NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján, Stansbury Hold Town Hall in Albuquerque on GOP Attacks on Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Senator for New Mexico Ben Ray Luján

    Town Hall Follows House Vote to Gut Critical Programs New Mexicans Rely On

    Albuquerque, N.M. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury (D-N.M.) held a town hall in Albuquerque on Tuesday to sound the alarm on Republican-led efforts to gut critical federal programs that New Mexicans rely on, including Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, and SNAP.

    The town hall followed a House vote advancing legislation that would slash billions from health care and food assistance programs while delivering trillions in tax giveaways to the wealthiest Americans. New Mexicans packed the event to hear directly from Senator Luján and Representative Stansbury and to raise concerns about the devastating impact these Republican-led proposals would have on New Mexico families. Senator Luján and Representative Stansbury denounced the Republican proposal and warned that the legislation would impose the biggest cut to Medicaid and nutrition assistance in American history.

    “This Republican-led bill is a total rip-off for New Mexicans – all to line the pockets of people like President Trump and Elon Musk,” said Senator Ben Ray Luján. “The Republicans’ priorities couldn’t be more clear: tax handouts for billionaires and massive corporations, paid for by cutting health care, food assistance, and benefits for New Mexicans. We are not backing down. In the Senate, I’m going to keep fighting for our seniors, our children, and the future of New Mexico.”

    “We are in the fight of our lives for our communities, our democracy, and to make life better for our people. Every day, I am deeply honored to be in this fight for New Mexico alongside Senator Luján and our entire congressional delegation. Together we are working to defend our rights and Constitution and to tackle our biggest challenges from healthcare, housing and education to caring for our veterans and protecting our lands and waters,” said Representative Melanie Stansbury. “I am grateful to everyone who showed up to our Town Hall and who is speaking up and speaking out against the GOPs disastrous reconciliation bill which will gut Medicaid and food assistance for millions of Americans. As this bill heads to the Senate and the GOP continues to gut programs, we need you in this fight.”

    Impacts of the House GOP legislation include:

    • Cuts to Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act, jeopardizing health care access for millions;
    • Cuts to SNAP, reducing food assistance for children, families, and seniors;
    • Many Americans making less than $51,000 a year will lose money;
    • Delivers 65% of benefits to the wealthiest Americans;
    • According to a study by Wharton, the Republicans’ plan will add $4.6 trillion to the national debt over the next decade.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Secretary Noem Honors Nicholas Quets, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Murdered by the Sinaloa Cartel

    Source: US Department of Homeland Security

    President Trump and Secretary Noem are dismantling drug cartels that profit from trafficking, violence, and lawlessness

    WASHINGTON – Today, the Department of Homeland Security released a video featuring the parents of Nicholas Quets, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who was viciously murdered by members of the Sinaloa cartel.

    On October 18th, 2024, Nicholas Quets traveled to Rocky Point, Mexico, where upon entry, he encountered a Sinaloa cartel checkpoint. These cartel members attempted to steal his pickup truck before shooting him in the back through his heart, ultimately taking his life at just 31 years old.

    Watch the video.

    President Trump and Secretary Noem have taken decisive action to dismantle drug cartels. On President Trump’s first day in office, he signed an executive order to designate drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations. This designation expands law enforcement and the government’s ability to crack down on cartels’ drug and sex trafficking operations in the U.S.

    On what would have been Nicholas Quets’ 32nd birthday, the Treasury Department announced sanctions against six individuals and seven entities allegedly involved in a money-laundering network supporting the Sinaloa cartel.

    Earlier this month, HSI along with the help of the Mexican government arrested Jacobo Regalado “J3” a high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. He is responsible for hundreds of homicides and smuggling illicit drugs into the U.S.

    Additionally, earlier this month, Pedro Inzunza Noriega and Pedro Inzunza Coronel, key leaders of the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO), a powerful and violent faction of the Sinaloa cartel that is believed to be the world’s largest known fentanyl production network, were charged with narco-terrorism, drug trafficking, and money laundering.

    “Nicholas Quets was a patriot who served our country honorably and was killed by these cartel cowards who shot him in the back. President Trump and Secretary Noem are honoring his memory by dismantling the Sinaloa cartel and other drug cartels that profit from trafficking, violence, and lawlessness,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “President Trump’s strong leadership and these arrests and prosecutions of scum-of-the-earth cartel leaders are delivering results. The days of unchecked cartel violence are over.”

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Do Not Travel to Venezuela

    Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

    The State Department is warning Americans against travel to Venezuela and bordering areas for any reason. Americans who travel to Venezuela risk being wrongfully detained in prison for months or even years.

    Our simple message for Americans: Do NOT travel to Venezuela.

    — State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce

    ———-
    Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

    The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

    Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
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    Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
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    #StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FG7sd6lj4M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hawaiʻi Congressional Delegation Calls For Answers From Navy On Proposal To Increase Training, Inert Bombings On Kaʻula Rock

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Hawaii Brian Schatz
    HONOLULU – U.S. Senators Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-Hawai‘i) and U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-Hawai‘i) and Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i) pressed the U.S. Navy to publicly justify its ongoing training on Ka‘ula and the proposal to more than double the number of inert bombing and gunfire training exercises conducted on Ka‘ula in Kaua‘i County. The lawmakers called on the Navy to conduct a full environmental impact statement (EIS) and provide a clear national security rationale outlining the need to conduct this type of training at Ka‘ula.
    “In Hawai‘i, there is a significant level of mistrust with the Department of Defense as a whole, and the Navy in particular,” the delegation wrote. “As the Navy has now determined it would like to double the inert bombing and gunfire training it currently carries out on one of our smaller and uninhabited islands, we write to urge the Navy to provide more information about the impacts to Ka‘ula to satisfy the concerns from Kaua‘i residents and the state writ large. This additional due diligence by the Navy should include a national security justification for this expansion and explain to the public how this training is reasonable given the impacts to Ka‘ula and the surrounding community. The onus is on the Navy to demonstrate this need with proper analysis.”
    The delegation added, “Too many pressing questions concerning the use of Ka‘ula remain unanswered. As part of a comprehensive EIS, the Navy must assure the public that it has an effective plan and will allocate resources to environmental remediation on Ka‘ula. This will also allow the public to fully understand the impacts of this increased bombing on Ka‘ula’s environment. In parallel to conducting a comprehensive EIS, we request that the Navy also submit a study to Congress clearly outlining the pressing national security requirements for training at Ka‘ula. Both of these efforts are necessary to provide sufficient information to the public about ongoing and proposed expanded training at Ka‘ula.”
    The full text of the letter is below and available here.
    Secretary Phelan,
    We write with our concerns about the Navy’s proposal to expand the usage of the island of Ka‘ula for increased inert bombing and gunfire training by the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps. In Hawai‘i, there is a significant level of mistrust with the Department of Defense as a whole, and the Navy in particular. As the Navy has now determined it would like to double the inert bombing and gunfire training it currently carries out on one of our smaller and uninhabited islands, we write to urge the Navy to provide more information about the impacts to Ka‘ula to satisfy the concerns from Kaua‘i residents and the state writ large. This additional due diligence by the Navy should include a national security justification for this expansion and explain to the public how this training is reasonable given the impacts to Ka‘ula and the surrounding community. The onus is on the Navy to demonstrate this need with proper analysis. To that end, we believe the Navy must conduct a comprehensive environmental impact statement (EIS) and a study to demonstrate the national security need to retain training at Ka‘ula.
    Too many pressing questions concerning the use of Ka‘ula remain unanswered. As part of a comprehensive EIS, the Navy must assure the public that it has an effective plan and will allocate resources to environmental remediation on Ka‘ula. This will also allow the public to fully understand the impacts of this increased bombing on Ka‘ula’s environment. In parallel to conducting a comprehensive EIS, we request that the Navy also submit a study to Congress clearly outlining the pressing national security requirements for training at Ka‘ula. Both of these efforts are necessary to provide sufficient information to the public about ongoing and proposed expanded training at Ka‘ula.
    Doubling the amount of training at Ka?ula is a significant step that warrants more information on the environmental impacts to the island. The State’s seabird sanctuary on Ka‘ula is home to thousands of seabirds, and the island’s sea cliffs are a resting place for endangered species like monk seals. Despite these known populations of wildlife, the draft environmental assessment does not contain sufficient analysis that impacts on wildlife would be “less than significant.” The public deserves a clear, comprehensive, and evidence-based EIS to demonstrate that the Navy has done its due diligence on the environmental impacts of these trainings.
    Ka‘ula is also surrounded by prime fishing waters that, should training surge from 12 to 31 times per year, would further limit Kaua‘i fishermen’s access. Kaua‘i fishermen have a right to be able to access the waters around Ka‘ula on a reasonable basis. The ongoing inert bombing activity limits fishing, which would only become more difficult with the Navy’s proposed increase in training.
    As a part of the military’s study and investigation into why access to Ka‘ula has a national security requirement that outweighs potential impacts to Ka‘ula’s environment, we request that the following questions be addressed:
    While any training can be justified as necessary to national security, how would a reduction or termination of access to Ka‘ula impact readiness in units operating in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility (AOR)?
    Why has the Navy not already built in more redundancies to address any readiness issues due to a lack of availability of training ranges?
    What is a tangible impact to readiness lost if Ka‘ula is not available for training? What specific impacts will the services experience to units and personnel who are impacted by this loss of access?
    How has the Navy determined that there is an irreplaceable need for access to Ka‘ula that cannot be fulfilled by an alternative site?
    Additionally, we request a separate response to the below questions no later than June 16th, 2025:
    Does the Navy plan to program specific environmental remediation funding, including to address existing and future ordnance cleanup?
    How does the Navy plan to protect regular and reliable access to Ka‘ula’s waters with the proposed substantial increase in trainings? What assurances can the Navy provide to the Kaua‘i public that disruptions to access would not significantly impede their right to fish?
    How will the Navy effectively plan for increased environmental impacts to the southern end of Ka‘ula?
    While Ka‘ula provides a unique training opportunity for sustained overwater flights with overland targets that mimic environments in the region, what gaps exist in readiness that demand doubling training activity to be combat-credible? Is there a substantive scheduling and access issue at other training ranges that uniquely warrants this substantive jump in training activity at Ka‘ula?
    We look forward to your prompt response to this letter and your engagement on this issue.
    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – High energy prices and the functioning of EU energy markets – E-002040/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002040/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Giorgio Gori (S&D), Stefano Bonaccini (S&D), Nicola Zingaretti (S&D), Yannis Maniatis (S&D), Dan Nica (S&D), Elisabetta Gualmini (S&D), Irene Tinagli (S&D), Dario Nardella (S&D), Annalisa Corrado (S&D), Bruno Gonçalves (S&D), Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D), Bruno Tobback (S&D), Nicolás González Casares (S&D), Elena Sancho Murillo (S&D)

    In his speech at the closing ceremony of the COTEC summit in Coimbra, Mario Draghi stressed that high energy prices, combined with the weaknesses of the energy network, are ‘a threat to the survival of our industry, a major obstacle to our competitiveness and an unbearable burden for our households, and, if not addressed, the major threat to our decarbonisation strategy’.

    One of the key measures suggested by Draghi, alongside a vast, European-level investment plan to build the networks and interconnectors needed to support the penetration of renewable energy, is action to ‘reform how our energy market operates, working to loosen the link between the prices of gas and renewables’. Draghi had the following to say about this issue: ‘it is disheartening to see how Europe has become hostage to consolidated special interests. The European Commission, which has already created a taskforce on transparency, may also want to launch an independent investigation into the overall functioning of EU energy markets’.

    Given the above:

    Does the Commission intend to open such an investigation to assess the effectiveness and transparency of energy markets and, if necessary, consider alternative market design options?

    Submitted: 21.5.2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Briefing – The EU’s climate action strategy – 28-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Under the European Climate Law, the EU must reduce its net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55 % by 2030 compared with 1990, and reach climate neutrality by 2050 (see trajectory in Figure 1). Over the 2005-2023 period, net emissions in the EU decreased by 30.5 % (37 % compared with 1990). The land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector is a significant carbon sink, although its capacity to increase carbon sequestration is under pressure, while the EU emissions trading system (ETS) is one of the most effective mitigation tools, having reduced emissions by the sectors it covers by 48.1 % since 2005. Sectors for which Member States are obliged to reduce GHG emissions under the ‘effort-sharing’ legislation decreased their emissions by 17.1 % in 2023 compared with 2005. Investments tracked as climate-related spending account for 42.6 % of the total grants and loans approved under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the REPowerEU initiative. By 30 June 2024, Member States had to update their national energy and climate plans (NECPs), aligned with the EU’s increased 2030 targets. As of May 2025, three final plans are still pending. A May 2025 assessment of submitted final NECPs show a significant gap reduction from earlier analysis, with net GHG emissions estimated to decrease by 54 % by 2030, compared with 1990 levels. In a 2023 survey, 46 % of EU citizens identified climate change as one of the four most serious problems facing the world. Most Europeans (56 %) said it was the responsibility of the EU or the national government to tackle climate change, followed by business/industry (53 %); 35 % found it to be a personal responsibility. This briefing is one in a series covering all EU Member States.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Green transition – risk of a slowdown in economic development and job losses in eastern Europe – E-002055/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002055/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR)

    According to the World Bank, Romania needs to invest over 350 billion dollars by 2050 just to decarbonise its energy sector – an amount equating to approximately 4 % of its annual GDP. This reflects the enormous burden that the green transition is placing on eastern European countries, with no clear guarantees as to the economic or social benefits.

    In its current form, the ‘green mirage’ could do serious harm to strategic industries, increase dependence on imports from outside the EU and put jobs at risk. While Romania is bearing huge costs, other economies are receiving subsidies or ignoring the rules set at European level.

    • 1.Why is the Commission promoting a climate agenda that is harming eastern European countries disproportionately?
    • 2.How does it justify the costs imposed on Romania in comparison with the preferential treatment of other states?
    • 3.What will it do to protect European industries from unfair competition and balance efforts between East and West?

    Submitted: 22.5.2025

    Last updated: 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Bankruptcy of Swedish manufacturer Northvolt – the crash of the ‘Airbus of batteries’ – E-001140/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission is actively monitoring Northvolt’s situation to mitigate potential negative impacts on the European battery value chain.

    While this bankruptcy, that is mainly due to industrial issues, presents a setback, the Commission’s determination to build a resilient, cost-competitive battery ecosystem in Europe remains.

    A Strategic Dialogue on the Future of the European Automotive Industry began on 30 January 2025, and an Action Plan to enhance the sector’s global competitiveness was published on 5 March 2025[1].

    This includes a ‘Battery Booster’ to support the European value chain, in particular cell production and components through direct funding and non-price criteria for components. EUR 1.8 billion will be allocated over two years from the Innovation Fund to support EU battery manufacturing.

    The regulation (EU) 2019/631[2] on CO2 emission performance standards for new passenger cars and for new light commercial vehicles, as amended in 2023 by Regulation (EU) 2023/851[3], provides a framework for transitioning to zero-emission vehicles, aligning with the EU’s goal to be climate-neutral by 2050[4].

    Based on Article 14a and 15 of that regulation, the Commission is preparing a report on progress towards zero-emission mobility and is reviewing the impact and effectiveness of the regulation also taking into account all the technological developments .

    The Industrial Action Plan for the automotive sector[5] calls for an acceleration of the work on this review which will be based on a fact-based analysis of technological developments.

    • [1] https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_25_636.
    • [2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32019R0631.
    • [3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/HTML/?uri=CELEX:32023R0851.
    • [4] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32021R1119.
    • [5] https://transport.ec.europa.eu/document/download/89b3143e-09b6-4ae6-a826-932b90ed0816_en?filename=Communication%20-%20Action%20Plan.pdf.
    Last updated: 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Request for clarification on the measures weakening the EU fruit-growing sector and benefiting third-country imports – E-000203/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Regulation (EU) 2018/785[1] banned all outdoor uses of plant protection products (PPP) containing thiamethoxam because of unacceptable impacts on bees. Thereafter, the applicant for the renewal of approval of thiamethoxam withdrew its application and the approval expired in 2019.

    Regulation (EU) 2023/334[2] lowered all Maximum Residue Levels for thiamethoxam to the technical zero[3], considering the impact on bees, which is an environmental concern of global nature. These levels also apply to products imported into the EU.

    Decisions on the approval of active substances are always based on a scientific assessment of potential effects on human health or the environment, the consideration of other legitimate factors and the precautionary principle, in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009[4] which does not explicitly include socioeconomic factors[5].

    As set out in its Vision for Agriculture and Food[6], the Commission will carefully consider any further ban of pesticides if alternatives are not yet available, unless the pesticide in question represents a threat to human health or to the environment that agriculture relies on for its viability.

    Member States can grant emergency authorisations for PPP containing non-approved active substances, if these are necessary to combat a danger to plants that cannot be controlled by other reasonable means.

    The Common Agricultural Policy supports farmers with, e.g., investments, research, production methods, replanting of orchards after mandatory grubbing.

    If phytosanitary measures require restriction of movement of fruits/vegetables within the EU, exceptional supporting market measures can be adopted. Horizon Europe[7] prioritises plant health research and innovation[8] under its cluster 6[9].

    • [1] http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg_impl/2018/785/oj.
    • [2] Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/334 of 2 February 2023 amending Annexes II and V to Regulation (EC) No 396/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards maximum residue levels for clothianidin and thiamethoxam in or on certain products. OJ L 47, 15.2.2023, p. 29-45.
    • [3] Technical zero is the limit of determination.
    • [4] Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 October 2009 concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market and repealing Council Directives 79/117/EEC and 91/414/EEC (OJ L 309, 24.11.2009, p. 1).
    • [5] Recital 24 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009: ‘The provisions governing authorisation must ensure a high standard of protection. In particular, when granting authorisations of plant protection products, the objective of protecting human and animal health and the environment should take priority over the objective of improving plant production. Therefore, it should be demonstrated, before plant protection products are placed on the market, that they present a clear benefit for plant production and do not have any harmful effect on human or animal health, including that of vulnerable groups, or any unacceptable effects on the environment’.
    • [6] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the committee of the Regions. A Vision for Agriculture and Food Shaping together an attractive farming and agri-food sector for future generations. COM/2025/75.
    • [7] https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/funding/funding-opportunities/funding-programmes-and-open-calls/horizon-europe_en.
    • [8] AgriFactsheet on Plant Health: https://research-and-innovation.ec.europa.eu/document/e8a5772e-9fca-4583-a81b-649729068f1e_en.
    • [9] https://circular-cities-and-regions.ec.europa.eu/support-materials/funding-and-financing/horizon-europe-cluster-6-food-bioeconomy-natural-resources.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER REVEALS: AS SUMMER SEASON KICKS OFF, TRUMP’S TARIFF WAR SLAMS UPSTATE NY – CANADIAN BORDER CROSSINGS PLUNGE NEARLY 290,000 & PLUMMET A WHOPPING 22% ACROSS ALL NY PORTS OF ENTRY LAST MONTH -…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    New Data Shows Border Crossings Across Upstate NY Are Nose-Diving As Trump’s Tariffs And Ludicrous Comments On Annexing Canada Drive Away Tourists, Putting Billions For NY’s Main Streets At Risk, Jeopardizing Jobs, & Restricting The Summer Tourism Economy

    Schumer Says NY House Republicans Must Stand Up For Upstate NY And The Main Street Hotels, Restaurants & Shops Across NY That Rely On Canadian Tourists And Are Seeing Major Hits To Their Bottom Lines – The House Needs To Act On The Senate-Passed Bill To End Tariff War With Canada

    Schumer: Trump Tariff War & Destructive Comments Are Burning Bridges With Canada, And Blowing A Massive Hole In Upstate NY’s Tourism Economy

    With summer tourism season kicking off and Canadians canceling trips to the United States at record rates because of Trump’s mistreatment of our closest ally and trading partner, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer today revealed new data on how Trump’s reckless tariff war is causing border crossings to plummet across all major land ports of entry in Upstate New York. According to Customs & Border Patrol (CBP), almost 290,000 fewer travelers crossed the Upstate New York-Canadian border last month than over the same period in 2024, a whopping 22% decrease.

    “Burning bridges and ruining relationships with our closest ally and key trading partner, Canada, right when summer tourism season is arriving, is about as destructive as it gets. Upstate NY is on the frontlines of Trump’s destructive tariff war, and this shocking new data shows our tourism economy is paying the price from Buffalo to Ogdensburg,” said Leader Schumer. “Instead of lowering costs, Trump’s tariffs are raising prices for families and driving away tourists who spend billions in our shops, hotels, restaurants, and support thousands of NY jobs. If this trend of depressed tourism continues, this could be a summer in Upstate NY that no small business wants to remember.”

    According to new data from CBP, Upstate NY & Canada saw approximately 1,017,500 border crossings in April, compared to 1,307,381 during the same month in 2024, a nearly 22% decrease across road and bridge crossings frequented by tourists.  A breakdown bridge-by-bridge from the Bridge and Tunnel Operators Association shows just how steeply tourism is declining across all the major land ports of entry between Upstate NY and Canada:

    NY-Canada Bridge

    Region

    April 2024 Auto Crossings

    April 2025 Auto Crossings

    Percentage Decline

    Peace Bridge

    Western NY

    366,159

    309,317

    15.52%

    Rainbow Bridge

    Western NY

    174,395

    119,265

    31.61%

    Lewiston-Queenstown Bridge

    Western NY

    239,645

    204,222

    14.78%

    Whirlpool Rapids Bridge

    Western NY

    32,211

    25,377

    21.22%

    Ogdensburg-Prescott International Bridge

    North Country

    43,945

    31,857

    27.51%

    Thousand Islands Bridge

    North Country

    147,814

    117,953

    20.20%

    Seaway Bridge

    North Country

    209,524

    205,518

    1.91%

    Schumer said this steep drop is alarming and called on NY House Republicans to stand up for their constituents and Main Street small businesses – like hotels, restaurants and shops – and take up the resolution which has already passed the Senate to end this reckless, ill-conceived and harmful trade war with Canada.

    Schumer added, “This should be a bright red alarm for NY House Republicans who have stayed silent as Trump’s reckless trade war has wreaked havoc in their districts. To add insult to injury, he makes absurd declarations on annexing our neighbors to the north, which only depresses travel to the U.S. and the purchase of American products. NY House Republicans need to stand up for Upstate NY and should take up the bill which has already passed the Senate to end this reckless trade war with Canada and restore our cherished, friendly and economically dynamic relationship with our next-door neighbor.”

    Across Upstate NY, businesses are already seeing the impacts of fewer Canadian tourists and are worried that it will get worse, and Upstate New York would feel the impact of this decline first and harder than nearly anywhere else in the country. In Western New York, Canadian tourism is nearly 40% of the overall tourism economy in Buffalo. In Central New York, Visit Syracuse says web traffic from Canadians is down by half this year creating major worry for the summer season, approximately 15% of tourism dollars spent in the Syracuse area come from Canadian visitors.

    According to a recent North Country Chamber of Commerce survey, 66% of businesses are already experiencing a dip in Canadian bookings. Canada is the top source of international visitors to the U.S., with 20.4 million visits in 2024, generating $20.5 billion in spending and supporting 140,000 American jobs. Schumer said if there were even a 10% reduction in Canadian travel, it could mean as much as $2 billion in lost spending and 14,000 job losses across America.

    “The Peace Bridge, as a self-funded agency, is reliant on tolls generated by cross border traffic to provide service to the travelling public. We were just beginning to approach normal traffic volumes following the border restrictions imposed during the Covid-19 Pandemic,” said Ron Rienas, Chief Executive Officer of the Peace Bridge Authority. “The decline of car and truck traffic directly impacts our bottom line and that of every international crossing and hampers the ability to make investments to facilitate  the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce.”

    “As Town Supervisor of Plattsburgh, and through ongoing discussions with leaders from other border communities on both sides, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating impact tariffs are having on our region. The sharp decline in Canadian visitors is hurting families, small businesses, hotels, marinas, golf courses, restaurants, and workers who depend on cross-border tourism to make a living. Beyond the economic toll, these tariffs are eroding the cultural ties that have connected our communities for generations,” said Michael S. Cashman, Plattsburgh Town Supervisor. “This isn’t about politics it’s about real people and the survival of our border region. The harmful rhetoric labeling Canada as a ‘51st state’ only deepens divisions. Canada is our oldest ally and closest friend, and our economies and cultures have long been intertwined for the benefit of us all.”

    Since taking office in January, Trump has damaged the United States’ relationship with Canada by threatening to annex Canada and levying 25% tariffs on Canadian goods. Schumer said this new data on major reductions in bridge crossings shows Trump’s threats to annex Canada and tariff Canadian goods are directly impacting commerce between the two countries, including Canadian tourism across New York State.

    Schumer said he is fighting to end this unnecessary, damaging trade war with Canada and protect tourism, small businesses, and local jobs. Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bipartisan resolution to end tariffs on Canada, and Schumer said this new shocking data shows the urgency for House Republicans to take up and pass it as well. Senate Democrats are also pushing for tariff exemptions for small businesses and putting an end to Trump’s across-the-board tariffs. Schumer said ending this costly trade war is key to protecting American families from price increases and job losses as a result of tariffs on Canada.

    “I am all for addressing trade imbalances, especially with adversaries like China, but these sweeping, ill-conceived tariffs are creating chaos and undermining those goals. Rather than uniting the world against China, Trump has united our allies like Canada against us. The Senate passed a resolution to end this disastrous trade war with Canada, and now it’s time for the House to follow. We need everyone, especially NY House Republicans, to stand up against Trump’s senseless, job-killing trade war that is hurting our tourism industry, New York’s Main Streets, and New Yorkers’ jobs,” concluded Schumer.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Tariffs on corrugated paper products imposed by Türkiye since 2024 – P-001671/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission closely monitors trade defence investigations conducted by third countries targeting EU exports. Trade defence instruments are available to all World Trade Organisation (WTO) members provided that the relevant WTO requirements are abided by.

    In January 2024 the Turkish authorities initiated a safeguard investigation by Notice 2024/1, number 32427, pursuant to the regulation on Import Protection Measures No 25486 published in the Official Gazette of Türkiye, dated 8 June 2004, which implements the WTO Safeguard Agreement into Turkish domestic legislation.

    The investigation covers imports of uncoated paper from all third countries. In June 2024 Türkiye introduced definitive safeguard measures on the product concerned in form of a specific duty of USD 87 per ton, subsequently decreasing every year.

    Since the beginning, the Commission has been actively intervening as interested party in the framework of the investigation, in close cooperation with the EU industry (Confederation of European Paper Industry).

    A first written submission dated 20 February 2024, in support of the EU producers concerned was sent to the Turkish authorities. The Commission also intervened at the public hearing[1] which took place in April 2024.

    Following these interventions certain products not produced in Türkiye were excluded from the scope. The Commission will continue to closely monitor the case and intervene as appropriate during any subsequent steps, such as a possible mid-term review.

    • [1] Communiqué No:2024/1-Paper-All Countries: https://ticaret.gov.tr/ithalat/ticaret-politikasi-savunma-araclari/korunma-onlemleri/sorusturmalar/tamamlanan-sorusturmalar-completed-investigations/teblig-no2024-1-kagit-tum-ulkeler.
    Last updated: 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – GGSC opinion on NGTs – shift of safety assessment and liability risks from biotech companies to the food industry – P-000919/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The Commission recognises that regulatory requirements in general may be more burdensome for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

    For this reason, the Commission has adopted a number of measures aimed at creating a business-friendly environment[1], facilitating access to finance[2], improving access to markets[3], fostering competitiveness[4], and innovation for SMEs[5].

    As regards novel foods, some Member States are in addition providing financial and technical support for SMEs to prepare and submit novel food applications and others are exploring such possibility.

    Furthermore, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recently published the second Call for Expression of Interest targeting Novel Food SMEs[6], aiming at raising awareness and facilitating access for SME applicants to the pre-submission advice service by the European Food Safety Authority, specifically in the area of novel foods.

    The Commission carried out an impact assessment[7] prior to adopting its proposal on plants obtained by certain new genomic techniques (NGTs)[8], focusing on the burden and costs for food business operators and developers to bring NGT plants to the market, and not on additional potential requirements that might arise from other existing EU legislation applicable to Category c NGT plants and products .

    According to the proposal, plants verified to be Category c NGT plants would be subject to other regulatory requirements as they apply to comparable plants obtained by conventional breeding.

    The Commission notes that the Novel Foods Regulation[9] requires every operator to verify whether a food it intends to place on the market is novel or not and maintains a catalogue[10] with examples to support companies in this regard.

    • [1] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions entrepreneurship 2020 action plan reigniting the entrepreneurial spirit in Europe, COM/2012/0795 final (https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex%3A52012DC0795).
    • [2] https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/finance-funding/getting-funding/access-finance/index_en.htm.
    • [3] https://ec.europa.eu/growth/access-finance-smes/cosme-financial-instruments_en.
    • [4] https://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry_en#competitiveness .
    • [5] https://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/policy/innovation_en.
    • [6] https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/call/call-expressions-interest-efsas-advice-novel-food-smes-2025-edition.
    • [7] SWD(2023) 412.
    • [8] COM(2023) 411.
    • [9] Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 November 2015 on novel foods, OJ L 327, 11.12.2015, p. 1. See Article 4.
    • [10] https://food.ec.europa.eu/food-safety/novel-food/consultation-process-novel-food-status_en.
    Last updated: 28 May 2025

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Compliance with EU law of non-EU rail operators in the internal market and its impact on competition and EU operators – P-001645/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Article 1(b) of Directive 2012/34/EU[1] establishing a Single European Railway Area (‘the directive’) refers to: ‘the criteria applicable to the issuing, renewal or amendment of licences by a Member State intended for railway undertakings which are or will be established in the Union’.

    Those criteria are set out in Chapter III of the directive. Under the general requirements for obtaining a licence, Article 17(1) specifies that undertakings are entitled to apply for a licence in the Member State in which they are established. Railway undertakings not established in a Member State of the European Union cannot apply for a European Union licence and, as a consequence, cannot provide rail transport services (Article 17(4)).

    Railway undertaking established in the European Union and in possession of an appropriate licence must comply with all the relevant requirements of EU legislation, including those on governance and separation of accounts.

    Any specific case of alleged non-compliance with these legal requirements should be referred to the Commission’s services for an in-depth informed assessment.

    • [1] Directive 2012/34/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 November 2012 establishing a single European railway area (recast) Text with EEA relevance OJ L 343, 14.12.2012, p. 32-77.
    Last updated: 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EIB welcomes new UN Protocol to mobilise investment for a sustainable ocean economy

    Source: European Investment Bank

    EIB

    The European Investment Bank (EIB) welcomes the launch of the United Nations Ocean Investment Protocol, a comprehensive new framework to align financial flows and business practices with the transition to a sustainable ocean economy. As a knowledge partner in its development, the EIB recognises the Protocol as a vital guide to scaling finance for a healthy and resilient ocean.

    The United Nations Global Compact and the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) today unveiled the Protocol, which builds on the UN Global Compact Sustainable Ocean Principles and UNEP FI’s Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles. The Ocean Investment Protocol offers financial institutions, insurers, ocean industries, governments, and development finance institutions a clear pathway to collectively foster the growth of the Sustainable Ocean Economy and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG14 (“Life Below Water”).

    As the largest supporter of the blue economy among development finance institutions, the EIB Group has committed €10.6 billion to blue economy projects between 2020 and 2024, mobilising €43 billion in total investments. The EIB was also a co-founder of the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles in 2017, helping to set a global standard for responsible investment.

    The release of the Ocean Investment Protocol comes at a pivotal moment, as global momentum builds around a nature-positive agenda, the urgent need to curb carbon emissions, and accelerating action to tackle plastic and chemical pollution. The Protocol is intended to galvanize multi-stakeholder collaboration in the run-up to major ocean, climate, and biodiversity milestones.

    Key elements include:

    • Holistic Guidance for financial actors to manage environmental risks and pursue growth in sectors such as offshore renewables, sustainable seafood, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
    • Data and Disclosure recommendations, promoting greater transparency on nature-related risks and impacts and aligning with global reporting frameworks, including the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, and science-based targets.
    • Sector-Specific Roadmaps outlining responsible financing and operational practices in shipping, tourism, fisheries, renewable energy and other key ocean industries.
    • Policy and Regulation Support to foster investment-ready environments, highlight the importance of marine spatial planning and encourage incentives for sustainable practices.
    • Catalytic Role of Development Finance in advancing pipeline development for the Sustainable Ocean Economy, especially in emerging markets and coastal communities most vulnerable to climate change.

    “The UN Ocean Investment Protocol is a strong complement to the Sustainable Blue Economy Finance Principles, which the EIB co-founded,” said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle. “It provides governments, financial institutions, insurers, and companies with the clarity and guidance needed to align private investments with the Sustainable Development Goals. By setting clear recommendations for responsible investment, the Protocol will help ensure that growth in ocean industries goes hand in hand with environmental stewardship and social inclusion. At the EIB, we look forward to helping turn these recommendations into concrete action for the benefit of people and planet.”

    Background information  

    A thriving ocean is essential for biodiversity, food security, climate resilience, and global livelihoods. The Sustainable Ocean Economy links ocean health with prosperity—making targeted finance more urgent than ever. It is central to achieving the targets of the SDGs, the Paris Agreement and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. With ocean health inseparable from global prosperity, mounting pressures—rising ocean temperatures, overfishing, pollution, biodiversity loss, weak governance, and inequitable access to marine resources—highlight the urgency of dedicated investments and policies that safeguard marine ecosystems and drive equitable economic opportunities.

    The ocean economy is already equivalent in size to the world’s fifth largest economy, and global markets are reliant on the ocean and its industries to support 90 percent of global trade volume. Developing a regenerative and sustainable ocean economy is becoming increasingly central to global transitions in trade, infrastructure, energy, climate resilience, food security and regenerative tourism. The Ocean Investment Protocol responds to the critical need for swift, holistic efforts to preserve ocean ecosystems and foster growth in sustainable ocean-based sectors. It outlines actionable steps to align investments with nature- and climate-positive outcomes, fostering innovation across key ocean sectors. By 2050, the market value of a refocused, sustainable and fairly shared ocean economy is projected to reach USD$5.5 trillion.

    EIB 

    The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union.  

    The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high-impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.  

    All projects financed by the EIB Group are in line with the Paris Climate Agreement, as pledged in our Climate Bank Roadmap. Almost 60% of the EIB Group’s annual financing supports projects directly contributing to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and a healthier environment.  

    Fostering market integration and mobilising investment, the Group supported a record of over €100 billion in new investment for Europe’s energy security in 2024 and mobilised €110 billion in growth capital for startups, scale-ups and European pioneers. Approximately half of the EIB’s financing within the European Union is directed towards cohesion regions, where per capita income is lower than the EU average.

    High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Reliability concerns in the Galileo global navigation satellite system – E-002019/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002019/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bart Groothuis (Renew)

    Galileo, the EU’s global navigation satellite system, is central to the EU’s drive for technological sovereignty. However, recent observations by experts raise doubts about system performance and institutional transparency. On 7 May 2025, the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) issued a notice[1] warning of potential service degradation ‘up to (…) disruption of service’ without a clear explanation. Moreover, an independent observer has reported that multiple satellites are broadcasting outdated data, potentially causing positioning errors affecting navigation and transport. At the same time, cryptographic authentication appears to be malfunctioning, weakening safeguards against spoofing and giving rise to concerns about secure use in critical services such as emergency response.

    • 1.Can the Commission confirm the nature and scope of the reported system issues, including outdated satellite data and authentication malfunctions, and clarify what steps have been taken to mitigate risks to users?
    • 2.What measures is the Commission taking to ensure the continuous accuracy and integrity of Galileo’s broadcast data, especially in the light of recent anomalies?
    • 3.What protocols are in place to ensure timely and transparent communication with users and researchers during service degradations, and does the Commission consider the recent EUSPA notice adequate in this regard?

    Submitted: 21.5.2025

    • [1] https://www.gsc-europa.eu/notice-advisory-to-galileo-users-nagu-2025016.
    Last updated: 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Slovenian Health Services Act – E-001048/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    According to Article 168 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Member States are responsible for the organisation and delivery of their health services and medical care, in full respect of EU law.

    -border mobility of healthcare workers is ensured via the rules laid down in Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications[1].

    Based on the available information, the undergoing reform has no impact on the application of Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications in case of temporary provision of services in another Member State.

    The undergoing reform has no impact on the free movement of healthcare workers wishing to exercise their profession in another Member State regulating this profession with regard to qualifications. Those workers can still have their qualification recognised in line with Directive 2005/36/EC.

    While there is no systematic mechanism to monitor national legislative processes, the Commission is open to receiving information about the effects of legislation and possible impact on the single market.

    • [1] Directive 2005/36/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 September 2005 on the recognition of professional qualifications (OJ L 255 30.9.2005, p. 22) — https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2005/36/oj/eng.
    Last updated: 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Impact on citizens of the Green Deal, the Clean Industrial Deal and a possible carbon levy – E-000911/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    Industry in Europe is under pressure, due to several factors, including high energy prices, international competition amidst rising geopolitical tensions, and overcapacities in third countries[1]. Decarbonising our economies is a global challenge that can be an economic opportunity, as flagged in the Draghi Report[2]. The European Green Deal[3] and the recent Clean Industrial Deal[4] provide the toolbox to strengthen the business case for decarbonisation in Europe .

    The Clean Industrial Deal puts forward concrete actions to turn decarbonisation into a driver of growth for European industries. Specific measures include the Affordable Energy Action Plan[5], aimed at lowering energy bills while promoting the necessary transition to a low-carbon economy, and the upcoming Industrial Decarbonisation Accelerator Act, which will increase demand for EU-made clean products. The Clean Industrial Deal identifies seven indicators to measure progress, such as the annual installation of renewable electricity capacity and investment volumes under InvestEU[6] supporting industrial transition.

    The Commission is not considering the introduction of a direct carbon levy for citizens on top of the EU Emissions Trading System[7].

    • [1] 2025 Annual Single Market and Competitiveness Report: https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/publications/2025-annual-single-market-and-competitiveness-report_en .
    • [2] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/draghi-report_en.
    • [3] https://commission.europa.eu/strategy-and-policy/priorities-2019-2024/european-green-deal_en.
    • [4] https://commission.europa.eu/topics/eu-competitiveness/clean-industrial-deal_en.
    • [5] https://energy.ec.europa.eu/strategy/affordable-energy_en.
    • [6] https://investeu.europa.eu/index_en.
    • [7] https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-emissions-trading-system-eu-ets_en.
    Last updated: 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Tackling child abuse by parents or guardians – E-000872/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The protection of children’s rights is a priority for the Commission, as confirmed in the EU Strategy on the Rights of the Child[1], and the Commission Recommendation on integrated child protection systems[2], which calls on Member States to protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence, including corporal punishment and by actively raising awareness of the rights and needs of children among those who are in contact with children, including parents and care givers.

    In addition, the Victims’ Rights Directive[3] recognises the special needs of child victims and the pending revision proposes an improved access to integrated and multidisciplinary support and protection services, to ensure that child victims are better supported and protected.

    The directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence — which Member States need to transpose by June 2027 — equally recognises the need to protect child victims of domestic violence.

    Reporting procedures need to be accessible in a child-friendly manner, the child shall be assisted by a trained professional and authorities shall implement state-wide effective, comprehensive and coordinated policies.

    The Commission is fully committed to monitor implementation of the above-mentioned recommendation, pursue the adoption of the revision to the Victims’ Rights Directive and ensure the timely and appropriate implementation of the Violence Against Women Directive, which aims to ensure a speedy and coordinated response to domestic violence by competent authorities.

    • [1] EU strategy on the rights of the child (COM(2021) 142 final), https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/en/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021DC0142.
    • [2] Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/1238 of 23 of April 2024 on developing and strengthening integrated child protection systems in the best interests of the child, http://data.europa.eu/eli/reco/2024/1238/oj.
    • [3] Directive 2012/29/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 25 October 2012 establishing minimum standards on the rights, support and protection of victims of crime, and replacing Council Framework Decision 2001/220/JHA, OJ L 315, 14.11.2012, p. 57, http://data.europa.eu/eli/dir/2012/29/oj.
    Last updated: 28 May 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government welcomes passage of Air Passenger Departure Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government welcomes passage of Air Passenger Departure Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025Issued at HKT 19:54

    The Government welcomed the passage of the Air Passenger Departure Tax (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Legislative Council today (May 28) to implement the proposal in the 2025-26 Budget to increase the air passenger departure tax (APDT) from $120 to $200 per passenger. It is anticipated that government revenue will increase by about $1.6 billion per year. The new tax rate will be applicable to air tickets purchased on or after October 1, 2025.

    A Government spokesperson said, “The Government has struck a balance between increasing revenue and minimising the impact on passengers when considering increasing the APDT. The impact of the increase on the overall cost of travelling for air passengers (including tourists) is minimal.”

    The Bill also streamlines the Government’s financial arrangement for paying administrative fees to the airlines and helicopter company. It empowers the Financial Secretary to approve their retention of part of the APDT collected for offsetting the administration fees payable by the Government to them, and provides that the retained fees do not form part of the general revenue under the Public Finance Ordinance (Cap. 2).

    The Bill passed will be gazetted on June 6.

    Ends/Wednesday, May 28, 2025
    Issued at HKT 19:54

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Celebrate World Otter Day May 28 at N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Celebrate World Otter Day May 28 at N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores

    Celebrate World Otter Day May 28 at N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
    jejohnson6

    PINE KNOLL SHORES

    Guests to the N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores will have an opportunity to watch some exciting otter enrichment during World Otter Day on May 28 with North American river otters Eno, Pee Dee, and Rocky. The Aquarium is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    The World Otter Day celebration at the Aquarium will include some otter-inspired activities in the Discovery Classroom and a special enrichment for the three otters at 11 a.m.

    “Otters have such a playful nature — the littlest thing makes them happy. They are charismatic animals and watching them always rejuvenates me. We should celebrate World Otter Day every day,” said Kristen Cook, NCAPKS otterkeeper. “Watching the otters inspires me and our guests to help protect them and their habitats.”

    Otters at the N.C. Aquariums

    All three N.C. Aquariums are home to different otter species that inspire guests to appreciate and conserve otters worldwide. Both N.C. Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and N.C. Aquarium on Roanoke Island care for North American river otters. N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher has a family of Asian small-clawed otters.

    There are 14 species of otter around the world and World Otter Day was founded by the International Otter Survival Fund to highlight and bring awareness to threats otter species are facing.

    While North American river otters are listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened species, their numbers had been reduced significantly in the late 1800s due to over-trapping and habitat degradation and are still not found living in the entirety of their historic range. Their population made a comeback from the brink of extinction in the 1900s thanks to conservation and reintroduction efforts.

    What can you do?

    While one person can’t do everything, everyone can do something — individual actions in your community can protect local species and they can create a ripple effect that can lead to protections for species across the globe

        • Keep local watersheds clean from litter and pollution.

        • Join a local trash pick-up or beach clean-up event.

        • Find a citizen science monitoring opportunity to help researchers and conservation gain more insight on otters.

        • Buy bird-friendly coffee—it’s produced on farms with a shade cover that provides important habitat for different species, preventing deforestation and destruction of homes for animals like Asian small-clawed otters.

        • Don’t ever support illegally traded wild animals as pets.

    Advanced Tickets Required
    Summertime is always busy at the Aquarium and otters are always a guest favorite. Seeing a special enrichment may increase interest and make the day busier than normal. For an enhanced visitor experience, get tickets online and in advance at www.ncaquariums.com/tickets-pks

    About the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
    The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 Roosevelt Blvd., Pine Knoll Shores, N.C. 28512. The Aquarium is open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Its mission is to inspire the appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments and animals. The Aquarium is under the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For more information, please visit www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.

    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.
    May 28, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Nearly 2,000 Acres Adjacent to Moores Creek National Battlefield Added to N.C. Natural Heritage Areas Registry

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Nearly 2,000 Acres Adjacent to Moores Creek National Battlefield Added to N.C. Natural Heritage Areas Registry

    Nearly 2,000 Acres Adjacent to Moores Creek National Battlefield Added to N.C. Natural Heritage Areas Registry
    jejohnson6

    Almost 2,000 acres of forestlands adjacent to the National Park Service’s Moores Creek National Battlefield in Pender County were recently added to the State of North Carolina’s Registry of Natural Heritage Areas. The registry is managed by the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Natural Heritage Program. The newly conserved lands are on five tracts of properties owned and managed by the Clint North family.

    Inclusion of properties on the Registry of Natural Heritage Areas recognizes their value as important natural areas. The registry is a voluntary pledge by landowners to remain conscientious stewards of important natural areas under their safekeeping. A registry agreement signed by the landowner declares their intention to continue to protect and manage the special biological assets and other ecological characteristics of their property.

    During a May 22 meeting at the Battlefield, Charles (Chuck) Roe, the founding director of North Carolina’s Natural Heritage Program, presented a certificate of recognition to the North family for their efforts to conserve these important properties.

    Moores Creek National Battlefield is also on the state’s Registry of Natural Heritage Areas, as one of the early sites to be registered. At the May 22 meeting, another certificate of recognition was presented by Roe to NPS Moores Creek National Battlefield superintendent Matthew Woods, duplicating the award presented by Roe to National Park Service staff in 1986 for inclusion of the battlefield’s natural habitat areas on the state’s registry of protected natural areas.

    Presentations of the Natural Heritage Areas Registry certificates were made on the fortieth anniversary of the North Carolina Nature Preserves Act, signed by Governor James Martin on May 22, 1985.

    About the Registry of Natural Heritage Areas
    The Registry of Natural Heritage Areas is administered by North Carolina’s Natural Heritage Program, which is a unit of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources’ Division of Land and Water Stewardship. The property of an interested landowner is evaluated by staff of the Natural Heritage Program for the presence and condition of natural habitats and biotic resources of exceptional quality or uniqueness. For more information, please contact the N.C. Natural Heritage Program (www.ncnhp.org).

    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.
    May 28, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: “Where’s Joey?”: A sister’s promise echoes through a Wyoming military tribute 

    Source: US State of Wyoming

    Wyoming Veterans Commission 

    By Joseph Coslett Jr. 

    CHEYENNE, Wyo. – It was May 1968. The air was warm, and the laughter of children echoed through an alley in a quiet Wyoming neighborhood. That’s when two men in uniform appeared, walking toward a family’s future, carrying with them the unbearable weight of final news. 
     
    “We got excited to see them,” the sister said, her voice trembling but sure, as she stood before the crowd gathered for the Gold Star Tribute Ceremony. “We just knew Joey would be right behind them.” 
     
    But Pfc. Joseph Padilla would not come home from Vietnam. 
     
    The sister, only nine years old at the time, shared her story as if it happened yesterday. Her voice, filled with childlike innocence and lifelong grief, painted a portrait of the moment her world changed. 
     
    “We thought maybe Joey was hiding—playing hide-and-seek like he always did,” she said. 

    But that game would end in a silence no child should endure. 

    East High School ROTC Color Guard presents the colors while the East High School Choir Abby Petri and Kourtney Keller sing the National Anthem. Community members gather to honor Gold Star families during the 3rd Annual Honoring Our Veterans Memorial Day Joseph A. Padilla Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 22, 2025. Gold Star families are those who have lost an immediate family member in military service—bearing the enduring weight of sacrifice and the legacy of their loved one’s courage. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

    As the ceremony unfolded, her words reached the hearts of every listener. “I remember him saying, ‘You found me,’ and I began to cry.” That memory became a promise: To never forget Joey or anyone like him. 
     
    That promise bloomed into the Joseph A. Padilla Military Tribute Project. A banner initiative honoring the fallen, created not for attention, but for remembrance. Each banner carries a name, a face, a life given in service. 
     
    With support from First Lady Jennie Gordon, Gold Star Families, and Blue Federal Credit Union, the banners now hang with solemn pride. “They welcomed us with open arms,” she said. “This is our third year. I will forever be grateful.” 
     
    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming’s Adjutant General, followed her. “Memories, unless they’re shared, can’t be passed on,” he said. “Ceremonies like this matter because they keep the stories alive.” 
     
    He reminded the audience of the quiet strength behind every Gold Star Family: the parents, siblings, children and spouses who bear the burden of remembrance. Quoting President Reagan, Porter asked the question that begins our national anthem: “Does that Star-Spangled Banner yet wave? 
     
    “It’s not a certainty,” he said. “It’s a commitment. One we must all renew.” 

    Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming’s adjutant general, addresses attendees during the ceremony, encouraging all to “remember through action, not just words.” Community members gather to honor Gold Star families during the 3rd Annual Honoring Our Veterans Memorial Day Joseph A. Padilla Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 22, 2025. Gold Star families are those who have lost an immediate family member in military service—bearing the enduring weight of sacrifice and the legacy of their loved one’s courage. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

    That theme—commitment—ran through every speaker’s message. Retired Master Sgt. Russell Telander, with over five decades in the American Legion, read a poem written with the whispered memories of a veteran. Its lines carried both sorrow and hope:  
    What force inside me made me choose 
    to fight a war I knew I’d lose, 
    to seek the truth I feared to see? 
    What sort of demon was in me? 

    What force inside made me think, 
    in terms of hell, I would not sink? 
    And then, once engulfed by its ways, 
    who would count my remaining days? 

    Who picked me up when I fell flat 
    and said I was better than that? 
    And as I chose to end the fight, 
    who thanked me and said I was right? 

    Who chose the path that I would draw on, 
    who left when I said—when I said “gone”? 
    And when I knew the time was near, 
    who held my hand and calmed my fear? 

    What force inside me made me trust 
    that what I did was good and just, 
    and for the rest of life I’d see, 
    there was no demon inside of me. 

    Community members gather to honor Gold Star families during the 3rd Annual Honoring Our Veterans Memorial Day Joseph A. Padilla Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 22, 2025. Gold Star families are those who have lost an immediate family member in military service—bearing the enduring weight of sacrifice and the legacy of their loved one’s courage. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

    Telander invited the public to help place over 5,000 flags across five Cheyenne cemeteries to honor the silent rows of the departed. 
     
    Sheriff Brian Kozak echoed the theme of shared duty. “Nearly half of our deputies are Guard members or veterans,” he said. “When you’re in need—call us. We ride for the brand too.” 
     
    Then Nick Warren, survivor outreach service coordinator and the final speaker, came the charge to live worthy lives in the wake of sacrifice. “They gave every day,” he said. “Let us dare to be great.” 
     
    Near the ceremony’s end, silence settled as names were read. Each followed by the quiet nod of those who remembered.  The Gold Star isn’t a title anyone wants. It is a mark of tragedy transformed into honor. A blue star in a window becomes gold when a life is lost. But in that gold, there is something sacred—something eternal. 

    East High School ROTC Color Guard presents the colors while the East High School Choir Abby Petri and Kourtney Keller sing the National Anthem. Community members gather to honor Gold Star families during the 3rd Annual Honoring Our Veterans Memorial Day Joseph A. Padilla Tribute in Cheyenne, Wyoming, May 22, 2025. Gold Star families are those who have lost an immediate family member in military service—bearing the enduring weight of sacrifice and the legacy of their loved one’s courage. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Joseph Coslett Jr.)

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi appointed World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), May 28, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board today appointed Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi as Regional Director of WHO African Region following his nomination during a Special Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa held on 18 May 2025 in Geneva, Switzerland.

    “I offer my warm congratulations to Professor Mohamed Yakub Janabi, and to the government and people of the United Republic of Tanzania, on your appointment by the Executive Board as Regional Director for Africa,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “We are grateful for your leadership and experience as we work together to navigate the challenges we face, and position our Organization to be stronger, more sustainable and more effective, using the current crisis as an opportunity.” 

    Professor Janabi expressed gratitude and pledged to intensify efforts to improve the health of the people of the African Region.

    “It is with profound humility and a deep sense of responsibility that I accept the honour of serving as the new Regional Director for Africa. I’m deeply honoured and sincerely grateful for the trust and confidence you have placed in me,” said Professor Janabi. “Strengthening the foundation of WHO’s work in the region remains a core priority for me. By aligning every action we take with country priorities we can deliver measurable, lasting impact that transforms lives.”

    A prominent cardiologist, health strategist and global health diplomat, Professor Janabi has dedicated his career to strengthening health systems, advancing equitable care, and championing innovation and collaboration to improve health outcomes in Africa.

    Professor Janabi will lead WHO’s work in supporting the 47 Member States of the African Region in their efforts to improve the health and well-being of the population. Along with partners, WHO in Africa works across a range of areas — from health system strengthening, to disease prevention and emergency response — to promote, protect and provide health for all.

    His term begins on 30 June 2025 for the next five years and is eligible for reappointment once. He succeeds Dr Matshidiso Moeti, who led WHO in the African Region since 2015.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE conducts worksite inspections in New Orleans

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    NEW ORLEANS — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with the support of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Air and Marine Operations, arrested 15 illegal aliens May 27 during a targeted worksite enforcement operation at construction sites in the New Orleans area.

    The multiagency operation, directed by ICE Homeland Security Investigations New Orleans, led to the arrest of 15 illegal aliens from Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras.

    “Worksite enforcement investigations focus on reducing illegal employment, holding employers accountable and protecting employment opportunities for the country’s lawful workforce,” said ICE HSI New Orleans Special Agent in Charge Eric DeLaune. “HSI New Orleans will continue protecting public safety by enforcing the immigration laws of our nation.”

    The main function of ICE HSI’s worksite enforcement program is to assist the field in maintaining the integrity in the U.S. immigration system, ease pressure at the borders, promote self-compliance in the business community, and protect employment opportunities for the nation’s workforce.

    ICE HSI conducts investigations that target egregious worksite violators. These investigations lead to criminal, civil, or administrative judgments against employers who knowingly hire unauthorized workers. These actions seek to deter employers who hire unauthorized workers. Investigations often uncover multiple forms of criminal activity, such as human smuggling, document fraud, human rights abuses and other violations linked to the employment of unauthorized workers.

    ICE officials have continually emphasized the agency’s continued focus to identifying public safety and national security threats. Individuals unlawfully present in the United States who are encountered during enforcement operations may be taken into custody and processed for removal in accordance with federal law.

    Members of the public with information about suspected immigration violations or related criminal activity are encouraged to contact the ICE Tip Line at 866-DHS-2-ICE (866-347-2423) or submit information online via the ICE Tip Form.

    For more information about ICE HSI New Orleans and its efforts to enhance public safety in Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas, follow us on X at @HSINewOrleans.

    Learn more about worksite enforcement by visiting ICE’s Worksite Enforcement Investigations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Freight Forwarding Company Executive Arrested on Federal Indictment Alleging Massive Scheme to Avoid Customs Duties Payments

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – The chief financial officer (CFO) at a Downtown Los Angeles-based shipping company has been arrested on a 22-count federal grand jury indictment charging him and the company’s CEO with using fraudulent documents, shell companies, bribes to public officials, and kickbacks to Mexican drug cartels to smuggle billions of dollars’ worth of goods from the United States into Mexico, repeatedly lying to U.S. customs officials and defrauding Mexico out of hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of duties owed, the Justice Department announced today.

    Ralph Olarte, 55, of Glendale, the CFO of Sport LA Inc., was arrested late last night at Los Angeles International Airport. He is expected to make his initial appearance and be arraigned this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. 

    Also charged in the indictment is Humberto Lopez Belmonte, 53, of Mexico City, who was arrested and arraigned on Tuesday in Los Angeles federal court. Lopez pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and a July 21 trial date was scheduled. A federal magistrate judge ordered Lopez released on $100,000 bond.

    Olarte and Lopez are charged with one count of conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States. Both defendants and their company, Sport LA Inc., also are charged with one count of smuggling goods from the United States, three counts of knowingly submitting false and misleading export information, five counts of wire fraud for false information submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud against Mexico, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and seven counts of international promotional and concealment money laundering.

    Sport LA is charged with three counts of making false statements to a government agency. The other defendant companies – H&R Logistics Inc. and Olarte Transport Service Inc. – are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.

    According to the indictment returned on April 30 and unsealed Tuesday, Olarte and Lopez, from at least 2013 to the present, operated a lucrative international shipping enterprise. Through shipping companies they controlled, Olarte and Lopez smuggled billions of dollars’ worth of goods from and through the United States into Mexico. Many times, they concealed the nature of the shipped goods, some of which contained contraband.

    The companies allegedly submitted millions of false and misleading statements to U.S. customs officials, used shell companies in Mexico to shield their true customers, and created and presented false documents – including sham certificates for paid Mexican import taxes. They also bribed Mexican customs officials, paid kickbacks to drug cartels – including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) – to operate the scheme and smuggled bulk cash into the U.S. to avoid reporting requirements.

    Olarte and Lopez then laundered the proceeds of their scheme back from the true Mexican customers, through the shell companies, and ultimately into the companies’ U.S. bank accounts. 

    As a result of the conspiracy, Olarte and Lopez personally received millions of dollars in illicit proceeds.

    An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    If convicted, Olarte and Lopez would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count of wire fraud- and money laundering-related count, up to five years in federal prison for each smuggling- and false statements-related count, and up to two years in federal prison for each count of knowingly submitting false and misleading export information. 

    Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), CBP, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating this matter. 

    The cases announced today were investigated by HSI’s El Camino Real Financial Crimes Task Force, a multi-agency task force that includes federal and state investigators who are focused on financial crimes in Southern California.

    The Transnational Organized Crime Section is prosecuting this case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Paycheck Protection Program Loan Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FRESNO, Calif. — Gurjeet Bath, 37, of Fresno, pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of theft of government property, Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced.

    According to court documents, Bath and other family members operated two trucking businesses: G.S. Bath Inc. and Complete Transportation Solutions (CTS), operating in Fresno County. In 2020 and 2021, Bath applied for and received three PPP loans totaling over $1 million. To obtain the loans, Bath knowingly falsified records to inflate his businesses’ employees and their wages. Bath then used approximately $600,000 of those funds to purchase two parcels of agricultural land in Fresno County.

    This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey A. Spivak is prosecuting the case.

    Bath is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jennifer L. Thurston on Oct. 6, 2025. Bath faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Amtrak Employees Admit Participating in $11 Million Health Care Fraud Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    NEWARK, N.J. – Five Amtrak employees recently admitted participating in a health care fraud scheme to defraud Amtrak, U.S. Attorney Alina Habba announced.

    Kevin Frink, 53, of Willingboro, New Jersey, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo in Newark federal court to an Indictment charging him with conspiracy to commit health care fraud. Michael Toal, 35, of Hazlet, New Jersey, David McBrien, 37, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, Damany Walker, 41, of Irvington, New Jersey, and David Lonergan, 65, of Rockaway Park, New York, in recent weeks also pleaded guilty before Judge Arleo in Newark federal court to the Indictment charging conspiracy to commit health care fraud.

    The Indictment also charges four other co-conspirators in connection with the scheme: Quinton Johnson, 53, of Irvington, New Jersey; Gregory Richardson, 35, of Roosevelt, New York; Timothy Bogen, 59, of Hamden, Connecticut; and Dion Jacob, 50, of Brooklyn, New York.  Defendant Rodolfo Rivera, 41, of Clayton, Delaware, previously pleaded guilty to the Indictment, and co-conspirator Anthony Saloka, 44, of Elizabeth, New Jersey, previously pleaded guilty to an Information.

    “The defendants admitted to colluding with corrupt health care providers in a scheme to defraud Amtrak’s health care plan for personal financial gain.  My office is committed to holding accountable those who profit from health care scams, like this one, that harm the public and the health care system.”

    – U.S. Attorney Alina Habba

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

    From January 2019 through June 2022, Frink, Toal, McBrien, Walker, Lonergan, and their co-conspirators—who were also Amtrak employees—engaged in a scheme to obtain cash kickbacks from health care providers in return for their agreement to allow their health insurance plan to be billed for services that were never provided and were not medically necessary. In total, as a result of the conspiracy, the Amtrak health care plan paid over $11 million in fraudulent claims associated with providers connected to the scheme.

    Each defendant received thousands of dollars in cash kickbacks from health care providers in return for their participation in the scheme, including from Punson Figueroa, an acupuncturist.  Defendants Frink, McBrien, Walker, and Lonergan also received cash kickbacks from Michael DeNicola, a podiatrist. Figueroa previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and was sentenced on September 24, 2024 to 34 months in prison. DeNicola previously pleaded guilty on June 29, 2022 to conspiracy to commit health care fraud, among other offenses. His sentencing remains pending.

    The health care fraud conspiracy charge carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Walker’s and McBrien’s sentencings are scheduled for July 24, 2025.  Lonergan’s sentencing is scheduled for August 20, 2025.  Toal’s sentencing is scheduled for October 23, 2025. Frink’s sentencing is scheduled for October 9, 2025.

    U.S. Attorney Habba credited special agents of the Amtrak Office of Inspector General, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Waters, the Amtrak Police Department, under the direction of Chief of Police Sam Dotson, and special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III in New York, with the investigation leading to the guilty plea.

    The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica R. Ecker and Katherine M. Romano of the Health Care Fraud and Opioid Abuse Prevention Unit, and Senior Trial Counsel Barbara Ward of the Bank Integrity, Recovery, and Money Laundering Unit, in Newark.

    The charge and allegations contained in the Indictment against Johnson, Richardson, Bogen, and Jacob are merely accusations, and they are each presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

                                                                           ###

    Defense counsel:  Sarah Sulkowski, Esq. (for Kevin Frink)

        Michael Chazen, Esq. (for Michael Toal)

                                Michael V. Calabro, Esq. (for David McBrien)

                                Michael Rosas, Esq. (for Damany Walker)

                                Bruce S. Rosen, Esq. and Sarah Fehm Stewart, Esq. (for David Lonergan)

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lankford, Hyde-Smith Reintroduce Bill to Strengthen Support for Families Struggling with Infertility

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Oklahoma James Lankford

    Legislation Promotes Restorative Reproductive Medicine Through Existing Federal Programs

    WASHINGTON, DC – US Senators James Lankford (R-OK), chair of the Senate Values Action Team, Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, Chuck Grassley (R-IA), President Pro Tempore and John Cornyn (R-TX)introduced legislation to provide couples with more personalized and effective infertility treatment to help them choose how and when to grow their families.

    The Reproductive Empowerment and Support through Optimal Restoration (RESTORE) Act would build support for the 15 to 16 percent of couples in the United States affected by infertility. By utilizing current federal resources to support education, training, and access to care, the bill is designed to be cost-neutral.

    “Infertility is one of the most difficult challenges couples can face, and most Americans have either faced or know someone who is facing the difficult journey to have a baby.  The RESTORE Act prioritizes addressing the underlying causes of infertility through restorative reproductive medicine. This approach is specifically designed to diagnose and treat a variety of reproductive health conditions in both men and women to restore the long-term health of our families and help them bring the miracle of life into the world,” said Senator Lankford.

    “So many couples of today’s childbearing-aged generations face an uphill battle with fertility struggles that are complex and unique to every woman and man.  The holistic fertility policy promoted through the RESTORE Act aims to treat the root causes of infertility, many of which stem from chronic conditions and environmental factors that are the focus of President Trump’s MAHA movement,” Senator Hyde-Smith said.  “If we are going to truly support women and men who are ready to embrace parenthood, then we should promote substantive fertility solutions that ensure access to restorative reproductive medicine—fully healing couples and empowering them with autonomy over how they start and build their families.”

    The legislation specifically aims to address reproductive health conditions that often contribute to infertility and painful menstrual cycles, including endometriosis, adenomyosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, uterine fibroids, blocked fallopian tubes, hormone imbalances, hyperprolactinemia, thyroid conditions, and ovulation dysfunctions.

    Key provisions of the RESTORE Act include:

    1. Developing educational tools for women seeking information about reproductive health conditions and restorative reproductive medicine.
    2. Providing training opportunities for medical professionals to learn how to diagnose and treat reproductive health conditions.
    3. Directing the Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health to conduct data collection and implement ongoing reports to assess the access women and men have to restorative reproductive medicine and infertility care through proper testing, diagnosis, and treatment of reproductive conditions.
    4. Promoting, through existing funding opportunities in Title X and the HHS Office of Population Affairs, medical training for medical students and professionals who feel called to truly help women and men struggling with reproductive health conditions and infertility.
    5. Advancing lifestyle medicine prescriptions as a method for treating male infertility.
    6. Directing HHS, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and all relevant panels to update the diagnostic and procedural codes related to infertility that implement the practice of restorative reproductive medicine.

    The RESTORE Act works to address the fertility concerns of our childbearing-aged generations in a cost-effective manner with a holistic approach to healing infertility.  First introduced in the 118th Congress, the legislation has been updated to offer more substantive solutions that focus on ensuring access to holistic fertility treatment and restorative reproductive medicine for both women and men.

    The legislation is supported by the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists (AAPLOG) Action, Americans United for Life, Ethics & Public Policy Center, Heritage Action for America, and the US Conference of Catholic Bishops.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • India-Italy relations on upward trajectory; Jaishankar expresses gratitude for support after Pahalgam attack

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Lauding the strengthening ties between India and Italy, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday said that the relations between the two nations are on an upward trajectory, marked by renewed momentum in political dialogue, official visits, and growing mutual interest. He reiterated India’s commitment to consolidating the India-Italy Strategic Partnership.

    Speaking at Italy’s National Day celebrations in Delhi on Wednesday, Jaishankar highlighted the shared maritime interests and commitment to freedom of navigation between the two peninsular nations.

    “Whether in the Indo-Pacific or the Indo-Mediterranean, India and Italy share maritime interests and a common commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and shipping. Italy’s increased presence in the Indo-Pacific, as well as its participation under the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) pillar of science and technology, will certainly enhance our cooperation further,” he said.

    “India-Italy relations are undoubtedly progressing positively. There is new momentum in political dialogue, exchanges, and interest in each other’s potential, which I am confident will be fully tapped by stakeholders. Let me reaffirm our government’s commitment to strengthening the India-Italy Strategic Partnership,” he added.

    Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Italy for its support following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. He noted India’s “firm, resolute, and measured response” in targeting terror centers and launch pads.

    “Let me begin by conveying our best wishes to the government and people of Italy on your National Day. We are thankful, Ambassador, for Italy’s solidarity and support following the barbaric terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

    Referring to Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the attack, Jaishankar said, “India responded firmly and decisively by destroying relevant terror centers and launch pads. The global community has recognized India’s right to defend its people against acts of terror. We believe the world must uphold a zero-tolerance stance against terrorism and cross-border terrorism.”

    The foreign minister noted that the strategic partnership between India and Italy is rooted in shared values and converging interests and recalled the recent meetings between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Italian counterpart, Giorgia Meloni, on the sidelines of the G20 and G7 summits.

    “Our strategic partnership is founded on shared values and converging interests, as reflected in multilateral platforms such as the G20. As the Ambassador mentioned, our Prime Ministers met at both the G20 and G7 summits, and our collaboration continues through initiatives like the IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor), the Global Biofuels Alliance, the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, the International Solar Alliance, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.”

    He added, “Our bilateral relations have gained momentum following the adoption of the Joint Strategic Action Plan for 2025–29 by our Prime Ministers last November. We are optimistic that the roadmap outlined in the GASAP will yield concrete and practical outcomes for both our economies and societies.”

    Jaishankar identified trade and economic cooperation as a vital pillar of the partnership and recalled attending the India-Italy Business, Science, and Technology Forum alongside Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani and Minister of University and Research Anna Maria Bernini.

    “Trade and economic cooperation are vital elements of our partnership. Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the India-Italy Business, Science and Tech Forum with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tajani and Minister Bernini. The event brought together business leaders and representatives from universities and research centers in both countries to explore collaboration across multiple sectors. This forum also presents an opportunity to boost our bilateral trade, which currently stands at USD 15 billion annually.”

    “As the world’s fastest-growing major economy, India offers numerous opportunities for investment. Italy’s technologies and best practices in clean energy, agri-tech, logistics, and shipbuilding, among other sectors, can significantly contribute to India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation — Viksit Bharat — by 2047,” he said.

    The foreign minister also acknowledged the strong Indian diaspora in Italy and expressed confidence in the future growth of mobility for professionals and academics between the two countries.

    “The Indian diaspora in Italy is among the largest in the European Union. They are well-received and recognized for their contributions across sectors including agriculture, dairy, industry, and healthcare. We are confident that in the future, increased mobility of professionals, academics, and researchers will facilitate a greater exchange of knowledge and talent between our two countries,” Jaishankar said.

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Applications open for 2025 French-language funding

    La Province accepte les demandes de subvention pour des projets visant à améliorer les services en français et à promouvoir la vitalité de la langue.

    Le gouvernement provincial investit 250 000 $ pour subventionner les initiatives d’organismes à but non lucratif qui reflètent les besoins et les priorités des communautés francophones en Colombie-Britannique.

    Administré par les Affaires francophones, ce financement a été annoncé dans le budget 2018. Depuis lors, la Province a octroyé 1,25 million $ pour subventionner 23 projets dans des domaines aussi variés que la santé, les services à la petite enfance, la prévention de la violence, la sauvegarde du patrimoine historique, l’accès aux ressources en français, le soutien des jeunes familles et le renforcement de la fondation et du patrimoine culturels africains.

    « J’encourage les organisations francophones à réfléchir sur la manière d’aider leurs communautés à croître et à prospérer, notamment dans les régions moins peuplées et plus éloignées, conseille le ministre responsable des Affaires francophones, Adrian Dix. Alors que la subvention des projets réalisés dans les grands centres urbains profite aux francophones de toute la province, en 2025, nous avons réservé jusqu’à 50 000 $ pour les projets proposés par les communautés moins grandes. »

    Les organismes à but non lucratif ont jusqu’au 20 juin 2025 pour présenter une demande de subvention.

    Plus d’informations

    Détails du programme, critères d’admissibilité et formulaire de demande : https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/office-of-the-premier/intergovernmental-relations-secretariat/en-francais/affaires-francophones/possibilites-de-financement-provincial/financement-provincial-pour-les-services-en-francais

    Applications are being accepted for French-language funding to support projects that enhance services and promote linguistic vitality.

    The Province is investing $250,000 to support non-profit organizations in delivering initiatives that reflect the needs and priorities of B.C.’s francophone communities.

    Administered by Francophone Affairs, the funding was announced in Budget 2018. Since then, $1.25 million has supported 23 projects in areas such as health, early learning and child care, violence prevention, historical preservation, access to French-language resources, support for young families, and strengthening African cultural foundation and heritage.

    “I encourage francophone organizations to consider how they can help their communities grow and thrive, including in smaller and more remote areas,” said Adrian Dix, Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs. “While funding for projects in large urban centres benefits francophones provincewide, for 2025, we are setting aside up to $50,000 specifically for proposals from smaller hubs to ensure these communities receive dedicated support.”

    Non-profit organizations have until June 20, 2025, to submit their application.

    Learn More:

    To learn more about the program details, including eligibility criteria and the application form, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/organizational-structure/office-of-the-premier/intergovernmental-relations-secretariat/francophone/provincial-funding-opportunities/provincial-funding-for-french-language-services

    MIL OSI Canada News –