique eco-efficient technologies, these servers are perfectly suited to the needs of businesses, cloud providers, and hyperscalers, enabling them to confidently deploy their critical and artificial intelligence applications.

    Although virtualization and cloud adoption have favored scale-out deployments, they are not well-suited for real-time business processing, big data and analytics (e.g., SAP HANA®), which require maximum computational resources to process vast amounts of data. These applications can benefit from a scale-up architecture which offers a large number of processors in close proximity and substantial memory capacity, allowing large amounts of data to be kept close to the processor, thereby minimizing the latency when fetching data.

    Designed for an optimum flexibility and scalability, these new additions to the BullSequana SH range is composed of 4 complementary servers with a computing capacity from one to eight 2-socket server modules. With up to 128 terabytes of DDR5 memory capacity and scalability from 2 to 32 processors in 2-CPU steps thanks to Eviden’s Node Controller UNC5 interconnect technology, clients can easily scale-up their infrastructure, shifting from one model to the other, avoiding over-allocation of resources as well as preserving investments and application environments.

    For the first time, our BullSequana-SH scale-up servers will include our patented Eviden DLC technology as a new cooling option. This innovation gives customers the flexibility to select the ideal cooling solution tailored to their specific usage needs. With heat dispersion efficiency reaching up to 97% and functionality even at an inlet water temperature of 40°C, these servers achieve superior cooling while reducing energy consumption for heat transport, significantly enhancing the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of data centers. For example, compared to air cooling systems with similar configurations, our DLC technology offers at least a 10% reduction in energy consumption, leading to a 10% decrease in carbon emissions. Additionally, it doubles rack density and optimize the performance of Intel Xeon 6 processors.

    Entirely manufactured in Eviden’s flagship factory in Angers (France) and designed by Eviden’s R&D teams, the BullSequana SH range already has a strong track record of successful deployments around the world for more than 200 clients and achieved a world record in terms of performance during a SAP HANA Benchmark in June 2024.

    Charles-Philippe Gaudron, Global head of Business Computing and AI at Eviden, Atos Group quote said “Our BullSequana SH range is part of the Group’s AI expertise and its broad spectrum of AI sovereign solutions, from infrastructure to models and services. These new enterprises servers offer an evolutive platform, with or without a GPUs, able to run a large variety of models and use cases such as in-memory AI computing applications. Powered by Intel®Xeon®6 processors, the latest processing technology on the market, our new BullSequana SH servers offers a unique combination of scale-up architecture, eco-efficient technologies and optimal performance. With the launch of our new business computing servers, we are redefining the future of AI and critical applications for businesses, cloud providers and hyperscalers.”

    ***

    About Eviden1

    Eviden is a next-gen technology leader in data-driven, trusted and sustainable digital transformation with a strong portfolio of patented technologies. With worldwide leading positions in advanced computing, security, AI, cloud and digital platforms, it provides deep expertise for all industries in more than 47 countries. Bringing together 41,000 world-class talents, Eviden expands the possibilities of data and technology across the digital continuum, now and for generations to come. Eviden is an Atos Group company with an annual revenue of c. € 5 billion.

    About Atos

    Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 82,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, the Group provides tailored end-to-end solutions for all industries in 69 countries. A pioneer in decarbonization services and products, Atos is committed to a secure and decarbonized digital for its clients. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Constance Arnoux – constance.arnoux@atos.net – +33 (0)6 44 12 16 35

    1 Eviden business is operated through the following brands: AppCentrica, ATHEA, Cloudamize, Cloudreach, Cryptovision, DataSentics, Edifixio, Engage ESM, Evidian, Forensik, IDEAL GRP, In Fidem, Ipsotek, Maven Wave, Profit4SF, SEC Consult, Visual BI, X-Perion.

    Eviden is a registered trademark. © Eviden SAS, 2025.

    Attachments

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OMERS Earns $10.6 billion in Investment Income in 2024

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OMERS, the defined benefit pension plan for Ontario’s broader municipal sector employees, achieved a 2024 investment return of 8.3%, or $10.6 billion, net of expenses, exceeding its 7.5% benchmark for the year. Net assets at December 31, 2024, grew to $138.2 billion from $128.6 billion in 2023. The Plan reported a smoothed funded status of 98%, up from 97% in 2023. Over the past 10 years, OMERS has averaged an annual investment return of 7.1%, net of expenses, adding $70.5 billion to the Plan.

    “Our strong result in 2024 reflects the quality of our people and portfolio, our active strategic decisions, and our steady progress as a long-term investor. Since becoming CEO of OMERS, I have been incredibly proud of the work of our leaders and their teams, as well as the forward-thinking strategies we have implemented over the last four years as we emerged from the pandemic. This combination has generated an average annual net return of 8.1% during that period,” said Blake Hutcheson, OMERS President and Chief Executive Officer. “As we look to the future, we are steadfast in our view that quality will see us through an unpredictable global landscape and the cycles ahead. Our talented team is focused on delivering our pension promise and is honoured to work in service of our almost 640,000 members.”

    “Our actions to diversify the global portfolio positioned the Plan well in 2024,” said Jonathan Simmons, OMERS Chief Financial and Strategy Officer. “OMERS public equity investments delivered double-digit performance supported by strong contributions from private credit and infrastructure. Our net investment results benefitted from our active strategy to maintain currency exposure to the US dollar. Our real estate assets continue to generate strong operating income, but returns were held back due to lower valuations. Our asset mix continued to shift toward a higher exposure to fixed income, where return opportunities remain attractive. We expanded our overall use of leverage as we continued to use debt prudently to enhance our investment returns.”

    This year, we are reporting that OMERS achieved a 58% reduction in its portfolio carbon emissions intensity, relative to 2019, and we reported an increase in green investments to $23 billion. For more information on how we define green investments, please refer to the OMERS Climate Taxonomy.

    OMERS is highly rated across independent credit rating agencies, including ‘AAA’ ratings from S&P, Fitch, and DBRS.

    OMERS will publish its 2024 Annual Report on February 28, 2025.

    Media Contact:

    Don Peat
    dpeat@omers.com
    416.417.7385

    About OMERS

    OMERS is a jointly sponsored, defined benefit pension plan, with 1,000 participating employers ranging from large cities to local agencies, and almost 640,000 active, deferred and retired members. Our members include union and non-union employees of municipalities, school boards, local boards, transit systems, electrical utilities, emergency services and children’s aid societies across Ontario. OMERS teams work in Toronto, London, New York, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Singapore, Sydney and other major cities across North America and Europe – serving members and employers, and originating and managing a diversified portfolio of high-quality investments in government bonds, public and private credit, public and private equities, infrastructure and real estate.

