Category: Latin America

MIL-OSI USA: Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Push Back on Proposed Cuts to Disaster Programs Helping Georgians Recover From Helene
US Senate News:
Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Push Back on Proposed Cuts to Disaster Programs Helping Georgians Recover From Helene
In a new letter, Senator Reverend Warnock led 42 of his colleagues in an effort to push back against U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner’s proposed cuts to disaster recovery programs

HUD disaster recovery programs help rebuild houses and small businesses, repair roads and bridges, restore clean drinking water service, and invest in workforce development for Georgians who’ve lost jobs

Georgia is scheduled to receive $256 million under the HUD program for Helene and Milton recovery

The cuts would reduce the number of employees at the HUD office responsible for getting disaster relief directly to Georgians and Americans from 936 to 150 – an 84% reduction

The proposed cuts come as Georgia and several other states throughout the Southeast are in the midst of the recovery process following Hurricanes Helene and Milton

Senator Reverend Warnock recently called for the Trump Administration to distribute federal disaster assistance for Georgia farmers that Congress secured after Hurricane Helene

Senator Reverend Warnock has been outspoken on aimless cuts to key government agencies, departments, and federal programs that hardworking Americans rely on

Senator Reverend Warnock, lawmakers: “The CDBG-DR [disaster recovery] program is critical to our states’ ability to recover from natural disasters, and it is essential that HUD distributes funding as quickly and efficiently as possible”

Washington, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA) led an effort with 42 of his Senate colleagues pushing back on U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner’s proposed cuts to crucial disaster recovery programs that are under the umbrella of HUD.

The cuts would reduce employees at HUD’s office of Community Planning and Development, which administers the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Program, a crucial pot of funding that helps impacted communities with disaster recovery following extreme weather events like hurricanes. Under this program, Georgia is scheduled to receive $256 million for Helene and Milton recovery, which would likely be in jeopardy due to the cuts.

This disaster relief work includes rebuilding houses and small businesses, repairing roads and bridges, restoring water services, and investing in workforce development for Georgians who’ve lost jobs. The proposed employee reduction at HUD is roughly 84%, a massive drop from 936 to 150, and would likely impede the hurricane recovery process in Georgia.

“Communities across the country experienced significant natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. States across the South—including Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia—were devastated by Hurricanes Milton and Helene,” wrote the Senators. “CDBG-DR provides states, cities, counties, and Tribes with funding to support recovery efforts in the wake of natural disasters.”

The news of the proposed cuts comes as Georgia is still in the midst of the ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene. Senators Warnock and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) recently called for the Trump Administration to distribute federal disaster assistance for Georgia farmers that Congress secured after Hurricane Helene.

“Specifically, you [Secretary Turner] stated that “one of [your] top priorities” as HUD Secretary would “be to ensure that the disaster recovery funding passed by Congress gets out to communities swiftly” and “into the hands of Americans who have been impacted by recent disasters.” Your statements indicated a strong commitment to providing our disaster-impacted communities with the resources they need, but we are concerned that recent actions at the Department have not matched that verbal commitment,” the Senators continued.

“We urge you to immediately stop any additional cuts to the workforce and contracts involved in disaster recovery oversight, and reinstate any recently terminated probationary staff,” the lawmakers concluded.

In November of last year, Senator Reverend Warnock, Congressional Appropriators, and Governor Brian Kemp requested $3 billion in CDBG-DR funding for Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Helene. Additionally, Senator Warnock has pushed back on several efforts, spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency, to aimlessly cut key government agencies, departments, and federal programs that hardworking Americans rely on. Senator Warnock fought back against cuts to Medicaid in the tax bill proposed by Washington Republicans, spoke out when the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was effectively closed, and most recently warned Georgians of the impact when the announcement of five Georgia Social Security Administration offices would be closed.

Read the letter HERE and below.

Dear Secretary Turner:

We write today regarding our concerns that recent actions taken by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are hampering our states’ ability to access Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funds, and could degrade the ability to recover from both current and future disasters. The CDBG-DR program is critical to our states’ ability to recover from natural disasters, and it is essential that HUD distributes funding as quickly and efficiently as possible. We request additional information on your plans to ensure that communities continue to receive the resources they need to rebuild.

Communities across the country experienced significant natural disasters in 2023 and 2024. States across the South—including Florida, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Georgia—were devastated by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, while Alaska, Louisiana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and Illinois experienced severe storms. States in the Northeast— including Vermont and Massachusetts —faced life-threatening floods, while states in the West —including California, Washington State, and Hawaii—saw catastrophic wildfires.

CDBG-DR provides states, cities, counties, and Tribes with funding to support recovery efforts in the wake of natural disasters. In December 2024, Congress appropriated $12 billion in emergency supplemental CDBG-DR funding. During your confirmation process, you made clear that, if confirmed, you would prioritize getting our constituents CDBG-DR funding as quickly as possible. Specifically, you stated that “one of [your] top priorities” as HUD Secretary would “be to ensure that the disaster recovery funding passed by Congress gets out to communities swiftly” and “into the hands of Americans who have been impacted by recent disasters.” Your statements indicated a strong commitment to providing our disaster-impacted communities with the resources they need, but we are concerned that recent actions at the Department have not matched that verbal commitment.

For years, the HUD Office of Inspector General listed disaster recovery oversight as a top management challenge at HUD, noting the need for systems and staff to keep pace with increases in CDBG-DR funding, as well as the need to build the capacity of CDBG-DR grantees. The latest Top Management Challenges report highlighted multiple ways in which HUD has made “meaningful progress,” largely due to the investment Congress has made over the years to support staff, systems, and capacity building. Over the last week, however more than one thousand HUD employees (13% of HUD’s workforce) were fired or accepted the Administration’s deferred resignation offer – including staff supporting the CDBG-DR program. Furthermore, according to recent reports, HUD “plans to discharge 50% of its overall workforce”, and the Office of Community Planning and Development, which is responsible for supporting disaster recovery efforts, is targeted for a staggering 84% cut. Should such cuts move forward, it is unclear how the Department will continue to ensure the efficient delivery of CDBG-DR funds so our states and communities can continue to rebuild after devastating disasters.

HUD has also postponed previously scheduled trainings designed to help grantees understand CDBG-DR program requirements, and it is not clear when those trainings will resume. Moreover, continued uncertainty on whether and the extent to which HUD may change the current Universal Notice governing the latest allocations from the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2025 (Public Law 118-158) could cause additional delays. At least one grantee has already started accepting public comments on their draft action plan. Any major deviations from current requirements could be a huge setback for communities, adding months to recovery efforts.

We urge you to immediately stop any additional cuts to the workforce and contracts involved in disaster recovery oversight, and reinstate any recently terminated probationary staff.

To help us better understand the current status of the CDBG-DR program and your plans to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of CDBG-DR funds for our states and others across the country, we request information to the following questions no later than Monday, March 24, 2025:

All grantees who received allocations from Public Law 118-158 have been using the CDBG-DR Universal Notice to develop their action plans.

Do you intend to make changes to the Universal Notice?

If so, how will HUD do that in a way that is minimally disruptive to the grantees whose actions plans are underway and to avoid delaying assistance?

What is HUD’s timeline for reissuing the second allocation notice for Public Law 118-158 funding that was posted to the Federal Register for public inspection on January 21, 2025 but withdrawn on January 22, 2025?

How many HUD employees were responsible for supporting the implementation of the CDBG-DR program, including the delivery of recently appropriated supplemental funding, on January 20, 2025? Please delineate by field versus headquarters and employee status (e.g., career, conditional, term, etc.).

How many HUD employees are responsible for supporting the implementation of the CDBG-DR program, including the delivery of recently appropriated supplemental funding, on[March 17, 2025]? Please delineate by field versus headquarters and employee status (e.g., career, conditional, term, etc.).

What additional plans, if any, does the Department have to further reduce the number of HUD employees responsible for implementing the CDBG-DR program?

What analyses, if any, has HUD conducted to assess the impact of any proposed or implemented workforce reductions on the Department’s ability to implement CDBG-DR funding? Please provide copies of any written communications, analyses, and other documentation on how workforce reductions could impact the CDBG-DR program produced between January 21, 2025, and [March 17, 2025].

What services, such as trainings and the provision of technical assistance, was HUD providing to CDBG-DR grantees on January 20, 2025?

What services, if any, is HUD currently providing to CDBG-DR grantees? What changes, if any, have occurred to the services provided to CDBG-DR grantees since January 20, 2025?

What additional plans, if any, does the Department have to alter the available services provided to CDBG-DR grantees?

Have any contracts related to the CDBG-DR program been terminated since January 20, 2025, as a result of the ongoing review of the ongoing reviews of HUD programs? If so, please detail which contracts, the reason for termination, and the plan for addressing the contracted work, if applicable.
MIL OSI USA News –
March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Joint statement of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Charlevoix

Source: France-Diplomatie – Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development

We the G7 Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America, and the High Representative of the European Union, met in Charlevoix on March 12 to 14, 2025.

Ukraine’s long-term prosperity and security

We reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty and independence.

We welcomed ongoing efforts to achieve a ceasefire, and in particular the meeting on March 11 between the U.S. and Ukraine in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We applauded Ukraine’s commitment to an immediate ceasefire, which is an essential step towards a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in line with the Charter of the United Nations.

We called for Russia to reciprocate by agreeing to a ceasefire on equal terms and implementing it fully. We discussed imposing further costs on Russia in case such a ceasefire is not agreed, including through further sanctions, caps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine, and other means. This includes the use of extraordinary revenues stemming from immobilized Russian Sovereign Assets. We underlined the importance of confidence-building measures under a ceasefire including the release of prisoners of war and detainees—both military and civilian—and the return of Ukrainian children.

We emphasized that any ceasefire must be respected and underscored the need for robust and credible security arrangements to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression. We stated that we will continue to coordinate economic and humanitarian support to promote the early recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine, including at the Ukraine Recovery Conference which will take place in Rome on July 10-11, 2025.

We condemned the provision to Russia of military assistance by DPRK and Iran, and the provision of weapons and dual-use components by China, a decisive enabler of Russia’s war and of the reconstitution of Russia’s armed forces. We reiterated our intention to continue to take action against such third countries.

We expressed alarm about the impacts of the war, especially on civilians and on civilian infrastructure. We discussed the importance of accountability and reaffirmed our commitment to work together to achieve a durable peace and to ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong and prosperous.

Regional peace and stability in the Middle East

We called for the release of all hostages and for the hostages’ remains held by Hamas in Gaza to be returned to their loved ones. We reaffirmed our support for the resumption of unhindered humanitarian aid into Gaza and for a permanent ceasefire. We underscored the imperative of a political horizon for the Palestinian people, achieved through a negotiated solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that meets the legitimate needs and aspirations of both peoples and advances comprehensive Middle East peace, stability and prosperity. We noted serious concern over the growing tensions and hostilities in the West Bank and calls for de-escalation.

We recognized Israel’s inherent right to defend itself consistent with international law. We unequivocally condemned Hamas, including for its brutal and unjustified terror attacks on October 7, 2023, and the harm inflicted on the hostages during their captivity and the violation of their dignity through the use of ‘handover ceremonies’ during their release. We reiterated that Hamas can have no role in Gaza’s future and must never again be a threat to Israel. We affirmed our readiness to engage with Arab partners on their proposals to chart a way forward on reconstruction in Gaza and build a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace.

We expressed our support for the people of Syria and Lebanon, as both countries work towards peaceful and stable political futures. At this critical juncture, we reiterated the importance of Syria’s and Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We called unequivocally for the rejection of terrorism in Syria. We condemned strongly the recent escalation of violence in the coastal regions of Syria, and called for the protection of civilians and for perpetrators of atrocities to be held accountable. We stressed the critical importance of an inclusive and Syrian-led political process. We welcomed the commitment by the Syrian interim government to work with the OPCW in eliminating all remaining chemical weapons.

We stressed that Iran is the principal source of regional instability and must never be allowed to develop and acquire a nuclear weapon. We emphasized that Iran must now change course, de-escalate and choose diplomacy. We underscored the threat of Iran’s growing use of arbitrary detention and foreign assassination attempts as a tool of coercion.

Cooperation to increase security and resilience across the Indo-Pacific

We reiterated our commitment to upholding a free, open, prosperous and secure Indo-Pacific, based on sovereignty, territorial integrity, peaceful resolution of disputes, fundamental freedoms and human rights.

We remain seriously concerned by the situations in the East China Sea as well as the South China Sea and continue to oppose strongly unilateral attempts to change the status quo, in particular by force and coercion. We expressed concern over the increasing use of dangerous maneuvers and water cannons against Philippines and Vietnamese vessels as well as efforts to restrict freedom of navigation and overflight through militarization and coercion in the South China Sea, in violation of international law. We emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. We encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues and reiterated our opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion. We also expressed support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in appropriate international organizations.

We remain concerned with China’s military build-up and the continued, rapid increase in China’s nuclear weapons arsenal. We called on China to engage in strategic risk reduction discussions and promote stability through transparency.

We emphasized that China should not conduct or condone activities aimed at undermining the security and safety of our communities and the integrity of our democratic institutions.16. We expressed concerns about China’s non-market policies and practices that are leading to harmful overcapacity and market distortions. We further called on China to refrain from adopting export control measures that could lead to significant supply chain disruptions. We reiterated that we are not trying to harm China or thwart its economic growth, indeed a growing China that plays by international rules and norms would be of global interest.

We demanded that the DPRK abandon all its nuclear weapons and any other weapons of mass destruction as well as ballistic missile programs in accordance with all relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. We expressed our serious concerns over, and the need to address together, the DPRK’s cryptocurrency thefts. We called on DPRK to resolve the abductions issue immediately.

We denounced the brutal repression of the people of Myanmar by the military regime and called for an end to all violence and for unhindered humanitarian access.

Building stability and resilience in Haiti and Venezuela

We strongly denounced the ongoing horrifying violence that continues to be perpetrated by gangs in Haiti in their efforts to seize control of the government. We reaffirmed our commitment to helping the Haitian people restore democracy, security and stability, including through support to the Haitian National Police and Kenya-led Multinational Security Support Mission and an increased role for the UN. We expressed support for Haitian authorities’ efforts to create a specialized anti-corruption jurisdiction that complies with the highest international standards.

We reiterated our call for the restoration of democracy in Venezuela in line with the aspirations of the Venezuelan people who peacefully voted on July 28, 2024, for change, the cessation of repression and arbitrary or unjust detentions of peaceful protestors including youth by Nicolas Maduro’s regime, as well as the unconditional and immediate release of all political prisoners. We also agreed Venezuelan naval vessels threatening Guyana’s commercial vessels is unacceptable and an infringement of Guyana’s internationally recognized sovereign rights. We reaffirmed respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations as an enduring value.

Supporting lasting peace in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

We unequivocally denounced the ongoing fighting and atrocities in Sudan, including sexual violence against women and girls, which have led to the world’s largest humanitarian crisis and the spread of famine. We called for the warring parties to protect civilians, cease hostilities, and ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and urged external actors to end their support fueling the conflict.

We condemned the Rwanda-backed M23 offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the resulting violence, displacement and grave human rights and international humanitarian law violations. This offensive constitutes a flagrant disregard of the territorial integrity of the DRC. We reiterated our call for M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force to withdraw from all controlled areas. We urged all parties to support the mediation led by the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community, to promote accountability for human rights abuses by all armed actors, including M23 and the FDLR, and to commit to a peaceful and negotiated resolution of the conflict, including the meaningful participation of women and youth.

Strengthening sanctions and countering hybrid warfare and sabotage

We welcomed efforts to strengthen the Sanctions Working Group focused on listings and enforcement. We also welcomed discussions on the establishment of a Hybrid Warfare and Sabotage Working Group, and of a Latin America Working Group.

MIL OSI Europe News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Former Principals of Aerospace Start-Up Company Charged with Fraud, Fraud Conspiracy, and Tax Evasion

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

WASHINGTON – An indictment was unsealed today charging five former principals of aerospace start-up company Theia Group, Inc.—Erlend Olson, John Gallagher, Stephen Buscher, Joseph Fargnoli, and Jamil Swati—with a multi-year scheme to defraud investors and lenders out of $250 million, and further charging Olson with evading more than $3.9 million in personal federal income taxes. Theia Group, Inc. (Theia) had its headquarters in Washington D.C.

