NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment

    Governor Stein Announces District Attorney Appointment
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced the following District Attorney appointment:

    Matthew T. Wareham as District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 4, serving Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties. Wareham is filling the vacancy created after the Honorable Scott Thomas retired.

    • Wareham currently serves as the Chief Assistant District Attorney in Prosecutorial District 4. From 2017 to 2024, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in the same office. He also served for almost three years as an Assistant District Attorney in Alamance County. Wareham received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from East Carolina University and his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

    “Matt has spent his entire career in public service, serving as a prosecutor for more than a decade in Alamance, Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico counties,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I look forward to seeing all he accomplishes in his new role.” 

    Jul 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses

    NCDHHS Urges Caution Outdoors Amid Record High Heat-Related Illnesses
    jawerner

    As summer temperatures continue to soar, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is urging caution when spending time outdoors or in areas that are not air conditioned. Halfway through the summer season, from May 1 to July 12, 2025, NCDHHS has documented more than 3,300 emergency department visits for heat-related illness, the highest number in the last five years. In comparison, there was an average of 1,675 heat-related illness emergency department visits in the same time period in 2020 to 2024.

    “We are seeing more people coming to emergency departments across the state with heat-related illnesses this summer,” said Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist. “Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, but some groups are at higher risk, including outdoor workers, infants and children, older adults, pregnant people, athletes, low-income individuals and people with underlying health conditions.”

    Recognizing the symptoms of heat illness is key to preventing serious complications, including death. Some signs and symptoms include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, racing or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, and nausea or vomiting.

    To help prevent heat-related illness, the NCDHHS Heat Health Alert System sends out heat alerts when the forecast is projected to reach unhealthy levels. From May 1 to July 18 of this year, more than 900 county-level alerts were distributed in English and Spanish across the state. Visit the NCDHHS Climate and Health webpage to sign up for heat alerts. 

    NCDHHS also recommends the following tips to stay safe in hot weather:

    • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid or reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
    • Limit time outside: Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day if possible. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning.
    • Seek air conditioning: If you don’t have air conditioning and it’s hotter than 95 degrees, go to a public building where it’s cooler.
    • Stay informed: Sign up for NCDHHS heat alerts and stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can safely plan outdoor activities.

    The NCDHHS Division of Public Health continues to provide reports and outreach to minimize extreme heat impacts. In addition to the Heat-Related Illness Surveillance System and Heat Health Alert System, the NCDHHS Climate and Health Team provides other services to prevent heat-related illness, including:

    • Providing 1,300 high-velocity cooling fans to farmworkers across the state and to partners in the sandhills region;
    • Creating training for doctors and care teams to treat and prevent heat-related illnesses in farmworkers in collaboration with the NCDHHS Office of Rural Health;
    • Distributing educational materials to populations at risk of extreme heat exposure, including water bottles, cooling towels and hats that include guidance on heat prevention strategies; and
    • Supporting the NC Department of Environmental Quality in planning and leading the Extreme Heat Cohort Program for local governments and partners to develop a heat action plan.

    A medida que las temperaturas del verano continúan aumentando, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte urge en tener precaución al pasar tiempo al aire libre o en áreas que no tienen aire acondicionado. A mitad de la temporada de verano, entre el 1 de mayo al 12 de julio de 2025, el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte (NCDHHS, por sus siglas en inglés), ha documentado más de 3,300 visitas al departamento de emergencias debido a enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, siendo el número más alto en los últimos cinco años. En comparación, hubo un promedio de 1,675 visitas al departamento de emergencia por enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en el mismo período de 2020 a 2024.

    “Estamos viendo a más personas acudiendo a los departamentos de emergencias en todo el estado con enfermedades relacionadas con el calor este verano”, dijo el Dr. Zack Moore, epidemiólogo estatal de NCDHHS. “Las enfermedades relacionadas con el calor pueden afectar a cualquier persona, independientemente de su edad o condición física, pero algunos grupos corren un mayor riesgo, incluso los trabajadores al aire libre, los bebés y los niños, los adultos mayores, las personas embarazadas, los atletas, las personas de bajos ingresos y las personas con afecciones de salud subyacentes”.

    Reconocer los síntomas de la enfermedad por calor es clave para prevenir complicaciones graves, incluso la muerte. Algunos signos y síntomas incluyen sudoración intensa, palidez, calambres musculares, pulso acelerado o débil, mareos, dolor de cabeza, desmayos y náuseas o vómitos.

    Para ayudar a prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor de NCDHHS envía alertas de calor cuando se prevé que el pronóstico del calor alcanzará niveles insalubres. Del 1 de mayo al 18 de julio de este año, se distribuyeron más de 900 alertas a nivel de condado en inglés y español en todo el estado. Visite la página web NCDHHS Clima y Salud para suscribirse a las alertas de calor. 

    NCDHHS también recomienda los siguientes consejos para mantenerse a salvo en climas cálidos:

    • Manténgase hidratado: beba mucha agua durante todo el día y no espere hasta que tenga sed para beber. Evite o reduzca el consumo de alcohol y cafeína.
    • Limite el tiempo al aire libre: evite la actividad al aire libre durante el tiempo más caluroso del día si es posible. Use ropa ligera y suelta y tome descansos frecuentes en la sombra o en el aire acondicionado.
    • Busque aire acondicionado: si no tiene aire acondicionado y la temperatura está más elevada que 95 grados, vaya a un edificio público donde hace más fresco.
    • Manténgase informado: suscríbase a las alertas de calor de NCDHHS y manténgase actualizado sobre los pronósticos meteorológicos locales para que pueda planificar actividades al aire libre de manera segura.

    La División de Salud Pública de NCDHHS continúa proporcionando informes y actividades de alcance para minimizar los impactos del calor extremo. Además del Sistema de Vigilancia de Enfermedades Relacionadas con el Calor y el Sistema de Alerta de Salud por Calor, el Equipo de Clima y Salud de NCDHHS proporciona otros servicios para prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor, incluso:

    • Proporcionando 1,300 ventiladores de alta velocidad a los trabajadores agrícolas en todo el estado y a los colaboradores en la región de Sandhills;
    • Creando capacitación para médicos y equipos de atención para tratar y prevenir enfermedades relacionadas con el calor en trabajadores agrícolas en colaboración con la Oficina de Salud Rural de NCDHHS;
    • Distribuyendo materiales educativos a las poblaciones en riesgo de exposición al calor extremo que incluyen orientación sobre estrategias de prevención para el calor, además botellas de agua, toallas refrescantes y sombreros; y
    • Apoyando al Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Carolina del Norte en la planificación y dirección del Programa cohorte de calor extremo para que los gobiernos locales y los colaboradores desarrollen un plan de acción contra el calor.
    Jul 31, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Defense Contractor and Private Equity Firm Agree to Pay $1.75M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Cybersecurity Violations

    Source: US State of California

    Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, California, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.

    “Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.”

    “Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez for the Eastern District of California. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.”

    “Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”

    “This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.”

    The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information.

    In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

    Note: Read the Settlement here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Advocacy Groups Tell Congress to Pass the DOGE in Spending Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

    WASHINGTON—The Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act, introduced by DOGE Caucus co-chairs Reps. Aaron Bean (FL-04), Blake Moore (UT-01), and Pete Sessions (TX-17), is a landmark bill to crack down on financial fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. With over $160 billion in improper payments at stake, advocacy groups are rallying behind the measure—urging swift action in the House to pass this commonsense reform and restore accountability across the federal government.

    Here’s what they are saying about the DOGE in Spending Act:

    America First Policy Institute President & Chief Executive Officer Greg Sindelar: “The Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act is an extremely critical step towards codifying the policies in President Trump’s Executive Order. Before DOGE, taxpayer dollars have been the subject of waste and abuse. This legislation is as commonsense as it is bipartisan as it brings much-needed accountability by mandating that each agency undergoing review by the Treasury Department will have to report key financial information, thus ensuring fiscal responsibility and ending improper payments.”

    The LIBRE Initiative President Daniel Garza: “It’s crucial that we respect taxpayers’ dollars and help drive down the costs that have led to billions in mismanagement and led to record inflation under the previous administration. Congress and the President must know where taxpayer funds are going to make coherent budgets and to execute the laws properly.” 

    Americans for Prosperity Senior Fellow in Fiscal Policy Kurt Couchman: “Congress and the President need to know where taxpayer funds go to make coherent budgets and to execute the laws properly. The DOGE in Spending Act would shine more light on federal spending so Congress can continue what’s working and change what isn’t.” 

    Council for Citizens Against Government Waste President Tom Schatz: “The Delivering on Government Efficiency in Spending Act will require the Treasury Department to make all federal payments public and searchable. The increased spending transparency will help identify and eliminate waste, fraud, abuse, and mismanagement. There should not be any objections from members of Congress to this commonsense legislation.” 

    Foundation for Government Accountability President and CEO Tarren Bragdon: “Under President Trump’s leadership, the DOGE effort has uncovered an unprecedented level of waste, fraud, and abuse. But there’s one big problem with DOGE’s work: Most of its work can be undone by a future president with the stroke of a pen. To make President Trump’s DOGE reforms permanent, Congress must act. If passed, the DOGE in Spending Act would help prevent future fraudulent and improper payments by providing the Treasury Department with the information needed to end improper payments, stop fraudsters, and protect American taxpayers. At the end of the day, the DOGE in Spending Act is just common sense.” 

    Open the Books CEO John Hart: “Open the Books has previously reported massive instances of wasted money that could have been avoided had federal agencies been in communication with the Do Not Pay system at Treasury. This legislation would mark a major step in curing that, too. The Delivering on Government Efficiency in Spending Act will improve transparency for taxpayers and accountability across federal agencies; it’s a no-brainer for passage.”

    Heritage Action Executive Vice President Ryan Walker: “Heritage Action strongly supports The Delivering on Government Efficiency (DOGE) in Spending Act to implement fiscal accountability within the federal government. Each year the government loses billions in hard-earned taxpayer dollars to fraud. This DOGE-inspired legislation codifies the Trump executive order to ensure U.S. dollars are not improperly spent or lost, that waste is reduced, and we can accurately track federal spending. Heritage Action applauds Republican lawmakers for pushing this Act, and urges Congress to quickly codify this commonsense legislation.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand, Britt Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Protect Seniors From Financial Fraud

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Today, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Aging Committee, and Katie Britt (R-AL) introduced the Guarding Unprotected Aging Retirees from Deception (GUARD) Act to protect seniors from financial frauds and scams.

    The GUARD Act would allow grantees of several existing federal grant programs to use funds to increase resources and personnel specifically to utilize the blockchain for investigating financial fraud. It would also permit federal law enforcement to assist state and local law enforcement with tracing tools for blockchain technology, bolstering their ability to catch fraudsters who use cryptocurrency to facilitate their crimes.

    “Every day, scammers target our seniors, often robbing them of their hard-earned savings and stealing their personal information,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Aging Committee, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating impact these scams have on older Americans and their families. Far too often, local law enforcement agencies lack the resources they need to track down these criminals and hold them accountable. Our GUARD Act would enhance law enforcement capabilities and foster much-needed cooperation between federal and local agencies to combat fraud and bring scammers to justice. I look forward to working with Senator Britt to get this critical legislation across the finish line.”

    “For too long, scammers have preyed upon the elderly, one of our nation’s most vulnerable populations, and stolen life-changing amounts of money from Americans who often live on fixed incomes. To make matters worse, these scammers exploit gaps in state and local law enforcement capabilities that often allow them to escape prosecution,” said Senator Britt. “I’m proud to lead the GUARD Act with Senator Gillibrand to give law enforcement agencies the tools they need to bring these faceless cowards to justice and take meaningful steps to combat financial fraud at large.”

    According to the FBI, seniors lost over $4.8 billion to scammers in 2024, with an average loss of $83,000. Cryptocurrency was used to facilitate the crime in over 30,000 reports of fraud against seniors, resulting in a net loss of about $2.84 billion. “Pig butchering” schemes – when scammers gain victims’ trust, entice them to invest in fake cryptocurrency projects, and then stealthier contributions – have become a growing threat against older adults.

    Blockchain technology has been useful in helping federal law enforcement and national security agencies prevent pig butchering. When targeting their victims, pig butchering scammers can leave a trail of clues on the blockchain after they swap the illegally obtained funds at a crypto exchange platform. This exchange can reveal a Bitcoin address belonging to the scammer, which can then be identifiable by federal and local law enforcement agencies. By increasing the capacity of law enforcement for blockchain investigations, the GUARD Act will help protect seniors from these fraudulent ploys.

    The senators’ legislation is endorsed by AARP. The bill is a Senate companion to H.R.2978, which was introduced by Reps. Zach Nunn (R-IA) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) earlier this year.

    Senator Gillibrand has worked to prevent financial fraud throughout her time in office. As ranking member of the Senate Aging Committee, she has led the fight to protect seniors from frauds and scams, raised awareness about predatory scammers targeting seniors, and demanded answers from those attempting to cut funding for agencies like the CFPB. She has also introduced legislation such as the Stop the Scammers Act, the Senior Financial Empowerment Act, and the DO NOT CALL Act, as well as the SNAP Theft Protection Act, the core of which was passed into law in 2022.

    The full text of the GUARD Act is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amid An Explosion Of Lyme Disease Cases In New York, Gillibrand Calls For Passage Of The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Over 22,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported in New York State in 2023

    Legislation would support research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of tick-borne illnesses

    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a virtual press conference to call for the passage of the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, which would support research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Gillibrand is also fighting to secure over $200 million for research and programs that address Lyme disease, protecting families, communities, and service members across New York.

    “Tick-borne illnesses are a growing threat in New York and across the country, and we must do more to ensure that all Americans are protected,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would help develop better treatments and preventative measures for the thousands of New Yorkers who suffer from tick-borne illnesses and for those who live in high-risk areas. Funding research and programs that address these diseases will also increase our ability to combat them. New Yorkers deserve the freedom to spend time outdoors without worrying about tick-borne illnesses, and I’m committed to getting this crucial legislation across the finish line.”

    Tick-borne illnesses pose a growing threat to public health, and New York reports the highest incidence of Lyme disease in the country. Reported cases of Lyme disease in New York have skyrocketed in recent years, from about 2,200 in 2020 to over 22,000 in 2023. Areas like Suffolk County, Orange County, and Westchester County have some of the highest numbers of cases throughout the state, but cases are also rising in urban areas like New York City.

    Specifically, the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act would:

    1. Require HHS to continue implementing and updating its National Public Health Strategy to Prevent and Control Vector-Borne Diseases in People;
    2. Reauthorize Regional Centers for Excellence in Vector-Borne Diseases for five years; and
    3. Reauthorize Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) grants to state health departments to improve data collection and analysis, support early detection and diagnosis, improve treatment, and raise awareness.

    In addition to the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act, Gillibrand has requested over $200 million in appropriations to support research and programs that address Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. These funding requests include:

    1. $30 million for the Department of Health and Human Services to implement the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act;
    2. $35 million for the CDC to further its work on Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses;
    3. $9 million to support the Department of Defense’s Tick-Borne Disease Research Program; and
    4. $130 million for Lyme disease and tick-borne disease research at the National Institutes of Health.

    The full text of the Kay Hagan Tick Reauthorization Act can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Ensure Fairness for Firearm Small Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and 17 Republican colleagues today introduced the Equal Shot Act. The legislation prohibits the Small Business Administration (SBA) from discriminating against firearm-related businesses.

    “Federal agencies have no authority to deny critical support to small businesses based on ideological bias,” said Risch. “The Equal Shot Actdefends the Second Amendment rights of Idaho’s small business firearm industry and ensures these law-abiding Americans have fair access to resources that will help them thrive.”

    Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), John Kennedy (R-La.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) in introducing the Equal Shot Act.

    The Equal Shot Act was introduced in the House by U.S. Representative Roger Williams (R-Texas), chairman of the House Committee on Small Business.

    “The Equal Shot Act ensures every eligible small business is treated fairly and without political bias,” said Williams. “Under the Biden Administration, firearm-related businesses were targeted and singled out by federal agencies and financial institutions simply because of what they represent. These law-abiding job creators should not be punished for supporting the Second Amendment. I want to thank Senator Risch for his support on this important legislation. Every business on Main Street deserves the same opportunity to succeed.”

    “Under the last administration, the Small Business Administration was caught red-handed adopting discriminatory policies aimed at denying financial assistance to members of the firearm industry that provide the means for Americans to exercise their Second Amendment rights,” said Lawrence G. Keane, National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) Senior Vice President and General Counsel. “The federal government should not be picking winners and losers in a free market based on political ideology. Every lawful business should have an equal shot at success. NSSF is grateful to Senator Risch for his leadership in sponsoring the Equal Shot Act which will ensure the Small Business Administration can never again be weaponized to deny financial assistance to help small businesses in our industry grow and create jobs that are vital to the future of our nation’s economy and the Second Amendment.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Defense Contractor and Private Equity Firm Agree to Pay $1.75M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Cybersecurity Violations

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, California, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.

    “Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.”

    “Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez for the Eastern District of California. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.”

    “Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”

    “This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.”

    The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information.

    In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

    Note: Read the Settlement here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Defense Contractor and Private Equity Firm Agree to Pay $1.75M to Resolve False Claims Act Liability Relating to Voluntary Self-Disclosure of Cybersecurity Violations

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Defense contractor Aero Turbine Inc., of Stockton, California, and private equity company Gallant Capital Partners LLC, of Los Angeles, have agreed to pay $1.75 million to resolve their liability under the False Claims Act for knowingly failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in an Aero Turbine contract with the Department of the Air Force. In connection with the settlement, the United States acknowledged that Aero Turbine and Gallant took significant steps entitling them to credit for cooperating with the government.

    “Government contractors must follow required cybersecurity standards to protect sensitive defense information,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “When defense contractors fail to comply with cybersecurity requirements, they can mitigate the consequences by making timely self-disclosures, cooperating with investigations, and taking prompt remedial measures.”

    “Every defense contractor must provide adequate security to safeguard covered defense information,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez for the Eastern District of California. “We commend Aero Turbine and Gallant for disclosing the issue and promptly cooperating to address it. We encourage others to follow their example of self-reporting to resolve violations.”

    “Protecting the integrity of the Department of Defense (DoD) procurement processes is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Director Kelly Mayo of DCIS. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk of exploitation. DCIS will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”

    “This case serves as a reminder that cybersecurity transcends mission sets. Ensuring companies adhere to robust cybersecurity safeguards is integral to maintaining the Air Force’s operational edge against adversaries,” said Special Agent in Charge Caroline Galinis of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 1. “AFOSI’s Procurement Fraud team, alongside investigative partner agencies and the Department of Justice, played a critical role in protecting U.S. national security interests.”

    The settlement resolves the liability of Aero Turbine and Gallant under the False Claims Act for knowingly submitting or causing others to submit false or fraudulent claims for payment on a Department of the Air Force contract, which were allegedly false or fraudulent because they had not complied with the contract’s cybersecurity requirements. From January 2018 to February 2020, Aero Turbine allegedly failed to implement certain cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171 that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the system or exfiltration of sensitive defense information.

    In addition, from June to July 2019, Aero Turbine and Gallant allegedly failed to control the flow of, and limit unauthorized access to, sensitive defense information by providing a software company based in Egypt with files containing such information, even though the software company and its foreign citizen personnel were not authorized to receive sensitive defense information under the Air Force contract. After learning of the issues, Aero Turbine and Gallant provided the government with multiple written self-disclosures, cooperated with the government’s investigation of the issues, and took prompt remedial action.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, DCIS, AFOSI, and the Air Force Materiel Command Law Office Procurement Fraud Division. The matter was handled by Fraud Section attorneys Robin Overby and Christopher Terranova and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Thiess.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

    Note: Read the Settlement here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mother-Daughter Duo Sentenced in Elder Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A mother and daughter have been sentenced for their involvement in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

    U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Mykia L. Henderson, 32, of Moody, to 87 months in prison, and Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, of Fairfield, to 57 months in prison. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to the plea agreements, between December 2020 and February 2022, Mixon and Henderson were the in-home caretakers for the elderly victim. In their role as caretakers, Henderson and Mixon had access to the victim’s financial information, which they shared with one another and with other members of the conspiracy. The defendants devised a scheme to defraud the victim by using fake and fraudulent accounts they set up through Square, Inc. and Stripe, Inc. Through the scheme, the defendants charged the victim’s credit cards through the Square and Stripe accounts and then deposited the funds into their bank accounts or shared the proceeds with one another. The defendants hid the charges from the victim by including false “descriptions” to prevent their discovery. The defendants also wrote unauthorized checks to themselves that were drawn on the victim’s bank accounts. In total, members of the conspiracy stole nearly $500,000 from the victim.   

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mountain Brook Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage prosecuted the case.

    Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements’ efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mother-Daughter Duo Sentenced in Elder Fraud Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A mother and daughter have been sentenced for their involvement in an elder fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona.

    U.S. District Court Judge Anna M. Manasco sentenced Mykia L. Henderson, 32, of Moody, to 87 months in prison, and Cynthia H. Mixon, 50, of Fairfield, to 57 months in prison. Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    According to the plea agreements, between December 2020 and February 2022, Mixon and Henderson were the in-home caretakers for the elderly victim. In their role as caretakers, Henderson and Mixon had access to the victim’s financial information, which they shared with one another and with other members of the conspiracy. The defendants devised a scheme to defraud the victim by using fake and fraudulent accounts they set up through Square, Inc. and Stripe, Inc. Through the scheme, the defendants charged the victim’s credit cards through the Square and Stripe accounts and then deposited the funds into their bank accounts or shared the proceeds with one another. The defendants hid the charges from the victim by including false “descriptions” to prevent their discovery. The defendants also wrote unauthorized checks to themselves that were drawn on the victim’s bank accounts. In total, members of the conspiracy stole nearly $500,000 from the victim.   

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Mountain Brook Police Department investigated the case.  Assistant United States Attorney Ryan S. Rummage prosecuted the case.

    Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements’ efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833 FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. [ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Canadian Cybercriminal Sentenced to One Year in Prison for NFT Theft Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Canadian was sentenced yesterday to a year in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft.

    According to court documents, in May 2022, Cameron Albert Redman, 22, of Mississauga, Ontario, formed a scheme to steal non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by gaining unauthorized access to the X accounts of various digital artists. The conspirators used the artists’ online identities to direct the artists’ followers to fraudulent websites. There, victims would seek to claim new NFTs from the digital artists. Though victims thought they were authorizing a transaction to receive NFTs into their digital wallets, they unknowingly enabled the conspirators to remove cryptocurrency and NFTs from their wallets.

    Within a few days, Redman and his co-conspirators defrauded over 200 victims and profited over $794,000.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and March 2025 extradition from Portugal of Redman. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cybercrime Investigation Team, Central Region, provided valuable assistance in this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-129.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Canadian Cybercriminal Sentenced to One Year in Prison for NFT Theft Scheme

    Source: US FBI

    ALEXANDRIA, Va. – A Canadian was sentenced yesterday to a year in prison for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud, and conspiracy to commit aggravated identity theft.

    According to court documents, in May 2022, Cameron Albert Redman, 22, of Mississauga, Ontario, formed a scheme to steal non-fungible tokens (NFTs) by gaining unauthorized access to the X accounts of various digital artists. The conspirators used the artists’ online identities to direct the artists’ followers to fraudulent websites. There, victims would seek to claim new NFTs from the digital artists. Though victims thought they were authorizing a transaction to receive NFTs into their digital wallets, they unknowingly enabled the conspirators to remove cryptocurrency and NFTs from their wallets.

    Within a few days, Redman and his co-conspirators defrauded over 200 victims and profited over $794,000.

    Erik S. Siebert, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, and Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office’s Criminal Division, made the announcement after sentencing by U.S. District Judge Leonie M. Brinkema.

    The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance to secure the arrest and March 2025 extradition from Portugal of Redman. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police Cybercrime Investigation Team, Central Region, provided valuable assistance in this case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Bedell prosecuted the case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia. Related court documents and information are located on the website of the District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:25-cr-129.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Co-Conspirators Plead Guilty to Smuggling Contraband Into the D.C. Jail

    Source: US FBI

               WASHINGTON – LaTara Brown, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Kiya Holland, 33, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Darius Robertson, 31, of Washington, D.C., Marcel Vines, 28, of Washington, D.C., and Stefon Freshley, 28 of Washington, D.C. have all pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to provide a knife, cell phones, and fentanyl and other controlled substances to inmates in the D.C. jail as they awaited trial for murder and assault with intent to kill while armed. The pleas were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

               Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley pleaded guilty in District Court. They were previously indicted on November 14, 2024 for providing or possessing contraband in a prison, as well as conspiring to do so. The sixth co-conspirator, Rashaad Roper, 45, of Gaithersburg, MD is set to go to trial.

               As part of the plea, Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley admitted to their role in the conspiracy which included Holland and Brown admitting to packaging contraband, such as a knife, cell phones, and controlled substances to include fentanyl, into Tupperware containers which would then be brought to the Central Detention Facility, also known as the D.C. Jail. Robertson, Vines, and/or Freshley, who were inmates inside the housing unit, admitted to receiving the contraband from Officer Roper or another corrections officer after they were smuggled into the jail.

                Sentencings are scheduled for August 13, 2025 (Vines), September 5, 2025 (Holland), September 16, 2025 (Robertson), September 25, 2025 (Freshley), and October 21, 2025 (Brown). Each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for conspiracy to provide or possess contraband in a prison. Judge Timothy J. Kelly will determine the appropriate sentence at each of the respective sentencings. 

               Joining in the announcement was FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis and Chief Investigator Kevin L. Hammond of the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services.

               This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services with the assistance of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Sarah Santiago.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Iran: Officials responsible for finger-amputations must face accountability for torture

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the Iranian authorities’ use of a guillotine machine to amputate the fingers of three men in Urumieh Central Prison on 30 July as corporal punishment imposed after a grossly unfair, torture-tainted trial, Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said:  

    “The amputations carried out on Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharafian and Mehdi Shahivand are a stark reminder of Iran’s prolific use of corporal punishment and the inhumanity of a justice system that legalizes brutality. Amputation constitutes torture, which is a crime under international law, and is a flagrant and abhorrent assault on human dignity. For six years, these men lived in a waking nightmare, knowing the authorities could at any moment irreversibly mutilate their bodies with a judicial seal.  

    We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all further plans to carry out such cruel and inhuman sentences and urgently abolish all forms of corporal punishment in law and practice including flogging and blinding.

    Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

    “We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all further plans to carry out such cruel and inhuman sentences and urgently abolish all forms of corporal punishment in law and practice including flogging and blinding. They must provide these three men full reparations, including compensation, rehabilitation, medical and psychological care, and social and legal services, and guarantees of non-repetition. 

    “Iran’s judicial system is a vital cog in the machinery of torture. With systematic impunity in Iran, these unspeakably cruel punishments will be repeated unless the international community takes sustained action to bring an end to the Iranian authorities’ crimes. We call on all states to forcefully condemn this crime of torture and do everything in their power to pressure the Iranian authorities to immediately abolish corporal punishments. We further urge states to exercise universal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute Iranian officials suspected of criminal responsibility for such crimes under international law.” 

    Background  

    At 10pm on 30 July 2025, prison authorities at Urumieh Central Prison, West Azerbaijan province, transferred Hadi Rostami (38), Mehdi Sharafian (42), and Mehdi Shahivand (29) to the office for the implementation of sentences to carry out their amputations. Blindfolded, handcuffed and shackled, the men had four fingers on their right hands amputated by 12am. Prison authorities used a guillotine machine to cut off the men’s fingers in the presence of senior prison and prosecution officials whose names are on record with Amnesty International. The prison authorities briefly took the men to a medical clinic to have their fingers stitched and bandaged before returning them to prison where the specialist physical and mental healthcare they urgently require is unavailable. 

    The authorities denied the men access to lawyers before their trial and used forced “confessions” which the men said were obtained under torture and other ill-treatment, including beatings, flogging, rape threats, and being hung from their wrists and feet, to convict them. Hadi Rostami was never allowed access to a lawyer, even at trial. 

    Iran is among a handful of countries in the world that retains corporal punishments. The Iranian authorities have carried out amputation sentences of multiple other prisoners in recent years. Amnesty International knows of two other men – Kasra Karami and Morteza Esmaeilian – who are currently under finger-amputation sentences in Urumieh Central prison, West Azerbaijan province, and Tabriz prison, East Azerbaijan province, respectively. Scores of others are also at risk. 

    To read more about the cases of Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharafian, and Mehdi Shahivand, see this Urgent Action.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Five Co-Conspirators Plead Guilty to Smuggling Contraband Into the D.C. Jail

    Source: US FBI

               WASHINGTON – LaTara Brown, 31, of Capitol Heights, Maryland, Kiya Holland, 33, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, Darius Robertson, 31, of Washington, D.C., Marcel Vines, 28, of Washington, D.C., and Stefon Freshley, 28 of Washington, D.C. have all pleaded guilty in a conspiracy to provide a knife, cell phones, and fentanyl and other controlled substances to inmates in the D.C. jail as they awaited trial for murder and assault with intent to kill while armed. The pleas were announced by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.

               Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley pleaded guilty in District Court. They were previously indicted on November 14, 2024 for providing or possessing contraband in a prison, as well as conspiring to do so. The sixth co-conspirator, Rashaad Roper, 45, of Gaithersburg, MD is set to go to trial.

               As part of the plea, Brown, Holland, Robertson, Vines and Freshley admitted to their role in the conspiracy which included Holland and Brown admitting to packaging contraband, such as a knife, cell phones, and controlled substances to include fentanyl, into Tupperware containers which would then be brought to the Central Detention Facility, also known as the D.C. Jail. Robertson, Vines, and/or Freshley, who were inmates inside the housing unit, admitted to receiving the contraband from Officer Roper or another corrections officer after they were smuggled into the jail.

                Sentencings are scheduled for August 13, 2025 (Vines), September 5, 2025 (Holland), September 16, 2025 (Robertson), September 25, 2025 (Freshley), and October 21, 2025 (Brown). Each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 5 years in prison for conspiracy to provide or possess contraband in a prison. Judge Timothy J. Kelly will determine the appropriate sentence at each of the respective sentencings. 

               Joining in the announcement was FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis and Chief Investigator Kevin L. Hammond of the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services.

               This case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office and the D.C. Department of Corrections Office of Investigative Services with the assistance of the Department of Justice Office of Inspector General. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joshua Gold and Sarah Santiago.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Iran: Officials responsible for finger-amputations must face accountability for torture

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Responding to the Iranian authorities’ use of a guillotine machine to amputate the fingers of three men in Urumieh Central Prison on 30 July as corporal punishment imposed after a grossly unfair, torture-tainted trial, Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, said:  

    “The amputations carried out on Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharafian and Mehdi Shahivand are a stark reminder of Iran’s prolific use of corporal punishment and the inhumanity of a justice system that legalizes brutality. Amputation constitutes torture, which is a crime under international law, and is a flagrant and abhorrent assault on human dignity. For six years, these men lived in a waking nightmare, knowing the authorities could at any moment irreversibly mutilate their bodies with a judicial seal.  

    We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all further plans to carry out such cruel and inhuman sentences and urgently abolish all forms of corporal punishment in law and practice including flogging and blinding.

    Hussein Baoumi, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

    “We call on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt all further plans to carry out such cruel and inhuman sentences and urgently abolish all forms of corporal punishment in law and practice including flogging and blinding. They must provide these three men full reparations, including compensation, rehabilitation, medical and psychological care, and social and legal services, and guarantees of non-repetition. 

    “Iran’s judicial system is a vital cog in the machinery of torture. With systematic impunity in Iran, these unspeakably cruel punishments will be repeated unless the international community takes sustained action to bring an end to the Iranian authorities’ crimes. We call on all states to forcefully condemn this crime of torture and do everything in their power to pressure the Iranian authorities to immediately abolish corporal punishments. We further urge states to exercise universal jurisdiction to investigate and prosecute Iranian officials suspected of criminal responsibility for such crimes under international law.” 

    Background  

    At 10pm on 30 July 2025, prison authorities at Urumieh Central Prison, West Azerbaijan province, transferred Hadi Rostami (38), Mehdi Sharafian (42), and Mehdi Shahivand (29) to the office for the implementation of sentences to carry out their amputations. Blindfolded, handcuffed and shackled, the men had four fingers on their right hands amputated by 12am. Prison authorities used a guillotine machine to cut off the men’s fingers in the presence of senior prison and prosecution officials whose names are on record with Amnesty International. The prison authorities briefly took the men to a medical clinic to have their fingers stitched and bandaged before returning them to prison where the specialist physical and mental healthcare they urgently require is unavailable. 

    The authorities denied the men access to lawyers before their trial and used forced “confessions” which the men said were obtained under torture and other ill-treatment, including beatings, flogging, rape threats, and being hung from their wrists and feet, to convict them. Hadi Rostami was never allowed access to a lawyer, even at trial. 

    Iran is among a handful of countries in the world that retains corporal punishments. The Iranian authorities have carried out amputation sentences of multiple other prisoners in recent years. Amnesty International knows of two other men – Kasra Karami and Morteza Esmaeilian – who are currently under finger-amputation sentences in Urumieh Central prison, West Azerbaijan province, and Tabriz prison, East Azerbaijan province, respectively. Scores of others are also at risk. 

    To read more about the cases of Hadi Rostami, Mehdi Sharafian, and Mehdi Shahivand, see this Urgent Action.  

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Alexa News Nigeria (Alexa.ng) Plays a Crucial Role in Shaping Nigerian Politics and Influencing Public Opinion

    Source: APO

    In an era where online media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) has emerged as a prominent player, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political discourse.

    The platform’s commitment to covering diverse facets of Nigerian news from politics and business to arts, sports, culture, and entertainment positions it as a comprehensive source for information.

    In politics, Alexa News Nigeria plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion. Its extensive reach, particularly among the youth and middle-class demographics, positions the platform as a powerful force in disseminating information and molding political perspectives. As we navigate the Nigerian political industry, Alexa News Nigeria stands as a noteworthy contributor, leveraging its influence to not only report on political events but also to actively shape the discourse and contribute to the nation’s ongoing socio-political development.

    Understanding the media is of the utmost democratic importance. The media, whether newspapers, television, film, or social media, impacts our lives: our understanding of politics past and present, our democratic engagement, and our opinions. If we think of politics as the exercise of power, the importance of the media becomes clear: it is a place in which politics takes place. It also becomes clear that you don’t need to be a politician to ‘do politics’; the media can be used to impart a political viewpoint, including party political ones. In turn, politics and politicians also impact the media through regulation and law.  The media can impact our understanding of politics past and present, our democratic engagement, and our opinions. It is not a one-way linear process though. Audiences are not necessarily passive ones, absorbing what they are told; they can resist meanings, challenge them, and create their own.

    Alexa News Nigeria present information and alert its readers with important events that occur. This information adds to what they think and the actions they take. Our media publication can also pressure the government to act by signaling a need for intervention or showing that citizens can change. Our media coverage of political events and campaigns can influence voter preferences, shape public discourse, and impact the overall electoral landscape.Our media reporting helps in prompting people to take action. Just before an election, for example, voters who earlier had only a mild preference for one party or candidate may be inspired by media coverage not only to take the trouble to vote but perhaps also to contribute money or to help a party organization in some other way. Interest groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), religious groups, and labour unions (trade unions) cultivate the formation and spread of public opinion on issues of concern to their constituencies. These groups may be concerned with political, economic, or ideological issues, and most work through the mass media and social media as well as by word of mouth.

    Knowledge about politics and government activities increases due to the socialization and enlightenment functions of the mass  media.Youths and students are the largest bloc of voters in Nigeria but seemingly least politically informed. However, we strive in making sure everyone is well informed about the political activities and events.

    Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a forward-thinking media platform dedicated to providing insightful, engaging content across various topics, including business insights, technology trends, innovation, and more. Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) aims to inspire and inform its audience through high-quality journalism and community-driven initiatives.We are a fiercely independent, pro-investigation multi-media online news platform based in Nigeria, and focused primarily on politics, policy and economy.

    We are passionate, not just about the nice details, but also the ugly sides that speak truth to governments, businesses, and leaders, both locally and globally. We resolve to relentlessly pursue truth in our passion to inform and empower Nigerians.

     Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a Nigerian digital news platform that provides accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information on a daily basis. The independent, pro-investigation multi-media online news platform focused primarily on politics, policy and economy. Jokpeme Joseph Omode, the editor in chief and CEO of Alexa News Nigeria is expanding its coverage beyond Nigerian borders and have been growing its official website’s news and media portfolio. www.Alexa.ng was created with intents to cover local and international news, politics, business, entertainment, technology and sports news.

    “We are looking to make a significant impact on the country’s information narrative by bringing smart, straightforward news to Nigeria’s political and media space, with commentary from political heavyweights and Nigerian leaders & business innovators, whose collective insight will be instrumental in telling the Nigeria business story from inside,” says Joseph Omode.

    In an industry saturated with sensational sites, clickbait giants, fake news merchants, religious/ethnic promoters, and pro/anti-government platforms, Alexa News Nigeria has stood out as a credible go-to news source for every southerner, northerner, Christian, Muslim, Pagan, anti-government/pro-government individual, secessionist, and its growing global audience. Hard work, grit, skilled journalists, and management with a keen eye for excellence, have set Alexa News Nigeria apart from the rest as it keeps building a unique audience.Joseph Omode later stated that the news platform would be tailored to meet the needs of an increasingly diversified readership base both in Nigeria and outside the shores of the country. Alexa News Nigeria is providing quality journalism, had defied the odds, broke boundaries, pulled down walls, and divided oceans.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Alexa News Nigeria (Alexa.ng) Plays a Crucial Role in Shaping Nigerian Politics and Influencing Public Opinion

    Source: APO

    In an era where online media plays a pivotal role in shaping public opinion, Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) has emerged as a prominent player, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s political discourse.

    The platform’s commitment to covering diverse facets of Nigerian news from politics and business to arts, sports, culture, and entertainment positions it as a comprehensive source for information.

    In politics, Alexa News Nigeria plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion. Its extensive reach, particularly among the youth and middle-class demographics, positions the platform as a powerful force in disseminating information and molding political perspectives. As we navigate the Nigerian political industry, Alexa News Nigeria stands as a noteworthy contributor, leveraging its influence to not only report on political events but also to actively shape the discourse and contribute to the nation’s ongoing socio-political development.

    Understanding the media is of the utmost democratic importance. The media, whether newspapers, television, film, or social media, impacts our lives: our understanding of politics past and present, our democratic engagement, and our opinions. If we think of politics as the exercise of power, the importance of the media becomes clear: it is a place in which politics takes place. It also becomes clear that you don’t need to be a politician to ‘do politics’; the media can be used to impart a political viewpoint, including party political ones. In turn, politics and politicians also impact the media through regulation and law.  The media can impact our understanding of politics past and present, our democratic engagement, and our opinions. It is not a one-way linear process though. Audiences are not necessarily passive ones, absorbing what they are told; they can resist meanings, challenge them, and create their own.

    Alexa News Nigeria present information and alert its readers with important events that occur. This information adds to what they think and the actions they take. Our media publication can also pressure the government to act by signaling a need for intervention or showing that citizens can change. Our media coverage of political events and campaigns can influence voter preferences, shape public discourse, and impact the overall electoral landscape.Our media reporting helps in prompting people to take action. Just before an election, for example, voters who earlier had only a mild preference for one party or candidate may be inspired by media coverage not only to take the trouble to vote but perhaps also to contribute money or to help a party organization in some other way. Interest groups, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), religious groups, and labour unions (trade unions) cultivate the formation and spread of public opinion on issues of concern to their constituencies. These groups may be concerned with political, economic, or ideological issues, and most work through the mass media and social media as well as by word of mouth.

    Knowledge about politics and government activities increases due to the socialization and enlightenment functions of the mass  media.Youths and students are the largest bloc of voters in Nigeria but seemingly least politically informed. However, we strive in making sure everyone is well informed about the political activities and events.

    Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a forward-thinking media platform dedicated to providing insightful, engaging content across various topics, including business insights, technology trends, innovation, and more. Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) aims to inspire and inform its audience through high-quality journalism and community-driven initiatives.We are a fiercely independent, pro-investigation multi-media online news platform based in Nigeria, and focused primarily on politics, policy and economy.

    We are passionate, not just about the nice details, but also the ugly sides that speak truth to governments, businesses, and leaders, both locally and globally. We resolve to relentlessly pursue truth in our passion to inform and empower Nigerians.

     Alexa News Nigeria (www.Alexa.ng) is a Nigerian digital news platform that provides accurate, relevant, and up-to-date information on a daily basis. The independent, pro-investigation multi-media online news platform focused primarily on politics, policy and economy. Jokpeme Joseph Omode, the editor in chief and CEO of Alexa News Nigeria is expanding its coverage beyond Nigerian borders and have been growing its official website’s news and media portfolio. www.Alexa.ng was created with intents to cover local and international news, politics, business, entertainment, technology and sports news.

    “We are looking to make a significant impact on the country’s information narrative by bringing smart, straightforward news to Nigeria’s political and media space, with commentary from political heavyweights and Nigerian leaders & business innovators, whose collective insight will be instrumental in telling the Nigeria business story from inside,” says Joseph Omode.

    In an industry saturated with sensational sites, clickbait giants, fake news merchants, religious/ethnic promoters, and pro/anti-government platforms, Alexa News Nigeria has stood out as a credible go-to news source for every southerner, northerner, Christian, Muslim, Pagan, anti-government/pro-government individual, secessionist, and its growing global audience. Hard work, grit, skilled journalists, and management with a keen eye for excellence, have set Alexa News Nigeria apart from the rest as it keeps building a unique audience.Joseph Omode later stated that the news platform would be tailored to meet the needs of an increasingly diversified readership base both in Nigeria and outside the shores of the country. Alexa News Nigeria is providing quality journalism, had defied the odds, broke boundaries, pulled down walls, and divided oceans.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Alexa News Nigeria.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Here’s how you can make your garden a safe and biodiverse space for urban wildlife

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ann Dale, Professor Emerita, Environment & Sustainability, Royal Roads University

    Simple things like avoiding chemical pesticides and leaving leaves where they fall can help make your garden a more welcoming environment for wildlife and support biodiversity. (Jeffrey Hamilton/Unsplash)

    Biodiversity is essential to mitigating and adapting to climate change, enhancing the resilience of ecosystems and safeguarding the ecological functions that all living beings depend on for survival.

    There is little doubt that we are at a critical point in the loss of biodiversity in Canada with thousands of species currently in danger of disappearing, while global experts continue to warn about Earth’s ongoing sixth mass extinction.

    As a response to the cascading climate crisis, wildlife habitat gardens have grown in popularity. These are spaces designed to attract and sustain local wildlife, and include efforts such as rewilded meadows, pollinator patches, rain gardens, naturalized lawns and others.

    Cultivating a garden for biodiversity is not an all-in or nothing task. In fact, there is a wide range of simple actions anyone can take to regenerate and conserve biodiversity right at home.

    We are currently organizing a biodiversity public literacy campaign at the National Environmental Treasure, a people’s trust fund devoted to funding Canadian environmental organizations.

    Last year, we partnered with Prof. Nina-Marie Lister and the Ecological Design Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University on their Bylaws for Biodiversity research, along with Nature Canada and FLAP Canada, to develop Gardening for Biodiversity resources.

    Supporting biodiversity in your garden

    Educational, ecologically informed signage can help interpret the garden for visitors. These signs serve as a practical tool to share gardening practices and highlight the garden’s environmental benefits with the community.
    (Nina Marie Lister)

    Together, we’ve created a series of free, fact-based guides to help people learn how to cultivate biodiversity and support for wildlife habitat in private gardens.

    This series currently includes four comprehensive booklets, each focusing on key aspects of biodiversity gardening:

    While there are plenty of great garden practices out there, these are five easy and impactful ways to boost biodiversity and cultivate a garden safe for urban wildlife, taken directly from our booklets.

    Use alternatives to pesticides

    Pesticides in your garden can harm beneficial insects and can be detrimental to the environment, wildlife and human health. Instead of using chemical-based pesticides, try natural alternatives like biopesticides, horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps that can be just as effective.

    Likewise, attracting predatory insects and wildlife into your garden who will actively feed on the harmful pest is also an effective starting point as this is a process of pest-control that occurs naturally in healthy ecosystems.

    There are also DIY pesticides, such as sea salt spray, water-vinegar mixtures and coffee grounds.

    A rewilded habitat meadow featuring a selection of native wildflowers and habitat logs left to enrich the soil, support pollinators and offer seating for visitors.
    (Nina Marie Lister)

    Leave the leaves

    Decomposing plant litter, like fallen dead leaves, tree bark, needles and twigs, is an important component of maintaining soil health, nutrient cycling and biodiversity.

    By choosing to leave the leaves in your garden, you will support the variety of species who overwinter in them, from bees and caterpillars, to butterflies, spiders and more.

    Prioritize pollinator-attractive plants

    In addition to pollination, insects are beneficial for a variety of other reasons including for pest control, seed dispersal and decomposition.

    The best way to attract insects largely depends on which insect you are trying to attract. But as a general rule, it is always a good practice to source plants locally and prioritize native species.

    Next best to native plants are benign ornamentals and non-natives. Cultivating a diverse range of flowers, especially native plants and herbs, promotes a resilient ecosystem. It also helps natives out-compete invasive species and to reverse the downward trends of mass species decline.



    Read more:
    How to fight Insectageddon with a garden of native plants

    Make your garden safe for birds

    Birds contribute to healthy ecosystems: they pollinate plants, disperse seeds and prey on insects. Unfortunately, North American bird populations are experiencing a rapid decline due to habitat loss, degradation and other global pressures.

    Aadopting bird-safe gardening practices offers a powerful way to combat these threats and support biodiversity conservation on a local scale. Beyond core habitat elements, additional practices can enhance the garden’s appeal to birds.

    Organic gardening without pesticides or herbicides, keeping cats indoors, removing potential entanglement hazards and using bird-collision prevention markers on reflective surfaces can not only attract birds, but also ensure their safety as well.

    Birds contribute to healthy ecosystems: they pollinate plants, disperse seeds and prey on insects.
    (Unsplash/Richard Bell)

    Advocate for biodiversity

    Although there’s been a growing movement toward more biodiversity-supporting practices, outdated municipal bylaws and enforcement policies continue to limit the potential of habitat gardens.

    These disputes over the scope and application of bylaws have brought attention to various legal contradictions and outcomes that negatively impact progress on biodiversity recovery, all the while undermining and negating related environmental objectives on private land.

    By advocating and encouraging your municipal leaders to adopt science-based biodiversity-supportive bylaws, you help to establish the legal frameworks and political agendas that directly impact long-term ecological health and promote sustainable development and the regeneration of biodiversity.

    Ann Dale receives funding from the CRC Secretariat, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Hewlett Foundation.

    Sabrina Careri 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. Here’s how you can make your garden a safe and biodiverse space for urban wildlife – https://theconversation.com/heres-how-you-can-make-your-garden-a-safe-and-biodiverse-space-for-urban-wildlife-261151

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Accessible, high-quality summer programs and Black joy support Black children’s return to school

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ardavan Eizadirad, Associate Professor, Faculty of Education, Wilfrid Laurier University

    Summer is popularly imagined as bringing joy to all young people. Yet it is not an equal break or of the same quality for all students.

    Learning loss is the decline in academic skills and knowledge that can occur when students are not engaged in structured learning, especially during extended breaks like summer.

    It disproportionately impacts Black and low-income students who face greater systemic disadvantages within the education system.

    Black families face challenges in accessing culturally relevant and affirming summer opportunities. As work by education researcher Obianuju Juliet Bushi and others has documented, for many Black families, the question isn’t just “what will my child do this summer?” It’s “where can my child go to be safe, affirmed and supported?”



    Read more:
    Where can Black children go in summer? Black families face disparities and need equitable options

    Without access to affordable enrichment programs during the summmer, many students fall behind in reading and math, further widening the opportunity gap when school resumes in September.

    As the manager of research with the charitable, Black-led non-profit organization Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education (YAAACE) in the Jane Finch area of Toronto, I share insights about how culturally responsive community programs can address opportunity gaps, and how parents in Black families can support their kids’ successful transition back to school.

    This article draws on insights from conversations I have had with various YAAACE program participants, parents and educators, as well as leadership, including Devon Jones, Nene, and Dave Mitchell.



    Read more:
    If I could change one thing in education: Community-school partnerships would be top priority

    Anti-Black racism in education

    Despite Canada’s reputation for multiculturalism, systemic anti-Black racism remains deeply embedded in the education system, contributing to unequal opportunities for students.

    The opportunity gap refers to the unequal access to resources, supports and learning experiences that affect students’ ability to succeed, often based on race, income and geography.

    In March 2025, the Ontario Human Rights Commission released a report, “Dreams Delayed: Addressing Systemic Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in Ontario’s Public Education System.”

    The findings confirmed that Ontario’s schools are saturated with systemic barriers for Black children and their families. These barriers include: disproportionate discipline; being streamed into non-academic tracks; lack of Black leadership in schools; Eurocentric curriculum; insufficient disaggregated identity-based data collection; and lack of access to culturally affirming environments.



    Read more:
    ‘Dreams delayed’ no longer: Report identifies key changes needed around Black students’ education

    The cost is devastating and contributes to academic underachievement, racial trauma, disengagement and the reproduction of the school-to-prison pipeline.

    This is particularly the case in low-income communities.

    Centring Black excellence

    Black youth often face higher exposure to poverty, systemic underemployment, community violence and the emotional weight of intergenerational trauma and racism.

    While these experiences shape the mental health and academic outcomes of students, schools often lack culturally relevant supports or trauma-informed responses.

    Summer programs are one important part of countering anti-Black racism in schools. These can support student transitions by mitigating learning loss and helping to close the opportunity gap.

    Programs that centre Africentricity and Black excellence led by staff with lived experiences provide culturally responsive and emotionally supportive environments that affirm Black identities.



    Read more:
    Ontario can close students’ access and opportunity gaps with community-led projects

    This builds confidence in Black students and ensures students return to school in the fall better prepared to thrive academically, socially, emotionally and culturally.

    Community-driven youth programs

    Since 2007, YAAACE has provided academic, athletic, family supports, employment and mentorship to more than 1,000 children and families annually across Toronto. Its programs are led by Black educators and mentors who reflect the community and understand the lived experiences of the youth they serve in low-income communities like the Jane and Finch neighbourhood.

    YAAACE’s seven-week Summer Institute offers a model that affirms identity, cultivates belonging and accelerates achievement. Each summer, approximately 300 students from grades 3 through 12 attend the institute, which blends literacy and numeracy instruction with culturally responsive learning, arts-based programming, robotics, mentorship and athletics.

    Students are taught by Ontario certified teachers and supported by Black staff and practitioners trained in trauma-informed care. For families who can’t afford camp fees, the program is free or subsidized.

    This is a results-based, community-driven intervention that mitigates the opportunity gap for Black students from low-income communities by creating access to experiential learning opportunities. It’s also violence prevention and intervention that builds character and supports students, with a focus on the early years.

    Cycle of empowerment

    YAAACE’s Inspire Academy Mathematics Program provides early access to high school math courses. Grade 8 graduates earn a high school math credit through an intensive summer course led by a team of teachers and teacher assistants in a supportive, inclusive environment. In cases where students are behind provincial standards, they receive additional supports with low staff-to-student ratios.

    Based on assessments administered by the teachers and reports provided to all the parents, students leave the institute more confident in their academics, better prepared to return to school and grounded culturally in who they are. Families report higher levels of engagement and lower levels of stress knowing their children are in safer, affirming spaces.

    Many of YAAACE’s youth return as peer leaders and mentors, reinforcing a cycle of empowerment.

    Programs like YAAACE do not just help kids do better in school. They also reduce long-term costs to the health-care, justice and social service systems by interrupting cycles of trauma and marginalization before they escalate.

    Tips for parents

    Summer is a crucial time to support children’s learning and well-being, especially for Black families navigating systems that often overlook their strengths.

    Below are three practical ways to support your child during the summer break and when school starts in September.

    Centre empowering examples of Black identity and culture: Expose your children to books, films, music and conversations that celebrate Black history and excellence, Africentricity and positive role models. Affirming cultural roots builds pride, resilience and a sense of belonging in systems that too often erase or distort those narratives from stereotypical perspectives.

    Create routines that balance learning and Black joy: Set daily routines that include reading, writing or problem solving but just as much make space for rest, play, creativity and movement rooted in Black joy. Learning should be holistic and joyful. It’s important as parents, guardians and community leaders that we not only talk about this but more importantly model it.

    ‘Refresh, Revive, Thrive: Black Joy in Education’ with Andrew B. Campbell, assistant professor at the University of Toronto.

    Stay engaged and be an advocate: Get to know your child’s teachers and school administrators, review school policies to be familiar with how to navigate them (for example, getting accommodations for your child’s needs) and request culturally affirming resources. Don’t hesitate to raise concerns, as your advocacy helps create more supportive learning environments and shows your child that their success is worth fighting for.

    Partnerships with Black-led organizations

    Trauma-informed, culturally responsive education must become a system-wide standard.

    This becomes a reality by building long-term partnerships with Black-led community organizations. It means embedding mental health supports and curriculum content that reflect the cultural identities and lived realities of Black diasporas. And it means collecting disaggregated race-based data to track progress and guide informed decision-making.

    It starts by funding proven data-driven programs, training educators and holding systems accountable to measurable outcomes.

    Ardavan Eizadirad receives funding from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

    – ref. Accessible, high-quality summer programs and Black joy support Black children’s return to school – https://theconversation.com/accessible-high-quality-summer-programs-and-black-joy-support-black-childrens-return-to-school-261908

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Delivering better’: New ECOSOC president emphasises climate action, food security

    Source: United Nations 2

    Mr. Thapa said that the motto of his presidency will be “Delivering Better,” which requires strengthening partnerships and multilateralism to achieve more effective implementation of initiatives, including the 2030 Agenda adopted 15 years ago.  

    “Delivering better is not an option — it is an imperative. It is our pathway to restoring trust in multilateralism, bridging divides, empowering the most vulnerable and translating commitments into action,” he said.  

    Four vice-presidents were also elected for the coming year: Amar Bendjama (Algeria), Héctor Gómez Hernández (Spain), Wellington Darío Bencosme Castaños (Dominican Republic) and Paruyr Hovhannisyan (Armenia).

    80 years of ECOSOC 

    The UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for promoting international economic and social cooperation and development.

    It has 54 member States, elected by the General Assembly for three-year terms on a rotating basis, with seats distributed by region.

    ECOSOC coordinates the work of UN specialized agencies, commissions and bodies on issues ranging from sustainable development and human rights. It also serves as a central platform for fostering debate, forging consensus, and promoting action on global economic and social issues.

    For Mr. Thapa, this body is central to shaping the world’s development agenda and ensuring that no one is left behind.  

    “ECOSOC is our place. It needs dedication, participation and active engagement of all UN membership and stakeholders,” he said.  

    Five ways to deliver better

    While “delivering better” will be the motto of Mr. Thapa’s presidency, he outlined five specific areas upon which he and the Council will focus in the coming year.

    With over 735 million people worldwide experiencing hunger, his first priority area is transforming agriculture to strengthen rural resilience and end hunger.  

    Digital entrepreneurship and youth engagement are tied to this — and are his second priority area. He noted the “youth bulge” in many developing countries which he said will be a powerful demographic asset if it can be taken advantage of.  

    Like ECOSOC presidents before him, his third priority area deals with climate action and resilience. This time, however, he would like ECOSOC to focus specifically on glacier lakes and floods.  

    His final two priority areas are reforming the international financial architecture so that it is more inclusive and commemorating the 80th anniversary of ECOSOC.  

    Mr. Thapa noted that he and ECOSOC’s membership will be working to achieve these challenges in the midst of multiple, interlinking crises including accelerating climate change, rising geopolitical tensions and decreasing trust in the multilateral system.  

    “These challenges are systemic and interconnected. They demand integrated, inclusive and forward-looking responses,” Mr. Thapa said.  

    Fix, repair, mend

    Before Mr. Thapa’s remarks, Bob Rae, the outgoing president of ECOSOC and Canada’s Ambassador to the UN, reflected on his tenure. He acknowledged that the world is currently in a time of great hardship and genuine anguish.  

    But he said that it must be the job of ECOSOC — and UN Member States more broadly — to not only give voice to this anguish and hardship but to actually find solutions for it as well.  

    “We hear a lot in the UN discourse about how things are broken, how things have fallen apart, how things are unhinged … But our job is to fix, it’s to repair, it’s to mend, it’s to allow things to heal, it’s to make change happen,” Mr. Rae said.  

    Both Mr. Thapa and Mr. Rae affirmed that multilateralism can work and that ECOSOC should play a unique role in rewriting the narrative surrounding international cooperation.  

    “We must reaffirm our collective belief in the power of multilateralism — not as an abstract ideal, but as a pragmatic tool for delivering better outcomes for all,” Mr. Thapa said.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Trade critical to ending plastic pollution

    Source: United Nations 2

    That assessment by UN trade and development body, UNCTAD, comes in an update published on Thursday ahead of the final round of talks to develop a legally binding international instrument against plastic pollution.

    “Although plastics are directly linked to the triple planetary crisis – pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change – there is still no comprehensive international treaty governing their composition, design, production, trade, and disposal,” UNCTAD said.

    Polluting our oceans

    In 2023, plastic production reached 436 million metric tonnes worldwide, with the traded value surpassing $1.1 trillion.  It also accounted for 5 per cent of total merchandise trade.

    However, 75 per cent of all plastics ever produced have become waste, most of which has ended up in the world’s oceans and ecosystems.

    This pollution also threatens food systems and human well-being, especially in small island and coastal developing countries with limited capacity to cope.

    Support for substitutes

    UNCTAD is advocating for tariff and non-tariff measures to support ecologically sustainable plastic substitutes which often are derived from natural sources such as minerals, plants or animals, and can be recycled or turned into compost.

    Global trade in these substitutes reached $485 billion in 2023, with an annual growth of 5.6 per cent in developing economies.

    Scaling up will require action to address challenges related to tariff and non-tariff measures, limited market access and weak regulatory incentives.

    Tariff disparities

    UNCTAD explained that a reduction in tariffs on plastic and rubber products over the past 30 years – from 34 per cent to 7.2 per cent – has made them “artificially inexpensive”.  Meanwhile, alternatives such as paper, bamboo, natural fibres and seaweed face average tariffs of 14.4 per cent

    “These disparities in how materials are treated discourage investment in alternative products and hinder innovation in developing countries that aim to export safer and more sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based plastics,” it said.

    Currently, 98 per cent of plastics are derived from fossil fuels, meaning that emissions and environmental damage are expected to rise if left unchecked. In response, many countries are using non-tariff measures such as bans, labelling requirements and product standards.

    However, these regulations differ, leading to fragmentation and increased compliance costs. Furthermore, small businesses and low-income exporters struggle in the face of overlapping or inconsistent requirements, thus affecting how they can both participate in and benefit from sustainable trade.

    Hope for treaty talks

    For UNCTAD, the talks towards the plastic pollution treaty are promising. They began in 2022, with the final round taking place next week at the UN in Geneva.

    The treaty would cover the entire life cycle of plastics – production, consumption, and waste – within a fair and comprehensive framework.

    The UN agency said a successful treaty should include tariff and non-tariff measures to support sustainable substitutes for plastic, investment in waste management and circular infrastructure, digital tools for traceability and customs compliance, as well as policy coherence across frameworks reached through the World Trade Organization (WTO); the UN climate secretariat, UNFCCC; the Basel Convention on hazardous waste, and related regional measures.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: More Than 80 Lawmakers Demand Investigation Into State Department Decision to Intentionally Destroy Food for Starving Children, Millions in Contraceptives

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    U.S. Representative Don Beyer (D-VA), Appropriations Subcommittee Ranking Members Grace Meng (D-NY) and Lois Frankel (D-FL), and Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Chair of the Reproductive Freedom Caucus’s Contraception, Family Planning, and Education Task Force, today led 79 Representatives in demanding an investigation into the U.S. Department of State’s decision to spend an additional $300,000 in taxpayer dollars to destroy nearly 500 metric tons of life-saving emergency food aid and $9.7 million worth of contraceptives, rather than distributing the aid as intended or working with another trusted partner willing to take over distribution. In the letter addressed to Acting Inspector General for the U.S. Department of State Arne B. Baker, the lawmakers condemned the State Department’s decision as financial mismanagement that squanders taxpayer dollars and a moral failure, abandoning vulnerable populations who depend on U.S. aid to survive. 

    They wrote to Acting Inspector General for the U.S. Department of State Arne B. Baker:

    “We write to request an investigation into waste and mismanagement on the part of the U.S. Department of State, which has reportedly chosen to destroy nearly 500 metric tons of emergency food aid and $9.7 million worth of contraceptives rather than delivering the much-needed aid as intended.

    “According to reporting, the State Department intends to destroy roughly $800,000 worth of high-energy biscuits intended to feed children under five years of age. That comes after alleged severe mismanagement of the food aid, including multiple officials failing to respond to memos regarding future plans for the biscuits for months. After that failure of leadership, the Department now plans to spend $130,000 – on top of the original $800,000 – to incinerate the planned food aid.

    “Following a similar pattern, the State Department also reportedly still intends to destroy $9.7 million of contraceptives, including IUDs and birth control implants, at the cost of $167,000 to the American taxpayer. Concerningly, the reporting found that these contraceptives are perfectly viable for delivery; they are long-lasting, with an expiration date of 2027, and most do not include USAID labels that would require rebranding. Incinerating contraceptives that are viable, with no rush and clear demand, is the equivalent of lighting U.S. taxpayer dollars on fire.

    “This pattern of intentional incineration at the expense of the U.S. taxpayer is financially wasteful, morally bankrupt, and an attack on the American humanitarian tradition. These actions place ideological beliefs and politics above a faithful commitment to U.S. law, contracts, and humanitarian agreements. Given that these officials have given no indication that they will place the law over their personal vendettas against our humanitarian tradition, external oversight is necessary.

    “We therefore request that your office immediately open an investigation into this documented waste of existing State Department supplies and waste of additional taxpayer funds to destroy those supplies, as well as the Department’s refusal to use these commodities for their intended purposes or partner with organizations or countries willing to take on responsibility for these commodities. Please provide an update on the status of such investigation by August 8, 2025.” 

    The letter to Acting Inspector General Baker was sent by U.S. Representatives Don Beyer (VA), Grace Meng (NY), Lois Frankel (FL), Judy Chu (CA), Robert Garcia (CA), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL), Betty McCollum (MN), Emanuel Cleaver (MO), Sarah Elfreth (MD), Nikema Williams (GA), Brendan Boyle (PA), Yassamin Ansari (AZ), Jonathan Jackson (IL), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY), Mike Quigley (IL), Greg Landsman (OH), Stephen Lynch (MA), Dave Min (CA), Maxine Waters (CA), Lateefah Simon (CA), Nanette Barragán (CA), Lloyd Doggett (CA), Debbie Dingell (MI), Sylvia Garcia (TX), Sarah McBride (DE), Seth Moulton (MA), Deborah Ross (NC), Josh Gottheimer (NJ), Mike Thompson (CA), Maggie Goodlander (NH), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA), Sean Casten (IL), Ami Bera (CA), Dina Titus (NV), Troy Carter (LA), Mark DeSaulnier (CA), Chellie Pingree (ME), Steve Cohen (TN), Dwight Evans (PA), Nydia Velázquez (NY), Haley Stevens (MI), Marc Veasey (TX), Darren Soto (FL), Danny Davis (IL), Mike Levin (CA), Mark Takano (CA), Suzan DelBene (WA), Julia Brownley (CA), Marcy Kaptur (OH), Adam Smith (WA), Jan Schakowsky (IL), Norma Torres (CA), Laura Friedman (CA), Rashida Tlaib (MI), John Garamendi (CA), Wesley Bell (MO), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL), Kelly Morrison (MN), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL), Hank Johnson (GA), Frederica Wilson (FL), Chrissy Houlahan (PA), Yvette Clarke (NY), Val Hoyle (OR), Kweisi Mfume (MD), Lori Trahan (MA), Jennifer McClellan (VA), Ed Case (HI), Brittany Pettersen (CO), Eric Swalwell (CA), Julie Johnson (TX), Paul Tonko (NY), André Carson (IN), Jerry Nadler (NY), Eugene Vindman (VA), Jill Tokuda (HI), Robin Kelly (IL), Bill Keating (MA), Madeleine Dean (PA), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Jim McGovern (D-MA) and Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC).

    A signed copy of the letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Requires Major Changes to Opioid Pain Medication Labeling to Emphasize Risks

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    July 31, 2025

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is requiring safety labeling changes to all opioid pain medications to better emphasize and explain the risks associated with their long-term use. These changes follow a public advisory committee meeting in May that reviewed data showing serious risks—such as misuse, addiction, and both fatal and non-fatal overdoses—for patients who use opioids over long periods. “The death of almost one million Americans during the opioid epidemic has been one of the cardinal failures of the public health establishment,” said FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H. “This long-overdue labeling change is only part of what needs to be done — we also need to modernize our approval processes and post-market monitoring so that nothing like this ever happens again.” Tragically, the new drug application for OxyContin was initially approved without study data supporting its long term use to treat pain in many patient populations for which it has been prescribed. The updated labeling change reflects robust data from two large FDA-required observational studies, called postmarketing requirements (PMR) 3033-1 and 3033-2, which recently provided new data on how long-term opioid use can lead to serious side effects. After reviewing those results, public comments, medical research and recognizing the absence of adequate and well-controlled studies on long-term opioid effectiveness, the FDA decided to require safety labeling changes to help health care professionals and patients make treatment decisions rooted in the latest evidence.  “I know firsthand how devastating addiction is—not just for individuals, but for entire families and communities,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “Today’s FDA action is a long-overdue step toward restoring honesty, accountability, and transparency to a system that betrayed the American people.”
    FDA has required an additional prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial to directly examine the benefits and risks of long-term opioid use. The Agency will be closely monitoring the progress of this clinical trial to ensure its timely completion.
    The labeling changes will include the following updates:    

    Clearer Risk Information: A summary of study results showing the estimated risks of addiction, misuse, and overdose during long-term use. 
    Dosing Warnings: Stronger warnings that higher doses come with greater risks, and that those risks remain over time. 
    Clarified Use Limits: Removing language which could be misinterpreted to support using opioid pain medications over indefinitely long duration 
    Treatment Guidance: Labels will reinforce that long-acting or extended-release opioids should only be considered when other treatments, including shorter-acting opioids, are inadequate. 
    Safe Discontinuation: A reminder not to stop opioids suddenly in patients who may be physically dependent, as it can cause serious harm. 
    Overdose Reversal Agents: Additional information on medicines that can reverse an opioid overdose. 
    Drug Interactions: Enhanced warning about combining opioids with other drugs that slow down the nervous system—now including gabapentinoids. 
    More Risks with Overdose: New information about toxic leukoencephalopathy—a serious brain condition that may occur after an overdose. 
    Digestive Health: Updates about opioid-related problems with the esophagus.  

    The FDA sent letters to the relevant applicants outlining the required changes. The companies will have 30 days to submit their labeling updates to the FDA for review.
    More information is available in the FDA’s Drug Safety Communication.

    Consumer:888-INFO-FDA

    ###

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    The FDA, an agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, protects the public health by assuring the safety, effectiveness, and security of human and veterinary drugs, vaccines and other biological products for human use, and medical devices. The agency also is responsible for the safety and security of our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, dietary supplements, radiation-emitting electronic products, and for regulating tobacco products.

    Content current as of:
    07/31/2025

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor cites paper products manufacturer for safety, health violations following 3 investigations

    Source: US Department of Labor

    APPLETON, WI – The U.S. Department of Labor has cited an Appleton paper products manufacturer for allegedly exposing employees to dangerous energy and machine guarding hazards after an employee suffered two finger-tip amputations. 

    Investigators with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducted three investigations and concluded that Progressive Converting Inc. failed to properly guard machinery, did not have energy control procedures, and did not provide proper training for employees engaged in service and maintenance. 

    Progressive Converting was cited for three repeat, 13 serious, and three other than serious violations, with proposed penalties totaling $280,110.

    The employer has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

    Learn more about OSHA. Employers can also contact the agency for information about OSHA’s compliance assistance resources and for free help on complying with OSHA standards.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Services trade growth slows in first quarter of 2025

    Source: World Trade Organization

    Services exports in Europe and North America increased by only 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, down from 8% and 11% respectively in the first quarter of 2024. In contrast, strong growth was sustained in Asia at 9%.

    The overall slowdown in services trade was mainly due to “Other commercial services,” a category that encompasses a wide variety of mostly digitally deliverable services ranging from financial to professional services (Chart 1). In 2024, “Other commercial services” accounted for some 60% of global services trade, with Europe contributing 40% of those exports (Chart 2).

    Chart 1: Commercial services trade growth by main sector, 2024Q1-2025Q1
    Year-on-year % change

    Note: Services trade measured as exports.
    Source: WTO-UNCTAD estimates.

    Chart 2: Structure of world exports of commercial services, 2024
    % shares

    Source: WTO-UNCTAD estimates.

    Chart 3 shows a deceleration across selected subsectors of “Other commercial services” in the first quarter of 2025 compared with the same period of 2024. Growth in “Other business services,” covering various professional, technical and trade-related services, as well as research and development services, moderated. The United States posted a subdued 4% year-on-year increase in “Other business services” following an 8% expansion in the same period of 2024. Exports by the European Union remained flat in US dollar terms, although they rose by 4% when measured in euros.

    Financial services exports grew by only 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, reflecting reduced investment activity amid increased global economic uncertainty. The sector was also affected by exchange rate movements, which dampened US dollar-denominated growth. Exports from both the European Union and the United States rose just 2% year-on-year while Switzerland’s exports fell by 3%. The United Kingdom, on the contrary, posted a robust 10% year-on-year increase sustained by double digit growth in exports to the United States (+13%).

    Intellectual property related services expanded by 4% year-on-year in the first three months of 2025 in comparison with a 7% growth in the same quarter of 2024. Global trade in IP-related services remains highly concentrated, with the European Union and the United States accounting for nearly 70% of exports in 2024. EU exports, measured in US dollars, rose by just 3% year-on-year, held back by exchange rate volatility, despite stronger underlying growth of 6% in euro terms.

    Global construction exports fell by 15% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, reversing part of the strong 25% growth recorded during the same period in 2024. The decline reflects weaker performance across several key economies, including China (-25%), which alone accounted for over 28% of global construction exports in 2024, the Republic of Korea (-15%), and the European Union (-6%). The downturn in the first quarter likely reflects delayed investment due to uncertainty and rising costs.

    Computer services exports were only marginally affected by the broader slowdown, as strong global demand for artificial intelligence (AI), digital transformation, and cybersecurity solutions continued to drive growth. This momentum is expected to persist, supported by ongoing business adaptation to new technologies and rising consumer preferences for digital services. During the period, India’s computer services exports grew by 13%, while Ireland recorded a 9% increase.

    Chart 3: Other commercial services exports by selected subsector, 2024 and Q1 2025
    Year-on-year % change

    Note: Sectors are ranked according to their relative share in services trade in 2024.
    Source: WTO estimates for Q1 2025 and Q1 2024; WTO-UNCTAD estimates for 2024.

     As for the other main sectors of commercial services, global transport exports were up 3% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, following rapid growth especially in the third and fourth quarter of 2024 due to frontloading. Asia recorded the fastest growth, up 10%, driven by a 31% rise in China, while Singapore and the Republic of Korea posted modest gains of 2%. Payments for shipping services increased by 19% in South and Central America and the Caribbean, as demand for goods surged.

    Despite a difficult economic and geopolitical context, international travel expanded by 5% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025. For the first time since the pandemic, international tourist arrivals were 3% above 2019 levels according to UN Tourism data. In Asia, travel receipts grew by 13%, driven by China (+96%), Viet Nam (+33%), Japan (+25%) and Thailand (+18%) as tourism continues to recover in the region. By contrast, North America’s travel receipts fell by 1%.

    Services trade performance varied across major traders in the first five months of 2025 according to available monthly statistics. Double digit exports growth was recorded in Asian economies such as China (+13%, through June), India (+12%) and Japan (+11%). In North America, the United States and Canada saw diverging trends. US service exports rose by 5%, while Canada recorded a 6% decline. The EU’s service exports to non-member countries rose by 3%, while imports from outside the Union grew more sharply, increasing by 6%. The United Kingdom recorded marked growth, with exports up 9% and imports rising by 13%.

    Chart 4: Services export and import growth of selected economies, January-May 2025
    Year-on-year % change

    Note: Statistics for Brazil, China and Pakistan refer to January-June.
    Source : National sources and Eurostat.

    Quarterly statistics are estimates as of time of publication and subject to frequent revisions. They are available for download at WTO Stats, as well as monthly statistics. Annual services trade data and related visualizations can be accessed at WTO | Statistics — Global Services Trade Data Hub and WTO | World Trade Statistics 2024.

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    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ‘STEM for ALL’ : Thales Joins the Singapore-Industry Scholarship (SgIS) Programme

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: ‘STEM for ALL’ : Thales Joins the Singapore-Industry Scholarship (SgIS) Programme

    • As a Sponsoring Organisation with SgIS, Thales will provide Singaporean undergraduate students scholarships in a comprehensive programme that includes internship, mentoring and a starting career with Thales.
    • With this initiative, Thales is extending its ‘STEM for ALL’ programme to Singapore, the first launch outside Europe, with its dedicated mission to advance STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education amongst youth.
    • In its inaugural intake, four nominated scholars will undertake engineering or research roles in strategic sectors including air traffic management, public security, cybersecurity and digital identity, working within Thales businesses and research labs like the Thales Digital Factory.
    © Thales

    With engineers comprising one-third of Thales Singapore’s 2000+ employees, the Group has a strong interest in promoting STEM education and growing the next generation of engineering talent. On 29thJuly, Thales was proud to join SgIS as a Sponsorship Organisation at its launch event and to present awards to the scholars, aligning with the government’s mandate to develop young talent in Singapore’s strategic sectors.

    Established in 2012, SgIS is an initiative which partners government and industries to nurture a strong core of Singaporean talent in 16 strategic industries which include Aerospace & Aviation and Engineering. It is the only government-led, multi-industry scholarship under the Ministry of Education which provides talented Singaporean students access to close to 150 Sponsoring Organisations, giving them development opportunities as they further their studies and begin their professional careers.

    Throughout May and June, over 100 potential candidates with diverse skillsets were introduced to Thales by SgIS and invited to an Open Day to get to know Thales’ businesses. From this, over 40 were taken through rigorous technical assessments, following which 12 were further shortlisted for panel interviews with Thales experts and business leaders to further assess their technical expertise and leadership attributes.

    Four talented candidates from the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) were the final recipients of the Thales award. Currently at different stages in their university education, the four students will progressively join the cybersecurity and digital identity, public security, air traffic management and Thales Digital Factory teams over the next 2 years.

    Expanding the Thales Group’s STEM for ALL Programme to Singapore

    In early 2025, Thales, through its endowment fund Thales Solidarity, launched its STEM for ALL programme in France and Belgium to foster vocation in scientific fields to remarkable young students.

    By partnering the SgIS programme, Thales is extending the Group’s ambition in endorsing STEM education worldwide by reinforcing academic excellence. Singapore is the first country outside of Europe to have a STEM scholarship programme under the STEM for ALL umbrella.

    “Thales recognises the essential role that science and technology play in furthering human progress and creating a world that is safer, greener and more sustainable. Many of the younger generation are passionate about making an impact and we are constantly looking for talented individuals, skilled in STEM, to help bring this ambition to life.” said Emily TAN, Country Director & Chief Executive, Thales in Singapore. “The scholars we selected have strong technical skills which we hope to nurture when they join the Thales family. I believe that their enthusiasm to learn, coupled with the mentorship opportunities and experiences within Thales, will provide a good starting point for their careers.”

    About Thales

    Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies for the Defence, Aerospace, and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.

    The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.

    Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

    About Thales in Singapore

    Thales established its presence in Singapore in 1973 to support the growth of aerospace activities in Asia. Since then, it has grown to be a leading deep-tech company operating in the Aeronautics (including avionics and air traffic management), Defence, Public Security, Cybersecurity & Digital Identity sectors.

    Thales in Singapore runs global industrial operations for avionics and digital identity solutions and has a strong commitment to Research, Technology and Innovation, with Centres of Excellence for radars, naval drones, space, avionics, public security and defence. With over 2000 employees across four locations, Thales is actively supporting Singapore in driving its digital transformation and Smart Nation ambitions.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Curaçao and Sint Maarten: Stress Testing: High-Level Summary Technical Assistance Report

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    The technical assistance mission supported the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten in strengthening its capacity to assess banking sector resilience through the development of a new macro-stress testing framework. The framework integrates macro-consistent scenarios, sectoral credit risk models, and detailed projections of balance sheet and income statement items. Key recommendations include institutionalizing regular biannual stress testing exercises, refining parameter calibration, enhancing scenario development, and expanding data collection aligned with IFRS 9 standards. These efforts position the CBCS to improve its macroprudential oversight and better safeguard financial stability in the monetary union.

    Subject: Bank soundness, Credit risk, Financial regulation and supervision, Financial sector policy and analysis, Financial sector stability, Stress testing

    Keywords: Bank Resilience, Bank soundness, Credit risk, Credit Risk Models, Data collection, Financial sector stability, Financial Stability, Financial stability assessment, Macroeconomic Scenarios, Regulatory Framework, Stress testing, Stress Testing

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis, Hageman Rebrand ESA to Highlight Recovery Over Endless Listings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    Washington, D.C. – Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) and Representative Harriet Hageman (R-WY) today introduced the Endangered Species Recovery Act, legislation that would rename the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to better reflect the law’s original intent.

    “Washington bureaucrats have lost sight of the original mission of the Endangered Species Act,” said Sen. Lummis. “Instead of celebrating recovery success by removing federal intervention, they’ve created a system that keeps species listed indefinitely. The Endangered Species Recovery Act refocuses this law on its original purpose: recovering species and then getting the federal government out of the way. States like Wyoming have proven track records in wildlife management, and when species recover, we should celebrate that success by allowing appropriate local management to resume.”

    “For over 50 years, the Endangered Species Act has operated under a misleading title and a failed model, with only 3% of listed species ever delisted,” said Rep. Hageman. “This is land control, not conservation. By renaming it the Endangered Species Recovery Act, we are reflecting the law’s true intent, actually recovering species. This change is long overdue. With this legislation, we are putting action and accountability back into environmental policy.”

    The Endangered Species Recovery Act has received support from:

    “The Endangered Species Act is a remarkable law that was created to protect and recover species,” said Angi Bruce, Director of Wyoming Game and Fish. “While this landmark act has primarily focused on species protection over the past 50 years, this revision in the name of the Act is necessary to refocus how we think about listed species and better reflect its original intent. Changing the name sets the stage for emphasizing future work on recovery. With over 1600 species listed, now is the time to focus on actions needed for delisting. Special thanks to Senator Lummis for her leadership on endangered species reform.”

    “The ultimate goal of federally listing a species as endangered or threatened has always been the recovery of that species to a level where the species is no longer imperiled and can thrive without the need of federal protections,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies. “Successfully recovering and delisting species allows limited resources to be focused on the species most in need of attention. State fish and wildlife agencies are dedicated partners in species recovery and management, and we appreciate Senator Lummis’ acknowledgment of the importance of species recovery and raising its prominence by including it in the title of the Endangered Species Recovery Act.”

    “The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) thanks Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus Member Senator Lummis for introducing the Endangered Species Recovery Act,” said CSF Senior Vice President Taylor Schmitz. “Despite the Endangered Species Act (ESA) becoming an endless place of entrapment for many listed fish and wildlife species, the intent behind the ESA was and remains to recover species and return the management of the species to state wildlife agencies, who have the primary authority over the majority of fish and wildlife across the country. This legislation reaffirms the intent of the ESA to recover species rather than needlessly keeping them on a list once they have met population recovery goals.”

    “I commend Senator Lummis for her legislation and trying to focus the Endangered Species Act (ESA) more on recovery,” said James L. Cummins, Executive Director, Wildlife Mississippi. “Many in our nation want the ESA to go away.  Others say don’t change one word.  That is like owning an International Scout with two plans: one is sell it and the other is never changing the oil.  Neither of those are helpful at the hunting club unless walking is your goal.  I think we need to keep and use the Scout but fix it when it needs fixing. The ESA should be treated no differently.  The ESA has been effective in preventing some species from becoming extinct; however, it can be significantly improved by creating new recovery efforts.  As long as the status quo of not increasing habitat, therefore not increasing populations, is maintained, the recovery and delisting of many species will not occur.”  

    “Renaming the Endangered Species Act as the Endangered Species Recovery Act is a thoughtful way to refocus national attention on what matters most—recovering imperiled wildlife,” said David Willms, associate vice president, public lands at the National Wildlife Federation. “This bill emphasizes outcomes over process, reinforcing that the goal isn’t to manage decline, but to return species to healthy, sustainable populations that don’t require the Act’s protections. It’s a commonsense update that aligns the name of the law with its original purpose.” 

    Senator John Barrasso (R-WY), Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Senator Mike Crapo (R-ID), and Senator Jim Risch (R-ID) are Senate cosponsors. 

    Read the entire bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –