MIL-OSI USA: House Republicans Introduce Resolution Establishing New Select Subcommittee to Continue Investigation of the Events Surrounding January 6

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Chairman Barry Loudermilk (GA-11) today introduced a resolution establishing the new select subcommittee for the 119th Congress to continue Congress’ investigation into the events surrounding January 6, 2021.

Once the resolution is approved by the House, the work will be chaired by Rep. Loudermilk and exist as a Select Subcommittee of the House Judiciary Committee chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan (OH-4).

Speaker Johnson released the following statement:

“House Republicans are proud of our work so far in exposing the false narratives peddled by the politically motivated January 6 Select Committee during the 117th Congress, but there is clearly more work to be done. The resolution introduced today will establish this Select Subcommittee so we can continue our efforts to uncover the full truth that is owed to the American people. House Republicans remain intent on delivering the answers that House Democrats skipped over.”

Subcommittee Chairman Loudermilk released the following statement:

“I am honored to continue the investigation into the events surrounding January 6, 2021, and the failures that led to the breach of the U.S. Capitol. From my subcommittee investigation in the 118th Congress, we uncovered that what happened at the Capitol that day was the result of a series of intelligence, security, and leadership failures at multiple levels within numerous entities. While my subcommittee did an incredible job last Congress, there is still much work to be done. I appreciate Speaker Johnson entrusting me to continue this important investigation, and I look forward to working with Chairman Jordan and his team. It is vital that we continue to uncover the facts and begin the task of making needed reforms to ensure this level of security failure may never happen again.”

Chairman Jordan released the following statement:

“The partisan January 6 Committee failed to uncover crucial pieces of information for the American people, and Rep. Loudermilk has been the leader in getting to the bottom of the Democrat-run Committee’s failures. Rep. Loudermilk will continue to work tirelessly to get everyone the truth.”

The House will consider the resolution after Members return to Congress from the August District Work Period.

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Chairman Smith Op-Ed: The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Trump’s Trade Policy Will Do What ‘Bidenomics’ Never Could

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Today, Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith published an op-ed in the Washington Examiner highlighting how the One Big Beautiful Bill and President Trump’s trade policy will do what ‘Bidenomics’ NEVER could.

“Democrats in Washington like to push a narrative that you cannot cut taxes and decrease the deficit. But economic growth fueled by The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, combined with common-sense government spending cuts and President Donald Trump’s successful America First trade policy, will prove them wrong once again,” Chairman Smith wrote.

Read Chairman Smith’s full op-ed in Washington Examiner here or below:

For four years, Democrats in Washington pushed a reckless tax-and-spend agenda known as “Bidenomics” that blew a hole in the U.S.’s national debt. More than $10 trillion later, and along with 20% inflation that federal spending created, our nation is at a fiscal crossroads. The status quo is not acceptable or sustainable.

Democrats in Washington like to push a narrative that you cannot cut taxes and decrease the deficit. But economic growth fueled by The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, combined with common-sense government spending cuts and President Donald Trump’s successful America First trade policy, will prove them wrong once again.

In fact, it is already happening. June saw the first federal budget surplus in more than nine years, with revenues exceeding spending by $26 billion, thanks to a windfall of $18 billion in new tariff revenue. While deficits are likely to continue in the near term, this is a start in the right direction.

The myth that you cannot cut taxes and restore fiscal sanity depends on dismissing the tax incentives in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act that will drive investment, create jobs, and grow our economy. The simple truth: They will, and they have before.

Even though the 50-year historic average GDP growth is over 2.7%, the “nonpartisan” Congressional Budget Office forecasts economic growth will be just 1.8% in the coming years, and the projected deficit impact of the “big, beautiful bill” based on that growth would be $3.3 trillion over ten years. However, if our nation’s economic growth rises just 0.1% above the historic average and clocks in at 2.8%, federal deficits will actually be reduced by over half a trillion dollars.

Is this possible? We know it is because in the years following the passage of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, the United States’s economy grew by 2.8%. It can and will happen again.

Increased federal revenues driven by economic growth are just one piece of the equation. Trump’s successful America First trade policy is not only forcing our trading partners to the table to deliver better deals for American manufacturers and farmers, but it is also providing tens of billions of dollars for deficit reduction each month.

Even the CBO predicts that the new tariff policies will generate $2.5 trillion in new revenue for the federal government over the next 10 years. That is no small sum.

Putting direct tariff revenue aside, as countries come to the table and more markets open for American producers, our economic growth will accelerate further. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act and America First trade policies will turbocharge our entrepreneurs to produce more, hire more, and invest more here at home. This will only boost revenues flowing into the federal government further.

While economic growth and tariffs are part of the solution, Congress must be forced to address the elephant in the room: federal spending. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act took a massive turn down the correct path by cutting over $1.5 trillion in mandatory spending — the most in American history.

Complacency and lax oversight for years have allowed spending to explode, mostly in our nation’s social safety net programs. Fraud and abuse were allowed to run rampant, putting these programs at risk for the people who truly rely on them.

Through common-sense reforms such as work requirements, which more than 80% of the public supports, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act has eliminated wasteful spending and protected these programs for future generations. But more must be done.

Economic growth and tariff revenue alone will not save us, but they are certainly a start. Congress must make responsible decisions in the years to come to prevent saddling the next generation with even more crippling debt and economic decline.

Addressing our nation’s debt crisis will require a multifaceted, holistic approach, but Republicans are already taking America down the right track.

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Wasserman Schultz, Carter, Norcross Reintroduce Bipartisan Pool Safety Legislation to Save Young Lives

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“No work we do in Congress is more important than keeping our children healthy and safe. And the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act does that by saving countless lives over the years. So, it is critical that we continue this bipartisan, common-sense law, which this reauthorization does by expanding its life-saving impact,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Just this year in my home state we’ve seen over 60 drownings, which is more incidents than at this same time last year. But with education and added layers of protection we can keep more innocent children safe. This law does that by helping decrease drowning in pools and spas, a concern on every parent’s mind as the summer season and water activities pick up. Let’s keep our kids safe with sensible outreach, education, and precautions.”

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), John Carter (TX-31), and Donald Norcross (NJ-01) re-introduced the bipartisan Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety (VGB) Reauthorization Act to help decrease preventable drownings.

Drownings and near-drownings in pools and spas pose a significant public health risk to our nation’s children. These water-safety fatalities remain the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages one to four, with higher incidents of drowning deaths for American Indian and Black individuals. However, we are not powerless to prevent these tragedies. Strong education, awareness, and enforcement efforts help make children safer around the water and save lives.

“No work we do in Congress is more important than keeping our children healthy and safe. And the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act does that by saving countless lives over the years. So, it is critical that we continue this bipartisan, common-sense law, which this reauthorization does by expanding its life-saving impact,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Just this year in my home state we’ve seen over 60 drownings, which is more incidents than at this same time last year. But with education and added layers of protection we can keep more innocent children safe. This law does that by helping decrease drowning in pools and spas, a concern on every parent’s mind as the summer season and water activities pick up. Let’s keep our kids safe with sensible outreach, education, and precautions.”

“The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act has saved many lives since 2008 by helping to prevent drownings through stronger safety standards and public education,” said Carter. “Now, with summer in full swing and families spending more time at the pool, reauthorizing this law is more important than ever. We should all want our children to be safe around the pool, and this bill is a smart, bipartisan way to protect them. I thank my colleague Rep. Wasserman Schultz for her advocacy on this issue, and I hope my colleagues will support.”

“The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is a common-sense bill that has already saved countless lives. It’s a great example of when a policy works the way it was intended. The results speak for themselves since there haven’t been any entrapment deaths in public pools since the legislation was enacted,” said Norcross. “That’s why I’m honored to cosponsor this bill’s reauthorization to continue ensuring our pools install safe drain covers and, most importantly, save lives.”

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB), first authorized in 2008, is aimed at improving the safety of all pools and spas by increasing the layers of protection and promoting uninterrupted supervision to prevent child drowning and entrapment. The law has three principal elements, carried out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

First, it requires every public pool in the US to install safe drain covers that prevent suction entrapment.

2. Second, it initiates a grant program that incentivizes states, municipalities, and Indian Tribes to adopt their own pool and spa safety laws and support education efforts. These grants provide critical support for local officials to enforce their safety requirements and educate communities about drowning and entrapment dangers.

Third, it launches “Pool Safely,” a national public education campaign to raise awareness about drowning prevention.

The VGB Reauthorization Act will continue to carry out these primary functions as it builds on over a decade’s worth of expertise in proper execution of the programs through the CPSC.

Click here for full bill text.

“The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act is a perfect example of how sensible and sound policy can save lives. Since the passage of the legislation, entrapment deaths in public pools have ceased and have been substantially reduced in private pool settings. This shows how well-designed legislation can have direct impacts on child safety and engineer our pool environments to be safer for all. The reauthorization not only ensures communities continue to be safe from this preventable tragedy, but also that water safety efforts will continue across the country to address the more than 4,000 fatal drownings the US experiences each year,” said Alissa Magrum, Executive Director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA).

“The passage of the VGB Act, in a significant way, has helped to make some sense of the tragic death of my daughter, Graeme, and so many children whose lives have been lost in preventable drownings. The reauthorization of the legislation also makes sense, as we have learned over the past 15 years what works well and what might be done even better to ensure water safety. I am fully support of the bill,” said Nancy Baker, mother of Virginia Graeme Baker and water safety advocate.

“The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act has saved lives. Reauthorization of this Act allows for its proven safety standards to continue to do its good work, making pools and spas across the United States safer for those who use them. This legislative intervention creates actions and outcomes that those working in public health so often hope to see. It works! The associated Pool Safely funding mechanism is also an essential piece and has been effective in keeping the message of water safety top of mind. The American Red Cross fully supports this reauthorization and all efforts to reduce drownings across the country,” said William Ramos, Ph.D., American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council Aquatics Chair.

“On behalf of the nation’s YMCAs, which operate more than 2,100 pools across the country, YMCA of the USA strongly supports the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act. As the largest provider of swim instruction in the country, the Y greatly appreciates the inclusion of nonprofits in the act’s Swimming Pool Safety Grant Program, which creates opportunities for community-based organizations like YMCAs to secure additional resources to raise awareness about drowning prevention and make swim instruction more accessible to those who need it,” said Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO, YMCA of the USA.

“Our daughter Abbey’s hope was that no other child would experience a death or injury from a dangerous pool or spa. The VGB act was the realization of that hope. We can all still do better with the reauthorization of this critical safety legislation. We unequivocally support this bill,” said Scott and Katey Taylor, founders of Abbey’s Hope Charitable Foundation.

“The core purpose of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is to prioritize safety and health in pool and hot tub environments. We have been unwavering in our support for the reauthorization of the VGB Act, recognizing its significant impact on saving lives. PHTA is proud to play a role in the VGB Act through the development of two industry safety standards that establish stringent requirements for suction outlet fitting assemblies and suction entrapment avoidance. By reauthorizing this legislation, we will ensure a substantial reduction in fatal drownings—a cause that deserves universal backing,” said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA).

“The VGB Act, passed only five months after our son Zachary’s death, brought a semblance of peace and hope to our family. That no one has died by entrapment in a public pool since the VGB Act was passed is a victory that we should all celebrate but, there is more work to be done. Even now, sixteen years later, we are seeing recalls on drains that aren’t compliant. The reauthorization of this bill is vital to our communities and will ensure that all public pools comply with entrapment prevention requirements and will support efforts to address traditional forms of drowning. Our family and the ZAC Foundation for Children’s Safety, founded in our son’s honor, are committed to the success of this bill,” said Karen and Brian Cohn, founders of ZAC Foundation.

“CamerEye has always been a vocal leader in advocating for safe aquatic environments—they are absolutely critical to industry. Not only does Virginia Graeme Baker Act reiterate the requirement for safe and compliant drain covers, it incentivizes state, local, and Tribal jurisdictions to implement and enforce swimming pool and spa safety standards which has been proven to save lives. This act is a perfect example of how policy can positively impact saving lives and this reauthorization represents a chance to build on that success. We’re in full support of this reauthorization act.” said Sai Reddy, founder/CEO of CamerEye.ai.

“The Virginia Graeme Baker Act is a shining example of how good policy can save lives, and this reauthorization represents a chance to build on that success. This is also an opportunity to address the serious and persistent inequities that exist around water safety,” said Safe Kids Worldwide President Torine Creppy.

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MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: The One Big Beautiful Bill Drives Business Growth

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

Washington, D.C.–The One Big Beautiful Bill Act drives economic growth by making key business provisions permanent, giving businesses the certainty they need to invest, hire and grow.
“Permanent tax policy provides businesses with the certainty they need to invest, save and plan for the future, which will power economic growth and ignite the U.S. economy,” said Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho).
Key wins:
Full expensing for domestic R&D to encourage domestic innovation.
Full expensing for new capital investments, like machinery and equipment, to boost domestic production.
Restores interest deductibility to a globally competitive standard to help finance critical domestic investments.
What they are saying:
“The Chamber thanks Leader Thune, Chairman Crapo, and all who are working to make the pro-growth reforms of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent, including the deduction for domestic R&D expenditures, 100% bonus depreciation for certain business investments, and an expanded business interest limitation. The Chamber applauds the Senate for voting to make these provisions permanent features of the tax code.” – U.S. Chamber of Commerce
“[This bill sends] a swift, decisive signal that America will remain a premier destination for businesses to invest, hire and grow.” – Business Roundtable
“I applaud Chairman Mike Crapo, Leader John Thune and their Senate colleagues for advancing international tax policies that keep the U.S. the top destination for global investment. These provisions will help sustain American jobs, drive innovation, and reinforce a stable tax environment that attracts cross-border capital and world-class know-how.” – Global Business Alliance President and CEO Jonathan Samford

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Blumenthal, Warren File Major Richard Star Act as Amendment to Must-Pass Defense Bill

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) announced they are filing the Major Richard Star Act as an amendment to the annual must-pass defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Currently, only veterans with disability ratings above 50 percent and more than 20 years of service are eligible to receive the full amount of their U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) retirement and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments–leaving behind more than 50,000 combat-injured military retirees. If adopted, the Senators’ Major Richard Star Act will fix this unjust policy for medical retirees with a combat-related disability—providing them their full VA disability and DOD retirement payments.

“The Major Richard Star Act corrects a severe injustice for combat-wounded veterans,” said Senator Crapo. “The support for this correction is clear. Though the namesake of our legislation is no longer with us, we must pass this fix on behalf of the more than 50,000 veterans, including hundreds in Idaho, who stand to benefit.”

“The Major Richard Star Act would correct one of the deepest injustices in our present veterans’ disability system. As an amendment to the NDAA, it would enable tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans to collect the full benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Right now they’re denied fair, complete compensation because they are subject to a dollar-for-dollar offset of their VA disability and military retirement benefits. It’s unacceptable–and I’m joining my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to right this wrong by seeking to attach our legislation to this year’s NDAA. With more than 31 cosponsors, adopting our amendment is a commonsense next step to finally provide these military retirees who already sacrificed so much the benefits they need and earned.”

“Our veterans put their lives on the line for this country, and it’s time our government gives them the full benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Warren. “Including this bill in the NDAA will ensure the federal government keeps its promise to our veterans.”

This bipartisan legislation is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star, a decorated war veteran who was forced to medically retire due to his combat-related injuries. Major Star sadly lost his battle with cancer on February 13, 2021.

The Senators’ legislation has 76 bipartisan cosponsors, and is supported by the following military, veterans and survivor organizations: Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), American GI Forum, The American Legion, American Logistics Association, American Military Society, American Veterans (AMVETS), America’s Warrior Partnership, American WWII Orphans Network, Armed Forces Retiree Association, Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS), Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), Blue Star Families, Burn Pits 360, Catholic War Veterans of the USA & Auxiliary, Chief Warrant Officers Association of the US Coast Guard (CWOA), Code of Support Foundation, Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service, Inc. (COA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), Gold Star Spouses of America, Grunt Style Foundation, Gold Star Wives of America (GSW), Healing Household, Heroes Athletic Association, Hire Heroes USA, HunterSeven Foundation, Japanese American Veterans Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), K9s for Warriors, Marine Corps League (MCL), Marine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA), Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America (MCA), Military Family Advisory Network, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Military Order of the World Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Mission Roll Call, National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA), National Defense Committee, National Guard Association of the United States, National Military Family Association (NMFA), Naval Enlisted Reserve Association (NERA), Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Operation First Response, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Project Sanctuary, The Ranger Leadership and Policy Center, Quality of Life Foundation, Reserve Organization of America (ROA), Sea Service Family Foundation, Stronghold Freedom Foundation, Student Veterans of America, TBI Warrior Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), The Independence Fund (TIF), United States Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA), United States Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association (USCG CPOA), United Through Reading, VetsFirst/United Spinal Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Paw Project and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The prolonged suffering will have irreversible consequences that will last generations: Joint statement on conflict and hunger in Gaza

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Speech

The prolonged suffering will have irreversible consequences that will last generations: Joint statement on conflict and hunger in Gaza

A joint statement by the Permanent Missions to the UN of the Dominican Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Guyana, Ireland, Mexico, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Norway, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.

It is unacceptable that man-made and avoidable conflict-induced hunger continues to afflict civilians in Gaza. The prolonged suffering will have irreversible consequences that will last generations.

From the May IPC Special Snapshot, we know that the Gaza Strip is facing a critical risk of famine. The entire population is facing high levels of acute food insecurity, with 500,000 people facing starvation and more than 70,000 children set to require treatment for acute malnutrition.

The latest figures are even more disturbing, and we are witnessing increased deaths due to malnutrition. This follows sustained denial of essential humanitarian assistance to civilians by Israel.

To address this crisis, we call on all parties to fully comply with their obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. In particular, we call on Israel as the occupying power to adhere to its obligations under international law and UN Security Council Resolution 2417. Israel must:

Lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid and facilitate immediate, safe, rapid, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access by the UN and humanitarian organisations that ensures relief supplies at scale to civilians in need throughout Gaza.
Facilitate the effective delivery of life-saving nutrition, health, water, sanitation and other essential services by the UN and humanitarian organisations, as well as the fuel needed to sustain them.
Protect objects necessary for food production and distribution and facilitate the restoration of essential commercial supplies and market systems at scale.
Urgently ensure the protection of civilians, including aid workers, UN and associated personnel, and medical personnel, and allow their unrestricted access.

We urge all parties to do everything to support efforts to reach agreement on a new ceasefire and hostage release deal. While humanitarian assistance is essential, the answer to conflict-induced hunger is peace.

We need to ensure accountability for actors who deliberately cause or prolong conflict-induced hunger in violation of international law. Using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare may constitute a war crime.

All Member States should use their influence to address conflict-driven hunger in Gaza and promote compliance by all parties to the conflict with international law.

We call for rapid and full implementation of humanitarian commitments made by Israel including the steps agreed between Israel and the EU to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. This is imperative. We will follow delivery measures by Israel closely.

We must all support the work of the UN-coordinated humanitarian system in Gaza led by OCHA. It is best equipped to ensure aid is delivered to civilians, apply established strong aid diversion prevention systems and adhere with humanitarian principles.

UNRWA remains crucial to the delivery of humanitarian aid and essential services, despite increasing restrictions and attacks.

The new Israel-approved aid delivery model is dangerous and is not operating in accordance with humanitarian principles. We condemn the killing of well over 800 Palestinians, including children, seeking water and food.

The 20 July incident where people came under Israeli fire beside a WFP convoy was terrible. Humanitarian action must be based on humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.

We condemn the heinous attack by Hamas on October 7 2023. Hamas must release all hostages unconditionally now.

Immediate action is needed to address this debilitating suffering.

Published 23 July 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI United Nations: Haitian capital ‘paralysed and isolated’ by gang violence, Security Council hears

Source: United Nations 2-b

Since January, the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH), recorded over 4,000 individuals deliberately killed – a 24 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

“The capital city was for all intents and purposes paralysed by gangs and isolated due to the ongoing suspension of international commercial flights into the international airport,” Miroslav Jenča, Assistant Secretary-General for the Americas at the department of political affairs (DPPA), told ambassadors in the Security Council on Wednesday.

Having visited the country recently, he warned that, gangs have only “strengthened their foothold”, which now affects all communes of the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and beyond, “pushing the situation closer to the brink.”

He called on the international community to act decisively and urgently or the “total collapse of state presence in the capital could become a very real scenario”.

Gang control expands

Ghada Fathi Waly, Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), echoed that warning.

“As gang control expands, the state’s capacity to govern is rapidly shrinking, with social, economic and security implications,” she told ambassadors, briefing remotely from Vienna.

“This erosion of state legitimacy has cascading effects,” she said, with legal commerce becoming paralysed as gangs control major trade routes, such conditions worsening “already dire levels of food insecurity and humanitarian need,” she added.

Rise of ‘vigilante’ groups

Amidst increasing public frustration with the limited protection capacity of the state, “vigilante” or self-defence groups are now gaining in popular appeal.

Although some are motivated by the urgent need to protect their communities, many operate outside existing legal frameworks, in some cases, engaging in extrajudicial actions and colluding with gangs.

The rise of these actors is pushing demand for guns and military-grade weapons, “fuelling illicit arms markets and raising the risk of licit weapons being diverted to criminal elements,” Ms. Waly said.

Human trafficking

Meanwhile, the broader deterioration of the security and economic situation in the capital and the rest of the country continues to fuel a sharper escalation in human rights violations.

Despite persistent under-reporting of sexual violence due to fear of reprisals, social stigma and lack of trust in institutions, BINUH reported an increase in sexual violence committed by gangs in the past three months.

In May, Haitian police raided a medical facility in Pétion-Ville suspected of being involved in illicit organ trade, as allegations of trafficking in persons for the purpose of organ removal are now arising.

As the situation in Haiti remains desperate, “there is not a moment to lose,” Mr. Jenča urged.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI Canada: Taking action to improve classroom safety | Passer à l’action pour améliorer la sécurité dans les salles de classe

Members of the Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team

The Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team held its first meeting on July 23, bringing together teachers, school leaders, school board trustees and other front-line professionals with classroom experience to help address the growing challenges in Alberta’s classrooms.

The 25-member action team includes teachers, school administrators and support staff who have direct experience working with students every day and understand the complexities of today’s learning environments.

“The action team’s insights will be key to finding practical solutions that reduce aggression, manage classroom complexity and improve safety and support for students and staff. I look forward to building on their input to make classrooms safer and strengthen Alberta’s education system.”

Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education and Childcare

The action team’s mandate is to provide advice and recommendations to Alberta’s government on how to:

reduce incidents of aggression in schools
address increasing classroom complexity
improve safety and support for students and school staff

Over the coming months, the team will examine policies, teacher training, inclusive education supports, funding considerations and coordination across sectors. To inform this work, they may invite front-line professionals to share insights as subject matter experts. The team’s recommendations will focus on both immediate and long-term strategies to better support classrooms across Alberta.

“CASS welcomes the formation of this action team and appreciates the government’s commitment to listening to the voices of those working directly with students. Superintendents across Alberta are eager to support practical, evidence-informed strategies that enhance safety, reduce classroom complexity, and promote the well-being of both staff and students.”

Mike McMann, president, College of Alberta School Superintendents

“Alberta’s locally elected school boards remain deeply committed to safe, supportive and effective learning environments for all students and staff. Alberta School Boards Association looks forward to collaborating, sharing insights and perspectives to support the diverse needs of students and school communities across the province.”

Marilyn Dennis, president, Alberta School Boards Association

Alberta’s government is committed to ensuring these decisions are informed by the real-world experience of educators and other professionals who work directly with students. Practical supports and interventions stemming from the action team’s work are expected to begin rolling out as early as the 2025-26 school year.

Quick facts

The action team will meet at least four times between July and September.
A final report with recommendations will be submitted to the Minister of Education and Childcare by Sept. 30.

Related information

M.O. 031/2025 – Education and Childcare
Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team

Related news

Addressing classroom aggression and complexity (June 30, 2025)

Le gouvernement de l’Alberta travaille avec des experts de première ligne pour rendre les salles de classe plus sécuritaires pour les élèves et les enseignants.

L’équipe Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team a tenu sa première réunion le 23 juillet, rassemblant des enseignants, des leadeurs scolaires, des conseillers scolaires et d’autres professionnels de première ligne possédant une expérience en salle de classe, afin d’aider à relever les défis croissants rencontrés dans les salles de classe de l’Alberta.

Parmi les 25 membres de cette équipe, on retrouve des enseignants, des administrateurs scolaires et du personnel de soutien qui ont déjà travaillé directement avec les élèves au quotidien et qui comprennent la complexité des environnements d’apprentissage d’aujourd’hui.

« Les réflexions de cette équipe d’experts seront essentielles pour trouver des solutions pratiques permettant de réduire les cas de violence, de faire face à la complexité des besoins en salle de classe, d’améliorer la sécurité des élèves et du personnel et de mieux les soutenir. Je compte mettre à profit leur travail pour rendre les salles de classe plus sécuritaires et pour renforcer le système d’éducation de l’Alberta. »

Demetrios Nicolaides, ministre de l’Éducation et de la Garde d’enfants

Le mandat de l’équipe est de fournir des conseils et des recommandations au gouvernement de l’Alberta sur la façon :

de réduire le nombre de cas de violence dans les écoles;
de faire face à la complexité croissante des besoins en salle de classe;
d’améliorer la sécurité des élèves et du personnel scolaire et de mieux les soutenir.

Au cours des prochains mois, l’équipe se penchera sur les politiques, la formation des enseignants, les mesures de soutien à l’éducation inclusive, le financement et la coordination intersectorielle. Pour orienter ce travail, l’équipe pourra inviter des professionnels de première ligne à partager leurs perspectives à titre d’experts en la matière. L’équipe recommandera des stratégies immédiates et à long terme afin de mieux soutenir les salles de classe de l’Alberta.

« CASS salue la création de cette équipe d’action, ainsi que l’engagement du gouvernement d’écouter les personnes qui travaillent directement avec les élèves. Les directions générales de toute l’Alberta sont prêtes à mettre en place des stratégies pratiques et fondées sur des données probantes qui améliorent la sécurité, réduisent la complexité des classes et favorisent le bienêtre du personnel et des élèves. »

Mike McMann, président, College of Alberta School Superintendents

« Les conseils scolaires élus localement de l’Alberta restent profondément engagés à fournir des environnements d’apprentissage sécuritaires, bienveillants et efficaces pour tous les élèves et le personnel. L’Alberta School Boards Association se réjouit à l’idée de collaborer en partageant ses réflexions et ses perspectives afin de répondre aux divers besoins des élèves et des communautés scolaires de la province. »

Marilyn Dennis, présidente, Alberta School Boards Association

Le gouvernement de l’Alberta est résolu à ce que ces décisions se fondent sur l’expérience pratique des éducateurs et des autres professionnels qui travaillent directement avec les élèves. Certaines mesures de soutien et interventions concrètes découlant du travail de cette équipe devraient être mises en place dès l’année scolaire 2025-2026.

En bref

L’équipe Aggression and Complexity in Classrooms Action Team se réunira au moins à quatre reprises entre juillet et septembre 2025.
Un rapport final contenant des recommandations sera remis au ministre de l’Éducation et de la Garde d’enfants d’ici le 30 septembre 2025.

Renseignements connexes (en anglais seulement)

M.O. 031/2025 – Education and Childcare
Aggression and Complexity in Schools Action Team

Nouvelles connexes

Faire face aux comportements violents et à la complexité des besoins en salle de classe (30 juin 2025)

MIL OSI Canada News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1442, Youth Poisoning Protection Act

Source: US Congressional Budget Office

H.R. 1442 would ban the sale of products containing 10 percent or more by weight of sodium nitrite that are covered under the Consumer Product Safety Act. The ban would not apply to commercial or industrial products not ordinarily intended for consumer use or consumption.

Using information from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, CBO estimates that implementing and enforcing the ban under H.R. 1442 would cost $2 million over the 2025-2030 period; any related spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.

H.R. 1442 would impose a private-sector mandate as defined in the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) by banning the sale of consumer products containing 10 percent or more by weight of sodium nitrite. Because only a small consumer market exists for such products and some states already have curtailed their sale, CBO estimates that the cost of the mandate would not exceed the private-sector threshold established in UMRA ($206 million in 2025, adjusted annually for inflation).

The legislation would not impose any intergovernmental mandates as defined in UMRA.

The CBO staff contacts for this estimate are Cyrus Ekland (for federal costs) and Andrew Laughlin (for mandates). The estimate was reviewed by Emily Stern, Senior Adviser for Budget Analysis.

Phillip L. Swagel

Director, Congressional Budget Office

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: W.W. Industrial Group Recalls Pear Slices in Juice Due to Elevated Levels of Lead and Cadmium

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
July 23, 2025
FDA Publish Date:
July 23, 2025
Product Type:
Food & BeveragesContaminants
Reason for Announcement:

Recall Reason Description
Potential Metal Contaminant – Lead and Cadmium

Company Name:
WW Industrial Group
Brand Name:

Brand Name(s)
Parashore

Product Description:

Product Description
Canned Sliced Pears

Company Announcement
W.W. Industrial Group, Inc., NY is recalling Parashore Pear Slices in juice, 15 oz, because they have the potential to be contaminated with elevated levels of lead and cadmium.
Lead and cadmium are toxic substances present in our environment in small amounts and everyone is exposed to some of these heavy metals from daily actions such as inhaling dust, eating food, or drinking water. In general, the small exposure to lead within the U.S. population does not pose a significant public health concern.
However, exposure to larger amounts of lead and cadmium can cause poisoning. While these heavy metals can affect nearly every bodily system, its effects depend upon the amount and duration of lead exposure and age. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, weakness, behavior or mood changes, delirium, seizures, and coma. However, infants, young children and the developing fetus can be affected by chronic exposure to amounts of heavy metals that may not result in obvious symptoms of lead poisoning. A child with heavy metal poisoning may not look or act sick. Heavy metal poisoning in children can cause: learning disabilities, developmental delays, and lower IQ scores.
Product was distributed through Grocery Outlet stores in California and other Grocery Outlet stores across the US.
The recalled product is packaged in a 15oz can and labeled as PARASHORE Pear Slices in Juice, 15oz (425 g), UPC#704817164237. The specific lot found positive for heavy metals was Lot 3700/01172 6122J, Prod: 02/19/2024, Best by 2/19/2027.
No illnesses have been reported as of 07/22/2025.
The heavy metal contamination was discovered via sampling by the Maryland Department of Health which is part of the FDA Laboratory Flexible Funding Model program.
The company has recalled the products and is continuing an investigation to determine cause.
Consumers who have purchased Parashore Pear Slices in Juice 15oz (425 g) should not consume the products and are urged to discard in the trash or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 516-676-9188 Monday to Friday 10AM – 4PM EST.
This recall is being made with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
W.W. Industrial Group
516-676-9188

Product Photos

Content current as of:
07/23/2025

Regulated Product(s)

Topic(s)

Follow FDA

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: First Teen Tech Council for New York

Source: US State of New York

overnor Kathy Hochul and Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced the launch of the New York School (NYS) x #HalfTheStory Teen Tech Council, a groundbreaking statewide initiative placing teens at the forefront of educational innovation. This new advisory group will empower students to lead the conversation on digital wellness and support phone-free learning environments across New York State as schools across the state prepare to implement Governor Hochul’s nation-leading distraction-free learning law for the 2025-2026 school year

“Launching the Teen Tech Council will help make sure New York’s Distraction-Free Schools is successfully implemented,” Governor Hochul said. “I’m fired up to be working with #HalfTheStory, the Clinton Foundation, and all of you with you to usher in a generational shift — bringing back meaningful interactions during such formative years and securing a healthier future.”

Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton said, “Here at the Clinton Foundation, we’re guided by our belief that putting people first — putting people’s concerns, needs and hopes first — is essential to creating a better world. That starts with you. As the largest state to adopt a phone-free policy in schools, New York has the opportunity to show the rest of the country what we can accomplish when we combine the capacity of government and nonprofits with the energy of smart young leaders.

#HalfTheStory Founder and Executive Director Larissa May said, “Teens are often left out of the conversation when it comes to the policies that shape their lives, and in this case, teens are the missing piece of the bell-to-bell movement. #HalfTheStory is committed to identifying the next generation of digital activists and powering the movement from the bottom up. We’re training these future leaders at scale to make NYC the model for the world—in and outside the classroom—to support student wellbeing and digital citizenship. Teen work makes the dream work.”

The inaugural Teen Tech Council Board Meeting was held on July 22, 2025, in New York City. Co-hosted by the Governor’s Office and the Clinton Foundation in partnership with #HalfTheStory — a nonprofit committed to strengthening young people’s relationship with technology — the event marks a pivotal step in reimagining how students engage with tech in and out of the classroom.

As an extension of #HalfTheStory’s Civics Academy, an annual summer program for teens that aims to educate and empower today’s youth to learn effective activism, storytelling, and leadership techniques essential for driving global and local change, the Teen Tech Council is launching as a scaled state initiative, with teens from across New York joining from their districts. Students will be nominated by teachers and peers to help schools successfully implement bell-to-bell policies and create a shared culture of digital wellness — one that extends beyond the classroom into play, connection, and creativity.

Teens can apply now to join NYS x #HalfTheStory Teen Tech Council — or teachers can nominate a star student to help shape the future at: halfthestoryproject.com/teen-tech-council.

The launch of the council underscores Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to working with young people to ensure an equitable and successful rollout of a distraction-free environment in schools statewide. The Distraction-Free Schools law signed by Governor Hochul requires bell-to-bell smartphone restrictions in K-12 school districts statewide, starting this fall for the 2025-2026 school year. This law is part of Governor Hochul’s nation-leading commitment to protecting youth mental health and promoting student success in the digital age, following her action last year to win a first-in-the-nation law to restrict addictive social media feeds for minors.

In accordance with the Distraction Free Learning Law, public school districts statewide must finalize and publish their distraction-free policy by August 1. The Governor also recently launched a website with a policy FAQ, toolkit and other key information about the State law as a resource for districts as they finalize their policy. The Governor also recently highlighted that nearly 150 school districts across New York have already submitted their distraction-free policy.

Governor Hochul’s bell-to-bell policy creates a statewide standard for distraction-free schools in New York including:

Prohibits unsanctioned use of smartphones and other internet-enabled personal devices on school grounds in K-12 schools for the entire school day (from “bell to bell”), including classroom time and other settings like lunch and study hall periods
Allows schools to develop their own plans for storing smartphones during the day — giving administrators and teachers the flexibility to do what works best for their buildings and students
Secures $13.5 million in funding to be made available for schools that need assistance in purchasing storage solutions to help them go distraction-free
Requires schools to give parents a way to contact their kids during the day when necessary
Requires teachers, parents and students to be consulted in developing the local policy
Prevents inequitable discipline

Governor Hochul’s policy allows authorized access to simple cellphones without internet capability, as well as internet-enabled devices officially provided by their school for classroom instruction, such as laptops or tablets used as part of lesson plans.

Additionally, the Governor’s policy includes several exemptions to smartphone restrictions, including for students who require access to an internet-enabled device to manage a medical condition, where required by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP), for academic purposes or for other legitimate purposes, such as translation, family caregiving and emergencies.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Tours Coca-Cola Consolidated Facility, Meets with Apprenticeship Students

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Stein Tours Coca-Cola Consolidated Facility, Meets with Apprenticeship Students

Governor Stein Tours Coca-Cola Consolidated Facility, Meets with Apprenticeship Students
lsaito
Wed, 07/23/2025 – 17:03

Raleigh, NC

Today, Governor Josh Stein toured the Coca-Cola Consolidated facility in Charlotte and met with Coca-Cola Consolidated leadership and students in its apprenticeship program. Through a partnership with Central Piedmont Community College, the nation’s largest Coca-Cola bottler is preparing students for high-demand positions in manufacturing, equipment repair, and logistics.

“Every North Carolinian deserves a shot at a brighter future and that shouldn’t necessarily require a traditional four-year degree,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Opportunities like Coca-Cola Consolidated’s apprenticeship program allow students to pursue their interests in high-demand fields and set them up for success in the job market.”

This month, CNBC named North Carolina as the top state for business, citing the state’s workforce as one of its biggest strengths. Established in Executive Order No. 11 on March 25, 2025, the Governor’s Council on Workforce and Apprenticeships recently shared its first report, outlining goals to expand access to good jobs, including by investing in statewide apprenticeship and technical education programs, engaging with employers to identify and address industry needs, and ensuring that every student in North Carolina has a post-secondary pathway to employment, education, or enlistment in the military. On July 1, 2025, Stein also signed into law Senate Bill 124, which reduces the number of state government jobs that require a four-year college degree.

Governor Stein believes every North Carolinian should have the opportunity to achieve success – no matter their background. Since taking office, Governor Stein has announced more than more than $18 billion in investments and more than 24,000 new jobs coming to North Carolina.

Jul 23, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI: Gran Tierra Energy Inc. Provides Release Date for its 2025 Second Quarter Results

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CALGARY, Alberta, July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gran Tierra Energy Inc. (“Gran Tierra” or the “Company”) (NYSE American:GTE)(TSX:GTE)(LSE:GTE) announces that the Company will release its 2025 second quarter financial and operating results on Wednesday July 30, 2025, post-market. Gran Tierra will host its second quarter 2025 results conference call on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time, 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

How to Participate in the 2025 Second Quarter Conference Call

Interested parties may register for the 2025 second quarter conference call by clicking on this link. Please note that there is no longer a general dial-in number to participate, and each individual party must register through the link provided. Once parties have registered, they will be provided with a unique PIN and call-in details. There is also a new feature that allows parties to elect to be called back through the “Call Me” function on the platform.

Interested parties can also continue to access the live webcast from their mobile or desktop devices by clicking on this link, which is also available on Gran Tierra’s website at https://www.grantierra.com/investor-relations/presentations-events/. An audio replay of the conference call will be available at the same webcast link for two hours following the call and will be available until July 31, 2026.

Contact Information

For investor and media inquiries please contact:

Gary Guidry
President & Chief Executive Officer

Ryan Ellson
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
+1-403-265-3221
info@grantierra.com

About Gran Tierra Energy Inc.

Gran Tierra Energy Inc. together with its subsidiaries is an independent international energy company currently focused on oil and natural gas exploration and production in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador. The Company is currently developing its existing portfolio of assets in Canada, Colombia and Ecuador and will continue to pursue additional new growth opportunities that would further strengthen the Company’s portfolio. The Company’s common stock trades on the NYSE American, the Toronto Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol GTE. Additional information concerning Gran Tierra is available at www.grantierra.com. Except to the extent expressly stated otherwise, information on the Company’s website or accessible from our website or any other website is not incorporated by reference into and should not be considered part of this press release. Investor inquiries may be directed to info@grantierra.com or (403) 265-3221.

Gran Tierra’s Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) filings are available on the SEC website at http://www.sec.gov. The Company’s Canadian securities regulatory filings are available on SEDAR+ at http://www.sedarplus.ca and UK regulatory filings are available on the National Storage Mechanism website at https://data.fca.org.uk/#/nsm/nationalstoragemechanism.

The MIL Network –

July 24, 2025

MIL-OSI USA: During House Agriculture Committee Hearing, Feenstra Speaks Out Against California’s Proposition 12 Mandates on Iowa Hog Farmers

Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on California’s Proposition 12, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) discussed the negative economic impacts of this egregious mandate on Iowa hog farmers and submitted for the congressional record letters penned by Iowa hog farmers about the adverse effects of Proposition 12 on their farms and operations.

Matt Schuiteman, a hog farmer from Sioux County, Iowa, also testified before the U.S. House Agriculture Committee about the negative ramifications of Proposition 12.

“California’s Prop 12 mandates threaten the safety and health of hogs, increase operating costs for Iowa hog farmers, raise pork prices for families, and jeopardize our food and farm security. It’s why I helped lead legislation and voted for a Farm Bill that overturns Prop 12, restores consumer choice, and supports Iowa farmers and our rural communities,” said Rep. Feenstra. “During today’s hearing, I submitted for the congressional record personal letters from Iowa hog farmers who have faced decreased herd health, substantial financial expense, and market losses because of Prop 12. Allowing a state that represents less than 1/10 of 1% of hog production to mandate activist-driven practices for farmers across the country is blatantly wrong. Representing the largest pork-producing congressional district in the country, I will continue to work to repeal Prop 12 and stand up for our hog farmers.”

In response to Feenstra’s question about the implications of Proposition 12 on the health of hogs,Schuiteman responded, “Part of the root of the problem is just simply the fact that you have an initiative that was crafted by people who have not lived the industry and have not been around the animals. Prop 12 takes away our ability to act on what we know for the best interest of the animal. And we would prefer to have the freedom to manage our animals the best way we can see fit for the best possible outcome.”

Schuiteman further noted that “We [hog farmers] have talked about the $3,500 – $4,500 range per sow or more,” to convert operations to comply with Proposition 12.

Today, Feenstra helped introduce the Save Our Bacon Act, which would ensure that states, like California and Massachusetts, cannot set arbitrary mandates on production practices for farmers across the country.

Last year, Feenstra also voted to pass a Farm Bill out of the U.S. House Agriculture Committee that would have repealed Proposition 12.

You can watch Feenstra’s full remarks HERE.