NewzIntel.com

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police and Health NZ continue to implement mental health response changes

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Phase Two of the Police Mental Health Response Change Programme is set to be extended with a second group of districts implementing Phase Two from 19 May.

    The tranche two districts have been jointly assessed for their readiness and the multi-agency Mental Health Response Change Programme Governance Group has endorsed their implementation.

    Included in this second tranche will be:

    • Police districts Auckland City, Canterbury, Kaikōura as part of Tasman, Wellington, Bay of Plenty (excluding Tokoroa and Taupo), Eastern (excluding Wairoa), and Southern (excluding Waitaki and Central Lakes), and
    • Health NZ districts Auckland, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Capital Coast & Hutt Vally, Wairarapa, Bay of Plenty, Lakes (excluding Taupo), Hawke’s Bay (excluding Wairoa), Tairāwhiti, and Southern (excluding Waitaki and Southern Lakes).

    Police and Health NZ will continue to work closely with these teams and districts to support their preparation and implementation for the changes and will continue work with remaining districts to get them ready to start Phase Two.

    The agencies anticipate tranche three districts will implement Phase Two changes on 16 June, pending final readiness assessments and governance group endorsement.

    Police Assistant Commissioner Mike Johnson says we remain committed to our joint efforts towards a system that supports mental wellbeing and gives people access to the best help that works for them.

    “Safety is always Police’s number one priority.  Police have always, and will always, respond when there is an immediate risk to life or safety.  This will not change.

    Outside of an emergency, Police have a threshold for what mental health related work sits with police and what doesn’t.

    “This supports us all to clarify roles and responses, ensuring Police are only involved where it’s appropriate. That means where there is an offence identified (that we would attend through normal prioritisation) or where there is an immediate risk to life or safety,” says Assistant Commissioner Johnson.”

    Health NZ Director of Specialist Mental Health and Addiction Karla Bergquist says agencies are committed to getting it right and have been working together to ensure the changes are well implemented.

    “The safety and well-being of patients and our staff is paramount as we work to ensure people requiring mental health support receive the right care at the right time.

    “We have adopted a staged approach and extended our timeframes for Phase Two, introducing it in a planned and safe way. As part of this planning work, we have developed new procedures with clinical input and created training materials for staff to support them through this change.

    “We are focussed on continuous improvement and will keep listening to feedback from our teams and stakeholders and take a joint approach to review learnings as we go.”

    “We’d like to assure the public that as always, there is a range of services to help people in serious mental distress or those who are concerned about whānau. You can free call or text 1737 , contact your local crisis assessment team or in a life-threatening situation, call 111.”

    Phase One of the joint agency approach commenced on 4 November 2024, and Phase Two roll-out commenced in some districts on 14 April 2025. The changes will see an increased health-led response, enabling Police more time to do the work that only Police can, which the community expects them to do.

    ENDS

    Notes to media:

    Contact numbers for local crisis assessment teams are available online at: https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/services-and-support/health-care-…

    Phase Two of the mental health response changes began on 14 April in Police districts Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Waikato, and Tasman (excluding Kaikoura) and Health NZ districts Waitematā, Counties Manukau, Waikato (excluding Tokoroa and Taumarunui), Nelson-Marlborough, and West Coast.

    The Phase Two changes remain the same and include:

    • 60-minute handover detained persons in EDs – Police who have detained a person under the MH Act and transported them for an assessment will remain in the ED for a maximum one hour before departing, unless they consider there is an immediate risk to life or safety.
    • Changes to mental health assessments in custody – If someone is placed under the MH Act while in a Police custody suite, they will need to be taken to a health facility within 30 minutes. Custody rules will ensure people in distress are assessed appropriately, preferably in a health setting.

    NZ Police and Health NZ districts are not the same (Police has 12, Health has 20), so there are some parts of a Police district which are not included in the comparable Health NZ district or vice versa.

    Police media contact: media@police.govt.nz

    Health NZ media contact: hnzmedia@tewhatuora.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) announced a joint call for Proposals on Bio-AI for establishing मूलांकुर hubs under BioE3 Policy for Biomanufacturing

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 05 MAY 2025 4:57PM by PIB Delhi

    The Union Cabinet approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, & Employment) Policy, in August 2024, for ‘Fostering High-Performance Biomanufacturing’ across the country.  Subsequently, The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approved continuation of the two umbrella schemes of Department of Biotechnology (DBT), merged as one scheme-‘Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio- RIDE)’ with a new component namely Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry. With in the ambit of “High -Performance Biomanufacturing”, establishment of Bio-AI hubs for building of  data driven and cutting edge paradigms  in the areas of Health, Agriculture and Environment.

    Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have issued a Joint Call for Proposals on Bio-AI for establishing मूलांकुर hubs under BioE3 Policy for Biomanufacturing.  Bio-AI hubs are proposed to be established across academia and industry to provide critical and novel research leads impacting Health, Agriculture and Environment through conglomeration of AI and Biology.

    The Letter of Intent (LoI) for Bio-AI is uniquely designed to utilize AI in Biology for solving key biological challenges in Biomolecular Design, Sustainable Agriculture, Synthetic Biology, Ayurveda and Genome Diagnostics. Therefore, the problem statements in these domains as well as possible research solutions are invited from multi-disciplinary teams with research expertise across fields of synthetic biology, AI/ML and Computation to address complex biological research challenges. The problem statements are to be addressed by data-driven, cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary programmatic research initiatives for projected outcomes.

     

    ***

    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2127063) Visitor Counter : 63

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: National Mental Health Awareness Month, 2025

    Source: The White House

    During National Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize the millions of Americans affected by mental health challenges, and my Administration remains committed to prioritizing their well-being. 

    Mental illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.  No person should have to face these challenges alone.  Recognizing the signs, fostering open dialogue, and showing compassion are essential steps in addressing mental health challenges and supporting those who face them.

    My Administration is confronting the mental health challenges facing our Nation as part of the efforts to improve the overall health and well-being of all Americans.  The Make America Healthy Again Commission is addressing the root cause of our country’s escalating health crisis and is committed to providing transparency and open-source data, conducting gold-standard research, along with improving access to nutritious food, and expanding treatment options to protect the health of every American.

    We also remain committed to making sure every man and woman who served in uniform has access to the mental health care and suicide prevention resources they need.  No one who has defended our country should struggle to get support when they need it most.   

    If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important to reach out to others and seek professionals for support.  Together, we will build a stronger, healthier future for all. 

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 2025 as National Mental Health Awareness Month.  I call upon all Americans to support citizens suffering from mental illnesses, raise awareness of mental health conditions through appropriate programs and activities, and commit our Nation to innovative prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fifth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
     
     
                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Regulatory Relief to Promote Domestic Production of Critical Medicines

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Purpose.  During my first term, my Administration took unprecedented action to improve the well-being of the American people by restoring capacity for domestic production of critical pharmaceutical products.  Notably, in Executive Order 13944 of August 6, 2020 (Combating Public Health Emergencies and Strengthening National Security By Ensuring Essential Medicines, Medical Countermeasures, and Critical Inputs Are Made In The United States), I directed each executive department and agency involved in the procurement of Essential Medicines, Medical Countermeasures, and Critical Inputs to take a variety of actions to increase their domestic procurement of Essential Medicines, Medical Countermeasures, and Critical Inputs, as defined in section 7 of that order, and to identify vulnerabilities in our Nation’s supply chains for these products.  Unfortunately, the prior administration did too little to advance these goals.  Critical barriers and information gaps persist in establishing a domestic, resilient, and affordable pharmaceutical supply chain for American patients.

    One key area of concern is the length of time it takes to build pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities in the United States today.  New construction must navigate myriad Federal, State, and local requirements ranging from building standards and zoning restrictions to environmental protocols that together diminish the certainty needed to generate investment for large manufacturing projects.  For pharmaceutical manufacturing, these barriers are heightened by unannounced inspections of domestic manufacturers by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which are more frequent than such inspections at international facilities.  Industry estimates suggest that building new manufacturing capacity for pharmaceuticals and critical inputs may take as long as 5 to 10 years, which is unacceptable from a national security standpoint.  Even expanding existing capacity or modifying existing production lines to produce new or different products requires extensive permitting and regulatory approval, making it more difficult to repurpose existing underutilized pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity available domestically.

    It is in the best interest of the Nation to eliminate regulatory barriers to the domestic production of the medicines Americans need.  My Administration will work to make the United States the most competitive nation in the world for the manufacture of safe and effective pharmaceutical products.

    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States that the regulation of manufacturing pharmaceutical products and inputs be streamlined to facilitate the restoration of a robust domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing base.

    Sec. 3.  Streamlining Review of Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing by the Food and Drug Administration.  Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, through the Commissioner of Food and Drugs (FDA Commissioner), shall review existing regulations and guidance that pertain to the development of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing and shall take steps to eliminate any duplicative or unnecessary requirements in such regulations and guidance; maximize the timeliness and predictability of agency review; and streamline and accelerate the development of domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing.  The FDA Commissioner’s review shall encompass all regulations and guidance that apply to the inspection and approval of new and expanded manufacturing capacity, emerging technologies that enable the manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, active pharmaceutical ingredients, key starting materials, and associated raw materials in the United States.  The FDA Commissioner shall:

    (a)  evaluate the current risk-based approach to prior approval of licensure inspections, including when such inspections are necessary, and seek to improve upon this approach to ensure all required inspections are prompt, efficient, and limited to what is necessary to ensure compliance with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and other Federal law;

    (b)  identify and undertake measures necessary to expand, as practicable, existing programs that provide early technical advice before a facility is operational;

    (c)  identify and undertake measures necessary to improve enforcement of data reporting under section 510(j)(3) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 360(j)(3)), including consideration of publicly displaying the list of facilities, including foreign facilities, that are not in compliance;

    (d)  provide clearer guidance regarding the requirements or recommendations for site changes, including moving production from a foreign to domestic facility, and validation of new or updated components necessary in manufacturing; and

    (e)  review and, as appropriate, seek to update any other relevant compliance policies, guidance documents, and regulations.

    Sec. 4.  Enhancing Inspection of Foreign Manufacturing Facilities.  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the FDA Commissioner shall develop and advance improvements to the risk-based inspection regime that ensures routine reviews of overseas manufacturing facilities involved in the supply of United States medicines, which shall be funded by increased fees on foreign manufacturing facilities to the extent consistent with applicable law.  Additionally, the FDA Commissioner shall publicly disclose the annual number of inspections that the FDA conducts on such foreign facilities, with specific detail by country and by manufacturer. 

    Sec. 5.  Streamlining Review of Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing by the Environmental Protection Agency.  Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shall take action to update regulations and guidance that apply to the inspection and approval of new and expanded manufacturing capacity of pharmaceutical products, active pharmaceutical ingredients, key starting materials, and associated raw materials in the United States to eliminate any duplicative or unnecessary requirements and maximize the timeliness and predictability of agency review.

    Sec. 6.  Centralized Coordination of Environmental Permits to Expand Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Capacity.  For purposes of 42 U.S.C. 4336a, the EPA shall be the lead agency for the permitting of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities that require preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq., unless that role is assumed by another agency.  The lead agency shall designate a single point of contact within the agency to coordinate with permit applicants.  The Office of Management and Budget shall coordinate with the lead agency and with other relevant agencies and the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Committee, as needed, to expedite the review and approval of relevant permits.

    Sec. 7.  Streamlining Review of Domestic Pharmaceutical Manufacturing by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.  Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, shall review the nationwide permits issued under section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972 (33 U.S.C. 1344) and section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899 (33 U.S.C. 403) to determine whether an activity-specific nationwide permit is needed to facilitate the efficient permitting of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

    Sec. 8.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

    (i)   the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

    (ii)  the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

    (d)  The Department of Health and Human Services shall provide funding for publication of this order in the Federal Register.

                                 DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,

        May 5, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Improving the Safety and Security of Biological Research

    Source: The White House

    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered:

    Section 1.  Purpose.  Dangerous gain-of-function research on biological agents and pathogens has the potential to significantly endanger the lives of American citizens.  If left unrestricted, its effects can include widespread mortality, an impaired public health system, disrupted American livelihoods, and diminished economic and national security.
    The Biden Administration allowed dangerous gain-of-function research within the United States with insufficient levels of oversight.  It also actively approved, through the National Institutes of Health, Federal life-science research funding in China and other countries where there is limited United States oversight or reasonable expectation of biosafety enforcement. 
    This recklessness, if unaddressed, may lead to the proliferation of research on pathogens (and potential pathogens) in settings without adequate safeguards, even after COVID-19 revealed the risk of such practices.

    Sec. 2.  Policy.  It is the policy of the United States to ensure that United States federally funded research benefits American citizens without jeopardizing our Nation’s security, strength, or prosperity.  My Administration will balance the prevention of catastrophic consequences with maintaining readiness against biological threats and driving global leadership in biotechnology, biological countermeasures, biosecurity, and health research.

    Sec. 3. Stop Dangerous Gain-of-Function Research. (a)  The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs (APNSA), and in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the heads of other relevant executive departments and agencies (agencies) identified by the Director of OSTP, shall establish guidance for the heads of relevant agencies, to the extent consistent with the terms and conditions of the funding, to immediately:
    (i)   end Federal funding of dangerous gain-of-function research conducted by foreign entities in countries of concern (e.g., China) pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6627(c), or in other countries where there is not adequate oversight to ensure that the countries are compliant with United States oversight standards and policies; and
    (ii) end Federal funding of other life-science research that is occurring in countries of concern or foreign countries where there is not adequate oversight to ensure that the countries are compliant with United States oversight standards and policies and that could reasonably pose a threat to public health, public safety, and economic or national security, as determined by the heads of relevant agencies.
    (b)  The Director of OSTP, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget and the APNSA, and in consultation with the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall establish guidance for the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the heads of other relevant agencies with respect to suspension of federally funded dangerous gain-of-function research, pursuant to the terms and conditions of the relevant research funding, at least until the completion of the policy called for in section 4(a) of this order.  Heads of agencies shall report any exception to a suspension to the Director of OSTP for review in consultation with the APNSA and the heads of relevant agencies.

    Sec. 4.  Secure Future Research Through Commonsense Frameworks.  (a)  Within 120 days of the date of this order, the Director of OSTP, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 6627 and in coordination with the APNSA and the heads of relevant agencies, shall revise or replace the 2024 “United States Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential” to:
    (i) strengthen top-down independent oversight; increase accountability through enforcement, audits, and improved public transparency; and clearly define the scope of covered research while ensuring the United States remains the global leader in biotechnology, biological countermeasures, and health research;
    (ii) incorporate enforcement mechanisms, including those described in section 7 of this order, into Federal funding agreements to ensure compliance with all Federal policies governing dangerous gain-of-function research; and
    (iii) provide for review and revision at least every 4 years, or as appropriate.

    (b)  Within 90 days of the date of this order, the Director of OSTP, in coordination with the APNSA and the heads of relevant agencies, shall revise or replace the 2024 “Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening” (Framework) to ensure it takes a commonsense approach and effectively encourages providers of synthetic nucleic acid sequences to implement comprehensive, scalable, and verifiable synthetic nucleic acid procurement screening mechanisms to minimize the risk of misuse.  The heads of all agencies that fund life-science research shall ensure that synthetic nucleic acid procurement is conducted through providers or manufacturers that adhere to the updated Framework.  To ensure compliance, the updated Framework shall incorporate the enforcement mechanisms described in section 7 of this order.  The Framework shall be reviewed and revised at least every 4 years, or as appropriate

    Sec. 5.  Manage Risks Associated with Non-federally Funded Research.  Within 180 days of the date of this order, the Director of OSTP, in coordination with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the APNSA, the Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, and the heads of other relevant agencies, shall develop and implement a strategy to govern, limit, and track dangerous gain-of-function research across the United States that occurs without Federal funding and other life-science research that could cause significant societal consequences.  This strategy shall include actions to achieve comprehensive, scalable, and verifiable nucleic acid synthesis screening in non-federally funded settings.  Any gaps in authorities necessary to achieve the goals of this strategy shall be addressed in a legislative proposal to be sent to the President, through the Director of OSTP and the APNSA, within 180 days of the date of this order.

    Sec. 6.  Increase Accountability and Public Transparency of Dangerous Gain-of-Function Research.  The Director of OSTP, in coordination with the APNSA and the heads of relevant agencies, shall ensure that the revised policy called for in section 4(a) of this order includes a mechanism whereby research institutions that receive Federal funding must report dangerous gain-of-function research, and to the maximum extent permitted by law, include research that is supported by non-Federal funding mechanisms.  The reporting mechanism shall provide a publicly available source of information about research programs and awards identified pursuant to this section, including, where permitted by law, those that have been stopped or suspended pursuant to sections 3(a) and 3(b) of this order, and all future programs and awards that are covered by the updated policy developed in section 4(a) of this order.  This reporting shall be conducted in a way that does not compromise national security or legitimate intellectual property interests of subject institutions.

    Sec. 7.  Future Enforcement Terms.  The Secretary of Health and Human Services and the heads of other relevant agencies shall, consistent with existing laws and regulations, include in every life-science research contract or grant award:
    (a) a term requiring the contractual counterparty or grant recipient to agree that its compliance in all respects with the terms of this order and any applicable regulations promulgated by the contracting or grant-offering agency is material to the Government’s payment decisions for purposes of 31 U.S.C. 3729(b)(4);
    (b)  a term requiring such counterparty or recipient to certify that it does not operate, participate in, or fund any dangerous gain-of-function research or other life-science research in foreign countries that could cause significant societal consequences or generate unnecessary national security risks, and that does not comply with this order and the policies ordered herein;
    (c)  a term stating that a violation of the terms of this order or any applicable regulations promulgated by the contracting or grant-offering agency by any grant recipient may be considered a violation of such term by the recipient’s employer or institution; and  
    (d)  a term stating that any grant recipient, employer, or institution found to be in violation of the terms of this order or any applicable regulations promulgated by the contracting or grant-making agency may be subject to immediate revocation of ongoing Federal funding, and up to a 5-year period of ineligibility for Federal life-sciences grant funds offered by the Department of Health and Human Services and other relevant agencies.

    Sec. 8.  Definitions.  For the purposes of this order,
    “dangerous gain-of-function research” means scientific research on an infectious agent or toxin with the potential to cause disease by enhancing its pathogenicity or increasing its transmissibility.  Covered research activities are those that could result in significant societal consequences and that seek or achieve one or more of the following outcomes:
    (a)  enhancing the harmful consequences of the agent or toxin;
    (b)  disrupting beneficial immunological response or the effectiveness of an immunization against the agent or toxin;
    (c)  conferring to the agent or toxin resistance to clinically or agriculturally useful prophylactic or therapeutic interventions against that agent or toxin or facilitating their ability to evade detection methodologies;
    (d)  increasing the stability, transmissibility, or the ability to disseminate the agent or toxin;
    (e)  altering the host range or tropism of the agent or toxin;
    (f)  enhancing the susceptibility of a human host population to the agent or toxin; or
    (g)  generating or reconstituting an eradicated or extinct agent or toxin.

    Sec. 9.  General Provisions.  (a)  Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:
    (i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or
    (ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
    (b)  This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.
    (c)  This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
    (d)  The Department of Health and Human Services shall provide funding for this order’s publication in the Federal Register.

                                   DONALD J. TRUMP

    THE WHITE HOUSE,
        May 5, 2025.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Heinrich, Luján Statement on President Trump’s 2026 Budget Request

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
    Heinrich and Luján: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s budget will further tank the economy and throw working families under the bus. As New Mexico’s senators, we’ll fight back”
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) released the following statement onPresident Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Preliminary Budget Request, which proposes slashing critical investments that benefit New Mexico families to fund massive tax cuts for billionaires like Elon Musk:
    “Donald Trump’s budget doesn’t put New Mexico families first — it jeopardizes Medicaid and slashes nutrition programs and services hardworking people rely on, all to fund massive tax handouts to Trump, Elon Musk, and their billionaire donors.
    “This proposal would drive up the cost of health care, groceries, housing, and utilities; gut public school and pre-K funding; defund cancer research; weaken law enforcement’s ability to fight drug trafficking; and strip resources from wildland firefighters, farmers, Tribes, and rural communities. It also threatens our public lands — paving the way for Republicans’ massive sell-off. 
    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s budget will further tank the economy and throw working families under the bus. As New Mexico’s senators, we’ll fight back — to protect Medicaid and Social Security, defend every dollar we’ve secured for our communities, and keep putting New Mexico families first.”
    Among all of his proposed cuts, President Trump’s Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Preliminary Budget Request:
    HEALTH:
    Slashes funding for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) by $33 billion (-26%).
    Slashes funding for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) by $674 million. CMS helps ensure over 100 million Americans have access to affordable, high-quality health insurance by overseeing Medicare, Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Affordable Care Act marketplaces.
    Cuts funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $18 billion or more than 40% — decimating funding for lifesaving medical treatments and cures.
    Decimates funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by cutting $3.6 billion — hollowing out the agency’s ability to save lives and protect Americans from health threats.
    Guts funding for substance use prevention and treatment and mental health services by $1 billion (roughly –15%) and eliminates the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — the agency with expertise in tackling the substance use and mental health crises.
    Eliminates the Title X program, which helps nearly 3 million patients get preventative care, birth control, cancer screenings, and more in every state.
    EDUCATION:
    Guts funding for the U.S. Department of Education by $12 billion (-15%).
    Eliminates all funding for Preschool Development Grants, which help states strengthen their early childhood education system and get parents the child care and pre-K they need.
    Eliminates and cuts dozens of elementary and secondary education programs (the vast majority of which are not specified), underscoring that President Trump’s vision for returning education to the states means state and local taxpayers will pay more to support students and educators at their local schools as a result of major cuts in federal funding.
    Eliminates several higher education programs, including TRIO, GEAR UP, Federal Work Study, Child Care Access Means Parents in Schools (CCAMPIS), and more, which help Americans pursue a postsecondary education and further their careers.
    Slashes funding for the U.S. Department of Labor by $4.6 billion (-35%).
    Proposes to “Make America Skilled Again” by cutting workforce training programs that help Americans develop skills and secure good-paying jobs by roughly a third. 
    Eliminates Job Corps and the Senior Community Service Employment Program.
    Eliminates AmeriCorps, which enables over 200,000 Americans to help serve communities across the country, including by responding to natural disasters, supporting veterans, fighting the opioid epidemic, helping older Americans age with dignity, and working in our schools, educating and supporting students.
    HOUSING:
    Eviscerates the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with a 43.6% cut.
    Slashes HUD rental assistance programs by 42.8% while foisting responsibility over those programs onto state and local governments. Over 10 million Americans rely on HUD rental assistance, the vast majority of whom are seniors, people with disabilities, and children. This will rip the roofs off Americans’ heads and put even more families at risk of homelessness.
    Eliminates or cuts federal programs most targeted to build more affordable housing and address this country’s housing supply shortage, including in Tribal country. 
    Eliminates the Community Development Block Grant that cities and towns across the country use to improve the quality of life for their citizens every day.
    PUBLIC SAFETY:
    Slashes the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) budget by at least $3.7 billion (-10%).
    Guts funding for grants to help keep communities safe by over $1 billion (-26%).
    Cuts funding for Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) salaries and expenses by $545 million (-5%), endangering Americans’ safety.
    Cuts funding for Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) salaries and expenses by $212 million (-7%), weakening the agency’s capacity to crack down on drug trafficking. Also proposes shuttering major DEA offices in countries around the world, noting that those countries “are equipped to counter drug trafficking on their own.”
    Cuts funding for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF) salaries and expenses by $468 million (-29%) as part of the administration’s ongoing attempt to dismantle the agency in charge of enforcing our country’s gun laws.
    Cuts $1.386 billion (-22%) from the U.S. Forest Service, gutting grant funding for state and Tribal wildfire risk reduction, volunteer fire departments, and much more. The proposal would cut at least 2,000 National Forest System staff positions, which will severely harm the administration’s stated goals of improving forest management.
    Cuts funding for International Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement account by $1.3 billion (-91%) which helps prevent human trafficking, stop drug trafficking, and much more, with direct implications for American communities.
    Proposes a reckless $209 million cut for NOAA’s weather satellites, which play a critical role in ensuring Americans have accurate weather forecasting and will result in a gap in observations when the current satellites retire early in the next decade.
    NUTRITION:
    Eliminates the Commodity Supplemental Food Program, which provides food assistance to low-income individuals 60 years of age and older to supplement diets and addressing potential nutrient deficiencies. The preliminary budget request does not mention any of the other 16 Nutrition Programs, including WIC, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), and the National School Lunch Program.
    PUBLIC LANDS:
    Cuts $900 million (- 30%) from National Park Service operations, abandoning national parks the administration says should now be transferred to the states, while providing no funding for states to manage massive new obligations that such a dramatic move would entail. This would incentivize states to sell off public lands to the highest bidder, threatening valued open space and areas of natural and historical value to local communities.
    AGRICULTURE:
    Guts funding for agricultural research, which is critical to ensuring American agriculture is competitive with the rest of the world and provides key resources to help farmers and ranchers prepare and adapt in an uncertain environment. Zeroes out foreign food aid that supports American farmers and is a lifeline for people living in extreme poverty across the world.
    TRIBES:
    Slashes $911 million (-24%) for core Tribal programs that uphold the federal government’s legally-obligated and court-ordered trust and treaty responsibilities to Tribal nations. 
    Decimates core Tribal programs, including road maintenance, housing, and programs for children and families. 
    Nearly eliminates funding for construction of Tribal schools, which are already too often dilapidated, and cuts Tribal law enforcement funding by 20%.
    RURAL COMMUNITIES:
    Slashes investments in core Rural Development programs by $721 million, including investments in safe drinking water, affordable housing, and resources to bolster the rural economy.
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Department of Commerce by $1.9 billion (-18%). Outright eliminates the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), which helps economically distressed communities across America get ahead.
    Eliminates all Community Services Block Grant funding ($770 million) for community-based anti-poverty programs that help individuals and families access services to alleviate the causes of poverty.
    Eliminates funding to 27 states by zeroing out funding for 6 of 7 regional commissions, which provide grants in economically distressed communities for disaster mitigation, opioid crisis support programming, workforce training, and much more. This includes eliminating the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC).
    The Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC) is one of eight authorized federal regional commissions and authorities, which are congressionally-chartered, federal-state partnerships created to promote economic development in their respective regions. Congress first authorized the establishment of the SBRC in 2008 to promote economic development in the southern border regions of New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Texas.
    Last year, Heinrich secured an expansion of the SBRC’s jurisdiction to include the following counties in New Mexico: Bernalillo, Cibola, Curry, De Baca, Guadalupe, Roosevelt, Torrance, Lea, and Valencia. These are in addition to Catron, Grant, Hidalgo, Luna, Sierra, Socorro, Lincoln, Otero, Eddy, Doña Ana, and Chaves Counties in New Mexico, which are already included within the SBRC’s jurisdiction.
    In 2023, Heinrich led the introduction of the Southwest Border Regional Commission Reauthorization Act, legislation to reauthorize and fully fund the Southwest Border Regional Commission (SBRC). The bill was cosponsored by U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), and former-U.S. Senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), and Laphonza Butler (D-Calif.).
    INFRASTRUCTURE:
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation by $600 million (-34%), gutting investments in key restoration projects.
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers by $2 billion (-23%), slashing funding used to maintain our nation’s ports and harbors.
    Cuts funding for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) non-disaster grants that help communities prepare for disasters, support efforts to prevent violence and terrorism, prepare emergency responders, and more.
    Eliminates funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, ending support for more than 1,500 local public television and radio stations. 
    Eliminates funding for the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the support provided to libraries and museums throughout the United States.
    Cuts funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by more than half by abandoning state and Tribal programs that build and maintain drinking water and sewer systems, starving states of longstanding federal funding provided to pay for states’ work enforcing federal laws, and decimating funding for cleaning up toxic Superfund sites. The request would also effectively eliminate research funding used to better understand the impacts on human health from polluted air and water and from toxic chemicals. 
    ENERGY:
    Slashes funding for the Department of Energy overall by $4.7 billion (-9.4%).
    Guts funding for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy programs by $2.572 billion (-74%) and proposes to rescind $15.25 billion from Infrastructure Law energy programs, which will raise energy costs for American consumers by halting vital innovation and energy projects.
    Eliminates the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps 6 million American households heat and cool their homes.
    ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
    Slashes funding for the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Entrepreneurial Development Programs by $167 million, proposing the elimination of nearly all programs, including programs that support veterans as they work to start and grow a small business.
    Eliminates $291 million in funding for all current Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) financial assistance awards, which help leverage private capital to support the development of child care centers, housing, health care facilities, and small businesses. Since 2010, CDFIs have financed over 1.3 million businesses and 557,000 affordable homes.
    Completely eliminates the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, which provide funding for every state and every congressional district for cultural economic development and the creative economy.
    Guts funding for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) by $1.5 billion, which would eliminate all manner of programs that create good jobs, help local economies, and support ocean research, health, and coastal resilience.
    More than halves funding for the National Science Foundation (NSF) with a $5.2 billion (-57%) cut. Cuts funding for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science by $1.148 billion (-14%). Together, these proposed cuts would decimate America’s edge in essential scientific research that would otherwise drive future economic growth.
    FOREIGN ASSISTANCE:
    Guts funding for the U.S. Department of State and America’s international security, economic, and humanitarian assistance programs by $31.2 billion (-48%).
    Cuts funding for lifesaving and other humanitarian assistance by $4.7 billion (-54%), which will lead to preventable deaths and suffering across the globe, and threaten Americans’ safety and well-being by undercutting our efforts to stop disease outbreaks and prevent conflict. A cut of this magnitude will also lead to more migration of people fleeing poverty, conflict, and natural disasters.
    Slashes economic growth and development funding across multiple agencies and accounts by $6 billion (67%) and proposes the final dissolution of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
    Guts funding for global health initiatives by $6.2 billion (-62%).
    Reneges on our treaty dues for the United Nations (U.N.), U.N. Peacekeeping operations, and a majority of other international organizations.
    SPACE EXPLORATION:
    Cuts National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) funding by $6 billion (-24%), the largest single-year cut to NASA in U.S. history, which would mark an incredible retreat for American leadership and ambition in space. Terminates the Artemis Campaign to establish a human presence on the Moon after the Artemis III mission. Slashes funding for the Science Mission Directorate by $3.43 billion (-47%), which would cancel numerous current and planned missions to better understand our universe, solar system, and Earth.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Franklin, Kentucky, Pharmacist and Spouse Sentenced to Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Louisville, KY – Last week, a Franklin, Kentucky, pharmacist was sentenced to 3 years in federal prison and his wife was sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for engaging in a conspiracy to commit theft of medical products, conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to commit health care fraud, and health care fraud, among other charges.

    U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge Jim Scott of the DEA Louisville Field Division, Director Tommy Loving of the Bowling Green/Warren County Drug Task Force, Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. of the Kentucky State Police, Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower, and Acting Inspector General Tricia Steward of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Office of Inspector General made the announcement.

    According to court documents, pharmacist Joseph Huff, 46, was sentenced to 3 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to commit theft of medical products, one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances, twelve counts of health care fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of making a false statement. His wife, Jenifer Huff, 46, was sentenced to 2 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for one count of conspiracy to commit theft of medical products, one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute controlled substances, and two counts of health care fraud.

