NewzIntel.com

Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI Global: Chatbots can help clinicians become better communicators, and this could boost vaccine uptake

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Jaigris Hodson, Associate Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Royal Roads University

    Strengthening doctors’ communications skills is a public health benefit. (Shutterstock)

    Measles is back. In recent months, outbreaks have re-emerged across North America including 2,968 cases in Canada as of May 31, 2025. At the heart of many of these surges lies missed childhood vaccinations — not just because of access barriers, but also due to conversations that didn’t happen.

    Many clinicians want to support their patients in making protective health decisions, but these are not simple conversations. Trust is essential, and clinicians need to accept that these may be complex discussions and learn how to build trust when medical misinformation and misunderstandings are in play.

    These conversations are important, but clinicians’ and patients’ time together is often limited, and it’s hard to demonstrate trustworthiness and build trust. That’s where we believe — and evidence suggests — artificial intelligence (AI) can help.

    A surprising use for AI

    AI is already being used to support diagnostic decisions and streamline administrative tasks in health care. But it also offers promise as a training tool for the human side of care.

    We’re part of a team researching how chatbots can be developed to help clinicians practise difficult conversations about vaccines. These tools have the potential to provide low-cost, emotionally engaging and psychologically safe simulations for health professionals like doctors, nurse practitioners and pharmacists.

    These kinds of tools are especially valuable in rural and remote areas, where access to in-person workshops or continuing education may be limited. Even for busy clinicians in well-resourced areas, chatbots can offer a flexible way to hone communication skills and to learn about circulating concerns.

    Improving communication

    Research consistently shows that clinicians can increase vaccine uptake by using better communication strategies. Even brief interventions — such as training in motivational interviewing — have measurable impacts on patient trust and behaviour.

    Chatbots provide an opportunity to deliver this kind of training at scale. In recent work, computational social scientist David Rand and colleagues have demonstrated how AI-based agents can be trained to engage in social conversations and generate responses that effectively persuade.

    These principles can be applied to the clinician–patient setting, allowing professionals to test and refine different ways of engaging with vaccine hesitancy before stepping into real-world conversations.

    In research conducted in Hungary, clinicians reported feeling more confident and prepared after interacting with simulated patients. The opportunity to rehearse responses, receive feedback and explore multiple conversational pathways helped clinicians understand what to say — and how and when to say it.

    Simulating conversations between clinicians and patients can help clinicians prepare for actual encounters.
    (Shutterstock)

    Practising communication

    We believe chatbots can be used to train clinicians in a type of presumptive language known as the AIMS method (announce, inquire, mirror and secure trust). Similar approaches, drawing on motivational interviewing, have been tested in Québec, where it has demonstrated success in helping clinicians increase vaccine confidence and uptake among new parents.

    This kind of intervention will simulate conversations with patients with vaccine questions, allowing physicians to practice AIMS techniques in a low-stakes environment. For example, the chatbot could play the role of a parent, and the physician would begin by announcing that it is time for the parents to vaccinate their children.

    Then, if the “parent” (the chatbot) expresses vaccine hesitancy, the physician would inquire about what is driving the hesitancy. Importantly, when the “parent” responds to the questions, the AIMS approach teaches the physician not to respond directly to the concerns, but instead first mirror the response to show the parent that they are being heard and understood.

    Finally, and sometimes after multiple rounds of inquiry and mirroring, the physician can move on to securing the parent’s trust.

    Becoming adept at methods of conversational approaches like AIMS takes practice. That’s what a chatbot can offer: repeated, flexible, low-risk rehearsal. Think of it like a flight simulator for conversations.

    Staying ahead of misinformation

    The landscape of misinformation is constantly shifting. New conspiracy theories, viral videos and misleading anecdotes can gain traction in days. Clinicians shouldn’t have to confront these narratives for the first time during a brief patient visit.

    By having the AI model underlying the chatbot constantly trawling the web for the latest misleading claims and updating chatbot scenarios regularly, we can help clinicians recognize and respond to the kinds of misinformation circulating now. This is especially important when trust in institutions is wavering and personalized, empathetic responses are most needed.

    Conversations build trust

    While we propose chatbots can be used to teach doctors how to address vaccine skepticism, motivational interviewing has already been employed via AI-based chatbots to address smoking cessation, with some promising results.

    A similar approach has also been used to encourage the uptake of stress-reduction behaviours. Though the use of chatbots in education is a growing area of inquiry, the specific use of chatbots to train physicians in motivational interviewing approaches is a new field of study.

    Using this approach as part of (continuing) clinical education could help better prepare the frontlines to serve as a successful bulwark against vaccine concerns not rooted in science.

    In the face of falling vaccination rates and rising distrust, clinicians are on the front lines of public health. We owe them better tools to prepare and build trust.

    Trust isn’t built in a moment. It’s built in conversation. And those can be practised.

    Jaigris Hodson is on the advisory board of the Clarity Foundation. She receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

    Heather Lanthorn is a senior advisor to the Clairity Foundation.

    David Rand has received funding from Google, Meta, and the Gates Foundation.

    Heather Lanthorn is the Senior Advisor to the Clarity Foundation.

    – ref. Chatbots can help clinicians become better communicators, and this could boost vaccine uptake – https://theconversation.com/chatbots-can-help-clinicians-become-better-communicators-and-this-could-boost-vaccine-uptake-255045

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Supporting 2SLGBTQI+ communities for a safer, more equitable and inclusive Canada

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 10, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario — Women and Gender Equality Canada

    Pride Season is a time to raise our voices—and our flags—to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of Two-Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other sexual and gender diverse (2SLGBTQI+) communities. It is also a time to recommit to building a country where everyone can live in safety and dignity.

    Today, as the Intersex-Inclusive Pride Flag was raised on Parliament Hill, the Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism), announced $1.5 million to support the security needs of Pride festivals across Canada.

    This funding—administered by Fierté Canada Pride through Canada’s Action Plan on Combatting Hate—will help cover the rising cost of safety and insurance planning, so organizers can continue building welcoming and inclusive spaces for all.

    As we begin Pride Season, the Government of Canada remains committed to working with 2SLGBTQI+ communities to build a future where no one is left behind.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kennedy, Cassidy, colleagues urge FEMA to end unaffordable Risk Rating 2.0 program

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator John Kennedy (Louisiana)
    WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), a member of the Senate Banking Committee, today joined Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) and seven Republican colleagues in sending a letter to acting Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator David Richardson urging the agency to end the Biden administration’s failed Risk Rating 2.0 program.
    Under Risk Rating 2.0, an estimated 80 percent of Louisiana National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) policyholders experienced monthly flood insurance premium increases in 2025.
    “Since the Biden Administration’s rollout of Risk Rating 2.0, premiums under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) increased in every state. By FEMA’s own estimates, 77 percent of all NFIP policies now pay more than under the old system,” the senators wrote.
    “The lack of transparency surrounding Risk Rating 2.0 is beyond troubling. FEMA has never allowed for meaningful public comment nor has it published the underlying data or assumptions used to justify the steep premium increases and refuses to disclose its actuarial model. Without transparency, communities cannot plan mitigation projects, lenders cannot accurately underwrite mortgages, and citizens cannot appeal punitive rate increases. Worse still, rising costs encourage policy lapses—shifting risk back to taxpayers when disasters strike,” they continued.
    “Each month that Risk Rating 2.0 continues unchecked, more families are forced to abandon their insurance coverage, neighborhoods face economic strain, and entire communities risk collapse after the next disaster,” the lawmakers added. 
    Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) also joined the letter.
    Background:
    In 2023, Kennedy introduced the Risk Rating 2.0 Transparency Act, which would require FEMA to publish an explanation of how the agency is determining flood insurance prices under Risk Rating 2.0. 
    In 2023, Kennedy also introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Act, which would cap annual flood insurance premium increases.
    In 2024, Kennedy spoke in the Senate Banking Committee about FEMA’s dishonesty concerning the Risk Rating 2.0 program, noting that the agency “said a million people of the 5 million people [who hold NFIP policies] will see their rates go down. I haven’t talked to a single person who’s seen their rates go down.”
    The full letter is available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • India leads global push for Ocean Conservation at UNOC3, unveils Deep-Sea Mission and plastic clean-up initiatives

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India made a compelling case for urgent global action to protect ocean health at the Third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice, with Union Minister of Earth Sciences Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiling ambitious strides in deep-sea exploration, marine plastic clean-up, and sustainable fisheries. Representing India at the conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, Dr. Singh called for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty, swift ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, and introduced the ‘SAHAV’ digital ocean data portal, reinforcing India’s leadership in global marine governance.

    Speaking under the conference theme “Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean,” Dr. Singh emphasized India’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. He outlined India’s multi-pronged strategy to combat ocean degradation through science, innovation, and inclusive partnerships. A centerpiece of India’s efforts is the Deep Ocean Mission’s ‘Samudrayaan’ project, set to deploy the nation’s first manned submersible by 2026 to explore ocean depths up to 6,000 meters, marking a significant leap in scientific capability.

    Dr. Singh highlighted India’s progress in tackling marine pollution through the ‘Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar’ campaign, which has cleaned over 1,000 km of coastline and removed more than 50,000 tonnes of plastic waste since 2022. A draft marine litter policy is in place, and India is actively supporting negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty to establish a legally binding international framework. Additionally, India has expanded its Marine Protected Areas to cover 6.6% of its Exclusive Economic Zone, contributing to global biodiversity goals.

    The minister showcased India’s Blue Economy initiatives, driven by the Sagarmala Programme and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). Over 600 port-led infrastructure projects worth $80 billion have been operationalized, while $2.5 billion in investments have modernized the fisheries sector, resulting in a 10% rise in fish production and the creation of over 1,000 fish farmer producer organizations since 2022. India has also restored over 10,000 hectares of mangroves and implemented shoreline management plans using nature-based solutions, integrating ocean-based climate actions into its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.

    India’s leadership in global ocean governance was further demonstrated through its co-leadership in ‘Blue Talks’ with France and Costa Rica and its participation in high-level events, such as the India-Norway side session on Marine Spatial Planning. The launch of the ‘SAHAV’ portal at UNOC3 enhances India’s commitment to transparent, science-based ocean management.