Law enforcement made arrests yesterday in Albuquerque, New Mexico (Olson), Memphis, Tennessee (Buscher), and today in Broomall, Pennsylvania (Gallagher), Rochester, New York (Fargnoli), and Bridgeport, Connecticut (Swati).

The indictment was announced by U.S. Attorney Edward R. Martin, Jr. Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey D. Pittano of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) Office of Inspector General, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Washington D.C. Office.

According to the indictment, Theia planned to launch 112 satellites starting in 2022 at a cost of $10 billion to $15 billion. Theia’s principals originally planned to raise the requisite funds from various nation-states by promising perpetual data and analytics for an upfront cost of $2 billion. However, from Theia’s founding in 2015 through its placement into receivership in 2021, Theia was unsuccessful in obtaining any funding except for approximately $250 million in loans and investments that Theia’s principals induced by fraud. Olson, Gallagher, Buscher, Fargnoli, and Swati’s fraud scheme allegedly included materially false statements about revenue from non-existent government contracts, provision of multiple false financial statements, including a fake $6 billion escrow account statement, and false representations about Theia’s technical capabilities.

The indictment further alleges that, between 2018 and 2020, Theia’s founder, Erlend Olson, concealed from the IRS millions of dollars in compensation he received from Theia. In addition to not filing tax returns or paying any taxes for 2018 through 2020, Olson allegedly directed his compensation from Theia to a nominee entity called Meridian Vector Corporation (MVC). Olson then used MVC funds to pay personal expenses such as personal debts, a private jet membership, $64,500 annual rent payments for his home, a new Land Rover, and a pair of condominiums in Las Vegas. Olson also allegedly evaded payment of taxes that he owed the IRS for tax years 2009 through 2011 by directing that his pay and bonuses not be reported to the IRS.

Olson, Gallagher, Buscher, Fargnoli, and Swati are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud. Olson also is charged with five counts of wire fraud, one count of mail fraud, and four counts of tax evasion. Gallagher is also charged with five counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. Buscher also is charged with three counts of wire fraud. Fargnoli is also charged with two counts of wire fraud. Swati is also charged with one count of wire fraud.

If convicted, Olson, Gallagher, Buscher, Fargnoli, and Swati face up to 20 years in prison for the conspiracy count, as well as up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud or mail fraud count. Each also face a period of supervised release, restitution, monetary penalties, and forfeiture. Olson faces up to five years in prison for each tax evasion count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

FDIC Office of Inspector General and IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca G. Ross, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Gold of the District of Columbia, Senior Litigation Counsel Nanette Davis, and Trial Attorney Alexis Hughes of the Tax Division are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Human Rights Council focuses on Iran, Syria, Venezuela

Source: United Nations 2

18 March 2025 Human Rights

Top independent experts reported to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Tuesday, putting the records of Iran, Syria and Venezuela under the spotlight during the 47-member body’s latest session.

Council-appointed experts pointed to grave violations of fundamental rights in Iran, linked to popular protests following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.

Sara Hossein, chair of the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, said that during peaceful protests, “children were killed and severely injured after being fired at with ammunition containing metal pellets”.

The youngsters then faced extremely violent treatment in detention – including torture and rape, according to the investigators’ latest report.

No acknowledgement

“For two years, Iran has refused to adequately acknowledge the demands for equality and justice that fuelled the protests in 2022. The criminalisation, surveillance and continued repression of protesters, families of victims and survivors – in particular women and girls – is deeply worrying,” she said.

Today in Iran, State-led repression of basic freedoms continues, Ms. Hossain maintained, with victims, survivors and their families “harassed, intimidated and threatened”.

Shaheen Ali, who also serves on the Fact-Finding Mission, said that although it was the Iranian Government’s “primary duty to provide redress to victims, we have heard from countless victims and survivors that they have neither confidence nor trust in Iran’s judicial and legal system, to provide meaningful truth, justice and reparations.”

“It is therefore imperative that comprehensive accountability measures also continue to be pursued outside the country.”

The Iranian delegation strongly opposed the probe’s findings.

Truth must emerge: Syria

The Syria crisis also featured at the Human Rights Council, where head of the Commission of Inquiry on Syria, Paulo Pinheiro urged greater efforts to uncover the truth about the fate of tens of thousands of disappeared people, victims of the Assad regime.

Mr. Pinheiro welcomed the new caretaker authorities’ willingness to work with his investigators on several human rights issues, while warning that Syria’s economic and humanitarian situation “remains catastrophic”.

At the same time, humanitarian funding is dwindling, the veteran rights investigator said, warning that economic despair is known to fuel violence, calling for an end to all sanctions “and the removal of other barriers to recovery and reconstruction”.

Meeting families

He said his team of investigators had met many families whose missing loved ones were not among the prisoners released in December following the immediate overthrow of the old regime.

“They now want the truth about their fate, and they want justice,” he said.

“The clarification of the fates of the tens of thousands who remain disappeared will require a large-scale effort led by the caretaker authorities along with technical support from human rights and humanitarian entities, including Syrian civil society,” he added.

“We stand ready to assist those efforts, including by sharing the relevant data we have gathered since 2011, and reiterate the importance of preserving all related evidence and information that can aid in this regard.”

Political Repression in Venezuela

In her presentation to the Council, Marta Valiñas, chair of the Independent International Fact-finding Mission on Venezuela, highlighted ongoing severe human rights violations, including political repression, arbitrary detentions, and persecution.

The 2024 presidential election results were contested but ultimately dismissed by the Supreme Court of Justice without thorough examination.

The National Electoral Council failed to release the total vote count or polling station tally sheets, raising concerns about electoral transparency. Ms. Valiñas stated.

“Credible testimonies indicated that council members received political instructions to announce a predetermined result – deviating from the result obtained at the polling booths.”

Before the presidential inauguration on 10 January 2025, there was a surge in arbitrary detentions of opposition figures and perceived dissidents. Security forces and civilian groups, known as “colectivos”, suppressed anti-government protests, leading to numerous rights violations, she said.

The mission also investigated fatalities during post-election protests. One significant incident involved the death of seven people during a protest near the San Jacinto Obelisk in Maracay, Aragua state, last July.

After analysing over 80 videos and 100 photographs, the mission confirmed that members of the Army and the Bolivarian National Guard had used firearms against protesters.

Deaths due to ‘health complications’

Ms. Valiñas expressed concern over the deaths of multiple detainees in state custody, attributed to “health complications”.

Investigations revealed that many detainees were subjected to torture and inhumane treatment. She cited one case where an individual was believed to have suffered beatings with wooden and metal rods under interrogation.

In response, the Venezuelan Government rejected the findings, calling them politically motivated and biased.

The Venezuelan representative stated, “this mission produces its propaganda based on invented or politically motivated sources, without scientific rigour and with malicious premeditation.”

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Honduran Guilty of Illegal Re-entry

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – ActingUnited States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that ORLIN SAUL HERNANDEZ-TORREZ (“HERNANDEZ-TORREZ”), age 48, a native of Honduras, pleaded guilty on March 13, 2025 to illegal reentry of a removed alien, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1326(a).

According to court documents, HERNANDEZ-TORREZ was previously removed from the United States on April 25, 2005, and again on November 8, 2019. He was later found in the Eastern District of Louisiana on March 20, 2024 and had not received permission from the Attorney General of the United States or the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to reenter. United States District Judge Susie Morgan set sentencing for June 17, 2025.

HERNANDEZ-TORREZ faces a maximum term of imprisonment of two (2) years, a fine of up to $250,000,up to one year of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.

Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson praised the work of the United States Customs and Border Protection agency in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jon Maestri of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why I’m training Colombian Amazonians to become archaeology tourist guides

Source: The Conversation – UK – By José Iriarte, Professor of Archaeology, University of Exeter

Professor Jamie Hampson discusses the interpretation of rock art with diploma students in front of the Tapirs rock art panel. Jose Iriarte, CC BY-NC-ND

Diana Vera, a passionate local guide from Serranía de la Lindosa, Colombia, leads a group of sweaty and panting European tourists through the hot, lush Amazonian rainforest. Together, they climb the flattop hill (known as tepui) of Nuevo Tolima. Their destination? A vast, ancient painted wall perched at the very top of the tepui that whispers stories from a time long past.

As the tourists reach the site, Vera brings history to life. She recounts how archaeology tells us that the first humans arrived here some 13,000 years ago.

She explains how they left their mark on these landscapes by painting their stories, beliefs and visions of the world on the walls of these hills. Because archaeologists have closely analysed the paintings and their chemical signatures, she can explain how paintings were crafted with local ochre using their fingers and brushes.

She gestures towards the intricate depictions of animals, plants and people, pausing at an especially intriguing image – a now-extinct ice age “palaeolama” or prehistoric llama.

Then, she shows them a fascinating hybrid figure – a fusion of bird, deer and human. Much of this artwork is probably shamanic in nature – possibly representing spiritual transformations, most likely induced by hallucinogenic rituals or prolonged fasting.

After Colombia’s peace process was signed in 2016 between participants in a violent civil war, the rock art of Serranía de la Lindosa became a major draw for research and tourism.

As well as attracting visitors, this cultural and natural heritage has sparked positive social change in the region. Families of more than 100 tourist guides benefit because tourism provides an economic alternative for these communities.

It’s a path away from illicit activities such as coca cultivation, destructive deforestation for cattle ranching or joining dissident factions of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) guerrilla movement.

Until now, these local guides have largely relied on self-taught knowledge. There are no universities in the region to provide formal education. Little archaeological research has been conducted in this area, so much of its history and heritage remains unexplored.

To address this gap, my colleagues and I have co-created a diploma degree in cultural heritage management for local tourism guides.

Our team at the University of Exeter worked closely with Colombian partners including the University of Antioquia, the Secretariat of Culture and Tourism of Guaviare Department and the Geographical Society of Colombia to make sure that the diploma met the needs of local people. This diploma is based on knowledge from our systematic study of archaeology and rock art of the region, as part of a European Research Council-funded project called the LastJourney project.

A new cultural heritage diploma degree trains archaeology tourist guides in the Colombian Amazon.

Local community archaeology tourism benefits the heritage, the people and the rainforest. As Colombian archaeologist Javier Aceituno states in The Painted Forest, the 2022 book we co-wrote: “The paintings need the people, and the people need the paintings.”

The Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History, the national heritage authority, has officially designated la Lindosa as an archaeological protected area. However, like many national parks in the Amazon, there are very limited resources for enforcement and preservation of these large rural areas. Local communities can help protect these rock paintings by controlling access and providing guided visits to the sites.

Forty people took part in the first iteration of this three-month-long diploma in 2023-2024. Each of three 30-hour modules are delivered in rural communities of Cerro Azul, Nuevo Tolima and Raudal del Guayabero in Guaviare department, Colombia.

Alongside my colleagues from the University of Exeter and the University of Antioquia, I taught modules in communal village buildings, where we conducted experimental archaeology. This included manufacturing stone tools and recreating paint recipes from scratch, providing a practical, hands-on learning experience bringing archaeology to life.*

This diploma has empowered communities to take a stronger role in managing their archaeological and bio-cultural heritage. By deepening their understanding of this unique history, communities can better protect and manage their heritage, ultimately enriching the tourist experience.

Three graduates from the course also visited UK archaeological sites, including Stonehenge in Wiltshire, to explore how such sites are preserved and presented to tourists abroad. At the Ancient Technology Centre in Dorset they learnt how visitors can experience archaeology in creative ways through hands-on experiences and demonstrations of ancient crafts and sustainable building techniques.

Archaeologists and rock art specialists aren’t just sharing their expertise. My colleagues and I are also learning from Indigenous participants. Victor Caycedo, of the Indigenous Amazonian Desana ethnicity, and Ismael Sierra, from the Tukano people of southern Colombia, bring invaluable ancestral knowledge to the diploma.

They have shared insights into the shamanic and animistic worldviews that have shaped these landscapes for centuries. Their perspectives add a deeper, living dimension to the study of rock art, bridging past and present in a way that only those rooted in these traditions can reveal, as recently published in the journal Arts.

For Diana Vera, this diploma represents “learning about heritage and the ancient lifeways of the people of La Lindosa”. She told me that she now better understands “the union of three villages with a single purpose of conservation and preservation” and has a greater sense of belonging to these ancestral places and nature. Most of all, this diploma marks the opportunity for “a new beginning” in this region by introducing more sustainable and responsible tourism, she said.

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

Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation’s environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 40,000+ readers who’ve subscribed so far.

José Iriarte receives funding from the European Research Council, Arts and Humanities Research Council (UK), British Academy, National Geographic, Wenner Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research, FAPESP (Brazil), and CAPES (Brazil).

– ref. Why I’m training Colombian Amazonians to become archaeology tourist guides – https://theconversation.com/why-im-training-colombian-amazonians-to-become-archaeology-tourist-guides-251651

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Argentina: despite the scandals, Milei’s politics are here to stay

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Juan Pablo Ferrero, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Politics, University of Bath

The Argentinian president, Javier Milei, is going through the toughest moment of his short but remarkable political career. He is facing impeachment calls – as well as legal action – over his promotion of a cryptocurrency on social media.

The cryptocoin $Libra, which Milei mentioned in a social media post on February 14, quickly rose in value before nosediving, causing severe losses for people who had invested in it. Milei has insisted that his post did not constitute an endorsement.

“I’m a techno-optimist … and this was proposed to me as an instrument to help fund Argentine projects,” he said in a television interview. “It’s true that in trying to help out those Argentines, I took a slap in the face.”

I doubt this is it for Milei. But even if it is the beginning of the end, Milei’s politics are here to stay. His leadership style, discourse and actions represent an emerging constituency with both a present and a future.

This is because Milei is not, in my opinion, the effect of a crisis of representation. He is instead a faithful representative of a new reactive society emerging worldwide, which is largely sceptical of institutional mediation and values problem solvers and strong executives.

People at the inauguration of Javier Milei in December 2023.
Facundo Florit / Shutterstock

To explore this phenomenon, imagine if you will, “Ricardo”, a fictitious yet representative member of a vulnerable segment of Argentina’s workforce. People like Ricardo returned to the labour market after the pandemic with precarious jobs and lower wages.

He is a delivery worker who uses multiple digital platforms to earn a living. His life, characterised by the gig economy and labour informality, reflects a broader trend affecting around 50% of workers in Argentina.

Ricardo had previously voted for Argentina’s left-wing leader, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. But he voted for Milei in the last election, as did many others, and says he would vote for Milei again today. His sympathy for Milei has grown over the year he has been in office.

According to a recent poll put together by political consultancy firm Tendencias, 89.6% of those who voted for Milei in the 2023 general election were happy with their choice. A growing share of Argentina’s population seemingly approves of the Milei administration.

During the pandemic, Ricardo’s ability to support his family was diminished by government-imposed restrictions on travel and movement. These restrictions, which were often violently enforced by security forces, pushed him into poverty. The rate of poverty in Argentina increased to over 40% during the pandemic.

This experience led Ricardo to feel a sense of satisfaction when Milei began mass layoffs of public employees to cut public spending. He thought this was payback time for those in the public sector, with job security, who did not have to endure what he had to during the pandemic.

For Ricardo, they were all ñoquis (gnocchi), a slang term widely used in Argentina to refer to public employees who receive a salary but allegedly do little work. These workers are called ñoquis because many Argentinians traditionally eat gnocchi on the 29th day of every month, around the time people receive their monthly paychecks.

Ricardo consumes all of the short clips circulating online from television interviews and talks at international forums of Milei “destroying” career politicians, whom he calls la casta (the caste). Milei sees the main aim of the caste as the reproduction of themselves, so he advocates for a small state or no state at all. Milei believes that nearly everything should be privatised.

While Ricardo thinks politicians should be compensated for their job, many from across Argentina’s political spectrum have become extremely wealthy, so he’s with Milei on this one too. He even wears a chainsaw as a key ring – a nod to Milei’s promise to slash the size of the state.

Ricardo acknowledges that life has become very expensive in Argentina since Milei took office. This is because, while inflation has gone down, the Argentinian peso has gained value, making Argentina one of the most expensive countries in the world. However, he believes this remains a price worth paying for a stable and prosperous Argentina.

The aforementioned poll suggests that many Argentinians feel that their economic situation is better than a year ago, and will improve over the course of the next six months. Inflation, which was the leading concern in most polls ahead of the election, has fallen to sixth place.

Ricardo is persuaded by Milei’s mantra: “If printing money would end poverty, printing diplomas would end stupidity”. And in recent times, Ricardo has spent his scarce leisure moments watching videos on his phone where internet influencers teach him how to multiply his dwindling income by investing in cryptocurrencies that promise high returns in a short time.

In Argentina, like many other areas of the world, the appetite for gambling or investing in highly risky ventures such as cryptocurrency has multiplied as a means to win money fast. This is especially true among young people, often with devastating consequences.

Representation of a new society

There is a new political subject emerging worldwide marked by the precariousness of new forms of work, whose socialisation occurs in the digital world dominated by influencers. These people see the state not only as unnecessary, but as an enemy to be destroyed and distrust all institutional political intermediaries. Milei represents this new society.

The process by which an issue becomes a subject of political debate and action has also changed. Solutions to single issues have replaced political programmes with complex visions about the future as the main source of popular validation. Big personalities can carry this forward more successfully than bureaucratic political parties.

Presidents have become more like city majors judged by their ability to provide solutions to a single issue. In the case of Milei, it’s inflation. For Nayib Bukele in El Salvador, it’s security. And for Donald Trump in the US, it’s China.

The figureheads of new political formations might change, but the politics of these formations will not.

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

– ref. Argentina: despite the scandals, Milei’s politics are here to stay – https://theconversation.com/argentina-despite-the-scandals-mileis-politics-are-here-to-stay-250183

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests 81 illegal aliens as part of joint federal law enforcement operation in Kentucky, of which 25 also charged with felony criminal offenses
Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 81 illegal aliens during an enhanced targeted enforcement operation March 10 to 14 which included multiple federal law enforcement agencies in Kentucky, with 25 of the aliens charged with criminal offenses including illegal reentry, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal possession of controlled substances.

Illegal aliens who were not charged criminally will be held in ICE custody pending removal proceedings.

Arrests included illegal aliens from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Cuba, India and Palau.

Among those arrested during the operation include:
- A 35-year-old citizen of Honduras charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and illegal reentry.
- A 50-year-old citizen of Mexico charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
- A 30-year-old citizen of Mexico charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
- A 45-year-old citizen of Guatemala convicted of domestic violence conviction, public intoxication, driving without a license, and DUI.
- A 44-year-old citizen of India convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor, intimidation, and battery.
- A 28 -year-old citizen of Mexico charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
- A 32-year-old citizen of Mexico convicted of drug trafficking, possession of multiple firearms with machine gun conversion devices who is charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and illegal reentry.
“Public safety relies on the expertise of ICE officers who are able to coordinate across federal agencies to accomplish these arrests,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Chicago Field Office Director Sam Olson. “Operations that lead to the arrest and detention of alien offenders can be complex and may, at times, prove to be challenging. Our agency is more than capable to meet those challenges. I’m grateful for all our federal partners here in the Commonwealth of Kentucky and we are committed, as a united group, to removing individuals from our communities who pose a threat to public safety and national security.”

Partner law enforcement participating in the operation included the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Criminal charges by indictment or criminal complaint are pursued by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices for the Western District of Kentucky and the Eastern District of Kentucky.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE’s mission to increase public safety in your community on X at @EROChicago.

MIL OSI USA News –
March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Appoints State DOL Commissioner

Source: US State of Georgia

ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced his appointment of Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. Joined by her family and supporters, she will be sworn into office on April 4th and serve the remainder of the term won by Bruce Thompson in 2022, who sadly passed away last November.

“Marty and I are proud to make this historic announcement and to congratulate Bárbara Rivera Holmes on her new leadership role that will benefit our entire state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “As someone who has a proven track record of success in economic development and education, I know she will bring the same level of dedication to this position that she has to the people of Dougherty County and the surrounding area. I wish her continued success, both for her career and office, but especially on behalf of the hardworking people of Georgia.”

“Marty, the girls, and I also want to thank Louis DeBroux and the leadership team at the Department of Labor who have kept the Department moving forward after the painful loss of Bruce Thompson last year,” Governor Kemp continued. “Their hard work and uninterrupted commitment to the people of our state will not be forgotten.”

“Throughout my career, I’ve been committed to creating opportunities and building stronger communities by fostering partnerships and statewide alliances that drive job growth, tap into our state’s talent and enhance Georgia’s competitiveness,” said Bárbara Rivera Holmes. “I’m grateful to Governor Kemp for the opportunity to build on this work, pledging to always put Georgians first as commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor. I look forward to working alongside my fellow constitutional officers and Team Georgia as champions of our great state.”

“Bárbara is an excellent choice for Commissioner of Labor,” said former Governor Nathan Deal. “She brings years of experience in economic development, workforce, and higher education to the job. Bárbara will join a talented team helping ensure our state continues to be the best place for business, raise a family, and call home.”

“I want to extend my congratulations to Bárbara Rivera Holmes on her appointment to serve as Georgia’s Labor Commissioner,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “As we continue to mourn the loss of our dear friend and former Commissioner Bruce Thompson, we warmly welcome Ms. Rivera Holmes. Her role as the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, along with her extensive background in business and workforce development, make her a great fit to take on this important role. I look forward to working with her on key issues impacting Georgia’s businesses, workforce, and overall economic success.”

“The Georgia House is incredibly excited to welcome Bárbara Rivera Holmes into her new role as Commissioner of Labor,” said Speaker of the House Jon Burns. “Her wealth of experience in economic development and small business advocacy will undoubtedly be invaluable as we continue our efforts to strengthen Georgia’s workforce in every corner of the state.”

“Bárbara Rivera Holmes has been for many years a fierce advocate for Georgia’s workforce and economic development, and she’s been a strong partner in our fight to combat fraud and cybercrimes in Southwest Georgia and beyond,” said Attorney General Chris Carr. “We’re proud to join in congratulating her on this historic appointment, and we look forward to continuing to work together to ensure that Georgia remains the best place to live, work, and build a business.”

“I am thrilled to congratulate my friend and a Great Georgian, Bárbara Rivera Holmes, on her historic appointment to serve as Georgia Labor Commissioner,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “As a longtime resident of Albany, I know Bárbara has a deep understanding of Georgia’s No. 1 industry, and she knows that for Georgia’s farm families, agriculture is more than just a job or a hobby – it is our way of life. I’m excited to welcome Barbara to our fantastic team of Constitutional Officers, and I look forward to working together to deliver for Georgia farmers and consumers alike.”

“With a long history of hard work and strong leadership, there is no doubt that Bárbara Rivera Holmes will create lasting, positive changes in our state,” said Insurance Commissioner John King. “She brings an incredible depth of experience and understanding of the challenges Georgians face, and I look forward to working with her to move Georgia towards a brighter future.”

“I’ve known Bárbara Rivera Holmes for quite a while now and I congratulate her on her appointment,” Public Service Commission Chairman Jason Shaw said on behalf of his fellow Commissioners. “She is one of the true champions of South Georgia and the entire state. Her dedication to community service, economic development, and higher education will certainly provide her a solid base as she begins work as our newest Labor Commissioner.”

“I commend Governor Kemp for appointing Bárbara Rivera Holmes as Georgia’s Labor Commissioner,” said Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. “Her expertise in economic development has positively impacted many lives in Southwest Georgia, and I’m optimistic about her extending that success statewide. I also want to express my gratitude to Louis DeBroux for his leadership in continuing the work of our friend Bruce Thompson and working tirelessly to improve the lives of all Georgians.”

“I wish to congratulate Bárbara Rivera Holmes on her historic appointment as Georgia’s Commissioner of Labor, and I look forward to the valuable perspective she’ll bring to the role as someone rooted in rural Georgia,” said State School Superintendent Richard Woods. “Education and workforce concerns are so closely intertwined, and I look forward to working with Commissioner Rivera Holmes to ensure a prosperous future for our students and our state as a whole.”

“As a former regent for the University System of Georgia, Bárbara Rivera Holmes understands the university system provides talent flow for industry,” said University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue. “Combined with her longtime experience leading the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce, she knows how to build community, solve business challenges, and partner with decision-makers, employers, and innovators. We look forward to working with her closely as she develops a workforce for Georgia’s future.”

Bárbara Rivera Holmes is president and CEO of the Albany Area Chamber of Commerce. She is also CEO of the Albany Area Chamber Foundation. Under her leadership, the organizations build economic opportunity, community, and a path forward for Albany’s future by solving businesses’ greatest challenges, working with decisionmakers to inform smart policy, and partnering with employers and educators to build a modern and adaptive workforce.

Previously, she served as Vice President of the Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission (ADEDC), overseeing the development of its brand, marketing campaigns, and its successful business retention and expansion program which facilitates existing industry job creation and capital investment in Albany-Dougherty County.

Prior to her work at the ADEDC, Holmes was the senior business writer with The Albany Herald, where she earned four Georgia Associated Press awards for excellence in journalism. In 2018, she was appointed by former Governor Nathan Deal to the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia and also served as co-chair of the Georgia Innovates Task Force to help design the state’s innovation blueprint. Earlier this year, Governor Brian Kemp appointed Holmes to the House Rural Development Council.

A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Holmes is fluent in Spanish. She graduated as a double major from Florida Southern College, where she studied Journalism and Spanish. Holmes lives in Albany with her husband, David, and their daughter.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Luján Discusses Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid with Seniors, Hosts Roundtable on Needs of New Mexico Food Banks

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
Santa Fe, N.M. – On Monday, U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) visited the Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center in Santa Fe to meet with seniors and discuss his efforts to protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid for New Mexicans from attacks by Elon Musk and the Trump administration. Senator Luján then traveled to Albuquerque to convene a roundtable at Roadrunner Food Bank to discuss the specific needs of New Mexico food banks and stakeholders and efforts to support New Mexicans in the Farm Bill.
Mary Esther Gonzales Senior Center, Santa Fe, N.M.

“It was an honor to meet with New Mexican seniors today and hear firsthand how vital programs like Social Security and Medicare are to their livelihoods. Standing up for our seniors is important to me, especially in the face of threats to programs that our seniors rely on. Elon Musk called Americans’ hard-earned benefits ‘the big one to eliminate’ and a ‘Ponzi Scheme.’ That’s unacceptable,” said Senator Luján.
“Over 100,000 seniors in New Mexico rely on Medicaid, and 460,000 New Mexicans are covered by Medicare. Without Medicaid, most older adults who need help with daily activities would not be able to afford home-based or nursing facility care,”continued Senator Luján. “That’s just not right. I will continue fighting to protect our seniors against attacks from the Trump administration.”
Roadrunner Food Bank, Albuquerque, N.M.

“It was a privilege to meet with folks at Roadrunner Foodbank to learn more about the needs of our food banks, farmers, producers, and stakeholders. The Musk-Trump funding freeze and broad and indiscriminate firings across the federal government have devastated communities across America, leaving countless families uncertain where their next meal would come from. Foodbanks across New Mexico ensure families in need have access to nutritious meals. But now, Elon Musk, President Trump, and Congressional Republicans are threatening critical funding for nutrition support – putting New Mexico families at risk,” said Senator Luján.
“As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry’s Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, I will continue to fight to protect programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP),” continued Senator Luján. “These programs are lifelines for thousands of New Mexicans, and gutting these resources hurts our families and threatens our communities and the economy,”
“Taking aim at funding that supports community members struggling to get enough food to eat (particularly highly nutritious foods) and positively impacts local growers and producers is only accomplishing one thing: harming New Mexicans and Americans. If the goal is healthier communities, we should be investing in support for locally produced foods going to community members, not stripping away those programs and funds,” said Katy Anderson, Road Runner Foodbank VP-Strategy, Partnerships, and Advocacy.
“The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) created an opportunity to implement an innovative approach to improving access to nutritious food through the food security network while strengthening the resilience of New Mexico’s local food system. For the first time, the food security network and the local agriculture community worked together to foster change—and it worked! The abrupt dissolution of this program harms everyone—producers, food banks, food-insecure individuals, and the critical relationships that sustain New Mexico’s communities,” said Jill Dixon, Executive Director of The Food Depot.
“These cuts hurt farmers, and the adage is true as ever: no farmers, no food. The Local Food Purchasing program allowed local farms like ours to have predictable, meaningful contracts delivering the fresh healthy food we grow to food banks and schools, ensuring local food reached the people who need it most. Thanks to this highly successful program, NM farmers pivoted their crop plans and distribution strategies to feed our communities. Now, with funding cuts, crops are in the fields but won’t be able to reach the hungry children and families in our communities. We must invest in programs that support farmers to keep farming, and keep local food accessible to everyone—not just those who can afford it,” said Juliana Ciano, Reunity Resources.
“The Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) is a perfect example of how a federal government investment puts ‘America First.’ Investing in skilled American ranchers and farmers, who use America’s natural resources to grow healthy, nutritious American beef and produce. Which in turn have stimulated growth in rural economies by creating more jobs and businesses to package and distribute this locally grown food into local markets that pay a ‘fair’ market price. This is a concept that is Making America Great Again. My hopes are that the LFPA program will be re-evaluated for funding because of the true value that it is bringing to rural economies and the well-being of Americans across the country,” said Manny Encinias, President of Trilogy Beef Community.
“These cuts are really a shame, as during the last three years, New Mexico’s Regional Farm to Food Bank program has been a national standout, spending more than $3.6 million with small- and medium-scale producers, many of whom themselves live in low-income, low-access food areas,” said Denise Miller, executive director of the New Mexico Farmers’ Marketing Association.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Two Mexican Nationals With Prior Convictions Charged For Illegally Reentering The United States

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

LAS VEGAS – Two Mexican nationals residing in Las Vegas made their initial court appearances Monday to face charges of illegally reentering the United States after previously being removed from the country.

Jose Miguel Gutierrez-Chavarria, 40, and Luis Abel Soto-Rodriguez, 33, are both charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States. Preliminary hearings for both defendants are scheduled for March 31, 2025, before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler.

According to allegations contained in the criminal complaints and statements made during court proceedings, Gutierrez-Chavarria and Soto-Rodriguez are both citizens and nationals of Mexico. They were previously deported and removed from the United States and reentered the United States illegally.

On February 20, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Gutierrez-Chavarria in Las Vegas, Nevada. Gutierrez-Chavarria had previously been deported on or about April 5, 2022, and again on September 6, 2022. Gutierrez-Chavarria has prior felony convictions from 2007 for two counts of Trafficking a Controlled Substance. He was sentenced to 10 to 25 years in the custody of the Nevada Department of Corrections. On December 13, 2024, Gutierrez-Chavarria was arrested by officers with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for three counts Sell/Transport Controlled Substance and Trafficking Controlled Substance. If convicted, Gutierrez-Chavarria faces the maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

On March 5, 2025, ICE arrested Soto-Rodriguez who had previously been deported on four occasions between May 9, 2017, and June 1, 2022. The United States District Court, District of Arizona, convicted Soto-Rodriguez of reentry of removed alien on May 1, 2020, and again on February 24, 2022. Soto-Rodriguez faces the maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison, a three-year term of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment.

Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Salt Lake City Field Office Director Michael Bernacke made the announcement.

The ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office investigated the case; and the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.

Members of the public can report crimes and suspicious activity by dialing 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

A complaint is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

###

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: What Trump could learn from the British and Irish trade war of the 1930s

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Richard Carr, Lecturer in History and Politics, Anglia Ruskin University

The Blue Water Bridge border crossing connects Michigan in the US with Ontario in Canada. ehrlif/Shutterstock

During his election campaign, US president Donald Trump claimed the word tariff is “more beautiful than ‘love’”. Now in office, Trump has targeted his closest neighbours and trading partners with those self same policies. He initially concentrated his levies on Canada, China and Mexico – two of which share land borders with the US – before implementing blanket tariffs on all steel and aluminium imports.

