On April 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine from May 8 to May 11. These dates coincide with the Victory Day celebrations in Russia marking the eightieth anniversary of the end of World War II. Putin called on the Ukrainian side to also observe the ceasefire but noted that in case of violation, the Russian army would retaliate (President of Russia
Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi noted that the Russian offensive has already begun, which can be seen in the sharp increase in the number of assault actions by Russian troops, particularly in the Sumy and Kharkiv oblasts. Since April, the intensity of assaults has increased twice in all major axes (LB
The Russian Army could use the Sumy and Kharkiv offensive as a military deception operation to stretch Ukrainian forces
with a real attack axis in Zaporizhzhia and/or Donetsk and Luhansk regions
Russia maintains an unimpeded supply of weapons, ammunition, and soldiers from Russia’s allies, including North Korea. Recently, Russian officials officially recognized the participation of North Korea’s military in the war against Ukraine for the first time. More are expected to be involved in further operations (BBC Ukrainian Service
Moscow is seeking to continue active offensive actions despite negative factors and the Kremlin’s alleged demonstration of readiness for a ceasefire (see EDM, April 14, 21)
This is necessary to achieve the strategic goal of the “operation” against Ukraine and prepare the Russian Armed Forces for future military offenses against Europe
Russia is likely to use any potential territorial gains to strengthen its bargaining position in future peace negotiations
as well as to put pressure on the Ukrainian government and society
the Russian army faces serious problems with the supply of weapons and military equipment
but is attempting to compensate for this by adapting its tactics
a cessation of hostilities and a freeze of the war are not in Moscow’s interest
JAMESTOWN — North Dakota Farmers Union on Monday
launched a Week of Action campaign urging Congress to take quick and decisive legislative action in passing a comprehensive farm bill that supports family farmers
“Family farmers are facing a perfect storm: volatile markets
and no farm bill in sight,” said NDFU President Mark Watne
Nearly 100 Farmers Union members from across the country have made the trek to Washington
while hundreds more are advocating directly from their farms and ranches through social media
farmers are left exposed to mounting risks and instability,” said National Farmers Union President Rob Larew
farmers and ranchers across the country are raising their voices to urge Congress to act – for farmers’ sake
but for the rural communities that depend on it.”
Farmers Union members will urge Congress to pass a bipartisan farm bill that:
Finger Lakes Community College closed out the regular season in dominant fashion Sunday
sweeping Jamestown Community College with a pair of shutouts
spinning a complete-game two-hit shutout with six strikeouts and no walks to earn his sixth win of the season
The Lakers backed him up with a six-run fourth inning that broke the game wide open
N.Y./Palmyra-Macedon) got the scoring started with a bases-loaded walk
followed by a two-run single from Brody Froman (Irondequoit
N.Y./Wayland-Cohocton) added a two-run single of his own
N.Y./Fairport) capped the rally with an RBI groundout
going 3-for-3 with three RBIs and a run scored
Brehm chipped in a 2-for-4 effort with two RBIs and a stolen base
The Lakers combined eight hits with eight walks to leave Jamestown in the rearview mirror
Game two showcased more stellar pitching, as Nathan Power (Victor, N.Y./Victor) delivered four scoreless innings with five strikeouts and just two hits allowed. Aiden Reed (Shortsville, N.Y./Red Jacket) and Ian Goodness (Palmyra
N.Y./Palmyra-Macedon) closed out the final three innings
with Goodness earning his second save of the season
N.Y./Eastridge) gave FLCC the lead with an RBI double in the third
N.Y./Hilton) made it 2-0 in the fifth by forcing in a run with a bases-loaded walk
N.Y./North Tonawanda) each reached base twice to pace the offense
With the sweep, the Lakers finish the regular season 34-16 and will host the No
3 seed from the Region III East in a best-of-three sub-regional series at home beginning Saturday
Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox each morning. Sign up for our Morning Edition to start your day. FL1 on the Go! Download the free FingerLakes1.com App for iOS (iPhone, iPad)
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected].
Game Recap: Softball | 5/4/2025 3:17:00 PM
Thanks for visiting
The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy
We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here
there will be a temporary road closure on the North and South bound alleys of 1st Ave S and 2nd Ave SE
Motorists should use caution in this area and take alternate routes during this time
This makes the signing of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership particularly timely for both states
The move was aimed at optimizing cargo transportation delivered from the PRC via the Caspian Sea and further loading onto cargo trains while avoiding bureaucracy and additional fees between the two enterprises
partnership with Azerbaijan is an opportunity for the PRC to solidify its influence in the South Caucasus while ensuring access to the only land trade route to Europe that bypasses Russia
Moscow is certain to be monitoring Beijing’s growing footprint in Central Asia as the latter cultivates new bilateral and multilateral partnerships to establish alternative trade routes and energy sources between east and west
meetings and fundraisers in The Jamestown Sun at no charge
Paul's United Methodist Church,n1000 5th Ave
Bring school memorabilia/information to share on teachers
JAMESTOWN — The Jamestown Regional Medical Center Auxiliary invites the community to its annual Salad Luncheon on Thursday
Guests can enjoy a variety of homemade salads
the Salad Luncheon offers a chance to sample community favorites while supporting local health care
Proceeds from the event benefit the JRMC Foundation
helping fund care and services that impact patients and families throughout the region
“The Salad Luncheon is a wonderful tradition,” said JRMC Foundation Event and Service Coordinator Shayley Salisbury
“Thanks to the generosity of the Auxiliary and community
these proceeds help us continue to enhance care close to home.”
Temple Baptist Church is located at 1200 12th Ave
The Kremlin is taking every opportunity to fill any diplomatic
and cultural vacuums in Africa with embassies reopening
Russia’s commitment to becoming a central partner with African countries represents a broader ambition to shape the continent’s future and its geopolitical alignment in Moscow’s favor
The five governments involved have not confirmed
Both proposals are labeled as “frameworks,” which leaves room for more detailed formulation
Their nature is the usual one of unsigned nonpapers
and their classification level is relatively low (the U.S
document “verbally transmitted,” the quadripartite document “official-sensitive”)
International and Ukrainian media treat them as authentic expressions of those governments’ current policies
Both documents address a wide range of war termination aspects
loom larger than other aspects at this stage
given Russia’s military occupation of Ukrainian territories and its grip on the initiative on the ground
“[the United States] provides de jure recognition of Russian control of Crimea.” The European and Ukrainian joint proposal
stipulating instead that “territorial issues will be discussed and resolved after a full and unconditional ceasefire.”
