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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Eighth Former Correctional Officer Sentenced on Federal Civil Rights Charges in Connection with Death of Inmate at West Virginia Jail

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A former correctional officer from the Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia, was sentenced today for his role in an assault that resulted in the death of an inmate, identified by the initials Q.B., on March 1, 2022. Andrew Fleshman, 22, was sentenced to eight years and four months in prison.

    According to his plea agreement, Fleshman responded to a call for officer assistance after Q.B. tried to push past another correctional officer and leave his assigned pod. When Correctional Officer Fleshman arrived at the pod, Q.B. was on the floor as force was being used against him. The officers restrained and handcuffed Q.B. Officer Fleshman and other members of the conspiracy then escorted Q.B. to an interview room, where, aided and abetted by each other, they struck and injured Q.B. while he was restrained, handcuffed and posed no threat to anyone. Fleshman admitted that he and the members of the conspiracy struck and injured Q.B. to punish him for attempting to leave his assigned pod.

    Fleshman pleaded guilty before Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank W. Volk on Nov. 2, 2023. That same day, former correctional officer Steven Nicholas Wimmer also pleaded guilty to conspiring to use unreasonable force against Q.B. On May 8, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Frank W. Volk sentenced Wimmer to nine years in prison.

    On Nov. 29, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted six other defendants in connection with the death of Q.B. In November 2024, Mark Holdren, Corey Snyder, and Johnathan Walters each pleaded guilty in connection with the use of unreasonable force against Q.B., resulting in his death. On July 9, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph R. Goodwin sentenced Holdren to 20 years in prison and Walters was sentenced to 21 years in prison. On July 10, Judge Goodwin sentenced Snyder to 19 years and seven months in prison.

    In August 2024, Ashley Toney and Jacob Boothe each pleaded guilty to failing to intervene to protect Q.B. from the officers’ assault. On June 9, Judge Goodwin sentenced Toney to six and a half years in prison. On July 10, Judge Goodwin sentenced Boothe to three years in prison.

    On Jan. 27, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict at trial for the sixth indicted defendant, Chad Lester, a former Lieutenant at the Southern Regional Jail, finding him guilty on three obstruction of justice charges for his role in conspiring to cover up the death of Q.B. On May 15, Judge Goodwin sentenced Lester to 17 and a half years in prison.

    Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa G. Johnston for the Southern District of West Virginia made the announcement.

    The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office, Charleston Resident Agency, investigated the case.

    Deputy Chief Christine M. Siscaretti and Trial Attorney Tenette Smith of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division prosecuted the case in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Belarus plans to transport about 7 million tons of cargo via the Russian port of St. Petersburg in 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    MINSK, July 14 /Xinhua/ — Belarus plans to transport about 7 million tons of cargo via the Russian port of St. Petersburg “Bronka” in 2025. This was stated on Monday by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during a meeting with St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov. The relevant information was published by the press service of the Belarusian head of state.

    A. Lukashenko noted that the project to build a Belarusian port facility for handling cargo at the Bronka sea handling complex is supported by the Russian leadership. The Belarusian leader noted that much has already been done on the territory of the complex.

    “We will transport about 7 million tons of various cargo through this port this year. Both bulk cargo and oil products. We will develop this port. We also plan to go to Murmansk. This is a reserve location, but this port needs to be built there, and it will take many years,” A. Lukashenko said. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: A HISTORIC MOMENT FOR UPSTATE NY! AMERICA’S FIRST-EVER NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY CENTER OFFICIALLY OPENS AT ALBANY NANOTECH, MARKING MAJOR MILESTONE AS NEW GLOBAL EPICENTER FOR…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Schumer Says NSTC Will Attract Companies From Around The World To Upstate NY, Boosting Existing NY Companies From Micron To GlobalFoundries With Access To Most Advanced Machinery In The World And Bringing Thousands Of Good-Paying Jobs To Re-Establish America’s Global Chip Leadership

    Thanks To Schumer’s CHIPS & Science Law & Years Of Relentless Advocacy, Albany Received A Whopping $825M And Will Be Home To Only Federal EUV Lab Country, The Leading Research Hub In The Nation To Develop The Next Generation Of Semiconductors

    Schumer: The Next Frontier For The World’s Microchips Will Be Created Here In Upstate NY

    Following years of relentless advocacy for the Capital Region, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer today cut the ribbon for the grand opening of America’s first-ever National Semiconductor Technology Center at Albany NanoTech, created by his CHIPS & Science Law.

    Schumer said this major milestone firmly establishes Upstate NY as the heart for America’s semiconductor research and manufacturing, with Albany and the Capital Region as the home for this first of its kind national lab with the most advanced chip making machinery that will bring together the nation’s top industry leaders, universities, innovators, and entrepreneurs under one roof to ensure the future of innovation in chipmaking happens here in the U.S.A.

    “America’s first-ever National Semiconductor Technology Center is open for business! Today, the eyes of the world turn to Albany and Upstate NY as the next frontier where the scientific and engineering breakthroughs in chipmaking that we cannot even fathom today will happen. The ribbon cutting for this facility will be heard like a sonic boom and make it clear that America will lead the future of semiconductor technology,” said Senator Schumer. “This is the day I long envisioned when I created the NSTC program in my CHIPS & Science Law. This facility will allow the nation’s top scientists, universities, and companies to access the most advanced machinery in the world for developing microchips. It is the start of a historic new effort by the federal government to ensure the next generation of microchips will be developed here in America, here in the Capital Region, not in China, not overseas. Today, we help usher in America’s next era of chip research and manufacturing, with Upstate NY leading the way.”

    The new EUV Accelerator at Albany NanoTech is a CHIPS for America flagship facility and will allow researchers to work together to develop more advanced semiconductor technology for commercial use. In addition to state-of-the-art EUV technology, the new EUV Accelerator includes collaboration space and resources for NSTC partners, dedicated onsite Natcast offices and staff to support NSTC members, support for programs to grow the workforce, and more. Today’s ribbon cutting signifies that the facility is now open and ready to support the needs of NSTC members and collaborators. The EUV Accelerator is currently accepting project proposals after first beginning operations on July 1, 2025.

    Schumer explained that the new state-of-the-art EUV facility at Albany NanoTech will help the United States establish dominance in advanced semiconductor research and development. The NSTC EUV Accelerator will help address gaps in American R&D and manufacturing of semiconductors and provide information to stakeholders, including universities, small businesses and entrepreneurs, large manufacturers, workers, and government agencies by providing NSTC members with access to EUV technology to facilitate research, commercialization, and workforce training.

    EUV technology is essential to the semiconductor industry and is some of the most advanced machinery in the world, in which light is used to print patterns and make chips on wafers. EUV lithography is what has allowed the breakthroughs to make this technology nanoscopic and allows for the chips that power everything from smartphones, computers, and vehicles to artificial intelligence. Albany NanoTech will be one of only two public facilities in the world with the most advanced EUV technology, a High NA Extreme Ultraviolet Lithography tool, and the only publicly-owned High NA EUV Center in North America.

    The NSTC EUV Accelerator at Albany NanoTech will be a place for leaders in the semiconductor industry to conduct research and collaborate, including bringing industry leaders like Micron, IBM, GlobalFoundries, ASML, Applied Materials, Tokyo Electron, and more to the table to partner on next-generation R&D. Being designated the NSTC EUV Accelerator will also open up opportunities for Albany NanoTech and Upstate NY to attract further federal investment and help attract more companies from around the world to Albany to conduct research, all with the potential of creating more good-paying jobs and making Upstate NY a global leader in semiconductors.

    “NY CREATES and our industry partners are proud to continue our two-decade-long history of advancing semiconductor technologies, and as Natcast cuts the ribbon to share with the world that the EUV Accelerator is operational and their offices at our Albany NanoTech Complex are open, this latest partnership undoubtedly represents a pivotal step forward in accelerating U.S. innovation over the long-term,” said Dave Anderson, President of NY CREATES. “With accessible, standard numerical aperture EUV lithography capabilities available today, and access to High NA EUV equipment available next year, we are proud that NY CREATES is supporting the NSTC’s mission and enabling groundbreaking research, impactful economic growth, and strategic workforce development, all of which are imperative for America’s national security and economic leadership.”

    The NSTC is a critical part of Schumer’s mission of re-establishing America’s leadership in the semiconductor industry and will bring together industry leaders, researchers from the nation’s top universities, innovators, workers, and entrepreneurs to help give them access to the most advanced chip making machinery in the world and drive the next frontier of chip innovation and manufacturing.

    Schumer worked for years to highlight Albany NanoTech and the Capital Region’s ability to lead the country’s semiconductor research and development efforts, announcing the selection of Albany NanoTech as America’s first National Semiconductor Technology Center with up to $825 million in federal CHIPS funding last year. Schumer also highlighted Albany NanoTech when pitching Micron to locate their massive $100+ billion megafab project in Upstate NY, which Micron said was a critical factor in their selection of Central NY for their major investment to bring advanced memory chip manufacturing to the U.S.

    The NSTC EUV Accelerator at Albany NanoTech is one of three major NSTC facilities. The U.S. Department of Commerce announced that California’s Silicon Valley will host NSTC’s Administrative and Design Facility and Phoenix, Arizona will host the Prototyping and Advanced Packaging Piloting Facility. Together, these three major hubs will lead the NSTC’s core functions and help fulfill the CHIPS and Science Law’s vision of developing more American-made technology and boosting America as a global semiconductor leader. The new NSTC EUV Accelerator at Albany NanoTech will also open the doors to opportunities for millions of dollars in additional future investment and partnership with the federal government, as well as help bring in additional industry partners to leverage the state-of-the-art facilities to develop and manufacture advanced chips.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFSCME’s Saunders: Shutting down the Department of Education will harm our children, educators and nation

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court opening the way for the administration to illegally shut down the Department of Education:

    “We are incensed by the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the administration to unlawfully dismantle the Department of Education in direct violation of the Constitution. This agency was created by an act of Congress to ensure equal access to education, and it cannot be eliminated simply because a president wills it. Our children, educators and nation will suffer great harm if this agency is shuttered. The Department of Education ensures that all students, no matter their zip code, economic class or disability, can learn and thrive. Tens of thousands of AFSCME members across the country have dedicated their careers to education, and we will continue to fight, regardless of this decision, to ensure that our students have every opportunity to succeed.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: AFSCME’s Saunders: Shutting down the Department of Education will harm our children, educators and nation

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    WASHINGTON – AFSCME President Lee Saunders released the following statement in response to the Supreme Court opening the way for the administration to illegally shut down the Department of Education:

    “We are incensed by the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the administration to unlawfully dismantle the Department of Education in direct violation of the Constitution. This agency was created by an act of Congress to ensure equal access to education, and it cannot be eliminated simply because a president wills it. Our children, educators and nation will suffer great harm if this agency is shuttered. The Department of Education ensures that all students, no matter their zip code, economic class or disability, can learn and thrive. Tens of thousands of AFSCME members across the country have dedicated their careers to education, and we will continue to fight, regardless of this decision, to ensure that our students have every opportunity to succeed.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Research Shows Path Toward Protocells on Titan

    Source: NASA

    NASA research has shown that cell-like compartments called vesicles could form naturally in the lakes of Saturn’s moon Titan.
    Titan is the only world apart from Earth that is known to have liquid on its surface. However, Titan’s lakes and seas are not filled with water. Instead, they contain liquid hydrocarbons like ethane and methane. 
    On Earth, liquid water is thought to have been essential for the origin of life as we know it. Many astrobiologists have wondered whether Titan’s liquids could also provide an environment for the formation of the molecules required for life – either as we know it or perhaps as we don’t know it – to take hold there.
    New NASA research, published in the International Journal of Astrobiology, outlines a process by which stable vesicles might form on Titan, based on our current knowledge of the moon’s atmosphere and chemistry. The formation of such compartments is an important step in making the precursors of living cells (or protocells).
    The process involves molecules called amphiphiles, which can self-organize into vesicles under the right conditions. On Earth, these polar molecules have two parts, a hydrophobic (water-fearing) end and a hydrophilic (water-loving) end. When they are in water, groups of these molecules can bunch together and form ball-like spheres, like soap bubbles, where the hydrophilic part of the molecule faces outward to interact with the water, thereby ‘protecting’ the hydrophobic part on the inside of the sphere. Under the right conditions, two layers can form creating a cell-like ball with a bilayer membrane that encapsulates a pocket of water on the inside.
    When considering vesicle formation on Titan, however, the researchers had to take into account an environment vastly different from the early Earth.

    Titan is Saturn’s largest moon and the second largest in our solar system. Titan is also the only moon in our solar system with a substantial atmosphere.
    The hazy, golden atmosphere of Titan kept the moon shrouded in mystery for much of human history. However, when NASA’s Cassini spacecraft arrived at Saturn in 2004, our views of Titan changed forever.
    Thanks to Cassini, we now know Titan has a complex meteorological cycle that actively influences the surface today. Most of Titan’s atmosphere is nitrogen, but there is also a significant amount of methane (CH4). This methane forms clouds and rain, which falls to the surface to cause erosion and river channels, filling up the lakes and seas. This liquid then evaporates in sunlight to form clouds once again.
    This atmospheric activity also allows for complex chemistry to happen. Energy from the Sun breaks apart molecules like methane, and the pieces then reform into complex organic molecules. Many astrobiologists believe that this chemistry could teach us how the molecules necessary for the origin of life formed and evolved on the early Earth.

    The new study considered how vesicles might form in the freezing conditions of Titan’s hydrocarbon lakes and seas by focusing on sea-spray droplets, thrown upwards by splashing raindrops. On Titan, both spray droplets and the sea surface could be coated in layers of amphiphiles. If a droplet then lands on the surface of a pond, the two layers of amphiphiles meet to form a double-layered (or bilayer) vesicle, enclosing the original droplet. Over time, many of these vesicles would be dispersed throughout the pond and would interact and compete in an evolutionary process that could lead to primitive protocells.
    If the proposed pathway is happening, it would increase our understanding of the conditions in which life might be able to form. 
    “The existence of any vesicles on Titan would demonstrate an increase in order and complexity, which are conditions necessary for the origin of life,” explains Conor Nixon of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “We’re excited about these new ideas because they can open up new directions in Titan research and may change how we search for life on Titan in the future.”
    NASA’s first mission to Titan is the upcoming Dragonfly rotorcraft, which will explore the surface of the Saturnian moon. While Titan’s lakes and seas are not a destination for Dragonfly (and the mission won’t carry the light-scattering instrument required to detect such vesicles), the mission will fly from location to location to study the moon’s surface composition, make atmospheric and geophysical measurements, and characterize the habitability of Titan’s environment.

    Karen Fox / Molly WasserHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA Research Shows Path Toward Protocells on Titan

    Source: NASA

    NASA research has shown that cell-like compartments called vesicles could form naturally in the lakes of Saturn’s moon Titan.
    Titan is the only world apart from Earth that is known to have liquid on its surface. However, Titan’s lakes and seas are not filled with water. Instead, they contain liquid hydrocarbons like ethane and methane. 
    On Earth, liquid water is thought to have been essential for the origin of life as we know it. Many astrobiologists have wondered whether Titan’s liquids could also provide an environment for the formation of the molecules required for life – either as we know it or perhaps as we don’t know it – to take hold there.
    New NASA research, published in the International Journal of Astrobiology, outlines a process by which stable vesicles might form on Titan, based on our current knowledge of the moon’s atmosphere and chemistry. The formation of such compartments is an important step in making the precursors of living cells (or protocells).
    The process involves molecules called amphiphiles, which can self-organize into vesicles under the right conditions. On Earth, these polar molecules have two parts, a hydrophobic (water-fearing) end and a hydrophilic (water-loving) end. When they are in water, groups of these molecules can bunch together and form ball-like spheres, like soap bubbles, where the hydrophilic part of the molecule faces outward to interact with the water, thereby ‘protecting’ the hydrophobic part on the inside of the sphere. Under the right conditions, two layers can form creating a cell-like ball with a bilayer membrane that encapsulates a pocket of water on the inside.
    When considering vesicle formation on Titan, however, the researchers had to take into account an environment vastly different from the early Earth.

    Titan is Saturn’s largest moon and the second largest in our solar system. Titan is also the only moon in our solar system with a substantial atmosphere.
    The hazy, golden atmosphere of Titan kept the moon shrouded in mystery for much of human history. However, when NASA’s Cassini spacecraft arrived at Saturn in 2004, our views of Titan changed forever.
    Thanks to Cassini, we now know Titan has a complex meteorological cycle that actively influences the surface today. Most of Titan’s atmosphere is nitrogen, but there is also a significant amount of methane (CH4). This methane forms clouds and rain, which falls to the surface to cause erosion and river channels, filling up the lakes and seas. This liquid then evaporates in sunlight to form clouds once again.
    This atmospheric activity also allows for complex chemistry to happen. Energy from the Sun breaks apart molecules like methane, and the pieces then reform into complex organic molecules. Many astrobiologists believe that this chemistry could teach us how the molecules necessary for the origin of life formed and evolved on the early Earth.

    The new study considered how vesicles might form in the freezing conditions of Titan’s hydrocarbon lakes and seas by focusing on sea-spray droplets, thrown upwards by splashing raindrops. On Titan, both spray droplets and the sea surface could be coated in layers of amphiphiles. If a droplet then lands on the surface of a pond, the two layers of amphiphiles meet to form a double-layered (or bilayer) vesicle, enclosing the original droplet. Over time, many of these vesicles would be dispersed throughout the pond and would interact and compete in an evolutionary process that could lead to primitive protocells.
    If the proposed pathway is happening, it would increase our understanding of the conditions in which life might be able to form. 
    “The existence of any vesicles on Titan would demonstrate an increase in order and complexity, which are conditions necessary for the origin of life,” explains Conor Nixon of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “We’re excited about these new ideas because they can open up new directions in Titan research and may change how we search for life on Titan in the future.”
    NASA’s first mission to Titan is the upcoming Dragonfly rotorcraft, which will explore the surface of the Saturnian moon. While Titan’s lakes and seas are not a destination for Dragonfly (and the mission won’t carry the light-scattering instrument required to detect such vesicles), the mission will fly from location to location to study the moon’s surface composition, make atmospheric and geophysical measurements, and characterize the habitability of Titan’s environment.

    Karen Fox / Molly WasserHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1600karen.c.fox@nasa.gov / molly.l.wasser@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Paramount Australia Partners with Magnite to Unlock Programmatic Access to the Paramount+ Ad Tier

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SYDNEY, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising company, and Paramount Australia today announced a partnership to unlock programmatic access to Paramount+’s premium streaming TV inventory in Australia for the first time. Following the launch of its ad-supported plan in the market, Paramount will leverage Magnite technology to give advertisers an unparalleled opportunity to reach engaged streaming audiences with greater efficiency and transparency in a premium environment. This announcement marks another key milestone in Paramount Australia’s business and technology transformation, paving the way for Paramount Connect.

    Paramount+ offers a mountain of premium entertainment for all audiences boasting an expansive library of local original series, global hit shows, popular movies and live sport, making it a prime destination for engaged streaming audiences. The Magnite SpringServe video platform combined with Paramount’s mediation capabilities streamline advertiser access to Paramount’s premium streaming inventory.

    “As the Paramount+ ad tier continues to expand its footprint in Australia, we are committed to offering innovative ways for advertisers to connect with our engaged, high-value audiences,” said Milan Blazevic, Head of Programmatic at Paramount Australia. “By partnering with Magnite, we are unlocking programmatic access to our premium inventory in this market for the first time, providing advertisers with greater flexibility and efficiency in their media buying strategies.”

    “Magnite is dedicated to driving streaming TV innovation, and our partnership with Paramount+ will unlock access to one of Australia’s most compelling streaming platforms through our industry-leading technology offering brands a first-mover advantage,” said Yael Milbank, Managing Director, ANZ at Magnite. “As programmatic CTV adoption accelerates, this partnership will empower advertisers with smarter automation, enhanced targeting, and more effective data-driven buying strategies for greater efficiency in campaign execution.”

    About Magnite
    We’re Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising company. Publishers use our technology to monetize their content across all screens and formats including CTV, online video, display, and audio. The world’s leading agencies and brands trust our platform to access brand-safe, high-quality ad inventory and execute billions of advertising transactions each month. Anchored in bustling New York City, sunny Los Angeles, mile high Denver, historic London, colorful Singapore, and down under in Sydney, Magnite has offices across North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC.

    About Paramount Australia
    Paramount Australia is a leading media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences, worldwide. Paramount Australia’s portfolio of consumer brands includes Network 10, Paramount+, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon and MTV.

    Media Contact

    Magnite:
    Einsteinz Communications
    Carlotta Vittori
    carlotta@einsteinz.com.au
    +61 449 207 228

    Paramount Australia:
    Bronwyn Fardon
    bfardon@networkten.com.au

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Eliza Drake’s Story

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Eliza Drake’s Story

    The following is part of IADC’s 85th anniversary campaign, “Many Stories, One Voice,” which aims to showcase the real human stories behind the drilling industry. 

    Eliza Drake – IADC Young Professionals Committee Networking/Social Subcommittee Chair; Marketing Representative for Caterpillar Oil & Gas

    Eliza (center) with fellow attendees at a 2024 IADC Young Professionals Committee networking event

    My journey with IADC started back in 2017, during my freshman year at Missouri S&T. From a young age, I knew I wanted to work in the oil and gas industry. I was always fascinated by what happens so far below the Earth’s surface, and I was drawn to being a part of an industry that’s often villainized. I saw it as a chance to change people’s opinions and show them how vital fossil fuels truly are. However, being from Missouri, I didn’t have many chances to connect with the industry directly. It was pure coincidence that I bumped into the IADC Student Chapter President during the first week of my freshman year and joined the group.

    While S&T’s petroleum engineering program might be small, it is mighty, largely due to the support of alumni and organizations like IADC. That support opened doors I didn’t even know existed. IADC gave me not only exposure to the industry and my first international trip, but also the job opportunity that started my career.

    I owe a lot of where I am today to IADC. As a student, I attended several Annual General Meetings (AGM), where I got to connect with influential people in the business and different companies across all aspects of drilling. While I was the Student Chapter President, I attended the AGM in Austin. As a senior without a job lined up, I knew this conference was my chance. I was determined to network and make something happen. Walking into lunch at the event, I was nervous, uncertain and, honestly, desperate for an opportunity. I spotted a table with one seat left, and found myself sitting among group of Caterpillar leaders and dealers. We hit it off immediately, and I had a job offer within two months. As they say, the rest is history.

    Eliza (left) with IADC Young Professionals Committee Co-Chairs Bill Pickering and Liana Carnes at a networking event co-hosted with the American Association of Drilling Engineer’s NEXT group in 2023

    IADC has also given me the opportunity to be a leader, not only as a student but also as a young professional. I have had the opportunity to serve as Student Chapter President and as the Events Chairman for the Young Professionals Committee. Both were invaluable experiences with chances to expand my network. Planning events for others in the drilling space has been so fulfilling. It’s been a great way to connect with like-minded people, share ideas and spark great conversations in a fun setting.

    IADC has made me feel like I’m a part of something much bigger than just a job. It’s made me feel like I’m part of an industry that, while often misunderstood, plays such an important role in powering the world. I’m beyond grateful, and I know I’ll be a lifelong member of this incredible organization.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis, Suozzi Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Expand Housing Opportunities

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (WASHINGTON, DC) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY-03) introduced bipartisan legislation that would direct the eventual proceeds from the release of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac into a housing revolving loan fund aimed at expanding homeownership and rental opportunities for middle-class and working families.

     

    Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have been under federal conservatorship since the 2008 financial crisis. President Trump has proposed releasing both entities from conservatorship to return them to the private market, allowing shareholders to regain the value of their investments.

     

    The legislation introduced by Representatives Malliotakis and Suozzi would build on this proposal by creating a housing revolving loan fund. Proceeds from the release of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac would be directed to this fund, which would provide states with resources to issue loans for the construction of new owner-occupied or rental housing, or to rehabilitate existing housing. The goal is to expand homeownership and rental opportunities for middle-class and working families while allowing them to benefit from the value generated by the sale of shares. Estimates of the projected federal proceeds would be $250 billion according to Housing for US. 

     

    “I join Rep. Suozzi in introducing bipartisan legislation that, should Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac be released from conservatorship, would assign the proceeds toward a new housing revolving loan fund to expand homeownership and rental opportunities for working- and middle-class Americans including police officers, firefighters, teachers, carpenters, and tilers who often earn too much to qualify for affordable housing but not enough to afford market rates. This is a chance to deliver critical assistance to hardworking Americans,” said Rep. Malliotakis.

     

    “We have a once-in-a-generation chance to tackle America’s housing crisis while creating good-paying, union jobs for working families,” Rep. Suozzi said. “The housing crisis is crushing the American Dream — young people, carpenters, cops, teachers, nurses, first responders, and middle-class families are being priced out of homeownership. This isn’t a red state or blue state issue — every community is feeling it. And that’s why I’m proud to introduce this legislation with my fellow New Yorker from across the aisle. When we work together, we can get things done.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Grigorenko: The number of inspections is at a historical minimum.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Reducing the number of inspections while maintaining the level of security, confirming the effectiveness of the risk-oriented approach and new digital tools for remote control – the Government presented a report on the state of the state and municipal control system in the Russian Federation to the State Duma and the Federation Council.

    The State Duma and the Federation Council reviewed the Government’s annual report on state control (supervision) and municipal control in the Russian Federation for 2024.

    “The government is consistently improving the control and supervisory sphere in Russia. We have abandoned unnecessary inspections and are introducing digital forms of control. This allows us to reduce the administrative burden on businesses and remain on guard of the rights of our citizens. Now the number of inspections is at a historical minimum: in 2024, there were fewer of them than in the COVID-19 year of 2020,” commented Deputy Prime Minister – Chief of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.

    According to the data presented, during the reporting period, the number of inspections decreased by 8.2% compared to 2023 and by more than 23% compared to 2020, when temporary restrictions related to the pandemic were in effect. Thus, in 2024, about 312 thousand inspections were carried out, in 2023 – 340 thousand, in 2020 – 408 thousand.

    It is important that, despite the multiple reduction in the number of inspections, the overall level of safety is maintained. This became possible due to the introduction of a risk-oriented approach, including inspections by regulatory authorities based on the triggering of risk indicators.

    Traditionally, risk indicator checks are among the most effective. In 2024, their effectiveness was 87.3%. For comparison, in 2023, this figure was 76.6%.

    Special attention in 2024 was paid to the development of digitalization and the introduction of remote forms of control. An experiment was conducted on remote inspections of companies using the Inspector mobile application. Since this year, the use of the mobile application has been enshrined in law.

    Another digital tool is also growing in popularity: the pre-trial appeal service on the public services portal. It enables entrepreneurs to challenge decisions of regulatory bodies without resorting to legal procedures and proceedings. In 2024, more than 7.5 thousand complaints were received from businesses, and the number of petitions more than doubled. These appeals serve as feedback for the Government on the quality of the state’s control and supervisory function.

    The Government also receives feedback from citizens through various surveys. Thus, in 2024, RANEPA conducted a survey among citizens on the level of protection of legally protected assets. The survey is conducted on those risks that are controlled by control bodies operating within the framework of the Law on Control. According to the survey results, the level of protection is growing.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Alexey Khersontsev: the effectiveness of supervisory measures demonstrates steady growth

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) – Ministry of Economic Development (Russia) –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    State Secretary – Deputy Minister of Economic Development of Russia Alexey Khersontsev presented the main provisions of the Consolidated Report on State Control (Supervision) and Municipal Control in the Russian Federation for 2024 to the State Duma and the Federation Council. The activities are carried out under the supervision of Deputy Chairman – Chief of Staff of the Government of the Russian Federation Dmitry Grigorenko.

    “The government is consistently improving the control and supervision sphere in Russia. We have abandoned unnecessary inspections and are introducing digital forms of control. This allows us to reduce the administrative burden on businesses and remain on guard of the rights of our citizens. Now the number of inspections is at a historical minimum: in 2024, there were fewer of them than in the COVID-19 year of 2020,” commented Dmitry Grigorenko.

    According to Alexey Khersontsev, large-scale changes have occurred over several years of reform of control (supervisory) activities. The transformations, based on the introduction of a risk-oriented approach, revision of inspection planning, digitalization of control processes and strengthening of the role of preventive measures, affected all levels of government bodies – from federal to municipal.

    “2024 has become an important stage in the development of these transformations. Throughout the entire period, comprehensive work was carried out to reduce the number of excessive inspections, increase the transparency of supervision and reduce the administrative burden on entrepreneurs. At the same time, the key priority remained maintaining the necessary level of protection of citizens’ rights and ensuring the sustainability of the economic system,” said Oleksiy Khersontsev.

    The main trend of the past year was the reduction of control (supervisory) activities. Compared to 2023, their number decreased by 8.2% and by more than 23% compared to 2020. This was achieved by enshrining the principle of priority inspections only for high and extremely high risk categories. That is, only those organizations and enterprises are inspected where there is a risk of harm to the life and health of citizens or harm to the environment.

    At the same time, a quarter of all inspections were carried out on small and medium-sized businesses. Of these, 75% concerned microenterprises, and most often, inspectors visited retail and catering facilities.

    “This is explained by the high social significance of these areas and the need for constant quality control of products and services,” emphasized Alexey Khersontsev.

    According to the Deputy Minister, the effectiveness of inspections based on risk indicators is growing — 87.3% in 2024 (76.6% in 2023). This is accompanied by the development of new indicators, the number of which has increased almost threefold compared to 2022: in 2024, their number reached 542. When developing them, the opinion of businesses participating in specialized working groups of the Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation is taken into account.

    Preventive visits have also proven their effectiveness, and their number in 2024 approached 1.2 million. Their assessment by the business community is perceived positively, emphasized Alexey Khersontsev. At the same time, the popularity of the pre-trial appeal service is growing. Last year, more than 3.5 thousand complaints were received from businesses, which is 45% more than the year before. 484 decisions were appealed in court, almost every fifth was overturned. At the same time, the legislation provides for the possibility of appealing both the decisions of inspectors and the assigned risk category.

    “The growth in efficiency and effectiveness in terms of key indicators of control (supervisory) activities indicates an increase in the accuracy of inspection planning and the quality of analytical work of control bodies,” Alexey Khersontsev particularly noted, adding that the country’s population feels this security and, according to RANEPA surveys, this level of security is the highest compared to previous years.

    The consolidated report also presents a rating of control bodies and subjects of the Russian Federation by the number of inspections. Roszdravnadzor became the leader in 2024, and the top 5 regions included St. Petersburg, Sevastopol, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug and Moscow Oblast.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Presses Trump Administration Over Misleading Statements on Wildland Firefighting Preparedness and Capability

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)

    July 14, 2025

    Senator’s letter follows U.S. Forest Service Chief Schultz’s misleading testimony in a Senate hearing about Trump’s proposed Forest Service budget

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today demanded answers from the Trump administration following multiple misleading statements at a recent Senate committee hearing from U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz about how the Trump administration’s staffing and spending cuts are weakening wildland firefighting preparedness and resources this fire season.

    “Unfortunately, the Trump administration has apparently not only failed to increase the overall resources available, it has failed to maintain the inadequate resources it previously had,” Wyden wrote in his letter to Schultz. “This overall lack of transparency through obfuscation and omission inhibits the Senate’s responsibility and congressional authority to conduct oversight of federal agencies, and protect our constituents.”

    Following Wyden’s questioning during the Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing last week, Chief Schultz implied there had been no reduction in Forest Service employees available to respond to wildfire. This response conveniently ignored employees holding Incident Qualification Cards, or “red cards.” Only later after being pressed did Chief Schultz admit that staffing and budget cuts have resulted in the loss of 1400 red card holders. Any Forest Service employee holding a red card is trained and qualified to support firefighting operations during a wildfire.

    Wyden also asked Chief Schultz to confirm in writing how the Trump administration’s planned reorganization of federal firefighting capabilities within the Department of the Interior will affect its ability to get Western states the personnel and resources they need to prepare for and battle blazes this fire season.

    Additionally, Wyden pressed Chief Schultz on his misleading claim that there has been no decline in hazardous fuel reduction efforts under the Trump administration. The most recent number shared by other administration officials showed that only 1.7 million acres of hazardous fuels reduction treatment have occurred so far this fiscal year, less than half of the 4.29 million acres treated during the last year of the Biden administration in Fiscal Year 2024.

    Wyden has been a longtime champion of sustainable forestry and common-sense policies to reduce the risk of wildfire, introducing the bipartisan National Prescribed Fire Act of 2025 that would invest in hazardous fuels management to reduce the risk of blistering infernos by increasing the pace and scale of prescribed burns during cooler, wetter months. 

    Video of the exchange at last week’s committee hearing between Wyden and Schultz can be found here.

    A copy of the entire letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto, Senate Democrats Press Trump Administration on Weaponizing Immigration Court Hearings to Deport Immigrants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined a group of 22 Senate Democrats led by Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) pressing the Trump administration on its recent initiatives to weaponize immigration court hearings to arrest and deport immigrants who are trying to follow the law and showing up for their legitimate court cases. 

    In a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons, the Senators condemned these actions as an affront to due process and a distraction from going after violent criminals.

    The senators began by expressing concern over recent reporting of the Trump administration’s inhumane initiatives, writing: “We are extremely concerned by reports of a recent initiative to arrest and detain noncitizens at their immigration court hearings, and in many cases, dismiss their immigration cases without advance notice and while hiding the government’s intent to arrest them […] These actions prevent noncitizens from having their fair day in court and raise serious legal and due process concerns. They also make clear that this Administration is not targeting the worst criminals and threats to public safety, instead redirecting staff and resources away from drug trafficking and human trafficking and towards these operations targeting noncriminal immigrants who are following the law and showing up for their day in court.”

    The Senators concluded by articulating the horrible situation this puts hardworking immigrants who are trying to follow the law in, before making a series of information requests, writing: “These actions also place noncitizens in an impossible position. If noncitizens who fear arrest do not attend their immigration court hearing, they may receive an in absentia removal order that will newly subject them to swift detention and removal. If they do attend, they risk arrest, detention, and a swift deportation, possibly to South Sudan, Libya, or El Salvador—countries they may have no connection to. This manipulation of existing laws to enact this Administration’s mass deportation agenda is creating chaos in our immigration system while doing nothing to make our communities safer.”

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    The first and only Latina senator, Senator Cortez Masto has consistently supported immigrant communities in Nevada, calling on both administrations to protect TPS holders and other immigrants, as well as leading commonsense legislation to fix our broken immigration system. She has worked to pass meaningful immigration reform that balances critical border security measures with a path to citizenship for Dreamers, TPS holders, and essential workers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Many fish are social, but pesticides are pushing them apart

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kyle Morrison, PhD Candidate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, UNSW Sydney

    Kazakov Maksim, Shutterstock

    Scientists have detected pesticides in rivers, lakes and oceans worldwide. So what are these pesticides doing to the fish?

    Long before pesticides reach lethal doses, they can disrupt hormones, impair brain function and change fish behaviour. Many of these behaviours are essential for healthy ecosystems.

    In a new study, my colleagues and I found that pesticides affect many different behaviours in fish. Overall, the chemical pesticides make fish less sociable and interactive. They spend less time gathering in groups, become less protective of their territory, and make fewer attempts to mate.

    Imagine the ocean without the vibrant schools of fish we’ve come to love – only isolated swimmers drifting about. Quietly, ecosystems begin to unravel, long before mass die-offs hit the news.

    Healthy reef ecosystems feature fish swimming together and socialising.
    Mike Workman, Shutterstock

    Fish are living and dying in polluted water

    Australia is a major producer and user of pesticides, with more than 11,000 approved chemical products routinely used in agricultural and domestic settings. Remarkably, some of these chemicals remain approved in Australia despite being banned in other regions such as the European Union due to safety concerns.

    When a tractor or plane sprays pesticides onto crops, it creates a mist of chemicals in the air to kill crop pests. After heavy rain, these chemicals can flow into roadside drains, filter through soil, and slowly move into rivers, lakes and oceans.

    Fish swim in this diluted chemical mixture. They can absorb pesticides through their gills or eat contaminated prey.

    At high concentrations, mass fish deaths can result, such as those repeatedly observed in the Menindee Lakes. However, doses in the wild often aren’t lethal and more subtle effects can occur. Scientists call these “sub-lethal” effects.

    One commonly investigated sub-lethal effect is a change in behaviour – in other words, a change in the way a fish interacts with its surrounding environment.

    Our previous research has found most experiments have looked at the impacts on fish in isolation, measuring things such as how far or how fast they swim when pesticides are present.

    But fish aren’t solitary — they form groups, defend territory and find mates. These behaviours keep aquatic ecosystems stable. So this time we studied how pesticides affect these crucial social behaviours.

    Pesticide exposure makes fish less social

    Our study extracted and analysed data from 37 experiments conducted around the world. Together, these tested the impacts of 31 different pesticides on the social behaviour of 11 different fish species.

    The evidence suggests pesticides make fish less social, and this finding is consistent across species. Courtship was the most severely impacted behaviour – the process fish use to find and attract mates. This is particularly alarming because successful courtship is essential for healthy fish populations and ecosystem stability.

    Next, we found pesticides such as the herbicide glyphosate, which can disrupt brain function and hormone levels had the strongest impacts on fish social behaviours. This raises important questions about how brain function and hormones drive fish social behaviour, which could be tested by scientists in the future.

    For example, scientists could test how much a change in testosterone relates to a change in territory defence. Looking at these relationships between what’s going on inside the body mechanisms and outward behaviour will help us better understand the complex impacts of pesticides.

    We also identified gaps in the current studies. Most existing studies focus on a limited number of easy-to-study “model species” such as zebrafish, medaka and guppies. They also often use pesticide dosages and durations that may not reflect real-world realities.

    Addressing these gaps by including a range of species and environmentally relevant dosages is crucial to understanding how pesticides affect fish in the wild.

    One of the experiments in our study involved convict surgeonfish, which gather in large groups or ‘shoals’.
    Damsea, Shutterstock

    Behaviour is a blind spot in regulation

    Regulatory authorities should begin to recognise behaviour as a reliable and important indicator of pesticide safety. This can help them catch pesticide pollution early, before mass deaths occur.

    Scientists play a crucial role too. By following the same methods, scientists can produce comparable results. A standardised method then provides regulators the evidence needed to confidently assess pesticide risks.

    Together, regulatory authorities and scientists can find a way to use behavioural studies to help inform policy decisions. This will help to prevent mass deaths and catch pesticide impacts early on.

    Leave no stone unturned in restoring our waters

    Rivers, lakes, oceans and reefs are bearing the brunt of an ever-growing human footprint.

    So far, much of the spotlight has focused on reducing carbon emissions and managing overfishing — and rightly so. But there’s another, quieter threat drifting beneath the surface: the chemicals we use.

    Pesticides used on farms and in gardens are being detected everywhere, even iconic ecosystems such as the Great Barrier Reef. As we have shown, these pesticides can have disturbing effects even at low concentrations.

    Now is the time to cut pesticide use and reduce runoff. Through switching to less toxic chemicals and introducing better regulations, we can reduce the damage. If we act with urgency, we can limit the impacts pesticides have on our planet.

    Kyle Morrison 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. Many fish are social, but pesticides are pushing them apart – https://theconversation.com/many-fish-are-social-but-pesticides-are-pushing-them-apart-256230

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Do I have prostate cancer? Why a simple PSA blood test alone won’t give you the answer

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kevin M. Koo, NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow, The University of Queensland

    Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australia, with about 26,000 men diagnosed per year. The majority (more than 85%) are aged over 60.

    Prostate cancer kills around 3,900 Australians a year. Yet most prostate cancers progress very slowly and many men die “with” and not “from” prostate cancer.

    Prostate cancer is currently detected with a blood test. This measures the amounts of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood, a protein produced by the prostate gland.

    But while an elevated PSA can indicate prostate cancer, other non-cancerous conditions, such as prostate enlargement or inflammation, can also increase PSA levels.

    New draft guidelines aim to provide clearer recommendations about the role PSA tests should play in detecting prostate cancer.

    Life-saving treatment vs harmful overdiagnosis

    Early detection of prostate cancer by PSA testing is important. It allows for timely treatments such as prostate removal surgery, radiation or hormonal therapy.

    But despite their effectiveness, these treatments can cause problems such as erectile dysfunction. Urinary incontinence issues occur in up to 14% of patients.

    Therefore, if the prostate cancer is considered low-risk and has not spread outside the prostate, the clinician may recommend “active surveillance” to closely monitor the cancer for signs of progression.

    If the low-risk prostate cancer doesn’t progress, treatment and its associated side effects can be delayed or avoided.



    Read more:
    Treatment can do more harm than good for prostate cancer − why active surveillance may be a better option for some

    The controversy around PSA testing is it can over-diagnose low-risk prostate cancers that would never become life-threatening.

    PSA tests may also give false positive results when someone doesn’t have cancer.

    Such scenarios cause harm to men who are over-treated for prostate cancer solely based on elevated PSA levels.

    In a decades-long clinical study involving 182,000 men, PSA testing reduced prostate cancer deaths by 20% compared to men who didn’t undergo testing.

    But a trade-off was having to over-treat around 48 men to prevent one prostate cancer death.

    We need to find the balance between enabling early life-saving detection and preventing harmful over-treatment of men with low-risk prostate cancer.

    Prostate cancer surgery can leave some men with urinary incontinence.
    Jota Buyinch Photo/Shutterstock

    What do the draft guidelines say?

    The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia has released new draft clinical guidelines for the early detection of prostate cancer for public consultation.

    The following recommended changes aim to reduce over-treatment and minimise harm.

    1. Offer all men a ‘baseline’ PSA test at 40

    All men would be offered an initial PSA test at age 40 to provide a baseline PSA measurement to compare against follow-up tests.

    A baseline PSA measurement would enable the calculation of PSA doubling time: the number of months taken for PSA level to double from baseline.

    Aggressive fast-growing tumors tend to have shorter PSA doubling times, so this would enable early detection of high-risk prostate cancer for prompt treatment.

    Such a change could improve prostate cancer risk classification and spare more men from unnecessary harmful treatment side effects.

    2. GPs offer men aged 50–69 PSA tests every two years

    The draft guidelines recommend GPs offer PSA testing every two years for all men aged 50–69.

    For men over 70, PSA testing would be recommended based on clinical assessment by GPs.

    Men are more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at an advanced age. So as they get older and have a shorter life expectancy, the harms of treatment are more likely to outweigh the benefits of early detection.

    This recommendation could reduce over-diagnosis by considering individual life expectancy, overall health and potential treatment harms.

    3. Target populations at greater risk

    As with other cancer types, prostate cancer is a disease caused by gene malfunctioning leading to tumour growth. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are around three times more likely to develop and die from prostate cancer due to their genetic susceptibility.

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men have a higher risk of dying from prostate cancer compared to non-Indigenous men. This may be due to delayed diagnoses and limited access to prostate cancer treatment options in remote areas.

    For these men with higher prostate cancer risk, the draft guidelines recommend earlier and more frequent PSA testing, starting at age 40.

    This change could prioritise and serve targeted, high-risk populations of men who would benefit most from more regular PSA testing.

    Men with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease.
    Shakirov Albert/Shutterstock

    No more ‘finger up the bum’

    Previously, men with high PSA levels were referred for needle prostate biopsies which involve invasive insertion of needles into different areas of the prostate to remove tissue samples for lab analyses.

    Needle biopsies are painful and come with risks of bleeding or infection. So, it’s helpful to use additional prostate cancer testing approaches to guide who is referred for a biopsy.

    The new draft guidelines no longer recommend the use of digital rectal examination, the dreaded “finger up the bum”, to screen for signs of prostate cancer together with PSA testing. Men find this unpleasant and embarrassing.

    Instead, clinicians can turn to advanced imaging. Medicare rebates have been available for magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose prostate cancer since 2018.

    Medical specialists often order a multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) following elevated PSA levels to determine if biopsies are required. This is a specialised MRI that uses strong magnets and radio waves to construct a detailed three-dimensional image of the prostate from different angles and identify suspicious-looking areas.

    The draft guidelines recommend mpMRI to supplement PSA testing to better determine if a biopsy is needed. This saves men from unnecessary invasive procedures and reduces health-system costs.

    The information gathered from the public consultations will inform the final draft prostate cancer early detection guidelines. The final recommendations will then be sent to the National Health and Medical Research Council for approval, before becoming clinical practice.

    Kevin M. Koo receives funding from the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

    – ref. Do I have prostate cancer? Why a simple PSA blood test alone won’t give you the answer – https://theconversation.com/do-i-have-prostate-cancer-why-a-simple-psa-blood-test-alone-wont-give-you-the-answer-257240

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Antisemitism plan fails on a number of fronts – a contentious definition of hate is just the start

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Louise Chappell, Scientia Professor, UNSW Sydney

    The antisemitism strategy presented to the Albanese government has attracted considerable – and wholly justifed – criticism.

    Produced by Jillian Segal, the special envoy to combat antisemitism, the blueprint falls short in a range of areas essential to good public policy. This is due to its biased arguments, weak evidence and recommendation overreach.

    There is also the adoption of a contentious definition of antisemitism which has been criticised for conflating disapproval of Israel with anti-Jewish prejudice.

    Alternative definition

    The strategy uses the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, manifestations of which could include criticising the state of Israel.

    However, this definition is contentious – so much so that its original author, Kenneth Stern, has rejected it as a tool for regulating antisemitism due its potential to be weaponised to silence free speech.

    Other widely used definitions are unacknowledged in the report. These include the Jerusalem Declaration, which attempts to strike a better balance between antisemitism and freedom of speech, including criticism of Israel and Zionism.

    As the declaration notes:

    hostility to Israel could be an expression of an antisemitic animus, or it could be a reaction to a human rights violation, or it could be the emotion that a Palestinian person feels on account of their experience at the hands of the state.

    Biased Argument

    The report presents a clear and consistent argument: antisemitism has been on the rise in Australia, especially since the Hamas attacks in October 2023. It is particularly obvious in universities and cultural institutions.

    Antisemitism is an insidious form of prejudice and hatred which is destructive not only to the Jewish community, but to the very fabric of Australian society. It requires a community-wide response to stamp it out.

    The report is underpinned by Segal’s principled aspiration to ensure “all Australians, including Jewish Australians, can live with dignity, fairness, safety and mutual respect”.

    But there are multiple problems with how this argument is presented.

    First, it is sweeping in its application. A good example is the claim antisemitism “has become ingrained and normalised within academia and the cultural space”.

    No explanation is given to what these terms mean, or what these practices entail. Without such qualifiers, readers could easily be misguided in thinking the problem is more pronounced than it actually is.

    Weak evidence

    The report provides alarming statistics about the rise in reported cases of antisemitism in Australia, including a claimed 316% spike in the 12 months to October 2024.

    It pays particular attention to antisemitism in the university sector, quoting a survey by the Australasian Union of Jewish Students, which noted more than 60% of Jewish students who experienced antisemitism felt unsupported by their institutions.

    No doubt there has been a surge in antisemitic hatred, but there are significant problems with how evidence for it is presented in the report. Segal fails to
    produce a single citation, which makes it impossible to access the data and assess its veracity.

    Baseline figures, details about who collated the data, the investigation of incidents and their resolution, are all missing.

    The report also misquotes an important source.

    It states “in February 2025, ASIO Director General Mike Burgess declared antisemitism is Australia’s leading threat to life”.

    In fact, what Burgess actually said was:

    In terms of threats to life, it’s my agency’s number one priority because of the weight of incidents we’re seeing play out in this country.

    There are subtle yet important differences in these two statements, which need to be carefully parsed when dealing with such a serious issue.

    Gaza ignored

    Also problematic is the singular focus on extremist ideologies as the reason for the rise in antisemitism.

    In doing so, the strategy omits a compelling fact: the recent upsurge is likely linked to Israel’s war on Gaza which has resulted in mass Palestinian civilian casualties over the past 20 months.

    As international law expert Ben Saul argues:

    People did not just inexplicably and without context decide to become more antisemitic in that period. [It was fuelled by] fury at Israel’s profound violations of international law in Gaza.

    Furthermore, while Segal claims to be focused on mutual respect, she fails to acknowledge other groups that face similar forms of racism and discrimination, including Australia’s Indigenous peoples and Islamic communities.

    In doing so, the report appears to be seeking special treatment for the Australian Jewish community.

    Recommendation overreach

    Much of the negative reaction to the report has rightly been focused on its far-reaching punitive recommendations, which have been described as Trumpian.

    Many are directed towards the education sector, including threatened cuts to school and university funding, and extending the capacity to terminate staff who engage in “antisemitic” behaviours.

    Segal envisages creating a “university report card” to adjudicate on universities that are failing the standard, presumably set against her preferred antisemitism definition.

    The media and the cultural sector more broadly are also in Segal’s headlights, with recommendations to establish herself as a media monitor to ensure “fair and balanced reporting”. Charitable institutions deemed to be supporting antisemitism would lose their tax-deduction status.

    These highly controversial measures are an overreach of the envoy’s terms of reference.

    Segal’s mandate specifies her role is as an advisor to government, not a regulator. By taking such a drastic approach, the antisemitism strategy risks stoking further social division.

    The government, which is considering the recommendations, must proceed very cautiously.

    Louise Chappell receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Antisemitism plan fails on a number of fronts – a contentious definition of hate is just the start – https://theconversation.com/antisemitism-plan-fails-on-a-number-of-fronts-a-contentious-definition-of-hate-is-just-the-start-261082

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $16M Hospice Fraud Scheme and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: US State Government of Utah

    A California man pleaded guilty today in connection with his role in defrauding Medicare of nearly $16 million through sham hospice companies and laundering the fraudulent proceeds.

    According to court documents, Juan Carlos Esparza, 33, of Valley Village, schemed with others, including co-defendants Petros Fichidzhyan and Karpis Srapyan, to bill Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and never provided.  From July 2019 until January 2023, the defendant and his co-defendants operated four sham hospices, one of which, House of Angels Hospice, was owned by Esparza. The defendants controlled the other three hospices, even though the listed owners were foreign nationals. Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan concealed the scheme by using foreign nationals’ personal identifying information to open bank accounts, submit information to Medicare, and sign property leases. They also controlled and used cell phones in the names of the foreign nationals in furtherance of the scheme. In total, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million.

    Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan worked with others, including their co-defendants Susanna Harutyunyan and Mihran Panosyan, to launder the fraudulent proceeds. As part of the money laundering scheme, Esparza and his co-defendants maintained fraudulent identification documents and other documents associated with the sham hospices at the House of Angels office, and bank documents, checkbooks, and credit and debit cards in the names of purported foreign owners in a pair of residential properties. After defrauding Medicare, Esparza and his co-defendants moved the funds between various assets and accounts, including bank accounts in the names of shell companies, to conceal the scheme. Esparza spent $90,000 in fraudulent proceeds to purchase a vehicle.

    Esparza pleaded guilty to health care fraud and transactional money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for healthcare fraud and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for transactional money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Co-defendant Petros Fichidzhyan previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. In May, Fichidzhyan was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Co-defendant Mihran Panosyan pleaded guilty to money laundering last month and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 8. Co-defendant Karpis Srapyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. Co-defendant Susanna Harutyunyan pleaded guilty to money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17. Harutyunyan faces deportation.

    The guilty plea today is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sarah E. Edwards, Allison L. McGuire, and Michael Bacharach of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara B. Vavere for the Central District of California is handling asset forfeiture.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $16M Hospice Fraud Scheme and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A California man pleaded guilty today in connection with his role in defrauding Medicare of nearly $16 million through sham hospice companies and laundering the fraudulent proceeds.

    According to court documents, Juan Carlos Esparza, 33, of Valley Village, schemed with others, including co-defendants Petros Fichidzhyan and Karpis Srapyan, to bill Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and never provided.  From July 2019 until January 2023, the defendant and his co-defendants operated four sham hospices, one of which, House of Angels Hospice, was owned by Esparza. The defendants controlled the other three hospices, even though the listed owners were foreign nationals. Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan concealed the scheme by using foreign nationals’ personal identifying information to open bank accounts, submit information to Medicare, and sign property leases. They also controlled and used cell phones in the names of the foreign nationals in furtherance of the scheme. In total, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million.

    Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan worked with others, including their co-defendants Susanna Harutyunyan and Mihran Panosyan, to launder the fraudulent proceeds. As part of the money laundering scheme, Esparza and his co-defendants maintained fraudulent identification documents and other documents associated with the sham hospices at the House of Angels office, and bank documents, checkbooks, and credit and debit cards in the names of purported foreign owners in a pair of residential properties. After defrauding Medicare, Esparza and his co-defendants moved the funds between various assets and accounts, including bank accounts in the names of shell companies, to conceal the scheme. Esparza spent $90,000 in fraudulent proceeds to purchase a vehicle.

    Esparza pleaded guilty to health care fraud and transactional money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for healthcare fraud and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for transactional money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Co-defendant Petros Fichidzhyan previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. In May, Fichidzhyan was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Co-defendant Mihran Panosyan pleaded guilty to money laundering last month and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 8. Co-defendant Karpis Srapyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. Co-defendant Susanna Harutyunyan pleaded guilty to money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17. Harutyunyan faces deportation.

    The guilty plea today is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sarah E. Edwards, Allison L. McGuire, and Michael Bacharach of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara B. Vavere for the Central District of California is handling asset forfeiture.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Pleads Guilty in Connection with $16M Hospice Fraud Scheme and Money Laundering Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A California man pleaded guilty today in connection with his role in defrauding Medicare of nearly $16 million through sham hospice companies and laundering the fraudulent proceeds.

    According to court documents, Juan Carlos Esparza, 33, of Valley Village, schemed with others, including co-defendants Petros Fichidzhyan and Karpis Srapyan, to bill Medicare for hospice services that were not medically necessary and never provided.  From July 2019 until January 2023, the defendant and his co-defendants operated four sham hospices, one of which, House of Angels Hospice, was owned by Esparza. The defendants controlled the other three hospices, even though the listed owners were foreign nationals. Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan concealed the scheme by using foreign nationals’ personal identifying information to open bank accounts, submit information to Medicare, and sign property leases. They also controlled and used cell phones in the names of the foreign nationals in furtherance of the scheme. In total, Medicare paid the sham hospices nearly $16 million.

    Fichidzhyan, Esparza, and Srapyan worked with others, including their co-defendants Susanna Harutyunyan and Mihran Panosyan, to launder the fraudulent proceeds. As part of the money laundering scheme, Esparza and his co-defendants maintained fraudulent identification documents and other documents associated with the sham hospices at the House of Angels office, and bank documents, checkbooks, and credit and debit cards in the names of purported foreign owners in a pair of residential properties. After defrauding Medicare, Esparza and his co-defendants moved the funds between various assets and accounts, including bank accounts in the names of shell companies, to conceal the scheme. Esparza spent $90,000 in fraudulent proceeds to purchase a vehicle.

    Esparza pleaded guilty to health care fraud and transactional money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for healthcare fraud and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for transactional money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine his sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Co-defendant Petros Fichidzhyan previously pleaded guilty to health care fraud, aggravated identity theft, and money laundering. In May, Fichidzhyan was sentenced to 12 years in prison. Co-defendant Mihran Panosyan pleaded guilty to money laundering last month and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 8. Co-defendant Karpis Srapyan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 6. Co-defendant Susanna Harutyunyan pleaded guilty to money laundering and is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 17. Harutyunyan faces deportation.

    The guilty plea today is the most recent conviction in the Justice Department’s ongoing effort to combat hospice fraud in the greater Los Angeles area. Last year, a doctor was convicted at trial for his role in a scheme to bill Medicare for hospice services patients did not need, and two other defendants were sentenced for their roles in a hospice fraud scheme.  

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director in Charge Akil Davis of the FBI Los Angeles Field Office, and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    The FBI and HHS-OIG are investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Sarah E. Edwards, Allison L. McGuire, and Michael Bacharach of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara B. Vavere for the Central District of California is handling asset forfeiture.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ICE Employee Attacked by Rioters After Congressman Doxes Him to Mob at California Marijuana Facility

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) was among the mob of rioters who attacked federal immigration authorities as they executed a criminal search warrant at a marijuana facility. Rep. Carbajal doxed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employee, who was subsequently attacked by rioters and sent to the emergency room.

    Images of injury inflicted on ICE employee after being doxed by Rep. Carbajal

    During the enforcement operation in Carpinteria, California, Rep. Carbajal spoke to an ICE Public Affairs Specialist, who gave the congressman his business card. The congressman then showed the ICE employee’s business card to the mob, making a target out of him. The employee was subsequently attacked, with lacerations to his left hand due to a rock being thrown at him. The employee had to go to the emergency room and get stitches for his injury.

    When ICE announced his actions led to an ICE employee’s injuries, the congressman deflected from his own actions by claiming oversight and falsely labeled the crowd as “peaceful protesters.” He did not address the injuries the ICE employee sustained as a result of his actions. Unfortunately, this is just another case of Democratic lawmakers labeling political stunts as oversight while they endanger the safety of ICE personnel.

    “The actions by Representative Carbajal are downright un-American. He dares to claim that his actions were simply congressional oversight, but doxing ICE personnel and inciting a mob of rioters to attack law enforcement is NOT oversight—it’s abominable.” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “His actions sent an ICE employee to the emergency room. It’s no wonder that ICE agents are facing a 700% increase in assaults when radical members of Congress like Salud Carbajal and LaMonica McIver are openly encouraging and leading their supporters in assaulting law enforcement.”

    This operation led to the arrest of 361 illegal aliens and the rescue of 14 migrant children who were victims of potential exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking. During the enforcement operation, officers were surrounded by a mob of 500 rioters who threw rocks and other objects at law enforcement and their vehicles.

    Furthermore, several of the illegal aliens arrested at the facilities had extensive criminal records, including:

    • Rape
    • Kidnapping
    • Serial burglary
    • Attempted rape
    • Attempted child molestation
    • DUI
    • Hit-and-run

    The investigation into immigration and potential child labor violations is ongoing. Information will be released as it becomes available.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: ICE Employee Attacked by Rioters After Congressman Doxes Him to Mob at California Marijuana Facility

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) was among the mob of rioters who attacked federal immigration authorities as they executed a criminal search warrant at a marijuana facility. Rep. Carbajal doxed an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) employee, who was subsequently attacked by rioters and sent to the emergency room.

    Images of injury inflicted on ICE employee after being doxed by Rep. Carbajal

    During the enforcement operation in Carpinteria, California, Rep. Carbajal spoke to an ICE Public Affairs Specialist, who gave the congressman his business card. The congressman then showed the ICE employee’s business card to the mob, making a target out of him. The employee was subsequently attacked, with lacerations to his left hand due to a rock being thrown at him. The employee had to go to the emergency room and get stitches for his injury.

    When ICE announced his actions led to an ICE employee’s injuries, the congressman deflected from his own actions by claiming oversight and falsely labeled the crowd as “peaceful protesters.” He did not address the injuries the ICE employee sustained as a result of his actions. Unfortunately, this is just another case of Democratic lawmakers labeling political stunts as oversight while they endanger the safety of ICE personnel.

    “The actions by Representative Carbajal are downright un-American. He dares to claim that his actions were simply congressional oversight, but doxing ICE personnel and inciting a mob of rioters to attack law enforcement is NOT oversight—it’s abominable.” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “His actions sent an ICE employee to the emergency room. It’s no wonder that ICE agents are facing a 700% increase in assaults when radical members of Congress like Salud Carbajal and LaMonica McIver are openly encouraging and leading their supporters in assaulting law enforcement.”

    This operation led to the arrest of 361 illegal aliens and the rescue of 14 migrant children who were victims of potential exploitation, forced labor, and human trafficking. During the enforcement operation, officers were surrounded by a mob of 500 rioters who threw rocks and other objects at law enforcement and their vehicles.

    Furthermore, several of the illegal aliens arrested at the facilities had extensive criminal records, including:

    • Rape
    • Kidnapping
    • Serial burglary
    • Attempted rape
    • Attempted child molestation
    • DUI
    • Hit-and-run

    The investigation into immigration and potential child labor violations is ongoing. Information will be released as it becomes available.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Talonvest Capital Secures $25.2M Bridge Loan from Life Company Lender

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEWPORT BEACH, CA, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Talonvest Capital, Inc., a boutique self storage and commercial real estate advisory firm, is pleased to announce the closing of $25,250,000 non-recourse, bridge loan on behalf of Clear Sky Capital and their institutional equity partner for their newly developed, 1,484-unit Class A self-storage facility with 132,695 square feet of rentable area that also contains 45 vehicle/RV parking stalls. The property is located at 510 N Avenue in Vista, CA.

    Despite the increased market volatility in the second quarter, Talonvest successfully sourced multiple competitive financing options, with 40% of the lender pool providing quotes, allowing Clear Sky to strategically choose a lending partner aligned with their business plan. The high level of interest, combined with Talonvest’s negotiations during the best and final phase, helped reduce the spread by 25 basis points from the winning lender.

    The loan closed with a global life insurance company and featured interest-only payments during the 4-year term, an additional 1-year extension option, and prepayment flexibility after the first year. The financing was competitively priced at a spread over SOFR. “Talonvest was an invaluable partner in our financing efforts,” said Chris Herthel, Chief Operating Officer and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Clear Sky Capital. “Their deep market knowledge, creative structuring, and seamless execution gave us confidence every step of the way.”

    The Talonvest team representing Clear Sky Capital on this assignment included David DiRienzo, Britt Taylor, Ivan Viramontes, and Lauren Maehler.

    About Talonvest Capital Inc.:

    Talonvest Capital is a commercial real estate advisory firm specializing in sourcing cutting-edge capital programs and advising on capital market trends for industrial, self-storage, multifamily, office, and retail property owners. Talonvest Capital offers a unique boutique approach by leveraging the company’s collective institutional knowledge and remaining highly engaged throughout the entire assignment, including the closing process, to deliver tailored capital solutions for their clients. With over four decades of experience, Talonvest Capital has a unique perspective from its team’s previous experience on the lending side, managing institutional equity, executing nationwide joint venture investments, and facilitating diverse capital placements for clients across the United States. Learn more at https://talonvest.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/929df932-e6e4-4cb2-b7d2-3c439163e2d8

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: VisionWave Technologies Inc. and Bannix Acquisition Corp. Complete Business Combination

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VisionWave Holdings Inc. to Commence Trading on Nasdaq Under Ticker “VWAV”

    VisionWave Technologies Inc. and Bannix Acquisition Corp. Have Closed the Business Combination on July 14, 2025

    VisionWave Holdings Inc. Shares of Common Stock and Warrants Will Begin Trading on Nasdaq on July 15, 2025, Under Ticker Symbols “VWAV” and “VWAVW,” Respectively

    WILMINGTON, Del., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VisionWave Technologies Inc. (“VisionWave Technologies”), a defense development company focused on integrating advanced artificial intelligence and autonomous solutions across air, ground, and sea domains ranging from high-resolution radars and advanced vision systems to radio frequency sensing technologies seeking to redefine operational efficiency and precision for military and homeland security applications worldwide, today announced the successful completion of its business combination (the “Business Combination”) with Bannix Acquisition Corp. (Nasdaq: BNIX) (“BNIX”), a special purpose acquisition company, resulting in each of VisionWave Technologies and BNIX becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of VisionWave Holdings Inc. (“VisionWave Holdings” or the “Combined Company”). On July 15, 2025, VisionWave Holdings shares of common stock will commence trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the trading symbol “VWAV” and its warrants will trade on under the trading symbol “VWAVW.”

    “Completing the Business Combination and having our shares listed on the Nasdaq Global Market is a significant achievement for the VisionWave team, and we are grateful to our employees and partners who have supported us on this journey as we begin our next chapter as we seek to develop new and cutting technologies in the defense sector,” said Douglas Davis, Executive Chairman of VisionWave Holdings. “We believe this milestone will provide us with the tools to develop our technology and implement our business plan. We are excited to continue to seek building value for all stakeholders.” “This is a defining moment for VisionWave,” said Noam Kenig, Chief Executive Officer of VisionWave Holdings. “As we enter the public markets, our focus is on accelerating innovation in defense-grade AI systems, pursuing strategic global partnerships, and delivering on contracts that will shape the next generation of military technologies. I’m honored to lead the company into this exciting new chapter.”

    Advisors

    Fleming PLLC served as legal counsel to BNIX.

    Law Office of Robert M. Yaspan served as legal counsel to VisionWave Technologies.

    RBSM LLP served as the Auditor to VisionWave Holdings.

    Donohoe Advisory Associate, LLC served as Listing Advisor to VisionWave Holdings.

    Marula Capital Group a registered FINRA advisor provided the Fairness Opinion to the Business Combination.

    I-Bankers Securities, Inc., the underwriter in the original IPO.

    About VisionWave Holdings Inc.

    VisionWave Holdings Inc. is at the forefront of revolutionizing defense capabilities by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous solutions across air, ground, and sea domains. Its state-of-the-art innovations— ranging from high-resolution radars and advanced vision systems to radio frequency (RF) sensing technologies are seeking to redefine operational efficiency and precision for military and homeland security applications worldwide. From tactical ground vehicles to precision weapon control systems, VisionWave leads the development of reliable, high-performance technologies that transform defense strategies and deliver superior results, even in the most challenging environments. With headquarters in the U.S. and strategic partnerships in Canada and the United Arab Emigrants, VisionWave is uniquely positioned to serve global markets, offering cutting-edge defense solutions that address the evolving needs of security forces across the world.

    For more corporate and product information, please visit our website https://www.visionwave.tech.

    About Bannix Acquisition Corp.

    Bannix Acquisition Corp. is a blank check company, also commonly referred to as a Special Purpose Acquisition Company, or SPAC, formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses or entities.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “estimate,” “plan,” “project,” “forecast,” “intend,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “seek,” “target” or other similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements also include, but are not limited to, statements regarding projections, estimates and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and expectations, the estimated implied enterprise value of the Combined Company, VisionWave Holdings’ ability to scale and grow its business, the advantages and expected growth of the Combined Company, the Combined Company’s ability to source and retain talent, and the cash position of the Combined Company following closing of the Business Combination, as applicable. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this press release, and on the current expectations of BNIX’s and VisionWave Technologies’ management and are not predictions of actual performance.

    These statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, levels of activity, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Although each of BNIX, VisionWave Technologies and VisionWave Holdings believes that it has a reasonable basis for each forward-looking statement contained in this press release, each of BNIX, VisionWave Technologies and VisionWave Holdings cautions you that these statements are based on a combination of facts and factors currently known and projections of the future, which are inherently uncertain. In addition, there are risks and uncertainties described in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus mailed to BNIX stockholders, and filed by the Combined Company with the SEC and other documents filed by the Combined Company or BNIX from time to time with the SEC. These filings may identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. BNIX, VisionWave Technologies and VisionWave Holdings cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements in this press release will prove to be accurate. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, costs related to the Business Combination, the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Business Combination, the outcome of any potential litigation, government or regulatory proceedings, and other risks and uncertainties, including those to be included under the heading “Risk Factors” in the definitive proxy statement/prospectus mailed to BNIX stockholders, and those included under the heading “Risk Factors” in the annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, of BNIX and in its subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC. There may be additional risks that BNIX, VisionWave Technologies and VisionWave Holdings presently do not know or that the parties currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In light of the significant uncertainties in these forward-looking statements, nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. The forward-looking statements in this press release represent the views of BNIX, VisionWave Technologies and VisionWave Holdings as of the date of this press release. Subsequent events and developments may cause those views to change. However, while BNIX, VisionWave Technologies and VisionWave Holdings may update these forward-looking statements in the future, there is no current intention to do so, except to the extent required by applicable law. You should, therefore, not rely on these forward-looking statements as representing the views of BNIX, VisionWave Technologies and VisionWave Holdings as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release. Except as may be required by law, BNIX, VisionWave Technologies and VisionWave Holdings do not undertake any duty to update these forward-looking statements.

    VisionWave Holdings Investor Relations:

    Douglas Davis, Executive Chairman of the Board
    (302) 305-4790
    doug.davis@bannixacquisition.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EverQuote to Announce Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results on August 4, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CAMBRIDGE, Mass., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EverQuote, Inc. (Nasdaq: EVER), a leading online insurance marketplace, today announced that it will report second quarter financial results after the market close on Monday, August 4, 2025. Management will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the Company’s financial results, recent developments, and business outlook at 4:30 p.m. ET.

    What:       EverQuote Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results Conference Call
         
    When:   Monday, August 4, 2025
         
    Time:   4:30 p.m. ET
         
    Live Call:   US Toll Free: (800) 715-9871
    All Other: +1 (646) 307-1963
    Conference ID: 8699350
         

    Live Webcast and Replay: http://investors.everquote.com/  

    About EverQuote

    EverQuote operates a leading online marketplace for insurance shopping, connecting consumers with insurance provider customers, which includes both carriers and agents. Our vision is to be the leading growth partner for property and casualty, or P&C, insurance providers. Our results-driven marketplace, powered by our proprietary data and technology platform, is improving the way insurance providers attract and connect with consumers shopping for insurance.

    For more information, visit https://investors.everquote.com and follow on LinkedIn.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    Brinlea Johnson
    The Blueshirt Group
    415-489-2193
    brinlea@blueshirtgroup.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tunisia: United Nations (UN) experts alarmed by deteriorating human rights situation of lawyers

    Source: APO


    .

    UN experts* today expressed alarm at the situation of lawyers in Tunisia, noting a serious deterioration in the last year.

    “Targeting legal professionals solely for performing their role in the justice system or exercising their freedom of expression poses a direct threat to the integrity and fairness of legal proceedings in Tunisia and could jeopardise the right to a fair trial,” the experts said.

    The experts noted that lawyer Ahmed Souab was arrested on 21 April 2025, following critical comments made publicly about the recent trial of several opposition figures. Souab was defending some of the clients who were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for charges characterised as “conspiracy against State security”. Lawyer Sonia Dahmani was reportedly violently detained at the premises of the Tunisian Bar Association by masked men in May 2024 and is facing five criminal cases all initiated under Decree-Law 2022-54 on “cybercrime” before the Tunis First Instance Court solely for stating her opinion publicly. Dahmani was sentenced in January 2025 to 18 months in prison for her comments in a TV show, and this June, she received an additional two-year prison sentence.

    The experts also deplored other reported cases of legal professionals in the country who have been criminally accused, and even sentenced to long prison terms, solely for defending their clients and for expressing their opinion publicly such as Dalila Msaddak, Islem Hamza, Ayachi Hamami, Ghazi Chaouachi, Mehdi Zagrouba, and Lazhar Akremi.

    “The measures taken directly interfere with the independence of the legal profession, undermining the ability of lawyers to represent their clients,” the experts said. “They appear designed to ensure critics of the Executive are silenced.”

    The experts stressed that free exercise of the legal profession contributes to ensuring access to justice, oversight of State power, protection of due process and fair trial rights.

    “We call on Tunisia to comply with international standards providing that lawyers should be able to carry out all their professional duties without intimidation, hindrance, harassment or improper interference. They should not face prosecution or administrative, economic or other sanctions for any action taken in accordance with recognised professional duties, standards and ethics,” they said. “Like all human beings, lawyers are entitled to freedom of expression and opinion.”

    The experts have been in contact with the Government of Tunisia regarding their concerns.

    *The experts: Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers; Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of expression and opinion.

    The Experts are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures, the largest body of independent experts in the UN Human Rights system, is the general name of the Council’s independent fact-finding and monitoring mechanisms that address either specific country situations or thematic issues in all parts of the world. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent of any government or organisation and serve in their individual capacity.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations: Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Bill Pickering’s Story

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Bill Pickering’s Story

    The following is part of IADC’s 85th anniversary campaign, “Many Stories, One Voice,” which aims to showcase the real human stories behind the drilling industry. 

    Bill Pickering – IADC Young Professionals Committee Co-Chair; Manager at Precision Drilling

    Bill standing in front of a Precision Drilling rig around 2018

    My career in drilling started in May 2012; my story, however, started in 1991. My story is my dad’s story, and our story is the same story as many in this industry: Men and women making a sacrifice, putting in long hours and giving their family something more.

    Ask Ross Pickering today, and he’ll gladly show you the scar on his right hand from 1991. His satellite phone rang with the news his wife was in labor, and he was a 10-hour drive away in Beaverlodge, Alberta. That drive, a set of missing keys, a smashed window, and a hot-wired truck were the only things between Dad and his laboring wife. Of course, we are no strangers to rapidly changing environments or tall orders in short time frames – Dad made it to the hospital with a few hours to spare.

    When I tell you that rigs were always a part of my life, I mean it. Our living room hosted fewer Easters, Christmases and birthdays than the couch of my Dad’s shack on site. My mom is always fond of the time Dad had to tell a bed truck to unhook from his shack so his son could finish hunting for Easter Eggs.

    Any young boy who gets to work with his dad, running drilling rigs and farm equipment, is a pretty happy kid. So, you’ll understand why I thought my dad had the most important and most cool job in the world. You’ll also understand that, although I considered a number of careers, drilling rigs were always the goal.

    Bill as a child riding his first motorbike in the rig yard with his father, Ross, next to him

    In 2012, I got my first opportunity to join the oilfield, building rigs in Calgary. I elected to return to college and complete my undergraduate degree, only to be rewarded with a list of salary offers that, modestly, were half of what I could earn roughnecking. Simple math made an easy decision easier, and I was back with Precision Drilling to finish building the rig we would soon take to the field.

    Years later, I elected to pursue a graduate degree in the US, with the goal of rejoining the industry. Five years later, I’m thrilled to have a rewarding 10 years of experience under my belt. What I’ve seen in these 10 years is an industry that champions and rewards hard work and merit over pedigree – something less and less common. Why I love this industry is because every single day somebody like my dad proves that a strong back and a sharp mind can take a person to the top. Why I’ll stay in this industry is the passion and pride we foster, and if you don’t believe me, you need to get out of the office and go talk to a rig hand.

    My story isn’t unique, because it’s all of our story. It’s passion, it’s legacy, it’s purpose. We’re the modern miracle that enables our lifestyle. We lift people out of poverty. We innovate at breakneck speed, and we dislike when we get looked down upon, but like good roughnecks, we understand the job will always need to get done. So we do it, we do it well and we do it with passion and pride.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Bill Pickering’s Story

    Source: International Association of Drilling Contractors – IADC

    Headline: Bill Pickering’s Story

    The following is part of IADC’s 85th anniversary campaign, “Many Stories, One Voice,” which aims to showcase the real human stories behind the drilling industry. 

    Bill Pickering – IADC Young Professionals Committee Co-Chair; Manager at Precision Drilling

    Bill standing in front of a Precision Drilling rig around 2018

    My career in drilling started in May 2012; my story, however, started in 1991. My story is my dad’s story, and our story is the same story as many in this industry: Men and women making a sacrifice, putting in long hours and giving their family something more.

    Ask Ross Pickering today, and he’ll gladly show you the scar on his right hand from 1991. His satellite phone rang with the news his wife was in labor, and he was a 10-hour drive away in Beaverlodge, Alberta. That drive, a set of missing keys, a smashed window, and a hot-wired truck were the only things between Dad and his laboring wife. Of course, we are no strangers to rapidly changing environments or tall orders in short time frames – Dad made it to the hospital with a few hours to spare.

    When I tell you that rigs were always a part of my life, I mean it. Our living room hosted fewer Easters, Christmases and birthdays than the couch of my Dad’s shack on site. My mom is always fond of the time Dad had to tell a bed truck to unhook from his shack so his son could finish hunting for Easter Eggs.

    Any young boy who gets to work with his dad, running drilling rigs and farm equipment, is a pretty happy kid. So, you’ll understand why I thought my dad had the most important and most cool job in the world. You’ll also understand that, although I considered a number of careers, drilling rigs were always the goal.

    Bill as a child riding his first motorbike in the rig yard with his father, Ross, next to him

    In 2012, I got my first opportunity to join the oilfield, building rigs in Calgary. I elected to return to college and complete my undergraduate degree, only to be rewarded with a list of salary offers that, modestly, were half of what I could earn roughnecking. Simple math made an easy decision easier, and I was back with Precision Drilling to finish building the rig we would soon take to the field.

    Years later, I elected to pursue a graduate degree in the US, with the goal of rejoining the industry. Five years later, I’m thrilled to have a rewarding 10 years of experience under my belt. What I’ve seen in these 10 years is an industry that champions and rewards hard work and merit over pedigree – something less and less common. Why I love this industry is because every single day somebody like my dad proves that a strong back and a sharp mind can take a person to the top. Why I’ll stay in this industry is the passion and pride we foster, and if you don’t believe me, you need to get out of the office and go talk to a rig hand.

    My story isn’t unique, because it’s all of our story. It’s passion, it’s legacy, it’s purpose. We’re the modern miracle that enables our lifestyle. We lift people out of poverty. We innovate at breakneck speed, and we dislike when we get looked down upon, but like good roughnecks, we understand the job will always need to get done. So we do it, we do it well and we do it with passion and pride.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Almost half of young workers expected to work unpaid overtime, while a quarter aren’t paid compulsory super

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Howe, Associate Dean (Research), Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne

    Anna Kraynova/Shutterstock

    A young person gets a job, excited to earn their first paycheck. Over time, they realise the hours are long and the payslips small. They are told to stay back to clean up after closing, but never receive overtime. They feel exploited, but what can they do?

    It’s hard to find a job that fits with study commitments, and a reference could go a long way in the future. Besides, it happens to all their co-workers; they’d hate to cause a fuss.

    It’s a story as old as time, and it’s still happening today. Our new study has found wage exploitation is rife among employers who hire young people.

    In partnership with the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Melbourne Law School’s Fair Day’s Work project surveyed 2,814 workers under 30.

    Young workers in low-paid jobs were asked about their experiences in the workplace, the challenges they encountered, and how they dealt with exploitation.

    How some bosses are treating young workers

    We found young Australians are frequently underpaid and that exploitation is multifaceted:

    • 33% were paid $15 per hour or less

    • 43% had been told to complete extra work without additional pay

    • 34% were not paid for work during a trial period

    • 24% had not received compulsory super

    • 35% had their timesheet hours reduced by their employer

    • 17.9% had not been paid for all the work they completed

    • 9% received an hourly rate of $10 or less

    • 8% had been forced to return some, or all, of their pay to their employer.

    Further, 60% had had to pay for work-related items, such as uniforms, protective equipment, training or car fuel. Some 36% had been forbidden to take entitled breaks while 35% had their recorded timesheet hours reduced by their employer. Meanwhile 20% were “sometimes” paid “off the books”, and 12% were “always” paid off the books. And 9.5% had been given food or products instead of being paid in money.

    The most at risk

    We found exploitation is most often experienced by the most vulnerable young people. These include transgender, non-permanent workers (casual employees and private contractors), residents on temporary visas) and non-native English speakers.

    The worst-performing industries included electricity, gas, water and waste services; manufacturing; mining; transport, postal and warehousing; public administration and safety; information media and telecommunications; accommodation and food services; retail trade, and education and training.

    Workers in small businesses (up to 19 staff) were often not paid overtime or penalty rates, and were being paid “off the books”.

    Medium-sized business workers (20–199 employees) were the most likely to be required to pay for work-related items, such as equipment, training and car hire.

    And those from large businesses (200-plus) reported the highest rates of variance of weekly hours and requirements to pay for work uniform.

    Young people often don’t have much industrial knowledge or experience, so it is easy for employers to take advantage of them. They are also unlikely to challenge an employer, as many of them are in insecure work.

    What steps are being taken?

    Laws which took effect January 1 this year mean employers may face criminal penalties – including fines, imprisonment or both – if they intentionally underpay an employee in breach of the Fair Work Act 2009.

    But identifying underpayments and other forms of exploitation are the biggest barrier to compliance with workplace laws.

    Surveyed workers who were underpaid said they were most likely to seek the help of a family member. Only 12.9% of those aged 15 to 19 said they would be willing to complain to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

    However, workers who had dealt with the ombudsman mostly saw their experiences as positive: 41% found the regulator to be “very helpful”, while only 16.7% described it as “not helpful at all” or “not very helpful”.

    The results suggest the Fair Work Ombudsman needs to be doing more to engage teenage workers.

    What’s needed

    The Fair Day’s Work project set out to use data science and technology to identify risk of underpayment in relation to young workers, and improve employer compliance with workplace laws.

    Our aim was to develop a database on young workers employment conditions, along with a web portal to give young people and employers the information they need.

    We hypothesised that a prediction tool could be used to assess which young workers are at greatest risk. However, we found publicly available data was insufficient to do this, so we conducted our own survey of young workers and made this data available through a public web portal to help workers and employers.

    We came up six recommendations to help stop young workers being exploited:

    1. regulators need to get tougher with the nine industries we identified as the poorest performers to make them more compliant

    2. the Fair Work Ombudsman should scrutinise the industries where payment was made in food or products and workers were required to return money to employers occurred most frequently

    3. educate mid-sized businesses on the extent to which they can lawfully require workers to pay for work-related items

    4. lawmakers and the Fair Work Commission should consider introducing truly equitable “loaded rates” for junior employees. This would deal with non-payment of penalty rates and other entitlements by some employers

    5. more money to make young workers aware they can get help from the Fair Work Ombudsman, trade unions, community legal centres, the Young Workers’ Centre and similar bodies

    6. more work to develop and use data science and digital tools to help employers fulfil their legal obligations, and to protect young workers’ rights.

    Our survey results highlight the extent to which young people continue to be exploited in the workplace and suggest more work needs to be done to bring about change.

    John Howe receives funding from the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

    Tom Dillon receives funding from the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

    – ref. Almost half of young workers expected to work unpaid overtime, while a quarter aren’t paid compulsory super – https://theconversation.com/almost-half-of-young-workers-expected-to-work-unpaid-overtime-while-a-quarter-arent-paid-compulsory-super-261016

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Almost half of young workers expected to work unpaid overtime, while a quarter aren’t paid compulsory super

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By John Howe, Associate Dean (Research), Melbourne Law School, The University of Melbourne

    Anna Kraynova/Shutterstock

    A young person gets a job, excited to earn their first paycheck. Over time, they realise the hours are long and the payslips small. They are told to stay back to clean up after closing, but never receive overtime. They feel exploited, but what can they do?

    It’s hard to find a job that fits with study commitments, and a reference could go a long way in the future. Besides, it happens to all their co-workers; they’d hate to cause a fuss.

    It’s a story as old as time, and it’s still happening today. Our new study has found wage exploitation is rife among employers who hire young people.

    In partnership with the Paul Ramsay Foundation, Melbourne Law School’s Fair Day’s Work project surveyed 2,814 workers under 30.

    Young workers in low-paid jobs were asked about their experiences in the workplace, the challenges they encountered, and how they dealt with exploitation.

    How some bosses are treating young workers

    We found young Australians are frequently underpaid and that exploitation is multifaceted:

    • 33% were paid $15 per hour or less

    • 43% had been told to complete extra work without additional pay

    • 34% were not paid for work during a trial period

    • 24% had not received compulsory super

    • 35% had their timesheet hours reduced by their employer

    • 17.9% had not been paid for all the work they completed

    • 9% received an hourly rate of $10 or less

    • 8% had been forced to return some, or all, of their pay to their employer.

    Further, 60% had had to pay for work-related items, such as uniforms, protective equipment, training or car fuel. Some 36% had been forbidden to take entitled breaks while 35% had their recorded timesheet hours reduced by their employer. Meanwhile 20% were “sometimes” paid “off the books”, and 12% were “always” paid off the books. And 9.5% had been given food or products instead of being paid in money.

    The most at risk

    We found exploitation is most often experienced by the most vulnerable young people. These include transgender, non-permanent workers (casual employees and private contractors), residents on temporary visas) and non-native English speakers.

    The worst-performing industries included electricity, gas, water and waste services; manufacturing; mining; transport, postal and warehousing; public administration and safety; information media and telecommunications; accommodation and food services; retail trade, and education and training.

    Workers in small businesses (up to 19 staff) were often not paid overtime or penalty rates, and were being paid “off the books”.

    Medium-sized business workers (20–199 employees) were the most likely to be required to pay for work-related items, such as equipment, training and car hire.

    And those from large businesses (200-plus) reported the highest rates of variance of weekly hours and requirements to pay for work uniform.

    Young people often don’t have much industrial knowledge or experience, so it is easy for employers to take advantage of them. They are also unlikely to challenge an employer, as many of them are in insecure work.

    What steps are being taken?

    Laws which took effect January 1 this year mean employers may face criminal penalties – including fines, imprisonment or both – if they intentionally underpay an employee in breach of the Fair Work Act 2009.

    But identifying underpayments and other forms of exploitation are the biggest barrier to compliance with workplace laws.

    Surveyed workers who were underpaid said they were most likely to seek the help of a family member. Only 12.9% of those aged 15 to 19 said they would be willing to complain to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

    However, workers who had dealt with the ombudsman mostly saw their experiences as positive: 41% found the regulator to be “very helpful”, while only 16.7% described it as “not helpful at all” or “not very helpful”.

    The results suggest the Fair Work Ombudsman needs to be doing more to engage teenage workers.

    What’s needed

    The Fair Day’s Work project set out to use data science and technology to identify risk of underpayment in relation to young workers, and improve employer compliance with workplace laws.

    Our aim was to develop a database on young workers employment conditions, along with a web portal to give young people and employers the information they need.

    We hypothesised that a prediction tool could be used to assess which young workers are at greatest risk. However, we found publicly available data was insufficient to do this, so we conducted our own survey of young workers and made this data available through a public web portal to help workers and employers.

    We came up six recommendations to help stop young workers being exploited:

    1. regulators need to get tougher with the nine industries we identified as the poorest performers to make them more compliant

    2. the Fair Work Ombudsman should scrutinise the industries where payment was made in food or products and workers were required to return money to employers occurred most frequently

    3. educate mid-sized businesses on the extent to which they can lawfully require workers to pay for work-related items

    4. lawmakers and the Fair Work Commission should consider introducing truly equitable “loaded rates” for junior employees. This would deal with non-payment of penalty rates and other entitlements by some employers

    5. more money to make young workers aware they can get help from the Fair Work Ombudsman, trade unions, community legal centres, the Young Workers’ Centre and similar bodies

    6. more work to develop and use data science and digital tools to help employers fulfil their legal obligations, and to protect young workers’ rights.

    Our survey results highlight the extent to which young people continue to be exploited in the workplace and suggest more work needs to be done to bring about change.

    John Howe receives funding from the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

    Tom Dillon receives funding from the Paul Ramsay Foundation.

    – ref. Almost half of young workers expected to work unpaid overtime, while a quarter aren’t paid compulsory super – https://theconversation.com/almost-half-of-young-workers-expected-to-work-unpaid-overtime-while-a-quarter-arent-paid-compulsory-super-261016

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –