NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Mayor Bass, and Congressional, State Legislators Unite In Call To End Raids Ahead of Trump’s Military March on Saturday

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    LOS ANGELES – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Mayor Bass were joined today by nearly 30 Congressional and state legislators to call for an end to immigration raids ahead of the President’s military march this weekend. Watch the press conference here. 

    Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove

    “Trump is manufacturing chaos in Los Angeles, using our city as his movie set to justify his authoritarian crackdowns and cruel ICE raids. This is all a distraction. To distract from the fact that Trump isn’t going after ‘criminals,’ but citizens, legal immigrants, and immigrants seeking legal status the right way. To distract from his effort to cut $880 billion from Medicaid. To distract from his destruction of our economy through his Temper Tariffs. These are the real issues that the American people care about—and we will not be distracted.”

    Mayor Karen Bass

    “We are here today because the White House ordered raids of home depots, they took over our state’s national guard, and they activated the U.S. Marines. Let me be clear – Los Angeles is not a war zone. What you’re seeing and hearing out of this Administration is not representative of our city, of our state, of our country. The Trump Administration has caused unnecessary chaos and fear in our city and across the country. It’s not keeping anyone safe. We’ve come together today to demonstrate the American values of tolerance, freedom, and a respect for our Constitution and to show the world what L.A. is really about.”

    Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire

    “Our rights, our freedoms, and our Constitution are under attack. America’s armed forces have been illegally deployed in our communities, our representatives have been threatened and detained, and a sitting U.S. Senator has been handcuffed and muzzled. Today, it’s Los Angeles County in the crosshairs, but make no mistake, tomorrow it could be your community, your neighborhood, or your family. These are the actions of an authoritarian not the leader of the free world. This cannot continue. We’re grateful to Mayor Bass for standing up for all Angelenos and demanding action and accountability from the Trump Administration.”

    Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas

    “Here in California, we are not going to be intimidated. I stand as the first Speaker of the California State Assembly born to immigrant farmworkers. This is personal. My family came from Mexico seeking opportunity, and they found it — in the fields, in the classroom and in the promise of this state. That promise still belongs to every Californian, no matter where they were born or how long they’ve been here.”

    Congresswoman Judy Chu

    “Tonight, I am honored to stand alongside local and federal leaders in Los Angeles to demand an end to the ICE raids and to speak out against Trump’s dangerous militarization of our communities. This is not what public safety looks like, this is fear, intimidation, and overreach. Enough is enough, Los Angeles deserves peace, dignity, and compassion, not armored vehicles and mass arrests.”

    Congressman Mark Takano

    “I am proud of this state, I am proud of the community which I represent, and I am proud of the leadership of this state who are showing the world that we will not be ruled by a king. We will continue to use our voice to object to ICE’s inflammatory tactics to meet arbitrary deportation quotas. My community and constituents deserve more out of a President and our Country.”

    Congresswoman Norma Torres

    “We will not stand by as we see the Trump Administration break the law and harm our state. They are continuing to deploy ICE, the National Guard and the Marines into our city streets without legal authority or coordination with local officials. That’s not just dangerous—it’s unlawful and unnecessary. This kind of unilateral action wastes taxpayer dollars and directly undermines the stability of California—the world’s fourth-largest economy and the backbone of the United States. I am proud to see California’s Congressional Delegation and Mayor Bass standing united to protect our communities, uphold the rule of law, and support the people of Los Angeles.”

    Assemblymember Tina McKinnor

    “This President and his Administration? They not like us. On behalf of the 10 million people that call LA County home, we have a simple message for the current President of the United States. STOP. Mr. President, stop violating the constitutional rights of the people of LA County. Mr. President, stop violating the due process rights of the people of LA County. Mr. President, stop provoking fear and violence in LA County. LA is strong, diverse and resilient. Our resilience is our strength and we will not be intimidated by anyone threatening our peace. Including threats by this President.” 

    Senator María Elena Durazo
    “The Trump Administration is detaining everyday workers, denying them due process, and summarily deporting them. It’s deploying military forces against our own peaceful citizens. Make no mistake, this is an unprecedented assault on our democracy. We all must organize peacefully, defend our communities from this authoritarian overreach, and stand united in our defense to protect everyone’s constitutional rights.”

    Assemblymember Mark González
    “I’m not just speaking today as an Assemblymember — I’m speaking as a son of Los Angeles. I grew up in these neighborhoods. I’ve seen the fear ICE has brought into our homes — parents hiding, children walking alone, families torn apart. This is not justice. This is trauma. But Los Angeles does not live in fear — we rise in love, in courage, and in community. I want to thank Mayor Karen Bass for her steady, principled leadership in this moment. She’s shown what it means to lead with both strength and compassion. So I’m calling on our people: check on your neighbors. Show up for one another. Speak out, organize, and lead with the values that built this city. Because when we stand together, no raid, no troop, no fear can divide us. This is Los Angeles. And we take care of our own.”

    Assemblymember José Luis Solache

    “The families I represent are hardworking people who came here to chase their dreams, not to be treated like criminals. They contribute to our economy, they strengthen our communities, and they deserve dignity. I urge the President to stop these raids, return federal resources to where they belong, and respect the humanity of our people. We stand with peaceful demonstrations, and we will continue to lift our voices with unity and heart.”

    Attendees: 

    • Rep. Sydney Kamlager Dove, California’s 37th Congressional District

    • Sen. Mike McGuire, California State Senate Pro Tempore

    • Asm. Robert Rivas, California State Assembly Speaker

    • Rep. Judy Chu, California’s 28th Congressional District

    • Rep. Mark Takano, California’s 39th Congressional District

    • Rep. Norma Torres, California’s 35th Congressional District

    • Asm. Tina McKinnor, State Assembly District 61

    • Sen. María Elena Durazo, State Senate District 26

    • Asm. Mark Gonzalez, State Assembly District 54

    • Asm. José Solache, State Assembly District 62

    • Sen. Laura Richardson, State Senate District 35

    • Sen. Caroline Menjivar, State Senate District 20

    • Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, State Senate District 28

    • Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, State Senate District 25

    • Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur, State Assembly District 51

    • Asm. Mike Gipson, State Assembly District 65

    • Asm. Al Muratsuchi, State Assembly District 66

    • Asm. Issac Bryan, State Assembly District 55

    • Asm. Mike Fong, State Assembly District 49

    • Asm. Jacqui Irwin, State Assembly District 42

    • Asm. Juan Carrillo, State Assembly District 39

    • Asm. Lisa Calderon, State Assembly District 56

    • Asm. Sade Elhawary, State Assembly District 57

    • Asm. Celeste Rodriguez, State Assembly District 43

    • Asm. Jessica Caloza, State Assembly District 52

    • Asm. Nick Schultz, State Assembly District 44

    • Asm. John Harabedian, State Assembly District 41

    • Asm. Blanca Pacheco, State Assembly District 64

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Mayor Bass, and Congressional, State Legislators Unite In Call To End Raids Ahead of Trump’s Military March on Saturday

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager California (37th District)

    LOS ANGELES – Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) and Mayor Bass were joined today by nearly 30 Congressional and state legislators to call for an end to immigration raids ahead of the President’s military march this weekend. Watch the press conference here. 

    Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove

    “Trump is manufacturing chaos in Los Angeles, using our city as his movie set to justify his authoritarian crackdowns and cruel ICE raids. This is all a distraction. To distract from the fact that Trump isn’t going after ‘criminals,’ but citizens, legal immigrants, and immigrants seeking legal status the right way. To distract from his effort to cut $880 billion from Medicaid. To distract from his destruction of our economy through his Temper Tariffs. These are the real issues that the American people care about—and we will not be distracted.”

    Mayor Karen Bass

    “We are here today because the White House ordered raids of home depots, they took over our state’s national guard, and they activated the U.S. Marines. Let me be clear – Los Angeles is not a war zone. What you’re seeing and hearing out of this Administration is not representative of our city, of our state, of our country. The Trump Administration has caused unnecessary chaos and fear in our city and across the country. It’s not keeping anyone safe. We’ve come together today to demonstrate the American values of tolerance, freedom, and a respect for our Constitution and to show the world what L.A. is really about.”

    Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire

    “Our rights, our freedoms, and our Constitution are under attack. America’s armed forces have been illegally deployed in our communities, our representatives have been threatened and detained, and a sitting U.S. Senator has been handcuffed and muzzled. Today, it’s Los Angeles County in the crosshairs, but make no mistake, tomorrow it could be your community, your neighborhood, or your family. These are the actions of an authoritarian not the leader of the free world. This cannot continue. We’re grateful to Mayor Bass for standing up for all Angelenos and demanding action and accountability from the Trump Administration.”

    Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas

    “Here in California, we are not going to be intimidated. I stand as the first Speaker of the California State Assembly born to immigrant farmworkers. This is personal. My family came from Mexico seeking opportunity, and they found it — in the fields, in the classroom and in the promise of this state. That promise still belongs to every Californian, no matter where they were born or how long they’ve been here.”

    Congresswoman Judy Chu

    “Tonight, I am honored to stand alongside local and federal leaders in Los Angeles to demand an end to the ICE raids and to speak out against Trump’s dangerous militarization of our communities. This is not what public safety looks like, this is fear, intimidation, and overreach. Enough is enough, Los Angeles deserves peace, dignity, and compassion, not armored vehicles and mass arrests.”

    Congressman Mark Takano

    “I am proud of this state, I am proud of the community which I represent, and I am proud of the leadership of this state who are showing the world that we will not be ruled by a king. We will continue to use our voice to object to ICE’s inflammatory tactics to meet arbitrary deportation quotas. My community and constituents deserve more out of a President and our Country.”

    Congresswoman Norma Torres

    “We will not stand by as we see the Trump Administration break the law and harm our state. They are continuing to deploy ICE, the National Guard and the Marines into our city streets without legal authority or coordination with local officials. That’s not just dangerous—it’s unlawful and unnecessary. This kind of unilateral action wastes taxpayer dollars and directly undermines the stability of California—the world’s fourth-largest economy and the backbone of the United States. I am proud to see California’s Congressional Delegation and Mayor Bass standing united to protect our communities, uphold the rule of law, and support the people of Los Angeles.”

    Assemblymember Tina McKinnor

    “This President and his Administration? They not like us. On behalf of the 10 million people that call LA County home, we have a simple message for the current President of the United States. STOP. Mr. President, stop violating the constitutional rights of the people of LA County. Mr. President, stop violating the due process rights of the people of LA County. Mr. President, stop provoking fear and violence in LA County. LA is strong, diverse and resilient. Our resilience is our strength and we will not be intimidated by anyone threatening our peace. Including threats by this President.” 

    Senator María Elena Durazo
    “The Trump Administration is detaining everyday workers, denying them due process, and summarily deporting them. It’s deploying military forces against our own peaceful citizens. Make no mistake, this is an unprecedented assault on our democracy. We all must organize peacefully, defend our communities from this authoritarian overreach, and stand united in our defense to protect everyone’s constitutional rights.”

    Assemblymember Mark González
    “I’m not just speaking today as an Assemblymember — I’m speaking as a son of Los Angeles. I grew up in these neighborhoods. I’ve seen the fear ICE has brought into our homes — parents hiding, children walking alone, families torn apart. This is not justice. This is trauma. But Los Angeles does not live in fear — we rise in love, in courage, and in community. I want to thank Mayor Karen Bass for her steady, principled leadership in this moment. She’s shown what it means to lead with both strength and compassion. So I’m calling on our people: check on your neighbors. Show up for one another. Speak out, organize, and lead with the values that built this city. Because when we stand together, no raid, no troop, no fear can divide us. This is Los Angeles. And we take care of our own.”

    Assemblymember José Luis Solache

    “The families I represent are hardworking people who came here to chase their dreams, not to be treated like criminals. They contribute to our economy, they strengthen our communities, and they deserve dignity. I urge the President to stop these raids, return federal resources to where they belong, and respect the humanity of our people. We stand with peaceful demonstrations, and we will continue to lift our voices with unity and heart.”

    Attendees: 

    • Rep. Sydney Kamlager Dove, California’s 37th Congressional District

    • Sen. Mike McGuire, California State Senate Pro Tempore

    • Asm. Robert Rivas, California State Assembly Speaker

    • Rep. Judy Chu, California’s 28th Congressional District

    • Rep. Mark Takano, California’s 39th Congressional District

    • Rep. Norma Torres, California’s 35th Congressional District

    • Asm. Tina McKinnor, State Assembly District 61

    • Sen. María Elena Durazo, State Senate District 26

    • Asm. Mark Gonzalez, State Assembly District 54

    • Asm. José Solache, State Assembly District 62

    • Sen. Laura Richardson, State Senate District 35

    • Sen. Caroline Menjivar, State Senate District 20

    • Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas, State Senate District 28

    • Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, State Senate District 25

    • Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur, State Assembly District 51

    • Asm. Mike Gipson, State Assembly District 65

    • Asm. Al Muratsuchi, State Assembly District 66

    • Asm. Issac Bryan, State Assembly District 55

    • Asm. Mike Fong, State Assembly District 49

    • Asm. Jacqui Irwin, State Assembly District 42

    • Asm. Juan Carrillo, State Assembly District 39

    • Asm. Lisa Calderon, State Assembly District 56

    • Asm. Sade Elhawary, State Assembly District 57

    • Asm. Celeste Rodriguez, State Assembly District 43

    • Asm. Jessica Caloza, State Assembly District 52

    • Asm. Nick Schultz, State Assembly District 44

    • Asm. John Harabedian, State Assembly District 41

    • Asm. Blanca Pacheco, State Assembly District 64

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lightning: Xi Jinping said China and Kazakhstan should practice genuine multilateralism and protect the common interests of developing countries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Xinhua | 16.06.2025

    Key words: China-Kazakhstan

    Source: Xinhua

    Lightning: Xi Jinping said China and Kazakhstan should practice genuine multilateralism and safeguard common interests of developing countries Lightning: Xi Jinping said China and Kazakhstan should practice genuine multilateralism and safeguard common interests of developing countries

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ukraine Confirms Receipt of Over 6,000 Bodies of Victims from Russia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Kyiv, June 16 /Xinhua/ — As part of the agreements reached at peace talks in Istanbul, Turkey, Ukraine has received 6,057 bodies from Russia, which the Russian side claims belong to Ukrainian servicemen, the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War (CHPW) of Ukraine reported on Monday in its Telegram.

    The repatriation of remains took place in several stages. The final stage took place earlier on Monday. The bodies of 1,245 victims were handed over to Ukraine.

    Law enforcement agencies and expert services of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine will identify the returned remains.

    KSHVOV expressed gratitude to the International Committee of the Red Cross for assistance in the repatriation of bodies.

    The exchange of remains of the dead is part of the agreements reached on June 2 at peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Istanbul. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: US cancels consultations with Russia on normalizing embassy work — Russian Foreign Ministry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Moscow, June 16 /Xinhua/ — The United States has cancelled a meeting with Russia as part of bilateral consultations on the normalization of embassy work, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Monday.

    “To date, the next meeting within the framework of bilateral consultations on eliminating “irritants” in order to normalize the activities of diplomatic missions of both countries has been cancelled at the initiative of American negotiators,” says a commentary published on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.

    M. Zakharova expressed hope that “the pause they have taken will not be too long.”

    On June 11, the press secretary of the Russian president Dmitry Peskov noted that the 3rd round of consultations between Russia and the United States on bilateral issues, planned for Moscow, will be carried out through diplomatic departments. According to him, there are many “blockages” in Russian-American relations, but the dialogue between the countries continues.

    On February 27 and April 10 of this year, two rounds of Russian-American consultations were held in Istanbul, Turkey, to eliminate “irritants” in order to normalize the activities of diplomatic missions of both countries. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Green economic development is one of the main areas of cooperation between China and Central Asia – Kyrgyz expert

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    Bishkek, June 16 /Xinhua/ — Green economic development is one of the main areas of cooperation between China and Central Asian countries, said Baktybek Saipbaev, a candidate of medical sciences and systems analyst from Kyrgyzstan, in an interview with Xinhua.

    According to him, the concepts of China and Central Asian countries in the field of green development coincide, implying, among other things, the transition to an energy-saving model of energy, to renewable energy resources and to energy that causes minimal damage to the environment.

    “Close cooperation between China and Central Asian countries in the field of green energy will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and will also help Central Asian countries in sustainable development,” the expert noted.

    As B. Saipbaev emphasized, all these concepts are also common to China and Kyrgyzstan. The analyst stated that Chinese technologies of water conservation, economical irrigation of agricultural lands, in particular drip irrigation, and combating deforestation and desertification will greatly help Kyrgyzstan if China joins these issues and will develop cooperation in this area in every possible way.

    “If all these joint projects are successfully implemented, then Kyrgyzstan will be able to switch to low-carbon energy and economy. That is, such forms of cooperation will stimulate the low-carbon transformation of the economy of Kyrgyzstan,” the expert said.

    B. Saipbaev also noted that it would be a great help to the countries of Central Asia if China provided assistance in such an important issue as the creation of modern irrigation networks, namely in the construction of watertight canals, aqueducts and pipelines so that water reaches the fields with minimal losses.

    “From the point of view of sustainable development of Central Asian countries, China’s assistance in these areas is difficult to overestimate. China already plays a huge role in this, and it is getting stronger every year. In turn, thanks to this, Central Asian countries can implement large projects for electricity generation, carry out rational water use, and preserve nature,” the expert added. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: One Hundred High School Students Awarded the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship Industry Scholarship

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 16, 2025

    One hundred graduating high school students from across the province have been awarded the Saskatchewan Youth Apprenticeship (SYA) Industry Scholarship. The scholarships, presented by the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC), recognize students committed to pursuing careers in the skilled trades. 

    “Congratulations to this year’s scholarship recipients,” Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. “The Government of Saskatchewan is proud to support your path to a successful career in the skilled trades. Our government understands how critical skilled trades are to the success and growth of Saskatchewan and is committed to ensuring everyone in the province has the opportunity to pursue these important and rewarding careers.”

    Each year, SYA Champions – the educators who oversee the SYA program in their schools – are invited to nominate at least one graduating student enrolled in the program who is pursuing a career in the skilled trades after high school. A selection committee of SATCC staff members chooses the winners based on students’ responses in the nomination form. Students outline how SYA has benefitted them; their current experiences with the skilled trades; and their education and career plans following graduation. 

    SYA Industry Scholarships are unique – students redeem them for $1,000 within two years of graduation by actively embarking on a career in the skilled trades, either by registering as an apprentice and completing Level 1 technical training or by completing a pre-employment course in a trade designated in Saskatchewan. 

    One of the recipients, Tia Kingdon, is graduating from Rocanville School this year. Kingdon discovered her passion for the skilled trades through a career and work exploration class through her high school and plans to apprentice as a Construction Electrician. 

    “In Grade 11, I did a career and work exploration credit [with an electrical company], and it was such a great experience,” she said. “[It] proved that entering the workforce in an apprenticeship program is how I would like to begin my career.”

    To complete SYA, students work through 12 challenges – everything from interviewing a journeyperson to researching and writing a report on a designated trade to outlining the steps to journeyperson certification. All students who complete SYA and register as apprentices in Saskatchewan within five years receive significant benefits: 300 trade hours, plus the waiver of their apprenticeship registration fee and Level 1 technical training tuition. 

    “Graduates of the SYA program learn about the benefits and opportunities that come with careers in the skilled trades, as well as gain valuable benefits when they register as apprentices,” SATCC CEO Jeff Ritter said. “The SYA Industry Scholarship recipients have worked hard to demonstrate they are committed to pursuing apprenticeship and the skilled trades after graduation.”

    Since the scholarship’s launch in 2009, more than 1,400 awards have been issued. Funding has been provided by 59 industry sponsors, including employers, industry associations and unions, alongside the Government of Saskatchewan. To date, $1.2 million has been invested in the SYA Industry Scholarship fund. 

    More than 3,100 students are currently enrolled in the SYA program province-wide. 

    For more information on the SYA program, please visit: saskapprenticeship.ca/sask-youth-apprenticeship. 

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kelly announces Sharon District Office moves to Hermitage

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    HERMITAGE, PA — Today, U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) proudly announced the Sharon District Office has moved to a new, more accessible location in nearby Hermitage, Pennsylvania. The office was previously located at 33 Chestnut Avenue, Sharon, PA.

    Since first taking office in 2011, Rep. Kelly has maintained multiple district offices across the 16th Congressional District—including two other locations in Erie and Butler. This relocation underscores a continued commitment to making federal services more readily available to all constituents.

    “Moving our Sharon office to Hermitage allows us to better serve our constituents by offering enhanced accessibility, more parking, and improved meeting space,” Rep. Kelly said. “No one should have to travel far to get the help they need with a federal agency, and my team and I are committed to keeping this promise.”

    Hermitage District Office Address & Contact Information:

    3877 East State Street
    Hermitage, Pennsylvania 16148
    Phone: (724) 342-7170

    Rep. Kelly’s 2024 Constituent Service Fast Facts

    • 47,326 constituent correspondences (ex. phone calls, letters, email responses)
    • 3,014 constituent cases completed
    • 1,042 constituent meetings
    • 381 Congressional commendations
    • 79 letters of support

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Doggett, Ways and Means Democrats Demand Answers on the Trump Administration’s Palantir Surveillance Database

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Lloyd Doggett (D-TX)

    This formal inquiry follows Rep. Doggett’s questioning of Secretary Bessent on allegations of the IRS releasing Americans’ private information to DOGE.

    Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

    WASHINGTON, DC—Democratic Members of the Ways and Means Committee, led by Health Subcommittee Ranking Member Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), are demanding information on the Trump Administration’s secretive partnership with Palantir to build a vast, centralized database that will compile deeply personal information on the American people. This database is reportedly set to include confidential taxpayer, identity, wage, child support, bank account, student loan, health and medical, and financial data gathered from the Social Security Administration and the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Treasury, as well as records seized by the ‘Department of Government Efficiency.’ 

    “Once again, this Administration is putting power and control above people’s rights,” said Ranking Member Richard E. Neal. “With privacy next to liberty in our Democratic system, a surveillance state is anti-American. The people entrust the government to safeguard their most private data, not weaponize it against them. While House Republicans fail to even lift a finger in protecting the people’s rights, Ways and Means Democrats are demanding answers, and I commend Ranking Member Doggett for his relentless oversight work.”

    “DOGE is seeking unprecedented access, not authorized by federal law, to highly sensitive taxpayer data information. It seeks to merge that data into an omnibus information sharing agreement across multiple federal agencies that will create a federal master file on every American,” said Rep. Doggett. “Placing confidential information on earnings, bank accounts, health care into a single universally accessible format makes it much more exposed to unauthorized individuals. It would be a gross violation of our basic privacy rights. Treasury Secretary Bessent’s evasive answers to inquiries about this scheme make our need to act all the more urgent. This Resolution of Inquiry aims to expose the damage done in order to protect against this dangerous overreach.”

    This mass aggregation of private information—without transparency, guardrails, or consent—is a grave assault on Americans’ liberty and privacy. Privacy advocates, including Republican Members of Congress, have warned of the danger of such a massive pool of government data being handed over to a corporation for undisclosed current or future use without the people’s knowledge.

    Ways and Means Democrats are demanding answers and accountability by giving the President 14 days to provide all documents and copies, records, audio recordings, memorandum, and more, to the House of Representatives relating to the (1) development of a centralized database by the Federal government and Palantir; (2) the purpose and potential uses of a centralized database; and (3) services provided by Palantir to the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Labor, the Department of the Treasury, or the Department of Health and Human Services.

    Read the full Resolution of Inquiry HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Students from Cape Elizabeth, Gorham, and Scarborough to Attend U.S. Service Academies, Pingree Announces

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (1st District of Maine)

    Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced today that three Maine students from the First Congressional District will attend U.S. Service Academies in the fall. 

    Alden Hughes, a senior at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics, will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y. Scarborough High School senior Caroline Benson will attend the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., while Patrick Downey, a senior at Gorham High School, will attend the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y.

    “I’m incredibly proud of Alden, Caroline, and Patrick for being accepted to these prestigious institutions—and so excited for them to begin this next chapter as they prepare to serve and lead our country,” said Congresswoman Pingree. “The leadership, character, and academic dedication they’ve exhibited are truly impressive. They represent the very best of Maine, and I have no doubt they will make us all proud.”

    “My long-term goal is simple: I want to help people,” Alden wrote in his letter requesting nomination. “I believe that I have a purpose on this earth and that is to serve my nation, help those who need help, and protect those who cannot protect themselves. USMMA would help me achieve this goal…”

    “Attending a service academy has been an aspiration of mine since before I entered high school,” Caroline wrote. “By attending an academy, I would be able to continue studying my interests in both flight and the STEM fields. I want to surround myself with like-minded, driven individuals of the highest caliber and to push myself to my limits academically, physically, and mentally. Not only this, but it would allow me to give back to my country.”

    “Through my research and experiences, I feel that I understand what it takes to be a West Point Cadet and eventually a Second Lieutenant in the Army,” Patrick wrote. “In searching for ways to impact my country and give back, I feel that serving as an Officer in the Army is the best choice, and I would be honored to have the opportunity to be able to give back to my country in such a significant way.” 

    To be considered for an appointment to a service academy, applicants must be nominated by an authorized nominating source, which includes Members of Congress.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: PRESS RELEASE: Rep. Barragán Leads Congressional California Delegation Letter to Governor Newsom and State Legislators to Protect Access to Medi-Cal and In-Home Care in 2025-26 Budget 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Nanette Diaz Barragán (CA-44)

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    13 June 2025

    Contact: Jin Choi

    Rep. Barragán Leads Congressional California Delegation Letter to Governor Newsom and State Legislators to Protect Access to Medi-Cal and In-Home Care in 2025-26 Budget 

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Congresswoman Nanette Barragán (CA-44), a member of the Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Health, led 16 Members of the California Congressional Delegation in a letter urging Governor Newsom and State Legislators to protect Medicaid, known in California as Medi-Cal, and in-home care in the 2025-26 state budget.

    Governor Newsom’s May Budget Revision proposes to cut access to Medi-Cal and in-home care through Medi-Cal’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program. IHSS is a type of state and federally-funded Home and Community-Based Services that provides in-home assistance to eligible seniors and people with disabilities as an alternative to out-of-home care. This program allows Californians to remain safely and independently in their own homes and in the community.

    “Medi-Cal and In-Home Supportive Services are essential to helping our most vulnerable community members, including seniors, adults and children with disabilities, and low-wage home care workers,” said Rep. Barragán. “Now, more than ever, it is critical that we preserve access to Medi-Cal. Investing in essential primary health care and social support services like Medi-Cal provides helps lower costs by keeping Californians out of emergency rooms, preventing chronic diseases, and reducing institutionalization or homelessness. Our healthcare system should support Californians, not require them to stay in poverty.”

    “Disability Rights California thanks Congresswoman Barragán for her longstanding commitment to ensuring access to Medi-Cal home and community-based services for disabled Californians, said Andy Imparato, CEO, Disability Rights California. “It is critical to the health, safety, and wellbeing of thousands of Californians with disabilities that the proposals to cap IHSS provider hours and reinstate the Medi-Cal asset limit do not move forward.”

    The letter also acknowledges that the State Legislature took meaningful steps to protect access to Medi-Cal and IHSS in the Legislature’s Version of the Budget.

    In addition to Barragán, the letter is signed by Reps. Judy Chu (CA-28), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-10), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Linda Sánchez (CA-38), Doris Matsui (CA-07), Dave Min (CA-47), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mark Takano (CA-39), Mike Thompson (CA-04), Norma Torres (CA-38), Juan Vargas (CA-35), and Maxine Waters (CA-44).

    The letter is endorsed by Disability Rights California and Justice in Aging.

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Camperdown — RCMP charges a man with child pornography offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a man with child pornography offences in Camperdown.

    On June 12, 2025, the RCMP’s ICE Unit, assisted by Lunenburg County District RCMP, Southwest Nova Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit, and the RCMP Digital Forensic Services, executed a search warrant at a home on Camperdown Rd. and safely arrested a 27-year-old man.

    Investigators were directed to the residence after a social media application notified law enforcement that child pornography had been transmitted using their service.

    Randy Rehberg, 27, of Camperdown, has been charged with:

    • Possession of Child Pornography
    • Distribution of Child Pornography
    • Make Written Child Pornography

    Rehberg was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on September 3.

    In Nova Scotia it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography; anyone who comes across child pornography material or recordings must report it to the police. Failure to report could result in penalties similar to those for failure to report child abuse set out in the Child and Family Services Act. Be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting suspected offences to your local police or to Canada’s national tipline: www.cybertip.ca.

    File 2025-59958

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Camperdown — RCMP charges a man with child pornography offences

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The RCMP’s Provincial Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit has charged a man with child pornography offences in Camperdown.

    On June 12, 2025, the RCMP’s ICE Unit, assisted by Lunenburg County District RCMP, Southwest Nova Integrated Street Crime Enforcement Unit, and the RCMP Digital Forensic Services, executed a search warrant at a home on Camperdown Rd. and safely arrested a 27-year-old man.

    Investigators were directed to the residence after a social media application notified law enforcement that child pornography had been transmitted using their service.

    Randy Rehberg, 27, of Camperdown, has been charged with:

    • Possession of Child Pornography
    • Distribution of Child Pornography
    • Make Written Child Pornography

    Rehberg was released on conditions and is scheduled to appear in Bridgewater Provincial Court on September 3.

    In Nova Scotia it is mandatory for citizens to report suspected child pornography; anyone who comes across child pornography material or recordings must report it to the police. Failure to report could result in penalties similar to those for failure to report child abuse set out in the Child and Family Services Act. Be a voice for children who are victims of sexual exploitation by reporting suspected offences to your local police or to Canada’s national tipline: www.cybertip.ca.

    File 2025-59958

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Video: UK E-petition debate relating to cages and crates for farmed animals – Monday 16 June 2025.

    Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements)

    The Petitions Committee has scheduled a debate relating to cages and crates for farmed animals.

    Irene Campbell MP has been asked by the Committee to open the debate. The Government will send a Minister to respond.

    Read the petition:
    https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/706302

    Find petitions you agree with, and sign them: https://petition.parliament.uk/

    What are petition debates?

    Petition debates are ‘general’ debates which allow MPs from all parties to discuss the important issues raised by one or more petitions, and put their concerns to Government Ministers.

    Petition debates don’t end with a vote to implement the request of a petition. This means that MPs will not vote on the issues raised in the petition at the end of the debate.

    The Petitions Committee can only schedule debates on petitions to parliament started on petition.parliament.uk

    Find out more about how petition debates work: https://committees.parliament.uk/committee/326/petitions-committee/content/194347/how-petitions-debates-work/

    Stay up-to-date
    Follow the Committee on Twitter for real-time updates on its work: https://www.twitter.com/hocpetitions

    Thumbnail image ©UK Parliament / Jessica Taylor

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q29dXKFMozo

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: King, Colleagues Press White House to Resume Processing DACA Applications

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME) and his colleagues are urging the White House to abide by a court ruling and resume processing applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. In a letter to Acting Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Angelica Alfonso-Royals, the Senators highlight the popular support for providing Dreamers a pathway to citizenship and request that the administration comply with the recent Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling to resume processing applications for DACA.

    Sunday, June 15th marks the thirteenth anniversary of President Obama establishing the DACA program via policy memorandum in 2012. Since then, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA, empowering recipients to bolster their careers and contribute an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power and $40 billion in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes. 

    The Senators wrote, “Noncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship, and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States.”

    “Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately,” the Senators continued.

    The Senators concluded by reiterating their request, “We urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to file initial DACA applications can do so as soon as possible.”

    In 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen halted the DACA program and enjoined USCIS from approving any new DACA applications nationwide. While the program was enjoined, USCIS has continued to accept and hold initial applications, and in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published the DACA Final Rule, codifying the 2012 memorandum establishing DACA into regulation. More than 100,000 initial DACA applications are pending with USCIS.

    On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision limiting Judge Hanen’s injunction to Texas.

    In addition to King, the letter is signed by Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Coons (D-DE), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Fetterman (D-PA), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Edward Markey (D-MA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tina Smith (D-MN), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Mark Warner (D-VA), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

    Senator King is a strong opponent of the Trump Administration’s continued efforts to repeal protections for DACA recipients. He has repeatedly sought a legislative solution to provide stability for DACA recipients. He previously joined a group of his Senate colleagues in a letter urging former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to immediately take up the bipartisan House-passed American Dream and Promise Act, which would establish a path to citizenship for Dreamers and immigrants with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) or Deferred Enforced Departure (DED). In addition, King led a bipartisan proposal with Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) that would have provided legislative protections for Dreamers.

    The full text of the letter can be found here and below.

    +++

    Dear Acting Director Alfonso-Royals:

    Noncitizens brought to the United States as children, often known as Dreamers, are American in every way but their immigration status. Many only know this country as their home, and they contribute every day to this great nation by paying taxes and serving in critical roles, such as police officers, teachers, and nurses. Americans overwhelmingly support providing Dreamers a path to citizenship,1 and in December 2024, President Trump stated that he supported protections for Dreamers to remain in the United States.2 Consistent with this statement, we implore you to use your authority at United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to resume processing initial applications for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and provide such protections for Dreamers immediately.

    In 2001, the Dream Act was introduced on a bipartisan basis to provide a path to citizenship to undocumented immigrants who came to the United States as children but remained vulnerable to deportation. Since that time, the Dream Act has been introduced in every Congress. It has passed both the House of Representatives and the Senate with bipartisan majority votes, but no version has yet to be signed into law.3 In response to bipartisan pressure to protect Dreamers until Congress acted, 4 the Obama Administration implemented DACA through a policy memorandum in 2012.

    Since 2012, more than 825,000 people have received deferred action pursuant to DACA. Many DACA recipients report that deferred action—and the accompanying employment authorization —allowed them to apply for their first job or move to a higher-paying position more commensurate with their skills.7 Since its establishment, DACA recipients have contributed an estimated $140 billion to the U.S. economy in spending power, and $40 billion dollars in combined federal, payroll, state, and local taxes.

    In 2021, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen halted the DACA program and enjoined USCIS from approving any new DACA applications nationwide. While the program was enjoined, USCIS has continued to accept and hold initial applications, and in 2022, the Department of Homeland Security published the DACA Final Rule, codifying the 2012 memorandum establishing DACA into regulation. Over 100,000 initial DACA applications are pending with USCIS.

    On January 17, 2025, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a decision limiting Judge Hanen’s injunction to Texas. 11 Pursuant to the order, in Texas, DACA must resume as a limited program providing protection from deportation for current DACA recipients, but without access to work authorization or driver’s licenses as part of those renewals. This order went into effect on March 11, giving USCIS the authority to start processing initial DACA applications from states other than Texas. However, three months later, USCIS has not made any public announcement on whether new DACA applications will be processed; nor has the agency begun processing initial applications that have been pending with the agency for years.

    We urge you to begin processing these DACA applications immediately, consistent with the Fifth Circuit decision and existing regulations, and to ensure Dreamers eligible to file initial DACA applications can do so as soon as possible. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter.

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Westminster Council unveils report to tackle skills gap and boost employment | Westminster City Council

    Source: City of Westminster

    Westminster City Council has published a report which will be used to develop a plan to support residents access 48,000 new jobs expected to be created across the city over the next 10 years.

    Home to 54,000 businesses and more than 755,000 workers, Westminster plays a vital role in the UK economy. However, the city faces ongoing challenges including youth unemployment, low apprenticeship uptake, and significant skills mismatches among its 211,000 residents. 

    To address these issues, the council worked in partnership with Westminster Education, Employment and Skills (EES) Board to commission Volterra to carry out research and provide an evidence based report on Westminster’s Skills Base. This report provides a roadmap to ensure local talent is equipped to meet future demand in key growth sectors. 

    Key Findings:  

    • Up to 48,000 new roles expected across the borough by 2035
    • Fastest growing sectors will be in professional services, creative industries, construction, and hospitality
    • Unemployment and low skills are highest in parts of northwest Westminster
    • Many new jobs will require higher-level qualifications (Level 3 or 4), but over 26,000 residents currently have only GCSE-level (Level 2) or lower
    • There’s a lack of apprenticeships, adult skills courses and sector-specific training in some areas of the city 

    Recommendations include:  

    • Support low-skilled and unemployed residents into key sectors
    • Improve training by strengthening links between employers and training providers
    • Expand access to childcare, English language classes, and entry-level apprenticeships
    • Launch local programmes to help carers, young people, and inactive residents find work 

    This report will directly inform Westminster’s full Skills Strategy, to be released later this year, and guide investment in training, employer engagement and inclusive economic development.

    The Skills Strategy will build on existing council-led or commissioned programmes, including the North Paddington Opportunities Project, which supports economically inactive residents, Digital Dash, a tech-focused employability initiative for young people; Full Potential, a trailblazer initiative for care-experienced young people as part of the Get Britain Working agenda; and Connect to Work, which supports residents with health conditions or disabilities.

    Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said:  
      
     “Whether it’s a young person starting out in their career, a parent returning to work, or someone looking to retrain, we want Westminster to be a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and have access to good jobs. This report gives us the insight we need to bring together employers and communities to help residents gain the relevant skills for the jobs of the future. 

    “A huge thank you to everyone involved on the EESB who have contributed to this work and continue to champion skills and opportunities for people across Westminster.”

     
     Jessie Buscombe, Chair of the EESB, said:  

    “As part of the Fairer Economy Plan, Westminster’s Education, Skills and Employment Board is focused on ensuring residents have access to training programmes that support them into meaningful work. 

    “I’m delighted to see the publication of this independent report which illustrates what more we can do to improve the training offer in Westminster, and I look forward to working with the Board and the Council to take forward this agenda.” 

    Oliver Lantham, Vice President of Strategy and Growth at Workforce Skills, said:  
      
     “The Westminster Skills Base report prepared by Volterra gives the board a solid foundation of facts and insights upon which we can make prioritised decisions. 

    “The board’s objective is to help to close current and future skills gaps so that all benefit from an improved local skills system, and this cannot be done without such a fact base.” 

    Find out more on the EESB and the report here.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Record-breaking turnout as thousands get moving for the Centenary parkrun weekend

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Monday, 16th June 2025

    Thousands of people across Stoke-on-Trent came together for a record-breaking parkrun weekend to celebrate the city’s Centenary.

    Over two days – Saturday 14 June and Sunday 15 June – 2,387 people took part in one of four parkrun events, making it the biggest city-wide parkrun celebration the city has ever seen.

    All four events smashed previous attendance records – with 335 people joining a parkrun for the first time. 

    At Trentham Gardens, 1,434 runners took part, making it the second largest parkrun in the country that day.

    Hanley Park welcomed 530 runners, while the junior parkruns saw 243 children in Longton – the second largest junior parkrun nationally that day – and 180 in Burslem Park take part.

    The record-breaking weekend was made possible with the help of 140 volunteers – whose support, friendliness and dedication added to the incredible atmosphere. 

    To mark the city’s 100-year milestone, all runners and volunteers received a special commemorative Centenary medal.

    Liz Tideswell, regional parkrun ambassador for Staffordshire and part of the team at Hanley parkrun, said: “I’m incredibly proud of the teams at Trentham Gardens, Hanley, Longton and Burslem.

    “They all coped incredibly with such large numbers of participants, showing their dedication, enthusiasm and community spirit. It was great to collaborate with the City Council on this – thank you to everyone involved in making it happen and well done to everyone who took part.”

    The Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Steve Watkins, said: “The Centenary parkruns were a spectacle and a true celebration of what makes Stoke-on-Trent special.

    “It was inspiring to see thousands of people, whether they were doing their first parkrun or their 100th, come together to mark this incredible milestone for our city. The community spirit and positivity across the weekend were amazing and all the participants and volunteers made sure it was one of many highlights on our Centenary programme of events.”

    The Centenary parkruns were part of a year-long programme of events celebrating 100 years since Stoke-on-Trent received city status. To find out more about the events taking place throughout the year go to sot100.org.uk. 

    To learn more about leisure services in Stoke-on-Trent, visit https://activestoke.co.uk/

    To learn more about parkrun and the weekly events you can register to participate or volunteer, visit the website: https://www.parkrun.org.uk/register/. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Come and vote for your favourite community campaign!

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Over 150 applications from community groups have been received this year for the TAK£500+ Participatory Budget Fund.

    This project has been growing over the last four years and making real and lasting impact on our residents right across the borough – and this year is shaping up to be even bigger and better!

    Communities from right across every corner of the borough have put forward ideas they think will have a positive impact on their area – and are now in the running to receive up to £1000 to fund their project! And the power is in your hands to decide who receives that funding!

    There are three exciting Market Stall events taking place, where each applicant will showcase their idea and how it can benefit their community. All you (the public) have to do, is come along to an event, have a look at all the different ideas and vote for your favourites!

    These events will be a fun day for all the family to enjoy, with lots of great activities for the children, spot prizes, and teas and coffees on hand while you check out all of the amazing community ideas!

    The events:

    • Saturday 21st June 2025, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Bannville Hotel, Banbridge
    • Saturday 28th June 2025, 10:00am – 2:00pm: Armagh City Hotel
    • Saturday 5th July 2025, 2:00pm-5:00pm: South Lake Leisure Centre

    We hope to see you there!

    Tak£500+ is a Participatory Budgeting initiative organised by the Community Planning Department where local people get to decide how public funds are used to address needs in their area.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Armagh County Show highlights the strength of our Food Heartland

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Gosford Forest Park was buzzing with activity on Saturday 14th June as the Armagh County Show brought together the best of rural life. Organised by the Armagh Show Committee and supported by Council, this year’s event proved once again why the show is a cherished highlight of the agricultural calendar.

    Despite the wet weather, the show was a true celebration of farming, food, family, and fun, and welcomed farmers, producers, makers, and visitors of all ages to experience a full day of competitions, displays, demonstrations, and entertainment.

    From champion livestock and equestrian classes to mouth-watering local produce in the Food Heartland showcase and impressive machinery exhibitions, the show offered something for everyone.

    Lord Mayor, Alderman Stephen Moutray said: “The Armagh County Show continues to go from strength to strength, and it was a real pleasure to attend this year’s event and meet so many passionate individuals – from livestock exhibitors and food producers to volunteers and families enjoying the day out. Events like this are the heartbeat of our rural communities and play a vital role in sustaining our agricultural traditions while supporting our local economy. Huge congratulations to the organisers for another outstanding show.”

    Among the many highlights was the Food Heartland Showcase, which brought together some of the borough’s finest artisan producers and food businesses. Promoting the best of local food and drink, it proved a major draw for food lovers and those keen to sample and shop local.

    The Council is proud to support the Armagh County Show as part of its wider commitment to promoting the borough as Northern Ireland’s Food Heartland, recognising and celebrating the vital role the agri-food sector plays in local life and the regional economy.

    To learn more about the Food Heartland and its producers, contact:

    *protected email*

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Minister Joly welcomes Airbus’s sale of A220 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 16, 2025 – Paris, France

    Today, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, issued a statement congratulating Airbus and LOT Polish Airlines on their sales agreement regarding A220 aircraft.

    “Global trade is more uncertain and the geopolitical landscape is shifting, but Canada is forging ahead to strengthen ties with trusted partners—and strengthening the strategic industries that will anchor our economic security for decades to come.

    “Today’s announcement at the Paris Air Show about the sale of A220 aircraft to LOT Polish Airlines is great news for Canada and its aerospace workers.

    “This represents another in a long list of airlines adding the A220 to its fleet, a clear signal of international confidence in Canadian innovation and industrial strength.

    “The A220 is a made-in-Canada success story: designed and developed here, assembled in Mirabel, Quebec, and supported by a world-class Canadian supply chain and Canadian talent.

    “This is more than an aircraft sale. It’s a testament to the strength of the Canada-Poland and Canada-EU relationship in an increasingly competitive global economy.

    “The order will help create and maintain thousands of high-paying jobs across the country and reinforce global recognition for a Canadian aircraft that’s changing the game.

    “This is what we mean when we say the next era is about building in Canada—with Canada.”

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CIPO releases its 2023−2024 Annual Report

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 16, 2025 – Gatineau, Quebec – Canadian Intellectual Property Office

    The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO)’s 2023–2024 Annual Report was tabled in Parliament on June 13, 2025. The report highlights CIPO’s achievements during the 2023–2024 fiscal year.

    In 2023–2024, CIPO made notable strides as part of its 2023–2028 Business Strategy, including doubling its trademark examination capacity to meet demand and reduce the backlog of pending applications, and improving intellectual property (IP) education outreach, especially for underrepresented groups. In addition, CIPO has strengthened Canada’s position in the global IP system through international collaborations. CIPO continues to prioritize equity, diversity and inclusion, ensuring it maintains a skilled and representative workforce.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New 3D Elevation Program Fact Sheet for Connecticut

    Source: US Geological Survey

    High-resolution elevation data are critical to Connecticut’s economy, enabling state and local governments, as well as academic and nongovernmental organizations, to make informed decisions on coastal zone management, flood risk, natural resource conservation, and much more.

    Quality level 2 or better lidar is available across the State as a result of partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey through the 3D Elevation Program. Quality level 1 lidar was also collected statewide in 2023.

    Download the new 3DEP State Fact Sheet to learn about available lidar and the many beneficial uses of the data. You can access the fact sheet through the linked button above and at the USGS publication page. Fact sheets for other states are also available in the 3DEP State Fact Sheet repository. 

    To view and access 3DEP lidar data, please visit the USGS LidarExplorer. To download these and other National Map products, please visit The National Map Downloader.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Deeper Look at Hidden Damage: Nano-CT Imaging Maps Internal Battery Degradation

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    NREL researchers are using state-of-the-art nano-CT imaging to reveal microscopic damage and hidden flaws in lithium-ion battery microstructures. Photo by Gregory Cooper, NREL

    The minerals that power lithium-ion batteries—including lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, and graphite—are both highly valuable and difficult to come by.

    As battery storage capacity across the United States continues to grow, constraints on the mining, refining, and processing of key minerals leaves our energy systems vulnerable to the fluctuations of foreign markets. China maintains significant control across the battery supply chain, including 60% to 90% of global mineral processing for lithium, nickel, and cobalt, according to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Energy.

    Direct recycling of battery cathodes within the United States offers an opportunity to strengthen domestic battery supply chains and extend the lifespan of critical materials. However, traditional battery recycling methods are expensive and energy intensive, breaking down materials to their basic elements and rebuilding batteries from scratch.  

    National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) researchers are exploring an alternative method in direct recycling, which aims to preserve and refurbish battery components for a more efficient and cost-effective process. Unfortunately, not all direct-recycled batteries are created equal. Microscopic and difficult-to-detect damage within cells builds up over time, weakening the performance of some batteries. High-quality recovered materials ensure that recycled batteries achieve the performance and lifetime expected by consumers.  

    High-Resolution Insights To Improve Recovery

    NREL researchers look to X-ray nanoscale computed tomography (nano-CT) imaging of batteries at the end of their useful life to reveal hidden flaws that impact the quality of materials recovered for recycling. NREL’s state-of-the-art nano-CT scanner can achieve an impressive 50-nanometer spatial resolution—an ability typically reserved for high-energy synchrotron X-ray facilities.

    This advanced imaging tool allows researchers to analyze the internal structure and composition of energy materials in exceptional detail. Because nano-CT is nondestructive, scientists can observe these changes as they happen in real time, offering essential insights into how battery materials change during operation and cycling.

    “This in-house, high-resolution imaging allows us to inspect specific degradation types that exist in end-of-life battery materials,” said NREL’s Donal Finegan, a senior energy storage scientist. “Combined with other microscopy tools and advanced artificial intelligence, nano-CT helps pinpoint barriers facing direct recycling so we can develop techniques to recover and refurbish high-quality materials that maximize battery performance.”

    Tiny Cracks, Big Impacts

    “Early in this project, we found that the end-of-life material showed a similar energy capacity to pristine, unused battery cells, however, the charging rate was severely diminished,” said Melissa Popeil, an NREL energy storage doctoral researcher. “We were surprised to find that the primary damage type limiting battery performance was morphological changes, or particle cracking within the material microstructure.”

    What started as a basic electrochemical performance evaluation quickly expanded to include in-depth characterization of battery cell capacity, composition, morphology, microstructure, and more to determine the extent of degradation. To maintain real-world relevancy, the project looked at commercial battery cells that were cycled under realistic, long-term conditions as part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Office. Researchers used nano-CT scanning alongside NREL’s Microstructure Analysis Toolbox (MATBOX) to identify and quantify the types of damage within each cell, isolating different layers to maximize spatial variation.

    As researchers continue to develop new direct recycling processes, they will need to address these severe cracks in the cathode active materials. Fortunately, NREL researchers are up to the challenge.

    “Now that we’ve identified the extent of this cracking, we are evaluating new ways to process the end-of-life material to repair some of that damage,” Popeil said. “By targeting mechanical changes to the material, we can avoid extensive chemical processing in favor of simplified and more efficient recovery methods.”

    This research underscores the importance of advanced characterization techniques, such as nano-CT scanning, when determining a future for spent or discarded lithium-ion batteries. Researchers will next expand the project to include a wider range of battery materials entering the waste stream to optimize recycling processes for different battery chemistries, extending the lifetime and value of critical minerals within the U.S. supply chain.

    Learn more about NREL’s energy storage and  transportation and mobility research. And sign up for NREL’s quarterly transportation and mobility research newsletter to stay current on the latest news.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LIFT Program Opens Applications in Business Loan Funding

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The North Dakota Department of Commerce announces the opening of the Legacy Investment for Technology (LIFT) application process today, June 16. This funding opportunity drives economic growth in our state by fueling innovative North Dakota businesses.  

    The LIFT fund received a $10 million appropriation for the 2025-27 biennium. “We are grateful for the support from the North Dakota 69th Legislative Assembly” said Commerce Economic Development Deputy Director/Head of Investments and Innovation Shayden Akason. “Supporting North Dakota companies that are commercializing intellectual property continues to be a strong component of the state’s economic development.”

    LIFT is an innovation loan fund that supports technology advancement by providing financing for commercialization of intellectual property within the state of North Dakota. The use of the loan funds is available to enhance capacity and to the extent possible, leverage state, federal and private sources of funding.  

    Commerce collaborates with the Bank of North Dakota to manage and administer the loan fund. LIFT loan terms include 0% interest for the first three years of the loan, and 2% interest for the next two years, and an interest rate equal to a standard Bank of North Dakota loan for all subsequent years. The program is open to North Dakota companies working in advanced computing and data management, agriculture technology, autonomous and unmanned vehicles and technologies, energy, health care, value-added agriculture, value-added energy, and any area specifically identified by the LIFT committee as contributing to the diversification of the state’s economy.  

    Since its launch in 2019, the LIFT committee has awarded $44 million to 71 innovative companies, propelling North Dakota’s economic growth.

    Applications for the LIFT program will be accepted through July 25, 2025. 

    For more information, application guidelines and program details, visit https://belegendary.link/LIFT.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: FBI Sacramento Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Warns Americans of Elder Fraud

    Source: US FBI

    Ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, the FBI is reminding elderly Americans and their loved ones about elder fraud. This type of fraud takes many forms as criminals seek to take advantage of this vulnerable and growing population. The FBI is committed to educating the public about these scams and investigating financial fraud schemes against seniors. Not only are there devastating financial consequences, but these victims and their loved ones can suffer great emotional and mental effects because of these scams. The FBI investigates financial scams targeting seniors, including investment scams, technical/customer support schemes, money mule and romance scams, and others. According to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) data, in 2024 there was a total of $4.885 billion in losses from 147,127 complaints. This is a 46% increase in complaints from 2023, as well as a 43% increase in losses. In California, total losses were $832,710,048 in 2024. The FBI continues to work with our local and federal partners to tackle elder fraud and stop those who attempt to harm the elderly. “I urge every senior and their families to have open conversations about these scams and to scrutinize unsolicited mail, calls, e-mails, and text messages. Criminals are actively and aggressively targeting seniors, preying upon their trust to drain their life savings.” said FBI Sacramento Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel. “If you or someone you care about is a victim, report the crime to law enforcement. There is no shame in seeking help when you have been harmed and your information may prevent someone else from becoming a victim.” Seniors are frequently targeted by criminal actors, as they are often perceived to be more polite and trusting. These actors may also assume that seniors are more financially stable, own real estate, spend a great deal of time alone, and are less likely to report fraud if they feel ashamed or are unfamiliar with reporting channels such as IC3.gov. Fraud can happen to anyone, and small steps can be taken to protect yourself and your information:

    • Search online for the contact information (name, phone number, email, addresses) of any unknown source which reaches out to you, as well as the proposed offer. Verify the legitimacy of businesses on websites such as Better Business Bureau. Other people have likely posted information online about businesses and individuals attempting to run scams.
    • Resist the pressure to act quickly. Scammers create a sense of urgency to lure victims into immediate action, typically by instilling trust and inducing empathy or fear, or the promise of monetary gains, companionship, or employment opportunities.
    • Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.
    • Never give or send to unverified people or businesses any personally identifiable information, money, checks, gift cards, or wire information.
    • Take precautionary measures to protect your identity should a criminal gain access to your device or account. Immediately contact your financial institutions to place protections on your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

    If you believe you are a victim of fraud, or know a senior who may be—regardless of financial loss—immediately report the incident to your local FBI field office or other law enforcement agency, or

    Resources:

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Libya’s Alahli Tripoli Crowned 2025 Basketball Africa League Champions

    • First-Time Participant Alahli Tripoli Wins Libya’s First BAL Title 
    • Alahli Tripoli Forward Jean Jacques Boissy Named 2025 BAL Most Valuable Player 
    • Record 141,564 Fans Attended BAL Games This Season 

    Libya’s Alahli Tripoli today defeated Angola’s Petro de Luanda 88-67 to win the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) (https://BAL.NBA.com) Championship, which took place at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, South Africa, and reached fans in 214 countries and territories in 17 languages. Alahli Tripoli, which made its BAL debut this season, is the first team from Libya to win the BAL Championship. A record 141,564 fans attended games over the course of the BAL’s milestone fifth season.

    Following the game, BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall and FIBA Africa President Anibal Manave presented Alahli Tripoli with the BAL Championship Trophy and Alahli Tripoli forward Jean Jacques Boissy with The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy for winning the 2025 BAL Most Valuable Player Award. For the first time in BAL history, the 2025 champions received championship rings (https://apo-opa.co/4l9udcZ), following a tradition long associated with global basketball excellence.

    Alahli Tripoli went 9-1 during the Nile Conference group phase in Kigali, Rwanda, and the Playoffs, defeating Cape Verde’s Kriol Star and Rwanda’s APR in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, to advance to the Finals. Alahli Tripoli is the first team in league history to win both its conference and the championship in the same season. APR defeated Egypt’s Al Ittihad 123–90 in the third-place game yesterday, setting a league record for the most points scored in a single game.

    Boissy is also the 2025 BAL Scoring Champion and was named to the 2025 All-BAL First Team and the 2025 All-BAL Defensive Team, recording per game averages of 18.9 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.9 assists.

    Several former NBA players attended games during the 2025 BAL Playoffs and Finals, including 2014 NBA champion Boris Diaw (France; ties to Senegal), seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady (U.S.), BAL Ambassadors and NBA Africa investors Luol Deng (South Sudan), Ian Mahinmi (France; ties to Benin) and Joakim Noah (grandfather from Cameroon), 2015 FIBA AfroBasket champion Olumide Oyedeji (Nigeria), former NBA player Hasheem Thabeet (Tanzania) and former NBA player and Olympian Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Ghana).

    The BAL has also announced the Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sportsmanship Award winner, All-BAL First Team, All-BAL Defensive Team, and Ubuntu Award winner. The voting panels varied for each award and comprised fans, coaches, team captains, media, broadcasters, and scouts.

    2025 BAL Coach of the Year

    Alahli Tripoli head coach Abou Chacra Joseph Fouad led his team to a BAL Championship with a 9-1 record during the Nile Conference group phase and the Playoffs.

    2025 Defensive Player of the Year

    APR center Aliou Diarra won The Dikembe Mutombo Trophy as the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year. Diarra led APR to a 6-4 record during the Nile Conference group phase, and the Playoffs, averaging 17.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks in 10 games this season. He is the first player in league history to win the award twice, having previously received the honor in 2023 with Stade Malien (Mali). Diarra was also named to the All-BAL First Team.

    2025 BAL Sportsmanship Award

    Petro de Luanda (Angola) guard Souleyman Diabate received The Manute Bol Trophy for exemplifying the ideals of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

    2025 All-BAL First Team

    Position

    Player

    Team

    Guard

    Jean Jacques Boissy

    Alahli Tripoli (Libya)

    Guard

    Jaylen Adams

    Alahli Tripoli (Libya)

    Guard / Forward

    Majok Machar Deng

    Al Ittihad (Egypt)

    Forward

    Patrick Gardner Jr.

    Petro de Luanda (Angola)

    Forward / Center

    Aliou Diarra

    APR (Rwanda)

    2025 All-BAL Defensive Team

    Position

    Player

    Team

    Guard

    Jean Jacques Boissy

    Alahli Tripoli (Libya)

    Guard

    Obadiah Noel

    APR (Rwanda)

    Guard / Forward

    Caleb Agada

    Alahli Tripoli (Libya)

    Forward

    Teafale Lenard Jr.

    Made by Basketball (MBB; South Africa)

    Forward / Center

    Aliou Diarra

    APR (Rwanda)

    2025 BAL Ubuntu Award

    Kriol Star Basketball (Cape Verde) guard Joel Almeida won the 2025 BAL Ubuntu Award in recognition of his ongoing efforts to use the game of basketball to positively impact the lives of youth in his native Cape Verde. Over the past year, Almeida organized basketball camps and clinics that reached more than 100 aspiring players and coaches, including from underserved communities. Almeida was presented with the 2025 BAL Ubuntu Trophy during an on-court ceremony on Wednesday, June 11.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Basketball Africa League (BAL).

    Contact:
    Edwin Eselem
    BAL Communications
    +221 78 615 4287
    EEselem@theBAL.com

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Why Canada’s Strong Borders Act is as troublesome as Donald Trump’s travel bans

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Benjamin Muller, Professor & Program Coordinator in Migration and Border Studies, King’s University College, Western University

    Was it just a coincidence that within days of Canada’s Liberal government announcing Bill C-2, the Strong Borders Act, Donald Trump’s administration in the United States released its long anticipated travel ban?

    Perhaps. But the timing also highlights the longtime shared border saga between Canada and the U.S. — and should compel Canada to carve its own path.

    Like Trump’s 2017 travel ban, his 2025 directives significantly prevent or limit access to the U.S. for citizens from 12 mostly African and Middle Eastern countries, with more possibly on the horizon. It’s likely to face judicial challenges and may not survive for long.

    In contrast, Bill C-2 could lead to several significant and broad statutory changes that Canadians will contend with for years to come.

    Data privacy concerns

    Days before Trump’s announcement, the Canadian government advanced the controversial Strong Borders Act covering a wide swath of proposed legislative changes, from intensified border security measures to more restrictive immigration and asylum policies.

    Embedded within the proposed legislation, as Canadian law professor Michael Geist and others have pointed out, are significant risks to digital privacy, along with increased executive authority — also known as “warrantless” powers — without judicial or civilian oversight.

    In these respects, the proposed Canadian legislation could be considered more worrisome than Trump’s travel bans.

    In the fog of the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and Canada, the focus is on American tariffs and their economic impact. But little attention is being paid to Canada’s longstanding co-ordination and co-operation with the U.S. in terms of border management.

    Unfortunately, Canada has a history of appeasing the U.S. on the border. The period following 9/11 is worth noting.

    Increased co-ordination post 9/11

    Successive Canada-U.S border agreements have brought about significant institutional change and reform. These include the Smart Border Declaration — signed shortly after 9/11 — and Beyond the Border, inked a decade later between the Barack Obama and Stephen Harper governments.

    These agreements included greater reliance on biometric and surveillance technology, binational information-sharing and accelerated, robust co-ordinated and co-operative border enforcement (specifically the Shiprider program and the Integrated Border Enforcement Team or IBET).

    The early 2000s saw the rise of new institutions such as the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA), along with significant policy changes that included prolific and more robust American pre-clearance of people and goods, and authorizing CBSA agents to carry firearms (which was once controversial).

    Frequently, these reforms were in response to American pressure or reactionary U.S. policies. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), for example, is an American policy that has compelled travellers to produce passports when crossing the U.S. border for almost 20 years.

    In contrast to the “elbows up” rhetoric of the last several months, Canada hastily made changes to its border policies.

    The narrative of co-operative and collaborative Canada-U.S. border management, however, has not always been as it appeared. Frequently, negotiations and co-operation were difficult, and not without cost to some autonomy in Canada’s border management.

    Asylum seekers

    In the past year, there have been increasing concerns about the impact of potential increases in asylum claims in Canada because of American policies. Those raising concerns often make reference to Roxham Road, the unofficial border crossing that thrived during the last Trump administration due to a loophole in the Safe Third Country Agreement (STCA).



    Read more:
    Roxham Road: Asylum seekers won’t just get turned back, they’ll get forced underground — Podcast

    Such gaps in legislation were modestly addressed, including in the proposed Bill C-2, which will require arriving migrants to claim asylum within 14 days of arrival. After that time, claimants will not receive a hearing and be subject to deportation.

    It’s troubling to contemplate deporting asylum seekers amid the ongoing deportation spectacle in the U.S. being carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement during the Trump administration

    Amid renewed American pressures under Trump and a history of border co-operation, it’s not surprising Prime Minister Mark Carney is following his predecessor in trying to appease the U.S. president via Canadian border policy. And because asylum claimants often languish for up to two years in Canada’s immigration and asylum system, it’s clear there are problems.

    But that doesn’t preclude the need to think critically about the sweeping powers proposed in Bill C-2.

    In particular, enhanced executive powers — in many cases by institutions that have no civilian oversight — must be scrutinized.

    Many of these changes are reminiscent of the kind of co-operative — and sometimes coercive — border policies that emerged in the post-9/11 years. It could be argued that Canadians should have expressed “elbows up” responses to American pressures to reimagine our border almost 25 years ago.

    Furthermore, these changes serve as reminder that co-operative and co-ordinated management of our border is increasingly “baked in,” and despite tariff rhetoric, that’s unlikely to change dramatically without significant pushback from Canadians.

    Revisionist history

    It’s worth reflecting on the nostalgic and revisionist accounts of the coercive — not truly co-operative and collaborative — post-9/11 era of border security management, especially in the heat of the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war.

    Canadians should remember they live during a time of deep integration in border management — but Canada can always assert its own interests and marshal its own resources to manage borders and those who cross it.

    In the long Canada-U.S. relationship, coercion has often masqueraded as co-operation. There are far fewer coincidences in border policy than we might think, possibly including the timing of the Strong Border Act. But Canada must always evaluate its policies in terms of whether they serve Canadian, not American, interests.

    Unlike the Trump administration’s travel bans and deportations, Bill C-2 introduces a wide swath of changes Canadians could grapple with for decades.

    Benjamin Muller receives funding from SSHRCC and King’s University College at Western University.

    – ref. Why Canada’s Strong Borders Act is as troublesome as Donald Trump’s travel bans – https://theconversation.com/why-canadas-strong-borders-act-is-as-troublesome-as-donald-trumps-travel-bans-258366

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Householder’s dumped waste leads to £480 fine

    Source: City of Canterbury

    Home  »  Latest News   »   Householder’s dumped waste leads to £480 fine

    A woman from Dorking who gave her waste to an unregistered waste collector who then dumped it in Mole Hill Road, Whitstable, has pleaded guilty to failing in her duty of care to pass her waste onto an authorised waste carrier.

    Jodie Tyson, 29, of Lyons Court, Dorking, appeared via court video link at Margate Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (12 June), and was fined a total of £480.

    The court heard that the waste, which comprised a mix of materials, was dumped in Mole Hill Road in April 2023.

    Canterbury City Council Environmental Crime Officers began an investigation, and evidence was found linking the flytip to Ms Tyson.

    Despite efforts by officers to encourage Ms Tyson to attend an interview she failed to do so and was issued with a fixed penalty notice, which she failed to pay.

    At court, Ms Tyson was fined £200, with a surcharge of £80 and the costs of the council’s prosecution of £200 – a total of £480.

    Anybody arranging to have waste removed from their property should check to make sure they are using an authorised waste carrier and get a receipt from the company they use. Legitimate companies can be found by looking on the Environment Agency website.

    In this case, the council was unable to uncover any information about who dumped Ms Tyson’s rubbish in Whitstable.

    Published: 16 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get creative for pride month: New art competition launches

    Source: City of Derby

    Young people from across the city can get creative and enter a new art competition for Pride Month 2025. 

    The theme of Pride Month 2025 is ‘Activism and Social Change’ so we’re looking for creative pieces that reflect that theme. It’s a great chance to express your thoughts on making the world a more equal and inclusive place!

    To get involved, entrants need to create a painting, drawing, digital art, poem, photograph, or any other two-dimensional medium and upload it using the submission form on the Lets Talk Derby website.

    The finalists will have their artwork featured in a public exhibition at Derby Market Hall from Monday 1 September to Friday 12 September. The winner, who will be announced on Saturday 13 September at Derby Pride, will receive a £50 Derbion voucher. Their artwork will be framed and displayed in the Council’s House and also exhibited at Derby Pride in September.

    Pride Month is a time to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community, promoting kindness, acceptance, and equality for everyone. It helps raise awareness about the challenges LGBTQ+ people face and reminds us of all of the importance of standing up for each other’s rights. Pride Month encourages everyone to be proud of who they are and to create a more inclusive world where everyone feels valued.

    Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Cabinet Member for Cost of Living, Equalities and Customer Inclusion, said: 

    Pride Month is all about celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and remembering the sacrifices that past generations have made in the journey toward acceptance and equality. Here in Derby, we celebrate the diversity of our people and remain committed to creating a safe and welcoming city for all.

    This art competition is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get creative and will hopefully encourage them to go and learn more. I’m looking forward to seeing what they come up with.

    The competition is open to anyone aged 5-18. Anyone entrants under 18 will need permission from a parent or legal guardian to take part. Before submitting your artwork, please make sure you’ve read our Competition Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Inquest Into the Death of Bernard Quewezance

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 16, 2025

    A public inquest into the death of Bernard Quewezance will be held Monday, July 14 to 18, 2025, at the Royal Hotel, 4025 Albert Street, in Regina.

    The first day of the inquest is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. Subsequent start times will be determined by the presiding coroner.

    Quewezance, 37, was found unresponsive in his cell at the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre on June 2, 2022. EMS was called and staff began life-saving efforts. EMS arrived and took over his care shortly after, but resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and he was pronounced deceased. 

    Section 20 of The Coroners Act, 1999 states that the Chief Coroner shall hold an inquest into the death of a person who dies while an inmate at a jail or a correctional facility, unless the coroner is satisfied that the person’s death was due entirely to natural causes and was not preventable.

    The Saskatchewan Coroners Service is responsible for the investigation of all sudden, unexpected deaths. The purpose of an inquest is to establish who died, when and where that person died and the medical cause and manner of death. The coroner’s jury may make recommendations to prevent similar deaths.

    Coroner Frederick Kovach will preside at the inquest.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –