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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani, VA Secretary Collins Reiterate Support for Veterans during Tucson Visit

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Juan Ciscomani (Arizona)

    “Our goal is to make sure veterans in Arizona and across the country get the best possible care we can provide”

    TUCSON, AZ – U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani and Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins reiterated their shared commitment to care for the men and women who’ve served our country in uniform.  

    During a tour of Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson, both the Congressman and the Secretary strongly pushed back on false claims that mission-critical positions within the VA will be cut, causing possible disruptions in the delivery of care and benefits. 

    “Don’t believe the lies,” Ciscomani said. “No one is talking about cutting positions for anyone that provides direct care or benefits to veterans. No one is talking about eliminating services. Our goal is to make sure veterans in Arizona and across the country get the best possible care we can provide.” 

    The Secretary spent the morning with Ciscomani in Tucson, meeting with the Congressman’s Veterans Advisory Council, touring the Tucson VA and discussing services to veterans with hospital leadership.   

    “One of the things that I spend 50 percent of my time on is basically fighting back against inuendo and rumor about what’s going on at the VA by those who think they know what’s going on at the VA,” Secretary Collins said. 

    Ciscomani, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, represents a district with nearly 80,000 veterans, one of the largest veteran populations of any Congressional district in the country. His Veterans Advisory Council includes community leaders like Sierra Vista Mayor Clea McCaa and Sahuarita Mayor Tom Murphy. 

    “It is my duty, and honor, to advocate on behalf of veterans to ensure their needs are prioritized by the federal government,” said Ciscomani. “I am incredibly grateful to Secretary Collins for his leadership, our shared commitment to veterans, and for taking the time to talk with those who served, tour VA facilities in Tucson, and counter false narratives about cuts to mission-critical employees, healthcare, and benefits. Secretary Collins is a fantastic partner. I look forward to continuing working together to modernize and improve the VA to deliver on our promise to our veterans.”  

    “Under President Trump’s leadership, VA is challenging the status quo to find new and better ways of serving America’s heroes,” said Secretary Collins. “As part of that effort, we’re visiting VA facilities in Tucson and across the nation to see what’s working and what needs improvement. We will reform the department to make it work better for America’s Veterans, families, caregivers and survivors, and we thank Rep. Ciscomani for his support.” 

    Veteran Advisory Council  

    Ciscomani hosted a meeting of his Veteran Advisory Council with Secretary Collins where they reiterated that there are no plans to reduce access to healthcare or cut benefits at the VA.  

    Tucson VA Medical Center Leadership 

    Ciscomani and Secretary Collins met with leadership at the Tucson VA Medical Center to discuss recruitment and retention initiatives and countered false claims that the VA was planning cuts to mission-critical positions within the agency. 

    Tour of the Tucson VA Medical Center 

    Ciscomani, Secretary Collins tour facilities in the Tucson VA Medical Center. 

    Background:

    • Last week, Ciscomani honored 31 veterans from across Arizona 6th Congressional District in his second annual Veterans Service Leadership Award Ceremony.  

    • Through casework, Ciscomani’s team has returned $3.65 million to veteran-constituents, including $1.25 million since January 2025.  

    • So far in the 119th, Ciscomani has introduced three pieces of veterans-focused legislation, with one of these bills passing the House of Representatives unanimously. 
      • The Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivor Act (H.R. 1228)  would move the Office of Survivors Assistance (OSA) back within the Office of the VA Secretary to ensure that families of fallen veterans are able to receive the benefits and support they deserve.  
        • This bill passed the House of Representatives unanimously on April 9, 2025.   
      • The Coordinating Care for Senior Veterans and Wounded Warriors Act (H.R. 668) would improve healthcare coordination and management for veterans over the age of 65 who qualify for benefits from both the VA and Medicare.  
      • The Veterans Education and Technical Skills (VETS) Opportunity Act (H.R. 1458) would expand veterans’ access to educational opportunities for high-demand skilled trade and vocational programs, whether they are in-person or partially online. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Funding for Playground Equipment Coming in Fall 2025

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 29, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan will invest $3.75 million annually to deliver a new program to help fund school playground equipment in communities throughout the province.

    As a result, up to $50,000 in matched funding will be available for schools to build a new playground or update existing equipment.

    “Our government recognizes that every child deserves a place to play,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Alana Ross said. “Parent groups are working hard alongside local school councils to build safe, accessible playgrounds for their kids. This funding will help make their job a little easier, while ensuring projects are completed sooner.”

    Administered in partnership with the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association (SPRA), the School Playground Equipment Grant program is expected to start accepting applications in fall 2025.

    The SPRA is a non-profit dedicated to connecting, educating and inspiring parks and recreation providers to create parks and recreation spaces for the benefit of everyone, with its core operations funded by Sask Lotteries.  

    “We are proud to expand our partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan in the delivery of the School Playground Equipment Grant program,” Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association President Darcy McLeod said. “Playgrounds are crucial to child development and are foundational pieces of community infrastructure that support our health and wellbeing.”

    The criteria and guidelines will be announced closer to the application process, after engagement with stakeholders. It is estimated that approximately 75 projects will receive support each year.

    “It takes time to plan and develop a school playground,” Ross said. “The program will launch in just a few short months and we want communities to know work is underway so they can incorporate this new funding option into their planning process.”  

    Further details, including the specific date that applications open along with the program criteria will be announced once finalized in collaboration with SPRA.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: AgriStability enrolment deadline extended to July 31, 2025 (Saskatchewan)

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    April 25, 2025 – Melville, Saskatchewan – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

    Today, Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison, along with federal, provincial, and territorial governments, announced the AgriStability enrolment deadline for the existing 2025 program year is extended (without penalty) from April 30, 2025, to July 31, 2025. The extension of the deadline is for the status quo program. The proposed changes announced by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are still being considered and have not been implemented. 

    The nature of the existing AgriStability Program makes it well suited to support producers. As a margin-based program, AgriStability responds when a producer’s whole farm profitability is impacted, including by rising costs and declining market prices. Tariffs have the potential to impact the prices producers receive for sold commodities. Coverage is personalized for each farm operation by using historical information, based on income tax and supplementary information. Farmers experiencing losses are encouraged to apply for interim payments under AgriStability for more rapid support. In the last six program years, Saskatchewan producers received over $565 million in benefit payments. 

    Enrolling is easy. Producers can provide all the necessary information over the phone. The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) is available to assist producers. To request a new participant package, call the SCIC AgriStability Call Centre at 1-866-270-8450 or email agristability@scic.ca. 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal Presented to 15 Recipients by Lieutenant Governor

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 29, 2025

    This morning, in recognition of National Volunteer Week, Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre presented 15 dedicated individuals with the 2024 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal during a ceremony at Government House. 

    “It is an honour to recognize these recipients who tirelessly donate their time and talents to so many worthy causes in our province,” McIntyre said. “Their generous spirit and wholehearted participation are an inspiration for us all.” 

    The recipients of the 2024 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal are:

    • Valerie Bidaux, Eastend
    • William Brooks, Saskatoon
    • Creighton (Wayne) Cameron, Moose Jaw
    • Brenda Corman, Saskatoon
    • Audrey and Rod Euteneier, Regina
    • John Grant, Regina
    • Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Lyle Johnson, O.M.M., C.D., Moose Jaw
    • Harvey Linnen, Regina
    • Sandi Lougheed, Beechy
    • Oswald Lutz, Lanigan
    • Dr. Bruce Neill, Indian Head
    • Laura Poppy, Indian Head
    • Rob Rongve, North Battleford
    • Jayne C.M. Whyte, Regina

    2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. This award was established in 1995 to celebrate the province’s 90th anniversary, and to recognize the fact that Saskatchewan leads the country in volunteerism rates. Today’s recipients join the ranks of 271 exemplary volunteers recognized in previous years. 

    Nominations are now open for the 2025 Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to nominate current or former long-term residents of Saskatchewan who go above and beyond for their community through acts of volunteerism. Nominations are open until October 31, 2025. 

    For more information about the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal or to nominate someone for Saskatchewan Honours and Awards, visit: www.saskatchewan.ca/honoursawards.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Young Push DOJ, FTC to Use Every Available Resource to Protect Americans’ Data Amid 23andMe Bankruptcy Proceedings

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, and Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, wrote to leadership at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) expressing the need for the agencies to exercise all available authorities to protect the sensitive genomic information of Americans, including in the bankruptcy proceedings of 23andMe, a personal genomics and biotechnology company that holds the DNA and sensitive information of millions of individuals.

    The senators highlighted the attempts by the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and other foreign adversaries to collect this type of genomic data from Americans and the various ways in which the PRC has used sensitive biometric data for surveillance efforts.

    “As the Chinese government has realized, genomic data is incredibly valuable. Biological data is critical to biomedical discovery, particularly when, as here, it contains substantial amounts of personal genomic data. It can be used to create, design, and optimize everything from biopharmaceuticals and medical devices to optimizing AI models for medical applications,” the senators wrote. “The PRC also has demonstrated a sustained effort to leverage genomic and other biometric data for extensive surveillance; accessing this data – either directly or indirectly – could further enable PRC transnational surveillance, including posing counter-intelligence threats to the United States. In addition, genomic data can be used to create dual-use technologies that, on the one hand, could help create vaccines for diseases, but on the other hand, can be weaponized by our adversaries to for malign intent.”

    While applauding the recent actions by the Justice Department in current proceedings, the senators underscored the need to take more steps to ensure that bad actors are prevented from acquiring, legally or illegally, Americans’ genomic information. 

    The senators continued, “In addition to the Department’s recent filing, and any anticipated CFIUS review, the Department, in conjunction with the Commission and other U.S. agencies as appropriate, must closely monitor the sale or transfer of, or access to, 23andMe’s genomic databank, regardless of whether that activity is in the ordinary course of business, for compliance with all applicable statutes related to national security and consumer protection.”

    This is the latest effort by Sen. Warner to safeguard Americans’ data and sensitive information from adversaries. As Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, Sen. Warner has worked to ensure the U.S. is prepared to counter threats posed by foreign adversaries including the PRC across various sectors. Sen. Warner spearheaded the push to force CCP-based Bytedance to divest from TikTok in order to allow the app to continue operations in the United States. Last year, Sen. Warner introduced the Countering CCP Drones and Supporting Drones for Law Enforcement Act, legislation to cut off dangerous CCP drone companies from the U.S. telecommunication infrastructure. Sen. Warner also introduced bipartisan and bicameral legislation to improve information sharing between private companies and the Intelligence Community in order to mitigate the threat that foreign adversaries including the CCP pose to United States companies in foreign jurisdictions on projects relating to energy generation and storage, including in the critical minerals industry, and earlier this year, Sen. Warner introduced legislation aimed at shoring up America’s response to financial threats stemming from the PRC.

    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.

    Dear Attorney General Bondi and Chairman Ferguson:

    We write to urge the Department of Justice (“Department”) and the Federal Trade Commission (“Commission”) to exercise the full scope of their legal and statutory authorities in 23andMe Holding Co. (“23andMe”)’s bankruptcy proceeding. We commend the Department on its April 22, 2025 filing in the 23andMe bankruptcy proceeding, recognizing that the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) should review this transaction in light of the substantial national security concerns involved. However, additional action from agencies are necessary in order to prevent adversaries, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), from acquiring millions of Americans’ genomic data.

    Chinese authorities have already collected genomic data on millions of their own citizens, and continue to actively target foreign companies, including in the U.S., for acquisition or investment, as well for theft, in order to obtain foreign individuals’ genomic data, creating serious implications for national security, public health, economic security, and Americans’ privacy. As the Chinese government has realized, genomic data is incredibly valuable. Biological data is critical to biomedical discovery, particularly when, as here, it contains substantial amounts of personal genomic data. It can be used to create, design, and optimize everything from biopharmaceuticals and medical devices to optimizing AI models for medical applications. The PRC also has demonstrated a sustained effort to leverage genomic and other biometric data for extensive surveillance; accessing this data – either directly or indirectly – could further enable PRC transnational surveillance, including posing counter-intelligence threats to the United States. In addition, genomic data can be used to create dual-use technologies that, on the one hand, could help create vaccines for diseases, but on the other hand, can be weaponized by our adversaries to for malign intent.

    In order to prevent China from weaponizing this data, or outcompeting the U.S. economically, the U.S. must urgently prioritize the protection of biological and genomic data, particularly of Americans, starting with that held by 23andMe.

    As the Department notes in its recent filing, its Data Security Program must be better utilized to ensure the protection, and prevent the acquisition, of Americans’ sensitive genomic data. In addition to the Department’s recent filing, and any anticipated CFIUS review, the Department, in conjunction with the Commission and other U.S. agencies as appropriate, must closely monitor the sale or transfer of, or access to, 23andMe’s genomic databank, regardless of whether that activity is in the ordinary course of business, for compliance with all applicable statutes related to national security and consumer protection. Chairman Ferguson’s letter to the Office of the U.S. Trustee lays out a clear rationale for robust oversight by the Justice Department over the legal obligations and protections that 23andMe owes its customers (“users”). 23andMe’s users also should have the ability to remove their genetic data from acquisition by a foreign government or entities under the control or influence of a foreign government, including data associated with other personally-identifiable information and any other data generated by 23andMe that uses genetic data in the aggregate.

    23andMe’s users provided their sensitive, personal genetic data to a privately-owned U.S. company, potentially without fully understanding the implications of this data falling into the hands of adversaries, including cybercriminals and foreign nation-states. Further, the genetic information held in 23andMe’s databank has implications for relatives of 23andMe users who share common genetic markers, creating additional privacy concerns for such individuals who had no opportunity to consent to how 23andMe’s data could be used in ways that affect them.

    Outside of this proceeding, we urge the Department, the Commission, and other relevant federal entities to closely monitor future transactions, and use all levers as appropriate, where foreign entities, particularly those under the control or influence of foreign nations of concern, are attempting to purchase – through bankruptcy proceedings or otherwise-Americans’ sensitive biologic and genomic data. To this end, we encourage the DOJ to evaluate any appropriate updates to its recently-released Final Rule,6 implementing Executive Order 14117 on “Preventing Access to Americans’ Bulk Sensitive Personal Data and United States Government-Related Data by Countries of Concern”, to address any novel risks posed by potential acquisition (and resale) of 23andMe data by covered vendors.

    In addition, the Department and the Commission must work with lead agencies to support the cybersecurity of genomic data. In March 2022, 23andMe suffered a security breach that compromised the genetic information of millions of users, underscoring concerns around genomic data privacy and misuse.

    In short, it is paramount to our national and economic security that there is a whole-of­ government approach to protecting Americans’ sensitive genomic data, including by preventing malign entities from gaining access to such data through commercial acquisition, cyberattacks, or other illicit means. We remain committed to working with the Department, the Commission, and the Administration broadly on this issue.

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CFTC Announces Departure of Amanda Olear After Nearly 2 Decades of Service

    Source: US Commodity Futures Trading Commission

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Commodity Futures Trading Commission today announced former Director of the Market Participants Division and former Acting Director of the Division of Market Oversight, Amanda L. Olear, will depart the agency on May 2. Ms. Olear has served at the CFTC for over 17 years in multiple leadership roles across various divisions. 
    “It has been a true pleasure to have known and worked with Amanda for 15 years. She has served the CFTC, our mission, and our markets with excellence for many years,” Acting Chairman Caroline D. Pham said. “Throughout her distinguished tenure, Amanda has exemplified leadership, expertise, and pragmatism in every role she’s held. I would especially like to personally thank Amanda for serving on my executive management team. I’m grateful for her over 17 years of dedicated service to the CFTC and wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”
    “I would like to thank Acting Chairman Pham and former Chairman Behnam for the privilege of being part of their leadership teams,” Ms. Olear said, “It was an honor that I could not have imagined when I joined the CFTC as a junior staff attorney and one that I will carry with me for the rest of my career. I would also like to express my appreciation for the staff in the Market Participants Division and the Division of Market Oversight for their trust and support over the past 5 years. Their professionalism and expertise continue to impress and inspire me. My hope is that I proved myself worthy of their confidence.” 
    Ms. Olear joined the CFTC in 2007 and has served in various leadership capacities, including most recently as Acting Director of the Division of Market Oversight, where she led a team of attorneys, analysts, and other professional staff who oversee derivatives platforms and swap data repositories. Prior to this role, Ms. Olear served as the Director of the Market Participants Division since 2021.
    Ms. Olear began her tenure at the CFTC as an attorney-advisor in the then – Division of Clearing and Intermediary Oversight – with a focus on CPOs and CTAs. In 2013, she took on the role of Associate Director of the Managed Funds Section in the Division of Swap Dealer and Intermediary Oversight and served as the Deputy Director of Registration and Compliance from 2017 to 2021.
    Ms. Olear joined the CFTC from Council, Baradel, Kosmerl & Nolan, P.A. in Annapolis, Maryland, where she focused on business entity formation and complex commercial litigation. Prior to that, Ms. Olear served as a law clerk to the Honorable Lynne A. Battaglia on the Maryland Court of Appeals (now the Maryland Supreme Court). Coming from a long line of family farmers, she holds a JD, with honors, from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and a BA, summa cum laude, from McDaniel College.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Northern District of Ohio U.S. Attorney’s Office Charges Multiple Defendants with Immigration Violations

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    CLEVELAND – The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) has announced that federal grand juries in the Northern District of Ohio have returned indictments for the following individuals on charges of immigration-related law violations. These are separate cases and are not related.

    Hector Linares, 47, a citizen of El Salvador, has been indicted on three counts. He has been charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition, and for being an alien in possession of a firearm, for possessing a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol and ammunition. In 2010, he was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of, cocaine. Linares was also charged with illegal reentry. He was previously removed from the United States on at least one occasion with the last being Nov. 24, 2023. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the United States Marshals Service.

    Edil A. Martinez-Padilla, 38, a citizen of Honduras, has been charged with illegal reentry. He was previously removed from the United States twice with the last being April 24, 2013. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    Carlos Daniel Romero-Esborar, 39, a citizen of Honduras, has been charged with illegal reentry. He was previously removed from the United States on at least one occasion with the last being April 27, 2012. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

    A team of Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the USAO’s criminal division are prosecuting the cases above.

    Additionally, Juan Tiul Xi, 26, a citizen of Guatemala unlawfully residing in Cleveland, has been indicted for allegedly submitting a sponsorship application with false statements to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Tiul Xi encouraged and induced a 14-year-old female unaccompanied minor from Guatemala to illegally enter the United States. It is alleged that he used his sister’s identity for the girl to provide as an alias which he included on paperwork in an effort to obtain custody of her. This indictment is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The ICE HSI and FBI Cleveland Division are jointly investigating with assistance from HSI’s attaché team in Guatemala. Senior Trial Attorney Christian Levesque of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), Joint Task Force Alpha detailee/Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Acting U.S. Attorney Carol M. Skutnik and Criminal Division Chief Michael L. Collyer for the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP Analyst/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  Each defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the Court after a review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal records, if any, the defendant’s role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.

    These cases are 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 communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: American Rebel (NASDAQ: AREB) to Host Strategic Board Meeting and Exclusive Dinner for Investors at Mar-A-Lago Following Unprecedented Successful Sponsorship at the American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at Charlotte Motor Speedway

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    American Rebel Light Beer was featured at the NHRA event, where thousands of attendees and a national television audience were exposed to America’s Fastest Growing Beer.

    Nashville, TN, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) (“American Rebel” or the “Company”), creator of American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) and a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of branded safes, personal security and self-defense products and apparel (americanrebel.com), will be holding an exclusive dinner at Mar-A-Lago tonight for its board of directors and a major investor group. This will be the second round of meetings this month at Mar-a-Lago, aka the “Winter White House,” where America’s Patriotic Beer brand has established a strong footprint among supporters of President Trump and those who love our great nation.

    Quote from CEO Andy Ross:

    “Hosting our esteemed Board of Directors, investment bankers, and key strategic investors at Mar-A-Lago in Florida is an honor and a pivotal opportunity for American Rebel Holdings, Inc. As we convene at the Winter White House, we are eager to discuss the strategic growth of American Rebel Light Beer. This event, following several preliminary planning meetings, presents a unique chance to accelerate and enhance our existing strategic plan to expand our distribution footprint and target customer base, particularly among NHRA fans. Our distribution expansion in 2025 continues to surpass expectations, setting the stage for sustained revenue growth and market share gains over the coming months and years.”

    This weekend’s American Rebel Light NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway at the Charlotte Motor Speedway (charlottemotorspeedway.com) was broadcast nationally through FOX Broadcasting’s FS1. The event provided viewers with the experience of drag racing and additional exposure for American Rebel Light Beer. The NHRA’s partnership with FOX Sports ensures expanded coverage, bringing drag racing, and this weekend American Rebel Light Beer, to homes across the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.

    American Rebel Light Beer – America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer was proud to be featured at this iconic event. Fans attending the race enjoyed cold American Rebel Light Beer while experiencing the unique four-lane racing format and pit access included with every ticket. For those watching from home, the FS1 broadcast showcased the adrenaline-pumping action, making it a weekend to remember.

    Continued Quote from CEO Andy Ross:

    “We are honored to have Tony Stewart Racing’s (tsrnitro.com) Matt Hagan, driver of the American Rebel Light Funny Car, give his insights to the group in Florida to continue to capture the momentum of American Rebel Light Beer within the NHRA (nhra.com). TSR Racing with Tony, Matt, and Leah combined with American Rebel Light Beer is a winning combination with the fans that we believe is creating long-term customers. We are thoroughly evaluating additional sponsorship and growth opportunities for American Rebel Light Beer, ensuring its continued success as America’s Patriotic Beer.”

    About American Rebel Light Beer

    Produced in partnership with AlcSource, American Rebel Light Beer (americanrebelbeer.com) is a premium domestic light lager celebrated for its exceptional quality and patriotic values. It stands out as America’s Patriotic, God Fearing, Constitution Loving, National Anthem Singing, Stand Your Ground Beer.

    American Rebel Light is a Premium Domestic Light Lager Beer – All Natural, Crisp, Clean and Bold Taste with a Lighter Feel. With approximately 100 calories, 3.2 carbohydrates, and 4.3% alcoholic content per 12 oz serving, American Rebel Light Beer delivers a lighter option for those who love great beer but prefer a more balanced lifestyle. It’s all natural with no added supplements and importantly does not use corn, rice, or other sweeteners typically found in mass produced beers. For more information follow American Rebel Beer on all social media platforms (@americanrebelbeer).

    About American Rebel Holdings, Inc.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: AREB) has operated primarily as a designer, manufacturer and marketer of branded safes and personal security and self-defense products and has recently transitioned into the beverage industry through the introduction of American Rebel Light Beer. The Company also designs and produces branded apparel and accessories. To learn more, visit americanrebel.com and americanrebelbeer.com. For investor information, visit americanrebelbeer.com/investor-relations.

    American Rebel Holdings, Inc.
    info@americanrebel.com
    ir@americanrebel.com

    American Rebel Beverages, LLC
    Todd Porter, President
    tporter@americanrebelbeer.com

    Media Contact:
    Matt Sheldon
    Matt@PrecisionPR.co

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. American Rebel Holdings, Inc., (NASDAQ: AREB; AREBW) (the “Company,” “American Rebel,” “we,” “our” or “us”) desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words “forecasts” “believe,” “may,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “should,” “plan,” “could,” “target,” “potential,” “is likely,” “expect” and similar expressions, as they relate to us, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements primarily on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ from those in the forward-looking statements include benefits of our strategic planning, marketing outreach efforts, actual placement timing and availability of American Rebel Beer, success and availability of the promotional activities, our ability to effectively execute our business plan, and the Risk Factors contained within our filings with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Any forward-looking statement made by us herein speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Putin’s three-day ceasefire isn’t a genuine move towards peace, but Ukraine has to play along

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Natasha Lindstaedt, Professor in the Department of Government, University of Essex

    The Russian leader, Vladmir Putin, has announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine to commence on May 8, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory in the second world war. The Kremlin says “all hostilities will be suspended” during this period and has made it clear it expects Ukraine to follow suit.

    Ukraine responded by calling for an immediate month-long ceasefire and questioned Russia’s commitment to lasting peace. In a post on social media, Ukraine’s foreign secretary, Andrii Sybiha, wrote: “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately … Why wait until May 8th?”

    The ceasefire announcement followed two important developments. On April 18, the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio, claimed that President Donald Trump was growing impatient and was likely to abandon peace efforts within days if there was no progress.

    Trump then made a rare rebuke of Putin on social media, writing “Vladmir, STOP” after a Russian air attack on Kyiv on April 24 killed 12 people and injured more than 80 others.



    Read more:
    Why is Donald Trump failing to bring peace to Ukraine like he promised?

    A temporary ceasefire allows Putin to do just enough to keep Trump thinking he is committed to a peace deal, hoping this will lead to eventual sanctions relief. But it also has clear benefits for Russia on the battlefield.

    Many aggressors use ceasefires to regroup, rearm and improve their positioning. Analysts have warned that Russia will use the pause to reorganise in order to pursue larger territorial ambitions, particularly in southern and eastern Ukraine.

    According to Ukraine, the broken “Easter truce” helped Russian forces in the Lyman sector of Donetsk Oblast regroup and launch a large-scale infantry assault shortly after its end. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, says the Easter ceasefire was violated by Russia around 3,000 times.

    While Trump appears frustrated by these recent developments, he has remained committed to maintaining a solid relationship with Putin. And in spite of the fact that only 2% of Americans are sympathetic to Russia, Trump has done little to hide his admiration for the Russian leader.

    Bloomberg news examined more than 300 of Trump’s public comments and over 3,000 social media posts since August 2024 and found that Trump has been echoing Russian talking points. The latest evidence of this occurred just days ago.

    When asked by a journalist on April 25 about what concessions Putin has made in the negotiation process, Trump claimed his Russian counterpart was making a “pretty big concession” by not taking over all of Ukraine.

    And while most western leaders condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Trump referred to it initially as “genius” and “savvy”.

    Trump not only respects Putin but sees their relationship as mutually beneficial. Putin has enticed Trump with potential investment opportunities in Russia, such as a Trump Tower project in Russia, and has supported his administration’s desire to take over Greenland.

    Though Putin occasionally flatters Trump, this is mostly to manipulate him. It was easy to see through Putin’s intentions with his commissioning of a laudatory portrait of Trump in the aftermath of his assassination attempt, standing triumphantly with the Statue of Liberty and American flag in the background. But, apparently, Trump was touched by it.

    This flattery seems to be working. Trump has recently announced that he supported Putin’s claims on Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014, representing a huge departure from decades of US foreign policy.

    By doing so, Trump is reneging on the 1994 Budapest Memorandum, where the US committed to support Ukraine’s sovereignty. This constitutes a breach of international law and will also make peace in Ukraine harder to achieve.

    The recognition of Russian sovereignty over Crimea is considered a red line for Ukraine and would be politically unpopular. Zelensky has made it clear that Crimea belongs to Ukraine, and that Russian annexation violates Ukraine’s current constitution. The constitution cannot be changed when the country is at war and under martial law.

    Ukraine’s limited options

    In spite of the unfavourable terms of any looming peace agreement, Zelensky has little choice at this point but to support a ceasefire. Nearly 90% of Ukrainians polled have faced stress due to the war and another poll, published in March, showed that 77% of Ukrainians back a ceasefire.



    Read more:
    Are Ukrainians ready for ceasefire and concessions? Here’s what the polls say

    The other issue is that Zelensky can no longer count on the US. And research from 2023 shows that for parties that have lost international support, moving towards a ceasefire is much more likely.

    With the US making clear that long-term support for Ukraine is not guaranteed, and Trump not approving a single military aid package since taking office, Zelensky has few options but to support a ceasefire agreement.

    Ceasefires are fairly common occurrences in conflict – over 230 ceasefires have taken place since 1990. But they are frequently broken. Russia in particular, has not been the most trustworthy partner in peace. According to Zelensky, Putin has broken 25 peace agreements over the past decade.

    This doesn’t leave one with much confidence that the latest ceasefire is a genuine move towards peace for Putin, or that the ceasefire will lead to anything more substantial.

    With Trump impatient to get a deal done rather than address the root cause of the conflict (Russia’s imperial ambitions), Russia will continue to manipulate the peace process and block future security guarantees for Ukraine.

    Putin is an expert at committing to agreements that he will renege on. By doing so, he can exact more concessions in the process, all the while blaming Ukraine for the breakdown in peace.

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

    – ref. Putin’s three-day ceasefire isn’t a genuine move towards peace, but Ukraine has to play along – https://theconversation.com/putins-three-day-ceasefire-isnt-a-genuine-move-towards-peace-but-ukraine-has-to-play-along-255463

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Statement on National Fentanyl Awareness Day

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

    The United States of America recognizes April 29, 2025, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day. U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “Families in Virginia’s Ninth District are far too familiar with the devastating impacts of illicit fentanyl on our communities. I will continue to push for federal policies that help the country tackle the fentanyl epidemic, such as my HALT Fentanyl Act. I would like to thank all local law enforcement officials and first responders who work to protect Virginia communities from the scourge of illicit fentanyl.”

    BACKGROUND

    Rep. Griffith is a chief sponsor of H.R. 27, the Halt All Lethal Trafficking (HALT) of Fentanyl Act. The HALT Fentanyl Act would permanently classify lethal fentanyl-related substances, also known as analogues, as Schedule I substances, closing a dangerous loophole traffickers are exploiting.

    The bill also enables a streamlined registration process for medical research into fentanyl-related substances.

    H.R. 27 passed the U.S. House of Representatives on February 6, 2025.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Landsat at Work: A Path to Better Wireless Communication

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Landsat at Work: A Path to Better Wireless Communication

    National Land Cover Database (NLCD), based on Landsat, helps plan clear signals

    Of course, you would take into account the elevation of the land to make sure a hill in between wouldn’t interrupt the radio frequency signal.

    Then imagine going to the expense of setting up two towers and feeling stumped when your signal between them is weak anyway. As it turns out, that hill in between is actually lined with trees 150 feet tall—a height within the signal path. 

    Failing to account for obstacles like trees and buildings and other materials on the land—collectively called “clutter”—could be an expensive error to correct. It could even be hazardous if first responders are relying on the signals during a remote wildfire or a natural disaster that disrupts other forms of communication. 

    That’s just one of many reasons why the National Land Cover Database (NLCD), the longstanding and definitive U.S. land cover resource based on Landsat satellite data, is so valuable. Incorporating NLCD into the design and analysis of a wireless communication system provides clutter information for land cover types like fields, forests, cities and grasslands across the United States.

    Jason Burkholder is president and CEO of SoftWright, which provides software worldwide to help customers decide where to place permanent or mobile transmitters to ensure clear communication. NLCD helps the Terrain Analysis Package (TAP) software and related mapping tool predict where land cover has the potential to weaken the signal, which is called clutter loss. 

    Softwright’s customers range from engineering and consulting firms to first responders, including local governments, the USDA Forest Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the State Department. One of the first questions Burkholder hears from potential new customers is, “What kind of clutter data do you have available?” 

    He offers several land cover options but says NLCD is the most popular for the United States. “We’ve got a good answer for that, and it’s definitely because the NLCD is available,” Burkholder said. “That’s where we go to get clutter losses. It’s certainly something that most users are interested in.”

    The map portion of this Softwright TAP Analysis screenshot indicates the National Land Cover Database land cover classifications along a radio frequency signal path along and north of Colorado Springs, Colorado, with the various colors representing land cover types (legend on the left). On the graphic below the map, the Y-axis (on the left) is showing the elevation of the signal path in meters.  The X-axis (along the bottom) is showing distance in kilometers.  The red line slanting across the top is the line of sight. The slanted blue line is the Fresnel Zone, which is a 3-dimensional elliptical area between a wireless transmitter and receiver. Obstructions within the Fresnel Zone would typically cause signal loss.

    Landsat’s annual value was calculated to be $25.6 billion in 2023, with many of its uses not obvious—including communication software.

    For Burkholder, that means he can provide high-quality data and real-world solutions for customers planning the ideal routes for their needs.

    “If the whole world was bare ground, your radios would be amazing,” Burkholder said. “But it’s not.”

    That’s the whole reason for Landsat and NLCD: showing us what is on the ground and how it affects us in countless ways.

    Note: Landsat data and NLCD data are both available from the U.S. Geological Survey at no cost to users.

    Disclaimer: This web page contains hypertext links to information created and maintained by other organizations. USGS is not responsible for the content of any off-site pages. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, processes, or services by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by the United States Government. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Castro Introduces Resolution of Inquiry Compelling the Administration to Release Records to Justify Deportation of Individuals

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

    April 29, 2025

    The Resolution of Inquiry (ROI) comes amidst the deportations of individuals without due process to El Salvadoran gulags

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) introduced a Resolution of Inquiry (ROI), a procedural tool that directs the Trump Administration to provide Congress with all records – created on or after January 20th, 2025 – relating to the removal of United States individuals to El Salvador. The President is requested, and the Secretary of State is directed, to transmit these records, including agreements, funding and legal justifications, to the U.S. House of Representatives no later than 14 days after the date of the adoption of this resolution.

    “The Trump Administration has provided no legal and legitimate justification for the unfounded deportation of individuals to El Salvador’s most brutal gulags. Kilmar Abrego Garcia and others are rotting in the bowels of these barbaric prisons despite irrefutable court orders – from the Supreme Court down – that have instructed the return of Mr. Abrego Garcia and other individuals. Now, they are setting in motion the deportation of U.S. citizens without cause.

    “Every government official who serves our country makes a commitment to uphold the rule of law. Donald Trump and his Administration have disgraced our Constitution – slashing due process and every legal tenet that holds our democracy together. Each day they go unchecked is another day our democracy and our rights are assaulted.

    “Any government official propagating this disaster is breaking the law. I am demanding that the President, the Secretary of State, and other officials involved transmit all records – from agreements made with the Government of El Salvador, to funding provided by the United States, to salient documents and communications – that justify these unconstitutional actions. We will not stop until the Administration is held accountable and Mr. Abrego Garcia and others are brought home.”

    Background:

    A resolution of inquiry (ROI) is a simple resolution that makes a direct request or demand of the President or the head of an executive department to furnish the House with specific information and documentation in the Administration’s possession to justify any action taken by the Administration.

    Congressman Castro’s ROI demands that the President transmit to the U.S. House of Representatives no later than 14 days after the adoption of this resolution, copies of all:

    • Documents, charts, or tables, including notes from meetings, audio recordings, all email and telephone records, correspondence, and AI large language model conversation transcripts related to the deportation of individuals to El Salvador;
    • Agreements or arrangements made with the Government of El Salvador regarding the removal of individuals from the United States to El Salvador and the detention of those individuals by the Government of El Salvador, including on behalf of the United States;
    • Funding provided by the United States to the Government of El Salvador to support the detention of individuals;
    • And legal justification for such agreements.
    A PDF of the resolution can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 100 DAYS OF INVESTMENT: $5+ Trillion in New Investment Fuels America’s Future

    US Senate News:

    Source: The White House
    President Donald J. Trump has secured over $5 trillion in new U.S.-based investments in his first 100 days, which will create more than 451,000 new jobs as he sets the stage for a new era of American prosperity. From advanced manufacturing to cutting-edge artificial intelligence infrastructure, these historic investments — spurred by President Trump’s unwavering commitment to revitalizing American industry — will reinforce the U.S. as the global leader in innovation and economic growth.
    The announcements keep coming. In recent days:
    IBM announced a $150 billion investment over the next five years in its U.S.-based growth and manufacturing operations.
    Thermo Fisher Scientific announced it will invest an additional $2 billion over the next four years to enhance and expand its U.S. manufacturing operations and strengthen its innovation efforts.
    Corning announced it is expanding its Michigan manufacturing facility investment to $1.5 billion, adding 400 new, high-paying, advanced manufacturing jobs.
    Merck & Co. announced a $1 billion investment to build a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing plant in Delaware, which will create at least 500 new jobs — part of the company’s commitment to invest more than $9 billion over the next four years.
    “Since the advent of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Merck has allocated more than $12 billion to enhance our domestic manufacturing and research capabilities, with additional planned investments of more than $9 billion over the next four years.”

    Amgen announced a $900 million investment in its Ohio-based manufacturing operation.
    The company credited President Trump’s landmark 2017 tax cuts for enabling its rapid expansion: “Pro-growth policies like the @POTUS @WhiteHouse 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act helped make investments like this possible. Since enactment, Amgen has invested ~$5B in capital expenditures. This amounts to an additional downstream output to the U.S. economy of approximately $12B.”

    The Bel Group announced a $350 million investment to expand its U.S.-based production, including at its South Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin facilities — which will create 250 new jobs.
    Here is the non-exhaustive list of investments secured in President Trump’s second term:
    Project Stargate, led by Japan-based Softbank and U.S.-based OpenAI and Oracle, announced a $500 billion private investment in U.S.-based artificial intelligence infrastructure.
    Apple announced a $500 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing and training.
    NVIDIA, a global chipmaking giant, announced it will invest $500 billion in U.S.-based AI infrastructure over the next four years amid its pledge to manufacture AI supercomputers entirely in the U.S. for the first time.
    IBM announced a $150 billion investment over the next five years in its U.S.-based growth and manufacturing operations.
    Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced a $100 billion investment in U.S.-based chips manufacturing.
    Johnson & Johnson announced a $55 billion investment over the next four years in manufacturing, research and development, and technology.
    Roche, a Swiss drug and diagnostics company, announced a $50 billion investment in U.S.-based manufacturing and research and development, which is expected to create more than 1,000 full-time jobs.
    Eli Lilly and Company announced a $27 billion investment to more than double its domestic manufacturing capacity.
    United Arab Emirates-based ADQ and U.S.-based Energy Capital Partners announced a $25 billion investment in U.S. data centers and energy infrastructure.
    Novartis, a Swiss drugmaker, announced a $23 billion investment to build or expand ten manufacturing facilities across the U.S., which will create 4,000 new jobs.
    Hyundaiannounced a $21 billion U.S.-based investment — including $5.8 billion for a new steel plant in Louisiana, which will create nearly 1,500 jobs.
    Hyundai also secured an equity investment and agreement from Posco Holdings, South Korea’s top steel maker.

    United Arab Emirates-based DAMAC Properties announced a $20 billion investment in new U.S.-based data centers.
    France-based CMA CGM, a global shipping giant, announced a $20 billion investment in U.S. shipping and logistics, creating 10,000 new jobs.
    Thermo Fisher Scientific announced it will invest an additional $2 billion over the next four years to enhance and expand its U.S. manufacturing operations and strengthen its innovation efforts.
    Merck & Co. announced it will invest a total of $9 billion in the U.S. over the next several years after opening a new $1 billion North Carolina manufacturing facility — including in a new state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing plant in Delaware, which will create at least 500 new jobs.
    Clarios announced a $6 billion plan to expand its domestic manufacturing operations.
    Stellantis announced a $5 billion investment in its U.S. manufacturing network, including re-opening its Belvidere, Illinois, manufacturing plant.
    Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a leader in biotechnology, announced a $3 billion agreement with Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies to produce drugs at its North Carolina manufacturing facility.
    NorthMark Strategies, a multi-strategy investment firm, announced a $2.8 billion investment to build a supercomputing facility in South Carolina.
    Corning announced it is expanding its Michigan manufacturing facility investment to $1.5 billion, adding 400 new high-paying advanced manufacturing jobs for a total of 1,500 new jobs.
    Chobani, a Greek yogurt giant, announced a $1.2 billion investment to build its third U.S. dairy processing plant in New York, which is expected to create more than 1,000 new full-time jobs — adding to the company’s earlier announcement that it will invest $500 million to expand its Idaho manufacturing plant.
    GE Aerospace announced a $1 billion investment in manufacturing across 16 states — creating 5,000 new jobs.
    Amgen announced a $900 million investment in its Ohio-based manufacturing operation.
    Schneider Electric announced it will invest $700 million over the next four years in U.S. energy infrastructure.
    GE Vernova announced it will invest nearly $600 million in U.S. manufacturing over the next two years, which will create more than 1,500 new jobs.
    Abbott Laboratories announced a $500 million investment in its Illinois and Texas facilities.
    AIP Management, a European infrastructure investor, announced a $500 million investment to solar developer Silicon Ranch.
    London-based Diageo announced a $415 million investment in a new Alabama manufacturing facility.
    Dublin-based Eaton Corporation announced a $340 million investment in a new South Carolina-based manufacturing facility for its three-phase transformers.
    Germany-based Siemens announced a $285 million investment in U.S. manufacturing and AI data centers, which will create more than 900 new skilled manufacturing jobs.
    The Bel Group announced a $350 million investment to expand its U.S.-based production, including at its South Dakota, Idaho and Wisconsin facilities — which will create 250 new jobs.
    Clasen Quality Chocolate announced a $230 million investment to build a new production facility in Virginia, which will create 250 new jobs.
    Fiserv, Inc., a financial technology provider, announced a $175 million investment to open a new strategic fintech hub in Kansas, which is expected to create 2,000 new, high-paying jobs.
    Paris Baguette announced a $160 million investment to construct a manufacturing plant in Texas.
    TS Conductor announced a $134 million investment to build an advanced conductor manufacturing facility in South Carolina, which will create nearly 500 new jobs.
    Switzerland-based ABB announced a $120 million investment to expand production of its low-voltage electrification products in Tennessee and Mississippi.
    Saica Group, a Spain-based corrugated packaging maker, announced plans to build a $110 million new manufacturing facility in Anderson, Indiana.
    Charms, LLC, a subsidiary of candymaker Tootsie Roll Industries, announced a $97.7 million investment to expand its production plant and distribution center in Tennessee.
    Toyota Motor Corporation announced an $88 million investment to boost hybrid vehicle production at its West Virginia factory, securing employment for the 2,000 workers at the factory.
    AeroVironment, a defense contractor, announced a $42.3 million investment to build a new manufacturing facility in Utah.
    Paris-based Saint-Gobain announced a new $40 million NorPro manufacturing facility in Wheatfield, New York.
    India-based Sygene International announced a $36.5 million acquisition of a Baltimore biologics manufacturing facility.
    Asahi Group Holdings, one of the largest Japanese beverage makers, announced a $35 million investment to boost production at its Wisconsin plant.
    Cyclic Materials, a Canadian advanced recycling company for rare earth elements, announced a $20 million investment in its first U.S.-based commercial facility, located in Mesa, Arizona.
    Guardian Bikes announced a $19 million investment to build the first U.S.-based large-scale bicycle frame manufacturing operation in Indiana.
    Amsterdam-based AMG Critical Minerals announced a $15 million investment to build a chrome manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania.
    NOVONIX Limited, an Australia-based battery technology company, announced a $4.6 million investment to build a synthetic graphite manufacturing facility in Tennessee.
    LGM Pharma announced a $6 million investment to expand its manufacturing facility in Rosenberg, Texas.
    ViDARR Inc., a defense optical equipment manufacturer, announced a $2.69 million investment to open a new facility in Virginia.
    That doesn’t even include the U.S. investments pledged by foreign countries:
    United Arab Emirates announced a $1.4 trillion investment in the U.S. over the next decade.
    Saudi Arabia announced it intends to invest $600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years.
    Japan announced a $1 trillion investment in the U.S.
    Taiwan announced a pledge to boost its U.S.-based investment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEA Member Named 2025 National Teacher of the Year

    Source: US National Education Union

    By: Celeste Fernandez

    Published: April 29, 2025

    WASHINGTON — NEA member Ashlie Crosson, an English teacher at Mifflin County High School in Lewistown, Pennsylvania, is the 2025 National Teacher of the Year. 

    “On behalf of the National Education Association’s nearly three million members, we are proud to congratulate Ashlie for cultivating a curiosity for knowledge, nurturing growth, and guiding her students in exploring the world,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “Her unwavering commitment helps build a stronger, brighter future for every student.”

    Crosson teaches Advanced Placement Language and Composition, English 10, and Survival Stories, an elective that explores global humanitarian crises through a youth-centered lens. She also advises the journalism program and oversees the production of the school newspaper and district magazine.

    A first-generation college graduate, Crosson credits her success to the teachers and counselors who supported her along the way. Inspired by their encouragement, she pursued a career in education to offer future generations the same guidance she once received. Crosson earned her bachelor’s degree in English education with a minor in journalism from Susquehanna University. In 2020, she returned to her hometown to give back to the community that shaped her.

    “Ashlie embodies our core belief that public schools and educators spark imagination, cultivate curiosity and critical thinking, and open doors for every student—no matter their race, background, ZIP code, or ability,” said Pringle. “For Ashlie, teaching is more than a profession—it’s a true calling.”

    Pringle’s praise is echoed by fellow education leaders who recognize Ashlie’s lasting impact on her students and community.

    “The Pennsylvania State Education Association congratulates Ashlie,” said PSEA President Aaron Chapin. “Ashlie works hard every day to nurture in her students a love for learning. Her tireless dedication to her students is helping prepare the next generation of creators, leaders, and innovators. And that benefits all of us because strong public schools make strong communities.”

    The Council of Chief State School Officers announced the four finalists for the 2025 National Teacher of the Year in January. CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year program identifies exceptional teachers, recognizes their effective work in the classroom, engages them in a year of professional learning, amplifies their voices, and empowers them to participate in policy discussions at the state and national levels. 

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

    # # #

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: LATAM Nearshoring Pioneer AssureSoft Expands Operations with New Development Center in Santa Cruz

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • This investment reinforces AssureSoft‘s vision of on-site collaboration to uphold a strong company culture and ensure high-quality software solutions that meet the highest security standards for its clients.
    • Over the past five years, AssureSoft has maintained an annual growth rate of 35%.

    SANTA CRUZ DE LA SIERRA, Bolivia, April 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AssureSoft, a nearshore software outsourcing company with operations in Latin America and the United States, has announced the opening of a new development center in Santa Cruz, Bolivia’s primary economic hub.

    This investment reflects the company’s sustainable growth and responds to the evolving needs of businesses across the board, as nearshore outsourcing has become an increasingly adopted strategy for delivering high-quality software projects efficiently. According to Verified Market Research®, the Software Outsourcing Market is estimated to reach a valuation of USD 897.9 Billion in 2031—a CAGR of 5.49% from 2024 to 2031.

    AssureSoft’s new development center is located in the iconic Green Tower, Bolivia’s most modern and technologically advanced building. Santa Cruz is a vibrant city that contributes nearly 35% of Bolivia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and receives over 40% of the country’s foreign direct investment (FDI), underscoring its status as an economic powerhouse in the region.

    “Looking back to 2006 when we founded AssureSoft, we were one of the few Latin American companies in the software outsourcing business. After 19 years, we’re proud to have established a solid network of development centers and offices across six cities,” said Daniel Gumucio, CEO of AssureSoft. “Our new office in Santa Cruz allows us to tap into the region’s exceptional tech talent pool while delivering world-class, reliable solutions that drive real value for our clients.”

    Building on a Solid Foundation

    AssureSoft has maintained a steady 35% annual growth rate over the past five years, reflecting a solid foundation and a company built for the long term. With more than 500 engineers across Latin America, AssureSoft plans to hire over 200 developers in the next two years to meet the growing demand for outsourced skilled tech talent. In Q4-2024, AssureSoft reported a strong Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 73. Plus, over 25% of its clients have been active for more than five years—highlighting long-term relationships built on trust and results. The company’s approach emphasizes high-quality development and a culturally aligned workforce.

    As AssureSoft continues to grow, it remains committed to upholding the highest standards of quality and information security. The ISO 27001:2022 certification reflects its robust approach to data protection and compliance across all development projects.

    About AssureSoft

    AssureSoft is a nearshore software outsourcing company with 19 years of experience. With a team of 500+ developers distributed across Latin America, the company provides tailored solutions to U.S. and Canada-based clients through staff augmentation, dedicated software development teams, and end-to-end software outsourcing services. AssureSoft’s headquarters are located in Miami; it operates offices in California and has development centers in four cities across Bolivia and Paraguay.

    AssureSoft adheres to global standards in information security compliance and talent development. The company is ISO 27001:2022-certified and has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for four consecutive years. Discover more at www.assuresoft.com.

    For Media Inquiries:

    Catalina Soto Pizano
    Corporate Communications Manager
    AssureSoft
    catalina.soto@assuresoft.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 100 DAYS: There Is No Better Time To Invest In America

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Press Sec briefs members of the media on the 100th day of the Trump Administration.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ComI4IfiwKQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Eagles Super Bowl Champion Celebration at the White House

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Fly, Eagles, Fly!

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: SecTreasury: “Tariff income could be used for tax relief…immediately.”

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    #treasury #tariffs #notaxontips #notaxonovertime #notaxonsocialsecurity #taxes #tax #trump #president #doanldtrump

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

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Introduces Legislation to Continue Safe Exports of Iowa Agricultural Products in Event of Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak

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

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) and U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS), Katie Britt (R-AL), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Chris Coons (D-DE) introduced the Safe American Food Exports (SAFE) Act, which would codify USDA’s role in negotiating regionalization agreements that allow livestock, poultry, and other animal products from unaffected areas of the country to continue to be safely exported in the event of an animal disease outbreak. Although USDA already works with the United States Trade Representative to develop these agreements, this legislation explicitly expresses congressional support for establishing regionalization agreements and promoting robust agricultural trade policies before any animal disease impacts our nation.

    This bill also establishes a notification system within the Import and Export Library to prevent our producers from being impacted by changes in trade status of agricultural commodities and alert the proper agencies, organizations, and State Departments of Agriculture that there have been changes in import or export status.

    “Iowa farmers are the backbone of our economy and the breadbasket of our country and the world. However, an animal disease outbreak can be devastating for our producers, majorly disrupt trade with foreign countries, and close important export markets that our farmers depend on,” said Rep. Feenstra. “Understanding the dire financial and animal health consequences of a disease outbreak, I introduced the Safe American Food Exports Act so that we can negotiate comprehensive agreements with our trading partners and ensure that a disease outbreak in one part of the country does not impact Iowa’s ability to produce and export our agricultural goods. By working proactively on regionalization agreements and prioritizing farm biosecurity, we can safely ship our agricultural commodities around the globe, prevent massive trade disruptions, and mitigate the negative impacts of animal disease on our farmers, producers, and rural communities.”

    “Mississippi’s poultry exporters and producers have suffered during the bird flu. Animal diseases often cause trade disruptions, and the government should help protect American agriculture exports in these situations,” said Sen. Wicker. “The Safe American Food Exports Act would help do that. The bill would give the USDA authority to negotiate regionalization agreements to ensure America’s agricultural producers are not shut off from the global market.” 

    “Outbreaks of animal disease, even when limited to a specific region, can upend access to global markets for producers across the country,” said Rep. Panetta.  “That’s why I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan, bicameral effort that would codify USDA’s role in proactively negotiating regionalization agreements.  By reducing unnecessary trade disruptions, we can ensure that disease-free producers remain competitive abroad, meet global food demands, and uphold the high food safety standards that American consumers expect.”

    “Animal disease outbreaks pose a significant threat to not just American food security, but the livelihoods of our hardworking farmers and producers. This legislation would help secure global trade exports in the event of such an outbreak,” said Sen. Britt. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in this effort to support American agricultural producers and ensure sustainable markets.”

    “Congressman Feenstra’s district is full of egg producers who welcome this proactive bill to have USDA work with our trading partners to prevent trade impacts from HPAI,” said Chad Gregory, CEO of the United Egg Producers.

    “The North Central Poultry Association appreciates Congressman Feenstra’s keen awareness of challenges facing the poultry industry and his leadership on the House Agriculture Committee to support Iowa’s poultry and egg producers,” said Kevin Stiles, CEO and Executive Director of the North Central Poultry Association. “His efforts to help farmers protect their flocks and herds in Iowa, Minnesota, and across the country should prove expedient as we work together to proactively mitigate the impact of animal diseases. We strongly support the SAFE Act and encourage Congress to swiftly pass this vital legislation to protect animal health, bolster egg and poultry exports, and maintain America’s status as the breadbasket to our country and the world.”

    “Ensuring turkey is available to consumers is essential to the success of Iowa’s turkey farmers.  When a devastating disease, like highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) infect a turkey flock, trade is disrupted, leading to financial losses to the turkey industry,” said Gretta Irwin, Executive Director of the Iowa Turkey Federation. “Preemptively negotiating regionalization agreements for known animal diseases, like HPAI, makes sense. This bill takes a critical step to ensure turkey products can effortlessly be exported during a disease disruption and reduce financial strain to the turkey industry.”

    “State departments of agriculture play a critical role on the frontlines of foreign animal disease prevention, mitigation and recovery, and we appreciate this bipartisan effort to enable farmers and ranchers to more easily export safe food products to our trading partners,” said Ted McKinney, CEO of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. “More collaboration and communication among federal partners enables state agriculture departments and U.S. farmers to better prepare and respond in the case of an outbreak and ultimately leads to stronger animal health and welfare across the U.S. NASDA thanks Congressmen Feenstra and Panetta for their leadership on this important issue.”

    “Ensuring America’s turkey producers are not unnecessarily restricted in the global market is a common-sense step that would help the turkey industry persevere through the ongoing highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak,” said Leslee Oden, President and CEO at the National Turkey Federation. “NTF commends Rep. Feenstra (IA-04) for reintroducing the SAFE Act to aid in updating valuable regionalization agreements with key trading partners as members of the turkey industry simultaneously battle export market disruption and animal health challenges.”

    “NARA supports the SAFE Act for its proactive approach to animal disease preparedness. We commend Reps. Feenstra and Panetta for advancing regionalization agreements that help prevent unnecessary export disruptions and keep markets open,” said Kent Swisher, President and CEO of the North American Renderers Association.

    “We thank Representatives Randy Feenstra (R-IA-4) and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA-19) for championing legislative efforts to secure U.S. export markets for animal-based feed and pet food products in the face of foreign animal disease threats. These products are a critical, yet often overlooked, component of the food supply chain. The AFIA strongly backs the SAFE Act and our members are committed to working alongside the U.S. government to implement proactive measures to help shield our economy from future risks,” said Constance Cullman, President and CEO of the American Feed Industry Association.

    Full legislative text can be found HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Celebrates President Trump’s First 100 Days

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Tenney (NY-24) today released the following statement celebrating President Trump’s first 100 days in office. 

    “In November, over 77 million Americans voted for President Trump and his agenda, giving Republicans in both the administration and Congress a resounding mandate to secure our borders, lower taxes, unleash American energy dominance, and implement common-sense solutions to the challenges we face,” said Congresswoman Tenney. 

    “Just 100 days into this new administration, I can confidently say we are delivering on that mandate thanks to decisive actions taken by President Trump to implement the sweeping changes America needed. This includes the issuance of various executive orders that will put our country back on track, such as ending catch-and-release; restarting construction on the border wall; rescinding the Biden administration’s job-killing, pro-China, anti-American energy regulations;  restoring common-sense by banning woke gender ideologies from school curriculums; and keeping biological men out of women’s sports.”

    “It is an honor to work alongside President Trump to deliver real results for the American people and to stand up for the values that make our country strong and prosperous. We’re putting America First again—and we’re just getting started.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Ranks #3 Nationally for Preschool Enrollment, Driven by Free Universal Preschool Program

    Source: US State of Colorado

    Landmark Initiative Propels State from 27th to 3rd in First Program Year

    DENVER —The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) released a report today ranking Colorado third in the nation for the number of four-year-olds enrolled in preschool. In the 2023-24 school year, nearly 70% of all eligible four-year-olds enrolled in Colorado Universal Preschool. This program boosted Colorado from 27th in the nation to third. Colorado served a total of 52,617 three and four year olds, an increase of 31,277 from the prior year under the former Colorado Preschool Program (CPP). 

    “Colorado is proud to be breaking down barriers to help increase access to early childhood education and save families thousands of dollars per year. We look forward to building on the success of free preschool, and helping even more children and families enroll and access the benefits,” said Governor Jared Polis.

    “The experiences children have in their first few years of life lay the foundation for their future,” said Dr. Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). “That’s why Colorado created the Universal Preschool program—so that every child, no matter their background, can have the best possible start. This ranking is an inspiring testament to the hard work of many people and our vision for a brighter future for Colorado children.”

    Since its launch in 2023, Colorado Universal Preschool has transformed access to early childhood education.

    • Lowering Families’ Costs: The program saves families an average of $6,100 annually on preschool expenses for four-year-olds, providing critical financial relief.
    • Expanding Family Choice: With nearly 2,000 annual participating providers statewide, families have the flexibility to choose from a variety of early education models and community-based, school-based, and home-based settings to best meet their unique needs.
    • Serving Diverse Needs: In the first year, nearly 50% of participating 4-year-olds came from low-income households, with many children also classified as being English-language learners, experiencing homelessness, or having a disability.
    • Strengthening the Sector: The program distributed $239.4 million to providers of four year olds in the first year, enhancing sustainability and incentivizing sector growth.
    • Read more about the historic success of the program’s inaugural first year in the recently published Colorado Universal Preschool Annual Report.

    “We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited about where we’re headed,” said Dawn Odean, Director of Universal Preschool. “Our commitment to continuous improvement is rooted in partnership—with educators, providers, families, and local communities—and a shared vision that puts Colorado children’s outcomes at the center. Together, we’re creating the conditions for every child to thrive not just in preschool, but well beyond.”

    Proposition EE, passed in November 2020, and subsequent laws like HB22-1295 in 2022, paved the way for the CDEC and the Colorado Universal Preschool program. The statewide Universal Preschool program, launched on July 1, 2023, is managed by the CDEC using a mixed-delivery model in partnership with Local Coordinating Organizations (LCOs).

    Visit NIEER.org to see the report. 
     

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Launches New $55 Million Grant Program to Support Small Business Recovery in Western North Carolina

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Launches New $55 Million Grant Program to Support Small Business Recovery in Western North Carolina

    Governor Stein Launches New $55 Million Grant Program to Support Small Business Recovery in Western North Carolina
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced that local governments in western North Carolina can apply for grants from a new $55 million state infrastructure program designed to help small businesses in the region recover from Hurricane Helene. The Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program, offered by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and its Rural Economic Development Division, will fund individual grants to a local government up to $1 million to rebuild the public infrastructure that small businesses rely on to operate and thrive.

    “Western North Carolina’s economy is dependent on its vibrant downtowns and small businesses, and helping them recover is critically important,” said Governor Stein. “This new grant program will reinvigorate the infrastructure that small businesses depend on, and I appreciate the General Assembly appropriating these funds.”

    The Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program (SmBIZ) will utilize state funds appropriated by the North Carolina General Assembly in the recently passed Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1, which Governor Stein signed on March 19. The program will offer grants to local governments, and the related infrastructure projects will target and support small businesses that employ 150 or fewer employees. Funding will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

    Grants awarded under this program must be used by local governments to address qualifying infrastructure needs that the Department of Commerce, in consultation with applicant local governments and related small businesses, determines are the result of Hurricane Helene’s impact and have adversely affected access to, or operations of, the identified small businesses. The infrastructure cannot be owned by the small business, nor can it be such that the small business is responsible for maintaining it. Infrastructure may include but will not be limited to water, sewer, gas, telecommunications, high-speed broadband, electrical utility, sidewalk and curb infrastructure, and other repairs that remove barriers and restore or increase access to impacted small businesses.

    “Successful recovery from disasters of Helene’s magnitude requires everyone to pull together and marshal support from many different sources, both state and federal,” said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. “I’m grateful that the North Carolina General Assembly has quickly provided funds for this vital new infrastructure recovery program.”

    An application portal and more information about the Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program can also be found online at commerce.nc.gov/SmBIZ.  

    Apr 29, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: North Carolina’s Top Paramedic Teams to Compete in Annual Event Sunday, May 4

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: North Carolina’s Top Paramedic Teams to Compete in Annual Event Sunday, May 4

    North Carolina’s Top Paramedic Teams to Compete in Annual Event Sunday, May 4
    hejones1

    The 33rd annual North Carolina Paramedic Competition will take place Sunday, May 4, at the Joseph S. Koury Convention Center. Six groups from across the state will compete for the title of Top Paramedic Team during the annual NC Emergency Medical Services Expo.

    Last year’s champions, Harnett County EMS, will be defending their title against five regional champion teams: Cape Fear Valley Cumberland EMS, Mecklenburg EMS and Whiteville Rescue as well as two Surry County EMS crews. These teams each won their respective regional competitions held on March 14 in Brunswick, Catawba, Cumberland, Johnston and Surry counties. 

    The competition brings each team out of sequestration and into a ballroom – set up with bleachers full of their peers — to respond to a mock emergency event that is a closely guarded secret. It is part of the 50th annual NC Emergency Medical Services Expo, which runs from Friday, May 2, through Wednesday, May 7.

    Each paramedic group will face a scenario carefully designed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Emergency Medical Services team, in collaboration with the competition’s medical advisor Dr. Bryan Kitch. The goal is to present a life-like situation, often with an unexpected twist, that may resemble what teams may encounter in a routine emergency response. The groups are challenged to complete a rapid but thorough assessment of the scenario and provide appropriate treatment of all involved patients within a set time limit.

    The competition serves as a training opportunity for competitors and the many paramedics, emergency medical technicians and medical directors who closely observe each team’s response to the scenario. Teams are graded on their professionalism, communication, patient rapport, conduct, attitude, appearance and clinical management. The judges panel includes emergency medical services professionals from South Carolina, all with extensive EMS backgrounds.

    The winning team is selected based on the panel’s scores and will be announced Tuesday, May 6, at the Emergency Medical Services Expo awards banquet. 

    What: 33rd annual North Carolina Paramedic Competition

    When: Sunday, May 4
                  Noon-4 p.m. (first team competes at 12:45 p.m.)

    Where: Joseph S. Koury Convention Center/Four Seasons Hotel
                    3121 W Gate City Blvd.
                    Greensboro, NC 27407

    Media: Credentialed media are welcome but requested to stay outside the scenario perimeter and refrain from flash photography during the competition. The audience is prohibited from taking photographs or video during the competition.

    Contact: Mick Stewart 919-410-1875  

    The annual paramedics’ championship competition is co-sponsored by NCDHHS, the NC College of Emergency Physicians and participating community colleges. Through the Office of Emergency Medical Services, NCDHHS works to foster emergency medical systems, trauma systems and credentialed EMS personnel to improve responses to emergencies and disasters. Learn more about the Office of Emergency Medical Services on their website.

    Apr 28, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Ernst Standing up for Taxpayers in Washington

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)
    WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, Senate DOGE Caucus Chair Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) has been leading the fight in Washington to end taxpayer-funded union time (TFUT), the insane practice of requiring taxpayers to foot the bill for federal employees engaging in union activity while on the clock, including lobbying Congress for higher pay, negotiating telework agreements, and securing other cushy perks.
    While data was not released under the Biden administration, the most recent report from 2019 showed federal employees spent 2,606,390 hours engaged in union activities while on the clock for the American people, costing taxpayers $160 million in just one year.
    To uncover the true cost of TFUT, Senator Ernst demanded in December 2024 that 24 federal agencies provide accurate and up to date data. Ernst’s efforts have already uncovered the jaw-dropping details of the true cost to taxpayers at three federal agencies.
    The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) revealed an 11% increase in costs since 2019, racking up more than $400,000 annually.
    NY POST | Nuclear agency had 11% increase in taxpayer-funded union time from five years ago, records show
    The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) similarly admitted that north of $400,000 was spent every year for union activity.
    NY POST | NASA spent over $400K taxpayer dollars on union time last year
    The real bombshell came from the Defense Health Agency (DHA), which oversees the TRICARE health benefits for servicemembers, who said its bureaucrats spent 87,000 hours on union activity costing taxpayers $3.3 million.
    NY POST | Workers at Defense Health Agency spent $3.3 million and 87,000 hours working on their own union benefits
    Because the data from these three agencies is just the tip of the iceberg, Senator Ernst sent a letter to the Trump administration requesting that the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) resume tracking and publicly disclosing the total cost of TFUT across government to provide taxpayers with a true accounting. The Trump administration has agreed and will soon publish a government-wide report. Ernst also introduced the Taxpayer-Funded Union Time Transparency Act to require the annual public disclosure of the cost of TFUT to the American people.
    Transparency is an important step but Ernst has also introduced the Protecting Taxpayers’ Wallet Act to require federal unions to reimburse taxpayers for all costs involving TFUT to potentially save the American people more than a billion dollars over the next decade.
    Her bill will ensure that no more tax dollars are spent on bureaucrats securing cushy perks as was the case at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Ernst uncovered that the IRS’s union secured a cushy telework agreement allowing employees to come in just two days per two-week pay period. To rub salt in the wound, all of the negotiations were done on taxpayers’ dime.
    NY POST | IRS workers only had to show up to work once a week in person, before Trump took over
    Last week, Ernst sent a letter to Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner about how his department has been ground zero for TFUT abuse by bureaucrats. She detailed examples of bureaucrats launching real estate careers, going on beach vacations, and even sitting in jail cells all while allegedly on union time.
    THE DAILY CALLER | Joni Ernst Reveals More Examples Of HUD Bureaucrats Bilking Taxpayers
    Ernst’s efforts to fight for taxpayers have earned her sweeping praise.
    NY POST | Public-sector workers spent 87,000 hours screwing you — just at one agency, just in two years
    The New York Post Editorial Board wrote about Senator Ernst and called her, “A fierce advocate for the troops as well as a staunch fighter against fraud and waste as head of the Senate DOGE caucus.”
    The Public Labor Unions Accountability Committee, who advocates for holding public sector unions accountable, has applauded Ernst’s work and emphasized that American taxpayers deserve to know where their money is going.
    FOX NEWS | MARY KATHARINE HAM: Teachers union bosses put themselves first, teachers and students last
    Fox News contributor, OutKick columnist, and Senior Advisor to the Public Labor Unions Accountability Committee Mary Katharine Ham praised Ernst’s efforts and demanded that public sector unions be removed from politics. Ham also called out the true cost of public sector unions on the Ruthless podcast and the Guy Benson Show.
    WASHINGTON EXAMINER | No more union time on taxpayer dime
    The Washington Examiner Editorial board applauded Ernst’s Protecting Taxpayer’s Wallet Act in a piece calling for the end of union time on the taxpayers’ dime.
    Americans For Fair Treatment, an advocacy group for getting union spending out of politics, has also praised the Protecting Taxpayer’s Wallet Act and called for its swift passage to bring a little fiscal sanity to Washington.
    SEAN HANNITY | IR-MESS! IRS Workers Only Had to Show Up for Work One Day a Week Before Trump 2.0: Report
    Hannity called out the insanity of IRS bureaucrats only having to show up once a week after Senator Ernst unearthed the arrangement.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Game change Canadian election: Mark Carney leads Liberals to their fourth consecutive win consécutive

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Fiona MacDonald, Associate Professor, Political Science, University of Northern British Columbia

    Canada’s 2025 federal election will be remembered as a game-changer. Liberal Leader Mark Carney pulled off a dramatic reversal of political fortunes after convincing voters he was the best candidate to fight annexation threats from United States President Donald Trump.

    “We are over the shock of the American betrayal; we have to take care of each other,” he told cheering supporters in his victory speech in Ottawa.

    “Together we will build a Canada worthy of our values. Canada strong, Canada free, Canada forever, vive le Canada!”

    Canadians gave the Liberals their fourth mandate since 2015, although the race against the Conservatives was much closer than polls predicted.

    Nonetheless, only four months ago, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre had a 25-point lead in public opinion polls and a fairly secure path to victory.

    Yet Poilievre’s lead soon vanished due to shifting voter sentiments defined less by the official campaign period and more by the months that preceded it. Justin Trudeau’s early January resignation announcement and Carney’s confirmation that he was officially in the Liberal leadership race dramatically changed the political landscape.



    Read more:
    After stunning comeback, centre-left Liberals likely to win majority of seats at Canadian election

    Within a matter of weeks, Liberal support surged when Carney became party leader and Trump continued to make threats about Canada becoming a 51st American state — and to levy punishing on-again, off-again tariffs against the country.

    The party went from being 20 percentage points behind the Conservatives to overtaking them, putting the party on track to secure its fourth consecutive victory. A shift described by longtime pollster Frank Graves as “unprecedented.”

    Poilievre’s messaging

    The emerging “Canada Strong” and “Elbows Up” narratives, linked to the widespread anti-Trump sentiment, proved a major advantage for the Liberals, who made the most out of this political gift.

    This shift, alongside Carney’s elimination of the carbon tax, left Poilievre on the back foot as his longstanding messaging on Trudeau and his “axe the tax” slogan became largely irrelevant. Poilievre also lost his Ottawa-area seat to a Liberal.



    Read more:
    Who really killed Canada’s carbon tax? Friends and foes alike

    The impact of these shifts in electoral fortunes extended beyond the two main parties. As the election became increasingly a two-party race between the Liberals and Conservatives, the smaller parties struggled for relevance.

    Election campaign polling and early results indicated steep losses for the NDP, with Jagmeet Singh losing his own seat in Burnaby, B.C. and then resigning as party leader. This could be due to voters on the left responding to calls to vote strategically to prevent Conservative victories in various ridings.

    The Bloc Québecois also lost ground, as did the Green Party of Canada and the People’s Party of Canada (PPC). Neither the Greens nor the PPC fielded full slates of candidates or participated in the leaders’ debates and therefore played comparatively limited roles in this election.

    Advance voting in a gendered election

    Another notable feature of this election was the record advance voting turnout, which surged to 7.3 million Canadians, up sharply from 5.8 million in 2021.

    Early voting has now become a central part of party campaign strategy, with campaigns “getting out the vote” at every opportunity, not just on Election Day. This trend raises questions not only about whether overall turnout will rise, but also whether party platforms remain as influential given so many votes were cast before all parties released their platforms.

    While many Canadians take in elections with a focus on party leaders and seat counts, there are other important ways to contemplate election outcomes in terms of inclusion and voice. What does this election tell us about gender and diversity representation in Canada’s Parliament?

    This was a deeply gendered election. The major party leaders are all men, with the exception of Elizabeth May, the Green Party co-leader.

    Preliminary candidate data showed a decrease in the number of women candidates compared to 2021.

    The NDP nominated the highest proportion of women candidates — the majority of its candidates are women — and fielded the most diverse slate of candidates in terms of Indigenous people, Black people, racialized people and LGBTQ+ candidates. But the party’s dramatic losses mean these gains will not translate into more diverse representation in Parliament.

    Furthermore, one of Carney’s first actions as prime minister was to eliminate the sex-balanced cabinet and to reduce the size of the cabinet. He eliminated the Ministry of Women and Gender Equality (WAGE) as well as ministerial portfolios focused on youth, official languages, diversity, inclusion, disability and seniors.

    These decisions reverse previous efforts taken to institutionalize gender and diversity leadership in Canada’s Parliament.

    Party platforms also reflected diverging approaches when it came to women. The Conservative platform only mentioned women four times, and three of those mentions were in the context of opposition to transgender rights.



    Read more:
    Pierre Poilievre’s ‘More Boots, Less Suits’ election strategy held little appeal to women

    The role of young working-class men

    Polling also revealed intersections of generation, gender and class are increasingly relevant. Like the last federal election, young working-class men are increasingly drawn to the Conservatives. This trend appears to be driven less by fiscal conservatism and more by concerns about rapid social change, a trend also observed in the 2024 American presidential election.

    Many of these young men are expressing frustrations over housing affordability and job security, and what they view as the Liberal and NDP’s “woke culture,” which they regard as eroding traditional values that have traditionally benefited men. In contrast, Canadian women of all ages continue to favour parties they view as more progressive — the Liberals and the NDP.

    Theoretical explanations for this include young men feeling left behind by the Liberals, while the Conservatives have seemingly figured out a way to connect with them.

    This may reflect campaign rhetoric about returning to traditional expectations and values around gender roles and men’s rights to well-paying jobs, an affordable home and taking care of their families.

    Electoral reform needed?

    In the aftermath of the election, there are avenues through which current gaps in representation can be addressed. Organizations like the United Nations’ Inter-parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, as well as gender and politics scholarship, propose various reforms to continue to strengthen diversity in Parliament.

    These reforms are understood to be essential for enhancing the legitimacy, responsiveness and effectiveness of Canada’s parliamentary system. Research on gender-and diversity-sensitive parliaments consistently shows that when legislative bodies reflect the diversity of the societies they govern, they are more likely to produce policies that are equitable, inclusive and trusted by the public.

    Overall, this Canadian election was characterized by transformative twists and turns that shed more light on important ongoing questions about representation and the potential need for democratic reform if Canadians want to avoid a two-party system.

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

    – ref. Game change Canadian election: Mark Carney leads Liberals to their fourth consecutive win consécutive – https://theconversation.com/game-change-canadian-election-mark-carney-leads-liberals-to-their-fourth-consecutive-win-consecutive-253721

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Denounces Trump’s Disjointed International Student Visa Revocations That Drives Away Top Talent

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC – Earlier this month, the Trump Administration abruptly and arbitrarily removed thousands of international students from the Student and Exchange Visitor Information Systems (SEVIS) database, which schools and the federal government use to monitor visa compliance.  Students at Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design were among those reported to be impacted.

    Multi-state litigation was launched on behalf of students and communities nationwide affected by the revocations, and those fearful they could be next, and the courts sided with the international students, forcing the Trump Administration to halt and reverse its wave of visa revocations.  But with uncertainty and concern still high among families and schools, 35 U.S. Senators are taking action to help impacted foreign students and local schools and universities and warning that President Trump is driving away top talent and harming U.S. interests.

    Today, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) joined with Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and 33 of their Senate colleagues in pressing the Trump Administration to reconsider recent decisions to revoke student visas in a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Acting Director Todd Lyons.

    The 35 U.S. Senators began by urging the Administration to undo unlawful student visa revocations, writing: “We recently learned that your agencies have been revoking student visas and terminating Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records across the country. These actions to end student status reflected an unannounced change in policy and were inconsistent with existing laws, regulations, policies, and agency guidance governing the maintenance and termination of student status—that is why we welcomed the news late last week that in response to litigation around the country, ICE has reversed these SEVIS terminations. We now urge you to undo other actions to end student status that are inconsistent with such laws, regulations, and agency guidance and ensure that all future actions to end student status fully comply with the law.”

    The Senators continued by highlighting the lack of reasoning provided in many of these visa revocations, writing: “[S]tudents across the country—who by all accounts appear to have followed all of the applicable laws and agency guidance—have reported visa revocations with no clear explanation as to the basis to terminate status. SEVP has completed at least 4,736 total terminations of student visa holders’ SEVIS records. By DHS’s own admission, the statute and regulations do not provide SEVP the authority to terminate nonimmigrant status by terminating a SEVIS record. Your decision to reverse such terminations is therefore prudent and required by law.”

    The Senators then outlined the Trump Administration’s apparent violation of federal law in revoking these visas, writing: “Current laws, regulations, and agency guidance also require notice to be provided when a student’s status is being terminated or revoked. Here, it is not clear that students were provided the notice required by law. Many students were notified by universities that they have lost their student status when their SEVIS records have been terminated, without being provided any information about potential reinstatement. Some students received emails that their visas were revoked and were directed to self-deport, with no clear information as to the basis for their revocation or means by which they can appeal the revocation. Some students only learned about losing status when arrested by masked federal agents. These reports suggest that students were not given notice of the termination of their status in a manner consistent with existing laws, regulations, and agency guidance.”

    The Senators conclude with an appeal to the Administration to reconsider these visa revocations and warning to adhere to federal law, before making a series of immigration requests, writing: “Students who have entered through our legal immigration system and followed the law remain unsure of what, if any, steps they may take to maintain their status and safeguard themselves from immigration enforcement. While we are relieved that ICE has reversed these SEVIS terminations, we now urge you to undo other actions to end student status that are inconsistent with such laws, regulations, and agency guidance. Finally, we understand that you are contemplating additional actions to end student status. Any such changes must be consistent with applicable statutes, including requirements for notice with respect to changes that would deprive a student of their status and ability to live and study in the United States and place them at risk of detention.”

    In addition to Reed and Durbin, the letter is signed by U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennett (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Full text of the letter follows:

    Dear Secretary Noem, Secretary Rubio, and Acting Director Lyons:

    We recently learned that your agencies have been revoking student visas and terminating Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records across the country. These actions to end student status reflected an unannounced change in policy and were inconsistent with existing laws, regulations, policies, and agency guidance governing the maintenance and termination of student status—that is why we welcomed the news late last week that in response to litigation around the country, ICE has reversed these SEVIS terminations.  We now urge you to undo other actions to end student status that are inconsistent with such laws, regulations, and agency guidance and ensure that all future actions to end student status fully comply with the law.

    Foreign students must navigate a complicated mix of agencies to maintain their status. Under current regulations and policy, students who enter into the United States on an F-1 student visa or J-1 exchange visitor visa are admitted to the United States for “duration of status.”  This essentially means that F-1 and J-1 visa holders may be in good standing as long as they comply with the terms and conditions of their status, even if their visa has expired.  Students who enter on an M-1 visa for vocational education are admitted for a fixed time period to complete their course of study.  The Office of Student Exchange and Visitor Programs (SEVP), within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), works with universities and program administrators to determine whether F-1 and M-1 students are meeting requirements for their visas and terminate SEVIS records as appropriate under SEVP regulations.  The Department of State (DOS) Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs administers the J-1 exchange visitor visa, but their records are maintained by SEVIS. Existing regulations and agency guidance inform students and other visa holders of how they might lose their student status, including that they cannot be convicted of serious crimes, cannot work unless authorized by DHS, and must be completing the education or program related to their visa. However, students across the country—who by all accounts appear to have followed all of the applicable laws and agency guidance—have reported visa revocations with no clear explanation as to the basis to terminate status. SEVP has completed at least 4,736 total terminations of student visa holders’ SEVIS records. By DHS’s own admission, the statute and regulations do not provide SEVP the authority to terminate nonimmigrant status by terminating a SEVIS record. Your decision to reverse such terminations is therefore prudent and required by law.

    Current laws, regulations, and agency guidance also require notice to be provided when a student’s status is being terminated or revoked. Here, it is not clear that students were provided the notice required by law. Many students were notified by universities that they have lost their student status when their SEVIS records have been terminated, without being provided any information about potential reinstatement. Some students received emails that their visas were revoked and were directed to self-deport, with no clear information as to the basis for their revocation or means by which they can appeal the revocation. Some students only learned about losing status when arrested by masked federal agents.  These reports suggest that students were not given notice of the termination of their status in a manner consistent with existing laws, regulations, and agency guidance.

    Once a student’s visa is revoked, although their status is not automatically terminated, removal proceedings may be initiated against them, allowing them to be detained at the discretion of DHS. Similarly, when a student’s SEVIS record is terminated, the student is no longer in an authorized period of stay in the United States, and students and their universities cannot regularly maintain student records in SEVIS, as is required to maintain student status. In addition, upon SEVIS record termination, the student must depart the United States or take other action to restore legal status, and DHS “may investigate to confirm the departure of the student.”

    Students who have entered through our legal immigration system and followed the law remain unsure of what, if any, steps they may take to maintain their status and safeguard themselves from immigration enforcement. While we are relieved that ICE has reversed these SEVIS terminations, we now urge you to undo other actions to end student status that are inconsistent with such laws, regulations, and agency guidance. Finally, we understand that you are contemplating additional actions to end student status. Any such changes must be consistent with applicable statutes, including requirements for notice with respect to changes that would deprive a student of their status and ability to live and study in the United States and place them at risk of detention.

    We also request information to better understand how your departments are implementing any new, unannounced policies with respect to identifying students for status revocation. Please provide the following information by May 12, 2025:

    1. Any guidance issued by DOS and/or DHS governing the revocations of nonimmigrant visas, issued from January 20, 2025 to date.

    2. Any guidance issued by DOS and/or DHS governing how nonimmigrants are to be notified of visa revocations, issued from January 20, 2025 to date.

    3. Any guidance issued by DOS and/or DHS governing the terminations of SEVIS records, issued from January 20, 2025 to April 25, 2025.

    4. Any guidance issued by DOS and/or DHS governing how student visa holders are to be notified of SEVIS terminations, issued from January 20, 2025 to April 25, 2025.

    5. Any guidance issued by DOS, DHS, and/or the Department of Justice governing the initiation of removal proceedings or immigration enforcement against student visa holders and other nonimmigrants, issued from January 20, 2025 to date.

    6. Any guidance issued by DOS and/or DHS regarding the use of artificial intelligence to search national databases, criminal records, and social media to identify nonimmigrants for visa revocation or to otherwise end status, issued from January 20, 2025 to date.

    7. The total number of student visas (F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas) that have been revoked since January 20, 2025 to date, disaggregated by:

    a. Student’s country of origin;

    b. Consulate or embassy that issued the visa;

    c. Visa category/Optional Practical Training (OPT);

    d. Date of revocation;

    e. University of study;

    f. Type of degree or field of study;

    g. Notice provided;

    h. Legal basis for revocation;

    i. Any grace period to allow students to make travel or other arrangements; and

    j. Whether the student’s SEVIS record was also terminated.

    8. The total number of SEVIS record terminations that have been issued since January 20, 2025 to April 25, 2025, disaggregated by—

    a. Student’s country of origin;

    b. Visa category/Optional Practical Training (OPT);

    c. Date of revocation;

    d. University of study;

    e. Type of degree or field of study;

    f. Whether the termination was initiated by the university or by DHS;

    g. Basis for termination;

    h. Notice provided;

    i. Any grace period to allow students to make travel or other arrangements; and

    j. Whether the student’s visa was revoked.

    9. The number of student visa holders on F-1, M-1, J-1 nonimmigrant status issued Form I862, Notice to Appear, initiating removal proceedings.

    Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Chairwoman Lisa McClain, Chairman Guthrie, and Rep. Salazar Celebrate the House Passing Legislation to Protect Children from Deepfake Exploitation

    Source: US House of Representatives Republicans

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

    WASHINGTON— House Republican Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Brett Guthrie (R-Ky.), and Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Fla.) released the following statements after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Tools to Address Known Exploitation by Immobilizing Technological Deepfakes on Websites and Networks (TAKE IT DOWN) Act:

    “I’m proud to have voted in favor of the TAKE IT DOWN Act. This important legislation will protect our kids from deepfake exploitation and hold the perpetrators of these horrifying crimes accountable. I want to thank Congresswoman Salazar for leading the bill, Chairman Guthrie for getting it across the floor, and First Lady Melania Trump for supporting victims and their families,” Chairwoman McClain said.

    “Thank you to the many supporters, and especially the survivors, whose stories and steadfast advocacy helped us take quick, decisive, and targeted action to prevent the spread of explicit, non-consensual AI-generated images, including giving law enforcement the tools they need to stop these predators. Our work does not end here, as the Committee on Energy and Commerce remains committed to protecting kids and all Americans from online predators and other 21st century threats to their health and well-being,” Chairman Guthrie said.

    “My TAKE IT DOWN Act’s passage is a bipartisan victory to protect victims of real and deepfake revenge pornography. This bill shows Congress at its best, working together to empower victims, especially women and girls. It equally holds offenders and Big Tech accountable. Special thanks to Speaker Johnson, Leader Scalise, Whip Emmer, and Conference Chair McClain for their leadership in getting this done,” Congresswoman Salazar said. 

    Chairwoman McClain has expressed her support for this bill, including during a roundtable discussion with the First Lady in April.

    The bill criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate images (“NCII”) or the threat to publish NCII in interstate commerce. The bill requires covered internet platforms to establish and implement a notice and takedown process within one year of enactment. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 100 days of record-breaking immigration enforcement in the US interior

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON — During the first 100 days of President Donald J. Trump’s second term, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has arrested 66,463 illegal aliens and removed 65,682 aliens, including criminals who threaten public safety and national security. Three in four arrests were criminal illegal aliens, putting the worst first.

    “The brave men and women of ICE protect our families, friends and neighbors by removing public safety and national security threats from our communities,” said ICE acting Director Todd M. Lyons. “During President Trump’s first 100 days, ICE alone has arrested over 65,000 illegal aliens — including 2,288 gang members from Tren de Aragua, MS-13, 18th Street and other gangs. Additionally, 1,329 were accused or convicted of sex offenses, and 498 were accused or convicted of murder.”

    The criminal records of those arrested include convictions or charges for 9,639 assaults, 6,398 DWIs or DUIs and 1,479 weapon offenses.

    “We removed over 65,000 illegal aliens to countries across the world,” said Lyons. “We’re just 100 days into this administration and thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE is using every tool at its disposal to enforce our country’s immigration laws and protect our communities.”

    ICE has significantly ramped up arrests and removals with help from state and local law enforcement agencies through the 287(g) Program. The agency’s Enforcement and Removal Operations directorate has 579 pending and signed agreements with police departments and sheriff’s offices across the nation, demonstrating the effectiveness of a whole-of-government approach to immigration enforcement. Since Jan. 20, there have been 444 new 287(g) agreements nationwide.

    Operationally, ICE Homeland Security Investigations — which also focuses on transnational crime and threats — has been zeroing in on worksite enforcement operations to protect American businesses. Since Jan. 20, HSI has arrested more than 1,000 illegal workers and proposed over $1 million in fines against businesses that exploit and hire illegal workers.

    “This agency has set the bar on arrests and removals while upholding its national security mission, said ICE Deputy Director Madison D. Sheahan. “Homeland Security Investigations has been zeroing in on worksite enforcement operations to protect American businesses. Since Jan. 20, HSI has arrested more than 1,000 illegal workers and proposed over $1 million in fines against businesses that exploit and hire illegal workers. Last week, HSI broke up a human smuggling ring that’s allegedly responsible for bringing between 500 and 700 illegal aliens into the U.S. every year — aliens that the U.S. government never vetted. Our communities are becoming safer each day thanks to President Trump and Secretary Noem’s leadership.”

    Learn more about ICE’s public safety mission on X and watch footage from recent ICE operations on DVIDS.

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Issa Kicks Off 61st Annual Lakeside Rodeo, Recognizes Stadium Association for Lakeside Youth

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-50)

    LAKESIDE, CA— Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) attended the historic Lakeside Rodeo, celebrating 61 years of this beloved community tradition and charitable giving to the Lakeside youth. 

    During the opening ceremony, Rep. Issa delivered remarks and recognized the Stadium Association for their longtime contributions to the community, raising over $250,000 for Lakeside Community Youth in the last 7 years. Congressman Issa also met with constituents and discussed the importance of preserving the soul of the American West and celebrating this annual rodeo tradition— the largest in Southern California. 

    Congressman Issa is the founder of the Congressional Rodeo Caucus, a Capitol Hill initiative formed to educate, recognize, and help sustain the Western way of life in communities across the country. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Peabody nomination for Banger Films/NFB feature doc Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story. Prestigious US award honours excellence in socially engaged storytelling.

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    April 15, 2025 – Toronto – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

    The Banger Films/National Film Board of Canada (NFB) feature-length documentary Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, directed by Toronto filmmakers Michael Mabbott and Lucah Rosenberg-Lee, has been nominated in the Documentary category at the 85th Peabody Awards.

    This multi-award-winning look at a trans soul singing legend is currently streaming on Crave in Canada as it continues its international festival run.

    Any Other Way has received more than 20 awards and honours to date including, most recently, the Rogers Best Canadian Documentary from the Toronto Film Critics Association, the Best Doc Award at the UK’s Doc’n Roll Film Festival, a nomination for Best Music Documentary at the IDA Documentary Awards and a selection to TIFF’s Canada’s Top Ten.

    About the film

    A star is reborn.

    With an outsize stage presence that eclipsed R&B greats like Etta James and Little Richard, soul singer Jackie Shane was the real deal. Jackie boldly carved a new path as one of music’s trailblazing Black trans performers—but on the edge of stardom, why did she suddenly leave the spotlight?

    After mysteriously vanishing from public view for almost 40 years, this little-known icon finally gets her second act in Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story, executive produced by Elliot Page.

    About the Peabody Awards

    As a Peabody nominee, Any Other Way: The Jackie Shane Story joins the ranks of the best storytelling in broadcasting and digital media, chosen out of more than 1,100 entries. Winners will be announced on May 1, with the awards presentation ceremony in Los Angeles on June 1.

    The Peabody Awards honour excellence in media narratives that reflect the social issues and emerging voices of our day. From major productions to local journalism, the Peabody Awards shine a light on the stories that matter and are a testament to the power of art and reportage in the push for truth, social justice, and equity.

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