NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Extortion Conspiracy

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Defendant involved in Massachusetts State Police Commercial Driver’s License bribery scheme

    BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty on March 21, 2025 to his role in an extortion conspiracy involving former Massachusetts State Police (MSP) troopers who allegedly conspired to give false passing scores to certain Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) applicants who had failed or had taken only partial CDL skills test, in exchange for bribes.

    Eric Mathison, 48, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit extortion. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for June 13, 2025. In January 2024, Mathison was charged in a 74-count indictment along with five others in the alleged conspiracy and related schemes.

    Mathison, who worked for a water company that employed drivers who needed CDLs to drive their delivery vehicles, admitted to his role in an alleged conspiracy with others including former MSP Sergeant Gary Cederquist, then in charge of MSP’s CDL Unit, to give false passing scores to certain CDL applicants affiliated with the water company. It is alleged that Cederquist gave passing scores to multiple applicants who actually failed the CDL skills test, as well as others who took only a partial test, in exchange for bribes of free inventory from the water company, such as cases of bottled Fiji, VOSS and Essentia water, cases of bottled Arizona Iced Tea and coffee and tea products, all of which Mathison delivered to an office trailer at the CDL test site in Stoughton. Mathison admitted to his alleged communications with Cederquist about particular CDL applicants, their performance on the skills test, and inventory from the water company that Cederquist allegedly requested and that Mathison delivered. For example, Mathison admitted that he received texts, allegedly from Cederquist, describing one water company applicant as “an idiot,” who had “no idea what he’s doing,” and “should have failed about 10 times already.” It is alleged that Cederquist then gave this applicant a passing score. On another occasion, Mathison admitted that he asked Cederquist, “Hows the trailer holding,” to which Cederquist allegedly responded, “In desperate need of restocking,” along with a specific request for, among other things, premium bottled water, tea, energy drinks and a “truckload of large water.”

    The charge of conspiracy to commit extortion provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England; and Christopher A. Scharf, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General, Northeast Region made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Wichers and Adam W. Deitch of the Public Corruption & Special Prosecutions Unit are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Arizona Man Sentenced to 180 Months in Prison for Mailing Methamphetamine to Northern Alabama

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – An Arizona man has been sentenced to prison for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced United States Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Special Agent in Charge Carlton L. Peeples of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Birmingham Division. 

    United States District Judge Liles C. Burke sentenced Jeremiah Warren, 42, of Vail, Arizona, to 180 months in prison. On October 4, 2023, Warren pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or More of Methamphetamine. 

    According to the plea agreement, Warren supplied Isaiah Oneal Rice, who lived in Athens, Alabama, with controlled substances for several years. Warren would send Rice drugs—including crystal methamphetamine—through the United States mail. From February to May 2022, Warren mailed over 34 pounds of packages containing controlled substances into the Northern District of Alabama.

    Rice was also prosecuted and sentenced to 176 months in prison on January 10, 2024. On July 27, 2022, Rice pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or More of Methamphetamine, two counts of Unlawful Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute 50 grams or More of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

    The FBI’s North Alabama Safe Streets Task Force investigated the cases. The Limestone County Sheriff’s Office and Athens Police Department provided valuable assistance. Assistant United States Attorney John M. Hundscheid prosecuted the cases.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Boston Man Pleads Guilty to Illegal Possession of a Loaded Semi-Automatic Pistol and Drug Trafficking

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BOSTON – A Boston man pleaded guilty today in federal court in Boston to being a felon in possession of a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol.  

    Brevin Dossantos-Wellington, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, methamphetamine and oxycodone. U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young scheduled sentencing for Sept. 15, 2025. In August 2024, Dossantos-Wellington was indicted by a federal grand jury.

    On May 5, 2024, law enforcement conducted a motor vehicle stop of Dossantos-Wellington, during which time Dossantos-Wellington tried to flee. Subsequently, a loaded Springfield Armory XD-9 9mm pistol, along with 8 baggies of cocaine base, methamphetamine and oxycodone were found in his pants. Dossantos-Wellington recently completed a sentence for a prior federal drug trafficking conviction and is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.

    The charge of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition provides for a sentence of up to 15 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000. The charge of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, methamphetamine and oxycodone provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and up to life and a fine of $1,000,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    United States Attorney Leah B. Foley; James M. Ferguson, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney John T. Dawley of the Organized Crime & Gang Unit is prosecuting the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and other violent crime, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Global: America’s democratic decline has critical lessons for Canadian voters

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Matthew Lebo, Professor, Department of Political Science, Western University

    Canadians are soon heading to the polls as they watch American democracy crumble.

    United States President Donald Trump recently argued “he who saves his country does not violate any Law” as he ignores Congress and the courts, governs by executive order and threatens international laws and treaties.



    Read more:
    Is Donald Trump on a constitutional collision course over NATO?

    Once stable democratic institutions are failing to hold an authoritarian president in check.

    What lessons are there to protect Canadian democracy as the federal election approaches?

    Elites lead the way

    First, it’s important to delve into how so many Americans have become tolerant of undemocratic actions and politics in the first place. It’s not that Republican voters first became more extreme and then chose a representative leader. Rather, public opinion and polarization are led by elites.

    Republican leaders moved dramatically to the right, and the primary system allowed the choice of an extremist. Republican voters then aligned their opinions with his. Trump’s disdain for democratic fundamentals spread quickly. Partisans defending their team slid away from democratic values.

    Canada’s more centrist ideological spectrum is not foolproof against this type of extremism. Public opinion can be moved when our leaders take us there.

    Decline can start slowly and then accelerate. America’s democratic backsliding in the first weeks of Trump’s second presidency follows the erosion of democratic norms over decades. Republican attacks on institutions, the opposition, the media and higher education corrosively undermined public faith in the truth, including election results.

    Trust in government is holding steady in Canada, however. That provides an important guardrail for Canadian democracy.

    The dangers of courting the far right

    There are also lessons for our political parties. To maximize their seats, Republicans accepted extremists like Marjorie Taylor Greene, but soon needed those types of politicians for key votes.

    The so-called Freedom Caucus, made up of MAGA adherents, forced the choice of a new, more extreme, leader of the House of Representatives. This provides a clear lesson that history has shown many times: it is dangerous for the party on the political right to accommodate the far right, which can quickly take control.

    Once established within the ruling party, extremists can hold their party hostage.

    At a recent meeting of the Munich Security Conference, Vice-President JD Vance pushed European parties to include far-right parties, and Elon Musk outright endorsed the far-right Alternative for Germany party.

    Austria recently avoided the inclusion of the far right in its new coalition, and now Germany is working to do the same. As Canada’s Conservatives look for every vote, courting far-right voters and candidates risks destabilizing the system.

    Can it happen in Canada?

    How safe is Canada’s Westminster-style parliamentary democracy?

    The fusion of legislative and executive power in parliamentary systems like Canada’s seems prone to tyranny. America’s Constitutional framers thought so when they designed a system with separate legislative, executive and judicial branches that could check each other’s power.

    They clearly did not imagine party loyalty negating the safeguards that protect democracy from an authoritarian-minded president. The Constitution gives Congress the power to legislate and impeach, limits the executive’s power to spend and make appointments, gives the judiciary power to hold an executive accountable and contains the 25th amendment allowing cabinet to remove a president.

    But when one party controls the legislative and executive branches during a time of hyper-partisanship, these mechanisms may not constrain an authoritarian. Today, Republican loyalty has eroded these checks and balances and American courts are struggling to step up to their heightened role.

    Although counter-intuitive, parliamentary systems like Canada’s are usually less susceptible to authoritarianism than presidential ones because the cabinet or the House of Commons can turn against a lawless leader.

    Still, if popular, authoritarian leaders can still retain their party’s support — and then things can slide quickly. The rightward pull of extremists seen in the U.S. House would be more dangerous here since the Canadian House of Commons includes our executive.

    Guarding against xenophobia

    Lastly, Canada should be wary of xenophobic rhetoric.

    “America First” is not simply shopping advice. It began as an isolationist slogan during the First World War but was soon adopted by pro-fascists, American Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan. These entities questioned who is really American and wanted not only isolationism, but racist policies, immigration restrictions and eugenics.

    Trump did not revive the phrase accidentally. It’s a call to America’s fringes. Alienating domestic groups is a sure sign of democratic decline.

    “Canada First” mimics that century-long dark theme in America. In combination with contempt for the opposition, it questions the right of other parties to legitimately hold power if used as a message by one party.

    Also, asserting that “Canada is broken” — as Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre often does — mimics Trump’s talk of American carnage, language and imagery he uses to justify extraordinary presidential authority.

    Such language erodes citizens’ trust in democratic institutions and primes voters to support undemocratic practices in the name of patriotism. Canadian parties and politicians should exit that road.

    Ultimately, institutions alone do not protect a country from the rise of authoritarianism. Democracy can be fragile. As a federal election approaches in Canada, it’s important to know the warning signs of extremism and anti-democratic practices that are creeping into our politics.

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

    – ref. America’s democratic decline has critical lessons for Canadian voters – https://theconversation.com/americas-democratic-decline-has-critical-lessons-for-canadian-voters-251544

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Hudson’s Bay liquidation: What happens when a company goes bankrupt?

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Michael R. King, Associate Professor, Gustavson School of Business and Lansdowne Chair in Finance, University of Victoria

    An Ontario court has approved the liquidation of nearly all Hudson’s Bay Company’s stores, marking the end of Canada’s oldest company, which has been in operation for 355 years. The liquidation is set to begin March 24, and will continue until June 15, leaving only six stores in operation.

    The court’s decision came shortly after Hudson’s Bay filed for creditor protection, signalling the company’s struggle to manage its mounting debt.

    With widespread layoffs sure to follow, this corporate collapse is both shocking and distressing. But the court documents suggest it was not unexpected. Hudson’s Bay lost $329.7 million in the 12 months leading up to Jan. 31, 2025. As of that date, Hudson’s Bay had only $3.3 million in cash and owed more than $2 billion in debt and leases.

    The final straw appears to have been trade tensions between Canada and the U.S., with the increased geopolitical and economic uncertainty leading lenders to shun Hudson’s Bay as it sought more financing, according to court documents.

    What bankruptcy looks like

    The downfall of a major company like Hudson’s Bay brings with it a wave of financial jargon. Understanding the differences between insolvency, bankruptcy, restructuring and liquidation is crucial to fully grasp the situation.

    Insolvency occurs when a business runs out of cash and cannot pay its bills. At the start of March, it was $5 million behind on rent and supplier payments, and within days of missing payroll.

    Bankruptcy is a legal process under Canada’s Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act where a company files for protection from its creditors. The goal is to avoid the social and economic costs of liquidation, preserve jobs and protect the interests of affected stakeholders. If granted, the judge sets a “stay period” where the company works out a restructuring plan with its creditors.

    Hudson’s Bay has more than 2,000 creditors, including $430 million in secured term loans, $724 million in mortgages and $512 million to unsecured creditors, mostly owed to suppliers. Hudson’s Bay also owes payroll remittances, federal sales taxes and over $60 million in customer gift cards and loyalty points. Gift cards are good until April 6.

    A restructuring wipes out the equity holders and allows a company to negotiate a reduction in its debts. The business continues to operate under the supervision of a court-appointed monitor, using interim financing to pay bills. If successful, the company re-emerges from bankruptcy and continues to do business.

    If restructuring is not successful, the company asks the court for permission to liquidate. Liquidation means a “fire sale” of all assets such as inventory, shelving, real estate, leases and trademarks. Items are sold at a deep discount, leading to potential bargains.

    The Ontario Superior Court denied the initial request to liquidate on March 14, telling Hudson’s Bay and its creditors to “lower the temperature” and work on a deal. With only limited progress and some concessions made to support Hudson’s Bay’s joint venture with RioCan REIT, the court gave permission for the liquidation on March 21.

    Many will lose, some will win

    The collapse of Hudson’s Bay will leave many facing financial losses, while a select few stand to gain.

    Secured creditors, some suppliers and Hudson’s Bay pensioners are expected to be protected by the courts. However, many others, including thousands of customers and more than 1,800 unsecured creditors, will suffer a financial hit.

    The hardest impact will be felt by the more than 9,300 employees losing their jobs. Employees will lose their income, health and disability benefits, and life insurance, significantly impacting families across the country.

    However, employees will not lose their pension benefits. The company’s pension plan is fully funded and in surplus position. This was not the case for Sears Canada when it went bankrupt in 2018. A surplus means the value of investments is greater than the promised benefits and is good news for retirees.



    Read more:
    Sears Canada tarnishes the gold standard of pensions

    Mall landlords will also lose out. Hudson’s Bay drove foot traffic in malls across the country where it was the anchor-tenant. There will likely be painful ripple effects for smaller Hudson’s Bay store owners, including falling sales, defaults on mortgages and business failures.

    That said, some stand to benefit. For example, the American financial services company Restore Capital LLC is providing interim debtor-in-possession (DIP) financing, charging a hefty fee in the process. The lawyers and accountants involved in the bankruptcy may also benefit.

    Priority of proceeds

    When a company is liquidated, the proceeds from selling its assets are used to repay claimants based on their priority in bankruptcy. This is sometimes referred to as the waterfall of “who gets what.” Think of it as a queue with people lining up to get paid.

    Interim DIP financing is paid off first, together with legal and accounting fees related to the bankruptcy. Essential operating costs during the restructuring are also paid, including employee wages.

    Next come secured creditors. These lenders provided funding backed by specific assets, known as collateral. Collateral may include inventory and real estate. A similar process happens on a personal residence; if a homeowner defaults on their mortgage payments, the bank may take possession of the house.

    Third in line are debts granted priority by the courts. Employees receive unpaid wages up to a certain cap, just under $9,000, under the federal Wage Earner Protection Program. Pension benefits are paid out and outstanding payroll and sales tax remittances are paid.

    As the pool of assets gets smaller, unsecured creditors are paid off next including suppliers, landlords and employees owed additional wages or termination benefits.

    Last in the queue from the wind-up are equity holders — the residual claimants — who control the company through their common and preferred shares.

    In 2020, Hudson’s Bay’s CEO Richard Baker and a group of investors took the company private, meaning it was no longer publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, buying out shareholders for approximately $2 billion. This stake is now wiped out.

    Disappointing, but not surprising

    Hudson’s Bay’s current financial situation is disappointing, but not surprising. The COVID-19 pandemic made times tough for brick-and-mortar retailers. On top of this, under-investment and a failed e-commerce strategy left the company struggling to compete in an increasingly digital retail landscape.

    With tariffs and trade uncertainty hurting the Canadian economy, the unfolding trade war is expected to have far-reaching consequences for Canadian households and businesses. Hudson’s Bay was not immune to these effects.

    In the end, Hudson’s Bay backed itself into a corner, arguably waiting too long to secure funding and ultimately losing control of its own destiny. Its bankruptcy is a major blow to Canadian retail, marking the end of a era for a company that lasted more than three-and-a-half centuries.

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

    – ref. Hudson’s Bay liquidation: What happens when a company goes bankrupt? – https://theconversation.com/hudsons-bay-liquidation-what-happens-when-a-company-goes-bankrupt-252784

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ernst Secures a Win for Iowa Commerce

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA)

    WASHINGTON – After U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) called for the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to support commerce on the Missouri River, USCG Commander David Barata has decided to stop all efforts to remove the 36 Aids to Navigation (ATONs) north of Blencoe, Iowa.
    Navigation on the Missouri River is an integral part of moving Iowa’s inputs and goods both domestically and worldwide. In recent years, navigation up to Sioux City, Iowa has increased, and planned development projects are expected to further increase traffic in the coming years.
    “I will always stand up for Iowans, and I’m glad that, following my advocacy, our state’s critical role in commerce will continue,” said Senator Ernst. “By ensuring the Missouri River will continue to have navigation aids, the nation and the world will be able to enjoy manufacturing and ag products straight from the heartland!”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: HMCS Ottawa returns from Operations HORIZON and NEON

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    March 24, 2025 – Esquimalt, B.C. – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

    Today, His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Ottawa returned to its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, having completed its five-month deployment to the Indo-Pacific region under Operations HORIZON and NEON.

    As part of Operation HORIZON, HMCS Ottawa and its crew conducted multinational exercises and maneuvers with Japan, the United States, the Republic of Korea, France, Australia, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom and the Philippines. They participated in discussions on Women, Peace, and Security and conducted a Multilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity with the Philippines, held a port visit in Cambodia offering important first aid training to Cambodian forces, and participated in the French-led carrier strike group Exercise LA PEROUSE led by the French aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle.

    During Operation NEON, HMCS Ottawa’s crew identified and reported five vessels of interest—vessels that have, or are suspected of having, engaged in activity contrary to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) imposed sanctions against North Korea.

    Canada’s routine presence in the Indo-Pacific region demonstrates our commitment to supporting peace, security, and stability in the region. The most recent actions and international engagements executed by the crew of HMCS Ottawa have shown Canada to be a reliable and capable international security partner.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investigation into death in St. Paul RCMP custody continues

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal alien charged in gift card fraud, identity theft scheme in Glen Carbon

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – A Chilean national is facing federal charges for using a stolen credit card to purchase gift cards at the Sam’s Club in Glen Carbon.

    Maryorie Fernandez-Ormeno, also known as Guadalupe Maldanado Salinas, 36, is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit access device fraud, access device fraud, attempted access device fraud and illegal entry after deportation and two counts of aggravated identity theft.

    “Individuals who enter the U.S. illegally and steal from our communities will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

    According to court documents, Fernandez-Ormeno is accused of stealing a credit card out of another woman’s purse while she shopped at the Schnucks in Edwardsville. She then used the stolen credit card to purchase $2,684.24 in gift cards at the Sam’s Club in Glen Carbon on Feb. 18, 2024. Fernandez-Ormeno is also accused of using the same stolen credit card to attempt to make a $2,477.76 purchase at the same Sam’s Club.

    Fernandez-Ormeno was previously deported from the U.S. on Oct. 2, 2023, and she is facing a charge for reentering the country unlawfully. She was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia.

    A co-conspirator is also facing charges.

    An indictment is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

    Convictions for attempted access device fraud and access device fraud are punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment, aggravated identity theft is a mandatory two years in federal prison, conspiracy to commit access device fraud can earn five years’ imprisonment and illegal reentry after deportation is punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment.

    The Edwardsville Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations are contributing to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Howard is prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: BitMart Continues 7th Anniversary Celebrations with an Exclusive Event in São Paulo, Brazil

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Mahe, Seychelles , March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On March 20, 2025, BitMart, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, hosted its second offline event in celebration of its 7th anniversary. Held in the vibrant city of São Paulo, Brazil, the event brought together industry leaders, partners, and crypto enthusiasts for an unforgettable evening of networking, insights, and celebration. 

    A Night of Innovation, Connection, and Celebration

    In a vibrant setting, the event provided a unique platform for guests to engage in thought-provoking discussions on the evolution of cryptocurrency markets, the latest trends in DeFi, and the future of blockchain adoption in Latin America.

    Throughout the night, key milestones, technological advancements, and BitMart’s vision for the future were highlighted. As the industry continues to evolve, BitMart remains dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions that enhance user experience and drive global crypto adoption.

    Looking Ahead: A Future of Growth & Collaboration

    As the event concluded, attendees raised their glasses to seven years of innovation, resilience, and success. The celebration served as a testament to BitMart’s unwavering commitment to empowering the crypto community and shaping the future of Web3. With Brazil as a key strategic market, BitMart looks forward to furthering its presence in Latin America, fostering collaborations, and unlocking new opportunities in the region.

    About BitMart
    BitMart is the premier global digital asset trading platform. With millions of users worldwide and ranked among the top crypto exchanges on CoinGecko, it currently offers 1,700+ trading pairs with competitive trading fees. Constantly evolving and growing, BitMart is interested in crypto’s potential to drive innovation and promote financial inclusion. New users can register here to unlock an $8,000+ welcome bonus.

    Disclaimer:

    Use of BitMart services is entirely at your own risk. All crypto investments, including earnings, are highly speculative in nature and involve substantial risk of loss. Past, hypothetical, or simulated performance is not necessarily indicative of future results. The value of digital currencies can go up or down and there can be a substantial risk in buying, selling, holding, or trading digital currencies. You should carefully consider whether trading or holding digital currencies is suitable for you based on your personal investment objectives, financial circumstances, and risk tolerance. BitMart does not provide any investment, legal, or tax advice.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King: Administration’s Reckless Approach to Social Security “Disrespectful, Destructive, and Dangerous”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), is releasing the following statement in response to a decision made by the Trump Administration and Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to close dozens of Social Security offices across the country — a move following the February dismissal of 7,000 Social Security Administration (SSA) employees and one that could result in delayed or missing checks for the over 70 million Americans that rely on Social Security. The statement comes after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik, a billionaire, insisted during an interview that only ‘fraudsters’ would complain about missed Social Security checks, not honest Americans.   

    “The Trump Administration’s callous indifference to the millions of Americans who rely on the monthly Social Security checks they have earned – and the millions more Americans who are relying on Social Security for their planned retirements — is the most direct assault on this vital program in its almost 100 year history. It is disrespectful, destructive, and dangerous,

     “These payments have been penciled onto every page of Americans’ calendars for generations. These checks signify promises kept to millions of our family members and friendly neighbors when they reach into their mailbox every month. Household budgets rely on the timely arrival of these earnings to pay for mortgages, heat, and medications.

     “When the Trump White House and its corporate-suite cabinet sends reckless DOGE computer engineers into the Social Security networks, threaten cuts to the committed workforce who carefully manage this system, make it harder for citizens to interact with that workforce, or scoff at older Americans justifiably worried about late payments — as one of his billionaire cabinet members did just this week — this dismissive public stance frightens the very people who literally built this country, and who deserve a hell of a lot better.

     “Social Security is not social media; this ‘move fast and break things’ approach they seem to be following is a betrayal of the public trust.

     “The President has said repeatedly, during the campaign and since, that he would protect Social Security — but what’s happening now in his name is anything but protection, and he should put a stop to it.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How dreams, prophecies and intuitions can impact the decision to migrate

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By James Kwateng-Yeboah, Assistant Professor, Department for the Study of Religion, Saint Mary’s University

    Aspirations transform migration from mere physical movement into a deeply personal conviction, reshaping how individuals see themselves and their futures.
     (NEOM/Unsplash)

    When governments, policymakers or the news media discuss migration, the focus is almost exclusively on those who physically cross borders, seek asylum or arrive at ports of entry. But migration does not begin at at the moment of departure or upon arrival. It starts much earlier, as an aspiration.

    Recent surveys show a sharp rise in global migration aspirations. In Canada, a Gallup poll found that 20 per cent of the population surveyed want to leave and much of this increase occurred since 2021.

    In the United States, that figure has hit a record 21 per cent. These figures challenge the common assumption that Canada and the U.S. are simply migration destinations. Increasingly, they are also places people aspire to leave. But what fuels migration desire?

    As a scholar of religion and migration, my recently published research focuses on aspiring migrants: those who dream and plan for a future elsewhere, even if they never leave.

    While studies have shown how religion might aid or hinder a person’s integration into new societies, I explore how religion shapes who wants to migrate in the first place and why.

    Not everyone who wants to migrate will ultimately do so, but their aspirations matter. Migration aspirations influence education, career choices, family formation and even political engagement. Yet, the forces behind these aspirations remain largely understudied.

    Migration aspirations influence education, career choices, family formation and even political engagement.
    (Evangeline Shaw/Unsplash)

    Who wants to migrate?

    My interviews with young Ghanaians between the ages of 20 and 35 reveal that migration is not just about where people go. It’s also about who they believe they are meant to be.

    Analyzing 565 surveys and 25 in-depth interviews, I found that the aspiraton to migrate was widespread, with nearly 78 per cent of those surveyed expressing a desire to migrate. However, aspirations were not evenly distributed.

    University students were the most eager to migrate, often viewing higher education abroad as a stepping stone. Family history also shaped migration aspirations. Those with relatives abroad and no prior travel experience were significantly more likely to want to leave, suggesting the influence of migrant social networks.

    Yet the strongest predictors of migration aspirations among participants were experiences like dreams, prophecies and intuitions that were considered religiously significant.

    Individuals who reported having migration-related dreams were more than twice as likely to express a strong desire to migrate, while those who believed migration was part of a divine plan were more than three times as likely. These findings challenge the traditional idea that migration is purely an economic decision, highlighting the role of religion and spirituality.

    Spiritual experiences and migration

    Dreams, prophecies and intuitions do more than inspire migration desires. They shape how people perceive and legitimize migration. These experiences transform migration from mere physical movement into a deeply personal conviction, reshaping how they see themselves and their futures.

    Participants in my study who had migratory dreams described them as vivid, immersive experiences in which they found themselves leaving their homeland, boarding airplanes or settling in foreign countries.

    These dreams transported them into sensory encounters with airports, unfamiliar climates like snowfall and racially diverse communities. Such dreams made migration feel imminent, influencing behaviours such as preparing travel documents and expanding social networks.

    Prophecy in many religious traditions are declarations made by spiritual leaders, often perceived as divine revelations about an individual’s life, future or destiny. In the context of migration, these prophecies foretell a person’s foreseeable journey abroad, shaping their understanding of the future.

    Dreams, prophecies and intuitions do more than inspire migration desires. They shape how individuals perceive and legitimize migration.
    (Adedotun Adegborioye/Unsplash)

    Migratory prophecies are often delivered in Pentecostal-Charismatic churches, through sermons, prayer sessions or direct pronouncements from pastors. Their significance lies not in predictive accuracy, but in their ability to inspire, shape emotions, and guide behaviours regarding migration.

    These prophecies legitimize a person’s migration aspirations as part of a divine plan, enhancing the aspiring migrant’s self-perception as one destined for success. They foster an internalized identity of a successful migrant even before the individual embarks on their journey, highlighting their potential to elevate social status and bring honour to their families and communities.

    Intuitions attributed to divine prompting also generate an inner certainty about migration. People feel an inexplicable but profound conviction that they must migrate, leading them to align their life decisions with what they perceive as a higher plan.

    By reinforcing deeply held aspirations, spiritual experiences do not just shape the desire to migrate; they construct the migrant’s very sense of self, embedding migration into their personal identity long before they ever set foot on foreign soil.

    Informing policy

    Most migration policies focus on border control, but rarely consider the social and cultural dynamics that shape migration. Dreams, prophecies and intuitions act as indicators of unmet aspirations.

    Understanding these experiences can help migration policymakers create strategies that are cross-culturally sensitive and context-specific. These strategies should move beyond the economics of migration to address the full spectrum of human motivations.

    Additionally, governments and news media must confront idealized narratives of migration destinations portrayed as utopias of opportunity. When such expectations clash with the stark realities of labour exploitation, cultural alienation and systemic racism, the resulting disillusionment can profoundly affect the well-being of individuals and communities.

    A responsible approach to migration must present a balanced view, acknowledging both opportunities and challenges, while preparing aspiring migrants for the complexities of their journeys and recognizing their aspirations as integral to their personhood.

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

    – ref. How dreams, prophecies and intuitions can impact the decision to migrate – https://theconversation.com/how-dreams-prophecies-and-intuitions-can-impact-the-decision-to-migrate-250736

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Heeding the lessons of COVID-19 in the face of avian influenza

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Matthew S Miller, Executive Director, Global Nexus and M.G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research, McMaster University

    If the H5N1 avian flu virus learns to spread efficiently from person to person, it could pose an imminent threat to humanity. (CDC and NIAID), CC BY

    Infectious disease outbreaks have a bad habit of piling on at the worst possible times.

    The 1918 flu pandemic, also known as the Spanish flu, caught the world by surprise just as the First World War was coming to an end. It was responsible for killing three to five per cent of the world’s population (50-100 million people, equivalent to about 400 million today).

    Now, as we reflect on five years since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic and face economic uncertainty imposed by the United States administration — as well as lingering conflicts in places such as the Middle East and Ukraine — it’s the steady march of avian influenza, or “bird flu,” that poses an imminent threat to humanity.

    Walter Reed hospital flu ward in Washington, D.C. during the flu epidemic of 1918-19, which killed three to five per cent of the world’s population.
    (Shutterstock)

    Bird flu has been causing a flurry of human infections, especially in U.S. cattle workers. If the virus learns to spread effectively from human to human, it could change the course of history. Even though our weary world already feels maxed out, we have to make room to avert yet another crisis.



    Read more:
    Bird flu in cattle: What are the concerns surrounding the newly emerging bovine H5N1 influenza virus?

    The good news is that we know how to minimize risk and mobilize resources quickly, before the virus starts moving from human-to-human.

    Heading off a bird flu pandemic

    Knowing what to do and actually doing it, though, are very different, as we saw all too well five years ago when COVID-19 shut down much of the world, killing more than seven million people worldwide. And it’s not through with us yet.

    The question is whether we will act in time to head off a bird flu pandemic. The Spanish Flu was the first of five influenza pandemics since the end of the First World War.

    A sixth is inevitable without co-ordinated global action. Otherwise, the only questions are when it will it come and how bad it will be.



    Read more:
    Combatting the measles threat means examining the reasons for declining vaccination rates

    Infectious diseases constitute a permanent threat to society, especially as vaccine hesitancy and misinformation grow. Fighting pandemics needs to be a full-time, ongoing priority for governments everywhere.

    After the arrival of COVID-19, there were some impressive investments in infrastructure and science to support pandemic preparedness, but many were essentially one-time projects.

    Canada needs to establish permanent capacity to prevent and respond to health emergencies. Government agencies specifically dedicated to supporting the development of medical countermeasures for pathogens that pose a pandemic risk, like the recently established Health Emergencies Readiness Canada (HERC), are a step in the right direction.

    However, we must also re-prioritize investments in the fundamental research that is the birthplace of new medical and non-medical solutions to pandemic preparedness — where we currently lag far behind essentially all of our G7 counterparts. This has never been more important than in the current global political context.

    The cost of acting to prevent or limit a pandemic is infinitesimal compared to the price of letting one happen, whether one measures the toll in human lives, or in dollars.

    The world needs to adopt a collective mentality that we are “all in” on prevention if we want to maximize our chances of avoiding the next pandemic. We cannot sit on our hands and hope we get lucky. That strategy has failed us in the past and will doom us in the future.

    H5N1 avian flu

    Today, as we stand on the brink of an avian influenza pandemic that could be significantly worse than COVID-19, too much of the world seems unaware, unprepared or largely disengaged.

    Globally, more than 900 humans are known to have been infected by H5N1 avian influenza so far. The death rate associated with these human infections is a staggering one in two, placing it on par with threats such as Ebola.

    Death rates resulting from human infections of the most prevalent currently circulating H5N1 virus in the U.S. (clade 2.3.4.4b) have been much lower — though the very narrow demographic characteristics of the individuals that have been infected leaves many questions regarding the true danger that this virus poses to the population at-large.
    Avian influenza has become more prevalent than ever in our environment. Having adapted to spread efficiently among cattle and other mammals, the virus will follow its biological imperative to adapt and survive.

    No responsible country can ignore the possibility that person-to-person spread could start anywhere and quickly wash over the planet.



    Read more:
    An ounce of prevention: Now is the time to take action on H5N1 avian flu, because the stakes are enormous

    Certainly, Canada is treating the issue seriously, as I know from my work with the Public Health Agency of Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, the Ontario Immunization Advisory Committee and other bodies.

    But the effort to stop or at least slow avian influenza needs to include all countries and to engage everyday people, especially those who work directly with birds, cattle and other wild and domestic animals.

    Targeted interventions

    The best tactics to stave off a pandemic, at least at this point, are relatively unintrusive, targeted interventions. It’s critical that farm workers, veterinarians and others who work with animals follow careful protocols such as wearing masks and goggles, sanitizing equipment and continuing to cull poultry flocks where exposure is identified.

    We also need to educate hunters about protective measures to lower their risk of exposure.

    Most mitigation measures are entirely non-medical — though offering vaccines to those at high risk of exposure, as Finland has done, would be prudent. It’s much easier to target vaccination programs to high-risk groups than to organize a global vaccine campaign after a pandemic has begun.

    We need to encourage these groups to take every possible action to protect themselves — and therefore the world — and to provide financial supports that enable them to comply without cost.

    If avian flu becomes established among humans, which could happen rapidly and with very little warning, COVID-19 has shown that only a swift, decisive and truly global approach can fend off disaster.

    A significant lesson from COVID-19 is that we have to support pandemic prevention and response efforts for people in every corner of the world, however remote they may be, and that we must reach vulnerable populations within wealthy countries, such as elderly, frail and marginalized people, and those affected by poverty. These are the people always impacted most by infectious diseases.

    A selective distribution of resources among the planet’s wealthiest populations will not provide the protection the world needs and will only enlarge and extend the reach of a new pandemic.

    We must remember what it was like to close down schools, workplaces and public gatherings and to have hospitals overflowing with patients as clinicians risked their lives to care for them.

    We could have saved so many people and so much money by taking the threat more seriously from the outset, including providing better public education about evidence-based measures such as masking and vaccines.

    It’s past time we made pandemic prevention and response a permanent priority, no matter what else is happening in the world.

    Matthew S Miller is co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of AeroImmune Inc. He has received compensation from Seqirus, Sanofi, GSK, Roche, Grifols, and Aramis Biotechnologies for participating on advisory boards and for supporting educational activities. He has received research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canada Research Chairs Program, the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, Ontario Centre of Innovation, Bay Area Health Trust, Providence Therapeutics, JN Nova Pharma, Lactiga, and Zentek. He is a member of the National Advisory Committee on Immunization COVID-19 Working Group and H5N1 Influenza Working Group. He is also a member of the Ontario Immunization Advisory Committee and the Public Health Agency of Canada Expert Panel on Avian Influenza A(H5Nx).

    – ref. Heeding the lessons of COVID-19 in the face of avian influenza – https://theconversation.com/heeding-the-lessons-of-covid-19-in-the-face-of-avian-influenza-252161

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Google’s AI-generated search feature hasn’t yet changed how users interact with search results

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sylvain Senecal, Professor of Marketing and RBC Financial Group Chair of E-Commerce, HEC Montréal

    AI Overviews offers Google users AI-generated answers by sourcing and summarizing information from different websites. (Shutterstock)

    Google announced the launch of AI Overviews, its generative artificial intelligence-fuelled search feature, in May 2023. Initially named Search Generative Experience, AI Overviews offers Google users AI-generated answers by sourcing and summarizing information from different websites.

    These AI responses are positioned at the top of the page for immediate visibility. The aim is to improve user experience by providing an alternative and more straightforward way to access information while enhancing the relevance of search results.

    This feature has slowly been offered to the public, having initially been made available exclusively in the United States. AI Overviews is available worldwide and has been rolled out to more than 100 additional countries, including Canada.

    AI Overviews represents a key effort by Google to capitalize on the rapid emergence of generative AI technology amid fierce competition between AI-enabled search engines in the market. It’s a direct response to Open AI’s SearchGPT and Microsoft Bing’s Deep Search, which is powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

    At the same time, conversational AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Microsoft’s Copilot and Google’s Gemini continue to resonate with users worldwide. Google’s investment in AI is critical to its ability to stay in the AI race among the other tech giants.

    Concerns about AI-assisted search

    The implementation of AI Overviews, however, has raised concerns among businesses, website managers and online advertisers.

    AI Overviews represents a key effort by Google to capitalize on the rapid emergence of generative AI technology.
    (Shutterstock)

    Critics worry this feature could decrease traffic to their websites if users were to rely too heavily on AI Overviews and ignore the links to websites displayed in the search results.

    Paid advertisements and sponsored content play a pivotal role in the revenue streams of companies and website operators. If traffic to websites diminishes, the incentive for these companies to invest in these advertising formats could decline, potentially disrupting the multi-billion-dollar online advertising industry.

    To better understand this, we conducted a study at HEC Montréal’s Tech3Lab to investigate the potential impact of search generative AI features like AI Overviews on user perceptions and behaviours compared to those associated with regular online search queries.

    User search behaviour and perceptions

    We developed a set of four Google search scenarios, either AI-assisted or non-AI-assisted. The two AI-assisted scenarios included an AI-generated overview at the top of the search results, while the two non-AI-assisted scenarios consisted of a regular Google search experience.

    For each scenario pair, participants performed a search for informational purposes and another search related to a product purchase. During each search task, users’ click behaviour (the number of clicks), cognitive load (the mental effort required to process information) and visual attention were measured.

    We used pupillometry — measuring pupil size and reactivity — and analyzed screen recordings to track these metrics. After completing each task, participants shared their perceptions through questionnaires.

    Through this experimental approach, we were able to achieve two goals. First, we determined whether AI-generated overviews in search results significantly impact user perceptions of the relevance, usefulness and satisfaction with search results.

    Second, we observed whether such generative AI summaries significantly impacted user behaviour in terms of the number of clicks on links appearing in the search results. This provided insight into the potential impact generative AI summaries might have on organic search traffic.

    What did we find?

    The results of our study suggest that the presence of AI-generated overviews has no significant impact on user perceptions of relevance, usefulness and satisfaction with search results. There was also no significant impact on the clickthrough rate — the ratio of clicks on a link — on links in the search results.

    The presence of AI Overviews did not significantly reduce the users’ interaction with Google’s classic list of suggested pages. While this finding indicates AI Overviews might not lead to an immediate or significant shift in website traffic, it’s important to note that user interactions could evolve over time as people become more familiar with this new feature.

    As such, the competition among the market leaders operating in the online search space will likely continue to intensify. For example, earlier this month, Google rolled out a new feature called AI mode that delivers additional AI-generated results for some users.

    Tech giants like Google and Microsoft will continue to vie for dominance in the market, aiming to create more engaging, higher-value search experiences for their online users.

    Co-researchers Alexander J. Karran, Thadde Rolon-Merette, Eugene Yuzan Guo, Fabien Poivré and Mehdi Benbousta co-authored this article.

    Sylvain Senecal receives funding from Ivado, Prompt, and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

    Constantinos K. Coursaris receives funding from Ivado, Prompt, and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

    Pierre-Majorique Léger receives funding from IVADO, Prompt, and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

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

    – ref. Google’s AI-generated search feature hasn’t yet changed how users interact with search results – https://theconversation.com/googles-ai-generated-search-feature-hasnt-yet-changed-how-users-interact-with-search-results-244607

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: More girls are getting excluded from school – here’s why they feel misjudged by teachers

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emma Clarke, Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader in Teacher Education, University of York

    Tero Vesalainen/Shutterstock

    More children are being permanently excluded from their school in England. In the 2023-24 autumn term, over 1,000 more pupils were excluded than in the autumn term the previous year. Rates of permanent exclusion have risen rapidly since the pandemic, with no sign of slowing down.

    What is perhaps unexpected is that the rate of permanent exclusions is rising much faster among girls than boys. Girls are also more at risk of “hidden” or “grey” exclusions – when a pupil stops going to school but isn’t formally excluded. But partly because schools are seen as environments in which girls are more likely to thrive than boys, the issues girls face may be overlooked.

    Stereotypes of schools as places where “good girls” are the hardworking majority – and boys are the disruptive ones – have repercussions for both girls and teachers.

    In my research I interviewed 12 girls at risk of permanent exclusion aged between 12 and 16 in two different secondary schools and one pupil referral unit. I found that they struggled with being heard.

    Girls in my study were unanimous that they wanted teachers to listen and take time for them, but felt this did not happen. They resorted to shouting before they could be shouted at. “When they shout it doesn’t mean we’re going to listen, we’re going to shout back,” one said.

    Girls reported teachers did not know them, listen or allow them to explain and so responded with aggression: “Why should I bother about them when they ain’t bothered about me?”

    Consequences of exclusion

    Research from Agenda Alliance, a charity, has found that 74% of girls in youth custody were previously permanently excluded, compared to 63% of boys. After permanent exclusion, girls (unlike boys) are more likely to suffer significant mental health issues.

    There has been very little progress in managing girls’ behaviour over the last two decades. Research has found consistent reports of girls being sidelined in education as far back as the 1970s.

    Research also suggests that girls using their voice in ways that do not fit gender stereotypes – such as being loud and shouting at teachers – was particularly problematic. This damaged relationships with teachers.

    In my research, girls believed both male and female teachers were sexist, singling them out for behaviour ignored in boys. This resulted in a deeply held sense of unfairness, particularly when teachers simply linked behaviour to their hormones. “Certain teachers overlook the girls, they pin it on your hormones,” one said.

    This results in girls feeling they have no voice, and avoiding some lessons, teachers or situations by truanting – inside school or not attending at all – or by trying to “get in before they [teachers] do” and behaving aggressively.

    These two extremes mean girls either end up using their voice in ways schools cannot manage, or remain systematically silenced: not present at school at all. Neither helps them to address the problems they are experiencing and the resulting behaviour.

    Appearance and behaviour

    I also found that girls struggled with how visible they were at school. Many girls in my study talked about facing sanctions over their uniform. They argued that teachers punished them for minor infringements, and that there was a double standard: teachers could wear two pairs of earrings, for instance, but they could not. One said that staff “don’t care about education it’s about earrings and that”.

    Girls felt singled out in ways boys were not, suggesting teachers were sexist and only interested in them looking right.

    Girls felt they received too much scrutiny over their appearance.
    Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

    However, girls told me that modifying their uniform was central to fitting in with peers and not being bullied. This results in girls treading a fine line between not standing out too much to other girls and not attracting the censure of staff.

    Girls reported being too visible in other ways. They told me that trips to the toilet were policed by staff standing outside. Girls also felt too visible in class, with significant anxiety expressed in my research about being picked on in class. “My face goes all blotchy and I start shaking, it’s hard to breathe,” one said.

    This fear was so significant girls chose to walk out of lessons rather than face embarrassment in front of their peers. “If a teacher picks on me to answer a question I just won’t come to the next lesson,” one girl said. They chose this despite risking being put in isolation – working in seclusion away from the rest of the school and their peers, where they once again became invisible. “It’s like a prison, they boarded up the windows and don’t listen to you.”

    With some schools shifting to zero-tolerance approaches, permanent exclusion – once a last resort – may now be perceived as a reasonable response to school improvement drives.

    Striking the balance between being appropriately seen and heard is a challenge for many girls in school, even those who appear to manage it successfully. But for those who struggle, the current and widespread problems in schools make it less likely that teachers will “take more notice of how you behave, [because] there might be something behind it”. Without significant and widespread change in schools, more girls will either disappear from the system or be silenced by it.

    Emma Clarke received funding in a one off grant from British Educational Research Association. She is a member of Universities and Colleges Union.

    – ref. More girls are getting excluded from school – here’s why they feel misjudged by teachers – https://theconversation.com/more-girls-are-getting-excluded-from-school-heres-why-they-feel-misjudged-by-teachers-249753

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Investments will boost child care for families

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Here are the 22 additional child care centres joining the $10 a Day ChildCareBC spaces in B.C.:

    Pumpkin Patch Nursery School, Black Creek
    Pumpkin Patch Nursery School, 24 spaces

    Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion
    Little Eagles Childcare – Centre for Excellence, 37 spaces

    Kootenay Family Place, Castlegar
    Castlegar & District Kids’ Club, 25 spaces

    Onesky Community Resources Society, Cawston
    Cawston Primary Preschool, 16 spaces

    Little Kritters Daycare, Charlie Lake
    Little Kritters Daycare, eight spaces

    Little Lakers Learning Centre Society, Christina Lake
    Little Lakers Learning Centre, eight spaces

    Serendipity Child Development Society, Madeira Park
    Serendipity Child Care Centre, 13 spaces

    Southern Cortes Community Association, Mansons Landing
    Cortes Island Playschool, 28 spaces

    Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Vancouver Island, Parksville
    Parksville Child and Family Centre, 111 spaces

    Peachland Childcare Inc.
    Peachland Childcare Inc., eight spaces

    Onesky Community Resources Society, Penticton
    Edmonton Ave. Child Care Centre, 112 spaces

    Cheeky Monkey’s Daycare, Quesnel
    Cheeky Monkey’s Daycare, seven spaces

    North & South Shuswap Community Resource Association, Sorrento
    Sorrento Preschool, 20 spaces

    Al-Mustafa Islamic Association, Surrey
    Al-Mustafa Junior Kindergarten, 20 spaces

    B.C. Family Hearing Resource Society, Surrey
    Communication Stars Specialized Childcare, 12 spaces

    City of Surrey
    Fraser Heights Recreation Centre, 72 spaces

    District of Tofino
    Community Children’s Centre, 18 spaces

    The Trail District Day Care Society
    Sunshine Children’s Centre, 26 spaces

    Ucluelet and Area Child Care Society
    Ucluelet Children’s Centre, 80 spaces

    Developmental Disabilities Association of Vancouver-Richmond, Vancouver
    Kids at G.F. Strong Child Development Centre, 40 spaces

    Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs, Vernon
    Okanagan Boys and Girls Club-Lakers Club, 36 spaces

    Evangelical Free Church of Williams Lake
    Maranatha Minis Daycare, 49 spaces

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Philadelphia Man Found Guilty Of Conspiring To Distribute Cocaine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    CAMDEN, N.J. – A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, man was found guilty of conspiring to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney John Giordano announced.

    Marvin Murphy, 48, of Camden, New Jersey, was convicted on March 18, 2025 after a two-day bench trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Renée Marie Bumb. Murphy was remanded into custody after the verdict.  

    According to documents filed in this case and evidence at trial:

    From June 2021 through July 13, 2021, Murphy conspired with Carl Lee Holloway, Lavinston Lamar, and others to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. On June 23, 2021, Holloway traveled to San Diego, California, to meet with an undercover agent posing as a drug dealer.  Holloway and the undercover agent discussed arranging a drug deal in New Jersey during which the undercover agent would deliver at least 10 kilograms of cocaine for Holloway and his associates.  During the meeting, Holloway called Murphy, and the two proceeded to communicate about the drug deal during the subsequent weeks.

    On July 13, 2021, Holloway, Murphy, and Lamar separately arrived at a hotel in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, each with bags containing U.S. currency collectively totaling over $340,000.  They met with undercover agents inside a hotel room at the hotel. They briefly inspected one of the kilograms of cocaine previously brought into the room by undercover agents, after which agents entered the room and arrested Holloway, Lamar, and Murphy.

    Chief Judge Bumb previously sentenced Holloway to 120 months in prison after Holloway pleaded guilty to his involvement in the same conspiracy.  Chief Judge Bumb also previously sentenced Lamar to 114 months in prison, which was later reduced to 100 months, after Lamar pleaded guilty to his involvement in the same conspiracy and to violating the conditions of his supervised release from a prior conviction for conspiring to distribute cocaine.

    The count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine carries a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison and a fine of up to $1,000,000.  Sentencing is scheduled for July 17, 2025.  

    U.S. Attorney Giordano credited special agents with the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel in Newark and Special Agent in Charge Shawn S. Gibson in San Diego; and the Mount Laurel Police, under the direction of Chief Timothy Hudnall, with the investigation leading to today’s conviction.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Bender and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Katelyn Waegener of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Camden.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: After Request from Warren and Senators, Government Watchdog Opens Investigation into How Trump’s Purge of Workers Harms Americans’ Health and Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts – Elizabeth Warren
    March 24, 2025
    Response from GAO (PDF)
    Washington, D.C. – Following a request from U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), the Government Accountability Office (GAO) agreed to open an investigation into how the Trump administration’s firing of probationary federal workers will impact Americans’ health and safety. 
    Thousands of these recently fired federal employees were responsible for protecting Americans’ health and safety, across areas like air travel, flood and wildfire response, infectious disease control, nuclear safety, veterans’ healthcare and benefits, food safety, and managing the opioid epidemic.
    In recent weeks, courts have ordered the Trump administration to reinstate probationary employees, only for many of the employees to be reinstated and immediately placed on administrative leave, still leaving the health and safety of Americans at risk. 
    On March 6, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren led 10 Democratic senators in writing to the Government Accountability Office requesting an investigation into how the recent mass firings of probationary federal workers have impacted Americans’ health and safety.
    “GAO accepts your request as work that is within the scope of its authority,” wrote agency officials, noting that the work would begin “shortly.” GAO’s investigation is set to investigate how the recent firings of probationary federal workers affect the health and safety of Americans. 
    Senator Warren has been a leader in standing up for federal workers amidst Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s government takeover: 
    On March 20, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) led a letter to Secretary of Education Linda McMahon regarding the Trump Administration’s decision to slash the capacity of Federal Student Aid to handle student aid complaints.
    On March 19, 2025, at a town hall in Lowell, MA, Senator Elizabeth Warren laid out her strategy, including fighting the illegal mass firings in the courts, to fight Donald Trump’s and Elon Musk’s dangerous government takeover, which is hurting Massachusetts families, and she invited neighbors from Lowell to join her in the fight.
    On March 3, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren announced Doug Kowalewski, a National Science Foundation employee who was fired unexpectedly as part of Elon Musk’s and the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) gutting of the federal workforce, as her guest at the 2025 State of the Union. Senator Warren brought Doug “to force Trump to confront the federal workers he fired – the people who make this country run.” 
    On February 20, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren secured an investigation by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Inspector General into how the Acting Chairman rescinding more than 200 job offers to bank examiners impacts the U.S. banking system. 
    On February 18, 2025, Senator Elizabeth Warren led a letter demanding that the U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary, Scott Turner, halt any further staff cuts at the agency, noting that additional staffing reductions would further exacerbate the housing crisis and would likely prevent HUD from being able to meet critical functions like supporting disaster recovery efforts. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘Peace Operations Face Serious Barriers that Demand New Approaches’, Secretary-General Stresses, at Security Council Open Debate

    Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council

    Following are UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ remarks to the Security Council’s open debate titled “Advancing Adaptability in UN Peace Operations — Responding to New Realities”, in New York today:

    I thank the Government of Denmark for convening this high-level discussion.

    United Nations peace operations safeguard people and communities in some of the most desperate places on earth.

    These operations comprise both peacekeeping operations and special political missions.

    Their work ranges from early warning to preventive diplomacy, from peacemaking to verifying peace agreements to protecting civilians, from negotiating ceasefires to helping parties implement them on the ground, to electoral support and observer missions.

    Collectively, these operations represent a critical tool at this Council’s disposal to maintain international peace and security in a variety of contexts.

    Since the first special political mission and peacekeeping operation were deployed in 1948, our peace operations have grown, adapted and evolved.

    Time and again, they allow us to mount tailored responses that have saved lives, reduced violence, prevented the expansion and spillover of deadly conflicts and stopped atrocities.

    Peace operations are designed not only to be an effective example of multilateralism in action — but a cost-effective one.

    At their best, they show how when the UN comes together to address challenges; the burden is diminished on individual countries alone.

    But as we all know, peace operations face serious barriers that demand new approaches.

    Wars are becoming more complex and more deadly.  They last longer and are more enmeshed in global and regional dynamics.

    Negotiated settlements have been harder to achieve. Meanwhile, our peace operations are confronted with a complex interplay of threats — many of which do not respect national borders.

    Terror and extremist groups, organized crime, the weaponization of new technologies, and the effects of climate change are all testing our capacities to respond.  And, I regret to say, geopolitical divisions are undermining peace.

    The bilateral and multilateral arrangements that — for decades — have managed tensions and maintained stability are eroding.

    Violations of international law, human rights and the UN Charter are rampant — seemingly without consequence.

    Trust is in short supply among — and within — countries and regions.

    All of these challenges and more throw fuel on the fires of conflict.

    Meanwhile, our peace responses are struggling.  We see a persistent mismatch between mandates and available resources.  And we see increasing differences of views — including in this Council itself — around how peace operations should work, under what circumstances, with what mandates they should be deployed, and for how long.

    This is a grim diagnosis, but we must face facts.

    The good news is that, through the Pact for the Future, Member States committed to working to adapt peace operations for the future.

    This is an important opportunity to gain a shared understanding of what makes peace operations successful, what is hindering their effectiveness, and what new models we can use to make them more adaptable, flexible and resilient — while recognizing the limitations in situations where there is little or no peace to keep.

    My recent proposals to you in the context of Haiti are a good example.  We must keep working for a political process — owned and led by the Haitian people — that restores democratic institutions through elections.  And the UN has a clear role to play in supporting stability and security, while addressing the root causes of the appalling crisis.

    The UN stands ready to assume the responsibility of the logistical and operational expenditures — including transportation, medical capabilities and support for the national police — that can support an international force established by Member States that is able to confront the gangs in Haiti and create conditions for peace.  And the salaries of the force are paid through the trust fund that already exists.

    This is a good example of how we can design a tailored and collective approach to peace operations in an extremely complex and dangerous environment.

    Other examples of adapting our peace operations include the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which recently developed an adaptation plan to support the parties to uphold their obligations under resolution 1701 (2006), and our operations in Abyei, Sudan, where we reconfigured our peace operations into a multinational force.

    We also increasingly see the enormous benefits of strengthening cooperation with regional and subregional organizations.  Security Council resolution 2719 (2023) is an important example.

    This breakthrough has lifted our partnership with the African Union to a new level as we work to establish peace enforcement missions under the responsibility of the African Union, supported by the United Nations.  We are now working actively across our two Secretariats to meet the vision of the resolution, and I urge Council members to fully support this work.

    It’s time to build on these examples and continue adapting our peace operations for current and future challenges.

    Work is now under way to review all forms of peace operations, as requested by Member States in the Pact for the Future.

    The review will aim to critically examine these tools and propose concrete recommendations to make them fit for today.

    This will include extensive consultations with Member States and others to inform — and inspire — recommendations.

    The review will build on the analysis presented in the New Agenda for Peace.

    It will be informed by the first comprehensive study of the history of special political missions in the 80 years of the United Nations, which will be released soon.

    And it will reflect the Pact’s call to ensure that peace operations engage at the earliest possible stage in planning transitions with host countries, UN country teams and local and regional groups.

    The review also aligns with the Pact’s call to this Council to ensure that peace operations are guided by clear and sequenced mandates that are realistic and achievable — with viable exit strategies and transition plans.

    And it will draw on the discussions taking place in preparation for the Peacekeeping Ministerial in Berlin in May focusing on the future of peacekeeping.

    Throughout, we will hold extensive consultations to capture as wide a spectrum of views as possible and to benefit from worldwide expertise.

    From Member States, host States, troop- and police-contributing countries and financial contributors to regional organizations, civil society and academia, and our own leaders and experts within UN peace operations and the Secretariat.

    And the review will, of course, help inform our efforts through our UN@80 initiative, to find efficiencies and improvements across our work in light of the continued funding challenges we face as an organization.

    Today’s open debate provides a vital opportunity for the Council to share perspectives and ideas to inform the review process.  I urge all Members to support it.  And I call on this Council to continue working to overcome divisions and disagreements around peace operations and build the unified and consistent political support our peace operations — and the women and men who conduct them — need and deserve.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Great Canberra walks to tick off your list

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The paths around Lake Burley Griffin are some of Canberra’s most popular.

    Whether you are catching up with a mate, wanting to break a sweat or taking some solo time – here are some of the many tracks to explore in the ACT.

    Mount Painter

    Mount Painter lies in Canberra Nature Park in Belconnen and provides great views over north Canberra and the Molonglo River valley.

    This walk is around 4km return.

    National Arboretum

    The Arboretum has many different walking and cycling tracks ranging from

    2km–7km return.

    You can also take guided walking tours.

    Shepherds Lookout

    This 1.2km return walk rewards you with amazing views over the Murrumbidgee River on the edge of Belconnen.

    Gossan Hill

    Gossan Hill Nature Reserve is a 47-hectare protected area located in south-eastern Belconnen.

    This walk is a 2.5km loop.

    Yerrabi Pond

    Yerrabi Pond, located in Yerrabi District Park in Gungahlin, is an easy 4km loop walk.

    Mulligans Flat

    Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve is a 984-hectare woodland protected area in north-eastern Canberra.

    There are a few trails you can take through the reserve, ranging from 3km–8km.

    Whichever walk you take will be a scenic one – likely with glimpses of Canberra wildlife.

    One Tree Hill

    Experience spectacular views at One Tree Hill.

    The walk is around 8.5km return, starting near Hall.

    Mount Rogers

    Located in the northern suburbs, this popular walk is an easy 2km loop.

    Lake Ginninderra

    Located in Belconnen, this is an easy flat walk – great for a catch up with friends.

    The walk is a 7km loop around, with different starting points to choose from.

    Lake Burley Griffin

    This walk is a great way to see the city whilst getting some exercise.

    Whether you take the shorter or longer route (with walks ranging between 5km–20km), Lake Burley Griffin offers views of iconic Canberra attractions all the way around.

    Black Mountain

    The home to iconic Telstra tower, Black Mountain has a great walking trail that ranges from 2km–5km, depending on your starting and finishing point.

    This walk is a little harder as it is steep, but you will be rewarded with great views at the top.

    Mount Ainslie

    Most Canberrans have hiked up Mount Ainslie, or at least driven to the top to see the spectacular Canberra views.

    The walk is a great introductory hike (of easy to moderate difficulty depending on your fitness level) and is around 4.5km return.

    Booroomba Rocks

    One of Canberra’s greatest bushwalks with stunning views at the top, Booroomba Rocks is located in Namadgi National Park.

    Depending on your starting point the walk can range from 2.5km–11km.

    Mount Taylor Summit

    Mount Taylor Nature Reserve is a 300-hectare protected area in Canberra’s south.

    The track to the summit starts from Sulwood Drive, Kambah.

    The track is just over 2km return, beginning gently and gradually getting steeper.

    There are benches along the way, with beautiful views of the mountain ranges to enjoy as you sit.

    Lake Tuggeranong

    Situated adjacent to the Tuggeranong Town Centre, this lake walk is an easy 7km loop. After your walk you can also enjoy the nearby dog park, picnic area and beach.

    Find more trails and parks to explore in the ACT at parks.act.gov.au/find-a-park

    Some tips to remember before you start stepping

    • Distances will vary depending on your start and end point, so always research your way first – for time and safety reasons and so you know what kind of workout you’re in for.
    • Take a phone with you and let someone know where you’re going.
    • Check the weather so you can prepare properly or postpone if needed.
    • Pack essentials (water bottle, hat, sunscreen etc).
    • Be snake safe – wear enclosed shoes, and if you see a snake stay still or calmly back away. More tips here: https://www.environment.act.gov.au/nature-conservation/wildlife-management/snakes

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Additional funding for light rail

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Light Rail Stage 2A will extend the light rail network by 1.7 kilometres.

    A major works contract has been signed for the delivery of Light Rail Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park with long-time delivery partner Canberra Metro.

    Stage 2A will extend the light rail network by 1.7 kilometres, with three new stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park.

    Not only will the light rail extension support thousands of local jobs during its construction, it will deliver improved public transport for decades in Canberra and help shape the development of Canberra’s city centre.

    Work on Stage 2A is planned to commence in late 2024. Construction and testing is expected to take approximately three years, with services commencing from January 2028.

    The alignment travelling along London Circuit will transform the southern part of the CBD, providing public transport to major employment and future housing precincts in City West, the ANU, City South, Acton Waterfront and Commonwealth Park.

    Already, there has been significant interest in ACT Government land release along the route – similar to the experience with stage 1 of the project.

    Light rail to Commonwealth Park will be delivered wire-free to support National Capital Authority requirements for a future connection through the Parliamentary Triangle.

    In a Canberra first, the light rail corridor to Commonwealth Park will include sections of green track where the light rail line sits within a bed of specially selected grass or plants instead of concrete.

    This project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT governments.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: NightCrew keeps CBR community safe

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Josh Yeend, centre, on CBR NightCrew patrol with Chris Woods, left, and Tess Hammerton, right.

    As the weather warms and Canberrans head out to enjoy summer in the city, it’s heartening to know CBR NightCrew is there to help keep them safe.

    Funded by the ACT Government and run by St John Ambulance, CBR NightCrew is a well-recognised and loved part of Canberra CBD nightlife.

    The service is staffed by trained volunteers who provide support to vulnerable people, such as those affected by excessive alcohol or drug consumption.

    It operates from a ‘safe space tent’ on Thursday (daylight saving months only), Friday and Saturday nights, with volunteers caring for walk-ins and undertaking regular patrols around key areas.

    NightCrew team leader Josh Yeend began volunteering with the service 2.5 years ago while studying Alcohol and Other Drugs and counselling at CIT.

    “I thought this was a really good opportunity to upskill and get that really high-level on-the-ground experience,” he said.

    “You meet so many different people out there, both on the volunteer end and also the people who are out there enjoying their time, having a great night, and when they’re not, you are there for them when they need it.

    “It’s a really great experience to be there for them and to hear their stories about what brought them to that point. In some cases, maybe they’ve just had a messy night and it’s not their fault and something’s just gone wrong. In other cases, it’s maybe a repeated behaviour and being able to be that ongoing support for them, and then refer them to other services and encourage them to seek help outside what NightCrew does, yeah, it’s all really rewarding,” Josh said.

    Those seeking support on a night out have long known they can turn to CBR NightCrew. And with a new contract in place, the service will continue to be operated by St John Ambulance until 2026.

    “We are delighted to continue delivering the CBR NightCrew service and see this as the Government’s commitment to delivering the same quality service to keep our city safe,” CEO of St John Ambulance ACT Adrian Watts said.

    “We co-designed the CBR NightCrew project as a violence prevention strategy in 2017 with the Australian Federal Police. We simply do not accept that violence and assault are unpreventable risks. Our mission is to ensure all Canberrans enjoy a safe night out and get home safely.”

    The joint St John Ambulance ACT and ACT Government initiative works with a harm minimisation approach, including:

    • contacting family or friends
    • providing sober-up support – including all-important hydration
    • de-escalating potential violent incidents
    • providing first-aid.

    CBR NightCrew is set up near Bus Platform 5 on Mort Street on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and staffed from 10pm.

    Josh Yeend and Tess Hammerton at the CBR NightCrew tent on Mort Street, Canberra City

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New mobile phone policy for ACT public schools

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Year 11 and 12 students must turn off and put away any mobile phones and personal communications devices during class time.

    A new mobile phone policy will come into effect from term 1, 2024 across all ACT public schools.

    From term 1 2024:

    • Students in Years K-10 at ACT public schools may not use or use personal communications devices at school, including recess and lunch, or during school authorised events.
    • Year 11 and 12 students must turn off and put away any mobile phones and personal communications devices during class time.

    Each individual school will communicate expectations on how and where to store devices at the beginning of the school year.

    The new Personal Use of Communication Devices in ACT Public Schools policy follows an extensive consultation process earlier this year.

    The consultation process attracted more than 3,200 pieces of feedback from parents and carers, students, and school staff.

    It also received submissions from unions, the Principal Advisory Group (PAG), ACT Council of Parents & Citizens Associations and community organisations.

    The consultation process found strong community and staff support for a first to last bell ban on communication devices for students in primary and high school years, and for ‘put it away’ restrictions during class time for college-aged students.

    Formal and specific exemptions to this new policy can be requested at the school level and be considered by the school principal.

    Exemptions can be requested if a student needs to use a device to support access to learning, has personal circumstances where they need to access their device in class and/or during the school day, or where a student needs to use a device to monitor or manage a medical condition.

    More information about the new Personal Use of Communication Devices in ACT Public Schools policy can be found at www.education.act.gov.au.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Asimily Earns 5-Star Rating in CRN® Partner Program Guide and Channel Chief Recognition

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SUNNYVALE, Calif., March 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Asimily, a leading provider of IoT, OT, and IoMT security solutions, today announced significant channel achievements that include a 5-Star rating in CRN’s 2025 Partner Program Guide, the recognition of Wayne Hollinshead as a CRN Channel Chief EMEA, and the expansion of key strategic partnerships across multiple industries.

    Asimily Earns 5-Star Rating from CRN

    Asimily’s channel program—Launch—has received a 5-star rating by CRN®, a brand of The Channel Company, in the 2025 CRN Partner Program Guide. CRN’s annual guide is an essential resource for solution providers seeking vendor partner programs that match their business goals and deliver high partner value. The 5-Star Award is an elite recognition given to companies that have built their partner programs on the key elements needed to nurture lasting, profitable, and successful channel partnerships.

    Asimily’s program is built around a comprehensive channel approach that accommodates various partner roles, including resellers, managed service providers, and systems integrators. Launch excels by offering strong profit opportunities, comprehensive training, and robust support resources that help partners generate revenue quickly. Additionally, Launch simplifies partner engagement through streamlined processes and easy-to-use operational frameworks.

    “We’re honored to receive the 5-star rating in CRN’s Partner Program Guide, further validating our commitment to building a program that delivers lasting value to our partners,” said Shankar Somasundaram, CEO, Asimily. “Launch was designed from the ground up to simplify partner engagement while providing the resources needed to succeed in the complex IoT/OT security market. This recognition reflects the investments we’ve made in our channel infrastructure and our dedication to partner success.”

    Wayne Hollinshead Named CRN Channel Chief EMEA

    Wayne Hollinshead, RoW Channel Director at Asimily, has been recognized as a 2025 CRN Channel Chief EMEA. In the past year, Hollinshead has helped architect and implement an effective two-tier channel distribution model for Asimily. He established simple yet powerful operational structures, creating frameworks that internal teams and external partners could easily execute, laying the foundation for Asimily’s channel growth in EMEA and APAC regions.

    “This recognition reflects our team’s commitment to developing strong partnerships tailored to each organization’s unique market needs,” said Hollinshead. “By creating customized go-to-market strategies rather than using one-size-fits-all approaches, we’re building meaningful relationships with our partners that drive mutual success.”

    Strategic Partnership Growth

    Asimily continues to expand its channel ecosystem with new partnerships across industries, successfully recruiting strategic partners in competitive markets. Recent additions to Asimily’s partner network include:

    • Carahsoft: As Asimily’s Master Government Aggregator, Carahsoft is making Asimily’s IoT/OT solution available to the public sector through its reseller partners and NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement (SEWP) V and National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) ValuePoint contracts.
    • Blood Centers of America: The partnership makes Asimily’s comprehensive lab, medical device, and IoT security and risk management platform directly available to all BCA members, enabling blood centers to protect their critical connected equipment and sensitive data.

    “Asimily’s new partnerships, such as those with Carahsoft and BCA, represent our commitment to empowering partners across multiple sectors,” said Somasundaram. “Our channel-first approach ensures that organizations in healthcare, government, critical infrastructure, and other industries can access our award-winning security solutions through trusted partners who understand their unique challenges.”

    Asimily’s channel momentum comes amid continued recognition for the company’s innovative approach to IoT/OT security and risk management. The company was recently named the 11th fastest-growing cybersecurity company in North America in the Deloitte Fast 500, with 514% growth driven by strong market demand for IoT, IoMT, and Industrial IoT/OT device security.

    About Asimily

    Asimily is a leading provider of IoT, OT, and IoMT security solutions that provide inventory, visibility, and risk analysis on all connected devices. The company’s platform helps organizations identify and prioritize vulnerabilities with the highest likelihood of being exploited, enabling efficient risk mitigation across healthcare, industrial, and enterprise environments. Asimily’s comprehensive solution combines vulnerability mitigation, visibility, threat detection/incident response, and risk modeling in a single platform. For more information, visit www.asimily.com.

    About The Channel Company

    The Channel Company (TCC) is the global leader in channel growth for the world’s top technology brands. We accelerate success across strategic channels for tech vendors, solution providers, and end users with premier media brands, integrated marketing and event services, strategic consulting, and exclusive market and audience insights. TCC is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

    Follow The Channel Company: X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

    © 2025 The Channel Company, Inc. CRN is a registered trademark of The Channel Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

    Asimily Contact
    Kyle Peterson
    kyle@clementpeterson.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cfe9e39b-c87b-482b-a895-4167ddf45d59

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen law professor elected to the Royal Society of Edinburgh Professor Abbe Brown is among the new Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) recognised as outstanding individuals whose contributions are shaping society in Scotland and beyond.

    Source: University of Aberdeen

    Professor Abbe BrownProfessor Abbe Brown is among the new Fellows of the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) recognised as outstanding individuals whose contributions are shaping society in Scotland and beyond.
    The Professor of Intellectual Property Law at the University of Aberdeen is among the 2025 cohort celebrating leading minds from across science, the arts, business, public life, and academia.
    Others include cartoonist and artist Kate Charlesworth whose vast library of work includes commissions from national newspapers, theatres, wildlife trusts, Greenpeace, New Scientist, Aardman Animations, and Spitting Image.
    Pioneer of space technology, Professor Asad Madni, has also been elected as an Honorary Fellow alongside David Field, Chief Executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and Professor Patricia Findlay who is professor of work and employment relations at the University of Strathclyde.
    The Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE), Scotland’s National Academy was established in 1783 for ‘the advancement of learning and useful knowledge’. Its 1800-strong fellowship providesindependent expert advice to policymakers and inspire the next generation of innovative thinkers.
    Professor Brown’s research explores the levels of intersection between intellectual property and other legal fields and the possible impact on key societal challenges including health, digital technology, disability, climate change and ocean governance. She maintains strong links with the legal profession and with policy making in Scotland.
    She said: “I am honoured to become a Fellow of the Royal Society Edinburgh. I look forward to contributing to its ongoing impact in addressing key societal challenges, in Scotland and more widely.”
    President of the RSE, Professor Sir John Ball PRSE, said: “It is my sincere pleasure to welcome each of our new Fellows – from the worlds of academia, public service, business, and the arts – to Scotland’s National Academy.
    “They represent excellence in their fields and will reinforce our ability to tackle the challenges that Scotland, and indeed the wider world, faces now and in the future.
    “Across a range of disciplines, they have each shown an unshakeable commitment to their research, work or craft, and it is exactly this superlative level of accomplishment that makes them belong as Fellows of the RSE.
    “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all of our new Fellows, and I hope they will avail themselves of all that our great National Academy has to offer them.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: COLUMN: Walker: Week 10 Under the Gold Dome

    Source: US State of Georgia

    By: Sen. Larry Walker, III (R–Perry)

    Ten weeks into the 2025 Legislative Session, we reached several major milestones, delivering real results for our farmers, job creators and hardworking Georgians.

    One of the most significant victories was the final passage of Senate Bill 68 through both chambers of the General Assembly, a major step forward in tort reform, which has been a top priority for Governor Brian Kemp. After extensive debate and deliberation in both chambers, this bill now heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval. SB 68 cracks down on lawsuit abuse, prevents bad actors from double-dipping on litigation expenses and shields small businesses from predatory legal tactics. With excessive verdicts and frivolous lawsuits running rampant in our state, this legislation will provide real relief for families and business owners alike.

    We also took action to cut taxes and put more money back into your pockets. The Senate passed House Bill 111, which lowers the state income tax rate from 5.39% to 5.19% beginning in 2025. The bill ensures additional tax cuts annually until the rate reaches 4.99%, delivering long-term relief for Georgia taxpayers. Additionally, House Bill 112 provides a one-time tax credit of $250 for individuals, $375 for heads of households, and $500 for married couples filing jointly. Both bills are now on their way to Governor Kemp’s desk, fulfilling yet another promise to ease the financial burden on Georgia families.

    Meanwhile, work continues on the state budget as Senate Appropriations Subcommittee hearings move us closer to finalizing the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. As the Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture and Natural Resources Chairman, I led discussions on aid allocations to rural communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Our hearing helped ensure that our budget remains fiscally responsible while prioritizing the needs of our state.

    On the legislative front, I’m proud that my bill, Senate Bill 35, passed unanimously through the House this week. SB 35 is my nonrenewal policy legislation, increasing the days’ notice required to be given to a policyholder before their homeowners’ insurance policy is not renewed. By providing more time for consumers to find alternative coverage or successfully manage concerns with their provider, this bill ensures that more Georgians maintain uninterrupted insurance coverage. Having passed both the Senate and House, SB 35 now awaits the Governor’s approval before it becomes law.

    Additionally, my bill to enhance our skilled workforce, SB 125, passed through the House Committee on Regulated Industries. Historically, our future engineers have completed their academic pathway but had to wait until they had worked in the field to take the professional engineering exam and earn their accreditation. This bill decouples the sequential order of experience and examination requirements for professional engineers, allowing them to take their professional engineering exam directly after their studies. SB 125 will encourage more skilled workers to come to Georgia and improve pass rates for the professional engineering exam, ultimately improving the field on the whole in our state. I am confident that the House will show SB 125 the same bipartisan support it received in the Senate. 

    Finally, I am carrying House Bill 579, which will revise provisions for professional licensing in Georgia. This bill empowers the professional licensing boards division to review and grant applications for the issuance, renewal or reinstatement of licenses on behalf of the profession’s licensing board. Notably, HB 579 also allows the division director to license an individual before taking an examination, encouraging the growth of their profession, business, or trade. With this legislation, we are streamlining professional licensing standards to protect all Georgians’ safety and welfare. I will always support legislation that allows qualified, trained workers to properly function without excessive red tape.

    With just two weeks remaining in this legislative session, I encourage everyone to stay engaged and visit the Gold Dome to see the legislative process in action. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. Serving the 20th Senate District under the Gold Dome is an honor.

    # # # #

    Sen. Larry Walker serves as Secretary of the Majority Caucus and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Insurance and Labor. He represents the 20th Senate District, which includes Bleckley, Dodge, Dooly, Laurens, Treutlen, Pulaski and Wilcox counties, as well as portions of Houston County.  He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0095 or by email at Larry.Walker@senate.ga.gov.

    For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Port Saunders — Port Saunders RCMP responds to disturbance; suspect fled from police, crashed vehicle and arrested for impaired operation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Forty-seven-year-old Chad Sinnicks of Hawke’s Bay was arrested for impaired operation and a number of other offences by Port Saunders RCMP on March 22, 2025, after crashing a vehicle on Route 430 near Port Saunders.

    At approximately 11:30 p.m., police received a report of a disturbance at a commercial property in Reef’s Harbour involving an assault, threats and property damage. Sinnicks, who was identified as the involved suspect, left the area in a vehicle prior to police arrival and was suspected to be driving while impaired.

    A short time, later, officers located the described vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle fled from police and became out of sight. Police continued south on Route 430 looking for the suspect vehicle which was located a few minutes later in a ditch on the side of the highway. Sinnicks was arrested for impaired operation and was transported to the detachment. He provided breath samples that were above the legal limit.

    Chad Sinnicks is set to appear in court at a later date to face the following criminal charges:

    • Impaired operation
    • Impaired operation with a blood alcohol concentration above 80 mgs%
    • Flight from police
    • Assault
    • Uttering Threats
    • Mischief under $5000.00 – property damage
    • Various offences of the Highway Traffic Act

    The investigation is ongoing with additional charges pending.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Cuban National Sentenced To Over Five Years In $7.6 Million Medicare Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fort Myers, FL – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Fernando Espinosa Leon (60) to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for health care fraud and aggravated identity theft. Espinosa Leon was also ordered to forfeit $4,013,148.76, the proceeds of his offenses. Espinosa Leon pleaded guilty on December 6, 2024.

    According to court documents, Espinosa Leon engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare using his company, Global Medical Supply Inc. To carry out the scheme, stole the personally identifiable information of Medicare beneficiaries and medical practitioners. Espinosa Leon fraudulently billed Medicare for durable medical equipment that he falsely claimed had been prescribed and supplied. From June 2020 through September 2020, Espinosa Leon utilized the services of a third-party biller and fraudulently submitted for billing more than $7.6 million in claims for reimbursement. As a result, over $4 million in fraudulently obtained Medicare fraud proceeds were deposited into a bank account that Espinosa Leon managed and controlled.

    This case was investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Marshals Service. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Patrick L. Darcey.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lee County Man Sentenced For Drug And Gun Offenses

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Fort Myers, Florida – U.S. District Judge Thomas Barber has sentenced Pascual Francisco, Jr. (26, Fort Myers) to nine years and three months in federal prison for distributing a controlled substance, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and possessing a machinegun. Francisco pleaded guilty on September 16, 2024.

    According to court records, over the course of several transactions in late-2023 and early-2024, Francisco sold an undercover law enforcement agent cocaine, fake Percocet pills laced with p-fluorofentanyl, an illegal machinegun, and an illegal machinegun conversion device. Francisco used a social media application to facilitate his drug and gun transactions prior to his arrest in this case. 

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Simon R. Eth.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Council Bluffs Women Sentenced to 210 Months on Methamphetamine Charges

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Acting United States Attorney Matthew R. Molsen announced that Tracy Gulzow, 56, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, was sentenced on March 20, 2025, in federal court in Omaha, Nebraska, for possessing with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher sentenced Gulzow to 210 months’ imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system. After her release from prison, she will begin a five-year term of supervised release.

    As part of a long-term Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation, Gulzow was identified as a distributor for a Mexican-based meth drug trafficking organization (DTO).  DEA first identified Gulzow as a customer of the DTO in March of 2022.  In the fall of 2023, DEA became aware that Gulzow had stepped into a distributor role for the DTO.  On January 24, 2023, the Omaha Police Department stopped Gulzow for a traffic violation.  During the traffic stop, nine pounds of meth were seized.  Gulzow admitted to law enforcement that more meth was located at her residence.  Gulzow also admitted to receiving more than 50 pounds of meth from the DTO since she became a distributor.  Law enforcement went to her residence where they recovered two more pounds of meth, a firearm, and $19,563 which was derived from the sale of methamphetamine.

    This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Omaha Police Department, and Bellevue Police Department.

    MIL Security OSI –