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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI: Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Earnings

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLDWATER, Mich., Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. (OTC Pink: SOMC) announced fourth quarter net income of $2,650,000, or $0.57 per share, compared to net income of $2,437,000, or $0.54 per share, for the fourth quarter of 2023. Southern earned $10,402,000 or $2.28 per share, for the year ended December 31, 2024, compared with $10,905,000 or $2.40 per share, for the same period one year ago.

    John R. Waldron, President and Chief Executive Officer of Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc., stated, “2024 was another solid year with total assets reaching approximately $1.5 billion. During the year ended December 31, 2024, total loans and deposits grew to $1.116 billion and $1.252 billion, respectively. While our earnings continue to be impacted by the current interest rate environment, we remain encouraged by the strength of our core deposits and our ability to maintain asset quality.”

    The allowance for credit losses totaled $12,782,000, or 1.14% of loans on December 31, 2024, compared to $11,697,000, or 1.13% on December 31, 2023. Net loan charge-offs totaled $27,000 for 2024, compared to $15,000 for 2023. Non-performing loans as a percentage of total loans were 0.08% on December 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023.

    The annualized return on average assets for the years ended December 31, 2024, and December 31, 2023, was 0.71% and 0.80%, respectively. The annualized return on average equity was 10.07% for 2024 compared to 11.94% for 2023. The tax equivalent net interest margin for the years ending December 31, 2024, and 2023 was 2.98% and 3.16%, respectively.

    Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. is a bank holding company and the parent company of Southern Michigan Bank & Trust. It operates 18 offices within Branch, Calhoun, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph Counties providing a broad range of consumer, business and wealth management services throughout the region.

    This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on management’s beliefs, assumptions, current expectations, estimates and projections about the financial services industry, the economy, and Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. Forward-looking statements are identifiable by words or phrases such as “expected,” “begin,” and other similar words or expressions. All statements with reference to a future time period are forward-looking. Management’s determination of the provision and allowance for credit losses and other accounting estimates, such as the carrying value of goodwill, other real estate owned, mortgage servicing rights and the fair value of investment securities, involves judgments that are inherently forward-looking. The future effect of changes in the financial and credit markets and the national and regional economy on the banking industry, generally, and Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc., specifically, are also inherently uncertain. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions (“risk factors”) that are difficult to predict with regard to timing, extend, likelihood and degree of occurrence. Therefore, actual results and outcomes may materially differ from what may be expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Southern Michigan Bancorp, Inc. does not undertake to update forward-looking statements to reflect the impact of circumstances or events that may arise after the date of the forward-looking statements.

     
    SOUTHERN MICHIGAN BANCORP, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
     
    (In thousands, except share data)              
      December 31,
    2024    		   December 31,
    2023    		  
    ASSETS            
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 73,737   $ 71,620  
    Federal funds sold   259     1,468  
    Securities available for sale, at fair value   159,320     169,740  
    Securities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost   60,454     61,600  
    Loans held-for-sale   995     169  
    Loans, net of allowance for credit losses of $12,782 – 2024, $11,697 – 2023   1,103,652     1,024,720  
    Premises and equipment, net   25,600     23,114  
    Net cash surrender value of life insurance   23,139     22,472  
    Goodwill   13,422     13,422  
    Other intangible assets, net   111     147  
    Other assets   35,866     26,323  
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 1,496,555   $ 1,414,795  
                 
    LIABILITIES            
    Deposits:            
    Non-interest bearing $ 223,583   $ 226,178  
    Interest bearing   1,028,212     931,793  
    Total deposits   1,251,795     1,157,971  
                 
    Securities sold under agreements to repurchase and overnight borrowings   1,560     1,738  
    Accrued expenses and other liabilities   18,355     15,703  
    Other borrowings   82,900     106,900  
    Subordinated debentures   34,722     34,653  
    Total liabilities   1,389,332     1,316,965  
                 
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Preferred stock, 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding   –     –  
    Common stock, $2.50 par value:            
    Authorized – 10,000,000 shares            
    Issued and outstanding – 4,577,107 shares in 2024,
    4,533,637 shares in 2023    		   11,438     11,330  
    Additional paid-in capital   13,438     13,126  
    Retained earnings   97,462     89,808  
    Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (15,115 )   (16,434 )
    Total shareholders’ equity   107,223     97,830  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 1,496,555   $ 1,414,795  
     
    SOUTHERN MICHIGAN BANCORP, INC.
    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
     
    (In thousands, except per share data)
     
      Three Months Ended
    December 31,    		   Year Ended
    December 31,    		  
      2024   2023   2024   2023  
    Interest income:                        
    Loans, including fees $ 16,628   $ 15,308   $ 64,376   $ 54,887  
    Federal funds sold and balances with banks   999     766     4,629     3,125  
    Securities:                        
    Taxable   1,376     1,635     5,889     6,291  
    Tax-exempt   318     304     1,222     1,265  
    Total interest income   19,321     18,013     76,116     65,568  
                             
    Interest expense:                        
    Deposits   7,358     6,077     29,013     20,593  
    Other   1,315     1,606     6,016     4,995  
    Total interest expense   8,673     7,683     35,029     25,588  
    Net interest income   10,648     10,330     41,087     39,980  
    Provision for credit losses   353     –     1,014     950  
    Net interest income after provision for credit losses   10,295     10,330     40,073     39,030  
                             
    Non-interest income:                        
    Service charges on deposit accounts   422     422     1,692     1,670  
    Trust fees   704     632     2,744     2,419  
    Net gains on loan sales   253     119     672     305  
    Earnings on life insurance assets   170     161     667     617  
    ATM and debit card fee income   462     447     1,818     1,786  
    Other   289     296     898     941  
    Total non-interest income   2,300     2,077     8,491     7,738  
                             
    Non-interest expense:                        
    Salaries and employee benefits   6,233     5,836     22,388     20,586  
    Occupancy, net   540     416     2,054     1,813  
    Equipment   425     385     1,658     1,449  
    Professional and outside services   581     770     2,156     2,243  
    Software maintenance   635     608     2,452     2,247  
    ATM expenses   212     201     841     803  
    Printing, postage, and supplies   97     118     510     437  
    Telecommunication expenses   73     109     313     376  
    Other   1,096     940     4,053     3,466  
    Total non-interest expense   9,892     9,383     36,425     33,420  
    INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES   2,703     3,024     12,139     13,348  
    Federal income tax provision   53     587     1,737     2,443  
    NET INCOME $ 2,650   $ 2,437   $ 10,402   $ 10,905  
                             
    Basic Earnings Per Common Share $ 0.57   $ 0.54   $ 2.28   $ 2.40  
    Diluted Earnings Per Common Share   0.57     0.54     2.28     2.40  
    Dividends Declared Per Common Share   0.15     0.14     0.60     0.56  

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Calian Reports on the Election of Directors Voting Results 

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The following matter was voted upon at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Calian® Group Ltd. (TSX:CGY), held on February 13, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario. This and other matters voted upon are described in greater detail in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Management Proxy Circular dated December 30, 2024.  

    Detailed results of the vote for the election of directors are set out below.    

      
    Name of Nominee      		   
    Votes For      		   
    % Votes For      		   
    Votes Against     		   
    % Votes Against 
    George Weber   6,474,389 82.99% 1,327,223 17.01%
    Josh Blair 7,786,162 99.80% 15,450 0.20%
    Kevin Ford   7,788,179 99.83% 13,433 0.17%
    Lisa Greatrix 7,781,072 99.74% 20,540 0.26%
    Lori O’Neill  7,630,438 97.81% 171,174 2.19%
    Young Park   7,634,699 97.86% 166,913 2.14%
    Jo-Anne Poirier   7,635,858 97.88% 165,754 2.12%
    Royden Ronald Richardson   7,633,263 97.84% 168,349 2.16%
    Valerie Sorbie  7,638,974 97.92% 162,638 2.08%

      
    For more details, including the outcome of other matters that came before the Meeting, please see the report of voting results filed at www.sedarplus.ca.   

    About Calian

    www.calian.com

    We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

    Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

    Media inquiries:

    media@calian.com

    613-599-8600

    Investor Relations inquiries:

    ir@calian.com

    —————————————————————————–

    DISCLAIMER

    Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

    Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8
    Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ITC bars importation of power modules and unlicensed computing systems that infringe Vicor patents

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., Feb. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Vicor Corporation (NASDAQ: VICR) today announced that, on February 13, the International Trade Commission (“ITC”) issued a Notice of Final Determination in its Investigation No. 337-TA-1370 (“In the Matter of Certain Power Converter Modules and Computing Systems Containing the Same”), confirming that Vicor U.S. Patent Nos. 9,516,761 (“’761 patent”) and 9,166,481 (“’481 patent”) are valid and infringed, and that unlicensed computing systems containing infringing power modules should be barred from importation into the United States.

    The ITC issued a Limited Exclusion Order against all Respondents and Cease and Desist Orders against Respondents Delta Electronics (Americas) Ltd., Quanta Computer USA Inc. and Quanta Computer Inc., FII USA Inc., and Ingrasys Technology USA Inc.

    Following the determination, for a mandatory 60-day presidential review period, Respondents may import infringing power modules and computing systems upon posting a bond. The ITC set the bond amount for the computing systems at 100% of the system’s value. Following the expiration of the presidential review period, Respondents would be prohibited from importing infringing power modules and computing systems.

    The Final Determination reversed a prior finding that Foxconn Respondents did not have a license to Vicor patents and instead found that two Foxconn affiliates—FII USA, Inc. and Ingrasys Technology, Inc.—have a license to the ’761 patent, based on boilerplate clauses in these entities’ purchase orders for Vicor components. Vicor intends to appeal this finding to the Federal Circuit.

    “As expected, Respondents are now subject to exclusion and cease and desist orders, exposing their unlicensed customers to severe consequences,” stated Chief Executive Officer Dr. Patrizio Vinciarelli. “Mindful of the risk of AI and computing systems being barred from importation into the U.S., certain OEM and non-OEM customers of infringing contract manufacturers have taken licenses. We look forward to additional steps to protect Vicor IP, including a trial in the Eastern District of Texas, where Vicor seeks monetary damages for willful infringement.”

    For more information on Vicor and its products, please visit the Company’s website at www.vicorpower.com.

    About Vicor

    Vicor Corporation designs, develops, manufactures and markets modular power components and complete power systems based upon a portfolio of patented technologies. Headquartered in Andover, Massachusetts, Vicor sells its products to the power systems market, including enterprise and high performance computing, industrial equipment and automation, telecommunications and network infrastructure, vehicles and transportation, aerospace and defense. www.vicorpower.com

    Vicor is a registered trademark of Vicor Corporation.

    Contact

    James F. Schmidt
    Chief Financial Officer
    Office: (978) 470-2900
    Email: invrel@vicorpower.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Tax Season Ramps Up, Warren, Cassidy Renew Effort to Simplify IRS Error Notices for Taxpayers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 14, 2025

    Bill Text (PDF) | Bill One-Pager (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) reintroduced the Internal Revenue Service Math and Taxpayer Help (IRS MATH) Act, a bill to improve math error notices — an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) authority used to quickly adjust taxpayers’ returns. 

    Representatives Brad Schneider (D-Ill.) and Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) recently reintroduced the bill in the House, and the bill passed unanimously out of the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee during markup on February 12, 2025.

    Each year, the IRS sends millions of Americans math error notices, expedited adjustments to tax returns that contain simple math or clerical errors. These “vague and confusing” notices often list several potential errors that may have been made rather than specifying the exact issue leading to a refund being reduced. The notices also fail to explain that taxpayers have only 60 days to challenge the IRS’s position and fail to explain how taxpayers can contest these notices, causing many taxpayers to forfeit their right to challenge the adjustments.

    The lawmakers hope to improve this unworkable system to help taxpayers, especially low-income and non-English speaking Americans, who cannot afford lawyers to help them navigate the complicated correspondence process. The Math ACT was included in the Senate Finance Committee’s discussion draft of bipartisan legislation that aims to reform IRS administration and procedure. 

    “IRS communications to taxpayers should be clear and easy to understand,” said Senator Warren. “This bipartisan bill will reform notoriously confusing error notices so that hardworking Americans can get the money they’re entitled to quickly and fairly.”

    “Taxes are already complicated, and the last thing Americans need is more confusion,” said Dr. Cassidy. “We’re making sure the IRS does its part to inform taxpayers when they correct inevitable errors made on tax returns.”

    “If the IRS finds a mistake on a tax return, this agency should be required to clearly communicate that error to the taxpayer and explain why a tax refund is higher or lower than expected. That’s why I’m glad to introduce legislation to ensure that the IRS clearly spells out errors on tax forms and helps taxpayers not only understand the mistake but also challenge it if they see fit,” said Representative Feenstra. “Filing taxes is already burdensome and time-consuming. We can improve customer service by instituting open and transparent communication between the IRS and the taxpayer when a tax error is identified.”

    Senators Warren and Cassidy initially introduced the bill in 118th Congress. 

    The IRS MATH Act reforms the math error process by:

    • Directing the IRS to improve notices of math or clerical errors, requiring that notices:  
      • Identify the line item the IRS is changing; 
      • Explain the reason for the change, and; 
      • Clearly list the taxpayer’s required response date.
    • Requiring that the IRS notify the taxpayer of abatement determinations.
    • Requiring the Treasury Secretary to provide additional procedures for requesting an abatement of a math or clerical error adjustment, including by telephone or in person.
    • Creating a pilot program coordinated by the IRS and National Taxpayer Advocate to determine the benefit of sending math or clerical error notices by certified or registered mail.

    Senator Warren has, throughout her career, advocated for low-income taxpayers and for improved IRS procedures: 

    • In January 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) led over 135 members of Congress in writing to Treasury Secretary-Designate Scott Bessent and Internal Revenue Services’ (IRS) Commissioner-Designate Billy Long, urging them to maintain and expand the IRS’ Direct File program. 
    • In October 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representative Katie Porter (D-Calif.) wrote to the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service urging the agencies to make the Direct File tax filing program more secure and accessible by ending reliance on ID.me, which uses a flawed facial recognition software.
    • In April 2024, following the 2024 tax filing deadline, at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Elizabeth Warren questioned IRS Commissioner Daniel I. Werfel, on the IRS’s use of Inflation Reduction Act funds to successfully pilot a Direct File program, a first-of-its-kind option for Americans in twelve states to be able to file their taxes online directly with the IRS, easily and for free.
    • In April 2024, Senator Warren and colleagues applauded the success of Direct File’s Pilot during the 2024 tax filing season, highlighting rave reviews, millions of dollars in refunds claimed and filing fees saved.
    • In April 2024, Senator Warren sent a letter to Chair Lina M. Khan of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), blasting Intuit, the maker of TurboTax, for continuing to relentlessly upsell TurboTax users despite numerous FTC and state lawsuits and settlements. Senator Warren applauded the FTC’s oversight of Intuit, and urged the Commission to continue to take action to protect taxpayers from tax preparation companies that pile junk fees onto users.
    • In March 2024, Senator Warren celebrated the successful launch of the IRS’s Direct File pilot.
    • In March 2024, Senator Warren highlighted the positive feedback that the IRS’s Direct File pilot in 12 states has received from taxpayers and asked Secretary of the Treasury Janet Yellen to commit to expanding and extending the program in 2025 if positive feedback continues, which Yellen agreed to. 
    • In February 2024, Senators Warren, Blumenthal, Sanders, and Representative Porter sent a response to Intuit, blasting the company for its failure to answer basic questions the lawmakers asked in their January 2, 2024 letter seeking an accounting of the expenses underlying the company’s massive federal research tax breaks.
    • In January 2024, Senators Warren, Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and Representative Katie Porter (D-Calif.) sent a letter to Intuit requesting a full accounting of the expenses underlying the company’s massive federal research tax breaks by January 16, 2024. Intuit disclosed that it received $94 million in federal research tax credits in 2022, while simultaneously spending millions lobbying against the establishment of a free program for Americans to file their taxes online. 
    • In October 2023, Senators Warren, Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Blumenthal, Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Sanders, Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Representative Porter sent letters to five tax preparation companies—H&R Block, TaxAct, TaxSlayer, Ramsey Solutions, and Intuit—that recently received notices of penalty offenses from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding the misuse of taxpayer’s sensitive and confidential information. 
    • In October 2023, Senators Warren and Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Representatives Porter, Brad Sherman (D-Calif.), and Don Beyer (D-Va.) released a statement supporting the U.S. Department of Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) joint announcement of their 2024 pilot of Direct File, a program that allows Americans to file tax returns digitally and free of charge. The lawmakers acknowledged the Inflation Reduction Act’s role in the program’s development, and stated their intention to support the IRS’s efforts to develop and expand the Direct File pilot. 
    • In August 2023, Senator Warren and Representative Porter sent a letter to the Free File Alliance, the American Coalition for Taxpayer Rights, Intuit, and H&R Block admonishing the companies’ relentless lobbying against the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) direct free filing tool. 
    • In July 2023, Senators Warren, Wyden, Blumenthal, Duckworth, Sanders, and Whitehouse and Representative Porter released a report revealing the outrageous, extensive, and potentially illegal sharing of taxpayers’ sensitive personal and financial information with Meta by online tax preparation companies. The lawmakers also sent a letter to the IRS, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Department of Justice highlighting their key findings and calling on these departments to fully investigate this matter and prosecute any company or individuals who violated the law.
    • In June 2023, Senators Warren and Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Representatives Sherman, Porter, and Beyer, led a coalition of 99 Democratic lawmakers in a letter to IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel and Deputy Treasury Secretary Adewale Adeyemo, applauding the IRS’s announcement of a pilot of a free tax filing tool next year.
    • In May 2023, Senator Warren’s call for a Free E-File Program was finally answered by the IRS through the Inflation Reduction Act .
    • In April 2023, Senators Warren and Carper led 29 other senators in a letter to the IRS Commissioner, urging the agency to simplify the tax process and broaden access to free e-filing options.
    • In April 2023, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Warren questioned the IRS Commissioner about the agency’s failed Free-File partnership with private tax preparation software companies and called on the agency to implement a direct E-File program. 
    • In December 2022, Senators Warren and Wyden and Representatives Porter and Sherman sent letters to tax preparation companies H&R Block, TaxAct, and TaxSlayer, plus big tech firms Meta and Google, amid reports that the tax preparation companies have been secretly transmitting individual taxpayers’ sensitive financial information to Meta and Google
    • In August 2022, Senator Warren highlighted key priorities she secured in the Senate’s Inflation Reduction Act, including establishing an IRS task force to look into developing and running an IRS-run free direct E-File tax return system, based on Senator Warren’s Tax Filing Simplification Act. 
    • In July 2022, Senator Warren led 22 lawmakers to introduce the Tax Filing Simplification Act of 2022, legislation that would direct the IRS to develop its own free online tax preparation and filing service that would simplify the tax filing process for millions of Americans. 
    • In June 2022, at a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee, Secretary of Treasury Janet Yellen agreed with Senator Warren on the need to create a free tax filing system that actually works for Americans. 
    • In June 2022, Senator Warren and Representatives Porter and Sherman sent a letter to Richard K. Delmar, Acting Treasury Department Inspector, General, J. Russell George, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, and Andrew Katsaros, Acting Inspector General at the Federal Trade Commission, regarding troubling reports of Intuit’s abuse of the revolving door and the company’s hiring of former federal regulators and influence-peddlers to defend its shady business practices. In the letter, which is a follow up to the prior April 2022 letter, the lawmakers call out Intuit for forcing American taxpayers into paying for services that should be free, and request an in-depth investigation into the company and its use of the revolving door to influence policy decisions at those agencies. 
    • In April 2022, Senator Warren and Representatives Sherman and Porter sent a letter to Intuit regarding the company’s unethical use of the revolving door to hire former regulators to defend their shady business practices that scam taxpayers out of billions of dollars. In June 2022, the lawmakers sent a follow-up.
    • In February 2022, Senator Warren and Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) sent a letter to the Acting Inspector General of the Department of Treasury and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, calling on them to open an investigation into the unethical revolving door between the world’s largest accounting firms and the Treasury Department and IRS. 
    • In February 2022, Senator Warren made the case for increased funding for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) through the Build Back Better Act and called on the administration to create the simplified filing tools proposed in her Tax Filing Simplification Act. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren, Hirono Press Defense Secretary Hegseth on Cost and Military Readiness Impact of Deploying Troops to Southern Border, Guantanamo Bay

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    February 14, 2025

    “[DoD’s] new immigration operations — which the Trump administration is planning at an unprecedented scale — threaten to burden the Department’s resources and undermine our national security.”

    Text of Letter (PDF)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) wrote to Secretary of Defense (DoD) Pete Hegseth regarding the military’s recent deployment of active-duty forces to the southern border and Guantanamo, and the Department of Defense’s (DOD) new involvement in immigration detention and deportation.

    On his first day in office, President Trump signed an Executive Order directing the United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) to “seal the borders” and “to provide steady-state southern border security.” On January 29, President Trump directed DoD to “expand the Migrant Operations Center at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to full capacity” of 30,000. As a result, NORTHCOM has deployed about 2,000 active-duty troops to the southern border, bringing the total under DoD’s command to over 4,000. These deployments have drawn from numerous Army and Marine Corps units, and DoD has required the 10th Mountain Division from Fort Drum, New York to oversee the units. In the near term, the Trump administration is reportedly considering deploying up to 10,000 troops to the southern border — double the scale of DoD’s border deployment in 2019 and 2020. That number could grow; during President Trump’s first term, then-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said Stephen Miller (now White House Deputy Chief of Staff) said that “[w]e need a quarter-million troops” at the southern border.

    Following Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) reversal of its policy prohibiting the use of military aircraft to deport migrants, DoD has operated over 10 deportation flights around the world. At Guantanamo, SOUTHCOM’s has deployed over 500 Marines and DoD has not ruled out detaining women and children there. A former Pentagon official estimates that these operations would “quickly skyrocket into tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions, of dollars.”

    At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee on February 13, 2025, Admiral Alvin Holsey, SOUTHCOM Commander, confirmed that the Pentagon does not have a cost estimate for these immigration operations, though the department is supposed to consider costs before deploying troops. At the same hearing, General Gregory Guillot, NORTHCOM Commander, told senators that only one training day has been set aside per week for deployed troops operating outside their specialties to maintain their skills, so troops are only doing 20% of relevant military training while deployed for immigration enforcement. 

    “[DoD’s] new immigration-related operations place significant — and unnecessary — burdens on DoD resources, personnel, and readiness,” wrote the senators. 

    The aircraft now used for deportations, for example, cost far more than the commercial and chartered flights that ICE normally uses for deportations. The new aircraft, the military C-17 plane, costs taxpayers over $28,000 per flight hour for a single deportation, compared to $8,577 per flight hour on civilian aircraft alternatives that ICE often uses. Similarly, ICE’s contract for Guantanamo’s migrant operations center requires it to pay a staggering $272,000 per detention bed, compared to around $57,00 per bed at ICE facilities within the United States. 

    DoD may not have a realistic estimate of how much these new operations will cost. During President Trump’s first term, when DoD deployed troops to the border between FY2018 and FY2020, the Department estimated that its border operations would total $1 billion in unreimbursed costs. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) later found that “DOD did not present reliable cost estimates.” Since then, DoD has not implemented any of GAO’s recommendations for improving how it estimates the cost of assisting DHS’s immigration operations.  

    DoD’s growing participation in DHS immigration operations will pose serious costs for units’ readiness. The Defense Secretary discontinued part of DoD’s border operations between 2018 and 2020 after finding that “continued support for the mission would negatively affect military readiness and morale.” The commandant of the Marine Corps warned at the time that the operation posed an “unacceptable risk to Marine Corps combat readiness and solvency,” as a result of separated units and canceled training exercises. 

    “Likewise, we are concerned about how these operations may impact servicemembers’ morale. In recent years, DoD personnel who deployed to the border have reported dangerously low morale, driven by an unclear mission, isolation, boredom, poor accommodations, and more,” wrote the lawmakers. “Poor morale even contributed to a series of suicides by members of the Texas National Guard who deployed to the southern border.”

    “(T)he Trump administration is militarizing the country’s immigration enforcement system in an apparent attempt to signal toughness. But this political stunt will come at a high cost; it risks diverting DoD’s resources away from its vital mission in ways that compromise our national security,” the senators concluded. 

    The senators requested that DoD provide more clarity about troop deployment to the border and anticipated costs by February 27, 2025. 

    Senator Warren has sought to protect military resources and prevent unnecessary costs that compromise national security: 

    • In December 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) wrote to the leaders of each of the top 10 U.S. automakers with concerns about the companies’ fierce opposition to car owners’ right to repair the vehicles they own in the way they choose. 
    • In December 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren and Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) introduced the Servicemember Right-to-Repair Act to increase military readiness and cut costs by allowing servicemembers to repair their own equipment. 
    • In December 2024, Senator Elizabeth Warren wrote to the Department of Defense with continued concerns about DoD’s failure to prevent price gouging and overpayments in the military’s TRICARE health program. DoD’s response to Senator Warren’s July 2023 letter revealed a list of nearly 250 bad actors who have overcharged our military by nearly $46 million, which the Senator released today. 
    • In June 2024, Senators Elizabeth Warren, Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), U.S. Representative Buddy Carter (R-Ga.), and 20 other lawmakers sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs Dr. Lester Martinez-Lopez and Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA) Lieutenant General Telita Crosland, raising concerns over Express Scripts’ exclusive contract to administer TRICARE’s pharmacy program, the healthcare system for the military, retirees, and their families. 
    • In July 2023, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren chaired a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Personnel. She called out the Department of Defense (DoD) for wasting billions in taxpayers dollars due to price gouging by defense contractors for services and in health care, and identified opportunities for cost savings when DoD buys personnel-related goods and services. 
    • In July 2023, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Director of the Defense Health Agency (DHA), Lieutenant General Telita Crosland, regarding a series of DoD Inspector General (IG) reports finding that the Department of Defense (DoD) is failing to prevent price gouging and overpayments to contractors in the TRICARE health program.
    • In June 2023, Senators Warren and Mike Braun (R-Ind.), alongside Rep. Garamendi, reintroduced the bipartisan Stop Price Gouging the Military Act, which would close loopholes in current acquisition laws, tie financial incentives for contractors to performance, and provide the Department of Defense (DoD) the information necessary to prevent future rip-offs.
    • In May 2023, Senator Warren and Representative John Garamendi sent letters to DoD, Boeing, and TransDigm on companies’ refusal to provide cost or pricing data.
    • In May 2023, Senators Warren, Sanders, Braun, and Grassley sent a letter to DoD urging an investigation into contractor price gouging.
    • In October 2022, Senator Warren obtained a commitment from DoD not to increase contract prices due to inflation.
    • In October 2022 Senator Warren sent a letter to DoD urging them to insist on receiving certified cost or pricing data to justify any contract adjustments.
    • In June 2022, Senator Warren and Representative Garamendi introduced the bicameral Stop Price Gouging the Military Act, which would enhance DoD’s ability to access certified cost and pricing data. Part of Senator Warren’s legislation was incorporated into the FY 2023 National Defense Authorization Act reported to the Senate.
    • In September 2020, Senator Warren and Representative Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) formally requested that the Department of Defense (DoD) Inspector General (IG) investigate reports that the Pentagon redirected hundreds of millions of dollars of funds meant for COVID-19 response via the Defense Production Act (DPA) to defense contractors for “jet engine parts, body armor and dress uniforms.”
    • In May 2020, Senator Warren wrote to the Department requesting clarification on how the Department would prevent profiteering following a recent change to increase payments to contractors in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • In March 2020, Senator Warren joined her colleagues in urging the FTC to use its full authority to prevent abusive price gouging on consumer health products during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
    • In April 2019, Senator Elizabeth Warren, along with Senator Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and four other members of the Armed Services Committee, wrote to then-Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan to seek clarification about statements made by Department of Defense officials about the deployment of military personnel to the southwest border and assurances that this deployment would not negatively affect military readiness.
    • In November 2018, Senator Warren, along with Representative Jackie Speier (D-Calif.), then-Chairwoman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, and former Representative Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas), sent a bicameral letter to then-Secretary of Defense James Mattis requesting information about President Trump’s decision to deploy more than 5,000 active duty military personnel to the southwest border.
    • In May 2017, Senator Warren sent a letter to the Department of Defense Inspector General asking for an investigation into defense contractor TransDigm’s refusal to provide cost information to the Department of Defense.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Works on paper by women artists go on display at Art Gallery

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    A selection of works on paper by 12 contemporary women artists has gone on display at Aberdeen Art Gallery. 
     
    Works on paper can include drawings and watercolours, printed material and art photography. There are over 13,000 works on paper in the Aberdeen Archives, Gallery & Museums collection. The new display in Gallery 16 will be refreshed over the coming years to highlight the full range and richness of the collection. One of the priorities for the redevelopment of the Art Gallery, completed in 2019, was for more of the collection to go on display, including works on paper. 
     
    Around half of the contemporary artworks in the collection are by women artists. The work of the 12 artists featured in the new exhibition spans 50 years and explores a variety of techniques including printmaking, photography and painting. The artists are Annie Cattrell, Mirian Dokotliver, Amy Gear, Louise Hopkins, Hannah Imlach, Bet Low, Bel McCoig, Nanny Mulder, Elizabeth Ogilvie, Frances Walker, Caroline Walker and Francesca Woodman. 
     
    Among the highlights of the display are four photographs by the American photographer Francesca Woodman (1958-1981) who produced a highly-influential body of work during her brief 10-year career, often photographing herself in empty interiors. Her blurry images give a sense of human fragility.  
     
    A set of prints, which is a recent addition to the collection, is on display for the first time. ‘Nocturnes’ by Scottish artist Caroline Walker (born Dunfermline, 1982) depicts women in a variety of domestic settings at nighttime. 
     

    Frances Walker (born Kirkcaldy, 1930) has been a major contributor to artistic practice and development in Aberdeen, having taught at Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen for many years. In 1974 she was a founding member of the city’s Peacock Printmakers. Walker depicts wild and desolate landscapes and terrains in her paintings and prints. 
     

    Gallery 16 at Aberdeen Art Gallery, where this new display is on show, is one of 19 spaces in the building that showcase the outstanding collection that is cared for by the Archives, Gallery & Museums team on behalf of the people of Aberdeen. Each Gallery has a different atmosphere and a different story to tell, from Art Deco ceramics, to portraiture, jewellery, processes in art and craft, the influence of 19th century French art on Scottish artists, the artist-adventurer James McBey and the experience of Aberdonians during times of war and conflict. Visitors can discover more about the collection by listening to staff talking about some of the highlights of the displays by downloading the free digital guide to the Art Gallery on the Bloomberg Connects app. 
     

    Councillor Martin Greig, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesman, said: “This is a wonderful exhibition of works on paper by women artists. It’s great to see the skills and talent on display. These changing exhibitions give everyone the chance to enjoy different aspects of the Art Gallery collection. These are treasures which belong to all of us in the city and it is good to have the opportunity to view these carefully-chosen artworks. The free digital guide to the Gallery on the Bloomberg Connects app is a really useful way to find out more about the drawings, paintings and other items in the city’s excellent art museum. The app is a good way to familiarise yourself with and learn more about Aberdeen’s outstanding collection.”  
     
    Visit the collections pages of our website to browse a selection of works on paper by women artists at  Works on Paper – Women Artists Selection – Collections – eMuseum  
     
     
    Works on Paper – Women Artists is now open at Aberdeen Art Gallery, Schoolhill, Aberdeen AB10 1FQ. Open Monday – Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm. 
    Admission is free and donations are welcome. 
     
    The special exhibition Artist Textiles: From Picasso to Warhol continues at the Art Gallery until 13 April. This joyful exhibition explores textiles and fashion as popular artforms in 20th century Britain, Europe and the United States through rare examples of textiles by leading artists including Alexander Calder, Salvador Dalí, Sonia Delaunay, Raoul Dufy, Barbara Hepworth, Fernand Léger, Henri Matisse, Joan Miró, Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso, Ben Nicholson and Andy Warhol. 
    For ticket and visiting information go to www.aagm.co.uk 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Kehoe Orders Flags to Fly at Half-Staff in Honor of United States Army Staff Sergeant Shelbe Faye Butner

    Source: US State of Missouri

    FEBRUARY 14, 2025

    Jefferson City — Today, Governor Mike Kehoe ordered U.S. and Missouri flags be flown at half-staff at all government buildings in Macon County on Sunday, February 16, 2025, from sunrise to sunset in honor of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Shelbe Faye Butner, who was tragically killed in the line of duty on January 30, 2025, while conducting a training exercise at Fort Stewart United States Army post in Georgia.

    “Staff Sergeant Shelbe Faye Butner was dedicated to serving our country with honor, courage, and unwavering commitment,” said Governor Mike Kehoe. “Staff Sergeant Butner considered the welfare of others a personal responsibility and was guided by her love of country to serve our nation. Her sacrifice reminds us of the bravery and dedication of the men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms. Claudia and I join Shelbe’s family and friends in honoring her service and mourning her loss.”

    A 2015 graduate of Macon High School, Staff Sergeant Butner enlisted in the U.S. Army on June 1, 2015. She earned the Military Occupational Specialty Code 88M as an Army Motor Transport Operator and completed several advanced training courses, including the Army Basic Leader Course, Air Assault School, and Drill Sergeant School. She was assigned to the 6th Squadron – 8th Cavalry Regiment, where she was promoted to Staff Sergeant on August 1, 2022.

    Staff Sergeant Butner was a proud and accomplished soldier, serving in the United States Army for nine years, including a tour in Kuwait. Throughout her career, Staff Sergeant Butner earned many commendations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War Expeditionary Medal, and numerous others.

    The flags will be flown at half-staff on the day of Butner’s interment services. To view the governor’s proclamation, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nevada Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Seeking Nearly $100M in COVID-19 Employment Tax Credits

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Nevada woman pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to defraud the United States by making claims for refunds of false COVID-19 related employment tax credits.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Candies Goode-McCoy, of Las Vegas, conspired with others to file tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit (ERC) and paid sick and family leave credit. From around June 2022 through September 2023, McCoy filed approximately 1,227 false tax returns for her businesses and others claiming these refundable credits.

    In total, these claims sought refunds of over $98 million, of which the IRS paid approximately $33 million. McCoy personally received over $1.3 million in fraudulent refunds and was paid about $800,000 from those on whose behalf she filed fraudulent returns. McCoy knew that these returns were fraudulent. Neither she nor the others for whom she filed them were eligible to receive the refundable credits in the amounts claimed. McCoy used the proceeds for her personal benefit, including the purchase of luxury cars, gambling at casinos, vacations and other luxury goods.

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, Congress authorized the ERC for small businesses to reduce the employment tax owed to the IRS. Congress also authorized the IRS to give a credit against employment taxes to reimburse businesses for the wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of COVID-19. This credit was equal to the wages the business paid the employees during the sick or family leave, subject to a maximum amount.

    McCoy is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 23, 2026. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney John C. Gerardi of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Eskasoni First Nation — Eskasoni RCMP Detachment charge man for drug trafficking

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The Eskasoni RCMP Detachment has charged a man with drug trafficking after executing a search warrant in Eskasoni.

    On February 12, at approximately 9 a.m., RCMP officers executed a search warrant at a home on Logan Dr. in relation to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation.

    During the search, investigators seized cocaine, cash, cell phones, scales and other items used in the production and distribution of cocaine.

    Stephen John Sylliboy, 71, of Eskasoni, has been charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking. He was released from custody and is due to appear in Eskasoni Provincial Court on May 6.

    Nova Scotians are encouraged to contact their nearest RCMP detachment or local police to report crime in their communities. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or using the P3 Tips app.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Acting Chairman Pham Announces Brian Young as Director of Enforcement

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Commodity Futures Trading Commission Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham today announced Brian Young will serve as the agency’s Director of Enforcement. Young has been serving in an acting capacity since January 22, and previously was the Director of the Whistleblower Office. He is a distinguished federal prosecutor with nearly 20 years of service at the Department of Justice, including Acting Director of Litigation for the Antitrust Division and Chief of the Litigation Unit for the Fraud Section of the Criminal Division, and has successfully tried some of the most high-profile criminal fraud and manipulation cases in the CFTC’s markets. 
    “Brian exemplifies the best of what we stand for at the CFTC,” said Acting Chairman Pham. “He is a fearless leader that will build an even more impressive enforcement program that will stay true to the CFTC’s mission to protect the American public from fraudsters and scammers. I am confident that under Brian’s leadership, the CFTC will expand and scale our resources to help more victims than ever before and ensure the integrity of our markets in the name of justice. Brian has hit the ground running and I look forward to seeing his continued impact to strengthen the Division of Enforcement and deliver results.” 
    “I want to thank Acting Chairman Pham for her confidence in me and for her commitment to continuing the CFTC’s aggressive efforts to protect our global commodity markets from fraud, manipulation, and other abusive practices,” said Young. “As former Director of the Whistleblower Officer, I worked closely with the talented and dedicated staff of the Division of Enforcement, and I look forward to working with this highly motivated group to help bring justice for victims, protect those who cannot protect themselves, and root out misconduct and wrongdoing.”
    Brian Young, Director of Enforcement
    Young joined the CFTC in 2024 as the Director of the Whistleblower Office following nearly 20 years at the Department of Justice. During his first year as the Director of the Whistleblower Office, Young oversaw a team that achieved a record high number of annual dispositions of whistleblower award applications. His most recent role at DOJ was as the Acting Director of Litigation for the Antitrust Division, where he served as the highest-ranking career official in the Antitrust Division’s litigation program. There, he oversaw criminal prosecutions brought under the Sherman Act as well as civil merger and antitrust conduct litigation. 
    Before his time at the Antitrust Division, Young served in various roles in the Fraud Section of the Criminal Division, culminating in his appointment as Chief of the Fraud Section’s Litigation Unit. While at the Fraud Section, Young tried several of the most significant white collar crime matters in the past decade, including prosecutions of the first individuals tried in the United States on charges of manipulating the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR); the former head of HSBC Bank’s Foreign Exchange (FX) desk in connection with a scheme to “frontrun” a client on a $3.5 billion FX trade; and two former London and Singapore-based Deutsche Bank precious metals traders arising from a scheme to “spoof” the futures markets by placing over $1 billion in non-bona fide orders on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. 
    Young joined the DOJ through the Attorney General’s Honors Program and began his career as a law clerk for the Honorable Alice M. Batchelder of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. During his time at DOJ, Young received the Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service, three Assistant Attorney General’s Awards for Exceptional Service, and an Outstanding Service Award from the Washington Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICU Medical Issues Nationwide Recall of Potassium Chloride Injection, 20 mEq and Potassium Chloride Injection, 10 mEq Due to Mislabeling

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    FDA Publish Date:
    Product Type:
    Drugs
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description

    Bags of POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 20 mEq have incorrect overwrap labels which state POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 10 mEq.

    Company Name:
    ICU Medical
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)

    ICU Medical

    Product Description:

    Product Description

    POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 20 mEq and 10 mEq

    Company Announcement

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 13, 2025 LAKE FOREST, Illinois – ICU Medical, Inc. is voluntarily recalling one lot each of POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. bags with overwrap labels 10mEq, packaged in cases of POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 20 mEq, to the user level. ICU medical has received a customer complaint which states that bags of POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 20 mEq have incorrect overwrap labels which state POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 10 mEq.

    ICU Medical has identified a potential for some of the product overwraps in one lot being mislabeled as 10 mEq (instead of 20 mEq that is contained in the I.V. Bag) of POTASSIUM CHLORIDE due to a manufacturing issue. The 20 mEq, correctly printed on the labeling affixed to the bag, is not visible or not easily visible without manipulation when the 10 mEq overwrap is in place

    Risk Statement: If the Health Care provider mistakenly calculates the patient dose using 10 mEq, the patient will receive an overdose of potassium chloride. Severe hyperkalemia after large intravenous overdoses causes neuromuscular dysfunction including muscle weakness, ascending paralysis, listlessness, vertigo, mental confusion, hypotension, cardiac dysrhythmias, or death from cardiac arrest. Premature infants, patients on chronic parenteral nutrition, patients who have a history of cardiac arrythmias, patients with chronic renal insufficiency, patients who have acute renal failure, patients on potassium-sparing diuretics—all are at risk for adverse and potentially fatal outcomes. ICU Medical has not received reports of adverse events associated with this issue to date.

    Potassium Chloride Injection 20 mEq and 10 mEq, is indicated in the treatment of potassium deficiency states, when oral replacement is not feasible and is packaged in 100 mL bags. The mislabeled POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 20 mEq, 100 mL bags contain incorrect overwrap labels with the following information: NDC 0990-7074-26, 200 mEq/L POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 10 mEq. The lot 1023172 and Exp. Date 31 January 2026 is found on the primary container (see picture below). These mislabeled bags are packaged in cases labeled: NDC 0990-7075-26, CASE PACK 1×24 – 100ML 20MEQ POTASSIUM CHLORIDE INJECTION LOT NO. 1023172, EXP DATE 2026-01.

    DESCRIPTION OF MISLABELLED BAGS BEING RECALLED:

    NDC Number 

    Barcode Number 

    Product Overwrap Description 

    Product Primary Bag Description 

    Lot Number 

    Expiration Date 

    Configuration 

    0990-7074-26

    (01)00309907074269

    POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 10 mEq

    POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 20 mEq

    1023172

    31 January 2026

    100 mL Flexible Container

    0990-7075-26

    (01)00309907075266

    POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 20 mEq

    POTASSIUM CHLORIDE Inj. 20 mEq

    1023172

    31 January 2026

    100 mL Flexible Container

    DESCRIPTION OF CASES BEING RECALLED:

    NDC Number 

    Barcode Number 

    Lot Number 

    Expiration Date 

    Configuration 

    0990-7075-26

    (01)30309907075267

    1023172

    31 January 2026

    1 x 24 – 100 mL

    ICU Medical is notifying its customers, including distributors, of this recall by letter, and is arranging for the return of all recalled product. All Health Care professionals that have product that is being recalled should stop use/further distribution, as applicable, and return to place of purchase.

    Consumers with questions regarding this recall can contact ICU Medical by phone number or e-mail address as indicated in the table below. Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

    For further inquiries, please contact ICU Medical using the information provided below

    ICU Medical Contact 

    Contact Information 

    Areas of Support 
    Global Complaint Management 1-844-654-7780 or
    ProductComplaintsPP@icumed.com
    M-F 8-5 CST    		 To report product complaints
    Drug Safety 1-844-654-7780 or
    DrugSafety@icumed.com
    M-F 8-5 CST    		 To report adverse events for IV Solutions & Drugs
    Medical Information 1-800-241-4002, option 6 or 
    medinfo_us@icumed.com 
    M-F 8-5 CST    		 Medical inquiries
    Customer Care 1-877-946-7747, option 1 M-F 7-6 CST Product Replacement Options

    Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

    This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Customer Care
    1-877-946-7747, option 1

    Product Photos

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Colleagues Demand: Hands Off Medicare and Medicaid 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Dismantling Medicaid is a Direct Attack on New Mexicans;
    New Mexico has the Most Medicaid Recipients Per Capita Than Any Other State
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M) joined U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in writing a letter to President Trump demanding the Trump administration, Elon Musk, and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to not dismantle Medicare and Medicaid to pay for the Republican Tax Scam that gives a handout to the country’s most wealthy. This follows reporting that Elon Musk and DOGE officials gained access to key payment and contracting systems at the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS). CMS administers Medicare and Medicaid.
    In 2024, 68 million seniors and people with disabilities seniors relied on Medicare coverage for essential health care, including hospital visits, screenings for cancer, diabetes, and depression, and prescription drugs. Nearly 80 million Americans relied on Medicaid, making it the largest public health insurance program in the United States. In New Mexico, one in three New Mexicans rely on Medicare and over 780,000 individuals rely on Medicaid to access health care.
    In the letter the lawmakers wrote, “We write to say no to Elon Musk and DOGE, and demand hands off Medicare or Medicaid. We strongly oppose any efforts by Musk – or anyone else in your administration – cutting or damaging these vital programs. Medicare and Medicaid must not be raided to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. Every cut risks Americans paying more, waiting longer, and wading through more insurance red tape for care. Every cut risks hospitals and community health centers struggling harder to keep their doors open and forcing health providers and workers out of their jobs.  
    The lawmakers continued, “We continue to fight for a health care system that works better for all Americans, so they experience lower costs, shorter wait times, and receive better care. But your Administration, Elon Musk, and DOGE have already made that harder. Your Administration is already responsible for the shut-down of Medicaid portals across all 50 states, disruptions to vital health care communication, closures of community health centers, and significant delays in funding for life-saving health research. Cuts to Medicare and Medicaid will only serve to deepen the harm.” 
    The lawmakers urged, “It is dangerously unacceptable that an unelected Musk and his unqualified acolytes have access to sensitive CMS systems and are ready to bypass Congress to make life and death decisions affecting millions of Americans. No one asked for this lawless approach to our critical government health care systems. We urge you to stop this threat to Americans’ health care, now.” 
    Senator Luján has long supported protecting Medicare and Medicaid from attacks during his career in Congress. In the nomination hearing for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to become Secretary of Health and Human Services, Senator Luján questioned Mr. Kennedy on his understanding of the importance of Medicaid and pressed Mr. Kennedy for his commitment to protect Medicaid from cuts. Additionally, Senator Luján pressed Mr. Kennedy regarding his views on Medicare drug price negotiation and confirm he will not pause negotiations, as CEOs representing the largest pharmaceutical companies have requested.
    In addition to Senators Luján, Markey, and Warren, the letter is signed by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).  
    The full text of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: JD Vance accused of spreading shameless misinformation about buffer zones

    Source: Scottish Greens

    14 Feb 2025 Health Buffer Zones

    Abortion rights are human rights.

    More in Health

    US Vice President JD Vance has been accused of spreading shocking and shameless misinformation about safe access zones in Scotland by Scottish Green MSP Gillian Mackay.

    In a speech this morning, VP Vance claimed that people in Scotland were told that private prayer in their own homes would be against the law within a safe access zone and that people were encouraged to report anyone they thought guilty of “thought crime.” This has never been true.

    Ms Mackay introduced the bill that secured 200 metre wide safe access zones, or buffer zones, around abortion service providers to stop the intimidating anti-choice protests that were taking place across Scotland. Private prayer at home has never been impacted by this Act.

    Ms Mackay said:

    “This is shocking and shameless misinformation from VP Vance, who is either very badly informed about what my Act has done or he is knowingly misrepresenting it. 

    “He is one of the most powerful people in the world but he is peddling total nonsense and dangerous scare mongering.

    “Nobody should be intimidated or harassed when accessing healthcare, and I am proud that my Act has put a stop to the graphic banners and the protests that far too many people were being forced to pass in order to access healthcare.

    “I was proud that our Parliament voted to back safe access zones so overwhelmingly, and that they stood against the cynical lies and misrepresentation of the kind that Mr Vance is promoting.”

    Ms Mackay added:

    “The government that Mr Vance represents is a clear threat to reproductive rights. He has a shocking record on abortion and many other issues. He has supported calls to reduce access to healthcare and has even argued for a national ban on abortion rights across the US.

    “Abortion rights are human rights and they are healthcare. Today and every day I will stand with the millions of people across the US who oppose the misogynistic and anti-choice agenda of Donald Trump and JD Vance.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More addiction treatment capacity for Albertans

    Opportunity Home Treatment and Recovery Centre – Exterior (Credit: Opportunity Home Treatment and Recovery Centre)

    Since 2019, Alberta’s government has worked to establish a system of care that supports treatment and recovery for those suffering from the disease of addiction. The Alberta Recovery Model is removing barriers to ensure every person has an opportunity to pursue recovery. This has included the addition of more than 10,000 new publicly funded treatment spaces, expanding the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program, and building 11 world-class recovery communities across the province, three of which are open and supporting clients. In the Alberta Recovery Model, no person is expected to pay for life-saving addiction treatment services.

    Alberta’s government has further expanded addiction treatment capacity by partnering with Opportunity Home Treatment and Recovery Centre in Drayton Valley with a funding agreement of $331,000. Opportunity Home is a 10-bed addiction treatment facility that can support men over the age of 18 with residential addiction treatment services. It has the capacity to support up to 40 clients each year in their pursuit of recovery. 

    “Our government is proud to invest in treatment and recovery as it is the most compassionate, dignified approach in supporting Albertans suffering from addiction. We are pleased to support ongoing expansion of recovery programs that give Albertans an opportunity to live meaningful, hopeful lives.”

    Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

    “As the MLA for Drayton Valley, I am grateful for this support from Alberta’s government. Families in Alberta want to see their loved ones recover from addiction, and Opportunity Home makes that possible. I was pleased to advocate for this funding on behalf of this constituency and I am glad to see the government is supporting our community.”

    Andrew Boitchenko, MLA for Drayton Valley

    Opportunity Home first opened its doors in 2023. Treatment programs typically last about 90 days, offering a recovery program built on faith and community. The program supports clients with the necessary skills for success and reintegration into society as a person living in recovery. 

    “I want to thank Alberta’s government for its leadership and commitment to recovery in Alberta and in Drayton Valley. My council and I recognize the vital role that centers like Opportunity Home play in helping individuals overcome addiction and rebuild their lives. Opportunity Home’s passion and commitment has been instrumental in bringing this project to life, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact this funding will have in our community.”

    Nancy Dodds, mayor, Town of Drayton Valley

    “This support from Alberta’s government alongside the local community members ensures our clients can participate in our programs, free of charge. We are passionate about bringing people out of addiction, into recovery, and helping them rebuild their lives. The support from Alberta’s current government, alongside our local community, has allowed us to remove barriers people face when taking the step forward to access treatment and recovery services. We work together to support people in building long-term success in their recovery from addiction and living healthy lives.” 

    Danna Thiel-Cropley, executive director, Opportunity Home Treatment and Recovery Centre 

    Opportunity Home is actively expanding its operations and services including cultural programming, as well as increasing services, staffing, training, and clinical hours of operation.

