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Category: Commerce

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neguse, Bennet, Hickenlooper Demand Commerce Department Reverse Planned Cuts to NOAA and Colorado-Based Research Centers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    In a letter to Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik the lawmakers underscored the importance of Cooperative Institutes at Colorado State University and the University of Colorado Boulder. 

    Lafayette, CO — Following public reports of President Trump’s expected effort to implement disastrous funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in his upcoming budget proposal, Colorado lawmakers—Congressman Joe Neguse and Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper—moved quickly to defend the agency and its Cooperative Institutes (CIs).  

    Colorado is the only state in the nation to house two such Cooperative Institutes, which are academic and non-profit research centers that provide invaluable support to NOAA’s mission. The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), located at the University of Colorado Boulder, is the oldest and largest CI. It employs nearly 800 researchers, support staff, and students focused on research related to drought, wildfire, and space weather. The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA), located at Colorado State University, employs nearly 200 individuals who are working to improve weather and fire forecasting.

    In an effort to push back on the proposed cuts, Neguse, Bennet, and Hickenlooper penned a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick condemning any plan to terminate funding for these institutions, calling the alleged proposal short-sighted and costly, and underscoring the important work that is ongoing at both CIRES and CIRA.  

    “Many of NOAA’s CIs have been around for decades and the work they do has been helping our communities for just as long. Cuts to funding, furloughs or layoffs will have devastating impacts on the important work the CIs do. CIs are home to experienced researchers and long-standing data collection programs with major impacts on human societies, moreover they are instrumental in training future generations of workers who continue to contribute to societal needs. It is our fear that if sweeping cuts are made, the damage will be irreversible. Even short-term interruptions in their research could threaten the safety and economies of the communities that CIs serve across the nation,” wrote the lawmakers. 

    They continued: “Cooperative Institutes are integral to solving some of our biggest problems and making all of us safer and better prepared for short-term and long-term hazards. Any plan to terminate funding for NOAA CIs would be detrimental not just to the people of Colorado, but to people across the entire country. As such, we implore you to reconsider any plans to substantially diminish these powerful and important capabilities.”

    Read their full letter HERE and below: 

    April 23, 2025

    The Honorable Howard Lutnick

    Secretary 

    U.S. Department of Commerce 

    1401 Constitution Ave. NW

    Washington, DC 20230

    Dear Secretary Lutnick,

    We write regarding a new proposal from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to terminate funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Cooperative Institutes (CIs). We strongly condemn any such plan and believe terminating this funding would be extremely short-sighted and costly to the American people and economy in the long run.

    Colorado is fortunate to be the only state to house two Cooperative Institutes and the largest of the CIs. The Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA), housed at Colorado State University, employs 193 staff working on developing algorithms for weather forecasting and fire weather forecasting. The Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) housed at the University of Colorado Boulder is the oldest and largest CI, established in 1967. CIRES is focused on research into drought, wildfire, and space weather, among other important issues. It employs nearly 800 researchers, support staff and students who are working each day to improve our understanding of Earth systems for the benefit of people across Colorado and the nation.  

    Our CIs have real world impacts and benefits that span beyond the borders of our state. CIRA was involved in the development of the Hurricane Intensity Prediction System (HIPS), a tool that helps predict how strong hurricanes will become, as well as TORUS (Targeted Observations by Radars and Unmanned Aircraft to Study Tornadoes and Supercells) project, which focuses on collecting data to improve tornado and storm prediction. CIRES is, among its many important contributions, helping to enhance drought monitoring and prediction on the Colorado River, aiding water managers in the region. Indeed, some of the greatest beneficiaries of CIRES water and drought analyses reside in Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and Texas. CIRES also received the 2022 Colorado Governor’s Award for High-Impact Research for their rapid response to the Marshall Fire, the most damaging wildfire in our state. The results from the CIRES work on the fire have informed responses to other large fire events elsewhere in the nation, benefiting many thousands of citizens.

    Many of NOAA’s CIs have been around for decades and the work they do has been helping our communities for just as long. Cuts to funding, furloughs or layoffs will have devastating impacts on the important work the CIs do. CIs are home to experienced researchers and long-standing data collection programs with major impacts on human societies, moreover they are instrumental in training future generations of workers who continue to contribute to societal needs. It is our fear that if sweeping cuts are made, the damage will be irreversible. Even short-term interruptions in their research could threaten the safety and economies of the communities that CIs serve across the nation. 

    Cooperative Institutes are integral to solving some of our biggest problems and making all of us safer and better prepared for short-term and long-term hazards. Any plan to terminate funding for NOAA CIs would be detrimental not just to the people of Colorado, but to people across the entire country. As such, we implore you to reconsider any plans to substantially diminish these powerful and important capabilities.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse & Rep. Velasquez Demand Trump Administration Protect Small Businesses from Tariff Chaos

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Lafayette, CO — Congressman Joe Neguse and Small Business Committee Ranking Member Nydia Velasquez sent a letter to the Trump Administration calling on them to reconsider the imposition of on-again, off-again tariffs following the fallout on small businesses. 

    A recent survey of local business leaders in Colorado—including participants from industries such as manufacturing and farming—revealed a steep dive in the state’s economic confidence, citing “uncertainty surrounding new federal policies.”

    “Taxes on imported goods hit small businesses the hardest, with 88 percent of small firms relying on imports for the goods they produce and sell. These companies operate on thinner margins and do not have the sophisticated supply chain management staff that larger firms do, putting them at a competitive disadvantage. Small firms also lack leverage in negotiating more favorable terms when they attempt to shift supply chains. The result will spike consumer and input prices across the board, reducing their affordability for everyday Americans and the Main Street businesses they support in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis,” wrote Congressman Neguse and the lawmakers. 

    In closing, they stated: “The uncertainty and chaos emanating from these choices, and their timing, create undue anxiety for small employers, workers, and customers alike in nearly every industry. When consumers tighten their belts, small businesses will be the first to experience a decrease in demand, as they shift their spending to larger discount retailers. Main Street America cannot afford yet another recession under President Trump’s watch.” 

    The lawmakers’ letter also urges the administration to engage with small businesses, assess the damage caused by current trade policy, and provide clear, consistent support to those trying to navigate the current economic landscape. 

    Read the lawmakers’ full letter HERE. 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Gillibrand Statement On President Trump’s Preliminary Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, released the following statement on President Trump’s fiscal year 2026 preliminary budget request, which proposes slashing critical investments in programs related to education, health, affordable housing, scientific research, environmental protection, and much more. The Trump administration says this proposal will cut domestic funding by $163 billion (-23%); however, the real cut may exceed $200 billion.
    “President Trump’s budget is playing games with American lives. By attempting to defund the programs that help communities stay safe, families pay their bills and keep a roof over their heads, and doctors treat their patients, this administration is abandoning the people who have built our country. Make no mistake — this budget proposal will not ‘make America great again’ — it will set us back decades and make life harder for working families.
    By slashing funding for basic needs like health programs, medical research, and nutrition aid, this proposal will make America sicker. By cutting billions of dollars for the Department of Education, removing investments to prevent violent crime, and divesting from agencies that protect our environment, it will make our country a worse place to live. And by eliminating affordable housing and energy assistance programs, divesting from small businesses, and gutting the funds that help economically distressed communities, it will make it harder for American families to survive.
    This administration has made it clear: they’re willing to cut at least $163 billion in vital investments that benefit everyday Americans just to deliver trillions in tax breaks to billionaires and corporations. That’s not just misguided policy; it’s an insult to every hardworking, tax-paying American.
    I am committed to working with my colleagues in Congress to firmly reject this dangerous proposal. We cannot stand idly by while the Trump administration eviscerates the programs that keep our country safe, healthy, and prosperous.”
    Among other things, President Trump’s preliminary FY2026 budget request:
    EDUCATION: Guts funding for the Department of Education by $12 billion (-15%). Eliminates and cuts dozens of elementary and secondary education programs (the vast majority of which are not specified), underscoring that President Trump’s vision for returning education to the states means state and local taxpayers will pay more to support students and educators at their local schools as a result of major cuts in federal funding. Eliminates several higher education programs, including TRIO, GEAR UP, Federal Work Study, Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS), and more, which help Americans pursue a postsecondary education and further their careers.
    HOUSING: Eviscerates the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with a 43.6% cut.
    Slashes HUD rental assistance programs by 42.8% while foisting responsibility over those programs onto state and local governments. Over 10 million Americans rely on HUD rental assistance, the vast majority of whom are seniors, people with disabilities, and children. This will rip the roofs off Americans’ heads and put even more families at risk of homelessness.
    Eliminates or cuts federal programs most targeted to build more affordable housing and address this country’s housing supply shortage, including in Tribal country.
    Eliminates the Community Development Block Grant that cities and towns across the country use to improve the quality of life for their citizens every day.
    HEALTH: Slashes funding for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by $33 billion (-26%).
    Cuts funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $18 billion or more than 40%—decimating funding for lifesaving medical treatments and cures.
    Decimates funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by cutting $3.6 billion—hollowing out the agency’s ability to save lives and protect Americans from health threats.
    Guts funding for substance use prevention and treatment and mental health services by $1 billion (roughly –15%) and eliminates the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration—the agency with expertise in tackling the substance use and mental health crises.
    Slashes funding for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by $674 million. CMS helps ensure over 100 million Americans have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance by overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
    The limited budget materials do not detail President Trump’s proposed funding level for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is essential for protecting the safety of our food and drugs.
    TITLE X: Eliminates the Title X program, which helps nearly 3 million patients get preventative care, birth control, cancer screenings, and more in every state.
    LIHEAP: Eliminates the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps 6 million American households heat and cool their homes.
    PRE-K: Eliminates all funding for Preschool Development Grants, which help states strengthen their early childhood education system and get parents the child care and pre-K they need. The limited budget materials released today don’t mention Head Start or the Child Care and Development Block Grant, but leaked budget documents show Trump wants to eliminate Head Start.
    DEPARTMENT OF LABOR: Slashes funding for DOL by $4.6 billion (-35%). Proposes to “Make America Skilled Again” by cutting workforce training programs that help Americans develop skills and secure good-paying jobs, by roughly a third. Eliminates Job Corps and the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
    DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE: Slashes the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) budget by at least $3.7 billion (-10%).
    Guts funding for grants to help keep communities safe by over $1 billion (-26%).
    Cuts funding for FBI salaries and expenses by $545 million (-5%), endangering our Americans’ safety.
    Cuts funding for Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) salaries and expenses by $212 million (-7%), weakening the agency’s capacity to crack down on drug trafficking. Also proposes shuttering major DEA offices in countries around the world, noting that those countries “are equipped to counter drug trafficking on their own.”
    Cuts funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) salaries and expenses by $468 million (-29%) as part of the administration’s ongoing attempt to dismantle the agency in charge of enforcing our country’s gun laws.
    TRIBES: Slashes $911 million (-24%) for core Tribal programs that uphold the federal government’s legally-obligated and court-ordered trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal nations. This cut would decimate core Tribal programs including road maintenance, housing, and programs for children and families. The proposal would nearly eliminate funding for construction of Tribal schools, which are already too often dilapidated, and it cuts Tribal law enforcement funding by 20%.
    SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH: More than halves funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) with a $5.2 billion (-57%) cut. Cuts funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science by $1.148 billion (-14%). These proposed cuts would decimate America’s edge in essential scientific research that will drive future economic growth.
    EPA: Cuts funding for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by more than half by abandoning state and Tribal programs that build and maintain drinking water and sewer systems, starving states of longstanding federal funding provided to pay for states’ work enforcing federal laws, and decimating funding for cleaning up toxic Superfund sites.  The request would also effectively eliminate research funding used to better understand the impacts on human health from polluted air and water and from toxic chemicals.  
    NATIONAL PARKS: Cuts $900 million (- 30%) from National Park Service operations, abandoning national parks that the administration says should suddenly be transferred to the states, while providing no funding for states to manage massive new obligations that such a dramatic move would entail. This would incentivize states to sell off public lands to the highest bidder, threatening valued open space and areas of natural and historical value to local communities.
    AGRICULTURE: Guts funding for agricultural research, which is critical to ensuring American agriculture is competitive with the rest of the world and provides key resources to help farmers and ranchers prepare and adapt in an uncertain environment. Zeroes out foreign food aid that supports American farmers and is a lifeline for people living in extreme poverty across the world.
    RURAL AMERICA: Slashes investments in core Rural Development programs by $721 million, including investments in safe drinking water, affordable housing, and resources to bolster the rural economy.
    NUTRITION: Eliminates the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides food assistance to low-income individuals 60 years of age and older to supplement diets and addressing potential nutrient deficiencies. The preliminary budget request does not mention any of the other 16 Nutrition Programs, including WIC, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and the National School Lunch Program.
    VETERANS: Without more details, it is unclear whether the President is proposing to shift tens of billions of dollars in funding for veterans’ care to mandatory funding (which Republicans have long vociferously opposed) or to decimate funding for non-medical care.
    FOREST SERVICE: Cuts $1.386 billion (-22%) from the Forest Service, gutting grant funding for state and tribal wildfire risk reduction, volunteer fire departments, and much more. The proposal would cut at least 2,000 National Forest System staff positions, which will severely harm the Administration’s stated goals of improving forest management and increasing domestic timber production.
    ARMY CORPS: Cuts funding for the Army Corps of Engineers by $2 billion (-23%), slashing funding used to maintain our nation’s ports and harbors.
    DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE: Cuts funding for the Department of Commerce by $1.9 billion (-18%). Outright eliminates the Economic Development Administration (EDA), which helps economically distressed communities across America get ahead.
    NOAA: Guts funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by $1.5 billion, which would eliminate all manner of programs that create good jobs, help local economies, and support ocean research, health, and coastal resilience. Proposes a reckless $209 million cut for NOAA’s weather satellites, which play a critical role in ensuring Americans have accurate weather forecasting and will result in a gap in observations when the current satellites retire early in the next decade.
    ENERGY: Slashes funding for the Department of Energy overall by $4.7 billion (-9.4%). Guts funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs by $2.572 billion (-74%) and proposes to rescind $15.25 billion from Bipartisan Infrastructure Law energy programs, which will raise energy costs for American consumers by halting vital innovation and energy projects.
    SMALL BUSINESSES: Slashes funding for SBA’s Entrepreneurial Development Programs by $167 million, proposing the elimination of nearly all programs, including programs that support veterans as they work to start and grow a small business.
    FEMA GRANTS: Cuts funding for FEMA non-disaster grants that help communities prepare for disasters, support efforts to prevent violence and terrorism, prepare emergency responders, and more.
    STATE DEPARTMENT & FOREIGN ASSISTANCE: Guts funding for the State Department and America’s international security, economic, and humanitarian assistance programs by $31.2 billion (-48%).
    The United States already spends less than 0.2% of our GDP on diplomacy and foreign assistance, which is less than a third of the percent we spent under President Reagan’s peace through strength approach, and Trump is proposing to halve these critical investments.
    Cuts funding for lifesaving and other humanitarian assistance by $4.7 billion (-54%), which will lead to preventable deaths and suffering across the globe, and threaten Americans’ safety and well-being by undercutting our efforts to stop disease outbreaks and prevent conflict. A cut of this magnitude will also lead to more migration of people fleeing poverty, conflict, and natural disasters.
    Cuts funding for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement account by $1.3 billion (-91%) which helps prevent human trafficking, stop drug trafficking, and much more, with direct implications for American communities.
    Slashes economic growth and development funding across multiple agencies and accounts by $6 billion (67%) and proposes the final dissolution of USAID.
    Guts funding for global health initiatives by $6.2 billion (-62%).
    Reneges on our treaty dues for the United Nations (UN), U.N. Peacekeeping operations, and a majority of other international organizations.
    COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT: Eliminates all funding ($770 million) for community-based anti-poverty programs that help low income individuals and families access services to alleviate the causes of poverty.
    COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS: Eliminates $291 million in funding for all current CDFI financial assistance awards, which help leverage private capital to support the development of child care centers, housing, health care facilities, and small businesses. Since 2010, CDFIs have financed over 1.3 million businesses and 557,000 affordable homes. 
    AMERICORPS: Eliminates AmeriCorps, which enables over 200,000 Americans to help serve communities across the country, including by responding to natural disasters, supporting veterans, fighting the opioid epidemic, helping older Americans age with dignity, and working in our schools, educating and supporting students.
    CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING: Eliminates funding for CPB, ending support for more than 1,500 local public television and radio stations. 
    INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES: Eliminates funding for IMLS and the support provided to libraries and museums throughout the United States.
    BUREAU OF RECLAMATION: Cuts funding for the Bureau by $600 million (-34%), gutting investments in key restoration projects.
    CULTURAL GRANTS FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES: Completely eliminates the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, which provide funding for every state and every congressional district for cultural economic development and the creative economy.
    NASA: Cuts NASA funding by $6 billion (-24%), the largest single-year cut to NASA in U.S. history, which would mark an incredible retreat for American leadership and ambition in space. Terminates the Artemis Campaign to establish a human presence on the Moon after the Artemis III mission. Slashes funding for the Science Mission Directorate by $3.43 billion (-47%), which would cancel numerous current and planned missions to better understand our universe, solar system, and Earth.
    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Eliminates funding to 27 states by zeroing out funding for 6 of 7 regional commissions, which provide grants in economically distressed communities for disaster mitigation, opioid crisis support programming, workforce training, and much more. 
    INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE: Likely cuts IRS enforcement by nearly $2.5 billion (-89%). This significant reduction will help billionaire tax cheats game the system while working families continue to pay their fair share.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Markey Decries Trump Attacks on Public Broadcasting

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Boston (May 2, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement after President Donald Trump issued an executive order last night attempting to direct the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to cease funding for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service. The Trump administration also today released its budget for fiscal year 2026, which proposes to eliminate all funding for CPB.
    “President Trump’s executive order is both illegal and a direct threat to the survival of local public media stations across the country,” said Senator Markey. “These stations are a lifeline for rural and urban communities alike, offering everything from educational children’s programming to life-saving emergency alerts. Eliminating funding for public media punishes free expression and jeopardizes trusted sources of news, culture, and emergency information for communities everywhere. Local stations must have the resources and autonomy to serve their audiences without political interference. I will fight to maintain CPB’s funding and protect the integrity of public broadcasting.”
    On April 15, 2025, Senator Markey, along with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton urging the agency to lift its freeze on grants that help improve the resiliency of public broadcasting stations. Less than two weeks later, FEMA lifted the freeze on those funds.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Crapo Statement at Executive Session to Consider Commerce, Treasury Nominations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

    Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) delivered the following remarks at an executive session to consider the nominations of William Kimmitt to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade and Kenneth Kies to serve as the Assistant Treasury Secretary for Tax Policy.
    As prepared for delivery:
    “We meet today to consider favorably reporting the nominations of William Kimmitt, who is nominated to serve as Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade, and Kenneth Kies, who is nominated to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Tax Policy at the Treasury Department.
    “The meeting this morning will provide members with the opportunity to make remarks on the nominees.  We will notify members of a time and location later today to conduct the vote. 
    “During his hearing, Mr. Kimmitt spoke about his mission to ensure the International Trade Administration (ITA) is a champion for American workers and industries, and to promote a trade policy that is guided by a strategic understanding of our national interest.  I look forward to working with him, if confirmed, to accomplish these goals.
    “Turning now to Mr. Kies, who has decades of experience in the tax policy world.  Mr. Kies spoke about the importance of permanently extending and building on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to prevent a more than $4 trillion tax hike and deliver certainty and stability to American families and businesses, as well as provide additional middle-class tax relief.
    “Mr. Kies, if confirmed, will be a valuable partner in our efforts to deliver on President Trump’s economic agenda.
    “I will be voting in favor of both nominations, and I encourage all my colleagues on the Committee to do the same.
    “I now recognize Ranking Member Wyden for his remarks.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labrador Letter: How Idaho is Fighting for Constitutional Rights Nationwide

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Home Newsroom Labrador Letter: How Idaho is Fighting for Constitutional Rights Nationwide

    Dear Friends,
    Most people don’t spend their days reading court filings or coalition letters from attorneys general—and I don’t blame them. But behind those filings is where we do some of our most important work defending Idaho’s values, protecting our freedoms, and standing up to overreach. So in this week’s Labrador Letter, I want to take a moment to explain how this work happens, what we’ve been doing, and why it matters for Idaho.
    One of the tools we use as attorneys general is the amicus brief—a legal document filed in a court case where a state isn’t directly involved, but where the outcome affects our rights or our laws. “Amicus” means “friend” in Latin, and these briefs allow us to stand up as a “friend of the court”—and more importantly, a friend of the people—on issues that matter beyond just Idaho’s border.
    We also join coalition letters with other attorneys general to demand accountability, warn of legal consequences, and push back on policies that overstep constitutional boundaries. These aren’t just symbolic gestures. They are the united voice of states, telling corporations, federal agencies, and international bodies that we will not be silent—or that we’re prepared to fight back against unlawful policies.
    In the past few months, we’ve used both of these tools to defend parental rights, merit-based hiring, Second Amendment freedoms, veteran’s benefits, and the rule of law.
    Some of the clearest examples of this work are playing out in the business and financial sectors—where the push for political conformity is increasingly replacing accountability, and sometimes, the law. We recently joined a 15-state coalition urging the Business Roundtable—an organization made up of CEOs from some of the most powerful companies in America—to abandon discriminatory DEI mandates. These race-based hiring quotas and ideological trainings violate both state and federal law, replacing merit with identity politics. We joined this effort because Idahoans deserve to compete and be hired based on ability, not immutable characteristics.
    At the same time, we also joined a coalition letter asking major Wall Street firms like BlackRock, JPMorgan, and others about their investments in Chinese companies tied to forced labor, genocide, and the Chinese Communist Party. These asset managers handle trillions of dollars on behalf of pensioners, retirees, and working Americans. When they hide the risks of investing in an adversarial regime, it’s not just bad business—it may be fraud. Idaho public employees, retirees, and private investors have a right to know whether their money is being funneled into unstable or unethical markets, especially when those markets are propped up by a hostile foreign government.
    We’re also confronting another ideological push—this one coming from within our own institutions and aimed squarely at the foundations of biology, parental rights, and public spending. We’re pushing back against one of the most troubling trends in our country today: the effort to force radical gender ideology into every institution—including our prison system. I recently co-led a 24-state amicus brief in support of a Trump-era executive order that prohibits taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries and hormone treatments for inmates in federal custody. The case, Kingdom v. Trump, asks whether prisoners can claim a constitutional right under the Eighth Amendment to receive these procedures at public expense. Our brief makes clear: denying elective, irreversible procedures is not cruel or unusual punishment. These decisions about medical care in prisons should be made by elected policymakers—not imposed by courts. Idahoans should not be forced to subsidize medical practices are experimental and go against basic biology. This case is about protecting taxpayers and restoring common sense to public policy.
    We’re seeing the same kind of overreach in states attempting to rewrite the Second Amendment—and Idaho is fighting back. This past September, I led a multistate amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down Maryland’s unconstitutional ban on commonly owned semiautomatic rifles. These firearms are used by law-abiding Americans every day for self-defense, sport, and tradition. Our brief stated that Maryland’s law violates the Second Amendment and defies Supreme Court precedent. Idahoans value their freedom—and when another state tries to criminalize the exercise of a constitutional right, we will lead the charge to stop it. The case is now before the U.S. Supreme Court, and we are awaiting a decision on whether the justices will take it up.
    That same commitment to defending what’s right applies to how we treat those who served our country. In March, our office joined every state in the country in a bipartisan amicus brief defending the earned benefits of two decorated servicemembers denied their full GI Bill education benefits. The VA took a narrow view of the law, even after the U.S. Supreme Court made clear in Rudisill v. McDonough that these benefits are owed. This wasn’t a partisan issue. It was a failure by a federal agency to keep its word to our veterans. That’s why we stepped in. Veterans in Idaho and across America deserve every benefit they were promised.
    Just as we fight for our veterans, we’re also working to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the opioid crisis that has harmed communities across America. We recently helped secure up to $335 million in a bipartisan, multistate settlement with Mylan Pharmaceuticals. The company marketed opioid products, including fentanyl patches, while minimizing known risks of abuse. These practices contributed to a crisis that has touched nearly every state—including Idaho. While no settlement can undo the damage, these funds will support prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts in communities across our state.
    All of this is more than just legal action—it’s a commitment to protecting Idaho’s future and pushing back against those who would undermine it. We don’t wait for permission to defend our values, and we won’t stay quiet while others try to dictate the direction of this country. Whether it’s Wall Street, Washington, or states trying to export their failed policies nationwide, Idaho will continue to lead—fighting in the courts, building strong coalitions, and standing firm for the rule of law. We will protect our rights, our sovereignty, and our way of life—no matter who tries to take them.
    Best regards,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shaheen Joins Colleagues in Demanding DOJ Reverse Cancellation of Hundreds of Public Safety and Anti-Crime Grants

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Jeanne Shaheen
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joined 30 of her colleagues in sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) urging Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Assistant Attorney General Maureen Henneberg to reverse the abrupt cancellation of hundreds of public safety grants that serve crime victims and improve public safety in communities across the country. The letter calls on DOJ to provide information about its decision to cancel the grants.
    The Senators wrote, in part: “On April 22, the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office of Justice Programs (OJP) notified hundreds of grant recipients across the country, without warning, that their funding had been terminated, effective immediately. Many of these grants are authorized by Congress and support programs that have enhanced public safety in communities rural and urban, affluent and poor, Democratic and Republican.”
    The Senators continued: “As DOJ’s largest grantmaking component, OJP over the last several decades has supported crime victim assistance and compensation programs, juvenile justice and child protection activities, sex offender management efforts, criminal justice research, and crime statistics collection. These programs deliver critical resources to state, local, and community advocates who help people with addiction and protect kids, veterans, and victims of crime across the country.”
    The Senators concluded: “Additionally, we advise that the Department restore immediately the grants terminated on April 22. The cursory termination of these programs imperils the public safety of the victims and communities that rely on these critical resources.”
    The full text of the letter can be read here.
    In her role as the former Chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Subcommittee, Shaheen led efforts to fund programs that increase public safety and support New Hampshire’s law enforcement agencies. In the Fiscal Year 2024 government funding legislation, Shaheen secured $23,212,000 in Congressionally Directed Spending to help build safe and prosperous communities and other priorities.
    Shaheen also champions efforts in the Senate to boost services and programs for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 CJS Subcommittee Appropriations bill, Shaheen secured and helped advance $739.5 million, the highest funding level ever, for grants authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Klobuchar, Blackburn Bipartisan Bill to Enhance 9-1-1 Emergency Response System Advances Through Committee

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
    The legislation would ensure Americans reach help when dialing 9-1-1, including during natural disasters, and make important updates to the classification of 9-1-1 dispatchers
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) announced that their bipartisan Enhancing First Response Act, which would make important updates to our 9-1-1 emergency reporting system to ensure Americans can reach help when they dial 9-1-1 during natural disasters and improve implementation of Kari’s law, has advanced out of the Commerce Committee.
    The legislation will also ensure 9-1-1 dispatchers are recognized as protective service workers to ensure their job classification appropriately recognizes the lifesaving nature of their work. This legislation is also co-sponsored by Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ed Markey (D-MA), Ted Budd (R-NC), Angus King (I-ME), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA).
    “Americans need reliable communications networks, especially 9-1-1, and this is a crucial step toward ensuring that reliability,” said Klobuchar. “Our bipartisan legislation will save lives by ensuring Americans can connect to 9-1-1 during major disasters and improving the resiliency of our 9-1-1 system against outages and disruptions. It also recognizes 9-1-1 dispatchers for their critical roles during times of crisis by ensuring they are classified as the first responders that they are.”
    “Ensuring Americans can reach help when they dial 9-1-1 during natural disasters is paramount,” said Blackburn. “The Emergency Reporting Act takes necessary steps to prevent 9-1-1 service disruptions, properly recognize dispatchers for their lifesaving work, and further study how we can make improvements to the 9-1-1 emergency response system.”
    Specifically, the Enhancing First Response Act would:
    Require the FCC to issue a report after major natural disasters on the extent to which people were unable to reach 9-1-1 during the disaster and subsequent recovery efforts, and make recommendations to improve the resiliency of 9-1-1 systems to prevent future service disruptions;
    Require the FCC to study the unreported 9-1-1 outages and develop recommendations to improve outage reporting and communication between mobile carriers experiencing network outages and 9-1-1 centers;
    Update the classification of 9-1-1 dispatchers from clerical workers to protective service workers in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) to better reflect the life-saving work they perform each day. The SOC is a tool used by federal agencies to classify the workforce into useful, occupational categories;
    Require the FCC to report on the extent to which multi-line telephone system manufacturers and vendors have complied with Kari’s Law, which Senator Klobuchar worked to pass into law in 2018 and requires the manufacturers of multi-line telephone systems to create systems that allow callers to reach 9-1-1 without dialing a prefix or postfix.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan, Van Hollen Recognize U.S. Foreign Service Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan
    05.02.25
    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), co-founders of the bipartisan Senate Foreign Service Caucus, announced a resolution celebrating May 2, 2025 as “Foreign Service Day.” The day recognizes the men and women who have served, or are presently serving, in the Foreign Service of the United States and honors the members of the Foreign Service who have given their lives in the line of duty. Foreign Service Day has been celebrated on the first Friday in May for generations. Last year, the Senators celebrated the Foreign Service’s 100th anniversary on May 24, 2024. The institution, as it is organized today, was established through the Rogers Act of 1924, which consolidated and reorganized the existing Diplomatic and Consular Services into a single entity. Since then, the Foreign Service has led U.S. diplomatic efforts across the globe and is critical to securing U.S. foreign policy interests.
    “America’s Foreign Service officers are tasked with promoting America’s interests, strengthening national security, and assisting U.S. citizens in the far corners of the globe, often with little fanfare or recognition.” said Sen. Sullivan, a co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Foreign Service Caucus. “I’m glad to have worked with Senator Van Hollen once again to salute the courageous, dedicated members of the United States Foreign Service.”
    “Our Foreign Service officers and State Department officials carry out the vital functions of advancing American diplomacy, promoting our values, and assisting U.S. citizens abroad. The work they do is essential to our national security and our standing on the world stage, and we are deeply grateful for the sacrifice they and their families make,” said Sen. Van Hollen, a co-founder of the bipartisan Senate Foreign Service Caucus. “This bipartisan resolution honors the immense contributions and critical importance of the Foreign Service to our nation and underscores why we must continue working to support our diplomatic corps.” 
    “Each year on the first Friday in May, we commemorate Foreign Service Day to honor those who gave their lives in service to their nation, defending the security, prosperity, and fundamental values of the United States,” said Tom Yazdgerdi, president of the American Foreign Service Association. “Members of the Foreign Service remain ready to defend, to take necessary risks and accept the hardships that come with serving as the first line of defense for our nation. I thank our caucus co-chairs for their commemoration of this day and the resolution recognizing the important work of the Foreign Service.”
    The Foreign Service is comprised of tens of thousands of personnel who serve at hundreds of embassies and consulates overseas. They are employees of the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, and the U.S. Agency for Global Media.
    In 2017, Senators Van Hollen and Sullivan formed the Foreign Service Caucus to provide a bipartisan platform for addressing the challenges facing those who serve in the U.S. Foreign Service around the world and to develop policy solutions to support the U.S. diplomatic mission abroad. As part of their leadership of this Caucus, the Senators worked to pass their Foreign Service Families Act, which became law through the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The Senators’ legislation ensures that the Foreign Service is able to attract and retain a world-class diplomatic corps by providing expanded career options and support to eligible family members – similar to those provided to military families.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ciscomani Stands With the Business Community in Support of Tax Cuts 

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

    U.S. Chamber, Chamber of Southern Arizona Join Congressman in Roundtable Discussion

    TUCSON, AZ — Congressman Juan Ciscomani doubled-down today on his commitment to extending federal tax cuts, calling them critical to creating jobs and building a strong, vibrant economy. 

    At a roundtable discussion with business leaders and advocates, the Congressman said pro-growth policies are driving the economy forward and creating opportunities for Arizona and the country.

    “Conversations with local business owners and employers are essential and make me a better, more informed member of Congress,” Ciscomani told business leaders attending this morning’s discussion. “Your voices are critical.” 

    The discussion included Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Michael Guymon, Chief Advocacy Officer for the Chamber of Southern Arizona and representatives from businesses in Ciscomani’s 6th Congressional District.

    The Congressman spoke about the upcoming expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and the pressing need to extend TCJA before the end of the year to prevent a tax hike on families and small businesses.  

    “The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) lowered taxes and delivered real relief for families, workers, and small businesses in southeastern Arizona, and across the U.S.,” said Ciscomani. “Letting these tax cuts expire at the end of the year would raise taxes and hit families and businesses where it hurts the most – their pocketbook. In Congress, I will continue to work to extend TCJA to make everyday living more affordable and further strengthen our economy. I am grateful to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for hosting this important event.” 

    Ciscomani also discussed his efforts to promote a stronger economy through legislation like the Critical Minerals Consistency Act (H.R. 755), a bill he introduced to bolster the domestic supply of critical minerals, and his efforts to protect clean energy tax credits.

    Ciscomani joined 20 fellow Republicans in a letter to House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith urging him to protect the credits, which have helped to lower energy costs, create jobs and drive industry back to southeastern Arizona. Repealing these credits prematurely would create uncertainty for industries that already have major projects underway. 

    “All policy is local, and we heard that message loud and clear from Tucson small business owners today,” said Suzanne Clark, President and CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “Local businesses are the engines for economic growth in communities across the country, but they need smart public policy—including a consistent and competitive tax code—to drive growth and create opportunity. The U.S. Chamber is convening business leaders and policymakers in every corner of America because we know decisions made in Washington really have an impact at the local level. We are grateful to count the Chamber of Southern Arizona and Congressman Ciscomani as strong partners in the effort to preserve pro-growth tax policy.”  

    The roundtable preceded a well-attended “kickoff luncheon” for the Chamber of Southern Arizona, a new entity formed by the merger between Sun Corridor Inc. and the Tucson Metro Chamber. Ciscomani told an audience of nearly 700 people that the Chamber is poised to play a key role in expanding economic opportunity in our region.

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McClellan Announces Advancement of the Celestial Time Standardization Act Out of Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (Virginia 4th District)

    Washington, D.C. – On National Space Day, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) announced that her Celestial Time Standardization Act advanced unanimously out of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee earlier this week. McClellan’s bill now proceeds to the House floor to be voted on by all members of Congress.

    H.R. 2313, the Celestial Time Standardization Act, directs the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to establish a time standard for the Moon and other celestial bodies. 

    The current timing discrepancy among different celestial bodies caused by differences in gravity and other factors can present challenges for precision navigation, space situational awareness and other operations under the current Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) used to standardize and synchronize timing on Earth.  

    “I’m excited to see my Celestial Time Standardization Act advanced out of the Science, Space and Technology Committee with bi-partisan support,” said Congresswoman McClellan. “The differences between the standard of time used for space exploration today and time on other celestial bodies could make a critical difference when synchronizing between NASA, commercial entities and international partners as we explore Mars and beyond. To maintain U.S. leadership in this new era of space exploration, I will continue to advocate for a celestial time standard that will allow us to safely and precisely expand our knowledge of the known universe.”

    McClellan introduced the Celestial Time Standardization Act in the 118th Congress. The bill passed the House with bipartisan support as part of the 2024 NASA Reauthorization Act, which stalled in the Senate. The Senate Commerce Committee’s NASA Transition Authorization Act introduced on March 11, 2025 includes the Celestial Time Standardization Act. 

    Read the full bill text for H.R. 2313. Read the one-pager for H.R. 2313 here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Private labels surge as US consumers prioritize value amid inflation and tariff uncertainty, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Private labels surge as US consumers prioritize value amid inflation and tariff uncertainty, says GlobalData

    Posted in Consumer

    Following the underwhelming Q1 2025 results from several major US food manufacturers, driven in part by tariff uncertainties dampening consumer spending;

    Hannah Cleland, Senior Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, offers her view:

    “The ongoing inflationary pressures in the US have driven consumers to prioritize affordability, fuelling a marked rise in private label purchases. With 45%* of US shoppers now turning to these products to manage rising costs, store brands are increasingly seen as credible alternatives to national labels.

    “As American shoppers become more discerning, retailers are responding by enhancing the quality of their private label ranges, striving to match the standards set by their European counterparts. Notable examples include Walgreens’ ‘Nice! For You’ range, which emphasizes clean ingredients, and Walmart’s premium private label offerings, which cater to the health-conscious consumers. This move towards higher quality and cleaner ingredients is particularly pertinent as US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr is cracking down on artificial additives such as dyes in food and beverages.

    “In light of the ongoing trade tensions, partnerships between domestic manufacturers and retailers can serve as a strategic advantage in mitigating potential tariff costs. This approach also helps minimize the risk of consumer boycotts of American brands due to recent tariff announcements. For instance, AB InBev has effectively highlighted its domestic bottling operations in Canada as part of its marketing strategy for brands like Budweiser. In Canada 72%* of consumers strongly/ somewhat agree political events have made them pay more attention to the country of origin of products they buy as of Q1 2025.

    “As the landscape of consumer goods continues to evolve, the rise of private label products presents a unique opportunity for both retailers and manufacturers. With growing consumer demand for quality and affordability, businesses must adapt their strategies to leverage the potential of private label offerings while addressing the challenges posed by tariffs and shifting market dynamics.”

    *GlobalData Q1 2023 and Q1 2025 global consumer surveys, 22,000 respondents across 42 countries.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Influencers sound alarm on US recession driven by tariff-induced economic turmoil, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Influencers sound alarm on US recession driven by tariff-induced economic turmoil, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    In April 2025, discussions surrounding the recession topic on social media increased by nearly 70% compared to the previous month, driven by growing concerns over economic instability. This marked the highest level of discourse since January 2025, reflecting heightened public anxiety regarding the state of the economy, while influencer sentiment on the topic declined by 25% in April compared to the prior month, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    A key factor fueling this surge in discussions was the imposition of substantial US tariffs under the Trump administration, which drew parallels to the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, often linked to the onset of the Great Depression. Influencers cautioned that these tariffs, among the highest imposed since the 1920s, could lead to inflation, reduced consumer spending, and weakened global competitiveness, thereby increasing the risk of a recession.

    Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Influencers characterized the tariffs as a detrimental policy destabilizing the economy, increasing risks of stagflation or recession. They emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the tariffs’ duration, warning that prolonged enforcement could entrench economic downturn risks. Their discourse, conveyed with urgency, condemned the tariffs as reckless, forecasting severe recessionary or depression-like consequences. Influencers stressed on the tariffs’ immediate adverse effects, global trade implications, and disruption of prior economic stability as driving the recession narrative.”

    Below are a few popular influencer opinions captured by GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform:

    1. Sadaf Sayeed, Chief Executive Officer at Muthoot Microfin Ltd:

    “Ultimately US consumers will end up paying for these tariffs. US will face massive inflation and crash of consumer confidence. Recession is certain.”

    1. Brett House, Economist:

    “I joined @kcalnews to explain why President Trump’s tariffs are a tax on American households—not a “liberation.” They’re set to raise costs, squeeze supply chains, and risk triggering the first White House-induced recession in the postwar era.”

    1. Lawrence H. Summers, Charles W. Eliot Professor and President Emeritus at Harvard:

    “This has probably been the least successful first hundred days of a presidency @realDonaldTrump on the economy in the last century. We have seen the stock market go down, the dollar go down, forecasts of unemployment go up, forecasts of inflation go up, forecasts on the odds of a recession go up. We’ve seen consumer confidence collapse. We’ve seen businesses take back all their previous earnings projections. So, this has been a disastrous hundred days for the US economy.”

    1. Robinson Meyer, Founding Executive Editor at Heatmap News:

    “What remains astonishing is that this isn’t a “natural” recession. There’s no cyclical slowdown or housing bubble. Consumers were holding up okay. This is about one man choosing to crash the economy because of a dumb idea, and 273 of his party’s lawmakers letting him do it.”

    1. Mehdi Hasan, Editor-in-chief and CEO of Zeteo News:

    “He inherited the fast growing economy in the western world, with one of the lowest unemployment rates, and he is now ‘fixing’ it by ushering in a global trade war and possible recession.”

    1. John Ashcroft, Founder at John Ashcroft and The Saturday Economist:

    “US tariffs ‘will push UK, Europe and Asia into recession’ Economists rip up forecasts for global growth as the White House increases average tariffs from 2.5% to 25% …  highest since the 1920s …”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Consumers switch to local products and value alternatives amid rising tariffs and price pressures, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Consumers switch to local products and value alternatives amid rising tariffs and price pressures, says GlobalData

    Posted in Consumer

    In an increasingly complex global landscape shaped by inflation, rising tariffs, and political volatility, consumer behavior is undergoing a profound transformation. Cost-of-living pressures and trade policy disruptions are not only fueling economic anxiety but also prompting tangible shifts in how and why consumers shop. These forces are accelerating a move toward value-driven decision-making, increased scrutiny of product origin, and a growing preference for local alternatives, according to the Q1 2025 consumer survey* by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Concerns over trade-related inflation are widespread. More than half (56%) of global consumers say they are “extremely” or “quite concerned” about the impact of trade wars and import tariffs on the prices of the products they buy. This concern is even more pronounced in countries directly affected by US trade policy, including Canada (66%) and Mexico (62%). Despite being at the center of trade friction, China stands out for its lower levels of concern, with 40% of respondents saying they are not worried about tariffs, highlighting regional differences in public perception and economic insulation.

    Prerana Manral, Senior Consumer Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “These concerns are not abstract. They are driving tangible changes in consumer behavior across everyday categories such as food, drinks, toiletries, clothing, and homewares. According to the survey, 54% of consumers are now checking or comparing prices online before making a purchase, and 47% are switching to cheaper brand alternatives.

    “Private labels are seeing a notable rise, with 33% of consumers saying they are buying more store-owned brands to manage costs. Additionally, 38% of shoppers are turning to discount retailers or cheaper outlets, while nearly one-third (32%) have stopped buying certain products altogether because they have become too expensive.”

    Manral continues: “Trade policy is no longer just an economic lever; it’s a force that is reshaping everyday consumer choices. What we’re seeing is a structural shift in how people engage with brands and pricing. Consumers are now making sharper, more value-conscious decisions, and many are actively abandoning higher-priced products or stores.”

    Beyond pricing responses, the survey highlights a growing ideological and environmental awareness in consumer preferences, particularly around product origin. On average, 68% of the respondents globally say they prefer to buy local products: 67% cite price, or 65% say environmental friendliness, as the main reasons, while 71% say they do so to support local brands.

    Political sentiment is also playing an influential role, with 58% of global consumers* reporting that recent political events have made them more attentive to the country of origin of products they purchase. This intersection of cost-consciousness and conscious consumerism is emerging as a powerful force in a politically volatile economy. While affordability remains the entry point, values such as environmental impact and national loyalty are increasingly determining purchasing behavior.

    Manral concludes: “As consumers increasingly respond to rising tariffs and price pressures by shifting toward local products and value-driven alternatives, FMCG companies must recognize this as a long-term behavioral shift rather than a temporary adjustment. To remain competitive and relevant, brands should invest in localized sourcing and production, expand affordable and private-label offerings, and strengthen communication around value, sustainability, and origin.”

    *GlobalData 2025 Q1 global consumer survey, 22,000 respondents across 42 countries

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration Kicks off Small Business Week, Highlights Investments in Pennsylvania’s Downtowns and Main Streets

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 02, 2025 – Hamburg, PA

    Shapiro Administration Kicks off Small Business Week, Highlights Investments in Pennsylvania’s Downtowns and Main Streets

    Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger joined local leaders in a tour of downtown Hamburg, Berks County, to urge Pennsylvanians to support small businesses during Pennsylvania Small Business Week – May 4 through May 10, 2025. Secretary Siger also announced Hamburg received the first Main Street designation through the new Main Street Matters program, which supports downtown business districts with tools to create healthy, vibrant communities.

    Created last year by Governor Josh Shapiro, Main Street Matters is a key part of Pennsylvania’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy to help revitalize downtowns, support small businesses, and strengthen local economies. Governor Shapiro and Secretary Siger recently announced investments in 81 community projects through the program, including $100,000 for the Downtown Hamburg Facade Improvement Program.

    This historic investment in Pennsylvania’s Main Streets was thanks to Governor Shapiro’s work to create the Main Street Matters program and secure $20 million for it in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget. The Governor’s 2025-26 budget proposal includes another $20 million for this successful initiative.

    Speakers:
    Rick Siger, DCED Secretary
    Deena Kershner, Executive Director, Our Town Foundation
    Lynn Weller, Assistant Director, Our Town Foundation
    Alyssa Mengel Wentz, Owner, AEC Market

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: District Court Dismisses Dispute Filed by United Therapeutics Against Liquidia

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Court will not hear cross-claim that challenges the PH-ILD indication in the tentatively approved NDA for YUTREPIA
    • FDA can grant final approval of YUTREPIA after blocking regulatory exclusivity expires on May 23, 2025

    MORRISVILLE, N.C., May 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Liquidia Corporation (NASDAQ: LQDA), a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease, today announced that Judge Kelly of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia (District Court) dismissed, without prejudice, the cross-claim filed by United Therapeutics (UTHR) that sought to challenge Liquidia’s amendment to its New Drug Application (NDA) for YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) inhalation powder, which added the treatment of pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD) to the proposed label for YUTREPIA. In its ruling, the District Court determined that UTHR’s claim was unripe and that UTHR had failed to plausibly allege that it has standing.

    Dr. Roger Jeffs, CEO, Liquidia said: “We are pleased with the court’s decision to dismiss this cross-claim, specifically holding that UTHR failed to establish standing. We also continue to believe that the FDA was correct to accept, and subsequently tentatively approve, our amended NDA for YUTREPIA to include the PH-ILD indication. We remain laser focused on the potential final approval of YUTREPIA following the expiration of gating regulatory exclusivity on May 23, 2025, and look forward to delivering what we believe will become the prostacyclin of first choice for patients with PAH and PH-ILD and the physicians who treat them.”

    UTHR has the right to appeal the Court’s ruling.

    The FDA has set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date for the YUTREPIA NDA of May 24, 2025.

    About Liquidia Corporation
    Liquidia Corporation is a biopharmaceutical company developing innovative therapies for patients with rare cardiopulmonary disease. The company’s current focus spans the development and commercialization of products in pulmonary hypertension and other applications of its proprietary PRINT® Technology. PRINT enabled the creation of Liquidia’s lead candidate, YUTREPIA™ (treprostinil) inhalation powder, an investigational drug for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary hypertension associated with interstitial lung disease (PH-ILD). The company is also developing L606, an investigational sustained-release formulation of treprostinil administered twice-daily with a next-generation nebulizer, and currently markets generic Treprostinil Injection for the treatment of PAH. To learn more about Liquidia, please visit www.liquidia.com.

    Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 
    This press release may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release other than statements of historical facts, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, our strategic and financial initiatives, our business strategy and plans and our objectives for future operations, are forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements, including statements regarding clinical trials, clinical studies and other clinical work (including the funding therefor, anticipated patient enrollment, safety data, study data, trial outcomes, timing or associated costs), regulatory applications and related submission contents and timelines, including the potential for final FDA approval of the NDA for YUTREPIA, the timeline or outcome of the cross-claims that United Therapeutics has brought against the FDA, the timeline or outcome related to patent litigation in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, including rehearings or appeals of decisions in any such proceedings, the issuance of patents by the USPTO and our ability to execute on our strategic or financial initiatives, involve significant risks and uncertainties and actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied herein.   The decisions of courts or other tribunals are not determinative of the outcome of the appeals or rehearings of the decisions. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “would,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We have based these forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks discussed in our filings with the SEC, as well as a number of uncertainties and assumptions. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment and our industry has inherent risks. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements we may make. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the future events discussed in this press release may not occur and actual results could differ materially and adversely from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. Nothing in this press release should be regarded as a representation by any person that these goals will be achieved, and we undertake no duty to update our goals or to update or alter any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Contact Information

    Investors:
    Jason Adair
    Chief Business Officer
    919.328.4350
    jason.adair@liquidia.com

    Media:
    Patrick Wallace
    Director, Corporate Communications
    919.328.4383
    patrick.wallace@liquidia.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner, Cramer Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Authorize Remote Online Notarizations Nationwide

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
    WASHINGTON – Despite significant advancements in digital technology, remote notarization has yet to be fully deployed and accepted on an interstate basis. While nearly every state allows for remote electronic notarization, regulations and recognition vary between states.
    U.S. Sens. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) introduced their bipartisan Securing and Enabling Commerce Using Remote and Electronic (SECURE) Notarization Act. This bill would permit the nationwide use of Remote Online Notarizations (RON), enabling notaries and signers to complete the process from different physical locations. It authorizes every notary in the United States to perform RON and provides certainty for interstate recognition of RON. The SECURE Notarization Act requires tamper-evident technology and fraud prevention measures through the use of multifactor authentication.
    “It’s time to finally bring the notarization process into the 21st century,” said Sen. Warner. “Remote notarizations have proven to be a safe and convenient way for individuals to complete essential services such as executing wills, completing financial documents, and buying or selling a home online. This legislation would continue to modernize this system by permitting nationwide use of Remote Online Notarization to complete important documents.”
    “We’ve made a lot of progress toward much more widespread use of online notarizations in the past few years, particularly through the pandemic,” said Sen. Cramer. “But this patchwork of state regulations really leaves consumers without consistent access to some notary services. Quite honestly, I think it violates, certainly, the spirit of interstate commerce. Our bill simply makes sure online notarizations are valid across [state] lines and allow every notary to perform them, and perform them in a very secure way.”
    The SECURE Notarization Act will complement state regulations, including those in North Dakota, which already allow for remote notarizations.
    The bill is endorsed by American Land Title Association (ALTA), Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), National Association of REALTORS (NAR), and American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI).
    “Senators Cramer and Warner have been longstanding champions in recognizing the clear benefits of extending RON access to all Americans and leading this bipartisan legislation, which offers a safe and secure path to remotely close real estate and mortgage transactions,” said Diane Tomb, CEO of ALTA. “By passing the SECURE Notarization Act, Congress will embrace a proven innovation and modernize the notarization process with a secure system that meets consumer needs and expectations, including those of our military heroes overseas, the elderly, and homebuyers seeking convenience.”
    “The SECURE Notarization Act would make the mortgage closing process more convenient for consumers by creating federal minimum standards to allow notaries in all states to perform remote online notarization (RON) transactions,” said Bill Killmer, Senior Vice President of Legislative and Political Affairs at MBA. “MBA appreciates Senator Cramer and Warner’s commitment to enable nationwide use of RON technology. Their continued diligence and hard work on this critical issue will greatly simplify and improve mortgage transactions for all borrowers.”
    “The National Association of REALTORS applauds Senators Cramer and Warner for reintroducing the SECURE Notarization Act,” said Shannon McGhan, EVP & Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Association of REALTORS. “This commonsense, bipartisan bill will modernize an essential part of real estate transactions by allowing nationwide use of secure, remote online notarization. Reliable, accessible notarized records are the bedrock of real estate, and this technology ensures Americans can continue to buy, sell, and finance property with confidence in today’s digital age.”
    “Senators Cramer and Warner understand that families need practical, modern tools to plan for their financial futures,” said David Chavern, President and CEO of the ACLI. “During COVID, life insurers demonstrated how well remote online notarization works for consumers. Allowing its use nationwide is a smart, commonsense step to bring the notarization process into the 21st century.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Accelerating MWBE Certification During AAPI Heritage Month

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of the “AAPI Enterprise Empowerment” initiative, a targeted effort to help minority- and women-owned businesses complete their New York State MWBE Certification applications during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Running from May 1 through June 13, 2025, the initiative leverages a statewide network of business advisory centers to provide free, comprehensive support to MWBE applicants. As part of the state’s broader efforts to expand opportunity, Empire State Development and the New York Power Authority have also launched a new partnership to strengthen the MWBE pipeline through the Business Growth Accelerator Program, enhancing the program’s reach and impact by providing participating businesses with direct access to industry expertise, procurement guidance, and networking opportunities. Additionally, Governor Hochul today issued a proclamation celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

    “During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we’re taking bold action to expand economic opportunity for AAPI business owners across New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “The AAPI Enterprise Empowerment initiative provides entrepreneurs with expert guidance to navigate certification, opening doors to millions in state contracts. This program strengthens our commitment to ensuring New York’s economy reflects the vibrant diversity that powers our communities.”

    New York State Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez said, “The AAPI Enterprise Empowerment initiative transforms celebration into economic advancement by creating direct pathways to opportunity. By partnering with trusted business centers throughout the state, we’re meeting entrepreneurs where they are. This initiative represents our vision of an inclusive economy where AAPI-owned businesses can showcase their innovation and contribute to New York’s growth.”

    Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “By accelerating the certification timeline and providing hands-on support through our network of business advisors, the AAPI Enterprise Empowerment initiative is removing long-standing barriers to participation in state contracting. Through new partnerships like our collaboration with the New York Power Authority on the Business Growth Accelerator Program, we are extending these efforts even further—ensuring MWBEs have the resources, mentorship, and access they need to grow, compete, and lead in New York’s economy.”

    New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State continues to break down barriers and create pathways to success for minority- and women-owned businesses. By partnering with Empire State Development, the New York Power Authority is proud to play a pivotal role in the Business Growth Accelerator Program which strengthens the MWBE pipeline, offers AAPI-owned businesses the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive, and helps ensure a more equitable future for all New Yorkers.”

    The AAPI Enterprise Empowerment Initiative builds on New York State’s streamlined certification process that already delivers decisions in as little as 90 days or less. While businesses must meet the requirements set forth in Executive Law Article 15-A and Title 5 to qualify, the initiative aims to expedite the process for eligible applicants who respond to information requests within five business days through free, hands-on technical assistance.

    MWBEs can connect with the following organizations for free application assistance:

    ESD Strengthens Business Growth Accelerator Program with New York Power Authority and Statewide Agency Partnerships to Empower 200 MWBEs
    Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development (DMWBD) has expanded the reach of its Business Growth Accelerator (BGA 3.0) Program through a strategic Memorandum of Understanding with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and growing collaborations with several state agencies and authorities. This statewide initiative will support and accelerate the growth of 200 MWBEs across New York State, with a special emphasis on firms in construction and semiconductor-related trades.

    BGA 3.0 offers intensive, regionally delivered business development services and technical assistance to help MWBEs scale and access public and private contracting opportunities. Through this collaborative effort, ESD’s DMWBD, NYPA, and additional participating agencies will strengthen MWBEs’ operational and technical capacity, provide guidance on state contracting, facilitate networking and matchmaking, and contribute to the overall success and sustainability of the program.

    Participating businesses will gain access to comprehensive training in areas such as business administration, procurement, and financial management; individualized mentorship and technical assistance; exclusive networking opportunities with potential clients and partners; connections to funding and industry experts; and a customized business growth plan to guide long-term success.

    Currently entering its training phase, the BGA 3.0 Program will run through September 2026. Recruitment is ongoing and interested MWBEs can learn more and apply through the BGA 3.0 Program webpage here.

    Governor Hochul’s Support for New York’s MWBEs
    Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York State has transformed its MWBE program into a national model for inclusive economic growth. A strategic $11 million investment in FY 2023 eliminated the certification backlog and reduced application response times to 90 days or less. In 2024, Empire State Development certified and recertified over 2,403 businesses, streamlining access to state contracting opportunities.

    New York continues to set national benchmarks for MWBE participation, exceeding its 30 percent utilization goal for the fourth consecutive year with a nation-leading 32.21 percent rate. This achievement represents nearly $3 billion in state contracts awarded to certified MWBEs in FY 2023-24, contributing to almost $12 billion in awards since Governor Hochul took office. Further strengthening the program’s impact, the Governor introduced the New York State MWBE Certified Decal, an official mark of certification that increases visibility for qualified businesses and opens new opportunities with both government and private sector partners.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The 50th Anniversary of the Willowbrook Consent Decree

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Willowbrook Consent Decree. Hosted by Governor Hochul’s Chief Disability Officer, the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, the College of Staten Island and the Staten Island Developmental Disabilities Council, today’s event consisted of a conversation on promising goals for a future of full community inclusion and acceptance. The event, dubbed “The Evolution of Inclusion 1975 – 2025,” celebrated New York’s rich history as the birthplace of deinstitutionalization and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities.

    “We will never forget the mistakes of the past when children with developmental disabilities were shuttered away from their loved ones because society was unaccepting and uninformed,” Governor Hochul said. “Today, we celebrate the results of positive change, and the proposal included in my Executive Budget is just one example of our commitment to expanding opportunity and support to all New Yorkers.”

    A 1972 class action lawsuit brought by parent activists alleging that their children’s constitutional rights were being violated at the Willowbrook State School was the catalyst for the trailblazing Willowbrook Consent Judgment in 1975. The Willowbrook Consent Decree, one of the first official actions taken by Governor Hugh Carey, committed New York to providing opportunities for community living for people with developmental disabilities and eventually led to the shuttering of the Willowbrook State School in 1987 and 19 additional institutions across New York State in favor of community residences.

    In the 1970s, Jane Kurtin of the Staten Island Advance wrote groundbreaking stories about the deplorable conditions, administrative failures, and horrendous treatment of the people living at Willowbrook in her years long series of reporting. In 1972, Kurtin’s coverage garnered the interest of Geraldo Rivera who was an investigative reporter for WABC-TV at the time. Rivera’s television reporting of the story led to a national outcry over the quality of care and lack of rights for people with developmental disabilities.

    The televised Willowbrook exposé shifted the way American society viewed and interacted with people with developmental disabilities, which brought changes to New York’s system to become more focused on person-centered services and community residential opportunities.

    Before the story became widely known through the press, the parents of the children of Willowbrook took up the long and unwavering fight of demanding more for their loved ones and advocating on their behalf to be included in society. One of those parents was Mrs. Willie Mae Goodman, whose daughter Margaret lived at Willowbrook. Mrs. Goodman was honored at today’s event with the first annual Willie Mae Goodman Award for Family Advocacy, which will annually be awarded to a family advocate every year in honor of Mrs. Goodman’s fierce advocacy for her daughter and all children with a developmental disability.

    An award was also presented today to Bernard Carabello, who famously and courageously let Geraldo Rivera and his news camera into the Willowbrook State School to expose the atrocities taking place. The Bernard Carabello Self-Advocacy Award will annually be awarded henceforth in honor of Bernard’s incredible advocacy and selflessness.

    New York State Chief Disability Officer Kim Hill Ridley said, “When the world’s eyes were opened to the horrifying accounts of abuse and neglect, the residents of Willowbrook and their families used their voices to demand change. That demand 50 years ago made Willowbrook become the birthplace of deinstitutionalization, and the signing of the Willowbrook Consent Decree sparked the national Disability Rights Movement, which forever changed the way that people see and treat people with disabilities. In the 50 years since, we have transformed from a system of institutionalization to a state where people with disabilities live, work, and thrive in their communities.”

    New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities Acting Commissioner Willow Baer said, “The brave advocacy of people with developmental disabilities and their families, people like Bernard Carabello, Mrs. Willie Mae Goodman, Jose Rivera, and countless others, brought about the change that led to the formation of the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities, tasked with ensuring that people get the supports and services they need to live a rich and fulfilling life. Their legacy continues in today’s self-advocates who hold us accountable to always do better, and to recognize and support the contributions that people with developmental disabilities bring to our communities. I am incredibly honored and humbled to be celebrating this historic milestone today with the people who made it possible.”

    State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said, “Today, we commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Willowbrook Consent Decree with Governor Hochul and OPWDD. This milestone reminds us of the progress we’ve made since the closure of Willowbrook. As a member of the NYS Senate Disabilities Committee, I am committed to carrying this legacy forward by continuing to fight for people with developmental disabilities.”

    Assemblymember Charles Fall said, “We mark 50 years since the Willowbrook decree not just with remembrance—but with purpose. There’s still more to do to uphold the rights and dignity of every person with a developmental disability. I’m proud to honor the resilience of those who transformed tragedy into lasting change.”

    Assemblymember Sam Pirozzolo said, “The legacy of Willowbrook is a solemn reminder of the importance of vigilance, compassion, and justice for our most vulnerable citizens. We must never forget the painful past, but we must also honor the courage of the families, advocates, and survivors who stood up and demanded change. As we commemorate this landmark in disability rights, we reaffirm our commitment to inclusion, dignity, and the full participation of every New Yorker in community life.”

    New York City Councilmember David Carr said, “The 50th Anniversary of the Willowbrook Consent Degree is both a joyous celebration and solemn reminder of our history. This decree was a massive step in the right direction. We have made leaps and bounds since the time of the Consent Decree and the closure of Willowbrook that followed from it, but we still have more work to do. Protecting the rights of those with disabilities and adhering to our duty in caring for our fellow citizens is something that will always be relevant. I hope this anniversary will serve to remind people of this fact and be a catalyst for public awareness of the needs, rights, and humanity of people with disabilities.”

    Richmond County District Attorney Michael E. McMahon said, “Our children are our most precious resource, the heartbeat of our future. It is our duty, whenever and wherever, to safeguard their well-being. The landmark consent decree that we celebrate on this 50th anniversary stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to justice and protection, ensuring that every child is given the safety and security that they deserve. We thank Governor Hochul for acknowledging this meaningful commemoration and for her extraordinary investment in the Institute for Basic Research Campus which will make certain that the history of Willowbrook, its class members, and the parents and activists who successfully advocated for deinstitutionalization and the rights of people with developmental disabilities are never forgotten.”

    Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella said, “While the Willowbrook State School was a tragic and dark chapter in Staten Island history, it is important to recognize the tireless work of the many regular folks, advocates and elected officials who closed it. And, while there is still work to be done, we have come a long way in our treatment and acceptance of people with disabilities. We join Governor Hochul in commemorating the closure of the Willowbrook State School, because it reminds us of the chief responsibility of government; to protect all good people.”

    Staten Island Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Mike Cusick said, “The Willowbrook Consent Decree was a defining moment in Staten Island and New York’s history, driven by the courage of individuals, families, and advocates who demanded justice for people with developmental disabilities. 50 years later, we’re grateful to Governor Hochul for continuing to honor that legacy with meaningful investment in inclusive communities, ensuring every New Yorker has the opportunity to live with dignity and respect. Here on Staten Island, we will always remember Willowbrook not only for its past, but for the progress it sparked across our state.”

    Governor Hochul’s 2025-2026 Executive Budget Proposal included the creation of the Willowbrook Center for Learning, which would be built as part of a $75 million investment in the Institute for Basic Research Campus so that the history of Willowbrook and deinstitutionalization will be forever shared and acknowledged. The historic investment includes the renovation of “Building 29,” an abandoned building on the former Willowbrook State School grounds, into a Center for Learning to honor the rich history and significance of the closure of Willowbrook.

    In 1950, even prior to the opening of the Willowbrook State School, parents of children with developmental disabilities who wanted more for their children came together and formed The Arc New York, now the largest nonprofit in New York State providing support, services, and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities. The Arc New York, which recently celebrated its 75th Anniversary, today announced the gift of their Willowbrook archives to the College of Staten Island. Built on the location of the former Willowbrook State School, the College of Staten Island has remained a steward of its artifacts dating back to the opening that are part of the college’s Willowbrook Documentation Project.

    The City University of New York Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “CUNY is proud to mark the 50th anniversary of a pivotal moment in the history of disability rights and an occasion to celebrate how far we have come as a society in recognizing the dignity and advancing the rights of all people with disabilities, but also to take stock of how much more we still must do. This is a fight for equity and inclusivity that goes to the core of our mission and which our students, faculty and staff – at the College of Staten Island and across our University – champion every day.”

    The Arc New York CEO Erik Geizer said, “The Arc New York Historic Archives collection contains 75 years of original materials documenting the history of the disability rights movement, the power of advocacy, and the transformation from institutionalization to integrated community support. Giving them a permanent home at the College of Staten Island will expand public access to this important history and inform future progress for people with disabilities.”

    The College of Staten Island President Timothy G. Lynch said, “The Willowbrook Consent Decree marked a turning point in the history of disability rights, not just in New York but across the country. As we commemorate its 50th anniversary, we honor the courage of self-advocates, families, and journalists who exposed injustice and demanded better. Their actions reshaped our understanding of inclusion, dignity, and community. At the College of Staten Island, we are proud to stand on the very ground where this history unfolded, and we are deeply honored to preserve it. We are excited to accept and expand our campus archives with new materials related to the Willowbrook State School, ensuring that this vital history continues to be studied, remembered, and appreciated by future generations.”

    College of Staten Island President Tim Lynch said, “The Willowbrook Consent Decree marked a turning point in the history of disability rights, not just in New York but across the country. As we commemorate its 50th anniversary, we honor the courage of self-advocates, families, and journalists who exposed injustice and demanded better. Their actions reshaped our understanding of inclusion, dignity, and community. At the College of Staten Island, we are proud to stand on the very ground where this history unfolded, and we are deeply honored to preserve it. We are excited to accept and expand our campus archives with new materials related to the Willowbrook State School, ensuring that this vital history continues to be studied, remembered, and appreciated by future generations.”

    About Willowbrook
    Willowbrook State School was the largest of its kind in the nation for people with developmental disabilities. During the 1950s through the 1970s, Willowbrook became synonymous with scandal and controversy for deplorable conditions and a now infamous 20-year medical study wherein children were intentionally infected with hepatitis in order to identify possible cures. Willowbrook’s overcrowding, medical trials, and increasingly questionable practices led to Senator Robert F. Kennedy referring to the school as “a snake pit.” In 1975, a settlement, which became known as the Willowbrook injunction, was reached mandating reform. In 1993, the state signed a permanent injunction solidifying services, rights and protections for former Willowbrook class members. This led to a national movement to end the institutionalization of people with developmental disabilities. Today, the permanent injunction is overseen by the Willowbrook Consumer Advisory Board, a seven-member board that provides necessary and appropriate representation and advocacy services on an individual basis for all Willowbrook class members as long as any class member lives.

    Over the years, Willowbrook has been remembered and memorialized through the Willowbrook Mile, a path of historical markers located on the College of Staten Island campus. The documentary “Willowbrook: The Path Forward” is a New York Emmy-winning look at the importance of lessons learned, positive change that resulted, and the legacy of Willowbrook.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Statement on Executive Order Ending Federal Funding for NPR and PBS

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Commerce Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s executive order directing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to end federal funding for America’s two biggest public broadcasters, NPR and PBS:

    “In the dark of night, President Trump issued an unlawful executive order that will strip New Mexicans of vital access to public programming that educates, entertains, and keeps us safe. For decades, NPR and PBS have delivered news, entertainment, and much more to New Mexicans, especially in rural and Tribal communities. Public media, like NPR, PBS, and their local affiliates, provide critical information to New Mexicans in all corners of the state — including during disasters and emergencies when our rural communities rely on public media the most.

    “This illegal executive order is an attempt by President Trump to strip New Mexicans of vital public services that thousands rely on day-to-day. The President is disregarding CPB’s authority and working to prevent New Mexicans from accessing free news, educational programming, and emergency alerts. Defunding NPR and PBS will leave New Mexicans in the dark when they need information the most.”

    Senator Luján has long supported strengthening public media. In February, Senator Luján wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Nathan Simington condemning actions taken by the FCC under the Trump administration demonstrating that the FCC is weaponizing its authority over broadcasters and public media for political purposes. In March, Senator Luján introduced the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they broadcast.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Collins Releases Statement Celebrating Full Restoration of Sea Grant Funding

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Susan Collins
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Susan Collins today released the following statement after the University of Maine announced it has received full funding for Maine Sea Grant.
    After a February announcement from the Department of Commerce that the program was being defunded, Senator Collins contacted Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and the Trump administration to explain all that is at stake for Maine’s coastal communities with the loss of Sea Grant funding. At the urging of Senator Collins, Secretary Lutnick directed NOAA to renegotiate the terms and conditions of the work to be performed by Maine Sea Grant to ensure that it focuses on advancing Maine’s coastal economies, working waterfronts, and sustainable fisheries, and, this week, they received their funding.
    “I am thrilled that Maine Sea Grant has received its full funding so that the important work they do to conduct research, support a robust pipeline of skilled labor, and enrich our coastal economies can continue unimpeded,” said Senator Collins. “Maine Sea Grant provides valuable services for fishermen, lobstermen, hospitality workers, and so many others that rely on our coastal economy.”
    “The groundswell of support for Maine Sea Grant and the stories that have surfaced about its incredible impact on our state’s working waterfronts have been extraordinary and effective. We are deeply appreciative of Senator Collins’ leadership and relentless advocacy on behalf of Maine Sea Grant and the hard-working Mainers it has long served,” said UMaine President Joan Ferrini-Mundy. “We look forward to continuing our long-standing partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce and our state’s coastal communities to promote resilient local jobs and opportunities and a globally competitive marine economy through research-informed innovation.” 
    Maine Sea Grant is a direct investment in Maine’s coastal communities, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting fisheries and the seafood industry, including local businesses like Ready Seafood:
    “Maine Sea Grant has been supporting Ready Seafood since we started as a small lobster company on Hobson’s Pier in Portland in 2004, and helped propel our business to become the largest lobster processing company in the world,” said Curt Brown, lobsterman and marine biologist for Ready Seafood. “Senator Collins’ tireless leadership has once again delivered a huge victory for Maine’s coastal communities. From Kittery to Cutler, Maine’s coastal economy is stronger today, thanks to her efforts!” 
    Consistent with the original four-year agreement, the award made by the Commerce Department this week is for $1,499,374, which will be matched by $809,905 from non-federal sources, including industry and State research and development funding, over the next year. The Department will provide an additional $3,023,749 to Maine Sea Grant through Jan. 31, 2028, to be matched by $1,646,169. 
    Facts about Maine Sea Grant:
    Maine Sea Grant contributed to $23.5 million in documented economic benefits in 2023 alone. For every $1 of funding, there’s a $15 return.
    Sea Grant has more than 700 established partnerships with businesses, researchers, community organizations, and local and county governments.
    In 2023, Sea Grant created or supported 332 businesses and 565 jobs.
    Sea Grant supports American seafood competitiveness by enhancing the sustainability and profitability of Maine’s $600 million lobster industry and growing aquaculture sector, helping maintain American leadership in global seafood markets.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces new tax credits that will generate $2.1 billion investment in world’s 4th largest economy

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 2, 2025

    What you need to know: As part of the California Jobs First initiative, the state is awarding $30.5 million in tax credits to seven companies committed to creating new jobs and investing over $2.1 billion across key industries like clean energy, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and consumer goods.

    SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the  Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) awarded $30.5 million in California Competes Tax Credit (CalCompetes) awards to seven companies, supporting the creation of new jobs and spurring more than $2.1 billion in new private investment across the state.

    “California is where innovation meets opportunity — and these investments prove it. From clean energy to advanced manufacturing, these companies are creating good-paying jobs and driving billions in private investment. We’re building a stronger, bottom-up economy that works for all Californians.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The awardees represent a diverse range of sectors critical to California’s future:

    • Element Resources is investing $1.85 billion in a hydrogen fuel manufacturing facility in Lancaster.
    • Fuse Energy Technologies is bringing fusion energy R&D to San Leandro and the East Bay, with a $152 million in investment.
    • Legendary Foods will expand food manufacturing across Bell and Santa Monica, with over $70 million in investment.
    • Ariat International is expanding its San Leandro headquarters and design operations, investing $19 million.
    • Marine Terminals Corporation will invest $8 million to expand port operations in Port Hueneme, supporting logistics and supply chain infrastructure.
    • Cloacina will manufacture wastewater treatment equipment in Arroyo Grande, with a $3.9 million investment.
    • Rural Power Systems will scale water pump manufacturing in Davis, investing $9.15 million.

    “These awards reflect the incredible diversity and strength of California’s economy,” said Dee Dee Myers, Senior Advisor to Governor Newsom and Director of GO-Biz. “Whether it’s rural communities or urban innovation hubs, companies across the state are choosing to grow here because of our unmatched talent, infrastructure and vision for the future.”

    Since 2013, California Competes has awarded tax credits to more than 1,200 businesses, creating nearly 160,000 jobs, and resulting in more than $50 billion of private investment across the state.

    Over the past five years, CalCompetes has invested in companies such as Pacific Steel to construct the first steel mill in California in more than 50 years in Kern County; Relativity Space to expand their ability to manufacture 3D-printed rockets to carry satellites into space; AES to expand solar energy and battery storage operations across the state; and many more.

    See Full Award Details Here

    California Jobs First: A bold plan, realized locally

    In February, Governor Newsom released the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint – a new economic vision for California’s future. The Blueprint, which is being implemented by the nine state agencies on the California Jobs First Council, outlines key initiatives to support regional growth, invest in 21st century job training, create an attractive environment for job creators and strengthen California’s innovation economy – all to help increase access to good-paying jobs for Californians.

    California’s economic leadership

    With a nation-leading GDP and more Fortune 500 companies than any other state, California’s economy remains a global powerhouse driven by diversity, creativity and opportunity.

    • 4th Largest Economy in the World: California’s $4.1 trillion GDP recently surpassed Japan.
    • #1 in the Nation: Leads the U.S. in Fortune 500 companies, new business starts, venture capital access, manufacturing output, high-tech industries and agriculture.
    • Major Trade Powerhouse: Over $675 billion in two-way trade, making California the largest importer among U.S. states and a key driver of job creation.
    •  Manufacturing Hub: Home to 36,000+ manufacturing firms, employing over 1.1 million workers, with strengths in aerospace, electronics, and zero-emission vehicles.
    • AI & Innovation Leader: California hosts 32 of the world’s top 50 AI companies and produces 25% of global AI patents and conference papers.

    Recent news

    May 1, 2025

    News LOS ANGELES — California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom today joined students, mental health professionals, and athletes at two schools in Pasadena and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula’s East Palo Alto Clubhouse to celebrate Move Your Body, Calm…

    May 1, 2025

    News What you need to know: For the second year in a row, California’s Department of Finance released data showing the Golden State’s population grew. In 2024, the state added more than 100,000 residents. SACRAMENTO — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that…

    May 1, 2025

    News What you need to know: House Republicans used an illegal tactic to attempt to overrule California’s clean cars and trucks program that has decreased smog and protected Californians’ health. SACRAMENTO — Governor Gavin Newsom issued the following statement today…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: RELEASE: Senator Mullin Leads Capitol Tour for Durant Area Chamber of Commerce and Oklahoma Electric Cooperative

    US Senate News:

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

    RELEASE: Senator Mullin Leads Capitol Tour for Durant Area Chamber of Commerce and Oklahoma Electric Cooperative

    Washington, D.C. –On Tuesday, U.S. Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) led a special evening tour of the U.S. Capitol for nearly 50 visiting Oklahomans from the Durant Area Chamber of Commerce and the Oklahoma Electric Cooperative. Throughout the tour, Senator Mullin took questions and detailed many of the most historic sites in the building, including the Speaker’s Balcony, Old Supreme Court Chamber, the Crypt, and of course, the Capitol Rotunda. Photos from the tour are below. 
    “Serving Oklahoma in the U.S. Senate is one of the great honors of my life. It’s extremely humbling to work in the United States Capitol, and it’s always a blessing to walk through our country’s rich history with Oklahomans visiting Washington. As always, I am grateful to the people of Oklahoma for sending me here to fight for them and I enjoy showing them around their nation’s capital any chance I get,” said Senator Mullin.
    Planning a trip to Washington, D.C.? Senator Mullin’s office is glad to help Oklahomans set up tours of the United States Capitol and The White House. The Washington office can also provide information for many D.C. monuments, museums, memorials, and other attractions. Please fill out a tour request form here: https://www.mullin.senate.gov/services/tour-requests/. 
    Need help with a federal agency? Senator Mullin’s office may be able to assist. Learn more and get in touch by filling out a casework form on Senator Mullin’s website here: https://www.mullin.senate.gov/services/help-with-a-federal-agency/. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Coons, Tillis, colleagues introduce bipartisan, bicameral legislation to restore American innovation

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Judiciary Committee’s Intellectual Property Subcommittee, and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, reintroduced the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation will restore patent eligibility to important inventions across many fields while also resolving legitimate concerns over the patenting of mere ideas, the mere discovery of what already exists in nature, and social and cultural content that everyone agrees is beyond the scope of the patent system. It also affirms the basic principle that the patent system is central to promoting technology-based innovation.
    Representatives Kevin Kiley (R-Calif.) and Scott Peters (D-Calif.) introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.
    “When American innovators know their ideas are eligible for patent protection, they take the risks that push us into the future – whether that’s the next medical test or the latest AI technology,” said Senator Coons. “PERA restores clarity to the law on what can be patented and what cannot – guidance that federal courts have been requesting for years and that the Supreme Court has refused to provide. Congress must step up to provide America’s inventors with the stable legal foundation they need to produce the cutting-edge technologies that power our economy.”
    “Clear, reliable, and predictable patent rights are imperative to enable investments in the broad array of innovative technologies that are critical to the economic and global competitiveness of the United States, and to ensuring the national security of our great country,” said Senator Tillis. “Unfortunately, a series of Supreme Court decisions have rendered patent eligibility law unclear, unreliable, and unpredictable, resulting in U.S. inventors being unable to obtain patents in areas where our economic peers offer patent protection. This is particularly concerning in the economically critical areas of biotechnology and artificial intelligence. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation maintains the existing statutory categories of eligible subject matter, which have worked well for over two centuries, while addressing inappropriate judicially created eligibility limitations by creating clear rules for what is eligible. We cannot allow foreign adversaries like China to overtake us in key areas of technology innovation due to the current state of patent eligibility law. I look forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders on this important matter. Passing patent eligibility reform is one of my top legislative priorities.”
    “American innovators have been at a disadvantage in recent years because of the U.S. patent system,” said Representative Kevin Kiley. “Convoluted Supreme Court rulings and tests on subject matter eligibility have made it increasingly difficult for inventors to receive patents, leading to foreign companies overtaking our own. That’s why I’m proud to introduce the bi-partisan Patent Eligibility Restoration Act, which will dramatically reverse this trend, and unleash a tide of economic growth and job creation here at home.”
    “For more than two centuries, a U.S. patent has guaranteed inventions will be protected from theft, helping the U.S. become the innovation capital of the world. San Diego, in particular, is the proud home of a thriving life sciences and technology ecosystem that has benefited from these protections,” said Representative Peters. “Over the last 15 years, however, several Supreme Court decisions have created confusion about what exactly is eligible for a patent. Innovators, consumers, and even the judges who adjudicate patent law have called on Congress to provide clarity on what can be patented. I look forward to working with Congressman Kiley, Senator Coons, and Senator Tillis to advance our Patent Eligibility Restoration Act and protect American innovation.” 
    Due to a series of Supreme Court decisions, patent eligibility law in the United States has become confused, constricted, and unclear in recent years. This has resulted in a wide range of well-documented negative impacts – inconsistent case decisions, uncertainty in innovation and investment communities, and unpredictable business outcomes.
    In 2021, all 12 then-sitting judges of the United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit lamented the state of the law. Witnesses and stakeholders from a wide array of industries, fields, interest groups, and academia have testified and submitted comments confirming the uncertainty and detailing the detrimental effects of patent eligibility confusion in the United States. There is now widespread bipartisan agreement in Congress and across all recent administrations that reforms are necessary to restore the United States to a position of global strength and leadership in key areas of technology and innovation, such as medical diagnostics, biotechnology, personalized medicine, artificial intelligence, and 5G technology.
    The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act achieves this critical goal by restoring patent eligibility to important inventions across many fields, while also resolving legitimate concerns over patenting of mere ideas, the mere discovery of what already exists in nature, and social and cultural content that everyone agrees is beyond the scope of the patent system, which is a system aimed at promoting technology-based innovation. As a general approach, the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act maintains the existing statutory categories of eligible subject matter, which have worked well for over two centuries, but eliminates the overly malleable set of current judicial exceptions – replacing them with five specific and clear statutory exclusions. By eliminating and replacing the current judicial exceptions, the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act provides predictable patent eligibility for important computer-implemented technological developments and medical advances, creating a solid bedrock for America’s innovation future.
    The following organizations support the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act: Innovation Alliance, C4IP, AUTM, AIPLA, IEEE-USA, USIJ, MDMA, BIO, NCLifeSci, Adeia, Nokia, Sisvel, Conservatives for Property Rights, Eagle Forum Education & Legal Defense Fund, U.S. Business & Industry Council, Center for a Free Economy, Center for Individual Freedom, American Policy Center, Less Government, 60 Plus Association, American Association of Senior Citizens, Frontiers of Freedom, Consumer Action for a Strong Economy, Center for American Principles, Prosperity for Us Foundation, Market Institute, Inventors Defense Alliance, Lauder Partners, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Heritage Action, 21C, Netlist, and FICPI.
    “Congress has not made substantive changes to what subject matter is patentable in the United States since the Patent Act of 1793, making it difficult for courts, inventors, and the public to understand how 21st-century technologies fit within an 18th Century patent statute,” said Andrei Iancu, board co-chair of C4IP and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director from 2018 to 2021. “I commend Congress for advancing PERA in order to finally modernize our patent laws and promote U.S. global leadership in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and other modern technologies.” 
    “PERA provides the clarity needed to unlock the full potential of cutting-edge technologies and solidify U.S. leadership in scientific and technological breakthroughs,” said David Kappos, board co-chair of C4IP and former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and USPTO Director from 2009 to 2013. “We cannot allow legal uncertainty to stall the next wave of American innovation.”
    “Patent Eligibility is an important issue for cancer patients – both for life-saving, early diagnosis and for promising new treatments.  PERA will provide the certainty needed to enable innovative breakthroughs to reach patients. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute applauds Congress for introducing and advancing this important bill – the patients are waiting,” said the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
    “Passing PERA is essential if the US is to catch up to Europe and Asia, especially China,” said Judge Paul Michel (retired). “They make eligible for patenting many classes of inventions held ineligible here. The very uncertainty of the zone of eligibility is itself an obstacle to companies getting the investments they need to compete both domestically and globally. Only Congress can fix this chaotic mess because the courts are trapped in their own harmful precedents.” 
    “In my former court, which hears patent cases on appeal, concurring and dissenting opinions in patent eligibly cases have proliferated,” said Judge Kathleen O’Malley (retired). “Veteran jurists have described the state of affairs as ‘incoherent,’ ‘unclear,’ ‘fraught,’ and ‘inconsistent.’ The Patent Eligibility Restoration Act would return clarity to patent eligibly law and encourage continued innovation in key emerging technologies – technologies that are central to the United States remaining the world’s innovation leader.”
    “NCLifeSci thanks Senator Tillis for reintroducing the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act of 2025, which restores the confidence in our nation’s patent laws by bringing much needed clarity to Section 101 of the Patent Act. Confidence that the life sciences industry needs to robustly invest in the future of medicine. For too long, fields like diagnostics, precision medicine, cell and gene therapy, RNA medicine, and digital health have been threatened by unclear and uncertain patent-eligibility standards that put America’s innovators at a disadvantage, and that discourage local investment. Through this legislation, our members – which include leading innovators who operate cutting-edge gene therapy manufacturing facilities here in North Carolina and research potential treatments and cures for Alzheimer’s and cancer —will be able to continue to take the bold risks and make the high levels of investment necessary to take fields like these to their next level, with the confidence that our patent laws will continue to hold up through future waves of technological progress,” said the NC Life Sciences Organization.
    “The Innovation Alliance applauds Senators Tillis and Coons and Representatives Kiley and Peters for sponsoring the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act, which will provide much needed predictability and clarity to the hopelessly confused law of patent eligibility.  The Supreme Court has provided no workable framework to guide patent owners or the courts, and it has repeatedly refused to clarify the law, rejecting requests by the Federal Circuit and others to do so time and again. Investment dollars are flowing out of the United States as a result, jeopardizing the future of America’s innovation economy. It is past time for Congress to act,” said the Innovation Alliance.  
    “This bipartisan and much-needed bill would strike a decade of judicial tinkering that has needlessly turned the question of patent eligibility into a confusing mess and harmed the U.S. versus our economic competitors. While the U.S. has spent a decade holding back innovations in areas such as fintech, diagnostic solutions and medical devices trying to figure out whether they are ‘abstract’ or not, our competitors are moving forward and protecting these inventions. PERA would be particularly beneficial to American startups and innovators by providing the clarity needed to attract investment for new ventures in essential areas such as medical devices, diagnostics, manufacturing and a whole new range of advancements powered by software,” said the Alliance of U.S. Startups & Inventors for Jobs.
    “AUTM – the association representing technology transfer professionals – thanks Senators Tillis and Coons and others for their leadership in introducing PERA. This legislation is crucially needed to address the ambiguities that the courts have created about what is, and what is not, patent eligible. At a time when the U.S. is competing for innovation leadership, its patent system needs to clearly delineate this process so that it can move forward on numerous discoveries that otherwise would wither on the vine,” said AUTM.
    “The reintroduction of the Patent Eligibility Restoration Act (PERA) marks a pivotal move toward restoring clarity and consistency in U.S. patent law. By providing clear statutory guidelines, PERA offers inventors, entrepreneurs, and research institutions the certainty needed to innovate confidently. We commend Senator Tillis and Senator Coons for their leadership on this critical issue and remain committed to collaborating with Congress to support a patent system that fosters transparency and predictability,” said the American Intellectual Property Law Association (AIPLA).
    “The Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform applauds Congress for reintroducing PERA. This legislation represents a significant step forward in clarifying patent eligibility while maintaining necessary standards on what is ultimately patentable. 21C applauds these efforts as they will make sure that the United States remains the most attractive place in the world to invest, invent, and grow,” said the Coalition for 21st Century Patent Reform (21C).
    The text of the bill is available here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Williams Farms Repack LLC Recalls Tomatoes Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    May 02, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    May 02, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesProduceFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Potential Foodborne Illness – Salmonella

    Company Name:
    Williams Farms Repack LLC
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    H&C Farms Label

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Tomatoes

    Company Announcement
    LODGE, SC – May 2, 2025 – Williams Farms Repack LLC is recalling Tomatoes sizes; 4×5 2 layer, 60ct 2layer, 3ct trays in the Williams Farms Repack label, and 5×6 25lb, 6×6 25lb H&C Farms Label, due to a potential contamination of Salmonella. Salmonella an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
    On April 29, 2025, the firm was notified via telephone by Southeast Tomato Distributors that tomatoes supplied from H&C Farms may be contaminated with Salmonella.
    No illnesses have been reported to date.
    Products affected are:

    PRODUCT

    SIZE 

    UPC 

    LOT CODE

    Tomatoes

    5×6 25lb

    N/A

    R4467

    Tomatoes

    6×6 25lb

    N/A

    R4467, R4470

    Tomatoes

    Combo 25lb

    N/A

    R4467

    Tomatoes

    4×4 2layer

    N/A

    R4467

    Tomatoes

    4×5 2layer

    N/A

    R4467

    Tomatoes

    60ct 2layer

    N/A

    R4467

    Tomatoes

    60ct 18lb loose

    N/A

    R4467, R4470

    Tomatoes

    XL 18lb Loose

    N/A

    R4467

    Tomatoes

    3ct trays

    0 33383 65504 8

    R4467

    The products were distributed between 4/23/2025 to 4/28/2025. These products were packaged and sold to wholesalers and distributors located in the states of: Georgia, North Carolina & South Carolina.
    Consumers who have purchased these products are urged to not consume the products and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or they may discard the product. Consumers with questions may contact Jason Breland at 843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154 Monday–Friday 8:00 am–5:00 pm EST.
    This recall is being made with the knowledge of the Food and Drug Administration.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    Jason Breland
    843-866-7707 or 843-599-5154

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    05/02/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: With Medicaid Cut Details Looming, Cantwell Releases Snapshot Report Showing How WA’s Seniors Could Suffer

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    05.02.25
    With Medicaid Cut Details Looming, Cantwell Releases Snapshot Report Showing How WA’s Seniors Could Suffer
    In exclusive survey, 67 of 68 WA nursing homes say even a 5% Medicaid cut would force them to reduce long-term care services, nearly 2/3rds say they would consider closing Next week, Congressional Republicans are expected to release the details of their plan to cut $880B from the vital program
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released a snapshot report highlighting the impact that Medicaid cuts would have on Washington state’s highly-ranked long-term care system for seniors and people with disabilities.
    “Medicaid pays for essential long-term care for over 100,000 seniors and people with disabilities in the State of Washington,” said Sen. Cantwell. “As this report shows, cuts to Medicaid could force nursing homes to consider closing, strip away access to home care for seniors who want to age at home, and put dangerous stress on emergency services.”
    Report highlights include:
    An exclusive new survey of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 775 WA home care workers—94% of the 3,787 respondents said that their clients would likely need care at an ER if their home care stopped.
    New information on how crucial Medicaid funding is for our state’s nursing homes—on average, WA nursing homes receive 52.3% of their revenue from Medicaid.
    An exclusive new survey of 68 WA nursing homes, which found that 67 of 68 would cut services if Medicaid were cut by 5% or more, and 65% would consider closing.
    Statewide data showing that 105,700 Washingtonians receive home-based long-term services and supports through Medicaid.
    In the coming weeks, Congressional Republicans are expected to release details of their plan to cut $880 billion from Medicaid, the federal program that insures many low-income adults and children, pregnant people, seniors, and people with disabilities.
    Medicaid is a crucial support for WA’s long-term care system, paying for home care workers that help seniors and people with disabilities stay in their homes. When these patients need a level of care that only a nursing home can provide, Medicaid can reimburse nursing homes for that care.
    Based on surveys, interviews, and data from nursing homes, home care workers, emergency services providers, and area agencies on aging, the report details how Medicaid cuts would endanger a long-term health care system that is ranked #2 in the nation by AARP.
    Cuts to Medicaid could devastate this system by creating a double-crisis: More people needing to go to a nursing home, combined with fewer nursing home beds. According to Lynn Kimball, Executive Director of Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, “there are not enough nursing home beds in our region or across the state to respond to the number of people who would end up needing support if Medicaid no longer funded home care.”
    Medicaid cuts would affect all Washingtonians by putting a greater burden on emergency services. Says Pat Songer, COO and Chief of EMS at Cascade Medical in Leavenworth: “Stripping Medicaid coverage from individuals in long-term or home care settings forces EMS providers to become the safety net of last resort. Without access to routine care, vulnerable patients are left with no option but to call 911 for basic health needs—putting additional pressure on an already strained emergency medical system. This policy shift doesn’t save money; it shifts cost and care to frontline responders, undermining patient outcomes and EMS sustainability, especially in rural communities.”
    The full snapshot report is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Experts of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Commend Kyrgyzstan on Eradicating Statelessness, Ask about Measures to Prevent Hate Speech and Bride Kidnapping

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination today concluded its consideration of the combined eleventh and twelfth periodic reports of Kyrgyzstan, with Committee Experts commending the State on resolving all known cases of statelessness, and asking about measures to prevent hate speech and the practice of bride kidnapping.

    Mazalo Tebie, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, and other Committee Experts commended Kyrgyzstan on having resolved all known cases of statelessness in 2019.  They asked how the State party was bringing its legislation on statelessness in line with international standards.

    Guan Jian, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said conflicts between the country’s various ethnic groups had occurred in recent years.  The State party needed to consider early detection and preventative measures to prevent hate speech.  Could the delegation provide data on crimes motivated by racist hate speech occurring online and in the media?

    Ms. Tebie also said there was a phenomenon in Kyrgyzstan called “ala kachuu” (bride kidnapping), in which young women or girls from marginalised and vulnerable ethnic groups were abducted by men and forced into marriage.  How did the State ensure the effective implementation of laws prohibiting the practice?

    In opening remarks, Marat Tagaev, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan and head of the delegation, said Kyrgyzstan fully adhered to its international obligations under the Convention.  The President had approved the national development strategy until 2040, one of the main priorities of which was to ensure interethnic harmony and strengthen the unity of the people.

    In addition, Mr. Tagaev said Kyrgyzstan continued systematic and continuous work on the issues of refugees, internally displaced persons and stateless persons.  In 2019, it became the first country in the world to resolve all known cases of statelessness.  It had also introduced a universal system that ensured 100 per cent registration of births.

    On measures to address hate speech, the delegation said a new bill on the media had been prepared in 2022 which prevented the spread of disinformation online.  In 2025, only 25 complaints related to online hate speech had been received by the State; the State had moved to block websites in response in seven cases.

    The delegation said bridal theft was a form of violence against women.  Persons who abducted women for the purpose of marriage were punished with up to seven years imprisonment, or up to 20 years for the abduction of minors. In 2022, courts found 42 individuals guilty of these crimes.  In all schools, a special subject was taught that addressed kidnapping and abductions, explaining that these actions were crimes.

    In concluding remarks, Michal Balcerzak, Committee Chair, said the dialogue had been very constructive, addressing many issues.  The information provided by the delegation would allow the Committee to develop targeted concluding observations.

    Mr. Guan, in concluding remarks, thanked the State party for its contributions to the dialogue, which had helped to make it a success.

    Mr. Tagaev, in his concluding remarks, said that the Committee’s comments and questions would help the State party to strengthen measures to promote equality and prevent discrimination. Kyrgyzstan would continue to take active steps to prevent racial discrimination and implement the Convention, working in collaboration with civil society.

    The delegation of Kyrgyzstan consisted of representatives of the Supreme Court; General Prosecutor’s Office; Ministry of Internal Affairs; Ministry of Health; Ministry of Labour, Social Security, and Migration; Ministry of Education and Science; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Ministry of Economy and Commerce; Cabinet of Ministers; State Commission on Religious Affairs; Administration of the President; and the Permanent Mission of Kyrgyzstan to the United Nations Office at Geneva.

    The Committee will issue its concluding observations on the report of Kyrgyzstan after the conclusion of its one hundred and fifteenth session on 9 May.  The programme of work and other documents related to the session can be found here.  Summaries of the public meetings of the Committee can be found here, while webcasts of the public meetings can be found here.

    The Committee will next meet in public on Friday, 9 May at 4 p.m. to close its one hundred and fifteenth session.

    Report

    The Committee has before it the combined eleventh and twelfth periodic reports of Kyrgyzstan (CERD/C/KGZ/11-12).

    Presentation of Report

    MARAT TAGAEV, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan and head of the delegation, said that since Kyrgyzstan gained independence, the human rights and freedoms of its citizens, regardless of their racial and ethnic affiliation, had remained absolute and unchanged in the State.  Kyrgyzstan fully adhered to its international obligations under the Convention.  It was a multi-ethnic State with representatives of more than 100 different ethnic groups, including Uzbeks, Russians, Dungans, Uyghurs, Tajiks and other ethnic groups.  The Constitution prohibited discrimination based on race, language, ethnicity, religion, origin, as well as other circumstances.  The commission of a crime based on racial, ethnic, national, religious or interregional enmity was an aggravating circumstance.

    Set up in 2013, the Coordinating Council on Human Rights aimed to improve the mechanisms for ensuring the protection of human and civil rights and freedoms, and the implementation of international obligations in the field of human rights.  The Council included the heads of key State bodies whose activities were related to the protection of human rights, and it was headed by the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan.

    Kyrgyzstan continued systematic and continuous work on the issues of refugees, internally displaced persons and stateless persons.  In 2019, it became the first country in the world to resolve all known cases of statelessness.  It had also introduced a universal system that ensured 100 per cent registration of births.  Draft laws on Kyrgyzstan’s accession to the 1954 Convention relating to the Status of Stateless Persons and the 1961 Reduction of Statelessness Convention had also been submitted for public discussion. 

    The courts of the country applied not only the laws of Kyrgyzstan but also international treaties that had entered into force.  The Convention was thus an integral part of the legal system.  The President had approved the national development strategy until 2040, one of the main priorities of which was to ensure interethnic harmony, strengthen the unity of the people, and protect the rights of citizens, regardless of their ethnicity.

    In November 2020, the President of Kyrgyzstan had approved the plan for the promotion of a civil identity Kyrgyz jarany (Kyrgyz citizen) for the period 2021-2026.  The purpose of the plan was to develop a favourable environment for the promotion of the civic identity of Kyrgyz jarany, including through forming of a conscious understanding of the civil identity of Kyrgyz citizens; strengthening the unity of the people of Kyrgyzstan, increasing tolerance and promoting diversity; developing and promoting the State language and preserving multilingualism; promoting equal access to decision making; and increasing confidence in political institutions and public authorities.  Various national and international stakeholders were involved in developing the plan. 

    The People’s Assembly, which included 30 ethnic associations, played an important role in strengthening interethnic harmony, and preserving languages, culture and traditions of ethnic groups living in Kyrgyzstan.  In April 2025, the National Agency for Religious Affairs and Interethnic Relations was established, which implemented State policy in the field of religious relations, strengthening interethnic harmony, providing early warning, and preventing interethnic conflicts.

    Public reception offices for interethnic relations operated in 23 multiethnic districts, carrying out preventive measures, monitoring work in places where multiethnic communities lived, and promoting effective interaction with the civil sector.  In 2024, these offices carried out more than 1,100 early warning and prevention measures regarding interethnic conflicts, and close to 4,000 measures over the past four years.  As a result of this work, the number of interethnic incidents had decreased four-fold.

    Kyrgyzstan had created a legal framework to prevent discrimination in the courts.  The constitutional principle of equality before the law and the courts was reflected in the Criminal Procedure Code and laws on the status and behaviour of judges, as well as on the Supreme Court and local courts.

    The State party supported members of all ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan to preserve, study and develop their native languages. In 161 local schools, students had the opportunity to study in Uzbek.  In 22 of them, education took place only in Uzbek.  The State strove to implement a balanced language policy that would foster a new trilingual generation of Kyrgyz citizens who spoke the official languages and one foreign language, while ensuring guarantees for the preservation of the native languages of ethnic communities.  Kyrgyzstan had developed a regulatory framework for its multilingual and multicultural education programmes.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    GUAN JIAN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, said that the high-level delegation showed the great importance that the State party attached to the dialogue.

    The demographic data that the State party had provided was not sufficiently comprehensive or specific. How did the State party apply the principle of self-identification in data collection on ethnicity, and how would it implement the Committee’s recommendations on data collection as soon as possible?

    Mr. Guan commended the State party’s legislative work.  However, in its previous concluding observations, the Committee expressed concern about the persistent lack of anti-discrimination legislation, calling on the State party to adopt such legislation in line with the Convention, with assistance from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.  Had progress been made in this regard?  How did the Criminal Code of 2019 contribute to combatting racial discrimination?  A draft anti-discrimination law was submitted to Parliament in 2023 but was subsequently removed from its agenda for revision.  Why was this?

    The previous concluding observations also called for compliance with Convention obligations in the judicial field. During the reporting period, law enforcement units initiated 189 criminal cases related to incitement to ethnic, racial, religious or interregional hostility.  Were all these cases brought before the courts?  Did the judicial system have internal guidelines for handling cases involving racial discrimination?  Were there rules and procedures on cooperation between judicial bodies and the Office of the Ombudsperson on such cases?  Were regular training courses on anti-racial discrimination provided for judicial personnel?  Could the delegation provide examples of cases of racial discrimination where the provisions of the Convention had been invoked in, or applied by, domestic courts?

    Mr. Guan expressed appreciation for the State party’s policy efforts related to racial discrimination, including the national action plan on development of the civil identity of Kyrgyz jarany (Kyrgyz citizen) for the period 2021-2026 and the national development strategy for 2018-2040.  What preliminary achievements had been made by these policies, and by the State programme for the security and socioeconomic development of border areas, and what challenges remained?

    The Committee was concerned that the Office of the Ombudsperson was not in compliance with the Paris Principles and that it received a low number of complaints of racial discrimination. What measures had the State party taken to strengthen the mandate of the Office to effectively promote human rights and to independently monitor and evaluate progress in the implementation of the Convention, while ensuring adequate financial and human resources to carry out its mandate?  Had the State adopted a 2017 bill aiming to strengthen the independence of the institution? Why had its head been dismissed in 2023?

    Mr. Guan expressed appreciation for the State party’s endeavours to prohibit and punish racist hate speech and hate crimes, including in the media and over the internet, according to its Constitution, Criminal Code and other laws.  The State party had also reported that there were no recorded cases over the reporting period of racist statements in the media or incitement to hatred by politicians or public figures.  However, conflicts between the country’s various ethnic groups had occurred in recent years, and development gaps and uneven opportunities between different ethnic groups in some regions still existed. 

    The State party needed to consider early detection and preventative measures to prevent hate speech, including awareness raising campaigns, incentives for strengthening self-regulation of media, systematic monitoring of online hate speech, and capacity building for State authorities.  Could the delegation provide data on cases of hate speech and ethnic groups involved in conflict, and rates of completion of trials on such cases?

    The Committee had previously called on the State party to put an end to racial profiling by the police, undertake effective investigations into all allegations of racial profiling, hold those responsible accountable, and provide effective remedies to victims, as well as to develop training programmes for law enforcement officers on identifying, investigating and prosecuting racist incidents.  Mr. Guan welcomed educational seminars and training of citizens as part of the programme on Kyrgyz jarany (Kyrgyz citizen).  What measures were in place to ensure that law enforcement officers did not engage in racial profiling?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said Kyrgyzstan was committed to its obligations under the Convention and took every effort to prevent racial discrimination.  A bill on the rights of minorities had been prepared to strengthen legal mechanisms to prevent racial discrimination.  However, Parliament had called for the revision of this bill to consider different views and proposals; this process was ongoing.

    Kyrgyzstan was a poly-ethnic State. As of January 2025, the State had a population of 7.2 million.  The 2022 census revealed that Kyrgyz, Uzbeks, Russians, Uyghurs and Kazakhs represented the largest ethnic groups.  Citizens had the right to voluntarily report their ethnic identity in the census.  The Constitution enshrined the equality of all citizens regardless of their nationality or ethnicity.

    Discrimination in all forms was prohibited in Kyrgyzstan.  No person could be discriminated against based on race, ethnicity or other characteristics.  The State provided judicial protection from all forms of discrimination.  Courts treated people equally regardless of their ethnicity.  All persons subjected to discrimination could file a complaint with the courts.  The Supreme Court had called on the State party to revise laws that contravened the Constitution.  In cases of serious crimes such as murder and ill-treatment, discriminatory motives based on race, ethnicity, religion, language or other grounds were considered to be aggravating circumstances and could be qualified as crimes against humanity.

    The Ministry of the Interior provided 1,000 hours of training for newly recruited law enforcement officers, which included classes on human rights, international human rights law, and preventing all forms of discrimination.  Disciplinary cases had been brought against 5,400 officials in recent years.  A service had been established for submitting complaints against law enforcement officers. There were 53 cases related to racial discrimination in 2023 and 47 in 2024.  The judicial academy, from 2019, had also trained 429 judges on international human rights standards.  There were judges of Russian, Tartar and Kurd ethnicity in the Supreme Court.

    The Office of the Ombudsperson provided oversight on human rights issues in the State.  A new constitutional law on increasing the independence and powers of the Office and bringing the Office in line with the Paris Principles had been developed.  Recently, the Office’s budget had been increased to allow it to carry out its activities more effectively.

    Follow-Up Questions by Committee Experts

    GUAN JIAN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, asked whether the national statistics committee had a fixed term for carrying out the next census.  How many staff members did the Ombudsperson’s Office have and what were their roles?  What were the sources of its funding and what was its annual budget?  How did it work with courts and law enforcement?  Did the Office have branches in each region of the country?

    A Committee Expert said racist incidents in the country seemed to have increased over the years, but disciplinary measures against the police seemed to be decreasing.  In how many disciplinary cases had police officers been convicted?  What were the outcomes of disciplinary proceedings?

    One Committee Expert congratulated the State party on having completely eradicated statelessness.  Did the State party ensure the independence of the Council of Human Rights, which was under the President’s Office?  What findings had the Council made?  How did it cooperate with civil society?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that currently, 115 persons worked for the Ombudsperson’s Office, which had branch offices in seven regions.  The Office’s financial resources had increased each year in recent years.  The Office had departments for oversight on human rights and children’s rights, a complaints department, and a department for judicial activities.  The Office monitored the rights and freedoms of citizens during both open and closed judicial proceedings.  It cooperated with law enforcement agencies and monitored the compliance of these agencies with their human rights obligations.

    All law enforcement agents underwent training activities on human rights.  Disciplinary offences for police officers were not administrative or criminal processes; they were internal processes.  Persons could submit complaints against officers via social media and email.  If investigations found that crimes had been committed, cases were transferred to the Prosecutor’s Office.  There had been an increase in complaints recently, which had led to an increase in disciplinary proceedings, but around half of complaints were found to be groundless.

    The Kyrgyz jarany (Kyrgyz citizen) project promoted respect for diversity, social cohesion and statehood. Under the project, some 23 regions had established offices that carried out monitoring and activities to prevent interethnic conflicts, including meetings with ethnic community representatives and training activities.

    The State programme on the development of border areas aimed at improving the living conditions of the population in these areas, strengthening the State border and reducing internal migration.  There were plans to develop infrastructure, agriculture and electrical supply, and reduce natural disasters in these areas.  The comprehensive programme of socio-economic development of regions was also in place, which included policies for the development of mountainous and border regions.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    MAZALO TEBIE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said public offices responsible for interethnic issues had received 167 requests in 2022 related to preventing discrimination against ethnic groups.  What follow-up was given to these requests?  Could the delegation provide data on investigations into crimes motivated by racist hate speech and hate crimes occurring online and in the media? How did the State help victims to access legal aid and support services?

    Reportedly, women and girls belonging to ethnic minorities, such as Uzbeks, Tajiks and Dungans, and rural women remained underrepresented in the public and political sphere, and patriarchal norms and socio-economic barriers restricted their access to education and professional opportunities.  How were they encouraged to participate in public and private life?  What measures were in place to prevent gender and ethnic stereotypes?  Were there quotas or mechanisms to ensure fair representation of women from ethnic minorities in decision-making bodies?  How did the State party support access to basic social services for minority women?

    Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community had reportedly faced difficulties in accessing health services, and were frequently exposed to blackmail, intimidation, extortion, as well as arbitrary arrests and ill-treatment. What measures were in place to include these persons in awareness raising campaigns, prevent and investigate discrimination and violence against them, and ensure their access to legal protection?

    There were reports of restrictions of rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association and opinion in the State party.  Human rights defenders and journalists were frequently exposed to threats, stigmatisation, arrests, arbitrary detentions, and sanctions such as fines, expulsions or closures of entities.  Kyrgyzstan had fallen 50 places in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, to 122nd out of 180 countries.  What was being done to prevent the intimation of human rights defenders, to guarantee freedom of expression and other fundamental freedoms, and to release detained journalists, human rights defenders and non-governmental organization leaders?

    In 2024, the President promulgated a law on “foreign agents”.  How would the State party address concerns related to this law, which seemingly could force some non-governmental organizations to close or self-censor?  What safeguards were in place to ensure that civil society organizations could operate freely, regardless of their foreign funding?  Many non-governmental organizations had reported an increase in negative attitudes to their work by State representatives.  What measures were in place to protect non-governmental organizations from interference and intimidation by public authorities?

    A general ban on public assemblies had been imposed in 2022 to prevent certain peaceful assemblies.  Why was this ban introduced?  How did the State party ensure that citizens could exercise their right to freedom of assembly?  What measures were planned to prevent abuses of this ban by the police? Were there any redress mechanisms for citizens sanctioned under this ban?

    New laws had been implemented that banned wearing of religious clothing, including the niqab, in public spaces, and proselytising outside places of worship.  Why had these new restrictions, which ran the risk of violating the right to freedom of religion, been introduced?  How did the State party protect the right to freedom of religion and prevent religious minorities from being marginalised by these laws?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said non-profit organizations played an important part in life in Kyrgyzstan, helping to solve societal problems.  Amendments were brought to the law on non-commercial organizations in 2024 that aimed to ensure transparency and accountability for these organizations. Inclusion of these organizations in the State register ensured transparency in their finances.

    The State party banned discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, who were guaranteed equal access to justice.  In one case, it was found that a television station had recorded a member of this community without their permission; the station was issued with a fine in response.

    There were 21,000 civil service employees, of which 35 per cent were women.  There were 340 members of minority groups in the civil service. There were no quotas for employment in the civil service.

    The draft bill on freedom of worship and religious associations sought to bring State legislation on religion in line with international norms.  It included regulations on registration of religious organizations and sites and labour relations in such organizations.  Freedom of worship was a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution and the legal system.  There was no ban specifically on religious clothing, only a ban on covering one’s face in public institutions.  Religious organizations could not proselytise, but there were no other bans on their activities.

    Under State law, no one had the right to restrict peaceful assemblies.  Laws prevented citizens from being forced to participate in meetings. Public authorities needed to ensure public safety, and could ban public meetings that threatened public order.

    A new bill on the media had been prepared in 2022.  The bill was now under review in the President’s Office.  Representatives of the media fully supported this bill, which prevented the spread of disinformation online.  In 2025, only 25 complaints related to online hate speech had been received by the State; the State had moved to block websites in response in seven cases.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    MAZALO TEBIE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said that the State party had established several measures to prevent discrimination against minorities.  How did it evaluate the effectiveness of these measures? Could women wear the niqab?  How did the State party ensure freedom of religion?

    There was a phenomenon in Kyrgyzstan called “ala kachuu” (bride kidnapping), in which young women or girls were abducted by men and forced into marriage.  This practice was said to mainly affect women and girls from rural communities, and from marginalised and vulnerable groups.  What actions had been taken to ensure the effective implementation of laws prohibiting the practice, and to raise awareness among rural communities about women’s rights?  What support services were available to abducted women and girls?  Did the State party have up-to-date data on the most affected ethnic groups or regions?

    Another Committee Expert asked whether there was a framework for the participation of minorities in all law-making processes.

    FAITH DIKELEDI PANSY TLAKULA, Committee Expert and Follow-Up Rapporteur, said that the Committee’s previous concluding observations had called on the State party to implement the views of the Human Rights Committee and pardon Azimjan Askarov, considering his poor health.  The Committee deeply regretted that he had passed away five days after the State party had reported that his health was improving.  What measures were in place to protect human rights defenders, journalists and non-governmental organizations working on the rights of ethnic minorities from reprisals?

    A Committee Expert welcomed that there were thousands of civil society organizations in the State party.  Did they take part in meetings preparing for the current dialogue?  How many of these organizations had been banned?

    Another Committee Expert said that in one court case concerning an attack against homosexual persons, the court had sent back the case to the prosecution.  What happened to the case after this?  Was the fine issued to the television station for recording a member of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community without their permission sufficient?

    GUAN JIAN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, welcomed measures to promote the protection of equal rights for all ethnic groups.  The Committee had previously expressed concern about the low living standards of the Mughat, characterised by high unemployment and school dropout rates; land expropriation, home demolitions and forced evictions, disproportionately affecting Uzbeks from Osh and Jalalabad and frequently carried out in the absence of due process guarantees; discrimination against Uzbeks in access to work; and the absence of remedies for persons arbitrarily dismissed from their posts following the events of 2010.  What measures were implemented to address the Committee’s concerns?

    Parliamentary deputies’ seats had in 2021 been reduced from 120 to 90.  Representatives of minority ethnic communities had held 16 seats in 2021. What impact did the reduction of seats have on the representation of ethnic groups?  As of 2022, some 11 per cent of members of local councils and four per cent of State and municipal administration staff were members of minority ethnic groups, while 3.1 per cent of police officers were from minority groups. What measures were in place to increase minority representation in these bodies and the judiciary?

    Mr. Guan welcomed the State party’s efforts to promote multilingual education.  The law on education stated that educational services could be provided in a foreign language.  Were minority languages considered to be “foreign languages”?  What financing was provided for multilingual education? There were only 2,450 ethnic Uzbeks, 125 ethnic Tajiks, and 417 Dungans studying in their mother tongues in Kyrgyzstan in 2021.  Why were these numbers so low?

    Many institutions had been established by the State party to address interethnic tensions, such as the public advisory councils on interethnic relations; community liaison offices; the monitoring centre of the Ministry of Culture, Information, Sport and Youth Policy; and the interagency commission.  Were these organizations run by the State or non-governmental organizations?  What were each of their tasks, including in implementing the Kyrgyz jarany (citizens of Kyrgyzstan) plan?  What personnel did these institutions have, how were their powers divided, and how did they cooperate with law enforcement?

    Related to June 2010 ethnic violence in the south of the State, among a total of 5,642 criminal cases initiated by law enforcement agencies, proceedings had been suspended in 3,919 cases, a majority of the cases, while inquiries were being conducted.  What data could be provided on these suspended cases?

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said bridal theft was a form of violence against women.  This crime was punished under criminal legislation and punishments had recently been strengthened.  Persons who abducted women for the purpose of marriage were punished with up to seven years imprisonment, or up to 20 years for the abduction of minors.  No amnesty was provided to perpetrators.  In 2022, courts found 42 individuals guilty of these crimes.  In all schools, a special subject was taught that addressed kidnapping and abductions, explaining that these actions were crimes.

    Some 97 per cent of children in the State party attended schools.  The State promoted education in native tongues and official languages.  More than 4,000 children were being taught in the Uzbek language, and there were also special schools teaching in other minority ethnic languages such as Tajik.

    Currently, there were around 1,500 members of ethnic minorities serving as civil servants, some 35 per cent of whom were women.  There were three representatives of minority ethnic groups currently serving in Parliament. Uzbeks, Dungans, Russians and Kazakhs were represented in parliamentary deputy seats, five per cent of which were held by women.

    After the events of June 2010, more than 5,300 criminal cases had been launched and more than 300 people had been brought to justice, including one life sentence conviction.  Investigations were based on respect for human rights and ethnicity was not a factor in the consideration of cases.  Kyrgyzstan was committed to carrying out fair trials in line with international standards.  There were some 42 cases involving murder, and several cases involving destruction of public and private property.  Some three billion som in damages were incurred by the State.

    Regarding the death in custody of Azimjan Askarov, the central prison hospital had diagnosed him with pneumonia and had provided him with treatment; however, he had rejected this treatment, leading to his death.  An investigation into the death was ongoing.

    The case of an alleged attack on homosexual people had been dropped after being returned to the prosecution. Regarding the case of a transgender girl recorded by a television station, courts provided financial compensation for moral damage, considering the degree of damage caused and the circumstances of the case.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    GUAN JIAN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, called for more detailed information on public works undertaken in Osh city without the permission of local residents, and the situation of the Mughat community, some members of which were relocated after their lands were flooded.  Were affected people provided with compensation?

    A Committee Expert said that racial discrimination and climate change inhibited access to health for the Mughat community.  How did the State party promote access to health, safe food and drinking water for this community, and access to reproductive health rights for its women and children?

    Another Committee Expert asked whether parents who refused to send their children to school were criminally prosecuted by the Ministry of Justice.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said the State party was implementing a project to digitally register all newborns, which had promoted 100 per cent registration of births in the Mughat community.  Some 95 per cent of the Kyrgyz population had access to drinking water.  The State party was building water pipelines to increase access to drinking water in remote communities, including to the Mughat community.

    Citizens had the inalienable right to healthcare services, regardless of their ethnicity or other characteristics. The programme on State guarantees approved in 2023 aimed to improve access to medical services for vulnerable groups and increase the quality of health services.

    Parents were required to send school age children to school.  They had the right to choose the language of education and between public and private schools or homeschooling.  A bill had been developed that called for fining of parents who refused to send their children to school.

    The State party had identified sites for demolition in Osh in a project to develop public roads.  Some 69 million som had been provided in compensation to persons whose homes or property were affected.  Persons who felt that their property rights had been infringed by State development projects could file complaints in court.

    The Coordinating Council on Human Rights was an advisory council that sought to improve the implementation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the State party.  Headed by the Deputy Prime Minister and including representatives of State authorities and the Ombudsperson, it coordinated the preparation of reports to international treaty bodies and implementation of these bodies’ recommendations.

    Parliament included representatives of national ethnic groups, who were involved in drafting legislation.  A web portal had also been set up that allowed citizens to make comments on legislative proposals.

    Questions by a Committee Expert

    MAZALO TEBIE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, said the Committee welcomed the State’s initiatives regarding the protection of refugees, including planned accession to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol, and the national action plan on migration management for 2022 to 2025. However, there was a high rate of rejection of applications for refugee status, and some refugees reportedly lived in precarious conditions, including in overcrowded temporary shelters with limited access to healthcare, clean water and education.  Uyghur, Uzbek and Chechen refugees and asylum seekers were reportedly extremely vulnerable.  What measures were in place to protect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers and promote access to residence?

    In 2024, protests against migrants had been held, leading to violence against foreigners with legal residence status.  What measures were in place to prevent violence against foreigners, including irregular migrants, and to provide victims with support? Migrants employed in the agricultural and construction sectors often faced precarious working conditions, with limited access to health and support services.  What measures were in place to protect the rights of migrant workers, establish clear standards for the employment of migrants, and promote their integration into society?  Were there institutions that assessed working conditions for migrants? 

    Nearly one in four Kyrgyz citizens migrated to neighbouring countries to work.  These emigrants reportedly struggled to access basic services in host countries.  Why did many women choose to emigrate?  What measures were in place to support them, including in Russia?  There were some Kyrgyz nationals in Syria and Iraq that were reportedly waiting to be repatriated.  How was the State party supporting their return?

    The Committee had received reports of numerous cases of extradition of refugees and asylum seekers, including Uyghurs from China and Uzbeks.  How did the State party prevent refoulement?  How many extradited migrants had been subjected to refoulement?

    The State party had implemented a law that guaranteed the civil registration of all children.  Kyrgyzstan was also the first country in the region to have resolved all known cases of statelessness; this was commendable. However, the Government had proposed amendments in 2023 to the citizenship law that prevented the conferral of Kyrgyz citizenship to the children of foreign parents born in Kyrgyzstan. This could lead to statelessness. How was the State party bringing its legislation on statelessness in line with international standards?

    What measures had been taken to provide continuous training to judges and lawyers on human rights, discrimination and the application of the Convention?  How many judges and lawyers had been trained?

    Responses by the Delegation

     

    The delegation said that in Kyrgyzstan, refugees had the right to health and education services and the right to freedom of movement.  The State assessed each application for refugee status in cooperation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and promoted the integration of refugees into society.  From 2019 to 2024, the State party had received around 300 appeals against decisions to refuse refugee status.  Around 140 of these cases had gone to the cassation court, which had decided to grant refugee status in some cases.

    Kyrgyzstan upheld the principle of non-refoulement.  Extraditions could not be carried out if there was suspicion of the person involved being subjected to torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. Kyrgyzstan worked with international partners to assess risks in individual cases.  In 2024, the State party extradited 49 foreign citizens, including seven to the Russian Federation.  None of these persons had requested refugee status.

    Some 37 criminal cases had been initiated in response to violent incidents relating to 2024 protests against migrants.  The State party was carrying out activities to prevent broad-scale violations against foreign nationals, including ongoing informational activities.  Local populations now understood better the rights of foreign nationals.

    State laws regulated the situation of stateless persons in Kyrgyzstan.  Efforts to address statelessness were ongoing.  The State party had devised procedures for providing the children of stateless persons with identification documents, including the 2024 project that ensured 100 per cent issuance of birth certificates to newborns.

    Consular services provided for the protection of Kyrgyz citizens abroad, including migrant workers.  The Ombudsperson’s Office received complaints of rights violations from migrants and implemented response measures. Children of Kyrgyz migrants needed to be able to speak basic Russian to attend school in the Russian Federation; the State party thus provided Russian language courses to these children.

    The State party had trained 429 judges in 2025 on international human rights standards.  The judiciary was committed to promoting diversity and equality.

    In 2021, the State party repatriated more than 400 citizens from Iraq and Syria, including children.  Measures had been implemented to promote the reintegration and rehabilitation of these citizens and prevent their stigmatisation.

    Questions by Committee Experts

    MAZALO TEBIE, Committee Expert and Country Co-Rapporteur, asked whether only foreigners who did not have refugee status could be extradited.  The Committee hoped that the law implementing the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol would be adopted soon.  If foreign women who were married to Kyrgyz men divorced, did their children keep Kyrgyz nationality?  Why did the State party require foreigners to take HIV tests? The State party had developed a “compatriots of foreign nationality” card.  Who were these “compatriots of foreign nationality”?

    A Committee Expert said there had been a reported drop in teaching of the Uzbek language after the 2010 violence. Were nation-wide examinations conducted in the Uzbek language for students learning in that language?

    Another Committee Expert asked if training course for judicial officials addressed the application of the Convention in civil and criminal cases.  Were there examples of judicial decisions where the Convention was applied?

    A Committee Expert congratulated the State party on eradicating statelessness as of 2019, and for developing a statelessness determination procedure.  Kyrgyzstan needed to ratify the statelessness conventions and share its best practices with other nations.

    Responses by the Delegation

    The delegation said that under national legislation, refugees could not be extradited.  The State party waited until processes considering applications for refugee status concluded before considering extradition.  Two draft bills on acceding to the 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol were currently under consideration.

    If one parent had Kyrgyz nationality, children could receive Kyrgyz nationality, regardless of the location of their birth.  Children of stateless parents born in Kyrgyzstan were also granted Kyrgyz nationality.  Persons could lose Kyrgyz nationality if they served in the army of a foreign State or if they received citizenship after submitting falsified documents.  Kyrgyz citizens could change their citizenship only once; persons needed to submit documents proving their ethnic identity to change their citizenship.  Divorces were not grounds for changing citizenship.

    To enrol in universities in Kyrgyzstan, students needed to sit the General Republican Exam in either Kyrgyz or Russian.

    Kyrgyzstan did not required foreigners to submit a certificate showing that they were HIV-negative when applying for a visa.  Information related to HIV tests was not made public.  Forced tests were carried out in a confidential manner based on court decisions.

    Courts could apply international conventions directly.  All criminal cases related to the June 2010 events had been closed, but affected persons had the right to appeal cases and seek compensation.

    The children and grandchildren of Kyrgyz citizens who lived overseas had the right to apply for the “compatriots of foreign nationality” card, which allowed them to live and work in Kyrgyzstan without additional residence or work permits.

    Closing Remarks

    MICHAL BALCERZAK, Committee Chair, said the dialogue had been very constructive, addressing many issues.  The information provided by the delegation would allow the Committee to develop targeted concluding observations.

    GUAN JIAN, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, thanked the State party for its contributions to the dialogue, which had helped to make it a success.  He expressed hope that the State party would follow-up on remaining unanswered questions and closed by thanking all persons who had contributed to the dialogue.

    MARAT TAGAEV, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of Kyrgyzstan and head of the delegation, said that the Committee’s comments and questions would help the State party to strengthen measures to promote equality and prevent discrimination. Kyrgyzstan would continue to take active steps to prevent racial discrimination and implement the Convention, working in collaboration with civil society.  The State party would work to implement the Committee’s recommendations and to build an inclusive and just society.

    __________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CERD.25.08E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government sets up inter-departmental dedicated team to follow up on suspected closure of private healthcare facilities

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government sets up inter-departmental dedicated team to follow up on suspected closure of private healthcare facilities 
         Customs is actively looking into this incident and is conducting investigations into offences under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) regarding the unfair trade practices. If there is any violation of the TDO, Customs will take appropriate enforcement actions. As at 4pm today (May 2), Customs and the police received 312 related reports and the Council received 157 related complaints. The Council urges the responsible persons of the relevant private healthcare facilities to explain as soon as possible whether it has closed down and the subsequent arrangements to address consumers’ concerns. Consumers are advised to call the Council’s hotline at 2929 2222 if they are in doubt.
     
         Customs appeals to members of the public who have purchased prepaid services (including vaccinations) from the private healthcare facilities concerned to contact the department as soon as possible. Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the TDO to Customs by calling its 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or sending an email to its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk 
         Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Consumers are also reminded to procure services at reputable shops and consider prudently before making decisions to make prepaid purchases. After making prepaid purchases, consumers should keep the relevant records, such as transaction receipts and contracts, which can become basic information in case a complaint is lodged in the future.
    ???
    Under the TDO, any trader commits an offence if at the time of acceptance of payment, the trader intends not to supply the product or intends to supply a materially different product, or there is no reasonable ground for believing that the trader will be able to supply the product within a specified or reasonable period. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
     
    As regards the concerns of affected parents about their children’s remaining vaccinations, all 29 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) under the DH provide vaccination service for infants and young children from birth to five years of age under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme. For children affected by the incident and have been registered with one of the MCHCs, their parents may make an appointment by calling the registered MCHCs to consult the healthcare staff at the MCHCs on the vaccinations that their children need to receive in the future. For a small number of children who have not been registered with the MCHCs, parents may call this hotline (2125 1188), which will operate from tomorrow (May 3) from 9am to 5pm daily until further notice. Parents can also send emails to     dhhelpdesk_2501@dh.gov.hkIssued at HKT 23:12

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India all set to emerge as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) capital of the world- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    Source: Government of India

    India all set to emerge as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) capital of the world- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    About 700 leading industry players and decision maker from the exhibition sector attend

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

    With the construction of the state-of-the art exhibition and conference complexes in the country, India is all set to become MICE ((Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) capital of the world.

    “The new segments of tourism are getting developed, in which MICE tourism is the most important and is the fastest growing segment in the country. The exhibition and conference infrastructure we see across the nation including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur and even small cities post G20 meet indicates that India is standing at the threshold of strong possibilities for this sector,” said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union minister of Culture and Tourism, while inaugurating a Two-day Seminar on India: The land of Exponential Growth organised by the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) , the apex national body of exhibition industry in the country.

    “The government and the private exhibition industry has to work together to make India a centre of MICE tourism. Several events which are happening globally can be calendarized and brought here in India. Besides being a destination India, the country is also becoming a big Exhibition and conference hub with planned expansion in road, aviation and railway sectors along with expansion of the conference and exhibition sector, the country has a great future for economic growth,” Shekhawat said.

    “After 2014, India has shown a tremendous growth curve in infrastructure given the boom in infrastructure, be it the construction of roads over 1,50,000 km, new railway stations, semi high-speed trains, inland waterways and more than 150 operational airports. All of these have contributed to India’s prowess with regards to the MICE events (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). The confidence also built following India’s hosting of G20 nations, the entire world is looking at India in awe and curiosity. In times to come, India will emerge as the MICE capital of the world.” Said Mr Shekhawat.

    “The IEIA Open Seminar and Exhibition Services Expo is the annual international conclave of the Indian Exhibition Industry attended by the captains of the industry from all regions of the country and overseas. The event acts as one of its kind meaningful platforms for business networking, knowledge exchange, and discussions on the emerging trends shaping our industry’s future.” Said Mr Sooraj Dhawan, President. Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA).

    “The 14th edition, the IEIA Open Seminar is expected to attract over 700 leading industry players at decision maker levels including leading Exhibition/ Event Organisers, heads of various trade bodies, sectoral associations and key govt. bodies. India is the fastest growing exhibition market in the world and has grown at 40% post Covid. The Exhibition Industry’s contribution to the Indian economy is Rs. 50,000 crores. Business generated through exhibitions is Rs. 300,000 crores.” Said Mr Dhawan.

    “The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).  refers to a specialized segment of the tourism and hospitality industry focused on organizing and hosting business events. We urge the govt to announce October 1 as the National MICE Day as further boosting the morale of the industry.” Said Mr Dhawan.

    MICE is also known as the event industry. Over the past decades, the MICE industry has been recognized as a significant market segment and an important contributor to national economies. It not only gives a boost to the economy in the form of income generation, but creates huge employment opportunities in related hospitality services providing sectors like accommodation, food and beverage, convention services, transportation, tourism and entertainment.

    Those present on the occasion included Mr Premjeet Lal ED, ITPO, Mr Rakesh Kumar, MD, India Expo mart, Mr Jagdish Patanakar Hon Secretary IEIA, and Mr Ravinder Sethi, vice president, IEIA 

    ****

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2126161) Visitor Counter : 97

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Digital Radio is the medium of the future; analog medium should also co-exist” – From the Discussion at WAVES 2025

    Source: Government of India

    “Digital Radio is the medium of the future; analog medium should also co-exist” – From the Discussion at WAVES 2025

    “Good content, collaborations, cross platform promotions augur well for Radio”

    ‘Radio Reimagined: Thriving in the Digital Age’ – Enriching panel discussion at WAVES 2025

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 3:09PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    A panel discussion on the subject ‘Radio Reimagined: Thriving in the Digital Age’ brought together global experts to engage in an insightful discourse at WAVES 2025 today.

    The esteemed panellists included the pioneer of commercial radio Jacqueline Bierhorst, Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Chairman Ruxandra Obreja, Vice Group Leader of DRM Alexander Zink, ex-CEO of Prasar Bharati and Co-Founder of Deep Tech for Bharat Shashi Shekhar Vempati and noted broadcast technology expert Ted Laverty. Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO of Red FM moderated the conversations with expertise and led to throwing lights on the factors influencing the radio broadcasting industry. 

    ‘Digital Radio is the medium of the future, but analog should also co-exist’

    Jacqueline Bierhorst feels that digital radio is likely to be the primary format in the future, as it offers advantages like better sound quality, more reliable transmission, and the ability to integrate multimedia elements. “While analog radio remains relevant in some contexts, particularly for simpler communication and in areas with limited digital infrastructure, the shift to digital broadcasting is ongoing and expected to continue”, she opined. Cost saving happens by switching from analog to digital, they informed.

    However, Jacqueline Bierhorst  and Alexander Zink noted that broadcast is an important backing point needed during exigencies like terrorist attacks, floods etc., when digital networks may not always work. DRM Chairman Ruxandra Obreja noted on this point that it is important to preserve analog radio in India which reaches out to 600,000 villages. In case of exigencies, undoubtedly broadcast radios are more likely to reach out to a larger population, remarked the experts. “The challenge is to introduce new technologies, without disrupting the old ones”, noted Ruxandra Obreja.

    The new 5Cs of radio communication

    Jacqueline Bierhorst mentioned the classical 5Cs namely, Conciseness, Clarity, Confidence, Control and Capability, and juxtaposed them with the new 5 Cs essential in the era of a thriving digital radio infrastructure. These are: Coverage, Content, Consumer Devices, Car, Communication. She advised to make sure that the radio network is covering the right areas where listeners are based.

    Measurement of listenership is an important step to take concerted efforts for enabling the sector to prosper. Ted Lavety spoke about radio playing Apps in Europe, like Radioplayer and Radio FM, that offer features that can be used to measure listenership, without infringement of privacy. Such programmes and apps, sample surveys and listening diaries can be used to analyse hotspots of radio listenerships in India as well, he advised.

    Good content, collaborations, cross platform promotions work well

    ‘Content is King’ – the experts agreed on this success mantra for the sector. Nisha Narayanan flagged the issue faced by private FMs of high license fee for varied contents. As as a result, they end up mostly catering popular music which has a lower licence fee than other categories of content. The Red FM COO agreed on the need for bringing variety in content for private FMs.

    Speaking about the value of good, useful content, Jacqueline Bierhorst highlighted the success story of British digital radio station Absolute Radio which grew and earned revenue throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s while engaging in various educational and promotional activities that benefit their audience.

    Digital radio has to offer more than the audio content – it has visuals and text applications that is advantageous for growing audience base, Alexander Zing reminded of this yet another aspect of Digital Radio.

    Ted Laverty urged that an ecosystem needed to support the spread of radio listenership. Making low-cost devices, having favourable platforms like android are some of the measures he stated. In addition to existence of external hardware components, diversity of content is also important as it helps to address different sub-groups of listeners.

    Climate Change and Digital Radio

    Digital radio can achieve significant energy savings by using more efficient modulation techniques and enabling single-frequency networks. However, switching off FM stations is not possible. Though some European countries have tried complete switch off of FM stations and complete digitization, it is not the holy grail, said Ruxandra Obreja. She suggested that it is important to inventorize the needs of commercial radio stations while speaking with the Government for policy interventions.

    Radio Industry in India – scope for strengthening the ecosystem

    Ruxandra Obreja mentioned that public policies in Europe have leveraged the reach of digital radio. Having radio in cars, mobile phones, easy availability of radio sets in the market are important steps in that direction. A digital radio consortium should be built up in India, opined the experts.

    Ruxandra Obreja stated that India is a driving force in digital radio. Digital to Terrestrial Radio is important and so is digital to mobile. “Prasar Bharti has a reach to nearly 90 crore population. India is a golden goose in this field, plus points being billions of mobile phone users in India. Important to build on these plus points”, she added.

    Shashi Shekhar Vempatti stated that India is the biggest market for radio, and referred to the medium as the original public good. He highlighted the need for coordinated public action for the sector. “Radio is not going anywhere. Radio consumers in India come from a broad cross section of society”, he stated while charting out the advantages of the sector in the country. Policy interventions may include sequence of stipulations like certain categories of devices must have radio. AI powered devices as well as passive devices like traditional radio should exist side by side.

    With climate change being an important determinant of public policies, it is important to preserve traditional devices. Ted Laverty urged for scaling up of the ecosystem for radio in India, using schemes like ‘Make in India’ for incentivizing radio device manufacturers.

    The experts agreed that digital radio is the way forward in India and elsewhere and urged that commercial stations with Common Transmission Infrastructure ion big cities to form a platform for collaboration.

     

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    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Sriyanka/ Darshana | 144

    (Release ID: 2126121) Visitor Counter : 61

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