NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyoming National Guard Counterdrug Program combats drug threats through education and prevention

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    Wyoming National Guard

    By Sgt. Joseph Burns

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. – Since its inception in 1989, the Wyoming National Guard Counterdrug Program plays a vital part in the battle against illicit drugs and transnational criminal threats.

    Designed to harness the unique capabilities of the National Guard, the program continues to deliver measurable results through its partnerships with law enforcement, schools and community organizations.

    In the past year alone, the counterdrug program has made major strides in reducing the impact of narcotics across the state. Through close coordination with law enforcement, the program directly supported operations that led to the arrest of 207 individuals connected to drug-related crimes. These efforts also resulted in the seizure of 9.8 pounds of fentanyl and 20.27 pounds of methamphetamine—dangerous substances with the potential to devastate communities.

    “The results we’re seeing are a testament to the commitment and professionalism of our team,” said Sgt. Maj. Katherine Zwiefel, Wyoming Counterdrug coordinator. “Every pound of drugs taken off the street, every partnership we strengthen, and every student we reach—it all adds up to lives saved.”

    Beyond interdiction and law enforcement support, the Wyoming Counterdrug Program has significantly expanded its prevention and education outreach. Working closely with educators and local coalitions, Guardsmen delivered classroom presentations to more than 1,794 students, spent over 75 hours in youth mentorship and leadership development activities designed to prevent substance abuse before it begins.

    In the last year, the team dedicated over 40 hours to coalition engagement and trained 20 personnel in the administration of Narcan, enhancing Wyoming’s readiness to respond to opioid overdoses.

    “Our greatest weapon in the fight against addiction is education,” Zwiefel added. “When we connect with kids early and give them the tools to succeed, we’re building stronger communities and a healthier future.”

    The program’s holistic approach—combining military expertise, community engagement and interagency cooperation—continues to evolve in response to emerging drug threats, including the opioid epidemic.

    “The counterdrug program is an essential piece of our statewide response to the drug crisis,” said Brig. Gen. Michelle Mulberry, Cowboy Guard Director of the Joint Staff. “Their work not only helps take drugs off the streets but also builds resilience in our schools and strengthens the partnerships that protect our communities.”

    Members of the Wyoming National Guard and Colorado National Guard Counterdrug Program, the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Park County Sheriff’s Office, Powell Police Department, Cody Police Department, Healthy Park County Coalition and other partners pose for a photo and flew around the state to make neighborhoods safer by supporting the Drug Enforcement Administration’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, in Jackson, Wind-River, Riverton, Johnson County, Park County, and Sheridan, Wyoming, Oct. 28, 2024. This initiative provides a safe and anonymous way for the public to dispose of unused prescription medications, which play a significant role in prescription drug abuse. (U.S. Army National Guard photo)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta to U.S. Supreme Court: Taxpayer Funded Charter Schools Must Abide by Constitution, Remain Secular

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting the Attorney General of Oklahoma and urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reject the creation of a publicly funded religious charter school. In the brief, filed in Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board v. Drummond, the attorneys general ask the court to uphold a ruling by the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which found that approval of the school violated both state and federal constitutions. 

    “Charter schools are taxpayer-funded public schools, not private contractors or religious institutions, and must still abide by constitutional rules,” said Attorney General Bonta. “This means charter schools must be open to all students, charge no tuition, and stay free of religious instruction. I urge the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s decision — the structure and government of public schools should remain with the states, not the federal courts.”

    Charter schools are publicly funded, tuition-free schools that operate independently from traditional school districts. These schools offer greater flexibility in curriculum, staffing, and operations to tailor their programs to meet the needs of their students. In exchange for this flexibility, charter schools are held accountable for meeting specific performance goals outlined in their charter — or contract — with their governing body. 

    The case in question centers on St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School, which Oklahoma’s Statewide Charter School Board approved to operate as a public charter school with a religious mission. The Attorney General of Oklahoma sought review of that decision in the Oklahoma Supreme Court, which agreed and held that the creation of the school violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and state law. In today’s brief, the attorneys general ask the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold this ruling.

    In the brief, the attorneys general argue that under the First Amendment, charter schools — like all public schools — must remain secular. The attorneys general argue that the choice of how to structure and govern public schools should remain with the states, not the federal courts. All states with charter schools require these schools to remain non-religious, and requiring states to allow religious charter schools would override those laws. The brief also warns that changing the legal status of charter schools could destabilize how they are funded and operated. Many states and key stakeholders rely on charter schools being public institutions, and a ruling that reclassifies them as private could disrupt billions of dollars in public education investment.

    In filing today’s brief, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Colorado, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington, and the District of Columbia. 

    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: Orange County Superior Court Wrong Again in Huntington Beach Voter ID Case, State Looks Forward to Appealing Decision

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, April 7, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    SACRAMENTO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. today issued the following statements in response to the Orange County Superior Court’s decision denying the State’s petition for writ of mandate concerning the City of Huntington Beach’s voter identification (voter ID) law, Measure A. Without citing any evidence that fraudulent voting occurs with any regularity in the City or has ever compromised the outcome of a municipal election, Measure A amended Huntington Beach’s charter to purportedly allow the City to impose voter ID requirements at the polls for all municipal elections starting in 2026. The petition for writ of mandate asserted that state law prohibits and overrides Measure A.  

    “Yet again, we believe the Orange County Superior Court got it wrong,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Earlier this year, the California Fourth District Court of Appeal wrote that Huntington Beach’s argument that ‘it had a constitutional right to regulate its own municipal elections free from state interference . . . is . . . problematic.’ We agree. Now that we have a final order from the Orange County Superior Court, we look forward to moving on and appealing the decision. We remain confident that Measure A will ultimately be struck down.” 

    “The Court got it wrong. Access to the ballot box is a key component of our democracy. The Court’s order is in direct conflict with California election laws and will result in disenfranchising California voters,” said Secretary of State Shirley Weber. “As California’s chief elections officer, I will continue to advocate for this state and its eligible voters by partnering with Attorney General Bonta to appeal this decision.”

    A copy of the court’s order can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Department of Justice Investigating San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department Officer-Involved Shooting Under AB 1506

    Source: US State of California

    Monday, April 7, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    **The information provided below is based on preliminary details regarding an ongoing investigation, which may continue to evolve** 

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that the California Department of Justice (DOJ), pursuant to Assembly Bill 1506 (AB 1506), is investigating and will independently review an officer-involved shooting (OIS) that occurred in Stockton, California on Monday, April 7, 2025 at approximately 11:14 a.m. The OIS incident resulted in the death of one individual and involved personnel from the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department. 

    Following notification by local authorities, DOJ’s California Police Shooting Investigation Team initiated an investigation in accordance with AB 1506 mandates. Upon completion of the investigation, it will be turned over to DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section within the Criminal Law Division for independent review. Anyone that has information related to this officer-involved shooting incident and wishes to report it may do so by calling (916) 210-2871. 

    More information on the California Department of Justice’s role and responsibilities under AB 1506 is available here: https://oag.ca.gov/ois-incidents.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Las Vegas Man Sentenced to Over 16 Years of Federal Imprisonment for Drug Distribution

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Memphis, TN – A federal judge has sentenced Timothy Edwards, 49, formerly of Memphis, to 197 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute drugs. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, announced the sentence today.

    According to the information presented in court, on April 1, 2021, members of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) responded to a local UPS Store regarding a suspicious package which was found to contain 6,793.5 grams of marijuana and 1,247 grams of methamphetamine.  During the investigation, DEA was alerted to a second package being shipped to the UPS store.  This package was intercepted on June 3, 2021.  It contained 4.9 pounds of marijuana.  Both packages were shipped from California to Memphis, TN.  The first package had Edwards listed as the recipient, and the second was sent to a P.O. Box associated with Edwards.    

    In October 2024, a jury trial was held, and Edwards was found guilty of two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances (marijuana and methamphetamine). On April 3, 2025, United States District Judge Mark S. Norris sentenced Edwards to a total of 197 months of federal imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release.  There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the DEA and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO)-Memphis Division.  This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation.  OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    Interim United States Attorney Murphy thanked Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Kimbril-Parks, who prosecuted this case, as well as the DEA and the SCSO-Memphis Division who investigated the case.