History shows us the impacts these policies can have. In 1932, during Neville Chamberlain’s time as British chancellor, the country slapped what became 40% levies on key exports (including cattle, butter and other agricultural products) from the then Irish Free State. These were promptly met by Irish retaliation on British goods including coal and steel.

A trade war ensued – and lasted in some form for almost six years.

As with Trump today, raising tariffs is often partly about some other policy goal. As far as the British-Irish trade war goes, I show in my new book Britain and Ireland From the Treaty to the Troubles that the initial beef (pun intended) was over a decades-long debt obligation. These annuities, as they were known, were predominantly owed by Irish farmers to Anglo-Irish landowners, and were widely disliked.

In early 1932 Éamon de Valera secured electoral victory in Ireland for his Fianna Fáil party, partly on the basis of refusing to hand over this money. At £5 million, it was a significant sum for a government that took in around £25 million annually.

Instead, de Valera planned to use the annuities for domestic purposes. He wanted to reward his agricultural and working-class electoral bases principally in Ireland’s west, as well as win over new voters with the nationalist and anti-English nature of his message.

The legality of the annuities dispute was ambiguous. But de Valera withheld the money, and to recoup the missing millions the British imposed tariffs and punitive quotas. This was swiftly followed by retaliatory measures from Dublin – just as Trump’s moves have seen reaction from abroad.

The stakes were high. A massive 92% of Irish exports went to the UK, and civil servants in Dublin fretted about the knock-on effects. In the short term, they were right to. Exports of cattle, bacon and other goods collapsed, and emergency domestic subsidy was needed to plug the gap.

Irish attempts to land a major trade deal with the US by way of compensation went nowhere, and Britain remained its key customer for decades.

Yet, unlike Trump, de Valera had a clear end goal into which the tariff war fitted rather well. He wanted to retool Irish farming away from livestock towards crops, and invest in Ireland’s nascent industry elsewhere. This included expanding the country’s energy independence and kick-starting its manufacturing sector.

The retained annuities and the increased political capital his government gained from the trade war both helped with these objectives.

It took until about 1937, after two more election wins and a referendum victory for de Valera, for British leaders to accept that the Irish public broadly backed their leader. They realised that a bilateral agreement was necessary.

The dispute was finally ended in April 1938. As the ink dried on a deal that saw tariffs dropped in exchange for a one-off payment from Dublin and the return of three ports to Ireland, the British media hailed the achievement of Chamberlain – now prime minister.

But this reaction also tells us something. Initially, Chamberlain was portrayed as a genius who had clearly won. But then critics pointed to it being a rather better deal for de Valera (the £10 million one-off sum was nowhere near the £100 million the British had a nominal claim for).

In this new stance, it had been a great deal precisely because Chamberlain had been so magnanimous. A terrible deal was actually a great deal. Some of that mentality could be seen in reactions to the Munich Agreement with Adolf Hitler a few months later.

All told, the consequences had been significant. Perhaps 3% of the Irish economy was lost.

In the meantime, Irish immigration to Britain consequently ticked up as people looked for work. Smuggling at the Northern Irish border ballooned, leading to additional costs to police a frontier where cattle were hurried across unmanned fields and rivers to avoid the tariff.

Guinness even moved production to London in order to avoid future tariffs.
gabriel12/Shutterstock

Major Irish-based industry, including Guinness and Ford, moved operations to the London periphery (Park Royal and Dagenham respectively) to avoid any future duties. Although Ford kept some tractor production in Cork in the south of Ireland, for large parts of its European and imperial business the only way was now Essex.

All this meant economic dislocation and diplomatic animosity at a point where the geopolitical outlook was troubled – not an unfamiliar story. Although Ireland remained neutral during the second world war – the ultimate show for de Valera of its independence – intelligence cooperation and the service of Irish men and women in the Allied war effort illustrated that the two countries just about muddled through.

But today, tariffs provoking wider turmoil remains a big worry. As former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau noted, Trump’s actions are “a very dumb thing to do” and could lead to “exactly what our opponents around the world want to see … a dispute between two friends and neighbours”.

Trump may also be wise to note that de Valera’s position was bolstered when he could claim that he was being bullied by a more powerful neighbour. In the past few weeks, the Canadian Liberal Party has surged back in the polls, partly on the back of the same dynamics. The little guy sometimes swings back.

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

– ref. What Trump could learn from the British and Irish trade war of the 1930s – https://theconversation.com/what-trump-could-learn-from-the-british-and-irish-trade-war-of-the-1930s-252128

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Security News: Wealthy Miami Man Pleads Guilty to Decades-Long Scheme to Defraud the IRS

Source: United States Department of Justice 2

A Miami man pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring with others to defraud the United States by concealing millions of dollars in assets and income in undisclosed Swiss bank accounts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 1985 and 2020, Dan Rotta hid more than $20 million in assets in dozens of secret Swiss accounts at five different Swiss banks, including UBS, Credit Suisse, Bank Bonhôte, and Bank Julius Baer. The accounts were held in his own name, in the names of sham structures, and, in one instance, a pseudonym. Over the years, Rotta earned tens of millions of dollars of income from these assets that he did not report on his tax returns and that he used to fund his lavish lifestyle. He caused a substantial tax loss to the IRS.

Rotta employed increasingly elaborate schemes to keep his accounts hidden. Over the years, he kept his accounts open, in part, by falsely representing that he was not a U.S. citizen, leveraging his Brazilian citizenship to claim he was a Brazilian citizen residing in Brazil.

Starting in 2008, after it was reported publicly that UBS and its bankers were under criminal investigation for helping U.S. taxpayers evade their taxes, Rotta closed his UBS account and moved his funds to Credit Suisse and Bank Bonhôte.

In 2011, after the IRS obtained records related to one of Rotta’s Swiss accounts, Rotta nominally changed the documentation of his accounts at Credit Suisse and Bank Bonhôte to make it appear that his co-conspirator, a Brazilian national and resident, owned the assets in the accounts. Despite the change, Rotta continued to control the assets and transferred millions of dollars out of those accounts for his use.

Shortly after Rotta changed the account documentation, the IRS began auditing Rotta. During the audit, Rotta falsely denied that he owned the assets in the foreign financial accounts and, instead, claimed that the millions of dollars he withdrew from the accounts were non-taxable loans from foreign nationals. Rotta provided the IRS with fake promissory notes and false affidavits from the foreign nationals to corroborate his claims. During the audit, Rotta continued to use the funds in his foreign accounts to fund his lifestyle in the United States, but to conceal his use of the funds from the IRS, he often routed transfers from his foreign accounts through nominee accounts and attorney trust fund accounts in the United States.

The IRS did not believe Rotta’s story and assessed millions of dollars of additional taxes as well as penalties and interest against him. Rotta sought to reverse the assessments by filing a false petition in U.S. Tax Court. In that petition, Rotta, through his attorney, falsely denied having any foreign accounts and attached fictitious loan documents. Furthermore, the nominee account owners traveled to the United States to retell the false loan story to IRS attorneys.

In 2017, after Rotta presented evidence that the purported loans had been repaid, the IRS reversed the deficiencies and agreed that Rotta owed no additional tax. Unbeknownst to the IRS, however, the “loan repayments” were fake: the funds that Rotta purportedly repaid went back into accounts that Rotta controlled shortly after the IRS dismissed the suit. Also as part of the conspiracy, Rotta had his U.S.-based attorneys create sham trust structures that he used to transfer his assets to the United States without alerting the IRS. On paper, it appeared that Rotta’s co-conspirator funded the trusts for Rotta’s benefit. In reality, Rotta funded the trusts with transfers from Swiss accounts.

In 2019, Rotta became aware that the IRS would receive additional account records from Switzerland that contradicted the false claims that he had previously made. To avoid criminal liability, Rotta applied to participate in the IRS’s voluntary disclosure practice. Under that practice, taxpayers who failed to comply with their tax and reporting obligations can make timely, accurate, and complete disclosures of their conduct, which may offer a path to resolve their non-compliance and limit their criminal exposure. Rotta made false statements in his submission, including falsely claiming that the assets in the Swiss accounts mostly belonged to others, and that any funds provided to Rotta were non-taxable gifts. Rotta also claimed that the nominee account owner gifted Rotta money because the nominee had no children to benefit from the funds. In fact, the nominee had two children.

Rotta is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Washington, D.C., Field Office made the announcement.

Special Agents from IRS-CI’s International Tax & Financial Crimes specialty group, a team based out of Washington, D.C., and dedicated to uncovering international tax crimes, is investigating the case.

Senior Litigation Counsels Sean Beaty and Mark Daly and Trial Attorneys Patrick Elwell and William Montague of the Tax Division, as well as Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark for the Southern District of Florida, are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Banking: AGNICO EAGLE COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF 100% OF O3 MINING

Source: Agnico Eagle Mines

(All amounts expressed in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted)

TORONTO, March 18, 2025 /CNW/ – Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) (“Agnico Eagle“) and O3 Mining Inc. (TSXV: OIII), (OTCQX: OIIIF) (“O3 Mining“) are pleased to jointly announce that Agnico Eagle has today completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding common shares of O3 Mining (the “Common Shares“) pursuant to the amalgamation (the “Amalgamation“) of O3 Mining and Agnico Eagle Abitibi Acquisition Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Agnico Eagle. O3 Mining is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of Agnico Eagle.

The Amalgamation constituted the subsequent acquisition transaction contemplated by Agnico Eagle’s board-supported take-over bid to acquire O3 Mining. Under the Amalgamation, shareholders of O3 Mining, other than Agnico Eagle, will receive $1.67 in cash per Common Share (the “Consideration“).

It is expected that the Common Shares will be delisted from the TSX Venture Exchange on or around March 20, 2025 and O3 Mining will file an application to cease to be a reporting issuer under Canadian securities laws.

Additional Information and How to Receive the Consideration

Additional information concerning the Amalgamation is contained in the notice of special meeting and management information circular of O3 Mining (the “Circular“) dated February 13, 2025. The Circular is available under O3 Mining’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

In order to receive the Consideration (less applicable withholdings), each registered shareholder must properly complete and duly execute the letter of transmittal enclosed with the Circular and deliver such letter of transmittal, together with all other necessary documents and instruments to Odyssey Trust Company, in its capacity as depositary for the Amalgamation, at the address specified in the letter of transmittal and otherwise in accordance with the instructions contained in the letter of transmittal. Non-registered shareholders whose Common Shares are registered in the name of an investment advisor, broker, bank, trust company, custodian, nominee or other intermediary must contact such intermediary for instructions and assistance in exchanging their Common Shares for the Consideration.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact Laurel Hill Advisory Group, by phone at 1-877-452-7187 or by e-mail at assistance@laurelhill.com.

Information for Warrantholders

Any warrants to acquire Common Shares (the “Warrants“) that remain outstanding may be exercised prior to the expiry time thereof in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Indenture governing the Warrants, as amended, and will receive on exercise, in lieu of Common Shares, $1.67 in cash. The Warrant Indenture has been amended by a supplemental indenture to give effect to the foregoing. In connection such amendment, the exercise form to be used by holders of outstanding Warrants has been amended and replaced with an amended exercise form attached as Appendix E to the Circular. For additional information, please contact investor.relations@agnicoeagle.com or call (416) 947-1212.

About Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Agnico Eagle is a Canadian based and led senior gold mining company and the third largest gold producer in the world, producing precious metals from operations in Canada, Australia, Finland and Mexico, with a pipeline of high-quality exploration and development projects. Agnico Eagle is a partner of choice within the mining industry, recognized globally for its leading sustainability practices. Agnico Eagle was founded in 1957 and has consistently created value for its shareholders, declaring a cash dividend every year since 1983.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation that is based on current expectations, estimates, projections, and interpretations about future events as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking information and statements are based on estimates of management by Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining, at the time they were made, and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the timing for the delisting of O3 Mining from the TSX Venture Exchange and for O3 Mining to cease to be a reporting issuer; and the receipt of $1.67 in cash on the exercise of Warrants. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in formulating the forward-looking information contained herein include, without limitation, expectations relating to the timing for the delisting of the Common Shares and O3 Mining (or its successor) filing an application to cease to be a reporting issuer under applicable securities laws; and expectations concerning the outstanding Warrants. Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining caution that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. Although the forward-looking information contained in this news release is based upon what Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining believe, or believed at the time, to be reasonable expectations and assumptions, there is no assurance that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking information, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and neither O3 Mining, nor Agnico Eagle nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking information. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. Agnico Eagle and O3 Mining do not undertake, and assume no obligation, to update or revise any such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information contained herein to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law. These statements speak only as of the date of this news release. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a forecast, projection or estimate of the future financial performance of Agnico Eagle or any of its affiliates or O3 Mining.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

SOURCE O3 Mining Inc.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Wealthy Miami Man Pleads Guilty to Decades-Long Scheme to Defraud the IRS

Source: United States Attorneys General 13

A Miami man pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring with others to defraud the United States by concealing millions of dollars in assets and income in undisclosed Swiss bank accounts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 1985 and 2020, Dan Rotta hid more than $20 million in assets in dozens of secret Swiss accounts at five different Swiss banks, including UBS, Credit Suisse, Bank Bonhôte, and Bank Julius Baer. The accounts were held in his own name, in the names of sham structures, and, in one instance, a pseudonym. Over the years, Rotta earned tens of millions of dollars of income from these assets that he did not report on his tax returns and that he used to fund his lavish lifestyle. He caused a substantial tax loss to the IRS.

Rotta employed increasingly elaborate schemes to keep his accounts hidden. Over the years, he kept his accounts open, in part, by falsely representing that he was not a U.S. citizen, leveraging his Brazilian citizenship to claim he was a Brazilian citizen residing in Brazil.

Starting in 2008, after it was reported publicly that UBS and its bankers were under criminal investigation for helping U.S. taxpayers evade their taxes, Rotta closed his UBS account and moved his funds to Credit Suisse and Bank Bonhôte.

In 2011, after the IRS obtained records related to one of Rotta’s Swiss accounts, Rotta nominally changed the documentation of his accounts at Credit Suisse and Bank Bonhôte to make it appear that his co-conspirator, a Brazilian national and resident, owned the assets in the accounts. Despite the change, Rotta continued to control the assets and transferred millions of dollars out of those accounts for his use.

Shortly after Rotta changed the account documentation, the IRS began auditing Rotta. During the audit, Rotta falsely denied that he owned the assets in the foreign financial accounts and, instead, claimed that the millions of dollars he withdrew from the accounts were non-taxable loans from foreign nationals. Rotta provided the IRS with fake promissory notes and false affidavits from the foreign nationals to corroborate his claims. During the audit, Rotta continued to use the funds in his foreign accounts to fund his lifestyle in the United States, but to conceal his use of the funds from the IRS, he often routed transfers from his foreign accounts through nominee accounts and attorney trust fund accounts in the United States.

The IRS did not believe Rotta’s story and assessed millions of dollars of additional taxes as well as penalties and interest against him. Rotta sought to reverse the assessments by filing a false petition in U.S. Tax Court. In that petition, Rotta, through his attorney, falsely denied having any foreign accounts and attached fictitious loan documents. Furthermore, the nominee account owners traveled to the United States to retell the false loan story to IRS attorneys.

In 2017, after Rotta presented evidence that the purported loans had been repaid, the IRS reversed the deficiencies and agreed that Rotta owed no additional tax. Unbeknownst to the IRS, however, the “loan repayments” were fake: the funds that Rotta purportedly repaid went back into accounts that Rotta controlled shortly after the IRS dismissed the suit. Also as part of the conspiracy, Rotta had his U.S.-based attorneys create sham trust structures that he used to transfer his assets to the United States without alerting the IRS. On paper, it appeared that Rotta’s co-conspirator funded the trusts for Rotta’s benefit. In reality, Rotta funded the trusts with transfers from Swiss accounts.

In 2019, Rotta became aware that the IRS would receive additional account records from Switzerland that contradicted the false claims that he had previously made. To avoid criminal liability, Rotta applied to participate in the IRS’s voluntary disclosure practice. Under that practice, taxpayers who failed to comply with their tax and reporting obligations can make timely, accurate, and complete disclosures of their conduct, which may offer a path to resolve their non-compliance and limit their criminal exposure. Rotta made false statements in his submission, including falsely claiming that the assets in the Swiss accounts mostly belonged to others, and that any funds provided to Rotta were non-taxable gifts. Rotta also claimed that the nominee account owner gifted Rotta money because the nominee had no children to benefit from the funds. In fact, the nominee had two children.

Rotta is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Washington, D.C., Field Office made the announcement.

Special Agents from IRS-CI’s International Tax & Financial Crimes specialty group, a team based out of Washington, D.C., and dedicated to uncovering international tax crimes, is investigating the case.

Senior Litigation Counsels Sean Beaty and Mark Daly and Trial Attorneys Patrick Elwell and William Montague of the Tax Division, as well as Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark for the Southern District of Florida, are prosecuting the case.

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why Canada must treat its food system as a matter of national defence

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Karen Foster, Associate Professor, Sociology and Social Anthropology and Canada Research Chair in Sustainable Rural Futures for Atlantic Canada, Dalhousie University

Rising tensions between Canada and the United States have made increased military investment and a renewed focus on national defence all but inevitable.

A recent Angus Reid poll found three in four Canadians want to see the country’s military strengthened in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to annex Canada as the 51st state. In early March, former prime minister Justin Trudeau committed publicly to increasing military spending.

While it makes sense for a country feeling vulnerable to invasion to look at recruiting new soldiers and increasing its arsenal, there is an additional facet of national defence that is too often overlooked: food preparedness.

Trump’s on-again, off-again tariffs are already “stoking a new nationalism” in Canadians and sparking interest in buying local, but food should be part of the national defence conversation, too.

The double edge of globalization

The globalization of food systems, in Canada and the rest of the world, has intensified since the Second World War. This has brought some benefits, such as year-round access to fresh produce, but it has also made Canada’s food systems vulnerable to the whims of its trading partners.

Academics focused on food security and sovereignty have long raised concerns about import-dependence on key nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables.

Even in 2021, when the COVID-19 pandemic shone a harsh light on food supply chains in Canada, research showed that the production of fresh produce was declining while imports were increasing.

Now, faced with both a trade war and annexation threats, Canada must confront whether its domestic food systems can feed its population in a crisis — economic, political, environmental or otherwise.

Food systems and national defence

Trade-dependent countries worldwide are recognizing food security as a matter of national defence. Some, like Sweden, are making plans to take stock of the capacity and resilience of their food systems, and actively working toward a system that can sustain the lives of their citizens in a crisis.

Sweden’s total goods trade accounted for 67 per cent of its GDP in 2023, compared to Canada’s 53 per cent. Despite its high level of trade dependence, Sweden has put food at the heart of the country’s total defence approach to national security.

Total defence is a defence policy that emphasizes both traditional military activities and civilian activities, including their food systems.

The Swedish government, in its defence resolution, states: “A well-functioning and robust food supply and personal preparedness of the civil population are ultimately a matter of survival and maintaining the will to defend.”

This approach is not focused only on individual or household levels of preparedness — that is, whether people have enough in their pantries — but also includes the overall preparedness of the systems that produce, process and distribute food.

Canada, with its heavy reliance on global trade and the U.S. as a primary trading partner, would do well to take note.

Food sovereignty in Canada

There are hundreds of scholars and thousands of community entities working to make Canada’s food systems more sustainable and resilient in the face of financialization, farmland consolidation and the globalization of supply chains.

In Québec, for example, there is a growing movement to mobilize and empower producers, community entities, the agrifood sector, policymakers and additional stakeholders to build more resilient, territorial food systems across the province.

Read more:
Making our food fairer: Don’t Call Me Resilient EP 12

Canadian experts play a key role in global discussions on food systems resilience, with scholars contributing to the United Nations Committee on World Food Security’s Building Resilient Food Systems draft report. This report is designed to help countries make their food systems more resilient, equitable and sustainable.

Yet Canada’s efforts are not co-ordinated, empowered or moving fast enough in the push for greater food sovereignty. The point is not to abandon trade, but to manage it more strategically.

Both international and domestic markets are crucial for Canadian farmers, and many local companies are devoted to importing everyday goods like coffee, tea and bananas under fair trade and agroecological conditions.

Trade relations, however, are about more than economics; they involve building political partnerships with Mexico, the European Union, Asian countries and beyond — something Canada needs now more than ever.

Sweden has already recognized this. Its food preparedness strategy involves deepening co-operation with like-minded Nordic countries and collaborating around the supply, transport, stockpiling and testing of food.

Crisis-proofing Canada’s food systems

To ensure Canada can feed itself in a crisis, the government must invest in domestic production, processing and distribution infrastructure. This would create more efficient, connected local markets that removes some of the burden of buying local from individuals.

Read more:
Boycotting U.S. products allows Canadians to take a rare political stand in their daily lives

The Canadian government must also promote diversification in production and export. Canada needs to move away from monoculture farming and toward more regional networks and agroecological approaches. These approaches are more resilient to both crops themselves and the diverse markets they open up, reducing Canada’s dependence on single trading partners like the U.S.

Key agricultural policies such as the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership need to go beyond the long-standing focus on prioritizing export markets. They must also invest in infrastructure and partnerships in Canada to strengthen their support of Canadian producers, ranchers, fisheries and food system players at home, to help them work together at a regional scale.

Correcting power imbalances in our food systems is also critical. Greater local and regional autonomy over how food is produced, processed and distributed would help with this. These strategies would make Canada less vulnerable to supply chain disruption.

Countries like Sweden recognize these efforts as part of national defence — an approach Canada should consider.

But while we fight annexation from the kitchen table, we must recognize it doesn’t start there; it starts at a higher level. Only better policy, infrastructure and systemic change can prepare Canada to be more proactive and resilient in the face of world crises — economic or otherwise.

Karen Foster receives research funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) as well as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). She is the director of the SSHRC/AAFC-funded Common Ground Canada Network.

Alicia Martin is a Postdoctoral Fellow with the SSHRC/AAFC-funded Common Ground Canada Network.

Gavin Fridell receives funding from the Social Science and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) of Canada. He is a member of the Trade and Investment Research Project at the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

Kathleen Kevany receives funding from The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, for the Food Impact Network research and knowledge mobilization for the handbook of sustainable diets; Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) for food waste prevention work, and Mitacs for internships on food procurement and food environment analysis.

I am advised to Farm to Cafeteria Canada (F2CC) an NGO.

– ref. Why Canada must treat its food system as a matter of national defence – https://theconversation.com/why-canada-must-treat-its-food-system-as-a-matter-of-national-defence-251118

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela

Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Speech

UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela

UK Statement for the Interactive Dialogue with the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela. Delivered by the UK Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders.

Thank you, Mr President.

We thank the Fact-Finding Mission for its update which remains critical to improving human rights in Venezuela and ensuring accountability.

The human rights situation in Venezuela remains grave. Over seven months have passed since the presidential election, and the Venezuelan authorities have still not produced any credible evidence of votes cast. The subsequent repression against political figures, journalists, trade unionists, and civil society continues. This has contributed to a culture of fear as fundamental freedoms continue to be eroded.

The continued reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and deaths in detention are alarming and unacceptable. Despite some conditional releases, over 1,000 Venezuelans and foreign nationals remain arbitrarily detained. We call for their immediate and unconditional release.

We continue to support a Venezuelan-led democratic and peaceful transition that will respect each and every vote cast on 28 July. Venezuela needs a strong civil society and tolerance for democratic opposition to support democratic normalisation.

Señora Valiñas,

What is your assessment of the state of civic space in Venezuela and what are your recommendations to address this?

Updates to this page

Published 18 March 2025

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Surge of Right-Wing Politics, Online Hate, Patriarchy Fuelling Violence Against Women, Commission Told

Source: United Nations MIL OSI b

The Commission on the Status of Women held an interactive dialogue today on gender-based violence, stigma, and stereotypes, focusing on the role of men and boys in ending the crisis, policy and legal responses to technology-facilitated violence, and the growing threat to women’s rights amid a “resurgence of right-wing authoritarian politics”.

The Commission’s two-week annual session has centered on accelerating the implementation of the Platform for Action adopted at the 1995 conference on women in Beijing, where world leaders pledged to achieve gender equality and uphold women’s rights. Two other interactive dialogues were held today on accountability and on the role of the Commission on the Status of Women in implementing the Platform for Action.

Delphine Schantz, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), moderating the first interactive dialogue, said that every 10 minutes a woman or girl is killed “by someone close to her”. A third of women killed by intimate partners had previously reported some form of violence. She emphasized the urgent need to raise awareness about necessary societal changes and to lead the implementation of effective prevention policies, including measures to combat the growing threat of technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Holistic Action Plans ‘Best’ Approach to Gender-Based Violence

Emma Fulu, the Equality Institute, stated that the most effective national action plans adopt a holistic approach to combat gender-based violence, integrating prevention, response, early intervention, and a strong emphasis on healing and justice. National plans are often laid out in “beautiful documents” but lack clear, dedicated budgets for implementation. “And we know that prevention requires sustained, long-term investment,” she stressed. It is important to continue to learn “what’s working and what’s not”, she went on to say. From Fiji to Peru, she said, civil society and women’s organizations have been instrumental in ensuring that national plans deliver and Governments are held accountable.

Need for Comprehensive Legal Reforms

Selma Hadžihalilović, CURE Foundation, warned that “women face attacks by religious groups and increasing religious fundamentalism in our region”, also noting widespread discrimination and stigma against gender-based violence survivors, women and girls from LGBT communities, and women and girls with disabilities. “We have to work on strengthening our institutions and support systems,” she said. Additionally, despite some progress, women’s representation in political decision-making processes remains inadequate. “As we say in Bosnia, you always make one step forward and two steps back,” she stated, calling for comprehensive legal reforms that effectively outlaw gender-based violence and all forms of violence against women.

Brazil Tackles Online Violence against Women

Clarice Tavares, InternetLab, said that technology-facilitated gender-based violence takes many forms, including political violence against women and the non-consensual dissemination of images. In Brazil’s last local elections women — who only made up 15 per cent of the candidates running — received nearly 70 per cent of the offensive and aggressive comments on social media. “It has become clear that women running for public office are unequally target,” she said. Men receive negative comments based on their political actions, but women are attacked because of their bodies and their personal lives. Online violence has direct and profound consequences on women’s lives. In Brazil, criminal laws focused on addressing different forms of online gender-based violence have passed in recent years, almost all of them named after survivors. However, there is a lack of trust in the system, she said, also urging the need to hold platforms accountable.

Fiji Recognizes Patriarchy as Root Cause of Violence against Women

Laisa Bulatale, Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, said that Pacific women and girls face some of the highest levels of violence in the world. An estimated 60 per cent of women and girls have experienced violence by intimate partner and family member. Men make up over 90 per cent of perpetrators of violence against women and girls. “Violence against women and girls is reinforced by community acceptance, deep rooted gender stereotypes, harmful social norms and practices and impunity for perpetrators,” she emphasized. The root cause of violence against women and girls is negative patriarchal values. Without this recognition and understanding, approaches and intervention to engage men and boys will not work and will only exacerbate harmful social norms. The Fiji Government’s national action plan on preventing violence against women and girls recognizes patriarchy as a root cause of violence in its official documents. “Violence against women and girls is never acceptable, never excusable and never tolerable,” she added.

Surge of Right-Wing Politics Undermine Women’s Rights

“Around the world, we are witnessing a resurgence of right-wing authoritarian politics that actively undermines women’s rights,” said Joy Watson, Coalition of Feminists for Social Change. She warned that women’s rights organizations are under attack globally — many are being forced to shut down, while others are expected to do more with fewer resources, struggling to “make money stretch” as the scale and complexity of gender-based violence continue to grow. Women’s rights organizations are invaluable in bringing evidence-based insights into the design of policies. “If we are serious about ending violence against women and girls, we need more than just words — we need funding that matches the scale of the crisis,” she said. Women’s organizations need accountability that doesn’t buckle under political pressure.

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Wealthy Miami Man Pleads Guilty to Decades-Long Scheme to Defraud the IRS

Source: US State of North Dakota

A Miami man pleaded guilty yesterday to conspiring with others to defraud the United States by concealing millions of dollars in assets and income in undisclosed Swiss bank accounts.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between 1985 and 2020, Dan Rotta hid more than $20 million in assets in dozens of secret Swiss accounts at five different Swiss banks, including UBS, Credit Suisse, Bank Bonhôte, and Bank Julius Baer. The accounts were held in his own name, in the names of sham structures, and, in one instance, a pseudonym. Over the years, Rotta earned tens of millions of dollars of income from these assets that he did not report on his tax returns and that he used to fund his lavish lifestyle. He caused a substantial tax loss to the IRS.

Rotta employed increasingly elaborate schemes to keep his accounts hidden. Over the years, he kept his accounts open, in part, by falsely representing that he was not a U.S. citizen, leveraging his Brazilian citizenship to claim he was a Brazilian citizen residing in Brazil.

Starting in 2008, after it was reported publicly that UBS and its bankers were under criminal investigation for helping U.S. taxpayers evade their taxes, Rotta closed his UBS account and moved his funds to Credit Suisse and Bank Bonhôte.

In 2011, after the IRS obtained records related to one of Rotta’s Swiss accounts, Rotta nominally changed the documentation of his accounts at Credit Suisse and Bank Bonhôte to make it appear that his co-conspirator, a Brazilian national and resident, owned the assets in the accounts. Despite the change, Rotta continued to control the assets and transferred millions of dollars out of those accounts for his use.

Shortly after Rotta changed the account documentation, the IRS began auditing Rotta. During the audit, Rotta falsely denied that he owned the assets in the foreign financial accounts and, instead, claimed that the millions of dollars he withdrew from the accounts were non-taxable loans from foreign nationals. Rotta provided the IRS with fake promissory notes and false affidavits from the foreign nationals to corroborate his claims. During the audit, Rotta continued to use the funds in his foreign accounts to fund his lifestyle in the United States, but to conceal his use of the funds from the IRS, he often routed transfers from his foreign accounts through nominee accounts and attorney trust fund accounts in the United States.

The IRS did not believe Rotta’s story and assessed millions of dollars of additional taxes as well as penalties and interest against him. Rotta sought to reverse the assessments by filing a false petition in U.S. Tax Court. In that petition, Rotta, through his attorney, falsely denied having any foreign accounts and attached fictitious loan documents. Furthermore, the nominee account owners traveled to the United States to retell the false loan story to IRS attorneys.

In 2017, after Rotta presented evidence that the purported loans had been repaid, the IRS reversed the deficiencies and agreed that Rotta owed no additional tax. Unbeknownst to the IRS, however, the “loan repayments” were fake: the funds that Rotta purportedly repaid went back into accounts that Rotta controlled shortly after the IRS dismissed the suit. Also as part of the conspiracy, Rotta had his U.S.-based attorneys create sham trust structures that he used to transfer his assets to the United States without alerting the IRS. On paper, it appeared that Rotta’s co-conspirator funded the trusts for Rotta’s benefit. In reality, Rotta funded the trusts with transfers from Swiss accounts.

In 2019, Rotta became aware that the IRS would receive additional account records from Switzerland that contradicted the false claims that he had previously made. To avoid criminal liability, Rotta applied to participate in the IRS’s voluntary disclosure practice. Under that practice, taxpayers who failed to comply with their tax and reporting obligations can make timely, accurate, and complete disclosures of their conduct, which may offer a path to resolve their non-compliance and limit their criminal exposure. Rotta made false statements in his submission, including falsely claiming that the assets in the Swiss accounts mostly belonged to others, and that any funds provided to Rotta were non-taxable gifts. Rotta also claimed that the nominee account owner gifted Rotta money because the nominee had no children to benefit from the funds. In fact, the nominee had two children.

Rotta is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4. He faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney Hayden O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida, and Executive Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter of IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI)’s Washington, D.C., Field Office made the announcement.

Special Agents from IRS-CI’s International Tax & Financial Crimes specialty group, a team based out of Washington, D.C., and dedicated to uncovering international tax crimes, is investigating the case.

Senior Litigation Counsels Sean Beaty and Mark Daly and Trial Attorneys Patrick Elwell and William Montague of the Tax Division, as well as Senior Litigation Counsel Christopher J. Clark for the Southern District of Florida, are prosecuting the case.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian National Arrested for Selling Fake Social Security Cards and Green Cards

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

BOSTON – A Brazilian national, residing in Woburn, was arrested today for allegedly selling fraudulent Social Security cards and Legal Permanent Resident cards, often referred to as “Green Cards.”

Liene Tavares DeBarros, Jr., 39, is charged with one count of unlawful transfer of a document or authentication feature. Tavares DeBarros was arrested today and will make an initial appearance in federal court in Worcester.

According to the charging documents, Tavares DeBarros sold a Social Security Number Card and a Green Card to an undercover officer in October 2024 in exchange for $250. In December 2024, Tavares DeBarros allegedly sold two more Social Security cards and Green Cards to the undercover officer in exchange for $500.

The charge of unlawful transfer of document or authentication feature and unlawful production of document or authentication feature provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The defendant will also be subject to deportation upon completion of any sentence imposed. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Jonathan Mellone, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Labor Racketeering and Fraud, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorney John J. Reynolds III of the Criminal Division is prosecuting the case.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigation’s Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force (DBFTF), a specialized investigative group comprising personnel from various state, local, and federal agencies with expertise in detecting, deterring, and disrupting organizations and individuals involved in various types of document, identity, and benefit fraud schemes.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI: Shaping the Future of Work: HP Amplify 2025
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

News Highlights
- Brings world’s largest portfolio of AI PCs to the mainstream¹ with new HP EliteBooks, HP EliteDesks, and HP OmniBooks – delivering smarter workflows and incredible productivity.
- Launches the world’s first printers that protect against quantum computer attacks² with the HP LaserJet Enterprise 8000 Series Printers for enhanced hardware security.
- Enhances AI-powered insights in Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) to improve IT and employee experiences.
- Optimizes gameplay with OMEN AI on the new OMEN 16 Slim Gaming Laptop, and HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset delivers unmatched immersive audio experiences.
NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — At its annual Amplify Conference, HP Inc. (NYSE: HPQ) today announced new products and services designed to shape the future of work, empowering people and businesses to create and manage their own way of working. The company unveiled more than 80 PCs, AI-powered print tools for SMBs, and Workforce Experience Platform enhancements all built to drive company growth and professional fulfillment.

“HP is translating AI into meaningful experiences that drive growth and fulfillment,” said Enrique Lores, President and CEO at HP Inc. “We are shaping the future of work with game-changing AI innovations that seamlessly adapt to how people want to work.”

Leading the Future of Work

HP’s 2024 Work Relationship Index reports that only 28 percent of workers have a healthy relationship with work. Companies and people are seeking better work experiences and new advancements in technology – from seamless device connectivity to AI applications – that can help people work faster, think more creatively, and connect on a deeper level.

With customers looking to refresh their devices to Windows 11,³ HP is supercharging its PCs to take advantage of the latest technologies available with select models qualifying as Copilot+ PCs, ⁴ so work doesn’t feel like work:
- The HP EliteBook 8 Series is masterfully redesigned with mainstream enterprise workers in mind, delivering AI-powered productivity and seamless collaboration in a repairable and upgradeable package. With NPU options up to 50 TOPS, experience up to 224% better power efficiency and up to 43 times faster AI image generation for incredible performance gains versus previous non-NPU models.⁵
- The HP EliteDesk 8 Series brings AI powerfully and securely to the company’s desktop portfolio. These devices are ideal for corporate project managers and workers who need a reliable PC that can manage even the most demanding projects for smarter workflows and productivity. This is the world’s first business desktop PC portfolio to protect against quantum computer hacks,⁶ combining high performance with lower power consumption to reduce costs.
- The HP EliteStudio 8 AiO G1i is the perfect tool for an on-the-go employee constantly moving around the office. As the world’s first commercial PC with integrated KVM ability through HP Device Switch,⁷ an employee can use the all-in-one for work or quickly plug their laptop into the AIO with a single cable to power the notebook and access all the available peripherals.
- The OmniBook X Series is designed for creators who need a PC that adapts to their workflow, whether it be a svelte 14-inch flip device to ideate and draw, or a powerhouse clamshell 17.3-inch PC to power through their larger-than-life creations. The OmniBook 7 Series is built for power users on their PC for all-day productivity for school or work. And the OmniBook 5 Series is ideal for families and students with a versatile design that’s built for streaming, light gaming, and personal productivity. Devices across the consumer notebook portfolio are offered in a variety of sizes with powerful Intel Ultra or AMD Ryzen™ processors.
HP is also delivering powerful new AI software experiences to complement this next generation of AI PCs. Qualifying consumer and commercial devices from HP are equipped with exclusive software designed to transform how people work in the office, at home, and everywhere in between:
- HP AI Companion is an advanced on-device AI research assistant that delivers instant answers and secured file analysis, even without an internet connection.⁸^,⁹ New features planned for this Spring include intuitive voice and text commands and built-in keylogger protections to enhance productivity while keeping data secure on the device.
- HP Go¹⁰ plans to deliver seamless global connectivity for highly mobile professionals. With automatic network switching regardless of carrier, advanced fleet management, and effortless setup, road warriors can connect and be productive wherever work takes them. The HP Go service option will first be available on the HP EliteBook 6 G1q powered by Snapdragon X Series, making it the world’s first AI PC with zero-touch multi-carrier 5G deployment.¹¹
- Poly Camera Pro newest features make virtual interactions and video conferencing more dynamic and engaging, with AI-powered features like Magic Background, seamless streaming integrations, and presenter overlays.¹² Multi-camera support, customizable aesthetics, and auto-framing transforms any workspace into a professional studio experience.
HP is changing the way customers print and manage documents, making it easier and more efficient with new features and technology:
- Two new features to its collection of AI-powered tools that help SMBs simplify and enhance the print experience. The first feature streamlines the process of sharing scanned documents by using AI to summarize them and draft an email with the document attached, allowing for easy sharing via email or chat. The second feature offers automatic and guided redaction to safeguard sensitive information, ensuring that private data remains secure on HP devices without requiring a cloud connection. These innovations aim to reduce the complexity and enhance the security of document handling for small businesses.
- The HP LaserJet Enterprise 8000 Series Printers are the world’s first printers that protect against quantum computer attacks². They provide enhanced hardware-level security for highly regulated organizations that rely on secure printing, ensuring protection against future quantum computer attacks while seamlessly integrating with Zero Trust architectures.
- The HP Latex R530 Printer is the only compact all-in-one HP Latex printer¹³, capable of handling both rigid and flexible media. Its digital operation simplifies workflows and maximizes space, boosting efficiency. It helps small and medium-sized print shops (PSPs) meet customer demands with high-quality prints and impressive output.
HP provides IT with valuable insights that empower employees to thrive with HP Workforce Experience Platform (WXP)¹⁴ enhancements and expanded availability. New features include:
- AI Sentiment Analysis now includes AI capabilities to assess and improve employee experience by analyzing thousands of free text surveys.
- Fleet Explorer is a new AI-powered natural language processing (NLP) tool lets users query fleet data instantly for insights.
- Vyopta Integration¹⁵ enables HP and Vyopta customers to now check on the overall health of their organization’s collaboration environment in WXP.
- Pre-built scripts, alerts and dashboards help organizations monitor fleets, automate workflows.
Shaping the Future in Play

Technology can also offer people a smooth transition from work into play. According to Mohamed Ala Saayed, Senior Program Director & Fellow, Frost & Sullivan, “About 60% of gaming PCs owners likely use their systems for work-related activities in addition to gaming.”¹⁶

New gaming hardware across OMEN and HyperX delivers meaningful performance and personalization for the ultimate in gameplay:
- The OMEN 16 Slim Gaming Laptop redefines portable gaming with its ultra-thin design to game anywhere. The PC delivers next-level performance with up to Intel^® Core™ Ultra 9 285H processors,¹⁷ and comes with up to an NVIDIA^® GeForce RTX™ 5070 Laptop GPU for next-level graphics fidelity.
- The OMEN Transcend 14 Gaming Laptop is refreshed to deliver the same powerful CPU and GPU performance as the OMEN 16 Slim for gamers and creators on the go, bringing 25% more power.¹⁸
- OMEN AI is a personalized, one-click solution that recommends the best system, hardware, and gaming settings based on each unique device and game to eliminate endless tinkering. Accessible within OMEN Gaming Hub, OMEN AI is available on all HP gaming and consumer PCs.
- The HyperX Cloud III S Wireless Gaming Headset delivers unmatched comfort and immersive audio for up to 120 hours of battery life in 2.4GHz and up to 200 hours in Bluetooth mode on a single charge.¹⁹ HyperX-tuned acoustics ensure crystal-clear audio and the durable yet flexible design, boom and boomless mic options, and customizable earcup plates let gamers play longer, sound better, and do it in style.²⁰
HP Amplify Newsroom
For all the latest HP Amplify Partner Conference news and updates, visit the HP Newsroom including the just released Threat Research Report press release and news from the Advanced Compute Solutions business. More news posting at 2 p.m. ET and 4 p.m. ET.
- Follow @HP on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram
- Follow @Enrique Lores on LinkedIn
- Follow #HPAmplify across social platforms for the latest updates
About HP
HP Inc. is a global technology leader and creator of solutions that enable people to bring their ideas to life and connect to the things that matter most. Operating in more than 170 countries, HP delivers a wide range of innovative and sustainable devices, services and subscriptions for personal computing, printing, 3D printing, hybrid work, gaming, and more. For more information, please visit http://www.hp.com.

¹ Based on HP’s internal analysis of AI-enabled platforms across all commercial PC and consumer PC vendors as of March 2025. “AI PC” is defined as a PC with an integrated Neural Processing Unit (NPU) designed to accelerate AI workloads, regardless of TOPS count.
Comparison includes commercially and consumer available AI PCs available in the market.
² Based on HPs internal analysis of business Printers with preinstalled encryption, authentication, malware protection, post-quantum digital signature, and initial BIOS firmware integrity protection with automatic self-healing recovery finding that no other in-class Printers implement a quantum-resistant cryptographic scheme to protect the integrity of the BIOS and firmware as of March 2025.
³ Not all features are available in all editions or versions of Windows. Systems may require upgraded and/or separately purchased hardware, drivers, software or BIOS update to take full advantage of Windows functionality. Windows is automatically updated and enabled. High speed internet and Microsoft account required. ISP fees may apply and additional requirements may apply over time for updates. See http://www.windows.com.
⁴ On some devices, some Copilot+ PC experiences require free updates continuing to roll out through early 2025. Timing varies by device and region. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs. Copilot is not available in China, Russia, Belarus, and embargoed regions Cuba, Iran, North Korea, and Crimea.
⁵ Based on image generation with NPU vs. non-NPU processor using Amuse software generating a 1024 x 1024 pixel image from the same text prompt repeatedly until battery depletion to determine power efficiency. Configurations tested: HP EliteBook 8 G1a AI with AMD Ryzen AI PRO 350 and 32GB RAM vs. HP EliteBook 845 G10 with AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7840U and 32GB RAM. Results may vary
⁶ Based on HPs internal analysis of business PCs with preinstalled encryption, authentication, malware protection, BIOS-level protection and passing MIL-STD testing, finding that no other in-class PC implements a quantum-resistant cryptographic scheme to protect the integrity of UEFI BIOS firmware as of February 2024. Requires Windows 10 or higher. For supported HP PCs with the latest HP Endpoint Security Controller. See https://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4AA8-3644ENW.
⁷ Optional feature must be configured at the time of purchase.
⁸ HP AI Companion is available preloaded on select HP next gen AI PCs or is available for download from the Microsoft store and requires a HP next gen AI PC with a NPU supporting 40-60 TOPS with 16 GB or more of storage and requires Windows 11. Perform requires account set up within 30 days of PC boot or enrollment through the HP AI Companion app. Some features require customer upload of local data. Ten (10) library 100 MB limit each, supported files may vary and at launch include pdf, .txt., .docx files. For ‘On device’ AI use, your HP Next Gen AI PC requires 32GB RAM and will require up to 4.5 GB storage on your PC. “On device” mode uses a downloaded LLM Phi 3.5 to process queries locally and does not require an internet connection. “Cloud” mode uses GPT-4o to process queries online and requires an internet connection. Spotlight and voice capability expected availability in Spring 2025 Availability varies by region.
⁹ HP AI Companion requires an HP Next Gen AI PC with a NPU supporting 40-60 TOPS and requires Windows 11. For ‘On device’ AI use, your HP Next Gen AI PC requires 32 GB RAM and will require up to 4.5 GB storage on your PC.
¹⁰ HP Go integrates pre-embedded carrier profiles, pre-activation processes, and pre-configured APNs at the factory, enabling seamless out-of-the-box connectivity. Requires 5G module and Windows support for carrier profile management and network selection. North America subscription service ONLY. Available in Spring 2025.
¹¹ Zero-touch multi-carrier 5G deployment is the ability to automatically onboard and activate 5G connectivity across multiple carriers without requiring manual carrier selection, IT-managed profile provisioning, or traditional enterprise (STD) onboarding methods. Unlike standard WWAN and eSIM-based setups, HP Go integrates pre-embedded carrier profiles, pre-activation processes, and pre-configured APNs, enabling automatic connection to the fastest available network. North America subscription service ONLY. Available in Spring 2025.
¹² Requires myHP application and Windows OS.
¹³ Based on internal HP testing.
¹⁴ HP Workforce Experience Platform (WXP) is available in various tiers with optional add-on solutions in various term licenses. WXP is for commercial customers and some features and capabilities may require additional purchase of HP Services and/or commercial hardware supporting the HP Insights agent for Windows, Mac, & Android available for download at https://workforceexperience.hp.com/software.admin.hp.com/software. For full system requirements and services that require the agent, please visit https://workforceexperience.hp.com/requirements. Activation and restrictions may apply. The agent collects telemetry and analytics around devices and applications that integrate into the Workforce Experience platform and is not sold as a standalone service. The agent is ISO27001, ISO27701, ISO27017 and SOC2 Type2 certified for Information Security.
¹⁵ HP Vyopta license required for collaboration technology monitoring
¹⁶ March 2025. Mohamed Alaa Saayed, Senior Program Director & Fellow, Frost & Sullivan. 60% of gaming PCs are split between 55% desktop and 65% laptop users.
¹⁷ Multi-core is designed to improve performance of certain software products. Not all customers or software applications will necessarily benefit from use of this technology. Performance and clock frequency will vary depending on application workload and your hardware and software configurations. Intel’s numbering, branding and/or naming is not a measurement of higher performance. Intel, Core, and the Intel logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and other countries.
¹⁸All performance specifications represent the typical specifications provided by HP’s component manufacturers; actual performance may vary either higher or lower. Total processors power = Total GPU power plus total thermal power.
¹⁹ Tested at 50% headphone volume, continuous playback. Using 2.4GHz mode, the headset has a battery life of up to 120 hours. Using Bluetooth mode, the headset has a battery life of up to 200 hours. Actual battery life will vary with use and maximum battery capacity will naturally decrease with time and usage.
²⁰ Earcup plates sold separately. Available in select countries/regions.

The MIL Network –
March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: Violence Triggers Record Displacements in Port-au-Prince: Over 60,000 People in a Month

Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

Port-au-Prince, 18 March 2025 – In just one month, intense violence has forced nearly 60,000 people to flee—yet another record in Haiti’s worsening humanitarian situation. For years, gang violence, displacement, and instability have gripped Port-au-Prince and large parts of the country, each wave of attacks deepening the suffering of already vulnerable communities. However, in the last two months, the security situation has sharply deteriorated even further in the capital, with escalating attacks on civilians, eroding the few remaining gang-free areas, and forcing repeated and record displacements. The Port-au-Prince airport remains closed and the capital under siege.

Escalating violence has heavily impacted communities in several neighborhoods of the capital, including Delmas, Carrefour-Feuilles, Martissant, Fort National, Pétion-Ville, and Tabarre, forcing thousands to flee for safety. Most of the displaced have sought refuge in 48 displacement sites, including 12 newly established ones, while others have taken shelter with already overstretched host families.

“This alarming surge in displacements underscores the relentless cycle of violence devastating Haiti’s capital, we have never observed a such large number of people moving in this short time” said Grégoire Goodstein, IOM’s Chief in Haiti. “Families are being uprooted time and again, forced to leave everything behind as they flee for safety. Many of those displaced were already living in precarious conditions after previous displacements.”

Overall, more than 1 million people are displaced across the country, a number that has tripled in the past year. Yet, as suffering reaches new extremes, Haiti’s crisis continues to struggle for the world’s attention. Resources are stretched thin, and humanitarian needs far exceed the current response capacity. Additionally, insecurity keeps growing. Support for the Haitian National Police must be enhanced to provide them with the necessary resources and capabilities to restore stability and security.

“People fleeing violence need immediate protection, food, water, and shelter. The situation is worsening by the day, and without additional support, we risk seeing an even greater humanitarian catastrophe unfold,” emphasized Goodstein.

IOM continues to provide life-saving assistance to displaced communities in Haiti. Last month alone, over 16,000 people were reached with clean water and hygiene support, while 3,700 people benefited from emergency shelter, hygiene kits, medical care and psychosocial support. IOM teams remain on the ground, engaging with affected families, assessing urgent needs, and delivering aid throughout the country.

From emergency relief to long-term recovery, IOM is committed to providing relief and support for displaced Haitians, ensuring they receive the aid they need to survive and rebuild. However, significant challenges persist. Resources are overstretched, and humanitarian access is increasingly constrained due to insecurity, leaving thousands without adequate protection and essential services.

Note to Editor 

A detailed analysis of displacements in Haiti is available here.

For more information please contact:

In Haiti: Antoine Lemonnier, alemonnier@iom.int

In Panama: Jorge Gallo, jgallo@iom.int

In Geneva: Daniela Rovina, drovina@iom.int

MIL OSI United Nations News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: Seabees Prove Their Versatility by Constructing, Innovating, Supporting JTF-SG

Source: United States Navy

NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Operating with precision, efficiency, and self-sufficiency, the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 133 embodies a spirit of tirelessly building, repairing, and sustaining the infrastructure that keeps Joint Task Force Southern Guard (JTF-SG) running.

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: ICE arrests 31 illegal aliens, 3 charged for criminal activity

Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with support from the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations, and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, arrested 31 illegal aliens March 9 during a targeted enforcement operation in the San Juan area.

The multi-agency operation took place at an illegal cockfight location. Three of the arrested were charged for criminal activity.

All the illegal aliens are in ICE custody pending removal.

ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Juan Special Agent in Charge Rebecca González-Ramos said: “This operation is part of ongoing enforcement under the Presidential Executive Order, to combat illegal immigration across Puerto Rico. Local enforcement partnerships are key to fulfill our mission of keeping our communities safe.”

ICE is focused on public safety and national security threats. Individuals illegally present in the United States who are encountered during an enforcement operation may be taken into custody and processed for removal as stated by law.

Members of the public with information can report crimes or suspicious activity by dialing the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or completing the online tip form.

Learn more about ICE HSI mission to increase public safety in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands on X at @HSISanJuan.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Southern District of Texas Charges Nearly 250 People in Second Week of March in Relation to Border Enforcement Efforts

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

HOUSTON – A total of 245 new cases have been filed in the last week related to immigration and border security, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Of those, 115 are charged with illegally re-entering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent and/or sexual crimes and prior immigration offenses. A total 118 face charges of illegally entering the country, 10 cases involve various instances of human smuggling, and the remainder relate to firearms and assault of federal officers.

Of those facing allegations of illegally re-entering the country is Santos Demetrio Marquez-Hernandez from El Salvador. The criminal complaint indicates he has a felony conviction of contact with a minor with sexual intent and was removed just over two months ago on Jan. 8. He could receive up to 20 years in U.S. prison.

Juan Daniel Pena and Jose Cristian Cantu Jr. were also arrested this week for attempting to smuggle 15 aliens through the Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita. The charges allege the aliens, who were from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Vietnam, were hidden inside two trucks being hauled on a flatbed trailer. Five of the illegal aliens were allegedly previously ordered removed from the United States and are now facing their own charges of illegal reentry into the United States.

Relevant cases also featured this week include an Arkansas man who was found guilty of transporting illegal aliens in a truck’s wheel well and fuel tank. The jury deliberated for under 30 minutes following a less than two-day trial before finding Noel Mercado guilty on two counts of alien smuggling. An x-ray scan revealed at least two individuals in the truck’s wheel wells – found bolted inside modified wheel well compartments. Law enforcement also discovered two more individuals in the auxiliary fuel tank below the truck bed. All four were illegal aliens from the countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala with no authority to be in the United States.

Among those charged this week also includes Gerardo Hervey Rodriguez-Toscano, a Mexican citizen who allegedly ran up the Mexican side of the Hidalgo port of entry and attempted to evade U.S. law enforcement at the midpoint. Authorities were able to detain him, but after a struggle, according to the allegations. One officer allegedly suffered injuries to his wrist, knee and elbow. If convicted, Rodriguez-Toscano faces up to eight years in prison.

In addition, a Honduran man attempted to enter the country illegally by pretending to be a minor. Elger Fabricio Cotto-Navarro claimed he was born in May 2007, when he was actually born the previous year. He initially denied the allegations and made a written statement as such, but ultimately acknowledged he was an adult and that he provided an incorrect date of birth and made false statements.

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.

The SDTX remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.

An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Western District of Texas Exceeds 200 New Immigration Cases in Four Days

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

SAN ANTONIO – Acting United States Attorney Margaret Leachman for the Western District of Texas announced today, that federal prosecutors in the district filed 215 immigration and immigration-related criminal cases from March 10 through March 13.

In Austin, several individuals were charged with illegal reentry after deportation, after being found in local area jails. Among those were Ricardo Hernandez-Hernandez, a Mexican national who had allegedly been previously removed from the United States to Mexico on two prior occasions and had been convicted of indecency with a child sexual contact and failure to register as a sex offender; Andres Garcia-Saldana, a Mexican national who had allegedly been previously removed from the United States on four occasions and had been convicted of intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury and driving while intoxicated three times—the third time being a felony conviction; Hernan Vasquez-Medina, a Mexican national who had allegedly been removed from the United States three times before and had been convicted of making a terroristic threat and driving while intoxicated three times—like Garcia-Saldana, Vasquez-Medina’s third DWI was charged as a felony as well; and Jaime Ricardo Lopez-Rojas, a Mexican national who had allegedly been removed from the United States a total eight times and had been convicted of illegal entry twice, illegal reentry after deportation four times, driving while intoxicated three times, and family violence assault causing bodily injury.

In the Midland-Odessa area, two individuals with prior federal convictions were found in local area jails and were charged with illegal entry after deportation. Mexican national Saul Villalobos-Vasquez was allegedly removed from the United States once before and convicted in the Eastern District of Texas for unauthorized use of a social security number for which he had been sentenced to 12-months imprisonment in 2016. Daniel Olivas-Nieto, also a Mexican national, had been allegedly removed from the United States and was previously convicted in the Western District of Texas for the illegal transportation of aliens for financial gain, for which he was sentenced to nine months imprisonment.

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas comprises 68 counties located in the central and western areas of Texas, encompasses nearly 93,000 square miles and an estimated population of 7.6 million people. The district includes three of the five largest cities in Texas—San Antonio, Austin and El Paso—and shares 660 miles of common border with the Republic of Mexico.

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

Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

###

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung Names 10 National Finalists in Solve for Tomorrow STEM Competition

Source: Samsung

Demonstrating that Gen Z and Gen Alpha students embody “STEMpathy”—the fusion of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) skills and a compassionate drive to solve community challenges—Samsung Electronics America has announced the 10 National Finalist schools advancing in the 15th annual Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. Selected based on the project pitch videos submitted by this year’s 50 State Winners, each Finalist team will be awarded a prize package of $50,000 in Samsung technology and classroom supplies, and will advance to the final competition round.
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow challenges public school students in grades 6-12 to drive positive change in their communities by applying STEM know-how to address real-world, pressing local issues. Celebrating its 15th year, the award-winning education-based citizenship program launched in 2010 with a mission to boost interest, proficiency, and equity in STEM. Over the years, it has become a force for reshaping the perception of STEM as a vital field for fostering a skilled workforce and informed citizens of tomorrow. To date, Samsung has awarded more than $27 million in resources to nearly 4,000 public schools across the U.S.
This year, with guidance from their teachers, schools, Samsung employee mentors, and local businesses and public officials, the Finalist teams—half of which are from Title 1 schools—will complete their STEM solution prototypes and present them to a panel of judges at a live pitch event on April 28, 2025 in Washington, D.C. The impressive array of bright ideas utilize cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and machine leaning (60%), 3D modeling and printing (60%), Internet of Things (40%) and robotics (20%) to address key challenges in accessibility, public health, public safety, sustainability, and mental health.

Three schools will ultimately be named National Winners, selected by a distinguished judging panel that includes Charlotte Dungan, Chief Learning Officer at the Mark Cuban Foundation, Rameen Rana, Investor, at Samsung NEXT, and other esteemed judges. Notable guests attending the event include Yoonie Joung, President and CEO of Samsung Electronics North America, and Allison Stransky, CMO of Samsung Electronics America.
“Watching Year 15 of Samsung Solve for Tomorrow unfold, it’s clear that care, compassion and creative genius are alive and well among America’s 6-12 grade students,” said Stransky. “It’s inspiring to see Gen Z and Gen Alpha, as digital natives, embracing emerging tech like AI and harnessing it to improve lives and communities. We are proud to recognize not only the National Finalists but also the many students from schools across the country who participated this year, contributing their innovative ideas and showcasing the incredible promise of the next generations.”
Salman Taufiq, Head of Brand Marketing, Samsung Electronics America, added, “Solve for Tomorrow highlights the incredible potential of young minds. We are proud to see so many bright and passionate students are ready contribute to the growth and progress of our communities and country. As they embrace the power of STEM, they’re not just learning—they’re actively shaping a future where innovation and technology create real, positive impact.”
Introducing the 10 National Finalists

SchoolCity/StateCommunity Issue, STEM Solution & Video
Lathrop High SchoolFairbanks, AKPublic Safety – Winter Driving: Snow-covered roads obscure lane markings, causing dangerous driving conditions that contribute to nearly 300,000 crashes per year on the 70% of U.S. roads that experience snow-related reduced winter safety. Students developed Laser Lane Lines – a solution that uses AI, robotics, and GPS tech to project laser lane markings onto snow-covered roads. Their application of STEM makes driving on snowy roads much safer for residents of Alaska and winter drivers across the country. https://youtu.be/UHzK9OWp0r8
Bentonville West High SchoolCenterton, ARPublic Health – Cancer: Oral cancer causes 170,000 deaths annually, with early detection critical to saving lives. In Arkansas, limited access to affordable specialists and diagnostics makes detection especially challenging, particularly in rural and low-income areas. In 2024, 90% of residents didn’t visit a dentist. To address this, students developed an AI-powered mobile cancer screening app, allowing users to take images of their mouths and self-screen for oral cancer—offering an affordable, accessible early detection solution. https://youtu.be/f0uTMiuasF8
Aurora Highlands P-8Aurora, COAccessibility – Gaming: Gaming isn’t just about high scores—it’s a way to connect, compete, and build friendships. But many games come with controllers that aren’t built for players with physical disabilities or who lack fine motor precision, leading to a risk of social isolation. Using 3D modeling, printing, and coding to design a customizable, affordable controller, middle schoolers developed an adaptive video game controller for gamers with diverse abilities, make gaming more inclusive. https://youtu.be/b_-mV_ld8uo
Academy of Aerospace and EngineeringWindsor, CTClimate Action – Heat Disparities: In approximately 65 U.S. cities, the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect causes temperatures to rise by 8°F for 34 million people, a significant temperature increase that impacts public health and sustainable city development. To identify locations with heat-absorptive surfaces (e.g., dark pavement, roofs) or areas lacking cooling vegetation, high school students created H.E.A.T.M.A.P., an AI-powered app using 3D-printed, solar-powered IoT sensors with thermal imaging to track, predict, and mitigate UHI locations in real-time, combatting climate-driven heat disparities. https://youtu.be/MZ2a3BZEHzI
Charter School of WilmingtonWilmington, DEPublic Health – Physician Shortage: Delaware’s physician shortage has left several counties without adequate access to healthcare, causing primary care wait times to soar by nearly 200%. High school students developed the AKQUA-Gel hydrogel bandage—a smart, AI-powered smart bandage with IoT sensors and 3D-printed components that monitors wound healing in real-time. Linked to a mobile app, it tracks biomarkers like moisture, pH, and oxygen, providing data to patients and doctors, advancing treatment, and reducing hospital congestion by enabling remote wound monitoring. https://youtu.be/Vs-Ou3CnCZg
Bloomington High School SouthBloomington, INAccessibility – Sports: Nearly 20% of Americans experience hearing loss, and with 8 million high school athletes participating in sports, many are at risk of damaging their hearing aids during physical activities. Current solutions are bulky and non-compliant. Storm Shield, a lightweight, eco-friendly headband, protects hearing aids from wind, rain, and impact using hydrophobic mesh and a wireless motion sensor for safety. Combining material science, programming, IoT, machine learning, and 3D printing, this all-girl student-led project offers an affordable, sustainable, and innovative solution for athletes’ hearing aid protection. https://youtu.be/PlQEmMA2O9w
Denham Springs High SchoolDenham Springs, LASustainability – Water Quality: To address community concerns about the potential risks of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects in Lake Maurepas in Southeastern Louisiana, students developed the Safety C Sensor and app. Using AI and IoT, the system monitors carbon levels and alerts users to potential dangers like leaks. This initiative combines engineering, data science, and community education to ensure safety and raise awareness. https://youtu.be/-ZXrb92NUvw
Edgerton Elementary SchoolMaplewood, MNPublic Safety – Ice Hazard: Minnesota’s frozen lakes pose a serious safety risk, with numerous fatalities each winter from falling through ice. To address this, middle school students developed Ice Savers, a sensor system that measures ice thickness and shares real-time data through a mobile app. Using ultrasonic sensors, buoys, and AI-driven analysis, their solution helps prevent accidents by informing users when lake ice is safe to walk on. https://youtu.be/LzUOlEAJ-0w
Doral Academy of Northern NevadaReno, NVAccessibility – Modular Prosthetic: At Doral Academy, a student with a partial arm amputation couldn’t play the violin, a passion of theirs. To help, classmates came together to create a cost-effective, 3D-printed modular prosthetic. By using CAD software and recyclable PLA, the middle schoolers crafted a solution that’s not only functional but adaptable. The innovation enhances accessibility, underscoring how STEM can foster inclusivity. https://youtu.be/5-ufOdRPMn0
CY Middle SchoolCasper, WYMental Health – Youth Well-being: In response to rising youth mental health challenges, students created SEL-bot, a roaming robot that delivers positive messages throughout the school to promote mental wellness and self-esteem. Using mechanical engineering, robotics, and coding, they are applying STEM principles to build a functional robot that fosters a supportive, connected school environment, helping reduce anxiety and improve social interactions. https://youtu.be/n41Jq_mcoVE
Your Vote Matters: Help Choose the Community Choice Winner
The 10 Solve for Tomorrow National Finalists have showcased their groundbreaking STEM solutions in three-minute pitch videos, and now it’s your turn to weigh in! Cast your vote to help select one Community Choice Winner, who will receive an additional $10,000 prize package on top of their $50,000 National Finalist earnings. Watch the videos here, vote for your favorite, and make your voice count. You can vote once per day until 11:59 p.m. EDT on April 20, 2025.

New This Year: An Interactive, AI-Powered Prize to Empower U.S. Classrooms
In celebration of Year 15 of Solve for Tomorrow, in addition to the $2 million-plus total prizes, all 10 National Finalist teams will receive a Samsung WAF Interactive Display, which delivers a dynamic, engaging experience designed for the classroom of the future. Its intuitive interface and wide compatibility make it easier for teachers to leverage education apps and features that optimize lessons to help students discover the joy of learning. Each teacher will also receive specialized training from the Samsung Education Solutions team on effective uses of both interactive display technology and AI technology in the classroom.

What’s Next: Live Student Pitches & Game-Changing Prizes Await

The 10 National Finalists will head to a live Pitch Event on April 28 in Washington, D.C. Based on the live pitch presentations, judges will name three schools National Winners, each of which will receive a $100,000 prize of Samsung technology and classroom supplies. The remaining seven National Finalist schools will have been awarded $50,000 prize packages. All 10 National Finalist teams will receive a Samsung WAF Interactive Display and Samsung Education Solutions team training.
From among the 50 State Winners, one school will be selected for the Rising Entrepreneurship Award, receiving an added $25,000 prize package to nurture and develop their STEM solution into a venture extending beyond the competition.
One of the 50 State Winner schools will be recognized with a Sustainability Innovation Award for driving sustainable change through STEM innovation, and an additional $25,000 prize package, including Samsung ENERGY STAR® technology.
From the National Finalists, one Community Choice Winner, selected through online voting by the general public, will receive an additional $10,000 in prizes on top of their National Finalist winnings.
One Employee Choice Winner will be chosen by Samsung employees from among the National Finalists to receive $10,000 in prizes in addition to their National Finalist winnings.
To learn more about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, please visit www.samsung.com/solve and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

MIL OSI Economics –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Water cooperation is essential when countries share lakes and rivers – yet it’s been deteriorating in many places, with serious consequences

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Susanne Schmeier, Associate Professor of Water Law and Diplomacy, IHE Delft

Lake Chad once provided adequate livelihoods for 20 million people in Africa, but it lost 90% of its surface area in 30 years. AP Photo/Christophe Ena

Just over half the world’s population shares a river or lake basin with at least one other country. To sustainably manage those water resources for the health of people, ecosystems and economies, neighboring countries must work together.

However, many countries have been less willing to cooperate in recent years, even to protect a resource as vital as freshwater.

This trend away from multilateralism isn’t unique to water. The world is seeing a decline in the general willingness of countries to jointly solve many interstate, regional and global challenges. It shows as countries, like the U.S., pull out of the global institutions, such as the World Health Organization, and drop their support for global climate goals.

The breakdown in cooperation can have severe consequences. If one country takes more water than agreed upon, and builds dams or pollutes the water, its neighbors and their people, cities, agriculture, energy production and wildlife can suffer. That can ultimately destabilize local communities, deteriorate relations between countries and endanger regional peace and stability.

Water flowing into Africa’s Nile River affects several countries. A large dam being built by Ethiopia has led to concerns and disputes in the region.
AP Photo/Amr Nabil

We conduct research and work with governments and international organizations on environment and water law, policy and governance. The shift we’re seeing away from multilateral cooperation and rules-based order to more nationalistic tendencies, in which a country prioritizes itself to the detriment of all others, is raising concerns about the future.

Thousands of years of water cooperation paid off

More than 4,000 years ago, two Sumerian city-states – Lagash and Umma – were engaged in a fierce war over a strip of fertile land and a canal fed by the Tigris River in what today would be southern Iraq.

The conflict ended in 2550 B.C. with the first known precursor to an international water treaty. The Mesilim Treaty included payments and agreements on collaborative water use. It didn’t hold the peace permanently, but it created a model that lasted.

Conflict still occurs over shared waters; however, since the late 1800s, and particularly since the end of World War II, cooperation has been the dominant interaction between countries in the world’s 313 surface water basins, 468 transboundary aquifers and more than 300 transboundary wetlands.

In Europe, for example, countries have worked together through treaties, data sharing and joint projects to improve water quality, including in the Rhine and Danube rivers.

Nine countries work closely to protect the health of the Rhine River, which each depends on. In 2018, that cooperation became essential as water levels dropped to levels that interrupted ship travel.
AP Photo/Martin Meissner

Having cooperative processes in place also helps when disagreements arise. In Southeast Asia, negotiations and technical exchanges between countries that share the Mekong River have helped to ease tensions over the construction of dams in Laos.

Unilateralism is rising

Despite the proven benefits from cooperating over water resources, we’re seeing a troubling trend: Countries are increasingly taking actions that undermine water cooperation.

Even in the Columbia River Basin, often considered a model of cross-border cooperation, the status of an updated treaty between the U.S. and Canada is in question after the Trump administration paused talks in March 2025.

Since 1964, the U.S. has paid Canada to control the river’s flow to prevent flooding and to serve U.S. hydropower plants. The updated deal has been agreed to in principle, but is not signed. That’s raising questions about what will happen if the interim agreements expire in 2027 before the new treaty comes into force.

Another example is in the Zambezi River Basin in southern Africa, where countries increasingly disregard agreements to notify one another before building projects that will affect the water flow. Similar behavior happens in the Nile and Aral Sea regions, among others.

Ethiopia’s construction of a large hydroelectric damage on the Blue Nile has upset its downstream neighbors.

As unilateral actions over shared water resources become more frequent, the willingness of governments to enter into agreements and establish joint institutions to guide that cooperation is declining. The rate of establishing multilateral agreements has significantly slowed since the 2010s. Only around 10 agreements have been signed since 2020, and only two joint institutions have been established. A large proportion of basins have no agreements or institutions at all.

The few recent attempts to establish cooperative mechanisms have stalled or failed. The formal establishment of an organization to manage Lake Kivu and the Ruzizi River basin, shared by Congo, Rwanda and Burundi, was never formally ratified by its member countries. That left the once-promising organization a zombie.

Even when institutions already exist, some governments are withdrawing from them. But moves made for short-term gain can have long-term repercussions.

An example involves the Aral Sea, which has shrunk dramatically since the 1960s due to a combination of water demand for cotton crops and climate change drying the region.

The International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, IFAS, was created in 1993 by five countries to support projects designed to ensure water use remains possible along its rivers. However, in 2016, Kyrgyzstan froze its membership, arguing that the organization wasn’t taking Kyrgyzstan’s national interests into account. Kyrgyzstan contributes about 25% of water flowing into the region. Its frozen participation limits IFAS’ effectiveness.

The Aral Sea in Central Asia has been shrinking since the 1960s, but dramatically lost water each year over the past two decades. The top left image is from 2000.
NASA

Similarly, Egypt and Sudan froze their participation in the Nile Basin Initiative in 2010 over a cooperative agreement that they saw as violating their historical water rights – established in colonial 1929 and 1959 agreements – in favor of governance centered on “equitable water allocations.” While Sudan resumed participation in the Nile Basin Initiative in 2012, Egypt’s participation remains frozen.

Erosion of multilateralism

The changes we’re seeing with water agreements and institutions reflect a broader decline in countries’ willingness to address shared problems through multilateral cooperation — a trend that seems to be rapidly increasing.

In the United States, the Trump administration is pursuing expansionist foreign policies and protectionist trade policies. The administration has also publicly wavered on the U.S. commitment to NATO and announced it was leaving the World Health Organization.

Argentina also announced it would withdraw from the WHO. Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have withdrawn from the Economic Community of West African States, which promotes economic and political cooperation in the region.

The environment has been particularly affected by this trend. The U.S. move to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement and the difficulty of reaching a global plastics treaty also reflect the growing difficulty in reaching cooperative solutions to benefit future generations.

Harm to ecosystems, people and countries

As climate change shrinks freshwater resources, and growing populations lead to overexploitation of water supplies, countries will increasingly need multilateral cooperation to avoid conflict.

These agreements and institutions provide forums for communication and cooperation. Losing them can lead to less well-governed water resources, declining environmental, economic and health benefits, and increasing conflict.

Lake Chad is a cautionary example. The Lake Chad Basin Commission was established in 1964 by Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria to oversee its water and other natural resources and coordinate projects related to the lake. But the countries never fully committed to cooperating.

Since then, the lake has shrunk by around 90%, which has increased poverty by reducing people’s access to vital water resources to support their livelihoods. And that has created optimal conditions for terrorist group Boko Haram’s violent insurgency to succeed in recruiting young men who had limited livelihood options left.

People collect water from a branch of Lake Chad in Ngouboua, Chad, which has been attacked by the terrorist group Boko Haram. People depend on the lake for water, but it has been shrinking.
Philippe Desmazes/AFP via Getty Images

We believe this decline in countries’ commitment to multilateral cooperation should be a wake-up call for everyone. If the world’s most precious resource is not managed cooperatively and sustainably across international boundaries, more than just water is at risk.

Melissa McCracken has not received funding related to this article.

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

– ref. Water cooperation is essential when countries share lakes and rivers – yet it’s been deteriorating in many places, with serious consequences – https://theconversation.com/water-cooperation-is-essential-when-countries-share-lakes-and-rivers-yet-its-been-deteriorating-in-many-places-with-serious-consequences-251864

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Spanish speakers in Philadelphia break traditional rules of formal and informal speech in signs around town

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel Guarin, Adjunct professor, Temple University

Spanish-language signs in Philadelphia contradict the grammar lessons most of us were taught. Daniel Guarin Buitrago, CC BY-ND

I’ve discovered something fascinating about how Spanish speakers in Philadelphia address each other and communicate through public signs.

The discovery is part of my research on language patterns in Philadelphia – and it challenges what many students learn in Spanish class.

Remember those lessons where you learned to use the formal “usted” with strangers and “tú” with friends? Well, the signs on Philadelphia’s streets show that Spanish speakers actually use pronouns differently.

In Spanish, unlike modern English, speakers must choose between different ways of saying “you” when addressing someone. Some Spanish dialects use up to four different forms – “tú,” “usted,” “vos” and the Colombian “sumercé” – but the Spanish speakers writing signs in Philadelphia have settled on just two: “tú” and “usted.”

But here’s where it gets interesting: In Philadelphia, the choice between these forms doesn’t follow the traditional rules we all thought we knew.

What the signs tell us

After analyzing 250 signs across three neighborhoods with a significant number of Spanish speakers – the Golden Block, in North Philadelphia; Olney, in North Philadelphia; and South Philadelpha’s Italian Market corridor – and online spaces such as social media from different Hispanic organizations in the city, I found some surprising patterns in how these forms are used.

Bilingual signs written in both Spanish and English tend to use the verb form associated with formal “usted” – imagine a store window announcing, “Please wear a mask / Por favor, utilice una mascarilla.” But signs written only in Spanish often use the informal “tú,” even when addressing strangers. This challenges the common assumption that we should always use formal language with people we don’t know.

My study suggests the purpose of the message matters more than formality. When signs make requests, they typically use “usted.” But when they’re trying to persuade or invite people to do something, “tú” is more common. A sign saying, “Please wait to be seated” typically uses “usted,” while one saying “Join us for our grand opening!” uses “tú.”

A city’s changing voice

Philadelphia’s Spanish-speaking history stretches back to the late 1800s, with waves of migration bringing distinct varieties of the Spanish language to the city.

Puerto Rican communities arrived in the 1940s and ‘50s, followed by Colombians in the ’70s and ’80s, and more recently, Mexican and Central American immigrants in the early 2000s.

What’s particularly noteworthy is the absence of “vos” in these signs, despite Philadelphia’s significant Salvadoran population who traditionally use this form. This suggests newer communities are adapting their language in signs to match the more established Spanish-speaking groups in the city.

Why this matters

These findings tell us something important about language in immigrant communities.

Rather than creating an entirely new dialect, Philadelphia’s Spanish speakers are finding common ground in how they communicate. It’s a reminder that language rules are often more flexible than we think, shaped by real-world use rather than textbook guidelines.

The next time you’re walking through Philadelphia’s Spanish-speaking neighborhoods, pay attention to the signs around you. They’re not just giving directions or advertising services – they’re showing us how language evolves when different communities come together in a new home.

Read more of our stories about Philadelphia.

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

– ref. Spanish speakers in Philadelphia break traditional rules of formal and informal speech in signs around town – https://theconversation.com/spanish-speakers-in-philadelphia-break-traditional-rules-of-formal-and-informal-speech-in-signs-around-town-249444

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

March 19, 2025

MIL-OSI Security: Transnational Criminal Organization That Dispatched Thousands of Kilograms of Cocaine From the Venezuela/Colombia Border Dismantled

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (b)

Tampa, FL – Acting United States Attorney Sara C. Sweeney announces the dismantlement of a transnational criminal organization (TCO) that operated out of La Guajira, a peninsula on the Venezuelan/Colombian border. From there, the organization dispatched thousands of kilograms of cocaine intended for the United States and Europe.

Socrates Barros-Fince Transnational Criminal Organization
Name	Age	Sentence Imposed
Socrates Gabriel Barros-Fince, a/k/a “Chunchun,” “Chun,” “Indio,” “El Loco,” “Tawara,” “Chupo”	45	17 years, 6 months
Cristian Camilo Cordoba-Cuesta, a/k/a “Cris,” “El Primo”	37	14 years
Jorge Leonardo Diaz-Ramos, a/k/a “40,” “Numerito”	35	7 years, 3 months
Santander Barros-Pulido, a/k/a “Pollo,” “Tio,” “Divino”	57	15 years, 8 months
Nefer Alfonso Hinojosa-Larrada, a/k/a “El Negrito,” “Divino”	45	15 years, 8 months

According to the plea agreements, the above-named individuals were part of a transnational criminal organization that dispatched cocaine-laden vessels to the Dominican Republic and Spain. From the Venezuela/Colombia border, the organization planned smuggling trips and recruited crewmembers for that purpose. It was foreseeable to the conspirators that some of the cocaine was intended for the United States.

The investigation resulted in several seizures totaling over 6,700 kilograms associated with the organization that were prosecuted in the United States and abroad, to include:

Seizure of about 932 kilograms of cocaine near the Dominican Republic on August 15, 2016;
Interdiction of a go-fast vessel in the Caribbean Sea on November 9-10, 2016, smuggling about 700 kilograms of cocaine and prosecuted in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico;
Interdiction of a go-fast vessel in the Caribbean Sea on October 4, 2018, smuggling over 450 kilograms of cocaine and prosecuted in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida;
Interdiction of the M/V KARAR carrying about 4,000 kilograms of cocaine off the coast of Galicia, Spain on April 25, 2020, resulting in the arrests of 15 crewmembers and a dozen Spanish organized crime members.

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

This prosecution is also part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Panama Express Strike Force Initiative, whose mission is to disrupt and dismantle Transnational Criminal Organizations involved in large scale drug trafficking, money laundering, and related activities. The OCDETF Panama Express Strike Force is comprised of agents and officers from the Coast Guard Investigative Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations. The Colombian National Police, Spanish National Police, and Spanish Coast Guard provided critical investigative support. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs and the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section’s Office of the Judicial Attaché in Bogotá assisted in the extradition of these defendants. The prosecution is being led by the Office of the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Florida. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Baeza.

MIL Security OSI –

March 19, 2025

Category: Latin America

Senator Reverend Warnock, Colleagues Push Back on Proposed Cuts to Disaster Programs Helping Georgians Recover From Helene

No acknowledgement

Truth must emerge: Syria

Meeting families

Political Repression in Venezuela

Deaths due to ‘health complications’

Representation of a new society

The double edge of globalization

Food systems and national defence

Food sovereignty in Canada

Crisis-proofing Canada’s food systems

UN Human Rights Council 58: UK Statement for the Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela

Updates to this page

Holistic Action Plans ‘Best’ Approach to Gender-Based Violence

Need for Comprehensive Legal Reforms

Brazil Tackles Online Violence against Women

Fiji Recognizes Patriarchy as Root Cause of Violence against Women

Surge of Right-Wing Politics Undermine Women’s Rights

Thousands of years of water cooperation paid off

Unilateralism is rising

Erosion of multilateralism

Harm to ecosystems, people and countries

What the signs tell us

A city’s changing voice

Why this matters

Socrates Barros-Fince Transnational Criminal Organization