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Category: Politics

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top legislature vows high-quality legislation, oversight to serve national interest

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

    China’s top legislature vows high-quality legislation, oversight to serve national interest

    BEIJING, March 8 — The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, on Saturday unveiled its annual work plan for 2025, vowing to advance high-quality legislative work and conduct effective oversight to serve the overall national interest.

    Chinese national lawmakers on Saturday started deliberating the work report of the NPC Standing Committee at the ongoing NPC annual session.

    To ensure constitutional implementation and strengthen compliance oversight, the NPC Standing Committee will improve the systems ensuring comprehensive implementation of the Constitution and establish a system for reporting on its implementation, the report said, adding that the legislature will enhance its capacity to conduct constitutional review and normative document recording and review.

    HIGH-QUALITY LEGISLATION

    In the annual legislative plan, the NPC Standing Committee unveiled several key areas for the coming year.

    In order to strengthen the legal framework for the development of the socialist market economy, the NPC Standing Committee will formulate a law on promoting the private sector, a law on national development planning, a financial law, a financial stability law, and a law on cultivated land protection and quality improvement.

    It will also revise the Unfair Competition Law, the Enterprise Bankruptcy Law, the Agriculture Law, the Fisheries Law, the Civil Aviation Law, and the Banking Regulation Law, according to the report.

    In the social and cultural sectors, the legislature will formulate a law promoting public awareness and education regarding the rule of law, a social assistance law, a childcare services law, and a law on public-interest litigation initiated by procuratorates.

    It will also revise the Law on the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases and the Law on the Standard Spoken and Written Chinese Language, the report said.

    With a focus on refining the systems concerning ecological conservation, the legislature will continue with the compilation of an environmental code and formulate a national parks law and an atomic energy law.

    To modernize the national security system and public security governance mechanisms, the NPC Standing Committee will formulate a law on public health emergency response and a hazardous chemicals safety law. It will also revise the Road Traffic Safety Law, the Food Safety Law, the Cybersecurity Law, the Public Security Administrative Penalties Law, the Prison Law, and the State Compensation Law.

    In regard to legislation in areas involving foreign affairs, the legislature will revise the Maritime Law, the Foreign Trade Law, and the Arbitration Law, according to the report.

    The NPC Standing Committee also vowed to intensify research on legislation in emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and big data.

    EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT, LEVERAGING LAWMAKER ROLE

    The report noted that the legislature has prepared 37 oversight programs for this year, including inspections into the implementation of five laws: the Trade Union Law, the Energy Conservation Law, the Forest Law, the Food Safety Law, and the Law on Promoting the Circular Economy.

    The NPC Standing Committee will hear and deliberate special reports on a variety of issues, such as fostering new quality productive forces, promoting integrated development of the cultural and tourism sectors, protecting the rights and interests of workers in flexible and new forms of employment, and climate change action.

    On measures to fully leverage the roles of NPC deputies, the legislature will encourage deputies to engage the people on a broader range of issues and in more diverse forms, and will continue to improve working mechanisms for handling and giving feedback on public opinions brought forward by deputies.

    The NPC Standing Committee will also carry out a research project on the election of deputies to county- and township-level people’s congresses, according to the report.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Creating disability-inclusive jobs

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Nestled in the Museum of the War of Resistance & Coastal Defence, Madam Hong Cafe enjoys the spectacular views of Shau Kei Wan and Lei Yue Mun. In addition to rejoicing in the views and delicious food here, customers can also show their support for people with disabilities.

    Warm hospitality

    The cafe is run by a social enterprise and is one of the projects subsidised by the Social Welfare Department’s Enhancing Employment of People with Disabilities through Small Enterprise Project (3E Project). It aims to provide an inclusive working environment for those with disabilities, so as to enhance their self-confidence.

    There are more than 30 staff members in the cafe and about 60% of them are persons with disabilities. Albert is one of them. He has been working at enterprises of the Fu Hong Society for six years and joined Madam Hong Cafe as a waiter about three years ago.

    Albert speaks English and Putonghua fluently and a little bit of French. He often recommends food to customers, even foreign visitors. To him, the most challenging part of the job is to handle complaints. He also shared his experience of encountering situations when children get too excited and romp about in the cafe. “My secret trick is to approach them with a big smile and remind them softly to be careful.”

    Employee empowerment

    The cafe’s supervisor Bobo Lau described Albert as a conscientious worker who is very attentive to the customers.

    Ms Lau said one of the reasons why it is not easy for people with disabilities to find a job is that many employers do not understand their needs. For example, people with disabilities need repeated guidance, encouragement and appreciation from others.

    “Moreover, some of them cannot work long hours. As such, I adjusted the duration of work shifts and assigned work according to their strengths so that each employee can give full play to their strengths.”

    Promoting equality

    The Social Welfare Department launched the 3E Project in 2001 with the aim of enhancing the employment of persons with disabilities through a market-driven approach and direct creation of more work opportunities. The project provides funding support to non-governmental organisations in setting up small enterprises or businesses to ensure people with disabilities can enjoy an inclusive working environment.

    The grant’s maximum amount is $3 million per application and at least half of the employees must be persons with disabilities.

    Enhancement measures were introduced in 2019 to provide further support. This includes additional funding for salary expenses for one employee in the preparatory stage and an extending funding support for salary expenses of employees with disabilities immediately after the funding period is over.

    As at the end of January 2025, a total grant of over $175 million was approved to set up around 140 businesses of different types, including retail, food and beverage as well as car wash and car care services. Approximately 1,430 jobs have been created and about 70% of them are especially for persons with disabilities.

    Social Welfare Department Senior Executive Officer (Marketing Consultancy) Christine Ngan noted that the objective of the Government’s rehabilitation policy is to help persons with disabilities to develop their physical, mental and social capabilities to the fullest extent, and to encourage them to integrate into the community. It also aims to acknowledge the equal rights of those with disabilities as members of the community.

    She said: ”Through the 3E Project, the Government aims to enhance the public understanding of the capabilities of persons with disabilities and encourage more employers to engage them. These will help them achieve self-reliance and integrate into the community.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement on the Pine Barrens Brush Fire

    Source: US State of New York

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: World News in Brief: Guterres convenes Cyprus meeting, violence continues in southern Lebanon, UN aid hub in Chad expands

    Source: United Nations 4

    Humanitarian Aid

    The UN Secretary-General on Wednesday announced he would be convening fresh talks over the future of Cyprus, scheduled to take place over two days from 17 March.

    UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the regular daily briefing in New York that the leaders of both the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities would join UN chief António Guterres along with guarantors Greece, Türkiye and the United Kingdom, at the UN in Geneva.

    The UN has led negotiations towards a settlement of the issues which led to the division of the island, with the Security Council authorising a peacekeeping force in 1964, UNFICYP.

    In the absence of a lasting agreement, the force remains on the island to supervise ceasefire lines, a buffer zone and to support humanitarian activities.

    Previous talks

    Mr. Guterres attempted to bring the two sides together in 2017 at the Swiss Alpine resort of Crans-Montana but talks ultimately broke down. A further push was made in 2021.

    The meeting later this month will take place “in the context of the Secretary-General’s good offices’ efforts on the Cyprus issue,” in in line with his commitment to continue efforts made last October. 

    “The informal meeting will provide an opportunity for a meaningful discussion on the way forward on the Cyprus issue,” Mr Dujarric said.

    “The United Nations remains committed to supporting the Cypriot leaders and all Cypriots.”

    Lebanon: Fighting continues in peacekeepers’ area of operations

    The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported more gunfire in their area of operations on Wednesday, as well as sporadic military activity by Israeli forces, the UN Spokesperson said on Wednesday.

    As of now, the Lebanese army have deployed to more than 100 locations in southern Lebanon – between the Litani River and the ‘Blue Line’ of separation between the two countries – with the support of UN peacekeepers.

    Unexploded ordnance

    The latest conflict has left south Lebanon, especially areas close to the Blue Line, heavily littered with unexploded ordnances, “posing very serious risks to civilians”.

    The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) deminers continue to assist Lebanese authorities in finding and destroying these explosive remnants. 

    “Our peacekeepers have continued to discover caches of unauthorised weapons and ammunitions, including yesterday, a number of them in our Sector West, and all of them were duly reported to the Lebanese Armed Forces,” Mr. Dujarric explained.

    Between 21 October 2024 and 26 February, 44 unexploded ordnances and six improvised explosive devices were discovered and destroyed.

    Humanitarian work continues

    At the same time, UNIFIL continues to facilitate humanitarian missions in their areas of operation, with over 60 missions having taken place since the cessation of hostilities, facilitating the return of displaced people.

    Separately, the mission reports that 31 arrests have been made in connection with the attack on 14 February on a convoy near the Beirut airport. 

    Mr. Dujarric emphasised the importance that “those responsible for that attack are brought to justice”, with the attack targeting the then Deputy Force Commander of UNIFIL and a number of his companions.

    IOM expands humanitarian hub in Chad to aid 220,000 amid Sudan crisis

    The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the International Humanitarian Partnership (IHP) have completed the expansion of a key aid hub in Chad, in a move that will enable aid teams to reach up to 220,000 more in need.

    The expanded operational capacity at the hub in Farchana will strengthen cross-border interagency humanitarian operations for Sudan – the world’s worst displacement crisis. 

    Since April 2023, more than 11.5 million people have been displaced within Sudan and an additional 3.5 million have fled across borders, including an estimated 930,000 who have crossed from Sudan into Chad.

    Nine million in need across Darfur

    According to recent figures, nearly nine million people in the Darfur region alone require immediate assistance.

    “With the strengthened cross-border operations, IOM has already reached over 82,000 people in Darfur with critical humanitarian aid, and with the expansion of the Farchana hub, we are poised to provide life-saving assistance to an additional 220,000 people in the coming months,” explained Pascal Reyntjens, IOM Chief of Mission in Chad.

    “The hub also enables greater collaboration between humanitarian actors, development agencies and the government, which is essential for a comprehensive and sustainable response,” he continued.

    The expansion includes office space, living quarters and other infrastructure that will help improve the effectiveness of aid work in hard-to-reach field locations in Sudan.

    These enhancements will also enable international and national NGOs and UN agencies to further scale up cross-border operations from Chad into Darfur, where humanitarian needs are rapidly escalating.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: International Women’s Day: Minister Fir | Déclaration de la ministre Fir sur la Journée internationale des femmes

    “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the significant contributions women have made and continue to make in enhancing the social and economic fabric of our province and reaffirm our commitment to creating a better future for all.

    “We know that empowering women to pursue good-paying jobs strengthens the economy and benefits our communities. From launching the Women in Technical and Applied Arts Scholarship earlier this year, the first and only provincially funded scholarship of its kind, to continuing the Women in STEM and Persons Case Scholarships, Alberta’s government remains committed to helping women succeed in whatever field they choose.

    “With the continued support from our government, I look forward to finalizing Alberta’s 10-year Strategy to End Gender-based Violence, which will further support survivors and empower women, so every Albertan can live free of violence and fear.

    “Whether it’s advocating for women’s safety, promoting economic security or expanding opportunities where women are traditionally underrepresented, our government is committed to the long-term prosperity of women and girls.

    “Because when women actively participate in all facets of life, Alberta is a better place to live, work and raise a family.”

    Madame Tanya Fir, ministre des Arts, de la Culture et de la Condition féminine, a fait la déclaration suivante à l’occasion de la Journée internationale des femmes :

    « En cette Journée internationale de la femme, nous célébrons les importantes contributions que les femmes ont faites et continuent d’apporter à l’amélioration du tissu social et économique de notre province, et nous réaffirmons notre engagement à créer un avenir meilleur pour toutes et tous.

    « Nous savons que donner aux femmes les moyens d’obtenir des emplois bien rémunérés renforce l’économie et profite à nos communautés. Que ce soit en lançant plus tôt cette année la bourse d’études pour les femmes dans les domaines techniques et les arts appliqués, la première et seule bourse provinciale en son genre, ou en continuant d’accorder des bourses d’études pour les femmes en STIM et « l’affaire personne », le gouvernement de l’Alberta reste déterminé à aider les femmes à réussir dans les domaines qu’elles choisissent.

    « Grâce au soutien continu de notre gouvernement, j’ai hâte de mettre la dernière main à la stratégie décennale de l’Alberta pour mettre fin à la violence fondée sur le sexe, qui soutiendra les personnes survivantes et autonomisera les femmes, afin que chaque Albertaine et chaque Albertain puisse vivre à l’abri de la peur et de la violence.

    « Qu’il s’agisse de défendre la sécurité des femmes, de promouvoir la sécurité économique ou d’élargir les possibilités dans les domaines où les femmes sont traditionnellement sous-représentées, notre gouvernement s’est engagé à assurer la prospérité à long terme des femmes et des filles.

    « Parce que lorsque les femmes participent activement à tous les aspects de la vie, l’Alberta est un meilleur endroit où vivre, travailler et élever une famille. »

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Preparing for climate chaos in Timor-Leste, one of the world’s most vulnerable nations

    Source: United Nations 2-b

    By Felipe De Carvalho

    Climate and Environment

    Timor-Leste, a young island nation in Southeast Asia, is particularly vulnerable to the ravages of the climate crisis. A combination of technology, community knowledge and UN support could help to ensure that casualties and damage are kept to a minimum, the next time extreme weather hits.

    In April 2021, catastrophic flash floods ravaged Timor-Leste, claiming the lives of more than 30 people and destroying over 4,000 homes. Among the worst-hit areas was Orlalan, a remote mountainous village with a population of nearly 6,000. Residents there had little idea how to protect themselves when floodwaters surged and landslides struck.

    In Orlalan, community leaders like Armandina Valentina, whose family was affected in the 2021 floods, have taken on the responsibility of educating their neighbors. Valentina is relentless in her efforts, knocking on doors to make sure every resident knows where to go when disaster strikes. She emphasizes that the most vulnerable—pregnant women, children, and the elderly—must be given special attention to avoid panic.

    Her activities are part of a national initiative, supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), aimed at safeguarding the lives of the Timorese population.

    ONU News/Felipe de Carvalho

    In a disaster simulation exercise in Orlalan village, Timor-Leste, children receive first aid

    Disaster role play

    Another element of the programme is disaster simulations. UN News recently joined one of these drills in Orlalan, where children play a crucial role. During the exercise, they practice staying in visible areas, protecting their heads, and shouting for help if they’re trapped. Some children simulate injuries and receive first aid, while others follow rescue teams to safe locations.

    For young volunteer Fretiliana Alves, these simulations are not just a form of training—they are a calling. “My main motivation is to save lives,” she explains. Alves encourages her peers to join the effort, finding fulfillment in rescuing and caring for those in need.

    The success of these efforts relies heavily on local volunteers who know the risks and terrain of their communities. As Emidia Belo, Disaster Risk Reduction coordinator for the Red Cross of Timor-Leste (CVTL), notes, during a disaster, these volunteers are often the first responders. Their intimate knowledge of local conditions is indispensable, especially when access to affected areas is blocked.

    Saving the most vulnerable

    What sets UNEP’s preparedness program apart is its inclusivity. Training sessions are tailored to ensure that people with disabilities, children, the elderly, and pregnant women are all adequately equipped for the challenges posed by a disaster. Antonio Ornai, who is visually impaired, participated in a landslide simulation for the first time in September 2024. “I am grateful to be included,” he says. “I will use everything I’ve learned to protect myself in the future.”

    This approach, says Emidia Belo, is vital. “Disasters affect everyone, but they hit the most vulnerable the hardest,” she adds. “Changing the community’s mindset to be prepared is a long-term process. It’s not something that happens in just one or two years.” With UNEP’s five-year support, Timor-Leste is making significant strides, but there is still much work to be done.

    ONU News/Felipe de Carvalho

    Solar powered megaphones are being installed in remote areas in Timor-Leste as part of a multi-hazard Early Warning System

    Sound the alarm, loud and clear

    In Orlalan, the evacuation process during a disaster follows a meticulous five-step plan. First, national authorities issue an early warning of the impending danger. Community leaders then meet to assess escape routes and identify safe shelters. This information is broadcast through solar-powered sound systems, reaching even the most remote villages, while volunteers use megaphones to ensure everyone is informed.

    As the evacuation begins, civil defense teams and first responders trained in first aid are deployed to help those in need. The most vulnerable are prioritized, and once everyone is safely relocated, essential supplies are distributed by the government to the shelters.

    But the process is not without its challenges. “The hardest part is ensuring enough food during an evacuation,” says Adriano Soares, chief of Torilalan, a small village. “The floods damage crops, depleting our resources and making it difficult to survive.”

    ONU News/Felipe de Carvalho

    As a partner organization of UNEP, CVTL is responsible for community preparedness programs in six villages across Timor-Leste

    Game-changing, life-saving tech

    In a powerful address during COP29, the UN Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, UN Secretary-General António Guterres pointed out a dire reality: that the world’s least developed countries and island nations have less than 10 per cent of the data they need for effective alert systems. The message was clear—without the right data, lives are at risk.

    Efforts are now underway in Timor-Leste to close this gap.

    As part of the UNEP initiative, nine Automatic Weather Stations, two Automated Meteorological Observation systems, three radars and a marine buoy are being installed across the country.

    According to Terêncio Fernandes, Director of the National Department of Meteorology and Geophysics, these technologies will help the country progress from a basic level of climate observation to a more advanced one, with the potential to reach level five—a benchmark for comprehensive, real-time climate data.

    The new AWS stations, which are low-cost and can transmit data without the need for internet, are a game-changer for remote villages like Orlalan. These stations collect critical data on rainfall, wind speed, temperature, and other meteorological factors, transmitting it every minute to a central system for analysis.

    A legacy of global action

    The system that is being built in Timor-Leste is not just a national achievement; it is a testament to the power of global cooperation. Much of this progress is the result of decisions made at the 2010 UN Climate Conference, COP16, where the Green Climate Fund was established to help countries like Timor-Leste adapt to the climate crisis.

    As climate negotiations continue at COP29 and beyond, the lessons learned in Timor-Leste could serve as a blueprint for other nations facing similar threats.

    For now, the people of Orlalan, and other communities across the country, are learning to live with the reality of a changing climate, but they are also preparing for it—together. With technology, knowledge, and community spirit, they are proving that resilience, even in the face of catastrophe, is within reach.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Premier’s, parliamentary secretary’s statements on International Women’s Day

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Premier David Eby has released the following statement marking International Women’s Day:

    “Today is International Women’s Day, a day to recognize and celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

    “It is also a day to reaffirm a call to continue to move women’s equality forward. While women have made great advances in every aspect of public and private life, there is still inequity to solve, especially for women, girls and gender-diverse people who are Indigenous, racialized, newcomers or who live with a disability.

    “This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action at the 1995 Fourth World Conference on Women. The Platform for Action was considered a global agenda for women’s empowerment and gender equality and was adopted unanimously by 189 countries.

    “Our government recognizes that building a province that actively seeks to advance gender equity benefits families, communities and our economy. Supporting B.C. families by cutting fees for child care by more than half has saved parents an average of nearly $8,000 every year – a contributing factor to more than 150,000 women joining the workforce since 2017.

    “Investing in the health of women and gender-diverse people is a significant priority that advances equity and empowerment. Prescription contraception became free in April 2023. Since then, 306,000 British Columbians have saved about $300 each year. As well, beginning later this year, the province will offer one cycle of in-vitro fertilization for free. B.C. is also the first province to deliver an at-home self-screening program for cervical cancer.

    “Recognizing that true equality is not possible without the elimination of gender-based violence, our government launched a three-year action plan to address gender-based violence and its impacts. This includes $1.9 billion to build and operate 3,000 new transition housing, second-stage housing and affordable long-term housing spaces for women and children. We also introduced paid leave for people experiencing domestic and sexual violence.

    “We all have a role in moving gender equity forward. Today, on International Women’s Day, I encourage everyone to celebrate the women in their lives and reflect on how they can best contribute to ending gender discrimination.”

    Jennifer Blatherwick, parliamentary secretary for gender equity, said:

    “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the many successes and achievements of women in our province and renew our commitment to advancing gender equity. Empowering women, girls and gender-diverse people benefits everyone and is essential to the health of families, neighbourhoods and our economy. Whether it’s working in tech, science, small business, health care, education, construction or other sectors, more and more women are making their mark in B.C. — just as they have throughout history. British Columbia is an extraordinary place because of the extraordinary women who have made this province their home.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Unions, Retirees Seek Emergency Relief to Block DOGE’s Unlawful Social Security Data Overreach

    Source: American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union

    AFSCME, Alliance for Retired Americans, AFT Challenge DOGE’s Illegal Access to Confidential, Private Data of Hundreds of Millions of Americans

    Baltimore, MD — Yesterday, a coalition of unions and retirees filed a motion for emergency relief to halt Elon Musk’s so-called “Department of Government Efficiency’s” (DOGE) unprecedented, unlawful seizure of personal, confidential, private, and sensitive data regarding millions of Americans across the country from the Social Security Administration (SSA), in violation of the law. Today’s action builds upon a suit filed by Democracy Forward last month.
     
    Democracy Forward filed an amended complaint and motion for emergency relief on behalf of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Alliance for Retired Americans, and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
     
    Those filings reflect new facts showing DOGE’s ongoing campaign at SSA, including statements from the current Acting Commissioner, who was previously suspended from his role at the agency, that “outsiders who are unfamiliar with nuances of SSA programs,” are calling the shots. The filings underscore those threats: personnel from DOGE have accessed sensitive information and improper disclosure violates privacy and increases the risk of access by external actors, doxxing, identity theft, and financial crimes, among other risks.
     
    Tiffany Flick, who most recently served as Acting Chief of Staff to the former Acting SSA Commissioner before retiring last month, submitted a declaration in support of this lawsuit that outlines the significant steps taken by SSA career civil servants to protect sensitive data as members of DOGE descended on the agency. In it, she writes: “A disregard for our careful privacy systems and processes now threatens the security of the data SSA houses about millions of Americans.”
     
    “Working people spent their lives paying into Social Security,” said AFSCME President Lee Saunders. “They deserve to know their benefits and personal information are in safe hands. We will not stand by as an unaccountable, unelected billionaire undermines the promise that they can one day retire with dignity. We look forward to moving this case forward in court and stopping these reckless efforts to invade the Social Security Administration.”
     
    “Time is of the essence. Every day that the DOGE team is allowed to root around in our personal and financial data the higher the risk of it getting into the wrong hands or the integrity of the data being compromised,” said Richard Fiesta, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, a national grassroots advocacy organization. “We are asking the court to halt the DOGE team’s activities so the serious privacy issues and their potential consequences are fully addressed in a court of law before it’s too late.”
     
    “With every passing day Americans’ personal and financial data is further jeopardized by Elon Musk’s actions,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Absent immediate relief, working families are at risk of having their private information stolen and exploited, all because an unelected billionaire has decided to raid this sensitive data for his own ends. The promise of Social Security is that if you work hard and play by the rules, you can retire with dignity and grace. Elon Musk is breaking that basic bond of trust and must be stopped immediately before he lays waste to the savings working people have spent their lives building up.”
     
    “Americans should be able to trust the government to protect their confidential data and yet – again – the Trump administration has shown a blatant disregard for the law and its obligations to the American people by granting unprecedented levels of access to unappointed and unvetted individuals,” said Democracy Forward President & CEO Skye Perryman. “On behalf of retirees and worker representatives, we urge the court to block the Trump administration’s unlawful attempt to access the private data of hundreds of millions of Americans across the country.”
     
    The SSA maintains the financial data, employment information, medical data, and personal addresses of millions of Americans. The lawsuit alleges that such seizure by DOGE is prohibited by and in violation of the many protections Congress and the Executive Branch have in place to protect against such data mining and misuse. These include the Internal Revenue Code, the Privacy Act, the Social Security Act, the Federal Information Systems Modernization Act, and the Administrative Procedure Act.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement by the Prime Minister on International Women’s Day

    Source: Government of Canada – Prime Minister

    The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on International Women’s Day:

    “Women in Canada have made transformative progress in shaping our country for the better. Today, we celebrate their remarkable achievements, we honour their legacy of breaking norms and ceilings and lifting up others, and we reaffirm that there’s more work to be done.

    “More gender equality means stronger, fairer economies. When women and girls are meaningfully supported, valued, and empowered, we break barriers, spur progress, and shape a better future for generations to come. That means giving women more choices in the workforce, closing the gender wage gap, and reaffirming our collective commitment to women’s leadership – from public offices to corporate boardrooms to university and college campuses.

    “Since 2015, we have made important and meaningful progress. With our first-of-its-kind, universal $10-a-day child care program, families – especially moms – are getting the support they need to join the workforce or continue their career while raising their kids. Earlier this week, we reached extension agreements with 11 out of 13 provinces and territories so more families can get affordable child care.

    “We also introduced Canada’s first Women Entrepreneurship Strategy – backed by a nearly $7 billion investment – to help women entrepreneurs start up, scale up, and soar in their businesses. With the Women’s Economic and Leadership Opportunities Fund, we are making sure more women are at the leadership table.

    “Beyond our borders, our Feminist International Assistance Policy has ensured Canada remains a global leader in gender equality. Every year, we are investing an average of $1.4 billion to advance our 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights, with $700 million dedicated specifically to supporting comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights for women and girls. We’re sharing the message loud and clear – through action and engagement – that sexual and reproductive care is health care.

    “Guided by the Federal Pathway and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act Action Plan, we also continue our efforts to end the national crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ people. This includes projects like the Red Dress Alert pilot in Manitoba, which can inform the public when an Indigenous woman, girl, Two-Spirit, or gender-diverse person goes missing, so they can be brought home safely. And in partnership with provinces and territories, we are advancing the National Action Plan to End Gender-based Violence to deliver critical support to victims, survivors, and their families – because everyone has the right to live free from violence.

    “Finally, our government is proudly, firmly pro-choice. That doesn’t just mean supporting the right to choose, it also means increasing the choices available for women. With our pharmacare agreements, we are making contraception medications and devices free – from birth control pills, to IUDs, to the morning after pill – so women are free to choose if, when, and how they plan their family. With this coverage, nine million women will have more choices and, importantly, more affordable choices – so their right to reproductive freedom isn’t restricted by cost.

    “On this International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the incredible contributions of women and girls to our communities, our country, and our world. We all have a role to play – as partners and allies – in achieving gender equality and building a better future. Because when women and girls succeed, we all do.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: International Women’s Day activists protest in solidarity with Palestinians

    Asia Pacific Report

    Activists in Aotearoa New Zealand marked International Women’s Day today and the start of Ramadan this week with solidarity rallies across the country, calling for justice and peace for Palestinian women and the territories occupied illegally by Israel.

    The theme this year for IWD is “For all women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment” and this was the 74th week of Palestinian solidarity protests.

    First speaker at the Auckland rally today, Del Abcede of the Aotearoa section of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF), said the protest was “timely given how women have suffered the brunt of Israel’s war on Palestine and the Gaza ceasefire in limbo”.

    Del Abcede of the Aotearoa section of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) . . . “Empowered women empower the world.” Image: David Robie/APR

    “Women are the backbone of families and communities. They provide care, support and nurturing to their families and the development of children,” she said.

    “Women also play a significant role in community building and often take on leadership roles in community organisations. Empowered women empower the world.”

    Abcede explained how the non-government organisation WILPF had national sections in 37 countries, including the Palestine branch which was founded in 1988. WILPF works close with its Palestinian partners, Women’s Centre for Legal Aid and Counselling (WCLAC) and General Union of Palestinian Women (GUPW).

    “This catastrophe is playing out on our TV screens every day. The majority of feminists in Britain — and in the West — seem to have nothing to say about it,” Abcede said, quoting gender researcher Dr Maryam Aldosarri, to cries of shame.

    ‘There can be no neutrality’
    “In the face of such overwhelming terror, there can be no neutrality.”

    Dr Aldosarri said in an article published earlier in the war on Gaza last year that the “siege and indiscriminate bombardment” had already “killed, maimed and disappeared under the rubble tens of thousands of Palestinian women and children”.

    “Many more have been displaced and left to survive the harsh winter without appropriate shelter and supplies. The almost complete breakdown of the healthcare system, coupled with the lack of food and clean water, means that some 45,000 pregnant women and 68,000 breastfeeding mothers in Gaza are facing the risk of anaemia, bleeding, and death.

    “Meanwhile, hundreds of Palestinian women and children in the occupied West Bank are still imprisoned, many without trial, and trying to survive in abominable conditions.”

    The death toll in the war — with killings still happening in spite of the precarious ceasefire — is now more than 50,000 — mostly women and children.

    Abcede read out a statement from WILPF International welcoming the ceasefire, but adding that it “was only a step”.

    “Achieving durable and equitable peace demands addressing the root causes of violence and oppression. This means adhering to the International Court of Justice’s July 2024 advisory opinion by dismantling the foundational structures of colonial violence and ensuring Palestinians’ rights to self-determination, dignity and freedom.”

    Action for justice and peace
    Abcede also spoke about what action to take for “justice and peace” — such as countering disinformation and influencing the narrative; amplifying Palstinian voices and demands; joining rallies — “like what we do every Saturday”; supporting the global BDS (boycott, divestment and sanctions) campaign against Israel; writing letters to the government calling for special visas for Palestinians who have families in New Zealand; and donating to campaigns supporting the victims.

    Lorri Mackness also of WILPF (right) . . . “Women will be delivered [of babies] in tents, corridors, or bombed out homes without anasthesia, without doctors, without clean water.” Image: David Robie/APR

    Lorri Mackness, also of WILPF Aotearoa, spoke of the Zionist gendered violence against Palestinians and the ruthless attacks on Gaza’s medical workers and hospitals to destroy the health sector.

    Gaza’s hospitals had been “reduced to rubble by Israeli bombs”, she said.

    “UN reports that over 60,000 women would give birth this year in Gaza. But Israel has destroyed every maternity hospital.

    “Women will be delivered in tents, corridors, or bombed out homes without anasthesia, without doctors, without clean water.

    “When Israel killed Gaza’s only foetal medicine specialist, Dr Muhammad Obeid, it wasn’t collateral damage — it was calculated reproductive terror.”

    “Now, miscarriages have spiked by 300 percent, and mothers stitch their own C-sections with sewing thread.”

    ‘Femicide – a war crime’
    Babies who survived birth entered a world where Israel blocked food aid — 1 in 10 infants would die of starvation, 335,000 children faced starvation, and their mothers forced to watch, according to UNICEF.

    “This is femicide — this is a war crime.”

    Eugene Velasco, of the Filipino feminist action group Gabriela Aotearoa, said Israel’s violence in Gaza was a “clear reminder of the injustice that transcends geographical borders”.

    “The injustice is magnified in Gaza where the US-funded genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinian people has resulted in the deaths of more than 61,000.”

    ‘Pernicious’ Regulatory Standards Bill
    Dr Jane Kelsey, a retired law professor and justice advocate, spoke of an issue that connected the “scourge of colonisation in Palestine and Aotearoa with the same lethal logic and goals”.

    Law professor Dr Jane Kelsey . . . “Behind the scenes is ACT’s more systemic and pernicious Regulatory Standards Bill.” Image: David Robie/APR

    The parallels between both colonised territories included theft of land and the creation of private property rights, and the denial of sovereign authority and self-determination.

    She spoke of how international treaties that had been entered in good faith were disrespected, disregarded and “rewritten as it suits the colonising power”.

    Dr Kelsey said an issue that had “gone under the radar” needed to be put on the radar and for action.

    She said that while the controversial Treaty Principles Bill would not proceed because of the massive mobilisations such as the hikoi, it had served ACT’s purpose.

    “Behind the scenes is ACT’s more systemic and pernicious Regulatory Standards Bill,” she said. ACT had tried three times to get the bill adopted and failed, but it was now in the coalition government’s agreement.

    A ‘stain on humanity’
    Meanwhile, Hamas has reacted to a Gaza government tally of the number of women who were killed by Israel’s war, reports Al Jazeera.

    “The killing of 12,000 women in Gaza, the injury and arrest of thousands, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands are a stain on humanity,” the group said.

    “Palestinian female prisoners are subjected to psychological and physical torture in flagrant violation of all international norms and conventions.”

    Hamas added the suffering endured by Palestinian female prisoners revealed the “double standards” of Western countries, including the United States, in dealing with Palestinians.

    Filipino feminist activists from Gabriela Aotearoa and the International Women’s Alliance (IWA) also participated in the pro-Palestine solidarity rally. Image: David Robie/APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s national legislature holds 2nd plenary meeting of annual session

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    The second plenary meeting of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 8, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    The third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s national legislature, held its second plenary meeting Saturday to deliberate work reports of the Standing Committee of the 14th NPC, the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) and the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP).
    Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders including Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the meeting.
    Zhao Leji, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, delivered the work report of the national legislature to the meeting.
    Reviewing the top legislature’s work in 2024, Zhao highlighted its endeavor to strengthen the implementation of the Constitution and enhance compliance oversight to uphold the Constitution’s authority and sanctity.
    On leveraging its legislative functions to enhance the Chinese socialist legal system, the national legislature deliberated 39 legislative items over the past year, 24 of which were adopted, including six new laws and 14 revised laws, Zhao said.
    The national legislature lawfully exercised its duty of oversight, Zhao said, adding that it heard and deliberated 21 reports from the State Council, the National Commission of Supervision, the SPC, and the SPP.
    Zhao said that the national legislature also strengthened efforts to support deputies in performing their duties in accordance with the law, including helping deputies maintain close ties with the people.
    Zhao laid out work plans for the national legislature in 2025.
    Delivering the top court’s work report, SPC President Zhang Jun said Chinese courts at all levels accepted over 46 million cases and concluded over 45 million cases in 2024, roughly on par with the previous year.
    Over the past year, Chinese courts safeguarded national security and social stability, promoted high-quality development, and guaranteed people’s well-being through ensuring strict and impartial administration of justice, he said.
    Zhang said courts in 2025 will make new and greater contributions to promoting law-based governance on all fronts and building a socialist country under the rule of law at a higher level.
    Delivering the top procuratorate’s work report, SPP Procurator-general Ying Yong said that over the past year, procuratorates worked to advance the Peaceful China Initiative to a higher level and improve people’s livelihood, among others.
    He said procuratorates in 2025 will deepen reform and make greater contributions to national rejuvenation.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: How AI Has Advanced Healthcare & Start-Up Empowers Millions of Farmers | WEF | Top Stories Week

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    This week’s top stories of the week include:

    0:15 5 ways AI has advanced healthcare – AI is improving surgery in a number of ways. From building ideal surgical plans for patients to guiding surgeons through tricky procedures.Globally, 4.5 billion people lack access to essential healthcare services. AI could help bridge that gap. Yet healthcare is ‘below average’ in its adoption of AI compared to other industries.

    4:42 Start-up empowers millions of farmers – Farmerline is revolutionizing agriculture in Africa with its AI-driven interactive voice response tool, Darli AI. Available in 27 languages, including 20 African languages, Darli serves as a 911 for farmers—providing critical farming insights in a language they understand. Research shows that farmers are 60% more likely to adopt new techniques when information is delivered in their native language.

    7:56 Workplace traditions we should rethink – Adam Grant is an organizational psychologist and professor at Wharton. Traditional hierarchies can stifle innovation, he says. One ‘no’ from on high can be all it takes to kill an idea. So, instead of a ladder with just one route upwards, what about a corporate lattice?

    10:58 Why businesses need geopolitical muscle – Nikolaus Lang is Chair of the BCG Center for Geopolitics. As the world becomes more multipolar, with power centres outside the West in China, Russia, and increasingly the Global South, shifting trade flows are breaking down old alliances, and economic nationalism is on the rise. In this environment, businesses can put on ‘geopolitical muscle’ by focusing on 2 key elements.
    _____________________________________________

    The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.

    World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
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    #WorldEconomicForum

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiYgYTVwbcM

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foreign Ministers Statement: Arab Plan For Reconstruction of Gaza

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Foreign Ministers Statement: Arab Plan For Reconstruction of Gaza

    Joint Statement on behalf of the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the UK

    “We, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom welcome the Arab initiative of a Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza. The plan shows a realistic path to the reconstruction of Gaza and promises – if implemented – swift and sustainable improvement of the catastrophic living conditions for the Palestinians living in Gaza. Recovery and reconstruction efforts must be based upon a solid political and security framework acceptable to both Israelis and Palestinians, which provides long term peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians alike. We are clear that Hamas must neither govern Gaza nor be a threat to Israel any more. We explicitly support the central role for the Palestinian Authority and the implementation of its reform agenda. 

    We commend the serious efforts of all involved stakeholders and appreciate the important signal the Arab states have sent by jointly developing this recovery and reconstruction plan. We are committed to working with the Arab initiative, the Palestinians and Israel to address those issues together, including security and governance. We urge all parties to build on the plan’s merits as a starting point.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Message of the Holy Father, read by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to participants in the pilgrimage of the Movement for Life

    Source: The Holy See

    Message of the Holy Father, read by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, to participants in the pilgrimage of the Movement for Life, 08.03.2025
    The following is the Message of the Holy Father to the participants in the pilgrimage of the Movement for Life, read out by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin during Holy Mass in the Vatican Basilica:

    Message of the Holy Father
    Dear sisters and dear brothers of the Movement for Life!
    Thank you for your remembrance in prayer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I greet you all, in particular the President, Ms. Marina Casini, and the members of the Directorate.
    I know the value of the service you provide to the Church and society. Together with concrete solidarity, lived with the approach of closeness and proximity to mothers in difficulty due to a difficult and unexpected pregnancy, you promote the culture of life in a broad sense. And you aim to do so with frankness, love and tenacity, keeping truth closely united to charity towards everyone. You are guided in this by the examples and teachings of Carlo Casini, who had made service to life the centre of his lay apostolate and his political commitment.
    The occasion that has brought you to Rome is important: the fiftieth anniversary of the Movement for Life, whose first seed was the Centre for Help for Life, established in Florence in 1975. Since then, throughout Italy, the Centres for Help for Life have multiplied. They have been joined by the Reception Centres, the SOS Vita services, the Gemma Project and the Culle per la Vita, Cradles for Life. Countless initiatives have been undertaken to promote the culture of welcome and human rights at all levels of society. Therefore, I encourage you to pursue the social protection of motherhood and the acceptance of human life at every stage.
    In this half-century, while some ideological prejudices have diminished and sensitivity for the care of creation has grown among young people, unfortunately the culture of rejection has spread. Therefore, there is still, and more than ever, a need for people of all ages to concretely devote themselves to the service of human life, especially when it is at its most fragile and vulnerable; because it is sacred, created by God for a great and beautiful destiny; and because a just society is not built by eliminating unwanted unborn children, the elderly who are no longer independent, or the incurably ill.
    Dear sisters and dear brothers, you have come from many parts of Italy to renew once again your “yes” to the civilization of love, aware that freeing women from the conditioning that drives them not to give birth to their own child is a principle for the renewal of civil society. Indeed, it is before everyone’s eyes how society today is structured on the categories of possessing, doing, producing, and appearing. Your commitment, in harmony with that of the entire Church, points to a different approach, one that places the dignity of the person at the centre and prioritizes those who are weaker. The unborn child represents, par excellence, every man and woman who does not count, who has no voice. To place oneself on his or her side means standing in solidarity with all the world’s discarded. And the gaze of the heart that recognizes him or her as one of us is the lever that moves this project.
    Continue to be committed to women, on their capacity for acceptance, generosity and courage. Women must be able to count on the support of the entire civil and ecclesial community, and the Centres for Help for Life can become a point of reference for all. Thank you for the pages of hope and tenderness you help to write in the history book, and which remain indelible; they bear, and will bear, much fruit.
    May the Lord bless you and the Holy Virgin keep you. I entrust every one of you, your groups and your efforts to the intercession of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, spiritual president of the Movements for Life throughout the world. And do not forget to pray for me. Thank you.
    Rome, Gemelli Hospital, 5 March 2025
    FRANCIS

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: PM call with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia: 8 March 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    PM call with Prime Minister Albanese of Australia: 8 March 2025

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, this morning.

    The Prime Minister spoke to the Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese this morning.

    The Prime Minister began by expressing his support for all Australians affected by the Cyclone and paid tribute to the strength of the partnership between the two countries.

    He welcomed Prime Minister Albanese’s commitment to consider contributing to a Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine and looked forward to the Chiefs of Defence meeting in Paris on Tuesday.

    The Prime Minister also reiterated the UK’s commitment to the AUKUS programme.

    The leaders agreed to stay in touch.

    Updates to this page

    Published 8 March 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK Happy International Women’s Day!

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    Today we’re celebrating the 263 women MPs currently serving in the House of Commons, many of whom are captured here. They make up 40% of the total number of MPs today, the highest number in the UK’s history.

    Check out our International Women’s Day photos and more on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/uk_parliament/albums/

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXIfp_pQLN8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI: AppTech Payments Corp. Highlights Q4 2024 Financial and Strategic Developments

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CARLSBAD, Calif., March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AppTech Payments Corp. (“AppTech or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: APCX), a fintech company, today shared its Fourth Quarter 2024 financial results. The Company reported an operating loss of $2.1 million ($0.08 per share) versus a $3.4 million loss in the same quarter of 2023 ($0.18 per share).

    The operating loss for the full year 2024 was $8.8 million ($0.35 per share) versus $18.5 million ($1.01 per share) in 2023.

    CEO Thomas DeRosa noted that AppTech underwent significant organizational changes in the fourth quarter when a new investor group committed $5 million to improve the Company’s operations; established voting control of the Board of Directors and replaced certain key executives including the CEO and CFO. New CFO Felipe Corrado stated “We are encouraged by the organizational and operating improvements made in the fourth quarter. We bolstered our capital position, reduced expenses and narrowed our focus solely to several potentially near-term and profitable customers.”

    The company also announced it would file its 2024 Form 10K on March 31, 2025.

    About AppTech Payments Corp.

    AppTech Payments Corp. (NASDAQ: APCX) provides digital financial services for financial institutions, corporations, small and midsized enterprises (“SMEs”), and consumers through the Company’s scalable cloud-based platform architecture and infrastructure. For more information, please visit apptechcorp.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties. Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “anticipate, believe, estimate, expect, forecast, intend, may, plan, project, predict, should, will” and similar expressions as they relate to AppTech are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, general economic and business conditions, effects of continued geopolitical unrest and regional conflicts, competition, changes in methods of marketing, delays in manufacturing or distribution, changes in customer order patterns, changes in customer offering mix, and various other factors beyond the Company’s control. Actual events or results may differ materially from those described in this press release due to any of these factors. AppTech is under no obligation to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

    AppTech Payments Corp.
    760-707-5959
    info@apptechcorp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: 📣 Machinists on the Hill: Bryant speaks to MNPL — IAM Union thanks federal workers

    Source: US GOIAM Union

















    March 7, 2025

    Click Here to view this edition of Machinists on the Hill.

    Share and Follow:

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Office of Sustainability Releases Statewide Sustainability Strategic Plan for State Government

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – The Colorado Office of Sustainability, housed within the Department of Personnel & Administration (DPA), released its first Statewide Sustainability Strategic Plan, setting ambitious new goals to drive environmentally sustainable government operations and reduce energy and water costs for taxpayers. This plan builds upon the success of previous greening government initiatives and aligns with Gov. Polis’ 2025-2027 Operational Agenda.

    Established in January 2024, the Office of Sustainability leads statewide efforts to reduce the carbon footprint from government facilities and operations, optimize resource efficiency, and leverage federal and private sector resources for sustainability projects. This strategic plan reinforces the State’s commitment to cutting greenhouse gas emissions, reducing energy and water consumption, and increasing the use of clean energy in government operations.

    “This strategic plan builds on our administration’s ongoing efforts to ensure state government provides quality resources to hardworking Coloradans, improves efficiency and cuts costs. Protecting our natural resources and reducing pollution will help create a stronger Colorado today and for future generations,” said Governor Jared Polis.

    “Colorado is a national leader in sustainable government operations, and this strategic plan provides a clear roadmap to further cut our environmental footprint while delivering significant cost savings for taxpayers,” said Tony Gherardini, Executive Director of the Department of Personnel & Administration. “By centralizing sustainability efforts and maximizing funding opportunities, we are ensuring that Colorado’s government leads by example in creating a cleaner, more efficient future for Coloradans.”

    Key Elements of the Strategic Plan:

    • Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The plan calls for continued reductions in emissions from State facilities and fleets.
    • Enhancing Energy and Water Efficiency: The State aims to decrease energy use per square foot by at least 15% and potable water consumption by at least 2%.
    • Expanding Renewable Energy Usage: At least 7% of electricity consumed by State facilities will be sourced from renewable energy by the end of FY 2024-25.
    • Electrifying State Vehicle Fleets and Equipment: The State will phase out petroleum-powered lawn and garden equipment and expand electric vehicle adoption.

    Since 2003, four Governors have signed a total of 11 Greening Government Executive Orders, demonstrating a long-standing bipartisan commitment to sustainability in State operations. The Office of Sustainability plays a critical role in implementing these directives by providing technical assistance, accountability, and leadership to ensure the State meets its ambitious sustainability objectives.

    The Statewide Sustainability Strategic Plan is available on the Colorado Office of Sustainability website.

    ###
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: New Jersey Man Sentenced To 40 Months In Prison For Stealing COVID-19 Unemployment Benefits; Others Previously Sentenced

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    TRENTON, N.J. – A New Jersey man was sentenced to 40 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to illegally obtain over $570,000 in COVID-19 unemployment benefits, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.

    Jose Tavares, 37, of Englewood, New Jersey, was convicted on Oct. 28, 2024, on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud after a five-day jury trial before U.S. District Judge Robert Kirsch. Judge Kirsch imposed the sentence in Trenton federal court. Tavares’ conspirators, Yanira Abreu, 43, of Keasbey, New Jersey, and Christopher Valerio, 34, of Perth Amboy, New Jersey, were each sentenced previously by Judge Kirsch in the same scheme.

    According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

    From July 2020 through February 2021, Tavares, Valerio, Abreu and others submitted fraudulent applications for unemployment insurance benefits to the New York Department of Labor (NYDOL) through fictitious online profiles that they created using personally identifiable information, including names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of other individuals without their consent. Once the NYDOL processed and approved the fraudulent applications, Tavares and his conspirators obtained debit cards with the illegally obtained funds totaling over $570,000, which they used for personal gain, including vacations, luxury retail purchases, and cosmetic surgery.

    In addition to the prison term, Judge Kirsch sentenced Tavares to 3 years of supervised release and ordered Tavares to pay in $570,077 in restitution.

    U.S. Attorney Giordano credited special agents of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark; Special Agents of the U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Mellone, and postal inspectors of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, under the direction of Postal Inspector in Charge Christopher A. Nielsen, Philadelphia Division, with the investigation that led to the sentencing.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Stark and Benjamin D. Bleiberg of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark.

    The District of New Jersey COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Strike Force is one of five strike forces established throughout the United States by the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate and prosecute COVID-19 fraud. The strike forces focus on large-scale, multi-state pandemic relief fraud perpetrated by criminal organizations and transnational actors. The strike forces are interagency law enforcement efforts, using prosecutor-led and data analyst-driven teams designed to identify and bring to justice those who stole pandemic relief funds.

    Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.

                                                                           ###

    Defense Counsel for Tavares: Jeffrey Simms, Esq. and Roberto Espinosa, Esq., of New Jersey.

    Defense counsel for Valerio: Kevin Roe, Esq., of New Jersey.

    Defense counsel for Abreu: John Russo, Esq., of New York.   

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Senior Officials Chart Policy Agenda on Economic and Technical Cooperation Gyeongju, Republic of Korea | 07 March 2025 SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation Their collaborative work aims to advance growth and prosperity across all member economies and is a key part of Korea’s forward-looking 2025 host year theme, “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow.”

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    In a city where tradition and innovation converge, senior officials from across the Asia-Pacific gathered in Gyeongju with representatives from specialized technical working groups and policy partnerships—each focusing on areas such as energy, telecommunications, and skills development—to discuss the year ahead.

    Their collaborative work aims to advance growth and prosperity across all member economies and is a key part of Korea’s forward-looking 2025 host year theme, “Building a Sustainable Tomorrow.”

    “Our agenda for economic and technical cooperation in 2025 is not merely about addressing today’s issues; it’s about laying a solid foundation for the Asia-Pacific of tomorrow,” remarked Cheng Lie, Chair of the APEC SOM Steering Committee on Economic and Technical Cooperation (SCE).

    “We must harness digital transformation, foster sustainable practices, and drive economic integration to build a future that is both resilient and inclusive,” Cheng Lie added, emphasizing that the region’s long-term prosperity hinges on innovative policy solutions that bridge current challenges with future opportunities.

    Central to the committee’s work is bolstering capacity building across key economic drivers—trade and investment; innovation and digitalization; and sustainable, inclusive growth—with a focus on areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, and demographic shifts in the region.

    By leveraging emerging technologies, the SCE’s working groups and policy partnerships aim to accelerate public service delivery and promote a competitive digital economy across the region, envisioning a digital ecosystem that empowers governments, businesses, and citizens alike.

    Environmental sustainability also took center stage, with discussions highlighting the need to integrate green policies into the broader economic agenda. The SCE will continue to lead on the annual Bio-Circular-Green Award, an initiative that recognizes distinguished individuals implementing sustainable approaches.

    Senior officials stressed the importance of collaboration, underscoring that a coordinated approach is essential to overcome the challenges posed by rapid globalization and technological change.

    The outcomes of this meeting will serve as critical input for subsequent APEC discussions, reinforcing the region’s resolve to navigate global challenges with cohesive and forward-looking economic cooperation.

    For further details and media inquiries, please contact:  
    [email protected] 
    [email protected]

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Involved in Smuggling and Labor Trafficking Scheme Sentenced to 3 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Marc H. Silverman, Acting United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that PORFIRIA MARIBEL RAMOS SANCHEZ, 47, a citizen of Mexico last residing in Vernon, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport to 36 months of imprisonment for her involvement in a scheme to smuggle aliens into the U.S., harbor them at Hartford area residences, force them to work, and threaten to harm them in various ways if they failed to pay exorbitant fees, interest, and other living expenses.

    According to court documents and statements made in court, beginning in September 2022, the FBI and Hartford Police interviewed several Mexican nationals who disclosed that they were smuggled from Mexico into the U.S. and transported to Hartford.  The investigation revealed that victims typically arranged with Ramos’s mother, Maria Del Carmen Sanchez Potrero, and others in Connecticut and Mexico, to cross the border into the U.S. in exchange for a fee of between $15,000 and $20,000 that each would need to pay once they were in the U.S.  In most cases, the victims were required to turn over a property deed as collateral before leaving Mexico.  They were then smuggled across the border and transported to Hartford area residences, often at a substantial risk of bodily injury or death.

    After the victims arrived in Connecticut, they were told that they would have to pay approximately $30,000, with interest, and that they would have to pay Sanchez, Ramos, and their co-coconspirators for rent, food, gas, and utilities.  The co-conspirators created false documents for the victims, including Permanent Residence cards and Social Security cards, and helped the victims find employment in the Hartford area.  In addition to their own jobs, some victims were required to perform housework and yardwork without compensation and without having their debt reduced.

    Victims were rarely provided with an accounting of their debt.  If victims failed to make regular payments, or in amounts that the co-conspirators expected, they were sometimes threatened, including with threats to harm family members in Mexico, to take property in Mexico that had been secured as collateral, to reveal victims’ immigration status to U.S. authorities, and to raise their interest payments.

    To date, investigators have identified 19 victims of this scheme.  Multiple victims were minors, and at least two were smuggled into the U.S. unaccompanied by a relative or legal guardian.

    Ramos has been detained since her arrest on October 5, 2023.  On October 4, 2024, she pleaded guilty to conspiracy to encourage and induce, bring in, transport, and harbor aliens.

    Judge Dooley ordered Ramos to pay restitution of $574,608.  As a condition of her plea agreement, in partial satisfaction or her restitution obligation, Ramos and her husband agreed to sell a house they owned at 74 Burnside Avenue in East Hartford, which was used to facilitate this criminal offense.  However, in violation of her plea agreement, Ramos did not inform the government of the pending sale and sold the house in November 2024 to a relative of her husband for $75,000 less than its appraised value.

    Ramos faces immigration proceedings when she completes her prison term.

    Sanchez pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.

    This investigation has been conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Hartford Police Department, U.S. Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Krull and Shan Patel.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley Co-Sponsor Legislation to Update Antiquated Mining Law to Protect Public Lands and Taxpayers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    March 07, 2025
    Bill would modernize Civil War era mining law that has led to significant waste, fraud, and abuse
    Washington, D.C. –U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley today announced they are co-sponsoring legislation that would modernize the 1872 Mining Law that has let mining companies exploit public resources for free, pass environmental costs on to taxpayers, and engage in speculation with minimal government oversight. 
    “This bill makes responsible mining possible, while protecting Oregon’s treasured public lands from irresponsible mining companies and foreign nations with no respect for the environment, human rights and human life,” Wyden said. “If Republicans are truly behind eliminating fraud, waste and abuse, they’ll join us in the 21st Century and support this bill that fixes a broken and antiquated law by addressing modern needs and challenges.”
    “Protecting Oregon’s waterways and preserving our treasured natural areas is essential to the health of our environment, our communities, and our recreation economy,” Merkley said. “For too long, irresponsible mining companies have exploited public resources while leaving behind toxic waste for taxpayers to clean up. It’s time to bring our mining laws into the 21st century to ensure fair compensation for use of public resources and to protect the lands and waters Oregonians cherish.”
    The Mining Waste, Fraud, and Abuse Prevention Act of 2025 would update the Mining Law of 1872, which guarantees broad rights to individuals and corporations, including foreign-owned, to extract minerals from public lands without payment of royalties to the federal government and limits public health and the environmental protections. A modern bill would:

    Require annual rental payments for claimed public land, thereby treating mine operators as other public land users.

    Set a royalty rate of not less than 5% and not greater than 8% based on the gross income of production on federal land but would not apply to mining operations already in commercial production or those with an approved plan of operations.

    Revenues would be deposited into a Hardrock Minerals Reclamation Fund for abandoned mine cleanup. Additionally, the Fund would be infused by an abandoned mine reclamation fee of 1% to 3%.

    Allow the Secretary of the Interior to grant royalty relief to mining operations based on economic factors.

    Require an exploration permit and mining operations permit for non-casual mining operations on federal land, which would be valid for 30 years and continue as long as commercial production occurs.

    Permit states, political subdivisions, and tribes to petition the Secretary of the Interior to have lands withdrawn from mining.

    Require an expedited review of areas that may be inappropriate for mining, and allow specific areas be reviewed for possible withdrawal.

    In addition to Wyden and Merkley, the legislation, led by U.S. Senator Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.).
    Full text of the legislation is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Merkley, Wyden, Bipartisan Colleagues Push to Protect the Rights of Oregon, America’s Workers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    March 07, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – Oregon’s U.S. Senators Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden joined Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Congressional and labor leaders to reintroduce the Richard L. Trumka Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act). This bipartisan legislation protects the rights of workers in Oregon and nationwide to stand together and bargain for fairer wages, better benefits, and safer workplaces. The legislation was named in honor of late AFL-CIO President Richard L. Trumka.
    “As the son of a union machinist, I saw firsthand the difference a strong union can make in delivering the fair wages and robust workplace protections that every worker deserves,” Merkley said. “Workers across the nation are under threat by Trump and the billionaires and the big corporations he empowers. Passing the PRO Act would give America’s workers a fighting chance to improve their workplace with better pay, benefits, and safety through collectively bargaining for a better deal.”
    “This legislation is very timely and essential with Donald Trump, Elon Musk and their billionaire buddies targeting workers’ most basic rights and most basic protections that were secured over decades by unions,” Wyden said. “I strongly support the PRO Act because it would protect workers’ hard-earned and historic rights to unionize and advocate for better wages, benefits and working conditions that strengthen quality of life for them, their families and our communities.”
    “Americans believe in the power of unions and tens of millions of working people would become union members tomorrow if they could. But American labor law is broken, weighted on the side of the bosses and against the workers. In too many workplaces, in too many industries across the country, big corporations and billionaire CEOs still retaliate against us for organizing. They refuse to negotiate our contracts, force us to sit through hours of anti-union propaganda, and engage in illegal union-busting every day. Now they have an unelected, unaccountable, union-buster trying to illegally fire tens of thousands of our fellow workers in federal jobs and an administration rolling back the workplace protections. The PRO Act is long overdue, and the American people agree. We urge elected leaders of both parties to move this critical legislation forward so that all workers have the chance to stand together and build better lives for themselves and their families,” said AFL-CIO President and Oregonian Liz Shuler.
    Large corporations and the wealthy continue to capture the rewards of a growing economy while working families and middle-class Americans are left behind. From 1979 to 2023, annual wages for the bottom 90 percent of households increased just 44 percent, while average incomes for the wealthiest 1 percent increased more than 180 percent.
    Unions are critical to increasing wages and creating a strong economy that rewards hardworking people. Through the power of collective bargaining, the typical union worker earns 16 percent more than the typical non-union worker.
    The American people’s support for unions is surging. According to a 2024 Gallup poll, 70 percent of Americans approve of labor unions — remaining at near record highs. Despite growing support for unions, billionaire- and special interest-funded attacks on the rights of workers, unions and labor laws have eroded union density and made it harder for workers to organize. The share of American workers who are union members has fallen from roughly one in three workers in 1956 to a new low of 9.9 percent in 2024. The PRO Act restores fairness to the economy by strengthening the federal law that protects the right of workers to join a union and bargain for higher pay, better benefits and safer workplaces.
    The PRO Act would protect the right to organize and collectively bargain by:
    Bolstering remedies and punishing violations of the rights of workers through authorizing meaningful penalties for employers that violate their rights, strengthening support for workers who suffer retaliation for exercising their rights and authorizing a private right of action for violation of the rights of workers.
    Strengthening the rights of workers to join together and negotiate for better working conditions by enhancing their right to support secondary boycotts, ensuring unions can collect “fair share” fees, modernizing the union election process and facilitating initial collective bargaining agreements.
    Restoring fairness to an economy rigged against workers by closing loopholes that allow employers to misclassify their employees as supervisors and independent contractors and increasing transparency in labor-management relations.
    Merkley, Wyden, and Sanders introduced the legislation alongside Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
    In the House, Rep. Bobby Scott (D-Va.), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), and House Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) led 210 Democratic and Republican cosponsors.
    Additionally, more than 18 organizations endorsed the PRO Act, including the AFL-CIO, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), United Autoworkers (UAW), United Steelworkers (USW), Communications Workers of America (CWA), National Nurses United (NNU), International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), Department for Professional Employees, AFL-CIO (DPE), National Postal Mail Handlers Union (NPMHU), American Federation of Teachers (AFT), International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART), the American Federation of Musicians, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, Laborers’ International Union of North America (LiUNA), Transport Workers Union (TWU), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT).
    Read the bill text here.
    Read a fact sheet here.
    Read a section-by-section summary here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Colleagues Sound Alarm on EPA’s Plot to Rollback Decades of Scientific Findings on Greenhouse Gases

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    March 07, 2025
    “As the Administrator of the EPA, you are tasked with making decisions grounded in science, law, and the best interests of the American people.”
    Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., today led 12 Senate Democrats in raising the alarm over reports that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) intends to roll back its findings that greenhouse gases endanger people’s health and welfare.
    In their letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, the senators emphasized, “It is difficult to understand how the nation’s lead official responsible for protecting human health and the environment could seriously entertain the idea of undoing a scientific finding that has been repeatedly upheld in court, reinforced by thousands of studies and decades of research, and is supported by the vast majority of the scientific community.”
    The move to overhaul decades of overwhelming scientific consensus on the climate crisis and natural disasters follows another record hot year, as well as catastrophic wildfires that destroyed lives and communities across the West Coast. The senators expressed serious concerns about the political motives behind the decision.
    “Using political means to hinder, distort, or improperly steer the work of federal scientists or the communication of scientific facts undermines the public trust of key institutions and actively threatens the welfare of the nation. The scientific evidence in support of the endangerment finding is clear, compelling, and continues to grow stronger. Reversing this finding would be reckless and irrational,” the senators wrote.
    Before the EPA takes any further steps to undo this foundational finding without transparency and scientific support, the senators demand answers to the following questions by March 15, 2025:
    What new scientific evidence has the EPA found that justifies the reversal of the endangerment finding?
    What new evidence does the EPA have that suggests reversing the endangerment finding would better protect the health and welfare of Americans and the environment, as is the EPA’s mission?
    How does the EPA plan to address the legal precedent set by the Supreme Court, particularly when courts have repeatedly upheld the EPA’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases based on the endangerment finding?
    Given that the endangerment finding has been repeatedly challenged by industry groups, fossil fuel companies, and climate change deniers over the years, do you believe that political or economic pressure is influencing your decision to revisit the finding, rather than an objective evaluation of the scientific facts?
    How do you plan to ensure that the EPA’s decision-making process remains rooted in scientific integrity?
    Senator Wyden was joined by Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., and Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, D-Ill., as well as Senators Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., Mazie Hirono, D-Hawai’i, Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Patty Murray, D-Wash., Brian Schatz, D-Hawai’i, Tina Smith, D-Minn., Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., Peter Welch, D-Vt., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and Edward J. Markey, D-Mass.
    The text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Labrador Letter – Trump Admin Halts EMTALA Lawsuit Against Idaho

    Source: US State of Idaho

    Dear Friends,
    I’m pleased to share the Trump Department of Justice dismissed the previous administration’s attack on Idaho’s Defense of Life Act.  I have been fighting against the Biden Administration’s twisted interpretation of federal statutes to keep individual states from enacting pro-life laws for the last two years, and this dismissal is a welcome relief.  It shows we finally have an administration that respects the principles of Federalism and the sovereignty of states to enact their own laws and set their own standards.
    As a quick background, the Biden Administration sued Idaho’s Defense of Life Act in 2023, following the overturn of Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs decision.  Idaho’s law says that abortions were not permitted unless in cases of rape, incest, or where the life of the mother was in jeopardy.  The Idaho Supreme Court went on to clarify our law, saying that the decision to perform an abortion in an emergency situation was left to a doctor’s subjective, good-faith medical judgement, and that a danger to the mother’s life did not need to be either imminent nor did the doctor need to be certain.
    Instead of respecting the SCOTUS decision to put the issue of abortion back under state control, the Biden Administration manipulated a federal statute on the books, known as EMTALA – the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act.  Biden’s DOJ insisted that providing abortions was a mandated function of any emergency room that accepts federal Medicaid payments.   EMTALA was designed to prevent hospitals from turning away patients who could not pay.  In fact, EMTALA language does not mention abortion.  Instead, the federal law refers to providing stabilizing treatment for both a mother and her unborn child – five times, actually.  Undeterred by reality, the Biden Administration pressed forward with a legal challenge to Idaho’s law, leading to the first Supreme Court showdown on abortion laws since the Dobbs decision.
    Last April, we fought the federal government to a standstill at the Supreme Court in Idaho v. United States, leaving Idaho’s law virtually intact.  We maintained there is absolutely no conflict between Idaho’s law and EMTALA, where the goal of both is to save lives.  SCOTUS remanded the case back to the 9th Circuit for more arguments since it was demonstrated there was no actual emergency circumstances claimed by the federal government that would require an abortion to stabilize a patient that would be somehow disallowed by Idaho’s very clear and straightforward law.
    But then November Fifth happened.  President Trump won a decisive victory across the country and pro-abortion activists and their attorneys began to worry that a new Department of Justice might not support the same creative interpretations of federal law that the Biden Administration had hung their hat on.  It turns out they were right.  This Wednesday, under the new leadership of Attorney General Pam Bondi, the DOJ filed for a dismissal of the challenge of Idaho’s Defense of Life Act.  Idaho responded in kind by filing to dismiss our appeal that is sitting at the 9th Circuit.  I wish I could say that’s where the story ends, but in the legal profession, that is rarely the circumstance.
    Those same pro-abortion activists, lawyers and providers saw the writing on the wall.  Six days before President Trump’s inauguration they filed a similar challenge to Idaho’s law, led by St. Luke’s Health System.  St. Luke’s claimed they would suffer irreparable harm by having to instruct their doctors that Idaho’s law directs them to treat patients in emergencies without abortions unless necessary to save a woman’s life, according to a doctor’s subjective, good-faith medical judgement.
    This new suit from St. Luke’s is ongoing and is being heard by the very same Clinton-appointed federal judge that had blocked Idaho’s Defense of Life Act with the first EMTALA challenge from the Biden Administration.  I have every reasonable expectation that we will need to continue this fight via appeal, all the way back to the Supreme Court so we can settle this issue of EMTALA once and for all.
    As your Attorney General, I will always fight to protect the sovereignty of Idaho’s laws, the voice of the people, and for the protection of the unborn.  Through our laws, Idaho has chosen Life and I am proud to defend it, wherever that fight takes us.
    Best regards,

    Not yet subscribed to the Labrador Letter?  Click HERE to get our weekly newsletter and updates.  Miss an issue?  Labrador Letters are archived on the Attorney General website.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Orezone Gold Files Final Short Form Prospectus in Connection With C$35 Million Bought Deal

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Final Short Form Prospectus is accessible on SEDAR+

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (the “Company” or “Orezone”) is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated February 23, 2025 in respect of its bought deal offering of common shares of the Company (the “Common Shares”), it has filed a final short form prospectus dated March 7, 2025 (the “Final Prospectus”) with the securities commissions in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec, and has obtained a receipt therefor.

    The Final Prospectus qualifies the distribution of 42,683,000 Common Shares at a price of C$0.82 per Common Share (the “Offering Price”) for aggregate gross proceeds of C$35,000,060 and up to an additional 6,402,450 Common Shares at the Offering Price issuable upon exercise of the over-allotment option granted to the underwriter, all as more fully described in the Final Prospectus (the “Offering”). Closing of the Offering is expected on or about March 13, 2025, and is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval, including final approval of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

    Access to the Final Prospectus and any amendment is provided in accordance with securities legislation relating to procedures for providing access to a short form prospectus and any amendment. The Final Prospectus is accessible under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. An electronic or paper copy of the Final Prospectus and any amendment may be obtained, without charge, from Canaccord Genuity Corp. by email at ecm@cgf.com by providing the contact with an email address or address, as applicable. Prospective investors should read the Final Prospectus in its entirety before making an investment decision.

    The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

    About Orezone Gold Corporation

    Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focused on its staged hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets and M&A.

    The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

    Contact Information

    Patrick Downey
    President and Chief Executive Officer

    Kevin MacKenzie
    Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

    Tel: 1 778 945 8977 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663
    info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

    For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945-8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains certain information that may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”).  Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “potential”, “possible” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “will”, “could”, or “should” occur.  Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to closing of the Offering, and regulatory and TSX approval thereof.

    All such forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management and the qualified persons believe are appropriate in the circumstances.

    All forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, delays caused by pandemics, terrorist or other violent attacks (including cyber security attacks), the failure of parties to contracts to honour contractual commitments, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the possibility of unanticipated costs and expenses, accidents and equipment breakdowns, political risk, unanticipated changes in key management personnel and general economic, market or business conditions, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual information form and management discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Through her art: Tales of displaced women story Mar 07, 2025

    Source: Doctors Without Borders –

    In 2024, wars in Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, Syria, and beyond forced millions to flee, leaving destruction and despair in their wake. Women, often bearing the heaviest burden of displacement, have had to navigate violence, loss, and uncertainty—all while caring for their families and communities.

    For International Women’s Day on March 8, four artists have brought to life the stories of four displaced women, as shared by MSF staff in places affected by war. Through art, they have transformed these experiences into powerful visual narratives.

    Lebanese illustrator Maya Fidawi reflects on Ezdihar’s story through the lens of her childhood, having grown up during Lebanon’s civil war. Her artwork captures the haunting cycle of fear passed from mother to child. | Lebanon 2025 © Maya Fidawi

    Ezdihar and Maya: Fear passed across generations in Lebanon

    Ezdihar Al Diqar fled the southern suburbs of Beirut with her two children after an airstrike warning from Israel during the war in Lebanon in September 2024. Their first night was spent on the streets before moving to the Azarieh shelter in downtown Beirut. For weeks after, she was still living in fear, as explosions continue just a mile away. Her 14-year-old daughter, Maya, has been forced to grow up too fast amid war and uncertainty.

    Lebanese illustrator Maya Fidawi reflects on Ezdihar’s story through the lens of her childhood, having grown up during Lebanon’s civil war. Her artwork captures the haunting cycle of fear passed from mother to child. 

    Syrian illustrator Amany El Ali brings Amina’s story to life, reflecting on 13 years of war and displacement that have uprooted millions of Syrian women. | Syria 2024 © Amany El Ali

    Amina and Amany: A journey of endless displacement

    In the dead of night, Amina—a Syrian grandmother—fled Homs on a motorcycle with her son, guiding her eight family members across a river for six grueling hours after the announcement of the fall of the previous Syrian government on December 8, 2024. Out of fear of violence and uncertainty, many Syrians and Lebanese living in Syria crossed to Lebanon. Amina was forced to urgently leave her home and to discard their clothes and blankets along the way. While crossing the river, they arrived in Lebanon with nothing but fear and exhaustion.

    Syrian illustrator Amany El Ali brings Amina’s story to life, reflecting on 13 years of war and displacement that have uprooted millions of Syrian women. Her illustration speaks to the collective trauma of those who continue to search for safety.

    Palestinian artist Safaa Odah, who also survived the war in Gaza, channels the grief and terror that mothers in Gaza have endured since October 7, 2023. | Lebanon 2025 © Safaa Odah

    Khadija and Safaa: Five minutes that changed their world in Gaza

    Khadija*, a mother from Gaza, believed her family was in a safe place—until the tanks arrived. In an instant, a shell exploded between them, leaving her son severely injured. At the hospital, she held back tears as her son asked, “Mama, why are they covering Baba’s eyes?” 

    Her husband was gone. Her son, in shock, didn’t speak for 10 days.

    Palestinian artist Safaa Odah, who has also survived the war in Gaza, channels the grief and terror that mothers in Gaza have endured since October 7, 2023. Through her art, she captures the unrelenting cycle of loss that countless Palestinian families continue to face.

    Jordanian artist Aya Mobayedeen illustrates Amira’s silent agony, shedding light on the overlooked crisis in Sudan, where mothers face war, grief, and the collapse of essential healthcare. | Lebanon 2025 © Aya Mobayedeen

    Amira and Aya: A wounded mother in Sudan

    As war broke out in Khartoum, Amira* was days away from giving birth. Three days into the conflict, she delivered her baby in a hospital in Bahri, Khartoum North, only to lose him hours later. Weakened from a painful cesarean section and left without medical care, she resorted to cleaning her wound with hand sanitizer—her only option for survival.

    Jordanian artist Aya Mobayedeen illustrates Amira’s silent agony, shedding light on the overlooked crisis in Sudan, where mothers face war, grief, and the collapse of essential health care.

    *Names have been changed for privacy. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: East Europe – Startup Moldova Summit 2025: The Biggest Startup & Investment Event in Moldova

    Source: Startup Moldova

    Chișinău, Moldova – March 06, 2025 –The Startup Moldova Summit is the country’s premier and most highly anticipated event, serving as the largest gathering for the startup ecosystem and business innovation. Unique in its scale, it attracts a diverse mix of international and local participants, startup founders, investors and industry leaders, offering a platform to showcase Moldova’s entrepreneurial and innovation potential.

    This year, the Startup Moldova Summit, now in its 5th edition, is expanding to twice the scale of last year, anticipating over 800 in-person attendees, 10,000+ online participants, and speakers from over 30 countries who will present on two dedicated stages. Over 50 investors and VC funds will be present for high-quality matchmaking and networking with startups.

    Startup Moldova Summit 2025 will focus on three key pillars essential for startup success: Talent, Scaling, and Investment. Attendees will have access to:

    Keynote Speeches, Presentations & Panel Discussions: Insights from top international investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
    Masterclasses & Practical Workshops: Practical sessions on fundraising, product development, scaling, and market expansion delivered by industry experts from around the world.
    Reverse Pitching Sessions: Investors will take the stage to pitch their offers to startups, giving founders a unique opportunity to align with investors expectations.
    Matchmaking & Networking: Facilitated B2B meetings between startups, investors, government and corporate partners.
    Post-Event Party: An informal gathering of top ecosystem players to combine business and wine tasting.

    For the first time, the Summit will host the Startup World Cup regional competition in Moldova. The founders will pitch their startups to local and foreign investors, and the winner will represent Moldova at the global Startup World Cup event in San Francisco later this year, competing for a $1,000,000 prize.

    Startup Moldova Summit 2025 is the must-attend event for:

    Entrepreneurs – looking to scale their businesses and attract investments.
    Investors – seeking the next big opportunity in Moldova’s emerging tech ecosystem.
    Corporate leaders – looking to stay ahead of innovation trend and connect with the next generation of disruptive startups.
    Tech and startup enthusiasts eager to gain insights from industry leaders, expand their networks, and be part of Moldova’s growing innovation movement

    Summit’s speakers lineup:  

    Fonz Morris, Design Lead, Global Conversion & Monetization at Netflix
    Sasha Vidiborskiy, Partner at Atomico
    Vasile Tofan, Senior Partner at Horizon Capital
    Marius Ghenea, Managing Partner at Catalyst Romania, Board Director at SeedBlink, ex-Jury at Arena Leilor
    Marius Istrate, Chairman of the Board at TechAngels Romania, ex-CPO at UiPAth
    Ashot Arzumanyan, Partner at SmartGateVC
    Irina Misca, Investment Manager at Fortech Investments

    About Startup Ecosystem in Moldova:

    Despite being a relatively young, with most startups still in the pre-seed and seed stages, 80% have already expanded beyond Moldova, successfully operating in regional and global markets. While no specific vertical dominates just yet, we’re seeing growing clusters in HealthTech, FinTech, MarTech, and EdTech.

    In 2024, Moldovan startups in our ecosystem generated over $40 million in revenue, created over 1,000 new jobs, with teams averaging just over nine members. 17% of startup co-founders are women. Moldovan startups raised over $44.5 million in investments over the last several years, out of which  $7.9 million —double the amount raised in 2023, was raised in 2024 by 30 startups. Most startups that secured investments in 2024 have raised multiple rounds, with a median of 2 rounds per startup.

    Top Performers 2024:

    NodeShift: a cloud service provider that enables companies to create and run safe applications on a budget – raised $3.2 million
    Greeno: a tool that offers accurate agronomic, financial, and sustainability insights for any specific field or farm – raised $1.325 million
    Fagura: a P2P platform for individuals and SMEs who borrow from and lend to each other – raised $1.1 million
    Aspect Health: a digital health platform dedicated to improving women’s metabolic health through innovative technology and lifestyle interventions – raised $1 million

    About Startup Moldova:

    Startup Moldova, the organiser of the summit, is a private foundation established in 2021, governed by a board of independent members from the IT, startup, and investment community. As the leading organization supporting Moldova’s startup ecosystem, Startup Moldova is committed to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation. The Foundation actively engages with over 250 startups, tracking their progress in this database, and providing them with necessary expertise, funding, international exposure and other opportunities they need to thrive and contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of our nation.

    Although Moldova is one of the smallest countries in Europe, it is home to some of the most ambitious, innovative, and entrepreneurial individuals. The startup ecosystem of Moldova is rapidly growing, fueled by visionary founders and strong community support.

    The development of Moldova’s startup ecosystem began over 14 years ago. The Startup Moldova Summit has always been an integral part of this journey, initially organized within the ICT Moldova Summit. Five years ago, in response to the expanding startup community, the Startup Moldova Summit became an independent event organized by Startup Moldova in collaboration with key ecosystem partners: Moldova Innovation Technology Park, Dreamups, Technovator, XY Partners, Yep! Moldova, ATIC, Mozaic, and BAM.

    Startup Moldova Summit 2025 is organised with support from EU4Innovation East project, implemented by Expertise France, funded by the European Union and co-funded by the French Government. The event is also supported by Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund.

    Save your spot:

     Location: Chișinău, Moldova / Mediacor

     More details & registration: https://summit2025.startupmoldova.digital

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, Representative Hunt, colleagues urge the implementation of reforms aligning with their bipartisan, bicameral Safer Supervision Act

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), Representative Wesley Hunt (R-Texas) and a bipartisan, bicameral group of colleagues in a new letter applauded and urged finalization of a proposal by the United States Sentencing Commission to improve the federal supervised release system in ways that align with their bipartisan, bicameral Safer Supervision Act. In addition to Senator Coons and Rep. Hunt, the letter was signed by bill cosponsors Senators Mike Lee (R-Utah), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), U.S. Representative Barry Moore (R-Ala.), and the late U.S. Representative Sylvester Turner (D-Texas).

    In January, the Commission unanimously proposed reforms to federal supervised release guidelines that would help ensure that scarce supervision resources are allocated in a manner that best promote public safety, that would restore discretion to courts in the imposition, termination, and revocation of supervision, and that would provide individuals with positive incentives to rehabilitate and reintegrate.  These principles align with the Safer Supervision Act introduced in August 2023.  In their letter, the lawmakers wrote that while there is no substitute for enactment of the Safer Supervision Act, the Commission “should finalize an amendment that robustly implements the letter and spirit of the bill to the extent it can do so within its authority.”

    The bill has gained strong support from organizations across the political spectrum, as well as law enforcement groups, faith groups, and civil rights groups. The support demonstrates the widespread acceptance how reform of federal supervision can “improve public safety, support law enforcement, use taxpayer dollars more responsibly, and better position people to succeed after they have served their time in prison.”

    “We would encourage the Commission to consider how it could go further to implement the letter and spirit of the bill,” the lawmakers continued. “Additional guidance, including a presumption along the lines of the bill, could better instruct courts on the interest-of-justice standard and ensure that they use early termination when supervision is no longer necessary for the purposes it was imposed, rather than just in the most extraordinary of cases. With appropriate notice, supervisees will then have actionable positive incentives to rehabilitate and reintegrate, to the benefit of public safety.”

    Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Co-Chair of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus.

    You can read the full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –