NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Security: Guatemalan National Pleads Guilty To Illegal Reentry Into The United States By A Previously Deported Alien

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney Gregory W. Kehoe announces that Samuel Ortiz-Ordonez (24, Guatemala) has pleaded guilty to illegal reentry into the United States by a previously deported alien. Ortiz-Ordonez faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison and subsequent deportation and removal from the United States. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

    According to court documents, Ortiz-Ordonez was previously ordered to be removed from the United States on August 28, 2019. He was deported from the back to Guatemala on June 15, 2023. Ortiz-Ordonez has never applied to the Attorney General of the United States and/or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security for permission to lawfully reenter the United States. On March 13, 2025, Ortiz-Ordonez was found voluntarily back in the United States in Jacksonville, where he was encountered by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. After being approached by ICE officers, Ortiz-Ordonez abandoned the vehicle that he was driving and fled on foot through a local residential neighborhood. After a brief chase, he was apprehended.

    This case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement Removal Operations (ERO). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney D. Rodney Brown.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the United States Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect communities from the perpetrators of violent crime and human trafficking.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PHOTOS: De La Cruz Visits Karnes City Food Pantry, Alice Housing Authority

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

    PHOTOS: De La Cruz Visits Karnes City Food Pantry, Alice Housing Authority

    WASHINGTON, April 25, 2025

    Congresswoman Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) met with local officials and visited the Karnes City Food Pantry in Karnes County and the Alice Housing Authority in Jim Wells County.

    De La Cruz toured the recently opened Karnes City Food Pantry and discussed their critical work to address food insecurity in Karnes County. De La Cruz and her team played a role in connecting the Founder Ms. Sandra Carter with San Antonio Food Bank’s Mario Obledo and local officials to establish their first food bank in Karnes City. 

     
     
      
    De La Cruz visited the Alice Housing Authority in Jim Wells County to meet with the team. As a Vice Chair of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance, she discussed her work to expand access to affordable housing assistance in rural communities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Discusses New Hampshire’s Child Care Crisis in Merrimack; Highlights Trump’s Dangerous Staffing Cuts at Head Start and Fuel Assistance Programs; Concludes “Medicaid Impact Tour,” Holds Roundtable on Trump’s HHS Cuts at NAMI in Concord

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen

    (Concord, NH) – Today, U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) visited the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s Merrimack Branch to discuss New Hampshire’s child care crisis. She then toured Community Action Partnership Hillsborough and Rockingham Counties’ (CAPHR) Opportunity Center in Manchester to highlight the Trump administration’s dangerous staffing cuts at Head Start and the Low Income Home Energy Program (LIHEAP). Later, Shaheen concluded her weeklong “Medicaid Impact Tour” and underscored the negative impact of $80 million in federal funding cuts from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by holding a roundtable at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in Concord. Photos from today’s events can be found here.

    At the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s Merrimack Branch, Shaheen highlighted the Granite State’s child care crisis and shortage of providers. She also toured the YMCA’s child care facility and heard firsthand from providers and leadership about the challenges they face and efforts to expand their reach in the community and to local businesses.

    “Affordable, reliable child care is simply out of reach for far too many Granite State parents – options are limited at best and nonexistent at worst for countless families across the state – and this squeezes already tight family budgets,” said Senator Shaheen. “I was pleased to see firsthand the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s Merrimack Branch’s hard work to provide affordable child care services and to discuss some of the legislation I’ve championed that would help them and other New Hampshire child care providers expand their reach and address staffing shortages. I’m focused in the Senate on concrete ways that we can bring down the cost of living and give working families more breathing room.”

    Senator Shaheen has been a leader in advocating for more affordable and accessible child care. At the YMCA, Shaheen highlighted her recent legislative efforts, including introducing the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act—bipartisan, bicameral legislation that together form a bold proposal to make child care more affordable and accessible by strengthening existing tax credits to lower child care costs and increase the supply of child care providers. She also discussed the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit Enhancement Act that would permanently expand the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC).

    In Manchester, Shaheen visited and toured CAPHR’s new Opportunity Center. CAPHR provides Granite Staters and their families with access to services and programs like LIHEAP and Head Start. Shaheen also led a discussion with CAPHR leadership on the negative impact of the Trump administration’s recent cuts to staff that manage these two programs.

    “I’m alarmed by Trump’s mass firings of federal employees who administer Head Start as well as staff who manage LIHEAP, and I’m worried about what that might mean for the Granite Staters who CAPHR serves,” said Senator Shaheen. “CAPHR relies on support from federal staff to keep programs that bring child care within reach for working families and those that help folks access critical fuel assistance—eliminating these programs isn’t an option. Why are Trump and Congressional Republicans trying to pass a massive tax cut for the wealthy even as they target these vital services for children and working families?”

    Shaheen’s visit came as the Trump administration considers eliminating funding for Head Start and LIHEAP altogether—a move that would be devastating for the more than 30,000 Granite Staters who rely on LIHEAP for heating assistance and the many New Hampshire families who benefit from Head Start. Shaheen has been vocal in her calls for the Trump administration to reverse course on mass firings of federal employees responsible for administering both Head Start and LIHEAP.

    Then in Concord, Shaheen led a roundtable discussion at NAMI to hear from health care leaders about the harmful consequences of the Trump administration’s decision to cut more than $80 million in federal funding from HHS that New Hampshire relies on to help communities address the substance use disorder and mental health crises.

    “NAMI does tremendous work to help Granite Staters struggling with mental illness and substance use disorder– and still, they’re being affected by President Trump’s reckless, haphazard cuts to life-saving health services,” said Senator Shaheen. “Medicaid is the single largest payer for treatment of opioid and substance use disorders, so in addition to being hurt by Trump’s $80 million cut in HHS funding, folks who NAMI serve now also have to worry about their Medicaid benefits being cut down to nothing. We won’t stand for it.”

    Senator Shaheen has led efforts to address the substance use and mental health crises. Earlier this month, Shaheen led the New Hampshire Congressional delegation in calling on HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to immediately restore these funds to the Granite State. Shaheen has also been vocal in her disapproval of the confirmation of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for HHS Secretary, including delivering remarks in opposition to his nomination on the Senate floor. Shaheen recently called on the Secretary to reverse drastic funding cuts to the Affordable Care Act Navigator program, which helps Americans access quality, affordable health insurance coverage, including for Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

    The roundtable was also the conclusion of Shaheen’s weeklong “Medicaid Impact Tour.” Medicaid is the single largest payer for treatment of opioid and substance use disorder and many of the Granite Staters served by NAMI would face benefit cuts if Republicans were to make drastic cuts to Medicaid. Shaheen’s “Medicaid Impact Tour” included a roundtable on rural health in Berlin, a roundtable at the Public Partnership for Health in Laconia and a visit to Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lava and Lamps: Opening Remarks for Crypto Custody Roundtable

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Thank you, Chairman Atkins, Commissioner Uyeda, and Commissioner Crenshaw, and thank you all for joining us in-person or online on another Friday afternoon for the Crypto Task Force’s latest roundtable: “Know Your Custodian: Key Considerations for Crypto Custody.” Thank you especially to our moderator, Zach Zweihorn, and today’s panelists for taking on this challenging topic.

    Children often play a game called “the floor is lava.” The game requires you to leap from one piece of furniture to the next without falling or touching the ground—otherwise, you will be burned by the imaginary molten lava below.

    A D.C. version of this game is our regulatory approach to crypto assets, and crypto asset custody in particular. The twist in the regulatory version is that it is largely played in the dark: burning legal lava and no lamps to illuminate the way. To engage in crypto-related activities, SEC-registrants have had to hop from one poorly illuminated regulatory space to the next, all while ensuring that they never touch any crypto asset. A broker or ATS that cannot custody or otherwise handle an asset will find it difficult to facilitate trading in the asset, and a robust market is unlikely to develop. If investment advisers do not know which crypto assets are securities, what types of entities are qualified custodians, and whether exercising staking or voting rights will result in custody violations, advisers may not be able to serve their clients’ best interests. Similar confusion may prevent investment companies from investing in crypto assets or investing in a way that would be most efficient or beneficial to the fund. It is time that we find a way to end this game. We need to turn on the lights and build some walkways over the lava pit.

    We, of course, should not take custodial obligations lightly. When an intermediary holds a crypto asset, or any asset for that matter, investors and the intermediary itself can face serious risks. The Commission must grapple with these issues. If we fail to do so, we prevent regulated entities from serving their customers and elevate—to the detriment of the American public—markets and intermediaries that may be less safe than our regulated entities. We must ensure that the custody requirements applicable to regulated entities further rather than impair investor protection and choice. And these requirements must not interfere with an adviser’s discretion about how to fulfill its fiduciary obligations.

    Our regulatory approach should recognize the differences across crypto assets. Qualified custodians exist for some crypto assets, but for others self-custody might be the safer option. Many tokenized securities involve the use of smart contracts or other blockchain-related protocols that allow the issuer or its agent to take corrective measures in the event of an error or lost or stolen private keys, just as it could resolve issues when using a traditional database. Indeed, distributed ledgers could mitigate some risks associated with traditional databases. For example, a broker-dealer’s ability to control an uncertificated security on-chain arguably makes it easier for the broker-dealer to demonstrate that it is the legal owner of the security if the issuer or its agent were to mismanage any off-chain ownership records.

    Finally, we should acknowledge and welcome the fact that blockchain technology empowers investors by allowing them to self-custody, trade, and otherwise engage with their assets without the use of any intermediary. Our regulatory framework should not stand in the way of these innovations by forcing intermediation.

    I look forward to hearing the panel’s thoughts on these and other issues. While this roundtable focuses on custody issues for broker-dealers, investment advisers, and investment companies, I also would appreciate hearing the panel’s views on whether the SEC should amend or clarify other rules that may be just as important in protecting customer assets, such as capital, recordkeeping, and financial reporting rules.

    Before turning it over to Zach to kick off the discussion, let me offer some questions for the panels’ consideration:

    1. Should Congress amend SIPA to address the treatment of crypto assets that are not “securities” as defined in SIPA?
    2. In the absence of any such amendments, how can we help ensure that customers receive their crypto assets (and any cash deposited to purchase those assets) in the event of a broker-dealer liquidation? Does Article 8 of the UCC present a potential solution to this issue?
    3. Should we retain the Special Purpose Broker-Dealer framework or should we clarify how any broker-dealer may custody crypto assets that are securities?
    4. What requirements should apply to broker-dealers when custodying tokenized securities that are not bearer instruments?
    5. Should SEC staff modify or replace the so-called “ATS three-step” letter? If so, how?
    6. Should we provide any guidance or propose amendments to address how our rules apply to broker-dealers that use smart contracts to facilitate settlement?
    7. Given that Rule 15c3-3 does not apply to crypto assets that are not securities, what can we do to ensure that broker-dealers appropriately safeguard any such assets held for customers?
    8. Should the custody rules permit funds and advisers to place and maintain crypto assets with classes of custodians not currently contemplated by those rules?
    9. Alternatively, should the custody rules be principles-based and incorporate qualitative criteria as opposed to being focused solely on certain entities that may custody assets?
    10. Should we propose changes to the adviser and investment company custody rules to facilitate self-custody of crypto assets and, if so, under what conditions?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Remarks at the Crypto Task Force Roundtable

    Source: Securities and Exchange Commission

    Welcome to the third roundtable of the SEC’s Crypto Task Force.

    I am in my fourth day back at the Commission and thank my fellow Commissioners and the SEC staff for their warm welcome. I am eager to tackle long festering issues, such as regulatory treatment of digital assets and distributed leger technologies

    In addition, my warmest personal thanks go to Commissioner Peirce for her principled and tireless advocacy for common-sense crypto policy within the United States. It is no wonder that she has earned the title of “CryptoMom.” Commissioner Peirce is the right person to lead the effort to come up with a rational regulatory framework for crypto asset markets. Thank you to the panelists for volunteering their time and expertise.

    This is important work as entrepreneurs across the United States are harnessing blockchain technology to modernize aspects of our financial system. I expect huge benefits from this market innovation for efficiency, cost reduction, transparency, and risk mitigation. Market participants engaging with this technology deserve clear regulatory rules of the road. Innovation has been stifled for the last several years due to market and regulatory uncertainty that unfortunately the SEC has fostered.

    I look forward to engaging with market participants and working with colleagues in President Trump’s Administration and Congress to establish a rational, fit-for-purpose regulatory framework for crypto assets.

    Today’s roundtable is focused on the challenges SEC registrants face when attempting to safely custody crypto assets for their customers in compliance with the federal securities laws. For example, are changes needed to the custody rules under the Exchange Act, Advisers Act, or Investment Company Act to accommodate crypto assets and blockchain technology? Is the “special purpose broker-dealer” regime workable for market participants, or is a new crypto asset broker-dealer framework needed? The market itself seems to indicate that the current framework badly needs attention. You all can help give us direction.

    Thank you all for dedicating your Friday afternoon to helping us address these important issues. I look forward to a productive discussion.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Oak Grove Man Sentenced to 71 Months in Federal Prison for Committing Arson at a Federally Contracted Rehabilitation Center

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

          LITTLE ROCK—Nathan James Hester will spend the next 71 months in federal prison after intentionally starting multiple fires at a federally contracted rehabilitation center in Searcy, Arkansas. Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, announced the sentence, which was handed down on April 24, 2025, by Chief United States District Kristine G. Baker.

          An investigation revealed that Hester, 39, of Oak Grove, was suspected of setting fire to several residences in the Oak Grove community in North Little Rock between September 2022 and October 2022. On October 20, 2022, Hester set fire to a business located in North Little Rock, for which he was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 2, 2022. While under indictment, Hester was released on pretrial supervision and resided at a federally contracted rehabilitation center. On November 27, 2022, while at the rehabilitation center, Hester set multiple fires inside of his assigned room while the center was occupied.

          On October 3, 2023, in a superseding indictment, Hester was charged with arson relating to the fires at the federally contracted rehabilitation center. Hester pleaded guilty to the arson charge on August 8, 2024.

          “Nathan James Hester is a serial arsonist who endangered others and caused property damage,” Ross said. “These crimes deserve federal attention, and if there are others who make the choice to endanger others and set fire to destroy properties and endanger others, this office will ensure you are held accountable.”

          “ATF is dedicated to preventing and reducing violent crime involving the criminal misuse of arson like the kind Nathan James Hester inflicted on the residents of a rehabilitation center,” said ATF New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Joshua Jackson. “ATF remains vigilant about working fire investigations with our partners to solve these crimes and hold those accountable who use this dangerous violent tactic to harm the public.”

          Chief Judge Baker also sentenced Hester to three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

          The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Maumelle Police Department, Maumelle Fire Department, Oak Grove Fire Department, Arkansas State Police, Searcy Police Department, and the Searcy Fire Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary.

    # # #

    Additional information about the office of the

    United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, is available online at

    https://www.justice.gov/edar

    X (formerly known as Twitter):

    @USAO_EDAR 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cameroonian Man Indicted for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Armed Separatist Fighters to Murder, Kidnap, and Maim Individuals in Cameroon and For Making Threats

    Source: US Justice – Antitrust Division

    Headline: Cameroonian Man Indicted for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to Armed Separatist Fighters to Murder, Kidnap, and Maim Individuals in Cameroon and For Making Threats

    A federal grand jury in Baltimore returned an indictment yesterday charging a Cameroonian national residing in Maryland, Eric Tataw, also known as “the Garri Master,” 38, of Gaithersburg, Maryland, with conspiring to provide material support to armed separatist militias in Cameroon and threatening violence against Cameroonian civilians.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General James Sues Trump Administration Over Moves to Cut Billions in State Education Funding

    Source: US State of New York

    EW YORK – New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 18 other attorneys general in suing the Trump administration over its unprecedented and unlawful requirement for states to end diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in schools, putting billions of dollars in education funding at risk. On April 3, the United States Department of Education (ED) alerted state education agencies that in order to continue receiving essential funding, they must sign a new certification affirming they will not engage in undefined “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. New York, like many other states, did not sign the April 3 certification, pointing to its longstanding commitment to complying with civil rights laws. Billions of dollars that support low-income students, provide special education services, and help vulnerable children in foster care are imperiled due to the administration’s new policies. Attorney General James and the coalition assert that ED’s new directive is illegal and unconstitutional. The coalition is seeking a court order declaring the April 3 certification demand unlawful and stopping it from being implemented.

    “Every student has the fundamental right to learn in an environment that is welcoming and open to everyone,” said Attorney General James. “The Trump administration is illegally trying to stop efforts that prevent discrimination in our schools, support students with disabilities, and provide resources for students in need while jeopardizing billions of dollars in essential federal education funding. As a proud graduate of New York public schools, I will always step up to protect our schools and stop illegal attacks on our most vulnerable students.” 

    Since January 20, President Trump has issued a series of Executive Orders that seek to ban unspecified practices that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion and punish institutions, including K-12 schools, that engage in programs it believes are illegal. On April 3, ED implemented the Trump administration’s policies by demanding that state education agencies have ten days to certify they will not engage in “illegal” diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. State agencies were also compelled to get certifications from all of their local education agencies or propose enforcement plans for those local school systems. ED later extended the deadline to April 24.

    In New York, ED provides more than $3 billion in funding to the New York State Education Department (NYSED), which oversees K-12 education programs that serve more than 2.4 million students. This funding is crucial for providing access to educational opportunities for all New York students.

    For example, NYSED will distribute nearly $1.4 billion in federal Title I funds this fiscal year to school districts to help ensure low-income students have the resources needed to overcome barriers to learning and success. New York also receives nearly $1 billion in funding appropriated by Congress under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. These funds help the over 450,000 students with disabilities in New York obtain the services that they are entitled to under federal law.

    Loss of federal funding would be catastrophic for students throughout New York state. Two of the largest school districts in New York, the Rochester and Buffalo city school districts, receive over 17 percent of their revenue from federal funds, while the Syracuse and Binghamton city school districts receive over 14 percent.

    As Attorney General James and the coalition assert in the lawsuit, the Trump administration has failed to define what constitutes an “illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion practice.” For example, the lawsuit notes that when Secretary of Education Linda McMahon was asked at her confirmation hearing how a school would discern whether it was running an illegal diversity, equity, and inclusion program, she failed to provide a definition of diversity, equity, and inclusion, let alone give any substansive answer. 

    In addition, ED’s directive ignores the fact that countless programs that support diversity, equity, and inclusion are in fact required by federal civil rights and funding laws and that federal laws prohibit the federal government from interfering with state and local education curricula or programs.

    Attorney General James and the coalition argue that the Trump administration’s April 3 certification demand violates the Administrative Procedure Act and is contrary to numerous laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and federal laws that prohibit federal interference with state and local education policies. It also violates the Constitution by withholding funding that Congress appropriated and places unlawful conditions on federal funds.

    With this lawsuit, Attorney General James and the coalition are seeking a court order stopping ED from implementing the April 3 certification demand or imposing any other similar demand on the states.

    This lawsuit is led by Attorney General James and the attorneys general of California, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. Joining this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Infrastructure Improvements in Onondaga & Oswego Counties

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced that work has begun on two significant infrastructure improvement projects that will enhance safety and improve mobility along a major corridor in northern Onondaga County and a heavily traveled route in southern Oswego County.

    The projects, supported by federal and state funds, represent a $5 million investment in the region’s transportation network that will provide necessary upgrades to the exit ramp from State Route 481 to East Circle Drive in the Town of Cicero, Onondaga County, and replace the State Route 49 bridge over Big Bay Creek in the Town of West Monroe, Oswego County. These undertakings illustrate Governor Hochul’s unparalleled commitment to modernize transportation infrastructure statewide and support the growth of communities through projects that prioritize safety, improve connectivity, and bolster economic opportunity for residents and visitors.

    “As we all bear witness to the extraordinary transformation of Central New York through the Interstate 81 Viaduct Project, it is imperative that we continue to shore up our infrastructure in surrounding areas,” Governor Hochul said. “These projects on State Route 481 and State Route 49 are critical to improving traffic flow, bolstering economic vitality and enhancing public safety. By modernizing aging infrastructure and reducing congestion, we are helping to ensure safer, more efficient travel for everyone who lives, works, and visits the region.”

    State Route 481 serves as vital corridor, connecting two of Central New York’s largest counties, Onondaga, and Oswego, and accommodating commuters headed to work, school and activities, along with patrons exploring local establishments or destined for a picturesque lakeside getaway along the shores of Oneida Lake or Lake Ontario.

    The Town of Cicero and Village of North Syracuse are the first stops along the heavily traveled route with high-traffic hotspots lining East Circle Drive and U.S. Route 11. Nearly 12,000 vehicles a day utilize the off-ramp from State Route 481 northbound to Exit 1B. During peak hours, particularly during the evening commute, motorists attempting to exit often experience heavy traffic and congestion.

    While temporary improvements were implemented last year to accommodate a detour associated with the I-81 Viaduct Project, permanent construction on the $3 million safety improvement project will help mitigate traffic by decreasing congestion from State Route 481 northbound to East Circle Drive. Reconstruction of the ramp includes a two lane exit that widens to three lanes, two permanent dedicated left turn lanes and a designated right turn lane onto East Circle Drive to improve traffic flow. Additionally, the traffic signal at the intersection will be modified to include a new signal head and will incorporate an overhead sign directing motorists’ attention to the “Right Turn Only,” lane, along with an upgrade to the video detection system.

    A new concrete median barrier along the northbound left shoulder of State Route 481 between the bridges over U.S. Route 11 and South Bay Road is also included in the safety improvement project, while the shoulder adjacent to the barrier will be widened to six feet. The new barrier and increased shoulder width will help reduce median crossovers along State Route 481 and further enhance safety and resiliency.

    The project is anticipated to be completed by fall 2025.

    The $2 million replacement of the State Route 49 bridge over Big Bay Creek in the Town of West Monroe, Oswego County, includes the construction of new bridge abutments with cast-in-place concrete piles, pre-stressed concrete beams, a new concrete bridge deck and new concrete approach slabs.

    The existing timber bridge, constructed in 1941, closed in June 2024 after a NYSDOT inspection raised safety concerns. The installation of a temporary bridge, planned as part of the replacement project was expedited and opened to traffic in November 2024, reducing the short-term and long-term impacts to the traveling public.

    An estimated 10,000 vehicles traverse the State Route 49 bridge over Big Bay Creek every day. The two-lane roadway meets Interstate 81 at Exit 32 in Central Square, with the eastern portion of State Route 49 providing access to residences, restaurants, local vendors, and water-based recreation along the north shore of Oneida Lake. This vital route also serves as a main thoroughfare for people bound for popular destinations like Sylvan Beach and Verona Beach in Oneida County.

    Traffic is expected to be moved from the temporary bridge to the newly constructed bridge in October.

    The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Governor Hochul understands that by investing in transportation infrastructure is an investment in our communities and statewide, we are prioritizing the needs of the people who rely on these roadways and bridges each and every day. The improvements to the exit ramp from State Route 481 to East Circle Drive will add important safety upgrades and improve traffic flow, helping to ensure this bustling area is equipped to handle continued growth, while the modernization of the State Route 49 bridge over Big Bay Creek will strengthen the safety of this important route for the residents of Oswego County.”

    Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said, “Thanks to millions in federal funding from my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law, we are paving the way for a safer future in Central New York. This will upgrade the State Route 481 exit ramp in Cicero and replace the State Route 49 bridge over Big Bay Creek in West Monroe, improving traffic flow along this vital corridor and helping connect residents and visitors to Oneida Lake and Lake Ontario all while creating jobs, jobs, jobs. I’m grateful that Governor Hochul is putting these dollars to good use to improve safety and connectivity for Central New Yorkers.”

    Representative John W. Mannion said, “I’m committed to keeping Central New York’s roads and bridges smooth, safe, modern, and resilient for everyone who lives and travels in our region. The improvements to 481, including the Exit 1B ramp to East Circle Drive in the Town of Cicero, are important upgrades to our transportation infrastructure. I’m grateful for Governor Hochul’s continued commitment to building a stronger and more connected Central New York.”

    State Senator Christopher Ryan said, “These infrastructure investments are a win for Central New York. By easing congestion in Cicero and replacing a critical bridge in West Monroe, we’re making daily commutes safer and more efficient while supporting economic growth across Onondaga and Oswego Counties. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for prioritizing projects that strengthen our communities and keep people moving.”

    Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “The reconstruction of the on-ramp leading to Cicero will relieve everyday congestion and improve commutes for thousands of drivers. Looking at the long-term, our community will be safer, more connected, and better prepared to take on Central New York’s growing potential as an economic hub.”

    Assemblymember William Barclay said, “With thousands of motorists relying on State Route 481 and the Route 49 bridge, I’m pleased to see necessary infrastructure improvements underway. These upgrades are crucial investments in safety and efficiency, making daily commutes easier and more reliable. Modernizing key routes in Onondaga and Oswego counties will improve traffic flow and reinforce the connections that drive local growth and support vibrant communities.”

    Oswego County Legislature Chairperson James Weatherup said, “We are thrilled to hear about the $2 million replacement of the State Route 49 Bridge in West Monroe. The bridge has been closed since 2024 after a NYSDOT inspection deemed it unsafe. A temporary bridge was installed which helped with the flow of traffic; however, it was temporary, and this infrastructure investment will reopen the bridge that provides access to residences, restaurants, local vendors and water-based recreation that is vital to residents and tourists alike.”

    About the Department of Transportation
    It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.

    Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!

    For more information, find them on Facebook, follow them on X or Instagram, or visit their website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration Over Unlawful Conditions on Funding for K-12 Schools

    Source: US State of California

    $7.9 billion in federal financial assistance at risk in California  

    LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today, leading a coalition of 19 attorneys general, filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Education’s efforts to withhold federal funding from state and local agencies that refuse to abandon lawful programs and policies that promote equal access to education in K-12 classrooms across the nation. On April 3, 2025, the Department of Education informed state and local agencies that they must accept the Trump Administration’s new and legally incoherent interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with respect to diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts—or else risk immediate and catastrophic loss of federal education funds. California, like many other states, refused to certify its compliance with these new requirements, explaining that there is no lawful or practical way to do so given the Department’s vague, contradictory, and unsupported interpretation of Title VI. In filing today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition seek to bar the Department from withholding any funding based on these unlawful conditions. 

    “The U.S. Department of Education is unapologetically abandoning its mission to ensure equal access to education with its latest threat to wholesale terminate congressionally mandated federal education funding,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Let me be clear: the federal Department of Education is not trying to ‘combat’ discrimination with this latest order. Instead it is using our nation’s foundational civil rights law as a pretext to coerce states into abandoning efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion through lawful programs and policies. Once again, the President has exceeded his authority under the Constitution and violated the law.”

    The U.S. Department of Education provides California with $7.9 billion in congressionally mandated financial support each year for a wide variety of needs and services related to children and education. This funding includes financial support to ensure that students from low-income families have the same access to high-quality education as their peers, provide special education services, recruit and train highly skilled and dedicated teachers, fund programming for non-native speakers to learn English, and provide support to vulnerable children in foster care and without housing. As a condition of receiving these funds, state and local education agencies provide written assurances they will comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin, and California has consistently and regularly certified its compliance with Title VI and its implementing regulations.

    However, on April 3, the Department issued a letter that conditioned continued federal financial assistance on state and local education agencies certifying that they are not operating programs inconsistent with the Trump Administration’s view that efforts supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion are unlawful. The letter forced state and local agencies to choose between two untenable options: (1) refuse to certify compliance based on the Department’s un-defined viewpoint on what constitutes unlawful diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, curriculum, instruction, and policies, and place federal funding in peril or (2) certify compliance, attempt to identify and eliminate lawful diversity, equity, and inclusion to the detriment of students, and still face liability for failing to fully comply with the Department’s vague and ill-defined order. Faced with this choice, California informed the Department that it continues to stand by its prior certifications of compliance with Title VI and its lawfully issued implementing regulations in the Department’s possession but would not assent to the unlawfully issued certification. 

    In the lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta and the multistate coalition assert that the Department of Education’s attempt to terminate federal education funding based on its misinterpretation of Title VI violates the Spending Clause, the Appropriations Clause, the separation of powers, and the Administrative Procedures Act. 

    Attorney General Bonta is leading a multistate coalition in filing the lawsuit along with the attorneys general of New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, and Minnesota. The attorneys general are joined by the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin. 

    A copy of the lawsuit is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: $1.8 Million in Community Airport Improvements to take Flight this Construction Season

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on April 25, 2025

    Today, Highways Minister David Marit announced more than $1.8 million in infrastructure improvements at eight community airports, which will strengthen their aviation roles.

    Through the Community Airport Partnership (CAP) program, the Ministry of Highways will commit $935,910 toward the projects and the airport operators will fund the remaining estimated $939,228. The work is to occur in the 2025 construction season.

    “Air ambulances, firefighting and policing services, agriculture and other industries rely on local airports across Saskatchewan to meet the needs of businesses and communities,” Marit said. “These infrastructure investments position rural and northern communities for growth, while strengthening our great province.”   

    CAP invests in regional, community-owned airport upgrades to runways and taxiways, lighting, security fencing, navigational systems and other eligible projects. 

    “Thanks to this ongoing partnership with the provincial government, communities can make strategic infrastructure investments to improve their airports so they can continue to provide the key services that support our quality of life and contribute to our economy,” Saskatchewan Aviation Council President Janet Keim said.

    A project is funded on a 50/50 cost-sharing basis between the approved recipient and the provincial government to a maximum $275,000. Any additional costs are the responsibility of the funding recipient.

    Airport operators and the provincial funding allocated toward their projects for 2025-26 are:

    Airport Operator Project Estimated Total Cost Provincial Contribution Airport Contribution
    Town of Assiniboia Rehabilitation Taxiway / Air Ambulance Loading Area $90,865 $45,433 $45,432
    Town of Esterhazy Runway and Apron Revitalization $159,000 $79,500 $79,500
    RM of Eye Hill No. 382 RM of Eye Hill Municipal Airport Rehabilitation Project 2025 $127,365 $63,683 $63,682
    Town of La Ronge Airport Drainage System Maintenance / Improvements (Phase 2) $550,000 $275,000 $275,000
    Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority Crack Filling $40,000 $20,000 $20,000
    Town of Nipawin Airport Runway and Taxi Rehab $320,000 $160,000 $160,000
    Town of Tisdale Phase 2 Resurface Runway $503,320 $250,000 $253,320
    City of Yorkton Crack Sealing and South Runway Joint Repair $84,588 $42,294 $42,294
    Totals $1,875,138 $935,910 $939,228

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Cannes Film Festival Martine Frossard’s animated short Hypersensitive (NFB) in Official Competition 

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    April 25, 2025 – Montreal – National Film Board of Canada (NFB)

    The National Film Board of Canada will be at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival with the animated film Hypersensitive, directed by France-born, Montreal-based filmmaker Martine Frossard. The film is part of the Official Selection – Short Film Competition at this year’s edition, which runs from May 13 to 24.

    The film recounts the turbulent, surrealistic journey of a young woman struggling to rebuild her self, in defiance of social norms that tell us to repress our emotions—and reminding us that to be sensitive is to be alive.

    The animated short Bread Will Walk (Le pain se lève) by Alex Boya, produced by the NFB, has been selected for the Directors’ Fortnight sidebar section of the Cannes Film Festival, taking place May 14 to 24, 2025.

    Quotes

    “I was deeply moved to learn that Hypersensitive has been selected for the Cannes Film Festival. There are no words to describe what an honour this is. I share this overwhelming joy with the entire team at the National Film Board of Canada, including my producer, Marc Bertrand, who was on board right from the very first sketches, and the rest of the team with the French Animation Unit, whose support was invaluable. My deepest hope is that Hypersensitive will open up a dialogue on vulnerability and resilience, so that people everywhere take greater heed of our emotions, even the most painful ones.”
    – Martine Frossard, filmmaker

    “Seeing the talent of an emerging director acknowledged at Cannes is such a source of pride for us at the NFB. Discovering and supporting next-generation filmmakers is integral to our mandate. With Hypersensitive, Martine Frossard has made an affecting film of outstanding visual quality. It’s a stunning example of the creative vitality and distinctive signature of our animation units and our artists. Congratulations to the director and everyone at the NFB who played a part in this great success!”
    – Suzanne Guèvremont, Government Film Commissioner and Chairperson of the NFB

    Quick Facts

    About the film

    Hypersensible (Hypersensitive) by Martine Frossard (6 min 44 s)
    An NFB production (Marc Bertrand)
    Press kit: mediaspace.nfb.ca/epk/hypersensitive

    • For her first collaboration with the NFB, this self-taught filmmaker continues to explore themes that have marked her work thus far: the quest for identity, the realm of perception and memory—but also grief, trauma and resilience.
    • The artist illustrates how heightened sensitivity is all too often interpreted as some kind of resistance to conformity with social and relationship norms. Since most people will encounter hypersensitivity, in others or in themselves, at some point in their lives, Martine Frossard’s film is a heartfelt plea for us all to take greater heed of our emotions, even the most painful ones.
    • The film was edited by filmmaker and editor Oana Suteu Khintirian (Beyond Paper).
    • After its Cannes premiere, Hypersensitive will be shown in the Canadian Competition of the Sommets du cinéma d’animation, which runs from May 26 to 31, in Montreal.

    About the director

    Martine Frossard is a multidisciplinary artist who works in illustration, animation and participatory installations. Born in Strasbourg, France, she moved to Montreal in 2005, where she earned a master’s degree in design project creation and management. Her first short film, Thirty Masks (2015), was named a Vimeo Staff Pick. Her works have since been shown in Canada, the United States and Europe.

    – 30 –

    Stay Connected

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

    About the NFB

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Fifty-two affordable homes open for First Nations in Merritt

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    First Nations elders, families and youth in Merritt now have access to new affordable homes with the opening of a 52-unit building.

    “By investing in housing in rural areas, and helping First Nations people and families find the homes they need, we’re helping people stay connected to their culture and loved ones, and thrive in the community they call home,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “I’m proud that B.C. is the first province to invest in on- and off-reserve housing.”

    The four-storey building at 2640 Spring Bank Ave. will provide homes for community members from Nicola Valley’s five First Nation bands: Coldwater Indian Band, Lower Nicola Indian Band, Nooaitch Indian Band, Shackan Indian Band and Upper Nicola Band.

    “Working in partnership with First Nations in the Nicola Valley supports self-determination and reconciliation in a way that these Nations’ members can see and feel,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation. “I applaud the leadership by the Nicola Native Lodge Society and the five Nations for coming together with the Province to provide a culturally significant space moving forward.”

    The Nicola Native Lodge Society (NNLS) provided the land for the project and will operate the building, which includes a mix of studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units, each with a private balcony. Five of the units are accessible and 31 are adaptable to accommodate changing accessibility needs. The building includes an amenity space for social gatherings and cultural ceremonies, with direct access to an outdoor amenity space.

    This project is part of a $19-billion housing investment by the B.C. government. Since 2017, the Province has nearly 92,000 homes that have been delivered or are underway, including approximately 250 homes in Merritt.

    Quick Facts:

    • The Province, through BC Housing, provided a grant of approximately $10 million for the development through the Building BC: Indigenous Housing Fund.
    • BC Housing will also provide approximately $413,000 in annual operating funds.  
    • A joint contribution of approximately $1.3 million, through the Canada-British Columbia Bilateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy, also went toward the project.
    • The Nicola Native Lodge Society provided land valued at approximately $588,000 for the project.

    Quotes:

    Vaughn Sunday, co-ordinator, Nicola Native Lodge Society —

    “This marks a proud moment, as we celebrate the opening of the Nicola Native Lodge. This historic occasion could not have been accomplished without the support of the members of the five Nicola First Nations, the elected leadership, the board members of the NNLS, BC Housing and the Province.” 

    Mike Goetz, mayor, Merritt —   

    “The City of Merritt is proud to support this important housing initiative, which provides much-needed homes for local First Nations families, elders, and youth. We are grateful to the Nicola Native Lodge Society and our local First Nations for their leadership and collaboration in building a stronger, more inclusive community.”

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the B.C. government’s new Homes for People action plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2023HOUS0019-000436

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

    To see a map showing the location of all announced provincially funded housing projects in B.C., visit: https://www.bchousing.org/projects-partners/Building-BC/homes-for-BC

    Join BC Housing to listen and learn from people in British Columbia who are creating strong, inclusive housing communities. Subscribe to BC Housing’s podcast, Let’s Talk Housing, on:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carbajal, Fitzpatrick Reintroduce Bipartisan Bills to Protect U.S. Coastlines and Marine Ecosystems

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Salud Carbajal (CA-24)

    Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01) reintroduced two bipartisan bills focused on addressing the effects of climate change on U.S. coastlines, coastal communities, and marine ecosystems.

    “The climate crisis is hitting our coasts hard — from eroding beaches and stronger storms to declining fisheries. Regions like the Central Coast are already feeling the impact and need federal support to adapt,” said Rep. Carbajal. “I’m proud to work with Rep. Fitzpatrick to reintroduce two bipartisan bills that will provide coastal states with the tools they need to study and address the threats to our oceans and fisheries.”

    “The increasing threat of wildfires has become one of the most critical public safety and environmental challenges of our time. Wildfires take lives, destroy communities, and place immense pressure on our brave first responders. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I’ve prioritized advancing practical, preventative solutions to stop these disasters before they start. The Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act does just that—a commonsense measure to streamline the removal of hazardous trees on federal lands, help us better protect lives, safeguard property, and preserve the vital natural resources our communities depend on,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

    The Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act would provide grants to coastal states in order to help them plan and implement strategies to mitigate climate change, prepare for sea level rise, and address other impacts.

    The bill allows states to use these grants for climate change adaptation, and to protect infrastructure and coastal ecosystems.

    The Ocean Acidification Research Partnership Act would authorize up to $5 million in research grants for studies on the effects of ocean acidification, a rapidly worsening climate threat that imperils U.S. fishing and tourism industries.

    Worsening ocean acidification threatens billions of dollars in U.S. economic activity and tens of thousands of U.S. jobs, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

    The text of the Coastal State Climate Preparedness Act can be found HERE.

    The text of the Ocean Acidification Research Partnership Act can be found HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates the Third International Quantum Communication Conclave held on ‘Future of Secure Communication and Cryptography’

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates the Third International Quantum Communication Conclave held on ‘Future of Secure Communication and Cryptography’

    New Quantum Standards Unveiled as India Strengthens Global Quantum Leadership

    TEC and C-DOT Lead the Charge in Post-Quantum Cryptography and Secure 5G Technologies

    Minister Scindia Calls for Bold Steps into the Quantum Age at International Quantum Conclave

    Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia: Quantum Computing Will Revolutionize Innovation and Scientific Discovery

    Posted On: 25 APR 2025 5:49PM by PIB Delhi

    The Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), the technical arm of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), in collaboration with the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), hosted the Third International Quantum Communication Conclave today in New Delhi. This high-level gathering brought together national and international experts, researchers, and policymakers to deliberate on the future of quantum communication, with a strong focus on standardization, research, and secure digital transformation.

    Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region; Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications inaugurated the conclave. Professor Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific advisor; Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Chairman DCC & Secretary (Telecom) and Smt. Tripti Saxena, Sr. DDG & Head, TEC shared the dais.

    The conclave was organised as part of India’s definite steps in taking lead in the areas of quantum communication technologies, especially in light of the National Quantum Mission launched in 2023 with an outlay of ₹6003.65 Crore. The mission, a key initiative under the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Innovation Advisory Council, aims to seed and scale up R&D in quantum technologies while fostering a vibrant and innovative ecosystem across academia, industry, and start-ups.

    As part of the event, three significant documents were unveiled to support and promote the deployment of quantum secure technologies: the Standard on Generic Requirements for Quantum Random Number Generators (QRNG), a Technical Report on Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), and a Technical Report on Quantum Secure 5G/ Beyond 5G Core using PQC.

    The Standard on QRNG provides a framework that can be used by the organizations for the evaluation of Quantum Random Number Generators. The purpose of Technical Report on Migration to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) is to sensitize the organizations to identify their critical digital infrastructures including data and applications and be ready for a smooth transition to quantum safe cryptography.The Technical Report on Quantum Secure 5G/ Beyond 5G Core using PQC  delves into the vulnerabilities of current cryptographic protocols within the evolving 5G core from the emergence of quantum computers and identifies key areas within the 5G Core architecture where post-quantum cryptography (PQC) can be implemented to achieve quantum security.

    Delivering the Inaugural Address at the Opening Plenary of the Conclave, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Minister of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, spoke about the revolutionary impact of Quantum Technoloy. He pointed out that “quantum computing isn’t just another step forward, it is a giant leap that will define innovation, accelerate scientific discovery and unlock multiple solutions to human problems that were hitherto always thought of as insurmountable”. Shri Scindia added that “the future now is no longer just digital, the future now is quantum. And the ripple effects of quantum computing are already touching not only scientific discovery but also our lives”. He concluded by saying “let’s step into the quantum age with boldness, brilliance, and a clear sense of purpose.”

    Minister Scindia also led the Conclave’s participants to observe one minute silence as a mark of respect to pay homage to those killed in the Terrorist attack in Pahalgam, J & K on April 22, 2025. He condemned the terror attack what he termed as the “cowardly, heinous attack by inhuman elements that claimed innocent lives”.  He added, “My heart goes out to all those who have lost their loved ones and each one of us extend our heartiest, from the bottom of our hearts, our deepest condolences to every single family member.”

    Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, Minister of State for Communications, in his Special Address said that under the transformative leadership of Honerable Prime Minister, India is committed to leading the Quantum technology transformation. He informed that “Through the national quantum mission, we are investing deeply in quantum computing, quantum communications, quantum sensing, and quantum materials. Our vibrant startup ecosystem, our world-class research institutions, and our industry pioneers are already delivering indigenous quantum solutions ready for deployment”. The Minister exhorted all researchers, engineers, and visionary entrepreneurs, to ignite their curiosity, expand horizons, and challenge conventional thought.

    The Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India , Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, in his address highlighted that the conclave is taking place in the year 2025 which has been declared as the Year of Quantum by the United Nations General Assembly. Prof. Sood dwelt on the evolution of Quantum Technologies over the last 100 years stating that “today we are in the second revolution of Quantum Mechanics of the newest technology frontier where we now have the tools to controlling the quantum systems.”

    Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Chairman DCC & Secretary (Telecom) expressed the hope, “this Quantum Conclave will help us redefine boundaries, foster collaboration—especially since this is an interdisciplinary field—and develop recommendations so that the government is able to take note of them and adapt our policies accordingly.”

    This conclave aimed to create greater awareness about R&D, standardization and testing of quantum-safe technologies, and promote collaboration among stakeholders.

    The technical sessions featured thought-provoking talks and presentations by leading experts and organizations from India and abroad, including Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO C-DOT; Dr. Anandaraman Sankaran – Senior Manager, QKD Technical Marketing, Japan; Dr. Ray Harishankar – IBM Quantum Safe, USA; Dr. Kaveh Delfanazari –Senior Lecturer (Electronic & Nanoscale Engineering) University of Glasgow, UK; Mr. Rowan Högman (Advanced technology Director) M/s Ericsson, Sweden; Dr. Urbasi Sinha, Raman Research institute, Bengaluru;   Prof. Anil Prabhakar, IIT Madras; and several others.

    The conclave also featured exhibition from R&D institutions [C-DOT, CR Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science] and industries/start-ups [QuNu Labs, QpiAI, Qutess Labs & New Age Instruments & Materials Pvt. Ltd.] offering a glimpse into the cutting-edge advancements in quantum communication and related technologies taking place in India.

    The conclave sought to mobilize contributions in international standard organizations. Additionally, it provided a platform to identify existing standardization gaps and foster contributions to Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) creation in quantum communication technologies.

    About:

    Telecommunication Engineering Centre (TEC), is a standards setting organisation for Telecom and related ICT products under the Department of Telecommunications, Ministry of Communications, Govt. of India. It is responsible for formulation of standards, specifications, test procedures, service specifications and technical regulations for Telecom/ICT sector. TEC is actively involved in the standardisation activities on Quantum Technology at domestic as well as international level participating and contributing to ITU, IEEE, etc. TEC has released standards on “Quantum Key Distribution System” and “Quantum-safe and Classical Cryptographic Systems”. TEC has also constituted a “National Working Group on Quantum Technology” (NWG-QT) with members from academia, industry/startups, R&D organizations, service providers, Govt. Organizations, etc. to have a focused and coordinated approach for development of standards on Quantum Technology.

     

    ****

    Samrat/Allen

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DoSJE and The World Bank Host Seminar to brainstorm on issues affecting Beggars, the Homeless, and the Destitute Population

    Source: Government of India

    DoSJE and The World Bank Host Seminar to brainstorm on issues affecting Beggars, the Homeless, and the Destitute Population

    Need to hear directly from  those who have transitioned out of begging, to understand the root causes and impact of support systems: Secretary DEPwD

    Such events provide valuable grassroots insights and authentic data from the field, essential to identifying and supporting individuals in vulnerable conditions: Lead Economist, World Bank

    Posted On: 25 APR 2025 8:22PM by PIB Delhi

    The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE), Government of India, in collaboration with the World Bank, organized a powerful and thought-provoking seminar with the theme –  ‘Population Out of Reach – SMILE (Beggary)’ – on 25th April, 2025, in New Delhi.

    The objective of the seminar was to deliberate on strategies and share knowledge regarding the rehabilitation of beggars, the homeless, and the destitute population, with participation from both national and international experts. This event formed part of an ongoing knowledge seminar series aimed at deepening dialogue and action to strengthen social protection systems for the most vulnerable sections of society in India.

    Addressing the Seminar as the Chief Guest, Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, shared his vision on inclusive development and disability-friendly outreach. He emphasized the need to hear directly from real stakeholders — those who have transitioned out of begging — to understand the root causes and impact of support systems. He also acknowledged the complexity of the issue, touching upon its social, religious, and economic dimensions.

    On the other hand, the keynote address by Ms. Benedicte Leroy De La Briere, Lead Economist, World Bank, brought a global lens to the discussion on beggary rehabilitation. She highlighted the significance of the partnership between the World Bank and the Ministry of Social Justice, noting that such events provide valuable grassroots insights and authentic data from the field. They emphasized the importance of foundational documentation—such as having a registered address, a bank account, and access to healthcare—as essential to identifying and supporting individuals in vulnerable conditions. The representative concluded by stressing the need to focus today’s discussion on targeted interventions and actionable solutions.

    Key Highlights of the Seminar:

    Shri Ajay Srivastava, Economic Advisor (MoSJ&E), shared that approximately 18,000 individuals have been identified under the SMILE initiative, of which 1,612 have already been rehabilitated. He assured that efforts are underway to accelerate the rehabilitation of the remaining individuals. Ms. Debolina Thakur, Joint Secretary and Economic Advisor (DoSJ&E), also addressed the gathering, highlighting that many social challenges are shared globally. She noted that several international organizations are actively working to address these issues, and India too has many institutions making commendable efforts.

    Global Best Practices:

    Mr. Alemseged W Yohannes Bedane, Senior Social Protection Consultant, Ethiopia, shared the success story of the Urban Destitute Support Programme, which has led to the rehabilitation of thousands of homeless individuals. From Brazil, Ms. Beatriz Oliani and Ms. Camila Cabral presented São Paulo city’s progressive policies and urban social welfare strategies.

    Initiatives from across India:

    The seminar featured compelling presentations by nodal officers and grassroots organizations. Notable contributions came from Ms. Anuradha Chagti (Secretary, Social Welfare, Chandigarh Administration), Shri Snehil Kumar Singh (District Collector, Kozhikode). Partner organizations including Atchayam Trust (Tamil Nadu), PRAWES Rehabilitation Centre (Madhya Pradesh), UMMEED (Uttar Pradesh), and Udayam Homes (Kerala), also shared on-the-ground realities, challenges, and success stories in engaging with hard-to-reach populations. Further, Ms. Neena Pandey, Head of the Department of Social Work, and Dr. Tarique, Founder of Koshish Trust, delivered insightful presentations focusing on policy frameworks, ethical aspects, and the importance of community-based rehabilitation models.

    The event was held in a hybrid format, ensuring inclusive participation from a broad spectrum of practitioners, policy-makers, international delegates, officials from the World Bank and students of social development across the country. Lively discussions, experience sharing, and actionable insights made this seminar a meaningful step towards building a more inclusive and responsive social protection system in India. Detailed discussions were held on creating structured frameworks to address social issues systematically.

    The Department of Social Justice reaffirmed its commitment to continuing such knowledge-sharing platforms in the future, to promote innovation, foster collaborations, and work toward building a just and inclusive society.

    *****

    VM

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Bazaar unveils Its First-Ever ‘Top Selects’ Lineup Showcasing 15 Projects in 9 Languages

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 25 APR 2025 4:10PM by PIB Mumbai

    India occupies a dominant position in Media & Entertainment sector with talents spread across different geographies of the country, creating compelling contents through its rich cultural heritage. The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), to be held from 1st to 4th May in Mumbai, is poised to become one of the landmarks in the Media and Entertainment sector. The summit will promote India as one stop destination for content creation, Investment destination and leverage ‘Create in India’ opportunities as well as for global outreach.

    WAVES Bazaar is the premier global marketplace for the media and entertainment industry, a dynamic platform designed to foster connection, collaboration, and growth. It offers filmmakers and industry professionals the opportunity to engage with buyers, sellers, and a wide range of projects and profiles, while also showcasing their skills and expanding their professional network.

    The Viewing Room is a dedicated physical platform set up at Waves Bazaar, taking place from May 1st to 4th, 2025. It serves as a space for showcasing recently completed films and projects in Post Production from around the world. These films are actively seeking opportunities for film festivals, global sales, distribution partnerships, and finishing funds.

    Designed for film programmers, distributors, world sales agents, investors and other industry professionals, the Viewing Room offers a secure environment where delegates attending Waves Bazaar can watch these films, access detailed project information, and connect directly with filmmakers through our specialized Viewing Room Software.

    For the first ever WAVES Bazaar, a total 100 films from 8 countries namely India, Sri Lanka, USA, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Germany, Mauritius and UAE will be available to watch in the Viewing Room Library. The overall lineup includes 18 titles of NFDC produced and co-produced films and adds 8 restored classics from the National Film Archive of India (NFAI). It also includes 19 student projects from Film & Television Institute of India (FTII, Pune) and Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI, Kolkata)

    These 15 Projects selected for the WAVES Bazaar Top Selects Section from the Viewing Room includes 9 Feature projects, 2 documentaries, 2 Short films and 2 Web-Series which will pitch their films to producers, sales agents, distributors, festival programmers and potential investors in an open pitching session during WAVES Bazaar at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai on 2nd May, 2025.

    WAVES Bazaar Top Selects 2025

    1. The Wage Collector | Tamil | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Infant Soosai | Producer – Bagavathi Perumal

    1. Putul | Hindi | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Radheshyam Pipalwa | Producer – Sharad Mittal

    1. Doosra Byaah ( Levir) | Haryanvi,Hindi | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Bhagat Singh Saini | Producer – Parveen Saini

    1. Pankhudiyaan (Petals in the Wind) | Hindi | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Abdul Aziz | Producer – Abdul Aziz, Jyotsana Rajpurohit

    1. Khidki Gaav (If on a Winter’s Night) | Malayalam | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Sanju Surendran | Producer – Dr. Surendran M N

    1. Suchana – The Beginning | Bangla | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Pausali Sengupta | Producer – Avinanda Sengupta

    1. Swaha In the Name of Fire | Magahi | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Abhilash Sharma | Producer – Vikash Sharma

    1. Gotipua – Beyond Borders | English ,Hindi,Odia  | India | Documentary Feature

    Director & Producer – Chintan Parekh

    1. From India | English | USA | Documentary Short

    Director & Producer – Mandar Apte

    1. Third Floor | Hindi | India | Short Film

    Director – Amandeep Singh | Producer – Amandeep Singh

    1. Jahaan | Hindi | India | Fiction Short

    Director & Producer – Rahul Shetty

    1. Planet India | English,Hindi | India | TV Show

    Director – Colin Butfield | Producer – Tamseel Hussain

    1. Bharti Aur Bibo | Hindi | India | Animation Web-Series/TV

    Director – Sneha Ravishankar | Producer – National Film Development Corporation &

    Puppetica Media Pvt. Ltd

    1. Achappa’s Album (Grampa’s Album) | Malayalam | India | Fiction Feature

    Director – Deepti Pillay Sivan | Producer – National Film Development Corporation

    1. Duniya Na Mane (The Unexpected) | Hindi | India | Fiction Feature

    Director & Producer – V. Shantaram

     

    About WAVES

    The first World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES), a milestone event for the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, will be hosted by the Government of India in Mumbai, Maharashtra, from May 1 to 4, 2025.

    Whether you’re an industry professional, investor, creator, or innovator, the Summit offers the ultimate global platform to connect, collaborate, innovate and contribute to the M&E landscape.

    WAVES is set to magnify India’s creative strength, amplifying its position as a hub for content creation, intellectual property, and technological innovation. Industries and sectors in focus include Broadcasting, Print Media, Television, Radio, Films, Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, Sound and Music, Advertising, Digital Media, Social Media Platforms, Generative AI, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Extended Reality (XR).

    Have questions? Find answers here  

    Stay updated with the latest announcements from PIB Team WAVES

    Come, Sail with us! Register for WAVES now

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green Hosts TX-09 Codefest to Empower Student Coding App Developers and Advance STEM Education

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Houston, TX) — On Saturday, April 12, 2025, Congressman Al Green will proudly launch the inaugural TX-09 Codefest, an exciting event aimed at inspiring and empowering middle and high school students at the start of their coding journey. Participants will have the opportunity to create new software, enhance existing programs, showcase their technical creativity, collaborate with peers, and explore ways to revolutionize the software industry. This event will take place at Houston Community College South in the Willie Gay Hall at 1990 Airport Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77051, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. CT. 

    The TX-09 Codefest will serve as a valuable precursor to the 2025 Congressional App Challenge (CAC). The CAC is dedicated to encouraging young minds in the Ninth Congressional District to explore the world of STEM, develop coding skills, and discover promising careers in computer science. The CAC is set to commence in early to mid-May, with applications accepted through October 30, 2025. For more information, you can visit the Congressional App Challenge website by clicking here.

    Congressman Al Green stated, “I am proud to host the TX-09 Codefest, a powerful example of how we can invest in the next generation of STEM leaders. The Congressional App Challenge competition offers students invaluable hands-on experience in coding and app development. By supporting competitions like this, we encourage STEM education and empower young people to address real challenges in their communities through innovation and critical thinking while cultivating a diverse pipeline of driven innovators.” 

    Click here to watch the Facebook live stream of the event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green Holds Press Conference to Address Controversial Slur by a Colleague Calling Him “Boy,” and Referring to His Cane as a Weapon, along with the Use of an LGBTQ+ Slur

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Houston, TX)—On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Congressman Al Green will host a press conference after receiving multiple requests for an interview concerning his cane and his colleague referring to him as “boy” and the LGBTQ+ community as “fairies.” Congressman Green will address these issues at a press conference today because he believes that these slurs merit a response. 

    The following will be in attendance Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Houston City Councilwoman – District D, Tiffany Thomas, Houston City Councilwoman – District F, Jeffrey Boney, Missouri City Councilman – District B, Alice Chen, Stafford City Councilwoman, Mayor Pro Tem, Erica Lee Carter, Representative from Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis’s Office Pct. 1, Dr. Sergio Lira, President, Greater Houston LULAC 4967, Judson Robinson, President, Houston Area Urban League, Bishop James Dixon, President, NAACP Houston Branch, Josh Mica, The Caucus Trustee, Dr. James Douglas, Thurgood Marshall School of Law Professor/Former Dean, Former President of Texas Southern University, Nabila Mansoor, President, Texas Multicultural Advocacy Coalition (TMAC), Dr. Sergio Lira, President, Greater Houston LULAC 4967, Representative from FIEL Houston, Representative from The Normal Anomaly, and others. 

    Click here to watch the Facebook live stream of the event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green to Hold Press Event Addressing Republicans Indicating They Cannot and Will Not Support Significant Medicaid Cuts, Will Also Explain the Need for Medicaid

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Houston, TX) — On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Congressman Al Green will address statements made by a dozen Republicans addressed to House leadership indicating that they will not make significant cuts to Medicaid. Although, this is vindication of Congressman Green’s taking a stand and speaking out during the Joint Session of Congress, it does not ameliorate the necessity to employ vigilance during the budgetary process. Congressman Al Green, alongside non-profits, Healthcare for the Homeless and The Arc of Harris County, expressed strong support for the Medicaid Matters Day of Action. The following statements come in response to the recently proposed Republican budget resolution, which threatened to impose a staggering minimum of $880 billion in cuts to essential healthcare services overseen by the Energy and Commerce Committee:

    Kathryn Rogers, Executive Vice President of Healthcare for the Homeless, stated, “At Healthcare for the Homeless – Houston, we witness firsthand how Medicaid is a lifeline. For people experiencing homelessness, it’s often the only access point to medical care, whether it’s addressing an urgent health crisis, managing a chronic condition, or connecting with behavioral health and housing support. Any cuts to Medicaid would disrupt these critical pathways, increase strain on emergency services, and make it harder for people to find stability. Preserving and strengthening Medicaid isn’t just about healthcare – it’s about public safety, economic impact, and creating a healthier future for everyone in our community.” 

    Janniece Sleigh, Executive Director of The Arc of Harris County, stated, “Texas is home to more than 500,000 adults and children with a disability (In Community Every Day: Supporting People with Intellectual Disabilities). There are an estimated 225,667 people with IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) and autism in Harris County alone, making Medicaid a vital source of support for people with IDD. Medicaid waivers, for example, offer people with IDD and autism an opportunity to seek housing, work, and socialization with support provided by service and advocacy organizations such as ours. Medicaid helps to support everyday needs. These are the same goals that everyone strives for in life: to live, work, and socialize in their communities. It is no different for people with disabilities. Medicaid waivers help to support these endeavors so people with IDD and autism can be productive members and contribute to their communities. Unfortunately, Texas has one of the highest Medicaid waiver waitlists in the nation, at 16-17 years. Organizations cannot provide the vital services and support to strengthen quality of life for people with IDD and autism without Medicaid waivers.”

    Congressman Al Green stated, “Proposed cuts to Medicaid pose a significant threat to the health and dignity of our most vulnerable communities. Medicaid is a vital lifeline for children, people with disabilities, and individuals experiencing homelessness. In Texas’s 9th Congressional District alone, over 127,000 people were enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP as of October 2024, including more than 91,000 children. Medicaid makes it possible for children with developmental delays and people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to receive therapy, medical equipment, and community-based services. It also connects people experiencing homelessness to critical life-saving healthcare, offering stability, recovery, and a path forward. We must stand united in advocating for the preservation of Medicaid, which millions of Americans rely on — and millions more are waiting to get on.” 

    Click here to watch the Facebook live stream of the event

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green, the Houston Food Bank, Sandra Hines, Honorary Mayor of Sunnyside, Judson Robinson, President of the Houston Area Urban League, & Pastor Rudy Rasmus Host Press Conference to Address Funding Cuts Impacting Senior Citizens

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Houston, TX)—On Friday, April 25, 2025, Congressman Al Green will host a press conference with Brian Greene, President and CEO of the Houston Food Bank;Sandra Hines, Honorary Mayor of Sunnyside; Judson Robinson, President of theHouston Area Urban League; Pastor Rudy Rasmus; and local leaders. They will address the urgent challenges faced by seniors and individuals with disabilities receiving Senior Food Boxes in Sunnyside, Texas as well as across the Greater Houston Area. Due to significant funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are no longer accepting new clients, and some old clients are going to be cut from this vital program. This issue was initially brought to Congressman Green’s attention by Texas State Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons (TX-146) as well as Ms. Sandra Hines.

    According to the Houston Food Bank, the Senior Box Program, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and managed by the Texas Department of Agriculture, provides a box of shelf-stable food to income-eligible seniors in the Houston area. However, recent dubiously legal funding cuts by President Trump have jeopardized this critical support, limiting access to nutritious food and produce for seniors in Harris County and the surrounding areas.

    Congressman Al Green stated, “In Texas’s Ninth Congressional District, more than 15,000 seniors aged 60 and older rely on SNAP benefits, according to the Food Research and Action Center. These benefits include access to Senior Food Boxes provided by the Houston Food Bank, which help meet their daily nutritional needs. These vital resources nourish our cherished elders. However, the Trump administration and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) appear to be insulated within a billionaire bubble, detached from the struggles of citizens who rely on essential food assistance programs. We must raise our voices for our seniors, ensuring they are not left to starve.”

    Click here to watch the Facebook live stream of the event at 11:00 a.m. CT. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Al Green Introduces H.R. 2983 – SNAP SECURE Act of 2025 to Protect and Compensate Victims of Theft in Nutrition Assistance Program

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Al Green (TX-9)

    (Houston, TX)—On Thursday, April 24, 2025, Congressman Al Green responded to growing calls from the press and interested parties after announcing he had filed H.R. 2983 – the Original Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Safeguarding Eligible Clients Under Reimbursement Enforcement (SNAP SECURE) Act of 2025. This legislation aims to reinstate a program that would compensate victims of theft of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, among other purposes. A copy of the legislation is accessible by clicking here. 

    According to recent data, 32,322 reports of SNAP benefits were stolen in Texas in the past two years. As of March, the Texas Health and Human Services SNAP Statistics page reports that over 3.5 million Texans were eligible for these benefits, amounting to more than $615 million loaded onto Lone Star cards. This theft not only harms affected families but also deepens food insecurity for children, seniors, and low-income communities who rely on these essential resources for nutritious meals.

    Congressman Al Green stated, “I intend to turn this legislation into a modified amendment to the next appropriations bill. If accepted, this legislation would ensure that those who have had their SNAP benefits stolen will be able to feed themselves and their families. Once the amended legislation is available, we will circulate it for cosponsors.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Dismantles Active Identity Theft Mill and Organized Retail Scheme Spanning Seven California Counties

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    LOS ANGELES – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced filing of felony charges against three people involved in a suspected identity theft mill, where stolen identities were utilized in an organized retail crime scheme. The scheme involved suspects applying for store credit cards using stolen identities, then using those credit lines to purchase merchandise with no intention to pay them back. The scheme was carried out in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, Alameda, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties.

    “I am committed to using the full force of the California Department of Justice to fight organized retail crime both in the field and in the courtroom,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “This was not a one-off shoplifting offense, it was a malicious, coordinated scheme. These crimes hurt our businesses and pose a serious threat to our communities. I am thankful to Signet Jewelers as well as our local and state law enforcement partners for their collaboration in the battle against organized retail crime. We will not give up until we put a stop to this criminal activity all together.”

    “The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is deeply committed to tackling organized retail crime through strategic multiagency collaboration, intelligence sharing, and targeted enforcement,” said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Detective Division Chief Joe Mendoza. “By working closely with our local, state, and federal partners, we continue to strengthen our efforts, disrupt criminal networks, protect both businesses and our communities, while holding individuals accountable.”

    “These arrests are the result of excellent collaboration between HSI, private industry, state and local law enforcement partners,” said HSI Orange County Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bracken. “HSI will work tirelessly with our partners in California to ensure that those who commit fraud will be held accountable.”

    From March 2023 to July 2023, the defendants fraudulently obtained over $100,000 worth of merchandise from high end retail stores and Harbor Freight retailers. This investigation began with a referral from a Signet Jeweler’s Corporate Fraud Investigator, and was led by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) with collaboration form Homeland Security Investigations, Santa Maria Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol and Westminster Police department.  
     
    As a result of the investigation, a 34-count felony complaint was filed against three defendants by DOJ. The charges include organized retail theft, grand theft, and identity theft of 13 victims. The Attorney General has made fighting organized retail crime a top priority and asks the public to submit complaints and tips at https://oag.ca.gov/bi/retail-crime.
     
    A copy of the criminal complaint in today’s case is available here.

    Photos related to this investigation can be found here, here and here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warren Demands Answers on Reports of Secretary Bessent’s Early Leaks of Tariff Policy Decisions to Wall Street

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    April 25, 2025
    Reports Indicate Secretary Bessent and Other White House Officials Appear To Have Provided Exclusive, Advance Tips About the Trump Administration’s Trade Policy
    “You owe Congress and the public an explanation for why you and other White House officials appear to be providing Wall Street insiders secret information on the tariffs, while withholding that information from the public.”
    Text of Letter (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent following reports that, earlier this week, he provided a room full of Wall Street executives and wealthy investors exclusive, advance tips about the Administration’s trade policy. The letter seeks information on whether Bessent shared nonpublic trade policy tips hours before President Trump’s broader announcement backing down on escalating tariffs against China. The exclusive details may have created the opportunity for insider trading or other financial profiteering by well-connected friends of the Administration. 
    According to reporting by Bloomberg, Secretary Bessent had “told a closed-door investor summit Tuesday that the tariff standoff with China cannot be sustained by both sides and that the world’s two largest economies will have to find ways to de-escalate [and] [t]hat de-escalation will come in the very near future.” These remarks were made at a closed private investor event hosted by JP Morgan not open to the media or the public. A few hours later, President Trump publicly echoed Secretary Bessent’s private remarks, causing the stock market to jump.
    Another report yesterday indicated that White House officials also gave Wall Street executives non-public information about a potential trade agreement with India.
    “It is unclear why these executives would be receiving this information ahead of the public,” wrote the senator.
    “Chaos, confusion, economic damage, and opportunities for corruption have become the hallmark of President Trump’s rollout of his tariff policies,” continued the senator. “President Trump’s opaque decision-making on tariffs and frequent, seemingly random changes of course have created a scenario where wealthy investors and well-connected corporations can get special treatment, receiving inside information they can use to time the market, or obtaining tariff exemptions that are worth billions of dollars—while Main Street, small businesses, and America’s families are left to clean up the damage.”
    To better understand what information was potentially provided to wealthy investors and Wall Street executives, Senator Warren demanded Secretary Bessent answer the following questions: 

    Which individuals attended the JP Morgan event at which you provided remarks on April 22, 2025?

    Were your remarks prepared in advance? If so, please provide a copy of any written remarks or notes.

    What time did you make your remarks at this conference? How long was the gap between your private comments and the public reports from Bloomberg about their content?

    Why was this event closed to the public and the press?

    Did the Treasury Department take any actions or make any agreements to prevent individuals in attendance from making trades or other investment decisions based on these private remarks?

    When you made your remarks at this conference, were you aware that the President would, later that day, announce that tariffs would “come down substantially”? 

    Did Treasury or White House officials provide non-public information to Wall Street executives on a potential trade deal with India?

    If so, which individuals provided this information, and to whom did they provide it?  Why was this information not provided to the public?

    Have Treasury Department or White House officials provided any other insiders with non-public information about the status of potential tariff decisions or trade agreements? 

    Due to the serious nature of these allegations, Senator Warren requested a response to her questions by May 8, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: NATO Secretary General visits United States in preparation for The Hague Summit

    Source: NATO

    NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte concluded a visit to the United States on Friday (25 April) focused on talks with senior US officials, including a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House.

    On Thursday morning, the Secretary General met with US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth at the Pentagon. He also took part in a roundtable discussion hosted by The Heritage Foundation on transatlantic security, burden sharing, and the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague. Later in the day, Mr Rutte met with President Trump at the White House, as well as with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.

    Speaking to media afterwards, Mr Rutte described a very good meeting focused primarily on the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague as well as ongoing efforts to bring a just and lasting end to the war against Ukraine. He noted the growing consensus around a significant increase in defence spending from European Allies and Canada. “This is necessary to make sure that we stay safe. So this is really a NATO which is stronger, which is fairer, which is also more lethal in terms of being able to defend NATO territory,” he said.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why the energy transition won’t be green until mine waste disasters are prevented

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Eva Marquis, Research Fellow in Critical Minerals and Circular Economy, University of Exeter

    On February 18, contamination in the Kafue river, Zambia, led to a mass death of fish. Its water turned a deathly grey and adjacent farmland was poisoned. The drinking water it supplied to half a million residents of the town of Kitwe was suddenly cut off.

    Reports suggest that this catastrophe was caused by the failure of the Chambishi tailings storage facility. Tailings are mixed liquid-solid mine wastes that remain after the valuable materials are removed from the crushed ores.

    They are often stored in impoundments, held in place by dams made of rock (and other mine waste), that ideally are managed and kept safe. This storage is necessary because tailings often contain high concentrations of potentially toxic, radioactive and corrosive elements.

    But tailings storage facilities can and do fail. The Chambishi failure was caused by a break in a wall between two tailings ponds containing acidic water. Fifty million litres of this water, equivalent to 20,000 Olympic swimming pools, spilled into a tributary of the Kafue river, and then into the river itself.

    The Kafue is a lifeline, flowing through 990 miles (1,600km) of Zambia, providing water for around 5 million people and supporting fishing and agriculture. That lifeline is still threatened by the ongoing damage of this failure.

    Chambishi is not alone. It is one of six major tailings incidents documented in the first three months of 2025, with others documented in Bolivia, Ghana, Philippines and Indonesia.

    Tailings and transitions

    Tailings are a produce of society’s voracious appetite for metals and materials. With growing demand for technologies for the energy transition, digitalisation and development, production of metals and materials and the volumes of tailings are set to vastly increase.

    Identifying suitable sites for safe storage is likely to become more challenging. Space will become more of a premium as more tailings are produced, and risks will evolve with changing climate and growing global population. For instance, storage facility plans developed before mining begins may no longer be suitable for their intended use over the life of the operation.

    The ability to safely store and manage tailings is a key factor in the development of metals projects. By extension, that’s fundamental to enabling an equitable and responsible energy transition.

    Initiatives to improve the management and monitoring of tailings, developed by independent organisations and industry bodies, such as the Global Industry Standard for Tailings Management and the International Council on Mining and Mineral’s Tailings Management Good Practice Guide. Although these initiatives are comprehensive, they do not minimise risks from past tailings storage practices or address the full costs involved.

    Tailing ponds.
    iofoto/Shutterstock

    A broad range of technical, social and environmental uncertainties have been linked to the management of tailings storage facilities. These uncertainties, combined with financial practices such as discounting future costs, can result in future costs (such as long-term tailings management and rehabilitation) being underestimated in mining project cash flows, and sizeable costs for future generations.

    Without a fully understanding of the true long-term costs, making the economic case for improved tailings management becomes that much harder.

    Reducing risks and improving outcomes

    Improved mechanisms for quantifying the cost of tailings in the short, medium and long term, whether tailings storage facilities fail or not, are essential for adequately financing these long-term legacies of mining. Mechanisms to reduce volumes of waste produced not only have the potential to improve project economics over the lifetime of a mine but can also enhance social and environmental outcomes both during and beyond the life of a mine.

    Tailings can be used as sources of aggregate materials for construction and critical metals for the green transition, and for carbon capture and storage. These opportunities will be context specific, however, and there will not be a one-size-fits-all approach to tailings reduction and responsible management.

    New mining paradigms, such as selective mining through precision drilling or in-situ electrokinetic “keyhole” techniques and extraction of metals from geothermal waters, may give us the ability to extract some metals without producing tailings.

    Innovations in tailings storage, like using tailings to fill worked-out underground mining tunnels, can remove tailings from the surface environment, eliminating risk from landslides, dust, seepages and other hazards. Even with these efforts, tailings storage facilities will continue to be used and will need to be managed.

    Reducing, reclaiming and regenerating the environments that have been negatively affected by tailings will require collaborative approaches. Financing is a clear barrier to responsible tailings management. Without knowing the true social, environmental and economic costs of tailings legacies, the ability to overcome this barrier to responsible management is hampered.

    Don’t have time to read about climate change as much as you’d like?

    Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

    Eva Marquis receives funding from EPSRC, NERC, and Innovate UK.

    Karen Hudson-Edwards receives funding from NERC, BBSRC, EPSRC, the Technology Strategy Board (Innovate UK), the Royal Society and the EU Horizon 2020 programme.

    – ref. Why the energy transition won’t be green until mine waste disasters are prevented – https://theconversation.com/why-the-energy-transition-wont-be-green-until-mine-waste-disasters-are-prevented-252436

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Leading by example: how the rich and powerful can inspire more climate action

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sam Hampton, Researcher, Environmental Geography, University of Oxford

    In a survey covering the UK, China, Sweden and Brazil, a majority of people agreed that we need to drastically change the way we live and how society operates, to address climate change. Another study involving more than 130,000 people across 125 countries found that 69% said they would donate 1% of their income to climate action.

    However, when asked in the same survey what proportion of others in their country would be willing to do the same, the average estimate was only 43%. This underestimation of others’ concern is known as pluralistic ignorance.

    This fuels a vicious cycle: silence begets silence. People hesitate to advocate for policies like cycle lanes or meat taxes, fearing social isolation, while politicians avoid championing measures seen as “career-limiting”. The result is a democracy trapped by unspoken consensus.

    Research on UK MPs reveals how this plays out. Even climate-conscious politicians frame low-carbon lifestyles such as avoiding flying or eating meat as extreme, wary of hypocrisy accusations if their personal choices fall short. This “greenhushing” isn’t just political caution – it’s a failure to recognise that most people are primed to follow bold examples.

    When leaders visibly adopt low-carbon behaviour, they can help address pluralistic ignorance. For instance, MPs who cycle or opt for the train instead of taking short-haul flights don’t just reduce emissions; they signal that such choices are normal, desirable, and shared.

    The invisible transition

    While individual actions matter, systemic change requires policies to steer collective transformation. Consider the UK’s early phase-out of inefficient lightbulbs: a 1.26 million tonne annual CO₂ reduction achieved not through personal sacrifice, but by banning the sale of halogen bulbs that emitted more heat than light.

    Progress on lightbulbs, renewable electricity or more efficient fridges are all part of an “invisible transition” towards a lower-carbon society – a series of changes already woven into our economy that often go unnoticed by the public. Reframing these achievements as collective victories – your home insulation, our renewable grid – can build momentum for tougher measures.

    For decades, fridges got bigger yet became more efficient and used less electricity.
    Prostock-studio / shutterstock

    Building on progress

    Public willingness to make sacrifices for climate action is closely tied to perceptions of fairness and necessity. Crucially, people want to see that their own efforts are being matched by others, especially those with larger carbon footprints. This is why leaders and other high-profile people should visibly lead by example, demonstrating commitment and helping to establish new social norms.

    Research shows that public support for subsidies for heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicles and other low-carbon technologies often depends on whether these subsidies are perceived as fair and inclusive.

    Most agree that subsidies must help ensure that all households, especially those with lower incomes, can be involved. This makes it especially important for wealthy and high profile people to lead by example.

    Coalitions of the visible: uniting everyday leaders

    Leaders who take low-carbon actions are seen as more credible, not less. The most effective leadership frames climate action as pragmatic and rooted in everyday life, rather than as a test of virtue.

    Research by the NGO Climate Outreach demonstrates that shared, relatable stories – such as parents campaigning for solar panels at their children’s schools – can shift social norms and build momentum for collective action. These “narrative workshops” have shown that people respond most strongly when climate solutions are presented through the lens of their own values and aspirations, rather than as abstract technical fixes.

    The Green Salon Collective’s Mirror Talkers initiative is another creative example: by placing climate conversation prompts on salon mirrors, hairdressers are empowered to spark everyday discussions with clients. This kind of grassroots engagement helps normalise climate conversations in places you wouldn’t expect.

    Overcoming pluralistic ignorance requires leaders to articulate a new story – one that acknowledges the “invisible transition” already underway while inviting everyone to help finish the job.

    This means equipping leaders at every level with the tools and confidence to adopt and advocate for low-carbon choices. It also means normalising the reality that climate leadership is not about perfection, but about consistency and transparency.

    Figures like Clover Hogan, founder of Force of Nature, and Christiana Figueres, former UN climate chief, openly share their own “climate confessions” – acknowledging the challenges, contradictions and imperfect choices that come with striving for a low-carbon life. By embracing and communicating their imperfections, they demonstrate that visible, relatable climate leadership is about honesty and persistence, helping to shift expectations and inspire others to take action in their own lives.

    Authentic climate leadership can transform public understanding of climate solutions. By illuminating the transition already in progress – and their own part in it – leaders can transform pluralistic ignorance into pluralistic action.

    The task is not to convince people to care about climate change, but to show them that they already do, and to make visible the collective progress that is often hidden in plain sight.

    Sam Hampton receives funding from the Economics and Social Research Council. He is affiliated with the University of Oxford and University of Bath.

    Tina Fawcett currently receives funding from UKRI.

    – ref. Leading by example: how the rich and powerful can inspire more climate action – https://theconversation.com/leading-by-example-how-the-rich-and-powerful-can-inspire-more-climate-action-255168

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hickenlooper, Democrats Raise Alarm About Republican Plan to Cut SNAP Benefits to Pay for Tax Cuts for the Ultra-Wealthy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Colorado John Hickenlooper


    Republicans’ national budget will gut SNAP benefits, increase prices for Coloradans,     increase the deficit, and give tax cuts to the ultra-wealthy

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper and his Democratic Senate colleagues recently sounded the alarm about the Republican Budget proposal to slash nutrition programs working Americans rely on to pay for a $4 trillion tax cut for the ultra-wealthy. 

    “Congress should not give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans by taking away food assistance from millions of Americans,” the senators wrote.

    “At a time when people across the country are struggling with the high cost of groceries, a cut of this magnitude could result in an immediate increase in food costs, dropping the annual, per person SNAP benefit by over $500 per year per person,” they continued. 

    One in ten Coloradans rely on SNAP benefits to afford their groceries. The majority of SNAP recipients in Colorado are families with children. 

    Earlier this year, Republicans, who control both the Senate and House, passed budget bills that open the door for substantial cuts to programs that help Americans afford groceries. Specifically, the House budget bill requires at least $230 billion in cuts to the committee that oversees the budget for SNAP. The Senate bill sets a floor of $1 billion in cuts.

    Hickenlooper recently voted against the Republican budget proposal after Republicans voted down critical Democratic-led amendments to protect working Americans including lowering the cost of living and preventing cuts to Medicaid, Social Security, and veterans’ benefits. 

    The senators also outlined how potential cuts to SNAP would harm the economy stating: “Taking away SNAP would also hurt the farmers who grow our food, the manufacturers that package it, truckers who distribute it, and small businesses in our communities that sell it.”

    Full text of the letter is available HERE and below: 

    The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are planning to give another round of tax handouts to the ultra-wealthy and corporations paid for by gutting the food assistance that helps American families pay for groceries at a time when they are struggling to afford food, health care, housing, and other household basic needs. If enacted, cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will have severe consequences for millions of veterans, seniors, children, and hard-working farmers.

    We write to make our position on this legislation perfectly clear: Congress should not give tax breaks to the wealthiest Americans by taking away food assistance from millions of Americans.

    Earlier this year, both the House and the Senate passed budget bills that pave the way for deep cuts to SNAP. The House budget bill would require at least $230 billion in cuts. The Senate bill sets a floor of $1 billion in cuts with nothing to prevent it from going as high as the House bill. This would be a more than 20 percent cut to a program that helps millions of struggling families afford groceries.

    SNAP supports 42 million Americans, including nearly 8 million seniors, 16 million children, 4 million people with disabilities, and 1.2 million veterans, in putting food on their tables each month. Cuts of this magnitude—or anything close to it—would be devastating to American families in every state. SNAP benefits currently average only $6.20 per person per day. At a time when people across the country are struggling with the high cost of groceries, a cut of this magnitude could result in an immediate increase in food costs, dropping the annual, per person SNAP benefit by over $500 per year per person.

    Congressional Republicans might claim that their plan is to merely require states to pay for a portion of food benefits for the first time.2 In truth, such an unprecedented cost shift could force states to cut benefits, severely restrict program eligibility, or both. If combined with a similar Medicaid cost shift, these unfunded mandates could decimate state budgets and cut healthcare and food assistance for millions of Americans.

    Taking away SNAP would also hurt the farmers who grow our food, the manufacturers that package it, truckers who distribute it, and small businesses in our communities that sell it. Each SNAP dollar stimulates the economy: every $1.00 in food assistance provided by the program in a weak economy generates an additional $1.50 in economic activity.3 Because adequate nutrition is so important for children’s health and development, the long-term return on investment is even greater: every $1.00 invested in SNAP for children returns $62 in value.4 In 2020 alone, SNAP supported 200,000 grocery industry jobs and created nearly 45,000 new jobs in supporting industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and municipal services.

    Republicans are writing the most consequential tax and budget legislation in decades entirely behind closed doors. That’s because Trump and Congressional Republicans must hide the ugly truth—their legislation feeds corporate and wealthy individuals’ greed by taking food assistance away for tens of millions of Americans. You, your family, and your neighbors deserve far better. Democrats are fighting to protect American’s ability to feed their families from Republican cuts. Join us and keep up the fight.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UPDATE: Press Release: FDIC Issues Enforcement Orders for March 2025 

    Source: US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC

    CategoriesBusiness, Commerce, MIL-OSI, United States Federal Government, United States Government, United States of America, US Commerce, US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC, US Federal Government, US Insurance Sector, USA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Offers Relief to Indiana Businesses, Private Nonprofits and Residents Affected by March Storms

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    WASHINGTON –The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced the availability of low interest federal disaster loans for Indiana small businesses, private nonprofits, and residents affected by the severe storms and tornadoes occurring March 15. The SBA issued a disaster declaration in response to a request received from Gov. Mike Braun on April 10.

    The disaster declaration covers the primary counties of Harrison and Orange, which are eligible for both physical damage loans and Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs). The declaration covers the adjacent counties of Crawford, Dubois, Floyd, Lawrence, Martin and Washington in Indiana, and as well as Hardin, Jefferson, Meade in Kentucky.

    Small businesses and private nonprofits are eligible to apply for business physical disaster loans and may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace disaster-damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.  

    Homeowners and renters are eligible to apply for home and personal property loans and may borrow up to $100,000 to replace or repair personal property, such as clothing, furniture, cars, and appliances. Homeowners may apply for up to $500,000 to replace or repair their primary residence.  

    Applicants may also be eligible for a loan increase of up to 20% of their physical damage, as verified by the SBA, for mitigation purposes. Eligible mitigation improvements include strengthening structures to protect against high wind damage, upgrading to wind rated garage doors, and installing a safe room or storm shelter to help protect property and occupants from future damage.  

    “One distinct advantage of SBA’s disaster loan program is the opportunity to fund upgrades reducing the risk of future storm damage,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “I encourage businesses and homeowners to work with contractors and mitigation professionals to improve their storm readiness while taking advantage of SBA’s mitigation loans.”

    SBA’s EIDL program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business did not suffer any physical damage. They may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    Interest rates are as low as 4% for small businesses, 3.625% for PNPs, and 2.75% for homeowners and renters, with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not begin to accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    Beginning Monday, April 28, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the Disaster Loan Outreach Centers in Harrison and Orange counties to answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process and help individuals complete their application. Walk-ins are accepted, but you can schedule an in-person appointment in advance at appointment.sba.gov.  

    The DLOC hours of operation are listed below:

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

    Harrison County

    Harrison Government Center  

    245 Atwood St.  

    Corydon, IN 47112

    Opening: Monday – April 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Closed: Sunday

    Permanently Closing: Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m.

    Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC)

     Orange County

     Orleans Town Hall

    161 E Price Ave.  

    Orleans, IN 47452

    Opening: Monday – April 28, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Hours: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

    Closed: Sunday

    Permanently Closing: Saturday, May 10, 2 p.m.

    Disaster survivors should not wait to settle with their insurance company before applying for a disaster loan. If a survivor does not know how much of their loss will be covered by insurance or other sources, SBA can make a low-interest disaster loan for the total loss up to its loan limits, provided the borrower agrees to use insurance proceeds to reduce or repay the loan.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    The filing deadline to return applications for physical damage is June 23, 2025. The deadline to return economic injury applications is January 22, 2026.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov. 

    MIL OSI USA News –