    ###

    For more information, please contact the media relations team at USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office on Facebook or on X at @WDTNNews for office news and updates.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: MEXICAN NATIONAL INDICTED FOR ILLEGAL RE-ENTRY INTO THE UNITED STATES BY A REMOVED ALIEN AND FALSE REPRESENTATION OF A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    A federal grand jury recently returned a three-count indictment charging Edgar Javier Castillo-Rodriguez, age 53, of Mexico, with illegal re-entry into the United States by a removed alien and false representation of a Social Security number. Castillo-Rodriguez appeared for his arraignment and pled not guilty to the pending charges.

    According to court documents, Castillo-Rodriguez, an alien who had previously been removed from the United States on or about October 30, 1996, at or near Brownsville, Texas, and on or about November 6, 2000, at or near El Paso, Texas, was again found in the United States on or about October 29, 2024, without having obtained the consent of the Attorney General of the United States or his successor, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security.

    On October 29, 2024, Castillo-Rodriguez knowingly and falsely represented to the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office a Social Security number that had not been assigned to him by the Commissioner of Social Security.

    On April 21, 2023, Castillo-Rodriguez knowingly and falsely represented to a potential employer a false Social Security number that had not been assigned to him by the Commissioner of Social Security.

    This matter is being investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Department of Homeland Security, Social Security Administration, Gonzales Police Department, Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, and Louisiana State Police, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeremy S. Johnson.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    NOTE: An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury.  The defendant is presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Joins Colleagues to Introduce Commemorative Coin Bill to Honor 25th Anniversary of 9/11

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined her colleagues to introduce the 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Commemorative Coin Act, which would require the U.S. Mint to design and mint coins to honor the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The coins would be sold in 2027 at a price that would pay back the U.S. Mint for production and the surcharge proceeds would go to support the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and its mission to “Never Forget.”

    “As we approach the 25th anniversary of the attack on America, with each passing year and day it becomes more necessary to tell the story of what happened that day. This story is told powerfully at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. I was proud to team up with my colleagues to introduce this legislation, which would mint a coin to help to preserve the lessons we need to never forget from that day and what it did to New York City and our nation,” Senator Capito said.

    Representatives Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) and Andrew Garbarino (R-N.Y.) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives, and the bill is supported by the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

    The full bill text can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Lee Introduces the No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act for 119th Congress

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Utah Mike Lee
    Legislation would ban “official time” practice for federal employee unions
    WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced the No Union Time on the Taxpayer’s Dime Act, legislation that would prohibit the misuse of taxpayer dollars for union-related activities by federal employees during work hours. The legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA).
    “President Trump is taking strong steps to rein in overpowered public sector unions, which even Democrat leaders like FDR thought shouldn’t exist in the first place,” said Sen. Lee. “American taxpayers shouldn’t have to fund union organizing, and federal employees should be working full time for the American people when they’re on the clock.”
    “Taxpayers shouldn’t be footing the bill for federal employees to conduct union business instead of fulfilling their official duties,” Rep. Cline said. “Ending ‘official time’ is a commonsense step to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and to increase accountability across the federal workforce. Public funds should serve the American people, not private union interests.”
    Since the passage of the Civil Service Reform Act in 1978, the practice known as “official time” has allowed federal employees to use work hours for union-related activities and to handle cases before the Federal Labor Relations Authority (FLRA). This means federal employees can engage in union work, represent bargaining unit employees and advance union causes while being paid by the taxpayer.
    The cost of this practice to the American taxpayer is significant. According to a 2016 report by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), federal employees spent 3.6 million hours on union-related business at a cost of $177.2 million. Under the Trump Administration, this number dropped to 2.6 million hours, costing $134.9 million. However, due to the lack of unified reporting requirements, the last available data is from 2019, creating a transparency gap in the current use of official time.
    The legislation is endorsed by Heritage Action, Americans for Prosperity, and the National Right to Work Committee.
    No Union Time on Taxpayer’s Dime Act: One-pager | Bill text 
    Read the Daily Caller exclusive HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Meets with CBP Commissioner Nominee Rodney Scott

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) made the following remarks to media after meeting with Rodney Scott, whom President Trump has nominated to serve as Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP):

    “One of the things that I am confident he will do is help improve the morale of the people who are on the ground doing the hard work, who know that now the Trump administration has their back, as opposed to the last four years under President Biden.”

    “The numbers of people coming across the border have gone down dramatically, and that’s not because Congress passed any new laws. It’s because we have a President who will finally enforce the law.”

    This image is in the public domain, but those wishing to do so may credit the Office of U.S. Senator John Cornyn.

    Senator John Cornyn, a Republican from Texas, is a member of the Senate Finance, Judiciary, Intelligence, Foreign Relations, and Budget Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Expanding municipal police service options

    [. If passed, Bill 49 would lay additional groundwork for the new police service.

    Proposed amendments to the Police Act recognize the unique challenges faced by different communities and seek to empower local governments to adopt strategies that effectively respond to their specific safety concerns, enhancing overall public safety across the province.

    If passed, Bill 49 would specify that the new agency would be a Crown corporation with an independent board of directors to oversee its day-to-day operations. The new agency would be operationally independent from the government, consistent with all police services in Alberta. Unlike the Alberta Sheriffs, officers in the new police service would be directly employed by the police service rather than by the government.

    “With this bill, we are taking the necessary steps to address the unique public safety concerns in communities across Alberta. As we work towards creating an independent agency police service, we are providing an essential component of Alberta’s police framework for years to come. Our aim is for the new agency is to ensure that Albertans are safe in their communities and receive the best possible service when they need it most.”

    Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services

    Additional amendments would allow municipalities to select the new agency as their local police service once it becomes fully operational and the necessary standards, capacity and frameworks are in place. Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring the new agency works collaboratively with all police services to meet the province’s evolving public safety needs and improve law enforcement response times, particularly in rural communities. While the RCMP would remain the official provincial police service, municipalities would have a new option for their local policing needs.

    Once established, the agency would strengthen Alberta’s existing policing model and complement the province’s current police services, which include the RCMP, Indigenous police services and municipal police. It would help fill gaps and ensure law enforcement resources are deployed efficiently across the province.

    Related information

    • Improving public safety
    • Bill 49: Public Safety and Emergency Services Statutes Amendment Act, 2025

    Related news

    • Keeping Alberta families and communities safe (March 13, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference
    • Listen to the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: S. 860, Break Up Suspicious Transactions of Fentanyl Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    S. 860 would subject foreign persons and entities to sanctions under the Fentanyl Sanctions Act if they provide significant support to opioid trafficking or receive property that is either used for or acquired through opioid trafficking. In addition, the bill would require the Administration to report to the Congress on its work to prevent foreign opioid trafficking.

    If the enactment of S. 860 leads the Administration to broaden existing sanctions for involvement in opioid trafficking, more people would be denied visas by the Department of State, resulting in an insignificant decrease in revenues from fees. Although most visa fees are retained by the Department of State and spent, some collections are deposited into the Treasury as revenues. Denying foreign nationals entry into the United States also would reduce direct spending on federal benefits (emergency Medicaid or federal subsidies for health insurance, for example) for which those people might otherwise be eligible.

    The bill would block transactions involving certain assets either in the United States or under the control of people or entities in the United States. Under the bill, any person or entity violating those prohibitions would be subject to civil or criminal monetary penalties. Such penalties are recorded as revenues, and a portion can be spent without further appropriation.

    On the basis of data about similar sanctions, CBO estimates any additional sanctions imposed under the bill would affect a small number of people. Thus, enacting S. 860 would have insignificant effects on revenues and direct spending, and would, on net, reduce deficits by insignificant amounts over the 2025-2035 period.

    Using information about the cost of reports similar to those required by the bill, CBO estimates that implementing S. 860 would cost less than $500,000 over the 2025-2030 period. Such related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

    S. 860 would impose a private-sector mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) by expanding the scope of authority for the Administration to regulate transactions between entities in the United States and foreign entities and officials of foreign governments who would be subject to sanctions under the bill. That expansion would result in additional burdens on individuals and entities, such as banks, in the United States that are required to monitor and report on foreign transactions and to block access to certain assets owned by sanctioned entities. It also would prohibit transactions between entities in the United States and sanctioned parties that otherwise would be permitted under current law.

    The cost of the mandate would be any income or profit lost as a result of the bill’s enactment. CBO expects that because a small number of people or entities would be affected, the loss of income from any incremental increase in restrictions imposed by the bill would be small as well. CBO estimates that the cost of the mandate would fall well below the annual threshold established in UMRA for private-sector mandates ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

    S. 860 contains no intergovernmental mandates as defined in UMRA.

    The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Sunita D’Monte (for federal costs) and Brandon Lever (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by Christina Hawley Anthony, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tiny lenses grown from bacteria and enzymes may help doctors see inside cells

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Researchers create microlenses with superior optical capabilities at a microscopic scale by replicating the glass skeletons of sea sponges

    A team of researchers supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation has successfully made self-growing microlenses using bacteria and enzymes found in sea sponges. Because the microlenses are created by bacterial cell factories that function at standard temperatures and pressures, they are less expensive to produce — and they are exceptional at focusing light into very bright beams. The microlenses could allow for higher-resolution image sensors that go beyond current capabilities, potentially allowing doctors to more clearly see tiny structures inside cells.

    In nature, sea sponges mineralize silica-based glass at a cellular level to create their intricate and strong glass skeletons. The researchers replicated that mechanism in a lab setting. Their research was published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

    “This research is the first to engineer light-focusing properties into bacteria cells, and I am excited to explore the different possibilities that our work has opened up,” says one of the study’s authors and University of Rochester researcher Anne S. Meyer.

    Credit: Photo by J. Adam Fenster/University of Rochester

    University of Rochester graduate student Lynn Sidor prepares a batch of bacteria cells that will self-assemble their own glass coating, in the lab of associate professor Anne S. Meyer. Meyer has worked with colleagues in optics and physics to develop a new type of microlens made from bacteria. These living optical devices could potentially be used to produce image sensors for cameras to improve medical imaging and could also enhance conventional microscopy by enabling the imaging of tiny objects, such as those on the molecular level.

    Microlenses, typically the size of a single cell, are designed to capture and focus or manipulate light into intense beams at a microscopic scale. The development of traditional microlenses has previously required complex, expensive machinery and extreme temperatures or pressures to achieve the desired optical effects. Sea sponge microlenses require none of the traditional nanofabrication machinery, allowing for more portable microlens fabrication in a variety of circumstances — including outer space.

    The engineered bacteria from Meyer’s lab remain alive for several months after glass encapsulation, making them living optical devices that could be used to sense and respond to their environment by changing their optical properties. 

    “Using data-driven mathematical modeling and bio-inspired materials, these researchers have achieved something new in microscopic optics that could enable new capabilities in medical science, low-gravity environments and more,” says Zhilan Feng, program director in the NSF Division of Mathematical Sciences, which supported the research. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, federal partners arrest illegal Guatemalan sex offender in Northern Virginia

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    FALLS CHURCH, Va. — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, working with federal law enforcement partners from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; and the Diplomatic Security Service, apprehended an illegally present Guatemalan national and convicted sex offender, Ander Cortez-Mendez, 21, in Falls Church,Virginia, April 2.

    “Ander Cortez-Mendez is a convicted sex offender, and exactly the type of illegal alien that ICE officers seek to remove from Washington, D.C. and Virginia,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Washington, D.C. Field Office Director Russell Hott. “We refuse to allow such offenders to continue to threaten the residents of our neighborhoods. ICE Washington, D.C. and our law enforcement partners will continue to arrest and remove criminal aliens from the streets of our communities.”

    U.S. Border Patrol apprehended Cortez-Mendez Feb. 04, 2018, after he illegally entered the United States near Rio Grande Valley, Texas. The next day, USBP issued Cortez-Mendez a notice to appear before a Justice Department immigration judge.

    Officers with the Fairfax County Police Department arrested Cortez-Mendez, March 16, 2024, for sex crimes.

    ICE Washington, D.C. lodged an immigration detainer against Cortez-Mendez with the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, March 18, 2024; however, the detention center refused to honor the ICE detainer and released Cortez-Mendez back into the community.  

    The Fairfax County Circuit Court found Cortez-Mendez guilty of consensual sexual intercourse with a child May 20, 2024. The court sentenced Cortez-Mendez to three months in prison but suspended the entire prison sentence.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in our communities on X: @EROWashington.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement on Student Abductions and Trump Administration Attacks on Free Speech

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    The following statement is from Margaret Cook, Vice President of the Communications Workers of America Public, Healthcare and Education Workers Sector:

    Since the March 8 abduction of Mahmod Khalil—father, legal permanent resident, scholar, and union member—from the Columbia University campus for his activism and speech, the Trump Administration has seized at least seven additional international graduate students and scholars across the country. They have all participated in the peaceful protest movement against the ongoing and brutal war against Gaza and are being persecuted for their background, faith, and beliefs.

    These abductions are an assault on the freedoms we value and depend on as union members. Our movement was built by workers who fought for the freedom to speak out and to engage in peaceful protest so we could pursue a better life for our families. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has declared his personal power to issue arrest and deportation mandates for these individuals without due process, taking us back to the days when police, acting on behalf of robber barons, used threats and violence to silence anyone who stood in their way.

    We should make no mistake that these actions will target anyone the Administration deems to be problematic or undesirable, including workers who speak out in order to improve their working conditions. The Trump Administration has threatened to expand its extreme cuts to university research programs in retaliation for non-compliance with its repressive agenda, and too many university boards and administrators have chosen to collaborate rather than to defend our fundamental freedoms.

    These students must be released. We must demand that campuses across this country stand up for everyone’s right to speak out, protest, and assemble. And we must continue to build and mobilize our unions in defense of one another, our colleagues, and all working people.

    We must resist this authoritarian, unconstitutional attack on these students and scholars in order to uphold our democratic rights, protect speech—and stop this campaign of repression in its tracks before it spreads to every campus, including all of those at which we teach, research, study, work, and organize.

    ###

    About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields, including tens of thousands of members on university and college campuses.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: President Trump: ‘Groceries are down, energy is down, and interest rates are down.’

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    President Trump: Groceries are down, energy is down, and interest rates are down. The beauty there is when we refinance debt… our budget’s going to look a lot better because interest costs are way down.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OsNNBh5rXOs

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Pettersen, Jacobs Issue Statements on Speaker Johnson’s Deal Blocking Parental Proxy Voting Resolution

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    WASHINGTON — U.S. Representatives Brittany Pettersen (D-CO) and Sara Jacobs (D-CA) issued the following statements after Speaker Mike Johnson struck a deal that effectively blocks their bipartisan resolution to allow proxy voting for new parents in Congress. The agreement would replace their proposed policy with a limited “pairing” system that maintains outdated practices and fails to provide real solutions for lawmakers who are new parents.

    Rep. Brittany Pettersen said: “We are so grateful to Rep. Anna Paulina Luna for championing this issue that matters deeply to us, and so many other families. Her partnership was essential in building broad bipartisan support from a majority of the House. When the Speaker refused to act, she continued working to make the House a more welcoming place for families. But the reality is — this outcome does not address the barriers we’ve fought so hard to overcome.

    “When Speaker Johnson refused to bring our resolution to the floor for a vote – regardless of how many Members supported it – we followed the rules and tried to force a vote by filing a discharge petition and received the necessary signatures to bring it forward. Instead of letting us vote, he has instead gone to historic lengths to kill our resolution and make sure the large majority of his Members don’t have a voice. Let’s be clear: these changes are not a win for us and Speaker Johnson has turned his back on moms and dads in Congress and working families.

    “I am deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from colleagues on both sides of the aisle and the women and moms across the nation. I know that you’re as disappointed as I am that we’re not changing the Rules in Congress to make it more likely that people like us have a seat at the table. But our fight is far from over. I promise I won’t stop working on behalf of moms, our families, and most importantly our kids.”

    Rep. Sara Jacobs said: “From the very beginning, our shared goal has been to support new parents so they can do their jobs and vote on behalf of their constituents while also taking care of themselves and their families. Unfortunately, this ‘deal’ falls short of that goal – silencing new parents and perpetuating the status quo and the notion that Congress is ineffective and obsolete. I won’t accept the way Congress has always done things, and the American people won’t either. We will keep pushing for innovative ways to support young people and parents in Congress – including by modernizing how we vote – even if it takes a Democratic majority to do so.”

    Background:

    In January, Pettersen introduced the bipartisan Proxy Voting for New Parents Resolution alongside Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), and Mike Lawler (R-NY). After Republican Leadership refused to move forward with their bipartisan legislation, the Members used a rare procedural move called a discharge petition, collecting 218 signatures from a majority of the House.

    This procedural tool is used to bypass Leadership and force a vote on the floor. However, despite broad bipartisan support, Speaker Johnson went to extreme lengths to block the measure from advancing. The Members defeated Johnson’s attempts to kill the discharge petition last week, bringing legislative business to a halt. Still, Speaker Johnson continued to ignore House rules and refused to bring the resolution forward for a vote.

    This work is the latest in Pettersen’s continued efforts to make government more inclusive and accessible, especially for young families. During her time in the Colorado legislature, she was the first state lawmaker in Colorado history to take parental leave after giving birth to her son, Davis. Pettersen had to seek permission from Leadership and categorize her absence as a “chronic illness” in order to be paid while on leave. That’s why she brought legislation to change the outdated law and allow for paid parental leave for all future Colorado state lawmakers.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Introduces Legislation to Lower Interest Rates on Student Loans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) introduced legislation to lower interest rates on student loans by allowing states like Iowa to utilize more private activity bonds to offer student loans.

    “As a father of four, ensuring that our kids have the resources that they need to pursue higher education and achieve future career goals is important to me. That includes lowering the cost of student loans and reducing financial barriers for Iowans who want to attend college but are prevented by the price tag,” said Rep. Feenstra. “That’s why I introduced legislation to enable more low-interest-rate student loans to be issued by exempting Qualified Student Loan Bonds – which states like Iowa already utilize to help many students attend college – from the cap for Private Activity Bonds. This investment in the next generation of leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs will support our economy, lower interest rates on student loans, and give Iowa kids a more viable financial option when considering the full cost of college.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Releases Statement After Senate Votes to Pass Budget Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today issued the following statement after the Senate agreed to pass the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 budget resolution to deliver on President Donald Trump’s America First Agenda. Senator Marshall is a member of the Senate Budget Committee.
    “Passing Senate Republicans’ budget resolution is a critical step toward delivering on President Trump’s promises to the American people, and I was glad to vote in support of this plan early this morning,” said Senator Marshall. “This legislative package provides the tools to achieve the president’s America-First priorities, including making the Trump tax cuts permanent, reducing wasteful spending, unleashing American energy, and securing our border. Republicans in Congress are working in tandem to pass this One, Big, Beautiful Bill immediately.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall and Klobuchar Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Increase Access to Dairy Products and Support Dairy Farmers 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) introduced the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025, legislation that would increase access to dairy products for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants and support dairy farmers across the country. This bill would allow SNAP participants to purchase more milk, cheese, and yogurt with their benefits, expanding access to affordable and nutritious options. Companion legislation is led in the House by U.S. Representatives Jim Costa (D-California-21) and Nick Langworthy (R-New York-23).
     “As a doctor who practiced medicine for more than 25 years, I cannot stress enough the importance of consuming dairy products, which serve as excellent sources of critical nutrients and contribute to a healthier cardiovascular system,” said Senator Marshall. “The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025 would support dairy farmers and provide commonsense updates to increase incentives for milk, cheese, and yogurt purchases in SNAP – ensuring all American families can benefit from these nutrient-dense foods.”
    “Making sure more Americans have better access to foods like yogurt and cheese while supporting our dairy farmers is a win-win,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will support healthy diets, make sure families are able to bring home more of the foods they love, and help dairy farmers feed Americans.” 
    The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tina Smith (D-Minnesota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York).
    The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025 is endorsed by the International Dairy Foods Association, National Milk Producers Federation, FMI – The Food Industry Association, National Grocers Association, and Associated Milk Producers Inc.
    “A SNAP dairy incentive program is a reliable investment in improving our nation’s health and reducing hunger and chronic food insecurity among low-income Americans,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. “Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are nutritional powerhouses that promote healthy immune function, hydration, bone health, and lower risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. IDFA applauds U.S. Sens. Klobuchar and Marshall, and U.S. Reps. Costa and Langworthy for their leadership on the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act of 2025, which would help our nation’s most vulnerable people afford wholesome, nutrient-dense dairy products for their families.”
    “Dairy foods provide critical nutrients for healthy lives, but nearly 90 percent of Americans don’t meet dairy intake recommendations,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation. “We commend Representatives Jim Costa, D-CA, and Nick Langworthy, R-NY, and Senators Amy Klobuchar, D-MN, and Roger Marshall, R-KS, for their bipartisan Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act, which would expand SNAP participant access to healthful dairy products at the grocery store. We look forward to working with the bill’s sponsors and ensuring all Americans have access to healthy dairy products.”
    “FMI – The Food Industry Association supports the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act as a way to expand access to nutrient-rich dairy products within SNAP,” said Jennifer Hatcher, chief public policy officer and senior vice president, membership of FMI – The Food Industry Association. “By building on existing milk-purchase incentives, this bill empowers retailers to help low-income households incorporate a variety of dairy options – milk, cheese, and yogurt – into a healthy eating pattern alongside fruits and vegetables.”
    “SNAP incentive programs for nutritious foods—like dairy, fruits, and vegetables—help families access healthier options while also strengthening independent grocers’ ability to promote better nutrition,” said Stephanie Johnson, group vice president for government affairs at the National Grocers Association. “NGA strongly supports the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program, which expands SNAP incentives to include more milk varieties, yogurt, and cheese. This not only provides SNAP participants with greater access to nutritious dairy products but also simplifies the process for independent grocers to offer these benefits in their communities.”
    “The Dairy Nutrition Incentives Program Act will help increase access to nutritious dairy products among SNAP participants and reinforce the essential role dairy plays in a healthy diet,” said Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI) President and CEO Sheryl Meshke. “We are grateful to Senators Klobuchar and Marshall for championing this important legislation.”
    Background:
    The latest federal Dietary Guidelines for Americans report showed that more than 90% of Americans do not consume enough dairy products to meet daily nutrition requirements.
    The Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program Act would increase access to dairy products by expanding the existing Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives program to include products like cheese and yogurt.
    Under this plan, SNAP participants would receive a coupon for additional cheese or yogurt when they purchase these items with their groceries. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Reintroduces Legislation To Designate The Finger Lakes Region As A National Heritage Region

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand

    Legislation Would Promote Tourism And Help Preserve The History And Environment Of The Finger Lakes Region

    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand reintroduced the bipartisan Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act, which would designate the Finger Lakes region as a National Heritage Area (NHA). NHAs are established by Congress to recognize a region’s natural, cultural, or historic significance. Securing this designation for the Finger Lakes would promote tourism and help ensure that the area’s history and natural landscape are preserved for generations to come.

    “Home to beautiful landscapes, rich history, and thriving small businesses, the Finger Lakes are a national treasure,” said Senator Gillibrand. “In recognition of all that this area has to offer, I’m leading the push to designate the region as a National Heritage Area. This designation will promote tourism, create jobs, conserve natural resources, and make sure local communities have what they need to thrive for years to come. I am proud to introduce this bill alongside my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, and I am committed to getting it signed into law.”

    The Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act was also introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24). The bill is endorsed by the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance.

    “We are pleased to stand with Senator Gillibrand’s office, Congresswoman Tenney’s office and all of our regional partners as the Finger Lakes National Heritage Area legislation is reintroduced into session, ” said Meghan Nulty, President & CEO of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance. “While we were all saddened that the legislation did not reach the President’s desk last year, we stand firm in our commitment to the National Heritage Area designation for this region. The core motivation to seek a National Heritage Area designation for the Finger Lakes remains unchanged: to do tourism more responsibly and to honor the reasons our region is a landmark worthy of sharing with the world. Our industry stands on the shoulders of the Haudenosaunee, the suffragists, the abolitionists and innovators that uniquely make up the story of America and our work continues hand-in-hand with Senator Gillibrand’s office, the NY Congressional Delegation and the support of our county-level and industry partners. We thank Senator Gillibrand and all our partners across the region for their support and assistance in getting the Finger Lakes region one step closer to this designation.”

    The process for designating a region as a National Heritage Area usually involves two steps. First, Congress passes a bill directing the National Park Service to conduct a feasibility study, which determines whether the area is suitable for being designated as an NHA. If the results of the feasibility study are positive, Congress then must pass a second bill to formally designate the region. 

    Gillibrand has been leading the push to designate the Finger Lakes as an NHA for years. In 2015, she first announced the Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Study Act, which directed the National Park Service to conduct a feasibility study for the area. This bill was signed into law in 2019, and the National Park Service completed its feasibility study and confirmed the Finger Lakes’ eligibility in 2023. Now, the Finger Lakes National Heritage Area Act would complete the second step in the process and formally create the Finger Lakes NHA.

    The following 14 New York counties would comprise the Finger Lakes NHA: Cayuga, Chemung, Cortland, Livingston, Monroe, Onondaga, Ontario, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, and Yates.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Temporary U.S. program ends, cancer care waiting times improve

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    As more cancer treatments are now being delivered faster in the province, BC Cancer will be ending its temporary program that was sending some patients to the U.S. for radiation therapy.

    “Our priority has always been to ensure that cancer patients have timely access to life-saving treatment while we build and strengthen B.C.’s public health-care system for the long term,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “By hiring more specialists, upgrading our hospitals, and expanding innovative treatments, B.C.’s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan is working to improve wait times for radiation therapy and meet national benchmarks. Thanks to the progress we’ve made over the past two years, we can now safely wind down this temporary program and focus on getting patients the care they need in B.C.”

    Since May 2023, BC Cancer has offered eligible patients the option to travel for radiation therapy treatment at two clinics in Bellingham, Wash., ensuring patients received timely access to life-saving treatment in the short term while investments were made to build B.C.’s capacity for radiation therapy in the province.

    As of the end of February 2025, approximately 93% of patients in B.C. were waiting less than four weeks to start their radiation treatment – exceeding the national benchmark of 90%. This is also a 24% improvement since spring 2023, when only 69% of patients were starting treatment within four weeks.

    As in-province wait times for cancer treatment have improved over the past two years, BC Cancer has seen a steady decline in the number of patients choosing to go to the U.S. for their treatment. A total of 1,107 patients have completed radiation therapy in the U.S. through the program to date. At the peak of the program, in fall 2023, there were an average of 50 patients being treated in the U.S. each week.

    Based on current participation rates, it is estimated that approximately 104 patients would access the program over the coming year if it were to continue. This represents 0.6% of the 16,900 patients projected to need radiation treatment in 2025-26. However, these patients can be accommodated in B.C. without the need to travel out of country.

    The Province appreciates the partnership it has had with the two U.S. clinics contracted to provide care to B.C. patients. BC Cancer’s contracts are set to expire on May 11 and May 31, 2025, and will not be renewed. Nine patients are scheduled to complete their treatment in the U.S. under the program before the end of the contracts.

    The Province is expanding cancer care through B.C.’s 10-Year Cancer Action Plan to better prevent, detect and treat cancers today, and to meet growing future need for cancer care. This includes adding regional cancer centres in Nanaimo, Kamloops, Surrey and Burnaby, bringing the total number of cancer centres to 10. Existing centres are in Abbotsford, Kelowna, Prince George, Surrey, Vancouver and Victoria.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about B.C.’s cancer plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HLTH0012-000229

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NADLER, GILLIBRAND, SCHUMER, JEFFRIES, GARBARINO, GOLDMAN LEAD BIPARTISAN PUSH CALLING ON PRESIDENT TRUMP TO REVERSE CUTS TO WORLD TRADE CENTER HEALTH PROGRAM

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jerrold Nadler (10th District of New York)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY),  U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Representative Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), House Democratic Leader Jeffries (D-NY), and Representative Dan Goldman (D-NY) are leading a bipartisan letter calling on President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reverse cuts to National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) staff that provide critical support for the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP).

    The WTCHP offers medical monitoring and treatment for first responders and survivors diagnosed with 9/11-related health conditions, including many types of cancers, respiratory illnesses, and more. The cuts include the dismissal of Dr. John Howard, the administrator of the WTCHP, who makes critical decisions regarding covered conditions and ensures the WTCHP complies with statutes enacted by Congress. The WTCHP also currently uses NIOSH staff to determine the awards of research grants in the amount of nearly $20 million a year, an annual requirement of the program to fund research on 9/11 conditions and care.They were joined on the letter by Representatives Mike Lawler (R-NY), Nick LaLota (R-NY), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Paul Tonko (D-NY), Laura Gillen (D-NY), Pat Ryan (D-NY), Grace Meng (D-NY), Nydia Velázquez (D-NY), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), George Latimer (D-NY), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Tom Suozzi (D-NY), Adriano Espaillat (D-NY), Tim Kennedy (D-NY), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Josh Riley (D-NY), Joseph Morelle (D-NY), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), John Larson (D-CT), Jahana Hayes (D-CT), Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), and Nellie Pou (D-NJ), as well as Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).

    “We were appalled at the recent announcement that the Department of Health and Human Services cut two-thirds of the staff at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), under which the WTCHP operates,” wrote the lawmakers. “We understand that your plan is to ultimately eliminate all NIOSH staff in the next few days. The WTCHP relies on NIOSH staff to fulfill many of its obligations under the law, and eliminating staff that implement it, especially as more and more responders and survivors fall ill with 9/11-related conditions, will directly interfere with program operations and undermine access to the treatment these heroes have earned and deserve. Congress has continually reaffirmed its bipartisan commitment to the responders and survivors of September 11th. We stand ready to work with you to reverse these cuts to ensure that current and future participants receive the coverage and care that Congress has continuously provided.” 

    “I am glad that the members of the NY Congressional Delegation are working together in a bipartisan manner to demand answers as to what Secretary Kennedy is doing. Why fire Dr. Howard, a Trump appointee, why fire the NIOSH staff the Doctors and epidemiologists that support the WTC Health Program, who is going to approve cancer treatments for 9/11 responders and survivors this week when they are seeking help, why fire the CDC staff that handle the programs contracts and grants, who is going to handle the contracts and grants that are the heart of this program? The Secretary needs to either answer all these questions or restore Dr .Howard and the NIOSH,  CDC staff that were doing this work who were terminated. This wasn’t a scalpel or even a chainsaw this was bulldozer that is leveling the program,” said Benjamin Chevat, Executive Director of the Citizens for Extension of the James Zadroga Act, Inc.

    In February 2025, the Trump administration drastically reduced the workforce of the World Trade Center Health Program. In response, Senator Gillibrand, Congressman Garbarino, and a number of their bipartisan colleagues in the House called on the administration to reverse the cuts, and the program’s staffing levels were ultimately restored.

    After years of efforts and calls on the federal government, Congress established the WTCHP on a bipartisan basis in 2011 with a five-year authorization to provide medical treatment and monitoring for 9/11 responders and survivors suffering from the effects of the toxins at Ground Zero. The program covers the lifespans of all exposed, including responders and survivors of the attack on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, the Shanksville crash site, children who were in schools in downtown Manhattan on 9/11 and during clean-up, and those who have since experienced, or are expected to experience, adverse health effects that are linked to the attacks in the coming years. The program was reauthorized in 2015 and extended through 2090 with bipartisan support. In 2022, lawmakers delivered $1 billion for the WTCHP in the end-of-year spending bill, and in 2023, they secured an additional $676 million for the program.


     The full text of the members’ letter to President Trump and Secretary Kennedy is available here or below:

    Dear President Trump and Secretary Kennedy,  

    The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) provides critical medical treatment, research, and monitoring to over 137,000 responders and survivors of the September 11th terrorist attacks, living in every state and nearly every Congressional district. The WTCHP serves first responders and survivors from the World Trade Center and lower Manhattan, the Pentagon, and the crash site in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. This vital program provides life-saving care to the heroes who answered the call to serve in one of our nation’s darkest hours and the survivors who are forced to live with the health consequences from the attacks every single day.  

    We were appalled at the recent announcement that the Department of Health and Human Services cut two-thirds of the staff at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), under which the WTCHP operates. We understand that your plan is to ultimately eliminate all NIOSH staff in the next few days.  

    Since the establishment of the WTCHP in 2011, the number of program enrollees has more than doubled from 61,000 to 137,000. The WTCHP relies on NIOSH staff to fulfill many of its obligations under the law, and eliminating staff that implement it, especially as more and more responders and survivors fall ill with 9/11-related conditions, will directly interfere with program operations and undermine access to the treatment these heroes have earned and deserve.  

    For example, the WTCHP does not employ any staff physicians or individuals with medical degrees. Under the statute medical doctors need to approve certifications of members coming forward with new conditions that meet the requirements of the law for them to receive treatment.  The WTCHP has always used NIOSH doctors to perform this work. 

    Additionally, the WTCHP does not have a staff epidemiologist and has always used NIOSH epidemiologists to review pending petitions for considering whether to add new conditions to the list of covered conditions. The WTCHP also currently uses NIOSH staff to determine the awards of research grants in the amount of nearly $20 million dollars a year, an annual requirement of the program to fund research on 9/11 conditions and care. 

    We are extremely concerned regarding the dismissal of Dr. John Howard, the Program Administrator of WTCHP. Since the program’s inception, Dr. Howard has faithfully served as the Administrator, playing a critical role as the final decision-maker on determining which petitioned conditions should be covered and ensuring the WTCHP is adhering to the explicit statutes enacted by Congress. His institutional knowledge is unmatched and allows the program to operate effectively and efficiently. It is estimated that over 400,000 individuals were exposed to toxins or other hazards on 9/11, and we are gravely concerned that his termination will undermine the essential work the WTCHP does.

    Finally, we are concerned about the termination of the staff at the Office of Acquisition Services at NIOSH. The Office of Acquisition Services oversees all contracts for the WTCHP’s Nationwide Provider Network (NPN), which is a vast network of contracted health providers throughout the country that provide the medical monitoring and treatment for program enrollees who live outside the New York metropolitan area. This office ensures these contracts and providers meet the needs of enrollees and provides oversight and quality assurance for the NPN. Without this coordinating mechanism, current contracts could receive little oversight and that future contracts could lapse, undermining access to enrollee care. 

    We are asking that the Administration provide answers on how the WTCHP will be impacted by these massive layoffs. Please respond to the below list of questions by April 9th, 2025.  

    1. Is the Administration planning to terminate all NIOSH staff? 
    2. What was the justification for the termination of Dr. Howard?  
    3. Since there are no doctors on the staff of the WTCHP, and the statue requires doctors to sign off on certifications that allow for treatment of members, what is the administration’s plan to rectify this as all of the NIOSH medical staff that performed this function have been terminated? 
    4. Since the WTCHP used the staff of NIOSH, especially epidemiologists to review pending petitions under the law to consider covering new conditions, what provisions has HHS made to supply the necessary staff to fulfill that role for the WTCHP? 
    5. What is the status of pending petitions to add autoimmune disease and cardiac conditions to the program? The program announced in December 2024 that eligible individuals can expect an answer by March 2025. 
    6. WTCHP utilized NIOSH staff to determine the approximately $20 million of annual research awards required under the statute that are normally announced in March. What staff will be assisting WTCHP in making these decisions and when will the awards for 2025 be announced?  
    7. Has the administration consulted with advocates or career staff on the impacts these cuts may have on WTCHP service delivery?  
      1. If you have not, please explain why.  
    8. What office will oversee the contracts and contracting process if there is no staff at the Office of Acquisition Services?  

    Congress has continually reaffirmed its bipartisan commitment to the responders and survivors of the September 11th attacks. We stand ready to work with you to reverse these cuts to ensure that current and future participants receive the coverage and care that Congress has continuously provided. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Frederica Wilson Sends Letter to DHS Secretary Requesting Congressional Oversight and a Congressional Visit to the Krome Detention Facility

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Frederica S Wilson (24th District of Florida)

    Today, April 7, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson sent a Letter to U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, requesting Congressional oversight of the Krome Detention Facility and a Congressional visit to the facility.

    In 2019, Congresswoman Frederica Wilson led a Congressional Delegation visit to the Krome Detention Facility.

    For the full letter, click here.

    Letter Text:

    Dear Secretary Noem:

    I write to urgently request your assistance in arranging an official visit to the Krome Detention Center located in Miami, Florida so that I can assess the detainees’ living conditions. Recent reports from the Miami Herald, specifically the article titled “Hundreds protest outside Miami-Dade’s Krome Detention Center over ‘inhumane’ conditions,” underscore the critical issues regarding the treatment and living conditions faced by detainees.

    I have heard directly from immigration lawyers about the unacceptable conditions at Krome, including reports of individuals sleeping on the concrete floor, detainees being deprived of adequate food, and female detainees being held in a facility designated for men. These alarming accounts illustrate the urgent need for me to exercise my duty of congressional oversight and intervention. As an elected representative, I have a fundamental duty to exercise my oversight authority under Article 1 of the Constitution. This authority allows Congress to access federal facilities to verify compliance with federal laws and policies. As you are likely aware, the Supreme Court has determined the Congressional oversight power to be far-reaching. For example, in Watkins v. United States, the Court said the “power of the Congress to conduct investigations is inherent in the legislative process. That power is broad. It encompasses inquiries concerning the administration of existing laws as well as proposed or possibly needed statutes.”

    It is imperative that Congress gains firsthand insight into the facility’s operations to address these serious concerns and ensure that the rights and dignity of individuals in detention are upheld. I fully support lawful detention and the enforcement of the law; however, this is balanced by the need to ensure that people who are in government custody are not treated inhumanely, no matter the circumstance.

    To confirm the arrangements for our visit, I request your assistance with the following:

    ·      Please identify which date you will facilitate my visit from these dates: April 11 to 21 or April 25 to 28, 2025?

    ·      What steps will be taken to ensure that this visit receives complete transparency?

    I appreciate your prompt attention to this urgent request and hope to facilitate this visit as soon as possible.

    Thank you for your cooperation in helping us ensure the transparency and accountability of our immigration system.

    Sincerely,

    Frederica S. Wilson

    Member of Congress

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DAUPHIN COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Speak at Farm Bureau Luncheon, Highlight Administration’s Work to Support Pennsylvania Farmers

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    April 08, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – DAUPHIN COUNTY – Governor Shapiro to Speak at Farm Bureau Luncheon, Highlight Administration’s Work to Support Pennsylvania Farmers

    Governor Josh Shapiro will deliver remarks at the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s State Legislative Conference Luncheon, highlighting his Administration’s work to support Pennsylvania farmers. The luncheon is an opportunity for farmers, legislators, and other local leaders to gather and discuss critical agriculture issues.

    Last week, Governor Shapiro met with farmers, small business owners, and workers across Pennsylvania to hear firsthand about the challenges they face and highlight how his Administration is helping them innovate, grow, and stay competitive – all while pushing back against harmful federal tariffs that are driving up costs for all Pennsylvanians.

    WHO:
    Governor Josh Shapiro
    Secretary Russell Redding, Department of Agriculture

    WHEN:
    Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 12:15 PM

    WHERE:
    Hilton Harrisburg
    One N. 2nd Street,
    Harrisburg, PA 17101

    LIVE STREAM:
    pacast.com/live/gov
    governor.pa.gov/live/

    RSVP:
    Press who are interested in attending must RSVP with the names and phone numbers for each member of their team to ra-gvgovpress@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CLARKE, THOMPSON, KENNEDY REINTRODUCE BILL TO PREPARE DHS FOR CLIMATE CRISIS

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Yvette D Clarke (9th District of New York)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

    April 7, 2025

    MEDIA CONTACT: 

    e: jessica.myers@mail.house.gov

    c: 202.913.0126

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Congressman Bennie Thompson (MS-02), and Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) reintroduced the Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act, legislation to prepare the Department of Homeland Security to confront and mitigate the impacts of the climate crisis.

    “As we fall deeper into the ongoing climate crisis, ensuring the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is equipped to address its escalating impacts must be a priority. The well-being and safety of America’s vulnerable, frontline communities will depend on how DHS prepares for and responds to these impacts, particularly in the face of the Trump Administration’s work to dismantle DHS and hinder FEMA’s effectiveness at every turn. I’m proud to introduce legislation that meaningfully moves America forward in our fight against the climate crisis by rooting the DHS’ climate efforts in strong research and an actionable defense plan,” said Congresswoman Clarke.

    “We all know that climate change is making storms more frequent and more intense – doing untold damage to our communities. To meet this threat, we need to make sure that the Department is taking climate change into account when it is planning for disasters and other homeland security missions. Wishing it away – and pretending it doesn’t exist – for political reasons, as the Trump Administration is doing, is not an option. I thank Ms. Clarke for her leadership on this issue and for introducing this legislation,” said Congressman Thompson.

    “From blizzards to hurricanes, in every corner of the country, including my district, we have seen the impact of extreme weather due to climate change,” said Congressman Tim Kennedy, Ranking Member, Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology. “This bill, led by Congresswoman Clarke, will empower the Department of Homeland Security to better understand the changing needs of our communities, helping to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. As the Trump Administration continues to degrade our capacity to respond to extreme weather events, I am committed to strengthening it to better support communities, protect our national security, and save lives.”

    The Department of Homeland Security Climate Change Research Act recognizes the importance of mitigating climate change challenges by directing DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate to:

    • Assess the current Federal research regarding approaches to mitigate identified or potential negative effects of climate change on homeland security including but not limited to preparedness and emergency planning policies, including with respect to preparedness, response to, and recovery from natural disasters; and
    • Consult with heads of other Federal agencies and departments, State, local, Tribal, territorial governments, and stakeholders when identifying and suggesting policy changes to mitigate the impact of climate change on homeland security; and
    • Mandate an annual report to Congress for three years on any research and development activities concerning climate change.

    Read the full bill text here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: DelBene, LaHood Introduce Legislation to Provide Tax Relief to Beauty and Salon Industry

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (1st District of Washington)

    Today, Representatives Suzan DelBene (WA-01) and Darin LaHood (IL-16) reintroduced the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act, which expands the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax tip credit to employer-based salons and beauty service establishments. This credit helps ensure accurate reporting of tipped income and reimburses small businesses for continuing to implement reporting systems.

    The beauty industry is predominantly comprised of small businesses, the majority of which are owned by women and people of color, and this legislation would provide them much-needed tax relief. Tips are paid as gratuity by a client directly to the worker providing the service. Employers are required to pay FICA taxes on these tips even though they are not involved in the tip transaction and 100 percent of it goes to the employee. Currently, restaurants are able to claim a tax credit for the portion of FICA taxes paid on their employees’ tips, but beauty salons do not have access to the same credit. This legislation would extend the FICA tip credit to the beauty industry creating parity with the restaurant industry. The beauty industry is predominantly comprised of small businesses, the majority of which are owned by women and people of color, and this legislation would provide them much-needed tax relief.

    “The beauty industry is largely comprised of small businesses, predominantly owned by women and women of color, with workers who rely heavily on tips. said DelBene. “Extending this tax relief to the beauty industry would provide parity with the restaurant industry, which already has the ability to claim this credit. This bipartisan legislation would bring commonsense tax relief to salons and their workers and support small businesses.”

    Small businesses are the backbone of the United States economy,” said LaHood. “I am proud to reintroduce the Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act alongside Congresswoman DelBene to level the playing field for beauty salons who rely on tips for a large portion of their income. This bipartisan, commonsense piece of legislation simplifies our tax system for these small business owners and their employees while supporting job creation in central and northwestern Illinois.”

    “The Professional Beauty Association proudly supports The Small Business Tax Fairness and Compliance Simplification Act, a critical measure that levels the playing field for beauty industry employers, most of whom are small, Main Street businesses,” said Leslie Perry, PBA’s Executive Director. “We commend Congressman LaHood and Congresswoman DelBene for their leadership in advocating for fair and equitable tax policies. This legislation will provide much-needed tax relief that directly benefits small businesses and their hardworking employees across America. In addition, it complements the No Tax on Tips initiative, ensuring that beauty professionals receiving the full value of their hard-earned income does not unfairly burden their employers. We look forward to collaborating with Congressman LaHood to ensure this vital legislation becomes a reality for the industry’s employers this year.

    A copy of the bill text can be found here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Ruiz, Foushee, Cleaver, Introduce the Cool Roof Rebate Act to Lower Costs for Reflective Roofing Installation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Raul Ruiz (36th District of California)

    WASHINGTON, DC (April 7, 2025) — Today, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25), Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), and introduced the Cool Roof Rebate Act, legislation to create a rebate program for reflective roofing products to lower home temperatures and reduce energy consumption and costs.

    “Just last month, parts of California’s 25th District hit triple-digit heat, the earliest it has exceeded 100 degrees Fahrenheit in over a decade. Our region includes California’s desert communities, where summer temperatures can soar well above 110 degrees. It’s one of the hottest areas in the country, and that comes with serious health risks,” said Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25). “The Cool Roof Rebate Act creates the first federal rebate program of its kind to help underserved communities afford reflective roofing, reducing energy consumption, improving efficiency, and protecting families from extreme heat.”

    “As communities across the country continue to experience extreme weather events and record-breaking heat due to climate change, it is critical that Congress take steps to provide communities with the support they need to mitigate the effects,” said Congresswoman Valerie Foushee (NC-04). “The Cool Roof Rebate Act will help vulnerable households purchase reflective roofing products through a first of its kind federal rebate program, thereby lowering energy costs and increasing energy efficiency. I am proud to reintroduce this critical piece of legislation with Congressman Cleaver and Congressman Ruiz, and I look forward to working to pass it through the House and onward.”

    “As global temperatures continue to rise to record-breaking levels and at a record-breaking pace, it’s imperative that Congress provide families with new and innovative ways to beat the heat and lower energy costs,” saidCongressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05). “I’m proud to introduce the Cool Roof Rebate Act with Congresswoman Foushee and Congressman Ruiz to create a new program dedicated to helping working class families in Missouri and across the country afford reflective roofing products that will keep their homes cool, costs low, and extreme heat at bay.”

    Specifically, the Cool Roof Rebate Act will:

    • Provide a rebate to eligible households for the purchase and installation of eligible cool roof products to mitigate extreme heat
      • Eligible households determined by two metrics measuring exposure to extreme heat and median income of the residence’s zip code
      • Eligible cool roof products are ones that have been tested and verified by the Cool Roof Ratings Council
    • Authorize up to $25,000,000 in household rebates annually across all 50 states and U.S. territories between FY25-FY29
    • Require the U.S. Department of Energy to submit a report to Congress six months after the program’s termination to evaluate the program’s efficacy and impact

    The Cool Roof Rebate Act is endorsed by the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition, Federation of American Scientists and Smart Surfaces Coalition.

    “We are proud to support the Cool Roof Rebate Act which will help many hard-working families living under extreme heat to improve their living conditions by providing a rebate for the installation of eligible cool roof products. Our Coachella Valley families in California experience extreme heat for five to six months of the year and this program will allow them to retrofit their roofs to provide a much cooler environment that will improve their quality of live.” – Pedro S. G. Rodriguez, Executive Director / CEO, Coachella Valley Housing Coalition.

    “To prepare for future extreme heat events, we need to be developing and deploying innovative adaptation solutions at scale. The Cool Roof Rebate Act will make cool roofing technology affordable to more Americans to lower their home cooling costs and provide the incentives necessary to grow and diversify the cool roofing market.” – Daniel Correa, CEO of the Federation of American Scientists.

    “Yet another year of record-breaking extreme heat underscores the urgency of the Cool Roof Rebate Act, which tackles the urban heat island effect while delivering lower energy bills, safer work environments for outdoor workers and improved health outcomes for vulnerable communities. Our current benefit-cost modeling with 10 major U.S. metro areas with whom we are working demonstrates that an 80% deployment of cool roofs across those areas (representing more than 35 million people) would produce a net financial benefit of $34.7 billion, with an average benefit cost ratio of 9:1. Extreme heat is the leading weather-related killer, and this bill will be a literal lifesaver, as well as saving citizens substantial amounts of money.” – Greg Kats, CEO of the Smart Surfaces Coalition.

    The Cool Roof Rebate Act is cosponsored by: Rep. Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13).

    The full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Labrador Announces New Directors of Consumer Protection and Communications

    Source: US State of Idaho

    [BOISE] – Attorney General Raúl Labrador announced the promotion of Dan Estes to Director of Consumer Protection and appointment of Damon Sidur as Communications Director for the Idaho Office of the Attorney General.
    Estes has served as the Public Information Officer for the Attorney General’s Office since November 2023, where he has successfully led the office’s media relations, enhanced public awareness of key legal victories, and strengthened outreach efforts across Idaho. His dedication to clear, effective communication has played a critical role in advancing the Attorney General’s priorities and ensuring Idahoans are informed about the work being done on their behalf.
    In his new role as Director of Consumer Protection, Estes will oversee a team of analysts, coordinate media efforts to inform the public about consumer issues, and collaborate closely with the Attorney General on community outreach across Idaho.
    “Dan has been an outstanding Public Information Officer, ensuring Idahoans are informed about the important work our office is doing on their behalf,” Labrador said. “His dedication and skill for serving the people of Idaho have made a real difference. Dan’s commitment to consumer protection and keeping Idahoans informed makes him the right choice for this role. This promotion is well-deserved, and I have no doubt he will excel.”
    Labrador also announced the appointment of Damon Sidur as Communications Director. Sidur most recently served as Communications Director for Congressman Michael Cloud (R-TX) and Congressman Cliff Bentz (R-OR), where he led media relations and communications outreach. Before that, he served as Digital Media Director for Congressman Bob Good (R-VA) and as Deputy Communications Director for the Colorado House Republican Caucus. Sidur is a graduate of Colorado Christian University.
    “Damon is a talented, strong conservative communicator who will lead our efforts to ensure Idahoans hear directly about the work we’re doing to defend their rights, freedoms, and way of life,” Labrador said. “I’m excited to have him on the team.”
    Members of the press should direct all future press correspondence to damon.sidur@ag.idaho.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Canoe EIT Income Fund Announces April 2025 Monthly Distribution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, April 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canoe EIT Income Fund (the “Fund”) (TSX – EIT.UN) announces the April 2025 monthly distribution of $0.10 per unit. Unitholders of record on April 23, 2025, will receive distributions payable on May 15, 2025.

    About Canoe EIT Income Fund
    Canoe EIT Income Fund is one of Canada’s largest closed-end investment funds, designed to maximize monthly distributions and capital appreciation by investing in a broadly diversified portfolio of high quality securities. The Fund is listed on the TSX under the symbol EIT.UN, and is actively managed by Robert Taylor, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Canoe Financial.

    About Canoe Financial
    Canoe Financial is one of Canada’s fastest growing independent mutual fund companies managing over $20.0 billion in assets across a diversified range of award-winning investment solutions. Founded in 2008, Canoe Financial is an employee-owned investment management firm focused on building financial wealth for Canadians. Canoe Financial has a significant presence across Canada, including offices in Calgary, Toronto and Montreal.

    For further information, please contact:
    Investor Relations
    1–877–434–2796
    www.canoefinancial.com
    info@canoefinancial.com

    Not for Distribution to U.S. Newswire Services or for Dissemination in the United States of America.

    The Fund makes monthly distributions of an amount comprised in whole or in part of Return of Capital (ROC) of the net asset value per unit. A ROC reduces the amount of your original investment and may result in the return to you of the entire amount of your original investment. ROC that is not reinvested will reduce the net asset value of the fund, which could reduce the fund’s ability to generate future income. You should not draw any conclusions about the fund’s investment performance from the amount of this distribution.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment funds. Please read the information filed about the fund on www.sedar.com before investing. Investment funds are not guaranteed and past performance may not be repeated.

    This communication is not to be construed as a public offering to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Such an offer can only be made by way of a prospectus or other applicable offering document and should be read carefully before making any investment. This release is for information purposes only. Investors should consult their Investment Advisor for details and risk factors regarding specific strategies and various investment products.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New research shows digital technology is linked to reduced wellbeing in young kids. So what can parents do?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacquelyn Harverson, PhD Candidate, School of Psychology, Deakin University

    Alex Segre/ Shutterstock

    Once upon a time, children fought for control of the remote to the sole family television. Now the choice of screen-based content available to kids seems endless. There are computers, tablets, phones and gaming consoles offering streaming services, online content and apps.

    Children also use devices at school, with digital literacy part of the Australian curriculum from the start of school.

    The speed and scale of this change has left parents, researchers and policymakers scrambling to catch up. And it has inevitably led to concerns about screen use, as well as guidelines about limiting their use.

    Our new study looks at the links between digital technology use and young children’s wellbeing, specifically for those aged four to six.

    Our comprehensive analysis shows children who spend longer periods using digital technologies are more likely to have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. However, we can’t say at what age or level of screen use these negative effects are likely to become evident.

    But for parents trying to navigate a world where technology is all around us, our study also shows there are things they can do to help their kids use screens in healthier ways.



    Read more:
    Why parents need to be like Big Ted and ‘talk aloud’ while they use screens with their kids

    Our study

    We carried out a systematic review of the research literature on children’s use of digital devices since 2011 (after the Apple iPad was launched). This means we examined all the available peer-reviewed research on digital devices and their impact on wellbeing for children.

    We also focused on ages four to six age as it is a time when children are developing rapidly and beginning school. Other studies have focused on particular types of device. But we included all kinds of digital devices in our search – from televisions to phones, tablets and gaming consoles – to make sure we could provide comprehensive analysis of what kids are using.

    The studies came from 20 countries, including Australia, China, the United States, Turkey, Germany and Canada. They were almost exclusively based on parents’ reports of their children and include more than 83,000 parents.

    Our research also showed the the type of content children consume is important – not just the time it takes.
    Morrowind/Shutterstock

    4 areas of child wellbeing

    From this, we analysed the relationship between children’s technology use and the following four areas:

    1. psychosocial wellbeing: an overall measure that captures children’s happiness, as well as social and emotional adjustment.

    2. social functioning: children’s social skills, including how well they get along with their peers.

    3. the parent-child relationship: the level of closeness or conflict between parents and their children.

    4. behavioural functioning: the absence of behavioural difficulties such as tech-related tantrums, hyperactivity, depression or anxiety.

    We did this with a meta-analysis – a statistical method that uses data from multiple studies to draw conclusions.



    Read more:
    3 ways to help your child transition off screens and avoid the dreaded ‘tech tantrums’

    What we found

    Our analysis found more digital technology use in young children was associated with poorer wellbeing outcomes across the four areas.

    It is important to note correlation doesn’t equal causation. The scope of the research means at this point, it is not possible to identify the exact reasons behind the negative relationships.

    But we do know the more time children spent watching TV, playing on iPads or apps, the more likely they were to have problems with behaviour, social skills, their relationship with their parents, and their emotional wellbeing.

    But tech use is more than just time

    Our research also brought together emerging evidence which shows the relationship between digital tech use and child wellbeing is complex.

    This means the type of content children consume, and the context in which they consume it, can also have a bearing on their wellbeing. The research shows there are several ways parents can guide their children to potentially mitigate the negative links with social, emotional and behavioural wellbeing.

    With this in mind, how can you encourage healthier screen use?

    Our research showed if parents watch with their kids, it can open up opportunities for conversation and interaction.
    Ketut Subiyanto/Pexels, CC BY

    3 tips for kids and screens

    1. Keep an eye on the clock

    The research cannot provide a specific “time limit” for screen use. But you can still be mindful of how much time your child spends on devices both at home and at school – moderation is key.

    Try and mix screen time with other activities, such as time outside or time with friends and family, books or imaginary play.

    2. Seek out quality

    Research shows encouraging high-quality educational content during screen use may curb negative links between tech use and wellbeing.

    Consider swapping fast-paced cartoons and time spent on lots of short clips with educational viewing, for example ABC kids programs that promote learning.

    Introduce your child to age-appropriate educational and interactive games that challenge them and encourage them to be creative.

    3. Use tech together

    Tech time isn’t just for kids – parents can also join in.

    Solo tech use may reduce opportunities for positive social interactions. But watching or playing with friends or family opens up opportunities for conversation, working together and learning.

    This could include watching a movie together and talking about the characters, working on an online puzzle together or learning new coding skills together.

    Jacquelyn Harverson is affiliated with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child.

    Louise Paatsch receives funding from Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child

    Sharon Horwood is affiliated with the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child.

    – ref. New research shows digital technology is linked to reduced wellbeing in young kids. So what can parents do? – https://theconversation.com/new-research-shows-digital-technology-is-linked-to-reduced-wellbeing-in-young-kids-so-what-can-parents-do-253637

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –