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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why your doctor may not have given you the best advice for your lower back pain

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Martin Underwood, Chair Professor, Primary Care Research, University of Warwick

    Focus and Blur/Shutterstock.com

    Treating lower back pain is enormously expensive. In the UK it’s estimated to cost the NHS around £3.2 billion a year. So, ensuring patients get the right treatment is critical.

    However, the guidance issued by the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) on how to treat lower back pain was last updated in 2020, meaning many patients may be getting out-of-date advice from their healthcare practitioner.

    Fortunately, most people with lower back pain recover quickly without treatment. But a minority don’t, and they can go on to develop long-term disability.

    People with lower back pain usually see their GP first. The GP may refer the patient to a physiotherapist, or, in some parts of the UK, patients can refer themselves to one.

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    However, Nice recommends using a short questionnaire to identify those least likely to recover, so they can be offered more intensive treatment. Those most likely to recover get an initial assessment and advice only.

    This approach was supported by a UK study which found a small benefit compared to offering everyone standard physiotherapy care. But later studies have not confirmed that result. It may not matter if care is targeted at those at highest risk or not.

    Nice also recommends self-management. This means giving patients information and leaving them to handle their own recovery. But recent research found that an online support programme was no better than usual care from their GP.

    For people with at least three months of lower back pain, Nice recommends “radio frequency denervation” as an option. This is a procedure where a probe is inserted into the back next to the nerve carrying pain signals from the back. Heating the probe can disable the nerves that carry pain signals. The problem is that some studies suggest it may help while others show no benefit.

    A more robust study is underway that will hopefully provide us with a more definitive answer. But, for now, we think this treatment should be approached with caution.

    Most Nice recommendations for the use of medications align with the current evidence. Nice recommends against the use of opioids for people with short-term back pain. However, the guidance suggests that weak opioids, such as codeine, can be considered if anti-inflammatory drugs are ineffective or “contraindicated” (should be avoided), for example, for people with previous stomach bleeding.

    This ambiguous approach is confusing and may result in people being given the wrong care. Also, a study published in 2023 showed that a stronger opioid does not help people with short-term back pain. Nice could adopt a clearer stance, explicitly discouraging opioid use for lower back pain.

    The guidance could focus on treatments where there’s strong evidence of benefit. One option is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, which can be effective for treating people with acute and persistent symptoms. If this medication fails, heat therapy, such as hot packs and heat wraps, can be used for short-term lower back pain.

    Nice suggests that codeine can be used if the patient is unable to take anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen.
    Matthew Nichols1/Shutterstock.com

    Treating peristant lower back pain

    Exercise programmes can help people with persistent back pain. A recent study found that regular walking can help prevent lower back pain flare-ups.

    Approaches, such as cognitive functional therapy, where physiotherapists address both physical and psychological barriers to recovery, also show great promise. A recent study found that it offers lasting benefits when compared to a sham (placebo) intervention.

    Mindfulness, a type of meditation, also seems a promising approach for persistent pain. A new study, published in The Lancet Rheumatology showed that it can have meaningful and lasting benefits for these patients.

    Guidance from the World Health Organization recommends other treatments, such as manual therapy (spinal manipulation, for instance) and acupuncture, that could help people with persistent symptoms.

    It is clear that the Nice guidelines don’t always reflect what we now know works, and sometimes steer care in the wrong direction.

    Martin Underwood is chief investigator or co-investigator on multiple previous and current research grants from the UK National Institute for Health Research, and is a co-investigator on grants funded by the Australian NHMRC and Norwegian MRC. He is a director and shareholder of Clinvivo Ltd that provides electronic data collection for health services research. He has accepted honoraria for examining theses, and performing peer review. He receives some salary support from University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire. He is a co-investigator on two current and one completed NIHR funded studies that have, or have had, additional support from Stryker Ltd. He has accepted travel expenses and accommodation for speaking at academic meetings.

    Gustavo Machado has an investigator grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council. He also holds research grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund, and HCF Research Foundation.

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

    – ref. Why your doctor may not have given you the best advice for your lower back pain – https://theconversation.com/why-your-doctor-may-not-have-given-you-the-best-advice-for-your-lower-back-pain-256040

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Police in England and Wales to get more money – but increasing funding won’t necessarily mean less crime

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Graham Farrell, Professor of Crime Science, University of Leeds

    Ian Dewar Photography/Shutterstock

    Police spending will rise by a real-terms 2.3% per year between now and 2028-29, the government announced in its latest spending review, drawn from local council tax. The government says this will help its mission to put 13,000 neighbourhood police on the streets, and “keep communities safe”.

    Police say this is far from enough to meet the government’s ambitions, particularly on cutting knife crime and violence against women, and that it is likely to be “swallowed up” by pay rises for police.

    The awkward truth, however, is that marginal changes to police funding and hiring make little difference to crime either way. Austerity cuts of around 20% to policing budgets in the 2010s were accompanied by declining crime, including domestic violence and antisocial behaviour.

    Widespread security improvements were responsible for the close to 90% reductions in many crime types. For example, engine immobilisers prevent car theft, and secure household doors and windows prevent burglary.

    Crime has been declining across developed countries for decades. But those countries vary greatly in policing practices and funding, so it is clear more policing was not the cause.

    American policing researcher pioneer David Bayley wrote in 1994:

    The police do not prevent crime. This is one of the best kept secrets of modern life. Experts know it, the police know it, but the public does not know it. Yet the police pretend they are society’s best defense against crime and continually argue that if they are given more resources, especially personnel, they will be able to protect communities against crime. This is a myth.

    This does not mean we don’t need police – we do. If there were no police, crime rates would soar. The issue here is diminishing marginal returns (we’re at the level where more funding doesn’t have the same effect).

    But it means the spending review debate had little to do with crime prevention. Rather, it was about how senior staff in public services routinely seek more for their departments. And following the spending review, police chiefs gave themselves an escape clause by claiming the increase is insufficient.

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    In recent years, we’ve learned problem-solving policing can reduce some crimes in some contexts. For example, burglary at construction sites can often be theft of building materials and tools, so the crime problem can be reduced through improved site management (rather than just more arrests).

    However, problem-solving is not easy and so is not widely applied. Simply patrolling hotspots does not affect the crime opportunity structure (factors that tempt, facilitate or precipitate a particular cluster of crimes).

    Additionally, all types of crime, except homicide, are more likely to recur, and relatively soon, after prior victimisation. And while policing to prevent repeat victimisation can reduce crime, it has fallen by the wayside in recent years.

    A recent review by crime scientist Shannon Linning and colleagues examined the effect of more police hiring and more arrests on crime, concluding: “When a sensational crime happens, residents demand action. Often someone will cry for more police and more arrests … neither approach is likely to be helpful.”

    This makes it rather awkward that the government has recently committed to recruiting 13,000 additional neighbourhood police.

    Since most people don’t know the limitations of policing, both the government and the police have been able to maintain the illusion that more police means less crime. Academic police researchers will rarely admit it in case it risks their funding, and the media enjoy a perennially newsworthy topic. Taxpayers foot the bill as well as the emotional, financial and other costs of crime.

    How to stop crime

    There is, however, some room for optimism. What we have learned from the long-term international crime drop and dozens of small-scale successes against different crime types is that reducing crime opportunities is the best approach. With some strategic adjustment, there is much that police and government can do.

    A particular focus for the government and police should be encouraging businesses to take more responsibility for crime. Knife manufacturers and retailers should be involved in introducing a ban on pointed kitchen knives, the most common homicide weapon in England and Wales. The gradual approach over many years that research (in which I was involved) recommended is too long: it should be done within this government’s term.

    A lot of other crimes, including computer-enabled crimes, are generated, facilitated or hosted by businesses. Internet service providers and network providers benefit from advertising and payments, including when they are being used for crime (from stalking and sexual victimisation to fraud and terrorism).

    Manufacturers benefit from theft of phones and other products that need replacing. Online marketplaces profit from usage and advertising when stolen goods are sold, which inadvertently encourages shoplifting, theft and robbery. Online banking and financial services also host significant amounts of fraud, and are now sometimes required to pay up to £85,000 compensation to victims.



    Read more:
    Child sexual exploitation and abuse is a multibillion-dollar industry – new report shows who benefits

    Government and police should develop a portfolio of incentives and disincentives to promote private sector crime prevention, to include regulation and market-based incentives. When businesses have an economic incentive they are tremendously efficient at preventing crime, as car manufacturers showed by improving security that brought 90% reductions in car crime.

    Reducing crime opportunities is also the best way to stop criminality. When young people do not get involved in easy crimes like shoplifting, they do not progress to further crime, including violence against women and girls.

    In short, extra police funding will not reduce crime. A shift in strategy is what is really needed.

    Graham Farrell receives funding from the Economic and Social Research Council.

    – ref. Police in England and Wales to get more money – but increasing funding won’t necessarily mean less crime – https://theconversation.com/police-in-england-and-wales-to-get-more-money-but-increasing-funding-wont-necessarily-mean-less-crime-258977

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump breaks from western allies at G7 summit as US weighs joining Iran strikes

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex

    Working alongside western democratic allies has not been a natural fit for Donald Trump. The US president left the recently concluded G7 summit in Canada early, with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron assuming this was to work on addressing the most severe escalation between Iran and Israel in decades.

    But Trump offered little communication with other G7 members, which include Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the UK, of what his plans were. He said he had to leave the summit “for obvious reasons”, though failed to elaborate on what he meant.

    After exiting the summit, he lambasted Macron on social media. Trump wrote: “Wrong! He has no idea why I am now on my way to Washington, but it certainly has nothing to do with a Cease Fire”. Trump continued by saying his exit was due to something “much bigger than that”, adding: “Emmanuel always gets it wrong.”

    This has prompted discussion over whether US forces may join Israel’s strikes on Iran. Despite initially distancing the US from the Israeli attacks, Trump said on June 17: “We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran.”

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    He has since demanded Tehran’s “unconditional surrender”, while also issuing a chilling threat to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing him as an “easy target”.

    The pressure campaign employed by Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to convince Trump that the time is right for a military assault on Iran seems to be working.

    Exploiting Trump’s impulsive nature, Netanyahu may soon be able to convince Trump to give Israel what it needs to destroy Iran’s underground uranium enrichment sites: a 30,000-pound “bunker buster” bomb and a B-2 bomber to carry it.

    The US’s western allies have been left scrambling to interpret Trump’s social media posts and figure out the real reason he left the G7 summit early.

    The only aircraft capable of carrying ‘bunker-buster’ bombs is the B-2.
    Mariusz Lopusiewicz / Shutterstock

    This wasn’t the first time that Trump has left a G7 forum early. In 2018, the last time such a meeting was held in Canada, Trump also left early after Macron and the then Canadian prime minister, Justin Trudeau, promised to confront Trump over the imposition of tariffs on US allies.

    The latest G7 summit also wasn’t the first time Trump has treated traditional US allies with suspicion. Trump has cast doubt on US willingness to defend Nato allies if they don’t pay more for their own defence. He has repeatedly threatened to leave the alliance and has frequently denigrated it – even calling alliance members “delinquent”.

    Trump thinks the US gains an advantage by abandoning relationships with “free riders”. But experts have made clear alienating allies makes the US weaker. While the alliance system has given the US unprecedented influence over the foreign policies of US allies in the past, Trump’s pressure to increase their defence spending will make them more independent from the US in the long-term.

    Trump seems to prefer a world guided by short-term self-interest at the expense of long-term collective security. Indeed, with an “America first” agenda, multilateral cooperation is not Trump’s strong suit. With the G7, Trump is yet again making clear that he does not fit in, nor does he want to.

    Because the G7 is small and relatively homogenous in membership, meetings between members are supposed to promote collective and decisive decision-making. However, even the task of coming up with a joint statement on the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel proved challenging.

    Trump eventually joined other leaders in calling for deescalation in the Middle East, and the G7 was in agreement that Iran cannot acquire nuclear weapons. But Trump’s social media activity since then has left US allies in the dark over what role the US might play in the conflict.

    Trump also alarmed G7 members with calls for Russia to return to the forum. He claimed that the war in Ukraine would not have happened had Moscow not been ejected from the former G8 grouping in 2014.

    Then, on his way out of the summit, Trump bragged to reporters that Russia’s leader, Vladimir Putin, “doesn’t speak to anybody else” but him. Trump added that Putin was insulted when Russia was thrown out of the G8, “as I would be, as you would be, as anybody would be”.

    Following weeks of frustration over Russia’s refusal to engage in serious peace talks about ending the war in Ukraine, Trump seems to have returned to being Putin’s most loyal advocate.

    Hostility toward multilateralism

    During Trump’s first term, he pushed multilateralism to the brink. But he did not completely disengage. The US withdrew from the Paris climate accords, the nuclear deal with Iran, negotiations for a trade deal with Pacific nations, and imposed sanctions against officials of the International Criminal Court.

    However, when multilateral initiatives served Trump’s short-term objectives, he was willing to get on board. A trade deal struck with Canada and Mexico that Trump described as “the most important” ever agreed by the US. He said the deal would bring thousands of jobs back to North America.

    The second Trump administration has been even more hostile to multilateralism. Not only has the trade deal with Canada and Mexico been undermined by Trump’s love of tariffs, his administration has been more antagonistic toward almost all of the US’s traditional allies. In fact, most of Trump’s ire is reserved for democracies not autocracies.

    In contrast to the G7, where he clearly felt out of place, Trump was in his element during his May trip to the Middle East. Trump has a more natural connection to the leaders of the Gulf who do not have to adhere to democratic norms and human rights, and where deals can get done immediately.

    Trump left the Middle East revelling in all of the billion dollar deals he made, which he exaggerated were worth US$2 trillion (£1.5 trillion). The G7, on the other hand, doesn’t offer much to Trump. He sees it as more of a nuisance.

    The G7 forum is supposed to reassure the public that the most powerful countries in the world are united in their commitment to stability. But Trump’s antics are undermining the credibility of that message. It is these antics that risk dragging the west into a dangerous confrontation with Iran.

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

    – ref. Trump breaks from western allies at G7 summit as US weighs joining Iran strikes – https://theconversation.com/trump-breaks-from-western-allies-at-g7-summit-as-us-weighs-joining-iran-strikes-259214

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: About 70,000 people have been evacuated in Huaiji County in southern China due to flooding caused by heavy rains.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    GUANGZHOU, June 18 (Xinhua) — As of Wednesday afternoon, continuous heavy rains had affected about 300,000 residents in Huaiji County, Zhaoqing City, south China’s Guangdong Province, including about 70,000 people who had been evacuated to safer areas, local authorities said.

    Heavy rains caused by Typhoon Wutip, the first typhoon of the year, along with the influence of a trough and the monsoon season, have hit the region since June 14. By 7:05 a.m. on Wednesday, the water level at the Huaiji hydrological station had reached 55.22 meters, exceeding the danger mark by 5.22 meters.

    The natural disaster affected 19 volosts and villages in the county, where dams, roads and arable lands were damaged. A total of 15 people were injured, but none of them are in life-threatening condition.

    Currently, more than 10 thousand rescuers and over 500 units of emergency rescue equipment have been mobilized.

    At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Huaiji’s flood emergency response was raised to Level 1, the highest level. Schools, work, manufacturing, transportation and business activities were suspended across the county. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese authorities issue directive to transform Shanghai into international financial center

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) — The transformation of east China’s Shanghai into an international financial center befitting China’s comprehensive strength and global influence will be basically completed within the next five to 10 years, according to a newly issued guideline.

    As noted in the policy document on supporting Shanghai’s accelerated development into an international financial center issued by the Central Financial Commission, the adaptability, competitiveness and inclusiveness of the city’s modern financial system are expected to be significantly enhanced, and its functions as a hub of financial openness will be greatly strengthened.

    The document states that in order to achieve these goals, it is planned to actively develop the Shanghai financial market. The scientific and technological innovation platform on the Shanghai Stock Exchange will play a more significant and inclusive role in promoting “hard technologies”. In addition, support will be provided to the Shanghai Futures Exchange in its transformation into a world-class exchange.

    According to the directive, Shanghai will take measures to attract a wide range of legal entities, branches of both Chinese and foreign large financial institutions, as well as licensed specialized organizations. The city will promote the formation and attraction of stable and effectively regulated financial holding companies, and encourage the placement of international financial organizations on its territory.

    By forming an advanced international financial infrastructure system, the metropolis will intensify the development of the cross-border payment and settlement system in yuan. Shanghai will consistently expand the institutional openness of the financial sector and achieve full compliance with high-standard international trade and economic rules.

    In addition, Shanghai will develop green finance standards in line with international practices and actively participate in international cooperation in this field. According to the directive, efforts will also be made to ensure financial security in an open environment using technologies such as blockchain, big data and artificial intelligence.

    To implement the directive, the State Financial Supervision Administration of China and the Shanghai People’s Government have issued an action plan that includes a series of measures to enhance the city’s competitiveness and influence as an international financial center. These measures cover areas such as streamlining financial services, expanding institutional openness, and strengthening financial regulation. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA investigation into prohibited devices leads to charges against residents of Laval and Saint-Eustache

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Montreal, Quebec, June 18, 2025 – Scott Shein, 51, a resident of Laval, and John Papadimitriou, 52, a resident of Saint-Eustache, will appear in court on June 19, 2025, at the Laval courthouse to face 17 criminal charges. These charges were laid as part of a criminal investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) into the illegal importation of a prohibited weapon and prohibited devices.

    The CBSA investigation followed the interception of packages by Canada Border Services officers in April 2024 at the CBSA International Mail Processing Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. The investigation identified two individuals in Canada involved in importing a prohibited weapon and devices from the United States. Search warrants executed at the residences of the two accused on June 6, 2024, resulted in the seizure of additional evidence, including several weapons.

    Scott Shein and John Papadimitriou are both charged with importing prohibited devices under subsection 159(1) of the Customs Act and paragraph 104(1)(a) of the Criminal Code, as well as conspiracy under subsection 465(1) of the Criminal Code.

    Scott Shein faces three additional charges related to the importation and possession of prohibited weapons:

    • one count under subsection 159(1) of the Customs Act for smuggling goods into Canada;
    • one count under paragraph 104(1)(a) of the Criminal Code, for importing a prohibited weapon into Canada; and
    • one count under subsection 91(2) of the Criminal Code, for possession of prohibited weapons.

    John Papadimitriou faces the following charges:

    • one count under paragraph 108(1)(b) of the Criminal Code for possessing a restricted firearm with an obliterated serial number;
    • one count under subsection 99(1) of the Criminal Code for manufacturing a restricted firearm;
    • three counts under subsection 102.1(1) of the Criminal Code for possessing computer data for the purpose of printing firearms using a 3D printer;
    • one count under subsection 91(1) of the Criminal Code for being in possession of five restricted or prohibited firearms without authorization;
    • one count under subsection 86(1) of the Criminal Code for improperly storing 14 firearms;
    • two counts under subsection 91(2) of the Criminal Code for possessing 15 prohibited weapons and 14 prohibited devices; and
    • one count under section 155 of the Customs Act for possession of four illegally imported prohibited devices.

    A file concerning these offences was referred to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada, and charges were laid on June 2, 2025. These charges are subject to validation by the court.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden calls for renewed investment in American shipyards at Boston Ship Repair

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    BOSTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) joined other members of Congress and the International Association of Machinists (IAM) Tuesday at Boston Ship Repair to call for the revitalization of America’s shipbuilding industry. 

    Golden, a member of the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) was joined by fellow committee member Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-02) at the invitation of Congressman Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08). The trio of lawmakers met with management from Boston Ship Repair and Machinists who work at the shipyard.

    “America needs strong shipyards. On the defense front, we are lagging in the production of American warships necessary to meet current and future force needs. We also lack the commercial vessels we need to compete in the global economy,” Rep. Golden said. “The reality is simple: If we aren’t giving work to the men and women who power America’s shipyards, they will find new jobs and we will fall further behind. Congress needs to keep up demand for warships to sustain the world’s greatest Navy and we need to pass the SHIPS Act to strengthen our shipyards, our commercial fleet and our supply chains. Our future demands it.”

    Currently, about 80 U.S.-flagged ships are engaged in international commerce compared to over 5,500 China-flagged vessels. China recently overtook the U.S. in Navy fleet size.

    During HASC hearings last week, Golden questioned the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of Defense (video) about the potential lapse in destroyer procurement in the FY26 Presidential budget request, and the risk it posed to Bath Iron Works, Maine’s shipbuilders, and the national defense. 

    The group has backed the U.S. Trade Representative penalties on Chinese ships and steps to incentivize the production and purchase of U.S.-built vessels. They are also championing the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, which would rebuild the U.S. shipyard base and invest in recruitment and training of shipyard workers and mariners. The coalition is highlighting the need to efficiently utilize and grow domestic shipbuilding and repair capacity to increase the workforce at Boston Ship Repair and across the country.  

    “Our shipbuilding and ship-repair industries have a tremendous impact on our national security and our ability to maintain freedom of navigation for all nations,” said Rep. Lynch. “Today we are facing a critical shortage among our U.S. shipbuilding and repair capacity, and we are falling behind in production and upkeep of both our commercial and naval vessels. We must continue to make substantial federal investments in our shipyards and ship-repair facilities in order to maintain our position in the world. I am grateful to my congressional colleagues, U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney and Jared Golden for traveling to Boston Ship Repair in South Boston today to join me to show support for our shipbuilding and ship-repair industry. My thanks as well to International Machinists Union VP David Sullivan, BSR owner Jon Cronin, CEO Ed Snyder, and IAM Local President Andre Lavertue and all the union members of the IAM for their continued support of our regional ship-repair industry.”

    “Revitalizing American shipbuilding is critical to our national and economic security. It’s a bipartisan goal in Washington, and we need to use all of our available shipyard capacity to get the job done if we’re going to deliver on it,” said Rep. Courtney. “We must provide American shipyards and shipbuilders, like Boston Ship Repair, with the demand they need to make investments in their future and the future of our domestic shipbuilding industry.”

    “American national and economic security depends on urgent and long overdue investments in our shipbuilding and repair industry,” said IAM Union Eastern Territory General Vice President David Sullivan. “That’s why the IAM Union has led the way toward tougher trade rules on China, much-needed investments in U.S. shipyard workers, and a strong call for the efficient use of our existing shipyards, like Boston Ship Repair. We’re incredibly grateful for our champions in this fight, including Congressmen Lynch, Courtney and Golden.”

    “We’ve invested in Boston Ship Repair because we believe in its potential—not just as a business, but as a critical national asset,” said Boston Ship Repair Owner Jon Cronin. “With a highly skilled union workforce, proven infrastructure, and the experience to deliver, BSR stands ready to be part of the solution to America’s shipyard capacity crisis. But we can’t do it alone. Without consistent work and federal investment, this vital facility — and the hundreds of jobs it sustains — are at risk. We’re calling on Congress and the Navy to recognize BSR not just as a shipyard, but as a strategic pillar of the defense industrial base. With immediate support, we can expand our capacity, modernize our infrastructure, and begin reducing the Navy’s repair backlog today — while preserving American maritime strength for generations to come.”

    Boston Ship Repair is one of the largest docks on the Eastern and Gulf Coasts and can handle vessels up to 1,000 feet with a 105-foot beam. It provides vessel maintenance, repair, overhaul and conversion services for domestic, international and government customers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Safety of New Zealanders in Middle East paramount

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The safety of New Zealanders in the Middle East is a pressing priority for the Government, Foreign Minister Winston Peters says. 

     “We do not want New Zealanders in harm’s way,” Mr Peters says. 

    “While we face very serious practical constraints of a conflict zone and closed airspace, we will continue to do all we can to help,” Mr Peters says.

     “The New Zealand Government’s long-standing advice for New Zealanders has been ‘do not travel’ to Iran and the events we’re facing there now are exactly why that advice has been in place.

     “We continue to urge New Zealanders in Israel and Iran to leave if they can safely do so, and to shelter in place if they cannot,” Mr Peters says. 

     “The New Zealand Government is exploring options for evacuating New Zealanders once it is safe to do so. But the fact remains, though, that air space reopening could be weeks away and so New Zealanders should be doing everything they can to leave now if they can find a safe route.

     “We know consular partners are considering evacuation flights once air space opens again. As is always the case, we are in close coordination with Australia, and in discussions with them and others about their plans and how we can assist each other. 

     “MFAT has also approached airlines in the region to seek information on possible commercial options once air space reopens. 

     “In the meantime, MFAT has provided advice to registered New Zealanders on overland border exits and will continue to do so in the coming days.”

     Overnight, New Zealand’s Embassy in Tehran was temporarily closed, with two staff and their family members evacuated by land to Azerbaijan.

     “An opportunity arose overnight to get our Embassy staff out of Iran, as part of a convoy alongside government officials from other countries,” Mr Peters says. 

    “The New Zealand Government has a duty of care to its staff posted overseas, so we did the responsible thing to get them out of harm’s way.

     “If and when opportunities arise to assist the departure of other New Zealanders in Iran and Israel, we will pursue them with urgency.

      “Any New Zealanders still in Iran should leave overland as soon as possible if they consider it safe to do so.”

     Those in need of urgent consular assistance should contact MFAT’s 24/7 Consular Emergency Call Centre (+64 99 20 20 20). The Ministry is continuing to provide support through the New Zealand Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye and the temporary deployment of a consular team to Azerbaijan. 

     A decision on the future of the New Zealand Embassy in Iran will be made at a later date. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, law enforcement partners arrest more than 80 illegal aliens during worksite enforcement operation at Louisiana racetrack

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LAKE CHARLES, La. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the U.S. Border Patrol, the Louisiana State Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI arrested approximately 84 illegal aliens June 17 during a worksite enforcement operation at the Delta Downs Racetrack in Calcasieu Parish, near Vinton, Louisiana.

    The operation focused on the businesses that own and race thoroughbred and quarter horses out of the stables at the racetrack and the employees who work for them and take care of the horses.

    All of the aliens taken into custody during the operation were processed for administrative immigration violations and transported to the Lake Charles Border Patrol Station in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

    An investigation into potential criminal conduct related to the hiring of the illegal aliens remains ongoing and an assessment of whether any civil penalties are appropriate is being conducted.

    Authorities continue to process the aliens, but at least two criminal aliens have been identified. ICE arrested Enrique Gonzalez Moreno, a 36-year-old criminal alien from Mexico who has illegally entered the U.S. four times. While in the U.S. illegally, Gonzalez has been convicted twice for driving under the influence, and once for cocaine possession and illegal reentry. ICE also arrested a 40-year-old illegal alien from Mexico who has been arrested for criminal conspiracy, aggravated battery with a dangerous weapon, sexual battery, and video voyeurism. ICE is working to verify the disposition of those criminal charges and will provide additional details once in-processing is complete.

    “ICE Homeland Security Investigations is working closely with our federal and state partners to review each case of unauthorized employment at the racetrack to identify any other criminal activities that were taking place in addition labor exploitation and immigration violations,” said ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “Oftentimes, when we’re conducting these worksite enforcement operations, we uncover other forms of criminal conduct such as document and benefit fraud, money laundering and human trafficking. As a result, we’re able to bolster public safety in the local community by eliminating that criminal activity and removing any dangerous criminal aliens, transnational gang members or other egregious immigration offenders who illegally entered the country and are working at the business without authorization.”

    The operation was conducted after authorities received intelligence indicating that the businesses operating out of the stables at the racetrack were employing unauthorized workers. Those suspicions were further confirmed during a subsequent site visit.

    “These enforcement operations aim to disrupt illegal employment networks that threaten the integrity of our labor systems, put American jobs at risk and create pathways for exploitation within critical sectors of our economy,” said U.S. Custom and Border Protection Director of Field Operations New Orleans Steven Stavinoha. “CBP New Orleans is assisting ICE with multiple operations across the country to safeguard public safety, national security and economic stability. Along the Gulf Coast, CBP remains committed to facilitating legitimate trade and travel while maintaining a strong enforcement environment.”

    “We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our local, state, and federal partners in operations like this one with the common goal to remove criminal threats from every community across the State of Louisiana,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office.

    The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires employers to verify the identity and work eligibility of all individuals they hire and sets forth criminal and civil sanctions for employment-related violations. Employers are required to document information on those that they hire using the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. ICE HSI uses a comprehensive inspection program to promote compliance with the law and deter illegal employment and illegal immigration.

    The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and Lake Charles Police Department also assisted with the operation.

    For more news and information on how ICE HSI combats illegal immigration and other transnational criminal activity in Louisiana follow us on X at @HSINewOrleans.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Legislation considered under suspension of the Rules of the House of Representatives during the week of June 23, 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announces bills that will be considered under suspension of the rules in that chamber. Under suspension, floor debate is limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, points of order against the bill are waived, and final passage requires a two-thirds majority vote.

    At the request of the Majority Leader and the House Committee on the Budget, CBO estimates the effects of those bills on direct spending and revenues. CBO has limited time to review the legislation before consideration. Although it is possible in most cases to determine whether the legislation would affect direct spending or revenues, time may be insufficient to estimate the magnitude of those effects. If CBO has prepared estimates for similar or identical legislation, a more detailed assessment of budgetary effects, including effects on spending subject to appropriation, may be included.

    CBO’s estimates of the bills that have been posted for possible consideration under suspension of the rules during the week of June 23, 2025, include:

    • H.R. 260, No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act, as amended
    • H.R. 910, Taiwan Non-Discrimination Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 1082, Shandra Eisenga Human Cell and Tissue Product Safety Act
    • H.R. 1190, Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act, as amended
    • H.R. 1520, Charlotte Woodward Organ Transplant Discrimination Prevention Act
    • H.R. 1664, Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 1679, Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2025
    • H.R. 1713, Agricultural Risk Review Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 1737, To direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria
    • H.R. 1767, Awning Safety Act of 2025
    • H.R. 1998, Sanction Sea Pirates Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 2225, Access to Small Business Investor Capital Act, as amended
    • H.R. 2269, WIPPES Act
    • H.R. 2481, Romance Scam Prevention Act
    • H.R. 2808, Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, as amended
    • H.R. 3301, ELEVATE Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 3352, HALOS Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 3381, Encouraging Public Offerings Act of 2025, as amended
    • H.R. 3394, Fair Investment Opportunities for Professional Experts Act, as amended
    • H.R. 3422, Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act, as amended
    • H. Res. __, Condemning the attacks on Minnesota lawmakers in Brooklyn Park and Champlin, Minnesota, and calling for unity and the rejection of political violence in Minnesota and across the United States

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Colorado Dentist Sentenced for Tax Evasion

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    A Colorado dentist was sentenced yesterday to 41 months in prison for tax evasion related to his use of an illegal tax shelter.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: since 2014, Ryan Ulibarri owned and operated Ulibarri Family Dentistry in Fort Collins, Colorado. In 2016, Ulibarri purchased an abusive-trust tax shelter for $50,000. The tax shelter involved concealing income and creating false tax deductions through the use of a so-called business trust, family trust, charitable trust and a private family foundation, all of which Ulibarri created and controlled. From 2016 through 2023, Ulibarri used this tax shelter to conceal from the IRS over $5 million in income he earned from his dental practice and evade more than $1.6 million in federal and state income taxes owed on that income.

    To set up the tax shelter, Ulibarri signed trust instruments that named him as trustee of the three trusts and foundation, and he opened bank accounts in the name of each entity. He further recruited friends to falsely sign his trust instruments as the purported creators of the trusts to make it seem as if Ulibarri himself was not the real creator. Ulibarri then transferred majority ownership of his dental practice to his business trust. He did this despite having been warned by attorneys and CPAs that, in Colorado, a trust could not own a dental practice.

    Ulibarri then transferred over $5 million in income he earned from his dental practice into the bank accounts of the various trusts and foundation to create the illusion that the funds belonged to those entities, not him. In reality, Ulibarri retained complete control over those funds and used the funds to pay for personal expenses including his home mortgage, credit card bills, boats, luxury vacations, and professional baseball season tickets. Ulibarri also filed false tax returns for himself, his dental practice, the trusts, and his foundation that falsely reported the income he earned from his dental practice as income of the trusts. On those tax returns, Ulibarri also claimed fraudulent deductions for his personal living expenses which he disguised as trust expenses and charitable donations.  

    In total, Ulibarri caused a tax loss to the United States of $1.6 million.

    In addition to the term of imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Nina Y. Wang ordered Ulibarri to serve 3 years of supervised release, to pay a $150,000 fine and to pay $1,449,121 in restitution to the IRS and $166,966 in restitution to the Colorado Department of Revenue.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and Special Agent in Charge Amanda Prestegard of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Denver Field Office made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation investigated the case.

    Trial Attorneys Amanda R. Scott and Lauren K. Pope and Assistant Chief Andrew J. Kameros of the Tax Division prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, Bicameral Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Let Every American Choose Medicare

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 17, 2025

    WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, joined Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and U.S. Representatives Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.-34) and Donald Beyer (D-Va.-08) in leading a group of bicameral colleagues in reintroducing the?Choose Medicare Act. This revolutionary proposal opens Medicare to all Americans with a new ‘Part E’ and builds on the system we have today by allowing Medicare to compete with private health insurance.

    “Instead of shielding big insurance companies from competition, we should give Americans the option to choose Medicare’s high-quality, low-cost coverage if it’s right for them and their families,” said Murphy. “While Republicans spike the cost of living and cut health care for millions of Americans, we’ll keep fighting to expand access and affordability.”

    “I’m proud to support the Choose Medicare Act which expands access to Medicare, making quality and affordable health care more attainable for all Americans,” said Blumenthal. “Every day, Americans across the country must choose between critical health care and other basic necessities. Our health care system needs updating and upgrading so that it works for everyone – not just giant private health insurers.”

    “In the richest country in the world, no person should have to worry about whether they’ll be able to afford care if they become sick or get into an accident.?At a time when?proposed cuts?from Republicans?threaten the health and financial security of millions, it’s more important than ever to expand access to high-quality, affordable?health?care,”?said Merkley.?“The?Choose Medicare Act?does just that by allowing every American to buy into Medicare, protecting and expanding this effective, popular system, and?putting consumers and businesses in the driver’s seat on the road to universal health care.”

    “I got pneumonia when I was seven years old, and my family almost went bankrupt because we were uninsured. Today too many families are still one medical emergency away from financial crisis,” said Gomez. “Our bicameral legislation lets every American opt into Medicare — which is affordable, effective, and trusted — and we’re going to keep fighting until everyone has access to the care they need.

    The Choose Medicare Act is co-sponsored by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Dick Durbin (D-IL), and Representatives Jared Huffman (D-CA-02), LaMonica McIver (D-NJ-10), and Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC-AL). The bill is supported by Families USA, MoveOn, American Federation of Teachers, the Center for Medicare Advocacy, and the Center for Health and Democracy.

    “Now, more than ever, millions of people are grappling with skyrocketing health care costs and rising concerns that they won’t be able to access affordable health insurance and the care they need to keep their families healthy. Lawmakers should be doing all they can to ensure people across the country have more options for affordable health care, not less. The Choose Medicare Act is an important effort that creates a new pathway to make Medicare accessible to more consumers and employers, and makes important improvements to the current program like coverage of all reproductive health and essential health benefits,” said Jane Sheehan, Deputy Senior Director of Government Relations for Families USA.

    “The Choose Medicare Act would improve the existing Medicare program by creating a critically needed out-of-pocket cap in traditional Medicare,” said David Lipschutz, Co-Director of the Center for Medicare Advocacy. “The bill would also enable people currently not yet eligible for Medicare to enjoy the benefits of traditional Medicare, without the restrictions of limited provider networks found in many Medicare Advantage plans.”

    “Big Insurance’s monopoly control over health care in this country has led to higher health care costs and a growing medical debt crisis, all while making health care unaffordable and inaccessible to a majority of Americans. It is a system designed to put profits over patients. This bill is a vital step towards breaking Big Insurance’s strangle hold over health care in this country and will open up the most successful health care program in our country’s history, Medicare, to even more people. I applaud Senator Merkley for introducing it,” said Wendell Potter, President, Center for Health and Democracy.

    Medicare ‘Part E’ aims to be self-sustaining and fully paid for by premiums. Plans would be offered on all state and federal exchanges, giving people the ability to use existing Affordable Care Act?subsidies to help cover their premiums. Additionally, employers could choose to select Medicare ‘Part E’ rather than private insurance to provide affordable and reliable health care to their employees.

    The?Choose Medicare Act

    Increases Access, Competition, and Choice ?

    1.      Opens Medicare to employers of all sizes and allows them to purchase high-quality, affordable health care for their employees without requiring replacement of employment-based health insurance.?

    2.      Addresses the discrepancy between consumer protections in the individual and group markets by extending the ACA’s rating requirements to all markets, to end discrimination based on pre-existing conditions once and for all.?

    ?

    Provides Comprehensive Coverage

    1.      Includes the ACA’s 10 essential health benefits and all items and services covered by Medicare.

    2.      Provides high-quality, gold-level coverage and cost-sharing.??

    3.      Ensures coverage for a wide range of reproductive services, including abortion.

    ?

    Improves Affordability

    1.      Establishes an out-of-pocket maximum in traditional Medicare.

    2.      Increases the generosity of premium tax credits and extends eligibility to all earners.??

    3.      Directs Medicare to negotiate fair prices for prescription drugs by incorporating in the program the drug price negotiation section of the Inflation Reduction Act.?

    4.      Drives down private insurance premiums through competition from Medicare by allowing the HHS Secretary to block excessive private insurance rates.?

    5.      Extends traditional Medicare protections on balance billing or surprise bills to ‘Part E’ plans.

    ?

    Full text of the bill is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Kaine Host “The Big Beautiful Betrayal—Working Folks Pay While the Mega-Rich Profit” Spotlight Forum

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy

    June 18, 2025

    WASHINGTON–U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.), both members of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, on Tuesday hosted “The Big Beautiful Betrayal—Working Folks Pay While The Mega Rich Profit,” a spotlight forum to highlight how President Donald Trump and Republicans’ tax bill would make major spending cuts to Medicaid, SNAP, and other vital programs that families across the country rely on in order to pay for a massive tax cut for the ultra-wealthy. The forum featured individuals who could be affected by the tax bill’s massive cuts to government programs and subject-matter experts.

    Murphy emphasized the Republican tax bill will disproportionately harm working class Americans, while directly benefiting the top 1%: “Why this bill feels like a betrayal is because, as written, it makes life infinitely harder for the very people that we are supposed to be fighting hardest for: the people who are working every day, playing by the rules, often dealing with traumas and difficult life circumstances… Upwards of 40% of all American households, if this bill is implemented, will be poorer – poorer – because of it, while the very rich and the very affluent will be much richer. The very richest families in this country will get an average $270,000 tax cut because of this bill.”

    Murphy stressed that tens of thousands of Americans will die due to the Republican tax bill’s cuts to Medicaid: “When you’re talking about almost $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts, when you’re talking about throwing upwards of 16 million people off of their health care, you are talking about life and death stakes. This isn’t just about impacting the quality of someone’s life. This is about ending people’s lives. One research estimate is that 42,000 lives could be lost each year because of the disenrollments in [Medicaid] and the marketplace coverage.”

    Murphy additionally highlighted that rural communities will be among those hardest hit by the Republican tax bill: “Up to 340 rural hospitals could close. 33 hospitals in Louisiana could close, 35 hospitals in Kentucky could close, 40% of the rural hospital capacity in Alaska could disappear if this bill is passed. So even if you keep your coverage, even if you are lucky enough not to be one of the people that are thrown off their care, your life could be impacted because your ability to get your loved one to an emergency room when you need it could disappear.” 

    Murphy concluded: “This is bad policy, but it’s fundamentally immoral. It’s a moral abomination. And what we know is that we have power, that this bill has not passed, it has not been signed by the president. And until it has passed and until it is on the way to the White House, then we need to use every bit of leverage that we have to try to stop something that is this deeply unethical and immoral, contrary to the very best traditions of this country, from becoming law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA extends condolences following plane accident in India

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA extends condolences following plane accident in India

    • Date：2025-06-12
    • Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    June 12, 2025
    No. 205

    On June 12, Air India flight 171 crashed shortly after taking off from the airport in Ahmedabad in western India. On behalf of the people and government of Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) promptly conveyed condolences to the India-Taipei Association and instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center (TECC) in India to also express sympathies to India’s Ministry of External Affairs. 

    In addition, TECC in India and TECC in Mumbai, after contacting relevant Indian agencies, have so far determined that no Taiwanese nationals were on the accident flight. MOFA and its missions in India will continue to closely follow developments, maintain contact with Indian agencies, and provide necessary assistance in a timely manner.

    Taiwanese nationals visiting India who require emergency assistance may call the hotlines of TECC in India (+91-9810642658), TECC in Mumbai (+91-8850842243), or TECC in Chennai (+91-9600099511). They may also ask friends or family in Taiwan to call the MOFA emergency hotline (0800-085-095). (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to joint statement by leaders of Japan and Finland emphasizing importance of Taiwan Strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to joint statement by leaders of Japan and Finland emphasizing importance of Taiwan Strait peace and stability

    • Date：2025-06-12
    • Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

    June 12, 2025

    Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Finnish President Alexander Stubb met in Tokyo on June 11. In a joint statement, they said that Japan and Finland strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the South and East China Seas by force or coercion, emphasized the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait as an indispensable element in the security and prosperity of the international community, and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.

    This is the first time that the leaders of Japan and Finland have expressed their high concern for Taiwan Strait peace in a joint statement. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung welcomes this concrete action by Japan and Finland to support peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and appreciates Japan and other like-minded nations continuing to call the international community’s attention to the Taiwan Strait situation during international gatherings, including the US-Japan leaders’ summit in February, the meeting between Prime Minister Ishiba and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in April, and Japan’s summit meetings with Latvia and Guatemala in May. This shows the high degree of consensus and common interest that the international community has for maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.

    The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hopes that democracies around the world will continue to take preventative action and countermeasures to stop the expansion of authoritarianism from posing a threat to regional peace and stability and challenging the rules-based global democratic order. Taiwan will uphold the ideals of integrated diplomacy as it continues to deepen cooperation with friends and allies, jointly advancing peace, stability, and prosperity throughout the Indo-Pacific region and around the globe.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA announces one-year extension of trial visa-free entry for nationals of New Southbound Policy partner countries Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025 to July 31, 2026

    • Date：2025-06-14
    • Data Source：Bureau of Consular Affairs

    June 14, 2025

    In line with efforts to promote the New Southbound Policy (NSP), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) convened a meeting on April 16 with relevant government agencies on further improving visa measures for nationals of NSP partner countries traveling to Taiwan. The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of existing visa and entry measures, focusing on the trial visa-free entry program for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines; the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries; and conditional visa-free entry through the Online Application for R.O.C. (Taiwan) Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme for nationals of Southeast Asian countries.

    After evaluating the effectiveness of the above measures over the past years, participating agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry program for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026. In addition, the Project for Simplifying Visa Regulations for High-end Group Tourists from Southeast Asian Countries will be extended for a further year through December 31, 2026, and the conditional visa-free entry through the TAC scheme will remain in place.

    MOFA will continue to review and fine-tune visa policies, with a view to strengthening bilateral relations and attracting more visitors while ensuring border and public security. MOFA will also continue to communicate with the governments of related countries to enhance visa treatment for Taiwan nationals and make their overseas travel more convenient.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin presents Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to former French Senator Gattolin

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin presents Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to former French Senator Gattolin

    • Date：2025-06-16
    • Data Source：Department of European Affairs

    June 16, 2025  

    No. 211  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung presented the Friendship Medal of Diplomacy to former French Senator André Gattolin at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) on the morning of June 16 in recognition of his long-standing efforts to promote Taiwan-France relations and his staunch support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations.

     

    In his speech, Minister Lin stated that Mr. Gattolin had long been a good friend of Taiwan in the French Senate, sparing no effort to speak up for Taiwan over the years. He pointed out that during the COVID-19 outbreak of 2020, Mr. Gattolin had taken the lead in bringing together a total of 110 members from both chambers of the French Parliament to sign an open letter calling for Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization, helping Taiwan gain widespread recognition in France and paving the way for the first passage of resolutions supportive of Taiwan in 2021 by both chambers. 

     

    He also mentioned that Mr. Gattolin had worked with French parliamentarians friendly to Taiwan to facilitate the adoption of the seven-year Military Programming Law in 2023, reiterating France’s continued defense of freedom of navigation in the Taiwan Strait. He added that during Mr. Gattolin’s tenure as French cochair of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in 2020, he had enthusiastically encouraged French parliamentarians to participate in various IPAC initiatives. On behalf of MOFA, Minister Lin extended sincere appreciation to Mr. Gattolin for having actively deepened Taiwan-France relations and expressed hope that he would continue to leverage his influence to further this bilateral friendship.

     

    Mr. Gattolin said in his remarks that the honor of receiving the medal was not only a recognition of him personally but also a commendation of the French Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group. He observed that the French Parliament’s support for Taiwan had continued to expand, noting that the Senate’s Taiwan Friendship Group had grown to over 60 members and that they continued to exhort the French government to attach greater importance to Taiwan. He stated that he was profoundly pleased to have been able to facilitate the training of Taiwan’s Olympic and Paralympic teams in his electoral district of Levallois-Perret last year. And as current vice chair of the IPAC Alumni Council, Mr. Gattolin affirmed that he continued to pay close attention to the situation across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.

     

    Deputy Director of the French Office in Taipei Cléa Le Cardeur, former Minister of Taiwan’s Council for Cultural Affairs Tchen Yu-chiou, and Chair of the Egret Cultural and Educational Foundation Lu Chia-hui attended the award ceremony and offered their congratulations. The atmosphere was heartfelt and earnest. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Alternating lane closures on LaSalle Causeway

    Source: Government of Canada News

    For immediate release

    Kingston, Ontario, June 18, 2025 – Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists of intermittent alternating lane closures on the LaSalle Causeway to continue with carrying out modifications to the bridge structure during the following periods:

    • Thursday, June 19, from 12 to 3 pm, and from 7 to 10 pm  

    During these periods, single-lane closures may be encountered. Motorists can expect short delays.

    Pedestrians will have access to the sidewalk.

    Please obey all signage and instructions given by flag persons on site.

    PSPC encourages users to exercise caution when travelling on the bridge and thanks them for their patience.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Xia Baolong arrives in HK

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong arrived in Hong Kong this evening.

    Mr Xia will attend the 5th Anniversary of Promulgation & Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Forum organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government on June 21. He will also take the opportunity to inspect the latest economic and social developments of Hong Kong.

    Upon arrival in Hong Kong, Mr Xia went to Government House to meet Chief Executive John Lee and heads of the executive authorities, the legislature and the judiciary, and had exchanges with senior officials of the Hong Kong SAR Government.

    Mr Lee expressed gratitude to Mr Xia for his continued concern and support for Hong Kong. He also extended his warmest welcome to Mr Xia on his visit to Hong Kong for the forum and inspection.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law ends Shanghai visit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law today visited the Shanghai Museum on People’s Square and a CPC memorial hall, met Shanghai Administration of Sports Director Xu Bin, and attended the WestK Shanghai Week 2025 opening ceremony and dinner.

    At the Shanghai Museum on People’s Square, Miss Law was given a guided tour of the exhibition, “On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt”, and met Shanghai Museum Deputy Director Huang He who shared his experiences in developing and designing creative products.

    At a working lunch with Mr Xu, Miss Law shared Hong Kong’s progress and achievements in promoting sports development.

    Miss Law hoped through today’s exchange to learn from Shanghai’s experiences in hosting the same events and further improve the preparatory work for the 15th National Games, and the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities & the 9th National Special Olympic Games.

    In the afternoon, she visited the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China and met the memorial’s Party Committee Secretary and Director Xue Feng.

    Noting that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is setting up a museum on the country’s developments and achievements, and preparing shows related to the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Anti-Japanese War, Miss Law said she intended to seek guidance through the visit.

    In the evening, the culture chief attended the WestK Shanghai Week 2025 opening ceremony and dinner.

    Addressing the event, she said the WestK Shanghai Week, kick-started today by the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (WKCDA), is the first time a series of exhibitions and performing arts programmes and cultural exchange activities have been brought outside Hong Kong.

    This is not only an important milestone of the Hong Kong SAR Government driving top-notch arts, cultural and creative programmes to go global, but also attracts local and overseas visitors to Hong Kong, she added.

    In the morning, Miss Law visited the “WestK x MANNER” limited-edition art collaboration themed store, jointly rolled out by the WKCDA and Shanghai’s beloved coffee brand MANNER COFFEE.

    On Tuesday, upon arrival, she had a working lunch with representatives of the Shanghai Shendi Group management to exchange information on the latest tourism situation in Shanghai and Hong Kong as well as toured the Shanghai Disney Resort to learn about its operation and development.

    Miss Law returned to Hong Kong this evening.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE worksite enforcement operation uncovers widespread identity theft affecting more than 100 victims across the nation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    OMAHA, Neb. — A recent worksite enforcement operation led by U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement revealed massive identity theft impacting unsuspecting U.S. citizens whose personal information was used by illegal aliens to gain unlawful employment at Glenn Valley Foods.

    The ICE-led multiagency investigation uncovered approximately 70 illegal aliens who were using stolen Social Security numbers and identities to unlawfully obtain wages, health benefits and employment authorization, leaving more than 100 real victims to face devastating financial, emotional and legal consequences.

    “There have been individuals who have gone on the record recently referring to the identity thieves we arrested last week as ‘good, hardworking, and honest,’” said Mark Zito, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City, which covers Omaha. “These so-called honest workers have caused an immeasurable amount of financial and emotional hardship for innocent Americans. If pretending to be someone you aren’t in order to steal their lives isn’t blatant, criminal dishonesty, I don’t know what is.”

    Some examples of the impact of these stolen identities include:

    • A healthcare provider was forced to deny medically necessary prescriptions to a victim in Pennsylvania after his identity was stolen. It was later determined that someone used the victim’s name and Social Security number to illegally gain employment and healthcare benefits based on fraudulent employment at Glenn Valley Foods.
    • A disabled victim in Texas, who was unable to work, struggled to get their Social Security disability payments because an illegal alien was fraudulently using their identity and earning wages at Glenn Valley Foods.
    • The IRS requested a victim in Colorado to repay more than $5,000 after their income was falsely increased due to an illegal alien stealing their identity and using it to work at Glenn Valley Foods.
    • A full-time nursing student from Missouri lost their college tuition assistance because it was fraudulently reported that they earned too much money. The investigation revealed that an illegal alien at Glenn Valley Foods was using their Social Security number for employment. The same victim was also unable to renew their Missouri driver’s license, until HSI contacted the Department of Motor Vehicles on their behalf, because the alien who stole her identity has multiple unpaid traffic violations.
    • A victim in California has been working for nearly 15 years to regain their identity and fix the financial damage done by an illegal alien who was working at Glenn Valley Foods.

    “The criminals who stole these identities didn’t just break the law, they upended lives,” concluded Zito. “These victims aren’t faceless statistics; they’re real people who are being denied healthcare and have lost educational opportunities.”

    The investigation is ongoing.

    Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.

    To schedule an interview please contact Public Affairs Officer Tanya Roman at Tanya.Roman@hsi.dhs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE worksite enforcement operation uncovers widespread identity theft affecting more than 100 victims across the nation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    OMAHA, Neb. — A recent worksite enforcement operation led by U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement revealed massive identity theft impacting unsuspecting U.S. citizens whose personal information was used by illegal aliens to gain unlawful employment at Glenn Valley Foods.

    The ICE-led multiagency investigation uncovered approximately 70 illegal aliens who were using stolen Social Security numbers and identities to unlawfully obtain wages, health benefits and employment authorization, leaving more than 100 real victims to face devastating financial, emotional and legal consequences.

    “There have been individuals who have gone on the record recently referring to the identity thieves we arrested last week as ‘good, hardworking, and honest,’” said Mark Zito, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations Kansas City, which covers Omaha. “These so-called honest workers have caused an immeasurable amount of financial and emotional hardship for innocent Americans. If pretending to be someone you aren’t in order to steal their lives isn’t blatant, criminal dishonesty, I don’t know what is.”

    Some examples of the impact of these stolen identities include:

    • A healthcare provider was forced to deny medically necessary prescriptions to a victim in Pennsylvania after his identity was stolen. It was later determined that someone used the victim’s name and Social Security number to illegally gain employment and healthcare benefits based on fraudulent employment at Glenn Valley Foods.
    • A disabled victim in Texas, who was unable to work, struggled to get their Social Security disability payments because an illegal alien was fraudulently using their identity and earning wages at Glenn Valley Foods.
    • The IRS requested a victim in Colorado to repay more than $5,000 after their income was falsely increased due to an illegal alien stealing their identity and using it to work at Glenn Valley Foods.
    • A full-time nursing student from Missouri lost their college tuition assistance because it was fraudulently reported that they earned too much money. The investigation revealed that an illegal alien at Glenn Valley Foods was using their Social Security number for employment. The same victim was also unable to renew their Missouri driver’s license, until HSI contacted the Department of Motor Vehicles on their behalf, because the alien who stole her identity has multiple unpaid traffic violations.
    • A victim in California has been working for nearly 15 years to regain their identity and fix the financial damage done by an illegal alien who was working at Glenn Valley Foods.

    “The criminals who stole these identities didn’t just break the law, they upended lives,” concluded Zito. “These victims aren’t faceless statistics; they’re real people who are being denied healthcare and have lost educational opportunities.”

    The investigation is ongoing.

    Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.

    To schedule an interview please contact Public Affairs Officer Tanya Roman at Tanya.Roman@hsi.dhs.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 1397, International Quantum Research Exchange Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 1397 would require the Department of State to promote international research in quantum information science, a field that uses subatomic particles to store, carry, and process data. Under the bill, the department would award grants to institutions of higher education and scientist exchange programs focused on quantum information science. The bill also would direct the department to report to the Congress on the effectiveness of those efforts.

    S. 1397 would authorize the appropriation of $20 million for the department to support quantum research. Under the bill, the authority to conduct such research activities would terminate 10 years after enactment. CBO expects that the department would spend $2 million annually during the authorized term of the program. Thus, subject to the appropriation of the specified amounts, implementing S. 1397 would cost $10 million over the 2025-2030 period and $20 million over the 2025-2035 period, CBO estimates.

    The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 150 (international affairs).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under S. 1397
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		  
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2025-2030

    Authorization

    0

    20

    0

    0

    0

    0

    20

    Estimated Outlays

    0

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    10

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aldo Prosperi. The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 1397, International Quantum Research Exchange Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 1397 would require the Department of State to promote international research in quantum information science, a field that uses subatomic particles to store, carry, and process data. Under the bill, the department would award grants to institutions of higher education and scientist exchange programs focused on quantum information science. The bill also would direct the department to report to the Congress on the effectiveness of those efforts.

    S. 1397 would authorize the appropriation of $20 million for the department to support quantum research. Under the bill, the authority to conduct such research activities would terminate 10 years after enactment. CBO expects that the department would spend $2 million annually during the authorized term of the program. Thus, subject to the appropriation of the specified amounts, implementing S. 1397 would cost $10 million over the 2025-2030 period and $20 million over the 2025-2035 period, CBO estimates.

    The costs of the legislation, detailed in Table 1, fall within budget function 150 (international affairs).

    Table 1.

    Estimated Increases in Spending Subject to Appropriation Under S. 1397
     

    By Fiscal Year, Millions of Dollars

    		  
     

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    2025-2030

    Authorization

    0

    20

    0

    0

    0

    0

    20

    Estimated Outlays

    0

    2

    2

    2

    2

    2

    10

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Aldo Prosperi. The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Launches PATH NC – Statewide Child Welfare Information System to Support Better Outcomes for Children and Families

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Launches PATH NC – Statewide Child Welfare Information System to Support Better Outcomes for Children and Families

    NCDHHS Launches PATH NC – Statewide Child Welfare Information System to Support Better Outcomes for Children and Families
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    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced the launch of PATH NC (Partnership and Technology Hub for North Carolina), a new statewide information system that marks a major step forward in modernizing the administration of child welfare services. PATH NC equips child welfare staff with real-time data and decision-making tools to better protect children and to improve outcomes for children and families across the state.

    Until now, North Carolina’s 100 county departments of social services, who administer child welfare services, have operated with a patchwork of independent data systems – nearly half of counties are still largely reliant on manual processes and paper records for child welfare operations. PATH NC will bring all 100 counties together for the first time into a unified system.

    “PATH NC is more than a technology upgrade – it’s an investment in North Carolina’s children and families,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “By providing social services staff with better tools, clearer data and integrated support, we are laying the foundation for a safer, more responsive child welfare system that delivers better, more consistent results – no matter where you live.”

    NCDHHS’ goal for PATH NC was not merely to create a system that collects information, but also to improve child welfare practice through evidence-based tools and actionable insights for the workforce. While developing the new system, the department worked in close collaboration with county leaders to fully redesign the state’s Structured Decision-Making (SDM) tools. Nationally certified by Evident Change for accuracy and consistent results, the new SDM tools within PATH NC help frontline staff better identify and assess risk and safety concerns when responding to reports of child abuse or neglect.

    Over the last five years, NCDHHS has worked hand-in-hand with North Carolina’s county departments of social services to plan, develop and test both PATH NC and the SDM tools. The department’s projected total investment for the new system’s design, development, training and implementation is approximately $65 million. An early review of cases supported by PATH NC and the new SDM tools shows promising results – county intake decisions are consistently aligned with state policies and best practice in child protective services.

    “We’ve built PATH NC from the ground up in collaboration with county leaders to ensure it meets the current, real-world needs of North Carolina’s child welfare social workers,” said NCDHHS Deputy Secretary for Opportunity and Well-Being Michael Leighs. “It’s designed to improve the everyday experience of staff while making it easier to track, report and respond to what’s happening in real time. PATH NC is a critical part of our work to transform the child welfare system and improve the lives of children and families in North Carolina.”

    The new system aligns with NCDHHS’ broader efforts to strengthen system oversight and modernize service delivery. Key features of PATH NC include:

    • Mobile-Friendly Design – The system supports documentation from the field, including some offline functionality, so that staff can update case records while conducting assessments, facilitating family visits, attending court and more.
    • Decision-Making Tools – PATH NC’s new certified SDM tools provide built-in risk and safety assessments, dashboards and real-time alerts for county staff and supervisors.
    • Advanced Capabilities – The system features global search functionality, comprehensive data analytics and dashboards. The platform also has the capability to add automated policy support functions and dedicated portals for providers and families in the future.
    • Comprehensive Case Management – Fully implemented, PATH NC will include modules for intake, assessment, in-home services, foster care, adoption, financials, licensing and eligibility all together in one system.
    • Data Accessibility – Once all counties have transitioned to PATH NC, staff will be able to access statewide data, including a family’s full history with child welfare services, regardless of whether they move or transfer to a different county.
    • Integrated Systems – PATH NC is designed to interface with other child-serving systems such as NC Medicaid, the NC Department of Public Instruction and other partner agencies in the future, which will streamline information sharing and reduce administrative burden across the system.

    The statewide rollout of PATH NC began June 2, 2025, with an initial cohort of 15 counties using the system to support child welfare intakes and assessments. Over the next eight months, all remaining counties will transition to PATH NC for intake and assessment. Implementation for ongoing case management modules will begin in early 2026 and is anticipated to be completed in summer 2026. This phased rollout allows NCDHHS to provide targeted training and individualized support as each cohort of counties prepares to transition to PATH NC. The department will continue to update and improve the system based on user feedback throughout the implementation process.

    “PATH NC is going to be a game changer for the state, and we’re excited to be among the first counties leading the way,” said Christa Smith, Director of Forsyth County DSS. “The system gives our staff the right tools to make timely, informed decisions, and it gives our supervisors the data they need to identify trends and improve practice. We look forward to seeing everything PATH NC will do for us and our DSS partners across the state.”

    PATH NC is a critical step forward in NCDHHS’ ongoing effort to transform child welfare in North Carolina through systemic change, increased access to services, better data and stronger alignment among state and county systems. By streamlining documentation processes and providing real-time access to child welfare data for users across the system, PATH NC offers more opportunity for state and county staff to pinpoint trends or challenges in child welfare practice and address them sooner – ultimately leading to a stronger system and better outcomes for children and families.

    To learn more about ongoing initiatives to transform child welfare services in North Carolina, read NCDHHS’ Transforming Child Welfare in North Carolina: A Unified Vision for Children and Families. 

    Click here for NCDHHS B-roll footage of PATH NC for intake and assessments.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy el lanzamiento del centro de colaboración y tecnología PATH NC (Partnership and Technology Hub for North Carolina), un nuevo sistema de información estatal que marca un importante paso adelante en la modernización de la administración de los servicios de bienestar infantil. PATH NC equipa al personal de bienestar infantil con datos en tiempo real y herramientas de toma de decisiones para proteger mejor a los niños y mejorar los resultados para los niños y las familias en todo el estado.

    Hasta ahora, los 100 departamentos de servicios sociales del condado de Carolina del Norte que administran los servicios de bienestar infantil han operado con una mezcla de sistemas de datos independientes: casi la mitad de los condados todavía dependen en gran medida de procesos manuales y registros en papel para las operaciones de bienestar infantil. PATH NC reunirá a los 100 condados por primera vez en un sistema unificado.

    “PATH NC es más que una actualización tecnológica: es una inversión en los niños y las familias de Carolina del Norte”, dijo el secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte, Dev Sangvai. “Al proporcionar al personal de servicios sociales mejores herramientas, datos más claros y apoyo integrado, estamos sentando las bases para un sistema de bienestar infantil más seguro y receptivo que ofrece resultados mejores y más consistentes, sin importar dónde viva”.

    El objetivo del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés) para PATH NC no era simplemente crear un sistema que recopile información, sino también mejorar la práctica de bienestar infantil a través de herramientas basadas en evidencia e información procesable para la fuerza laboral. Mientras desarrollaba el nuevo sistema, el departamento trabajó en estrecha colaboración con los líderes del condado para rediseñar completamente las herramientas de toma de decisiones estructuradas del estado (Structured Decision-Making, o SDM, por sus siglas en inglés). Las nuevas herramientas de SDM dentro de PATH NC están certificadas a nivel nacional por Evident Change por su precisión y resultados consistentes y ayudan al personal de primera línea a identificar y evaluar mejor los riesgos y las preocupaciones de seguridad al responder a los reportes de abuso o negligencia infantil.

    Durante los últimos cinco años, el NCDHHS ha trabajado mano a mano con los departamentos de servicios sociales del condado de Carolina del Norte para planificar, desarrollar y probar tanto PATH NC como las herramientas de SDM. La inversión total proyectada del departamento para el diseño, desarrollo, capacitación e implementación del nuevo sistema es de aproximadamente $ 65 millones. Una revisión temprana de los casos respaldados por PATH NC y las nuevas herramientas de SDM muestra resultados prometedores: las decisiones de admisión del condado están alineadas consistentemente con las políticas estatales y las mejores prácticas en los servicios de protección infantil.

    “Hemos construido PATH NC desde cero en colaboración con los líderes del condado para garantizar que satisfaga las necesidades actuales y reales de los trabajadores sociales de bienestar infantil de Carolina del Norte”, dijo Michael Leighs, subsecretario de Oportunidades y Bienestar del NCDHHS. “Está diseñado para mejorar la experiencia diaria del personal al tiempo que facilita el seguimiento, la presentación de informes y la respuesta a lo que está sucediendo en tiempo real. PATH NC es una parte fundamental de nuestro trabajo para transformar el sistema de bienestar infantil y mejorar las vidas de los niños y las familias en Carolina del Norte “.

    El nuevo sistema se alinea con los esfuerzos más amplios del NCDHHS para fortalecer la supervisión del sistema y modernizar la prestación de servicios. Las características clave de PATH NC incluyen:

    • Diseño compatible con dispositivos móviles: el sistema admite documentación desde el campo, incluidas algunas funciones fuera de línea, para que el personal pueda actualizar los registros de casos mientras realiza evaluaciones, facilita visitas familiares, asiste a la corte y más.
    • Herramientas de toma de decisiones: Las nuevas herramientas certificadas de SDM de PATH NC proporcionan evaluaciones integradas de riesgos y seguridad, tableros y alertas en tiempo real para el personal y los supervisores del condado.
    • Capacidades avanzadas: el sistema cuenta con funcionalidad de búsqueda global, análisis de datos completos y tableros. La plataforma también tiene la capacidad de agregar funciones automatizadas de apoyo de políticas y portales dedicados para proveedores y familias en el futuro.
    • Gestión integral de casos: Completamente implementado, PATH NC incluirá módulos para admisión, evaluación, servicios en el hogar, cuidado de crianza, adopción, finanzas, licencias y elegibilidad, todo en un solo sistema.
    • Acceso a datos: Una vez que todos los condados hayan hecho la transición a PATH NC, el personal podrá acceder a los datos de todo el estado, incluido el historial completo de una familia con los servicios de bienestar infantil, independientemente de si se mudan o se transfieren a un condado diferente.
    • Sistemas integrados: PATH NC está diseñado para interactuar con otros sistemas de servicio infantil como NC Medicaid, el Departamento de Instrucción Pública de Carolina del Norte y otras agencias asociadas en el futuro, lo que agilizará el intercambio de información y reducirá la carga administrativa en todo el sistema.

    El despliegue estatal de PATH NC comenzó el 2 de junio de 2025, con un conjunto inicial de 15 condados que utilizan el sistema para apoyar las admisiones y evaluaciones de bienestar infantil. Durante los próximos ocho meses, todos los condados restantes harán la transición a PATH NC para admisiones y evaluaciones. La implementación de los módulos de gestión de casos en curso comenzará a principios de 2026 y se espera que se complete en el verano de 2026. Esta implementación gradual permite al NCDHHS proporcionar capacitación específica y apoyo individualizado a medida que cada conjunto de condados se prepara para la transición a PATH NC. El departamento continuará actualizando y mejorando el sistema en función de los comentarios de los usuarios durante todo el proceso de implementación.

    “PATH NC va a cambiar las reglas del juego para el estado, y estamos entusiasmados de estar entre los primeros condados que lideran el camino”, dijo Christa Smith, directora del Departamento de Servicios Sociales del condado de Forsyth. “El sistema brinda a nuestro personal las herramientas adecuadas para tomar decisiones oportunas e informadas, y brinda a nuestros supervisores los datos que necesitan para identificar tendencias y mejorar la práctica. Esperamos ver todo lo que PATH NC hará por nosotros y nuestros socios del Departamento de Servicios Sociales en todo el estado “.

    PATH NC es un paso crítico en el esfuerzo continuo del NCDHHS para transformar el bienestar infantil en Carolina del Norte a través de un cambio sistémico, un mayor acceso a los servicios, mejores datos y una mayor alineación entre los sistemas estatales y del condado. Al agilizar los procesos de documentación y proporcionar acceso en tiempo real a los datos de bienestar infantil para los usuarios de todo el sistema, PATH NC ofrece más oportunidades para que el personal estatal y del condado identifique tendencias o desafíos en la práctica de bienestar infantil y los aborde antes, lo que en última instancia conduce a un sistema más sólido y mejores resultados para los niños y las familias.

    Para obtener más información sobre las iniciativas en curso para transformar los servicios de bienestar infantil en Carolina del Norte, lea Transforming Child Welfare in North Carolina: A Unified Vision for Children and Families del NCDHHS. 

    Haga clic aquí para ver el video adicional del NCDHHS de PATH NC para la admisión y las evaluaciones.

    Jun 18, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson declares victory in Supreme Court ruling upholding Tennessee’s law banning child gender-transitionsRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson today applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Tennessee’s law banning gender-transition procedures for minors, marking a major victory for common sense, parental rights, and the protection of vulnerable children.

    “This is a win for sanity and for the safety of our kids,” said Attorney General Wilson. “From the start, my office stood with Tennessee, filing legal briefs, attending the Supreme Court hearing, and defending the rights of states to keep kids safe from being the left’s guinea pigs for dangerous, experimental, and irreversible medical procedures disguised as healthcare.

    I was proud to personally stand on the steps of the Supreme Court during oral arguments and declare what so many Americans know to be true: children are not political pawns, and states have both the right and the responsibility to protect them.

    In South Carolina, we backed this fight every step of the way. We joined multi-state legal briefs defending Tennessee’s law in federal court, supported Florida’s similar legislation, and proudly pushed for our own ‘Help Not Harm’ law to shield minors from experimental and irreversible medical procedures.

    Today’s decision affirms what we’ve long argued that there is no constitutional right to subject children to life-altering, experimental medical interventions. The Court has made clear: states do not have to surrender to radical gender ideology. We will continue to stand up for parents, for biological reality, and for the truth.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Wilson responds to the ruling in the Colucci murder caseRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    “Yesterday, in a court hearing regarding the case against Michael Colucci, Judge Roger Young quashed the indictment without prejudice, which means the State can reevaluate the case and remedy any issues addressed by the court’s order before another trial. 

     

    We respect the decision of the court and note that Judge Young did not find intentional misconduct by prosecutors from the Attorney General’s office.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 06/18/2025 VIDEO: Blackburn Scorches World Anti-Doping Agency for Refusing to Investigate Chinese Swimmers for Doping

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chair of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy led a hearing to hold the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accountable following the organization’s refusal to investigate Chinese swimmers testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs before the Tokyo Olympics.
    Senator Blackburn asked former Olympic swimmer Katie McLaughlin about the bombshell reporting that revealed top Chinese swimmers tested positive for a banned drug and then went on to win Olympic Gold medals ahead of American athletes. Senator Blackburn also spoke with Travis Tygart, Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, on why it is completely implausible that Chinese Olympic swimmers were unwittingly contaminated.

    Click here to download video of Senator Blackburn’s remarks during the Senate Commerce Subcommittee hearing.
    On Chinese Doping Scandal’s Impact on Olympic Athletes:
    Blackburn: “Miss McLaughlin, I want to come to you first. Talk to me a minute about how it made you feel when you read the New York Times expose, and you felt like it was confirmed to you that you had been beat because somebody was a cheater, and here you were putting your heart and soul into your training, and you get to that moment to get that medal, and it’s not there because somebody cheated you out of it.”
    McLaughlin: “Yeah, thank you for your question. It was devastating, honestly. I remember getting the call from USADA letting me know that the New York Times article was going to break, and I was just so taken aback and heartbroken, and I think I spent a lot of my career trusting in the powers that be, and it was really sad to find out that that’s not someone who could be trusted, meaning WADA. I think a lot of my teammates and I were just pretty let down, and I think, you know, at the end of the day, all I can control was myself and my own race, and my teammates could only control their part of the race, so that’s something to kind of hold on to. But I think, just pretty devastating, heartbreaking all around, but thank you.”
    On Why It Is Completely Implausible That Chinese Swimmers Were Unwittingly Contaminated
    Blackburn: “Mr. Tygart, as we’ve mentioned before, as soon as the allegations came to light, I got a letter out to WADA demanding to know why they felt like they could ignore this doping, and their answer back to me was insufficient, and of course, they blame everyone but themselves, which is not a surprise to us. And they even said that there was no basis to challenge that contamination and that the source was TMZ. And so there you go. We find out, of course, that they have lied about this, and I know you’ve reviewed their response. I want you to just talk for a minute about why it is completely implausible that the Chinese swimmers were unwittingly contaminated.”
    Tygart: “WADA did no investigation, just blindly accepted the factual scenario that was provided by the Chinese. And in fact, months before these positive tests showed up on their desk, they had interviewed a defector, a whistleblower from China, who had indicated to them that TMZ was being given in a systemic fashion to athletes, but yet, WADA leaders never brought in their independent investigative unit. They have a 16 person, very experienced investigative unit. They were not involved at all with investigating the facts of this case. TMZ is a prescription medication in some countries, it does not just show up in the kitchen. It’s unbelievable to think that, you know, Tinker Bell showed up and sprinkled it within the kitchen…”
    RELATED

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 06/12/2025 Blackburn, Booker, Boozman, Rosen, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Female Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Susan Collins (R-Maine) introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate June 12, 2025, as “Women Veterans Appreciation Day” to honor the women who have served in the Armed Forces both on and off the battlefield throughout American history. June 12 marks the signing of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948:

    “From the women who disguised themselves to fight in the American Revolution and Civil War to the Hello Girls of World War I to today’s brave female service members, women have always answered the call to defend our nation,” said Senator Blackburn. “Millions of female veterans have served our country throughout its history, and Women Veterans Appreciation Day honors their courage, sacrifice, and vital contributions to our military.”

    “Since the Revolutionary War, women have proudly served in our armed forces with skill, sacrifice, and a deep commitment to defending the pillars of our nation’s democracy,” said Senator Booker. “By designating June 12 as Women Veterans Appreciation Day, we honor the over three million women who have served valiantly in our armed forces. This recognition is long overdue, and we as a country are forever indebted to these women for their bravery.” 

    “Our nation can be proud to honor and recognize the invaluable contributions and achievements of our women in uniform,” said Senator Boozman. “The Natural State is home to 19,000 female veterans who have served with valor, dedication and courage and I am proud to join my colleagues to celebrate their vital efforts as well as champion policies that ensure they receive the care and benefits they’ve earned.”

    “Women in Nevada and across the nation have served our country selflessly as members of our military, and we are forever grateful for their heroism and sacrifice,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan resolution to honor women veterans and the incredibly important role they’ve played in defending our nation. I will always work to advocate for all our nation’s veterans.”

    “On Women Veterans Appreciation Day, we honor the millions of American women whose service has strengthened both our military and our nation,” said Senator Collins. “As we prepare to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States Army, it is fitting that we recognize the vital contributions that women have made throughout the history of America’s armed forces. Over the years, their roles have expanded from support positions to senior leadership, and at every step, women have answered the call of duty, serving with courage, skill, and distinction.”

    Click here for resolution text.

    RELATED

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Introduces Legislation To End Food Deserts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference to reintroduce her Healthy Food Financing Initiative Reauthorization Act, legislation to help end food deserts. Food deserts are areas where a significant portion of residents don’t have easy access to a grocery store and affordable, nutritious food. Instead, they are forced to rely on corner and convenience stores, which often sell little to no fresh produce, meat or dairy and whose prices are higher than those of a typical supermarket. 

    Gillibrand’s legislation would provide $50 million annually in mandatory federal funding for the Healthy Food Financing Initiative (HFFI). HFFI is a USDA program that offers loans and grants to incentivize grocery stores to establish locations in areas where residents lack easy access to fresh food retailers.

    “An easily accessible grocery store is a basic necessity, but hundreds of communities across our state don’t have consistent access to one,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That means residents have to travel miles outside their neighborhood just to buy staple groceries, a trip that can take hours on foot or by public transit for those without access to a car. It’s unacceptable. This legislation would provide $50 million each year to a federal program that incentivizes grocers to open new locations or expand existing ones to bring fresh food to areas that need it. It is a commonsense bill that would help communities across our country, and I look forward to working to get it passed.” 

    A map of food deserts across New York State is available here.

    In New York State, HFFI has provided financial or technical assistance to 4 fresh food retailers in Troy, Rochester, Buffalo, and Brooklyn, as well as dozens more nationwide. A full list of recipients is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –