NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Ice cream sample detected with coliform bacteria count exceeding legal limit

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Ice cream sample detected with coliform bacteria count exceeding legal limitThe Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (June 13) that a sample of locally manufactured pistachio-flavoured ice-cream was found to contain coliform bacteria and its count exceeding the legal limit. The CFS is following up on the incident. A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS collected the above-mentioned sample from a licensed frozen confection factory in Sha Tin for testing under its routine Food Surveillance Programme. The test result showed that the sample contained 260 coliform bacteria per gram, exceeding the legal limit.” “The CFS has informed the frozen confection factory concerned of the irregularity and instructed it to stop selling and to dispose all the affected icecream immediately. The CFS has also provided health education on food safety and hygiene to the staff of the frozen confection factory, who have also been requested to carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection of the premises,” the spokesman said. Under the Frozen Confections Regulation (Cap. 132AC), frozen confection for sale should not contain more than 100 coliform bacteria per gram. The maximum penalty for offenders is a fine of $10,000 and three months’ imprisonment upon conviction. The fact that the coliform count exceeded the legal limit indicated that the hygienic conditions were unsatisfactory, but did not mean that consumption would lead to food poisoning. 13/06/2025, 19:40 Ice cream sample detected with coliform bacteria count exceeding legal limit https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/13/P2025061301075p.htm#:~:text=The test result showed that,the affected ice-cream immediately. 1/2 The CFS will continue to follow up on the incident and take appropriate action to safeguard food safety and public health. An investigation is ongoing. Ends/Friday, June 13, 2025

    Issued at HKT 22:34

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chinese Culture Festival 2025 opens today (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Chinese Culture Festival 2025 opens today

    The Chinese Culture Festival (CCF) 2025, presented by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), opened today (June 13) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (HKCC), launching over 280 events to be held from June to September.

    In a video speech addressing the opening ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that the Government will fully leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under the “one country, two systems” principle to promote outstanding traditional Chinese culture globally and ride on Hong Kong’s international network in telling good stories of China to the world. Mr Lee pointed out that an important strategic direction featured in the Blueprint for Arts and Culture and Creative Industries Development, published by the Government last year, is on the promotion of the profound traditional Chinese culture. He is confident that the Chinese Culture Festival will become an annual signature cultural event in Hong Kong, presenting the rich and vibrant Chinese culture to audiences through innovative approaches. He said that the Government will continue to promote the essence of Chinese culture to citizens of Hong Kong and visitors from overseas and the Mainland, with a view to achieving “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism” and fostering the integration and mutual reinforcement of culture and tourism.

    Officiating guests at the opening ceremony included the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government (LOCPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Wang Songmiao; the Deputy Director General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the LOCPG in the HKSAR, Mr Li Shuguang; the Chairperson of the Working Group on Patriotic Education under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Steering Committee and Legislative Council Member, Dr Starry Lee; the Chairman of the Legislative Council Panel on Home Affairs, Culture and Sports, Mr Ma Fung-kwok; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan.

    The opening programme of this year’s CCF staged tonight is a contemporary dance performance “Dongpo: Life in Poems”, which is sponsored by the Agricultural Bank of China Limited Hong Kong Branch and performed by the China Oriental Performing Arts Group. Directed by internationally acclaimed choreographer and visual artist Shen Wei, the production is inspired by the poetry and life of Su Dongpo, a literary master in the Song dynasty. It revolves 12 of Su’s poems that epitomise the poet’s life philosophy, while reinterpreting Su’s multifaceted legacy through contemporary dance. The production deeply integrates various fine traditional Chinese culture elements, such as poetry writing, traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy, seal engraving, guqin, Chinese opera and martial arts. By merging “cognitive essence” and “aesthetic realm”, this approach is designed to transcend linguistic barriers, allowing audiences to explore Su’s spiritual world through a contemporary lens. The audience gave rounds of warm applause for the splendid performance by main cast performers Su Peng and Liu Jie, outstanding young dancers from the China Oriental Song and Dance Troupe and the Meishan Song and Dance Theatre, as well as for guqin virtuoso and Professor of the Central Conservatory of Music Zhao Xiaoxia.

    The programme also featured an open rehearsal under the “Chinese Culture for All: A Special Performance Series” this afternoon at the Grand Theatre of the HKCC. Close to 400 primary and secondary school students and teachers as well as members of the community were invited to attend, free of charge. This session enabled them to appreciate the humanistic emotions conveyed in Su’s poetry and embark on an artistic journey where “poetry embodies dance and dance incorporates poetry” in appreciating the beauty of traditional Chinese culture.

    The thematic exhibition on “Dongpo: Life in Poems” is currently being held at the Foyer of the HKCC. Apart from introducing the concept and structure of the production, the exhibition also presents Shen’s research notes and design sketches created during the creative process through photographs. Three paintings by Shen that were displayed on stage during the performance are featured in the exhibition. The exhibition will run until tomorrow (June 14). Admission is free and members of the public are welcome to visit.

    The CCF aims to promote Chinese culture and enhance the public’s national identity and cultural confidence. It also aims to attract top-notch artists and arts groups from the Mainland and other parts of the world for exchanges in Chinese arts and culture. The CCF 2025 is held from June to September. Through different performing arts programmes in various forms and related extension activities, as well as community and school activities and more, the festival provides members of the public and visitors with more opportunities to enjoy distinctive programmes that showcase fine traditional Chinese culture, thereby facilitating patriotic education and contributing to the inheritance, transformation and development of traditional Chinese culture in Hong Kong. For more information about programmes and activities of the CCF 2025, please visit www.ccf.gov.hk.

    Ends/Friday, June 13, 2025
    Issued at HKT 22:20

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Georgia Tax Preparer for Fabricating Expenses and Credits

    Source: United States Attorneys General

    Note: View complaint here.

    The Justice Department filed a complaint today to permanently bar tax preparer Tanja D. Hollis, of Griffin, Georgia, and her business, Tanja Tax Preparations LLC, from preparing federal tax returns for others.

    The complaint, filed in a federal court in Newnan, Georgia, alleges that Hollis prepared and filed false federal tax returns through Tanja Tax Preparations that understated her customers’ tax liabilities by reporting false or exaggerated business expenses and claiming tax credits for false education expenses.

    According to the complaint, despite knowing them to be false, Hollis prepared returns claiming business expenses for customers who did not own or operate a business and education expenses for customers who were not enrolled as students. The IRS interviewed Tanja Tax Preparations customers who said they did not give Hollis any reason to believe that the items reported on their returns were legitimate.

    The complaint alleges that, by repeatedly understating her customers’ tax liabilities, Hollis caused the United States to lose substantial tax revenue.

    In addition to a permanent injunction, the complaint asks the court to order Hollis to turn over the ill-gotten tax preparation fees she earned while preparing and filing fraudulent tax returns.

    Return preparer fraud is one of the IRS’ Dirty Dozen Tax Scams, and taxpayers seeking a return preparer should remain vigilant. The IRS has information on its website for choosing a tax preparer, launched a free directory of federal tax preparers, and offers information on how to avoid “ghost” tax preparers whose refusal to sign a return should be a red flag to taxpayers. The IRS also has a checklist of things to remember when filing income tax returns. In the past decade, the Tax Division has obtained injunctions against hundreds of unscrupulous tax preparers. Information about these cases is available on the Justice Department’s website. An alphabetical listing of persons enjoined from preparing returns and promoting tax schemes can be found here. If you believe that one of the enjoined persons or businesses may be violating an injunction, please contact the Tax Division with details.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Türkiye’s renewable power capacity to reach 38.2GW in 2035, forecasts GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Türkiye’s renewable power capacity to reach 38.2GW in 2035, forecasts GlobalData

    Posted in Power

    Türkiye boasts one of the world’s most rapidly expanding energy markets, driven by its robust economic growth. However, the country relies heavily on fossil and electricity imports to meet its domestic power demand. To reduce this dependency, the country is looking to expand is renewable capacity. In October 2024, Türkiye’s Ministry of Energy unveiled its 2035 roadmap for renewable energy. Against this backdrop, the country’s renewable power capacity is forecast to reach 38.2GW in 2035, registering a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1% during 2024-35, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s latest report, “Turkey Power Market Outlook to 2035, Update 2025 – Market Trends, Regulations, and Competitive Landscape,” reveals that annual power generation in Türkiye is expected to increase at a CAGR of 8.6% during 2024-35 to reach 213.5TWh.

    Attaurrahman Ojindaram Saibasan, Senior Power Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Türkiye aims to quadruple its wind and solar capacity, targeting a goal of 120GW by 2035. To achieve this, the country plans to install between 7.5 and 8GW of renewable energy capacity annually, with an investment of $80 billion. The strategy includes the addition of at least 2GW of wind capacity each year through YEKA auctions, which  included 1.2GW of wind and 800MW of solar in the YEKA 2024 auction. Furthermore, the development of 5GW of offshore wind is targeted. These targets are expected to augment renewable power development.”

    Saibasan adds: “Türkiye’s increasing demand for power has been driven by the nation’s expanding GDP and population growth, with projections indicating a continued upward trend. As the primary source of power generation in Türkiye, thermal power—predominantly derived from natural gas, followed by hard coal and lignite—plays a crucial role.”

    However, Türkiye’s domestic fossil fuel resources are limited, necessitating a heavy reliance on imported fuels to satisfy its energy needs, including those for power generation. According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye, approximately 74% of Turkey’s energy requirements are met through imports. The country sources natural gas from Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Algeria, and Nigeria, while its crude oil imports primarily come from Iraq, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Colombia, Kazakhstan, and Nigeria.

    Saibasan concludes: “To overcome the challenge, the country has placed focus on nuclear and renewable power. Within the renewable power segment, solar PV constituted nearly 51.3% of the total renewable power capacity followed by onshore wind, accounting for 32.9% in 2024. The country is looking to add offshore wind into its capacity mix by 2032. In the Offshore Wind Roadmap, Türkiye has established a goal of achieving 5GW of installed capacity for offshore wind power by 2035.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Retail icon to £1 bargain: Poundland’s sale exposes cracks in value retailer, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Retail icon to £1 bargain: Poundland’s sale exposes cracks in value retailer, says GlobalData

    Posted in Retail

    Following the news that Poundland has been sold for £1 to turnaround firm Gordon Brothers with up to 100 stores set for closure;

    Emily Scott, Retail Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, offers her view:

    “Poundland’s sale comes amid mounting losses and declining revenue, as it has faced intense competition and the distraction of the failed introduction of its Pepco clothing and general merchandise range. Poundland’s appeal was rooted in its straightforward approach to value with a single price point. However, in recent years, the retailer has strayed far from this. The introduction of multiple price points has confused customers, while still not enabling shoppers to trade up within its ranges as it lacks the additional choice of mid to premium products. Poundland has lost out as consumers are becoming more discerning, seeking a better balance between quality and value for money, driving them to trade up. The British variety store chain has also faced increasing competition from the grocers, particularly as Tesco has leveraged its Clubcard loyalty scheme to offer customers exclusive discounts and enhanced value.

    “GlobalData estimates that Home Bargains, B&M and The Range’s market shares in the UK discount market have increased by 7.2ppts, 6.2ppts and 1.3ppts, respectively, between 2019 and 2024, while Poundland’s share has fallen 2.3ppts. Poundland’s weak variety of branded goods at low prices has meant it has struggled to keep pace, damaging its brand perception amongst brand- and budget-conscious shoppers.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Influencers hail Nvidia-Mistral partnership as game-change for European tech, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Influencers hail Nvidia-Mistral partnership as game-change for European tech, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    NVIDIA Corp (NVIDIA) has announced a significant partnership with French startup Mistral AI to build “Mistral Compute,” a powerful new AI cloud infrastructure. While influencers have universally praised the scale of the initiative, which will deploy tens of thousands of GPUs, influencers see it as a monumental win for both European AI sovereignty and the US-led open-source movement, reveals the Social Media Analytics Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Smitarani Tripathy, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Influencers lauded the partnership for creating an integrated AI stack that will massively increase AI compute capacity. However, a clear divergence emerged in their analysis. Some framed the deal as a game-changer for European tech, emphasizing the creation of a ‘Sovereign AI infrastructure.’ Also, a few others saw it as a ‘massive win for America,’ suggesting that open models running on US chips could become the global template.”

    Below are a few popular influencers opinions captured by GlobalData’s Social Media Analytics Platform:

    1. Ray Wang, Technologist:

    “1) One of the key partnerships announced is between Nvidia and French startup Mistral, which will build an “AI cloud” that will deploy 18,000 Nvidia Grace Blackwell chips. This will allow businesses to develop and use AI through Mistral’s models, Nvidia said. 2) In Germany, Nvidia said it is building what it has dubbed as an “industrial cloud” that will feature 10,000 GPUs and will be specifically designed to provide services for European manufacturers.”

    1. Paul Murphy, Partner at Lightspeed:

    “Our @lightspeedvp  portfolio company @MistralAI ‘s next big move – Mistral Compute 18,000 NVIDIA Grace Blackwell chips, 10x increase in EU AI compute capacity over 2 years. Sovereign AI infrastructure, game changing for European tech! ”

    1. Beth Kindig, Lead Tech Analyst at I/O Fund :

    “Mistral and Nvidia $NVDA are partnering to create Mistral Compute, offering customers a private and integrated AI stack spanning GPUs, orchestration, APIs, products and services, with “tens of thousands” of GPUs available..”

    1. Anjney Midha, General Partner @ a16z:

    “”Today we’re announcing we’re going to build an AI cloud together with @MistralAI”  Jensen @nvidia GTC today unveiling Mistral Compute This is a massive win for America and for open source Open models on US chips wil be the template for AI infrastructure buildouts globally.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Danone Bebelac ads highlight nutritional innovation, child well-being, and parental trust, reveals GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Danone Bebelac ads highlight nutritional innovation, child well-being, and parental trust, reveals GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    French food giant Danone’s YouTube advertisements of growing-up milk brand Bebelac from December 2024 to May 2025 emphasize key values such as child health, parental involvement, and evidence-based nutrition, appealing to caregivers who seek optimal choices for their children. They aim to foster a sense of community among parents, facilitating the exchange of experiences and insights related to child nutrition and development, reveals Global Ads Platform of GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    Sagar Kishor, Ads Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Bebelac’s advertising strategy skilfully addresses the concerns of modern parents by prioritizing the essential nutritional needs of their children. The brand’s emphasis on promoting cognitive and social development, along with its engaging and playful approach, establishes Bebelac’s presence in the child nutrition sector. Furthermore, the integration of recognizable characters and interactive promotions enhances the brand’s visibility and resonance with families, creating a stronger bond with consumers.”

    Below are the key focus areas of Bebelac’s advertisements, revealed by GlobalData’s Global Ads Platform:

    Nutritional innovation: Bebelac’s advertising highlights its commitment to child nutritional innovation through unique product formulations, including Bebelac Gold, Soya, and the prebiotics blend fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), which is beneficial for gut health.

    Child well-being and comfort: The baby formula brand’s advertisements focus on ensuring the well-being of children by promoting products such as Bebelac Gold, which supports digestive health and minimizes fussiness. This messaging provides reassurance to parents, allowing them to feel confident that their children can enjoy nutritious options free from added sugars.

    Holistic development: The advertisement “Rahasia Don Hebat” for product “Bebelac 3” emphasizes both cognitive and social skills and illustrates how the formula supports problem-solving abilities and emotional intelligence, reinforcing the idea that nutrition plays a vital role in a child’s overall development.

    Trust and transparency: The advertising strategy emphasizes trust and transparency by showcasing authentic testimonials and clearly disclosing ingredient information. This approach builds credibility with parents, empowering them to make informed decisions about their children’s nutrition while nurturing brand loyalty and confidence.

    Kishor concludes: “By addressing both the rational and emotional needs of caregivers, the brand effectively positions itself as a trusted partner in a child’s growth journey. This dual-pronged approach not only enhances brand equity but also strengthens consumer engagement in a competitive and highly sensitive market segment.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government must retain and retrain Alexander Dennis workers

    Source: Scottish Greens

    13 Jun 2025 Economy Transport

    The workers whose jobs are at risk must be protected by our governments

    More in Economy

    The Scottish and UK governments must take immediate actions to retain the highly skilled workforce from Alexander Dennis if their factories in Falkirk and Lambert close, the Scottish Greens have said.

    Writing to the Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, Mark Ruskell MSP said that the closure put 400 direct jobs at risk, and up to 1,600 more indirectly in the wider Falkirk and Grangemouth area. 

    Speaking after sending the letter, Mr Ruskell said:

    “The factories in Falkirk and Lambert are putting electric buses on roads across Europe. Their closure would be a devastating blow to local communities at a time when our green economy should be booming.

    “Manufacturing could continue here profitably for years to come, and the Government must leave no stone unturned to keep them working. But if their owners are determined to move, then Ministers need to recognise the importance that retaining a skilled workforce has for Scotland’s future.

    “We recognised this at Grangemouth, and when the refinery closed Forth Valley College received funding to offer support and training. This helped keep these essential skills in our communities and economy.

    “The First Minister has said he’ll do “everything he can” to support the workers. But we must now see those words transform into action with a proper plan, community and trade union involvement, and significant investment. To do anything else would be a betrayal of Scotland’s future.”

    Text of letter sent to DFM Kate Forbes by Mark Ruskell

    Dear Deputy First Minister,  

    I write to you following the news that bus manufacturer Alexander Dennis, which has 
    factories in Falkirk and Larbert, announced that it was considering moving 
    manufacturing to a site in Scarborough.

    This decision is a further devastating blow to hundreds of workers and to a community 
    that already feels like it has been abandoned following job losses at the nearby INEOS 
    site in Grangemouth. 

    From conversations with Unite the Union representatives there is understandable worry 
    around the uncertainty and many of their members want answers and action from their 
    elected representatives.

    The workers from ALD, similarly to those from Grangemouth, could have a crucial role to 
    play in our green future. But warm words alone about a just transition won’t pay the 
    bills, it needs investment, and it needs a proper plan. To achieve our climate targets, we 
    must retain the workers, and urgently upscale their knowledge and skills needed to 
    deliver them. 

    I believe that there is life in the current Falkirk and Larbert sites, and that manufacturing 
    in Scotland can continue for many years to come. However, if the Canadian owned firm 
    have their sights set on England, then I would hope that the Scottish and UK 
    Governments would support workers at risk of redundancy with skills and training.

    These workers are highly skilled and have an important contribution to make locally and 
    nationally. 
     
    Forth Valley College has received funding from the Scottish and UK Governments to 
    support the Grangemouth workers and this should be no different for those employed 
    by Alexander Dennis. For every job in bus manufacturing, it is estimated that there is a 
    multiplier of three to four jobs in the wider supply chain and support services. The 
    closure announcement on this basis put up to 1,600 jobs at risk in the wider Falkirk and 
    Grangemouth area. 

    I hope that Ministers will work with the trade unions to retain jobs and skills in the 
    community and to ensure that it is workers and local people who are leading the 
    process.  

    Could I ask when the Government is planning to meet with workers and trade unions? It 
    would be beneficial to get all parties round the table, including the current employers, 
    to explore the next steps. 

    Kind regards, 

    Mark Ruskell MSP 
    MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Canada attends the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 13, 2025

    Nice, France – Canada’s oceans are facing increasing impacts from climate change, including species decline, biodiversity loss, ecosystem degradation, harm from aquatic invasive species, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and the effects from waste and other pollutants. In response to these challenges, Canada is collaborating internationally with maritime nations across the globe to better protect our oceans for present and future generations.

    From June 9-13, Fisheries and Oceans Canada led the Canadian delegation at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3), which took place in Nice, France. During the Conference, Canada led on a series of events including:

    • An Ocean Action Panel co-chaired with Palau, leading thoughtful discussions on advancing sustainable ocean governance, conservation and responsible use of marine resources for our shared global oceans.
    • An Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing Action Alliance (IUU-AA) event to reinforce the importance of transparency while improving efforts to govern, enforce and work with international partners to combat IUU fishing. As the current chair of the IUU Fishing Action Alliance, Canada recognizes the challenges of IUU fishing and its devastating impacts on fish stocks, ecosystems and economies around the world. 
    • The launch of a High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean, co-led alongside Panama, which was endorsed by 35 other countries. This Coalition marks a significant global commitment to reduce ocean noise, a key threat to ecosystem health and marine biodiversity around the world.

    Canada also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the United Kingdom to strengthen our long history of cooperation on the sustainable use of marine resources, ocean protection and preservation, and ocean science.

    By continuing to collaborate with international partners to better understand the environmental changes we are seeing in the global ocean and create more economic opportunities for coastal and inland communities, Canada can help contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous blue economy for all.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: SSHRC’s Storytellers Challenge celebrates the winning narratives of innovative research

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    FREDERICTON, NB, June 13, 2025 – The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is delighted to announce the winners of its 12thStorytellers Challenge, a national competition that asks postsecondary students to demonstrate—in up to three minutes or 300 words—how SSHRC-funded research is making a difference in the lives of Canadians. The Challenge is designed to highlight the powerful stories—told by students—emerging from research in Canadian social sciences and humanities disciplines.

    After a rigorous selection process, these exceptional Storytellers have demonstrated outstanding creativity and insight in sharing their research journeys and discoveries with the broader public. The announcement was made at the SSHRC Storytellers Showcase, held at the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada conference, in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

    The 2025 Storytellers Challenge winners are:

    • Sarah Abouali, from University of Calgary, who shared a story about Canadian Muslim youth identity challenges, mental health and well-being.
    • Maddie Brockbank, from McMaster University, who told us about co-designing a gender-based and sexual violence prevention framework to address ongoing concerns related to the prevalence of gender-based sexual violence and men’s disengagement from existing anti-violence work.
    • Mélanie Letendre Jauniaux, from Bishop’s University, who explained the impacts of raising trauma awareness to build community resilience.
    • Jaweria Qaiser, from University of Toronto, who described why it is important to be able to empathize in a group setting, especially when tensions are high.
    • Micheal P. Taylor, from Memorial University, who shared their story about probation, parole and correctional work through practitioners’ perspectives.

    Each winner receives $1,000 in addition to the $3,000 they received as finalists, national recognition and a platform to amplify their work, helping to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for the vital role of social sciences and humanities research in Canada. Join us in congratulating this talented group of Storytellers.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hoyer Statement on Israeli Strikes Against Iran

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Steny H Hoyer (MD-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement after Israel carried out preemptive strikes on Iran:

    “For weeks, Israel had indications that Iran was racing to advance its uranium enrichment program and develop a nuclear bomb. Despite repeated warnings from Israel, America, and the United Nations to comply with nuclear restrictions, Iran did not relent in its efforts. Yesterday, Israel determined that it was fast approaching a point of no return for stopping Iran’s nuclear program. With the window of opportunity for a preemptive strike closing, Israel made its own decision to strike key Iranian nuclear and military targets.

    “The international community has long made it clear that a nuclear-armed Iran is an unacceptable threat. For Israel, that threat is existential. Iranian leaders have stated their intention to see Israel ‘wiped of the map.’ Israel has a right to defend itself and has always been transparent that it would take military action to assure its security if Iran approached nuclear capability. That is what we saw yesterday. Following Hamas’ October 7 terror attacks, Israel took similar action to defeat Hezbollah – another proximate Iranian threat to the Israeli people.

    “I believe the Trump Administration’s decision to abandon the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action without an alternative agreement contributed to Iran’s enrichment progress and thus to the circumstances that necessitated Israel’s strike yesterday. I urge the Administration not to allow Iran’s nuclear program to advance so far again.

    “Iran has already begun to retaliate against Israel. While our ally has successfully defended itself from initial Iranian drone and missile attacks, America needs to do its part to counter further Iranian strikes against Israeli and American targets in the region, just as the Biden Administration coordinated the defense against Iran’s missile attacks on Israel last year.

    “Iran deems America one of its greatest adversaries other than Israel. We must not allow Iran to endanger us all with nuclear weapons. Every nation that wants to see peace and stability restored in the region ought to share that mission.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bay Area Congressional Delegation Statement on CBP Activities at SFO

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Huffman Representing the 2nd District of California

    June 12, 2025

    Reps. Jared Huffman (CA-02), Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi (CA-11), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Mike Thomspon (CA-04), John Garamendi (CA-08), Eric Swalwell (CA-14), Sam Liccardo (CA-16), and Ro Khanna (CA-17), issued the following joint statement in response to Customs and Border Protection inexplicably detaining travelers at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).

    “The Trump Administration’s approach to immigration has been utterly chaotic, inhumane, and disruptive to communities across the nation. Last night’s detainment of two Palestinian travelers who flew into SFO with valid visas is yet another example of Trump’s needlessly cruel actions. These visitors arrived here at the invitation of Bay Area interfaith community leaders. They traveled all the way from the West Bank to share their stories and work toward peace.  

    We call upon Customs and Border Protection to immediately respond to Congressional inquiries and provide the justification behind these individuals’ continued detainment and threatened deportation scheduled for later this afternoon. By inexplicably revoking visas, Trump’s CBP is discrediting America’s reputation abroad and breeding further distrust of our immigration system.”

    ###

    Previous Article

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dental Students Showcase Educational Research Projects

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    This week, a group of third-year dental students gathered in Friends Hall to present education-related research projects. These projects are the culmination of the student’s experience in the year-long American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Academic Dental Career Fellowship Program (ADCFP).

    The program encourages the pursuit of academic careers in dentistry through giving students insight into the life of a faculty educator or researcher. The program also provides opportunities for fellows to learn about career pathways in academic dentistry and receive hands-on training specific to teaching and research.

    Each fellow works alongside a faculty mentor for the duration of the program.

    “The ADEA Academic Dental Career Fellowship Program offers a unique opportunity for students to explore the world of academic dentistry,” said Dr. Katherine Fleming, assistant professor of pediatric dentistry and faculty liaison for the UConn ADEA chapter. “Our fellows worked incredibly hard this year developing thoughtful, education-based research projects and engaging in teaching practica. Their contributions highlight the vital role that students play as stakeholders in the dental curriculum.”

    “It’s been inspiring to watch their growth as future dentists and educators. I’m proud of the dedication and insight they brought to every part of this experience,” Fleming continued.

    The fellows’ educational research projects focused on a wide range of topics, including evaluating the use of slides, videos, surveys, and artificial intelligence in the learning experience.

    Max Marks, who presented his research, Integrating an AI Chatbot into Pediatric Dental Communication Skills Training, worked alongside Fleming.

    For Marks, his research project allowed him to experience both academic and clinical dentistry.

    “It’s been a great way to spark both of my interests, and keep it going,” Marks remarked after his presentation.

    Alexis Vasciannie presented her work, Exploring the Relationship Between Oral Tori and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Scoping Review, and reflected positively on the program.

    “Participating in the ADEA Academic Dental Careers Fellowship Program was an invaluable experience that allowed me to explore the world of dental academia beyond the classroom,” said Vasciannie. “It provided me with opportunities to connect with faculty on a personal level, learn about their unique paths and see how they have successfully integrated teaching with clinical practice. Through close collaboration with my mentor on a research project and hands-on teaching, both video- based and live, I was able to further develop my own teaching skills. This experience has strengthened my passion for academic dentistry and affirmed my desire to engage in teaching and mentorship as part of my professional journey.”

    Vasciannie, who worked with Dr. Seema Kurup during the fellowship, is looking to pursue a residency in orthodontics and stay involved with academia.

    The UConn ADEA Fellows attended the 2025 ADEA Annual Session in Washington, DC in March.

    The ADEA fellowship program at UConn has grown tremendously over the past several years, noted Dr. Eric Bernstein, associate dean for academic affairs at the School of Dental Medicine and faculty advisor for the UConn ADEA chapter.

    “UConn has become one of the most robust ADCFP programs in the country and the quality of the student work and experience in the program, as evidenced by today’s presentations, is exemplary,” Bernstein said.

    According to Bernstein, the School of Dental Medicine strongly supports the program because it does more than expand the pool of dental school graduates interested and eager to pursue careers academic dentistry.

    “The dissemination of their research on teaching and learning through presentations like those shared today brings benefits to our entire school community,” said Bernstein.

    Fleming also touted the impact the program has had on the School. The fellows, she noted, have contributed to both curriculum development and evaluation—providing valuable insights for faculty teaching and course design.

    “Through participation in this program, the students not only explored careers in academia but also helped advance how we teach and learn in dental education,” said Fleming.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: UConn Medical Students Riding Coast-2-Coast to Prevent Suicide

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    James Marks, 25, of Gilford, and Zach Giguere, 23, of Windsor flew to Seattle to start their great bicycle adventure on June 10.

    Their summer cross-country bike trek marks the 20th year that UConn medical and dental students have made the huge bike journey across America. Every summer since 2006, a different group of students set out for the bike tour, and in doing so, raised money for and awareness of a cause.

    This year’s bike riding duo of future doctors are raising awareness of suicide with the goal to help prevent it. They are raising money too for advancing mental health research via the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

    UConn rising second-year medical students Zach Giguere and James Marks.

    Every year, more than 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide, and millions more struggle in silence. Despite the devastating impact on families and communities, mental health research and resources often lack the funding and attention they desperately need, the UConn medical students share.

    “We believe that investing in suicide prevention—through research, crisis support, and accessible mental health care—can save lives. We are committed to raising awareness, advocating for change, and ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggle,” they write.

    Their cause to prevent suicide is deeply personal to Marks.

    James Marks of UConn School of Medicine.

    “I lost my Dad,” Marks shared from suicide back in 2022. “I am glad I can do this journey to raise awareness.”

    Giguere  finds it critically important to raise greater awareness of the importance of mental health.

    “Recently after COVID, I have seen more people struggling with anxiety and depression. Research into these topics and supporting people who are really struggling is so important,” Giguere says.

    He adds, “Our ultimate goal is to raise awareness of suicide and get people to talk about it, so we can prevent it. Help us spread awareness, follow us on social media, and donate to advance mental health research.”

    The two classmates coast to coast trip is planned for a total of 48 days.

    Zach Giguere of UConn’s medical school.

    “A few days in we are still on track, but we know the first few weeks will be the toughest,” says Giguere, who even celebrates his June 17th birthday on the road. He remembers first hearing about the exciting annual Coast-2-Coast bike ride of UConn students when he first applied to medical school.

    “I have never been out West before,” says Giguere. “I always wanted to see all of the U.S. This is the absolute best opportunity to do so!”

    Marks totally agrees.

    “It’s beautiful out here! We did our biggest bike climbs yet in the Cascades here in Washington state even climbing up Washington Pass with its 5,500 ft. elevation. It’s really hard but everything of America we have seen so far, has incredible views,” says Marks.

    Only a few days into the trek, both riders are witnessing the spirit of the American people over and over.

    One of the many beautiful views in Washington experienced by Coast-2-Coast riders from UConn School of Medicine.

    “Everyone and every town we encounter are really kind and are excited to hear what we are doing. We were blessed when a stranger’s truck stopped to give us Gatorade. Americans are extremely nice out here,” says Marks.

    Both UConn medical students, and their legs, are definitely looking forward to the more flat Midwest.

    Good luck James and Zach. Go Huskies!

    Follow their Coast-2-Coast journey on Instagram @_coast2coast25_

    Donate to their suicide prevention cause. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Osceola County, Florida, Man Sentenced to More Than 16 Years for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material

    Source: US FBI

    Orlando, Florida – U.S. District Judge Julie S. Sneed has sentenced Alex Ramon (34, Kissimmee) to 16 years and 3 months in federal prison for production of child sexual abuse material. The court also ordered Ramon to forfeit the electronic device used in the commission of the offense. Ramon pleaded guilty on March 12, 2025. 

    According to court documents, a search warrant was executed at Ramon’s residence following cyber tips related to online child sexual abuse activities, which resulted in the recovery of Ramon’s cellphone. The cellphone contained more than 450 videos and 160 images of child sexual abuse material. A further forensic examination of the device revealed that Ramon also shared links and screen-recorded live streams of child sexual abuse, producing his own child sexual abuse material. 