and other Western states are adamant in refusing to recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea de jure
The United States had shared this position following the 2014 annexation
during the first Donald Trump Administration
Department of State issued the Crimea Declaration that stated:
“Russia, through its 2014 invasion of Ukraine and its attempted annexation of Crimea, sought to undermine a bedrock international principle shared by democratic states: that no country can change the borders of another by force” (U.S. State Department
Russian forces currently occupy the entirety of Ukraine’s Luhansk province and some 70 percent of each of the Donetsk
“the [United States] provides de facto recognition of Russian control of Luhansk” and “provides de facto recognition of Russian-controlled parts of Zaporizhzhia
the United States would initiate the recognition on its own behalf
although it is not a party to the conflict
Washington stipulates that “Ukraine regains territory in the Kharkiv oblast [province].” Russian forces occupy a northeastern portion of that province and are creeping forward
The Russian military-civil administration (occupation authority) has returned there and is advancing in step with the ground troops
The Ukrainian-U.K.-French-German proposal makes clear that any “territorial negotiations start from the basis of the line of control” (frontline turning into ceasefire line)
It postpones negotiations on all territorial issues
until a “full and unconditional ceasefire” is achieved (see above)
This precaution would avoid negotiating under Russian fire
Secondly, they call for Ukraine to regain territorial control of the Russian-seized Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (largest in Europe by installed power generation capacity) and the Kakhovka Hydropower Dam. The Trump administration has already proposed to take over the operation of the Zaporizhzhia plant in bilateral negotiations with Russia (see EDM
no country in the world or international organization interprets Russia’s war against Ukraine as a territorial dispute
Not only are Russia’s annexations since the beginning of the full-scale invasion recognized legally by none
but the existence of a territorial dispute between them is also unrecognized
as long as Ukraine’s territorial integrity and borders are legally recognized by all except Russia itself
Although territorial aspects of war termination loom front and center now
Russia’s objectives far transcend the territories currently at stake
The Kremlin openly declares its goals regarding a post-war rump Ukraine as changing its internal political order and leaving it permanently vulnerable militarily vis-à-vis Russia
If and when it pockets the territorial concessions
Russia probably will proceed to the follow-up stages in its efforts to subjugate the remainder of Ukraine
JAMESTOWN – Five people were transported to Jamestown Regional Medical Center with minor injuries on Saturday
after a bus carrying high school students blew a tire on Interstate 94
Brian Davis of the Stutsman County Sheriff’s Office
Stutsman County Communications Center/911 supervisor
across the westbound lane of traffic into a ditch and through a fence on the north side of the interstate at mile marker 233 just east of Medina
He said there were 21 students from Hankinson (North Dakota) High School on the bus
Medina Ambulance and Jamestown Ambulance responded
This brief has been updated with the number of injuries reported and corrects the direction of travel of the bus and number of students on the bus
There seems to be little chance that Putin will make that his focus
however much concern he may express about Russia’s demographic decline
agree that Russia is entering a crisis that will only worsen if the regime fails to act
More Russians will certainly draw on these parallels if current trends of fewer ethnic Russian births continue and if the Kremlin proves unwilling or unable to implement policies that limit this demographic trajectory
Moscow’s incorporation of annexed Ukrainian territories into Russia will further contribute to the decline of the proportion of ethnic Russians
far below the 80 percent that the Putin regime likes to claim
posing new challenges for the regime’s stability
JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown Rural Fire Department extinguished a grass fire on Saturday
Woehl said they were burning garbage in a barrel at that location and the fire spread
Four units and eight firefighters responded and were at the scene for about 20 minutes
One of the bedrocks of Central European solidarity
has fractured since Russia’s extensive invasion of Ukraine
the government of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is pursuing more effective regional alliances to bolster Europe’s deterrents against a threatening Russia
argued that they should push for “peace” and provide Russia with “security guarantees.” Tusk stated that there was no place for neutrality or negotiations with an aggressor state such as Russia
He directly confronted Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán by asserting that any country not supporting Ukraine was placing itself outside of NATO and the European Union
Check out Janusz Bugajski’s new book Pivotal Poland: Europe’s Rising Power:
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine precipitated a tectonic shift in European security dynamics
ending a relatively peaceful post–Cold War phase and moving the epicenter of European security eastward
Janusz Bugajski explores the nature and context of Warsaw’s determined efforts to shape NATO’s eastern policy and to build a strong
modern military able to resist Russian aggression
both the private and public sectors have embraced generative AI solutions
including the country’s ports as well as governments in first-tier cities such as Beijing and Shenzhen
The central government has not announced whether it will adopt DeepSeek
experimenting with the technology in ways that may be emulated and promoted by Beijing in the future
PRC Seeks AI Leadership at Home and Abroad
whose successes are based on innovations in model architecture
suggest that the plan is currently on track
Coupled with its broader focus on innovation and emerging technologies (the word “innovation” (创新) appears 40 times in the report
the PRC government is firmly committed to promoting—and managing—AI advancement
Figure 1: Map of DeepSeek Deployment in Government Departments Across the PRC’s Provinces and Cities
(Source: Zhiding Think Tank)
Beijing’s focus—both domestically and overseas—on DeepSeek and AI more broadly is indicative of the importance it places on realizing its ambition of global leadership and emerging technologies
Its signal at the country’s highest annual political forum to deploy DeepSeek across the country indicates that it seeks to have “first-mover advantage” (先发优势)
as it had set out as a basic principle in the 2017 AI plan
DeepSeek Integration Begins Across Local Governments and Businesses
Beijing’s municipal government began implementing DeepSeek in its operations on March 4, according to an official statement (Beijing Daily
This takes the form of an application that provides 24-hour consultation services for businesses
allowing people to consult an AI tool when registering enterprises and filing forms
This tool is being framed as an “AI civil servant” (AI公务员)
The speed with which officials have deployed DeepSeek
especially in tier-1 cities such as Beijing
suggests the central government may follow suit in the near future
although no formal announcements have been made at this point
while advances take place at the software level and models’ inference capabilities are finetuned
fully integrating these technologies into government and other services will take time
officials will continue to promote their alignment with government priorities and integration with government systems
Figure 2: Framework for Countermeasures and Solutions
(Source: Zhiding Think Tank
As municipal governments move to deploy DeepSeek within their administrative services
there have been no widespread reports of outages or failures caused by AI integration in these governmental services yet
may also impact government services moving forward
AI adoption within the PRC’s government operations is just part of a wider story of how these technologies have the capacity to transform how the Party imposes its will on the Chinese people
Despite DeepSeek’s R1 model emerging only in January 2025
it has already been deployed in over 70 local governments and countless businesses across the PRC
State backing for “DeepSeek+Government Affairs” suggests that this is only the beginning of DeepSeek’s products being used by official systems
with their eventual endorsement at the political center a likely prospect
caveats remain that will temper the speed of AI tools’ integration
The lack of sufficient infrastructure and energy resources is one bottleneck
as is the need for updated national standards for these services
successes or failures in DeepSeek’s deployment now could have an impact on uptake further down the line
[1] The 12345 hotline is the mayor’s hotline in the PRC
providing a channel for citizens to submit complaints and offer feedback on public affairs
[1] Public security bureaus at the provincial level and below have followed suit
Operation Winter: A Case Study in Local Experimentation
local policy innovations that achieve a degree of success are often scaled up and rolled out nationwide
a lot of the reported work passed off as part of “Operation Winter” appears simply to be standard policing—fighting petty crimes and uncovering local cases of fraud
This is unsurprising: Local public security departments likely do not have the resources to increase capacity
Grassroots Repression via new ‘Comprehensive Governance Centers’
Beijing’s “Operation Winter” has promoted several other public security initiatives that the Party has been prioritizing in recent times
These include the “Fengqiao experience (枫桥经验),” the “new police operation model of ‘specialization + mechanization + big data’ (‘专业+机制+大数’新型警务运行模式),” the “‘millions of police into ten million homes’ activities (‘百万警进千万家’活动),” the “new quality combat forces (新质战斗力),” “weaving a dense social and public opinion information ‘network’ (织密了社情民意信息‘网’),” and “resolving situations by nipping them in the bud (化解在萌芽状态).” [3]
The CCP’s various public security initiatives share the objective of enhancing the party-state’s coercive security apparatus—what the scholar Minxin Pei describes as a system designed to achieve “preventive repression” via “distributed surveillance.” [5] The idea of preventive repression—stopping crimes from occurring before they take place—aligns with Xi’s call in early November to control the sources of risk and resolve disputes
The phrase “resolve conflicts and disputes” is ubiquitous in writings about “Operation Winter.”
More troubling is the fact that the recent spate of attacks has occurred despite many of Beijing’s initiatives to enhance preventive repression that have been in place well before the announcement of “Operation Winter.”
“Operation Winter” started earlier this year than it did in its nascent form in 2023
suggesting that Beijing perceived a need to ramp up public security measures ahead of time in the wake of November’s devastating attacks
One potential measure of its success or failure may be the occurrence of any further “extreme cases” in the near future
Another will come from parsing the output from the Central Political and Legal Work Conference
the recent attacks are one tragic indicator that happiness and peace of mind are in short supply in the PRC today
[1] The Party’s political legal committees are responsible for coordination of the party-state’s coercive apparatus
the procuratorial organs are responsible for criminal investigations and prosecutions
the Ministry of Justice oversees the justice system
and the public security system is responsible for law enforcement and maintaining the political security of the CCP
“battlefield positions” refer to social settings (whether in real or cyber space) in which resistance is likely to emerge
See “Chapter 6: Controlling ‘Battlefield’ Positions,” in Pei Minxin
Russia’s annual Information Security Forum took place in early February 2025. Participants included representatives from Russian security services, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and leading Russian information security contractors, including Positive Technologies (Infoforum 2025
The forum highlighted the growing ties between the Russian state and the country’s information security industry
as well as increased international cooperation in this sector
The forum underscored the Kremlin’s continued desire for a sovereign internet that would be as independent as possible from Western technologies as well as the interest of other authoritarian states in the Kremlin’s digital sovereignty project
Positive Technologies has mentioned in interviews that it is actively seeking markets in other BRICS [1] countries. It seeks to use Russia’s experience in wartime conditions as an example for other countries on how to achieve “technological sovereignty.” The company is now developing Spanish-language content for the Latin America market (CNews
Organizations in BRICS countries that lack the budget for more expensive information security solutions from Western countries may turn to Russia’s domestic solutions
Russia’s expanding international footprint represents both a source of revenue for the Russian economy and a desire to compete with Western information security technologies
As Russia continues to become increasingly isolated on the international stage
it is continuing to innovate and deepen its collaboration with other authoritarian states in the fields of information security and electronic surveillance
If Russia continues to have success in developing its own sovereign internet technologies through collaboration with Iran and China
other nascent authoritarian states will likely see Russia as a model for how to decouple from an internet which has hitherto been defined by an extraordinary amount of information freedom
[1] A loose political-economic grouping initially comprising Brazil
In honor of the shop’s more than 50 years of selling
the motorcycle’s national corporation based in Milwaukee
recently presented the shop with a plaque presented by the regional sales supervisor
“This is a phenomenal shop and a great brand representation of our company,” said Mike Wegehaupt
while the family-run shop is celebrating its 50th anniversary
Harley-Davidson has had a footprint in the Jamestown area for more than 100 years and counting
“My grandfather started the shop in 1975,” said the shop owner
“My sister and cousin also work here – it’s in our blood
opened the Gowanda Harley-Davidson shop in 1947
and it’s still open and run by distant family members.”
While the Harley-Davidson brand and motorcycles are well-established in the United States
some intangibles make the bikes an enduring piece of Americana
“It’s a lifestyle,” said Wegehaupt
“You can drive anywhere in the United States and find a ‘Harley’ dealership within 50 to 100 miles apart
like the ‘Hog’ groups who ride together – these groups do toy drives
a name that has a unique Southern-Tire tie-in involving a court battle that landed the defendants in federal court
we have a hog group who rides 20 or so miles to a restaurant
but it takes them two to two-and-a-half hours to get to their destination–they’re enjoying nature
and their love for their bikes–it really is a lifestyle.”
PANAMA — As the search for an official new superintendent for Panama Central School continues
CHERRY CREEK — According to a former librarian
the funding and membership issues many libraries face appear to ..
Copyright © 2025 Ogden Newspapers of New York
| https://www.post-journal.com | PO Box 3386
combined with the election results in Gyumri and Parakar
means that Pashinyan’s political survivability may be in question
In Gyumri, Armenia’s second-largest city and home to the Russian 102nd military base, Pashinyan’s approval ratings are particularly symbolic given that he embarked on a pivotal march to unseat his predecessor, walking 117 kilometers (72 miles) from Gyumri to Yerevan in 2018, almost seven years ago to the day (ArmInfo
Despite most Armenians expecting Pashinyan’s Civil Contract party to outright win the elections
there was the possibility that another party could strike a deal for it to still govern
The new city council officially elected Ghukasyan while Pashinyan’s Civil Contract boycotted the vote
The political implications of these results are hard to ignore. As Pashinyan eyes a constitutional referendum—a prerequisite for signing a peace agreement with Azerbaijan—he needs not only to win in 2026 but to do so with an absolute majority in parliament (see EDM
He needs to accomplish this to ensure an attempt to normalize relations with Azerbaijan and Türkiye
On the eve of the first Gyumri council meeting, Pashinyan’s predecessor, Serzh Sargsyan, lambasted his own forerunner, Robert Kocharyan. Both accuse each other of facilitating Pashinyan’s rise to power in 2018 (Azatutyun
Pashinyan has so far been fortunate that no alternative third force could unite a large part of the population that neither supports him nor the opposition
still risks electing a hung parliament for the first time in Armenia’s post-independence history
Jerry Bergquist was a true public servant and the work he did during his lifetime in Jamestown and Stutsman County will leave a lasting legacy here
Bergquist had a long career of service to Stutsman County
serving more than 32 years as the emergency manager
911 coordinator and communications center manager
Bergquist did his work with dedication and without lots of fanfare
But his work made a difference in the lives of residents
One major effort that he led was related to establishing 911 in Stutsman County
people had to know what numbers to dial to get help for a fire or an ambulance or police
Bergquist worked to establish addresses for people living in the country who had rural route addresses
It also included creating a digital map of the county which would show the quickest route for responders to get to an incident
significant when time could mean the difference between saving a life or not
The 911 system became operational in 1990 and was the second countywide 911 system in North Dakota
Bergquist told The Jamestown Sun it was a team effort and a large one at that
Berguist was also a key leader during disasters
there were at least 17 disaster declarations related to flooding alone and others as well
Bergquist coordinated daily interagency meetings that brought officials together
individual assistance groups and the media attended the meetings that ran down new developments
for that work and his involvement in other organizations
received the Above and Beyond Award from the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce
He had more than 20 nominations for the award
In a Jamestown Sun story about his selection
he said the award was really a community award
He credited others for their work in the flood fight
noting that in January 2009 when flooding looked possible
he worked with the city engineer (Reed Schwartzkopf) and the Pipestem Dam manager (Bob Martin) to plan
Bergquist’s work and expertise were recognized outside of Jamestown and Stutsman County as well
He chaired the Emergency Services Communications Coordinating Committee
was the first president of the North Dakota 911 Association and a member of the Association of Public-Safety Officials and the National Emergency Number Association
Jamestown Chief of Police Scott Edinger said
“Jerry is likely the single most dedicated and meticulous public servant I’ve had the pleasure of serving with
experience and willingness to devote every ounce of his energy to a project to protect Stutsman County is going to be missed
He helped lead Jamestown and Stutsman County through countless disaster declarations and recoveries.”
But he wasn’t done working after he retired
he served on boards for a number of organizations including the Jamestown Salvation Army
He was named the Citizen of the Year in 2020 by the Jamestown Area Chamber of Commerce
an award he shared with Reuben and Clarice Liechty
When no one had stepped up to run for an open Stutsman County Commission seat
overwhelmingly being written in for the position and elected in November 2022
He brought his years of experience in county government to his new work as a county commissioner
he was serving as chairman of the commission
Bergquist’s contributions made a difference in the lives of residents that will continue
Editorials are the opinion of Jamestown Sun management and the newspaper’s editorial board
JAMESTOWN — One person was sentenced recently on a felony charge in Southeast District Court in Jamestown
Mucyowera was accused of taking cash out of a register without permission at the business the individual worked at with an aggregate value of $1,870 from Oct
Judge Troy LeFevre sentenced Mucyowera to 360 days in the Stutsman County Correctional Center with 360 days suspended
LeFevre placed Mucyowera on one year supervised probation
Mucyowera was also ordered to pay a $400 criminal administration fee
$1,870 restitution and a $25 victim-witness fee
A Class C felony is punishable by five years in prison and a $10,000 fine
CA— A traffic stop revealed open alcohol and suspected drugs
recently patrolling the area of Rawhide Road near Pulpit Rock Road in Jamestown during the early morning hours
pulled over a vehicle for having an unreadable license plate
the deputy noticed an open container of alcohol along with several other unopened alcohol containers
The deputy ordered Hansen out of the vehicle
allowing the deputy to see drug paraphernalia inside it
a subsequent vehicle search uncovered suspected methamphetamine and additional items indicating narcotic sales
Hansen was arrested on several drug-related charges
Written by Tracey Petersen
Sign up for our Breaking News Alerts and the myMotherLode.com Daily Newsletters by clicking here. Report breaking news, traffic or weather to our News Hotline (209) 532-6397. Send Mother Lode News Story photos to news@clarkebroadcasting.com
For local news delivered to your email daily, sign up myMotherLode’s FREE Daily Newsletter here
Since most patents are issued in states “unfriendly” to Russia
the new law essentially legalizes patent theft
The third element of alternative globalization, according to Inozemtsev, is Russia’s creation of a “shadow fleet” that consists of dozens of aging oil tankers that Russia uses to circumvent Western sanctions by concealing the origin of their cargo (see EDM
The fleet’s derelict condition makes them dangerous for their crews and the environment
The fourth element of Russian-led alternative globalization is the unfettered trade of weapons and ammunition
including deals with countries under UN sanctions such as Iran and North Korea
The final element of alternative globalization is a payment system being developed by Russian
and other companies to bypass Western restrictions and sanctions
The threat of “alternative globalization” cannot be ignored
There are enough countries interested in evading economic consequences for political actions or simply maximizing their profits regardless of international law that a parallel “gray market” economic system could take hold
Rogue states are building trading systems that ignore intellectual property rights and transparent payments
These systems will not simply disappear after the end of Russia’s war against Ukraine
with potentially long-standing implications for the global economic norms
CA – Patch paving work will take place today and tomorrow as part of the Daly Court Water Main Extension Project in Jamestown
The Tuolumne Utilities District reports that Foothill Excavation will be doing paving on Daly Court today
the work will move to nearby Pulpit Rock Road during the same work hours
Travelers should prepare for 5-10 minute delays and one-way traffic control operations
Written by BJ Hansen
Sign up for our Breaking News Alerts and the myMotherLode.com Daily Newsletters by clicking here. Report breaking news, traffic or weather to our News Hotline (209) 532-6397. Send Mother Lode News Story photos to news@clarkebroadcasting.com
For Caltrans traffic information for Highway’s 4, 49, 59, 108, and 120 plus a view of traffic on other Mother Lode roads click on “Traffic” or keyword: traffic and our local gas price page is here. For an overview of extreme weather news stories go here.
The agreement meant that Russian entities would be exempt from paying property taxes on new investment projects in Abkhazia for eight years
raised concerns that Georgian investors with Russian passports
under the guise of Russian business interests
would purchase Abkhazian land and construct apartments (see EDM
and other personnel in Abkhazia are directly funded by the Russian budget (Russian Government; Meduza
These efforts create the conditions that enable Russia to maintain a central role in the geopolitics of the South Caucasus
The perception that Russia is no longer interested in keeping Abkhazia under its control
in the context of its prolonged war against Ukraine and improved relations with Georgia
with the promise of a return to pro-Russian political leadership in Abkhazia
Moscow has signaled a desire for greater sway over the separatist region
There are a lot of mysteries continually being investigated at Historic Jamestown
like artifacts that are not fully explained and sites yet to be uncovered
archaeologists thought they may have solved one mystery: the identity of a 17th-century man whose remains were found within the oldest known section of the fort’s churches
this is a pretty interesting figure and a good potential candidate for Sir George Yeardley,” said Mary Anna Hartley
senior staff archaeologist with Jamestown Rediscovery
a branch of the nonprofit Preservation Virginia
Yeardley was an English captain who came to Virginia in 1610 and ultimately became governor
presiding over the first iteration of the General Assembly
He was also one of the first slaveowners in the American colonies
officials now say they’ve eliminated Yeardley as the man found in the old burial
has helped develop a model for how to take advantage of scientific advances in historical DNA moving forward
Jamestown Rediscovery’s director of collections and conservation
“This is our Maury Povich moment,” he said
Jamestown archaeologists excavated inside the Memorial Church
which was built in 1907 right outside the foundations of earlier churches at the James Fort
One of the main objectives was to look for the earliest church
which was built in 1617 and hosted “the beginnings of our representative government,” Hartley said
a group of women conducted their own excavation of the site and discovered the southern and northern walls
“Our idea was to find the east and western ends and complete the outline of the church
therefore being able to definitively say where the first General Assembly members met,” Hartley said
being able to place people back in the past with what archeology
history and science can do to complete that picture
And we believe the landscape in which they move through is just as important.”
The project was successful in locating that complete boundary
including the 1617 church built on a foundation of cobblestones capped by a brick wall
They also found several burial sites that still house human remains
some of which had been discovered by the 19th-century women excavators
“We started looking for some of the burials they had excavated
and then found some burials that had not been excavated by them that we also decided should be examined,” Hartley said
Most were associated with a brick church that wasn’t built until the mid-1600s
was found in the chancel of the oldest church on the site
and one of the most prominent places you can place a burial.”
Officials determined the bones belonged to a European man who died between the ages of 38 and 44
His skeleton did not show signs of heavy physical labor
It also appeared that the site was once marked by a tombstone
Jamestown archaeologists long ago had uncovered a Knight’s Tombstone believed to have belonged to Sir George Yeardley
tombstone connection and Yeardley’s prestige in the colony at the time
the Jamestown team thought the remains found in the chancel could be his
But it would take a lot more time and effort to find out
As soon as they started searching for graves within the church site
Jamestown Rediscovery officials knew they wanted to try and collect DNA for genetic analysis
and “it changed our approach from the beginning,” Hartley said
Remains in the Jamestown area are often fragile and in poor condition because of acidic soils
The team started by using ground-penetrating radar to image the bones before digging
They also created a “containment structure” within the church that was climate-controlled and required people passing through to wear protective equipment and sterilize tools
they were able to recover the chancel-buried man’s skeleton pretty much head to toe
DNA was extracted from the bones at the FBI Laboratory in Quantico
Half of the samples went to forensic geneticist Turi King at the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom
they had to track down a DNA sample with which to compare the one from Jamestown
But professional genealogist Dave Annal was hired to trace Yeardley’s family tree in order to find a living descendant
“It’s a laborious process,” Annal said in a statement
Labwork was able to identify the mitochondrial genome of the 17th-century DNA
That genome is passed through a child’s mother
meaning Annal would need to find an unbroken line of women through more than a dozen generations
he found 10 people around the world descended from Katherin Yeardley
One agreed to share their DNA – and it was not a match
Jamestown Rediscovery can definitively say they did not find Yeardley’s remains
But Lavin said the research was still useful and started the process of exclusion
“The consistent factor in all of this is that archeology is a powerful tool for understanding and interpreting the past,” he said
Jamestown is often associated with its “celebrities” like Captain John Smith and Pocahontas
But those big names did not stay here for long
With new opportunities with genetic testing
she hopes they can learn more about the people who “actually lived and died here at Jamestown.”
“With each person that we are able to use genomics to identify
there's more hope that we can identify more of the marginalized people that weren't as high status,” she said – including enslaved Africans who often weren’t listed in official records
Get local news every weekday in your inbox
Sign-up here.
Thanks for visiting
The challenges that face the United States and our allies require greater understanding on the parts of both government and society
Democratic governance means shared responsibilities
Open source is the only way to share information and develop a common understanding between our national security communities and everyone else
Jamestown contributes to this shared understanding and helps decisionmakers inside and outside government decide on an appropriate course of action
The essay below is adapted from my remarks and edited for clarity
The values of democratic governance and human dignity that we hoped would spread throughout the world are under assault from within and without our borders
The first is that we in the West do not seem to understand what is happening out in the world
the way in which what we called the liberal or rules-based international order already has changed
The second is that we face a growing perception gap between our societies and our national security establishment in terms of what our adversaries and rivals are actually doing
The first crisis is apparent in many arguments made today
We see it whenever our leaders gather at major summits and discuss global order and international norms; we hear it when we (mostly the kind of people gathered in this room) talk about how
the presence of North Korean troops in Ukraine does not align with Beijing’s interests; and we read it in articles suggesting that the Chinese Communist Party does not want to overturn the old order from which they benefited so greatly
but instead wishes to merely adapt it slightly
We are still debating whether a new round of great power competition is unfolding
This change has been occurring incrementally right in front of us
but each new development has been dismissed as an isolated incident
we are passing over individual pieces of information coming in without ever looking back and re-examining the accumulated—and accumulating—evidence
All data is anecdotal if you are ignoring the past
The utility of that data only comes from seeing it in the aggregate
the international institutions that bear the hallmarks of universal values—not simply democratic
The People’s Republic of China and its ruling communist party have consistently
pursued a strategy of undermining the efficacy of these institutions and their ability to function in ways that uphold the ideals upon which they were founded
still today you will hear government officials who should know better say things like
“Isn’t it natural for these institutions to evolve
Given how important the People’s Republic of China is as a player in the world
Ignoring for a moment that Beijing agreed to the terms as written when joining these organizations—and
by the Chinese Communist Party’s own claims about who is Chinese
Chinese voices had significant role in their creation—here are a few developments in recent years that warrant our consideration:
How much more do we want to see international norms warped beyond these examples
the CCP’s leaders have made clear their ambitions for “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” By “made clear,” I mean repeated in policy documents
and in budgeting—and budgets are moral documents making clear one’s commitments
Part of these ambitions has been to remake global institutions so that they recognize and respect—if not revere and reinforce—the CCP’s methods of governance
Yet we have ignored these facts and this context
we ignored the facts at first because we lacked the context; however
and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
along with their proxies like the Houthis and Hamas
are cooperating and/or acting in parallel in ways that we have not seen: Ukraine; the Red Sea; the Arctic; the Sea of Japan
our dominant narrative is that these relationships are limited and weak
This narrative is based on projecting a mirror image of our own ahistorically tight alliances in which we cooperate in hitherto unheard of ways rather than being driven by a shared strategic interest in remaking this world and by the values that underwrite the way in which nation-states engage
This emerging reality is a world ripe for competitive actions; the kind of world in which intelligence should thrive
there is ample evidence of atrophy and rot: in the relationship between policymakers and intelligence
and transmit intelligence for decision advantage
there also are some rather positive developments
we are watching innovation in open-source intelligence that enables action on export controls and research security
This is fueled by a demand for tools that help action officers sort through complicated records and information on foreign entities
this innovation is not a substitute for understanding
It is merely the economic-statecraft equivalent to putting a target on a terrorist
This can be seen in our systems’ inadequate approaches to enforcing technology and human rights controls
These systems—from the cabinet to the action officers—are lacking the “why?” to motivate action
Open-source information is much more—and much more important—than media
Open source has a deeply human element rooted in experience and observation
Jamestown was founded more than 40 years ago to help Americans and our allies understand our adversaries in their own words and on their own terms
we helped defectors like Romanian intelligence leader Ion Pacepa and UN Undersecretary-General for Political Affairs Arkady Shevchenko find meaning in their new lives in the United States
especially those who provide our coverage of Eurasia and global terrorism
come from or live in the regions on which they are writing
Jamestown serves as a bridge between these analysts
who may not have a clear sense of what matters to decision-makers in Washington
who do not have visibility on or the context for what is happening on the ground
their value and insight comes from steeping themselves in the sources
They are prospecting with a purpose: to inform our readers of strategic developments that shape their region of coverage
This continuous monitoring gives you a perspective that cannot be found in other ways
Jamestown’s analysts all have deep expertise
some of the most important insights from our work are relatively simple
Many of our analysts from Central & Eastern Europe
and Central Asia have a firmly grounded view of Russian imperialism
which is the original sin of the Soviet Union and the Russian Federation
is so pervasive that even many Russian liberals and dissidents subscribe to it
Our analysts’ contextual knowledge of how Moscow behaves allowed them to see the moves on Georgia in 2008
and the 2014 invasion of Ukraine well before Moscow’s aggression was beyond doubt
Most of us—and that includes myself in years past—listened to Russian President Vladimir Putin but did not hear
We glossed over his talk of national glory and his bizarre statements about places like Ukraine not being real countries
We dismissed the warnings of those who had once been under the Russian yoke as post-Soviet traumatic paranoia
many still disbelieved that Russia would stage a full invasion of Ukraine as late as February 2022
To the extent that people believed in this eventuality
many of them would share the character and experience of people who choose to work in national security
Our second crisis is the growing gap between our national security community
and our societies at large in how we understand the threats to our countries and democracies
The PRC and Russian weaponization of space is a great example
Space Force Commander Chance Salzman is in Europe this week talking about the People’s Liberation Army’s “mind-boggling” expansion in space
Those of you in government or who held a clearance in the last decade probably have some idea of what General Salzman means
We cannot survive on selective declassification to our own countries if for no other reason than that it will look and sometimes be entirely political
Canada’s foreign interference debacle and debate serves as a cautionary tale in this regard
Our adversaries explicitly define this global street fight as a systems confrontation
They are targeting our societies in the form of influence operations
corporate sabotage (pitting our companies against the full force of a nation-state for technologies the PRC wants)
preparation and proof of concept for attacking civilian infrastructure in cyberspace
as well as efforts to undermine the integrity of elections and policymaking
Among the many different and difficult things that we can do to address these challenges in our understanding
That is the need to re-establish dialogue across the gap
The good news is that never before has the professional experience of this audience
been so valued—many officers from the young to the retired have been able to find meaningful work that draws upon their skills
One of the crucial pieces of our effort must be to build a standalone open source agency that operates mostly in the open and keeps a reliable flow of information about critical countries accessible to our governments and civil societies
we have treated open source as a byproduct of analytic work
We do not expect analysts to collect and validate their own human intelligence
The reporting from those other intelligence disciplines contains boundaries about its potential meanings as well as clear statements about the way that information was acquired or derived
An analyst is left on their own to make that judgment
which both creates a conflict of interest for the analyst’s interpretation and sets the analyst up for a clash of expertise and interpretation with senior management
the public dissemination of translations from the Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) and its partners in the Australian Broadcasting Corporation
and Canadian Broadcasting Corporation established a common baseline for discussion
This allowed academics and corporate analysts without a clearance to engage national security professionals on ground that all knew could be discussed
There were more interesting conferences and academic outreach events
National security professionals were more likely to publish journal articles or otherwise contribute to public discussion
because they had ready access to unclassified materials and there was a need to debate how we understood events happening half-a-world away
A new open source agency would need to have a few key characteristics
it must regularly disseminate translations of foreign media and other relevant information
so that there is no sense of politicization that comes from selective disclosure
This is a public good and must be treated as such
it must be oriented toward collection and processing
Our rivals are becoming more and more adept at hiding and removing relevant information
especially once they become aware that foreign individuals have found potentially sensitive or actionable information
The agency would be a critical part of creating the public record of what our rivals are doing
the agency would need to serve as a gateway or an airlock between the classified and unclassified worlds
they are increasingly air-gapped and never the two shall meet
This connectivity must include both people and information
as we need the open source world informed by national security concerns just as the classified world must be informed by a broader range of sources and experience
[1] Margaret Chan was a civil servant for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (PRC)
who served as the Hong Kong Director of Health from 1994 to 2003
Hong Kong became part of the PRC in 1997 as agreed in the Joint Declaration of the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on the Question of Hong Kong of 1984 (also known as the Sino-British Joint Declaration)
Thanks for visiting
JAMESTOWN — About 90 people showed up on Main Street in Jamestown on Thursday
for a peaceful May Day march to support working families and protest cuts to federal programs and workers
Individuals gathered with signs opposing the Trump administration’s actions in front of St
John’s Lutheran Church before marching north on First Avenue
They stopped in front of the mural at Hugo’s Family Marketplace where they were met with some honks in support and others in opposition
Protesters gathered on streets nationwide on Thursday to recognize May Day
which is celebrated by workers across the globe as International Labor Day on May 1 each year
we have just an interest in being proactive against the things that the Trump administration is doing and this seemed like a good opportunity to show that disagreement,” said Don Caine
“So we're just trying to be proactive in all of those things and this is one way to do it.”
“We want equality for everyone,” Caine said
He said everyone should be benefiting from the federal government
and so that's why we protest and do what we can,” he said
a League of Women Voters member and organizer of the event
said there are concerns with what will happen to federal workers who work in Jamestown
“We think we've got at least 100 families in Jamestown that are working for the federal government,” she said
She said those families have people who work at the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Postal Service and the Pipestem Dam safety modification project
“There’s lots of federal workers here,” she said
Jamestown resident Marty Toepke-Floyd said the No
1 reason he joined the gathering is because the federal government’s environmental policy has been thrown into chaos
“We've got to get our act together and stop climate change,” he said
“The current administration is going the opposite direction
It's opposite to the teachings of the church that I belong to
Toepke-Floyd said he’s disappointed with the policies that are coming from Washington
“They claim to be saving money and building efficiency
but so much of what they're doing is counterproductive,” he said
Civil servants have moved and taken jobs and then had the rug pulled out from underneath them.”
He also said the Trump administration is getting rid of federal workers
including those with the National Labor Relations Board and judges
“They're just doing things that are just counter to labor and unions,” he said
and it's violating people's civil and human rights.”
Toepke-Floyd said it isn’t right for Elon Musk
to make decisions about people’s lives without any kind of study or authorization from Congress
“I don't understand why our Congress delegation from North Dakota isn't screaming bloody murder,” he said
“If this had happened under (Joe) Biden or (Barack) Obama
they'd be screaming and people are just afraid of the man in the Oval Office
‘It looks as if it's up to the people to stop it,” she said
“Congress is inert and the administration is locked by fear
She said she’s upset about Donald Trump undermining and threatening judges and people getting deported
because nobody's getting deported,” she said
“They're extraditing people without due process
which we know is completely illegal and yet they keep doing it."
Jamestown resident Brenda Jensen said she doesn’t have a problem with downsizing federal government programs and getting rid of wasteful spending
“The problem is that they're doing it really quickly and not systematic,” she said
a Jamestown resident who moved here last year
“I have two children that are in the public school system with special needs
and all of those things have come under attack during this present administration
and I'm fearful for the future of my family in this country,” she said
Lyonhart said labor unions and federal workers are under attack
and today we need to recognize that protections for all of us need to be in place so that we have safety in our job place
and we don't have to end up asking for extra help,” she said
“We should be able to work and provide for our family with our job and not need to work multiple jobs or ask for government assistance
We should just be able to get a living wage and have reliable employment.”
Lyonhart also said tariffs and other legislative actions impact local farmers
“We want our farmers to be able to do their job
In September, the former deputy director of the Academy of Military Sciences (AMS), Lieutenant General He Lei (何雷), called for the United Nations to establish restrictions on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in warfare (Sina Finance
This would suggest that Beijing has an interest in mitigating the risks associated with military AI
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is currently leveraging AI to enhance its own military capabilities and strategic advantages and is using Western technology to do so
The military and security sectors within the PRC are increasingly focused on integrating advanced AI technologies into operational capabilities
Meta’s open-source model Llama (Large Language Model Meta AI) has emerged as a preferred model on which to build out features tailored for military and security applications
US and US-derived technology is being deployed as a tool to enhance the PRC’s military modernization and domestic innovation efforts
with direct consequences for the United States and its allies and partners
The PRC’s 2019 National Defense White Paper, titled “China’s National Defense for the New Era (新时代的中国国防),” notes that modern warfare is shifting toward increasingly informationized (信息化) and intelligentized (智能化) domains, demanding advances in mechanization, informationization, and AI development (Xinhua
Military AI is also being applied extensively to cognitive and psychological warfare (China Brief, September 6, 2019; September 8, 2023; June 21)
Generative AI models can be deployed to produce media content to influence narratives
[2] Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT can also rapidly integrate diverse information sources to enhance military intelligence analysis
With strong language processing capabilities
and transform complex data into actionable insights
aiding military personnel in decision-making on the modern battlefield
including top defense industry players like the China Electronics Technology Group (CETC; 中国电子科技集团)
are currently working on AI to enhance cybersecurity and network threat detection
One paper authored by employees at CETC argues that AI models can play a pivotal role in identifying and countering cyber threats and establishing robust early-warning systems to fortify military communication networks
[3] Another area of focus is predictive maintenance and supply chain management
AI can be used to anticipate equipment failures and streamline supply logistics
This optimization is critical for the PLA’s sustained operational readiness
PLA experts are prioritizing the development of smaller
more “lightweight” AI models for deployment in resource-constrained environments like frontline operations
These models must be robust and capable of performing effectively with limited computational power
making them suitable for edge devices—small computers or sensors that can process data and operate without relying on distant servers
The Aiwu Large Model (艾武大模型) is a good example of this
Aiwu offers cross-platform compatibility on both manned and unmanned systems
and can execute diverse mission tasks under challenging conditions
PLA experts consider military AI to be a foundational asset that must be highly adaptable
capable of integrating multimodal data and supporting autonomous decision-making in a wide range of tactical and strategic contexts
This approach stems from the understanding that future warfare will demand intelligent systems capable of processing real-time data
and synthesizing information from diverse sources
PRC Researchers Adapt Llama to Meet Military Demands
PRC researchers have also identified several limitations in Llama that they believe should be addressed before it can be optimized for military use
A primary concern is that Llama relies on open-source training data
which is largely general-purpose and lacks specificity for military contexts
[9] This leads to biases and limited domain-specific knowledge
particularly in areas of military strategy and security operations
the scarcity of comprehensive Chinese-language data restricts Llama’s ability to fully grasp linguistic nuances in Chinese-language communication
including the cultural context of specific utterances
PLA experts have implemented different techniques involving advanced data collection
These efforts have enabled Llama to adapt to understand Chinese-language military terminology and tactics
Researchers Explore Techniques to Adapt Llama
PRC researchers have employed a number of strategies to fine-tune Llama for military and security applications
One approach involves constructing domain-specific datasets
which includes gathering military-specific dialogue records
building data corpora from classified documents
and incorporating direct feedback from military personnel
[11] Other techniques include Low-Rank Adaptation (LoRA)
LoRA has become a crucial strategy for customizing Llama (MIT
LoRA enables researchers to build specialized models based on Llama—for instance
by adding additional matrices to existing model layers to adjust the model’s responses in a targeted way
thereby negating the need to retrain the entire model (which could be time-consuming and expensive)
This approach allows the model to retain its core abilities while adapting to military-specific terminology
and context-sensitive decision-making with minimal resource use
This balance makes LoRA suitable for adapting Llama to meet the demands of military applications
Reinforcement learning involves fine-tuning models by reiterating training runs with tailored feedback to optimize responses
researchers use Direct Preference Optimization (DPO)
which involves presenting the model with examples of high- and low-quality responses
enabling it to learn to prioritize the former
reinforcement learning allows Llama to adjust its responses dynamically and adapt to evolving situations
Some experts have applied techniques like Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) to fine-tune LLMs to better align with human preferences in simulated environments
RLHF helps models tailor their outputs to meet user expectations
this has optimized an LLM’s ability to perform scenario-specific tasks like decision-making and behavioral responses
This process also ensures the model’s alignment with specific communication and behavioral styles within these simulated contexts
enhancing the model’s realism and relevance for military operations
Llama-Based Models Deployed for Predictive Policing and Electronic Warfare
Experts from PRC’s security sector see Llama-based models as having huge potential to enhance smart policing (智慧警务)
these models could improve situational awareness and decision-making by streamlining administrative tasks and providing predictive insights to prioritize police responses
by extracting important information from reports
Llama can enable officers to focus more on handling emergencies in the field
Implementation of these techniques is currently being studied
The model’s ability to process vast and various data sources
makes it an effective tool for proactive and data-driven law enforcement
Llama is being studied to explore the potential for LLMs to support electronic warfare and self-defense jamming strategies
including by experts from the Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC; 中国航空工业集团)
one of the PRC’s top defense conglomerates
Integrated with reinforcement learning agents (AI models designed to learn how to make decisions by studying their environment and improving their actions to achieve a specific goal)
Llama is used to implement a dual-level approach to maximize efficiency
Llama determines optimal parameters for disrupting enemy radar systems
while reinforcement learning agents execute real-time tactical adjustments to counter adversary maneuvers
One simulation run by the AVIC researchers using Llama 2 as the base LLM demonstrated that this combined approach improved interference strategy reward scores by approximately 25–31 percent
the new LLM system led the agent to execute more successful jamming strategies and reduced ineffective actions
Experts from a science institute under the US-sanctioned China North Industries Group Corporation (NORINCO; 中国兵器工业集团有限公司) have been exploring the integration of LLMs
into their computer-generated forces (CGF) simulations
these models can enhance autonomous decision-making
allowing agents to execute coordinated actions and respond to real-time battlefield dynamics
This dual-layered integration can create realistic simulation environments where agents autonomously adapt to dynamic conditions
thereby potentially improving PLA training performance and military operations
ChatBIT: A Llama-Derived Model for Military Intelligence
Comparative evaluations consistently suggest that ChatBIT outperforms models like Vicuna-13B on these metrics
highlighting its effectiveness in accurately interpreting nuanced military contexts and ensuring high-fidelity responses
AMS researchers provide an example of ChatBIT outperforming other models on pertinent tasks
when asked about the United States Army Research Laboratory
ChatBIT delivered a comprehensive and accurate response detailing the lab’s focus on AI
when tasked with explaining “combat power contribution rate and combat effectiveness correlation”—metrics for evaluating weapons systems—ChatBIT offered an in-depth analysis
whereas Vicuna-13B only gave a superficial explanation
AMS experts argue that ChatBIT’s impressive performance in these tasks demonstrates its readiness for deployment in military Q&A
these restrictions act as “paper tigers”—stipulations that lack enforceability and fall short of holding entities like the PLA accountable
The PRC has adapted Meta’s Llama for military and security purposes that are improving the country’s national defense capabilities
PRC researchers have transformed Llama into a tool to meet the intricate demands of military and public security applications
This work underscores the PRC’s commitment to developing AI systems that are integrated
and capable of autonomous operation across diverse applications
from predictive policing to electronic warfare
Open-source LLMs like Llama can accelerate innovation and provide valuable tools across sectors
but they also pose risks if not carefully managed
such technologies can be modified for malicious purposes and used in ways that are contrary to developers’ original intentions
These technologies’ dual potential for both innovation and misuse highlights the importance of balanced oversight to maximize the benefits of open-source AI while mitigating risks associated with strategic misapplication
“Military MLLMs (Multimodal Large Language Models): Applied Analysis
and Evaluation System Framework.” [军事大模型: 应用分析、关键技术和评估体系框架]
“Requirements and Enlightenment about ChatGPT in Military Applications.” [ChatGPT+军事应用需求与启示]
“Current Development Status of Military Large Models and Analysis of Computing Infrastructure Requirements.” [军事大模型发展现状与算力基础设施需求分]
Journal of Dual Use Technologies & Products [军民两用技术与产品]
“Aiwu Large Model+: Development and Empirical Study of Military Large Model System.” [“艾武大模型+”：一种军事大模型系统的开发与实证]
Journal of Data Acquisition and Processing [数据采集与处理]
“Insights of Llama 3.1 for the Development of China’s AIGC Industry.” [Llama 3.1对我国AIGC产业发展的启示]
“Exploration and Practice of Large Model Technology in Smart Policing.” [大模型技术在智慧警务的探索与实践]
“Challenges and Reflections on the Application of Artificial Intelligence Technology in the Construction of ‘Smart Public Security’—Based on the Practical Exploration of Yueqing Police Force.” [“ 智慧公安” 建设中人工智能技术应用的挑战与思考———基于乐清公安的实践探索]
Journal of Zhejiang Police College [浙江警察学院学报]
“Large Language Model-Driven Open-Source Intelligence Cognition” [“大语言模型驱动的开源情报认知认领”]
“Optimization of Air Combat Self-Defense Jamming Strategy Training Driven by Large Language Models.” [“大语言模型驱动的空战自卫干扰策略训练优化”]
Journal of Detection & Control [探测与控制学报]
“Research on the Application of Large Language Model in Computer-Generated Forces.” [大模型在计算机生成兵力中的应用研究] The Sixth Academic Conference on Systems Engineering
“Challenges and Reflections on the Application of Artificial Intelligence Technology in the Construction of ‘Smart Public Security’—Based on the Practical Exploration of Yueqing Police Force.” [“智慧公安” 建设中人工智能技术应用的挑战与思考———基于乐清公安的实践探索]
JAMESTOWN — Releases at Jamestown Reservoir were increased on Friday morning
Releases at Jamestown Reservoir were increased by 100 cubic feet per second from 250 cfs to 350 cfs
The Corps of Engineers said releases at Jamestown Reservoir were increased to help evacuate water in flood control storage
The pool elevation is 1,432 feet above mean seal level at Jamestown Reservoir
Releases at Pipestem Reservoir are at 75 cfs
The pool elevation is 1,450.2 feet AMSL at Pipestem Reservoir
The Corps of Engineers said releases at Jamestown Reservoir will be adjusted to target a flood control evacuation date of June 1
North Dakota
as one of the least populated states in the country
is a place of wide-open spaces and unspoiled natural beauty
Hidden amidst the vast countryside are small
delightful escapes with some of the prettiest main streets
From the best ice cream in Bottineau to the oldest continuously operating movie theater in Lisbon
Life in these small communities moves a little slower
but that doesn’t mean there isn’t anything to do
Be sure to check out these idyllic North Dakota communities when you want a slice of Americana in the Peace Garden State
Not too far from the Montana border in western North Dakota is Medora, tucked in the heart of the Badlands near the Theodore Roosevelt National Park
not much has changed in Medora in all the best ways
The Old West-style buildings with the towering Badlands in the distance feel like walking into the days of the Wild West (minus all the saloon brawls)
it’s best to stop at the Medora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
It’s where you can learn about all the community events happening in the area
like watching The Outlaws Live at the Old Town Hall Theater
You can also stop in delightful shops like Little Missouri Saloon & Dining Room
or experience Medora’s past at the North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
You know you've made it to Jamestown when you find yourself face to face with the world’s largest buffalo monument
Dakota Thunder is a massive 26-foot-tall concrete buffalo and one of the most iconic roadside attractions in Jamestown
you can also check out the National Buffalo Museum to learn more about these animals' role in the American West
walkable community with cozy shops like Babb's Coffee House or the beautiful Stutsman County Memorial Museum
there’s no better stop than Frontier Village
Many of the original buildings from old Jamestown were relocated to this spot
equipped with antiques and artifacts for visitors to gain insight into the days of the American West
Settled along the banks of the Sheyenne River is Valley City
the town is known for its charming bridges
its most famous bridge is the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge
known as one of the longest and highest single-track railroad bridges in the United States
You can’t walk across it because it’s still used for railcars
but you can see it from Chautauqua Park and learn a little more about it at the Valley City Rosebud Visitor Center
Central Valley City has a bit of an artistic flair
You can grab a cup of coffee at Alley Beans Coffee & Roastery before exploring this tight-knit neighborhood
with notable festivals like Summer Nights on Central and Sheyenne RiverFest
Located in eastern North Dakota just south of Fargo
Wahpeton delivers all of the excitement of a bustling city in a much smaller space
You can visit quaint attractions like the 29-acre Chahinkapa Zoo or spend a lazy afternoon at Chahinkapa Park
you may even catch a glimpse of a dinosaur (not a real one
but a velociraptor sculpture made of scrap metal)
Many of the buildings near Dakota Avenue are on the National Register of Historic Places
like the massive Richland County Courthouse
which is no longer operational but stands as a historical landmark
Wahpeton also has artistic appeal in addition to its ornate
has annual exhibits worth checking out and serves as Wahpeton’s visitors center
If you didn’t know that Lisbon was there, you likely would never stumble upon this hidden gem. Situated in the heart of the Sheyenne National Grassland
it has one of the prettiest downtown areas anywhere in the state
You can expect ornate brick buildings with accented stone pieces and a touch of Art Deco
There’s no better example of the unique architecture in Lisbon than the Ransom County Courthouse
built in the 1930s (the peak of the Art Deco movement in America)
Lisbon leans into its small-town charm with attractions you may not find anywhere else in the country
The Scenic Theater opened its doors in 1911 and is believed to be one of the oldest continuously operating movie theaters in the United States
You can still visit the theater to catch a show
although the films playing today are quite different from those in the early 1900s
You can also grab a bite to eat at The Bronc
then explore the Sandager Park and enjoy the views of the Sheyenne River
Bottineau boasts natural beauty from the highest peaks to Main Street
There are plenty of outdoor adventures to discover just outside the city limits
but the real fun in Bottineau lies on its charming streets
The best time to visit is during the Bottineau County Fair
Bottineau’s biggest claim to fame isn’t the county fair or even the tranquility of the Turtle Mountains
While there are quite a few shops to grab a sundae or a cone
It’s one of North Dakota’s last remaining small-time creameries and was nominated as one of the country's top 50 ice cream parlors by USA Today
you have to add Bottineau to your North Dakota road-trip itinerary
The town's central hub on 3rd Street SW has a bit of everything: Darling little restaurants
It’s the type of town where you don’t feel like you need to rush
You can grab a slice of pizza at the Pizza Shop and then explore the unique Island Park
which is surrounded by water from an oxbow of the Goose River
One of the best places to visit in Mayville is the Rainbow Garden and Sculpture Walk
located right across 3rd Avenue and across from the Island Park
well-manicured green space in with paved walking paths
It also has live music and food trucks in the summer
If you’re looking for a small, quiet community to relax and explore, look no further than Washburn. Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River
Washburn is truly a North Dakota secret gem
with quaint shops that provide retail therapy in an old-timey setting
Exploring the Old West-style buildings feels like traveling back in time
You can order a drink at Riverboat Saloon and dine on classic American comfort food at the cozy Cafe 77
As you travel south down Main Avenue and turn onto 6th Street, the road will eventually lead to Boat Ramp Road, where you can take in the scenic spots of Washburn. You can walk along the Missouri River at Riverside Park or walk through Washburn Dog Park (which is not too far from where Lewis and Clark spent the winter in the 1800s)
If you want to learn more about Washburn's connection to Lewis and Clark
be sure to stop by the McLean County Museum
Though the proclamation is up for debate, a stone monument in the middle of town states that Rigby is the geographical center of North America
Aside from its convenient location smack dab in the center of America
Rugby is a charming town with a rich history
flat stretch of road with unique stops worth checking out
There’s the geographical center monument at the intersection of 3rd Avenue and U.S
The museum offers a glimpse into Rugby’s past with over 20 historic buildings
all furnished with antiques and exhibits that illustrate early life in Rugby
Another interesting stop is the Niewoehner Bell Tower
a collection of bells from various sources
These small communities will not disappoint the next time you want to hit the road; they deliver a vibe that makes you feel like you’re right at home
You can grab a bite to eat and take in the breathtaking view of the Hi-Line Railroad Bridge overlooking the Sheyenne River in Valley City
or stop by Jamestown to visit Dakota Thunder before taking a museum tour
and don’t be surprised if you leave with a few new friends
photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com
SAN DIEGO — QDOBA announced that a franchise restaurant will open in Jamestown
QDOBA said Holy Guacamole signed on to develop a restaurant in Jamestown
With previous ownership experience at Dairy Queen and Quiznos
the Holy Guacamole group also brings restaurant experience and acumen to QDOBA
A location for QDOBA in Jamestown was not provided
QDOBA said it reached major agreements to bring more than 33 new locations to key markets across the country
With these agreements and additional deals in the pipeline
QDOBA now surpasses 500 development commitments
reinforcing its strong appeal among multi-unit operators and solidifying its position as a leader in the fast-casual space
driven by strong franchise partnerships and a commitment to quality,” said Jeremy Vitaro
“We’re excited to welcome new franchisees who bring industry expertise and a shared passion for bold flavors
we’re reinforcing our position as a premier fast-casual brand poised for long-term success.”
QDOBA is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with approximately 800 locations in the U.S.
QDOBA uses ingredients freshly prepared in-house by hand throughout the day to create flavorful menu options
nachos and salads to suit their personal tastes and cravings
Premium toppings can always be added to entrées at no extra charge
including signature 3-cheese queso and hand-crafted guacamole
QDOBA has been voted the Best Fast Casual Restaurant as part of the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards
May 2Jamestown Overcomers Narcotics Anonymous
Regular weekly step meeting; phone meeting only
Call 701-320-2386 before meeting time to get information on calling into meeting
May 3Buffalo City Group Alcoholics Anonymous
NDSU Extension – Stutsman County’s Free Gardening Morning
sponsored by the Stutsman County Master Gardeners
at North Dakota Farmers Union Headquarters
1883 Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site
Free event features traditional May Day activities inside and outside of the courthouse
Proceeds go toward pediatric brain cancer research
Thanks for visiting
Game Recap: Softball | 4/19/2025 10:26:00 PM
Thanks for visiting
Game Recap: Softball | 5/2/2025 3:06:00 PM
Thanks for visiting
JAMESTOWN — Sara Hegerle and Brandi Harty are involved at every level of their sports
"Beyond our school seasons for grades 5-12
there are other opportunities to compete and learn the game," said Hegerle
"The Jimmies hold a variety of camps in the winter and summer
Jamestown Parks and Rec hosts a six week program for 1-4 graders in the winter
"We also offer club volleyball for girls grades 3-11 in the spring," she said
"My favorite is summer camp — where all the age levels come together all summer on Tuesday and Thursday mornings
These programs have been in place for years
we have made a few changes to adapt to growth."
there are more than 200 kids involved in Jamestown volleyball
in the Blue Jay Junior Volleyball club program
there are 171 athletes competing between the 10s
This year's 12s group has the most teams with six
In the spring athletes will practice once or twice a week and play in approximately five tournaments throughout the season
For those in the Blue Jay Junior's program
the spring season involves traveling to different cities to play tournaments
the teams usually stay local as most are playing with a school-based team
there is no competitive volleyball offered in Jamestown
Jimmie and Parks and Recreation Department usually use the winter months as a chance to develop skills in a camp-type setting
Hegerle said online registration is the more effective way to sign up any interested athletes
Programs will also use email and social media to help attract interested parties
Program costs vary depending on the season and experience athletes are interested in
For the Blue Jay juniors cost varied by age group
Hegerle said her goal is to keep costs low so all who are interested have the chance to participate
She said many programs do offer scholarships
"We hope kids enjoy the experience," Hegerle said
"Of course we can’t make everyone happy but we try to make it fun and a positive experience
encouraging others and competing at your highest level — having fun is most important."
While Hegerle is running around from gym to gym
Brandi Harty is spending a lot of her time at the Hillcrest Soccer Complex
The Jamestown Soccer Club (JSC) provides opportunities for all ages to experience the sport of soccer in a safe and enjoyable environment
The JSC provides age and skill specific curriculum with an emphasis on long-term technical
physical and psychosocial development for players age 5 to 18
Harty is the director of coaching for the Jamestown Soccer Club
While some sports may have a set number of teams in a program
soccer is purely based on how many kids sign up to participate
"Our numbers are not quite as good as they have been in the past but it looks like they are starting to go up a little bit," Harty said
we'll come close to around 140 or 150 kids
It's better than it has been in previous years because of word of mouth or families are just sticking with it longer
"It sounds like a lot when you hear that number but when you think about all of the age groups
that is not as big as it could be," she said
The youngest team — or U5s — as they are called
would be comprised of children born in 2020
The U19 group would house athletes born in 2006
the JSC is committed to creating a positive environment around the sport of soccer
The purpose of the Junior Jags is to introduce the game of soccer to preschool-aged children and to create opportunities to engage in a physical activity that will assist with motor control and development
Junior Jags is not actually about the sport of soccer
it serves as a physically active and socially immersive program
The focus of each session will revolve around fun activities that will allow prospective soccer players to learn and incorporate new body movements
If kids are still interested after Junior Jags
they move on to programs that are more soccer-focused
"With our younger groups — the U6s and U8s — we have what we call a lead coach and the lead coach kind of puts together the practice plans," Harty said
"Then the lead coach will have some helpers as we call them and those helpers are usually our high school players."
The younger groups began their first summer session on April 14
The second summer session will run from June 2 to July 13
Players will practice at Jamestown's Hillcrest Soccer Complex on Monday and Thursday evenings for approximately one hour
JSC's U9 through high school teams practice three days a week
"Costs are different for every age group," Harty said
it varies based off of what your family schedule is like
They can pay for one session or they can pay for two and if they pay for two it's discounted by like $20 bucks
"The older kids — U9 through high school — they pay a training fee which covers the cost of our coaching and equipment that we utilize and then you have to pay a fee per tournament that you decide to go to
Unfortunately the trend in soccer has been that tournament fees have increased quite a bit so costs have gone up for us
We try to help families as much as we can but we have to follow what the trend is doing
"It's very different in the state of North Dakota," Harty said
"Some states have leagues where you do play games but because we don't have a league we just play tournaments
"During the spring is when we organize games with Valley City and sometimes Casselton and Edgeley," she said
We've tried to do a league with the western part of the state but it hasn't been successful because it isn't something the state has done in a very long time so not a lot of people commit."
the U9 through high school age groups participate in four tournaments
"We try to stay within the state as much as possible to help offset some of the cost for our families," Harty said
one in Grand Forks and then our long one is called the USA Cup and that is held in Blaine
A lot of our families really enjoy that one."
Harty said the high school age group is also slated to play a tournament in Minnetonka
this summer due to the lack of teams at their level willing to participate in the Jamestown tournament
While there is a lot of commitment and moving parts
those who choose to become a part of the Jamestown Soccer Club have a history of being rewarded
"Families who are hesitant to come out for soccer because they have never done it before
I would like to encourage those families to try it," Harty said
"It is a lot of fun when families get into it and they get to meet other players and kids around our community
"Look at what our high school boys have done the last couple of years," she said
"It takes a little bit of time but we've found some success when people stick with it."
Thanks for visiting
Ethiopia made an ambiguous promise to recognize Somaliland’s independence
Egypt regards a proposed Ethiopian naval base near the Bab al-Mandeb
Second, Egypt is responding to Ethiopia’s intransigence in negotiations over water flows through the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) (Egypt Today
More than 60 percent of the Nile’s waters originate in Ethiopia
The GERD gives Ethiopia the power to significantly curtail the water that Egypt receives
which Egypt’s 120 million citizens depend on
The intensifying competition between Egypt and Ethiopia will complicate and fuel the region’s layered and interlocking conflicts
given the two states’ position as among the African continent’s most influential and populous nations
The deployment of Egyptian troops to Somalia also risks a direct confrontation between Egypt and Ethiopia
The latter maintains forces and bases in multiple areas in Somalia to combat al-Shabaab
Ethiopia has spent over two decades assisting various Somali governments in the battle against al-Shabaab
Al-Shabaab nevertheless remains a severe threat to Ethiopia and its resource-rich Ogaden region
Ethiopian troops and its National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) have extensive experience and institutional knowledge vital to keeping al-Shabaab in check
Mogadishu’s insistence on replacing Ethiopian forces with what could be Egyptian forces
risks further fracturing Somalia and its patchwork of semi-autonomous regional administrations
Deepening divisions in Somalia combined with an influx of Egyptian troops with no experience fighting in Somalia will only aid al-Shabaab
Egypt has longstanding ties to Ethiopia’s Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)
which ruled Ethiopia as part of a coalition from 1988–2018
The 2020–2022 war between Addis Ababa and the TPLF ended with a negotiated settlement that favored the government
The Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) is also active across parts of southern and western Ethiopia
where it is engaged in a brutal war with the government
Possible proxies for widening the conflict abound in Ethiopia and could be readily exploited by Egypt if it chooses to do so
Ethiopia can retaliate by stoking clan factionalism and regionalism in Somalia
Ethiopia can also retaliate by further hardening its position concerning the GERD and water flow to Egypt
These talks and an overall cooling of tensions are the only off-ramp for two nations seemingly intent on escalation in one of the world’s least stable regions
It is unlikely that serious economic players with their own strong currency will create a new financial system specifically for Moscow to the detriment of their own trade interests
Against the background of Moscow’s aggressive rhetoric
even a slight change in mood is unlikely to help the Kremlin find “allies” willing to do its bidding in these states
The Kremlin is far from establishing fully-fledged political alliances with other European states or BRICS members. It is crucial to recognize, however, that on a tactical level, Moscow may not need to invent new wedge issues to exploit between Western states given ongoing divisions and existing contradictions (see EDM
the Kremlin’s ambitions are unlikely to succeed
as its potential allies and advocates prioritize their own interests and relationships with the West over Russia’s influence
[1] A loose political-economic grouping initially consisting of Brazil
These themes are a useful lens through which to interpret the PRC’s approach to the new Trump administration
Underlying them all is an assessment that the United States will feature less prominently in the emerging multipolar and economically globalized world for which Beijing actively advocates
This assessment currently may be more aspirational than material
but the Party nevertheless sees it as the general trend of the times
Beijing Tones Down Criticism of United States
This softer tone may stem from a desire to stabilize the PRC’s international environment amid economic challenges at home
by signaling openness to foreign investment and ensuring market access to PRC exports
A separate reason could be a desire to be seen as a responsible and engaged international player that has the capacity to shape the international order
A closer look at the PRC’s own borders suggests that its desire to avoid discussion of Trump’s rhetoric on territorial expansion may also stem from a preference to avoid acknowledging its own recent history of expansionism
What this entails in practice may require different approaches with different actors at different times
this overriding ambition is a useful framework in which to analyze Beijing’s actions and can explain apparent inconsistencies in its overtures to “global south” countries
Beijing is adhering to the priorities set out at the Central Foreign Affairs Work Conference; and this is unlikely to change soon
Sovereignty in China: A Genealogy of a Concept since 1840
Thanks for visiting