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  • MIL-OSI USA: Video: Kaine Speaks on Senate Floor Regarding Republicans’ Bill to Cut Taxes for the Wealthy by Slashing Programs Virginians Rely On

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine

    BROADCAST-QUALITY VIDEO IS AVAILABLE HERE.

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Budget Committee, spoke on the Senate floor raising alarm about President Trump and Republicans’ plan to cut critical funding for programs that Virginians rely on and use that to fund tax cuts for billionaires. Republicans are expected to bring a budget resolution that tees up tax cuts for billionaires at the expense of middle-class Americans to the Senate floor this week. Republicans are using a legislative process known as “reconciliation,” which allows certain legislation to be expedited and passed in the Senate by a simple majority, avoiding the 60-vote threshold needed for most other legislation.

    “If the Republican majorities here and in the House cared about the budget, we’d have an appropriations deal… Instead, what Democrats are hearing is that Republicans don’t want to do the traditional appropriations budget. They want to do a continuing resolution, which would be very harmful,” said Kaine.

    “This discussion is a Trojan horse,” Kaine continued. “This is about an effort to dramatically cut spending programs that support everyday Virginians and everyday Americans and then to take those dollars and use them to fund tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans and the biggest corporations. Taking from people who rely upon community health clinics, rely upon Medicaid, rely upon student loans—taking those dollars and then using them to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.”

    “We can’t convince people that ‘oh, this is about border security and national defense’ when we’ve got a demonstrable bipartisan track record of being able to advance in those areas,” said Kaine.

    “Let’s just be clear about what this is,” Kaine concluded. “It’s a Trojan horse effort to amass savings off the backs of everyday people to pour into tax cuts for the wealthiest of Americans who don’t need help. We need to resist it in every way we can, and I look forward to joining my colleagues in doing so.”  

    President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress are currently negotiating an extension to Trump’s 2017 tax law, which cut taxes for large corporations and the highest-income earners and substantially increased the federal deficit. They are now proposing broad-based tariffs and massive, across-the-board cuts to federal programs like Medicaid to fund these tax cuts for billionaires. Tax estimates have shown that if fully enacted, Trump’s tariffs could raise costs by $2,500 to nearly $4,000 per household, and American consumers could lose between $46 billion to $78 billion in spending power each year.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kaine Statement on Kash Patel Ahead of Confirmation Vote

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Virginia Tim Kaine
    Published: February 20 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) released the following statement ahead of the Senate’s vote to confirm Kash Patel to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI):
    “One of my top priorities is keeping Americans safe, and that’s why I will vote no on Kash Patel’s dangerous nomination to lead the FBI. The FBI Director should be someone who will prioritize the rule of law and independence from political interference. It’s obvious that Patel is unable and unwilling to do that. The Trump Administration—potentially at Patel’s direction—has already fired career agents and civil servants at the FBI who have led U.S. counterterrorism and counterintelligence efforts, investigated horrific crimes, and safeguarded Americans from threats; I fear that these politically-motivated firings will only accelerate if Patel is confirmed.
    “Senate Republicans’ rubber-stamping of Patel—and other nominees for critical national security and law enforcement roles—shows that they are incapable of prioritizing the safety and security of Americans for fear that they will upset the President. It also sends a terrible message to the men and women of the FBI and other national security and law enforcement agencies who have taken the same pledge that we take as members of Congress: to support and defend the Constitution of the United States.”  
    During his time in the U.S. Senate, Kaine has previously voted to confirm all FBI Director nominees, including during President Trump’s first term.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Peters Urges Republicans Against Making Cuts to Medicaid to Pay for Tax Breaks for Ultra-Wealthy

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Michigan Gary Peters

    WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) joined 46 of his colleagues in urging Republican leadership not to make cuts to Medicaid in order to pay for tax breaks for the ultra-wealthy. In a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Peters and his colleagues underscored how cuts to Medicaid would have severe consequences for children, seniors, people with disabilities, and working families in Michigan and across the country. The letter emphasized that the proposed cuts would threaten the health and financial security of millions of families by forcing Americans to either struggle to afford or go without health care, mental health services, and other essential care. The letter also highlights that cuts to Medicaid would have lasting repercussions on state budgets, health care providers, and rural communities where children and non-elderly adults are more likely to be covered by Medicaid.

    “Medicaid is a lifeline for communities across the country. Nearly 80 million Americans get their health insurance through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program, which provide services Americans rely on to remain healthy, go to school, and thrive at work,” Peters and his colleagues wrote. “Republicans are proposing cuts to the Medicaid program from hundreds of billions to multiple trillions of dollars. Cuts to Medicaid through drastically changing the program’s financing structure or imposing additional barriers to coverage are dangerous to the millions of people who rely on the program. These proposals will also force states to make difficult decisions that will result in millions getting kicked off their coverage and providers struggling to keep their practices open.”

    The letter continued, “The American people should be assured that Medicaid will be protected. We urge you to reject proposals that use Medicaid as a piggy bank for partisan priorities and continue to defend the importance of this vital program.”

    Nearly 3.1 million Michiganders rely on Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Medicaid covers nearly half of all births in the U.S., provides health insurance coverage to nearly half of all American children, and provides care to 3 in 5 nursing home residents as well as 17 million women of reproductive age. Proposals from House Republicans to slash Medicaid would hit working families the hardest and shift a greater financial burden to states, taxpayers, and already-strained local hospitals and clinics. In more rural areas, it would likely lead to the closure of health facilities, leaving vulnerable communities with fewer options for care and decimating the health care workforce. 

    To read the full text of the letter, click here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Remarks on Final Senate Term

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY) delivered the following remarks today on the Senate floor:

    “I’ve never liked calling too much attention to today’s date, February 20th. But I figured my birthday would be as good a day as any to share with our colleagues a decision I made last year about how I’ll approach the 119th Congress.

    “During my time in the Senate, I’ve only really answered to two constituencies – the Republican conference and the people of Kentucky.

    “Over the years, that first group trusted me to coordinate campaigns, to count votes, to steer committees, to take the majority, and on nine occasions, to lead our conference. Serving as Republican Leader was a rare – and, yes, rather specific – childhood dream. And just about a year ago, I thanked my colleagues for their confidence, which allowed me to fulfill it. To the distinguished members of this body I’ve had the privilege to lead, I remain deeply grateful.

    “Today, however, it’s appropriate for me to speak about an even deeper allegiance and an even longer-standing gratitude. Seven times, my fellow Kentuckians have sent me to the Senate. Every day in between I’ve been humbled by the trust they’ve placed in me to do their business here. Representing our Commonwealth has been the honor of a lifetime.

    “I will not seek this honor an eighth time. My current term in the Senate will be my last.

    “I’ve been a student of history my entire life. I can’t remember the last time I didn’t have a stack of biographies or political memoirs on my nightstand. And I know well how tempting it can be to read history with a sense of determinism: Assuming that, somehow, notorious failures were inevitable…That crowning triumphs were predestined…And in either case, that lives and careers followed orderly paths. This, of course, isn’t how things work. And I’ve never had to look further than my own life to recognize it.

    “I’ve never lost sight of the fact that, without my mother’s devoted care, a childhood encounter with polio could have turned out a lot worse…That, unless my father had taken a job in the Bluegrass state, my interest in politics might have run its course somewhere else entirely…That, if it weren’t for an eleventh-hour, outside-the-box idea on the campaign trail, my Senate career might’ve been over before it began…Or that, if not for the people of Kentucky time and again agreeing that leadership delivers and electing to send me back here, it would have been someone else from somewhere else taking that seat at the table where I’ve had the chance to work…and strategize…and fight…and win.

    “I grew up reading about the greatness of Henry Clay. But there were times when the prospect of etching my name into his desk in this chamber felt like more of a long-shot than making it in the Major Leagues.

    “I got a front-row seat to the greatness of Senator John Sherman Cooper of Kentucky as a summer intern in his office. But at so many moments in my early career, the idea of following in his footsteps here felt more distant than the moon.

    “So the only appropriate thing to take away today, apart from a healthy dose of pride, is my immense gratitude – for the opportunity to take part in the consequential business of the Senate and the nation.

    “Gratitude to the people I represent: Kentucky’s families and farmers and miners and servicemembers and small business owners. Gratitude to loyal friends, dedicated volunteers, and talented staff who have helped me serve them better. Gratitude to this institution that has repaid my devotion so generously over the years, and to so many colleagues who have become dear friends.

    “Gratitude to my family for their support…And particularly to my ultimate teammate and confidante for the past 32 years: Elaine’s leadership and wise counsel, in their own right, have made her the most seasoned Cabinet official in modern history. On top of all that, her devotion to me – and to Kentucky – is much more than I deserve.

    “When I arrived in this chamber, I wasn’t coming with a Governor’s statewide executive experience or a House member’s appreciation for Washington dynamics. I knew my hometown of Louisville, and I had spent the previous few years working hard to learn what mattered to folks across the rest of the Commonwealth. And yet, within weeks of swearing the oath, I was here on this floor talking with colleagues from other far-flung corners of the country, discussing solutions to a farm income crisis and infrastructure challenges that affected our different states in similar ways.

    “I learned quickly that delivering for Kentucky meant finding the ways the Commonwealth’s challenges were tied to national debates: Seeing to it that major agriculture legislation remembered Kentucky farmers, including when they needed extraordinary assistance, like the tobacco buyout…Making sure that nationwide steps on transportation infrastructure included resources for modernizing the Brent Spence Bridge, which supports billions of dollars in economic activity in Kentucky and the surrounding region every day…And, with the trust of the local community, finishing a task first assigned by President Reagan: the safe destruction of America’s legacy chemical weapons at Blue Grass Army Depot. Efforts like these have spanned the length of my Senate career. And I’ve been humbled by each and every opportunity to help Kentucky punch above its weight.

    “Of course, the Senate has to grapple with foundational questions that reach even more broadly across American life…and even further into posterity. We’re trusted, on behalf of the American people, to participate in the appointment of the federal judiciary…To be the final check on the assembly of power in courts, beyond the reach of representative politics…And to ensure that the men and women who preside over them profess authentic devotion to the rule of law above all else.

    “When members of this body ignore, discount, or pervert this fundamental duty, they do so not just at the peril of the Senate, but the entire nation. The weight of our power to advise and consent has never been lost on me. And I’ve been honored to perform my role in confirming judges who understand theirs.

    “On this floor, there is no place to hide from the obligations of Article One…The Senate’s unique relationship with Article Three…Or our role in equipping the powers of Article Two.

    “Here, every debate over agriculture or infrastructure or education or taxes is downstream of the obligations of national security. Every question of policy here at home is contingent on our duty to provide for the common defense.

    “One of the first times I spoke at length on this floor as a freshman, I was compelled to join the debate over strengthening the deterrence of America’s nuclear triad. Whether to expand the U.S. military’s hard-target nuclear capability was an interesting question to pose to someone whose most recent job had been running a county government. But there, of course, was the founders’ brilliance at work: The hopes and dreams of every American are tied up in our ability to protect and defend the nation and its interests. Every family traveling abroad, and every worker and small business owner whose livelihood depends on foreign trade – they depend in turn on the credibility of America’s commitments to friends and the strength of her threats to enemies.

    “In turn, the safety and success of the men and women who volunteer to serve this great nation in uniform depend on the work we do here to ensure that enemies think twice before challenging them…and never face a fair fight.

    “Thanks to Ronald Reagan’s determination, the work of strengthening American hard power was well underway when I arrived in the Senate. But since then, we’ve allowed that power to atrophy. And today, a dangerous world threatens to outpace the work of rebuilding it.

    “So, lest any of our colleagues still doubt my intentions for the remainder of my term: I have some unfinished business to attend to.

    “In our work, most of us in this body develop an appreciation for the Senate itself – its written rules, its collegial norms, even its pace of play. And yet so often, I’ve watched colleagues depart, venting their frustration at the confines of the institution…or mourning what they perceive to be the decline of its norms.

    “Regardless of the political storms that may wash over this chamber during the time I have remaining, I assure our colleagues that I will depart with great hope for the endurance of the Senate as an institution.

    “There are any number of reasons for pessimism. But the strength of the Senate is not one of them. This chamber is still the haven where the political minority can require a debate. It is still the crucible in which jurists are tested for their fidelity to upholding the Constitution and laws as they were written. The Senate is still equipped for work of great consequence…And, to the disappointment of my critics, I’m still here on the job.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch on Republicans’ Plans to Slash Medicaid to Pay for Their Tax Bill: “It is an absolute disgrace that there is any discussion that we would be taking that away. Shame on Trump.”

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    Welch slams Trump for taking a “sledgehammer” to Vermonters’ health care 
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, spoke on the Senate Floor Wednesday evening and slammed President Trump and Republicans’ cruel budget which would slash Medicaid and increase health care costs for millions of seniors, children, veterans, people with disabilities, and people with chronic diseases like cancer in order to give tax handouts to the ultra-wealthy.  
    “It’s really, really a problem everywhere, but I think in rural communities it’s even more severe. Because we’ve got rural hospitals, and we’ve got rural community health centers, that play a major role in rural life. They’re all on thin ice financially. They have overworked staff, but who are committed to the people in that community. And the only reimbursement they get is through Medicaid. And, as we all know, the Medicaid reimbursement is much lower than Medicare and it’s certainly way lower than private insurance. But they pull it together and somehow keep the lights on, keep the doors open, and provide the health care that the folks in that community need…. 
    “I want to save money, but I want to save money by stopping the rip-offs. I don’t want to save money by dumping people who make $21,000 a year off of the health care that they absolutely need. And that’s what Musk is doing. That’s what Trump is doing. That is wrong, and we have to stop it. We have to stand up for the hardworking people of West Virginia. The hardworking people of New Hampshire. The hardworking people of Wisconsin. And the hardworking people of Vermont. So, no—we have got to say ‘No’ and acknowledge the rip off that Donald Trump is trying to inflict on hardworking people in our states so that he can pay for the tax cuts for his billionaire friends,” said Senator Welch. 
    Watch Senator Welch’s speech below: 
    Key quotes from Senator Welch’s speech: 
    “But a lot of folks making $20,782—there’s no no way they can afford health care. There’s no way. And that’s another absolute requirement: that each of us level with one another. Let’s not pretend that there’s some fictional health care out there that a person who’s working 40 hours a week making $10.39 an hour can pay for health care. It doesn’t exist.  
    “And the major responsibility that we have is to make certain that we have a health care system where people who work hard, who love their kids, who have an elderly parent, can have some security that the health care they need, they’ll get…. 
    “[President Trump is] taking a sledgehammer to it. And he’s taking a sledgehammer that’s cutting off folks in West Virginia, folks in Vermont, who are working hard, who struggle every week to pay their bills, and who could get some peace of mind that the child that they love, that the grandparent that they’re caring for, can have decency and access to health care or a nursing home. 
    “It is an absolute disgrace that there is any discussion—that there’s any discussion—that we would be taking that away. Shame on Trump. Shame. On. Trump.”  
    ■■■
    On Wednesday, Senator Welch joined Senate Finance Committee Democrats for a press conference on Capitol Hill to highlight how drastic cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) included in Republicans’ Trump-endorsed budget blueprint would kick tens of millions of people off of their health coverage and increase costs for the more than 100 million people across the country who rely on these programs.   

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Great British Energy interim CEO appointed

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Dan McGrail has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer of Great British Energy.

    • Dan McGrail appointed as interim CEO of Great British Energy, working from the Aberdeen HQ 
    • Follows recent appointment of five non-executive directors to the start-up board 
    • New leadership will help the company drive forward the government’s Plan for Change and clean energy superpower mission 

    Dan McGrail has been appointed as the interim Chief Executive Officer of Great British Energy, to help drive forward the government’s Plan for Change and clean energy superpower mission.  

    Great British Energy is owned by the British people, for the British people, and will own and invest in clean energy projects across the UK to create good, skilled jobs and growth.   

    Dan McGrail is currently the Chief Executive of RenewableUK, the trade association for businesses developing wind, wave, tidal, storage and green hydrogen projects in the UK, and their supply chain companies. He currently sits on the board for WindEurope and was also previously CEO of Siemens Engines and Managing Director of Siemens Power Generation.  

    He will draw on his wealth of experience in clean energy including wind and thermal power to provide strong leadership and help rapidly scale up the new company so it can start delivering as quickly as possible. 

    This follows the appointment in January of five new non-executive directors to join Chair Juergen Maier on the company’s start-up board, bringing a wide range of experience across different sectors, with knowledge on workplace rights, building UK supply chains and driving investment in clean energy. 

    Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 

    With the appointment of Dan McGrail as interim CEO we now have a fantastic team in place to lead Great British Energy and start delivering on our Plan for Change.  

    Great British Energy is at the heart of our clean power mission, and will support thousands of well-paid jobs, drive growth and investment into our communities and deliver energy security for the British people. 

    I look forward to working with Dan as we unlock the benefits of a new era of clean electricity for the British people.

    RenewableUK’s Chief Executive Dan McGrail said:  

    Homegrown, affordable clean power has never been more important and it’s a privilege to take up the role of interim CEO of Great British Energy at such a pivotal moment. 

    Together with the talented leadership team, I’m excited to hit the ground running to scale up the company and work with industry to unleash billions of investment in clean energy, helping to grow new industries at scale with job opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people, as well as helping the government achieve its clean power targets.

    Start-up Great British Energy Chair Juergen Maier said: 

    Dan brings invaluable experience from a long career in clean energy and joins Great British Energy at a critical time to help spearhead our work to help make Britain energy independent.  

    I look forward to working with him to back innovation, create sustainable jobs, and grow our supply chains.

    The Chair of RenewableUK’s Board of Directors Paul Cooley, Director of Offshore Wind at SSE Renewables, said:  

    I am delighted to support Dan in taking on the role of Interim CEO. He has the right combination of leadership skills and energy industry experience to take Great British Energy to its next stage of maturity and he has been an important driving force throughout his career in the sector. He has transformed RenewableUK into a leading voice in the industry and his appointment is a great vote of confidence in the work of the organisation. I am sure that he will establish a strategy at Great British Energy which enables our country to deliver on the amazing opportunities for economic growth and job creation which the clean power transition offers.

    Dan will be based in Scotland, working from the Aberdeen headquarters, and will take up his post in March, on an initial 6-month contract, on secondment from RenewableUK. Recruitment for the permanent CEO will also begin shortly.   

    The government has already announced an unprecedented partnership between Great British Energy and The Crown Estate to unlock investment in clean energy, confirmed Aberdeen will host Great British Energy’s headquarters, and struck a deal with the Scottish Government for the company to work with Scottish public bodies to support clean energy supply chains. The government is also legislating through the Great British Energy Bill to give the company the powers it needs to rapidly deliver.  

    Great British Energy will support the government’s mission for clean power by 2030, with an action plan published in December to get more homegrown clean power to people and provide the foundation for the UK to build an energy system that can bring down bills for households and businesses for good.  

    Background 

    • Dan McGrail took up his post as Chief Executive at RenewableUK in May 2021, and was previously CEO of Siemens Engines. He joined Siemens UK in 2004 and worked in a variety of roles across the energy industry, becoming CEO in 2017.  
    • More information on the non-executive directors: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/great-british-energys-start-up-board-appointed  
    • The Great British Energy Bill is currently going through the House of Lords and is at the Committee Stage.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Sheriffs close drug house in Medicine Hat

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Five ways to have more constructive climate conversations

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anastasia Denisova, Senior Lecturer in Journalism, University of Westminster

    ShotPrime Studio/Shutterstock

    Talking about climate change is never easy. The issue is complex and upsetting. Headlines bring bad news way more often than good ones.

    Techniques based on the extensive analysis of theories and research from social psychology, sociology, environmental and media studies can pave the way for a consistent approach to climate action commitment and citizen empowerment.

    Here are five ways to communicate climate stories in a way that keeps people engaged and motivated to take positive action.

    1. Give people agency

    According to the seminal research published in 1974 by the Canadian-American social psychologist Albert Bandura, humans are capable creatures who can overcome fears and lead happier, motivated lives when led correctly. He conducted a famous experiment with people who were afraid of snakes.

    In one scenario, an assistant was holding a snake in their hands or keeping it in a cage, while the scared person was watching. In another scenario, the person was given a snake to hold, in a controlled environment, with the assistants eager to take the snake back at any signs of the person’s discomfort. Bandura discovered that looking at someone holding a glossy, hissy reptile did not improve one’s sense of empowerment much.

    However, actually handling the scary creature allowed people to feel more in control – and more likely to overcome their fear. This approach is known for boosting people’s sense of agency. By tackling the problem with one modest action at a time, a person is likely to become more reassured in their capacity to challenge larger issues.

    In terms of climate communication, we need to be able to control at least small bits of the situation in order to be psychologically equipped to tackle bigger challenges. Climate communicators can give practical suggestions on lifestyle amendments, feasible activism techniques, political involvement – to nourish the sense of empowerment in the audience.

    2. Localise the issue

    While researching for my new book, Effective Climate Communication, I discovered that many countries with fewer resources struggle to present local stories related to climate change. They tend to rely on the western agenda of UN climate summits or global reports.

    The shortage of correspondents on the ground (see studies on Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria and South Africa, countries in South America and Asia), makes many media in the developing countries ignore the very local consequences of the global heating. When people are less prepared for extreme weather, they’ll be less empowered to demand change from their governments or invest in weather-resilient crops and other prevention techniques.

    By capturing perspectives from the local businesses and scientists, people can talk more easily about the direct effects of climate change on the local environment.

    For instance, Greenpeace Indonesia focused on three themes on their Instagram page: the imagery of floods and humans affected, the call to switch to renewable energy, and the argument against the “omnibus” bill, which allows coal companies renew their licenses easily every ten years.

    Connecting the local impact of climate change with the possible solution – reducing coal mining – brought a considerable number of clicks and comments to the stories. Although the link between Instagram and public opinion is hard to prove, the omnibus bill is still widely contested by Indonesian society.

    3. Make stories relatable

    Unless you’re called Elon Musk, Bill Gates (the co-founder of Microsoft) or Ursula von der Leyen (president of the European Commission), you don’t have a direct control over the management of climate change at a global level. Yet, it would be amazing to hear more stories of people who may be giving up long-haul flights, rejecting meat and divesting their pension from the fossil fuel funds. There are so many stories that can be told to inspire feelings of connection and hope.

    Stories must be made relatable to engage a wider audience in positive climate conversations.
    fizkes/Shutterstock

    According to classic “social proof” theory, if we can be sure that any new behaviour is the social norm, then we’ll be more eager to change. The moment people consider that refraining from eating meat, flying and buying unnecessary stuff are common patterns in their social circles, they will find it easier to follow suit, as shown by this study on the flying intentions of Germans, or research on the effect of social communities on pro-climate decisions in Europe.

    4. Avoid ‘doomism’

    Watching thrillers about the end of the world on the TV screen can be escapist and weirdly soothing. But witnessing the apocalypse unfold in front of us, through multiple news notifications and social media posts, is less gratifying. The narratives that compare climate change to the end of the humanity are supposed to incite action – but more often than not they lead to freeze or withdrawal reactions.

    In some newsrooms, the practice of “the three Ds” flourishes in the face of the planetary problem – denial, delay-ism and dismissal. Doomist storytelling opens the doors for fake prophets and self-proclaimed superheroes who promise to fix the problem but end up in populism and scapegoating.

    Avoiding doomism allows for “stubborn optimism”, a concept endorsed by Christiana Figueres, the ex-head of the UN climate change convention from 2010 to 2016. It is the dual approach of acknowledging the severity of the issue and the cost of the delays to action, but looking at the present state of affairs as an opportunity to avoid bigger damage and focus on the near-term solutions.

    5. Create a new normal

    Having a special climate change section within a media publication is a nice sign that the organisation cares about the problem. But how likely are people to click on it just to discover another ambush of negative stories? Including climate references in the majority of stories, from fashion to travel, helps normalise climate change as a backdrop to all aspects of our lives.

    There’s no need for preaching. Nobody wants to be patronised for their decision to take a flight to see the family that lives far away. But subtle travel listicles about local destinations, creative meat-free recipes or an imaginative reinvention of fashion advice as restyling, not buying, can offer up alternatives in creative ways.

    It should not be a taboo topic at dinner parties or social events. Avoid “othering” the climate change issue and help people stay aware and committed to tackling the elements of it.

    Being aware of climate change as a new norm is healthier than trying to push it away and deny it’s happening. Engagement with the biggest story of our time is the best catalyst for change that we have.

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

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

    Anastasia Denisova 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. Five ways to have more constructive climate conversations – https://theconversation.com/five-ways-to-have-more-constructive-climate-conversations-249417

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: German election: a triple crisis looms large at the heart of the economy

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Ralph Luetticke, Professor of Economics, School of Business and Economics, University of Tübingen

    Oleg Senkov/Shutterstock

    Ahead of the election on February 23, many German voters are deeply concerned about the economy – and for good reason. The German economy is in a recession and has been shrinking for two consecutive years. In fact, it is now about the same size as it was in 2019, even as some of its peers among the world’s advanced economies have experienced solid growth (on the left of the chart below).

    This matters for voters, who have experienced stagnating real incomes and remain pessimistic – expecting real incomes to decline further.

    GDP and productivity growth of Germany, UK and US:

    There could be several reasons for Germany’s economic malaise. First, fiscal policy in Germany is tighter than in other countries, meaning higher taxes and lower public spending. Due to the “debt brake” enshrined in its constitution, Germany is severely restricted in running budget deficits, except when the government declares an emergency, as it did due to COVID.

    The last coalition government collapsed over a dispute about whether to declare another emergency over the war in Ukraine in order to increase borrowing capacity. This did not happen, and as a result Germany’s fiscal deficit has remained relatively moderate. The argument goes that a larger deficit might have boosted economic growth.

    Second, for decades, Germany has relied on foreign demand to sustain economic growth at home. During the first two decades of the 21st century, it benefited greatly from China’s integration into the world economy.

    To build up its productive capacity, China relied heavily on machinery produced in Germany and it purchased a significant number of German cars. However, this is no longer the case. As China has moved to the technology frontier, it no longer depends as much on German cars or machinery.

    However, both factors only go so far in accounting for the stagnating German economy. For if demand – domestic or foreign – is too weak to sustain growth, this should be reflected in falling prices.

    Yet prices have been rising strongly. Inflation in Germany has been running high over the last couple of years.

    And it has not been systematically lower than in, say, the US or the rest of the euro area. Over the next 12 months, households expect inflation to be above 3% – well above the European Central Bank’s 2% target.

    Another relevant indicator also suggests that lack of demand is unlikely to be the main reason for Germany’s stagnation. Unemployment is low in Germany, lower than in most European countries and hardly higher than in 2019.

    Instead, adverse supply conditions are key, as reflected in households’ expectations of falling incomes and higher inflation.

    Overall, supply is simply the combination of labour and capital inputs (for example, the size of the workforce and the machinery or premises available to them) along with productivity or technology, which tells us how much output we get from the labour and capital inputs. Germany is facing a triple crisis in this regard – expensive energy, weak labour supply and low productivity growth.

    First, there are energy prices, which have been pushed up everywhere by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, the effect has been particularly strong in Germany due to its direct dependency on Russian gas.

    The outgoing government, in which the Greens have been a key player, is widely credited with trying to accelerate Germany’s green transition. This raised the costs of the transition above those caused by the European Emissions Trading System, whereby polluters pay for their emissions.

    While it is difficult to determine the exact contributions of the war and the green transition to the rise in energy prices, both clearly act as a drag on growth, particularly on the supply side (that is to say, production potential).

    The productivity problem

    But Germany faces more fundamental supply-side challenges. The second issue becomes apparent when comparing GDP per hour worked (a measure of a country’s productivity, as seen on the right of the chart above).

    Here, the trends in Germany and the UK are quite similar, implying that Germany’s lower economic growth relative to the UK is primarily due to people working fewer hours. This, in turn, may reflect demographic changes, migration that does not contribute to the labour force or shifting preferences in the wake of COVID.

    The third issue is productivity growth. Consider the increase in GDP per hour worked in the US, which has risen by more than 10% as shown in the chart above, dwarfing the developments in both Germany and the UK. Common causes of weak productivity growth include ageing infrastructure, low private sector investment, a lack of start-ups and fewer new companies growing into multinational leaders.

    A turnaround requires far-reaching improvements in supply conditions. In terms of energy, Germany should avoid measures such as introducing more regulation on the heating or insulation of new and existing homes, and instead rely on the EU-wide emissions trading scheme to curb emissions.

    In the labour market, increased participation or skilled migration is needed, supported by policies that encourage people to retire later and entice more women into the workforce.

    Increasing defence spending could be a way to boost German productivity.
    Ryan Nash Photography/Shutterstock

    Productivity growth remains the most challenging issue. A good start would be increased funding for universities and reduced regulation, particularly for AI technology.

    Deepening the EU’s single market, for example by removing restrictions on cross-border energy trade to allow firms to access cheaper electricity, would enhance competition and drive productivity growth. This way, companies could expand and create well-paying jobs.

    Finally, an additional boost may come from higher defence spending, not only to address the much-needed improvement of Germany’s external security but also because it has been shown to increase productivity.

    While immigration may be a major talking point for the German electorate in the coming vote, the economy – as ever – will be an important factor in measuring the mood of the country.

    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. German election: a triple crisis looms large at the heart of the economy – https://theconversation.com/german-election-a-triple-crisis-looms-large-at-the-heart-of-the-economy-250320

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Following Dangerous Cuts to Transportation Workforce, Markey, Leader Schumer, Colleagues Demand Secretary Duffy Prioritize Safety

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Letter Text (PDF)

    ?Washington (February 20, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today led 12 colleagues in a letter to Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy urging the agency to stop the mass layoffs and firing of essential transportation safety employees and instead focus on prioritizing safety. The lawmakers demand information regarding DOT plans to protect passengers and prevent future crashes.

    In the letter the lawmakers write, “At the Department of Transportation, safety must come first, but that commitment appears in doubt as the Trump administration promotes cost-cutting over protecting the public. By offering to buy out federal employees, ordering government agencies to prepare for mass layoffs, firing employees with critical safety functions, giving Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) free reign to cut the federal workforce, and turning Musk, DOGE, and their unqualified staff loose on the air traffic control system, the Trump administration risks undermining decades of safety improvements. We urge you to cease this dangerous approach to governing and request important information on how the Department of Transportation (DOT) plans to prioritize safety in this environment.”

    The lawmakers requested responses by March 3 to questions that include:

    • How many DOT employees were offered the buyout? How many accepted? How many declined or did not respond?
    • How many DOT employees were ineligible to take the buyout offer?
    • How many DOT employees have lost their jobs since January 20, 2025?
    • What is Musk’s and DOGE’s role in reviewing DOT personnel and program information? What steps is the Department is taking to ensure that Musk and the DOGE do not compromise public safety?
    • What is Musk’s and DOGE’s involvement with the ATC system?

    The letter was co-signed by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn, Lankford, Kelly Introduce Bill to Stop Drug Smuggling at the Southern Border

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statement after he joined Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and Mark Kelly (D-AZ) in introducing the Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act, which would support border law enforcement by providing additional personnel to scan cargo for illegal drugs, guns, or human smuggling:

    “Texas has borne the brunt of the Biden administration’s abject failure to secure the border and stop the deadly flow of fentanyl ravaging our communities, but I’m hopeful we will soon turn the tide of this devastating crisis,” said Sen. Cornyn. “By streamlining inspections at ports of entries and improving training and resources for detecting drugs and human trafficking at our southern border, the BEST Facilitation Act would help CBP officers better identify contraband and save lives.”

    Background:

    Border law enforcement have raised the issue of workflow challenges at port of entry inspection booths and requested increased personnel and resources to scan cargo to better enforce the law and combat drug smuggling at the southern border. The bill creates a new position within Customs and Border Protection (CBP) who would receive specialized training to review and assess scans of cargo images and either recommend entry to the primary inspection CBP booth officer or refer for further inspection if illegal or illicit items are suspected.

    The Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act would:

    • Establish a five-year Image Technician Pilot Program;
    • Create the position of “supervisory image technicians” who would review and asses difficult-to-review images, as well as receive, report, and disseminate intelligence to and from the National Targeting Center to image adjudicators;
    • Mandate specialized training in image analysis and implement annual assessments to ensure accuracy for image technicians;
    • Require the development of a workforce staffing model and institute reporting requirements;
    • And launch five regional command centers at existing ports where the image inspectors would work.

    This legislation is endorsed by the U.S. Travel Association, Border Trade Alliance, National Sheriffs Association, and National Association of Counties.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cornyn Previews Request to Rescind Unlawful Biden ATF Rules

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Texas John Cornyn

    WASHINGTON – Today on the floor, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) blasted the Biden administration’s attempts to infringe on law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment rights, praised President Trump’s recently issued Executive Order, and discussed his upcoming request to the Trump administration to reverse course and rescind unlawful firearm regulations imposed under former President Biden’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Excerpts of Sen. Cornyn’s remarks are below, and video can be found here.

    “The President’s Executive Order comes on the heels of four years of President Biden’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, otherwise known as ATF, from trampling on Americans’ Second Amendment rights.”

    “In April of 2022, the Biden administration decided to target law-abiding citizens who exercised their Second Amendment rights to build their own firearms with the so-called ‘ghost gun’ rule.”

    “The Biden administration’s rogue ATF continued down this path in January of 2023, when they finalized the so-called ‘pistol brace’ rule.”

    “In April of 2024, the Biden administration’s ATF finalized a rule known as the ‘engaged in the business’ rule. This was an attempt to rewrite a statute that was passed by the Congress and signed into law by the President of the United States.”

    “I’ve long been a defender of Second Amendment rights for the 31 million people that I have the honor of representing in Texas.”

    “This is why I introduced the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, which would allow people with concealed carry privileges to exercise those privileges in other states that allow concealed carry.”

    “In addition to introducing this legislation, I will very soon send a letter to Deputy Director of the ATF, encouraging him to work with President Trump on rescinding many of these regulations in order to reverse the Biden administration’s reckless attacks on the Second Amendment.”

    “While the last four years have been a lot of headache for law-abiding citizens who simply want to exercise their constitutional rights, I have no doubt that President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi will right this ship.”

    “I look forward to working with both of them to reform and redirect the energies of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to safeguard rather than to attack the Second Amendment rights of American citizens.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ministry of Defence Statement on Conclusion of the Jaysley Beck Coroner’s Inquest

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    A statement from the Minister for Veterans and People on behalf of the Ministry of Defence

    Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO, OBE, MC, said:

    Our thoughts remain with Jaysley-Louise Beck’s loved ones at this difficult time. Jaysley was a young and promising soldier who should have had the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment. Her death was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her. I acknowledge what has been said in this inquest and the Army will now reflect on the evidence heard and the failings identified to learn lessons from the Coroner’s findings.

    The Army has accepted the failings identified by the Service Inquiry and responded to the recommendations to improve Service life across its culture, policies, and practices. Our Armed Forces play a vital role in protecting the nation and a range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for our personnel, particularly for new recruits, and ensure that any concerns raised are listened to and swift appropriate action is taken.

    Let me be clear: There is no place for any abuse or unacceptable behaviours within the military. This Government has stepped up efforts to bring about crucial reform and provide a place where people are proud to work and have faith in the service justice system. We will honour Jaysley’s legacy by ensuring this is done in the shortest possible time and in the most effective manner.

    Anyone – military or civilian – who has been a victim of serious crime in the Defence community can contact our confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658, which is available 24/7.

    Updates to this page

    Published 20 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yuri Trutnev visited the branch of the Voin center in Kalmykia

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Yuri Trutnev visited the branch of the Voin center in Kalmykia

    February 20, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev visited the branch of the Voin center in Kalmykia

    February 20, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev visited the branch of the Voin center in Kalmykia

    February 20, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev visited the branch of the Voin center in Kalmykia

    February 20, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev visited the branch of the Voin center in Kalmykia

    February 20, 2025

    Yuri Trutnev visited the branch of the Voin center in Kalmykia

    February 20, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Yuri Trutnev visited the branch of the Voin center in Kalmykia

    As part of a working visit to the Republic of Kalmykia, Deputy Prime Minister – Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev visited the regional branch of the Voin center in Elista. The working meeting was attended by the head of the region Batu Khasikov, deputy chairman of the board of the Voin center, participant in the Time of Heroes program, Hero of Russia Andranik Gasparyan and director of the branch of the Voin center in Kalmykia Chimid Dzhangaev.

    “The Voin Center was created by order of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, and its regional branches have been opened in 21 regions. Since its operation in May 2023, more than 56 thousand children have been trained in the regional branches of the center. We try to monitor how the work is going in all territories, meet, watch the work of the instructors, because they pass on their experience, knowledge, and ability to love the Motherland to children. And we believe that this is very important. We were pleased to come to Kalmykia. I know that Kalmykia has established military traditions. There are many heroes here who serve with dignity today in the special military operation zone. I met with the instructors, they are confident people ready to work. A few days ago I was in Khabarovsk and got acquainted with the work of the branch there. Our task is to create a mechanism for transferring traditions, experience and spirit in each center. This is also very important. We came to visit on the eve of Defender of the Fatherland Day, and I am pleased to congratulate everyone who works in the center today, and in general all residents of Kalmykia on this common holiday of ours,” said Yuri Trutnev.

    The guests of honor began their visit with an inspection of the Nona airborne combat vehicle, which was recently installed near the branch building. They then attended classes in classrooms and familiarized themselves with the regional branch’s material and technical base.

    The guests saw how the cadets hone their skills in UAV control, tactical medicine, and undergo fire and tactical training. After that, they visited the museum of the special military operation, located in the branch building. At the end of the meeting, they discussed with the heads of the training areas the development of the regional branch of the “Voin” center.

    A unique patriotic project of the Kalmyk branch on the creation of “Warrior” platoons in the region’s schools was presented. The first such platoon was opened on February 14 at school No. 10 named after V.A. Bembetov, its cadets were 20 students from grades 7-11. The platoon’s work is supervised by the senior instructor-methodologist of the “Warrior” center, veteran of the SVO Dmitry Chulchinov.

    “I would like to thank Yuri Petrovich for visiting the regional branch of the Voin center, for his attention, support and communication with the team of instructors. I am pleased, as the one responsible for the development of our branch of the Voin center, with the involvement of our cadets. Not only young people come here, but also active soldiers – guys who participate in a special military operation. This means that what is taught here is in demand, relevant and effective. We will continue this work and will popularize it, because we must live with the motto: “Be prepared for everything”. And, of course, we will also improve the material and technical equipment. We have big plans in this regard,” said the head of the Republic of Kalmykia Batu Khasikov.

    The branch of the Voin center in the Republic of Kalmykia opened its doors on May 11, 2023. And during its operation, it was able to become the largest military-patriotic platform in the region. The branch’s arsenal includes advanced simulators, dummies, training machines and mass-dimensional models of weapons, which allow for high-quality training of cadets.

    The pride and competitive advantage of the Kalmyk branch of the Voin center are its instructors, many of whom are participants in a special military operation. Batu Khasikov took direct part in their selection.

    In 2023, the branch trained 1,500 teenagers aged 14 to 18, including 900 as part of the summer military-patriotic shifts “Time of Young Heroes”.

    In 2024, instructors from the Kalmyk branch have already trained 2,015 people, 450 of them during the “Time of Young Heroes” shifts. Significant work was carried out on patriotic education and popularization of military-sports training.

    Since the beginning of 2025, 961 teenagers have started classes in the first educational stream at the branch; in total, it is planned to train more than 2 thousand boys and girls. In less than two months of work, a number of patriotic events have already been organized. Among them are “Lessons of Courage”, “Conversations about Important Things”, master classes on the basics of tactical medicine, the basics of UAV piloting and fire training.

    The Center for Military-Sports Training and Patriotic Education of Youth “Voin” was created by order of the President of Russia and is already represented in 21 regions of Russia. The “Voin” Center implements programs for schoolchildren and students on patriotic education and military-sports training, including practical training camps and military-sports games and competitions.

    In early August 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed the Government to involve participants in the special military operation in educational work with young people by developing branches of the Voin center in all regions of the country.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: C&F Financial Corporation Announces Increase in Quarterly Dividend

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TOANO, Va., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The board of directors of C&F Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:CFFI) (the Corporation) has declared a regular cash dividend of 46 cents per share, which is payable April 1, 2025 to shareholders of record on March 14, 2025. This dividend represents a 5 percent increase over the prior quarter’s dividend amount of 44 cents per share.

    The Board of Directors of the Corporation continually reviews the amount of cash dividends per share and the resulting dividend payout ratio in light of changes in economic conditions, current and future capital requirements, and expected future earnings.  

    About C&F

    C&F Bank operates 31 banking offices and four commercial loan offices located throughout eastern and central Virginia and offers full wealth management services through its subsidiary C&F Wealth Management, Inc. C&F Mortgage Corporation and its subsidiary C&F Select LLC provide mortgage loan origination services through offices located in Virginia and the surrounding states. C&F Finance Company is a regional finance company purchasing automobile, marine and recreational vehicle loans primarily in the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest and Southern United States from its headquarters in Henrico, Virginia.

    Additional information regarding the Corporation’s products and services, as well as access to its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are available on the Corporation’s website at http://www.cffc.com.

    Contact:     Jason Long
    Chief Financial Officer and Secretary
    (804) 843-2360
         

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Introducing Azure AI Foundry Labs: A hub for the latest AI research and experiments at Microsoft

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Introducing Azure AI Foundry Labs: A hub for the latest AI research and experiments at Microsoft

    We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Azure AI Foundry Labs, a hub for developers, startups, and enterprises to explore groundbreaking innovations from research at Microsoft.

    Today we’re launching Azure AI Foundry Labs, a hub for developers, startups, and enterprises to explore groundbreaking innovations from research at Microsoft. Foundry Labs unites cutting-edge research with real-world applications, to enable developers and creators across industries to discover new possibilities, solve complex problems, and share insights to shape the future of AI. 

    Explore Azure AI Foundry Labs now

    Microsoft’s newest AI breakthrough—Muse, a first-of-its-kind World and Human Action Model (WHAM), available today in Azure AI Foundry—is the latest example of bringing cutting-edge research innovation to our AI platform for customers to use.

    With Azure AI Foundry Labs, we’re excited to unveil new assets for our latest research-driven projects that empower developers to explore, engage, and experiment. Projects across models and agentic frameworks include:

    • Aurora: A large-scale atmospheric model providing high-resolution weather forecasts and air pollution predictions, outperforming traditional tools. 
    • ExACT: An open-source project enabling agents to learn from past interactions and improve search efficiency dynamically.
    • Magentic-One: A multi-agent system solving complex problems by orchestrating multiple agents, built on the AutoGen framework. 
    • MatterSim: A deep learning model for atomistic simulations, predicting material properties with high precision. 
    • OmniParser v2: A vision-based module converting UI screenshots into structured elements, enhancing agents’ action generation. 
    • TamGen: A generative AI model for drug design, using a GPT-like chemical language model for target-aware molecule generation and refinement. 

    Then versus now

    In the early days of global positioning systems (GPS) technology, it took roughly a decade for GPS to make its way from specialized, military-grade instruments into everyday consumer use. What started as a niche innovation in the 1970’s didn’t become truly mainstream until the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, when GPS receivers became standard features in cars, cell phones, and handheld devices. Ten years might sound like a reasonable adoption curve—until you look at how quickly innovations are moving in AI today.

    In recent years, the pace of AI advancement has accelerated dramatically. We’ve witnessed a shift from unveiling a new model every 4–6 months to releasing breakthroughs every 4–6 days. The amount of compute used for training AI models has grown 10 times every 12 months, turbocharging both research and commercialization. And time-to-product from foundational research to full-scale product deployment has gone from years to months. 

    At this velocity, ideas and prototypes need to be iterated upon, validated, and deployed faster than ever before. This rapid evolution demands new thinking in how we bridge research and application.

    Accelerating research to impact

    Azure AI Foundry Labs highlights the long-term collaboration between research and engineering teams at Microsoft and provides a single access point for developers and the broader AI community to experiment with new models, explore the latest frameworks, and be at the forefront of innovation. Developers can create prototypes using experimental research in Azure AI Foundry Labs, collaborate with researchers and engineering teams by sharing feedback, and help speed up the time to market for some of the most promising technologies. 

    The next chapter 

    The gap between breakthrough and impact has never been smaller. What once took years now takes weeks, and what was once confined to research labs now runs on devices in our pockets. Azure AI Foundry Labs exists to collapse this gap even further—to ensure that every breakthrough in AI research finds its way to the developers, creators, and innovators who can transform it into real-world impact. 

    This isn’t just about sharing research—it’s about accelerating the cycle of innovation itself. Whether you’re a developer, researcher, startup founder, or enterprise builder, Azure AI Foundry Labs gives you direct access to the bleeding edge of AI advancement. The tools and models available today are just the beginning. 

    Visit Azure AI Foundry Labs to start building the future.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd, Tillis, Warner, Kaine Urge Swift Distribution of Funding for Public Lands for Helene Recovery

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senators Ted Budd (R-NC), Mark Warner (D-VA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Tim Kaine (D-VA) sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, urging these departments to quickly allocate funding appropriated by Congress for public lands that were ravaged by Hurricane Helene. 

    Read the text of the letter:

    We write today regarding our states’ recovery from Hurricane Helene and the supplemental funding made available to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Department of the Interior (DOI) by the American Relief Act of 2025 (H.R.10545). We urge you to expeditiously allocate this funding to our public lands in North Carolina and Virginia that were ravaged by this deadly storm.

    Hurricane Helene devastated communities across North Carolina, Virginia, and large swaths of the Southeast. Historic flooding and high winds resulted in over a hundred deaths, damaged and destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, and decimated critical regional infrastructure in our states. Additionally, the storm caused unprecedented damage to public lands in western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia that are essential drivers of economic activity for many communities.

    Public lands managed by USDA and DOI are crucial economic engines for communities throughout western North Carolina and Southwest Virginia. For example, the National Park Service’s (NPS) most visited unit, the Blue Ridge Parkway, which spans 469 miles across the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina and Virginia, supports the economies of dozens of communities in our states. In 2023, 16.7 million visitors spent nearly $1.4 billion in communities surrounding the Parkway, which supported over 19,000 jobs. Helene decimated the Blue Ridge Parkway resulting in indefinite closures along large portions of the roadway and damage to many trails, historical sites, and recreational areas. The recovery effort for the Parkway will be one of the most significant and expensive infrastructure projects in the park’s history, and its success will be essential for the dozens of gateway communities that rely on the Parkway.

    In addition to National Park Service managed property, many of our communities in Southwest Virginia and western North Carolina contain U.S. Forest Service lands that were decimated by Hurricane Helene. This includes the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in Virginia, the Cherokee National Forest in Tennessee and North Carolina, and the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in western North Carolina. These lands attract millions of visitors each year who contribute millions more in visitor spending that sustains countless small businesses and gateway communities.

    Perhaps no Forest Service asset in the country suffered more damage from Hurricane Helene than the Virginia Creeper Trail, a 34-mile recreational trail that is co-managed by the Forest Service and the towns of Damascus and Abingdon in Southwest Virginia. The storm obliterated 18 miles of the Creeper Trail from Damascus to Whitetop, Virginia, destroying 18 trestles and washing away extended segments of the trail itself. The Creeper Trail is the most significant driver of economic activity in Damascus and one of the most significant tourism destinations in the entire region. The trail attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually, supporting local bike shops, restaurants, and lodging. In all, the Creeper Trail contributes nearly $13 million annually in tourism spending to the region’s economy. A prolonged closure of the trail could have devastating consequences for Damascus and the entire region. It is critical that USDA and the Forest Service move quickly to allocate appropriated funding to rebuild the Creeper Trail to ensure Damascus and other localities that depend on the trail can fully recover from Helene.

    We were pleased the American Relief Act of 2025 (H.R.10545) included robust funding to address natural disaster-related damage to public lands across the U.S., including $6.4 billion for the U.S. Forest Service and $2.3 billion for the National Park Service. This funding is intended to support the rebuilding of iconic public attractions in our states, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Appalachian Trail, and Virginia Creeper Trail. It will also support a broad range of other reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts on our public lands to ensure they can continue to safely provide recreational opportunities to our constituents and millions of additional visitors who help sustain these Appalachian communities. As our states continue to rebuild from Hurricane Helene, it is critical that this supplemental funding is deployed to our public lands swiftly to ensure a timely rebuild of these assets that our communities depend on.

    Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to working with you to support the recovery efforts in our states. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can provide additional information or assistance.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Budd Introduces Bill to Help Families Afford Health Sharing Ministries

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ted Budd (R-North Carolina)

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Health Sharing Ministry Tax Parity Act, which would allow families to deduct the cost of a health sharing ministry membership from their annual tax bill.

    Health sharing ministries are faith-based nonprofits that enable members to share health expenses. The bill would level the playing field between health sharing ministries and traditional insurance, making it easier for more families to afford a health sharing ministry membership.

    Senator Budd said in a statement:

    “At a time when health insurance premiums and inflation are making it difficult for families to afford health care coverage, action is needed to offer more options. The Health Care Sharing Ministry Tax Parity Act would allow people to offset the cost of a health sharing ministry membership by deducting it from their taxes. Faith-based nonprofits like health care sharing ministries do great work helping Americans afford health care, and my bill makes it easier for more people to pursue this option.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Acute Hospital Planning determination20 February 2025 ​​Following the Planning Committee’s determination to approve the Planning Application for the Acute Hospital at Overdale, the Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Tom Binet, said: “The… Read more

    Source: Channel Islands – Jersey

    20 February 2025

    ​​

    Following the Planning Committee’s determination to approve the Planning Application for the Acute Hospital at Overdale, the Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Tom Binet, said: “The approval of the Planning Application for the Acute Hospital at Overdale marks a major milestone in delivering the modern, high-quality healthcare facilities our Island urgently needs. 

    “Securing planning approval brings us one step closer to ensuring construction of the acute facility remains on track to start this year, meeting our Government priority as set out in the Common Strategic Policy. 

    “The procurement process for a Main Works Delivery Partner is now well underway, with parties who are very capable of building the Acute Hospital having expressed their interest. As we have also heard during the Planning Committee, hospital staff are fully engaged and greatly relieved at the prospect of moving to the new Acute Hospital that is so desperately needed. 

    “I recognise that, whilst today is a good day for moving forward with the scheme, those neighbours living near to the scheme will inevitably be more impacted. I thank them for their patience so far with the demolition works that have taken place and the construction works that will follow. We will continue to work with them to ensure that we cause the least disruption possible. 

    “There are no easy decisions when it comes to major projects with their associated costs. Today, politicians have shown that we in the States Assembly are capable of dealing with them without procrastinating or jeopardising their delivery, especially for this vital facility that has been needed for so long. 

    “I would therefore like to thank Planning Services and Planning Committee Members for their prompt and positive consideration of the Application. I would also like to thank my fellow Council of Ministers for their ongoing support and a special thank you to the excellent New Healthcare Facilities Team and their associates who have worked tirelessly to reach this crucial stage.”

    Next steps 

    • Following approval of the Planning Application, Planning Obligation Agreements will be drawn up and signed. 
    • Development works will start at the Overdale site in Spring 2025, and procurement is underway. The development works include installation of site hoardings, stripping of topsoil and tree protection, removal of redundant utilities, reduced level excavation and filling, site welfare facilities and a temporary haul road. The purpose of the development works is to prepare the Overdale site in advance of a Main Works Delivery Partner commencing construction. 
    • The procurement process to secure a Main Works Delivery Partner for the Acute Hospital building and ancillary infrastructure is ongoing. A Prior Information Notice, signalling the start of more formal market engagement, was issued in October. The formal tender process commenced with a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) which was issued to the market in December 2024, with completed PQQs returned at the end of January. Following the PQQ, there will be an Invitation to Tender which, once returned, will culminate in the appointment of a Delivery Partner. This is anticipated to be in Autumn 2025. 
    • Following the appointment of a Main Works Delivery Partner, construction of the Acute Hospital is set to start towards the end of 2025. 
    • An Executive Summary document of the Acute Hospital Planning Application can be found here: Summary for Planning Application P20241025.pd​​

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, SH 73/Curletts Road, Christchurch

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    A busy Christchurch intersection is shut as emergency services respond to a crash involving a car and motorbike this morning.

    Curletts Road (State Highway 73) is blocked at the intersection of Lunns Road, following the 5.40am crash.

    The rider of the motorcycle is being treated for critical injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit is attending and the intersection will likely be closed for some time.

    Motorists are advised to use alternative routes.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Services & Support for Youth Who Repeatedly Go Missing

    Source: US State of New York

    Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new state initiative launched in Buffalo to connect youth who repeatedly go missing with services and support that address their needs and the circumstances that cause them to leave home. The Runaway Intervention Program: Services, Training, Opportunity, Prevention, or RIPSTOP, pilot program is designed to increase safety and stability and reduce multiple missing episodes, which put youth at risk of harm and victimization. The Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf is partnering with the Buffalo Police Department and Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo to implement the pilot program developed by the State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) with support from 10 other state agencies.

    “Public safety is my top priority and I’m committed to using every tool at my disposal to protect all New Yorkers, especially our most vulnerable population,” Governor Hochul said. “That’s why my administration is supporting this pilot program and several other initiatives to provide assistance to our most vulnerable youth. We thank our partners in my hometown of Buffalo for helping us launch this pilot, which, if successful, will be replicated statewide.”

    The pilot will serve children younger than 18 who are involved with social services, and those who are not, providing opportunities to identify specific services and interventions that can reduce or eliminate runaway episodes. The initiative kicked off earlier this week with a community listening circle hosted by the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf to raise awareness about the pilot and seek community input. A second session is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the Martha Mitchell Community Center. The listening circle will be closed to the media to facilitate open and honest dialogue and protect privacy of youth and families in attendance.

    New York State Department of Criminal Justice Services Commissioner Rossana Rosado said, “Youth outreach and engagement are critical components in our efforts to prevent crime. When we invest in the future of our youth by providing support, services and opportunities, we improve lives, strengthen families and communities, and increase public safety. I thank Governor Hochul for her commitment to young New Yorkers and my DCJS staff for working with sister state agencies and other partners to spearhead this pilot.”

    The Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf will administer the two components of the pilot: a Missing Youth Services Referral Program, and a Multi-Disciplinary Runaway Youth Treatment Team. BestSelf plans to hire a youth runaway coordinator to run the referral program, which is funded by a grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo. The Buffalo Police Department unit that responds to reports of missing persons, child abuse and domestic violence refers children to the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf and plans to have an officer at the Center daily as part of the pilot.

    BestSelf CEO and President Elizabeth Woike said, “We’re incredibly proud that our Scott Bieler CAC at BestSelf was chosen as the pilot program, consistently proving itself as the premier CAC in New York State. We are looking at the youth runaway crisis through a preventative lens to address larger health issues down the road. Our commitment remains strong to provide cutting-edge treatment and lead the way in collaboration and advocacy.”

    Youth who are reported missing are at risk of homelessness, exploitation for sex and/or labor trafficking, academic underachievement that can lead to dropping out of school, and involvement in the juvenile justice system. Children with multiple missing episodes are more likely to be depressed, have attempted suicide, and have mental health or substance use issues. Last year, 12,114 reports of missing children younger than 18 were entered into the New York State register, with 94 percent reported by police as runaways. More than half (6,161) of those reports involved a total of 1,772 children. DCJS identified Buffalo for the pilot due to the high number of missing children reports received by the city’s police department, which had already begun working with the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf to address the issue. During that same time period, the City of Buffalo had 522 missing child reports, with nearly 200 representing multiple incidents.

    Staff from the Missing Persons Clearinghouse at DCJS will oversee implementation of the pilot and foster ongoing communication and coordination among all national, state and local partners with the goal of improving how different systems respond and support these youth. The New York State Youth Justice Institute, a partnership between DCJS and the University at Albany, will evaluate the pilot’s implementation and outcomes to determine its success and whether it should be replicated in other communities. The Youth Justice Institute strives to build and strengthen the capacity of localities around New York State to adopt evidence-informed youth justice practices by disseminating information, assisting with implementation and assessing efficacy in existing youth justice programs, and by conducting cutting-edge research to advance the science and practice of evidence-based initiatives.

    The following state agencies are participating: the Department of Health; State Education Department; Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs; Office of Addiction Services and Supports; Office of Children and Family Services; Office of Mental Health; Office for People With Developmental Disabilities; Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence; Office of Victim Services; and New York State Police.

    The New York City Administration for Children’s Services; New York State Association of Chiefs of Police; New York State Sheriff’s Association; New York State Youth Justice Institute; St. Anne Institute; State of New York Police Juvenile Officers Association; National Center for Missing & Exploited Children; and National Child Protection Task Force also are partners in the initiative.

    City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, “I want to thank Governor Hochul for her continued investment in our youth and for recognizing the urgent need to address the challenges facing vulnerable children in our community. One of my administration’s key priorities is collaboration, and the RIPSTOP pilot program is a powerful example of what we can accomplish when we work together. By bringing together New York State, the City of Buffalo, the Buffalo Police Department, the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, and the Scott Bieler Child Advocacy Center at BestSelf, we are ensuring that at-risk youth receive the care and support they need. This initiative reflects our collective commitment to building a safer, more supportive future for the children of Buffalo.”

    Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs Acting Executive Director Maria Lisi-Murray said, “We know from our work safeguarding vulnerable populations that runaway youth are particularly susceptible to trafficking, exploitation, and homelessness. They are also often reluctant to seek help from law enforcement or access critical intervention programs. The RIPSTOP pilot will help bridge those safety and communication gaps by getting youth the support they need sooner to reduce the likelihood of recurrent runaway episodes. Thank you to Governor Hochul for continuing to prioritize the safety of New York’s youth.”

    New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Providing accessible support services to our youth is imperative for their well-being and is key to reducing the number of runaway and missing episodes. The relationship between law enforcement partners, combined with the execution of effective initiatives are essential in carrying out the mission of keeping the youth of New York State safe. I commend Governor Hochul for her continued commitment in making sure each New Yorker has the assistance available they need.”

    Office of Addiction Services And Supports Commissioner Dr. Chinazo Cunningham said, “Young people with an unstable home life are at increased risk of experiencing harm when it comes to their health, including the impacts of substance use and addiction. Programs like this support our goal to reach at-risk individuals and direct them to the services and help they need. As one of the agencies involved with the development of this pilot program, alongside our partners in state government and community stakeholders, we are looking forward to seeing the benefits that this will bring to youth in the Buffalo area.”

    Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “Key to our mission at OVS is advocating for victims’ rights and working to ensure that systems designed to assist them are accessible and meet their needs. We are proud to partner with our sister agencies to improve state services for at-risk youth, protect them from harm and give them the support they need to thrive.”

    About the Division of Criminal Justice Services Missing Persons Clearinghouse

    The Missing Persons Clearinghouse at the State Division of Criminal Justice Services provides investigative support to local, state and national law enforcement, including cold case reviews; assists left-behind family members, and offers internet safety education programs for children and parents, among other responsibilities. Staff members have extensive experience in law enforcement, training and information technology, and the Clearinghouse accepts leads and tips about missing persons cases it has permission to publicize at [email protected] and 800-346-3543.

    About BestSelf Behavioral Health

    BestSelf Behavioral Health is the largest community-based behavioral health organization serving Western New York. It offers comprehensive services for mental health and substance use disorders. The organization serves over 41,000 individuals annually across more than 70 locations, focusing on trauma-informed care and person-centered treatment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Big River First Nation — Update #3: Saskatchewan RCMP: stabbing incidents reported on Big River First Nation

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    February 19, 2025
    Big River First Nation, Saskatchewan

    News release

    On February 19, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., Saskatchewan RCMP located and arrested 29-year-old Ryan Lachance at a residence on Big River First Nation.

    Ryan Lachance was wanted by Big River RCMP for charges including aggravated assault and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

    As a result of additional investigation, Ryan Lachance has also been charged with:

    • four counts possession of ammunition contrary to prohibition order section 117.01(1), Criminal Code; and
    • one count of failing to comply with a release order section 145(5)(a), Criminal Code.

    Ryan Lachance is scheduled to appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court on February 20, 2025.

    –30–

    Backgrounder

    As a result of further investigation, Saskatchewan RCMP determined the third stabbing victim, an adult male, to be a suspect in the first two stabbings that occurred on February 15 on Big River First Nation. Once released from hospital, the adult male was arrested.

    25-year-old Jacky Lachance from Big River First Nation is charged with:
    • two counts, aggravated assault, Section 268(2), Criminal Code;
    • one count, robbery with a weapon, Section 344(1)(b), Criminal Code; and
    • one count, break and enter, Section 348(1)(b), Criminal Code.
    Jacky Lachance is scheduled to appear in Prince Albert Provincial Court on February 18, 2025 (Information #90564732).
    Saskatchewan RCMP continue to look for 29-year-old Ryan Lachance. As a result of continued investigation into the February 15 incidents, Ryan Lachance has been charged with:
    • two counts, aggravated assault, Section 268(2), Criminal Code;
    • two counts, robbery, Section 344(1)(b), Criminal Code;
    • one count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, Section 88, Criminal Code;
    • one count, mischief under $5000 – damage to property, Section 430(4), Criminal Code;
    • one count, break, enter and commit, Section 348(1)(b), Criminal Code; and
    • two counts, fail to comply with release order condition, Section 145(5), Criminal Code.

    He has also been charged for failing to attend court, Section 145(2)(b), Criminal Code in relation to a missed court date earlier in February.

    Ryan is also wanted on warrant from Big River RCMP in relation to an unrelated aggravated assault that occurred in November 2024.

    Ryan Lachance is described as approximately 5’6″ tall and 150 lbs. He has brown eyes and brown hair. Ryan has a teardrop tattoo under his left eye. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie with a large white logo on it, and black pants. If you see Ryan Lachance, do not approach him. He is considered armed and dangerous.

    Ryan Lachance may be in a stolen black KIA Optima with Saskatchewan license plate 649 NPP. This is not confirmed and Ryan’s whereabouts are currently unknown. On February 17, 2025, Big River RCMP located and seized the grey BMW SUV.

    If you see Ryan Lachance, the black Kia Optima, or if you have information about this investigation, please call police immediately. In an emergency call 911, and in a non-emergency call 310-RCMP. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate.

    ————————

    Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate three stabbing incidents on Big River First Nation.

    On February 15, 2025 at approximately 3:50 p.m., Big River RCMP received a report of a stabbing at a residence on Big River First Nation. Investigation determined an altercation occurred between a male and a female. As a result, the female was injured. The female victim was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life threatening.

    At approximately 4:00 p.m., Big River RCMP received a report that a stabbing had occurred at a second residence on Big River First Nation. Investigation determined a group of people entered the residence and stabbed a male. The injured male was taken to hospital with injuries described as non-life threatening.

    At approximately 4:20 p.m., Big River RCMP received a report of a male who was stabbed on Big River First Nation. Officers responded and located the male at a third residence on Big River First Nation. The male was transported by STARS to hospital for treatment of his injuries.

    While officers were responding to the third stabbing, they received a report of an attempted armed robbery with a machete in Victoire, SK. Investigation determined a male approached a vehicle and threatened the driver. The driver exited the vehicle and fled. The male suspect was unable to steal the vehicle and fled on foot in an unknown direction.
    Saskatchewan RCMP continue to investigate.

    The Saskatchewan RCMP continue to look for a male suspect in relation to the stabbings. 29-year-old Ryan Lachance is wanted by Big River RCMP in relation to an unrelated aggravated assault that occurred in November 2024. Ryan Lachance is described as approximately 5’6″ tall and 150 lbs. He has brown eyes and brown hair. Ryan has a teardrop tattoo under his left eye. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie with a large white logo on it, and black pants.

    The suspect is considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. If you see him, call police immediately by dialling 911 in the case of an emergency, or 310-RCMP in a non-emergency.

    The last confirmed sighting of Ryan Lachance was around 5:30 p.m. on February 15, in the Victoire, SK area. Ryan may be in a stolen black KIA Optima with Saskatchewan license plate 649 NPP OR a grey BMW SUV, but this is not confirmed.

    If you see Ryan Lachance, the black KIA Optima, or the grey BMW SUV, call your local police immediately. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

    Residents in the Big River First Nation area will note an increased police presence while this investigation continues. People are asked to avoid the areas where police officers are present and follow any police direction provided.

    Saskatchewan RCMP is not currently asking the public’s assistance in locating the second male, Kenneth Joseph, from the initial Crime Watch Advisory. Please remove his name from your reporting.

    ———————

    The Saskatchewan RCMP is investigating three stabbing incidents in the Big River First Nation. Investigators are trying to determine if the incidents are random. Two victims were taken to hospital for treatment.

    The Saskatchewan RCMP is asking members of the public to contact the police if they see Ryan Lachance, 29, who is wanted by the Big River RCMP detachment under an arrest warrant. Ryan Lachance is approximately 1.68 m tall and weighs 68 kg. He has brown eyes and hair. Ryan has a teardrop tattoo under his left eye. He was last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with a large white logo and black pants.

    The suspect is considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. If you see him, call the police immediately by dialing 911 in case of emergency, or 310-RCMP if the situation is not urgent.

    The last confirmed sighting of the suspect was at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the Victoire neighborhood of Saskatchewan. The suspect may be driving a black KIA with Saskatchewan license plate 649 NPP or a gray BMW SUV.

    The Saskatchewan RCMP has indicated that an increased police presence has been deployed in the Big River First Nation as part of this investigation. People are asked to avoid areas where police officers are present and to follow all instructions given by the police.

    We will provide an update on this investigation as soon as possible.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New Mental Health Group Home for Youth Opens in Regina

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on February 20, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $800,000 in annual funding to partner with Eagle Heart Centre in a new, five-space mental health group home for youth. Joe and Irene’s Youth Home, which officially opened today in Regina, provides youth ages 12 to 18 with short-term residential care that includes 24-hour mental health and addictions support. 

    “This funding to Eagle Heart Centre will provide youth in Regina and surrounding communities with the help they need in a safe and stable environment close to home,” Social Services Minister Terry Jenson said. “Staying connected to their communities while receiving care will also help youth transition back to their families or into alternative care arrangements.”

    This mental health group home is part of a larger $2.4 million commitment in the 2023-24 Provincial Budget. The ministries of Social Services and Health each committed $1.2 million to develop three mental health group homes to serve youth struggling with mental health and addictions issues. Each ministry is providing $400,000 in annual operating funding to Eagle Heart Centre. 

    “Supporting Joe and Irene’s Youth Home is part of our effort to ensure that we meet the mental health needs of youth,” Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr said. “I appreciate the great work that Eagle Heart is doing to help our young people feel cared for, supported, and equipped to face a better future.”

    The Saskatchewan Health Authority works in partnership with the Ministry of Social Services to refer youth with chronic mental health or addiction issues to Eagle Heart Centre. Eagle Heart Centre provides culturally relevant services and trauma-informed care for vulnerable youth and families in Saskatchewan. The community-based organization specializes in providing programming and services that support and empower families, children and youth to attain a healthy lifestyle.

    “Our new home has been named in honour of my Métis parents,” Eagle Heart Centre Founder and Executive Director Delora Parisian said. “Despite facing racism, poverty and personal hardships, my parents raised us with the values of hard work, financial independence and the encouragement to follow our dreams. Joe and Irene’s Youth Home has been built for roots to grow strong and bold, where dreams unfold.” 

    The Eagle Heart Centre mental health group home for youth is the second of the three planned homes to open, with the EGADZ Garden of Hope in Saskatoon as the first to open in December 2023. The third home is currently in development.

    For more information about Eagle Heart Centre and its programs, visit: www.ehcregina.ca.                                                                               

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: CWA to FCC: Stop AT&T’s Plans to Abandon Rural America

    Source: Communications Workers of America

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union has filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission opposing AT&T’s application to discontinue landline telephone service in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin. CWA is calling on the FCC to counterbalance the company’s focus on maximizing profits over the public interest.

    AT&T’s proposal would enable the telecommunications provider to exit 250,000 square miles of rural communities across 18 states, or fifty percent of AT&T’s historic footprint. While AT&T would continue to provide service to more populated, profitable areas, the “mobile first” proposal would put rural communities last, with lower quality and less reliable connectivity options.

    “While AT&T’s corporate executives and investors are insulated from the impact of these cuts on the communities they serve, frontline workers bear the brunt of customers’ frustration with poor service quality, long wait times, and other harms from understaffing and outsourcing of critical functions,” wrote CWA President Claude Cummings Jr. in his comments filed with the FCC.

    Ending service over AT&T’s copper network without upgrading to fiber will leave communities with limited and inferior options. Fiber is sustainable, scalable, and renewable. It offers greater capacity, predictable performance, lower maintenance costs, and a longer technological lifetime than coaxial cable, satellite, and fixed wireless technologies. An engineering analysis of fixed wireless technologies by consulting firm CTC Technology and Energy concludes that “fiber represents the most fiscally prudent expenditure of public funds in most circumstances because of its longevity and technical advantages.”

    AT&T’s abandonment of rural America leaves the government to shoulder the burden of providing affordable service to all residents. The industry-driven deregulation of communications services has allowed telecommunications companies to select their own service areas. In recent years, AT&T has allowed its rural network to deteriorate, focusing on deploying fiber in densely populated areas that can yield a high profit margin.

    AT&T has prioritized shareholder returns over investment in its network and workforce. On the same day the company announced plans to retire the “large majority” of its copper-based network by 2029, it also said that it expects to return over $40 billion to shareholders over the next three years through stock buybacks and dividends. To fulfill its universal service mandate, CWA urged the FCC to push AT&T to invest in fiber deployment beyond what the company might otherwise choose to pursue.

    CWA represents workers in telecommunications, media, technology, public service, manufacturing, airlines, video games, and other fields, including tens of thousands of workers at AT&T.

    ###

    About CWA: The Communications Workers of America represents working people in telecommunications, customer service, media, airlines, health care, public service and education, manufacturing, tech, and other fields.

    cwa-union.org @cwaunion

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: N.C. Arts Council Awards $915,000 to Western N.C. Arts Organizations for Helene Recovery

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: N.C. Arts Council Awards $915,000 to Western N.C. Arts Organizations for Helene Recovery

    N.C. Arts Council Awards $915,000 to Western N.C. Arts Organizations for Helene Recovery
    jejohnson6

    The North Carolina Arts Council has awarded $915,000 to nonprofit arts organizations in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. The grants utilize funds from the North Carolina Arts Foundation’s North Carolina Arts Relief Fund, the National Endowment for the Arts, and South Art’s Southern Arts Relief and Recovery Fund.

    The relief funds will be provided to 69 arts organizations throughout the impacted 26-county region. A list of awardees is available on the NCAC’s website (https://www.ncarts.org/hurricane-helene-relief-grant-award-recipients-2025/open).

    “This much-needed grant funding for Western North Carolina arts organizations signals another important step in the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ commitment to recovery in areas affected by Hurricane Helene,” said Arts Council Director Jeff Bell. “The cultural and arts offerings in Western North Carolina are vital to the heritage and economic strength of our entire state.”

    The grants support artistic and administrative functions of Western N.C. arts organizations. Recipients may use them to fund salaries, artists’ fees, production, travel, promotion, programming expenses, supplies and equipment, office expenses, and facility operations.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Feb 20, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: 29 Plead Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Wire Fraud in $5M COVID Fraud Investigation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    COLUMBIA, S.C. —Twenty-Nine out of 31 indicted defendants have pleaded guilty in a five-year investigation into a scheme to fraudulently obtain COVID-19 unemployment benefits led by SCDC inmates along with family members and friends outside the prison system.

    Evidence presented in court revealed that incarcerated inmates harvested personal information, such as social security numbers and dates of birth, from other inmates and used the information to apply for COVID unemployment benefits in the names of those inmates as well as themselves. Some inmates provided their details willingly to the named defendants in exchange for a portion of the proceeds derived from the unemployment benefits. Other inmates had no knowledge that unemployment benefits were being applied for on their behalf. The incarcerated defendants also obtained the information of unwitting individuals outside of the Department of Corrections using various extortion schemes.

    One of the primary schemes utilized by the defendants was known as “Johning.” Using contraband cellphones within the Department of Corrections, inmates posed as younger males or females and lured individuals to send them nude or compromising photos. After obtaining the photos, the inmates used a second line feature on their contraband cell phones and contacted the victim posing as law enforcement. The inmates then extorted the victims into sending them money and/or photos of their social security cards and driver’s license.

    After the defendants applied for unemployment benefits in the names of the extortion victims and Department of Corrections inmates, the benefits were diverted to the incarcerated defendants with the assistances of the non-incarcerated defendants. The non-incarcerated defendants received government checks and prepaid Visa debit cards in the mail. The non-incarcerated defendants then utilized ATM withdrawals, wire transfers, and mobile banking applications such as Zelle, Venmo, Green Dot, and Cash App to make the proceeds available to the incarcerated defendants.

    The indictment alleges the named defendants submitted COVID-19 unemployment applications in multiple states. Fraudulent benefit applications were filed in South Carolina, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Nevada, New Jersey, Missouri, Arizona, and California. In total, the fraudulent scheme resulted in a loss of approximately $4,996,673.00 to the United States Government. 

    “This extensive fraud scheme exploited and misused individuals’ personal information, some unknowingly, for financial gain at the expense of American taxpayers,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina. “The individuals involved showed a complete disregard for the law and used deception, manipulation, and extortion to unlawfully obtain nearly $5 million in unemployment benefits. Our agencies remain committed to holding those responsible accountable and ensuring that such fraudulent schemes do not undermine public trust in vital government programs.”

    “Inmates using this brazen scheme stole millions of dollars from an effort to help everyday Americans survive the COVID-19 pandemic,” SCDC Director Bryan Stirling said. “It is shameful, and the taxpayers deserve better. I am grateful to everyone involved in bringing these defendants to justice.”

    Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, restitution, and three years of supervision to follow the term of imprisonment.  United States District Sherri A. Lydon has accepted 29 guilty pleas and handed down sentences for 14 of the defendants thus far. The remaining defendants will be sentenced after the court receives and reviews a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office. One defendant, Jessica Ann Howell, passed away and another defendant, Christine Hankins, remains at large as a fugitive.

    On May 17, 2021, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The Task Force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes, and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic, please visit https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

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

    This case was investigated by the United States Secret Service, the South Carolina Department of Corrections, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Winston Holliday and Scott Matthews are prosecuting the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mission man sent to prison for drug trafficking, again

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – A 56-year-old convicted felon has been ordered to prison for drug trafficking while on federal supervision, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Salvador Noyola pleaded guilty May 3, 2024.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Noyola to serve 188 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. On supervised release when he committed the crime, the court included 18 months as part of the sentence for violating that term. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane warned Noyola, stating “You’ve got to get out of this business… I hope hat you will find another way to make money.”

    In December 2023, authorities arrested Noyola following a search at his residence.

    At the time of the search, law enforcement seized over a kilogram of powdered cocaine.

    Noyola will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    This case is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations Division are conducting the OCDETF operation with the assistance of the Hidalgo County Sheriffs Office and the Mission and Alton police departments. 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 on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr., Lance Watt and Brittany Jensen are prosecuting the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Saudi Arabia Clinical Trials Market Report Insight On Active Clinical Trials By Indication Phase

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Delhi, Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Saudi Arabia Clinical Trials Market, Ongoing Clinical Trials By Company, Indication, Phase & Regulations Insight 2025 Report Highlights:

    • Saudi Arabia Clinical Trials Market Opportunity: US$ 200 Million
    • Comprehensive Insight On Clinical Trials Studies In Saudi Arabia : > 400 Studies
    • Clinical Trials Studies By Indication, Phase & Sponsor
    • Regulatory Framework & Clinical Trials Guidelines
    • Insight On Domestic CRO Operating In Saudi Arabia: 15 CRO
    • Overview On Existing Healthcare Infrastructure & Medical Professionals Like Doctors, Dentist, Nurses

    Download Report: https://www.kuickresearch.com/report-saudi-arabia-clinical-trials-market

    Saudi Arabia’s clinical trial landscape is rapidly evolving, positioning the country as an emerging hub for research and development in the Middle East. With a strong regulatory framework, expanding healthcare infrastructure, and an increasing focus on innovation, Saudi Arabia is determined to play a more significant role in the global clinical trials ecosystem. The country is making concerted efforts to attract pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and investors to establish a robust presence in the global clinical trial landscape, capitalizing on the opportunities presented by a well-regulated and high-potential healthcare market.

    One of the driving forces behind this ambition is the growing recognition of Saudi Arabia’s strategic position as a gateway to the region’s emerging healthcare markets. With a highly centralized healthcare system, the country provides easy access to a well-established network of hospitals and research centers, such as the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center (KAIMRC), King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Centre, King Fahad Medical City, and King Khalid University Hospital. These institutions are at the forefront of clinical research and play a pivotal role in conducting trials. Their state-of-the-art facilities and research capabilities make them attractive partners for international pharmaceutical companies looking to expand their clinical trial operations in the Middle East.

    Saudi Arabia is increasingly becoming a key player in various therapeutic areas, particularly oncology, endocrinology/metabolism, cardiology, and infectious diseases. These areas are among the most studied in the country, driven by both local healthcare needs and global demand for innovative treatments. Oncology, in particular, has seen substantial research efforts due to the rising incidence of cancer in the region, prompting pharmaceutical companies to sponsor a significant number of studies. The focus on endocrinology/metabolism and cardiology aligns with the country’s efforts to tackle the growing prevalence of chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s strategic location in the Middle East allows it to be a key player in research related to infectious diseases, which are particularly relevant in the context of global public health crises.

    The Saudi government’s continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and the presence of world-class research facilities have fueled an impressive surge in clinical trials. The Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs (MNG-HA), which oversees some of the country’s most advanced hospitals and research centers, is leading the charge in facilitating clinical research. MNG-HA hospitals are equipped with extensive patient databases, providing an invaluable resource for clinical trial recruitment. The country’s ongoing national initiative to consolidate patient databases and streamline access to these resources is positioning Saudi Arabia as an attractive destination for clinical trials. In particular, KAIMRC’s stem cell registry and biobank are noteworthy, offering a comprehensive repository of biological samples that could prove to be a goldmine for pharmaceutical companies interested in conducting trials with diverse and high-quality participant pools.

    Despite the country’s rapid progress in clinical trials, there are still challenges to overcome, particularly in terms of commercialization and patenting. While academic research and clinical studies are thriving, the translation of these efforts into patents and commercialized products remains limited. Saudi Arabia has made strides in strengthening intellectual property laws and fostering innovation, but the process of patenting and bringing research to market has been slower than anticipated. However, efforts are underway to address this gap, with the government prioritizing initiatives that support the commercialization of research and the growth of the biopharmaceutical sector.

    Overall, Saudi Arabia’s clinical trial landscape is full of promise. The country’s strategic investments in healthcare infrastructure, research, and patient databases make it an attractive destination for global pharmaceutical companies. As the regulatory framework continues to evolve and the nation’s commitment to clinical research grows, Saudi Arabia is on track to become a key player in the global clinical trials market. With a focus on expanding clinical research in areas such as oncology, cardiology, and infectious diseases, the country has the potential to significantly contribute to global healthcare advancements in the coming years.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: February 20th, 2025 Heinrich, Schatz Lead Colleagues in Demanding Trump’s DHS Immediately End Wrongful ICE Searches & Harassment of Tribal Members, Uphold U.S. Trust and Treaty Responsibility with Tribal Nations

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich
    WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Vice Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, led 13 of their Democratic colleagues in demanding that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) uphold the United States’ trust and treaty responsibility with Tribal nations and their citizens by ending wrongful searches and interrogations of Tribal members.
    In the letter, the lawmakers raise concern over reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents stopping and harassing United States-born citizens on suspicion of being undocumented migrants since President Trump issued an Executive Order seeking to terminate birthright citizenship. These incidents have stoked fear and panic for many Tribal citizens living on and off reservation lands.
    “Whether it is simple ignorance or worse — outright disrespect for and harassment of Tribal citizens — ICE’s law enforcement tactics reflect an abdication of U.S. trust and treaty responsibility with Tribal nations and their citizens, and cannot stand,” the senators wrote in a letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
    The senators requested that DHS consult with Tribes and issue guidance on what forms of identification are acceptable as valid proof of United States citizenship, including Tribal government-issued identification. They also urged DHS to issue internal guidance for ICE agents on how to lawfully engage with federally recognized Tribes and their citizens, including on Tribal lands.
    “Accordingly, we ask that the Department issue guidance and training to ICE agents on forms of Tribal identification that are acceptable as proof of United States citizenship (alone or in tandem with other documents). We also ask that your Department communicate and consult with Tribal governments to ensure they are given timely and accurate information to inform and protect their Tribal citizens from unnecessary searches, interrogation, and detention related to immigration enforcement efforts,” the senators continued. 
    The senators also pressed Secretary Noem to answer the following questions:
    Does ICE policy accept of Certificates of Indian Blood (CIBs), Tribal enrollment, or other Tribal identification documents as valid proof of United States citizenship?
    If yes, please provide a full description of these policies and how they are communicated within your Department, and with Tribal governments.
    If no, please clarify what information needs to be present on Tribally-issued identification documents for those to be accepted as valid proof of United States citizenship.

    What training are ICE agents given about different forms of valid identification and documentation of United States citizenship for enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes, including CIBs, Tribal enrollment, or other Tribal identification?
    What training are ICE agents, and other law enforcement personnel in your Department, given about interactions with citizens of federally recognized Tribes?
    What specific corrective actions are you taking to ensure that the rights of United States-born Tribal citizens, as American citizens, are being upheld and respected by your Department?
    How does ICE justify the use of taxpayer dollars and its limited resources to conduct enforcement actions involving United States-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes?
    What has been the estimated cost of ICE enforcement actions within reservation boundaries thus far?  Will ICE enforcement actions occur within community locations such as schools, hospitals, clinics, and religious institutions that are on Tribal lands, including trust land, restricted fee, and fee simple lands, or located off of Tribal lands? 
    What implications do ICE enforcement actions have for Tribal nations whose historic lands transcend the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders, including Tribes with members living in Mexico or Canada and/or having transborder migratory privileges using special identification documents, such as the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas?  What will ICE do to ensure that tribal members residing in Mexico or Canada are not inappropriately detained as a result of these enforcement actions?  And how is ICE educating its agents about the access guaranteed in the Jay Treaty to the United States for Canadian First Nations members for cultural, trade, and other purposes?
    The letter was led by U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii). The letter was signed by U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Angus King (I-Maine), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), and Mark Warner (D-Va.).
    The text of the letter is here and below:
    Dear Secretary Noem:
    We write to express our growing concern over reports that, since President Trump issued the Executive Order on birthright citizenship, United States-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes have been stopped and questioned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on suspicion of being undocumented migrants.  These incidents have stoked fear and panic for many Tribal citizens living on and off reservation, resulting in at least one Tribal government issuing its own guidance and standing up a citizen hotline to report incidents and receive assistance. Whether it is simple ignorance or worse — outright disrespect for and harassment of Tribal citizens – ICE’s law enforcement tactics reflect an abdication of U.S. trust and treaty responsibility with Tribal nations and their citizens, and cannot stand. 
    Accordingly, we ask that the Department issue guidance and training to ICE agents on forms of Tribal identification that are acceptable as proof of United States citizenship (alone or in tandem with other documents).  We also ask that your Department communicate and consult with Tribal governments to ensure they are given timely and accurate information to inform and protect their Tribal citizens from unnecessary searches, interrogation, and detention related to immigration enforcement efforts.
    Both Congress, exercising its plenary authority over Indian Affairs, and the United States Supreme Court have established that Indians born in the United States are United States citizens. Indians may also be citizens of federally-recognized Tribes, making them dual citizens of both the United States and their Tribal nations.  As such, Tribal citizens may possess multiple forms of identification, including Tribal government-issued identification, such as enrollment cards and Certificates of Indian Blood (CIB), and state-issued or federally-issued identification.  However, it is not uncommon for Tribal citizens to only carry their Tribal government-issued identification, which is often accepted as valid proof of United States citizenship for purposes of federal benefits.
    In addition to consulting with, and issuing guidance for, Tribes on what forms of identification ICE will accept as valid proof of United States citizenship, including Tribal identification, we also request that your Department issue internal guidance for ICE agents on how to lawfully engage with federally recognized Tribes and their citizens, including on Tribal lands. Lastly, we request that you reply, in detail, to the following questions:
    Does ICE policy accept of Certificates of Indian Blood (CIBs), Tribal enrollment, or other Tribal identification documents as valid proof of United States citizenship?
    If yes, please provide a full description of these policies and how they are communicated within your Department, and with Tribal governments.
    If no, please clarify what information needs to be present on Tribally-issued identification documents for those to be accepted as valid proof of United States citizenship.

    What training are ICE agents given about different forms of valid identification and documentation of United States citizenship for enrolled members of federally recognized Tribes, including CIBs, Tribal enrollment, or other Tribal identification?
    What training are ICE agents, and other law enforcement personnel in your Department, given about interactions with citizens of federally recognized Tribes?
    What specific corrective actions are you taking to ensure that the rights of United States-born Tribal citizens, as American citizens, are being upheld and respected by your Department?
    How does ICE justify the use of taxpayer dollars and its limited resources to conduct enforcement actions involving United States-born citizens of federally recognized Tribes?
    What has been the estimated cost of ICE enforcement actions within reservation boundaries thus far?  Will ICE enforcement actions occur within community locations such as schools, hospitals, clinics, and religious institutions that are on Tribal lands, including trust land, restricted fee, and fee simple lands, or located off of Tribal lands?
    What implications do ICE enforcement actions have for Tribal nations whose historic lands transcend the U.S.-Mexico and U.S.-Canada borders, including Tribes with members living in Mexico or Canada and/or having transborder migratory privileges using special identification documents, such as the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas?  What will ICE do to ensure that tribal members residing in Mexico or Canada are not inappropriately detained as a result of these enforcement actions?  And how is ICE educating its agents about the access guaranteed in the Jay Treaty to the United States for Canadian First Nations members for cultural, trade, and other purposes?
    We ask that your response include documentation of all Department policies and practices related to the questions above by March 4, 2025, along with evidence of any actions your Department is taking to communicate and consult with Tribes on ICE enforcement efforts, both on and off of Tribal lands.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Four payment schemes open to help with the cost of living: Apply

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    Four financial support schemes are currently open for Portsmouth residents on low income to apply for – but hurry as some close soon.

    Portsmouth City Council is offering:

    • A child voucher scheme (closes 28 February) – for 0-19s or someone at least 20 weeks pregnant who is part of a household that earns below £1,800 a month.
    • The final round of the Exceptional Hardship scheme (closes 14 March) – one-off payments for adults in extreme financial hardship (check the website for full eligibility)
    • Energy Payment Scheme for 16-24s and carers (closes 17 March) – those on low-income and receiving qualifying benefits (check the website for full eligibility)

    These schemes are funded by the UK Government’s Household Support fund, and you can find the eligibility criteria for all these and apply at https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/hsf

    We are still also offering our council-funded:

    • Portsmouth Older Persons Energy Payment open until 7 March

    This is a one-off payment this year for some pensioners on low income who did not receive the Government’s Winter Fuel Payment. Find the full criteria and apply here.

    Pension Credit support events

    On the same webpage you’ll find information about Pension Credit, how pensioners can find out if they might be eligible and missing out on money. We’re hosting a series of Pension Credit information sessions taking place across the city people can come along to, with dates and locations on the webpage.

    Leader Cllr Steve Pitt said:

    “We want these hardship support payments to reach far and wide and as many Portsmouth residents as possible. So please do let friends, family, and those you work with know about the support that is currently available, or apply yourself if you’re eligible.

    “Our cost of living staff are always available to help anyone with advice about these schemes or the wider support that’s available to them.”

    Cost of living support for all

    • Call our cost of living telephone number 023 9284 1047 for help with these schemes, or if you have general concerns about money and want some professional advice. It’s open 9am-5pm Monday to Thursday, 9am – 4.30pm on Friday, or alternatively visit our cost of living online hub.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –