NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Stable, reliable funding for municipalities

    Alberta’s population is growing rapidly, and there are more people relying on their municipality to deliver essential services such as roadwork, snow clearing and transit than ever before. Being able to meet the needs of the province’s rapidly growing population is a top priority for Alberta’s government and this work begins with ensuring municipalities are well-positioned to support their residents.

    To strengthen municipalities’ position in accommodating the needs of Alberta’s rapidly growing population, Budget 2025, if passed, increases Grants in Place of Taxes (GIPOT) by more than $17 million in 2025. This increase in GIPOT will provide municipalities with a stable and reliable source of funding to help them deliver the essential services which their residents depend on.

    “We heard clearly from municipalities that they need more stable funding to deliver local services effectively while avoiding property tax increases. Boosting GIPOT shows how our government is doing its part to help our municipal partners fund the municipal services their residents rely on.”

    Ric McIver, Minister of Municipal Affairs

    “Municipalities across Alberta will get more funding from the province as part of this change. It means stable and reliable funding to provide services, while their residents pay less in income taxes thanks to Budget 2025.”

    Nate Horner, President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance

    As with all provinces in Canada, eligible properties belonging to provincial governments are exempt from municipal taxes. To account for this, municipalities in Alberta are paid a discretionary grant, rather than taxes, that would be applicable to provincial properties within their boundaries. These grants provide municipalities with a stable and reliable source of revenue that they can rely on while developing municipal budgets and allocating funding to municipal services and programs.

    “Alberta Municipalities and its 264 member communities are pleased to see this issue has been addressed in Budget 2025. We appreciate that the provincial government heard and responded to our sustained collective call for a return to full GIPOT funding as quickly as possible.”

    Tyler Gandam, president, Alberta Municipalities

    Through Budget 2025, funding for GIPOT is increasing from $38 million to more than $55 million, covering 75 per cent of the municipal property tax value of eligible provincial properties in 2025. In 2026, GIPOT will increase again to cover 100 per cent of the amount that would be paid if the properties were taxable, raising the total amount of funding for municipalities to be projected at over $75 million.

    “The GIPOT funding increase announced in Budget 2025 is a step in the right direction for mid-sized cities across the province. As we collectively look to find ways to strengthen and foster resiliency in our municipalities, this increase helps us continue to make critical investments that support residents in growing communities.”

    Jeff Genung, chair, Alberta Mid-Sized Mayors’ Caucus

    “The Rural Municipalities of Alberta appreciates the Government of Alberta’s increase in Grants in Place of Taxes in Budget 2025 and a commitment to fully restore funding in 2026-2027. It’s essential that the province works in partnership with all municipalities to ensure that they have the resources to deliver the essential services their residents and business communities rely on.”

    Kara Westerlund, president, Rural Municipalities of Alberta

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

    Quick facts

    • GIPOT is paid to 167 municipalities across the province in urban and rural areas for provincially-owned properties such as the Alberta Legislature building, remand centres, court houses and other provincial administration buildings.
    • GIPOT total funding amount:
      • 2025: $55.3 million
      • 2026: $75.3 million (projected)
      • 2027: $79.3 million (projected)

    Related information

    • For more information on GIPOT, visit www.alberta.ca/grants-in-place-of-taxes-program

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of the Status of Women Office During International Women’s Day 2025

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 6, 2025

    In preparation of this year’s International Women’s Day, the Government of Saskatchewan is proud to celebrate 60 years of advancing the status of women in our province through the development of public policy, programs and services and other strategic initiatives.  

    “We are deeply committed to supporting the safety, health and prosperity of women in our province,” Minister Responsible for the Status of Women Office Alana Ross said. “When women thrive, so will our families, communities and economy in Saskatchewan.”

    Since its establishment in 1964, the Status of Women Office has helped initiatives that have improved equality and offered protections for women in the workplace; increased maternity leave to extend time with newborn children; and enhanced supports and resources for women experiencing interpersonal violence along with innovative measures focused on preventing violence and abuse from occurring.   

    “While we celebrate the progress made over the past 60 years, we know there is always more work to be done,” Ross said. “The Status of Women Office works across all levels of government and with community stakeholders to support opportunities that advance women in growing the economy and increases their health and safety. It is all part of our government’s focus on making life better for Saskatchewan people.” 

    Events are being held across the province to recognize International Women’s Day which is celebrated each year to recognize the achievements of women and the impact they have on our world and in our communities. This year’s United Nations theme is ” For ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”

    For more information about the Status of Women Office, visit: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/government-structure/boards-commissions-and-agencies/status-of-women-office.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NCDHHS State Epidemiologist to Host Media Availability on Rising Flu-Related Deaths

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: NCDHHS State Epidemiologist to Host Media Availability on Rising Flu-Related Deaths

    NCDHHS State Epidemiologist to Host Media Availability on Rising Flu-Related Deaths
    jwerner

    The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services recently updated its weekly Respiratory Virus Summary Dashboard, which shows an increase in flu-related deaths, bringing the total number of deaths reported this season to 362. This is the highest number of flu deaths reported since the 2017-2018 flu season.

    To address current flu trends, NCDHHS State Epidemiologist Zack Moore, M.D., MPH will be available to news media on Thursday, March 6, at 3:15 p.m.

    What: NCDHHS virtual media availability on flu activity and increase in flu-related deaths

    Who: Dr. Zack Moore, NCDHHS, State Epidemiologist

    When: Thursday, March 6

    3:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.

    Where: Zoom. Credentialed media should RSVP for the link by emailing news@dhhs.nc.gov.

    Mar 6, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Puerto Rico Man Pleads Guilty for His Role in a Conspiracy to Traffic Cocaine to New Hampshire through the United States Postal Service

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CONCORD – A man living in Puerto Rico pleaded guilty today in federal court in Concord for his role in a conspiracy to traffic cocaine to New Hampshire through the United States Postal Service (USPS), Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack announces.

    Joshua Baez Core, 26, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, namely, cocaine. U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Laplante scheduled sentencing for June 9, 2025. The defendant was indicted on December 20, 2023, along with five other defendants. To date, two co-conspirators have been convicted.

    According to the plea agreement and statements made in court, the defendant was involved in a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that shipped cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester, New Hampshire. The defendant, based in Puerto Rico, would use fictitious sender information to send packages of cocaine through the mail to Manchester at the direction of his father, the leader of the DTO. The cocaine was often packaged in 500-gram or 1,000-gram bundles and hidden inside children’s games. After the defendant shipped each package, he would relay tracking information to his father, who would employ co-conspirators to track and retrieve the packages of cocaine for him at various addresses in Manchester. His father also sent the defendant suspected drug proceeds, in one instance sending him a parcel containing $11,000. Between September 2020 and December 2021, the DTO shipped over 5.6 kilograms of cocaine from Puerto Rico to Manchester for redistribution. 

    The charging statute provides a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, at least three (3) years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    The United States Postal Inspection Service led the investigation. Valuable assistance was provided by the Manchester Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Gingrande is prosecuting the case. 

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell-Led Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    03.06.25
    Cantwell-Led Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate
    Bill would authorize USCG “Whale Desk” for additional 2 years to help ships steer clear of Puget Sound Orcas and other whales; Legislation would establish first-ever tribal advisor to increase collaboration with WA state tribes on native issues and conservation efforts
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United States Senate unanimously passed the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025 that would reauthorize $30.45 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. The bill was introduced last month by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee.
    The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
    Ahead of the bill’s passage, Sen. Cantwell delivered a speech on the Senate floor:
    “The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 provides the tools that our Coast Guard needs now to protect our shores, keep our maritime [industry] moving,” said Sen. Cantwell. “It includes [investments] in Base Seattle, the home port to our nation’s current icebreakers, the future of our heavy icebreaker fleet […] The bill also reauthorizes the Puget Sound Whale Desk for another two years, [which] helps ship steer clear of our cherished orca and whale populations, and it also increases collaboration between Washington tribes and the Coast Guard. And the bill invests in critical safety programs.”
    “Moving forward, we have more to do to support the Coast Guard. They needed our help with their assets, and they need access to shipyards,” she said.
    Among many important provisions, the legislation includes historic protections for service members from sexual assault and harassment, boosts workforce development programs and availability of affordable housing, increases funding to help the U.S. Coast Guard deliver on critical priorities such as icebreakers and 52-foot heavy-weather lifeboats, raises penalties for abandoned and derelict vessels, and encourages more collaboration with tribes.
    The legislation authorizes $14.93 billion for FY25 and $15.51 billion for FY26. The full bill text of the bipartisan U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 is available HERE. 
    Sen. Cantwell secured language for programs critical to Washington state in the legislation. Among those provisions, her bipartisan legislation:
    Expands Affordable Housing Opportunities: Allows the Coast Guard to acquire housing that is available both on the market and in new housing construction programs. This is particularly important in coastal areas — like Cape Disappointment, Grays Harbor, and Port Angeles — where Coast Guard families face a difficult time accessing affordable, quality housing due to competition with seasonal rentals and other challenges associated with remote units. This bill also expands the Coast Guard’s ability to enter into long-term leases for medical facilities, child development centers, and training facilities to expand access to services for Coast Guard families while reducing administrative overhead expenses and allowing for additional improvements to these facilities.
    Increases Federal Funding to Deliver on Icebreakers and Heavy Weather Lifeboats: The legislation increases authorized funding by 30% compared to 2024 appropriated funding levels, which will help the Coast Guard deliver on critical priorities such as polar icebreakers, 52-foot heavy-weather lifeboats, and other priority acquisition programs.
    Seattle will be home for the Coast Guard’s fleet of 3 polar icebreakers.
    Sen. Cantwell recently toured U.S. Coast Guard Station Disappointment, where the future fleet of heavy-weather lifeboats will be homeported to support search and rescue missions, which is critical to safety of people working in the fishing and maritime sector in Pacific and Grays Harbor counties. In 2023, Sen. Cantwell secured a downpayment of $12 million to replace the heavy-weather boats in the 2023 Appropriations Act.
    Creates the First-Ever Tribal Advisor: Creates a new senior position within the Coast Guard to advise the Commandant and other Coast Guard leaders on how the Coast Guard can work more closely with tribes. The new Special Advisor would also be charged with ensuring the Coast Guard upholds trust responsibilities to tribal governments, improving tribal engagement and consultation activities, and ensuring that tribes have a voice on Coast Guard programs that impact tribes including oil spill preparedness and response, fisheries oversight, and the protection of natural resources.
    Boosts Local Tribal Partnerships to Improve Conservation: Provides the Coast Guard with new authorities to support habitat conservation and other resilience projects with state, local, and tribal governments. This important new authority would ensure tribes and other organizations can partner with the Coast Guard to protect treaty fishing rights and maintain access to cultural and natural resources.
    Reauthorizes the Whale Desk: Extends the Whale Desk at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound by two years, through FY2028. Authored by Senator Cantwell in the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2022, the “Whale Desk” at Sector Puget Sound gives vessel operators and mariners near real-time data about the location of whales to reduce encounters that disturb whales, including noise pollution and ship strikes. The pilot program also includes a “hotline” where callers can report whale sightings in real time. The data collected will be valuable for researchers who track whale migration patterns.
    According to the Coast Guard, 75 whale sightings have been reported to the Sector Puget Sound Whale Desk since its opening in December 2023.
    Sen. Cantwell helped celebrate the launch of the Whale Desk in February 2024. Photos and videos are available HERE and HERE.
    Supports the Commercial Fishing and Maritime Industries: Continues to authorize the use of a satellite tracking system to mark fishing gear locations, which ensures gear is not lost and avoids potential damage by derelict gear. It also supports fishing vessels engaging in temporary towing operations as part of salmon hatchery development in Alaska.  The bill also creates new training and credentialing opportunities for qualified mariners, veterans, and the general public seeking to become mariners. It also expedites processing times for merchant mariner licensing documents to help close this critical workforce gap.
    Maps Arctic Maritime Routes: The Bering Sea is expected to see increased fishing, commercial, and other vessel traffic over the coming decades. As a key international trade and maritime route, this bill requires an analysis of projected traffic in the Bering Strait, and the emergency response capabilities and infrastructure needed to support this increased vessel traffic and prevent oil spills in the Bering Sea and the Arctic.
    Boosts International Pacific Cooperation: Requires the Coast Guard to develop a plan to increase international training opportunities in the Pacific, including with the Taiwan Coast Guard. This coordination will strengthen American relations, combat illegal fishing, and boost international security in the Pacific.
    Cracks Down on Abandoned Vessels: Improves oversight of derelict and abandoned vessels by requiring the Coast Guard to develop and maintain an inventory list of these vessels to improve tracking, management, and coordination between federal, state, tribal, and other relevant entities. It authorizes a new federal penalty of $500 a day for abandoning vessels.
    Abandoned and derelict vessels pose unique and costly threats to coastal communities and ecosystems by leaking pollutants and imperiling marine traffic. According to the WA Department of Natural Resources, DNR removed 319 derelict and abandoned boats from Washington state waterways between 2021 and 2023.
    Protects Personnel from Illicit Drug/Fentanyl Exposure: As the Coast Guard carries out important drug interdiction missions to stop the flow of illegal drugs, this bill requires all installations to maintain a supply of naloxone or similar medication to treat opioid or fentanyl overdoses or exposure by Coast Guard members and the public in search and rescue or response calls.
    Requires Stronger Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment (SASH) Prevention and Response: The bill would establish or update numerous Coast Guard and Academy authorities and programs to improve reporting, oversight, prevention, and accountability related to sexual misconduct. These provisions were drafted in response to Operation Fouled Anchor, which revealed gross mishandling of sexual assault and sexual harassment cases of U.S. Coast Guard personnel.
    A full breakdown of these protections is available HERE.
    Supports Coast Guard Families Stationed in Washington:
    Creates the First Vice Admiral of Personnel: To support the more than 40,000 active service members, the bill establishes a new Vice Admiral leadership position solely focused on supporting the needs of personnel and their families, from housing to health care, investments in childcare, and improving recruitment and training programs.
    Jump Starts Hiring of Health and Family Service Providers Across Entire Service: Provides direct hiring authority to swiftly fill more than a hundred vacancies, including behavioral and mental health professionals, medical specialists, childcare service providers, housing supervisors, criminal investigators, and other positions to protect the health and wellbeing of Coast Guard members and their families. It also adds two new telemedicine rooms at the Coast Guard Academy.
    Improves College-to-Service Career Pathways: Updates the College Student Pre-Commissioning Program to allow more colleges and universities to participate and to increase recruitment of students interested in commissioning into a Coast Guard career. 
    Prepares Tsunami Evacuation Plans: Requires the development of tsunami evacuation and preparedness plans for Coast Guard units in tsunami zones, including across the West Coast and Pacific Northwest. It also requires the Coast Guard to consider vertical evacuation as a lifesaving option for Coast Guard members.
    Bolsters National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
    Supports NOAA Corps Officers: To support the hundreds of NOAA’s commissioned officers, the bill makes improvements to personnel management, education assistance programs, pilot recruitment programs, and more. NOAA Corps members help manage maritime research, support disaster response, and monitor weather forecasting including hurricanes and atmospheric rivers, as well as performing other cutting-edge weather forecast and research needs.
    Modernizes NOAA Vessel Fleet: Authorizes replacement and modernization of the NOAA research vessel fleet and improves oversight of the fleet, which helps maintain our nation’s weather and scientific buoy network, conducts fisheries research, maps the ocean floor including in the Arctic, and supports other important oceanographic and conservation priorities.
    Removes Aging NOAA Vessels: Allows NOAA to use the proceeds of obsolete vessel sales to support the acquisition or repair of other NOAA vessels to help make the fleet more resilient in the future.
    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s speech on the Senate floor today is HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Buffalo removes 2 illegal aliens, sexual predators to Honduras

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed two illegally present Honduran nationals convicted of felony sexual offenses, March 3.

    Rito Emanuel Reconco-Castro, 28, illegally entered the United States on an unknown date at an unknown location without being admitted or paroled by a U.S. Immigration official. The U.S Border Patrol encountered Reconco March 29, 2014, issued him a notice to appear, and placed him into removal proceedings. Suffolk County Court convicted Reconco of attempted rape in the first-degree June 11, 2021, and sentenced him to seven years in prison. An immigration judge issued Reconco a final order of removal Nov. 20, 2024. ICE arrested Reconco Feb. 7 upon his release from Wende Correctional Facility in Alden, New York.

    Hugo Abraham Aguilar, 45, illegally entered the U.S. on an unknown date and location without being admitted by an immigration official. The Morris County prosecutor in Morristown, New Jersey arrested Aguilar Feb. 7, 2014, for sexual assault of a victim under 13 and he was found guilty of the charges. The Dover Police Department arrested Aguilar Nov. 6, 2017, for violating a judicial restraining order and he was found guilty of the charges.

    An immigration judge ordered Aguilar removed to Honduras May 11, 2018. Aguilar filed an appeal with the Board of Immigration Appeals, but the appeal was dismissed, Oct. 1, 2018. Aguilar then filed an appeal with the U.S Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, but the court denied the appeal July 10, 2024. ICE arrested Augilar during a traffic stop Feb. 2 and detained him, pending removal, to fulfill the judge’s order.

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

    Learn more about ERO Buffalo’s mission to preserve public safety on X, @EROBuffalo.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Los Angeles, multiple agency case results in 2 Cuban nationals sentenced for fraudulent dispute scheme

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LOS ANGELES – Two local area men were sentenced Feb. 24, in the Central District of California for their involvement in a fraudulent dispute scheme. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force conducted this investigation collaboratively with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.

    “This conviction highlights our agency efforts to safeguard our economy as well as take dangerous criminals off the street,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations acting Assistant Special Agent in Charge Los Angeles Al Rossi. “The El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force will work tirelessly to ensure that perpetrators who prey on innocent victims and decide to undermine our financial infrastructure are brought to justice and held accountable for their actions.”

    Alejandro Munoz and Abel Pena-Garcia, who are identical twins, were involved in a fraudulent dispute scheme that targeted third party payment platforms, like PayPal and Square.

    Additionally, the two were suspected of defrauding the United States Treasury Department. Munoz was sentenced to 75 months confinement for Aggravated Identity Theft, with three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $477,396.74 in restitution. Pena-Garcia was sentenced to 41 months confinement for Attempt and Conspiracy, with three years of supervised release.

    Anyone with information on financial fraud are encouraged to call the Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE.

    Learn more about ICE HSI’s mission to protect the U.S. economy in your community on X at @HSILosAngeles.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Joins Coalition Defending the Integrity of the National Labor Relations Board

    Source: US State of California

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing a legal challenge in YAPP USA Automotive Systems Inc. v. National Labor Relation Board that, if successful, would severely limit the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)’s ability to carry out its responsibility of protecting American workers’ right to unionize. YAPP’s lawsuit seeks to stop the NLRB from addressing allegations that YAPP engaged in unfair labor practices prohibited by federal law, arguing the NLRB’s structure and administrative proceedings are unconstitutional. In today’s amicus brief, the attorneys general are urging the court to deny YAPP’s request for an injunction, which would hamstring the NLRB’s ability to protect workers’ right to collectively bargain for better wages and improved working conditions.    

    “The right to organize and collectively bargain is a cornerstone of a thriving democracy, and the NLRB remains essential in defending these rights for all Americans,” said Attorney General Bonta. “That’s why I’m standing with my fellow attorneys general in urging the Court to deny YAPP’s request for an injunction. The Board must be allowed to fully carry out its duty to continue providing strong protections for millions of workers nationwide.” 

    The NLRB is the federal agency responsible for administering the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), which guarantees American workers the right to unionize, bargain for better wages and working conditions, and engage in activities like strikes and pickets. Under the law, the NLRB investigates violations of labor laws, adjudicates unfair labor practice disputes and certifies the results of union elections. The Board is also responsible for administering the NLRA uniformly across the country.

    To protect the NLRB from political pressure by the President, NLRB board members are appointed by the President and confirmed by Congress for staggered five-year terms. Board members do not serve at the pleasure of the President. Federal law provides that Board members can only be removed by the President “upon notice and hearing, for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause.” The agency’s administrative law judges have similar protections from arbitrary removal. In its lawsuit, YAPP’s argues that these removal protections are unconstitutional and that the court should prevent the NLRB from conducting any proceedings while they remain in effect. The Trump administration has declined to defend the constitutionality of the removal protections. 

    In today’s brief, the attorneys general explain the removal protections are constitutional, that YAPP’s is not entitled to relief, and that pausing the NLRB’s operations would seriously harm the public that relies on the Board’s administration of the NLRA. Collective bargaining helps workers obtain better wages, benefits and working conditions. Unions also help nonmembers by creating competition for workers that boosts wages. The NLRA also benefits the broader economy by decreasing inequality and stabilizing labor-management relations. 

    Attorney General Bonta remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting workers’ rights and preserving the NLRB. Just last week, the Attorney General filed a brief in support of a challenge to President Trump’s unlawful attempt to remove NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox in the middle of her five-year term. In the brief, the Attorney General, alongside a coalition of attorneys general, urged the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to grant Wilcox’s motion for summary judgement and to order the defendants in that case to allow her to continue performing her responsibilities as an NLRB member.

    Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin in submitting this brief. 

    A copy of the brief can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Rosen, Markey Introduce Legislation to Prevent the Political Weaponization of the FCC, Protect First Amendment

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Luján Bill Comes Amid FCC Probes Into Broadcasters That Were Previously Dismissed
    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, and U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) announced the introduction of the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they broadcast. The legislation would reaffirm the importance of the independence of the FCC, including that the President should not mandate the FCC’s agenda. U.S. Representatives Doris Matsui (D-Calif.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), and Jennifer McClellan (D-Va) lead companion legislation in the House.
    “The Trump administration’s weaponization of the FCC and intimidation of broadcast stations for political purposes is a serious threat to the First Amendment,” said Senator Luján. “The FCC and the President should not hold the power to revoke broadcasting licenses and censor free speech simply because they disagree with the viewpoints that are broadcasted. That is why I’m proud to lead this legislation to make it clear that the FCC operates independent of any political agenda. Free speech and freedom of the press is a pillar of our democracy, and I am committed to defending it from politically motivated attacks.”
    “A free and independent press is a foundational part of defending the first amendment and ensuring Americans have access to information,” said Congresswoman Matsui. “It is clear President Trump intends to use every available avenue to intimidate and silence broadcast media that challenges his viewpoints. The weaponization of the FCC to launch baseless attacks on NPR and PBS show exactly the bullying tactics Donald Trump will use to censor dissent. That’s why Senator Luján and I are introducing this legislation that will ensure our media is protected from government attacks no matter their point of view.”
    Specifically, the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act would:
    Explicitly state that the FCC is an independent agency and that they must not use their authority to execute politically motivated attacks against licensees.
    Prohibit the FCC from taking action (including revoking any license or authorization) against any person based on the viewpoints disseminated.
    Prohibit the FCC from placing conditions based on viewpoint disseminated on any transaction approval.
    This bill has no effect on the FCC’s authority to take action on violations explicitly outlined in other sections of the Communications Act, including with regard to obscenity, lottery, fraud, or incitement under the First Amendment. 
    “When Congress created the FCC, it had witnessed firsthand how fascist governments in Europe used control of radio broadcasting to spread propaganda and suppress the free press. Determined to prevent that from happening in America, Congress established the FCC as an independent agency to safeguard press freedom. For nearly a century, the FCC has upheld this mission. But now, the current Chair has abandoned this long-standing tradition, turning the agency into a tool for the President’s agenda of press intimidation and suppression of criticism. It is a national tragedy that such a bill is even necessary. However, Public Knowledge applauds Senator Luján for standing up to the Administration’s bullying and giving defenders of a free press a cause to rally behind,” said Harold Feld, Senior Vice President of Public Knowledge.
    “The First Amendment prohibits the government, including the FCC, from dictating what content the media covers and how they cover it. It is this freedom of the press that enables us to hold our government accountable when they overreach. Efforts to retaliate against the press for the viewpoints they express is not only unconstitutional, but will make all of us less informed about the world we live in. We thank Senator Lujan for introducing the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act to protect freedom of the press,” said Jenna Leventoff, Senior Policy Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union.
    “This bill sends exactly the right message, at a time of remarkable danger for freedom of the press in this country. Just a few years ago, Brendan Carr was an FCC commissioner proclaiming that newsroom decisions about how to frame stories should be beyond the reach of government bureaucrats like him. Now, he is our chief censor, eager to threaten those very same newsrooms any time Donald Trump snaps his fingers. Free Press Action thanks Senator Luján, Representatives Matsui, Barragan, and McClellan, and all members supporting this legislation,” said Matt Wood, Vice President of Policy at Free Press Action.
    Senator Luján’s introduction of the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act follows his call to FCC Chair Carr to stop the weaponization of FCC in light of recent attacks against both broadcasters and public media.
    The legislation is supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, Public Knowledge, and Free Press Action.
    Full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Secures Preliminary Injunction Against Trump Administration Blocking Harmful Federal Funding Freeze

    Source: US State of California

    If allowed to go into effect, the federal funding freeze would have threatened hundreds of billions of dollars in California annually, including vital public safety, healthcare, childcare, and infrastructure funding, and other essential services

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today secured a decision by the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island preventing the Trump Administration from implementing a sweeping federal funding freeze while litigation continues. The Court finds that the states are likely to succeed in their claims that the Trump Administration violated the Administrative Procedure Act by freezing funds in contravention of underlying appropriations statutes and that their actions were arbitrary and capricious. The Court specifically notes that the Trump Administration has failed to rebut the harms that the states have presented, including to the states’ most vulnerable residents. These include the potential impacts to services that increase workplace health and safety, water quality, critical transportation infrastructure, and law enforcement and public safety, as well as programs such as Head Start, education services for students with disabilities, and research projects at state universities. Attorney General Bonta led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit to block the funding freeze last month. 

    “Last month, the Trump Administration chaotically implemented a sweeping federal funding freeze, halting access to billions of dollars in funds lawfully appropriated by Congress. In doing so, it willfully ignored the immediate devastation a freeze would have on the health, safety, and wellbeing of communities and businesses across the country,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Staff in my office worked overnight to ready a lawsuit challenging this illegal freeze and have continued to fight for these critical funds. Today’s decision is an important victory for the rule of law and for the many programs throughout our state that rely on federal funding to carry out their mission. But the fight is not over, and we will continue to work to secure a permanent decision blocking this radical freeze.”

    BACKGROUND 

    Last month, a coalition of 23 attorneys general, led by the attorneys general of California, New York, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Massachusetts, sued the Trump Administration over its attempt to freeze up to $3 trillion in vital federal funding. The U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island quickly granted the attorneys general’s request for a temporary restraining order, blocking the freeze’s implementation until further order from the court. Soon after, the attorneys general filed motions for enforcement and a preliminary injunction to stop the illegal freeze and preserve federal funding that families, communities, and states rely on. The court granted the motion for enforcement, ordering the Administration to immediately comply with the temporary restraining order and stop unlawfully freezing federal funds. 

    In just this fiscal year, California is expected to receive $168 billion in federal funding – 34% of the state’s budget – not including funding for the state’s public college and university system. This includes $107.5 billion in funding for California’s Medicaid programs, which serve approximately 14.5 million Californians, including 5 million children and 2.3 million seniors and people with disabilities. Additionally, over 9,000 full-time equivalent state employee positions are federally funded.

    Attorney General Bonta is joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin in securing the preliminary injunction.   

    A copy of the preliminary injunction is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senate Republicans Reject Durbin’s Resolution To Condemn Russia’s Abduction Of Ukrainian Children

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    March 07, 2025

    Since Russia’s full-scale war started in 2022, the Russian government has abducted, forcibly transferred, or facilitated the illegal deportation of at least 20,000 Ukrainian children

    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, asked for unanimous consent (UC) to pass a simple resolution he introduced condemning Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children and called on Russia to work with the international community to return all abducted Ukrainian children to their families. Since Russia’s full-scale war of aggression started in 2022, the Russian government has abducted, forcibly transferred, or facilitated the illegal deportation of at least 20,000 Ukrainian children. Senate Republicans rejected the resolution.  They also objected to every other straightforward resolution offered by Senate Democrats, including urging Russian President Putin to end the war, clarifying that Russia started the war, stating that Russia committed war crimes, reaffirming the U.S.-Ukraine relationship and support for its sovereignty, and clarifying that no nation should forcibly seize territory of another. 

    “War brings out the worst in humans. And Russia, under the bloody leadership of Vladimir Putin, has committed some of the worst wartime atrocities that a mind can imagine. Mass murders, rapes, torture, and deliberate targeting of hospitals and civilians, that’s been the three-year strategy of Vladimir Putin,” said Durbin.

    “But one of the most horrific of these atrocities is Russia’s kidnapping of Ukrainian children… Since Russia’s full-scale war of aggression started in 2022, the government of Russia has abducted, forcibly transferred, or facilitated the illegal deportation of at least 20,000 Ukrainian children,” said Durbin. “The depravity of Putin’s strategy is hard to imagine. But Putin and his government know no humanity or morality. It is not surprising that Putin would stoop to such a repulsive strategy.”

    “That is why I am asking unanimous consent to pass a resolution condemning Russia’s abduction of Ukrainian children. And I am calling on Russia to work with the international community to return all of these children to their families. There is no tasteful way to violate the sovereignty of another nation.  But Putin takes depravity to a new extreme with his kidnapping of Ukrainian children. This barbaric act must be condemned—it should be easy for members on both sides of the aisle to just imagine for a moment if this had happened to American children. It has to be a priority of any peace process to acknowledge Putin’s responsibility for the invasion and the terrible policies in Ukraine,” Durbin continued.

    Last week, Durbin introduced the Protecting our Guests During Hostilities in Ukraine Act, legislation that would provide temporary guest status to Ukrainians and their immediate family members who are already in the United States through the “Uniting for Ukraine” parole process. The bill allows Ukrainians to stay and work in the U.S. until the Secretary of State determines that hostilities in Ukraine have ceased and it is safe for them to return. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Peter Welch (D-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Michael Bennet (D-CO), and Alex Padilla (D-CA) are cosponsors of the legislation. Bill text can be found here.  

    Durbin also joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Roger Wicker (R-MS), and others in leading a simple resolution last week that expresses continued solidarity with the people of Ukraine and condolences for the loss of thousands of lives to Russian aggression; rejects Russia’s attempts to militarily seize sovereign Ukrainian territory; reaffirms U.S. support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine; and states unequivocally that Ukraine must be at the table for negotiations on its future.

    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.

    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Unlock More Profits with BexBack: 100% Deposit Bonus, 100x Leverage, and $50 New User Reward

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now offers a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and up to 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading—all with No KYC requirements—providing excellent opportunities for investors.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and 50 other major cryptocurrencies for futures contracts.. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

    No KYC Required: Start trading immediately without complex identity verification.

    100% Deposit Bonus: Double your funds, double your profits.

    High-Leverage Trading: Offers up to 100x leverage, maximizing investors’ capital efficiency.

    Demo Account: Comes with 10 BTC in virtual funds, ideal for beginners to practice risk-free trading.

    Comprehensive Trading Options: Feature-rich trading available via Web and mobile applications.

    Convenient Operation: No slippage, no spread, and fast, precise trade execution.

    Global User Support: Enjoy 24/7 customer service, no matter where you are.

    Lucrative Affiliate Rewards: Earn up to 50% commission, perfect for promoters.

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

    If you missed the previous crypto bull run, this could be your chance. With BexBack’s 100x leverage and 100% deposit bonus and $50 bonus for new users (complete one trade within one week of registration), you can be a winner in the new bull run.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
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    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/00ac4535-e3ca-4334-bdce-ac33f4a1e348

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a5ce6730-6fb5-4dde-a009-9efae0b63c57

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3ca93fb1-0583-4cdf-9cc3-8efc74fbcf01

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8280afdb-96a3-4c40-af77-85f38a38b58f

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Praises VP Vance’s Texas Border Visit

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after Vice President JD Vance and other members of the Trump administration visited Eagle Pass, Texas, a hotspot for illegal border crossings during the Biden-Harris administration:
    “While his predecessor, Kamala Harris, reluctantly visited the border a mere two times for sanitized photo-ops during her reign as border czar, I commend Vice President JD Vance for making it a priority to come to the Texas-Mexico border during his first six weeks in office.”
    “For far too long, the responsibility of enforcing federal immigration laws fell to the State of Texas and its taxpayers—but not anymore. In just weeks, the Trump administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration has led to a record low level of attempted illegal border crossings and thousands of arrests of illegal immigrants.”
    “President Trump, Vice President Vance, and the entire administration are proving to the American people that they are taking their mandate seriously, and I look forward to continuing to work with them to secure our nation’s borders.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Grazing Lease Rate Formula Amended to Support Livestock Producers

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 6, 2025

    The Ministry of Agriculture has amended the Crown land grazing lease rate formula, effective for 2025.

    The revisions to the grazing formula will offer relief to producers renting Crown land and contribute to affordability and stability for the livestock sector in the face of rising production costs. Amending the rental formula provides a transparent and straightforward calculation for producers to understand while increasing the stability and predictability of the annual rental rate.

    “We have listened to feedback from producers and, as a result, these changes will contribute to the further growth of the province’s livestock sector,” Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison said. “Additionally, this new formula provides a fair and transparent pricing structure for producers and a fair return for a public asset back to Saskatchewan taxpayers.”

    “We have been requesting changes to the formula for a while and are pleased where the province has landed,” Saskatchewan Cattle Association Past Chair Keith Day said. “The 20 per cent ceiling on fee increase will help producers and community pastures better plan for any possible changes to the rates.”

    In 2024, the ministry conducted consultations with livestock producers and industry associations to determine what changes to the grazing formula would provide more predictability for producers. As a result, the ministry has introduced an amended formula that uses price averaging of cattle marketed between October 1 to November 30 of the five preceding years, as opposed to the previous formula based on fall cattle prices from the previous year. 

    The ministry also introduced a 20 per cent cap on annual rental rate increases. These changes ensure rates are less vulnerable to sharp fluctuations and provide more stability to help producers budget for the coming year.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Continues to be a Leader in Interprovincial Trade

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on March 6, 2025

    With Saskatchewan’s closest trading partner, the United States, putting tariffs on Canadian products, it’s more important than ever that we have open trade within Canada. 

    Saskatchewan remains an advocate for open and free trade and has always been a national leader on this front. From joining the New West Partnerships Agreement to our participation in the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. Saskatchewan, along with other provinces and territories, aims to further reduce exceptions in the coming days and weeks ahead. 

    “Saskatchewan has some of the fewest exceptions of any province within the Canadian Free Trade Agreement,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “We are conducting a thorough review of our remaining exceptions to ensure we remain the best jurisdiction in Canada for trade and investment. Our province will continue to lead by example and encourage other provincial and territorial leaders to further reduce their barriers on goods flowing freely across Canada in order to match Saskatchewan’s low exceptions.”

    Saskatchewan is currently co-leading a federal-provincial-territorial working group of willing jurisdictions to advance a direct-to-consumers sales system for alcohol, which will result in consumers having greater access to products from across Canada, while opening potential new markets for Saskatchewan producers. 

    Saskatchewan remains a jurisdiction of choice for workers, having the fastest turnaround times for credential recognition in Canada. Under The Labour Mobility and Fair Registration Practices Act, Saskatchewan now enjoys some of the best labour mobility rates in Canada and has significantly reduced red tape for international workers and Canadians in other provinces seeking employment in our province, which has resulted in residents finding jobs and getting into those jobs faster. 

    The province is also a strong advocate across Canada for the mutual recognition of safety requirements within the trucking industry. Saskatchewan is participating in a pilot project in this area.  Meaning more goods are arriving safely and on time from producers across the country. Mutual recognition remains a strong tool for provinces to ensure goods can move efficiently and effectively.

    To learn more about interprovincial trade policy, visit: Saskatchewan.ca. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Six Foreign Nationals Indicted For Illegal Reentry

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of six indictments charging Cesar Antonio Geronimo-Morales (34, Guatemala), Calixto Gomez-Lopez (42, Guatemala), Fermin Diaz (37, El Salvador), Lenar Donaldo Martinez-Garay (32, Honduras), Lesman Yohan Lopez-Gamez (33, Honduras), and Juan Jose Resendiz-Gonzalez (47, Mexico) with illegal reentry by a previously deported alien. If convicted, each faces up to two years in federal prison. 

    According to court documents, all six individuals have been previously deported from the United States and were found present in Duval County. None have received the consent of the Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security for the United States to apply for readmission to the United States.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Affordable child care, a stronger economy

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    Every child deserves the best start in life. But for young families, the costs of child care can add up to a second rent or mortgage payment. As a result, parents – especially moms – often face impossible choices between their careers and child care fees.

    As a government, we introduced the first-of-its-kind, universal $10-a-day child care program, so that families can save thousands of dollars every year and access affordable child care. Because of our Early Learning and Child Care program, 900,000 children across Canada are getting affordable, high-quality child care, and families are saving up to $16,200 per child, per year.

    We’ve made significant progress, but there is always more to do.

    Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, alongside the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Jenna Sudds, announced that the federal government has reached early learning and child care extension agreements with 11 out of 13 provinces and territories, ensuring families get all the supports they need so they can join the workforce or continue their career while raising their kids.

    With these extensions, provinces and territories will receive $36.8 billion to move forward on progress to create new child care spaces, reduce waitlists, and hire more early childhood educators across the country. Affordable child care is good for kids and parents, and it’s good for the economy as well. With this increased and continued investment in early learning and child care, more parents – especially women – can enter the workforce and advance their careers. That means more good-paying jobs, more opportunities for early childhood educators, more economic growth across our communities, and a stronger, fairer Canada for everyone. It is estimated that for every dollar invested in child care, the economy gets $2.80 in return – a testament to the fact that affordable child care is good for families, and good for our country. 

    Along with extending these agreements, we are also increasing the funding that they provide by 3 per cent per year for four years, starting in 2027-28, to help make sure that federal funding keeps up with the cost of child care operations.

    This means more families can continue to access child care, find savings, and get ahead. This investment will also help us reach the goal of creating 250,000 child care spaces across the country by March 2026.

    This funding will support 35,000 affordable spaces across nearly 1,000 Indigenous early learning and child care sites, including more than 10 new centres in Métis communities, with additional centres planned in the next two years. It will also help improve child care access for military families on bases across Canada, so our Canadian Armed Forces members get quality care throughout their moves and deployments.

    Confident countries invest in themselves and in their future. By extending child care agreements and expanding our investments, we are making life better and easier for Canadians. Alongside investing in affordable child care, we are also building more homes, creating more jobs, and standing up for Canadian interests.

    Quotes

    “Affordable child care is good for kids and parents, and it’s good for the economy as well. Today’s announcement will make sure more families get access to affordable, high-quality child care with lower costs and more savings, and help kids get the best start in life. Confident countries invest in themselves and in their future.”

    “We didn’t come this far just to come this far. We must keep building on our progress and make $10-a-day child care a reality for every parent who wants a spot for their kid. That’s what these extension agreements are all about. Affordable child care gives parents, especially moms, options. Options to go back to work, build their careers, and save money, while ensuring their kids get the best possible start in life.”

    Quick Facts

    • The extensions announced today include the final year (2026-27) of the Early Learning and Child Care Infrastructure Fund, which supports infrastructure projects in underserved communities to help increase inclusion in the Canada-wide early learning and child care system.
    • To sustain the progress made from the existing early learning and child care agreements, including infrastructure funding, support for early childhood educators, and access to affordable child care, the federal government is investing an additional $36.8 billion over five years, starting in 2026-27. This includes a 3 per cent funding increase every year for four years, starting in 2027‑28. With today’s announcement, the Government of Canada is providing:
      • $16.77 billion to Ontario
      • $9.83 billion to Quebec
      • $5.38 billion to British Columbia
      • $1.9 billion to Manitoba
      • $1.05 billion to Nova Scotia
      • $876 million to New Brunswick
      • $503 million to Newfoundland and Labrador
      • $199 million to Prince Edward Island
      • $109 million to Nunavut
      • $80 million to the Northwest Territories
      • $74 million to the Yukon
    • This funding will help ensure continued access to $10-a-day on average child care beyond the current agreements, which were set to expire on March 31, 2026.
    • The Government of Canada is committed to ongoing collaboration with Indigenous partners and official language minority communities, and expects provincial and territorial governments to do the same while developing action plans in support of these extensions.
    • Eight provinces and territories are currently delivering regulated early learning and child care for an average of $10-a-day or less, while the remaining jurisdictions have reduced fees by 50 per cent or more compared to 2019 levels.
    • As part of Budget 2021, the Government of Canada made a transformative investment of more than $27 billion over five years to build a Canada-wide early learning and child care system with provinces and territories. Combined with other investments, including in Indigenous early learning and child care, up to $30 billion over five years (2021-22 to 2025-26) is provided in support of early learning and child care.
    • Investments will help create more spaces in rural and remote regions, high-cost and low-income urban neighbourhoods, and communities facing barriers to access. This includes supporting racialized groups, Indigenous Peoples, official language minority communities, newcomers, and families with parents, caregivers, or children with disabilities.
    • These investments build on the significant progress we have already made to help kids reach their full potential and level the playing field for parents, including by:
      • Giving families more money through the Canada Child Benefit, to help with the costs of raising their kids and make a real difference in the lives of children in Canada. The Canada Child Benefit, which can provide up to $7,437 per child per year, is indexed annually to keep up with the cost of living.
      • Improving access to dental health care for children under 18 through the Canadian Dental Care Plan, because no one should have to choose between taking care of their kids’ teeth and putting food on the table.

    Associated Links

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman McClain Statement on the U.S. House Passing Legislation to Reverse a Biden-era Burdensome Regulation Limiting Domestic Energy Production

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –



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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Aguilar: Voting is an act of patriotism

    Source: US House of Representatives – Democratic Caucus

    The following text contains opinion that is not, or not necessarily, that of MIL-OSI –

    March 05, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, House Democratic Caucus Chair Pete Aguilar joined Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Rep. Terri Sewell and other leaders in the House Democratic Caucus in introducing H.R. 14, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. 

    CHAIRMAN AGUILAR: Thank you, Whip Clark. I appreciate the Whip’s Leadership in helping to get every Democrat on this bill. We’re here also to thank and lift up the work that Congresswoman Terri Sewell has done as a champion of this legislation. It is no small task to carry a bill named after our beloved colleague, John Lewis. She has stepped up time and time again to make this a priority and we appreciate her work. That’s why it’s a privilege for me to be here to join my colleagues here today as we commemorate the 60th anniversary of John Lewis marching across the Edmund Pettis Bridge and honor his memory with this legislation righting a great wrong. 

    In 2013, the politicians on the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act, allowing states across this country to make it harder for people to vote. We are here today because we believe in fairness. If you have a stake in your community’s future, you should be able to vote for it. The same Republicans in Congress who oppose this legislation are the ones who only accept the election outcome when they win. That is a fundamentally un-American view. And no one understood that more than John Lewis. Voting is an act of patriotism. We love our country, we want to make it better and we want every American to have the same opportunity. 

    Let’s make our elections more fair and more accessible so that everyone has the chance to make their voice heard. Let’s end Republican efforts to put up roadblocks up to the ballot box. And let’s remind people that voting is how we make our democracy stronger. Together let’s pass the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. 

    Video of the full press conference can be viewed here.

    ###

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEA President: “Trump and Musk have aimed their wrecking ball at public schools…to pay for tax handouts for billionaires”

    Source: US National Education Union

    National Education Association President Becky Pringle released the following statement reacting to Donald Trump’s Executive Order pushing to end the Department of Education:   

    “Most of us believe every student deserves opportunity, resources, and support to reach their full potential no matter where they live, the color of their skin, or how much their family earns.  

    “Over the last few weeks, Donald Trump and Elon Musk have been working to destroy programs students and families rely on, protections that ensure the most vulnerable in our society are cared for, and the investments in our communities that create jobs and drive economic growth. They have ruthlessly and relentlessly tried to destroy public services that millions of Americans rely on. From veterans’ care to safe food and clean water, national parks, life-saving medical research, and so much more, there seems to be no limit to what the Trump administration is willing to cut so billionaires can continue paying less in taxes than teachers, nurses, and firefighters.  

    “Now, Trump and Musk have aimed their wrecking ball at public schools and the futures of the 50 million students in rural, suburban, and urban communities across America, by dismantling public education to pay for tax handouts for billionaires.  

    “Their plans are clear and if enacted, the real victims will be our most vulnerable students. Gutting the Education Department will send class sizes soaring, cut job training programs, make higher education more expensive and out of reach for middle class families, take away special education services for students with disabilities, and gut student civil rights protections.   

    “Congress created the Department of Education, and only Congress has the power to end it. And the vast majority of Congress – including 60 House Republicans – rejected gutting public education last session, knowing it would only hurt our students. Students get one shot at an education. We will advocate night and day to ensure all of them have the great public schools they deserve. 

    “McMahon may be calling this their ‘final mission,’ but educators and families remain focused on our sole mission: teaching our students and ensuring every student has the opportunities and resources to learn and thrive. We will work together to protect our students, to protect public education and our communities.    

    “We won’t be silent as anti-public education politicians try to steal opportunities from our students, our families, and our communities to finance tax cuts for billionaires. Together with parents and allies, we will continue to organize, advocate, and mobilize so that all students have well-resourced schools that allow every student to grow into their full brilliance.”   

    -###- 

     Follow us on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile/neapresident.bsky.social and https://bsky.app/profile/neatoday.bsky.social  

    The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing more than 3 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators, students preparing to become teachers, healthcare workers, and public employees. Learn more at www.nea.org  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Assessing Impacts of Federal Directives

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Dear Faculty and Staff Colleagues,

    We write to update you on several significant issues related to actions taken by the federal government in recent weeks, share how we are planning to contend with potential impacts, and to reiterate our ongoing commitment to our mission.

    RESEARCH FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION

     We have seen a significant reduction in new awards to UConn and UConn Health from federal agencies so far this calendar year. Typically, we would expect to receive a combined new award total of approximately $38 million through February; this year, we have received approximately $24 million during this time period.

    We are receiving questions with respect to the expenses of research staff and research-focused graduate students should this persist. Administrative and academic leadership teams continue to work actively to plan for contingencies in affected areas. We will provide specific guidance on this issue to the deans and are also working with them on mitigation strategies.

    We are seeing significant changes to the administration and funding from many of our federal sponsors to include USAID, Sea Grant/NOAA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Energy (DoE), and the Department of Education (DoEd).

    Additionally, there have also been leadership changes at agencies which focus on high-risk, high-impact technology translation such as DARPA, ARPA-E, and ARPA-H.

    The reduction of indirect cost returns from NIH to academic institutions — which would reduce the current negotiated, approved rates for UConn and UConn Health from 61% and 66% respectively to 15% — remains on hold after a federal judge temporarily blocked it from taking effect.

    RESEARCH FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

    We are a public, R1 land, sea, and space grant university. Our mission is based on serving the needs of our communities, providing excellent education, and advancing the causes of research and scholarship to bring about positive impacts statewide, nationally, and globally. We provide the R&D needed by our industries, including defense/national security, finance, insurance, biotech, and health sectors. Our mission is not going to change.

    At the same time, we understand that every change in administration comes with challenges and opportunities as there are priorities that every new administration would like to enact which may differ from the previous administration. Knowing that, we have adjusted with every new administration.

    Areas that we believe the new administration will concentrate on are below. These are the fields that are most likely to be prioritized to receive federal support and thus represent the most significant funding opportunities for faculty in the coming years.

    • Energy independence
    • AI and quantum technologies
    • Defense, national security
    • Manufacturing, supply chain, and project management
    • Healthy living
    • Cancer
    • Genetics/genomics
    • Technology development/deployment in all areas of R&D
    • Workforce development
    • Community impact through broadening participation in higher education, R&D, innovation, entrepreneurship

    In anticipation of this new landscape, OVPR has been working non-stop since Nov. 6 and has been engaged daily with the Office of the Provost, Governmental Relations, and the General Counsel. We are also briefing UConn’s senior leadership team, research deans, center and institute directors, and our faculty/staff task forces on a weekly basis.

    What can you do:

    • OVPR has created task forces focused on helping investigators pursue non-federal sources of research funding, supporting the UConn research infrastructure during these volatile times, and strategic communication to advocate for the value of research in our society. If you would like to join a task force, e-mail research@uconn.edu
    • Keep us updated on anything you may be hearing, also via research@uconn.edu.
    • Visit our FAQs page, which is regularly monitored and updated: research.uconn.edu.
    • Please remain connected, help and support each other, be kind to each other.

    “DEAR COLLEAGUE” LETTER AND EXECUTIVE ORDERS

    On Feb. 14, the U.S. Department of Education released what is known as a “Dear Colleague letter” to educational institutions with guidance regarding federal laws that prohibit discrimination. On March 1, the department followed-up with an FAQ on the letter.

    The core message of the Dear Colleague letter is that educational institutions must fully comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a federal law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin. As with all state and federal laws, UConn has always continually worked to ensure we are in compliance with Title VI, and that remains the case today. In fact, UConn has long had an appointed Title VI Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Equity. UConn’s OIE and ODI train, educate, and address issues on matters related to discrimination on the basis of many factors, and not just those under Title VI, but all applicable federal law.

    The letter states: “… colleges, universities, and K-12 schools have routinely used race as a factor in admissions, financial aid, hiring, training, and other institutional programming.”

    In each of these areas, we believe the university is compliant with the law, including following the recent Supreme Court decision surrounding the use of race in admissions.

    The letter also states: “…many American schools and universities even encourage segregation by race at graduation ceremonies and in dormitories and other facilities.”

    UConn does not encourage segregation and while there are numerous affinity groups on campus and related programming, events, activities, and housing, none are in violation of Title VI provided that, regardless of the affinity group who may be the organizers or audience, the programming, events, activities, and housing are open to anyone — meaning no one is excluded on the basis of race or any other aspect of identity.

    As always, should the university identify an area where we need to make a change or an adjustment to ensure legal compliance, we will do so.

    If you have questions about Title VI and UConn’s obligations under it or want to ensure that language, programming, or practices in your area are compliant with it, please contact equity@uconn.edu. Please do not make changes to the language, programming, or practices without consultation.

    In addition, UConn is home to an Office of Diversity and Inclusion, cultural centers, and learning communities. Their existence and programming are compliant with the law and consistent with UConn’s overall mission as a Land Grant institution created to expand access and opportunity and to serve all people from every walk of life.

    COMMUNICATIONS

    We have also been working with offices of research in the Northeast and beyond as well as the Council on Governmental Relations, the APLU, and other national entities. We are receiving strong support from state leaders, our federal governmental relations representatives in Washington, and Connecticut’s congressional delegation. UConn leaders are also in close, regular contact with our colleagues at other institutions and contacts within the federal government.

    Finally, as we have seen in recent weeks, Executive Orders and other directives have been released by the federal government at a fast pace. In at least one case, a directive was rescinded a day later and in other cases, they have been the subject of legal action that has in some cases prevented them from taking effect.

    In this very hectic and unpredictable environment, once something is released the relevant UConn leaders and offices immediately begin the process of analyzing it to determine its meaning and potential impact on the university. This involves not only working with colleagues at UConn, but consulting with colleagues at other institutions, and state and federal contacts. Often the meaning and impact of something is not clear or immediately understood.

    This work is time-consuming, and accuracy is critical. On occasion, even after a thorough analysis has been conducted, clear answers and understanding have not been forthcoming. When we believe we have solid answers and information, we want to share it with the community. In the interim, as this analysis is taking place, it may appear that maybe nothing is happening, when in fact, considerable work is taking place behind the scenes.

    In addition, we are also offering faculty and staff the opportunity to ask questions of and hear directly from leadership during upcoming bi-weekly check-in meetings beginning this Friday at noon. It will be available on livestream to faculty and staff at all campuses. Please email your questions in advance or during the session to communications@uconn.edu with the subject line: “Questions for Leadership.”

    These issues are of the utmost importance to UConn and we want to share accurate information as soon as we can, but must be deliberate in doing so. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

    Sincerely,

    Anne D’Alleva
    Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs

    Pamir Alpay
    Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

    Nicole Gelston
    General Counsel

    Jeffrey Hines
    Interim Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Pythian Named Top Employer in Canada’s National Capital Region for 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Pythian Services Inc. (“Pythian”), a leading global services company specializing in data, analytics, and AI solutions, announced it has been named as one of the National Capital Region’s Top Employers for 2025. This marks the tenth time the company has earned this distinction, reflecting the company’s enduring commitment to a forward-thinking, employee-focused culture. The award is presented by the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers, and highlights organizations that invest in their teams and deliver innovative workplace practices.

    “Our commitment to nurturing talent and building a supportive work environment is at the core of everything we do,” said Brooks Borcherding, CEO of Pythian. “This is a powerful reminder that our people are driving the success of our business, our partners, and our customers.”

    The award recognizes several of Pythian’s initiatives that empower employees and strengthen career pathways. The organization’s employee-first approach includes:

    • A comprehensive wellness program offering an annual allowance for fitness, sports, preventive health, and more
    • A generous professional development budget that supports self-directed learning along with structured courses through Pythian University
    • Clearly defined career tracks and continuous training initiatives, ensuring long-term growth and leadership development
    • A progressive maternity, adoption, and parental leave plan that provides new parents with ample time to bond with their families, and a flexible, phased return to work
    • A referral bonus program that values the contributions and networks of current employees
    • Flexible work arrangements including adaptable hours and comprehensive telecommuting options
    • A robust suite of benefits featuring a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) matching program, detailed health coverage, and allowances for home-office customization
    • Paid volunteer days that encourage and support community engagement and philanthropy

    Pythian’s success in fostering a culture that blends flexibility, learning, and community involvement sets it apart in the competitive national capital region. The company continues to invest in its people and shape a modern workplace, adapting to today’s rapidly-evolving industry needs.

    “We strive to create an environment where every employee is valued and has the resources to excel professionally and personally,” said Camila Suvaric, vice president of people and culture at Pythian. “Being recognized as a top employer reinforces that our dynamic, inclusive approach not only attracts exceptional talent but also helps our team to innovate and drive meaningful change.”

    For more information on careers and culture at Pythian, visit https://pythian.com/careers/.

    About Pythian

    Founded in 1997, Pythian is a leading data and AI services provider specializing in digital transformation and operational excellence for enterprise customers. We help organizations optimize their data estates, helping them to drive AI enablement, innovation, and growth. Through strategic consulting, managed services, and cloud migrations, we enable cost savings, risk reduction, and seamless operations while preparing businesses to adopt AI and for the future of data management. A Google Cloud Premier Partner with multiple Specializations, including Data Analytics, Marketing Analytics, Machine Learning, and a certified Google Cloud MSP, we’ve delivered thousands of professional and managed services projects for leading enterprises. For more information, visit www.pythian.com or follow us on X, LinkedIn, and our Blog.

    Pythian Media Contacts

    Matt Healy
    Sr. Communications and Programs Manager
    healy@pythian.com
    +1 782-774-5687    		 Elisabeth Grant
    Branch Out Public Relations
    egrant@branchoutpr.com
    +1 612-599-7797

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: various locations — Nova Scotia RCMP collaborates on national Project STEEL targeting online child sexual exploitation offenders

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Between February 17 and 28, Nova Scotia RCMP worked with provincial policing partners to participate in Project STEEL by executing search warrants targeting online child sexual exploitation offenders with a goal of safeguarding children. Multiple people were arrested and have been charged as the investigations advance.

    Over the twelve days of Project STEEL, multiple law enforcement partners from across Canada joined together for Project STEEL, which was jointly led by the RCMP’s National Child Exploitation Crime Centre (NCECC), the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Sûreté du Québec (SQ).

    In Nova Scotia, Project STEEL was led by the RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit in partnership with Kentville Police Service. Officers conducted four search warrant executions that led to arrests and the seizure of items containing child pornography.

    • On February 18, Kentville Police Service led the execution of a search warrant at a home on Forest Hill Rd., with support from ICE and RCMP Digital Forensic Services (DFS) and seized a variety of electronic devices. During examination of items seized, investigators found child pornography on a cell phone. One person was arrested and will face charges related to possession and transmission of child pornography; he was released by police pending an upcoming court appearance.
    • On February 19, the ICE Unit, with assistance from RCMP DFS, Interview Assistance Team (IAT), Cybercrime Unit, and Commercial Crime Section, Guysborough County District RCMP, and the RCMP Antigonish Street Crime Enforcement Unit, attended a residence on Hwy. 16 in Boylston with a search warrant. Officers arrested one man and located child pornography on a cell phone that was seized at the scene. James Thornley, 24, of Boylston, has been charged with one count each of Possession of Child Pornography and Transmit Child Pornography. He was released on conditions pending a first court appearance at Antigonish Provincial Court on April 30.
    • On February 20, the ICE Unit, with RCMP DFS, IAT, Cybercrime Unit, Commercial Crime Section, and Eskasoni RCMP, attended a home on Ginger Root Ln. and found a substantial amount of child pornography saved and organized on seized devices. One person will face charges associated to possession and transmission of child pornography; he was released pending an upcoming court appearance. A second person arrested at this location was released without charges and is not believed to be associated to the offences.
    • On February 26, the ICE Unit, again with support from RCMP DFS, IAT, and Cybercrime Unit, Yarmouth Town RCMP, and Yarmouth Rural RCMP, executed a search warrant at a business on Hwy. 3 in Ste. Anne du Ruisseau. Officers arrested one man. While on scene, investigators located multiple computers and media storage devices found to contain child pornography, and two unsecured firearms, which were also seized. Stephen Doucette, 51, of Lower Argyle, is facing charges of Possession of Child Pornography, Accessing Child Pornography, Careless Storage of Firearm, and Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm. He was released pending a first court appearance at Yarmouth Provincial Court on April 28.

    Investigations are ongoing and will include further analysis of computers, phones, and other devices seized.

    Cpl. Oliver Roberts, Provincial ICE Unit, notes that collaboration between agencies is the most effective strategy to combatting online child sexual exploitation. No single agency can police these crimes alone.

    “Project STEEL has been a great success nationally, as well as here in Nova Scotia,” says Cpl. Oliver Roberts. “The coordinated execution of search warrants from Cape Breton to Yarmouth has highlighted the important work being done here and collaboratively across all jurisdictions. All police forces in this province are working hard every day to create and promote safe spaces for everyone, especially children.”

    In Nova Scotia, it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography; anyone who comes across child pornography material or recordings must report it to the police. Failure to report could result in penalties similar to those for failure to report child abuse under the Child and Family Services Act. Be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting suspected offences to your local police or to Canada’s national tip line: www.cybertip.ca.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Wallet Integrates Sonic Ecosystem, Expanding Multichain DeFi Access

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador, March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, a leading Web3 non-custodial wallet, has integrated the Sonic mainnet, providing users with direct access to its expanding decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. This integration allows users to trade Sonic ecosystem tokens, manage assets, and interact with Sonic-based DeFi applications, including decentralized exchanges (DEXs), meme projects, and NFT platforms.

    As Layer 1 blockchains compete to offer higher scalability and lower fees, Sonic stands out with its EVM-compatible architecture and efficient transaction processing, making it a promising ecosystem for DeFi innovation. By integrating Sonic, Bitget Wallet strengthens its position as a multi-chain gateway, ensuring users can easily add the Sonic mainnet, transfer assets, and explore the network’s rapidly growing ecosystem. To further enhance accessibility, Bitget Wallet is rolling out Sonic token price tracking, swaps, and direct trading, enabling users to engage more seamlessly with emerging opportunities.

    The increasing adoption of Ethereum-compatible Layer 1s and Layer 2s reflects a broader industry shift toward multi-chain interoperability. Sonic, developed by the core team behind Fantom, leverages high transaction throughput and low-cost execution to optimize DeFi and Web3 gaming applications. With its native token $S, Sonic continues to attract a growing number of developers and projects, fueling its ecosystem expansion.

    “As new Layer 1 networks like Sonic drive innovation in blockchain scalability and DeFi accessibility, Bitget Wallet remains focused on integrating promising ecosystems,” said Alvin Kan, COO of Bitget Wallet. “Supporting Sonic aligns with our commitment to providing users with seamless multi-chain experiences, reinforcing the importance of open and efficient blockchain infrastructure.”

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is the home of Web3, uniting endless possibilities in one non-custodial wallet. With over 60 million users, it offers comprehensive onchain services, including asset management, instant swaps, rewards, staking, trading tools, live market data, a DApp browser, an NFT marketplace and crypto payment. Supporting over 100 blockchains, 20,000+ DApps, and 500,000+ tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges, along with a $300+ million protection fund to ensure safety of users’ assets. Experience Bitget Wallet Lite to start a Web3 journey.
    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
    For media inquiries, please contact media.web3@bitget.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5090250-f2a3-4f45-8790-5ed6562263dc

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trudeau’s record may be spotty, but his biggest accomplishment was a national child-care program

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Naomi Lightman, Associate Professor of Sociology, Toronto Metropolitan University

    As Canada prepares to close the book on the Justin Trudeau era, some will be happy to watch him go. But in Canada’s haste to see him out the door, let’s not forget his government’s significant achievements.

    His strong performance in the ongoing showdown with United States President Donald Trump, for example, may have led Canadians to view him in a distinctly more positive light.

    But what’s undoubtedly been his single greatest achievement — prodded in no small part by the NDP — was the introduction of a national child-care program: The Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) system, colloquially known as $10-a-day child care.

    As scholars of social policy — as well as a mother and grandfather — we believe this program is the biggest improvement to Canada’s welfare state since the initial implementation of medicare in 1966-67, updated via the Canada Health Act in 1984.

    Somehow, however, amid all the negative Trudeau headlines, this major contribution has been seemingly forgotten.

    Gender equality

    Trudeau’s child-care program is a massive advancement for gender equality and should be celebrated by all women, parents and — more broadly — people who care about reducing social inequalities.

    By freeing parents — mostly women — from the need to stay home with their children or from having to rely on ageing and often frail grandparents, evidence suggests Canada will experience substantial benefits to children, parents and society as a whole.

    The program allows highly skilled and motivated workers to join the paid labour force and could also affect fertility decisions in some cases if, for example, families decide to have more children due to reduced child-care costs.

    Just as importantly, formal child care benefits children developmentally, particularly in the case of disadvantaged and single-parent households.

    In purely fiscal terms, study after study shows that a dollar invested in child care yields a greater financial return over a lifetime than any other expenditure of public funds.

    Massive uptake rates

    The CWELCC program committed more than $30 billion federally to support early learning and child care, with specific funds dedicated to Indigenous child care.

    To date, it has created 150,000 new spaces, with a goal of creating an additional 100,000 new spaces by March 2026. All provinces and territories have participated, with uptake rates among child-care centres starting at 92 per cent in Ontario and rising higher elsewhere across the country.

    Notably, the road to implementing national child care in Canada has neither been short or easy.

    In 2004, Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin was unable to bring national child care to fruition, despite gaining bilateral child-care agreements with all 10 provinces.

    When Stephen Harper replaced Martin in 2006, among the first acts of his Conservative government was to cancel these agreements. Instead, he offered the Universal Childcare Benefit that delivered $100 per child to parents monthly, but did nothing to address the lack of available child-care spaces.

    It did, however, ensure that a rhetoric of “choice” and cash in hand for in-home care for children was prioritized over women’s equal participation in the labour market. Internationally, there is consistent evidence that care allowances offered in lieu of a publicly funded child-care services reinforce traditional gendered divisions of labour and reduce female employment rates.

    All provinces/territories signed up

    By contrast — and no small feat in terms of negotiation skills — Trudeau’s team was able to persuade each and every province and territory to sign an Early Learning and Child Care Agreement.

    Major reductions in child-care fees for eligible families followed, with all territories and four provinces at $10-a-day as of 2024 (with New Brunswick and Alberta only slightly higher, while Nova Scotia] will be at $10-a-day as of March 1, 2026.)

    Even in Ontario, where rates are higher, costs now average about $23 a day.

    Trudeau managed to carry out this program by starting his efforts early in his tenure, unlike with the dental and pharmacare initiatives, and building consensus across a diverse and often contentious Canadian landscape.

    Supply issues

    It’s not all roses, of course. Some Canadians are frustrated about the slow expansion of subsidized child-care spaces. And the program remains plagued by serious supply (availability) issues, especially in rural and remote communities.

    Early childhood educators still do not receive fair pay for the essential work they do, and staff retention is a serious issue.

    But as we look towards the next federal election, Conservative Leader Pierre Polievre has had little to say about the national child-care program except for vague references to “flexibility” and a suggestion about replacing it with tax credits. This should set alarm bells ringing across the country.



    Read more:
    The baffling indifference of Canadian voters to child-care proposals

    Fortunately, Trudeau has set up a framework that will be difficult to dismantle in the future. There has been massive buy-in from users, providers, funders and much of the general public.

    We urge whoever replaces Trudeau as prime minister to highlight what’s been accomplished in child care over the last few years, and to prioritize the further expansion of the program in the years ahead.

    This would be Trudeau’s proudest legacy.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trudeau’s record may be spotty, but his biggest accomplishment was a national child-care program – https://theconversation.com/trudeaus-record-may-be-spotty-but-his-biggest-accomplishment-was-a-national-child-care-program-251318

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Make it Easier for Rural Veterans to Access Health Care

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), members of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC) and Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), are introducing legislation aiming to help veterans in rural areas get transportation to health care appointments. The Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act, would reauthorize the Highly Rural Transportation Grant (HRTG) Program, a service that provides roughly 2.7 million veterans with access to free transportation services to VA-authorized health care appointments.
    “Veterans in rural Maine communities already face challenges when it comes to accessing quality, affordable care because of distance to VA medical facilities and availability of health care workers,” said Senator King. “The bipartisan Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act would provide rural veterans with travel assistance to appointments, ensuring they can more easily and efficiently access providers and treatments. Where veterans choose to live should not impede their ability to get the care they earned and deserve. I want to thank my Veterans Affairs Committee colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their work to make sure our rural veterans get the support they need — from Maine all the way to Alaska.” 
    “North Dakota is home to many veterans who rely on transportation assistance to access their healthcare services,” said Senator Cramer. “Reauthorizing the Highly Rural Transportation Grant Program will ensure veterans can travel to their medical appointments, whether in the community or at a VA facility directly facilitating access to the care they’ve earned.”
    “Living in a small, highly-rural community far from a major metropolitan center does not justify a veteran losing or receiving limited access to the health care they have sacrificed for and earned,” said Senator Sullivan. “Transportation assistance is life-saving for Alaska’s veterans. I am glad to introduce legislation to reauthorize the Highly Rural Transportation Grant Program with Alaska-specific provisions to ensure our veterans are able to reach their VA appointments without lengthy delays or debilitating costs.” 
    The legislation is supported by Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).
    “Transportation to VA medical facilities remains a major challenge for the 2.7 million veterans who live in rural areas and are enrolled in VA care,” said Daniel Contreras, DAV National Commander. “DAV is proud to support the Supporting Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act as it would improve rural veterans’ access to VA medical treatment. We applaud Sens. Cramer and King for their leadership in re-introducing this vital bipartisan legislation that will help ensure our nation keeps its promises to America’s veterans.”
    “Among the post-9/11 wounded, ill, and injured veterans we serve, just over half report that they have experienced some degree of difficulty accessing health care through VA,” said Jose Ramos, WWP’s Vice President for Government and Community Relations. “The Supporting Rural Veterans Access to Healthcare Services Act would help ensure that transportation to appointments is one less barrier for veterans in rural areas to be concerned about.  Wounded Warrior Project is pleased to support this legislation, and we thank Senators Cramer, King, and Sullivan for their leadership in supporting better pathways to health for our nation’s veterans.”
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King has been a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Last month, in a letter to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Senator King joined his colleagues in urging for immediate action to secure veterans’ personal information provided by VA or other agencies to Elon Musk and his “Department of Government Efficiency” (DOGE), a measure that would protect millions of veterans’ medical records stored in VA’s computer systems. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation alongside SVAC Chairman Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. Recently, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Members Train for Critical Incidents

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    Tony Rodriguez, chairman of District Lodge, 141 Employee Assistance Program (EAP), who oversees United Airlines members, recently spent the week at the Winpisinger Education Center in Hollywood, Maryland. The week was spent training for the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT). Rodriguez and 15 other members from the District 141 EAP team and other territories were instructed on how to respond to critical incidents. 

    Watch Video here.

    The main instructor was Doctor Jeff Mitchell, PhD., who spent the week training the class on how to deal with major tragedies and accidents where lives are lost or injured on the job.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Press Release: RIDOT Begins Posting Weigh-In-Motion Data for Eastbound Washington Bridge

    Source: US State of Rhode Island

    The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today began posting data from its weigh-in-motion technology (WIM), part of a new monitoring system installed on the eastbound Washington Bridge. This precautionary tool provides RIDOT with real-time information on overweight trucks crossing the bridge.

    In addition to the WIM system, RIDOT is in the process of installing structural health monitoring (SHM) technology on the bridge. This will utilize sensors in the bridge to inform RIDOT in real time how the bridge structure responds to overweight trucks, allowing the Department to determine any effects on the bridge by the passage of these vehicles.

    “Safety is RIDOT’s highest priority,” RIDOT Director Peter Alviti, Jr. said. “As part of our comprehensive efforts for maintenance and inspection of the eastbound bridge, we installed this state-of-the-art system which will allow RIDOT to have its finger on the pulse of the bridge in real time, every day, around the clock.”

    The WIM technology alerts RIDOT when overweight trucks cross the eastbound bridge. While the weight limit for trucks on the bridge is 80,000 pounds, trucks weighing up to 96,000 pounds may cross the bridge if they have a permit to do so. In the event that a truck weighing 140,000 pounds or more crosses the bridge, RIDOT follows up with a visual inspection to ensure that the load did not affect the bridge.

    Based on the data observed to date, the number of trucks weighing over 96,000 pounds represented only 0.05 percent of the combined 133,000 vehicles using the bridge in both directions each day. It is important to note that full inspections of the bridge are taking place more frequently�every six months�as another precaution.

    The Department has set its oversized permit limit conservatively, in accordance with independent engineering evaluations, to assure the bridge will not be affected by the additional traffic in the current bypass configuration; trucks weighing less than 96,000 pounds are not considered a safety concern.

    Data from the WIM system is posted on the Washington Bridge closure web page at www.washington-bridge.com and will be updated every Wednesday with the prior week’s data.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Slams Big Tech CEOs for Cozying Up to Trump Admin, Attempting to Score Billions in Tax Handouts at Working Families’ Expense

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 06, 2025
    Senator Warren demands answers from Tesla, Amazon, Meta, Apple, Alphabet CEOs about lobbying efforts, impacts of possible tax giveaways
    “It’s no secret why [corporations like yours are] throwing millions of dollars into lobbying President Trump and Republicans in Congress at this very moment: the result of your lobbying efforts could net you billions of dollars.” 
    Text of Letters (PDF) 
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, wrote to Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla; Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon; Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta; Tim Cook, CEO of Apple; and Sundar Pichai, CEO of Alphabet, regarding the cumulative $75 billion in tax giveaways  — handed out at the expense of working families — that their companies could receive after cozying up to the Trump administration. 
    As part of President Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, among many corporate giveaways, Republicans in Congress decided to end a corporate tax break known as research and development (R&D) expensing to help pay for their tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy. This tax break allowed companies to deduct the total cost of their R&D expenses immediately, instead of deducting them over time, as is the standard practice in the tax code. This change was one of the few parts of the 2017 bill that forced companies to pay higher taxes. Now, corporations want to revert back to the pre-2017 rules — and not only do corporations want to apply immediate R&D expensing to future tax years, but they are also pushing to retroactively apply these deductions to 2022, 2023, and 2024.
    “[Corporations like yours] want to retroactively apply these tax deductions to investments they already made in the past, amounting to nothing more than a tax handout to massive corporations for past investment decisions,” wrote Senator Warren.
    While these corporations claim that not allowing immediate expensing “significantly limits businesses’ ability” to invest in R&D, these claims are false. In fact, since R&D expensing ended in 2022, the R&D spending of each of the five companies increased significantly.
    “[E]ven as your R&D investments have increased since R&D expensing ended, [each of your companies] ha[ve] lobbied to bring back this corporate tax break and find other ways to slash your tax bill even lower,” said Senator Warren. 
    All five companies belong to trade organizations intensely lobbying for the retroactive application and extension of R&D expensing, including the Chamber of Commerce. Just last year, Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, and Tesla spent over $63 million lobbying for corporate tax breaks that include retroactive and immediate R&D expensing. All five companies also poured millions into President Trump’s campaign or inauguration. 
    “It’s no secret why [corporations like yours are] throwing millions of dollars into lobbying President Trump and Republicans in Congress at this very moment: the result of your lobbying efforts could net you billions of dollars,” said Senator Warren. 
    Collectively, the five companies are projected to win $75 billion if Congress awards them retroactive R&D tax expensing — nearly double what the federal government spends on child nutrition programs each year. Senator Warren called it a “fantastic return on investment for the millions [they] have spent lobbying on the tax fight.” 
    According to a new, independent analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), from retroactive application of R&D expensing alone: 

    Tesla stands to gain at least $2.5 billion.

    Amazon stands to gain at least $22 billion.

    Meta stands to gain at least $15 billion.

    Apple stands to gain at least $10 billion.

    Alphabet stands to gain at least $24 billion.

    “American taxpayers will shoulder the burden of tax cuts for [the companies], and they deserve answers about your efforts to secure massive tax breaks for billionaire corporations,” concluded Senator Warren. 
    Senator Warren asked the companies to provide clarity on their lobbying expenses for tax legislation this year, their trade associations’ advocacy for tax cuts, their political donations to officials advocating for their tax cuts, and how retroactive tax breaks would affect their outlook for stock buybacks and executive compensation by March 19, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Idaho IAM Members Who Help Serve Singaporean Air Force Prepare for Negotiations

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    IAM Local 2006 members at PKL, a Service Contract company at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho, recently attended a negotiations prep program at the IAM’s Winpisinger Center.

    The base sits just outside Boise, Idaho, where IAM members service aircraft and train Singapore Air Force members.

    Watch the video report here.

    In 2018, there was a low bid, and the workers’ pay was cut substantially. As a result, the unit voted for the IAM. In 2019, they secured their first contract and earned everything back, along with additional wage increases.

    They are now working on their third agreement. The committee spent a week together at the Winpisinger Center to build their strength for their upcoming negotiations. The five-person team discussed and built language that protects our members and builds on previous gains.

    The committee, as part of their coursework, developed a statement to stay focused on their overall mission: “Prioritizing the needs of our union family by increasing our wages, improving our time off, growing our retirement benefit, and ensuring affordable health coverage.”

    The committee members are Tony Duncan, Brandon Gilbert, Andrew Morris, Travis Palmer and Blake Young. Western Territory International Representative Melissa Morgan is the group’s lead negotiator.

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    MIL OSI USA News –