    This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Megan Testerman and Kaley Austin-Aronson.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Paducah Woman Sentenced to Over Two Years in Federal Prison and Ordered to Pay $400,000 in Restitution for Defrauding Employer

    Source: US FBI

    Paducah, KY – A Paducah woman was sentenced on June 11, 2025, to 2 years and 4 months in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.

    Nichole M. Lawrence, 35, was sentenced to 2 years and 4 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for six counts of wire fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft. According to court documents, between December 2019 and February 2023, Lawrence was employed as an office manager for a business in Western Kentucky and used her position to embezzle approximately $400,000 from the business. Lawrence used the stolen money to pay personal expenses.

    Lawrence was also ordered to pay $400,000 in restitution.

    “Ms. Lawrence’s conduct was fueled by pure greed to the detriment of her employer—who provides many solid jobs to Western Kentuckians,” said U.S. Attorney Kyle Bumgarner. “This sentence appropriately reflects the abuse of trust her employer bestowed on her.”

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    This case was investigated by the FBI Paducah Satellite Office and the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Raymond McGee, of the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Muhlenberg County, Kentucky, Man Sentenced to Five Years in Federal Prison for Child Exploitation Offense

    Source: US FBI

    Owensboro, KY – A Muhlenberg County, Kentucky man was sentenced on June 10, 2025, to 5 years in federal prison for distribution of child pornography.

    U.S. Attorney Kyle G. Bumgarner of the Western District of Kentucky and Acting Special Agent in Charge Olivia Olson of the FBI Louisville Field Office made the announcement.

    According to court documents, James Matthew Rosenkranz, 41, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for one count of distribution of child pornography.

    There is no parole in the federal system.

    The case was investigated by the FBI Owensboro Resident Office.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Nicholas Rabold, of the U.S. Attorney’s Bowling Green Branch Office, prosecuted the case.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”

    ###

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Polk County, Iowa, Man Sentenced to 48 Months in Federal Prison for Possession of Child Pornography

    Source: US FBI

    DES MOINES, Iowa – A Polk County man was sentenced on June 11, 2025, to 48 months in federal prison for the possession of child pornography.

    According to public court documents, law enforcement seized electronic devices belonging to Andrew Charles Nygaard, 45, when law enforcement searched his Granger residence in September 2022.  A forensic examination of Nygaard’s devices showed that Nygaard knowingly and intentionally downloaded files containing child sexual abuse material from the internet from at least September 2018 through June 2022.

    After completing his term of imprisonment, Nygaard will be required to serve a five-year term of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Nygaard was also ordered to pay $25,000 in restitution.

    United States Attorney Richard D. Westphal of the Southern District of Iowa made the announcement. This case was investigated by the Iowa Department of Public Safety-Division of Criminal Investigation-Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Child Exploitation Task Force and Granger Police Department.

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit https://www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tomorrow Is Officially “Vets Get Outside Day” After Senators King, Cassidy Resolution Passes Senate Unanimously

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King
    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan resolution introduced by U.S. Senators Angus King (I-ME) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA), both members of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC), marking Saturday, June 14th as “Veterans Get Outside Day.” The resolution encourages veterans, especially those struggling with mental health challenges, to spend time in the great outdoors. Veterans have free lifetime access to National Parks and Maine State Parks.
    “From beach walks on the rocky coast to a challenging hike in the woods, Maine’s extraordinary outdoor spaces can bring moments of calm during the most difficult times,” said Senator King. “I hope that ‘Vets Get Outside Day’ will encourage Maine veterans to find a relaxing outdoor space that helps them process their daily stressors. It’s a simple way to promote two of Maine’s greatest treasures — the great outdoors and our brave veterans.”
    “Resuming civilian life can be isolating,” said Senator Cassidy. “When veterans stay active and connected with their community, their mental health and quality of life improve. That is what today is all about.”
    The resolution calls on veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges to walk, run, hike, bike ride, or simply spend time outside on June 14th, 2025, as part of an effort improve mental health Over 460,000 veterans were diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries between 2020 and 2024, and there were 6,407 veteran suicide deaths in 2022. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors in nature can have positive impact on an individual’s mental health and lessen feelings of isolation.
    Veterans can dial 9-8-8 and then press 1 to be connected with the Veterans Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available 24-hours a day.
    Representing one of the states with the highest rates of military families and veterans per capita, Senator King is a staunch advocate for America’s servicemembers and veterans. A member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC), he works to ensure American veterans receive their earned benefits and that the VA is properly implementing various programs such as the PACT Act, the State Veterans Homes Domiciliary Care Flexibility Act, and the John Scott Hannon Act. Recently, Senator King introduced bipartisan legislation to help reduce suicides among veterans by providing free secure firearm storage to veterans. In addition, he helped pass the Veterans COLA Act, which increased benefits for 30,000 Maine veterans and their families.
    Senator King has also introduced bipartisan legislation to improve care coordination for veterans who rely on both VA health care and Medicare. Earlier this year, he cosponsored the bipartisan Major Richard Star Act that would provide more combat-injured veterans with their full earned benefits. He also joined Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS), Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, in introducing bipartisan legislation to permanently authorize a program that would expand access to veteran disability claims exams. Recently, Senator King teamed up with Senator Jim Banks (R-IN) to introduce a bipartisan bill that would make the veterans’ benefit claims process more streamlined and fair. Earlier this year, Senator King was honored by the Disabled American Veterans as its 2025 Legislator of the Year. Last year, he was recognized by the Wounded Warrior Project as the 2024 Legislator of the Year for his “outstanding legislative effort and achievement to improve the lives of the wounded, ill, and injured veterans.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Hassan, Shaheen Urge Coast Guard to Delay Removal of Navigational Buoys

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Hampshire Maggie Hassan
    (Washington, DC) – U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joined a bipartisan cohort of the New England Senate Delegation led by Senator Angus King (I-ME) in urging the United States Coast Guard (USCG) to delay the removal of navigational buoys off the coast of New England so they can better engage with stakeholders and understand the safety impacts of the proposal. In a letter to Acting Coast Guard Commandant Kevin Lunday, the Senators ask for USCG to extend the comment period for public input, undertake more extensive outreach and enhance the compilation of data before making any final decisions on the removal of the navigational buoys.
    The Senators wrote, in part: “We write regarding our concerns with the First District Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative and related efforts. Principally, we have reservations about how this would affect the safety of mariners throughout District One, the timeline the agency is proposing and the sufficiency of the agency’s communications with stakeholders of the proposed changes. We understand the need to modernize the Aids-to-Navigation (ATON) system, and we commend the agency for proactively initiating a program to assess current systems and to propose appropriate changes. However, we urge the agency to slow down this effort to ensure that the agency understands the needs of the communities and mariners in our states. Therefore, we urge you to extend the public comment period and increase public and Congressional engagement as outlined in this letter.”
    They continued: “We understand that Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), Electronic Navigation Charts (ENC), Electronic Charting Systems (ECS) and smartphone navigation applications have changed many facets of navigation. However, prudent mariners continue to depend on non-electronic and traditional means of navigating, including charts and visual navigation aids like buoys and related ATON.”
    The Senators concluded: “With respect to the First District Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative, we are troubled that the current proposal would discontinue 916 buoys and beacons (309 Coastal and 607 Harbor buoys) in District One as soon as this year and into 2026. We appreciate the need to modernize, but the Coast Guard and other stakeholders need to maximize navigation safety utilizing all available means – electronic and visual. As you are well aware, mishaps continue to show the need for mariners to competently pilot their vessels, and effective coastal piloting relies on GPS, Radar and visual navigational aids including buoys, beacons, lights, ranges and lighthouses.”
    The USCG launched the Coastal Buoy Modernization Initiative in April 2025, a component of its broader Short-Range Aids-to-Navigation Modernization effort. This initiative proposed the discontinuation of 351 coastal buoys across New England (Maine accounts for the largest share at 145 buoys). In parallel, an additional 2,349 buoys and beacons are under review for future removal as part of the Harbor Buoy Modernization Initiative and the Shallow Water Level of Service Study (SWLOSS), scheduled for phased implementation from 2026 through 2029. In total, some 2700 buoys are up for consideration for removal along the New England coast.
    These efforts collectively represent a significant reconfiguration of the region’s maritime navigational infrastructure affecting both commercial and recreational mariners; despite the technical justifications for the initiative, the USCG approach has raised concerns throughout New England’s maritime community, including commercial fisherman and recreation vessels that rely on the navigation buoys during emergencies.
    Joining Shaheen, Hassan and King on the letter are Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ed Markey (D-MA) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
    The full of the text of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Reed Statement on Israeli Strikes on Iran

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Rhode Island Jack Reed

    WASHINGTON, DC — Tonight, after Israel carried out large-scale strikes throughout Iran, U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued the following statement:

    “Israel’s alarming decision to launch airstrikes on Iran is a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence. These strikes threaten not only the lives of innocent civilians but the stability of the entire Middle East and the safety of American citizens and forces. While tensions between Israel and Iran are real and complex, military aggression of this scale is never the answer.

    “I urge both nations to show immediate restraint, and I call on President Trump and our international partners to press for diplomatic de-escalation before this crisis spirals further out of control. President Trump must be crystal clear with the American people and the international community in charting a way forward. The world cannot afford more devastating conflict born of short-sighted violence.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: June 13th, 2025 Heinrich’s ‘Halt All Lethal Trafficking of Fentanyl Act’ Heads to the White House

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New Mexico Martin Heinrich

    WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich announced that his Halt All Lethal Trafficking of (HALT) Fentanyl Act to permanently classify fentanyl-related substances (FRS) as Schedule I drugs, under the Controlled Substances Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. Heinrich introduced the HALT Fentanyl Act in January with U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). Heinrich announced passage of his bill in the U.S. Senate in March. The legislation now heads to the White House to be signed into law.

    This permanent scheduling will give law enforcement added tools to help get extremely lethal and dangerous drugs off our streets, dismantle organized criminal trafficking operations, and keep New Mexicans safe.

    “I’m pleased that my HALT Fentanyl Act passed both chambers of Congress and is headed to the White House to be signed into law,” said Heinrich. “I urge the president to immediately sign the HALT Fentanyl Act, which is urgently needed to help our law enforcement crack down on illegal trafficking and allow prosecutors to build stronger, longer-term criminal cases. I will never stop fighting to deliver the resources to get deadly fentanyl out of our communities and save lives.”

    The HALT Fentanyl Act is endorsed by the Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents, the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies, the Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Alliance of State Drug Enforcement Agencies, the National High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Directors Association, the National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition, and the National District Attorneys Association, as well as state and local law enforcement across New Mexico.

    “Fentanyl has negatively impacted the city of Las Cruces in significant ways. In the past five years, we have experienced a substantial increase in crime, homelessness, and quality of life issues. I firmly believe fentanyl has been the biggest driver of these issues. It is time to take meaningful action to reverse the harm caused by this illicit substance,” said Jeremy Story, Chief of the Las Cruces Police Department.

    “Like any illegal substance, whether it be opioids or fentanyl use, there are no easy or quick solutions and often combatting their abuse requires a multi-layered approach. The HALT Fentanyl Act is just that, which is why I fully support it. We may be inclined to not concern ourselves with research, for example, but those trafficking in this market do concern themselves with research. Let us endorse this bigger picture approach to help combat fentanyl use in our country,” said Kim Stewart, Doña Ana County Sheriff.

    “The HALT Fentanyl Act is another tool to go after transnational gangs and help make our community safer. Legislation is key for law enforcement to do their job,” said John Allen, Bernalillo County Sheriff.

    Background:

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there were 107,543 overdose deaths in the United States in 2023. Fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances accounted for nearly 75,000 of those deaths. Since 1999, the overdose crisis has increasingly been characterized by deaths involving these illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl-related substances (FRS), which are commonly sold through illicit drug markets for their fentanyl-like effect, and are often mixed with heroin or other drugs, such as cocaine, or pressed in to counterfeit prescription pills. During this same period, overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids (excluding methadone) increased 103-fold. By comparison, overdose deaths involving heroin and prescription opioids increased 2.5-fold and 4.1-fold, respectively.

    Traffickers are continually altering the chemical structure of fentanyl to evade regulation and prosecution, sometimes with tragic results. Since 2013, China has been the principal source of fentanyl, fentanyl-related substances, and the precursor chemicals from which they are produced. Chinese product is commonly shipped to Mexico and smuggled into the United States’ illicit drug market via U.S. citizens. Traffickers have favored fentanyl-related substances to skirt around committing the crime of trafficking fentanyl and fentanyl analogues. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized nearly 12,000 pounds of illicit fentanyl, including fentanyl powder and more than 78 million pills laced with illicit fentanyl. The 2023 seizures were equivalent to more than 388.8 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

    In 2018, as an initial response to this unprecedented crisis, the DEA issued a temporary scheduling order that placed FRS in Schedule I, under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), after classifying it as an imminent hazard to public safety. Previously, Congress has only closed this loophole temporarily by designating fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs. Congress has extended the FRS temporary scheduling order several times, most recently on December 21, 2024, with a measure that expires on March 31, 2025.

    Heinrich’s HALT Fentanyl Act will finally make permanent the scheduling of illicitly produced fentanyl-related substances as Schedule I drugs and streamline the regulatory process for scientists seeking approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to research Schedule I substances.

    Clear and Enforceable Criminal Penalties for Fentanyl Trafficking:

    A permanent scheduling of FRS is necessary to make penalties for criminals clear and enforceable under the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), reducing the supply and availability of illicitly manufactured FRS. The HALT Fentanyl Act places controls and penalties on FRS that have no accepted medical use and a high abuse potential.

    Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will permanently impose the following quantity-based federal trafficking penalties on FRS:

    Mandatory minimum penalties: 5 years for 10 grams or more (10 years for second offense); and 10 years for 100 grams or more (20 years for second offense).

    Discretionary maximum penalties: 40 years for 10 grams or more (life for second offense); and life for 100 grams or more.

    Expanded Scientific and Medical Research:

    More closely aligning the research and registration process for Schedule I substances, including FRS, with Schedule II substances will facilitate increased FRS research. By accommodating more medical research into fentanyl-related substances, the bill will establish a new, streamlined registration process for research funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or under an Investigative New Drug (IND) exemption from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

    Specifically, the HALT Fentanyl Act will enhance our understanding of these illicitly manufactured substances by:

    • Allowing researchers in the same institution to participate in multiple scientific studies.
    • Permitting researchers with ongoing studies to examine newly added Schedule I substances.
    • Allowing researchers to manufacture small quantities of FRS without a separate registration.

    The text of the HALT Fentanyl Act is here.

    A section-by-section summary of the HALT Fentanyl Act is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Grassley Applauds EPA Biofuels Announcement Raising RFS Volumes

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    BUTLER COUNTY, IOWA – U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) welcomed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement raising Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) levels for biomass-based diesel and advanced biofuels. The announcement also proposes strengthening the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by ensuring only liquid fuels are included, not electricity, and incentivizes domestic over foreign feedstocks.

    “Under the Biden administration, five biodiesel plants in Iowa closed or idled in part because RVOs were set too low. Today, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin turned the ship around, delivering a victory for American energy security and following through on their promise to support American agriculture. Biofuels lower gas prices, strengthen national security and drive economic growth in rural communities. Today’s announcement is welcome news for Iowa farmers and biofuel producers,” Grassley said.

    Background:

    Since he helped establish the RFS in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, Grassley has worked to ensure the executive branch implements the law as intended. Grassley also supported the Energy Independence Security Act of 2007, which included requirements for cellulosic ethanol and set a mandatory RFS requiring fuel producers to use at least 36 billion gallons of biofuel in 2022. Grassley pushed ensuing administrations to keep to this number. Last Congress, Grassley joined the No Fuel Credits for Batteries Act to nullify a proposed Biden-era E-RINS rule that props up the EV industry while devaluing incentives for ethanol and biodiesel expansion. Last year, Grassley joined a bicameral push to raise 2024-25 RVOs.

    Iowans who want to express comments about the proposed rule can do so HERE.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Grassley Outlines Judiciary Provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Iowa Chuck Grassley

    WASHINGTON –Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) authored a Fox News op-ed offering a detailed look at the Judiciary Committee’s provisions included in Senate Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

    “The Judiciary Committee’s provisions provide historic investments to strengthen our nation’s border security and immigration system, support local law enforcement and protect American families,” Grassley wrote. “I look forward to helping turn this legislation into law and deliver on President Trump’s promise of a secure border for years to come.”

    Click HERE for a one-pager of the Judiciary title.
    Click HERE for a section-by-section of the Judiciary title.
    Click HERE for bill text of the Judiciary title.

    Read the full op-ed HERE and below.

    How Senate Republicans are restoring the rule of law and securing the border for years to come.
    By Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley
    Fox Digital
    June 13, 2025

    America is at a crossroads.

    During the Biden-Harris administration, over 10 million illegal immigrants – including violent criminals and potential terrorists – poured over our nation’s border. After four years of chaos, Americans overwhelmingly elected President Donald Trump, who campaigned on a platform of securing the border, removing dangerous criminals and restoring law and order.

    President Trump is standing on that platform, and Senate Republicans are supporting him every step of the way.

    In President Trump’s first 100 days, illegal border encounters plummeted by 95 percent, illegal immigrant “gotaways” fell 99 percent and violent criminals and suspected terrorists were quickly removed from the country.

    During those same 100 days, Democrats fought to keep criminals in the country and took taxpayer-funded trips to El Salvador to defend an illegal immigrant who’s facing charges of human trafficking, gang-related killing and domestic abuse.

    In the past week, thousands of rioters have taken to the streets of Los Angeles to violently protest ICE officers who are simply enforcing federal immigration law, as well as court-ordered search warrants. Rioters have lit cars on fire, looted mom and pop shops and attacked police officers with concrete slabs and Molotov cocktails. Yet Democrats insist the mob’s actions are “peaceful.”

    The nation is keenly aware of what happens when law enforcement is slow to respond to violent protests. During the Los Angeles riots of 1992, 63 people died, thousands were injured and the violence only stopped after the National Guard arrived. Thankfully, President Trump isn’t repeating the mistakes of the past. His quick decision to mobilize the National Guard protected innocent lives and valuable property.

    Hardworking and decent Americans know it’s wrong to attack law enforcement officers, rob small businesses and break the law.

    While Democrat allies riot in the streets, Republicans are standing up for what’s right.

    Today, as Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I released legislative text for my committee’s section of the One Big Beautiful Bill. The Judiciary Committee’s provisions provide historic investments to strengthen our nation’s border security and immigration system, support local law enforcement and protect American families from violence like we’ve seen in Los Angeles.

    It significantly boosts funding for local law enforcement and immigration agencies that were overwhelmed by the Biden-Harris administration’s open border. The Department of Homeland Security will receive funding to hire more staff and enhance migrant screening and vetting processes, including background checks. It will also allow for the expedited removal of criminal illegal aliens and coordination with state and local governments to root out cartels and gangs.

    The costs of the Judiciary section are offset by immigration application fees, which inject accountability into the immigration system. The Judiciary Committee’s bill also preserves humanitarian protections by including fee exemptions for certain emergency or humanitarian purposes, and it makes fees paid by sponsors of migrant children 100 percent reimbursable, so long as the child safely appears in court as the law intends.

    When the Biden-Harris administration turned its back on border security, patriotic states stepped up to protect American communities. The Senate Judiciary Committee is giving these states the thanks they deserve by implementing the Bridging Immigration-related Deficits Experienced Nationwide (BIDEN) Reimbursement Fund. The BIDEN Reimbursement Fund will help states recoup the dollars they spent investigating, locating, apprehending and temporarily detaining criminal illegal aliens. It also helps cover the cost inflicted on local courts for prosecuting crimes committed by illegal aliens, like drug and human trafficking.

    American taxpayers spent billions covering for Biden’s Border Breakdown. It’s time they were compensated for their losses.

    Despite Democrat efforts to defund the police, Senate Judiciary Committee Republicans are unwavering in our support for local, state and federal law enforcement. That’s why our legislation expands resources for these brave men and women in blue.

    Finally, the Senate Judiciary Committee is advancing solutions in the One Big Beautiful Bill to restore the constitutional role of the federal judiciary and ensures courts follow current law when handing down decisions. Our bill will provide funding to the Department of Justice to hire additional attorneys focused on challenging universal injunctions and require courts to track the frequency of universal injunctions. It will also establish judicial training programs on universal injunctions’ lack of constitutionality and enforce the existing, lawful requirement that courts impose a bond upfront when attempting to hit the government with a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order that results in costs and damages ultimately sustained by American taxpayers.

    The rule of law matters, and Republicans are committed to enforcing it. I look forward to helping turn this legislation into law and deliver on President Trump’s promise of a secure border for years to come.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons statement on Israeli strikes on Iran

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WILMINGTON, Del. – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) issued the following statement in response to Israel’s strikes against Iran’s nuclear program:

    “We do not yet know the full scope of Israel’s military operation against Iran, the justification for striking on the eve of the Trump administration’s latest negotiating session with Tehran, or the likely consequences of these strikes. The Trump administration has made clear that Israel acted unilaterally against the Iranian regime’s nuclear sites and that the United States remains committed to a diplomatic solution.

    “Tonight, my first concern is for our nation’s men and women stationed overseas and their families. I am glad the administration began evacuating military families and non-essential personnel from the Middle East earlier this week, and I urge them to do everything they can to protect American servicemembers and civilians alike from Iranian reprisals. I also pray for the safety of Israelis and civilians across the region who are in harm’s way tonight.

    “I have long believed that the world cannot tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran and that Iran and its proxies pose a serious threat to American interests. I am deeply concerned by the IAEA Board of Governors’ determination earlier today that Iran has failed to comply with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and Iran’s defiant subsequent declaration of a new underground enrichment facility. Even so, tonight’s actions have the potential to lead to dangerous escalation and a full-scale regional war. I am following developments closely tonight and am urging restraint.   

    “Everyone’s goal must now be the prevention of a full-blown regional war. The Trump administration and our regional partners must work together to reduce the risks of escalation and work towards a path forward that provides safety and stability for the entire region.”

    Senator Coons is ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense and a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin, 40 Senate Democrats Press Trump Administration To Resume Processing DACA Application

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin

    June 13, 2025

    The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals recently limited a nationwide injunction to only Texas, giving the Administration the greenlight to resume processing initial DACA applications for all other states

    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and lead author of the Dream Act, led 40 Senate Democrats in urging U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to resume processing applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, following a Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that limited a nationwide injunction to Texas.

    The Senators began by highlighting the popular support for providing Dreamers a pathway to citizenship, writing: “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.”

    The Senators continued by making their request, writing: “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.”

    Sunday, June 15 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. 

    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.

    The Senators further elaborated on the Fifth Circuit’s decision to limit the injunction, writing: “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, nearly 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.”

    The Senators concluded by reiterating their request, writing: “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 addition to Durbin, the letter is signed by 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), Angus King (I-ME), 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).

    For a PDF of the letter to USCIS, click here.

    Twenty-four years ago, Durbin first introduced the Dream Act—bipartisan legislation that would give undocumented immigrants who grew up in this country a chance to become American citizens.

    The Dream Act was also included in the 2013 comprehensive immigration reform bill that Durbin coauthored as part of the “Gang of Eight”—made up of four Democrats and four Republicans. The 2013 bill passed the Senate on a strong bipartisan vote of 68-32, but the Republican leadership of the House of Representatives refused to consider it. Over the years, Senate Republicans have filibustered the Dream Act at least five times.

    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Luján Slams Latest Republican Effort to Gut SNAP

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research, issued the following statement on Senate Republicans’ updated proposal to cut $211 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):

    “Senate Republicans have unveiled yet another extreme proposal to gut SNAP – taking food off the plates of our friends, neighbors, and family members who are struggling to make ends meet and diverting those dollars directly to fund the next Tax Scam. These would be the deepest cuts in SNAP’s history, coming at a moment when families are already being squeezed by rising costs under the Trump administration. Not only will this proposal make it harder for families to put food on the table, it also creates a massive unfunded mandate that will blow a hole in state budgets.

    “SNAP was established as a fundamental promise: no American should go hungry. By walking back that promise and turning their backs on a bipartisan Farm Bill process, Senate Republicans are making it harder for children, veterans, seniors, and folks with disabilities to eat, straining emergency food networks, and undermining the rural economies, farmers, and small businesses that rely on SNAP dollars.”

    Last week, Senators Luján and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee, convened a Senate Spotlight Forum titled “Hunger by Design: The GOP’s Assault on SNAP,” bringing together national experts and advocates to highlight the dangerous consequences of Congressional Republicans’ proposal to slash SNAP.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorneys General from around the country filed amicus in support of Jobs Corps

    Source: Washington State News

    SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown today filed an amicus brief with attorneys general from 18 states including Nevada in support of Job Corps, a national program that offers career training and housing to young Americans from low-income backgrounds. Job Corps has nearly 100 residential campuses across the country, and the Trump Administration’s illegally terminated the program threatens to leave thousands of vulnerable young Americans homeless.

    The brief explains that “in the sixty years since Congress created Job Corps, millions of young Americans from low-income backgrounds have been served by the program’s unique combination of education, training, housing, healthcare and community.”  The unlawful termination will impact tens of thousands of young Americans who are currently enrolled and housed at campuses in all fifty states, including the Cascades Job Corps Center in Sedro-Woolley, Washington and the Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria, Oregon.  Thousands of these program participants were unhoused or in foster care when they enrolled and have no alternative housing if they lose their residence through the program.

    The brief was filed in National Job Corps Association et al. v. Department of Labor et al. in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York on Friday, with Washington Attorney General Nick Brown and Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford leading a coalition including Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, Oregon, and Vermont.

    Friday’s amicus filing reaffirms that the injunction is necessary to protect vulnerable state residents and promote state goals in education and workforce development.  It further reinforces the point that the Trump Administration cannot violate federal law and the Constitution by terminating congressionally mandated programs it opposes.

    A copy of the Amicus Brief is available here.

    -30-

    Washington’s Attorney General serves the people and the state of Washington. As the state’s largest law firm, the Attorney General’s Office provides legal representation to every state agency, board, and commission in Washington. Additionally, the Office serves the people directly by enforcing consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental protection laws. The Office also prosecutes elder abuse, Medicaid fraud, and handles sexually violent predator cases in 38 of Washington’s 39 counties.

    Visit www.atg.wa.gov to learn more.

    Media Contact:

    Email: press@atg.wa.gov

    Phone: (360) 753-2727

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  • MIL-OSI USA: MAINE PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION APPROVES RATE CHANGES FOR CENTRAL MAINE POWER COMPANY

    Source: US State of Maine

    June 13, 2025

    Hallowell, Maine – The Maine Public Utilities Commission (Commission) has approved changes to electric rates for customers of Central Maine Power Company (CMP) resulting from recent decisions in multiple cases, including the annual stranded cost revenue requirement (Docket No. 2025-00019) and CMP’s annual compliance filing (Docket No. 2025-00018). These changes will take effect on July 1, 2025.

    For a typical residential customer using 550 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity per month, the total bill increase will be approximately $4.91 per month.

    “These rate changes reflect our statutory obligations and are primarily driven by costs that have already been incurred or approved, including those that support the states energy and climate policy goals,” said Commission Chair Philip L. Bartlett II. This years net increase is driven primarily by storm recovery costs.

    CMPs annual compliance filing (Docket No. 2025-00018) includes recovery of previously approved costs such as storm restoration. To mitigate rate impacts, costs associated with Tier 3 storms-those with costs exceeding $15 millionwill be recovered over a two-year period, rather than one.

    The stranded costs included in Docket No. 2025-00019 are largely incurred due to legislation enacted to support Maines climate and clean energy initiatives. These costs include expenses associated with renewable energy contracts and Net Energy Billing.

    Also contributing to the total bill impact are adjustments to the Efficiency Maine Trust assessment rates and changes to transmission service rates, which are set by the regional transmission operator and reviewed through federal regulatory processes.

    The Commission encourages customers to take advantage of resources available through Efficiency Maine, as well as state and federal energy assistance programs to help manage energy costs. Visit www.maineelectrichelp.com for more information.

    All public documents in these cases are available on the Commissions Online Case Management System. Please reference Cases 2022-00152, 2025-00018, 2025-00019, 2024-00137, and 2025-00139.

    About the Commission

    The Maine Public Utilities Commission regulates electric, telephone, water and gas utilities to ensure that Maine citizens have access to safe and reliable utility service at rates that are just and reasonable for all ratepayers, while also helping to achieve reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Commission programs include Maine Enhanced 911 Service, and gas safety programs. Philip L. Bartlett, II serves as Chair, Patrick Scully and Carolyn Gilbert serve as Commissioners.

    CONTACT: Susan Faloon, Media Liaison CELL: 207-557-3704 EMAIL: susan.faloon@maine.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom: Trump handed over Californians’ personal information to Homeland Security, a dangerous violation of privacy

    Source: US State of California Governor

    Jun 13, 2025

    What you need to know: Following new reports that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has shared Medicaid beneficiary information with the Department of Homeland Security, Governor Newsom slammed the Trump administration for their dangerous abuse of personally identifiable information. 

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today slammed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for reportedly providing Medicaid beneficiary information to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to the Associated Press, “President Donald Trump’s administration this week provided deportation officials with personal data — including the immigration status — on millions of Medicaid enrollees, a move that could make it easier to locate people as part of his sweeping immigration crackdown.”

    “We deeply value the privacy of all Californians. This action by the federal government has implications for every person on Medicaid, but it is especially alarming for our immigrants and American mixed-status families who are already under relentless, indiscriminate attack by this administration. The federal government continues to instill fear across this nation and shroud its continued violation of Americans’ privacy rights in propaganda.

    “Sharing Medicaid beneficiary information with the Department of Homeland Security – which is itself legally dubious – will jeopardize the safety, health, and security of those who will undoubtedly be targeted by this abuse, and Americans more broadly. Federal law requires emergency care to be provided to all to save lives, and the federal government helps pay for it for low-income individuals, regardless of immigration status. Every state should be concerned about this data sharing and its implications for the safety and health of its communities. We will continue to vigorously defend Californians’ privacy rights and explore all avenues to protect their information and safety.”

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    The federal government funds some aspects of Medi-Cal, including emergency services, and the state is required to share certain information with the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a federal agency within HHS. Last month, California’s Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) responded to a federal data request to demonstrate that federal Medicaid funds were claimed only as permitted and allowable by federal rules. DHCS did not provide any demographic data to CMS that CMS does not already receive on a regular basis, as is federally required.
     

    Medicaid Beneficiary Information

    CMS serves as the focal point for federal health insurance programs such as Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California). These critical health coverage programs serve millions of families, children, pregnant women, adults without children, and also seniors and people living with disabilities. California is required to share certain information with CMS under the expectation that the federal government uses that information for administering the Medicaid program, within the confines of federal law and policy. 

    CMS regularly receives data for every person enrolled in Medi-Cal, including immigrants with lawful status who are eligible for full-scope Medi-Cal, and undocumented immigrants who, under federal law, are eligible for Medicaid emergency services.  Emergency Medi-Cal provides coverage for medical emergencies, including childbirth, for all eligible low-income residents of California, including undocumented immigrants. Every state has an emergency Medicaid program. Emergency Medi-Cal eliminates the financial obstacles that can prevent individuals from seeking emergency care and helps keep open hospital emergency departments, who must meet a federal requirement to provide emergency services regardless of an individual’s ability to pay. 

    California’s privacy protections

    California is committed to protecting the privacy rights of all Californians consistent with Article 1 of the California Constitution, the Information Practices Act of 1977, and other state and federal laws. The state limits the collection of personal information and safeguards the privacy of everyone’s personal information collected or maintained by our departments. Additionally, each department utilizes industry-standard best practices to store and manage all data in its possession. 

    The state only uses Medi-Cal application information to determine eligibility. Authorized access, use, and disclosure of sensitive data are governed by federal and state laws designed to protect confidentiality and program integrity.

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