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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gender Parity ‘Non-Negotiable’, Secretary-General Tells Group of Friends

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Group of Friends on Gender Parity, in New York today:

    I am very pleased to join you today and with the permission of the distinguished Ministers for Social Development of Qatar and for Education of Rwanda.  I want to express my deep gratitude to Her Excellency Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif al-Thani, Permanent Representative of Qatar to the United Nations, and His Excellency Ernest Rwamucyo, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations, for what has been their remarkable leadership and their continued support and commitment to gender equality — at the United Nations and beyond.

    The Group of Friends has been a driving force in our journey towards gender parity.  I look forward to our continued and strengthened partnership during this pivotal year — to celebrate hard-won achievements, confront persistent and emerging challenges, and most importantly, accelerate action to achieve gender equality.

    2025 is meant to be a year of celebration:  25 years since the adoption of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security, and 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the fourth World Conference on Women — milestones which ignited global action.

    But, the truth is, 2025 is also a year of reckoning.  Five years from 2030, we are far from delivering on the promises of the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 5:  achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

    The environmental and climate crises are disproportionately affecting them, and women across the globe continue to endure the worst impacts of war while being excluded from most of the peace talks.

    Political representation is also stagnating.  In 2024 — a year that saw a record number of elections worldwide — only five women were elected as Heads of State.  Worse, we are witnessing an aggressive backlash against gender equality — threatening hard-won progress on women’s human rights and fundamental freedoms.

    We cannot afford to stand still.  We must push back against this pushback.  We must secure women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in all decision-making processes — including on peace and security and humanitarian action.  We must protect, support and amplify the voices of civil society and grass-roots organizations, who are on the front lines of defending women’s rights worldwide.

    We must renew our commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action under the Beijing+30 framework — and I call on everyone to accelerate its full and effective implementation.

    Last September, Member States have adopted the Pact for the Future.  The Pact reaffirms that gender equality holds the key to unlock progress on the 2030 Agenda and sustainable development.

    It calls for greater investment in the SDGs [Sustainable Development Goals], expanding debt-relief measures and strengthened support from multilateral development banks so that Governments can invest in the programmes their people need — including education, training, job creation and social protections that foster gender equality.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls for closing the gender digital divide, ensuring women and girls everywhere can access and benefit from the opportunities of a rapidly evolving global economy.

    Gender equality is a thread that runs through the Pact, and I call on all Member States to spare no effort to implement its commitments.  This includes the revitalization of the Commission on the Status of Women to promote the full and effective implementation of the Platform for Action.

    As we look to the challenges all around us, we must also look inside our Organization.  With four years left to reach my goal of a 50-50 balance across the UN system by 2028, I am proud of how far we’ve come.

    With the support of so many of you today, we have seen historic breakthroughs since I launched the system-wide strategy on gender parity. In 2017, only five United Nations entities had reached parity.  Today, that number is 28 — a testament to our collective institutional efforts.

    We are seeing an unprecedented number of women serving in the UN system.  We have achieved — and more importantly, maintained — gender parity among senior leadership and resident coordinators since 2020.  And for the first time in the UN’s history, we have also reached parity in the international professional categories.

    Despite these significant strides, progress remains uneven – with critical obstacles along the way.  We still see concerning gaps at the P-5 and D-1 levels [and D-2 levels]. This threatens to undermine our future pipeline of senior leaders.

    Progress has also been slow in non-Headquarters and field locations.  While we have sustained gender parity among Resident Coordinators, women make up only 14 per cent of [resident coordinators] at the Assistant Secretary-General level. And in a majority of peacekeeping operations, the share of women does not exceed 35 per cent.

    We must nurture and promote talent everywhere — and at every level.  But, achieving gender parity is not about numbers alone.  Representation without transformation is not enough.  Lack of parity perpetuates power structures that go against gender equality.

    Too many institutions, including our own, remain shaped by patriarchal systems of power that restrict women’s equal access to leadership, economic opportunities and legal protections.  If we want a UN that truly represents the people it serves, our organizational culture, policies and decision-making must continue to evolve.

    The UN is committed to leading by example — ensuring a workplace built on the principles of dignity, equality and respect.  The field-specific enabling environment guidelines, the UN system-wide Knowledge Hub on Addressing Sexual Harassment and the UN system-wide Dashboard on Gender Parity are helping us steer organizational change.

    And more than 650 UN Gender Focal Points across the entire UN system are working alongside leadership to dismantle barriers and build truly inclusive and supportive workplaces.  But, we must do more.

    That’s why I launched the UN system-wide Gender Equality Acceleration Plan, establishing a robust governance that ensures coordination across 43 UN entities and integrating reporting into existing accountability frameworks to raise the bar for gender mainstreaming.

    A more gender-equal UN will be a more effective UN. One that serves all women and girls, champions political commitment, mobilizes investments, strengthens partnerships and ensures real accountability — and one that reflects the more equal world we want to shape.

    Gender equality is more than an aspiration.  It is a human right and a fundamental requirement for breaking cycles of poverty, violence and inequality.  Advancing gender equality paves the way for a more just, peaceful and sustainable future for all.

    The road will require bold leadership and collective action to break barriers, to safeguard women’s rights and freedoms and drive true, lasting transformation.  In this context, gender parity is non-negotiable.

    We must serve — and deliver for — all women and girls.  So let us pursue our collective efforts, turn commitments into ambitious results and push forward, together.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: $50 Million Effort to Fight Poverty in Upstate New York

    Source: US State of New York

    overnor Kathy Hochul today announced new steps to fight poverty in Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse, three communities chosen because they include some of the highest poverty rates out of anywhere in New York State. Governor Hochul’s FY 2025 Budget allocated $50 million for this antipoverty programming, which is now being utilized by community-based groups in these communities.

    “Every family should have the opportunity to grow and thrive in New York, and I’m committed to delivering the resources to make that a reality,” Governor Hochul said. “As the first Governor from Upstate New York in nearly a century, I know many of our neighbors struggle to make ends meet. Working together, we’re going to fight poverty and lift up the families who need it most.”

    The cities of Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse are investing $50 million included in the FY 2025 Budget to bring much-needed resources to help families living in poverty increase earnings and improve family well-being. Each locality sought and received community input while working with their county Department of Social Services to develop and finalize their plans.

    The Monroe County Department of Human Services will use $25 million to implement three targeted strategies to strengthen low-income families’ financial footing and reduce poverty in the city of Rochester. The strategies include a monthly cash incentive program for pregnant women who agree to participate in activities that support maternal health, as well as rental subsidy and upward mobility mentoring programs.

    • Beginning within 180 days of their expected delivery date, up to 200 Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)-eligible pregnant women in certain ZIP codes in Rochester will be eligible to receive a cash incentive of $1000 per month for up to two years, as well as case management support, prenatal healthcare referrals, and services to reduce maternal morbidity and infant mortality. Participants will also be required to carry out other activities that support mental health and promote self-sufficiency and upward mobility.
    • The rental subsidy program will provide a monthly supplement to 100 families currently receiving Temporary Assistance that live in designated zip codes in Rochester over two years. Families receiving the subsidy will also receive case management, financial counseling and support necessary to increase their income so that their total monthly rent does not exceed 30 percent of their monthly income.
    • The Upward Mobility Mentoring program will provide up to 1,200 TANF-eligible families with direct support and cash assistance with the aim of having a meaningful and sustainable impact on families’ long term economic potential. This program will address five pillars of upward mobility: family stability, well-being, financial management, education/training, and employment/careers. Every enrolled family will create individualized life plans for upward mobility and participate in coaching and financial counseling to maximize the potential for their long term success.

    The Onondaga County Department of Social Services will use $12.5 million to focus on addressing generational poverty, promoting housing stability, improving school attendance rates and distributing free diapers to families that are eligible for Temporary Assistance.

    • The existing 2Gen Onondaga pilot project will be expanded, providing intensive case management and trauma-informed goal-setting for Syracuse families with children who receive Temporary Assistance to better promote family well-being. The program also encourages continued employment by providing payments to help ease the perceived effects of “benefits cliffs.” Participating households whose income exceeds eligibility for assistance will continue to receive their monthly benefit for 12 months, after which the benefit will be slowly reduced to zero. Additionally, the plan will support non-custodial parents by helping them reduce their child support orders to better reflect what they can afford and connecting them with employment and parenting programs.
    • The Central New York Centralized Housing Assistance and Network for Community Engagement (CNY CHANCE) program is designed to help alleviate an increasingly tight housing market. The program includes a range of efforts to promote housing stability, including the creation of a housing database, landlord engagement and incentives, and advocacy for affordable housing development, among others.
    • Full-time attendance liaisons will be embedded in the Syracuse City School District to support students from families who are receiving or eligible to receive Temporary Assistance that are struggling with attendance issues. The liaisons will provide continuous support to families and work to resolve issues that are contributing to chronic absenteeism.
    • Onondaga County will work with the CNY Diaper Bank to provide free diapers to any family with a child under age 4 who lives in the City of Syracuse and is eligible for Temporary Assistance.

    The Erie County Department of Social Services will use $12.5 million to support upward mobility for TANF-eligible families experiencing poverty who reside in the city of Buffalo. The goal of the incentive-based program is to improve employment outcomes for families and children and reduce child poverty. Program components include life coaches, career coaches, financial literacy services, linkage to support and resources, and direct cash incentives.

    • Direct cash payments would be provided as an incentive for up to 600 participating families. The families could receive up to 29 incentive payments totaling $16,000 per family if they meet certain benchmarks, including engagement with career and life coaches, making progress toward identified goals, enrollment in training and/or education/upskilling activities, and attainment and retention of employment.
    • Savings accounts will be opened for up to 300 participants and every dollar deposited by the participant will receive a $3 match up to $3,000.
    • Approximately 115 participants will receive assistance in obtaining a driver license, as a first step toward car ownership.
    • Participants will also have access to various workforce development programs, including subsidized job placement, on-the-job training, industry-specific career pathways programs, and pre-apprenticeships, among others.

    This initiative builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to making New York the best, most affordable place to start and raise a family. The Governor’s historic investments in her 2025 State of the State and FY 2026 Executive Budget will advance innovative actions to best address the needs of every child and family in New York:

    • Governor Hochul’s expansion of the Child Tax credit to $1,000 or $500 per child will help address the economic challenges that families are facing and is projected to significantly reduce child poverty in New York State. When fully implemented, this historic investment could reduce child poverty statewide by up to 8.2 percent. This would build on the progress this Administration has already made reducing child poverty through actions in recent budgets. Combined with other measures like expanding subsidized childcare, this Administration’s actions to date are estimated to reduce child poverty by up to 17.7 percent.
    • The Governor also proposed New York’s first-ever inflation refund that will put $3 billion back in the pockets of 8.6 million taxpayers. By the end of 2025, New York State will send direct payments to everyday New Yorkers. Joint tax filers who make $300,000 or less will receive a $500 payment, while all single New York taxpayers who make $150,000 or less will receive a $300 payment. These one-time payments will provide New Yorkers with much-needed financial relief in 2025.
    • Governor Hochul will partner with Baby2Baby to provide maternal health and newborn supply boxes to Medicaid-enrolled expectant mothers and those reached through community organizations and hospitals in low-income areas. The boxes will include resources, educational materials, self-care products, and diapers, reaching approximately 100,000 families at full implementation.
    • Governor Hochul will also provide millions of diapers annually and expand maternal behavioral health services. Additionally, the Governor will co-locate mental health services into OBGYN practices in high-needs communities.
    • Building on the Governor’s support for pregnant women and infants, the New York State BABY (Birth Allowance for Beginning Year) Benefit will provide a $100 monthly benefit during pregnancy and a $1,200 benefit at birth to low-income public assistance recipients. This will increase household income for thousands of New York families.
    • Additionally, to take action against pervasive appraisal bias through the housing industry that has unjustly stripped families in communities of color out of the opportunity to purchase a home, Governor Hochul proposed a suite of actions to make discriminatory appraisal practices unlawful, enforce anti-discrimination principles in appraisals, and diversify the appraiser workforce.

    New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said, “Poverty is a reality that affects the lives of far too many children and their families, limiting their opportunities and potential. Research shows that the focused support and assistance contained in these locally-driven anti-poverty initiatives—from rental subsidies, maternal health support, financial coaching, school attendance incentives, to cash assistance—are effective at improving family well-being and the economic security of children and families. We look forward to the implementation of these programs in Rochester, Buffalo, and Syracuse and are grateful to Governor Hochul for prioritizing an agenda that uplifts working families and makes our state more livable and affordable for all New Yorkers.”

    Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer said, “From boosting financial literacy to job-training to improving parenting skills and support for steady housing in Buffalo and Rochester and Syracuse, this is an investment in our children, in our future, and building a better life for families that need a helping hand. I will always fight to deliver resources to New York’s families to give all our children the best opportunities for a bright future and support Governor Hochul’s efforts to achieve these goals.”

    Representative Joe Morelle said, “Lifting children and families out of poverty has always been one of my top priorities. This marks a vital step forward in our efforts to lower costs by making high-quality healthcare and housing opportunities more affordable and putting money directly in the pockets of those who need it most. I’m grateful to Governor Hochul for her leadership on this important issue, and I look forward to working with her and Monroe County Executive Adam Bello to implement Project Prosper throughout Rochester.”

    Representative Timothy Kennedy said, “This important anti-poverty initiative will uplift hardworking parents and help ensure their children thrive. This funding will connect families with resources that have the potential to change their lives. In Washington, I will continue fighting for working households to make New York more affordable and to provide those families with access to new opportunities.”

    Representative John W. Mannion said, “Every child deserves a chance to succeed, and I’m committed to lifting our communities out of poverty, especially in urban centers like Syracuse. It’s a generational challenge – but also an opportunity to make meaningful investments in our schools, create environments of hope, deliver stable housing, and bring successful programs to scale. I join Governor Hochul in this effort and commend her leadership for making these life changing investments in Onondaga County.”

    State Senator Christopher Ryan said, “I want to extend my gratitude to Governor Kathy Hochul for her commitment to addressing the needs of children and families in Syracuse and Central New York. The $50 million investment across Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse will provide vital resources to help reduce poverty and improve the well-being of families who need it most. This initiative, built on strong collaboration between state, county and local leaders, ensures that our region’s efforts are guided by the real needs and input of the families we serve. I’m proud to support this transformative approach, and I look forward to working together to create lasting change for our children and families in Syracuse and throughout Central New York.”

    State Senator April N.M. Baskin said, “If the cycle of poverty is not broken early in a child’s life, the devastating effects are often felt for a lifetime. This investment in Buffalo and other upstate cities is critical because our communities are among the poorest, setting children back before they even have a chance to start. Resources from these vital funds can dramatically and positively help area kids thrive, enhancing their lives and their families as well.”

    State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “Child poverty rates across Upstate New York are abhorrent, especially in the City of Rochester where nearly half of our children live below the poverty line. Thank you Governor Hochul for your partnership in bringing funding to local organizations in the communities who need it most, combatting our unacceptable child poverty rates, and paving the way towards a brighter future for the next generation of New Yorkers.”

    State Senator Sean Ryan said, “As the federal government works to slash programs that New Yorkers depend on and fails to deliver on the promise of lowering costs, we’re working hard in New York to uplift our most vulnerable communities. This State funding will protect families in need and add one more tool to help Buffalo address the unconscionably high rate of childhood poverty that has plagued our city for too long. I thank Governor Hochul for her continued efforts to address this critically important issue.”

    State Senator Rachel May said, “Many families in Central New York struggle to make ends meet. With rising rents and persistently high food prices, meeting the basic needs for meals, utilities, and other essentials has become increasingly difficult. Governor Hochul’s announcement of $50 million in funding for anti-poverty programs will significantly help address the fundamental causes of poverty in our region. Thank you to Governor Hochul and my colleagues in the Senate Majority who continue to lift more of our neighbors out of poverty.”

    Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, “Reducing poverty is one of the most important measures the State can take to help struggling families maintain their health, home, and well-being. I welcome Governor Hochul’s commitment to reducing poverty in the cities of Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse and look forward to seeing the positive results in my community and beyond.”

    Assemblymember Al Stirpe said, “Governor Hochul’s announcement today shows a true commitment to fighting one of the hardest battles our local communities continue to face. Syracuse has long had some of the highest rates of child poverty across the nation and it is paramount that we take responsibility to combat this longstanding and generational issue. I want to thank Governor Hochul for her leadership which has made these resources possible for Onondaga County, helping lift our children and families most in need and demonstrating an enduring dedication to the welfare of our future generations.”

    Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi said, “I am grateful to Governor Hochul for targeting these anti-poverty funds precisely where we need them, in Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo which unfortunately retain some of the highest rates of child poverty in the country. Thank you to Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and all of my colleagues for working with the executive to provide this assistance to our upstate communities, families and children.”

    Assemblymember William Magnarelli said, “Syracuse has one of the highest rates of child poverty in the nation with about half of the children in the city falling below the poverty line. By investing in Syracuse and other Upstate cities, the Governor is committed to improving the well-being of our communities through increasing opportunities to access housing, childcare, jobs and transportation.”

    Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson said,“As the prime Assembly sponsor of the Child Poverty Reduction Act, I applaud the Governor for this additional $50 million investment to address the needs of children and families living in poverty, which prioritizes uplifting families through opportunity and resources. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for your continued and renewed support and partnership to make Rochester a city of prosperity, opportunity and equity, so we can finally end the epidemic of children and families living in poverty.”

    Assemblymember Sarah Clark said, “We know that systemic poverty is at the heart of many of our most pressing issues statewide. Serving in a region that has one of the highest child poverty rates in the state is a constant reminder of how much more we need to be investing in children and families, which is my top priority in the Assembly. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for announcing $50 million investments into our most marginalized communities here in Upstate New York. These funds will help lift families out of generational poverty and ensure the most pressing needs of our children are better met.”

    Assemblymember Pamela Hunter said, “Investing in our children and families is the foundation of a stronger, more prosperous New York. Throughout my time in office, childhood poverty in Syracuse has been one of the most pervasive and difficult issues to address. With this $50 million commitment, we are taking decisive action to break the cycle of poverty and provide real opportunities for families in Rochester, Buffalo, and here in Syracuse. By prioritizing locally driven solutions, we are ensuring that those closest to the challenges have the resources they need to create lasting change. I applaud Governor Hochul for her leadership and for recognizing that lifting up our most vulnerable communities is not just the right thing to do—it is essential for the future of our state.”

    Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, “Project Prosper will create strategic initiatives to connect families to stable housing, employment support, childcare, assistance for pregnant women that will improve maternal and infant health outcomes, and targeted rental subsidies to help families secure stable housing. This funding will provide real, measurable pathways out of poverty in targeted zip codes throughout our community. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for this $25 million investment and for taking many of the recommendations of the community-driven Rochester-Monroe County Anti-Poverty Initiative and turning them into reality.”

    Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “Reducing poverty among families and children helps them on a path to a better, healthier and more productive life. This funding will help TANF-eligible families gain access to the support and services they need to gain new skills, improve their financial literacy and build towards a better future. I thank Governor Hochul for her continuing focus on reducing poverty rates and making Buffalo, and New York State, a great place to raise a family.”

    Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon said, “My administration has worked tirelessly to reach and connect with the members of our community living in poverty to the resources they need in a comprehensive and holistic way. From our successful 2Gen Onondaga Pilot project that works to break the generation cycle of poverty to working with our schools to support our kids without adding additional challenges for parents looking to find or keep employment, Onondaga County is making real progress when it comes to finally addressing the root causes of poverty. There is still much more work to do and thanks to these state funds we will be able to build on and scale up our efforts in a truly substantive way. Thank you to New York State and all of the community partners who helped make today possible.”

    Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “Project Prosper combines the resources of New York State, Monroe County and the City of Rochester to support our most vulnerable residents and address some of the debilitating consequences of poverty: infant mortality, rent burden, and economic stagnation. I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul for delivering this funding, along with the many community-based organizations whose insights helped us design these innovative strategies. Thanks to Governor Hochul and our partnership with Monroe County, we are giving the residents of Rochester’s poorest neighborhoods the investments they deserve.”

    Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, “As a father of three, I know firsthand the challenges that families face in ensuring their children have the opportunities and support they need to thrive. Governor Hochul’s investment in Buffalo will provide critical resources to lift families out of poverty, creating a pathway to economic stability and brighter futures for our children. This funding is not just about financial assistance—it’s about empowering families with the tools to succeed, from career coaching to financial literacy and workforce development. I want to thank the Governor for her investment in families in the City of Buffalo and I look forward to seeing its impact on families across our city.”

    Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said, “The programs receiving support in the City of Syracuse address the child’s home and education and the parent’s ability to meet current needs while expanding their capacity to escape poverty through employment. It is this type of holistic approach that creates both a pathway out of poverty and the support for the family to successfully navigate that path. I am grateful to Governor Hochul for committing these resources to fight childhood poverty in Syracuse and to our partners at Onondaga County for working with us on these programs.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall, Senator Daines, and GOP Colleagues Urge Attorney General Bondi to End Anti-Gun Biden-Era Policies

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall
    Washington –U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) joined Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana) and 14 of their Senate Republican colleagues in urging Attorney General Pam Bondi to reverse Biden-era policies that allow the federal government to award groups that discriminate against the firearm and ammunition industry. 
    In the letter, the Senators wrote: “Dear Attorney General Bondi,
    “We write regarding President Trump’s February 7, 2025, Executive Order (E.O.), “Protecting Second Amendment Rights” and call to your attention the current awarding of federal contracts to entities that discriminate against the firearm and ammunition industry in the absence of federal guidance prohibiting such action. We believe that entities with discriminatory policies against a Constitutionally protected industry should not be allowed to benefit from lucrative federal contracts to help finance their anti-gun agenda.
    “Unfortunately, past administrations, including the Biden administration, have sought to advance policies across multiple executive branch agencies and departments intended to undermine the Second Amendment. This includes the ongoing, intentional discrimination against the firearm and ammunition industry among private entities operating in various sectors, including financial services, insurance, shipping, and others.
    “President Trump has also rightfully prioritized the elimination of waste, fraud, and abuse in the federal budget. We believe that awarding billions of dollars in federal contracts to “woke” entities engaged in anti-gun activism and discrimination is part of this waste and should end immediately.
    “To that end, in accordance with the Second Amendment E.O., we request that you submit in your plan of action a provision to cease awarding federal contracts to entities that discriminate against the firearm and ammunition industry. Under no circumstance should taxpayer dollars from hard-working Americans be used to deny those very taxpayers their Constitutionally protected rights.
    “We appreciate you considering submitting this recommendation to President Trump.”
    Joining Senator Marshall and Senator Daines on the letter were Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Rick Scott (R-Florida.), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), and John Hoeven (R-North Dakota).
    The full text of the letter is available HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Daylight saving time and early school start times cost billions in lost productivity and health care expenses

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, Associate Professor of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh

    Daylight saving time kicks in on March 9, 2025, but some say it leads to more heart attacks, depression and car accidents. Lord Henri Voton/E+ via Getty Images

    Investigations into the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster revealed that key decision-makers worked on little sleep, raising concerns that fatigue impaired their judgment. Similarly, in 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil spill resulted in a massive environmental catastrophe. The official investigation revealed the third mate, in charge of steering the ship, was running on too little sleep, among other problems.

    While these specific disasters were not caused by daylight saving time, they are conclusively linked to fatigue, based on postaccident investigations and reports. They underscore the well-documented dangers of sleep deprivation and fatigue-related errors. Yet a vast body of research shows that every year, the shift to daylight saving time needlessly exacerbates these risks, disrupting millions of Americans’ sleep and increasing the likelihood of accidents, health issues and fatal errors.

    Imagine a world where one simple decision – keeping our clocks aligned with the natural cycle of the Sun – could save lives, prevent accidents and improve mental well-being. It’s not just about an hour of lost sleep; it’s about how small disruptions ripple through our health, our workplaces and even our children’s futures.

    I’m a neurologist who specializes in sleep health. I’ve seen firsthand the negative impacts of poor sleep; it has enormous personal and economic consequences.

    Yet despite overwhelming research supporting better sleep policies – such as delaying school start times to align with adolescent biology and the adoption of permanent standard time – these issues remain largely overlooked in public policy discussions.

    Sleep deprivation comes with real costs

    Chronic sleep deprivation does more than leave people tired. It costs an estimated US$411 billion annually in lost productivity and health care costs. Poor sleep leads to workplace mistakes, car accidents and long-term health issues that strain businesses, families and the economy as a whole.

    Fortunately, there’s a fix. Smarter sleep policies – such as permanent standard time and later school start times – can boost efficiency, improve health and save lives.

    Sleep-deprived teens have lower test scores and graduation rates.
    skynesher/E+

    Up before dawn

    Teenagers are the most sleep-deprived age group in the U.S. Multiple studies and surveys show that anywhere from 71% to 84% of high school students report getting insufficient sleep.

    This is largely due to early school start times, which force teens to wake up before their biological clocks are ready. If you have a teenager, you probably see it every day: The teen struggling to wake up before sunrise, rushing out the door without breakfast, then waiting in the dark for the school bus.

    More than 80% of public middle and high schools in the U.S. start before 8:30 a.m., with 42% starting before 8 a.m. and 10% before 7:30 a.m. As a result, some districts have bus pickups as early as 5 a.m.

    Teenagers are going through a natural shift in their circadian rhythms by about two hours. This shift, driven by hormones and biology, makes it hard for them to fall asleep before around 11 p.m. The bodies of teens aren’t wired for these schedules, yet schools and society have designed a system that forces them to function at their worst.

    Declining scores, drowsy driving and depression

    Sleep-deprived teens have lower grades and test scores, more car crashes caused by drowsy driving, more alcohol and drug use and higher rates of depression, anxiety suicide and aggressive behavior, including carrying weapons.

    Along with the health benefits, studies have found that moving school start times to 8:30 am or later could add $8.6 billion to the economy within two years, partly by increased graduation rates.

    While concerns about increased transportation costs exist, such as the need for additional buses or drivers due to staggered school start times, some districts have found that optimizing bus routes can offset expenses, making the change cost-neutral or even cost-saving. For instance, a study in Boston found that reorganizing bus schedules using advanced algorithms reduced the number of buses needed and improved efficiency, which allowed high school students to start later and better align with their natural sleep cycles. This change not only supported adolescent sleep health but also saved the district $5 million annually.

    Studies show that daylight saving time does not reduce energy use.

    More heart attacks, car wrecks and suicide

    Every March, most Americans shift their clocks forward for daylight saving time. Studies show this change disrupts sleep and leads to measurable adverse outcomes, including a significant increase in heart attacks. These effects linger for days after the shift, as sleep-deprived workers struggle to adjust.

    The mental health impact is also severe. Suicide rates increase in the weeks following the switch, particularly for those already vulnerable to depression.

    Unlike daylight saving time, standard time follows the body’s natural circadian rhythm, which is primarily regulated by exposure to sunlight. Our internal clocks are most stable when morning light exposure occurs early in the day, signaling the body to wake up and regulate key biological functions such as hormone production, alertness and metabolism. In contrast, daylight saving time artificially extends evening light, delaying the body’s release of melatonin and making it harder to fall asleep at a biologically appropriate time.

    Studies have found that adopting permanent standard time could prevent up to 5,000 suicides annually by reducing seasonal depression, decrease errors, injuries and absenteeism in the workplace and make roads safer, potentially preventing 1,300 traffic deaths each year.

    Times are changing

    The U.S. tried permanent daylight saving time in 1974. It was so unpopular that Congress repealed it within nine months.

    Russia tried it too, in 2011, but switched back three years later. The United Kingdom dropped permanent daylight saving time in 1971 after three years, and Portugal in 1996 after four. All of these countries found that the switch caused widespread public dissatisfaction, health concerns, more morning car accidents and disrupted work schedules. No country is currently on year-round daylight saving time.

    These examples provide real-world evidence that permanent DST is undesirable due to public dissatisfaction, safety concerns and negative health effects – all three countries attempted it and ultimately reversed course. Since 2022, there has been renewed debate, largely driven by former U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio’s Sunshine Protection Act, which aims to make DST permanent.

    However, the name is misleading because it doesn’t “protect” sunshine but rather eliminates critical morning light, which is essential for regulating circadian rhythms. Major health organizations, along with the National Safety Council, strongly oppose permanent DST due to its well-documented risks.

    There are signs that suggest the U.S. is finally waking up to these problems. Out of 13,000 school districts, 1,000 have independently adopted later school start times. California and Florida have enacted laws requiring high schools to start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. California’s mandate went into effect in 2022, and Florida’s is set to begin in 2026.

    Permanent standard time and later school start times are not radical ideas. They’re practical, evidence-based solutions based on human biology. Implementing these changes nationally would require congressional action. However, current federal law already allows states to adopt permanent standard time, as Arizona and Hawaii have done, setting a precedent for the rest of the country.

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

    – ref. Daylight saving time and early school start times cost billions in lost productivity and health care expenses – https://theconversation.com/daylight-saving-time-and-early-school-start-times-cost-billions-in-lost-productivity-and-health-care-expenses-248280

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, Durbin Urge President Trump to Reverse Tariffs That Could Devastate Farmers and Raise Food Prices

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth

    March 06, 2025

    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, along with U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), today joined 12 other Senators in urging President Trump to reconsider recently imposed tariffs that threaten American farmers, ranchers, businesses and consumers.  The tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China will make it harder for farmers to sell their products, increase input costs, and make it harder for Americans to put food on the table. President Trump has since announced that most goods from Mexico will be exempt from the recent tariffs for one month.

    In a letter to President Trump, the Senators wrote: “At a time when farmers operate on razor-thin margins due to low commodity prices and increased input costs, the chaos and uncertainty of these tariffs threatens their livelihoods. In addition to making it harder for farmers to sell their products, these tariffs will make it harder for Americans to put food on the table.”

    The Senators continued, “Farm families should not be left as collateral damage in an unnecessary trade war. We strongly encourage you to reconsider the current tariffs plan and instead consider a more targeted approach that supports American farmers, ranchers, and businesses.”

    Joining Duckworth, Durbin and Klobuchar in sending the letter were U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).

    The full letter is available here and below:

    March 6, 2025

    Dear President Trump, 

    We write to express our deep concern about the impacts of your recent trade announcements on farmers, ranchers, and businesses across the country. 

    At a time when farmers operate on razor-thin margins due to low commodity prices and increased input costs, the chaos and uncertainty of these tariffs threatens their livelihoods. In addition to making it harder for farmers to sell their products, these tariffs will make it harder for Americans to put food on the table.

    Half of all U.S. agricultural exports go to Canada, Mexico, and China. As tariffs on these countries take effect, we know that their impacts are not temporary–tariffs can permanently shift market share to other countries, costing our farmers, ranchers, and other exporters for generations. 

    Damage to our trade relationships with Mexico and Canada has drastic consequences for American agriculture. With more than 40 percent of U.S. corn exports going to Mexico and more than 40 percent of U.S. ethanol exports going to Canada, corn growers in particular will experience significant market disruption with some of our nation’s most critical allies. 

    On top of shutting farmers out of critical export markets, these tariffs will drive up input costs. Tariffs on imports like potash will continue to increase fertilizer costs for farmers by as much as $1.70 an acre for corn and $1.42 an acre for soybeans.

    Our nation’s farmers and ranchers feed America and the world. In recent years, agricultural exports have been a bright spot in our economy, growing over 150 percent in the last twenty-eight years.  Nearly 20 percent of all U.S. agricultural production is exported to customers around the world, supporting more than one million jobs across the country. For America’s pork producers, exports create more than $66 in value for each hog marketed. And soybeans, which are the top export crop in the U.S., could face significant losses in sales and market share.

    American farmers have spent decades building these export markets – and they have made clear that they need trade, not aid. Paying off farmers for the damage caused by this impending trade war cannot and should not be a replacement for meaningful and steady trade policy.

    Farm families should not be left as collateral damage in an unnecessary trade war. We strongly encourage you to reconsider the current tariffs plan and instead consider a more targeted approach that supports American farmers, ranchers, and businesses.

    Sincerely,

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Risch Introduces Resolution Honoring Women-Owned and Operated Businesses

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Idaho James E Risch

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho)—the former Chairman and current member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship–introduced a resolution celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments and vital role of women business owners in the United States ahead of International Women’s Day on March 8th.

    “Idaho’s women-owned businesses play a key role in our state’s economic success. These business leaders embody the American entrepreneurial spirit, employ tens of thousands of Idahoans, and make the Gem State thrive,” said Risch. “I am proud to recognize the nearly 14.5 million women-owned businesses across the country and celebrate their continued success.”

    Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), John Kennedy (R-La.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in introducing this resolution.

    “Approximately one third of Idaho’s small businesses are owned by women. That means thousands of our neighbors are employed by a woman-owned small business, and these businesses provide a lifeline to our local and state economy,” said Crapo. “Support for women entrepreneurs is important for the continued success of Idaho’s economy.”

    “Growing up, I saw firsthand the hard work and dedication my own mother put into her small business,” said Britt. “Women-owned small businesses are at the forefront of driving innovation, job creation, and economic growth. I’m proud to stand with my colleagues as we reaffirm our commitment to ensuring all women-owned small businesses across Alabama and our nation have the opportunities and resources needed to succeed and thrive.”

    “Women entrepreneurs bring an innovative approach to their small businesses, helping to create much-needed job opportunities and strengthening local economies in Michigan and throughout the United States,” said Peters. “I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan resolution, which celebrates our women small business owners and recognizes their contributions to our country’s economic prosperity.” 

    “Small businesses are the backbone of Nevada’s economy, and our state is the proud home to thousands of women-owned businesses,” said Rosen. “I’m pleased to help introduce this bipartisan resolution to recognize the immense contributions of women entrepreneurs to our local communities.”

    “New Hampshire is home to more than 50,000 women-owned small businesses that help power our economy and create good-paying Granite State jobs,” said Shaheen. “As a former small business owner, I know firsthand the challenges too many women entrepreneurs face in growing and maintaining their businesses. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan resolution in celebration of the barrier-breaking New Hampshire women who have overcome obstacles to generate economic opportunity and provide vital services in their communities.”

    As a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Senator Risch works to provide resources, education, and services to entrepreneurs and female small business owners across the state of Idaho. Each month, Senator Risch highlights the Gem State’s favorite Main Street small businesses and has led the Support Local Gems initiative for the last five years to encourage Idahoans to shop at their local small businesses.?

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Investment Summit to grow New Zealand’s future

    Source: New Zealand Government

    New Zealand will showcase its infrastructure pipeline and exciting growth sectors to companies managing about $6 trillion in capital at next week’s Infrastructure Investment Summit, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says.

    “The upcoming Summit is all about attracting investment into the infrastructure projects New Zealanders need to get ahead, so that we can grow our economy, create opportunities for New Zealanders, and raise the standard of living for Kiwi families,” Mr Bishop says.

    “We’re going to show our international visitors in no uncertain terms that New Zealand is open for business, and we are a country worth investing in.

    “New Zealanders can be proud that some of the world’s biggest investment and infrastructure entities are keen to learn about the opportunities New Zealand has to offer. 

    “The financial companies and institutions attending the summit manage assets and funds worth around $6 trillion of capital and they are headquartered across the world. They include pension funds, sovereign wealth funds and major banks. We also have delegates from the construction and engineering sectors.

    “Their decision to come here demonstrates that New Zealand is held in high regard internationally as an economy that is worth investing in.

    “We’ll also have representatives from our own investment and construction community, including a number of iwi investment entities, ACC and the New Zealand Super Fund.

    “Across the two-day summit, Ministers will showcase our ambitious pipeline of projects in transport, health, education, courts and corrections, and the resources sector. Iwi representatives will highlight the strength of the Māori economy and their own upcoming opportunities for these investors.

    “We’ll also highlight four growth sectors – aquaculture, renewable energy, clean technology and advanced transportation which includes some exciting opportunities in space.

    “The Government is moving quickly to create a regulatory environment that welcomes international capital and makes it easier to get projects off the ground. We’re reforming foreign investment laws and immigration settings, and our Fast Track Approvals regime is up and running.

    “This Government is serious about growing New Zealand’s economy and creating more opportunities for Kiwis to get ahead. The summit is just one part of our ambitious agenda to grow New Zealand’s economy and make life better for Kiwis.” 

    Attached:

    • The Infrastructure Investment Summit programme.

    Note to Editors:

    • All companies are attending the summit at their own cost, including travel and accommodation.
    • International attendees come from 14 countries: Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States of America.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: GIFT City will give India’s aviation sector further confidence, commitment, collaboration to develop a competitive aircraft leasing hub: Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 8:54PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Ministry of Civil Aviation jointly with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) with the support of the International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA), organised the second “India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit” at Gandhinagar in Gujarat. The inaugural was graced by Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.

    Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu, said that today, the GIFT City is comparable with any global financial centers. He emphasised that we are not trying to compete with anyone only complement the global centre. The idea is that we should not miss out on the huge opportunity due to the large market which can accommodate more such players. “GIFT City will give India’s aviation sector the further required confidence, commitment and collaboration to develop a competitive aircraft leasing hub,” he added.

    The Minister further stated that aircraft leasing is a key financial innovation that India’s growing civil aviation sector needs. “Fueled by the UDAN scheme and doubling of India’s airports in 10 years, India has become the 3rd largest domestic aviation market in the world,” he emphasized.

    The Minister also stated that by 2047, the Government is planning to build 350 airports out of which 34 will function as mega airports handling two crore passengers annually. In the next five years, we are planning to build 50 more airports. “The UDAN scheme is also extended for another 10 years which will connect four crore passengers in the country along with creating 120 new destinations in India. He urged to create a strong ecosystem for aircraft financing and leasing in the country to become globally competitive. “GIFT City represents a transformative opportunity to bring home the values created by India’s civil aviation industry,” added Shri Ram Mohan Naidu.

    The Union Minister further chaired Insightful sessions, followed by a plenary discussion focusing on ‘Establishing an Aircraft Lessor Ecosystem in GIFT IFSCA’ and ‘Bridging Financial Gaps: Unlocking Growth in Aviation Financing through Policy & Investment’.

    In his concluding remarks, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized that the issues raised during the sessions remain a priority for the government, assuring full support for the implementation of the proposed initiatives. He further highlighted the importance of complementing the existing global leasing hubs rather than competing with them, reinforcing India’s commitment to fostering a robust and collaborative aircraft leasing ecosystem.

    Addressing the gathering, Gujarat Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Rajnikant Patel, said that GIFT City has today established itself as the Fintech hub of India; at such a time, this Summit will prove to be important for the development of the aviation sector and Aircraft Leasing & Financing and towards India’s self-reliance in the aviation sector.

    The Chief Minister further added that due to the changes in the aviation sector in the last ten years under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, a strong aviation ecosystem has been created in India today. “Our government is determined to make Gujarat the leader in the aviation sector. We are committed to providing the necessary production capacity, adequate infrastructure and encouragement to the industry for the development of the aviation sector,” he emphasized.

    Civil Aviation Secretary Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam said that the government is committed to provide a stable regulatory framework. “The Indian carriers are looking at doubling their aircrafts they will acquire in the next 5 years from 800 to around 1500 aircrafts,” he added.

    The sessions were extremely interactive with active interventions and suggestions from delegates. The delegates represented all stakeholders in the aircraft leasing including global lessors, Banks, Insurance companies, Legal experts and airlines.

    *****

    Pawan Singh Faujdar/Divyanshu Kumar

    (Release ID: 2109267) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme

    Source: Government of India

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launches the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme

    The Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme is a remarkable step in India’s mission for food and nutrition security: PM

    The Food Security Saturation Campaign launched in Surat will be an inspiration for other districts of the country as well: PM

    Our government always stands with the poor as their partner: PM

    Nutritious food has a big role in the journey of Viksit Bharat: PM

    Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 8:40PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme in Limbayat, Surat, today. The Prime Minister also distributed the benefits under the National Food Security Act to over 2.3 lakh beneficiaries. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized the unique spirit of the Surat city, highlighting its strong foundation of work and charity. He expressed how the city’s essence cannot be forgotten, as it is defined by collective support and celebrating the growth of all.

    Shri Modi stated that Surat is known for its culture of mutual support and progress, where people work together for the benefit of everyone. He emphasized that this spirit is visible in every corner of Surat. The Prime Minister pointed out that today’s program aims to further promote and strengthen this spirit, fostering unity and growth for all in the city. “Surat is a leading city in Gujarat and India, and now also taking the lead in ensuring food and nutrition security for the poor and marginalized. The city’s food security saturation campaign will serve as an inspiration for other districts across the country” Shri Modi added.

    Shri  Modi  emphasized that the campaign ensures no one is left out, no one is cheated, and there is no discrimination. It moves beyond appeasement and focuses on the noble spirit of satisfaction for all. “When the government reaches the beneficiary’s doorstep, no one will be excluded. With a commitment to benefit everyone, those attempting to exploit the system are kept away”, Shri Modi added.

    The Prime Minister highlighted that under the food security saturation approach, the Surat administration has identified over 2.5 lakh new beneficiaries. Among them are many elderly women, elderly men, widowed women, and differently-abled individuals. These new family members will now receive free rations and nutritious food. The Prime Minister congratulated all the new beneficiaries for being included in this important initiative.

    The Prime Minister emphasized that the pain of the poor worrying about food is not something he needs to learn from books, but something he can experience. “And this is why over the past years, the government has focused on addressing this very concern by ensuring food security for those in need. The government has stood with the poor as a true partner and servant”, Shri Modi stated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country needed support the most, the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana was launched to ensure that the poor’s kitchens continued to function. This scheme, one of the largest and most unique in the world, is still ongoing. He also expressed happiness that the Gujarat government extended the scheme by increasing the income limit to allow more beneficiaries to benefit. The government is spending nearly ₹2.25 lakh crore annually to ensure that the poor’s kitchens stay lit.

    Highlighting the crucial role of nutritious food in India’s journey towards development, Shri Narendra Modi stated that the government’s goal is to provide adequate nutrition to every family in the country to eliminate issues like malnutrition and anemia. “Under the PM Poshan Scheme, approximately 12 crore school children are being provided with nutritious food. The Saksham Anganwadi Program focuses on the nutrition of young children, mothers, and pregnant women. Additionally, under the PM Matru Vandana Yojana, pregnant women are provided with financial support for nutritious food” Shri Modi highlighted.

    The Prime Minister  emphasized that nutrition goes beyond just food, with cleanliness being an essential aspect. He praised Surat for its efforts in maintaining cleanliness. “The government’s continuous effort is to ensure that every city and village in the country works towards eliminating filth. The global organizations have acknowledged that the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan has helped reduce diseases in rural areas” Shri Modi added. He also highlighted the importance of the “Har Ghar Jal” campaign, led by Shri C.R. Patil, which aims to deliver clean water to every household, contributing to a decrease in various diseases.

    Shri Narendra Modi acknowledged the significant impact of the government’s free ration scheme, which has made life easier for millions. He noted that today, the rightful beneficiaries are receiving their full share of ration, a possibility that wasn’t available 10 years ago. He pointed out that the government has removed over 5 crore fake ration cardholders and linked the entire ration distribution system to Aadhaar cards. The Prime Minister addressed the issue faced by migrant workers in Surat, who previously couldn’t use their ration cards in other states. “The “One Nation, One Ration Card” scheme was introduced to ensure that no matter where a person’s ration card is from, they can avail benefits in any city across the country. Many workers in Surat are now benefiting from this scheme, which demonstrates that when policies are made with true intentions, they benefit the poor” Shri Modi added.

    The Prime Minister outlined the government’s efforts over the past decade to empower the poor through a mission-mode approach. He emphasized the creation of a safety net around the poor, ensuring they never have to beg for help. Providing concrete homes, toilets, gas connections, and tap water connections has instilled new confidence in the poor.The government also introduced insurance schemes for poor families, ensuring that nearly 60 crore Indians have access to free medical treatment up to ₹5 lakh. “Life and accident insurance, which were previously out of reach for poor families, are now a reality. Today, more than 36 crore people are enrolled in government insurance schemes. Over ₹16,000 crore in claims have been paid to poor families, helping them during difficult times” Shri Modi highlighted.

    Shri Narendra Modi recalled how, in the past, the poor faced immense challenges in starting their own businesses, with banks refusing to offer loans without guarantees. Shri Modi highlighted how he personally took  the responsibility to guarantee loans for the poor, launching the Mudra Yojana. “Under the Mudra Yojana, nearly ₹32 lakh crore has been provided as loans without any guarantee, directly benefiting the poor. This initiative has helped millions of people, despite the opposition’s lack of understanding of the magnitude of such an amount”, the Prime Minister emphasized.

    Addressing the struggles of street vendors and workers who previously had no financial support,  Shri Narendra Modi mentioned that these individuals often had to borrow money from moneylenders, only to pay back more than they borrowed. The government’s PM SVANidhi Yojana has helped these vendors by providing them access to bank loans. The Prime Minister further announced in this year’s budget the introduction of a special credit card for such workers. “The introduction of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which supports traditional craftsmen by providing them with training, modern tools, and financial assistance to improve and expand their skills. These efforts contribute to the country’s development through inclusive growth, with over 25 crore people moving out of poverty in the past decade” Shri Modi stated.

    The Prime Minister  acknowledged the significant contribution of the middle class to the country’s development, especially in Surat, where a large number of middle-class families reside. He outlined the government’s efforts in the past decade to empower the middle class, including the relief provided in this year’s budget.  “The tax relief given, particularly the zero tax on income up to ₹12 lakh, is a step many never expected. Additionally, employees will now be exempt from taxes on income up to ₹12.87 lakh. New tax slabs have also been introduced to benefit all taxpayers. This will allow middle-class families in Surat, Gujarat, and across the country to retain more of their earnings, which they can invest in their needs and their children’s future”, the Prime Minister highlighted.

    The Prime Minister recognized Surat as a hub for entrepreneurship with a significant number of small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which provide employment to millions. He highlighted the government’s efforts to strengthen the local supply chain by offering substantial support to MSMEs. “The budget announced loans up to ₹2 crore for SC/ST, Dalit, tribal, and women entrepreneurs, helping them thrive in the MSME sector. The youth of Surat and Gujarat should take advantage of these opportunities, and the government stands ready to support them” Shri Modi stated.

    Shri Modi acknowledged Surat’s significant role in India’s development, particularly in the textiles, chemicals, and engineering sectors. He highlighted the government’s efforts to expand these industries in the city. “The new integrated terminal building at Surat Airport, the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, and the upcoming Bullet Train, the Surat Metro project, will further enhance the city’s connectivity, making it one of the most well-connected cities in the country. These initiatives are improving the quality of life for Surat’s residents and making their lives easier”, Shri Modi emphasised.

    Shri Narendra Modi urged women across the country to share their inspiring stories on the NaMo app. On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the Prime Minister announced that he will be handing over his social media accounts to some of these inspirational women who have contributed significantly to the country’s and society’s development. He highlighted the role of women in various sectors, especially in Gujarat, and emphasized that this day is an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements. He also shared that he will be attending a major event in Navsari dedicated to women’s empowerment. The Prime Minister acknowledged the large number of women attending the event in Surat, noting that they would benefit greatly from the ongoing program.

    The Prime Minister expressed his commitment to the continued development of Surat as a mini India and a remarkable city on the global stage. “For vibrant and dynamic people like those in Surat, everything must be exceptional. I congratulate all beneficiaries of the ongoing initiatives, wishing them continued success and progress” Shri Modi concluded.

    Background

    The Prime Minister launched the Surat Food Security Saturation Campaign Programme in Limbayat, Surat and distributed the benefits under National Food Security Act to over 2.3 lakh beneficiaries.

    Women empowerment has been a cornerstone of the work done by the government. Guided by the vision of the Prime Minister, the government has been committed to taking steps towards their all round development.

     

     

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    MJPS/VJ

    (Release ID: 2109256) Visitor Counter : 74

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CIL joins hands with IIT, Hyderabad for R&D in clean coal tech

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 7:53PM by PIB Delhi

    Coal India Limited (CIL) has inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad (IIT-H), on 7 March, for establishing a Centre of Clean Coal Energy and Net Zero (CLEANZ) at Hyderabad.

    The joint initiative between CIL and IITH aims to develop clean coal technologies and diversification in coal utilization. Both the entities will synergize their efforts in developing cutting edge technology readiness level (TRL) for sustainable utilization of Indian coal. This is in line with the country’s Net Zero commitments. The Coal Ministry is also keen in developing research capabilities in coal sector and advised to take up research projects relevant to India’s coal and energy sectors.

     

     

    Shri G Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal & Mines was the Chief Guest, and the pact was formally signed in his presence by P M Prasad, Chairman, CIL and Prof. B S Murty, Director, IITH in Hyderabad.

    CIL’s management has green flagged a grant of Rs.98 Crores to IITH for a duration of five years for setting up this Centre of Excellence. It is anticipated that the project will be financially self-sustainable beyond the initial five year funding received from CIL.

    CIL’s Board earlier in July 2024 has given its nod to focus on providing grants to reputed government institutions and research organizations under R&D expenditure. The objective is to enhance research capabilities and establishment of Centres of Excellence.

    The current collaborative model is an R&D endeavour under the umbrella of National Centre for Coal and Energy Research (NaCCER). This is an independent R&D unit of CMPDI, the mine development and consultancy arm of CIL.

    CLEANZ envisions net zero utilization with special emphasis on low grade and rejected coal. The thematic areas under CLEANZ are enhanced coal bed methane and coal mine methane recovery, carbon capture technologies, coal gasification and syngas utilization, energy efficiency and conservation, artificial intelligence and machine learning among others.

    Other salient features are training and assisting CIL officials in tech adoption, skill and capability enhancement, extraction and beneficiation technologies for critical minerals.

    ****

    Shuhaib T

    (Release ID: 2109226) Visitor Counter : 109

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Aadhaar Drives Digital Transformation: 225 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions and 43 crore e-KYC transactions carried out in February, marking 14% yearly Growth

    Source: Government of India

    Aadhaar Drives Digital Transformation: 225 crore Aadhaar authentication transactions and 43 crore e-KYC transactions carried out in February, marking 14% yearly Growth

    Aadhaar face authentication sees record growth: 12.54 crore transactions in February, 115 crore Cumulatively

    Posted On: 07 MAR 2025 6:48PM by PIB Delhi

    Aadhaar continues to drive India’s digital transformation, with nearly 225 crore authentication transactions and 43 crore e-KYC transactions carried out in February 2025 alone. The increasing adoption of Aadhaar-based verification highlights its growing role in banking, finance, and other sectors, making processes more seamless, secure, and efficient.

    The total number of eKYC transactions (42.89 cr) carried out during February 2025 is almost 14% more than the numbers during the same period last year.

    Aadhaar e-KYC service continues to play an important role for banking and non-banking financial services by providing transparent and improved customer experience, and helping in ease of doing business.

     

    By the end of February 2025

    • The total number of Aadhaar authentication transactions has crossed 14,555 crore.
    • The total e-KYC transactions have gone beyond 2,311 crore.

     

    Face authentication using Aadhaar gaining popularity

    Aadhaar face authentication transactions continue to get good traction. In February 12.54 crore Aadhaar face authentication transactions were carried out. This is a monthly all time high, since this authentication modality was first introduced in October 2021.

    At least 97 entities have so far on-boarded to use face authentication. Kotak Mahindra Prime Ltd, PhonePe, Karur Vysya Bank and J&K Bank were the new entrants who have on-boarded to use face authentication.  

    Cumulatively, Face Authentication transaction numbers have crossed 115 crore, since it was first rolled out. Of the total numbers, nearly 87 crore such transactions were carried out this financial year, alone.

    The AI/ML based face authentication solution, developed in house by the UIDAI, is being used across sectors including finance, insurance, fintech, health and telecommunications. Several Government departments both at the centre and states are using it for smooth delivery of benefits to targeted beneficiaries.

    ******

    Dharmendra Tewari/ Navin Sreejith /Shatrunjay Kumar

     

    (Release ID: 2109194) Visitor Counter : 26

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: London ETO showcases Hong Kong’s thriving innovation and technology ecosystem (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    London ETO showcases Hong Kong’s thriving innovation and technology ecosystem (with photos)
    ******************************************************************************************

    The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London (London ETO), in collaboration with Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK), the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), and the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) hosted a seminar in London, the United Kingdom, on March 6 (London time) showcasing Hong Kong’s dynamic innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem.     The seminar featured distinguished speakers who provided insights into Hong Kong’s future in I&T. In his opening remarks, the Director-General of the London ETO, Mr Gilford Law, emphasised Hong Kong’s role as a global I&T hub and gateway to the Greater Bay Area (GBA). “Hong Kong offers a dynamic business environment with world-class infrastructure, strong government support, and access to a wide network of investors and researchers. Our strategic location provides businesses with unique opportunities to tap into the growing GBA, particularly in key sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, and biotechnology.”     The Chief Executive Officer of the HKSTP, Mr Albert Wong, presented HKSTP’s thriving I&T ecosystem. He said, “As a growing engine situated at an international I&T hub in Asia, the HKSTP understands that nurturing next-generation I&T talent is as important as any R&D project, if not more. We’re currently an ecosystem that over 2 200 tech companies from 26 countries and regions call home, offering comprehensive support to more than 15 000 research and development professionals – a network we’re looking overseas to extend, and a number we’re eager to invest in for a sustainable future.”     Following this, the Deputy Director-General of the OASES, Dr Jimmy Chiang, provided an overview of I&T developments in Hong Kong. “The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been committed to advancing the I&T ecosystem through substantial efforts, which include significant financial investments in the past few years to establish new I&T infrastructures, foster international research collaborations, and offer a diverse range of funding schemes for I&T projects and companies. The development of new I&T zones within the territory provides tremendous opportunities for I&T enterprises, specifically in expanding their research and development functions,” he said.     The Head of Business and Talent Attraction/Investment Promotion of the InvestHK London Office, Ms Daisy Ip, concluded the seminar by highlighting Hong Kong’s strategic advantages for businesses and talent. “From Hong Kong’s world-class infrastructure and strategic location to our vibrant talent pool and government-backed initiatives, Hong Kong serves as a launchpad for those looking to scale, collaborate, and push boundaries both regionally and globally,” she said.     A networking reception was held immediately after the seminar. Around 80 participants joined the entire event, including representatives from local government and professionals from the I&T, business and academic sectors, providing an opportunity for further collaboration and discussions.

    Ends/Friday, March 7, 2025Issued at HKT 22:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Group of Friends on Gender Parity and the Circle of Women Permanent Representatives [as delivered]

    Source: United Nations – English

    xcellencies, Dear Friends,

    I am very pleased to join you today and with the permission of the distinguished Ministers of Social Development of Qatar and of Education of Rwanda, I want to express my deep gratitude to Her Excellency Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al-Thani, Permanent Representative of the State of Qatar to the United Nations, and His Excellency Ernest Rwamucyo, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the United Nations, for what has been their remarkable leadership and their continued support and commitment to gender equality – at the United Nations and beyond.

    The Group of Friends has been a driving force in our journey towards gender parity.

    I look forward to our continued and strengthened partnership during this pivotal year – to celebrate hard-won achievements, confront persistent and emerging challenges, and most importantly, accelerate action to achieve gender equality.

    Excellencies,

    2025 is meant to be a year of celebration.

    25 years since the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security;

    And 30 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the Fourth World Conference on Women – milestones which ignited global action.

    But the truth is, 2025 is also a year of reckoning.

    Five years from 2030, we are far from delivering on the promises of the Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 5: achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

    The environmental and climate crises are disproportionately affecting them.

    And women across the globe continue to endure the worst impacts of war – while being excluded from most of the peace talks.

    Political representation is also stagnating.

    In 2024 – a year that saw a record number of elections worldwide, only five women were elected as Heads of State.

    Worse – we are witnessing an aggressive backlash against gender equality – threatening hard-won progress on women’s human rights and fundamental freedoms.

    We cannot afford to stand still.

    We must push back against this pushback.

    We must secure women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in all decision-making processes – including on peace and security and humanitarian action.

    We must protect, support and amplify the voices of civil society and grassroots organizations, who are on the front lines of defending women’s rights worldwide.

    We must renew our commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action under the Beijing+30 framework – and I call on everyone to accelerate its full and effective implementation.

    Last September, Member States have adopted the Pact for the Future.

    The Pact reaffirms that gender equality holds the key to unlock progress on the 2030 Agenda and sustainable development.

    It calls for greater investment in the SDGs, expanding debt relief measures, and strengthened support from Multilateral Development Banks so that governments can invest in the programmes their people need — including education, training, job creation and social protections that foster gender equality.

    And the Global Digital Compact calls for closing the gender digital divide, ensuring women and girls everywhere can access and benefit from the opportunities of a rapidly evolving global economy.

    Gender equality is a thread that runs through the Pact — and I call on all Member States to spare no effort to implement its commitments.

    This includes the revitalization of the Commission on the Status of Women to promote the full and effective implementation of the Platform for Action.

    Excellencies,

    As we look to the challenges all around us, we must also look inside our organization.

    With four years left to reach my goal of a 50/50 balance across the UN System by 2028, I am proud of how far we’ve come.

    With the support of so many of you today, we have seen historic breakthroughs since I launched the System-wide Strategy on Gender Parity.

    In 2017, only five United Nations entities had reached parity.

    Today, that number is 28 – a testament to our collective institutional efforts.

    We are seeing an unprecedented number of women serving in the UN System.

    We have achieved and, more importantly, maintained gender parity among senior leadership and Resident Coordinators since 2020.

    And for the first time in the UN’s history, we have also reached parity in the international professional categories. 

    Excellencies and Friends,

    Despite these significant strides, progress remains uneven – with critical obstacles along the way.

    We still see concerning gaps at the P5 and D-1 levels [and D-2 levels].

    This threatens to undermine our future pipeline of senior leaders.

    Progress has also been slow in non-headquarters and field locations.

    While we have sustained gender parity among Resident Coordinators, women make up only 14 per cent of RCs at the Assistant Secretary-General level.

    And in a majority of peacekeeping operations, the share of women does not exceed 35 per cent.

    We must nurture and promote talent everywhere – and at every level.

    But achieving gender parity is not about numbers alone.

    Representation without transformation is not enough.

    Lack of parity perpetuates power structures that go against gender equality.

    Too many institutions, including our own, remain shaped by patriarchal systems of power that restrict women’s equal access to leadership, economic opportunities, and legal protections.

    If we want a UN that truly represents the people it serves, our organizational culture, policies and decision-making must continue to evolve.

    The UN is committed to leading by example – ensuring a workplace built on the principles of dignity, equality, and respect.
     
    The Field-specific Enabling Environment Guidelines, the UN System-wide Knowledge Hub on addressing sexual harassment, and the UN System-wide Dashboard on Gender Parity are helping us steer organizational change.

    And more than 650 UN Gender Focal Points across the entire UN System are working alongside leadership to dismantle barriers and build truly inclusive and supportive workplaces.

    But we must do more.

    That’s why I launched the UN System-wide Gender Equality Acceleration Plan – establishing a robust governance that ensures coordination across 43 UN entities and integrating reporting into existing accountability framework to raise the bar for gender mainstreaming.

    A more gender-equal UN will be a more effective UN.

    One that serves all women and girls, champions political commitment, mobilizes investments, strengthens partnerships, and ensures real accountability.
    And one that reflects the more equal world we want to shape.

    Excellencies, dear friends,

    Gender equality is more than an aspiration.

    It is a human right and a fundamental requirement for breaking cycles of poverty, violence and inequality.

    Advancing gender equality paves the way for a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future for all.

    The road will require bold leadership and collective action.

    To break barriers.

    To safeguard women’s rights and freedoms.

    And drive true, lasting transformation.

    In this context, gender parity is non-negotiable.

    We must serve – and deliver for – all women and girls.

    So let us pursue our collective efforts, turn commitments into ambitious results, and push forward, together.

    And I thank you.
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria – B10-0155/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Sebastiaan Stöteler, Pierre‑Romain Thionnet, Matthieu Valet
    on behalf of the PfE Group

    B10‑0155/2025

    European Parliament resolution on the need for EU support towards a just transition and reconstruction in Syria

    (2025/2569(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Syria,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas the Syrian civil war, which started in March 2011, lasted for almost 14 years, caused almost 1 million deaths and displaced around 7 million Syrians;

    B. whereas Ahmed al-Sharaa and the organisation Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) seized power on 8 December 2024 by overthrowing the Assad regime;

    C. whereas around 1 million Syrian refugees have received asylum in European countries; whereas many more are residing illegally in Europe;

    D. whereas over the past 13 years, the EU and its Member States have mobilised more than EUR 33.3 billion in humanitarian, development, economic and stabilisation assistance to tackle the Syrian crisis;

    E. whereas the EU imposed sanctions on Syria during the civil war; whereas on 24 February 2025 the EU decided to suspend restrictive measures on key economic sectors in view of the improved situation in Syria; whereas the EU aims to facilitate engagement with Syria, its people and its businesses in the key areas of energy and transport, as well as to facilitate financial and banking transactions associated with these sectors and those needed for humanitarian and reconstruction purposes;

    1. Notes that the fall of the Assad regime on 8 December 2024, brought about by Ahmed al-Sharaa and HTS, marked the end of hostilities in the Syrian civil war; underlines that the security situation in Syria has shown significant improvements;

    2. Recalls that the Syrian civil war caused a mass exodus of Syrians to neighbouring countries and to Europe; emphasises that the massive arrival of migrants from Syria systematically destabilised the host countries because it overwhelmed their social services, dramatically increased crime rates, led to a sharp rise in antisemitism, and fuelled terrorist attacks;

    3. Emphasises the need to actively encourage and facilitate the return of Syrian migrants and refugees residing in Europe, underlining that Syria’s reconstruction requires human capital;

    4. Calls for the EU and its Member States to prioritise the allocation of existing financial aid dedicated to the Syrian crisis to structured return programmes and reintegration initiatives, while ensuring that such support does not benefit the remnants of the Assad regime or any terrorist groups within Syria or abroad;

    5. Calls on the new Syrian Government to respect the rights of all Syrians, including those belonging to religious and ethnic minorities; urges the new Syrian Government to take measures to reassure and protect Christians and other religious and ethnic minorities throughout the country, which suffered particularly severe persecution during the civil war;

    6. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the UN Security Council and the new Government of Syria.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Withdrawal of energy companies from offshore wind projects – E-002909/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    While it is not for the Commission to comment on the commercial decisions of companies to invest or abstain from investing in individual projects, closely monitoring the offshore wind sector is a priority to achieve energy objectives.

    The offshore wind investment market is mature and competitive. Nevertheless, the offshore wind industry has recently rising costs driven by inflation, higher interest rates, and supply chain bottlenecks, creating financial pressure for developers.

    In response, the Commission launched the European Wind Power Package[1] in October 2023 to accelerate permitting, improve access to finance, strengthen grid infrastructure, and scale up supply chains.

    These efforts are yielding results: over 20 GW of offshore wind is now installed in EU waters, with many new auctions and projects ahead. Economic conditions are also easing, with declining inflation and interest rates.

    The Commission continues to work with Member States and stakeholders to accelerate deployment. To limit public funding risks, a key focus is efficient planning and fair cost and benefit sharing solutions for offshore grids investments, typically financed via network tariffs.

    In June 2024, the Commission published guidance on collaborative investment frameworks for offshore projects[2], supporting tailored mechanisms and dedicated regional approaches.

    Further discussions and engagement with Member States are ongoing. In 2025, the Commissioner for Energy and Housing will present the Clean Energy Investment Plan.

    On 18 December 2024, Member States reaffirmed offshore wind’s role in EU’s energy security and transition, updating regional goals to 88 GW by 2030 and 360 GW by 2050, providing visibility and support to the sector.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_5185
    • [2] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/publications/guidance-collaborative-investment-frameworks-offshore-energy-projects_en

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Transparency, priorities and financial risks of the ‘Scaling up renewables in Africa’ campaign – E-002617/2024(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission applies strict rules for the management of all projects, according to the rules and procedures applicable to external instruments as set in the Financial Regulation[1]. These provisions help to ensure full transparency and appropriate use of public funds.

    Working in a Team Europe[2] approach the EU ensures strong coordination and tangible impact on the ground. A key Team Europe Initiative on sustainable energy under the EU Global Gateway strategy[3] is the Africa-EU Green Energy Initiative[4] (AEGEI).

    The campaign showcases AEGEI investments jointly identified by the African partners and the EU. Ownership, transparency and accountability are at the core of the EU and African partners cooperation.

    Improving access to affordable and reliable energy is a cornerstone of the EU’s partnership with African countries. AEGEI aims to establish 50GW of additional renewable energy generation capacity, including with solar and wind power. In addition, it strives to bring electricity access to at least 100 million people by 2030.

    The objective of the campaign is to leverage further commitments in renewable energy access, renewable power generation, grids and storage. Increasing access to affordable and reliable energy and green hydrogen industrialization are complementary goals. Both can create sustainable prosperity, jobs, and services for people.

    The Commission thoroughly reviews the macroeconomic outlook of partner countries to safeguard EU taxpayers against inflationary and financial risks.

    The Commission supports capacity building investments that contribute to creating a self-sustaining economy. Local communities are actively engaged in the projects to ensure that investments meet their needs and lead to sustainable development.

    • [1] https://commission.europa.eu/publications/eu-financial-regulation_en
    • [2] https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/team-europe-initiatives_en
    • [3] https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/global-gateway_en
    • [4] https://international-partnerships.ec.europa.eu/policies/global-gateway/africa-europe-green-energy_en
    Last updated: 7 March 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Mountain America Credit Union Expands Partnership With CenterPoint Theatre

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    A Media Snippet accompanying this announcement is available by clicking on this link.

    CENTERVILLE, Utah, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Mountain America Credit Union announced today the expansion of its partnership with CenterPoint Theatre. The announcement was made during a special event at the theater this morning, attended by theater and credit union executives, community leaders, and several hundred invited guests.

    “We are pleased to continue our support of CenterPoint Theatre and the incredible programs they provide, especially those for children and teens,” said Sterling Nielsen, president and CEO of Mountain America Credit Union. “For more than three decades, they have been a vital part of this community, transforming and enriching the lives of thousands.”

    This expanded partnership includes renaming of the Main Stage to the Mountain America Main Stage at CenterPoint Theatre. This new partnership will provide critical funding to improve and expand the theater’s facilities, while also enhancing the programs of CenterPoint Academy, the state’s preeminent musical theater training program that provides education and performance opportunities to more than 1,000 students from more than 700 families. The funding will support the Academy as it puts on 10 shows each year that entertain more than 25,000 people through nearly 200 performances.

    “We are beyond excited to have Mountain America Credit Union as our partner now and into the future,” said Danny Inkley, executive director of CenterPoint Theatre. “They’ve been a tremendous supporter of our community, the CenterPoint organization overall, and CenterPoint Academy in particular. We’re thrilled for this expanded partnership that supports our exciting growth and lays out even more significant opportunities for all community members to experience the connection, joy, and quality entertainment CenterPoint provides.”

    CenterPoint Theatre is in its 35th year of telling the Stories That Connect Us. Founded in 1990 by Ralph and Joan Rodgers, Margo and Dave Beecher, and Beverly and Blaine Olsen, the theater now operates in a state-of-the-art facility that promotes CenterPoint’s mission to offer transformative live performances to enrich the community and significant arts education to develop young people.

    “This partnership highlights Mountain America’s commitment to the arts and the communities we serve,” said Nathan Anderson, chief operating officer for Mountain America. “We are proud to collaborate with such an outstanding organization whose vision and mission touch the lives of so many.”

    For more information about Mountain America Credit Union, visit macu.com.

    For more information about CenterPoint Theatre, visit centerpointtheatre.org.

    NOTE: Video and photo assets available at https://shorturl.at/t7xJW or macu.com/centerpoint after 5:00pm MST.

    About Mountain America Credit Union

    With more than 1 million members and $20 billion in assets, Mountain America Credit Union helps its members define and achieve their financial dreams. Mountain America provides consumers and businesses with a variety of convenient, flexible products and services, as well as sound, timely advice. Members enjoy access to secure, cutting-edge mobile banking technology, over 100 branches across a multi-state region, and more than 50,000 surcharge-free ATMs. Mountain America—guiding you forward. Learn more at macu.com.

    About CenterPoint Theatre

    CenterPoint Theatre, located in Centerville, Utah, is the premier community theatre in the state of Utah, committed to telling the best stories in the best ways and helping our community build meaningful connections. The theatre is committed to elevating, educating, and entertaining the community through participation in and enjoyment of the performing arts. CenterPoint produces more than a dozen shows each year, with 480 performances to audiences of more than 150,000. The theatre also operates CenterPoint Academy, the pre-eminent musical theatre training program in the state of Utah, offering training to more than 1,000 students from more than 700 families. In addition, CenterPoint’s community outreach programs impact tens of thousands of students, community members, and many of our friends with special needs.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: As Daylight Saving Time Approaches, Senator Markey Says Keep the Sunshine Coming

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey
    Boston (March 7, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) released the following statement ahead of the start of Daylight Saving Time (DST) on Sunday. Senator Markey is an original cosponsor of the Sunshine Protection Act to make DST permanent. In March 2022, the Sunshine Protection Act unanimously passed the U.S. Senate.
    “Every year, we set our clocks back in the Fall and say goodbye to the sun for months of unnecessary afternoon darkness. This biannual ritual is not just frustrating and inconvenient, it also has real impacts on families and the economy,” said Senator Markey. “Congress must finally pass the Sunshine Protection Act to make this spring forward permanent. Daylight Saving Time means more time in the sun and more smiles all around.”
    As part of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, then-Representative Markey and Congressman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) amended the Uniform Time Act of 1966, extending the duration of DST in the Spring by changing its start date from the first Sunday in April to the second Sunday in March, and in the Fall by changing its end date from the last Sunday in October to the first Sunday in November. In 1985, then-Representative Markey partnered with Congressman Carlos Moorhead (R-Calif.) to extend DST by three weeks by changing the beginning of DST from the last Sunday in April to the first Sunday in April.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Presses Deputy Treasury Secretary Nominee on How Trump’s Tariffs Will Raise Costs for Vermonters

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Deputy Secretary of the Treasury to Welch: Tariffs “may find its way into prices.”
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, this weekpressed Michael Faulkender, President Trump’s pick for Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Department, on how the Trump Trade War will raise costs for Vermont families. Senator Welch outlined the impact of Trump’s new proposed tariffs on imports from Canada, and potential retaliatory tariffs, which will result in higher costs and hurt employment for Vermonters. 
    “I’m getting increasingly concerned about where the economy is going, and there are a number of things I think we can’t ignore…There are policies that are creating an enormous amount of anxiety—certainly in Vermont—and that’s the tariffs,” said Senator Welch. “So, you’re telling me that the President is willing to make Vermonters pay 40 cents a gallon more for gasoline, maybe 10-15% higher for electricity, and 10-15% higher for home heating fuel. For our maple sugar producers to pay 25% more for the equipment they use—that that’s okay with the President?” 
    Watch the exchange between Senator Welch and Michael Faulkender, President Trump’s pick for Deputy
    Secretary of the Treasury Department: 
    Read excerpts of their exchange below: 
    Sen. Welch: I just asked a very specific question…A Vermonter says, ‘Peter, how are we going to handle this? This is not a good thing for us.’ And I’m asking you: how are we going to handle this? They don’t want to hear about, ‘the President’s economic plan.’ They want to know how they’re going to pay their home heating bill.  
    Mr. Faulkender: Right, and the way that we’re going to do that is to bring down energy prices by unleashing American energy. Bring down the cost of food and clothing and other aspects that Vermonters and Americans rely upon by bringing down regulation.  
    Sen. Welch: Well, I’m all for dealing with regulation, but you could have regulation without higher tariffs, right?  
    Mr. Faulkender: And then on the tariffs, I think that the President’s objective is to address long-standing inequities in our international trade practices.  
    Sen. Welch: I’m talking about Canada. 
    Mr. Faulkender: As the president has explained the Canada tariffs are to get them to focus on the fentanyl crisis that has been causing deaths,  
    Sen. Welch: You know, I understand that at the southern border we’ve got full cooperation with Canada they hate fentanyl just as much as we hate fentanyl. 
    •••
    Sen. Welch: You are talking about what the president’s goal is. I’m asking you as an economist, okay? There is a price that Vermonters will pay with these increased tariffs on Canada. Is that right or is that somehow magically wrong?  
    Mr. Faulkender: I think that to the extent that the promise of these tariffs will compel the Canadians to take greater effort to address their role in the fentanyl crisis then the President would be willing to remove those tariffs in order to have extracted that assistance.  
    Sen. Welch: I’ll try to make this clear: Will a 25% increase in tariffs, on those items I mentioned—home heating fuel, electricity, gasoline—mean that Vermonters pay more for home heating fuel, gasoline, and electricity?  
    Mr. Faulkender:  Again Senator, it depends upon whether the Canadians take the steps the President’s looking for and whether those tariffs will remain in place.  
    Sen. Welch: But the tariffs are in place. I’m just asking whether those 25% tariffs will mean…Will Vermonters pay more as a result of those tariffs?…Does that mean Vermonters are going to pay more or less?  
    Mr. Faulkender: It’s split three ways. Some of it is going to show up in the exchange rate between the Canadian dollar and U.S. dollar, some of it will be absorbed by the Canadian producers, and then some of it may find its way into prices in a one-time adjustment.  
    Earlier this week, Senator Welch invited Allison Hope, Executive Director of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association, to be his guest for President Trump’s Joint Address to Congress. The Senator and Ms. Hope joined Senate Democrats for a press conference on Capitol Hill to share how Trump’s Trade War will hurt Vermont’s maple industry. 
    In February, Senator Welch took to the Senate floor to blast the proposed tariffs, which would be a tax on Vermonters. Senator Welch shared stories from Vermonters about how President Trump’s economic policies will impact their family, farm, and community. Watch his speech on the Senate Floor here and read his remarks as delivered here. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s video message on the occasion of the ASEAN Future Forum

    Source: United Nations MIL-OSI 2

    xcellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

    It is a pleasure to join the ASEAN Future Forum and thank you to the Government of Vietnam for the invitation. 

    Excellencies,

    The global landscape is changing, rising geopolitical tensions, an accelerating climate crisis, and growing inequality are challenges that cannot be ignored. 

    In many parts of the world, trust in institutions is fraying, and the shocks of recent years—from pandemics to conflict and economic disruptions—have exposed deep vulnerabilities in our systems.

    We must be honest with ourselves: we cannot simply go back to the old ways. The solutions of the past are no longer sufficient for the problems we face today.

    That is why, at last September’s Summit of the Future, world leaders came together to forge a new path forward. The Pact for the Future is not just a document—it is a commitment to transform multilateralism, to reshape global institutions, and to take bold, transformative action on the most pressing challenges of our time.

    Excellencies,

    Now is the time to move from words to action.

    It is time to drive transformative investment into the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring growth that is not only fast, but inclusive and sustainable, reaching those who have been left behind.

    It is time to put climate action at the heart of our economies and commit to delivering new economy-wide national NDCs by COP30. 

    South-East Asia, with its immense potential for clean energy and green innovation, is central to this transition. But that transition must be just, fair, and equitable—creating jobs and opportunities for all, while ensuring no one is left behind in our pursuit of a greener, more resilient future.

    It is time to reform the international financial architecture, so it works for those who need it most. Too many developing countries remain trapped in cycles of debt, unable to invest in their own futures. We need fairer rules, responsive institutions, and financing that is truly accessible.

    As ASEAN celebrates its 10th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of cooperation and a bridge between regions, demonstrating the strength of unity, consensus, and action. Your leadership—the ability to build consensus, find solutions, and turn ambition into action—will be critical as we move forward
    together.

    The United Nations, including our Resident Coordinators on the ground, continues to stand with you in your pursuit of peace, prosperity, and sustainable development, translating our global commitments into regional and local action.
    Excellencies,

    The challenges before us are immense, but so is our capacity to overcome them.

    Let’s work together, in solidarity, to turn this moment of crisis into an opportunity to create a world that is fairer, safer, and more sustainable for all.

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Challenges Deputy Treasury Nom on Trump’s Tariff Chaos: “People Can’t Even Follow What His Game Plan Is.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell
    03.06.25
    Cantwell Challenges Deputy Treasury Nom on Trump’s Tariff Chaos: “People Can’t Even Follow What His Game Plan Is.”
    In Senate Finance Committee, Cantwell highlights whiplash for manufacturers, growers, & consumers due to an administration that changes its tariff policies on a near-daily basis; In WA state, 2 out of every 5 jobs are tied to trade-related industries
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed Michael Faulkender – President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as Deputy Treasury Secretary – on the whiplash caused by the administration’s ever-changing tariff policies.
    On Jan. 31 — citing punishment for failing to crack down on fentanyl trafficking — the Trump administration announced plans to impose a 25% tax on many goods imported into the U.S. from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tax on goods imported from China, then abruptly postponed those tariffs. Last month, he doubled down, announcing an additional 25% tax on all steel and aluminum imports.
    At 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday, President Trump’s long-promised 25% tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and 10% tariff increase on goods from China took effect, causing stock prices in the United States to plummet. Then, yesterday, he announced that automobiles from Canada and Mexico would be exempt from his tariffs for one month. Just this morning, he announced that he would suspend the tariffs for some products from Mexico. Then, this afternoon, he announced he was suspending most new tariffs on products from both Mexico and Canada until April 2.
    “I feel like we’re almost just having chaos about what are we doing. One day it’s about fentanyl, one day it’s about emergency services, one day we’ll give these exemptions, one day we’ll go back to this — and so I’m trying to get your views,” Sen. Cantwell said. “Apples, potatoes, and wheat are the largest agriculture exports in our state. They represent over $3 billion worth of agriculture products around the world. And so I’m trying to understand if you understand the uncertainty that’s being created right now with these tariffs. If you get that it’s hard for businesses to even follow what is the predictability and certainty about what the President is even doing or proposing, because it’s changing every day.”
    Faulkender responded: “I think when you look at the President’s approach on Canada and Mexico, it was very much to get them to focus on the fentanyl crisis, on the fact that 100,000 Americans are dying of fentanyl.”
    Sen. Cantwell: “Do you really think that Canada was our fentanyl problem?”
    Faulkender: “I have not had access to the data on that. My understanding is that some of it does come in from Canada. I grant you that more of it comes from Mexico than Canada.”
    Sen. Cantwell: “A lot more.”
    She continued: “Does [Trump] understand the level of chaos that is happening now? Because people can’t even follow what his game plan is […] But I really, really hope that he understands how much damage is being done every day to the agricultural sector. And it’s not that people, rich people, won’t buy farmland — they will buy farmland. It’s just that we’ll have a lot less farmers.”
    In Washington state, two out of every five jobs are tied to trade and trade-related industries. More information on how President Trump’s tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China will affect consumers and businesses in the State of Washington can be found HERE. Nationwide:
    A 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico would add an estimated $144 billion a year to the cost of manufacturing in the United States.
    Tariffs on Canada and Mexico could increase U.S. car prices by as much as $12,000.
    According to the Yale Budget Lab, Trump’s proposed tariffs would result in the highest U.S. effective tariff rate in more than 80 years, and depending on the level of retaliation by other trading partners, will result in increased costs of between $1,600 and $2,000 per household. According to their analysis, food, clothing, cars, and electronics will all see above-average price increases.
    Sen. Cantwell has remained a steadfast supporter of increased trade to grow the economy and keep prices in check in the State of Washington and nationwide.
    Sen. Cantwell was the leading voice in negotiations to end India’s 20% retaliatory tariff on American apples, which was imposed in response to tariffs on steel and aluminum and devastated Washington state’s apple exports. India had once been the second-largest export market for American apples, but after President Trump imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum in his first term, India imposed retaliatory tariffs in response and U.S. apple exports plummeted. 
    The impact on Washington apple growers was severe: Apple exports from the state dropped from $120 million in 2017 to less than $1 million by 2023.  In September 2023, following several years of Sen. Cantwell’s advocacy, India ended its retaliatory tariffs on apples and pulse crops which was welcome news to the state’s more than 1,400 apple growers and the 68,000-plus workers they support.
    Video of Sen. Cantwell’s Q&A in the Senate Finance Committee today is HERE; audio is HERE; and a transcript is HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Amid Evolving Political Reality, Security Council Speakers Urge Breakthrough on Syria’s Chemical Weapons Compliance

    Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

    The new political reality in Syria presents an opportunity to obtain long-overdue clarifications on the Syrian chemical weapons programme, rid the country of all such weapons and ensure long-term compliance with the Chemical Weapons Convention, a senior United Nations official told the Security Council today.

    “The importance of closing all outstanding issues related to Syria’s chemical weapons dossier cannot be overstated,” said Izumi Nakamitsu, High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, during her briefing to the 15-member Council.

    Although the previous Syrian authorities submitted 20 amendments to Syria’s initial declaration, the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Declaration Assessment Team was never able to confirm that the information was accurate.  Over the last 11 years, the Team has raised and reported a total of 26 outstanding issues with Syria’s declaration.

    “The OPCW Technical Secretariat has reported that the substance of the 19 outstanding issues remains a ‘serious concern’ as it involves large quantities of potentially undeclared or unverified chemical warfare agents and chemical munitions,” she added.

    The OPCW Fact-Finding Mission and the OPCW Investigation and Identification Team have documented the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and in several incidents, identified the Syrian Arab Armed Forces as the perpetrators.  The OPCW Technical Secretariat has reported that Syria continued to use, and possibly produce, chemical weapons after joining the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013.  “The situation left by the previous Syrian authorities is extremely worrying,” she went on to stress.

    But, there are some encouraging signs.  The OPCW Director-General recently received assurances that the new authorities are committed to destroying any remains of the chemical weapons programme, bringing justice to the victims and ensuring Syria’s compliance with international law.  A new focal point for chemical weapons matters within the Syria’s Foreign Ministry travelled to The Hague for in-person meetings with the OPCW Technical Secretariat on how to advance the OPCW’s “Nine-Point Action Plan for Syria”.

    In the coming days, a team of experts from the OPCW Technical Secretariat will be deployed to Damascus to establish OPCW’s permanent presence in Syria and start jointly planning deployments to chemical weapons sites.  While the commitment of the caretaker authorities in Syria to fully cooperate with the OPCW Technical Secretariat is commendable, the work ahead will not be easy and will require additional resources from the international community. “I urge the members of this Council to unite and show leadership in providing the support that this unprecedented effort will require,” she said.

    In the ensuing discussion among Council members, many speakers took note of the developments reported to date, underscoring them as important steps towards implementing relevant Council resolutions and securing Syria’s fulfilment of its international commitments.  Several speakers also stressed the importance of ensuring that chemical weapons do not fall into the hands of non-State actors.

    Need to Prevent Transfer of Mass Destruction Weapons to Terrorists

    “Terrorists cannot be allowed to have access to weapons of mass destruction, including chemical weapons,” Pakistan’s delegate said.  The new Syrian authorities must address long-standing questions and ensure unimpeded access to enable the OPCW to independently and fully verify the elimination of chemical weapons in Syria, he emphasised.  China’s delegate also said that effectively resolving the Syrian chemical issue will help prevent chemical weapons from falling into the hands of terrorists.  Resolving the issue of Syrian chemical weapons should be a top priority for the international community, he added, warning that the risk of terrorist organizations within Syria expanding their position in the country “remains high”.

    Greece’s delegate stressed the importance of “securing chemical weapons-related locations and materials therein, during the [political] transition” in Syria.  According to the latest OPCW monthly reports, he noted, no monthly report was received recently from Syria and its authorities have not completed declaring all the chemical weapons it currently possesses, including sarin, sarin precursors and chlorine.  The interim Government must work constructively with OPCW to close the 19 outstanding issues, and thus to confirm that it has abandoned the use of chemical weapons and concluded the total destruction of stockpiles.

    Several speakers highlighted the plight of the Syrian people, with Slovenia’s delegate emphasizing that Syrian civilians still await justice after 14 years of bloody conflict.  “The use of chemical weapons has always resulted in a human tragedy,” she recalled.  The representative of Denmark, Council President for March, speaking in her national capacity, stressed the importance of justice for Syrians who were victim to the Assad regime’s horrific chemical attacks.  “The toppled regime of Bashar al-Assad had used these inhumane weapons against its own people in at least nine cases documented by independent investigations,” echoed France’s delegate.  And for more than 11 years, the Assad regime obstructed the work of OPCW, he recalled.

    ‘Historic Opportunity’ for Renewed Momentum

    “This is an opportunity that must not be squandered,” the representative of Panama stressed, echoing many speakers who also spotlighted this moment as a unique chance for Syria to start fresh.  Efforts are being made to rebuild institutions and restore the rule of law.  In the same vein, he also echoed several speakers as he expressed concern over increasing clashes and tensions across the country.  “We urge all parties to halt this escalation and to prioritize dialog and stability,” he urged.

    “We have a historic opportunity to close this dark chapter in history and to start a new one — creating a Syria that is safer for its people and more secure for the region and the world,” said the representative of the United States, underscoring that all elements of the Assad regime’s chemical weapons programme must now be secured, declared and safely destroyed under international verification.  This imperative is two-fold:  to bring Syria into compliance with its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention, and critically, to ensure that any remaining elements do not end up in the wrong hands, she said.  However, “the window of opportunity is short”, she cautioned, highlighting “a tremendously important mission” before OPCW.

    The fall of the Assad regime presents “a golden opportunity” to destroy Syria’s remaining chemical weapons programme, said the speaker for the United Kingdom, as he welcomed the commitments already made by the Syrian interim authorities to fully cooperate with OPCW.  For things to progress, however, the international community must provide the financial and technical assistance that is required.  He also urged Israel to de-escalate their actions in Syria, adding that such military moves risk destabilizing an already fragile situation.  The representative of Republic of Korea also called on regional actors to refrain from actions that could impede Syria’s full implementation of its Chemical Weapons Convention obligations.  Israel’s air strikes could not only create a risk of contamination, but also lead to the destruction of valuable evidence for investigations related to past use of chemical weapons.  “Broader accountability measures must be pursued as part of Syria’s political transition,” he stressed.

    Moscow Questions Expert Deployment to Chemical Weapons Sites

    The Russian Federation’s delegate stated that his country was instrumental in Syria’s accession to the Chemical Weapons Convention in 2013, which placed its chemical arsenal under international control.  “On the whole, we support any progress that would help resolve the remaining outstanding issues in Syria’s initial declaration,” he said. However, he expressed doubts about the OPCW’s ability to carry out its technical mandate impartially, citing long-standing concerns over the politicization of its work. Cautioning against the deployment of full-fledged OPCW teams in Syria, he argued that any conclusions such missions might reach “won’t enjoy the trust of the international community”.  Given the uncertain conditions in the country, verifying the presence of chemical weapons is “not the top priority for the current authorities,” he said, emphasizing:  “We need to understand this and not push ahead with this topic.”

    Other speakers commended recent diplomatic progress, with Algeria’s delegate, speaking also for Guyana, Sierra Leone and Somalia, acknowledging the recent engagement between Syria and OPCW and the designation by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs of a new focal point for chemical weapons matters.  He commended Qatar’s “instrumental role” as a revitalizing channel for engagement.  While recognizing the challenges faced by the Declaration Assessment Team in addressing all outstanding issues, he welcomed the readiness of the new Syrian leadership to inaugurate a new chapter of open and transparent relations with the Organization.

    Türkiye’s delegate said that the high-level discussions during this visit of the OPCW Director-General “represent a crucial turning point in establishing direct cooperation between Syria and the OPCW, putting an end to years of stagnation”.  Echoing several other speakers, he commended Qatar for temporarily assuming the role of representing Syria’s interests at OPCW, and also called on the Council to take decisive action against Israel’s expansionist and destabilizing acts.

    New Foreign Policy, New Phase of Cooperation 

    For his part, Syria’s representative said his country is “keen to adopt a new foreign policy” grounded in international law, and to honour its obligations under international legal instruments it has acceded to. Accordingly, he reiterated his country’s commitment to cooperate with OPCW and “close this file once and for all”. However, he stressed that Israel’s aggression against several military and civilian facilities in Syria on 9 December 2024 complicates the relevant logistical, technical and practical challenges.

    Highlighting “a new phase of cooperation” with OPCW, he requested that Syria’s privileges and rights as a State party — which have been suspended — be restored and collective punitive measures be lifted.  “This undermined its efforts to achieve economic development and meet the needs of its people,” he observed, adding that Syria is keen today to eliminate the threat posed by prohibited chemical weapons, promote international peace and stability and “ensure that these atrocities will not occur in the future”.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Chinese National Arrested For Conspiracy To Commit Wire Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the return of an indictment charging Jiaan Cao (33, China) with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. If convicted, Cao faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Cao is currently detained pending the resolution of this case. 

    According to the indictment, beginning in at least October 2024 and continuing through December 12, 2024, Cao conspired with others to commit wire fraud. Cao and other conspirators sought to accomplish the wire fraud by gaining access to a victim’s computer, fraudulently posing as a representative of a victim’s financial institution and informing the victim their account had been subjected to fraudulent or criminal activity. A member of the conspiracy would then direct the victim to withdraw money from their account and purchase gold to provide to a conspirator. A conspirator would then travel to the victim to obtain the gold. During the conspiracy, conspirators exchanged electronic communications with one another that included location details of the victim.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Cross Trade Pro Sets New Industry Standard with 99.9% Trade Execution Accuracy

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cross Trade Pro has once again raised the bar for the global trading industry by achieving an unprecedented 99.9% trade execution accuracy. This milestone cements its position as the most advanced and reliable trading platform, offering traders seamless execution, zero slippage, and superior market performance.

    With cutting-edge AI-driven technology, deep liquidity pools, and an ultra-fast execution engine, Cross Trade Pro is redefining how traders interact with global financial markets. Whether it’s crypto, forex, or commodities, traders can now trade with confidence, knowing that their orders are executed with unmatched precision.

    Setting a New Benchmark in the Trading Industry

    The global trading landscape is evolving rapidly, with technology playing a crucial role in improving efficiency, reducing errors, and maximizing profitability. Many platforms struggle with slippage, delays, and inconsistent order execution, leading to missed opportunities and financial losses for traders.

    By reaching an industry-leading 99.9% trade execution accuracy, Cross Trade Pro eliminates these concerns, providing a seamless and frictionless trading experience. Unlike traditional platforms that rely on outdated order-matching systems, Cross Trade Pro leverages high-frequency trading (HFT) algorithms and deep liquidity aggregation to ensure near-instant trade execution at the most favorable prices.

    How Cross Trade Pro Achieves 99.9% Trade Execution Accuracy

    Achieving this level of precision is no small feat. Cross Trade Pro utilizes a combination of cutting-edge technologies and strategic partnerships to deliver flawless execution.

    1. AI-Powered Smart Order Routing (SOR)

    Cross Trade Pro’s advanced Smart Order Routing (SOR) system scans multiple liquidity providers and exchanges in real-time to find the best available prices for traders. By analyzing order books and depth-of-market data, SOR ensures that every trade is executed at the optimal price with minimal latency.

    2. Ultra-Low Latency Trading Infrastructure

    Latency is a trader’s worst enemy, often leading to slippage and price discrepancies. Cross Trade Pro has invested heavily in state-of-the-art trading infrastructure, utilizing high-speed data centers located near major financial hubs, fiber-optic connectivity for lightning-fast data transmission, and cloud-based order processing for maximum efficiency.

    With execution speeds measured in microseconds, traders experience real-time responsiveness like never before.

    3. Deep Liquidity and Multi-Exchange Connectivity

    Liquidity fragmentation is a major challenge for traders, especially in volatile markets. Cross Trade Pro integrates with leading liquidity providers, banks, and global exchanges, offering traders access to institutional-grade liquidity for large orders, tighter spreads and better pricing, and reduced slippage for high-frequency trading strategies.

    This ensures that even during high market volatility, traders get the best possible execution rates.

    4. Cutting-Edge Risk Management Technology

    Trading involves risk, and mitigating it is crucial. Cross Trade Pro employs AI-driven risk management tools to detect and prevent trade anomalies, identify and mitigate potential slippage in real-time, and ensure order book stability even during rapid price movements.

    This results in greater stability, security, and confidence for traders executing both small and large-volume trades.

    What 99.9% Trade Execution Accuracy Means for Traders

    The impact of this milestone cannot be overstated. Traders on Cross Trade Pro now enjoy:

    • Zero Slippage Execution – Orders are matched precisely at the entered price, avoiding unnecessary losses.
    • Instant Market Access – High-frequency traders (HFTs) and algorithmic traders can execute strategies without execution delays.
    • Lower Trading Costs – Reduced spreads and higher liquidity translate into cost savings for every trade.
    • Higher Profit Potential – Traders can capitalize on market opportunities faster and with greater precision.

    This level of execution accuracy makes Cross Trade Pro the go-to platform for institutional traders, hedge funds, and retail investors alike.

    Industry Experts React to Cross Trade Pro’s Breakthrough

    The trading community has taken notice of Cross Trade Pro’s latest achievement. Industry leaders and professional traders have lauded the platform’s commitment to innovation and performance.

    “99.9% execution accuracy is a game-changer. It eliminates the uncertainty that comes with market fluctuations, giving traders an edge over competitors,” said David Larson, a veteran forex trader.

    Another professional trader, Emma Reynolds, praised the platform’s efficiency, stating:
    “Having traded on multiple platforms, I can confidently say that Cross Trade Pro offers the fastest and most reliable execution I’ve experienced.”

    The Future of Trading with Cross Trade Pro

    With a mission to empower traders with cutting-edge technology, Cross Trade Pro is continuously evolving. The company is investing in even more AI-driven features, enhanced analytics, and next-generation trading algorithms that will further optimize the trading experience.

    The roadmap for Cross Trade Pro includes:

    • Advanced AI Market Prediction Tools – Leveraging big data to anticipate market movements with higher accuracy.
    • Expanded Asset Offerings – Providing traders with more cryptocurrency pairs, forex options, and commodities.
    • User-Centric Interface Upgrades – Ensuring an even smoother and more intuitive trading experience.
    • Greater Institutional Access – Strengthening partnerships with hedge funds and liquidity providers.

    By staying ahead of technological trends, Cross Trade Pro ensures that traders always have a competitive edge in global markets.

    Join the Future of Trading with Cross Trade Pro

    The trading industry is rapidly changing, and traders need a platform that offers stability, reliability, and innovation. With its groundbreaking 99.9% trade execution accuracy, Cross Trade Pro is leading the charge toward a more efficient and profitable trading experience for all.

    Traders looking to maximize their profit potential, reduce trading costs, and gain access to superior liquidity can sign up today and start experiencing the future of trading.

    To learn more and start trading with unparalleled precision, visit Cross Trade Pro today. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Thune Reintroduce Legislation to Improve Livestock Disaster Assistance

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and John Thune (R-S.D.), members of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry, reintroduced the Livestock Disaster Assistance Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation that would enhance the effectiveness and timeliness of multiple U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs that assist agricultural producers in the aftermath of adverse weather events. The bill would also provide USDA with direction to help improve the accuracy of the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM), which triggers certain disaster programs.
    “Drought, wildfires, and extreme weather are making it harder for New Mexico’s farmers and ranchers to care for livestock, grow crops, and support our communities,” said Luján. “As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’m proud to reintroduce this bipartisan legislation to help farmers and ranchers get the support they need when disaster strikes. USDA programs must respond faster and more effectively to provide the relief New Mexicans deserve. This legislation will help our agricultural producers weather the impacts of extreme weather and disasters and keep contributing to our economy and food security.”
    “South Dakota farmers and ranchers are all too familiar with working through extreme weather conditions, especially drought,” said Thune. “These common-sense updates to disaster programs would help provide greater and expedited assistance to producers when they need it the most. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan legislation that would make the Drought Monitor a more effective tool and help ensure USDA programs are using accurate and consistent data in administering programs that are designed to help the agriculture community.”
    The legislation would make the following reforms:
    Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP):
    Clarify that state and federal grazing permit holders are eligible for these programs
    Streamline the ECP and EFRP permitting process to allow:
    The Farm Service Agency (FSA) to waive the 30-day public comment period for Bureau of Land Management (BLM) National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) applications during a drought emergency
    BLM to accept archeological reviews completed by Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) field staff during a drought emergency
    BLM to accept NEPA and endangered species reviews completed by NRCS field staff

    Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honey Bees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP):
    Require ELAP honey bee assistance to factor in rates, including per-hive, per-colony, and per-standardized expected mortality, and require consistent documentation requirements
    Expand honey producer coverage for losses and costs, including transportation related to adverse weather and drought
    Livestock Forage Program (LFP):
    Modify LFP to allow a one-month payment when a county reaches D2 (severe drought) for four consecutive weeks, compared to eight weeks under current law
    USDM:
    Convene an interagency working group consisting of representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of the Interior, and the state mesonet programs to develop recommendations to improve USDM data access, accuracy, and reliability
    Require the U.S. Forest Service and the FSA to sign a memorandum of understanding related to coordinating drought-related designation and response activities
    Full bill text is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Building schools in every corner of the province

    Alberta’s population has grown rapidly in the last few years, and this unprecedented population growth has led to enrolment pressures on Alberta schools. To meet these challenges, in fall 2024, Alberta’s government announced a generational investment of $8.6 billion to build more than 100 new and updated schools across the province. Budget 2025, if passed, kick-starts this investment with funding for nine school projects in rural communities and smaller cities across the province.

    New schools will be built for families in Lethbridge, Brooks, Fairview, Muskiki Lake and Cold Lake, with modernization projects taking place at Brooks Composite High School and École Dickinsfield School in Fort McMurray. To accommodate growing student populations, additions will also be made to Grande Prairie Composite High School and Holy Trinity Catholic High School in Fort McMurray. Together, these projects represent a significant investment in expanding student spaces outside the Edmonton and Calgary metro areas.

    “We are taking action to address the challenges facing rural schools and communities outside metro Edmonton and Calgary. While some schools in rural Alberta are getting older and need to be modernized or replaced, other communities are experiencing growing enrolment. I’m proud to say our Budget 2025 commitment addresses both challenges – and this is just the beginning.”

    Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Education

    In total, these nine school projects will deliver about 7,600 new and updated student spaces for smaller urban cities and rural communities in Alberta.

    Budget 2025, if passed, funds a total of 41 new school projects across the province, which consists of 30 new schools, five replacement schools, three modernizations and three charter school projects. With these 41 projects funded in Budget 2025, there are now 132 active school projects across Alberta. More than one-third are in smaller centres outside the Edmonton and Calgary metro areas. 

    “Alberta Infrastructure is committed to getting students into desks as soon as possible, while ensuring their classrooms are well-built and well-maintained for generations of positive learning. Our province is built on strong communities and projects like these will have a generational impact on students as they learn and grow in these facilities.”

    Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure

    Details on school projects in the Edmonton and Calgary metro regions will be shared in the coming days.  

    “We are incredibly excited to learn the Alberta government has granted design funding for the modernization of the Career and Technology Studies spaces at Brooks Composite High School.  We know these modernized and state of art CTS spaces will provide students with critical access and opportunities in the pursuit of career pathways, trades and workplace preparation.”

    Pat Connor, board chair, Grasslands Public School Division

    “We are thrilled to receive this planning funding for a new K-12 school for St. Thomas More in Fairview. We are extremely grateful to the provincial government for recognizing the importance of this investment in the community, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the students and families of St. Thomas More, and Catholic Education in Fairview.”

    Kelly Whalen, board chair, Holy Family Catholic Regional Division

    Budget 2025 is meeting the challenge faced by Alberta with continued investments in education and health, lower taxes for families and a focus on supporting the economy.

    Quick facts

    • The 2025 Capital Plan allocates $75 million over the next three years for the planning and design of the 41 school capital projects approved in 2025 and $2.3 billion to building and updating previously announced school projects.
    • With Budget 2025, if passed, there are now 47 school projects underway in communities outside of the Edmonton and Calgary metro areas:
      • 27 projects in construction
      • 6 projects in design
      • 13 projects in planning
      • 1 project in preplanning

    Budget 2025, if passed, new school projects outside Edmonton and Calgary metro regions:

    Community

    School division

    Project type/name

    Design funding (2)

    Grande Prairie

    Grande Prairie Public School Division

    Addition to Grande Prairie Composite High School

    Fort McMurray

    Fort McMurray Catholic Schools

    Addition to 7 to 12 Holy Trinity Catholic High School

    Planning funding (2)

    Brooks

    Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools

    New 9 to 12

    Lethbridge

    Lethbridge School Division

    New K to 5

    Budget 2025, if passed, replacement school projects outside Edmonton and Calgary metro regions: 

     Community

    School division

    Project type/name

    Planning funding (3)

    Cold Lake

    Northern Lights Public Schools

    Solution for Art Smith Aviation Academy, North Star Elementary School and Cold Lake Junior High

    Fairview

    Holy Family Catholic Regional Division

    Replacement of St. Thomas More School

    Muskiki Lake

    Program is delivered by Edmonton Catholic Schools

    Replacement of Kisiko Awasis Kiskinahamawin

    Budget 2025, if passed, modernization school projects outside Edmonton and Calgary metro regions:

    Community

    School division

    Project type/name

    Design funding (1)

    Brooks

    Grasslands Public Schools

    Modernization of Brooks Composite High School

    Planning funding (1)

    Fort McMurray

    Fort McMurray Public School Division

    Modernization of École Dickinsfield School

    Related information

    • Budget 2025 Capital Plan
    • Budget 2025 overview
    • School construction accelerator program

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Deputy Secretary-General’s video Message on the occasion of the World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2025

    Source: United Nations secretary general

    Excellencies, 

    Ladies and Gentlemen, 

    Ten years after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, reports show we are gravely off track. Intensifying, interconnected challenges continue to endanger the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

    For example, the global goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030 is in danger of failure, with almost 600 million people still living in extreme poverty. Hunger is also increasing, and we have witnessed the warmest years on record with carbon dioxide levels continuing to rise. 
    But we cannot give up hope or dilute our ambitions. It’s time to rescue the SDGs as a plan of action for people, planet and prosperity. We must build on our successes and accelerate progress in key areas that will achieve the greatest impact. 

    The number of people lacking electricity access in the world fell by almost 30 per cent from 2015 to 2022. Internet access increased by about 70 per cent.
     
    For local communities these transformations represent real opportunities. To improve health and widen access to education and social protection. To make food systems more resilient, while creating green jobs. To open e-commerce and financial services, while also protecting the environment and biodiversity.

    But developing countries cannot take these actions alone. We need to support them in designing and implementing their economic transformations. 

    At the Summit of the Future last September, world leaders set out the Pact for the Future, a sharp vision of a multilateralism that can deepen cooperation and deliver on these promises.

    The Pact contains commitments that can unlock financing, including an SDG Stimulus, a review of the sovereign debt architecture and reform of the international financial architecture.

    As TERI and this Summit make clear, these reforms will be critical to help developing countries mobilize the financing and support they need to invest in green solutions and renewable energy systems for the future. 

    Financing can play a key role in creating demand for renewables and low-carbon solutions at all levels — from households to businesses — while ensuring positive socio-economic and environmental benefits.  

    To accelerate these efforts, the UN system is working to support country level policy reforms, integrate stakeholder innovations, build institutional capacities, and boost infrastructure investments across the entire renewable clean energy supply chain.  

    And the Secretary-General’s panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals offers important Principles and Actionable Recommendations to ensure this new era does not repeat historical patterns of exploitation.  

    This work will be critical in supporting countries as they develop national climate plans ahead of COP30 — plans that must reduce emissions by investing in renewable solutions that can create new jobs and sources of prosperity.  

    The message is clear. No single nation can navigate challenges alone. Effective collaboration is increasingly critical to shaping our common future.

    The United Nations is committed to standing with all partners as we accelerate action on the SDGs and shape the sustainable future all people need and deserve. 

    Thank you.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro-Davis Administration Highlights Importance of Proposed 2025-26 StateBudget Investment for Victims Compensation and the Critical Role of theProgram for Victims and Survivors of Crime

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    March 07, 2025 – Lancaster, PA

    Shapiro-Davis Administration Highlights Importance of Proposed 2025-26 State
    Budget Investment for Victims Compensation and the Critical Role of the
    Program for Victims and Survivors of Crime

    The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), Victim/Witness Services of the Lancaster District Attorney’s Office, and other local victim service providers highlighted the importance of supporting victims and survivors of crime and to encourage support for the Shapiro-Davis Administration’s proposed $9 million investment in the Victims Compensation Assistance Program (VCAP) in the 2025-26 state budget.

    “No crime victim should have to worry about how they’ll afford medical bills. No family should have to struggle with funeral expenses for a loved one lost to violence. And no sexual assault survivor should have to worry about costs of counseling to overcome their trauma,” said Kathy Buckley, Director of PCCD’s Office of Victims’ Services. “That’s why VCAP is so essential- it’s more than just financial assistance; it’s a lifeline. We need to continue raising awareness about the vital impact of this program and the importance of the Shapiro-Davis budget investment in VCAP to ensure it remains available for Pennsylvanians who need it most.”

    VCAP serves as a critical financial lifeline for people who have experienced crime victimization. Each year, the program receives an average of 12,000 claims for eligible expenses including medical and counseling expenses, loss of earnings, loss of support, stolen cash, relocation, funeral costs, crime scene cleanup, and more. Over the past five years, PCCD has paid more than 67,000 VCAP claims totaling $67 million in eligible expenses for citizens across all 67 Pennsylvania counties.

    List of Speakers:
    Kathy Buckley, Office of Victims’ Services Director, PCCD
    Deanna Weaver, Victim/Witness Services Program Director, Lancaster County DA’s Office
    Mary Halye, Lancaster County Children’s Alliance Manager
    Christine Gilfillan, Domestic Violence Services of Lancaster County Director, Community Action Partnership
    Mandy Billman, Sexual Assault Prevention and Counseling Center Director, YWCA Lancaster

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Mobile Defendants Sentenced to Prison for Massive Counterfeit Check Fraud Scheme Targeting the U.S. Mail

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    According to court documents, Brian Christopher Williams III, 25, and Kalaijha Tomeco Ranier Lewis, 29, schemed to defraud various federally insured banks and credit unions between November 2021 and June 2023. To carry out the fraud scheme, Williams recruited Lewis, who worked at the post office on Saint Joseph Street in Mobile, to steal hundreds of high-value business checks and sell them to Williams. In turn, Williams and other coconspirators sold the stolen checks via an illicit online marketplace hosted on a Telegram channel called “Work Related.” Fraudsters who purchased the stolen checks later counterfeited and negotiated many of them, causing substantial financial losses to multiple victims. In total, the value of the stolen checks posted to the “Work Related” channel exceeded $17 million.

    In June 2023, investigators began surveillance at the Saint Joseph Street post office in Mobile. On several occasions, agents saw Lewis manipulating the windowed envelopes of checks to see the amounts listed inside while she sorted mail. On June 23, 2023, agents confronted Lewis after capturing her on video stuffing a large stack of stolen checks into her pants before the end of her work shift. Lewis confessed that for several months, she stole business checks for Williams, who paid her $2,000 to $3,000 for each stack of stolen checks that she brought him.

    That same day, agents arrested Williams at a gas station in Mobile, where he had arrived to purchase the stolen checks from Lewis. Agents seized more than $10,000 in cash from Williams’s pocket, which Williams admitted was proceeds of his fraud scheme. Agents also searched Williams’s car, seizing a loaded .40 caliber Glock pistol equipped with an extended magazine, ammunition, marijuana, and stolen checks valued at more than $417,000. Williams confessed to selling stolen checks to a coconspirator in Birmingham who marketed the checks for sale on Telegram.

    Agents executed warrants to search cell phones and social media accounts belonging to Williams and Lewis, each of which contained extensive communications regarding the scheme. For example, on June 1, 2023, Williams messaged Lewis, “I need a load today!!!!!,” to which Lewis responded, “I done seen 7 [checks] since 6am.” Days later, Williams messaged Lewis about meeting up to purchase high-value stolen checks, emphasizing, “I need like 20k, 15k, 30k and up, majority of this whole damn load low asf, 1000-1600 are lows.”

    Chief United States District Judge Jeffrey U. Beaverstock sentenced Williams and Lewis to serve 100 months and 60 months in federal prison, respectively. Following their release from prison, Williams and Lewis will each serve five-year terms of supervised release, during which time they will receive mental health evaluation and treatment, and will be subject to credit restrictions. The court did not impose a fine, but Chief Judge Beaverstock ordered the defendants to pay $234,246.63 in victim restitution and a total of $300 in special assessments. The court also forfeited $10,773.53 in cash seized from Williams to the United States.

    Acting U.S. Attorney Keith A. Jones of the Southern District of Alabama made the announcement and thanked the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama for its significant partnership and coordination in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

    The United States Postal Inspection Service and the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General investigated the case with significant assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Birmingham.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Roller and Scott Gray prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEW REPORT: Working-Class Americans Can Expect to Die at Least 7 Years Earlier than the Wealthy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
    WASHINGTON, March 7 – Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), today released a new report exposing the stark disparities in life expectancy based on income, education, race and geography. The findings show that working class people in America die much younger than the wealthiest people in our country.
    The new analysis reveals that people living in the top 1% of counties ranked by median household income live seven years longer, on average, than Americans living in the bottom 50% of counties.
    “The massive income and wealth inequality that exists in America today is not just an economic issue, it is literally a matter of life and death,” said Sanders. “In America today, the bottom 50% of our population can expect to live seven years shorter lives than the top 1%. Even worse, Americans who live in working-class, rural counties can expect to die 10 years younger than people who live in wealthier neighborhoods across the country. The enormous stress of living paycheck to paycheck not only causes far too many Americans to die much quicker than they should, but also leads to higher levels of anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease and poor health. This is an issue that Congress must address.”
    Here are the key findings from the report:
    Wealthy Americans live longer than the working class. People living in the top 1% of counties ranked by median household income live an average of 84.3 years, while people living in the bottom 50% of counties ranked by median household income live an average of 77.4 years – a difference of 7 years.
    Rural counties face the greatest disparities. Urban and suburban counties with a median household income of $100,000 have an average life expectancy of 81.6 years, while small rural counties with a median household income of $30,000 have an average life expectancy of 71.7 years – a 10-year gap.
    Geographic disparities persist. In Loudoun County, Virginia, the highest-earning county in the U.S., life expectancy is 84 years. Just 350 miles away, in McDowell County, West Virginia, one of the lowest-earning counties in the U.S., the life expectancy is 69 years – a 15-year difference.
    Higher incomes translate to longer lives. Among rural counties, a $10,000 increase in median annual household income is associated with an additional 2.6 years of life expectancy. Among lower- and lower-middle income populations in urban and suburban counties, the same income increase is associated with a 2.1-year gain in life expectancy.
    Through a survey shared on social media, Sanders recently asked working people how stress impacts their lives. The response was overwhelming. Americans shared stories that paint a picture of daily hardship: the stress of affording health care, food, and gas; the anxiety of living paycheck to paycheck; and the feeling of hopelessness that comes from constant financial strain.
    Here are just two of those responses.
    Edwardo from Texas said: “We struggle to get sleep. Our diets fluctuate, and we get sick from spoiled food from the donation pantry. Working long hours I was recently injured and am struggling, unable to pay for care to help heal.”
    Caitlan from Colorado said: “Stress isn’t just an inconvenience for me—it’s a direct threat to my heart. Living with a congenital heart defect and multiple mechanical valves means that every surge of anxiety, every sleepless night worrying about bills, isn’t just mentally exhausting—it physically wears on my heart. Stress triggers palpitations, spikes my blood pressure, and leaves me drained, knowing that too much of it could lead to serious complications. Managing it is a daily battle.”
    The report released today also describes policy solutions that would support working Americans and make progress toward closing the life expectancy gap, including:
    Raising the minimum wage to at least $17 an hour to ensure workers can earn a living wage.
    Guaranteeing health care as a human right by enacting Medicare for All.
    Ending the international embarrassment of the United States being the only major country on earth not to guarantee paid family and medical leave.
    Making education from child care to trade school and graduate school available to everyone regardless of their income or ZIP code.
    Expanding Social Security and restoring defined benefit pension plans so that every senior in America can retire with dignity.
    Read the report here.

    MIL OSI USA News –