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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan’s Ag in Motion Goes Global

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 15, 2025

    Western Canada’s largest outdoor farm expo demonstrates how Saskatchewan provides food security for the world. 

    Today, Saskatchewan welcomes visitors from across Canada and around the world to learn about the latest advancements in agriculture technology and equipment at Ag in Motion which runs from July 15 to 17. 

    “Saskatchewan has much to offer the world and we are pleased to tell our story to so many prospective partners at this year’s event,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “Ag in Motion invites industry leaders, experts and stakeholders from across Canada and beyond, and we anticipate this event continuing to grow and attract larger crowds each year. This is the perfect place to show people the talent, innovation and expertise found in our province.”

    The province is welcoming delegations from 16 countries, including Australia, Armenia, India, Ireland, Mongolia, Netherlands, Poland, United States and United Arab Emirates to this year’s event. 

    “Ag in Motion brings farmers and industry experts together to share, connect and collaborate for a better future,” Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison said. “We are proud of the agriculture industry in our province and their ability to supply the rest of the world with sustainably-produced, high quality products. What is learned at Ag in Motion this year will undoubtedly shape the farms of tomorrow.”

    Founded in 2015, Ag in Motion takes place every July in Langham, Saskatchewan. It is anticipated that more than 30,000 attendees and 550 exhibitors from around the world will be in attendance. 

    “Agriculture represents the largest portion of the Saskatchewan economy. Ag in Motion is a tradeshow and demonstration event that features world-leading technology to improve the industry and its dryland farming practices,” Ag in Motion Show Director Rob O’Connor said. “This region of North America is a hotbed for innovation, farmers, companies and delegates from around the world to gather at Ag in Motion for three days to discover what is new, share information and see prototypes and concepts coming down the pipeline.”

    The Government of Saskatchewan remains focused on strengthening international relationships to diversify markets and increase exports. This is supported through the province’s investment attraction efforts and the network of nine international offices that offer personalized support to link businesses with opportunities to invest in the province.

    In 2007, the value of Saskatchewan exports was $19.8 billion, which has since climbed to nearly $50 billion on average over the past three years. Of this, the province exported $18.5 billion worth of Saskatchewan food products and reached 137 countries in 2024 alone. These exports are vital to providing food security the world needs. 

    To learn more, visit InvestSK.ca. 

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Breaking Ground for a New Transitional Apartment in Prince Albert

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on July 15, 2025

    Solving Canada’s housing crisis requires immediate action to bring down costs. To provide Canadians with increased access to affordable and sustainable housing, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan today announced funding of $3.76 million to help build a new transitional housing apartment for individuals in need in Prince Albert, with a focus on women experiencing hardship. This low-rise apartment will provide affordable and supportive housing and will offer temporary accommodation and aims to assist individuals in moving from challenging circumstances toward stability, well-being and independence.

    Developed by YWCA Prince Albert, the multi-million-dollar project will add 20 one-bedroom units to the city, which will contain 10 bachelor units, eight one-bedroom units, two one-bedroom barrier-free units and a common area for services. The property will be located on 18th Street West and the units are expected to be completed in early 2027.

    YWCA Prince Albert is a non-profit organization providing shelter, supportive housing and assistance to marginalized populations to help break the cycle of poverty. For this project, YWCA Prince Albert plans to give priority tenancy to women transitioning from YWCA programs, which includes women and youth at risk of violence and homelessness and young mothers. Tenants will receive support services through YWCA Prince Albert’s various programs. 

    As we build a strong Canadian housing sector, purposeful collaboration will be essential. That means working hand-in-hand with the non-profit sector to bring down costs and build homes at a scale and speed not seen since the Second World War.

    Quotes:

    “These homes being built by YWCA Prince Albert will provide individuals in need a safe space and peace of mind.” Housing and Infrastructure Minister and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada Gregor Robertson said. “The federal government is committed to supporting communities across the country in ensuring every Canadian has a place to call home.”

    “This investment reflects our commitment to supporting women who are facing some of life’s toughest challenges.” Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Terry Jenson said.” By working together with our community partners, we are helping to build not only housing, but a foundation of stability, dignity and a renewed opportunity for those who need it most.” 

    “We are glad to be starting construction on this much-needed project in partnership with the municipal, provincial and federal governments.” YWCA Prince Albert CEO Donna Brooks said. “Between rising costs and low housing supply in Prince Albert, finding appropriate housing is challenging, particularly on limited or fixed incomes. Our new twenty-unit low-income housing build will help to address some of the gaps we are seeing for individuals and families living in the lower income brackets. We will be providing support as needed through our Community Connection Centre for things such as employment assistance, renter information and more.” 

    “We are pleased to support this important initiative.” City of Prince Albert Planning and Development Manager Michael Nelson said. “Affordable housing is a vital part of a healthy community, and this project is an important step toward ensuring everyone in Prince Albert has access to safe, stable housing.” 

    Quick facts: 

    • The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10+ year, $115+ billion plan to give more Canadians a place to call home. Progress on programs and initiatives are updated quarterly on the Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada (HICC) website. The Housing and Infrastructure Project Map shows affordable housing projects that have been developed.
    • As of March 2025, the federal government has committed $65.84 billion to support the creation of over 166,000 units and the repair of over 322,000 units. These measures prioritize those in greatest need, including seniors, Indigenous Peoples, people experiencing or at risk of homelessness and women and children fleeing violence.
    • NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with others, including municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations and the social and private housing sectors. This includes consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, and people with lived experience of housing need.
    • All NHS investments delivered by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments will respect the key principles of NHS that support partnerships, people and communities.
    • In 2019, the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan entered into an agreement through the National Housing Strategy. The Canada-Saskatchewan Bilateral Agreement will invest $585 million over 10 years, which is cost matched between the federal and provincial governments.   
    • The Rental Development Program (RDP) provides one-time capital funding in the form of a forgivable loan to assist in the development of affordable rental housing units for households with low incomes. The RDP is funded by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC).
    • YWCA Prince Albert provides shelter, supportive housing and assistance to marginalized populations to help break the cycle of poverty. Operating since 1912, YWCA offers two crisis shelters, housing projects, housing case management, recovery services, settlement services and comprehensive support programs.
    • Since 2007, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) has worked with Prince Albert housing providers to develop 415 affordable rental units. In addition, through SHC’s Shelter Enhancement Program, YWCA has completed multiple shelter improvements benefiting victims of family violence, with funding of $199,000.
    • Funding provided for this project is as follows:
      $3,762,516 in cost-matched funding from the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan through the National Housing Strategy (NHS) and Saskatchewan Priorities Initiative (SPI)
    • $414,694 from YWCA Prince Albert
    • $30,000 from the City of Prince Albert

    Associated Links:  

    • Visit Canada.ca/housing for the most requested Government of Canada housing information.
    • CMHC plays a critical role as a national facilitator to promote stability and sustainability in Canada’s housing finance system. Mortgage insurance products support access to homeownership and the creation and maintenance of rental supply. Actively supporting the Government of Canada in delivering on its commitment to make housing more affordable. Our research and data help inform housing policy. By facilitating cooperation between all levels of government, private and non-profit sectors, we contribute to advancing housing affordability, equity and climate compatibility. Follow us on X, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
    • In November 2019, the Government of Saskatchewan released Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan: The Next Decade of Growth 2020-2030, which sets out the Government’s vision for a province of 1.4 million people by 2030. The Plan identifies principles, goals and actions to ensure Saskatchewan is capturing the opportunities and meeting the challenges of a growing province. To learn more, visit www.saskatchewan.ca      

    -30-  

    For information on this news release contact: 

    Media Contacts:  

    Renée LeBlanc Proctor
    Office of the Minister of Housing and Infrastructure
    renee.proctor@infc.gc.ca

    Media Relations
    Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation    
    media@cmhc-schl.gc.ca       

    Media Relations     
    Ministry of Social Services     
    306-787-3610     
    mediamss@gov.sk.ca   

    Wilna Furstenberg
    Communications Manager
    City of Prince Albert
    306-953-4884

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Traffic Advisories – Richmond County

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    RICHMOND COUNTY: Soldiers Cove Road, Soldiers Cove

    Soldiers Cove Road is reduced to one lane for repaving and culvert repairs until Friday, October 31.

    Traffic control is on-site. Work takes place from sunrise to sunset. Weekend work is expected.

    RICHMOND COUNTY: St. Peters Fourchu Road, St. Esprit

    St. Peters Fourchu Road from 0.4 kilometres east of Ferguson Road easterly for four kilometres is reduced to one lane for repaving and guardrail installation until Friday, October 31.

    Traffic control is on-site. Work takes place from sunrise to sunset. Weekend work is expected.

    NOTE: For the most up-to-date provincial traffic notices, follow @511ns on X at https://x.com/511ns, call 511 or visit: https://511.novascotia.ca/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ponte Vedra Man Posing as a Tutor Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice a Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity

    Source: US FBI

    Jacksonville, Florida – Chief U.S. District Judge Marcia Morales Howard has sentenced Kevin Patrick Wilson (39, Ponte Vedra) to 10 years in federal prison for attempted enticement and coercion of a minor to engage in sexual activity. Wilson pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025.

    According to court documents, on July 20, 2024, a social media user posted a public message in a Facebook group seeking a tutor for a child. On the day of the post, an individual posing as a woman, but later identified as Wilson, reached out and directed the poster to contact her “husband,” Wilson, by text message. The poster contacted Wilson and had a short text conversation. The poster said she was seeking tutoring assistance for an 11-year-old child. Wilson sent a photo of himself and asked for a photo of the child. The text message conversation ended shortly thereafter. The poster later contacted the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office about the interaction. 

    On July 24, 2024, an undercover detective posing as the guardian of a 12-year-old female “child” reached out to Wilson about tutoring services for the “child.”  After the undercover detective initiated the conversation, Wilson began discussing sexual topics involving the “child” and meeting the “child” to perform sexual acts with the “child.” Wilson also spoke to undercover detectives portraying the 12-year-old child via phone and text message. Wilson and the undercover detective portraying the guardian of the “child” ultimately agreed to meet during the evening of July 24, 2024, for Wilson to engage in sexual acts with the “child.” Wilson traveled to the predetermined meeting location and was arrested.

    This case was investigated by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Jacksonville. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ashley Washington.

    It is another case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Wilmington Man Sentenced to 144 Months for Interstate Kidnapping Conspiracy

    Source: US FBI

    WILMINGTON, Del. – Julianne E. Murray, U.S. Attorney for the District of Delaware, announced that the Honorable Richard G. Andrews sentenced Donnie Taylor, 21, to a period of 144 months of incarceration on July 11, 2025, for his role in an interstate kidnapping.

    According to the court documents, in the early hours of October 17, 2022, Donnie Taylor, of Wilmington, Delaware, conspired with an unnamed juvenile and Kyaire Finch to lure the victim to a New Castle parking lot on the promise of sex. Once there, Taylor and Finch punched the victim in the head and robbed him of his wallet and cell phone. They then used a banking application on the victim’s cell phone to transfer $1,400 from the victim to themselves. Finch then restrained the victim in the back seat of a vehicle while the Taylor drove the group across state lines to the victim’s home in Pennsylvania.

    Once they arrived at the victim’s Pennsylvania apartment complex, Finch continued to restrain the victim in the parking lot while Taylor and the juvenile coconspirator invaded the victim’s apartment. Before Taylor and the juvenile coconspirator returned to the parking lot, the victim broke free from Finch and Finch fled the area.

    Inside the apartment, Taylor encountered and assaulted a second victim, causing lacerations to his face and head. Taylor and the juvenile coconspirator stole $865 and various items, such as a Sony PlayStation 5, from the apartment. Taylor then fled to Delaware after escaping a miles-long pursuit with the Pennsylvania State Police.

    After they returned to Delaware, Taylor then assaulted a 68-year-old woman, stole her keys, and then stole her vehicle. Taylor and the juvenile coconspirator then fled to Georgia in the stolen vehicle. While on the lam, Taylor wrote a “Fugitive to-do list” on his phone, reminding himself to “get a new phone. Burner phone.”

    On October 20, 2022, Taylor engaged in a high-speed chase with Georgia State Police in the stolen vehicle, nearly causing a crash and running red lights. Georgia State Police immobilized the car using a PIT maneuver, Taylor fled on foot but was quickly apprehended.

    U.S. Attorney Murray stated, “This was a disturbing case that began with deception and ended in brutality. Today’s sentence reflects the seriousness of those actions and delivers a measure of justice for the victims. I want to commend the swift, coordinated efforts of the FBI, state, and local authorities whose dedication ensured the defendant was apprehended and held accountable. Our communities are safer because of their dedication, and combined with my office, we remain committed to protecting the public from violent offense wherever they may hide.”

    “Donnie Taylor’s dangerous and violent crime spree spread through multiple states for several days. He acted with zero regard for the safety of anyone who crossed his path, and actively plotted ways to hurt others, steal from them, and get away with it. He now faces the consequences for his shameful actions thanks to concerted efforts of law enforcement from Delaware to Georgia. This sentence should serve as a message to Taylor, and others seeking to harm, that the FBI and our partners will not tolerate violence and will ensure you are held accountable,” said FBI Baltimore Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin P. Pierce and Carly A. Hudson prosecuted the case. The FBI’s Delaware Violent Crime and Safe Streets Task Force, New Castle County Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Georgia State Police investigated this case.

    A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Delaware. Related court documents and information is located on the website of the District Court for the District of Delaware or on PACER by searching for Case No. 1:23-CR-60.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Press for Answers on “Striking Inconsistency” of Immigration Policies for Afghans Living in the U.S.

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Angus King and a number of his Senate colleagues are pressing the White House for clarity on their shifting immigration policies for Afghans living in the United States. In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, King and his colleagues point out that the justifications for the decisions to implement a large-scale travel ban, which applies to Afghanistan, and terminate Temporary Protected Status, conflict with one another. Many of these Afghan nationals played essential, life-saving roles in supporting American servicemembers during the war in Afghanistan over two decades.

    Afghanistan remains gripped by violence and instability; the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), continues to launch attacks against ethnic and religious minorities and against the Taliban, leading to innocent civilian casualties. If Afghan nationals are forced to return to Afghanistan, many risk being caught in the crossfire between the Taliban and ISKP, threatening their human rights and freedoms. These risks are on top of retribution risks for Afghan nationals that supported American armed forces.

    “We write to you with deep concern over President Donald Trump’s recently announced so-called travel ban and its striking inconsistency with the Department of Homeland Security’s justification for termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. We respectfully request that you provide detailed information regarding the State Department’s assessment of the conditions in Afghanistan to clarify the Trump Administration’s position,” the lawmakers wrote.

    “As you know, the U.S. visa vetting system is a multi-layered process involving extensive background checks, biometric data collection, interagency information sharing, and screening against a range of national security databases that works to keep residents of our country safe,” the lawmakers continued. “According to the Brennan Center for Justice, “[m]ore than 40 national security experts from across the political spectrum have unequivocally told courts that travelers to the U.S. should not be vetted on religious or national stereotypes, but rather on specific threat information.”

    Highlighting the inconsistencies between the reasoning for including Afghanistan in the travel ban and ending the country’s TPS designation, they wrote, “This [travel ban] determination appears to be at odds with the Trump Administration’s stated position just weeks ago. May 12, 2025, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem announced that DHS was ending TPS for Afghanistan. The basis offered in the Federal Register notice for this decision was ‘notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions.’

    “As you are aware, many Afghan allies that received TPS stood shoulder to shoulder with American servicemembers for nearly two decades during the war in Afghanistan. Many fled to the United States out of fear of persecution by the Taliban or retaliation for such cooperation with the United States. It is unsafe for political targets of the Taliban to be forced to return against their will. TPS protections must be maintained for Afghan nationals in the United States,” the lawmakers concluded.

    In addition to King, the letter was signed by Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Ed Markey (D-MA), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Tina Smith (D-MN), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), and Peter Welch (D-VT).

    Senator King has long supported the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for America’s Afghan allies who assisted the U.S. government during the war in Afghanistan – having written that the policy likely saved Afghans from “a death sentence” in Defense News. Most recently, he signed a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio requesting answers on the cancellation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for those who served alongside America’s military. King had also cosponsored the Afghan Allies Protection Act to increase the number of authorized visas for Afghan civilians who risked their lives to support the U.S. mission, remove extraneous paperwork requirements and improve the program’s efficiency during the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. 

    The full text of the letter is available here and below.

    +++

    Dear Secretary Rubio:

    We write to you with deep concern over President Donald Trump’s recently announced so-called travel ban and its striking inconsistency with the Department of Homeland Security’s justification for termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan. We respectfully request that you provide detailed information regarding the State Department’s assessment of the conditions in Afghanistan to clarify the Trump Administration’s position.

    On June 4, 2025, President Trump announced via a proclamation entitled “Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats” that he was imposing travel restrictions for foreign nationals entering the United States. Among the countries included in this proclamation is Afghanistan. Specifically, the proclamation bans most entry into the United States from Afghanistan, stating the following as justification:

    “The Taliban, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group, controls Afghanistan. Afghanistan lacks a competent or cooperative central authority for issuing passports or civil documents and it does not have appropriate screening and vetting measures.”

    As you know, the U.S. visa vetting system is a multi-layered process involving extensive background checks, biometric data collection, interagency information sharing, and screening against a range of national security databases that works to keep residents of our country safe. According to the Brennan Center for Justice, “[m]ore than 40 national security experts from across the political spectrum have unequivocally told courts that travelers to the U.S. should not be vetted on religious or national stereotypes, but rather on specific threat information.” Categorically banning foreign nationals from coming to the United States based on their country of origin is discriminatory and harmful to our nation’s international relations and security interests.

    The proclamation further states that you, as the Secretary of State, were directed to make this determination, in consultation with other members of the President’s Cabinet including the Secretary of Homeland Security. Per the proclamation, you ultimately determined that “a number of countries remain deficient with regards to screening and vetting,” including the country of Afghanistan. Placing a blanket ban on another country’s citizens is a severe action, and the title of the proclamation states that it is being done “to protect the United States from foreign terrorists and other national security and public safety threats.” This determination appears to be at odds with the Trump Administration’s stated position just weeks ago. On May 12, 2025, Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Kristi Noem announced that DHS was ending TPS for Afghanistan. The basis offered in the Federal Register notice for this decision was “notable improvements in the security and economic situation such that requiring the return of Afghan nationals to Afghanistan does not pose a threat to their personal safety due to armed conflict or extraordinary and temporary conditions.” Specifically, the notice points to:

    1. the totality of Taliban rule and lessening overt presence of ISIS-K and other various terrorist organizations;
    2. a decrease in large-scale violence and humanitarian need;
    3. a growing economy; and 
    4. increased tourism, with tourists “sharing their experiences on social media, highlighting the peaceful countryside, welcoming locals, and the cultural heritage.

    Further, Secretary Noem found that “permitting Afghan nationals to remain temporarily in the United States is contrary to the national interest of the United States.” The Federal Register notice cited consultation with your Department in making this determination.

    These seemingly incompatible recent decisions indicate a troubling lack of consistency in the Administration’s analysis of country conditions in Afghanistan. Either Afghanistan is safe for the return of Afghan refugees and nationals that fled following the return of the Taliban to power or it is not.

    According to Human Rights Watch, in 2024, Taliban authorities intensified their crackdown on human rights, especially against women and girls, who are banned from attending secondary school or university and are unable to move freely. The Taliban also continues to detain and torture journalists, curtailing free speech and media. The 2023 U.S. State Department Human Rights Report covering Afghanistan found that women’s rights rapidly declined and restrictions on freedom of expression increased. The horrific human rights conditions in Afghanistan are unsafe for Afghan nationals to return to and returning would put their personal safety at immediate risk. Additionally, the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the Afghan affiliate of the Islamic State (ISIS), continues to launch attacks against ethnic and religious minorities and against the Taliban, leading to innocent civilian casualties. If Afghan nationals are forced to return to Afghanistan, they will be caught in the crossfire between the Taliban and ISKP.

    As you are aware, many Afghan allies that received TPS stood shoulder to shoulder with American servicemembers for nearly two decades during the war in Afghanistan. Many fled to the United States out of fear of persecution by the Taliban or retaliation for such cooperation with the United States. It is unsafe for political targets of the Taliban to be forced to return against their will. TPS protections must be maintained for Afghan nationals in the United States.

    We would request that you immediately provide answers to the following questions:

    1. Please provide detailed reports or information that the State Department is relying upon in advising the Department of Homeland Security and the White House as to the conditions in Afghanistan. 
    2. How can you assure Afghan nationals fearing persecution in Afghanistan that the Taliban will not retaliate against them based upon their relationship with the United States?

    Congress has a strong interest in understanding what information the Trump Administration is using to carry out its policies and how it is making national security decisions that impact all of our constituents.  We look forward to receiving your response.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Federal Inmate Sentenced to Additional Seven Years in Prison for Threatening U.S. Probation Officer in Chicago

    Source: US FBI

    CHICAGO — A federal inmate has been sentenced to an additional seven consecutive years in prison for threatening a U.S. Probation officer in Chicago.

    GLENN BOWDEN was incarcerated in a federal prison in 2023 when he mailed a letter threatening to injure a U.S. Probation officer. The officer had conducted a presentence investigation of Bowden prior to Bowden’s sentencing on a federal robbery conviction in 2022.  Bowden was serving a nine-year federal sentence in the robbery case.

    In addition to the threatening letter, Bowden authored a letter purportedly from his prison chaplain and caused it to be filed with the Court in support of a motion for compassionate release.  The chaplain had no knowledge of the letter. When interviewed by the FBI, Bowden falsely claimed that he did not type or send the letter to the Probation officer and that he knew nothing about the Chaplain’s letter or who wrote it.

    Bowden, 64, most recently of Riverdale, Ill., pleaded guilty last year to mailing a threatening communication, obstructing an official proceeding, and willfully making false statements to the FBI.  On Tuesday, U.S. District Judge Martha M. Pacold sentenced Bowden to seven years and three months in prison, which must be served after the completion of his sentence for the robbery case.

    The sentence was announced by Andrew S. Boutros, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, Douglas S. DePodesta, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Chicago Field Office of the FBI, and LaDon A. Reynolds, United States Marshal for the Northern District of Illinois.  The Federal Bureau of Prisons provided valuable assistance.  The government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Maureen Merin and Kirsten Moran.

    “Threats against Court personnel and other federal staff have no place in our system of justice,” said U.S. Attorney Boutros.  “The sentence that the Court imposed in this case should send a clear message that such reprehensible conduct will be met with harsh punishment.”

    “Threatening to assault federal personnel is a grave offense that risks the safety of all those who selflessly choose to protect and serve our communities,” said FBI SAC DePodesta.  “Any attempt to elicit violence against the federal workforce will be met with swift and full action by our dedicated law enforcement and prosecutorial partners.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Lawler Introduces Bill to Strengthen State Department Hiring and Passport Services

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C. – 7/15/25… Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), introduced the Cutting Passport Backlog Act.  

    This legislation amends the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 to extend the special hiring authority for passport specialists from three to five years. This will allow the Bureau of Consular Affairs to hire qualified passport specialists without going through longer, traditional federal hiring processes. This measure has been identified by both the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the State Department as a key factor in improving service efficiency.

    “Since I was elected to Congress, my office has helped thousands of Hudson Valley residents with passport related casework. This casework is unfortunately far too common. The Cutting Passport Backlog Act will make the process easier for all parties, ensuring the State Department gets constituents their documents without unnecessary delays,” said Chairman Lawler.

    “Americans often travel abroad to see their family, go to school, or for countless other reasons. That is why a streamlined passport process is essential. I’m proud to lead efforts that support effective government operations and enhance the quality of federal services delivered to all Americans,” concluded Chairman Lawler. 

    As Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee, which holds jurisdiction over both the State Department’s Bureau of Management and Bureau of Counterterrorism, Lawler is leveraging his role to advance reforms that support a more agile and effective foreign policy.

    Each of these bills, including the Cutting Passport Backlog Act, has been submitted for consideration in the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s State Department reauthorization. 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Lawler Introduces Bill to Strengthen State Department Hiring and Passport Services

    Source: US Congressman Mike Lawler (R, NY-17)

    Washington, D.C. – 7/15/25… Congressman Mike Lawler (NY-17), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), introduced the Cutting Passport Backlog Act.  

    This legislation amends the Department of State Authorization Act of 2023 to extend the special hiring authority for passport specialists from three to five years. This will allow the Bureau of Consular Affairs to hire qualified passport specialists without going through longer, traditional federal hiring processes. This measure has been identified by both the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the State Department as a key factor in improving service efficiency.

    “Since I was elected to Congress, my office has helped thousands of Hudson Valley residents with passport related casework. This casework is unfortunately far too common. The Cutting Passport Backlog Act will make the process easier for all parties, ensuring the State Department gets constituents their documents without unnecessary delays,” said Chairman Lawler.

    “Americans often travel abroad to see their family, go to school, or for countless other reasons. That is why a streamlined passport process is essential. I’m proud to lead efforts that support effective government operations and enhance the quality of federal services delivered to all Americans,” concluded Chairman Lawler. 

    As Chairman of the MENA Subcommittee, which holds jurisdiction over both the State Department’s Bureau of Management and Bureau of Counterterrorism, Lawler is leveraging his role to advance reforms that support a more agile and effective foreign policy.

    Each of these bills, including the Cutting Passport Backlog Act, has been submitted for consideration in the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s State Department reauthorization. 

    Congressman Lawler is one of the most bipartisan members of Congress and represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, which is just north of New York City and contains all or parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties. He was rated the most effective freshman lawmaker in the 118th Congress, 8th overall, surpassing dozens of committee chairs.

    ###

    Full text of the bill can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of Commerce Ends Supension Agreement, Reinstating Tomato Tariffs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Kat Cammack (R-FL-03)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack (FL-03) released the following statement following the U.S. Department of Commerce’s termination of the 2019 Suspension Agreement on fresh tomatoes from Mexico:

    “For far too long, American tomato growers—especially those in Florida—have been forced to compete against artificially low prices driven by unfair trade practices,” said Congresswoman Cammack. “The termination of this agreement sends a clear message: we’re standing up for American farmers and restoring integrity to our agricultural markets. Food security is national security. Our farmers deserve a fair shot to compete—and this marks a critical step forward in making that possible. I am grateful to the Trump Administration and Secretary Lutnick for their unwavering support.”

    Background:
    Florida is one of the nation’s largest tomato-producing states, and growers have long raised concerns about the impact of dumped Mexican imports on their ability to stay in business. The 2019 Suspension Agreement halted anti-dumping duties on Mexican tomatoes in exchange for price and volume restrictions from Mexican exporters. With yesterday’s decision, those duties will now go into effect, with most imports subject to a 20.91% tariff. This decision is widely seen as a victory for domestic agriculture and a meaningful step toward fairer trade enforcement.

    “Yesterday’s decision is an enormous victory for American tomato farmers and American agriculture. We’re grateful for the decisive, bold, and crucial action taken by the Trump administration to terminate the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement,” said Florida Tomato. “This decision will protect hardworking American tomato growers from unfair Mexican trading practices and send a strong signal that the Trump administration is committed to ensuring fair markets for American agriculture. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick recognized that five previous agreements with Mexico had failed and that strong enforcement of U.S. trade laws is needed to protect the stability of our food supply chain. We would also like to thank Rep. Kat Cammack and all our champions in Congress, tomato growers from across the country, and allied organizations from different regions, commodities, and states representing a broad cross-section of fruit and vegetable growers in the United States.”

    “Today marks a significant victory for growers across the U.S. The termination of the 2019 Tomato Suspension Agreement by the administration signals a positive movement toward fairer competition, not only for tomato growers but for all specialty crop producers nationwide. For too long, unfair Mexican tomato imports have been dumped into the U.S. market, injuring the U.S. industry,” said the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. “This action demonstrates that U.S. trade laws can protect American farmers and ensures that U.S. consumers have access to locally grown fruits and vegetables. We are grateful for the relentless advocacy of Congresswoman Kat Cammack and the Florida Congressional Delegation to level the playing field for growers. The future of the industry is stronger without the undue pressures of unfair foreign trade.”

    “We are grateful to Congresswoman Cammack for her tireless efforts to ensure the voices of growers, trade officials, and industry leaders were heard,” said Tony DiMare, President of DiMare Fresh. “Her leadership and persistence were critical in bringing an end to a flawed agreement that, for years, disadvantaged American tomato producers. We sincerely appreciate her steadfast commitment to fairness, accountability, and the defense of American agriculture.”

    “Florida’s farmers have faced unfair trade pressures for far too long, and today’s decision is a meaningful step toward restoring fairness in the market,” said Jeb S. Smith, President of Florida Farm Bureau Federation. “We commend the U.S. Department of Commerce for recognizing the harm caused by dumped Mexican tomato imports and thank Congresswoman Kat Cammack for her unwavering support of Florida agriculture. This action reinforces that American farmers deserve a level playing field and that our nation is serious about safeguarding its domestic food supply.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Keith Self Reintroduces Bill to Rename Highway in Honor of U.S. Congressman and POW Sam Johnson

    Source:

    Congressman Keith Self has reintroduced legislation to rename a portion of U.S. Highway 75 as the “U.S. Congressman and Prisoner of War Sam Johnson Memorial Highway.”

    “Sam Johnson was a hero long before he ever served in Congress,” Congressman Self said. “From surviving nearly seven years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam to serving three decades in the House of Representatives, Sam Johnson’s life exemplified courage, sacrifice, and service.”

    The bill designates the portion of U.S. Highway 75 between the President George Bush Turnpike and U.S. Highway 380 for renaming, and directs that all federal maps, signs, and official references be updated to reflect the new title. 

    In renaming this stretch of highway, we honor not only Sam Johnson’s name, but the values he represented–duty, resilience, and a devotion to country.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: One global health leader on preparing for any scenario while protecting lives: Gavi CEO

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/ 
    Twitter ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #WorldEconomicForum

    https://www.youtube.com/shorts/gCWtxZwkEEs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: More heat pump rebates on the way; now open for renters, condo owners

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    More British Columbians will benefit from a heat pump this summer with the B.C. government’s launch of a new program to reduce energy use, lower energy bills and improve comfort for income-qualified apartment renters and condo owners.

    The Better Homes Energy Savings Program Condo and Apartment Rebate will provide rebates up to $5,000 to support the purchase and installation of high-performance electric heat pumps in individual suites in multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs).

    “Nearly a third of homes in B.C. are in multi-unit residential buildings,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “We’ve had great success supporting the switch to heat pumps in single-family homes and in entire multi-unit residential buildings. All British Columbians who need a heat pump should have access to one, to feel comfortable in their homes year-round, experience better energy efficiency, and save money. So, we’re expanding our support to focus on helping apartment renters and condominium owners.”

    The first phase of the program, available starting Tuesday, July 15, 2025, applies to suites in condo and apartment buildings that are six storeys and under, and are currently heated by electricity, such as electric baseboards. The program will be expanded in fall 2025 to include condos and apartments heated by fossil fuel (e.g., a gas-fired boiler).

    “We are encouraged by the expansion of the heat pump rebate program to renters and condo owners living in lower-rise MURBs,” said Shauna Sylvester, director, Urban Climate Leadership. “It’s been difficult for people living in these buildings to get relief from the extreme heat. This program is a step in the right direction in creating healthy, safe and resilient homes for more British Columbians.”

    To get a heat pump, income-qualified apartment renters and condo owners must include signed permission forms from their respective landlords and strata corporations in their applications. Applicants then receive an eligibility code that is used by a registered contractor to secure the rebates.

    “This program will support families and seniors in apartments and townhomes across B.C. managing affordability concerns, and ensure they have the opportunity to convert to heat pumps to provide a safe and healthy controlled climate for their homes,” said Tony Gioventu, executive director, Condominium Home Owners Association of B.C. “Owners, tenants, and residents of strata properties are reminded to work with their strata councils to confirm they are complying with the local bylaws.”

    In addition to this program, BC Hydro is offering non-income-qualified rebates to customers in individual suites in condo and apartment buildings of up to $2,500 on high-performance heat pumps and $1,000 for heat pump water heaters in electrically heated buildings. These energy-efficient upgrades help reduce utility costs and support a cleaner, more sustainable future.

    Quick Facts:

    • The Better Homes Energy Savings Program, launched in June 2024, is funded through the Province and leverages contributions from BC Hydro and the federal government to support greater access to home energy retrofits for households with low or moderate incomes, including renters.
    • In April 2025, the Province announced $50 million in each of the next two fiscal years to deliver as many as 8,300 new heat pump rebates to British Columbians.
    • This phase one of the new program is expected to result in approximately 500 heat pumps installed for applicants, however, that number could be higher.
    • To date, the B.C. government’s Better Homes Energy Savings Program has provided funding for 27,832 heat pumps.

    Learn More:

    For more information, or to apply for the Better Homes Energy Savings Program Condo and Apartment Rebate, visit: https://www.betterhomesbc.ca/rebates/condo-and-apartment-rebates

    For BC Hydro rebates, visit: www.bchydro.com/apartmentrebates

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Varun Mayya meets Lucian Boldea | Davos Creator Studio

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.

    This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
    Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
    YouTube ► https://www.youtube.com/wef
    Instagram ► https://www.instagram.com/worldeconomicforum/
    X ► https://twitter.com/wef
    LinkedIn ► https://www.linkedin.com/company/world-economic-forum
    TikTok ► https://www.tiktok.com/@worldeconomicforum
    Flipboard ► https://flipboard.com/@WEF

    #Davos2025 #WorldEconomicForum #wef25

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81y6NUIjgDo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Westminster Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Federal Prison in Connection with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Crimes

    Source: US FBI

    Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge Adam B. Abelson sentenced Rodney Gaines, 35, of Westminster, Maryland, today, to 23 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. A federal jury found Gaines guilty back on April 4, of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime, and two counts of distribution of cocaine.

    Judge Abelson also found that Gaines ordered and arranged the murder of a man in Westminster, Maryland, on January 31, 2022.  The court applied sentencing guideline enhancements on the grounds that Gaines’s drug offenses involved firearms and violence or threats of violence, and that he served in a leadership role in the drug conspiracy.

    Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Acting Special Agent in Charge Amanda M. Koldjeski, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – Baltimore Field Office; Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr. Superintendent, Maryland State Police (MSP); Sheriff James T. DeWees, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office; and Chief Thomas Ledwell, Westminster Police Department.

    Evidence presented at trial included wiretaps that revealed Gaines arranged sales of cocaine to various customers.  During the recorded conversations, the cocaine was referred to in coded phrases such as “powder,” “8-balls,” “balls,” and the “sister,” among other terms.  Law enforcement also seized quantities of cocaine from Gaines’s customers after he sold to them. 

    The wiretaps also showed that Gaines sold cocaine in conspiracy with numerous accomplices, including people who he directed to deliver cocaine to customers; prepared the crack cocaine by “cooking” powder cocaine into crack; and hid drugs at various locations, including burying the drugs in wooded areas around Westminster.  Near the end of the investigation, law enforcement recovered more than $250,000 in cash in apparent drug proceeds from a storage unit that another member of the conspiracy acquired.  The jury found that the conspiracy involved 280 grams or more of cocaine base, which carries a 10-year mandatory minimum to a life sentence in prison.

    Additionally, the defense presented evidence at trial that proved Gaines’s activities — and the activities of his conspiracy — involved firearms, including Gaines’s efforts to acquire firearms from co-conspirators in January 2022. 

    U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the FBI, MSP, Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and Westminster Police Department for their work in the investigation.  Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys LaRai N. Everett and Michael C. Hanlon who prosecuted the federal case.

    For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, visit justice.gov/usao-md  and justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $21 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR 16 AIRPORTS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Major Projects Include Over $6 Million For Long Island’s Republic Airport And Over $5 Million For Buffalo Niagara International Airport

    Today, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, announced $21,155,843 in federal funding to upgrade airport facilities and equipment at 16 airports across New York State. This federal funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program and will help fund projects that strengthen safety measures, modernize terminals, and enhance passenger experience at New York’s airports.

    “Keeping our airports in top-notch state is crucial for traveler safety and attracting business and tourism across New York State. Our regional airports are a gateway for commerce, tourism and are vital connectors for residents and visitors. This $21+ million in federal funding will help airports from Long Island to Buffalo reach new heights,” said Senator Schumer. “As Americans across the country have grown more concerned about aviation safety, I’ve fought hard to boost the Airport Improvement Program so our local airports in NY have the resources they need to maintain the highest safety standards. This significant federal investment will help make much-needed improvements so our local economies take off.”

    “From big cities to rural communities, New York’s airports are gateways for commerce, tourism, and travel. It’s vital that every airport has the resources it needs to provide a safe and comfortable experience for anyone who travels through our state,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That’s why I’m proud to announce more than $21 million for airport projects that will deliver critical safety and infrastructure upgrades while enhancing reliability and comfort. I look forward to seeing the impact these improvements will have and will continue fighting for more federal funding to support the upgrades that airports across the country desperately need.”

    A full list of funding recipients can be found below:

    Region

    Recipient

    Project Description

    Award

    Central New York

    Oswego County Airport

    Reconstructs existing runway signage and rehabilitates existing runway lighting. Additionally, reconstructs the precision approach path indicator system

    $76,950

    Finger Lakes

    Ithaca Tompkins International Airport

    Acquires new aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment

    $128,144

    Finger Lakes

    Ithaca Tompkins International Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $1,091,037

    Finger Lakes

    Penn Yan Airport

    Rehabilitates 3,561 feet of existing paved runway and existing runway lighting

    $271,700

    Finger Lakes

    Penn Yan Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment including one carrier vehicle that has reached the end of its useful life

    $507,300

    Finger Lakes

    Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

    Rehabilitates existing aircraft rescue and firefighting building

    $703,440

    Finger Lakes

    Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

    Removes airport trees identified as obstructions by the Federal Aviation Administration

    $256,122

    Finger Lakes

    Le Roy Airport

    Removes 8 acres of trees and other facilities, installs lights, identifies obstructions and brings the airport into conformity with current standards

    $469,225

    Long Island

    Republic Airport

    Reconstructs an existing gate and rehabilitates existing runway

    $6,508,930

    North Country

    Lake Placid Airport

    Reconstructs 1,100 square yards of the existing General Aviation Apron pavement and rehabilitates an additional 5,600 square yards of existing General Aviation Apron pavement

    $156,037

    North Country

    Lake Placid Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $270,154

    North Country

    Massena International Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $253,518

    North Country

    Plattsburgh International Airport

    Acquires new snow removal equipment

    $1,110,797

    North Country

    Ogdensburg International Airport

    Terminal expansion

    $476,968

    North Country

    Ogdensburg International Airport

    Conducts an airport wildlife hazard assessment and develops a wildlife hazard management plan

    $181,174

    Southern Tier

    Greater Binghamton Airport

    Reconstructs 51,000 square feet of existing terminal building and replaces the electrical system and associated lighting

    $1,300,000

    Southern Tier

    Corning–Painted Post Airport

    Rehabilitates 3,269 feet of existing paved runway

    $731,951

    Western New York

    Jamestown Airport

    Reconstructs the existing terminal lighting and 13,900 square yards of the existing pavement

    $201,400

    Western New York

    Buffalo Niagara International Airport

    Rehabilitates existing taxiway pavement and lighting

    $5,680,000

    Western New York

    Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport

    Updates the existing airport master plan study

    $386,272

    Western New York

    Akron Jesson Field

    Conducts an initial pavement survey and develops a new pavement management plan

    $394,724

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $21 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR 16 AIRPORTS ACROSS NEW YORK STATE

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Major Projects Include Over $6 Million For Long Island’s Republic Airport And Over $5 Million For Buffalo Niagara International Airport

    Today, U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, the top-ranking Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, announced $21,155,843 in federal funding to upgrade airport facilities and equipment at 16 airports across New York State. This federal funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program and will help fund projects that strengthen safety measures, modernize terminals, and enhance passenger experience at New York’s airports.

    “Keeping our airports in top-notch state is crucial for traveler safety and attracting business and tourism across New York State. Our regional airports are a gateway for commerce, tourism and are vital connectors for residents and visitors. This $21+ million in federal funding will help airports from Long Island to Buffalo reach new heights,” said Senator Schumer. “As Americans across the country have grown more concerned about aviation safety, I’ve fought hard to boost the Airport Improvement Program so our local airports in NY have the resources they need to maintain the highest safety standards. This significant federal investment will help make much-needed improvements so our local economies take off.”

    “From big cities to rural communities, New York’s airports are gateways for commerce, tourism, and travel. It’s vital that every airport has the resources it needs to provide a safe and comfortable experience for anyone who travels through our state,” said Senator Gillibrand. “That’s why I’m proud to announce more than $21 million for airport projects that will deliver critical safety and infrastructure upgrades while enhancing reliability and comfort. I look forward to seeing the impact these improvements will have and will continue fighting for more federal funding to support the upgrades that airports across the country desperately need.”

    A full list of funding recipients can be found below:

    Region

    Recipient

    Project Description

    Award

    Central New York

    Oswego County Airport

    Reconstructs existing runway signage and rehabilitates existing runway lighting. Additionally, reconstructs the precision approach path indicator system

    $76,950

    Finger Lakes

    Ithaca Tompkins International Airport

    Acquires new aircraft rescue and firefighting equipment

    $128,144

    Finger Lakes

    Ithaca Tompkins International Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $1,091,037

    Finger Lakes

    Penn Yan Airport

    Rehabilitates 3,561 feet of existing paved runway and existing runway lighting

    $271,700

    Finger Lakes

    Penn Yan Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment including one carrier vehicle that has reached the end of its useful life

    $507,300

    Finger Lakes

    Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

    Rehabilitates existing aircraft rescue and firefighting building

    $703,440

    Finger Lakes

    Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport

    Removes airport trees identified as obstructions by the Federal Aviation Administration

    $256,122

    Finger Lakes

    Le Roy Airport

    Removes 8 acres of trees and other facilities, installs lights, identifies obstructions and brings the airport into conformity with current standards

    $469,225

    Long Island

    Republic Airport

    Reconstructs an existing gate and rehabilitates existing runway

    $6,508,930

    North Country

    Lake Placid Airport

    Reconstructs 1,100 square yards of the existing General Aviation Apron pavement and rehabilitates an additional 5,600 square yards of existing General Aviation Apron pavement

    $156,037

    North Country

    Lake Placid Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $270,154

    North Country

    Massena International Airport

    Replaces existing snow removal equipment

    $253,518

    North Country

    Plattsburgh International Airport

    Acquires new snow removal equipment

    $1,110,797

    North Country

    Ogdensburg International Airport

    Terminal expansion

    $476,968

    North Country

    Ogdensburg International Airport

    Conducts an airport wildlife hazard assessment and develops a wildlife hazard management plan

    $181,174

    Southern Tier

    Greater Binghamton Airport

    Reconstructs 51,000 square feet of existing terminal building and replaces the electrical system and associated lighting

    $1,300,000

    Southern Tier

    Corning–Painted Post Airport

    Rehabilitates 3,269 feet of existing paved runway

    $731,951

    Western New York

    Jamestown Airport

    Reconstructs the existing terminal lighting and 13,900 square yards of the existing pavement

    $201,400

    Western New York

    Buffalo Niagara International Airport

    Rehabilitates existing taxiway pavement and lighting

    $5,680,000

    Western New York

    Buffalo-Lancaster Regional Airport

    Updates the existing airport master plan study

    $386,272

    Western New York

    Akron Jesson Field

    Conducts an initial pavement survey and develops a new pavement management plan

    $394,724

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Lagos is young and diverse, so what shapes ethnic and religious prejudice among teens? Our study tried to find out

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Leila Demarest, Associate Professor, Institute of Political Science, Leiden University

    Lagos State, with an estimated population of 20 million, is Africa’s largest metropolis. Home to Nigeria’s commercial capital, it is a magnet for internal migration, drawing in a mix of the country’s ethnic groups. Nigeria is estimated to have between 150 and 500 distinct ethnic groups, many of which are represented in Lagos.

    The original inhabitants of Lagos were Yoruba. As the colonial capital, the city experienced early migration from the Igbo group from the south-east. The Hausa-Fulani, from the north, are another important group to have been drawn to Lagos. More recent migration to the city has also been caused by insecurity in the north of Nigeria.

    The social interactions between people from diverse backgrounds have been studied extensively as dynamics of exclusion are often pervasive in developed and developing societies alike. In multi-ethnic societies in Africa where there has been violent conflict, the question of peaceful coexistence is all the more important.

    In Nigeria, past ethno-religious violence has led to massive casualties. The 1960s Biafra war and lethal riots in Kaduna and Jos in recent decades stand out. Lesser tensions are also present in Lagos state around competition for jobs and access to political power.

    Intergroup tensions in Lagos may give rise to concerns about the risk of more serious threats.

    But do we see this in adolescents, who haven’t yet started competing with each other for jobs and resources? In schools, young people generally have equal status, common goals, intergroup cooperation, and potential for friendship. Could new generations overcome the adversarial past?

    We have decades of research between us straddling group behaviour and identity formation, peace and conflict dynamics, and ethnicity and religion in sub-Saharan Africa. For our research we aimed to gain a picture of intergroup dynamics among Lagos adolescents.

    We concluded from surveying young people that higher diversity levels encourage more friendships and cross-group political discussions, which lead to positive relations between ethnic groups. But waiting for this to happen naturally may not be the best approach. It may leave smaller minority groups exposed to discrimination in the meantime. Policy interventions may encourage a quicker development of positive relations.

    Survey of Lagos adolescents

    Nigeria has a large youth population. Half of the people who live in Lagos state are younger than 25. That could have an important impact on future developments in the city, including intergroup relations.

    In 2019, we surveyed final year secondary school students in 36 schools across the state to find out how they viewed other societal groups and which factors affected their views. Most previous research on intergroup relations has focused on adults.

    We aimed to obtain a sample of Lagos adolescents who experienced diversity in their daily lives. To achieve this, we drew from both urban and rural districts. Our final sample contained 70 % Yoruba, 16 % Igbo, 2 % Hausa-Fulani, and 12 % other minority group adolescents.

    We found that:

    • adolescents who reported more cross-group friendships had more positive attitudes, including higher trust, towards other groups

    • those exposed to political discussions in diverse contexts were more likely to hold positive attitudes towards other ethnic and religious groups

    • when youths experienced more diversity in their schools and neighbourhoods they were less likely to stereotype members of groups

    • they were also less likely to report a preference for their own group when it comes to teachers, future bosses, marriage partners and electoral candidates.

    In contrast, youths exposed to political discussions in ethnic enclaves held negative views.

    Diversity and contact

    We used statistical analyses to investigate intergroup relations among our youth sample. We first asked whether there was a relationship between exposure to other groups and attitudes towards them. While urban areas, especially megacities like Lagos, are often characterised by diversity, many ethnic enclaves or homogeneous neighbourhoods exist.

    We found that higher exposure to diversity had mixed effects. It was associated with less stereotyping and in-group preference, but also related to lower trust in others in general.

    Mixed effects are not surprising, as scholars have long held that exposure to diversity does not really tell us how people actually relate to one another: what matters more is positive contact between individuals from different groups. Contact has been robustly associated with more positive intergroup attitudes in predominantly western-focused studies. In Africa-focused studies results have been mixed, with some finding positive and others no real impact of contact.

    Our findings provide evidence for positive contact theory as adolescents with more cross-group friendships held more positive attitudes towards other groups and also had higher trust. This demonstrates actual positive contact is more important than mere exposure to diversity.

    We also found that exposure to political narratives mattered. Youths who were exposed to political discussions in diverse contexts were more likely to hold positive attitudes towards other ethnic and religious groups.

    Policy implications

    Intergroup attitudes are formed at an early age. Once developed, prejudice or tolerance have a tendency to “stick” over time. Questions on the development of positive attitudes are in need of urgent attention in Africa because of the continent’s youthful populations and many African countries’ experiences with ethnic and religious conflict.

    This brings us to the question of whether tolerance of others can be fast-tracked, especially at an early age, and when youth can be targeted through school interventions. Evidence from other (western) studies suggests that multicultural education, in which pupils are exposed to different cultures in the curriculum, cross-group class discussions on political themes, and cross-group school projects, may encourage positive intergroup relations.

    These types of policies come with an important warning though. As we have seen during our field work, many schools, especially public schools, face large class sizes due to resource constraints and teacher training is minimal. Corporal punishment is still implemented. Group work and deliberation are difficult to manage with large numbers and a lack of training, and teachers also risk bringing their own prejudices to the classroom.

    So it’s important to design interventions carefully and more research is needed to do this effectively in African contexts.

    – Lagos is young and diverse, so what shapes ethnic and religious prejudice among teens? Our study tried to find out
    – https://theconversation.com/lagos-is-young-and-diverse-so-what-shapes-ethnic-and-religious-prejudice-among-teens-our-study-tried-to-find-out-260720

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Pakistan, WFP and the Green Climate Fund launch project to protect flood-prone communities

    Source: World Food Programme

    ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Government of Pakistan and the Green Climate Fund, launched the Integrated Climate Risk Management for Strengthened Resilience to Climate project today through an inception workshop in Islamabad.

    ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), together with the Government of Pakistan and the Green Climate Fund, launched the Integrated Climate Risk Management for Strengthened Resilience to Climate project today through an inception workshop in Islamabad.

    The initiative, funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF) with US$ 9.8 million, will directly benefit 1.6 million people in Buner and Shangla districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, two areas highly vulnerable to climate shocks.

    The project aims to protect flood-prone communities from extreme weather by installing early warning systems—such as weather stations and river level monitors—and improving coordination among government departments so alerts reach people faster. Communities will be trained to interpret these warnings, evacuate safely and protect their farms and homes before disasters strike.

    At the same time, the project will strengthen the capacity of local institutions—including disaster management authorities, district governments, and emergency response teams—by equipping them with the tools, training and infrastructure needed to respond swiftly to climate-related emergencies.

    The workshop was attended by key stakeholders from federal and provincial governments, including the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination (MoCC & EC), the national and provincial disaster management authorities, and relevant planning and development departments.

    Just two weeks into the 2025 monsoon season, Pakistan has already experienced deadly impacts, with over 100 lives lost due to heavy rain, flash floods and landslides according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA). In 2022, unprecedented monsoon floods submerged one-third of the country, with KP province alone suffering over US$ 1.5 billion in loss and damage. Within KP, Buner and Shangla face acute risk due to recurring flash floods, landslides, high poverty rates and limited investment in climate adaptation.

    Sameera Sheikh, Joint Secretary of the MoCC & EC, welcomed the initiative, noting its alignment with national priorities. “Pakistan is among the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, and the impacts are becoming more intense each year,” Sheikh said. “Initiatives like this are vital to help vulnerable communities in districts such as Buner and Shangla better prepare for and respond to climate shocks like floods and landslides”.

    “The Government of KP deeply values the strong collaboration and joint governance established through this initiative,” said Dr. Ehtisham Ulhaq, Chief of the International Development Section of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. “This project not only addresses immediate climate risks but also lays the groundwork for long-term resilience and opens doors to future climate finance for our most vulnerable communities.”

    “Recurring climate shocks are a driver of hunger and malnutrition, threatening lives, livelihoods and entire food systems,” said Coco Ushiyama, WFP Pakistan Representative and Country Director. “This project represents a multi-layered investment – not only in early warning systems and anticipatory action, but also in local adaptation planning and institutional capacity.”

    The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s national policies and KP’s disaster risk management frameworks. It supports GCF Strategic Plan 2024–2027 by addressing urgent adaptation needs in underserved areas, bridging critical capacity gaps in flood preparedness and reinforcing community resilience.

    #                #            #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: @WFPPakistan

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: A European Summer for Sciences Po Students at Bucharest

    Source: Universities – Science Po in English

    Students in front of the entrance at 1 St-Thomas (credits: Pierre Morel)

    Virtual Undergraduate Open House day 2025

    Come meet our teams and students at our campuses.

    Sign-up

    Virtual Graduate Open House day 2025

    Meet faculty members, students and representatives and learn more about our 30 Master’s programmes.

    Sign-up

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: What Canada could learn from the tragic consequences of the Texas flash flood

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Gordon McBean, Professor Emeritus, Department of Geography and Environment, Western University

    On July 4, a horrific flash flood occurred in central Texas, mainly impacting Kerr County. The heavy rain started at about 3 a.m., resulting in rainwater surging down mountain slopes, causing the waters in the Guadalupe River to rise by eight metres very quickly.

    At least 132 people have been confirmed dead as of July 14; most of them were in Kerr County. The area is under renewed flood warnings as heavy rains threaten to continue.

    In recognition of the scope of this tragedy, it’s important to determine why it happened. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott stated that a special session of the state legislature will be held in late July to investigate the emergency response.

    Acting to reduce impacts

    Local Texas officials are facing questions over their actions in the hours — and years — before the flood. In recent years, multiple efforts in Kerr County to build a more substantial flood warning system have faltered or been abandoned due to budget concerns.

    In 2015, a deadly Memorial Day flood in Kerr County rekindled debate over whether to install a flood monitoring system and sirens that would alert the public to evacuate when the river rose to dangerous levels. Some officials, cognizant of a 1987 flood that killed eight people on a church camp bus, thought it should be done, but the idea ran into opposition.

    Some residents and elected officials opposed the installation of sirens, citing the cost and noise that they feared would result from repeated alarms. As a result, Kerr Country did not have emergency sirens that could have warned residents about the rising waters.

    Critical warnings

    The critical challenge for communicating flash floods is ensuring that early warnings reach vulnerable populations. Unlike slow-onset river floods, flash floods leave very limited time for reaction. This makes accurate short-term forecasting and community preparedness essential.

    The U.S. National Weather Service issued its first public warning about the flooding in Kerr County at 1:14 a.m. on July 4, warning of life-threatening flash flooding, with subsequent warnings triggering alerts.

    Floodwaters surged dramatically as the Guadalupe River rose nearly eight metres in about 45 minutes. The 4:03 a.m. warning instructed residents to “Move to higher ground now! This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation.”

    The warnings were disseminated at night through emergency management systems and television and radio stations, but many people, including hundreds of children at summer camps, did not receive them.

    Government agencies at all levels need to work together to ensure that residents of impacted areas move effectively to outside of the flood area or at least to higher elevation areas or safe buildings.

    CBC News covers the flood warnings issued during the Texas floods.

    Societal impacts

    The World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Assessment for 10-year periods ranked extreme weather events as the highest global risk in both the 2024 and 2025 assessments. Floods are a very important extreme weather event.

    The U.S. National Centers for Environmental Information published its review of events for the period 1980-2024. Tropical cyclones were the costliest weather and climate disasters, followed by: droughts, wildfires and flooding, which had an average cost of US$4.5 billion per event. The number of billion-dollar inland flood events has increased in the U.S.

    Note that the dollar costs of these events in these assessments do not include the many societal impacts, including mental trauma and other health impacts.

    Terminations at U.S. agencies

    There have been major reductions in the staffing and budgetary support of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Services, which is part of NOAA.



    Read more:
    Terminations at U.S. government agencies that monitor extreme weather events will have negative effects

    The impacts of these reductions on the weather and flood forecasts that would have alerted Texans on July 4 are not yet clear. At the time of writing, the website for the National Weather Services office for Austin/San Antonio, which covers the region that includes hard-hit Kerr County, shows six of 27 positions are listed as vacant. One important vacancy is that of the key manager responsible for issuing warnings and co-ordinating with local emergency management officials.

    The U.S. government has also reduced the funding for research on weather systems, including floods. There have also been reductions in the funding support for scientific analyses of how climate change will affect the severity of storms.

    Deep funding cuts to NOAA may result in the termination of both the National Severe Storms Lab and the Cooperative Institute for Severe and High-Impact Weather Research and Operations at the University of Oklahoma, which will have a highly negative impact on the understanding of storms.



    Read more:
    Trump’s budget cuts are adding to risk in life-threatening floods and emergencies

    Canadian floods

    The Canadian Severe Storms Laboratory was established in 2024 at Western University to conduct leading research on severe weather in Canada.

    Flooding is the most common and costly disaster in Canada. In the past decade, floods have averaged nearly $800 million in insured losses annually.

    Over time, the potential for extreme rainfall events is increasing. Heavy rainfall events and their ensuing flood risks are increasing because of warmer temperatures.

    Canadian data shows that climate change is driving increasingly severe and frequent floods.

    Is Canada prepared?

    Flooding will only get worse in the future, and government action is needed to manage this growing risk. One of the ways in which Canada isn’t prepared is that most flood-risk maps are out of date, with some being decades old.

    While Environment and Climate Change Canada issues weather watches and warnings for things like tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and rainfall, it doesn’t provide flood forecasts.

    Most provinces argue that water resources are natural resources and are therefore under provincial jurisdiction. This means that weather forecasts across the country are provided by the Meteorological Service of Canada, while flood forecasts are produced by each of the provinces.

    It is important to take actions to address adaptation and climate resilience that consider future floods and their impacts. Federal, provincial and territorial governments will need to work together to avoid tragedies.

    Gordon McBean has received funding from the Canadian funding agencies (SSHRC, NSERC) for academic research in the past. He has received funding for research from Western University including one grant that has not yet been completed and from the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction to participate in scientific meetings and conferences.

    – ref. What Canada could learn from the tragic consequences of the Texas flash flood – https://theconversation.com/what-canada-could-learn-from-the-tragic-consequences-of-the-texas-flash-flood-260755

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How AI can help protect bees from dangerous parasites

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Farnaz Sheikhi, Postdoctoral Associate in Computer Vision, University of Calgary

    Tiny but mighty, honeybees play a crucial role in our ecosystems, pollinating various plants and crops. They also support the economy. These small producers contribute billions of dollars to Canada’s agriculture industry, making Canada a major honey producer.

    However, in the winter of 2024, Canada’s honey industry faced a severe collapse. Canada lost more than one-third of its beehives, primarily due to the widespread infestation of Varroa mites.

    Traditional methods for controlling these parasites now seem less effective, and the industry needs a transition to smart beekeeping if it is to survive.

    We are currently conducting research to develop a non-invasive and sustainable method for the early detection of Varroa mites. Our proposed approach uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze images from beehives, automatically classifying them based on the presence of Varroa mites and the level of infestation.

    Varroa infestations

    Varroa mites are tiny parasites that attach to honeybees, feed on their body tissue and transmit viruses throughout the colony. Over the years, these parasites have developed resistance to the traditional control methods, necessitating more aggressive treatments. However, these treatments can endanger the health of honeybees.

    The Prairie provinces — Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba — are Canada’s top honey-producing regions, with Alberta alone contributing almost 40 per cent of the country’s total honey production.

    Canada lost an average of 34.6 per cent of its bee colonies in the winter of 2024 — 2.4 per cent more than the loss of the previous year. The winter losses across Canada ranged from 9.8 per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador to 61.3 per cent on Prince Edward Island. In the Prairie provinces, colony losses reached almost 40 per cent.

    Investigations reported that Varroa mite infestations were a key contributing factor causing the devastation.

    Economic impact on Canada

    Winter 2024 losses had a devastating effect on Canada’s beekeepers. The high cost of honeybees as well as the intensive labour and time needed to rebuild hives make them difficult to replace.

    Within a stable environment and a thriving industry, increased investment yields higher returns. In 2023, the number of beekeepers and bee colonies in Canada increased by 3.29 per cent and 2.4 per cent, respectively.

    Yet, in 2024, Canada experienced an 18.3 per cent decrease in honey production. The total national value of the harvest declined by 24.5 per cent, dropping from from $283 million in 2023 to $214 million. The Prairie provinces were hit hardest; the value of honey solely produced in Alberta fell from $100 million in 2023 to $75 million in 2024.

    Limitations of current monitoring methods

    Preventing mites requires frequent hive monitoring. Although timely detection is critical for treating hives, manual inspection is time-consuming and labour-intensive. Furthermore, frequent manual monitoring can pose risks to the health and well-being of honeybees.

    Alcohol washes, sugar shakes and using sticky boards are among the methods for Varroa mites monitoring. In a typical alcohol wash test, about 300 bees per colony are sampled. These bees are washed in rubbing alcohol. Then, they are shaken rigorously to check for Varroa mites. The problem with this method is that all the bees tested die in the process.

    While other methods, such as the sugar shake and using sticky boards, do not kill the bees tested, they deliver limited results and are not always as accurate.

    This makes none of the current methods ideal; each involves a trade-off between invasiveness and accuracy. And given that testing must be done frequently, they all pose risks to the health of honeybees themselves. So what’s the solution?

    Using AI to detect Varroa mites

    There is an urgent need for the beekeeping industry to evolve to help prevent further losses and support the resilience of bee populations. Climate change and resistance of mites to traditional treatments are environmental alarms demanding a change in our beekeeping approaches.

    This is where artificial intelligence comes in. Using imaging systems, sensors embedded in hives, image-processing techniques and AI, researchers are now able to continuously collect and analyze hive data to detect Varroa mites.

    In this approach, a camera is placed inside the beehive brood box to capture images of the honeybees. These images are then transmitted via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for storage and analysis.

    A neural network can be trained on the collected images — first to detect bees using object-detection algorithms, and then to identify Varroa mites on the bees through colour transformation techniques. Once mites are detected, their number within the hive can be automatically counted.

    Using this technology, beekeepers can benefit from automatic monitoring of the hives. When the level of infestation is specified by the system, it can also recommend effective treatments for hives. This way, Varroa mites can be detected and treated at an early stage, allowing hives to survive the winter more smoothly.

    Transitioning to smart beekeeping is a strategic solution that is non-invasive and environmentally friendly, cost-effective and profitable in the long term. The good news is that researchers at the University of Calgary and beekeepers are already working together to make this happen and preserve the sweetness of honey across our land.

    Farhad Maleki receives funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
    Alberta Innovate. He is affiliated with McGill University, where he serves as an adjunct Assistant Professor.

    Farnaz Sheikhi 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. How AI can help protect bees from dangerous parasites – https://theconversation.com/how-ai-can-help-protect-bees-from-dangerous-parasites-259495

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Lagos is young and diverse, so what shapes ethnic and religious prejudice among teens? Our study tried to find out

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Leila Demarest, Associate Professor, Institute of Political Science, Leiden University

    Lagos State, with an estimated population of 20 million, is Africa’s largest metropolis. Home to Nigeria’s commercial capital, it is a magnet for internal migration, drawing in a mix of the country’s ethnic groups. Nigeria is estimated to have between 150 and 500 distinct ethnic groups, many of which are represented in Lagos.

    The original inhabitants of Lagos were Yoruba. As the colonial capital, the city experienced early migration from the Igbo group from the south-east. The Hausa-Fulani, from the north, are another important group to have been drawn to Lagos. More recent migration to the city has also been caused by insecurity in the north of Nigeria.

    The social interactions between people from diverse backgrounds have been studied extensively as dynamics of exclusion are often pervasive in developed and developing societies alike. In multi-ethnic societies in Africa where there has been violent conflict, the question of peaceful coexistence is all the more important.

    In Nigeria, past ethno-religious violence has led to massive casualties. The 1960s Biafra war and lethal riots in Kaduna and Jos in recent decades stand out. Lesser tensions are also present in Lagos state around competition for jobs and access to political power.

    Intergroup tensions in Lagos may give rise to concerns about the risk of more serious threats.

    But do we see this in adolescents, who haven’t yet started competing with each other for jobs and resources? In schools, young people generally have equal status, common goals, intergroup cooperation, and potential for friendship. Could new generations overcome the adversarial past?

    We have decades of research between us straddling group behaviour and identity formation, peace and conflict dynamics, and ethnicity and religion in sub-Saharan Africa. For our research we aimed to gain a picture of intergroup dynamics among Lagos adolescents.

    We concluded from surveying young people that higher diversity levels encourage more friendships and cross-group political discussions, which lead to positive relations between ethnic groups. But waiting for this to happen naturally may not be the best approach. It may leave smaller minority groups exposed to discrimination in the meantime. Policy interventions may encourage a quicker development of positive relations.

    Survey of Lagos adolescents

    Nigeria has a large youth population. Half of the people who live in Lagos state are younger than 25. That could have an important impact on future developments in the city, including intergroup relations.

    In 2019, we surveyed final year secondary school students in 36 schools across the state to find out how they viewed other societal groups and which factors affected their views. Most previous research on intergroup relations has focused on adults.

    We aimed to obtain a sample of Lagos adolescents who experienced diversity in their daily lives. To achieve this, we drew from both urban and rural districts. Our final sample contained 70 % Yoruba, 16 % Igbo, 2 % Hausa-Fulani, and 12 % other minority group adolescents.

    We found that:

    • adolescents who reported more cross-group friendships had more positive attitudes, including higher trust, towards other groups

    • those exposed to political discussions in diverse contexts were more likely to hold positive attitudes towards other ethnic and religious groups

    • when youths experienced more diversity in their schools and neighbourhoods they were less likely to stereotype members of groups

    • they were also less likely to report a preference for their own group when it comes to teachers, future bosses, marriage partners and electoral candidates.

    In contrast, youths exposed to political discussions in ethnic enclaves held negative views.

    Diversity and contact

    We used statistical analyses to investigate intergroup relations among our youth sample. We first asked whether there was a relationship between exposure to other groups and attitudes towards them. While urban areas, especially megacities like Lagos, are often characterised by diversity, many ethnic enclaves or homogeneous neighbourhoods exist.

    We found that higher exposure to diversity had mixed effects. It was associated with less stereotyping and in-group preference, but also related to lower trust in others in general.

    Mixed effects are not surprising, as scholars have long held that exposure to diversity does not really tell us how people actually relate to one another: what matters more is positive contact between individuals from different groups. Contact has been robustly associated with more positive intergroup attitudes in predominantly western-focused studies. In Africa-focused studies results have been mixed, with some finding positive and others no real impact of contact.

    Our findings provide evidence for positive contact theory as adolescents with more cross-group friendships held more positive attitudes towards other groups and also had higher trust. This demonstrates actual positive contact is more important than mere exposure to diversity.

    We also found that exposure to political narratives mattered. Youths who were exposed to political discussions in diverse contexts were more likely to hold positive attitudes towards other ethnic and religious groups.

    Policy implications

    Intergroup attitudes are formed at an early age. Once developed, prejudice or tolerance have a tendency to “stick” over time. Questions on the development of positive attitudes are in need of urgent attention in Africa because of the continent’s youthful populations and many African countries’ experiences with ethnic and religious conflict.

    This brings us to the question of whether tolerance of others can be fast-tracked, especially at an early age, and when youth can be targeted through school interventions. Evidence from other (western) studies suggests that multicultural education, in which pupils are exposed to different cultures in the curriculum, cross-group class discussions on political themes, and cross-group school projects, may encourage positive intergroup relations.

    These types of policies come with an important warning though. As we have seen during our field work, many schools, especially public schools, face large class sizes due to resource constraints and teacher training is minimal. Corporal punishment is still implemented. Group work and deliberation are difficult to manage with large numbers and a lack of training, and teachers also risk bringing their own prejudices to the classroom.

    So it’s important to design interventions carefully and more research is needed to do this effectively in African contexts.

    Leila Demarest received funding from the Leiden University Fund (grant reference W19304-5-01)

    Arnim Langer receives funding from Research Foundation Flanders (FWO).

    – ref. Lagos is young and diverse, so what shapes ethnic and religious prejudice among teens? Our study tried to find out – https://theconversation.com/lagos-is-young-and-diverse-so-what-shapes-ethnic-and-religious-prejudice-among-teens-our-study-tried-to-find-out-260720

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA investigation leads to multiple firearm and drug possession charges in Southern Ontario

    Source: Government of Canada News

    July 15, 2025        London, Ontario Canada Border Services Agency

    An investigation by the Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) Ontario Firearms Smuggling Enforcement Team (OFSET) has led to two arrests and the seizure of privately manufactured handguns, firearms parts, a 3D printer and narcotics, including carfentanil, a synthetic opioid one hundred times more potent than fentanyl. OFSET is comprised of criminal investigators, intelligence analysts and intelligence officers, dedicated solely to investigating firearms smuggling throughout Ontario. 

    In October 2024, border services officers at the international mail and cargo processing facility in Mississauga, Ontario, intercepted a silencer being imported from China. Another parcel containing a 50-round drum magazine coming from the United States was also seized. Both packages were destined for the same address. As a result, CBSA’s OFSET initiated an investigation into the importation of firearms parts into Canada. 

    On May 29, 2025, following an extensive investigation, members of OFSET, with the assistance of the London Police Service’s Emergency Response Unit, executed a search warrant at an address in London, Ontario. 

    Several items were seized, including:

    • privately manufactured firearms;
    • firearm parts;
    • a 3D printer;
    • 35 g cocaine;
    • 24.5 g carfentanil; and
    • oxycodone and boric acid.

    Benito Schiavone, 33, and Modesto Dino Schiavone, 57, both residents of London, Ontario, have been charged with multiple firearm and drug possession charges under the Customs Act, the Criminal Code and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Together they face:

    • 4 counts of smuggling a Prohibited Device contrary to Section 159(1) of the Customs Act;
    • 4 counts of unauthorized Importation of a Prohibited Device contrary to Section 104(1)(a) of the Criminal Code;
    • 2 counts of manufacturing a Prohibited Firearm contrary to Section 99(1) of the Criminal Code; 
    • 8 counts of unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Firearm Knowing it is Unauthorized contrary to Section 92(1) of the Criminal Code; 
    • 2 counts careless Storage of Firearms contrary to Section 86(1) of the Criminal Code; and, 
    • 2 counts of possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance contrary to Section 4(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

    Modesto Dino Schiavone and Benito Schiavone are scheduled to appear in court later this month. The charges are subject to validation by the court.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Introduces the Better Straws Act to Codify President Trump’s Agenda

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today introduced the Better Straws Act to restore consumer freedom and eliminate burdensome federal mandates on everyday products. This bill codifies President Trump’s Executive Order 14208, which bans the federal requirement for paper straws and protects Americans’ right to choose practical, affordable alternatives, such as plastic straws. 

    “Soggy paper straws that disintegrate mid-sip are not just an inconvenience; they’re a symbol of how far the Left is willing to go to impose its radical climate agenda. Paper straws often cost more, function worse, and can carry a larger carbon footprint than plastic straws. The Better Straws Act upholds President Trump’s commitment to common sense by banning federally mandated paper straws and putting consumers back in charge,” said Congresswoman Tenney.  

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Young Kim Holds Hearing on Breaking China’s Chokehold on Critical Mineral Supply Chains 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40), chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, delivered opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled, “Breaking China’s Chokehold on Critical Mineral Supply Chains.” 

    Watch her remarks HERE or read her opening statement below. 

    Good afternoon and welcome to the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee’s hearing titled, “Breaking China’s Chokehold on Critical Mineral Supply Chain.” I want to thank our witnesses for joining us this afternoon.  

     Critical minerals—lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and others—are the building blocks of modern technology, powering electric vehicles, microchips, and advanced defense systems. Global demand for these minerals is surging, with lithium demand alone growing nearly 30% annually from 2021 to 2024, driven by rising electric vehicle battery production. 

     Yet, the People’s Republic of China or PRC controls 92% of global rare earth element processing and dominates the manufacturing of battery and magnet components. This chokehold, reinforced by China’s tens of billions in global mining investments and tactics like price manipulation and export restrictions, poses a direct threat to the United States and our allies.   

     While the U.S. possesses significant mineral resources, domestic production alone cannot meet the speed or scale of this demand. U.S. mines face high operational costs and significant regulatory burdens. It often takes decades to permit a new mine in America. Moreover, the federal government lacks the financial capacity to fully subsidize the level of investment needed to drive large-scale private sector expansion of domestic production. Relying solely on domestic solutions is insufficient; we need a bold, global strategy to secure resilient, diversified supply chains free from Chinese control. 

    The current geopolitical landscape offers an opportune window to act. Recent developments, such as President Trump’s critical minerals agreement with Ukraine and the U.S.-facilitated peace deal in the Democratic Republic of Congo, open new opportunities to access vital resources. We’ve also seen coordination like the recently announced Quad critical minerals initiative underscore the importance of critical minerals to broader regional engagement. As the administration renegotiates trade relationships, we can strengthen partnerships with allies to build non-Chinese supply chains, enhancing both economic and national security. 

     Today’s hearing will explore these challenges and opportunities. We will examine how to build a proactive global strategy to establish supply chains free from Chinese dominance. Our goal is clear: to ensure the United States and its allies have secure, reliable access to the critical minerals that will define the future of technology and security. I look forward to a productive discussion. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Barragán Follows Up on Exchange with HHS Secretary Kennedy on Alzheimer’s Research During Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    15 July 2025

    Contact: Jin Choi

    Rep. Barragán Follows Up on Exchange with HHS Secretary Kennedy on Alzheimer’s Research During Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), a member of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health, sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy following up on comments and commitments the Secretary made related to Alzheimer’s disease research at the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing on “The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Health and Human Services Budget” on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

    The National Institute of Health (NIH) funds 35 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) across the country. Since the start of the Trump Administration and DOGE’s attacks on critical research, 13 ADRCs have experienced funding reductions of $65 million in 2025. Currently, another 14 ADRCs are up for renewal in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

    The letter clarifies the facts about the status of federally-funded Alzheimer’s research after Secretary Kennedy suggested that what the Congresswoman shared about these cuts was untrue.

    “It’s extremely disappointing that our nation’s top health official was unaware of devastating cuts to research that prevents access to clinical trials and other critical services for people living with devastating Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” said Rep. Barragán. “I urge Secretary Kennedy to honor his words and ensure full funding of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers up for renewal in 2026. These Centers are funded with bipartisanship support in Congress. This should be a non-partisan priority. Families battling Alzheimer’s can’t afford funding delays, conspiracy theories, or ideological budgets. They need answers, treatments, and hope now.”

    The letter also urges a commitment in writing following an exchange during the hearing when Congresswoman Barragán asked Secretary Kennedy to commit to fully funding the 14 ADRCs up for renewal in FY26, and the Secretary responded that is something he was willing to work together on.

    About Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers

    Established in 1984 as NIH Centers of Excellence, the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCS) are conducting research and translating scientific advances into improved diagnosis and care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. ADRCs have supported access to over 325 clinical trial opportunities between 2017 and 2022, provided evaluations and diagnoses for nearly 30,000 individuals living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment since 2005, and offered a range of supportive and informational resources, including referrals to clinical trials, for ADRC research participants living with dementia and their caregivers as well as for professional providers. Although each Center has its own area of research emphasis, the ADRCs work together as a network to enhance research, sharing new research ideas, approaches, diseases, and samples.

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Delta Airlines Agrees to Pay $8.1M to Settle Alleged False Claims Act Violations Related to Payroll Support Program

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Delta Air Lines Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, has agreed to pay $8,100,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act by awarding compensation to certain corporate officers and employees that exceeded the compensation limits Delta agreed to as part of its participation in the Department of the Treasury’s Payroll Support Program (PSP).

    The PSP was established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act to provide payroll support to passenger and cargo air carriers and certain contractors for the continuation of payment of employee wages, salaries, and benefits. The program was administered by the Department of Treasury (Treasury), and participating air carriers were required to enter into written agreements with Treasury that imposed certain conditions in exchange for the receipt of PSP funds. Among other program requirements, PSP agreements included limitations on the amount of compensation that PSP participants could pay to certain corporate officers and employees earning annual compensation in excess of $425,000. 

    Delta entered into PSP agreements with Treasury in 2020 and 2021, under which Delta agreed to the PSP compensation limits. The settlement resolves allegations that, between March 2020 and April 2023, Delta awarded compensation to some corporate officers and employees that exceeded the limits set by the PSP agreements. Delta allegedly violated the False Claims Act by inaccurately certifying compliance with PSP requirements in quarterly reports submitted to Treasury, as well as by not notifying Treasury of the breach once it was discovered by Delta, which would have given the government the right to demand the return of funds.

    “The PSP was intended to provide critical assistance to the airline industry during the pandemic,” said Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The department is committed to holding accountable those who failed to abide by the terms and conditions governing their receipt and use of federal funds.” 

    “When companies accept federal assistance, especially generous pandemic-relief funds like those at issue here, they owe a duty to the American people to respect the conditions placed on those funds,” said U.S. Attorney Theodore S. Hertzberg for the Northern District of Georgia. “We will continue to enforce all available laws to punish the misuse of taxpayers’ money.”

    “Our criminal investigators have been at the center of this investigation as a core part of our responsibility to safeguard the integrity and efficiency of Treasury programs and operations, and we remain steadfast in our determination to hold recipients of public funds to the highest standards,” said Treasury Deputy Inspector General Loren Sciurba.

    The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by H. Remidez LLC. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. H Remidez LLC  v. Delta Air Lines Inc., No. 1-23-cv-01116 (N.D. Ga.). The whistleblower will receive $850,500 in connection with the settlement.

    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, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, with assistance from the United States Department of the Treasury, Office of Inspector General.

    The matter was handled by Trial Attorney James Nealon and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony DeCinque for the Northern District of Georgia.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Barragán Follows Up on Exchange with HHS Secretary Kennedy on Alzheimer’s Research During Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    15 July 2025

    Contact: Jin Choi

    Rep. Barragán Follows Up on Exchange with HHS Secretary Kennedy on Alzheimer’s Research During Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), a member of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health, sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy following up on comments and commitments the Secretary made related to Alzheimer’s disease research at the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing on “The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Health and Human Services Budget” on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

    The National Institute of Health (NIH) funds 35 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) across the country. Since the start of the Trump Administration and DOGE’s attacks on critical research, 13 ADRCs have experienced funding reductions of $65 million in 2025. Currently, another 14 ADRCs are up for renewal in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

    The letter clarifies the facts about the status of federally-funded Alzheimer’s research after Secretary Kennedy suggested that what the Congresswoman shared about these cuts was untrue.

    “It’s extremely disappointing that our nation’s top health official was unaware of devastating cuts to research that prevents access to clinical trials and other critical services for people living with devastating Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” said Rep. Barragán. “I urge Secretary Kennedy to honor his words and ensure full funding of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers up for renewal in 2026. These Centers are funded with bipartisanship support in Congress. This should be a non-partisan priority. Families battling Alzheimer’s can’t afford funding delays, conspiracy theories, or ideological budgets. They need answers, treatments, and hope now.”

    The letter also urges a commitment in writing following an exchange during the hearing when Congresswoman Barragán asked Secretary Kennedy to commit to fully funding the 14 ADRCs up for renewal in FY26, and the Secretary responded that is something he was willing to work together on.

    About Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers

    Established in 1984 as NIH Centers of Excellence, the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCS) are conducting research and translating scientific advances into improved diagnosis and care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. ADRCs have supported access to over 325 clinical trial opportunities between 2017 and 2022, provided evaluations and diagnoses for nearly 30,000 individuals living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment since 2005, and offered a range of supportive and informational resources, including referrals to clinical trials, for ADRC research participants living with dementia and their caregivers as well as for professional providers. Although each Center has its own area of research emphasis, the ADRCs work together as a network to enhance research, sharing new research ideas, approaches, diseases, and samples.

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Barragán Follows Up on Exchange with HHS Secretary Kennedy on Alzheimer’s Research During Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    15 July 2025

    Contact: Jin Choi

    Rep. Barragán Follows Up on Exchange with HHS Secretary Kennedy on Alzheimer’s Research During Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), a member of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health, sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kennedy following up on comments and commitments the Secretary made related to Alzheimer’s disease research at the House Energy & Commerce Health Subcommittee Hearing on “The Fiscal Year 2026 Department of Health and Human Services Budget” on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

    The National Institute of Health (NIH) funds 35 Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCs) across the country. Since the start of the Trump Administration and DOGE’s attacks on critical research, 13 ADRCs have experienced funding reductions of $65 million in 2025. Currently, another 14 ADRCs are up for renewal in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026.

    The letter clarifies the facts about the status of federally-funded Alzheimer’s research after Secretary Kennedy suggested that what the Congresswoman shared about these cuts was untrue.

    “It’s extremely disappointing that our nation’s top health official was unaware of devastating cuts to research that prevents access to clinical trials and other critical services for people living with devastating Alzheimer’s and their caregivers,” said Rep. Barragán. “I urge Secretary Kennedy to honor his words and ensure full funding of the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers up for renewal in 2026. These Centers are funded with bipartisanship support in Congress. This should be a non-partisan priority. Families battling Alzheimer’s can’t afford funding delays, conspiracy theories, or ideological budgets. They need answers, treatments, and hope now.”

    The letter also urges a commitment in writing following an exchange during the hearing when Congresswoman Barragán asked Secretary Kennedy to commit to fully funding the 14 ADRCs up for renewal in FY26, and the Secretary responded that is something he was willing to work together on.

    About Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers

    Established in 1984 as NIH Centers of Excellence, the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Centers (ADRCS) are conducting research and translating scientific advances into improved diagnosis and care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. ADRCs have supported access to over 325 clinical trial opportunities between 2017 and 2022, provided evaluations and diagnoses for nearly 30,000 individuals living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment since 2005, and offered a range of supportive and informational resources, including referrals to clinical trials, for ADRC research participants living with dementia and their caregivers as well as for professional providers. Although each Center has its own area of research emphasis, the ADRCs work together as a network to enhance research, sharing new research ideas, approaches, diseases, and samples.

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –