NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Video: The Week at State – new visa policies, Memorial Day, Syria and Venezuela Updates

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

    This week at State:
    – Secretary Rubio announces new visa policies that put America first
    – We recognize the sacrifice of our Nation’s fallen heroes on Memorial Day
    – Ambassador Thomas Barrack is now Presiden Trump’s Special Envoy to Syria
    – We warn U.S. citizens to not travel to Venezuela for any reason

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

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

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
    X: https://x.com/StateDept
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
    Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/
    Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/StateDept
    Substack: https://statedept.substack.com

    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
    Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USSTATEBPA/signup/32562

    State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
    Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
    White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
    Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rYMk1VioDeY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Wright Joins Fox Business’ Maria Bartiromo – May 30, 2025

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6NsQkozTgKc

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Inside Interior | May 30, 2025

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    From the ground to the grid, and coast to coast — American Energy is on the Rise.

    Under President Trump’s leadership, the Department of the Interior is fueling American Energy Dominance.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yb1TclRTKjk

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Foreign Nationals Indicted for Plot to Silence U.S. Dissident and Smuggle U.S. Military Technology to China

    Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division

    Defendants Charged in Los Angeles and Milwaukee with Interstate Stalking, Arms Export Violations, and Smuggling

    Federal grand juries in Milwaukee and Los Angeles each returned indictments charging two foreign nationals, Cui Guanghai, 43, of China, and John Miller, 63, of the United Kingdom and a U.S. lawful permanent resident, with interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit interstate stalking (Los Angeles) and conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act (Milwaukee).

    “As alleged, the defendants targeted a U.S. resident for exercising his constitutional right to free speech and conspired to traffic sensitive American military technology to the Chinese regime,” said Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche. “This is a blatant assault on both our national security and our democratic values. This Justice Department will not tolerate foreign repression on U.S. soil, nor will we allow hostile nations to infiltrate or exploit our defense systems. We will act decisively to expose and dismantle these threats wherever they emerge.”

    “The defendants allegedly plotted to harass and interfere with an individual who criticized the actions of the People’s Republic of China while exercising their constitutionally protected free speech rights within the United States of America,” said FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino. “The same individuals also are charged with trying to obtain and export sensitive U.S. military technology to China. I want to commend the good work of the FBI and our partners in the U.S and overseas in putting a stop to these illegal activities.”

    Allegations in the Central District of California

    According to court documents, beginning in October 2023, Cui and Miller enlisted two individuals (Individual 1 and Individual 2) inside the United States to carry out a plot to prevent the Victim from protesting President Xi’s appearance at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in November 2023. The victim had previously made public statements in opposition to the policies and actions of the PRC government and President Xi.

    “The indictment alleges that Chinese foreign actors targeted a victim in our nation because he criticized the Chinese government and its president,” said U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “My office will continue to use all legal methods available to hold accountable foreign nationals engaging in criminal activity on our soil.”

    Unbeknownst to Cui and Miller, Individual 1 and Individual 2 were affiliated with and acting at the direction of the FBI.

    In the weeks leading up to the APEC summit, Cui and Miller directed and coordinated an interstate scheme to surveil the victim, to install a tracking device on the victim’s car, to slash the tires on the victim’s car, and to purchase and destroy a pair of artistic statues created by the victim depicting President Xi and President Xi’s wife.

    A similar scheme took place in the spring of 2025, after the victim announced that he planned to make public an online video feed depicting two new artistic statues of President Xi and his wife. In connection with these plots, Cui and Miller paid two other individuals (Individual 3 and Individual 4), approximately $36,500 to convince the victim to desist from the online display of the statues. Unbeknownst to Cui and Miller, Individual 3 and Individual 4 were also affiliated with and acting at the direction of the FBI.

    Allegations in the Eastern District of Wisconsin

    According to court documents, beginning in November 2023, Miller and Cui solicited the procurement of U.S. defense articles, including missiles, air defense radar, drones, and cryptographic devices with associated crypto ignition keys for unlawful export from the United States to the People’s Republic of China from two individuals (Individual 5 and Individual 6).  

    In connection with the scheme, Cui and Miller discussed with Individuals 5 and 6 ways to export a cryptographic device from the United States to the People’s Republic of China, including concealing the device in a blender, small electronics, or motor starter, and shipping the device first to Hong Kong. Cui and Miller paid approximately $10,000 as a deposit for the cryptographic device via a courier in the United States and a wire transfer to a U.S. bank account.

    ***

    If convicted, Cui and Miller face the following maximum penalties: five years in prison for conspiracy; five years in prison for interstate stalking; 20 years in prison for violation of the Arms Export Control Act; and 10 years in prison for smuggling.

    The FBI is investigating the case. The United States is coordinating with Serbian authorities regarding the pending extraditions of Cui and Miller from Serbia.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Ryan and Amanda B. Elbogen for the Central District of California, Benjamin Taibleson for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Trial Attorneys Leslie Esbrook and Menno Goedman of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the cases, with valuable assistance provided by the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.

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

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Remarks by Minister of National Defence David McGuinty at CANSEC 2025

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Check Against Delivery

    Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Kelsey, 
    Members of the Canadian Armed Forces, 
    International delegates, 
    Service members from our Allies and partners, 
    Members of the diplomatic corps, 

    Fellow parliamentarians, 

    And finally, industry partners,

    Good morning everyone, bonjour à tous.

    It’s a privilege to join you for this year’s CANSEC. My thanks to Christyn Cianfarani and everyone at CADSI for organizing this important event, and for bringing us together.

    It is especially an honour to be here as CANSEC is hosted in the electoral district I represent. I want to welcome you all to Ottawa South.

    Many of the companies in this room have a home in the National Capital Region. With over 10,000 workers, Ottawa’s defence sector is a major employer. We have talent working in all aspects of the industry from tech, aerospace, and manufacturing. This is my first major engagement as Minister of National Defence.

    Many of you are new faces—but I’m looking forward to getting to know you, and learning more about how your work strengthens Canada’s defence and security.

    Building a business is difficult. It comes with a lot of uncertainty and financial risk. Without you taking on that risk, we wouldn’t have the equipment and services needed to keep Canadians safe.

    So, thank you, for getting to work, thank you for employing Canadians, and thank you for growing our economy.

    For those of you here today in uniform…
    The people who commit their lives to service…
    Who take on the hardest tasks in the toughest conditions…
    Who are ready at the drop of a hat… 
    Who deserve the best from those of us who support them— 

    Thank you for choosing to serve Canada.

    I’ve been struck by the deep sense of shared purpose I’ve seen—across government and industry—to strengthen our defence capabilities, and ensure our people are equipped for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s threats.

    We have a clear direction, and we’ve made a decision. We’ve decided to act without delay, in close cooperation with our industry partners.

    The global security environment today is volatile and uncertain.

    Russia’s illegal and immoral invasion of Ukraine has stretched into a third, brutal year. China’s imperial ambitions are increasingly clear—in its military buildup and its assertive posture toward other international powers.

    And, states like North Korea and Iran continue to act as destabilizing forces in the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East.

    Canada is not immune to these threats.

    We face real challenges—both military and non-military—that demand an equally strong and coordinated response.

    This includes growing activity in the Arctic, where our competitors have shown little hesitation in challenging Canada’s territorial sovereignty.

    As well as the threats posed by emerging technologies that are changing the very nature of war.

    And we get it.

    We are moving quickly to ensure our military has the tools to defend our country and continent—while remaining an engaged, reliable partner abroad.

    And here is the key message: this work can only be done in partnership with you. 

    It is work that needs the full spectrum of equipment and services offered in this room—from quantum computing to shields to ammunition.

    A new government was elected some four short weeks ago, and having run on a platform to strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and security, your government is moving to take immediate and decisive action to rebuild Canada’s defence capacity, rearm the Canadian Armed Forces, and invest in the Canadian defence industry.

    The commitments we are making will support skilled and reliable jobs and stimulate growth in our communities across the country—including in more than 3,000 communities where the Canadian Armed Forces are present.

    Already, in Canada, defence accounts for two hundred seventy-six thousand direct and indirect jobs.

    Let’s be practical: we see this with the opening of the new B Jetty in CFB Esquimalt, which created close to 1,300 jobs during its construction.

    We see this in our Future Aircrew Training program, an $11.2 billion investment in training the next generation of Canadian aviators – which will create or maintain 3,400 jobs annually across Canada.

    We see this with our River-Class Destroyer project, which will sustain over 5,000 jobs over the next 15 years, many of them in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

    And by sourcing Canadian-made steel, aluminum, and critical minerals, we will multiply the economic benefits and strengthen local industries— like the aluminium industry in Québec.

    But that’s not enough. I share in your ambition to do more.

    Now is the time to scale up our production here at home. Now is the time for government and industry to work together.

    Now is the time for your government to invest in you—to capitalize on the immense and growing defence opportunities.

    Canada’s defence is bolstered by the strong relationships we have with our Allies and international partners.

    We have over fifty international delegates attending CANSEC this year – a testament to the high calibre of the Canadian defence industry.

    And as we strengthen these international ties, there will be opportunities for industry to help us deliver on shared priorities.

    In November, Canada and Australia signed an agreement to work together on researching emerging missile threats, with a focus on countering hypersonic weapon systems.

    And, earlier this year, Prime Minister Carney announced further cooperation with the Australians—investing over six billion dollars in a partnership to develop advanced Over the Horizon Radar capabilities.

    After all, the Canadian Arctic belongs to Canada.

    I want to increase the work our defence industry does with our Allies and partners.

    My promise to you is that I will be: 

    Unafraid to carry the flag of the Canadian defence industry around the globe. 

    Unafraid to champion the innovative and class leading technology of Canadian companies. 

    Unafraid to help you compete on the world stage.

    Our defence industry is world-class.

    Innovative, highly skilled, and globally competitive.

    Yet we need to better harness what you bring to the table.

    In previous engagements between National Defence and industry, many of you raised concerns—about friction points, timelines, and the need for clear, consistent guidance.

    I want to reassure you that your comments have been heard.

    Our forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy will put your insights into action.

    We’ll build a secure, resilient industrial base that supports long-term defence goals.

    Canada has planned to triple defence spending from 2014 levels by 2030—but, your government is moving to accelerate this.

    Your government will invest more to acquire the necessary equipment the CAF needs to be successful in carrying out its missions.

    We’re also taking real steps to improve how we buy, maintain, and upgrade our equipment. That includes streamlining our requirements and speeding up delivery—so CAF members get the tools they need, faster.

    And we’re moving toward a more regular, ongoing approach to defence planning. One that helps us stay on top of global threats, track our progress, and fix gaps before they grow.

    I don’t need to remind you that the world is changing fast—and this new approach will help us keep up. It will also give more consistency and predictability to our industry partners.

    Having a strong, well-equipped military, supported by a strong defence industrial base, is top priority for me, for the Prime Minister, and for your government—as demonstrated by the PM’s appointment of Canada’s first-ever Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, Stephen Fuhr.

    And as your government promises to do more, we ask that you do more.

    We simply cannot afford to wait a decade for the capabilities we need today.

    We need you to help us meet our ambitious timelines.

    Canadians have a legacy of mobilizing quickly when times get tough.

    During the Second World War, we went from just six ships to the third-largest navy in the world.

    We can—and we will—recapture that same innovative spirit.

    By procuring new equipment we can meet modern challenges.

    But, we need people.

    We need soldiers, aviators, and sailors.

    The people that make up the Canadian Armed Forces are our greatest asset. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish anything we set out to do.

    Last fiscal year, we surpassed our recruitment goals, bringing in over 6,700 new Regular Force members.

    That’s a 55% increase from the year before.

    And we will build on this success and grow our recruitment numbers even further.

    We’re going to do that by making it easier to serve, by building more housing units on bases, by expanding access to childcare, by providing better training, better equipment, and meaningful opportunities for career growth.

    And by building a culture rooted in dignity, inclusion, and respect for everyone who serves.
    We ask a hell of a lot of our military members and their families. 
    We ask them to be apart for extended periods of time. 
    We ask them to carry out dangerous missions. 
    In fact, we ask them to put the safety of others before their own—in defence of peace, freedom, and democracy.

    That is a lot to ask.

    And no matter the task, they carry out their duties with the utmost skill, dedication, and professionalism.

    To the Canadian Armed Forces members listening: you are simply second to none.

    To conclude we’re ready to work with you to bring this vision for defence, and for Canada’s defence industry, to life. In fact, no government can do this without you.

    Without your risk taking.

    Without your creativity.

    Without your entrepreneurship.

    Our cooperation will ensure our Armed Forces members have everything they need to protect our country and those who call it home.

    And reaffirm Canada’s position as a reliable and valuable partner on the international stage.

    We are seized with the urgency of this task—and I know you are too. Our country is calling on us to take on this responsibility in the defence of Canadians, their security and sovereignty.

    Thank you. Merci.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen Secures Federal Funding to Support Housing for Homeless Veterans in Reno

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV) announced that the City of Reno Housing Authority will receive $447,445 in federal funding to support housing vouchers for Nevada veterans experiencing homelessness. Senator Rosen helped secure this funding as part of the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, which she leads the push to fund every year. The Rosen-backed HUD-VASH program helps veterans find and keep safe, stable housing and is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Department of Veterans Affairs. 
    “Our veterans put their lives on the line for our country, and we must do everything we can to support them,” said Senator Rosen. “This funding will help veterans in our state have the resources to access housing and the services they need to get back on their feet. I’ll keep working to make sure that the men and women who served our nation have the support they’ve earned.”
    Senator Rosen has long supported efforts to end veteran homelessness and expand access to affordable housing. This announcement builds on funding Senator Rosen helped secure in August 2024, when over $8.7 million was awarded to support housing and services for Nevada veterans and their families. In September 2023, she secured nearly $1 million for the City of Reno Housing Authority through HUD-VASH to assist homeless veterans and their families in accessing housing.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Mexico Man Indicted in El Paso for Drug, Firearm and Murder Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EL PASO, Texas – A New Mexico man is in federal custody after being indicted by a federal grand jury in El Paso in 2021 and expelled to the U.S. by Mexican authorities earlier this week.

    Jaime Renteria-Fernandez, 31, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is charged in a superseding indictment with nine counts related to alleged offenses committed in support of the Barraza Drug Trafficking Organization. Co-conspirator Alex Barraza was the leader of the DTO and was sentenced to life in federal prison Oct. 24, 2024.

    Renteria-Fernandez made his initial appearance in federal court Thursday. The indictment includes multiple counts related to drug possession and trafficking, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, as well as discharging firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking and murder resulting from the use and carrying of firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years, with a maximum of life in federal prison, and possibly the death penalty. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

    Homeland Security Investigations El Paso is investigating the case with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Texas Attorney General’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Johnston, Andres Ortega and Susanna Martinez are prosecuting the case.

    An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Three Defendants Sentenced and Another Pleads Guilty for Roles in Transnational Drug Trafficking Operation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Three individuals from Pennsylvania, Washington, and Arizona were sentenced, and another individual from Ohio pleaded guilty, in federal court on May 28, 2025, to charges of violating federal narcotics and money laundering laws in relation to a transnational drug trafficking organization (DTO), Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today. The defendants were among 35 individuals charged through a Second Superseding Indictment unsealed in January 2024 for their participation in a domestic and international narcotics and money laundering conspiracy involving substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

    The sentences imposed by United States District Judge J. Nicholas Ranjan were:

    Defendant

    		 Age

    Residence

    Sentence
    James Pinkston 34 New Kensington, Pennsylvania 220 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release
    Alicia Parks 26 Kent, Washington 84 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release
    Marco Armenta 24 Phoenix, Arizona 12 months and one day in prison, to be followed by two years of supervised release

    According to information presented to the Court, on various dates from in and around August 2021 to in and around June 2023, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Pinkston and Parks conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and 500 grams or more of cocaine. Similarly, from in and around August 2022 to January 2023, Armenta conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 40 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl. The defendants were intercepted on a federal wiretap obtaining quantities of the drugs that they distributed to others. Additionally, the Court was advised that, in and around March 2023, Pinkston possessed with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture of cocaine, and, from in and around April 2022 to March 2023, conspired to commit money laundering by using a payments app to receive and initiate payments for drug transactions.

    The Second Superseding Indictment alleges that the operation imported from Mexico millions of fentanyl pills, kilograms of fentanyl powder, hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, and dozens of kilograms of cocaine that then were distributed and sold throughout the United States. Pinkston served as the western Pennsylvania connection to the Phoenix DTO responsible for importing the drugs from Mexico.

    In addition to the sentencings, another defendant in the case—Diamond Williams-Dorsey, 32, of Cleveland, Ohio—pleaded guilty before Judge Ranjan to Count One of the Second Superseding Indictment. In connection with the guilty plea, the Court was advised that, from in and around July 2022 to August 2022, Williams-Dorsey conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture of fentanyl. Judge Ranjan scheduled sentencing for November 4, 2025. The law provides for a maximum total sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, or both. Under the federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

    With this week’s three sentencings and guilty plea, 20 of the 35 defendants charged in the Second Superseding Indictment have now pleaded guilty in the case, with nine having been sentenced thus far.

    Assistant United States Attorneys Arnold P. Bernard Jr. and Tonya S. Goodman prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

    Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of the defendants. Additional agencies participating in this investigation include the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and other local law enforcement agencies.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, combat illegal immigration, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Seizure of contraband and unauthorized items at Warkworth Institution

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    May 30, 2025 – Campbellford, Ontario – Correctional Service Canada

    On May 27, 2025, as a result of the vigilance of staff members, a package containing contraband was seized at Warkworth Institution, a medium security federal institution.

    The contraband seized included tobacco and marijuana. The total estimated institutional value of these seizures is $52,860.

    The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has heightened measures to prevent contraband from entering its institutions in order to help ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone. CSC also works in partnership with the police to take action against those who attempt to introduce contraband or unauthorized items into correctional institutions.

    CSC has set up a telephone tip line for all federal institutions so that it may receive additional information about activities relating to security at CSC institutions. These activities may be related to drug use or trafficking that may threaten the safety and security of visitors, inmates, and staff members working at CSC institutions.

    The toll-free number, 1‑866‑780‑3784, helps ensure that the information shared is protected and that callers remain anonymous. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting survivors of sexual violence with counselling

    Sexual violence is devastating and can have lifelong impacts on a survivor’s health, relationships and overall sense of safety. Almost 1.8 million Albertans have experienced some form of sexual violence in their lifetime.

    To help support access to counselling services for survivors of sexual violence, Alberta’s government is investing an additional $1.5 million in sexual assault centres, further delivering on its commitment to increase funding for sexual assault centres by $10 million. This investment builds on the $1.5 million that was distributed to sexual assault centres in March 2025, and is in addition to the $13.8 million invested annually to 15 sexual assault centres across the province and the Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services for sexual violence supports and services. 

    “The work of sexual assault centres across Alberta is incredibly important. To stop the growth of sexual violence in our communities, we continue to make investments that enhance sexual violence programming to better support survivors. Together, we can keep our communities safe from sexual violence and let survivors know that we believe them and that they can access the supports they need.”

    Searle Turton, Minister of Children and Family Services

    This investment is another step in helping to ensure that Alberta is the safest place to live, work and raise a family. It builds on the recent release of Building on our Strengths, Alberta’s 10-Year Strategy to End Gender-Based Violence, which outlines how the Government of Alberta will work to prevent gender-based violence, support those impacted and ensure those committing these crimes are held to account.

    “As we mark the end of Sexual Violence Awareness Month, our government remains committed to addressing the unacceptable rates of all forms of gender-based violence, including sexual violence. Alberta’s comprehensive strategy to end gender-based violence advances over 100 initiatives to prevent violence and support survivors. With continued investments in vital programs, we are ensuring survivors can access the supports they need, where and when they need them.” 

    Tanya Fir, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women 

    “We appreciate this investment in sexual assault services. Sustained funding is essential to ensure those affected by sexual assault and abuse receive timely, compassionate support that is both trauma-informed and specific to sexual violence, and responsive to the diverse needs of Albertans.”

    Haley Scott, co-CEO, Association of Alberta Sexual Assault Services

    Sexual assault centres play a critical role in supporting survivors. By providing access to services such as counselling, sexual assault centres support survivors work through their trauma in a safe, caring environment.

    If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual violence, you are not alone. You can call or text the Alberta One Line for Sexual Violence at 1-866-403-8000 or visit your local sexual assault centre for support.

    Key facts

    • More information about preventing sexual violence is available at alberta.ca/sexual-violence-prevention.
    • Sexual assault centres offer crisis intervention supports, counselling, police and court support, education, outreach and advocacy to help Albertans in need.
    • Budget 2025 invests more than $88 million for the prevention of family and sexual violence which includes sexual assault centres to help individuals and families get the support they need.

    Related information

    • Sexual violence prevention and support
    • Sexual assault services
    • Family Violence Info Line

    Related news

    • Sexual Violence Awareness Month (May 1, 2025)
    • Strengthening support for sexual violence survivors (April 30, 2024)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New classrooms coming throughout B.C.

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Construction has started on new classrooms at 10 schools, adding more than 1,700 new student spaces for growing communities throughout B.C.

    “The demand for school spaces is growing in communities across B.C., and we’re working urgently to deliver schools faster,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “We’re working to speed up delivery and our historic capital investments are making real progress across the province, strengthening communities and ensuring students have the schools and classrooms they need to succeed.”

    Since the beginning of 2025, construction on dozens of new classrooms for K-12 students has begun in Langley, Abbotsford, Kelowna, qathet (Powell River), Comox, Nanaimo, Pemberton and Prince Rupert. These classrooms represent $340 million in funding from the Province to ensure students are learning in safe and modern environments, in their neighbourhoods.

    “I’ve seen first-hand the difference that new schools and modern classrooms make for students and their communities,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “With these record investments, that will only continue to grow, fostering success and opportunities for generations to come.”

    To meet growing demands, government has implemented new building solutions, including prefabricated additions and encouraging school districts to use simplified and repeat school designs. These methods are helping to ensure communities can benefit from new classrooms sooner.

    “Capital projects, such as the addition at Langley Secondary school, ongoing modular expansions, and the new site acquisition in the southwest Latimer neighbourhood, are critical steps in helping to relieve the enrolment pressures in our fast-growing school district,” said Candy Ashdown, chair, Langley school board. “We know our students, staff and families will benefit now and in the future.”

    Since 2017, the Province has committed more than $6 billion to adding school spaces, creating nearly 43,000 new student seats and more than 39,000 seismically safer seats in B.C. schools. As the province grows, government remains committed to working with both school districts and municipalities to promptly provide all students with safe, modern and inspiring places to learn.

    Quotes:

    Tamara Davidson, MLA for North Coast-Haida Gwaii –

    “North Coast-Haida Gwaii is a great place to call home and I am thrilled to see Prince Rupert Middle school now under construction. This school will make a lasting impact for generations of Rupertites and will provide a state-of-the-art learning hub for not only students but the entire community.”

    Randene Neill, MLA for Powell River-Sunshine Coast –

    “As we welcome more families to Powell River, the expansion at Edgehill Elementary school will ensure every student has a modern, supportive learning environment.  Our government’s historic investments in education are having a real impact, and I’m excited to see students and communities already experiencing the benefits.”

    Sheila Malcolmson, MLA for Nanaimo-Gabriola Island –

    “Families in Nanaimo are seeing the results of our government’s continued investment in education. The new classrooms at Chase River elementary mean more students can learn in modern, safe spaces, in their own neighbourhood. These projects are essential for meeting the needs of our growing community and giving every child the best possible start.”

    Learn More:

    For more information on K-12 school capital projects in B.C., please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/capital

    A backgrounder follows.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New research shows more anti-racism work needed

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Key findings from three research priorities identified by B.C.’s Anti-Racism Data Committee reveal the need for greater equity and diversity within the BC Public Service, some progress has been made in representation to appointments on B.C.’s agencies, boards and commissions, and pay differences between racialized and white workers in B.C.’s private and public sectors.

    “To address systemic racism in provincial government policies, programs and services, it’s crucial that we focus on research areas that matter most to Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities,” said George Chow, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “I would like to thank Indigenous partners and the Anti-Racism Data Committee (ARDC) for their tireless work to help the Province identify and understand where people are experiencing barriers accessing services — in partnership with them, we can meaningfully tackle issues of systemic racism with active solutions.”

    The Anti-Racism Data Act came into effect in 2022 and requires the Province to publish statistics and other information regarding systemic racism and racial equity by June 1 each year. The act also requires the Province to identify research priorities every two years. Research priorities were set in 2023 and updated priorities were released on Friday, May 30, 2025.

    “In these challenging times where other governments are removing diversity initiatives, British Columbia remains committed to doing what’s right and working to level the playing field for racialized and Indigenous people,” said Jessie Sunner, parliamentary secretary for anti-racism initiatives. “The findings of this research are essential to that work and will influence the development of the Anti-Racism Action Plan that is currently underway. We will continue to lift people up so they can build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities.”

    This is the third release under the act. This year’s key findings include:

    Racial diversity and equity in the BC Public Service

    • Indigenous and racialized employees continue to be under-represented in the BC Public Service in leadership roles and overall.
    • Many racialized groups are also over-represented in lower-level and non-permanent positions.

    Representation on provincial boards

    • Government has made progress in the representation of racialized people on provincially nominated boards and Crown agencies.
    • First Nations and Métis people are represented among appointees at a similar level to their share in the B.C. population.
    • However, some Indigenous and racialized communities, along with other equity-deserving groups, continue to face barriers to civic participation, and those living in rural and remote areas may still be under-represented.

    Economic inclusion

    • In nine of 26 occupation groups, racialized workers in B.C. earned significantly less on average than white workers, even after accounting for differences in age, gender, education and being born in Canada.
    • In six occupations, racialized people with the same education level as white workers did not see higher levels of education linked to higher earnings. These findings challenge a common assumption that more education will always translate into more pay.
    • It’s important to note that not all occupations have similar earnings gaps and to look at each occupation individually.

    Government is addressing these challenges by:

    • conducting research with Indigenous and racialized employees within BC Public Service to understand their lived experience and inform actions to remove barriers to hiring and career growth;
    • continued focus on anti-racism learning and supporting career development, and increased representation within the public service;
    • adjusting recruitment strategies to enhance representation on B.C.’s agencies, boards and commissions; and
    • broadening economic-inclusion research to include feedback from Indigenous and racialized communities.

    The Province worked in collaboration with the Anti-Racism Data Committee and in consultation with Indigenous Peoples to set research priorities for 2025-27. Priorities are meant to help steer the Province toward research that identifies systemic barriers and requires action to advance racial equity. Priorities also help focus research on the areas that matter most to Indigenous Peoples and racialized communities. 

    Themes of the 2025-27 priorities include: health and wellness, education, housing, racial equity within the BC Public Service, justice system and community safety, sports and economic inclusion.

    Quotes:

    June Francis, chair, Anti-Racism Data Committee —

    “We cannot fix what we do not understand. Dismantling systemic racism requires us to truly understand the barriers that Indigenous, Black and racialized people face. By working with communities to understand their experiences and to put research behind it allows us to advocate and amplify our voices – data and research supports community empowerment. With the release of updated research priorities, we are steering the B.C. government to take a deeper dive into health, education and justice, yet we also expect these will trigger an all-of-government approach, as we know inequities remain in many other areas. We trust these data and the research priorities will catalyze the B.C. government to take urgent and intentional actions to address the inequities that are being made transparent, and to focus more research in priority areas to deliver real and lasting change for the many people in British Columbia who face racism and discrimination each and every day. This new release of research findings increases the Province’s understanding of what Indigenous and racialized people have been saying for many years – government programs are not serving people equitably.”

    Michael Suedfeld, lands manager, Skawahlook First Nation —

    “It’s encouraging to see the Province finally taking steps to look at long-standing issues, such as public-sector employment and civic participation. Over the coming years, we hope to see government continue to tackle topics that are front of mind for members of the Skawahlook Nation, including health and mental-health outcomes, housing, the justice system and Declaration Act Action Plan commitments. We look forward to being part of this conversation.”

    Susie Hooper, Minister of Citizenship, Métis Nation British Columbia —

    “Research from the 2023-2025 priorities highlighted barriers for Métis people in health care and advancing careers in the BC Public Service. These updated priorities provide an opportunity to broaden the research focus to consider key concerns for our government, including improving health and well-being, especially for those in care, and reducing barriers experienced by Métis students. We look forward to continued participation in these dialogues to shape future research in partnership with the provincial Ministry of Citizens’ Services.”

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the Anti-Racism Data Act, view the research findings and actions to date, visit: https://antiracism.gov.bc.ca/

    To learn more about the Declaration Act Action Plan, visit: https://declaration.gov.bc.ca/declaration-act-action-plan/

    Three backgrounders follow.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Thousands of new, affordable homes on the way

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Non-profit and municipal housing providers can apply for more than $775 million in total funding to deliver more than 4,600 rental homes through the latest intake of the Building BC: Community Housing Fund.

    “We’ve been taking actions to help people find homes in their communities – close to family, friends and the activities that matter to them,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “Because of these actions, we are finally starting to see rents come down, but we have so much more work to do. That’s why we’re building more homes that fit within people’s budgets. A more accessible application process for the Community Housing Fund will help our housing partners build thousands of affordable rental homes for people across our province.”

    The Community Housing Fund (CHF) provides a combination of market rentals, rent-geared-to-income housing and deeply subsidized rental units.  

    From Friday, May 30, 2025, requests for proposals will be accepted continuously, with appropriate deadlines for review of submissions. This will allow organizations to take the time they need to develop their applications. The application process has been improved with clearer forms that are easier to fill out and a streamlined evaluation process.

    Funding is available to non-profit housing organizations, housing co-operatives, municipalities, First Nations and Indigenous-led housing societies. Information on the application process is available here:
    https://www.bcbid.gov.bc.ca/page.aspx/en/rfp/request_browse_public

    Successful developments will be prioritized based on several factors, such as who will live in the homes and how the developments will help meet a community’s need for affordable rental housing.

    The CHF is a $3.3-billion investment to deliver and operate more than 20,000 affordable rental homes for people with moderate and low incomes by 2031-32. Through this program, more than 13,000 of these homes are open or underway throughout the province. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 92,000 homes delivered or underway throughout B.C. through CHF and other provincial housing programs. 

    Quick Facts:

    • This is the Province’s fourth request for proposals through the Building BC: Community Housing Fund.
    • Under the CHF program, 70% of residents pay rent geared to income, where rent is generally based on 30% of household income.
    • This includes 20% of units for residents with very low incomes, such as those receiving income or disability assistance.
    • 30% of units are available at or below market rents for households with moderate incomes.

    Learn More:

    Information about the Building BC: Community Housing Fund and the request for proposals can be found here:
    https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/funding-opportunities/CHF

    To learn about the steps the Province is taking to tackle the housing crisis and deliver affordable homes for British Columbians, visit:
    https://strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/housing/

    A map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C. is available online:
    https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/homes-for-BC

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C., Yukon sign MOU to advance clean electricity corridor

    The Province of British Columbia has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Government of Yukon to explore and advance the planning of a future connection between the Yukon and British Columbia electrical grids.

    The agreement, signed by B.C. Premier David Eby and Yukon Premier Ranj Pillai, marks a milestone in the joint pursuit of regional energy security, economic growth and climate leadership. This collaboration is guided by shared principles of strengthening Canadian self-sufficiency, advancing Indigenous reconciliation, promoting sustainable economic development and accelerating clean-energy transition.

    The Yukon-B.C. Grid Connect would enable two-way transmission of renewable electricity, opening new opportunities to supply clean power to remote and resource-rich areas in northwestern B.C. and the Yukon. The MOU reaffirms B.C. and the Yukon’s commitment to Indigenous collaboration, clean-energy development and regional infrastructure planning that meets the needs of present and future generations.

    British Columbia will work with Yukon, Indigenous governments, the federal government and other stakeholders to identify opportunities for new renewable-energy generation and transmission, including potential extensions of the North Coast Transmission Line.

    Quick Facts:

    • The Government of B.C. supported Yukon’s application to the federal Critical Minerals Infrastructure Fund for the Yukon-B.C. Grid Connect.
    • The Yukon Development Corporation received $40 million from the Government of Canada and committed an additional $13 million toward advancing pre-construction planning over five years.
    • Yukon’s power grid is isolated from the North American grid, and a connection to B.C. would be its first inter-jurisdictional transmission link.
    • The initiative supports broader federal and provincial goals around climate-change mitigation, critical-mineral development, clean economic growth and Arctic sovereignty.

    Learn More:

    To view the MOU, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/YukonBC_Grid_MOU.pdf

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Hassan, Shaheen, and Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Expand Medicare Drug Price Negotiation and Lower Costs for Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Maggie Hassan, a member of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen joined their colleagues in reintroducing the Strengthening Medicare and Reducing Taxpayer (SMART) Prices Act. This legislation would expand Medicare negotiation of drug prices to lower drug costs for consumers, reduce federal spending, and give the Department of Health and Human Services stronger tools to negotiate lower drug prices in Medicare Part B and Part D.
    “In 2023, my colleagues and I took on Big Pharma and moved to help lower prescription drug costs by finally allowing Medicare to negotiate the price of medications. But rather than build upon this important work, the Trump Administration wants to add loopholes and exemptions that weaken this program and result in higher prices for patients,” said Senator Hassan. “This legislation rejects the Trump Administration’s handouts to Big Pharma and instead accelerates the drug price negotiation efforts that will help more people afford the medications that they need.”
    “Granite Staters are having their budgets upended by the sky-high costs of the prescription drugs they need,” said Senator Shaheen. “I’m laser-focused on taking action to give families more breathing room in their household budgets and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made to lower prescription drug prices in recent years, but we have more work to do. The SMART Prices Act is common sense legislation that will expand our ability to take on Big Pharma and accelerate our work to bring health care costs down.”
    According to preliminary estimates from a model by West Health and Verdant Research, if the SMART Prices Act was enacted in 2026, it would save 33 percent more by 2030 than current law. It would also allow Medicare to begin negotiations earlier and bring down the price of more expensive drugs.
    This legislation builds on a provision that Senators Hassan and Shaheen worked with their colleagues to enact – passing into law in 2022 and beginning in 2023 – that has empowered Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices for the first time, helping to lower the cost of prescription drugs for seniors in New Hampshire and across the country. The SMART Prices Act would extend this progress by more than doubling the number of prescription drugs Medicare must negotiate to a minimum of 50 per year, allowing the most costly prescription drugs and biologics to have negotiated prices five years after approval by the Food and Drug Administration, and by increasing the discount that Medicare is allowed to negotiate.
    Senators Hassan and Shaheen are leading efforts in the Senate to lower health care costs and make essential medications more affordable. For instance, Senator Hassan recently reintroduced bipartisan legislation to streamline the approval process for generic drugs, which will help generics enter the market more quickly and lower prescription drug prices for patients. Senator Hassan also helped pass into law three bipartisan measures to increase access to generic and biosimilar medications, which are often cheaper than their brand name counterparts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Colleagues Call on DHS to Prioritize Cybersecurity, Reestablish Cyber Safety Review Board

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, joined by U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), both members of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, wrote to Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem urging her to reestablish the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB) after the Trump administration dismissed members earlier this year.
    The CSRB, established in 2022 under President Biden, convenes cybersecurity experts from across multiple government agencies and the private sector to investigate serious cybersecurity breaches and make recommendations for businesses, government agencies, and individuals to better protect themselves. In January of this year, the board was disbanded.
    The senators wrote, “The CSRB played a vital role in U.S. national security carrying out post-incident reviews and providing information and making recommendations to improve public and private sector cyber security. Therefore, we urge you to swiftly reconstitute the Board with qualified leaders to shape our nation’s cyber response.”
    In their letter, the senators highlighted the key work that CSRB has done to investigate some of the most serious cyber incidents our country has faced, including Salt Typhoon, a breach believed to be perpetrated by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) that compromised U.S. and global telecommunications infrastructure.
    “Against the backdrop of repeated insistence by this Administration on the need to leverage private sector and external expertise in government, the decision to dismantle this successful collaboration between the federal government and the private sector is particularly confounding,” the senators continued. “The CSRB has spearheaded crucial fact-finding efforts following cyber incidents, and developed recommendations and reports reflecting lessons learned following some of the most serious cyber incidents of the past few years, such as the Microsoft Exchange Online intrusion, the SolarWinds hack, and most recently (until the CSRB’s dissolution) the Salt Typhoon campaign against U.S telecommunications infrastructure.”
    The senators concluded, “As we have said before, inadequate cyber security practices put our economy, our national security and even lives at risk. The January dismissal of CSRB members, and continued uncertainty about the future role of the Board, has undermined cyber defense preparations for public and private entities across the United States. In this age of great innovation, we cannot afford to see our private or public systems compromised by malicious actors. You have had more than four months to reestablish this Board to conduct this critical work – DHS leadership and CISA must work together to immediately reinstate the Board as a crucial part of America’s cyber defense infrastructure.”
    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.
    Dear Secretary Noem:
    We write to you today with regard to the need to act to reestablish the Cyber Safety Review Board (“CSRB” or “Board”). As members of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence or the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, we extremely concerned with ensuring that America’s intelligence community, law enforcement agencies, state and local governments, and businesses have access to the best tools and resources to prepare for, and protect themselves against, ongoing cyber threats facing our nation. The CSRB played a vital role in U.S. national security carrying out post-incident reviews and providing information and making recommendations to improve public and private sector cyber security. Therefore, we urge you to swiftly reconstitute the Board with qualified leaders to shape our nation’s cyber response.
    As chartered, the CSRB is composed of 20 standing members, with additional members appointed on a case-by-case basis for the purpose of specific investigations. All members bring expertise from both the public and private sector, and are to be selected on the basis of significant professional and technical expertise and regardless of political affiliation. This structure serves to create a body with a deep well of cyber security capabilities and knowledge that can conduct thorough reviews of cyber incidents and provide trusted, fact-based recommendations on how businesses, individuals, and agencies across all layers of government can better protect themselves.
    When building cyber security capabilities, the software and IT ecosystem benefits tremendously from transparent, accessible, and rigorous research and forensics. Against the backdrop of repeated insistence by this Administration on the need to leverage private sector and external expertise in government, the decision to dismantle this successful collaboration between the federal government and the private sector is particularly confounding.
    The CSRB has spearheaded crucial fact-finding efforts following cyber incidents, and developed recommendations and reports reflecting lessons learned following some of the most serious cyber incidents of the past few years, such as the Microsoft Exchange Online intrusion, the SolarWinds hack, and most recently (until the CSRB’s dissolution) the Salt Typhoon campaign against U.S telecommunications infrastructure.  
    These comprehensive and incredibly fact-intensive investigations have provided invaluable transparency and lessons for the wider software and IT sectors. For instance, the CSRB’s review of the 2023 Microsoft cyber incident, recently cited by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard when presenting the Annual Threat Assessment at the March 25, 2025 SSCI open hearing, identified several operational and strategic lapses that contributed to this intrusion, with recommendations around authentication, logging, and public communication around security incidents that benefited the entire ecosystem.
    As we have noted, the CSRB had been actively investigating potentially the most expansive and impactful cyber security breach in U.S. history: the unprecedented compromises of U.S. and global telecommunications infrastructure by threat actors associated with the People’s Republic of China, widely referred to as “Salt Typhoon.” However, the CSRB’s investigation into the Salt Typhoon compromises of U.S. telecommunication firms, launched in 2024, was effectively terminated on January 20, 2025 and is depriving the public of a fuller accounting of the origin, scope, scale, and severity of these compromises. It is essential that the U.S. develop a complete and thorough understanding of the factors that contributed to the success of these intrusions – including clear root-cause analyses of each successful penetration – and present key recommendations for the telecommunications sector to better protect itself against similarly complex and large-scale compromises by future threat actors.
    As we have said before, inadequate cyber security practices put our economy, our national security and even lives at risk. The January dismissal of CSRB members, and continued uncertainty about the future role of the Board, has undermined cyber defense preparations for public and private entities across the United States. In this age of great innovation, we cannot afford to see our private or public systems compromised by malicious actors. You have had more than four months to reestablish this Board to conduct this critical work – DHS leadership and CISA must work together to immediately reinstate the Board as a crucial part of America’s cyber defense infrastructure.
    Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this important issue. It is our hope that we can work together to continue developing a robust cyber security infrastructure that protects all Americans.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Mullin Advocates for Brain Aneurysm Research, Reintroduces Ellie’s Law 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator MarkWayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma)

    Senator Mullin Advocates for Brain Aneurysm Research, Reintroduces Ellie’s Law 

    Washington, D.C. – Earlier this month, U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced Ellie’s Law, a bipartisan bill to increase federal funding for research of prevention and detection of brain aneurysms.
    “As an advocate for better brain health outcomes, I’m proud to support Ellie’s Law. No family should have to go through the heartbreak or financial burden from a disease we have the power to prevent,” said Senator Markwayne Mullin. “We have to continue pushing for real progress in brain aneurysm research, and I’m committed to working with my colleagues in the Senate to make sure that critical funding moves forward.”
    Senator Mullin met with Ellie’s family in Washington, D.C. and discussed the importance of this bill and Ellie’s beautiful life.

    Full text of the ‘‘Ellie Helton, Lisa Colagrossi, Kristen Shafer Englert, Teresa Anne Lawrence, and Jennifer Sedney Focused Research Act’’ or ‘‘Ellie’s Law’’ can be found here.
    Background:
    An estimated six million people in the U.S., or one in 50 people, have an unruptured brain aneurysm.
    Each year, an estimated 30,000 people in the U.S. suffer a brain aneurysm rupture, 40 percent of which are fatal.
    Brain aneurysms are most prevalent in people ages 35-50 but can occur in children.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Joins CBC’s The Current to Discuss Trade War, Congressional Delegation to Ottawa

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch on Trump’s Trade War: “From my perspective—and obviously the court’s perspective—he’s overreaching. He’s acting beyond the scope of authority that he has as the chief executive of our country.”
    BURLINGTON, VT – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) joined CBC Radio One’s The Current to reflect on his recent trip to Ottawa, where he and a bipartisan Congressional Delegation discussed the trade war with Prime Minister Mark Carney and other Canadian leaders. In the interview, Senator Welch also reacted to the U.S. Court of International Trade’s ruling halting President Trump’s so-called ‘reciprocal’ global tariffs, and tariffs on Canada and Mexico. 
    Matt Galloway: “You have called Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, in your words, ‘really, really stupid.’ What did you make of this court ruling?” 
    Senator Welch: “Well, it’s welcome news. The reality is that in the United States, under our Constitution, a tariff is a tax, and the originating body has to be the Congress. The president has hijacked that authority, supposedly invoking emergency powers. I think that was bogus and that it has done a lot of damage. This court ruling says what I think is true: the president and executive, whether it’s Trump or anyone else, does not have the unilateral authority to arbitrarily and whimsically impose these tariffs without congressional approval.” 
    Galloway: “It’s interesting, this court has appointees from Ronald Reagan, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump. Do you think that the Trump Administration will abide by their decision?” 
    Welch: “Open question. As you said, when there is a court ruling the Trump Administration disagrees with, it accuses the judges of being unelected people who have no authority. Under our system of justice, and our constitutional order—the court—that is their job to make a determination as to whether a law or an action by the executive is within the bounds of the constitution. It’s ‘situation normal’ and ‘reaction normal’ from Trump. If he doesn’t like the decision, he says it’s bogus. He has disregarded many decisions, I think it’ll be tougher, on this one, for him to do so.” 
    ■■■
    Galloway: “As you said, this was a bipartisan group of Members that came to Ottawa, both Democrat and Republican. What is your sense as to how willing the parties are to work together when it comes to mending offenses?” 
    Welch: “Well, here’s the dilemma that we have—this is our problem: There’s widespread opposition to the tariffs, because—whether you voted for Trump, you voted for Harris—these tariffs are making your business running your business very, very difficult. But the reality, politically, for us right now is Trump continues to have a pretty iron grip on the Republicans in Congress. So, at a certain point, my Republican colleagues are going to have to decide whether they’re going to defer to the president or listen to the people they represent. Because whether you’re in a Republican state like North Dakota or…a Democratic state like Vermont, our businesses in both states, our hospitality industry, they’re being affected. And of course, Canada is a major trading partner for 34 states. It is for Vermont, but we’re one of 34 states. And this is something that is now integrated into the economies of 34 of our states, and really our country.  
    “These tariffs make absolutely no sense, and many of us are saying that. But Trump’s in charge, and from my perspective—and obviously the court’s perspective—he’s overreaching. He’s acting beyond the scope of authority that he has as the chief executive of our country.” 
    Listen to the episode here: 
    This week in Manchester, Senator Welch brought together Vermont businesses and manufacturers to hear directly how global tariffs and President Trump’s trade war are impacting them. The event was held at The Orvis Company. Read more about the event here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reps. Titus and Stanton Introduce Legislation Improving Emergency Response to Extreme Heat

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Dina Titus (1st District of Nevada)

    WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Dina Titus (NV-01), a senior member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, and Congressman Greg Stanton (AZ-04) introduced the Extreme Weather and Heat Response Modernization Act. This legislation would empower the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to better define and address extreme heat and to provide communities with more resources, including cooling centers, to keep people safe during extreme temperature events.

    “Last year, Clark County suffered from the deadliest extreme heat season on record with 526 heat-related deaths,” said Rep. Titus. “While steps have been taken in recent years to combat the rise of heat-related illnesses, more needs to be done to improve emergency responses to this deadly threat. My bill will provide FEMA with the flexibility to expand its suite of mitigation measures against extreme heat, including cooling centers. It also requires FEMA to provide guidance to help communities better plan for extreme temperature events.”

    “If Phoenix was being hit with a hurricane, or pummeled by tornadoes or extreme flooding, FEMA would be able to provide federal assistance. But despite extreme heat killing more people each year than hurricanes and tornadoes combined, states can’t request the same kind of federal assistance for heat emergencies. Extreme heat is a long-term natural disaster, and we need the federal government to start treating it as such,” said Rep. Stanton. “Our legislation gives FEMA the tools to address extreme heat—in coordination with state, local and Tribal governments—and keep Arizonans safe.”

    Background

    Extreme heat causes more deaths than tornados and hurricanes combined. Statistics show that the summer of 2024 was the deadliest for extreme heat, especially in Southern Nevada, where Las Vegas recorded its deadliest extreme heat season. According to weather indicators, the number of extreme heat events per year has increased in frequency and intensity, showing no signs of letting up.

    Over the 4th of July weekend in 2024, nearly 130 million people were under some sort of extreme heat threat, and temperatures in Southern Nevada reached a local record of 120 degrees. As heat-related illnesses and hospitalizations continue to increase, communities need more resources to protect individuals, including the ability to set up cooling centers to help vulnerable people maintain a safe body temperature.

    The legislation is supported by the City of Las Vegas; National Association of Counties (NACo); Desert Research Institute; IBEW Local 357; United Steelworkers; BuildStrong America; and the NRDC.

    A Section by Section of the bill can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Larsen Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Rick Larsen (2nd Congressional District Washington)

    Larsen Announces Winner of 2025 Congressional Art Competition

    Mount Vernon, W.A., May 30, 2025

    Today, Rep. Rick Larsen announced Tessa Meyer of Oak Harbor High School as the winner of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition in Washington state’s 2nd congressional district with her piece, “Swallow Your Attitude.”

    “Swallow Your Attitude” by Tessa Meyer, Oak Harbor High School “Swallow Your Attitude” will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year. Meyer has also been invited to attend the Congressional Art Competition awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. and received free airfare for her and an adult for the trip.

    “It takes courage to put yourself out there as a young person, and I’m grateful to all the artists who submitted their work to the Congressional Art Competition,” said Larsen. “Congratulations to Tessa Meyer for winning this year’s competition with her fantastic piece. I look forward to seeing “Swallow Your Attitude” in the Capitol.”

    This year’s second and third place winners are also students at Oak Harbor High School: Lillika Taitano with “An Orange-flavored Day” and Peyton Bodenhafer with “Obscure.”

    “An Orange-flavored Day” by Lillika Taitano, Oak Harbor High School

    “Obscure” by Peyton Bodenhafer, Oak Harbor High School Kit Christopherson is the art teacher at Oak Harbor High School, and congratulated his three students for winning 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in this year’s competition.

    “All participants’ works exhibited great technical excellence and I am thrilled our OHHS artists were recognized,” said Christopherson. “Lillika Taitano’s “An Orange-Flavored Day” is a beautifully crafted look at first childhood experiences and Peyton Bodenhafer’s “Obscure” is an excellent experiment in hidden form. The detailed winning piece “Swallow Your Attitude” by Tessa Meyer could be read as a social commentary where kids receive more loud opinions and information than people can handle and reminds me that parents and teachers have the opportunity to demonstrate stability instead of trying to compete with the noise.”

    This year, Rep. Larsen’s office received 15 eligible artwork submissions from across the Second District. Rep. Larsen, Dr. Kate MacKenzie (Snohomish County Arts Commissioner), Therese Kingsbury (President of Sculpture Northwest), and Diane Martindale (former President of the San Juan Islands Museum of Art) served as judges in the competition. Each submission was scored on creativity, the execution of the artist’s skill, and the way the piece tells a story or provokes a reaction.

    The winner of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition in Washington state’s 2nd congressional district, “Reflection” by Riley Tomtan of Ferndale High School, has hung in the U.S. Capitol for the past year.

    “Reflection” by Riley Tomtan, Ferndale High School Each spring since 1982, the Congressional Institute has sponsored the Congressional Art Competition to recognize and encourage artistic talent in each congressional district. Since the competition began, more than 650,000 high school students have participated. For more information about the annual Congressional Art Competition, click here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Statement on So-Called “Sanctuary Jurisdictions” in the Ninth

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA)

    A number of communities and localities in Virginia’s Ninth District are reported to be considered “sanctuary jurisdictions” by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). In light of this news, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “Ninth District law enforcement organizations and localities are very cooperative with the federal government in the handling and detainment of illegal aliens.

    “It is a surprising development to see some of our localities listed as ‘sanctuary jurisdictions’ by DHS. My office has been in contact with our liaisons in the federal government for an explanation and solution. As of now, we do not have a definitive answer. However, it appears that there may be some paperwork anomalies related to federal detainers, particularly at some regional jails. 

    “I will continue to monitor the situation and hope I will have specific answers within the next week.”

    BACKGROUND

    A detainer is a legal document that asks a community or law enforcement organization, like a jail, to detain a prisoner or illegal alien until the federal government can pick them up.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Trump Administration Launches Permitting Technology Action Plan

    Source: US Whitehouse

    Today, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in consultation with the National Energy Dominance Council and relevant permitting agencies, issued a Permitting Technology Action Plan to modernize Federal environmental review and permitting processes for infrastructure projects involving roads, bridges, mines, factories, power plants and more.

    The Permitting Technology Action Plan provides a government-wide strategy to optimize technology to effectively and efficiently evaluate environmental permits, allowing for seamless information exchange between agencies, simplified interactions for applicants, and greater transparency and predictability on environmental review and permitting schedules for sponsors and stakeholders.

    The Permitting Technology Action Plan contains:

    • Minimum functional requirements for environmental review and permitting systems;
    • An initial National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and permitting data and technology standard;
    • A timeline and implementation roadmap for agencies; and
    • A governance structure for implementation.

    This Permitting Technology Action Plan is a testament to the Trump Administration’s commitment to expediting and simplifying the environmental review and permitting process. It delivers on President Trump’s Memorandum, Updating Permitting Technology for the 21st Century, and follows the establishment of the Permitting Innovation Center. Working with the General Services Administration’s Technology Transformation Services, the CEQ-led Permitting Innovation Center will design and test prototype permitting technology systems in order to advise Federal agencies on the adoption of the best-in-class-tools. 

    “The Trump Administration is working tirelessly to implement innovation-driven environmental review and permitting reforms to eliminate needless delays that cripple the growth of the U.S. economy, replacing outdated technology with efficient, speedier solutions,” said Katherine Scarlett, Chief of Staff at the White House Council on Environmental Quality. “Through interagency coordination, this Administration has taken bold action to streamline the NEPA process and get America back to building infrastructure projects of all kinds.”

    “Under President Trump’s leadership, we will ensure the Federal government is maximizing modern technologies to streamline permitting,” said Thomas Shedd, Technology Transformation Services Director at the General Services Administration. “Technology Transformation Services remains committed to supporting the execution of the Permitting Technology Action Plan by building the tools agencies can use to accelerate their environmental review and permitting processes – with results in weeks or months, not years.”

    The solutions laid out in the Permitting Technology Action Plan will leverage technology to tackle longstanding problems identified in CEQ’s E-NEPA Report to Congress—including, reliance on outdated systems, fragmented data management, and disconnected digital tools—reinforcing this Administration’s unwavering dedication to deliver outstanding results at 21st century speeds.

    In Case You Missed It: President Trump Unleashes Permitting Technology for the 21st Century

    “We need to drill more, map more, mine more, and build more — all while innovating faster than our global competitors,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “The Permitting Technology Action Plan will channel our greatest asset, American innovation and technology, to overhaul our current permitting process and power our nation faster, better, cleaner, and more reliably than ever before. Embracing cutting-edge development and modernizing this outdated system will pave the way to American success.”

    “With President Trump’s leadership, this administration is taking action to fix a broken system that’s slowing down critical energy projects across the country. Outdated permitting systems are creating costly delays at the exact moment we need to be expanding capacity, strengthening our energy security, and building the infrastructure that powers American industry and lowers costs for families,” said Secretary of Energy Chris Wright. “As Secretary of Energy and Vice Chair of the National Energy Dominance Council, I welcome this decisive action to modernize permitting technology, cut red tape, and align the full force of the federal government behind getting these essential projects approved and built—because energy dominance isn’t possible without the infrastructure to support it.”

    “When President Trump says American farmers and ranchers have been the lifeblood of our economy for centuries, he means it. For too long, our producers have experienced delays and uncertainty as they navigate a complex permitting process that gets in the way of American innovation and stifles energy and timber production. This historic Memorandum will increase efficiency and transparency so farmers, foresters, and producers can get back to the work they do every day to feed, fuel, and clothe our nation,” said Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins.

    “It takes too long to build in America,” said Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy. “Ridiculous red tape and outdated regulations add cost and delays to projects. It has to stop. Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, we are slashing the bureaucracy and getting back to actually building things in America again. We are doing that by harnessing innovative technology to expedite the permitting process.”

    “I applaud President Trump for his actions to streamline environmental reviews and permitting processes which will bolster American innovation and grow our economy. Pillar Three of my Powering the Great American Comeback Initiative is permitting reform, cooperative federalism, and cross-agency partnership and under President Trump’s leadership, EPA will leverage technology to maximize efficiency and maintain the quality of review while expediting permits for infrastructure projects. No longer will applicants face years-long, uncertain, and costly permitting processes. Instead, we will safeguard our environment and incentivize investment into our economy creating American jobs,” said Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency Lee Zeldin.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Tornado Watch 348

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    WW 348 TORNADO NC VA WV 301735Z – 310000Z

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Tornado Watch Number 348
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    135 PM EDT Fri May 30 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Tornado Watch for portions of
    Northwest into Central North Carolina
    Western and Northern Virginia
    Southern and Eastern West Virginia

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 135 PM until
    800 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    A couple tornadoes possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible
    Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop ahead of a
    surface low where enlarged hodographs and moist low levels will
    promote a mix of cells and bands of storms. The stronger storms
    will pose a risk for a couple of tornadoes, scattered damaging
    gusts, and isolated large hail.

    The tornado watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles
    east and west of a line from 30 miles north northeast of Elkins WV
    to 20 miles southwest of Greensboro NC. For a complete depiction of
    the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU8).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Tornado Watch means conditions are favorable for
    tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch
    area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for
    threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements
    and possible warnings.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 347…

    AVIATION…Tornadoes and a few severe thunderstorms with hail
    surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind
    gusts to 60 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean
    storm motion vector 25035.

    …Smith

    Read more

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE investigation leads to couple charged with marriage fraud, making false statements

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    CAMDEN, N.J. — An Albanian national was charged with marriage fraud, and he and his wife, an American citizen, were both charged with making false statements on forms submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services following an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations Newark.

    The charges against Elvis Harizaj, 25, of Cherry Hill, and Natasha Flores, 27, of Newark, were announced May 28 by the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Camden.

    “This couple allegedly undermined the integrity of our U.S. immigration laws by entering into a deceptive marriage for the purpose of obtaining fraudulent legal status to remain in our country,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel. “These charges should serve as a warning to others that marriage fraud is a federal crime, and we will investigate and prosecute those who try to circumvent our nation’s legal paths to residency.”

    According to HSI Newark’s investigation, Harizaj is a citizen of Albania and entered into a sham marriage with Flores for the purpose of obtaining permanent residence in the United States. On forms submitted to USCIS, Harizaj falsely stated that he lived with Flores and Flores falsely stated that she had never been married before. Flores, in fact, had previously been married to a Brazilian national who obtained U.S. citizenship based on his marriage to Flores. In addition, Harizaj was charged with marriage fraud.

    The counts of false statements and marriage fraud both have a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and a term of three years of supervised release.

    The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz, Sykes Announce Bipartisan Women’s Caucus Shared Agenda for Women and Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

    Washington, DC – Co-chairs, Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) and Congresswoman Emilia Strong Sykes (D-OH), along with Vice-Chairs, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) and Congresswoman Janelle Bynum (D-OR) announce theBipartisan Women’s Caucus priorities for the 119th Congress.

    The Caucus outlined the following legislative priorities:

    • Caregiving:Exploring ways to better support caregivers

    • Food and Nutrition:Expanding access to healthy and nutritious food

    • Small Business and Entrepreneurship:Promoting programs for women-owned businesses

    • STEM/STEAM:Creating greater opportunities and a pipeline for women and girls

    • Women Veterans:Addressing military sexual trauma and enhancing research on women veterans’ health

    • Violence Against Women:Supporting efforts to promote the economic security of survivors

    • Women’s Health:Strengthening and funding maternal health, mid-life health and expanding IVF insurance coverage

    • Women’s History Museum:Ensuring women’s contributions throughout our country’s history is recognized and honored

    “As Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, I’m committed to working across the aisle to advance policies that support women-owned small businesses, strengthen families, and expand access to childcare and elder care.Empowering women is at the heart of our mission, and I look forward to delivering commonsense solutions on the priorities we share.”-Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

     

    “As the representative for one of the most bipartisan congressional districts in the country, it is an honor to Co-Chair the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus to prioritize real change for women and girls in America. Whether we are working to raise awareness around violence against women, improving women’s health, expanding opportunities for women and girls in STEAM, or engaging in efforts to improve access to healthy foods and ensure food is safe for our children, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with so many amazing women across the political spectrum to make sure that women and girls are not left behind by our government.”–Congresswoman Emilia Strong Sykes (OH-13)

     

    “As Vice-Chair serving in the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus, I remain committed to advancing commonsense, bipartisan policies that support women and families nationwide. We’ve worked to increase the Child Tax Credit and expand women’s health care, support women-owned businesses, advance STEM opportunities, supporting solutions to increase access to child care, and champion a National Women’s History Museum. We’re working across the aisle to empower current and future generations of women and girls.”-Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis.

     

    “Every day I hear from Oregonians that want lower costs, better jobs, and a fair chance at the American Dream. I remain firmly committed to working across the aisle as Vice-Chair of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus to deliver real results to improve Americans’ quality of life.”-Congresswoman Janelle Bynum

     

    “In keeping with their 48-year history, the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus’ legislative priorities for the 119th Congress demonstrate their continued commitment to work across the aisle to ensure women and their families are economically secure, healthy and safe. WCPI will continue to work alongside the Caucus to hold regular briefings and engage in thoughtful bipartisan discussions and learning opportunities for Members and congressional staff.”-President of the Women’s Congressional Policy Institute (WCPI) Jennifer Lockwood-Shabat

     

    Background:

    The Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues was founded in 1977 and later renamed to the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus (BWC). When it was founded, the Caucus included 15 of the 18 women servingin the House of Representatives. Today, nearly one-third of the House are women members. With its founding, the Caucus offered a space for women members to speak in public and with each other about women’s policy issues with the goal of developing, initiating, and promoting bipartisan legislation and public policies for women.

     

    Some of the early accomplishments of the Bipartisan Women’s Caucus included:

    • The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (1978)

    • The Retirement Equity Act (1984)

    • The Women’s Business Ownership Act (1988)

    • The Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act (1990)

    • The Family and Medical Leave Act (1993)

    • The Violence Against Women Act (1994)

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: De La Cruz Advocates to Combat New World Screwworm in Hidalgo County

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Monica De La Cruz (TX-15)

    De La Cruz Advocates to Combat New World Screwworm in Hidalgo County

    Washington, May 29, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: High School Teams from Across North Carolina Amaze in Ready, Set, App! Competition

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: High School Teams from Across North Carolina Amaze in Ready, Set, App! Competition

    High School Teams from Across North Carolina Amaze in Ready, Set, App! Competition
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced the three winning North Carolina high school teams of the sixth annual Ready, Set, App! competition. Nine student teams from across the state attended the final event to pitch their original mobile apps to a panel of business and tech-industry professionals along with a live audience of family members, teachers, and peers.

    “I am proud to recognize these competitors for their technical acumen and hard work to develop apps that will make a difference for their friends, family, and neighbors,” said Governor Josh Stein. “We must expand opportunity so that students can apply what they learn in the classroom to solve real problems. I look forward to seeing all that these students achieve in the future.”

    The following teams were selected as the winners for this year’s competition:

    • First place was ASLephant from Mallard Creek High School in Mecklenburg County, who created an app to teach users about the foundations of American Sign Language (ASL) through a gamified leveling system, which features unique quizzes and flashcards. Team members include Elizabeth Bui, Linh Thai, and Laylah Pegues. Watch ASLephant’s presentation here.
    • Second place went to Color Catch from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics – Morganton in Burke County. Their app empowers individuals with color blindness by enabling them to easily identify the colors of everyday objects, enhancing their independence. Team members include Rohin Patel, Avika Gera, Peter Tenholder, Sai Yadavalli, and Ishaan Joshy. Watch Color Catch’s presentation here.
    • Third place was ApneaAid from Enloe High School in Wake County, who created an AI-powered app that detects sleep apnea risk using your phone’s microphone and provides unique recommendations and trends to improve sleep quality. Team members include Madhav Annachi, Sehajpreet Bajwa, Aarush Jain, Ahan Jaiswal, Abhinay Ruddarraju. Watch ApneaAid’s presentation here. 

    The Ready, Set, App competition is hosted by the North Carolina Business Committee for Education (NCBCE), a business-led, education non-profit within the Governor’s Office, and sponsored by Lenovo. The contest challenges student teams to design and develop an original android mobile application to solve a problem in their school or community. 

    This year, Ready, Set, App! teams are comprised of three to five students along with an advisor. The competition set participation records this year, engaging 425 students with 107 teams from across 30 counties. From the registered teams, 51 submitted completed projects, including a full app demonstration accompanied by a compelling video pitch. Projects were then judged by Lenovo professionals, educators, business leaders, and government officials to determine the nine finalists. Teams then pitched their apps on stage at the Lenovo headquarters in Morrisville for the chance to win brand new Lenovo tech. 

    “We are incredibly proud to recognize the outstanding talent and innovation showcased by all the participants in this year’s Ready, Set, App! competition,” said Libby Richards, community engagement manager at Lenovo. “These high school students have demonstrated not only technical skill, but also a forward-thinking problem solving using technology. We congratulate the winners on their impressive achievements and applaud every student who took part in this inspiring competition.”

    This year’s team was led by Kishan Rajeev Jagadeesh from Apex Friendship High and Wisdom Walker from Harper Middle College. New additions this year include Evan Kim from Weddington High School, Mariya Tinch from Nash-Rocky Mount Early College, Nachammai Annamalai from South Iredell High School, and Swayam Shah from Enloe Magnet High School.

    Ready, Set, App! is open to all North Carolina high school students and will be held again next school year with a kickoff planned for fall 2025. Intern applications will open in September and team registration will open shortly after. 

    Click here or more information about the Ready, Set, App! Competition. 

    May 30, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawley Urges DOJ to Investigate Chinese Automotive Company for National Security Breaches, Export Violations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)
    Today, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate TuSimple Holdings – a Chinese autonomous trucking company – for potential violations of U.S. export controls, unauthorized transfers of sensitive technology to the People’s Republic of China, and any associated breaches of national security.
    In the letter, Senator Hawley wrote, “According to recent investigative reports, TuSimple systematically shared proprietary data, source code, and autonomous driving technologies with Chinese state-linked entities, in blatant disregard of a 2022 national security agreement with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). These reports also revealed communications from TuSimple personnel inside China requesting the shipment of sensitive Nvidia AI chips and detailed records showing ‘deep and longstanding ties’ with Chinese military-affiliated manufacturers. To date, TuSimple has not faced serious consequences for sharing American intellectual property with China.”
    He continued, “If the reports about TuSimple are accurate, they represent not just a violation of export law, but a breach of national trust and a direct threat to American technological leadership.  The American people deserve to know how and why a supposedly U.S.-based company was allowed to serve as a conduit for the transfer of sensitive innovations to the Chinese Communist Party.”
    Senator Hawley concluded, “I urge the Department to act swiftly and without hesitation. Any individual or entity found to have violated our laws must be held fully accountable.”
    Read the full letter here or below. 
    May 28, 2025
    The Honorable Pam BondiAttorney GeneralU.S. Department of Justice950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NWWashington, DC 20530
    Dear Attorney General Bondi,
    I write to urge the Department of Justice to open a formal investigation into TuSimple Holdings Inc., a Chinese autonomous trucking company, for potential violations of U.S. export controls, unauthorized transfers of sensitive technology to the People’s Republic of China, and any associated breaches of national security.
    According to recent investigative reports, TuSimple systematically shared proprietary data, source code, and autonomous driving technologies with Chinese state-linked entities, in blatant disregard of a 2022 national security agreement with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS)[1]  These reports also revealed communications from TuSimple personnel inside China requesting the shipment of sensitive Nvidia AI chips and detailed records showing “deep and longstanding ties” with Chinese military-affiliated manufacturers. To date, TuSimple has not faced serious consequences for sharing American intellectual property with China.
    If the reports about TuSimple are accurate, they represent not just a violation of export law, but a breach of national trust and a direct threat to American technological leadership.  The American people deserve to know how and why a supposedly U.S.-based company was allowed to serve as a conduit for the transfer of sensitive innovations to the Chinese Communist Party.  I urge the Department to act swiftly and without hesitation. Any individual or entity found to have violated our laws must be held fully accountable.
    As you conduct your investigation, please consider the following questions:
    1. Did TuSimple provide protected information to Hydron, Foton, BAIC Group, or any other affiliated Chinese entity?2. What steps has the Department of Justice taken to ensure that Bot Auto—a new, Texas-based self-driving truck company staffed with former TuSimple employees and backed by Chinese capital—does not engage in similar behavior?3. What activities were covered by TuSimple’s national security agreement with CFIUS?4. What were the infractions of this agreement for which TuSimple paid a $6 million settlement?5. Are “national security agreements” an adequate mechanism for controlling high-risk companies with known ties to the Chinese Communist Party?
    Thank you for your attention to this matter.
    Sincerely,Josh HawleyU.S. Senator

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Wraps Up Statewide Tour Highlighting Work to Protect Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Luján Visits Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe; Holds Town Hall With Rep. Stansbury

    New Mexico – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) concluded a series of events across New Mexico this week, meeting with health care providers, seniors, families, and union members to highlight the impact of Republican efforts to cut Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP.

    This week, Senator Luján traveled from Las Cruces to Albuquerque to Santa Fe to speak directly with New Mexicans about what’s at stake and to reaffirm his commitment to protecting the essential programs that thousands of New Mexico families, children, seniors, and communities rely on

    Candlelight Memorial Ceremony in Las Cruces

    Senator Luján began the week on Monday by honoring fallen service members at the 12th Annual Candlelight Ceremony in Doña Ana County.

    “On Memorial Day, we pause to remember the heroes who gave everything for our country. I was proud to stand with the community in Las Cruces to honor their service, their sacrifice, and their families,” said Senator Luján.

    Roundtable on Republican Benefit Cuts in Las Cruces

    At the Munson Senior Center on Tuesday, Senator Luján met with health care professionals, senior service providers, and AARP to discuss how Republican cuts would harm New Mexicans.

    “We heard firsthand how Republican cuts would shut down clinics, rip away food and care, and leave families with nowhere to turn,” continued Senator Luján. “For seniors living on fixed incomes, for parents working to make ends meet, and for rural communities already facing barriers to care – these programs are lifelines. I will keep fighting in the Senate to stop these cuts and protect the dignity and well-being of every New Mexican.”

    Town Hall with Representative Melanie Stansbury in Albuquerque

    Tuesday evening, Senator Luján joined Rep. Melanie Stansbury for a town hall focused on threats to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP.

    “This Republican-led bill is a total rip-off for New Mexicans – all to line the pockets of people like President Trump and Elon Musk,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “The Republicans’ priorities couldn’t be more clear: tax handouts for billionaires and massive corporations, paid for by cutting health care, food assistance, and benefits for New Mexicans. We are not backing down.”

    Health Care Roundtable at CHRISTUS St. Vincent in Santa Fe

    Senator Luján met with health careleaders and providers to discuss the impact of federal budget cuts on care delivery, staffing, and rural access.

    “Gutting Medicare and Medicaid would take health care away from those who need it most – especially in rural communities,” continued Senator Luján. “Providers are already stretched thin. These cuts would force closures, delay care, and put lives at risk. Our hospitals and health care workers need support, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure they get it.”

    AFSCME and SNAP Labor Event in Santa Fe

    Senator Luján concluded the tour with AFSCME union members, focusing on how GOP cuts to SNAP and public services would affect workers and families.

    “AFSCME members keep our state running, and SNAP keeps families fed. These cuts are a direct attack on both,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’ve introduced legislation to strengthen the SNAP workforce because supporting workers means better service for families. I’ll always stand with New Mexico’s workers and the communities they serve.”

    Throughout the statewide tour, Senator Luján underscored the devastating impact of the GOP budget proposal that slashes health and nutrition programs, raises costs for New Mexicans, and adds to the national debt – all to fund massive tax handouts for the wealthiest Americans and corporate interests.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Colleagues Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Spur Economic Development, Support CDFIs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper

    Legislation would expand access to capital to more Americans

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper joined eleven of his Senate colleagues to reintroduce the bipartisan CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act, which would strengthen Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) to jumpstart economic development and increase access to capital for more Americans.

    “CDFIs open doors for communities that traditional financing leaves behind,” said Hickenlooper. “Strengthening our CDFIs will deliver more small businesses, more jobs, and a stronger economy.”

    CDFIs play a critical role providing financing to a wide range of small businesses, homeowners, and housing developers. The bipartisan bill will extend the authorization of the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program, which provides long-term, low-cost capital to CDFIs, and make it more reliable and accessible to smaller CDFIs.

    The program’s authorization lapsed in 2014, but it has been extended on a year-by-year basis in annual appropriations bills. The bipartisan legislation would authorize the program for four years to provide greater certainty to borrowers and lenders.

    Additionally, the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program Improvement Act will reduce the minimum loan size from at least $100 million to $25 million. It also removes the annual limit on guarantees to allow smaller CDFIs to use the program and to support more community development projects.

    Full text of the bill available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –