NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: FDA Roundup: March 18, 2025

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    March 18, 2025

    Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is providing an at-a-glance summary of news from around the agency:

    On Tuesday, March 18, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland entered a consent decree of permanent injunction against Totally Cool, Inc., a Maryland-based manufacturer of ice cream and frozen desserts, and its CEO and owner, Michael J. Uhlfelder. On July 8, 2024, the FDA suspended Totally Cool’s food facility registration after an inspection of the firm revealed L. mono in the facility, as well as numerous failures of the firm to adhere to current good manufacturing practice for food safety, including sanitation requirements for employees and equipment. The consent decree prohibits Totally Cool and Mr. Uhlfelder from directly or indirectly receiving, preparing, processing, packing, holding, and/or distributing any article of food unless and until they meet certain requirements.

    On Friday, the FDA issued a Letter to Health Care Providers to notify providers that we are aware that the United States is experiencing interruptions in the supply of hemodialysis bloodlines (also referred to as set, tubing, blood, with and without anti-regurgitation valve) because of recent supplier issues. The FDA has updated the medical device shortage list to include hemodialysis bloodlines (product code FJK). The disruption in availability of this device is expected to impact patient care and may require adjustments to the clinical management of patients requiring acute or chronic hemodialysis. The FDA expects the duration of this shortage to extend through early fall of 2025. The FDA is recommending health care providers experiencing delays in the supply of hemodialysis bloodlines consider strategies to conserve their use. Health care providers should use their clinical judgment in development and implementation of conservation strategies. The Letter to Health Care Providers includes important information about the hemodialysis bloodline shortage including: 

    Additional information about hemodialysis bloodline products affected.
    Recommendations for health care providers. 
    Actions that the FDA is taking to assess and mitigate the risk. 

    Instructions for reporting problems with a device.

    On Friday, the FDA announced the conditional approval of Felycin-CA1 (sirolimus delayed-release tablets) for the management of ventricular hypertrophy in cats with subclinical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This is the first product approved for use in cats with HCM for any indication. Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. HCM in cats causes thickening of the heart’s left ventricle. It is the most common heart disease in cats and is one of the most common causes of death in cats. The drug is only available by prescription from a licensed veterinarian.
    On Friday, the FDA issued a safety alert warning consumers not to inhale or recreationally use any flavor of nitrous oxide in any size canister, tank, or charger. When inhaled, these products can result in serious adverse health effects, including death. For some individuals who regularly inhale nitrous oxide, this habit can lead to prolonged neurological effects, including spinal cord or brain damage, even after stopping use.

    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

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

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    Content current as of:
    03/18/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dome Manufacturer to Create 72 New Jobs, Invest $4.6 Million in Fayetteville for Manufacturing Facility

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Dome Manufacturer to Create 72 New Jobs, Invest $4.6 Million in Fayetteville for Manufacturing Facility

    Dome Manufacturer to Create 72 New Jobs, Invest $4.6 Million in Fayetteville for Manufacturing Facility
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein announced Yeadon Fabric Domes, LLC, a manufacturer of air supported structures, will create 72 new jobs in Cumberland County. The company will invest $4.6 million to build a manufacturing facility in Fayetteville.

    “We are delighted to welcome Yeadon Fabric Domes to Cumberland County,” said Governor Stein. “Our manufacturing leadership and textile legacy woven with our strategic location and excellent quality of life will continue to attract innovative, global companies to our great state.” 

    Yeadon Fabric Domes is a leading designer and manufacturer of climate-controlled domed structures. From professional sports to swimming pools, the company’s air-supported facilities provide large, open spaces for a variety of sporting venues and applications. Yeadon Fabric Domes have been installed in more than 30 countries for customers including several professional football teams, University of Pennsylvania and Marquette University. Headquartered in Minnesota, Yeadon will build its own 72-foot-tall domed structure in a 50,000-square-foot space production site at the Fayetteville Regional Airport, adding more manufacturing capacity and service space for its operations.

    “Yeadon Domes is thrilled to be expanding our operations to Fayetteville,” said Matt Mejia, CEO of Yeadon Fabric Domes. “Throughout the process, it has become clear that Fayetteville is the perfect place to build our manufacturing facility, and to continue producing world-class air-supported domes. We’re grateful for the support of Governor Stein, and our many partners throughout North Carolina. We look forward to joining the community and expanding Yeadon’s 55-year legacy in Cumberland County.”

    “North Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the nation as it continues to be recognized as the top state to do business in America,” said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Yeadon Fabric Domes will benefit from a friendly business environment, a world-class workforce, and a rewarding lifestyle in Cumberland County, and we believe they will find great success here.”

    While salaries for the new positions will vary, the average annual salary will be $47,734, exceeding the Cumberland County average of $47,175. These new jobs could create a potential annual payroll impact of more than $3.4 million.

    A performance-based grant of $225,000 from the One North Carolina Fund will help the company locate to Cumberland County. The OneNC Fund provides financial assistance to local governments to help attract economic investment and to create jobs. Companies receive no money upfront and must meet job creation and capital investment targets to qualify for payment. All OneNC grants require a matching participation from local governments and any award is contingent upon that condition being met.

    “We welcome Yeadon Fabric Domes and its investment to our region,” said N.C. Senator Val Applewhite. “They will greatly benefit from our transitioning military families which offer a uniquely skilled and prepared workforce that a company of this impact will need.”

    “This is a great win for Cumberland County and the entire state,” said N.C. Representative Diane Wheatley. “We extend our sincere appreciation to the partnership of state and local officials and the economic development professionals that supported Yeadon Fabric Domes in making its next home in Fayetteville.”

    In addition to the North Carolina Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, other key partners in this project include the North Carolina General Assembly, North Carolina Community College System, Cumberland County, the City of Fayetteville, and the Fayetteville Cumberland County Economic Development Corporation. 

    Mar 18, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: LIS Technologies Inc. Achieves TRL-4 in an Independent Technical Readiness Assessment of its Patented Laser Enrichment Technology (CRISLA)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Oak Ridge, Tennessee, March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — LIS Technologies Inc. (“LIST” or “the Company”), a proprietary developer of advanced laser technology and the only USA-origin and patented laser uranium enrichment company, today announced that it has convened a panel of independent reviewers to perform a Technology Readiness Level Assessment (TRA) of the CRISLA-3G technology at the LIST facility in Oak Ridge, TN during the week of March 11 – 13, 2025.

    The CRISLA-3G laser isotope separation technology was evaluated and determined to meet all elements required for TRL-4, conforming to the Department of Energy guide DOE G 413.3-4A. It shows that all critical components were successfully validated in a laboratory environment, supported by experimental results from the integrated system.

    The TRA Team leveraged a well-established TRA process developed and implemented by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management (EM). Each Critical Technology Element (CTE) was assessed against TRL-4, TRL-5, and TRL-6 calculator elements, which address technical, manufacturing, and programmatic factors. The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) is a technology maturity system ranging from TRL-1 (basic principles observed and reported) to TRL-9 (actual system operated over full range of expected conditions). The TRL rating system was developed by NASA and DoD to evaluate the deployment readiness of a given technology and has been adopted by agencies across the federal government.

    “We are very pleased that the independent Technology Readiness Assessment team scored our TRL at 4, meeting 27 out of 27 criteria,” said Christo Liebenberg, CEO and Co-Founder of LIS Technologies Inc. “Also identified were the critical technical elements (CTE’s) to progress through TRL5, 6 and 7 in the coming years. We have high confidence that we can meet all these CTEs in our roadmap to commercialization.”

    “With our interaction with the TRL assessment team, I feel reassured that our technology is moving forward in the right direction,” said Viktor Chikan, Ph.D., Co-Chief Technical Officer of LIS Technologies Inc. “In my view, the TRL assessment provides the necessary transparency for both investors and the technical team to execute on the project plan and realize the commercial enrichment facility based on CRISLA technology.”

    “This is a very important milestone for the advancement of CRISLA technology,” said Keith Everly Head of Security and IP Management of LIS Technologies Inc. “I am pleased that our self-assessment of our progress with the CRISLA technology process is in good alignment with the assessment of a qualified independent board of reviewers.”

    “The Technology Readiness Level framework is essential for guiding innovative technologies toward full-scale commercialization,” said Jay Yu, Executive Chairman and President of LIS Technologies Inc. “This review of our patented CRISLA technology underscores the substantial progress LIST’s technical team has achieved in preparing the system for the demonstration activities required for TRL 5. Successfully completing those demonstration steps will be a major threshold in establishing our leadership in this space.”

    About LIS Technologies Inc.

    LIS Technologies Inc. (LIST) is a USA based, proprietary developer of a patented advanced laser technology, making use of infrared lasers to selectively excite the molecules of desired isotopes to separate them from other isotopes. The Laser Isotope Separation Technology (L.I.S.T) has a huge range of applications, including being the only USA-origin (and patented) laser uranium enrichment company, and several major advantages over traditional methods such as gas diffusion, centrifuges, and prior art laser enrichment. The LIST proprietary laser-based process is more energy-efficient and has the potential to be deployed with highly competitive capital and operational costs. L.I.S.T is optimized for LEU (Low Enriched Uranium) for existing civilian nuclear power plants, High-Assay LEU (HALEU) for the next generation of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Microreactors, the production of stable isotopes for medical and scientific research, and applications in quantum computing manufacturing for semiconductor technologies. The Company employs a world class nuclear technical team working alongside leading nuclear entrepreneurs and industry professionals, possessing strong relationships with government and private nuclear industries.

    In 2024, LIS Technologies Inc. (Laser Isotope Separation Technologies) was selected as one of six domestic companies by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to participate in the Low-Enriched Uranium (LEU) Enrichment Acquisition Program. This initiative allocates up to $3.4 billion overall, with contracts lasting for up to 10 years. Each awardee is slated to receive a minimum contract of $2 million.

    For more information please visit: LaserIsTech.com

    For further information, please contact:
    Email: info@laseristech.com
    Telephone: 800-388-5492
    Follow us on X Platform
    Follow us on LinkedIn

    Forward Looking Statements

    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this context, forward-looking statements mean statements related to future events, which may impact our expected future business and financial performance, and often contain words such as “expects”, “anticipates”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “will”, “should”, “could”, “would” or “may” and other words of similar meaning. These forward-looking statements are based on information available to us as of the date of this news release and represent management’s current views and assumptions. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, events or results and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may be beyond our control. For LIS Technologies Inc., particular risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in our forward-looking statements include but are not limited to the following which are, and will be, exacerbated by any worsening of global business and economic environment: (i) risks related to the development of new or advanced technology, including difficulties with design and testing, cost overruns, development of competitive technology, loss of key individuals and uncertainty of success of patent filing, (ii) our ability to obtain contracts and funding to be able to continue operations and (iii) risks related to uncertainty regarding our ability to commercially deploy a competitive laser enrichment technology, (iv) risks related to the impact of government regulation and policies including by the DOE and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and other risks and uncertainties discussed in this and our other filings with the SEC. Only after successful completion of our Phase 2 Pilot Plant demonstration will LIS Technologies be able to make realistic economic predictions for a Commercial Facility. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which apply only as of the date of this news release. These factors may not constitute all factors that could cause actual results to differ from those discussed in any forward-looking statement. Accordingly, forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as a predictor of actual results. We do not undertake to update our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this news release, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: First Nations Australians are more likely to present to hospital with asthma and allergies – new research

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Desalegn Markos Shifti, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Child Health Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland

    Nils Versemann/Shutterstock

    Australia is often called the allergy capital of the world. Allergic diseases – such as allergic asthma, hay fever, eczema and food allergies – affect almost one in five people. And this figure is expected to rise in the years to come.

    An allergy happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly reacts to certain foods or other substances as if they were dangerous.

    But do allergies affect all Australians equally?

    In a recent study, we looked at emergency department (ED) presentations related to asthma and other allergic diseases in central Queensland. The region has a population of 228,246 according to the most recent Census data, and 7.2% of residents identify as First Nations.

    We found First Nations Australians were almost twice as likely to present to hospital with asthma or other allergy-related illnesses compared to other Australians.

    What we did and found

    We analysed 813,112 ED presentations from 12 public hospitals in central Queensland from 2018 to 2023. The hospitals were spread across regional and remote areas.

    Of the conditions we looked at, asthma was the most likely to bring patients to the ED. This was followed by unspecified allergies, atopic dermatitis (or eczema) and anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction). First Nations people were more likely than other Australians to present with each of these conditions.

    Overall, we found First Nations people were almost twice as likely to visit an ED for asthma or allergic diseases compared to other Australians. It should be noted that asthma is not always caused by allergies, and in this study we looked at all presentations for asthma, regardless of the cause.

    Our study also found ED visits for allergic diseases among First Nations people increased over time. They were around 1.5 times more common in 2023 compared to 2018.

    Further, we found a notable peak in asthma-related visits to the ED among First Nations people in 2019. This increase may have been partly due to Australia’s Black Summer bushfires during 2019–20.

    Other research has shown ED visits and hospitalisations for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease increased during the Black Summer bushfires. Exposure to bushfire smoke significantly increases the risk of breathing problems and other health issues.

    The increase in asthma-related ED visits could also be linked to the severe flu season in 2019, as flu is known to trigger asthma attacks.

    We looked at ED presentations for allergic conditions such as eczema and anaphylaxis.
    Ternavskaia Olga Alibec/Shutterstock

    Are these findings surprising?

    National data shows asthma is one of the most commonly reported chronic illnesses for First Nations Australians. More than 16% of First Nations Australians reported they had asthma in 2022–23 compared to 10.8% of the general Australian population.

    So it’s not entirely surprising that hospital presentations for asthma were higher among First Nations people.

    However, we were surprised to find First Nations people visited the ED more often for other allergic diseases. Allergies have not necessarily been recognised as an important concern among First Nations people, particularly in remote areas.

    That said, international studies have reported a higher burden of allergic and atopic diseases (eczema, hay fever and asthma) among the Indigenous peoples of Canada.

    How about food allergies?

    Interestingly, we didn’t find any food allergy cases in our data. But some of the “unspecified” allergies could be linked to food allergies, as could some of the cases of anaphylaxis.

    Australian researchers have found differences in the prevalence of food allergies among different groups, but they lacked specific data on First Nations populations. We know little about how common food allergies are in First Nations Australians.

    In a recent national survey, 12% of First Nations people self-reported an allergy to a food, drug, or other substance (compared to 14% in the overall population). But some cases might go unrecognised or unreported, and these data were not broken down into different types of allergies.

    Allergies have not necessarily been recognised as an important concern among First Nations people.
    Bobbi Lockyer/Refinery29 Australia – We Are Many Image Gallery/Getty Images

    Some limitations

    This is the first comprehensive study, to our knowledge, that looks at asthma and allergic disease-related ED visits among both First Nations people and other Australians in an under-researched part of Australia.

    However, we only looked at asthma and allergic diseases treated in the ED, which doesn’t encompass all cases. For example, some people might visit other health services such as GPs when they’re having a less severe allergic episode.

    Ultimately, we need more research to better understand how common allergies and allergic diseases are among First Nations Australians.

    Why do these gaps exist?

    We don’t know exactly why there are disparities in ED presentations for allergic diseases between First Nations people and other Australians.

    One possibility is that asthma and allergic diseases might be more severe in First Nations people, leading to more hospital visits, even if they’re not more common.

    Another reason could be limited access to specialists, especially in rural and remote First Nations communities. Long wait lists to see allergy doctors and their limited availability in some areas could lead to delays in care and make it harder to get the right treatment. This can worsen asthma and allergic disease symptoms, causing patients to seek ED care instead.

    We want to learn more about how allergies affect First Nations people, especially in regional and remote areas, and whether people have unmet needs. In initial conversations with First Nations Australians living with a food allergy, we’ve heard allergies might not be well understood in rural areas. This could be because they’re rare or because traditional lifestyles offer some protection.

    We’re interested in finding out more, especially whether allergies are a concern for First Nations people, and, if so, how we can support communities to develop targeted and culturally respectful strategies to address them.

    Desalegn Markos Shifti is supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC)-funded Centre for Food and Allergy Research (CFAR) Postdoctoral Funding.

    Jennifer Koplin receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia. She is a member of the Executive Committee for the National Allergy Centre of Excellence (NACE), which is supported by funding from the Australian government.

    Renarta Whitcombe 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. First Nations Australians are more likely to present to hospital with asthma and allergies – new research – https://theconversation.com/first-nations-australians-are-more-likely-to-present-to-hospital-with-asthma-and-allergies-new-research-251720

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dr. Linda S. Durst Elevated to Fellow of The American College of Psychiatrists

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    New recruit Dr. Linda S. Durst, associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at UConn School of Medicine and medical director of the Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic at UConn Health, has been named a fellow of The American College of Psychiatrists.

    Durst was prestigiously elevated to the rank of fellow at the Annual Meeting of the American College of Psychiatrists in Hawaii on February 20.

    Durst has been a member of the ACP since 2017. Membership in ACP is limited to psychiatrists who have demonstrated outstanding competence in the field of psychiatry, and who have achieved national recognition. The ACP is a not-for-profit honorary association dedicated to providing continuing education to its members, promoting the latest advances in the specialty, and supporting the highest standards in psychiatry.

    In January Durst joined UConn’s faculty from MaineHealth, where she served as chair of psychiatry. She is a board-certified psychiatrist who practices in general behavioral health and specializes in suicide and violence prevention, grief therapy, quality, and safety.

    She received her medical degree from the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and completed residency training at The Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital.

    “Dr. Durst has an impressive background as a leader in psychiatry, and this important national award from the ACP reflects just that,” shared Dr. David C. Steffens, chair of the Department of Psychiatry at UConn School of Medicine.

    “I am happy to join the UConn Health family and share my knowledge around suicide care, violence screening and quality initiatives with my team,” said Durst. “Returning to the role of Clinician/Educator is very rewarding to me.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Expansion

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced a $4 million expansion of the Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program to include licensed professionals serving children and adolescents at programs licensed or funded by the state. Administered by the state Office of Mental Health (OMH), in partnership with the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), the funding will provide at least 400 awards of up to $30,000 to help mental health professionals serving youth repay education loans and student debt, provided they work a minimum of three years at eligible mental health programs.

    “The effectiveness of New York State’s mental health care system relies on our ability to attract top professionals to do this critical work,” Governor Hochul said. “By expanding the Community Mental Health Loan Repayment program to programs and facilities serving youth, we can help our state retain existing staff and recruit new professionals and avoid experiencing the shortages seen in many other areas of our nation.”

    The Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program provides up to $120,000 for psychiatrists and $30,000 for other mental health professionals to repay qualified education loans and student debt, provided they remain employed by licensed community mental health programs for three years. Program eligibility includes many licensed mental health professionals, including master and clinical social workers; mental health counselors; marriage and family therapists; creative arts therapists, psychoanalysts, and psychologists.

    A high priority for workforce capacity is in the child and youth behavioral health workforce, due to the youth mental health crisis and the need for mental health professionals to address the national emergency in child and adolescent mental health. The expansion will further focus on eligible licensed professionals serving children and adolescents at community programs licensed, designated, or funded by OMH or OCFS to increase access and availability of mental health services for children and youth.

    The latest expansion of the loan repayment program will extend at least 400 awards to OMH and OCFS providers offering direct care mental health services to children or adolescents. This includes children’s day treatment programs, Home Based Crisis Intervention programs, community residence for eating disorder integrated treatment programs, and voluntary foster care agencies, limited secure programs approved under New York City’s ‘Close to Home’ initiative, and runaway and homeless youth programs.

    New York State Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said, “Growing our youth mental health workforce is critical in expanding access to mental health services for our young New Yorkers. This expansion of the loan repayment program will help us build a mental health care workforce that is truly responsive to our needs today and long into the future. I applaud Governor Hochul’s continued focus on strengthening our mental health care system and ensuring all New Yorkers have the support they need to live and thrive.”

    New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “The tremendous investments that Governor Hochul has made in the mental health system is responsive to the growing needs for supports, services, and opportunities for those who require intervention, as well as individuals who are critical to the system’s workforce. With one in five people in the U.S. suffering from mental health disorders – and alarming rates of youth and children with high-acuity needs – it is necessary to build the career pipeline to support the mental health system. Our mental health professionals are a critical part of supporting the comprehensive well-being of children and youth. OCFS supports the aims of the governor and the Office of Mental Health to bolster the mental health workforce by extending the Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program to licensed professionals serving children and adolescents in OCFS licensed programs.”

    An additional $3 million is available for eligible professionals employed by OMH-licensed providers, including comprehensive psychiatric emergency programs, residential treatment facilities, assertive community treatment teams, children’s day treatment, mental health outpatient treatment and rehabilitative services and crisis stabilization centers. This funding is remaining from previous rounds of the program and will support at least 120 awards, including 60 psychiatrists and 60 psychiatric nurse practitioners or psychiatric physician assistants.

    So far, the program has provided roughly $9.6 million annual loan repayment on behalf of 909 community mental health program employees. This includes 77 psychiatrists, 164 psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants and 668 licensed mental health practitioners.

    Governor Hochul established the loan repayment program in 2022 with $9 million in state funding to help community mental health agencies recruit and retain psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners. The program was expanded in 2023 with an additional $5 million, allowing licensed mental health professionals to apply for awards.

    Nationally, rising rates of mental illness and substance use disorder have created heightened demand for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals, a need that is expected to outpace growth of this area of the workforce. Based on findings from the Center for Health Workforce Studies, New York State is projected to have a shortfall of between roughly 1,180 and 2,650 psychiatrists by 2030.

    The expansion of the loan repayment program reflects Governor Hochul’s steadfast commitment to addressing and improving youth mental health statewide. Her FY 2026 Executive Budget will expand Teen Mental Health First Aid training for high school students to help them respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges; and will add four Youth Safe Spaces across the state to provide a place for young people to access behavioral health wellness resources.

    As part of her landmark $1 billion mental health initiative, Governor Hochul has also significantly expanded access to mental health care and resources for young people and their families –investments that were increased again in the FY25 Enacted Budget. These investments include $20 million in start-up funding and a rolling application process for school-based mental health clinics; and providing $9.6 million to add 12 new Youth Assertive Community Treatment to ensure resources and support are available for more families.

    State Senator Samra G. Brouk said, “As Chair of the Senate Committee on Mental Health, I have actively worked to address the statewide youth mental health crisis while supporting the mental health workforce. I have been fighting to increase support for individuals providing lifesaving care with my legislation to establish a school-based mental health loan repayment program that aids youth mental health practitioners. I applaud Governor Hochul for expanding the Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program to help our mental health workers continue to deliver high-quality, compassionate services for our young New Yorkers.”

    Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi said, “I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for expanding the Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program. This loan forgiveness program helps ensure we have enough qualified professionals to meet the mental health crisis facing our state, particularly impacting our children.”

    Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon said, “Addressing the youth mental health crisis starts with investing in the professionals who are on the front lines, providing essential care and support. Expanding loan forgiveness is a critical investment in our future, strengthening the pipeline of diverse mental health professionals. This will help ensure that young people across New York get the targeted and timely care they need and deserve.”

    Governor Hochul also established the Youth Mental Health Advisory Board, a 30-member advisory board which includes youth between the ages of 11 and 17. The advisory board convenes quarterly and is designed to ensure that youth-informed best practices continue to be incorporated in developing behavioral health programs and policies.

    New York State Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare Executive Director Lauri Cole said, “The 165 members of the New York State Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare applaud Governor Hochul and our tireless colleagues at the Office of Mental Health for having the vision to deliver this important expansion of a critical loan repayment program that focuses on the mental health needs of children, youth and families so we can recruit and retain the workforce needed to serve them. Few things could be more important than ensuring these New Yorkers have quick access to services at a level of care best suited to meet their needs. That can only happen if we incentivize psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, licensed mental health practitioners and others who want to make a difference in the lives of these New Yorkers, but who are often saddled with unmanageable debt.”

    New York State Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies President and CEO Kathleen Brady-Stepien said, “We thank the Governor for prioritizing the mental health needs of youth in the state, and for recognizing the critical importance of the role of our child welfare workforce in the behavioral health spectrum. We are thrilled to see this investment to support staff in achieving their higher education and career goals, as a stable and well-trained workforce is crucial for ensuring quality services, positive outcomes for our children and families, and reduced lengths of stay in foster care.”

    New York State Coalition for Children’s Behavioral Health President and CEO Kayleigh Zaloga said, “We greatly appreciate the prioritization of child-serving practitioners, and the inclusion of providers licensed by OCFS in this expansion of the Community Mental Health Loan Repayment Program. It is a welcome step toward strengthening the children’s behavioral health workforce by investing in the practitioners that youth and families rely on. Easing the financial burden of student loan debt is a meaningful benefit that will enable more licensed practitioners to remain in the programs that need them, at a time when community need for behavioral health services continues to rise. As a field largely composed of women, we also want to highlight the value of investing in the children’s behavioral health workforce as a strategy for supporting women’s economic stability at the same time as improving children and families’ access to care.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Luján, Trahan Introduce Legislation to Increase Online Transparency, Simplify User Agreements

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and U.S. Representative Lori Trahan (D-MA-03) introduced the Terms-of-Service Labeling, Design and Readability (TLDR) Act to require commercial websites and mobile apps to create a simple, readable, and accessible summary of their terms-of-service agreements. The TLDR Act would increase online transparency and ensure consumers are informed about how their personal data is collected and used. Small businesses are exempt from the law.
    “Nobody is going to read pages of legal jargon. Companies should be required to provide terms of service that people without a law degree can understand,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Americans have the right to know how their data is collected and used.”
    “Americans deserve the ability to make informed decisions online without having to navigate confusing pages of legal jargon,” said Senator Luján. “Far too many companies take advantage of consumers by burying critical details about their data policies and shield themselves from legal liability in complicated terms-of-service agreements. The TLDR Act will end these harmful practices and help empower and protect consumers. Informing consumers is a bipartisan issue, and I’m proud to join my colleagues to provide real choice online.”
    “Consumers shouldn’t have to wade through pages of dense legal jargon just to use a website or app,” said Representative Trahan. “Right now, companies force users into an all-or-nothing choice: agree to everything or lose access entirely. No negotiation, no alternatives, no real choice. They exploit this imbalance by burying critical terms in confusing contracts, knowing most people don’t have the time to sift through them just to send a message or make a quick purchase. The TLDR Act puts power back in consumers’ hands by requiring companies to provide clear, transparent summaries of their terms – something the American people overwhelmingly support.”
    A 2012 study found that the average American would take 76 work days to read the agreements for the technology companies they use. The TLDR Act would require that online companies include a nutrition label-style summary table at the top of their terms of service and include machine-readable tags to make the agreements more accessible for consumers and researchers alike. This legislation will also require the summaries to inform consumers on how their data is collected and shared with third parties. Further, the legislation would authorize the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue guidance and enforce compliance. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Sheehy Introduce Bill to Protect Gun Owners from ATF Overreach

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the Protecting Americans’ Right to Silence (PARTS) Act to cut government red tape and ensure gun owners and businesses are not unfairly targeted by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The bill modernizes outdated federal regulations on firearm suppressors, providing much-needed clarity to manufacturers, retailers, and law-abiding gun owners.
    Cassidy and Sheehy were joined by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Mike Lee (R-UT), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Ted Budd (R-NC), Jim Justice (R-WV), and John Cornyn (R-TX) in introducing the bill.
    The ATF’s vague and outdated definition of “silencer” under the Gun Control Act could allow unelected bureaucrats to classify individual silencer components as regulated silencers, leading to unnecessary restrictions on gun owners and manufacturers. In 2023, the ATF issued guidance suggesting that even simple, unassembled parts could be considered regulated silencers—an overreach that threatens Second Amendment rights and stifles industry innovation.
    The PARTS Act brings clarity to federal firearm regulations by:

    Updating the definition of ‘silencer’ to focus on complete devices and a single principal component—similar to a firearm’s frame or receiver—rather than broad, vague terms like “combination of parts” or “any part intended only for use” in a silencer.
    Ensuring gun owners can purchase replacement parts like wipes without burdensome ATF paperwork.
    Preventing ATF from using subjective interpretation to unfairly target gun owners and businesses.

    Background
    Currently, outdated federal definitions could allow the ATF to classify individual silencer components as silencers themselves, leading to unnecessary regulatory burdens on manufacturers, retailers, and law-abiding gun owners. The PARTS Act would clarify that a silencer refers to a complete device or a single principal component, rather than an assortment of parts that could be used in its construction.
    Additionally, the bill would streamline the purchase of consumable silencer parts, such as wipes, without requiring additional ATF paperwork, ensuring gun owners can properly maintain their lawfully owned suppressors.
    The PARTS Act is supported by the Silencer Shop, American Suppressor Association, National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation, Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, and Firearm Regulatory Accountability Coalition.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CASSIDY, COLLEAGUES INTRODUCE BILL TO CRACK DOWN ON PBM PRICING SCHEMES IN MEDICAID

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Roger Marshall (R-KS), and Mark Warner (D-VA) introduced the Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act to put an end to harmful pricing schemes used by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). The bill targets ‘spread pricing,’ a practice where PBMs overcharge Medicaid while underpaying pharmacies, ultimately driving up costs and putting independent pharmacies at risk of closing. This legislation is expected to save Medicaid $2 billion over the next decade.
    “My goal as a doctor in the exam room was to provide the best care at the most affordable price for the patient. The same principle should apply to Medicaid,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Taxpayers should not be cheated by those looking to take advantage of Medicaid.”
    “Pharmacies are essential to the care and wellbeing of our rural communities. But spread pricing by pharmacy benefit managers is making it harder than ever for community pharmacies to stay in business and lining the pockets of middlemen,” said Senator Welch. “This bill takes an important step to limit PBMs’ abusive pricing practices, protect our pharmacies, and support our rural communities. I’m grateful to have Senators Marshall, Warner, and Cassidy’s partnership on this bipartisan legislation to protect the health of Vermonters and Americans across the country.”“Pharmaceutical industry middlemen use a variety of tricks to line their own pockets at the expense of small, independent pharmacies and senior citizens,” said Senator Marshall.“Prohibiting PBM spread pricing will cut costs for prescription drugs relied upon by Medicaid enrollees while simultaneously preserving access to local pharmacies that have financially struggled in recent years due to PBMs cutting them out of their share of payments. I’m grateful to partner with Senator Welch on this important legislation that is pro-consumer, pro-small business, and pro-taxpayer.”  
    “Independent pharmacies deliver critical health care, including providing life-saving prescriptions, to patients all across the Commonwealth. Unfortunately, for too long, PBMs have engaged in shady tactics to line their own pockets at the expense of these small businesses and sick seniors. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act, legislation that will put an end to the abusive practice of spread pricing and bring down costs for patients and our local pharmacies,” said Senator Warner. 
    The spread pricing model has contributed to the decline of independent pharmacies, which serve as a vital resource for rural communities. From 2018 to 2021, more pharmacies shuttered than opened nationwide, leaving millions with fewer options for accessing their medications. In Louisiana, where more than a quarter of residents live in rural areas, these closures hit especially hard.
    Under the Protecting Pharmacies in Medicaid Act, PBMs would be required to pass Medicaid payments directly to pharmacies instead of skimming off the top. It also requires pharmacies participating in state Medicaid programs to report National Average Drug Acquisition Costs (NADAC) to improve transparency in drug pricing and ensure fair reimbursement.
    The bill is endorsed by the Food Industry Association (FMI), National Community Pharmacists Association, and the National Association of Chain Drug Stores.
    “These are among the PBM reforms needed right away by Americans and their pharmacies,”said Steven C. Anderson, President and CEO of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. “These also are among the reforms backed overwhelmingly in the Congress on a bipartisan basis. Every day that PBM reform is delayed is another day that Americans pay inflated drug prices, that care gets more remote for people and for communities, and that pharmacies are forced out of business. NACDS thanks Senators Peter Welch, Roger Marshall, Mark Warner, and Bill Cassidy and the cosponsors for their continued leadership, and urges swift action by the Congress to right these wrongs of the middlemen’s pharmaceutical benefit manipulation,”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Joint statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Charlevoix

    Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

    We the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met in Charlevoix on March 12 to 14, 2025.

    Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security

    We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty and independence.

    We welcomed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and in particular the meeting on March 11 between the U.S. and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We applauded Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, which is an essential step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations.

    We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We discussed imposing further costs on Russia in case such a ceasefire is not agreed, including through further sanctions, caps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine, and other means. This includes the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilized Russian Sovereign Assets. We underlined the importance of confidence-building measures under a ceasefire including the release of prisoners of war and detainees—both military and civilian—and the return of Ukrainian children.

    We emphasized that any ceasefire must be respected and underscored the need for robust and credible security arrangements to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression. We stated that we will continue to coordinate economic and humanitarian support to promote the early recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference which will take place in Rome on July 10-11, 2025.

    We condemned the provision to Russia of military assistance by DPRK and Iran, and the provision of weapons and dual-use components by China, a decisive enabler of Russia’s war and of the reconstitution of Russia’s armed forces. We reiterated our intention to continue to take action against such third countries.

    We expressed alarm about the impacts of the war, especially on civilians and on civilian infrastructure. We discussed the importance of accountability and reaffirmed our commitment to work together to achieve a durable peace and to ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong and prosperous.

    Regional peace and stability in the Middle East

    We called for the release of all hostages and for the hostages’ remains held by Hamas in Gaza to be returned to their loved ones. We reaffirmed our support for the resumption of unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza and for a permanent ceasefire. We underscored the imperative of a political horizon for the Palestinian people, achieved through a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that meets the legitimate needs and aspirations of both peoples and advances comprehensive Middle East peace, stability and prosperity. We noted serious concern over the growing tensions and hostilities in the West Bank and calls for de-escalation.

    We recognized Israel’s inherent right to defend itself consistent with international law. We unequivocally condemned Hamas, including for its brutal and unjustified terror attacks on October 7, 2023, and the harm inflicted on the hostages during their captivity and the violation of their dignity through the use of ‘handover ceremonies’ during their release. We reiterated that Hamas can have no role in Gaza’s future and must never again be a threat to Israel. We affirmed our readiness to engage with Arab partners on their proposals to chart a way forward on reconstruction in Gaza and build a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace.

    We expressed our support for the people of Syria and Lebanon, as both countries work towards peaceful and stable political futures. At this critical juncture, we reiterated the importance of Syria’s and Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We called unequivocally for the rejection of terrorism in Syria. We condemned strongly the recent escalation of violence in the coastal regions of Syria, and called for the protection of civilians and for perpetrators of atrocities to be held accountable. We stressed the critical importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process. We welcomed the commitment by the Syrian interim government to work with the OPCW in eliminating all remaining chemical weapons.

    We stressed that Iran is the principal source of regional instability and must never be allowed to develop and acquire a nuclear weapon. We emphasized that Iran must now change course, de-escalate and choose diplomacy. We underscored the threat of Iran’s growing use of arbitrary detention and foreign assassination attempts as a tool of coercion.

    Cooperation to increase security and resilience across the Indo-Pacific

    We reiterated our commitment to upholding a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, based on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights.

    We remain seriously concerned by the situations in the East China Sea as well as the South China Sea and continue to oppose strongly unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force and coercion. We expressed concern over the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippines and Vietnamese vessels as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight through militarization and coercion in the South China Sea, in violation of international law. We emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and reiterated our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. We also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.

    We remain concerned with China’s military build-up and the continued, rapid increase in China’s nuclear weapons arsenal. We called on China to engage in strategic risk reduction discussions and promote stability through transparency.

    We emphasized that China should not conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions.16. We expressed concerns about China’s non-market policies and practices that are leading to harmful overcapacity and market distortions. We further called on China to refrain from adopting export control measures that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions. We reiterated that we are not trying to harm China or thwart its economic growth, indeed a growing China that plays by international rules and norms would be of global interest.

    We demanded that the DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons and any other weapons of mass destruction as well as ballistic missile programs in accordance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. We expressed our serious concerns over, and the need to address together, the DPRK’s cryptocurrency thefts. We called on DPRK to resolve the abductions issue immediately.

    We denounced the brutal repression of the people of Myanmar by the military regime and called for an end to all violence and for unhindered humanitarian access.

    Building stability and resilience in Haiti and Venezuela

    We strongly denounced the ongoing horrifying violence that continues to be perpetrated by gangs in Haiti in their efforts to seize control of the government. We reaffirmed our commitment to helping the Haitian people restore democracy, security and stability, including through support to the Haitian National Police and Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission and an increased role for the UN. We expressed support for Haitian authorities’ efforts to create a specialized anti-corruption jurisdiction that complies with the highest international standards.

    We reiterated our call for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela in line with the aspirations of the Venezuelan people who peacefully voted on July 28, 2024, for change, the cessation of repression and arbitrary or unjust detentions of peaceful protestors including youth by Nicolas Maduro’s regime, as well as the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners. We also agreed Venezuelan naval vessels threatening Guyana’s commercial vessels is unacceptable and an infringement of Guyana’s internationally recognized sovereign rights. We reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations as an enduring value.

    Supporting lasting peace in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    We unequivocally denounced the ongoing fighting and atrocities in Sudan, including sexual violence against women and girls, which have led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and the spread of famine. We called for the warring parties to protect civilians, cease hostilities, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and urged external actors to end their support fueling the conflict.

    We condemned the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the resulting violence, displacement and grave human rights and international humanitarian law violations. This offensive constitutes a flagrant disregard of the territorial integrity of the DRC. We reiterated our call for M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force to withdraw from all controlled areas. We urged all parties to support the mediation led by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, to promote accountability for human rights abuses by all armed actors, including M23 and the FDLR, and to commit to a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict, including the meaningful participation of women and youth.

    Strengthening sanctions and countering hybrid warfare and sabotage

    We welcomed efforts to strengthen the Sanctions Working Group focused on listings and enforcement. We also welcomed discussions on the establishment of a Hybrid Warfare and Sabotage Working Group, and of a Latin America Working Group.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Principals of Aerospace Start-Up Company Charged with Fraud, Fraud Conspiracy, and Tax Evasion

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

                WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today charging five former principals of aerospace start-up company Theia Group, Inc.—Erlend Olson, John Gallagher, Stephen Buscher, Joseph Fargnoli, and Jamil Swati—with a multi-year scheme to defraud investors and lenders out of $250 million, and further charging Olson with evading more than $3.9 million in personal federal income taxes. Theia Group, Inc. (Theia) had its headquarters in Washington D.C.

                Law enforcement made arrests yesterday in Albuquerque, New Mexico (Olson), Memphis, Tennessee (Buscher), and today in Broomall, Pennsylvania (Gallagher), Rochester, New York (Fargnoli), and Bridgeport, Connecticut (Swati). 

                The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Office of Inspector General, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington D.C. Office.

                According to the indictment, Theia planned to launch 112 satellites starting in 2022 at a cost of $10 billion to $15 billion. Theia’s principals originally planned to raise the requisite funds from various nation-states by promising perpetual data and analytics for an upfront cost of $2 billion. However, from Theia’s founding in 2015 through its placement into receivership in 2021, Theia was unsuccessful in obtaining any funding except for approximately $250 million in loans and investments that Theia’s principals induced by fraud. Olson, Gallagher, Buscher, Fargnoli, and Swati’s fraud scheme allegedly included materially false statements about revenue from non-existent government contracts, provision of multiple false financial statements, including a fake $6 billion escrow account statement, and false representations about Theia’s technical capabilities.

                The indictment further alleges that, between 2018 and 2020, Theia’s founder, Erlend Olson, concealed from the IRS millions of dollars in compensation he received from Theia. In addition to not filing tax returns or paying any taxes for 2018 through 2020, Olson allegedly directed his compensation from Theia to a nominee entity called Meridian Vector Corporation (MVC). Olson then used MVC funds to pay personal expenses such as personal debts, a private jet membership, $64,500 annual rent payments for his home, a new Land Rover, and a pair of condominiums in Las Vegas. Olson also allegedly evaded payment of taxes that he owed the IRS for tax years 2009 through 2011 by directing that his pay and bonuses not be reported to the IRS.        

                Olson, Gallagher, Buscher, Fargnoli, and Swati are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Olson also is charged with five counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and four counts of tax evasion. Gallagher is also charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. Buscher also is charged with three counts of wire fraud. Fargnoli is also charged with two counts of wire fraud. Swati is also charged with one count of wire fraud.

                If convicted, Olson, Gallagher, Buscher, Fargnoli, and Swati face up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy count, as well as up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud or mail fraud count. Each also face a period of supervised release, restitution, monetary penalties, and forfeiture. Olson faces up to five years in prison for each tax evasion count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

                FDIC Office of Inspector General and IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

                Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca G. Ross, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold of the District of Columbia, Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis, and Trial Attorney Alexis Hughes of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

                An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Council focuses on Iran, Syria, Venezuela

    Source: United Nations 2

    Human Rights

    Top independent experts reported to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, putting the records of Iran, Syria and Venezuela under the spotlight during the 47-member body’s latest session.

    Council-appointed experts pointed to grave violations of fundamental rights in Iran, linked to popular protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

    Sara Hossein, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, said that during peaceful protests, “children were killed and severely injured after being fired at with ammunition containing metal pellets”.

    The youngsters then faced extremely violent treatment in detention – including torture and rape, according to the investigators’ latest report.

    No acknowledgement

    “For two years, Iran has refused to adequately acknowledge the demands for equality and justice that fuelled the protests in 2022. The criminalisation, surveillance and continued repression of protesters, families of victims and survivors – in particular women and girls – is deeply worrying,” she said.

    Today in Iran, State-led repression of basic freedoms continues, Ms. Hossain maintained, with victims, survivors and their families “harassed, intimidated and threatened”.

    Shaheen Ali, who also serves on the Fact-Finding Mission, said that although it was the Iranian Government’s “primary duty to provide redress to victims, we have heard from countless victims and survivors that they have neither confidence nor trust in Iran’s judicial and legal system, to provide meaningful truth, justice and reparations.”

    “It is therefore imperative that comprehensive accountability measures also continue to be pursued outside the country.”

    The Iranian delegation strongly opposed the probe’s findings.

    Truth must emerge: Syria

    The Syria crisis also featured at the Human Rights Council, where head of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Paulo Pinheiro urged greater efforts to uncover the truth about the fate of tens of thousands of disappeared people, victims of the Assad regime.

    Mr. Pinheiro welcomed the new caretaker authorities’ willingness to work with his investigators on several human rights issues, while warning that Syria’s economic and humanitarian situation “remains catastrophic”.

    At the same time, humanitarian funding is dwindling, the veteran rights investigator said, warning that economic despair is known to fuel violence, calling for an end to all sanctions “and the removal of other barriers to recovery and reconstruction”.

    Meeting families

    He said his team of investigators had met many families whose missing loved ones were not among the prisoners released in December following the immediate overthrow of the old regime.

    “They now want the truth about their fate, and they want justice,” he said.

    “The clarification of the fates of the tens of thousands who remain disappeared will require a large-scale effort led by the caretaker authorities along with technical support from human rights and humanitarian entities, including Syrian civil society,” he added.

    “We stand ready to assist those efforts, including by sharing the relevant data we have gathered since 2011, and reiterate the importance of preserving all related evidence and information that can aid in this regard.”

    Political Repression in Venezuela

    In her presentation to the Council, Marta Valiñas, chair of the Independent International Fact-finding Mission on Venezuela, highlighted ongoing severe human rights violations, including political repression, arbitrary detentions, and persecution.

    The 2024 presidential election results were contested but ultimately dismissed by the Supreme Court of Justice without thorough examination.

    The National Electoral Council failed to release the total vote count or polling station tally sheets, raising concerns about electoral transparency. Ms. Valiñas stated.

    “Credible testimonies indicated that council members received political instructions to announce a predetermined result – deviating from the result obtained at the polling booths.”

    Before the presidential inauguration on 10 January 2025, there was a surge in arbitrary detentions of opposition figures and perceived dissidents. Security forces and civilian groups, known as “colectivos”, suppressed anti-government protests, leading to numerous rights violations, she said.

    The mission also investigated fatalities during post-election protests. One significant incident involved the death of seven people during a protest near the San Jacinto Obelisk in Maracay, Aragua state, last July.

    After analysing over 80 videos and 100 photographs, the mission confirmed that members of the Army and the Bolivarian National Guard had used firearms against protesters.

    Deaths due to ‘health complications’

    Ms. Valiñas expressed concern over the deaths of multiple detainees in state custody, attributed to “health complications”.

    Investigations revealed that many detainees were subjected to torture and inhumane treatment. She cited one case where an individual was believed to have suffered beatings with wooden and metal rods under interrogation.

    In response, the Venezuelan Government rejected the findings, calling them politically motivated and biased.

    The Venezuelan representative stated, “this mission produces its propaganda based on invented or politically motivated sources, without scientific rigour and with malicious premeditation.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in supporting vibrant communities | Investissements pour stimuler le dynamisme communautaire

    [. This includes investing in initiatives like Alberta’s Crowdfunding platform, capital grant funding, and funding for community grant programs.If passed, Budget 2025 will continue to build strong and vibrant communities by supporting community grant programs, including $64 million for the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) and Community Initiative Program (CIP) grants that stimulate economic growth, enhance gathering places and provide opportunities for Albertans to build community and connect with one another.
     

    “I am proud that Budget 2025 reinforces Alberta’s commitment to communities by investing in programs like the Community Facility Enhancement Program and the Community Initiatives Program. These programs allow us to continue supporting non-profits and volunteers and help strengthen communities by expanding the spaces, services and programs available to everyday Albertans.”

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women

    The CFEP grant helps fund both building new facilities and renovating existing spaces such as heritage facilities, community halls and theatres, festival spaces and many others. Additionally, the CIP grant supports programs, initiatives and events that contribute to and create opportunities for Albertans to engage with their communities.

    Last year, the Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance received a CFEP grant to assist with the construction of Edmonton’s first dedicated mountain biking facility. The facility will be accessible for bikers of all skill levels and will include dirt jumps, wooden drops, skills structures and an asphalt pump track, spanning almost ten acres within Queen Elizabeth Park.

    “This investment in the Edmonton Bike Park is a game-changer for our community, providing a dedicated space for riders of all ages and skill levels to develop their abilities and enjoy the outdoors. With mountain biking growing rapidly in Edmonton, this park will serve as a hub for skill progression, youth engagement and active recreation. We’re excited to see this long-awaited project come to life and grateful for the support that will make it happen.”

    Joe Yurkovich, president, Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance

    To continue bringing educational programming to the big screen and around the province, The TELUS World of Science – Edmonton received a CFEP grant to help with costs in upgrading its IMAX system. This exciting upgrade will make educational content more accessible for communities across Alberta, increasing access to virtual field trips and virtual events, and allow for rental opportunities for groups in need of this unique technology. Once the upgrade is complete, the IMAX theatre at TELUS World of Science – Edmonton will be the only one of its kind in Canada to feature this updated technology.

    “We are sincerely grateful to the Government of Alberta for investing in non-profit organizations such as ours to amplify impact and build thriving communities. With support from funding programs like CFEP and CIP, we are leveraging new technologies that break down barriers to science education, expanding access for underserved communities, and investing in the next generation of science innovators and entrepreneurs. We know that an investment in curiosity is an investment in our collective future.”

    Constance Scarlett, president and CEO, TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

    Community grants are invested in organizations in all corners of the province. Recently, the Street Sisters Society in Calgary received a grant to strengthen its capacity to provide programs, services and training, improving the quality of life for vulnerable Albertans. As well, Foothills Search and Rescue Society in Diamond Valley received a grant to help with purchasing two side-by-side off-road vehicles and a trailer to allow more trained volunteers to respond to search locations quicker and increase capacity to transport Albertans in areas threatened by fire or flood.

    Alberta’s government is meeting the challenges faced by family and communities, staying focused on ensuring our province is the best place to live, work and raise a family.

    Quick facts

    • Budget 2025 maintains the Community Facility Enhancement Program’s record-level funding at $50 million, an increase that was announced in 2023 as part of a three-year strategic investment.
    • Every government dollar invested through CFEP results in an additional $3 worth of investment from other sources directly into our communities.

    Related information

    • Community Facility Enhancement Program
    • Community Initiatives Program: Project-Based
    • Community Initiatives Program: Operating
    • Previous Grants Recipients Database
    • Crowdfunding Alberta
    • Other Initiatives Program
    • Grants, funding and supports for non-profits

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    Le gouvernement de l’Alberta accorde près de 85 millions de dollars de subventions pour renforcer et dynamiser les collectivités de la province. 

    Chaque année, le gouvernement de l’Alberta soutient des centaines de projets et de programmes sans but lucratif pour fournir des services essentiels aux communautés de la province. Cet appui comprend l’investissement dans des initiatives telles que la plateforme Crowdfunding Alberta, le financement de subventions en capital et le financement de programmes de subventions communautaires.

    S’il est adopté, le budget 2025 continuera à stimuler la force et le dynamisme des communautés en soutenant des programmes de subventions communautaires, notamment en investissant 64 millions de dollars dans le Programme d’amélioration des installations communautaires (Community Facility Enhancement Program [CFEP]) et le Programme d’appui aux initiatives communautaires (Community Initiative Program [CIP]), qui stimulent la croissance économique, améliorent les lieux de rassemblement et offrent aux Albertaines et aux Albertains la possibilité de renforcer leur communauté et de se rapprocher les uns des autres.

    « Je suis fière que le budget 2025 renforce l’engagement de l’Alberta envers ses communautés en investissant dans des programmes tels que le Programme d’amélioration des installations communautaires et le Programme d’appui aux initiatives communautaires. Ces programmes nous permettent de continuer à soutenir les organismes sans but lucratif et bénévoles, et d’aider à renforcer les communautés grâce à des projets d’amélioration des installations, des services et des programmes offerts à toute la population albertaine. »

    Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine

    La subvention du CFEP aide à financer à la fois la construction et la rénovation d’installations, comme celles de lieux patrimoniaux, de salles et théâtres communautaires, de sites de festivals, etc. De son côté, la subvention du CIP soutient des programmes, des initiatives et des événements qui offrent des occasions aux Albertaines et aux Albertains d’enrichir leur vie communautaire.

    L’an dernier, l’Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance a reçu une subvention du CFEP pour l’aider à construire le premier parc de vélo de montagne d’Edmonton. Accessible aux cyclistes de tous niveaux, le site comprendra des sauts en terre, des descentes en bois, des structures d’habileté et une piste de vitesse en asphalte, et il occupera près de dix acres dans le parc Queen Elizabeth.

    « En offrant un espace aux cyclistes de tous âges et niveaux pour développer leurs compétences et profiter du plein air, cet investissement dans le parc de vélo d’Edmonton transformera complètement notre communauté. L’intérêt pour le vélo de montagne croît rapidement à Edmonton. Ce parc deviendra ainsi un centre névralgique pour l’entraînement, l’engagement des jeunes et la pratique de l’activité physique. Nous avons hâte de voir ce projet tant attendu se réaliser et nous sommes reconnaissants du soutien reçu pour lui donner vie. »

    Joe Yurkovich, président de l’Edmonton Mountain Bike Alliance

    Pour continuer à offrir des programmes éducatifs sur grand écran et dans toute la province, le TELUS World of Science – Edmonton a reçu une subvention du CFEP qui l’aidera à payer les coûts de mise à niveau de son système IMAX. Cette superbe version augmentée améliorera l’accès au contenu éducatif dans toutes les communautés de l’Alberta, grâce à des excursions et événements virtuels, et elle permettra la location des lieux aux groupes qui auront besoin des caractéristiques uniques de cette technologie. Une fois la mise à niveau terminée, le cinéma IMAX du TELUS World of Science – Edmonton sera le seul au Canada à offrir cette nouvelle technologie.

    « Nous sommes sincèrement reconnaissants au gouvernement de l’Alberta d’investir dans des organismes sans but lucratif comme le nôtre pour maximiser les bienfaits et bâtir des communautés florissantes. Grâce au soutien de programmes de financement tels que le CFEP et le CIP, nous tirons parti de nouvelles technologies qui éliminent les obstacles à l’enseignement des sciences, élargissent l’accès aux communautés mal desservies et nous permettent d’investir dans la prochaine génération d’innovateurs et d’entrepreneurs scientifiques. Nous savons qu’en stimulant la curiosité, nous investissons dans notre avenir collectif. »

    Constance Scarlett, présidente et directrice générale, TELUS World of Science – Edmonton

    Des organismes de partout dans la province bénéficient de subventions communautaires. Récemment, la Street Sisters Society de Calgary a reçu une subvention pour renforcer sa capacité à fournir des programmes, des services et de la formation, et améliorer ainsi la qualité de vie de personnes vulnérables. De même, la Foothills Search and Rescue Society de Diamond Valley a reçu une subvention pour l’aider à acheter deux véhicules tout-terrain côte à côte et une remorque qui permettront à un plus grand nombre de bénévoles formés de se rendre plus rapidement sur les lieux de recherche, en plus d’augmenter la capacité de transport des Albertaines et Albertains hors des zones menacées par les incendies ou les inondations.

    Le gouvernement de l’Alberta relève les défis auxquels sont confrontées les familles et les communautés en veillant à ce que la province reste le meilleur endroit où vivre, travailler et élever une famille.

    En bref

    • Le budget 2025 maintient le financement record du Programme d’amélioration des installations communautaires à 50 millions de dollars, une augmentation annoncée en 2023 dans le cadre d’un investissement stratégique sur trois ans.
    • Chaque dollar investi par le gouvernement dans le cadre du CFEP se traduit par un investissement supplémentaire d’une valeur de trois dollars provenant d’autres sources, directement dans nos communautés.

    Renseignements connexes

    • Programme d’amélioration des installations communautaires
    • Subvention axée sur les projets du CIP
    • Subvention de fonctionnement du CIP
    • Base de données des bénéficiaires de subventions antérieures (en anglais seulement)
    • Crowdfunding Alberta (en anglais seulement)
    • Programmes de subvention d’autres initiatives
    • Subventions, financement et appui aux organismes sans but lucratif (en anglais seulement)

    Multimédia (en anglais seulement)

    • Regarder la conférence de presse

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Highway 1 will close in Fraser Canyon for construction at Tank Hill

    Drivers are advised that Highway 1 at Tank Hill, 14 kilometres east of Lytton, will be closed overnight on Friday, March 21, 2025, and in the afternoon from March 24 until March 26, 2025.

    The closure is necessary for the installation of steel girders that will span the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) rail line as part of the new overpass.

    Highway 1 through the Fraser Canyon will be closed in both directions overnight from midnight until 4 a.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025, and during the day from 12:30-5:30 p.m. from Monday, March 24 until Wednesday, March 26, 2025. 

    Closures must be co-ordinated with CPKC and specific closure times may be adjusted based on rail operations.

    The Ministry of Transportation and Transit is working with emergency services so they have access through the site.  

    Drivers travelling between the Interior and Lower Mainland can take highways 3 or 5 as alternative routes. Up-to-date information about this closure and road conditions on alternative routes can be found at: www.drivebc.ca

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Issues Warning Amid Increased Reports of Fake ICE Officers and Other Immigration Scams

    Source: US State of California

    Tuesday, March 18, 2025

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

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today reminded Californians to take steps to protect themselves amid new reports of individuals impersonating U.S. Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE) officers and other immigration scams. In recent months, the Attorney General has released guidance to help California immigrants better understand their rights and protections under the law and assist law enforcement, prosecutors, and public institutions in complying with state law. As scammers and other bad actors seek to capitalize on the fear and uncertainty created by the Trump Administration’s racist rhetoric and destructive immigration policies, the Attorney General reminds Californians that it is a crime to impersonate a federal officer and encourages everyone to know their rights under the law and take steps to protect themselves from scams. The full set of guidance, many available in multiple languages, can be accessed at oag.ca.gov/immigrant/resources.

    “We have received reports of individuals looking to take advantage of the fear and uncertainty created by President Trump’s inhumane mass deportation policies,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Let me be clear: If you seek to scam or otherwise take advantage of California’s immigrant communities, you will be held accountable. My office will continue to ensure our laws are fully enforced and the rights of California’s immigrants are respected and protected. I encourage anyone who is the witness to or victim of an immigration scam to report it.”

    If you are approached by an individual claiming to be an immigration officer, know your rights and avoid being scammed: 

    Protect Yourself from Scams

    • Ask for identification. Immigration authorities should carry identifying badges and credentials. 
    • Do not give money or personal information to anyone who calls, texts, or emails you claiming that there is a problem with your immigration matter. Immigration officers will not ask for money or financial information. Immigration officers will not typically call to warn immigrants that they are going to be detained or arrested. 
    • Do not sign anything until you understand what you are signing. Do not agree to anything that is not put in writing and in a language you understand.
    • Do not hire an immigration consultant or a notary. Only lawyers, accredited representatives, and recognized organizations can give you legal advice or represent you in immigration court. Immigration consultants – who may call themselves immigration experts, notarios, notaries public, or paralegals – cannot do so.
    • Do not sign an immigration form that includes incorrect information or blanks. Before you sign any immigration forms, be sure that the forms are fully and accurately filled out. Don’t let anyone convince you to lie on a form or sign a blank form.
    • Beware of “.com” or “.net” websites. Information on these websites may be untrustworthy.  Instead, access information from “.gov” websites. These are government affiliated. 
    • Go to a legitimate legal aid organization for free legal help. Many nonprofit organizations provide free immigration help to low-income individuals, such as those found through the resources below. To find a legal aid organization near you, go to lawhelpca.org.

    Know the Law 

    Impersonating a federal officer is a crime under 18 USC § 912 and impersonating a police officer is a misdemeanor under California Penal Code § 538d. 

    File a Complaint 

    If you have been the victim of an immigration scam or have information about an individual impersonating an ICE officer, report it to local law enforcement. 

    If you believe your rights have been violated, you can report it to the California Department of Justice at immigration@doj.ca.gov.

    If you believe you were subject to discrimination, harassment or retaliation, report it to the California Civil Rights Department at calcivilrights.ca.gov/complaintprocess/.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran Guilty of Illegal Re-entry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ORLIN SAUL HERNANDEZ-TORREZ (“HERNANDEZ-TORREZ”), age 48, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on March 13, 2025 to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

    According to court documents, HERNANDEZ-TORREZ was previously removed from the United States on April 25, 2005, and again on November 8, 2019.  He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 20, 2024 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter. United States District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for June 17, 2025.

    HERNANDEZ-TORREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two (2) years, a fine of up to $250,000,up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Customs and Border Protection agency in investigating this matter.  Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

     

                      

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Announcement of the granting of Power of Attorney to the Board of Directors

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Announcement of the granting of Power of Attorney to the Board of Directors

    Pursuant to announcement no 1172 of 31 October 2017 regarding Major Shareholders, The BANK of Greenland hereby announces, that the Board of Directors have received unqualified Powers of Attorney for use on The BANK of Greenland’s ordinary general meeting 26 March 2025, representing 30.27 percent of the company’s share capital, or 544,852 shares.

    26 March 2025 upon termination of the ordinary general meeting, the right of the Board of Director’s to vote in accordance with the Powers of Attorney granted shall cease.

    Best regards
    The BANK of Greenland

    Martin Kviesgaard
    Managing Director

    Contact: +299 34 78 02 / mail: mbk@banken.gl

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why I’m training Colombian Amazonians to become archaeology tourist guides

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By José Iriarte, Professor of Archaeology, University of Exeter

    Professor Jamie Hampson discusses the interpretation of rock art with diploma students in front of the Tapirs rock art panel. Jose Iriarte, CC BY-NC-ND

    Diana Vera, a passionate local guide from Serranía de la Lindosa, Colombia, leads a group of sweaty and panting European tourists through the hot, lush Amazonian rainforest. Together, they climb the flattop hill (known as tepui) of Nuevo Tolima. Their destination? A vast, ancient painted wall perched at the very top of the tepui that whispers stories from a time long past.

    As the tourists reach the site, Vera brings history to life. She recounts how archaeology tells us that the first humans arrived here some 13,000 years ago.

    She explains how they left their mark on these landscapes by painting their stories, beliefs and visions of the world on the walls of these hills. Because archaeologists have closely analysed the paintings and their chemical signatures, she can explain how paintings were crafted with local ochre using their fingers and brushes.

    She gestures towards the intricate depictions of animals, plants and people, pausing at an especially intriguing image – a now-extinct ice age “palaeolama” or prehistoric llama.

    Then, she shows them a fascinating hybrid figure – a fusion of bird, deer and human. Much of this artwork is probably shamanic in nature – possibly representing spiritual transformations, most likely induced by hallucinogenic rituals or prolonged fasting.

    After Colombia’s peace process was signed in 2016 between participants in a violent civil war, the rock art of Serranía de la Lindosa became a major draw for research and tourism.

    As well as attracting visitors, this cultural and natural heritage has sparked positive social change in the region. Families of more than 100 tourist guides benefit because tourism provides an economic alternative for these communities.

    It’s a path away from illicit activities such as coca cultivation, destructive deforestation for cattle ranching or joining dissident factions of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) guerrilla movement.

    Until now, these local guides have largely relied on self-taught knowledge. There are no universities in the region to provide formal education. Little archaeological research has been conducted in this area, so much of its history and heritage remains unexplored.

    To address this gap, my colleagues and I have co-created a diploma degree in cultural heritage management for local tourism guides.

    Our team at the University of Exeter worked closely with Colombian partners including the University of Antioquia, the Secretariat of Culture and Tourism of Guaviare Department and the Geographical Society of Colombia to make sure that the diploma met the needs of local people. This diploma is based on knowledge from our systematic study of archaeology and rock art of the region, as part of a European Research Council-funded project called the LastJourney project.

    A new cultural heritage diploma degree trains archaeology tourist guides in the Colombian Amazon.

    Local community archaeology tourism benefits the heritage, the people and the rainforest. As Colombian archaeologist Javier Aceituno states in The Painted Forest, the 2022 book we co-wrote: “The paintings need the people, and the people need the paintings.”

    The Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History, the national heritage authority, has officially designated la Lindosa as an archaeological protected area. However, like many national parks in the Amazon, there are very limited resources for enforcement and preservation of these large rural areas. Local communities can help protect these rock paintings by controlling access and providing guided visits to the sites.

    Forty people took part in the first iteration of this three-month-long diploma in 2023-2024. Each of three 30-hour modules are delivered in rural communities of Cerro Azul, Nuevo Tolima and Raudal del Guayabero in Guaviare department, Colombia.

    Alongside my colleagues from the University of Exeter and the University of Antioquia, I taught modules in communal village buildings, where we conducted experimental archaeology. This included manufacturing stone tools and recreating paint recipes from scratch, providing a practical, hands-on learning experience bringing archaeology to life.*

    This diploma has empowered communities to take a stronger role in managing their archaeological and bio-cultural heritage. By deepening their understanding of this unique history, communities can better protect and manage their heritage, ultimately enriching the tourist experience.

    Three graduates from the course also visited UK archaeological sites, including Stonehenge in Wiltshire, to explore how such sites are preserved and presented to tourists abroad. At the Ancient Technology Centre in Dorset they learnt how visitors can experience archaeology in creative ways through hands-on experiences and demonstrations of ancient crafts and sustainable building techniques.

    Archaeologists and rock art specialists aren’t just sharing their expertise. My colleagues and I are also learning from Indigenous participants. Victor Caycedo, of the Indigenous Amazonian Desana ethnicity, and Ismael Sierra, from the Tukano people of southern Colombia, bring invaluable ancestral knowledge to the diploma.

    They have shared insights into the shamanic and animistic worldviews that have shaped these landscapes for centuries. Their perspectives add a deeper, living dimension to the study of rock art, bridging past and present in a way that only those rooted in these traditions can reveal, as recently published in the journal Arts.

    For Diana Vera, this diploma represents “learning about heritage and the ancient lifeways of the people of La Lindosa”. She told me that she now better understands “the union of three villages with a single purpose of conservation and preservation” and has a greater sense of belonging to these ancestral places and nature. Most of all, this diploma marks the opportunity for “a new beginning” in this region by introducing more sustainable and responsible tourism, she said.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    José Iriarte receives funding from the European Research Council, Arts and Humanities Research Council (UK), British Academy, National Geographic, Wenner Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research, FAPESP (Brazil), and CAPES (Brazil).

    – ref. Why I’m training Colombian Amazonians to become archaeology tourist guides – https://theconversation.com/why-im-training-colombian-amazonians-to-become-archaeology-tourist-guides-251651

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Argentina: despite the scandals, Milei’s politics are here to stay

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Juan Pablo Ferrero, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Politics, University of Bath

    The Argentinian president, Javier Milei, is going through the toughest moment of his short but remarkable political career. He is facing impeachment calls – as well as legal action – over his promotion of a cryptocurrency on social media.

    The cryptocoin $Libra, which Milei mentioned in a social media post on February 14, quickly rose in value before nosediving, causing severe losses for people who had invested in it. Milei has insisted that his post did not constitute an endorsement.

    “I’m a techno-optimist … and this was proposed to me as an instrument to help fund Argentine projects,” he said in a television interview. “It’s true that in trying to help out those Argentines, I took a slap in the face.”

    I doubt this is it for Milei. But even if it is the beginning of the end, Milei’s politics are here to stay. His leadership style, discourse and actions represent an emerging constituency with both a present and a future.

    This is because Milei is not, in my opinion, the effect of a crisis of representation. He is instead a faithful representative of a new reactive society emerging worldwide, which is largely sceptical of institutional mediation and values problem solvers and strong executives.

    People at the inauguration of Javier Milei in December 2023.
    Facundo Florit / Shutterstock

    To explore this phenomenon, imagine if you will, “Ricardo”, a fictitious yet representative member of a vulnerable segment of Argentina’s workforce. People like Ricardo returned to the labour market after the pandemic with precarious jobs and lower wages.

    He is a delivery worker who uses multiple digital platforms to earn a living. His life, characterised by the gig economy and labour informality, reflects a broader trend affecting around 50% of workers in Argentina.

    Ricardo had previously voted for Argentina’s left-wing leader, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. But he voted for Milei in the last election, as did many others, and says he would vote for Milei again today. His sympathy for Milei has grown over the year he has been in office.

    According to a recent poll put together by political consultancy firm Tendencias, 89.6% of those who voted for Milei in the 2023 general election were happy with their choice. A growing share of Argentina’s population seemingly approves of the Milei administration.

    During the pandemic, Ricardo’s ability to support his family was diminished by government-imposed restrictions on travel and movement. These restrictions, which were often violently enforced by security forces, pushed him into poverty. The rate of poverty in Argentina increased to over 40% during the pandemic.

    This experience led Ricardo to feel a sense of satisfaction when Milei began mass layoffs of public employees to cut public spending. He thought this was payback time for those in the public sector, with job security, who did not have to endure what he had to during the pandemic.

    For Ricardo, they were all ñoquis (gnocchi), a slang term widely used in Argentina to refer to public employees who receive a salary but allegedly do little work. These workers are called ñoquis because many Argentinians traditionally eat gnocchi on the 29th day of every month, around the time people receive their monthly paychecks.

    Ricardo consumes all of the short clips circulating online from television interviews and talks at international forums of Milei “destroying” career politicians, whom he calls la casta (the caste). Milei sees the main aim of the caste as the reproduction of themselves, so he advocates for a small state or no state at all. Milei believes that nearly everything should be privatised.

    While Ricardo thinks politicians should be compensated for their job, many from across Argentina’s political spectrum have become extremely wealthy, so he’s with Milei on this one too. He even wears a chainsaw as a key ring – a nod to Milei’s promise to slash the size of the state.

    Ricardo acknowledges that life has become very expensive in Argentina since Milei took office. This is because, while inflation has gone down, the Argentinian peso has gained value, making Argentina one of the most expensive countries in the world. However, he believes this remains a price worth paying for a stable and prosperous Argentina.

    The aforementioned poll suggests that many Argentinians feel that their economic situation is better than a year ago, and will improve over the course of the next six months. Inflation, which was the leading concern in most polls ahead of the election, has fallen to sixth place.

    Ricardo is persuaded by Milei’s mantra: “If printing money would end poverty, printing diplomas would end stupidity”. And in recent times, Ricardo has spent his scarce leisure moments watching videos on his phone where internet influencers teach him how to multiply his dwindling income by investing in cryptocurrencies that promise high returns in a short time.

    In Argentina, like many other areas of the world, the appetite for gambling or investing in highly risky ventures such as cryptocurrency has multiplied as a means to win money fast. This is especially true among young people, often with devastating consequences.

    Representation of a new society

    There is a new political subject emerging worldwide marked by the precariousness of new forms of work, whose socialisation occurs in the digital world dominated by influencers. These people see the state not only as unnecessary, but as an enemy to be destroyed and distrust all institutional political intermediaries. Milei represents this new society.

    The process by which an issue becomes a subject of political debate and action has also changed. Solutions to single issues have replaced political programmes with complex visions about the future as the main source of popular validation. Big personalities can carry this forward more successfully than bureaucratic political parties.

    Presidents have become more like city majors judged by their ability to provide solutions to a single issue. In the case of Milei, it’s inflation. For Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, it’s security. And for Donald Trump in the US, it’s China.

    The figureheads of new political formations might change, but the politics of these formations will not.

    Juan Pablo Ferrero 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. Argentina: despite the scandals, Milei’s politics are here to stay – https://theconversation.com/argentina-despite-the-scandals-mileis-politics-are-here-to-stay-250183

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: HHS, FDA Announce Operation Stork Speed to Expand Options for Safe, Reliable, and Nutritious Infant Formula for American Families

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    For Immediate Release:
    March 18, 2025

    Today, under the leadership of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is taking steps to enhance its efforts to ensure the ongoing quality, safety, nutritional adequacy, and resilience of the domestic infant formula supply.
    “The FDA will use all resources and authorities at its disposal to make sure infant formula products are safe and wholesome for the families and children who rely on them,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy. “Helping each family and child get off to the right start from birth is critical to our pursuit to Make America Healthy Again.”
    The FDA is announcing a set of actions and initiatives focused on infant formula, such as beginning the nutrient review process and increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants. The agency is also encouraging companies to develop new infant formulas and clarify opportunities to help inform consumers about formula ingredients. These enhanced FDA commitments are focused on making sure a strong supply of the sole source of nutrition for formula-fed babies and children remains available for one of our nation’s most vulnerable populations.
    “The FDA is deeply committed to ensuring that moms and other caregivers of infants and young children and other individuals who rely on infant formula for their nutritional needs have confidence that these products are safe, consistently available, and contain the nutrients essential to promote health and wellbeing during critical stages of development and life,” said Acting FDA Commissioner Sara Brenner, M.D., M.P.H. “Whether breastfed, bottle fed or both, the rising generation must be nourished in a way that promotes health and longevity over the course of their lives.”
    The FDA uses its authorities, both longstanding and newly granted, to uphold the safety, nutritional adequacy and resilience of infant formula and the infant formula supply. The FDA is:

    Starting the nutrient review required by law by issuing a Request for Information in the coming months to start the first comprehensive update and review of infant formula nutrients by the FDA since 1998
    Increasing testing for heavy metals and other contaminants in infant formula and other foods children consume
    Extending the personal importation policy
    Encouraging companies to work with the FDA on any questions regarding increased transparency and clearer labeling
    Communicating regularly with consumers and industry stakeholders as significant developments occur to ensure transparency, including information regarding nutrients and health outcomes
    Collaborating with the National Institutes of Health and other scientific bodies to address priority scientific research gaps regarding short- and long-term health outcomes associated with formula feeding in infancy and childhood across the lifespan

    The FDA remains committed to infant formula safety and nutritional quality and is taking all actions to ensure the U.S. infant formula supply ranks best in the world.
    Related Information

    Related Information

    ###

    Boilerplate

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

    Inquiries

    Consumer:
    888-INFO-FDA

    Content current as of:
    03/18/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: asdfsdaf

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Get Our News

    These items are in the RSS feed format (Really Simple Syndication) based on categories such as topics, locations, and more. You can install and RSS reader browser extension, software, or use a third-party service to receive immediate news updates depending on the feed that you have added. If you click the feed links below, they may look strange because they are simply XML code. An RSS reader can easily read this code and push out a notification to you when something new is posted to our site.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests 81 illegal aliens as part of joint federal law enforcement operation in Kentucky, of which 25 also charged with felony criminal offenses

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOUISVILLE, Ky. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 81 illegal aliens during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation March 10 to 14 which included multiple federal law enforcement agencies in Kentucky, with 25 of the aliens charged with criminal offenses including illegal reentry, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of controlled substances.

    Illegal aliens who were not charged criminally will be held in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

    Arrests included illegal aliens from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, India and Palau.

    Among those arrested during the operation include:

    • A 35-year-old citizen of Honduras charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and illegal reentry.
    • A 50-year-old citizen of Mexico charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
    • A 30-year-old citizen of Mexico charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
    • A 45-year-old citizen of Guatemala convicted of domestic violence conviction, public intoxication, driving without a license, and DUI.
    • A 44-year-old citizen of India convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor, intimidation, and battery.
    • A 28 -year-old citizen of Mexico charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
    • A 32-year-old citizen of Mexico convicted of drug trafficking, possession of multiple firearms with machine gun conversion devices who is charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and illegal reentry.

    “Public safety relies on the expertise of ICE officers who are able to coordinate across federal agencies to accomplish these arrests,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Chicago Field Office Director Sam Olson. “Operations that lead to the arrest and detention of alien offenders can be complex and may, at times, prove to be challenging. Our agency is more than capable to meet those challenges. I’m grateful for all our federal partners here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and we are committed, as a united group, to removing individuals from our communities who pose a threat to public safety and national security.”

    Partner law enforcement participating in the operation included the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Criminal charges by indictment or criminal complaint are pursued by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Kentucky and the Eastern District of Kentucky.

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

    Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X at @EROChicago.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Secretary Redding Visits 10th Generation Dairy Farm to Celebrate Pennsylvania’s Progress, Shapiro Administration’s New Investments Shaping Its Future

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 18, 2025 – Middletown, PA

    Secretary Redding Visits 10th Generation Dairy Farm to Celebrate Pennsylvania’s Progress, Shapiro Administration’s New Investments Shaping Its Future

    Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding celebrated National Ag Day with the Nissley family on their 10th-generation dairy farm in Middletown today to see some of the progress supported by the Shapiro Administration’s strategic investments in the future of their farm and farms like it across Pennsylvania.

    The Nissley family took advantage of a Pennsylvania Farm Vitality Planning Grant in 2024 to support the legal and business planning services they needed to keep their farm in the family. This February, the business received one of the first Pennsylvania Agricultural Innovation Grants to fund a feasibility study for an anaerobic digester to help them turn farm waste into energy to power the farm.

    “At Jubilee Dairy and family farms like it across Pennsylvania, we are seeing the results of our investments with and for our farm families,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “On kitchen tables, and in the businesses and communities that depend on family farms succeeding, we can see firsthand how Shapiro Administration investments with broad bi-partisan support are feeding Pennsylvania’s economic future, protecting our rich agricultural heritage, and preparing businesses, families, and communities to meet the challenges ahead.”

    LIST OF SPEAKERS:
    PA Agriculture Business Development Center Director, Stephanie Shirk
    PA Dept. of Agriculture Secretary, Russell Reading
    Jubilee Heritage Owner, Kendra, Nissley
    Future Farmers of America State Reporter, Evan Espenshade

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Appoints State DOL Commissioner

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced his appointment of Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. Joined by her family and supporters, she will be sworn into office on April 4th and serve the remainder of the term won by Bruce Thompson in 2022, who sadly passed away last November.

    “Marty and I are proud to make this historic announcement and to congratulate Bárbara Rivera Holmes on her new leadership role that will benefit our entire state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As someone who has a proven track record of success in economic development and education, I know she will bring the same level of dedication to this position that she has to the people of Dougherty County and the surrounding area. I wish her continued success, both for her career and office, but especially on behalf of the hardworking people of Georgia.”

    “Marty, the girls, and I also want to thank Louis DeBroux and the leadership team at the Department of Labor who have kept the Department moving forward after the painful loss of Bruce Thompson last year,” Governor Kemp continued. “Their hard work and uninterrupted commitment to the people of our state will not be forgotten.”

    “Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to creating opportunities and building stronger communities by fostering partnerships and statewide alliances that drive job growth, tap into our state’s talent and enhance Georgia’s competitiveness,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “I’m grateful to Governor Kemp for the opportunity to build on this work, pledging to always put Georgians first as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. I look forward to working alongside my fellow constitutional officers and Team Georgia as champions of our great state.”

    “Bárbara is an excellent choice for Commissioner of Labor,” said former Governor Nathan Deal. “She brings years of experience in economic development, workforce, and higher education to the job. Bárbara will join a talented team helping ensure our state continues to be the best place for business, raise a family, and call home.”

    “I want to extend my congratulations to Bárbara Rivera Holmes on her appointment to serve as Georgia’s Labor Commissioner,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “As we continue to mourn the loss of our dear friend and former Commissioner Bruce Thompson, we warmly welcome Ms. Rivera Holmes. Her role as the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, along with her extensive background in business and workforce development, make her a great fit to take on this important role. I look forward to working with her on key issues impacting Georgia’s businesses, workforce, and overall economic success.”

    “The Georgia House is incredibly excited to welcome Bárbara Rivera Holmes into her new role as Commissioner of Labor,” said Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “Her wealth of experience in economic development and small business advocacy will undoubtedly be invaluable as we continue our efforts to strengthen Georgia’s workforce in every corner of the state.”

    “Bárbara Rivera Holmes has been for many years a fierce advocate for Georgia’s workforce and economic development, and she’s been a strong partner in our fight to combat fraud and cybercrimes in Southwest Georgia and beyond,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “We’re proud to join in congratulating her on this historic appointment, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that Georgia remains the best place to live, work, and build a business.”

    “I am thrilled to congratulate my friend and a Great Georgian, Bárbara Rivera Holmes, on her historic appointment to serve as Georgia Labor Commissioner,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “As a longtime resident of Albany, I know Bárbara has a deep understanding of Georgia’s No. 1 industry, and she knows that for Georgia’s farm families, agriculture is more than just a job or a hobby – it is our way of life. I’m excited to welcome Barbara to our fantastic team of Constitutional Officers, and I look forward to working together to deliver for Georgia farmers and consumers alike.”

    “With a long history of hard work and strong leadership, there is no doubt that Bárbara Rivera Holmes will create lasting, positive changes in our state,” said Insurance Commissioner John King. “She brings an incredible depth of experience and understanding of the challenges Georgians face, and I look forward to working with her to move Georgia towards a brighter future.”

    “I’ve known Bárbara Rivera Holmes for quite a while now and I congratulate her on her appointment,” Public Service Commission Chairman Jason Shaw said on behalf of his fellow Commissioners. “She is one of the true champions of South Georgia and the entire state. Her dedication to community service, economic development, and higher education will certainly provide her a solid base as she begins work as our newest Labor Commissioner.”

    “I commend Governor Kemp for appointing Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Georgia’s Labor Commissioner,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “Her expertise in economic development has positively impacted many lives in Southwest Georgia, and I’m optimistic about her extending that success statewide. I also want to express my gratitude to Louis DeBroux for his leadership in continuing the work of our friend Bruce Thompson and working tirelessly to improve the lives of all Georgians.”

    “I wish to congratulate Bárbara Rivera Holmes on her historic appointment as Georgia’s Commissioner of Labor, and I look forward to the valuable perspective she’ll bring to the role as someone rooted in rural Georgia,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “Education and workforce concerns are so closely intertwined, and I look forward to working with Commissioner Rivera Holmes to ensure a prosperous future for our students and our state as a whole.”

    “As a former regent for the University System of Georgia, Bárbara Rivera Holmes understands the university system provides talent flow for industry,” said University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “Combined with her longtime experience leading the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, she knows how to build community, solve business challenges, and partner with decision-makers, employers, and innovators. We look forward to working with her closely as she develops a workforce for Georgia’s future.”

    Bárbara Rivera Holmes is president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also CEO of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation. Under her leadership, the organizations build economic opportunity, community, and a path forward for Albany’s future by solving businesses’ greatest challenges, working with decisionmakers to inform smart policy, and partnering with employers and educators to build a modern and adaptive workforce.

    Previously, she served as Vice President of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC), overseeing the development of its brand, marketing campaigns, and its successful business retention and expansion program which facilitates existing industry job creation and capital investment in Albany-Dougherty County.

    Prior to her work at the ADEDC, Holmes was the senior business writer with The Albany Herald, where she earned four Georgia Associated Press awards for excellence in journalism. In 2018, she was appointed by former Governor Nathan Deal to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and also served as co-chair of the Georgia Innovates Task Force to help design the state’s innovation blueprint. Earlier this year, Governor Brian Kemp appointed Holmes to the House Rural Development Council.

    A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Holmes is fluent in Spanish. She graduated as a double major from Florida Southern College, where she studied Journalism and Spanish. Holmes lives in Albany with her husband, David, and their daughter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Discusses Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid with Seniors, Hosts Roundtable on Needs of New Mexico Food Banks

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Santa Fe, N.M. – On Monday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) visited the Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center in Santa Fe to meet with seniors and discuss his efforts to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for New Mexicans from attacks by Elon Musk and the Trump administration. Senator Luján then traveled to Albuquerque to convene a roundtable at Roadrunner Food Bank to discuss the specific needs of New Mexico food banks and stakeholders and efforts to support New Mexicans in the Farm Bill.
    Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center, Santa Fe, N.M.

    “It was an honor to meet with New Mexican seniors today and hear firsthand how vital programs like Social Security and Medicare are to their livelihoods. Standing up for our seniors is important to me, especially in the face of threats to programs that our seniors rely on. Elon Musk called Americans’ hard-earned benefits ‘the big one to eliminate’ and a ‘Ponzi Scheme.’ That’s unacceptable,” said Senator Luján.
    “Over 100,000 seniors in New Mexico rely on Medicaid, and 460,000 New Mexicans are covered by Medicare. Without Medicaid, most older adults who need help with daily activities would not be able to afford home-based or nursing facility care,”continued Senator Luján. “That’s just not right. I will continue fighting to protect our seniors against attacks from the Trump administration.”
    Roadrunner Food Bank, Albuquerque, N.M.

    “It was a privilege to meet with folks at Roadrunner Foodbank to learn more about the needs of our food banks, farmers, producers, and stakeholders. The Musk-Trump funding freeze and broad and indiscriminate firings across the federal government have devastated communities across America, leaving countless families uncertain where their next meal would come from. Foodbanks across New Mexico ensure families in need have access to nutritious meals. But now, Elon Musk, President Trump, and Congressional Republicans are threatening critical funding for nutrition support – putting New Mexico families at risk,” said Senator Luján.
    “As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry’s Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, I will continue to fight to protect programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP),” continued Senator Luján. “These programs are lifelines for thousands of New Mexicans, and gutting these resources hurts our families and threatens our communities and the economy,”
    “Taking aim at funding that supports community members struggling to get enough food to eat (particularly highly nutritious foods) and positively impacts local growers and producers is only accomplishing one thing: harming New Mexicans and Americans. If the goal is healthier communities, we should be investing in support for locally produced foods going to community members, not stripping away those programs and funds,” said Katy Anderson, Road Runner Foodbank VP-Strategy, Partnerships, and Advocacy.
    “The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) created an opportunity to implement an innovative approach to improving access to nutritious food through the food security network while strengthening the resilience of New Mexico’s local food system. For the first time, the food security network and the local agriculture community worked together to foster change—and it worked! The abrupt dissolution of this program harms everyone—producers, food banks, food-insecure individuals, and the critical relationships that sustain New Mexico’s communities,” said Jill Dixon, Executive Director of The Food Depot.
    “These cuts hurt farmers, and the adage is true as ever:  no farmers, no food.  The Local Food Purchasing program allowed local farms like ours to have predictable, meaningful contracts delivering the fresh healthy food we grow to food banks and schools, ensuring local food reached the people who need it most. Thanks to this highly successful program, NM farmers pivoted their crop plans and distribution strategies to feed our communities. Now, with funding cuts, crops are in the fields but won’t be able to reach the hungry children and families in our communities.  We must invest in programs that support farmers to keep farming, and keep local food accessible to everyone—not just those who can afford it,” said Juliana Ciano, Reunity Resources.
    “The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) is a perfect example of how a federal government investment puts ‘America First.’ Investing in skilled American ranchers and farmers, who use America’s natural resources to grow healthy, nutritious American beef and produce. Which in turn have stimulated growth in rural economies by creating more jobs and businesses to package and distribute this locally grown food into local markets that pay a ‘fair’ market price. This is a concept that is Making America Great Again. My hopes are that the LFPA program will be re-evaluated for funding because of the true value that it is bringing to rural economies and the well-being of Americans across the country,” said Manny Encinias, President of Trilogy Beef Community.
    “These cuts are really a shame, as during the last three years, New Mexico’s Regional Farm to Food Bank program has been a national standout, spending more than $3.6 million with small- and medium-scale producers, many of whom themselves live in low-income, low-access food areas,” said Denise Miller, executive director of the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Names The Gangplank as March Small Business of the Month

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Senator Jim Risch, senior member and former chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, announced the selection of The Gangplank in Idaho Falls as the Idaho Small Business of the Month for March 2025. The Gangplank will be recognized for its contribution to the Southeast Idaho community in the Congressional Record of the U.S. Senate.

    “The Gangplank has been a Southeast Idaho staple for 55 years,” said Risch. “Owned by the Croney family, The Gangplank serves the people of Idaho Falls delicious fish and chips and excellent community service. I’m proud to recognize The Gangplank as the March Small Business of the Month.”

    Idaho is consistently ranked one of the best places in the country to do business. Each month, Senator Risch selects an Idaho small business that exemplifies the Idaho values of hard work, entrepreneurial spirit, and exceptional commitment to community.?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Prime Minister Carney strengthens Canada’s security and sovereignty

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Now more than ever, we need to reaffirm Canadian sovereignty by strengthening our military, bolstering our Arctic security, and unleashing the North’s economic potential.

    Prime Minister Carney was today in Iqaluit, Nunavut, to announce initiatives in partnership with Inuit leaders to build the Nunavut economy and strengthen Canadian security and sovereignty in the Arctic.

    First, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada intends to partner with Australia to develop advanced Over-the-Horizon Radar technology. This partnership will include developing Canada’s Arctic Over-the-Horizon Radar system, an investment of more than $6 billion that will provide early warning radar coverage from threats to the Arctic. A key component of Canada’s NORAD modernization plan, the radar system’s long-range surveillance and threat tracking capabilities will detect and deter threats across the North. Collaboration with Australia on this critical technology will further deepen our long-standing bilateral defence relationship, while supporting Canada’s commitment to strengthening North American defences in partnership with the United States.

    The Prime Minister confirmed the partnership in his call with the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, earlier today.

    Second, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada will take on a greater, sustained, and year-round Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) presence in the Arctic – an investment of nearly $420 million to protect our sovereignty across land, air, and sea. With an expansion of its Northern and Arctic operations and training exercises, and the deployment of more personnel, the CAF will be better placed to defend Canada’s Arctic presence and sovereignty­ – while enabling greater collaboration with NATO Allies. 

    Third, to advance reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, Prime Minister Carney announced over $253 million in new support to build a stronger economy across Nunavut, including:

    • $94 million to upgrade power plants in Cambridge Bay, Gjoa Haven, Igloolik, and Iqaluit. These important energy upgrades will ensure that Nunavut communities have access to safe and dependable power.
    • Almost $74 million to improve critical housing infrastructure, accelerate housing development, and help meet the growing demand for affordable housing.
    • Almost $66 million to build, renovate, and repair hundreds more homes across Nunavut, including for Indigenous Peoples and underserved groups.
    • $20 million to help the Nunavut Nukkiksautiit Corporation complete the first phase of the development of its hydroelectricity facility which will, once complete, provide renewable energy security and create jobs across Nunavut.

    Following a positive and constructive meeting with the Premier of Nunavut, P.J. Akeeagok, the two leaders agreed to continue to work together in partnership on shared priorities in the Arctic.

    The Prime Minister also met with Nunavut Tunngavik Incorporated as well as the President of Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, Natan Obed, to reinforce the fundamental importance of their leadership and to establish a link of collaboration on major infrastructure projects.

    With an enhanced Arctic focus, the Canadian government is improving our military readiness, creating more high-paying jobs, and growing a stronger economy across the North. Working closely with Indigenous Peoples and our Allies, we will fortify the Arctic by strengthening our year-round presence, accelerating defence spending, unleashing the North’s economic potential, and reasserting Canada’s sovereignty and security.

    Quote

    “Canada is, and forever will be, an Arctic nation, and we can never take our sovereignty and security in the region for granted. Our government will strengthen Canada’s Arctic security, bolster partnerships with our closest Allies, unleash the North’s economic potential, and reaffirm reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples. Canada will remain a strong, secure, and sovereign nation.”

    Quick Fact

    • The Arctic region is central to Canada’s national identity, prosperity, and security. The Canadian Arctic covers 40 per cent of Canada’s territory and more than 70 per cent of its coastline. 

    Related Product

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder: Expanding Public Transit for Rural Communities in Manitoba

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Backgrounder

    The federal government is investing $3,976,981 through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund to increase transit services across Manitoba.

    Project Information:

    Location

    Project Name

    Project Details

    Federal Funding

    Provincial Funding

    Recipient Funding

    Other Funding

    City of Flin Flon

    Purchase of a wheelchair-accessible bus and supporting infrastructure to enhance Flin Flon’s fixed-route transit service

    Purchase of one wheelchair-accessible bus and installation of sidewalks and bus stop shelters to enhance Flin Flon’s fixed-route public transit service.

    $1,776,000

    $0

    $444,000

    $0

    Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain

    Purchases to support transit for Killarney-Turtle Mountain

    Purchase a wheelchair-accessible handivan bus to maintain transportation services in the municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain.

    $186,116

    $0

    $46,529

    $0

    Rural Municipality of Rockwood; Rural Municipality of Rosser; Rural Municipality of St. Laurent; Town of Stonewall; Rural Municipality of Woodlands

    Purchase of electric vehicles and supporting infrastructure to provide door-to-door transportation service in the Interlake District

    Purchase of two electric buses, installation of six charging platforms and 12 chargers, as well as investments in garage upgrades to enhance door-to-door transportation service for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges in Manitoba’s Interlake District.

    $1,412,898

    $150,000

    $103,225

    $100,000

    St. Theresa Point First Nation

    Purchases to support transit for St. Theresa Point First Nation

    Purchase of two electric vehicles, two charging stations, and electronic equipment to enhance local transit service and improve the quality of life and safety for residents of St. Theresa Point First Nation.

    $440,132

    $0

    $0

    $0

    Town of Teulon

    Purchases to continue transit service in Teulon, Rockwood and Woodlands

    Purchase of a mini-bus and an accessible van to replace aging fleets and ensure safe, reliable transportation in Teulon, Rockwood, and Woodlands.

    $161,835

    $0

    $40,459

    $0

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Expanding Public Transit for Rural Communities in Manitoba

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Stonewall, Manitoba, March 18, 2025 — Increased transit services, improved accessible public transit, and expanded door-to-door electric vehicle transportation are coming to Manitoba thanks to a federal investment of over $3.9 million.

    Funding will support the purchase of two electric buses, six charging platforms, 12 chargers, and garage upgrades in the Interlake region. These investments will enhance door-to-door transportation services for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges, improving accessibility and service reliability.

    Teulon, Rockwood, and Woodlands will also benefit from funding to purchase a new mini-bus and an accessible van to replace aging vehicles. These upgrades will ensure the continued delivery of safe and reliable transit services, while enhancing accessibility and sustainability in the region.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Teen Rize Simmons Wins State Poetry Out Loud Competition for the Second Year in a Row

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Once again, headed to the National Finals to represent Colorado in Washington, DC

    DENVER — Gov. Polis, Colorado Creative Industries (CCI), a division of the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and Empowered are pleased to announce that Rize Simmons of Windsor High School in Weld County has been named the 2025 Colorado Poetry Out Loud State Champion. A seasoned competitor, Simmons will advance to the national competition May 5 through 7—his second time representing Colorado on the national stage.

    “Art, including poetry, serves as a valuable outlet for personal expression and bringing individuals from all backgrounds together. I am incredibly proud of all the participating young poets and congratulate Rize Simmons for winning the Poetry Out Loud competition and advancing to the national stage. Colorado is cheering you on as you represent our state at nationals,” said Governor Polis.

    This year marks a special milestone for Poetry Out Loud, as it commemorates the 20th anniversary of the program, encouraging high school students to learn about classic and contemporary poetry through memorization, performance, and competition. Presented in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, 3,200 Colorado youth poets participated in the program. Participating Poetry Out Loud students are 1.7 times more likely to have 4-year college or graduate school aspirations than nonparticipants, even after researchers controlled for other factors. Since the program began in 2005, more than four million students across the country have participated in Poetry Out Loud.

    “Poetry Out Loud truly enriches the lives of participants by helping them develop public speaking and interpretation skills while fostering a lifelong love of arts. Rize Simmon embodies the best of Colorado’s innovative spirit and we are excited to see him excel on the national stage.” said OEDIT Executive Director, Eve Lieberman.

    This afternoon, 15 students from 15 Colorado schools, including last year’s champion, competed at the annual state finals at the Denver Center for Performing Arts—The Randy Weeks Conservatory Theatre. This year’s event was attended by Poetry Foundation’s Angelica Flores, emceed by the inaugural poet laureate of Adams County, Colorado Kerrie Joy and judged by some of Colorado’s finest poets: Meca’Ayo (Tameca L. Coleman), Cipriano Ortega, Piper Mullins, Joseph Hutchinson, and Jose “Jozer” Guerrero.

    “For nearly two decades, Poetry Out Loud has shown that poetry is truly timeless,” said Angelica Flores of the Poetry Foundation. “The anthology spans from Shakespearean works to contemporary poets, yet students continue to find poems they deeply connect with. No matter how much time passes, poetry remains relevant, offering each new generation a chance to discover its power.”

    Rize, from Windsor High School, had the highest scores for his performance of “Alternate Names for Black Boys,” by Danez Smith, “Eddie Priest’s Barbershop & Notary,” by Kevin Young, and “On Liberty and Slavery,” by George Moses Horton. As State Champion, Simmons will receive $500 and an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C., with an adult chaperone, to compete in the Poetry Out Loud national competition. Windsor High School will also receive $500 for the purchase of poetry materials.

    When asked what draws them to poetry, Simmons said, “the style or poetry I gravitate toward is very personal, poems that reflect both the challenges and celebrations of being a person of color. I like upbeat poems with strong imagery and visuals. My mom and I do a lot of research, and I choose poems that I relate to and feel and feel a personal connection with.”

    Reid Stenberger from Valor Christian High School was second place, while Kenley Ellis from Kent Denver School finished in third place.  

    A total of $50,000 in awards and school/organization stipends will be given at the Poetry Out Loud National Finals, held from May 5-7, 2025, including a $20,000 award for the National Champion, $10,000 for second place, $5,000 for third place, and $1,000 for fourth through ninth places. The Colorado Poetry Out Loud competition is overseen by CCI and Empowered to encourage young Colorado performers to bring the words of great poets to life and celebrate the role of poetry in literary history and contemporary life.

    “For 20 years, Poetry Out Loud continues to ignite confidence, creativity, and a profound sense of belonging for young voices across Colorado and the nation, proving that poetry is not just written—it’s lived,” said CCI Director Josh Blanchard. “We are especially proud to celebrate Rize, whose dedication and talent exemplify the very essence of this competition and the transformative impact of poetry.”

    “Poetry inspires young people to discover their voices and express themselves in powerful ways. We are so proud of Rize Simmons for this incredible accomplishment and wish him success as he represents Colorado at the National Finals in Washington, D.C.” said Jesse Martinez, CEO of Empowered.

    Empowered, Ltd.

    Empowered is a ground-breaking nonprofit, arts, education, and community-driven consulting group. We are passionate about making a difference and committed to empowering people, organizations, and communities. Our 25+ years of experience spans the education, arts and culture, and nonprofit sectors, adding a unique and creative perspective that allows us to think innovatively about your work and your organization’s future. Whether you are in the education sector looking to improve educational outcomes, an arts organization seeking ways to deliver culturally responsive programming, a nonprofit set on pivoting toward the future, or a philanthropic foundation eager to innovate, let us ignite your passion for change and impact. To learn more, go to www.empowered-people.com

    Colorado Creative Industries

    Established in 1967, Colorado Creative Industries (CCI), the state’s designated arts agency, is a division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Established to harness the immense potential of Colorado’s creative sector, CCI leads an $18.1 billion industry that supports 104,163 jobs, and outpaces industries like utilities, education, and agriculture—advancing its mission to promote, support and expand the creative industries to drive Colorado’s economy, grow jobs and enhance our quality of life.

    Poetry Out Loud—presented in partnership with the Colorado Creative Industries, National Endowment for the Arts, and the Poetry Foundation—lifts poetry off the page, creating community and connection. Through this program, high school students across the country participate in a dynamic poetry recitation competition that is designed to improve their public speaking skills, help build confidence, and teach them about literary history and contemporary life.

    Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade

    The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works to empower all to thrive in Colorado’s economy. Under the leadership of the Governor and in collaboration with economic development partners across the state, we foster a thriving business environment through funding and financial programs, training, consulting and informational resources across industries and regions. We promote economic growth and long-term job creation by recruiting, retaining, and expanding Colorado businesses and providing programs that support entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes at every stage of growth. Our goal is to protect what makes our state a great place to live, work, start a business, raise a family, visit and retire—and make it accessible to everyone. Learn more about OEDIT.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –