NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-Evening Report: The Electronic Intifada: Bringing Israeli genocide perpetrators to justice

    This article was written before The Electronic Intifada’s founding editor Ali Abunimah was arrested in Switzerland on Saturday afternoon for “speaking up for Palestine”. He has since been released and deported.

    SPECIAL REPORT: By Ali AbunimahIsrael smuggled one of its soldiers out of Cyprus, apparently fearing his detention on charges related to the genocide in Gaza, according to Dyab Abou Jahjah, the co-founder of The Hind Rajab Foundation.

    Abou Jahjah, a Belgian-Lebanese political activist and writer, told The Electronic Intifada livestream last week that his organisation was stepping up efforts all over the world to bring to justice Israeli soldiers implicated in the slaughter of tens of thousands of men, women and children over the last 15 months.

    You can watch the interview with Abou Jahjah and all of this week’s programme in the video above.


    Gaza Ceasefire Day 5. Video: The Electronic Intifada

    Speaking from Gaza, Electronic Intifada contributor Donya Abu Sitta told us how people there are coping following the ceasefire, especially those returning to devastated homes and finding the remains of loved ones.

    She shared a poem inspired by the hopes and fears of the young children she continued to teach throughout the genocide.

    Despite the ceasefire, Israel has continued to attack Palestinians in some parts of Gaza. That was among developments covered in the news brief from associate editor Nora Barrows-Friedman, along with the efforts to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation.

    Israel’s genocidal war has orphaned some 40,000 children in Gaza.

    Contributing editor Jon Elmer covered the latest ceasefire developments and the resistance operations in the period leading up to it.

    We also discussed whether US President Donald Trump will force Israel to uphold the ceasefire and what the latest indications of his approach are.

    And this writer took a critical look at Episcopal Bishop of Washington Mariann Edgar Budde.

    She has been hailed as a hero for urging Donald Trump to respect the rights of marginalised groups, as the new president sat listening to her sermon at Washington’s National Cathedral.

    But over the last 15 months, Budde has parroted Israeli atrocity propaganda justifying genocide, and has repeatedly failed to condemn former President Joe Biden’s key role in the mass slaughter and did not call on him to stop sending weapons to Israel.

    Pursuing war criminals
     In the case of the soldier in Cyprus, The Hind Rajab Foundation filed a complaint, and after initial hesitation, judicial authorities in the European Union state opened an investigation of the soldier.

    “When that was opened, the Israelis smuggled the soldier out of Cyprus,” Abou Jahjah said, calling the incident the first of its kind.

    “And when I say smuggling, I’m not exaggerating, because we have information that he was even taken by a private jet,” Abou Jahjah added.

    The foundation is named after Hind Rajab, a 6-year-old Palestinian girl who was in a car with members of her family, trying to escape the Israeli onslaught in Gaza City, when they were attacked.

    The story of Hind, trapped all alone in a car, surrounded by dead relatives, pleading over the phone for rescue, a conversation that was recorded by the Palestinian Red Crescent, is among the most poignant and brazen crimes committed during Israel’s genocide.

    According to Abou Jahjah, lawyers and activists determined to seek justice for Palestinians identified a gap in the efforts to hold Israel accountable that they could fill: pursuing individual soldiers who have in many cases posted evidence of their own crimes in Gaza on social media.

    The organisation and its growing global network of volunteers and legal professionals has been able to collect evidence on approximately 1000 Israeli soldiers which has been handed over to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

    In addition to filing cases against Israeli soldiers traveling abroad, such as the one in Cyprus, and other recent examples in Brazil, Thailand and Italy, a main focus of the foundation is individuals who hold both Israeli and another nationality.

    “Regarding the dual nationals, we are not under any restraint of time,” Abou Jahjah explained. “For example, if you’re Belgian, Belgium has jurisdiction over you.”

    Renouncing their second nationality cannot shield these soldiers, according to Abou Jahjah, because courts will take into account their citizenship at the time the alleged crime was committed.

    Abou Jahjah feels confident that with time, war criminals will be brought to justice. The organisation is also discussing expanding its work to the United States, where it may use civil litigation to hold perpetrators accountable.

    Unsurprisingly, Israel and friendly governments are pushing back against The Hind Rajab Foundation’s work, and Abou Jahjah is now living under police protection.

    “Things are kind of heavy on that level, but this will not disrupt our work,” Abou Jahjah said. “It’s kind of naive of them to think that the work of the foundation depends on a person.”

    “We have legal teams across the planet, very capable people. Our data is spread across the planet,” Abou Jahjah added. “There’s nothing they can do. This is happening.”

    Resistance report
     In his resistance report, Elmer analysed videos of operations that took place before the ceasefire, but which were only released by the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, after it took effect.

    He also previewed Saturday, 25 January, when nearly 200 Palestinian prisoners were released in exchange for four Israeli female soldiers.

    Will Trump keep Israel to the ceasefire?
     Pressure from President Trump was key to getting Israel to agree to a ceasefire deal it had rejected for almost a year. But will his administration keep up the pressure to see it through?

    There have been mixed messages, with Trump recently telling reporters he was not sure it would hold, but also intriguingly distancing himself from Israel. “That’s not our war, it’s their war.”

    We took a look at what these comments, as well as a renewed commitment to implementing the deal expressed by Steve Witkoff, the president’s envoy, tell us about what to expect.

    As associate editor Asa Winstanley noted, “this ceasefire is not nothing.” It came about because the resistance wore down the Israeli army, and statements from Witkoff hinting that the US may even be open to talking to Hamas deserve close attention.

    ‘Largely silent’
     By her own admission, Bishop Mariann Budde has remained “largely silent” about the genocide in Gaza, except when she was pushing Israeli propaganda or engaging in vague, liberal hand-wringing about “peace” and “love” without ever clearly condemning the perpetrators of mass slaughter and starvation of Palestinians, demanding that the US stop the flow of weapons making it possible, or calling for accountability.

    This type of evasion serves no one.

    You can watch the programme on YouTube, Rumble or Twitter/X, or you can listen to it on your preferred podcast platform.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoeven Statement on Confirmation of Scott Bessent as Secretary of the Treasury

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Dakota John Hoeven
    01.27.25
    WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Scott Bessent to serve as Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
    “Scott Bessent has the skills and experience necessary to lead the Treasury Department. We look forward to working with Secretary Bessent and President Trump to extend the tax cuts for American families and businesses, tackle inflation, grow our economy and get our nation’s fiscal house in order.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ON THE JOB FOR MICHIGAN: Port Director Paul LaMarre Emphasizes Senator Peters’ Efforts to Deliver Results for Port of Monroe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters
    Published: 01.27.2025
    On the Job Video Series Highlights Senator Peters’ Efforts to Help Constituents and Communities Across Michigan

    WASHINGTON, DC – In a new video from U.S. Senator Gary Peters’ (MI) office, Captain Paul LaMarre III, Director of the Port of Monroe and President of the American Great Lakes Ports Association, emphasizes Peters’ efforts to help support the Port of Monroe and position it for long-term success. The video is part of the On the Job for Michigan series, which highlights Peters’ leadership and advocacy on behalf of constituents and communities across Michigan.  
    “Senator Peters has supported the Port of Monroe, not just from our efforts to create Michigan’s first marine container terminal, which will be known as Michigan’s Maritime Gateway, but he also championed a number of grant efforts that have led to improved infrastructure and equipment that will put the port at the cutting edge of the next generation of Great Lakes shipping,” said LaMarre.  

    Watch Captain LaMarre’s On the Job for Michigan video here. You can also see the video posted on X/Twitter. 
    “The Port of Monroe is a critical resource for our Michigan manufacturers and our partners across the Great Lakes Region,” said Senator Peters. “I’ll continue to work alongside Captain LaMarre to help strengthen operations and ensure the Port of Monroe continues to play an important role in transporting the commodities and products that families and businesses rely on every day.” 
      During his time in the Senate, Peters has prioritized strengthening Michigan’s shipping ports, including the Port of Monroe. Since 2020, Peters has helped to secure nearly $13 million in grant funding for the port, including investments to expand cargo capacity, purchase new crane equipment and upgrade cargo screening infrastructure. In 2024, LaMarre testified during a Commerce Subcommittee field hearing convened by Peters to examine the impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on Michigan’s transportation infrastructure. In 2021, Peters toured the Port of Monroe with Customs and Border Protection officials to discuss cargo clearance challenges facing the port.  
    Peters has also worked alongside LaMarre and other stakeholders to support Michigan’s maritime workforce. In 2023, Peters’ bipartisan Changing Age-Determined Eligibility to Student Incentive Payments (CADETS) Act was signed into law, expanding the Student Incentive Payment Program eligibility age for financial assistance to cadets who attended one of the six State Maritime Academies and commit to a post-graduation service obligation to include any qualified student who will meet the age requirements for enlistment in the U.S. Navy Reserve at their time of graduation.  
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Information session about work on Highway 14, Idlemore has been postponed

    The information session planned for Sooke to share details about work at the intersection of Highway 14 and Idlemore Road has been postponed.

    A new date for the session will be announced as soon it is as available.

    The ministry is consulting with Saseenos Elementary school and stakeholders to ensure the design details for the improved intersection support the needs of the community. The aim of the project is to increase safety and ease the flow of traffic for drivers, pedestrians and people cycling or rolling in the area.

    The information session was scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025, at Saseenos Elementary school.

    Learn More:

    More information about the project can be found here: https://gov.bc.ca/highway14idlemore

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Photo and Video Chronology — January 23 & 24, 2025 — Inactive vents at Kīlauea summit

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Photo and Video Chronology — January 23 & 24, 2025 — Inactive vents at Kīlauea summit

    Kīlauea summit eruption has been paused since 4:30 a.m. HST January 23. Resumption of activity possible beginning in 4-5 days at current inflation rates.

    January 24, 2025 — Kīlauea summit overflight

    On the morning of January 24th, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory scientists conducted an overflight of Kīlauea summit to capture thermal and surficial imagery of the December 2024 to January 2025 paused eruption. This video compilation shows aerial views of Halema’uma’u captured during the overflight. 
    The north vent that was erupting during episode five of the recent Kīlauea summit eruption has a small patch of lava that was weakly spattering during the morning of February 24, 2025. USGS photo by J. Barnett.

    January 17, 2025 – UAS video of spattering eruptive vents in Halema‘uma‘u

    On Friday, January 17, USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory (HVO) geologists flew an uncrewed aircraft system (UAS, or “drone”) into Halema‘uma‘u crater to capture this close-up video of spattering at the two active vents of the ongoing Kīlauea summit eruption. Friday’s UAS flight was conducted with the permission of Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park, owing to HVO’s mission to monitor active volcanoes in Hawaii, assess their hazards, issue warnings, and advance scientific understanding to reduce the impacts of eruptions. Unauthorized launching, landing, or operating of a UAS from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service is prohibited under 36 CFR Closures & Public Use.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The science of the “X-ray vision” that reveals the magma beneath Yellowstone

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Scott K. Johnson, Science Communication Associate at EarthScope Consortium.

    Jeopardy is unique for its question-to-the-answer format, with contestants using a clue like “this animal starred in a 1975 Steven Spielberger film and can constantly regrow lost teeth” to correctly respond “what is a shark?” The geophysical techniques that allow us to image the magma beneath Yellowstone―as in a recent study that provided a view of multiple separate magma reservoirs― work similarly. These studies are often of great public interest, producing visuals that are (relatively) easy to understand. But how exactly do they work?

    This example shows areas where seismic waves travel more quickly in blue, and slower areas in red, beneath the western United States. Faults are black lines, and blue line is the San Andreas Fault. You can explore the data at any depth beneath the surface with EarthScope’s velocity model viewer (https://observablehq.com/@earthscope/emc-horizontal-slicer).  

    Seeing below the surface is the realm of tomography―in medical imaging, the “CT” in “CT scan” stands for Computed Tomography―which can be done in several ways. The most common method uses shaking measured by seismometers to reveal variations in the physical properties of the Earth.

    The similarity to Jeopardy is that these techniques work backwards―what we call “inversion.” Because we can’t directly take a measuring tape underground and inspect a magma reservoir, we have to rely on the fact that this magma reservoir can affect measurements of other things, like seismic waves that pass through. If we knew exactly what was underground, we could pretty clearly predict its effect on the seismic waves reaching nearby seismometers. But instead, the inverse solution is to take the pattern of measured seismic waves and work backwards to find a plausible model of the conditions underground that would cause that pattern.

    It’s a bit like working out where a traffic jam is occurring in town based solely on how late each of your coworkers arrives home at the end of the workday. Knowing that they all left work at 5:15, and knowing which part of town each one was headed for, you could probably figure out where the slowdown is based on the fact that two people were delayed 15 minutes, one was delayed 5 minutes, and one experienced no delay at all.

    In fact, a common method of seismic tomography involves measuring the travel time for seismic waves from earthquakes and noting where they arrive at seismometers “late.” This allows us to map out regions of rock where seismic waves travel more quickly or more slowly. That information can then be turned into estimates of physical properties like temperature, rock type, density, or the presence (and amount) of magma. The more seismometers recording data and the more earthquakes that are measured, the better the resolution of the map.

    The same idea can be applied in other ways to seismic data. We can look at the details of the wiggles on the seismometer rather than just their arrival time, for example, seeing which areas of the Earth dampen the seismic waves and which ring like a bell. Or we can replace the earthquake with another source of shaking energy, like a truck-mounted piston that thumps the ground, the constant background din of a busy highway, or even the global noise created by ocean waves. Through different approaches, we can image something local, like a magma reservoir, or we can image the entire planet―this is how we know about the properties of the mantle, outer core, and inner core of the Earth.

    Schematic showing magma storage beneath Yellowstone caldera. Nested calderas resulting from the Huckleberry Ridge Tuff, Mesa Falls Tuff, and Lava Creek Tuff caldera forming eruptions are shown as solid black, green, and orange lines, respectively. C1 and C2 represent bodies of basaltic magma and C3 and C5-C7 represent rhyolitic magma bodies beneath Yellowstone caldera. Magnetotelluric stations occupied during experiment are shown as magenta triangles. Sour Creek and Mallard Lake resurgent domes are shown as purple lines. The locations of Lower Geyser Basin (LGB), Norris Geyser Basin (NGB), and Hot Springs Basin (HSB) are shown. Figure is from Bennington et al., “The progression of basaltic–rhyolitic melt storage at Yellowstone Caldera.” Nature 637:8044 (2025), 97-102.

    The recent image of Yellowstone’s magma system was created from yet another kind of data. Instead of using seismometers that measure shaking, magnetotelluric instruments were used to measure the electrical conductivity beneath the ground.

    The Sun’s energy and also lightning around the world induce electrical and magnetic fields within the Earth, but the strength of these fields varies from place to place depending on the conductivity of the material beneath the surface. And since measurements at different frequencies relate to the conductivity at different depths, we can collect quite a lot of information through magnetotelluric measurements. Magma has a much higher conductivity than solid rock, so the magnetotelluric technique is of obvious use around volcanoes.

    The inversion in the case of magnetotelluric data works out the 3-D pattern of conductivity underground that can explain the measurements made at the surface. And again, the more surface measurements you have close together, the more detailed the 3-D image becomes.

    All kinds of tomography have been employed at Yellowstone to give us a much richer understanding of the magma system that lies beneath the ground. Similar studies have been done at other volcanoes as well—like Mount St. Helens. Even on a much smaller scale, these techniques have been used to image the hot-water “plumbing” beneath individual geysers in Yellowstone, giving us insights into the reasons for their behavior.

    Permanent monitoring networks of instruments like seismometers around Yellowstone help make this possible―sometimes supplemented by temporary additions of even more instruments for higher-resolution imaging. The end result is a better understanding of what the system looks like beneath the surface, how it works, and how it may behave over time, which is critical to the mission of keeping people out of harm’s way―out of jeopardy, you might say.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Considering current ecosystem condition in restoration planning

    Source: US Geological Survey

    The SAGE Wildlife Research Group consists of a large team of research scientists with an interest in conservation and management of wildlife and their ecosystems. Broadly, research involves understanding animal-habitat relationships, with an emphasis on conservation ecology and population demography, and a focus on shrubland, alpine, and grassland ecosystems. We are addressing the effects of…

    Learn More

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New study finds deer hunting can help keep chronic wasting disease in check

    Source: US Geological Survey

    BOZEMAN, Mont. — Hunting greater numbers of male deer can slow the spread of chronic wasting disease, a lethal wildlife disease, according to a new study by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.

    Chronic wasting disease is caused by a misfolded protein called a prion, and infection leads to neurological problems, starvation, and eventually, death. The disease affects animals in the deer family, including deer, elk and moose. Chronic wasting disease is 100% lethal and highly contagious. It has rapidly spread across the U.S. since it was first discovered in the 1960s. It is now found in at least six countries, four Canadian provinces and 35 U.S. states.

    Distribution of Chronic Wasting Disease in North America, updated January 23, 2025. Chronic wasting disease has been detected in free-ranging cervids in 36 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces and in captive cervid facilities in 22 states and three provinces.

    Chronic wasting disease outbreaks are a serious concern for wildlife managers because members of the deer family are economically, culturally and ecologically important. The disease has been implicated in declines of deer and elk in several states, including in Wyoming mule deer herds where the number of animals infected can exceed 50%. The disease spreads easily through the environment from infected deer droppings, urine and saliva, and there are no vaccines or treatments, making it difficult to control. One potential tool is hunting, which might reduce the number of infected animals within a population and slow down the spread of the disease. Many states are now working to increase hunting levels in an effort to slow the spread of disease. However, hunting-based strategies are not always effective and can be controversial. Despite the interest in this management tool, there is still little real-world evidence of its effectiveness.

    The study’s authors examined chronic wasting disease trends in 10 different mule deer herds across central and eastern Wyoming, which varied in hunting pressure. They analyzed 20 years of data gathered by Wyoming Game and Fish Department to understand whether increasing hunting pressure was effective at controlling the disease.

    “We found that harvesting a high proportion of the adult males in the herd – around 40% every year for 20 years, is expected to keep chronic wasting disease infections at low numbers,” said Wynne Moss, lead author and USGS scientist. If this high level of hunting pressure is applied consistently (over 20 years), less than 5% of the males on average are expected to be infected. On the other hand, a lower level of hunting pressure, such as 20% of adult males harvested per year, would result in a much higher prevalence of around 30% infected.

    Mule deer buck in southwest Wyoming. (Photo: Tom Koerner/USFWS)

    The study also showed that harvesting a high number of males over a shorter period – 3 years in a row — still slowed the rate of disease spread within a population but was not as effective as harvesting high numbers over a multiple decades.

    “Our results suggest that the use of hunting is a promising, scientifically supported way to manage chronic wasting disease; however, it is important to note that this approach is more likely to slow the disease down than eradicate it,” said Paul Cross, co-author on the study and USGS scientist. “This study provides important evidence about the effects of hunting on wildlife disease management for deer.”

    The paper was published January 21 in Ecological Applications.

    Learn more about chronic wasting disease.

    # # # 

    The USGS provides science for a changing world. Learn more at www.usgs.gov or follow us on Facebook @USGeologicalSurvey, YouTube @USGS, Instagram @USGS, or X (formerly Twitter) at @USGS.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Seafloor Seismographs Rapidly Deployed Following Major Earthquake Offshore Northern California

    Source: US Geological Survey

    The rapid response ocean bottom seismograph fleet, jointly developed and maintained by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and USGS, was swiftly deployed after a major earthquake hit Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. The quick deployment of these instruments will enable the collection of the high-value data needed to produce the most accurate and useful hazard assessment.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: COLUMN: Senator Davenport: A Warm Welcome to the 2025 Legislative Session

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Gail Davenport (D – Jonesboro)

    The 2025 Legislative Session is officially underway! On Monday, January 13, the Georgia General Assembly reconvened under the Gold Dome, marking the start of this year’s legislative session and the beginning of a new biennium. This legislative session, I am once again fighting for policies that create a more equitable and inclusive Georgia. 

    I am honored to now serve the residents of Senate District 17 after previously serving the residents of Senate District 44. I want to extend a warm greeting to my new constituents in Henry County and my longstanding constituents in Clayton County. It is my privilege to serve as your senator, and I am committed to addressing the issues and concerns of our communities at the state level.  

    I am pleased to continue serving on the Senate Committees on Appropriations, State Institutions and Property, Natural Resources and the Environment, Retirement and the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Overview Committee this legislative session. 

    The first week of a new biennium is always filled with important events and meaningful connections. This year was no exception, with highlights including the annual Eggs & Issues Breakfast and Governor Kemp’s ‘State of the State’ address, where we accounted for the perspectives of our local businesses and citizens. These gatherings remind us of the collaborative spirit needed to address our communities’ challenges. 

    On Thursday, January 16, Governor Brian P. Kemp delivered his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Senate and House chambers. While I welcome some of his proposals, including pay raises for teachers, state employees, and first responders and efforts to strengthen our healthcare workforce, I believe we must go further. We must ensure every Georgian has access to affordable healthcare, expand opportunities for quality public education, invest in renewable energy solutions and tackle the growing need for affordable housing across the state. These priorities are essential for creating a Georgia where every family can thrive.

    I am proud to have co-sponsored several resolutions and bills during our first week, including Senate Bill 19, sponsored by Senator David Lucas (D–Macon). The Brady Law Regulations would create a ten-day waiting period for the purchase or transfer of firearms and address the gun violence epidemic in recent legislation.  

    The second week of our Legislative Session was quite unconventional due to a winter storm that halted operations across our entire state for nearly the entire week. Leaders from state agencies will instead present their budgetary needs to legislators in the weeks to come before our House and Senate Appropriations Chairmen help lead the decision-making process on how funding is allocated for the next year. 

    Budget Week is not just about providing funding; it’s about best serving the state of Georgia through state programs like public education, health services, and infrastructure repairs.  This is our chance to advocate for funding that reflects the needs of working families, invests in underserved communities and ensures every Georgian has the resources they need to build a better future. 

    Speaking of our future, I want to invite students between 12 and 18 to serve as Senate Page. This opportunity allows students to participate in the state legislative process at our State Capitol for a day. Interested students may apply for the program by following the link here.  

    Thank you for trusting me to represent you under the Gold Dome. Your voice matters, and I encourage you to share your ideas and concerns as we work together to build a stronger, fairer Georgia. 

    # # # #

    Sen. Gail Davenport represents the 17th Senate District which includes portions of Clayton and Henry County.  She may be reached by phone at 404.463.5260 or by email at Gail.Davenport@senate.ga.gov

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: CanREA celebrates successful bids in Nova Scotia Green Choice Program’s expanded RFP

    Source: – Press Release/Statement:

    Headline: CanREA celebrates successful bids in Nova Scotia Green Choice Program’s expanded RFP

    CanREA congratulates members and Indigenous partners for their successful bids in the Nova Scotia Green Choice Program’s expanded 625 MW wind RFP. 

    Ottawa, January 27, 2025—The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) congratulates its members RES, ABO Energy, SWEB, and Glooscap Energy (Glooscap First Nation), as well as all the other Indigenous partners, Eskasoni, Potlotek, We’koqma’q L’nue’kati, Wagmatook, Paq’tnkek and Pictou Landing First Nations, for their successful bids in the Nova Scotia Green Choice Program RFP, as announced today by Energy Minister Trevor Boudreau.

    The resulting projects will deliver 625 MW of wind, nearly double the original call for 350 MW, which was launched in 2023.

    “Our members are ready to support the energy transition and help grow Nova Scotia’s new green economy,” said Jean Habel, CanREA’s Senior Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada. “We are especially pleased that Nova Scotia’s RFP was expanded from 350 MW to 625 MW. All Nova Scotians will benefit from these new wind projects, which will supply affordable, clean and reliable renewable energy starting in late 2028.”       

    The Green Choice Program is unique in allowing participating customers to purchase up to 100% of the electricity they use from local renewable energy sources. It is part of Nova Scotia’s 2030 Clean Power Plan, aiming to reach 80% renewable energy by 2030 by adding a substantial amount of wind, solar and energy storage into the Nova Scotia’s grid.  

    “These new wind energy projects will contribute to sustainable development in Nova Scotia,” said Habel. “They will significantly reduce greenhouse gases by adding more renewable energy to the provincial grid, and what’s more they will create economic opportunities in communities, ensure the protection of the environment, and help enhance Reconciliation, as each wind farm is co-owned by one or more Mi’kmaw community.”      

    CanREA is eager to continue working with the government and all stakeholders to ensure the success of this unique program, as a priority of our Atlantic Network.  

    Quotes 

    “Our members are ready to support the energy transition and help grow Nova Scotia’s new green economy.”  

    “We are especially pleased that Nova Scotia’s RFP was expanded from 350 MW to 625 MW. All Nova Scotians will benefit from these new wind projects, which will supply affordable, clean and reliable renewable energy starting in late 2028.”            

    “These new wind energy projects will contribute to sustainable development in Nova Scotia. They will significantly reduce greenhouse gases by adding more renewable energy to the provincial grid, and what’s more they will create economic opportunities in communities, ensure the protection of the environment, and help enhance Reconciliation, as each wind farm is co-owned by one or more Mi’kmaw community.”  
    —Jean Habel, Senior Director for Quebec and Atlantic Canada, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) 

    For media inquiries or interview opportunities, please contact:

    Communications  Canadian Renewable Energy Association  communications@renewablesassociation.ca  

    About CanREA

    The Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) is the voice for wind energy, solar energy and energy storage solutions that will power Canada’s energy future. We work to create the conditions for a modern energy system through stakeholder advocacy and public engagement. Our diverse members are uniquely positioned to deliver clean, low-cost, reliable, flexible and scalable solutions for Canada’s energy needs. For more information on how Canada can use wind energy, solar energy and energy storage to help achieve its net-zero commitments, consult “Powering Canada’s Journey to Net-Zero: CanREA’s 2050 Vision.” Follow us on  LinkedIn and X. Subscribe to our newsletter here. Become a member here. Learn more at renewablesassociation.ca.   

    The post CanREA celebrates successful bids in Nova Scotia Green Choice Program’s expanded RFP appeared first on Canadian Renewable Energy Association.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tillis Introduces Legislation to Protect Law Enforcement Officers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for North Carolina Thom Tillis
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Thom Tillis recently reintroduced the Protect and Serve Act and the Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act, legislation to protect law enforcement officers and create strong federal penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers.
    “Law enforcement officers in North Carolina and across the country are heroes who risk their lives every day to protect our communities,” said Senator Tillis. “Those who commit senseless acts of violence against law enforcement officers must be held accountable for their actions, which is why I am proud to reintroduce these bills that create federal penalties for criminals who target law enforcement. They put their lives on the line to protect us, and we should do the work in Congress to protect them.”  
    “The attack on officers in San Antonio, Texas on January 22, during which seven officers were shot as they responded to a call for help, once again highlights the dangerous profession law enforcement officers have and the risks they face when serving and protecting their communities,” said Bill Johnson, Executive Director, National Association of Police Organizations. “The shooting of those seven brave officers is just adding to the ever-increasing number of officers being shot in the line of duty. NAPO is calling on Congress to take up and pass the Protect and Serve Actand the Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act to demonstrate that the killing or the attempted killing of our nation’s law enforcement officers is unacceptable and those who commit these heinous crimes must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We thank Senator Tillis for his longstanding commitment to and support for the law enforcement community.”
    “We believe the Senate needs to act now and pass the Protect and Serve Act,” said Patrick Yoes, President, National Fraternal Order of Police. “This would be a strong show of support for the men and women in the line of fire and send a clear message to those who would seek to do them harm.” 
    Background: 
    The Protect and Serve Act would give federal prosecutors more tools to go after those who deliberately target law enforcement officers by creating a federal crime to knowingly cause, or attempt to cause, bodily injury to a law enforcement officer. Offenders are subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years. An offender could receive a life sentence if a death results from the offense, or the offense includes kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, or attempted murder.
    The Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act would create a criminal penalty for the murder of a federal, state, and local enforcement officer of life imprisonment or the death penalty. In addition, it would create a criminal penalty for assault resulting in serious injury to a federal, state, and local law enforcement officer of 20 years in prison. Lastly, it would require a study after 36 months to report to House and Senate Judiciary Committees about prosecutions as the result of the act. 
    The National Fraternal Order of Police reported that as of midnight of December 31, 2024 there were 342 officers shot in the line of duty in 2024. Of those officers shot, 50 of them were killed. In 2024, there were 61 ambush-style attacks on law enforcement officers. These ambush-style attacks resulted in 79 officers shot, 18 of whom were killed.
    The Protect and Serve Act is endorsed by The National Fraternal Order of Police and The National Association of Police Organizations.  
    Full text of the Protect and Serve Act is available HERE.
    Full text of the Justice for Fallen Law Enforcement Act is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Daines, Cruz, Hirono Renew Bipartisan Push to Better Protect Parents Traveling with Breast Milk

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 27, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) reintroduced bipartisan legislation to make it easier for parents to safely embark on air travel with breast milk and breastfeeding supplies. The Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening (BABES) Enhancement Act, co-led by U.S. Senators Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), would require the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to clarify and regularly update guidance on the safe handling of breast milk and breastfeeding supplies, baby formula and other related products in consultation with nationally recognized maternal health organizations. This reintroduction comes after the bipartisan legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent late last year in the 118th Congress.
    “Far too often, traveling moms are mistreated and wrongfully denied access to their breast milk and the breastfeeding equipment they need to pump and feed their babies,” said Senator Duckworth. “Ensuring that the TSA keeps its employees up to speed on their own policies and updates those policies as necessary is the least we can do to help parents travel through airports with the dignity and respect they deserve. After our bipartisan legislation passed the Senate by unanimous consent last Congress, I’m proud to work with Senators Daines, Cruz and Hirono to reintroduce the bill, and I’ll continue to do everything I can to get this done for traveling moms everywhere.”
    “Supporting moms and families will always be one of my top priorities. I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this bipartisan legislation that will make it easier for mothers to safely and easily travel with breast milk and formula for their babies, and I’ll continue to fight for ways to support our families in Montana and across America,” said Senator Daines.
    “Far too often, families traveling with infants and young children are subjected to inconsistencies when going through TSA’s screening, causing inconveniences that can make traveling together even more difficult. This simple legislation to update the TSA’s compliance guidance for the 3-1-1 liquids will help families travel without added hassles,” said Senator Cruz.
    “On any given day, thousands of families travel by air with milk and the supplies they need to keep their babies fed,” said Senator Hirono. “The BABES Enhancement Act will require TSA to clarify and regularly update its guidance on handling breast milk and baby formula, helping to ensure that parents and their young children can travel with peace of mind. I’m glad to join my colleagues in reintroducing this legislation to keep families and their children safe and healthy.”
    The bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act would help keep breastfeeding parents and their kids safe and healthy while traveling by air. Mishandled breast milk can become contaminated, which puts children at risk. Moreover, parents who lactate typically need to breastfeed or pump once every few hours. Failure to do so can result in a clogged milk duct, or a painful infection called mastitis. The legislation would better protect families by requiring TSA to:
    Issue guidance promoting the hygienic handling of any breast milk, baby formula and other infant nutrition products, as well as accessories required to preserve these products;
    Consult with nationally recognized maternal health organizations in establishing and communicating this guidance; and
    Update guidance every five years to respond to emerging needs of parents and to account for developments in technology.
    This legislation would also direct an independent government watchdog to conduct an audit of compliance with TSA screening policies for passengers traveling with breast milk and other infant nutrition products, providing lawmakers with information related to violations of policies. U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell (D-CA-14) is the lead sponsor of bipartisan companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “As a husband and father, my wife and I know how challenging traveling can be for new parents. TSA screening is already stressful enough without the added anxiety and humiliation of having your breast milk or formula heavily scrutinized and mistreated,” said Congressman Eric Swalwell. “The BABES Act will ensure TSA handles these screenings with care, consulting maternal health experts to establish proper hygienic standards while maintaining robust security measures. This bill is about giving parents peace of mind so they can focus on their families while they travel.”
    A copy of the bill text is available on the Senator’s website.
    Duckworth has been a strong advocate in ensuring moms receive the dignity and respect they deserve while traveling. In 2022, Duckworth pressed TSA Administrator David Pekoske for improved treatment of new mothers and Americans with disabilities from employees of the TSA. That same year, Duckworth also called on TSA to address inconsistent implementation of the 3-1-1 Liquids Rule Exemption travel policy for breast milk and formula at airport security checkpoints as well as ensure new moms and their infants can travel safely without fear of harassment.
    Duckworth has also championed several policies that help make air travel easier for new moms. Her bipartisan Friendly Airports for Mothers (FAM) Improvement Act, which was signed into law in 2020, is helping ensure our small airports across the country support new moms and promote breastfeeding-friendly environments. The legislation builds on Duckworth’s success in enacting a law that ensures all large and medium airports provide a clean, private space where moms can breastfeed or pump. As a result of her legislation, O’Hare and Midway Airports both installed free-standing lactation pods.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Statement On Trump’s Mass Deportation Actions In Chicago

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    January 26, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, (D-IL) today issued the following statement after President Donald Trump’s administration started mass deportation actions in and around Chicago: 
    “We can all agree that we must remove any dangerous individuals from our country who are here illegally. But the mass deportation actions being undertaken by President Trump’s administration go far beyond those important goals. These actions have the potential to sweep up Dreamers who came to the United States as children, Veterans who have served our nation, and essential workers who care for our family members, build our homes, and ensure we have food on our tables.
    “Instead, we should focus on deporting those who pose a danger to our country. And we should give the rest a chance to earn legal status. They would have to register with the government, pay their dues, and submit to background checks. 
    “We stand with the immigrant community in Chicago and across the country, and our offices and caseworkers are ready to help those who are improperly caught up in these raids.”
    Last month, as Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin held a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “How Mass Deportations Will Separate American Families, Harm Our Armed Forces, and Devastate Our Economy.” The hearing examined the consequences of mass deportations, as well as stressed the need to shift congressional efforts toward sensible solutions that bring order to the border and provide a path to citizenship to longtime residents with no serious criminal convictions.
     
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch, Britt Introduce Bill to Finish Southern Border Wall, Eliminate Taxpayer-funded Entitlement Benefits for Illegal Immigrants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) introduced the WALL Act to finish construction of the southern border wall and protect American families.
    “Now is the time to finish the southern border wall. The WALL Act helps President Trump complete what he started in his first term and does it all without adding a dime to our national debt,” said Risch. “For the last four years, millions of illegal immigrants flooded across our southern border, exploiting open-border policies and wasting vast sums of taxpayer dollars. Those days are over.”
    “President Donald Trump and the Republican majorities in the House and Senate have not just a mandate but an obligation to secure the border and protect American families,” said Britt.“The United States needs a completed border wall—it is just common sense to have a physical barrier in place to ensure only lawful entry into our country. The WALL Act would ensure the completion of America’s border wall without raising taxes on U.S. citizens or increasing the national debt by a single penny. It would accomplish this by eliminating taxpayer-funded entitlement benefits for illegal aliens, which would further deter illegal migration.”
    The WALL Act would appropriate $25 billion to finish building a wall on our southern border without raising taxes on U.S. citizens or increasing the national debt. It would be funded by closing loopholes and eliminating taxpayer-funded entitlements and tax benefits for people who are in the U.S. illegally. The bill also imposes monetary fines on people who enter the country illegally or overstay their visas. The Joint Committee on Taxation estimated in 2018 that enacting the provisions in this bill would save $33 billion of taxpayer dollars over ten years.
    Risch and Britt are joined by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Mike Rounds (R-S.Dak.), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) in introducing the legislation.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement of support for Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) released the following statement announcing that he would vote to confirm Scott Bessent as the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury:
    “I support Mr. Bessent’s nomination to lead the Department of the Treasury because of his decades of experience in the financial sector and his conviction that American strength is built on a stable, innovative, and growing economy. While I disagree with many of his policy positions, particularly his support for extending tax cuts for the wealthy and President Trump’s tariff threats, I hope that he will focus the Treasury Department on bringing down costs for middle-class Americans. I am particularly encouraged by his commitment to continue U.S. investment in international financial institutions, which are essential tools for advancing global prosperity and demonstrating U.S. leadership.”  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Names Small Business of the Week, Myers Tree Farm

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    RED OAK, Iowa – U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Chair of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today announced her Small Business of the Week: Myers Tree Farm of Des Moines County. Throughout the 119th Congress, Chair Ernst plans to recognize a small business in every one of Iowa’s 99 counties.
    “For over 35 years, Myers Tree Farm has rooted itself in the Sperry community, sprucing things up with their variety of houseplants, succulents, and home decor,” said Chair Ernst. “Home to over 5,000 Christmas trees, this family-owned and operated small business continues to bring holiday joy to families across Iowa!”
    In 1987, Robert and Patti Myers planted a group of Christmas trees on an acre of land in hopes to sell them and pay for their kids college education. After Chad graduated from Iowa State University in 1993 with a degree in horticulture, he joined the business full-time and eventually took over with his wife. The couple expanded Myers Tree Farm to include full-service landscaping and a potting shed that houses flowers, garden and vegetable plants, and succulents. In 2019, the Myerses fully renovated their barn to host weddings ceremonies. The business hosts an annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration that attracts over 5,000 people to the family farm. This year, Myers Tree Farm will celebrate 38 years in Iowa. 
    Stay tuned as Chair Ernst recognizes more Iowa small businesses across the state with her Small Business of the Week award.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: BlackRock® Canada Announces Final January Cash Distributions for the iShares® Premium Money Market ETF

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, Jan. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the final January 2025 cash distributions for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF. Unitholders of record on January 28, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable on January 31, 2025.

    Details regarding the final “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    Fund Name Fund
    Ticker    		 Cash
    Distribution
    Per Unit
    iShares Premium Money Market ETF CMR $0.145
     

    Further information on the iShares ETFs can be found at http://www.blackrock.com/ca.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @BlackRockCA

    About iShares ETFs

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.2 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2024, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    Contact for Media:
    Reem Jazar
    Email: reem.jazar@blackrock.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Co-sponsor Climate Resolution

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    January 27, 2025
    Senators fight back against Donald Trump’s day-one withdrawal of the United States from Paris Climate Agreement
    Washington DC—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced they have joined 20 U.S. Senate colleagues to reintroduce the We Are Still In resolution in response to Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Climate Agreement through a day-one executive order.  
    “With increasingly severe weather consistently threatening Oregon and the wildfires now ravaging southern California, it’s clear the climate is in crisis and it’s no time to retreat on clean energy policies,” Wyden said. “With the passage in 2022 of the largest climate and clean energy investment in history, the United States has led on  international climate policy to create an economically and environmentally viable future for our children. The We Are Still In resolution would keep our country on track of refusing to sacrifice good-paying, forward thinking jobs and the future our children deserve by appeasing a few big oil billionaires.” 
    “Climate chaos is a global problem, and it requires global solutions,” Senator Merkley said. “Our communities are ravaged by wildfires and smoke, hurricanes and extreme flooding – all exacerbated by climate chaos. To address the worsening crisis, we need strong international partnerships and the United States has both a moral and a strategic responsibility to lead the world in climate action.”
    The We Are Still In resolution signals ongoing support for U.S. climate ambition by leaders in Congress continuing to work with and highlighting local, state, regional, Tribal, and nongovernmental climate partners. The resolution underscores significant climate and clean energy actions by local and state governments, critical investments made through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act, and widespread support for the Paris climate agreement. With Trump’s withdrawal, the United States joins Iran, Yemen, and Libya as the only countries in the world not party to the Paris climate agreement. 
    Full text of the We Are Still In resolution is here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Murkowski and Chemnitz: Greenland “Ally, not an Asset”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Lisa Murkowski
    01.27.25
    Washington, DC – Today, United States Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska and Co-Chair of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region) and Aaja Chemnitz (Member of Danish Parliament representing Greenland for Inuit Ataqatigiit and Chair of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region), released the following joint statement:
    “In recent weeks, as President Trump has suggested the U.S. should purchase Greenland from the Kingdom of Denmark, attention has rapidly turned to what the future may hold. The appeal of Greenland is easy to understand. It is strategically located for defense, shipping, and more. It is also a storehouse for all sorts of minerals, the building blocks of society that will determine who leads—and controls—the industries of the future.
    “Of course, a businessman turned president would be interested. But Greenland is not for sale. The question has been asked and firmly answered by the government of Greenland, Naalakkersuisut.
    “As legislators representing Greenland in Denmark and the United States, we see a better path forward. The United States, like Denmark, should recognize that the future will be defined by partnership, not ownership. To ensure our alliance reaches its full potential, Americans must view Greenland as an ally, not an asset. Open for business, but not for sale.
    “From our work on Arctic Parliamentarians, we are certain that U.S. ambitions for national security can be achieved without altering Greenland’s autonomy. We see that in Pittufik Space Base. Dialogue and cooperation can strengthen our ties; diplomacy can pave the way for a relationship and alliance that fulfills our mutual interests. 
    “We can also affirm that Greenland welcomes increased cooperation with the U.S. on defense, mineral development, trade, and our common values of freedom and democracy. The U.S. should embrace that. And it should be paired with a larger acceptance of the Arctic as a region of shared responsibility whose opportunities cannot be seized, and whose challenges cannot be overcome, by any one nation on its own.
    “Let’s remember that the U.S. portion of the Arctic—Alaska—shares more than lines of latitude with Greenland. Whether you’re in Nuuk or Nome, you will see and hear familiar words, a reflection of our Inuk and Iñupiaq peoples’ common history. Alaska has the same advantages as Greenland, from strategic location to abundant resources. We can form the heart of this union throughout the 21st century and beyond.
    “We work hard to ensure prosperity, peaceful and respectful collaboration and protection of our people. We do so through international cooperation including through the Arctic Council which is the main Arctic cooperative governance body. We call on continued support and engagement in the peaceful dialogue through the Arctic Council, and we look forward and support the incoming chairship of Kingdom of Denmark, and recognize the leading role of Greenland in the chairship.
    “The future does not require us to redraw the borders on that map, but to work harder than ever across them. The respectful, consensus partnership is the only way to truly foster the ties that will bind Greenland and the United States together for the long haul. We call the Arctic our home. We work hard to ensure prosperity, peaceful and respectful collaboration and protection of our people. We believe in a stronger partnership for a brighter future across the Arctic.”
    Yesterday, the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (SCPAR) met in Tromsø, Norway, for the organization’s winter meeting. Senator Murkowski participated virtually.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin: RFK Jr. Is Dangerously Unqualified To Serve As HHS Secretary

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 27, 2025
    In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin warns that Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s dangerous and irresponsible views could jeopardize children’s health
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke out against the nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), citing the nominee’s false and irresponsible views on vaccines.  In his remarks, Durbin pointed to specific examples of Kennedy spreading lies about vaccines, fluoride, and other measures with proven scientific history of safety and improving health.
    “Every day HHS makes life or death decisions. That [department] oversees the Food and Drug Administration to make sure that what we eat is safe, to make sure the drugs that are sold to us are effective and safe as well. The National Institutes of Health, the premier medical research agency in the world, with $48 billion spent each year to find cures, to find new drugs, to move us toward a better America.  And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to make sure that whatever is going around, as they say, doesn’t hit our families. We count on them every single day. It’s a big job, it requires responsible leadership and honesty,” Durbin began. 
    Durbin acknowledged that he has some common ground with Kennedy, specifically related to curbing pharmaceutical advertisements, which mirrors a policy laid out in Durbin’s DTC Act.
    “There may be some certain areas where we agree, such as curbing drug ads or improving the quality of food supply… I can work with him on those issues,” Durbin said.
    “But on the fundamentals… his leadership is troublesome.  Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is dangerously, dangerously unqualified and entirely irresponsible in his judgement.  He embraces quack science and cherry-picks information to fulfill his numerous conspiracy theories,” Durbin said.
    Durbin spoke to Kennedy’s record of spreading lies about the efficacy and safety of vaccines.  Durbin quoted Kennedy directly during his remarks, reiterating that Kennedy has said as recently as July 2023 that, “there’s no vaccine that is safe and effective.”
    “His decades-long crusade to spread lies about vaccines is just one example,” Durbin said.  “Contrary to scientific fact, he has also said that ‘I do believe that autism does come from vaccines.’”
    Durbin explained that Kennedy helped to publish, promote, and wrote the foreword for a book called Cause Unknown, which included faulty, unsubstantiated claims linking COVID-19 vaccines and deaths in children.  The book’s cover features the face of 12-year-old Braden Fahey, implying that COVID-19 vaccines played a role in Braden’s death.  However, Braden never received a COVID-19 vaccine—he died at football practice due to a malformed blood vessel in his brain, but the book included Braden’s photo without the knowledge or consent of his grieving parents.
    “The height of irresponsibility.  Mr. Kennedy pushes facts aside when he wants to tell us about his agenda.  The Hippocratic Oath for doctors states: first, do no harm.  But I am fearful that if we put Robert F. Kennedy Jr., in charge of our nation’s health, innocent children will die,” Durbin continued.
    “It’s no secret what he would do.  Mr. Kennedy himself petitioned the FDA to rescind authorization of all COVID vaccines in 2021.  And a key associate of his has petitioned to remove the polio vaccine,” Durbin said.
    “In 1952, polio paralyzed more than 21,000 Americans and killed more than 3,000.  But thanks to researcher Jonas Salk, a vaccine was discovered and studied among 1.3 million children… It was proven safe,” Durbin said.
    As Durbin points out, Kennedy has travelled internationally to spread doubt and falsehoods about the safety and efficacy of the measles vaccine.
    “Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has spread conspiracy theories to discourage uptake of the measles vaccine, for example – including travelling to Samoa to spread lies about its safety, fueling an outbreak that took 80 lives,” Durbin continued.  “Before the measles vaccine, 48,000 people were hospitalized each year—with thousands experiencing life-threatening brain swelling.  By 2000, measles was declared eliminated because of vaccines.”
    Durbin then spoke about Kennedy’s unsupported claims that fluoride in water is unhealthy despite clear scientific evidence proving that fluoride helps prevent cavities and dental surgery.
    “Mr. Kennedy’s dangerous, anti-science views don’t stop… He has also targeted the fluoride in drinking water.  We’ve been adding… fluoride in our drinking water for over 70 years in the United States.  We have tested it every way you can imagine, as we should, to make sure that it is safe for all of us to drink,” Durbin said.
    “This man is not a scientist… He has no special knowledge or authority when it comes to these issues and sadly, [he] buys into a myriad of conspiracy theories,” Durbin said.  “God forbid we encounter another pandemic or infectious disease threat.  Do you really want this vaccine denier, Robert Kennedy Jr., at the helm?”
    Durbin concluded his floor speech by calling on his Senate colleagues to stand against Kennedy’s nomination for the sake of public health.
    “I issue a challenge to my 99 Senate colleagues: go ask your local children’s hospital if they think this nominee, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., would help or harm their work to treat sick children,” Durbin said.  “The United States Senate is better than this.  I urge my colleagues to think twice before voting for this irresponsible nominee…  This is the wrong nominee for this critical agency.”
    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 USA: Durbin Highlights Bill To Halt U.S. Investment In Venezuela’s Energy Sector Until Legitimate 2024 Election Results Are Elected

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    January 27, 2025
    WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today highlighted a bill he introduced terminating all U.S. petroleum cooperation and petroleum-related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the recent Venezuelan election are respected. On July 28, 2024, more than 10 million Venezuelans peacefully voted in the presidential election, with results meticulously compiled by credible election monitors showing an overwhelming victory for opposition candidate, Edmundo González, over President Nicolás Maduro. The regime issued an arrest warrant forGonzález and brazenly refused to swear him in as President on January 10, the country’s Inauguration Day. The Maduro regime currently uses oil revenues dependent on U.S. involvement to maintain its police state. Durbin filed the bill as an amendment to the annual defense authorization bill last year. A bipartisan companion bill was reintroduced in the House earlier this month by Representatives Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (D-FL-25) and Maria Salazar (D-FL-27).  
    “In 2018, I had the opportunity to visit Venezuela—it was a once prosperous, albeit imperfect, democracy suffering from terrible economic and political decline. I told then-President Maduro that if he rigged the upcoming election, Venezuelans would be more isolated and endure unnecessary suffering. It didn’t stop him for a minute. He went ahead with a discredited election. The result was as predicted. The economy of Venezuela started descending into chaos. People were literally starving. There was an exodus of millions of people from Venezuela,” Durbin said.
    “Last July, Venezuela held another presidential election during which the regime arbitrarily blocked leading opposition candidates from the ballot and tried to undermine the electoral process. Nonetheless, more than 10 million Venezuelans actually voted and the results were meticulously documented by credible election monitors showed a sweeping victory for Edmundo González—his opponent,” said Durbin. “I was glad to see that one of newly confirmed Secretary of State Rubio’s first calls was to President-elect González.”
    “Yet, despite his clear victory, the Maduro Administration has refused to give up the office of presidency and refused to recognize the legitimate election result. …. [it] announced that it had won actually… which is becoming a common trick by these dictators, and refused to swear him in on their inauguration day,” Durbin said. “So, today, I am reintroducing a short, simple bill terminating all U.S. petroleum cooperation and related trade with Venezuela until the legitimate results of the election are respected. It’s pretty simple—the entrenched regime clings to power using oil revenues dependent on the U.S. Under my bill, that will end. President Trump and Secretary Rubio could also take this step right away without my legislation.”
    Durbin concluded, “Lastly, I appeal to our democratic allies in the region, including the democracies of the Caribbean, to stand resolute in defense of a sweeping and clear vote by their exhausted Venezuelan neighbors. They cannot sit idly by for another six years of regime-inflicted suffering and collapse in Venezuela.”
    Durbin traveled to Venezuela in April 2018, during which time he met with then National Assembly Member Juan Guaidó as well as Nicolás Maduro, warning him that pursuing a sham election the following month would further isolate his autocratic regime.
    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 USA: Senator Marshall, Kansas State Senators Announce $41 Million Savings to Kansas Taxpayers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    WICHITA, KS – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D., and Kansas State Senators Michael Fagg and Rick Billinger are pleased to announce more than $41 million in savings to Kansas taxpayers through a reduction in the state’s federal debt payments.
    “I was honored to work with long-time friend, Senator Mike Fagg, to deliver important debt relief to Kansas taxpayers,” said Senator Marshall. “This was a simple but impactful change that will save the state millions of dollars.” 
    “I’m excited and proud of how all of our federal and state officials worked together to guide this project through to a successful finish,” said State Senator Mike Fagg, R-El Dorado. “This is a great deal for Kansas and will financially help towards the water challenges in our state.” 
    I would like to thank Senator Roger Marshall for leading the way in the Us Senate and making the forgiveness of the compounding interest his number one priority,” said State Senator Rick Billinger, R-Goodland. “I also thank Senator Jerry Moran for making the forgiveness of the compounding interest his number one priority. Thank you Representative Tracy Mann for leading the charge in the US House and voting for the bill. Thanks to Representatives Ron Estes and Sharice Davids, who both voted for the bill. I would like to thank Governor Kelly for having the Kansas water office write a letter asking forgiveness for the compounding interest. I would also like to thank Senator Mike Fagg for all his hard work in making this savings to the state of Kansas happen. Mike and Senator Marshall had worked together to have the compounding interest forgiven. They also worked on a loan at El Dorado lake a few years earlier.”
    Background: 
    The State of Kansas has a water storage agreement with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) for water storage at 14 Kansas reservoirs. However, Milford Lake and Perry Lake still have contracts that date back to the 1970s and require the state to pay compound interest to USACE. Through the 2024 Water Resource Development Act (WRDA) passed by Congress in December, Senator Marshall was successful in changing the compound interest payments to simple interest payments, saving the state more than $40 million over the course of the contracts. 
    In 2022, Senator Marshall was successful in changing the City of El Dorado’s debt payment to USACE for water storage in El Dorado Lake from compound to simple, saving the city millions of dollars. Senator Fagg, who previously served as mayor of El Dorado, reached out to Senator Marshall’s office asking for assistance in making the same changes to the state’s debt agreements with USACE. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Joins Newsmax National Report: RFK Jr. Will Execute President Trump’s Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. joined Newsmax: National Report to discuss CIA Director John Ratcliffe’s recent release of declassified COVID-19 origins documents confirming the intelligence community’s long-suspected lab leak theory, as well as former President Joe Biden’s preemptive pardoning of Covid Czar Dr. Anthony Fauci. Senator Marshall has been an advocate in calling for transparency around the lab leak theory and the Biden Administration’s lack of transparency. 
    Additionally, Senator Marshall shared his support for President Trump’s Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Nominee, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., as he prepares for his confirmation hearings this week in the Senate Finance and Health Committees. As the leader and founder of the Senate Make America Healthy Again Caucus, Senator Marshall discussed how RFK Jr. will combat America’s chronic disease epidemic. 
    You may click HERE or on the image above to watch Senator Marshall’s full interview. 
    Highlights from Senator Marshall’s interview include:
    On CIA Director John Ratcliffe Releasing Classified Covid Origin Reports: 
    “I think number one is this is a sign of President Trump’s more transparency model. But look, most of the evidence, the preponderance of the evidence, supports that this virus came from a lab in Wuhan China, partially funded by Dr Fauci. We’ve known that for years. Look, China’s had five years to show us some type of an intermediate species, how this virus could have came from a bat, to some type of an animal, and then to humans. We’ve known from day one that this was very suspicious.”
    “This is just transparency. Promises made, promises kept. President Trump has promised that he would make everything more transparent. Here’s John Ratcliffe implementing that plan.” 
    On President Biden’s pre-emptive pardoning of Dr. Fauci: 
    “Once again, what are they hiding? And of course, he did this with the entire Biden cartel as well. He pardoned them from future charges, which is just unheard of.”
    “I think there’s going to be a preponderance of evidence coming out showing that Dr. Fauci is partially responsible for the 1 million Americans that died due to COVID, that he funded the research to develop this COVID virus, and it was then accidentally leaked from a lab in Wuhan, China. It’s a horrible, horrible [precedent] for the President to do this.”
    On President Trump’s Nominee for HHS Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.: 
    “I don’t agree with RFK Jr. on everything, but I fully support him. I think he’s absolutely going to be a game-changer. I think there’s a groundswell of people, Americans who support RFK Jr. as well – and we need those people to reach out to their senators this week as RFK Jr. goes into nomination hearings. He actually has two hearings going forward, so we need folks to reach out and say ‘this is why we support him.’”
    “Look, RFK Jr. is going to execute the President’s agenda. There’s some things in the past that RFK Jr. and I disagree with, but he’s going to put those beside him and focus on making America healthy again, and that’s all President Trump’s goal is here.”
    “60% of Americans have some type of a chronic disease, and mostly that’s determined by what they eat and the toxins they’re exposed to. So I’m just looking forward to working with RFK Jr. again. He’s going to be a game changer and is going to give us an opportunity to address some of these challenges. He’s going to do a great job.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Marshall, Johnson Introduce Legislation To Require Federal Agencies to Make Regulatory Guidance Publicly Accessible

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

    Washington, D.C. –  U.S. Senators Roger Marshall, M.D., Ron Johnson (R-WI) and 14 of their Senate colleagues introduced the Guidance Out Of Darkness (GOOD) Act. The GOOD Act requires federal agencies to publish their regulatory guidance on the Internet in an easily accessible location. This bill will help impacted entities — including small businesses, workers and households — be fully informed of regulatory requirements in order to take any necessary actions for compliance.
    “There must be full transparency between government bureaucrats and the American taxpayers who pay their salaries. Requiring federal agencies to publish their regulatory guidance on the internet in an easily accessible location should be a no brainer,” said Senator Marshall. “I’m shocked we’ve come far without this basic step being taken, I am proud to join Senator Johnson in introducing the GOOD Act, which would introduce common-sense reforms to our governing system to improve transparency and efficiency.”
    Senators Marshall and Johnson were joined by Senators Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Joni Ernst (R-IA), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Rick Scott (R-FL), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Hoeven (R-ND), Ted Budd (R-NC), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), and James Risch (R-ID). 
    The full text of the legislation can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: STANDING AT ALTON’S RESTAURANT IN CHEEKTOWAGA WITH EGG & GROCERY PRICES RISING DUE TO BIRD FLU OUTBREAK CALLS ON FEDS TO SURGE ‘BIOSECURITY’ AND GET ALL HANDS ON DECK TO HELP FARMS CONTAIN…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Schumer Says Egg Prices Already Increased $2 Per Dozen In Last Two Months And Could Get Worse If New Admin Doesn’t Surge Efforts To Beat Bird Flu; Farmers Do Not Have Resources To Contain Bird Flu Alone, Says Feds Must Ramp Up Efforts NOW Before Prices Climb Higher
    With Millions Of Birds Impacted Last Month, And More Bird Flu Being Found In NY Just Last Week, Schumer Says Biosecurity And Increased Fed Response Is Key To Isolate & Contain Bird Flu And Lower Grocery Costs
    Schumer: With New Admin, We Can’t Afford To Scramble To Keep Bird Flu Mitigation Going—Or Egg & All Grocery Prices Could Surge
    Amid the increasing price of eggs in Western NY and across Upstate New York amid the bird flu outbreak, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood at Cheektowaga’s beloved Alton’s Restaurant and called on HHS and the USDA to surge funding and get all hands on deck for coordinated federal response to stop the spread causing sky-rocketing egg prices and lower costs for families, diners, and local bakeries.
    “Alton’s has been a staple in Western New York for over 40 years, but recently restaurants like Alton’s and families in Buffalo have been shell-shocked by higher egg and grocery prices. Egg prices are skyrocketing because of bird flu, driving costs up for families, farms, diners, and small businesses. In November, a dozen eggs cost about $4 in NY which is already high, but now the average is nearly $6, and with bird flu getting worse this problem could quickly spiral into a crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “Last year I secured millions to help contain this disease and we need the new administration to surge biosecurity efforts to beat back bird flu. We need a robust, coordinated federal response to crack down on bird flu and I am committed to working in a bipartisan way with the new administration to get grocery prices lower and that starts with getting a handle on bird flu. The health of our livestock, our restaurants, and Western NY families’ wallets depend on it.”
    For decades, Alton’s has been a beloved cornerstone of Western New York’s culinary scene, serving hearty Greek-American comfort food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Since opening its doors in 1982, the Cheektowaga-based restaurant, owned by Milton Koutsandreas, has built a loyal following with its warm atmosphere and home-cooked meals. However, like many local businesses across the region, Alton’s has felt the strain of rising costs, particularly the significant increase in egg prices. Just a few months ago they were able to get 30 dozen eggs for $50 a case, and now the diner is seeing prices climb to $180 a case.
    Some grocery stores are limiting the number of egg cartons consumers can purchase, and the price of eggs in New York State has increased from $4.23 in November to $6.10 as of January 10 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Roughly 8% of egg supply has been affected by the avian flu nationwide, and experts say prices could increase an additional 20% in 2025 if the bird flu keeps spreading.
    Schumer added, “I’ll be pushing for more federal resources in the upcoming budget bill to stop the bird flu, and the feds need to continue prioritizing biosecurity, get all hands on deck for containing bird flu. This will give farmers the resources to isolate, sanitize, and purchase the protective equipment they need.”
    More than 20 million egg-laying chickens died last quarter because of bird flu, and last week Long Island’s last commercial duck farm was forced to kill thousands of ducks after health officials detected cases of bird flu, forcing the farm to cease operations. An outbreak in Georgia last week showed how the virus can spread, and Schumer highlighted the need for federal coordination to prevent further spread and support farms in New York and across the country. With infections across the country, there have been fewer eggs available, and decreased supply has led to increasing prices at grocery stores.
    “As a restaurant manager, I know firsthand how crucial affordable ingredients are to keeping our business running and our customers happy. Eggs are a staple in so many of the dishes we serve, and rising prices significantly affect our costs and prices – something we always try to avoid,” said Alton’s Restaurant General Manager Audrea Arricale. “I want to thank Senator Chuck Schumer for taking the issue of excessively high food costs seriously.”
    “Stable egg prices are critical for the success of Cheektowaga’s local businesses, especially restaurants and grocery stores, which are already navigating the challenges of inflation,” said Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce President and CEO James Burns. “Senator Schumer’s push to strengthen biosecurity and support farmers in fighting bird flu is essential to keeping costs down for both businesses and families in our community.”
    “I thank Senator Schumer for standing up for basic, common sense public health efforts. As the COVID-19 pandemic showed, we need everyone, from global partners and academia to local health departments in the fight together against illnesses like H5N1 highly pathogenic avian flu, which is a looming threat to the public’s health, our economy and our food security,” said Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz.
    “I thank Senator Schumer for his efforts to advance a practical solution to an issue that has a concrete impact on all of us. Resources are already in the federal budget and should be expended to address the issue,” said Cheektowaga Town Supervisor Brian Nowak.
    Schumer said that the federal government must invest in biosecurity efforts including isolation, sanitation, and more personal protective equipment (PPE). The senator called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health, among other federal agencies, to engage in a coordinated federal response to manage this bird flu outbreak. HHS invested $300+ million dollars before the new administration took office and the USDA has said that preparedness is the key to keeping Americans healthy and our country safe. Schumer said that as Congress continues to negotiate the Farm Bill, which regulates the federal budget for agricultural-related programs, the new Congress and the new administration must continue to prioritize investing in helping farms detect and contain bird flu.
    “The bottom-line here is that we do not want farmers, the feds, or consumers at the grocery store to scramble with this threat of bird flu sustaining into 2025. We want to try and keep grocery prices in check, and that means keeping the new Congress and the new administration laser-focused on ending this latest bird flu outbreak,” said Schumer.
    Under the Biden administration, the CDC made plans to award approximately $111 million in funding to enhance our ability to monitor the bird flu at the local, state and national levels, including $103 million to increase monitoring of individuals exposed to infected animals, testing, and outreach to high-risk populations (such as livestock workers) and $8 million to manufacture, store, and distribute influenza diagnostic test kits for virologic surveillance. The NIH made plans to award approximately $11 million in funding for additional research into potential medical countermeasures for the bird flu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: STANDING AT ROCHESTER’S JINES RESTAURANT WITH EGG & GROCERY PRICES RISING DUE TO BIRD FLU OUTBREAK CALLS ON FEDS TO SURGE ‘BIOSECURITY’ AND GET ALL HANDS ON DECK TO HELP FARMS CONTAIN BIRD…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    Schumer Says Egg Prices Already Increased $2 Per Dozen In Last Two Months And Could Get Worse If New Admin Doesn’t Surge Efforts To Beat Bird Flu; Farmers Do Not Have Resources To Contain Bird Flu Alone, Says Feds Must Ramp Up Efforts NOW Before Prices Climb Higher
    With Millions Of Birds Impacted Last Month, And More Bird Flu Being Found In NY Just Last Week, Schumer Says Biosecurity And Increased Fed Response Is Key To Isolate & Contain Bird Flu And Lower Grocery Costs
    Schumer: With New Admin, We Can’t Afford To Scramble To Keep Bird Flu Mitigation Going—Or Egg & All Grocery Prices Could Surge
    Amid the increasing price of eggs in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region and across Upstate New York, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today stood at Rochester’s beloved Jines Restaurant and called on HHS and the USDA to surge funding and get all hands on deck for coordinated federal response to stop the spread causing sky-rocketing egg prices and lower costs for families, diners, and local bakeries.
    “Everyone in Rochester has eaten at Jines at some point, but diners like Jines and families in Rochester have been shell-shocked by higher egg and grocery prices. Egg prices are skyrocketing because of bird flu, driving costs up for families, farms, diners, and small businesses. In November, a dozen eggs cost about $4 in NY which is already high, but now the average is nearly $6, and with bird flu getting worse this problem could quickly spiral into a crisis,” said Senator Schumer. “Last year I secured millions to help contain this disease and we need the new administration to surge biosecurity efforts to beat back bird flu. We need a robust, coordinated federal response to crack down on bird flu and I am committed to working in a bipartisan way with the new administration to get grocery prices lower and that starts with getting a handle on bird flu. The health of our livestock, our restaurants, and Rochester families’ wallets depend on it.”
    Jines Restaurant serves thousands of eggs per week, and says the cost of egg cases has increased at unprecedented rates since the start of the avian flu. The restaurant is used to a dozen eggs costing $1.50 a dozen, but now sees prices at $6.50 a dozen and above. With the price of eggs continuing to rise steeply in Rochester and across the country, local diners like Jines are being forced to decide between absorbing the costs and raising prices for customers.
    Some grocery stores are limiting the number of egg cartons consumers can purchase, and the price of eggs in New York State has increased from $4.23 in November to $6.10 as of January 10 according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Roughly 8% of egg supply has been affected by the avian flu nationwide, and experts say prices could increase an additional 20% in 2025 if the bird flu keeps spreading.
    Schumer added, “I’ll be pushing for more federal resources in the upcoming budget bill to stop the bird flu, and the feds need to continue prioritizing biosecurity, get all hands on deck for containing bird flu. This will give farmers the resources to isolate, sanitize, and purchase the protective equipment they need.”
    More than 20 million egg-laying chickens died last quarter because of bird flu, and last week Long Island’s last commercial duck farm was forced to kill thousands of ducks after health officials detected cases of bird flu, forcing the farm to cease operations. An outbreak in Georgia last week showed how the virus can spread, and Schumer highlighted the need for federal coordination to prevent further spread and support farms in New York and across the country. With infections across the country, there have been fewer eggs available, and decreased supply has led to increasing prices at grocery stores.
    Peter Gines, Jines Restaurant Owner said, “Eggs are used in nearly every dish that we serve and when you need thousands of eggs a week, every cost increase multiplies quickly.  As a small business owner, and on behalf of our employees and customers, we appreciate Senator Schumer’s attention to addressing this issue.”
    Schumer said that the federal government must invest in biosecurity efforts including isolation, sanitation, and more personal protective equipment (PPE). The senator called on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health, among other federal agencies, to engage in a coordinated federal response to manage this bird flu outbreak. HHS invested $300+ million dollars before the new administration took office and the USDA has said that preparedness is the key to keeping Americans healthy and our country safe. Schumer said that as Congress continues to negotiate the Farm Bill, which regulates the federal budget for agricultural-related programs, the new Congress and the new administration must continue to prioritize investing in helping farms detect and contain bird flu.
    “The bottom-line here is that we do not want farmers, the feds, or consumers at the grocery store to scramble with this threat of bird flu sustaining into 2025. We want to try and keep grocery prices in check, and that means keeping the new Congress and the new administration laser-focused on ending this latest bird flu outbreak,” said Schumer.
    Under the Biden administration, the CDC made plans to award approximately $111 million in funding to enhance our ability to monitor the bird flu at the local, state and national levels, including $103 million to increase monitoring of individuals exposed to infected animals, testing, and outreach to high-risk populations (such as livestock workers) and $8 million to manufacture, store, and distribute influenza diagnostic test kits for virologic surveillance. The NIH made plans to award approximately $11 million in funding for additional research into potential medical countermeasures for the bird flu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Readout: Foreign Secretary meeting with US Secretary of State

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

    Foreign Secretary call with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio: 27 January 2025 

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy spoke with United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio today.  

    The Foreign Secretary congratulated Secretary Rubio on his appointment as Secretary of State and the pair discussed their shared links to the Caribbean, with the Foreign Secretary’s family ties to Guyana and Secretary Rubio’s family links to Cuba. 

    They both welcomed the opportunity for the UK and the US to work together in alignment to address on shared challenges including the situation in the Middle East, Russia’s illegal war in Ukraine, the challenges posed by China and the need for Indo-Pacific security.  

    The pair said they looked forward to working together and to meeting in person soon.

    Updates to this page

    Published 27 January 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Landmarks Lit Yellow for Holocaust Remembrance Day

    Source: US State of New York


















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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New Report Highlights Transformational First Year of Colorado Universal Preschool, Reaching Nearly 70% of Eligible Four-Year-Olds

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER — The Colorado Universal Preschool Annual Report, submitted to the Colorado Legislature as part of SMART Act requirements, highlights how the program’s inaugural year transformed early childhood education by providing high-quality, voluntary preschool to every child in the year before kindergarten. Read the report here. 

    “Free preschool is saving Colorado families an average of $6,100 every single year and helping our kids get the best possible start in life. This report shows that we are reaching the vast majority of young learners and we are committed to continue serving even more students,” said Governor Jared Polis. 

    In its first year, Colorado Universal Preschool served 43,479 children, reaching nearly 69% of the state’s eligible four-year-olds—a milestone that positions Colorado among the top states for preschool access nationwide. 

    “This success underscores Colorado’s commitment to children and families,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of CDEC. “Universal preschool is strengthening families and providing a solid foundation for our youngest learners to thrive.” 

    Key Wins for Colorado Families Enrolled in Colorado Universal Preschool in 2023-24:

    • Lowering Families’ Costs: The program saved families an average of $6,100 annually on preschool expenses, providing critical financial relief for other costs. 
    • Expanding Family Choice: With more than 1,900 providers statewide, families had the flexibility to choose from community-based, school-based, and home-based preschool settings. 
    • Serving Diverse Needs: Nearly 50% of children came from low-income households, with over 11,000 children also classified as being multilingual, experiencing ‘homelessness’, or having a disability. 
    • Strengthening the Sector: The program distributed $239.4 million to providers, enhancing sustainability and incentivizing sector growth. 

    “The impact of Colorado’s Universal Preschool program is profound,” said Michael Gaal, Superintendent of Colorado Springs School District 11. “District 11 is proud to be the largest provider of Universal Preschool serving more than 1000 preschoolers in El Paso County, with 31 of our 33 elementary schools offering the program. By investing in early childhood education, Colorado is setting the foundation for success. This program will not only benefit our students today, but its impact will continue to be felt for years to come.” 

    The report outlines ongoing challenges, including provider shortages in certain regions and workforce gaps. In response, the program has expanded full-day preschool (30 hours/week) for children in poverty and is launching a Provider Resource Bank to improve quality and accessibility statewide.

     “Colorado Universal Preschool is building a national model of excellence while addressing local needs,” Dr. Roy added. “We look forward to partnering with families, providers, and communities to create even greater opportunities for Colorado’s children.” 

    Apply Now for The 2025-26 School Year Submit an application by February 5, 2025 to be included in the first family-to-provider matching round. Learn more, explore preschool options, and apply online at UPK.Colorado.Gov. 

    Assistance is available: 

    💻Visit: Help.Upk.Colorado.Gov 

    📧Email: universalpreschool@state.co.us 

    📲Call: 303-866-5223 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. MST). Interpreters available in 100+ languages.

    MIL OSI USA News –