NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Apple Intelligence comes to Apple Vision Pro today with visionOS 2.4

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple Intelligence comes to Apple Vision Pro today with visionOS 2.4

    March 31, 2025

    UPDATE

    Apple Intelligence and new spatial experiences come to Apple Vision Pro today with visionOS 2.4

    Alongside the first set of powerful Apple Intelligence features, users can discover new content with Spatial Gallery and the Apple Vision Pro app for iPhone, and share the magic of spatial computing with enhancements to Guest User

    visionOS 2.4 is available today, bringing the first set of powerful Apple Intelligence features that help users communicate, write, and express themselves on Apple Vision Pro — all while taking an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI.1 With the new Spatial Gallery app, users have access to a curated collection of spatial content spanning art, culture, nature, sports, and more. visionOS 2.4 also introduces the Apple Vision Pro app for iPhone to help users easily find new content and apps, and enhancements to Guest User make sharing Vision Pro experiences even easier.

    Apple Intelligence on Apple Vision Pro

    With Writing Tools, users can refine their words by rewriting, proofreading, and summarizing text nearly everywhere they write, including Mail, Notes, and many third-party apps. With Rewrite, users can adjust the tone of their text to make it more friendly, professional, or concise, or specify the change they’d like to make using Describe Your Change. Proofread checks grammar, word choice, and sentence structure, and provides suggested edits. Users can also select text and have it recapped in several formats with Summarize. With Compose, users can ask ChatGPT to generate content for anything they are writing about from the systemwide Writing Tools.2

    Image Playground allows users to easily create fun and unique images from themes, costumes, accessories, and places. Users can add their own text descriptions, and can even create images in the likeness of a family member or friend using photos from their photo library. The experience is integrated directly into apps like Messages and Freeform, and is also available as a dedicated app for Apple Vision Pro.

    Apple Intelligence takes emoji to an entirely new level, offering users the ability to create original Genmoji by simply typing or speaking a description into the emoji keyboard. Genmoji can be added inline to messages, shared as a sticker, or sent as a Tapback.

    Smart Reply in Messages and Mail provides suggestions for a quick response, and will identify questions to ensure everything is answered.

    With natural language search in the Photos app, it’s even easier to find a specific photo or moment in a video just by describing it. Create a Memory Movie lets users create the movies they want to see by simply typing a description. Using language and image understanding, Apple Intelligence will pick out photos and videos based on a user’s description, craft a storyline with chapters based on themes identified from the photos, and arrange them into a movie with its own narrative arc. As with all Apple Intelligence features, user photos and videos are kept private, and are not shared with Apple or anyone else.

    visionOS 2.4 also includes support for Priority Messages in Mail, Mail Summaries, Image Wand in Notes, Priority Notifications in Notification Center, and Notification Summaries. The initial set of Apple Intelligence features is available in visionOS 2.4 for users with their device and Siri language set to U.S. English.

    Apple Intelligence uses on-device processing whenever possible to protect users’ privacy. For requests that require access to even larger models, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of Apple products into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence. When using Private Cloud Compute, users’ data is never stored or shared with Apple; it is used only to fulfill the request. Independent experts can inspect the code that runs on Apple silicon servers to continuously verify this privacy promise, and are already doing so.

    Curated Spatial Content with Spatial Gallery

    Spatial Gallery, a new app for Apple Vision Pro, features spatial photos, spatial videos, and panoramas curated by Apple, and gives users a window to captivating and powerful moments spanning art, culture, entertainment, lifestyle, nature, sports, and travel, with new content released regularly.

    At launch, users can discover stories and experiences from iconic brands including Red Bull, Cirque du Soleil, and Porsche; go behind the scenes with Apple Originals like Severance, The Studio, and The Morning Show; and listen to conversations with top artists like Bad Bunny, Charli xcx, and Keith Urban.

    The Apple Vision Pro App for iPhone

    The Apple Vision Pro app for iPhone offers a new way for users to discover new spatial experiences, queue apps and games to download, easily find tips, and quickly access information about their Vision Pro, all from their iPhone.

    The Discover page features recommendations for new and notable experiences on Apple Vision Pro, from popular apps like Explore POV and JigSpace, to Apple Arcade games like Gears & Goo, to Apple Immersive experiences like Metallica, which gives viewers unprecedented access to the band through a remarkable storytelling format only possible on Vision Pro.

    The My Vision Pro page helps users get the most out of their Apple Vision Pro, offering tips and key information such as their current visionOS version and device serial number. Users with vision correction needs can now store and view the App Clip code for their ZEISS Optical Inserts in the Apple Vision Pro app.

    New Enhancements to Guest User

    visionOS 2.4 lets users start a Guest User session on Apple Vision Pro with their nearby iPhone or iPad. To make it easier to guide a guest through the Vision Pro experience, users can now choose which apps are accessible to their guests and start View Mirroring with AirPlay from their iPhone.

    New Apple Immersive Video Content

    VIP: Yankee Stadium premieres this Friday, April 4, featuring an all-encompassing look at how elite athletes, die-hard fans, dedicated staff, and epic moments make the Bronx ballpark legendary. Bono: Stories of Surrender pulls back the curtain on the deeply personal experiences that have shaped Bono as a son, father, husband, activist, and U2 frontman. The groundbreaking film from Apple TV+ premieres May 30, and will be available in 2D and in Apple Immersive Video.

    Availability

    • visionOS 2.4 is available today as a free software update for Apple Vision Pro. For more information, visit apple.com/visionos/visionos-2. Some features may not be available in all regions or languages.
    • Apple Vision Pro is available in Australia, Canada, China mainland, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S.
    • Apple Intelligence will be available in beta on Apple Vision Pro with visionOS 2.4. The first set of features will be available for Vision Pro users with their device and Siri language set to U.S. English. Feature availability varies by region; Apple Intelligence is subject to regulatory approval and not yet available in China.
    • The Spatial Gallery app will be installed with visionOS 2.4 for users in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the UAE, the UK, and the U.S. It can be downloaded from the App Store for Vision Pro.
    • The Apple Vision Pro app for iPhone will be available with iOS 18.4. The app will be available to download from the App Store, and will automatically appear on a user’s iPhone once they update to iOS 18.4 and have both devices associated with the same Apple Account.
    1. The first set of features will be available for Apple Vision Pro users with their device and Siri language set to U.S. English.
    2. Integration with ChatGPT is available only in regions where the ChatGPT app and service is available. Refer to Open AI for Chat GPT availability.

    Press Contacts

    Corey Nord

    Apple

    cnord2@apple.com

    Andrea Schubert

    Apple

    a_schubert@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Apple Intelligence features expand to new languages and regions today

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple Intelligence features expand to new languages and regions today

    Apple Intelligence, the personal intelligence system that delivers helpful and relevant intelligence while taking an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI, is expanding to even more people around the world. Starting today, with the availability of iOS 18.4, iPadOS 18.4, and macOS Sequoia 15.4, Apple Intelligence features are now available in many new languages, including French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified) — as well as localized English for Singapore and India — and are accessible in nearly all regions around the world.

    In addition, iPhone and iPad users in the EU have access to Apple Intelligence features for the first time, and Apple Intelligence expands to a new platform with an initial set of features available in U.S. English with Apple Vision Pro — helping users communicate, collaborate, and express themselves in entirely new ways. Now, Vision Pro users can proofread, rewrite, and summarize text using Writing Tools; compose text from scratch using ChatGPT in Writing Tools; explore new ways to express themselves visually with Image Playground; create the perfect emoji for any conversation with Genmoji; and much more.

    This release also comes with additional Apple Intelligence features, including Priority Notifications to help users stay on top of time-sensitive communications, the ability to create a memory movie on Mac by simply typing a description, and an added Sketch style in Image Playground that creates academic and highly detailed sketches.

    Apple Intelligence marks an extraordinary step forward for privacy in AI and is designed to protect users’ privacy at every step. It starts with on-device processing, and for requests that require access to larger models, Private Cloud Compute extends the privacy and security of iPhone into the cloud to unlock even more intelligence.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Podcast: Attacking Endometriosis With Awareness and Research

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    The UConn Health Pulse Podcast brings a variety of expertise on health topics to the general public.

    Treatable but not curable, endometriosis affects one in 10 women and girls of reproductive age. But it’s not all that well understood and recognized, and can go undetected, leading to years of avoidable suffering and causing time away from school, work, and other activities. UConn Health is part of a collaboration with The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine and the state of Connecticut called EndoRISE, which seeks to raise awareness and advance research of endometriosis. Dr. Danielle Luciano, director of minimally invasive gynecological surgery at UConn Health, and Jasmina Uvalic, EndoRISE program manager from JAX, help lead this effort.

    Having your period isn’t supposed to be so painful that you can’t function. It isn’t supposed to be so painful that you can’t go to school, that you are missing events, that you are not able to go to work or do the things that are fun for you.
    &#8212 Dr. Danielle Luciano

    Listen now:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Oregon Treasurer Steiner Calls On Congress To Protect Oregon And Other States From Medicaid Budget Cuts

    Source: US State of Oregon

    regon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner called on congressional leaders to protect Medicaid from budget cuts designed to fund tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations. In Oregon, approximately 1 in 3 state residents get their health insurance from the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), Oregon’s Medicaid program.

    At a national news conference with other state treasurers earlier in the day, Treasurer Steiner stated:

    “Medicaid cuts will delay or deny health care, raise costs and push more families closer to financial instability and bankruptcy.

    Oregon’s economic stability is also at risk. Medicaid budget cuts or cost shifts to states will eliminate jobs, hamstring our economy and destabilize the health care system, especially in rural communities across Oregon.

    The bottom line: Medicaid works. In Oregon, Medicaid has helped slow the growth of health costs. It provides vital health coverage and senior care that most middle- and lower-income families cannot afford to live without.

    America must provide opportunity to working families who are already struggling to save for emergencies, their children’s education, and retirement – not put greater financial burdens on their shoulders. Protecting Medicaid is a vital investment in their well-being. I urge Congress to put the interests of working families ahead of another tax cut benefiting the wealthiest Americans and corporations.”

    Treasurer Steiner’s full remarks can be seen here: https://bit.ly/41N1Z0X

    Facts about Oregon’s Medicaid program:

    • Medicaid covers 1 in 3 people in Oregon (1.4 million people).
    • Today 97% of Oregonians have health coverage. Before Oregon expanded Medicaid nearly 1 in 5 Oregonians lacked health coverage.
    • 57% of Oregon children – and 45% of all births – are covered by Medicaid.
    • 2 out of every 3 nursing home residents rely on Medicaid.
    • Counties in rural areas typically have Oregon’s highest Medicaid enrollment rates. In Oregon Congressional District 2, which spans most of Oregon east of the Cascades:
      • More than 4 in 10 residents receive health care through the Oregon Health Plan (the highest percentage in the state).
      • 7 in 10 children are covered by OHP.
      • More than 110,000 adults are covered by Medicaid expansion.
    • Medicaid budget cuts under consideration by Congress could cost Oregon more than $3 billion in federal funding and put coverage at risk for more than 670,000 Oregonians.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Becca Balint Introduces the Transgender Health Care Access Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

    Washington, D.C.  – Today, on Trans Day of Visibility, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL) introduced the Transgender Health Care Access Act. As Republicans nationwide continue to demonize and attack trans Americans to score political points, access to health care is becoming more and more limited. Twenty-seven states have some form of ban on medical care for trans youth. The Transgender Health Care Access Act would expand access to live-saving, evidence-based health care and invest in training for health care providers. The bill funds programs to train medical providers in providing gender affirming care. This bill explicitly excludes conversion therapy from funding, which 12% of transgender people were subjected to last year. The bill is cosponsored by 30 House Democrats. 

    The Transgender Health Care Access Act would: 

    ·         Train more providers in gender affirming care 

    ·         Improve medical education curricula for gender affirming care 

    ·         Expand capacity of Community Health Centers to provide this care and

    ·         Expand access in rural communities by connecting rural providers to training opportunities 

    In his first few months in office, President Trump has signed six executive orders targeting trans Americans. The executive orders remove funding for medical care, further limiting access to evidenced-based care. Other Trump actions include illegally banning trans Americans from military service and banning trans kids from school sports. The Trump Administration has also taken steps to erase trans Americans from history including by removing the word trans from federal websites. 

    “Republicans are obsessed with attacking trans people. It’s dangerous. Over and over again they use messages designed to get Americans to fear one another and to divide us,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “But I want queer and trans Americans to know you have fighters and allies in Congress. As Republicans use their power to take away health care and continue to attack and dehumanize trans folks, I’m not standing down. That’s why I’m introducing this bill to expand access and train more providers. It’s critical that trans Americans have access to appropriate and quality care no matter where they live. I’m proud to stand with trans Americans, advocates, and allies to demand equality, dignity, and accessible health care for everyone ” 

    The bill is endorsed by Advocates for Trans Equality, the American Civil Liberties Union, the Center for American Progress, the Congressional Equality Caucus, Equality California, the Human Rights Campaign, the Trevor Project, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights. 

    “Everyone — no matter their zip code or who they are — deserves access to the care they need. This legislation would play a critical role in building a strong, sustainable framework that supports the transgender community in accessing health care. When we ensure robust access to medical care, we tackle disparities across all communities and health outcomes improve. By establishing key protections and resources, this bill helps reduce stark health disparities and ensure transgender people can get the care they need without unnecessary barriers,” said David Stacy, Vice President of Government Affairs at HRC. 

    “Across the country, transgender people and their families have been targeted by a coordinated effort to control their lives and their bodies, banning their healthcare and uprooting the lives of thousands of families. While we wait for a Supreme Court ruling in our challenge against such a ban, it’s more critical than ever for our elected allies in Congress to stand strong in their principles and put forward a positive, proactive vision for all Americans. We applaud Congresswoman Balint for her leadership in introducing the Trans Health Care Access Act and urge more elected officials to follow her example and defend the freedom of all Americans to be themselves without fear,” said Ian Thompson, Senior Legislative Representative for the ACLU.

    “CAP is proud to endorse the Transgender Health Care Access Act. In creating new funding programs for education and training in transgender health care, this bill provides a solution for providers who want to take care of their patients and trans people who haven’t been able to safely access the health care they need. Improving physicians’ competency will decrease the discrimination rates and care denials trans people often experience at the doctor’s office,” said Caleb Smith, director of LGBTQI+ Policy at CAP. “Transgender health care is best-practice, medically necessary care supported by all major medical associations in the country. We appreciate Rep. Balint’s commitment to supporting the trans community and thank her for her leadership.”

    “Some of the most powerful people in the world are working around the clock to erase our community, to deny us access to lifesaving healthcare and to pretend like we don’t exist. We are here and we have always been a part of this country,” said Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, Executive Director, Advocates for Trans Equality. “Access to transition-related care is medically necessary for transgender patients, a position that is overwhelmingly supported by doctors, scientists and the medical literature. It is safe, effective and life-saving. We want to thank Congresswoman Balint for introducing this legislation and for her leadership in supporting trans families.”

    “Transgender people are the same as everyone else – they need access to competent, evidence-based health care that improves their health and wellbeing.  Lack of access to competent care and a shortage of well-trained providers are some of the most serious problems facing transgender people. The Transgender Health Care Access Act would greatly improve access to care, especially in the places where it is most needed: rural communities and community health centers. Congress should pass this critically-needed legislation,” said NCLR Senior Staff Attorney, Chris Stoll.

    The bill is cosponsored by Reps. Ansari, Crockett, Danny Davis, Espaillat, Evans, Jacobs, Jayapal, Hank Johnson, Julie Johnson, Khanna, Krishnamoorthi, Landsman, Summer Lee, McClellan, McCollum, McIver, Nadler, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Pocan, Ramirez, Randall, Schakowsky, Takano, Thanedar, Tlaib, Tokuda, Tonko, Velázquez, and Watson Coleman.

    Find the bill text here. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA officers at Vancouver International Airport seize 148 kg of methamphetamine hidden in suitcases 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    March 31, 2025                        Vancouver, British Columbia            Canada Border Services Agency

    Today, the CBSA announced the interception and seizure of a combined 148.8 kilograms of methamphetamine, representing an estimated street value of $500,000, in six separate occasions at Vancouver International Airport. In all instances, the narcotics were concealed in passengers’ suitcases and bound for export.

    • On January 18, 2025, CBSA border services officers intercepted 35.7 kg of methamphetamine destined for export to Hong Kong. The narcotics were wrapped in gift wrap and hidden in two suitcases.
    • On January 31, 2025, border services officers intercepted 28.5 kg of methamphetamine destined for export to Hong Kong. The narcotics were concealed in coffee bags and hidden in two suitcases.
    • On February 16, 2025, border services officers intercepted 23.5 kg of methamphetamine destined for export to Australia. The narcotics were concealed in packages wrapped in towels soaked with vinegar and cayenne pepper in an attempt to mask the smell.
    • On February 19, 2025, border services officers intercepted: 
      • 16.4 kg of methamphetamine destined for export to Australia. The narcotics were infused within various articles of clothing.
      • 19.2 kg of methamphetamine destined for export to Australia. The narcotics were infused within various articles of clothing.
      • 25.5 kg of methamphetamine destined for export to New Zealand. The narcotics were concealed in vacuum sealed packaging with a mixture of coffee and pepper substance.

    On all six instances, the travellers were arrested and taken into custody by the RCMP’s Federal Police  Pacific Region unit.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly to attend NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Belgium

    Source: Government of Canada News

    March 31, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development, today announced that she will be travelling to Brussels, Belgium, to attend the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting from April 3 to 4, 2025.

    In Brussels, she will meet with Allies and partners to discuss threats and challenges to Euro-Atlantic security.

    During the meeting, the foreign ministers will also mark NATO’s 76th anniversary and celebrate decades of cooperation and historic achievements in security. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Reaches Strong Tentative Agreement with NCCC Rail Carriers

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM District 19 has reached a tentative agreement covering approximately 4,900 freight rail members with the National Carriers’ Conference Committee (NCCC).

    The NCCC tentative agreement covers IAM members at BNSF, Norfolk Southern, Canadian National, Belt Railway, Terminal Rail, Consolidated Rail, Indiana Harbor Belt, New Orleans Public Belt, and Palmetto Railways.

    “Our membership asked us to stand strong for a contract that includes no takeaways and makes improvements to pay, vacation and healthcare – and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered,” said IAM District 19 President and Directing General Chair Reece Murtagh. “We strongly recommend acceptance of this agreement.”

    This historic tentative agreement ensures members will receive their first pay increase on time and as scheduled.

    “District 19 continues to stand strong for industry-leading contracts,” said Josh Hartford, IAM Special Assistant to the International President for the IAM Rail Division. “Together, we are remaking this industry and giving every rail worker the respect they’ve earned.”

    Members will soon receive more information on the tentative agreement. An electronic ratification vote will take place between Friday, April 25 and Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USCIS Assists in Investigation of Postal Worker Found Guilty of Stealing Over $1.6 Million in Checks from the U.S. Mail and Lying to Obtain Citizenship

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    Headline: USCIS Assists in Investigation of Postal Worker Found Guilty of Stealing Over $1.6 Million in Checks from the U.S. Mail and Lying to Obtain Citizenship

    U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services assisted in an investigation that resulted in a postal worker being found guilty by a federal jury on charges of mail theft and bank fraud that illegally netted him more than $1.6 million and lying to obtain U.S. citizenship.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Maxwell Frost Statement on the Passing of Former Public Defender Bob Wesley

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Maxwell Frost Florida (10th District)

    March 31, 2025

    ORLANDO, FL — Today, Congressman Maxwell Alejandro Frost (FL-10) released a statement following the passing of Former Florida Ninth Judicial Circuit Public Defender, Bob Wesley. 

    In a statement, Rep. Frost says:

    “I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Public Defender Bob Wesley, a champion for justice and fearless advocate for a better, more just Central Florida for all. 

    “Bob’s commitment to justice and impact went beyond the courtroom. From his annual professional clothing drive, community bail fund, or fight to advance criminal justice reform, Bob never stopped working to ensure that every individual—regardless of income or background—received the dignity and justice they rightfully deserved. 

    “Through his work, he restored hope in so many folks who had been let down by a broken system that too often targets our most vulnerable populations. 

    “His legacy and heart of service will be felt for years to come across Central Florida, including those he served, legal advocates, and community leaders. 

    “I’m sending my deepest condolences and love to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his extraordinary work.”

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Congressman Dan Goldman Reiterates Continued Warnings About Trump’s Third-Term Ambitions

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    Goldman Introduced Resolution in November Reaffirming 22nd Amendment’s Clear Prohibition on Third Trump Term 

      

    Read Goldman’s Statement on Most Recent Trump Comments Here 
    Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) once again condemned Trump’s most recent comment alluding to a third term in office, where he stated unequivocally that he was ‘not joking’ about running for a third term. Back in November, Congressman Goldman saw Trump’s ‘jokes’ for what they were – trial balloons. In response, Goldman introduced a House Resolution urging his congressional colleagues to reaffirm the 22nd Amendment’s plain prohibition on any president serving beyond two elected terms in office. 

    With Trump now openly planning his fourth presidential run, Goldman’s urgent call for people to take Trump’s comments seriously is more relevant than ever. 

    March 31, 2025 

    Amending the constitution to run again would require 2/3rds approval by Congress and ratification by 38 states. Democrats are sounding the alarm. 

     

    Congressman Dan Goldman saying, ‘this is yet another escalation in his clear effort to take over the government and dismantle our democracy.’ 

    New York Times: As Trump Refers to Third Term, Democrat Wants to Leave No Constitutional Loophole 

    November 13, 2024 

     

    Mr. Goldman’s resolution is an early indication of how Democrats may try to hold Mr. Trump accountable and defend democratic institutions with Republicans headed toward full control of Congress and few guardrails remaining to rein him in. Introducing the measure allows Mr. Goldman to draw public attention to Mr. Trump’s statements, which he calls “anti-democratic and authoritarian. 

    CBS News: Trump says he’s looking for ways to serve a third term as president 

    March 30, 2025 

     

    “This is yet another escalation in his clear effort to take over the government and dismantle our democracy,” said a statement from Rep. Daniel Goldman, a New York Democrat who served as lead counsel for Trump’s first impeachment. “If Congressional Republicans believe in the Constitution, they will go on the record opposing Trump’s ambitions for a third term.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement From Congressman Dan Goldman on Trump’s Latest Indication That He Will Attempt to Seek a Third Term

    Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

    New York, NY – Congressman Dan Goldman today released the following statement after Donald Trump told NBC’s Kristen Welker that he was in fact ‘not joking’ about attempting to serve a third term as President.

    “As I said in November, Donald Trump was never joking about trying to serve an unconstitutional third term, which he confirmed today.

    “This is yet another escalation in his clear effort to take over the government and dismantle our democracy.

    “If Congressional Republicans believe in the Constitution, they will go on the record opposing Trump’s ambitions for a third term.”

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Ranked Most Effective Lawmaker from Arizona in the 118th Congress

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    “I was sent to Congress by my constituents to deliver common sense, lasting results for the people of Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, and that is exactly what I’m doing.”

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani was one of the most effective members of the House of Representatives during his first term in the 118th Congress, according to new report by the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking (CEL). 

    The two-term congressman from Tucson was the most effective member of Arizona’s Congressional delegation, the 15th most effective lawmaker in the House, and ranked third amongst Freshman Representatives “Exceeding Expectations”. 

    “It’s about getting the job done,” said Ciscomani, who serves on the House Appropriations and House Veterans’ Affairs committees. “I was sent to Congress by my constituents to deliver common sense, lasting results for the people of Arizona’s 6th Congressional District, and that is exactly what I’m doing. Being recognized as one of the most effective lawmakers in the House during my freshman term is an honor and a reflection of that mission.” 

    The Center for Effective Lawmaking is a joint partnership between the Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy in the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University. In announcing the report on March 27, Vanderbilt noted that the most effective lawmakers “were able to find ways to get their initiatives passed into law despite deep political disruptions in 2023 and 2024, and despite widespread public perception of gridlock in the nation’s Capitol.” 

    Ciscomani credited a “don’t take no for an answer” approach as the key to his ability to advance policy proposals that work for the residents of southeastern Arizona. 

    Whether it’s pushing legislation to secure the border, support our veterans, safeguard Arizona’s water, or protecting our seniors, I don’t take no for an answer,” he continued. “I am proud of what my office and I were able to accomplish for our constituents in my first term, and I am keeping my foot on the pedal to do even more for our district in my second term.” 

    CEL ranks every member of Congress based on 15 metrics, including how far their bill made it in the legislative process and how substantive the bill is. 

    According to CEL, Ciscomani introduced 24 pieces of substantive legislation. Moreover, six of Ciscomani’s bills passed the House of Representative and two bills were signed into law. He was most effective on issues related to defense, the budget, energy, public safety, and border security. 

    Background: 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Elisapie’s Juno-winning album: Promoting Inuktitut through music

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Richard Compton, Professor, Department of Linguistics, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)

    Singer Elisapie’s fourth album, Inuktitut, was nominated for adult alternative album of the year and album of the year at the 2025 Juno Awards, and won best adult alternative album at the Juno Awards Gala, March 29.

    The album features covers of 10 pop and classic rock songs, including the Rolling Stones’s “Wild Horses” and Metallica’s “The Unforgiven,” re-imagined in Inuktitut. Inuktitut is the first language of 33,790 Inuit in Canada, according to the 2021 Census.

    Elisapie’s nomination offers a good opportunity to reflect on the situation of Inuktitut and how creative work, including music, helps promote it.

    Our work touches on the inter-generational transmission of Inuktitut. We share perspectives as a Qallunaaq (non-Inuk) linguist (Richard) and as an Inuk school teacher (Sarah) in Nunavik, with Sarah’s personal experiences in the community highlighted.

    Together, we have co-taught courses for Inuit teachers in Puvirnituq and Ivujivik. We are also both affiliated with a research group focused on Indigenous education based at Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

    Elisapie’s ‘Isumagijunnaitaungituq’ (The Unforgiven)

    Music in Inuktitut

    Sarah notes that:

    I was amazed that [Elisapie] could make the long words in Inuktitut fit with the rhythm of the music; she did it so precisely. It took me back to the 1980s, when I was growing up. It would have been nice if songs like these had been interpreted back then. It’s been a long time coming, but it shows that nothing is impossible. The songs sound so natural in Inuktitut.

    On the day we talked about this story, Sarah remembered:

    I was at the Snow Festival yesterday [in Puvirnituq], and some of the teenagers knew all the words to her songs and were singing along. We didn’t have that when I was growing up.

    She remembers first seeing Elisapie sing in the early 1990s at one of the first snow festivals in Puvirnituq.

    Elisapie’s album has also sparked interest outside of Canada, with stories in such venues as Rolling Stone, Vogue and Le Monde.

    Beyond how Elisapie beautifully interprets the songs, creative choices like using throat singing on the first track, “Isumagijunnaitaungituq (The Unforgiven),” and stunning music videos showcasing life in the North brings the language to a wider audience.

    The album’s cover art features the word Inuktitut, ᐃᓄᒃᑎᑐᑦ, in syllabics — a writing system originally use for Cree and adapted to Inuktitut, where the individual symbols represent consonants and the way they point represents vowels.

    Elisapie’s ‘Taimangalimaaq’ (Time After Time)

    Diversity of the Inuit language

    The word Inuktitut itself means “like the Inuit,” and is the name for part of a wider language continuum spoken across the North American Arctic. This language continuum includes Iñupiaq in Alaska, Uummarmiutun, Sallirmiutun and Inuinnaqtun in the Western Canadian Arctic, Inuktitut in the Eastern Arctic, Inuttut in Labrador and Kalaallisut in Greenland.

    This abundance of names reflects a diversity of varieties, each with their own pronunciations and differences in grammar and vocabulary stretching across Inuit Nunangat, the Inuit homeland.

    Speakers in each community look to their Elders as models of how the language should be spoken. While this multiplicity of dialects poses challenges for translation and creating teaching materials, each variety marks local identity and links generations.

    This diversity also fascinates linguists, as each variety attests to a different way of organizing the unconscious rules of grammar in the human mind.

    For instance, Inuktitut has a rich system of tense markers on verbs, signalling events that just happened, happened earlier today, before today or long ago. Inuinnaqtun, to the west, lacks most of these tense markers, but instead allows more complex combinations of sounds.

    A role model for youth

    Sarah stresses the importance of Elisapie’s music for the language:

    It’s so impressive that people like Elisapie are doing such amazing things with the language. She grew up around the same time as me and when I was in school there were so few teaching materials in Inuktitut, and we focused more on speaking than reading and writing. Even if her main goal might not have been to promote the language, she’s doing it, because kids listen to her. More teenagers are willing to sing in Inuktitut now because they have role models like her and Beatrice Deer.

    Deer is an Inuk and Mohawk musician from Quaqtaq, Nunavik, who also sings in Inuktitut, as well as English and French.

    Indigenous language education rights

    In Canada, all levels of government have failed to provide adequate access to education in Indigenous languages, even in regions where Indigenous Peoples form the majority.

    In Nunavik, where Elisapie is from, 90 per cent of the population (12,590 out of 14,050) identifies as Inuit and 87 per cent (12,245 out of 14,050) report Inuktitut as their first language. And yet Inuktitut is only the primary language of instruction up until Grade 3.

    About promoting Inuktitut, Sarah says:

    We’re lucky that in most of the villages in Nunavik, the language is still strong. But it’s still concerning that some people have started speaking in English to their kids. What we really need to promote it is to have school in Inuktitut from kindergarten to the end of high school [secondary 5 in Québec]. That’s why a group of Inuit teachers, including me, visited Greenland to learn more about their education system. They’ve had schools in their language for almost 200 years. We just started in the ‘50s.

    While bilingualism may bring economic benefits, the lack of support for Indigenous languages often results in a situation where bilingualism robs children of the chance to fully develop in their first language.

    Right to education in Indigenous language

    In addition to violating Indigenous Peoples’ inherent right to get an education in their language (see the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples), current education policies also go against recommendations of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

    UNESCO recommends that Indigenous minority languages be taught as the primary language in school for the first six to eight years, as this has been shown to contribute to children’s well-being and self-esteem.

    Unfortunately, Canada’s official language laws continue to place the two colonial languages of English and French above Indigenous languages, particularly in education funding.



    Read more:
    Ancestral languages are essential to Indigenous identities in Canada

    New challenges have also emerged for maintaining and extending the domains in which Inuktitut is used. Once cut off from high-speed internet, new satellite technology has brought access to more Inuit communities, along with new economic opportunities.

    However, this connectivity also brings an avalanche of English content, from viral videos and streaming platforms to social networks and mobile games.

    Vital for promoting Inuktitut

    It is in this changing linguistic and media landscape where Inuktitut language and cultural production, like Elisapie’s album, are vital for promoting Inuktitut.

    Children and teenagers need content that speaks to them — things they see as new, fun, cool and representing their generation. This includes music, comic books, novels, video games and even Hockey Night in Canada in Inuktitut.

    So whether Elisapie’s music is being played in community radio stations, featured in an episode of CBC’s North of North or streamed as a music video on social media, it serves the added role of taking up a little more space for Inuktitut in people’s daily lives.

    This is an updated version of a story originally published on March 28, 2025. It clarifies Elisapie was nominated for two awards and won best adult alternative.

    Richard Compton receives funding in the form of research grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. He holds the Canada Research Chair in Transmission and Knowledge of the Inuit Language.

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

    – ref. Elisapie’s Juno-winning album: Promoting Inuktitut through music – https://theconversation.com/elisapies-juno-winning-album-promoting-inuktitut-through-music-251774

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Governments must ensure caregivers have support to keep doing their vital work

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Heather Aldersey, Professor and Canada Research Chair (Disability Inclusive Development), Queen’s University, Ontario

    People with disabilities and their families often have an even greater need for support over time, especially if a disability is progressive or family members experience their own health challenges. (Shutterstock)

    April 1 marks National Caregivers Day in Canada. The day is meant to recognize the carers who provide vital care and support to those in need.

    We all need care and support to navigate challenges in life. Help can come from formal support (paid professionals and government programs), and from natural support networks (family, friends and neighbours).

    People with disabilities and their families often have an even greater need for support over time, especially if a disability is progressive or family members experience their own health challenges due to aging.

    The Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence (CCCE) released its National Caregiving Strategy on Feb. 18, stating that caregiving is the next frontier in Canadian public policy. As the CCCE’s executive director, Liv Mendelsohn, said: “Millions of Canadians are navigating caregiving with minimal support, and it’s simply unacceptable.”

    This article’s co-author, Donna Thomson, is a caregiver, author and educator. She is the mother of two grown children, one who has severe cerebral palsy and medical complexity. Thomson also helped care for her mother who lived with dementia until she passed away in the summer of 2018 at the age of 96.

    Family caregivers often need support themselves in order to keep working both inside and outside of the home. Parents of adult children with developmental disabilities in Canada are hardly ever asked: “What do you do for your son or daughter that paid helpers cannot?” Even less often, that question might be followed by: “Wow, that’s a lot. Would you like some support to continue doing those things?”

    With a federal election on the horizon, Canadians can call on their governments to improve support for caregivers.
    (Shutterstock)

    Importance of natural caregivers

    Our research recognizes that both formal and informal supports are essential in enabling people with disabilities and their families to live their best lives. We want to understand how individuals, families, organizations and communities can best come together to get people with disabilities and their families the types of supports they need and want, when they need and want them.

    Over the course of our research, we conducted a document and literature review, alongside interviews and focus groups with people with disabilities, family members and formal disability support providers. We identified that family or friend caregivers often support a person they care for with a sense of love and commitment to a depth that is rare in formal support relationships.

    Unbound by professional obligations, safety standards or employer/funder priorities, these natural supporters can often be vocal advocates for the best interests of those they are supporting.

    However, sometimes finding and sustaining natural support in the community doesn’t come easily for people with disabilities and their families. In those instances, organizations and facilitators (formal supports), can help broker the creation and maintenance of natural support networks.

    Community organizations offering formal supports and supporting the creation and maintenance of natural supports can sometimes be beholden to funder obligations. This can limit the flexibility and adaptability required to best meet the needs of those they support.

    Additionally, organizations are often constrained by safety considerations, aversion to risk or the challenges posed by overly bureaucratic systems. Sometimes, this can mean the support provided to a person or family does not directly respond to what the individual or family needs. Even more frustrating is that waiting times can be so long to access formal supports that identified needs or priorities change in the meantime.

    Sometimes, finding and sustaining natural support in the community doesn’t come easily for people with disabilities and their families.
    (Shutterstock)

    CCCE’s caregiving strategy

    The CCCE strategy is a recognition that care work makes all other work possible. It echoes our research findings that both paid and unpaid caregivers need financial support as well as targeted programs and services.

    The strategy calls upon the Canadian government to make caregiving a priority while ensuring a sustainable care provider workforce.

    Supports are also a provincial issue. For example, in Ontario, the Ministry for Children, Community and Social Services has published a framework that offers a long-term vision for transforming developmental services so people with developmental disabilities fully participate in their communities and are supported to live their lives.

    Care and support can also be a gender issue, given that in Canada and around the world the majority of both formal and informal support is being provided by women and girls.

    Missing perspectives

    Our research also highlighted a notable gap in the research landscape. Research on natural support in Canada is often not explicit about or does not incorporate understandings of natural support from the perspectives of Indigenous, Black, rural, LGBTQ+ and other marginalized groups.

    People belonging to these groups may have their own needs and experiences that relate to navigating natural and formal support systems in Canada. Future-focused research agendas into natural supports, such as those proposed in the CCCE strategy’s recommendations, must intentionally seek to understand support and care experiences from these perspectives.

    At the Global Disability Summit taking place this week in Berlin from April 2-3, we will join voices from around the world to call on national leaders and decision-makers to ensure disability policies translate into tangible actions and inclusive practices.

    Our research shows the deep, important impact of federal and provincial policy and funding both for formal and natural supports to flourish. With a federal election on the horizon, Canadians can call on their governments to improve support for caregivers, ensure support systems are in place and flexible enough to respond to individual and family needs, and enable natural support networks to flourish.

    This is important, because the care we give to each other, regardless of age or ability, is what will sustain us as families.

    This article was co-authored by Donna Thomson, a caregiver, author and educator.

    Heather Aldersey receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, Universities Canada, and the Mastercard Foundation.

    – ref. Governments must ensure caregivers have support to keep doing their vital work – https://theconversation.com/governments-must-ensure-caregivers-have-support-to-keep-doing-their-vital-work-249829

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Violent attempt to set fire to Muslim woman in Ajax exposes persistent Islamophobia in Canada

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Nadiya N. Ali, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Trent University

    The National Council of Canadian Muslims’ senior advocacy officer Fatema Abdalla read the survivor’s statement about what happened at a news conference last week. ‘I don’t feel safe for my daughters,’ the statement reads, ‘all of whom wear hijab.’ NCCM/Instagram

    A 25-year-old woman recently attempted to set a Muslim woman on fire in Ajax, Ont.

    Afterwards, the survivor provided a statement, which was read for her at a news conference. In it, she described her visit to her “favourite quiet corner of the library” as ordinary and routine. This ordinary moment, however, turned nightmarish and extraordinary in an instant.

    According to the survivor, the attacker attempted to yank her hijab off. She hurled objects at her head, including scissors and a metal object. The attacker then poured an unknown liquid on her hijab and flicked her lighter several times, allegedly attempting to light the fabric ablaze. Library staff and security intervened before any more harm could take place.

    Afterwards, the survivor, a mother of two girls, explained that she’s unable to quell her terror. She said: “I can’t stop thinking: what if the lighter had worked? What if my hijab had caught fire?” But most of all, she’s terrified for her hijab-wearing daughters’ safety in public spaces.

    No one should feel unsafe in public spaces. However, for racialized people, public space in North America is fraught with heightened risks. It’s shaped by a deep undercurrent of white anxieties propping up the racial order of society.

    This incident is not an isolated act of violence. It is situated within a broader social climate that normalizes the policing of how racialized people “should” enter and occupy public spaces.

    We are two scholars and community organizers who have long been working on issues related to Islamophobia and racism. The traumatic event in Ajax highlights the persistent and deeply ingrained nature of gendered Islamophobia in Canada and beyond.

    Whether through horrific displays of public violence like this one, or legislative action like Bill 21 in Québec, the bodies of Muslim women have long been battlegrounds for white supremacist anxieties and ideologies.

    White panic

    While we don’t yet know the attacker’s affiliations or what inspired her to commit this act of terror, this incident echoes racist aspirations for “purity.”

    Racial anxiety about the inflow of multiple generations of Muslims is integral to the way Islamophobia channels white supremacist panic over the growing population of Muslims in Canada — and the attack in Ajax is no exception.

    White supremacist anxieties about demographic changes are articulated most clearly and directly in the “Great Replacement Theory” (and variations of it) that vilifies racialized people, asserting a drive to preserve “white innocence,” tied to eugenic fantasies of purifying North America and Europe.

    Muslims, in this racist ideology, figure as foreign invaders, a demographic threat and as “provocateurs” who are trying to overtake the white population through immigration and reproduction — or as some white supremacists call it, “baby Jihad.”

    The changing demographics of Ajax

    Over the past decade, Ajax — in Durham region east of Toronto — has seen significant demographic changes, with an overall growth rate of about 15 per cent. The town is home to more than 125,000 people and about 14 per cent of them are Muslim.

    The growth of Muslim communities is situated within a broader shift. A substantial portion of the population increase has been driven by a diverse group of racialized communities so that now, 65 per cent of the total population of Ajax would be considered racialized.

    The new population has infused new life to Ajax, and the Durham region more broadly. It seems, however, that not everyone is happy about this growth.

    Gendered Islamophobia

    The bodies of Muslim women have long been objectified, serving as a site where white racial anxieties are projected and enacted. Taken up as a sort of Trojan horse, their perceived ability to give birth and reproduce culture is weaponized against them. After all, they hold the power to propagate this “dangerous other,” and dislodge the order of whiteness.

    Jasmin Zine, a critical Muslim studies scholar, has used and developed the term “gendered Islamophobia” to explain the way the bodies and practices of Muslim women are produced as racial problems. Muslim women in public spaces are constructed as hazardous cultural contaminants, polluting the public square and threatening the purity of the (white) nation with their very existence.

    The responses to this perception of contamination take multiple forms. In Québec, for instance, Muslim women are being aggressively foreclosed from participation in public spaces and institutions with laws like Bill 21 and Bill 94.

    ‘Unprovoked attack:’ Racism in public life

    The Durham Police are calling this an “unprovoked attack.” But the provocation is precisely what needs to be named. Of course, the victim did not actively provoke the attacker. But it’s important to ask how our social arrangements prime and sustain the currents that produce Muslim women as provocations on sight.

    This phenomenon of “unprovoked” attacks on visibly Muslim women in public spaces is far too common in Canada. These have ranged from a devastating physical assault in a mall parking lot in Edmonton to a knife attack on the TTC in Toronto, the fatal act of terror in London, Ont. against a family simply taking a walk together to this recent attack in Ajax. Muslim women around the country are rightly asking if public spaces are safe for them.

    Racialized individuals must navigate what Black studies scholar George Lipsitz describes as “privileged moral geographies.”

    For instance, the frame of “disorderly conduct” often serves as a common tool to mark the “wrong ways” in which racialized individuals assert their presence in public settings. This includes the regulation of what foods are deemed appropriate for public consumption, the enforcement of norms around personal space, noise and loitering.

    The catch, however, is that when you are already racialized as a “cultural pollutant,” “conduct” merely fuels the racist climate that already marks you as an improper subject by sheer existence.

    Have another samosa?

    Standard sociological contact theory says greater exposure to diversity breeds opportunity for intergroup contact, which is presumed to foster tolerance.

    Canadians like to believe in our multicultural country — that another samosa party or heritage night is all we need to confront intolerance and prejudice.

    However, what contact theory frames get wrong is the assumption of the public as a neutral site of engagement where people all have equal access to participation.

    Public space is already and always infused with racial logic that neutralizes and naturalizes certain bodies while amplifying and bloating other bodies with objectifying scripts. This perpetually and always produces them as out of place — and as problems that disrupt the order of the public square.

    Until we confront the entrenched racialized ideas that govern public space, creating a landscape where some are seen as natural occupants while others are made alien, true inclusivity and safety will remain out of reach.

    Kaley-Ann Freier, age 25, of Ajax has been charged with assault with a weapon for the attack.

    Nadiya N. Ali has received funding from The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)

    Nadia Hasan receives research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

    – ref. Violent attempt to set fire to Muslim woman in Ajax exposes persistent Islamophobia in Canada – https://theconversation.com/violent-attempt-to-set-fire-to-muslim-woman-in-ajax-exposes-persistent-islamophobia-in-canada-253002

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Announces Winners of 2025 President’s Day Essay Contest

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (NEW YORK, NY) – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis is announcing the winners of her annual President’s Day Essay Contest. This annual contest invites students in grades 3-5 who reside in or attend school in New York’s 11th Congressional District to share their ideas on how they would improve their community and country as President of the United States.

    “I congratulate this year’s essay contest winners and thank all the students who participated. I was glad to welcome these talented students to my Brooklyn and Staten Island offices to hear their thoughtful ideas on how they would improve our community if they were President of the United States, addressing topics such as the economy, public safety, and the environment,” said Rep. Malliotakis.

    The winners and runners up received gift cards to Barnes and Noble for their work and were invited to attend a reception with the Congresswoman to share their ideas.

    The 2025 year’s winners and runner ups are:

    Brooklyn:

    3rd Grade:

    • Ivy Chen, PS 205

    4th Grade:

    • Allison Zhu, Success Academy Bensonhurst
    • Runner Up: Motasm Mohammad, PS 264

    5th grade:

    • Dominic Basile, St. Bernadette Catholic Academy
    • Runner Up: Veronica Gentile, PS 185

    Staten Island:

    3rd Grade:

    • Grace Diana, St. Charles School
    • Runner Ups: Abby Koutsourvano, Our Lady Queen of Peace and Nicole Nora Sela, PS 6

    4th Grade:

    • Jacob Murphy, Staten Island Academy (not pictured)
    • Runner Up: Vincent Geraldi IV, St. Charles School

    5th Grade:

    • Juliana Villani, Notre Dame Academy
    • Runner Up: Hunter Holdman, Our Lady of Good Counsel

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO RELEASE: Sen. Johnson on Sunday Morning Futures: “Now’s the Time” to Return to Pre-Pandemic Spending Levels

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Ron Johnson
    WASHINGTON – On Sunday, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) joined Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures to call for a return to pre-pandemic levels of spending through a budget review process. 
    “I don’t think Trump voters expected Republicans to continue spending at Biden’s spending levels. If we want to defeat the deep state, stop funding it!” said Sen. Johnson. 
    “For any Republican who claimed that we don’t have a revenue problem, we have a spending problem, now’s the time to insist on returning to a reasonable pre-pandemic level of spending and a process to achieve it!” he continued.

    Watch the full video here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New learning pathway to a career as a truck driver

    [.

    Starting April 1, drivers are required to complete Class 1 driver’s licence training through the new made-in-Alberta Class 1 Learning Pathway, which uses a flexible, apprenticeship-style approach to training. The complete Class 1 Learning Pathway includes up to 133 hours of instruction, including air brake training, offering more hands-on skills and safety training than the former 113-hour Mandatory Entry Level Training Program. Enhanced in-cab training will provide learners with more hands-on experience and practical, competency-based learning.

    Budget 2025, if passed, invests $54.1 million over three years in the Class 1 Learning Pathway grant program to support training and transferability, and to attract and retain new commercial drivers in Alberta. The new grant program uses an employer-driven and industry-led model that will help employers invest in their workforce and build capacity in the transportation industry to address challenges related to the commercial driver shortage in the province.

    “Alberta needs more truck drivers. With this historic investment, we are ensuring Albertans get the training they need to become highly skilled commercial drivers, increasing safety on our roads, and helping them build long-lasting careers.”

    Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors

    “Alberta relies on its commercial truckers to deliver goods from one corner of the province to the other, representing a crucial component of our economy. This investment will ensure that Alberta continues to attract and retain reliable, safe and educated commercial truckers that have the right training and skills to continue driving our province forward.”

    Rick Wilson, MLA for Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin

    The competency-based Class 1 training includes content specific to the unique terrain, weather, cargo and equipment in Alberta’s commercial driving industry. Safety, wellness and responsibility are also foundational to the new Class 1 training curriculum, with additional content focused on personal health and well-being, workplace safety and incident response.

    The Class 1 Learning Pathway also focuses on improving safety on Alberta’s roads through enhanced accountability to increase consistency in how licensed driver training schools, carriers, instructors and examiners meet training, examination and operational standards. The new accountability framework includes oversight measures, as well as a progressive discipline policy for cases where one of these entities is not providing training to an acceptable standard. 

    “The new learning pathway will not only develop new Class 1 drivers but also strengthen industry-specific training, preparing them for diverse employment opportunities. Equipping drivers with the skills needed for Alberta’s transportation demands, this program will support a more resilient commercial driving workforce.”

    Darryl Addison, general manager, SATO Canada Inc.

    “The new Class 1 Learning Pathway establishes a clear path for those new to the industry to receive regulatory and employable skill training that leads them to economically secure commercial driving careers. As a result, this pathway will help put more women behind the wheel, helping ensure Alberta’s economy keeps rolling. Women Building Futures is grateful for the government’s collaborative approach in the pathway design and looks forward to a continued partnership.”

    Carol Moen, president and CEO, Women Building Futures

    A total of $30 million over three years is allocated for the Employment Pathway Grant which provides funding for eligible employers in the commercial driving industry to cover the costs of training and onboarding for new and future Class 1 drivers, leading to the direct employment of new Class 1 drivers in Alberta’s commercial transportation industry.

    The Industry Advancement Grant will provide $24.1 million over three years in funding for eligible projects from organizations in the commercial transportation industry to support industry-driven solutions to increase employment, attraction and retention. These projects will provide solutions while improving employer hiring practices and building partnerships with Indigenous communities. This funding also includes $1.5 million over three years for education grants to support Class 2 and Class 4 school bus driver competencies.

    “Alberta’s new Class 1 Learning Pathway and grant program mark a significant step forward for the province’s commercial transportation industry. This is a great opportunity for Alberta to develop a highly skilled workforce, create jobs and enhance road safety while making commercial driving more accessible and affordable.”

    Carmela Gennaro, president/general manager, Gennaro Transport Training, Gennaro Express Lines Ltd.

    “Alberta is an economic engine in this country, and our economy depends on the safe, efficient delivery of goods. Through this enhanced focus on training, oversight and improved road safety, the province is taking an important step forward to ensure the commercial trucking sector will thrive and grow. The additional financial support for new commercial drivers will help incentivize employment and create new opportunities for drivers in this important profession.”

    Tim Morrison, director of government relations western and pacific, Insurance Bureau of Canada

    Additionally, Alberta’s government is increasing access to training and testing for Class 1 commercial drivers’ licences and Class 6 motorcycle drivers’ licences through a reciprocal agreement with the Northwest Territories. The agreement allows for reciprocal training and testing for Class 1 (including air brake) and Class 6 drivers’ licences starting April 1, 2025. Northwest Territories residents who take Class 1 driver training and testing in Alberta will also be licensed in the Northwest Territories. Albertans can also take Class 1 driver training and testing in the Northwest Territories and be licensed in Alberta.

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on the economy.

    Quick facts

    • Application intake for the Employment Pathway Grant will open on April 1. This program will:
      • reimburse eligible employers for up to $10,000 for their training costs for new Class 1 drivers
      • offer an onboarding incentive of up to $10,000 for hiring new Class 1 drivers with less than two years of experience in a Class 1 driving position
      • provide an additional $5,000 for Class 1 driver professional development to ensure Alberta’s commercial drivers are the best on the road
    • The Industry Advancement Grant launches April 15, with the 2025 call for expressions of interest closing May 16.  
      • Eligible industry projects targeting Class 3 commercial driving are included in this grant stream as Class 1 drivers often begin their careers driving Class 3 trucks (vehicles which have three or more axles).
      • An education grant of $500,000 is included in this program to support Class 2 and 4 school bus driver competencies.
    • There are more than 149,000 licensed Class 1 drivers in Alberta, yet only 31 per cent are employed as truck drivers.
    • According to Statistics Canada, there are 4,260 commercial truck driver vacancies in Alberta (Quarter 3, 2023) which accounts for 20 per cent of the vacancies in Canada.
    • As of the end of January 2025, we have 19,431 commercial carriers:
      • operating federally: 6,782
      • operating only in Alberta: 12,649

    Related information

    • Class 1 Learning Pathway

    Related news

    • New learning pathway for Class 1 drivers (March 27, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SIRT Concludes Investigation into in Custody Death in Wilkie

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 31, 2025

    On December 6, 2023, the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) was notified of an in-custody death at the Wilkie RCMP Detachment. SIRT’s Civilian Executive Director accepted the notification as within SIRT’s mandate and directed SIRT to investigate. 

    SIRT has completed its investigation into this matter and the Civilian Executive Director’s public report can now be accessed online:

    publications.saskatchewan.ca/api/v1/products/125884/formats/147330/download.

    SIRT’s mandate is to independently investigate incidents where an individual has died or suffered serious injury arising from the actions of on and off-duty police officers, or while in the custody of police, as well as allegations of sexual assault or interpersonal violence involving police.

    For additional information:
    SIRT Investigates Death at Wilkie RCMP Detachment | News and Media | Government of Saskatchewan.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    Kerri Ward Davis 
    Justice and Attorney General
    Regina
    Phone: 306-787-8621
    Email: jumedia@gov.sk.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jackson condemns Trump’s attack on diversity in Europe

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    As a member of the United States Congress and a lifelong advocate for civil rights and social justice, I strongly condemn the recent attempts by the U.S. administration to impose restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives within European companies. These heavy-handed and misguided actions—threatening legal consequences for European firms that promote workplace inclusion—are not only a diplomatic affront but also an unlawful overreach that undermines global progress toward equality.

    It is particularly disturbing to see these efforts unfold in the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, which reaffirmed that diversity is a compelling interest of the United States government, particularly in our military and other institutions vital to national security. The decision recognized that diversity strengthens our armed forces, ensuring cohesion, readiness, and operational success. If DEI is essential to the strength of our military—the very institution charged with defending American democracy—then the same principles hold true across all sectors of our society and economy.

    The current administration’s attempt to dismantle DEI programs through executive fiat contradicts established legal precedent and violates federal anti-discrimination laws. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act prohibits employment discrimination, and dismantling DEI initiatives aimed at ensuring compliance with these laws is, in itself, unlawful. These efforts are not just politically motivated; they are legally indefensible.

    France’s forceful rejection of this overreach is commendable. French Foreign Trade Minister Laurent Saint-Martin and Gender Equality Minister Aurore Bergé have made it clear that their nation will not bow to pressure that runs counter to their values of inclusion and equal opportunity. The United States should take a lesson from its allies rather than attempt to export regressive policies that undermine human rights and economic advancement.

    Let me be clear: attacks on DEI initiatives are not just attacks on progressive ideals—they are attacks on the very legal foundations of equal opportunity in the United States and abroad. These policies are not just moral imperatives; they are legal obligations. I call on my colleagues in Congress, the business community, and international leaders to resist these unlawful and counterproductive efforts. We must ensure that America leads by example in championing diversity, equity, and inclusion, rather than engaging in reckless policies that harm our standing in the world and violate our own laws.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Thanks Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for Coming to Iowa

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

    HULL, IOWA — Today, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) issued the following statement thanking U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins for coming to Iowa:

    “I thank Secretary Rollins for making the trip to Iowa today and meeting with our farmers and energy producers. Homegrown Iowa biofuels support the Trump administration’s energy dominance strategy while lowering gas prices for families, strengthening agriculture, and reducing our dependence on foreign energy. I will continue to work with Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration to pass the Farm Bill, secure year-round E-15 nationwide, and open new export markets for our producers.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE New York City removes 2 illegally present felons convicted of kidnapping and homicide

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW YORK — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed two illegally present Jamaican nationals convicted of felony offenses, Feb. 27.

    Nascimento Blair, 44, entered the United States as a nonimmigrant March 4, 2004, and violated the terms of his admission. The Mount Vernon Police Department arrested Blair for first degree kidnapping Oct. 12, 2005, a crime for which he was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. An immigration judge ordered Blair removed from the U.S. Aug. 4, 2008. Blair filed an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals, but the BIA dismissed his appeal Nov. 6, 2008. The New York State Department of Corrections released Blair on parole April 9, 2020. ICE New York City arrested him July 16, 2024.

    Nevel Larey Heslop, 67, entered the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident on or about Aug. 18, 1984. Heslop was convicted of homicide in New Jersey Nov. 1, 1991, and sentenced to 30 years in prison. An immigration judge ordered Heslop removed from the United States June 14, 1996. Heslop filed an appeal with the BIA which was dismissed April 23, 1997. The ICE office in Mount Laurel, New Jersey arrested Heslop April 23, 2021, upon his release from local custody. However, Jamaica would not grant a travel document while he filed a motion to reopen his appeal, so ICE release him on an order of supervision. ICE New York City arrested Heslop Feb. 4, 2025. 

    Both aliens remained in ICE custody until their removal from the U.S.

    Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-347-2423 or completing ICE’s online tip form.

    Learn more about ERO New York City’s mission to preserve public safety on X at @ERONewYork.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp: U.S. DOJ Dismisses Biden-era Lawsuit Against SB 202

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today welcomed the announcement that U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi directed the Department of Justice to dismiss its Biden-era lawsuit challenging SB 202 – the Georgia Election Integrity Act of 2021.

    “Despite the lies and misinformation from Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Stacey Abrams, and their allies, Georgia is one of the top states in the country for early voting and experienced record voter turnout in multiple elections since the passage of the Elections Integrity Act,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I am grateful that under the leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Trump, the DOJ has followed the truth: in Georgia, it’s easy to vote and hard to cheat!”

    In the 2024 General Election, a record 5.29 million Georgians turned out to vote with no significant issues or complications, breaking the previous record set in the 2020 General Election. The 2024 General Election continued the successes of the 2022 Midterm election, where a federal report a federal report ranked Georgia as the No. 2 state in the country for early voter turnout.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Agenda – Tuesday, 1 April 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament 2

    69 Macro-financial assistance to Egypt
    Céline Imart (A10-0037/2025)      – Amendments; rejection Friday, 28 March 2025, 12:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Monday, 31 March 2025, 19:00 70 Customs duties on imports of certain products originating in the USA
    Bernd Lange (A10-0034/2025)      – Amendments; rejection Friday, 28 March 2025, 12:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Monday, 31 March 2025, 19:00 40 Implementation of the common foreign and security policy – annual report 2024
    David McAllister (A10-0010/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 13:00 39 Implementation of the common security and defence policy – annual report 2024
    Nicolás Pascual de la Parte (A10-0011/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 13:00 38 Human rights and democracy in the world and the European Union’s policy on the matter – annual report 2024
    Isabel Wiseler-Lima (A10-0012/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 26 March 2025, 13:00 47 Targeted attacks against Christians in the Democratic Republic of the Congo – defending religious freedom and security     – Motion for a resolution Friday, 28 March 2025, 12:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Tuesday, 1 April 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Tuesday, 1 April 2025, 14:00     – Requests for “separate”, “split” and “roll-call” votes Tuesday, 1 April 2025, 19:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 28 March 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 31 March 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 1 April 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 2 April 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Jason Anavitarte and Rep. Trey Kelley Introduce Legislation to Provide for Polk County Homestead Exemptions

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (March 31, 2025) — Last week, Sen. Jason Anavitarte (R–Dallas) introduced Senate Bill 356 to allow for residents of Polk County to apply for a homestead exemption from school district ad valorem taxes.

    “Many senior citizens in Polk County have contributed taxes to their school districts for decades after their children had gone through the education system,” said Sen. Anavitarte. “They have paid into the system for long enough, and I’m proud to offer them the opportunity for financial relief as our overall economy contends with rising property taxes and rapidly increasing property values. SB 356 will help our community keep property taxes manageable, particularly for those with fixed incomes who ought to be able to enjoy their retirement.”

    The legislation would allow residents aged 65 years or older to receive an exemption of either 50% or $60,000 of the assessed value of the homestead, whichever value is higher. For residents aged 70 years or older, the exemption would increase to either 75% or $80,000 of the assessed value of the homestead, whichever value is higher. Residents aged 77 years or older would be exempted from the full assessed value of the homestead.

    Rep. Trey Kelley (R–Cedartown) added, “I am proud to introduce HB 848 alongside Senator Anavitarte’s SB 356, which will provide meaningful property tax relief to the senior citizens of Polk County. I want to thank the numerous senior citizens who reached out to us through this process, and I look forward to continuing to advocate for lower taxes for all Polk County residents.”

    Homestead exemptions reduce the property taxes homeowners owe on their legal residence. Georgia homeowners must apply for a homestead exemption with their local county tax officials by April 1st.

    For more information about the legislation, click here.

    # # # #

    Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Chairman of the Senate Majority Caucus. He represents the 31st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at Jason.Anavitarte@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Social factors help explain worse cardiovascular health among adults in rural vs. urban communities

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    Media Advisory
    Monday, March 31, 2025

    NIH-funded study reveals variables, such as poverty and education, that may underpin higher rates of heart disease and its risk factors.
    What
    A research team funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) uncovered higher rates of heart disease and worse heart health affecting adults living in rural communities compared to urban areas and the factors that likely drive these differences. They found adults living in rural areas were more likely than those living in large cities to have heart disease (7% vs. 4%), high blood pressure (37% vs. 31%), high cholesterol (29% vs. 27%), obesity (41% vs. 30%), and diabetes (11% vs. 10%). Across all age groups, the differences in high blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes were largest among adults ages 20–39 living in rural areas vs. cities.
    Investigators reviewed data from more than 27,000 adults who participated in the 2022 National Health Interview Survey to understand geographical differences in rates of heart disease and risk factors for conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Since higher rates of heart disease among adults in rural areas compared to cities have been established, they also sought to understand factors driving these variations.
    They found that factors such as levels of income and education, having enough food to eat, and owning a home mostly explained the higher rates of people in rural areas who had high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. Prior research has also shown how difficult circumstances, such as living in poverty, can affect cardiovascular health, including increasing inflammation in the body. Additionally, having access to healthcare, which is important for overall health, did not factor into these differences. Lifestyle risk factors for heart disease such as smoking and being less active also didn’t explain these differences, although adults living in rural areas were more likely to smoke and be less active.
    The researchers also found that rates of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and heart disease were largest in rural areas compared to cities in the South. Rates of obesity were higher across rural areas throughout the U.S., especially in the Northeast.
    More than 60 million U.S. adults live in rural communities, and heart disease remains the nation’s leading cause of death. In this study, 1 in 7 adults lived in rural areas (counties of less than 50,000 people), 1 in 2 lived in small or medium-sized cities (counties of 50,000 to less than 1 million people), and 1 in 3 lived in large cities (counties of 1 million or more).
    Identifying factors driving the higher burden of heart disease and risk factors in rural regions remains a critical research priority. The authors note that insights from their study could inform public health efforts and policies to support and improve the cardiovascular health of people — especially younger adults — living in rural areas.
    The study was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) grant R01HL174549.
    Who
    Sean Coady, M.A., Deputy Chief of the Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, NHLBI
    Study
    Liu M, Marinacci LX, Joynt Maddox KE, Wadhera, RK. Cardiovascular Health Among Rural and Urban US Adults—Healthcare, Lifestyle, and Social Factors. JAMA Cardiol. 2025; doi: 10.1001/jamacardio.2025.0538.
    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Judiciary Releases Workplace Conduct Report and Employee Survey Results

    Source: United States Courts

    The federal Judiciary today released the results of its first-ever employee survey exploring workplace issues, along with a new report containing recommendations for improvements aimed at achieving the Judiciary’s goal of fostering an exemplary workplace.

    The survey results show that the overwhelming majority of Judiciary employees are satisfied with their workplaces. Eighty-four percent responded that they are satisfied or very satisfied with their jobs and 80 percent said they would recommend their court or employing office to others.

    The survey was conducted by the Federal Judicial Center for the Workplace Conduct Working Group, a group of judges and court executives who have been working on workplace conduct issues since early 2018 at the request of the Chief Justice. It was sent to nearly 28,000 employees in 2023, and the response rate was a statistically impressive 50 percent.

    The results provided a wealth of data that the Judiciary is using to gain a deeper understanding of employees’ experiences and to guide continued efforts to foster an exemplary workplace for all employees. The Working Group used the survey results as a basis for nine new recommendations in a report to the Judicial Conference of the United States, which was also released today. 

    The recommendations are designed to build on the substantial steps taken over the past seven years. Most respondents who indicated experiencing wrongful conduct did not avail themselves of employment dispute resolution (EDR) procedures. Two priority areas that the Working Group has targeted for improvement are reducing potential barriers to reporting misconduct and increasing employees’ confidence in using available resolution procedures. 

    “These results tell me and my colleagues on the Working Group that we have done a lot, but we have more work to do to address the reluctance of employees to seek help or report wrongful conduct. And that work begins immediately, with a new set of recommendations for the Judicial Conference to consider,” said Judge Robert J. Conrad, Jr., the Director of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.

    The recommendations include the following:

    • Review current definitions and guidance on abusive conduct and assess whether greater clarity can be provided on the distinctions between inappropriate behavior. Abusive conduct is a workplace protection unique to the Judiciary that goes beyond current statutory protections.
    • Extend and clarify procedural rights, remedies, and obligations under the Model Employment Dispute Resolution (EDR) Plans, including clarifying that modifications to local plans cannot diminish or curtail rights or remedies under the model plan; ensuring that consideration of interim relief for complainants occurs consistently and at the outset of an investigation, incorporating additional monetary remedies for victims of misconduct, and removing the procedural requirement that employees first use assisted resolution prior to filing a formal complaint.
    • Establish standards for the qualification and selection of EDR coordinators and enhance existing training.
    • Promote the use of trained investigators in EDR assisted resolutions and in informal investigations at the local level.
    • Ensure the appearance of impartiality of presiding judicial officers (PJOs) in formal complaint proceedings by appointing PJOs from outside a complainant’s district or circuit, ensure that PJOs appoint trained investigators, and develop additional resources for PJOs. 
    • Expand feedback and information about EDR by ensuring that follow up occurs with employees who report wrongful conduct, developing uniform standards for the redaction and publication of EDR decisions in formal complaint proceedings, developing a publicly available source of published EDR decisions and relevant Judicial Conduct and Disability Act opinions, and augmenting data collection.
    • Continue to incorporate workplace conduct training into orientation programs for all judges and employees.
    • Clarify distinctions between inappropriate behaviors and abusive conduct in training programs for judges and employees.
    • Provide continuing education for leaders at all levels of the Judiciary, including management training on listening, communication, building trust, and effective response to both inappropriate workplace behavior and allegations of wrongful conduct.

    Learn more about workplace conduct initiatives in the federal Judiciary. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Stops Discriminatory Practices Targeting Jewish New Yorkers at Rockland County Car Wash

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced that her office has stopped Super 4 Seasons, a Rockland County car wash company, from running a discriminatory scam that targeted Jewish customers preparing for Passover. In the days leading up to Passover, many Jewish families clean their homes, cars, and other spaces to remove “chametz,” or leavened products. An Office of the Attorney General (OAG) investigation found that in the weeks leading up to the holiday, Super 4 Seasons advertised a “Passover Special” cleaning promotion, targeting Jewish customers, that cost more than three times the standard price for the same service. Attorney General James is requiring Super 4 Seasons to immediately stop promoting or offering any discriminatory car wash special and, if the company fails to do so, pay a $75,000 penalty.

    “Targeting Jewish New Yorkers with deceptive pricing around Passover is a clear act of religious discrimination and will not be tolerated,” said Attorney General James. “Every New Yorker, regardless of their faith, deserves to be treated fairly and equally. My office will not hesitate to hold businesses accountable when they exploit families’ religious observance.”

    The OAG opened an investigation into Super 4 Seasons in April 2024 after receiving several complaints that the car wash company was knowingly charging Jewish customers $169 for a service that was otherwise available for just $47. As part of the investigation, OAG conducted undercover testing, interviewed complainants, and reviewed thousands of the company’s sales entries. The OAG found that Super 4 Seasons had promoted similar Passover-specific services dating back to at least 2018 and that in the weeks leading up to Passover, Jewish customers had been routinely denied access to standard pricing and were falsely told that only the high-priced “Passover Packages” were available.

    The OAG investigation also found that Super 4 Seasons persistently posted promotional signs advertising that only “Passover Packages & Up” were available, falsely claiming that standard services were not offered ahead of Passover. When an OAG investigator dressed in traditional Orthodox Jewish clothing inquired about standard pricing, he was told the car wash is “not doing anything except shampoos and Passover cleanings right now.” The car wash employee even told the investigator, “We are doing this just for you guys.”

    However, when another OAG investigator who was not wearing Orthodox Jewish clothing asked Super 4 Seasons for the standard services, he was offered and sold standard-priced services. When he inquired about the promotion, an employee responded that it was “for Jews,” adding that they needed to pay more “because their cars are so dirty.” The OAG recovered sales records for this same period, confirming that regular services had in fact been provided throughout the holiday.

    As a result of the OAG’s investigation, Super 4 Seasons will immediately stop these discriminatory practices, and is barred from promoting or advertising car wash services that allude to special pricing for religious holidays. Super 4 Seasons is also prohibited from charging Jewish customers more than other customers for the same car wash services and is not allowed to change its pricing or limit available services in the two months leading up to and during Passover. If Super 4 Seasons fails to adhere to these terms, it will be required to pay a penalty of up to $75,000.

    Attorney General James recently issued a consumer alert urging Jewish communities to be cautious of illegal and discriminatory practices ahead of Passover. Attorney General James reminds New Yorkers to be vigilant against scams on essential Passover goods and services, including car washes, essential food items, matzah and kosher-for-Passover products, cleaning services, travel, and accommodations. Under New York law, it is illegal to discriminate against someone based on religion. Anyone who is aware of businesses using discriminatory practices or believes that they were charged more for services because of their religion, race, or background is encouraged to file a complaint online or call 1-800-771-7755.

    This matter was handled by Hate Crimes and Bias Prevention Section Chief Rick Sawyer, Assistant Attorney General Rachel Finn, and Assistant Attorney General in Charge of the Westchester Regional Office Andy Aujla, with assistance from Research Analyst Heather-Destiny Konan, under the supervision of Civil Rights Bureau Chief Sandra Park and Deputy Bureau Chief Travis England. The investigation was led by Investigators Liam Cassidy and Andy Rodriguez under the supervision of Supervising Investigator Cynthia Kane. The Investigations Bureau is led by Chief Oliver Pu-Folkes, the Civil Rights Bureau is part of the Division for Social Justice led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Meghan Faux, and the Westchester Regional Office is a part of the Division of Regional Affairs led by Deputy Attorney General Jill Faber. All are overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: UN – Armenia signs on to French-Mexican initiative to regulate veto powers at the Security Council (31.03.25)

    Source: Republic of France in English
    The Republic of France has issued the following statement:

    France and Mexico welcome Armenia’s decision to join the initiative to limit veto powers at the Security Council in cases of mass atrocities. This announcement reflects a commitment to effective multilateralism, bolstering the Security Council’s ability to act in such situations.

    France, which will chair the Security Council for one month starting on April 1, pledged in 2015 not to use its veto power in cases of mass atrocities. This initiative, which we launched with Mexico the same year, now has the support of 107 nations. It will mark its 10th anniversary this year, during the 80th UN General Assembly High-level Week.

    MIL OSI Europe News –