    The defendants conspired to divert oxycodone and hydrocodone from the pharmacy from May 2, 2020, to January 17, 2023, with Jenifer Huff selling or trading the controlled substances for cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana. They also fraudulently billed Kentucky Medicaid for prescriptions that were not ordered by a physician or nurse practitioner. In addition, Joseph Huff fraudulently billed various insurance companies for brand name Adderall when in fact generic Adderall was issued to patients. Joseph Huff also fraudulently billed an insurance company for medication never dispensed to the patient. Additionally, Joseph Huff falsely reported a pharmacy robbery to the DEA when in fact no drugs had been stolen. Finally, Joseph Huff used another medical professional’s name and National Provider Identifier, a unique 10-digit number used to identify health care providers, to issue prescriptions without the medical professional’s knowledge or consent.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    Joseph Huff was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $17,518.19 and Jenifer Huff was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $5,730.43.

    This case was investigated by the Bowling Green/Warren County Drug Task Force, the Kentucky State Police, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and the DEA with the assistance of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Office of Inspector General.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Ansari prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA News: Fact Sheet: President Donald J. Trump Achieves Improved Safety and Security of Biological Research

    Source: The White House

    PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM DANGEROUS GAIN OF FUNCTION RESEARCH: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to improve the safety and security of biological research in the United States and around the world. This Executive Order:

    • Ends any present and all future Federal funding of dangerous gain-of-function research in countries of concern like China and Iran and in foreign nations deemed to have insufficient research oversight.
    • Empowers American research agencies to identify and end Federal funding of other biological research that could pose a threat to American public health, public safety, or national security.
    • Prohibits Federal funding from contributing to foreign research likely to cause another pandemic. These measures will drastically reduce the potential for lab-related incidents involving gain-of-function research, like that conducted on bat coronaviruses in China by the EcoHealth Alliance and Wuhan Institute of Virology.
    • Protects Americans from lab accidents and other biosecurity incidents, such as those that likely caused COVID-19 and the 1977 Russian flu.

    ESTABLISHING SAFE AND SECURE OVERSIGHT OF DANGEROUS GAIN OF FUNCTION RESEARCH IN THE UNITED STATES: This Executive Order will increase the safety and security of biological research for Americans without impeding U.S. innovation.

    • For decades, policies overseeing gain-of-function research on pathogens, toxins, and potential pathogens have lacked adequate enforcement, transparency, and top-down oversight. Researchers have not acknowledged the legitimate potential for societal harms that this kind of research poses.
    • The Biden Administration allowed dangerous gain-of-function research with insufficient levels of oversight and actively approved Federal life-science research funding in China and other countries.
    • The 2024 United States Government Policy for Oversight of Dual Use Research of Concern and Pathogens with Enhanced Pandemic Potential (“DURC/PEPP”) and the 2024 Framework for Nucleic Acid Synthesis Screening are the latest examples of inadequate policies that rely on self-reporting and fail to protect Americans from dangerous research practices.
    • This Order pauses research using infectious pathogens and toxins in the United States that may pose a danger to American citizens until a safer, more enforceable, and transparent policy governing such research can be developed and implemented. It directs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Security Advisor (NSA) to work with funding agencies to develop such a policy within 120 days.
    • Unlike previous policies, this Order contains enforcement and reporting mechanisms that will strengthen oversight and discourage subjective interpretation of policies that researchers have used in the past to evade biosafety and biosecurity oversight.

    SAFEGUARDING THE FUTURE AND PROMOTING AMERICAN BIOTECHNOLOGY DOMINANCE: President Trump is driving us into the Golden Age of American Innovation that will lead us to a safer, healthier, and more prosperous America.

    • This Order protects Americans from dangerous gain-of-function research that manipulates viruses and other biological agents and toxins, but it does not impede productive biological research that will ensure the United States maintains readiness against biological threats and continues to drive global leadership in biotechnology, biosecurity, and health research.
    • President Trump has long theorized that COVID-19 originated from a lab leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology and has consistently pushed for transparency in investigating its origins.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Griffith Statement on President Trump Executive Order Targeting Gain-of-Function Research

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

    U.S. President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to halt U.S. federal funding of gain-of-function research in overseas countries, like China and Iran, without proper oversight measures. In response to the Executive Order, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) issued the following statement:

    “President Trump’s decisive action against gain-of-function research is a significant step towards greater government agency accountability. While this news is welcomed by many who have closely investigated COVID-19 origins, I believe future congressional action is essential to monitoring gain-of-function research of concern, reforming our public health agencies and protecting American life from risky experiments that involve dangerous virus transmission in humans.”

    BACKGROUND

    In the 118th Congress, Rep. Griffith chaired the House Committee on Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight & Investigations.

    Rep. Griffith chaired hearings on various issues, including but not limited to topics of biosafety and risky research. 

    Rep. Griffith was the lead Energy and Commerce Member in numerous forums with public health officials that were in various leadership positions during the outbreak of COVID-19, including working closely with the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.

    During this time, Chairman Griffith participated in closed-door transcribed interviews questioning former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci and questioning former National Institutes of Health (NIH) Director Dr. Frances Collins.

    Rep. Griffith was also a key figure in examining EcoHealth Alliance President Dr. Peter Daszak. 

    EcoHealth is the company that received grants from NIAID which in turn gave subgrants to the Wuhan Institute of Virology to conduct research on Coronavirus evolution and transmission. 

    Because of questions asked by Rep. Griffith related to significant inconsistencies and delays in required reports, among others, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently announced that Dr. Daszak and EcoHealth Alliance would be debarred for five years, cutting them off from U.S. federal funding.

    In January of 2025, the Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump was considering an Executive Order to halt federal funding to gain-of-function research. In response, Rep. Griffith called on President Trump to scrutinize the country’s national gain-of-function research policy.

    Some of Rep. Griffith’s e-newsletters on these topics can be found here and here.

    In March, Rep. Griffith introduced the Risky Research Review Act and the Royalty Transparency Act to rein in the federal health bureaucracy.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Sign Bills into Law Expanding Support Services and Increasing Safety in Colorado Schools

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Today, Governor Polis signed bills into law to expand access to speech pathology services for all Coloradans, and increase safety in Colorado school sports with proper guidelines for using life-saving devices. 

    • HB25-1075 – Regulate Speech-Language Pathology Assistants, sponsored by Representatives Lori Garcia Sander and Jacque Phillips, and Senators Barbara Kirkmeyer and Kyle Mullica. 

    “Everyone in Colorado deserves the opportunity to access needed services like speech pathology so more Coloradans can reach their full potential,” said Governor Polis. 

    • SB25-191 – Cardiac Emergency Plans for School Sports, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts and Iman Jodeh, and Representatives Meghan Lukens and Lindsay Gilchrist 

    “Safety in sports is a top priority, and no athlete or parent should have to wonder about the safety standards and resources that are available when there is an emergency. Thank you to the sponsors for addressing the importance of having clear safety standards for life-saving devices across all Colorado school sports to keep our student-athletes safe,” said Governor Polis. 

    Governor Polis signed the following bills into law administratively: 

    • SB25-164 – Opioid Antagonist Availability & State Board of Health, sponsored by Senators Faith Winter and Janice Marchman, and Representatives Jamie Jackson and Jenny Willford
    • SB25-166 – Health-Care Workplace Violence Incentive Payments, sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, and Representative Lisa Feret
    • SB25-125 – Rule Review Bill, sponsored by Senators Mike Weissman and Lisa Frizell, and Representatives Matt Soper and Javier Mabrey
    • SB25-177 – Sunset Continue Early Childhood Leadership Commission, sponsored by Senators Cathy Kipp and Scott Bright, and Representatives Emily Sirota and Mary Bradfield
    • SB25-009 – Recognition of Tribal Court Orders, sponsored by Senators Dylan Roberts and Jessie Danielson, and Representatives Ron Weinberg and Junie Joseph.
    • SB25-194 – Sunset Dental Practice Act, sponsored by Senators Dafna Michaelson Jenet and Kyle Mullica, and Representatives Monica Duran and Anthony Hartsook. Read the Governor’s signing statement here.
    • SB25-152 – Health-Care Practitioner Identification Requirements, sponsored by Senators Lisa Frizell and Dafna Michaelson Jenet, and Representatives Lori Garcia Sander and Lisa Feret. Read the Governor’s signing statement here. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Dime Adds Fund Finance Banking Vertical

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAUPPAUGE, N.Y., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As part of the continued execution of its growth plan, Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. (NASDAQ: DCOM) (the “Company” or “Dime”), the parent company of Dime Community Bank (the “Bank”), announced the launch of a new fund finance vertical. Led by Michael Watts, the Fund Finance vertical will provide customized fund-level financing to the private equity industry and expand Dime’s coverage across this ecosystem. Watts, who will be based in Manhattan, was most recently a Senior Vice President at East West Bank.

    Stuart H. Lubow, President and Chief Executive Officer of Dime, said, “We are committed to growing our coverage, and position Dime for success, as we respond to the growth in the Fund Finance space. The addition of this vertical is yet another example of targeted strategic investments to expand our commercial expertise and capabilities. For the twelve month period ended March 31, 2025, Dime grew Business loans by over $450 million and we expect Fund Finance to contribute to future growth once we get the vertical up and running.”

    The expansion into Fund Finance, which follows the previous successful buildouts of a Healthcare vertical and a Not-for-Profit vertical, is part of Dime’s recent geographic and vertical expansion. Dime is focused on expanding capabilities and industry-specific coverage expertise by recruiting talented individuals from a variety of financial institutions.

    “Dime has strong momentum and is firmly establishing diversification in its business lines. Within the Fund Finance space, there is an opportunity for Dime to help private equity firms and their portfolio companies with bespoke solutions. I’m looking forward to Michael being part of Dime’s growth and leading the Bank’s efforts in this new vertical,” said Tom Geisel, Dime’s Senior Executive Vice President of Commercial Lending.

    ABOUT DIME COMMUNITY BANCSHARES, INC.

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc. is the holding company for Dime Community Bank, a New York State-chartered trust company with over $14 billion in assets and the number one deposit market share among community banks on Greater Long Island (1).

    Dime Community Bancshares, Inc.
    Investor Relations Contact:
    Avinash Reddy
    Senior Executive Vice President – Chief Financial Officer
    Phone: 718-782-6200; Ext. 5909
    Email: avinash.reddy@dime.com

    1 Aggregate deposit market share for Kings, Queens, Nassau & Suffolk counties for community banks with less than $20 billion in assets.

    FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

    Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister’s statement on Midwives Day

    Health Minister Josie Osborne released the following statement in recognition of Midwives Day, May 5, 2025:

    “Today, we recognize and celebrate the vital role midwives play in our health-care system. These dedicated and compassionate professionals provide exceptional care to many families in British Columbia through one of the most meaningful times in their lives – from pregnancy to birth and the post-partum period.

    “In 2024, midwives assisted in 31% of births in B.C. This is a powerful testament to the trust families place in them. Midwives deliver personalized, safe and culturally respectful care to families throughout the province, including those in rural, remote and First Nations communities. They also play a crucial role in improving maternity, reproductive and gynecological care – a core priority in my ministry’s mandate letter.

    “Midwives Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions of midwives and our government’s commitment to supporting them. Since 2022, our government has increased the wages and benefits of midwives and has provided more supports for Indigenous midwifery and midwifery in remote communities. In addition, by implementing B.C.’s Health Human Resources Strategy, we continue to support and strengthen recruitment, retention and training for midwives. Their well-being and professional growth are key to the future of maternity care in our province and ensures stable, reliable maternity and newborn services for people in B.C.

    “To every midwife in B.C. – thank you. Your dedication and excellence mean the world to the little ones and families you serve.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Murkowski Reintroduce Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Maternal and Infant Mortality Crisis

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Bipartisan Senators Lead Effort to Combat Infant and Maternal Mortality Across the United States

    Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) reintroduced the Midwives for Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services (MOMS) Act, bipartisan legislation that addresses the maternal and infant mortality crisis by increasing the number of trained midwives in the United States. The bipartisan legislation would increase funding for midwifery education and increase diversity in the maternity care workforce by recruiting students from minority or disadvantaged backgrounds.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, maternal and infant mortality is higher for Black, Native American, and Hispanic communities than their white counterparts. Integrations of midwifery into maternal health care has been linked to healthy births for moms and babies.

    “For decades, midwives have long been an essential part of New Mexico’s health care system – safely delivering children, caring for families, and improving maternal health outcomes,” said Senator Luján. “I’m proud to once again partner with Senator Murkowski to reintroduce bipartisan legislation that delivers critical funding for midwifery education to boost the maternity care workforce and increase diversity. As the maternal and infant mortality crisis continue to impact communities across our country, this legislation is an important step to address this disparity and keep families healthy.”

    “Access to quality maternal care is critical to the health and well-being of mothers and their babies. In Alaska, workforce shortages and geography present significant challenges to expecting mothers living in rural communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “I’m proud to again join the reintroduction of the Midwives for MOMS Act, which would address gaps in maternal health care by expanding opportunities for midwifery training and education. This legislation provides support for this essential workforce in Alaska and across the country to improve maternal health and perinatal care.”

    Specifically, the Midwives for Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services (MOMS) Act would:

    • Authorize $15 million in grants to educate midwives who are trained in accredited midwifery programs that do not sit in schools or nursing and are eligible to sit for national certification exams;
    • Authorize $20 million in grants to educate nurse midwives who graduate from accredited nurse-midwifery programs and are eligible to sit for a national certification exam; and
    • Prioritize midwifery programs that demonstrate a focus on increasing racial and ethnic minority representation in midwifery education to address the significant lack of diversity in the maternity care workforce.

    The bill is supported by the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM), the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM), and the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC).   

    In addition to Senators Luján and Murkowski, the legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.).

    Full text of the legislation is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: SiriusPoint reports tenth consecutive quarter of underwriting profits and strong net income of $58m

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SiriusPoint Ltd. (“SiriusPoint” or the “Company”) (NYSE:SPNT) today announced results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2025

    • Combined ratio of 95.4% in the first quarter for Core business with underwriting income of $29 million
    • Net premiums written growth of 20%, outpacing gross premiums written growth of 12% in the quarter for Core business, with strong growth from Insurance & Services
    • First quarter return on equity of 12.9%, within 12-15% ‘across the cycle’ return on equity target range
    • $59 million net impact from California Wildfires in the quarter, below guided range from the fourth quarter
    • Book value per diluted common share (ex. AOCI) of $15.15, up 3.5% in the quarter. Balance sheet remains strong with Q1’25 BSCR estimate at 227%
    • During the quarter, AM Best and Fitch affirmed our ratings and revised our outlook to Positive from Stable

    Scott Egan, Chief Executive Officer, said: “2025 has got off to a strong start. Our aim to deliver stable and consistent earnings can be seen with our first quarter return on equity of 12.9%, well within our 12-15% target range as our diverse portfolio performed well against the backdrop of elevated natural catastrophe losses.

    Our growth momentum continues, with Core gross premiums written growing by 12% in the quarter, while net premiums written increased at a faster pace of 20%, as we seek to retain a greater proportion of our increasingly profitable book. The Core underwriting result saw improvements across multiple fronts, with the attritional loss ratio, acquisition cost ratio, and underwriting expense ratios all decreasing and contributing to a 3.0 point reduction in total across these areas.

    Our earnings per share of $0.49 was flat to prior year despite lower net income, demonstrating the significant accretion benefits now being derived from the previously announced share repurchases. Our strong earnings resulted in an increase to book value of 5% in the quarter.

    Our focus will be to maintain this momentum and continue to deliver and improve throughout 2025. We are pleased to see our outlook move to Positive from Stable this year for both AM Best and Fitch. These are important proof points of our progress.”

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights

    • Net income attributable to SiriusPoint common shareholders of $57.6 million, or $0.49 per diluted common share
    • Core income of $47.4 million, including underwriting income of $28.5 million, Core combined ratio of 95.4%
    • Core net services fee income of $19.0 million, with service margin of 30.6%
    • Net investment income of $71.2 million and total investment result of $70.9 million
    • Book value per diluted common share increased $0.77 per share, or 5.3%, from December 31, 2024 to $15.37
    • Annualized return on average common equity of 12.9%

    Key Financial Metrics

    The following table shows certain key financial metrics for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024:

        2025       2024  
      ($ in millions, except for per share data and ratios)
    Combined ratio   91.4 %     84.9 %
    Core underwriting income (1) $ 28.5     $ 44.3  
    Core net services income (1) $ 18.9     $ 18.1  
    Core income (1) $ 47.4     $ 62.4  
    Core combined ratio (1)   95.4 %     91.4 %
    Annualized return on average common shareholders’ equity attributable to SiriusPoint common shareholders   12.9 %     15.4 %
    Book value per common share (2) $ 15.73     $ 14.92  
    Book value per diluted common share (2) $ 15.37     $ 14.60  
    Book value per diluted common share ex. AOCI (1) (2) $ 15.15     $ 14.64  
    Tangible book value per diluted common share (1) (2) $ 14.21     $ 13.42  
    (1) Core underwriting income, Core net services income, Core income and Core combined ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. See definitions in “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” and reconciliations in “Segment Reporting.” Book value per diluted common share ex. AOCI and tangible book value per diluted common share are non-GAAP financial measures. See definition and reconciliation in “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
    (2) Prior year comparatives represent amounts as of December 31, 2024.


    First     Quarter 2025 Summary

    Consolidated underwriting income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was $54.1 million compared to $89.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by increased catastrophe losses from the California wildfires, partially offset by increased favorable development in Property, mainly from reserve releases relating to prior year’s catastrophe events, and in A&H, due to lower than expected reported attritional losses.

    Reportable Segments

    The determination of our reportable segments is based on the manner in which management monitors the performance of our operations, which consist of two reportable segments – Reinsurance and Insurance & Services.

    Collectively, the sum of our two segments, Reinsurance and Insurance & Services, constitute our “Core” results. Core underwriting income, Core net services income, Core income and Core combined ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. See reconciliations in “Segment Reporting”. We believe it is useful to review Core results as it better reflects how management views the business and reflects our decision to exit the runoff business. The sum of Core results and Corporate results are equal to the consolidated results of operations.

    Core Premium Volume

    Gross premiums written increased by $109.2 million, or 12.4%, to $989.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to $880.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Net premiums earned increased by $108.0 million, or 20.9%, to $625.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to $517.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The increases in premium volume were primarily driven by our Insurance & Services segment, including growth across A&H, expansion of Surety within our Other Specialties business line and continued strategic organic and new program growth in our international business.

    Core Results

    Core results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 included income of $47.4 million compared to $62.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 consists of underwriting income of $28.5 million (95.4% combined ratio) and net services income of $18.9 million, compared to underwriting income of $44.3 million (91.4% combined ratio) and net services income of $18.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in net underwriting results was primarily driven by increased catastrophe losses, partially offset by increased favorable development and lower attritional losses.

    Catastrophe losses for the three months ended March 31, 2025 were $67.9 million, or 10.9 percentage points on the combined ratio, primarily from the California wildfires, compared to minimal losses for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Losses incurred included $34.3 million of favorable prior year loss reserve development for the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily driven by favorable development in Property, mainly from reserve releases relating to prior year’s catastrophe events, as well as favorable development in A&H, due to lower than expected reported attritional losses, compared to $8.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 driven by decreased ultimate losses in the Credit reinsurance portfolio.

    Net services income remained stable for the three months ended March 31, 2025 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024. Service margin, which is calculated as Net service fee income as a percentage of services revenues, increased to 30.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2025 from 30.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Reinsurance Segment

    Reinsurance gross premiums written were $354.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an decrease of $1.6 million, or 0.4%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven by reduced premiums written in Casualty reflecting underwriting actions to improve profitability, partially offset by increased reinstatement premiums of $8.9 million related to our Property Catastrophe business.

    Reinsurance generated underwriting income of $8.4 million (97.1% combined ratio) for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to underwriting income of $39.9 million (84.2% combined ratio) for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The decrease in net underwriting results was primarily driven by increased catastrophe losses of $63.1 million, or 21.8 percentage points on the combined ratio, primarily from the California wildfires, compared to minimal losses for the three months ended March 31, 2024. This was partially offset by increased favorable prior year loss reserve development of $31.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025 primarily driven by favorable development in Property, mainly from reserve releases relating to prior year’s catastrophe events, compared to $10.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 primarily driven by decreased ultimate losses in the Credit reinsurance portfolio.

    Insurance & Services Segment

    Insurance & Services gross premiums written were $635.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an increase of $110.8 million, or 21.1%, compared to the three months ended March 31, 2024, primarily driven by growth across A&H, expansion of Surety within our Other Specialties business line and continued strategic organic and new program growth in our international business.

    Insurance & Services generated segment income of $39.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $22.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. Segment income for the three months ended March 31, 2025 consists of underwriting income of $20.1 million (94.0% combined ratio) and net services income of $18.9 million, compared to underwriting income of $4.4 million (98.4% combined ratio) and net services income of $18.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024. The improvement in underwriting results was primarily driven by our decreased loss ratio mainly from lower attritional losses, as well as net favorable prior year loss reserve development of $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, mainly in A&H, compared to net adverse prior year loss reserve development of $2.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024.

    Investments

    Net investment income and net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses) for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 were mainly driven by interest income of $63.4 million and $76.9 million, respectively, on our debt securities and short-term investments. The decrease is driven by a lower asset base as of March 31, 2025 after executing various share repurchase transactions in 2024 and 2025.

    Webcast Details

    The Company will hold a webcast to discuss its first quarter 2025 results at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time on May 6, 2025. The webcast of the conference call will be available over the Internet from the Company’s website at www.siriuspt.com under the “Investor Relations” section. Participants should follow the instructions provided on the website to download and install any necessary audio applications. The conference call will be available by dialing 1-877-451-6152 (domestic) or 1-201-389-0879 (international). Participants should ask for the SiriusPoint Ltd. first quarter 2025 earnings call.

    The online replay will be available on the Company’s website immediately following the call at www.siriuspt.com under the “Investor Relations” section.

    Safe Harbor Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which may be beyond the Company’s control. The Company cautions you that the forward-looking information presented in this press release is not a guarantee of future events, and that actual events may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking information contained in this press release. In addition, forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “intends,” “seeks,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “plans,” “targets,” “estimates,” “expects,” “assumes,” “continues,” “guidance,” “should,” “could,” “will,” “may” and the negative of these or similar terms and phrases. Specific forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the trend of our performance as compared to the previous guidance, the current insurtech market trends, our ability to generate shareholder value, and whether we will continue to have momentum in our business in the future. Actual events, results and outcomes may differ materially from the Company’s expectations due to a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements are the following: our ability to execute on our strategic transformation, including re-underwriting to reduce volatility and improve underwriting performance, de-risking our investment portfolio, and transforming our business; the impact of unpredictable catastrophic events, including uncertainties with respect to current and future COVID-19 losses across many classes of insurance business and the amount of insurance losses that may ultimately be ceded to the reinsurance market, supply chain issues, labor shortages and related increased costs, changing interest rates and equity market volatility; inadequacy of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, the lack of available capital, and periods characterized by excess underwriting capacity and unfavorable premium rates; the performance of financial markets, impact of inflation and interest rates, and foreign currency fluctuations; our ability to compete successfully in the insurance and reinsurance market and the effect of consolidation in the insurance and reinsurance industry; technology breaches or failures, including those resulting from a malicious cyber-attack on us, our business partners or service providers; the effects of global climate change, including wildfires, and increased severity and frequency of weather-related natural disasters and catastrophes and increased coastal flooding in many geographic areas; geopolitical uncertainty, including the ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East and the new presidential administration in the U.S.; global economic uncertainty caused by the imposition and/or announcement of tariffs imposed on the import of certain goods into the U.S. from various countries which may have unpredictable consequences including, but not limited to, inflation or trade wars, potential impact on the Company’s credit and mortgage business and potential increase in credit spread which could impact the Company’s short-term capital and liquidity; our ability to retain key senior management and key employees; a downgrade or withdrawal of our financial ratings; fluctuations in our results of operations; legal restrictions on certain of SiriusPoint’s insurance and reinsurance subsidiaries’ ability to pay dividends and other distributions to SiriusPoint; the outcome of legal and regulatory proceedings and regulatory constraints on our business; reduced returns or losses in SiriusPoint’s investment portfolio; our exposure or potential exposure to corporate income tax in Bermuda and the E.U., U.S. federal income and withholding taxes and our significant deferred tax assets, which could become devalued if we do not generate future taxable income or applicable corporate tax rates are reduced; risks associated with delegating authority to third party managing general agents; future strategic transactions such as acquisitions, dispositions, investments, mergers or joint ventures; and other risks and factors listed under “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other subsequent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures and Other Financial Metrics

    In presenting SiriusPoint’s results, management has included financial measures that are not calculated under standards or rules that comprise accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). SiriusPoint’s management uses this information in its internal analysis of results and believes that this information may be informative to investors in gauging the quality of SiriusPoint’s financial performance, identifying trends in our results and providing meaningful period-to-period comparisons. Core underwriting income, Core net services income, Core income, and Core combined ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. Management believes it is useful to review Core results as it better reflects how management views the business and reflects the Company’s decision to exit the runoff business. Book value per diluted common share excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (“AOCI”) and tangible book value per diluted common share, as presented, are non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure is book value per common share. Management believes it is useful to exclude AOCI because it may fluctuate significantly between periods based on movements in interest and currency rates. Management believes the effects of intangible assets are not indicative of underlying underwriting results or trends and make book value comparisons to less acquisitive peer companies less meaningful. Reconciliations of such non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP figures are included in the attached financial information in accordance with Regulation G and Item 10(e) of Regulation S-K, as applicable.

    About the Company

    SiriusPoint is a global underwriter of insurance and reinsurance providing solutions to clients and brokers around the world. Bermuda-headquartered with offices in New York, London, Stockholm and other locations, we are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (SPNT). We have licenses to write Property & Casualty and Accident & Health insurance and reinsurance globally. Our offering and distribution capabilities are strengthened by a portfolio of strategic partnerships with Managing General Agents and Program Administrators. With approximately $2.7 billion total capital, SiriusPoint’s operating companies have a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) from AM Best, S&P and Fitch, and A3 from Moody’s. For more information, please visit www.siriuspt.com.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations
    Liam Blackledge – Investor Relations and Strategy Manager
    Liam.Blackledge@siriuspt.com
    + 44 203 772 3082

    Media
    Natalie King – Global Head of Marketing and External Communications
    Natalie.King@siriuspt.com
    + 44 770 728 8817

     
    SIRIUSPOINT LTD.
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)
    As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024
    (expressed in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share and share amounts)
     
      March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024
    Assets      
    Debt securities, available for sale, at fair value, net of allowance for credit losses of $0.0 (2024 – $1.1) (cost – $4,617.0; 2024 – $5,143.8) $ 4,635.2   $ 5,131.0  
    Debt securities, trading, at fair value (cost – $140.9; 2024 – $187.3)   117.6     162.2  
    Short-term investments, at fair value (cost – $48.2; 2024 – $95.3)   48.2     95.8  
    Other long-term investments, at fair value (cost – $437.9; 2024 – $438.2) (includes related party investments at fair value of $220.1 (2024 – $217.2))   317.7     316.5  
    Total investments   5,118.7     5,705.5  
    Cash and cash equivalents   740.3     682.0  
    Restricted cash and cash equivalents   184.9     212.6  
    Due from brokers   18.8     11.2  
    Interest and dividends receivable   42.1     44.0  
    Insurance and reinsurance balances receivable, net   2,240.8     2,054.4  
    Deferred acquisition costs, net   369.3     327.5  
    Unearned premiums ceded   514.3     463.9  
    Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable, net   2,335.7     2,315.3  
    Deferred tax asset   293.3     297.0  
    Intangible assets   137.9     140.8  
    Other assets   284.4     270.7  
    Total assets $ 12,280.5   $ 12,524.9  
    Liabilities      
    Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 5,762.6   $ 5,653.9  
    Unearned premium reserves   1,816.8     1,639.2  
    Reinsurance balances payable   1,707.5     1,781.6  
    Deposit liabilities   15.6     17.4  
    Deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance   6.6     8.5  
    Debt   663.5     639.1  
    Due to brokers   6.6     18.0  
    Deferred tax liability   94.2     76.2  
    Share repurchase liability   —     483.0  
    Other liabilities   180.4     269.2  
    Total liabilities   10,253.8     10,586.1  
    Commitments and contingent liabilities      
    Shareholders’ equity      
    Series B preference shares (par value $0.10; authorized and issued: 8,000,000)   200.0     200.0  
    Common shares (issued and outstanding: 116,020,526; 2023 – 116,429,057)   11.6     11.6  
    Additional paid-in capital   944.7     945.0  
    Retained earnings   842.5     784.9  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   26.4     (4.1 )
    Shareholders’ equity attributable to SiriusPoint shareholders   2,025.2     1,937.4  
    Noncontrolling interests   1.5     1.4  
    Total shareholders’ equity   2,026.7     1,938.8  
    Total liabilities, noncontrolling interests and shareholders’ equity $ 12,280.5   $ 12,524.9  
     
    SIRIUSPOINT LTD.
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (UNAUDITED)
    For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
    (expressed in millions of U.S. dollars, except per share and share amounts)
     
        2025       2024  
    Revenues      
    Net premiums earned $ 626.7     $ 593.8  
    Net investment income   71.2       78.8  
    Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)   (0.3 )     1.0  
    Net investment income and net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)   70.9       79.8  
    Other revenues   29.7       27.8  
    Loss on settlement and change in fair value of liability-classified capital instruments   —       (15.9 )
    Total revenues   727.3       685.5  
    Expenses      
    Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net   401.8       317.5  
    Acquisition costs, net   129.7       144.9  
    Other underwriting expenses   41.1       41.8  
    Net corporate and other expenses   60.6       56.0  
    Intangible asset amortization   2.9       2.9  
    Interest expense   18.1       20.5  
    Foreign exchange gains   (2.2 )     (3.7 )
    Total expenses   652.0       579.9  
    Income before income tax expense   75.3       105.6  
    Income tax expense   (13.3 )     (9.7 )
    Net income   62.0       95.9  
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (0.4 )     (1.1 )
    Net income available to SiriusPoint   61.6       94.8  
    Dividends on Series B preference shares   (4.0 )     (4.0 )
    Net income available to SiriusPoint common shareholders $ 57.6     $ 90.8  
    Earnings per share available to SiriusPoint common shareholders      
    Basic earnings per share available to SiriusPoint common shareholders $ 0.50     $ 0.50  
    Diluted earnings per share available to SiriusPoint common shareholders $ 0.49     $ 0.49  
    Weighted average number of common shares used in the determination of earnings per share      
    Basic   115,975,961       168,934,114  
    Diluted   118,555,166       174,380,963  
     
    SIRIUSPOINT LTD.
    SEGMENT REPORTING
     
      Three months ended March 31, 2025
      Reinsurance   Insurance & Services   Core   Eliminations (2)   Corporate   Segment Measure Reclass   Total
    Gross premiums written $ 354.8     $ 635.1     $ 989.9     $ —     $ (5.2 )   $ —     $ 984.7  
    Net premiums written   268.5       483.5       752.0       —       (9.0 )     —       743.0  
    Net premiums earned   289.6       336.2       625.8       —       0.9       —       626.7  
    Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net   195.3       209.9       405.2       (2.0 )     (1.4 )     —       401.8  
    Acquisition costs, net   67.1       87.3       154.4       (28.0 )     3.3       —       129.7  
    Other underwriting expenses   18.8       18.9       37.7       —       3.4       —       41.1  
    Underwriting income (loss)   8.4       20.1       28.5       30.0       (4.4 )     —       54.1  
    Services revenues   —       62.1       62.1       (30.2 )     —       (31.9 )     —  
    Services expenses   —       43.1       43.1       —       —       (43.1 )     —  
    Net services fee income   —       19.0       19.0       (30.2 )     —       11.2       —  
    Services noncontrolling income   —       (0.1 )     (0.1 )     —       —       0.1       —  
    Net services income   —       18.9       18.9       (30.2 )     —       11.3       —  
    Segment income (loss)   8.4       39.0       47.4       (0.2 )     (4.4 )     11.3       54.1  
    Net investment income                   71.2       —       71.2  
    Net realized and unrealized investment losses     (0.3 )     —       (0.3 )
    Other revenues                   (2.2 )     31.9       29.7  
    Net corporate and other expenses                   (17.5 )     (43.1 )     (60.6 )
    Intangible asset amortization                   (2.9 )     —       (2.9 )
    Interest expense                   (18.1 )     —       (18.1 )
    Foreign exchange gains                   2.2       —       2.2  
    Income before income tax expense $ 8.4     $ 39.0       47.4       (0.2 )     28.0       0.1       75.3  
    Income tax expense           —       —       (13.3 )     —       (13.3 )
    Net income           47.4       (0.2 )     14.7       0.1       62.0  
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest     —       —       (0.3 )     (0.1 )     (0.4 )
    Net income available to SiriusPoint   $ 47.4     $ (0.2 )   $ 14.4     $ —     $ 61.6  
                               
    Attritional losses $ 164.0     $ 207.6     $ 371.6     $ (2.0 )   $ (1.5 )   $ —     $ 368.1  
    Catastrophe losses   63.1       4.8       67.9       —       —       —       67.9  
    Prior year loss reserve development   (31.8 )     (2.5 )     (34.3 )     —       0.1       —       (34.2 )
    Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net $ 195.3     $ 209.9     $ 405.2     $ (2.0 )   $ (1.4 )   $ —     $ 401.8  
                               
    Underwriting Ratios: (1)                          
    Attritional loss ratio   56.6 %     61.7 %     59.3 %                 58.8 %
    Catastrophe loss ratio   21.8 %     1.4 %     10.9 %                 10.8 %
    Prior year loss development ratio (11.0)%   (0.7)%   (5.5)%               (5.5)%
    Loss ratio   67.4 %     62.4 %     64.7 %                 64.1 %
    Acquisition cost ratio   23.2 %     26.0 %     24.7 %                 20.7 %
    Other underwriting expenses ratio   6.5 %     5.6 %     6.0 %                 6.6 %
    Combined ratio   97.1 %     94.0 %     95.4 %                 91.4 %
    (1) Underwriting ratios are calculated by dividing the related expense by net premiums earned.
    (2) Insurance & Services MGAs recognize fees for service using revenue from contracts with customers accounting standards, whereas insurance companies recognize acquisition expenses using insurance contract accounting standards. While ultimate revenues and expenses recognized will match, there will be recognition timing differences based on the different accounting standards.
      Three months ended March 31, 2024
      Reinsurance   Insurance & Services   Core   Eliminations (2)   Corporate   Segment Measure Reclass   Total
    Gross premiums written $ 356.4     $ 524.3     $ 880.7     $ —     $ 25.9     $ —     $ 906.6  
    Net premiums written   290.1       337.1       627.2       —       12.1       —       639.3  
    Net premiums earned   253.6       264.2       517.8       —       76.0       —       593.8  
    Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net   124.6       176.5       301.1       (1.4 )     17.8       —       317.5  
    Acquisition costs, net   69.8       65.2       135.0       (33.2 )     43.1       —       144.9  
    Other underwriting expenses   19.3       18.1       37.4       —       4.4       —       41.8  
    Underwriting income   39.9       4.4       44.3       34.6       10.7       —       89.6  
    Services revenues   —       65.8       65.8       (37.1 )     —       (28.7 )     —  
    Services expenses   —       46.0       46.0       —       —       (46.0 )     —  
    Net services fee income   —       19.8       19.8       (37.1 )     —       17.3       —  
    Services noncontrolling income   —       (1.7 )     (1.7 )     —       —       1.7       —  
    Net services income   —       18.1       18.1       (37.1 )     —       19.0       —  
    Segment income   39.9       22.5       62.4       (2.5 )     10.7       19.0       89.6  
    Net investment income                   78.8       —       78.8  
    Net realized and unrealized investment gains     1.0       —       1.0  
    Other revenues                   (0.9 )     28.7       27.8  
    Loss on settlement and change in fair value of liability-classified capital instruments     (15.9 )     —       (15.9 )
    Net corporate and other expenses                   (10.0 )     (46.0 )     (56.0 )
    Intangible asset amortization                   (2.9 )     —       (2.9 )
    Interest expense                   (20.5 )     —       (20.5 )
    Foreign exchange gains                   3.7       —       3.7  
    Income before income tax expense $ 39.9     $ 22.5       62.4       (2.5 )     44.0       1.7       105.6  
    Income tax expense           —       —       (9.7 )     —       (9.7 )
    Net income           62.4       (2.5 )     34.3       1.7       95.9  
    Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest     —       —       0.6       (1.7 )     (1.1 )
    Net income available to SiriusPoint   $ 62.4     $ (2.5 )   $ 34.9     $ —     $ 94.8  
                               
    Attritional losses $ 134.9     $ 174.2     $ 309.1     $ (1.4 )   $ 48.7     $ —     $ 356.4  
    Prior year loss reserve development   (10.3 )     2.3       (8.0 )     —       (30.9 )     —       (38.9 )
    Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net $ 124.6     $ 176.5     $ 301.1     $ (1.4 )   $ 17.8     $ —     $ 317.5  
                               
    Underwriting Ratios: (1)                          
    Attritional loss ratio   53.2 %     65.9 %     59.7 %                 60.0 %
    Prior year loss development ratio (4.1)%     0.9 %   (1.6)%               (6.5)%
    Loss ratio   49.1 %     66.8 %     58.1 %                 53.5 %
    Acquisition cost ratio   27.5 %     24.7 %     26.1 %                 24.4 %
    Other underwriting expenses ratio   7.6 %     6.9 %     7.2 %                 7.0 %
    Combined ratio   84.2 %     98.4 %     91.4 %                 84.9 %
    (1) Underwriting ratios are calculated by dividing the related expense by net premiums earned.
    (2) Insurance & Services MGAs recognize fees for service using revenue from contracts with customers accounting standards, whereas insurance companies recognize acquisition expenses using insurance contract accounting standards. While ultimate revenues and expenses recognized will match, there will be recognition timing differences based on the different accounting standards.

    SIRIUSPOINT LTD.
    NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES AND RECONCILIATIONS & OTHER FINANCIAL MEASURES

    Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    Core Results

    Collectively, the sum of the Company’s two segments, Reinsurance and Insurance & Services, constitute “Core” results. Core underwriting income, Core net services income, Core income and Core combined ratio are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe it is useful to review Core results as it better reflects how management views the business and reflects our decision to exit the runoff business. The sum of Core results and Corporate results are equal to the consolidated results of operations.

    Core underwriting income – calculated by subtracting loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net, acquisition costs, net, and other underwriting expenses from net premiums earned.

    Core net services income – consists of services revenues which include commissions, brokerage and fee income related to consolidated MGAs, and other revenues, as well as services expenses which include direct expenses related to consolidated MGAs and services noncontrolling income which represent minority ownership interests in consolidated MGAs. Net services income is a key indicator of the profitability of the Company’s services provided.

    Core income – consists of two components, core underwriting income and core net services income. Core income is a key measure of our segment performance.

    Core combined ratio – calculated by dividing the sum of Core loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net, acquisition costs, net and other underwriting expenses by Core net premiums earned. Accident year loss ratio and accident year combined ratio are calculated by excluding prior year loss reserve development to present the impact of current accident year net loss and loss adjustment expenses on the Core loss ratio and Core combined ratio, respectively. Attritional loss ratio excludes catastrophe losses from the accident year loss ratio as they are not predictable as to timing and amount. These ratios are useful indicators of our underwriting profitability.

    Book Value Per Diluted Common Share Metrics

    Book value per diluted common share excluding AOCI and tangible book value per diluted common share, as presented, are non-GAAP financial measures and the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure is book value per common share. Management believes it is useful to exclude AOCI because it may fluctuate significantly between periods based on movements in interest and currency rates. Tangible book value per diluted common share excludes intangible assets. Management believes that effects of intangible assets are not indicative of underlying underwriting results or trends and make book value comparisons to less acquisitive peer companies less meaningful. Tangible book value per diluted common share is useful because it provides a more accurate measure of the realizable value of shareholder returns, excluding intangible assets.

    The following table sets forth the computation of book value per common share, book value per diluted common share and tangible book value per diluted common share as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024:

      March 31,
    2025    		   December 31,
    2024
      ($ in millions, except share and per share amounts)
    Common shareholders’ equity attributable to SiriusPoint common shareholders $ 1,825.2     $ 1,737.4  
           
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax   26.4       (4.1 )
    Common shareholders’ equity attributable to SiriusPoint common shareholders ex. AOCI   1,798.8       1,741.5  
           
    Intangible assets   137.9       140.8  
    Tangible common shareholders’ equity attributable to SiriusPoint common shareholders $ 1,687.3     $ 1,596.6  
           
    Common shares outstanding   116,020,526       116,429,057  
    Effect of dilutive stock options, restricted share units and warrants   2,708,756       2,559,359  
    Book value per diluted common share denominator   118,729,282       118,988,416  
           
    Book value per common share $ 15.73     $ 14.92  
    Book value per diluted common share $ 15.37     $ 14.60  
    Book value per diluted common share ex. AOCI $ 15.15     $ 14.64  
    Tangible book value per diluted common share $ 14.21     $ 13.42  


    Other Financial Measures

    Annualized Return on Average Common Shareholders’ Equity Attributable to SiriusPoint Common Shareholders

    Annualized return on average common shareholders’ equity attributable to SiriusPoint common shareholders is calculated by dividing annualized net income available to SiriusPoint common shareholders for the period by the average common shareholders’ equity determined using the common shareholders’ equity balances at the beginning and end of the period.

    Annualized return on average common shareholders’ equity attributable to SiriusPoint common shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 was calculated as follows:

        2025       2024  
      ($ in millions)
    Net income available to SiriusPoint common shareholders $ 57.6     $ 90.8  
    Common shareholders’ equity attributable to SiriusPoint common shareholders – beginning of period   1,737.4       2,313.9  
    Common shareholders’ equity attributable to SiriusPoint common shareholders – end of period   1,825.2       2,402.6  
    Average common shareholders’ equity attributable to SiriusPoint common shareholders $ 1,781.3     $ 2,358.3  
    Annualized return on average common shareholders’ equity attributable to SiriusPoint common shareholders   12.9 %     15.4 %

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What are the key risk factors for developing knee osteoarthritis? We reviewed the evidence

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Christina Abdel Shaheed, Associate Professor, School of Public Health, University of Sydney

    Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease, affecting more than 3 million Australians and over 500 million people worldwide.

    The knee is the most commonly affected joint, but osteoarthritis can also affect other joints including the hips and hands. The condition causes painful and stiff joints.

    For someone with knee osteoarthritis, simple activities that many people take for granted such as walking, going up and down stairs or squatting can be very challenging.

    There’s currently no cure for osteoarthritis. Most available treatments, such as exercise, walking aids and medicines (including paracetamol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), focus on managing symptoms. But it’s important to consider how we can prevent knee osteoarthritis in the first place.

    With this in mind, we undertook a systematic review to summarise the risk factors for developing knee osteoarthritis. Our findings, published today in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, can help us better understand how to lower the risk of this condition.

    What we found

    We gathered data from studies which followed people over time, to see which risk factors were associated with developing knee osteoarthritis. We included a total of 131 studies, involving more than 5 million people.

    We identified more than 150 factors that influenced the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.

    Some key factors which increased the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis included being overweight or obese, past knee injury and occupational physical activity such as lifting heavy objects and shift work.

    We also found several other possible risk factors, including:

    • eating large amounts of ultra-processed foods (which include “junk foods”, sugary drinks and processed meats)

    • poor sleep quality (for example, sleeping less than six hours a day or having 1–2 restless nights per week)

    • feeling depressed.

    Being overweight or obese and past knee injury together accounted for 14% of the overall risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.

    In other words, if we were able to completely remove these two risk factors, we could potentially reduce the incidence of knee osteoarthritis in the population by 14%.

    Females had almost double the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, and older age was slightly related to developing knee osteoarthritis.

    Osteoarthritis of the knee affects millions of people worldwide.
    Towfiqu barbhuiya/Pexels

    Protective factors

    On the other hand, we found some factors may lower the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. These included following a Mediterranean diet (which includes plenty of vegetables, olive oil, nuts, fruit and healthy fats found in fish), and following a diet higher in fibre.

    Avoiding the things which increase the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis such as a diet high in ultra-processed foods, knee injury, weight gain and heavy lifting can also help a person reduce their risk of developing the condition.

    Exercise is an effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis. It can reduce pain and improve function.

    There was not enough information in our study to determine what types of physical activity (for example, walking, running, swimming) and how much time spent doing these activities could lower the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis, so this is an important area for future research.

    How can we explain these links?

    The studies we included did not generally explore the possible mechanisms linking key risk factors with the development of knee osteoarthritis.

    However other research may provide some helpful insights. Knee injury can lead to instability of the knee joint and additional wear on the knee which can lead to knee osteoarthritis. Similarly, occupational physical activity such as kneeling, squatting, climbing or heavy lifting can increase the risk of wear and tear on the knee.

    Poor sleep has been linked to weight gain and depression.

    The duration and quality of sleep has been found to affect how much we eat and the hormones responsible for regulating metabolism. Depression has been linked to reduced physical activity which can lead to weight gain. Carrying extra weight can increase the load on the knee and contribute to knee osteoarthritis.

    Shift work can lead to bad food choices and lack of sleep, which in turn can increase the risk of knee osteoarthritis.

    So it seems that while the risk factors we found may be contributing individually to the development of knee osteoarthritis, they may also be interacting together to increase the risk.

    It’s not clear why women are at greater risk of developing knee osteoarthritis. However this is likely to be due to a combination of factors, including lifestyle, biological and hormonal factors.

    A Mediterranean diet is high in polyphenols, which can reduce inflammation in the body and destruction of cartilage. It may lower the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis in this way.

    Lifestyle changes could reduce the risk of knee osteoarthritis.
    PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

    Most risk factors are modifiable

    There were some limitations with the available evidence. Most studies were based on populations from the United States, or did not report on ethnicity. We know little about the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis in certain groups such as people from Hispanic, African and Southeast Asian backgrounds. We need more studies exploring risk factors in other countries and populations.

    Nonetheless, a review like this allows us to better understand what can be done to lower the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis.

    We found most risk factors associated with developing knee osteoarthritis are modifiable, which means they can be changed or better managed with healthy diet and lifestyle choices. Eating healthy, maintaining a healthy weight and taking proactive steps to prevent injuries in the workplace and sporting communities can potentially lower a person’s risk of developing the condition.

    Public health strategies aimed at encouraging healthy eating and weight loss (for example, subsidised nutrition programs and education programs starting from a young age to promote optimal diet and physical activity) could reduce the burden of knee osteoarthritis and have broader health benefits as well.

    Programs like these, as well as reducing heavy lifting in the workplace where possible, should be the focus of government strategies to address the burden of this painful condition globally.

    Christina Abdel Shaheed holds grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Medical Research Future Fund.

    David Hunter receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Medical Research Future Fund.

    Lyn March is on the executive committee of the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health (a pro-bono role). This alliance advocates to the World Health Organization for a global strategy for addressing musculoskeletal health that includes promoting osteoarthritis prevention.

    Vicky Duong receives funding from Lenity Australia and the Medical Research Future Fund.

    – ref. What are the key risk factors for developing knee osteoarthritis? We reviewed the evidence – https://theconversation.com/what-are-the-key-risk-factors-for-developing-knee-osteoarthritis-we-reviewed-the-evidence-253722

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Check the box, save a life

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: SiriusPoint Announces Dividend on Series B Preference Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HAMILTON, Bermuda, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SiriusPoint Ltd. (“SiriusPoint” or the “Company”) (NYSE: SPNT), an international specialty insurer and reinsurer, has announced that the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of SiriusPoint Ltd. approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.50 per share on its 8.00% Resettable Fixed Rate Preference Shares, Series B, $0.10 par value, $25.00 liquidation preference per share payable on or prior to May 30, 2025 to Series B shareholders of record as of May 15, 2025.

    About SiriusPoint

    SiriusPoint is a global underwriter of insurance and reinsurance providing solutions to clients and brokers around the world. Bermuda-headquartered with offices in New York, London, Stockholm and other locations, we are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (SPNT). We have licenses to write Property & Casualty and Accident & Health insurance and reinsurance globally. Our offering and distribution capabilities are strengthened by a portfolio of strategic partnerships with Managing General Agents and Program Administrators. With approximately $2.7 billion total capital, SiriusPoint’s operating companies have a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) from AM Best, S&P and Fitch, and A3 from Moody’s. For more information, please visit www.siriuspt.com.

    Contacts

    Investor Relations
    Liam Blackledge, SiriusPoint
    Liam.Blackledge@siriuspt.com
    + 44 203 772 3082

    Media
    Sarah Hills, Rein4ce
    Sarah.Hills@rein4ce.co.uk
    + 44 7718 882011

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aterian Sets Date for First Quarter 2025 Earnings Announcement & Investor Conference Call

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUMMIT, N.J., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aterian, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATER) (“Aterian” or the “Company”), a technology-enabled consumer products company, today announced that it will issue its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 after the close of the stock market. The Company will host a corresponding conference call at 5:00 p.m. ET that day to discuss the results.

    Investors interested in participating in the live call can dial:

    • (800) 715-9871 (Domestic)
    • (646) 307-1963 (International)
      Passcode: 1616427

    Participants may also access the call through a live webcast at https://ir.aterian.io. The archived online replay will be available for a limited time after the call in the investors section of the Aterian corporate website.

    About Aterian, Inc.
    Aterian, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATER) is a technology-enabled consumer products company that builds and acquires leading e-commerce brands with top selling consumer products, in multiple categories, including home and kitchen appliances, health and wellness and air quality devices. The Company sells across the world’s largest online marketplaces with a focus on Amazon, Walmart and Target in the U.S. and on its own direct to consumer websites. Our primary brands include Squatty Potty, hOmeLabs, Mueller Living, PurSteam, Healing Solutions and Photo Paper Direct. To learn more about Aterian and its brands, visit aterian.io

    Contact: 
    The Equity Group

    Devin Sullivan
    Managing Director
    dsullivan@equityny.com

    Conor Rodriguez
    Associate
    crodriguez@equityny.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: How Wildfires Reshape Landscapes

    Source: US Geological Survey

    The Good, the Bad, the Ugly: How Wildfires Reshape Landscapes

    Exploring USGS’s Role in Understanding Postfire Changes

    Background

    Wildfires have long played a crucial role in reshaping and rejuvenating landscapes. They can clear out dead vegetation, return nutrients to the soil, and promote the growth of diverse plant species. However, the aftermath of wildfires also brings significant changes to the environment, some of which pose challenges to ecosystems and dangers to local communities. The USGS conducts extensive research to understand these changes and to develop strategies for hazard mitigation and recovery in fire-prone communities.

    The Good: The Beneficial Role of Fire in Landscapes

    First, let’s discuss “the good” and why wildfires are a natural part of forest and rangeland habitats. While wildfires can have destructive effects, they play a beneficial role in many ecosystems:

    • Nutrient Cycling. Fires consume dead and decaying matter, returning nutrients to the soil, which promotes new plant growth.
    • Habitat Diversity. By clearing dense vegetation, fires create a mosaic of different habitats, supporting a variety of plant and animal species.
    • Pest and Disease Control. Fires can reduce populations of pests and pathogens, contributing to the overall health of forests and grasslands. 

    The Bad: How Wildfires Alter Landscapes

    Next, let’s discuss “the bad” and how wildfires potentially negatively alter the landscape:

    • Soil Becomes Water-Repellent. Intense heat from wildfires can cause soils to become hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. This occurs when organic materials in the soil are vaporized by the heat, and upon cooling, these vapors condense and form a waxy coating around soil particles. As a result, rainwater cannot easily penetrate the soil, leading to increased surface runoff and a higher risk of flash flooding.
    • Streams Become Polluted. After a wildfire, ash and debris can be washed into nearby rivers and streams during rainfall. This runoff may contain elevated levels of nutrients, sediments, and heavy metals, which can degrade water quality and pose risks to aquatic life and human health. For instance, following Colorado’s 2020 Cameron Peak Fire, water supplies experienced significant contamination, highlighting the long-term impacts wildfires can have on water resources.
    • Slopes Become Unstable. Vegetation plays a vital role in stabilizing soil on slopes. When wildfires destroy this vegetation, the roots that bind the soil together decay, increasing the likelihood of landslides and debris flows, especially during subsequent rainstorms. The USGS has developed models to assess and predict these post-wildfire debris-flow hazards, aiding in the development of early warning systems and mitigation strategies.
    • Invasive Plants Can Spread. Wildfires can create opportunities for invasive plant species to establish themselves in burned areas. These species often outcompete native vegetation, leading to reduced biodiversity and altered ecosystem functions. The USGS collaborates with land managers to monitor these changes and develop strategies to promote the recovery of native plant communities. 

    The Ugly: The Future Impacts of Wildfires on Society

    Lastly, “the ugly.” Wildfires are not going away. In fact, wildfires in the United States are becoming more frequent, intense, and destructive. Several factors contribute to this trend, including prolonged droughts and increasing urban development in fire-prone areas. Scientists predict that future wildfire seasons will last longer, burn larger areas, and pose even greater challenges for communities, ecosystems, and emergency responders. The increasing severity of wildfires will have profound effects on public safety, public health, and the economy. For example, some ways wildfires will continue to be problematic include:

    • More Frequent Disruptions. Longer fire seasons will lead to more evacuations, power outages, and damage to infrastructure. Areas that were once considered safe may now face a growing threat of wildfire.
    • Air Quality and Health Concerns. Wildfire smoke contains harmful pollutants that can worsen respiratory illnesses, particularly for children, the elderly, and individuals with preexisting health conditions. Regions far from active fires can still experience dangerous air quality levels due to drifting smoke.
    • Economic Costs. Wildfires already cost billions of dollars annually for firefighting efforts, property damage, and lost economic productivity. As fires become more extreme, these costs are expected to rise, placing strain on local, state, and federal budgets.
    • Water and Food Security. Wildfires can damage watersheds, leading to long-term impacts on water supply and quality. Agricultural areas near fire zones may also suffer losses, reducing food production and increasing prices.

    The USGS plays a vital role in helping communities recover from wildfires and prepare for future events. By partnering with federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Forest Service, the Department of the Interior, and state Geological Surveys, the USGS is driving innovation in fire science and management. These partnerships ensure that responders and decision-makers have the best available information to protect lives, property, and natural resources.

    The USGS employs more than 100 scientists whose research focuses on fire-related topics, including using high-resolution remote sensing to characterize vegetative fuel loads; applying the latest satellite technology to detect fires and map wildfire perimeters; evaluating best practices to reduce wildfire risks; and assessing post-wildfire flooding and debris-flow hazards. This work also includes creating and sharing best practices to support recovery across landscapes. Together, USGS expertise and monitoring capabilities are greatly improving the safety of first responders and the public-at-large.

    Researchers across the USGS are working with the interagency fire community to expand the use of artificial intelligence, machine learning and other rapid-computing capabilities. For example, the USGS uses artificial intelligence with satellite imagery to detect fire boundaries and develop burn severity maps, and to identify distribution and abundance of fire-adapted invasive species like cheatgrass in the Great Basin.

    The USGS Wildland Fire Science Strategy aligns with national initiatives as defined in the National Cohesive Wildland Fire Management Strategy. Developed by a broad swath of stakeholders at all levels, the Cohesive Strategy calls for science and management that promote resilient landscapes and fire-adapted communities for safe and effective wildfire responses.

    Preparing for the Future

    While wildfires are a natural part of many ecosystems, things are changing and society must take proactive steps to protect lives, property, and the environment from the growing wildfire threat. Given the increasing risks, wildfire management strategies must evolve. Investments in forest management, improved building codes, early warning systems, and resilient infrastructure will be crucial in reducing wildfire impacts. The USGS and other agencies will continue to play a key role in researching fire behavior, mapping high-risk areas, and providing vital information to help communities adapt.

    Understanding both the positive and negative impacts of wildfires is essential for effective land management. The USGS’s comprehensive research and collaboration with other agencies enhance public safety, inform policy decisions, and promote resilient ecosystems in the face of wildfire events.

    As part of the wildfire community, USGS is deeply connected to the people and landscapes we serve. Wildfires often affect our colleagues, friends, and neighbors, underscoring the importance of our mission to provide critical fire science. Each new fire reminds us of our shared responsibility to understand, adapt to, and mitigate wildfire risks in the face of future challenges.

    Case Study: The January 2025 Los Angeles Fires

    In January 2025, Southern California faced an unprecedented wildfire crisis as extreme Santa Ana winds fueled four large wildfires (the Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, and Kenneth Fires) and dozens of smaller blazes that scorched the region. The fires burned more than 40,000 acres, destroyed 12,000 structures, and led to at least 30 fatalities. Amid this devastation, the USGS delivered essential science and information that supported fire response efforts, assessed postfire hazards, and aided recovery in impacted communities.

    The USGS worked alongside federal and state agencies, providing critical tools and information for every stage of the fire management.

    • Real-Time Fire Mapping. The USGS National Civil Applications Center generated wildfire boundary maps for the Palisades, Eaton, and Hurst fires. Using satellite imagery, these maps were delivered to Incident Commanders each morning to inform daily firefighting strategies and evacuation plans.
    • Ecological Research and Recovery. The USGS Western Ecological Research Center advised land managers on fire behavior and postfire recovery strategies. This included addressing erosion risks, invasive species management, and advising how to use native vegetation to restore burned areas. The Suppression and Planning Actions for Restoring Communities and Species (SPARCS) team collaborated directly with resource managers to assess their needs and provide support.
    • Postfire Hazard Assessments. The USGS Geologic Hazards Science Center led assessments of postfire debris flow risks in the steep terrain of the Santa Monica Mountains. Working with the California Geological Survey and other partners, USGS scientists mapped soil burn severity and modelled the likelihood and volume of debris flows during future storms. This data will help the National Weather Service issue warnings and guide local recovery efforts.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Students Pitch Tech Startups at Semester-End Showcase

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    On April 28, students in a Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship class capped off their academic year-long entrepreneurial journey by pitching their technology-based startup ventures at the course’s final pitch day.

    The event, held at the Innovation Partnership Building, featured eight student teams presenting to an audience of guest judges, peers, and visiting international students. A networking hour with light refreshments followed, offering time for further discussion and connection. 

    The course, co-taught by Dr. Leila Daneshmandi from the College of Engineering and Sam Nanayakkara from the School of Business, is an interdisciplinary, project-based class that brings together students from across campus to form teams and tackle real-world problems with innovative technology solutions.

     

    This year’s cohort included students from five UConn schools and colleges: Engineering; Business; Nursing; Fine Arts; and Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources. Participants ranged from first-year undergraduates to graduate students. 

    The Flexapy team presenting their mobile app pitch idea to a panel of judges. (UConn Photo/Sarah Redmond)

    “The students have to work across disciplines, build communication skills, and collaborate as a team. That’s part of their learning journey,” said Nanayakkara. “They’re not just learning how to start a company, they’re learning how to work with people who think differently from them, how to adapt, and how to lead. These are skills that apply far beyond entrepreneurship, whether they go into startups, industry, or any field where innovation and collaboration matter.” 

    Many of the 26 students began developing their ventures in the fall semester’s Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship I course. That course introduces ideation, design thinking, and business models.  

    The spring sequel focuses on startup strategy, product-market fit, prototyping, and financials. Together, the courses form a year-long, hands-on sequence designed to help students build viable, scalable technology ventures. No prior experience is required to enroll in the Fall course. 

    This spring, Joseph Luciani from the College of Engineering’s Innovation Shop joined the instructional team, providing students with support in prototyping and technical development, further strengthening the course’s emphasis on building real, working solutions. 

    The student teams focused on solutions across a wide range of areas, including charging infrastructure, AI regulations, energy trading, healthcare, elderly care, mobility assistance, physical therapy, and agriculture. The ventures pitched were OptiEnerX, Safety Assurance Index, SoleShift, Transferable, PowerBid, Goldilocks, SmarThyCheck, and Flexapy. 

    The audience also included 24 visiting students from the U.S. Department of State’s Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), who were on campus for a five- week entrepreneurship program hosted by UConn’s Global Training and Development Institute. The YSEALI students observed the final presentations, asked thoughtful questions, and joined the networking session following the pitches. 

    “The event was a perfect reflection of UConn’s entrepreneurial spirit and culture of innovation,” said Dr. Tolga Turker, Director of Global Entrepreneurial Programs at UConn’s Global Development and Training Institute. “The student pitches showcased bold imagination and real-world problem-solving, inspiring the YSEALI fellows to pursue their own ideas.”

    A panel of guest judges provided constructive feedback and insights, helping teams refine their ideas and build confidence in presenting to external stakeholders.

    The event also welcomed course alum Sage Bhagwansingh, founder of Sage Scenes, who returned to support the event and contributed videography, demonstrating the strong and growing community around UConn’s innovation programming. 

    [embedded content]

    “It is incredibly rewarding for us to see how far these students have come, not just in developing their ventures but in how they think, communicate, and lead. We challenge them to step outside their comfort zones and take ownership of the process, from problem discovery to real-world prototyping and startup strategy,” said Daneshmandi, who is also the director of the College of Engineering’s Entrepreneurship Hub. “What they gain is not just entrepreneurial knowledge. It is confidence, adaptability, and an innovative mindset that will stay with them no matter where they go next.”

    Students interested in exploring technology entrepreneurship are encouraged to reach out to Daneshmandi. Both courses are offered jointly through the College of Engineering and the School of Business and are open to students of all majors and designed to support innovators at every stage. 

    For more information about support for technology innovation and entrepreneurship, please visit the eHub.

    View photos from the event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Celebrating UConn Health’s Nurses

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    As UConn Health continues to pile up third-party accolades for patient safety and quality, it is celebrating its more than 1,000 registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists.

    It’s a National Nurses Week tradition, with the week leading up to the birthday of Florence Nightingale, May 12, including events to recognize their contributions.

    As is also tradition, UConn Health has chosen six to receive one of this year’s Nightingale Awards for Excellence in Nursing, which recognizes their impact on patient care and the nursing profession and their demonstration of excellence above what is normally expected, as well as their commitment to the community served and their legacy in a particular nursing field.

    “Selection of our Nightingale candidates is a tremendous challenge every year due to the high quality of candidates who are nominated, and I am very proud to announce that we had 61 RNs, APRNs and CRNAs nominated this year,” says Caryl Ryan, chief nursing officer and the UConn John Dempsey Hospital chief operating officer and vice president for quality and patient care services. “Each nominee reflects clinical excellence, has gone ‘beyond the call’ and continues to make a significant impact to patient care. I am so proud of the candidates selected and their commitment to the profession of nursing. The selected candidates’ dedication and commitment to quality care and patient safety is inspirational.”

    Nightingale, who lived from 1820 to 1910, is largely credited as the founder of modern nursing.

    UConn Health’s 2025 Nightingale Nurses

    Ashley Bordonaro, BSN, RN
    Clinical Case Manager, Population Health

    [embedded content]

    From her nomination:
     “Throughout her career, Ashley has made a lasting impact in her field through her unwavering passion for delivering quality patient care. She is widely recognized as a strong patient advocate who consistently takes a patient-centered approach, always seeking opportunities to improve patient outcomes…. Above all, she always prioritizes the needs of the patient, ensuring that their care is not only effective but also compassionate. Her dedication to improving patient care has had a lasting influence on her colleagues and the healthcare system, setting a high standard for excellence in patient care.”

    Holly Durstin, MS, CRNA
    Nurse Anesthetist, Operating Room Unit

    [embedded content]

    From her nomination:
     “Through her advocacy, she has been a mentor, and guide and encouraged many to go into the nursing field. For nurses already in the field, she has encouraged them to go farther.  As a colleague she serves as a role model for professionalism, for patient care and for going above and beyond to take care of her patients.  For patients, she represents a practitioner who understands what it is like to be a patient, to be in their position, and she makes clear that she will advocate and take care of them as they are under her care. Everyone she has taken care of is made to feel comfortable, safe and protected.”

    Dayna Gambino, MSN, RN, CMSRN
    Staff Nurse, CN3, Surgery/Orthopedics UT5

    [embedded content]

    From her nomination:
     “‘Dayna is a 30 out of 10.’ This is just one of many patient responses recognizing her exceptional care. She is the first to respond in emergencies and always ready to support her teammates. As charge nurse for 493 hours this year, she balances leadership with mentoring, spending over 125 hours precepting new graduate nurses. In 2024, she earned three Good Catch awards for preventing potential safety events—though she sees it simply as ‘what a nurse does.’… She cultivates a culture of collaboration, respect, and continuous learning, strengthening both her team and the workplace environment.”

    Kate Medow, APRN, MSN, RN
    Lead Nurse Practitioner, Neuro-Oncology, Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center

    [embedded content]

    From her nomination:
     “She is a fierce advocate and clinical expert in her field, utilizing her compassionate approach and clinical expertise to grow the Neuro-Oncology program at UConn Health. Kate has made a lasting impact by advancing interdisciplinary collaboration and improving care for patients and families…. She also prioritized the well-being of the patient’s family, addressing their needs with compassion and skill. Over the years, I’ve witnessed her exceptional expertise in neurological care and her perceptive insight into psychosocial issues. Kate embodies Florence Nightingale’s attributes including compassion, dedication, leadership, self-sacrifice and whole person care.

    Rachel Meehan, APRN, MSN, RN ACNS-BC
    Nursing Professional Development Specialist, Age-Friendly Care, Professional Practice and Clinical Excellence

    [embedded content]

    From her nomination:
     “Through her specialized programs, she has developed and implemented a culture that is tailored to and meaningfully engages older adults. These programs focus on early mobility, and emotional support, ensuring that older adults receive holistic and comprehensive care…. She has empowered and equipped nurses with the knowledge and skills needed to provide quality care to and advocate for older adults.  Florence Nightingale and Rachel Meehan share a commitment to improving patient care and advancing the nursing profession. Nightingale’s pioneering work, as Rachel’s has done, laid the groundwork for the multifaceted role of modern-day nursing.”

    Erin Pietrowicz, MSN, RN, PCCN-CMC
    Staff Nurse, CN4, Intermediate Critical Care UT2

    From her nomination:
     “Erin is the colleague everyone wants by their side, encouraging others to succeed…. Erin has built a lasting legacy at UConn Health through her unwavering commitment to nursing, compassion, and leadership. Through her role as a mentor and preceptor, Erin has shaped the careers of many nurses, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to thrive in their roles…. She fosters teamwork, strengthens culture and empowers her colleagues to succeed both personally and professionally. Erin always goes above and beyond, and her selflessness is unparalleled -she has set the foundation for others to thrive.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Announces $55 Million in Grants Have Been Distributed to More Than 2,000 Western North Carolina Businesses

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Governor Stein Announces $55 Million in Grants Have Been Distributed to More Than 2,000 Western North Carolina Businesses

    Governor Stein Announces $55 Million in Grants Have Been Distributed to More Than 2,000 Western North Carolina Businesses
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Today Governor Josh Stein announced that the Dogwood Health Trust, the Duke Endowment, and the State of North Carolina have distributed $55 million to 2,182 small businesses through the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative. These grants are supporting western North Carolina businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene and bolstering regional economic recovery. More than 7,300 businesses applied.

    “These grants will go a long way in helping western North Carolina’s beloved small business owners keep their doors open after Helene,” said Governor Josh Stein. “But the volume of unfunded applications makes it crystal clear – more help is desperately needed. I’m ready to work with the legislature to deliver support for small businesses that power our mountain economy.”

    “The Dogwood Health Trust is proud of this partnership’s work to support small business owners in western North Carolina,” said Dogwood President and CEO Dr. Susan Mims. “The Dogwood Health Trust created the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative last fall as part of our larger Helene relief efforts. These businesses are vital to the health of our communities, and we must continue to support them.”

    The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative, initiated by the Dogwood Health Trust and then expanded by the State of North Carolina and the Duke Endowment, awarded grants of up to $50,000 to small business with an annual revenue of up to $2.5 million. Earlier this week, Governor Stein announced the new $55 million Small Business Infrastructure Grant Program, which directs up to $1 million in grants to local governments to rebuild public infrastructure like sewers and sidewalks, which small businesses rely upon to attract business. Governor Stein’s second Hurricane Helene relief budget proposal will include increased support for small businesses in western North Carolina. 

    Note: A previous version of this release stated the number of small businesses awarded grants as 2,812 rather than 2,182. 

    May 1, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Labor has the chance to do something big in its second term. What policy reforms should it take on?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Yee-Fui Ng, Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, Monash University

    Dan Breckwoldt/Shutterstock

    Labor’s historic election victory means the Albanese government has a rare opportunity to pursue a big, bold reform agenda. The scale of the victory all but guarantees a third term in office after the next election in 2028, and entrenches Anthony Albanese’s authority as prime minister.

    The government may opt to play it safe and limit its legislative agenda to the policies it took to the election. But if it was to chance its arm, which substantial changes should it pursue that could make a real difference to Australia’s long-term future?

    We asked three experts to nominate the top policy priorities for a second Albanese government. Here are their responses.

    Yee-Fui Ng

    Associate Professor of Law, Monash University

    Advancing Voice and Truth with Indigenous Australians should be a priority. This would build on the comprehensive rejection of the politics of division by the Australian people.

    After the defeat of the Voice referendum on Indigenous constitutional recognition, the Coalition reignited the culture wars by criticising “woke” schools and Peter Dutton’s attack on Indigenous welcome to country at Anzac Day ceremonies.

    But that negative message did not resonate with modern multicultural Australia, with its diverse population and identities. Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong’s victory speeches on Saturday night emphasised a kinder and more inclusive politics, where all Australians are recognised and no one is left behind.

    The Labor government now has a strong mandate to take more significant action on Indigenous issues. Aboriginal people experience higher rates of incarceration, and significant disparities in health, education and employment compared to non-Indigenous Australians. Reform measures could be introduced through legislation, rather than by trying to change the constitution.

    Closing the gap and revisiting Voice and Truth should be a priority for the second Albanese government.
    ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock

    Another pressing reform is bolder action on climate change. There is a growing urgency to tackle the effects of global warming, with an increase in environmental degradation and natural disasters globally.

    Peter Dutton’s proposal to build seven nuclear reactors on Australian soil was comprehensively repudiated at the election.

    European countries have harnessed the potential of regenerative energies, with the proliferation of wind farms and electric cars. Australia needs to lift its game and be on the same path towards a more sustainable future.

    We are custodians of the Earth for future generations. It is incumbent on the Labor government to put forward a stronger agenda for a cleaner, more liveable planet.

    Helen Hodgson

    Professor at Curtin Law School and Curtin Business School, Curtin University

    Second terms are often regarded as the best time strategically for governments to legislate difficult, but necessary reforms. It will be no different for the re-elected Albanese government, which will command a large majority in the new parliament.

    Genuine tax reform should be a priority for Labor over the next three years, starting with a reduction in the 50% capital gains tax (CGT) discount and taxing superannuation withdrawals on high balance accounts.

    While many people consider negative gearing to be the main concern in relation to investment in housing, reforming the CGT discount would be a more effective way to address increases in housing prices.

    Negative gearing is only effective as a wealth-building strategy if there is a payoff at the end through the concessional taxation on the capital gain. Reducing the CGT discount would limit the appeal of negative gearing.

    It would also flow through to other forms of investment that might not be delivering productivity gains, including some investments within family trusts.

    Reforming CGT would revisit a contentious Labor policy that was roundly rejected at the 2019 election. But the housing crisis has deepened since then and many voters would now see an overhaul as necessary and timely.

    The second recommendation I would make would be to address the inequalities that arise from tax exempt superannuation. Prior to 2007, withdrawals from super funds were taxed concessionally, but were not fully exempt.

    In the retirement phase, members are required to withdraw a minimum amount from their superannuation accounts. But these days they do it totally tax-free.

    The government should consider taxing these withdrawals, subject to a tax credit that reflects the tax paid by the fund prior to retirement phase. It would also be subject to the existing Seniors and Pensioners Tax Offset, which can reduce the amount of tax paid.

    The rates of these credits could be tweaked to ensure that only those in the wealthiest 20% are affected. This would level the playing field so the tax payable by most retirees with modest superannuation balances would fall within these two concessions.

    These two reforms would help reduce wealth inequality in Australia and raise funds for social spending, including increases in the JobSeeker payment.

    Intifar Chowdhury

    Lecturer in Government, Flinders University

    Despite being one of the most pressing concerns for young Australians, mental health did not get much airtime during the election campaign.

    This is striking given the evidence. According to the 2024 Australian Youth Barometer, 98% of young people aged 18–24 report feelings of anxiety or depression, and nearly 40% experience a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year. These aren’t fringe numbers, they are endemic.

    Labor has pledged $1 billion to expand access to free public mental health care, with a welcome focus on young people. But funding more services is only part of the solution.

    Experts argue that simply increasing the number of people given access to treatment and support won’t go far enough if those people only receive short term or fragmented care. A more meaningful step would be to double the number of free sessions available to people suffering complex mental health needs. Good care takes time, trust and continuity.

    More fundamentally, the current policy focus remains too clinical. By contrast, the most effective models for youth care are more holistic. Many young people grappling with mental illness are also dealing with unstable housing, drug use, educational disruption, or loneliness.

    Psychosocial supports such as social workers, peer mentors and housing liaisons, are essential to wraparound care. Yet, they remain underfunded.

    The new Medicare Mental Health Centres and Youth Specialist Care Centres, which were promised by Labor during the campaign, should not just offer more of the same. Policymakers must rethink the model entirely: multidisciplinary, community-driven, culturally safe, and youth-informed.

    They must also address why young men, who make up a majority of suicide deaths, are the least likely to seek help.

    Mental health policy should be local, flexible, and expansive. Right now, it still feels centralised, cautious, and underdone.

    Improving the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians, especially young people, would be a valuable way of ensuring the government doesn’t squander the time and space its been given by voters to do something truly valuable and reformative.

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

    – ref. Labor has the chance to do something big in its second term. What policy reforms should it take on? – https://theconversation.com/labor-has-the-chance-to-do-something-big-in-its-second-term-what-policy-reforms-should-it-take-on-255849

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Shapiro Administration Calls for New Investments in Maternal Health and the Rural Health Care Workforce During Visit to Uniontown Hospital’s New, Reopened Maternity Unit

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 05, 2025 – Uniontown, PA

    Shapiro Administration Calls for New Investments in Maternal Health and the Rural Health Care Workforce During Visit to Uniontown Hospital’s New, Reopened Maternity Unit

    Department of Human Services (DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh toured the newly-opened WVU Medicine Children’s Birthing Center at Uniontown Hospital, which brings labor and delivery services back to Fayette County and the surrounding area. While there, Secretary Arkoosh highlighted Governor Josh Shapiro’s common-sense, strategic investments in the 2025-26 proposed budget to expand maternal health services and alleviate ongoing workforce recruitment challenges facing many rural hospitals by continuing to invest in rural health systems.

    “Everyone deserves access to high-quality, supportive, and accessible care before, during and following their birthing experience. Timely, comprehensive, and trusted pre- and postnatal care make a big difference in the overall health of both parents and newborns, but we know that when people do not have access to health care locally, it can be a significant barrier to healthy outcomes,” said Secretary Arkoosh. “The reopening of Uniontown Hospital’s birthing center is a shining example of progress being made in our rural communities to support growing families and ensure that no matter where people live in the Commonwealth, they benefit from a stable health care presence in their community. The Shapiro Administration is committed to being a partner as communities and health care providers work to improve access to high quality maternity care for all, including in our rural communities.”

    Speakers Include:
    Carrie Willetts, WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital President and CEO
    Dr. Lawrence Glad, Medical Director, WVU Medicine Children’s Birthing Center at Uniontown Hospital
    Dr. Val Arkoosh, DHS Secretary

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Charlotte Clinic Owner Agrees to Settle Allegations of Medicaid Fraud

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Crime News (b)

    CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Steven Osbey, of Kernersville, N.C., has agreed to entry of a consent judgment against him in the amount of $4,711,159.00 in favor of the United States and State of North Carolina (the Governments), subject to a separate agreement regarding his participation in the Governments’ ability to pay process. The judgment represents repayment to the government for allegations that Reign & Inspirations, LLC (R&I), a clinic co-owned by Osbey and Aljihad Shabazz, charged Medicaid for physician home visits that never occurred.

    More specifically, the Governments alleged Osbey and Shabazz conspired to carry out an extensive health care fraud scheme wherein they submitted or caused to be submitted claims to NC Medicaid for in-home physician visits with patients that simply never occurred—in all, billing more than 30,000 hours of these purported physician visits and sometimes billing as if the physician provided over 100 in-home visits in a single day, purportedly lasting an hour each (an obvious physical impossibility).

    This investigation was conducted in parallel between the civil and criminal divisions of the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Shabazz pleaded guilty to criminal healthcare fraud conspiracy and money laundering charges and was sentenced to 52 months in prison followed by two years of supervised release.

    The civil settlement obtained in this matter was the result of a coordinated effort between the Department of Justice and the FBI field offices in Charlotte, with assistance from the Medicaid Investigations Division of the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office, and the Office of Inspector General of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. AUSAs Caroline McLean and Seth Johnson were responsible for the civil investigation.

    The investigation and resolution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to the Department of Health and Human Services at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Workers’ rights essential to building an inclusive economy

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has emphasised the need for collective action to drive inclusive economic growth and job creation, while safeguarding the rights and gains of South African workers. 

    “At a time when our singular focus is on inclusive economic growth and job creation, we must continue to work together to improve the lives of every South African worker. Let us use the hard-won gains of workers to create new opportunities for all,” President Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter.

    The President’s newsletter comes as the nation has just observed Workers’ Day on 1 May, which is commemorated across the world in honour of the struggles of workers for fair labour standards and conditions of work.

    The President noted that over the past 31 years, the country has made considerable progress in improving its labour laws and protecting the rights of workers.

    He highlighted that the country emerged from a past where black workers were deliberately denied their rights. 

    For many years, he said, black workers could not be organised into unions. Through job reservation, they were denied access to certain occupations and they often worked in unsafe and unhealthy conditions.

    “Today, the rights of workers in South Africa are protected and enforced. The Constitution enshrines the rights of workers as it does the rights of every person who lives in South Africa. Since 1994, we have passed progressive laws to give effect to the rights of workers,” the President said. 

    Following extensive consultation with business, labour and civil society, government introduced a National Minimum Wage in 2019, setting a wage below which no worker may be paid.

    Studies have found that since its introduction, the National Minimum Wage has led to a significant increase in hourly wages for workers and has also played a role in reducing the gap between the highest and lowest paid workers.

    “We have sought to break from our apartheid past, where workers laboured under oppressive conditions to swell the profits of companies without receiving even the most basic benefits. This includes measures to advance worker ownership in companies. An increasing number of workers are part of worker share ownership programmes,” he said. 

    The President emphasised that government has been deliberate in its efforts to protect the rights of women workers. 

    He highlighted that the Employment Equity Act prohibits unfair discrimination on the basis of sex, gender, pregnancy and marital status. 

    “Female workers are guaranteed specific entitlements such as maternity and family responsibility leave, and we have laws that safeguard against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in the workplace,” he said.

    At a time of constrained economic growth and high unemployment, the President said there have been calls from some people, including political parties, for the country’s labour laws to be ‘relaxed’ in response to the prevailing economic climate.

    “Stimulating economic growth and job creation and retaining worker protections are not mutually exclusive. In fact, worker rights have been found to improve productivity and thereby enhance the growth of companies and the economy. They also help to distribute the benefits of growth more equally and improve economic stability.

    “In addition, South Africa’s labour laws are part of our effort to overcome the structural inequality of apartheid,” he said. 

    President Ramaphosa noted that the latest report from the Employment Equity Commission has revealed how far the country still have to go in ending the race-based disparities that exist in the economy. 

    Despite Africans constituting the majority of the economically active population, he said the majority of top management positions in the private sector are still held by white males. 

    This trend is observed at senior management level in nearly every economic category. Black South Africans are predominantly in the semi-skilled and unskilled categories.

    While President Ramaphosa acknowledged progress made since the introduction of employment equity legislation, he said the findings showed that much more needs to be done to transform the racial composition of economic ownership, control, and management. 

    “Employment equity is not the only area where challenges remain. The International Labour Organisation has highlighted problems of compliance with labour laws in South Africa, as well as inadequate safeguards for workers in the burgeoning informal sector.

    “That is why part of our G20 Presidency involves engagements with labour over the consolidation of worker rights. We have held fruitful discussions in this regard with the International Trade Union Confederation and others.

    “Despite these challenges, as a country we will continue to use our progressive labour laws to correct the imbalances of the past, and to ensure that these protections translate into tangible benefits for workers,” President Ramaphosa said. 

    He also called on business in particular to take the necessary measures to ensure that their workplaces reflect both the letter and spirit of laws such as the Labour Relations Act, Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Employment Equity Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.

    “Companies should go beyond compliance by actively fostering diversity and inclusion as envisaged in our Constitution by addressing historical inequalities and create opportunities for under-represented groups among their workers, such as women, the youth and persons with disabilities. 

    “They should also ensure that their workplaces are spaces where dignity, respect and human rights are upheld in daily practice and not just in policies,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Improvements to Alberta Hospital Edmonton coming soon

    [. The Alberta Recovery Model is focused on ensuring Albertans have access to evidence-based mental health and addiction care to pursue recovery and personal wellness. This approach has included significant capital investments for new infrastructure, to build more capacity and open more beds within the mental health and addiction system.

    To continue development of the Alberta Recovery Model, government is putting forward more than $141 million of capital funding for site improvements and new infrastructure at the Alberta Hospital Edmonton (AHE) campus. AHE has been delivering mental health services for more than 100 years, first opening its doors in 1923. With little capital investment for several decades for AHE, it is time to bring new life to the facilities and expand services delivered.

    “Alberta Hospital Edmonton has provided psychiatric care to Albertans for more than 100 years. Adding new addiction treatment facilities to the campus is a step forward in building mental health and addiction system capacity. This investment will ensure Alberta Hospital Edmonton is helping Albertans pursue recovery for years to come.”

    Dan Williams, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction

    The capital funding will support upgrades for campus infrastructure, unit renovations and demolition of vacated buildings at Alberta Hospital Edmonton. This investment will also support building the Edmonton Recovery Community and the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre on the AHE campus. Overall, the capital investment will help maintain important hospital infrastructure for the existing 460 treatment beds and outpatient psychiatric services while also increasing addiction treatment capacity within Edmonton by 225 beds.

    Construction of both the Edmonton Recovery Community and the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre is expected to begin in 2026.

    “For many years, the Alberta Hospital Edmonton has played an important role supporting Albertans with complex mental health issues. We are proud to support a modernization project that will not only enhance this facility but also ensure that the most advanced and effective care is available for those in need.”

    Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure

    “Our commitment to delivering compassionate, evidence-based care goes hand in hand with our responsibility to provide safe, modern environments for both patients and staff. This investment in new infrastructure allows us to better support Albertans on their recovery journey while ensuring Recovery Alberta’s clinicians and teams have the facilities they need to do their vital work safely and effectively.”

    Kerry Bales, CEO, Recovery Alberta

    Edmonton Recovery Community

    A capital investment of $38 million will go towards building the Edmonton Recovery Community, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2027. The 75-bed facility will provide residents with holistic, long-term addiction treatment for up to one year.

    Recovery communities focus on mental health and well-being, individual and group therapy, development of healthy habits and social skills, employment training and other supports that put residents on a pathway to success. The goal is for every participant to leave the program not only drug free, but as healthy members of society with strong connections to the community.

    Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre

    More than $90 million in capital funding will go towards building the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre, which is expected to be completed in 2029. This new 150-bed centre will provide patients with access to a full spectrum of mental health and addiction supports to address their complex health needs. The centre will include spaces for intake assessments, medically supported detox, counselling, individual and group therapy and more for those receiving care under the proposed Compassionate Intervention Act.

    As part of the public health care system in Alberta, the Northern Alberta Compassionate Intervention Centre will be operated by Recovery Alberta and provide intensive treatment to patients under a secure compassionate intervention care plan. The goal is to provide stabilization, assessment and treatment so Albertans can successfully transition to community supports, such as a recovery community or psychiatric treatment, to continue their recovery journey.

    Alberta Hospital Edmonton revitalization

    More than $13 million in capital maintenance and renewal funding will go towards updating the AHE campus infrastructure, including various mechanical upgrades, water main repairs, boiler repairs, roof replacements and unit renovations (building 8). Two vacant buildings, building 1 and building 11, will be demolished along with the water tower. Planning for the demolition of three more vacant buildings (buildings 2, 5 and 7) is also underway.

    Since 1923, AHE has played an important role in caring for those with complex mental health needs. Today, the hospital continues to provide both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care to Albertans. This includes 460 treatment beds for forensic psychiatric care, adult psychiatric care and the Protection of Children Abusing Drugs program. Treatment beds for youth under mandatory treatment orders will eventually move to the Northern Alberta Youth Recovery Centre upon completion, which will create more treatment space for adult care at AHE.

    Patient care at AHE will not be impacted by the construction of the new buildings or the demolition of the vacant buildings.

    Key Facts

    • Alberta Hospital Edmonton opened in 1923 following the First World War, and was primarily focused on treating veterans with what is now known as post-traumatic stress disorder.
    • AHE has a strong history of mental health care with a focus on recovery-oriented care and addressing substance use challenges.
    • In the 1970s and 80s, Alberta Hospital Edmonton was the province’s largest psychiatric treatment facility with about 650 treatment beds.
    • Building 1 was the first dormitory on the hospital campus and contained the Highwood School until closing in 2006; building 11 was known as the Cottonwood building.

    Related information

    • Compassionate Intervention
    • Recovery Communities
    • Alberta Recovery Model

    Related news

    • Delivering on compassionate intervention (April 15, 2025)
    • Laying the foundation for compassionate intervention (Feb. 24, 2025)
    • Province more than doubling youth treatment beds (Nov. 26, 2024)
    • Alberta opens another world-class recovery community (Aug. 15, 2024)

    Multimedia

    • Watch the news conference

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces Camden woman charged with stealing more than $10,000 from nursing center residentRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that his office’s Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) has arrested Shanna V. Brown, 43 years old, of Camden, S.C., for Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult {43-35-0085 (D)} and Breach of Trust with Fraudulent Intent, value $10,000 or more {16-13-0230(A)}. Brown was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on May 5, 2025.

    A VAMPF investigation found that between May 19, 2023, and October 21, 2024, Brown allegedly misused the funds and assets of a vulnerable adult with fraudulent intent. As the victim’s power of attorney, Brown is accused of unlawfully converting over $10,000 of the victim’s assets for her own personal use. The victim, a vulnerable adult under South Carolina law, resided at White Oak Manor in Columbia, S.C., at the time of the alleged misconduct. 

    White Oak Manor referred this case to VAMPF and cooperated fully with investigators.  This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office.

    Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Breach of Trust, value $10,000 or more, is a felony and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to 10 years in prison or a fine at the discretion of the court. 

    Pursuant to federal regulations, VAMPF has authority over Medicaid provider fraud; abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries in any setting; and the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals residing in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. 

    Attorney General Wilson stressed that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

    The South Carolina Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, dba VAMPF, receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $2,889,252 for federal fiscal year 2025. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $963,084 for FFY 2025, is funded by South Carolina.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement Ahead of Nat’l Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

    05.05.25

    Cantwell Statement Ahead of Nat’l Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People

    According to the Washington State Patrol, there are currently 112 unsolved cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement ahead of Monday, May 5th, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP).

    “May 5th is a day we remember the victims of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis and recognize the suffering of families and Native communities,” said Sen. Cantwell. “We must stand together, continue to demand justice, and work together to get more law enforcement resources on the ground to help tribes protect their people from violence.”

    Sen. Cantwell has been a vocal advocate and leader in championing legislation to help end the MMIWP crisis. In 2020, Sen. Cantwell’s Savanna’s Act was signed into law to help federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies better respond to cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people by improving coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increasing data collection and information sharing, and providing tribal governments with vital resources.

    In May 2023, Sen. Cantwell held a press conference in Seattle with representatives from the Seattle Indian Health Board, tribal leaders, Indigenous community organizations, MMIWP advocates and loved ones of Indigenous persons who have gone missing. At the press conference, Sen. Cantwell announced she sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging them to prioritize funding to assist Tribes and organizations working to combat the MMIWP crisis. Video from that presser is available HERE, photos HERE, and a transcript HERE.

    Following Sen. Cantwell’s urging, in June 2023 the U.S. Department of Justice announced the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Regional Outreach Program, which dedicated five Assistant U.S. Attorneys and five coordinators to the task of resolving the cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. This included dedicated personnel based in Eastern Washington.

    In July 2023, Sen. Cantwell introduced the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act to help tribal police departments hire and retain tribal law enforcement officers by providing access to federal retirement, pension, death, and injury benefits on par with law enforcement officers from non-tribal jurisdictions. In May 2024, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on Sen. Cantwell’s bill, which included testimony from Chris Sutter, Chief of Police of the Tulalip Tribal Police Department, and officials from the Department of the Interior and the National Congress of American Indians in support of the legislation. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs favorably reported Sen. Cantwell’s bill to the full Senate in September 2024.

    In October 2024, Sen. Cantwell announced $6.9 million in federal funding for state and municipal law enforcement agencies, tribal justice departments and programs, and medical examiner offices to help prosecute violence against women and children cases, among other things.

    Sen. Cantwell has also helped secure public safety funding specifically for tribal communities. In the 2013 and 2022 reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act, Sen. Cantwell fought to include strong tribal policies including: allowing tribes to continue to have jurisdiction over dating violence and domestic violence crimes and violations of tribal protection orders, restoring tribal jurisdiction over violent and dangerous crimes such as child and sexual abuse, sex trafficking and stalking, and providing tribes with more resources to improve and build public safety programs within their communities.

    In 2019, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored the Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act to provide a substantial increase in resources for tribal crime victim assistance programs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Pettersen Requests Meeting with HHS Sec. Kennedy & Extends Invite to CO following Reports of Planned Cuts to Overdose Prevention Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Brittany Pettersen (Colorado 7th District)

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Brittany Pettersen (CO-07) requested a personal meeting with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. following reports of the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate the Overdose Prevention and First Responder Training programs under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In a letter to Secretary Kennedy, Pettersen pressed for continued funding of the program and extended an invitation for Kennedy to visit Colorado’s Seventh Congressional District and meet with local law enforcement and service groups who rely on naloxone every day to save lives.

    These programs are critical to expanding access to naloxone, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses and has saved countless lives — including the life of Pettersen’s own mother, who battled addiction for more than 30 years. The letter follows the Trump administration’s proposed FY26 budget proposal that would cut federal grants for naloxone distribution. 

    In the letter, Representative Pettersen shared, “I have seen first-hand the impact of the opioid crisis in my fight to save my mom’s life from a 30-year long struggle with addiction… In one year alone, my mom overdosed more than 20 times and even overdosed 3 times in a single day. But she is one of the lucky ones. Time and time again, she was administered naloxone, and eventually, she was finally able to receive the treatment she needed.”

    Representative Pettersen continued, “But the truth is, my mom wouldn’t be here if there hadn’t been naloxone on site each time she overdosed. Naloxone saves lives and it saved hers…That is why it is imperative that the Overdose Prevention and the First Responder programs continue under SAMHSA. Both of these programs expand access to naloxone and have helped curb the opioid epidemic.”

    Rep. Pettersen has been a leading voice in Congress on addressing the opioid crisis and expanding access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment. Inspired by her own mother’s struggle, Pettersen has fought for legislation to prevent overdose deaths by ensuring airplanes, law enforcement, and hospitals are able to distribute naloxone when necessary.

    Full text of the letter can be found HERE and below.

    Dear Secretary Kennedy, 

    Thank you for renewing the public health emergency declaration to address our nation’s opioid crisis. As you know, overdose deaths continue to be the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18-44, so I hope we can work together to address this crisis head on. I have serious concern regarding the recent reports of your intent to eliminate the Overdose Prevention program and the First Responder Training program under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in your FY26 budget request.  As you know, both of these programs expand access to the life-saving drug, naloxone.

    I have seen first-hand the impact of the opioid crisis in my fight to save my mom’s life from a 30-year long struggle with addiction. When I was just six years old, my mom sustained a back injury and was over-prescribed opioids to manage her pain. Like so many Americans, this fueled a decades long addiction that eventually led to her using heroin and fentanyl. In one year alone, my mom overdosed more than 20 times and even overdosed 3 times in a single day. But she is one of the lucky ones. Time and time again, she was administered naloxone, and eventually, she was finally able to receive the treatment she needed. 

    This past August, my mom celebrated her seventh year in recovery, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. She serves as a powerful example of what is possible when people gain access to the treatment and services they need.  But the truth is, my mom wouldn’t be here if there hadn’t been naloxone on site each time she overdosed. Naloxone saves lives and it saved hers. There are many different paths to recovery, and I appreciate your openness in sharing your own struggle with addiction. I hope together we can work to reduce the stigma around addiction and encourage more people to find their own path to recovery. 

    That is why it is imperative that the Overdose Prevention and the First Responder programs continue under SAMHSA. Both of these programs expand access to naloxone and have helped curb the opioid epidemic. For the first time since 2018, the number of Americans dying of a drug overdose declined over a one-year period. From October 2023 to September 2024, overdose deaths were reduced by 24%, from 114,000 deaths to 87,000 deaths. However, the substance use disorder crisis is far from over, and American lives are at stake. We cannot afford to turn back the clock on the progress that SAMHSA has made. 

    As an individual in recovery yourself, I trust that you are as committed as I am to addressing the opioid crisis head on. I respectfully request a meeting or call with you so we can discuss how to best help people survive this epidemic and get into recovery. 

    Additionally, I would also like to invite you to Colorado’s Seventh Congressional District to meet with local law enforcement, who administer naloxone every day to save lives. We must continue to support first-responders who are the front lines of the addiction crisis and this would be an opportunity for us both to listen and learn from law enforcement. 

    Together, we have the power to build on the progress we’ve made to curb the opioid epidemic and save American lives, and I look forward to working with you,

    MIL OSI USA News –