NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW REPORT: Working-Class Americans Can Expect to Die at Least 7 Years Earlier than the Wealthy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, March 7 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today released a new report exposing the stark disparities in life expectancy based on income, education, race and geography. The findings show that working class people in America die much younger than the wealthiest people in our country.
    The new analysis reveals that people living in the top 1% of counties ranked by median household income live seven years longer, on average, than Americans living in the bottom 50% of counties.
    “The massive income and wealth inequality that exists in America today is not just an economic issue, it is literally a matter of life and death,” said Sanders. “In America today, the bottom 50% of our population can expect to live seven years shorter lives than the top 1%. Even worse, Americans who live in working-class, rural counties can expect to die 10 years younger than people who live in wealthier neighborhoods across the country. The enormous stress of living paycheck to paycheck not only causes far too many Americans to die much quicker than they should, but also leads to higher levels of anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease and poor health. This is an issue that Congress must address.”
    Here are the key findings from the report:
    Wealthy Americans live longer than the working class. People living in the top 1% of counties ranked by median household income live an average of 84.3 years, while people living in the bottom 50% of counties ranked by median household income live an average of 77.4 years – a difference of 7 years.
    Rural counties face the greatest disparities. Urban and suburban counties with a median household income of $100,000 have an average life expectancy of 81.6 years, while small rural counties with a median household income of $30,000 have an average life expectancy of 71.7 years – a 10-year gap.
    Geographic disparities persist. In Loudoun County, Virginia, the highest-earning county in the U.S., life expectancy is 84 years. Just 350 miles away, in McDowell County, West Virginia, one of the lowest-earning counties in the U.S., the life expectancy is 69 years – a 15-year difference.
    Higher incomes translate to longer lives. Among rural counties, a $10,000 increase in median annual household income is associated with an additional 2.6 years of life expectancy. Among lower- and lower-middle income populations in urban and suburban counties, the same income increase is associated with a 2.1-year gain in life expectancy.
    Through a survey shared on social media, Sanders recently asked working people how stress impacts their lives. The response was overwhelming. Americans shared stories that paint a picture of daily hardship: the stress of affording health care, food, and gas; the anxiety of living paycheck to paycheck; and the feeling of hopelessness that comes from constant financial strain.
    Here are just two of those responses.
    Edwardo from Texas said: “We struggle to get sleep. Our diets fluctuate, and we get sick from spoiled food from the donation pantry. Working long hours I was recently injured and am struggling, unable to pay for care to help heal.”
    Caitlan from Colorado said: “Stress isn’t just an inconvenience for me—it’s a direct threat to my heart. Living with a congenital heart defect and multiple mechanical valves means that every surge of anxiety, every sleepless night worrying about bills, isn’t just mentally exhausting—it physically wears on my heart. Stress triggers palpitations, spikes my blood pressure, and leaves me drained, knowing that too much of it could lead to serious complications. Managing it is a daily battle.”
    The report released today also describes policy solutions that would support working Americans and make progress toward closing the life expectancy gap, including:
    Raising the minimum wage to at least $17 an hour to ensure workers can earn a living wage.
    Guaranteeing health care as a human right by enacting Medicare for All.
    Ending the international embarrassment of the United States being the only major country on earth not to guarantee paid family and medical leave.
    Making education from child care to trade school and graduate school available to everyone regardless of their income or ZIP code.
    Expanding Social Security and restoring defined benefit pension plans so that every senior in America can retire with dignity.
    Read the report here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In New Response to Lawmakers, Joint Committee on Taxation Reveals GOP Use of “Magic Math” Would Be Unprecedented

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 07, 2025
    In New Response to Lawmakers, Joint Committee on Taxation Reveals GOP Use of “Magic Math” Would Be Unprecedented
    Republicans want to use “magic math” to pay for billionaire tax cuts and falsely claim no cost to American taxpayers
    Text of Response Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – In a new response to a recent letter sent by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Mark R. Warner (D-Va.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.), the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) revealed the unprecedented nature of Republicans’ proposed “magic math” to pay for billionaire tax cuts and falsely claim no cost to American taxpayers.
    On February 19, the lawmakers sent a letter to JCT, pressing for answers on the scoring methods used for tax legislation ahead of the expiration of many of the tax provisions contained in President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA).
    In its new response, JCT confirmed:
    It has used a current law baseline as their default approach to scoring legislation since the 1970s.
    It has never used a current policy baseline on the Senate floor, save for a small statutory exception. Shifting to use a current policy baseline this year for Republicans’ tax package, as Republicans are pushing for, would be unprecedented.
    “Magic math” goes both ways: Republicans have called the American Rescue Plan’s enhanced insurance premium tax credit too expensive to renew, but according to JCT, the current policy baseline would render an extension of the tax credit “free.”
    In 2017, Congressional Republicans set many TCJA provisions to expire this year in an attempt to keep the price tag of the proposed tax cuts below $1.5 trillion. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), extending these tax cuts for the next ten years would cost trillions and would disproportionately benefit the wealthiest Americans.
    Still, some Senate Republicans claim that the cost of extending the TCJA is $0. To accurately calculate the cost of these tax cut extensions, Congress needs a baseline to measure changes against. By law, that baseline has been the “current law,” which assumes that expiring provisions will expire on schedule and therefore that any extension would cost money. Senate Republicans have suggested that this year’s tax bill should be evaluated based on a “current policy baseline,” which assumes that expiring provisions will not expire and that any extensions of temporary provisions cost nothing.
    At a hearing of the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday, March 6, Senator Warren questioned Dr. Michael Faulkender, President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, on Republicans’ “magic math” for their plans to cut taxes for the ultra-wealthy. When pressed by Senator Warren on whether this gimmick actually produces additional revenue, Dr. Faulkender admitted: “I can’t imagine that it would.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Partnership to invest in downtown Edmonton

    [. 28. The agreement will help unleash further opportunity for the city to promote economic growth, vibrancy, safe and affordable housing, and community development.

    Pending a positive outcome from ongoing negotiations and the successful passage of Budget 2025, Alberta’s government will contribute up to $183.4 million to this work, which will further revitalize the region, boost the economy and support the creation of new housing developments.

    “Alberta’s government is proud to be partnering with the City of Edmonton and OEG Sports and Entertainment on this exciting plan to support world-class facilities and services, revitalize downtown Edmonton, and build new housing. This investment will ensure that Edmonton continues to be one of Canada’s and North America’s leading entertainment and event districts.”

    Danielle Smith, Premier

    The total cost for all projects is $408.2 million, which will be shared by all three partners. When complete, it is estimated that the event park will add more than $70 million to local gross domestic product. Alberta’s government will provide $158.4 million through grants and $25 million by extending the term of the Edmonton Capital City Downtown Community Revitalization Levy (CRL), for a total commitment of up to $183.4 million.

    Of the province’s total contribution, $55 million is being contributed to the $90 million cost demolition of the Coliseum at Exhibition Lands and site improvements and $97 million is being contributed to the $250 million cost of the event park. 

    Recently, the Edmonton City Council Executive Committee took the first step towards approving a 10-year extension to the Downtown CRL to allow investment into these projects and other catalyst proposals in the city’s core.

    These priority projects will provide residents and visitors with year-round access to sports, culture and entertainment activities, as well as improve safety and security in Edmonton’s downtown. The Government of Alberta will not build, own or operate any aspect of these projects.

    “Alberta’s municipalities are vital to our province’s identity and success so we’re supporting their growth and prosperity. These priority projects will revitalize downtown Edmonton, attract visitors, spur economic growth and diversification, and build attainable housing.”

    Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs

    “This funding is a promising initial step towards accelerating housing options and expanding economic opportunities in our city. The provincial government and OEGSE have been collaborative partners in this negotiation and though we still have far to go, I am hopeful that this commitment will signal Edmonton’s support for development and investment in our core neighbourhoods.”

    Amarjeet Sohi, mayor, City of Edmonton

    In addition, this agreement will support the development of much-needed housing in the capital city. Alberta’s government will contribute $31.4 million toward the cost of public infrastructure site servicing for the Village at ICE District, which will provide about 2,500 new residences north of Rogers Place. The total investment from all partners to create more housing options, including affordable and attainable housing and student accommodations will be $68.2 million.

    “We are proud of our work to date with the development of Rogers Place and surrounding facilities and look forward to building on that success through this new agreement with the Government of Alberta and City of Edmonton. Rogers Place is not only the home of the Edmonton Oilers, it is a gathering place for residents, visitors and community groups from across Oil Country to come together in the heart of our city. The arena and surrounding developments have also become catalytic drivers of private investment and revitalization in Edmonton’s downtown core. We still have lots of work to do to attract more residents, visitors and investment downtown, and this agreement is a significant step in the right direction that will add the community programming, activity, vibrancy and housing needed to continue our revitalization efforts.”

    Tim Shipton, EVP, External Affairs, OEGSE

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

    Quick facts

    • The total cost of the Edmonton projects is $408.2 million. Of the up to $183.4 million provided by Alberta’s government: 
      • $97 million is being contributed to the $250 million cost of the event park.
      • $55 million is being contributed to the $90 million cost for the coliseum demolition and site improvements.
      • $31.4 million is being contributed to the total $68.2 million cost of site servicing for the Village at ICE District North.
    • The Alberta government is providing $158.4 million through grants and $25 million through the Edmonton CRL for a total of up to $183.4 million. 
    • The Government of Alberta will not build, own or operate any aspect of these projects.
    • Alberta’s investment of up to $183.4 million for these City of Edmonton infrastructure improvements is similar to the support that the Government of Alberta committed for Calgary’s event centre project in April 2023. 
      • While Calgary received more provincial funding for their project, Alberta government funding represented 27 percent of the overall costs. Meanwhile, Edmonton is receiving 40 per cent of its overall costs for the event park and Village at ICE District North site servicing.   

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Firearms Office and Métis Nation – Saskatchewan Sign MOU for Firearms Safety

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 7, 2025

    Today, the Saskatchewan Firearms Office (SFO) and Métis Nation – Saskatchewan (MN-S) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to provide ongoing firearms safety education to Métis citizens.

    The MOU outlines opportunities for partnership, such as increasing firearms licenses among MN-S citizens and promoting firearms safety and education. 

    “Our government is committed to promoting public safety within all communities and protecting the rights of all lawful firearms owners,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod said. “Through this partnership we want to encourage responsible firearm ownership and support Métis traditions in a way that keep people informed and protected.”

    The four specific areas the Memorandum outlines for the SFO and MN-S to collaborate on are:

    • Promotion of education and licensing of as many community members as possible;
    • Minimizing unnecessary criminalization of individuals for regulatory offences;
    • Appropriate compensation for seized firearms; and
    • Protection of gun owners’ current and future privileges.

    “Firearms safety education is of the utmost importance to our MN-S government to ensure our Métis harvesting traditions are responsibly passed down to the next generation,” Métis Nation -Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum said. “We are pleased the Saskatchewan Firearms Office wants to continue to strengthen our working relationship with a recommitment to work together on educational programs based on current and incoming firearms regulations.” 

    The SFO and MN-S will coordinate to provide education to Métis citizens on existing and incoming firearms laws. The SFO will also provide training and educational materials for MN-S community centres and encourage and facilitate members in becoming fully licensed and legally compliant firearms owners. 

    “The Saskatchewan Firearms Office is proud to partner with MN-S again to ensure Métis citizens have the knowledge to legally use and store firearms safely,” Saskatchewan Firearms Office Commissioner Robert Freberg said. “Greater compliance increases public safety and through this partnership we will contribute to a safer Saskatchewan for our communities.”

    This MOU is the second firearms education agreement between the SFO and MN-S, marking another step forward in an ongoing partnership and demonstrating a shared commitment to balancing public safety with respect for Métis traditions.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Mar 07, 2025 ATU Applauds Reintroduction of PRO Act

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Silver Spring, MD – The Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) applauds the reintroduction of H.R. 20, the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, a landmark piece of legislation that is vital for workers across the country.

    “As a Union that represents over 200,000 transit workers, we know firsthand the power of collective bargaining and the protection of workers’ rights to organize,” said ATU International President John Costa. “The Pro Act would strengthen those rights, ensuring workers have the ability to stand together and demand fair wages, safe working conditions, and a voice in their workplace. Thank you to Representatives Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Hakeem Jeffries, Brian Fitzpatrick and Senator Bernie Sanders for reintroducing this bill.” 

    The PRO Act is a critical step in addressing the imbalances in our economy, where corporate interests have undermined the rights of working people. By enhancing protections for workers who seek to join unions, the PRO Act empowers employees to negotiate fair contracts without fear of retaliation or unfair practices from employers.

    “This legislation is a fitting tribute to the late Richard Trumka, a fierce advocate for working people, whose leadership and vision continue to inspire us,” continued Costa. “The ATU stands united with the labor movement in supporting the PRO Act and calls on Congress to pass this crucial legislation without delay. It is time to restore balance to the workforce and ensure that every worker has the right to organize and bargain collectively. We urge lawmakers to act swiftly to pass the PRO Act, honor the legacy of Richard Trumka, and secure a fairer, more just future for workers across this nation.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar Statement on F1 Admitting U.S. General Motors/Cadillac team

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement on Formula 1 expanding and admitting the U.S. General Motors/Cadillac team to the grid. 
    “Last year, we took a stand when F1 sought to exclude General Motors/Cadillac from the F1 championship series despite meeting all technical and financial requirements to field a team. I am glad that F1 has reversed course and finally allowed an all-American team to compete,” said Klobuchar. “This is a win for competition, American manufacturing, and F1 fans.”
    In May 2024, Klobuchar, along with Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Gary Peters (D-MI), Todd Young (R-IN), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Mike Braun (R-IN), and former Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) called on then Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan to investigate the exclusion of the General Motors/Cadillac racing team  from entering the Formula One (F1) Championship series. They believe that F1 may have been violating antitrust laws by boycotting the American-based team to protect the value and reputation of foreign brands that race in F1.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s, parliamentary secretary’s statement about federal government’s investment in ChildCareBC

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Signs Bills Into Law

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed the following bills into law administratively.

    • HB25-1019 – Third-Party Administration of Division of Housing Programs, sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota and Senator Nick Hinrichsen
    • HB25-1033 – Medicaid Third-Party Liability Payments, sponsored by Representatives Sheila Lieder and Lori Garcia Sander, and Senator Mike Weissman. This bill is bipartisan.
    • HB25-1054 – Repeal Legislative Audit Committee Reviews of Emissions Program, sponsored by Representative Andrew Boesenecker, and Senators Rod Pelton and Julie Gonzales. This bill is bipartisan.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kentucky Man Sentenced for Sexually Exploiting Minors in the Philippines

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Kentucky man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for producing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in the Philippines.

    According to court documents, from February 2021 through November 2021, while living in the Philippines, Robert Maxwell Werner, 46, of Walton, purchased access from a Filipino individual to dozens of minor victims for in-person, livestreamed, and recorded sexual acts. For several months, Werner paid this individual for custom-created CSAM, in which the individual would sexually abuse these minors and force the minors to engage in sexual acts together for foreign customers like Werner. Werner also paid the individual for five in‑person meetings with minors at hotels and rental properties in the Philippines. During those meetings, Werner sexually abused multiple minors. In exchange, Werner would provide money, food, clothing, and basic necessities for the minors, who lived in desperate circumstances.

    As part of his plea agreement, Werner admitted to engaging in sexually explicit conduct with at least one minor for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of that conduct between July 2021 and November 2021, while in the Philippines. Werner further admitted to transporting that sexually explicit material into the United States. Additionally, once he returned to the United States, Werner continued to solicit CSAM from the individual for at least another month.

    Supervisory Official Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Acting U.S. Attorney Paul McCaffrey for the Eastern District of Kentucky, and Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division made the announcement.

    The FBI’s Child Exploitation Operational Unit investigated the case, with substantial assistance from the Philippine National Bureau of Investigation and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

    Trial Attorney Rachel L. Rothberg of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth for the Eastern District of Kentucky prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Financial Institutions Face Economic Uncertainties, Rising Competition from Consolidation and Digital-Only Providers, According to New Strata Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Financial institutions nationwide are preparing to navigate significant economic uncertainties and mounting competition from non-traditional, digitally based competitors and industry consolidation throughout 2025, according to a new report from Strata Decision Technology.

    The 2025 CFO Outlook for Financial Institutions report combines industry analysts’ projections with Strata’s independent research. The impacts of interest rate changes and other economic factors — such as tariffs on imports from countries such as China, Canada, and Mexico — remain unknown. At the same time, analysts predict financial institutions could benefit from regulatory changes and the expansion of new technologies.

    “Financial institution leaders face considerable challenges as they work to bolster stability for their institutions in 2025,” said Eric Wheeler, Senior Director for Product Management at Strata. “Yet analysts are cautiously optimistic and predict that the momentum of 2024 will continue this year. Leaders will need to prepare for a variety of potential outcomes as they navigate shifting market forces, rising competition, and an unclear economic environment.”

    Finance leaders cited shifting interest rates as both the No. 1 risk and the primary driver of business model change in 2025. The Federal Reserve has indicated it will lower interest rates in 2025, but not to the extent originally projected and dependent on how the broader economy performs.

    With the Trump administration’s promises to scale back Biden-era regulations, financial institutions anticipate potential easing of capital requirements and further incentives for digital innovation. At the same time, however, the Trump administration is also easing restrictions on fintechs and cryptocurrency providers, which could lead to heightened competition from non-traditional financial services companies.

    The continued rise of digital-only, alternative finance providers such as neobanks and buy-now pay-later platforms remains a serious concern for industry leaders. In response, leaders cited their top three areas for technology spend in 2025 as digital banking, data and analytics, and fraud prevention and security.

    Analysts predict the industry will see an increase in the number of mergers and acquisitions in 2025, as asset quality improvements that began in late 2024 continue. Banks, credit unions, and other financial institutions are expected to continue to consolidate as they seek to build scale and keep pace with technological advancements. Some analysts anticipate the increased M&A activity will include a rise in non-traditional mergers among credit unions and banks, and banks and fintech companies.

    Artificial intelligence (AI) was identified as the top factor that will have the biggest impact on the future of financial services. Business applications of AI remain relatively low across all industries — including financial institutions — but that is expected to rapidly change in the coming years. Strata customers have said their institutions are applying AI primarily for customer service, such as the use of chatbots to communicate with customers. Many institutions plan to expand AI use over the next 12-18 months in areas such as financial systems, planning, fraud prevention, and further personalizing the customer experience.

    To address interest rate uncertainties, institutions are implementing numerous strategies, including increasing their focus on non-interest income, decreasing expenses, and changing product pricing. Financial institution leaders noted that commercial loans are projected to be their top area of profitability growth in 2025. Other anticipated growth areas include mortgage loans, consumer loans, deposits, and small business loans.

    About Strata Decision Technology

    Strata Decision Technology, LLC provides a cloud-based, enterprise performance platform for software, and data and service solutions to help organizations better analyze, plan, and perform in support of their missions. More than 2,300 organizations rely on Strata’s StrataJazz and Axiom solutions for financial analytics, planning, and performance management. Named the market leader for Business Decision Support for more than 15 consecutive years, Strata delivers first-class solutions and service, with an intense focus on accelerating innovation. For more information, please go to www.stratadecision.com.

    Media contact: 
    Sally Brown, Inkhouse
    strata@inkhouse.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven, Rounds Reintroduce Legislation to Ban Foreign Adversaries from Buying American Farmland and Agricultural Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    03.07.25
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven this week joined Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) in reintroducing the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act, legislation to ban individuals and entities controlled by China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from purchasing agricultural land and businesses located near U.S. military installations or sensitive sites.
    “Foreign adversaries are buying up U.S. farmland which is a threat not only to our food security, but our national security. Our legislation will prevent these bad actors from purchasing farmland and agricultural businesses near our strategic assets to better protect our nation from those with malign intentions,” said Hoeven.
    The PASS Act is also cosponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.).
    In February 2025, President Trump issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) to promote foreign investment while protecting America’s national security interests. In the NSPM, the President specifically mentioned adopting new rules to stop China from “buying up America.”
    Specifically, the PASS Act would:
    Ban purchases of agricultural land by individuals/entities controlled by North Korea, China, Russia and Iran near military installations and sensitive sites.
    Make the Secretary of Agriculture a voting member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) for all covered transactions involving the purchase of agricultural land, biotechnology, and any other transaction related to the agriculture industry in the United States.
    Give the U.S. Department of Agriculture the ability to refer cases to CFIUS for review if there is reason to believe an agriculture land transaction may raise a national security concern.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag Raising

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    We are fully committed to bringing every American hostage and wrongful detainee home.

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIztffobF2g

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy, Warnock Introduce Legislation to Return Money Owed to Injured Coast Guard Veterans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) and Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) introduced the Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act to return improperly withheld taxes back to combat-injured U.S. Coast Guard veterans. It also ensures they receive the same treatment as wounded combat veterans in other branches.
    “Wounded veteran is a wounded veteran, regardless the branch. They served and were hurt in the line of duty,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This shouldn’t be a discussion. This should have been passed yesterday.”
    “Our servicemembers are the best among us, and the Coast Guard is no exception. It’s our duty to ensure all veterans receive the benefits they deserve,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “I am proud to partner with Senator Cassidy to re-introduce the bipartisan Coast Guard Combat-Injured Tax Fairness Act, which will ensure Coast Guard veterans receive the full benefits they earned through their service. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle should be eager to get this done.”
    In 2016, the Combat-Injured Veterans Tax Fairness Act returned improperly withheld taxes owed to combat-injured veterans of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps. However, due to a technical error, combat-injured U.S. Coast Guard veterans were excluded.
    Background.
    As a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Cassidy is a champion of veteran issues. Last month, Cassidy introduced the VetPAC Act and the Veterans Mental Health and Addiction Therapy Quality of Care Act to improve health care for veterans. In January, Cassidy reintroduced the Restore VA Accountability Act to strengthen accountability by unlocking expedited disciplinary processes for VA employees who fail to adequately serve veterans.
    In December 2024, the Senate passed Cassidy’s Veteran Service Organization (VSO) Equal Tax Treatment (VETT) Act, sending the bill to the president’s desk. The bill would expand the deductibility of charitable contributions to all federally chartered tax-exempt organizations serving current and former members of the Armed Forces. The Senate also unanimously passed Cassidy’s bipartisan Gold Star and Surviving Spouse Career Services Act. The legislation increases access to job counseling services for spouses of members of the Armed Forces who died while on active duty through the Disabled Veterans Outreach Program at the U.S. Department of Labor.
    In August 2024, Cassidy penned an op-ed in the American Press highlighting federal resources that support American veterans’ physical and mental health. The op-ed came on the heels of the 43rd National Veteran Wheelchair Games, which was hosted in New Orleans.
    In 2022, the Senate unanimously passed Cassidy’s Solid Start Act to strengthen the VA’s Solid Start program to contact every veteran three times by phone in the first year after they leave active duty. The program helps connect veterans with VA programs and benefits, including mental health resources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on February Labour Force Survey results

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation, has issued the following statement on the release of Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for February 2025:

    “In the face of this week’s unfair tariffs and even more uncertainty from the United States, B.C. is standing strong for people. While our economy is built to withstand U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs better than most other provinces, the impact is still significant.

    “We are growing the economy by helping people train for better jobs, getting major projects built and diversifying where we sell our goods, including breaking down interprovincial trade barriers.

    “Today’s Labour Force Survey data shows the significant impacts of Trump’s tariff threats on our economy. Despite that, so far this year, B.C. has gained 25,400 full-time jobs, the highest increase across the country and the second-highest increase in women’s full-time employment among provinces (+18,400).

    “B.C. continues to lead the country with an average hourly wage of $37.89 and our unemployment rate is 6.0%, which is below the national average and the third-lowest unemployment rate among provinces.

    “B.C. has shown resiliency since the beginning of this year with the highest increase in self-employment among provinces (+15,100). Since July 2017, B.C. has gained 175,500 private-sector jobs.

    “Yesterday, Premier David Eby announced B.C. will be introducing legislation in the coming days to respond to the unprecedented tariff threat. It will allow the Province to apply counter-measures, such as implementing fees on commercial trucks that pass through B.C. on their way to Alaska. If passed, it will also provide legislative authority to remove internal trade barriers and help us develop the long-term solutions that we need to ensure our economy grows so we come out the other side stronger, more united and more prosperous than ever. 

    “We have been working with the other jurisdictions to increase labour mobility by improving transparency and to reduce the administrative burden for labour-mobility applicants to support the timely and seamless mobility of workers to fill jobs wherever they are available. We are also working with the federal government and other provinces to launch pan-Canadian direct-to-consumer alcohol sales for Canadian products.

    “This builds on the actions last week to remove two trade exceptions to promote more interprovincial trade, including restrictions on the fisheries sector and on procurement, and with the wine deal we recently signed with Alberta.

    “We’re accelerating 18 major resource projects that are ready to move forward and can create new jobs to support the B.C. economy in the face of tariffs. The projects are worth $20 billion and are expected to create approximately 8,000 jobs during construction across B.C.

    “B.C. is protecting services and defending people’s jobs and the economy. Growing a stronger and more diverse economy will help protect people in B.C. from instability outside our borders, with investments that will bring good-paying jobs to the province in robust and sustainable industries.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about B.C’s response to tariffs, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/tariffs

    Premier announces new measures to defend B.C. from Trump tariffs, updated March 6, 2025: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025PREM0011-000174

    To learn more about Clean and Competitive: A Blueprint for B.C.’s Industrial Future, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/Clean_and_Competitive.pdf

    To find out more about the Stronger BC Economic Plan, visit: https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/plan/

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: One of Atlanta Police Department’s Most Wanted Fugitives Sentenced for Multiple Counts of Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    ATLANTA – Jordan Pack has been sentenced for two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition by a convicted felon.

    “Pack continued to possess firearms and commit violent offenses after being previously convicted of a violent felony,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. “This case is another example of the effective law enforcement partnerships in our district that enable the successful prosecutions of dangerous repeat offenders like Pack.”

    “This sentence reflects ATF commitment to ensure that those with a history of crime are held accountable”, said Special Agent in Charge Benjamin Gibbons.  Convicted felons possessing firearms presents a danger to the community and ATF along with our law enforcement partners will work hard to remove them from our community.”  

    According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, the charges, and other information presented in court: In October 2008, Jordan Pack was convicted of Armed Robbery (involving a firearm) in the Superior Court of Douglasville, Georgia. He was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment, with 10 years to serve in custody and the remainder to be served on probation. He was released from prison in April 2018.

    On October 22, 2021, officers responding to a motor vehicle collision in Dacula, Georgia, arrested Pack for giving false identifying information to a police officer. A crossbody satchel that Pack was wearing at the time of his arrest contained live .38 caliber ammunition, and officers later learned that, after the accident, Pack had discarded a .38 caliber Taurus revolver under a nearby vehicle. Upon recovering the revolver, officers discovered that the firearm was loaded with the hammer cocked.

    Later, on June 17, 2022, Atlanta Police Department (APD) officers responded to the scene of a shooting at a single-family home in Northwest Atlanta. A female resident of the home advised that, following a domestic dispute, Pack had threatened to shoot her. He then retrieved a firearm from his vehicle, fired multiple shots into the air, and fled the scene. Both the victim and her young child were present in the home at that time. Officers recovered five spent .45 caliber shell casings from the driveway of the home.

    On August 10, 2022, officers with the APD fugitive unit located Pack at an apartment complex in Southwest Atlanta. Pack was working at the location as an armed security guard (under the alias “William Tate”) and in possession of a Tokarev 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun. During a search of Pack incident to his arrest, officers recovered a .45 caliber Highpoint semi-automatic pistol which was loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition in a high-capacity magazine, a pair of brass knuckles, a pocketknife, a canister of bear mace, and a large machete. In addition, during a search of Pack’s vehicle, officers seized the Tocarev shotgun, two magazines, 14 rounds of 12-gauge shotgun shells, and several .45 caliber cartridge casings.

    On March 6, 2024, Chief District Judge Timothy C. Batten, Sr. sentenced Jordan Pack, also known as “William Tate,” 35, of Atlanta, Ga., to 66 months of incarceration, followed by three years of supervised release. Pack pleaded guilty to the charges on November 12, 2024. 

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Atlanta Police Department.

    Assistant United States Attorney Joshua May, and former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jesika French and Norman Barnett, prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6280.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Man From Clear Lake, Iowa, Pleads Guilty to Producing and Distributing Child Pornography

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

    A man who produced and distributed child pornography pled guilty today in federal court in Sioux City, Iowa.

    David Bradley Garrison, age 43, from Clear Lake, Iowa, was convicted of sexual exploitation of a child and distribution of child pornography.

    At the plea hearing, Garrison admitted that he sexually exploited a child in July 2021 by producing a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. He also admitted that between June 2021 and August 2021, he distributed visual depictions of child pornography to other individuals.

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

    Sentencing before United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Garrison remains in custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing. Garrison faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years’ imprisonment and a possible maximum sentence of 50 years’ imprisonment, a $500,000 fine, $95,200 in special assessments, and a lifetime term of supervised release following any imprisonment.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Devra T. Hake and Dillan Edwards, and it was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Iowa Department of Public Safety Division of Criminal Investigation, and Rockwell Police Department. 

    Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.

    The case file number is 24-CR-3054.

    Follow us on X @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why increasing rates of tuberculosis in the UK and US should concern everyone

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tom Wingfield, Deputy Director of the Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Reader in Tuberculosis and Social Medicine, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK; and Honorary Research Associate at Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and, University of Liverpool

    pardi hutabarat/Shutterstock

    With one of the largest tuberculosis (TB) outbreaks in US history, Kansas has more to worry about than its recent Super Bowl defeat. During the past year, 67 people with TB have been detected. This comes on the back of increasing rates of TB in the US year on year since the start of the COVID pandemic.

    Rather than a relic of the Victorian era, TB is the world’s most enduring pandemic, killing more people each year than any other single infection. While more common in low-income countries, TB continues to be found in more deprived communities, cities, prisons, homeless populations, and in black, Asian and Indigenous people, including in wealthy countries such as the US and UK.

    TB outbreaks in wealthy countries act as a canary in a coalmine, reflecting cracks in national public health systems. More broadly, TB outbreaks in any setting have deeper implications for the struggle to end TB globally.

    TB is an airborne infection that doesn’t respect borders. With increasing mass movement, including due to climate change and war, the maxim “TB anywhere is TB everywhere” is more resonant today than ever.

    In the UK, TB rates consistently declined between 2011 and 2020. But, like the US, this decline reversed since COVID emerged in early 2020.

    In 2023, there was a 13% increase in the number of people who became unwell with TB in England, compared with 2022.

    At 9.5 people with TB per 100,000 people per year, England is in jeopardy of losing its “low TB incidence” status (less than ten people with TB per 100,000 people per year).

    Rates of TB in England have a stark social gradient, with the poorest 10% of people having five times higher rates of TB than the richest 10%.

    In the UK, there is a cost of living crisis. Many people, especially the poorest, are struggling to put food on the table. TB is a social disease of poverty that thrives where there is overcrowding, undernutrition and poor working and living conditions.

    But the increase in TB in the UK cannot be put down to greater risk of disease alone. The response of the health and social care system to prevent and cure TB is crucial.

    The BCG vaccine, currently the only TB vaccine, is not nearly as effective as we would like at preventing disease. There is hope on the horizon with several vaccines under development, but their effect may be impeded by vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation.

    BCG is still the only TB vaccine, but it’s not highly effective.
    TuktaBaby/Shutterstock

    Other barriers to address include lack of TB awareness, continuing TB-related stigma, understaffing of vital TB community nursing teams, and a breach between health and social care sectors to support those vulnerable to TB.

    For countries with lower incidence of TB across Europe and North America, many TB policies are targeted at identifying and treating TB in groups who are most at risk of being exposed to the disease, including people moving from regions of the world where TB is more common.

    Patterns of migration to the UK changed significantly following Brexit. A need to expand the workforce, particularly in health and social care, has led to active recruitment and movement of people from higher TB burden countries. This is relevant because, in England, four in five people with TB were born outside the UK, and rates among this group increased by 15% between 2022 and 2023.

    Screening migrant populations as part of their visa application process pre-entry is effective at identifying people with infectious TB. But prevention is better than cure, and there remains a gap in screening for TB infection or TB disease without symptoms.

    Providing well-tolerated, preventive TB treatment can reduce the risk of developing active TB disease by 85% in the future. Yet the screening programme in the UK is under-resourced, with just 11.5% of eligible migrants screened for TB infection in 2023.

    We should not overlook the fact that rates of TB also increased, although to a lesser extent (3.9%), among people born in the UK – the first time this has happened for many years.

    Among both UK-born and non-UK-born populations, often overlapping social risk factors such as homelessness, asylum seeker status, drug or alcohol misuse, incarceration and mental health disorders continue to drive TB. These factors, which jumped by 27% between 2022 and 2023, not only increase the likelihood of TB disease but are associated with much lower rates of cure.

    Early diagnosis and treatment of TB are crucial to prevent long-term health issues or even death. The sooner someone starts effective treatment, the sooner they stop being infectious, helping to reduce the spread of TB. Improving access to diagnosis and care will lower TB transmission.

    Unacceptable delays in treatment

    Nearly a third of people with TB in the UK experience a delay of four months between the onset of their symptoms (commonly cough, fever, night sweats and weight loss) and taking their first anti-TB medicine. This unacceptable delay is similar to (or even longer than) the treatment delays we have documented in low- and middle-income countries with much higher TB burdens, including Peru, Nepal and Mozambique.

    In the UK, most people are entitled to free NHS care, and TB care and prevention is free to all. However, the NHS is overwhelmed and policies relating to healthcare recovery costs of visitors and migrants can prevent people with TB, wherever they are from, from getting timely care. This situation poses a public health threat to us all.

    Effective TB prevention and care is possible. While current tools are imperfect, albeit with recent progress in diagnostics and treatment, researchers around the world are further advancing science and innovation in the fight against TB. This includes the promise of nutritional supplementation, financial and social support, and a new TB vaccine. Providing timely support to everyone with TB remains fundamental to our response to this illness of poverty.

    To end TB, whether in the US, UK, or globally, we would do well to remember and apply the old medical adage: treat the person, not the disease.

    Tom Wingfield is supported by grants from: the Wellcome Trust, UK (209075/Z/17/Z); the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the Medical Research Council (MRC) and Wellcome, UK (Joint Global Health Trials, MR/V004832/1); the Medical Research Council (Public Health Intervention Development Award “PHIND”, APP2293); the Medical Research Foundation (Dorothy Temple Cross International Collaboration Research Grant, MRF-131–0006-RG-KHOS-C0942); and UNITAID (2022-50-START-4-ALL). Tom is an honorary research associate at the Department of Global Public Health, Karolinksa Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden, and is also an ad hoc consultant for the World Health Organization and the Stop TB Partnership.

    Jessica Potter has previously received research funding from Medical Research Council UK. She chairs a grassroots network called UK Academics and Professionals to end TB and is an advisory member of the Innovations Constituency of the Stop TB Partnership.

    Kerry Millington receives funding from UK aid from the UK government for the research programme that she works on. Views expressed are those of her own and do not necessarily reflect the UK government’s official policies.

    – ref. Why increasing rates of tuberculosis in the UK and US should concern everyone – https://theconversation.com/why-increasing-rates-of-tuberculosis-in-the-uk-and-us-should-concern-everyone-249202

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Call on Defense Secretary to Address Food Access, Quality for Service Members

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper
    Reports show food shortages due to DOD reallocation of funding designated for service member meals
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper, along with six of his Senate colleagues, and 14 U.S. Representatives called on Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to address the Department of Defense’s (DOD) apparent underinvestment in quality food options for service members.
    Their letter follows recent reports highlighting issues with food quality and access at several military installations, including Colorado’s Fort Carson. Reports claim over half of the money withheld from soldiers’ paychecks for food, known as Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), is repurposed, leaving base leadership with limited funds for nutritious food services.
    “Our service members are the best among us and expect fair compensation from their government,” wrote the lawmakers. “If a service member is losing money from their paycheck because they are being given a meal, it is reasonable for them to expect that funding will be used only to cover the costs of providing it and to ensure it is of the highest possible quality.”
    Poor-quality meals and limited availability of food mean service members must perform grueling physical and mental training exercises without the proper fuel, undermining readiness. The federal government has an obligation to support those who put their lives on the line for our nation’s freedoms.
    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below:
    Dear Secretary Hegseth,
    We write to express our concern about the Department of Defense’s (DOD) apparent underinvestment in food options for members of the military.
    Recent public reporting in military.com highlighted that DOD spends far less on food for servicemembers who are afforded subsistence-in-kind than would be given directly to those servicemembers in Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) if they were not eligible for government-provided meals. Previous reporting also highlighted DOD’s challenges in providing healthy food for servicemembers. This reporting underscores the ongoing challenges the military services have in ensuring our servicemembers have access to high-quality
    and nutritious meals.
    Current law states that most servicemembers who receive basic pay are entitled to receive BAS to help them afford the cost of food. It also gives the Secretary of Defense, in consultation with the Service Secretaries, the ability to prescribe policies regarding the use of dining facilities. Current DOD policy requires most servicemembers who receive government-provided meals to pay for their meals, including through BAS deductions managed by Defense Financial Accounting Service. The current policy delegates the use of those collected funds to the military services.
    The report noted that many installations’ current spending on DFAC operations represented only a small percentage of the BAS collected from servicemembers serving on those installations. The findings, which include 2024 financial records from eleven of the largest Army installations, show that more than $151 million of the $225 million in BAS collected from servicemembers on these installations was not spent on food costs. That figure does not include the additional garrisons under the Army’s control, nor does it include spending at installations managed by the other military services suggesting the issue may be much more widespread.
    Congress provides servicemembers with BAS to help them afford meals. If BAS is taken from servicemembers for meals the government gives them, then that funding should be used to cover the costs and investments needed to serve those meals. Additionally, for Congress to effectively conduct its oversight responsibilities, it must be fully apprised of how the funding provided is appropriated and must ensure open transparency on behalf of the services.
    The article also found that a lack of nutrient-dense food, shortages, and inconsistent adherence to the Army’s nutrition policy negatively affects junior
    enlisted servicemembers specifically because they often live in unaccompanied housing on installations. These junior enlisted servicemembers are also disproportionately affected by the loss of their BAS as it represents a significant portion of their overall compensation.
    Through your experience as a junior officer, you can empathize with the importance of a reliable, nutritious dining facility, and its importance
    to morale. You are now ultimately responsible for the welfare of these servicemembers, and we request your prompt response to the following questions by April 31, 2025:
    What elements of DOD funding are used to provide meals to servicemembers?
     How do the military services program through the Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) fund food service operations?

    How do the military services make decisions regarding investments in their on-post food service operations?
    How do you consider including nutritious options on their menus?

    Are there barriers to the military services providing healthy and nutritious meals to servicemembers living in unaccompanied housing on military installations?
    If so, what are they?
    Does the Department or the military services require additional resources or authorities to provide healthy and affordable food options to these servicemembers? If so, what are they?

    How do you plan to improve the quality and nutrition of food at dining facilities and other food service providers across the Joint Force to meet the needs of the modern warfighter?
    Our servicemembers are the best among us and expect fair compensation from their government. If a servicemember is losing money from their paycheck
    because they are being given a meal, it is reasonable for them to expect that funding will be used only to cover the costs of providing it and to ensure it is of the highest possible quality. We trust you will move expeditiously to answer our inquiries. Thank you for your earnest attention to this matter.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investing in a more active tomorrow

    Sport and recreation facilities are the heart of communities across our province, serving as places to gather, forge friendships and be active together. Alberta’s government recognizes the invaluable role recreation centres play in community well-being, and that Albertans need effective, up-to-date sport and recreation infrastructure to remain healthy, vibrant and actively engaged in the sports they love.

    That’s why, in 2024, Alberta’s government launched the Active Communities Initiative, to build and revitalize sport and recreation infrastructure in communities in every corner of the province. In its first year, the Active Communities Initiative invested $10 million in 19 projects across the province.

    “I’m proud to be part of a government that understands the importance of sport and recreation, and that is taking steps to support access to sport and recreation across Alberta. I look forward to watching these projects come to fruition, building healthier families and more resilient communities in every corner of our province.”

    Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport

    “Making sport and recreation more affordable and accessible opens the doors for more Albertans to live healthier, more active lives. I’m pleased the Active Communities Initiative supports that, while putting money back in the pockets of families where it’s needed most.”

    Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities

    Grants provided in the first year of the Active Communities Initiative will support the creation of a recreation centre in La Crete and the expansion of the Indus Recreation Centre, as well as the creation and revitalization of indoor and outdoor pickleball and tennis courts, community pools, ski clubs, curling rinks and more in communities across the province.

    “Active Communities Initiative funding is essential for our project in La Crete to get off the ground. This long-awaited recreation centre will support the physical and mental health of our growing population year-round for all ages, provide new skills and jobs and help retain the professionals our community needs to continue thriving.”

    Annelise Dyck, president, Mackenzie Aquatics Society 

    “The Active Communities Initiative provides a bridge that connects our proud past with our exciting future! Our facility has been operating with the same capacity for 30 years and with our surrounding communities seeing tremendous growth. We believe the expanded year-round ice arena will offer more opportunities through accessible, inclusive infrastructure that fosters community engagement, volunteerism, active lifestyles and social connectivity.”

    Dave Place, president, Bow Valley Agricultural Society

    The Active Communities Initiative is a fund-matching program and has two streams for prospective projects:

    • Stream 1 funds projects from a minimum of $100,000 to a maximum of $500,000.
    • Stream 2 funds projects from a minimum of $500,001 to a maximum of $1,500,000.

    Larger-scale sport and recreation infrastructure projects will continue to be funded through the Capital Plan.

    The Active Communities Initiative is Alberta’s first grant program solely dedicated to funding sport and recreation infrastructure. The initiative is open to eligible community groups, non-profit organizations, and societies, including First Nations and Metis Settlements that wish to build or enhance active spaces that support sport and recreational opportunities for their communities. The next round of Active Communities Initiative funding will open in Spring 2025.

    Quick facts

    • Larger-scale projects supported through the first intake ($500,001 to $1,500,000):
      • Westside Regional Recreation Society – Calgary
      • IQ Tennis and Pickleball Centre – Edmonton
      • Elk Point and District Agricultural Society – Elk Point
      • Bow Valley Agricultural Society – Indus
      • Mackenzie Aquatics Society – Peace River
      • Rocky Mountain Bike Park Society – Rocky Mountain House
      • Edmonton Northwest Zone Basketball Association – St. Albert
      • Vauxhall Academy of Baseball Society – Vauxhall
    • Small- and mid-sized projects supported through the first intake (up to $500,000):
      • Athabasca Regional Multiplex Society – Athabasca
      • Greater Forest Lawn 55+ Society – Calgary
      • Winsport – Calgary
      • Rocky Rod and Gun Club – Clearwater County
      • Grande Prairie Pickleball Club – Grande Prairie
      • Hardisty Lakeview Golf Association – Hardisty
      • Medicine Lodge Ski Club – Lacombe County
      • Legal Curling Club – Legal
      • West Sturgeon Agricultural Society – Sturgeon County
      • Sundre Aquatic Centre – Sundre
      • Rotary Club of Whitecourt – Whitecourt

    Related information

    • Active Communities Initiative

    Related news

    • Building opportunities for a healthier tomorrow (Dec 12, 2024)
    • Building active spaces and brighter futures (May 3, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The governments of Canada and British Columbia sign an agreement to address homelessness

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    From Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/housing-infrastructure-communities/news/2025/03/the-governments-of-canada-and-british-columbia-sign-an-agreement-to-address-homelessness.html

    French version: https://www.canada.ca/fr/logement-infrastructures-collectivites/nouvelles/2025/03/les-gouvernements-du-canada-et-de-la-colombie-britannique-signent-une-entente-pour-lutter-contre-litinerance.html

    Today, the federal government and the Government of British Columbia announced that an agreement to support people experiencing homelessness, including sheltering in encampments, has been signed as part of the Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI).

    Funding will support the implementation of Community Encampment Response Plans (CERP) and immediately provide additional support to people living without homes. Each plan is tailored to the specific needs of a community and expands the work of the Province to implement key initiatives under Belonging in BC.

    Through this agreement, over two years, the governments of Canada and British Columbia will each contribute up to $39.9 million, which will be made available in Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Kamloops. This is in addition to what the federal government is investing through the regionally delivered streams of Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy, which includes over $638 million from 2019 to 2028 in British Columbia to address local homelessness needs.

    Through this funding, the Province will continue to provide ongoing response and outreach to people experiencing homelessness and encampments through its Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) and Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) programs. Since launching the homelessness response initiatives in 2023, the Province has partnered with 10 municipalities to open 15 HEARTH sites across B.C. for a total of 611 temporary supportive homes or shelter beds. The Province invested up to $1.5 billion through Budget 2023 in new initiatives to help prevent and reduce homelessness. These investments build on the $633 million the Province invested into actions to prevent and reduce homelessness.  

    This funding will help individuals and families transition into safer, more appropriate, and stable housing and shelter. Additionally, client support services will help improve integration and connectedness to essential services such as food programs, emergency shelters, transportation, healthcare, and disability support. It will also assist with economic, social, and cultural integration to help individuals access and retain stable housing. Other services and initiatives include coordinating resources and enhancing data collection and quality to improve service delivery.

    Housing provides stability and security and serves as the foundation for overall well-being. Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to live.

    Quotes:

    “A safe place to call home is the foundation for a brighter future. Yet, homelessness continues to affect thousands of people across British Columbia, blocking their path to stability and opportunity. This funding will be a vital resource for communities in need, offering more than just shelter — it provides hope and the chance to rebuild. Beyond providing housing, it will provide essential support, life skills training, and access to healthcare, helping individuals and families regain their independence and build a more secure and promising future.”

    — The Honourable Dr. Hedy Fry, Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre   

    “We’re connecting people with the housing and supports they need to get on a better path and live full, healthy lives. The high cost of living and shortage of affordable housing have caused homelessness rates in BC and across the country to rise. We’re pleased to have the Government of Canada contribute to our Province’s work with local governments and community partners to address homelessness and build safer and stronger communities where all of us can thrive.”

    — The Honourable Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs

    Quick Facts:

    • The Unsheltered Homelessness and Encampments Initiative (UHEI) will help reduce the number of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness, particularly those living in encampments. It is based on the deployment of a Community Encampment Response Plan (CERP) in each targeted community, adopting an approach that promotes housing stability with support services to ensure the dignity of individuals.
    • As part of Canada-British Columbia Agreement for this initiative, the federal and provincial governments are each providing up to $39.9 million, over two years, to support CERP activities in Vancouver, Abbotsford, and Kamloops.  
    • The Province, through BC Housing has provided funding for 6,742 shelter spaces in 59 communities throughout B.C. this fall and winter – a 20% increase in spaces available compared to last year this time.
    • The Government of British Columbia put forward approximately $228 million over three years to help create regional multidisciplinary teams and temporary spaces through the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team and Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEART and HEARTH) to support rapid response for communities with substantive encampments in their area.
    • The Provincial funding includes approximately $44 million of capital funding approved through Budget 2023 to help expand access to temporary supportive housing and shelter (HEARTH) and provide more on-site support for people sheltering in encampments, such as fire prevention, safety and outreach, while housing gets built.
    • These investments build on the $633 million that B.C. invested into actions to prevent and reduce homelessness through Budget 2022, including the almost $4 million over three years to support people in encampments to stay safe, connect to supports and transition to housing.
    • Since 2017, the Province of British Columbia has nearly 92,000 homes that have been delivered or underway.
    • Federal funding provided for this agreement is part of a $250 million commitment, outlined in Budget 2024, to address the urgent issue of encampments and unsheltered homelessness across Canada.
    • The $250 million investment from the federal government is a tool to coordinate matching funds from provincial and territorial governments to address encampments throughout the country.
    • The UHEI builds on existing programs like Reaching Home, through which the federal government is investing $5 billion over nine years to address homelessness across Canada.
    • Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy supports the goals of Canada’s Housing Plan and the National Housing Strategy – to support the needs of the most vulnerable Canadians and to improve access to safe, stable and affordable housing.
    • Since 2015, the federal government has helped almost two million Canadians find a place to call home. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. RaShaun Kemp Celebrates Senate Passage of Senate Bill 93 to Ban Three-Cuing System

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA (March 7, 2025) — Yesterday, Senate Bill 93 passed out of the Senate. The bill bans the use of the three-cuing methods to teach reading. The three-cuing method relies on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues to help students identify words, often leading to issues with a student’s ability to read.

    “I’m honored to have my first bill pass through the Senate with bipartisan support,” said Sen. RaShaun Kemp (D–Atlanta). “Three-Cuing sets our students up for failure by teaching them to guess, preventing them from learning how to read properly, and going against the science of reading. Requiring our educators to use evidence-based methods when teaching literacy will give them a stronger foundation for their academic careers. I want to thank Sen. Billy Hickman (R–Statesboro), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education and Youth, and my Senate colleagues for supporting this legislation. I’m proud to be one of many legislators working to make Georgia the number one state for literacy.”

    This legislation asks the Professional Standards Commission to ensure evidence-based methods are used to prepare future educators. Teacher preparation programs will be required to follow the science of reading and employ methods proven to teach students effectively. SB 93 now moves to the Georgia House of Representatives for further consideration.

    SB 93 can be found here.

    # # # #

    Sen. RaShaun Kemp represents the 38th Senate District, which includes a portion of Fulton County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0105 or by email at rashaun.kemp@senate.ga.gov.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: International Women’s Day – France launches its international strategy for a feminist foreign policy (7 Mar. 2025)

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

    On this International Women’s Day, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot reaffirmed our priority focus on women’s rights by launching the first international strategy for a feminist foreign policy (2025-2030). Developed through a participatory process involving more than 200 national and international partners, this strategy sets a clear and ambitious course to place women’s rights and equality at the heart of our foreign policy and reaffirms its basic priorities: defending sexual and reproductive rights and health; support for feminist organizations; the education of girls; the fight against gender-based violence; women’s economic independence; and women’s participation in public life and decision making.

    On March 7, the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs announced several important measures to step up our efforts in this area.

    To begin with, our diplomatic and consular network is accelerating its efforts to implement its feminist foreign policy on the ground and protect citizens who suffer violence abroad. In 2025, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs will sign an agreement with SaveYou, a platform that offers support for French families that have experienced violence at the hands of spouses or relatives abroad. A guide that provides information to consular services on welcoming and supporting these victims will also be made available to French representatives elected by citizens living abroad.

    The Minister also joined the coalition supporting the She Decides initiative, which works to ensure that women are free to make decisions about their own bodies, lives and future. Our feminist foreign policy is part of France’s commitment to strong and effective multilateralism, which raises up the voices of women and girls in the UN and in all forums. Women must be able to play an essential role in negotiation and mediation processes.

    France reiterated its commitment to support women’s rights via feminist organizations. Since 2020, we have directly supported more than 1,400 feminist organizations in 73 countries through the Support Fund for Feminist Organizations (FSOF).

    While maintaining our commitment to women’s rights in the face of such contemporary challenges as climate change, global health and food security, France is also working in the digital field and on artificial intelligence. In 2024, we joined with the Netherlands to present the first UN resolution on online violence against women and girls; it was adopted. At the AI Action Summit, we originated the first statement on the consideration of gender equality in the development of AI, which was adopted by 12 countries. This effort also translates into work on the ground: the Laboratory for Women’s Rights Online, launched in 2024, supported five innovative projects on different continents aimed at assisting women who have suffered violence in the digital environment.

    France actively promotes a response to gender issues in armed conflicts and peacekeeping. On March 7, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot announced France’s first contribution to the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, the largest UN fund devoted to supporting women and civil society organizations in crisis situations.

    The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs also actively implements a feminist foreign policy with regard to professional equality between male and female employees. It continues to combat gender stereotypes and to fight all forms of discrimination, sexist and sexual violence, and harassment, including in a private context. It is working to improve support for parents and to better support employee health. The “J’attends un enfant” (“I am Expecting a Child”) booklet, which informs employees of their rights as parents, was published this month.

    France is fully committed to this effort and in 2025 it will host its first Feminist Foreign Policy Summit, following the one held in Mexico last year.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: First Lady Melania Trump Announces 2025 Spring Garden Tours

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    This spring, the White House will open its gardens and grounds to visitors. The grounds will be open on Saturday, April 5, from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, and Sunday, April 6, from 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM. On these days, visitors can explore the beauty of the South Lawn of the White House. The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, Rose Garden, and the White House Kitchen Garden will also be accessible to guests.
    This event is free and open to the public. A ticket is required, however, for all attendees (including small children). The National Park Service will distribute free, timed tickets at a tent outside the White House Visitor Center each day of the tours beginning at 8:30 AM. The White House Visitor Center is located at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC, 20004, near the intersection of 15th Street and E Street Northwest.
    Tickets will be distributed—one ticket per person—on a first-come, first-served basis.
    Please note the following items are not allowed on the White House grounds:
    • Aerosols of any kind
    • Animals (except guide dogs)
    • Any pointed object
    • Backpacks (oversized)
    • Balloons
    • Beverages of any kind
    • Duffle bags and/or suitcases
    • Electric stun guns
    • Fireworks / firecrackers
    • Food of any kind
    • Guns / ammunition
    • Insulated metal containers
    • Knives of any kind
    • Mace
    • Selfie sticks
    • Smoking (including e-cigarettes)
    • Tablets (including iPads)
    • Toy weapons of any kind
    • Water bottles
    • Bicycles and scooters
    The Secret Service reserves the right to prohibit any other personal items. However, strollers, wheelchairs, umbrellas (no metal tips), and cameras are permitted. All items needed for medical purposes will be permitted on the tour (such as wheelchairs, electric scooters, glucose tablets, and EpiPens). Please identify and explain all items needed for medical purposes to Secret Service personnel upon arrival.
    In the event of inclement weather, the event may be canceled. Please call the 24-hour information line at (202) 456-7041 to check on the status of the event. For more information, including what visitors will need to access the White House campus, please visit www.WhiteHouse.gov/Visit.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Bank of Canada Interest Rate Announcement

    Source: Bank of Canada

    OTTAWA – On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, the Bank of Canada will announce its decision on the target for the overnight rate. A press release will provide a brief explanation of the decision. 

    Time

    09:45 (Eastern Time)

    Lock-Up

    At 08:00 (ET), journalists are invited to review the rate announcement press release, under embargo, at the Bank’s head office in Ottawa. Please use the Bank of Canada Museum entrance, located at 30 Bank Street (corner of Bank and Wellington), and bring photo ID. 

    For security reasons, journalists wishing to attend must confirm their presence by contacting Media Relations before noon (ET) on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Those who have not registered will not be admitted to the lock-up. 

    At 9:45 (ET), the lock-up ends and the embargo is lifted.

    Distribution

    The rate announcement press release will be available at 09:45 (ET) on the Bank’s website.

    Media Availability

    At 10:30 (ET) Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada, and Carolyn Rogers, Senior Deputy Governor, will hold a press conference in the Bank of Canada’s auditorium. The opening statement will be available on the Bank’s website at 9:45 (ET). 

    For security reasons, all media wishing to attend must register with the Bank in advance.To register, please contact Media Relations before 17:00 (ET) on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Journalists, camera operators and still photographers who have not registered will not be admitted to the press conference. 

    Please use the Bank of Canada Museum entrance, located at 30 Bank Street (corner of Bank and Wellington), and bring photo ID. 

    Broadcasters needing to set up equipment will be granted access beginning at 9:45 (ET). 

    Accredited journalists who wish to participate remotely must contact Media Relations for connection information.

    Webcast

    Audio and video webcasts of the press conference will be accessible from the Bank’s website.

    Note

    For more information, please contact Media Relations.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Deaths of unhoused British Columbians rose sharply in 2023

    At least 458 people experiencing homelessness died in British Columbia in 2023, according to data from the BC Coroners Service.

    This reflects an increase of 23% from 2022 (373) and is nearly three times the number of people who died while experiencing homelessness in the province in 2020 (155).

    “The data speaks to the tragic reality of the struggles many face in our communities throughout B.C.,” said Dr. Jatinder Baidwan, chief coroner. “During the period studied, between 2016 and 2023, the deaths of 1,940 people were reported to the BC Coroners Service, identified as experiencing homelessness.”

    For the purpose of the report, an individual experiencing homelessness was defined as:

    • unsheltered: a person living outdoors, in a make-shift shelter, a parked vehicle, a vacant home or any other structure not intended for habitation;
    • sheltered: a person staying at an emergency shelter (overnight) or who is temporarily sheltered (suspected to be for less than 30 days) by friends or family, in a short-term shelter, safe house for youth, or transition house for women and children fleeing violence; and
    • persons residing in short-term shelters, safe houses, or transition houses for an unknown length of time.

    More than half of deaths reported in 2023 were people between the ages of 30 through 49, and 79% of decedents were males. The data also shows that nearly half of those deaths were males who were unsheltered (47%).

    In 2023, 91% of deaths of people experiencing homelessness were classified as accidental (419), and 86% were due to accidental unregulated drug toxicity (394).

    Additional notable findings from the report include:

    • about 46% of individuals met the criteria for unsheltered homelessness, versus 35% for sheltered homelessness;
    • in 2023, 41% of female decedents were sheltered, compared to 34% of males;
    • the highest proportion of deaths of people experiencing homelessness occurred in winter (28%), followed by spring (27%) in 2023;
    • 26% of deaths of people experiencing homelessness in 2023 occurred in the Fraser Health Authority (117), followed closely by 25% within Island Health (114); and
    • in 2023, the health service delivery area of Vancouver had the highest number of deaths (77), followed by central Vancouver Island (55), which includes the Cowichan Valley, Nanaimo and Tofino, and then Fraser East (50), which includes Abbotsford and Hope.

    Note that mortality rates within the report should be interpreted with caution. The BC Coroners Service does not investigate all deaths of individuals experiencing homelessness and the number of deaths within the report excludes individuals experiencing homelessness that did not meet the legal criteria of the Coroners Act for reporting. Additionally, the data is preliminary and subject to change as coroners’ investigations conclude.

    Learn More:

    To read the report, Deaths of Individuals Experiencing Homelessness in British Columbia, 2016-2023, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/birth-adoption-death-marriage-and-divorce/deaths/coroners-service/statistical/250212_homeless_web_report_2016-2023.pdf

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: J.D. Vance has become Trump’s attack dog, but he’s yet to prove himself a worthy successor

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Hargy, Visiting Research Fellow in International Studies, Queen’s University Belfast

    The US vice-presidency is famously rather dull and mostly frustrating, according to some of the people who have taken on the role.

    “I do not propose to be buried until I am dead,” Daniel Webster is believed to have said, after turning down the vice presidency in 1839. “I would a great deal rather be anything, say professor of history, than vice president,” said Theodore Roosevelt, just before taking the job.

    J.D. Vance, the current vice-president, appears to have little intention of sitting back in the shadows while waiting for his chance at the top job. Instead, the former marine turned politician is rapidly turning into Donald Trump’s high-profile attack dog.

    His aggressive questioning of Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky in a televised press conference at the White House on February 28, switched the tone of the whole event from uncomfortable to disastrous.

    “Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America … and the president of the United States of America, who is trying to save your country,” Vance said to Zelensky, before pushing the Ukrainian president to respond.

    The press conference, which had been set up to sign a US-Ukraine mineral deal, descended into chaos, and ended with Donald Trump deciding that he was not prepared to go ahead, and Zelensky was not ready.

    The New York Times White House correspondent Michael Shear described the astonishing spectacle of a vice-president inserting himself into a tense diplomatic melee as both a sign of Vance’s “media savvy”, as well as his desire to not be “relegated to the B-team” and a determination not to be in the shadow of Elon Musk.

    It also demonstrated Vance’s awareness of something Trump expects from all subordinates: being publicly defended by them.

    Steadfast loyalty to Trump is a non-negotiable prerequisite. As Dartmouth College professor, Russell Muirhead, and Harvard professor emerita, Nancy L. Roenblum, have said: “Trump’s problem is not that he requires loyalty to his agenda … It is that he demands personal loyalty.”

    Vance understands this, which has been evidenced in acts such as publicly backing Trump’s argument that his executive power should not be challenged by the courts. On X, the vice-president argued that, “Judges aren’t allowed to control the executive’s legitimate power.”

    J.D. Vance on his role in the Zelensky press conference.

    Tough on allies

    On the foreign policy front, the vice-president has also come out fighting, and showing his willingness to be Trump’s rottweiler in all arenas. Last month in Munich Vance used a speech to reprimand the continent’s leaders for stepping away from fundamental values by suppressing free speech.

    Vance went on to criticise the US’s European allies some days later when he called out a UK-France plan for European troops to guarantee peace in Ukraine, stating the proposal was unworkable and could not be guaranteed by “some random country that hasn’t fought a war in 30 or 40 years”.

    A key advantage that Vance enjoys over his Republican predecessor, Mike Pence, is that he does not have to navigate between the Republican establishment and Maga factions of the party. Both these worlds have coalesced around Trump. Vance is also considered, like Trump, to be a spokesperson for Maga values.

    Where did Vance come from?

    Only a few years ago, however, Vance was far from a Trump loyalist. In 2016 he referred to Trump as “cultural heroin” and worried he could be “America’s Hitler”.

    Vance, 40, is the third youngest vice-president in US history. In his 2016 best-selling biography, Hillbilly Elegy, Vance told of his difficult upbringing in Ohio and Kentucky as well as offering his own personal insight into the struggles facing impoverished white working-class people. Vance’s memoir made him a coveted analyst during the first Trump administration to explain the president’s appeal to these communities.

    Vance appears in lockstep with Trump on almost all foreign policy issues, particularly Ukraine, and his pro-Russia position. Even before his election to the Senate in 2022, Vance had made known his opposition to US aid to the country in support of its military campaign against Russia. In a podcast interview he said, “I’ve got to be honest with you. I don’t really care what happens to Ukraine one way or the other.”

    One area of difference could be with his position on the western military alliance. In his address to the Munich Security Conference Vance said: “I don’t think that we should pull out of NATO, and no, I don’t think that we should abandon Europe. But yes, I think that we should pivot.”

    It is unclear if the same can be said of Donald Trump. Germany’s new chancellor-in-waiting, Friedrich Merz, issued a blunt warning: “We must prepare for the possibility that Donald Trump will no longer uphold NATO’s mutual defence commitment unconditionally”.

    John Bolton, a former National Security Advisor to Trump, believes the current commander-in-chief is shifting the goalposts on what he demands from fellow Nato members relating to defence spending and by setting targets that few European states can meet.

    In the early weeks of this second Trump administration, Vance has sought to remain a loyal subordinate and someone who will “reinforce (Trump’s) hard-right agenda”, according to Elaine Kamarck, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, a research non-profit.

    Just over four weeks into his new role, however, Vance has yet to secure the total endorsement from his boss to be his heir apparent. During an interview on Fox News on February 10, when asked if he viewed Vance as his inevitable successor in 2028, Trump responded: “No, but he’s very capable.”

    The clearly ambitious Vance knows the next four years could make or break his ability to get the top job, and right now he is betting that his attack-dog status could help win him that role.

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

    – ref. J.D. Vance has become Trump’s attack dog, but he’s yet to prove himself a worthy successor – https://theconversation.com/j-d-vance-has-become-trumps-attack-dog-but-hes-yet-to-prove-himself-a-worthy-successor-250554

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welding competitions offer avenue for recruiting

    Source: US International Brotherhood of Boilermakers

    It was a great success. The Wallace State president said this was a success, let’s keep doing it 

    Lee Aurand-Hosey, SAJAC recruiter

    As work increases the demand for skilled Boilermakers also rises. Welding competitions—or welding rodeos—can help increase awareness among students while also identifying new Boilermaker recruits. So that’s what the Boilermakers, in partnership with the Tennessee Valley Authority and Wallace State Community College, did in December.

    Southeast Area Joint Apprentice Committee recruiter Lee Aurand Hosey said the International President Tim Simmons encouraged him to hold welding competitions as a recruitment strategy.

    “So I approached TVA and asked if they would be willing to host a weld competition,” he said.

    After securing the venue at Wallace State Community College, Aurand Hosey and Randy Hammond, weld supervisor at the college, spent six months planning what he hopes will become a yearly event. Aurand Hosey said without Hammond, they wouldn’t have had the welding rodeo, which they needed because TVA and the Boilermakers union in general, need more welders.

    “At TVA we’re the number one craft,” Aurand Hosey said. “The only way to get into the TVA workforce program is through the unions. They have a great need for more Boilermaker mechanic/welders over the next 10 years.” 

    He said events like welding competitions can identify students who are talented and interested in becoming a Boilermaker.

    “I spent 20 years in the field, so I know what these guys are looking for. The opportunity is there,” he said. “It’s getting the word out.”

    The first TVA-Boilermaker welding rodeo had 56 competitors, which Aurand Hosey hopes to increase at the 2025 competition. More people signed up, but many had to drop out because they couldn’t get their school to sponsor the trip. He said he plans to contact schools well ahead of time and advocate for funding.

    Competitors were able to sign up and choose which welding process they wanted to test on, either SMAW, FCAW or the GTAW process in the 6G position. Aurand Hosey said not everyone is skilled at every process as most were young community college students. That’s why we’re offering the opportunity of the apprenticeship to learn all welding processes.

    After their booth assignment, competitors began welding plates. On the plates, they had to weld three different positions: 2G vertical, 3G horizontal and 4G overhead.

    “A lot of facilities aren’t teaching overhead,” he said, noting Boilermakers do a lot of overhead work. “And 4G is not a big teaching focus.”  

    Volunteer judges from TVA, Enerfab, AECON, Day & Zimmerman and APM were joined by people from International, recruiters, Southeast International Reps and business agents. Also helping were volunteers from the four locals that have members working at TVA: Local 108 (Birmingham), L-40 (Elizabethtown, Kentucky), L-454 (Chattanooga Tennessee) and L-455 (Sheffield, Alabama).

    “Everybody came through,” Aurand Hosey said. “The vendors and especially TVA really showed up and helped. The Boilermakers were there and provided a lot of information to these kids. It was a great success. The Wallace State president said this was a success, let’s keep doing it.”

    Aurand Hosey said the local lodges wanted to introduce real-world opportunity to the students at the competition.  Students were able to speak with contractors, owners and business agents. At the event, Boilermakers signed around 15 new recruits, and the phone is still ringing with inquiries.

    “The competitors didn’t know much about the Boilermaker apprenticeship, and we were there to inform them about union opportunities. They’re excited about the chance to join the union and be able to see new horizons.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Montana Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif., The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Montana of the April 7, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought beginning June 1, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Flathead, Gallatin, Glacier, Granite, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Missoula, Pondera, Powell, Ravalli, Sanders, Silver Bow and Teton in Montana, as well as Clark, Fremont, Idaho and Lemhi counties in Idaho.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the drought and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 7.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Iowa Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by June Storm

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Iowa of the April 7, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the excessive rain, flash flooding, hail, high winds and lightning occurring June 1, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the counties of Buena Vista, Cherokee, Clay, Dickinson, Emmet, Lyon, O’Brien, Osceola, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas and Sioux in Iowa, as well as Jackson, Nobles and Rock counties in Minnesota, and Lincoln, Minnehaha and Union counties in South Dakota.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 7.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Oklahoma Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Summer Drought

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding eligible small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Oklahoma of the April 7, 2025, deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought beginning June 11, 2024.

    This disaster declaration covers the counties of Beckham, Blaine, Caddo, Canadian, Comanche, Custer, Grady, Greer, Jackson, Kiowa, Tillman and Washita.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the drought and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due, until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit SBA.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than April 7.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –