NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Shift in EU+ asylum landscape continued in March 2025

    Source: European Asylum Support Office

    The EUAA has published updated figures on asylum applications lodged in the EU+. In March, the 29 EU+ countries received around 67 000 asylum applications. These latest data suggest an ongoing shift to a new asylum landscape in the EU+, one in which Syrians are no longer the top nationality seeking international protection, and Germany is no longer the main destination of asylum seekers.

    The fall of the regime of Bashar al-Assad in Syria on 8 December 2024 may be the beginning of a sea change in the asylum landscape of the EU+, according to newly released analysis from the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA). In March 2025, the EU+ received around 67 000 asylum applications, which is part of an ongoing decreasing trend that began in October 2024.

    Shifting to a new asylum landscape in the EU+

    After a decade during which they were almost always the top citizenship seeking protection in the EU+; in March, Syrians (3 300) lodged the fewest monthly applications on record outside of the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, decreasing by almost 80 % compared to October 2024. Venezuelans (8 900), however, continued to lodge increasing numbers of asylum applications in the EU+; this is likely owed both to economic and political instability in Venezuela, as well as restrictive asylum policies in the United States of America.

    Applications from Afghans (7 400) remained stable, though the figure was much decreased from a previous peak in October 2023. Though eligible for temporary protection in the EU, Ukrainians (3 400) continued to lodge increasing numbers of asylum applications, up by 77 % compared to March 2024. Another notable shift saw Bangladeshis (3 300) lodging slightly more applications than Syrians in March 2025.

    The above trends directly impacted which EU+ countries received the most asylum applications. In March, Spain (14 000) received the most applications in the EU+, with three fifths of applications there being lodged by Venezuelans. Italy (13 000) received the second most applications, though these are still down by 16 %, year-over-year. In fact, Bangladeshis lodged around 85% of their applications in Italy. France (13 000) received about three quarters of applications lodged by Congolese nationals and nearly all applications from Haitian nationals. A significant share of Ukrainians also  applied there. Greece (4 600) continued to receive increasing asylum applications from Afghan nationals.

     

    Pending cases and recognition rates

    The changing asylum landscape is increasingly reflected in the number of applications that are pending a decision at first instance in the EU+. As of the end of March 2025, the number of such cases stood at a stable, but high, level of 955 000. Syrians (113 000), Venezuelans (105 000) and Colombians (88 000) were awaiting the most first instance decisions. Among the citizenships with the most cases awaiting decisions, the biggest year-on-year increases occurred for Ukrainians (+ 66 %), Venezuelans (+ 58 %), Peruvians (+ 33 %) as well as Bangladeshis (+ 25 %). When accounting for asylum applications that are pending at higher administrative or judicial instances, based on data provided by Eurostat, the EUAA estimates that there were approximately 1.3 million asylum cases pending across the EU+ at the end of February 2025.

    In the first quarter of 2025, the EU+ recognition rate – which is the proportion of decisions granting refugee status or subsidiary protection – stood at 25 %, down by about 15 percentage points from previous monthly levels in 2024. This decline was mainly driven by a sharp drop in decisions issued to Syrian applicants, as most EU+ countries have paused processing their applications until the situation in Syria is clearer.

    Under the Pact on Migration and Asylum, which was agreed one year ago, EU countries may subject certain categories of applicants to a border procedure, and must accelerate the examination of their applications (with initial decisions to be taken within 12 weeks). One indicator is if the applicant comes from a country of origin with a low recognition rate (≤ 20 %) in the previous year. In March 2025, some 53 % of applications were lodged by such citizenships,consistent with previous months, suggesting that a large share of asylum applications lodged in the EU+ may be unfounded or inadmissible.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Bring Effective Regulation to Horse Racing

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353May 16, 2025
    Cotton, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Bring Effective Regulation to Horse Racing
    Washington, D.C. — Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today introduced the Racehorse Health and Safety Act (RHSA), which protects the health and welfare of racing horses and improves the integrity and safety of horse racing. Congressman Clay Higgins (Louisiana-03) has introduced companion legislation in the House.
    “The RHSA will provide horse owners and racetracks flexibility, while also bringing safe and effective regulation to the horseracing industry,” said Senator Cotton.
    “Government overreach is impacting industries across our nation with rules in places where they have no business being,” said Congressman Higgins. “The well-intentioned disaster of HISA proved that enforcing uniformed rules in horse racing plagues the industry with confusion and disruption. This legislation is rooted in science and draws from industry experts. It is of horsemen, by horsemen, and for horsemen. We must push back against federal oppression and protect the horse racing industry and the beautiful animals we love.”
    Full text of the legislation may be found here.
    The Racehorse Health and Safety Act would:
    Repeal the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA);
    Grant states the right to enter into the interstate compact, which is a contract between multiple states to develop nationwide rules governing scientific control and racetrack safety for horse racing;
    Establish the Racehorse Health and Safety Organization (RHSO), which will regulate the horse racing industry;
    Establish three Scientific Medication Control Committees (SMCCs) to draft recommended rules for each breed.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cotton, Boozman, and Westerman to Driscoll: Bureaucratic Hostility Towards Pine Bluff Arsenal Will Undercut President Trump’s Agenda

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Arkansas Tom Cotton
    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContact: Caroline Tabler or Patrick McCann (202) 224-2353May 16, 2025
    Cotton, Boozman, and Westerman to Driscoll: Bureaucratic Hostility Towards Pine Bluff Arsenal Will Undercut President Trump’s Agenda
    Washington, D.C. — Senators Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), and Congressman Bruce Westerman (Arkansas-04) today sent a letter to Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, expressing opposition to plans to potentially downsize the Pine Bluff Arsenal that run contrary to President Trump’s agenda of accelerating munitions manufacturing in America. Closing the Pine Bluff Arsenal would not only circumvent current law, it would ultimately result in a waste of taxpayer dollars and deepen America’s dependence on foreign countries to meet our military’s needs.
    In part, the lawmakers wrote:
    “We appreciate your efforts through the Army Transformation Initiative to make the Army more lethal and more efficient, but the directive to potentially downsize Pine Bluff Arsenal—which is based on old, hidebound, bureaucratic recommendations—misses the mark and sets those goals back.”Full text of the letter may be found here and below.
    The Honorable Daniel DriscollSecretary of the Army101 Army PentagonWashington, DC 20310-0101
    Secretary Driscoll,
    We write to express our opposition to and disappointment with your directive to potentially downsize Pine Bluff Arsenal. As you may know, current law prohibits the Army from closing the arsenal, but your directive in effect evades this prohibition. Perhaps worse, the directive would undercut President Trump’s goal of accelerating munitions manufacturing in America, which we strongly support and foresee in Pine Bluff Arsenal’s future. As longtime supporters of the Army who would prefer to continue to work cooperatively with the Army on its priorities, we urge you to reverse immediately this ill-advised decision based on stale, years-old, bureaucratic plans—the exact kind of thinking President Trump was elected to upend.
    Though we agree with the Army Transformation Initiative’s broad goals to make the Army more efficient and more lethal, a downsizing at Pine Bluff Arsenal wouldn’t advance these goals. Secretary Hegseth directed the Army “to generate the ammunition stockpiles necessary to sustain national defense.” Unfortunately, the defense industrial base—including the Army’s arsenals—is too small, riddled with supply-chain issues, and often dependent on foreign sources for key materials. Neither the Army’s arsenals nor the larger defense industrial base can meet the munitions needs of our forces and allies. As we’ve explained for years—well before your appointment as secretary—the Army needs to use fully the resources it already owns, like Pine Bluff Arsenal, to meet these needs.
    Pine Bluff Arsenal is a solution for these challenges, not some redundant or outdated relic. While it’s true that the arsenal is under-used, that’s because the Army bureaucracy has repeatedly resisted our proposals to expand its operations. Pine Bluff Arsenal is the only site in America that produces vital white-phosphorous ammunition. Further, we have long advocated that the Army use Pine Bluff Arsenal to produce materials like, for instance, nitrocellulose and RDX—both key components of our munitions, but also chokepoints in the supply chain. The arsenal already has access to critical utilities, a significant transportation network, and proximity to raw materials and loading facilities to supply the Army’s needs. 
    The Army has never offered persuasive explanations for its bureaucratic hostility to expanding operations at Pine Bluff Arsenal. We’ve heard from the Army that commercial facilities or building new facilities are a less expensive, more efficient alternative to using the current arsenals for its munition needs. But this argument is far-fetched. Though commercial industry plays a role, recent experience has proven the extreme difficulty of acquiring sufficient quantities of 155mm rounds because commercial production lines have little to no room for expansion. Likewise, building a new ammunition plant from scratch is an expensive, time-consuming endeavor—at least four years and around a half a billion dollars. For instance, the necessary and overly complicated environmental permits alone can take years.
    By contrast, Pine Bluff Arsenal offers inherent advantages over any commercial site—advantages that likely cut in half the timeline for munitions production. The arsenal not only has the type and amount of land necessary to handle dangerous explosives, but also has the existing workforce with deep and irreplaceable expertise. Further, Pine Bluff Arsenal has operated in this space for decades and successfully navigated the burdensome environmental requirements. As we have before, we continue to insist that abandoning these advantages in favor of a speculative new commercial production line or, even worse, to buy ammunition from foreign sources is reckless and a waste of taxpayer money.
    We’ve also heard from the Army that its plan results in cost savings, but this argument doesn’t hold water either. Army Materiel Command may appear to save a little money up front by downsizing Pine Bluff from its current capacity or even closing it, but those costs will have to shift to another site to produce white phosphorus. The Army answers that those costs might decrease because of unspecified, magical “efficiencies”—a strange claim since no other site in America produces white-phosphorus ammunition. But any supposed savings from “efficiencies” would likely be dwarfed by the long-term costs of shutting down arsenal operations, safely disposing of explosive materials, conducting environmental remediation, and maintaining perpetual site security. While not gaining much on the munitions front, the Army would add needless costs to operate a virtual ghost town. To be frank, it appears that Army Materiel Command bureaucrats want to shift the costs off their books and onto other Army commands. But that doesn’t result in savings for the Army or the taxpayer, nor does it improve the Army’s munitions crisis.
    We appreciate your efforts through the Army Transformation Initiative to make the Army more lethal and more efficient, but the directive to potentially downsize Pine Bluff Arsenal—which is based on old, hidebound, bureaucratic recommendations—misses the mark and sets those goals back. We request an in-person briefing no later than May 22 from you and General George about this matter and how we can collaboratively ensure that Pine Bluff Arsenal will advance President Trump’s munitions goals and continue to contribute to our national security for years to come.
    As we noted, we’ve long worked with the Army to support its priorities in the NDAA and the appropriations process, and lately to advance promptly its civilian nominees toward confirmation. We hope this cooperation can continue and grow, rather than be impaired by an unwise decision about the future of Pine Bluff Arsenal.
    Sincerely,
    Cc: Secretary of Defense, Deputy Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Chief of Staff of the Army   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Moody, Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Give Tax Relief to Victims of Fraud, Scams, Theft, and Disasters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) this week introduced the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act, bipartisan legislation to give relief to those who have been victims of fraud, scams, thefts, accidents, and other personal casualty losses. The Senators’ bill would reinstate the tax deduction for personal casualty and theft losses and ensure victims of scams, robberies, storms, and fires do not have to pay taxes on stolen assets and further wipe out their hard-earned savings and financial security.  
    “It’s outrageous that folks scammed out of their life’s savings are hit with large tax bills.  I’m proud to introduce this bill to reinstate this important tax deduction to provide crucial financial relief to those victimized by scams and theft,” said Senator Welch. “Vermont experienced catastrophic floods in July of 2023 and 2024. We know firsthand that victims of floods, storms, and fires go through so much—the last thing they should worry about is being penalized for a natural disaster.”  
    “As hurricane season is around the corner, I will continue supporting policies that protect Floridians from scammers and fraudsters,” said Senator Moody. “My Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams and Disasters Act will provide commonsense tax relief for victims, often seniors, who have been financially devastated by scams, crimes or destruction from disasters. This legislation will help folks get back on their feet when they experience hardship. When I was Attorney General of Florida, I made sure to fight for Floridians who fell victim to scams, and I will continue bringing this fight to D.C. so that folks have the protections they need.” 
    “When Wisconsinites fall victim to a fraud or scam, the last thing they should have to worry about is being slapped with an unexpected tax bill once tax season rolls around,” said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to work with my Republican and Democratic colleagues to introduce this commonsense bill to help make sure if someone is down and out, they have one less thing to worry about than being hit with a tax bill.” 
    “The Elder Justice Coalition commends Senators Baldwin, Moody and Welch for introducing the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act,” said Bob Blancato, National Coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition. “It is unconscionable that older scam victims who lose hundreds of thousands of dollars face the compounded misery of having to pay taxes on the money lost.  Scams are rampant in this nation and serve to exploit the most vulnerable older adults. We hope Senator Baldwin’s bill can be made part of a future tax package. Tax relief for scam victims is tax fairness.”  
    “The Financial Services Institute (FSI) is proud to support the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams and Disasters Act,” said Dale Brown, President & CEO of Financial Services Institute. “Owing taxes on stolen retirement funds makes an already painful situation worse. Main Street Americans cannot afford to lose their life savings, which they rely upon for a financially secure retirement. This bill will provide some relief to victims and mitigate damages as they work with their trusted financial advisor to recover losses and regain their financial footing.” 
    “With widespread financial fraud and scams impacting many Americans’ retirement security and financial livelihoods, CFP Board enthusiastically supports this critical piece of legislation that would lessen the impact of financial loss. We look forward to seeing this bill get to the finish line,” said Erin Koeppel, Managing Director of Government Relations and Public Policy Counsel at CFP Board.  
    Until 2018, the federal government allowed victims of crimes and unexpected, uninsurable disasters to deduct these losses from their taxes with a provision called the Casualty and Theft Loss Deduction. Today, scam victims and homeowners are on the hook for tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal taxes unless their misfortunes meet a narrow set of criteria.  
    The growing sophistication of cybercriminal networks has led to a rapid proliferation in fraud for the past five years. In 2024 alone, American taxpayers reported $16.6 billion in cyber fraud to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The average victim of elder fraud lost $83,000. Natural disasters are also on the rise during a period of increasing insurance premiums and unexpected claim denials.  
    Without a reinstatement of the casualty and theft loss deduction, Americans who are victims of theft and non-federally declared disasters will continue to face hefty federal tax bills that the IRS is obligated to enforce. 
    The Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act:  
    Reinstates the tax deduction for personal casualty loss and provides retroactive coverage to taxpayers who suffered losses in the years that followed.  
    Ensures that victims who suffered losses since 2017 are able to file an amended tax return accounting for their personal casualty loss.  
    Companion legislation will be introduced in the U.S. House by Representatives Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08) and Greg Steube (R-FL-17). 
    The legislation is endorsed by the AARP, The Elder Justice Coalition, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, AICPA-CIMA, National Association of Enrolled Agents, National Association of Realtors, American Land Title Association, CFP Board, Investment Advisers Association, Financial Services Institute, Aspen Institute Financial Security Program, Association of Mature American Citizens, National Association of Government Defined Contribution Administrators, Operation Shamrock, and SPARK Institute. 
    As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Senator Welch voted against the 2017Republican tax bill, which repealed a tax deduction previously available to victims of scams, thefts, accidents, and other property casualty losses. In turn, reporting has revealed a pattern of Americans ending up with a tax bill after losing money through scams, thefts, and other similar events.   
    Learn more about the Tax Relief for Victims of Crimes, Scams, and Disasters Act. 
    Read and download the full text of the bill.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Broadcasting Notice of Consultation – CRTC 2024-288. THE NFB DEFENDS DOCUMENTARY AND CANADIAN CONTENT BEFORE THE CRTC.

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Montreal, May 16, 2025 – This morning, on behalf of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB), Government Film Commissioner and NFB Chairperson Suzanne Guèvremont argued for the need to include cultural elements in the definition of Canadian programming. She also spoke to the vital role that documentary film plays in Canada.

    These remarks were made to the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) as part of its hearings on the definition of Canadian programming. The hearings are taking place in Ottawa and run until May 27, 2025.

    According to Ms. Guèvremont, “A modern Canadian content policy must not abandon the very thing that gives our stories meaning: cultural elements. They reflect our creativity, diversity and uniqueness. Removing cultural elements creates invisibility.”

    Here is a summary of her presentation:

    In favour of clear and unambiguous cultural criteria for works that receive public funding

    • The perspective, language, values and people that make up the country give meaning to its stories. Omitting these elements, under the pretext of openness or neutrality, would erase what makes Canada unique;
    • Canada should draw inspiration from other countries where public funding is conditional on cultural criteria. These structured approaches foster creativity while ensuring an authentic and cohesive representation of the country and its population;
    • In the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, New Zealand, France, Spain, Germany and Australia, among others, the granting of public money for audiovisual productions is conditional on some form of cultural test.

    Longform documentary must be considered nationally significant programming

    • Documentary is a vehicle for national identity, civic participation and collective understanding, comparable to news;
    • Removing it from nationally significant programming would not only jeopardize its funding and distribution but also deprive the public of an essential mirror to understand the country;
    • Protecting documentary means protecting the space where Canada sees itself most clearly. 

    In conclusion, Ms. Guèvremont said, “We cannot wait to redefine Canadian content. Let us move forward. Not with caution, but with conviction!”

    Agendas for the public hearings, taking place May 14 to May 27, 2025, are available here:
    https://crtc.gc.ca/broadcast/eng/hearings/2025/ag14_05.htm

    Hearings are broadcast live and recordings are available:
    Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission | CRTC or CRTC Hearings | CPAC.ca

    – 30 –

    Stay Connected

    Online Screening Room: nfb.ca
    NFB Facebook | NFB X | NFB Instagram | NFB Blog | NFB YouTube | NFB Vimeo
    Curator’s perspective | Director’s notes

    About the NFB

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur Celebrates $342K FAA Investment in Fulton County

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Wauseon, OH – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) announced the award of $342,000 from the US Department of Transportation’s Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program to Fulton County. The funds will support Phase 1 of a critical airport infrastructure project at Fulton County Airport (USE), further advancing economic resilience and connectivity for NW Ohio.

    “This is a strategic and forward-looking investment in the of our region’s transportation network,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Fulton County Airport’s has a growing role in supporting general aviation, regional commerce, and emergency response in our region. This award is more than a transportation upgrade – it’s an investment in our local workforce, small businesses, and the future of aviation in Northwest Ohio. As our communities work to modernize and grow, targeted federal investment like this ensures that rural and regional airports are not left behind, and are instead positioned to lead our communities into the future.”

    “The Fulton County airport is an active, vibrant airport with over 30 based aircraft, a growing flight school offering flight training to students from all over Northwest Ohio, and is a base for a Life Flight helicopter,” said Jeff Rupp, President of the Fulton County Board of Commissioners. “We have had a waiting list for hangar space for many years and with this grant, we will be able build hangars for six additional aircraft. The Fulton County Commissioners wish to express our sincere appreciation to Congresswoman Kaptur for securing this grant which will benefit the county!”

    The project includes the design of a new sponsor-owned hangar to generate long-term revenue and support airport sustainability, and the replacement of the airport’s Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS), which has reached the end of its operational life. The project reflects a commitment to modernizing regional infrastructure and ensuring safety, efficiency, and long-term economic growth.

    # # # 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaptur and Fallon Lead Introduction of the Bipartisan Federal Cyber Workforce Training Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09)

    Washington, DC – Today, Representatives Marcy Kaptur (OH-09), and Pat Fallon (TX-04) introduced the Federal Cyber Workforce Training Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill which would require the National Cyber Director to submit to Congress a plan to establish an institute within the Federal Government to serve as a centralized resource and training center for Federal cyber workforce development.

    “The cyber threats against our nation are serious. This bipartisan legislation will help us to mount a defense against malign actors by bolstering, and enhancing cyber training,” said Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “This bipartisan legislation developed with Congressman Fallon seeks to modernize cyber workforce development through streamlined onboarding training — raising the bar for the Departments of Homeland Security and Defense. Our objective is to develop a framework to foster the highest levels of excellence in cybersecurity for professionals serving on the frontlines to safeguard our nation.”

    “This legislation modernizes our approach to building a robust cyber workforce by streamlining onboarding with hands-on, role-specific training and sets high standards via DHS and DOD collaboration,” said Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04). “By fostering sustainable career paths and bolstering recruitment with specialized talent management modules, we are taking necessary steps to fortify our defenses against escalating cyber threats.”

    Specifically, this legislation aims to:

    1.     ENSURE BETTER ONBOARDING:  Provides modularized work role-specific training, including hands-on learning and skill-based assessments, to prepare personnel from a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds to perform effectively in federal cyber work roles.

    2.     SET STANDARDS: Coordinate with the DHS/DOD /Others to develop work role-specific curriculum for the training required above.

    3.    MAINTAIN SUSTAINABLE CAREER TRACK: Prioritize entry-level positions in the provision of curriculum and training but should also include curriculum development and training for federal cyber workers seeking transition to mid-career positions and may include upskilling and reskilling efforts.

    4.     BOLSTER RECRUITING:  Consider developing a specific module to familiarize and train appropriate federal government talent management personnel in the unique challenges in recruiting and hiring personnel for federal cyber workforce roles.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 260

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL0

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 260
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1005 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Delaware
    Far Eastern Maryland
    New Jersey
    Far Eastern Pennsylvania
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Friday morning and afternoon from 1005 AM until
    500 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms continue to strengthen as they move into
    more of eastern PA and eastern MD. Destabilization is expected
    downstream, with the resulting combination of instability and shear
    supportive of supercells capable of large hail and damaging gusts.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 55
    statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles northwest of
    Trenton NJ to 45 miles south of Dover DE. For a complete depiction
    of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU0).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for 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. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 259…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    27035.

    …Mosier

    SEL0

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 260
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    1005 AM EDT Fri May 16 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Delaware
    Far Eastern Maryland
    New Jersey
    Far Eastern Pennsylvania
    Coastal Waters

    * Effective this Friday morning and afternoon from 1005 AM until
    500 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered large hail and isolated very large hail events to 2
    inches in diameter possible
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph possible

    SUMMARY…Thunderstorms continue to strengthen as they move into
    more of eastern PA and eastern MD. Destabilization is expected
    downstream, with the resulting combination of instability and shear
    supportive of supercells capable of large hail and damaging gusts.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 55
    statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles northwest of
    Trenton NJ to 45 miles south of Dover DE. For a complete depiction
    of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS
    WOU0).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for 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. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 259…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    2 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    27035.

    …Mosier

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW0
    WW 260 SEVERE TSTM DE MD NJ PA CW 161405Z – 162100Z
    AXIS..55 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    15NW TTN/TRENTON NJ/ – 45S DOV/DOVER DE/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 50NM E/W /32ESE ETX – 8NNE SBY/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..2 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 27035.

    LAT…LON 40437397 38477444 38477649 40437606

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU0.

    Watch 260 Status Report Message has not been issued yet.

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low ( 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (40%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Mod (30%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (70%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks at the 12th Annual Conference on Financial Market Regulation

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Thank you, Pedro, for your kind introduction and thank you, ladies and gentlemen, for joining us today as we dive into an essential aspect of our regulatory framework – economic analysis.  

    In order to keep the compliance folks here at the SEC happy, I must first note that the views I express here today are my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the full Commission or of my fellow Commissioners.

    Considering the ongoing changes in financial landscapes, the need for thorough economic analysis of the Commission’s actions becomes increasingly important.  High-quality economic analysis is an essential part of any SEC rulemaking.  It is critical that a rule’s potential benefits and costs be considered in ensuring that it is in the public’s interest. It also helps that it happens to be the law.

    From Pedro’s introduction, you can see that this is my third tour of duty at the SEC – having previously served from 1990-1994 on the staff of former Chairmen Richard Breeden and Arthur Levitt, as a Commissioner from 2002-2008, and now as Chairman.  

    This is a unique moment to come back here to lead the agency, as opportunities abound to facilitate capital formation when the investment environment and the capital markets are undergoing significant change.

    During my tenure as Commissioner, I often emphasized the need for rigorous economic analysis.  As Chairman, I aim to ensure that those principles are the bedrock upon which our sound regulatory policies are built.  It is important for us as an agency to ensure that thorough and unbiased economic analysis is not being overshadowed by any driving desire to implement regulatory measures that impose unnecessary burdens on our markets.

    Before we act, we first must identify a problem to be solved and propose a resolution that is tailored to solve it – rather than create a solution in search of an unidentified problem.

    The SEC, in its regulatory capacity, is tasked to balance investor protection with promoting capital formation and market efficiency.  In years past, the Commission has unfortunately demonstrated a tendency to prioritize regulatory expansion over meticulous economic analysis, potentially jeopardizing this delicate balance.

    For example, in some of the Commission’s recent economic analysis, the adopting releases have stated, “Where possible, we have attempted to quantify these economic effects . . . however, we are unable to reliably quantify the potential benefits and costs of the final rul[e].”[1]

    Going forward, we must show our work so that the public understands what we are proposing and why.  We must show that we have considered the potential effects of our rules, including the negative ones.

    Robust economic analysis of our regulatory initiatives helps us to do just that.  It provides us with a framework to assess the potential unintended consequences of new regulations.  

    In choosing when and how to regulate our markets we should be cognizant to measure twice and cut once.  Otherwise, we risk damaging our markets and unnecessarily adding costs to issuers and investors.

    Like it or not, we operate in a global environment. There are alternatives, and investors can vote with their feet and pocketbooks.  Our job at the SEC is to ensure that we maintain a market that is the best in the world for investors and for issuers.  You cannot have one without the other.

    As I have said before, regulation is a bit like golf.[2]  It requires careful, precise strokes, and meticulous analysis of shot selection to achieve the intended result.  For instance, if you choose the wrong club, or swing too hard, you risk overshooting the green.[3]  In the end, your short game of precision is most often the crucial factor to sink the ball in the hole.

    As we navigate the complexities of modern financial markets, we must continually refine our methodologies while adapting to new challenges.

    I am thankful that you all are here to help us to enrich our understanding of markets and market dynamics.  By incorporating diverse perspectives and a wide range of research, we enhance the robustness of our analyses and ensure that our regulatory measures are well-informed. 

    We value the research that you do.

    It is a new day at the SEC, and I look forward to engaging with you all as we promote policies that foster economic growth and strengthen confidence in our markets.

    Before I turn it over to our first panel, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this event, especially the organizers, Amy Edwards and Vlad Ivanov from the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis, Kathleen Hanley from Lehigh University, and Pedro Matos from the University of Virginia.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE Laredo, federal partners arrest 31 illegal aliens during a 1-day targeted worksite enforcement operation

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    LAREDO, Texas — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in coordination with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, conducted a targeted worksite enforcement operation at a business and two construction sites in South Texas. The one-day operation, aimed at bolstering public safety, resulted in the arrest of 31 individuals for immigration-related violations.

    During the operation, ICE Homeland Security Investigations conducted records checks and found that several of those arrested had prior criminal convictions. Offenses included aggravated criminal sexual assault, bodily harm, possession of a controlled substance, probation violations, evading arrest, transporting noncitizens, domestic violence/strangulation, terroristic threats against family or household members, possession of prohibited weapons in a weapons-free zone, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and evading arrest or detention in the United States.

    The individuals arrested were citizens of Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador, and illegally present in the United States. All have been transferred to ICE custody and are pending removal proceedings.

    Federal law requires employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all individuals they hire, using the Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9. ICE uses the I-9 inspection program to promote compliance with these requirements, as part of a broader strategy to address and deter the employment of unauthorized workers. These inspections are among the federal government’s most effective tools to enforce U.S. employment laws.

    HSI’s worksite enforcement strategy includes leveraging the agency’s full range of investigative capabilities. Worksite investigations often uncover additional criminal activity such as alien smuggling, human trafficking, money laundering, document fraud, worker exploitation, and substandard wages or working conditions.

    This investigation was conducted by HSI with support from ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Border Patrol; U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Office of Field Operations; CBP Air and Marine Operations; the Webb County Sheriff’s Office; the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office; and the Laredo Police Department.

    Members of the public can report crimes or suspicious activity by calling the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or by completing the online tip form.

    For more information about HSI San Antonio and its public safety efforts in Central and South Texas, follow HSI San Antonio on X at @HSI_SanAntonio.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Governor Stein Announces More Than 700 New Jobs Coming to North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: ICYMI: Governor Stein Announces More Than 700 New Jobs Coming to North Carolina

    ICYMI: Governor Stein Announces More Than 700 New Jobs Coming to North Carolina
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    This week Governor Josh Stein and the North Carolina Department of Commerce announced two new economic development projects, bringing more than 700 jobs to North Carolina. Genentech and Prolec GE build on North Carolina’s strong reputation in the life sciences and advanced manufacturing industries. Governor Stein and Secretary Lee Lilley also attended the Select USA Investment Summit in Maryland to highlight North Carolina’s attractive business environment and encourage companies to expand their operations in the state.

    “I am excited to see that more than 700 new jobs are coming to North Carolina,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Companies recognize that our strong economy and talented workforce are an asset to their operations, and that is why they are eager to invest here.”

    “Genentech and Prolec GE’s investments in North Carolina demonstrate our state’s high-powered business climate,” said Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “Our state’s investments in our workforce and infrastructure are paying off, and companies see the value in calling North Carolina home.” 

    Governor Stein announced this week that Genentech, one of the world’s premier biotechnology companies, will invest $700 million to build a new manufacturing plant in Holly Springs, creating 420 jobs. The average salary for new positions will be $119,833 as compared to the average wage in Wake County of $76,643, although wages vary depending on the position. This project is expected to grow North Carolina’s economy by more than $3 billion. For every dollar the state invests it is projected to receive $3.30 in state revenue. 

    The Governor also announced that Prolec-GE Waukesha, Inc., one of the nation’s largest manufacturers of power transformers, will add 330 new jobs as it invests $140 million to build a second manufacturing facility in Goldsboro. This project will build a new state-of-the-art manufacturing plant at the company’s existing site to support a growing demand for power grid capacity across the country. Although wages vary by position, the average salary for new positions will be $71,912. This project is expected to grow North Carolina’s economy by more than $1.05 billion. For every dollar the state invests it is projected to receive $2.06 in state revenue.

    Governor Stein is committed to creating a North Carolina that is safer and stronger with opportunity for everyone. North Carolina was recently ranked in the top 10 states for economy and growth by U.S. News and World Report, with the 7th best economy and the 5th best growth in the nation. The Governor’s budget proposal seeks to continue that progress by investing $256 million in workforce development and including free community college for students pursuing credentials in high-demand fields. In 2025, the State of North Carolina has announced more than 2,600 new jobs facilitated by grants and incentives. 

    May 16, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Interfield Announces Delisting From Cboe Canada Exchange, Provides Update on Status of Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order and Announces Extension of MOU With Abhi Joint Venture

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Interfield Global Software Inc.(the “Company”) announces that, further to its news release dated February 18, 2025, that the common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”) have been delisted from the Cboe Canada Exchange (the “Cboe”) as of the close of trading on May 12, 2025. The Company will remain a reporting issuer in Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario, and continues to work toward listing the Common Shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the “CSE”).

    Failure to File Cease Trade Order Update

    The Company also announces that due to delays in filing its annual audited financial statements, chief executive officer and chief financial officer certifications of the annual filings, accompanying management discussion and analysis and annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024 (collectively, the “Annual Filings”), the Company anticipates that it will be delayed in filing its consolidated interim financial reports for the three months ended March 31, 2025 (the “Interim Filings”). On April 4, 2025, as a result of the delay in the Company completing the Annual Filings, the British Columbia Securities Commission as the principal regulator of the Company issued a failure-to-file cease trade order to the Company under ‎National Policy 11-207 Failure-To-File Cease Trade Orders And Revocations In Multiple Jurisdictions.

    The delay is a result of the Company’s auditors requiring additional time to complete their audit, which is required to be completed before the Interim Filings can be completed. The Company’s management continues to work diligently with its auditors, to complete the Annual Filings and expects to complete the Annual Filings on or before June 15, 2025. ‎The Company expects that it will complete the Interim Filings contemporaneously with the Annual Filings.

    The Company confirms that, other than as disclosed in prior press releases and material change reports, there have been no material business developments since the filing on November 12, 2024 of the Company’s consolidated ‎interim financial reports for the period ended September 30, 2024‎. There are no insolvency proceedings involving the Company.

    Abhi Joint Venture Update

    Further to its news releases dated November 18, 2024, January 21, 2025 and February 18, 2025, the Company announces that it has made further progress towards the completion of its joint venture with Abhi Fintech Ltd. (“Abhi”), pending which Abhi and Interfield Solutions have extended the term of their previously announced MOU until October 31, 2025.

    About Abhi

    Abhi is a prominent fintech company, earning recognition as one of the Future 100 companies in the UAE. It was also the first to receive the Technology Pioneer 2023 Award by the World Economic Forum, making fintech history in the MENAP region. Abhi offers a comprehensive suite of products and services, including EWA, payroll solutions, and SME financing.

    About Interfield Global Software Inc.

    The Company is an unlisted reporting issuer and operates out of Dubai, U.A.E through its wholly owned subsidiary, Interfield Software Solutions LLC (“Interfield Solutions”).

    Interfield Solutions is a software company that services numerous industrial segments worldwide including oil and gas, mining and renewables. Interfield Solutions has two operating divisions, E-commerce and Software as a Service. Equipment Hound, the company’s flagship product of its E-commerce division, is an industrial equipment marketplace that connects buyers and suppliers around the globe. Equipment Hound manages a catalogue of equipment from various suppliers and provides procurement solutions for buyers. It includes features such as requests for quotes, logistics support and third-party verification. ToolSuite, the company’s flagship product of its Software as a Service division, is a cloud based data collection and management platform that digitizes industrial processes and provides real-time auditable data for clients.

    ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

    “Harold Hemmerich”

    Harold Hemmerich, Chief Financial Officer & Director

    Phone: +971 50 558 8349

    Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer and Reader Advisory

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian ‎securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-‎looking information. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information regarding: the ‎filing of the Annual Filings and Interim Filings, including the timing for the filing of the Annual Filings and Interim Filings and the proposed listing of the Common Shares on the CSE. ‎There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be ‎accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such ‎forward-looking information. This forward-looking information reflects the Company’s current beliefs and is based on ‎information currently available to the Company and on assumptions the Company believes are reasonable. These ‎assumptions include, but are not limited to the ability of the Company to complete the Annual Filings in the noted ‎timeframe. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors ‎that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially ‎different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other ‎factors may include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social ‎uncertainties; general capital market conditions and market prices for securities; delay or failure to receive ‎board or regulatory approvals; the actual results of future operations; competition; changes in legislation ‎‎affecting the Company; the timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; long-term capital ‎requirements and future developments in the Company’s markets and the markets in which it expects to ‎compete;‎ or loss of key individuals. A description of additional risk factors ‎that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward-looking information can be found in the Company’s ‎disclosure documents on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify ‎important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-‎looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or ‎intended. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Readers are further ‎cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that ‎the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information ‎contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking ‎information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news ‎release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. However, the Company expressly disclaims any ‎intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new ‎information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law.‎

    No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved the contents of this news release. The Cboe Canada Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: GlobalData highlights potential impact of US tariffs on medical tourism

    Source: GlobalData

    GlobalData highlights potential impact of US tariffs on medical tourism

    Posted in Medical Devices

    US trade policy has seen notable changes recently, particularly with regard to import tariffs on countries such as China. Though these policies are usually justified by economic and geopolitical considerations, they also impact other areas, including the medical device industry and, more specifically, medical tourism. One growing outcome is how these tariffs are affecting medical tourism—the practice of traveling to another country to receive healthcare services. As medical expenses continue to climb in the US, a growing number of patients are looking overseas for more cost-effective treatment options, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    The US has imposed steep tariffs on a range of medical products imported from China, including syringes and needles, rubber medical and surgical gloves, and facemasks. These items are integral to a wide variety of medical procedures and daily healthcare operations. The imposition of tariffs on such goods has disrupted supply chains, constrained hospital procurement strategies, and driven up the cost of healthcare delivery across the US.

    In response to these rising costs, a growing number of Americans are turning to medical tourism. Popular destinations include Mexico, India, Thailand, and Costa Rica, which offer competitive pricing and internationally accredited healthcare facilities. For example, the average cost of a knee replacement surgery in the US can exceed $50,000, but the same procedure in India or Mexico can be performed for $8000-$12,000. As US healthcare providers face increased operational costs due to tariffs – especially on imported surgical instruments, diagnostic equipment, and protective gear – the price gap between domestic and international care continues to widen, creating a financial incentive for patients to consider treatment overseas.

    Alexandra Murdoch, Senior Medical Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “While the intended impact of tariffs may not have been to effect healthcare, they do shape patient behavior. The rise in the cost of medical devices ultimately leads to more out-of-pocket expenses for patients.”

    US tariffs on medical imports are reshaping not only international trade relationships but also domestic healthcare economics. The direct result is an increase in the cost of medical care, which disproportionately affects uninsured and underinsured populations. One of the most notable responses to these price pressures has been a rise in outbound medical tourism. Patients are seeking high-quality, affordable care in countries that are not impacted by these tariffs — a trend that is likely to continue if current trade and healthcare cost trajectories remain unchanged.

    Murdoch concludes: “This dynamic highlights a deeper connection between global trade policy and patient access to care. As the US continues to adjust its economic strategy, it will be important for policymakers and healthcare leaders to consider the downstream impacts on medical accessibility, affordability, and patient behavior.”

    For further information on trade and tariff developments, GlobalData’s Strategic Intelligence platform offers comprehensive insights.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Gabe Vasquez Reintroduces Humane Accountability Act with Support from New Mexico Advocates

    Source: US Representative Gabe Vasquez’s (NM-02)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – On May 15, 2025, U.S. Representative Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) announced the re-introduction of the Humane Accountability Act alongside key New Mexican groups including El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos, NM Comunidades en Acción y de Fe, Center for Civic Policy, and New Mexico Immigration Law Center. 

    WATCH: VASQUEZ UNVEILS BILL TO HOLD DHS ACCOUNTABLE

    “Today, I’m proud to announce the updated Humane Accountability Act because due process, transparency, and accountability are not optional in a democracy,” said Vasquez. “This bill is about making sure that every person is treated humanely, that Congress is informed, and that our constitutional values are upheld no matter who’s in power.”

    The bill, which was previously introduced in the 118th Congress, has been updated to address new immigration enforcement concerns. U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Juan Vargas (D-CA-52) have co-sponsored the legislation. 

    “Every single person in this country has the right to due process and should be treated with dignity and humanity. That includes migrants in detention centers. As Trump continues to ramp up his attacks on immigrants and the rule of law, it’s on all of us to stand up for our constitutional rights and this nation’s values,” said Rep. Juan Vargas. “We need the Humane Accountability Act to help increase oversight, hold immigration detention centers accountable, and protect due process for all.”

    “Reforming our broken immigration system while securing our borders has long been one of my top priorities,” said Rep. Nikki Budzinski. “But the Trump administration’s recent actions, including the unlawful detention of U.S. Citizens, has proven that Congress must strengthen oversight and demand greater transparency from ICE. The Humane Accountability Act seek to do just that—establishing clear accountability measures to ensure detainees are treated fairly and humanely, and that the administration is following the rule of law.”

    The legislation includes three key provisions:

    • Transparency on Detention and Removal: DHS would be required to provide Congress with specific data on all encounters, detentions, and removals that have occurred since January, including the legal authority for removals and any transfers to detention centers located outside the territorial U.S.
    • Oversight of Detention Conditions: The bill mandates comprehensive reporting on abuses, deaths, injuries, lack of legal access, enforcement in sensitive locations, and the whereabouts of individuals in custody.
    • Notification for Non-Traditional Detention Sites: DHS would be required to notify Congress before using any non-traditional site, such as military installations, Tribal lands, or locations outside the territorial lands, for immigrant detention. 

    Multiple key organizations in New Mexico have endorsed the bill. 

    “My parents fled a war-torn nation to the United States, knowing that they would be guaranteed freedom and constitutional rights. Now, our community is facing dire threats as they are being detained without due process, not receiving proper notification or information in their own languages, and potentially being sent to countries they have never lived in. As the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, the Humane Accountability Act speaks to the needs of transparency and language access as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. Representative Gabe Vasquez’s leadership on this issue is crucial, as it shines a light on the darkest corners of our immigration system and demands accountability from those in power.” Lan Sena, MHA Policy Director, Center for Civic Policy

    “As the Trump administration pursues its terrifying vision of mass deportation—including the removal of essential workers who haven’t been convicted of any crime, sometimes to countries where they aren’t even citizens—and even considers suspending habeas corpus, the constitutional right to challenge unlawful detention, it is more urgent than ever to pass the Humane Accountability Act,” said Fabiola Landeros, immigrants’ rights organizer with El CENTRO de Igualdad y Derechos. “This legislation would strengthen oversight, ensure due process, and mandate humane conditions in detention centers. These are New Mexico values—values our country should aspire and fight to uphold, no matter our political affiliation.”

    “The Humane Accountability Act is a bold step toward shining a light on unchecked abuses and bringing transparency and oversight to the Department of Homeland Security — whose agencies ICE and CBP have blatantly violated the due process and human rights of immigrants, asylum seekers and even U.S. citizens — including a citizen from New Mexico,” said NM Comunidades en Acción y de Fe. “We applaud Rep. Vasquez for defending the civil liberties of our people and for demanding that our federal government follows the Constitution and the rule of law. This bill, if passed, would expose the deplorable conditions in New Mexico’s private immigrant detention centers and help prevent unlawful deportations of immigrants like Kilmar Obrego Garcia. It’s not just necessary — it’s the moral imperative.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Current events: New river feature at the legislature

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Ombudsman attends Board Meeting of International Ombudsman Institute (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Ombudsman attends Board Meeting of International Ombudsman Institute  
    The Ombudsman, Mr Jack Chan, led a delegation on a visit to Morocco early this week, and the visit concluded today (May 16).
          
    During his stay in Morocco, Mr Chan attended the annual Board Meeting of the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) as Chairman of the IOI’s Standing By-laws Committee and member of the United Nations and International Cooperation Working Group and exchanged views and ideas with representatives of other countries and regions. The Board Meeting of IOI involved participation from around 20 countries and regions among which were the United States of America, Canada, the Netherlands, Mexico, South Africa, Korea and Thailand.
          
    The Office’s delegation also met with the Mediator of the Kingdom of Morocco, Mr Hassan Tariq, and the President of the National Authority for Integrity, Prevention and Fight Against Corruption, Mr Mohamed Benalilou, and visited the Mediator’s regional office.
          
    Throughout the visit, Mr Chan also shared with IOI Board Members and his many international counterparts the latest developments and opportunities in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as well as presenting Hong Kong’s important position of having strong support from the motherland and close connections to the world.
    Issued at HKT 21:47

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth Leads Democratic Colleagues in Demanding Answers about the National Security Risks Posed by Trump’s Acceptance of $400 Million Plane-Shaped Qatari Bribe

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    May 15, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) led Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Assistant Minority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) and nine other Democratic colleagues across U.S. Senate Armed Services, Appropriations and Intelligence Committees in demanding that the Department of Defense be transparent with them about the substantial national security and operational risks posed by President Trump’s plan to accept a $400 million aircraft “gift” from the Qatari royal family. In a letter sent to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink last night, the Senators called for answers from the Department of Defense about how it would prevent these national security risks if Donald Trump accepts this gift, and how much taxpayers will have to pay for the extensive upgrades that would need to be made on this unvetted aircraft in order to protect the President, servicemembers and sensitive information from nefarious espionage, attack or disruption.

    “[We] write today with alarm over the dangers to operational and national security presented by President Trump’s desire to execute an unconstitutional and unseemly acceptance of a $400 million gift from the Qatari royal family in the form of a luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft. To serve as Air Force One during his administration, the U.S. Department of Defense would be required to accelerate a comprehensive upgrade to the aircraft, with the direct cost to the American taxpayer likely exceeding $1 billion. We are especially concerned about the operational security and counterintelligence risks of potentially using this aircraft for sensitive Presidential travel— and the massive cost to American taxpayers to identify and close critical vulnerabilities,” the lawmakers said.

    The Senators continued: “Having the President travel without the necessary security precautions or secure communications renders the aircraft an easy target for adversaries to gain access to sensitive Presidential-level discussions or classified information, impeding the success of ongoing military operations and endangering our servicemembers… President Trump is claiming that this ‘gift’ of an aircraft worth $400 million is saving taxpayers money, but in reality, his decision will force taxpayers to foot an unnecessary bill—potentially more than $1 billion—to convert a foreign-provided aircraft into the fortress necessary to protect him and his communications—all while taxpayers are already paying at least $3.9 billion for the contract for two aircraft currently being built by Boeing to add to the Air Force One fleet.” 

    In addition to Duckworth, Schumer and Durbin, the letter was co-signed by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA).

    The full text of the letter follows and is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth on Trump Seeking to Deploy National Guard for Immigration Enforcement on US Soil: “This is What Dictators Do to Destroy Democracies”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    May 15, 2025

    Deploying National Guardsmen to support immigration enforcement on our own soil is not part of the National Guard’s mission, and it has never happened in our nation’s history

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Trump Administration reportedly sought to deploy 20,000 National Guardsmen for civilian law enforcement efforts on U.S. soil:

    “I’m deeply disturbed that Donald Trump keeps escalating his abuse and misuse of our nation’s military for his own partisan benefit—claiming to do so because of make-believe foreign threats. In reality, he’s distracting our troops from executing their core mission: protecting the American people and keeping our country safe from real adversaries who wish us harm.

    “In less than 4 months in office, we’ve seen Trump force servicemembers to do clerical work in support of non-military missions and threaten to unleash the military to arrest political opponents. And now, Trump’s DHS is asking for 20,000 National Guardsmen to assist with immigration enforcement within our nation’s borders—something they’ve never been asked to do before and that is not part of the National Guard’s mission.

    “Not only does this undermine readiness and our national security, it also means Trump is testing the limits of how he can misuse our military against the American people. No one should believe that he will stop at immigrants if this plan moves forward. These are the sorts of things dictators do to destroy democracies and consolidate their own power—and everyone’s freedom is at risk if he succeeds.”

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Senate Foreign Relations Democrats Statement on Trump’s Middle East Trip

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    May 15, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in releasing the following statement on President Trump’s trip to the Middle East: 

    “The President’s first extended foreign trip abroad should have been about advancing U.S. interests in the Middle East. Instead, it has been an instructive lesson in how foreign governments can use their influence to benefit the president personally and those around him— all while creating substantial risks to our national security. 

    “The President has failed to engage in substantial dialogue on the most urgent strategic challenges facing the region. His Administration has failed to sustain the ceasefire he inherited in Gaza and has systemically undercut America’s diplomatic infrastructure in a way that has created an unprecedented opening for the People’s Republic of China.  

    “Promoting investment by our Gulf partners in the United States must not come at the expense of protecting our most valuable A.I. and advanced chip technology and it should never line the pockets of the President and his family or inner circle. President Trump must reject all “gifts” and refocus the remainder of his trip on steps to make all Americans safer, secure and more prosperous—not just those with Trump in their name.” 

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Our Health, Or Economy, Our Nation, Our Future

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    For more than 80 years, colleges and universities across the country have collaborated with the federal government on research and innovation that has changed the world. UConn is proud of its longstanding relationships with agencies such as the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, the departments of Energy and Defense, and multitudes of other funders who have enabled the discoveries that define our society.

    Connecticut’s workforce and economy, public health, and technological ingenuity are intertwined with the research that takes place in Storrs, at UConn Health in Farmington, and campuses across the state. UConn, like other universities across the nation, carries out critical research in facilities and with the expertise required to move America forward.

    This report and website illustrate the impact of UConn’s research enterprise. It outlines the University’s influence on Connecticut, the breakthroughs made in fields from healthcare to national security, and the importance of continued federal financial support.

    For more information, please visit research.uconn.edu.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: HashFly Empowers Space and Time (SXT) Crypto Holders with Profitable Cloud Mining

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, NY, May 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    As the digital asset ecosystem matures, Space and Time (SXT) token holders increasingly turn to innovative strategies to grow their portfolios, without liquidating their assets. In response to this evolving demand, HashFly, a global leader in secure and scalable cloud mining, is proud to introduce ded

    Let Your SXT Work Smarter — Not Harder

    SXT, the native utility token of Space and Time, a decentralised data warehouse enabling trustless data services for blockchain and AI-powered applications, continues to gain momentum as a critical infrastructure asset in the Web3 economy.

    As interest grows in holding SXT for the long haul, more users are seeking non-custodial, capital-efficient ways to generate passive income. Hicated mining opportunities for SXT holders.

    With passive income’s growing importance in the blockchain landscape, HashFly is positioning itself as the most trusted mining partner for long-term SXT investors seeking returns without trading exposure.ashFly’s cloud mining platform offers a seamless solution, enabling token holders to earn daily rewards without the complexity or risks of traditional mining.

    Maximize Passive Income Through Secure Cloud Mining

    HashFly offers an all-in-one platform for profitable and secure cloud mining, enabling users to earn daily rewards without the need for hardware, technical skills, or electricity costs. Whether you’re holding SXT or other cryptocurrencies, HashFly empowers you to:

    • Earn while you hold: Don’t let your crypto sit idle — turn it into a revenue-generating asset.
    • Mine top assets: Including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and fast-rising tokens like SXT.
    • Enjoy daily payouts: Withdraw earnings at your convenience, with full transparency.
    • Choose your plan: Flexible contracts designed for short-term gains or long-term growth.
    • Zero hassle: No hardware, no noise, no maintenance — just consistent returns.

    How to Earn Daily Passive Income with HashFly

    You can easily accumulate Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies by following these simple steps:

    1. Sign Up: Register on the official HashFly website and receive a $10 bonus instantly.
    2. Choose a Contract: Select a mining contract that aligns with your investment goals.
    3. Start Earning: Begin receiving daily passive income with minimal effort.
    4. Flexible Withdrawal Options: Withdraw your earnings once you reach $200, or choose to reinvest and upgrade your contract for higher returns.
    5. Diverse Cryptocurrency Support: Mine and receive payouts in various cryptocurrencies, including BTC, ETH, DOGE, USDT, and more.

    HashFly Mining Plans: Maximize Your Earnings

    HashFly offers flexible mining plans tailored to different investment levels. Each plan provides daily returns and a guaranteed return on investment.

    Contract Price Duration Daily Interest Rate Daily Income Total Payout (Principal + Profit)
    $200 1 Day 4% $8 $200 + $8
    $600 2 Days 3% $18 $600 + $36
    $1,600 3 Days 3.1% $49.60 $1,600 + $148.80
    $4,600 1 Day 4.5% $207 $4,600 + $207
    $8,000 2 Days 4.7% $376 $8,000 + $752
    $16,000 3 Days 5% $800 $16,000 + $2,400
    $32,000 3 Days 6.5% $2,080 $32,000 + $6,240
    $50,000 3 Days 7.2% $3,600 $50,000 + $10,800

    HashFly: The Most Trusted Cloud Mining Platform Since 2013

    With over 1 million users worldwide, HashFly has built a reputation for integrity, performance, and transparency. The company operates secure, high-performance mining facilities backed by real-time monitoring, 24/7 support, and guaranteed uptime.

    SXT holders — whether you’re a long-term investor or exploring ways to boost your crypto earnings — can trust HashFly to deliver a seamless and secure mining experience.

    Join HashFly today and let your SXT holdings open the door to real, passive income.
     Start now at www.hashfly.com

    MEDIA CONTACT
    Name: Scott Joseph
    Email: info@hashfly.com
    Job Title: Director
    City/Country: New York, USA

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Assisted dying: five questions that need answering before it can work in practice

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Suzanne Ost, Professor of Law, Lancaster University

    Collagery/Shutterstock

    An attempt to make assisted dying legal in England in Wales continues to make its way through parliament, with MPs currently scheduled to have a final vote on the bill in June.

    The bill has sparked both passionate support and strong opposition, raising vital questions: how would such a law work in practice? Who would deliver it? And what would it cost?

    While much attention has focused mostly on the ethics of assisted dying, the government’s recently published impact assessment looks at the practical side and it deserves closer attention.

    Of course, we shouldn’t base a decision about life and death solely on financial or logistical grounds. But if assisted dying is to become part of the law in England and Wales, we need to understand how it would work in reality. The report highlights a number of key challenges:

    1. The medication question

    The assessment draws mainly on data from 11 other jurisdictions, especially Oregon, where assisted dying has been legal for years. It found that the drugs used can lead to prolonged and unpredictable deaths, in part due to inconsistent drug availability.

    However, the report doesn’t compare this to Switzerland, where assisted dying must be self-administered and is tightly regulated. There, a single barbiturate is typically used, leading to death within two to ten minutes depending on whether it’s taken orally or via injection. This raises questions about what kind of medications would be used in the UK and how reliably they would work.

    2. Opt-outs: who will deliver the service?

    Experience from countries like Canada shows that most doctors opt out of providing assisted dying. In Canada, over 5,000 assisted deaths were carried out by just 80 people. Similarly, in the US and New Zealand, entire institutions – especially palliative care services – have opted out.

    Kim Leadbeater, the MP sponsoring the bill, has confirmed that it would not oblige hospices to participate. While this protects individual conscience, it may leave patients struggling to find willing clinicians or being discharged home to die.

    3. Can the NHS cope with a new service?

    The bill assumes the NHS would be responsible for delivering assisted dying. But is the system ready?

    Switzerland uses volunteer doctors outside the healthcare system, which may be more sustainable. In the UK, oversight is expected to come from a panel including a senior judge or lawyer, a psychiatrist and a social worker.

    However, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) has raised serious concerns, both about the role psychiatrists would play and whether there are enough professionals to fulfil that role. The RCP currently opposes the bill.

    4. Funding: a two-tier system?

    The impact assessment suggests assisted dying would be free at the point of delivery. Yet palliative care – the alternative end-of-life support – often receives less than 40% government funding, relying heavily on charity.

    Could this create a two-tier system, where assisted dying is fully funded while palliative care remains under resourced?

    5. Legal costs and challenges

    If passed, the bill could trigger human rights challenges, particularly around mental capacity and access. Legal experts suggest several grounds on which it might be contested and these cases would need to be defended, incurring additional costs.

    Families might also seek judicial review of a panel’s decision to permit a request for assisted dying. And public protests outside clinics or hospitals offering the service could require increased policing and security – all of which have financial and social implications.

    This bill tackles one of the most morally sensitive issues in society. But if it is to succeed, and be implemented safely, it must be built on more than good intentions.

    The government’s impact assessment lays out the many practical hurdles: medication protocols, workforce readiness, conscientious objection, legal protections, and funding disparities. These aren’t technicalities. They’re the framework that would determine whether assisted dying is accessible, safe and ethically delivered.

    As the bill progresses, the debate must move beyond principle alone. The future of this legislation – and its real world impact – will depend on how well we address these deeply human, and deeply complex, practicalities.

    Suzanne Ost has previously received funding from the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the British Academy for research that she has conducted.

    Nancy Preston receives funding from Horizon Europe but not for her work on assisted dying. She is affiliated with European Association of Palliative Care where she Co-Chairs the Task Force on the role of palliative care professionals in supporting patients and families considering assisted dying.

    – ref. Assisted dying: five questions that need answering before it can work in practice – https://theconversation.com/assisted-dying-five-questions-that-need-answering-before-it-can-work-in-practice-256270

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Touch can comfort and heal, but also harm − a psychologist explains why gestures don’t always land as intended

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Brian N. Chin, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Trinity College

    Touch is not always received the way it’s intended. Olga Pankova/Moment via Getty Images

    A hug from a friend. A squeeze of the hand. A steady arm around your shoulders. Many of us are taught to think of touch as comforting – an instinctive way to offer or receive comfort and express a sense of connection.

    But comfort is not always the outcome.

    For some, that same gesture can feel intrusive – even jarring. In moments of stress or vulnerability, even a caring touch can miss the mark, leaving someone feeling unseen, misunderstood or more alone than before.

    As a social-health psychologist, I study how close relationships shape emotional well-being, especially through the ways people give and receive support. Decades of research in psychology and neuroscience show that touch is more than just a physical act – it’s a form of communication. Whether it lands as comforting or off-putting depends on timing, context and the emotional safety of the underlying relationship.

    When touch lands well

    When touch provides comfort, it’s because it communicates safety, understanding and care. It works best when grounded in clarity, respect and emotional timing.

    Trust also matters. Comfort comes most naturally when we feel safe – when we know that someone truly sees us and wants to ease our distress. A hug from a friend after you’ve shared bad news feels good not just because of the gesture itself but because of what it says: “I’m here, and you’re not alone.”

    Sitting quietly next to a partner or child after they’ve had a hard day at school and offering them a steady hand and gentle presence can do more than any question or explanation. It provides a moment of connection that says: “You’re safe. I’ve got you.”

    Over time, attuned touch can do more than provide comfort in the moment – it can strengthen relationships, regulate our stress responses and promote well-being. Recent research highlights how affectionate touch may even support better sleep by reducing stress and increasing feelings of emotional safety. These benefits aren’t limited to romantic or parent-child relationships; many people also find comfort through physical closeness with trusted friends or pets. When it’s offered with care and sensitivity to the moment, touch can build connection, both immediately and over time.

    But even in safe relationships, consent and receptivity are essential. Comforting touch should be honest and clear – not ambiguous, not tentative and never assumed. Simple gestures, such as asking “Would a hug help right now?” or offering “It’s OK if you’d rather not” can turn an awkward moment into one that feels safe and seen. And respecting someone’s “no” is just as important as offering touch in the first place. Hearing and honoring that boundary isn’t rejection; it’s attunement.

    Ultimately, the most comforting touch communicates care for the person receiving it, not just the intentions of the person offering it. Small shifts in awareness such as paying attention to body language, asking first or simply waiting for the right moment can be the difference between discomfort and feeling understood. When offered with clarity, warmth and respect, physical closeness can do more than just comfort: It can restore.

    A pediatrician discusses the importance of teaching kids consent from an early age, including for hugs.

    Why touch sometimes backfires

    If touch is a form of communication, it can miscommunicate too. A gesture meant to convey comfort might instead land as pressure, intrusion or something you want to escape.

    Sometimes the issue is timing. One person reaches out with genuine care, while the other just needs space. A partner’s hand on your shoulder mid-argument might feel more like control than comfort. A hug meant to soothe can instead feel jarring, coming across as emotionally tone-deaf or misaligned.

    Research shows that support is effective only when it’s grounded in mutual understanding and appreciation. If the gesture isn’t wanted or the moment is wrong, even well-intended touch can do more harm than good.

    People’s attachment styles also shape how they respond to touch. People with avoidant tendencies often find physical closeness intrusive and may pull away from even small gestures. In contrast, people with more anxious attachment styles may crave the closeness of touch but remain on high alert, wondering whether it’s sincere, if it’s enough or if it will still be there in the future.

    In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic led many people to renegotiate their comfort with touch and spatial boundaries. For some of us, keeping our distance became comforting – a new kind of safety that we’re not ready to give up just yet. And a handshake or hug might not feel like a return to normal – it might feel like crossing a boundary you didn’t know you’d built.

    Ultimately, what makes touch comforting isn’t just the gesture – it’s emotional attunement: how well it fits the moment, the relationship and the person on the receiving end. When that alignment is off, even the most well-meaning touch can fall flat or make things worse.

    The COVID-19 pandemic shifted many people’s level of comfort around space and touch.
    Cheryl Bronson/Moment via Getty Images

    Want your next touch to land as you intended it?

    Like any form of care, how touch is received depends on how, when and why it’s offered. If you want your touch to feel truly supportive, here are a few ways to stay attuned:

    • Who is this for? Ask yourself: Is this really for them or mostly for me? The most comforting touch comes from meeting another person’s need, not your own.

    • Notice what’s unspoken. Physical cues – leaning in, pausing or pulling away – can sometimes tell us more than words. Discomfort doesn’t always need to be spoken to be understood.

    • Offer choice. A simple question like “Would a hug help right now?” is more comforting than reaching out before checking in. And hearing a respectful no doesn’t disrupt connection – it builds trust.

    We don’t have to give up on hugs, hand squeezes or reassuring pats. But comfort doesn’t automatically follow from physical closeness – it comes from the understanding and care behind it.

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

    – ref. Touch can comfort and heal, but also harm − a psychologist explains why gestures don’t always land as intended – https://theconversation.com/touch-can-comfort-and-heal-but-also-harm-a-psychologist-explains-why-gestures-dont-always-land-as-intended-255725

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why we fall for fake health information – and how it spreads faster than facts

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Angshuman K. Kashyap, PhD candidate in Health Communication, University of Maryland

    Should you share that health-related Instagram post? Catherine McQueen/Moment via Getty Images

    In today’s digital world, people routinely turn to the internet for health or medical information. In addition to actively searching online, they often come across health-related information on social media or receive it through emails or messages from family or friends.

    It can be tempting to share such messages with loved ones – often with the best of intentions.

    As a global health communication scholar studying the effects of media on health and development, I explore artistic and creative ways to make health information more engaging and accessible, empowering people to make informed decisions.

    Although there is a fire hose of health-related content online, not all of it is factual. In fact, much of it is inaccurate or misleading, raising a serious health communication problem: Fake health information – whether shared unknowingly and innocently, or deliberately to mislead or cause harm – can be far more captivating than accurate information.

    This makes it difficult for people to know which sources to trust and which content is worthy of sharing.

    The allure of fake health information

    Fake health information can take many forms. For example, it may be misleading content that distorts facts to frame an issue or individual in a certain context. Or it may be based on false connections, where headlines, visuals or captions don’t align with the content. Despite this variation, such content often shares a few common characteristics that make it seem believable and more shareable than facts.

    For one thing, fake health information often appears to be true because it mixes a grain of truth with misleading claims.

    For example, early in the COVID-19 pandemic, false rumors suggested that drinking ethanol or bleach could protect people from the virus. While ethanol or bleach can indeed kill viruses on surfaces such as countertops, it is extremely dangerous when it comes into contact with skin or gets inside the body.

    Stopping to check the facts helps stem the spread of misinformation.
    World Health Organization adaptation from Siouxsie Wiles and Toby Morris in The Spinoff, CC BY-SA

    Another marker of fake health information is that it presents ideas that are simply too good to be true. There is something appealingly counterintuitive in certain types of fake health information that can make people feel they have access to valuable or exclusive knowledge that others may not know. For example, a claim such as “chocolate helps you lose weight” can be especially appealing because it offers a sense of permission to indulge and taps into a simple, feel-good solution to a complex problem. Such information often spreads faster because it sounds both surprising and hopeful, validating what some people want to believe.

    Sensationalism also drives the spread of fake health information. For instance, when critics falsely claimed that Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the chief medical adviser to the president at the time, was responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, it generated a lot of public attention.

    In a study on vaccine hesitancy published in 2020, my colleagues and I found that controversial headlines in news reports that go viral before national vaccination campaigns can discourage parents from getting their children vaccinated. These headlines seem to reveal sensational and secret information that can falsely boost the message’s credibility.

    The pull to share

    The internet has created fertile ground for spreading fake health information. Professional-looking websites and social media posts with misleading headlines can lure people into clicking or quickly sharing, which drives more and more readers to the falsehood. People tend to share information they believe is relevant to them or their social circles.

    In 2019, an article with the false headline “Ginger is 10,000x more effective at killing cancer than chemo” was shared more than 800,000 times on Facebook. The article contained several factors that make people feel an urgency to react and share without checking the facts: compelling visuals, emotional stories, misleading graphs, quotes from experts with omitted context and outdated content that is recirculated.

    Visual cues like the logos of reputable organizations or photos of people wearing white medical coats add credibility to these posts. This kind of content is highly shareable, often reaching far more people than scientifically accurate studies that may lack eye-catching headlines or visuals, easy-to-understand words or dramatic storylines.

    But sharing content without verifying it first has real-world consequences. For example, studies have found that COVID-19-related fake information reduces people’s trust in the government and in health care systems, making people less likely to use or seek out health services.

    Unfounded claims about vaccine side effects have led to reduced vaccination rates globally, fueling the return of dangerous diseases, including measles.

    Check it out before you share.

    Social media misinformation, such as false claims about cinnamon being a treatment for cancer, has caused hospitalizations and even deaths. The spread of health misinformation has reduced cooperation with important prevention and treatment recommendations, prompting a growing need for medical professionals to receive proper training and develop skills to effectively debunk fake health information.

    How to combat the spread of fake health information

    In today’s era of information overload in which anyone can create and share content, being able to distinguish between credible and misleading health information before sharing is more important than ever. Researchers and public health organizations have outlined several strategies to help people make better-informed decisions.

    Whether health care consumers come across health information on social media, in an email or through a messaging app, here are three reliable ways to verify its accuracy and credibility before sharing:

    • Use a search engine to cross-check health claims. Never rely on a single source. Instead, enter the health claim into a reputable search engine like Google and see what trusted sources have to say. Prioritize information from established organizations like the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United Nations Children’s Fund or peer-reviewed journals like The Lancet or Journal of the American Medical Association. If multiple reputable sources agree, the information is more likely to be reliable. Reliable fact-checking websites such as FactCheck.org and Snopes can also help root out fake information.

    • Evaluate the source’s credibility. A quick way to assess a website’s trustworthiness is to check its “About Us” page. This section usually explains who is behind the content, their mission and their credentials. Also, search the name of the author. Do they have recognized expertise or affiliations with credible institutions? Reliable websites often have domains ending in .gov or .edu, indicating government or educational institutions. Finally, check the publication date. Information on the internet keeps circulating for years and may not be the most accurate or relevant in the present context.

    • If you’re still unsure, don’t share. If you’re still uncertain about the accuracy of a claim, it’s better to keep it to yourself. Forwarding unverified information can unintentionally contribute to the spread of misinformation and potentially cause harm, especially when it comes to health.

    Questioning dubious claims and sharing only verified information not only protects against unsafe behaviors and panic, but it also helps curb the spread of fake health information. At a time when misinformation can spread faster than a virus, taking a moment to pause and fact-check can make a big difference.

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

    – ref. Why we fall for fake health information – and how it spreads faster than facts – https://theconversation.com/why-we-fall-for-fake-health-information-and-how-it-spreads-faster-than-facts-250718

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Cultivating obedience: Using the Justice Department to attack former officials consolidates power and deters dissent

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joe Wright, Professor of Political Science, Penn State

    Miles Taylor, center, a Homeland Security official during the first Trump administration, wrote an op-ed in September 2018 that criticized Trump. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    During President Donald Trump’s first three months in office, his administration has targeted dozens of former officials who criticized him or opposed his agenda.

    In April 2025, Trump directed the Department of Justice to investigate two men who served in his first administration, Miles Taylor and Chris Krebs, because they spoke out against his policies and corrected his false claims about the 2020 election that he lost.

    Further, Trump revoked the security clearances for advisers and retired generals who publicly criticized him during the 2024 election campaign.

    On their face, such moves appear to be a coordinated campaign of personal retribution. But as political science scholars who study the origins of elected strongmen, we believe Trump’s use of the Justice Department to attack former officials who stood up to him isn’t just about revenge. It also deters current officials from defying Trump.

    More than revenge

    Like all presidents, Trump needs allies who will faithfully implement his policy agenda. For most presidents, this means surrounding themselves with longtime friends.

    For example, Don Evans, George W. Bush’s commerce secretary and close confidant, worked with Bush for decades before becoming a fixture in his White House.

    But to carry out a power grab, incumbent leaders also need allies who will stay silent or, better yet, endorse their attempts to consolidate control.

    In El Salvador, for example, President Nayib Bukele’s legislative allies gave him free rein in 2023 to run for president a second time despite constitutional provisions banning reelection.

    Recall that Trump only left office in January 2021 because key Republican officials defied his attempts to overturn an election he lost.

    Former Vice President Mike Pence, facing violent threats from a Trump-fueled mob, refused Trump’s request to overturn the election he lost. And Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger refused Trump’s entreaties to stuff the ballot boxes in Georgia with another 11,000 votes for Trump.

    An audio recording of President Donald Trump talking to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger is played in Washington, D.C., on Oct, 13, 2022.
    Alex Wong/Getty Images

    Notably, both men first won political office on their own, without an endorsement from Trump. This means they were less reliant on Trump for access to political power. Therefore, they were more likely to prioritize their loyalty to the Constitution over their loyalty to Trump.

    Attacks enforce loyalty

    In authoritarian contexts, loyalty is not an intrinsic quality. Authoritarian leaders do not necessarily select those with whom they have long work experience that leads to mutual trust.

    For instance, during Rafael Trujillo’s dictatorship in the Dominican Republic from 1930 to 1961, the head of intelligence, Johnny Abbes, was plucked from obscurity in Mexico and in 1958 began to lead the dictator’s repression machine.

    Instead, the challenge for authoritarian leaders is finding people to do their bidding. And the best people for this job are those who never would have earned their position in politics without the leader’s influence.

    Unqualified appointees who can’t ascend to political power based on their merits have little choice but to stick with the leader. These people appear loyal, but only because their careers are tied to the leader staying in power.

    A litany of failed politicians

    This logic, where people with few career prospects outside of the leader express the most loyalty, explains why Trump has appointed a number of political candidates who have lost elections.

    The head of the Small Business Administration, Kelly Loeffler, though briefly appointed as a U.S. senator from Georgia, lost her first Senate election to Raphael Warnock in 2021.

    Doug Collins, Trump’s secretary of Veterans Affairs, lost to Loeffler in a Georgia Senate primary during the same election cycle.

    Dan Bongino, the deputy director of the FBI, lost a 2016 primary contest for a congressional seat in a heavily Republican district in Florida.

    And don’t forget Jeanine Pirro, Trump’s nominee to head a politically crucial federal judicial office. Her political career derailed 20 years ago when she came under federal investigation for “scheming to catch a cheating spouse in the act.” She lost an attorney general race in New York in 2006 to Andrew Cuomo.

    Jeanine Pirro lost the 2006 New York attorney general race.
    AP Photo/Dima Gavrysh

    Trump also picked two politicians who had failed presidential runs as Democrats – Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – to act as director of national intelligence and secretary of Health and Human Services.

    For appointees who can’t win elections, the only shot at power is steadfast alignment with the leader. This dynamic, in turn, provides a strong incentive for these officials to remain loyal, even when the leader breaks the law or orders them to do the same.

    When leaders place loyalists in charge of federal law enforcement, attempts to conjure votes for the president out of thin air or to seize ballot boxes in opposition districts are more likely to succeed.

    The Trump administration’s attacks on former Republican officials who criticized him, such as Taylor and Krebs, reinforces this dynamic. It sends a signal of future punishment to current Justice Department officials should they speak out against Trump or refuse to carry out illegal orders.

    Attacks also target opposition power

    Of course, the Trump administration’s political attacks haven’t stopped with officials in his previous administration who have fallen out of favor.

    They have expanded to include independent institutions such as universities, not-for-profit media and law firms.

    As research on authoritarian regimes shows, the goal of attacking independent institutions this way is to sap their capacity to resist the incumbent government’s attempts to cheat in future elections.

    After Hungary’s leader, Viktor Orban, had rewritten his country’s Constitution and reined in the courts, he changed the electoral rules to ensure he won reelection in 2022. Along the way, Orban forced an entire university into exile after failing to subdue it.

    In these ways, incumbents’ acts of retribution toward people and organizations that oppose their agenda reinforce loyalty among their allies. They also undermine and weaken their opponents and ultimately facilitate incumbents’ efforts to consolidate power.

    Joe Wright has received funding from the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, and private foundations.

    Erica Frantz has received funding from the US Agency for International Development and private foundations.

    – ref. Cultivating obedience: Using the Justice Department to attack former officials consolidates power and deters dissent – https://theconversation.com/cultivating-obedience-using-the-justice-department-to-attack-former-officials-consolidates-power-and-deters-dissent-256397

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Life sciences consultancy picks Birmingham for new Research Centre of Excellence

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Life sciences consultancy Cambridge Healthcare Research has chosen Birmingham as the location for its new Research Centre of Excellence, where it plans to create up to 40 research analyst roles.

    • Life sciences consultancy Cambridge Healthcare Research picks Birmingham as the location for its new Research Centre of Excellence, where it plans to create up to 40 research analyst roles by the end of 2025.
    • New facility at The Lewis Building in Birmingham’s city centre officially opened by Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council.
    • Investment reinforces region’s rise as a dynamic investment alternative to traditional life sciences ‘golden triangle’ of London, Oxford and Cambridge.

    The new facility at The Lewis Building in Birmingham’s City Centre was officially opened by Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council.

    Cambridge Healthcare Research’s new Research Centre of Excellence will focus on delivering strategic research projects for a range of UK and international clients operating within the life sciences sector. The facility represents the consultancy’s first office outside of Cambridge and London, reinforcing the West Midlands’ growing reputation as a diverse and dynamic life sciences investment hub. The region’s thriving life sciences sector incorporates a diverse, static population of 4.7 million, four medical schools and the West Midlands Health Tech Innovation Accelerator [WMTHIA], which recently received £4 million additional funding for 2025/26.

    The region will seek to capitalise on the growth potential of its life sciences cluster through its flagship Investment Zone. In particular, the 210-hectare Birmingham Knowledge Quarter [B-KQ] will build on the region’s globally recognised strengths in diagnostics, digital and data-driven healthcare, providing a centre of excellence for advanced manufacturing aligned to health and life sciences.

    Matteo Perucchini, CEO at Cambridge Healthcare Research, said:

    “Combining a deep STEM talent pool, unrivalled connectivity and affordable office space, Birmingham ticked all our boxes when it came to selecting a location for our first office outside of the traditional life sciences ‘golden triangle’.

    “We’re looking forward to contributing to the rise of the West Midlands’ life sciences ecosystem while delivering exceptional research projects for our clients from our new Birmingham base.”

    The West Midlands Growth Company [WMGC] – the region’s official investment promotion agency – supported the investment.

    Councillor John Cotton, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said:

    “From companies advancing pioneering drug development to manufacturers of next-generation medical devices, Birmingham has established a reputation as an attractive destination for life sciences focused occupiers.

    “As the region’s vision for Birmingham Knowledge Quarter gathers pace, its offer to healthcare innovators will strengthen even further, with companies like Cambridge Healthcare Research exemplifying the innovation taking place here.

    “It’s brilliant to be welcoming another new and enterprising company to our city, which will help boost the economy and create jobs for local people.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Two California Businesses and Their Owners Resolve Allegations They Misrepresented Businesses’ Size to Obtain Paycheck Protection Program Loans

    Source: US State of Vermont

    JEV&B Services LLC and D4 Inc., two entities with their principal places of business in California, and their owners — William Nelson and Vicki Rollins — have agreed to pay $153,598.90 to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by submitting false statements and certifications to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans for which the entities were not eligible.

    The PPP, an emergency loan program established by Congress in March 2020 under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and administered by the Small Business Administration (SBA), was intended to support small businesses struggling to pay employees and other businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the PPP, eligible businesses could receive forgivable loans guaranteed by the SBA. In addition to the SBA’s guarantee, the PPP protected and supported financial institutions by reimbursing the lender’s costs of processing PPP applications. Regulations and legislation passed by Congress set various eligibility requirements for the PPP, including limitations on the size of eligible businesses, so that the limited PPP funds would reach small businesses. In 2021, when Congress authorized a second round of PPP loans, it imposed even stricter size limits. The second-draw PPP loans were limited to businesses with 300 employees or less, including the employees of the applicant’s affiliated businesses.

    On their PPP loan applications, borrowers were required to disclose their affiliated companies and to state the combined number of employees. Borrowers also certified that they were eligible for the PPP loan and that the information provided was accurate.

    The United States alleged that JEV&B Services and D4 are companies that, through Nelson and Rollins, have common ownership and management with numerous other companies. Like several of Nelson’s and Rollins’ other businesses, JEV&B Services and D4 obtained first-draw PPP loans, which the SBA later forgave in full. JEV&B Services and D4 also obtained second-draw PPP loans. The United States alleged that JEV&B Services and D4 were not eligible for any second-draw PPP loans because they far exceeded the size limits that Congress placed on second-draw PPP loans. The United States further contended that JEV&B Services and D4 knowingly misled their lender to get the second-draw loans, including by under-reporting the total number of employees, not disclosing their affiliated companies to the lender, falsely certifying that they were eligible for the second-draw PPP funds, and certifying that the information on their applications was accurate when, in fact, it was not.

    JEV&B Services, D4, Nelson, and Rollins will pay $153,598.90 to redress these allegations, including paying the SBA for the processing fees that the lender incurred and that were reimbursed by the SBA. The companies have also agreed to repay the loans in full, relieving the SBA of liability to the lender for the federal guaranty of the improper loans.  

    The civil settlement includes the resolution of claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act by Ashwani Chawla. Under those provisions, private parties may initiate an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recovery. The lawsuit is captioned U.S. ex rel. Ashwani Chawla v. Agathos Support Service, Inc., et al., Civil No. LACV 22-2798 KK (JCx) (C.D. Cal.). Chawla will receive $11,519.92 in connection with this settlement.

    The resolution obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the SBA Office of the Inspector General, with assistance from the SBA’s Office of Capital Access.

    Trial Attorney Christopher Belen of the Justice Department’s Civil Division handled the matter.

    The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Secures $200 Billion in New U.S.-UAE Deals and Accelerates Previously Committed $1.4 Trillion UAE Investment

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    BUILDING LASTING PROSPERITY FOR AMERICA AND OUR ALLIES: Today in Abu Dhabi, President Donald J. Trump announced over $200 billion in commercial deals between the United States and the United Arab Emirates—bringing the total of investment agreements in the Gulf region to over $2 trillion.
    President Trump continues to advance the interests of the American people, enhancing market access for American exporters to strengthen our economic and national security.
    These deals will significantly expand investment in the United States and U.S. market access in the United Arab Emirates.
    The following represent just a few of the many transformative deals secured in the United Arab Emirates:
    Boeing and GE Aerospace secured a $14.5 billion commitment from Etihad Airways to invest in 28 American-made Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE engines. With the inclusion of the next-generation 777X in its fleet plan, the investment deepens the longstanding commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States, fueling American manufacturing, driving exports, and supporting 60,000 U.S. jobs.
    In Oklahoma, Emirates Global Aluminum will invest to develop a $4 billion primary aluminum smelter project, one of the first new aluminum smelters in America in 45 years, that will create a thousand jobs in America, strengthen critical mineral supply chains, and double current U.S. production capacity.
    In line with President Trump’s executive order to unleash American energy leadership worldwide, ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum, and EOG Resources are partnering with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) for expanded oil and natural gas production valued at $60 billion that will help lower energy costs and create hundreds of skilled jobs in both countries.
    RTX is partnering with Emirates Global Aluminum and the UAE’s Tawazun Council on a pioneering Gallium project that will help secure and stabilize the United States’ critical mineral supply chain. By diversifying sources of this essential input for semiconductors and defense technologies, the partnership strengthens America’s supply security, supports high-tech manufacturing, and creates jobs across the U.S. critical minerals and defense industrial base.
    Qualcomm is expanding its global innovation footprint through partnerships with ADIO and e&.  A new Global Engineering Center in Abu Dhabi will focus on AI, data centers, and industrial IoT – advancing the UAE’s digital transformation while supporting U.S. research, engineering jobs and demand for American technologies.  Meanwhile, the collaboration with e& accelerates the deployment of advanced connectivity, edge AI, and cloud computing solutions.  Together, these efforts strengthen Qualcomm’s leadership in critical technologies, fuel U.S high-tech job creation, and bolster America’s economic and national security. 
    Amazon Web Services, e&, and the UAE Cybersecurity Council have launched a Sovereign Cloud Launchpad to accelerate public cloud services adoption in the UAE.  The initiative is expected to contribute $181 billion to the UAE’s digital economy by 2033 and includes a new UAE cybersecurity technology Innovation center. This collaboration expands demand for U.S.–developed cloud infrastructure and cybersecurity technologies, supporting high-skilled jobs in the United States and reinforcing U.S. leadership in secure digital innovation globally.

    These deals lay the foundation for investment, innovation and good-paying U.S. jobs, including in frontier technologies, aerospace, energy, and critical minerals.
    Today’s deals strengthen the U.S.-UAE investment and trade relationship and build on the UAE’s landmark commitment to a 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment framework that will contribute to the U.S. boom in AI infrastructure, semiconductors, energy, quantum computing, biotechnology, and manufacturing. 
    The U.S. and UAE signed an AI agreement today that supports the $1.4 trillion investment commitment secured in March. This includes the UAE committing to invest in, build, or finance U.S. data centers that are at least as large and as powerful as those in the UAE. The agreement also contains historic commitments by the UAE to further align their national security regulations with the United States, including strong protections to prevent the diversion of U.S.-origin technology.
    The U.S.-UAE AI agreement strengthens bilateral investment partnerships, ensuring U.S. security interests and dominance in AI while extending the American tech stack to an important strategic partner. 

    ACCELERATING TRADE AND INVESTMENT IN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP:  The strategic partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates has spanned decades and supported the prosperity and security of Americans and Emiratis. This partnership encompasses strategic cooperation in defense, trade, energy, space and diplomacy, reflecting shared interests and mutual respect.
    This partnership is particularly significant thanks to the historic achievement of the Abraham Accords announced during President Trump’s first term.
    The UAE stands as a significant commercial partner for the United States in the Middle East.  Bilateral trade and investment have flourished, with the UAE serving as a hub for American businesses seeking opportunities in the region.
    The UAE had $35 billion in foreign direct investments in the United States, supporting over 33,000 American jobs in 2023.
    U.S. total goods trade with the UAE was an estimated $34.4 billion in 2024, with a U.S. trade surplus of $19.5 billion, the third largest in the world.

    President Trump’s historic visit to the United Arab Emirates is another opportunity to welcome new partnerships in frontier technologies, health and life sciences, mobility, entertainment, and many other fields.
    NEVER TIRED OF WINNING: President Trump keeps scoring great deals for the American people, securing over $2 trillion in investment agreements with Middle Eastern nations for a more safe and prosperous future.
    The $200 billion UAE deals build on the $600 billion in Saudi Arabia and $1.2 trillion in Qatar the President secured on behalf of the American people.
    This comes days after President Trump announced the U.S.-UK trade agreement and a joint agreement with China in pursuit of more fair, reciprocal trade that grows good-paying jobs and prosperity in America.
    While it took President Biden nearly four years to secure $1 trillion in investments, President Trump achieved this in his first month, with additional investment commitments continuing to roll in.
    President Trump is accelerating investment in America and securing fair trade deals around the world, paving the way for a new Golden Age of lasting prosperity for generations to come.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: At Hearing, Warren Stresses Importance of Right-to-Repair, Highlights How Restrictions Limit International Cooperation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren

    May 16, 2025

    Repair restrictions limit service members’ abilities to fix their weapons even in the middle of life-and-death missions

    Warren successfully pushed the Army to get rid of right-to-repair restrictions, urges the rest of the military to follow

    Video of Exchange (YouTube)

    Washington, D.C. – At a hearing of the Senate Armed Services Committee, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) uplifted how right-to-repair can help the U.S. military and allied forces promote innovation and reduce costs. 

    As Senator Warren explained, the Department of Defense (DoD) spends billions of dollars buying equipment, but contractors impose repair restrictions preventing servicemembers from fixing their weapons, even in the middle of dangerous missions, and often at the expense of innovation. She highlighted how important innovation has been in Ukraine’s ability to continue to defend itself against Russia. 

    Dr. Lisa Saum-Manning, Associate Director, International Security and Defense Policy Program for RAND, testified to the importance of servicemembers’ ability to repair their own weapons without unnecessary contractor interference, stating, “When it comes to life and death decisions, I think you sort of overlook policy… that’s what I would do if I were on the battlefield.”

    This month, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll announced that the Army will ensure right-to-repair provisions are included in future Army contracts and will identify and propose contract modifications for right-to-repair provisions in current contracts.

    “Army Secretary Driscoll has taken a necessary and overdue step, but we need all of the services and DOD to prioritize lethality. And that means commanders in the field should never have to beg a contractor to come repair a plane that the Air Force owns or that soldiers could fix themselves,” said Senator Warren. 

    Senator Warren argued that right-to-repair can help strengthen American allied forces and enhance their capabilities, allowing them to work better with our troops, take missions off the military’s plate, and support U.S. jobs. If U.S. contractors limit our allies and partners’ ability to sustain equipment, that can hurt the ability of those companies to win contracts. Dr. Saum-Manning expressed support for adopting a right-to-repair policy across the military, stating that RAND researchers agreed on a need for change. 

    Senator Warren has been a leader on right-to-repair, including in the military. In January 2025, Senator Warren secured a commitment from Secretary Driscoll during his nomination hearing about enhancing the Army’s right to repair its own equipment. Senator Warren also pushed for commitments from the Navy Secretary and Military Transportation Command Chief on allowing servicemembers to repair their own equipment. 

    “I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to make sure that we aren’t letting bad contracting practices limit our soldiers’ ability to win on the battlefield,” concluded Senator Warren. 

    Transcript: Hearings to examine the Department of Defense responsibilities related to Foreign Military Sales system and international armaments cooperation
    Senate Armed Services Committee
    May 15, 2025

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, being lethal on the battlefield means being scrappy. And when Russia first invaded Ukraine, we sat in the briefings when we were told by experts that Ukraine would only be able to hold out for a few weeks maximum. But over the past three years, Ukrainians have been incredibly innovative, especially in the deployment of drones to keep Russian forces at bay. 

    The U.S. military may not be nearly as agile. One problem: soldiers are not allowed to repair many of their own weapons. DoD spends billions of dollars buying all sorts of equipment, but then contractors impose restrictions on who can maintain systems and who can produce spare parts. Contractors rake in billions, but service members are not allowed to fix their own weapons when they break, even in the middle of life-and-death missions. That is the opposite of scrappy. 

    Dr. Saum-Manning, you are an expert on building military capacity. How important is it for readiness for service members just to be able to repair their own weapons?

    Dr. Lisa Saum-Manning: I mean, they are on the front lines and critical. When it comes to life and death decisions, I think you sort of overlook policy. That would—, that’s what I would do if I were on the battlefield. Again, this is my personal opinion, not an opinion of RAND.

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: But I take it. You think the right to repair is important to being able to do your job?

    Dr. Saum-Manning: I do think it’s important, that said, you have to know how to do it. And so I would want to make sure that they actually knew what they were doing.

    Senator Elizabeth Warren: Okay. The problem we’ve got is that too often, when the U.S. military goes to contractors, they are told when something is broken, they’re going to have to wait months for critical parts. In just one case that we have, the Army discovered that instead of waiting months, they could actually just use a 3D printer to print the safety clip they needed in less than an hour and for 1/100th of the cost that was being charged by the contractor. 

    So, this month, the Trump administration took an important step toward making sure that U.S. soldiers can be just as scrappy as the Ukrainians. The Army’s new transformation initiative requires new contracts to include a right to repair their own equipment, and they’re also going back to review old contracts to add similar protections. I want to give a shout-out to the new Secretary of the Army, Dan Driscoll, for pushing this initiative. 

    So, Dr. Saum-Manning, would adopting this policy across the military services enhance innovation and help reduce costs?

    Dr. Saum-Manning: Well, as all RAND researchers say, we have to study that. This is very new. It’s very exciting to see, when we were doing our study, the Army was in the midst of their sort of transformation, and there was a consensus of opinion that it needed to change. And so it’s exciting that they’re innovating. We’re watching it. It’s definitely a great experiment to see if it happens and to see if we can apply these lessons elsewhere.  

    Senator Warren: Well, you know, I would argue here on right-to-repair that it can also be used to help strengthen American allied forces as well. When our closest allies buy U.S. weapons, it can help enhance their capabilities, help them work better with our troops. We really like all of that. They can take missions off our plate, and they can support U.S. jobs. But our allies and partners have a lot of other companies that they can choose from, and they are willing to drive a harder bargain than we are. For example, a Canadian task force found that failing to acquire data rights hurt their ability to independently support their own equipment— right to repair—and they recommended prioritizing sustainability and competition. The bottom line? Lockheed Martin’s higher repair costs meant that Lockheed Martin just wasn’t competitive for the contract. 

    So Dr. Saum-Manning isn’t the best outcome for us, is not only if we can repair our own equipment, but also if our allies, who are buying from us contractors, can repair their weapons in the field and have those weapons made in America?

    Dr. Saum-Manning: Well, we have not studied that, but I would say that if we are, sort of, part of that process and can help train, help equip, help be there to help sustain—our partners need to actually be able to sustain the equipment that we give them. Those are priority decisions that need to be made prior to them actually getting on the battlefield.

    Senator Warren: Yeah, well, Army Secretary Driscoll has taken a necessary and overdue step, but we need all of the services and DOD to prioritize lethality. And that means commanders in the field should never have to beg a contractor to come repair a plane that the Air Force owns or/and that soldiers could fix themselves. Our Navy should never have to wonder if an ally won’t show up because they’re waiting months for a contractor to fix a fuel gauge. I look forward to working with my colleagues on this committee to make sure that we aren’t letting bad contracting practices limit our soldiers’ ability to win on the battlefield. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Four Dominican Nationals Indicted for Drug Conspiracy Involving Fentanyl and Crack Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A federal grand jury in Boston has indicted four Dominican nationals residing in Lawrence, Mass., on drug charges.

    Juana Luduvina Aguasvivas, 66, Richard Arias-Aguasvivas, 38, Ariel Ruiz, 31, and Yonelin Baez Soto, 30, are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Arias-Aguasvivas, Ruiz and Baez were also charged with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and/or crack cocaine. All four defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston on May 29, 2025.

    According to the charging documents, in April 2021, an investigation began into a drug trafficking organization operating in Lawrence that was supplying fentanyl, cocaine base and cutting agents to customers. Between April 2021 and February 2025, investigators conducted controlled purchases, during which Aguasvivas, Arias-Aguasvivas, Ruiz and Baez collectively sold more than 800 grams of fentanyl, more than 80 grams of crack cocaine and copious amounts of cutting agents.

    In May 2025, Baez pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful reentry and is scheduled to be sentenced on those charges on Aug. 6, 2025.

    Arias-Aguasvivas, Ruiz and Baez each face at least 10 years and up to life in prison, at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $10 million fine. Aguasvivas faces at least five years and up to 40 years in prison, at least four years and up to a lifetime of supervised release and a $5 million fine. The defendants are subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.  

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Kimberly Milka, Acting Special Agent in charge for the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Boston Division made the announcement today. Valuable assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police, Essex County District Attorney’s Office, North Andover Police Department, Billerica Police Department, Lowell Police Department, Haverhill Police Department, Methuen Police Department, Internal Revenue Service and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Annapurna Balakrishna of the Criminal Division is prosecuting this case. 

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations 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 and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    The details contained in the charging document are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
     

    MIL Security OSI –