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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Insolvency and Fair Competition

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    Insolvency and Fair Competition

    At a recent public inquiry, Traffic Commissioner for the West of England, Kevin Rooney refused PHS Group SW Ltd’s application for a restricted goods vehicle operator’s licence, citing serious concerns over fair competition and tax compliance.

    The application sought authorisation for fifteen vehicles to support the company’s tool and plant hire operations. However, investigations revealed significant overlaps between PHS Group SW Ltd and the recently insolvent Purple Hire Solutions Ltd, including shared business addresses, contact details, operating centres, and familial ties among directors.

    Notably, Purple Hire Solutions Ltd had substantial unpaid tax liabilities, with a shortfall to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) amounting to £818,253. The company had previously prioritised payments to suppliers over settling its obligations to the public purse, a practice that undermines fair competition and places compliant businesses at a disadvantage.

    Commissioner Rooney also noted that Purple Hire Solutions Ltd was itself granted at a hearing following the insolvency of YHC Hire Services Ltd with a deficiency of £7.3 Million. Of that, £5.2 Million was expected to be novated to Purple Hire Solutions Ltd leaving £2.1 Million of which £680,000 was owed to the public purse.

    The commissioner emphasised that such practices not only violate legal obligations but also erode the integrity of the industry by allowing entities to operate without fulfilling their tax responsibilities. This behaviour distorts the competitive landscape, disadvantaging businesses that adhere to fiscal and regulatory requirements.

    Commissioner Rooney said “The Parker family business has gained liquidity to the sum of £1.5 Million at the expense of the UK taxpayer. That is clear unfair competition and makes the applicant unfit to hold a restricted goods vehicle operator’s licence. For the avoidance of doubt, it would also fail to establish good repute.”

    In light of these findings, the Traffic Commissioner concluded that PHS Group SW Ltd failed to meet the mandatory requirements of fitness to hold a restricted goods vehicle operator’s licence, leading to the refusal of their application.

    This decision underscores the commitment of regulatory authorities to uphold fair competition, maintaining a level playing field within the industry. Further information can be found here.

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Polytechnic University held the first conference on systems engineering

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    The 1st All-Russian scientific and practical conference “Modern approaches in system engineering and digital modeling of complex production systems” (SEDM-2025) was held in the Research Building of the Polytechnic University. The event was organized by the laboratories “Industrial systems of streaming data processing” and “Digital modeling of industrial systems” of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering” together with the industrial partner of the SPbPU PISh, the company “Tetracube”.

    The conference was dedicated to systems engineering as a methodological approach to the implementation of complex projects in various industries.

    Systems engineering is a highly relevant methodological direction in the technological landscape of Russia and the world. It allows implementing complex multi-component projects both for solving frontier engineering problems in the high-tech industry and in other industries – economics, medicine or education. The methodology of systems engineering is universal: it is based on the assessment of all factors, requirements and restrictions that affect the development of the project, and is also a field for the application and development of advanced digital technologies, such as artificial intelligence or mathematical modeling, – noted the chairperson of the conference program committee, head of the Laboratory of PSPOD PISh SPbPU Marina Bolsunovskaya.

    The scientific partners of the conference were the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Kazan Federal University, Ivanovo State Polytechnic University and others. The event was supported as industrial partners by the Engineering Center for Textile and Light Industry, the North-West Scientific Center for Hygiene and Public Health of Rospotrebnadzor, Kola MMC, Viziumtex, Olvia and Amdor companies.

    SEDM-2025 participants presented scientific research and practical solutions in the field of design, analysis, forecasting and optimization of complex systems in the economy, industry, transport, medicine, social sphere and education. The event attracted more than 200 speakers and listeners – research scientists and representatives of commercial companies and government organizations.

    The conference consisted of scientific and practical parts. It was addressed both to “theorists” – specialists who study and develop the methodology of systems engineering, and to practitioners – project managers who use the method of systems engineering to solve specific applied problems at their enterprises.

    The presentations were made by recognized experts in the field of studying and implementing approaches to system engineering and digital modeling, theorists and practitioners, as well as students and postgraduates who have chosen system engineering as the direction of their scientific and professional development. For young researchers, the conference became an excellent opportunity to present their research projects to experts, learn their opinions and discuss the practical application of the results.

    The plenary session reports presented the main areas of research and development, which were then discussed in more detail in separate sections.

    The plenary session was opened by Marina Bolsunovskaya. After welcoming remarks, she spoke about the development of the system engineering methodology using practical examples of the PSPOD Laboratory projects. The speaker noted possible directions for the development of the method and the specifics of its use in implementing complex projects at the enterprises of the laboratory’s industrial partners.

    Marina Vladimirovna noted that the requests of enterprises now concern the development of optimization models to identify hidden patterns and develop specific methods for eliminating anomalies. For many customer enterprises, there are no ready-made solutions, so the development of libraries of standard solutions that will allow companies to immediately offer possible solutions for data analysis seems promising.

    Elena Tishchenko, Advisor on Digital Economy to the Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Lomonosov Moscow State University, presented a theoretical report on the method of model-based system engineering (Model Based System Engineering) for synthesizing multi-level economic models. The method involves the widespread use of engineering descriptions of objects in the form of models and their platforms in the economy for analyzing complex economic systems.

    Alexey Gintsyak, Head of the Laboratory of Digital Modeling of Industrial Systems at the St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, spoke about the development of a set of tools for generating schedules in production systems using a multi-agent approach. The work is being carried out with the support of the Russian Science Foundation in 2025-2026. The speaker defined multi-agent systems, highlighted the capabilities and features of the multi-agent approach to the applied task of generating production schedules, and revealed the complexity of generating schedules in a multi-agent environment. In conclusion, Alexey Gintsyak noted that taking multi-agency into account allows for obtaining modeling results that are much more adequate to reality.

    The report by the head of the laboratory “System Dynamics” Angi Skhvediani was devoted to the application of methods of systems engineering in agriculture. He spoke about the current work on the platform for automatic prediction of the sorption properties of biochar obtained as a result of processing plant waste of the agro-industrial complex. The project includes the development of a database and a program for the analysis and prediction of the sorption properties of waste using machine learning methods, the development of a recommendation system for enterprises and scientists in terms of selecting optimal technological modes of waste processing to obtain functional materials with the best properties.

    Associate Professor of the Higher School of Transport of the Institute of Metallurgical Engineering and Technology Dmitry Plotnikov touched upon the topic of digital modeling in the transport industry. The speaker listed interdisciplinary tasks in the development of unmanned ground transport and noted that digital models in the creation of transport systems and processes can be used as a means of supporting decision-making in the design of the life cycle of a vehicle and transport systems in general, as well as an element of the finished product that determines its operational properties. The speaker shared the experience of creating an unmanned car at the Polytechnic University and the complex tasks that the development team faces.

    The conference became a platform for exchanging experience in the field of systems engineering in the transport industry, where there was a place for both experienced professionals and young scientists. Interesting works on the use of simulation modeling for effective traffic management were presented. The reports on the creation of intelligent transport systems deserved special attention, – the speaker noted.

    The head of the control and audit department of the enterprise “Gorelektrotrans” Elena Ezhelina made a report on the development of a new model for managing the enterprise of ground urban electric transport for the automation and optimization of its work. One of the first steps in this direction, Elena Aleksandrovna believes, could be the automation of the management of the daily cycle of the enterprise’s work, which will require the creation of a single dispatch service.

    Deputy Head of the Traffic Safety Service of Gorelektrotrans Alexey Vishensky spoke about his model for distributing tram and trolleybus drivers on city passenger transportation routes. The model is aimed at ensuring the required volume of transport services while complying with legal requirements. The number of drivers is calculated taking into account the design capacity of the fleet, working time fund, work schedules, vacations, knowledge of routes and other factors.

    Anastasia Gorbach, an engineer at Radioavionika JSC, presented an analysis of technologies for implementing artificial intelligence in the process of spelling and punctuation checking using a systems approach. Traditional verification methods based on dictionaries and grammar rules are not effective enough for complex language structures. Using AI to check spelling and punctuation is part of a wider range of technologies that can be applied in the development and optimization of complex technical systems to automate and optimize documentation and communication within the system.

    The most popular sections among the participants were on systems engineering in the field of economics and on digital modeling in industry and related industries. More than 40 reports were submitted for some sessions.

    Teachers and students from various departments of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic Institute, such as the Higher School of Computer Technologies and Information Systems of the IKNK, the Higher School of Project Activity and Innovations in Industry and the Higher School of Transport of the IMMIT SPbPU, the Higher School of Engineering and Economics, the Higher School of Business Engineering and the Laboratory of System Dynamics of the IPMET SPbPU, took an active part in organizing and holding the conference.

    Students of the master’s program of the St. Petersburg Polytechnical University “Systems Engineering and Digital Modeling in High-Tech Industries” presented their developments in the field of systems engineering at the conference.

    The conference was organized for the first time and, it must be said, exceeded our expectations. We saw great interest in the methodology of systems engineering from industrial partners and university researchers – teachers, researchers, students and postgraduates. Next year, we plan to expand the conference topics. In particular, there will be a hybrid modeling section, entirely dedicated to this promising approach within the framework of systems engineering, which allows combining classical analytics and artificial intelligence technologies, – noted Marina Bolsunovskaya.

    Based on the results of the conference, a collection of papers will be published with a DOI and ISBN assigned, and full-text article-by-article placement in the Russian Science Citation Index.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The push to restore semiconductor manufacturing faces a labor crisis − can the US train enough workers in time?

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Michael Moats, Professor of Metallurgical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology

    Semiconductors power nearly every aspect of modern life – cars, smartphones, medical devices and even national defense systems. These tiny but essential components make the information age possible, whether they’re supporting lifesaving hospital equipment or facilitating the latest advances in artificial intelligence.

    It’s easy to take them for granted, until something goes wrong. That’s exactly what happened when the COVID-19 pandemic exposed major weaknesses in the global semiconductor supply chain. Suddenly, to name just one consequence, new vehicles couldn’t be finished because chips produced abroad weren’t being delivered. The semiconductor supply crunch disrupted entire industries and cost hundreds of billions of dollars.

    The crisis underscored a hard reality: The U.S. depends heavily on foreign countries – including China, a geopolitical rival – to manufacture semiconductors. This isn’t just an economic concern; it’s widely recognized as a national security risk.

    That’s why the U.S. government has taken steps to invest in semiconductor production through initiatives such as the CHIPS and Science Act, which aims to revitalize American manufacturing and was passed with bipartisan support in 2022. While President Donald Trump has criticized the CHIPS and Science Act recently, both he and his predecessor, Joe Biden, have touted their efforts to expand domestic chip manufacturing in recent years.

    Yet, even with bipartisan support for new chip plants, a major challenge remains: Who will operate them?

    Minding the workforce gap

    The push to bring semiconductor manufacturing back to the U.S. faces a significant hurdle: a shortage of skilled workers. The semiconductor industry is expected to need 300,000 engineers by 2030 as new plants are built. Without a well-trained workforce, these efforts will fall short, and the U.S. will remain dependent on foreign suppliers.

    This isn’t just a problem for the tech sector – it affects every industry that relies on semiconductors, from auto manufacturing to defense contractors. Virtually every military communication, monitoring and advanced weapon system relies on microchips. It’s not sustainable or safe for the U.S. to rely on foreign nations – especially adversaries – for the technology that powers its military.

    For the U.S. to secure supply chains and maintain technological leadership, I believe it would be wise to invest in education and workforce development alongside manufacturing expansion.

    Building the next generation of semiconductor engineers

    Filling this labor gap will require a nationwide effort to train engineers and technicians in semiconductor research, design and fabrication. Engineering programs across the country are taking up this challenge by introducing specialized curricula that combine hands-on training with industry-focused coursework.

    Clean rooms, a vital part of semiconductor factories, are also where the next generation of tech innovators conduct research. Here, a Ph.D. candidate is seen in an air shower room before entering a clean room at Tokyo University on May 1, 2024.
    Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images

    Future semiconductor workers will need expertise in chip design and microelectronics, materials science and process engineering, and advanced manufacturing and clean room operations. To meet this demand, it will be important for universities and colleges to work alongside industry leaders to ensure students graduate with the skills employers need. Offering hands-on experience in semiconductor fabrication, clean-room-based labs and advanced process design will be essential for preparing a workforce that’s ready to contribute from Day 1.

    At Missouri University of Science of Technology, where I am the chair of the materials science and engineering department, we’re launching a multidisciplinary bachelor’s degree in semiconductor engineering this fall. Other universities across the U.S. are also expanding their semiconductor engineering options amid strong demand from both industry and students.

    A historic opportunity for economic growth

    Rebuilding domestic semiconductor manufacturing isn’t just about national security – it’s an economic opportunity that could benefit millions of Americans. By expanding training programs and workforce pipelines, the U.S. can create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs, strengthening the economy and reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.

    And the race to secure semiconductor supply chains isn’t just about stability – it’s about innovation. The U.S. has long been a global leader in semiconductor research and development, but recent supply chain disruptions have shown the risks of allowing manufacturing to move overseas.

    If the U.S. wants to remain at the forefront of technological advancement in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and next-generation communication systems, it seems clear to me it will need new workers – not just new factories – to gain control of its semiconductor production.

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

    – ref. The push to restore semiconductor manufacturing faces a labor crisis − can the US train enough workers in time? – https://theconversation.com/the-push-to-restore-semiconductor-manufacturing-faces-a-labor-crisis-can-the-us-train-enough-workers-in-time-245516

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Remarks by President Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte Before Bilateral Meeting

    Source: The White House

    class=”has-text-align-center”>Oval Office

    12:33 P.M. EDT

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Hello, everybody.  It’s great to be with a friend of mine, who was prime minister of the Netherlands, so I got to know him very well.  We had a great relationship always.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Absolutely.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Mark Rutte.  Now he’s secretary general of NATO and doing a fantastic job.  Everybody — every report I’ve gotten is what a great job he did.  And I’m not at all surprised when I hear it.  We had to support him, and we supported him as soon as I heard the name.  

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Thank you.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  But he was a fantastic prime minister, and he’s doing a fantastic job. An even tougher job.  Which is tougher: being the prime minister of Netherlands or?

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  This job is quite tough.  Yeah.  (Laughter.)

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I would think this is a little tougher.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  But — but Dutch politics is also brutal.  So — (laughter).

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.  But this is pretty tough. 

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  But you’re doing good. 

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Thank you.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  We’re going to be discussing a lot of things.  Obviously, we’ll be discussing what’s happening with respect to Ukraine and Russia. 

    At this moment, we have people talking in Russia.  We have representatives over there — Steve Witkoff and others.  And they’re in very serious discussions.  As you know, Ukraine has agreed, subject to this — what’s happening today — to a complete ceasefire, and we hope Russia will do the same. 

    Thousands of people are being killed — young people, usually, mostly young people.  We were just talking about it.  Thousands of young people are being killed a week, and we want to see that stop.  And they’re not Americans, and they’re not from the Netherlands for the most part.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  No.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  They’re not from — they’re from Russia and they’re from Ukraine, but they’re people.  And I think everybody feels the same way.  We want it to stop.

    It’s also a tremendous cost to the United States and to other countries.  And it’s something that would have never happened if I were president, and it makes me very angry to see that it did happen.  But it happened, and we have to stop it.  

    And Mark has done some really good work over the last week.  We’ve been working together, and he’s done some really good work.  So, I’m very happy about that. 

    We’ll also be talking about trade and various other things, and I think we’ll have a very, very strong day.  We’re going to have lunch afterwards.  That’ll go.  And then we’ll see you all later. 

    But, Mark, would you like to say something?

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.  First of all, thank you so much, Mr. President, dear Donald, again for hosting me and — but also for taking time in Florida a couple of weeks after you —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Right.  That’s right.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  — you were reelected. 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  That’s right.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  And, of course, our phone call a couple of weeks ago.  And I must say, Trump 45 — you basically — you originated the fact that in Europe we are now spending, when you take it to aggregate, $700 billion more on defense —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  — than when you came in office in 2016 — in 2017.

    But that was Trump 45.  But when look at Trump 47 —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Going to be hard to top.  (Laughter.)

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  — what happened the last couple of weeks is really staggering.  The Europeans committing to a package of $800 billion defense spending.  The Germans now —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  — potentially up to half a trillion extra in defense spending.  And then, of course, you have Keir Starmer here, the British prime minister, and others all committing to much higher defense spending.  

    They’re not there.  We need to do more.  But I really want to work together with you in a run-up to The Hague summit to make sure that we will have a NATO which is really reinvigorated under your leadership.  And we are getting there.  

    We also discussed defense production, because we need to produce more weaponry.  We are not doing enough — not in the U.S., not in Europe.  And we are lagging behind when you compare to the Russians and the Chinese.  And you have a huge defense industrial base, Europeans buying mo- — four times more here than the other — the other way around, which is good, because you have a strong defense industry. 

    But we need to do more there to make sure that we ramp up production and kill the red tape.  So, I would love to work with you on that. 

    And finally, Ukraine — you broke the deadlock.  As you said, all the killing, the young people dying, cities getting destroyed.  The fact that you did that, that you started the dialogue with the Russians and the successful talks in Saudi Arabia now with the Ukrainians — I really want to commend you for this.

    So, well, The Hague is my hometown.  I’d love to host you there in the summer and work together to make sure that —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  We’ll do that.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  — that will be a splash, a real success, projecting American power on the world stage. 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  What Mark is saying is: When I first went to NATO, my first meeting, I noticed that very few people were paying.  And if they were, they weren’t paying their fair share.  There were only seven countries that were paying what they were supposed to be paying, which was —

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  It’s even worse, there were three.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  That’s even worse.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  It could be even worse. 

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  But there were just very few countries that were paying.  And even the paying, it was at 2 percent, which is too low.  It should be higher.  It should be quite a bit higher.

    But you had Poland and I remember Poland was actually paying a little bit more than they were supposed to, which I was very impressed with.  And they’ve been actually terrific and some of the others.  But most of them weren’t paying or they were paying very little.  

    And I didn’t think it was appropriate to bring it up there, but I said, “It’s going to be brought up at my next meeting.”  And my next meeting — you know, the first meeting, you want to give them a little break.  The second meeting, it began.

    And I was able to raise —

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  You did.  (Laughs.)

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  — hundreds of billions of dollars.  I just said, “We’re not going to be involved with you if you’re not going to pay.”  And the money started pouring in.  And NATO became much stronger because of my actions and working along with a lot of people, including Mark.

    But they would not pay for other presidents.  I don’t think other presidents even knew that they weren’t paid.  I asked, first question, “Has everybody paid up?”  And literally, I mean, they showed — they told me seven.  You could be right.  It could be three.  But — that makes it even worse — but they just weren’t paying. 

    And I said, “No, I won’t protect if you’re not paying.  If you’re delinquent or if the money isn’t paid, why would we do that?”

    And as soon as I said that, got a little hit from the press, because they said, “Oh, gee, that’s not very nice.”  But if you said the other, nobody would have paid.  And the money started coming in by the billions.  

    And, you know, hundreds of billions of dollars flowed into NATO, and NATO became strong.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  And you remember that.  And your predecessor, who I thought was a very good man actually.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Absolutely.  Jens Stoltenberg.  He sends his best greetings.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.  He was terrific.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Stoltenberg, secretary general.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Great man.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  And he made the statement that when Trump came in, the money started coming in like we never saw before.  Hundreds of billions — it was actually probably close to $600 billion came in.  And NATO became strong from that standpoint.

    And now, we have to use it wisely.  And we have to get this war over with.  And you’ll be back to a normal — much more normal life. 

    And maybe we’re close.  We’re getting words that things are going okay in Russia, and it doesn’t mean anything until we hear what the final outcome is. 

    But they have very serious discussions going on right now with President Putin and others.  And hopefully, they all want to end this nightmare.  It’s a nightmare.  It’s a horrible thing, when you look.  I get pictures every week.  They give me the pictures of the battlefield, which I almost don’t want to see.  It’s so horrible to see.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  It’s so terrible.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Young people laying — arms and legs and heads laying all over the field.  It’s the most terrible thing that you’ll ever see. 

    And it’s got to stop.  These are young people with mothers and fathers and sisters and brothers and friends, and it’s got to stop. 

    So, we hopefully are going to be in a good position sometime today to have a good idea.  We’ll have — we know where we are with Ukraine, and we are getting good signals outside of Russia as to where we are with Russia, and hopefully they’ll do the right thing.  

    It’s a really — humanity — we’re talking about humanity.  We’re not talking about the money.  But then you add the money to it, and, you know, hundreds of billions of dollars is being spent and, really, wasted so unnecessarily.  It should have never happened.  

    So, it’s an honor to have you here.  They picked a great gentleman.  I’ll tell you, that was — I was so happy to hear, because you had somebody — Stoltenberg was really good.  And you have somebody that’s going to do an incredible job.  And I was so much in favor of you, you have no idea. 

    They had another person that I did not like.  (Laughter.)  I was not happy.  And I think I kept him from — you know what I’m talking about.  I said, “This is the right man to do it.”  And he really did.  He was a great prime minister of the Netherlands.  He did a great job.  And that’s what he’s doing right now. 

    So, thank you, everybody, for being here.  And very great honor to have you.  And we even have some of our great energy people here today, right?  We have the governor, and we have Chris.  You know Chris.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.  Absolutely.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  He’s supposed to be the most talented man in the world of energy, according to the governor.  (Laughter.)  So, I don’t know if he’s right.

    And we have — General, you’ve been fantastic.  Thank you very much. 

    And we have a lot of good people that won’t be so much involved with this, but they wanted to see what was happening.  It’s become a little bit of a show — (laughter) — but they wanted to see what was happening.  And I think a lot of good things are happening.  

    So, with that, if anybody would have a question.

    (Cross-talk.) 

    Q    Mr. President, o- — on Russia. 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Please, go ahead.

    Q    Vlad- —

         Q    Sorry.  Sorry, Mary.  Steve Witkoff’s trip to Moscow, you spoke about it.  What sort of agreement do you hope he comes away from there with?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, we’d like to see a ceasefire from Russia.  And we have, you know, not been working in the dark.  We’ve been discussing with Ukraine land and pieces of land that would be kept and lost and all of the other elements of a final agreement.  

    There’s a power plant involved — you know, a very big power plant involved.  Who’s going to get the power plant and who’s going to get this and that.  And so, you know, it’s not an easy process.

    But phase one is the ceasefire.  A lot of the individual subjects have been discussed, though.  You know, we’ve been discussing concepts of land, because you don’t want to waste time with the ceasefire if it’s not going to mean anything.  So, we’re saying, “Look, this is what you can get.  This is what you can’t get.” 

    They discussed NATO and being in NATO, and everybody knows what the answer to that is.  They’ve known that answer for 40 years, in all fairness. 

    So, a lot of the details of a final agreement have actually been discussed.  Now we’re going to see whether or not Russia is there, and if they’re not, it’ll be a very disappointing moment for the world. 

    Yeah. 

    Q    And Vladimir Putin just said he is open to a ceasefire, but he does still have some concerns.  He suggested that you two should speak directly.  Do you have plans to speak to him soon?  If so, when?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I would.  Yeah, sure.

    Q    And are you confident you can get this across the finish line?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Sure.  He did say that today.  It was a very promising statement, because other people are saying different things, and you don’t know if they have anything to really — if they have any meaning, or I don’t know.  I think some of them were making statements.  I don’t think they have anything to do with it.

    No, he put out a very promising statement, but it wasn’t complete.  And, yeah, I’d love to meet with him or talk to him, but we have to get it over with fast.  You know, every day people are being killed.  It’s not like — as we sit here, two people will be killed.  Think of it.  Two people are going to be killed during this little period of time. 

         Thousands of people a week are dying, so we really don’t have very much time.  We have to make this fast.  It shouldn’t be very complicated.

    (Cross-talk.) 

    Yes.

    Q    Thank you, Mr. President.  A representative of Canada, the finance minister, are in town and will meet members of your administration during the day. 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Sure.  Yeah.

    Q    Any chances that you will ban on the tariffs on aluminum and — and the — the ones that are planned for April 2nd?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  No.

    Q    You are not going to change your mind? 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  No, I’m not.  Look, we’ve been ripped off for years, and we’re not going to be ripped off anymore.  No, I’m not going to bend at all on aluminum or steel or cars.  We’re not going to bend.  We’ve been ripped off as a country for many, many years.  We’ve been subjected to costs that we shouldn’t be subjected to. 

    In the case of Canada, we’re spending $200 billion a year to subsidize Canada.  I love Canada.  I love the people of Canada. I have many friends in Canada.  “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky, the great.  Hey, how good is Wayne Gretzky?  He’s the Great One.  

    But we have — I know many people from Canada that are good friends of mine.  But, you know, the United States can’t subsidize a country for $200 billion a year.  We don’t need their cars.  We don’t need their energy.  We don’t need their lumber.  We don’t need anything that they give. 

    We do it because we want to be helpful, but it comes a point when you just can’t do that.  You have to run your own country.  And to be honest with you, Canada only works as a state.  We don’t need anything they have.  As a state, it would be one of the great states anywhere.  

    This would be the most incredible country visually.  If you look at a map, they drew an artificial line right through it — between Canada and the U.S.  Just a straight artificial line.  Somebody did it a long time ago — many, many decades ago — and makes no sense.  

    It’s so perfect as a great and cherished state, keeping “O Canada,” the national anthem.  I love it.  I think it’s great.  Keep it, but it’ll be for the state.  One of our greatest states.  Maybe our greatest state.  

    But why should we subsidize another country for $200 billion?  It costs us $200 billion a year.  And again, we don’t need their lumber.  We don’t need their energy.  We have more than they do.  We don’t need anything.  We don’t need their cars.  I’d much rather make the cars here.  

    And there’s not a thing that we need.  Now, there’ll be a little disruption, but it won’t be very long.  But they need us.  We really don’t need them.  And we have to do this.  I’m sorry, we have to do this.  

    Yes. 

    Q    Mr. President — 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah. 

    Q    — you have made it very clear that NATO needs to step up, although great progress —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.

    Q    — has been made in your first mandate.  How do you envision this new transatlantic —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Are you talking about NATO stepping up?

    Q    Yes.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, NATO is stepping up through this man. This man is a man that only knows how to step up.  And we have the same goal in mind: We want the war ended.  And he’s doing his job.  He only knows how to do a good job.  That’s one thing.  That’s why I fought for him to get that job —

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Thank you so much.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  — because they had some other candidates that I’ll tell you would not have done a very good job.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  I need this part of the — of the movie for my family.  (Laughter.)

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  That’s right.  That’s right.  We’ll get you a clip. 

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.  Exactly.  (Laughs.)

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  We’re going to get him a clip of that — of that little last essay.  But the rest of the statements he doesn’t care about.

    Q    Sir, how does this new transatlantic cooperation — how do you envision it?  What is it going to look like?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, we have — that’s one thing.  I mean, you know, we’re the other side of the ocean, and they’re right there.  And yet, we’re in for $350 billion because of Biden, and they’re in for $100 billion.  So, it’s a big difference, and it’s unfair.  

    And I said, “You have to equalize.”  They should equalize.  They should have — it should have never happened, where Biden just gave his money away. 

    Now, as you know, we have an agreement with Ukraine on the rare earths and other things, and that’ll get us

    something back — a lot back.  It’ll get us our money back.  We’re not doing it for that, though.  We’re doing — I’m just doing this to get the war stopped.  I’m doing it, really, to save lives.

    But, at the same time, we were treated very unfairly, as we always are by every country.  And we’re in for very substantially more than the European nations are in for, and that shouldn’t be.

    You know, they’re much more affected by it than we are, because we do have an ocean in between. 

    But I don’t know.  I think good things are going to happen.  I really do.  I think good things are going to happen. 

    I do say — we were talking before, and Mark was very nice.  He said, “If you wouldn’t get involved, there would be” — you’d just be going on.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  This thing would have gone on for a long time.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Breaking a deadlock.  It was crucial.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah, we broke a deadlock. 

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah. 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  We did break a deadlock.  I hope it’s meaningful. 

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah. 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yes, did you have one?

    Q    Mr. President — 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah, please.

    Q    Yes, sir.  Thank you, Mr. President.  Amanda Head with Just the News.  On the southern border, you’ve got DHS and ICE, who are reporting that there was a little bit of fudging of numbers during the Biden administration —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.

    Q    — on both the catch and the release side with respect to reporting the number of illegals coming into the country who were released.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  They cheated on the numbers.  They were — the numbers were — I love that question.

    Q    Right.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Who are you with?

    Q    Just the News.  Amanda Head.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Very nice.  That’s good.  That’s good.

    Q    Do you know how many of those are criminal illegal aliens? 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Many of them.

    Q    And Biden is out of office —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:   Yeah.

    Q    — Alejandro Mayorkas.  Who gets held accountable?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  No, Biden fudged the numbers.  The numbers were totally fake, and he gave fake numbers.  I knew they were fake.  Everybody knew they were fake, but now it came out.  And terrible what — what they did.  That administration was a horror show for this country.

    Q    Can you hold anyone accountable?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I don’t know.  They gave phony numbers, and phony numbers are a very bad thing to give.  But I’m not sure about that.  I don’t know how it would play.  We want to get it straightened out.  

    We have — we’re after many, many bad people that were let into our country.  And Kristi Noem and my friend Homan — how good is Tom Homan doing, right?  And they’re after them.  And they — I mean, you see: They’re taking them out in record numbers.  Gang members, gang leaders, drug dealers. 

    This is a problem the Netherlands does not have.  The Netherlands never had this problem.  If you’d like to take —

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  We have a few drug- — drug dealers, I’m afraid.  (Laughter.)

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I could deliver some people.  I could deliver some nice people to the Netherlands if you’d like.  (Laughter.)

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  I’m not sure.  (Laughs.)

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  No, what he did to this country, letting 21 million people flow through an open border — many of those people were hard criminals from prisons and jails, from mental institutions, and I always say “insane asylums,” because they were seriously deranged.  And they’re here from not South America, from all over the world.  From South America, but from all over the world.  And it’s so sad. 

    You’d say, “Why would anybody do this?  Why?”

    Yeah, go ahead.

    Q    And — and one more.  There’s some new internal Democrat polling that doesn’t look great for Democrats, but it also has 54 percent unfavorability for Republicans in swing states and battlegrounds for the midterms.  Do you consider those voters cap- — capturable for — for Republicans?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah, well, we did — you know, I won every swing state, as you know, by a lot, and I won the popular vote by a lot, and we won the counties.  If you look at the counties and district plan, we had 2,725, and they had 501.  That’s a real — that’s why the map is all red.  So, we had a great thing.

    Yeah, I think winning from the Democrats — I saw — if you looked the other night, I made a speech, and I introduced two young ladies who were killed.  Two killed.  Viciously, violently killed.  Young.  Unbelievable.  Both outstanding people.  They were killed by illegal aliens.  And the Democrats wouldn’t get up and applaud.  The mothers were, I mean, inconsolable.  They were crying, and everybody was crying.  The Democrats sat there with stone faces.  They didn’t clap, they didn’t stand, they didn’t do anything.  

    We had a young man with very serious cancer, wanted to — his dream is to be with the police department someday, and he was introduced. 

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  That was very touching.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  They didn’t even clap.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah, I saw it.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I mean, they were disgusting.  Frankly, they were disgusting.  There’s something wrong with them.  They’re deranged.  They’re deranged.  Like Jack Smith, they’re deranged people. 

    And I never saw anything like it.  I’m standing up, and I introduce the mother and the parents of these two young girls that were just recently, essentially, killed.  Violently killed.  And the Democrats are like this.  It’s so sad.  

    And I saw this morning where — one of them is pretty well-known — one is arguing, fighting like crazy over men being able to play in women’s sports.  I said, “Yeah, I thought that was tried.”  I thought that was about a 95 — I think it’s a 95 percent issue.  

    But, in a way, I want them to keep doing it, because I don’t think they can win a race.  I mean — and I tell the Republicans, I said, “Don’t bring that subject up, because there’s no election right now.  But about a week before the election, bring it up, because you can’t lose.”  

    And everything is “transgender this, transgender that.”  You know, they have bad politics. 

    But one thing: They stick together.  You know?

    I wish — and the Republicans stick together, mostly, but we have a couple that are grandstanders.  You know, you always have grandstanders in life.

    But the Democrats, they don’t seem — they have grandstanders, but when it comes to a vote, they do stick together, right?

    VICE PRESIDENT VANCE:  They get in line.  Yes, sir.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  So.

    Q    It seems like they’ll stick together on the shutdown.  Will that hurt Democrats going into midterms?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, if they do a shutdown and, ultimately, that might lead to very, very high taxes, because we’re talking about a shutdown.  We’re talking about getting to work immediately on the greatest tax bill ever passed.  That was the one we did.  It’s a renewal, and it’s an addition to it.  And we’re going to cut people’s taxes. 

    And if we don’t open, the Democrats are stopping all of these good things that we’re providing.  We’re providing the greatest package of benefits that this country has ever provided. 

    The biggest part of that’s going to be tax cuts for the middle class and for businesses, small businesses, employers — people that hire people and jobs. 

    And if it’s shut down, it’s only going to be — if there’s a shutdown, it’s only because of the Democrats, and they would really be taking away a lot from our country and from the people of our country.

    Q    Mr. President, on — on tariffs.  You made clear you’re not backing down from this, but many American small-business owners say they are concerned that these tariffs are going to hurt them.  What’s your message to them?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  They’re going to be so much richer than they are right now.

    And we have many — yesterday, General Motors was in.  They want to invest $60 billion.  The people from Facebook were in yesterday.  They’re going to invest $60 billion by the end of the year.  Other people are talking about numbers.  

    Apple, as you know, a few days ago, announced $500 billion investment.  They’re going to build their plants in the United States, which, as you know, almost all of their plants are in China.  Now they’re building in the United States.

    Look, the reason is two things.  Number one, the election. November 5th.  And the other thing is tariffs.  I think, probably, in that order. 

    But Tim Cook came in and he announced 500 — think of it, $500 billion, not million.  Five hundred million is a lot, when you think about it, right?  But —

    VICE PRESIDENT VANCE:  Yes, sir.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I would have been happy with $500 million.  But it’s $500 billion investment by Apple in the United States, and that’s because of the election result and it’s because of the tariffs and the tax incentives too.  You know, tariffs and tax incentives.  And I’ve never seen anything like it. 

    We have plants going up now in Indiana.  We have plants going up in Michigan.  A lot of plants going to be planned from — I’m trying to steer them to Michigan, because Michigan got so badly beaten by, you know, what happened with Europe.

    You know, if you look at Europe. Take a look at the EU.  We’re not allowed to sell cars there.  It’s prohibitive because of their policies, and also their nonmonetary tariffs.  They put obstacles in your way that you can do nothing about.  

    But if you take a look at what happens — so, we sell no cars to Europe — I mean, virtually no cars — and they sell millions of cars to us.  They don’t take our agriculture.  We take their agriculture. It’s like a one-way street with them.

    The European Union is very, very nasty. 

    They sue our companies.  Apple was forced to pay $16 billion on a case that — very much like my cases that I won.  They shouldn’t have been even cases.  But we felt they had no case, and they ended up having an extremely favorable judge and decision.  

    But they’re suing Google, they’re suing Facebook, they’re suing all of these companies, and they’re taking billions of dollars out of American companies, many more than the ones I just mentioned.  And I guess they’re using it to run Europe or something.  I don’t know what they’re using it for. 

    But they treat us very badly.  China obviously treats this very badly.  Almost everybody does.  And I blame past presidents, to be honest. 

    Because when I was president, I — we received, so far, about $700 billion from China, over the years, on the tariffs that I put in.  No other president got 10 cents from China.  And that was only beginning.  Except for COVID, it would have — I would have been able to finish the process.  But we had to fight the COVID thing, and we did really well with it.  But we had to fight.

    And then we had actually — as you remember, Mark, we actually handed over the stock market.  It was higher than just previous to COVID coming in, which was sort of a miracle, frankly.  We did a good job.

    But the tariffs are very important.  And I think the psychology — there’s great spirit.  When Mark came in, he said, “Congratulations.  There’s a whole new spirit.  There’s a whole new light over this country, and really over the world” —

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  — because you have somebody that — a whole group of people, really, because I talk about this whole group, that we know what we’re doing.  And a lot of great things are happening.

    But I’ve never seen investment like this.  Trillions of dollars is being invested in the United States now that would have never — our country could have failed.  Another four years of this, what happened in the last four years, our country would have been a crime-ridden mess.  

    And I don’t know if you noticed — a little thing, they call it, but it’s not a little thing if you don’t have — if you like eggs and you don’t have a lot of money — eggs have gone down 25 percent in the last couple of weeks.  We inherited that problem: eggs.  

    Groceries have gone down a little bit.  Energy has gone down. 

    Do you want to speak to that for a second, Governor?  Would you just say a couple of words, you and Chris, about energy, what’s happened?

    SECRETARY BURGUM:  Well, happy to, but I think that — Chris and I just came from CERAWeek, which is the largest conference in the world.  So, global leaders, people from the EU, officials from all the energy-producing countries all there.  And all the global nationals, all the U.S.  The — the spirit of that group is through the roof, because now they realize that in the United States, that President Trump’s policies are pro — pro developing more energy, as opposed to we’re trying to shut down energy.  

    And that pro-growth, pro-business, pro- — pro-energy approach is giving people the optimism.  So, then the markets are reacting to that, and energy prices on the futures market are going to go down because people know we’re — we’re not going to be killing off the energy we need for prosperity in all of our countries, but also for peace, because people have used energy to fuel these wars that President Trump is working so hard to end.  And — and we — we know that energy — high energy prices were driving the inflation that he talked about. 

    So, it accomplishes two goals for us — which is prosperity for the world, peace for the world — when we have smart energy policies.  And — and President Trump has brought common sense back to how we think about energy.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  And it’s brought down now $65 a barrel,  I saw this morning.  That’s phenomenal news, and that’s going to bring — that’s what brought it up.  The energy went — they took our beautiful energy policies and they just messed them up.  And then they went immediately back to them, because — but by that time, they lost it.  They lost that bronco, as the expression goes.

    Chris, do you have something to say?

    SECRETARY WRIGHT:  I think Doug said it well, but you just can’t overstate how important the return of common sense, the return of knowledge about energy and pro-American consumers, pro investment in our country.  I think, globally, that was welcomed.  It means capital flows.  It means more sobriety and lower energy prices, more economic opportunity for Americans. 

    So, yeah, it was elated atmosphere at a global energy conference. 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, we’re working on one project, and it should be very easy.  It’s a pipeline going through a small section of New York.  New York has held it up for years, actually.  For years they’ve wanted to do it. For years and years.  And it will reduce — 

    The most expensive energy, almost, in the world is in New England, because they have no way of getting it there because it’s been held up by New York.  And the whole of New England and Connecticut and New York — the energy prices are through the roof.  And this one pipeline will save per family, $2,500 just on heating and another $2,500 on everything else.  So, the energy — by just a simple pipeline going through an area that wants it — an area that’s not a rich area; it’s actually a very poor area — would create jobs and everything else.

    And it’s going to be way underground.  Nobody’s going to see it.  Once they fill it up, nobody’s going to see it.  Nobody’s going to know it’s there. 

    And families in New York and Connecticut and New England are going to save $5,000 a family.  Think of that.  Because, right now, they have the highest energy prices maybe in the world, they say.  New England is a disaster.  

    So, we’re working on that.  In fact, the governor is coming in — governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, who’s a very nice woman.  She’s coming in tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock to meet me on that and other things — not only that, but other things.

    So, I hope we don’t have to use the extraordinary powers of the federal government to get it done, but if we have to, we will.  But I don’t think we’ll have to. 

    I can tell you, Connecticut wants it and all of New England wants it.  And who wouldn’t want it?  And it’s also jobs on top of everything else.  So, that’s going to be very exciting.  So, we’re meeting with the governor tomorrow morning. 

    (Cross-talk.)

    Yeah. 

    Q    Thank you, Mr. President.  Greenland.  What is your vision for the potential annexation of Greenland and getting them, potentially, to —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.

    Q    — to statehood?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I think it’ll happen.  And I’m just thinking — I didn’t give it much thought before, but I’m sitting with a man that could be very instrumental.  You know, Mark, we need that for international security — not just security, international.  We have a lot of our favorite players, you know, cruising around the coast, and we have to be careful.  And we’ll be talking to you.

    And it’s a very appropriate — really, a very appropriate question. 

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  It’s an —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Thank you very much.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  — an issue in the high north, so the Arctic.  So, what you did —

    So, when it comes to Greenland, yes or no, joining the U.S., I would leave that outside, for me, this discussion, because I don’t want to drag NATO in that. 

    But when it comes to the high north in the Arctic, you are totally right.  The Chinese and — are using these routes.  We know that the Russians already arming.  We know we have a lack of icebreakers.  So, the fact that the seven — outside of Russia, there are seven Arctic countries — working together on this, under U.S. leadership — it’s very important to make sure that that region, that that a part of the world stays safe.  And — and we know things are changing there, and we have to be there.

    Q    Well, they just had an election there the other day.  I mean, do you see a referendum, a plebiscite where the people of Greenland would be in a position to decide if they want to become part of the United States? 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah, it was a good election for us, as you know.  It was not a referendum.  It wouldn’t be called that.  It was an individual election.  But the person that did the best is a very good person, as far as we’re concerned.  And so, we’ll be talking about it.  And it’s very important. 

    Mark mentioned the word “icebreaker.”  So, we’re in the process of ordering 48 icebreakers, and Canada wants to know if they could use them.  I said, “Well, you know, you got to pay for them.”  Think of it.  Canada.  We pay for their military.  You know, Canada pays very little for their military, because they think we’re going to protect them, but — even with the icebreakers. 

    So, we’re going to order 48, and Canada wants to be part of the deal.  I say, “You got to get your own icebreakers.  I mean, if you’re a state, you can be part of the deal, but if you’re a separate country, you’ve got to get your own icebreakers.”  

    Russia, as you know, has about 40 of them, and we have 1 big icebreaker.  But that whole area is becoming very important and for a lot of reasons.  The routes are, you know, very direct to Asia, to Russia, and you have ships all over the place.  And we have to have protection.  So, we’re going to have to make a deal on that.

    And Denmark is not able to do that.  You know, Denmark is very far away and really has nothing to do. 

    What happens?  A boat landed there 200 years ago or something, and they say they have rights to it.  I don’t know if that’s true.  I’m not — I don’t think it is, actually.

    But we’ve been dealing with Denmark.  We’ve been dealing with Greenland.  And we have to do it.  We really need it for national security.  I think that’s why NATO might have to get involved in a way, because we really need Greenland for national security.  It’s very important.  

    You know, we have a couple of bases on Greenland already, and we have quite a few soldiers that — maybe you’ll see more and more soldiers go there.  I don’t know.

    What do you think about that, Pete? Don’t answer that, Pete.  (Laughter.)  Don’t answer that question.  

    But we have bases, and we have quite a few soldiers on Greenland already. 

    Q    Mr. President, some people question your commitment to NATO.  Will everything — anything change?

    Your com- — your commitment to NATO, will anything change?  Same amount of money?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I think they made —

    Q    Same number of troops?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  — a great step by putting Mark in charge.  I think, to me, that’s a great step, because he and I have seen eye to eye on everything for a long time.  We’ve been doing this a long time now.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Nine years now.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  And so, that’s a great step. 

    You have to keep NATO strong.  You have to keep it relevant. 

    But the biggest thing we have to worry about right now is what’s going on right now.  I think the rest is going to take care of itself. 

    I don’t see this having — this was a fluke.  This was something that if we had a competent president, it would not have happened.  The man was grossly incompetent.  All you have to do is look in — take a look at — he signs by autopen.

    Who was signing all this stuff by autopen?  Who would think you signed important documents by autopen?  You know, these are major documents you’re signing.  You’re proud to sign them.  You have your signature on something — in 300 years, they say, “Oh, look.”  Can you imagine?  Everything was signed by autopen — almost everything.  Nobody has ever heard of such a thing. 

    Q    Do you —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  So —

    Q    Sorry. 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Should have never happened. 

    Q    You’re speaking tomorrow at the Justice Department about law and order.  Could you tell us a little bit about that? 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah, we’re going to be with the Justice Department.  We have a great Justice Department.  Pam Bondi is so fantastic.  And Todd Blanche and Emil — you got to know him a little bit; he was acting for a little while — and some other people are incredible in the Justice Department. 

    And I consider the FBI to be a part of it, in a sense, and Kash is going to be fantastic, and all the people he’s — Dan Bongino, I love that.  I mean, I love that.  I think Dan is great. 

    I think we have unbelievable people.  And all I’m going to do is set out my vision.  It’s going to be their vision, really, but it’s my ideas.  And basically, we don’t want to have crime in the streets.  We don’t want to have people pushed into subways and killed, and then the — the person that did the pushing ends up in a 15-year trial and gets off scot-free.  We want to have justice, and we want to have safety in our cities, as well as our communities. 

    And we’ll be talking about immigration.  We’ll be talking about a lot of things.  Just the complete gamut.  So, I look forward to that.  That will be tomorrow at the Justice Department. 

    Q    Mr. President, you are a man of peace.  You’ve said it several times and made it very clear.  A man of peace dealing with belligerent people. 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.

    Q    And I’m thinking we saw you handled Zelenskyy in this very own room.  What is your leverage on Putin?  Are you thinking sanctions?  What if he refuses to —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, I do have leverage, but I don’t want to talk about leverage now, because right now we’re talking to him.  And based on the statements he made today, they were pretty positive, I think, so I don’t want to talk about that.  

    I hope Russia is going to make the deal too.  And I think once that deal happens, you’re never going to be in a process.  I don’t think they’re going back to shooting again.  I really believe if we get a peace treaty, a ceasefire treaty, I think that leads to peace.  That’s going to really lead to a —

    I don’t think anyone wants to go back.  They’ve been doing this for a long time, and it’s vicious and violent.  And I think if President Putin agrees and does a ceasefire, I think we’re going to be in very good shape to get it done.  We want to get it over with.  That’s why — it was very important what I instructed everybody, including Steve, what we’re looking for: to discuss concepts of land, concepts of —

    MR. WALTZ:  Yes, sir.   

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  — of power plants because it’s complicated.  You know, you have a whole — you’re sort of creating the edge of a country. 

    The sad part is that country, if they didn’t — if this didn’t happen — and it wouldn’t have happened — I don’t know if they would have to give anything back.  I guess Crimea? 

    You know, I said it last time, Crimea was given by Obama, Biden gave them the whole thing, and Bush gave them Georgia.  And Trump didn’t give them anything. 

    I gave them — you know what I gave them?  I gave them Javelins.  And the Javelins were very effective, as you know.  I gave them nothing —

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  2019. 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  And then also, if you take a look, I was the one that stopped the pipeline going into Europe.  It was totally stopped: Nord Stream 2.  Nobody ever heard of Nord Stream 2 before I came along.

    But I got along very well with President Putin.  I got along with most of them.  I get along great with President Xi.  I got along great with Kim Jong Un.  I got along great with all of them.  And we had no wars.  We had no problems.  We wiped out ISIS in record time. General “Razin” Kane.  And he wiped them out. 

    And he is going to be our new chief, right?  He’s going to be —

    SECRETARY HEGSETH:  Yes, sir.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  — the head of Joint Chiefs of Staff, and he’s a highly respected man.  He’s going to be great. 

    Pete is going to be fantastic.  I have no doubt about it.  We have a great team.  A really great team. 

    Yeah, please.  Go ahead, please.

    Q    Mr. President, some of our allies have said that they’re worried that they could be the next to be attacked by Russia.  You’ve spoken directly with the Russian president.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.

    Q    Do you think those fears are justified?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  No, I don’t.  I think when this gets done, it’s done.  They’re going to all want to go home and rest.  I don’t see it happening.  Nope, I don’t see that happening.  And we’ll make sure it doesn’t happen.  Not going to happen.  But we’ll make sure it doesn’t happen. 

    Yeah, go ahead, please. 

    Q    Leaders from Russia and Iran are heading to Beijing tomorrow to discuss nuclear programs.  What do you hope to get out of that?

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Well, maybe they’re going to talk about non-nuclear programs.  Maybe they’re going to be talking about the de-escalation of nuclear weapons, because, you know, I was talking about that with President Putin very strongly.  And we could have done something.  Had that election not been rigged, we would have had something.  I think I would have made a deal with Putin on de-escalation, denuclearization, as they say.  But we would have de-escalated nuclear weapons, because the power of nuclear weapons is so great and so devastating. 

    And, right now, Russia and us have by far the most, but China will catch us within five years.  China doesn’t have — but they’re in the process of building.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP: And they build.  And within four or five years, they’ll probably have the same.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  And, by the way, you — this is a Republican tradition.  Ronald Reagan, when he negotiated with Gorbachev —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Right. 

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  — in the 1980s —

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  That’s right.

    SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  — about bringing down the number of nuclear weapons is what you have been doing your first term.  And it is important. 

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  It would be a great achievement if we could bring down the number.  We have so many weapons, and the power is so great. 

    And we — number one, you don’t need them to that extent.  And then we’d have to get others, because, as you know, in a smaller way — Kim Jong Un has a lot of nuclear weapons, by the way — a lot — and others do also.  You have India.  You have Pakistan.  You have others that have them, and we’d get them involved. 

    But we started off with Russia and us.  We have, by far — actually, by far, the most.  And we were going to denuclearize, and that was going to happen. 

    And then we were going to China.  And I spoke to China.  I spoke to President Xi about it.  And he really liked the idea.  You know, he’d like not to spend trillions of dollars building weapons that, hopefully, he’s never going to have to use.  And — because they are very expensive also.  So, that would have been great. 

    Okay, one or two more. 

    (Cross-talk.)

    Yeah, go ahead.  

    Q    Thank you.  We are looking at an impending government shutdown Friday at midnight.

    PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah. 

    Q    Democrats, for 30 years straight, have said, if there’s a shutdown, bad things happen.  Do you anticipate direct negotiations yourself with conference leader of the Democrats, Chuck Schumer?

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah, if they need me, I’m there a hundred percent.  It’s — right now, it’s two or three people.  If it shuts down, it’s not the Republicans’ fault.  You know, we passed a bill where we had an incredible Republican vote.  We only had one negative vote, a grandstander.  You know, one grandstander.  There’s always a grandstander in the lot. 

         But it was amazing.  People were amazed that the Republicans were able to vote in unison like that so strongly. 

         If there’s a shutdown, even the Democrats admit it will be their fault.  And I’m hearing a lot of Democrats are going to vote for it, and I hope they do.  This is an extension. 

         But ultimately, we want to vote for one big, beautiful bill where we put the taxes in, we put everything in.  We’re going to have big tax cuts.  We’re going to have tremendous incentives for companies coming into our country and employing lots of people.  

         It’ll be — I called it, in a rare moment, one big, beautiful bill.  That’s what I like.  And it seems to be that’s where they’re heading.  And we’ll have to take care of something to do with Los Angeles. 

         A place called Los Angeles almost burned to the ground.  By the way, I broke into Los Angeles.  Can you believe it?  I had to break in. 

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah?

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I invaded Los Angeles.  And we opened up the water, and the water is now flowing down.  They have so much water, they don’t know what to do.  They were sending it out to the Pacific for environmental reasons.  Okay?  Can you believe it?  And in the meantime, they lost 25,000 houses.  They lost — and nobody’s ever seen anything like it. 

         But we have the water.  I’d love to show you a picture.  You’ve seen the picture.  The water is flowing through the half pipes.  You know, we have the big half pipes that go down.  Used to — 25 years ago, they used to have plenty of water, but they turned it off for — again, for environmental reasons.  Well, I turned it on for environmental reasons and also fire reasons. 

         And I’ve been asking them to do that during my first term.  I said, “Do it.”  I didn’t think anything like — could happen like this, but they didn’t have enough water. 

         Now the farmers are going to have water for their land, and the water is in there. 

         But I actually had to break in.  We broke in to do it because we had people that were afraid to give water.

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  They were — in particular, they were trying to protect a certain little fish.  And I say, “How do you protect a fish if you don’t have water?”  They didn’t have any water, so they’re protecting a fish, and that didn’t work out too well, by the way.  

         So, they have a lot of water going down throughout California, all coming out from the Pacific Northwest, even some from Canada. 

         Thank you, Canada, very much.  I appreciate it. 

         Next thing you know, they’ll want to turn the water off.  They’ll want to charge us for the water.

         But it comes up from the Pacific Northwest, and it’s a beautiful thing to see.  I mean, it is brimming with water. 

         Now, if they would have had that done, you wouldn’t have had the damage, because the fire would have been put out.  The fire hydrants would have been loaded.  The sprinklers in people’s living rooms and bedrooms would have been loaded up with the — they had no water.  The government makes them put sprinklers in.  They had no water in the sprinklers because they had no water. 

         So, the water is flowing, and we’re going to have to give a lot of money to Los Angeles to help them, and the Democrats are going to want to do that.  So, that’s the one thing different. 

         And I frankly, I think that makes it a lot easier.  But one of the big thing is we have the big, beautiful bill.  We got to get that done.  And that will put our country in a position like it’s never been in. 

         It’s a reduction of taxes.  It’s tremendous incentives for companies to come from all over the world into our country.  It’s great environmentally, but it’s not this environmental scam that we went through — that we all went through.  It provides for everything.  

         It’s a big, beautiful bill, and I hope we can get it approved.  And that will be next. 

         But in the meantime, we have the continuing resolution, and the Republicans have approved it, and now the Democrats have to approve it.  And I hope they will. 

         And I think a lot of them — I can tell you, they want to.  I’ve spoken to some of them.  They really want to.  Their leadership may not want them to.  And if it closes, it’s purely on the Democrats. 

         All right, one more.

         Q    On Korea, sir.  We’ve seen tension increasing in the Peninsula.  You’ve talked about Kim Jong Un.  Do you have any plans of getting — of reestablishing the relationship you had during the first meeting?

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.  Well, I would.  I had a great relationship with Kim Jong Un, North Korea.  If I wasn’t elected, if Hillary got in, you would have had a nuclear war with North Korea.  He expected it.  He expected it.  And they said, “Oh, thousands of people.”  No, millions of people would have been killed.  

         But I got in.  We went to Singapore.  We met.  We went to — to Vietnam.  We met.  We got along really good.  We had a very good relationship.  And we still do.  We still do.  You don’t have that threat that you had.

         Q    You have talked with — have you talked to him?  

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  I mean, look, when I was running the first time, it looked like there was going to be a war with North Korea.  You know that better than anyone.

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Tensions were high.  Yes.  Yeah.

         PRESIDENT TRUMP.  Yeah.  And it started off —

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  And everybody was — was startled that you —

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah.

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  — invited him for talks. 

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Right.

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  But you did, and it —

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  It started out very rough.  

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.  Yeah.

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  And he wouldn’t meet with Obama.  Wouldn’t take his calls.  I said, “How many times did you call?” They called a lot.  He wouldn’t take their call.  He told me, “I wouldn’t take his call.” 

         But with me, it did start off rough, if you remember.  Very rough, actually.  Very nasty.  And — 

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  That was in Singapore, the first one?

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah, but then — no, before that.  Then it stopped.  The rhetoric was extremely tough.  It was a little bit —

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  You had it in your speech at the U.N. I remember.  (Laughs.)

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  Yeah, that’s right.  It was a little bit dangerous.  

         And then we met.  They asked for a meeting, and then we met.  And the meeting caused the Olympics, which was in South Korea, to become a tremendous success.  Nobody was buying tickets for the Olympics because they didn’t want to be nuked.  

         And I met, and not only did the Olympics become successful, but North Korea participated in the Olympics.

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.  His sister visited.

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  It was an amazing thing.

         SECRETARY GENERAL RUTTE:  Yeah.

         PRESIDENT TRUMP:  And that was something that was an achievement of the Trump administration. Great achievement.  And so, I have a great relationship with Kim Jong Un.  And we’ll see what happens. 

         But certainly, he’s a nuclear power.

         Okay?  Thank you very much, everybody.  Thank you.  Thank you very much.

                                      END            1:20 P.M. EDT

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: March 14th, 2025 Heinrich Discusses Need to Bring Hardrock Mining Law into the 21st Century & Re-Shore Critical Minerals Supply Chain

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    VIDEO
    WASHINGTON — At a hearing this week, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, discussed the need for legislation to bring public land mining into the 21st century and re-shore the critical minerals supply chain.

    VIDEO: U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, delivers opening remarks at a hearing on March 12, 2025.
    At the hearing, Heinrich underscored how the Mining Law that governs metal mining on most public lands in the West was written more than 150 years ago.
    Heinrich stated, “Our hardrock mining law remains stuck in the 19th Century, right when we need to build the energy infrastructure of the 21st Century. Updating the 1872 Mining Law could bring public land mining into the 21st century and provide the minerals we need for the energy technologies of today.”
    Additionally, Heinrich pointed out the urgent need to re-shore our nation’s supply chain away from dependence on foreign adversaries by investing in the entire lifecycle of minerals.
    “This includes increasing our domestic mineral processing capacity, continuing the onshoring of manufacturing through the CHIPS and Science Act, and investing in recycling technologies so that we can reuse the minerals we already have,” Heinrich said.
    Heinrich continued, “The fact that we export copper and rare earth minerals to China in the form of electronic waste is one of the more infuriating realities of our current system. We should be capturing and reusing the minerals present within our borders in devices, vehicles, batteries and machinery rather than paying to ship them overseas.”
    Heinrich also emphasized the importance of securing minerals critical for new energy technologies while also protecting our water, air, and public lands.
    “I believe it’s possible to open new mines while giving local communities a say in whether a particular location on public land is an appropriate place for a mine, just like we do with oil and gas. And I am confident we can find a way to finally fund the cleanup of legacy mine pollution that contaminates streams and rivers across the West,” Heinrich said.
    Heinrich’s full opening remarks are below:
    I’m glad we’re holding this hearing today on a set of issues that are critically important to people and communities across the nation, but especially in the West.
    However, before turning to the topic of today’s hearing, it’s impossible to talk about any natural resource issue today without talking about the incredible damage being done to the workforce that manages those lands and resources for the American people.
    The illegal firings of probationary staff—rumored to be just the beginning of staffing reductions—is already reducing access to public lands, with locked gates and closed visitor centers at parks across the country.
    What’s more, as we’re considering legislation intended to increase mineral production on public lands, this administration is cutting staff and the land agencies that process those same permits.
    With a voluntary resignation offer that encouraged some of the most experienced, highest performing staff at these agencies to leave public service, along with illegal firings of staff who were recently promoted because of their high performance, this administration is crippling the very public land agencies that evaluate plans for new mines. 
    Anyone one who was hoping for “government efficiency” out of this administration can see what we’re getting is government dysfunction instead.
    Now to today’s hearing.
    Modern technologies involve a lot of raw materials—and as our scientists and engineers find new and cheaper ways to generate and store energy, the types and quantities of minerals used in energy technologies will only continue to grow.
    Responsible domestic mining and processing can be part of the solution—but we can’t get there with outdated laws that don’t reflect the nation’s needs and priorities today.
    The law that governs metal mining on most public lands in the West was written in 1872—more than 150 years ago.
    Yellowstone had been a national park for barely two months when the Mining Law was signed, and New Mexico would still be a territory for another 40 years. 
    We’ve learned a lot since 1872:
    How to manage public land for public benefit;
    How to conserve habitat for sustainable fish and wildlife populations;
    How to protect our drinking and irrigation water from heavy metals pollution;  and
    How to ensure a fair return for the commercial development of resources that belong to the American people.
    And yet our hardrock mining law remains stuck in the 19th Century, right when we need to build the energy infrastructure of the 21st Century.
    Updating the 1872 Mining Law could bring public land mining into the 21st century and provide the minerals we need for the energy technologies of today.
    But we’re here today to talk about more than mining, because mining alone won’t solve our supply chain dependence on adversaries unless we also invest in the entire lifecycle of minerals.
    This includes increasing our domestic mineral processing capacity, continuing the onshoring of manufacturing through the CHIPS and Science Act, and investing in recycling technologies so that we can reuse the minerals we already have.
    The fact that we export copper and rare earth minerals to China in the form of electronic waste is one of the more infuriating realities of our current system.
    We should be capturing and reusing the minerals present within our borders in devices, vehicles, batteries and machinery rather than paying to ship them overseas.
    I firmly believe we can find ways to secure the minerals we need for new energy technologies while also protecting our water, air, and public lands.
    I believe it’s possible to open new mines while giving local communities a say in whether a particular location on public land is an appropriate place for a mine, just like we do with oil and gas.
    And I am confident we can find a way to finally fund the cleanup of legacy mine pollution that contaminates streams and rivers across the West.
    I hope that today’s hearing can be a step toward those goals.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Asteroid 2024 YR4 Possible Impact Raised Eyebrows: Skywatchers Continue Working as Guardians of Earth

    Source: US Geological Survey

    And although eyes were initially closely watching 2024 YR4 and its potential to impact Earth, NASA has eased our minds, by stating the latest calculations now show it’s no significant threat to Earth in 2032, and for the foreseeable future. 

    Dr. Tim Titus, Research Space Scientist at USGS Astrogeology Science Center, said “While no longer a threat, this provided a real-life test of the asteroid warning protocols.” 

    Click here for animation.

    When we hear about asteroids like 2024 YR4, most people recall the Chicxulub impactor, or comet, that slammed in the Gulf of America. That’s because it carries the criminal record of wiping out the dinosaurs, and some animal and plant species, 66 million years ago. While some people would have loved to have seen dinosaurs, others are content to view their skeletons in museums and feel fear at the prospect of an asteroid approaching Earth. 

    Scientists have said impactors like Chixculub occurs every 100 million years or so. So it’s millennia too early to pack up the family and pets, expecting an asteroid with catastrophic power to impact the blue marble any time soon.  According to NASA, the likelihood of that is slim. 

    But this doesn’t mean scientists are out of the woods as they prepare for asteroid impacts all together. 

    First, we are no strangers to impacts: raising awareness!

    In July 1994, the founder of Astrogeology, Dr. Euguene Shoemaker, and wife, Carolyn Shoemaker, and colleague, David Levy were responsible for showing the world a comet slamming into Jupiter, leaving for months an observable, deep, dark scar. The Shoemaker-Levy impact was a landmark event that raised the awareness about the risks of otherworldly objects, and the first time that astronomers were able to directly observe an asteroid, or comet, colliding with a planet.  

    Earth’s satellite, the Moon, reflects its numerous scars from impacts of asteroids and comets. There is still a small possibility that 2024 YR4 could impact the Moon. But as we research other planets to understand our home and support space travel, we recognize they possibly can provide  Tim Titus has alerted us of Cascading Hazards from asteroid or comet impacts. These are secondary hazards that emergency responders and community workers should investigate in an effected and surrounding community.  It is paromount to consider not just the immediate immediate effects, he said, but also the broader, long-term implications for the safety of Earth’s inhabitants. 

    Fourth, NASA implements a strategy: technology flourishes!

    In preparation for planetary defense, in 2022, NASA tested changing the trajectory of an asteroid during its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) program. The Eruopean Space Agency (ESA) has followed up the DART mission by sending its own mission, Hera, to investigate the damage done by DART. 

    Guardians of Earth work around the globe and clock in hopes for a safer tomorrow.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Respect nesting areas to protect threatened snowy plover March 15 – Sept. 15

    Source: US State of Oregon

    strong>Corvallis, Ore., March 13, 2025 – The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department and Siuslaw National Forest remind visitors to the Oregon coast that it is plover nesting season ­— beachgoers can help recovery efforts for the threatened western snowy plover March 15 to Sept. 15.

    Sensitive plover nesting areas are identified on maps for the northern Oregon Coast and southern Oregon Coast. Signs may be present at trailheads with additional rules and limits, such as staying on the wet sand, to help protect the small shorebirds and their exposed nests during this crucial period. Visitors may also see rope fencing in dry sand areas; this fencing delineates some, but not all, of the critical plover habitat that should be avoided.

    Recreation restrictions occur in designated plover management areas: stretches of beach along the coastline where plovers nest or might nest. These areas combined make up about 40 miles of Oregon’s 362 miles of shoreline.

    Seasonal recreation restrictions have helped protect these small birds that nest on open sand along Oregon’s beaches. Nests, and especially chicks, are well-camouflaged. During the nesting season, human disturbances can flush adult plovers away from their nests as they attempt to defend their young. Left alone too long, or too often, eggs or chicks can die from exposure, predators or people.

    Reminders for recreation on designated plover beaches March 15-Sept. 15:

    • The following are not permitted: dogs (even on a leash), driving a vehicle, riding a bicycle, operating electric-assisted bicycles, camping, burning wood, flying kites or operating drones.
    • Foot and equestrian traffic are permitted below the high-tide line on hard packed sand.
    • Respect signs and barriers to protect nesting habitat.

    “With the support of the public and improvements to plover habitat, we’re making great strides in reversing the decline of this species,” said Cindy Burns, Siuslaw National Forest wildlife biologist. “Keep doing your part to understand nesting season rules and to share the beach this spring and summer.”

    The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed western snowy plovers as a threatened species in 1993, when officials counted only 45 breeding adults. The numbers of breeding adults have steadily increased since then due to ongoing efforts. Officials counted 440 during the breeding season survey in 2024.

    “We appreciate visitors’ support in keeping these shorebirds safe in the combined 40 miles of protected area along the coast. We invite visitors to enjoy permitted recreation in those areas or to recreate without seasonal restrictions on the hundreds of miles of beaches not designated as plover nesting areas,” said Laurel Hillmann, ocean shore specialist for Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

    More information on the snowy plover, including detailed maps of nesting sites, can be found on the Oregon State Parks website (oregon.gov/plovers) and on the Siuslaw National Forest website (https://t.ly/AKPAN). Visitors to the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and Sand Lake Recreation Area can review Off-highway Vehicle (OHV) maps to identify unrestricted recreation areas and information on riding motor vehicles on the sand.

    New plover activity

    Plovers have been found nesting in new or historical nesting sites. For example, plover nests have been identified at the Sand Lake Recreation Area, near the lake’s inlet, every year the last few years. Beachgoers can protect these birds by recreating on the wet sand areas, avoiding roped off nesting areas, observing trail kiosks and signs, packing all trash out and keeping dogs on leash.

    Background on plover protections

    Several land managers oversee beach activity for plover protection, primarily the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD), and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFW).

    Habitat loss from invasive plants — as well as human disturbances, including litter and discarded food scraps that attract predators — have contributed to the birds’ decline. The Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, saveoregondunes.org, is working with land managers on a restoration strategy and to raise public awareness about the need to restore the dunes ecosystem for western snowy plovers, rare plants and animals and the unique recreation opportunities offered here.

    Editors: photos are available at this link.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Virginia Businessman Sentenced for Tax and Investment Fraud

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    A Virginia man was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for tax crimes and his wire fraud scheme.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Rick Tariq Rahim, of Great Falls, owned and operated several businesses, including laser tag facilities and an Amazon reseller. From 2015 to 2021, Rahim did not pay the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks or file the required quarterly employment tax returns reporting those withholdings.

    Between October 2010 and October 2012, Rahim filed two personal income tax returns on which he reported owing substantial taxes, but did not pay all the taxes due. When the IRS attempted to collect the unpaid taxes, Rahim submitted a false statement that omitted valuable assets he owned, including a helicopter, a Bentley, a Lamborghini, and real estate in Great Falls. Approximately two weeks later, Rahim transferred ownership of the Great Falls property to his wife. He also paid personal expenses from his business bank accounts, including more than $889,000 toward his mortgages and more than $669,000 to purchase or lease cars, including three different Lamborghinis. Rahim withdrew more than $1.1 million in cash in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid triggering currency transaction reports from the bank. Rahim has not filed a personal income tax return since 2012 despite earning more than $34 million in gross income.

    In total, Rahim caused a loss to the IRS of at least $4.4 million.

    Rahim also defrauded customers who invested using his automated trading bots and by “copying” Rahim’s supposed trading activities that he posted to Discord. He marketed his products on websites named BotsforWealth, TradeAutomation, ProChartSignals, OptionCopier, CopyAndWin, SnipeAlgo, and QQQtrade. Rahim charged customers a subscription fee to access his bots and other software, and to copy his supposed trades. Rahim also offered a “lifetime membership” to which customers received access to Rahim’s private Discord channel, some of his products, and his “in-office” trading days. Rahim personally traded stocks for at least two individuals, claiming “We’ll hit home runs and make $500k+ per day very very often.” Instead, Rahim lost over $300,000 of his clients’ funds in eight months. 

    Rahim induced customers to subscribe to his products by using social media tools, including TikTok, YouTube, and Discord. He also sought to induce customers by claiming he was extremely wealthy, boasting about trading millions of dollars and posting about his large home, pool, and luxury cars, including his Lamborghini. He posted false information to his websites and to his social media accounts claiming to “beat the stock market every day” and promising extreme profit margins. His claim of regularly beating the market was exaggerated. In reality, he did not post his trades that lost money. In fact, Rahim realized over $500,000 in losses from February 2021 through December 2022, and did not earn millions in the market during this time period as he had claimed. As part of his fraud scheme, Rahim also created at least 20 Discord user profiles where he posted emojis, likes, and symbols showing agreement and excitement regarding Rahim’s posts. Rahim earned at least $1,397,000 in subscription fees during the course of his schemes.

    In addition to Rahim’s prison sentence, he agreed to forfeit over $1.3 million and must pay restitution to the IRS and to his investment fraud victims.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated Rahim’s tax fraud and FBI investigated his investment fraud. The case was consolidated for sentencing.

    Trial Attorneys William Montague and Ashley Stein of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Shartar for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted Rahim for his tax fraud. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shartar prosecuted Rahim for his investment fraud.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Accelerated Timeline For Suffolk Reconstruction Project

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul and New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced that the construction of the bridge at the junction of State Route 347 and Nicolls Road (Suffolk County Route 97) is being accelerated and will now start six years earlier than previously planned. Originally scheduled to start in 2034, the Department of Transportation is now progressing the project to begin construction on the bridge in late 2028 to minimize future construction costs while reducing travel times for motorists. Department engineers are currently engaged in the preliminary design phase for a grade separated interchange to better suit the needs of motorists.

    “Reliable, accessible transportation is the backbone of every society and is a right every community must have, which is why I’m proud to support and celebrate this much-needed project in Suffolk County.” Governor Hochul said. “This overpass will bring a new driving experience to those who live, work and commute in Suffolk County, and I’m looking forward to seeing its completion. By accelerating this project, we are not only improving safety and efficiency for motorists, but we are also strengthening Long Island’s infrastructure to support future growth and economic development.”

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Governor Hochul is committed to responding to the needs of the community through investments in transportation infrastructure — and here on Long Island, the community has spoken and the State has listened. The new bridge at Route 347 and Nicolls Road will be coming soon and years ahead of schedule. The State Route 347 corridor is in the process of a major transformation thanks to strong community input coupled with a dedicated Chief Executive, Kathy Hochul, and the team at NYSDOT. This new overpass will bring a whole new driving experience to those who live, work and commute in Suffolk County, and we are excited to move this bridge project forward.”

    The bridge project will also reconstruct State Route 347 beyond Nicolls Road for about one mile east through Mark Tree Road. This will better accommodate motorists and emergency vehicles accessing Nicolls Road on their way to school, work, retail shopping centers and nearby Stony Brook University Hospital.

    Construction is currently expected to be completed in 2031 and estimated to cost between $110 million and $140 million.

    To date, the State Department of Transportation has invested over $200 million towards transforming State Route 347 from an antiquated highway into a 21stCentury boulevard with new travel lanes, a decorative highway median, a shared-use path for multi-modal travel, lush greenery, bus stops with solar powered lighting and enhanced safety features. Six projects have already been completed stretching from State Route 454 (Veterans Memorial Highway) to Hallock Road and at the intersection with State Route 112. A seventh section, which will reconstruct the thoroughfare between Hallock Road and Nicolls Road, is currently expected to begin this summer.

    Nicolls Road is a Suffolk County limited access highway stretching from Montauk Highway in Bayport on the South Shore to State Route 25A in historic Stony Brook on the North Shore. It offers connections to residences, commercial shopping, the Ammerman Campus of Suffolk County Community College and Stony Brook University’s flagship campus and award-winning hospital.

    Following the bridge’s completion, additional improvements on State Route 347 will take place from Mark Tree Road to Old Town Road and from Old Town Road to State Route 25A, all within the Town of Brookhaven.

    State Senator Anthony Palumbo said “Today’s announcement by Governor Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation to accelerate the overpass project at State Route 347 and Nicolls Road by six years is great news for our region and local residents. These thoroughfares are a gateway to the State’s flagship University at Stony Brook and are important roadways for the area’s businesses, residents and college students. The acceleration of this project underscores the Governor’s understanding of the need to invest in Long Island’s infrastructure projects.”

    State Senator Dean Murray said “I’m very excited that the Route 347 and Nicolls Road bridge project has been expedited and is now targeted for 2028. This is a major project that will impact both commuters and businesses. I very much appreciate the NYSDOT making this a priority.”

    Assemblymember Rebecca Kassay said “We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her commitment to upgrading Brookhaven’s roads and investing in Long Island’s essential infrastructure. The 347 Reconstruction Project is critical to our district: reducing traffic congestion upon completion; improving the look and feel of this state highway; further managing stormwater to mitigate flooding; and helping to make 347 safer for cyclists and pedestrians. I thank the NYSDOT for responding to our district’s residents who have long advocated for Route 347 improvements and an overpass at Nicolls Road. I will continue to collaborate with the Governor, NYSDOT, local government officials, and my constituents to see that this project improves residents’ and visitors’ experience on our roads.”

    Assemblymember Doug Smith said, “The acceleration of this critical infrastructure project is welcome news for Suffolk County residents, businesses, and commuters. The improvements to State Route 347 and Nicolls Road will enhance safety, reduce congestion, and support our local economy. I appreciate Governor Hochul and the Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of this project and working to deliver these much-needed upgrades years ahead of schedule.”

    Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said, “For more than a decade I have advocated for this project to be prioritized. This bridge will help alleviate the traffic congestion that has plagued Route 347, improve the quality of life for the surrounding residents and increase safety in the area. Thank you to DOT for accelerating this project and we hope to see some real progress in the newly designated time frame.”

    Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico said, “Today’s news is extremely positive, logical and gratifying for all those who have rallied for this proposal. Investments in our infrastructure create good-paying jobs and provide solutions for our collective future. Here we will eliminate a traffic choke point for Brookhaven’s residents to the only Level one Trauma Center in Suffolk County at Stony Brook Hospital. Brookhaven certainly appreciates this news and thanks all those involved in moving this project up.”

    Stony Brook University Interim President Richard McCormack said “On any given day, we have tens of thousands of students, faculty, staff and patients commuting to our university and hospital. An elevated bridge at State Route 347 and Nicolls Road will significantly reduce traffic at this major intersection and we thank the Governor and Commissioner Dominguez for accelerating this critical infrastructure project.”

    About the Department of Transportation
    It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

    Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

    For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit our website. Updates from DOT’s Long Island region are also available on X. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Virginia Businessman Sentenced for Tax and Investment Fraud

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Defendant Caused Nearly $4.5M in Loss to IRS and Caused Significant Losses to Investors

    A Virginia man was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for tax crimes and his wire fraud scheme.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Rick Tariq Rahim, of Great Falls, owned and operated several businesses, including laser tag facilities and an Amazon reseller. From 2015 to 2021, Rahim did not pay the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks or file the required quarterly employment tax returns reporting those withholdings.

    Between October 2010 and October 2012, Rahim filed two personal income tax returns on which he reported owing substantial taxes, but did not pay all the taxes due. When the IRS attempted to collect the unpaid taxes, Rahim submitted a false statement that omitted valuable assets he owned, including a helicopter, a Bentley, a Lamborghini, and real estate in Great Falls. Approximately two weeks later, Rahim transferred ownership of the Great Falls property to his wife. He also paid personal expenses from his business bank accounts, including more than $889,000 toward his mortgages and more than $669,000 to purchase or lease cars, including three different Lamborghinis. Rahim withdrew more than $1.1 million in cash in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid triggering currency transaction reports from the bank. Rahim has not filed a personal income tax return since 2012 despite earning more than $34 million in gross income.

    In total, Rahim caused a loss to the IRS of at least $4.4 million.

    Rahim also defrauded customers who invested using his automated trading bots and by “copying” Rahim’s supposed trading activities that he posted to Discord. He marketed his products on websites named BotsforWealth, TradeAutomation, ProChartSignals, OptionCopier, CopyAndWin, SnipeAlgo, and QQQtrade. Rahim charged customers a subscription fee to access his bots and other software, and to copy his supposed trades. Rahim also offered a “lifetime membership” to which customers received access to Rahim’s private Discord channel, some of his products, and his “in-office” trading days. Rahim personally traded stocks for at least two individuals, claiming “We’ll hit home runs and make $500k+ per day very very often.” Instead, Rahim lost over $300,000 of his clients’ funds in eight months. 

    Rahim induced customers to subscribe to his products by using social media tools, including TikTok, YouTube, and Discord. He also sought to induce customers by claiming he was extremely wealthy, boasting about trading millions of dollars and posting about his large home, pool, and luxury cars, including his Lamborghini. He posted false information to his websites and to his social media accounts claiming to “beat the stock market every day” and promising extreme profit margins. His claim of regularly beating the market was exaggerated. In reality, he did not post his trades that lost money. In fact, Rahim realized over $500,000 in losses from February 2021 through December 2022, and did not earn millions in the market during this time period as he had claimed. As part of his fraud scheme, Rahim also created at least 20 Discord user profiles where he posted emojis, likes, and symbols showing agreement and excitement regarding Rahim’s posts. Rahim earned at least $1,397,000 in subscription fees during the course of his schemes.

    In addition to Rahim’s prison sentence, he agreed to forfeit over $1.3 million and must pay restitution to the IRS and to his investment fraud victims.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated Rahim’s tax fraud and FBI investigated his investment fraud. The case was consolidated for sentencing.

    Trial Attorneys William Montague and Ashley Stein of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Shartar for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted Rahim for his tax fraud. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shartar prosecuted Rahim for his investment fraud.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Virginia Businessman Sentenced for Tax and Investment Fraud

    Source: United States Department of Justice 2

    A Virginia man was sentenced today to 78 months in prison for tax crimes and his wire fraud scheme.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, Rick Tariq Rahim, of Great Falls, owned and operated several businesses, including laser tag facilities and an Amazon reseller. From 2015 to 2021, Rahim did not pay the IRS the taxes withheld from his employees’ paychecks or file the required quarterly employment tax returns reporting those withholdings.

    Between October 2010 and October 2012, Rahim filed two personal income tax returns on which he reported owing substantial taxes, but did not pay all the taxes due. When the IRS attempted to collect the unpaid taxes, Rahim submitted a false statement that omitted valuable assets he owned, including a helicopter, a Bentley, a Lamborghini, and real estate in Great Falls. Approximately two weeks later, Rahim transferred ownership of the Great Falls property to his wife. He also paid personal expenses from his business bank accounts, including more than $889,000 toward his mortgages and more than $669,000 to purchase or lease cars, including three different Lamborghinis. Rahim withdrew more than $1.1 million in cash in amounts less than $10,000 to avoid triggering currency transaction reports from the bank. Rahim has not filed a personal income tax return since 2012 despite earning more than $34 million in gross income.

    In total, Rahim caused a loss to the IRS of at least $4.4 million.

    Rahim also defrauded customers who invested using his automated trading bots and by “copying” Rahim’s supposed trading activities that he posted to Discord. He marketed his products on websites named BotsforWealth, TradeAutomation, ProChartSignals, OptionCopier, CopyAndWin, SnipeAlgo, and QQQtrade. Rahim charged customers a subscription fee to access his bots and other software, and to copy his supposed trades. Rahim also offered a “lifetime membership” to which customers received access to Rahim’s private Discord channel, some of his products, and his “in-office” trading days. Rahim personally traded stocks for at least two individuals, claiming “We’ll hit home runs and make $500k+ per day very very often.” Instead, Rahim lost over $300,000 of his clients’ funds in eight months. 

    Rahim induced customers to subscribe to his products by using social media tools, including TikTok, YouTube, and Discord. He also sought to induce customers by claiming he was extremely wealthy, boasting about trading millions of dollars and posting about his large home, pool, and luxury cars, including his Lamborghini. He posted false information to his websites and to his social media accounts claiming to “beat the stock market every day” and promising extreme profit margins. His claim of regularly beating the market was exaggerated. In reality, he did not post his trades that lost money. In fact, Rahim realized over $500,000 in losses from February 2021 through December 2022, and did not earn millions in the market during this time period as he had claimed. As part of his fraud scheme, Rahim also created at least 20 Discord user profiles where he posted emojis, likes, and symbols showing agreement and excitement regarding Rahim’s posts. Rahim earned at least $1,397,000 in subscription fees during the course of his schemes.

    In addition to Rahim’s prison sentence, he agreed to forfeit over $1.3 million and must pay restitution to the IRS and to his investment fraud victims.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Erik S. Siebert for the Eastern District of Virginia made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated Rahim’s tax fraud and FBI investigated his investment fraud. The case was consolidated for sentencing.

    Trial Attorneys William Montague and Ashley Stein of the Tax Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Shartar for the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted Rahim for his tax fraud. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shartar prosecuted Rahim for his investment fraud.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SIRT Concludes Investigation of Medical Distress Following Arrest in Prince Albert

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 14, 2025

    On April 1, 2023, the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) was notified of an in-custody serious injury during a vehicle stop related to a stolen vehicle investigation in Prince Albert. The Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed SIRT to investigate. On April 26, 2023, during the course of SIRT’s investigation, the involved individual, a 40-year-old man, passed away in hospital. 

    SIRT has completed its investigation into this matter and the Civilian Executive Director’s public report can now be accessed online. (https://publications.saskatchewan.ca/#/categories/6145)

    SIRT’s mandate is to independently investigate incidents where an individual has died or suffered serious injury arising from the actions of on and off-duty police officers, or while in the custody of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.

    For additional information: SIRT Investigates Medical Distress Following Arrest in Prince Albert | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Unlocking the future of manufacturing with AI-powered digital thread

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Unlocking the future of manufacturing with AI-powered digital thread

    Imagine you are the quality control manager at a large electronics manufacturer. You have received reports of a serious, recurring component issue for a newly released product, which unfortunately has led to a recall. Historically, the only solution would be to issue a full recall, which has significant financial, operational, and reputational consequences. However, as part of an industrial transformation strategy, your organization has implemented a digital thread framework to provide comprehensive visibility into your organization’s data. In a few simple clicks, you can now trace the entire production history of the defective product—from design to final assembly. The digital thread helps you to quickly identify a fault in a specific batch of components sourced from a single supplier. Armed with these insights, you can determine the exact scope of the affected products, work with the supplier to remedy the situation, and initiate an extremely precise, targeted recall. This swift, data-driven response mitigates customer inconvenience, and helps preserve the brand reputation of your company.

    Read the PTC whitepaper “How AI Agents Are Accelerating Digital Transformation in Industry”

    Over the last decade, this end-to-end view, has been the promise of digital threads in the industrial space, a holy grail of data touchpoints that provide a real time view of the entire lifecycle of a product or a specific process, from design all the way to end of life. This has largely out of reach for most industrial companies for two key reasons:

    1. The data problem: Fragmented, siloed, and uncontextualized mountains of data across a heterogenous stack of technologies and modalities, that require prohibitive investments in data science techniques to be able to leverage for a specific use case, with little scalability.
    2. Return on investment (ROI): Traditionally, it has been difficult to prove ROI for digital thread initiatives, partly due to the challenges presented by the data problem, and partly because of the complexity to action on insights, from cultural resistance to skills gaps, to mention a few factors.

    Microsoft, alongside partners like PTC, believe we are at the pivotal moment where digital threads are becoming an attainable reality for industrial customers due to two key innovations. First, the rise of unified data foundations that make data usable by securely sourcing it from systems like customer relationship management (CRM), product lifecycle management (PLM), enterprise resource planning (ERP) and manufacturing execution system (MES), and automating the contextualization aligned to any given standard or custom data model.

    Secondly, the rise of generative AI, specifically, AI agents that reason using this unified data foundation and provide insights or take actions—unlocking thousands of use cases across the manufacturing value chain.

    The role of AI agents

    AI agents are sophisticated software systems designed to automate complex analyses, support decision-making, and manage various processes. They are productivity enablers who can effectively incorporate humans in the loop through the use of multi-modality. These agents are designed to pursue complex goals with a high level of autonomy and predictability, taking goal-directed actions with minimal human oversight, making contextual decisions, and dynamically adjusting plans based on changing conditions. AI agents can assist in various business processes, such as optimizing workflows, retrieving information, and automating repetitive tasks. They can operate independently, dynamically plan, orchestrate other agents, learn, and escalate tasks when necessary, however, AI agents are only as good as the data used to train the models that power them, and the current landscape of AI agents in the industrial space is domain specific, so these agents are confined to exclusively operate within the constraints of a single data domain, for example a CRM agent or an MES agent.

    A leading example of domain specific agent is PTC’s Codebeamer Copilot. The Codebeamer Copilot supports software development process for complex physical products, like software-defined vehicles. Codebeamer Copilot leverages the Codebeamer data graph, for a connected and comprehensive view into the product development process. From requirements management to testing to release, the Copilot provides rapid insight into key areas of application lifecycle management (ALM). The result is automated requirements handling, enhanced quality control, and boosted productivity due to drastically reducing the time it takes for engineers to write and validate requirements.

    Application Lifecycle management is just the beginning. The AI-powered digital thread provides agents with the combined knowledge of the entire manufacturing data estate, with multiple domains: removing their previous limitations confining them to one function.

    Real-world applications of AI-powered digital threads

    The era of AI and digital threads has arrived, and it’s delivering real value for the world’s leading manufacturers today.

    Schaeffler

    A manufacturer of precision mobility components faced a need to modernize data management, as its data previously took days to decode. Their goal was clear: find a scalable solution to uncover factory insights faster. An agent was implemented to allow frontline workers to immediately uncover detailed information when faced with unexpected downtime. This allows operators to get the line running again faster, reducing costly delays in production.

    Bridgestone

    The world’s largest tire and rubber company leverages manufacturing data solutions in Microsoft Fabric to accelerate the productivity of their frontline workforce. As a private preview customer, in collaboration with a Microsoft partner, the company uses digital thread and AI technology to address key production challenges, like yield loss. The query system solution enables frontline workers, with various levels of experience, to easily interact with their factory data, and efficiently uncover insights to improve yield, and enhance quality.

    Toyota O-Beya

    Toyota is leveraging AI agents to harness the collective wisdom of its engineers and accelerate innovation. At its headquarters in Toyota City, the company has developed a system named “O-Beya,” which means “big room” in Japanese. This system consists of generative AI agents that store and share internal expertise, enabling the rapid development of new vehicle models. The O-Beya system currently includes nine AI agents, such as the Vibration Agent and Fuel Consumption Agent, which collaborate to provide comprehensive answers to engineering queries. This initiative is particularly crucial as many senior engineers are retiring, and the AI agents help preserve and transfer their knowledge to the next generation. Built on Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, the O-Beya system enhances efficiency and reduces development time.

    The road ahead

    The journey to fully realizing the potential of AI-powered digital threads involves phased implementation. Starting with identifying the right use cases aligned to business goals, where AI agents can play a role. Secondly, identify if the right data is available and in the right standards for usability. Lastly, quickly proving value by implementing a set of initial use cases with a minimum viable digital thread and measuring and socializing its results. Achieving the AI-powered digital thread with the Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing capabilities:

    • Azure adaptive cloud approach to source data from the edge, while supporting application modernization following cloud patterns.
    • Partner applications as systems of records, like PTC Windchill.
    • Microsoft Fabric as the unified data platform, and Manufacturing Data Solution in Fabric as the data transformation and enrichment service for manufacturing operations.
    • Microsoft first party manufacturing agents, like Factory Operations Agent in Azure AI Foundry, to unlock high-value factory use cases.
    • Microsoft AI platforms like Azure AI Foundry and Microsoft Copilot Studio to support development and orchestration of custom AI agents.
    • Partner applications with agentic AI capabilities embedded, for example PTC ServiceMax AI.

    Learn more

    Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing

    Manufacture a sustainable future

    Alfonso Rodriguez Lepage

    Director Product Marketing, Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing

    As the Product Marketing Director for the Microsoft Cloud for Manufacturing, Alfonso Rodriguez oversees Microsoft’s marketing efforts for the manufacturing sector. He aims to help customers understand how the Microsoft Cloud and Microsoft’s partner networks can solve some of the industry’s toughest problems, and create a more sustainable future.

    See more articles from this author

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New supports will strengthen community firefighting capacity

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    The Community Emergency Preparedness Fund (CEPF) supports projects that strengthen the resilience of local governments and First Nations in responding to and preparing for disasters and climate change. This funding is administered through the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

    Volunteer and composite fire departments, local governments and First Nations will receive more than $9 million from the CEPF as follows:

    100 Mile House – Structure Protection Unit Equipment
    Amount: $38,055

    Adams Lake Indian Band – Breathing apparatus purchase and training
    Amount: $40,000

    Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District – Protective equipment and training for the volunteer fire departments of the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District
    Amount: $109,226

    Alert Bay – Fire department equipment and training
    Amount: $37,725

    Armstrong – Structural firefighting turnout gear and turnout gear dryer
    Amount: $40,000

    Ashcroft – Firefighter training
    Amount: $36,447

    Atlin Community Improvement District – Equipment upgrades and firefighter training
    Amount: $39,250

    Barriere – Fire department equipment and training
    Amount: $37,000

    Blue River Improvement District – Fire department equipment and training
    Amount: $24,709

    Bow Horn Bay Volunteer Fire Department – Replacement of bunker gear
    Amount: $40,000

    Bowen Island – Gear racking, pressure washer and personal protective equipment (PPE) dryer
    Amount: $40,000

    Bralorne Fire Protection Association – Fire protection equipment and wildland protective gear 
    Amount: $35,354

    Burns Lake – Structural protection equipment 
    Amount: $21,500

    Burton Community Association – Personal protective equipment 
    Amount: $40,000

    Capital Regional District – Personal protective equipment and fire equipment 
    Amount: $275,303

    Cariboo Regional District – Emergency response improvement project: Equipment and training
    Amount: $501,321

    Central Coast Regional District – Fire training 
    Amount: $80,000

    Central Kootenay Regional District – Equipment and training 
    Amount: $503,802

    Central Okanagan Regional District – Equipment upgrades 
    Amount: $88,661

    Cherry Creek Improvement District – Personal protective equipment and operational equipment
    Amount: $40,000

    Chetwynd – Equipment upgrades
    Amount: $39,829

    Chimney and Felker Lakes Volunteer Fire Department – Firefighter training, personal protective equipment and firefighting equipment upgrades 
    Amount: $39,996

    Clearwater – Fire department training props and equipment 
    Amount: $40,000

    Cluculz Lake Volunteer Fire Department – Training and equipment 
    Amount: $40,000

    Columbia Shuswap Regional District – Health, safety and personal protective equipment
    Amount: $559,280

    Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) – CVRD Fire Departments: Equipment and training
    Amount: $275,200

    Cook’s Ferry Indian Band – Cook’s Ferry Fire and Emergency Services: Equipment and personal protective equipment  
    Amount: $40,000

    Cortes Island Fire Fighting Association – Wildfire-response capacity building
    Amount: $24,554

    Cowichan Tribes – Personal protective equipment 
    Amount: $40,000

    Cowichan Valley Regional District – Cowichan Valley Fire Department 2024 Grant Project for six volunteer- and one society-run regional fire departments: Equipment and personal protective equipment     
    Amount: $271,015

    Cranberry Improvement District – New and replacement equipment 
    Amount: $40,000

    Cumberland – Phase 3 training ground for Cumberland Fire Rescue
    Amount: $40,000

    Deep Bay Improvement District – Equipment and training 
    Amount: $40,000

    Duncan – Interior and exterior operations training 
    Amount: $40,000

    East Kootenay Regional District – 2024 Regional District of East Kootenay Rural Fire Services: Equipment, training and personal protective equipment  
    Amount: $308,141

    Edgewood Volunteer Fire Department – Personal protective equipment, and equipment upgrades and replacements 
    Amount: $28,562

    Elkford – Equipment modernization  
    Amount: $40,000

    Enderby – Purchase of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) 
    Amount: $39,880

    Errington Volunteer Fire Department – Decontamination washing machine and dryer
    Amount: $38,452

    Erris Volunteer Fire Association – SCBA purchase 
    Amount: $40,000

    Extension Volunteer Fire Department – Personal protective equipment upgrade and replacement 
    Amount: $39,520

    Fernie – Fire training and equipment replacement 
    Amount: $40,000

    Fraser Lake – Breathing apparatuses 
    Amount: $39,714

    Fraser Valley Regional District – Firefighting equipment 
    Amount: $253,740

    Fraser-Fort George Regional District – Emergency-response equipment
    Amount: $511,600

    Gabriola Fire Protection Improvement District – Live fire-training facility upgrades 
    Amount: $40,000

    Gold River – SCBA upgrades 
    Amount: $40,000

    Granisle – Fire department training and equipment upgrades  
    Amount: $40,000

    Greeny Lake Volunteer Fire Department – Update equipment and training 
    Amount: $33,813

    Hayes Creek Firefighters’ Association – Equipment improvements 
    Amount: $13,548

    Heiltsuk Nation – Fire department equipment supply 
    Amount: $40,000

    Highlands – Digital fire-training system  
    Amount: $34,812

    Hope – Structure protection equipment and training
    Amount: $40,000

    Houston – Protective clothing and equipment
    Amount: $40,000

    Hudson’s Hope – Replacement fire hose and SCBA cylinders 
    Amount: $37,485

    Invermere – Firefighter survival training and equipment 
    Amount: $40,000

    Iskut First Nation – Kluachon emergency services equipment upgrade 
    Amount: $37,115

    Kent – Personal protective equipment and pump training 
    Amount: $40,000

    Kootenay-Boundary Regional District – Fire Department Grant: Equipment, training and live fire training facility upgrade 
    Amount: $134,955

    Ladysmith – Turnout gear decontamination cleaning equipment 
    Amount: $33,737

    Lake Country – New and replacement thermal imaging cameras 
    Amount: $40,000

    Lake Cowichan – Equipment and training
    Amount: $34,495

    Mackenzie – Live fire training 
    Amount: $39,350

    Masset – Fire safety gear, equipment renewal and training upgrade 
    Amount: $39,364

    McLeese Lake Volunteer Fire Department – Fire department equipment
    Amount: $12,847

    Merritt – Upgrading equipment: Breathing air compressor
    Amount: $40,000

    Metchosin – Hose and equipment upgrades and replacement 
    Amount: $39,635

    Midway – Training facility improvements 
    Amount: $24,837

    Mill Bay Fire Protection District – Turnout gear replacement
    Amount: $39,694

    Mount Waddington Regional District – Training and equipment improvements
    Amount: $157,095

    Mountain Fire Protection District – Updating equipment and training  
    Amount: $40,000

    Nakusp – Equipment upgrades 
    Amount: $40,000

    Nanaimo Regional District – Equipment for regional training facility and training props 
    Amount: $200,000

    Nelson – Personal protective equipment and Fire Officer II training
    Amount: $39,864

    North Cedar Improvement District – FireSmart structure protection equipment and personal protective equipment 
    Amount: $40,000

    North Coast Regional District – Personal protective equipment 
    Amount: $40,000

    North Cowichan – Wildland firefighting equipment 
    Amount: $11,050

    North Okanagan Regional District – Equipment and Training
    Amount: $120,000

    North Saanich – Equipment upgrade 
    Amount: $23,048

    Okanagan-Similkameen Regional District – Volunteer Fire Department Enhancement Project: Equipment and training 
    Amount: $274,414

    Oliver – Enhancing the Oliver Fire Department: Equipment and training 
    Amount: $40,000

    Parksville – Decontamination equipment 
    Amount: $40,000

    Paul Lake Community Association – Paul Lake Community Fire and Emergency Preparedness and Resiliency: Equipment and training 
    Amount: $24,976

    Peachland – Wildland protective clothing and firefighting equipment
    Amount: $39,040

    Pemberton – Turnout gear for firefighters
    Amount: $37,291

    Pender Harbour Fire Protection District – Structure fire and wildfire essential equipment upgrade and training 
    Amount: $39,470

    Pinantan Lake Fire Association – Structural protection equipment
    Amount: $40,000

    Port Alice – SCBAs
    Amount: $40,000

    Port Edward – Fire service equipment  
    Amount: $40,000

    Port Hardy – Structure firefighter training
    Amount: $40,000

    Pouce Coupe – Communication upgrade  
    Amount: $31,821

    Princeton – PPE, Equipment and training
    Amount: $38,500

    qathet Regional District (Powell River) – The qathet Regional Districts’ Volunteer Fire Department Equipment 2024 intake: Equipment and training 
    Amount: $160,000

    Quadra Island Fire Department – Wildland response preparedness training
    Amount: $21,336

    Radium Hot Springs – Wildland personal protective equipment 
    Amount: $28,007

    Salmon Arm – Equipment and training
    Amount: $40,000

    Saturna Island Fire Protection Society – Breathing air compressor replacement 
    Amount: $39,844

    Savona Improvement District – Equipment upgrade 
    Amount: $40,000

    Sayward – Fire department equipment
    Amount: $39,870

    Seabird Island Band – Equipment and tools 
    Amount: $40,000

    Sechelt Fire Protection District – Turnout gear replacement 
    Amount: $40,000

    Ships Point Improvement District – Structure protection equipment  
    Amount: $37,739

    Sicamous – Equipment and training  
    Amount: $40,000

    Sidney – Personal protective equipment, training and fire suppression equipment
    Amount: $40,000

    Skeetchestn Indian Band – Fire department equipment 
    Amount: $40,000

    Skwláx te Secwepemcúl?ecw (Little Shuswap Lake) – New Structural Protection Unit 
    Amount: $36,245

    Smithers – Radio communications upgrade
    Amount: $40,000

    SnPink’tn (Penticton Indian Band) – Expanding fire rescue capabilities 
    Amount: $34,150

    Sooke – CEPF Funding for Volunteer and Composite Departments: Hoses and racks 
    Amount: $28,351

    Southside Volunteer Fire Department – Radio equipment and training 
    Amount: $14,650

    Spences Bridge Improvement District – Fire department equipment
    Amount: $40,000

    Squamish-Lillooet Regional District – Regional District Fire Services Modernization: Training and equipment 
    Amount: $183,025

    Stswecem’c Xgat’tem First Nation (Canoe Creek) – Firefighting equipment
    Amount: $17,437

    Summerland – Structure firefighting equipment  
    Amount: $39,185

    Sun Peaks – 2024 Sun Peaks Fire Rescue Health and Safety Improvement Project 
    Amount: $39,937

    Tahsis – Tahsis Volunteer Fire Department – BC Structure Firefighter Minimum Training Standards Supplies 
    Amount: $40,000

    Taylor – Taylor Fire Rescue 2025: Training and equipment 
    Amount: $30,690

    Telkwa – Equipment and gear  
    Amount: $40,000

    Thetis Island Improvement District – Fire equipment update 
    Amount: $27,356

    Thompson-Nicola Regional District – Fire department equipment and training
    Amount: $360,000

    Tl’azt’en Nation – Project “Be Prepared!”: Equipment
    Amount: $38,463

    Tla’amin Nation (Sliammon) – Personal protective equipment 
    Amount: $35,620

    Tofino – Firefighter personal protective equipment and other firefighting equipment replacement 
    Amount: $38,866

    Tomslake and District Volunteer Fire Department – Structure Protection Initiative: Hoses, Water Tanks, Sprinklers and Wildland Turnout Gear
    Amount: $24,167

    Tsay Keh Dene Nation – Outfitting firetruck  
    Amount: $19,199

    Ucluelet – Fire Rescue Turnout Gear and Equipment
    Amount: $38,711

    Vanderhoof – Hands-on training and personal protective equipment renewal 
    Amount: $40,000

    View Royal – Wildfire firefighting portable pump equipment 
    Amount: $25,100

    Watch Lake – North Green Lake Volunteer Fire Department: Turnout gear replacement, safety equipment upgrades and training programs 
    Amount: $39,800

    Williams Lake – Structural turnout gear cleaning system 
    Amount: $37,064

    Williams Lake First Nation – Fire Prevention and Interface Response Supports: Turnout gear replacement, mandatory safety equipment upgrades and prescribed training programs  
    Amount: $11,415

    Witset First Nation (Moricetown) – Fire department gear and training
    Amount: $40,000

    Yaq?it ?a·knuq?i ‘it (Tobacco Plains) – Fire department equipment and training
    Amount: $40,000

    Zeballos – Zeballos Volunteer Fire Department Capacity Enhancement: Training and personal protective equipment
    Amount: $39,951

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Changes to Fees and Charges in 2025-26

    Source: Government of Canada regional news



  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Union Demands Increased Protections After United Airlines Passenger Assault at Dulles Airport

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    WASHINGTON, March 14, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union, and Richie Johnsen, IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President, issued the following statement demanding stronger protections for airline customer service representatives following a violent assault on a United Airlines employee/IAM Union member at Washington Dulles International Airport yesterday: 

    “Our members deserve a workplace where they can focus on providing excellent customer service—not one where they fear being attacked by passengers. This latest incident is yet another example of the unacceptable rise in violence against frontline airline workers, and immediate action is needed to address it.

    “Across the country, airline customer service representatives continue to face physical assaults, including being punched, kicked, struck by thrown luggage, and having their clothing ripped. Some of these attacks have resulted in life-altering injuries.

    “These employees, who are already under immense stress as frontline workers, should not have to endure the constant threat of abuse and physical harm from unruly passengers. The increase in assaults—often involving intoxicated or belligerent individuals attempting to board aircraft—has created an unsafe work environment, and enforcement must be strengthened.

    “Despite the rise in violent incidents over the past several years, there have been minimal legal repercussions for offending passengers. IAM leaders argue that these incidents endanger airline customer service representatives and pose risks to the safety of flight crews and passengers.

    “Any disruptive behavior—whether due to intoxication, aggression, or other factors—introduces unnecessary risks to airline operations. The Department of Justice has the authority to take action, and we urge immediate enforcement of existing statutes to deter future assaults.

    “The IAM Union, representing over 100,000 airline workers, including customer service agents, ramp workers, aircraft technicians, stock clerks and flight attendants, calls on FAA to take action and implement the stronger safety standards that recently passed under the current FAA reauthorization. These standards include employee assault prevention and response plan standards. 

    “As long as these violent incidents persist, the IAM will not stop advocating for real enforcement of laws that protect airline employees.”

    The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.

    goIAM.org | @MachinistsUnion

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Stein and Emergency Management Officials Encourage Western North Carolinians to Apply for Private Roads and Bridges Repair Program

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Josh Stein and Emergency Management Officials Encourage Western North Carolinians to Apply for Private Roads and Bridges Repair Program

    Governor Josh Stein and Emergency Management Officials Encourage Western North Carolinians to Apply for Private Roads and Bridges Repair Program
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Stein and emergency management officials are encouraging western North Carolinians to apply for assistance to repair private roads and bridges. Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented damages due to western North Carolina’s unique topography, including to more than 8,000 private roads and bridges. This program aims to assist property owners repair privately owned roads and bridges to reinstate access to emergency services, school buses, and other transportation.

    “Helene caused significant damage to over 8,000 private roads and bridges that often serve as the only access route for many ambulances, fire trucks, mail delivery vehicles, school buses, and for people to get to school, work, and run errands,” said Governor Josh Stein. “If left unrepaired, these critical private roads and bridges pose a substantial risk to public safety, including preventing repairs to people’s homes. If you need bridge or road repair, I encourage you to apply through this portal.”

    Many private roads, culverts, pipes, and bridges were damaged or destroyed following Hurricane Helene’s impacts across North Carolina. On January 2, 2025, the Governor issued Executive Order #2, which directed North Carolina Emergency Management to administer state assistance for the repair of private roads and bridges. The North Carolina Private Road and Bridge Program (NC-PRB) was established to provide that assistance.  

    To address these issues, Governor Stein tasked North Carolina Emergency Management to administer state assistance to repair private roads and bridges, and state officials are working closely with the legislature to advocate for additional funding. NCEM is working to contract services from vendors to facilitate these repairs. To help expedite this program, NCEM has established a webpage and interest form to allow property owners to express their interest in the program.

    Disaster survivors are encouraged to also contact the North Carolina Disaster Case Management Program if they need other resources and assistance with their recovery. More information is available at www.ncdps.gov/helene/dcm .

    ### 

    Mar 14, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Form 8.3 – [THRUVISION GROUP PLC – 13 03 2025] – (CGAML)

    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 ASSET MANAGEMENT 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    		 THRUVISION 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    		 13 MARCH 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: 1p ORDINARY
      Interests Short positions
    Number % Number %
    (1)   Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 0 0    
    (2)   Cash-settled derivatives:        
    (3)   Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell:        
    TOTAL: 0 0    

    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
    ORDINARY 1p SALE 17,500,000 0.557p

    (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: 14 MARCH 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 –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cutting-edge air quality monitoring strengthens public health nationwide

    Source: US Government research organizations

    A new, advanced air quality measurement network provides unprecedented details about the air we breathe

    The fires that devastated many in Los Angeles in January 2025 not only scarred the landscape but also changed the air.

    A day after the Eaton fire burned through Altadena, California, chlorine levels in the atmosphere reached approximately 40 times the normal amount, while lead peaked at over 100 times the usual level. Atmospheric chlorine can cause respiratory irritation and distress; lead can cause damage to the brain and central nervous system.

    “The Los Angeles fires burned homes and cars, which contain electronics, plastics and other synthetic materials that can give off toxic chemicals when they burn,” said Nga Lee “Sally” Ng, a professor at Georgia Tech.

    Ng leads the U.S. National Science Foundation-supported Atmospheric Science and Chemistry mEasurement NeTwork (ASCENT), which includes 12 air quality measurement sites nationwide. Each site has state-of-the-art instruments that help us understand aerosols, or tiny particles in the atmosphere. The network is constantly analyzing the chemical constituents of aerosols with a diameter smaller than 2.5 micrometers, referred to as PM2.5, which contribute to more than 90% of the adverse health impacts associated with air pollution.

    Researchers in the ASCENT team analyzed data from three locations across Southern California during and after the fire to reveal that certain aerosols carried a unique chemical signature associated with burning synthetic materials in urban fires.

    “We now have a very powerful magnifying glass to see what aerosols are entering the atmosphere and how those aerosols change as they travel across the landscape,” Ng said.

    A few months ago, in late September 2024, Ng and her team analyzed ASCENT data following a fire that broke out at the Conyers chemical plant in Georgia’s Rockdale County. The instruments showed a sharp rise in chlorine- and organic-containing aerosols associated with the chemical fire, although the PM2.5 levels did not rise above U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. The team was able to track those aerosols as they traveled to the Atlanta metro area and differentiate them from Atlanta’s usual aerosols.

    “We provide ASCENT data to the public in real time so that people know what’s in the air we’re breathing,” Ng said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Country Winners of DRI and NY Forward Announced

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that the Village of Malone will receive $10 million in funding as the North Country winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and the Hamlet of Keeseville and the Village of Gouverneur will each receive $4.5 million as the North Country winners of the third round of NY Forward. For Round 8 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Round 3 of the NY Forward Program, each of the State’s 10 economic development regions are being awarded $10 million from each program, to make for a total state commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.

    “My goal for New York is to help transform downtown areas across the state into vibrant, thriving hubs. This funding will support new housing, attract businesses, and create public spaces that enhance quality of life,” Governor Hochul said. “By revitalizing these communities, we are strengthening local economies, creating more opportunities for growth, and ensuring a brighter, more sustainable future for the North Country.”

    To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program — an innovative policy created to recognize and reward municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential. Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, 287 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing an additional $100 million in funding to cover infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing in Pro-Housing Communities, and a further $10.5 million for technical assistance to help communities seeking to foster housing growth.

    Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 4,400 units of housing — 1,823 of which are affordable or workforce housing. The programs committed over $8.5 million to 11 projects that provide affordable or free child care and child care worker training. DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art (such as murals and sculptures) and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.

    $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award for Malone

    The Village of Malone’s downtown sits at the heart of a commercial district that is listed on both the State and the National Registers of Historic Places, with a built environment boasting a timeless charm that embodies all the nostalgic elements of Main Street America. Wide cobbled sidewalks are flanked by welcoming storefronts tucked neatly under second and third stories articulated with unique prewar detailing. The downtown also includes Arsenal Green Park, Veteran’s Memorial Park, Mill Park, and the Salmon River riparian corridor, providing natural elements and public spaces that complement the commercial activity of Main Street. The Village seeks to become a vibrant mixed-use neighborhood that is home to a growing number of residents, prosperous locally owned businesses, strong civic institutions, a thriving cultural scene and accessible outdoor recreation opportunities along the Salmon River.

    $4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Keeseville

    Situated where the Champlain Valley meets the Adirondack mountains and just three miles west of Lake Champlain, the hamlet of Keeseville offers tremendous recreational, commercial and residential opportunities. When Keeseville was founded in the 1800s its commercial and residential activity was closely tied to the Ausable River. The downtown includes a vibrant mixed-use development district framed by two historic bridges and three main streets, which create an accessible, walkable perimeter for residents and visitors to enjoy. It also acts as a bridge between two towns and counties uniting them into a single community. Keeseville’s vision for its future is to revitalize its historic and character-defining assets and to cultivate a vibrant and desirable community where current and future residents can live, work, play and thrive.

    $4.5 Million NY Forward Award for Gouverneur

    The Village of Gouverneur is a charming historic community located along the Oswegatchie River. The Village embodies the feel of community with a beautiful downtown and park area. The Village is home to many festivals and events, including the St. Lawrence County Fair, that entertains residents and attracts visitors from across the region. Gouverneur will capitalize on its historical charm, vibrant and expanding downtown business community, safe, friendly, and walkable environment and its proximity to major regional employers to enhance quality of life, strengthen resilience and increase economic opportunities for both current and future residents. Additionally, Gouverneur aims to attract visitors to experience its rich recreational, cultural and retail assets, positioning the village as a regional destination.

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs are making huge impacts in communities all across the State. We’re excited for Malone, Keeseville and Gouverneur to join this ongoing renaissance and experience the benefits of these programs first-hand. Congratulations to these three communities as they begin their new paths toward revitalization!”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Through the DRI and NY Forward programs, these three North Country communities will develop and implement strategic plans that maximize the impact of public funding to create economic growth. Targeted investments in Malone, Keeseville and Gouverneur will generate new developments that encourage more people, visitors and businesses to establish roots, grow and thrive.”

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Today’s $19 million investment in Malone, Gouverneur and Keeseville will have a transformative impact on these North Country communities by creating opportunities for them to leverage their historic, small-town charm to generate tourism, revitalize local economies, and create more housing. Thank you to Governor Hochul for her continued commitment to life-changing investments that leave no region of our State behind.”

    North Country Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chairs James McKenna and Dr. Kathryn Morris said, “The North Country is home to unparalleled history and culture, and one-of-a-kind natural beauty, and these awards will support new economic development in three regional downtown destinations. DRI and NY Forward funds will help to transform Malone, Keeseville and Gouverneur by adding needed housing and powering projects that will ensure sustainable long-term growth.”

    Assemblymember Billy Jones said, “Congratulations to the Village of Malone and Keeseville for being selected for the DRI and New York Forward programs! This funding will help revitalize these communities, preserve their historic charm, and improve the quality of life for current and future residents. I have been a strong supporter of these projects since their inception and throughout the process and I want to congratulate the local officials who made this possible by working with Empire State Development. It is great to see these programs make a difference in the North Country and I look forward to seeing what the future has in store for Malone and Keeseville.”

    Assemblymember Ken Blankenbush said, “Gouverneur is a true treasure to the 117th Assembly District. I always like to see NYS invest in our rural villages. When you invest in downtowns you invest in small businesses and residents. I am always in support of that.”

    Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall said, “On behalf of the Village of Gouverneur, I would like to thank Governor Hochul for this opportunity. This NY Forward Grant will be such a benefit to our community and we look forward to revitalizing our downtown.”

    Village of Malone Mayor Andrea Dumas said, “On behalf of the Village of Malone, we want to express our sincere gratitude for the announcement of the $10 million DRI grant award. This investment represents a significant moment for our community and reflects the cooperative spirit of our residents, business community, and local organizations that supported our application. Having applied in Round 7 and not giving up, this victory proves that persistence does pay off! We extend our sincerest thanks to the Regional Economic Development Council for having faith in Malone’s potential and moving our vision of a revitalized downtown forward. This funding will leverage meaningful projects that create new economic opportunities and enhance community engagement. This award isn’t just financial support—it’s a vote of confidence in Malone’s future, and we’re committed to making every dollar count for generations to come!”

    Chesterfield Town Supervisor Clayton Barber said, “I’m so very excited to hear that our community was selected to receive a NY Forward grant. This will allow us the opportunity to upgrade our sidewalks, make beautification improvements and attract more businesses and tourists to the downtown area. We also have plans to light up our downtown park and add a new walkway. The Town of Chesterfield is looking forward to working with the Town of Ausable on projects to enhance our two towns. Thanks to our NY Forward committee for all their hard work.”

    Ausable Town Supervisor Tim Bresett said, “I am deeply grateful and thrilled that Keeseville has been awarded a NY Forward grant, a testament to the incredible collaboration between the towns of AuSable and Chesterfield. This achievement reflects the tireless dedication of the NY FORWARD Committee, whose vision and hard work have paved the way for a brighter, more vibrant future for our community. Together, we’re not just revitalizing Keeseville—we’re celebrating its unique spirit and building a legacy for generations to come. It’s a moment to celebrate and a promise of progress we can all rally behind!”

    Malone, Keeseville and Gouverneur will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community’s vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the state’s investment.

    The North Country Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all criteria before recommending these communities as nominees.

    About the 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 will have awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across every region of the State.

    About the NY Forward Program

    First announced as part of the 2022 Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State’s revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.

    NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through three rounds, the NY Forward program will have awarded a total of $300 million to 60 communities across every region of the State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James’ Office of Special Investigation Releases Report on Death of a Civilian in Suffolk County

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James’ Office of Special Investigation (OSI) today released its report on the death of A.S., a minor, who died on September 13, 2023, following a motor vehicle collision involving a member of the Suffolk County Police Department (SCPD) in Suffolk County on September 9, 2023. Following a thorough investigation, which included review and analysis of video footage from a nearby residence, interviews with the involved officer and civilian witnesses, and comprehensive legal analysis, OSI determined that a prosecutor would not be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt at trial that the involved officer committed a crime, and therefore criminal charges would not be pursued in this matter.

    On the evening of September 9, an SCPD officer was driving southbound on William Floyd Parkway responding to a medical emergency in a marked police vehicle with the emergency lights and siren activated. William Floyd Parkway has four main lanes – two southbound and two northbound – divided by a grass median. The southbound roadway, north of Adobe Drive, has two additional lanes, a left-turn lane and a right-turn lane. The posted speed limit on William Floyd Parkway in the vicinity of Adobe Drive is 30 MPH. As the officer approached the intersection with Adobe Drive/Beacon Street, she maneuvered around a car stopped ahead of her and entered the travel lane to the right of the left-turn lane and proceeded into the intersection through a green traffic light, traveling at a speed over 85 MPH. When the officer entered the intersection, she struck A.S., who was riding his bicycle east from Beacon Street across William Floyd Parkway. A.S. was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries on September 13, 2023.

    Under OSI’s analysis of New York’s Vehicle and Traffic Law, Penal Law, and case law from New York’s highest court, a police officer who causes a death while properly responding to an emergency in a police vehicle cannot be charged with a crime unless the officer acts recklessly or intentionally. The criminal charge that requires recklessness is Manslaughter in the Second Degree, in which a person is guilty when they recklessly cause the death of another person. “Recklessly” means that the person consciously disregards a “substantial and unjustifiable” risk of death and that their actions are a “gross deviation” from a reasonable standard of conduct.

    In this case, while the officer caused A.S.’s death, the evidence does not establish beyond a reasonable doubt that the officer’s conduct was a gross deviation from the standard that would have been observed by a reasonable officer in the same circumstances, or that the officer consciously disregarded a substantial and unjustifiable risk of death. The officer was speeding because she was responding to an emergency. She took precautionary measures by activating her vehicle’s emergency lights and siren, and when the officer saw A.S., she attempted to swerve around him. There was not any evidence that the officer was impaired by drugs or alcohol, or that she was otherwise distracted at the time of the crash. OSI therefore will not pursue charges against the officer.

    Determining the possibility of alcohol impairment is an essential component of investigating vehicular crashes. In this case, the officer was never administered a Portable Breath Test (PBT) after the incident. While there is no evidence that the officer driving the car was impaired by drugs or alcohol, OSI recommends that all precinct supervisors be trained in the administration of PBTs and field sobriety tests so that any on-duty or off-duty police officer, or any civilian, involved in a motor vehicle collision can be tested as close to the time of the collision as practicable to ensure the most accurate results.

    OSI also recommends that SCPD equip all police vehicles with dashboard cameras that automatically record when officers activate the police car’s emergency lights to foster transparency, accountability, and evidence gathering. In this case, the officer’s vehicle was equipped with a dashcam, but the officer did not activate the dashcam when she activated the car’s emergency lights or sirens.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Long Island DRI and NY Forward Winners Announced

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that Hempstead will receive $10 million in funding as the Long Island winner of the eighth round of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, and Farmingdale will receive $4.5 million as the Long Island winner of the third round of NY Forward. For Round 8 of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and Round 3 of the NY Forward Program, each of the State’s 10 economic development regions receive awards from each program, to make for a total State commitment of $200 million in funding and investments to help communities boost their economies by transforming downtowns into vibrant neighborhoods.

    “Long Island’s downtowns are more than hubs for business, they’re the infrastructure that inspires people to build a better world around them,” Governor Hochul said. “By investing nearly $15 million in revitalizing Hempstead and Farmingdale, we’re creating stronger communities that honor their history and possibility — paving a path for generations of Long Islanders to experience all they have to offer.”

    To receive funding from either the DRI or NY Forward program, localities must be certified under Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities Program — an innovative policy created to recognize and reward municipalities actively working to unlock their housing potential. Governor Hochul’s Pro-Housing Communities initiative allocates up to $650 million each year in discretionary funds for communities that pledge to increase their housing supply; to date, 287 communities across New York have been certified as Pro-Housing Communities. This year, Governor Hochul is proposing an additional $100 million in funding to cover infrastructure projects necessary to create new housing in Pro-Housing Communities, and a further $10 million to technical assistance to help communities seeking to foster housing growth and associated municipal development.

    Many of the projects funded through the DRI and NY Forward support Governor Hochul’s affordability agenda. The DRI has invested in the creation of more than 4,400 units of housing — 1,823 of which are affordable or workforce. The programs committed over $8.5 million to 11 projects that provide affordable or free child care and child care worker training. DRI and NY Forward have also invested in the creation of public parks, public art (such as murals and sculptures) and art, music and cultural venues that provide free outdoor recreation and entertainment opportunities.

    $10 Million Downtown Revitalization Initiative Award for the Village of Hempstead
    Hempstead’s Main Street is the social, retail and civic heart of the community, serving as a key destination for the Village, Town and County. Its strategic location offers walkable access to essential transit services, commercial corridors and cultural institutions, including restaurants, Denton Green and the Nassau County African American Museum. Signature buildings with distinctive facades line the street, adding to its character and enhancing its unique visual identity. With a vibrant mix of arts, culture and retail, Hempstead seeks to transform its Main Street into a thriving hub of activity, community and commerce. Specific community goals include creating a broad mix of housing opportunities, increasing business and service offerings, enhancing cultural arts and fostering recreation and entertainment.

    $4.5 Million NY Forward Award for the Village of Farmingdale
    The Village of Farmingdale’s downtown is a compact area mixed with small parcels and dense building coverage, mixed land uses and charming architecture. It is situated among some of the most popular tourist destinations in New York State. Due to the Village’s characteristics, Farmingdale is focusing on projects that will yield dramatic and positive effects, thereby advancing an active downtown with a strong sense of place. The Village seeks to attract new businesses, encourage a diverse population, improve downtown living and quality of life and enhance the pedestrian walkability and cyclability of the downtown.

    New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, “Residents and visitors of Long Island have witnessed first-hand how impactful the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs have been for countless communities and the entire region. Now, the Villages of Hempstead and Farmingdale will receive this critical funding that will help to jumpstart their downtowns and join in on the wave of revitalization that is sweeping our state. Congratulations to both of these communities, and we look forward to working with you throughout this process!”

    Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “The Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward programs continue to be transformative forces for communities across Long Island. With these strategic investments in Hempstead and Farmingdale, New York State is supporting locally-driven solutions that will create vibrant, walkable downtowns while expanding housing opportunities and strengthening local economies. These projects demonstrate the State’s commitment to building sustainable, prosperous communities that attract both residents and businesses.”

    New York State Homes and Community Renewal Commissioner RuthAnne Visnauskas said, “Today’s $14.5 million in transformative NY Forward and the Downtown Revitalization Initiative investments demonstrate Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to rewarding communities that are serious about expanding housing and economic opportunities for current and future residents. As two of the 287 current participants in the Governor’s Pro-Housing Communities program, Farmingdale and Hempstead have unlocked access to today’s funding that will enrich their neighborhoods and grow the housing supply through targeted investment. We thank these communities for their commitment to improving housing supply and congratulate them on today’s awards.”

    LIREDC Co-Chairs Linda Armyn, President & CEO at Bethpage Federal Credit Union and Dr. Kimberly R. Cline, President of Long Island University, said, “Hempstead and Farmingdale presented compelling visions for their downtown corridors that will create new opportunities for housing, business growth, and community engagement. The Village of Hempstead’s focus on enhancing its historic Main Street while expanding housing and cultural amenities, coupled with Farmingdale’s plans to strengthen its walkable downtown core, exemplify the kind of forward-thinking development that will benefit Long Island for generations to come. We look forward to working with both communities as they implement their strategic investment plans.”

    State Senator Siela Bynoe said, “This Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant will provide much-deserved investment to the Village of Hempstead. As we’ve seen in Westbury Village, this grant will have a transformational impact on Hempstead’s downtown by improving walkability, and creating opportunities through investment in the Village’s commercial downtown. In Westbury Village, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative provided a blueprint for innovation to address our housing and infrastructure needs, and it is exciting to see Hempstead have this same opportunity. I’d like to thank the Governor and the Long Island Regional Economic Development Council for their commitment to helping to empower our communities.”

    Assemblymember Noah Burroughs said, “I’m pleased to hear that finally the Village Of Hempstead is being recognized as the great hub in Nassau County as well as Long Island. Today I was notified that the Village of Hempstead has been awarded the downtown revitalization initiative. I would like to thank Governor Hochul for seeing the vision we have in the 18th assembly district. This brings us one step closer to having a downtown that the residents could be proud to visit, shop, dine and enjoy on a daily basis.”

    Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs said, “Hempstead is a proud, hardworking community, and this $10 million investment will go a long way in making our downtown a place where families, businesses, and visitors can thrive. We’re incredibly grateful to Governor Hochul for believing in Hempstead and for giving us the tools to build a stronger, more vibrant future. This funding means more opportunities for local businesses, more housing for our residents, and a downtown that truly reflects the energy and diversity of our village. We’re excited to get to work and make this vision a reality.”

    Village of Farmingdale Mayor Ralph Ekstrand said, “On behalf of Myself and the Board of Trustees, all Farmingdale Village Residents, Our Merchants & Local Community; we are thrilled to have won a $4.5 million grant for a Performing Arts Center! Thank you to New York State! We are so fortunate and thankful for the incredible efforts of all involved who helped secure the grant, it’s truly spectacular news for our community! As everyone knows, Farmingdale Village has been going through an incredible Revitalization and has become a downtown destination. Our (BID) Business Improvement District was formed in 2021, and shortly thereafter; our Downtown was designated as “the Culinary Quarter Mile”. Farmingdale Village was also voted Best LI Downtown 2025 – in the Four Leaf (Formerly BFCU), Annual contest, the last 10 out of 11 years! In the Village; we all work as a team; and there are also many Music Fests (“Music on Main, etc..); Art Shows and basically Culture Everywhere! But the one desire was always for a Cultural Arts Center! So this is the Icing on the Cake; the Farmingdale Village Cake! We are beyond thrilled and our community will be dancing in the street! (Literally!) Thank You!”

    Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis said, “Thank you, Governor Hochul, for selecting the Village of Hempstead as a recipient of the 2025 Downtown Revitalization Program Award in the amount of $10,000,000. These funds will provide much needed assistance in helping to make the vision of a vibrant downtown become a reality. I look forward to seeing the village continue on the path toward a promising future for residents and a destination for visitors.”

    Hempstead and Farmingdale will now begin the process of developing a Strategic Investment Plan to revitalize their downtowns. A Local Planning Committee made up of municipal representatives, community leaders and other stakeholders will lead the effort, supported by a team of private sector experts and state planners. The Strategic Investment Plan will guide the investment of DRI and NY Forward grant funds in revitalization projects that are poised for implementation, will advance the community’s vision for their downtown and that can leverage and expand upon the State’s investment.

    The Long Island Regional Economic Development Council conducted a thorough and competitive review process of proposals submitted from communities throughout the region and considered all criteria before recommending these communities as nominees.

    About the 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 will have awarded a total of $900 million to 89 communities across every region of the State.

    About the NY Forward Program
    First announced as part of the FY22 Enacted Budget, Governor Hochul created the NY Forward program to build on the momentum created by the DRI. The program works in concert with the DRI to accelerate and expand the revitalization of smaller and rural downtowns throughout the State so that all communities can benefit from the State’s revitalization efforts, regardless of size, character, needs and challenges.

    NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of State agency experts led by DOS to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that define and distinguish the small-town charm that defines these municipalities. Through three rounds, the NY Forward program will have awarded a total of $300 million to 60 communities across every region of the State.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: India automotive market to see positive growth over next 12 months, reveals GlobalData survey

    Source: GlobalData

    India automotive market to see positive growth over next 12 months, reveals GlobalData survey

    Posted in Automotive

    The automotive sector in India is poised for positive growth over the next year, driven by favourable government policies such as the FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles in India) II scheme, which has been in effect since April 2019 and encourages states to provide both fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to enhance the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), according to a recent survey* conducted by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Madhuchhanda Palit, Automotive Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While the overall growth of the automotive sector is promising, regional dynamics greatly influence the trajectory of the market. Factors such as advancements in the service sector, the availability of job opportunities, industrialization, and state government initiatives play pivotal roles in shaping the growth of the sector across different regions. Consequently, the growth prospects of the Indian automotive industry present a mixed outlook at the state level, warranting careful consideration of localized factors and strategies for businesses operating in this sector.”

    A survey conducted across 31 major cities reveals that 24.7% are anticipated to experience highly positive growth, while 49.5% are expected to see moderate growth. Cities such as Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Pune are among those projected to thrive. Conversely, 7.5% of cities are expected to show flat growth, and 9.7% and 15.5% are forecasted to experience moderately declining and pessimistic growth, respectively, with Chandigarh being a notable example. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of local market dynamics is crucial for automotive companies to navigate these divergent growth scenarios effectively.

    Palit adds: “In Bangalore, a mixed growth outlook has been observed across different areas. While the city overall shows positive growth prospects, challenges such as traffic congestion and the prevalence of ride-sharing services like Uber and Ola may deter consumers from pursuing car ownership, thereby impacting market demand. As automotive companies plan their strategies for the Bangalore market, they need to carefully consider these factors and innovate to ensure sustained market growth.

    Cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai are particularly well-positioned for automotive growth, thanks to robust developments in the service sector and job creation. Hyderabad has witnessed a surge in its job market, bolstered by government initiatives that promote start-ups and entrepreneurship. The government’s focus on enhancing the IT and ITES sectors has significantly contributed to job growth, while ongoing infrastructure improvements in roads, transportation, and power supply have made the city increasingly attractive for businesses and job seekers alike. This influx of workforce has, in turn, stimulated demand in the automotive market.”

    Palit concludes: “The Indian automotive market is set for a positive trajectory over the next 12 months, driven by supportive government policies and regional economic developments. While certain cities exhibit strong growth potential, others face challenges that may hinder their progress. Stakeholders in the automotive sector should remain vigilant and adaptable to these dynamics to capitalize on emerging opportunities in this evolving landscape. By leveraging insights from these trends, automotive players can better position themselves to thrive in a rapidly changing market environment.”

    *Survey was conducted between 1 May 2024 – 17 Feb 2025 with a total of 2,248 participants

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ACT in the engine room behind new infrastructure projects

    Source: ACT Party

    ACT MP and former civil engineer Simon Court is welcoming the suite of projects announced at the Investment Summit set to capitalise on new and improved private infrastructure delivery pathways.

    “The private sector brings innovation, expertise and capital – both domestic and international – that drives faster delivery of better infrastructure that stands the test of time.

    “After a long PPP hiatus, supercharging New Zealand’s PPP model was priority number one for me as Infrastructure Under-Secretary, and it’s pleasing to see several PPP projects take centre stage as we showcase to global investors New Zealand’s opportunities.”

    There are several PPP announcements from the Summit:

    • Transport: Northland Roads of National Significance PPP, with the first 26-kilometre stage approved for the next procurement stage.
    • Corrections: Christchurch Men’s Prison Redevelopment PPP, with funding approved through Budget 2025.
    • Justice: three upcoming new courts in Waitakere and Rotorua to be delivered via PPP.

    Speaking from the Summit, Mr Court is buoyed by investor interest in other private-friendly opportunities relating to models he has led as Under-Secretary, including strategic leasing (or ‘PPP-lite’), market-led (or ‘unsolicited’) proposals, and Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act ‘special purpose vehicles’ (SPVs).

    “Health Minister Simeon Brown has signalled the trifecta of PPPs, strategic leasing, and market-led proposals are all on the cards for upcoming health infrastructure – all have important roles to play as we drive our health infrastructure recovery.

    “Summit attendees have already expressed particular interest to me in this ‘PPP-lite’ strategic leasing pathway as an easier way to get involved on smaller scale projects.

    “There was also significant interest in SPV opportunities – where private capital finances infrastructure in exchange for levies on those benefitting – under the Infrastructure Funding and Financing Act I am panel beating into shape. This is great news, particularly for local government infrastructure.”

    Mr Court is also welcoming the tolling concession announcements. Tolling concessions have delivered great infrastructure abroad, including through PPPs, where users – rather than taxpayers – foot the bill.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California deploys cutting-edge technologies for LA fires recovery with expanded NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory partnership

    Source: US State of California 2

    Mar 13, 2025

    What you need to know: California is expanding its collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory to leverage cutting-edge technologies to protect public health and help Los Angeles rebuild. 

    LOS ANGELES – As part of the state’s ongoing actions to support Los Angeles County’s wildfire recovery, Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the state is expanding its collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) to monitor air and water using cutting-edge technologies. 

    The collaboration will provide the state with additional data on water and air quality – helping California protect communities in and around the Palisades and Eaton fire areas.

    “California and JPL are once again demonstrating the power of science, technology and partnership to address real-world challenges. While JPL is known for exploring the farthest reaches of our solar system, their scientists – many directly impacted by these fires – have turned their attention toward helping their neighbors, demonstrating that innovation and collaboration are vital for accelerating recovery.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    JPL is the largest employer of those impacted by the Eaton Fire. In the weeks following the firestorm, the Governor visited the NASA JPL facility in La Cañada Flintridge for a conversation with employees impacted by the Eaton Fire. Nearly 200 JPL employees lost their homes or were displaced due to damage to their homes.

    How it works

    By harnessing advanced data and imaging tools, California and JPL are taking proactive steps to protect public health, strengthen resilience, and accelerate recovery efforts for Altadena and the Palisades communities. This work includes:  

    Monitoring air

    • Air quality monitoring: JPL is establishing a new monitoring site in Altadena to measure the size and composition of particulate matter (PM), including lead, black carbon arsenic, and other metals, in the ambient air, along with a wide variety of gaseous air pollutants. This new site complements an existing rooftop monitoring site on the JPL campus.
    • Collaboration with CARB: JPL and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) are collaborating on PM filter sample collection and analysis for metal contents.
    • Air quality sensor network: JPL is coordinating on a Caltech-led project, called PHOENIX, which is deploying a dense air quality monitoring network focused on measuring airborne dust and ash across Altadena and neighboring communities, including one on JPL’s campus. The network provides real-time observations of air quality in the region, giving community members and agencies leading clean-up efforts data that enable a continuous assessment of dust-mitigation and management efforts in the area. Data from these sensors will be shared with CARB.
       

    Monitoring water

    • Water sampling: JPL is providing satellite imaging to support ocean water quality monitoring efforts led by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and the Southern California Coastal Water Research Project. The satellite imagery helps to identify the location of runoff discharge plumes, ensuring effective monitoring.
    • X-band radar deployment: California and JPL are coordinating the deployment of X-band radar to gather data on storm structures, which can be used to protect watersheds and help monitor post-fire debris flows.
    • Aerial data collection: JPL has flown its Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer-3 (AVIRIS-3) over the burn scars to measure the distribution of ash in the air and on the ground. This data will guide future sampling and recovery efforts in impacted areas. 

    Track all of LA’s recovery at CA.gov/LAfires. 

    Expanding California and JPL’s ongoing partnership 

    Previous collaborations between California and JPL have produced innovative new technologies to address California’s natural resource and environmental challenges. In 2023, JPL, California, and other partners created VIRGO – Visualization of In-situ and Remotely-Sensed Groundwater Observations – an online mapping tool from NASA that enables water managers and end-users to explore groundwater changes in California.  

    The NASA facility also partnered with CAL FIRE to use soil moisture sensors to support the state’s fire management and prevention efforts. JPL helped California launch pollution-tracking satellites last year and partners with the state on drought monitoring.

    Building on existing air monitoring efforts

    The new collaboration builds upon existing efforts being carried out by the South Coast Air Quality Management District, with support from CARB, which includes deploying highly advanced mobile air monitors and community air monitoring for toxics to complement the robust regional monitoring network.

    Altogether, the district’s air monitoring stations in the Eaton and Palisades burn areas, along with other regulatory air monitors across the greater Los Angeles area are collecting vital air pollution and toxics data. Initial monitoring shows levels do not pose an immediate risk to public health. Track LA’s recovery, including the latest air quality results, at CA.gov/LAfires. 

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    Mar 12, 2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for Ching Ming Festival

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Police will implement special traffic arrangements in various districts during Ching Ming Festival period to facilitate grave sweepers, and to ensure smooth vehicular traffic movements and pedestrian safety.

    Hong Kong Island
    —————– Northbound Lin Shing Road, except for GMB route 18M, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
    – Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road, except for GMB route 18M, taxis, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
    – Cape Collinson Road west of Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, taxis, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
    – The slip road leading from Cape Collinson Road to the Garden of Remembrance and the crematorium, except for hearses and vehicles carrying passengers to services at the Crematorium; and
    – The slip road leading to Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery.- Cape Collinson Road east of Lin Shing Road, except for hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
    – Cape Collinson Road west of Lin Shing Road, except for franchised buses, GMB routes 16A, 16M and 16X, hearses, funeral vehicles and vehicles with permit;
    – The slip road leading from Cape Collinson Road to the Garden of Remembrance and the crematorium, except for hearses and vehicles carrying passengers to services at the crematorium;
    – The slip road leading to Chai Wan Chinese Permanent Cemetery; and
    – Wan Tsui Lane, except for vehicles heading to Hing Wah Plaza.- Cape Collinson Road between its slip road to the crematorium and Shek O Road will be re-routed one-way westbound during the above road closures and the operation hours of Citybus route 388.- Lin Shing Road;
    – Cape Collinson Road; and
    – Shek O Road between Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution and Tai Tam Road.——– Vehicles are prohibited to pick up or drop off passengers along Yu Chau West Street near Wing Ming Street (outside “83 Wing Hong Street”); and
    – Stopping or parking will be prohibited on Ching Cheung Road daily from 7am to 7pm. 
         Members of the public should access Saint Raphael’s Catholic Cemetery via the subway across Ching Cheung Road from the end of the unnamed road between Wing Ming Street and the cemetery. No parking facilities in the cemetery will be open for public use.—————- Ming Yin Road, except for franchised buses;
    – Wo Ka Lau Road; and
    – All access roads within Wo Hop Shek Cemetery.- Traffic along southbound Pak Wo Road near MTR Fanling Station cannot turn right to the car park on Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon.- The car park on Pak Wo Road near Fung Ying Seen Koon, except for the disabled parking spaces and public buses of the residents’ service route No. NR112. Depending on the prevailing situation, vehicles with elderly and disabled passengers may be allowed to use the car park for boarding shuttle buses that are heading for Wo Hop Shek Cemetery;
    – Parking spaces on Wah Ming Lane; and
    – Parking spaces at Ming Yin Road between Wo Hop Shek Cemetery Office and Kiu Tau Road.- Sha Ling Road, except for vehicles of Sha Ling residents.- The access roads leading to Ching Chung Koon and Ching Chung Sin Yuen.- San Fuk Road between Leung Shun Street and Tsing Chung Koon Road will be re-routed one-way westbound.- Tsing Chung Koon Road between Tsing Chung Path and San Fuk Road;
    – Tsing Lun Road between Tsun Wen Road and the northern vehicle entrance of Tuen Mun Hospital; and
    – Southbound Tsun Wen Road between Tsing Lun Road and San Fuk Road.- Wing Kei Road between Kwai Hei Street and Wing Kin Road will be re-routed one-way southbound. Vehicles cannot travel via Kwai Hei Street for Wing Kei Road; and
    – Wing Hau Street will be closed.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dumfries man sentenced to over 19 years in prison for a series of armed robberies and fentanyl possession

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Dumfries man was sentenced today to 19 years and two months in prison for conspiracy to commit armed robbery and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl.

    According to court documents, from March 6, 2024, through March 27, 2024, Dwayne Selman-Neville, 38, and a co-conspirator, Al Gibran Taylor, 42, of Reston, conspired to rob multiple local businesses throughout Northern Virginia.

    On March 8, 2024, Taylor entered a Starbucks in Herndon, jumped over the store’s counter, and pointed a handgun at employees. Taylor ordered the employees to open the store’s safe and give him cash. Taylor left the store with stolen money and fled with Selman-Neville who was waiting nearby in a vehicle.

    On March 11, 2024, Selman-Neville entered a check cashing store in Chantilly dressed as an Amazon delivery driver and carrying a cardboard box with an Amazon.com logo on it. Selman-Neville showed a cashier a piece of paper on the clipboard that stated, among other things, “This is a robbery.” Selman-Neville then grabbed the cashier’s arm and pushed her toward the store’s safe. When the cashier attempted to press a panic button, Selman-Neville said, “No, don’t do that, I’m going to kill you.” At Selman-Neville’s demand, the cashier took a tray of cash from the safe and gave it to him. Selman-Neville ran out of the store and fled with Taylor, who was waiting nearby in a vehicle. 

    On March 14, 2024, Selman-Neville and Taylor approached a drive-through window at a bank in Herndon. Either Selman-Neville or Taylor handed the drive-through teller a note stating, among other things, “This is a bank robbery. Follow your training and follow my instructions. I have an associate inside the bank right now, who is ready to kill on my signal.” The note demanded money from the bank and stated, “If you comply, no one will get hurt.” The teller left the drive-through window for a short period of time, and Selman-Neville and Taylor drove away before they could obtain any money.

    On March 14, 2024, Selman-Neville, again disguised as an Amazon delivery driver, entered a check cashing store in Annandale and spoke with the store’s cashier, who was behind a window. Approximately 40 seconds later, Selman-Neville walked out of the store after the cashier, who did not speak English, was unable to understand what Selman-Neville was saying to her.

    On March 26, 2024, Taylor was arrested by federal authorities for a different offense and detained pending trial.

    On March 27, 2024, Selman-Neville robbed a check cashing store in Woodbridge, once again dressed as an Amazon delivery driver. He drove to the store in a vehicle that he and Taylor had rented together the previous week. The store’s cashier area was separated by a window and a locking door from customers. As Selman-Neville approached the window, a cashier opened the door and took an Amazon box from Selman-Neville. Selman-Neville then grabbed this cashier by the arm and pushed her toward a cash register. Selman-Neville pointed a handgun at the cashier and another employee and ordered them to give him money. The employees complied and Selman-Neville ran to the rental vehicle and fled.

    On April 15, 2024, law enforcement arrested Selman-Neville and searched a residence where he had been staying. Investigators found clothes that Selman-Neville wore during some of the robberies, including a vest with an Amazon logo. They also found 280 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl, 136 pills containing oxycodone, 46.37 grams of solid pink material containing methamphetamine, 26.07 grams of solid material containing dipentylone, and 7.23 grams of cocaine hydrochloride.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Sean Ryan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Patricia Tolliver Giles. The Fairfax County Police Department and Prince William County Police Department assisted in the investigation.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel K. Amzallag prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:24-cr-220.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sinaloa Cartel Leader in Idaho Sentenced to 22 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOISE – A 44-year-old Honduran national suspected to be unlawfully in the United States and using the name “Hector Ojeda Manuel Aponte” was sentenced yesterday to 262 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine, Acting U.S. Attorney Justin Whatcott announced.

    According to court records, Aponte was distributing approximately 40 pounds of methamphetamine every one to two weeks, along with fentanyl pills and bath salts.  Aponte had multiple vehicles to transport and distribute drugs, stash houses to hide the drugs, and business fronts to launder his illicit drug proceeds. According to multiple sources, Aponte was the “number one guy” for the Sinaloa Cartel in the State of Idaho.  He had a well-established supply chain and a distribution network consisting of other accomplices.

    Aponte is the sixth and final defendant sentenced from the investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit. U.S. District Judge Amanda K. Brailsford also previously sentenced Ernesto Diaz Gaspar (30 months in prison), Wilkin Rolando Martinez Munguia (36 months in prison), Cevin Alfonzo Martinez (42 months in prison), and Jesus DeJesus Loera (70 months in prison).  Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye sentenced Lawrence Barnes (160 months in prison).  Defendants Barnes and Loera are U.S. Citizens, while the remaining defendants are aliens unlawfully present in the United States.

    “The United States Department of Justice is committed to eliminating the threat posed by Mexican drug cartels and their distribution of narcotics in Idaho.”  Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott said.  “Along with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold them accountable for bringing poisonous drugs into our state.”

    “Illegal immigration and drug trafficking are interconnected threats because Foreign Terrorist Organizations like the Sinaloa Cartel routinely employ people like this defendant to further their drug enterprises,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division.  “I am gratified that we, at the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with our partners at the Nampa Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office, succeeded in holding this defendant accountable for his serious crimes targeting our community, resulting in this lengthy prison sentence.  Justice was served yesterday.”    

    Acting U.S. Attorney Whatcott commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit, which led to the convictions and sentences.  Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisiana man sentenced for trafficking methamphetamine through East Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TYLER, Texas – A Shreveport, LA, man has been sentenced to over 21 years in federal prison for drug trafficking violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.

    Darren Tremaine Jackson, 41, was convicted at trial in March 2024 of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.    Jackson was sentenced to 260 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on March 12, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, on February 13, 2020, Jackson, and co-defendant Gary Wayne Sepulvado, were stopped by law enforcement officers for a traffic violation in Smith County.  After observing a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, a search was executed, and a kilogram of methamphetamine was discovered.  Sepulvado pleaded guilty to related charges on November 15, 2023, and is awaiting sentencing.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ryan Locker and Dustin Farahnak.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korean president released

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was released Saturday as the prosecution decided not to appeal against a court’s release approval.

    Yoon got off a black vehicle and walked out of the Seoul Detention Center in Uiwang, about 20 km south of Seoul, waving hands and bowing to his supporters who were standing along the road, TV footage showed.

    After arriving at the presidential residence in central Seoul, the impeached leader got off the vehicle again to shake hands with his supporters.

    Yoon said in a statement that he appreciated the court’s determination, people’s support despite cold weather, and the leadership of the ruling People Power Party.

    The Seoul Central District Court approved the release of the arrested president on Friday, accepting Yoon’s request to cancel his detention that was made by his legal team on Feb. 4.

    Yoon was apprehended in presidential office on Jan. 15 and was indicted under detention on Jan. 26 as a suspected ringleader of insurrection, becoming the country’s first sitting president to be arrested and prosecuted.

    Prosecutors brought the accusation against Yoon at 6:52 p.m. local time on Jan. 26, but the Seoul Central District Court said Yoon’s arrest period expired at 9:07 a.m. local time of the same day.

    The prosecution’s special investigative unit in charge of Yoon’s insurrection case sought to appeal against the court’s Friday ruling, but the country’s prosecutor general ordered the unit to follow the court’s decision, according to local media outlets.

    Yoon declared an emergency martial law on the night of Dec. 3 last year, but it was revoked by the opposition-led National Assembly hours later.

    A motion to impeach Yoon was passed in the National Assembly on Dec. 14, and since then the constitutional court has held 11 hearings on Yoon’s impeachment with its final verdict widely expected to be delivered next week.

    MIL OSI China News –