NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Shaheen, Warner, Reed, Kelly, and Reps. Himes, Smith release joint statement on European Security Announcement

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), ranking member of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, Mark Warner (D-Va.), vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Jack Reed (D-R.I), ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.), ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee released the following statement about the announcement of a new European security agreement:

    “We applaud the bold new steps outlined by our European partners to strengthen their defense and stand with Ukraine on the frontlines of democracy. This historic announcement paves the way for more than $800b in additional defense investments across the continent and shows that the leaders of Europe are clear-eyed about the dangers we face and are willing to rise to the challenge. They understand that a Europe that is whole, free, and at peace rests on strengthening our collective defense and deterrence, particularly in the face of a growing alignment between our adversaries in China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. 

    “This announcement also demonstrates Europe’s resolve in working to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Ukraine must come to the negotiating table from as strong a position as possible in pursuit of a deal that protects Ukrainian sovereignty, strengthens transatlantic security, and ensures that Putin and his fellow dictators understand that aggression will never triumph over the drive for freedom. Our own nation’s strategy towards Ukraine was driven by that reality. For the past three years, we’ve been helping Ukraine on the battlefield to ensure it has the strongest position at the negotiating table. We know Putin will only stop when we stop him, and Ukrainian troops have been bravely fighting and dying to achieve that goal without putting any of our own servicemembers in harm’s way. That must continue. Now, the Europeans, who have already contributed more to Ukraine’s war effort than we have, have pledged major increases in defense spending and investments and signaled that they will take the lead in crafting a package of security guarantees to give Ukraine the best chance to ensure their security and bring the war to an end. The United States is stronger and safer when we stand with our partners in Europe, and we must continue to do so.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s, parliamentary secretary’s statements on International Women’s Day

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier David Eby has released the following statement marking International Women’s Day:

    “Today is International Women’s Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

    “It is also a day to reaffirm a call to continue to move women’s equality forward. While women have made great advances in every aspect of public and private life, there is still inequity to solve, especially for women, girls and gender-diverse people who are Indigenous, racialized, newcomers or who live with a disability.

    “This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women. The Platform for Action was considered a global agenda for women’s empowerment and gender equality and was adopted unanimously by 189 countries.

    “Our government recognizes that building a province that actively seeks to advance gender equity benefits families, communities and our economy. Supporting B.C. families by cutting fees for child care by more than half has saved parents an average of nearly $8,000 every year – a contributing factor to more than 150,000 women joining the workforce since 2017.

    “Investing in the health of women and gender-diverse people is a significant priority that advances equity and empowerment. Prescription contraception became free in April 2023. Since then, 306,000 British Columbians have saved about $300 each year. As well, beginning later this year, the province will offer one cycle of in-vitro fertilization for free. B.C. is also the first province to deliver an at-home self-screening program for cervical cancer.

    “Recognizing that true equality is not possible without the elimination of gender-based violence, our government launched a three-year action plan to address gender-based violence and its impacts. This includes $1.9 billion to build and operate 3,000 new transition housing, second-stage housing and affordable long-term housing spaces for women and children. We also introduced paid leave for people experiencing domestic and sexual violence.

    “We all have a role in moving gender equity forward. Today, on International Women’s Day, I encourage everyone to celebrate the women in their lives and reflect on how they can best contribute to ending gender discrimination.”

    Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said:

    “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the many successes and achievements of women in our province and renew our commitment to advancing gender equity. Empowering women, girls and gender-diverse people benefits everyone and is essential to the health of families, neighbourhoods and our economy. Whether it’s working in tech, science, small business, health care, education, construction or other sectors, more and more women are making their mark in B.C. — just as they have throughout history. British Columbia is an extraordinary place because of the extraordinary women who have made this province their home.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unions, Retirees Seek Emergency Relief to Block DOGE’s Unlawful Social Security Data Overreach

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    AFSCME, Alliance for Retired Americans, AFT Challenge DOGE’s Illegal Access to Confidential, Private Data of Hundreds of Millions of Americans

    Baltimore, MD — Yesterday, a coalition of unions and retirees filed a motion for emergency relief to halt Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency’s” (DOGE) unprecedented, unlawful seizure of personal, confidential, private, and sensitive data regarding millions of Americans across the country from the Social Security Administration (SSA), in violation of the law. Today’s action builds upon a suit filed by Democracy Forward last month.
     
    Democracy Forward filed an amended complaint and motion for emergency relief on behalf of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Alliance for Retired Americans, and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
     
    Those filings reflect new facts showing DOGE’s ongoing campaign at SSA, including statements from the current Acting Commissioner, who was previously suspended from his role at the agency, that “outsiders who are unfamiliar with nuances of SSA programs,” are calling the shots. The filings underscore those threats: personnel from DOGE have accessed sensitive information and improper disclosure violates privacy and increases the risk of access by external actors, doxxing, identity theft, and financial crimes, among other risks.
     
    Tiffany Flick, who most recently served as Acting Chief of Staff to the former Acting SSA Commissioner before retiring last month, submitted a declaration in support of this lawsuit that outlines the significant steps taken by SSA career civil servants to protect sensitive data as members of DOGE descended on the agency. In it, she writes: “A disregard for our careful privacy systems and processes now threatens the security of the data SSA houses about millions of Americans.”
     
    “Working people spent their lives paying into Social Security,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “They deserve to know their benefits and personal information are in safe hands. We will not stand by as an unaccountable, unelected billionaire undermines the promise that they can one day retire with dignity. We look forward to moving this case forward in court and stopping these reckless efforts to invade the Social Security Administration.”
     
    “Time is of the essence. Every day that the DOGE team is allowed to root around in our personal and financial data the higher the risk of it getting into the wrong hands or the integrity of the data being compromised,” said Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, a national grassroots advocacy organization. “We are asking the court to halt the DOGE team’s activities so the serious privacy issues and their potential consequences are fully addressed in a court of law before it’s too late.”
     
    “With every passing day Americans’ personal and financial data is further jeopardized by Elon Musk’s actions,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Absent immediate relief, working families are at risk of having their private information stolen and exploited, all because an unelected billionaire has decided to raid this sensitive data for his own ends. The promise of Social Security is that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can retire with dignity and grace. Elon Musk is breaking that basic bond of trust and must be stopped immediately before he lays waste to the savings working people have spent their lives building up.”
     
    “Americans should be able to trust the government to protect their confidential data and yet – again – the Trump administration has shown a blatant disregard for the law and its obligations to the American people by granting unprecedented levels of access to unappointed and unvetted individuals,” said Democracy Forward President & CEO Skye Perryman. “On behalf of retirees and worker representatives, we urge the court to block the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to access the private data of hundreds of millions of Americans across the country.”
     
    The SSA maintains the financial data, employment information, medical data, and personal addresses of millions of Americans. The lawsuit alleges that such seizure by DOGE is prohibited by and in violation of the many protections Congress and the Executive Branch have in place to protect against such data mining and misuse. These include the Internal Revenue Code, the Privacy Act, the Social Security Act, the Federal Information Systems Modernization Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on International Women’s Day

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Women’s Day:

    “Women in Canada have made transformative progress in shaping our country for the better. Today, we celebrate their remarkable achievements, we honour their legacy of breaking norms and ceilings and lifting up others, and we reaffirm that there’s more work to be done.

    “More gender equality means stronger, fairer economies. When women and girls are meaningfully supported, valued, and empowered, we break barriers, spur progress, and shape a better future for generations to come. That means giving women more choices in the workforce, closing the gender wage gap, and reaffirming our collective commitment to women’s leadership – from public offices to corporate boardrooms to university and college campuses.

    “Since 2015, we have made important and meaningful progress. With our first-of-its-kind, universal $10-a-day child care program, families – especially moms – are getting the support they need to join the workforce or continue their career while raising their kids. Earlier this week, we reached extension agreements with 11 out of 13 provinces and territories so more families can get affordable child care.

    “We also introduced Canada’s first Women Entrepreneurship Strategy – backed by a nearly $7 billion investment – to help women entrepreneurs start up, scale up, and soar in their businesses. With the Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund, we are making sure more women are at the leadership table.

    “Beyond our borders, our Feminist International Assistance Policy has ensured Canada remains a global leader in gender equality. Every year, we are investing an average of $1.4 billion to advance our 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights, with $700 million dedicated specifically to supporting comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls. We’re sharing the message loud and clear – through action and engagement – that sexual and reproductive care is health care.

    “Guided by the Federal Pathway and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan, we also continue our efforts to end the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. This includes projects like the Red Dress Alert pilot in Manitoba, which can inform the public when an Indigenous woman, girl, Two-Spirit, or gender-diverse person goes missing, so they can be brought home safely. And in partnership with provinces and territories, we are advancing the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence to deliver critical support to victims, survivors, and their families – because everyone has the right to live free from violence.

    “Finally, our government is proudly, firmly pro-choice. That doesn’t just mean supporting the right to choose, it also means increasing the choices available for women. With our pharmacare agreements, we are making contraception medications and devices free – from birth control pills, to IUDs, to the morning after pill – so women are free to choose if, when, and how they plan their family. With this coverage, nine million women will have more choices and, importantly, more affordable choices – so their right to reproductive freedom isn’t restricted by cost.

    “On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the incredible contributions of women and girls to our communities, our country, and our world. We all have a role to play – as partners and allies – in achieving gender equality and building a better future. Because when women and girls succeed, we all do.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: THIS is Aura – Army style!

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: https://www.goarmy.com/?iom=BNL7-22-0029_N_OSOC_OCPA_YT_ocpagen_xx_xx

    Connect with the U.S. Army online:
    Web: https://www.army.mil
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
    X: https://twitter.com/USArmy
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army

    #Soldiers #Military

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein, Secretary Sangvai, and Health Leaders Highlight Potential Damaging Impacts of Proposed Federal Medicaid Cuts at Charlotte Roundtable

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein, Secretary Sangvai, and Health Leaders Highlight Potential Damaging Impacts of Proposed Federal Medicaid Cuts at Charlotte Roundtable

    Governor Stein, Secretary Sangvai, and Health Leaders Highlight Potential Damaging Impacts of Proposed Federal Medicaid Cuts at Charlotte Roundtable
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today, Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dr. Dev Sangvai hosted a roundtable with health care professionals and Medicaid beneficiaries to highlight the lifesaving impacts of Medicaid and discuss the importance of protecting Medicaid funding from federal cuts.

    “Protecting North Carolinians’ health care access is critically important,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am proud of our state’s bipartisan work to expand Medicaid, and I call on that same bipartisan spirit in Congress to stand up and protect Medicaid so we can continue to provide critical care across our state.”

    More than three million people across the state, or 1 in 4 North Carolinians, have affordable health coverage through NC Medicaid; including more than 640,000 North Carolinians who gained access to care in the last year under Medicaid expansion.

    “New enrollees are now able to see providers and are receiving life-saving care with more than five million prescriptions being filled for conditions like heart health, seizures and diabetes,” said Secretary Sangvai. “Medicaid increases access to high quality care for individuals, children and families and is essential in our mission to create a healthier North Carolina for all.”

    The roundtable discussion was hosted by Care Ring, a non-profit organization with nearly 70 years of service to individuals and families in Charlotte. Care Ring provides health services to thousands of people each year who may not otherwise have access to care. Mecklenburg County is home to more Medicaid enrollees than any other county in North Carolina. 

    “Medicaid expansion has enabled our team to help even more families in Charlotte access affordable, high-quality health care,” said Care Ring CEO Tchernavia Montgomery. “I thank the Governor for highlighting our organization’s critical work and raising awareness of the need to protect the health care of those who are most vulnerable and lack resources.” 

    Health care providers and leaders were joined by Tashenda Gibson, an early childhood care giver enrolled in NC Medicaid. She spoke about the critical care she is receiving as a new mother.

    “NC Medicaid has been a life-saving component of care for me and my family,” said Tashenda Gibson. “I recently welcomed a healthy baby girl, and Medicaid helped through pregnancy, delivery and now postpartum.” 

    Chief Johnny Jennings also joined the conversation to highlight the positive impact of Medicaid on public safety.

    “First responders are on the front lines of mental health crises,” said Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Chief Johnny Jennings. “Providing resources for those in crisis contributes to a safer community and reduces the need for law enforcement intervention in situations stemming from untreated issues.”

    The discussion comes at a time where, despite widespread support for Medicaid, Congress is proposing significant cuts to the program, which would have a devastating impact on North Carolina, including a $6 billion loss in funding for health care providers. Proposals being considered could cause more than 640,000 hardworking North Carolinians to lose their health coverage, take billions from North Carolina’s economy, drive up state costs, and cut coverage for health care services.

    Other participants in the roundtable discussion included:

    • Dr. Raynard Washington, Director, Mecklenburg County Public Health Department
    • Dr. April Milan Miller, OB/GYN, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
    • Eddie Caldwell, Director, NC Sheriffs’ Association
    • Caleb Theodros, NC State Representative, HD-41
    • Carla Cunningham, NC State Representative, HD-106

    Earlier this week, Governor Stein sent a letter to North Carolina’s congressional delegation asking them to oppose any federal budget proposal that includes cuts to Medicaid. He highlighted how NC Medicaid strengthens communities, particularly in rural North Carolina with affordable health coverage and supports the workforce as well as businesses.

    Please see the North Carolina Medicaid fact sheet for more information. 

    Mar 7, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: AI-Powered Success: How DeckTrade is Helping Traders Maximize Profits

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    london, uk , March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Revolutionizing Trading with AI-Powered Strategies

    In today’s fast-paced trading environment, traders are turning to artificial intelligence to optimize their strategies and enhance profitability. DeckTrade has emerged as a leader in AI-driven trading solutions, providing traders with cutting-edge automation tools that remove human error and improve market efficiency.

    With its proprietary AI technology, DeckTrade’s smart trading system continuously analyzes market data, executes trades with precision, and adjusts strategies based on real-time conditions. As a result, traders are seeing higher returns, better accuracy, and improved risk management. Many users have shared positive experiences in decktrade reviews, highlighting how AI-powered automation has transformed their trading performance.

    The AI Advantage: Why DeckTrade Outperforms Manual Trading

    Traditional trading relies heavily on human decision-making, which is often influenced by emotions, bias, and reaction time delays. DeckTrade’s AI system eliminates these inefficiencies by using advanced machine learning models to analyze thousands of data points in real-time. This provides traders with:

    • Faster trade execution with minimal slippage
    • Data-driven decision-making without emotional bias
    • Automated portfolio adjustments based on market conditions
    • Advanced risk management strategies to protect capital

    Many traders have noted in decktrade reviews that AI-driven trading has helped them improve profitability and reduce losses, even during volatile market conditions.

    How DeckTrade Maximizes Profits for Traders

    1. AI-Driven Market Predictions

    DeckTrade’s AI system scans the markets 24/7, identifying trends before they fully develop. By detecting profitable opportunities early, traders using AI-powered tools can capitalize on market movements faster than manual traders.

    According to multiple decktrade reviews, users have seen higher accuracy in trade predictions, allowing them to enter and exit positions at optimal times.

    2. Smart Risk Management for Long-Term Stability

    AI not only helps in identifying profitable trades but also plays a crucial role in risk management. DeckTrade’s system automatically adjusts stop-loss and take-profit levels based on market volatility, ensuring traders maximize gains while minimizing potential losses.

    Traders frequently mention in decktrade reviews how the platform’s AI-driven risk management features have helped them preserve capital and protect their investments during market downturns.

    3. Automated Trading Without Emotional Bias

    One of the biggest challenges human traders face is emotional decision-making, which often leads to irrational trades driven by fear or greed. AI-powered trading on DeckTrade removes these emotional factors, ensuring that every trade is based on logic and data rather than human psychology.

    Many users in decktrade reviews have praised the automated nature of DeckTrade’s system, stating that it helps them maintain a disciplined trading approach without second-guessing their decisions.

    4. High-Speed Execution for Market Advantage

    The financial markets move fast, and delayed execution can cost traders valuable opportunities. DeckTrade’s AI trading system ensures that all orders are executed within milliseconds, reducing the risk of slippage and improving overall trade efficiency.

    Users frequently highlight in decktrade reviews how DeckTrade’s high-speed execution capabilities have allowed them to capitalize on short-term market fluctuations and maximize profits.

    What Traders Are Saying: DeckTrade Reviews Speak for Themselves

    The impact of DeckTrade’s AI-powered tools can be seen in the growing number of positive decktrade reviews. Traders worldwide have reported higher accuracy, better risk management, and increased profitability after integrating AI into their strategies.

    • Emma P., UK: “Since using DeckTrade’s AI system, my profits have increased significantly. I no longer need to spend hours analyzing charts—AI does the work for me!”
    • Daniel T., Australia: “Risk management was always my biggest struggle, but DeckTrade’s AI helps me set stop-losses automatically, which has made a huge difference.”
    • Sophia L., Canada: “The AI execution speed is amazing. My trades get placed instantly, ensuring I never miss a good entry.”
    • Liam K., UAE: “I’ve used several platforms, but DeckTrade is by far the best. The AI is incredibly accurate, and my results have improved dramatically.”

    With thousands of traders sharing their experiences in decktrade reviews, it’s clear that AI-driven trading is the future.

    The Future of Trading with DeckTrade

    As the trading industry evolves, AI-powered solutions like DeckTrade will continue to shape the way traders engage with financial markets. The platform is constantly improving its algorithms, adding new features, and expanding asset coverage to help traders achieve even better results.

    Future innovations in DeckTrade’s roadmap include:

    • More sophisticated AI models for even higher trading accuracy
    • Expanded trading assets, including forex, commodities, and indices
    • A mobile trading app for seamless AI-powered trading on the go
    • Enhanced AI-powered copy trading, allowing users to follow top-performing AI strategies

    Traders looking for an edge in today’s competitive markets will find that DeckTrade’s AI technology provides a clear advantage.

    Why Traders Are Choosing DeckTrade

    Traders are increasingly adopting AI-powered tools to improve their profitability, efficiency, and risk management. DeckTrade stands out as one of the most advanced AI-driven trading platforms, offering solutions that give traders:

    • Higher success rates with AI-optimized market strategies
    • Fully automated trading with minimal manual effort
    • Advanced risk management to protect capital
    • Real-time AI predictions for better decision-making

    For traders ready to maximize profits and automate their trading strategies, DeckTrade provides a reliable and powerful solution.

    Final Thoughts: AI Trading is the Future—Are You Ready?

    With the financial markets becoming increasingly competitive, traders need every advantage they can get. AI-driven solutions like DeckTrade are proving to be the key to unlocking greater profitability, efficiency, and consistency in trading.

    By leveraging the power of AI, traders can reduce risk, make smarter decisions, and maximize returns, all while saving time. The growing number of positive decktrade reviews speaks volumes about the platform’s effectiveness.

    For those looking to take their trading to the next level, now is the time to embrace AI-powered trading with DeckTrade.

    Start trading smarter today—visit DeckTrade to learn more.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 📣 Machinists on the Hill: Bryant speaks to MNPL — IAM Union thanks federal workers

    Source: US GOIAM Union

















    March 7, 2025

    Click Here to view this edition of Machinists on the Hill.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Office of Sustainability Releases Statewide Sustainability Strategic Plan for State Government

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – The Colorado Office of Sustainability, housed within the Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA), released its first Statewide Sustainability Strategic Plan, setting ambitious new goals to drive environmentally sustainable government operations and reduce energy and water costs for taxpayers. This plan builds upon the success of previous greening government initiatives and aligns with Gov. Polis’ 2025-2027 Operational Agenda.

    Established in January 2024, the Office of Sustainability leads statewide efforts to reduce the carbon footprint from government facilities and operations, optimize resource efficiency, and leverage federal and private sector resources for sustainability projects. This strategic plan reinforces the State’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, reducing energy and water consumption, and increasing the use of clean energy in government operations.

    “This strategic plan builds on our administration’s ongoing efforts to ensure state government provides quality resources to hardworking Coloradans, improves efficiency and cuts costs. Protecting our natural resources and reducing pollution will help create a stronger Colorado today and for future generations,” said Governor Jared Polis.

    “Colorado is a national leader in sustainable government operations, and this strategic plan provides a clear roadmap to further cut our environmental footprint while delivering significant cost savings for taxpayers,” said Tony Gherardini, Executive Director of the Department of Personnel & Administration. “By centralizing sustainability efforts and maximizing funding opportunities, we are ensuring that Colorado’s government leads by example in creating a cleaner, more efficient future for Coloradans.”

    Key Elements of the Strategic Plan:

    • Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The plan calls for continued reductions in emissions from State facilities and fleets.
    • Enhancing Energy and Water Efficiency: The State aims to decrease energy use per square foot by at least 15% and potable water consumption by at least 2%.
    • Expanding Renewable Energy Usage: At least 7% of electricity consumed by State facilities will be sourced from renewable energy by the end of FY 2024-25.
    • Electrifying State Vehicle Fleets and Equipment: The State will phase out petroleum-powered lawn and garden equipment and expand electric vehicle adoption.

    Since 2003, four Governors have signed a total of 11 Greening Government Executive Orders, demonstrating a long-standing bipartisan commitment to sustainability in State operations. The Office of Sustainability plays a critical role in implementing these directives by providing technical assistance, accountability, and leadership to ensure the State meets its ambitious sustainability objectives.

    The Statewide Sustainability Strategic Plan is available on the Colorado Office of Sustainability website.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lt. Governor Primavera, Serve Colorado, and the Behavioral Health Administration Join Partners to Highlight Youth Mental Health Education & Support Services

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER — Today, Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera joined leaders from Serve Colorado, the Schultz Family Foundation, Pinterest, Behavioral Health Administration, Colorado Community College System, and other key philanthropic organizations today for multiple school site visits and a roundtable discussion highlighting the successes and future growth of Colorado’s Youth Mental Health Corps (YMHC). The event brought together AmeriCorps members, behavioral health leaders, and community partners to discuss the initiative’s impact in its inaugural year and explore opportunities for sustainable funding.

    Launched in Fall 2024, Colorado’s YMHC is a first-of-its-kind initiative that trains, recruits, and deploys AmeriCorps members as peer navigators in middle and high schools across the state. These members provide critical mental health support to students, helping connect them with resources and fostering stronger community partnerships in behavioral health. In its first year, the program deployed 127 AmeriCorps members in 15 counties, reaching over 4,500 youth.

    During the roundtable, Lt. Governor Primavera reaffirmed the Polis-Primavera administration’s commitment to expanding mental health resources for young Coloradans.

    “Our young people deserve access to the high-quality mental health support they need to thrive,” said Lt. Governor Primavera. “The Youth Mental Health Corps is a shining example of how we can leverage public-private partnerships to make a real difference in the lives of students across Colorado. AmeriCorps has long been a cornerstone of national service; its investment in programs like this ensures that communities have the resources and people power needed to tackle urgent challenges. We are grateful to the Schultz Family Foundation, Pinterest, Behavioral Health Administration, Colorado Community College System, and all of our partners for their dedication to this work.”

    National service continues to make significant impacts on communities across Colorado on a range of vital topics. For every federal dollar invested in AmeriCorps, there is a return of up to $34.26, in addition to the profound and lasting impact on social stability and community resilience. National service also advances workforce development in key sectors across the state, including behavioral health.

    The event also featured remarks from Marie Groark, managing director of programs with the Schultz Family Foundation, and Alise Marshall, Senior Global Lead for Public Affairs with Pinterest, who both emphasized the importance of sustainable investment in youth mental health initiatives.

    “Access to mental health care is one of the biggest challenges facing young people today, and we believe that they must be at the forefront of shaping solutions that drive meaningful change,” said Marie Groark, managing director of the Schultz Family Foundation. “The work the State of Colorado has been doing through the Youth Mental Health Corps demonstrates the powerful impact young people can have on their communities. Not only are they directly responding to the mental health and wellness of their peers, but they are also gaining valuable experience that serves as a stepping stone into careers in the behavioral health field.”

    “At Pinterest, we are deeply committed to building a positive and inspirational space for young people online. Supporting youth mental health requires everyone to leverage their collective expertise and take action together. Pinterest will continue to push tirelessly to drive this important work forward, and we are proud to partner with Colorado on the launch of their Youth Mental Health Corps. Pinterest remains committed to being a part of the solution to ensure youth, educators, and parents across the country get access to the wellbeing resources they need to live full and meaningful lives,” said Alise Marshall, Senior Director of Corporate Affairs & Social Impact for Pinterest.

    YMHC members shared firsthand experiences about their work in schools, highlighting the program’s positive impact on student well-being and academic success. The roundtable also included insights from leaders in behavioral health, community colleges, and philanthropic organizations exploring ways to secure long-term funding.

    As Colorado continues to lead the way in youth mental health innovation, today’s forum served as a vital step toward ensuring the program’s sustainability and future growth.

    For more information on the Youth Mental Health Corps and how to support its mission, please visit Serve Colorado’s website.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Pillen Celebrates Trump Administration Actions Supporting Agriculture

    Source: US State of Nebraska

    . Pillen Celebrates Trump Administration Actions Supporting Agriculture

    LINCOLN, NE – In an editorial published today by Fox News, Governor Jim Pillen is celebrating the immediate actions of President Donald Trump and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins in addressing soaring egg prices and combatting avian flu. In his piece, “Smart Policy and Cheaper Eggs,”the Governor said strong leadership is necessary for effective management of animal disease and outbreak, which will ensure farmers and ranchers can produce the highest quality and safest food available.

    Gov. Pillen has had several meetings involving USDA’s Rollins, who last week, unveiled a five-point plan for addressing the avian flu crisis. The Governor said he is encouraged that the President’s administration is listening to and is ready to address issues currently impacting the ag sector. 

    An excerpt of the editorial follows:

    “Nebraska’s fields and pasture lands are expansive – about 90% of our land is devoted to farming and ranching. I’ve seen it firsthand: as rural goes, so goes agriculture. Secretary Rollins believes this, and she is an advocate for us. I’ve heard her articulate a vision for rural economic prosperity and development that will go a long way in giving our families and communities a boost.

    We need to work with our federal partners to help build this roadmap for American agriculture. We know our potential is second to none. We have the best people and plentiful water, crops, and livestock.  With great optimism and renewed partnerships, this season of leadership and newfound opportunity will lead to a long-lasting period of abundance – and cheaper eggs – for the American people.”

     

    The full article is available here on Fox News. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Involved in Smuggling and Labor Trafficking Scheme Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PORFIRIA MARIBEL RAMOS SANCHEZ, 47, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Vernon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment for her involvement in a scheme to smuggle aliens into the U.S., harbor them at Hartford area residences, force them to work, and threaten to harm them in various ways if they failed to pay exorbitant fees, interest, and other living expenses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in September 2022, the FBI and Hartford Police interviewed several Mexican nationals who disclosed that they were smuggled from Mexico into the U.S. and transported to Hartford.  The investigation revealed that victims typically arranged with Ramos’s mother, Maria Del Carmen Sanchez Potrero, and others in Connecticut and Mexico, to cross the border into the U.S. in exchange for a fee of between $15,000 and $20,000 that each would need to pay once they were in the U.S.  In most cases, the victims were required to turn over a property deed as collateral before leaving Mexico.  They were then smuggled across the border and transported to Hartford area residences, often at a substantial risk of bodily injury or death.

    After the victims arrived in Connecticut, they were told that they would have to pay approximately $30,000, with interest, and that they would have to pay Sanchez, Ramos, and their co-coconspirators for rent, food, gas, and utilities.  The co-conspirators created false documents for the victims, including Permanent Residence cards and Social Security cards, and helped the victims find employment in the Hartford area.  In addition to their own jobs, some victims were required to perform housework and yardwork without compensation and without having their debt reduced.

    Victims were rarely provided with an accounting of their debt.  If victims failed to make regular payments, or in amounts that the co-conspirators expected, they were sometimes threatened, including with threats to harm family members in Mexico, to take property in Mexico that had been secured as collateral, to reveal victims’ immigration status to U.S. authorities, and to raise their interest payments.

    To date, investigators have identified 19 victims of this scheme.  Multiple victims were minors, and at least two were smuggled into the U.S. unaccompanied by a relative or legal guardian.

    Ramos has been detained since her arrest on October 5, 2023.  On October 4, 2024, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to encourage and induce, bring in, transport, and harbor aliens.

    Judge Dooley ordered Ramos to pay restitution of $574,608.  As a condition of her plea agreement, in partial satisfaction or her restitution obligation, Ramos and her husband agreed to sell a house they owned at 74 Burnside Avenue in East Hartford, which was used to facilitate this criminal offense.  However, in violation of her plea agreement, Ramos did not inform the government of the pending sale and sold the house in November 2024 to a relative of her husband for $75,000 less than its appraised value.

    Ramos faces immigration proceedings when she completes her prison term.

    Sanchez pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull and Shan Patel.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Francis Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Arson and Burglary of a Home

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced two St. Francis, South Dakota men in a case that involved charges of Arson and Third-Degree Burglary.

    Michael Valandra, Jr., age 28, and Donald Aquallo, Jr., age 26, were indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024.

    On July 24, 2024, Valandra pleaded guilty to Arson. On October 29, 2024, Valandra was sentenced to three years and one month in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    On December 2, 2024, Aquallo pleaded guilty to Third-Degree Burglary. On March 5, 2025, he was sentenced to one year and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crimes Victim Fund.

    On the evening of January 5, 2024, Valandra and Aquallo broke into an unoccupied residence in St. Francis. Valandra intentionally set multiple fires within the residence, with the intent to burn it down.  The two men then fled the scene on foot. The owner of the residence noticed the fire and called 911, but the residence was completely destroyed. Multiple security cameras in the neighborhood recorded Valandra and Aquallo approaching the residence and then running away shortly before the fire was visible. The offense occurred within the Rosebud Indian Reservation.

    This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.

    This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuted the case.

    Valandra and Aquallo were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service at the conclusion of their individual sentencings.

     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Co-Sponsor Legislation to Update Antiquated Mining Law to Protect Public Lands and Taxpayers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    March 07, 2025
    Bill would modernize Civil War era mining law that has led to significant waste, fraud, and abuse
    Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced they are co-sponsoring legislation that would modernize the 1872 Mining Law that has let mining companies exploit public resources for free, pass environmental costs on to taxpayers, and engage in speculation with minimal government oversight. 
    “This bill makes responsible mining possible, while protecting Oregon’s treasured public lands from irresponsible mining companies and foreign nations with no respect for the environment, human rights and human life,” Wyden said. “If Republicans are truly behind eliminating fraud, waste and abuse, they’ll join us in the 21st Century and support this bill that fixes a broken and antiquated law by addressing modern needs and challenges.”
    “Protecting Oregon’s waterways and preserving our treasured natural areas is essential to the health of our environment, our communities, and our recreation economy,” Merkley said. “For too long, irresponsible mining companies have exploited public resources while leaving behind toxic waste for taxpayers to clean up. It’s time to bring our mining laws into the 21st century to ensure fair compensation for use of public resources and to protect the lands and waters Oregonians cherish.”
    The Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 would update the Mining Law of 1872, which guarantees broad rights to individuals and corporations, including foreign-owned, to extract minerals from public lands without payment of royalties to the federal government and limits public health and the environmental protections. A modern bill would:

    Require annual rental payments for claimed public land, thereby treating mine operators as other public land users.

    Set a royalty rate of not less than 5% and not greater than 8% based on the gross income of production on federal land but would not apply to mining operations already in commercial production or those with an approved plan of operations.

    Revenues would be deposited into a Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund for abandoned mine cleanup. Additionally, the Fund would be infused by an abandoned mine reclamation fee of 1% to 3%.

    Allow the Secretary of the Interior to grant royalty relief to mining operations based on economic factors.

    Require an exploration permit and mining operations permit for non-casual mining operations on federal land, which would be valid for 30 years and continue as long as commercial production occurs.

    Permit states, political subdivisions, and tribes to petition the Secretary of the Interior to have lands withdrawn from mining.

    Require an expedited review of areas that may be inappropriate for mining, and allow specific areas be reviewed for possible withdrawal.

    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the legislation, led by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
    Full text of the legislation is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden, Bipartisan Colleagues Push to Protect the Rights of Oregon, America’s Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    March 07, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Congressional and labor leaders to reintroduce the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act). This bipartisan legislation protects the rights of workers in Oregon and nationwide to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. The legislation was named in honor of late AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka.
    “As the son of a union machinist, I saw firsthand the difference a strong union can make in delivering the fair wages and robust workplace protections that every worker deserves,” Merkley said. “Workers across the nation are under threat by Trump and the billionaires and the big corporations he empowers. Passing the PRO Act would give America’s workers a fighting chance to improve their workplace with better pay, benefits, and safety through collectively bargaining for a better deal.”
    “This legislation is very timely and essential with Donald Trump, Elon Musk and their billionaire buddies targeting workers’ most basic rights and most basic protections that were secured over decades by unions,” Wyden said. “I strongly support the PRO Act because it would protect workers’ hard-earned and historic rights to unionize and advocate for better wages, benefits and working conditions that strengthen quality of life for them, their families and our communities.”
    “Americans believe in the power of unions and tens of millions of working people would become union members tomorrow if they could. But American labor law is broken, weighted on the side of the bosses and against the workers. In too many workplaces, in too many industries across the country, big corporations and billionaire CEOs still retaliate against us for organizing. They refuse to negotiate our contracts, force us to sit through hours of anti-union propaganda, and engage in illegal union-busting every day. Now they have an unelected, unaccountable, union-buster trying to illegally fire tens of thousands of our fellow workers in federal jobs and an administration rolling back the workplace protections. The PRO Act is long overdue, and the American people agree. We urge elected leaders of both parties to move this critical legislation forward so that all workers have the chance to stand together and build better lives for themselves and their families,” said AFL-CIO President and Oregonian Liz Shuler.
    Large corporations and the wealthy continue to capture the rewards of a growing economy while working families and middle-class Americans are left behind. From 1979 to 2023, annual wages for the bottom 90 percent of households increased just 44 percent, while average incomes for the wealthiest 1 percent increased more than 180 percent.
    Unions are critical to increasing wages and creating a strong economy that rewards hardworking people. Through the power of collective bargaining, the typical union worker earns 16 percent more than the typical non-union worker.
    The American people’s support for unions is surging. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 70 percent of Americans approve of labor unions — remaining at near record highs. Despite growing support for unions, billionaire- and special interest-funded attacks on the rights of workers, unions and labor laws have eroded union density and made it harder for workers to organize. The share of American workers who are union members has fallen from roughly one in three workers in 1956 to a new low of 9.9 percent in 2024. The PRO Act restores fairness to the economy by strengthening the federal law that protects the right of workers to join a union and bargain for higher pay, better benefits and safer workplaces.
    The PRO Act would protect the right to organize and collectively bargain by:
    Bolstering remedies and punishing violations of the rights of workers through authorizing meaningful penalties for employers that violate their rights, strengthening support for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights and authorizing a private right of action for violation of the rights of workers.
    Strengthening the rights of workers to join together and negotiate for better working conditions by enhancing their right to support secondary boycotts, ensuring unions can collect “fair share” fees, modernizing the union election process and facilitating initial collective bargaining agreements.
    Restoring fairness to an economy rigged against workers by closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors and increasing transparency in labor-management relations.
    Merkley, Wyden, and Sanders introduced the legislation alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    In the House, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), and House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) led 210 Democratic and Republican cosponsors.
    Additionally, more than 18 organizations endorsed the PRO Act, including the AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Autoworkers (UAW), United Steelworkers (USW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), National Nurses United (NNU), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), the American Federation of Musicians, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
    Read the bill text here.
    Read a fact sheet here.
    Read a section-by-section summary here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Colleagues Sound Alarm on EPA’s Plot to Rollback Decades of Scientific Findings on Greenhouse Gases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    March 07, 2025
    “As the Administrator of the EPA, you are tasked with making decisions grounded in science, law, and the best interests of the American people.”
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today led 12 Senate Democrats in raising the alarm over reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to roll back its findings that greenhouse gases endanger people’s health and welfare.
    In their letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the senators emphasized, “It is difficult to understand how the nation’s lead official responsible for protecting human health and the environment could seriously entertain the idea of undoing a scientific finding that has been repeatedly upheld in court, reinforced by thousands of studies and decades of research, and is supported by the vast majority of the scientific community.”
    The move to overhaul decades of overwhelming scientific consensus on the climate crisis and natural disasters follows another record hot year, as well as catastrophic wildfires that destroyed lives and communities across the West Coast. The senators expressed serious concerns about the political motives behind the decision.
    “Using political means to hinder, distort, or improperly steer the work of federal scientists or the communication of scientific facts undermines the public trust of key institutions and actively threatens the welfare of the nation. The scientific evidence in support of the endangerment finding is clear, compelling, and continues to grow stronger. Reversing this finding would be reckless and irrational,” the senators wrote.
    Before the EPA takes any further steps to undo this foundational finding without transparency and scientific support, the senators demand answers to the following questions by March 15, 2025:
    What new scientific evidence has the EPA found that justifies the reversal of the endangerment finding?
    What new evidence does the EPA have that suggests reversing the endangerment finding would better protect the health and welfare of Americans and the environment, as is the EPA’s mission?
    How does the EPA plan to address the legal precedent set by the Supreme Court, particularly when courts have repeatedly upheld the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases based on the endangerment finding?
    Given that the endangerment finding has been repeatedly challenged by industry groups, fossil fuel companies, and climate change deniers over the years, do you believe that political or economic pressure is influencing your decision to revisit the finding, rather than an objective evaluation of the scientific facts?
    How do you plan to ensure that the EPA’s decision-making process remains rooted in scientific integrity?
    Senator Wyden was joined by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., as well as Senators Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Brian Schatz, D-Hawai’i, Tina Smith, D-Minn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Edward J. Markey, D-Mass.
    The text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tuberville Continues Advocating to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)
    “It’s time for America to move forward and stop falling back.”
    WASHINGTON – As Americans prepare to “spring forward” this weekend,U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) spoke on the floor about the many benefits of making Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent at the federal level. Sen. Tuberville has helped introduce the Sunshine Protection Act in the 117th, 118th, and 119th congresses.
    Nineteen states—including Alabama—have passed legislation to make DST permanent, but it must first be made permanent at the federal level.
    Read Sen. Tuberville’s remarks below or on YouTube or Rumble.

    “Well, it’s that time again. I think I’ve given this speech three or four times in the last few years.
    This weekend, all of America and my constituents back in Alabama will spring forward to Daylight Saving Time. And I’m working very hard to make this hopefully, possibly the last time that we move our clocks. I recently joined my colleague, Senator Rick Scott, to reintroduce, for the third time, the Sunshine Protection Act to make Daylight Saving Time permanent, at the federal level.
    Out of all the legislative efforts that I’ve been part of in my four years here in Congress, the thing I hear about the most from my people in Alabama is their desire to lock the clock. Daylight Saving Time should be a thing of the past—because it literally is a thing of the past. 
    First, introduced as a temporary measure during World War I, Daylight Saving Time was originally called, ‘Wartime.’ And it was a way to help conserve fuel during a very different time in this country. Following the end of World War I, in 1918, [the] Standard Time Act was enacted that discontinued Daylight Saving Time nationally, but individual states continued to spring forward and fall back.
    Then during World War II, there was a renewed federal push for full-time Daylight Saving Time, which then was repealed in 1945. Finally, in 1966, Congress passed legislation to establish national standards for Daylight Saving Time.
    All of this to say, changes to our clock might have made sense when it first began many, many years ago. For one, the American workforce culture and lifestyles are vastly different than they were a hundred years ago. Plus, disruptive time change can have serious consequences on human health. Studies have suggested that the disruption of sleep patterns due to the time changes increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases and physical injuries. Northwestern Medicine found that the fallback and the spring forward are connected to a 6% spike in fatal car accidents and a 24% higher risk of heart attacks. […] Additionally, the long-term health effects linked to Daylight Saving Time include weight gain, cluster headaches, and depression. The time switch in the fall increases Seasonal Affective Disorder every single year. And a study published in 2017 found that the transition from Daylight Saving Time to Standard Time increase the number of hospital visits for depression by 11%. 
    By making Daylight Saving Time permanent, Americans would enjoy more sunshine in the evenings. This is so important for many Americans who may not get a chance to get outside during the day. It would allow hard working Americans to go on a run after work or enable dads to play with their kids outdoors, neighbors grill and do things together outside. What a thought? Many studies have proven that extra sunlight in the evening can lead to improvements in mental health, physical fitness, economic growth, and well-being. 
    As a founding member of the Senate MAHA Caucus, I am very passionate about helping make Americans healthy again. An important part of this is making sure people get enough sleep and more sunlight. Did you know that Vitamin D from the sun is linked to preventing many diseases including cancer? It’s true, and many Americans don’t get nearly enough of Vitamin D, especially those who work at desk jobs and are inside for most of the day, and that has increased since the invention of what we call the computer. Locking the clock is an important first step to helping Americans live healthier lives. It’s a simple way we could positively impact the day-to-day life of all Americans. Our farmers are also greatly affected by Daylight Saving Time as additional sunshine during working hours means more time to work in the fields, which could translate into a more profitable bottom line for anybody that raises a crop. All you know, I’m all about helping our great farmers.
    More daylight in the evening could also decrease expensive energy consumption on farms by reducing the need for artificial lighting and heating. Back in the 1970s, we had an energy crisis. And we kept Daylight Saving Time because it saved millions and millions of gallons of fuel. Experts believe that the time change twice a year costs the U.S. economy more than 434 million dollars in lost productivity annually.
    It’s clear the evidence points to one conclusion, make Daylight Saving Time permanent. Nineteen states, including my state of Alabama, have already voted on past legislation to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. They just need Congress, which means us, to vote for it. If we vote for it, it changes, and we’d never have to move the clock again.
    President Trump has also expressed support for locking the clock. Congress should listen to the people and pass the Sunshine Protection Act to make Daylight Saving Time permanent. The change would improve our health, strengthen our economy and benefit our farmers. This is a no brainer.
    It’s time for America to move forward and stop falling back. I’m looking forward to working with my Senate colleagues to get it completely across the finish line, to lock the clock once and for all.”
    MORE:
    Tuberville Continues Leading Effort to Make Daylight Savings Time Permanent in the Senate
    Tuberville: “Daylight Saving Time should be a thing of the past.”
    Tuberville Continues Push to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
    Tuberville: Let’s Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
    Tuberville Urges Congress to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
    Tuberville Continues Push to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
    Tuberville: Daylight Saving Time Bill Passes Senate 
    Tuberville Pushes to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent 
    Tuberville Joins Push to Permanently Adopt Daylight Saving Time
    Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labrador Letter – Trump Admin Halts EMTALA Lawsuit Against Idaho

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Dear Friends,
    I’m pleased to share the Trump Department of Justice dismissed the previous administration’s attack on Idaho’s Defense of Life Act.  I have been fighting against the Biden Administration’s twisted interpretation of federal statutes to keep individual states from enacting pro-life laws for the last two years, and this dismissal is a welcome relief.  It shows we finally have an administration that respects the principles of Federalism and the sovereignty of states to enact their own laws and set their own standards.
    As a quick background, the Biden Administration sued Idaho’s Defense of Life Act in 2023, following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs decision.  Idaho’s law says that abortions were not permitted unless in cases of rape, incest, or where the life of the mother was in jeopardy.  The Idaho Supreme Court went on to clarify our law, saying that the decision to perform an abortion in an emergency situation was left to a doctor’s subjective, good-faith medical judgement, and that a danger to the mother’s life did not need to be either imminent nor did the doctor need to be certain.
    Instead of respecting the SCOTUS decision to put the issue of abortion back under state control, the Biden Administration manipulated a federal statute on the books, known as EMTALA – the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act.  Biden’s DOJ insisted that providing abortions was a mandated function of any emergency room that accepts federal Medicaid payments.   EMTALA was designed to prevent hospitals from turning away patients who could not pay.  In fact, EMTALA language does not mention abortion.  Instead, the federal law refers to providing stabilizing treatment for both a mother and her unborn child – five times, actually.  Undeterred by reality, the Biden Administration pressed forward with a legal challenge to Idaho’s law, leading to the first Supreme Court showdown on abortion laws since the Dobbs decision.
    Last April, we fought the federal government to a standstill at the Supreme Court in Idaho v. United States, leaving Idaho’s law virtually intact.  We maintained there is absolutely no conflict between Idaho’s law and EMTALA, where the goal of both is to save lives.  SCOTUS remanded the case back to the 9th Circuit for more arguments since it was demonstrated there was no actual emergency circumstances claimed by the federal government that would require an abortion to stabilize a patient that would be somehow disallowed by Idaho’s very clear and straightforward law.
    But then November Fifth happened.  President Trump won a decisive victory across the country and pro-abortion activists and their attorneys began to worry that a new Department of Justice might not support the same creative interpretations of federal law that the Biden Administration had hung their hat on.  It turns out they were right.  This Wednesday, under the new leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi, the DOJ filed for a dismissal of the challenge of Idaho’s Defense of Life Act.  Idaho responded in kind by filing to dismiss our appeal that is sitting at the 9th Circuit.  I wish I could say that’s where the story ends, but in the legal profession, that is rarely the circumstance.
    Those same pro-abortion activists, lawyers and providers saw the writing on the wall.  Six days before President Trump’s inauguration they filed a similar challenge to Idaho’s law, led by St. Luke’s Health System.  St. Luke’s claimed they would suffer irreparable harm by having to instruct their doctors that Idaho’s law directs them to treat patients in emergencies without abortions unless necessary to save a woman’s life, according to a doctor’s subjective, good-faith medical judgement.
    This new suit from St. Luke’s is ongoing and is being heard by the very same Clinton-appointed federal judge that had blocked Idaho’s Defense of Life Act with the first EMTALA challenge from the Biden Administration.  I have every reasonable expectation that we will need to continue this fight via appeal, all the way back to the Supreme Court so we can settle this issue of EMTALA once and for all.
    As your Attorney General, I will always fight to protect the sovereignty of Idaho’s laws, the voice of the people, and for the protection of the unborn.  Through our laws, Idaho has chosen Life and I am proud to defend it, wherever that fight takes us.
    Best regards,

    Not yet subscribed to the Labrador Letter?  Click HERE to get our weekly newsletter and updates.  Miss an issue?  Labrador Letters are archived on the Attorney General website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Department of State Employee Charged for Conspiracy to Gather, Transmit, or Lose National Defense Information

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    View the complaint affidavit.

    Michael Charles Schena, 42, of Alexandria, Virginia, was arrested on criminal charges related to his alleged participation in a criminal conspiracy to gather, transmit, or lose national defense information.

    According to court documents, Schena is employed by the U.S. Department of State (DOS) working out of DOS Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Schena held a top secret security clearance and had access to information up to the secret level within his DOS workspace. Beginning in or about April 2022, Schena allegedly communicated with people he met online through various communication platforms and provided them with information they were not authorized to receive. In return, Schena received payments. On Feb. 27, Schena allegedly used a cellphone to take images of multiple documents, which were displayed on the monitor of his classified computer and marked as “SECRET.” Schena then allegedly left work and returned to his home in Alexandria, where the cellphone was seized.        

    Schena is charged with conspiracy to gather, transmit, or lose national defense information and faces a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The FBI Washington Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the FBI Richmond Field Office, the Department of Justice’s Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service Office of Counterintelligence.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Ben’Ary and Gavin R. Tisdale for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney Maria Fedor of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

    A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Texas Man Convicted of Sabotaging his Employer’s Computer Systems and Deleting Data

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A federal jury in Cleveland convicted a Texas man today for writing and deploying malicious code on his former employer’s network.

    According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Davis Lu, 55, of Houston, was employed as a software developer for the victim company headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, from November 2007 to October 2019. Following a 2018 corporate realignment that reduced his responsibilities and system access, Lu began sabotaging his employer’s systems. By Aug. 4, 2019, he introduced malicious code that caused system crashes and prevented user logins. Specifically, he created “infinite loops” (in this case, code designed to exhaust Java threads by repeatedly creating new threads without proper termination and resulting in server crashes or hangs), deleted coworker profile files, and implemented a “kill switch” that would lock out all users if his credentials in the company’s active directory were disabled. The “kill switch” code — which Lu named “IsDLEnabledinAD”, abbreviating “Is Davis Lu enabled in Active Directory” — was automatically activated upon his termination on Sept. 9, 2019, and impacted thousands of company users globally. Lu named other code “Hakai,” a Japanese word meaning “destruction,” and “HunShui,” a Chinese word meaning “sleep” or “lethargy.” Additionally, on the day he was directed to turn in his company laptop, Lu deleted encrypted data. His internet search history revealed he had researched methods to escalate privileges, hide processes, and rapidly delete files, indicating an intent to obstruct efforts of his co-workers to resolve the system disruptions. Lu’s employer suffered hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses as a result of Lu’s actions.

    The jury convicted Lu of causing intentional damage to protected computers, for which he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Supervisory Official Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik for the Northern District of Ohio, and Special Agent in Charge Gregory D. Nelsen of the FBI Cleveland Field Office made the announcement.

    The FBI Cleveland Field Office investigated the case.

    Senior Counsel Candina S. Heath of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel J. Riedl and Brian S. Deckert for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former Refugee Pleads Guilty and Admits to Supporting ISIS

    Source: US State of California

    A former Iraqi refugee and legal permanent resident of Richmond, Texas, has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

    Abdulrahman Mohammed Hafedh Alqaysi, 28, admitted to providing material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).

    From 2015 to 2020, Alqaysi provided his computer expertise to develop and post logos for a media arm of the ISIS group known as the Kalachnikov team. He further sent hacking videos and instructions to ISIS members in addition to stolen credit card information and fraudulently created identity documents.

    U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea and has set sentencing for June 5. Alqaysi faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Alqaysi has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

    The FBI Houston Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter for the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Dominican National Pleads Guilty to Misusing Identity of United States Citizen

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant has been using stolen personal identifying information for nearly a decade

    BOSTON – A Dominican national residing in Dorchester pleaded guilty yesterday to illegally using the personal identifying information of a United States citizen, which he used to obtain a driver’s license and United States passport.

    Luis Alison Roa Lara, 41, pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement in a U.S. passport application, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of misuse of a Social Security number. U.S. District Court Judge Allison D. Burroughs scheduled sentencing for June 10, 2025. The defendant was arrested and charged in August 2024.

    For nearly a decade, Luis Alison Roa Lara has been using the personal identifying information of a Puerto Rican citizen of the United States. Luis Alison Roa Lara used the misappropriated identifying information to obtain a Massachusetts driver’s license and attempted to use it to obtain a United States passport.

    The charge of false statement in a passport application provides for a sentence of up to 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of aggravated identity theft calls for a mandatory minimum sentence of two years in prison to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed, up to one year of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of misuse of a Social Security number provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will also be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Matthew O’Brien, Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, Boston Field Office made the announcement. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Department of State Diplomatic Security Service, Detroit Resident Office; the United States Postal Inspection Service; and the Lorain (Ohio) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Sullivan of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed More than 100 Border-Related Cases This Week

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed more than 100 border-related cases this week, including charges of transportation of illegal aliens, reentering the U.S. after deportation, deported alien found in the United States, and importation of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).

    In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.

    A representative sample of border-related arrests this week, includes:

    • Mexican nationals Isay Edel Ramos-Chaparro and Omar Alvarado-Ignacio were arrested March 4, 2025, by El Centro-based U.S. Border Patrol agents and charged with crimes relating to their alleged attempt to cross illegally into the United States on motorcycles through a breach in the border fence in Mexicali. Both defendants had previously been deported after entering the United States illegally.
    • On March 6, 2025, Jason Kristopher Lowe attempted to enter the United States from Mexico via the San Ysidro Port of Entry driving a BMW X5, bearing California plates.  Lowe was arrested when two individuals, both of whom admitted to being citizens of China without lawful documents allowing them to enter the United States, were found inside a secret compartment in the undercarriage of the BMW.
    • Fernando Medina Rodriguez, Gustavo Camacha Medina and Carlos Cardenas Medina – all drivers of separate tractor-trailers attempting to cross into the U.S. from Mexico at the Otay Mesa Port of Entry – were arrested on March 4, 2025, on drug importation charges. According to a federal complaint, all three were sent to secondary inspection around the same time, where Customs and Border Protection officials found hidden compartments containing a total of approximately 171 pounds of cocaine.

    Federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.

    The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Orezone Gold Files Final Short Form Prospectus in Connection With C$35 Million Bought Deal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Final Short Form Prospectus is accessible on SEDAR+

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (the “Company” or “Orezone”) is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated February 23, 2025 in respect of its bought deal offering of common shares of the Company (the “Common Shares”), it has filed a final short form prospectus dated March 7, 2025 (the “Final Prospectus”) with the securities commissions in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and has obtained a receipt therefor.

    The Final Prospectus qualifies the distribution of 42,683,000 Common Shares at a price of C$0.82 per Common Share (the “Offering Price”) for aggregate gross proceeds of C$35,000,060 and up to an additional 6,402,450 Common Shares at the Offering Price issuable upon exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriter, all as more fully described in the Final Prospectus (the “Offering”). Closing of the Offering is expected on or about March 13, 2025, and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval, including final approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

    Access to the Final Prospectus and any amendment is provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a short form prospectus and any amendment. The Final Prospectus is accessible under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. An electronic or paper copy of the Final Prospectus and any amendment may be obtained, without charge, from Canaccord Genuity Corp. by email at ecm@cgf.com by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable. Prospective investors should read the Final Prospectus in its entirety before making an investment decision.

    The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

    About Orezone Gold Corporation

    Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focused on its staged hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets and M&A.

    The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

    Contact Information

    Patrick Downey
    President and Chief Executive Officer

    Kevin MacKenzie
    Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

    Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663
    info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

    For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945-8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain information that may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”).  Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “potential”, “possible” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “will”, “could”, or “should” occur.  Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to closing of the Offering, and regulatory and TSX approval thereof.

    All such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management and the qualified persons believe are appropriate in the circumstances.

    All forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, delays caused by pandemics, terrorist or other violent attacks (including cyber security attacks), the failure of parties to contracts to honour contractual commitments, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the possibility of unanticipated costs and expenses, accidents and equipment breakdowns, political risk, unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general economic, market or business conditions, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual information form and management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Celebrates 2 Million Free Books Delivered Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Jared Polis, Llama Llama (of Red pajama fame) and Dr Lisa Roy with the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC) delivered the 2 millionth book through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at Westwood Early Learning Center. The program, launched by Dolly Parton in 1995 and expanded to Colorado in 2020, mails free, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age 5 every month. 

    “Books are our windows into the world, and access to literature for children is a great way to improve reading, and inspire the next generation of poets, authors, and literary geniuses. I am excited to just a year later be delivering the 2 millionth book to Colorado children, thanks to Dolly’s successful Imagination Library initiative,” said Governor Polis. 

    “Early literacy is critical for a child’s cognitive development,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, executive director of the CDEC. “By fostering a love of reading early on, we set children up for lifelong success. This milestone marks a gateway to endless possibilities.” 

    Gov. Polis signed SB20-185 in July 2020, establishing the program statewide and expanding support for children in all Colorado ZIP codes with 30 programs covering portions of all 64 counties.

     Governor Polis speaks to a group of preschoolers at an Event to celebrate 2 million books distributed through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 

    Governor Polis speaks at an Event to celebrate 2 million books distributed through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 

    “In celebrating this milestone, we proudly recognize the dedication and efforts of over 55 community-based organizations all across Colorado that collaborate with us to ensure every young child in the state has access to books,” said Jack Tate, President and CEO of the Imagination Library of Colorado. “Championing early literacy is truly a statewide effort.” 

    In 2024, Gov. Polis signed HB24-1205, transferring program operations to the CDEC and enabling partnerships with eligible nonprofits to procure more books and expand the program’s reach. 

    As of March 2025, 27 percent of eligible children statewide are receiving Imagination Library books each month. This equates to 84,609 books mailed in March alone, with 13,537 containing Spanish/English content. Since the program began in Colorado in November 2021, over 2 million books have been mailed to children across the state. 

    “This is an amazing and incredibly generous program,” said one participating parent. “Not only have these books helped my child’s speech and literacy development, they have brought us all closer together as a family.” Another parent added, “We love getting bilingual books – it allows more members of our family to read to our little one.” 

    During the event, attendees also honored Dolly Parton and her family, remembering her husband, Carl Dean, who passed away on Monday. 

    Governor Polis, CDEC, and Imagination Library Colorado encourage all families with children ages 5 or younger to participate in the program. To learn more or sign up, visit the Colorado Imagination Library website at imaginationlibrarycolorado.org. 

    A collection of testimonials from parents across Colorado about the positive impact of the program is available here. 

    About Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library 

    Since launching in 1995, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has become the preeminent early childhood book gifting program in the world. The flagship program of The Dollywood Foundation has gifted well over 200 million free books in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and The Republic of Ireland. The Imagination Library mails more than 2.0 million high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to registered children from birth to age five. Dolly envisioned creating a lifelong love of reading, inspiring them to dream. The impact of the program has been widely researched and results suggest positive increases in key early childhood literacy metrics. Penguin Random House is the exclusive publisher for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. While the cost of the books is paid for by CDEC matched by private sources, The Dollywood Foundation provides the program and its administration. For more information, please visit imaginationlibrary.com. 

    About the Imagination Library of Colorado 

    The Imagination Library of Colorado is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, who is the statewide partner of The Dollywood Foundation and its flagship program, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Funding for the Imagination Library of Colorado and program books comes from the Colorado Department of Early Childhood matched by private sources. The mission of the Imagination Library of Colorado is to increase literacy by ensuring all young children across the state may participate in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library through the development, promotion, growth, and ongoing support of Imagination Library programs in all 64 counties. ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Celebrates International Women’s Day

    Source: US State of Colorado

    GLENDALE – Today, Governor Polis and WorldDenver celebrated International Women’s Day, and presented Maria Garcia Berry with the Individual Award for International Women’s Day. 

    “International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the achievements of the remarkable women in Colorado and around the world. I am honored to recognize my friend Maria Garcia Berry, a woman who has been a driving force in our state, by expanding leadership opportunities and global connections for women in Colorado,” said Governor Polis. 

    Maria Garcia Berry, a founding partner of CRL Associates, has been a driving force in expanding leadership opportunities and global connections for women in Colorado. A Cuban-American immigrant, she has led efforts to support immigrants and refugees in Denver while holding key leadership roles with the Cuba Study Group, the Cuba Emprende Foundation, and the Biennial of the Americas, where she serves as Board Chair. Maria played a crucial role in bringing Denver to the global stage at the first Cities Summit of the Americas in 2023.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Constellation Software Inc. Announces Results for the Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2024 and Declares Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Constellation Software Inc. (TSX:CSU) (“Constellation” or the “Company”) today announced its financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024 and declared a $1.00 per share dividend payable on April 15, 2025 to all common shareholders of record at close of business on March 28, 2025. This dividend has been designated as an eligible dividend for the purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada). Please note that all dollar amounts referred to in this press release are in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated.

    The following press release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s annual Consolidated Financial Statements, prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards (“IFRS”) and our annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, which can be found on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com and on the Company’s website www.csisoftware.com. Additional information about the Company is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com.

    Q4 2024 Headlines:

    • Revenue grew 16% (1% organic growth, 2% after adjusting for changes in foreign exchange rates) to $2,703 million compared to $2,323 million in Q4 2023.
    • Net income attributable to common shareholders increased 102% to $285 million ($13.44 on a diluted per share basis) from $141 million ($6.65 on a diluted per share basis) in Q4 2023.
    • A number of acquisitions were completed for aggregate cash consideration of $475 million (which includes acquired cash). Deferred payments associated with these acquisitions have an estimated value of $144 million resulting in total consideration of $620 million.
    • Cash flows from operations (“CFO”) was $678 million, an increase of 33%, or $167 million, compared to $511 million for the comparable period in 2023.
    • Free cash flow available to shareholders1 (“FCFA2S”) was $482 million, an increase of 48%, or $157 million compared to $325 million for the comparable period in 2023.

    2024 Headlines:

    • Revenue grew 20% (2% organic growth, 2% after adjusting for changes in foreign exchange rates) to $10,066 million compared to $8,407 million in 2023.
    • Net income attributable to common shareholders increased 29% to $731 million ($34.48 on a diluted per share basis) from $565 million ($26.67 on a diluted per share basis) in 2023.
    • A number of acquisitions were completed for total consideration of $1,792 million including holdbacks and contingent consideration.
    • Cash flows from operations (“CFO”) was $2,196 million, an increase of 23%, or $417 million, compared to $1,779 million for the comparable period in 2023.
    • Free cash flow available to shareholders (“FCFA2S”) was $1,472 million, an increase of 27%, or $312 million, compared to $1,160 million for the comparable period in 2023.

    Total revenue for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was $2,703 million, an increase of 16%, or $380 million, compared to $2,323 million for the comparable period in 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024 total revenues were $10,066 million, an increase of 20%, or $1,660 million, compared to $8,407 million for the comparable period in 2023. The increase for both the three and twelve month periods compared to the same periods in the prior year is primarily attributable to growth from acquisitions as the Company experienced organic growth of 1% and 2% respectively, 2% for both periods after adjusting for the impact of changes in the valuation of the US dollar against most major currencies in which the Company transacts business. Organic growth is not a standardized financial measure and might not be comparable to measures disclosed by other issuers.

    Net income attributable to common shareholders of CSI for the quarter ended December 31, 2024 was $285 million compared to $141 million for the same period in 2023. On a per share basis this translated into a net income per diluted share of $13.44 in the quarter ended December 31, 2024 compared to net income per diluted share of $6.65 for the same period in 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2024, net income attributable to common shareholders of CSI was $731 million or $34.48 per diluted share compared to $565 million or $26.67 per diluted share for the same period in 2023.

    For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, CFO increased $167 million to $678 million compared to $511 million for the same period in 2023 representing an increase of 33%. For the year ended December 31, 2024, CFO increased $417 million to $2,196 million compared to $1,779 million during the same period in 2023, representing an increase of 23%.

    For the quarter ended December 31, 2024, FCFA2S increased $157 million to $482 million compared to $325 million for the same period in 2023 representing an increase of 48%. For the year ended December 31, 2024, FCFA2S increased $312 million to $1,472 million compared to $1,160 million for the same period in 2023 representing an increase of 27%.

    Forward Looking Statements
    Certain statements herein may be “forward looking” statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Constellation or the industry to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the results discussed in the forward looking statements. These forward looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events and operating performance and are made as of the date hereof and Constellation assumes no obligation, except as required by law, to update any forward looking statements to reflect new events or circumstances.

    Non-IFRS Measures
    Free cash flow available to shareholders ‘‘FCFA2S’’ refers to net cash flows from operating activities less interest paid on lease obligations, interest paid on debt, debt transaction costs, payments of lease obligations, the IRGA / TSS membership liability revaluation charge, and property and equipment purchased, and includes interest and dividends received, and the proceeds from sale of interest rate caps. The portion of this amount applicable to non-controlling interests is then deducted. We believe that FCFA2S is useful supplemental information as it provides an indication of the uncommitted cash flow that is available to shareholders if we do not make any acquisitions, or investments, and do not repay any debts. While we could use the FCFA2S to pay dividends or repurchase shares, our objective is to invest all of our FCFA2S in acquisitions which meet our hurdle rate.

    FCFA2S is not a recognized measure under IFRS and, accordingly, readers are cautioned that FCFA2S should not be construed as an alternative to net cash flows from operating activities.

    The following table reconciles FCFA2S to net cash flows from operating activities:

          Three months ended
    December 31,    		       Year ended
    December 31,    		    
          2024     2023         2024     2023      
        ($ in millions)   ($ in millions)  
                           
    Net cash flows from operating activities     678     511         2,196     1,779      
    Adjusted for:                      
    Interest paid on lease obligations     (4 )   (3 )       (14 )   (11 )    
    Interest paid on debt     (37 )   (37 )       (178 )   (133 )    
    Proceeds from sale of interest rate cap     –     –         –     5      
    Debt transaction costs     (3 )   (2 )       (16 )   (5 )    
    Payments of lease obligations     (29 )   (31 )       (118 )   (109 )    
    IRGA / TSS membership liability revaluation charge     (61 )   (58 )       (183 )   (152 )    
    Property and equipment purchased     (25 )   (13 )       (67 )   (42 )    
    Interest and dividends received     9     2         33     3      
                           
          527     369         1,653     1,333      
    Less amount attributable to                      
    Non-controlling interests     (45 )   (44 )       (180 )   (173 )    
                           
    Free cash flow available to shareholders     482     325         1,472     1,160      
                           
    Due to rounding, certain totals may not foot.                      
                           

    About Constellation Software Inc.

    Constellation’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “CSU”. Constellation acquires, manages and builds vertical market software businesses.

    For further information:

    Jamal Baksh
    Chief Financial Officer
    (416) 861-9677
    info@csisoftware.com
    www.csisoftware.com

    SOURCE: CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.

     
    CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Financial Position
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.)
             
             
            December 31, 2024     December 31, 2023  
             
    Assets    
             
    Current assets:    
      Cash $ 1,980   $ 1,284  
      Accounts receivable   1,292     1,138  
      Unbilled revenue   369     325  
      Inventories   56     51  
      Other assets   597     541  
            4,294     3,339  
             
    Non-current assets:    
      Property and equipment   223     142  
      Right of use assets   328     312  
      Deferred income taxes   219     108  
      Other assets   329     286  
      Intangible assets   7,470     6,675  
            8,569     7,523  
             
    Total assets $ 12,863   $ 10,862  
             
    Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity    
             
    Current liabilities:    
      Debt with recourse to Constellation Software Inc. $ 303   $ 861  
      Debt without recourse to Constellation Software Inc.   319     225  
      Redeemable preferred securities   –     814  
      Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   1,589     1,427  
      Dividends payable   21     21  
      Deferred revenue   1,967     1,757  
      Provisions   22     9  
      Acquisition holdback payables   225     168  
      Lease obligations   115     112  
      Income taxes payable   111     89  
            4,672     5,483  
             
    Non-current liabilities:    
      Debt with recourse to Constellation Software Inc.   1,855     863  
      Debt without recourse to Constellation Software Inc.   1,689     1,385  
      Deferred income taxes   673     604  
      Acquisition holdback payables   134     88  
      Lease obligations   252     236  
      Other liabilities   300     242  
            4,903     3,418  
             
    Total liabilities   9,575     8,901  
             
             
    Shareholders’ equity:    
      Capital stock   99     99  
      Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   (224 )   (99 )
      Retained earnings   2,919     1,876  
      Non-controlling interests   493     85  
            3,288     1,961  
             
             
             
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity $ 12,863   $ 10,862  
             
     
    CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Income (loss)
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.)  
             
           
             
        Years ended December 31,  
          2024     2023    
             
             
    Revenue      
    License $ 393   $ 386    
    Professional services   1,975     1,766    
    Hardware and other   302     268    
    Maintenance and other recurring   7,396     5,985    
          10,066     8,407    
             
    Expenses      
    Staff   5,322     4,493    
    Hardware   169     158    
    Third party license, maintenance and professional services   960     810    
    Occupancy   64     51    
    Travel, telecommunications, supplies, software and equipment   502     398    
    Professional fees   178     151    
    Other, net   182     138    
    Depreciation   182     162    
    Amortization of intangible assets   1,044     859    
          8,602     7,219    
             
             
    Foreign exchange loss (gain)   (26 )   43    
    IRGA/TSS Membership liability revaluation charge   183     152    
    Finance and other expense (income)   (60 )   (34 )  
    Bargain purchase gain   (10 )   (54 )  
    Impairment of intangible and other non-financial assets   28     26    
    Redeemable preferred securities expense (income)   58     597    
    Finance costs   280     192    
          452     922    
             
    Income (loss) before income taxes   1,011     265    
             
    Current income tax expense (recovery)   525     370    
    Deferred income tax expense (recovery)   (281 )   (166 )  
    Income tax expense (recovery)   244     204    
             
    Net income (loss)   767     62    
             
    Net income (loss) attributable to:      
    Common shareholders of Constellation Software Inc.   731     565    
    Non-controlling interests   37     (503 )  
    Net income (loss)   767     62    
             
    Earnings per common share of Constellation Software Inc.      
      Basic and diluted $ 34.48   $ 26.67    
             
             
    CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (loss)
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.)
             
             
             
      Years ended December 31,  
        2024       2023    
             
    Net income (loss) $ 767     $ 62    
             
    Items that are or may be reclassified subsequently to net income (loss):        
             
    Foreign currency translation differences from foreign operations and other, net of tax   (135 )     51    
             
    Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income tax   (135 )     51    
             
    Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 633     $ 113    
             
    Total other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:        
    Common shareholders of Constellation Software Inc.   (119 )     38    
    Non-controlling interests   (16 )     13    
    Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ (135 )   $ 51    
             
    Total comprehensive income (loss) attributable to:        
    Common shareholders of Constellation Software Inc.   612       603    
    Non-controlling interests   21       (490 )  
    Total comprehensive income (loss) $ 633     $ 113    
             
                 
    CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.
    Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.)
                     
                     
    Year ended December 31, 2024
          Equity Attributable to Common Shareholders of CSI    
          Capital
    stock    		 Accumulated
    other
    comprehensive
    income (loss)    		 Retained
    earnings    		 Total Non-controlling
    interests    		 Total equity
                     
    Balance at January 1, 2024 $ 99 $ (99 ) $ 1,876   $ 1,877   $ 85   $ 1,961  
                     
    Total comprehensive income (loss):            
                     
    Net income (loss)   –   –     731     731     37     767  
                     
    Other comprehensive income (loss)            
                     
    Foreign currency translation differences from            
      foreign operations and other, net of tax   –   (119 )   –     (119 )   (16 )   (135 )
                     
                 
    Total other comprehensive income (loss)   –   (119 )   –     (119 )   (16 )   (135 )
                     
    Total comprehensive income (loss)   –   (119 )   731     612     21     633  
                     
    Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity            
                     
    Non-controlling interests arising from business combinations   –   –     –     –     (0 )   (0 )
                     
    Conversion of Lumine Special Shares to subordinate voting shares of Lumine and settlement of accrued dividend on Lumine Special Shares through the issuance of subordinate voting shares of Lumine   –   –     –     –     872     872  
                     
    Conversion of Lumine Preferred Shares to subordinate voting shares of Lumine and settlement of accrued dividend on Lumine Preferred Shares through the issuance of subordinate voting shares of Lumine     (6 )   400     394     (394 )   –  
                     
    Other movements in non-controlling interests   –   –     (2 )   (2 )   (2 )   (4 )
                     
    Dividends paid to non-controlling interests   –   –     –     –     (89 )   (89 )
                     
    Dividends to shareholders of the Company   –   –     (85 )   (85 )   –     (85 )
                     
    Balance at December 31, 2024 $ 99 $ (224 ) $ 2,919   $ 2,795   $ 493   $ 3,288  
                     
                   
    CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.              
    Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity          
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.)  
                       
                       
    Year ended December 31, 2023              
                       
          Equity Attributable to Common Shareholders of CSI      
          Capital
    stock    		 Accumulated
    other
    comprehensive
    income (loss)    		 Retained
    earnings    		 Total Non-controlling
    interests    		 Total equity  
                       
    Balance at January 1, 2023 $ 99 $ (150 ) $ 1,763   $ 1,713   $ 221   $ 1,933    
                       
    Total comprehensive income (loss):              
                       
    Net income (loss)   –   –     565     565     (503 )   62    
                       
    Other comprehensive income (loss)              
                       
    Foreign currency translation differences from              
      foreign operations and other, net of tax   –   38     –     38     13     51    
                       
    Total other comprehensive income (loss)   –   38     –     38     13     51    
                       
    Total comprehensive income (loss)   –   38     565     603     (490 )   113    
                       
    Transactions with owners, recorded directly in equity              
                       
    Special dividend of Lumine Subordinate Voting Shares   –   12     (378 )   (366 )   366     –    
                       
    Non-controlling interests arising from business combinations           2     2    
                       
    Acquisition of non-controlling interests   –   –     –     –     (2 )   (2 )  
                       
    Conversion of Lumine Special Shares to subordinate voting shares of Lumine   –   –     –     –     5     5    
                       
    Other movements in non-controlling interests   –   0     15     15     (17 )   (2 )  
                       
    Other distributions and movements in equity     2     (4 )   (3 )   –     (3 )  
                       
      Dividends to shareholders of the Company (note 17)   –   –     (85 )   (85 )   –     (85 )  
                       
    Balance at December 31, 2023 $ 99 $ (99 ) $ 1,876   $ 1,877   $ 85   $ 1,961    
                       
             
    CONSTELLATION SOFTWARE INC.
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
    (In millions of U.S. dollars, except per share amounts. Due to rounding, numbers presented may not foot.)  
                 
                 
                 
          Years ended December 31,  
            2024       2023    
                 
    Cash flows from (used in) operating activities:        
      Net income (loss) $ 767     $ 62    
      Adjustments for:        
        Depreciation   182       162    
        Amortization of intangible assets   1,044       859    
        IRGA/TSS Membership liability revaluation charge   183       152    
        Finance and other expense (income)   (60 )     (34 )  
        Bargain purchase (gain)   (10 )     (54 )  
        Impairment of intangible and other non-financial assets   28       26    
        Redeemable preferred securities expense (income)   58       597    
        Finance costs   280       192    
        Income tax expense (recovery)   244       204    
        Foreign exchange loss (gain)   (26 )     43    
        Depreciation of third party costs   12       –    
      Change in non-cash operating assets and liabilities        
        exclusive of effects of business combinations   (45 )     (36 )  
      Income taxes paid   (460 )     (394 )  
      Net cash flows from (used in) operating activities   2,196       1,779    
                 
    Cash flows from (used in) financing activities:        
      Interest paid on lease obligations   (14 )     (11 )  
      Interest paid on debt   (178 )     (133 )  
      Proceeds from sale of interest rate cap   –       5    
      Increase (decrease) in CSI facility   (578 )     256    
      Increase (decrease) in Topicus revolving credit debt facility without recourse to CSI   73       27    
      Proceeds from issuance of debentures   –       209    
      Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes   1,000       –    
      Proceeds from issuance of debt facilities without recourse to CSI   381       447    
      Repayments of debt facilities without recourse to CSI   (149 )     (282 )  
      Other financing activities   (25 )     (1 )  
      Dividends paid to non-controlling interests   (89 )     –    
      Debt transaction costs   (16 )     (5 )  
      Payments of lease obligations, net of sublease receipts   (118 )     (109 )  
      Distribution to the Joday Group   (64 )     –    
      Principal repayments to the Joday Group pursuant to the Call Notice   (22 )     –    
      Dividends paid to common shareholders of the Company   (85 )     (85 )  
      Net cash flows from (used in) in financing activities   114       316    
                 
    Cash flows from (used in) investing activities:        
      Acquisition of businesses   (1,347 )     (1,609 )  
      Cash obtained with acquired businesses   164       152    
      Post-acquisition settlement payments, net of receipts   (336 )     (238 )  
      Purchases of investments and other assets   (8 )     (23 )  
      Proceeds from sales of other investments and other assets   7       119    
      Decrease (increase) in restricted cash   (14 )     (2 )  
      Interest, dividends and other proceeds received   33       4    
      Property and equipment purchased   (67 )     (42 )  
      Net cash flows from (used in) investing activities   (1,567 )     (1,639 )  
                 
    Effect of foreign currency on        
      cash   (48 )     17    
                 
    Increase (decrease) in cash   696       473    
                 
    Cash, beginning of period $ 1,284     $ 811    
                 
    Cash, end of period $ 1,980     $ 1,284    
                 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: “It turned out that all we really needed was a new President.” 🇺🇸

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

    “It turned out that all we really needed was a new President.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWV99NYNEx0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, Representative Hunt, colleagues urge the implementation of reforms aligning with their bipartisan, bicameral Safer Supervision Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Representative Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) and a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues in a new letter applauded and urged finalization of a proposal by the United States Sentencing Commission to improve the federal supervised release system in ways that align with their bipartisan, bicameral Safer Supervision Act. In addition to Senator Coons and Rep. Hunt, the letter was signed by bill cosponsors Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), U.S. Representative Barry Moore (R-Ala.), and the late U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner (D-Texas).

    In January, the Commission unanimously proposed reforms to federal supervised release guidelines that would help ensure that scarce supervision resources are allocated in a manner that best promote public safety, that would restore discretion to courts in the imposition, termination, and revocation of supervision, and that would provide individuals with positive incentives to rehabilitate and reintegrate.  These principles align with the Safer Supervision Act introduced in August 2023.  In their letter, the lawmakers wrote that while there is no substitute for enactment of the Safer Supervision Act, the Commission “should finalize an amendment that robustly implements the letter and spirit of the bill to the extent it can do so within its authority.”

    The bill has gained strong support from organizations across the political spectrum, as well as law enforcement groups, faith groups, and civil rights groups. The support demonstrates the widespread acceptance how reform of federal supervision can “improve public safety, support law enforcement, use taxpayer dollars more responsibly, and better position people to succeed after they have served their time in prison.”

    “We would encourage the Commission to consider how it could go further to implement the letter and spirit of the bill,” the lawmakers continued. “Additional guidance, including a presumption along the lines of the bill, could better instruct courts on the interest-of-justice standard and ensure that they use early termination when supervision is no longer necessary for the purposes it was imposed, rather than just in the most extraordinary of cases. With appropriate notice, supervisees will then have actionable positive incentives to rehabilitate and reintegrate, to the benefit of public safety.”

    Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Co-Chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus.

    You can read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst, Paul Demand Answers on Planned Parenthood Receiving Millions in PPP Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chair Rand Paul (R-Ky.) asked the Small Business Administration (SBA) to share how the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) unlawfully received millions of dollars in funding from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and had 34 loans forgiven by the Biden administration.
    Ernst and Paul have repeatedly demanded answers over how the funding was approved, and loans were forgiven despite PPFA being ineligible to receive PPP funds but were stonewalled at every turn by the Biden administration.
    “On May 19, 2020, SBA notified a number of PPFA affiliates that they had wrongfully applied for 38 PPP loans totaling more than $80 million dollars. SBA determined that these local affiliates of PPFA were ineligible for PPP loans under the applicable affiliation rules and size standards and that the loans they received should be returned. Despite this determination, the SBA, under the Biden administration, approved further loans in 2021 totaling nearly $40 million,” wrote the senators.
    “Over the years, we’ve repeatedly sought out this information. During a Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship hearing on March 24, 2021, we questioned then-Associate Administrator of SBA’s Office of Capital Access, Patrick Kelley, about the new information suggesting Planned Parenthood affiliates had received second draw loans despite the agency’s previous determination that these entities were ineligible. Mr. Kelley testified that the SBA had not reversed the longstanding application of affiliation rules or changed any rule related to affiliation. Following this, we sent multiple letters on April 15, 2021, May 10, 2021, May 20, 2021, and again on April 26, 2022, requesting further information. However, SBA failed to provide the required information,” the senators continued.
    Click here to view the letter.
    Background:
    Ernst has introduced legislation to defund Planned Parenthood by prohibiting it from receiving federal funding.
    Senator Ernst’s unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of the unborn recently earned her an “A+” on the Susan B. Anthony List National Pro-Life Scorecard.

    MIL OSI USA News –