NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Housing Starts See Remarkable 108.6 Per Cent Growth

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 16, 2025

    Figures Show Strong Gains, Ranking Province First in the Nation 

    Today, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation released new data showing urban housing starts in Saskatchewan increased by 108.6 per cent in the first five months of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This places the province 1st in the nation for growth in this area.

    “Saskatchewan’s economy continues to show positive momentum and investor confidence,” Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said. “More homes are being built, and more people are living and working across the province than ever before.”

    In May 2025, urban housing starts across the province increased by 205.9 per cent over May 2024, placing Saskatchewan 2nd among the provinces for year-over-year growth.

    Within that total, housing starts on single family homes were up 63.7 per cent, while multi-unit residential construction increased by 617.9 per cent compared to May 2024.

    Housing starts refers to the number of housing projects that started that month.

    The provincial economy continues to see substantial growth. Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2024 real GDP reached an all-time high of $80.5 billion, increasing by $2.6 billion, or 3.4 per cent. This ranks Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.6 per cent.

    Private capital investment in Saskatchewan increased last year by 17.3 per cent to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces. Private capital investment is projected to reach $16.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 10.1 per cent over 2024. This is the second highest anticipated percentage increase among the provinces.

    Last year, the Government of Saskatchewan unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth – Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. This strategy, combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada.

    For more information, visit: InvestSK.ca.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: H.R. 1919, Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    H.R. 1919 would prohibit the Federal Reserve banks from providing products or services directly to individual consumers and from maintaining such accounts on their behalf. The bill also would prohibit testing, studying, developing, creating, or implementing a central bank digital currency and bar the banks from using such a currency to implement monetary policy.

    The bill’s prohibition on the Federal Reserve studying the use of digital currency would result in administrative cost savings. Such savings increase remittances from the Federal Reserve to the Treasury, which are recorded in the budget as revenues. CBO estimates that enacting the bill would increase revenues by an insignificant amount over the 2025‑2035 period.

    The CBO staff contact for this estimate is Nathaniel Frentz. The estimate was reviewed by H. Samuel Papenfuss, Deputy Director of Budget Analysis.

    Phillip L. Swagel

    Director, Congressional Budget Office

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER: TRUMP’S “BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL” COULD SPELL “BIG” ENERGY PRICE HIKES & “BIG” JOB LOSSES FOR BUFFALO; STANDING AT ONE OF WESTERN NY’S LARGEST HOME SOLAR INSTALLERS, SENATOR REVEALS HOW GOP PLAN…

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer

    Buffalo Clean Energy Biz Like Solar Liberty Were Boosted By Federal Clean Energy Incentives – But Now Face Major Issues For Future Of Business Under GOP Job-Killing Bill – And Families Who Tap These Programs To Lower Their Energy Bills In WNY Could Be Left High & Dry

    House GOP Rushed Trump’s Tax Giveaway To Billionaires, Gutting Fed Clean Energy Tax Credits That Lower Energy Costs and Boost & Local Jobs – Now Even House Rs Are Regretting It, Asking Senate GOP To Reverse Cuts They Voted For; Senator – With Impacted Buffalo Businesses, Families, Union Workers – Shows Local Impact Of These Cuts, Demands GOP Block It

    Schumer: ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ Is A ‘Big, Bad Blow’ To Western NY Jobs, Families & Businesses

    Standing at Buffalo’s Solar Liberty, one of the largest solar installers in the region, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer warned how the GOP plan to kill clean energy tax credits could raise energy costs for Western NY families, slash local jobs, and devastate Buffalo’s clean energy businesses & manufacturers.

    Schumer explained these unpopular, job-killing cuts in Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” have already created panic among House Republicans and companies, and even House Republicans who voted for this bill last month are now begging to save these tax credits. Schumer said Solar Liberty is just one of many local Buffalo businesses that could be decimated by this bill and demanded the GOP block these tax hikes that could devastate Buffalo families and small businesses.

    “Right now, we are at Defcon 1 for America’s clean energy future. Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’ would deal a ‘big bad blow’ to Buffalo, raising families’ energy costs and killing good-paying local jobs. These federal clean energy investments have boosted Buffalo’s businesses, like Solar Liberty, which is helping families and businesses save on their monthly energy bills. The current GOP bill would decimate the programs these companies rely on, which will kill jobs and drive up energy costs for consumers,” said Senator Schumer. “It guts investment to bring clean energy manufacturing back from overseas and eliminates one of the most effective tax credits middle-class families use to lower their monthly energy bills and that Buffalo families use to help weatherize their homes to make them warmer in the winter, all to give bigger breaks to billionaires; It’s outrageous. America needs to be producing more energy, investing in making sure these jobs grow in places like Buffalo, not go back overseas. That’s why I’m demanding Republicans to stop this plan to gut America’s clean energy future and block these tax hikes that will hurt Buffalo families’ wallets and decimate jobs.”

    Schumer was joined by workers from leading clean energy company Solar Liberty, who said the elimination of these investments would be a massive blow to their businesses, employees, and customers. Buffalo’s Solar Liberty employs nearly 100 workers and has helped thousands of families and businesses across the Northeast install solar panels for over two decades, reducing their energy bills by hundreds or even thousands per year.

    Three years ago, new and expanded clean energy tax credits created in the Inflation Reduction Act expanded Solar Liberty’s ability to bring the manufacturing of solar energy parts back to Western New York. Solar Liberty is growing rapidly by building out community solar projects, partnering with schools and nonprofits to take advantage of new direct-pay credits, and expanding battery storage, now eligible for a 30% federal tax credit even when deployed without solar. These IRA-driven incentives have not only boosted deployment and manufacturing but are also helping underserved communities and energy transition hubs across Western New York access affordable, reliable, clean power.

    However, the House GOP bill would make it more difficult for both residents and businesses to work with Solar Liberty to install solar panels. Cutting the Residential Clean Energy Credit – which gives New York families a 30% discount on home energy improvements, like solar panels – would make the cost of installing solar panels skyrocket for hardworking families, gutting Solar Liberty’s main customer base. Schumer said if this bill passes, it will pull the rug out from under Solar Liberty just as it is growing, rendering their investments in Buffalo worthless and forcing them to lay off local workers.

    “Since 2005, the Federal Investment Tax Credit has supported 280,000 American jobs, strengthened energy independence, and delivered cost-saving solutions for millions of families and businesses,” said Adam Rizzo, President of Solar Liberty. “As energy demand accelerates, solar’s unmatched speed of deployment makes it one of the most effective tools we have to strengthen America’s energy future. We’re grateful to Senator Schumer for his steadfast support in advancing solar energy and helping drive this progress forward.”

    Brian Gould, retired Cheektowaga Police Chief, hired Solar Liberty to install solar panels with help from the Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit. Gould said the cost would have been prohibitive without these tax credits, but now he is saving over $1,000 every year on his energy bill. If these tax credits are repealed, the cost of making homes more energy efficient will skyrocket, and families like Gould’s would not have the support they need to bring their energy costs down. Thousands of families across New York State are waiting to see what the GOP does in Washington and are holding off on new clean energy installations, hurting companies like Solar Liberty and the thousands of workers in the clean energy industry. Singer Farm Naturals used the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit to install two solar arrays, cutting a significant portion of their upfront costs and lowering long-term energy expenses. Programs like this, along with USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants, have been essential to keeping operating costs down — and are now under threat in the proposed federal budget.

    “As a homeowner who installed solar back in 2013, I know firsthand how important federal tax credits are in making clean energy affordable,” said Brian Gould, a residential solar customer. “Those incentives made it possible for me to go solar—and today, I save over $1,000 a year on my electric bills. The Inflation Reduction Act builds on that foundation, making it easier than ever for families to make the switch. These credits are helping more people access solar, lower their energy costs, and invest in a cleaner future. Rolling them back now would make home solar harder to afford and deny others the same opportunity I had to take control of my energy and support local jobs.”

    The GOP bill would kill clean energy incentives already benefiting hundreds of New York businesses with ongoing projects and the families who are using them to help improve their homes’ energy efficiency and lower their electric bills. Schumer specifically highlighted how the bill:

    • Eliminates the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Tax Credit, which provides families in New York up to $3,200 to help weatherize their homes for better protection in the harsh winters and make improvements to their home’s energy efficiency, lowering their electric bills with qualifying items like doors, windows, better insulation and heat pumps, and more.
    • Eliminates the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which gives New York families a 30% discount on home energy improvements, like solar panels, heat pumps, or energy storage, that help lower energy bills and keep the lights on during power outages.

    It isn’t just solar that would be hurt; these cuts hurt businesses across the clean energy sector and its supply chains. Viridi Parente, a fast-growing company on Buffalo’s East Side, has added hundreds of good-paying jobs, growing the domestic battery manufacturing industry with support from clean energy tax credits created by the Inflation Reduction Act, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Production tax credit. Viridi Parente helped breathe new life into the former American Axle Factory, which was once the beating heart of the community. However, if the GOP bill becomes law, it would be a major blow to Viridi Parente’s progress in growing the domestic battery manufacturing industry, gutting federal investment at a time when it is critically needed.

    Schumer said clean energy tax incentives have spurred a clean energy boom in New York State, and rolling them back would have devastating impacts. The Clean Economy Tracker estimates the Inflation Reduction Act’s incentives have spurred over $5 billion worth of investments in clean manufacturing in New York, creating over 7,200 jobs. Data from NERA Economic Consulting shows that repealing clean energy tax credits could cause New York to lose up to 20,300 jobs as clean energy projects are cancelled or scaled back, with a whopping nearly $3.5 billion hit to the state’s GDP, and New Yorkers paying up to $650 in higher energy costs each year by 2032 if these devastating cuts become law.

    Already, Republicans have shown doubts about the provisions in this bill. Earlier this month, thirteen House Republicans sent a letter to Senate Republican leaders urging them to scale back clean energy cuts in the “Big, Beautiful Bill” – the very bill their votes helped pass in the House.

    “The fight is far from over. House Republicans’ latest flip-flopping shows our pressure is working, and we have a real opportunity to get them to go back to the drawing board on this bill, and stop their attacks to totally eliminate these clean energy tax credits. And we are doing that by showing the real-world impacts, the jobs lost, and lives devastated by their brutal cuts,” added Schumer.

    Schumer said if this House Republican plan goes through, many of the clean energy projects spurred by the IRA could be forced to scale back or even stop, the workers building the future of American energy would be laid off, and projects that otherwise would have plugged into the grid will never come to fruition. That would impact both major NY employers and manufacturers in the clean energy, manufacturing, electric vehicle, battery, and research sectors, and also our small businesses and major economic projects slated to come to New York. Schumer said the House Republican bill would repeal the very parts of the Inflation Reduction Act that have helped companies grow in New York and spurred millions of investments, many of which are in Republican districts such as:

    • Eliminates the Clean Electricity Investment & Production Credits that support more cheap, clean electricity. With natural gas turbines on a five-year delay, the IRA’s clean electricity tax credits have ensured a robust buildout of wind and solar power while spurring demand for American-made energy products and helping keep electricity prices from increasing.
    • Sabotages the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit that has generated a more than five-fold increase in investment in manufacturing in the solar and EV supply chains, creating thousands of good-paying jobs and shifting these industries out of China to the U.S.
    • Eliminates the IRA’s Electric Vehicle Tax Credits that make it cheaper to buy new and used electric and plug-in hybrid cars, and has led to a massive onshoring of EV and battery supply chain manufacturing, undercutting China and bolstering American companies.
    • Eliminates the New Energy-Efficient Home Credit that makes it cheaper to build new, highly efficient and affordable homes, expanding the housing supply while reducing energy costs.
    • Eliminates the Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit that supports American-made clean hydrogen, led by New York companies like Plug Power and Air Products, to be used for clean manufacturing and agriculture.

    Repealing the clean energy tax incentives would also be a disaster for America that Schumer said would cede energy manufacturing leadership to China, which already produces a significant amount of the world’s clean technologies like solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries. If companies can no longer support clean energy manufacturing in the United States, they will bring these projects to America’s competitors, and jobs that would’ve otherwise been created in America will be created in countries like China. This will destabilize American supply chains and make American families and businesses reliant on China and other foreign countries for cheap energy.

    “We’re grateful to Senator Schumer for providing strong, common-sense leadership at a time when what we’ve fought so hard to deliver for working people is being threatened by this administration. Organized Labor has fought nationally for generational investments in clean energy and a green transition away from fossil fuels, and we’ve won many of those fights with Senator Schumer’s support. Now those wins are being threatened. The climate crisis is already making workers less safe on the job. From blistering farm fields to sweltering classrooms, workers will continue to suffer and die as long as the current President and Congress continue to deny scientific consensus and defund projects and programs that set us on an environmentally stable path. Working families in Buffalo know better than most the devastation of changing industry and the benefits of renewable energy sources for our communities. Corporate and political greed—lining the pockets of billionaires at workers’ expense—is unsustainable, and we’ll keep fighting it every step of the way forward,” said Buffalo Central Labor Council President Denise Abbott.

    “Clean Air members are working class people who have suffered the brunt of pollution from the burning of gas and coal for energy. Clean energy tax credits can lower our energy bills, reduce pollution protecting our health, and provide family- sustaining jobs. he house bill is a bad deal for the working class. We stand with Senator Schumer to ask that these clean energy credits be protected,” said Chris Murawski, Executive Director, Clean Air Coalition of Western New York.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Competition Bureau to hold technical briefing following release of its airline market study report

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Media advisory

    June 16, 2025 – GATINEAU (Québec), Competition Bureau

    On June 19, 2025, the Competition Bureau will release the final report on its airline market study.

    The report will outline the Bureau’s findings and make recommendations on how governments across Canada can increase competition in the domestic airline industry, for the benefit of Canadian air passengers, as well as the workers and entrepreneurs who enable these services.

    Following the publication of the report, the Bureau will hold a technical briefing about the study’s findings.

    Bureau officials will provide opening remarks, then will answer questions from the media.

    Date: June 19, 2025

    Time: 10:00 a.m. EST

    Location: Virtual (Webinar)

    Media are asked to contact Competition Bureau Media Relations at media-cb-bc@cb-bc.gc.ca to receive the access link for the technical briefing.

    Media are encouraged to join 15 minutes before the start of the technical briefing.

    Associated Links

    Contacts

    Media inquiries:

    Media Relations
    Email: media-cb-bc@cb-bc.gc.ca

    General information:
    Request for information | Complaint form

    Stay connected:
    X (Twitter) | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube | RSS Feed | Email Distribution List

    The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Fuentes Farms, LLC Recalls Product Because of Possible Health Risk

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    June 13, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    June 16, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesFoodborne Illness
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Potential Foodborne Illness – Salmonella

    Company Name:
    Fuentes Farms Inc.
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Fuentes Farms Inc

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Cucumbers in bushel boxes

    Company Announcement
    Fuentes Farms of McAllen, Texas is recalling 71 Boxes of Fresh Cucumbers, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.
    Product was distributed in Texas by local vendors at the Flea Markets in the McAllen and Alamo Areas.
    The affected product has a Fuentes Farm Label with Lot number 357. Boxes are 40Lbs 1-1/9-bushel boxes, which read vegetables and have a black background.
    No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall and the recall is not part of any current food outbreaks; However, out of an abundance of caution, Fuentes Farms LLC is notifying all customers and urging anyone who may have purchased the item at the flea market or sold cucumbers from Lot # 357. If you purchased cucumbers at the flea market with this label, during the specified dates of May 31st to June 3rd discontinue sale or consumption of the product.
    The recall was as the result of a routine sampling program by the company which revealed that the finished products contained the bacteria. The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA and the company continue their investigation as to what caused the problem.
    Consumers who believe they may have purchased cucumbers from Lot # 357 are advised to dispose of the product or return it to the place of purchase. For additional information or customers inquires, contact Fuentes Farms LLC at 1-956-340-8653 from Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. CDT Or via email: sales@fuentesfarmsllc.com

    Company Contact Information

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    06/16/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Early Release of 2024 Power Plant Operations Report Data

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    The survey Form EIA-923 collects detailed electric power data — monthly and annually — on electricity generation, fuel consumption, fossil fuel stocks, and receipts at the power plant and prime mover level. Specific survey information provided:

    • Schedule 2 – fuel receipts and costs
    • Schedules 3A & 5A – generator data including generation, fuel consumption and stocks
    • Schedule 4 – fossil fuel stocks
    • Schedules 6 & 7 – non-utility source and disposition of electricity
    • Schedules 8A-F – environmental data

    Monthly data (M) -approximately 3,034 plants from the monthly survey
    Annual final data – approximately 3,034 monthly plants + 9,528 plants from the annual survey

    The EIA-906, EIA-920, EIA-923 and predecessor forms provide monthly and annual data on generation and fuel consumption at the power plant and prime mover level. A subset of plants, steam-electric plants 10 MW and above, also provides boiler level and generator level data. Data for utility plants are available from 1970, and for nonutility plants from 1999. Beginning with January 2004 data collection, the EIA-920 was used to collect data from the combined heat and power plant (cogeneration) segment of the nonutility sector; also as of 2004, nonutilities filed the annual data for nonutility source and disposition of electricity. Beginning in 2007, environmental data was collected on Schedules 8A – 8F of the Form 923 and includes by-product disposition, financial information, NOX control operations, cooling system operations and FGP and FGD unit operations. Beginning in 2008, the EIA-923 superseded the EIA-906, EIA-920, FERC 423, and the EIA-423. Schedule 2 of the EIA-923 collects the plant level fuel receipts and cost data previously collected on the FERC and EIA Forms 423. Fuel receipts and costs data prior to 2008.

    Power plant data prior to 2001 are separate files for utility and nonutility plants. For 2001 data and subsequent years, the data are Excel spreadsheet files that include data for all plants and make other changes to the presentation of the data.

    The Form EIA 906/920 data for 2004-2006 were updated. A new method of allocating fuel consumption between electric power generation and useful thermal output (UTO) was implemented for 2004-2008. This new methodology proportionally distributes a combined heat and power (CHP) plant’s losses between the two output products (electric power and UTO). In the historical data, UTO was consistently assumed to be 80 percent efficient and all other losses at the plant were allocated to electric power. This change results in the fuel for electric power to be lower, while the fuel for UTO is higher than the prior set of data as both are given the same efficiency. This results in the appearance of an increase in efficiency of production of electric power between 2003 and 2004. The same methodology is applied to final 2007 and preliminary 2008 data. More information about the methodology can be found in the Appendix C, Technical Notes, to the Electric Power Monthly

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Alaska Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by Flooding

    Source: United States Small Business Administration

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP) organizations in Alaska of the July 16, 2025 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by flooding occurring Aug. 5-6, 2024.

    The disaster declaration covers the Chatham Regional Educational Attendance Area (REAA), Haines Borough, City and Borough of Juneau and Petersburg Borough.

    Under this declaration, SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program is available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries, and PNPs with financial losses directly related to the disaster. The SBA is unable to provide disaster loans to agricultural producers, farmers, or ranchers, except for small aquaculture enterprises.

    EIDLs are available for working capital needs caused by the disaster and are available even if the business or PNP did not suffer any physical damage. The loans may be used to pay fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, and other bills not paid due to the disaster.

    “SBA loans help eligible small businesses and private nonprofits cover operating expenses after a disaster, which is crucial for their recovery,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “These loans not only help business owners get back on their feet but also play a key role in sustaining local economies in the aftermath of a disaster.”

    The loan amount can be up to $2 million with interest rates as low as 4% for small businesses and 3.25% for PNPs with terms up to 30 years. Interest does not accrue, and payments are not due until 12 months from the date of the first loan disbursement. The SBA sets loan amounts and terms based on each applicant’s financial condition.

    To apply online, visit sba.gov/disaster. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. For people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services.

    Submit completed loan applications to the SBA no later than July 16.

    ###

    About the U.S. Small Business Administration

    The U.S. Small Business Administration helps power the American dream of business ownership. As the only go-to resource and voice for small businesses backed by the strength of the federal government, the SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, expand their businesses, or recover from a declared disaster. It delivers services through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations. To learn more, visit www.sba.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Financial Review – Upstream: 2024

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    Petroleum & Other Liquids

    Crude oil, gasoline, heating oil, diesel, propane, and other liquids including biofuels and natural gas liquids.

    Natural Gas

    Exploration and reserves, storage, imports and exports, production, prices, sales.

    Electricity

    Sales, revenue and prices, power plants, fuel use, stocks, generation, trade, demand & emissions.

    Coal

    Reserves, production, prices, employment and productivity, distribution, stocks, imports and exports.

    Total Energy

    Comprehensive data summaries, comparisons, analysis, and projections integrated across all energy sources.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Lepowsky, Lurie Honored by Alma Maters

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    Dr. Steven Lepowsky, dean of the School of Dental Medicine, and Dr. Alan Lurie, professor and chair of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diagnostic Sciences, both received high alumni honors from their dental schools, Columbia College of Dental Medicine and UCLA School of Dentistry.

    Lepowsky received the 2025 Columbia College of Dental Medicine Distinguished Alumni Award for Notable Achievement in Academic Dentistry.

    Dr. Steven Lepowsky with interim dean Dr. Dennis Mitchell (Columbia photo)

    “Your leadership role as Dean of the UConn School of Dental Medicine has brought you to the fore of an extraordinary field of candidates for this recognition,” said Dr. Dennis Mitchell, interim dean of the Columbia College of Dental Medicine in an announcement.

    Lepowsky received his DDS from the Columbia College of Dental Medicine in 1986, and was on the faculty at Columbia from 1987-1993 where he served as the director of the general dentistry residency program and the director of the year three clinical program before joining UConn in 1993.

    Lurie was awarded the 2025 Alumnus of the Year from the UCLA School of Dentistry. The award was given to Lurie in honor of his distinguished five-decade career in oral and maxillofacial radiology research and education, and commitment to public service.

    Lurie received his DDS from UCLA in 1970.

    “Dr. Lurie’s impact on dental radiology and public health is immeasurable,” said UCLA School of Dentistry Dean and Professor Dr. Paul H. Krebsbach in the official announcement. “He embodies the very best of what our alumni contribute to science, service, and the broader health community.”

    Krebsbach spent time alongside Lurie at UConn in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Haiti on the brink: Gangs fill power vacuum as current solutions fail a nation in crisis

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Greg Beckett, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Western University

    Haiti is facing a multifaceted crisis unlike any in the country’s modern history.

    Haiti recently marked the one-year anniversary of Haiti’s Presidential Transitional Council’s (CPT) new government — an internationally backed effort to restore governance in the country after Prime Minister Ariel Henry was ousted by gangs.

    But rather than charting a path to stability, the CPT remains mired in dysfunction as Haiti’s crisis deepens with no end in sight. Armed gangs now control most of the capital, more than a million Haitians have been displaced and half the country faces acute food insecurity.

    Criminal gangs have taken control of most of the capital city of Port-au-Prince and significant parts of the country. Since 2021, gangs have killed more than 15,000 people and forcibly displaced over a million people.

    Beyond the security situation, there is a dire humanitarian emergency as more than half the country faces severe food insecurity.

    The United Nations says the country may be reaching a point of no return and risks falling into “total chaos.”

    Haitian friends tell me their whole country feels as blocked as the barricaded streets and choke points used by the gangs to control the capital.

    A security crisis paralyzing everything

    The impasse is undoubtedly shaped by entrenched gang violence. Armed groups have been used by political players for political ends in Haiti for decades.

    But now, new, well-organized armed gangs have emerged as political entities in their own right.

    For example, the G9 Alliance, the most notorious of gangs — actually a federation of gangs — is led by former police officer Jimmy “Barbecue” Chérizier.

    Chérizier presents himself on social media as a revolutionary figure fighting the elites, but in the streets of Port-au-Prince most, see him as a violent criminal.

    Last year, the G9 merged with rivals to form a coalition called Viv Ansamn (Live Together). Led by Chérizier and others, the group forced Prime Minister Ariel Henry from power. Henry had become prime pinister after the assassination of Haiti’s last elected head of state, President Jovenel Moïse, in July 2021, despite himself being implicated in the assassination.

    Both Henry and Moïse were accused of paying gangs to maintain control.

    Viv Ansamn’s takeover of the capital confirms gangs have become an autonomous political force. They have since expanded their power through their control over fuel supplies, critical infrastructure and key choke points.

    It’s telling that the gangs have become so powerful despite the presence of a UN-approved, Kenya-led Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission. The mission has been in Haiti since shortly after Henry was forced out of power.

    But with limited scope and funding from donor countries, including the United States, Canada and Ecuador, the mission has failed to achieve any major successes. Indeed, by the UN’s own estimates, gang violence continues to have a “devastating impact” on the population, despite the presence of the mission.

    Last month, the U.S. government designated Viv Ansamn and Gran Grif, Haiti’s two most powerful armed gangs, as terrorist organizations. Canada and others have also imposed sanctions on politicians and gang leaders, and perhaps this could lead to more sanctions against those who most directly benefit from the crisis. But for residents of Port-au-Prince, little has changed on the ground, where many feel the gangs are holding the country hostage.

    Democratic vacuum with no clear path forward

    A common saying in Haiti goes like this: peyi’m pa gen leta, my country has no state. Once a criticism of a particular government, it now feels literal. Haiti has no elected national officials.

    The CPT was established by the Organization of American States after Henry’s ousting, but has has done little to restore democracy. Elections are impossible under the current security conditions.

    Instead, the CPT has become another obstacle to resolution. Mired in internal conflict, some members have been accused of bribery. With no framework for political compromise, the council reflects a system where some key players actually benefit from the political impasse.

    Governing structures that can’t govern

    Haiti is now in uncharted territory. The CPT operates in a legal vacuum, making decisions without a clear mandate or authority.

    Still, the council is moving forward with a controversial plan to rewrite the Haitian constitution. The proposed changes will fundamentally alter Haiti’s government structure, including abolishing the senate and the prime minister, allowing presidents to hold consecutive terms, changing election procedures and allowing dual citizens and Haitians living abroad to run for office.

    This constitutional reform highlights the paradox at the heart of Haiti’s crisis: an institution with questionable legitimacy is attempting to redesign the very framework that would determine its own authority.

    These aren’t just procedural problems: they represent fundamental questions about who has the authority to govern and how decisions get made in a country where democratic institutions have always been fragile.

    International responses miss the mark

    International groups, including the UN, the Organization of American States and the Core Group that includes the United States, Canada and France, have overseen Haiti’s politics for decades. But their influence has often backfired. Many in Haiti see the international community as directly responsible for the current crisis.

    Whatever internal problems have given rise to the current crisis, the role played by the international community in Haiti has undoubtedly contributed to the impasse.

    The MSS mission is a stop gap at best and a liability at worst. It is insufficient for the scale of the crisis.

    Some observers have called for a full UN peacekeeping mission, but there is little support for it and such a mission would likely face resistance within Haiti given the country’s fraught history with international interventions.

    Can the international community undo the damage it has already done? And can Haiti make it through the impasse without the international community?

    Beyond the impasse: What needs to change

    There are no easy solutions. Addressing gang violence without legitimate governing institutions won’t create lasting stability. Yet the path to a legitimate government remains unclear as organizing elections without basic security is unrealistic.

    The international community must stop treating Haiti as a series of separate crises requiring separate responses. The current piecemeal approach treats symptoms while ignoring the underlying causes that block political resolutions.

    For Haitians, the stakes could not be higher. The question isn’t whether change is needed, but whether the international community and Haitian leaders can move beyond the impasse before the situation deteriorates even further.

    Greg Beckett receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    – ref. Haiti on the brink: Gangs fill power vacuum as current solutions fail a nation in crisis – https://theconversation.com/haiti-on-the-brink-gangs-fill-power-vacuum-as-current-solutions-fail-a-nation-in-crisis-257948

    MIL OSI Analysis –

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

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

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

    Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove

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

    Mayor Karen Bass

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

    Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire

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

    Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas

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

    Congresswoman Judy Chu

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

    Congressman Mark Takano

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

    Congresswoman Norma Torres

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

    Assemblymember Tina McKinnor

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

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

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

    Assemblymember José Luis Solache

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

    Attendees: 

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

    • Sen. Mike McGuire, California State Senate Pro Tempore

    • Asm. Robert Rivas, California State Assembly Speaker

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

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

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

    • Asm. Tina McKinnor, State Assembly District 61

    • Sen. María Elena Durazo, State Senate District 26

    • Asm. Mark Gonzalez, State Assembly District 54

    • Asm. José Solache, State Assembly District 62

    • Sen. Laura Richardson, State Senate District 35

    • Sen. Caroline Menjivar, State Senate District 20

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

    • Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, State Senate District 25

    • Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur, State Assembly District 51

    • Asm. Mike Gipson, State Assembly District 65

    • Asm. Al Muratsuchi, State Assembly District 66

    • Asm. Issac Bryan, State Assembly District 55

    • Asm. Mike Fong, State Assembly District 49

    • Asm. Jacqui Irwin, State Assembly District 42

    • Asm. Juan Carrillo, State Assembly District 39

    • Asm. Lisa Calderon, State Assembly District 56

    • Asm. Sade Elhawary, State Assembly District 57

    • Asm. Celeste Rodriguez, State Assembly District 43

    • Asm. Jessica Caloza, State Assembly District 52

    • Asm. Nick Schultz, State Assembly District 44

    • Asm. John Harabedian, State Assembly District 41

    • Asm. Blanca Pacheco, State Assembly District 64

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

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

    Congresswoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove

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

    Mayor Karen Bass

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

    Senate President Pro Tem Mike McGuire

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

    Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas

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

    Congresswoman Judy Chu

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

    Congressman Mark Takano

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

    Congresswoman Norma Torres

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

    Assemblymember Tina McKinnor

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

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

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

    Assemblymember José Luis Solache

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

    Attendees: 

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

    • Sen. Mike McGuire, California State Senate Pro Tempore

    • Asm. Robert Rivas, California State Assembly Speaker

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

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

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

    • Asm. Tina McKinnor, State Assembly District 61

    • Sen. María Elena Durazo, State Senate District 26

    • Asm. Mark Gonzalez, State Assembly District 54

    • Asm. José Solache, State Assembly District 62

    • Sen. Laura Richardson, State Senate District 35

    • Sen. Caroline Menjivar, State Senate District 20

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

    • Sen. Sasha Renée Pérez, State Senate District 25

    • Asm. Rick Chavez Zbur, State Assembly District 51

    • Asm. Mike Gipson, State Assembly District 65

    • Asm. Al Muratsuchi, State Assembly District 66

    • Asm. Issac Bryan, State Assembly District 55

    • Asm. Mike Fong, State Assembly District 49

    • Asm. Jacqui Irwin, State Assembly District 42

    • Asm. Juan Carrillo, State Assembly District 39

    • Asm. Lisa Calderon, State Assembly District 56

    • Asm. Sade Elhawary, State Assembly District 57

    • Asm. Celeste Rodriguez, State Assembly District 43

    • Asm. Jessica Caloza, State Assembly District 52

    • Asm. Nick Schultz, State Assembly District 44

    • Asm. John Harabedian, State Assembly District 41

    • Asm. Blanca Pacheco, State Assembly District 64

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 16, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

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

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

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

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

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

    Hermitage District Office Address & Contact Information:

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

    Rep. Kelly’s 2024 Constituent Service Fast Facts

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

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

    Contact: Alexis.Torres@mail.house.gov

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

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

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

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

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

    Read the full Resolution of Inquiry HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

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

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    13 June 2025

    Contact: Jin Choi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The full text of the letter can be found here.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    File 2025-59958

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    File 2025-59958

    MIL Security OSI –

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

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Maine Angus King

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    +++

    Dear Acting Director Alfonso-Royals:

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Sincerely,

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: Government of Canada News

    June 16, 2025 – Paris, France

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Canada News –

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

    Source: Government of Canada News

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Canada News –

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

    Source: US Geological Survey

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

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

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

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

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

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

    High-Resolution Insights To Improve Recovery

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

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

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

    Tiny Cracks, Big Impacts

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

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

    Source: US State of North Dakota

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Purpose XRP ETF Receives OSC Receipt, Set to Launch on TSX on Wednesday, June 18, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Purpose Investments Inc. (“Purpose”) is pleased to announce that it has received a final prospectus receipt for the Purpose XRP ETF, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of digital asset investing in Canada. The ETF is expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker XRPP on Wednesday, June 18.

    The Purpose XRP ETF will offer investors direct exposure to spot XRP, the native token of the XRP Ledger – a decentralized, open-source blockchain designed to facilitate fast and cost-effective cross-border payments. With this approval, Purpose continues to broaden access to digital assets through regulated and transparent investment vehicles.

    “The OSC’s granting of a receipt for the Purpose XRP ETF prospectus reinforces Canada’s global leadership in building a regulated digital asset ecosystem,” said Vlad Tasevski, Chief Innovation Officer at Purpose Investments. “We’re proud to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the space by offering investors simple, secure access to the infrastructure powering real-world blockchain adoption.”

    The ETF will be available in CAD-hedged (ticker XRPP), CAD non-hedged (ticker XRPP.B), and US dollar (ticker XRPP.U) units, and will be eligible for holding in registered accounts such as TFSAs and RRSPs.

    About Purpose Investments

    Purpose Investments is an asset management company with over $24 billion in assets under management, focused on client-centric innovation across ETFs and investment funds. Purpose is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent financial technology company led by entrepreneur Som Seif.

    For further information, please email us at info@purposeinvest.com.

    Media inquiries:
    Keera Hart
    keera.hart@kaiserpartners.com
    905-580-1257

    This offering is made only by prospectus. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the securities being offered. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained from purposeinvest.com. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision.

    The content of this document is for informational purposes only and is not being provided in the context of an offering of any securities described herein, nor is it a recommendation or solicitation to buy, hold or sell any security. Information contained in this document is not, and under no circumstances is it to be construed as, an offering memorandum, prospectus, advertisement or public offering of securities. No securities commission or similar regulatory authority has reviewed this information, and any representation to the contrary is an offence. The information contained in this document is believed to be accurate and reliable; however, we cannot guarantee that it is complete or current at all times. The information provided is subject to change without notice.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses may all be associated with investment fund investments. Please read the prospectus and other disclosure documents before investing. There can be no assurance that the full amount of your investment in a fund will be returned to you. If the securities are purchased or sold on a stock exchange, you may pay more or receive less than the current net asset value. Investment funds are not guaranteed; their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Crypto assets can be extremely volatile, and there is no guarantee that the amount invested will be returned to you.

    Certain statements in this document may be forward-looking. Forward-looking statements (“FLS”) are statements that are predictive in nature, depend on or refer to future events or conditions, or that include words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “estimate” or other similar expressions. Statements that look forward in time or include anything other than historical information are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results, actions or events could differ materially from those set forth in the FLS. FLS are not guarantees of future performance and are, by their nature, based on numerous assumptions. Although the FLS contained in this document are based upon what Purpose Investments believes to be reasonable assumptions, Purpose Investments cannot assure that actual results will be consistent with these FLS. The reader is cautioned to consider the FLS carefully and not to place undue reliance on the FLS. Unless required by applicable law, it is not undertaken, and specifically disclaimed, that there is any intention or obligation to update or revise FLS, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Apollo Capital Wins Proxy Contest at MediPharm Labs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MediPharm Labs’ Board’s Material and Unprecedented Breaches of Securities Laws Are Part of Their Undoing

    Apollo Capital’s Entire Slate of Board Nominees Constitute the New Board of Directors for MediPharm Labs Effective Today

    TORONTO, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Apollo Technology Capital Corporation (“Apollo Capital” or “Apollo”), which together with its affiliates and associates collectively is one of the largest shareholders of MediPharm Labs Corp. (TSX: LABS) (OTCQB: MEDIF) (FSE: MLZ) (“MediPharm”, “MediPharm Labs”, or the “Company”), owning approximately 3% of the Company’s common stock, announced today that it considers the results of MediPharm Labs’ 2025 Annual and Special Meeting of shareholders (“Annual Meeting”) a clear victory for Apollo, as all of MediPharm’s proxies – solicited using the green proxy form – are illegal and invalid under securities law and cannot be counted.

    Apollo Capital has been advised by its legal counsel that MediPharm’s solicitation of proxies in connection with the Annual Meeting is illegal due to material non-compliance with the notice-and-access laws under Section 2.7.1(2) of National Instrument 54-101 – Communication with Beneficial Owners of Securities of a Reporting Issuer (“NI 54-101”), since MediPharm illegally included additional materials in its proxy mailing that are expressly prohibited under Section 2.7.1(1)(a) of NI 54-101.

    These legal failures, which MediPharm has itself acknowledged, are not curable under the law, and demonstrate yet again MediPharm’s complete disregard for its shareholders and the law, in favor of the incumbent board’s personal interests. Given that MediPharm did not restart the election process and re-mail compliant materials to all shareholders at least 21 days in advance of the Annual Meeting, as clearly required under securities law, all proxies submitted on the green proxy card or voting instruction form were illegally solicited and must lawfully be declared invalid and discarded by Meeting Chair Chris Halyk. Apollo Capital’s GOLD proxies are therefore the only valid proxies on record.

    Meeting Chair Mr. Halyk testified under oath that he would not favor MediPharm over the dissident shareholders in his role and affirmed that he owes a fiduciary duty to all shareholders. As Chair, Mr. Halyk does not have the authority to waive illegal activity. If Mr. Halyk does not want to further implicate himself in this tainted and illegal process, the only course of action for him is to officially declare that any votes solicited using MediPharm’s green proxy form or voting instruction form are illegal under securities law and cannot be counted.

    MediPharm committed to obeying the law at the June 16, 2025 Annual Meeting when appearing before the Honorable Madame Justice Dietrich on June 10, 2025. Apollo is fully expecting MediPharm to comply with the commitment that it made to Justice Dietrich and vacate the board in favor of the Apollo nominees today, as is required by law.

    “This is not a legal technicality. This is an unprecedented breach of securities laws governing proxy solicitation meant to ensure each shareholder is fairly and consistently informed. We have never before seen such an egregious breach of these laws. This alone underscores the urgent need for new leadership at MediPharm. MediPharm’s board of directors (the “Board”) continues to act in unlawful and nefarious ways to further entrench and enrich themselves at shareholders’ expense,” said Regan McGee of Apollo Capital.

    With management’s green proxy cards and voting instruction forms invalid as a result of MediPharm’s illegal solicitation of proxies, the outcome of the election is unequivocal: Apollo Capital’s GOLD card has won. Apollo Capital has adhered fully to the rules governing proxy solicitation, conducted a fair and lawful election process, and – given that its GOLD proxy cards are the only valid proxies under applicable securities laws – Apollo Capital has secured victory in its campaign to restore value, integrity, legal compliance and leadership at MediPharm Labs.

    +++

    “MediPharm’s current leadership has presided over massive value destruction, poor governance, repeated strategic missteps and credible securities fraud allegations. Now, the same leadership stands behind a corrupt, tainted and illegal proxy process and tactics aimed at silencing shareholders and further entrenching themselves. Shareholder rights and the integrity of the vote have not been protected. MediPharm’s shareholders deserve better,” said Regan McGee of Apollo Capital.

    “During this proxy contest, MediPharm’s management and Board have repeatedly undermined a fair process through unlawful procedural violations, obstructionist tactics, and a disregard for basic principles of corporate governance. The premise for their entire campaign was to spread disinformation to their own shareholders. This is not the behavior of a Board acting in good faith or in the best interests of shareholders – it’s the behavior of entrenched directors desperate to cling to power at any cost. This is why the Board went to such great lengths to block the appointment of an independent chair. While we respectfully don’t agree with the decision to allow Mr. Halyk to act as the Meeting Chair, we will see if he rightfully declares the GOLD proxy cards the only valid ones.

    The law is crystal clear: if you break the notice-and-access laws, the proxies you solicit are illegal and invalid.

    Now that Apollo’s nominees have won the proxy contest and constitute the lawful board of directors of MediPharm Labs, we look forward to working with all shareholders to turn the Company around, work to get the share price back to over $1 per share and build MediPharm into the world’s leading medical cannabis company,” said Regan McGee of Apollo Capital.

    Contacts

    For Shareholders:
    Carson Proxy
    North American Toll-Free Phone: 1-800-530-5189
    Local or Text Message: 416-751-2066 (collect calls accepted)
    E: info@carsonproxy.com

    For Media:
    media@curemedipharm.com

    This solicitation is being made by and on behalf of Apollo Capital, who, as of the date of this Circular, beneficially owns or controls, directly and indirectly through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Nobul Technologies Inc., 12,491,500 common shares of the Company (“Common Shares”), representing approximately 3% of the total Common Shares issued and outstanding, and not by the management of the Company.

    Legal Disclosures

    Information in Support of Public Broadcast Exemption under Canadian Law

    In connection with the Annual Meeting of shareholders of MediPharm, Apollo Capital has filed an amended and restated dissident information circular dated May 15, 2025 (the “Circular”), as amended and supplemented by an addendum to the Circular subsequently filed by Apollo Capital and Patrick McCutcheon (together, the “Concerned Stakeholder”) dated June 4, 2025 (the “Addendum” and together with the Circular, the “Amended Circular”), each in compliance with applicable corporate and securities laws. The Concerned Stakeholder has provided in, or incorporated by reference into, this press release the disclosure required under section 9.2(4) of NI 51-102 – Continuous Disclosure Obligations (“NI 51-102”) and the corresponding exemption under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario), and has filed the Amended Circular, available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Amended Circular contains disclosure prescribed by applicable corporate law and disclosure required under section 9.2(6) of NI 51-102 in respect of the Concerned Stakeholder’s director nominees, in accordance with corporate and securities laws applicable to public broadcast solicitations. The Amended Circular is hereby incorporated by reference into this press release and is available under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The registered office of the Company is 151 John Street, Barrie, Ontario, Canada L4N 2L1.

    SHAREHOLDERS OF MEDIPHARM ARE URGED TO READ THE AMENDED CIRCULAR CAREFULLY BECAUSE IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Investors and shareholders are able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and any amendments or supplements thereto and further proxy circulars at no charge under MediPharm’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. In addition, shareholders are also able to obtain free copies of the Amended Circular and other relevant documents by contacting the Concerned Stakeholder’s proxy solicitor, Carson Proxy Advisors Ltd. (“Carson Proxy”) at 1-800-530-5189, local (collect outside North America): 416-751-2066 or by email at info@carsonproxy.com. Finally, the Amended Circular is available on this website https://www.curemedipharm.com/historical-filing/investor-flyer.

    Proxies may be revoked in accordance with subsection 110(4) of the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) by a registered shareholder of Company shares: (a) by completing and signing a valid proxy bearing a later date and returning it in accordance with the instructions contained in the accompanying form of proxy; (b) by depositing an instrument in writing executed by the shareholder or by the shareholder’s attorney authorized in writing; (c) by transmitting by telephonic or electronic means a revocation that is signed by electronic signature in accordance with applicable law, as the case may be: (i) at the registered office of the Company at any time up to and including the last business day preceding the day the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting is to be held, or (ii) with the chair of the Annual Meeting on the day of the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting; or (d) in any other manner permitted by law. In addition, proxies may be revoked by a non-registered holder of Company shares at any time by written notice to the intermediary in accordance with the instructions given to the non-registered holder by its intermediary. It should be noted that revocation of proxies or voting instructions by a non-registered holder can take several days or even longer to complete and, accordingly, any such revocation should be completed well in advance of the deadline prescribed in the form of proxy or voting instruction form to ensure it is given effect in respect of the Annual Meeting.

    The costs incurred in the preparation and mailing of any circular or proxy solicitation by the Concerned Stakeholder and any other participants named herein will be borne directly and indirectly by Apollo Capital. However, to the extent permitted under applicable law, Apollo Capital intends to seek reimbursement from the Company of all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies for the election of its director nominees at the Annual Meeting.

    This press release and any solicitation made by the Concerned Stakeholder is, or will be, as applicable, made by such parties, and not by or on behalf of the management of the Company. Proxies may be solicited by proxy circular, mail, telephone, email or other electronic means, as well as by newspaper or other media advertising and in person by managers, directors, officers and employees of the Concerned Stakeholder who will not be specifically remunerated therefor. In addition, the Concerned Stakeholder may solicit proxies by way of public broadcast, including press release, speech or publication and any other manner permitted under applicable Canadian laws, and may engage the services of one or more agents and authorize other persons to assist it in soliciting proxies on their behalf.

    Apollo Capital has entered into an agreement with Carson Proxy for solicitation and advisory services in connection with the solicitation of proxies by the Concerned Stakeholder for the Annual Meeting, for which Carson Proxy will receive a fee from Apollo Capital not to exceed $250,000, together with reimbursement for reasonable and out-of-pocket expenses. Apollo Capital has also engaged Gasthalter & Co. LP (“G&Co”) to act as communications consultant to provide the Concerned Stakeholder with certain communications, public relations and related services, for which G&Co will receive, from Apollo Capital, a minimum fee of US$75,000 in addition to a performance fee of US$250,000 in the event that the Concerned Stakeholder’s nominees make up a majority of the Board following the Annual Meeting, plus excess fees, related costs and expenses.

    No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has or has had any material interest, direct or indirect, in any transaction since the beginning of the Company’s last completed financial year or in any proposed transaction that has materially affected or will or would materially affect the Company or any of the Company’s affiliates. No member of the Concerned Stakeholder nor any of their respective associates or affiliates has any material interest, direct or indirect, by way of beneficial ownership of securities or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than setting the number of directors and the election of directors to the Board.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward‐looking statements. All statements contained in this filing that are not clearly historical in nature or that necessarily depend on future events are forward‐looking, and the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “plan,” and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward‐looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of the Concerned Stakeholder and currently available information. They are not guarantees of future performance, involve certain risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. All forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date hereof and the Concerned Stakeholder disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any such forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that subsequently occur, or of which the Concerned Stakeholder hereafter becomes aware, except as required by applicable law.

    Hashtags: #ShareholderActivism #CorporateGovernance #InvestorProtection #Investor Alert #Investor Fraud #FinancialRegulation #CorporateCrime #FinancialCrime #HomelandSecurity #DHS #OpioidCrisis #OpioidEpidemic #OpioidLitigation #OpioidVictims #BMO #DEA #ONDCP

    The MIL Network –

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Data privacy concerns

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

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

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

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

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

    Increased co-ordination post 9/11

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Asylum seekers

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Revisionist history

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

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

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

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

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

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

    MIL OSI Analysis –

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

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 16, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

    Coroner Frederick Kovach will preside at the inquest.

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    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: YourHealthNS Expands Diagnostic Imaging Reports

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Nova Scotians can soon access more diagnostic imaging reports through YourHealthNS.

    Mammogram, MRI, and CT and PET scan reports will start to be available in the app as early as June 30.

    “We continue to advance the ability for Nova Scotians to take a greater role in the healthcare they receive,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “The addition of these reports is part of our continued commitment to empower Nova Scotians to better manage their healthcare.”

    Reports completed from June 16 onward will be available through YourHealthNS 14 days after they are processed. For each type of scan, the report includes the body part examined, the reason for the scan, findings and a comparison with any previous scans. Images will not be available.

    Providing Nova Scotians access to their electronic health records to better manage their healthcare is part of a larger digital health transformation that includes YourHealthNS, virtual care, e-referrals, the Care Coordination Centre, the Oncology Transformation Project and the One Person One Record clinical information system.

    Quick Facts:

    • X-ray and ultrasound reports have been available through YourHealthNS since last year
    • a total of 209,604 CT (computed tomography) scans, 73,148 mammograms (breast X-rays), 40,073 MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging scans) and 3,836 PET (positron emission tomography) scans were performed in Nova Scotia in 2023
    • YourHealthNS has been downloaded nearly 700,000 times since it launched in November 2023

    Additional Resources:

    Information about diagnostic imaging services at Nova Scotia Health: https://www.nshealth.ca/diagnostic-imaging

    News releases about YourHealthNS: https://news.novascotia.ca/search/all?field_topics=324

    Other than cropping, Province of Nova Scotia photos are not to be altered in any way

    MIL OSI Canada News –