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Category: Vehicles

  • MIL-OSI Security: Thoreau Woman Pleads Guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter in Fatal Drunk Driving Incident on Navajo Nation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALBUQUERQUE – A Thoreau woman has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after driving while intoxicated and fatally striking John Doe with her vehicle following an altercation.

    According to court records, on the morning of May 28, 2023, Nora Abeita, 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and several others, including the victim, John Doe, consumed alcohol together. After an altercation with John Doe, Abeita attempted to leave the residence with a friend. While driving away, Abeita struck John Doe with their vehicle. She did not immediately realize she had run over him until alerted by others. John Doe died from his injuries.

    Abeita’s blood alcohol concentration was measured at .16 approximately five hours after the incident—more than double the legal limit in both New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.

    At sentencing, Abeita faces up to eight years in prison. Upon her release from prison, Abeita will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

    U.S. Attorney Ryan G. Ellison and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

    The Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: XA Investments Finds Strong Start to 2025 in Fund Launches and Asset Gathering Among Non-Listed Closed End Funds in its First Quarter 2025 Market Update

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — XA Investments LLC (“XAI”), an alternative investment management and consulting firm, announced today that its Non-Listed Closed-End Funds First Quarter 2025 Market Update shows a strong start to 2025 in both fund launches and asset gathering. The market update is a comprehensive research report detailing current market trends and industry highlights. The non-listed closed-end fund (CEF) market includes all interval and tender offer funds. The report introduces the XAI Interval Fund Index™ (INTVL), analyzes recent developments in co-investment relief, and reviews 2024 net flows across the market.

    “The non-listed CEF market continues to grow after a record year in 2024, with many sponsors launching a second fund and new sponsors entering the market” stated Kimberly Flynn, the president of XAI. “Such robust growth is great for the interval / tender offer fund market. We believe the market’s trajectory will remain positive, with significant opportunities for expansion throughout the rest of the year,” she added.

    XAI recently launched their XAI Interval Fund Index™ (INTVL), a total return index that tracks the interval fund market, helping to address the lack of easily accessible information on the market. “The XAI Interval Fund Index gives asset managers and financial advisors an unprecedented level of clarity in a market that has been notoriously difficult to track,” Flynn noted. “The first index tracking the interval and tender offer fund market, INTVL serves as the sole barometer for the market, giving investors a snapshot of how interval funds as a whole are performing,” Flynn added.

    The non-listed CEF market reached a new peak with 270 interval and tender offer funds with a total of $181 billion in net assets and $220 billion in total managed assets, inclusive of leverage, as of March 31, 2025. The market includes 134 interval funds which comprise 50% of the total managed assets at $132.1 billion and 136 tender offer funds which comprise the other 50% with $88.3 billion in total managed assets. This is a significant change from previous quarters, as the number of interval funds has caught up to the total number of tender funds. In Q1 2025, 14 new funds entered the market, representing an increase of four funds compared to the 10 funds launched in Q1 2024. Market-wide net assets increased $9 billion in Q1 2025 from the prior quarter.

    In total, there are 143 unique fund sponsors in the interval and tender offer fund space, with 50 fund sponsors that have two or more interval and/or tender offer funds currently in the market. Additionally, there are 27 funds currently in the Securities and Exchange Commission registration process from fund sponsors looking to launch another fund. Notably, the top 20 funds decreased their market share from 65% Q4 2024, to 60% in Q1 2025, displaying the growth of new funds in the market. Among the new funds launched in Q1 2025, there were three new interval fund sponsors, HarbourVest, Gemcorp and Pop Venture Advisers.

    In this quarterly report, XAI covers the 2024-year end net flows which are lagged by reporting cycles. In 2024 funds had positive net flows, totaling over $38 billion, with 67% of funds reporting positive net flows. The majority of net flows in 2024 (53%) went into daily NAV funds without suitability restrictions, while 26% went into funds limited to accredited investors, and 21% went into funds limited to qualified clients. In aggregate, the top 20 largest interval/tender offer funds experienced an increase in net flows year-over-year from 2023 to 2024 including many of the market leaders such as the Cliffwater Corporate Lending Fund, Partners Group Private Equity (Master Fund), LLC, and ACAP Strategic Fund. In addition, Private Credit funds continued to dominate capital raising in 2024, bringing in over $20 billion in net assets, with Venture / Private Equity funds coming in second, bringing in over $11 billion in net assets.

    “The non-listed CEF market continues to grow with a total of 58 funds in the SEC registration process at the end of the first quarter,” said Flynn. “The SEC backlog increased by five funds from the end of 2024 to the end of Q1 2025. So far in 2025, there have been 23 new SEC filings, compared to 15 new filings from Q1 2024, representing a 53% increase in registrations. Newly launched non-listed CEFs spent around seven months in the SEC registration process, with the fund’s asset class continuing to be the main driver of time spent in the SEC review process. Tax-Free Bond funds were the quickest to launch, at 160 days on average spent in registration,” she added.

    At 49%, the majority of interval and tender offer funds do not have any suitability restrictions for investors imposed at the fund level — 30% of funds are available to accredited investors and 21% are only available to qualified clients. Alternative funds without suitability restrictions also prove to be more accessible and have gathered more assets at $118.2 billion in managed assets or 54% of market-wide assets.

    For more information on the interval fund market and to read our full quarterly report on non-listed CEFs, please visit the CEF Market research page linked here and click ‘Subscribe’ for access to XA Investments’ online research portal and pricing information. In addition, please contact info@xainvestments.com or 888-903-3358 with questions.

    About XA Investments
    XA Investments LLC (“XAI”) is a Chicago-based firm founded by XMS Capital Partners in 2016. XAI serves as the investment adviser for two listed closed-end funds and an interval closed-end fund, respectively the XAI Octagon Floating Rate & Alternative Income Trust, the XAI Madison Equity Premium Income Fund, and the Octagon XAI CLO Income Fund. In addition to investment advisory services, the firm also provides investment fund structuring and consulting services focused on registered closed-end funds to meet institutional client needs. XAI offers custom product build and consulting services, including product development and market research, marketing and fund management. XAI believes that the investing public can benefit from new vehicles to access a broad range of alternative investment strategies and managers. For more information, please visit www.xainvestments.com.

    The MIL Network –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin Announces He Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2026

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    April 23, 2025

    After serving seven House terms and five Senate terms, Durbin says, “I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch.”

    CHICAGO – In a video message shared with Illinois voters today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026.

    “The decision of whether to run for re-election has not been easy. I truly love the job of being a United States Senator. But in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch. So, I am announcing today that I will not be seeking re-election at the end of my term,” Durbin said in the video.

    “The people of Illinois have honored me with this responsibility longer than anyone elected to the Senate in our state’s history. I am truly grateful,” Durbin said. “Right now, the challenges facing our country are historic and unprecedented. The threats to our democracy and way of life are very real, and I can assure you that I will do everything in my power to fight for Illinois and the future of our country every day of my remaining time in the Senate.”

    Durbin concluded, “To the Illinoisans who gave this kid from East St. Louis a chance to serve: Thank you for supporting me—through words and actions—over the years. Now that I have this announcement behind me, I need to get back to work.”

    Senator Durbin is the 47th U.S. Senator from the State of Illinois, the state’s senior Senator, and the longest serving, popularly elected Senator from Illinois. Durbin also serves as the Senate Democratic Whip, the second highest ranking position among Senate Democrats. Durbin has been elected to this leadership post by his Democratic colleagues every two years since 2005 and is the longest serving Whip for either party.

    Senator Durbin served as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee for the 117th and 118th Congresses. During his time as Chair, the committee held 145 full committee hearings, 88 subcommittee hearings, and 86 executive business meetings; advanced 373 executive and judicial nominees out of the committee; and reported 56 bills out of the committee. The Senate also confirmed a record 235 judges, including Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

    Senator Durbin has given more than half of his life to House and Senate Congressional service, having first been elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1982, representing the Springfield-based 20th congressional district. After serving seven House terms, Durbin was elected to the U.S. Senate on November 5, 1996, and re-elected in 2002, 2008, 2014, and 2020. Durbin fills the seat left vacant by the retirement of his long-time friend and mentor, U.S. Senator Paul Simon.

    A video summary of Durbin’s accomplishments as a member of the House of Representatives and U.S. Senate can be found here. Below is a list of some of Durbin’s top legislative accomplishments throughout his career.

    • Judicial Confirmations. During his time as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Democrats confirmed 235 judges to lifetime positions. This included the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. Of the confirmations, two-thirds were women, two-thirds were people of color, and two-fifths were women of color.
    • Curbing Tobacco and E-Cigarette Use. As a Congressman, Durbin was the primary author of legislation that ended smoking on airplanes. Since, he has continued to work to reduce tobacco use—especially by young people—by leading the passage of legislation to increase the tobacco purchase age to 21, pressing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ban menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, and repeatedly calling on the FDA to better enforce laws regulating unauthorized e-cigarettes.
    • Dream Act/DACA. Beginning in 2001, Durbin introduced the Dream Act to give young immigrants the chance to earn U.S. citizenship. He has introduced the legislation every Congress since. Durbin has spoken on the Senate Floor 147 times to tell the stories of these young people. In 2012, Durbin worked with President Obama to establish the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program to allow these young people to gain temporary status. As of September 2024, roughly 530,000 people had active DACA status. 
    • Criminal Justice Reform. Durbin’s Fair Sentencing Act, enacted in 2010, reduced the federal sentencing disparity for crack/powder cocaine offenses. In 2019, Durbin led bipartisan efforts to enact the First Step Act, the most significant criminal justice reform legislation in a generation. More than 40,000 people had been released under the First Step Act as of January 2024, with a recidivism rate of only 9.7 percent. Durbin continues to work to further these efforts through his Safer Detention Act, Prohibiting Punishment of Acquitted Conduct Act, and Smarter Sentencing Act.
    • Infrastructure Investments. Durbin has made strengthening Illinois’ role as a transportation hub a top priority. He has led efforts to secure funding to relieve congestion on Illinois’ roads; modernize O’Hare International Airport; expand air service downstate; improve and expand passenger rail service—including Amtrak, CTA, and Metra; modernize locks and dams; and improve pedestrian safety. Since the return of earmarks from Fiscal Year 2022 – Fiscal Year 2024 alone, Durbin secured $548.1 million for Illinois projects. 
    • Health Care Shortages. Durbin has led efforts to expand health care access, especially in rural areas. Durbin’s bipartisan SIREN Act, first enacted in 2018, provides grants to rural fire and EMS agencies. He secured $1 billion for the National Health Service Corps and Nurse Corps in the American Rescue Plan to recruit more doctors, nurses, dentists, and behavioral health providers. Durbin has also worked to expand oral health care access through Medicaid. 
    • Medical & Scientific Research. Through Durbin’s American Cures and American Innovation Acts, and his America Grows Act, he has led efforts to secure increased funding—with the goal of five percent real growth—for federal medical and scientific research funding, including through the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defense (DoD), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and other agencies. Durbin’s efforts resulted in a 60 percent funding increase for NIH over the past decade.
    • Support for the Baltics. Durbin was a strong supporter of the accession of Poland and the Baltics into NATO. He has been a steadfast Senate champion of the NATO alliance. And he has worked to provide further security support through his bipartisan Baltic Security Initiative Act and by securing funding for Baltic security through defense appropriations. 
    • College Affordability. In 2013, Durbin helped negotiate the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act to lower interest rates on federal student loans. Durbin’s Open Textbooks Pilot program has resulted in more than $250 million in estimated savings for students.  Durbin also led efforts to hold fraudulent for-profit colleges accountable and has pushed the Education Department to discharge the student loans of borrowers who attended these predatory schools. 
    • Gun Violence Prevention. Durbin has prioritized addressing childhood trauma to break the cycle of violence, including through his Chicago HEAL Initiative and his Trauma Support in Schools grant program with Senator Capito. In 2023, the 10 HEAL hospitals provided 4,403 students with employment/training opportunities and provided 2,614 victims of violence with trauma-informed case management. Durbin is working to further these efforts through his bipartisan RISE from Trauma Act.
    • Consumer Protection. In 2008, Durbin first introduced legislation to create an agency focused on consumer protection, which eventually was added to Dodd-Frank and resulted in the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Dodd-Frank also included the Durbin swipe fee amendment to cap debit card swipe fees, estimated to have saved consumers $6 billion in the first year after implementation. Durbin has continued to work to protect consumers through his bipartisan Credit Card Competition Act—and more recently, legislation to protect consumers from crypto ATM fraud and to bring transparency to airline rewards programs.
    • Protecting the Environment. Durbin has led efforts to protect the Great Lakes, including through Army Corps projects like Brandon Road, securing funding for Chicago shoreline restoration, supporting the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and introducing legislation to prohibit the discharge of plastic pellets into waterways. Durbin has worked to reduce emissions and chemical discharges, including to reduce ethylene oxide emissions and more recently, legislation to phase out non-essential uses of PFAS. Durbin has also secured significant funding for electric vehicle production and charging infrastructure in Illinois.
    • Veterans Care. Durbin’s Veteran Servicemember Caregiver Support Act led to a new, national program at the VA, enacted in 2010, to provide financial assistance, health care, and counseling to family caregivers of disabled veterans. In 2023, the VA provided services to more than 74,000 caregivers participating in the program. Durbin also led the effort to establish the Lovell Federal Health Care Facility in North Chicago.
    • Defense Funding. Durbin served as Chairman/Vice Chairman of Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee from the 113th-116th Congresses. As a leader and member of that subcommittee, Durbin secured funding for a range of small defense contractors in Illinois, strengthened manufacturing at Rock Island Arsenal and capabilities at Scott Air Force Base, and led efforts to increase service member pay. Durbin also led the effort to bring a DoD Digital Manufacturing and Design Innovation Institute to Illinois (MxD) and has worked to address DoD’s PFAS releases to protect service members and their families.

    Durbin was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, to his father, William Durbin, and his Lithuanian-born mother, Ona (Kutkaite) Durbin. He is married to Loretta Schaefer Durbin. Their family consists of three children—Christine, Paul, and Jennifer—as well as six grandchildren.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: First Gaelic translation of The Hobbit published The first (Scottish) Gaelic translation of JRR Tolkien’s timeless classic, The Hobbit, has been completed by a University of Aberdeen professor.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Book coverThe first (Scottish) Gaelic translation of JRR Tolkien’s timeless classic, The Hobbit, has been completed by a University of Aberdeen professor.
    Moray Watson, Professor of Gaelic and Translation and a lifelong Tolkien fan, began working on a Gaelic version titled A’ Hobat prior tothe Covid lockdowns.
    Delays from this and fitting the project around his teaching commitments meant that arriving at a final version took much longer than expected.
    Now, after many phases of editing, the book is available to order, complete with an afterword explaining why Professor Watson alighted on the word hobat to translate ‘hobbit’ and why it has a’ and not the more ‘expected’ an.
    The Gaelic translation, supported by the Gaelic Books Council, joins a growing list of languages allowing new engagement with the classic story the world over, including Hawaiian, Esperanto, Breton and Yiddish.
    Professor Watson is Director of Ionad Eòghainn MhicLachlainn: the National Centre for Gaelic Translation, which exists specifically to support the translation of literature into Gaelic (as well as Manx and Irish).
    In addition to The Hobbit translation, the Centre is supporting a book co-edited by Professor Watson which features a set of essays from translators and scholars on various aspects of the translation process.
    “Enjoyment of reading is of tremendous importance on many levels when it comes to the esteem and status of a language,” he said.
    “Being able to select from a wide range of engaging texts is also extremely important when learning a language or when making the decision to dig in and make that long, sustained extra effort necessary to go from competence in a language to mastery.
    “I’ve read the book in at least nine languages so far. Whenever I learn a new language now, I always check to see if there is a translation of The Hobbit. If there is, I buy it. That way, I can read a novel early on in the learning process, because I already know the story very well at this point.
    “Every single time I read it, in every single language, I get to experience the deep, rich joy of discovering Tolkien’s world.”
    The book includes all the drawings by the author and Professor Watson says it was a pleasure and privilege to delve deeply into the maps, runes and illustrations when triple-checking translations before publication.
    “It’s no wonder people fell in love with this book, and continue to do so nearly 90 years after it was first published,” he added.
    “I’m very lucky to have had the chance to work with it and I hope that people enjoy it.”
    Professor Watson is also completing a Gaelic translation of H. G. Wells’s The Time Machine, which includes an academic essay on how elements of translation theory can help the translator work through some of the trickier parts of a text.
    The first appearance of Sherlock Holmes in Arthur Conan Doyle’s A Study in Scarlet is next on the list to be translated to Gaelic and Professor Watson is hunting for interesting novels in French, German or Spanish that have never been translated to English to further expand Gaelic reading lists.
    Professor Watson teaches on the MSc in Translation, which is available online and on campus and makes the University of Aberdeen the only institution in the world that offers a Gaelic translation degree at this level.

    A’ chiad tionndagh Gàidhlig de The Hobbit air fhoillseachadh

    Tha a’ chiad eadar-theangachadh Gàidhlig (Albannach) de shàr nobhail J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, air a chrìochnachadh le àrd-ollamh aig Oilthigh Obar Dheathain. Tha Moray Watson, Àrd-ollamh na Gàidhlig agus Eadar-theangachaidh air a bhith fìor mheasail air sgrìobhaidhean Tolkien fad a bheatha.
    ‘S e an t-eadar-theangachadh Gàidhlig, le taic bho Chomhairle nan Leabhraichean, an tionndadh as ùire am measg liosta de chànanan a tha a’ dol am meud, a bheir seachad cothrom a dhol an sàs anns an sgeulachd chlasaigich air feadh an t-saoghail, a’ toirt a-steach an cànan Hawaii, Esperanto, Breatnais, agus Iùdhais.
    Tha an t-Àrd-ollamh Watson na Stiùiriche air Ionad Eòghainn MhicLachlainn: an t-Ionad Nàiseanta airson Eadar-theangachadh Gàidhlig, a tha ann a dh’aona ghnothach gus taic a thoirt do eadar-theangachadh litreachais gu Gàidhlig, Gàidhlig Mhanainn agus Gàidhlig na h-Èireann.
    “Tha tlachd ann an leughadh air leth cudromach aig iomadh ìre nuair a thig e gu spèis agus inbhe cànain,” thuirt e.
    “Tha a bhith comasach air taghadh bho raon farsaing de theacsaichean tarraingeach cuideachd air leth cudromach nuair a tha thu ag ionnsachadh cànan no nuair a cho-dhùineas tu an oidhirp fhada, sheasmhach sin a dhèanamh a tha riatanach gus a dhol bho chomas ann an cànan gu maighstireachd.
    “Tha mi air an leabhar a leughadh ann an co-dhiù naoi cànanan gu ruige seo. Nuair a dh’ionnsaicheas mi cànan ùr a-nis, bidh mi an-còmhnaidh a’ rùrachd feuch a bheil eadar-theangachadh de The Hobbit ann. Ma tha, ceannaichidh mi e. Mar sin, is urrainn dhomh nobhail a leughadh tràth sa phròiseas ionnsachaidh, oir tha eòlas math agam air an sgeulachd aig an ìre seo mu thràth.
    “Gach uair a leughas mi e, anns a h-uile cànan, gheibh mi air tlachd domhainn, inneachail fhaighinn às an rannsachadh de shaoghal Tolkien.”
    Tha an leabhar a’ toirt a-steach a h-uile dealbh leis an ùghdar agus tha an t-Àrd-ollamh Watson ag ràdh gun robh e na thoileachas agus na urram a bhith a’ mion-sgrùdadh nam mapaichean, nan rùn-litrichean agus nan ìomhaighean nuair a bhathar a’ dearbh-leughadh nan eadar-theangachaidhean airson iomadh turas mus deach fhoillseachadh.   
    “Chan iongnadh gun do ghabh daoine gaol don leabhar seo agus gum bi iad a’ dèanamh sin faisg air 90 bliadhna às dèidh dha nochdadh an clò an toiseach,” thuirt e.
    Tha an leabhar ri fhaighinn airson òrdachadh, le eàrr-ràdh a’ mìneachadh carson a cho-dhùin an t-Àrd-ollamh Watson am facal hobat a chleachdadh airson Gàidhlig a chur air ‘hobbit’ agus carson a tha a’ aige agus chan eil ‘an’ mar a bhite an dùil.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Smart Electrical Panel Startup SPANs NREL’s Accelerator Programs

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    SPAN created a smart electrical panel that goes beyond traditional capabilities. Photo from SPAN

    Imagine a severe storm knocks out a neighborhood powerline; while most homes go dark, one homeowner seamlessly manages their backup energy, prioritizing critical appliances. This is not the future—it is happening now with SPAN’s smart electrical panel.

    SPAN is the only startup company to go through two of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s (NREL’s) startup assistance programs: the Shell GameChanger Accelerator Powered by NREL (GCxN) and the Wells Fargo Innovation Incubator (IN2). SPAN created a smart electrical panel that goes beyond traditional capabilities, allowing users to control individual circuits for individual devices. SPAN also has an app that provides users with a dashboard to keep track of the connected appliances and electric loads. The panel provides real-time visibility into a homeowner’s energy consumption, broken out by individual breakers, so homeowners can prioritize different loads during a power outage, while utilities can gain insight into grid flexibility strategies.

    When NREL Senior Engineer Bethany Sparn had SPAN’s smart panel installed in a lab, all the laboratory electricians were excited about it.

    “The electrician that installed the panel asked me how it worked, and I explained that every circuit had a dedicated power meter and relay, all hidden in the backplate of the panel,” Sparn said. “They thought it was really cool. The SPAN panel shook up the world of breaker panels in a way that feels like the early days of smart thermostats. They created a product that would be beneficial to utilities and consumers.”

    SPAN Vice President of Business Development Alex Pratt said the company reimagined a power panel from the ground up.

    “Each of the circuits in our panels are granularly metered and controllable through a relay,” Pratt said. “This combined with significant onboard processing and multichannel communications creates a powerful platform to provide novel home energy management capabilities.”

    The first project that brought SPAN’s technology to NREL was through the GCxN program in 2019. NREL scientists, including Senior Research Engineer Shibani Ghosh, focused on simulations to test the possible impacts of high adoption of SPAN panels at the neighborhood scale under a utility’s distribution feeder. The simulations demonstrated how grid operations could improve and help utility consumers when individual consumptions are managed by SPAN smart panels.

    “If a smart panel like SPAN’s can communicate and track when the electricity price goes down,” Ghosh said, “you can schedule the operation of your devices and save money within your time preferences.”

    SPAN is the only startup to participate in both the IN2 and GCxN programs. Photo from SPAN

    The results of the simulations supported that SPAN’s panel could deliver grid benefits as expected, so as the GCxN project wrapped up, SPAN joined IN2 in 2020, initiating Sparn’s work with the smart panel in the lab.

    “SPAN was unique in that they had already gone through GCxN, but that had been an entirely simulation-based project,” Sparn said. “For IN2, we wanted to get their hardware in the lab. We wanted to look at a number of features that could help people add electrical equipment or provide resilience. For instance, if you install their panel with a backup battery, you can change what circuits are powered during a grid outage and even prioritize them.”

    Pratt points to a concrete example of how the panel operates and provides value when a homeowner goes to install a new electrical load in the home, such as an electric vehicle (EV) charger or heat pump. These additions could exceed the amount of electricity the home was originally designed to draw.

    “The panel eliminates the need for the consumer to upgrade their service level with a utility and instead will intelligently balance the loads in their home automatically,” Pratt said.

    The laboratory testing of the panel confirmed that its advanced features, such as turning off circuits to avoid overloading the electrical service and configurable backup power, were working as expected. The IN2 laboratory experiments laid the groundwork for further collaboration between SPAN and NREL.

    In addition to the GCxN and IN2 programs, another collaboration opportunity was led by Xin Jin, NREL group manager for Grid Edge and Advanced Controls at the Building Technologies and Science Center. Jin and his team developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven home energy management system, called foresee™, which won an R&D 100 award in 2018. Through a cooperative research agreement after the IN2 project, Jin explored how integrating SPAN’s panel with foresee could generate additional benefits.

    “This maximized the work NREL did with SPAN through the GCxN and IN2 projects,” Jin said. “With their panel and our software, we can modulate the thermostat, manage EV charging, and control the water heater. We can talk to every major load in the home. By combining their panel and circuit-level power metering with foresee, there is more control, and that translates to utility bill savings.”

    NREL’s foresee software uses advanced algorithms that learn the dynamics of each home along with its occupants’ patterns to predict future energy consumption. Automated control of connected appliances and systems will save energy, reduce strain on the grid, and could save homeowners up to $9 billion on energy bills—without asking people to become energy experts. Introduced in 2018, it was a significant breakthrough in the home energy management market, attracting interest from startups and large HVAC manufacturers.

    SPAN continues to scale up in the way it works with NREL. The company started in California and Hawaii, and its panels are now widely deployed in all 50 states, supported by a network of hundreds of electrical installers. While homeowners and contractors have traditionally been SPAN’s target audience, it is also exploring applications for utility grid services.

    “As we’re trying to introduce a new category and new approach to home energy management technology, having the credibility from a partnership with an entity like NREL is invaluable,” Pratt said. “We’ve proven the viability and value of our product. We are now focused on accelerating adoption, and electric utilities represent a step-function change in the scale we can achieve and impact we can have.”

    The SPAN panel made a lasting impact on the NREL researchers, and they remain excited about its potential.

    “Their panel is really sleek,” Jin said. “It’s like an art piece—it’s very beautiful and well built. In terms of function, it’s very advanced.”

    Learn more about the GCxN program and IN2.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Reaches Settlement with California Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning a Navy Lieutenant’s Car While He Was Deployed at Sea

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Note: View settlement here.

    The Justice Department today announced that it reached an agreement with California towing company Tony’s Auto Center to resolve allegations that it illegally auctioned a deployed Navy Lieutenant’s car, in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Under the settlement agreement, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jonathan Liongson will receive $7,500 in damages. The United States will also receive a $2,000 civil penalty, and Tony’s Auto Center must implement new policies to prevent future violations of the SCRA.

    According to the United States’ complaint, in November 2022, before leaving for deployment aboard the USS Bunker Hill, Lieutenant Liongson placed personal items in his 2011 Mazda 6 and parked it at a friend’s house. While he was deployed at sea, Tony’s Auto Center towed the car and, about two months later, sold it at auction without first obtaining a court order, as is required by the SCRA.

    “Members of our armed forces should not have to worry about their cars being auctioned off while they are deployed on missions defending our freedoms, liberties, and rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “This settlement should send a strong message to other towing companies that they should not take advantage of our servicemembers while they are keeping Americans safe.”

    “The SCRA protects the rights of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, which allows them to devote their full attention to defending our country,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “While Lieutenant Liongson was at sea, he understood that his ship’s mission and the duration of their deployment could change at any moment. He accepted that reality in the fulfillment of his solemn oath. In turn, the SCRA provides grace and understanding about certain personal affairs. Lieutenant Liongson’s car should not have been auctioned off in his absence. We hope this settlement encourages all towing companies to review and improve their policies and ensure that the rights of all servicemembers are honored and respected.”

    The SCRA is a federal law that provides a variety of financial and housing protections to members of the U.S. military. The law prohibits a towing company from auctioning off a vehicle owned by a servicemember unless it first obtains an order from a court allowing it to do so.

    Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/.

    The Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. Additional information on the Department’s enforcement of the SCRA and other laws protecting servicemembers is available at www.servicemembers.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Reaches Settlement with California Towing Company for Illegally Auctioning a Navy Lieutenant’s Car While He Was Deployed at Sea

    Source: United States Attorneys General 13

    Note: View settlement here.

    The Justice Department today announced that it reached an agreement with California towing company Tony’s Auto Center to resolve allegations that it illegally auctioned a deployed Navy Lieutenant’s car, in violation of the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). Under the settlement agreement, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Jonathan Liongson will receive $7,500 in damages. The United States will also receive a $2,000 civil penalty, and Tony’s Auto Center must implement new policies to prevent future violations of the SCRA.

    According to the United States’ complaint, in November 2022, before leaving for deployment aboard the USS Bunker Hill, Lieutenant Liongson placed personal items in his 2011 Mazda 6 and parked it at a friend’s house. While he was deployed at sea, Tony’s Auto Center towed the car and, about two months later, sold it at auction without first obtaining a court order, as is required by the SCRA.

    “Members of our armed forces should not have to worry about their cars being auctioned off while they are deployed on missions defending our freedoms, liberties, and rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division. “This settlement should send a strong message to other towing companies that they should not take advantage of our servicemembers while they are keeping Americans safe.”

    “The SCRA protects the rights of the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, which allows them to devote their full attention to defending our country,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California. “While Lieutenant Liongson was at sea, he understood that his ship’s mission and the duration of their deployment could change at any moment. He accepted that reality in the fulfillment of his solemn oath. In turn, the SCRA provides grace and understanding about certain personal affairs. Lieutenant Liongson’s car should not have been auctioned off in his absence. We hope this settlement encourages all towing companies to review and improve their policies and ensure that the rights of all servicemembers are honored and respected.”

    The SCRA is a federal law that provides a variety of financial and housing protections to members of the U.S. military. The law prohibits a towing company from auctioning off a vehicle owned by a servicemember unless it first obtains an order from a court allowing it to do so.

    Servicemembers and their dependents who believe their SCRA rights have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations can be found at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/.

    The Justice Department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the Department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. Additional information on the Department’s enforcement of the SCRA and other laws protecting servicemembers is available at www.servicemembers.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Province is on the right track toward safer roads in B.C.

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    People in British Columbia will benefit from further road and pedestrian safety measures in their communities through the Vision Zero Grant Program.

    The grants are awarded directly to communities in B.C. to improve local road safety, make active transportation more accessible and prevent injuries. In 2025, a total of $794,991 has been distributed to 50 communities. This includes 15 projects in First Nations communities.

    “Putting the prevention of serious injuries and fatalities at the heart of our transportation systems makes our communities healthier and safer,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Through the Vision Zero Grant Program, communities are receiving the resources they need to make meaningful road-safety improvements. By working together, we are creating safer, more inclusive spaces for everyone, whether they walk, cycle or drive.”

    This is the fourth year of the Vision Zero Grant Program, a joint initiative between the provincial government, the regional health authorities, First Nations Health Authority and the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit (BCIRPU). The grants are provided by the Province through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Transportation and Transit, with additional funding top-ups provided by the regional health authorities. The Vision Zero Grant Program has funded more than 200 projects, totaling more than $3 million in awards disbursed since its inception in 2021.

    By implementing Vision Zero, the Province is working toward making roads in British Columbia safer by preventing vulnerable road-user injuries or reducing their severity. Making roads safer for all users also contributes to:

    • helping address the disproportionate number of traffic injuries occurring in underserved communities, neighbourhoods and populations, as well as within Indigenous communities;
    • reducing health-care system usage, lowering health-care costs and improving health-system capacity by freeing up health-care space when injuries are prevented;
    • building capacity in the public-health system in an area of injury that represents one of the two largest sources of trauma presented at British Columbia emergency departments; and
    • supporting provincial climate change efforts by shifting people to transportation with lower carbon footprint, such as walking, cycling and micro-mobility (e.g., e-scooters, e-bikes), and by taking specific steps to make these modes safer and more attractive.

    “Keeping people safely on the move is a top priority for our ministry,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. “These grants will upgrade the infrastructure that makes it safer to walk, cycle and use other forms of active transportation, and improve road safety in our communities.”

    This initiative builds on the $24 million recently provided to 53 active transportation infrastructure projects and nine transportation network plans through the B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants Program, helping to increase safety and improve active transportation options in the province. 

    Quotes:

    Dr. Shelina Babul, director, BCIRPU –

    “It takes foresight and recognition to identify a problem in your community and then to try and do something about it. The BCIRPU is responsible for co-ordinating the Vision Zero Grant Program in the province. We’re pleased that these applicants took the initiative to improve road safety in their communities and encourage active transportation in a tangible way.”

    Chief Alice Mackay, Matsqui First Nation –

    “Our First Nation is very happy that we have received funding from the BC Vision Zero in Road Safety Grant Program for our Máthxwi Temexw Bus Connector project. Many of our members don’t own cars, so having a safe public-transportation option for our members will fill a long-time mobility gap for our community. Currently, the nearest bus stop is a four-kilometre walk away along a very unsafe, narrow, fast road with lots of traffic and no shoulder at all. With this funding secured, we can now work with BC Transit, the City of Abbotsford and other partners to start a transit-service pilot project to show that this service is needed and will be used, and to get real-world learnings about what would make a permanent service successful for our community.”

    Patrick Johnstone, mayor of New Westminster –

    “The City of New Westminster is grateful to receive funding to support the comprehensive redesign of this section of Princess Street. These improvements result from consultation with concerned community members and advance our goal of providing safe, comfortable and accessible mobility options for people of all ages and abilities, especially vulnerable road users. Thank you to the Vision Zero Grant Program for this opportunity to make our streets safer.”

    Ken Popove, mayor of Chilliwack –

    “The BC Vision Zero in Road Safety Grant will help us improve safety for people using the Lickman Park and Ride, a very well-used transit facility connecting Chilliwack to Abbotsford, Langley and Burnaby. Improving the pedestrian crossing at this location will really help to create a safer and more comfortable environment for people who are interested in using transit here. We are thankful that the BC Vision Zero Grant Program has provided us with this opportunity to improve pedestrian safety in our community.”

    Learn More:

    For more details about the program, visit: https://www.visionzerobc.ca/

    For information about the list of communities receiving funding, visit: https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/678ef2b34de2f87c67fbbdaa/67f970573dd5008f6429b8ca_Vision%20Zero%20BC%20-%202025-2026%20Projects%20List.pdf

    For information about each funded project, visit: https://www.visionzerobc.ca/our-projects

    For information about B.C. Active Transportation Infrastructure Grants, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/active-transportation-infrastructure-grants

    For more information about BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit, visit https://injuryresearch.bc.ca

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Andes Technology and Imagination Technologies Showcase Android 15 on High-Performance RISC-V Based Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SANTA CLARA, CA , April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Andes Technology (TWSE: 6533; SIN: US03420C2089; ISIN: US03420C1099), the leading supplier of high-efficiency, low-power 32/64-bit RISC-V processor cores and Founding Premier member of RISC-V International, in collaboration with Imagination Technologies, today announces the successful demonstration of Android 15 (Vanilla Ice Cream) running on a high-performance RISC-V-based hardware system. This achievement highlights the growing potential of RISC-V as a platform for rich operating systems and advanced graphical applications.

    The demonstration leverages Andes’ Voyager Board, powered by its Qilai SoC, in combination with Imagination’s GPU integrated within a graphics card. Together, the companies are showcasing a highly capable, fully operational Android system built on open hardware standards.

    The demonstration will be featured at the 2025 Andes RISC-V CON Silicon Valley, taking place on April 29th at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in San Jose. Andes RISC-V CON is a premier event that brings together industry leaders, developers, and technology enthusiasts to explore advancements and innovations in the RISC-V ecosystem.  To register and learn more, please visit the Registration Site.

    Android on RISC-V

    As the world’s most widely used open-source operating system (OS), Android’s successful deployment on RISC-V represents a significant milestone. This collaboration demonstrates the seamless integration of a RISC-V CPU with advanced GPU acceleration, paving the way for high-performance Android environments across a broad range of applications – from smartphones and tablets to smart TVs, automotive systems, and wearable devices.

    Key Hardware Features

    At the heart of the demonstration is a Voyager Development Board, built around Andes’ 7nm Qilai RISC-V SoC. Key features include:

    • Quad-core Andes AX45MP running at 2.2 GHz, powering the Android kernel. This processor is Andes’ most widely licensed for rich OS environments, offering a strong balance of performance, power efficiency, and area optimization.
    • NX27V Vector Processor at 1.5 GHz, featuring a 512-bit Vector Processing Unit (VPU) designed for parallel data processing — ideal for machine learning, image processing, and signal processing workloads.

    Graphics performance is enables by the Imagination BXT-32-1024 GPU integrated into the graphics card, which delivers:

    • 48 Gpixels/sec fill rate
    • 1.5 TFLOPS (FP32) of floating-point performance
    • Dual 4K display support at 60 fps
    • Full compatibility with modern graphics and compute APIs including OpenGL ES 3.2, Vulkan 1.3, and OpenCL 3.0

    This powerful combination ensures a responsive and immersive Android experience on RISC-V hardware.

    Collaborative Innovation

    This demonstration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of RISC-V and GPU integration. The powerful combination of Andes’ RISC-V CPU cores and Imagination’s cutting-edge GPU capabilities opens up new possibilities for embedded, AI and high-performance Android applications.

    “This collaboration demonstrates the robust potential of combining Andes’ RISC-V CPUs with Imagination’s advanced GPUs, setting a new standard for high-performance Android environments,” said Dr. Charlie Su, Andes President and CTO.

    “Working with Andes allows us to showcase how our GPU technology empowers the RISC-V ecosystem, paving the way for more versatile and powerful computing solutions,” said James Chapman, Chief Product Officer, Imagination Technologies.

    About Andes Technology

    As a Founding Premier member of RISC-V International and a leader in commercial CPU IP, Andes Technology (TWSE: 6533; SIN: US03420C2089; ISIN: US03420C1099) is driving the global adoption of RISC-V. Andes’ extensive RISC-V Processor IP portfolio spans from ultra-efficient 32-bit CPUs to high-performance 64-bit Out-of-Order multiprocessor coherent clusters. With advanced vector processing, DSP capabilities, the powerful Andes Automated Custom Extension (ACE) framework, end-to-end AI hardware/software stack, ISO 26262 certification with full compliance, and a robust software ecosystem, Andes unlocks the full potential of RISC-V, empowering customers to accelerate innovation across AI, automotive, communications, consumer electronics, data centers, and mobile devices. Over 16 billion Andes-powered SoCs are driving innovations globally. Discover more at www.andestech.com and connect with Andes on LinkedIn, X, Bilibili and YouTube

    About Imagination Technologies

    Imagination is a UK-based company that creates silicon and software IP designed to give its customers an edge in competitive global technology markets. Its GPU, CPU, and AI technologies enable outstanding power, performance, and area (PPA), fast time-to-market, and lower total cost of ownership. Products based on Imagination IP are used by billions of people across the globe in their smartphones, cars, homes, and workplaces.

    For more information, please visit www.imaginationtech.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor unveils plans to maintain level playing field for British business

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Press release

    Chancellor unveils plans to maintain level playing field for British business

    British businesses will be supported to trade freely as the Chancellor chooses to act on practices that undercut fair trade, such as the dumping of cheap goods into the UK.

    • Chancellor Rachel Reeves takes action to mitigate the impacts of practices such as potential future ‘dumping’ of cheap goods into the UK to help boost growth and deliver the Plan for Change.

    • Increased support for businesses to report unfair practices, improved monitoring of trade data, and an acceleration of potential measures to deter import surges. 

    • Review of the customs treatment of Low Value Imports – which some of the UK’s best-known retailers argue disadvantages them with overseas competitors.

    The government announced immediate action by the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA), the body responsible for defending the UK against certain unfair international trade practices.  

    The Chancellor also announced her intention to review the customs treatment of Low Value Imports, which allows goods valued at £135 or less to be imported without paying customs duty.  

    Some of Britain’s best-known retailers such as Next and Sainsburys, have called to amend the treatment, arguing that it disadvantages them by allowing international companies to undercut them.  

    Speaking in Washington D.C. at the annual IMF Springs meetings, Reeves was clear that an open global economy is crucial for UK growth, the number one priority of the government’s Plan for Change. 

    She said that free and open trade is good for the UK, but fairness needs to be injected into the global economic system.  

    Gains from global economic growth have not been equally shared both at home and abroad, and more needs to be done to tackle the rise in non-market practices that harm working people’s incomes.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:

    The world has changed, and we are in a new era of global trade.  

    We must stand up for free and open trade – crucial to deliver our Plan for Change to make everyone better off. We must help businesses keep their access to trade around the world.   

    This government is meeting the moment to protect fair and open trade. Following recent announcements reducing tariffs and support for the zero-emissions vehicles industry, today’s package will help businesses compete fairly with international exporters, supporting a world economy that provides stability and fairness for working people and businesses alike.

    Today’s (23 April) support comes in addition to recent action taken by the government recently to support industry and businesses navigate tough global economic headwinds.   

    This includes action to protect British steelmaking, as the UK vows to take a strategic approach to the forthcoming industrial strategy so the economy that can make, sell, and buy more in Britain.   

    As part of the Spring Statement tariffs were suspended on 89 foreign products – ranging from pasta, fruit juices and spices to plastics and gardening supplies – over the next two years.  

    The Prime Minister announced earlier this month that the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate is changing to make it easier for industry to upgrade to make electric vehicles while delivering the manifesto commitment to stop sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This government won’t stand idly by while cheap imports flood our markets and harm British industries. That is why I met with the TRA recently to agree urgent steps to tackle these issues in real time to deliver quicker protections for firms. 

    This is about standing up for our national interest, and as part of our Plan for Change, creating a level playing field where UK businesses can thrive and grow.

    More information

    Low Value Imports

    • Many of Britain’s most well-known domestic retailers have criticised the customs treatment of Low Value Imports.

    • They argue that it gives preferential tariff treatment to firms who manufacture and warehouse their goods overseas and then ship directly to UK customers – paying no tariffs.

    • Listening to the concerns the Chancellor will review this regime. Officials will engage stakeholders from next month to consider the impact on UK consumers, minimising administrative costs and other factors.

    • For stakeholders looking to engage the government on the review of the customs treatment of low value imports, please contact lowvalueimports@hmtreasury.gov.uk.

    Theo Paphitis, Retail Entrepreneur, said:

    This is a much-needed injection of confidence for retailers and a common sense move to protect the UK economy. The sector has been crying out to level the unfair playing field and is a welcome, positive and strong step in the right direction by the Chancellor. This shows the government is listening and responding to UK business.

    George Weston, Chief Executive of Associated British Foods, said:

    We welcome the Chancellor’s plan to review the customs treatment of Low Value Imports. The abolition of the favourable tax treatment of low value imports would be a significant step forwards in the government’s support for British businesses. We have long advocated for the closure of this tax loophole which undermines many UK companies that make a substantial contribution to the British economy, to the British high street and to the British Government’s own revenues.

    Alex Baldock, CEO of Currys PLC said:

    Today’s government announcement is encouraging. All retailers selling to UK consumers should play by the same rules. If you want to sell to UK consumers, then abide by UK standards, and pay UK tax, just as UK retailers do.    Today, low-value shipments delivered from abroad straight to UK consumers avoid import duty, often evade VAT, and can fail to meet safety standards. There’s a growing risk of unsafe and tax-dodging product being dumped in the UK, as tariffs bite and the US and EU close their own import duty loopholes. I’m pleased that the government is urgently reviewing the low-value shipment loophole, and that they’re committed to levelling the playing field between British and overseas retailers.

    Improved Global Trade Data

    • Dumping of cheap goods into the UK is where foreign exports are sold into the UK at lower than market rates, harming UK producers as a result.

    The government announced immediate steps the Trade Remedies Authority (TRA) – which defends the UK against certain unfair international trade practices – will take to mitigate risks to the UK economy:

    • The TRA will be surging resources into its pre-application office by pulling in the best and the brightest analysts, lawyers and accountants from across the Civil Service to support British businesses. The pre-application office advises and supports businesses with the evidence the TRA needs to launch cases. Staff will shift more focus to work with businesses on the ground, especially small and medium companies, to help them report and evidence unfair trade practices where they see them happening.

    • The TRA will act to enhance it’s monitoring of emerging trade risks; including new surveillance and data gathering measures. This will help the government spot and tackle the potential dumping of cheap goods into the UK.

    • The TRA are going to work to reduce the time it takes them to carry out investigations and implement measures – to deter harmful imports and help bring action quicker to British businesses.

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    Updates to this page

    Published 23 April 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Monongalia County Man Sentenced for Firearms Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CLARKSBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – Todd Matthew Houston, 36, of Morgantown, West Virginia, was sentenced today to 51 months in federal prison for to conspiring to straw purchase firearms.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, officers were called to a home in Morgantown on a domestic violence incident involving Houston and a firearm. Officers later found Houston attempting to pawn more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition at a pawn shop. The vehicle Houston was driving was searched and officers found a pistol. Investigators determined the firearm had been purchased by someone else for Houston in exchange for heroin. Houston is prohibited from having firearms because of prior felony convictions that include domestic battery, drug trafficking, robbery, and grand larceny.

    Houston will serve three years of supervised release following his prison sentence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Will Rhee prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Monongalia County Sheriff’s Office investigated.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Thomas S. Kleeh presided.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Revitalizing Historic Landmarks in Western New York

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the completion of the Historic Post Office at One East Avenue in the City of Lockport after a comprehensive historic rehabilitation and renovation as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative. The $9.7 million project included a rehabilitation of the interior and exterior historic fabric of the building together with renovations to improve the facility for modern use. Before and after photos of the project are available here.

    “I’m working to revitalize historic landmarks and the communities that they define, and the revitalization of the Historic Post Office will allow Lockport’s rich history to live on through generations to come,” Governor Hochul said. “As the first Governor from Western New York in over 100 years, I’m committed to providing resources and investment so that all of our extraordinary communities can live up to their full potential.”

    The One East Avenue Historic Post Office was opened in 1902. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. The three-story, red brick and terra cotta building combines Beaux Arts massing with sculptural detail inspired by classical and Renaissance design. The historic rehabilitation and renovation undertaken by Iskalo Development Corp. included meticulous restoration of the building’s historic features and modernization improvements including new electrical, plumbing, mechanical and sprinkler systems and elevator installation. Iskalo purchased the building in 2015 and served as the Architect and Construction Manager for the project.

    The 31,600-square-foot building offers “move-in ready” boutique retail and office suites for lease and is anchored by Big Ditch Brewing which recently opened a Tap Room and Innovation Brewery. The Grigg Lewis Foundation was the first tenant to occupy space in the building.

    New York State Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “As a round three winner of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Lockport is really harnessing its Canal history and heritage as a catalyst for future growth and rejuvenation. The completion of the renovated Historic Post Office continues the City’s momentum toward becoming a world-class destination for residents to live, work and play, and for visitors from all over to enjoy.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Governor Hochul’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative projects are strengthening city centers throughout the state. Seeing new life breathed into the century-old Historic Post Office as part of Lockport’s reenergization is a testament to investing in our downtowns.”

    New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As we reflect on 200 years of the Erie Canal, we continue to contemplate ways to elevate the communities that have risen along its banks over these last two centuries. The completion of the Lockport post office, made possible in large measure by Governor Hochul’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative, is the perfect illustration of how this program works to bring positive change to downtown centers throughout the state. It is just one of many examples of how the DRI program is bringing positive change to communities from across the Erie Canal.”

    City of Lockport Mayor John Lombardi III said, “What an exciting time for the City of Lockport. I sincerely thank the New York Department of State for being in our great city today and for creating a much-needed initiative for the Revitalization of our Downtown Corridor. The Historic rehabilitation and renovation of the ‘Historic Post Office,’ the former Niagara County Courthouse, and the establishment of the anchor tenant ‘Big Ditch Brewing,’ has created a much-needed catalyst for our city. And has provided a destination point for many new visitors, hopefully generating some interest in the gifts Lockport has to offer. What better place for the Big Ditch than within a hundred yards of The Big Ditch? Thank you, Paul Iskalo and Matt Kahn, for creating another reason to love Lockport.”

    Founder and President of Iskalo Development Paul B. Iskalo said, “The historic rehabilitation and renovation of the Historic Post Office is a great accomplishment for Iskalo Development and downtown Lockport. And its completion would not have been possible without assistance from the State of New York, City of Lockport, Five Star Bank and Niagara County Industrial Development Agency.”

    The City of Lockport was named the Western New York Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) Round 3 winner in October 2018. The Historic Post Office received $1.795 million from the DRI, as well as state and federal historic preservation tax credits. In addition to the Historic Post Office, other projects awarded DRI funding include $2.2 million to create rooftop and outdoor event space at the Spalding Mill; $1.35 million to redevelop the F&M Building to house a mix of residential and commercial uses; $955,000 to support the development of commercial space as part of the Harrison Lofts project; $865,000 to enhance connectivity on Pine Street; $800,000 for the renovation of the Tuscarora Club including a boutique hotel; $600,00 for the renovation of the Historic Palace Theatre; $275,000 for additional sculptures as part of the Lock Tenders Tribute; $230,000 for reconstruction of South Street; and $630,000 for a Small Project Grant Fund to support smaller, commercial and mixed-use projects.

    The City of Lockport has been chosen as a featured field visit during the World Canals Conference in Buffalo in September. The Department of State will be presenting a panel at the Conference on the ways that the Downtown Revitalization Initiative has helped spark a renaissance in downtown revitalization in over 20 Canal corridor communities. In advance of the conference, DOS produced a case study on the subject entitled, “Downtown Revitalization Along the Erie Canal.”

    Downtown Revitalization Initiative
    The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative “plan-then-act” strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation and results in compact, walkable downtowns that are a key ingredient to helping New York State rebuild its economy from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to achieving the State’s bold climate goals by promoting the use of public transit and reducing dependence on private vehicles. Through eight rounds, the DRI has awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across every region of the State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish Government on road to climate chaos by scrapping car journey targets

    Source: Scottish Greens

    23 Apr 2025 Transport

    We badly need to cut the cost of public transport if we are to reduce the number of cars on our roads.

    More in Transport

    If we are to reduce car use we need to make public transport affordable, accessible and available for all, says Scottish Green MSP Mark Ruskell.

    Mr Ruskell’s comments come as the Scottish government has dropped a nationwide target to cut the number of car journeys taken in Scotland by 20 per cent by 2030.

    Transport is Scotland’s largest carbon emitter, accounting for 29% of total greenhouse gas emissions in 2022.

    Scottish Greens Transport Spokesperson Mark Ruskell MSP said:

    “The lack of ambition from the Scottish Government is disappointing. Dropping this target won’t change the fact that, since the target was set, there has been a serious lack of action from SNP ministers to meet it.

    “Emissions from transport remain the largest source of pollution in Scotland, and private car use makes up a huge share of that. We’ve known for decades that to tackle the climate emergency, we need to cut car use, and while the Scottish Government has been strong with words, their actions have been lacking.

    “We are on the road to climate chaos. We need to make public transport affordable, accessible and available to all if we are to start cutting emissions.

    “The action we need to be taking is exactly what the Scottish Greens have been pushing to introduce for years: cheaper trains and buses, better connections for rural communities and an end to spending on new unnecessary road building schemes.

    “Making public transport cheaper and more accessible makes the choice to leave the car at home easier for many people. Many commuters want to play their part in reducing our carbon emissions but the cost is simply too high for some. It’s time to make trains and buses cheaper across Scotland.”

    Mr Ruskell added:

    “Whilst in Government, the Scottish Greens introduced the free bus pass for young people, which has been used over 200 million times, we scrapped peak rail fares for a period, which led to 10 million more commuter journeys, and we delivered record investment in active travel infrastructure allowing more people than ever to walk, wheel or cycle.

    “This is the kind of ambition needed to reduce carbon emissions in Scotland, but we need to go further. With more Scottish Green MSPs in Holyrood, we can push for real change to tackle the climate emergency and save commuters money, such as a permanent removal of peak rail fares, a nationwide bus fare cap, and radical investment in Scotland’s railways.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Russell Laffitte Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, Bank Fraud, and Misapplying Bank Funds

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

    CHARLESTON, S.C. — Former banker Russell Lucius Laffitte, 54, of Estill, has pleaded guilty in federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud; wire fraud; bank fraud; and three counts of misapplication of bank funds.

    “Russell Laffitte and Alex Murdaugh abused their positions of power to victimize people who trusted them,” said Ben Garner, Chief of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Criminal Division. “As of today, both have pleaded guilty and accepted responsibility for their crimes in federal court. We appreciate the exhaustive work of our partners at the FBI, SLED, and South Carolina Attorney General’s Office to ensure justice for Laffitte and Murdaugh’s victims.”

    Laffitte was an officer and executive at Palmetto State Bank in Hampton, South Carolina. His co-conspirator, Alex Murdaugh, was a personal injury attorney at a law firm in Hampton.

    As part of his guilty plea, Laffitte admitted that he agreed to serve as conservator and personal representative for several of Murdaugh’s clients, knowing that he would personally profit from doing so. Beginning in 2011, Laffitte began extending himself and Murdaugh loans from conservator accounts Laffitte was charged with managing. Laffitte did not disclose the loans to the conservatees, despite owing them a fiduciary duty.

    Around that time, Murdaugh devised a scheme to obtain money belonging to his clients. In furtherance of the scheme, Murdaugh directed law firm employees to make clients’ checks payable to Palmetto State Bank. The checks were drawn on the law firm’s client trust account, identified the clients on the memo lines, and corresponded to amounts set forth in the clients’ disbursement sheets.

    As to two of Murdaugh’s clients, Laffitte—their conservator—saw their disbursement sheets and knew that the bank was supposed to receive their settlement funds. Murdaugh presented the clients’ checks to Laffitte and directed that they be used for Murdaugh’s personal benefit, including to pay off loans Laffitte had extended from conservator accounts. Laffitte negotiated nine separate transactions for Murdaugh’s benefit, knowing that the funds belonged to the clients.

    Laffitte also aided and abetted the structuring of transactions from a second check belonging to one of the clients, disbursing the funds at Murdaugh’s direction and for Murdaugh’s personal benefit.

    As to a third client of Murdaugh’s, Laffitte negotiated 12 separate transactions, disbursing $1,325,000 in client settlement funds for Murdaugh’s benefit. Despite knowing they were client funds, Laffitte allowed Murdaugh to use the funds to repay Murdaugh’s personal loans, repay loans Laffitte extended from a conservator account, purchase vehicles and equipment, and receive cash back. Laffitte also deposited some of the funds into Murdaugh’s personal account.

    Laffitte received $75,000 in conservator fees and $35,000 in personal representative fees from these three clients. He intentionally failed to report this income on his tax returns, knowing that he could hide the income because the fee checks were drafted to Palmetto State Bank rather than to him personally. Laffitte also structured transactions to avoid reporting requirements and intentionally failed to file suspicious activity reports.

    In 2015, Laffitte misapplied bank funds by extending over $284,000 from a line of credit that was supposed to be for farming to repay Murdaugh’s remaining loans from the conservatorship.

    Laffitte also misapplied bank funds on two other occasions. In July 2021, he extended Murdaugh a $750,000 loan for the stated purpose of beach house renovations. But Laffitte authorized a $350,000 wire transfer to an attorney and then transferred $400,000 of “loan proceeds” to Murdaugh’s account to cover over $367,000 in overdraft, knowing that these funds had nothing to do with beach house renovations.

    In October 2021, the law firm uncovered that Murdaugh had stolen from clients. Laffitte knew he had negotiated stolen checks at Murdaugh’s direction despite knowing the funds did not belong to Murdaugh. Laffitte then paid the law firm $680,000 in bank funds without the knowledge or consent of the full bank Board of Directors or Executive Committee in an attempt to settle the matter with the law firm.

    A federal jury previously convicted Laffitte of these same six charges in 2022. His conviction was overturned by the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in late 2024.

    Under the terms of the plea agreement, Laffitte agrees to pay $3,555,884.80 in criminal restitution before sentencing. Laffitte also agrees that his guilty plea prohibits him from controlling or participating in the conduct of any federally insured bank or credit union, and he cannot serve as a director or officer of any such bank or credit union without permission.

    If Laffitte complies with the plea agreement’s terms, the parties agree that the appropriate sentence is five years in prison, and the Government agrees not to file any additional related charges against Laffitte.

    United States District Judge Richard M. Gergel accepted the guilty plea and will impose a sentence at a later date.

    The case was investigated by the FBI Columbia Field Office and South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Emily Limehouse, Kathleen Stoughton, and Winston Holliday are prosecuting this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Holyrood — Excessive speeder ticketed by RCMP Traffic Services East

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 37-year-old man was ticketed by RCMP Traffic Services East for excessive speeding yesterday.

    Shortly after 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, police observed a vehicle travelling 165 km/h in a 100 km/h zone on the Trans Canada Highway near Butter Pot Park. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was ticketed for excessive speeding. His license was suspended and the vehicle was seized and impounded. During the traffic stop, police received complaints from motorists regarding the same vehicle, which had luckily already been located.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador. We thank the public for continuing to report incidents of excessive speed, dangerous driving, impaired driving, and crimes within their communities.

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s statement on Yom HaShoah

    Premier David Eby has issued the following statement marking Yom HaShoah:

    “At sundown tonight, British Columbians join people around the world in observing Yom HaShoah, also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day.

    “We stand with Jewish communities everywhere in remembrance and mourning. We honour the memory of the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. Today we also mourn the lives of millions more who died because of their ethnicity, sexual identity, disability or opposition to the Nazi regime.

    “During the Holocaust, known in Hebrew as the Shoah, Jewish communities across Europe were systematically persecuted, confined to ghettos and sent in cattle cars to concentration camps built solely for the purpose of human extermination.

    “We must reject the poison of disinformation and denial and ensure that all future generations know the truth of this dark period in human history. Our government is working with the Jewish community here in B.C. to ensure that all high school students in the province learn about the Holocaust as part of their education about injustices and discriminatory practices in Canada and around the world.

    “Our government condemns the rise in antisemitic acts that followed the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attacks in Israel, and we are committed to ensuring that our province is safe and welcoming for people of all faiths and backgrounds.

    “Each of us has the right to safety, dignity and a life without fear of unjust persecution. On this solemn day of reflection, we must recommit ourselves to the eternal pledge of ‘Never again.’”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Houston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Smith County ATM Burglaries

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

    TYLER, Texas – A Houston man has been sentenced to prison for federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Julius Lawan Lockett, Jr., 30, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank theft and was sentenced to 14 months in federal prison and ordered to pay restitution of $243,540.85 and forfeiture of $79,850 by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on April 17, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, Lockett conspired with others to burglarize ATMs (automated teller machines) in the Smith County area.  On March 28, 2021, Lockett and Jermone Christopher Mayes, Jr., drove from Houston to Tyler to steal U.S. currency from ATMs in the area.  Using a Ford F-250 truck which had been stolen in Smith County, they attached chains to the truck and to an ATM at Chase Bank at South Southwest Loop 323 in Tyler.  The ATM was pulled open and approximately $159,700 was stolen.

    On January 29, 2025, Mayes was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and the Tyler Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan R. Jackson.

     

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: [ADVANCED MEDICAL SOLUTIONS GROUP PLC – 22 04 2025] – (CGWL)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FORM 8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: CANACCORD GENUITY WEALTH LIMITED (for Discretionary clients)
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		 N/A
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 ADVANCED MEDICAL SOLUTIONS GROUP PLC
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 22 APRIL 2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 N/A

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 5p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 11,860,793 5.4387    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 11,860,793 5.4387    

    NOTE: Change of mandate to Discretionary by a client added 7,000 shares on 22/04/2025.

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    5p ORDINARY SALE 9,305 177.7006p
    5p ORDINARY SALE 3,235 183.6648p
    5p ORDINARY PURCHASE 9,305 178.1p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
    NONE        

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
    NONE              

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    NONE      

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”

    NONE

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO
    Date of disclosure: 23 APRIL 2025
    Contact name: MARK ELLIOTT
    Telephone number: 01253 376539

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk.

    The MIL Network –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese government announces $1.2 billion plan to purchase critical minerals

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    A re-elected Albanese government will take the unprecedented step of buying or obtaining options over key critical minerals to protect Australia’s national interest and boost its economic resilience.

    The move follows US President Donald Trump’s ordering a review into American reliance on imported processed critical minerals and Australia’s discussions with the United States about a possible agreement on these minerals as part of negotiations to get a better deal on US tariffs.

    Australia has major deposits of critical minerals and rare earths. But almost all the processing of critical minerals is done by China, which uses this as leverage in disputes with other countries. As part of its tariff dispute with the US, China this month suspended exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets.

    Critical minerals are vital in the production of many items, including defence equipment, batteries, electronics, fibre optic cables, electric vehicles, magnets and wind turbines.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese flagged recently that Australia would establish a critical minerals reserve and the government has now released details of its plan.

    The government investment in critical minerals would come through two new mechanisms:

    • national offtake agreements

    • selective stockpiling

    The government would acquire, through voluntary contracts, agreed volumes of critical minerals from commercial projects, or establish an option to purchase them at a given price.

    It would also establish a government stockpile of key minerals produced under offtake agreements.

    “The primary consideration for entering into offtake agreements will be securing priority critical minerals for strategic reasons,” the government said in a statement.

    Minerals held by the reserve would be made available to domestic industry and key international partners.

    This would cover a deal with the US, if that can be reached.

    “The Reserve will be focused on a subset of critical minerals that are most important for Australia’s national security and the security of our key partners, including rare earths,” the statement said.

    As its holdings matured, the reserve would generate cash-flow from sales of offtake on global markets and to key partners, the statement said.

    “The Strategic Reserve will also accumulate stockpiles of priority minerals when warranted by market conditions and strategic considerations, but it is anticipated that these will be modest and time-limited in most cases.”

    The government would make an initial investment of $1.2 billion in the reserve, including through a $1 billion increase in the existing Critical Minerals Facility. This would take the government’s investment in the facility to $5 billion.

    The facility, established in 2021, provides financing to selected projects that are aligned with the government’s critical minerals strategy.

    The government plans to consult with states and companies on the scope and design on the Strategic Reserve, which it would aim to have operating in the second half of next year.

    ALbanese said: “In a time of global uncertainty, Australia will be stronger and safer by developing our critical national assets to create economic opportunity and resilience.

    “The Strategic Reserve will mean the government has the power to purchase, own and sell critical minerals found here in Australia.

    “It will mean we can deal with trade and market disruptions from a position of strength. Because Australia will be able to call on an internationally-significant quantity of resources in global demand.”

    Resources Minister Madeleine King said: “Critical minerals and rare earths and essential not only to reducing emissions but also for our security and the security of our key partners.

    “While we will continue to supply the world with critical minerals, it’s also important that Australia has access to the critical minerals and rare earths we need for a Future Made in Australia.”

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

    – ref. Albanese government announces $1.2 billion plan to purchase critical minerals – https://theconversation.com/albanese-government-announces-1-2-billion-plan-to-purchase-critical-minerals-254994

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s obsession with trade deficits has no basis in economics. And it’s a bad reason for tariffs

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nigel Driffield, Professor of International Business, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick

    Those of us who study trade and investment for a living are, I suspect, becoming exasperated with both the White House stance on tariffs and the way that this is reported in much of the media. US president Donald Trump believes that if a country has a trade surplus with the US it is somehow playing unfairly and needs to be dealt with. But anyone who understands the basics of international economics will recognise the fallacy in both of these beliefs.

    Trade takes place based on what economists call “comparative advantage” – countries import those goods that are otherwise relatively expensive for them to produce. And they export what they produce cheaply relative to other countries.

    So the UK, for example, has a trade surplus in services but a deficit in goods that are made in low-cost locations. This is similar to the position of the US.

    To understand what the US is seeking to achieve, the first questions must be: what are tariffs designed to do? And when are they typically applied? These issues lead to another point. If Trump is so convinced that his tariffs will produce a win-win, why haven’t they succeeded before?

    Trade policy in the form of tariffs is designed to make imports more expensive and encourage buyers to switch to domestic producers. This may be an attempt to protect or support local industry, or as part of a bargaining strategy to access others’ markets.

    But this assumes two things. First, that the demand for such imports is relatively price sensitive (that is, buyers will be put off by price rises). And second, that there are domestic producers able to fill this gap at an appropriate price.

    But tariffs can also cause what is known as “trade substitution” – where the country imports the goods from alternative sources instead.

    To illustrate how this can work in practice, the US has long applied tariffs on European whisky, ranging from 10% to 25% in recent years.

    The US already produces various drinks that are considered to be similar to whisky. So the reason for importing is likely for variety, or possibly the allure of consuming a premium product like a Scottish single malt. As such, price increases may not encourage substitution away from imports – or it may trigger substitution to other imports with lower tariffs.

    An alternative example of the case for tariffs is the steel industry. Many countries believe that they should have a steel industry for strategic reasons, but also because steel is an input into so many aspects of the economy.

    There have also been concerns globally in the industry about the pricing of Chinese steel, and whether it should attract tariffs to balance what is seen as unfair competition. Chinese steel receives subsidies from the Chinese government, after all.

    While this may be a valid concern, it also forces governments to make choices about what they see as “strategic industries”. A good example of this is the desire to protect steel jobs in richer countries, in contrast to the willingness to import cheap clothes from Asia in order to keep inflation down.

    This is typically why, if tariffs are used at all, they tend to be targeted to certain industries.

    The wrinkle in Trump’s plan

    So will the US tariffs plan work? Unfortunately for Trump, the answer is probably not. This type of trade policy has been tried, but has seldom been shown to be effective.

    The second point is whether the president of a large global power should be concerned about its trade balance with another country. Unless he believes that the country is engaging in large-scale subsidy in order to dump goods on foreign markets, the answer is almost certainly no.

    Casual inspection of trade statistics for the US and Canada suggests that the most common exports from Canada to the US include crude petroleum, petroleum gas, refined petroleum and motor vehicle parts and accessories.

    Tariffs on the first three will simply push prices up for US consumers. The last one demonstrates, often to the frustration of policymakers who seek to intervene on trade, that there is little that governments can do to influence modern supply chains, unless they seek to break them all together.

    ‘We don’t need anything Canada has.’

    Firms will locate activities based on combinations of efficiency and where their customers are. So seeking to change these patterns through tariffs will simply increase the cost of imported inputs and make production in the US less competitive.

    In simple terms, complaining that you have a trade deficit with one country is like complaining that you have a trade deficit with your corner shop. They sell you things, you give them money, but they never buy from you. They provide goods that you want for money that you earn elsewhere.

    You could shop elsewhere (and have a deficit with the new shop), you can give up your job and even grow your own food. But were you to impose a “tariff” on your corner shop, it would simply put up the prices that you have to pay.

    That the US has a trade deficit is not a sign that the rest of the world is “ripping it off”. It is a reflection of an affluent society with relatively high wages buying products from countries that can produce them more cheaply. Trump’s tariffs will hurt Americans first – basic international economics is clear on that too.

    Nigel Driffield receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council. He is an inactive member of the Labour Party and an advisor to the mayor of the West Midlands

    – ref. Trump’s obsession with trade deficits has no basis in economics. And it’s a bad reason for tariffs – https://theconversation.com/trumps-obsession-with-trade-deficits-has-no-basis-in-economics-and-its-a-bad-reason-for-tariffs-254512

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOFA expresses condolences at passing of Pope Francis

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    MOFA expresses condolences at passing of Pope Francis

    Date：2025-04-21
    Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 21, 2025  
    No. 105

    Following the announcement by the Press Office of the Holy See of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on April 21, President Lai Ching-te immediately instructed the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Holy See to transmit a message of condolences expressing the profound sympathies of the people and government of Taiwan. 
     
    In addition, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung immediately conveyed Taiwan’s condolences to Reverend Monsignor Stefano Mazzotti, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) also expressed its condolences to Bishop John Lee Keh-Mien, President of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan. Given the profound diplomatic bond between Taiwan and the Holy See and in order to extend the deepest sympathies of the Taiwanese people, Taiwan’s Catholic parishioners, and the government of Taiwan, high-level officials will be dispatched to serve as special envoys in attending Pope Francis’s funeral, while senior government officials will also attend a memorial mass convened by the Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan.
     
    During his pontificate from 2013 to 2025, Pope Francis voiced sympathy for those injured during the major earthquake that struck Hualien and prayed for the victims of the disaster. He cared deeply for the Catholic Church in Taiwan and appointed several bishops of ROC (Taiwan) nationality. In addition to receiving a number of special presidential envoys who visited the Holy See to attend important ceremonial events, Pope Francis also maintained cordial interactions and exchanges with interfaith groups in Taiwan. His humility and concern for all humanity, and especially his active calls for world peace, will remain forever in the hearts of the people and government of Taiwan. In this moment of sorrow, the Taiwanese people, Taiwan’s Catholic parishioners, and the government of Taiwan grieve together.
     
    Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to promote cooperation with the Holy See and the Catholic Church in the field of humanitarian care. It will do its utmost to advance world peace and demonstrate the democratic values of humankind, further deepening its long-standing diplomatic partnership with the Holy See based on common ideals. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Correction: Form 8.3 – [Advanced Medical Solutions Group]

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Rathbones Group Plc
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		  
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Advanced Medical Solutions Group Plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 16/04/2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 No

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 5p Ord
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 18,732,157 8.58%    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 18,732,157 8.58%    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    5p Ordinary Shares Sale 6,964 184.75p
    5p Ordinary Shares Sale 2,520 185.3803p
    5p Ordinary Shares Sale 3,297 184.25p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
             

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    5p Ordinary Shares Internal transfer from Execution-only to Discretionary 1,210  
    5p Ordinary Shares Transfer in 5,166  

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
    None

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No
    Date of disclosure: 17/04/2025
    Contact name: Jamie Alderson – Compliance Department
    Telephone number: 0151 243 7053

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at.

    8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Rathbones Group Plc
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		  
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Advanced Medical Solutions Group Plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 16/04/2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 No

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 5p Ord
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 18,737,323 8.59%    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 18,737,323 8.59%    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    5p Ordinary Shares Sale 6,964 184.75p
    5p Ordinary Shares Sale 2,520 185.3803p
    5p Ordinary Shares Sale 3,297 184.25p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
             

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    5p Ordinary Shares Internal transfer from Execution-only to Discretionary 1,210  
    5p Ordinary Shares Transfer in 5,166  

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
    None

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No
    Date of disclosure: 17/04/2025
    Contact name: Jamie Alderson – Compliance Department
    Telephone number: 0151 243 7053

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at.

    8.3

    PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY
    A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE
    Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the “Code”)

    1.        KEY INFORMATION

    (a)   Full name of discloser: Rathbones Group Plc
    (b)   Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a):
            The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named.    		  
    (c)   Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates:
            Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree    		 Advanced Medical Solutions Group Plc
    (d)   If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree:  
    (e)   Date position held/dealing undertaken:
            For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure    		 16/04/2025
    (f)   In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer?
            If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state “N/A”    		 No

    2.        POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security.

    (a)      Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any)

    Class of relevant security: 5p Ord
      Interests Short positions
      Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 18,732,157 8.58%    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        

            TOTAL:

    		 18,732,157 8.58%    

    All interests and all short positions should be disclosed.

    Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions).

    (b)      Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors’ and other employee options)

    Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists:  
    Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages:  

    3.        DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE

    Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in.

    The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated.

    (a)        Purchases and sales

    Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit
    5p Ordinary Shares Sale 6,964 184.75p
    5p Ordinary Shares Sale 2,520 185.3803p
    5p Ordinary Shares Sale 3,297 184.25p

    (b)        Cash-settled derivative transactions

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. CFD    		 Nature of dealing
    e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position    		 Number of reference securities Price per unit
             

    (c)        Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options)

    (i)        Writing, selling, purchasing or varying

    Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type
    e.g. American, European etc.    		 Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit
                   

    (ii)        Exercise

    Class of relevant security Product description
    e.g. call option    		 Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit
             

    (d)        Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities)

    Class of relevant security Nature of dealing
    e.g. subscription, conversion    		 Details Price per unit (if applicable)
    5p Ordinary Shares Internal transfer from Execution-only to Discretionary 1,210  
    5p Ordinary Shares Transfer in 5,166  

    4.        OTHER INFORMATION

    (a)        Indemnity and other dealing arrangements

    Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer:
    Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
    None

    (b)        Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives

    Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to:
    (i)   the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or
    (ii)   the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced:
    If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state “none”
    None

    (c)        Attachments

    Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No
    Date of disclosure: 17/04/2025
    Contact name: Jamie Alderson – Compliance Department
    Telephone number: 0151 243 7053

    Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service.

    The Panel’s Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Code’s disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129.

    The Code can be viewed on the Panel’s website at.

    The MIL Network –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why Hollywood is finally taking horror films seriously

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Reece Goodall, Director of Student Experience and Progression for the Faculty of Arts, University of Warwick

    Horror films have always held an interesting place in cultural and cinematic circles. Despite proving consistently profitable and boasting a considerable fanbase, the genre has also been the target in several moments of cultural crisis. Think the video nasties of the 1970s and 80s, or the implied conservatism of the violence in torture porn films of the 2000s.

    Though the genre has been one of the industry’s most profitable genres since the 1930s, due to its perceived low status, horror has largely been unrecognised by award bodies, mainstream critics and the gatekeepers of more “legitimate” cinema. There’s an implied sense that the genre is somewhat different from respectable film-making – that it is low status, trashy and in some cases outright nasty.

    Only seven horror films have been nominated for best picture at the Oscars since the first ceremony in 1929. Two of those nominations were in the last decade, and there was widespread conversation about the bias against the genre after Toni Collette failed to receive an Oscar nomination for her performance in the 2018 film Hereditary.

    Even then, Collette’s excellent performance was in an auteur film released by indie studio A24. Far from the more conventional forms of horror that tend to be overlooked year on year by bodies recognising the year’s achievements in film-making. However, if we leap ahead to 2025 and look at the horror films that took the past year by storm – The Substance, Nosferatu, Terrifier 3 – all forms of the genre are represented.

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

    The Substance and Nosferatu could both be described as “elevated horror”, a sub-genre that focuses on negative moods rather than explicit gore (although both films certainly get bloody, especially in The Substance’s monstrous climax).

    On the other end of the scale, Terrifier 3 is particularly brutal, aligning itself more with grindhouse and slasher films and celebrating the practical effects that bring violence to the big screen. In another era, there is no doubt that Terrifier 3 would have been a target of censors and the cultural critics over its depictions of violence, with brutal deaths and the murder of several children. But in 2025, it is celebrated by genre fans and an object of serious academic interest.

    The films were all successes. Both The Substance and Nosferatu received multiple nominations at the 2025 Academy Awards. Along with Alien: Romulus, the horror genre picked up ten nominations, its best performance since 1974.

    Nosferatu was nominated for several Academy Awards.

    Elsewhere, Terrifier 3 broke records as the highest-grossing unrated film (a movie not given a rating by film censors, normally because of offensive content) of all time. Terrifier 3 never seemed likely to receive an Oscar nomination, even despite its success and a sustained and entertaining marketing campaign. Nonetheless, both fans and industry figures alike have suggested that its practical make-up effects warranted recognition.

    So why is horror becoming more widely appreciated in the 21st century? The “elevated horror” dimension is certainly one factor, presenting works that align more with the conventions of art cinema, which is essentially easier to sell as legitimate.

    Alongside this, we have the political dimension. Horror films have always been political, representing the fears and marginal identities of a particular country and time period. But in an era characterised by increased instability, pandemics, wars and all manner of social crises, the need for the genre might be more prevalent than ever.

    The terrifying trailer for Terrifier 3.

    In light of the industry’s continuing struggle with declining cinema attendance numbers, horror remains one of the rare genres that consistently draws audiences to theatr. Although films like Terrifier 3 might be looked down on by the cinema establishment, it was event cinema and widely discussed in a way that few films in the past five years have managed to be.

    Audiences have always loved horror, and in a tough period for the cinema industry, the genre continues to prove financially stable and appealing to film-goers. That the gatekeepers of the industry are tentatively starting to recognise the genre is a new development, and although it remains to be seen whether this recognition will be sustained in future years, we’re in a moment when horror of all varieties is being praised like never before.

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

    – ref. Why Hollywood is finally taking horror films seriously – https://theconversation.com/why-hollywood-is-finally-taking-horror-films-seriously-253687

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-Evening Report: Albanese government announces $1.2 billion in plan to purchase critical minerals

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    A re-elected Albanese government will take the unprecedented step of buying or obtaining options over key critical minerals to protect Australia’s national interest and boost its economic resilience.

    The move follows US President Donald Trump’s ordering a review into American reliance on imported processed critical minerals and Australia’s discussions with the United States about a possible agreement on these minerals as part of negotiations to get a better deal on US tariffs.

    Australia has major deposits of critical minerals and rare earths. But almost all the processing of critical minerals is done by China, which uses this as leverage in disputes with other countries. As part of its tariff dispute with the US, China this month suspended exports of a wide range of critical minerals and magnets.

    Critical minerals are vital in the production of many items, including defence equipment, batteries, electronics, fibre optic cables, electric vehicles, magnets and wind turbines.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese flagged recently that Australia would establish a critical minerals reserve and the government has now released details of its plan.

    The government investment in critical minerals would come through two new mechanisms:

    • national offtake agreements

    • selective stockpiling

    The government would acquire, through voluntary contracts, agreed volumes of critical minerals from commercial projects, or establish an option to purchase them at a given price.

    It would also establish a government stockpile of key minerals produced under offtake agreements.

    “The primary consideration for entering into offtake agreements will be securing priority critical minerals for strategic reasons,” the government said in a statement.

    Minerals held by the reserve would be made available to domestic industry and key international partners.

    This would cover a deal with the US, if that can be reached.

    “The Reserve will be focused on a subset of critical minerals that are most important for Australia’s national security and the security of our key partners, including rare earths,” the statement said.

    As its holdings matured, the reserve would generate cash-flow from sales of offtake on global markets and to key partners, the statement said.

    “The Strategic Reserve will also accumulate stockpiles of priority minerals when warranted by market conditions and strategic considerations, but it is anticipated that these will be modest and time-limited in most cases.”

    The government would make an initial investment of $1.2 billion in the reserve, including through a $1 billion increase in the existing Critical Minerals Facility. This would take the government’s investment in the facility to $5 billion.

    The facility, established in 2021, provides financing to selected projects that are aligned with the government’s critical minerals strategy.

    The government plans to consult with states and companies on the scope and design on the Strategic Reserve, which it would aim to have operating in the second half of next year.

    ALbanese said: “In a time of global uncertainty, Australia will be stronger and safer by developing our critical national assets to create economic opportunity and resilience.

    “The Strategic Reserve will mean the government has the power to purchase, own and sell critical minerals found here in Australia.

    “It will mean we can deal with trade and market disruptions from a position of strength. Because Australia will be able to call on an internationally-significant quantity of resources in global demand.”

    Resources Minister Madeleine King said: “Critical minerals and rare earths and essential not only to reducing emissions but also for our security and the security of our key partners.

    “While we will continue to supply the world with critical minerals, it’s also important that Australia has access to the critical minerals and rare earths we need for a Future Made in Australia.”

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

    – ref. Albanese government announces $1.2 billion in plan to purchase critical minerals – https://theconversation.com/albanese-government-announces-1-2-billion-in-plan-to-purchase-critical-minerals-254994

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Sobyanin told how the hotline helps passengers of Moscow transport

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The hotline of the Moscow Transport contact center is turning 12 years old. During this time, specialists have received almost 40 million calls, the telegram channel Sergei Sobyanin.

    The hotline is one of the most popular and convenient services for solving any questions about transport. Most often, residents and visitors of the capital call the number: 7 495 539-54-54 or 3210 (from a mobile phone) to clarify the schedule of public transport and the operating hours of railway stations, to find out about the evacuation of a car, as well as the procedure for paying for parking and their location. In addition, Muscovites ask how to return things lost during a trip, and find out the details of paying for travel on transport.

    “For example, in 2024, passengers contacted the contact center almost 200 thousand times on the topic of lost things, about 100 thousand questions were asked about the work of the Troika and the ticket system. Contact center operators consult city residents around the clock and process an average of 6.6 thousand calls per day,” the Moscow Mayor noted.

    Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @Mos_Sobyanin 

    Since 2019, the hotline has been using artificial intelligence: a voice assistant answers questions about vehicle evacuation.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/mayor/tkhemes/12651050/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Cerence AI and MediaTek Partner to Introduce Multi-Modal Language Models Running on the Edge, Built on NVIDIA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI and BURLINGTON, Mass., April 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Just ahead of Auto Shanghai 2025, Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) (“Cerence AI”), a global leader pioneering conversational AI-powered user experiences, today announced a new partnership with MediaTek and expanded collaboration with NVIDIA to deliver the next generation of CaLLM™ Edge, its embedded small language model (SLM) purpose-built for automotive user experiences. With new multi-modal capabilities powered by NVIDIA AI Enterprise software, CaLLM Edge will now make in-car interactions smarter, more perceptive, more human, far safer and more secure than ever. This multi-modal edge SLM is seamlessly integrated into Cerence xUI™, the company’s hybrid cloud/embedded agentic AI platform, and will be showcased for the first time at Auto Shanghai 2025.

    Today’s announcement stems from an ongoing collaboration between MediaTek and NVIDIA, with MediaTek’s automotive-grade Dimensity Auto Cockpit chipsets integrating NVIDIA’s GPU, AI, and graphics technologies. Now, the companies have teamed with Cerence AI on a multi-modal edge solution that delivers top performance and cost efficiency for automakers and unlocks powerful new features for drivers and passengers. Leveraging MediaTek’s automotive cockpit solution and optimized first on NVIDIA DRIVE AGX, CaLLM Edge’s advanced multi-modal capabilities are fine-tuned for in-vehicle deployment and high efficiency via a dual processing platform, delivering a new level of contextual awareness – both inside and outside the vehicle.

    Auto Shanghai marks the first public demonstration of Cerence xUI running on NVIDIA DRIVE AGX, integrated into a production-ready automotive reference design that replicates a real car’s multi-seat environment, enabling seamless, personalized interaction for drivers and passengers alike. Key innovations include:

    • Increased intelligence inside the car – Imagine your car knows when you’re talking to it – and when you’re not. You could ask for recommendations for Italian restaurants, then ask your passenger: “What about the second one?” – and the assistant knows to wait to jump back into the conversation. Plus, the assistant can take direction from driver and passengers at the same time – for example, “Open my window,” followed by “Same for me.” Or, imagine your car can keep an eye on your pet while you run a short errand, or, while you’re driving, answer questions about how your toddler is doing in the back seat.
    • Additional context from outside the car – Imagine an assistant that provides information about not only what is inside the vehicle, but also in the world outside. For example, it can explain or translate road signs, identify roadside buildings, and even offer details about something interesting spotted on a billboard. Cerence xUI can leverage car sensor data and both interior and exterior camera feeds in combination with the CaLLM Edge multi-modal SLM, enabling streaming input on the edge – all of which will be shown for the first time at Auto Shanghai.
    • Smart guardrailing on the edge – Cerence AI has developed automotive guardrails optimized for NVIDIA DRIVE AGX, helping ensure Cerence-powered systems can safely and reliably handle the nuances of brand-specific in-car interaction, even in conditions with limited connectivity. As part of its comprehensive hybrid architecture, Cerence AI will be delivering this embedded guardrail with NVIDIA NeMo Guardrails, both to complement its cloud variant as well as help minimize distractions, prevent misuse, and ensure voice interactions stay context-aware and compliant with safety norms.

    Beyond these new capabilities for drivers, CaLLM Edge also offers key benefits for automakers. The heavy lifting of the multi-modal processing happens at the edge, meaning less cloud bandwidth required and reduced costs for OEMs. In addition, enabling drivers to access information outside the car and delivering advanced, generative AI-powered features unlocks new subscription-based services and revenue streams for OEMs.

    “As we continue to push the limits of our CaLLM family of cloud and embedded language models, we continue to improve our ability to meet the needs of a wide variety of automakers and their specific infotainment platforms,” said Nils Schanz, EVP, Product & Technology, Cerence AI. “By teaming with MediaTek and NVIDIA, we’ve supercharged CaLLM Edge with real-time perception and contextual awareness that redefines the in-vehicle experience.”

    “The combination of Cerence’s CaLLM Edge with MediaTek Dimensity Auto platforms creates an incredible foundation for powerful multi-modal, generative AI-driven experiences in vehicles,” said Mike Chang, Corporate Vice President and General Manager of Automotive Business of MediaTek. “MediaTek Dimensity Auto supports both Cerence’s LLM and SLM on the edge, and our new C-X1 featuring dual AI engines is ideal for the task of reliably running multiple AI tasks simultaneously. This partnership is a key addition to our automotive ecosystem and will enable global automotive brands to accelerate their next-generation designs in confidence.”

    “Cerence’s collaboration with MediaTek builds on the company’s work to deploy NVIDIA AI and accelerated compute to improve the overall in-vehicle experience,” said Rishi Dhall, Vice President of Automotive at NVIDIA. “The work now gives automakers greater control to customize voice experiences, and our work to integrate NVIDIA NeMo Guardrails at the edge has the power to set a new industry benchmark in the evolution of safe, scalable in-car AI.”

    Cerence AI will demonstrate its offering with MediaTek and NVIDIA at Auto Shanghai, taking place April 23-May 2. Interested attendees can experience Cerence xUI in action in Hall 8.2, booth number 8BD002. The solution will also be shown at MediaTek’s booth, also in Hall 8.2, at booth number 8BE006.

    To learn more about Cerence AI, visit www.cerence.ai, and follow the company on LinkedIn.

    About Cerence Inc.
    Cerence Inc. (NASDAQ: CRNC) is a global industry leader in creating intuitive, seamless, AI-powered experiences across automotive and transportation. Leveraging decades of innovation and expertise in voice, generative AI, and large language models, Cerence powers integrated experiences that create safer, more connected, and more enjoyable journeys for drivers and passengers alike. With more than 500 million cars shipped with Cerence technology, the company partners with leading automakers, transportation OEMs, and technology companies to advance the next generation of user experiences. Cerence is headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, with operations globally and a worldwide team dedicated to pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. For more information, visit www.cerence.ai.

    Contact Information

    Kate Hickman | Tel: 339-215-4583 | Email: kate.hickman@cerence.com

    The MIL Network –

    April 24, 2025

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA expresses condolences at passing of Pope Francis

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA expresses condolences at passing of Pope Francis

    • Date：2025-04-21
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    April 21, 2025  

    No. 105

    Following the announcement by the Press Office of the Holy See of the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis on April 21, President Lai Ching-te immediately instructed the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) to the Holy See to transmit a message of condolences expressing the profound sympathies of the people and government of Taiwan. 

     

    In addition, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung immediately conveyed Taiwan’s condolences to Reverend Monsignor Stefano Mazzotti, Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) also expressed its condolences to Bishop John Lee Keh-Mien, President of the Chinese Regional Bishops’ Conference of Taiwan. Given the profound diplomatic bond between Taiwan and the Holy See and in order to extend the deepest sympathies of the Taiwanese people, Taiwan’s Catholic parishioners, and the government of Taiwan, high-level officials will be dispatched to serve as special envoys in attending Pope Francis’s funeral, while senior government officials will also attend a memorial mass convened by the Apostolic Nunciature in Taiwan.

     

    During his pontificate from 2013 to 2025, Pope Francis voiced sympathy for those injured during the major earthquake that struck Hualien and prayed for the victims of the disaster. He cared deeply for the Catholic Church in Taiwan and appointed several bishops of ROC (Taiwan) nationality. In addition to receiving a number of special presidential envoys who visited the Holy See to attend important ceremonial events, Pope Francis also maintained cordial interactions and exchanges with interfaith groups in Taiwan. His humility and concern for all humanity, and especially his active calls for world peace, will remain forever in the hearts of the people and government of Taiwan. In this moment of sorrow, the Taiwanese people, Taiwan’s Catholic parishioners, and the government of Taiwan grieve together.

     

    Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to promote cooperation with the Holy See and the Catholic Church in the field of humanitarian care. It will do its utmost to advance world peace and demonstrate the democratic values of humankind, further deepening its long-standing diplomatic partnership with the Holy See based on common ideals. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

    April 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 541 illegal shebeens, taverns shutdown over Easter

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    A total of 541 illegal shebeens and taverns were shut down by police across the country during the Easter long weekend. 

    Of these, 270 were shut down in KwaZulu-Natal.

    A total of 757 suspects who were found dealing in illegal liquor were also arrested – 270 were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal, while 144 were arrested in Mpumalanga and 142 arrested in Gauteng.

    A total of 1 166 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs during that period – 265 of them were arrested in Mpumalanga.

    A total of 1209 suspects who were found to be in possession of drugs were arrested – 393 of them were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal. 

    Also, 249 suspects were arrested for dealing in drugs and the Western Cape registered the majority of those arrested, with 61.

    “Just this past week alone, a total of 17 605 suspects were arrested through Operation Shanela. The highest number of arrests registered a week in months,” the South African Police Service said in a statement.

    It said police officers across the country remain hard at work in preventing, combating and investigating crime.

    “Through various interventions and takedowns, police operations led to the arrest of 3 662 wanted suspects for rape, murder and attempted murder amongst a host of other serious and violent crimes,” the police said.

    Of these, 215 suspects were arrested and charged for rape. The majority of those arrested for rape were apprehended in KwaZulu-Natal (67).

    Over and above these, the following arrests were made across the country:

    • 145 murder suspects were arrested and the majority were arrested in Gauteng (30).
    • 129 suspects were arrested for attempted murder;
    • 1 574 suspects were arrested for assault grievous bodily harm;
    • 110 suspects were arrested for being in the illegal possession of firearms, majority of these suspects were arrested in KwaZulu-Natal (35)

    Police registered the following successes:

    • 128 firearms were confiscated in the past week;
    • 4220 rounds of ammunition were confiscated;
    • 87 hijacked and stolen vehicles were recovered during this week’s operations.

    Two businessmen were rescued by the anti-kidnapping task team after they were hijacked and kidnapped in Midrand on Monday. The two male victims were found in dense bushes and rescued. Their hijacked SUV Range Rover was later recovered in Tembisa.

    A multi-disciplinary law enforcement operation led by the Nelson Mandela Bay Crime Prevention Unit and DPCI, resulted in the successful rescue of a 45-year-old US pastor, who was kidnapped and held at a safe house in KwaMagxaki, Gqeberha, on 15 April 2025.

    Police in Northern Cape seized 39 uncut diamonds through Operation Vala Umgodi.

    KwaZulu-Natal police seized five unlicensed firearms and ammunition in the Msinga area. Two suspects were arrested in this intelligence driven operation.

    Five suspects were arrested between North West and Gauteng for the kidnapping and murder of a 63-year-old pensioner. The man was allegedly robbed of thousands of rands before being killed.

    Western Cape police arrested a second suspect after a taxi boss was killed at the Wynberg Magistrate Court over a week ago.

    In Operation Vala Umgodi, 104 suspects were arrested in connection with illegal mining activities across the North West province while 11 suspects were arrested by Free State police.

    “Police will continue with their operations by asserting the authority of the state to ensure the safety and security of all South Africans and visitors to the country,” the police said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

    April 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Presidential Protection Service high skilled, sufficiently resourced

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, April 23, 2025

    The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has assured the nation that the Executive of the country, President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile, are in safe hands. 

    “Members of the Presidential Protection Service (PPS) who are assigned to both the President and the Deputy President are trained to a high level of skill and possess the necessary expertise and capabilities to avert any risk and threat,” Masemola said. 

    He said the resources assigned to safeguard the Executive are also adequate and designed to prevent any direct and imminent threat on their lives.

    “While it is not common practice to discuss safety and security aspects of the Executive, the National Commissioner deems it fit to assure the country that sufficient resources are always assigned to safeguard members of the national executive,” Masemola said in a statement. 

    The statement follows a shooting incident involving the Deputy President’s convoy.

    Deputy President Mashatile was returning from an ANC meeting in Boksburg when his convoy came under fire. At first it was thought stones were being hurled at the vehicle, but it was discovered that it was being shot at. 

    “Following the incident, an extensive investigation was conducted and still underway with the ballistics report already concluded. Crime Intelligence is also continuing with its regular risk and threat assessment on both the President and the Deputy President,” the General explained. 

    He confirmed the reinforcement of the security detail to both principals and expressed gratitude to members of the PPS with the manner in which they safeguard and handle the safety of both principals. – SAnews.gov.za

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    April 23, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa braces for heavy rain and cold weather conditions

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Wednesday, April 23, 2025

    Heavy rain and cold weather conditions are expected this week, as a cut-off low weather system sweeps across most parts of the country.

    According to the South African Weather Service (SAWS), a cut-off low system is expected to make landfall over the western interior of South Africa on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, and move slowly eastwards, likely to exit the country by Saturday, 26 April 2025.

    “Scattered to widespread showers and thundershowers are expected over the central and eastern parts of the country, with rainfall accumulations exceeding 50 mm in the eastern regions on Wednesday and Thursday, 23 and 24 April 2025.

    “Severe thunderstorms associated with flooding of roads and settlements, as well as damage or loss of infrastructure, property, vehicles, livelihoods, and livestock, especially over the Free State and North West. There is also a distinct possibility of damaging hail occurring in association with the thunderstorms,” the SAWS said in a statement.

    Snowfalls are also expected over the Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape during this period. 

    In addition, daytime temperatures are expected to drop significantly across most parts of the country from Wednesday, with a gradual recovery from Friday onwards. 

    The South African Weather Service said it will continue to monitor any further developments relating to the weather systems and will issue subsequent updates, as required. 

    Intermediate updates may be followed on X (@SAWeatherServic), Facebook (South African Weather Service) or other SAWS-supported social media platforms. –SAnews.gov.za

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    MIL OSI Africa –

    April 23, 2025
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