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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Arrested in Second Federal Sweep Targeting Asian Boyz Gang for Alleged Drug Trafficking in Lowell

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    BOSTON – Four indictments were unsealed today if federal court in Boston charging a second wave of alleged members and associated of the Asian Boyz gang for their roles in a distribution network of homemade methamphetamine pills, branded as “Adderall.”

    The following five men were arrested this morning and will appear in federal court in Boston later today:

    • Sovath Yern, a/k/a “Stryke,” 35, of Billerica, charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine;
    • Owen Landry, a/k/a “Oski,” 22, of Lowell, charged with one count was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine, aiding and abetting; and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine;
    • Zachary Hansen, 29, of Lowell, charged with one count was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine;
    • Scott Fournier, a/k/a “S.G.,” 33, of Lowell, charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; two counts of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine; and three counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine; and
    • Richard Nguyen, a/k/a “Cheese,” a/k/a “Cheeseburger,” 29, of Lowell, charged with two counts of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine and one count of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine.

    An indictment has also been unsealed against a sixth man currently serving a state prison sentence who will make an initial appearance in federal court in Boston at a later date:

    • Isiah Lyons, a/k/a “Tank,” a/k/a “Rozay,” 29, of Lowell, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine.

    According to court records, today’s charges are a continuation of an investigation into the Asian Boyz gang that began in 2021 to disrupt the manufacturing and distribution of methamphetamine pills impacting Lowell. It is alleged that a total of over 57,000 counterfeit Adderall pills, consisting of over 18 kilograms of a mixture or substance of methamphetamine, were seized from or purchased from the defendants named in the indictments unsealed today.

    Previously, in July 2023, nine members and associates of the Asian Boyz were arrested and charged with conspiracies for drug trafficking and transferring illegal firearms, include machinegun conversion devices. Of the nine defendants, five have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.

    The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams and more of methamphetamine each provide for a sentence of at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $10 million. The charges of distribution of and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine each provide for a sentence of at least five year and up to life in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a fine of up to $5 million. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division; and Greg C. Hudon, Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Billerica, Haverhill, Methuen, North Andover and Salem Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Fred M. Wyshak, III of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

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

    The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. For more information about Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, please visit Justice.gov/OCDETF.

    The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Demand for Skills & Competency Solutions Propel Kahuna’s Growth

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Kahuna Workforce Solutions, a leading skills and competency management SaaS platform, continues to gain momentum as more organizations embrace skills-based workforce strategies. With remarkable company growth across its customer base, product offerings and partnerships, Kahuna is well-positioned to build on this success and drive greater impact in 2025.

    “Kahuna’s growth this past year is a testament to the trust our customers place in us to solve mission-critical workforce challenges,” said Jai Shah, chief executive officer of Kahuna. “We’ve strengthened our team, expanded our technology, and deepened our industry partnerships—all with a relentless focus on delivering real value. As we move forward in 2025, I’m excited about what’s ahead: a growing community of customer advocates, a strong go-to-market strategy and evolving technology solutions to meet our customers’ needs.”

    Key Milestones from 2024:

    • Customer Growth: Kahuna saw a 31% increase in new customers, welcoming enterprise organizations across healthcare, manufacturing, energy and field service.
    • Customer Satisfaction: Kahuna’s commitment to long-term success for customers is reflected in a 98% Gross Dollar Retention Rate and a 116% Net Dollar Retention Rate. The company also earned top recognition from G2, including badges for Best Support, Users Most Likely to Recommend, Easiest to Do Business With and Highest User Adoption.
    • Strategic Industry Collaboration: New partnerships with PXO and Amplifire and collaboration with one of the top-rated hospital networks in the world, expanded market reach and delivered greater value to customers. The Kahuna Advisory Board (KAB) also grew by 221%, strengthening knowledge sharing among Kahuna customers.
    • Product Innovation: Kahuna continued to enhance its product offerings, with new solutions launching in 2025 that will help organizations leverage skills data for career development, operational efficiency and workforce planning.
    • Investments: Memorial Hermann Health System deepened its partnership with Kahuna by becoming an investor, reinforcing a shared commitment to developing innovative solutions that help build more resilient, future-ready workforces.
    • Team Growth: Kahuna expanded its team significantly, with key leadership additions including Vijay Kalvakuntla as chief financial officer, Diane Mitchell as chief marketing officer and Jeff Durand as vice president of channels and business development.

    With a strong foundation in place, Kahuna is set to continue helping customers use validated skills data to build more agile workforces and operate more effectively in 2025, and beyond.

    About Kahuna Workforce Solutions
    Kahuna Workforce Solutions is a leading skills and competency management SaaS platform designed for operations, learning and human resources. The platform provides enterprises with validated skills data, offering valuable insights into workforce capabilities, aligning talent supply and demand and maximizing training investments. Kahuna helps organizations build a more skilled, adaptable, and competitive workforce. Learn more: kahunaworkforce.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Tanzania: MSF team supports response to outbreak of Marburg virus

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –

    Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is actively supporting the response to an outbreak of Marburg virus in Tanzania’s Kagera region, which is being led by the Ministry of Health. The outbreak was declared by Tanzanian authorities on 20 January 2025.

    Working alongside the Ministry of Health and other partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO), an MSF team with experience responding to epidemics is in Kagera region to strengthen the local response capacity. We are providing trainings and essential protective and medical equipment to frontline healthcare staff.

    An MSF team experienced in outbreak management was invited by the Ministry of Health to take part in the assessment of local response capacities in January in Kagera, together with the WHO and other partners. Tanzania, January 2025.
    Clemence/WHO

    “The Tanzanian authorities have made significant efforts to contain the epidemic and promote collaboration between various health agencies,” says Tommaso Santo, MSF’s head of mission. “For the time being, our response is focussed on technical aspects, such as reinforcing case management capacities and implementing infection prevention and control measures.”

    MSF will ensure that its response contributes effectively to limiting the impact of the outbreak on affected communities and preventing the disease from spreading further.

    As of 28 January, the Ministry of Health has reported two confirmed cases, two deaths among confirmed cases and eight additional probable deaths, with 64 suspected cases and 281 contacts being monitored for symptoms of the disease.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Statement calling for action to tackle congestion and speed up bus journeys in Oxford

    Source: City of Oxford

    Monday, 3 February 2025

    “We share the frustration of local residents and businesses about further delay to the Botley Road bridge replacement. 

    “The upgrade of Oxford train station is vital for the city’s economy, but the closure of Botley Road is having a devastating impact on residents and businesses across Oxford. 

    “Oxfordshire County Council, as the highways authority, must take action now to tackle congestion and speed up bus journeys in Oxford. We cannot leave residents wasting hours every day sitting in traffic jams for another year and a half.

    “The county council needs to sit down with the bus companies, businesses and others urgently to find solutions. All options must be on the table.” 

    Councillor Louise Upton, Cabinet Member for Planning

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Chinese Chemical Company Executives Convicted And Multiple Websites And Cryptocurrency Accounts Seized In Connection With Fentanyl Precursor Importation And Money Laundering Schemes

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Qingzhou Wang, the Company’s Principal Executive, and Yiyi Chen, the Company’s Marketing Manager, Conspired to Import Ton Quantities of Fentanyl Precursors from China to the United States in Exchange for Payment in Cryptocurrency

    Danielle R. Sassoon, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Derek S. Maltz, the Acting Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), announced that a jury returned a guilty verdict against QINGZHOU WANG, a/k/a “Bruce” (“WANG”), and YIYI CHEN, a/k/a “Chiron” (“CHEN”), on fentanyl precursor importation and money laundering charges.  WANG was also convicted of importing a methamphetamine precursor.  WANG and CHEN, both nationals of China, were found guilty following a two-week trial before U.S. District Judge Paul G. Gardephe.

    U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon and Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz also announced today the seizure of domain names for seven websites and four cryptocurrency accounts, totaling approximately $900,000 worth of digital funds, tied to the illicit precursor chemical business of WANG and CHEN’s company, HUBEI AMARVEL BIOTECH CO., LTD., a/k/a “AmarvelBio,” (“AMARVEL BIOTECH”), its related entities, and its executives and employees.  Five additional websites tied to AMARVEL BIOTECH, including its principal website, were previously seized in June 2023.

    U.S. Attorney Danielle R. Sassoon said: “Qingzhou Wang and Yiyi Chen conspired to import massive amounts of fentanyl precursors from China into the United States.  They did so with callous disregard for the effect that such deadly chemicals would ultimately have here in the United States.  Now, they stand convicted in an American courtroom and face a substantial term of imprisonment for their crimes.  And we are not done.  The seizures announced today continue the ongoing fight against the fentanyl supply chain.  The message should be clear:  we are watching, and we will continue to dismantle these fentanyl precursor operations, and bring the individuals responsible to justice.”

    Acting Administrator Derek S. Maltz said: “I have personally seen the devastation that illicit fentanyl has had on American families. I have looked into the eyes of hundreds of mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers, who would give anything to have one more moment with their loved one. The DEA’s top priority is protecting the safety of the American people. These convictions, and the seizures of these websites and accounts, show that no matter where you live in the world or where you operate in the fentanyl supply chain, the DEA will utilize all of our resources to bring you to justice. I’m incredibly proud of the men and women of DEA, alongside our law enforcement partners, who worked tirelessly on this investigation and the unrelenting fight against illicit fentanyl.”

    As reflected in the Indictment, public filings, and the evidence presented at trial:

    AMARVEL BIOTECH was a chemical manufacturer based in the city of Wuhan, in Hubei province, China, that exported vast quantities of the precursor chemicals used to manufacture fentanyl and its analogues. A synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin, fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 49.  Fentanyl analogues, similar in chemical makeup and effect to fentanyl, can be even more potent and lethal than fentanyl.  Fentanyl and its analogues have devastated communities across the U.S. and are fueling the ongoing opioid epidemic, which killed at least 105,263 Americans between February 2022 and January 2023 alone.

    During the course of an undercover investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”), AMARVEL BIOTECH and its principal executive, WANG, its marketing manager, CHEN, and a sales representative, FNU LNU, a/k/a “Er Yang,” a/k/a “Anita” (“YANG”), shipped more than 200 kilograms from China to the United States of precursor chemicals used to make fentanyl and its analogues.  AMARVEL BIOTECH, WANG, CHEN, and YANG shipped the precursors to the U.S. after being told that the chemicals would be used to produce fentanyl in New York, and they agreed to supply multi-ton shipments of fentanyl precursors despite being told that Americans had died after consuming fentanyl made from the chemicals that the defendants had sold.

    For example, on or about November 17, 2022, a DEA confidential source (“CS-1”) wrote to YANG using an encrypted messaging application, “You know I making fentanyl,” and “Is not safe.”  YANG replied, “i know.”  On or about December 1, 2022, YANG wrote to CS-1, promising that CS-1 would be “happy with our product” and noting that CS-1 would “be able to synthesize fentanyl.” In exchange for payment in cryptocurrency, AMARVEL BIOTECH thereafter shipped from China to New York approximately 999.7 grams of the fentanyl precursor 1-boc-4-AP, approximately 1,002.6 grams of the fentanyl precursor 1-boc-4-piperidone, and approximately 893.6 grams of the methamphetamine precursor methylamine.

    In or about March 2023, WANG and CHEN traveled from China to Bangkok, Thailand, to meet with an individual whom CS-1 represented was CS-1’s boss, but was in fact another DEA confidential source (“CS-2”).  During the meeting, WANG and CHEN discussed AMARVEL BIOTECH’s ability to supply ton-quantities of fentanyl precursors to New York for CS-1 and CS-2’s fentanyl manufacturing operation.  After CS-2 stated that CS-2 wanted a different formula for manufacturing fentanyl and that several of CS-2’s American customers had purportedly died, WANG and CHEN advised they had “a lot of customers in America and Mexico” who could provide technical assistance with fentanyl production.                        

    After the March 2023 meeting in Bangkok, AMARVEL BIOTECH, WANG, CHEN, and YANG agreed to sell CS-1 and CS-2 approximately 210 kilograms of fentanyl precursors in exchange for payment in cryptocurrency.  During an April 10, 2023 video call with WANG and CHEN, CS-2 stated that the approximately 210 kilograms of fentanyl precursors would be used to manufacture approximately 50 to 55 kilograms of fentanyl—an amount that could contain approximately 25 million deadly doses.   

    In or about May 2023, AMARVEL BIOTECH, WANG, CHEN, and YANG sent to the U.S. the shipment ordered by CS-1 and CS-2.  On or about May 5, 2023, the DEA retrieved the precursor shipment from a warehouse near Los Angeles, California.  Lab testing confirmed the presence of a precursor chemical for a fentanyl analogue. In an encrypted messaging group chat with CS-1, CS-2, WANG, and CHEN, YANG explained that “New York, the United States, has been strict in checking the precursors of the ‘final product’ some time ago, so for the sake of safety, this time it is sent to California.”

    In or about June 2023, WANG and CHEN traveled from China to meet again with CS-2.  During the meeting, WANG and CHEN discussed with CS-2 a multi-ton order of fentanyl precursor chemicals.  WANG and CHEN also discussed the need to take additional measures to protect themselves from detection and interdiction of their shipments “because recently American government . . . seized some Mexican group and they followed the routes to China,” where the U.S. Government found “our competitor in China”—an apparent reference to fentanyl-related charges filed in the Southern District of New York and announced in April 2023 against, among others, leadership of the Sinaloa Cartel and certain China-based precursor chemical company executives.

    AMARVEL BIOTECH openly advertised online its sale of precursor chemicals for use in manufacturing fentanyl.  Through its website and a host of other storefront sites, AMARVEL BIOTECH targeted precursor chemical customers in Mexico, where drug cartels operate clandestine laboratories and distribute finished fentanyl into and throughout the United States, including by advertising fentanyl precursors as a “Mexico hot sale,” guaranteeing “100% stealth shipping” abroad, and posting to its websites documentation of AMARVEL BIOTECH shipping chemicals to Culiacan, the home city of the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the dominant drug trafficking organizations in the Western Hemisphere and which is largely responsible for the massive influx of fentanyl into the U.S. in recent years.  Below is a screenshot of one of AMARVEL BIOTECH’s store pages for a fentanyl precursor:

    AMARVEL BIOTECH also endeavored to thwart law enforcement interdiction of its precursor chemical shipments.  AMARVEL BIOTECH advertised online the business’s ability to use deceptive packaging—such as packaging indicating the contents are dog food, nuts, or motor oil—to ensure “safe” delivery of the illicit contents such shipments.  An example of one of AMARVEL BIOTECH’s online advertisements are shown below:

    *                *                *

    WANG, 36, of China, and CHEN, 32, of China, were each convicted of:  one count of conspiracy to import the fentanyl precursor chemical 1-boc-4-AP, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe it will be used to manufacture fentanyl, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.  WANG was also convicted of: one count of importation of the fentanyl precursor chemical 1-boc-4-AP, knowing or having reasonable cause to believe it will be used to manufacture fentanyl, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and one count of importation of the methamphetamine precursor chemical methylamine, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.  WANG and CHEN were each acquitted of one count of conspiracy to manufacture, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and a fentanyl-related substance.

    The maximum penalties are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

    A table listing the websites for which the domain names have been seized pursuant Title 21, U.S. Code, Sections 853 and 970 is set forth below:

    Internet users attempting to access the seized domains now see the following:

    Ms. Sassoon praised the outstanding efforts of the DEA’s Special Operations Division Bilateral Investigations Unit.  Ms. Sassoon also thanked the DEA Bangkok Country Office, DEA Wellington Country Office, DEA Beijing Country Office, DEA Honolulu District Office, DEA New York Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) Strike Force, DEA Riverside District Office, DEA Special Testing Laboratory, the DEA Southwest Laboratory, the Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, the Royal Thai Police Narcotics Suppression Bureau, the Fiji Police Force Narcotic Bureau, the Fiji Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Hawaii for their assistance.

    This case is being handled by the Office’s National Security and International Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander Li and Kevin Sullivan are in charge of the prosecution, with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Sabrina Jim Munoz.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over £69 billion confirmed for council budgets

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Final Settlement confirms over £69 billion government funding for councils, a 6.8% cash-terms increase in Core Spending Power 

    More than £69 billion in funding for England’s councils has been confirmed today as the government delivers on its commitment to restore trust and stability in public services.   

    Following the provisional Settlement in December, today’s final Settlement provides a 6.8% in cash terms increase in councils’ Core Spending Power compared to 2024-25. With increased demand and running costs rising, this money is a lifeline and will guarantee no council sees a decrease in their Core Spending Power.   

    Families across the country rely on crucial council services such as social care, which is why the government is providing up to £3.7 billion additional funding to social care authorities to deliver this. This includes an £880 million uplift to the Social Care Grant, compared to 2024-25.  

    A new £270 million Children’s Social Care Prevention Grant will support the national roll out of vital family help, keeping children safe and ensuring they get the best start in life as set out in the Plan for Change.  

    While fundamental change cannot happen overnight, the government is working at pace with the sector to deliver the ambitious reform needed to spread power, money and resources more fairly across the country.   

    Today, £60 million has also been confirmed to fund long-term improvements to the local government sector over the next year, including empowering mayoral areas leading the devolution revolution in delivering local priorities and supporting councils’ financial reporting with a fit and legal audit system to ensure transparency.  

    Rebuilding the sector from the ground up is a crucial step towards the national Plan for Change to bring better value for money, sustained economic growth and fix our country’s public services.  

    The government has maintained the 5% referendum principles on council tax increases – the same level set by the previous administration- to protect taxpayers from excessive increases. 

    Unlike previous years, this government has introduced a stricter approach to the inherited arrangements that allowed councils to request higher council tax increases if they need Exceptional Financial Support and see increases as critical to maintaining their financial sustainability. 

    This approach puts taxpayers at the forefront, for example by only agreeing increases where councils are amongst the lowest existing levels for tax. In fact, taxpayers in these areas are still expected to be paying less than the average council tax compared to similar councils. This approach has limited the number and scale of additional increases, with the government not agreeing where councils have asked to increase council tax by a very high amount or by high amounts in successive years. 

    Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner said:   

    Councils deliver vital services across the country – driving growth and local economies and providing a lifeline for those that need it most.  

    Through our Plan for Change we are determined to fix the foundations of local government; investing where it is needed, trusting local leaders and working together to deliver growth, better health and social care services and the affordable homes people need. 

    Minister of State for Local Government and English Devolution, Jim McMahon OBE said:   

    We have been clear we will fix the foundations of local government. That means an end to short-term solutions and instead rebuilding the sector to put councils on a more stable and secure footing.    

     >Local leaders play a crucial role in delivering the day-to-day services communities across the country rely on, which is why we want to work with them towards a fairer funding model that tackles regional inequality and prioritises outcomes for local people.

    This final Settlement marks an important step towards a government focused on efficiency, value-for-money and a community first approach. For the first time, a new £600 million Recovery Grant will help support places most in need, which maximises public spending to ensure it delivers more meaningful outcomes.   

    The sector is already having its say via an open consultation on how to best streamline the outdated funding model and distribute taxpayer’s money more fairly, based on an updated assessment of need, enabling every council to deliver high quality services to their communities.   

    As part of handing local leaders more power and control of their funding, the government will end outdated processes and bureaucracy of bidding for different funding pots and bring forward the first multi-year settlement in a decade in 2026-27 to provide certainty and economic security to councils setting budgets.    

    The provisional settlement consultation was open for 4 weeks and closed on 15 January 2024.    

    Notes to Editors   

    Further details on all of the above, including allocations for individual councils can be found on the Final Local Government Finance Settlement page 2025-26 here.   

    See the Deputy Prime Minister’s full Written Ministerial Statement here: Written statements – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament   

    The Final Settlement will be debated in the House of Commons on Wednesday 5th February.  

    The government’s consultation on funding reform from 2026-27 can be found here, and remains open until 12 February.     

    Two statutory reports have also been published:   

    A record number of councils asked the government for support this year to help them set their budgets, and a record number of these councils have asked for additional council tax increases to aid their financial recovery. 

    For councils that require Exceptional Financial Support, the government has considered requests from councils for bespoke council tax referendum principles on a case-by-case basis and has agreed bespoke referendum principles for six local authorities. All six of the councils have been clear they will not be able to set a balanced budget without government support. The government has not agreed to all requests and has not agreed to any request in its entirety, to reduce the impact on taxpayers. In the areas where we have made the difficult decision to allow limited council tax rises,  we expect that no taxpayer will see their bills reach higher than the average compared to similar authorities. 

    Core Spending Power is a measure of the resources available to local authorities to fund service delivery. It sets out the money that has been made available to councils through the local government finance settlement.   

    The government confirmed unringfenced allocations of the £515m of funding announced at the provisional local government finance settlement to support to local government meet the increased costs of directly employed staff arising from changes to employer National Insurance Contribution (NICs).   

    The previous government’s referendum threshold for council tax will be maintained at 3% with 2% for the adult social care precept to protect local taxpayers.    

    Several grants including the Rural Services Delivery Grant and the Services Grant will be repurposed. The government will ensure the impact of rurality on the cost of service delivery and demand is reflected in the public consultation next year. Places with a significant rural population will on average receive almost a 6% increase in their Core Spending Power. No council will see a reduction.  

    Councils will also receive over £1 billion in total through the Extended Producer Responsibility for Packing scheme (pEPR) which will cover the existing costs they incur for managing household packaging waste, provide additional funding for new legal duties, and support much needed investment in the waste and recycling industry.

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Digital mental health technologies guidance launched to help manufacturers and safeguard users

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    New guidance helps manufacturers navigate medical device regulations and protect users of digital mental health technologies.

    The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today issued new guidance to help manufacturers meet UK medical devices regulations and ensure digital mental health technologies are effective, reliable and acceptably safe.

    From mental health apps, AI-powered assessments, and virtual reality therapy, digital mental health technologies are increasingly used by individuals and the NHS to support mental health.

    Digital mental health technologies that diagnose, prevent, or treat conditions using complex software must meet medical device standards to ensure they are effective and acceptably safe, just like any other medical device. Manufacturers may be unsure how medical devices regulations apply to software, which products are regulated, how they are assessed, and what evidence is required.

    This new guidance explains:

    • How to define and communicate the intended purpose of a digital mental health technology
    • When a digital mental health technology is considered a medical device under UK law.
    • How risk classification is determined, ensuring proportionate regulation for different types of technologies.

    For people using mental health apps, this means greater confidence in the tools they rely on.

    Rob Reid, Deputy Director of Innovative Devices at the MHRA, said:

    Effective and acceptably safe digital tools have huge potential to improve mental health support, making help more accessible than ever. This new guidance aims to support safe access to these important tools by clarifying when a product needs regulatory approval and the steps developers must take. Maintaining clear and proportionate regulatory standards will ensure that the public can trust these technologies and benefit from the safe, effective mental health support they can provide.

    The guidance is one of the outputs from a three-year Wellcome-funded project, launched in 2023, to explore the regulation of digital mental health products. Developed by the MHRA, with input from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), NHS experts, researchers, healthcare professionals, and people with lived experience, it aims to meet both clinical and real-world needs, to address the growing mental health crisis in the UK.

    Mark Chapman, Director of HealthTech at NICE, said:

    Providing more detailed guidance to the developers of digital mental health technologies helps us to ensure that technologies being considered for NICE assessments have received an appropriate level of regulatory scrutiny to assure their safety. There are many types of technologies available, and it is important people can understand how regulations apply to different products. This guidance will help inform our evaluations and ensure that NICE is able to publish useful, usable, and timely guidance that allows people with mental health conditions to access safe and effective innovations faster.

    Professor Miranda Wolpert, Director of Mental Health at Wellcome, which funded the project, said:

    With millions of people around the world held back by mental health problems, digital mental health therapies have huge potential to be scalable and accessible.

    It is not easy to navigate between over and under regulation in this area. In a fast-moving and continuously evolving digital space, these thoughtful guidelines appear well positioned to strike a pragmatic balance between making digital mental health technologies accessible to those with a range of mental health needs whilst also ensuring they are safe, effective and as transparent as possible.

    Manufacturers of digital mental health technologies should review the guidance to ensure compliance before bringing their products to market.

    The full guidance is available on the MHRA website: Digital mental health technology: qualification and classification

    Notes to editors

    1. Digital mental health technologies (DMHT) are software and digital products that support mental health and wellbeing. They can be websites, internet-based platforms or applications (apps) to be used with non-medical technology, such as computers, mobile phones, fitness wearables, and virtual reality (VR) headsets, or medical technology, such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) headsets. They can be available as direct-to-consumer products intended for patients and the public or used with a referral or supervision from healthcare or educational professionals, as part of the blended delivery of mental health care. Some DMHT qualify as medical devices and therefore need to be regulated as such to ensure effectiveness, reliability and acceptable safety. The new guidance provides clarity on three key areas. First, it explains how to define the intended purpose and functionality of a digital mental health technology (DMHT). Second, it sets out which types of DMHT qualify as Software as a Medical Device (SaMD) and therefore require regulation. Finally, it outlines how these technologies are classified based on risk, with Class I devices being low-risk and self-certified, while higher-risk devices (Class IIa, IIb, or III) require assessment by an Approved or Notified Body to obtain regulatory certification.

    2. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.

    3. The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.

    4. For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651. 

    Updates to this page

    Published 3 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Ministry of Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief call for urgent investment into anticipatory action in Bangladesh

    Source: World Food Programme

    DHAKA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of Bangladesh’s Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief (MoDMR) released the “State of Anticipatory Action 2024” report, this week, highlighting the importance of anticipatory action in disaster risk management.

    The report outlines significant progress made in 2024 while emphasising the urgent need to address funding and coverage gaps to safeguard vulnerable communities in Bangladesh from escalating climate-related disasters.

    “By providing cash support before Cyclone Remal, we reduced the damage to coastal communities and protected livelihoods while ensuring people had essential resources”, said Razwanur Rahman, Director General of the Department of Disaster Management under MoDMR. “Similarly, Anticipatory Action support during the July floods helped prevent big economic losses.”  He added that the MoDMR plans to expand anticipatory action to cover more disasters, improve early warning tools and increase community-level involvement.

    Anticipatory action has proven to be critical in reducing the impact of extreme climate. In 2024, Bangladesh made significant strides in anticipatory action within its disaster management framework.  The government’s increasing integration of anticipatory action, notably its inclusion in the 2019 standing orders on disaster, was further strengthened by the activation of 15 anticipatory action initiatives. These activations covered 20 districts and reached nearly 430,000 people ahead of monsoon floods, flash floods, cyclones, and heatwaves.  A multi-stakeholder technical working group was established to better align activities with national priorities.

    The integration of tools like El Niño forecasts and other predictive models into anticipatory planning enabled more timely and targeted responses.  These efforts were supported by the mobilization of US$ 10.4 million for anticipatory action activities, with multilateral donors playing a crucial role in funding. 

    Despite these achievements, the report identifies critical gaps that must be urgently addressed. For 2025, a significant funding shortfall persists with more than half the needs underfunded (US$ 42 million). The largest funding needs are for monsoon floods (US$ 24 million), cyclones (US$ 10 million) and flash floods (US$ 8 million).

    Additionally, over 54 percent of households in need were left unsupported in 2024, with those affected by flash floods experiencing an 88.2 percent coverage gap. The need to expand coverage remains pressing.

    Looking ahead, the report identifies 23 districts for coverage, including those impacted by cold waves, landslides, droughts and heavy rainfall. Over 4.1 million households face potential exposure to major hazards, with 2.7 million households likely to experience significant impacts.

    To address these challenges, the report recommends exploring risk pooling, anticipatory action insurance and multi-year funding commitments to ensure long-term sustainability.

    “While the report underscores significant progress in institutionalising and operationalising anticipatory action in Bangladesh, challenges in the form of funding and coverage persist. By addressing these gaps through enhanced coordination, innovative financing and expanded coverage, Bangladesh can solidify its position as a global leader in anticipatory action”, said Riccardo Suppo, Head of Programme, WFP Bangladesh. He also thanked the European Union, Germany, Ireland, UN CERF, KOICA and other donors for supporting anticipatory action efforts in Bangladesh.

    #                          #                              # 

     

    About WFP: 

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change. 

    Follow us on X @wfp_bangladesh, Facebook @WFPinBangladesh, Instagram @wfp_bangladesh  

     ng AA efforts in Bangladesh.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: USS Mount Whitney Holds Change of Command

    Source: United States Navy

    Capt. Colin Price relieved Capt. Matthew Kiser and assumed duties as the ship’s commanding officer in a ceremony aboard the ship. Vice Adm. J. T. Anderson, commander of U.S. Sixth Fleet, and Striking and Support Forces NATO, presided over the ceremony and delivered remarks about Kiser’s time aboard the Mount Whitney.

    “One unique aspect of serving as the commanding officer of the U.S. Sixth Fleet flagship is how the ship and crew represent the U.S. Navy in Europe and Africa, participating in many exercises, key leader engagements, and strengthening our relationships with allies and partners,” Anderson said. “Capt. Kiser built a great team that accomplished all we could ask of them.”

    Kiser, a graduate of Texas A&M University and a native of Bedford, Texas assumed command in April 2023. During his tour, he led the flagship of U.S. Sixth Fleet and Naval Striking and Support Forces NATO while participating in several exercises and activities, including Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2023 and 2024, Large Scale Exercise (LSE) 23, as well as support to Joint Task Force 406 as it conducted multi-national maritime crisis response and contingency planning.

    During his speech that he gave in the change of command ceremony, Kiser credited the success of his tour to the hard work that Mount Whitney Sailors exhibited.

    “I couldn’t be prouder of our Team 20 Sailors and Civil Service Mariners, and their achievements over the last two years,” Kiser said. “It has been a privilege as commanding officer to witness the hard work and dedication in supporting command and control exercises and activities with our partner branches in the U.S. armed forces and our allies in NATO.

    “My time is highlighted by the efforts of Team 20 that went into demonstrating our new capability to support two separate staffs embarked simultaneously while each were engaged with their own mission – on the only ship that can do this in the world. I am eager to watch the ship’s continued progress over the next several months as the Mount Whitney gets back out to sea.”

    Price is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy with a Bachelor of Science in systems engineering. He was commissioned in 2001, and designated a Naval Aviator in January 2004.

    As a junior officer he was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 in Lemoore, California, with deployments embarked aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), and as a global war on terror support assignment as an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operator in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.

    In August 2005, he participated in Joint Task Force Katrina providing humanitarian assistance to the citizens of New Orleans. In 2015, after completion of Navy Nuclear Power training he was assigned as the 25th executive officer of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).

    “I want to express my sincere congratulations to Capt. Kiser for a job well done and for the great service he did for our nation and Navy,” Price said. “It is an honor and pleasure to assume the watch from you. I promise to take exemplary care of your Sailors and ship.”

    Mount Whitney, forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

    U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) is the U.S. 6th Fleet flagship, homeported in Gaeta, and operates with a combined crew of U.S. Sailors and Military Sealift Command civil service mariners.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Steam toys take centre stage at pumping station event

    Source: City of Leicester

    STEAM-POWERED toys, boats and trains will take centre stage at Leicester’s Abbey Pumping Station later this month.

    Tickets are now on sale for the popular Steam Toys in Action event, which will give visitors the chance to go back in time and enjoy a nostalgic day out, with a wide range of steam-powered toys and vintage vehicles on display.

    Historic fire engines, vintage buses, a milk float and an old electric bread van will be amongst the vehicles on show at the event on Sunday 23 February, while visitors will also be able to see the pumping station’s magnificent beam engine in full steam.

    There will be rides on the steam-powered narrow-gauge railway (50p charge), with the grand opening of the Forget Me Not mini railway – built and maintained by the dedicated volunteers of the Leicester Museums Technology Association – taking place at 2pm.

    The pumping station’s café will be open for refreshments, while a vintage coal-fired chip van will be selling freshly-fried chips.

    Steam Toys in Action runs from 12 noon until 4.30pm on Sunday 23 February at the Abbey Pumping Station.

    Tickets can be bought online at a reduced price of £6 for adults, £2 for children (no charge for the under-fives) and £5 for students and those aged 60 and over. A family ticket (two adults, two children) is £15 when bought in advance.

    Tickets bought on the door are £7 for adults, £3 for children, £6 for concessions and £18 for a family ticket.

    For more information about Steam Toys in Action, visit leicestermuseums.org/Steam-Toys-2025 or call the Abbey Pumping Station on 0116 299 5111.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Parking charges at Leeds parks set to fund better parks facilities

    Source: City of Leeds

    Parking charges at five Leeds parks will be introduced on 10 February, to fund necessary maintenance and better facilities at the parks.

    The five parks are Golden Acre Park, Otley Chevin, Roundhay Park (including Mansion Lane), Temple Newsam and Middleton Park (where charges will apply at the Urban Bike Park only).

    Like councils across the UK, Leeds City Council is facing unprecedented budget challenges, needing to find over £100million in savings over the next financial year. Simultaneously, significant investment is needed to ensure that Leeds’s much-loved parks continue to be safe and welcoming spaces for residents and visitors.

    The decision was therefore made to introduce a small parking charge at the five sites, set at £4 for a full day. There will also be the option to purchase a year’s season ticket for £80, equating to just over £1.50 per week, which can be used across all Leeds City Council’s parks.

    Blue badge holders will continue to park for free.

    All the investments required to introduce the parking charges will be funded by the income generated through the charges themselves, including the new ticket machines. It is anticipated that the costs will be recouped from the income generated by the charges within six months.

    The money raised will also fund car park surface improvements, bay marking, signage, safe access for pedestrians and ongoing maintenance. This is to make the sites more welcoming, accessible, safer and easier to navigate and park in.

    Cycle parking will be added at the car parks as part of the scheme and electric vehicle charging infrastructure will be considered and implemented where possible.

    Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “Leeds City Council looks after over 4,000 hectares of parks and green spaces. Sadly, without a sustainable funding stream, the much-loved spaces will deteriorate, resulting in health and safety risks. This is why we have taken the decision to introduce parking charges at these five parks in Leeds, starting 10 February.

    “We are keeping the charges nominal, equivalent to or less than a return ticket on the bus, and parking will remain free for blue badge holders.

    “I’d also like to reiterate that the funding required to introduce these charges, such as new ticket machines, will all be paid for by the charges themselves.

    “By maintaining our wonderful parks and green spaces, we are providing spaces for communities in the city to be active and to play and helping to improve mental and physical health across all ages.”

    Parking payments will be accepted at the machines using a contactless bank card or via the PayByPhone parking app. Season tickets will be available to purchase online (at https://bit.ly/ParkingLCC) or using cash or card in some community hubs and libraries and in some of the council’s retail units and cafés within the parks.

    The charges will be:

    • £1 up to 2 hours.
    • £2.50 for half a day
    • £4 for a full day
    • Season ticket: £10 per month or £80 per annum
    • Free for blue badge holders

    The charges will apply seven days a week between 8am – 8pm.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The final stage of the VIII season of the Olympiad “I am a professional”: two weeks before the start

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    For the eighth year, the intellectual competition has been inviting talents from all over the country to become part of the universe of opportunities to receive bonuses upon admission to the HSE Master’s program, a chance to do an internship at partner companies (Yandex, VTB, Sber, Russian Railways and others) and cash prizes of up to 300,000 rubles. The results of the selection round are already known, and the final round is just around the corner. We share statistics and talk about important dates in February.

    Of the 71 areas of this Olympiad season, six are implemented by the Higher School of Economics: Economics, Sociology, Urban Studies, Business Informatics, Journalism, and Design.

    The qualifying stage has been completed

    Based on the results of the selection round, 3,619 participants were admitted to participate in the following areas of the Higher School of Economics: Business Informatics – 558, Design – 429, Journalism – 348, Sociology – 983, Urban Studies – 419, and Economics – 882.

    Participants who have scored the required number of points and presented a document confirming their student status are admitted to the final stage of the Olympiad. Passing scores may vary depending on the territorial affiliation of the university. More details are available at page.

    Alexander Chepovsky, Director of Strategic Work with Applicants, shares statistics: “The Higher School of Economics has been the university organizing the Olympiad for the eighth year now.”I am a professional“Our areas traditionally enjoy great interest among students from all over Russia. For example, this year, almost 80% of students who passed to the next stage in our areas are studying at other universities in the country. Students of the Higher School of Economics showed decent results in the selection stage of the Olympiad “I am a professional” and were admitted to participate in the final stage in 70 areas. The range of interests is impressive and makes you wonder how versatile and talented the people at the HSE are.”

    The final stage

    The final stage in all areas will begin in February. It may be held in several rounds (semi-final and final) or in one (final) depending on each specific area.

    “Business Informatics”

    The final stage is held in two rounds in a remote format. The semi-final will take place on February 23 in two time slots: from 03:00 to 09:00 and from 10:00 to 16:00 Moscow time. Participants have the right to choose one most convenient slot. The completion time is fixed: participants who start completing tasks not from the beginning of the allocated interval will have less time.

    “Design”

    There is no semi-final in this area — only the final. Participants must upload completed projects to their personal account from 00:00 on February 17 to 23:59 on March 16 Moscow time. The defense of completed assignments will take place in April.

    “Journalism”

    Participants will have an online semi-final and final. In the first round, they must complete and upload their work from 00:00 on February 26 to 23:59 on March 3 Moscow time. The final will also be held in April.

    “Sociology”

    There is no semi-final in this category. Participants must complete the final round in person.

    The competition will take place on February 15. The participants will gather and undergo the identification procedure from 09:30 to 09:50 Moscow time. The final will begin at 10:00 (Moscow time). You will have 240 minutes to complete the tasks.

    The final will be held in the following cities: Barnaul, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg, Kaliningrad, Krasnoyarsk, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, St. Petersburg, Stavropol, Tomsk, Tyumen and Yakutsk.

    “Urban Studies”

    The final stage will be held within one round (final) in person on February 16. The start is at 10:00 (Moscow time). You will have 240 minutes to complete the tasks.

    The final of the direction will take place at venues in Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg, Kaliningrad, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, St. Petersburg and Tomsk.

    “Economy”

    The final stage of this direction is also held in person at sites in Barnaul, Vladivostok, Yekaterinburg, Kaliningrad, Krasnoyarsk, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, Novosibirsk, Perm, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, St. Petersburg, Stavropol, Tomsk, Tyumen and Yakutsk.

    The final will take place on February 15. The competition starts at 10:00 Moscow time. Participants will have 180 minutes to complete the tasks.

    You can find the materials of the final stage and a detailed schedule for each direction at website.

    Alexander Chepovsky gives advice to the participants of the final competition: “When going through the final stage, I advise you to be attentive and focused. Stay calm to easily cope with any tasks. Remember that the best will receive not only cash prizes, but also advantages when entering the HSE Master’s program, as well as valuable experience that will help in finding a job and building a career.”

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: White Butte — White Butte RCMP asks members of the public to report sightings of wanted male

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    White Butte RCMP determined two additional crimes were connected to the theft of the truck (see below for background). On January 21, a vehicle was broken into in the community of St. Joseph’s and bank and gift cards were stolen. Also on January 21, a vehicle was damaged in St. Joseph’s.

    As a result of continued investigation, 20-year-old Cynan Fink-Rostad from Regina is charged with:

    – one count, theft of truck, Section 333.1(1), Criminal Code;

    – one count, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, Section 354(1)(a), Criminal Code;

    – one count, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, Section 320.13(1), Criminal Code;

    – three counts, trespass by night, Section 177, Criminal Code;

    – one count, mischief under $5,000 – damage to vehicle; and

    – three counts, theft under $5,000, Section 334(b), Criminal Code.

    A warrant has been issued for Cynan Fink-Rostad’s arrest and White Butte RCMP are working to locate him. They ask members of the public to report all sightings of him and information on his whereabouts.

    Cynan Fink-Rostad is described as approximately 6’3″ and 170 lbs. He has brown hair and brown eyes. He has a tattoo of a rose on his left wrist, numbers on his left hand and a small tattoo under his left eye.

    If you see him, call your local police of jurisdiction. Dial 310-RCMP to reach your local RCMP detachment. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    The investigation into these incidents continues.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Advances Circularity With a New Cobalt Recycling Process for Galaxy S25

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics is building on its commitment to do more with less of the planet’s natural resources by continuing to scale the use of recycled materials in Galaxy devices, including cobalt, an essential material for batteries. Last year, the Galaxy S24 series was the first device to incorporate recycled cobalt. Now, Samsung is taking it one step further by sourcing cobalt from the batteries of previously used Galaxy devices and batteries discarded during the manufacturing process. To achieve this, Samsung established a new Circular Battery Supply Chain with like-minded partners, featuring a multi-phase process to recover cobalt from previously used Galaxy batteries, giving them a second life to power the new Galaxy S25[1] .
     
    The process starts by collecting previously used Galaxy smartphones, such as those from trade-in programs. The batteries are carefully dismantled, discharged and shredded to safely recover cobalt. Then, the shredded fragments are processed into “black mass,” a powder mixture containing cobalt and other metals. The black mass undergoes further processing to extract cobalt, which is then used to produce cathode material—an essential component of smartphone batteries. The remaining cobalt goes through the final stage of the battery manufacturing process, becoming an integral part of the new Galaxy S25 batteries, with each Galaxy S25 battery featuring 50% recycled cobalt [2].
     
    Samsung will continue to expand the use of our new recycled cobalt batteries into our ecosystem to accelerate circularity.
     
    Check out the video below to learn more about Samsung’s innovative Circular Battery Supply Chain.
     
    

    [1] Inclusion may differ by markets.
    [2] A minimum of 25% of the Galaxy S25 battery is cobalt by weight, 50% of which is recycled cobalt.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Students Graduate from Samsung Innovation Campus in Partnership with National University of Lesotho

    Source: Samsung

    A group of twenty-three (23) bright-eyed and talented students have graduated from the Samsung Innovation Campus (SIC), a partnership between Samsung Electronics and the National University of Lesotho (NUL).
     
    The award ceremony, held at NUL’s campus, marked the successful completion of an intensive training programme that seeks to equip young minds with cutting-edge skills in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). SIC is part of Samsung’s global initiative that aims to provide young people with the skills needed for the digital economy, focusing on areas like coding and programming (C&P) as well as artificial intelligence (AI). This NUL-SIC programme seeks to play a vital role in the development of critical skills needed by Lesotho’s economy with the ultimate aim of boosting youth employment.
     
    “Today marks the culmination of months of hard work, dedication and learning. The skills and knowledge we have gained through this programme have opened new career pathways for us and I am excited about the opportunities ahead,” said Reabetsoe Mapeshoane, a graduate of the programme. “I am grateful to Samsung and NUL for this incredible opportunity, which has truly transformed our academic and professional futures.”
     

     
    This partnership with NUL which aims to help Lesotho create more opportunities for growth, has managed to empower students to not only enhance their technical expertise, but also prepare for a future of innovation and leadership in the country’s technology industry.
     
    Prof. Issac Olusola Fajana, Vice Chancellor of the National University of Lesotho, emphasized the importance of such partnerships in shaping the future of Basotho youth. “The collaboration between Samsung and NUL is a milestone for our university and for Lesotho. By offering our students access to global industry innovators and technology-focused education, we are empowering them to become catalysts of change in the tech world. This partnership is a step towards ensuring that our graduates are prepared for a rapidly evolving digital economy.”
     
    The certificate award ceremony celebrated the graduates’ achievements with a special recognition of their hard work. And, as part of the programme – these students completed theory, practicals and capstone projects, equipping them with the tools necessary to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.
     
    “At Samsung, we believe in the power of education to change lives,” said Lefa Makgato, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager for Samsung Electronics in Southern Africa. “Our mission with the Samsung Innovation Campus is not just to teach technical skills, but to nurture the next generation of innovators. These graduates have shown remarkable passion and dedication – we are excited to see them apply their newfound knowledge in real-world settings. We are proud to have partnered with NUL to make this vision a reality.”
     

     
    The global electronics giant remains committed to empowering youth through education and innovation, with plans for further collaborations and initiatives aimed at fostering talent in Africa.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lectures, business games and master classes: SPbGASU held Russian Science Day for students of Lyceum No. 126

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Business game “Interview”

    On January 31, SPbGASU held a large-scale event for students of grades 8–11 of St. Petersburg Lyceum No. 126. The students celebrated Russian Science Day at our university. They visited departments, museums, laboratories, the exhibition hall of the architectural faculty and the scientific and technical library, listened to lectures, took part in business games and master classes.

    On behalf of the university’s management and staff, Marina Malyutina, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, welcomed the guests: “SPbGASU was founded in 1832 under Emperor Nicholas I as the School of Civil Engineers. Throughout our history, we have had different names, but the meaning has remained the same – our university has always been the center of engineering thought and construction science.”

    “Macaroni Builder”, “First-Year Grant” and other reasons to study at SPbGASU

    Alevtina Ragimova and Marina Malyutina

    Marina Viktorovna informed that more than 12 thousand students study at the university. Every year more than 2 thousand graduates leave its walls. All of them are at the cutting edge of new technologies and knowledge and are in demand by the industry: more than 70 percent of graduates find employment in their specialty.

    The university closely cooperates with industry partners – the largest developers of St. Petersburg, Leningrad Oblast and other regions. More than 500 teachers are involved in the educational process, 70 percent of whom have academic titles and degrees, many of whom are members of various state and public academies, including the Russian Academy of Architecture and Construction Sciences.

    You can study at SPbGASU throughout your life – full-time, part-time, part-time, improving your qualifications, undergoing retraining. Students have the opportunity to study in additional educational programs, master a second qualification. The university provides scope for research in more than 10 scientific areas. Scientists report the results of their scientific activities at conferences and symposiums.

    SPbGASU organizes intra-university and all-Russian TIM championships, participates in the International Engineering Championship CASE-IN, and holds the international competition “Macaroni Builder”. An active student life is in full swing here: the Student Leisure and Creativity Center “Kirpich”, the Center for Physical Culture and Sports operate, and student projects are supported. One of such projects is “Adapters”, within the framework of which senior students help first-year students for six months. Curators – teachers who help first-year students study, communicate, and solve everyday problems – also work with the first-year students.

    “Our university is especially proud of the SPbGASU personal scholarship, the so-called “First-Year Grant”. We support the guys who have shown themselves in school and in secondary vocational education – in public life, research, studies, and pay them an additional scholarship on a competitive basis. In general, we have 17 scholarships that our students can receive upon fulfilling certain requirements,” said Marina Malyutina.

    At the end of her speech, the vice-rector presented the lyceum with a book about the architects of St. Petersburg. Alevtina Ragimova, the director of Lyceum No. 126, in her response expressed confidence that many graduates will become students of SPbGASU.

    Students from the Kirpich Student Leisure and Creativity Center performed a concert program that drew thunderous applause. In addition, the winners of the Olympiads that the university holds for future applicants were awarded. Then the lyceum students were treated to a tour of the university and numerous events that immersed them in the world of science.

    What were university lectures about?

    Lecture by Ekaterina Voznyak “Architects of St. Petersburg and Architectural Education”

    Ekaterina Voznyak, Dean of the Faculty of Architecture, spoke about the architects of St. Petersburg and architectural education in her lecture. The Dean said that she does not encourage the audience to become architects, since an architect is a calling that either exists or does not. The students will be able to decide on this issue not now, but at the age of 18-19, however, according to the Dean, it is useful for everyone to know about the architecture and architects of St. Petersburg. Ekaterina Ryurikovna emphasized that in the Northern capital they love and know their architects, who, being different people, create an ensemble, build a single city. This is what distinguishes St. Petersburg architects.

    The lecture by Dmitry Ulrich, Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Engineering and Urban Management, was called “Excursion into the World of Science.” He spoke about the prerequisites for the development of science, the classification of sciences, and scientific discoveries that changed the world. Students learned about the role of chemistry, physics, and mathematics in construction, heat supply, land management, and their importance for engineering education.

    Galina Tokunova, Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management, offered to look into the future of the construction industry. The speaker’s focus was on TIM design, 3D printing, the Internet of Things and smart sensors, robots and drones. The audience learned why artificial intelligence will not replace specialists in economics and management, what specialists in business informatics and economic security do, what is happening in the Laboratory of Digital Information Models in Construction at SPbGASU and much more.

    What was taught in the master classes

    You could feel like an artist at the master class “City Landscape”. Before it began, Konstantin Tarasov, senior teacher of the drawing department, explained that the children would first make an air space “on the wet”, and then introduce into it the silhouette of St. Petersburg – the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Kazan Cathedral. The lesson helped the lyceum students to reveal their creative abilities.

    The model workshop hosted a master class called “Architectural Fantasies”. The children were divided into five teams and created a model of a skyscraper. Olga Belousova, associate professor of the architectural design department, said: “As a starting point, the teams received handouts – photos, pictures, discussed the concept and began to assemble a fantasy model. Forty-five minutes later, the captains presented their work. In this case, they were required not only to write a short story about their skyscraper, but also to come up with a motto for it.”

    Due to the expansion of its activities, the organization calculated its personnel needs. The calculation showed that there were not enough workers in certain areas… This is how the business game “Interview” began, in which the participants learned to present themselves to the employer.

    The guys were divided into two groups: the HR department and job seekers. Olga Bochkareva, Deputy Dean for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Economics and Management, Associate Professor of the Construction Management Department, and Marina Egorova, Deputy Dean for Educational Work, Senior Lecturer of the same department, suggested choosing professional skills that correspond to the professions: economic security specialist, marketer, construction economist, HR department employee. The HR department developed a list of interview questions. Job seekers prepared resumes and talked about themselves. As in real life, only the best got the job.

    At the master classes of the Faculty of Forensic Expertise and Law in Construction and Transport, it was possible to acquire practical skills of legal literacy in relations with unscrupulous employers, take psychological training “How to negotiate with any person”, learn about the criminal liability of minors and receive a lot of other useful information.

    The Automobile and Road Faculty prepared an interesting program. The students learned about the operation of vehicles and transport infrastructure in Arctic conditions, about digital twins of the roads of the future, and reverse engineering. The Automobile and Road Faculty is confident that today the road industry is developing at an incredible speed, and the task of teachers is to prepare specialists who will not only follow modern trends, but also create them.

    “Students of SPbGASU master advanced technologies, participate in research on the introduction of sustainable materials in road construction and the design of safe transport interchanges. SPbGASU is a leader in training personnel for the transport complex, actively cooperates with leading enterprises in the industry and provides students with the opportunity to undergo practical training at the largest construction and transport sites,” commented Andrey Zazykin, Dean of the ADF.

    “Our graduates are in demand – they are invited to work even at the training stage, because employers know that at SPbGASU they receive not only a theoretical base, but also valuable practical experience,” added Igor Chernyaev, head of the department of technical operation of vehicles.

    “SPbGASU is an interesting option”

    We asked ninth-grade students what they remember about Russian Science Day at SPbGASU and where they plan to study next.

    “We are still searching, but this is an interesting option. I will consider it. My father studied here,” shared Timur Bukhtiyarov.

    “I liked the business game the most. It was very fun, interesting, and exciting,” said Zlata Khudyakova.

    Galina Avdeeva, deputy director of Lyceum No. 126 for educational work, said that the Lyceum is very happy with such invitations – not only students, but also teachers learn a lot of new things here.

    The Admissions Committee, which organized the celebration for the lyceum students, thanks the university teachers for their participation, as well as students from the Kirpich Center for Social and Cultural Development, the student media center, and the SPbGASU Volunteer Club.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: $6 million for new key health worker accommodation in Armidale

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    Published: 3 February 2025

    Released by: Minister for Regional Health

    The Armidale community is set to benefit from new Key Worker Accommodation which will help attract, recruit and retain more healthcare workers to the region.

    The Minns Labor Government will invest $6 million in health worker housing in Armidale as part of the Key Health Worker Accommodation Program.

    The $200.1 million Program supports more than 20 projects across rural, regional and remote NSW.

    The funding will secure approximately 120 dwellings across regional NSW, which includes the building of new accommodation, refurbishment of existing living quarters and the purchase of suitable properties such as residential units.

    The four-year Program will support the recruitment and retention of more than 500 health workers and their families by providing a range of accommodation options.

    The Program is one of a number of investments the Minns Labor Government is making to strengthen the regional, rural and remote health workforce and builds on the success of the NSW Government’s $73.2 million investment in key health worker accommodation across five regional local health districts (Far West, Murrumbidgee, Southern NSW, Hunter New England and Western NSW).

    Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

    “The Minns Labor Government is committed to investing in modern, sustainable accommodation options for key health workers who are the backbone of our regional, rural and remote communities.

    “Strengthening our regional health workforce is a key priority for our government and this $6 million investment in accommodation will support attraction of key healthcare workers to Armidale.

    “The Key Health Worker Accommodation Program will support Hunter New England Local Health District in continuing to provide high-quality health services to the community.”

    Quote attributable to Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose MLC:

    “Our Government’s investment is set to significantly benefit the Armidale community.

    “The success of the initiative in other areas shows that provision of quality housing is effective in attracting and retaining essential healthcare professionals to regional and rural areas.

    “It not only addresses the housing shortage but will strengthen our local healthcare services, enhancing the well-being of residents in Armidale and surrounding communities.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Solum Global Inc. Announces Blockchain-Based Electronic Health Wallet (EHW) Solution for U.S. Healthcare Industry

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST PALM BEACH, FL, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Solum Global Inc. (“Solum Global, Solum or the Company”) is a transparent digital network with a fully decentralized, permissionless blockchain protocol and stablecoin (sgUSD) for storing, trading, and transferring digital and real-world assets enabling immediate settlement between individuals, businesses, and governments, announced today its entrance into the U.S. healthcare industry with the anticipated second quarter 2025 release of its electronic health wallet, a blockchain-powered solution designed to streamline transactions, reduce fraud, and enhance data protection.  

    Solum Global is transforming U.S. healthcare by integrating artificial intelligence (AI), smart contracts, and its stablecoin (sgUSD) with a proprietary electronic health wallet (EHW). EHW is a blockchain-based web3 platform that streamlines revenue cycle management (RCM), replacing fragmented legacy web2 systems with a unified, secure, and automated solution. Leveraging blockchain’s key attributes—programmability, security, immutability, and smart contract billing—Solum enables instant payments through its EHW using sgUSD, a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin. AI-driven analysis of historical medical records helps detect financial inefficiencies, including billing errors, waste, abuse, and fraud, while predicting and optimizing future medical expenditures for providers, hospitals, and insurers.

    “Healthcare professionals, hospitals, senior care providers, and insurance companies all recognize the inefficiencies in the U.S. healthcare system, but stakeholders underestimate their true scale. By exposing the full extent of these losses and providing a solution, Solum improves profitability for its clients and contributes to a more secure, efficient, and sustainable healthcare system, benefiting providers, patients, and payers,” stated Geary Stonesifer, CEO of Solum Global, Inc.

    The U.S. healthcare system is plagued by inefficiencies, rising costs, and security vulnerabilities, making innovation more critical than ever. In 2023, the amount spent within the U.S. healthcare industry was a staggering $4.9 trillion, which was $14,570 per person and 17.6% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), equivalent to one out of every six dollars spent on the U.S. economy. The Journal of Managed Care and Specialty Pharmacy reports an estimated $262 billion in claims are denied annually by payers in the United States. The National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association estimates the annual cost of healthcare accounts for an estimated 3% to 10% of all expenditures, or $147 – $490 billion annually. Data breaches among healthcare and medical insurance companies that expose sensitive personal information for millions of Americans occur routinely. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) published that 725 breaches compromised over 133 million records across healthcare and insurance companies. The Solum Global electronic health wallet addresses these challenges by providing a secure, blockchain-powered solution that streamlines transactions, reduces fraud, and enhances data protection. By providing individuals with greater control over their health information, Solum Global is setting a new standard for security and efficiency in healthcare.

    About Solum Global Inc.
    Solum Global is a transparent digital network with a fully decentralized, permissionless blockchain protocol for storing, trading, and transferring digital and real-world assets, enabling immediate settlement between individuals, businesses, and governments. Utilizing cutting-edge blockchain technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart contracts, the Company’s stablecoin (sgUSD), and a proprietary electronic health wallet (EHW), Solum Global provides a seamless solution that addresses the significant challenges inherent in the U.S. healthcare industry. For more information, visit  www.solum.global.

    Forward-Looking Statements 
    Certain statements in this press release constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  Words such as “may,” “might,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “forecast,” “project,” “plan,” “intend” or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements.  These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation those set forth in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Thus, actual results could be materially different. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Contacts:

    Investor Relations
    Hanover International
    ka@hanoverintlinc.com

    Media Contact
    media@solum.global

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Westhaven Commences Winter Drill Program on the Shovelnose Gold Property

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westhaven Gold Corp. (TSX-V:WHN) is pleased to announce that drilling has commenced on the 41,634 hectare Shovelnose gold property, situated within the prospective Spences Bridge Gold Belt (SBGB), 30 kilometres south of Merritt, British Columbia.

    The winter drill program will be testing three target areas: Certes 1, Certes 3 and Corral, with approximately 2,500 metres (m) of drilling in five holes. Certes 1 and 3 are located approximately 8-10 kilometres (kms) southeast of the high-grade South Zone deposit (see Preliminary Economic Assessment July 18, 2023). A corridor of mineralization and anomalous pathfinder geochemistry was expanded southeast by surface sampling and drilling in 2024. This corridor may represent single west-northwest striking structure 13.5 kms in length that remains open in all directions.

    Preliminary shallow drilling in 2024 at Certes has uncovered a well-preserved epithermal system, now confirmed in the pathfinder geochemistry and TerraSpec (SWIR) analytical work. Certes 3 will be the initial focus of the program, testing down-dip the arsenic and gold-bearing carbonate breccias and quartz veins intersected in hole SN24-425 (e.g. 125ppm arsenic over 9m, 0.69 g/t Au over 1.74m).

    Drilling at Certes 1 will test a subvertical resistivity feature, outlined by the fall 2024 IP survey, immediately north of hole SN24-420 which saw a transition from high level gold pathfinders, mercury and antimony in the first 350m (e.g. 0.44ppm Hg over 119m) to deeper pathfinders such as arsenic in the bottom 40m of the hole. Certes 1 is also proximal to mercury-bearing sinter cobbles and boulders found on surface, suggesting the epithermal system is entirely preserved here.

    A single hole is also planned at the Corral target, south of Certes. Corral is thought to represent a west-northwest striking structure subparallel to Certes in an area of anomalous arsenic in outcrop. This hole will target a resistivity feature detected in the same IP survey.

    Shovelnose Development

    An updated Mineral Resource Estimate and Preliminary Economic Assessment for the South Zone deposit is expected to be completed in Q1 2025 and will include the Forget Me Not (FMN) and Franz Zones, additional discoveries located within the main Vein Zone 1 trend.

    On behalf of the Board of Directors
    WESTHAVEN GOLD CORP.

    “Gareth Thomas”

    Gareth Thomas, President, CEO & Director is responsible for this announcement
    Telephone number: 604-681-5558 ext. 102

    Qualified Person Statement

    Peter Fischl, P.Geo., who is a Qualified Person within the context of National Instrument 43-101 has read and takes responsibility for this release.

    Sampling, Laboratory Analyses and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC)

    Most core samples consist of halved drill core cut by manual sawing. In rare cases, and where required by physical core conditions, manual splitting may be used. Half of the core is retained in the original core box for reference samples and any required future work, including QA/QC. Core samples, controlled by a unique barcoded reference number, are delivered to ALS’s Kamloops facility and prepared using the PREP-31 package. Each core sample is crushed to better than 70% passing a 2mm (Tyler 9 mesh, US Std. No.10) screen. A split of 250g is taken and pulverized to better than 85% passing a 75-micron (Tyler 200 mesh, US Std. No. 200) screen. Further analytical and assay procedures are conducted in ALS’s North Vancouver facility. A 0.75g subsample of the pulverized split is subjected to four acid digestion and analyzed via ICP-MS (method code ME-MS61m (+Hg)) which reports a suite of 49 elements. All samples are also analyzed for gold by fire assay with an AES finish, method code Au-ICP21 (30g sample size). Samples returning gold values over 10ppm are subjected to ore grade check assays using fire assay and a gravimetric finish (method code Au-GRA21 and a 30g sample size). Other overlimit elements may also be subjected to ore grade analyses which vary depending on the element of interest. QA/QC includes the laboratory’s internal quality assurance controls as well as field controls, including the insertion of quarter core duplicates, certified reference materials and blanks, each at a rate of roughly one per 20-25 core samples. Additional blanks are inserted following samples with visible gold or significant concentrations of ginguro (fine grained bands of dark gray to black sulphides). QA/QC data are evaluated on receipt for failures, and appropriate action is taken if results for duplicates, standards and blanks fall outside allowed tolerances. Westhaven’s ongoing Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs are consistent with industry best practices and include auditing of all exploration data. Any significant changes will be reported when available.

    Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

    About Westhaven Gold Corp.

    Westhaven is a gold-focused exploration company advancing the high-grade discovery on the Shovelnose project in Canada’s newest gold district, the Spences Bridge Gold Belt. Westhaven controls 61,512 hectares (615 square kilometres) with four gold properties spread along this underexplored belt. The Shovelnose property is situated off a major highway, near power, rail, large producing mines, and within commuting distance from the city of Merritt, which translates into low-cost exploration. Westhaven trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol WHN. For further information, please call 604-681-5558 or visit Westhaven’s website at www.westhavengold.com

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Westhaven does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Forward-looking statements in this news release may include, but are not limited to, the interpretation of preliminary results from exploration undertaken to date at Shovelnose using various exploration techniques and analysis; statements with respect to potential styles of epithermal mineralization at the Shovelnose Project;  the possibility that the Company’s Shovelnose project may host multiple gold bearing epithermal systems; and, the potential for an intermediate sulphidation epithermal signature at the Certes target.  In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “budget”, “scheduled”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved”. However, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Westhaven’s property interests are in the exploration stages only, are without known bodies of commercial mineralization and have no ongoing mining operations.  Mineral exploration involves a high degree of risk and few properties, which are explored, are ultimately developed into producing mines. Exploration of the Company’s mineral properties may not result in any discoveries of commercial bodies of mineralization. If the Company’s efforts do not result in any discovery of commercial mineralization, the Company will be forced to look for other exploration projects or cease operation. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration, drilling and assay results, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permits and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company’s exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company’s business and prospects. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    Plan Map of Proposed Winter Drilling

    A map accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d48db140-e744-4e80-8630-5a6f650a222c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Calls on Trump to Rescind Executive Orders Still Blocking Billions for Communities Across America

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    After rescinding disastrous OMB memo directing a blanket federal funding freeze, Murray demands Trump revoke orders blocking billions of dollars for critical infrastructure projects across America, key national security initiatives, and more

    Murray: “Yesterday, because the American people spoke up loud and clear, Donald Trump retreated from his devastating blanket funding freeze. But make no mistake: there is still far too much chaos on the ground and Trump is still blocking billions of dollars for communities across the country through his Executive Orders.”

    ***VIDEO HERE***

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, called on President Trump to swiftly rescind the directives included in a variety of executive orders he signed on his first day in office that are still in effect and still blocking billions of dollars in resources for communities across America—even after Trump rescinded his administration’s disastrous OMB memo in the face of public outcry, which created a blanket federal funding freeze.

    Speaking on the Senate floor, Senator Murray said:

    “Over the last few days, the American people have felt the painful consequences of Trump’s disastrous funding freeze.

    • Seniors who count on Meals on Wheels have wondered whether they’d have dinner this week.
    • Head Start teachers in red states and blue states panicked over whether they’d have the funds needed to keep their doors open and take care of kids.
    • Disaster relief for people who have endured the unimaginable and been knocked off their feet was thrown into jeopardy.
    • Grant programs to help firefighters do their jobs, combat the fentanyl crisis, get families health care, and so much more were, in an instant, at risk of evaporating into thin air.
    • I heard from a Tribe in my state concerned they’d have to lay off hundreds of staff providing essential services for the Tribe—that could mean putting everything from providing health care to housing in jeopardy—because of the President’s freeze.
    • A shelter for homeless youth in my state still can’t access its HUD funding and is staring down a $3 million deficit—forcing them to hold an emergency board meeting to figure out what, if anything, they can now do.
    • Hospitals in my state are worried that programs which are appropriately focused on someone’s gender or race are in jeopardy—like how pulse oximeters don’t work as well on dark skin, so they need other pathways to be found.

    “The chaos and confusion—the needless stress and distraction—are the result of having a president who is more focused on the billionaires who now fill his administration, than the plight of regular people all across the country.

    “Yesterday, because the American people spoke up loud and clear, Donald Trump retreated from his devastating blanket funding freeze.

    “But make no mistake: there is still far too much chaos on the ground and Trump is still blocking billions of dollars for communities across the country through his Executive Orders.

    • We’re talking about critical funding to rebuild roads and bridges, resources that are already creating thousands of good-paying new clean energy jobs in every state in the country, and critical global investments that help keep America safe.
    • That is completely unacceptable.

    “So, today, I am calling on President Trump to take four simple, commonsense steps:

    1. He needs to ensure every last dollar—down to the last penny—that was caught up by his disastrous blanket funding freeze gets out the door.
    2. He needs to rescind his executive orders that are still, at this very moment, ripping funding away from American families and communities.
    3. He needs to withdraw Russ Vought’s nomination to oversee our nation’s budget. It is clear the person who masterminded so much of this chaos doesn’t belong anywhere near the Office of Management and Budget.
    4. And finally, President Trump needs to abandon, once and for all, his illegal scheme to skirt around our laws and block funding that American workers and families are counting on.

    “I am not asking a lot here: ensure every dollar held up by the illegal freeze is restored, stop the ongoing effort to block funding, withdraw the mastermind of this chaos, and simply follow the law.

    “The American people deserve better than the catastrophe we have witnessed this week, and they deserve to know that the investments Trump is currently holding up—to rebuild the highway they drive to work on or lower their energy costs, and so much more—will make it out the door.

    “If the President is so intent on opposing funding for infrastructure projects and good-paying American jobs, he needs to sit down at the negotiating table and make his case to Congress. I will not let the President rip up the Constitution or rip money away from our communities.”

    ____________________________________________________

    LAST WEEK: within his first hours in office, President Trump signed a number of executive orders that illegally block funding that was signed into law to rebuild America’s infrastructure, lower families’ energy costs, create new, good-paying jobs, strengthen our national security, and more.

    ON MONDAY NIGHT: Trump expanded his funding freeze dramatically when the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a sweeping, illegal memo directing a near-blanket freeze on virtually all federal funding, with carveouts for Social Security, Medicare, and “assistance provided directly to individuals.” Senator Murray immediately wrote a letter to OMB alongside House Appropriations Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-03) raising alarms about the sweeping directive and calling the acting director to restore funding, as the law requires.

    ON TUESDAY: Senator Murray joined millions of Americans in decrying the chaos and pain President Trump’s freeze caused—as reports poured in from across the country about how it risked shuttering Head Start programs, cutting off disaster relief, jeopardizing cancer research, and much more. The White House, in trying to clarify the scope of the memo, instead created more chaos, confusion, and headaches for the American people.

    ON WEDNESDAY: Senator Murray again slammed Trump’s devastating freeze cutting off funding families count on—noting that even programs the administration said were back online were, in fact, still shuttered, and she called on Trump to stop withholding funding. Then, facing nationwide backlash, President Trump had his OMB revoke its memo. But President Trump vowed to keep his freeze of hundreds of billions of dollars in funding tied up by his executive orders in place—and his aides continued their vows to block more funding signed into law.

    RIGHT NOW: President Trump continues to hold up vast swaths of funding implicated by his illegal executive orders—and chaos and confusion pervade over whether funding implicated by his now-rescinded OMB memo has been fully restored.

    His executive orders direct agencies to, among other things, halt disbursement of funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, foreign development assistance, and virtually any funding his administration deems “woke.”

    President Trump’s ongoing freeze is holding up funding Congress delivered—often on a bipartisan basis—to:

    • Rebuild America’s roads and bridges.
    • Connect families to high-speed internet access.
    • Upgrade transit and transportation infrastructure.
    • Lower Americans’ energy costs.
    • Create new, good-paying clean energy jobs.
    • Strengthen America’s national security.
    • Much more.

    President Trump must rescind his executive orders—and stop blocking funding the American people are counting on. His failure to do so will:

    • Kill good-paying American jobs.
    • Delay—or altogether scrap—infrastructure projects all across the county.
    • Raise American families’ energy costs.
    • Create more chaos, confusion, and uncertainty that hurt families, businesses, small businesses, and local organizations and governments.
    • Gut efforts to tackle the climate crisis and ensure every American has clean air and water.
    • Halt work cleaning up Superfund sites contaminated with hazardous waste and substances.
    • Undermine our national security and credibility on the world stage.
    • Much more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Navy Expanded Access to Childcare in 2024, Continued Growth Plans for 2025

    Source: United States Navy

    WASHINGTON — Since the start of FY23, the program has reduced the waitlist for child development centers (CDCs) and school age care (SAC) by 50%. The number of children with unmet childcare needs dropped from approximately 5,000 to about 2,500 by October 2024.

    “The Navy is committed to improving quality of service and a significant part of that is child care,” said Vice Adm. Scott Gray, commander of Navy Installations Command, which oversees Navy CYP. “Readiness suffers when Sailors and their families lack dependable, high-quality child care. That’s why we invested an additional $51.7 million to grow our childcare services, including increasing staff salaries and benefits as well as boosting subsidies for community and family childcare spaces.”

    IMPROVING QUALITY OF CARE

    In FY 2024, Navy CYP introduced several initiatives to improve the quality of care. These included updating staffing models at CDCs and adding management support to address the complex needs of children in care. Additional classroom staff have been authorized to assist with managing complex behaviors, particularly in preschool classrooms.

    Management training has been enhanced with in-person sessions focused on prevention strategies and protective factors to reduce incidents within CYP settings. Additionally, a new rest period policy and in-service training days have been implemented to support the health, wellness, and professional development of CYP staff.

    To improve reporting and safety, clear incident reporting requirements have been established, ensuring timely documentation and enabling trend analysis. These measures reflect CYP’s commitment to creating safe, supportive environments for children while providing staff with the necessary resources to succeed.

    ADDRESSING STAFFING CHALLENGES

    Consistent with municipal and commercial childcare programs, the Navy faces ongoing challenges in attracting qualified caregivers. A shortage of classroom staff has forced CDCs to operate below capacity to maintain the required staff-to-child ratios. 

    To address this, Navy CYP has focused on expanding capacity at installation CDCs by enhancing its workforce. Strategies include salary increases, recruitment and retention incentives, strategic marketing of CYP positions, and providing professional development opportunities. Additionally, CYP direct care staff receive childcare discounts of 100% for their first child and 20% for additional children, while management and support staff enjoy a 50% discount for their first child and 20% for others.

    These efforts have had a measurable impact. As of September 2022, 75% of childcare positions were filled, and enrollment was at 76% capacity. By October 2024, staffing had increased to 88%, allowing the program to operate at 85% capacity.

    FOCUS ON STAFF RETENTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

    Navy CYP has also launched initiatives to prioritize staff retention. In 2025, the program will introduce a new initiative called CARES (Culture, Accountability, Respect, Engagement, and Safety). This program aligns with CNIC’s core values and focuses on enhancing communication, supporting employee wellness, and addressing workplace concerns. By fostering a positive organizational culture, CARES aims to attract, develop, and retain high-quality staff.

    STREAMLINING OPERATIONS

    Navy CYP is also working to enhance efficiencies for families and staff. In FY25, the program will roll out a new Child and Youth Management System to streamline operations and improve the customer experience. This system will include a user-friendly parent portal to simplify paperwork and improve communication between parents and staff.

    STRUCTURAL EXPANSION AND FACILITY UPGRADES

    In addition to staffing and operational improvements, Navy CYP is expanding its physical infrastructure. Ongoing construction projects at CDCs on Naval Base Kitsap, Naval Base Point Loma, Naval Support Activity Hampton Roads, and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek/Fort Story will add 978 childcare spaces and upgrade existing facilities. Over the next five years, 12 more CDC projects are scheduled, which will add approximately 2,000 additional spaces to the Navy’s CDC capacity.

    The Navy is also investing in sustainment, restoration, and modernization (SRM) to improve or maintain the quality of its existing CDCs.

    REPURPOSING EXISTING SPACES

    To further expand capacity, the Navy has been converting underutilized community spaces into childcare facilities. Unused warehouses, chapels, community centers, and MWR spaces are being repurposed to meet the demand for child care. Recently, spaces at Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka and Naval Air Station Patuxent River were converted into School Age Care facilities.

    EXPANDING MILITARY CHILDCARE IN YOUR NEIGHRBORHOOD

    The Navy has expanded its Military Child Care in Your Neighborhood (MCCYN) program, which provides community-based fee assistance to active duty families. As of October 2024, 8,623 children were enrolled in MCCYN, up from 4,100 at the start of FY23.

    Additionally, the Navy is partnering with commercial childcare providers to secure dedicated spaces exclusively for military families. These spaces are integrated into the installation’s CDC inventory and managed through the Department of Defense’s request for care platform, militarychildcare.com.

    LOOKING AHEAD

    “Navy CYP has made significant progress in increasing enrollment across its programs,” said Maryann Coutino, Director of Navy CYP. “However, we still have about 2,500 children on our waitlist with unmet childcare needs. Addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive strategy that includes staffing improvements, new facilities, and leveraging community resources. We are committed to steadily increasing childcare capacity to better support our service members and their families.”

    Commander, Navy Installations Command is responsible for worldwide U.S. Navy Shore installation management, designing and developing integrated solutions for sustainment and development of Navy shore infrastructure as well as quality of life programs. CNIC oversees 10 Navy regions, 70 installations, and more than 43,000 employees who sustain the fleet, enable the fighter, and support the family.

    Learn more by visiting CNIC’s website at https://www.cnic.navy.mil/ or following CNIC on social media: Facebook, Facebook.com/NavyInstallations; X, @cnichq; and Instagram, @cnichq.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Imposing Duties to Address the Situation at Our Southern Border

    Source: The White House

              By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

              I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that the sustained influx of illegal aliens and illicit opioids and other drugs has profound consequences on our Nation, endangering lives and putting a severe strain on our healthcare system, public services, communities, and schools.  Since the end of my first term, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security has recorded more than three times as many inadmissible encounters nationwide as during my first term.

         These challenges threaten the fabric of our society.  Gang members, smugglers, human traffickers, and illicit drugs of all kinds have poured across our borders and into our communities.  Mexico has played a central role in these challenges, including by failing to devote sufficient attention and resources to meaningfully stem the tide of unlawful migration and illicit drugs.

         Mexican drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) are the world’s leading traffickers of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illicit drugs, and they cultivate, process, and distribute massive quantities of narcotics that fuel addiction and violence in communities across the United States.  These DTOs collaborate and conspire with transnational cartels and other global partners to smuggle drugs into the United States, utilizing clandestine airstrips, maritime routes, tunnels, and overland corridors, and both willing and unwilling human couriers.  

         The Mexican DTOs have an intolerable alliance with the government of Mexico. This alliance endangers the national security of the United States, and we must eradicate the influence of these dangerous cartels from the bilateral environment. The government of Mexico has afforded safe havens for the cartels to engage in the manufacturing and transportation of illicit drugs, which collectively have led to the overdose deaths of hundreds of thousands of American victims.

         Mexican cartels are also implicated in human trafficking and smuggling operations, enabling the illegal migration of millions across our borders.  These operations are often tied to organized crime, and they create pathways for cartel activities to expand into the United States.  Furthermore, violent criminals originating from Central and South America easily transit into and through Mexico, and into the United States, where they cause irreparable harm to our citizens.  These dangerous criminals are involved in drug-related violence, gang activity, and other crimes that endanger the safety of American communities.
     
         Immediate action is required to address the national emergency I declared in Proclamation 10886 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States), and to finally end the public health crisis caused by opioid use and addiction, which will not happen unless the compliance and cooperation of the government of Mexico is assured.

         I hereby determine and order:
         Section 1.  (a)  As President of the United States, my highest duty is the defense of the country and its citizens.  A Nation without borders is not a Nation at all.  I will not stand by and allow our sovereignty to be eroded, our laws to be trampled, our citizens to be endangered, or our borders to be disrespected anymore.

         I previously declared a national emergency with respect to the grave threat to the United States posed by the influx of illegal aliens and illicit drugs into the United States in Proclamation 10886.  Pursuant to the NEA, I hereby expand the scope of the national emergency declared in that proclamation to cover the failure of Mexico to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept DTOs, other drug and human traffickers, criminals at large, and illicit drugs.  In addition, this failure to act on the part of the government of Mexico constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.  I hereby declare and reiterate a national emergency under the NEA and IEEPA to deal with that threat.  This national emergency requires decisive and immediate action, and I have decided to impose, consistent with law, ad valorem tariffs on articles that are products of Mexico as set forth in this order.  In doing so, I invoke my authority under section 1702(a)(1)(B) of IEEPA, and specifically find that action under other authority to impose tariffs is inadequate to address this unusual and extraordinary threat.

         Sec. 2.  (a)  All articles that are products of Mexico, as defined by the Federal Register notice described in section 2(d) of this order (the Federal Register notice), shall be, consistent with law, subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty.  Such rate of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except that goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, after such time that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 1, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty, only if the importer certifies to CBP as specified in the Federal Register notice. 
         (b)  The rates of duty established by this order are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, or charges applicable to such imported articles. 
         (c)  Should the government of Mexico retaliate against the United States in response to this action through import duties on United States exports to Mexico or similar measures, the President may increase or expand in scope the duties imposed under this Executive Order to ensure the efficacy of this action. 
         (d)  In order to establish the duty rate on imports of articles that are products of Mexico, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine the modifications necessary to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) in order to effectuate this order consistent with law and shall make such modifications to the HTSUS through notice in the Federal Register.  The modifications made to the HTSUS by this notice shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except as otherwise noted in subsection 2(a) of this section, and shall continue in effect until such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.
         (e)  Articles that are products of Mexico, except those that are eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, which are subject to the duties imposed by this order and are admitted into a United States foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except as otherwise noted in subsection 2(a) of this section, must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41.  Such articles will be subject upon entry for consumption to the rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading in effect at the time of admittance into the United States foreign trade zone. 
         (f)  No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed pursuant to this order.
         (g)  For avoidance of doubt, duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321 shall not be available for the articles described in subsection (a) of this section.
         (h)  Any prior Presidential Proclamation, Executive Order, or other presidential directive or guidance related to trade with Mexico that is inconsistent with the direction in this order is hereby terminated, suspended, or modified to the extent necessary to give full effect to this order. 
         (i)  The articles described in subsection (a) of this section shall exclude those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b).

         Sec. 3.  (a)  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall regularly consult with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security on the situation at our southern border.  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall inform the President of any circumstances that, in the opinion of the Secretary of Homeland Security, indicate that the government of Mexico has taken adequate steps to alleviate the illegal migration and illicit drug crisis through cooperative actions.  Upon the President’s determination of sufficient action to alleviate the crisis, the tariffs described in section 2 of this order will be removed.
         (b)  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security shall recommend additional action, if necessary, should the government of Mexico fail to take adequate steps to alleviate the illegal migration and illicit drug crises through cooperative enforcement actions.

         Sec. 4.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Commerce, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including adopting rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to me by IEEPA as may be necessary to implement this order.  The Secretary of Homeland Security may, consistent with applicable law, redelegate any of these functions within the Department of Homeland Security.  All agencies shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to implement this order.

           Sec. 5.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Commerce, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs,  and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, is hereby authorized to submit recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency under IEEPA declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).

         Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
         (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
         (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
         (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
         (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    THE WHITE HOUSE, 
        February 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Imposing Duties to Address the Synthetic Opioid Supply Chain in the People’s Republic of China

    Source: The White House

         By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

         I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that the sustained influx of synthetic opioids has profound consequences on our Nation, including by killing approximately two hundred Americans per day, putting a severe strain on our healthcare system, ravaging our communities, and destroying our families.  Synthetic opioid overdose is the leading cause of death for people aged 18 to 45 in the United States. 

         During my first term, I took steps to end the direct flow of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) to the United States.  Since then, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which exerts ultimate control over the government and enterprises of the PRC, has subsidized and otherwise incentivized PRC chemical companies to export fentanyl and related precursor chemicals that are used to produce synthetic opioids sold illicitly in the United States. 

         Furthermore, the PRC provides support to and safe haven for PRC-origin transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) that launder the revenues from the production, shipment, and sale of illicit synthetic opioids.  These PRC-origin TCOs coordinate and communicate using PRC social media software applications in the conduct of their business.

         Many PRC-based chemical companies also go to great lengths to evade law enforcement and hide illicit substances in the flow of legitimate commerce.  Some of the techniques employed by these PRC-based companies to conceal the true contents of the parcels and the identity of the distributors include the use of re-shippers in the United States, false invoices, fraudulent postage, and deceptive packaging.   While more than 500,000 pounds of drugs have been seized at the southern border each of the last 3 fiscal years, in addition, more than 42,000 pounds of drugs have been seized at the northern border each year on average over the last 3 years.  Illicit drugs kill tens of thousands of Americans each year, including 75,000 deaths per year attributed to fentanyl alone.

         The influx of these drugs to our Nation threatens the fabric of our society.  The PRC plays a central role in this challenge, not merely by failing to stem the ultimate source of many illicit drugs distributed in the United States, but by actively sustaining and expanding the business of poisoning our citizens.

         The flow of contraband drugs like fentanyl to the United States through illicit distribution networks has created a national emergency, including a public health crisis in the United States, as outlined in the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 (America First Trade Policy), Proclamation 10886 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border of the United States), and Executive Order 14157 of January 20, 2025 (Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists). 

         Despite multiple attempts to resolve this crisis at its root source through bilateral dialogue, PRC officials have failed to follow through with the decisive actions needed to stem the flow of precursor chemicals to known criminal cartels and shut down the money laundering TCOs.  The PRC implements the most sophisticated domestic surveillance network coupled with the most comprehensive domestic law enforcement apparatus in the world.  The PRC also routinely exerts extraterritorial reach across the globe to threaten, harass, and suppress what it views as political dissent.  As such, the CCP does not lack the capacity to severely blunt the global illicit opioid epidemic; it simply is unwilling to do so.

         Immediate action is required to address the national emergency I declared and to finally end this emergency, including the public health crisis caused by opioid use and addiction, which will not happen until the full compliance and cooperation of the PRC government is assured.
    I hereby determine and order:
         Section 1.  (a)  As President of the United States, my highest duty is the defense of the country and its citizens.  I will not stand by and allow our citizens to be poisoned, our laws to be trampled, our communities to be ravaged, or our families to be destroyed.

         I previously declared a national emergency with respect to the grave threat to the United States posed by the influx of illegal aliens and drugs into the United States in Proclamation 10886.  Pursuant to the NEA, I hereby expand the scope of the national emergency declared in that proclamation to cover the failure of the PRC government to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept chemical precursor suppliers, money launderers, other TCOs, criminals at large, and drugs.  In addition, this failure to act constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States.  I hereby declare and reiterate a national emergency under the NEA and IEEPA to deal with that threat.  This national emergency requires decisive and immediate action, and I have decided to impose, consistent with law, ad valorem tariffs on articles that are products of the PRC as set forth in this order.  In doing so, I invoke my authority under section 1702(a)(1)(B) of IEEPA, and specifically find that action under other authority to impose tariffs is inadequate to address this unusual and extraordinary threat.

         Sec. 2.  (a)  All articles that are products of the PRC, as defined by the Federal Register notice described in section 2(d) of this order (the Federal Register notice), shall be, consistent with law, subject to an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty.  Such rate of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except that goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, after such time that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 1, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty, only if the importer certifies to U.S. Customs and Border Protection within the Department of Homeland Security as specified in the Federal Register notice. 
         (b)  The rates of duty established by this order are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, or charges applicable to such imported articles. 
         (c)  Should the PRC retaliate against the United States in response to this action through import duties on United States exports to the PRC or similar measures, the President may increase or expand in scope the duties imposed under this Executive Order to ensure the efficacy of this action.
         (d)  In order to establish the duty rate on imports of articles that are products of the PRC, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine the modifications necessary to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) in order to effectuate the objectives of this order consistent with law and shall make such modifications to the HTSUS through notice in the Federal Register.  The modifications made to the HTSUS by this notice shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except as otherwise noted in subsection 2(a) of this section, and shall continue in effect until such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.
         (e)  Articles that are products of the PRC, except those that are eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, which are subject to the duties imposed by this order and are admitted into a United States foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except as otherwise noted in subsection 2(a) of this section, must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41.  Such articles will be subject upon entry for consumption to the rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading in effect at the time of admittance into the United States foreign trade zone. 
         (f)  No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed pursuant to this order. 
         (g)  For avoidance of doubt, duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321 shall not be available for the articles described in subsection (a) of this section. 
         (h)  Any prior Presidential Proclamation, Executive Order, or other presidential directive or guidance related to trade with the PRC that is inconsistent with the direction in this order is hereby terminated, suspended, or modified to the extent necessary to give full effect to this order. 
         (i)  The articles described in subsection (a) of this section shall exclude those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b).

         Sec. 3.  (a)  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall regularly consult with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Attorney General, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security on the situation regarding the PRC.  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall inform the President of any circumstances that, in the opinion of the Secretary of Homeland Security, indicate that the PRC government has taken adequate steps to alleviate the opioid crisis through cooperative actions.  Upon the President’s determination of sufficient action to alleviate the crisis, the tariffs described in section 2 of this order will be removed.
         (b)  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, shall recommend additional action, if necessary, should the PRC fail to take adequate steps to alleviate the illicit drug crisis through cooperative enforcement actions.

         Sec. 4.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Commerce, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including adopting rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to implement this order.  The Secretary of Homeland Security may, consistent with applicable law, redelegate any of these functions within the Department of Homeland Security.  All executive departments and agencies shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to implement this order.

         Sec. 5.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Secretary of Commerce, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, the Attorney General, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, is hereby authorized to submit recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency under IEEPA declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).

         Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
         (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or
         (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
         (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
         (c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        February 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Imposing Duties to Address the Flow of Illicit Drugs Across Our Northern Border

    Source: The White House

         By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) (IEEPA), the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.) (NEA), section 604 of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended (19 U.S.C. 2483), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code,

    I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, find that the sustained influx of illicit opioids and other drugs has profound consequences on our Nation, endangering lives and putting a severe strain on our healthcare system, public services, and communities.

    This challenge threatens the fabric of our society.  Gang members, smugglers, human traffickers, and illicit drugs of all kinds have poured across our borders and into our communities.  Canada has played a central role in these challenges, including by failing to devote sufficient attention and resources or meaningfully coordinate with United States law enforcement partners to effectively stem the tide of illicit drugs.

    Drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) are the world’s leading producers of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other illicit drugs, and they cultivate, process, and distribute massive quantities of narcotics that fuel addiction and violence in communities across the United States.  These DTOs often collaborate with transnational cartels to smuggle illicit drugs into the United States, utilizing clandestine airstrips, maritime routes, and overland corridors. 

    The challenges at our southern border are foremost in the public consciousness, but our northern border is not exempt from these issues.  Criminal networks are implicated in human trafficking and smuggling operations, enabling unvetted illegal migration across our northern border.  There is also a growing presence of Mexican cartels operating fentanyl and nitazene synthesis labs in Canada.  The flow of illicit drugs like fentanyl to the United States through both illicit distribution networks and international mail — due, in the case of the latter, to the existing administrative exemption from duty and taxes, also known as de minimis, under section 1321 of title 19, United States Code — has created a public health crisis in the United States, as outlined in the Presidential Memorandum of January 20, 2025 (America First Trade Policy) and Executive Order 14157 of January 20, 2025 (Designating Cartels and Other Organizations as Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists).  With respect to smuggling of illicit drugs across our northern border, Canada’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre recently published a study on the laundering of proceeds of illicit synthetic opioids, which recognized Canada’s heightened domestic production of fentanyl, largely from British Columbia, and its growing footprint within international narcotics distribution.  Despite a North American dialogue on the public health impacts of illicit drugs since 2016, Canadian officials have acknowledged that the problem has only grown.  And while U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) within the Department of Homeland Security seized, comparatively, much less fentanyl from Canada than from Mexico last year, fentanyl is so potent that even a very small parcel of the drug can cause many deaths and destruction to America families.  In fact, the amount of fentanyl that crossed the northern border last year could kill 9.5 million Americans.

    Immediate action is required to finally end this public health crisis and national emergency, which will not happen unless the compliance and cooperation of Canada is assured.

    I hereby determine and order:

         Section 1.  (a)  As President of the United States, my highest duty is the defense of the country and its citizens.  A Nation without borders is not a nation at all.  I will not stand by and allow our sovereignty to be eroded, our laws to be trampled, our citizens to be endangered, or our borders to be disrespected anymore.

    I previously declared a national emergency with respect to the grave threat to the United States posed by the influx of illegal aliens and illicit drugs into the United States in Proclamation 10886 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Emergency at the Southern Border).  Pursuant to the NEA, I hereby expand the scope of the national emergency declared in that Proclamation to cover the threat to the safety and security of Americans, including the public health crisis of deaths due to the use of fentanyl and other illicit drugs, and the failure of Canada to do more to arrest, seize, detain, or otherwise intercept DTOs, other drug and human traffickers, criminals at large, and drugs.  In addition, this failure to act on the part of Canada constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat, which has its source in substantial part outside the United States, to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.  I hereby declare and reiterate a national emergency under the NEA and IEEPA to deal with that threat.  This national emergency requires decisive and immediate action, and I have decided to impose, consistent with law, ad valorem tariffs on articles that are products of Canada set forth in this order.  In doing so, I invoke my authority under section 1702(a)(1)(B) of IEEPA and specifically find that action under other authority to impose tariffs is inadequate to address this unusual and extraordinary threat.

         Sec. 2.  (a)  All articles that are products of Canada as defined by the Federal Register notice described in subsection (e) of this section (Federal Register notice), and except for those products described in subsection (b) of this section, shall be, consistent with law, subject to an additional 25 percent ad valorem rate of duty.  Such rate of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except that goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, after such time that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 1, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty, only if the importer certifies to CBP as specified in the Federal Register notice. 

    (b)  With respect to energy or energy resources, as defined in section 8 of Executive Order 14156 of January 20, 2025 (Declaring a National Energy Emergency), and as otherwise included in the Federal Register notice, such articles that are products of Canada as defined by the Federal Register notice shall be, consistent with law, subject to an additional 10 percent ad valorem rate of duty.  Such rate of duty shall apply with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except that goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, after such time that were loaded onto a vessel at the port of loading or in transit on the final mode of transport prior to entry into the United States before 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 1, 2025, shall not be subject to such additional duty, only if the importer certifies to CBP as specified in the Federal Register notice.  

    (c)  The rates of duty established by this order are in addition to any other duties, fees, exactions, or charges applicable to such imported articles. 

    (d)  Should Canada retaliate against the United States in response to this action through import duties on United States exports to Canada or similar measures, the President may increase or expand in scope the duties imposed under this order to ensure the efficacy of this action.

    (e)  In order to establish the duty rate on imports of articles that are products of Canada, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall determine the modifications necessary to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) in order to effectuate this order consistent with law and shall make such modifications to the HTSUS through notice in the Federal Register.  The modifications made to the HTSUS by this notice shall be effective with respect to goods entered for consumption, or withdrawn from warehouse for consumption, on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, and shall continue in effect until such actions are expressly reduced, modified, or terminated.

    (f)  Articles that are products of Canada, except those that are eligible for admission under “domestic status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.43, which are subject to the duties imposed by this order and are admitted into a United States foreign trade zone on or after 12:01 a.m. eastern time on February 4, 2025, except as otherwise noted in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, must be admitted as “privileged foreign status” as defined in 19 CFR 146.41.  Such articles will be subject upon entry for consumption to the rates of duty related to the classification under the applicable HTSUS subheading in effect at the time of admittance into the United States foreign trade zone. 

    (g)  No drawback shall be available with respect to the duties imposed pursuant to this order. 

    (h)  For avoidance of doubt, duty-free de minimis treatment under 19 U.S.C. 1321 shall not be available for the articles described in subsection (a) and subsection (b) of this section.

         (i)  Any prior Presidential Proclamation, Executive Order, or other Presidential directive or guidance related to trade with Canada that is inconsistent with the direction in this order is hereby terminated, suspended, or modified to the extent necessary to give full effect to this order. 

         (j)  The articles described in subsection (a) and subsection (b) of this section shall exclude those encompassed by 50 U.S.C. 1702(b).

         Sec. 3.  (a)  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall regularly consult with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security on the situation at our northern border.  The Secretary of Homeland Security shall inform the President of any circumstances that, in the opinion of the Secretary of Homeland Security, indicate that the Government of Canada has taken adequate steps to alleviate this public health crisis through cooperative enforcement actions.  Upon the President’s determination of sufficient action to alleviate the crisis, the tariffs described in section 2 of this order shall be removed.

    (b)  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, shall recommend additional action, if necessary, should the Government of Canada fail to take adequate steps to alleviate the illegal migration and illicit drug crises through cooperative enforcement actions.

         Sec. 4.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Commerce, is hereby authorized to take such actions, including adopting rules and regulations, and to employ all powers granted to the President by IEEPA as may be necessary to implement this order.  The Secretary of Homeland Security may, consistent with applicable law, redelegate any of these functions within the Department of Homeland Security.  All executive departments and agencies shall take all appropriate measures within their authority to implement this order.

         Sec. 5.  The Secretary of Homeland Security, in coordination with the Secretary of the Treasury, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Commerce, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, and the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, is hereby authorized to submit recurring and final reports to the Congress on the national emergency under IEEPA declared in this order, consistent with section 401(c) of the NEA (50 U.S.C. 1641(c)) and section 204(c) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1703(c)).

         Sec. 6.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        February 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: INVL Renewable Energy Fund I will publicly offer EUR 8 million of bonds via REFI Energy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    The INVL Renewable Energy Fund I managed by INVL Asset Management, the leading alternative asset manager in the Baltics, will start the public offering of an EUR 8 million bond issue on 4 February through REFI Energy, a company it owns. The bonds will be offered to private and institutional investors in the Baltic countries. The proceeds will go to refinance previously issued bonds.

    The bond issue has a maturity of 2.5 years. The fixed interest rate on the debt securities will be set in the range of 7.5% to 8.5% and announced at completion of the offering. Interest will be paid quarterly to investors. The INVL Renewable Energy Fund I will provide guarantees to all holders of the bonds.

    “The fund continues actively developing renewable energy projects – the construction of solar power plants – in Romania and Poland. A successful offering of the new bonds will allow us not only to carry out the planned projects but also to reduce debt costs by refinancing bonds issued in 2023,” says Liudas Liutkevičius, Managing Partner of the INVL Renewable Energy Fund I.

    The bonds of the company owned by the INVL Renewable Energy Fund I will be offered to investors from 4 February until 1 p.m. on 17 February. The manager and distributor of the public bond offering is Šiaulių Bankas. The certified advisor to the issuer is the law firm TGS Baltic, while the bondholders’ trustee is the company Audifina. Within 3 months of the completion of the offering, the debt securities will be listed on the First North alternative securities market operated by Nasdaq Vilnius.

    More details about the bonds issue and the offering process are available at www.invlrenewable.com  in the section for Investors relations

    An online webinar for investors and question-and-answer session will be held on 10 February at 10 a.m. The link to the presentation is here. The presentation will be held in English.

    The fund’s company REFI Energy raised EUR 3.5 million from investors in late June 2023 in a private placement of 2-year 9.5% fixed-rate bonds. In September of the same year, the company entered the public bond market and raised EUR 4.5 million in a public offering of bonds with the same maturity. Those bonds, offered only in Lithuania, have a yield of 10%. Both issues were carried out under the General Terms and Conditions for EUR 8 million of REFI Energy Bonds.

    The INVL Renewable Energy Fund I is focusing on the Polish and Romanian markets, where the fund’s managers see big growth potential. Total capacity of the fund’s portfolio of projects in development in these markets is 388 MW.

    In Romania, the fund is investing in projects for 8 solar plants with a combined capacity of 356 MW. In Poland, it is developing solar park projects with over 32 MW of capacity. Investments in the projects in Romania and Poland are expected to exceed EUR 258 million. Construction of all the solar parks in those countries should be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2027.

    To date the INVL Renewable Energy Fund I has raised EUR 73.9 million from investors through investment units and bonds. 

    About the INVL Renewable Energy Fund I 

    The INVL Renewable Energy Fund I was established on 20 July 2021 by INVL Asset Management, the leading alternative asset manager in the Baltic States, as a sub-fund for informed investors. It invests in early- and mid-stage renewable energy projects (solar), including the construction of new power plants, the development and/or acquisition of the infrastructure necessary for the operation of power plants, and effective management of existing power plants in the European Union and member states of the European Economic Area. 

    INVL Asset Management is part of Invalda INVL, the leading Baltic asset management group.

    Further information:
    Liudas Liutkevičius
    Managing Partner of the INVL Renewable Energy Fund I
    liudas.liutkevicius@invl.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: MARA Announces Bitcoin Production and Mining Operation Updates for January 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    218 Blocks Won in January, 12% Decrease M/M
    Increased BTC Holdings to 45,659 BTC

    Fort Lauderdale, FL, Feb. 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MARA (NASDAQ: MARA) (“MARA” or the “Company”), a global leader in leveraging digital asset compute to support the energy transformation, today published unaudited bitcoin (“BTC”) production and mining operation updates for January 2025.

    Management Commentary

    “In January, our production saw a 12% month-over-month decline in blocks won, largely due to fluctuations in network difficulty and intermittent curtailment,” said Fred Thiel, MARA’s chairman and CEO. “After a very busy end of 2024 during which we relocated and brought online over 100,000 miners, our energized hashrate remained consistent with December, as no new miners were brought online during the month.

    “We remain focused on optimizing our fleet and implementing strategic enhancements to drive long-term efficiency and performance. At Wolf Hollow, Texas, we successfully completed the conversion of over 230 containers to immersion cooling, achieving high uptime with our S21 Pro immersion miners. These fleet upgrades not only enhance efficiency but also increase hashrate without additional power consumption. Meanwhile, at our Kearney, Nebraska site, we are nearing full conversion to S21 Pros, which we expect to improve fleet efficiency significantly.

    “Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding our mining capacity in 2025 and further strengthening our position as a leader in the BTC mining industry. Our strategy will prioritize near net zero cost energy solutions, and we look forward to sharing more on our earnings call at the end of the month.”

    Operational Highlights and Updates

    Figure 1: Operational Highlights

        Prior Month Comparison
    Metric   1/31/2025   12/31/2024   % Δ
    Number of Blocks Won 1   218     249             (12)%
    BTC Produced 2   750     865             (13)%
    Average BTC Produced per Day   24.2     27.9             (13)%
    Share of available miner rewards 3           5.1 %           5.9 %   NM
    Transaction Fees as % of Total 1           1.6 %           2.7 %   NM
    Energized Hash Rate (EH/s) 1   53.2     53.2             —         %
    1. These metrics are MARAPool only and do not include blocks won from joint ventures.
    2. Includes our share of production from joint venture partnerships.
    3. Defined as the total amount of block rewards including transaction fees that MARA earned during the period divided by the total amount of block rewards and transaction fees awarded by the Bitcoin network during the period.

    NM – Not Meaningful

    Investor Notice

    Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider the risks, uncertainties and forward-looking statements described under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K and any other periodic reports that we may file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). If any of these risks were to occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations would likely suffer. In that event, the value of our securities could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment. The risks and uncertainties we describe are not the only ones facing us. Additional risks not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business operations. In addition, our past financial performance may not be a reliable indicator of future performance, and historical trends should not be used to anticipate results in the future. See “Forward-Looking Statements” below.

    The operational highlights and updates presented in this press release pertain solely to our BTC mining operations. Detailed information regarding our other operations can be found in our periodic reports filed with the SEC.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included in this press release are forward-looking statements. The words “may,” “will,” “could,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “intend,” “believe,” “continue,” “target” and similar expressions or variations or negatives of these words are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements related to our strategy, expected improvements in miner fleet efficiency and expansion of mining capacity in 2025. Such forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations about future events as of the date hereof and involve many risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in our forward-looking statements. Subsequent events and developments, including actual results or changes in our assumptions, may cause our views to change. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements except to the extent required by applicable law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements included herein are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. Our actual results and outcomes could differ materially from those included in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, the factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 10-K, and any other periodic reports that we may file with the SEC.

    About MARA

    MARA (NASDAQ:MARA) is a global leader in digital asset compute that develops and deploys innovative technologies to build a more sustainable and inclusive future. MARA secures the world’s preeminent blockchain ledger and supports the energy transformation by converting clean, stranded, or otherwise underutilized energy into economic value.

    For more information, visit www.mara.com, or follow us on:

    Twitter: @MARAHoldings
    LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/maraholdings
    Facebook: www.facebook.com/MARAHoldings
    Instagram: @maraholdingsinc

    MARA Company Contact:
    Telephone: 800-804-1690
    Email: ir@mara.com

    MARA Media Contact:

    Email: marathon@wachsman.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Parkinson’s disease market across 7MM to grow at 8.9% CAGR during 2023-33, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Parkinson’s disease market across 7MM to grow at 8.9% CAGR during 2023-33, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Pharma

    The Parkinson’s disease (PD) market across the seven major markets (7MM*) is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% from $3.4 billion in 2023 to $7.9 billion in 2033, driven by the introduction of 10 pipeline products, the increased adoption of novel levodopa delivery methods, and the rising prevalence of PD due to the aging population across the 7MM, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Parkinson’s Disease: Seven-Market Drug Forecast and Market Analysis,”  anticipates an increase in sales across most currently marketed PD drug classes. Specifically, levodopa therapies, catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitors, dopamine agonists, monoamine oxidase B (MOA-B) inhibitors, other antiparkinsonian agents, and PD dementia agents.

    Among the pre-existing drug-classes, the agents targeting PD dementia are expected to see the greatest growth with a CAGR of 24.5% during the forecast period. Additionally, the launch of 10 late-stage pipeline therapies—including two disease-modifying therapies (DMT) and several symptomatic treatments targeting diverse PD needs—will collectively drive an estimated $3.5 billion in sales by 2033.

    Lorraine Palmer, Pharma Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The treatment of PD dementia is consistently rated one of the highest unmet needs by key opinion leaders (KOLs) and high-prescribers. Currently, there is only one agent, rivastigmine, indicated for the treatment of PD dementia within the 7MM. However, it is anticipated that two agents—Anavex’s blarcamesine and Irlab Therapeutics’s pirepemat—targeting PD dementia will launch by 2033.”

    The expansion of the levodopa delivery system AbbVie’s Produodopa/Vyalev across the 7MM (following its launch in Japan in 2023, expansion into the 5EU in 2024, and anticipated launch in the US in 2025) is expected to drive it into the highest-grossing PD treatment by 2033, with projected sales of $1.2 billion by 2033. This also reflects strong enthusiasm from KOLs regarding its broader availability.

    Palmer adds: “The anticipated launch of Roche/Prothena’s prasinezumab and Annovis Bio’s buntanetap as the first DMTs for PD will reshape the treatment space. These treatments aim to address the underlying biology of the disease by targeting α-synuclein aggregation, a key factor in disease progression. While KOL opinions are divided on their efficacy, the introduction of these DMTs will be an important step towards addressing the field’s most pressing unmet need. Therefore, it is expected that these two therapies alone will make up a large portion of the market come 2033. GlobalData forecasts sales of $1.5 billion by 2033.”

    GlobalData’s analysis also highlights the growing prevalence of PD, with diagnosed cases expected to increase from 2.6 million in 2023 to 3.1 million by 2033 across the 7MM. The number of treated cases is forecasted to rise in parallel, from 1.9 million in 2023 to 2.3 million in 2033, reflecting the aging population within the 7MM.

    However, the patent expiry of key therapies including Nuplazid (pimavanserin), Rytary (carbidopa/levodopa), Ongentys (opicapone), and Xadago (safinamide mesylate) is expected to curtail the market growth. Collectively, the therapies anticipated to lose their patent protection within the forecast period accounted for $1.1 billion in 2023 sales across the 7MM but are forecasted to decline to $202.8 million by 2033.

    Palmer concludes: “The PD market is extremely dynamic. However, the next decade is promising transformative growth. With the expansion and launch of groundbreaking therapies, particularly DMTs and novel mechanisms of action to address PD dementia and motor complications. The late-stage pipeline is well positioned to meet the needs of a growing patient population.”

    *7MM = The US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK, and Japan.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple Music kicks off Kendrick Lamar’s Road to Halftime ahead of Super Bowl LIX

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple Music kicks off Kendrick Lamar’s Road to Halftime ahead of Super Bowl LIX

    February 3, 2025

    PRESS RELEASE

    Apple Music kicks off Kendrick Lamar’s Road to Halftime ahead of Super Bowl LIX

    Tune in to the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show press conference for The Official Kendrick Lamar Interview on February 6 at 10 a.m. CT on Apple Music

    CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today announced Apple Music is celebrating Kendrick Lamar’s Road to Halftime with a spotlight on the era-defining artist who has made a seismic impact on hip-hop and culture.

    Coming off of a remarkable year, Kendrick was among the top 10 artists of 2024 globally, with his latest album, GNX, soaring to No. 1 in 129 countries upon release, while “Not Like Us” was the top-streamed song on Apple Music worldwide. Throughout his career, Kendrick has seen nine albums top Apple Music’s top albums chart in more than 160 countries.

    “Throughout his career, Kendrick Lamar hasn’t met the cultural moment so much as he’s defined it,” said Rachel Newman, Apple Music’s global head of content and editorial. “He is an artist’s artist — authentic to his core. We couldn’t be more thrilled to watch him headline the third Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show this year, in what’s sure to be another moment we’ll all be talking about for decades.”

    Fans can get ready for the big event with a wide selection of music and exclusive content, from the first-look trailer Kendrick shared last month; to exclusive playlists curated by New Orleans musicians, NFL players, and teams; to over 100 hours of dedicated Apple Music Radio programming. It all leads up to the highly anticipated Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show on Sunday, February 9, at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.

    To access it all, check out Kendrick’s Road to Halftime on Apple Music.

    The Halftime Show Press Conference

    On Thursday, February 6, at 10 a.m. CT, Apple Music Radio hosts Ebro Darden and Nadeska Alexis will sit down with Kendrick at the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show press conference for the headliner’s official interview. Viewers can tune in live or watch on demand on Apple Music at apple.co/applemusichalftime or Apple Podcasts; on YouTube, Facebook, and X; or on the NFL Network.

    Before the interview, fans can also tune in to the Apple Music Radio pre-show at 9:30 a.m. CT featuring Apple Music Radio hosts Zane Lowe and Eddie Francis, alongside Ebro and Nadeska. The live show will highlight Apple Music’s biggest moments of the past year and feature special guests during a look back at iconic halftime performances.

    100 Hours of Programming on Apple Music Radio

    The award-winning Apple Music Radio will be on the ground and in the stands for a full four-day takeover starting February 6 across New Orleans and Los Angeles. Exclusive programming will include daily “Live from Super Bowl LIX NOLA” broadcasts with Zane, Ebro, Nadeska, and Eddie as they shine a light on the city’s music culture while connecting with artists, athletes, and other notable voices. “Super Bowl LIX LA” broadcasts with Apple Music Radio hosts Hanuman, Brooke Reese, Estelle, Jayde Donovan, and newly added Evelyn Sicairos and Lechero will reflect on the New Orleans fanfare, as well as celebrate Kendrick’s music and hometown back in L.A.

    “Kendrick Lamar: Hip-Hop’s MVP” hosted by Ebro will celebrate Kendrick’s catalog and take listeners on a chronological journey through the milestones in Kendrick’s career and discography.

    And on Saturday before the game, Apple Music will bring the New Orleans club scene to listeners with mixes from NOLA DJs Legatron Prime, DJ Poppa, Mannie Fresh, and KLC the Drum Major. Mustard will spin a special Kendrick Lamar Megamix.

    Listeners can tune in at apple.co/_Radio.

    The Story of Kendrick Lamar in 20 Songs

    Available on Apple Music and Apple News, “The Story of Kendrick Lamar in 20 Songs” offers a captivating glimpse into Kendrick’s remarkable ability to continually redefine the tropes and forms of classic hip-hop.

    Bonus Content from Shazam

    Fans who use the Shazam app to identify Kendrick Lamar songs throughout the week leading up to the performance can access the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show event page, where they’ll find bonus content like a custom Apple Watch face and iPhone wallpaper. They can also save the concert to receive timely reminders for the Set List playlist and photos from the show.

    Apple Music’s Biggest Offer Ever

    Those who are not yet subscribed can check out Apple Music’s biggest offer ever. For a limited time, new and eligible subscribers can get six months of Apple Music for $2.99.

    More to Explore Across Apple Services

    Across Apple services, fans can explore with Apple Maps Guides to New Orleans, catch up on the latest with Apple News, and get moving with a new Artist Spotlight series on Apple Fitness+.

    New Ways to Navigate New Orleans with Apple Maps
     Last week, Apple Maps unveiled new ways visitors and locals alike can explore New Orleans, including a Detailed City Experience and 3D landmarks that bring to life some of the city’s most iconic locations — including Cafe Du Monde, the Steamboat NATCHEZ, and Caesars Superdome — in a visually stunning view. The Detailed City Experience delivers amazing details to help users navigate the city, including road markings, land cover, and public transit routes.

    Apple Maps has also added a new Guide to its Hyperlocal series, this time curated by Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. Lisa shares some of her favorite spots for food, music, and more in her hometown of New Orleans.

    All the Latest Updates on Apple News
    Starting today, Apple News will offer a dedicated hub that delivers special coverage of Super Bowl LIX. From media day to kickoff, fans will find the latest news on the game from local and national sports publishers like The Athletic, Sports Illustrated, The Kansas City Star, and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

    NFL fans can also sign up for personalized news notifications to all of the week’s top football stories curated by the Apple News editors, and during the Super Bowl, the Apple News app will feature the latest highlights, as well as the buzziest commercials and halftime show.

    With the free Apple Sports app for iPhone,1 fans can follow the big game in real time right on their Lock Screen with Live Activities,2 and go deeper in-app with full play-by-play information, team stats, box scores, and live betting odds.

    A Special Fitness+ Artist Spotlight
    The Artist Spotlight series on Fitness+ dedicates entire workout playlists to a single artist, and the latest installment — available starting today — celebrates the music of Kendrick Lamar. This special series features Cycling, HIIT, Strength, Yoga, Pilates, and Kickboxing workouts, all set exclusively to his music.

    Supporting Education and Creativity in New Orleans

    Apple has long-standing community partnerships in New Orleans, with a focus on supporting education and creativity in the community. This includes working with the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (EMCM) to expand access to youth music and technology education, helping Arts New Orleans provide opportunities for aspiring artists through their Young Artist Movement (YAM) program, and equipping students at Delgado Community College with the tools and resources to produce their own podcast about local culture and history. On Saturday, February 8, audiences around the world can tune in to the Super Bowl Host Committee Parade to see the Apple Music-sponsored float, designed on iPad by YAM artists and featuring the EMCM youth jazz ensemble.

    About Apple Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

    1. Available in the U.S., the U.K., and Canada.
    2. Live Activities require iOS 18 and watchOS 11 or later.

    Press Contacts

    Cat Franich

    Apple

    cfranich@apple.com

    Kimberly Mai

    Apple

    k_mai@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: New Orleans students showcase their creativity with iPad and Mac

    Source: Apple

    Headline: New Orleans students showcase their creativity with iPad and Mac

    February 3, 2025

    UPDATE

    New Orleans students showcase their creativity with iPad and Mac

    With all eyes on New Orleans, Apple community partners Ellis Marsalis Center for Music and Arts New Orleans put the city’s aspiring young artists in the spotlight

    On a drizzly, overcast afternoon, all is quiet at the intersection of Bartholomew and Prieur streets in New Orleans’ historic Ninth Ward. The quiet neighborhood around the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music (EMCM) feel worlds away from the historic French Quarter packed with jazz clubs, bars, restaurants, and markets.

    At 3 p.m., the tempo begins to shift — slowly at first, as youth ranging in age from 8 to 18 file through the blue building’s front gate, instruments in tow. The hallways grow steadily louder with the sounds of laughter, footsteps, stray musical notes, and teachers greeting their students. The fledgling musicians begin cycling through their four classes for the day: piano, homework help, an instrument of their choosing, and coding — a required course that stems from the center’s ongoing partnership with Apple.

    Launched in 2019, the collaboration with Apple has allowed EMCM to expand its curriculum, adding a suite of tech-focused courses that complement the world-class music education the center provides to students.

    “I know some people wonder, ‘Why is a music institution teaching coding?’ For us, it’s all connected — it’s part of a digital tapestry,” says Lisa Dabney, the center’s executive director. “It’s about closing the digital divide by giving students access to technology and introducing them to different types of diverse, long-term career opportunities, including pathways in music technology and beyond. In a community where many homes lack access to iPads and computers, this partnership with Apple helps us put the power of technology directly in our students’ hands, opening doors to creative and professional futures they might have never imagined.”

    Apple’s support for EMCM is part of the company’s broader long-standing commitment to uplift and amplify youth creativity in New Orleans through technology. As budding musicians at EMCM learn to code and mix new tracks with Logic Pro and GarageBand, students at Delgado Community College are producing their own podcast about local cultural icons, and young artists at Arts New Orleans have used iPad to design a new mural fans will see on their way to the Superdome this weekend.

    “We love to see technology and creativity supporting one another, and it’s such a joy to see that in action here in my hometown of New Orleans,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. “Creativity, art, and music are in our DNA. Our teams are really excited to keep working with our amazing community partners and the talented young people who light up this city.”

    EMCM’s holistic and ever-evolving programming stems directly from its namesake, who wanted to ensure that the next generation had the chance to carry on the city’s vibrant cultural legacy. This work felt especially important in the Ninth Ward — a neighborhood renowned for being home to many iconic musicians, civil rights activists, and educators — that had been disproportionately impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

    “At the heart of the center’s curriculum is our founder’s belief that truly understanding music begins with learning to hear it,” explains Dabney. “Piano plays a key role in this process by helping students develop critical listening skills, connect deeply with music, and build a strong foundation in music theory. For this reason, piano has been a required class for all students, in addition to their primary instrument.”

    That same foundational approach to learning now extends to coding and audio engineering courses. In the center’s Mac lab, students use the latest hardware and software to learn coding basics with Apple’s Everyone Can Code and Swift Playgrounds frameworks. And in the on-site music studio, they learn how to engineer their own tracks with apps like GarageBand and Logic Pro. Students also get access to their own iPad every semester, allowing them to take what they’ve learned in their classes and build on those skills at home.

    The audio engineering courses — made possible through Apple’s support — are among the center’s newer offerings for high school-aged students.

    “Here in New Orleans, we have hotels, we have clubs, we have conventions, and we have probably more festivals than anybody in the world. And all of them need audio,” explains Dr. Daryl Dickerson, the center’s longtime director of music education. “This is a job you can learn now, and for the rest of your life, you can do it. If you learn how to capture and edit audio at a young age, you can evolve that into a career.”

    For Jacob Jones Jr., a high school senior who plays the saxophone, trumpet, and piano, Dr. Dickerson’s Saturday afternoon audio engineering class has created a whole new framework for thinking about music.

    “You can make a sound on an instrument, and that’s great,” says Jones. “But then when you play that sound back through the computer, you can expound on it, and play around and make something totally brand-new that no one has ever heard before.”

    Outside of his classes, Jones often finds himself using the skills he’s learned in Logic and GarageBand on his iPhone whenever — and wherever — inspiration strikes. “GarageBand is really essential to me, because I’ll hear something and be like, ‘Wow, I just got to get it out.’ I’ll go on my iPhone, open GarageBand, be able to play out that melody, record it, and even make a whole song out of it,” he explains.

    This same spirit of creative experimentation is fostered in the school’s coding courses, where students like Donte Allen, 14, are encouraged to merge their passion for music and the arts with the foundational technological skills they’re acquiring in class.

    Allen has had a passion for music since he was in diapers. “My dad has a picture of me from when I was 6 months old with the trumpet in my carseat,” he notes with a smile.

    But learning how to code has opened up new creative interests.

    “Swift teaches you the fundamentals, and you can go on from there,” he explains of his newfound affinity for coding. “You can build your own apps, make your own games, and make your own stories… Music and Swift both help with my creativity.”

    This type of exposure — across a wide range of creative and technological mediums, often with surprising points of intersection in between — is what it’s all about for the center’s faculty.

    “These students want this type of education,” says Dr. Dickerson, whose next endeavor will be bringing podcasting classes into the center. “But if it’s not presented to them, they never get it. And it’s the same thing with music and everything else we do around here. So we’re always trying to present them with something new.”

    Beyond the football fervor already enveloping the Superdome, students from Arts New Orleans are putting the finishing touches on a project of their own. Their garden-themed mural, which will cover an exterior wall of the Orleans Justice Center along Interstate 10, highlights stories of previously incarcerated locals while also imparting a message of hope to the community.

    The 6,600-square-foot piece was designed by participants in the Young Artist Movement (YAM), Arts New Orleans’ arts education and workforce development program, which works primarily with students ages 14 to 22. Through YAM, founded in 2016, local youth learn the mural-making process from guest artists and are then given the opportunity to create their own across the city. The participants will also complete the installation of the mural.

    The design process for this particular mural began in the Procreate app on iPad. Using Apple Pencil, the 19 students designed the digital images that appear on the mural’s panels. Lead artists Journey Allen, Gabrielle Tolliver, and Jade Meyers then organized the final designs, and sent them to a mural cloth company to have them ghost-printed on large swaths of mural cloth. From there, the pieces are painted and will then be installed along the wall using a specific gel medium.

    Allen, a visual artist and arts educator who serves as Arts New Orleans’ director of youth education, has enjoyed watching the students blossom. “I love to see the ones who are intimidated at first by the materials,” she shares. “But then when you connect with them and they begin to open up, the artwork becomes a source of transparency, a source of trust, where they share with you a little bit of who they are. Some of them never even really drew or painted before, and here they are creating this huge mural. They ask, ‘When are we going to do the next one?’”

    For some of the young artists, the project holds an added layer of meaning — they came to YAM through its arts diversion program, an alternative to prosecution and incarceration for youth facing low-level, nonviolent offenses. Founded in 2021, it draws on the healing and restorative qualities of artistic expression, with the goal of students having their charges dismissed upon completion.

    Arts New Orleans is also piloting a standalone arts diversion program this spring to help meet participants’ unique needs. “There are many things that they need to engage in, conversations that need to be had, that we can’t have amongst the main YAM group, which are kids who have not been impacted in the same way by the criminal justice system,” Allen explains. “Giving them their own program gives them a true opportunity to expand and move beyond whatever it is they are facing.”

    The idea for YAM and its arts diversion program was sparked by now-retired Judge Arthur Hunter and Xavier University professor Ron Bechet, who is also an artist. Through his career as a police officer, a lawyer, and finally as a judge in his native New Orleans, Hunter had a firsthand look at the factors that lead to young people getting swept into the city’s criminal justice system and saw the potential for art to provide an alternate path.

    “It’s not just the art — it’s an economic opportunity as well, where they should be able to make a living using their talent,” explains Hunter, a board member at Arts New Orleans. “That’s just as much a part of it as seeing that beautiful picture on a canvas.”

    For Hunter, the timing of the mural’s unveiling couldn’t feel more fitting. “This project will be not just a culmination, but also I see it as the beginning of more art throughout the city, letting people know in the city, in the region, in the state, around the country, and around the world what kids can do in the city of New Orleans when it comes to art,” he says.

    Press Contacts

    Rachel Wolf Tulley

    Apple

    rachel_tulley@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Freezing US foreign aid will result in humanitarian disaster News Feb 02, 2025

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    We are talking about countless refugees and other displaced persons, children threatened by malaria, and people who need HIV and tuberculosis treatment, whose care risks being stopped. Already we are hearing from local organizations who have closed their doors and are unsure when or if they will be able to reopen.

    The latest reports follow two weeks of partners trying to grapple with sweeping changes that imperil the delivery of humanitarian and health assistance to those who need it most around the world. The existing humanitarian waiver is insufficient and needs to be expanded to cover all necessary health and humanitarian programs. 

    We urge the US government to immediately resume funding of critical humanitarian and health aid, either through rescinding relevant orders freezing funding or expanding the current narrow humanitarian waiver to cover all necessary health and humanitarian programs.

    The broad halt in foreign assistance, coupled with limitations to and a lack of clarity around humanitarian waivers, has already resulted in the loss of lifesaving medical humanitarian aid and harmful impacts on patient communities. In the last week, MSF’s medical teams have witnessed confusion as clinics and other critical services previously supported by USAID were shut down without warning.

    MSF does not accept US government funding and our programs will not be directly affected. However, the massive role that the United States government plays in funding international aid cannot be rapidly filled by others.

    We urge the US government to halt the ad hoc waiver system and allow for all critical humanitarian and medical assistance to continue as the administration reviews its foreign assistance priorities.

    MIL OSI NGO –