    Net Investment Returns for the years ended December 31

      2024   2023
    Government Bonds 1.0%   5.8%
    Public Credit 6.0%   6.2%
    Private Credit 12.6%   10.0%
    Public Equities 18.8%   10.4%
    Private Equities 9.5%   3.9%
    Infrastructure 8.8%   5.5%
    Real Estate -4.9%   -7.2%
    Total Net Return 8.3%   4.6%


    2024 Asset Mix

    2024 Highlights

    By the numbers

    • 2024 investment return of 8.3%, or $10.6 billion, net of expenses
    • $138.2 billion in net assets
    • 10-year average annual net return of 7.1%
    • 639,546 OMERS members
    • 98% smoothed funded ratio
    • 3.70% real discount rate, 5 basis points lower than 2023
    • $6.5 billion total pension benefits paid
    • We are reporting a 58% reduction in the portfolio carbon emissions intensity, relative to 2019
    • $23 billion in green investments
    • 96% OMERS member service satisfaction
    • 93% of employees are proud to work for OMERS and Oxford (+5 points above best-in-class)

    Transactions in 2024

    OMERS remains focused on deploying capital in line with our target asset mix. We are a disciplined investor in high-quality assets that meet the Plan’s risk and return requirements. Please find below highlights of investments made in 2024.

    • Acquired Italy’s Grandi Stazioni Retail which manages the entirety of commercial and advertising spaces in 14 of Italy’s major railway stations and hubs for the high-speed rail network, which collectively receive over 800 million visits a year. The stations include over 800 commercial units, totaling around 190,000 Sqm of leasable space, and over 1,800 media assets.
    • Increased our stake by 13.5% in Indian roads business Interise Trust, one of the largest Indian Infrastructure Investment Trusts in the roads sector.
    • Supported XpFibre to successfully raise €5.8 billion of credit facilities, marking one of the largest multi-sourced transactions in the European digital infrastructure market to date. XpFibre is the largest independent Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) operators in France delivering high speed internet to approximately 25% of the French territory in terms of homes passed.
    • Announced an agreement to acquire Integris, a leading provider of IT services in the United States.
    • Issued $3.2 billion in bonds by OMERS Finance Trust, including our inaugural AUD offering – an AUD 750 million, 5-year note.
    • Announced the signing of an exclusive agreement with Maritime Transport at West Midlands Interchange in the UK.
    • Participated in the US$15M Series A investment into Brightwave, an Al-powered research platform that delivers insightful and trustworthy financial analysis on demand. It was named as one of TIME magazine’s top inventions of 2024.
    • Participated in two follow-on investments. The first was in Medal, an online platform that lets gamers clip and share video of their gameplay and Altana, a company that applies artificial intelligence to create a dynamic, intelligent map of the global supply chain.
    • Closed our acquisition of Kenter, an energy infrastructure solutions business providing medium-voltage infrastructure and meters to over 25,000 commercial and industrial business customers in the Netherlands and Belgium.

    We rotate capital out of assets with the same level of discipline with which we invest. This activity generates capital, which we deploy into future investment opportunities that align to our strategy. In 2024, we announced or completed the following realizations:

    • Announced the sale of a stake in East-West Tie Limited Partnership which owns the East-West Tie Line, a 450-kilometre, 230 kV double-circuit transmission line spanning from Wawa to Thunder Bay, along the north shore of Lake Superior.
    • Completed the sale of LifeLabs, a trusted provider of community laboratory tests for millions of Canadians that had been owned by OMERS since 2007.
    • Completed a €182.5 million green refinancing on a comprehensively renovated Paris office asset.
    • Completed the sale of its £518 million UK retail park portfolio.
    • Completed the sale of CEDA, which had been majority-owned by OMERS since 2005.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0d74c32c-3c0d-4915-af73-70788746bb63

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/136a43d0-d624-48ac-bd8c-133cd153643c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP investigates armed robbery at McNally’s Billiards

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP is investigating an armed robbery that occurred in the evening of February 21, 2025, at McNally’s Billiards on Burnwood Drive.

    Just before midnight on Friday, two people wearing facial coverings entered McNally’s Bar; one carrying a shotgun. Patrons in the bar were directed to look away while the suspects took money from the cash register and alcohol from the bar. The culprits then left the building. Nobody was injured during the robbery.

    Both suspects were wearing dark clothing. See attached surveillance images.

    The investigation is continuing.

    Anyone having information about this crime or the identity of the suspects is asked to contact Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP at 709-896-3383 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Leader of the H-2 Drug Cartel Extradited from Mexico to Face Narcotics Trafficking, Firearms and Money Laundering Charges in Brooklyn Federal Court

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jesus Ricardo Patron Sanchez, aka “H-3,” Allegedly Led Ruthless Transnational Criminal Organization Responsible for Distributing Thousands of Kilograms of Narcotics and Multiple Murders

    Jesus Ricardo Patron Sanchez, also known as “H-3,” “Diabolic,” “Vela,” “James Bond” and “Xmen,” was arraigned on February 22, 2025 at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn on an indictment charging him with leading a continuing criminal enterprise, participating in a large-scale narcotics distribution conspiracy and using one or more firearms in connection with narcotic offenses.  Sanchez, a Mexican citizen, was arrested in Mexico in February 2019 on a provisional arrest warrant issued based upon charges in the Eastern District of New York and subsequently extradited from Mexico to the United States on February 21, 2025.  The arraignment was held before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo. Sanchez was ordered detained pending trial. 

    John J. Durham, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Los Angeles Field Division which oversees the Las Vegas District Office (DEA), announced the extradition and arraignment.

    “As alleged in the indictment and court filings, Sanchez was one of the principal leaders of the H-2 Drug Trafficking Organization, a brutally violent transnational criminal organization that flooded American streets with dangerous drugs and protected its operations through murder and corruption,” stated United States Attorney Durham.  “This Office is committed to working with its federal and international partners to bring leaders of cartels and transnational criminal organizations to justice in the United States and to hold them accountable for the death and destruction they have unleashed here and abroad.” 

    Mr. Durham extended his appreciation to the DEA’s offices in Las Vegas and Mexico City, Mexico, the United States Marshals Service, the United States Department of State, the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Government of Mexico. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Sanchez.

    “Our country is facing an unprecedented drug crisis. Violent drug trafficking organizations, like H-2, fueled by unrelenting and callous greed have been saturating our communities with poison, death, and chronic devastation,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Allen.  “The DEA continues its unwavering determination to mitigate this evil and eradicate their terror and corruption from our streets.”

    According to the indictment and court filings, Sanchez was a leader of the H-2 Drug Trafficking Organization (the H-2 DTO), a violent Mexican drug trafficking organization based in Nayarit and Sinaloa, Mexico.  Sanchez’s alias “H-3” is a reference to his status as a successor to Hector Beltran-Leyva, the original “H” and one of the principal leaders of the Beltran Leyva Cartel that was previously part of the Sinaloa Cartel. The H-2 DTO was previously led by the defendant’s brother, Juan Francisco Patron Sanchez, also known as “H-2.”  Based on public reporting, after Juan Francisco Patron Sanchez was killed in 2017, the defendant assumed principal leadership over the H-2 DTO.  The H-2 DTO had numerous distribution cells in the United States, including in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Ohio, Minnesota, North Carolina and New York.  The DEA estimates that between January 2013 and February 2017, the H-2 DTO distributed, on a monthly basis, hundreds of kilograms of heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, and thousands of kilograms of marijuana into the United States and earned millions of dollars in illegal proceeds in return.  In furtherance of its drug trafficking operation, the H-2 DTO used firearms and physical violence and is associated with numerous homicides. 

    Between June 2013 and December 2016, the defendant was one of the principal leaders of the H-2 DTO and directed the distribution of large quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana from Mexico into various parts of the United States, including the Eastern District of New York.  The defendant also coordinated the money laundering activities of other members of the H-2 DTO to ensure the proceeds of their drug trafficking were transferred back to Mexico.  In addition, he conspired with other leaders and members of the H-2 DTO to kill members of rival drug trafficking organizations and other individuals perceived as threats to the H-2 DTO.   

    The extradition of Sanchez is the result of an ongoing Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation led by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the DEA.  The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking, and money laundering organizations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.  OCDETF uses a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

    The charges in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  If convicted of the continuing criminal enterprise count, the defendant faces a mandatory life sentence; the defendant faces up to a life sentence on the other counts of the indictment.

    The government’s case is being handled by the Office’s International Narcotics and Money Laundering Section.  Assistant United States  Attorneys Andrew D. Wang and Raffaela S. Belizaire are in charge of the prosecution.

    The Defendant:

    JESUS RICARDO PATRON SANCHEZ (also known as “H-3,” “Diabolic,” “Vela,” “James Bond” and “Xmen”)
    Age: 39
    Mexico

    E.D.N.Y. Docket No. 16-CR-241 (S-2) (CBA) 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Seven Charged In Central Florida Gun Trafficking Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Orlando, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging six individuals involved in an alleged gun trafficking operation. An additional individual was separately charged by complaint in the same conspiracy. The indictment also notifies the defendants that the United States intends to forfeit specific firearms recovered in the operation. 

    Name

    (Age, City of Residence)

    		 Charge Maximum Penalties

    Victor Manuel LaFontaine Ruiz

    (31, Poinciana)

    Gun trafficking conspiracy  

    Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting

    Possession of machinegun

    15 years 

    5 years 

    10 years

    Jose Emanuel Maldonado Rodriguez

    (32, Kissimmee)

    Gun trafficking conspiracy 

    Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting

    Possession of machinegun

    15 years 

    5 years 

    10 years

    Freddie Geovani Cruz Batiz

    (36, Kissimmee)

    Gun trafficking conspiracy 

    Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting

    15 years 

    5 years 

    Jomar Manuel Lopez Montanez

    (30, Kissimmee)

    Gun trafficking conspiracy

    Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting

    Felon in possession

    15 years 

    5 years 

    15 years

    Derrick Yamil Rivera Robles

    (29, Kissimmee)

    Gun trafficking conspiracy 

    Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting

    Possession of machinegun

    15 years 

    5 years 

    10 years

    Leonardo David Joseph Guerra

    (23, Orlando)

    Gun trafficking conspiracy

    Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting

    Alien in possession

    15 years 

    5 years 

    15 years

    Jincheng Shi

    (27, St. Cloud)

    Unlicensed gun dealing, aiding and abetting

    Alien in possession

    5 years 

    15 years

    According to court documents, from at least as early as September 2023 onward, Lafontaine and Maldonado operated a gun trafficking ring involving hundreds of firearms, machineguns, machinegun conversion devices, and high-capacity magazines needed for fully automatic weapons. This operation did not involve any federally licensed firearms dealers. Instead, Lafontaine and Maldonado obtained firearms parts, including from Jincheng Shi, a Chinese national. Lafontaine and Maldonado allegedly assembled, manufactured, and modified semi-automatic and automatic firearms using a “ghost gunner” machine and specialized “endmill” drilling devices at a workspace on Maldonado’s property in Kissimmee: 

    From there, Lafontaine and Maldonado, along with assistance from Batiz, sold firearms, including fully automatic weapons and machine gun conversion devices (“chips” or “buttons”) that are used to convert semi-automatic weapons into machineguns. They sold those items to illegal aliens and convicted felons such as Lopez Montanez, Rivera Robles, and Joseph Guerra, who were often brokering such transactions on behalf of other unknown customers.

    On September 17, 2023, for example, Lafontaine showed a fully automatic firearm to a customer that was later sold during this operation and, on October 9, 2023, Lafontaine quoted Rivera Robles (a convicted felon) a price of $150 for a machinegun conversion device known as a “chip,” that Rivera Robles purchased in March 2024.               

    On February 7, 2025, Lafontaine sold Lopez Montanez (a convicted felon) two firearms falsely branded to appear as though they were legitimate firearms manufactured with engraved fake sequential serial numbers. When Lopez Montanez was stopped, he fled from law enforcement and attempted to hide the weapons that were eventually recovered. 

    The next day, Lafontaine delivered five similar firearms to Maldonado.           

    On February 20, 2025, law enforcement executed five search warrants at various locations associated with this conspiracy. The items are still be inventoried.  Preliminarily, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have recovered at least five AR-style pistols with sequential and identical serial numbers at Maldonado’s residence (depicted below), along with at least three machinegun conversion devices, machinery used to assemble, modify, and manufacture the firearms and machine guns sold through this operation. 

     At Lafontaine’s residence, agents recovered a completed rifle, gun parts, gun manufacturing and modification equipment, and drug distribution paraphernalia with a blender and a powder that field-tested positive for fentanyl, packaged for sale. At Batiz’s residence, agents recovered a handgun and an AR pistol, four machinegun conversion devices, along with drug paraphernalia and powders packaged for distribution that are still being tested. Eight handguns, three rifles, and eight AR-style receivers were recovered from Shi’s residence and storage lockers.

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

    This case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, with assistance from the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orlando Police Department, Winter Garden Police Department, Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, Apopka Police Department, Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, and Florida Highway Patrol. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dana E. Hill.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    This case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: NAS Oceana personnel keep master jet base mission-ready during record snowfall

    Source: United States Navy

    “Our top priorities are ensuring the base remains mission-ready and keeping our personnel safe,” said NAS Oceana’s Commanding Officer Capt. Josh Appezzato. “Thanks to the dedication of our security forces, public works teams, air operations personnel and culinary specialists, we’re able to continue operations despite the wintry conditions.”

    Safety remained a key focus, with NAS Oceana security forces ensuring gate operations ran smoothly and the installation remained secure. “Even in conditions like this, our security forces are on duty 24/7,” said NAS Oceana Security Officer Lt. Kari Wood. “We’re making sure mission-essential personnel can safely access the base while maintaining the security of our facilities.”

    Since Wednesday, the installation’s public works crews have been actively clearing the entire airfield as well as NAS Oceana and Dam Neck Annex’s primary roads to keep base access routes and the flight line open. “Our teams are working nonstop to clear priority areas like the installation’s main roads and emergency routes,” said NAS Oceana Public Works Officer Cmdr. Matthew Milkowski. “As we continue to clear secondary roads and parking lots, please use caution and give our crews the space they need to get the job done.”

    NAS Oceana’s air operations personnel closely monitored airfield conditions and cleared runways to ensure aircraft safety. “We’ve been removing snow from the airfield and closely watching the changing weather conditions to minimize the impact on our squadrons,” said NAS Oceana’s Airfield Manager Dean Dawes. “Providing a safe operating environment remains our top priority before we resume regular flight operations.”

    Keeping mission-essential teams fueled are the installation’s culinary specialists who continue to prepare and serve hot meals at NAS Oceana and Dam Neck Annex’s galleys. “Our job is to take care of the people who keep the base running,” said Bernice Williamson, food service officer at NAS Oceana’s Dam Neck Galley. “No matter the weather, our mission is to make sure our service members have a hot meal to keep them going.”

    The snowstorm produced nearly a foot of snow, breaking records for yearly snowfall in Virginia Beach since 1980, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While much of the region came to a standstill during the record-breaking snowfall, NAS Oceana’s mission-essential personnel worked tirelessly to keep the base operational, ensuring aircraft and facilities remained secure. Appezzato emphasized that preparation, teamwork and professionalism were key to making this possible.

    “It’s no small task to keep the Navy’s master jet base mission-ready in nearly a foot of snow, but NAS Oceana’s mission-essential personnel handled it with professionalism and expertise,” Appezzato said. “These dedicated individuals are critical to NAS Oceana’s ability to remain mission-ready in all conditions, and I am honored to have them on our team.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Supporting Adult Learners at Community Colleges

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $1.1 million in grants for 22 community colleges statewide to implement wide-ranging action plans designed to help more adult learners access transformational educational opportunities that lead to upward mobility. These grants build on Governor Hochul’s multifaceted commitment to creating more workforce development opportunities to ensure every New Yorker can pursue a degree or credential that helps access jobs in high-demand fields. That includes the Governor’s transformational proposal to offer free community college tuition, fees, books, and supplies for adults ages 25 to 55 who pursue degrees in fields like health care, advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and green jobs.

    “For millions of New Yorkers, community college can be the path to upward mobility and economic security, opening the door to a wide array of workforce opportunities,” Governor Hochul said. “Working with SUNY, we are tackling the barriers that stand in the way of New Yorkers accessing these potentially transformational educational pathways. The Adult Learner Leadership Initiative builds on our commitment to empowering people in every corner of the state to participate in generational economic opportunities.”

    Through SUNY’s Adult Learner Leadership Initiative, community colleges will work to break down barriers that stand in the way of students age 25 and older accessing and completing higher education programs. These measures will include expanded use of credit for prior learning, wraparound support, and flexible scheduling.

    More than one in four SUNY community college students are age 25 or older, with nearly two-thirds of them attending college part-time. What’s more, an estimated 1.5 million working-age New Yorkers have completed some college but have not yet obtained a degree.

    In support of Governor Hochul’s work to make higher education more affordable and build the workforce of the future, the new grants will help community colleges meet adult learners where they are, creating a greater sense of belonging on campus and addressing the unique needs of adults working to earn a degree.

    SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr. said, “SUNY’s community colleges are engines of upward mobility, and Governor Hochul’s proposal for a free community college degree in high-demand fields will help connect more working-age New Yorkers to economic opportunity. Our campuses are ready to step up to help more adult learners earn a community college associate degree and advance in their careers.”

    Adult Learner Leadership Initiative grant awardees are:

    • SUNY Adirondack Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners; use of online and blended learning
    • SUNY Broome Community College ($50,000): Expanded use of co-requisite models to address gaps in academic preparation; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners; use of online and blended learning
    • Cayuga Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of co-requisite models to address gaps in academic preparation; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; transparency on course schedules and advance course scheduling; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners
    • Clinton Community College ($48,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners
    • Columbia-Greene Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners
    • Corning Community College ($41,928): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; expanded use of co-requisite models to address gaps in academic preparation; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; alignment of campus policies with adult learner needs
    • Dutchess Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings
    • SUNY Erie Community College ($50,000): Availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; transparency on course schedules and advance course scheduling; the use of online and blended learning
    • Finger Lakes Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; alignment of campus policies with adult learner needs
    • FIT ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; use of online and blended learning
    • Fulton-Montgomery Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners
    • Jefferson Community College ($37,200): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; use of online and blended learning
    • Monroe Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners
    • Niagara County Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners; alignment of campus policies with adult learner needs
    • North Country Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; use of online and blended learning
    • Onondaga Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners; use of online and blended learning
    • SUNY Orange Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners
    • SUNY Schenectady Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; use of online and blended learning
    • Sullivan County Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners
    • Tompkins Cortland Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners
    • SUNY Ulster Community College ($50,000): Marketing and recruitment targeted to specific adult learner populations; expanded use of credit for prior learning; alignment of campus policies with adult learner needs
    • SUNY Westchester Community College ($49,933): Expanded use of credit for prior learning; availability of academic offerings and non-academic support in-person on weekends/evenings; transparency on course schedules and advance course scheduling; creating a sense of belonging for adult learners

    Campuses will utilize grants to build out their strategies to support adult learners through July before beginning implementation no later than the fall 2025 semester. The grants are made possible through the SUNY Transformation Fund that Governor Hochul championed in the 2023-24 enacted State budget.

    Complete College America President Dr. Yolanda Watson Spiva said, “Any viable effort to increase college completion and educational attainment rates on a state or national level must include proven strategies to support adult learners. New York and the SUNY system continue to serve as leaders in this regard through their advancement of programs, policies and practices that will pay off in the long term for the state’s learners, workforce, and economy. SUNY’s Adult Learning Initiative is one such program that clearly demonstrates the state’s strategic inclusion and prioritization of adults seeking to earn a degree or credential of value in their overall attainment efforts.”

    Jobs for the Future Director Rachel Pleasants McDonnell said, “We applaud this investment in SUNY’s community colleges to transform the adult learning experience. Free tuition for degrees in high-demand fields is an important step toward making postsecondary education more accessible to this growing population of learners. Equally as critical is SUNY’s comprehensive approach to strengthening career advising, making clear labor market connections, and accelerating emerging options like credit for prior learning.”

    Lumina Foundation Strategy Officer Dr. Katy Launius said, “Through the REACH Collaborative, SUNY community colleges created on-ramps to credentials in high-demand fields that lead to careers with family-sustaining wages. Their efforts to remove barriers, provide flexibility, and expand supports means that more of today’s students are achieving their goals for themselves and their communities.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Travel Advisory: RIDOT to Reduce I-295 Travel Lanes for Bridge Replacement Project in Cumberland

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    Starting on Friday night, February 28, RIDOT will reduce the number of travel lanes on both directions of I-295 at the Diamond Hill Road overpass in Cumberland from three lanes to two lanes. The temporary traffic pattern is necessary to create a safe work zone for a new rapid bridge project that will replace this bridge as well as the Douglas Pike Bridge in Smithfield. Both bridges carry traffic over I-295.

    Only the low-speed lane will be closed. No on-ramps or exits will be closed. The closures will be in place for approximately 10 months. RIDOT has implemented other lane reductions along the northern half of I-295 for bridge work and has not observed any significant traffic congestion from the temporary closures. On February 3, RIDOT did a similar lane reduction at Exit 15 for the Douglas Pike Bridge. The remaining schedule is as follows:

    February 28: The low-speed lane in both directions of I-295 will be closed at the Diamond Hill Road Bridge at Exit 22. In the week following the traffic pattern change, RIDOT will install temporary barriers for the closure.

    The rapid bridge construction approach will save motorists up to two years of lane closures and shifts associated with conventional construction. During a series of four, 14-day periods this summer and fall, RIDOT will shift traffic on the bridges, placing all traffic on one side of the bridge while demolishing and replacing the other side. The process will be repeated until both bridges are completely replaced, with the goal of having all traffic on new structures by the end of the year. The entire $63.5 million project will be finished in spring 2026.

    The Douglas Pike Bridge is actually two separate structures, both built in 1971. One is rated as structurally deficient and the other is only one point away from being rated as deficient. It carries more than 22,400 vehicles per day. The Diamond Hill Road Bridge is rated as structurally deficient and carries more than 17,400 vehicles per day. It was built in 1963.

    All construction projects are subject to changes in schedule and scope depending on needs, circumstances, findings, and weather.

    The replacement of these bridges is made possible by RhodeWorks. RIDOT is committed to bringing Rhode Island’s infrastructure into a state of good repair while respecting the environment and striving to improve it. Learn more at www.ridot.net/RhodeWorks.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Collingwood Corner — RCMP investigates fatality following snowmobile crash

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Cumberland County District RCMP is investigating following a snowmobile crash and fatality that occurred in Collingwood Corner.

    On February 21, at approximately 10:20 p.m., RCMP officers, fire services, and EHS responded to a report of a crash on Wyvern Rd. RCMP officers learned that a man was operating a snowmobile when it went off the road and hit a snowbank before coming to rest.

    The driver of the snowmobile, a 28-year-old Springhill man, was struck by a fire truck while being attended to in the roadway.

    The man was pronounced deceased a short time later.

    The investigation, which is in its early stages, is ongoing. The Nova Scotia RCMP Collision and Reconstruction Service team is assisting. Both the snowmobile and the fire truck have been seized.

    Our thoughts are with the victim’s loved ones at this difficult time.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Physician Retirement Fund Initiative

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The government will provide a new retirement benefit to doctors as part of ongoing efforts to expand recruitment and retention initiatives in Nova Scotia.

    The support is through annual contributions that doctors put toward their retirement savings. The Province’s contributions will be based on doctors’ years of service, full- or part-time status, and the amount they contribute to their preferred retirement savings option.

    “We’re competing with the rest of the world for doctors, and that requires a comprehensive approach to our recruitment and retention efforts, including long-term financial incentives,” said Premier Tim Houston. “This fund will apply to all doctors working in the province who provide patient care.”

    The retirement benefit is available to all full- and part-time doctors who are licensed to work in Nova Scotia and provide direct patient care or clinical services such as specialists in radiology and pathology.

    The amounts doctors can receive based on their years of service, as of December 31, are as follows:

    • five or fewer years of service – $5,000 annually; no savings contribution by the doctor is required
    • five to 15 years – up to $10,000 annually
    • more than 15 years – up to $15,000 annually.

    The Province’s contribution is based on full-time equivalency. Doctors who work part-time will have their hours prorated and contribution matched based on their full-time equivalency.

    Action for Health is the government’s plan to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia. A retirement fund for physicians supports Solution 1 in the plan, to become a magnet for health providers.

    Quotes:

    “This fund will be a powerful recruitment and retention tool for our province. It will help set Nova Scotia apart when recruiting new physicians while supporting the physicians who have already begun building their career and life in Nova Scotia.”
    — Dr. Gehad Gobran, President, Doctors Nova Scotia

    Quick Facts:

    • about 3,000 doctors across the province are eligible this year for the retirement fund
    • it is estimated that the retirement fund will cost about $22 million annually
    • between April and August, there have been 73 net new doctors recruited to Nova Scotia

    Additional Resources:

    Action for Health, the government’s plan to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia: 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

    Other than cropping, Communications Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Mast Issues Statement Marking Three-year Anniversary of Ukraine War

    Source: US House Committee on Foreign Affairs

    Media Contact 202-226-8467

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast issued the following statement upon the third anniversary since the start of the full-scale war in Ukraine.

    “Today’s three-year anniversary marking the start of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is no cause for Russian celebration. It marks the anniversary of the largest tactical and strategic blunder in Russian history. While Russia has brought brutality against civilians and soldiers alike, raping women and kidnapping children, Ukraine is slaughtering hundreds of thousands of Russian conscripts who have invaded their country. Ukraine is likewise annihilating the soldiers Vladimir Putin imported from Kim Jong Un’s North Korea and overcoming the financial and military support flowing from China and Iran. President Trump has recognized the need to end this carnage. He will never be Neville Chamberlain, he will not seek a premature peace that allows the enemy to regroup, and he will settle for nothing less than sustained peace backed by a Europe which is capable of defending itself from Russia. Europe must meet the moment and match Russian military spending and recruitment. Europe must realize that for our alliance to be the strongest in history, America needs a Europe that can hold its own.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: DDB Miner Expands AI-Driven Cloud Mining Platform, Offering Stable Passive Income for Crypto Investors in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    9.23 Million Members and Growing: A New Era of Accessible and Profitable Cloud Mining

    BIRMINGHAM, United Kingdom, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DDB Miner, a global leader in cloud mining solutions, has announced a major expansion of its AI-driven platform, designed to provide stable, passive income for cryptocurrency investors. With over 9.23 million registered members worldwide, DDB Miner is setting a new standard for accessibility, transparency, and profitability in the cloud mining industry.

    Rising Above Market Volatility

    Amidst ongoing cryptocurrency market fluctuations and rising inflation, DDB Miner’s advanced cloud mining technology offers a dependable alternative to traditional trading. Unlike speculative investments, cloud mining provides consistent returns without the need for active management. Investors can earn daily profits by renting mining capacity through DDB Miner’s platform, eliminating the complexities of hardware ownership and maintenance.

    AI-driven cloud mining.

    For experienced traders, the conclusion is simple: volatility is a double-edged sword. While some try to time the market, the real winners are those who find a stable, passive income source. That’s why many people abandon volatility trading and turn to cloud mining for stable profits.

    So what is driving so many leading cryptocurrency investors to abandon cloud mining and bet on the next XRP rally? The reasons are stable profits, automation, and simplicity.

    DDB Miner has 9.23 million members worldwide. Register now to join the cloud mining contract for free. Giving yourself a chance is giving yourself a future.

    Click to download the official app and take control of your financial freedom anytime, anywhere!

    XRP Collapse – Why the Crash is Inevitable
    Once the darling of cryptocurrencies, XRP has been underperforming due to regulatory uncertainty, whale selling, and market jitters caused by inflation. Some traders had hoped that XRP would rebound, but today’s inflation report shattered expectations and XRP hit the bottom.

    XRP’s decline caught most traders off guard and forced them to revise their strategies. Instead of speculating on currencies, most people turned to cloud mining because its daily returns are not affected by market fluctuations and are very stable.

    As XRP’s volatility makes it an unsafe investment, cloud mining is becoming a refuge for savvy traders seeking long-term stable returns.

    Why traders favor cloud mining over trading
    Traditional cryptocurrency trading is hectic, unstable, and time-consuming. Bear markets can wipe out all of the previous month’s gains in a matter of minutes, and inflation data only adds to the confusion. With cloud mining, however, investors can earn hands-free, guaranteed returns without having to constantly check charts.

    Cloud mining is simple — as easy as renting mining capacity from a place like DDB Miner and watching your crypto balance increase day after day. It’s the perfect alternative to the stressful, high-risk world of crypto trading.

    For those tired of market volatility, bot trading losses, and endless stop losses, cloud mining represents a worry-free way to generate crypto gains passively — without the stress.

    DDB Miner: The Cloud Mining Giant That Will Rule in 2025
    DDB Miner: is changing the face of cloud mining, offering investors a way to easily earn passive income without any technical knowledge. Founded in 2017, the company has gained worldwide recognition for the transparency, security, and high yields of its mining activities.

    With over 9.23 million registered members, DDB Miner leverages AI mining technology to maximize profits and minimize operational costs. Unlike traditional mining, which requires expensive hardware and electricity, DDB Miner takes care of everything for you, so you just sit back and collect your daily dividends.

    Making $10,000 a day is easier than you think!
    Imagine: waking up every morning with $10,000 more in your crypto wallet—without having to do anything. That’s life for DDB Miner investors, who earn a constant passive income through AI-driven cloud mining contracts.

    With a variety of contract types available, investors can start with $100 or invest more than $100,000. With DDB Miner’s top-of-the-line mining equipment, every investor gets the best mining efficiency, guaranteeing maximum returns.

    Unlike trading, where one mistake can ruin your portfolio, DDB Miner generates steady returns with instant withdrawals, so you always have control over your profits.

    How Bitcoin Mining Works and Why It’s Still Profitable
    Bitcoin mining is the lifeblood of the cryptocurrency world, with miners responsible for confirming transactions and securing the blockchain. However, traditional mining has become too expensive and complicated for the average investor.

    That’s where cloud mining comes into play. Investors don’t have to buy expensive hardware; they can simply rent mining power from industrial-scale mining farms like DDB Miner and get first-class infrastructure without the hassle of maintenance.

    With Bitcoin’s limited supply and rising mining difficulty, cloud mining remains one of the most profitable ways to earn BTC, and DDB Miner makes it easy for you to reap those gains.

    How to Get Started with DDB Miner in Minutes
    It’s never been easier to get started with DDB Miner cloud mining. Take these simple steps to start generating passive income today:

    Sign Up in Seconds: Head to the DDB Miner website and sign up
    Choose a Mining Plan: Choose from a number of lucrative mining contracts starting as low as $12.
    Deposit: Deposit funds into your account via USDT-TRC20, BTC, ETH, LTC, USDC, BNB, USDT-ERC20, BCH, DOGE, SOL (Solana), XRP or other leading cryptocurrencies.
    Start Mining: As soon as your contract is activated, your daily profits start rolling in.
    Withdraw at any time: Instantly withdraw your profits or reinvest for compound returns.
    One-click registration and app download – don’t let this opportunity slip away!
    DDB Miner is the future of passive crypto wealth, offering a high-yield, worry-free investment plan that’s better than trading in every way.

    Click the link below to download the official APP and register in one click!

    Register now and start earning daily profits!

    Media Contact:
    Katerina Audrey
    DDB Miner Media Relations
    Email: info@ddbminer.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by DDB Miner. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the DDB Miner and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in cloud mining and related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/06623c0e-cec0-4617-a8d7-9f9b58ea5321
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c04f9a10-e79a-4b2e-ba27-e4bbf0f273e8
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1038269f-cefd-4f96-83ee-b236da91b65d

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wrap Technologies Secures $5.8M in Private Placement of Securities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEMPE, Ariz., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”) today announced it that it has executed a securities purchase agreement with certain investment partnerships affiliated with the Company and certain accredited and institutional investors in a private placement for the purchase and sale of (i) an aggregate of 3,216,666 shares of common stock of the Company, at a purchase price of $1.80 per share of common stock, and (ii) accompanying warrants to purchase 3,216,666 shares of common stock, for aggregate proceeds of approximately $5.8 million. The warrants will be immediately exercisable at an initial exercise price of $1.80 per share, subject to adjustment, and expire five years from the date of issuance.

    The closing of the private placement is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to occur on or around February 28, 2025. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

    Key Financing Highlights:

    • Majority investment comes from investment partnerships affiliated with insiders and several existing investors.
    • Fuels go-to-market strategy for BolaWrap and Managed Safety and Response (MSR) Connected Ecosystem, both domestically and internationally.
    • Accelerates commitment to deliver Made-in-America end-to-end public safety solutions.
    • Bolsters a federal plan for Washington, DC presence.
    • Increasing investments in training and customer support to optimize BolaWrap programs.

    The securities the private placement offering were offered and sold in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to the exemption for transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act and in reliance on similar exemptions under applicable state laws. Pursuant to a registration rights agreement, the Company has agreed to file a resale registration statement covering the securities described above.

    This press release is not an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    About Wrap Technologies, Inc.

    Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) is a leading global provider of advanced public safety solutions, integrating ultramodern technology, cutting-edge tools, and comprehensive services to address the complex, modern day challenges facing public safety organizations around the world. Guided by a no-harm principle, Wrap is dedicated to developing groundbreaking solutions that empower public safety agencies to safeguard the communities they serve in a manner that fosters stronger relationships, driving safer outcomes, empowering public safety and communities to move forward together.

    Wrap’s BolaWrap® solution encompasses an innovative and patented hand-held remote restraint device, strategically engineered with Wrap’s no-harm guiding principle to proactively deter escalation by deploying a Kevlar® tether that safely restrains individuals from a distance. Combined with BolaWrap® training, certified by the esteemed International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), Wrap enables officers from over 1000 agencies across the U.S. and 60 countries around the world, with the expertise to effectively use BolaWrap® as an early intervention measure, mitigating potential risks and injuries, averting tragic outcomes, with the goal to save lives with each wrap.

    Wrap Reality™, the Company’s advanced virtual reality training system, is a fully immersive training simulator and comprehensive public safety training platform that equips first responders with the discipline and practice to prevent escalation, de-escalate conflicts, and apply appropriate tactical use-of-force measures to better perform in the field. By offering a growing range of real-life scenarios, Wrap Reality™ addresses the dynamic nature of modern law enforcement situations for positive public safety outcomes, building safer communities one decision at a time.

    Wrap’s Intrensic solution is a comprehensive, secure and efficient body worn camera and evidence collection and management solution designed with innovative technology to quickly capture, safely handle, securely store, and seamlessly track evidence, all while maintaining full transparency throughout the process. With meticulous consolidation and professional management of evidence, confidence in law enforcement and the justice system soars, fostering trust and reliability in court outcomes. Intrensic’s efficient system streamlines the entire process seamlessly, empowering all public safety providers to focus on what matters, expediting justice with integrity.

    Connect with Wrap:
    Wrap on Facebook
    Wrap on Twitter
    Wrap on LinkedIn

    Trademark Information

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

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

    Investor Relations Contact:

    (800) 583-2652
    ir@wrap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Speaks at Asian American Coalition of Chicago’s Lunar New Year Celebration

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    February 23, 2025
    [ROSEMONT, IL] – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) delivered remarks at the Asian American Coalition of Chicago’s 42nd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration, hosted by the Indonesian American Community, in Rosemont. Duckworth highlighted the historic contributions of the Asian American community, her Asian heritage and the importance of celebrating diversity despite President Trump’s recent attacks on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
    “Every Lunar New Year is an opportunity to honor the trailblazers who came before us, uplift the stories of our traditions and celebrate our community as we continue to forge a path toward a better tomorrow for our children,” Duckworth said. “As Trump continues to use diversity as a derogatory soundbite, I was proud to join the incredible leaders of the Asian American Coalition of Chicago to celebrate our heritage and welcome the Year of the Snake this evening. From our struggles to our triumphs—AANHPI stories are the American story and our diversity has always made our nation stronger.”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Garcia Discuss Economic and Staffing Impacts of Trump’s Mass Deportation Actions with Local Hospitality Leaders in Chicago

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    February 23, 2025
    [CHICAGO, IL] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), U.S. Representative Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL-4) and local elected officials yesterday joined Chicago hospitality and restaurant industry leaders over lunch to discuss how Trump’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation raids have negatively affected the business community and their employees. In her remarks, Duckworth discussed how immigrant workers form the backbone of Chicago’s hospitality and restaurant industries, emphasizing that Trump’s reckless actions directly hurt the local economy.
    “The strength of Chicago is in the strength and diversity of its people and neighborhoods,” Duckworth said. “Donald Trump’s inhumane mass deportation raids do nothing but spread fear and chaos in our communities, targeting the essential workers who care for our loved ones, staff our hotels and restaurants and put food on our tables. I will continue working with our local business leaders and elected officials as we push back against Trump’s out-of-touch agenda and protect our immigrant community in Chicago.”
    In addition to Duckworth and Garcia, attendees included State Senator Celina Villanueva (IL-12th District), State Representative Edgar Gonzalez (IL-21st District), Alderman Michael Rodrigez (Chicago-22nd Ward), Jennifer Aguilar, Executive Director of Little Village Chamber of Commerce, Jaime di Paulo from the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Sam Toia from Illinois Restaurant Association and Marcos Carbajal, owner of Carnitas Uruapan.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: CTF153 and USS Stout ‘Ready Together’ for Red Sea Maritime Security

    Source: United States Navy

    The destroyer and its crew provided direct support to the Australian-led multinational task force during January and February, keeping watch for illicit activities including piracy, smuggling and narcotics trafficking.

    While on patrol, crew members practiced skills needed to safely visit, board and search vessels, and to legally seize illicit materials being smuggled through the vital waterway.

    The training came as CTF153 refocused on its core maritime security mission after responsibility for Operation Prosperity Guardian—the international response to attacks on merchant shipping by Houthi terrorists—was transferred from CMF to U.S. Navy Destroyer Squadron 50 (DESRON 50).

    Commander CTF 153, Royal Australian Navy Capt. Jorge McKee praised the Stout commanding officer and crew for the teamwork with his staff ashore.

    “While our task force team ashore closely monitor the Red Sea for any activity requiring closer investigation by ships at sea, the crew of Stout are keeping their skills sharp and ready,” Captain McKee said. “It is an honor to work with USS Stout, as it is named in honor of U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Herald F. Stout, who served alongside Australians in the Second World War.”

    Established in 2022, CTF 153 is one of five task forces under CMF. Its mission is to deter and impede illicit non-state actors in the Red Sea, Bab al-Mandab and Gulf of Aden.

    CTF153’s area of responsibility includes some of the world’s most important shipping lanes, connecting the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean and the greater Middle East region.

    Combined Maritime Forces, a 46-nation naval partnership headquartered in Bahrain, is the world’s largest multinational naval partnership. It is committed to upholding the rules-based international order at sea, promoting security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, including crucial shipping lanes.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Monday Morning Wins: Historic Investment, Border Security

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    There’s nothing better than starting the week with a pair of major victories for the American people — all made possible by the leadership of President Donald J. Trump.
    Apple’s $500 billion investment: Apple CEO Tim Cook announced today that the company will invest $500 billion in the United States over the next four years amid President Trump’s tariffs push. The historic venture, which comes following Cook’s meeting with President Trump last week, will result in 20,000 new U.S.-based jobs and was immediately hailed as a “landmark” step in bringing back U.S. manufacturing.
    It’s another watershed moment in President Trump’s commitment to usher in the new Golden Age of America. In just over a month, President Trump has announced a $500 billion private sector investment for the largest artificial intelligence infrastructure project in history, a commitment by Saudi Arabia to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years, a $20 billion investment by DAMAC Properties to build new U.S.-based data centers, a pledge by Taiwan to boost U.S.-based investment, and a major investment by Nippon Steel. Mercedes-Benz also announced plans to “grow” its vehicle production in the U.S.
    Illegal immigrants turn around: New reporting says would-be illegal border crossers have “given up” and are returning to their own countries — citing the Trump Administration’s unprecedented crackdown on illegal immigration, including the shutdown of the “CBP One” app, as the driving factor.
    It’s a victory for national security after four years of open borders. In President Trump’s first month back in office, illegal border crossings hit lows not seen in decades — down 94% over last year, while interior arrests are up 134%.
    Promises made, promises kept.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Breast cancer cases projected to rise by nearly 40 per cent by 2050, WHO warns

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI

    Health

    Breast cancer cases are expected to increase by 38 percent globally by 2050, with annual deaths from the disease projected to rise by 68 percent, according to a new report from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialised branch of the World Health Organization (WHO). 

    The findings, published in Nature Medicine on Monday, warn that if current trends continue, the world will see 3.2 million new breast cancer cases and 1.1 million related deaths each year by mid-century.

    The burden will be disproportionately felt in low- and middle-income countries, where access to early detection, treatment and care remains limited.

    “Every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide and one woman dies from the disease, and these statistics are worsening,” said Dr. Joanne Kim, an IARC scientist and co-author of the report. 

    “Countries can mitigate or reverse these trends by adopting primary prevention policies, such as WHO’s recommended ‘best buys’ for noncommunicable disease prevention, and by investing in early detection and treatment,” she explained.

    A growing global burden 

    Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women worldwide and the second most common cancer overall.

    In 2022 alone, an estimated 2.3 million new cases were diagnosed, with 670,000 deaths reported. However, the report highlights significant disparities across regions.

    The highest incidence rates were recorded in Australia, New Zealand, North America and Northern Europe, while the lowest rates were found in South-Central Asia and parts of Africa.

    Meanwhile, the highest mortality rates were reported in Melanesia, Polynesia and Western Africa, where limited access to healthcare contributes to poorer outcomes.

    The link between breast cancer survival and economic development is stark: in high-income countries, 83 percent of diagnosed women survive, whereas in low-income countries, more than half of women diagnosed with breast cancer die from it.

    Urgent need for action

    The WHO launched the Global Breast Cancer Initiative in 2021, aiming to reduce breast cancer mortality rates by 2.5 per cent per year, which could prevent 2.5 million deaths by 2040.

    The initiative focuses on early detection, timely diagnosis and access to quality treatment.

    Dr. Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of IARC’s Cancer Surveillance Branch, emphasised the need for high-quality cancer data to drive better policies in lower-income regions.

    “Continued progress in early diagnosis and improved access to treatment are essential to address the global gap in breast cancer and ensure that the goal of reducing suffering and death from breast cancer is achieved by all countries worldwide,” she said.

    The path forward 

    The report underscores the importance of stronger health systems, increased funding for breast cancer screening and treatment, and the adoption of cost-effective prevention policies.

    With the projected rise in cases and deaths, the international community faces an urgent challenge – one that requires coordinated action to ensure millions of lives are not lost to a disease that is increasingly preventable and treatable. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: JTF-Bravo unveils new Combined Joint Operation Center

    Source: United States SOUTHERN COMMAND

    SOTO CANO AIR BASE, Honduras  –  

    Joint Task Force-Bravo unveiled their new Combined Joint Operation Center in conjunction with a tabletop exercise where they worked with members from the Honduran air force, army, firefighters, Comisión Permanente de Contingencias, Forest Conservation Institute, Environmental Management Unit, and Friends of La Tigra Foundation, February 19, 2025.

    The CJOC was created to better streamline and facilitate communication between JTF-Bravo leaders and local agency leaders when a crisis arises. 
    “The Combined Joint Operation Center is a testament to our commitment to working side-by-side with our Honduran partners,” said U.S. Army Col. Daniel Alder, JTF-Bravo Commander. “This facility is a hub that allows us to plan and coordinate in response to crises, meaning we can react faster and more effectively, ultimately saving lives.”

    The exercise simulated a forest fire in La Tigra National, Northeast of Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Participants worked together to determine initial responses and how each agency would act as the crisis grew over time.

    Alongside the exercise, members from JTF-Bravo and the Honduran conducted academic training on a collapsible water-carrying device that is used in aerial firefighting. The device is suspended from a helicopter to pick up water and drop the water onto wildfires. This equipment is extremely valuable in this region as many locations are inaccessible via roads.

    With JTF-Bravo being the U.S. Southern Command’s regional rapid response force for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions and contingency response, the inception of the CJOC and this exercise are big steps towards JTF-Bravo and local agencies and military working together to better react during crises.

    MIL Security OSI –