    Urging the adoption of a robust ‘Nice Ocean Action Plan,’ Dr. Singh called for global investment in innovation, ratification of the BBNJ Agreement, and finalization of the plastics treaty. “The ocean is our shared heritage and responsibility,” he declared, affirming India’s readiness to collaborate with governments, private sectors, civil society, and indigenous communities for a sustainable ocean future. India’s proactive stance at UNOC3 signals its transformation from a coastal nation to a global leader in shaping ocean policy.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Merkley, Shaheen, Schumer Lead Amicus Brief Supporting Oregon Attorney General Rayfield Challenging Trump Administration Abuse of Emergency Powers to Impose Tariffs

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    June 10, 2025
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) today led their colleagues in filing an amicus brief in Oregon v. Department of Homeland Security, a key case led by Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield challenging the Trump Administration’s abuse of emergency powers to impose tariffs.
    The brief—which Wyden spearheaded with Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY)—opposes the Administration’s request for a stay of a recent court decision that struck down these tariffs.  
    “Donald Trump has been abusing the law on trade since Day One, and the result has been trade chaos that is raising prices and costing American jobs,” said Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee. “I stand with AG Rayfield and Oregonians to tell the court that Congress never intended the International Emergency Economic Powers Act to be a blank check to tax everything Americans buy. The faster these tariffs are struck down and Congress restores its authority over trade and tariffs, the better it will be for American families.”
    “Trump’s illegal and chaotic tariffs are harming American consumers and businesses, leaving them to foot the bill for Trumpflation’s rising prices,” Merkley said. “While Trump is doing all he can to make life more expensive for families across the country, we’re fighting back against the Trump tariff wrecking ball with every tool at our disposal.”
    “Trump’s tariffs make everything more expensive for all of us – from the food you buy at the grocery store to your monthly utility bill, most Oregonians cannot afford $3800 a year for these tariffs,” Rayfield said. “Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley’s support in this case further illustrates how the president is misusing his emergency powers.”
     In May, the U.S. Court of International Trade held that the Trump Administration lacked authority to issue the challenged tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA)—a statute that no president prior to President Trump has ever tried to use to impose tariffs. The Senators’ amicus brief argues a stay should be rejected.  
    “Granting a stay will cause irreparable harm to constituents of?Amici,?particularly thousands of small and medium-sized businesses that will continue to be harmed if the President persists in collecting the unlawful IEEPA tariffs,” the senators wrote. “Small businesses do not have cash-on-hand or capital reserves to pay the increased tariffs, nor can they quickly?adapt to them by modifying supply chains.??If they cannot pass on the tariff costs to consumers—which would create additional harms for?Amici’s constituents—many face letting employees go or filing for bankruptcy. ?Even a few weeks of additional tariffs means small businesses will suffer irreparable harm.” 
    “The powers to impose tariffs and regulate international trade were given to Congress for a reason,” the senators continued. “Absent authorization from Congress to impose tariffs and approval to enter binding, durable trade agreements, it is contrary to the public interest for the President to arrogate Congress’s power to himself.” 
    “Further, the broad-based tariffs, which include extensive levies on treaty allies Japan, Canada, and members of the NATO alliance, undermine U.S. national security by weakening U.S. alliances,” the senators concluded. “Amici? regularly?interact?with U.S.-allied leaders who want to work with the U.S. on security and economic matters; IEEPA tariffs have been raised as one of the foremost irritants and obstacles to maintaining strong partnerships with the U.S. ?Multiple allied governments, including Canada, Mexico, and the European Union, have threatened retaliation targeting American exports and American companies—further compounding the economic harm to?Amici’s?constituents. ?Denying a?stay will?ensure the Administration cannot continue to usurp powers granted to Congress, and it will promote?U.S. national security and economic interests.” 
    The full amicus brief is here.
    The amicus brief was signed by Senators Tim Kaine (D-VA), Peter Welch (D-VT), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Angus King (I-ME), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Chris Coons (D-DE), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mark Warner (D-VA), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Edward Markey (D-MA). 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Warren Seek Answers from Contractor that Stands to Profit as Millions Lose Health Care Coverage

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    June 10, 2025
    Maximus, which has spent millions lobbying federal lawmakers on safety net programs like Medicaid, has a history of raking in profits by ejecting millions of Americans off of their health insurance
    Washington D.C.—U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass.,  said today they have written to Maximus, the largest contractor for Medicaid eligibility determinations, regarding the company’s potential profiteering under a Republican plan to cut Medicaid.
    In a warning of what could come if so-called “work requirements” pass into law, the senators pressed Maximus on its business strategy of kicking millions of low-income Americans off  their Medicaid coverage—even when they meet all the program’s eligibility requirements—to earn more profit.
    “As the largest contractor for Medicaid eligibility determinations, your company would likely assess whether individuals meet the requirements outlined in the Republican bill, giving you extraordinary power over Americans’ access to health care,” the senators wrote. “But your company has an abysmal track record, with reports of egregious backlogs and service delays and several reported instances of fraud.”
    Medicaid is a crucial health insurance program for millions of low- and middle-income Americans, covering about one in three Oregonians enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan. Trump and congressional Republicans are pushing to make the largest cuts to Medicaid in the program’s history, including nearly $350 billion in cuts from implementing so-called “work requirements.” The independent, non-partisan Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill will rip away health insurance coverage from more than 10 million Americans and that work requirements alone will result in almost 5 million people losing Medicaid. 
    In addition to its troubling track record in Medicaid, Maximus has also:
    Required Americans to submit intrusive personal information to complete eligibility checks, which was subsequently stolen in massive data breaches.
    Raked in profits for cycling some of America’s poorest individuals in and out of short-term, low-paying jobs rather than placing them in stable, long-term employment.
    Spent millions in recent years on lobbying and campaign contributions to federal, state, and local campaigns to persuade political leaders to implement stricter eligibility requirements for programs like Medicaid—knowing that its shareholders and bottom line would benefit when vulnerable Americans faced more red tape.
    “Maximus profited not from promoting work—the stated goal of Republican policymakers—but instead from trapping low-income Americans in a cycle of poverty, with individuals falling into and out of employment and eligibility for benefits in part due to the perverse incentives in your state contracts,” the senators wrote.
    Maximus’ stock has climbed as Trump and Republicans raced to pass legislation that would impose red tape requirements on Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries. With $100 million set aside in Republicans’ new bill to implement Medicaid red tape requirements just in fiscal year 2026, Maximus potentially stands to gain tens of millions worth of contracts in the coming years, representing a more than 30x return on its lobbying expenditures.
    Maximus has even made clear to investors that the “Big Beautiful Bill” creates numerous pathways to profit, stating that “changes that require customer engagement … increase our activity volume” and that “a reduction in Medicaid recipients may not necessarily decrease consumer engagement, especially if eligibility verification or activity reporting requirements become more frequent than today.”
    “All of this raises serious questions about your ability to effectively administer Medicaid eligibility determinations and avoid the perverse incentives that allow you to benefit from kicking even more Americans off of Medicaid if Donald Trump and Republicans’ ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ becomes law,” the senators continued. “With millions of dollars spent on lobbyists in Washington and around the nation, you have worked to enact the largest Medicaid cuts in the program’s history—and ensure that your company and you personally will financially benefit.”
    The senators are pressing Maximus for information on its lobbying efforts and concerning track record of implementing so-called “work requirements” in other federal programs.
    The full text of the letter is here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Backgrounder – Canada imposes fourth round of sanctions on facilitators of extremist settler violence against civilians in the West Bank

    Source: Government of Canada News

    The Regulations Amending the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations designate two (2) officials of the State of Israel. There are reasonable grounds to believe that these individuals have engaged in activities that undermine the peace and security of the State of Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories by directly facilitating, supporting, providing funding for or contributing to the use of violence by Israeli extremist settlers against Palestinian civilians or their property in the West Bank.

    Canadian measures

    Persons (individuals and entities) in Canada or Canadians outside Canada are thereby prohibited from dealing in the property of, entering into transactions with, providing services to, transferring property to, or otherwise making goods available to these listed individuals. These measures will also render these individuals inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Under the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulation, a listed person may apply to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to have their name removed from the Schedule of designated persons. The Minister must determine whether there are reasonable grounds to make a recommendation to the Governor in Council for removal.

    The specific prohibitions are set out in the Special Economic Measures (Extremist Settler Violence) Regulations.

    The names of the individuals added to the Schedule of these regulations are the following:

    • Itamar Ben-Gvir
    • Bezalel Yoel Smotrich

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Saskatchewan Advances Development of Women’s Unit at Regina Provincial Correctional Centre

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 10, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan is moving forward with the development of a new Women’s Unit at the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre, a key initiative under the 
    2025-26 Provincial Budget aimed at enhancing correctional infrastructure and addressing capacity challenges within the system.

    “This is a critical step in ensuring our correctional facilities meet the evolving needs of our communities,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “By investing in this project, we are enhancing the infrastructure necessary to support the rehabilitation and reintegration of female offenders.”

    To ensure the project’s success, the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement is preparing to procure professional and consulting services to support the project’s development. The team of external services will help oversee the planning, design, and construction phases, ensuring that the facility meets the highest standards of safety, security and inmate care.

    “This new facility will make a real difference, not just by helping relieve pressure on our correctional system but also by allowing for more space, better programming and stronger supports for women in custody,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod, K.C., said. “Together with the Saskatoon Correctional Centre expansion scheduled to open this year, these new builds will help us create opportunities for individuals to take steps toward a better path in life.”

    This project is part of a broader commitment to improve safety for correctional staff, offenders and the public. The new Women’s Unit will provide a women’s correctional facility in the southern part of the province and will offer programs tailored to the needs of female inmates, supporting their rehabilitation and reintegration into the community.

    The project is currently in the early planning phase, with further details to be announced as development progresses.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Protecting Canada’s livestock industry with a new vaccine bank

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    Canada is making significant progress towards the creation of a dedicated foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine bank, which will build on existing protections for the livestock industry and equip producers with another tool to control and eliminate the disease should an outbreak occur.

    Following a competitive procurement process, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, awarded contracts to Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and Biogénesis Bagó SA to supply multiple types of vaccine products and develop Canada’s first FMD vaccine bank. This FMD vaccine bank complements Canada’s current access to vaccines through the North American Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank, ensuring readily available vaccines for Canadian producers.

    FMD is a highly contagious and severe disease that affects cattle, sheep, swine, and other cloven-hoofed animals. An FMD infection can cause painful blisters that make it hard for animals to eat, walk, and produce milk, leaving them weak and sick.

    Preparedness efforts, including building a Canadian FMD vaccine bank, are key to protecting Canadian animals and agriculture. Having a ready supply of FMD emergency vaccines will strengthen our ability to respond effectively to an outbreak should one occur. It could also reduce the number of cases and the duration of the outbreaks. 

    Collaboration between Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments along with stakeholders plays a key role in Canada’s FMD prevention and preparedness plans. These efforts, combined with Canada’s existing strict import requirements, on-farm biosecurity measures, and disease surveillance, continue to protect the health of Canadian animals and the economic prosperity of our producers and farming communities.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Nine Albertans to receive Alberta’s highest honour

    Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Melfort Hospital Receives Upgrades as Province Continues Investment in Rural Health Facilities

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on June 10, 2025

    On Monday, June 9, 2025, Rural and Remote Health Minister Lori Carr visited the town of Melfort as part of her Saskatchewan summer tour. Minister Carr met with healthcare professionals in the community and toured two of the local healthcare facilities. 

    “It was a pleasure to meet with many of the medical staff in Melfort while touring their respective healthcare facilities, where I was able to get a real sense of their working environment,” Minister Carr said. “Our visit was very positive, and I want to extend my sincere appreciation for their contribution and invaluable service to the health care system.”

    Government continues to prioritize timely access to high quality healthcare services, as well as recruitment and retention of physicians, nurses and other allied healthcare professionals. 

    As part of Government’s capital funding plan, both Melfort Hospital and Parkland Place recently received new chillers. The sewer system was also recently replaced at Melfort Hospital and a project to upgrade the operating room airflow system is currently in procurement. This is a total investment of approximately $1.3 million over the past two budget years.

    In 2024-25, surgical capital funding of $163,800 was earmarked to purchase an advanced surgical microscope that will allow Melfort’s visiting specialists to perform more ear, nose and throat (ENT) procedures.

    Additionally, beginning in this year’s budget, the Saskatchewan Health Authority has entered a five-year lease agreement for new endoscopy equipment for a cost of $264,000 per year.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    Shannon Gilbert
    Health
    Regina
    Phone: 306-787-4083
    Email: media@health.gov.sk.ca
    Cell: 306-537-3594

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Durbin On Republicans’ Reconciliation Bill: It’s A Big, Beautiful Betrayal Against American Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    June 09, 2025
    In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin slammed the Republican reconciliation plan that will kick 16 million Americans off their health care coverage, close rural hospitals, and raise prices for American families in order to pay for tax cuts to billionaires
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor, making clear that Republicans’ One Big Beautiful Bill Act will only raise prices and slash Medicaid and Medicare coverage for working Americans in order to pay for significant tax breaks for billionaires.  Durbin reiterated in his remarks that the legislation will harm Americans as the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released an estimate showing that 16 million Americans will lose their health insurance under the Republicans’ reconciliation bill.
    “They [congressional Republicans] are considering a tax bill that will eliminate health insurance coverage for 16 million Americans.  More people and families will lose health insurance coverage by virtue of this ‘big, beautiful bill’ than any legislation we passed in modern memory,” Durbin began.
    Durbin explained how unpopular it would be to cut health insurance coverage for Americans, which has prompted a small number of Republicans to express their discontent with $800 billion in proposed cuts to Medicaid.
    “Some Republican Senators, like Josh Hawley in my neighboring state of Missouri, have criticized this because he realizes how many people he represents count on Medicaid, the basic health insurance program.  Senator Hawley says even as a Republican, he can’t support that provision,” Durbin said.  “No one should support that provision.  If you ever lived at a moment in your life with a seriously sick child and no health insurance, you’ll never forget it.  I know.  I’ve been there.”
    “With this analysis from the Congressional Budget Office, we have new estimates on how this bill impacts each and every state.  210,000 people in my neighboring state of Missouri, Senator Hawley’s state, could lose their health insurance coverage.  In Iowa, nearly 100,000 people could lose their health plans, and for our neighbor in Indiana, 250,000 Hoosiers could lose the peace of mind that comes with having health insurance,” Durbin said.
    “What is it that is so compelling that the Republicans feel they can stand up and tell 16 million people in America, ‘you’ll lose your health insurance.’  What will they use that money for?  What will they take it to the bank for?  For something very basic.  Tax cuts for the wealthiest people in America,” Durbin continued.
    Durbin spoke about his recent visit to a children’s hospital in Chicago, emphasizing that patients, including his constituent Layoni, rely on Medicaid in order to receive life-saving care.
    “Friday, I visited a hospital in Chicago… It’s La Rabida, a children’s hospital… Ninety percent of the families that bring their children to La Rabida Hospital qualify for Medicaid.  These are families of limited means, and they turn to a highly professional hospital which has a reputation of caring for the poorest kids, as well as the richest kids. They treat them all the same, and they treat them well,” Durbin said.
    “When I visited the hospital, they told me the story of one of their patients.  Her name is Layoni. She was born prematurely at 26 weeks.  When she was born she was only the size of the palm of your hand.  She was given just days to survive.  She needed a ventilator, tracheotomy tube, central line, an IV-like device that brought medicine to her heart, and much, much more.  Today, Layoni is four years old.  It’s a miracle. Thanks to want incredible cared provided by La Rabida and the love of so many people, she’s there,” Durbin continued.  “Layoni’s family was covered by Medicaid, the most highly targeted program for cuts in this ‘big, beautiful bill.’”
    Durbin explained the impact the Republicans’ reconciliation bill will have on hospitals across the country, many of which rely on Medicaid reimbursements to stay open.  If critical Medicaid funding is cut, hospitals across the country, especially those in rural areas, will be at serious risk of closure.  According to America’s Essential Hospitals, uncompensated care costs for hospitals will increase by $42 billion in a single year under this Republican proposal.  For rural hospitals that are already struggling financially, this bill could lead to them permanently closing their doors.
    “They [20 hospital administrators from downstate and urban Illinois] came out to see me three weeks ago…  On their own, they wanted to tell me the story, that the bill that passed the House of Representatives… will be devastating to these hospitals.  Some of them won’t survive,” Durbin said.
    “What does it mean to a small or medium-size city that’s lucky enough to have a good hospital and lose it?  Well, the obvious. If you need emergency medical care, it’s a longer drive.  If that baby is about to be born, it’s a longer drive. When it comes down to treatment, these hospitals provide the first in urgent care.  And if that hospital closes, what happens?  It takes longer to get that care, but in addition to that, it also means a major part of the local economy is gone,” Durbin said.  “How will you attract a business or keep a business when you lose your hospital? That’s what’s at stake here because it cuts into the Medicaid program.”
    Despite Republican claims that the reconciliation bill will not impact Medicare, the bill also includes a $500 billion cut to Medicare.
    “The Trump ‘big, beautiful bill’ is designed to cut the program that these hospitals rely on most, the Medicaid program.  Now it turns out because they add trillions of dollars to the deficit for this tax cut, you’re also facing the possibility of something called sequestration, what that means is there will be less coverage for Medicare,” Durbin said.  “This would be devastating to many people who count on it. It’s not just La Rabida that would face consequences.  Red and blue states would suffer.”
    Durbin continued on, stressing that this legislation will also increase the cost of living for Americans while billionaires will enjoy an additional $400,000 in tax cuts. 
    “As if an increase in the health care premiums isn’t enough, the costs of basic goods will skyrocket under this Republican plan.  The ‘big, beautiful betrayal’ will raise energy bills up to $400 a year for families and ten percent for businesses,” Durbin said.
    “If housing wasn’t already expensive enough, many Americans will see their mortgages increase by $600 a year.  Want to follow your passion and start a business?  Small business loans are estimated to increase under the ‘big, beautiful bill’ by $1,000 a year.  Tariffs are estimated to raise costs for American households by around $2,500,” Durbin said.  “If this last election was about the cost of living and giving families a fighting chance to survive paycheck to paycheck, this bill is devastating for those who aren’t the wealthiest in America.”
    Durbin concluded his remarks by calling on his Republican colleagues to push back against this legislation that will eliminate health care for 16 million Americans and raise prices even further.
    “This year, for the Fourth of July, the most American thing we can do is, on a bipartisan basis, stop this disaster.  What does it take to say, ‘Pause, stop.  We don’t want to cut Medicaid.  We don’t want to take health insurance away from 16 million people.  We don’t want to see the expenses of families going up.’  What will it take? Four Republican Senators who will step up and say this is a mistake,” Durbin said.
    “Donald Trump is trying to rush us into something which is not good for American families. [The bill is] good for billionaires… but for ordinary families struggling with their regular bills that they have to pay, the ‘big, beautiful bill’ is a big, beautiful betrayal,” Durbin concluded.
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In Senate Floor Speech, Durbin Denounces Political Violence, Criticizes Trump’s Decision To Deploy National Guard Troops To California Without Consent Of California State Officials

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Dick Durbin
    June 10, 2025
    In his speech, Durbin also pointed out the hypocrisy of Trump Administration officials, who supported pardons for January 6 rioters, as they call for the arrest of any protestor that commits violent acts against law enforcement
    WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, delivered a speech on the Senate floor in response to President Trump’s abuse of power in deploying National Guard troops to California without the request or consent of California state leaders.  Durbin began by condemning political violence of all kinds while reiterating that Americans have a right to peacefully protest. 
    “I condemn violence, vandalism, including violence against law enforcement.  There is no place in legitimate protests for that to occur,” Durbin began.  “What is happening in Los Angeles, as brought to my attention over the weekend, is something we need to address.  However, addressing it effectively means not grandstanding, but giving law enforcement the resources they need to control the situation.  Neither the Governor of California nor the Mayor of Los Angeles asked for the National Guard troops that President Trump is sending.”
    “Governor Newsom said the decision to deploy the National Guard, without appropriate training or orders, risked seriously escalating the situation,” Durbin continued.  “What is clear is that President Trump manipulated these protests as an excuse to politicize the military and divert resources from pressing national security and disaster relief responsibilities.”
    Durbin explained that it’s been 60 years since a president has sent in the National Guard for a domestic operation without a request from the governor.  Durbin then noted that while President Trump has made strong statements about his Administration’s intolerance of violence toward law enforcement during these protests, he provided clemency to more than 1,500 individuals who participated in the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.  The violence at the Capitol that day led to the death of five police officers and the injuries of more than 140 others.
    “This weekend, the President wrote on social media that Los Angeles was ‘invaded and occupied’ by ‘violent, insurrectionist mobs,’ and directed three of his top cabinet officials to take any actions necessary to ‘liberate Los Angeles from the Migrant Invasion,’” Durbin said.  “His FBI Director, Kash Patel, also wrote on X, ‘Hit a cop, you’re going to jail… doesn’t matter where you came from, how you got here, or what movement speaks to you.’”
    “It seems President Trump and Mr. Patel forgot what happened on January 6th at the U.S. Capitol when a violent mob—summoned by a bitter, defeated former President—ransacked the Capitol Complex… The insurrectionist mob, the rioters who came into the Capitol on January 6th looked through my desk.  You can see it on CSPAN,” Durbin said.  “On his first day back in office in his second term, what did President Trump do to these cop haters?  He issued a blanket pardon to [nearly] 1,500 of them despite their conviction… for that riot that took place in this building, including those who violently assaulted law enforcement officers.”
    “It appears FBI Director Patel’s comment [that] if you, ‘hit a cop, you’re going to jail,’ only applies to people who President Trump doesn’t agree with,” Durbin concluded.
    Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here.
    Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here for TV Stations.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: No Limit Casinos That Are Making Waves in the 2025 Gambling Scene- By All iGaming Experts!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New York City, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The online gambling industry is evolving with the rise of no limit casinos, offering high rollers and players flexibility to deposit, withdraw, and bet without restrictions. These platforms, also known as no limit casinos or no limit casino online platforms, provide unparalleled control over your gaming experience. However, with great freedom comes the need for caution—choosing the right platform is crucial to avoid risks like unfair practices. 

    >> Check Out The Full List Of No Limit Casinos, As Rated By All iGaming

    All iGaming, a trusted authority in online gambling reviews, offers expert evaluations to help players find the best no limit casinos, including highroller and no withdrawal limit casinos. This guide explores what sets no limit casinos apart and how to choose a safe and rewarding platform in 2025.

    ➡️ Why Choose All iGaming For No Limit Casino Reviews

    All iGaming has earned its reputation as a trusted resource by prioritizing player needs above all else. Unlike generic review sites that may rely on flashy promotions, All iGaming conducts thorough, objective assessments of every no limit casino to ensure it meets stringent standards for safety, fairness, and performance. Their evaluations focus on what matters most to players: secure transactions, diverse game offerings, transparent bonuses, and responsive support.

    By highlighting both the strengths and potential drawbacks of each no limit casino online, All iGaming empowers players to make choices that align with their preferences. Whether you’re a high roller looking for a platform with no betting limits or a player seeking anonymity through minimal KYC requirements, All iGaming’s detailed reviews provide the clarity you need. Their commitment to transparency makes them an invaluable partner in navigating the exciting yet complex world of no limit gambling.

    >>Get the Full Breakdown of No Limit Casinos You Can Trust

    ➡️How All iGaming Ranks The Top No Limit Casinos

    All iGaming employs a meticulous, player-centric evaluation process to identify the best no limit casinos. Each platform is assessed across several critical factors that define a superior gaming experience. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key criteria:

    Criteria Description
    Licensing and Compliance Casinos must hold valid licenses from reputable authorities like Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao eGaming to ensure regulatory compliance and player protection.
    Transaction Flexibility Platforms should offer unrestricted deposits and withdrawals, supporting fast and secure payment methods like cryptocurrencies, e-wallets, and credit cards.
    Game Variety A diverse library with high-stakes options, including slots, table games, and live dealer games, is essential for a no limit casino.
    Bonus Structures Bonuses should have clear terms, low or no wagering requirements, and no caps on winnings to benefit both high rollers and casual players.
    Customer Support 24/7 support through live chat, email, or platforms like Discord ensures prompt assistance, especially for large transactions.
    Privacy and Security Robust measures like SSL encryption and 2FA, along with no or low KYC options, balance player privacy with regulatory compliance.

    ✔️Licensing and Compliance

    A valid license from a trusted authority, such as the Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao eGaming, is non-negotiable. All iGaming verifies licensing details to ensure that every no limit casino adheres to strict regulatory standards, protecting players from rogue operators and fostering a secure gaming environment.

    ✔️Transaction Flexibility

    The hallmark of a no limit deposit casino or no withdrawal limit casino is the ability to manage funds without restrictions. All iGaming tests the speed and security of deposit and withdrawal processes, ensuring support for popular payment methods like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and traditional options such as e-wallets and credit cards.

    Cryptocurrencies are particularly valued for their near-instant transactions and lack of limits, making them ideal for high rollers seeking a seamless experience.

    ✔️Game Variety and High Stakes Options

    The best no limit casinos offer a rich selection of games, including slots, poker, blackjack, and live dealer options, all without betting caps. All iGaming evaluates game libraries from top providers like Betsoft, Playtech, and Microgaming, ensuring competitive Return to Player (RTP) rates and high-stakes options that cater to players seeking a highroller online casino experience.

    >>See Which No Limit Casinos Made the Cut for 2025

    ✔️Bonus Structures Suitable for High Rollers

    Bonuses can significantly enhance the gaming experience, but unclear terms can lead to frustration. All iGaming carefully examines wagering requirements, bonus caps, and eligibility criteria to recommend casinos with transparent, player-friendly offers.

    These may include deposit matches, cashback, or free spins designed to appeal to both high rollers and casual players.

    ✔️Customer Support

    Responsive customer support is critical, especially for players handling large transactions in a no limit casino. All iGaming assesses the availability and quality of support channels, such as 24/7 live chat, email, or platforms like Discord, ensuring players receive prompt and professional assistance when needed.

    ✔️Privacy and Security

    For players who prioritize anonymity, All iGaming highlights no limit casinos with minimal or no KYC requirements, ensuring privacy without compromising regulatory compliance. Robust security measures, including SSL encryption and two-factor authentication (2FA), protect player data and funds, creating a safe gaming environment.

    ➡️The Importance Of Selecting A Trusted No Limit Casino

    The freedom offered by no limit casinos is undeniably appealing, but it comes with risks. Unscrupulous operators may exploit players with unfair practices, delayed payouts, or inadequate security.

    All iGaming’s rigorous reviews help players avoid these pitfalls by recommending only legal and reputable no limit casinos that prioritize transparency, fairness, and player safety. By choosing a trusted platform, you can focus on the excitement of unrestricted gaming without worrying about hidden risks.

    All iGaming’s commitment to player protection ensures that you can enjoy the thrill of a no limit casino online with confidence. Their recommendations are based on thorough evaluations, giving you peace of mind as you explore high-stakes gaming opportunities.

    >>Browse Our Exclusive Guide to No Limit Casinos

    ➡️Resources From All iGaming

    All iGaming goes beyond simple rankings, offering a wealth of educational resources to enhance your gambling journey:

    • Guides on Bonuses: Learn how to evaluate casino bonuses and avoid common pitfalls, such as hidden wagering requirements.
    • Understanding No Limit Casinos: Detailed explanations of how no limit casinos operate and what to look for in a platform.
    • Transaction Safety: Tips for securely managing large transactions, particularly in a no limit deposit casino.
    • Risks of Unlicensed Platforms: Insights into the dangers of unregulated casinos and how to avoid them.
    • Emerging Trends: Updates on innovations in no limit gambling, such as blockchain technology and AI integration.
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    These resources empower players, from seasoned high rollers to newcomers, to make informed decisions and enjoy a rewarding experience in no limit casino online platforms.

    ➡️Navigating Regulations With All iGaming

    The legal landscape of online gambling, especially for no limit casinos, can be complex and varies by region. All iGaming simplifies this process by ensuring that every recommended casino operates under reputable licenses and adheres to strict regulatory standards. Key compliance measures include:

    • Robust Data Security: SSL encryption and secure account protocols safeguard player information.
    • Transparent Game Fairness: Many no limit casinos use provably fair systems, allowing players to independently verify game outcomes.
    • Clear Transaction Policies: Transparent rules for deposits, withdrawals, and bonuses ensure clarity and fairness.
    • Responsible Gambling Tools: Features like self-exclusion and deposit limits promote safe play, even in a no limit environment.
    • Independent Audits: Regular third-party audits ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory standards.

    All iGaming also provides clear guides on KYC requirements, tax obligations, and regional regulations, helping players understand the legal aspects of their chosen no limit casino and ensuring compliance with local laws.

    >>Check Out the Top No Limit Casino Rankings by iGaming Professionals

    ➡️ Trends In No Limit Casinos For 2025

    The no limit casino industry is evolving rapidly, and All iGaming keeps players informed about the latest developments shaping the future of gaming. Key trends for 2025 include:

    • Decentralized Casinos and Web3 Integration: Built on blockchain protocols like Ethereum or Solana, decentralized casinos offer enhanced transparency and player control through smart contracts. These platforms are ideal for no limit casino online experiences, providing verifiable fairness and automated payouts.
    • NFT and Play-to-Earn Integration: Some no limit casinos are introducing NFT-based rewards and play-to-earn models, allowing players to earn unique digital assets or tokens as part of their gaming experience.
    • AI-Powered Gaming Experiences: Artificial intelligence is transforming casinos with personalized game recommendations, dynamic bonuses, and improved customer support, creating a tailored highroller – online casino experience.

    All iGaming evaluates these innovations to ensure they deliver genuine value while maintaining high standards of security and fairness, keeping players at the forefront of the no limit gambling revolution.

    ➡️Tips For Selecting A No Limit Casino

    Choosing the right no limit casino requires careful consideration. All iGaming offers the following practical tips to optimize your gaming experience:

    • Confirm Licensing: Select casinos licensed by trusted authorities like the Malta Gaming Authority or Curaçao eGaming to ensure safety and fairness.
    • Prioritize Fairness: Choose platforms with provably fair games or regular third-party audits to guarantee unbiased outcomes.
    • Scrutinize Bonuses: Look for bonuses with clear terms, low or no wagering requirements, and no caps on winnings to maximize value.
    • Test Support: Ensure the casino offers 24/7 customer support through multiple channels, such as live chat or email, for quick issue resolution.
    • Focus on Security: Opt for platforms with robust encryption, two-factor authentication, and other security measures to protect your data and funds.
    • Value Privacy: If anonymity is a priority, explore no limit casinos with no KYC or low KYC requirements, ensuring compliance with regulations.

    By following these tips, you can enjoy a seamless and secure gaming experience in a no limit casino online.

    Final Verdict On Best No Limit Casinos

    No limit casinos are reshaping online gambling by offering players the freedom to play without restrictions. With unlimited deposits, withdrawals, and high-stakes betting opportunities, these platforms cater to those seeking a highroller – online casino experience. However, this freedom comes with the need for caution, as unregulated platforms and unfair practices pose risks. Choosing a reputable no limit casino is essential for a safe and enjoyable gaming experience.

    All iGaming is your trusted guide, providing expert reviews, resources, and tools to help you navigate the complexities of no limit gambling. Their commitment to transparency ensures you can focus on the excitement of gaming while staying protected from potential risks.

    Responsible gambling is equally important in a no limit environment. All iGaming offers valuable tools like budgeting tips and self-exclusion options to help players maintain control and ensure gaming remains fun and rewarding. Whether you’re a high roller or a newcomer, All iGaming is here to guide you toward a safe, informed, and thrilling no limit casino experience.

    >>FIND THE PERFECT NO LIMIT CASINO FROM TOP CHOICES HANDPICKED BY ALL IGAMING!

    ➡️About All iGaming

    All iGaming is a trusted, independent source for online gambling reviews, providing impartial evaluations of top casinos based on thorough, player-centered assessments. The platform is dedicated to promoting responsible gambling by offering valuable educational resources, self-assessment tools, and expert guidance to encourage healthy and balanced gaming habits.

    FAQs

    • Are no limit casinos safe to use?

    Yes, provided they are licensed by reputable authorities. All iGaming recommends only casinos that adhere to strict regulations, including SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and independent audits to ensure player safety.

    • What are provably fair games?

    Provably fair games use cryptographic algorithms, often blockchain-based, to allow players to verify the fairness of game outcomes. This transparency ensures that games are not manipulated, building trust in no limit casinos.

    • What payment methods are supported by no limit casinos?

    Top no limit casinos support a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Cryptocurrencies are favored for their speed and lack of transaction limits, ideal for no limit deposit casinos and no withdrawal limit casinos.

    • Can I play at no limit casinos anonymously?

    Many no limit casinos offer no KYC or low KYC options, allowing for anonymous play. All iGaming highlights platforms that balance privacy with regulatory compliance to ensure a secure experience.

    • How do I stay safe while gambling at no limit casinos?

    Use secure payment methods, enable two-factor authentication, verify casino licenses, and set personal gambling limits. All iGaming provides guides on safe gambling practices to protect players.

    • What are the benefits of choosing a no limit casino?

    No limit casinos offer unmatched flexibility in deposits, withdrawals, and betting amounts, making them ideal for high rollers. They also provide diverse game libraries and high-stakes options for a thrilling gaming experience.

    Disclaimer

    The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, we do not endorse or guarantee the legitimacy of any listed casinos. Online gambling involves financial risk and may be subject to legal restrictions in certain jurisdictions. Please ensure compliance with local laws before engaging in any gambling activities. We encourage responsible gaming and recommend that players exercise caution when participating in online gambling. Always verify the details of any casino and consult legal advisors before making decisions.

    Email:support@alligaming.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sherrill Statement on Donald Trump Revoking EMTALA Emergency Abortion Guidance

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    WASHINGTON, DC — In response to the Trump administration’s decision to revoke federal guidance reminding hospitals that they must provide emergency abortion care under the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) released the following statement:

    “Rescinding this guidance puts women’s lives at risk, plain and simple. EMTALA requires that patients in medical emergencies get the care they need, including emergency abortion care. That’s the law. 

    “But Trump and his allies are once again putting their extremist agenda ahead of women’s health and safety. They are creating confusion for doctors, scaring patients, and dragging politics into one the most personal and urgent moments of a woman’s life. . 

    “That’s why I introduced a resolution affirming that EMTALA protects access to emergency abortion care. No woman should have to bleed out in a hospital while doctors scramble to call a lawyer to see if they are allowed to provide medically necessary care. 

    “I will continue fighting to make sure that these decisions are made by women and their doctors, not Republican politicians hellbent on controlling our bodies and our future.”

    Last year Rep. Sherrill and Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH-13) introduced a resolution to reaffirm access to emergency abortion care for all Americans. This resolution would reaffirm that the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) protects access to emergency abortion care in every state, and that all women, no matter where they live, should be able to receive the emergency care they need, including abortion.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Sherrill’s Community Project-Funded YMCA Facility Breaks Ground

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11)

    LIVINGSTON, NJ — This week, Representative Mikie Sherrill’s (NJ-11) team joined elected officials, YMCA leadership, and community members to break ground on the site of the new West Essex YMCA. Rep. Sherrill secured $850,000 in Community Project funding for this construction project. 

    “Whether it’s learning to swim, joining an after-school program, or spending summers at camp, the YMCA has been part of the fabric of the West Essex community for generations. I’m thrilled to see this project moving forward — and proud to have helped secure the funding to make it possible,” said Rep. Sherrill. “I want to thank the Mayor and Township Council of Livingston, and the executives at the YMCA for their hard work to make this project a reality. The new West Essex YMCA will be a place where families grow, kids thrive, and our community comes together”

    This project was a part of Rep. Sherrill’s Fiscal Year 2024 Community Projects request, totalling nearly $16 million. In addition to this YMCA construction project, her other funding will address issues of crime prevention, traffic safety, flood mitigation, open space preservation, water infrastructure, workforce development, and community development. 

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Castro, Kim Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Amend the International Organizations Immunities Act and Strengthen U.S.-ASEAN Relations

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas)

    June 10, 2025

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) and Congresswoman Young Kim (CA-40), senior members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, reintroduced the Providing Appropriate Recognition and Treatment Needed to Enhance Relations (PARTNER) with Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Act, bipartisan legislation that would amend the International Organizations Immunities Act to grant ASEAN diplomatic privileges and immunities.

    This legislation was first introduced in 2022 and passed the United States House of Representatives in March 2023. Bipartisan companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sen. Duckworth in 2024, and its provisions are included in S. 1579, introduced by Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC) Ranking Member Jim Risch (R-ID) and reported out of SFRC on a bipartisan basis on June 5, 2025. The PARTNER with ASEAN Act of 2025 would amend the International Organizations Immunities Act to include a formal extension of said privileges to ASEAN, solidifying U.S.-ASEAN Relations.

    “This legislation is an important step between the close and strategic partnership of the United States and Southeast Asian Nations. For decades, ASEAN has contributed to the stability and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific and has increasingly grown in its geopolitical importance. This legislation promotes U.S. leadership in the region as well as mutually beneficial dialogue with surrounding countries and regions,” said Congressman Castro.

    “When the United States shows up as the partner of choice for our Indo-Pacific allies and partners, we win. ASEAN plays a central role in building strategic ties in the Indo-Pacific,” said Congresswoman Kim. “The PARTNER with ASEAN Act strengthens our alliances, promotes open markets, and affirms our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to deepen our partnerships with ASEAN member states and advance U.S. leadership on the global stage.”

    The United States has worked closely with ASEAN for more than four decades and became the first non-member to name an ambassador to ASEAN in 2008, as well as the first non-member to establish a dedicated Mission to ASEAN in 2010. 

    The International Organization Immunities Act, enacted in 1945, governs how the United States extends the rights and treaties generally accorded to embassies of countries that have diplomatic relations with the United States to international organizations like ASEAN. The U.S. typically extends automatic privileges and immunities to international organizations to which it belongs (e.g., the UN, NATO), but a special act of Congress is needed to extend recognition to international organizations with which the United States is not a member (e.g., ASEAN).

    Read the PARTNER with ASEAN Act of 2025 here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘Much Needed’: Hawley Applauds Trump’s Approval of Disaster Aid For Missouri Storm Victims

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo)

    Monday, June 09, 2025

    This evening, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) announced federal disaster aid for Eastern Missouri’s devastating May storms, thanking U.S. President Donald Trump for swiftly green-lighting the funds.
    Senator Hawley has been a leading advocate for disaster aid following last month’s storms and tornadoes that claimed the lives of seven Missourians. The Senator surveyed the storm damage firsthand throughout St. Louis and met with residents, first responders, and other community leaders.
    Upon returning to Washington, Senator Hawley urged the Trump Administration to issue federal disaster aid and even secured a pledge from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem—who oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—to expedite relief. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Apple services deliver powerful features and intelligent updates to users this fall

    Source: Apple

    Headline: Apple services deliver powerful features and intelligent updates to users this fall

    June 10, 2025

    UPDATE

    Apple services deliver powerful features and intelligent updates to users this fall

    New features include AutoMix and updates to Lyrics in Apple Music; preferred routes and Visited Places in Apple Maps; easy-to-track orders with Apple Intelligence in Apple Wallet; the introduction of Digital ID; and more

    With the release of iOS 26, iPadOS 26, macOS Tahoe 26, tvOS 26, visionOS 26, and watchOS 26 this fall, Apple is bringing exciting new features and adding more intelligence across its services, delivering even greater everyday functionality to users. This includes an enhanced listening experience in Apple Music; easier navigation with preferred routes and Visited Places in Apple Maps; new ways to make and track purchases with Apple Intelligence in Apple Wallet; customized playback experiences with Apple Podcasts; a refreshed boarding pass in Wallet; the introduction of Digital ID; and more.

    “Apple’s services are integral to many parts of a user’s day, and we’re excited to bring features that pack even more power and fun into their everyday moments,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services. “These updates will help users better navigate and explore the world around them with Apple Maps, offer an enhanced Apple Music experience, elevate how they shop with Apple Pay and Apple Wallet, and so much more.”

    “AI and machine learning are a core part of what makes Apple’s services feel so personal and intuitive to our users around the world,” said Jeff Robbin, Apple’s vice president of Services Engineering. “They love the ease and simplicity that intelligent features like natural language search and App Store review summaries have brought, and we’re excited to continue adding thoughtful, tailored experiences to Apple’s services — including AutoMix, which mixes songs like a DJ in Apple Music, the option to use Enhance Dialogue to isolate voices and make them sound clearer in Apple Podcasts, and more.”

    Apple Music Introduces AutoMix, Upgrades to Lyrics, and More

    Apple Music delivers an elevated listening experience with AutoMix, which mixes one song into the next, just like a DJ. Using AI to analyze audio features, it crafts unique transitions between songs with time stretching and beat matching to deliver continuous playback and an even more seamless listening experience.

    This fall, Apple Music brings Lyrics Translation, which lets users understand the meaning of their favorite songs, and Lyrics Pronunciation, which enables users to sing along when lyrics are in another language. The new features use machine learning to translate lyrics — with fine-tuning from language experts — to ensure the emotion, cultural context, and lyrical intent are fully preserved.

    With Sing, the sing-along experience reaches a whole new level, allowing users to transform iPhone into a handheld microphone for Apple TV and have their voice amplified as they belt out their favorite songs with friends. And with real-time lyrics and visual effects that light up the screen, Sing reaches a new level of fun.

    Additionally, users can pin their favorite music to the top of their Library in Apple Music for easy access.

    Apple Maps Gets More Intelligent and Personalized with Preferred Routes and Visited Places

    Apple Maps makes everyday life easier with new enhancements that help users navigate their preferred routes and keep track of places they’ve previously visited, all while protecting user privacy.1 iPhone can now use on-device intelligence to learn and understand the routes users take between the places they frequently visit, like home and work. The Maps widget then shows users a preview of their commute so they know what to expect before they leave, and commute notifications alert users of significant delays and offer alternate routes, even before their journey begins.

    With Visited Places, users can allow iPhone to intelligently detect the places they visit and spend time in — like restaurants or shops — and they’ll automatically be saved to Maps. Users can search for places they’ve visited, and easily share them with family and friends. Visited Places are built with privacy in mind; they’re protected with end-to-end encryption, cannot be accessed by Apple, and can be easily removed with just a swipe.

    A Customized Playback Experience with Apple Podcasts

    Apple Podcasts delivers more customization to the listening experience, including a wider range of playback speeds and Enhance Dialogue. Users will be able to find the perfect listening speed for them, with speed options from 0.5x to 3x, and save their preferred setting for each show. Using real-time audio processing and machine learning, users can turn on Enhance Dialogue to hear speech more clearly over background sounds.

    New Ways to Track Orders with Apple Intelligence and Apple Wallet, and Make Purchases with Apple Pay

    Apple Wallet now uses Apple Intelligence to automatically identify, summarize, and display order tracking details from emails sent from merchants or delivery carriers. This works across all orders, giving users the ability to see their full order details, progress notifications, and more, all in one place.

    Additionally, Apple Pay expands the ability to pay with rewards and installments to in-store purchases for added flexibility and choice. Users can view and pay with rewards — as well as access installment loan offers from eligible credit or debit cards — when making an Apple Pay purchase in person with iPhone.

    The ability to access installments from credit and debit cards, including from pay-over-time providers, when making an in-store Apple Pay purchase will roll out in the U.S. with Affirm, Cash App Afterpay, Klarna, Synchrony, and U.S. Bank; in the UK with Monzo and Klarna; and in Canada with Klarna. The ability to redeem rewards for in-store purchases with Apple Pay will be available beginning in the U.S. with Synchrony and U.S. Bank.2

    Send and Receive Money in Group Chats with Apple Cash

    Apple Cash provides a convenient way for users to request, send, and receive money directly within group conversations in Messages, making it easier to settle up after dinner or pay friends back for concert tickets.3 Users can send money to an individual or request money from everyone in the group.

    More Convenient Travel with a Refreshed Boarding Pass Experience and Digital ID in Wallet

    In Apple Wallet, a refreshed boarding pass experience delivers rich, relevant information straight to users’ fingertips with Live Activities that offer real-time updates about their flights. For added convenience, users can also share their flight’s Live Activities so friends and family can stay up to date on their journeys.

    Refreshed boarding passes also allow users to conveniently access Maps to navigate airports and explore local recommendations, all in one place from their pass; quickly use Find My to track important items and report lost baggage; view key services on an airline’s app, such as seat upgrades and standby lists; and more. Refreshed boarding passes will be available starting with Air Canada, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Jetstar, Lufthansa Group, Qantas, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Virgin Australia.

    Digital ID offers a secure and private new way for users to store and present their ID information using their iPhone and Apple Watch. Users can seamlessly create and add a Digital ID to Apple Wallet using a U.S. passport.

    With REAL ID implementation in effect, at launch, Digital ID provides another way for users to conveniently and securely present an ID in person at select TSA checkpoints for identity verification purposes during domestic travel. Digital ID is not a replacement for a physical passport, and cannot be used for international travel and border crossing in lieu of a U.S. passport. Like all IDs in Apple Wallet, this new solution takes advantage of the privacy and security features already built into iPhone and Apple Watch.

    Additionally, Verify with Wallet on the Web enables users to seamlessly and securely present their eligible driver’s license or state ID in Wallet to websites for age and identity verification, starting with Chime, Turo, Uber Eats, and U.S. Bank, as well as the Arizona MVD, Georgia DDS, and Maryland MVA.

    Ready-Made Custom Plans Unlock Consistent Routines in Apple Fitness+

    Custom Plans in Apple Fitness+ make it simpler than ever to follow a personalized schedule, automatically creating plans based on users’ workout and meditation preferences, including their top activities, durations, trainers, music, and more.

    To keep users motivated, Stay Consistent provides a premade schedule of activities that matches their current routine. With Push Further, users receive a plan that increases the time of each day’s workout sessions — or even adds another day — making it perfect for those looking to challenge themselves. For anyone new to Fitness+, Get Started provides a ready-made plan built from selected interests or popular activities, giving users a helpful starting point. Additionally, Custom Plans are now centrally located in a dedicated Plans page.

    A New Daily Puzzle Brings a Fresh, Friendly Challenge to Apple News+

    Apple News adds Emoji Game to Apple News+ Puzzles, joining Crossword, Mini-Crossword, Quartiles, and Sudoku. Emoji Game brings to life one of users’ favorite ways to communicate in a fun and engaging way, with players challenged to use emoji to complete three phrases, with the goal of solving the puzzle in as few moves as possible. Users can share puzzles, track stats and streaks, and compete with others through Game Center leaderboards. Emoji Game features a daily puzzle available in the U.S. and for English-speaking users in Canada, and can be accessed from the Following tab in the News app.

    Apple’s services make everyday activities more personal, productive, and enjoyable, and these new features and additional intelligent updates continue to deliver thoughtful, tailored experiences to users across the globe.

    Availability

    The Apple Intelligence features detailed require supported devices, which include all iPhone 16 models, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPad mini (A17 Pro), and iPad and Mac models with M1 and later that have Apple Intelligence enabled and Siri and device language set to the same supported language: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, or Chinese (simplified). More languages will be coming by the end of this year: Danish, Dutch, Norwegian, Portuguese (Portugal), Swedish, Turkish, Chinese (traditional), and Vietnamese. For more information, visit apple.com/apple-intelligence. Features are subject to change. Some features may not be available in all languages or regions, and availability may vary due to local laws and regulations. For more information about availability, visit apple.com.

    1. Preferred routes and Visited Places are not available in all regions.
    2. Available on cards from participating banks and card providers in certain markets. Subject to eligibility and approval. In the U.S., Apple Pay is a service provided by Apple Payments Services LLC, a subsidiary of Apple Inc. Neither Apple Inc. nor Apple Payments Services LLC is a bank. Any card used in Apple Pay is offered by the card issuer.
    3. Apple Cash services are provided by Green Dot Bank, Member FDIC. Apple Payments Services LLC, a subsidiary of Apple Inc., is a service provider of Green Dot Bank for Apple Cash accounts. Neither Apple Inc. nor Apple Payments Services LLC is a bank. Learn more about the terms and conditions. Only available in the U.S. on eligible devices.

    Press Contacts

    Heather Norton

    Apple

    heather_norton@apple.com

    Kimberly Mai

    Apple

    k_mai@apple.com

    Apple Media Helpline

    media.help@apple.com

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Foreign Minister focuses on Pacific resilience during visit to France

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Foreign Minister Winston Peters has taken part in two major international events in Nice, France this week, focused on Pacific resilience, prosperity and security. 
    The sixth Pacific-France Summit, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, took place in Nice overnight. 
    “The Summit brought together Pacific countries for discussions with France on regional stability, economic development and climate resilience,” Mr Peters says. 
    “New Zealand welcomes this opportunity for Pacific Islands Forum members to discuss our priorities with France.
    “France is a long-standing partner in the Pacific, and we value its support in securing the prosperity and stability of the region during a period of heightened global complexity.” 
    While in Nice, Mr Peters also attended the third United Nations Ocean Conference.
    “As a maritime state with one of the world’s largest and most biodiverse marine areas, New Zealand strongly supports a rules-based international system that secures the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans,” Mr Peters says.
    “This is especially important for ensuring a resilient and healthy Blue Pacific. We will continue to work with our partners in the region to advance our shared priorities.”
    At the conference, New Zealand re-emphasised its commitment to support Pacific partners in their efforts to enhance science-based ocean management and ensure their fisheries are sustainable and climate-resilient.
    While in Nice, Mr Peters also held bilateral meetings with leaders and Ministers from Chile, France, Niue, Palau, Samoa, Singapore, United Kingdom, and Viet Nam.
    The Foreign Minister has now travelled to Rome for high-level bilateral talks with the Italian Government, before heading to Jakarta.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: California Commercial Real Estate Agent Pleads Guilty to Obstructing the IRS

    Source: US State of California

    A California man pleaded guilty yesterday to obstructing the IRS’s efforts to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in unpaid taxes.

    The following is according to court documents and statements made in court: Gabriel David Guerrero, a resident of Los Angeles County, is a real estate broker who did not timely file individual income tax returns for many years. After the IRS assessed taxes against Guerrero and attempted to collect them him, Guerrero took steps to conceal his income and assets from the IRS. For example, he made extensive use of cash and cashier’s checks; submitted a false form to the IRS that significantly understated his income; and used a nominee bank account to deposit income.

    He is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 15 and faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison. Guerrero also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Karen E. Kelly of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli for the Central District of California made the announcement.

    IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

    Trial Attorneys Robert Kemins and Christopher Gerace of the Tax Division along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Arkow for the District of Central District of California are prosecuting the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson announces Florence Co. health worker charged with Medicaid fraudRead More

    Source: US State of South Carolina

    (COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced that his office’s Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud unit (VAMPF) has arrested Jacqueline Burgess, 59 years old, of Scranton, SC, on one count of Medical Assistance Provider Fraud {43-07-0060}. Burgess was booked into the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on June 10, 2025.

    An investigation by VAMPF revealed that, between December 4, 2023 and June 21, 2024, Burgess is alleged to have knowingly and willfully caused false claims for payments to the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, the agency that administers the State’s Medicaid program. Specifically, it is alleged that Burgess, as a care attendant with Tender Care Home Health Care, submitted false timesheets indicating that she had rendered care services for a Medicaid beneficiary when she did not.

    This case was referred to law enforcement by Tender Care Home Health Care, which cooperated fully with investigators. This case will be prosecuted by the Attorney General’s Office. 

    Medical Assistance Provider Fraud is a class A misdemeanor and, upon conviction, has a penalty of up to three years in prison and a fine of not more than $1,000.  

    Pursuant to federal regulations, VAMPF has authority over Medicaid provider fraud; abuse and neglect of Medicaid beneficiaries in any setting; and the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of individuals residing in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. 

    Attorney General Wilson stressed all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until they are proven guilty in a court of law.

    The South Carolina Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, dba VAMPF, receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $2,889,252 for federal fiscal year 2025. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $963,084 for FFY 2025, is funded by South Carolina.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Invest America, Robinhood, & Uber CEOs Support President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Invest America CEO Brad Gerstner, Robinhood CEO Vlad Tenev, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, and Rep. French Hill attended President Trump’s roundtable at the White House to discuss the Trump Account initiative and the One Big Beautiful Bill.

    “We’re incredibly thankful for President Trump for his support of these initiatives that are going to Main Street in America and helping everyday people succeed.”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IN14J2SJmL4

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The world needs bold, equitable climate action at the 2025 G7 summit

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sharon E. Straus, Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto

    As climate change and disrupted weather patterns impact countries around the world, leaders must act to mitigate the negative effects on public health.

    Leaders from six western countries and Japan will soon gather in Kananaskis, Alta., for the Group of Seven (G7) meeting from June 15 to 17, 2025. In the lead-up to this meeting, the Royal Society of Canada hosted the Science 7 (S7). This is an engagement meeting of the leading academies of the G7 member countries.

    Following discussion and deliberation, three statements aimed at advancing science for society were published, entitled Advanced Technologies and Data Security, Sustainable Migration and Climate Action and Health Resilience.

    One of us (Sharon Straus) oversaw the S7 statement on Climate Action and Health Resilience. This statement draws attention to the health impacts of climate change and recommends several mitigation strategies.

    Wide-ranging health impacts

    Experts on health and climate change have outlined the growing impact of delayed climate action. The data are clear. Extreme weather events such as heat, floods, droughts and wildfires are having wide-ranging health impacts.

    In the 10 years between 2014-2023, there was a 167 per cent increase in heat-related deaths in those aged 65 years and older compared with the 10 years between 1990-99. Extreme weather events also directly impact food and water security, as well as infectious diseases and chronic diseases.

    The health consequences of climate change are not only the result of environmental factors. Of equal importance are recent decisions eliminating funding for programs that mitigate the risks of climate change.

    Consider for example, the multiple threats to recent progress in eliminating malaria. The World Malaria Report published in December 2024 by the World Health Organization estimated that 2.2 billion malaria cases and 12.7 million malaria deaths were averted between 2000 and 2023.

    Now, many countries anticipate a malaria resurgence. Antimalarial drug resistance, mosquito resistance to insecticides, changes in temperature and humidity affecting mosquito survival and the emergence of new mosquito species linked to climate change — combined with the recent abrupt funding freeze from the United States — are leading to a perfect storm.

    Economic impact of climate change

    The economic burden of climate change, which includes more health-care use, lost productivity, adaptation and mitigation expenses — to say nothing of the costs of rebuilding — is massive.

    Much of that burden is borne by those who live in low- and middle-income countries (80 per cent of the world’s population) and who are the lowest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions.

    To put this in perspective, in 2021, the United Nations Environment Program estimated the costs of annual adaptation for vulnerable countries at US$70 billion and predicted this would increase to US$140-300 billion by 2030.

    In addition to the costs of adaptation aimed at reducing vulnerability to climate change, there are the costs associated with losses resulting from climate change. The 2024 Lancet Countdown estimated that the average annual economic losses due to extreme weather-related events reached US$227 billion between 2019-2023. This value exceeds the gross domestic product of approximately 60 per cent of the world’s economies.

    What about Canada?

    In Canada, warming is happening at twice the global rate with resulting heat, wildfires and floods. There is also evidence of significant impacts on mental health and chronic diseases, leading to an increased need for health care.

    Indigenous communities, older adults and those who have experienced homelessness are disproportionately impacted by climate change. Indigenous Peoples, especially those living in remote and northern areas, are particularly vulnerable.

    Currently there are 37 long-term and 40 short-term drinking water advisories in First Nations communities across Canada. The lack of safe, clean drinking water can exacerbate climate-related food and water insecurity and lead to infectious disease transmission.

    The number of people experiencing homelessness is growing and many of these individuals are over 50 years old. These older adults are physiologically 15-20 years older than their housed counterparts and are at higher risk of chronic diseases, including those exacerbated by climate change.

    Similarly, frail older adults are at higher risk of health effects of climate change. It is worth remembering the impact of poor air quality and lack of air conditioning during the COVID-19 pandemic on those living in long-term care homes.

    Climate change costs health-care systems more each year. The Canadian Institute for Climate Choices recently estimated that health-related hospitalizations will increase by 21 per cent by mid-century. Our health systems are not prepared for this.

    In addition, the costs of death and reduced quality of life from heat-related climate change is estimated to rise between $3 billion and $3.9 billion by the middle of this century. Factoring in other impacts such as those from air pollution, flooding and wildfires, the total estimated costs are in the tens to hundreds of billions.

    S7’s recommendations

    The S7 statement on Climate Action and Health Resilience includes seven recommendations. Addressing the disproportionate impact of climate change on populations who are particularly vulnerable and investing in innovative solutions are among them. Particularly critical are societal and political innovations that involve affected communities, including Indigenous communities.

    The S7’s climate and health resilience recommendations include:

    • Developing and optimizing climate change mitigation strategies to transform health and social services (such as early warning infectious disease systems and biomonitoring).

    • Developing new regulations nationally and internationally to transform health, public health and social services, increasing their readiness and safeguarding health from climate change impact.

    • Providing economic and regulatory incentives to foster adaptation and resiliency of health systems.

    • Investing in innovative solutions (including vaccine development for emerging diseases, wastewater surveillance) to mitigate climate change and its health risks.

    The G7 summit is an opportunity to centre climate change discussions and act on the S7 recommendations. Bold investment in innovations that address the health challenges resulting from climate change will benefit us all and drive new economic activity and resilience.

    Climate change is a health issue, a social justice issue and an economic issue, and the time to act is now. Scientists, policymakers, clinicians and the public must work together.

    Sharon E. Straus receives research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Public Health Agency of Canada. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

    Françoise Baylis is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.

    – ref. The world needs bold, equitable climate action at the 2025 G7 summit – https://theconversation.com/the-world-needs-bold-equitable-climate-action-at-the-2025-g7-summit-256876

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Teens say they can access firearms at home, even when parents lock them up, new research shows

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Katherine G. Hastings, PhD Candidate in Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia

    Most households that own firearms have more than one − and owners often don’t secure all of them. StockPlanets/E+ via Getty Images

    More than half of U.S. teens living in households with firearms believe they can access and load a firearm at home. Even when their parents report storing all firearms locked and unloaded, more than one-third of teens still believe they could access and load one. These are the main findings of our new study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open.

    We are behavioral scientists investigating youth injury prevention and youth safety. In this study, we analyzed national survey data from nearly 500 parents who owned firearms and their teens. One survey asked the parents to report how many firearms they had in the home and how they stored each one. Another asked their teens to estimate how quickly they could access and load a firearm at home.

    While the presence of unlocked and loaded firearms in the home was weakly linked to perceived access among teens, we found that parents’ storage practices alone were a poor predictor of whether teens believed they could access a firearm. What’s more, in households with more than one firearm, locking up more firearms was not at all linked to perceived access among teens if at least one remained unsecured.

    In short, just one unlocked firearm can undo the protective benefit of securing all other firearms in the home, our results showed.

    Why it matters

    In the U.S., firearms are now the leading cause of death among children and teens. In most of these cases, the firearm used belonged to a parent, relative or friend.

    Our study focused on teens’ beliefs about firearm access, not their actual access. However, these perceptions may provide important clues around firearm access and use. Prior research shows that teens who believe they can access a firearm are more likely to access and carry one. This is particularly concerning for teens who already have a higher risk for dying by suicide.

    One of the most widely supported ways to reduce teen injuries and deaths by firearms is to encourage owners to keep firearms locked and unloaded. However, most firearm-owning households in the U.S. have multiple firearms, and owners often store some firearms securely but not all.

    Firearms are the leading cause of death among children and teens.
    Kypros/Stock Photos Gun Safe via Getty Images

    Despite evidence that securely storing firearms saves lives, efforts to promote that messaging may be less effective when it is not universally applied to all firearms in the home or when teens still know how to access them.

    Our study also points to the need for messaging and safety strategies that consider teen behavior amid household firearm dynamics. For example, teens may observe where firearms are stored or know where keys or combinations are kept and unlock firearms in moments of impulsivity or emotional distress. Beyond securely storing firearms, encouraging parents to treat every firearm in the household as a potential source of risk and talking with teens about how to address conflicts and promote mental and emotional well-being may also be protective.

    Additionally, our study adds support for universal laws that require securely storing all firearms in homes in which children live and mandating routine assessments of teen firearm access by pediatricians.

    What still isn’t known

    It is still unclear how teens’ beliefs about their access to firearms affects whether they actually seek them out – or how the variability of parents’ practices on storing firearms affects teen access.

    Another important question is how teens’ perceptions of their access to firearms at home may vary depending on cultural backgrounds, geography and different households’ attitudes and beliefs around firearm use.

    Additionally, our study looked only at teens ages 14 to 18. Further research is needed to explore these associations among younger children in firearm-owning households.

    The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

    Rebeccah Sokol receives funding from the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Katherine G. Hastings does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Teens say they can access firearms at home, even when parents lock them up, new research shows – https://theconversation.com/teens-say-they-can-access-firearms-at-home-even-when-parents-lock-them-up-new-research-shows-256550

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Presidential Permit Authorizing Green Corridors, LLC, to Construct, Maintain, and Operate a Commercial Elevated Guideway Border Crossing Near Laredo, Texas, at the International Boundary Between the United States and Mexico

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States of America (the “President”), I hereby grant permission, subject to the conditions set forth herein, to Green Corridors, LLC (the “Permittee”), to construct, maintain, and operate a commercial elevated guideway crossing located on the United States border with Mexico in Laredo, Texas, as described in the “Presidential Permit Application: Green Corridors Intelligent Freight Transportation System” dated October 3, 2024, by the Permittee to the Secretary of State and made complete with additional information provided by the Permittee on February 14, 2025 (collectively, the “Application”), in accordance with 33 U.S.C. 535d and associated procedures.
         The term “Border facilities” as used in this permit consists of the elevated guideway and bridge over the Rio Grande which connects inland terminals near Monterrey, Mexico, in the state of Nuevo Leon and near Interstate 35, north of Laredo, Texas, its approaches, and any land, structures, installations, or equipment appurtenant thereto located on the United States side of the international boundary between the United States and Mexico, located just downstream from the Laredo-Colombia Solidarity International Bridge at the connection between Texas State Highway 255 and the Nuevo Leon State Highway Spur 1.
         This permit is subject to the following conditions:
         Article 1.  The Border facilities herein described and all aspects of their operation are subject to all the conditions, provisions, and requirements of this permit and any subsequent Presidential amendment to it.  The construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities shall be in all material respects as described in the Application.
         Article 2.  The standards for and the manner of construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities are subject to inspection by the representatives of appropriate Federal, State, and local agencies.  The Permittee shall grant officers and employees of such agencies that are duly authorized and performing their official duties free and unrestricted access to said Border facilities.
         Article 3.  The Permittee shall comply with all applicable Federal laws and regulations regarding the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities.
         Article 4.  (1)  The Permittee shall take or cause to be taken all appropriate measures to mitigate adverse impacts on or disruption of the human environment in connection with the construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities.  Mitigation measures are those that avoid, minimize, or compensate for adverse impacts.
         (2)  The Permittee shall hold harmless and indemnify the United States for any claimed or adjudged liability arising out of construction, maintenance, and operation of the Border facilities, including environmental contamination from the release, threatened release, or discharge of hazardous substances or hazardous waste.
         (3)  The Permittee is responsible for obtaining any required Federal, State, and local permits, approvals, and authorizations prior to commencing construction activities.  The Permittee shall implement the mitigation identified in any environmental decision documents prepared in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act and Federal permits, including stormwater permits and permits issued in accordance with section 402 of the Clean Water Act (33 U.S.C. 1342).  The Permittee shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and local environmental laws.
         Article 5.  The Permittee shall immediately notify the President or his designee of any decision to transfer custody and control of the Border facilities or any part thereof to any executive department or agency (agency) of the United States Government.  Said notice shall identify the transferee agency and seek the approval of the President for the transfer of the permit.  In the event of approval by the President of such transfer, this permit shall remain in force and effect, and the Border facilities shall be subject to all the conditions, permissions, and requirements of this permit and any amendments thereof.  The Permittee may transfer ownership or control of the Border facilities to a non-Federal entity or individual only upon the prior express approval of such transfer by the President, which approval may include such conditions, permissions, and requirements that the President, in the President’s discretion, determines are appropriate and necessary for inclusion in the permit, to be effective on the date of transfer.
         Article 6.  The Permittee is responsible for acquiring and maintaining any right-of-way grants or easements, permits, and other authorizations as may become necessary or appropriate.  To ensure the safe operation of the Border facilities, the Permittee shall maintain them and every part of them in a condition of good repair and in compliance with applicable law and use of best management practices.
         Article 7.  To the extent authorized by law, and consistent with any Donation Acceptance Agreements (DAAs) already executed with the Permittee under the Donation Acceptance Authority found in 6 U.S.C. 301a and section 559 of title V of division F of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (Public Law 113-76), as amended, as continued by 6 U.S.C. 301b, the Permittee shall provide to the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Commissioner) of the Department of Homeland Security and the heads of any other relevant agencies, at no cost to the United States, suitable inspection facilities, infrastructure improvements, equipment, and maintenance, as set forth in the DAAs.  Nothing in this permit obligates such agencies to provide a particular level of services or staffing for such inspection facilities or for any other aspect of the port of entry associated with the Border facilities.
         Article 8.  Before beginning design activities, the Permittee shall fulfill requirements associated with the following conditions, as refined by the relevant agencies below and as consistent with applicable law:
         (1)  Provide a plan for the approval of the Commissioner detailing how the Permittee will fund and deliver the border facilities, staffing, vehicles, out year refresh cost and data sharing necessary for U.S. Customs and Border Protection to implement a design-appropriate inspections procedure and sustain it thereafter;
         (2)  Provide a plan for the approval of the Administrator of General Services (Administrator) and the Commissioner detailing how the Permittee will fund the necessary operations and maintenance costs for the Border facilities upon commencement of operations and thereafter;
         (3)  Provide a plan for the approval of the Administrator and the Commissioner detailing how the Permittee will fund construction, outfitting (furniture, fixtures, and equipment to include information technology and necessary inspection technologies), technology integration, and outyear refresh of said program elements for the Border facilities detailed in their Application; and
         (4)  Provide a plan for, and to the satisfaction of, the Secretary of Transportation detailing the Permittee’s design, deployment, operation, and related topics to enable the Department of Transportation to determine the regulatory framework that will govern the Permittee’s operations, as well as how the Permittee will ensure the necessary funding for appropriate Department of Transportation inspection facilities and staffing.
    Relevant agencies will coordinate with the Permittee to further refine the above conditions, as necessary, within 1 year of permit issuance.
         Article 9.  Before initiating construction, the Permittee shall obtain the concurrence of the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commissions, United States and Mexico.
         Article 10.  The Permittee shall not initiate construction until the Department of State has provided notification to the Permittee that the Department of State has completed its exchange of diplomatic notes with the Government of Mexico regarding authorization.  The Permittee shall provide written notification to the President or his designee at the time that the construction authorized by this permit begins, at the time as such construction is completed, interrupted, or discontinued, and at other times as may be requested by the President.
         Article 11.  Upon request, the Permittee shall provide appropriate information to the President or his designee with regard to the Border facilities.  Such requests could include requests for information concerning current conditions, environmental compliance, mitigation, or anticipated changes in ownership or control, construction, connection, operation, or maintenance of the Border facilities.
         Article 12.  The Permittee shall file any applicable statements and reports required by applicable Federal law in connection with the Border facilities.
         Article 13.  The Permittee shall make no substantial change inconsistent with the Application to the Border facilities, in the location of the Border facilities, or in the operation authorized by this permit, unless such changes have been approved by the President.  The President may terminate, revoke, or amend this permit at any time at his sole discretion.  The Permittee’s obligation to implement any amendment to this permit is subject to the availability of funds.  If the Permittee permanently closes the Green Corridors Intelligent Freight Transportation System and it is no longer used as an international crossing, then this permit shall terminate, and the Permittee may manage, utilize, or dispose of the Border facilities in accordance with applicable authorities.  This permit shall continue in full force and effect for only so long as the Permittee continues the operations hereby authorized.
         Article 14.  This permit shall expire 5 years from the date of its issuance if the Permittee has not commenced construction of the Border facilities by that date.
         Article 15.  This permit is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 9th day of June, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.
    DONALD J. TRUMP

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senior Congressional Intelligence & Defense Leaders Press DNI Gabbard Over Illegal Interference with Independence of the ICIG

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Commonwealth of Virginia Mark R Warner

    WASHINGTON – Today, Vice Chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Mark R. Warner (D-VA), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Chris Coons (D-DE), Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Jim Himes (D-CT-04), and Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) sent a letter to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard expressing “grave concern” about her recent interference in the independence of the Office of the Intelligence Community Inspector General (ICIG).

    In the letter, the lawmakers strongly objected to Director Gabbard’s decision to unilaterally terminate the Acting Counsel to the ICIG and to appoint a “Senior Advisor” to work within the ICIG’s office while reporting directly to the Director herself. The letter notes that these actions were taken without the approval of the Acting ICIG, in direct contravention of federal statues designed to protect the independence of the Inspector General’s office. Director Gabbard’s actions were brought to Congress’s attention in a letter the Acting Inspector General sent to lawmakers on May 28.

    “Your actions violate both the letter and the spirit of the law,” the lawmakers wrote. “Despite your obligation to keep the congressional oversight committees fully and currently informed, our committees were notified of your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel, not by your office, but by the Acting ICIG.”

    The lawmakers underscored that Director Gabbard’s appointment of a Senior Advisor inside the ICIG’s office compromised the ability to carry out its statutory mission of identifying and preventing waste, fraud, and abuse in the intelligence community.

    “[The Acting ICIG’s] letter also disclosed that you have appointed a ‘Senior Advisor’ within the Office of the ICIG who reports to you but works in the ICIG’s office spaces, which presents significant concerns not only for the independence of the ICIG but also the ability of the ICIG to protect confidential whistleblower information,” the lawmakers stated. “Our understanding is that your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel was made 48 hours after she made inquiries regarding the legal basis for the appointment of the Senior Advisor.”

    “Your recent actions undermine this independence and are contrary to commitments you made during your confirmation process,” the lawmakers wrote.

    The lawmakers called on Director Gabbard to immediately cease “illegal interference into the ICIG’s operations” and to provide a detailed accounting of the personnel actions and communications that led to these decisions.

    The letter concludes with a clear warning: “The ICIG must remain independent of political influence, and we will continue to oppose any attempt to interfere with its work, or silence its conclusions.”

    A copy of letter is available here and text is below.

    Director Gabbard:

    We are writing to express our grave concern with your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel to the Inspector General of the Intelligence Community (ICIG) and to appoint a “Senior Advisor” within the Office of the ICIG without the approval of the Acting ICIG. 

    The Office of the ICIG was established by the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 with a stated purpose of creating “an objective and effective office, appropriately accountable to Congress, to initiate and conduct independent investigations, inspections, audits, and reviews on programs and activities within the responsibility and authority of the Director of National Intelligence.”  To protect the independence of the Office, the law provides that the ICIG has “final approval of . . . personnel decisions concerning personnel permanently assigned to the Office of the Inspector General” and “shall . . . appoint a Counsel to the Inspector General who shall report to the Inspector General.”

    Your actions violate both the letter and the spirit of the law.  Despite your obligation to keep the congressional oversight committees fully and currently informed, our committees were notified of your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel, not by your office, but by the Acting ICIG.  Her letter also disclosed that you have appointed a “Senior Advisor” within the Office of the ICIG who reports to you but works in the ICIG’s office spaces, which presents significant concerns not only for the independence of the ICIG but also the ability of the ICIG to protect confidential whistleblower information.  Our understanding is that your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel was made 48 hours after she made inquiries regarding the legal basis for the appointment of the Senior Advisor. 

    The Acting ICIG disputes your assertion that she “agreed” to terminate the Acting Counsel and described your actions as “contrary to law” and “never sufficiently explained.”  As you testified at your confirmation hearing, the ICIG’s independence is “essential to ensure oversight and accountability.”  Your recent actions undermine this independence and are contrary to commitments you made during your confirmation process.  Therefore, we ask that you immediately provide our committees with the following information:

    The justification for your decision to terminate the Acting Counsel to the ICIG.

    The justification and legal basis for your decision to appoint a “Senior Advisor” within the Office of the ICIG who reports to you but works in the ICIG’s office spaces.

    The identity of the “Senior Advisor” described in the Acting ICIG’s letter.

    The names and positions of all ODNI personnel who participated in meetings regarding the decision to terminate the Acting Counsel to the ICIG or appoint a “Senior Advisor” to work within the Office of the ICIG.

    All correspondence you have had with the Office of the ICIG since February 12, 2025.

    A description of, along with the justification and legal basis for any other personnel actions you have taken with regard to the Office of the ICIG.

    The ICIG must remain independent of political influence, and we will continue to oppose any attempt to interfere with its work, or silence its conclusions.

    We request that you immediately cease your illegal interference into the ICIG’s operations, and look forward to your prompt reply to the information we are requesting.

    Sincerely,

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: EIA expects low crude oil prices and declining rig count to affect U.S. crude oil production trends through 2026

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    U.S. ENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATION
    WASHINGTON DC 20585

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 10, 2025

    The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects the Brent crude oil price to fall to near $60 per barrel by the end of the year and to average about $59 per barrel in 2026. EIA expects the low price of crude oil to affect both U.S. crude oil production and retail gasoline prices in the short term.

    In its June Short-Term Energy Outlook (STEO), EIA forecasts U.S. crude oil production to average about 13.4 million barrels per day this year, just below the record highs earlier this year. For 2026, the forecast is slightly lower than 2025 levels. EIA expects U.S. retail gasoline prices to average below $3.10 per gallon through the end of 2026, which is about 6% lower than the 2024 average price.

    U.S. energy market indicators 2024 2025 2026
    Brent crude oil spot price (dollars per barrel) $81 $66 $59
    Retail gasoline price (dollars per gallon) $3.30 $3.10 $3.10
    U.S. crude oil production (million barrels per day) 13.2 13.4 13.4
    Natural gas price at Henry Hub (dollars per million British thermal units) $2.20 $4.00 $4.90
    U.S. liquefied natural gas gross exports (billion cubic feet per day) 12 15 16
    Shares of U.S. electricity generation       
    Natural gas 42% 40% 40%
    Coal 16% 16% 15%
    Renewables 23% 25% 27%
    Nuclear 19% 19% 18%
    U.S. GDP (percentage change) 2.8% 1.4% 1.7%
    U.S. CO2 emissions (billion metric tons) 4.8 4.8 4.8
    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Short-Term Energy Outlook, June 2025

    Some key highlights from the June STEO include:

    • Global oil supply, demand, and prices: EIA revised its 2025 global oil production forecast slightly upward and its global petroleum products consumption forecast slightly downward for both 2025 and 2026, leading to an expectation of growing global oil inventories. EIA expects oil inventories to grow by about 800,000 barrels per day in 2025 and 600,000 barrels per day in 2026. EIA’s expectations for inventory growth are the primary reason it expects oil prices to decline through this year and next year.
    • U.S. crude oil production: Domestic crude oil production reached an all-time high of 13.5 million barrels per day in the second quarter of 2025. EIA expects U.S. crude oil production to decline from that high through the end of 2026 as oil producers respond to lower prices. Data from Baker Hughes shows the number of active drilling rigs declined last month by much more than EIA had expected. Fewer active rigs affect EIA’s forecast for how many wells U.S. operators will drill and complete throughout 2026. EIA expects U.S. crude oil production to average about 13.4 million barrels per day this year and just below that amount in 2026.
    • U.S. gasoline prices: Another effect of lower oil prices is that EIA expects lower average U.S. gasoline prices through 2026. Regular-grade retail gasoline prices average $3.10 per gallon in the third quarter of 2025 in EIA’s forecast, down 7% from the same period last year. EIA expects retail gasoline prices in the eastern part of the country to be below $3.00 per gallon for most of the next year and a half. On the West Coast, EIA expects refinery capacity reductions to cause a 4% annual price increase next year.
    • Natural gas prices: EIA expects the Henry Hub natural gas spot price to average about $4.00 per million British thermal units (MMBtu) in 2025 and $4.90/MMBtu in 2026, compared with $2.20/MMBtu in 2024.
    • Electricity demand: EIA revised its forecast for electricity demand growth in 2025 upward by about 1% to reflect greater expected demand growth in the commercial and industrial sectors, particularly from data centers and manufacturing operations. This growth in power demand is especially notable in regions managed by the Electricity Reliability Council of Texas and PJM independent system operators. EIA expects that U.S. commercial sector electricity consumption will grow by 3% in 2025 and by 5% in 2026.
    • Electricity generation: EIA expects total U.S. electricity generation this summer will be about 1% greater than last summer. EIA expects higher natural gas prices this summer to result in less generation from natural gas-fired power plants compared with last summer, which is expected to be offset by more generation from coal, solar, and hydro.
    • Trade policy assumptions: The U.S. macroeconomic outlook we use in the STEO is based on S&P Global’s macroeconomic model. S&P Global’s most recent model reflects the tariffs announced in April and includes the 90-day temporary suspension of tariffs granted to certain countries. However, the model was finalized before the ruling by the Court of International Trade on May 28th that temporarily halted all reciprocal tariffs. As a result, our macroeconomic forecast assumes lower tariffs on China’s products compared with last month’s STEO and 10% tariffs on countries subject to the 90-day temporary suspension. These differences in tariff rates likely have offsetting effects on the macroeconomic forecast.

    The full June 2025 Short-Term Energy Outlook is available on the EIA website.

    The product described in this press release was prepared by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the statistical and analytical agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. By law, EIA’s data, analysis, and forecasts are independent of approval by any other officer or employee of the U.S. government. The views in the product and this press release therefore should not be construed as representing those of the U.S. Department of Energy or other federal agencies.

    EIA Program Contact: Tim Hess, STEO@eia.gov
    EIA Press Contact: Chris Higginbotham, EIAMedia@eia.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President reaffirms commitment to global diplomacy 

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to global diplomacy, describing the upcoming G7 Leaders’ Summit as a critical opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and promote the country’s leadership within the G20.

    Speaking to members of the media during a visit to Sefako Makgatho Primary School in Saulsville, Pretoria, the President confirmed that South Africa had been officially invited to attend the G7 by Canada, this year’s chair of the summit.

    “Yes, we are going to the G7. We’ve been invited by Canada, who are the conveners, who are the head of the G7 this time around. I’m hoping that when we meet the various leaders of the G7, we’ll be able to interact meaningfully with them,” President Ramaphosa said.

    The President outlined a number of key bilateral engagements scheduled on the sidelines of the summit, including meetings with the Chancellor of Germany, the Prime Minister of Canada, and the President of the United States, Donald Trump.

    “The G7 gives us an opportunity to go and propagate our message, the message about the presidency of South Africa’s G20 and how we want to see great outcomes of the G20. We’re going to use it as a platform to begin to consolidate what we want to have in November when the leaders’ summit takes place here,” the President said on Tuesday.

    President Ramaphosa is set to jet off to Canada, Kananaskis from 14-17 June to attend and participate in the G7 Leaders’ Summit. 

    READ | President Ramaphosa to attend G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada

    Reflecting on the US working visit

    Reflecting on his recent visit to the White House in Washington DC, President Ramaphosa dismissed criticism of the trip, saying it was a strategic move to reset relations with one of South Africa’s key trading partners.

    “We do confirm that our visit to the White House in the United States was a moment where South Africa set out to reset the relationship with the United States, and I do believe that we have achieved that. 

    “Many people were very critical of our going there…and some were even suggesting that we were summoned. We were not summoned. In my telephone conversation with President Trump two weeks earlier, I said, I want to come and see you. And immediately conceded to that, and later they gave us a date. So that is not summoning, it is us taking the initiative that we want to go and see him,” the President said. 

    He said there was engagement that was taking place between the Department of Trade and Industry and Competition and the Department of International Relations. “So, we’ve opened the way for us to engage seriously with the United States. And on the other hand, we were also going to talk about trade matters, and that is now underway,” the President said. 

    He added that the White House meeting was also used to underscore the importance of President Trump attending the upcoming G20 Summit, which South Africa will host in November. 

    The President added that President Trump had “immediately conceded” that the G20 is not fully effective without the participation of the United States. 

    “For us, it’s important as a nation to reposition ourselves in the very turbulent geopolitical architecture or situation that we have, and that is why it was important to go to the United States, as we will go to many other countries, both on our own continent, in the Middle East and in Asia and in Europe as well. 

    “We are a country that is exposed and has relations with many countries around the world, and where the challenges and problems, we should immediately take action to correct those,” the President said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Exclusive Interview from Space: Army Senior Leaders Talk with Army Astronauts

    Source: US Army (video statements)

    About the U.S. Army:
    The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

    Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
    Visit: https://www.goarmy.com/?iom=BNL7-22-0029_N_OSOC_OCPA_AL_ocpagen_xx_xx

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    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaLv8IehaCY

    MIL OSI Video –