    Alberta’s government is committed to making addiction treatment accessible for Albertans in need. The Alberta Recovery Model is based on the fact that recovery is possible and there is hope for those facing mental health and addiction challenges. Alberta’s government believes everyone deserves an opportunity to rebuild their life and reunite with their family, community and culture.  

    Quick facts

    • Albertans struggling with opioid addiction can contact the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program (VODP) by calling 1-844-383-7688, seven days a week, from from 6 a.m. to midnight. VODP provides same-day access to addiction medicine specialists. There is no waitlist.
    • Albertans can call 211 Alberta for information on services and supports in their community.

    Related information

    • Alberta Recovery Model
    • Residential addiction treatment service providers

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Nevada Woman Pleads Guilty to Fraudulently Seeking Nearly $100M in COVID-19 Employment Tax Credits

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Nevada woman pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring to defraud the United States by making claims for refunds of false COVID-19 related employment tax credits.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Candies Goode-McCoy, of Las Vegas, conspired with others to file tax returns seeking fraudulent refunds based on the employee retention credit (ERC) and paid sick and family leave credit. From around June 2022 through September 2023, McCoy filed approximately 1,227 false tax returns for her businesses and others claiming these refundable credits.

    In total, these claims sought refunds of over $98 million, of which the IRS paid approximately $33 million. McCoy personally received over $1.3 million in fraudulent refunds and was paid about $800,000 from those on whose behalf she filed fraudulent returns. McCoy knew that these returns were fraudulent. Neither she nor the others for whom she filed them were eligible to receive the refundable credits in the amounts claimed. McCoy used the proceeds for her personal benefit, including the purchase of luxury cars, gambling at casinos, vacations and other luxury goods.

    In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact, Congress authorized the ERC for small businesses to reduce the employment tax owed to the IRS. Congress also authorized the IRS to give a credit against employment taxes to reimburse businesses for the wages paid to employees who were on sick or family leave and could not work because of COVID-19. This credit was equal to the wages the business paid the employees during the sick or family leave, subject to a maximum amount.

    McCoy is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 23, 2026. She faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison as well as a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation and the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorney John C. Gerardi of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Anthony Lopez for the District of Nevada are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man charged after nine-year-old girl was killed in a collision in Bexleyheath last year

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    Detectives from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command have charged a man with causing death by dangerous driving after a nine-year-old girl was killed in a collision with a bus last summer.

    Martin Asolo-Agogua 23 (17.07.01) of Nunhead, was also charged on Thursday, 13 February with causing death by careless driving when under influence of drink or drugs and driving whilst over the drug limit.

    Police were called to the scene where a bus had collided with two children in Watling Street near the junction with Halcot Avenue on the morning of Saturday, 3 August 2024.

    Both children were taken to hospital and, despite the best efforts of medical staff, nine-year-old Ada Bicakci sadly died in the afternoon of Monday, 5 August.

    Ada’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

    Asolo-Agogua, who was driving the bus, was arrested on the day of the incident on suspicion of causing serious injury through dangerous driving and drug-driving.

    He has been bailed and is due to attend Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 24 March.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Strike on Chernobyl: ‘No room for complacency’ says atomic energy watchdog

    Source: United Nations 2

    Peace and Security

    Ukrainian authorities said on Friday a Russian drone strike with a high explosive warhead struck the former Chernobyl nuclear power plant overnight, damaging a protective shield which was built following the 1986 disaster in order to prevent further radiation leaks.

    Russia has denied any responsibility for the attack. The head of the UN-backed international atomic energy watchdog, IAEA – which has a team based at the former Soviet nuclear site in Ukraine – issued a statement confirming that the strike had caused a fire, describing it as “a deeply concerning incident that underlines the persistent risks to nuclear safety during the military conflict.”

    IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said the team heard the explosion at 1:50am local time followed by smoke and associated fire visible from their dormitory rooms.

    “Fire safety personnel and vehicles arrived at the scene within minutes to extinguish the blaze, which still could be seen intermittently for several hours afterwards,” Mr. Grossi added.

    Radiation levels ‘normal and stable’

    Radiation levels inside and outside the so-called New Safe Confinement building “remain normal and stable,” the team was told, and there are no reports of any casualties or radiation leak.

    The damaged cladding around reactor unit 4 was built to seal in the radioactive material from the 1986 fire and meltdown and is intended to last for many generations.

    Russian forces briefly occupied the area around Chernobyl shortly after invading Ukraine, but it was recaptured in March 2022.

    The Chernobyl plant suffered one of the world’s worst nuclear accidents which saw radiation leak into the atmosphere, contaminating an 18-mile zone which local residents and workers were forced to leave.

    The explosion sent radioactive material high into the atmosphere and triggered a public health emergency across the whole of Europe.

    “The IAEA team could see a breach of the outer layer of the NSC that occurred following the detonation,” Mr. Grossi continued. “Supplementary information from Ukraine’s regulatory body received this morning confirmed that the outer cladding of the NSC arch sustained damage, and investigations are ongoing to determine the status of the inner cladding.”

    I would suggest putting the 1986 disaster details at the end as the Grossi quote that follows could be interpreted as referring to it.

    Constant threat

    Coming soon after a recent increase in military activity near Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), Director General Grossi said it once again demonstrated that nuclear safety remains under constant threat for as long as the conflict continues.

    “There is no room for complacency, and the IAEA remains on high alert,” he said. “I once again call for maximum military restraint around Ukraine’s nuclear sites.”

    The agency said it would continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

    The IAEA will provide further updates about the situation at Chornobyl as relevant information becomes available.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Heart Pump Recall: Abiomed, Inc. Updates Use Instructions for Impella RP with SmartAssist and Impella RP Flex with SmartAssist Due to A Risk That the Tip of Guidewires or Other Medical Devices May Come into Contact with The Impella Pump During Insertion, Adjustment, Or Removal

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    This recall involves updating instructions for using certain devices, and does not involve removing them from where they are used or sold. The FDA has identified this recall as the most serious type. This device may cause serious injury or death if you continue to use it without following the updated instructions.

    Affected Product

    • Product Names: Impella RP with SmartAssist and Impella RP Flex with SmartAssist
    • Unique Device Identifier (UDI)/Model: 00813502011869 and 00813502012811
    • Lot/Serial Numbers: All devices

    What to Do

    On December 12, 2024, Abiomed Inc. sent all affected customers an Urgent Medical Device Correction notification recommending the following actions:

    • Product is NOT being removed from the field and does not need to be returned.
    • Forward this notice to anyone in your facility that needs to be informed.
    • If any of the subject products have been forwarded to another facility, contact that facility and provide them with this notice.
    • Use updated instructions for use, found in the Urgent Medical Device Correction notification, when inserting, manipulating, or removing concomitant devices.

    Reason for Updates to Use Instructions

    Abiomed Inc. has updated the use instructions for the Impella RP with SmartAssist and Impella RP Flex with SmartAssist due to a risk that the tip of guidewires or other medical devices may come into contact with the Impella pump during insertion, adjustment, or removal. The interaction may result in optical sensor damage, temporary pump stop, or permanent pump stop. This may trigger alarms and cause a loss of certain heart and blood pressure readings.

    There have been no reported injuries. There have been no reports of death.

    Device Use

    The Impella RP Flex with Smart Assist System Catheter is used for up to 14 days in patients that develop acute right heart failure after left ventricular assist device implantation. The device is placed via the internal jugular vein and supports the right chamber of the heart (ventricle) by pumping blood into the pulmonary artery.

    Contact Information

    Customers in the U.S. with questions about this recall should contact Abiomed at onemd-field-actions@its.jnj.com.

    Additional FDA Resources

    Unique Device Identifier (UDI)

    The unique device identifier (UDI) helps identify individual medical devices sold in the United States from manufacturing through distribution to patient use. The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems potentially corrected more quickly.

    How do I report a problem?

    Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Congress, not the president, decides on government spending − a constitutional law professor explains how the ‘power of the purse’ works

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Zachary Price, Associate Professor of Law, University of California College of the Law, San Francisco

    Congress has the authority to spend the nation’s money. Presidents try to get around that limitation. ATU Images-The Image Bank/Getty Images

    Because of the Trump administration’s efforts to cut staff and spending, Congress’ “power of the purse” has been in the news lately. Many of these actions have been challenged in court.

    I’m a law professor who has written about Congress’ power of the purse and some of the legal and constitutional issues that surround it. Here’s a brief explanation of the concept – and of why you should care about it.

    How it works

    Under the U.S. Constitution, Congress holds what’s commonly called the “power of the purse.” Congress, in other words, holds the authority to control government expenditures.

    Concretely, Congress may enact laws that raise revenue through taxes and import duties, and it may also spend money for “the common Defence and general Welfare,” terms in the Constitution that are understood to cover almost any spending that Congress thinks is a good idea.

    The Constitution, however, provides that “[n]o Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law.” Because of this clause, officials may not spend any government money unless a statute “appropriates,” or makes available, specific funds for the relevant purpose.

    Although the Constitution forbids any appropriation for the Army that lasts longer than two years, Congress can choose in other contexts whether to provide an appropriation permanently or only for a prescribed length of time. Some benefits programs such as Social Security today have permanent appropriations, but most government agencies receive funds for their operations for just a year at a time.

    James Madison, who wrote much of the U.S. Constitution, said Congress’ power of the purse was ‘the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people.’
    wynnter-iStock/Getty Images Plus

    Leverage over policy and presidents

    Why does all of this matter?

    Historically, the British Parliament’s control over government funds created a powerful check on the crown, and Parliament developed the practice of annual appropriations to ensure that it would always have leverage over royal policy.

    Reflecting this history, James Madison, the fourth president and a leading figure in the Constitutional Convention, wrote in the Federalist Papers that the power of the purse was “the most complete and effectual weapon with which any constitution can arm the immediate representatives of the people, for obtaining a redress of every grievance, and for carrying into effect every just and salutary measure.”

    This sort of leverage over policy still matters. American presidents today exercise vast powers. Over time, Congress has conferred extensive regulatory authorities on administrative agencies that operate under the president’s supervision.

    Congress has also established a large Army, Navy, and Air Force over which the president is commander in chief. Presidents, moreover, have claimed the power to employ these armed forces in significant ways even without a declaration of war or other specific authorization from Congress.

    Congress’ power of the purse gives it a say in how these powers are exercised. If Congress doesn’t like what an administrative agency is doing, it can cut its budget or deny funds for enforcing certain regulations – something it does regularly.

    Likewise, Congress can deny funds for certain military operations or impose constraints on military activities – something it also does with some regularity. In the 1970s, Congress helped end the Vietnam War in part by withholding appropriations for military activities in Indochina.

    Who’s in charge here?

    Annual appropriations also give rise to the frustrating phenomenon of government “shutdowns”: If annual funding runs out before Congress enacts new appropriations, government agencies generally must halt operations.

    On the whole, however, annual appropriations continue to serve much the same purpose in the United States that they did in Britain: They provide a potent check on the executive branch.

    Given how strong this check is, it may not be surprising that presidents have sought ways to get around it.

    President Donald Trump, right, and Elon Musk, left, are cutting congressionally approved government programs and staff – an effort that may be unconstitutional.
    Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    Based on debatable legal claims, President Barack Obama continued certain health insurance subsidies under the Affordable Care Act even after Congress denied appropriations for them. President Joe Biden attempted massive student debt relief without clear authority from Congress. Courts blocked both those actions, but now the new Trump administration has adopted several controversial policies that implicate Congress’ power of the purse.

    On the one hand, the administration has apparently offered many federal employees nine months of paid leave if they agree to resign from federal service. But the legal basis for these offers is unclear, and it may be that no current appropriation by Congress provides funds for them.

    On the other hand, the administration has attempted to “pause” certain government spending, even though existing appropriations made by Congress may require at least some of this spending.

    These actions could violate not only Congress’ constitutional power of the purse but also specific statutes that Congress has enacted to reinforce its constitutional power.

    The buyout offers could violate a law called the Anti-Deficiency Act that makes it unlawful, and sometimes criminal, for government officials to commit to spending money without an appropriation providing the necessary funds.

    For their part, the pauses could violate a 1974 law called the Impoundment Control Act that generally forbids the government from delaying or withholding spending that Congress has mandated. Courts are now considering challenges to these actions based on these laws and other issues.

    Trump may be hoping that Congress will cure any legal problems by ratifying these actions after the fact in its next round of appropriations legislation. But if Trump is indeed defying Congress’ spending laws and yet faces no consequences, his actions could chip away at Congress’ authority to check presidential policies in the future through its spending choices.

    James Madison would not have been pleased.

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

    – ref. Congress, not the president, decides on government spending − a constitutional law professor explains how the ‘power of the purse’ works – https://theconversation.com/congress-not-the-president-decides-on-government-spending-a-constitutional-law-professor-explains-how-the-power-of-the-purse-works-248644

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to asteroid 2024 YR4 currently predicted to have a small chance of hitting the Earth in 2032

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Scientists comment on asteroid 2024 YR4 which may hit Earth in 2032. 

    Prof Martin Ward, Emeritus Temple Chevallier Professor of Astronomy, Durham University, said:

    “The way these percentages for the chance of impact are calculated are based on extrapolations of the asteroid trajectory and the position of the Earth when the asteroid arrives. They get more accurate with time as we get more data. Think of it as a circle in the sky (much bigger than the asteroid itself). The direction of future travel plus the position of the Earth could take any line out of the circle towards the Earth. Most lines are projected to miss, but a few would hit.  As our data on the asteroid trajectory and Earth’s position when it arrives get better by tracking it with time the circle becomes smaller, and the number of possible future lines decreases. If the lines that previously hit the Earth are now outside the improved circle, then the chances go down (and maybe vanish). But if the smaller circle still includes the lines that hit the Earth, then the chances of hitting us go up correspondingly. So, as time goes on we will get either good news, that eventually the future direction of travel misses us, or bad news, that the ratio of lines that hit us to those that miss us, goes up. If that trend continues, then duck…   Before that happens, it will be possible to predict the path it would take through the atmosphere, and hope for the best. The Earth is 70% covered by water, and of the remaining land mass, 33% is desert. So the question will be…  “do you feel lucky?”

     

    Prof Danny Steeghs, Professor and Head if Astronomy & Astrophysics Group, Department of Physics, University of Warwick, said:

    What is the situation?

    “We monitor many asteroid orbits, but this object was not previously known. It was identified in December 2024, near its closest approach, when it was bright and moving through the sky fast. Routine is to model the orbit of newly discovered asteroids including projecting forwards in time to see if there are any concerns around close approaches with the Earth. Almost always the answer is no. In this case we could not, and still cannot, fully rule that out. This is rare, it has been many years since we have had an asteroid with this level of impact probability.”

     

    How strong is the science behind a potential earth impact?

    “We understand the dynamics of solar system orbits well. It’s about measuring the orbit with better precision and characterising the nature/size of the object. The Earth is a small target on the scale of the solar system, but orbit calculations have a finite precision since they are based on measurements of the position of the asteroid at different times since its discovery. These measurements have a finite precision, and we do not have many yet, and we can accurately translate this into a probability of impact during future passes. At the moment this is a few 2%, which is considered high enough to warrant further and urgent observations.”

     

    How worrying/expected is this?

    “It is not really worrying, expectations are that as we refine the orbit of the asteroid, the probability of impact will reduce. Its better maybe to think of it as, we cannot fully rule out that it may impact, rather than expecting it to impact. The next steps are clear – securing more data and improving our precision/confidence.”

     

    How is the risk of collision calculated, and could it change?

    “The measurements that feed into these calculations are collected by a number of telescopes and observatories. These are globally shared so that a number of teams can calculate orbit projections. Each time new data is added, the calculations can be refined. This is why the number is changing and in the early stages it can change more erratically. As precision improves, it will tend to settle down to the point where we can be very confident. This could take some time, as the asteroid is getting faint quickly, and it may not be fully settled until it passes again in 2028.”

     

    What could we do to stop it / prepare?

    “We do not yet accurately know the size of the object, and what any impact might do and how we could mitigate it depends on that. We have tested deflecting an asteroid by sending a probe to hit it from the right angle, just to change its orbit a little. That is the preferred intervention route, but what is involved depends on the mass, size and orbit.”

     

    Dr Darren Baskill, Physics & Astronomy Lecturer, University of Sussex, said:

    “An asteroid passes by the Earth, within the orbit of the Moon, typically every month – which is very close in cosmic terms.  The last time this happened was when a 26m asteroid passed us by on the 4th of February 2025.

    “Watching an asteroid approach is a bit like watching a long pot in snooker – you don’t know if the ball will go in a pocket until the very last moment, and there is always a good chance of the ball rattling in the jaws of the pocket and missing.  This is why there is so much uncertainty surrounding this asteroid.  Of course, the distances involved in astronomy are much, much larger, making accurate long-term predictions difficult. 

    “It is worth noting that the predicted size of asteroid 2024 YR4 is 40-70m, which is only around 3 times larger than the asteroid that famously struck Russia in 2013.  While there were large amounts of minor damage in that event, including large numbers of windows being blown out in the area due to the resulting shockwave, there were no fatalities, nor any major damage recorded.

    “At the moment, while there are teams around the world who are able to detect asteroid threats better than ever before, there are no systems in place that could prevent an asteroid strike should one be found to be on a collision course.  Hopefully, that will change over the next 7-and-a-half years, just in case!”

    Dr James O’Donoghue, planetary scientist at the University of Reading, said:

    “Scientists are getting better at tracking the asteroids that could hit Earth, with the result that we have become accustomed to asteroids having incredibly low impact probabilities, typically in the order of one in tens of thousands. That’s why a 1-in-49 chance is making us sit up and notice.

    “This level of risk demands serious attention, and it’s clear that it is being taken seriously, as seen by NASA’s response and the high-level notifications that have been triggered. The recent diversion of the James Webb Space Telescope to observe this object is particularly noteworthy. Understanding its precise size is crucial – an 80-meter asteroid would impact with eight times more energy than a 40-meter one, as doubling the diameter increases the volume and mass by a factor of eight. To put this in perspective, a 40-meter asteroid carries the energy of a few megatons of TNT, comparable to a nuclear warhead, while a 90-meter asteroid exceeds 50 megatons – roughly equivalent to the Tsar Bomba, the most powerful nuclear device ever detonated.

    “The fact that we can predict this potential impact many years in advance is a testament to how well humanity is advancing in planetary defence through astronomy. It’s also a reminder than we have discovered less than half the total number of similarly sized asteroids so far, so there is much more work to be done.”

    Dr Olivier R. Hainaut, Astronomer, European Southern Observatory, said:

    What is the situation?

    “Observatories around the world (including ESO) are working to refine the orbit. This takes time, as one has to wait for the asteroid to move to perform more measurements. We can fairly easily observe YR4 for another month with large telescopes, then it will become harder and harder. By early April it will be out of reach of most telescopes. Hopefully the orbit will be refined enough to completely rule out an impact.

    How is the risk of collision calculated and could it change?

    “Orbital calculation and celestial mechanics… You measure the position of the asteroid in front of the background stars over as many nights as possible, then solve for the orbit, which is the 3D trajectory of the asteroid in space. The longer you can measure, the better you know the orbit. Currently, we could observe YR4 for a little less than 2 months over its 4y orbit, so we need to extrapolate a lot, hence the large uncertainty. As we will observe more, the orbit will be refined, and we will know better where the asteroid will be in 2032. Eventually, the probability of impact will converge towards one of two possible values: 0% or 100%… Hopefully 0%, and hopefully by the end of this visibility period. Note that the probability is likely to go up even if it ends up going down to 0% -that’s normal.”

    “Measuring and computing the orbit is very robust- celestial mechanics is very well known, and demonstrated by the navigation of spacecrafts all around the solar system.

    “Measuring the size and composition of the asteroid is not scientifically complicated, but is tricky in this case because the object is very faint.”

    How worrying/expected is this?

    “How worrying: currently, the probability of impact is ~2%. It is typical to start preparing for disaster relief when the probability goes above 1% (astronomers did not make that number up – it is what is customarily used for all kind of disasters). IF the probability stays above 1% at the end of the visibility period (~April), it will be time to start possible mitigation space mission. Keep in mind that IF these mission would fail and IF the asteroid does impact, it is not a large one. Possibly a few times larger than the one that blasted above Chelyabinsk in 2013, but ~150x SMALLER than the Chicxulub dinosaur killer.

    “How expected: look at the Moon. It is covered with craters, and the Earth is just next to it. Collisions with asteroids are expected, which is why we try to discover as many as possible (and all the “large” ones). The question is not “if”, but “when” and “how big”.”

    What could we do to stop it / prepare?

    “Short answer: first, refine the orbit to determine whether it will hit or not. If it will, then nudge it to slightly change its orbit so that it misses the Earth. The sooner the better, as a later nudge will need to be larger. To nudge it, refer eg to the DART mission, which did it as a test on an asteroid about 2x the size of YR4.

    “DON’T break the asteroid (refer to a series of bad SciFi movies): you would end up with many fragments to deal with.”

    Declared interests

    For all experts, no reply to our request for DOIs was received.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Secures Guilty Plea in Firearms and Drug Trafficking Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man pled to federal charges of firearm and drug trafficking, including the possession and sale of a machine gun.

    According to court documents, on March 1, 2024, Micah Maestas, 20, and two accomplices sold 3 grams of cocaine for $100 and a firearm with an attached machinegun conversion device for $1200 to an undercover officer. Maestas also possessed a second firearm during this drug trafficking offense.

    In a subsequent incident on May 9, 2024, Maestas and two others met the undercover officer to sell a rifle for $1100 and offered additional firearms for sale, including firearms with machinegun conversion devices. During this interaction, the buyer claimed to be a felon, yet Maestas proceeded with the transaction.

    The final incident occurred on July 3, 2024. Maestas met the undercover officer alone and sold him a firearm fitted with an “Invisible Switch” machinegun conversion device for $1300. Maestas admitted to installing the conversion device himself, knowing it would transform the semi-automatic weapon into a fully automatic firearm.

    At sentencing, Maestas faces not less than five years and up to 25 years in prison, followed by not less than five years and up to life of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Letitia Carroll Simms is prosecuting the case.

    Machine gun conversion devices and auto sears are illegal devices that transform semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic weapons capable of continuous firing with a single trigger pull. The possession, manufacture, and sale of these devices without proper licensing is a federal offense carrying severe penalties, including up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000.

    The proliferation of these devices poses an immediate and critical threat to public safety. Between 2018 and 2023, the ATF recovered thousands of machine gun conversion devices, indicating an alarming trend in their availability and use. Violent street gangs are increasingly employing these devices, devastating communities and neighborhoods with unprecedented firepower.

    This dramatic increase in illegal automatic weapons puts both civilians and law enforcement at extreme risk. Officers responding to incidents may find themselves severely outgunned, facing weapons capable of firing hundreds of rounds per minute. The potential for mass casualties in such encounters is staggering.

    Law enforcement agencies are racing against time to intercept these devices before they can be used in violent crimes. Public cooperation is crucial in combating this threat. If you have information about illegal firearms or conversion devices, please contact the ATF immediately:

    • Call: 1-888-ATF-Tips (1-888-283-8477)
    • Email: ATFTips@atf.gov
    • Visit: www.atf.gov/atf-tips

    Your tip could save lives and prevent these dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands. The time to act is now, before our community fall victim to the devastating impact of these illegal automatic weapons.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Warwick Man Sentenced for Traveling with the Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE, RI – A Warwick man who previously admitted to a federal judge that he traveled to a local hotel via a commercial rideshare provider with the intent to have sex with a person he thought to be 13 years old was sentenced today to six years in federal prison, announced United States Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

    Zachary Q. Baker 39, admitted that on March 10, 2023, he responded to an online advertisement for escorts that contained images of what appeared to be two young females being offered for a “short visit” and a “little fun.” Baker engaged in a lengthy series of text messages with a person he believed was offering a 13-year-old and an 11-year-old for sex in exchange for a fee.

    According to information presented to the court, after several hours of text messaging, Baker traveled to a local hotel via a rideshare where he met with the person he believed was arranging for a sexual encounter with one or both of the girls. The person with whom Baker was communicating and with whom he met was, in fact, a Homeland Security Investigations agent.

    Baker was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Senior Judge William E. Smith to 72 months of incarceration to be followed by 10 years of federal supervised release. Baker pleaded guilty on July 9, 2024, to a charge of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Paul F. Daly, Jr.

    The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office and ATF File New Charges Against Albuquerque Man

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – An Albuquerque man, already in custody awaiting trial on federal charges, now faces additional allegations of drug trafficking and firearms offenses.

    According to court documents, on or about March 7, 2020, Kyle Majedi, 45, allegedly possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. On the same day, Majedi is accused of possessing with the intent to distribute heroin.

    The indictment further alleges that Majedi knowingly possessed a firearm in connection with these alleged drug trafficking activities. Majedi, who was previously convicted of possession for sale of a controlled substance, is prohibited from possessing firearms.

    Majedi is currently in custody, awaiting trial on separate charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Trial is scheduled to begin on April 7, 2025. If convicted, Majedi faces up to 10 years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

    If convicted on the new charges, Majedi faces not less than 15 years and up to life in prison, followed by five years and up to life on supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Brendan Iber, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, made the announcement today.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case with assistance from the New Mexico Department of Justice. Assistant United States Attorney Natasha Moghadam is prosecuting both cases.

    The indictment is the result of a newly formed Firearms Trafficking Task Force. The New Mexico ATF Firearms Trafficking Task Force works with State and local law enforcement partners, including the New Mexico Department of Justice, the Albuquerque Police Department, Sandoval County Sheriff’s Office, the Bernalillo Police Department, and the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office to identify, deter, disrupt, and dismantle Firearms Trafficking Organizations (FTOs) supplying firearms to individuals and groups engaged in our community’s most egregious acts of violence, as well as any associated, violent offenders.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Most of the world has long feared US power. Now its allies do too.

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Gawthorpe, Lecturer in History and International Studies, Leiden University

    When a new US president takes office, his first order of business is usually to reassure America’s allies and warn its enemies. However, Donald Trump is doing things differently. It seems his goal is to strike fear into the heart not of America’s foes, but rather its friends.

    American presidents have traditionally seen the country’s network of allies as a “force multiplier” – something that magnifies American power and applies it more effectively. A broad range of allies means trading partners, military bases and diplomatic support in international institutions. According to this line of reasoning, it is in America’s own interests to defend and support its allies – the benefits outweigh the cost.

    Trump, by contrast, views allies both as competitors and burdens. He thinks they are too reliant on American military power to defend themselves, and that their economic relationship with the US makes them rich at the expense of American workers. He wants US allies, particularly in Europe, to spend more of their own money on defence and to buy more goods from the US.

    He also seems even more willing than in his first term to deploy America’s formidable tools of coercion to make this happen. His widespread threats of tariffs, for instance, are designed to force countries to go along with his wishes, including in non-economic aspects of the relationship. He is also threatening to use economic and military force in alarming ways, such as to seize control of Canada, Greenland and the Panama Canal.

    The result is a world in which American allies can no longer rely on the US to be a reliable partner. They may increasingly have to fend for themselves against not just their traditional foes, but also a predatory Washington.

    Although all US allies are concerned about this turn of events, some are more surprised than others. The biggest shock has come in Europe, which has long occupied a privileged place in America’s strategic thinking.

    Europeans knew that a second Trump term was going to be rough. On the campaign trail, for example, he vowed across-the-board tariffs of up to 20%. But they didn’t expect Trump to threaten the territory of Nato members Canada and Denmark, which owns Greenland.

    As a result, Europeans’ view of the US has shifted since Trump returned to the White House. According to the results of a recent survey by the European Council on Foreign Relations, the majority of people in Europe no longer see the US as an ally that shares the same interests and values, instead agreeing that it is only a “necessary partner”.

    For other US allies and partners, particularly in the global south, this shift is less surprising. Panama owes its existence to an act of US imperialism. The US sent military forces to assist the country in seceding from Colombia in 1903, with the ultimate goal of working with the country’s new government to build the canal.

    But Panama has since witnessed numerous American military interventions. Most recently, in December 1989, the then US president, George H.W. Bush, ordered 20,000 US troops to Panama where they toppled the government and arrested the country’s president, Manuel Noriega, on charges of drug trafficking, racketeering and money laundering.

    Non-western countries have long been used to the idea that the US will disregard their interests and take advantage of their weakness if policymakers in Washington deem it necessary. What we are witnessing now is the extension of this precariousness to all.

    Weakness for flattery

    For world leaders looking to navigate this turbulent time, there is an additional problem. Trump has a habit of personalising diplomacy, deciding whom he likes and whom he doesn’t like based on their perceived friendliness to him rather than a more detached calculation of their interests.

    He is also a sucker for big, splashy acts of diplomacy. He often gives the impression that his main goal is to be able to sign a deal – any deal – which he can declare to be a victory, rather than giving too much thought to the underlying interests at stake.

    This means that smart leaders can flatter and deceive him. In early February, Trump postponed tariffs on Mexico after the country’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum, promised to send troops to the US-Mexico border to tackle the cartels trafficking the drug fentanyl in the US.

    The only problem is that almost all fentanyl is trafficked by US citizens at legal border crossings, who bring in very small quantities of the drug in their vehicles. According to Raúl Benítez, a military expert at Mexico’s National Autonomous University, the “ant-like traffic of fentanyl” makes control of the trade “almost impossible”.

    So, sending additional troops to the border will probably do very little to stem the flow of fentanyl. Trump declared victory anyway – and now other world leaders are studying Sheinbaum’s approach.

    But the occasional weakness for flattery hardly makes Trump reliable.
    Instead, Trump presents US allies with a dangerous and unpredictable force. Like the leaders of Russia and China, Trump seems to view the world as split into spheres of influence in which powerful countries are free to bully their neighbours.

    Many countries will conclude that America is just another aggressive great power to be managed, rather than a country that at least pays lip service to international law. Some might even decide they have no choice other than to develop closer relations with Russia and China, and drift out of the US orbit.

    One thing is clear: US allies must do more to ensure they can defend their interests independently. Unlike a country such as Panama, European countries have the resources to do this, if only they can summon the will. They should count themselves lucky – and get to work.

    Andrew Gawthorpe 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. Most of the world has long feared US power. Now its allies do too. – https://theconversation.com/most-of-the-world-has-long-feared-us-power-now-its-allies-do-too-249826

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – our favourite frazzled English woman is back but life’s more complicated

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Mary Harrod, Professor of French and Screen Studies, University of Warwick

    Bridget Jones, the endearingly chaotic heroine who is unlucky in love, is back – but not as many might expect. This is the fourth Bridget Jones film, which adapts the story of the third book in Helen Fielding’s much-loved series (the third film, Bridget Jones’s Baby, was based on the fourth book).

    When Bridget Jones’s Diary came out in 2001, our heroine’s low-level eating disorder, neediness and alcohol abuse associated female singlehood with mental instability. In this new instalment, we see an older Bridget with more mature concerns.

    The woman we meet in the long opening pre-credit sequence of Mad About The Boy is frazzled, manic and, as we’ve seen Bridget before, given to long bouts on the sofa communing with a bottle of white wine. However, this time she’s not down because love eludes her but because she had a wonderful love and lost it. Our once bubbly singleton has been reconfigured as a subdued widow with two young kids.

    Mad About the Boy starts several years after the death of Bridget’s husband Mark Darcy (Colin Firth). While echoes of melancholy endure throughout, once in its stride the film does reestablish the reassuringly comical coordinates of the Jones-verse. At its best, it offers the brilliant one-liners and set pieces to be expected from its star writing team – including Dan Mazer (Ali G, Borat) and Abi Morgan (Shame, The Iron Lady) as well as Fielding herself – served up with a good dose of Bridget Jones’s signature slapstick.

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    Embracing the usual trappings of popular feminism, Mad About the Boy champions body positivity and romantic optimism for middle-aged women. It is the latest in a growing genre of story that affords older female characters active sexual identities, including by pairing them up with younger partners. Think of the Sex and the City reboot And Just Like That, the Nicole Kidman corporate kink romance Babygirl or the romcom Good Luck Leo Grande (starring Emma Thompson, who plays a wry gynaecologist in Mad About the Boy).

    The most interesting consideration in updating the Jones franchise for the 21st century comes from its interrogation of internet dating practices: a classic source of humour in stories about Generation X rejoining the dating game. This is most memorably mined in the novel and series Fleishman is in Trouble. Watching the trailer you might expect Mad about the Boy to centralise Tinder. But this proves a bluff.

    Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy trailer.

    The app leads to the relationship between Bridget and the film’s eponymous “boy”, Roxster, which is initiated in emphatically physical terms when he rescues her from a tree. This scene was full of nods to the famous shot of her backside sliding down a fireman’s pole in the original film. While the connection is consolidated over a dating app, this relationship quickly regains IRL contours as they engage in passionate sex.

    In a self-aware gesture towards the franchise’s debt to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, Bridget brings up the findings of sociological research on dating apps while talking to her friends about why she’s not met anyone IRL yet. Apps, such as Tinder, provide the illusion of a dating life without ever having to engage in the messy business of actually meeting someone, let alone having sex Bridget argues. She backs this up with the research that suggest this removal of intimacy during the courting stage is not dissimilar to the marriage mart in Austen’s Regency England where young, eligible women were essentially “on display” for men.

    At the end of the day, Roxster ghosts Bridget and she is left anxiously checking her phone, drinking alone again and obsessing. This, however, is the old Bridget Jones. Even though the boy does eventually come back, Bridget ends up taking the advice from one of her perennially supportive friends to “let him disintegrate into nothingness”. Symbolically rejecting the flakiness that comes with digitising human relationships, Bridget mirrors society’s increasing disenchantment with dating apps.

    The idea of spending time on concrete and lasting relationships underpins Daniel Cleaver’s (Hugh Grant) narrative arc too. With no “kin” he can draw on to put down as an emergency contact, his close friendship with Bridget ends up counting all the more.

    At the heart of this film is a strong validation of real connection, understood in terms of corporeality, dependability and also emotional intelligence that cannot be reproduced by dating apps and their algorithms. Likewise, it considers the broader climate of romantic and social crisis in today’s culture, as birth rates plummet and more people live alone and suffer from loneliness. Friendship and family, whether blood or chosen, are just as important here as romance.

    Zellweger is effervescent and Hugh Grant gives a show-stealing performance as devilish Lothario-with-a-heart Cleaver. It’s great to see old Bridge back and not so mad after all.

    Mary Harrod 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. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy – our favourite frazzled English woman is back but life’s more complicated – https://theconversation.com/bridget-jones-mad-about-the-boy-our-favourite-frazzled-english-woman-is-back-but-lifes-more-complicated-249807

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: White Lotus does Thailand dirty

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Andrew Russell, Lecturer, Faculty of Creative & Cultural Industries, University of Portsmouth

    Did you hear? There’s been another murder at a White Lotus hotel, this time the one in Thailand.

    Back for its third season, Mike White’s critically acclaimed and Emmy award-winning tragi-comedy series follows the terrible exploits of the White Lotus’s rich, primarily white holidaymakers, alongside the local employees.

    There is social satire, a lot of drama and always a death in paradise. In the first season there was death in Hawaii; the second in Sicily, Italy, and now, in the third, there’s death in Koh Samui.

    As someone who has researched on screen representations of Thailand I was intrigued to see how the show handled this locale. Disappointingly, the exoticness and beauty of Thailand is foregrounded, as is the mysticism of Buddhism.

    The series follows four groups of people, the majority of whom the audience are made to feel repulsed by in some way.

    The first is the Ratliff family. There’s father, Timothy (Jason Isaacs) who works in finance and mother, Victoria (Parker Posey), whose anxiety means she is heavily medicated and constantly falling asleep. Then the kids: daughter, Piper (Sarah Catherine Hook) who is studying Buddhism; son Lochlan (Sam Nivola) who has poor posture from being glued to his computer; and Saxon (Patrick Schwarzenegger), the eldest of the three, whose primary focus is having sex.

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    The second group is three middle-aged women who are on a “girls’ holiday” who abandon their inhibitions as the series progresses. They are routinely referred to as cougars by Saxon. Then there is odd couple Chelsea (Aimee Lou Wood) and her older partner Rick (Walton Goggins), who seem to be going through a rocky patch.

    The one likeable person, Belinda (Natasha Rothwell), is a character previously seen working in the spa in the first season’s Hawaiian resort. She’s in Thailand on a research trip for her own wellbeing business.

    Terrible people

    As with previous series, the ignorance of the holidaymakers is clear. Thailand is referred to as Taiwan. Piper is told by her mother that she can’t possibly be a Buddhist because she isn’t Chinese. The stereotype of the older, rich, bald white male – referred to here as LBHs (losers back home) – who retires to Thailand with a much younger wife is hammered home in various episodes.

    Through these guests’ continued cultural ignorance and insensitivity, the few Thai characters we are introduced to are subservient and constantly smiling, always there to please. There’s never a sense of disgust at the exploits of the rich white customers. They are voiceless and for the most part, absent.

    Belinda, the only black character, is also the only one who converses in any meaningful way with a Thai person. The only sort of story that gives any space to Thai characters is about a blossoming love between the security guard Gaitok (Tayme Thapthimthong) and health expert Mook (Lalisa Manoban), but this is sidelined.

    There is a clear cultural, economic and racial split presented, one that fails to allow any Thai character the ability to air their criticisms of the guests or to be developed in a meaningful way. In the main, the focus is on whiteness – a criticism previous series have also garnered.

    An imaginary Thailand

    All these facets together create a version of Thailand that is seen through the lens of orientalism. This is a western way of looking at non-western places as full of mysticism, eroticism and exoticness, where nothing normal occurs.

    This lens is foregrounded by characters constantly saying things like: “Thailand is full of people either looking for something or hiding from something”, and “Whatever happens in Thailand, stays in Thailand”.

    There is a constant flow of alcohol, and drugs can be procured away from the resort. Incest is even hinted at in the first few episodes as the audience are shown Lochlan gazing upon the naked body of his brother. The country is portrayed as a playground for white debauchery, where anything goes – much like in The Hangover part II (2011), a trope I have written about in my research.

    The link to orientalism is further enhanced by the way in which Thai religion is shown as being mystical. Anytime a character engages in a spiritual practice it is accompanied by a tinkling score indicating something otherworldly is occurring. This isn’t limited to Western characters. When Gaitok, makes an offering at a shrine the visuals are presented in slow motion as candlelight flickers with a mythical aura pervading.

    The previous seasons have seen a boom in travel to filming locations in Sicily and Hawaii, driven by their onscreen depictions), and this season’s Thailand setting will likely lead to the same.

    The landscape is a constant focal point, exemplifying the British sociologist John Urry’s theory of the “tourist gaze”. Exotic portions of the landscape are lingered upon, from the jungle and palm trees to ocean vistas. Monkeys are continuously seen, alongside other “exotic” creatures.

    This is a recurring trait seen in Hollywood films set in Thailand, from Anna and the King of Siam (1946) to The Impossible (2012), situating it purely as an exotic locale.

    This series uses iconic tourist locations, such as the Buddhist temple Wat Pho which forms the background for a conversation in one scene. Also, what appears to be the Phi Phi Islands, known for their pristine beaches and clear waters, drift past during a luxury yacht trip. Sadly, Thailand in this series is reduced to a digestible set of iconic images for the audience.

    White Lotus engages in a double game. The series is clearly critical of the characters, presenting lifestyle and holidays as desirable and aspirational, all the while reinforcing antiquated orientalist stereotypes itself. You would hope a show trying to show the evils of a certain kind of tourism wouldn’t also be guilty of the thing it’s attempting to lampoon.

    Andrew Russell 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. White Lotus does Thailand dirty – https://theconversation.com/white-lotus-does-thailand-dirty-249812

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: North East man jailed for running illegal waste site

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A County Durham man has been jailed for operating an illegal waste site in a prosecution brought by the Environment Agency.

    Image shows waste on the site in Rowlands Gill.

    Christopher Williams, 66, of Acton Dene in Stanley, appeared at Newton Aycliffe magistrates’ court on Thursday 13 February for sentencing.

    He had previously pleaded guilty to two charges of operating a waste site without an environmental permit at Whinfield Industrial Estate in Rowlands Gill, Gateshead.

    He was sentenced to 44 weeks in prison, comprising 26 weeks and a further 18 weeks because the conviction placed him in breach of a suspended sentence imposed for previous environmental offences.

    Waste posed ‘obvious’ fire risk

    Gary Wallace, area environment manager for the Environment Agency in the North East, said:

    Not only was the waste on site illegal, but there was a very obvious fire-risk. Williams was given ample opportunity to clear the waste and was advised how he could operate within the law.

    But instead he continued to breach the law with no consideration for the environment or community.

    Environmental permits are in place to protect the public and environment, and I hope this sentence sends out the message to others that we will take action against those involved in illegal waste activity.

    Image shows mixed waste stored inside one of the sheds at the site in Rowlands Gill.

    The court heard that Williams runs an organisation called the LCA Community Charity, which is not a registered charity, from an industrial unit at the site. It advertises as offering help with clothing, furniture and household donations.

    The organisation and the defendant both hold waste carrier licences, which is a legal requirement to be able to transport waste.

    EA officers saw large amount of waste at site

    On 17 November 2022, Environment Agency officers attended the unit. Outside, they saw a large amount of household waste, including more than 50 fridges and fridge freezers, dismantled furniture, mattresses, sink units and toilet bowls, baths and doors, amongst other general waste.

    Most of the waste was mixed together, with some looking like it had been there for a long time. Inside the unit was an office area with some household items for sale.

    Inside one of the two sheds on site, waste was piled 12 feet high. Across the site, the illegally stored waste posed a fire-risk, with no separation between piles, meaning if a fire broke out it would spread quickly.

    Officers spoke to Williams, and he was requested to remove the waste by 16 January 2023, and in a follow-up letter, he was advised about waste exemptions, which allows for low level waste activity without the need for a permit that could allow him to sort recyclable waste for recovery and operate within the law.

    On 17 January, officers returned, only to find there was more waste present, with a noticeable increase in broken wooden furniture. Officers expressed concerns about the fire risk.

    In the following months, through March and into the summer, Environment Agency officers made numerous visits where they saw waste still on site. At one point, Williams said half of the fridges had ‘gone to Africa.’

    Fridges contain refrigerant gasses and blown foam insulation, with old fridges classed as hazardous waste, and should be disposed of at an suitably-licensed facility.

    He also told officers he had no waste transfer notes, which are a legal requirement to trace the movement of waste between one place and another.

    Officers explained to Williams that the deadline for clearing the site passed in January 2023.

    During a visit in September 2024, officers inspected the site and found it was still operating as an illegal waste facility. Williams claimed to still be busy clearing the site.

    Illegal waste activity can be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.

    Background

    Christopher Williams’ previous court case where the suspended prison sentence was imposed

    Full charges

    Between 16 November 2022 and 12 July 2023 at unit 13, Whinfield Industrial Estate, Rowlands Gill, Williams operated a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the storage and treatment of waste pending recovery or disposal, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit

    Contrary to regulations 12(1)(a) and 38(1) Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016.

    On 24 September 2024 at unit 13, Whinfield Industrial Estate, Rowlands Gill, you operated a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the storage and treatment of waste pending recovery or disposal, otherwise than in accordance with an environmental permit.

    Contrary to regulations 12(1)(a) and 38(1) Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2016.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Warning to Restricted Licence Holders

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    The case of Concept Scaffolding Services Ltd, recently heard by the Traffic Commissioner for the East of England and Senior Traffic Commissioner, Richard Turfitt, has highlighted issues from which other licence holders might learn.

    The company holds a restricted goods vehicle operator’s licence authorising two vehicles. Both directors, Andrew Erskine and Karl Takkou were present at the hearing.

    On 4 September 2024, a Traffic Examiner stopped a vehicle driven by Karl Takkou and discovered multiple infractions. Mr. Takkou failed to insert his digital tachograph driver card, admitting he had left it in another vehicle despite knowing the requirement to use it. The vehicle also lacked an operator licence disc, and the vehicle unit had not been downloaded for over seven years. No driver card had been inserted into the vehicle’s unit for 28 days.

    A subsequent visit by another Traffic Examiner on 4 October 2024 was marked as unsatisfactory, identifying deficiencies in compliance systems. The investigation found prolonged failures to download vehicle unit and driver card data, as well as instances of driving without tachograph use.

    Simply put, directors had not adequately equipped themselves with the necessary knowledge to manage transport operations effectively. While they had engaged a transport consultant, serious concerns remained.

    In deciding to only curtail the licence by one vehicle for one month, Mr Turfitt took account of the corrective measures employed after the stop: introducing a driver defect reporting system, acquiring a company card for vehicle downloads, and adopting a structured compliance monitoring approach. Mr. Takkou had attended a Transport Manager Refresher Course, and the directors committed to ongoing compliance training. Additionally, driver Karl Takkou’s vocational entitlement was suspended for the same period.

    Commissioner Turfitt commented: “The Directors were so ill-equipped that there was little prospect of them meeting the licence obligations and yet it is difficult to understand why any business, which all carry obligations under health and safety legislation, had failed to identify the risks and to at least employ basic measures or seek advice. The fitness of this operator has been severely tarnished by their failures…Applicants should read the published guidance and work out what is required before even attempting to complete the application form. Scaffolders and similar operators applying for restricted operator licences need to start giving the same attention to these basic requirements as they would the tax or health & safety regimes.”

    Undertakings were accepted to ensure future compliance, including appointing an independent compliance auditor and ongoing oversight from a transport consultant. The operator must submit an audit report to the Office of the Traffic Commissioner within six months.

    While improvements have been noted, the Commissioner emphasised that compliance with licensing regulations is fundamental, and future breaches will result in harsher consequences.

    More details can be found here.

    For any further details or enquiries, please contact: pressoffice@otc.gov.uk

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: CCTV Network helps root out anti-social behaviour | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

     Westminster City Council’s CCTV system is helping identify individuals who are committing crime and anti-social behaviour to keep residents safe. 

    A network of CCTV cameras fitted in local hotspots for anti-social behaviour is helping to bring perpetrators to justice.   

    Last year the council began rolling out a system of 100 cameras in Westminster strategically placed in areas identified as hotspots for crime, antisocial behaviour and other quality of life issues that affect our residents, businesses and visitors. This high-tech network is strategically focused on areas hit hardest by disruptive behaviour, sending a clear message that the council is committed to making its communities safer.

    The technology is already making a real impact.  Footage captured by the cameras is being shared with the police, providing critical evidence that helps to strengthen cases against offenders. This collaboration between the council and law enforcement is proving essential in swiftly addressing ASB and bringing offenders to justice.  

    For example, following an alleged fight that took place in a supermarket, the police were alerted, and a suspect was arrested shortly afterwards. The footage from the scene was later handed over to the police to support their case against the individual. 

    Acoustic noise cameras also form part of the council’s network. These cameras are only activated when noise levels exceed 90 decibels, equivalent to the sound of a lawnmower or power tool. These were triggered following an unregistered car meet that took place on Pall Mall. Following the incidents four drivers were issues with Fixed Penalty Notices.  

    Elsewhere in the borough the cameras have captured other crimes such as an attempted burglary, drug use and criminal damage to property and footage handed over the police will help bring the offenders to justice.   

    Cllr Aicha Less, Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection:

    “We’re pleased that the CCTV camera network is helping to identify individuals who are causing disruption and enabling the police to respond to ASB quickly.   

    “These examples demonstrate how CCTV helps to keep residents safe. We know tackling anti-social behaviour and crime in our communities is a top priority for our residents, rolling out these cameras is making a difference.” 

    Video evidence from Westminster’s cameras: 

    Video one

    Footage of two men having a fight at the entrance of a supermarket. One the men then walks down the road and is later arrested by a police officer (not shown).  

    Video two

    An unregistered car meet at Pall Mall. A crowd of people have gathered and are watching cars do doughnuts in the street. The acoustic noise camera was triggered by the sound made by the car.  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: 2025 minimum wage increases confirmed

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    B.C.’s lowest-paid workers will see a 2.6% wage increase on June 1, 2025, keeping pace with inflation.

    The general minimum wage increases from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour. This follows the changes made in spring 2024 to the Employment Standards Act, which mandated annual wage increases.

    “Minimum wage earners are vulnerable to jumps in the price of groceries, rent and gas,” said Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour. “That’s why we took action last year to ensure the minimum wage keeps up with the cost of living so workers don’t fall further behind.”

    Minimum wage rates for residential caretakers, live-in home-support workers, camp leaders and app-based ride-hailing and delivery services workers will receive the same 2.6% increase on June 1. On Dec. 31, 2025, the minimum piece rates for 15 hand-harvested crops will also increase by the same percentage.

    “Making minimum wage, I know how important this increase is for workers,” said Olivia Brand, who works at the Burquitlam Liquor Store in Coquitlam. “It’s vital for government to continue to raise the minimum wage in line with inflation because it helps workers like me cover everyday expenses more easily and it shows us our hard work is valued.”

    The minimum wage rates increase on June 1 of each year, except for the minimum agricultural piece rates that increase on Dec. 31 of each year to ensure crop producers will not have to adjust wages in the middle of the harvesting season.

    The changes align with government priorities to help lift more people out of poverty, make life more affordable, and build a strong and fair economy for B.C.

    Quotes:

    Philip Aguirre, owner of Old Surrey Restaurant, and executive director of the Newton Business Improvement Association –

    “Supporting workers is crucial for the success of my business. When my employees are paid a fair minimum wage, they feel appreciated and that translates into a more positive work environment. It also leads to higher efficiency and lower turnover, two things every business owner strives for.”

    Fred Soofi, former employer, Pasta Polo, Coquitlam –

    “As a small-business owner for the past 40 years, whenever the government increases the minimum wage, I have always been supportive. I firmly believe it benefits businesses by increasing the productivity and morale of employees. I appreciate our government in B.C. implementing annual minimum wage increases, which are going to help workers and families with the high cost of living we are facing at the present time.”

    Learn More:

    For more information about B.C.’s minimum wage, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards/wages/minimum-wage

    For more information about TogetherBC, B.C.’s poverty-reduction strategy, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/initiatives-plans-strategies/poverty-reduction-strategy/togetherbc.pdf

    For more information about B.C. legislation, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/Legislation

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –