NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Armstrong, Strinden announce support for phone-free schools to improve student learning and well-being

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Gov. Kelly Armstrong, First Lady Kjersti Armstrong and Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden today joined state legislators, education and student representatives, and others in announcing support for new legislation designed to improve learning and well-being by requiring public schools to adopt policies that require students’ cell phones to be securely stored during the school day.

    “We want to give something back to students: the freedom to learn and grow in school without the distraction of their personal electronic devices and social media,” Gov. Armstrong said. “Adopting bell-to-bell phone-free school policies will improve academic performance, mental health and well-being and give our students the best chance to reach their full potential, while also allowing teachers to focus more time on instruction instead of distraction.”

    Amendments introduced today to Senate Bill 2354 and House Bill 1160 would require all personal electronic communication devices to be turned off, securely locked away and inaccessible to students from the start of the school day until dismissal at the end of the school day. Schools would have flexibility in deciding how to stow the devices, such as secure lockable pouches or phone lockers, with $1.5 million in funding proposed to cover equipment expenses.

    “We’ve seen how inconsistent phone policies from school to school and classroom to classroom can create confusion and frustration for students, parents and teachers alike,” said Strinden, who testified in support of the proposal to the House and Senate education committees before this morning’s press conference. “Establishing a baseline with a bell-to-bell phone-free policy will ensure students in every public school have the same opportunity to learn without the distraction of cell phones and social media while in school. This legislation offers a common starting point, not a one-size-fits-all solution.”

    The proposal still allows for the use of tablets and other school-issued electronic devices for learning, while also including exceptions for students who need personal electronic devices for medical reasons or as part of an individual education plan, or IEP.

    Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, author of “The Anxious Generation” and an advisor for the Phone-Free Schools Movement, submitted testimony in support of the proposal, citing research that phone-free schools are likely to reduce distraction and increase student focus.

    “Parents and teachers worldwide have seen the damage to students’ attention, education and mental health caused by spending much of the school day on their phones, texting, scrolling, posting on social media, watching videos and playing video games,” Haidt said. “Bell-to-bell phone-free school legislation can be implemented at little cost to the schools or the state. I applaud North Dakota for taking this step to drastically improve the educational experience for students.”

    Sen. Michelle Axtman of Bismarck, who introduced SB 2354, and Rep. Jim Jonas of West Fargo, lead sponsor of HB 1160, both agreed to fully amend their bills with the phone-free school language. House Majority Leader Mike Lefor and Senate Majority Leader David Hogue also supported the amendments.

    “The most effective way to reverse the negative trends we have been witnessing and start increasing test scores, combating mental health issues, and reducing classroom disturbances is to support our schools and our students by enacting a clear and concise state wide, bell-to-bell device-free policy,” Axtman said in prepared testimony.

    Sixteen states have enacted some level of phone-free school policies, and more than two dozen states have policies under consideration, according to anxiousgeneration.com. Last month, Arkansas passed a “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act” requiring public schools to enact policies banning the use of cell phones during the school day.

    Addyson Rademacher-Nyame, an eighth-grader at Mandan Middle School, testified in favor of the proposal, calling it “a great start to building healthy habits.”

    “If this bill passes many schools could flourish. It will promote in-person conversations, help engage learning and enhance social interactions,” she said in prepared testimony. “As someone who will be directly affected by the outcome of this bill, I would ask you to vote to pass this bill. Please consider this affects not only my generation but all of those that will follow. “

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Innisfail — Innisfail RCMP and FASST arrested several people on warrants during a three-day operation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Innisfail RCMP, with assistance from the Alberta Sheriff’s Fugitive Apprehension Sheriffs Support Team (FASST), engaged in a targeted enforcement operation attempting to locate and arrest offenders who were currently on warrants in the areas of Innisfail and Red Deer County.

    From March 4 to March 6, 2025, Innisfail RCMP and FASST executed a three-day operation where they arrested 16 people and executed 22 arrest warrants. These arrest warrants ranged from provincial violation to Criminal Code warrants. Furthermore, this operation also led to the arrest of Joshua Atkinson (50), a parole offender who was on a Canada wide warrant for being unlawfully at large.

    During the three-day operation, officers conducted dozens of door knocks and phone calls. Innisfail RCMP and FASST would like to thank the public for their patience and understanding.

    Innisfail RCMP conduct operations like this multiple times throughout the year to ensure public safety, and to ensure participants of the justice system complete the required process.

    Innisfail RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the location of, or sightings of criminal activity in your neighbourhood. Anyone with information in relation to this or other incidents is asked to contact the Innisfail RCMP at 403-227-3342 or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8377 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Celebrates Final Passage of Legislation to Combat Absenteeism

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (March 26, 2025) — Yesterday, the Georgia House of Representatives passed Senate Bill 123 with strong, bipartisan support. Authored by Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), SB 123 takes meaningful steps to address the growing chronic absenteeism crisis in Georgia schools by ensuring students cannot be expelled solely for missing school. The bill also mandates a more localized and individualized approach to reviewing chronic absenteeism cases., requiring local boards of education to adopt policies that identify and support students who are chronically absent.

    “The final passage of Senate Bill 123 is a major victory for students across our state,” said Sen. Kennedy. “Last year alone, nearly 360,000 students missed 10% or more of the school year, missing out on critical opportunities to reach their full potential because they were not in the classroom. Once SB 123 is signed into law, school systems will be better equipped to understand the root causes of absenteeism, intervene earlier, and build a stronger system for recognizing and addressing warning signs. Our goal is to respond to absenteeism fairly and constructively, not punitively, and this legislation is a positive step toward real reform in Georgia’s education system for the benefit of our children.”

    With passage in both chambers, SB 123 now heads to Governor Kemp’s desk. The bill will require School Climate Committees to develop a comprehensive framework to improve student attendance if signed into law. Additionally, it will create local attendance review teams who will assess individual student attendance cases. The School Climate Committees must report their progress to the Georgia General Assembly, ensuring accountability and continued focus on this critical issue.

    For more information about the legislation, click here.

    # # # #

    Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District, which includes Crawford, Monroe, Peach and Upson counties, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston counties. He may be reached at (404) 656-6578 or by email at John.Kennedy@senate.ga.gov.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican Republic Citizen Residing in Cleveland, Ohio, Indicted for Defrauding Grandparents from Western Pennsylvania Out of Tens of Thousands of Dollars

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Cleveland, Ohio, originally from the Dominican Republic has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on charges of Receipt of Stolen Money that Crossed a State Border, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

    The five-count Indictment names Luis Alfonso Bisono Rodriguez, 34, as the sole defendant. Rodriguez was previously charged on March 21, 2025, by way of Criminal Complaint, and was arrested last week in the Cleveland area.

    As alleged in the Complaint Affidavit, Rodriguez is a member of an organized crime group operating across Pennsylvania and Ohio to defraud victims in the Western District of Pennsylvania and elsewhere out of tens of thousands of dollars pursuant to a grandparent fraud scam. As part of that scheme, scammers call a grandparent and impersonate their grandchild in a crisis such as an accident or arrest, and then ask the grandparent to send immediate financial assistance. Money from the victims was picked up in Pennsylvania and delivered by Lyft and Uber drivers to various locations in Northern Ohio, where Rodriguez was captured on surveillance videos from various retail establishments meeting the drivers and receiving the stolen money. Rodriguez then sent much of the fraud proceeds to the Dominican Republic via wire transfers, as well as deposited portions of the fraud proceeds into bank accounts.

    As alleged, between October 2024 and January 2025, at least five elderly individuals from Western Pennsylvania were victimized by the scam and defrauded out of a total of more than $50,000. The investigation has revealed that there are likely many more victims in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and other states. The Federal Bureau of Investigation asks that individuals with information about this scam and/or who believe that they or others they know may have been a victim of the scam report that fraud through the Bureau’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov.

    Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

    The Pittsburgh and Cleveland offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation leading to the Criminal Complaint and Indictment, with the assistance of the Parma Police Department in Northern Ohio and numerous police departments in Western Pennsylvania, including the Millcreek Township Police Department, Grove City Police Department, Scott Township Police Department, Fox Chapel Police Department, Finley Township Police Department, and Hermitage Police Department.

    An indictment and a criminal complaint are accusations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Jamaican National Indicted For Child Exploitation Crime

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SCRANTON – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Andrew Higgins, age 37, a Jamaican national, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury with a child exploitation offense.

    According to Acting United States Attorney John C. Gurganus, the indictment alleges that beginning on or about January 15, 2025, and continuing through January 17, 2025, Higgins used the internet and an electronic device to attempt to persuade and coerce a child to engage in sexual conduct.

    The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations – RAC Allentown.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tatum R. Wilson.

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

    The maximum penalty under federal law for the crimes charged in the Indictment is life imprisonment, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.  A sentence following a finding of guilt is imposed by the Judge after consideration of the applicable federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

    Indictments are only allegations. All persons charged are presumed to be innocent unless and until found guilty in court.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Ninepoint 2024 Short Duration Flow-Through Limited Partnership Announces Completion of Rollover Transaction

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ninepoint 2024 Short Duration Flow-Through Limited Partnership (the “Partnership”), announced today that it had completed the tax-deferred transfer of the assets of the Partnership (the “Mutual Fund Rollover Transaction”) into Ninepoint Resource Fund Class (the “Resource Class”) of Ninepoint Corporate Fund Inc., as discussed in the Partnership’s press release of January 17, 2025.

    National Class Rollover Details

    3,736,868 Series A shares of the Resource Class were issued at their net asset value of $5.870034 per share. The final net asset value per National Class Partnership Class A unit for purposes of the Mutual Fund Rollover Transaction was $18.361785 per Partnership unit. Accordingly, each holder of National Class Partnership Class A units will receive 3.128055 Resource Class Series A shares for each National Class Partnership Class A unit held. The adjusted cost base for each National Class Partnership Class A unit was $4.098694 per Partnership unit and the adjusted cost base for each allocated Resource Class Series A share was $1.310301 per share. The after-tax return was 44.35% for an Ontario investor taxed at the highest marginal rate.

    1,009,890 Series F shares of the Resource Class were issued at their net asset value of $6.094742 per share. The final net asset value per National Class Partnership Class F unit for purposes of the Mutual Fund Rollover Transaction was $19.132332 per Partnership unit. Accordingly, each holder of National Class Partnership Class F units will receive 3.139154 Resource Class Series F shares for each National Class Partnership Class F unit held. The adjusted cost base for each National Class Partnership Class F unit was $4.915675 per Partnership unit and the adjusted cost base for each allocated Resource Class Series F share was $1.565923 per share. The after-tax return was 47.89% for an Ontario investor taxed at the highest marginal rate.

    Quebec Class Rollover Details

    587,982 Series A shares of the Resource Class were issued at their net asset value of $5.870034 per share. The final net asset value per Quebec Class Partnership Class A unit for purposes of the Mutual Fund Rollover Transaction was $17.7267 per Partnership unit. Accordingly, each holder of Quebec Class Partnership Class A units will receive 3.019865 Resource Class Series A shares for each Quebec Class Partnership Class A unit held. The adjusted cost base for each Quebec Class Partnership Class A unit was $1.014487 per Partnership unit and the adjusted cost base for each allocated Resource Class Series A share was $0.335938 per share. The after-tax return was 54.96% for a Quebec investor taxed at the highest marginal rate.

    53,315 Series F shares of the Resource Class were issued at their net asset value of $6.094742 per share. The final net asset value per Quebec Class Partnership Class F unit for purposes of the Mutual Fund Rollover Transaction was $18.462837 per Partnership unit. Accordingly, each holder of Quebec Class Partnership Class F units will receive 3.029306 Resource Class Series F shares for each Quebec Class Partnership Class F unit held. The adjusted cost base for each Quebec Class Partnership Class F unit was $1.930983 per Partnership unit and the adjusted cost base for each allocated Resource Class Series F share was $0.637434 per share. The after-tax return was 58.29% for a Quebec investor taxed at the highest marginal rate.

    For investors looking for another tax-advantaged investment, Ninepoint Partners LP has filed and received a receipt for a final prospectus dated January 30, 2025 offering limited partnership units of a new flow-through limited partnership, Ninepoint 2025 Flow-Through Limited Partnership. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the securities being offered. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision.

    The information provided is general in nature and is provided with the understanding that it may not be relied upon as, nor considered to be, the rendering or tax, legal, accounting or professional advice. Readers should consult with their own accountants and/or lawyers for advice on the specific circumstances before taking any action.

    Additional information: The prospectus for the Resource Class is available at www.ninepoint.com, through a broker or by contacting us at (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.   Information about the Ninepoint 2025 Flow-Through Limited Partnership is available through the dealers or by contacting us at (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    About Ninepoint Partners LP

    Based in Toronto, Ninepoint Partners LP is one of Canada’s leading alternative investment management firms overseeing approximately $7 billion in assets under management and institutional contracts. Committed to helping investors explore innovative investment solutions that have the potential to enhance returns and manage portfolio risk, Ninepoint offers a diverse set of alternative strategies spanning Equities, Fixed Income, Alternative Income, Real Assets, F/X and Digital Assets.

    For more information on Ninepoint Partners LP, please visit www.ninepoint.com or for inquiries regarding the offering, please contact us at (416) 943-6707 or (866) 299-9906 or invest@ninepoint.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: When Canadian snowbirds don’t flock south, the costs are more than financial

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Valorie A. Crooks, Professor, Department of Geography, Simon Fraser University

    Every winter, hundreds of thousands of older Canadians spend the winter in the United States. But in recent weeks, we’ve seen many Canadian snowbirds shifting their attention to other matters.

    First, stories started to emerge from those who said they would no longer participate in this seasonal migration because of political events in the U.S. Another related concern was the weakened Canadian dollar. This trend has prompted some to consider selling their winter properties in the U.S.

    More recently, attention has shifted to the potential for changed border rules to lessen snowbirds’ access to the U.S. for long stays. Snowbirds are concerned about administrative and procedural requirements that may ultimately make cross-border travel less convenient.

    During the COVID-19 pandemic, some Canadian snowbirds experienced challenges crossing into the U.S. for the winter or returning to Canada. Closures of borders to non-essential travel did not dissuade some from planning to winter in the U.S.

    Drawing on research in snowbird communities, we found out that affordability and ease of movement are two important enablers of long-stay seasonal travel.

    Because of this, it’s not surprising that we’re hearing from snowbirds again in light of recent developments.

    CBC News reports on Québec snowbirds reaction to the Donald Trump administration’s new measures for travellers to the U.S.

    Economic and political disruptions

    While COVID-era travel disruptions didn’t stop some snowbirds from going south for the winter, the current economic and political disruptions are another story. Florida is a popular destination for Canadian snowbirds. In fact, a 2023 survey named eight of the 10 best American destination communities as being in Florida.

    If Canadian snowbirds are talking about cancelling travel plans and selling properties, people in Florida should be paying attention.

    Instead, in early March, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis downplayed what it would mean for Canadians to avoid travel to the state. Citing a recent tourism industry report, he noted that only 3.3 million of the 142.9 million visitors to Florida in 2024 were from Canada.

    DeSantis went on to say “that’s not much of a boycott, in my book.” But 91.5 per cent of Florida’s annual visitors were from the U.S. This means that the 2.3 per cent of visitors who were Canadian were actually a substantial portion of the states’s international visitors.

    DeSantis’s recent comments were also not in line with concerns raised during the COVID-19 pandemic that signalled substantial negative economic impacts for the state if Canadian snowbirds did not arrive for the winter.

    Community members

    Aside from these economic impacts, something we’ve learned through our years of research with Canadians who winter in the U.S. is that many become vital members of destination communities. From participating in public health outreach programs to volunteering at local hospitals, our research has shown that many embrace opportunities to be active in the places they reside for the winter.

    Any drop in the numbers of seasonal travellers going to U.S. destinations will have social costs for communities beyond the quantifiable economic losses.

    Many popular U.S. destination communities for snowbirds have health systems that are designed to expand and retract with dramatically different seasonal populations. Our research has observed this most closely in Yuma, Ariz., where entire areas of the main local hospital are closed in the summer and staffed seasonally in the winter.

    Additionally, some of the seasonal nursing staff who arrive for the winter are from Canada. Any retreat from these destinations by Canadian snowbirds may have significant implications for health systems and allied sectors. This can ultimately impact the quality of care they can provide to a more limited local patient base.

    Intangible impacts

    While the economic impacts of the seeming loss of long-stay older Canadians in these communities are important to consider, there will be other — less measurable but no less important — impacts. Just as the long friendship between the U.S. and Canada is now being tested, blended snowbird communities of older North Americans are at risk of diminishing.

    Business owners in U.S. destinations spoke up about losses when fewer Canadian snowbirds went south during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some Canadian business sectors and communities discovered opportunities emerging from these shifts in consumer’ movements.

    As snowbirds debate whether to navigate new border complexities and return to the U.S. next winter, we must be attentive to the stories behind the numbers to understand the true impacts of their decisions. And as comments made by DeSantis and other politicians have made clear, Canadian snowbirds are now faced with new economic and emotional considerations.

    Valorie A. receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada, BC Women’s Health Research Institute and MITACS.

    Jeremy Snyder receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.

    – ref. When Canadian snowbirds don’t flock south, the costs are more than financial – https://theconversation.com/when-canadian-snowbirds-dont-flock-south-the-costs-are-more-than-financial-252125

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: More than just an animal: Losing a pet deserves more attention and compassion

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Renata Roma, Postdoctoral fellow, Center of Behavioural Sciences and Justice Studies/Pawsitive Connections Lab, University of Saskatchewan

    Losing a pet can be an isolating experience and perceptions of judgment may exacerbate the pain of loss. (Shutterstock)

    When my dog passed away four years ago, coping with the loss was challenging. I know I am not alone. People turn to their pets when they need comfort and a non-judgmental presence. However, pets have a short life span, and losing a companion animal is a common experience.

    Research shows that losing a pet can be as devastating as losing a family member, yet the grief over a companion animal is often overlooked in society. As a result, losing a pet can be an isolating experience.

    Perceptions of judgment may exacerbate the pain of loss, affect mental health and lead to social isolation. Some may think: “It’s just an animal.” However, words like these dismiss the pain and make an already difficult experience even lonelier.

    As a researcher who has studied the human-animal bond for more than a decade, and as someone who has shared her life with pets, I understand that while having a pet is deeply fulfilling, the grieving process can be profoundly difficult.

    Having support makes a huge difference in these moments. Rituals, comforting words, the space to talk about what happened, and primarily, validation — these things help us process loss. But the reality is that when someone loses a pet, finding that support is harder.

    Offering non-judgmental support and developing inclusive strategies, such as pet bereavement leave, can be valuable initiatives to help. Raising awareness of ways to provide effective and compassionate support to those grieving a pet can help us challenge the idea that the loss of a companion animal is less significant than losing a beloved human.

    People turn to their pets when they need comfort and a non-judgmental presence. However, pets have a short life span, and losing a companion animal is a common experience.
    (Shutterstock)

    Navigating pet loss

    Several studies show that living with a pet can have a positive impact on people’s physical, psychological and social health. These bonds run deep, and 95 per cent of Canadians consider their companion animals family.

    The journey through pet loss is unique for each individual, but it usually involves complex feelings like relief and guilt, besides physical and intellectual symptoms like aches, headache and rumination.

    One of the most important barriers to finding support is the lack of social recognition and validation regarding pet grief. People often feel judged when they express their feelings of grief over a pet. These perceptions of judgment exacerbate the pain and increase social isolation. This, in turn, can increase the risk of mental health issues, particularly among those with a history of childhood trauma.

    Factors shaping pet grief

    Several factors can shape how people grieve, including the way people lose their pets. Even when a pet dies by natural causes or old age, people may experience intense feelings of loss. Situations involving euthanasia can lead to uncertainty regarding the best moment to do it and self-blame. When a pet dies, people may feel guilty and left with a feeling that they failed to care for the pet.

    Attachment styles also play a role. This refers to the type of bond between people and their pets and the feelings involved in this relationship. For instance, perceiving pets as good friends leads to less intense grief than seeing them as children. If the person lived alone and the pet was their only company, it may be more challenging, too.

    At the same time, having social support provides a sense of belonging. Those who have room to voice their feelings and share their pain tend to navigate the stages of grief better. A more compassionate and pet-inclusive approach can be valuable in the pet grief journey. This type of support can help to prevent depression, stress and social isolation.

    One of the most important barriers to finding support is the lack of social recognition and validation regarding pet grief.
    (Shutterstock)

    Support in workplaces

    Regardless of differences in pet attachment and how a person lost their pet, initiatives to increase social support during these difficult experiences can have a significant impact on people’s ability to cope.

    Take workplaces, for instance. People are often expected to show up and function as if nothing happened, carrying their grief in silence. However, some companies have adjusted their policies to a more pet-inclusive approach, and the result is promising.

    Companies that offer more pet-inclusive policies, including pet bereavement leave, can help reduce employee stress while also increasing job satisfaction, building a sense of connectedness and leading to higher retention rates.

    Considering that among younger people, there is a preference for pets over kids, this type of policy can not only offers a concrete demonstration of empathy but could also attract some employees and increase productivity. By providing the necessary time to heal, the company can have more loyal and productive employees.

    As pets increasingly become integral to our emotional lives, acknowledging the relevance of this relationship is fundamental. This includes providing support for people facing the difficult experience of losing a pet after a life of sharing daily moments with them.

    Each person’s grief is personal and should be respected, without comparison or judgment. We cannot take away each other’s grief but we can stand beside one another in it. That, in itself, makes all the difference.

    Validation and emotional support from family and friends and pet-inclusive policies such as pet bereavement leave can also make a real difference. They send a powerful message: We care about your pain. You are not alone.

    Renata Roma 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. More than just an animal: Losing a pet deserves more attention and compassion – https://theconversation.com/more-than-just-an-animal-losing-a-pet-deserves-more-attention-and-compassion-251889

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s push for AI deregulation could put financial markets at risk

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sana Ramzan, Assistant Professor in Business, University Canada West

    As Canada moves toward stronger AI regulation with the proposed Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA), its southern neighbour appears to be taking the opposite approach.

    AIDA, part of Bill C-27, aims to establish a regulatory framework to improve AI transparency, accountability and oversight in Canada, although some experts have argued it doesn’t go far enough.

    Meanwhile, United States President Donald Trump’s is pushing for AI deregulation. In January, Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating any perceived regulatory barriers to “American AI innovation.” The executive order replaced former president Joe Biden’s prior executive order on AI.



    Read more:
    How the US threw out any concerns about AI safety within days of Donald Trump coming to office

    Notably, the U.S. was also one of two countries — along with the U.K. — that didn’t sign a global declaration in February to ensure AI is “open, inclusive, transparent, ethical, safe, secure and trustworthy.”

    Eliminating AI safeguards leaves financial institutions vulnerable. This vulnerability can increase uncertainty and, in a worst-case scenario, increase the risk of systemic collapse.



    Read more:
    The Paris summit marks a tipping point on AI’s safety and sustainability

    The power of AI in financial markets

    AI’s potential in financial markets is undeniable. It can improve operational efficiency, perform real-time risk assessments, generate higher income and forecast predictive economic change.

    My research has found that AI-driven machine learning models not only outperform conventional approaches in identifying financial statement fraud, but also in detecting abnormalities quickly and effectively. In other words, AI can catch signs of financial mismanagement before they spiral into a disaster.

    In another study, my co-researcher and I found that AI models like artificial neural networks and classification and regression trees can predict financial distress with remarkable accuracy.

    Artificial neural networks are brain-inspired algorithms. Similar to how our brain sends messages through neurons to perform actions, these neural networks process information through layers of interconnected “artificial neurons,” learning patterns from data to make predictions.

    Similarly, classification and regression trees are decision-making models that divide data into branches based on important features to identify outcomes.

    Our artificial neural networks models predicted financial distress among Toronto Stock Exchange-listed companies with a staggering 98 per cent accuracy. This suggests suggests AI’s immense potential in providing early warning signals that could help avert financial downturns before they start.

    However, while AI can simplify manual processes and lower financial risks, it can also introduce vulnerabilities that, if left unchecked, could pose significant threats to economic stability.

    The risks of deregulation

    Trump’s push for deregulation could result in Wall Street and other major financial institutions gaining significant power over AI-driven decision-making tools with little to no oversight.

    When profit-driven AI models operate without the appropriate ethical boundaries, the consequences could be severe. Unchecked algorithms, especially in credit evaluation and trading, could worsen economic inequality and generate systematic financial risks that traditional regulatory frameworks cannot detect.

    Algorithms trained on biased or incomplete data may reinforce discriminatory lending practices. In lending, for instance, biased AI algorithms can deny loans to marginalized groups, widening wealth and inequality gaps.

    In addition, AI-powered trading bots, which are capable of executing rapid transactions, could trigger flash crashes in seconds, disrupting financial markets before regulators have time to respond. The flash crash of 2010 is a prime example where high-frequency trading algorithms aggressively reacted to market signals causing the Dow Jones Industrial Average to drop by 998.5 points in a matter of minutes.

    Furthermore, unregulated AI-driven risk models might overlook economic warning signals, resulting in substantial errors in monetary control and fiscal policy.

    Striking a balance between innovation and safety depends on the ability for regulators and policymakers to reduce AI hazards. While considering financial crisis of 2008, many risk models — earlier forms of AI — were wrong to anticipate a national housing market crash, which led regulators and financial institutions astray and exacerbated the crisis.

    A blueprint for financial stability

    My research underscores the importance of integrating machine learning methods within strong regulatory systems to improve financial oversight, fraud detection and prevention.

    Durable and reasonable regulatory frameworks are required to turn AI from a potential disruptor into a stabilizing force. By implementing policies that prioritize transparency and accountability, policymakers can maximize the advantages of AI while lowering the risks associated with it.

    A federally regulated AI oversight body in the U.S. could serve as an arbitrator, just like Canada’s Digital Charter Implementation Act of 2022 proposes the establishment of an AI and Data Commissioner. Operating with checks and balances inherent to democratic structures would ensure fairness in financial algorithms and stop biased lending policies and concealed market manipulation.

    Financial institutions would be required to open the “black box” of AI-driven alternatives by mandating transparency through explainable AI standards — guidelines that are aimed at making AI systems’ outputs more understandable and transparent to humans.

    Machine learning’s predictive capabilities could help regulators identify financial crises in real-time using early warning signs — similar to the model developed by my co-researcher and me in our study.

    However, this vision doesn’t end at national borders. Globally, the International Monetary Fund and the Financial Stability Board could establish AI ethical standards to curb cross-border financial misconduct.

    Crisis prevention or catalyst?

    Will AI still be the key to foresee and stop the next economic crisis, or will the lack of regulatory oversight cause a financial disaster? As financial institutions continue adopt AI-driven models, the absence of strong regulatory guardrails raises pressing concerns.

    Without proper safeguards in place, AI is not just a tool for economic prediction — it could become an unpredictable force capable of accelerating the next financial crisis.

    The stakes are high. Policymakers must act swiftly to regulate the increasing impact of AI before deregulation opens the path for an economic disaster.

    Without decisive action, the rapid adoption of AI in finance could outpace regulatory efforts, leaving economies vulnerable to unforeseen risks and potentially setting the stage for another global financial crisis.

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

    – ref. Trump’s push for AI deregulation could put financial markets at risk – https://theconversation.com/trumps-push-for-ai-deregulation-could-put-financial-markets-at-risk-251208

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cramer, Rosen Introduce Legislation to Enhance Patient Advocacy for Rural Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND)

    ***Click here to download audio.***

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) patient advocacy program employs individuals at VA Medical Centers nationwide to manage the feedback received from veterans and their families. The patient advocate serves as a bridge working directly with VA staff to facilitate resolutions on behalf of all veterans. 

    U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) introduced the Strengthening VA Patient Advocacy for Rural Veterans Act of 2025, which would enhance the VA’s patient advocate program to better support rural veterans receiving care outside of the medical center setting. Specifically, facilities would designate a patient advocate to serve as the coordinator for veterans residing in rural and highly rural areas to improve veteran access and experience. The measure also contains reporting provisions to enhance accountability and Congressional awareness of the issues veterans face when seeking care. 

    “Patient advocates really play an important role in helping our veterans navigate the incredible VA red tape, it’s just outlandish as it is with most bureaucracies,” said Senator Cramer. “What our bill does is it recognizes the unique challenges that are faced by particularly rural veterans, and then it provides targeted support through dedicated patient advocates to ensure they are able to access the healthcare they’ve earned, both in and from their more rural homes.”

    “Far too many veterans in rural parts of Nevada face barriers to receiving the VA medical care and support they deserve,” said Senator Rosen. “Our bipartisan legislation would help improve access to care and resources by establishing VA patient advocates specifically for rural veterans, helping to make sure that they don’t miss out on benefits because of where they live.”

    The Strengthening VA Patient Advocacy for Rural Veterans Act of 2025 is supported by several organizations, including the Disabled American Veterans (DAV), the American Legion (TAL), and America’s Warrior Partnership (AWP). 

    “DAV thanks Senator Cramer for introducing the Strengthening VA Patient Advocacy for Rural Veterans Act of 2025,” said DAV National Legislative Director Joy Ilem. “This legislation would improve the VA’s Office of Patient Advocacy and ensure that veterans living in rural and highly rural areas are provided care coordination through a designated patient advocate. These advocates would be able to focus on breaking down unique barriers to care for rural veteran patients and ensure they have access to care where and when they need it.”

    Click here for bill text.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Kustoff Introduce Bill to Keep Cellphones Out of Jails

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353
    March 26, 2025

    Cotton, Kustoff Introduce Bill to Keep Cellphones Out of Jails

    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2025, legislation which would prevent inmates from using contraband cellphone use in prison facilities by allowing state and federal prisons to use cellphone jamming systems. Congressman David Kustoff (Tennessee-08) is leading companion legislation in the House. 

    Senators Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Shelley Capito (R-West Virginia), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Cyndi Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), and James Risch (R-Idaho) are cosponsoring the legislation. 

    “For far too long, contraband cellphones have been a major security threat in our prisons, allowing criminals to coordinate crimes from behind bars. This legislation is a common-sense step to cut off their ability to threaten witnesses, organize drug trafficking, and endanger law-abiding citizens from within prison walls,” said Senator Cotton.

    “Criminals are using contraband cellphones to commit crimes while in prison. The extent of coordinated criminal activity carried out by inmates is a serious threat to public safety,” said Congressman Kustoff. “As a former United States Attorney, I have seen first-hand the dangerous effects of contraband cellphone use to both law enforcement officers and our communities. It should be impossible for prisoners to organize gang activity, traffic drugs, and coordinate any other wrongdoing from behind bars. The Cellphone Jamming Reform Act is commonsense legislation that will crack down on cellphones in prisons and protect inmates, guards, and the public at large.” 

    Text of the legislation may be found here.  

    Background:

    • The use of contraband cellphones is widespread in both federal and state prison facilities. Inmates have used contraband cellphones to conduct illegal activities, including ordering hits on individuals outside of the prison walls, running illegal drug operations, conducting illegal business deals, facilitating sex trafficking, and organizing escapes which endanger correctional employees, other inmates, and members of the public.
    • Last year, two 13-year-old boys were killed at a birthday party in Atlanta after inmates in a Georgia prison used contraband cellphones to order their murder. In 2024, Georgia authorities confiscated more than 15,500 contraband cellphones and seized more than 8,000 in 2023.
    • In December 2024, two California inmates were convicted of murder, racketeering, and other RICO-related crimes for running a heroin and meth trafficking operation from their prison cells. 
    • In 2018, a gang fight over territory using cellphones to trade contraband sparked a brawl inside the Lee Correctional Institution near Bishopville, South Carolina, and left seven inmates dead and 20 injured.
    • Bureau of Prisons Correctional officer Lt. Osvaldo Albarati was murdered in 2013 for interrupting an illicit contraband cellphone business. His actual assassination was initiated by an inmate using a contraband cellphone to contact the gunman as outlined in the indictment.                                                                                                

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General Urges Developed Countries to Double Annual Climate Adaptation Finance to $40 Billion

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the virtual high-level segment of the Sixteenth Petersberg Climate Dialogue, held in New York today:

    Thank you for this opportunity — and for your focus today on collective climate action and acceleration of implementation.  This could not be more timely.  There is much uncertainty and instability in our world. But, today, we meet in the wake of some good news.

    Just this morning, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) officially confirmed that 2024 was a record year for renewables additions to global power capacity.  Renewables represented more than 92 per cent of all new electricity-generation capacity installed last year.

    The amount of renewables added represents more than the total electricity capacity of Brazil and Japan combined.  Europe’s capacity grew by 9 per cent — with Germany contributing more than one quarter of that growth.  Africa’s capacity grew by almost 7 per cent.

    All of this is another reminder of a twenty-first century truth:  Renewables are renewing economies.  They are powering growth, creating jobs, lowering energy bills and cleaning our air. And every day, they become an even smarter investment.

    Since 2010, the average cost of wind power has plunged 60 per cent.  Solar is 90 per cent cheaper.  In 2023, clean energy sectors accounted for 5 per cent of economic growth in India and 6 [per cent] in the United States.  It accounted for a fifth of China’s GDP [gross domestic product] growth, and a third of the European Union’s.

    The economic case for — and opportunities of — climate action have become ever clearer — particularly for those who choose to lead. And leadership is what we need — as today’s IRENA report shows:

    To accelerate the shift to renewables and to correct the imbalances in the transition, which is still starving developing countries — outside China — of the investment needed to fully embrace clean energy.

    As the title of this session puts it so well:  we are indeed at a turning point to the future. In the 10 years since Paris, we have seen other important progress.  Ninety per cent of global emissions are now covered by net-zero targets.

    A decade ago, the planet was on course for a global temperature rise of over 4°C.  Today, countries’ national climate plans — or NDCs [nationally determined contributions] — if fully delivered — will take us closer to a 2.6°C rise.

    At the same time, climate challenges are piling up.  It seems records are shattered at every turn — the hottest day of the hottest month of the hottest year of the hottest decade ever.

    All of this is hitting the vulnerable hardest, and everyday people in their pockets — with higher living costs, higher insurance premiums and higher food prices.  Just last week, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed that 2024 was another alarming year.

    Almost every climate indicator reached new and increasingly dangerous heights — inflaming displacement and food insecurity and inflicting huge economic losses.  And for the first time, the annual global temperature was 1.5°C hotter than pre-industrial times.

    Scientists are clear:  it is still possible to meet the long-term 1.5°C limit.  But, it requires urgent action.  And it requires leadership. I see two critical fronts to drive action.

    First, new national climate plans — or NDCs — due by September.  Investors need certainty and predictability.  These new plans are a unique opportunity to deliver and lay out a coherent vision for a just green transition.  They must align with the 1.5°C limit, as agreed at COP28 [twenty-eighth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change].  And cover all emissions and the whole economy.

    Together, they must reduce global emissions 60 per cent by 2035 compared to 2019 and contribute to the COP28 global energy transition goals.

    All this must be achieved in line with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of national circumstances but everybody, everybody must do more.  The Group of 20 (G20) — the largest emitters and economies — must lead.

    Every country must step up and play their part.  The United Nations is with you all.  President Lula and I are working to secure the highest ambition from the largest economies.

    The United Nations Climate Promise is supporting 100 countries to prepare their new climate plans.  And we will convene a special event in September to take stock of the plans of all countries, push for action to keep 1.5°C within reach, and deliver climate justice.

    Second, we must drive finance to developing countries.  The COP29 finance agreement must be implemented in full.  I count on the leadership of the COP29 and COP30 presidencies to deliver a credible road map to mobilize $1.3 trillion a year by 2035.

    We need new and innovative sources of financing, and credible carbon pricing.  Developed countries must honour their promise to double adaptation finance to at least $40 billion a year, by this year.

    And we need serious contributions to the fund for responding to loss and damage, and to get it up and running.

    We can only meet these goals with stronger collaboration between Governments, and across society and sectors.  Those that will lag behind need to be not a reason for us to be discouraged, but an increase in our commitment to move forward.

    The rewards are there for the taking, for all those ready and willing to lead the world through these troubled times.  We are at a turning point.  I urge you to seize this moment; and seize the prize.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Death at Saskatoon Correctional Centre

    Source: Government of Canada regional news



  • MIL-OSI Canada: Individuals Awarded King Charles III Coronation Medal in Regina

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 26, 2025

    Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal to recipients at Government House in Regina on Tuesday, March 25, and Wednesday, March 26, 2025. These exceptional Saskatchewan residents included members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Canadian Armed Forces.

    “It is a privilege to present Coronation Medals to such deserving people in recognition of their dedicated service to our province and our country,” McIntyre said. “As His Majesty’s representative in Saskatchewan, I am grateful for this opportunity to commemorate The King’s coronation while honouring these recipients for their excellence and willingness to serve and protect our communities.” 

    The King Charles III Coronation Medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, which took place on May 6, 2023. It is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a Coronation. The first Coronation Medal awarded to Saskatchewan citizens took place on May 6, 2024.

    This medal is a tangible way to acknowledge significant contributions and achievements of citizens across the country, while also honouring His Majesty’s service to Canada. The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General will administer the distribution of 30,000 medals on behalf of the Government of Canada through partnerships, including the Government of Saskatchewan.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deadly impacts of childhood stunting can be prevented, WFP insists

    Source: United Nations 2

    Humanitarian Aid

    Childhood stunting from malnutrition is a global but preventable problem if adequate investment can be found, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) said on Wednesday, amid chronic funding shortages that threaten essential feeding programmes.

    Child wasting is the deadliest form of malnutrition and it’s often seen in places of conflict, economic instability and climate crisis, the UN agency told aid leaders gathered in Paris for the fourth Nutrition for Growth Summit.

    Around 33 million children suffer from wasting in the 15 nations most affected. More than $1 billion is needed to support WFP‘s work to combat malnutrition, the agency said.

    “We must prevent child malnutrition before it ever takes hold,” said WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain. “If we fail to act, we are condemning millions of children to a lifetime of suffering. WFP has the knowledge and tools to stop malnutrition in its tracks – what we need is investment and political will.”

    WFP underscored the need to target pregnant women for additional nutritional support because malnutrition often begins during pregnancy, causing half of all deaths among children under five.

    Those who survive face impaired physical and brain development, weakened immune systems, stunted growth and limiting brain development. 

    Humanitarian success story

    In 2024, WFP prevented wasting in nearly 14 million mothers and children by providing fortified foods, nutrition-rich supplements, cash or vouchers for meals and food baskets.

    Despite these successes, the global funding crisis for humanitarian and development work threatens initiatives targeting malnutrition.

    In Yemen, where up to a third of under-fives suffer from wasting, WFP’s only prevention programme implemented in the last 12 months will end in May – unless additional funding is forthcoming.  

    On the brink of famine

    In Sudan, clashes in Zamzam camp, in the North Darfur region, have forced WFP to pause its food assistance for displaced civilians.

    Some two million Sundanese are currently experiencing famine – or are on the brink of famine.

    Without urgent funding, WFP will be compelled to suspend nutrition assistance in April for another two million, including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. ​

    Funding cuts have also had a severe impact on vulnerable populations in hunger-struck Afghanistan, where three out of four families have to borrow money to be able to afford basic groceries.

    Ensuring humanitarian access

    In Jordan, WFP has already slashed monthly cash assistance by one third for the 119,000 Syrian refugees in the Zaatari and Azraq camps.

    Last month in crisis-hit Haiti, one of the poorest countries in the world, WFP said it urgently needed $3.9 to prevent the United Nations Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) from closing down in the next three months.

    The only available aviation support serving the capital Port-au-Prince, the WFP-operated service is crucial in flying in aid workers and delivering supplies to hard-to-reach areas, guaranteeing uninterrupted access for humanitarians.

    WFP said that investing in malnutrition prevention not only improves health but also makes economies stronger.   

    “Low and middle-income countries lose an average of 10 per cent of GDP due to malnutrition through increased healthcare costs and lowered human capital,” WFP said in a statement.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM District 142 Convention Showcases Rising Airline Member Solidarity

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM District 142 recently held its first convention in Las Vegas in six years. The conference featured speakers, including IAM International President Brian Bryant, IAM General Secretary-Treasurer Dora Cervantes, and IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen, along with other union leaders and industry experts. Many discussions encompassed the recent political climate, including negotiations under the Railway Labor Act, and the importance of member education.

    Watch the video report here.

    Delegates also voted on bylaws to shape the district’s future for the next four years. The leadership headed by District 142 President and Directing General Chair John Coveny emphasized the convention’s role in preparing for upcoming negotiations and legislative challenges. The convention aimed to engage members, set future goals, and strengthen the district.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump’s purported ‘Art of the Deal’ negotiating skills aren’t likely to end the Russia-Ukraine war

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Anton Oleinik, Professor of Sociology, Memorial University of Newfoundland

    The White House says Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ceasefire in the Black Sea, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserting the truce was effective immediately while also accusing Russia of lying about the deal’s terms.

    Needless to say, it’s far from clear that United States President Donald Trump’s supposed “Art of the Deal” negotiating skills are enough to broker sustainable peace between Russia and Ukraine given the protagonists’ unwillingness to make concessions and the volatile nature of attempts to broker a peace agreement.

    The war waged by Russia has reached the stage where both Russian and Ukrainian officials fear losing face if they make concessions.

    Both view their enemy as an existential threat. Russian President Vladimir Putin has argued Russian defeat would spell “the end of the 1,000-year history of the Russian state,” while Zelenskyy says Russia’s protracted assault is an overt existential threat and the absence of U.S. support threatens the very survival of his country.

    Both sides have seemed prepared to fight until the bitter end. The involvement of a mediator in the form of the United States, therefore, could potentially change the deadly dynamics of the conflict.

    ‘Love to beat them’

    Trump declares being up to this formidable task. He positions himself as a mediator occupying a middle ground between the protagonists, unlike his predecessor in the Oval Office who supported Ukraine.

    In his ghost-written book The Art of the Deal, Trump claimed to enjoy these sorts of challenges:

    “In New York real estate… you are dealing with some of the sharpest, toughest, and most vicious people in the world… I happen to love to go up against these guys, and I love to beat them.”

    But if mediators, including Trump, are to successfully persuade opposing sides to make a deal, they need to properly understand each side’s motives. To what extent is each side malleable so some common ground can be found? Making a deal always requires compromises and concessions.

    Trump is well aware of this, saying recently of any prospective Russia-Ukraine agreement: “You’re going to have to always make compromises. You can’t do any deals without compromises.”

    Understanding motivations

    David McClelland’s theory of human motivation may be relevant in terms of attempts to broker peace between Ukraine and Russia. The social psychologist argued that three motives — the need for achievement, the need for affiliation and the need for power — explains most human behaviour:

    1. The need for achievement explains the desire to be productive and get results;
    2. Concern about establishing, maintaining or restoring a positive relationship with another person or people underpins the need for affiliation;
    3. The will to dominate, to have an impact on another person or people, is the essence of the need for power.

    McClelland predicted that when the need for power significantly exceeds the need for affiliation, conflicts and wars are likely. He viewed a high “power-minus-affiliation” gap as indicative of what he called the “imperial power motive syndrome.”



    Read more:
    Too much power can do very odd things to a leader’s head

    The metaphor of an empire lies at its origin. The empire’s declared mission is to enlighten, civilize and bring order to its subjects. Leaders with the imperial power motive syndrome show reformist zeal to save others, whether they like it or not.

    The social psychologist Robert Hogenraad subsequently adapted McClelland’s theory for computer-assisted content analysis by developing dictionaries of the three needs.

    If the words associated with the need for power — control, domination, victory, for example — occur more often in a text, speech or news reports than words associated with the need for affiliation — like love, family, friends — then the speaker has the imperial power motive syndrome.

    Hawks vs. doves

    My recently published analysis of war-related speeches delivered by Russian, Ukrainian, American, British and French leaders during the three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine gives some clues about the motivations of the parties involved.

    Compared with their western counterparts, Putin and Zelenskyy exhibit the strongest imperial power motive syndrome and are “hawks.” Their need for power, as expressed through their public speeches, significantly exceeds their need for affiliation. Trump, however, appears similar to that of his arch-rival, former president Joe Biden. Both are closer to the “dovish” end of the scale.

    The preliminary outcomes of talks on a potential ceasefire reveal the challenges faced by mediators.

    First, the talks being held in Saudi Arabia were bilateral, with American officials meeting separately with Russian and Ukrainian delegations, as opposed to trilteral.

    Second, no joint statement followed the talks, although it was widely expected.

    Third, the White House issued two separate statements, one on talks with Ukraine’s representatives and the other on discussions with Russia’s representatives.

    The Ukraine statement includes the commitment to continue the exchange of prisoners of war, the release of civilian detainees and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children, whereas the statement on the talks with Russia does not mention any of this.

    This is despite the fact that the International Criminal Court has accused Putin of committing war crimes via the unlawful deportation of children.

    Trump’s antipathy toward Zelenskyy

    The prospects of a peace agreement is further complicated by the history of Trump’s attempts to broker deals in Ukraine.

    The war in Ukraine actually began in 2014 with the annexation of Crimea and a proxy war in Donbas. Trump was elected president two years later.

    His discourse about Ukraine did not differ significantly from Obama’s and Biden’s until his first impeachment in 2020 for soliciting “the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, to benefit his re-election.”

    His call to Zelenskyy in July 2019 triggered the impeachment. He pushed for two investigations aimed at helping his re-election bid — one into Hunter Biden’s business dealings in Ukraine and another into the hack of Democratic National Committee servers in 2016 — in exchange for releasing about $400 million of military assistance already approved by Congress and inviting Zelenskyy to the White House at that time.

    During and after the first impeachment, Trump’s language on Ukraine significantly diverged from Obama’s and Biden’s. He began using words like “corruption,” “lies” and “hoax” in relation to Ukraine.

    Moving forward

    All this suggests that Trump’s first impeachment has had a lasting impact on his perception of Ukraine and its leader.

    And so in addition to dealing with two protagonists who are unwilling to make concessions, Trump as a mediator faces challenges related to his past.

    One protagonist, Zelenskyy, may unwittingly remind him of one of the darkest moments in his political career — his first impeachment. This fact should be kept in mind when trying to make sense of the treatment received by Zelenskyy during his most recent visit to the White House and Trump’s references to him as a “dictator.”

    To truly succeed in mediation, Trump must move forward, leaving biases and prejudices related to Ukraine and its leader in the past. But can he?

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

    – ref. Trump’s purported ‘Art of the Deal’ negotiating skills aren’t likely to end the Russia-Ukraine war – https://theconversation.com/trumps-purported-art-of-the-deal-negotiating-skills-arent-likely-to-end-the-russia-ukraine-war-252666

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Informal Interactive Dialogue on the Implementation of the Pact for the Future [bilingual, as delivered; scroll down for all-English version]

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this important dialogue — the first of three in the coming months. 

    From day one of the Pact for the Future’s adoption, the President has been its active champion.

    I deeply appreciate your efforts, Mr. President, and your leadership.

    Excellencies,

    Adopting the Pact was the beginning of the process, not the end. 

    Today I want to focus on what we have done over the last six months — and what we need to do.

    We face a long list of challenges.  

    Conflicts and climate disasters are intensifying.  

    The Sustainable Development Goals are far off-track — as is the funding required to achieve them.

    Geopolitical divisions and mistrust are blocking effective action, with some actively questioning the value of international cooperation and the multilateral system itself.

    But let me be very clear.  It is exactly because of these divides and these mistrusts that the Pact for the Future and the two parallel documents are more important than ever.  And the bigger the obstacle, the bigger will be my determination to make things move forward in line with the will expressed by Member States in the Summit of the Future.

    Meanwhile, critical funding is being drastically cut for people in desperate need — with more reductions to come.

    Resources are shrinking across the board — and they have been for a long time. 

    From day one of my mandate, we embarked on an ambitious agenda to become more effective and cost-effective across our organization.

    Earlier this month, I announced the “UN80” initiative to continue this work and intensify it.

    We’re reviewing efficiencies and improvements to current arrangements, the implementation of mandates handed down by Member States, and structural changes and programme realignment.

    All these will contribute for a more effective implementation of the Pact for the Future.

    Excellencies,

    We’ve wasted no time moving into the implementation phase of the Pact.

    From an operational perspective, we established a principal-level steering committee — which I chair — overseeing six working groups focused on action and reforms in key areas:

    Sustainable Development Goals acceleration…peace and security… international financial architecture…digital technologies…UN governance…and youth.

    We’ve created two task teams focusing on future generations and the need to look beyond GDP as a measure of progress and guide to policy-making. 

    And we’re establishing an internal tracking system to monitor our progress on Pact implementation.

    Today, I’d like to report on our efforts since the Pact was adopted, and outline the work ahead in four areas.

    First — peace and security.

    United Nations peace operations help safeguard people and communities in some of the most desperate corners of the world. 

    The Pact represents a commitment to strengthen tools to prevent and address conflict, to ensure that our peace efforts respond to new and emerging threats.

    In November, I issued a report on peacebuilding which included concrete suggestions to strengthen the Peacebuilding Commission and Fund. 

    We’re actively working on the second independent progress study on the positive contribution of young people to peace processes.  

    And we’re progressing on a review of all forms of Peace Operations — as requested in the Pact. 

    Our recent proposals to the Security Council regarding Haiti are a case in point where new approaches can be developed to complex security challenges.

    The review will be an opportunity to help adapt peace operations to today’s realities, and ensure they’re guided by clear and sequenced mandates that are realistic and achievable — with viable exit strategies and transition plans.

    It will also recognize the limitations of our operations where there is little or no peace to keep.

    We will also continue pushing forward on other peace-related priorities of the Pact — including disarmament commitments around nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, lethal autonomous weapons and the growing weaponization of outer space.

    And we will continue advocating — including through the intergovernmental negotiations process — for the Pact’s call to make the Security Council more representative of today’s world and more effective in the capacity to promote peace in the world.

    Second — finance for development.

    Since the Pact’s adoption, we’ve taken action on several fronts.

    For example, our Resident Coordinators and Country Teams are now mapping out how we can accelerate progress at the national levels in close cooperation with the Governments.

    We’ve begun analyzing the impact of military expenditure on the achievement of the SDGs and on our own work at the UN — with a final report out by September.

    The Expert Group called for in the Pact to develop measures of progress that go beyond Gross Domestic Product will soon be announced, and will work throughout the year before an inter-governmental process takes over in 2026.

    And we’ve been working closely with the World Bank and the IMF to follow-up on the Pact’s action points addressing improvements to the international financial system.

    Developing countries must be represented fairly in the governance of the very institutions they depend on.

    We know the environment is not favourable.

    But we must not give up.

    Since the Pact’s adoption, I have also established an expert group to identify practical steps for action on debt.

    In the coming weeks, they will propose a list of achievable outcomes — and release a full report in June in advance of the Financing for Development Conference in Spain.

    Debt relief is a central issue if we want the implementation and the Pact for the Future a reality.

    At the same time, we will continue advocating to increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, to make them bigger and bolder.

    This includes both stretching their balance sheets and recapitalization.

    And we must ensure that concessional finance is deployed where it is most needed.

    Many of these actions depend on decisions of other multilateral institutions and of Member States, but we will not relent in our constant advocacy for what the Pact for the Future has clearly indicated as the way to pursue.

    Three — youth and future generations 

    Our efforts must deliver for young people and the generations to come. 

    The Pact’s central promise to young people is to listen to their concerns and ideas, and including them at the decision-making table.

    Following the establishment of a UN Youth Office in 2022, young people played a key role in shaping the Pact’s priorities.

    With the Pact’s adoption, we’re now progressing towards establishing a Youth Investment Platform to ensure that national funding mechanisms and investment platforms are focused on the needs of young people.

    And we’re developing core principles to strengthen youth engagement across our work at the United Nations — including by broadening the representation of younger colleagues within our organizational structures.

    Through the Declaration on Future Generations, we’re also looking to the generations yet to be born.

    We’ve established a Strategic Foresight Network and Community of Practice, to ensure our policies, programmes and field operations are based on long-term thinking.

    And later this year, I will appoint a Special Envoy for Future Generations to scale up these efforts.

    Quatrièmement : la technologie.

    Nous mettons en œuvre les appels du Pacte mondial pour le numérique pour combler toutes les fractures numériques et veiller à ce que tout le monde puisse bénéficier d’un espace numérique sûr et sécurisé.

    L’intelligence artificielle fait l’objet d’une attention particulière.

    Nous élaborons un rapport sur les options novatrices de financement volontaire qui permettraient de renforcer les capacités en matière d’intelligence artificielle afin d’aider les pays du Sud à exploiter cette technologie au service de l’intérêt général – en tenant compte des recommandations formulées par mon Organe consultatif de haut niveau. 

    Un avant-projet de résolution visant à établir le Groupe scientifique international indépendant sur l’IA et à organiser un Dialogue mondial sur la gouvernance de l’IA a été distribué la semaine dernière – grâce au travail des co-facilitateurs, l’Espagne et le Costa Rica.

    J’invite l’Assemblée générale à agir rapidement pour mettre sur pied ce Groupe et veiller à ce que le savoir-faire et les connaissances en matière d’IA soient mis à la disposition de tous les pays – tout en soutenant le Dialogue mondial.

    L’ensemble du système de l’ONU se tient prêt à soutenir ces travaux.

    Excellences,

    Tout en défendant ces priorités, nous nous attelons par ailleurs à améliorer l’efficience et l’efficacité de nos opérations – comme l’exige le Pacte.

    L’automne dernier, nous avons entrepris une évaluation complète dans l’ensemble des entités de l’ONU afin d’exploiter le potentiel de l’innovation, de l’analyse des données, de la transformation numérique et de la prospective dans l’ensemble de nos travaux – conformément à l’initiative ONU 2.0.

    Les résultats sont déjà au rendez-vous : nous avons par exemple été capable de constater une accélération de l’évaluation des catastrophes dans la région Asie-Pacifique, un renforcement des programmes de sécurité sociale au Malawi, ou encore une consolidation des fonctions relatives à l’informatique dans l’ensemble du système des Nations Unies.

    Ces efforts, où les données sont une question essentielle pour que nous puissions faire une bien meilleure gestion de ces données – ces efforts doivent se poursuivre, en particulier au regard des problèmes de financement auxquels nous devons faire face.

    Nous comptons sur votre soutien pour mener ce travail à bien.

    Excellences,

    Alors que nous œuvrons pour remodeler le système multilatéral et ainsi relever les défis du monde d’aujourd’hui, le Pacte pour l’avenir est un rouage essentiel de ce processus de renouvellement constant.

    Nous ne pouvons pas diluer nos efforts.

    Gardons intact l’esprit et la détermination qui ont permis de forger et d’adopter le Pacte.

    Nous comptons sur vous pour éclairer, inspirer et guider le travail de mise en œuvre à venir.

    Une fois encore, merci pour vos idées et votre engagement.

    ***
    [All-English]

    Mr. President of the General Assembly, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    I thank the President of the General Assembly for convening this important dialogue — the first of three in the coming months. 

    From day one of the Pact for the Future’s adoption, the President has been its active champion.

    I deeply appreciate your efforts, Mr. President, and your leadership.

    Excellencies,

    Adopting the Pact was the beginning of the process, not the end. 

    Today I want to focus on what we have done over the last six months — and what we need to do.

    We face a long list of challenges.  

    Conflicts and climate disasters are intensifying.  

    The Sustainable Development Goals are far off-track — as is the funding required to achieve them.

    Geopolitical divisions and mistrust are blocking effective action, with some actively questioning the value of international cooperation and the multilateral system itself.

    But let me be very clear.  It is exactly because of these divides and these mistrusts that the Pact for the Future and the two parallel documents are more important than ever.  And the bigger the obstacle, the bigger will be my determination to make things move forward in line with the will expressed by Member States in the Summit of the Future.

    Meanwhile, critical funding is being drastically cut for people in desperate need — with more reductions to come.

    Resources are shrinking across the board — and they have been for a long time. 

    From day one of my mandate, we embarked on an ambitious agenda to become more effective and cost-effective across our organization.

    Earlier this month, I announced the “UN80” initiative to continue this work and intensify it.

    We’re reviewing efficiencies and improvements to current arrangements, the implementation of mandates handed down by Member States, and structural changes and programme realignment.

    All these will contribute for a more effective implementation of the Pact for the Future.

    Excellencies,

    We’ve wasted no time moving into the implementation phase of the Pact.

    From an operational perspective, we established a principal-level steering committee — which I chair — overseeing six working groups focused on action and reforms in key areas:

    Sustainable Development Goals acceleration…peace and security… international financial architecture…digital technologies…UN governance…and youth.

    We’ve created two task teams focusing on future generations and the need to look beyond GDP as a measure of progress and guide to policy-making. 

    And we’re establishing an internal tracking system to monitor our progress on Pact implementation.

    Today, I’d like to report on our efforts since the Pact was adopted, and outline the work ahead in four areas.

    First — peace and security.

    United Nations peace operations help safeguard people and communities in some of the most desperate corners of the world. 

    The Pact represents a commitment to strengthen tools to prevent and address conflict, to ensure that our peace efforts respond to new and emerging threats.

    In November, I issued a report on peacebuilding which included concrete suggestions to strengthen the Peacebuilding Commission and Fund. 

    We’re actively working on the second independent progress study on the positive contribution of young people to peace processes.  

    And we’re progressing on a review of all forms of Peace Operations — as requested in the Pact. 

    Our recent proposals to the Security Council regarding Haiti are a case in point where new approaches can be developed to complex security challenges.

    The review will be an opportunity to help adapt peace operations to today’s realities, and ensure they’re guided by clear and sequenced mandates that are realistic and achievable — with viable exit strategies and transition plans.

    It will also recognize the limitations of our operations where there is little or no peace to keep.

    We will also continue pushing forward on other peace-related priorities of the Pact — including disarmament commitments around nuclear, biological and chemical weapons, lethal autonomous weapons and the growing weaponization of outer space.

    And we will continue advocating — including through the intergovernmental negotiations process — for the Pact’s call to make the Security Council more representative of today’s world and more effective in the capacity to promote peace in the world.

    Second — finance for development.

    Since the Pact’s adoption, we’ve taken action on several fronts.

    For example, our Resident Coordinators and Country Teams are now mapping out how we can accelerate progress at the national levels in close cooperation with the Governments.

    We’ve begun analyzing the impact of military expenditure on the achievement of the SDGs and on our own work at the UN — with a final report out by September.

    The Expert Group called for in the Pact to develop measures of progress that go beyond Gross Domestic Product will soon be announced, and will work throughout the year before an inter-governmental process takes over in 2026.

    And we’ve been working closely with the World Bank and the IMF to follow-up on the Pact’s action points addressing improvements to the international financial system.

    Developing countries must be represented fairly in the governance of the very institutions they depend on.

    We know the environment is not favourable.

    But we must not give up.

    Since the Pact’s adoption, I have also established an expert group to identify practical steps for action on debt.

    In the coming weeks, they will propose a list of achievable outcomes — and release a full report in June in advance of the Financing for Development Conference in Spain.

    Debt relief is a central issue if we want the implementation and the Pact for the Future a reality.

    At the same time, we will continue advocating to increase the lending capacity of Multilateral Development Banks, to make them bigger and bolder.

    This includes both stretching their balance sheets and recapitalization.

    And we must ensure that concessional finance is deployed where it is most needed.

    Many of these actions depend on decisions of other multilateral institutions and of Member States, but we will not relent in our constant advocacy for what the Pact for the Future has clearly indicated as the way to pursue.

    Three — youth and future generations 

    Our efforts must deliver for young people and the generations to come. 

    The Pact’s central promise to young people is to listen to their concerns and ideas, and including them at the decision-making table.

    Following the establishment of a UN Youth Office in 2022, young people played a key role in shaping the Pact’s priorities.

    With the Pact’s adoption, we’re now progressing towards establishing a Youth Investment Platform to ensure that national funding mechanisms and investment platforms are focused on the needs of young people.

    And we’re developing core principles to strengthen youth engagement across our work at the United Nations — including by broadening the representation of younger colleagues within our organizational structures.

    Through the Declaration on Future Generations, we’re also looking to the generations yet to be born.

    We’ve established a Strategic Foresight Network and Community of Practice, to ensure our policies, programmes and field operations are based on long-term thinking.

    And later this year, I will appoint a Special Envoy for Future Generations to scale up these efforts.

    Fourth — technology.

    We’re implementing the Global Digital Compact’s calls to close all digital divides and ensure all people benefit from a safe and secure digital space.

    Artificial Intelligence is a particular focus.

    We’re developing a report on innovative voluntary financing options for AI capacity-building to help the Global South harness AI for the greater good, taking into account the recommendations of my High-Level Advisory Body. 

    The zero draft resolution to establish the International Independent Scientific Panel on AI and convene a Global Dialogue on AI Governance was also circulated last week — thanks to the work of the co-facilitators, Spain and Costa Rica.

    I urge the General Assembly to act swiftly to establish this Panel, and ensure that AI expertise and knowledge are available to all countries, while supporting the Global Dialogue.

    The UN system stands ready to support this work.

    Excellencies,

    As we push for these priorities, we’re also improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations, as called for by the Pact.

    Last fall, we undertook a comprehensive assessment across UN entities to harness the potential of innovation, data analytics, digital transformation and foresight across our work — as called for in the UN 2.0 initiative.

    We’re already seeing results: from speeding-up disaster assessments in the Asia-Pacific, to strengthening social security programmes in Malawi, to consolidating Information Technology functions across the UN System.

    This work must continue — especially in light of the funding challenges we face.

    We’re counting on your support as we move forward.

    Excellencies,

    The Pact for the Future is an essential part of this process of constant renewal, as we re-shape the multilateral system for the challenges of today’s world.

    We cannot dilute our efforts.

    We need to sustain the same spirit and determination in which the Pact was forged and adopted.

    We count on you to inform, inspire and guide the implementation work ahead.

    Once again, thank you for your ideas and commitment. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Digicel and Caban Energy Combat Climate Change With Solar Rollout

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KINGSTON, Jamaica, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a powerful statement of its commitment to environmental responsibility and combatting climate change, Digicel today announced a partnership with Caban Energy (Caban) which will diversify its energy source using solar technology and reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while significantly reducing operational costs.

    This partnership in renewable energy infrastructure will support the Caribbean region in achieving its sustainability goals as outlined in the Paris Agreement. As a leader in renewable energy, Caban is working to deploy solar energy and storage solutions on cell towers across Jamaica for Digicel, both in collaboration with Phoenix Tower International (PTI) and independently.

    Providing a reliable, sustainable and cost-effective alternative power source for cell tower, data centers and other critical infrastructure locations, solar energy and storage solutions enhance network reliability, energy security and communications resilience. By integrating renewable energy into its network once fully deployed, Digicel will reduce GHG emissions by over 38,674 tons of CO2e per year or 580,109 tons of CO2e for the life of the project.

    Commenting on the partnership, Digicel Group CEO, Marcelo Cataldo, said; “As a meaningful expression of our Connecting. Empowering mission, our commitment to ESG is fundamental to who we are as a business. With robust social and governance programmes in place, we’re now making tangible progress in our environmental agenda as we drive multiple benefits through the deployment of sustainable, renewable and cost-effective energy solutions. Jamaica is our first market with Caban and is the shape of things to come with the expectation that more of our 25 markets will come on stream in the coming months.”

    Stephen Murad, Digicel Jamaica CEO, elaborates; “In the wake of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024 which caused significant damage to the south coast of Jamaica, and in particular to the power supplies that we rely on to run our telecoms infrastructure, we made a commitment to the Prime Minister of Jamaica that we would invest in renewable energy. We’re proud that just eight months later, we’re honouring that commitment and actively stepping up to help combat climate change.”

    Alexandra Rasch, CEO of Caban, commented; “This is about building a sustainable future for all. With Caribbean countries at the forefront of the negative effects of climate change, the region’s energy landscape is evolving. Mindful of its ESG commitments, Digicel is partnering with us to harness renewable energy sources to benefit those same countries and enable their progress towards achieving national and global climate targets. It makes for an exciting future.”

    About Digicel

    Enabling customers to live, work, play and flourish in a connected world, Digicel’s world class LTE and fibre networks deliver state-of-the-art mobile, home and business solutions.

    Serving nine million consumer and business customers in 25 markets in the Caribbean and Central America, our investments of over US$5 billion and a commitment to our communities through our Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago have contributed to positive outcomes for over two million people to date.

    With our Connecting. Empowering vision at the heart of everything we do – supported by our DIGI values of Diversity, Integrity, Growth and Innovation – our 5,000 employees worldwide work together to make that a powerful reality for customers, communities and countries day in, day out. Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more.

    About Caban

    Caban, founded in 2018, set out to tackle the challenge of decarbonizing the most fossil fuel-dependent industries. Initially focused on providing alternative energy solutions for the telecommunications industry in the Americas, the company has since grown and demonstrated success in supplying energy to several of the world’s largest telecom operators. Building on this momentum, Caban has scaled globally and expanded its reach to support clean energy needs across critical infrastructure sectors worldwide.

    Caban uniquely combines service, hardware, software, and finance to deliver reliable, clean power and boosts your bottom line. This turnkey approach allows you to work directly with one trusted ESG partner to achieve decarbonization across your operations. Visit www.cabanenergy.com for more.

    Contact:
    Antonia Graham
    Head of Group Communications
    +1876 564 1708
    antonia.graham@digicelgroup.com

    Jacqueline Castillo
    info@cabanenergy.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Voter Contact Registry now open

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    March 26, 2025—Gatineau—Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC)

    The Canada Elections Act requires the CRTC to establish and maintain the Voter Contact Registry. The registry helps ensure transparency in voter contact calls made during a federal election.

    Callers who use third parties or devices to send pre-recorded messages must register with the CRTC within 48 hours of making the first call. Candidates and political parties who use their own staff or volunteers to make live phone calls do not have to register.

    To register, individuals and organizations can visit the CRTC’s website.

    Quick facts

    • The CRTC is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record.
    • Those who use a third party (also known as “calling service providers”) or automatic dialing-announcing devices to make calls and send pre-recorded messages to voters (also known as “robocalls”) must register with the CRTC.  
    • Registrations for the Voter Contact Registry close 48 hours after the federal election of April 28, 2025.
    • Canadians who suspect non-compliance can submit a complaint to the CRTC.

    Associated links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Daily physical activity, even at light intensities, linked to lower cancer risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    News Release
    Wednesday, March 26, 2025

    NIH study finds number of steps taken daily may be more important for cancer risk than the intensity of activity.
    What
    In a prospective cohort study of more than 85,000 adults in the United Kingdom, researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and University of Oxford found that individuals who engaged in light- and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity daily physical activity had a lower risk of cancer than individuals who were more sedentary. The findings, published March 26, 2025, in British Journal of Sports Medicine, are among the first to evaluate the cancer risk reduction associated with light intensity activities such as doing errands and performing household chores.
    Previous studies have shown an inverse association between physical activity and cancer risk, but most of these studies relied on self-reported questionnaires, which may not accurately capture the intensity of different activities. Earlier studies that used objective measures were focused on higher-intensity physical activity. In the new study, led by researchers from NIH’s National Cancer Institute, participants in the UK Biobank study (median age of 63) wore wrist accelerometers that tracked total daily activity, activity intensity, and daily step count over a period of one week. The researchers then looked at the relationship between the daily averages and incidence of 13 cancer types, including breast and colorectal cancer, previously associated with physical activity.
    After a mean follow-up of 5.8 years, 2,633 participants had been diagnosed with one of the 13 cancer types. Individuals with the highest total amount of daily physical activity had a 26% lower risk of developing cancer than individuals who had the lowest amount of daily physical activity. The researchers also explored the impact of replacing daily sedentary time with light- and moderate-to-vigorous-intensity physical activity and found that this shift was associated with a reduced risk of cancer. The associations between physical activity and cancer risk remained even after researchers adjusted for demographic factors, lifestyle factors, body mass index (BMI), and other health conditions.
    Higher daily step count, but not the pace of the steps (step intensity), was also associated with a lower risk of cancer. Compared with cancer risk in those taking 5,000 steps per day, cancer risk was 11% lower for those taking 7,000 steps per day and 16% lower for those taking 9,000 steps per day. Beyond 9,000 steps, the risk reduction plateaued. The researchers suggested that less physically active individuals may lower their cancer risk by incorporating more walking, at any pace, into their daily routine.
    Who
    Alaina Shreves, M.S., Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, and Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford
    Reference
    “Amount and intensity of dail total physical activity, step count and risk of incident cancer in the UK Biobank” appears March 26, 2025, in British Journal of Sports Medicine.
    About the National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI leads the National Cancer Program and NIH’s efforts to dramatically reduce the prevalence of cancer and improve the lives of people with cancer. NCI supports a wide range of cancer research and training extramurally through grants and contracts. NCI’s intramural research program conducts innovative, transdisciplinary basic, translational, clinical, and epidemiological research on the causes of cancer, avenues for prevention, risk prediction, early detection, and treatment, including research at the NIH Clinical Center—the world’s largest research hospital. Learn more about the intramural research done in NCI’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI website at cancer.gov or call NCI’s Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
    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: Defense Contractor MORSECORP Inc. Agrees to Pay $4.6 Million to Settle Cybersecurity Fraud Allegations

    Source: US State of Vermont

    MORSECORP Inc. (MORSE), of Cambridge, Massachusetts, has agreed to pay $4.6 million to resolve allegations that MORSE violated the False Claims Act by failing to comply with cybersecurity requirements in its contracts with the Departments of the Army and Air Force.  

    The settlement resolves allegations that MORSE submitted false or fraudulent claims for payment on contracts with the Departments of the Army and Air Force, and that those claims were false or fraudulent because Morse knew it had not complied with those contracts’ cybersecurity requirements. As part of the settlement, MORSE admitted, acknowledged and accepted responsibility for the following facts:

    • From January 2018 to September 2022, MORSE used a third-party company to host MORSE’s emails without requiring and ensuring that the third party met security requirements equivalent to the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program Moderate baseline and complied with the Department of Defense’s requirements for cyber incident reporting, malicious software, media preservation and protection, access to additional information and equipment necessary for forensic analysis and cyber incident damage assessment;
    • The contracts required that MORSE implement all cybersecurity controls in National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publication (SP) 800-171, but from January 2018 to February 2023, MORSE had not fully implemented all those controls, including controls that, if not implemented, could lead to significant exploitation of the network or exfiltration of controlled defense information and controls that could have a specific and confined effect on the security of the network and its data;
    • From January 2018 to January 2021, despite the contracts’ system security plan requirement, MORSE did not have a consolidated written plan for each of its covered information systems describing system boundaries, system environments of operation, how security requirements are implemented and the relationships with or connections to other systems;
    • In January 2021, MORSE submitted to the Department of Defense a score of 104 for its implementation of the NIST SP 800-171 security controls. That score was near the top of the possible score range from -203 to 110. In July 2022, a third-party cybersecurity consultant notified MORSE that its score was actually -142. MORSE did not update its score in the Department of Defense reporting system until June 2023 — three months after the United States served MORSE with a subpoena concerning its cybersecurity practices.

    “Federal contractors must fulfill their obligations to protect sensitive government information from cyber threats,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “We will continue to hold contractors to their commitments to follow cybersecurity standards to ensure that federal agencies and taxpayers get what they paid for, and make sure that contractors who follow the rules are not at a competitive disadvantage.”  

    “We are pleased with today’s settlement, which further demonstrates the resolve of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division and our law enforcement partners to protect and defend the assets of the United States Army and Department of Defense,” said Special Agent in Charge Keith K. Kelly of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division Fraud Field Office. “We’re committed to protecting the warfighter and maintaining the Army’s operational readiness while holding those who engage in such acts accountable.”

    “Failure to implement cybersecurity requirements can have devastating consequences, leaving sensitive DoD data vulnerable to cyber threats and malicious actors,” said Special Agent in Charge William W. Richards of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI). “AFOSI, alongside our investigative partners and the Department of Justice, will continue to combat fraud affecting the Department of the Air Force and hold those accountable that fail to properly safeguard sensitive defense information.”

    “Protecting the integrity of Department of Defense (DoD) procurement activities is a top priority for the DoD Office of Inspector General’s Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS),” said Special Agent in Charge Patrick J. Hegarty of the DCIS Northeast Field Office. “Failing to comply with DoD contract specifications and cybersecurity requirements puts DoD information and programs at risk. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners and the Department of Justice to investigate allegations of false claims on DoD contracts.”

    The settlement resolves a lawsuit filed under the whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act, which permit private parties to sue on behalf of the government when they believe that a defendant has submitted false claims for government funds and receive a share of any recovery. The settlement in this case provides for the whistleblower to receive an $851,000 share of the settlement amount. The qui tam case is captioned United States ex rel. Berich v. MORSECORP Inc. et al., No. 23-cv-10130 (D. Mass.).  

    The settlement announced today was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, with assistance from the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s Fraud Field Office, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, DCIS and the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General. The matter was handled by Brian LaMacchia, Chief of the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Unit, Assistant U.S. Attorney Julien Mundele in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and DOJ Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Terranova. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Medicare Advantage Provider Seoul Medical Group and Related Parties to Pay Over $62M to Settle False Claims Act Suit

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    Seoul Medical Group Inc. and its subsidiary Advanced Medical Management Inc., headquartered in California, have agreed to pay $58,740,000 and their former president and majority owner, Dr. Min Young Cha, has agreed to pay $1,760,000 for allegedly violating the False Claims Act by causing the submission of false diagnosis codes for two spinal conditions to increase payments from the Medicare Advantage program. Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates Inc., a California-based radiology group that worked with Seoul Medical, has also agreed to pay $2,350,000, for allegedly conspiring with Seoul Medical Group in connection with the false diagnoses for the two spinal conditions.

    Under Medicare Advantage, also known as the Medicare Part C program, Medicare beneficiaries have the option of enrolling in managed care insurance plans called Medicare Advantage Plans (MA Plans) and the MA Plans contract with healthcare providers, such as Seoul Medical Group, to provide the Medicare-covered benefits. MA Plans are paid a per-person amount to provide the care to their enrollees and, in turn, the MA Plans pay the providers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which oversees the Medicare program, adjusts the payments to MA Plans based on demographic information and the health diagnoses of each plan beneficiary. The adjustments are commonly referred to as “risk scores.” In general, a beneficiary with diagnoses that are more expensive to treat will have a higher risk score, and CMS will make a larger risk-adjusted payment to the MA Plan for that beneficiary.

    Seoul Medical Group is a healthcare provider that started in 1993 in Los Angeles and has since expanded into at least six states and has employed at times 150 primary care providers and 1,000 specialists. Dr. Min Young Cha started Seoul Medical Group and until 2023 was president and majority owner.

    Allegedly, from 2015 to 2021, Seoul Medical Group and Dr. Cha submitted diagnoses for two severe spinal conditions, spinal enthesopathy and sacroiliitis, for patients who did not suffer from either of these conditions. When Seoul Medical Group was questioned by an MA Plan about its use of spinal enthesopathy, Seoul Medical Group enlisted the assistance of Renaissance Imaging Medical Associates to create radiology reports that appeared to support the spinal enthesopathy diagnosis. Both diagnoses resulted in an increase in payment from CMS to the MA Plan, and the MA Plan then passed along a portion of the increased payment to Seoul Medical Group.

    “Medicare Advantage is a vital program for our seniors and the government expects healthcare providers who participate in the program to provide truthful and accurate information,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Yaakov M. Roth of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s result sends a clear message to the Medicare Advantage community that the United States will zealously pursue appropriate action against those who knowingly submit false claims for taxpayer funds.”

    “My office is committed to ensuring that healthcare providers are held accountable for unlawful misrepresentations to Medicare and other healthcare programs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally for the Central District of California. “As this settlement makes clear, we will diligently pursue those who defraud government programs.”

    “Providers who game the Medicare program to increase profit undermine the foundation of care and diminish patient trust in the nation’s public health care system,” said Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). “HHS-OIG will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and rigorously probe false claims to the fullest extent possible.”

    The civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Paul Pew, the former Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Advanced Medical Management. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery.  The qui tam case is captioned U.S. ex rel. Pew v. Seoul Medical Group, Inc., et al., No. 2:20-cv-05156 (C.D. Cal.). The relator’s share of the settlement has not yet been determined.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, with assistance from the Department of HHS-OIG.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The matter was investigated by Fraud Section Attorneys J. Jennifer Koh and Robbin O. Lee and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Paik for the Central District of California.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Federal Debt and the Statutory Limit, March 2025

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    The debt limit—commonly called the debt ceiling—is the maximum amount of debt that the Department of the Treasury can issue to the public or to other federal agencies. The amount is set by law and has been increased or suspended over the years to allow for the additional borrowing needed to finance the government’s operations.

    On June 3, 2023, lawmakers suspended the debt limit through January 1, 2025. On January 2, 2025, that limit was reinstated at $36.1 trillion—the amount of debt outstanding on the previous day. At that time, a scheduled redemption of securities held by a Medicare trust fund lowered outstanding debt by $54 billion, giving the Treasury room for additional borrowing. That redemption forestalled the beginning of a “debt issuance suspension period” until January 21, 2025. During such a period, the Treasury can pause investments in the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund (CSRDF) and the Postal Service Retiree Health Benefits Fund (PSRHBF) to free up room to borrow additional funds without breaching the debt ceiling. In addition, other well-established “extraordinary measures” are available to the Treasury to supplement cash balances and finance ongoing government operations.

    The Congressional Budget Office estimates that if the debt limit remains unchanged, the government’s ability to borrow using extraordinary measures will probably be exhausted in August or September 2025. The projected exhaustion date is uncertain because the timing and amount of revenue collections and outlays over the intervening months could differ from CBO’s projections. If the government’s borrowing needs are significantly greater than CBO projects, the Treasury’s resources could be exhausted in late May or sometime in June, before tax payments due in mid-June are received or before additional extraordinary measures become available on June 30. Conversely, if borrowing needs fall short of the amounts in CBO’s projections, the extraordinary measures will permit the Treasury to continue financing government activities longer than expected.

    If the debt limit is not raised or suspended before the extraordinary measures are exhausted, the government will be unable to pay all of its obligations. As a result, it would have to delay making payments for some activities, default on its debt obligations, or both.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy Announces Creation of Nonprofit Organization to Honor Former Senator Sheila McNeill

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (March 26, 2025) — Last week, Senate President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon) honored former State Senator Sheila McNeill, who served the 3rd Senate District from 2021 to 2023, by forming a nonprofit organization in her name. The Sheila McNeill Legacy Scholarship Fund will provide financial support to a Naval midshipman attending the United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland, recognizing McNeill’s lifelong dedication to the U.S. Navy and the Navy Submarine Base at Kings Bay, Georgia.

    “I was proud to see the Senate establish the Sheila McNeill Legacy Scholarship Fund and commemorate the life and legacy of a dear friend,” said Sen. Kennedy. “There is no better way to pay tribute to an extraordinary leader like Sheila McNeill than aiding the next generation of military service members. By providing a stipend for one semester, our fund ensures that a dedicated midshipman has financial support for additional expenses not covered by the Academy, such as personal and academic necessities. This assistance allows recipients to focus fully on their rigorous education and leadership training without undue financial stress. Sheila was a steadfast advocate for our nation’s defense, and I know she would be proud to see her lifelong mission continue through this non-profit.”

    Sen. Mike Hodges (R–Brunswick), who now serves the 3rd Senate District, added, “Sheila was a great friend, an exceptional legislator and a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Having known her and her family from the time we grew up together in church, I knew that Sheila’s dedication to serving her family and community and her sense of purpose was unmatched. I am proud to participate in the Sheila McNeill Legacy Scholarship Fund and honored to dedicate a portion of State Route 40 as the Sen. Sheila McNeill Memorial Highway.”

    During her tenure in the Georgia Senate, Sheila McNeill was a fierce advocate for veterans and military service members. Additionally, she made history as the first and only woman to serve as National President of the Navy League of the United States (2003-2005). Former Sen. McNeill passed away in August 2024, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service.  

    For those who wish to support this cause, donations can be made to the Shelia McNeill Legacy Scholarship Fund:

    ·       Checks may be dropped off at the Office of the Senate President Pro Tempore, Room 321 in the State Capitol.

    ·       Checks may also be mailed to PO Box 1738, Roswell, GA 30077.

    # # # #

    Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District, which includes Crawford, Monroe, Peach and Upson counties, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston counties. He may be reached at (404) 656-6578 or by email at John.Kennedy@senate.ga.gov.

    Sen. Mike Hodges serves as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting. He represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes Brantley, Camden, Charlton, Glynn, McIntosh, and a portion of Ware County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 463-1309 or by email at Mike.Hodges@senate.ga.gov.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS Partners with Hazel Health to Provide Virtual Mental Health Services for K-12 Students in North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS Partners with Hazel Health to Provide Virtual Mental Health Services for K-12 Students in North Carolina

    NCDHHS Partners with Hazel Health to Provide Virtual Mental Health Services for K-12 Students in North Carolina
    jwerner

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today announced students across North Carolina will soon have access to high-quality, virtual mental health care through Hazel Health. This initiative, supported through an investment by UnitedHealthcare, is part of a broader effort announced last year to provide virtual school-centered mental health care for up to one million students across select states nationwide.

    Through this initiative, nearly 400,000 students – amounting to almost 30% of North Carolina’s K-12 student population – will have access to Hazel Health’s mental health services. Once Hazel is implemented, any student who is enrolled within participating districts will be able to access one of Hazel’s on-staff, licensed therapists before, during and after the school day. Hazel Health services will go live in late March 2025, beginning with Harnett County Schools and Durham Public Schools, with more districts to be added in the coming weeks.

    “Services like school-based telehealth are critical to improving access to mental health care because they meet children and families where they are with the care they need,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “We look forward to partnering with our public schools and Hazel Health to further the department’s ongoing work to transform North Carolina’s mental health system and create better outcomes for children and families.”

    More than 1 in 3 high school students in North Carolina have reported feeling sad or hopeless, along with almost 1 in 3 middle school students.  While there are early signs signaling improvement, the numbers still paint a grim picture of the health and wellbeing of our nation’s youngest generation.

    “Many children in schools lack access to essential mental health services, with barriers ranging from provider shortages to cost,” said Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Use Services.  “Schools are an essential part of a child’s life, so expanding access to direct mental health care in school addresses the gap in care and can improve a child’s wellbeing, academic performance, social relationships and long-term development.” 

    “Mental health challenges—such as anxiety, depression, and trauma—can severely impact a child’s ability to learn, socialize, and thrive,” said Yvonne Copeland, Director of the NCDHHS Division of Child and Family Well-being. “Many students face barriers to accessing professional mental health support, including transportation issues, long wait times, stigma, and financial constraints. By bringing tele-behavioral health care services to schools, we can remove those barriers and address concerns earlier, setting children up for long-term success.”

    “School-based healthcare is essential to removing obstacles to care, such as transportation and time limitations, to allow for early identification and treatment of behavioral conditions for children of all ages,” said Anita Bachmann, CEO, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina. “We are honored to collaborate with NCDHHS and Hazel Health to ensure that students in select districts – including Harnett and Durham Public Schools – have access to critical mental health services to help them be successful in and out of the classroom.”

    “The cross-functional, public-private partnership in North Carolina shows a deep commitment to ensuring that all students have access to the mental health support they need,” said Andrew Post, President, Hazel Health. “When we prioritize student wellbeing and health now, we’re doing more than boosting their academic achievements – we’re building the groundwork for them to thrive throughout their entire lives.”

    Hazel Health, the nation’s largest provider of school-centered telehealth, serves over 5 million students in 18 states. A third-party study conducted by Clemson University found that 75% of students who participated in Hazel’s online therapy program experienced clinically significant reductions in depression and anxiety after an average of six sessions. Additionally, early research also indicates that Hazel’s therapy program can combat chronic absenteeism. One emerging data point: 68% of students who engaged with Hazel’s therapy program improved their attendance–and over 30% had zero absences!–since their referral to Hazel.
    To learn more, please visit hazel.co.

    About Hazel Health
    Hazel Health is the nation’s largest and most trusted provider of school-based telehealth. By partnering with districts and health plans across the country, Hazel transforms schools into the most accessible front door to pediatric healthcare. Today, Hazel’s licensed providers deliver teletherapy and virtual care (in school or at home) to over four million K-12 students, regardless of their ability to pay. Hazel aims to remove all barriers to the mental and physical health care that children need to thrive in school, at home, and in life. Learn more at hazel.co.

    About the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
    NCDHHS manages the delivery of health and human services for all North Carolinians, especially our most vulnerable populations – children, people with disabilities, older adults, and low-income families. Our vision is to advance innovative solutions that foster independence, improve health and safety, and promote well-being in every community across the state. The department works closely with health care professionals, community leaders and advocacy groups; local, state and federal entities; and many other stakeholders to make this happen. Visit ncdhhs.gov.

    El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte anunció hoy que los estudiantes de Carolina del Norte pronto tendrán acceso a atención de salud mental virtual de alta calidad a través de Hazel Health. Esta iniciativa, respaldada a través de una inversión de UnitedHealthcare, es parte de un esfuerzo más amplio anunciado el año pasado para proporcionar atención de salud mental virtual centrada en la escuela para hasta un millón de estudiantes en determinados estados del país.

    A través de esta iniciativa, casi 400,000 estudiantes, que representan casi el 30% de la población estudiantil de grados K a 12 de Carolina del Norte, tendrán acceso a los servicios de salud mental de Hazel Health. Una vez que Hazel se haya implementado, cualquier estudiante que esté inscrito dentro de los distritos participantes podrá acceder a uno de los terapeutas con licencia en el personal de Hazel antes, durante y después del día escolar. Los servicios de Hazel Health comenzarán a funcionar a fines de marzo de 2025, comenzando con las Escuelas Públicas de los condados de Harnett y las escuelas públicas del condado de Durham, y se agregarán más distritos en las próximas semanas.

    “Los servicios como la telesalud escolar son fundamentales para mejorar el acceso a la atención de salud mental, ya que reúnen a los niños y las familias donde se encuentran con la atención que necesitan”, dijo Dev Sangvai, secretario de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte. “Esperamos colaborar con nuestras escuelas públicas y Hazel Health para promover el trabajo continuo del departamento para transformar el sistema de salud mental de Carolina del Norte y crear mejores resultados para los niños y las familias”.

    Más de 1 de cada 3 estudiantes de secundaria en Carolina del Norte han informado sentirse tristes o desesperanzados, junto con casi 1 de cada 3 estudiantes de secundaria. Si bien hay señales tempranas que indican una mejora, los números aún pintan un panorama sombrío de la salud y el bienestar de la generación más joven de nuestra nación.

    “Muchos niños en las escuelas carecen el acceso a servicios esenciales de salud mental, con barreras que van desde la escasez de proveedores hasta el costo”, dijo Kelly Crosbie, MSW, LCSW, directora de la División de Salud Mental, Discapacidades del Desarrollo y Servicios de Uso de Sustancias de NCDHHS.  “Las escuelas son una parte esencial de la vida de un niño, por lo que ampliar el acceso a la atención directa de salud mental en la escuela aborda las carencias en la atención asistencial y puede mejorar el bienestar, el rendimiento académico, las relaciones sociales y el desarrollo a largo plazo de un niño”.

    “Los problemas de salud mental, como la ansiedad, la depresión y el trauma, pueden afectar gravemente la capacidad de un niño para aprender, socializar y prosperar”, dijo Yvonne Copeland, directora de la División de Bienestar Infantil y Familiar de NCDHHS. “Muchos estudiantes enfrentan barreras para acceder al apoyo profesional de salud mental, los problemas de transporte, largos tiempos de espera, estigma y limitaciones financieras. Al llevar los servicios de atención médica teleconductual a las escuelas, podemos eliminar esas barreras y abordar las preocupaciones antes, preparando a los niños para el éxito a largo plazo”.

    “La atención médica escolar es esencial para eliminar los obstáculos a la atención, como el transporte y las limitaciones de tiempo, para permitir la identificación temprana y el tratamiento de las condiciones de comportamiento de los niños de todas las edades”, dijo Anita Bachmann, CEO de UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of North Carolina. “Nos sentimos honrados de colaborar con NCDHHS y Hazel Health para garantizar que los alumnos de las escuelas en distritos seleccionados incluso las escuelas públicas de Harnett y Durham, tengan acceso a servicios críticos de salud mental para ayudarlos a tener éxito dentro y fuera del aula”.

    “La asociación multifuncional público-privada en Carolina del Norte muestra un profundo compromiso para garantizar que todos los estudiantes tengan acceso al apoyo de salud mental que necesitan”, dijo Andrew Post, presidente de Hazel Health. “Cuando priorizamos el bienestar y la salud de los estudiantes ahora, estamos haciendo más que aumentar sus logros académicos: estamos sentando las bases para que prosperen durante toda su vida”.

    Hazel Health, el mayor proveedor nacional de telesalud centrada en la escuela, atiende a más de 5 millones de estudiantes en 18 estados. Un estudio de terceros realizado por la Universidad de Clemson encontró que el 75% de los estudiantes que participaron en el programa de terapia en línea de Hazel experimentaron reducciones clínicamente significativas en la depresión y la ansiedad después de un promedio de seis sesiones. Además, las primeras investigaciones también indican que el programa de terapia de Hazel puede combatir el ausentismo crónico. Un dato emergente: el 68% de los alumnos que participaron en el programa de terapia de Hazel mejoraron su asistencia, ¡y más del 30% tuvieron cero ausencias!, desde su remisión a Hazel.
    Para obtener más información, visite hazel.co.

    Acerca de Hazel Health
    Hazel Health es el proveedor de telesalud escolar más grande y de mayor confianza del país. Al asociarse con distritos y planes de salud en todo el país, Hazel transforma las escuelas en la puerta de entrada más accesible a la atención médica pediátrica. Hoy en día, los proveedores con licencia de Hazel brindan teleterapia y atención virtual (en la escuela o en el hogar) a más de cuatro millones de estudiantes de grados K a 12, independientemente de su capacidad de pago. Hazel tiene como objetivo eliminar todas las barreras a la atención de salud mental y física que los niños necesitan para prosperar en la escuela, en el hogar y en la vida. Más información en hazel.co.

    Acerca del Departamento de Salud Y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte
    NCDHHS gestiona la prestación de servicios de salud y humanos para todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte, especialmente nuestras poblaciones más vulnerables: niños, personas con discapacidades, adultos mayores y familias de bajos ingresos. Nuestra visión es avanzar en soluciones innovadoras que fomenten la independencia, mejoren la salud y la seguridad, y promuevan el bienestar en todas las comunidades del estado. El departamento trabaja en estrecha colaboración con profesionales de la salud, líderes comunitarios y grupos de abogacía; entidades locales, estatales y federales; y muchas otras partes interesadas para que esto suceda. Visite ncdhhs.gov.

    Mar 26, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Snow White: this opportunity to empower Disney’s first princess falls short at every turn

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Laura O’Flanagan, PhD Candidate, School of English, Dublin City University

    Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was a wonder of animation and cinema when it was first released by Disney in 1937. Based on the 1812 German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, it tells the story of a princess whose wicked step mother is intimidated by her youthful beauty. Desperate to be the “fairest of them all” the evil queen tries to have Snow White killed. Evading death, she is forced into hiding with seven dwarves.

    It was Disney’s first animated feature-length film and a critical and commercial success. Snow White was also the first Disney princess.

    In the decades since, Disney’s pantheon of princesses has grown. Alongside newer princess, Snow White seems pretty antiquated and uninspiring. She is a passive, innocent character who doesn’t do very much but wait around for her prince with whom she travels into the sunset at the film’s conclusion. In contrast, Moana (2016) and Elsa from Frozen (2013) are strong and independent characters who develop into thoughtful and careful leaders by the end of their stories.

    So, in an age of live-action remakes of some of Disney’s most iconic films it seemed fitting to give the character who started it all an update for modern audiences. However, the production was mired in controversy before it was even released, raising questions about whether Snow White is a story that can ever really be retold in a more empowering way.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Changing the story to move with the times is in keeping with traditions of oral folk tales. But, controversy has followed the film since it was announced. As a result, Disney scaled back their usual red carpet premieres and it has been critically panned upon release.

    To many, the prospect of an updated, less romantically inclined Snow White was unthinkable. Some online commenters dubbed a Snow White story where the princess is not dreaming of true love “woke”.

    There was also backlash against the choice of Rachel Zegler as Snow White because of her Colombian background. The live-action Snow White isn’t the first remake to be the source of such racism. The ire echoes the hatred which accompanied 2023’s The Little Mermaid, when black actress Halle Bailey was cast as Ariel.

    There were also those who had concerns about the story, particularly the titular seven dwarves. Actor Peter Dinklage, who has a form of dwarfism, has condemned the production’s use of CGI, rather than casting dwarf actors to play Snow White’s mining companions. The story’s representation of people with dwarfism, has led some to say that the story shouldn’t be retold altogether.



    Read more:
    Why the changing representation of dwarfism in Disney’s live action Snow White remake is so important

    However, there are some aspects of the story that could have provided interesting opportunities to explore modern issues.

    For instance, it could have thoughtfully explored female ageing through the character of the evil queen. It could also, perhaps, have commented on the politics of beauty and the pressure for consumers in their teens and twenties, who have started buying beauty products at younger ages than ever before.

    Like Frozen’s tale of sisters saving each other, it could have subverted the trope of the damsel in distress saved by her prince charming. Snow White could have been a strong heroine who can overcome evil on her own terms.

    The story could have revised mistakes of the past and depicted different body types and people of different sizes and statures. It could also have portrayed consensual kisses by updating the kiss Snow White receives while asleep, turning it into a moment she chooses to participate in.

    Unfortunately, the new Snow White does not achieve any of these, or really anything much at all. The result is a dull, pointless story with poorly rendered visuals, cheap-looking costumes and lacklustre musical numbers.

    Falling short

    The 1937 film was a technical marvel and remains one of Disney’s visual masterpieces. Snow White of 2025 looks like she is gallivanting through a theme park ride as she moves through the forest, bathed in permanent evening light among computer-generated woodland creatures in her garish costume.

    The miners are introduced as 274-year-old magical creatures. Their appearance is neither human nor magical creature, landing somewhere uncanny in between. This is the crux of the film’s entire problem. The opportunity to update Snow White fails on every level because it does not go far enough.

    The story largely remains intact, with some expansion in terms of backstory and some additional characters. The evil queen remains a one-dimensional villain obsessed with beauty.

    The script plays with the word “fair”, with it taking on a confused double-meaning in the story. To the queen “fair” is beautiful, in keeping with the 1937 film, but to Snow White, “fair” means just. This is an interesting idea but it becomes muddled as the film progresses, and loses its way.

    Snow White is portrayed with an expanded backstory and is certainly given more motivation than in the 1937 film. For instance, she wants to reinstate “fairness” in the kingdom, which has been under the tyrannical rule of the evil queen since Snow White’s father’s death. But as more characters are introduced to aid Snow White on her journey, these serve as distraction and buffer, preventing her from showing any real development or growth.

    Prince Charming has been replaced by Jonathan, a Robin Hood-style bandit who condescendingly explains to Snow White why she has “princess problems”. He ultimately saves her by giving her true love’s kiss when she is under the queen’s spell. The issue of consent still swirls around this scene and underscores the question: is this an update at all?

    In the end, the queen is ultimately defeated by collective action, compared with a lightning bolt like in 1937. This is a significant development and perhaps the clearest update in the film. In 2025, the defeat of a vain autocrat by collective action is an appealing thought. Perhaps the filmmakers could have leaned into this idea, allowed Snow White to truly become one of the people and a clear democracy could have been established. But, like every other of the film’s updates, it falls short and she remains an unelected autocrat – albeit “the fairest one of all”.

    Laura O’Flanagan 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. Snow White: this opportunity to empower Disney’s first princess falls short at every turn – https://theconversation.com/snow-white-this-opportunity-to-empower-disneys-first-princess-falls-short-at-every-turn-253064

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Summer-long entertainment on the Plains:  Over 20 free shows at the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand 

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Quebec City, Tuesday, March 25, 2025 – The National Battlefields Commission (NBC) has unveiled its program for the Edwin-Bélanger Bandstand (EBB), which runs from June 19 to August 23, 2025. This outdoor stage, in the heart of the Plains of Abraham, will host over 20 performances of music and family entertainment against an enchanting backdrop. The shows will be on Thursdays and Saturdays, and they’ll be free!

    Thursday and Saturday nights from June 19 to August 23

    Every Thursday and Saturday night (except during the Festival d’été de Québec), the EBB will host shows starting at 7 or 8 p.m. The stage will come alive with a variety of beats, from country music to rock with plenty in-between: pop, Québécois, jazz, folk, and fusions of Western music with traditional Indigenous music. There will be something for every taste!

    Your heart and soul will be touched by a surprising array of artists: LOVEU2, Tennessee Whisky, Chico Band, Christian Marc Gendron & Manon Séguin, Andréanne A. Malette, Sabor 19, Duo Phoenix, Guylaine Tanguay, Yvan Pedneault, Génération Crooners, LBA Band, Coco Country Band, New World Men, Mike DeWay, Kawandak, Gabrielle Destroismaisons, and the Patrick Norman and Nathalie Lord duo.

    Four morning shows for families

    The Plains of Abraham and the EBB are known for their efforts to cater to all audiences, particularly families. Four shows will be performed Saturday mornings on July 19 and 26 and August 9 and 16, starting at 11 a.m. Kids will be delighted by Marimba and her thunderous djembe drum, the Gentle Giant’s barrel organ, Arthur the Adventurer, and Mr. Ben’s intern. To savour each moment to its fullest, some parents will be tempted to get a coffee and croissant at the Maison Smith Café, just a stone’s throw from the EBB.

    Extended business hours of the Maison Smith Café at the central pavilion

    The Maison Smith Café has been on the Plains of Abraham for nearly a year, during which its selection of beverages and food has further enhanced the EBB spectator experience. An aperitif on the central pavilion terrace, a picnic on the Plains with a lunchbox or a satisfying coffee in your hand—everything will be available for a heartwarming summer! This Maison Smith Café branch will be open for extended business hours during the shows.

    About the National Battlefields Commission 

    The Battlefields Park is Canada’s leading national historic park and notably includes the Plains of Abraham and Des Braves Park. The National Battlefields Commission, an agency of the Canadian government, has striven since 1908 to preserve and develop this site that brings so many people together. All year long, it offers a variety of activities for those who wish to explore the park and its history. www.plainsofabraham.ca.

    -30-

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Trade Crypto with 100x Leverage and No KYC – Get Double Deposit Bonus and $50 Instantly on BexBack

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.

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    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

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    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

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    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, and XRP futures contracts. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

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    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

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    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Politicians’ attacks on immigrants lack solid evidence: New data set the record straight

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Edward Koning, Associate professor, University of Guelph

    Immigration dominated recent election campaigns in countries that include the United Kingdom, France, Germany and the United States.

    The subject sparked particularly fierce debates over welfare. While some politicians called for more support for typically economically vulnerable immigrant populations, others argued that welfare systems are already too generous and accommodating to newcomers.

    Unfortunately, many debates on this subject lack solid evidence. A newly launched data set could change that. The data, which provides systematic information on immigrants’ access to social programs across different countries and different time periods, can help ground some of these discussions in empirical reality.

    The data set reveals key insights. One striking observation is that the countries where politicians most frequently complain that immigrants are treated too generously are among the most exclusionary from a comparative perspective.

    It also shows that although most welfare systems were moving towards greater inclusion up until the 2010s, since then social programs in many countries have become more inclusive in some respects but more exclusive in others.

    A new data set for 22 countries

    The data set, called the Immigrant Exclusion from Social Programs Index (IESPI), measures how much immigrants’ access to pensions, health care, unemployment benefits, housing benefits, social assistance and active labour market programs compares to that of native-born citizens.

    The index uses 32 indicators to measure factors like whether immigrants have to have resided in the country for a certain period of time, held a specific type of residence status, or met standards of successful integration before they can access social programs.

    The data covers the years 1990 to 2023 and includes information for 22 countries.

    Complaints about inclusion

    In the United States, President Donald Trump has voiced concerns about immigrants’ welfare access repeatedly, both during his first term and since taking office again this year.

    In last year’s British election, a staple of Rishi Sunak’s campaign was the insistence that immigrants threaten the sustainability of the welfare state.

    On the other side of the North Sea, the political party that won the Dutch elections made the argument that immigrants are “pampered” a central feature of its election platform.

    Ironically, all three of these countries are among the most exclusionary, according to the most recent IESPI data, as the graph below illustrates. (Note that the IESPI is organized such that a value of 0 is maximally inclusionary and 100 is maximally exclusionary.)

    Inclusionary trends have ended

    A second observation is that the era of social welfare systems becoming more inclusive for immigrants has ended.

    From 1990 until the 2010s, most western welfare systems were removing barriers for immigrant access to social programs. But since then, levels of immigrant welfare exclusion have not changed dramatically over time.

    Closer inspection shows that this picture of stability since the 2010s hides negative trends in different social programs.

    On the one hand, health-care programs and active labour market policies have gradually become more inclusionary. More and more countries have been making health-care services accessible for vulnerable immigrant populations, and rolling out targeted programs to improve newcomers’ chances on the labour market.

    On the other hand, social assistance policies have generally become more exclusionary over time. Many countries have intensified restrictions for recent arrivals, migrants without permanent residence status and migrants who cannot demonstrate successful integration.

    Large differences in historical trajectories

    When we look beyond aggregate trends, we also note very different trajectories in different countries.

    In some countries (Austria, Germany, Finland, Iceland, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain), social programs have become consistently more inclusionary.

    Other countries (Canada, Luxembourg and Sweden) have also undergone an inclusionary development, although at a more modest pace of change.

    In a third set of countries (Australia, Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Norway and Switzerland), policies initially became more inclusionary but this trend was halted or reversed around 2010. The social programs of three other countries (the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States), finally, have consistently become more exclusionary over time.

    These comparisons within the IESPI data set hopefully enable us to make sense of the frequently charged nature of discussions about immigrants’ access to social programs.

    Most obviously, they show we should be cautious when listening to some of the politicians who are most critical of immigrant welfare access, like Donald Trump, Rishi Sunak and Geert Wilders.

    If their arguments that exclusionary reforms in their countries are nothing but reasonable adjustments to overly generous approaches ever had any merit, that merit is quickly evaporating.

    Edward Koning received funding from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada to collect the data for this project.

    – ref. Politicians’ attacks on immigrants lack solid evidence: New data set the record straight – https://theconversation.com/politicians-attacks-on-immigrants-lack-solid-evidence-new-data-set-the-record-straight-251853

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –