NewzIntel.com

Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Canada: B.C. advancing easier ways of doing business

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Streamlining processes to reduce barriers, cut red tape, foster innovation and create a more supportive, business-friendly environment in B.C. are the goals as the Province launches an ease-of-doing-business review.

    “We are listening to B.C. businesses as we work to ensure our province is an easy place to do business,” said Diana Gibson, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. “This review will help us to continue to modernize our regulatory and permitting systems, as we secure B.C.’s position as the economic engine of Canada’s new economy.”

    Businesses are invited to share their ideas, challenges and suggestions through an online website portal until fall 2025. By involving entrepreneurs, business owners and business-sector partners in B.C., the Province will gain a clearer understanding of current on-the-ground challenges when establishing or growing a business. Information gathered throughout the review will help government establish a set of performance measurements to make it easier for companies and organizations of all sizes and sectors to do business in B.C.

    The Province has received input identifying potential challenges and barriers, canvassing insights from the business community, which have been categorized into four types: policy, legislation and regulation, funding and infrastructure, and taxes and fees.

    The review aims to simplify processes and access to services to help businesses succeed, draw more investment and improve competitiveness. It also aligns with recent legislation to ensure rapid permitting and robust regulation of renewable-energy projects, such as wind and solar. This is part of the Province’s commitment to fast-track 18 natural-resource projects to grow the economy while maintaining strong environmental standards and consultation commitments and reducing B.C.’s reliance on trade with the United States. These actions will provide more certainty around processes and timelines to help attract investment to the province by reducing costs for stakeholders.

    “Establishing a set of performance measures to track the ease of doing business will provide B.C. with a road map to reduce barriers and help set up small- and medium-sized businesses to succeed,” said Fiona Famulak, president and CEO, BC Chamber of Commerce. “What gets measured gets done. By monitoring progress, we can identify what’s working or not, improve accountability and create a more business-friendly environment.”

    The review builds on the work government has done through Better Regulations for British Columbians, which has delivered more than 4,000 regulatory amendments since 2016. This ongoing work has made for easier and quicker interactions between businesses and government services, enhancing overall accessibility and convenience.

    Quote:

    Steve Morissette, parliamentary secretary for rural development –

    “Reviewing and updating outdated policies and regulations will help reduce red tape and unlock more opportunities for rural communities. By streamlining processes, we’ll support small businesses and attract new investment, paving the way for sustainable growth and a stronger future for all of B.C.”

    Learn More:

    To learn about the ease-of-doing-business review and submit feedback, visit: https://gov.bc.ca/easeofdoingbusiness

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on the recovery of Judih Weinstein’s remains by Israel

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    “On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a terrorist entity, launched the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Approximately one thousand two hundred innocent people were murdered. Young revelers with their whole lives ahead of them were slaughtered. Communities were burnt to the ground. Among the countless victims of this attack were seven Canadians, including Judih Weinstein.

    “Today, after over a year and a half, Ms. Weinstein’s remains have finally been recovered by Israel. Ms. Weinstein was a mother, grandmother, teacher, and mentor, who dedicated her life to guiding others with empathy, charity, and humanity.

    “As the family grieves the unimaginable loss of both Ms. Weinstein and her husband, Gadi Haggai, who was murdered in that same horrific attack, the recovery of their remains is a time to begin to heal and to rest. We mourn with her family. May her memory be a blessing.

    “Since October 7, Jewish communities have faced a reprehensible resurgence of antisemitism. It has to stop. We cannot look away from the power of antisemitism and its radicalization – we must confront it, denounce it, and act to keep Jewish Canadians safe.

    “The government is fighting the horrifying rise in hate, protecting our communities, and working with our allies to promote long-term peace and security in the Middle East – including calling for Hamas to lay down its arms, release all remaining hostages immediately, and have no role in the future of a Palestinian state.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Completes State-Wide Bill Signing Tour, Signing New Laws to Reduce Housing Costs, Make Colorado Safer and Save People Money

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis completed his 2025 bill state-wide signing tour, signing bills passed by Democrats and Republicans during the landmark 2025 legislative session. Governor Polis signed 476 bills, 87.5% of which were bipartisan, breaking down barriers to housing Coloradans can afford, increasing funding for students and teachers, enhancing public safety, saving people money, protecting the domestic and wild animals Colorado calls home, and protecting and expanding access to outdoor recreation. 

    “This session we continued delivering on our commitment to reduce the cost of living in our state by passing laws to build more housing people can afford, increase student funding to drive student success, improve public safety and more. I am proud of the progress we delivered this year and was thrilled to travel the state from Grand Junction to Alamosa, Keenesberg, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, Fort Collins and more to sign these transformational laws in the communities that make Colorado the best state in the nation to live, raise a family, and thrive,” said Governor Polis. 

    MORE HOUSING NOW: 

    IMPROVING PUBLIC SAFETY: 

    • SB25-310 – Proposition 130 Implementation: This law supports funding for local law enforcement agencies to help recruit peace officers by providing financial reimbursements and tuition assistance for initial and continuing education and training for peace officers, as well as pay incentives and bonuses. The bill also provides funding to ensure that the families of fallen officers get the support they need after losing their loved one in the line of duty.
    • HB25-1062 Penalty for Theft of Firearm: This law cracks down on gun theft by reclassifying firearm theft as a class 6 felony regardless of the value of the firearm stolen.
    • HB25-1171 – Possession of Weapon by Previous Offender Crimes: This law adds first-degree motor vehicle theft to the list of criminal offenses that would make an individual ineligible to possess a firearm.
    • SB25-281 – Increase Penalties Careless Driving: adjusts penalties for persons convicted of careless driving, making each individual seriously injured or killed in a careless driving event a separate violation and clarifies that careless driving resulting in serious bodily injury or death is an included crime for the purposes of the “Victim Rights Act”.
    • A State Budget to Make Colorado Safer: Governor Polis continues working to make Colorado safer for everyone and by signing this year’s budget, Colorado continues investing in preventing and addressing crime. This includes:
      • Youth Crime Prevention: Helping to prevent at-risk youth from entering the criminal justice system through increased funding for prevention services.
      • Community Corrections Capacity: The budget also provides $2.4 million to invest in community corrections placement, increasing capacity.
      • Supporting Crime Victims: Additionally, this budget implements Colorado’s Proposition KK, designating $30.0M in spending authority to crime victims’ services, $8 million for mental health services, and $1 million for school safety.
      • $15 million ongoing for critical public safety communication infrastructure, supporting over 1,000 local, regional, state, tribal, and federal public safety entities.
      • Funding for CBI’s Colorado Gangs Database: The Colorado Gangs database (CoG) is an application that stores gang information such as gang names, gang members, gang contacts, and is used by law enforcement as an investigative tool. It allows law enforcement the ability to add and change any information about the gangs, tracking gangs, and gang members that they contact during patrol or other investigative efforts conducted by law enforcement. This information is also queryable in the Colorado Crime Information Center (CCIC), which provides law enforcement with the most accurate information possible.
    • HB25-1146 – Juvenile Detention Bed Cap: This law allows judicial districts to utilize more juvenile detention beds to ensure that individuals deemed high-risk do not re-enter communities before receiving the rehabilitative services they need.
    • SB25-168 – Prevention of Wildlife Trafficking: This law will crack down on wildlife trafficking to keep Coloradans and wildlife safe. 

    FULLY FUND SCHOOLS AND SUPPORT COLORADO’S WORKFORCE: 

    • HB25-1320 – School Finance Act: This legislation implements Colorado’s student-focused school finance formula without bringing back the budget stabilization factor. It also increases per-pupil funding again to $11,864, an increase from FY24-25 of $412 per student, or an average of $9,000 per classroom.
    • SB25-315 – Postsecondary & Workforce Readiness Programs: This legislation realigns Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness administration and funding to ensure all students have the opportunity to graduate high school with postsecondary credit, an industry-recognized credential, or work-based learning experience.
    • HB25-1278 – Education Accountability System: This legislation modernizes Colorado’s K-12 accountability system for the first time since 2009 to better measure student outcomes, including the creation of a new sub-indicator to support postsecondary and workforce readiness before graduation.
    • HB25-1192 – Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement: This legislation ensures that every student takes a course incorporating all financial literacy standards before they graduate high school, as well as practice filling out financial aid forms so that they are equipped with the know-how to plan for and secure their financial futures.
    • HB25-1038 – Postsecondary Credit Transfer Website: This law will support students by providing more information about how their credits earned through prior learning, concurrent and dual enrollment, and GT Pathways courses will transfer to each Colorado public institution. By allowing students to evaluate and compare the value of their transfer credits across institutions and programs, students can save money and more successfully plan their educational journeys. 

    DRIVING COLORADO’S ECONOMY: 

    • HB25-1005 – Tax Incentive for Film Festivals: This legislation supports film festivals in Colorado and helped the state land the iconic Sundance Film Festival, starting in 2027, which will bring in hundreds of millions of dollars in economic benefits and thousands of jobs.
    • HB25-1021 – Tax Incentives for Employee-Owned Businesses: This law helps businesses by save more toward taxes, when they transition to employee-owned, which is good for employees and businesses.
    • HB25-1090 – Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices: This legislation will help eliminate fees that drive up costs and get rid of deceptive practices that make Coloradans spend more money than they want.
    • HB25-1001 – Enforcement Wage Hour Laws: This legislation combats wage theft, ensuring that more workers are paid fairly, on time, and in full. It enhances enforcement of Colorado’s wage and hour laws, disincentivizes violations, and provides the Department of Labor and Employment with new tools to prevent and address wage theft.
    • HB25-1215 – Redistribution of Lottery Fund: This legislation directs the first $4 million of the lottery fund to the outdoor equity fund, increasing outdoor recreation opportunities and protecting Colorado parks. 

    SAVING PEOPLE MONEY: 

    FREE STATE OF COLORADO: 

    BOLD CLIMATE GOALS AND IMPROVING AIR QUALITY: 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Honoring State DOT Highway Maintenance Supervisor Bornt

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today directed that flags on all State government buildings be flown at half-staff in honor of Department of Transportation Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, who passed away after suffering catastrophic injuries related to a work zone intrusion in Pittstown last week. Flags will be at half-staff Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7, 2025.

    “I join the family, friends and colleagues of Robert Bornt in mourning his tragic passing,” Governor Hochul said. “A dedicated highway maintenance supervisor, Hoosick Falls Fire Chief, and a member of the Town of Hoosick Rescue Squad, Robert was an extraordinary public servant. I am directing flags to be flown at half staff through Saturday, June 7 to honor Robert’s life and his selfless commitment to his community.”

    New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “The entire NYSDOT family is grieving over the death of Highway Maintenance Supervisor Robert Bornt, who spent his entire life in the service of others, protecting the traveling public through his work at the NYS Department of Transportation and making his community a better place through his dedicated work at the Hoosick Falls Fire Department. My thanks to Governor Hochul for honoring Robert’s life and legacy and his family, in such a touching and meaningful way.”

    Governor Kathy Hochul is urging all motorists to drive carefully, stay alert, slow down in work zones and follow New York State’s Move Over Law to protect roadside workers and other drivers.

    In 2024, there were 322 intrusions in New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) work zones. These intrusions resulted in the deaths of two drivers who entered the work zones and 138 additional injuries to highway workers and the traveling public. A total of 59 members of the NYSDOT family have died on the job across New York State, dating as far back as 1939. Distracted driving, following too closely, an unsafe lane change or disregarding traffic warning signs caused the majority of the crashes.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul on “The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell”

    Source: US State of New York

    ast night, Governor Kathy Hochul was a guest on MSNBC’s “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell.”

    AUDIO: The Governor’s interview is available in audio form here.

    A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: Joining us now is Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul of New York. Governor, thank you very much for joining us.

    Governor Hochul: Great to see you again, Lawrence.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: I want to begin with this point about Congressman Michael Lawler. This used to be completely bipartisan in Congress. If you had a government office in your district, near your district — like Social Security — helpful to your community. The President, the administration of your party would never close that ever. Because you as a Republican or a Democrat with a Democratic president, if they were even thinking of it, if it was ever on a list, you’d get in there, you’d fight for it, you’d keep it open. That didn’t happen here.

    Governor Hochul: That shows how insignificant the members of Congress are. All the power has been ceded to the other end of Pennsylvania Avenue. It’s all in Donald Trump’s hands, and they’re sitting there on their hands silent, afraid to say a word, because he might help somebody in a primary against them. They’ve been paralyzed in action. And as a result, if one single person — Mike Lawler, Elise Stefanik, anybody else who thinks they’re running for higher office — any one of them had voted against this bill, it would’ve been dead.

    They did not look out for the rural hospitals in their districts that will close, the thousands of people thrown out of jobs in an area where it’s hard to get work in our red parts of our state, the most rural areas. I know them so well — my old district.

    Mike Lawler letting that Social Security office close — it serves seven counties. Now people have to travel over an hour and a half. Some have to go to Connecticut to get services. And if you’re walking into an office for social services — Social Security services — you’re usually an elderly person, can’t get around, you haven’t figured out how to use your computer, and you’re showing up in person and now you have to travel over an hour. Thank you, Mike Lawler. Thank you, Republican members of Congress. Because you clearly don’t give a damn about the people who put you in office.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: In Upstate New York — the areas we’re talking about now — the frequent hospitals are one of the very big employers. What do Medicaid cuts of this scale mean to those hospitals?

    Governor Hochul: Hospitals will lose $3 billion in the State of New York per year. We can’t help solve that problem. This is federal dollars that we need to have here. It is a major employer. Like I said, when I represented seven very rural counties in the reddest part of our state and Congress, I’d always wanted to see who the employers are when I went to visit. The hospital was always the largest, then sometimes it was the prisons, then it was county government. It took a long time to get a private employer because these were people who got their jobs, they worked hard, they struggle. It’s hard to recruit doctors, so they’re always living on the margin. So this basically says it’s not just going to close for Medicaid recipients, it’s going to close for everybody.

    When your kid gets sick and needs emergency care, your parents are having a heart attack, mom or dad are sick, you’re not going to have a hospital to get them to it. That’s how serious this is.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: The Medicaid is the single biggest payer for nursing homes, not just in New York State, but throughout the country, pays about 40 percent of the revenue to nursing homes. What does it mean for nursing homes?

    Governor Hochul: One hundred thousand people in the State of New York who are in nursing homes will lose their Medicaid coverage. Now, what are the options? If you’re in a nursing home, you’re usually in a difficult situation, right? Are you going back to your family’s couch, your grandchildren, going to live in their spare bedroom? It does not have a path forward.

    That’s why the insanity of this bill has to be stopped in the Senate. I never thought I’d be relying on the Republican Senate to bail out our country. But that just shows how desperate we’ve become, that we’re counting on them to do the right thing.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: And if there’s any changes in it — I mean, you used to work in the Congress, you know how it goes. If there’s any changes in it in the Senate, it goes back to the House. Mike Lawler gets another vote on this in the House. The pressure would be on the New York House Republicans, once again, if it goes back to the House.

    Governor Hochul: Well, even if he sees the light and all the constituents that are really unhappy with him right now, force him to change his vote, you’ll never walk away from that first one. You’ll never be able to walk away from that.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: This is all happening at the same time where Donald Trump is imposing tariffs that the Trade Court has said are all completely illegal. You’re a border state with Canada. You do an awful lot of trade across that border every single day that’s important for all of New York. What are the Trump tariffs doing to your state?

    Governor Hochul: The Trump tax is devastating for the State of New York. We have 450 miles of shared border. We’re basically neighbors. We don’t even think of them as a foreign country at all. And so we have a $50 billion trade balance, and what that means is it’s farmers who can’t export into Canada, New York, because they won’t accept our goods and nothing is coming our way because they can’t afford it.

    One farmer told me that it’s going to cost him $10,000 more a month. These people live on the margins. They have a bad crop. The chickens have to be killed because of bird flu. I mean, they’re always struggling and the cost of everything from aluminum to steel to the shavings that they get to put in the stalls because we get them from the trees in Canada — we have such a synergy with them.

    But it’s not just the crops and the business going back and forth and the trade of commodities, it’s also the tourism. Tourists are not coming over. They used to fill the stadium in Buffalo because Buffalo Bisons, they’re an affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. They usually see a third of the people going to Buffalo Bills games and hockey games and our small tourism towns up in the North country, Lake Placid and Saranac Lake, and Plattsburgh, Lake George.

    They’re all suffering now because the Canadians are saying not just this threat of tariffs, but the fact that you’re talking about taking over our country. It is so insulting to our Canadian friends. I understand it, but flights from Canada are down dramatically at JFK. They’re not coming to New York City, they’re not spending money, they’re not going to the shows, and the rest of the state is feeling the ripple effect. It is devastating.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: The Republican budget bill, they’re working on it now. You’ve already got a budget. You did your job on a budget much earlier than Washington as usual, I would say. You had to do the best you could with that budget, with the information you had at the time. Might this be a situation where you have to come back — if this Republican budget becomes law — come back and revisit the New York State Budget?

    Governor Hochul: We may have to do that, but what I want to talk about for one minute is my budget in contrast to what’s happening in Washington. When we talk about these tariffs, we’re talking about over $3,000 to $6,000 more in additional costs. Everything’s going to cost more, especially commodities from China.

    I’m focusing on affordability because I know New Yorkers are struggling. My own family used to live in a trailer park — clipped coupons, we bought our clothes at used clothing stores. So when I see parents, moms and dads today trying to make ends meet, I said, “The best thing I can do for them is to help lift them out of poverty or lift them out of their circumstances, put money back in their pockets.”

    I have $5,000 going back in the pockets of New York families with Child Tax Credit, Middle Class Tax Cut, and an inflation rebate, covering the cost of school lunches and breakfast for every family, and parents are so grateful. But I’m going to put that in this pocket, and the Trump tariffs are taking it out because everything’s going to cost more. So families feel like they just can’t get ahead.

    So we’ll come back if we have to deal with this. I expect we’ll come back in the fall, but we received $93 billion from the federal government. I can’t make that up. No state is going to make that up. So that’s the harsh situation that we’ll be seeing when cuts to everything.

    The largest cut to nutrition program that’s happening, Title One under education law means that schools in New York State that take care of our highest need kids will be cut. There’s no part of our state that will be untouched if that devastating bill becomes law. We must stop that.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: Governor Kathy Hochul, thank you very much for finding the time to come by and see us. Really appreciate it.

    Governor Hochul: Great to see you again.

    Lawrence O’Donnell, MSNBC: Thank you.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to $3.8 Million Durable Medical Equipment Fraud Scheme

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    A Louisiana man pleaded guilty today in connection with a five-year scheme to submit millions of dollars in fraudulent claims to Medicare for expensive and medically unnecessary medical equipment.

    According to court documents, Michael L. Riggins, 62, of West Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud for his role in a durable medical equipment (DME) scheme. Riggins was the owner of Bluewater Healthcare (Bluewater), a DME supply company in West Monroe. From 2018 to 2023, Riggins paid for doctors’ orders for medically unnecessary DME and tricked doctors into signing DME orders and certificates of medical necessity in order to bill for it. Despite receiving hundreds of complaints regarding the fraudulent orders, Riggins submitted over $3.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for supplying the DME and was reimbursed over $1.8 million.

    Riggins is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 2 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook for the Western District of Louisiana; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    HHS-OIG is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Samantha Usher and Kelly Z. Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin McCoy for the Western District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mendota Man Pleads Guilty to Witness Tampering

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McKinley Lee Shaffer Assaulted Another Inmate to Prevent the Inmate from Testifying

    ABINGDON, Va. – A Mendota, Virginia man – and self-described gang member- pled guilty yesterday to physically assaulting a fellow inmate at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Authority (SWVRJA) facility in Abingdon to prevent that individual from testifying in relation to a federal investigation.  

    McKinley Lee Shaffer, 32, pled guilty to one count of to using physical force against a witness in relation to the witness’s testimony and potential cooperation in an official proceeding. At sentencing, Shaffer faces a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison.

    The witness was involved in a federal investigation involving a March 2024 shots-fired incident in Abingdon and a related federal investigation. Investigation revealed that Lakin Garrett had fired a pistol at a victim as part of a drug-related dispute. On November 24, 2024, Shaffer assaulted the victim at the SWVRJA facility in Abingdon. Surveillance equipment recorded the assault and shows Shaffer punch the victim without warning, and an ensuing physical altercation. In a later recorded video “visit” with another person, Shaffer stated he was a gang member, and that the victim had robbed an “Aryan Princess” and “told on her” for shooting at the victim. Shaffer was referring to the March 2024 shots-fired incident in Abingdon. Shaffer said that he “had to go beat him up.”

    Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee and Anthony A. Spotswood, Special Agent in Charge of the Washington Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives made the announcement.

    The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bristol, Virginia Police Department, and the Abingdon Police Department are investigating the case.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Whit Pierce is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Rhode Island Man Sentenced for Setting Multiple Fires Around the Exterior of a Church; Assaulting Federal Officers

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PROVIDENCE, RI – A Rhode Island man who intentionally set multiple fires around the exterior of a predominantly black church in North Providence, RI, in February 2024, and while detained at a federal detention center following his arrest assaulted two federal correctional officers, has been sentenced to more than six years in federal prison.

    Kevin Colantonio, 36, pleaded guilty in February 2025 to malicious damage by means of fire, obstruction of free exercise of religious beliefs, and two counts of assault on a federal officer. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Court Chief Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., to 78 months of incarceration to be followed by three years of supervised release.

    Colantonio previously admitted to a federal judge that on February 11, 2024, he used gasoline and a lighter he purchased minutes earlier at a gas station within walking distance of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries, a predominantly black church with both an in-person and online following, to ignite five fires around the exterior of the church. The fires were quickly extinguished by North Providence officers who arrived at the church moments after the fires were lit, but not before the church sustained some damage.

    Due to the damage, church congregants were prevented from enjoying their free exercise of religious beliefs as church services were cancelled until the church could be reopened.

    Several hours prior to the fires being discovered, the pastor of Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries reported to police that he witnessed an individual on the church’s Ring camera doorbell attempting to break into the church. The pastor spoke to the male subject through the Ring camera, telling him, among other things, that the building was a church. The man continued trying to break in the door, and then broke the Ring camera off the side of the building. The pastor later identified Colantonio as the person he saw on the Ring camera.

    The day after lighting the fires, Colantonio privately messaged a family member that no one in the community cared about the arson; Colantonio called the church “Athiest God mockers,” adding that, “They’re busy dancing around collecting money.”

    During a February 15, 2024, court-authorized search of Colantonio’s residence, an accelerant detection canine indicated a positive reaction on several items of seized clothing. These items matched the clothing Colantonio was wearing on the night of the arson, based upon surveillance footage.  Also seized were notebooks with writings such as “Eliminate Rich Snob global Elite Pastors, burn churches down to ground, when congregants move to next church, do the same… .”  In a separate entry, Colantonio wrote, “hunt them down gun everyone down that isn’t white, if one is white spread the gospel. Always give our bloodline a chance.”

    In addition to admitting to setting the fires, Colantonio admitted to assaulting two federal correctional officers while he was detained at the Donald W. Wyatt Detention Facility following his arrest. Colantonio admitted that he struck two federal officers with human bodily waste and fluid that were contained inside a mug he tossed at the officers.

    Acting United States Attorney Sara Miron Bloom and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division made today’s announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Roklan for the District of Rhode Island and Taylor Payne of the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division are prosecuting the case.

    The fires set at the Shiloh Gospel Temple Ministries were investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with members of the North Providence, RI, Police Department and the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office. The assault of the federal officers was investigated by the United States Marshals Service.

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Ecuadorian National Sentenced for Illegally Entering the US After a Prior Removal

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PORTLAND, Maine: An Ecuadorian national was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for illegally entering the U.S. after a prior removal.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., sentenced William Ariel Tamay Guaman, 23, to time served (approximately seven months in prison). Tamay Guaman pleaded guilty on April 3, 2025.

    According to court records, on February 4, 2025, agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) and the FBI conducted surveillance at a South Portland residence. After observing Tamay Guaman get into a van, agents followed him and conducted a traffic stop. An ERO agent familiar with Tamay Guaman approached the driver and asked for their name. Tamay Guaman provided a false name and was directed to step out of the vehicle. After briefly fleeing on foot and resisting arrest, Tamay Guaman was taken into custody. He had previously been removed from the U.S. in September 2023.

    ICE-ERO investigated the case with assistance from the FBI.

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

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    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Honduran National Sentenced for Illegally Entering the US After a Prior Removal

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Josue Osmin Montoya Acosta was pulled over by police for driving without a rear plate light

    PORTLAND, Maine: A Honduran national was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Portland for illegally entering the U.S. after a prior removal.

    U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr., sentenced Josue Osmin Montoya Acosta, 36, to time served (approximately 93 days). Montoya Acosta pleaded guilty on April 3, 2025.

    According to court records, on February 25, 2025, Montoya Acosta was observed by an officer from the Brunswick Police Department operating a vehicle with no front license plate and no light on the rear license plate. The rear plate was later determined to be a temporary plate from Indiana. When asked for his license, Montoya Acosta presented a Honduran passport and told the officer he did not have a driver’s license. When asked if he had a visa, he told the officer he did not. Immigration records showed that he had previously been removed on two prior occasions.

    U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case with assistance from the Brunswick Police Department.

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

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Microsoft helps dismantle transnational scam network targeting older adults

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Microsoft helps dismantle transnational scam network targeting older adults

    On May 28, 2025, India’s Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the country’s federal police service, executed raids at 19 locations across India to dismantle cyber-enabled financial fraud networks, including tech support fraud schemes. This operation, which disrupted a malicious enterprise impersonating Microsoft and targeting older adults in Japan, resulted in the arrest of six key operatives, the takedown of two illegal call centers, and the seizure of digital and physical infrastructure, such as computers, storage devices, digital video recorders, and phones.

    Through close collaboration with the Japan Cybercrime Control Center (JC3), a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating cybercrime in Japan, Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit (DCU) identified the India-based malicious ecosystem behind these scams. The DCU alerted Japan’s National Police Agency (NPA) and CBI, helping them to take decisive action against the individuals behind the operations.

    This case represents an evolution in the DCU’s disruption approach for cyber-enabled financial fraud. With the growth of cybercrime-as-a-service, connectivity among cybercriminals has increased and become more global. We must continue to look at the full ecosystem in which these actors operate and coordinate with multiple international partners to meaningfully address cybercrime. In the case of tech support fraud, where cybercriminals are increasingly using technology like artificial intelligence to scale their operations, we have transitioned away from focusing on individual call centers to targeting the highest levels of the operation and proactively disrupting their technical infrastructure. 

    The impact of cross-sector collaboration 

    Our collaboration with JC3 marked the DCU’s first partnership with a Japan-based organization to assist victims, proving crucial to the operation’s success. On an ongoing basis, JC3 provided actionable identifiers for malicious pop-ups that urged recipients to call fake technical support lines, believing they were contacting Microsoft. This information, coupled with additional threat intelligence and signals data, was then analyzed by the Microsoft Threat Intelligence Center (MSTIC), enabling Microsoft to proactively take down approximately 66,000 malicious domains and URLs globally since May 2024. The intelligence gathered was then integrated into Microsoft services to strengthen them against abuse.  

    Importantly, the information from JC3 enabled the DCU to identify the broader network behind these scams—encompassing pop-up creators, search-engine optimizers, lead generators, logistics and technology providers, payment processors, and talent providers. These actors used generative AI to scale their operations, including to identify potential victims, automate the creation of malicious pop–up windows, and perform language translations to target Japanese victims. This activity highlights the increasingly sophisticated tactics employed by cybercriminals and underscores the importance of proactive global collaboration to protect victims. 

    Examples of malicious pop-ups impersonating Microsoft. 

    Continued commitment to cybercrime prevention 

    Cyber-enabled financial fraud disproportionately targets older adults, and unfortunately, this growing trend is global. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center, tech support fraud was the most frequently reported crime type reported by older Americans (over 60) in 2023, resulting in nearly $590 million in losses. The Global Anti-Scam Alliance reported that, in Japan, the majority of scams target adults over the age of 45. This was consistent with what we observed in this operation, with approximately 90% of the 200 people affected being over the age of 50.

    The DCU has long been at the forefront of combatting sophisticated scams, and our ongoing collaboration with global law enforcement has led to hundreds of arrests and increasingly severe prison sentences worldwide. However, as cybercriminals continue to evolve their tactics, we too must take more aggressive action to protect those vulnerable to fraud. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies like AI and expanding collaborations with law enforcement and civil society, the DCU is intensifying its efforts to disrupt cybercrime operations from the top down. We are grateful for our ongoing collaboration partners across sectors and will continue to look for new ways to help protect people from cybercrime.

    Important: Microsoft will never send unsolicited email messages or make unsolicited phone calls to request personal or financial information, or to provide technical support to fix your computer. If you have been contacted by someone claiming to be from, or associated with, Microsoft and believe it was a scam, report the incident via our online reporting tool: microsoft.com/reportascam.  

    Doing so assists us with our ongoing investigations with law enforcement as we take appropriate action against those targeting our customers. We also use these insights to strengthen our technology to better protect consumers from fraudulent tactics. 

    For more information on how individuals can protect themselves, please visit: Protect yourself from tech support scams (microsoft.com). 

    Tags: cybercrime, Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit, The Digital Crimes Unit

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says dialogue, cooperation only correct choice for China, U.S. 2025-06-06 00:50:48 Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choice for China and the United States.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Thursday that dialogue and cooperation are the only correct choice for China and the United States.

      In his phone talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, Xi said that recalibrating the direction of the giant ship of China-U.S. relations requires the two sides to take the helm and set the right course, adding that it is particularly important to steer clear of the various disturbances and disruptions.

      Noting that at the suggestion of the U.S. side, the two countries’ lead officials recently held an economic and trade meeting in Geneva, Xi said it marked an important step forward in resolving the relevant issues through dialogue and consultation, and was welcomed by both societies and the international community.

      The two sides need to make good use of the economic and trade consultation mechanism already in place, and seek win-win results in the spirit of equality and respect for each other’s concerns, he said, adding that the Chinese side is sincere about this, and at the same time has its principles.

      The Chinese, Xi said, always honor and deliver what has been promised, urging both sides to make good on the agreement reached in Geneva. In fact, China has been seriously and earnestly executing the agreement, Xi added.

      The U.S. side should acknowledge the progress already made, and remove the negative measures taken against China, he said.

      The two sides should enhance communication in such fields as foreign affairs, economy and trade, military, and law enforcement to build consensus, clear up misunderstandings, and strengthen cooperation, Xi added.

      Xi emphasized that the United States must handle the Taiwan question with prudence, so that the fringe separatists bent on “Taiwan independence” will not be able to drag China and the United States into the dangerous terrain of confrontation and even conflict.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Warner & Collins Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Establish Transparent Standards for Security Clearances

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner
     WASHINGTON – Today the Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), will join with U.S. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), a senior member of the Committee and Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, to reintroduce bipartisan legislation to protect the integrity of the security clearance process and ensure that it cannot be abused for political purposes.
    “Americans should be able to have confidence that the security clearance process is focused solely on protecting our nation’s most sensitive information,” said Sen. Warner. “This bipartisan legislation will make clear that this vital system cannot be weaponized for political retribution.”
    “The security clearance system is critical to protecting our country from harm and safeguarding access to our most classified information. Americans should have the utmost confidence in the integrity of the security clearance process,” said Sen. Collins. “This bipartisan bill would make the current system fairer and more transparent by ensuring that decisions to grant, deny, or revoke clearances are based solely on codified guidelines.”
    The Integrity in Security Clearance Determinations Act, which the senators first introduced in 2019, will ensure that the security clearance process is fair, objective, transparent, and accountable by requiring decisions to grant, deny, or revoke clearances to be based on published criteria. It explicitly prohibits the executive branch from revoking security clearances based on the exercise of constitutional rights, such as the right to freely express political views, or for purposes of political retaliation. It also bans agencies from using security clearances to punish whistleblowers or discriminate on the basis of sex, gender, religion, age, handicap, or national origin.
    The bipartisan bill also codifies in statute the right of government employees to appeal decisions to deny or revoke a security clearance, and requires the government to publicly publish the results of such appeals – providing transparency, accountability and basic due process rights in an otherwise opaque and irregular process.
    A copy of the bill text is available here.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK looks to military gap years to boost recruitment in the face of growing geopolitical tension

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sarah Mills, Professor of Human Geography, Loughborough University

    Harrogate, 2019. Steve Gill – Visuals/Shutterstock

    The UK government recently endorsed proposals in its strategic defence review to consider the creation of military gap years for young people in the UK.

    It would potentially be similar to a scheme offered by the Australian Defence Force. Young Australian citizens can spend 12 months doing paid work in a variety of roles in the Navy, Army or Air Force.

    In Australia in 2023, 664 young people enlisted in the gap year programme, and 374 of these transferred on to a role in the permanent Australian Defence Force. Like in Australia, the gap year model in the UK would be optional and for over 18s to get a “taste” of military life.

    These gap years would be a part of recruitment strategy. The proposal comes at a time of global geopolitical crisis, national youth unemployment and a shortage of soldiers (a global problem).

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Another key reason for the introduction of these gap years, highlighted in defence secretary John Healey’s oral statement on the review, is to “reconnect the nation with those who defend us”. Keir Starmer, in his speech, spoke of “a new spirit of service, flowing from every part of society … everyone benefiting, everyone playing their role”.

    Young people are seen as a key part of building these connections. Another avenue raised in the review is to increase the number of cadet forces, a voluntary uniformed national youth organisation for teenagers that can also be linked to schools.

    An evaluation of cadet forces in the UK has outlined significant positive outcomes for young people, including for their employment and career prospects.

    Air cadets at the Lord Mayor’s Show, London, 2021.
    Sandor Szmutko/Shutterstock

    The strategic defence review also proposed “working with the Department for Education to develop understanding of the armed forces among young people in schools”, but details of this are still unclear.

    These suggestions form part of a trend towards increasing military presence in children and young people’s lives. My research has found that, over the last decade, successive UK governments have encouraged programmes with a military ethos within schools and character education to foster grit and gumption.

    Watered-down national service?

    My research shows that calls to reintroduce some form of military service appear at times of political, social or economic crisis. It’s not surprising then, that in the last few years we have seen several proposals in this area. Most notable is previous prime minister Rishi Sunak’s election pledge in 2024 that school leavers would have to do a year of compulsory military or voluntary service.

    A voluntary gap year – national service “lite” – would be a more palatable approach compared to formal conscription, which is still active in several countries.

    Starmer has been keen to distance himself from the language of national service, especially as he has also committed to introducing votes at 16: compulsory national service doesn’t poll well with young people.

    The UK has also recently scrapped its voluntary National Citizen Service, a non-military, short-term youth programme centred on local community action that has cost over £1.5 billion since 2010.

    But the fact that two successive prime ministers in the space of one year have pitched some form of military experience for school leavers tells us that this is not necessarily about benefits for youth, but about the concerning geopolitical landscape and the urgent need to boost recruits.

    In 2025 compared to the last few decades, the state’s concern is less about youth crime, apathy or patriotism, but rather growing international security threats and the nation’s preparedness.

    It is important to remember that the debate about national service in the UK is fuelled by generational nostalgia. In the UK, formal national service ran from the late 1940s to early 1960s for men aged between 17 and 21. Ever since those final troops were discharged in 1963, there has been a debate about “returning” to national service.

    Research shows that those who were actually part of compulsory national service after the second world war generally don’t think we should bring it back. This debate is cyclical, and each time it happens, it reveals what the state and adults think about young people more generally, usually shaped by moral panics.

    Would a gap year be popular?

    Given the current economic climate, it could be that a paid short-term year of military service is more attractive to UK teenagers and their CVs than ever before. However, we must reflect on why it might be so attractive in the present moment and understand the wider, structural issues shaping the lives of children and young people today.

    The costs of austerity and inequality in the UK run deep for children and young people. These issues cannot be solved by a defence focused gap year and there are other pressing demands to support young people in this country. For example, youth sector representatives are urging the UK government to reverse the long-term decline in funding on youth services.

    The impetus for a military gap year in the report is strategic defence, not unemployment. But there is no guarantee the defence sector itself will be keen to embrace this idea.

    When Sunak proposed national service last year, defence experts and ministers raised concerns about the British Army and Navy’s current capacity and resources to deliver such a programme. They also highlighted the potential impact of such a scheme on the morale of professional, dedicated and highly-skilled force personnel.

    The actual feasibility of any new programme is uncertain, especially with the current fiscal situation. One thing my research suggests is certain though, is that this national debate will circle back around again and again.

    Sarah Mills has received research funding from UKRI (ESRC), the British Academy and the Royal Geographical Society. She is currently an unpaid member of the advisory ‘College of Experts’ group of researchers for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (UK Government) https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/dcms-college-of-experts

    – ref. UK looks to military gap years to boost recruitment in the face of growing geopolitical tension – https://theconversation.com/uk-looks-to-military-gap-years-to-boost-recruitment-in-the-face-of-growing-geopolitical-tension-258207

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK brands are celebrating Eid – here’s what makes an effective and inclusive campaign

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Afshan Jalil, PhD Candidate in Consumer Behaviour and Muslim Fashion, University of the West of Scotland

    In the run-up to Eid al-Adha – a major Muslim festival that celebrates the prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and coincides with the end of the annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca – UK retailers are joining the celebrations.

    Big brands like Next have launched festive collections of clothing, accessories and gifts, sharing social media messages aimed at Muslim consumers. But while this growing recognition of Eid’s commercial importance reflects a welcome shift, some campaigns still fall flat.

    As a researcher of Muslim fashion and identity in the UK, I study how Muslim consumers express themselves through clothing and how brands respond to their values. Despite a rise in Eid-related marketing, much of it feels superficial or disconnected from the community it targets.

    So, what makes for effective marketing to Muslim consumers during Eid and where do brands go wrong?

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Muslims account for around 6.5% of the UK population, and their economic impact continues to grow. In 2019, they contributed an estimated £31 billion to the UK economy, a figure that is rising steadily. Eid, like other major holidays such as Christmas or Diwali, drives increased spending on clothes, food, gifts and travel.

    More brands are recognising this potential. From supermarkets offering special Eid meal deals, to fashion retailers launching modest clothing lines, corporate participation is becoming more visible. This is a step forward, signalling acknowledgement of British Muslims as both part of society and valuable customers.

    Why performative marketing fails

    However, visibility alone is not enough. Eid campaigns often lean on cliches, crescent moons, calligraphy or generic Eid Mubarak messages. These may show representation, but do not necessarily demonstrate genuine cultural understanding.

    Consumer culture theory helps explain why. It shows that consumption is not just about buying products, it’s about identity, belonging and self-expression. My ongoing PhD research into Muslim fashion consumption reveals that clothing during Eid is closely tied to how people see themselves: as British, Muslim, and as individuals navigating both identities.

    This is especially true for younger Muslims. Eid is more than a religious event, it’s a chance to express identity through fashion, celebration and community. The choices they make in what to wear and where to shop reflect their values and heritage.

    When brands treat Eid as an afterthought, Muslim consumers notice. Campaigns that feel rushed, last minute, out of touch or simply performative can come across as exploitative rather than inclusive.

    Customers are frequently motivated to express their dissatisfaction with fashion businesses on social media. A brand could face public criticism if it releases new collections without involving Muslim designers, for example. In 2023, fashion retailer PrettyLittleThing also came under fire for an Eid range of clothing deemed inappropriate by many Muslims for modest dressing for women (the company said it didn’t intend to cause offence and celebrated multiple holidays as part of its attempt “to build a community of everybody”).

    Authentic engagement begins with listening

    Successful campaigns are created locally by the community rather than being run by outsiders. Brands that collaborate with Muslim content creators, seek community input and consider Eid’s traditions and significance typically deliver messages that are well received.

    Timing and action matter. Companies which prepare for Eid in advance are more likely to develop effective marketing or successful partnerships. For example, Tesco’s “Everyone’s Welcome” campaign in the UK is well known for its inclusive approach. In 2023 it launched its special Iftar range that could be bought in store and cooked for the special evening meal that marks the end of a day’s fasting during Ramadan.

    Beyond celebrations and festivals, brands that think carefully about what Muslims need, for example in sport, will more likely succeed with their messaging, because they demonstrate an understanding of cultural and identity issues. The Nike campaign featuring a Muslim athlete is frequently praised for presenting an open narrative.

    Brands like Aab and Inaya have a lot of devoted clients since they were created by designers who follow modest fashion. Their success depends more on their trust and cultural awareness than just their products alone.

    Eid al-Adha is a powerful symbol of faith, identity and community that goes beyond just a commercial opportunity. While occasion messages or seasonal messages may seem like respectful gestures, when done without real understanding, they can come across as hollow or insincere marketing. Ultimately, this can harm a brand’s reputation as people may feel disappointed.

    Around Eid al-Adha and Eid Al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, businesses and brands must go beyond token gestures. Building trust with Muslim communities requires ongoing respect and cultural knowledge, with meaningful engagement throughout the year. Authenticity, not aesthetics, is the key to forming lasting relationships with Muslim customers.

    Afshan Jalil currently serves as the Volunteer Marketing Manager for Hamilton Women Club, a community initiative for Muslim women, associated with Hamilton Mosque, South Lanarkshire UK.

    – ref. UK brands are celebrating Eid – here’s what makes an effective and inclusive campaign – https://theconversation.com/uk-brands-are-celebrating-eid-heres-what-makes-an-effective-and-inclusive-campaign-258107

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cassidy Reintroduces Legislation to Combat Obesity Epidemic

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Louisiana Bill Cassidy
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) reintroduced the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) to combat the obesity crisis in the United States by providing regular screenings. The bill would also prevent diseases associated with obesity through expanded coverage of new health care specialists and chronic weight management medications for Medicare recipients.
    “Obesity shortens your life,”said Dr. Cassidy. “We have an opportunity to treat it through Medicare. Let’s do it.”
    Cassidy was joined by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), John Fetterman (D-PA), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Gary Peters (D-MI), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Chris Coons (D-DE) in introducing the legislation.
    The following organizations have endorsed TROA this Congress: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, American Academy of Pas, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, American Association of Nurse Practitioners, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, American Diabetes Association, American Gastroenterological Association, American Medical Group Association, American Psychological Association, American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery, American Society for Nutrition, Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations, Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists, Black Woman’s Health Imperative, Boehringer-Ingelheim, ConscienHealth, Currax, Diabetes Leadership Council, Diabetes Patient Advocacy Coalition, Eli Lilly and Company, Endocrine Society, Gerontological Society of America, Global Liver Institute, Healthcare Leadership Council, HealthyWomen, Intuitive Surgical, MedTech Coalition for Metabolic Health, National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, National Consumers League, National Council on Aging, National Hispanic Medical Association, National Kidney Foundation, Novo Nordisk, Obesity Action Coalition, Obesity Medicine Association, Ro, Strategies to Overcome and Prevent (STOP) Obesity Alliance, The Obesity Society, Trust for America’s Health, WW Weight Watchers International, and YMCA of the USA.
    Background
    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, diseases associated with obesity such as heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, and certain types of cancer are the leading causes of preventable death in the U.S. TROA would work to directly prevent these comorbidities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Four myths about ‘low-skilled’ migration busted

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gabriella Alberti, Professor of International Labour Migration, University of Leeds

    1000 Words/Shutterstock

    The UK government has outlined plans to reduce low-skilled migration to the country. A central aspect is linking skills and training to the immigration system. This, so the thinking goes, will mean that no industry is able to rely on immigration to fill skills gaps.

    Research I carried out with colleagues on employer strategies in the wake of Brexit shows that pitting legal routes for migrant workers against investment in the local workforce is based on flawed assumptions.

    Evidence from sectors historically reliant on migration, such as transport and storage, food manufacturing, hospitality and social care, debunks four myths about migration and the labour market that underpin the government’s immigration plans.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Myth 1: migration and training

    Under-investment in skills by both employers and the state is a long-term issue of the UK deregulated economy. But the idea that employers hire migrants instead of training local workers is, to say the least, contested.

    Our research shows that migration can benefit workplace learning and incentivise employers to invest in training. We undertook a survey of employers’ practices after Brexit. Firms investing more in training, or seeking diverse workforces, tended also to be those (usually larger firms) that have financial and HR capacity to deal with migration hurdles. For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) especially, this system remains costly and bureaucratic.

    Previous research showed that employers that hired migrant workers after Brexit were also more likely to invest in the domestic workforce, or in technology. The government should view the recruitment of migrants as “supplementing, not supplanting” the domestic labour force.

    Myth 2: migrants v inactive youth

    The government’s plans, as well as other narratives, tend to play migrants against NEETs (young people who are not in education, employment or training). This suggests that the growing number of these young people is caused by employers using “low-skilled” migration.

    Engaging economically inactive people and complying with a workforce strategy that prioritises training local workers are set out as strict conditions for employers hoping to recruit from abroad. Yet the theory of replacing migrants with economically inactive people is a simplistic equation.

    One main finding of our research is that young people often refuse to work in these sectors because of poor conditions rather than because employers favour migrants. Our survey found that, despite marginal pay increases and other benefits to deal with staff shortages, pay across the four sectors remains benchmarked at the minimum wage.

    This fuels high staff turnover, intensive work and insecure contracts. These factors often make the jobs unattractive. But by introducing fair pay agreements in the care sector and by financially supporting local authorities and care providers, it should be possible to attract young people.

    Improving pay and conditions must be a priority, rather than closing the care worker visa, which could be devastating for the sector.

    Myth 3: temporary migration is a sustainable option

    The government proposes raising the skills threshold and including a “temporary shortage list”. For occupations with a skills requirement below degree level, employers will be able to use the immigration system only temporarily. This is not a substantive change from the occupational temporary schemes and tweaks to the skilled worker visa by the previous government.

    Our research shows that allowing migrants entry only through a limited number of schemes has led to the crowding of visa applications into one route (for example, the care worker visa). This contributed to abuse of the system, the proliferation of bogus employers and exploitative practices.

    Our research with migrant care workers who lost their sponsoring employer highlighted barriers to finding a new sponsor. Only a small number of care providers can guarantee full-time employment.

    Overall, reactive and temporary visa schemes have proven to be negative for both workers and businesses. This is confirmed by research on seasonal migration in other sectors like agriculture.

    Only a migration system that allows workers to stay and thrive in their jobs, bring their dependants and build stable lives can reduce labour turnover. This in turn can improve productivity and lead to a long-term workforce strategy.

    Myth 4: migration damages the economy

    The government’s newly unveiled immigration system risks putting the brakes on its plan for growth. Ministers have based their new plan on the assumption that increased net migration damages the UK, referring to the decrease in GDP per capita during the increase in net migration as a measure.

    But there is plenty of evidence that leaving the European common market and external shocks like the COVID pandemic and war in Ukraine have been the cause of UK economic decline. It recorded one of the largest slowdowns in productivity among the G7 in 2023.

    In contrast, our research shows that migrants are vital not just in sectors like social care, but also in those considered “low-skilled” by the government. Workers in logistics, hospitality and food manufacturing were treated as “essential” during COVID but soon forgotten and then apparently relegated to “low-value”.

    Once upon a time they were heroes.
    Lubo Ivanko/Shutterstock

    Our research calls for a re-evaluation of these foundational sectors, as they represent the backbone of industries considered pivotal by the government’s own industrial growth strategy.

    For a joined-up approach to be truly effective, employers associations, trade unions and migrant advocacy groups, together with national and local governments must contribute to longer-term migration plans. These should consider industry needs, migrant workers’ wellbeing as well as the viability of public services and other critical sectors affected by stricter migration requirements if numbers continue to decline.

    Telling firms they need to invest in the local workforce before they can hire from abroad appears blind to the reality. Training is not a quick fix, it requires time and investment from employers and the state. And ultimately, improved pay and working conditions are likely to make these sectors more attractive to the local population.

    Gabriella Alberti receives funding from the UKRI

    – ref. Four myths about ‘low-skilled’ migration busted – https://theconversation.com/four-myths-about-low-skilled-migration-busted-258046

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How to protect yourself from narcissists’ weapon of choice – passive aggression

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Daniel Waldeck, Assistant Professor in Psychology, Coventry University

    Nicoleta Ionescu/Shutterstock

    Imagine asking a coworker to help you on a project, and although they agree, they
    suddenly “forget” whenever the deadline approaches. Or a friend saying “you look
    beautiful today, I barely recognised you,” after you show them your new haircut.

    Perhaps you know all too well the feeling of a parent or partner ignoring you following some perceived slight.

    On the surface this behaviour may seem relatively minor. But if it happens often, this could indicate a narcissist is using passive-aggressive behaviour to try and hurt you.

    To protect yourself, it helps to know where a narcissist is coming from.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The term “narcissist” can refer to people with high levels of narcissism, not necessarily that they have a clinical diagnosis of narcissistic personality disorder. There are generally two types: grandiose and vulnerable.

    Grandiose narcissists usually view themselves as special and superior to others and are likely to brag about their achievements. Vulnerable narcissists tend to be self-conscious, sensitive to the slightest criticism and have an insatiable need for external appreciation.

    Both can be self-centred and prone to aggression, though passive-aggressive behaviour may be more often used by vulnerable narcissists.

    One explanation for their behaviour could be their motivation to become dominant and gain status. For example, they may feel like belittling their competition strengthens chances of getting a promotion at work. Another reason is that they can be thin-skinned. Any negative evaluation against them, like being left out of a work social event, may trigger a defensive reaction to attack another person to try and maintain their self-esteem.

    They also have a tendency to feel ostracised even when it’s not true. Research has shown that when narcissists are provoked, they tend to respond with aggression. Subtly undermining someone is more deniable than overt ways of expressing their anger and resentment.

    Here are some examples to help you spot when it’s happening:

    • social exclusion – avoiding eye contact, ignoring messages, excluding
      you from their social media account or withholding affection to punish you

    • hostile undertone – making fun of others through jokes, backhanded
      compliments or sending messages that suggest you are at fault while minimising their role in a conflict

    • indirect criticism – sharing embarrassing stories, or trying to undermine you by gossiping to others

    • sabotage – regularly leaving tasks that are their responsibility to
      complete to the last minute, and making it your problem.

    Narcissists can leave you feeling confused and hurt.
    Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

    Such behaviour on its own might not be much bother, but being exposed to
    it regularly could cause distress. As an example, repeatedly being socially excluded at work has been linked to emotional exhaustion and reduced wellbeing.

    Research on victims of narcissistic behaviours is limited, perhaps because passive-aggressive behaviour is often hidden. But the research we do have has shown people on the receiving end of narcissistic abuse experience anxiety, depression, low self-worth and a tendency to prioritise others’ needs over their own.

    How you can protect yourself

    Given that narcissists react aggressively to criticism, it’s probably best not to fight fire with fire. The following approaches may help.

    Set clear boundaries. Make it clear you will not tolerate such behaviour. You could say something like: “I noticed you are not responding. I am willing to chat with you when you are ready to talk respectfully.”

    Emotional detachment. Narcissists will probably throw digs or sarcastic comments your way to get a reaction. Once they get a reaction, the cycle escalates. One helpful technique may be “grey rocking”, where you keep your interactions and responses as brief and as uninteresting as possible. When a sarcastic comment is made, you could just say “yep” or “noted”.

    Look after yourself. Prioritise your own needs and your wellbeing. For instance, immerse yourself in hobbies you enjoy or have fun with friends. Try also to make space for reflection so you can avoid internalising their comments. It’s about them, not you.

    Seek support. Reaching out to people you trust or seeking professional support from a counsellor may help to strengthen your resilience. In the context of work, you may reach out to HR if the passive-aggressive behaviour is persistent, but remember to document everything and be factual. This may help minimise a narcissist’s efforts to gaslight you or others.

    Power imbalance

    Not everyone can easily create distance between themselves and that narcissistic person they know. Some people may be living with a narcissist, work with one, or they could be part of their social circle.

    Given that narcissists often crave status, there’s a good chance there may be a power imbalance between you. This can be tricky as you may feel intimidated if they persistently use passive-aggressive behaviour, if they are senior to you at work for instance.

    In this situation, it’s even more important to save important email chains, log conversations and seek support from HR if needed. If there’s a power imbalance with someone outside work, take extra care to set clear boundaries with them.

    Each situation is different, and some things will be beyond your control.

    What you can do though is focus on what’s within your control: your reactions, your wellbeing, and the support systems around you.

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

    – ref. How to protect yourself from narcissists’ weapon of choice – passive aggression – https://theconversation.com/how-to-protect-yourself-from-narcissists-weapon-of-choice-passive-aggression-258021

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Joins Fox News to Discuss His Oversight of Biden FBI’s Anti-Catholic Bias

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley
    WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined America’s Newsroom on Fox News to discuss his oversight revealing the Biden-era Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) anti-Catholic Richmond Memo was widely distributed to over 1,000 FBI employees across the country.
    Grassley additionally exposed a second FBI memo drafted for Bureau-wide distribution that repeated the unfounded link between traditional Catholicism and violent extremism. The memo was never published due to backlash following the Richmond Memo’s public disclosure in 2023.
    Video and excerpts of Grassley’s remarks follow.
    [embedded content]
    VIDEO
    On the DOJ’s Investigation into President Biden’s Autopen Use:
    “I think that the President made a wise decision that the Department of Justice ought to get to the bottom of it…and the American people are entitled to know what the truth is… I’m sure that Pam Bondi will get to the bottom of it.”
    On Grassley’s Richmond Memo Oversight:
    “We found out that 13 other documents went out, and at least 1,000 people had access to information that, presumably, was following up on some things that the Southern Poverty Law Center was telling people that the Catholic Church needed to be watched because it could be considered a terrorist organization. And, just even that charge in and of itself, is ridiculous. And you’d think that a responsible FBI director would make sure that that shouldn’t be followed up [on].”
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Tories try to blame all their woes on Liz Truss, but Mel Stride’s mea culpa is destined to fall flat

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Tim Bale, Professor of Politics, Queen Mary University of London

    It’s a mistake to think that, when it comes to the UK economy, the Conservatives have always been seen by British voters as a safer pair of hands than Labour. But, notwithstanding the damaging austerity imposed on the country by David Cameron’s chancellor, George Osborne, it was, by and large, the case between 2008 and 2022. This was a period bookended by the global financial crisis that occurred under Gordon Brown’s watch as Labour chancellor and then prime minister, and by Liz Truss’s disastrous 49-day stint in the top job.

    In reality, people were already beginning to lose faith in the Tories’ economic competence when Truss beat Rishi Sunak in the race to succeed Boris Johnson in Number 10. But she right royally trashed whatever reputation the party still had on that score and, as a result, set it on the road that led to its cataclysmic defeat at the polls last July.

    Another leadership race duly followed that election. But instead of using it as an opportunity both to conduct a thorough postmortem and issue a full-throated apology for the mess they’d made of things across a whole range of domestic policy, the candidates stayed largely in the party’s comfort zone.

    The country’s crumbling public services got hardly a mention, any acknowledgement of their dire state drowned out by discussion of immigration and taxation. The eventual winner, Kemi Badenoch, was apparently convinced that the Conservatives had lost because they “talked right but governed left”.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Clearly that message doesn’t seem to have persuaded the public. The Tories are now even more unpopular than they were at the general election. They rarely break 20% in the opinion polls and consistently finish behind not just a very poorly-regarded Labour government but a surging Reform UK.

    Cue the decision by Mel Stride, a cabinet minister in Rishi Sunak’s doomed government and now Badenoch’s shadow chancellor, to issue an apology of sorts. This was, however, not an apology for the mess the Conservatives made of the country during 14 (arguably wasted) years in office – but for the month and half in which they were led by Truss.

    Sir Mel (as he is now) was never much of a fan, but he’s now taking public potshots at the former prime minister in a very well trailed speech. Apparently it was only during this short period, when Truss delivered her now legendary “mini-budget” that derailed the economy, that it all went wrong.

    “For a few weeks,” he declared, “we put at risk the very stability which Conservatives had always said must be carefully protected. The credibility of the UK’s economic framework was undermined by spending billions on subsidising energy bills and tax cuts, with no proper plan for how this would be paid for.”

    “Never again,” he continued, “will the Conservative party undermine fiscal credibility by making promises that we cannot afford.” Stride here seemed to be conveniently forgetting that, at least in the judgment of the respected Institute for Fiscal Studies, that was exactly what he and his colleagues did when they presented their manifesto to the country at last year’s general election – long after Truss had departed Downing Street.

    As such, Stride’s speech is unlikely to impress anyone. Rather than a confession of collective guilt and an acknowledgement of a pattern of behaviour stretching over years, it seeks to deflect the blame onto a one-off event and onto one already-derided individual (or maybe two if one includes the man who actually delivered the bungled mini-budget, Kwasi Kwarteng).

    Moreover, such is the presidentialised nature of British politics these days, that, unless a message is delivered by the party leader, it won’t be seen as representing its official position. Nor will it cut through to voters.

    More profoundly, Stride’s “contrition” (the closest he got to actually saying sorry) is meaningless because rather than challenge any of his party’s underlying assumptions, it actually doubles down on them.

    To stand a chance of signalling to a sceptical public that they’ve truly changed, the Tories need to break out of their essentially Thatcherite-cum-culture-warrior comfort zone. But obsessed (and in some ways understandably so) as they are with the potentially existential threat posed to them by Reform UK, that currently seems like a very distant prospect. And therefore, with or without Stride’s mea culpa, so does another Tory government.

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

    – ref. The Tories try to blame all their woes on Liz Truss, but Mel Stride’s mea culpa is destined to fall flat – https://theconversation.com/the-tories-try-to-blame-all-their-woes-on-liz-truss-but-mel-strides-mea-culpa-is-destined-to-fall-flat-258324

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Vice Chairman Meets US Delegation Participating in China-US High-Level Track Two Dialogue

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with members of the U.S. delegation attending the China-U.S. Track Two High-Level Dialogue in Beijing on Thursday.

    Han Zheng said that China-US relations are one of the most important bilateral relations in the modern world. Currently, China-US relations are experiencing an important historical moment, he added.

    Mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation between China and the United States are beneficial not only to the two countries but also to world peace and development, the Chinese vice president said.

    China hopes that the China-US high-level Track II dialogue can bring together the constructive ideas of visionaries from both countries, improve the knowledge and understanding of China in various circles of the US public, and jointly promote the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations, Han Zheng said.

    The US delegation, for its part, noted that the dialogue contributes to better mutual understanding between the parties and provides more useful ideas for the development of interstate relations.

    Members of the US delegation said the two countries should strengthen dialogue and cooperation in areas such as trade and investment. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Vice Premier Calls for Fair, Safe Gaokao

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    TAIYUAN, June 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang inspected preparations for China’s national college entrance examination, known as the gaokao, and work on advancing energy sector reform in north China’s Shanxi Province from June 3 to 4, stressing the need to maintain fairness and ensure safety in the gaokao.

    Visiting the Shanxi Provincial Entrance Examination Administration Center and a middle school examination center in Taiyuan City, Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, said that the gaokao is of key significance to the national economy and people’s well-being, directly affecting the interests of millions of families. He called for upholding the vital principle of fairness and justice in the reform of the college entrance examination and admissions system and the organization of the gaokao.

    In addition, the Chinese vice premier stressed the importance of strict security for examination questions, taking measures against cheating, and providing comprehensive support to students.

    Ding Xuexiang also visited the Shanxi Institute of Applied Science and Technology, calling on the school to adapt to the new situation of the country’s industrial modernization, train highly qualified personnel required for socio-economic development, and increase employment support for graduates. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Breaking News: Dialogue and Cooperation Are the Only Right Choices for China and the US – Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

    BEIJING, June 5 (Xinhua) — Dialogue and cooperation are the only right choice for China and the United States, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Thursday.

    As Xi Jinping noted during a telephone conversation with US President Donald Trump, in order to correct the course of the “big ship” of China-US relations, both sides need to set the right direction and eliminate all kinds of obstacles, including acts of sabotage, which is of particular importance.

    The Chinese leader also called on the parties to effectively use the established mechanism for trade and economic consultations, adhere to equality, respect each other’s concerns and achieve mutual benefit, stressing that China is sincere but at the same time principled in this regard. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New classrooms open at Surrey elementary school

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Families in Surrey will benefit from 295 new elementary school seats as part of the B.C. government’s initiative to speed up school expansion.

    “As more families choose to call Surrey home, we’re urgently providing the infrastructure and services people need for communities to thrive,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “That’s why we’re speeding up building and expanding schools with our historic capital investments – so children can learn and grow in supportive, welcoming environments right in their neighbourhoods.”

    The expansion brings 295 additional seats to Walnut Road Elementary. With a total provincial investment of $18 million for the project, the completion means new, engaging learning environments for both students and staff at the school.

    “As Surrey continues to grow, we are dedicated to investing in the future of our communities and ensuring that every student has access to safe, modern and supportive learning spaces,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care. “The new classrooms at Walnut Road Elementary will allow us to accommodate more students and reflect our commitment to provide every child with quality education and the opportunity to succeed.”

    With an investment of nearly $1 billion in Surrey school construction, this addition is part of government’s ongoing work to deliver new and expanded schools over the past eight years.

    In 2024, an 800-seat addition was announced for Fleetwood Park Secondary, a 500-seat addition was announced for Kwantlen Park Secondary and a 575-seat addition was announced for Tamanawis Secondary. This year, the newly opened Ta’talu Elementary created 655 student seats in Surrey.

    Construction is also underway for the new Snokomish Elementary, which will accommodate as many as 655 additional students.

    “Walnut Road Elementary is a wonderful example of how the Province and Surrey Schools can work together to deliver quick and creative solutions to alleviate the district’s capacity challenges,” said Gary Tymoschuk, chair of the Surrey board of education. “We are delighted to see nearly 300 Walnut Road students occupying 12 classrooms in the annex, with another four classrooms ready for occupancy in September.”

    The use of prefabricated materials is helping to deliver modern classrooms to students faster than traditional construction. Walnut Road Elementary is among 37 schools in Surrey and throughout the province that have received funding for prefabricated additions.

    Quote:

    Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey-Fleetwood –

    “As our city continues to grow, so does the need for strong, accessible public education. This new school addition represents a vital investment in our children, our educators and our future. We’re committed to making sure every student has the space and support they need to learn, thrive and succeed close to home.”

    Learn More:

    For more information about Surrey school district, visit: https://www.surreyschools.ca/

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

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by Prime Minister Carney on the recovery of Judih Weinstein’s remains by Hamas

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    “On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a terrorist entity, launched the deadliest attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust. Approximately one thousand two hundred innocent people were murdered. Young revelers with their whole lives ahead of them were slaughtered. Communities were burnt to the ground. Among the countless victims of this attack were seven Canadians, including Judih Weinstein.

    “Today, after over a year and a half, Ms. Weinstein’s remains have finally been recovered by Israel. Ms. Weinstein was a mother, grandmother, teacher, and mentor, who dedicated her life to guiding others with empathy, charity, and humanity.

    “As the family grieves the unimaginable loss of both Ms. Weinstein and her husband, Gadi Haggai, who was murdered in that same horrific attack, the return of their remains is a time to begin to heal and to rest. We mourn with her family. May her memory be a blessing.

    “Since October 7, Jewish communities have faced a reprehensible resurgence of antisemitism. It has to stop. We cannot look away from the power of antisemitism and its radicalization – we must confront it, denounce it, and act to keep Jewish Canadians safe.

    “The government is fighting the horrifying rise in hate, protecting our communities, and working with our allies to promote long-term peace and security in the Middle East – including calling for Hamas to lay down its arms, release all remaining hostages immediately, and have no role in the future of a Palestinian state.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Richard Dees Appointed Educational Representative at Winpisinger Center

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    International President Brian Bryant has appointed Richard Dees from District 725 as an Educational Representative at the IAM’s William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD, effective June 1, 2025.
    “I’m confident in assigning Richard to the Winpisinger Center,” said Bryant. “He brings extensive knowledge and experience to this new role, and will have an immediate impact on advancing the education of our membership.”
    Since 2009, Dees has held positions of increasing responsibility within the union, including Chief Steward, Negotiating Committeeman, and Vice-President for Local 25. In 2014 he was appointed Business Representative for District 725 and in 2016 as its Area Director.
    “Having risen through the ranks of the union to leadership roles at the Local and District levels, Richard brings a deep understanding of the educational needs of our membership, said Winpisinger Director Mary McHugh. “His expertise negotiating contracts and servicing the membership enables him to effectively educate our participants and will compliment the strengths of the other instructors. He’s a perfect fit for the Center.”
    In his capacity as a Business Representative, Dees played an active role in numerous organizing campaigns, contributing to the growth of Local 25 from 5 bargaining units to 20. He has successfully negotiated numerous first contracts under the Service Contract Act and led negotiations for two separate Master Agreements: one that consolidated five bargaining units under a single employer, and another that unified five different companies under one collective bargaining agreement. He has represented a wide range of workers, from janitors to drone pilots.

    The post Richard Dees Appointed Educational Representative at Winpisinger Center appeared first on IAM Union.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Louisiana Man Pleads Guilty to $3.8 Million Durable Medical Equipment Fraud Scheme

    Source: United States Attorneys General 1

    A Louisiana man pleaded guilty today in connection with a five-year scheme to submit millions of dollars in fraudulent claims to Medicare for expensive and medically unnecessary medical equipment.

    According to court documents, Michael L. Riggins, 62, of West Monroe, Louisiana, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud for his role in a durable medical equipment (DME) scheme. Riggins was the owner of Bluewater Healthcare (Bluewater), a DME supply company in West Monroe. From 2018 to 2023, Riggins paid for doctors’ orders for medically unnecessary DME and tricked doctors into signing DME orders and certificates of medical necessity in order to bill for it. Despite receiving hundreds of complaints regarding the fraudulent orders, Riggins submitted over $3.8 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for supplying the DME and was reimbursed over $1.8 million.

    Riggins is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 2 and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; Acting U.S. Attorney Alexander C. Van Hook for the Western District of Louisiana; and Deputy Inspector General for Investigations Christian J. Schrank of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) made the announcement.

    HHS-OIG is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Samantha Usher and Kelly Z. Walters of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Robin McCoy for the Western District of Louisiana are prosecuting the case.

    The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,800 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $30 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Do people really resemble their dogs?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Renata Roma, Postdoctoral Fellow, Center of Behavioural Sciences and Justice Studies/Pawsitive Connections Lab, University of Saskatchewan

    Although people and their dogs sometimes resemble each other, research suggests that compatibility may be a key element to build a positive relationship with dogs. (Shutterstock)

    Many dog owners wonder whether they share similarities with their dogs, including characteristics like a calm temperament, a sociable personality or even a bit of stubbornness. The idea that people and dogs resemble each other is not just a joke. In fact, some researchers have explored this question.

    As a clinician and researcher who has been studying different aspects of the human–animal bond and works clinically with people grieving the loss of a pet, I understand how meaningful these relationships can be. I am particularly interested in how perceived similarities and emotional connections with dogs can shape the quality of the relationship.

    Understanding what is known so far about the similarities between people and dogs is crucial, as this can reveal whether perceptions of similar physical and personality traits play a role in the quality of the relationship people share with their dogs.

    What researchers says about it

    Research on perceived similarities between people and their dogs aims to understand whether such perceptions are accurate and how they affect the relationship between people and their dogs.

    A recent review synthesizes findings from 15 empirical studies that investigated similarities between dog-human pairs, both in appearance and personality. Regarding personality, the findings suggest that dogs and their guardians may have parallel traits, such as levels of extroversion, anxiety and sociability.

    Looking further, some people seem to choose dogs that physically resemble them, particularly when choosing a purebred dog. Interestingly, there seems to be a link between women’s hair length and their preference for dogs with similar ear length, while short-haired women seem to favour short-eared breeds.

    Another study suggests the similarity between guardians and their dogs may be particularly observed in the eye region. Other studies indicate a positive correlation between owners’ body mass index (BMI) and their dogs’ degree of overweight, possibly related to a shared lifestyle.

    Importantly, many of these studies use questionnaires that the guardians themselves answer. That could lead some people to argue the findings only reflect the perceptions of the guardians.

    However, a group of researchers asked participants who had never met the dog-guardian pairs to match photos of dogs and their guardians based on perceived similarities. Interestingly, the participants were able to correctly match most of the dog-guardian pairs. This finding suggests that similarity may not just be a matter of the guardian’s own perception.

    Comparison to our relationships with people

    But why does this happen? One hypothesis has to do with our evolutionary history, since we also tend to seek like-minded people.

    In evolutionary contexts, being in cohesive and predictable groups increased co-operation and survival. These patterns continue to influence our relationships with others, favouring connections with people who appear to align with our values, behaviours or even physical traits. Apparently, similar mechanisms influence how we relate to dogs.

    Similarities in are also observed for those living with purebred dogs. This might happen because people tend to choose breeds associated with certain behaviours and there is more behavioural predictability and stability in purebred dogs due to standardized breed characteristics.

    Other explanations for personality similarities may be linked to emotional exchanges between people and their dogs, mutual regulation, behavioural reinforcement and learning through observation and imitation.

    For example, people may reinforce certain behaviours in their dogs based on their own preferences or routines, and sometimes this may not even be intentional. At the same time, emotional exchanges between humans and dogs can also shape each other’s emotional states over time.

    More than a scientific curiosity, understanding how perceptions of similarity shape people’s relationships with their dog can help foster more fulfilling relationships for humans and dogs. Such perceptions can lead to greater emotional investment in the bond and may even influence how people interpret and manage challenging behaviours in their dogs. For example, they might be more tolerant of certain behaviours when they identify a similar pattern in themselves.

    On the other hand, while perceived similarities can strengthen the relationship, such perceptions may also shape people’s expectations, leading them to project human-like characteristics onto their dogs, rather than seeing them for who they truly are.

    Beyond similarity: What brings us together

    Even when the personalities of people and their dogs are not alike, they can still match perfectly. Imagine a dog who is playful and energetic, living with someone who may be more reserved or introverted.

    The dog’s energy can encourage the person to be more active, which can lead to healthier habits such as walking or spending time outdoors. Sharing moments of joy, frustration or even sadness with a beloved dog can also provide a sense of companionship and emotional support.

    Although people and their dogs sometimes resemble each other, research suggests that compatibility may be another key element to build a positive relationship with dogs. Factors such as attachment style and aspects of the human’s personality may be equally relevant.

    Also, the sense of similarity is not always immediate and may emerge through co-regulation and mutual reinforcement, similarly to what happens in close human relationships. In this context, compatibility can exist even when people and dogs are not alike.

    Just like in relationships between people, resemblance is not necessarily what holds us together. Although resemblance plays a role, sometimes the most meaningful bonds are not between those who are alike. What seems to matter the most is how well we connect, support each other, embrace potential differences and build mutual understanding.

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

    – ref. Do people really resemble their dogs? – https://theconversation.com/do-people-really-resemble-their-dogs-255088

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lummis Celebrates Bowman Confirmation, Brighter Future for Digital Assets 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Wyoming Cynthia Lummis

    June 5, 2025

    Washington, D.C. —  U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) released the following statement celebrating Michelle “Miki” Bowman’s confirmation as Vice Chair of Supervision at the Federal Reserve Board.
    “I’m thrilled that the Senate has confirmed Miki Bowman as Vice Chair of Supervision at the Federal Reserve,” said Lummis. “Her confirmation represents a turning point for digital assets and brings much-needed balance and accountability to Fed banking supervision. Miki’s commitment to evidence-based regulation over political considerations will strengthen America’s financial system. I’m excited to see the positive impact she’ll have in this crucial role.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK 20 years of Visitor Assistants

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    This year, we’re celebrating two decades of Visitor Assistants at Parliament.

    Immediately recognisable in their green and Parliament-purple neck wear, they are the knowledgeable team who greets and guides visitors through the historic Palace of Westminster.

    Watch two of our Visitor Assistants, Olivia and Jess, give you a preview of the friendly welcome you can expect when visiting Parliament.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YrY37DM9TE

    MIL OSI Video –