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Category: Americas

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims Mental Health Awareness Month

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 31, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 2025, as “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

    During Mental Health Awareness Month, we recognize the millions of Californians living with mental health conditions. We also recognize the invaluable role mental health care plays in every Californian’s life. Mental health care is health care and is critical to our overall well-being.  

    But mental health care has gone unaddressed and underprioritized for far too long. One in five U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year, and more than half do not receive care. After state hospitals shuttered in the 1960s with an unfulfilled promise of more community-based care, prisons and jails became the de facto mental hospitals. Suicide rates are on the rise, with Native people, men, veterans, and members of the LGBTQ community experiencing disproportionately high rates.

    California is revolutionizing mental health care, finally fulfilling the promise of the 1960s – with an over $6 billion Behavioral Health Bond to build 11,150 new treatment beds and housing units and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots for homeless people with serious mental illness, kids with depression, and everyone in between. We’ve transformed the Mental Health Services Act to support those with substance use disorders and behavioral health needs, including through nearly $1 billion annually proposed for housing supports and services. We created CARE Court, a nation-leading model to provide care and services to people with untreated, severe mental illnesses, like schizophrenia. We’ve modernized the conservatorship system to make it a more effective, last resort tool to ensure people get the help they need.

    But we’re also committed to preventative care and conversation before mental health conditions hit a crisis point. California’s Master Plan for Kids’ Mental Health has increased access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment services for kids, parents, and communities. We have created resources and support systems for people from all walks of life.

    The next critical step is recognizing when these tools are needed and using them as appropriate. Mental Health Awareness Month is an opportunity to check in with themselves and with their loved ones, to assess and talk about their mental health. I urge all Californians to learn about what help and support is available at mentalhealth.ca.gov.

    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 2025 as “Mental Health Awareness Month.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 14th day of May 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State

    Recent news

    May 30, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:Connie Nakano, of Elk Grove, has been appointed Assistant Director of the Office of Strategic Initiatives and Equity at the Department of Aging. Nakano has been Assistant Director of…

    May 30, 2025

    News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 2025, as “Foster Care Month.”The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONDuring Foster Care Month, we reaffirm to the more than 35,000 foster…

    May 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: The state recently welcomed 339 graduates from CAL FIRE, CDCR, and CHP to California’s already robust contingent of public safety officers. Sacramento, California – Strengthening the dedicated groups that protect the safety of Californians,…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor — News Release — Gov. Green Signs Bills to Advance Educational and Developmental Success for Keiki

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor — News Release — Gov. Green Signs Bills to Advance Educational and Developmental Success for Keiki

    Posted on May 30, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI 
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI 
     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D. 
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA 

     
    GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS FIVE BILLS TO ADVANCE EDUCATIONAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL SUCCESS FOR KEIKI

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    May 30, 2025

    HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green, M.D., today signed five bills strengthening access to educational opportunities and supporting student success both in the classroom and beyond.

    “This group of bills represents our state’s active commitment to finding real solutions and protecting the fundamental right every keiki has to quality education,” stated Governor Green. “Thanks to the critical work of educators and students alike, as well as countless community advocates, our state is poised to reduce childhood food insecurity and increase access to academic and extracurricular educational opportunities.”

    The newly enacted bills include the following:

    SB 1300: EXPANDING ACCESS TO FREE SCHOOL MEALS

    Beginning with the 2025-26 school year, Senate Bill 1300 expands access to free school meals for students who qualify for reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program. To further support ‘ohana classified as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), SB 1300 will expand again in the 2026-27 school year, providing free school meals to any public school student whose family income is below 300% of the federal poverty level. The bill appropriates more than $3.3 million to the Department of Education over the two school years to cover the cost of free meals.

    “Investing in our keiki is an investment in our future,” said Governor Green. “Food insecurity in our state is a serious issue, affecting one in three households. Signing Senate Bill 1300 will help ease the burden on our Hawai‘i ʻohana and improve the lives of keiki across the islands.”

    Senate Bill 1300 aims to improve educational outcomes by ensuring every child in Hawai‘i has access to the consistent nutrition they need to succeed in school. In addition to providing free school meals to eligible students, SB 1300 prohibits an academic institution from denying a student a school meal due to an inability to pay.

    “Senate Bill 1300 removes the financial barrier to accessing school meals, supporting students’ health and well-being, as well as their academic and developmental success said First Lady Jaime Kanani Green. “If students aren’t hungry, they can better focus on their studies, extracurricular activities and personal growth.”

    “Students should come to class hungry for knowledge, not hungry for food,” Governor Green concluded.

    Senate Vice President Michelle Kidani, Education Committee chair, was lead introducer of the bill. “Too many students face hunger in silence and it impacts their ability to learn. By expanding access to free school meals, this bill helps ensure all our keiki have the nourishment they need to succeed. I’m grateful to Governor Green for signing it into law and to all who worked to make it happen,” said Kidani (District 18, Mililani Town, Waipi‘o Gentry, Crestview, Waikele, portion of Waipahu, Village Park, Royal Kunia).

    “Ensuring that our keiki have access to nutritious school meals supports their well-being and success both in and beyond the classroom. At the same time, we are easing the burden on Hawai‘i’s working families, and this is a win for our community,” said House Committee on Education Chair, Justin H. Woodson (District 9, Kahului, Pu‘unēnē, portion of Wailuku.

    HB 862: ADDRESSING SCHOOL BUS SHORTAGES

    Due to a nationwide bus driver shortage, a number of school bus routes were suspended during the 2024–2025 academic school year. To reverse these suspensions and ensure transportation is not a barrier to education, Governor Green issued an emergency proclamation in August 2024, authorizing, among other provisions, the use of alternative vehicles to transport students to and from school. House Bill 862 codifies into statute this authorization and requires Department of Education staff to accompany students between drop-off and pick-up locations to ensure student safety. Using alternative vehicles such as small buses, motorcoaches and vans to transport students, will help maintain existing bus routes, supporting students’ continued access to a quality education.

    “Hawai‘i continues to face a school bus crisis, and we’ve heard from countless parents, families and educators about the urgent need to expand transportation options, while keeping safety front and center,” said House Committee on Education Vice Chair Trish La Chica (District 37, Portions of Mililani Town, Mililani Mauka, Koa Ridge, Waipi‘o Gentry). “This new law paves the way for our students to thrive, by expanding the department’s options to secure reliable transportation and ensuring that transportation barriers don’t stand in the way of our keiki and their opportunities to succeed.”

    HB 133: FUNDING FOR INTERSCHOLASTIC SURFING PROGRAMS

    Due to its deep cultural, social, and economic significance in Hawaiʻi, the Board of Education approved surfing for interscholastic competition in 2016. Since then, only one of the five local athletic leagues has sponsored a surfing program, leaving the majority of the state’s students without competitive surfing opportunities. House Bill 133 appropriates $685,870 for both fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027 to support the establishment of interscholastic surfing programs. These programs will provide students the opportunity to gain competitive experience and further pursue the sport they love.

    “Hawai‘i is the birthplace of surfing, and that’s something we should take great pride in. By recognizing surfing as an interscholastic sport, we are expanding access in Hawai‘i schools — allowing students to build ocean safety skills, connect with our cultural heritage and participate in a sport that has produced champions from our own shores,” said Representative Sean Quinlan, (District 47, Waialua, Hale‘iwa, Kawailoa Beach, Waimea, Sunset Beach, Waiale‘e, Kawela Bay, Kahuku, Lā‘ie, Hau‘ula, Punalu‘u, Kahana), introducer of the bill.

    The complete list of bills signed includes the following. Click links to see full details of the bills enacted into law.

    HB110 HD1 SD2 RELATING TO LOCAL AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

    HB1170 HD1 SD1 CD1 RELATING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF HAWAII RESIDENT TUITION FEE

    Photos from today’s bill signing, courtesy Office of the Governor, are available here.
    Video from the event can be viewed here.
    The slide deck presented at today’s bill signing can be found here.

    # # #


    Media Contacts:  
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom proclaims Foster Care Month 2025

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 30, 2025

    Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring May 2025, as “Foster Care Month.”

    The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below:

    PROCLAMATION

    During Foster Care Month, we reaffirm to the more than 35,000 foster children and youth in California that we stand in unwavering support of them, and we show gratitude to the thousands of foster families across the state who offer stability and care during critical development stages.

    All children deserve a safe, loving, and permanent home. Foster youth face extraordinary challenges: separation from their biological families at a young age, frequent uprooting from placements, and exposure to adverse childhood experiences. As a result, foster youth are more likely to face difficulties in both the short and long term, with lower graduation rates and higher rates of homelessness as adults. All too often, children of color and LGBTQ youth – who are overrepresented in the system – bear the brunt of these difficulties.

    California is committed to doing right by all our young people, and we are working to ensure that the most vulnerable youth have all they need to not just survive but thrive. To keep families together and reduce foster care entries, the state has created programs to support and educate parents and families to keep their children safely and happily with them. However, if kids must enter the system, we prioritize home-based family care above group homes, recognizing the importance of a stable and loving support system. Consistency and care are critical to a healthy childhood, and foster families offer kids safe haven.

    Although half of all foster children are reconnected with their families, and about a quarter are adopted, some foster kids ultimately age out of the system. In 2023, California launched two pilot programs that provide guaranteed income to foster youth aging out in order to support basic needs and disrupt the cycle of poverty. All kids, regardless of circumstance, deserve the opportunity to pursue their dreams. To support foster youth, the state is creating pathways to careers through the Master Plan for Career Education and making financial supports more accessible for those attending college, including investing in the CalKIDS program to set up child savings accounts of up to $1,500 for every foster child. The Middle Class Scholarship has expanded to cover tuition and fees for UC and CSU students with experience in foster care. Community colleges, CSUs, and UCs all have established programs to help former foster youth successfully transition to college life and adulthood.

    Every foster child deserves to grow up happy, healthy, and loved. We are indebted to the many foster families across the state who have answered the call, as we also recognize the need for more loving families to open their homes and change kids’ lives for the better. It takes a village to raise a child, and California is proud to play its part in doing so.

    NOW THEREFORE I, GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor of the State of California, do hereby proclaim May 2025 as “Foster Care Month.”

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of California to be affixed this 29th day of May 2025.

    GAVIN NEWSOM
    Governor of California

    ATTEST:
    SHIRLEY N. WEBER, Ph.D.
    Secretary of State

    Recent news

    May 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: The state recently welcomed 339 graduates from CAL FIRE, CDCR, and CHP to California’s already robust contingent of public safety officers. Sacramento, California – Strengthening the dedicated groups that protect the safety of Californians,…

    May 30, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO — In a callous moment during a townhall this morning, Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst shrugged off the devastating human toll of President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to fund tax breaks for the rich by gutting Medicaid and food assistance — saying,…

    May 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: With unprecedented speed, Governor Newsom is today announcing the availability of $800 million in competitive grant funding as part of Proposition 1 Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 2 to develop a wide…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Over 300 firefighting and law enforcement graduates add to state’s public safety force

    Source: US State of California 2

    May 30, 2025

    What you need to know: The state recently welcomed 339 graduates from CAL FIRE, CDCR, and CHP to California’s already robust contingent of public safety officers.

    Sacramento, California – Strengthening the dedicated groups that protect the safety of Californians, today Governor Gavin Newsom congratulated multiple graduates with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), and the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

    These firefighters, correctional officers, and highway patrol officers join their colleagues in communities statewide to protect the state of California.

    Thank you for answering the call to serve our great state. As you go back to your communities, may you face any uncertainty with resolve, any challenges with integrity, and any hardships with determination.

    Governor Gavin Newsom

    Enhancing our firefighting fleet

    CAL FIRE celebrated 38 new Company Officer Academy graduates. These leaders will supervise and direct firefighters as CAL FIRE Company Officers.

    The Academy offers extensive training in emergency and daily personnel management, physical conditioning, wildland and structural incident command, fire investigation, and the operation of fire vehicles, encompassing driving, pumping, and specialized wildland gear.

    “Graduations are a time to come together with family, friends, and coworkers to celebrate the hard work our Company Officers have put in over the past six weeks. These women and men represent the next generation of leadership at CAL FIRE. I am very proud of their accomplishment and wish them the best as they return home to their new roles,” said CAL FIRE Chief/Director Joe Tyler.

    This cohort brings the total number of Company Officer Academy graduates in 2025 to 272, highlighting CAL FIRE’s continued investment in leadership development and operational readiness.

    In addition to this program, 42 students have successfully completed the Emergency Command Center Academy so far this year, further strengthening CAL FIRE’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies across California.

    This graduating class brings the total number of Company Officers employed by CAL FIRE to over 4,150.  

    Protecting our communities 

    Following an intensive 13-week program at the Basic Correctional Officer Academy 168 cadets graduated, embarking on their new careers as CDCR correctional officers. 

    “It takes a special kind of person to wear the badge, the sacrifices and dedication of our families cannot be overstated. Our future success is dependent upon your professionalism, respect, and commitment to excellence,” said CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber.

    Including these graduates, CDCR will have 601 graduates this year, marking a significant step forward in CDCR’s ongoing efforts and focus on recruitment, hiring, promotion, retention and culture through collaboration of diverse and qualified candidates. Following their graduation, officers serve in institutions throughout California.        

    With these graduates, there are a total of nearly 21,500 correctional officers at 31 adult institutions statewide.

    Patrolling our streets and highways 

    The CHP welcomed 133 new officers who completed 26 weeks of rigorous training at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. The officers now report to one of the CHP’s 102 Area offices across California to begin their law enforcement careers.

    Academy cadets receive training in areas such as traffic enforcement, collision investigation, defensive tactics, firearms, emergency vehicle operations, community policing, legal responsibilities, communication, ethics, and cultural awareness to prepare them for serving California’s diverse population.

    “This graduation marks the beginning of a commitment to protecting and serving others. These officers have demonstrated their dedication to keeping California’s communities safe and upholding the CHP’s core values,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee.

    Nearly 300 cadets continue training at the West Sacramento facility, and another 160 are scheduled to begin instruction on June 9 as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public safety statewide.

    So far, the CHP has sworn in 364 officers in 2025 with this graduating class. There are a total of nearly 7,000 CHP officers statewide protecting our roadways. 

    Join the state today

    California offers diverse job opportunities with comprehensive benefits for those dedicated to providing essential services to millions of Californians. To learn more, please visit the California Department of Human Resources. 

    Recent news

    May 30, 2025

    News SACRAMENTO — In a callous moment during a townhall this morning, Republican U.S. Senator Joni Ernst shrugged off the devastating human toll of President Donald Trump’s proposed plan to fund tax breaks for the rich by gutting Medicaid and food assistance — saying,…

    May 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: With unprecedented speed, Governor Newsom is today announcing the availability of $800 million in competitive grant funding as part of Proposition 1 Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program (BHCIP) Round 2 to develop a wide…

    May 30, 2025

    News What you need to know: CAL FIRE is awarding $72 million to projects across the state that help reduce catastrophic wildfire risk across California. Governor Newsom also announced 13 vegetation management projects spanning nearly 7,000 acres have already been…

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Cenovus Energy announces redemption of Series 7 Preferred Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CALGARY, Alberta, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Cenovus Energy Inc. (“Cenovus” or the “Company”) (TSX: CVE) (NYSE: CVE) announced today it will exercise its right to redeem the Company’s 3.935% Series 7 Preferred Shares (the “Series 7 Preferred Shares”) on June 30, 2025 (the “Redemption”). All 6 million Series 7 Preferred Shares outstanding will be redeemed at the price of $25.00 per share, for an aggregate amount payable to holders of $150 million, less required withholdings, if any, funded primarily from cash on hand.

    As previously announced, the Company’s Board of Directors has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.24594 per Series 7 Preferred Share payable on June 30, 2025, to shareholders of record as of June 13, 2025. This will be the final dividend paid on the Series 7 Preferred Shares.

    Inquiries from registered holders of Series 7 Preferred Shares should be directed to Cenovus’s Registrar and Transfer Agent, Computershare Investor Services Inc. at 1-866-332-8898 or (514) 982-8717 outside North America. Beneficial holders, who are not directly registered holders of Series 7 Preferred Shares, should contact the financial institution, broker, or other intermediary through which they hold these shares to confirm how they will receive their redemption proceeds.

    Advisory

    This news release contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to as “forward-looking information”), within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, about Cenovus’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the future, based on certain assumptions made in light of the Company’s experiences and perceptions of historical trends. Although Cenovus believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking information in this news release is identified by words such as “anticipate”, “continue”, “expect”, “intend”, “will” or similar expressions and includes suggestions of future outcomes, including, but not limited to, statements about: the completion of the Redemption, including the timing and funding thereof and the dividend payments with respect to the Series 7 Preferred Shares.

    Developing forward-looking information involves reliance on a number of assumptions and consideration of certain risks and uncertainties, some of which are specific to Cenovus and others that apply to the industry generally.

    Except as required by applicable securities laws, Cenovus disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward‐looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing lists are not exhaustive and are made as at the date hereof. Events or circumstances could cause actual results to differ materially from those estimated or projected and expressed in, or implied by, the forward‐looking information. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For additional information regarding Cenovus’s material risk factors, the assumptions made, and risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from the anticipated results, refer to “Risk Management and Risk Factors” and “Advisory” in Cenovus’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the periods ended December 31, 2024 and March 31, 2025, and to the risk factors, assumptions and uncertainties described in other documents Cenovus files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities in Canada, which are available on SEDAR+ at sedarplus.ca, on EDGAR at sec.gov and Cenovus’s website at cenovus.com.

    Cenovus Energy Inc.

    Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is focused on managing its assets in a safe, innovative and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company’s preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit cenovus.com.

    Find Cenovus on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.

    Cenovus contacts

    Investors Media
    Investor Relations general line Media Relations general line
    403-766-7711 403-766-7751

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foyle Cup Launch 2025 at St. Joseph’s Boys School

    Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

    Foyle Cup Launch 2025 at St. Joseph’s Boys School

    2 June 2025

    The Press Launch of the ONeills Foyle Cup took place on Friday at St Joseph’s Boys’ School Westway, Derry – a most appropriate venue as St. Joseph’s are not only the present holders of Northern Ireland Under 18 Schools’ Cup but also host the Manchester United Foundation and the Stephen Gerrard 17-19 Academy, organised by Derry City F.C. on their school campus. 

     School Principal, Mrs. Ciara Deane, in introducing the large attendance at the launch, said: ‘It is a huge pleasure to support the Derry & District Youth F.A., organisers of the ONeills Foyle Cup and I  commend the work done by this organisation, not just for the kids of this city and district but for all the kids who have had a memorable experience of competing in the event over the thirty plus years of its existence, since  its humble beginnings in 1992.’ 

     The St. Joseph’s Principal continued: ‘I am delighted to hear that no fewer than 950 teams will compete in the 2025 event, resulting in over 20,000 actual participants creating lifelong memories and I’m even more delighted that our school premises will host some of the 3,300 fixtures scheduled this year!’ 

    John Murphy, on behalf of ONeills Sports, Title Sponsors, spoke proudly of what sponsorship of the Foyle Cup meant to his organisation. 

    ‘We’re incredibly proud to continue our partnership with the ONeills Foyle Cup, a tournament that captures the very best of youth football, community spirit, and international connection. 

    ‘With 950 teams competing this year from places as far afield as South Africa, Australia, the USA, Canada, Spain, Finland, and across the UK and Ireland, the ONeills Foyle Cup is a powerful reminder of how sport brings people together. At ONeills, we’re committed to supporting young athletes from the grassroots up, and this event truly reflects our passion for helping them grow in confidence, skill, and love for the game. We hope every player, coach, and supporter has a fantastic tournament experience and enjoys every moment on and off the pitch.” 

    The Deputy Mayor of Derry Strabane District Council, Darren Guy expressed his delight in how the event delivers for the city and district. 

     ‘I am proud to attend the formal launch of the 2025 Foyle Cup. The tournament is rightly regarded as one of the biggest and best celebrations of youth football in Europe and is a place where players, coaches and supporters make lifelong memories. 

    ‘As a Council, we are delighted to sponsor the tournament each year and provide playing pitches for games as part of our commitment to bring high level sporting events to our City and District.  We believe sport can play a key role in promoting friendship, team skills and social cohesion. Good luck to all the teams as they finalise their preparations for what will be an unforgettable week of football in July.’ 

    Chief Executive Officer of Derry Credit Union, Joan Gallagher also expressed delight in being invited to sponsor the mini soccer events during the Foyle Cup week and spoke of the excitement the whole city, – kids, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, experience during the week of the tournament. A fantastic week for the city and district and we are so proud to be supporting this wonderful, exciting, colourful event.  

    Cyril Moorhead, Good Relations Officer at Choice Housing, praised the organisers, not just on the success of the event in terms of numbers registered but more  importantly, the tremendous work that has been done on a cross-community basis, actively promoting good relations and friendliness and welcome afforded to all visitors which is synonymous with the city and district. 

      

    ‘It is most pleasing to see how the Foyle Cup has grown into such a large international event and how much support the event has from local communities, schools, colleges, Ulster University and Northwest Regional College. 

      

    ‘The impact of the Foyle Cup is significant, from its contribution to the local economy to the impact it has on young people’s lives, their communities and the positive community relations that it builds. As a housing association, Choice is committed not only to building quality affordable homes but contributing positively to the communities that we operate in, this partnership is a prime example of this. 

      

    ‘I wish the organisers continued success this year and, in the years, ahead.’ 

      

    Special Guest of Honour, Rory Holden, a player who participated in the Foyle Cup for many years with his local team, Top of the Hill Celtic, said he was ever thankful to the organisers and his own junior club, for without the effort of so many, it is doubtful if he would be having the enriching experience of  playing with his own professional club, All Saints from Wales, having played in Champions’ League and Europa league competitions this year. 

    ‘This event continues to thrive, grow and delivers for all our youth – boys, girls and those with sports disabilities. It is a real pleasure to be here to celebrate the success of this superb tournament.’ 

    Philip Devlin, Foyle Cup committee member, in taking charge of the live draw, advised all that details of the draw were available on the tournament website www.foylecup.com and he expected that fixtures for the full week would be on site within 36 hours of launch.  He also thanked all teams for their support and co-operation and wished them well in the tournament, from July 21-26. 

    Diolain Ward, of Foyle Cup committee member, concluded the launch event. 

    ‘Thank you to everyone who gave of their time to be here this evening. In particular, I would like to thank our sponsors – Derry City and Strabane District Council, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, ONeills, Derry Credit Union, Choice Housing, Seagate, Inner City Trust, Brunswick Moviebowl, Ulster University and North West Regional College.  Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Rory Holden for spending some of his much-valued time at home, with us, this afternoon and I wish him, on behalf of the member clubs of the Derry & District Youth Football Association, even more success in his football career.’ 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Manchester Day ’25 is set to hit all the right notes!

    Source: City of Manchester

    Manchester’s favourite day of the year is back for 2025 and looks set to hit all the right notes with a mammoth day of music-themed free fun promised for all the family on Saturday 26 July to help celebrate the city’s homegrown musical talent and this year’s big summer of live music in the city.

    With 1.3 million music tourists expected in Manchester this summer and a massive line-up of live music legends set to take over venues and parks across the city, this year’s Manchester Day aims to get everyone in the groove.

    The city council is working with outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank on a programme for the day that promises something for music fans of all ages, and all musical abilities or none – from the virtuoso violinist to the can’t-sing-a-note novice.

    From English National Opera teaming up with Manchester’s football fans and community choirs, West End show tunes, juggling drummers, hip-hop wrestling, plus two musical cats and a larger-than-life canary all in a giant birdcage – this year’s Manchester Day has got all musical tastes covered.

    With activities taking place in St Ann’s Square, Cathedral Gardens, and everywhere in-between, there will be plenty of chances throughout the day for visitors young and old to get stuck in, or to try their hand at music-making and uncover that hidden musical talent they didn’t know they had.

    And with a setlist that includes strum-along ukulele sessions, spontaneous sing-a-longs, dancing to a steel pan band or some surprising Ska, visitors will want to make sure they get down early and not miss a beat.

    The day will also see a music takeover of the route from St Peter’s Square to the Cathedral, with families invited to take a musical meander through the city streets as a music-filled mini parade makes its way from the square, along Deansgate, to the Cathedral.  

    Sure to be one of the highlights of the day, expect toe-tapping sounds and surprises all the way as two huge Griffins lead the parade with fantastical birds and other winged creatures in tow, all swooping their way along the parade route.

    Accompanied by the sounds of Brazilian-inspired brass from Jubacana, drumming from Manchester Dhol Players and a giant Dhol drum, along with the percussive rhythms of Manchester Batala, and performers from community groups across the city including the Anglo Filipino Club, the Hong Kong Cultural Community, Greater Manchester’s Youth network, Manchester’s Lithuanian Society and more – the mini parade looks set to get everyone moving and in the music groove.

    Councillor Pat Karney, Chair of Manchester Day, said: “We’ve got a mammoth summer of live music coming up in the city this year which means it’s only right that we max out on the music for Manchester Day. 

    “Everyone in Manchester loves music. Mancs have music in their bones, there’s so much talent here – we’re either making it or playing it. And that’s why everyone’s on the guestlist for this year’s Manchester Day to help us celebrate the music that Mancunians make best.

    “We’ve got a fantastic day lined up so loosen up those vocal chords, grab a guitar, grab your granny, all the family, and don’t miss it!”

    Proceedings on the day get underway at 12 noon with final encores at 5 pm.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🎥Watch ICE San Antonio arrest Cuban criminal alien Luis Alba-Navarro.

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Watch ICE San Antonio arrest Cuban criminal alien Luis Alba-Navarro.

    He lived in our country illegally despite his drug convictions & 2018 removal order. This shows he has no respect for our boundaries or our laws.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcxG0wG7hoA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games – Day 2 Highlights

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Day two at the #GoldenAgeGames is all about Veterans showing their strength, resilience, and dedication to staying active. Every event brings fierce competition and big wins for fitness and wellness at every age. Let’s keep the momentum going!

    #FitnessForLife #LetsGlow

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMJimSr51BQ

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Secretary Duffy’s at Newark Liberty International Airport

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Secretary Duffy’s at Newark Liberty International Airport
    June 2, 2025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FS84dD80jg

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: WATCH ICE Acting Director respond to lawmakers villainizing ICE and encouraging people to fight back

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    WATCH ICE Acting Director respond to lawmakers villainizing ICE and encouraging people to fight back against law enforcement.

    “It’s plain out disgusting.” —ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons

    #ice #shortvideo #shortsvideo

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6GxDVZp5rEU

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Africa Dialogue, Occupied Palestinian Territory & other topics – Daily Press Briefing (30 May 2025)

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

    Highlights:
    Secretary-General/Africa Dialogue
    Occupied Palestinian Territory
    Sudan
    South Sudan
    Cyprus
    Security Council
    Haiti – Hurricane Season
    International Days
    Programming Note – Monday
    Deputy Secretary-General/Travels

    SECRETARY-GENERAL/AFRICA DIALOGUE
    The Secretary-General will speak at the Africa Dialogue at 3 pm today and will focus on reparations, which is also the African Union’s theme for 2025.
    He will say that for too long, the colossal injustices inflicted by enslavement, the transatlantic slave trade, and colonialism have been left unacknowledged and unaddressed.
    And he will argue that reparatory justice frameworks are critical – to redress historic wrongs, address today’s challenges, and ensure the rights and dignity of all.

    DEPUTY SECRETARY-GENERAL/TRAVELS
    Today, in Tajikistan, the Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed participated in the High-Level International Conference on Glacier Preservation, taking place in Dushanbe. She underscored the urgent need to preserve glaciers and keep the 1.5°C climate target within reach — not only to protect ecosystems and water sources, but to ensure the livelihoods of people and prospering communities.
    The Deputy Secretary-General called for bold, coordinated action ahead of COP30 rooted in cooperation, solidarity, and science. She later held a series of bilateral meetings with senior government officials, delegations, and youth constituents. She also met with the UN Country Team to acknowledge the UN’s continued support in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in Tajikistan.
    Tomorrow, the Deputy Secretary-General will travel to Marrakech, Morocco, to attend the 2025 Ibrahim Governance Weekend.

    OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY
    Turning to the situation in Gaza, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs tell says that the catastrophic situation in Gaza is the worst it has been since the war began.
    Strikes have continued across Gaza, particularly in North Gaza, where the last remaining partially functioning hospital, Al Awda, was forced to evacuate last night after repeated strikes on and around the facility in recent days. Attacks also continued farther south in Deir al Balah, in areas of Al Bureij and An Nuseirat camps.
    IHH, an international aid organization that runs community kitchens and nutrition points, reported on Wednesday that five of its workers had been killed and two injured in the previous two days.
    OCHA underscores once again that civilians, including aid workers, must always be protected.
    Displacement continued across Gaza, with nearly 200,000 people displaced in the last two weeks alone. Yesterday, Israeli authorities issued a renewed displacement order covering about 30 per cent of Gaza’s total territory in North Gaza, eastern parts of Gaza City and Deir al Balah.
    To date, displacement orders have covered the entirety of the northernmost and southernmost governorates, as well as the eastern parts of each of the three governorates in between. Partners note that the limited movement of people observed in recent days appears to be driven by the search for food and necessities, rather than displacement orders.
    The UN and its humanitarian partners continue to provide support to people in need, despite the immense challenges on the ground and the crippling restrictions on the amount and type of assistance being allowed into Gaza. Yesterday, the UN and the humanitarian partners only managed to collect five truckloads of cargo from the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom. The other 60 trucks had to return to the crossing due to intense hostilities in the area.
    Meanwhile in Gaza City, our partners working to address shelter needs managed to distribute 45 emergency shelter kits to families as part of a pilot initiative aimed at pooling resources to respond to some of the most critical needs.
    Humanitarian needs have exploded in Gaza following nearly 80 days of a total blockade of all supplies.
    The limited amounts of aid now entering the Strip are nowhere near sufficient to support 2.1 million people in desperate need of assistance.
    As conditions on the ground further deteriorate and public order and safety break down, looting incidents continue to be reported. Today, a group ‎of armed individuals stormed the warehouses of a field hospital in Deir al Balah, looting large quantities of ‎medical equipment, supplies, medicines and nutritional supplements intended for ‎malnourished children.

    Full highlights: https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=30%20May%202025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE59Bf_GH5M

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games – Opening Ceremonies

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    The 2025 National Veterans #GoldenAgeGames Parade of Athletes was nothing short of breathtaking. The energy in the room was enough to light up the whole City of Memphis, with a mix of pride, anticipation and unshakable determination. These #Veteran athletes 55 and over are here to win, and we are here for it!

    Let the #GoldenAgeGames begin! @sports4vets #Sports4vets

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8SW1xqm5H0

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games – Day 1 Highlights

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Day 1 set the tone for the #GoldenAgeGames. Veterans have been training all year for this!

    From the Health & Wellness Fair to powerful moments of camaraderie, today proved that strength and support go hand in hand.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRAq54MSpp8

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Flight Attendant Appreciation Day

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PeQQo18Re3U

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: 🎥Watch our at-large arrest of Guatemalan criminal alien Miguel Tamup-Tamup May 15.

    Source: United States of America – Federal Government Departments (video statements)

    Watch our at-large arrest of Guatemalan criminal alien Miguel Tamup-Tamup May 15.

    You may remember him from the early-release photos — he’s responsible for breaking an ICE agent’s leg during an earlier apprehension attempt.

    ICE officers risk their lives to protect the American public and enforce our laws. If an ICE agent tries to apprehend you, don’t resist, fight or flee.

    Ultimately, you’ll still be arrested — but you’ll also face criminal charges.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2cB1Ho7P70

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Health – From Today Eligible People with Stage III Melanoma Can Access Funded KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab)

    Source: Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand)

    Auckland, New Zealand, 1 June 2025 – MSD (tradename of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK) is delighted to announce that from today, Pharmac will widen the funding of the immunotherapy cancer medicine KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) to include the treatment of eligible people with stage III melanoma. 1  

    Vanessa Gascoigne, Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited (MSD) Director, expressed her excitement, stating; “Funded access to KEYTRUDA has been available in New Zealand for certain people with advanced melanoma since 2016. 2

    “We are thrilled that Pharmac has widened its funding of KEYTRUDA from today, to include eligible people with stage III melanoma. 1

    “This marks the first time KEYTRUDA will be funded by Pharmac for the treatment of a cancer before it has progressed to an advanced stage. 1,3

    “Thanks to the Government’s increase in the medicines budget last year, and National’s Cancer Policy, additional people living with cancer will now receive funded access to KEYTRUDA.” 1, 4, 5

    New Zealand has one of the highest melanoma rates in the world; therefore preventing, and detecting melanoma early, must be absolute priorities. 6

    KEYTRUDA is an immunotherapy cancer medicine registered for 31 indications and is now publicly funded for 12 of these indications.7,1 MSD will continue to work with the funding agency Pharmac, to try and obtain funded access for more people with cancer.

    Ms Gascoigne says, “Faster funded access to cancer treatment may benefit people across New Zealand and we believe patients should have access to KEYTRUDA where clinical evidence exists, ensuring fair and equitable access.”  

    KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) is available as a 100 mg/4 mL concentrate for solution for infusion.

    The KEYTRUDA Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is available at www.medsafe.govt.nz.

    KEYTRUDA is a Prescription Medicine and may be used in adults:

    · After surgery to remove melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer or renal cell carcinoma to help prevent the cancer from coming back

    · Before surgery to treat triple-negative breast cancer and then continued after surgery to help prevent the cancer from coming back

    · To treat bladder cancer which has not spread to nearby tissues but is at high-risk of spreading and where bladder removal is not preferred

    · To treat certain patients with the following types of advanced cancers:

    o Melanoma

    o Non-small cell lung cancer

    o Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM)

    o Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL)

    o Urothelial carcinoma

    o Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

    o Renal cell carcinoma

    o Gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

    o Oesophageal carcinoma

    o Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

    o Cervical cancer

    o Endometrial carcinoma

    o Triple-negative breast cancer

    o A kind of cancer that can occur in any part of the body and is shown by a laboratory test to be microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)

    o Colon or rectal cancer that is shown by a laboratory test to be MSI-H or dMMR

    o Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC)

    o Biliary tract carcinoma

    KEYTRUDA may be used in children with MPM, cHL, MCC, MSI-H or dMMR cancer, or after surgery to remove melanoma. It is not known if KEYTRUDA is safe and effective in children with MSI-H or dMMR cancer of the brain or spinal cord (central nervous system cancers).

    You should not be given KEYTRUDA if you are allergic to pembrolizumab or to any of the other ingredients listed at the end of the CMI.

    KEYTRUDA can cause harm or death to unborn babies. Talk to your doctor if you are a woman who could become pregnant and use effective contraception while you are being treated with KEYTRUDA and for at least 4 months after the last dose of KEYTRUDA. Do not breastfeed while taking KEYTRUDA.

    Serious immune-mediated side effects have occurred affecting the lungs, intestines, liver, kidneys, hormone glands, blood sugar levels, skin, other organs and in transplant recipients. Some of these side effects can sometimes become life-threatening and can lead to death. These side effects may happen anytime during treatment or even after your treatment has ended and you may experience more than one side effect at the same time. Serious infusion reactions have also occurred.

    Very common side effects with KEYTRUDA alone include diarrhoea, nausea, itching, rash, joint pain, back pain, feeling tired, cough, patches of discoloured skin, stomach pain, decreased levels of sodium in blood and low levels of thyroid hormone.

    When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with chemotherapy, hair loss, vomiting, decreased white-blood cell count, mouth sores, fever, decreased appetite, decreased number of red blood cells, decreased number of platelets in the blood and swelling of the lining of the digestive system (for example mouth, intestines) were also commonly reported.

    When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with axitinib, high blood pressure, fatigue, low levels of thyroid hormone, decreased appetite, blisters or rash on palms of your hands and soles of your feet, increased liver enzyme levels, hoarseness, and constipation were also commonly reported.

    When KEYTRUDA was given in combination with lenvatinib, high blood pressure, decreased appetite, low levels of thyroid hormone, vomiting, weight loss, headache, constipation, hoarseness, urinary tract infection, stomach-area (abdominal pain), blisters or rash on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet, protein in your urine, increased liver enzyme levels and feeling weak were also commonly reported.

    The most common side effects when KEYTRUDA is given alone to children include fever, vomiting, headache, stomach pain, decreased number of red blood cells, cough, and constipation. (v56)

    KEYTRUDA has risks and benefits. Talk to your doctor to see if KEYTRUDA is right for you. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, tell your doctor.

    KEYTRUDA is funded to treat certain patients with the following types of advanced cancers: melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and classical Hodgkin lymphoma. KEYTRUDA is also funded for certain patients with Stage IIIB-D melanoma. Patients must meet specific criteria for funding.

    KEYTRUDA is not funded for the treatment of all other cancers , which means you will need to pay for the full cost of the medicine and its administration. Ask your doctor about the cost of the medicine and any other medical fees that may apply.

    Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited. Level 3, 123 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland.

    Copyright © 2025 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

    About MSD

    At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com

    Copyright © 2025 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
    Merck Sharp & Dohme (New Zealand) Limited. Level 3, 123 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland. NZ-NZ-KEY-00984 V1.0 NP22833 June 2025

    References

    1. Pharmac Community Schedule: Pembrolizumab Special Authority Form SA2491 June 2025. Available at   https://schedule.pharmac.govt.nz/2025/06/01/SA2491.pdf Accessed May 2025

    2. Pharmac. News and resources. Decision regarding funding of pembrolizumab (Keytruda), nivolumab (Opdivo), posaconazole (Noxafil) and raltegravir (Isentress) Available at:

    https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations-and-decisions/decision-regarding-funding-of-pembrolizumab-keytruda-nivolumab-opdivo-posaconazole-noxafil-and-raltegravir-isentress?keyword=KEYTRUDA&type=all&page=1 Accessed May 2025

    3. Pharmac Community Schedule: Pembrolizumab Special Authority Form SA2386 May2025. Accessed May 2025

    4. Pharmac. News and resources. Update on new medicines funding after the budget uplift. Available at:

    https://www.pharmac.govt.nz/news-and-resources/news/update-on-new-medicines-funding-after-the-budget-uplift  Accessed May 2025

    5. National Party. Policies. Helping More Kiwis Fight Cancer. Available at:

    https://assets.national.org.nz/Plan_Helping_More_Kiwis_Fight_Cancer.pdf  Accessed May 2025

    6. MelNet: Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Strategy 2024 – 2028. Available athttps://strategy.melnet.org.nz/ Accessed May 2025

    7.KEYTRUDA Data Sheet. Available at: https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/Datasheet/k/Keytruda.pdf   Accessed May 2025

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: RBC iShares Expands iShares Core Offering with Launch of New ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today, RBC iShares expands its iShares Core exchange traded fund (ETF) lineup with the launch of two iShares ETFs (each an ‘iShares Fund’ and collectively, the ‘iShares Funds’).

    The iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF (XTOT) will provide investors with broad-based exposure to the total U.S. equity market, covering large-, mid-, small-, and micro-capitalized companies. The iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF will also be available in a U.S.-dollar denominated class (XTOT.U).

    “We are pleased to expand our suite of low-cost, diversified core ETFs with the addition of the iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF. This new ETF offers investors a convenient way to access broad-based exposure to the total U.S. equity market, making investing in global markets easier and more affordable for Canadians,” said Steven Leong, Head of Product at BlackRock Canada.

    The iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF (XSMB) will provide investors with exposure to a broadly diversified range of Canadian domiciled bonds with maturities between 1 and 10 years, which may include any or all of federal, provincial, corporate (including certain qualifying asset-backed securities) and municipal bonds.

    “Canadians continue to embrace fixed income ETFs as efficient tools for building resilient, well-diversified portfolios. With this launch, we are excited to provide access to a broad portfolio of Canadian government and corporate bonds with 10 years remaining to maturity or less. This exposure allows investors to generate income while offering a source of portfolio stabilization amid volatility,” added Mr. Leong.

    The iShares Funds are listed in the table below and are expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) today; the iShares Funds are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (BlackRock Canada), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.

    Fund Name Ticker Annual
    Management
    Fee    1
    iShares Core S&P Total U.S. Stock Market Index ETF XTOT,
    XTOT.U    		 0.07%2
    iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF XSMB 0.15%

    RBC iShares aims to help clients achieve their investment objectives by empowering them to build efficient portfolios and take control of their financial futures. RBC iShares is committed to delivering a truly differentiated ETF experience and positive outcomes for clients.

    For more information about RBC iShares, please visit https://www.rbcishares.com.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.

    About iShares

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.3 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

    About RBC
    Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 97,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.

    We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at rbc.com/peopleandplanet.

    About RBC Global Asset Management
    RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) is the asset management division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). RBC GAM is a provider of global investment management services and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and individual investors through separate accounts, pooled funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, exchange-traded funds and specialty investment strategies. RBC Funds, BlueBay Funds, PH&N Funds and RBC ETFs are offered by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. (RBC GAM Inc.) and distributed through authorized dealers in Canada. The RBC GAM group of companies, which includes RBC GAM Inc. (including PH&N Institutional) manage approximately $710 billion in assets and have approximately 1,600 employees located across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

    RBC iShares ETFs are comprised of RBC ETFs managed by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and iShares ETFs managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    ® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under license. iSHARES is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Used under license. © 2025 BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited and RBC Global Asset Management Inc. All rights reserved.

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    1 As an annualized percentage of the iShares Fund’s daily net asset value.
    2 If applicable, BlackRock Canada or an affiliate is entitled to receive a fee for acting as manager of each iShares ETF in which this iShares Fund may invest (an “underlying product fee” and together with the management fee payable to BlackRock Canada, the “total annual fee”). As the underlying product fees are embedded in the market value of the iShares ETFs in which this iShares Fund may invest, any underlying product fees are borne indirectly by this iShares Fund. BlackRock Canada will adjust the management fee payable to it by this iShares Fund to ensure that the total annual fees paid directly or indirectly to BlackRock Canada and its affiliates by this iShares Fund will not exceed the percentage of the NAV set out above. The total annual fee is exclusive of HST. Any underlying product fees borne indirectly by this iShares Fund are calculated and accrued daily and are paid not less than annually.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Listening for hydrothermal activity (and more!) in Yellowstone

    Source: US Geological Survey

    Yellowstone Caldera Chronicles is a weekly column written by scientists and collaborators of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory. This week’s contribution is from Michael Poland, geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey and Scientist-in-Charge of the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory.

    Dr. Jamie Farrell, seismologist from the University of Utah, installs an infrasound microphone at Norris Geyser Basin on September 6, 2023.  The microphone is located in the white pipe at the base of the tree. The sensor is installed in at treed area to reduce noise from wind.  Work done under Yellowstone National Park research permit YELL-2023-SCI-0114.  U.S. Geological Survey photograph by Mike Poland.

    Infrasound refers to low frequency acoustic energy.  For the audio enthusiasts out there, the specific frequency range of interest is 0.1–20 Hz, which is below the range of human hearing (typically 20–20,000 Hz).  Even though infrasound is not something humans can hear; this sound energy can be important for monitoring processes that occur within Earth’s atmosphere.

    Infrasound travels efficiently through the atmosphere, experiencing very little atmospheric absorption or scattering compared to higher-frequency energy.  This means that infrasound can travel great distances and still be detectable.  As a result, infrasound is an important component of the International Monitoring System (IMS), which is intended to detect nuclear tests.  Nuclear explosions, even underground, create significant low-frequency sound waves that can be detected even thousands of miles away from the explosion source.

    If infrasound is great at detecting nuclear explosions, you might expect that it is also exceptional for detecting volcanic explosions.  And you would be correct!  Infrasound monitoring is widely used to monitor volcanoes.  Because infrasound energy travels easily through the atmosphere, monitoring systems don’t have to be right at the volcano of interest.  In fact, in Alaska there are just a few infrasound monitoring stations that track activity along the entire chain of volcanoes in the Aleutian Islands, which stretches about 1,100 miles (1,800 kilometers) across the North Pacific!

    Ideally, infrasound monitoring is done by arrays of 3 or more instruments that are located in close proximity to one another.  By installing at least three instruments in a triangle-shaped array, it is possible to measure the direction from which infrasound signals originate.  This is because sound waves travel at a relatively slow speed of 761 miles (1225 kilometers) per hour.  That might seem fast, but compare that to seismic waves, which travel through the Earth at up to 3–5 miles (5–8 kilometers) per second! At these slower speeds, infrasound waves arrive at each station in an array at slightly different times.  By comparing the arrival times between stations, it is possible to tell the direction from which the sound originated. If the infrasound energy is recorded on more than one array, the actual location of the sound’s source can be triangulated.

    Prior to 2023, infrasound recordings in Yellowstone were either temporary deployments designed to study specific geysers or were single microphones that could not measure the direction from which the sound originated.  In September 2023, however, the first continuous, permanent, 3-sensor infrasound array was installed in Yellowstone—in Norris Geyser Basin, specifically.  The station paid immediate dividends, tracking activity at Steamboat Geyser.  Infrasound energy from those eruptions is detectable continuously for several hours, indicating a very energetic source.

    Infrasound-array processing for the newly installed station YNB, at Norris Geyser Basin. Top panel shows the pressure waveform from one of the three elements that comprise the array, filtered between 1 and 15 Hz. Bottom panel shows the backazimuth from the station to the source. The direction from the station to Steamboat Geyser is indicated by the black horizontal dashed line. The colors represent how well the 3 elements in the array agree (Median Cross-Correlation Maxima, MdCCM), where values closer to 1.0 (red) indicate highly correlated and strong signals.

    The new infrasound station also recorded a powerful “boom” sound that lasted nearly 1 minute on the afternoon of April 15, 2024.  This event was associated with a small hydrothermal explosion in the area between Porcelain Basin and Nuphar Lake.  The explosion was unwitnessed, but it left a small crater about 10 feet (about 3 meters) across surrounded by an area of warped and disturbed ground.  Infrasound therefore provides a powerful means of detecting hydrothermal explosions that might otherwise go unnoticed; this is why the technique is an important component to the Yellowstone Volcano Observatory’s monitoring plan for the Yellowstone region.

    The Norris infrasound station did not detect any sound from the impressive hydrothermal explosion at Biscuit Basin on July 23, 2024, which was 18 miles (29 kilometers) from the station.  The sound from this event seems to have been muted, indicating that in Yellowstone we can’t count on just one or two infrasound stations to cover the entire region.  Instead, multiple infrasound arrays might be needed to track activity across the numerous geyser basins in Yellowstone National Park, including those in remote backcountry areas.

    Geyser eruptions and hydrothermal explosions aren’t the only signals that produce infrasound in the Yellowstone region.  On the evening of May 3, 2025, people in Canada, Utah, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Wyoming observed a bright fireball in the sky, and those in the Yellowstone region reported a loud booming sound.  This bolide, as such meteors that explode in the atmosphere are sometimes called, was filmed by several witnesses in the region.  And as you might expect, the infrasound station at Norris Geyser Basin clearly detected the event!

    Even though infrasound is below the frequency of human hearing, the data can be “sonified”—meaning that data are converted to audible sound.  By doing that to the May 3 bolide signal, you can “hear” the explosion (or, at least, the infrasound associated with the explosion) even if you weren’t in Yellowstone that night!

    The Yellowstone Volcano Observatory hopes to deploy additional infrasound stations in the region in the coming years.  Stay tuned as we make use of this monitoring technique to better “hear” geyser eruptions, hydrothermal explosions, and the occasional exploding meteor!

    This audio clip is the infrasound recorded during 1 minute on May 3, 2025, at 9:33 p.m. MDT.  The audio is the “sonified” (data converted to sound) version of the infrasound, which is a frequency below that detectable by humans.  Time is sped up by a factor of 10.  The “boom” that occurs at about the 34-second mark is a bolide—a meteor that exploded in the atmosphere.  The video that corresponds to the audio is the infrasound waveform recorded by a station in Norris Geyser Basin over that minute.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Will surging sea levels kill the Great Barrier Reef? Ancient coral fossils may hold the answer

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jody Webster, Professor of Marine Geoscience, University of Sydney

    marcobriviophoto.com

    In the 20th century, global sea level rose faster than at any other time in the past 3,000 years. It’s expected to rise even further by 2100, as human-induced climate change intensifies. In fact, some studies predict a rise of up to 1.6 metres and possibly more due to the rapid melting of the Antarctic ice sheets.

    These changes will have huge impacts on coastal ecosystems around the world, including coral reefs. To understand these future impacts, it can be useful to understand similar events from history.

    Our new research, published today in Nature Communications, does just that. It reveals how the Great Barrier Reef in northern Australia responded to a dramatic rise in sea level some 13,000 to 10,000 years ago.

    A hotly debated event

    Several “meltwater pulse events” have been documented in the past. These occur when ice sheets disintegrate in a catastrophic fashion, resulting in a rapid surge in global sea levels.

    One of these events, known as “meltwater pulse 1B”, remains hotly debated. It occurred roughly 11,500 years ago.

    Early evidence from reef cores in Barbados suggested a sharp sea-level rise of approximately 14 metres between 11,450 and 11,100 years ago, with rates of roughly 40 millimetres per year.

    Remarkably, this rate is about ten times faster than the current global rise.

    However, this record conflicts with others, including from Tahiti and now from the Great Barrier Reef, which suggests a more gradual rise in sea levels.

    Learning from geological archives

    Somewhat paradoxically shallow-water reef systems can “drown” because corals, and other reef organisms, depend on light for photosynthesis. If the water gets too deep too fast, the reef will no longer keep up with the rise and it will drown.

    But drowning can also occur due to other factors, such as increased temperature, sediment and nutrients, which can also add extra environmental stress to the reef – again making it more difficult to grow vertically and keep up with sea level rise.

    Cores gathered from drowned fossil coral reefs preserved along the continental shelf edge of the Great Barrier Reef contain crucial information about historic corals, coralline algae and microbial reef structures known as microbialites. They offer a unique geologic time machine to better understand how past periods of rapid global sea level rise affected reef growth.

    These geological archives also provide important clues about how ice sheets behaved in response to rapid global warming.

    In 2010, an expedition of the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program used a geotechnical drill ship to sample below the seafloor and reconstruct the growth and demise of the Great Barrier Reef over the past roughly 30,000 years. Five distinct stages were identified in response to major global climatic and oceanographic disturbances.

    In this new study, we focused on a key reef stage called Reef 4. It formed between 13,000 and 10,000 years ago, just prior to the start of the modern reef as we know it.

    We refer to this reef as the “proto-Great Barrier Reef”. Once a shallow-water barrier reef system, it now exists in a fossilised form at roughly 50 metres water depth and is now the home to deeper reef communtites in the mesophotic zone 30 to 150 metres below the surface.

    The RV Great Ship Maya was used to recover fossil reef samples from the Great Barrier Reef in 2010.
    G.Tulloch/European Consortium for Ocean Research Drilling/Integrated Ocean Drilling Program

    An impressive ability to keep pace

    Our study shows the Great Barrier Reef didn’t drown during meltwater pulse 1B. In fact, it continued to thrive with clear evidence of healthy, shallow-water reef assemblages (living in waters less than ten metres deep) persisting right through the rise in sea levels.

    The reef not only survived but continued to grow upwards at rates between 4–6 millimetres per year. This rate of growth is comparable to modern healthy reef growth rates, demonstrating an impressive ability to keep pace.

    We also calculated that the maximum possible sea-level rise during meltwater pulse 1B was between 7.7 and 10.2 metres over roughly 350 years. This equates to between 23 and 30 millimetres per year, but was likely less.

    This is less than the Barbados estimate, and more consistent with observations from Tahiti where no sharp sea-level jump was found.

    Importantly, this indicates that even the upper sea level rise bounds are within the survival limits of resilient reef systems such as the Great Barrier Reef – especially when environmental stressors, such as ocean warming, ocean acidification and sedimentation are low.

    UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee recently expressed utmost concern about the current state of the Great Barrier Reef.
    Darkydoors/Shutterstock

    Limits to a reef’s resilience

    Although the Great Barrier Reef survived sea level rise roughly 11,000 years ago, the world was very different back then.

    Coral reefs faced less stress from human impacts. And ocean temperatures were rising more slowly.

    But today’s reefs are already struggling, with UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee recently expressing “utmost concern” about the state of the Great Barrier Reef in particular.

    This is due to warming, acidification and pollution. And these additional challenges decrease reefs’ ability to cope with rapid sea-level rise.

    Our findings suggest abrupt sea-level jumps of more than 11 metres are unlikely to occur without major instabilities in ice sheets. The fact that such collapses likely didn’t happen during meltwater pulse 1B offers some reassurance. But we’re in uncharted territory now, particularly with the Antarctic ice sheet displaying early signs of instability.

    Our study also shows the Great Barrier Reef has been remarkably resilient, adapting to changing sea levels and continuing to grow even as the ocean rose rapidly. This resilience, however, had limits. Ultimately, the reef we examined drowned roughly 10,000 years ago, likely due to a combination of environmental stressors, including increased sediment flux. At this time the shallow water reef ecosystem migrated landward to form the modern Great Barrier, leaving behind only deeper, mesophotic reef communities.

    The lessons from the past are clear: reefs can adapt to environmental changes but there are limits.

    Protecting modern reefs will require more than understanding their past. It means reducing emissions and limiting other environmental stresses such as sediment and nutrient runoff where possible.

    Jody Webster receives funding from the Australian Research Council and ANZIC IODP.

    Juan Carlos Braga receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Spanish Government.

    Marc Humblet receives funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science.

    Stewart Fallon receives funding from the Australian Research Council and ANZIC IODP.

    Yusuke Yokoyama receives funding from the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science and Japan Science and Technology Agency.

    – ref. Will surging sea levels kill the Great Barrier Reef? Ancient coral fossils may hold the answer – https://theconversation.com/will-surging-sea-levels-kill-the-great-barrier-reef-ancient-coral-fossils-may-hold-the-answer-257830

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressional Taiwan Caucus Co-Chairs’ Statement on the Passing of Gerry Connolly

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. –  U.S. Representatives Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL), Ami Bera, M.D. (D-CA), and Andy Barr (R-KY), co-chairs of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, issued the following statement on the passing of co-chair Congressman Gerry Connolly:

    “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Congressman Gerry Connolly, a dedicated public servant and a fierce champion of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, Gerry brought unmatched conviction, vision, and leadership to the forefront of U.S. policy toward Taiwan.

    “Congressman Connolly was instrumental in advancing critical legislation that strengthened Taiwan’s international standing and deepened our economic ties. He led the introduction of the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, a firm response to efforts by the People’s Republic of China to distort United Nations Resolution 2758 and marginalize Taiwan on the global stage. His work made clear that Taiwan’s future must be determined by the people of Taiwan—not imposed through coercion or misrepresentation. 

    “He also spearheaded the Taiwan Tax Agreement Act, an important step toward eliminating double taxation and facilitating greater U.S.-Taiwan cross-border investment and innovation. This bipartisan legislation exemplified his understanding that economic cooperation is a core pillar of a strong, secure, and mutually beneficial partnership. 

    “Beyond legislation, Congressman Connolly was a steadfast advocate for democracy, human rights, and the values that unite the people of the United States and Taiwan. He visited Taiwan nearly two dozen times during his time working in the private sector and serving in Congress. He approached his work on the U.S.-Taiwan relationship with passion, principle, and a deep respect for the people of Taiwan. 

    “His absence will be deeply felt within the Congressional Taiwan Caucus and across Congress. We honor his legacy by continuing the work to which he dedicated so much of his life. 

    “Our thoughts are with his family, staff, and constituents during this time of profound loss.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Díaz-Balart Applauds Passage of President Trump’s One, Big Beautiful Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Appropriations Vice Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Trump’s “One, Big Beautiful bill”:

    “Once again, House Republicans are delivering on the mandate we promised to the American people under the leadership of President Trump by passing the ‘One, Big Beautiful Bill.’ This legislation responsibly reduces excess spending while protecting vital programs, such as Medicaid and Medicare benefits, for eligible Americans in need.

    It also provides taxpayers in Florida’s 26thCongressional District with historic tax relief by making President Trump’s highly successful 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) permanent. Had the TCJA been allowed to expire on December 31, 2025, the average taxpayer in FL-26 would have seen a 24% tax hike. Instead, they are guaranteed deductions and get to keep more of their hard-earned money.

    Additionally, this bill will permanently secure the border and stop the deadly flow of fentanyl into our communities by making major investments in our border patrol agents. It also includes pro-family initiatives, such as expanding the child tax credit, which helps working families keep more of their earnings. Finally, it will unleash American energy and lower costs by reversing the Biden Administration’s burdensome energy policies.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sharpened Purpose, Stronger Future: FY26 State Department Priorities for Security and Diplomacy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    Washington, D.C. – Today, House Appropriations Vice Chair and National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs (NSRP) Subcommittee Chairman Mario Díaz-Balart (R-FL) and Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) focused on efforts to advance American national security and diplomacy to ensure a stronger future during remarks at a Fiscal Year 2026 hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

    Subcommittee Chairman Díaz-Balart said, “I firmly believe there is no one better who could serve as our Secretary of State at this critical time. Your steadfast leadership, devotion to country and to freedom, and your focus on national security are exactly why you have my full confidence in advancing President Trump’s foreign policy… Now, it’s time to work together on the FY26 budget to determine the appropriate funding levels going forward for the people and programs needed to advance our national security.

    “From ensuring our key allies and partners around the world have the military assistance required to defend themselves, to preventing deadly infectious diseases from reaching our shores, to investments that lay the groundwork for American businesses abroad, to supporting those suffering under tyranny by standing in solidarity against oppressive – and often dangerously anti-American – dictatorships. That is American leadership – something President Trump has shown and that has been sorely lacking for the last four years.”

    Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.

    Chairman Cole said, “We are leading with sharpened purpose to ensure Americans are safer at home and abroad. The work of the State Department is core to this mission and the cause of freedom – and every action and investment we make should protect and promote U.S. security, prosperity, and values. Secretary Rubio, we know your commitment to that duty – and it’s an honor to have you with us this afternoon. From day one, you’ve acted as a force multiplier for the President, and we deeply appreciate your service to our country.

    “As you know, Mr. Secretary, peace through strength isn’t a matter of chance. It is the result of effective policy, national focus, and marshaling resources to where they drive maximum impact. The America First agenda – which has been mandated by the people – advances that critical doctrine. It’s not about retreating from the world stage – but resetting our guiding principles.” 

    Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.

    Secretary of State Rubio said, “Today, America is back. Secure borders, safe communities and zero tolerance for criminal cartels are once again the guiding principles of our foreign policy… We are working with law enforcement to revoke the status of foreign nationals who abuse our hospitality, threaten our citizens, and express support for this nation’s enemies. The Department has taken President Trump’s policy message across Europe, securing the NATO Secretary General’s commitment to increased defense spending, recalibrating transatlantic political and economic relations to better serve American interests… 

    “As Secretary, I have the honor of leading the world’s most talented diplomatic workforce. They deserve better. They deserve clear responsibilities and chains of command. They deserve a State Department that unleashes their full potential from the ground up, harnessing the capacities of every embassy, consulate, and bureau to set a course for a new American century. One where the power and prestige of the United States are unequaled by any other force in the world.”

    Full remarks as prepared for delivery are available here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Díaz-Balart’s Legislation to Create a Unique ZIP Code for the Town of Miami Lakes Approved by House Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (25th District of FLORIDA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-26) issued the following statement following the House Oversight Committee’s approval of the proposed legislation to create a unique ZIP code for the Town of Miami Lakes.

    “I am pleased that for the third time, my bill to establish a unique ZIP code for the Town of Miami Lakes has been approved by the House Oversight Committee. The next step is to bring it to the House floor for a vote,” said Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart. “I will continue advocating for the people of Miami Lakes who have waited over 20 years to create a stand-alone ZIP code, and I’m confident this legislation will pass the House chamber.”

    The Senate Companion bill was introduced by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Alex Padilla (D-CA).

    Background:

    In 2016, Díaz-Balart successfully included a provision in H.R. 6303 that would have authorized USPS to establish a dedicated ZIP code for Miami Lakes and several other municipalities. This bill passed the U.S. House and was sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Similarly, in 2018, Diaz-Balart introduced a bill to designate a unique ZIP code for Miami Lakes, which also passed the House and was sent to the U.S. Senate for further consideration. Additionally, in 2019, 2021, and 2023 Rep. Díaz-Balart introduced similar legislation to address this issue.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Adriano Espaillat’s Statement on House Republicans’ Passage of The GOP Tax Scam

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on House Republicans’ passage of their GOP Tax Scam:

    “The only winners following the Trump’s ‘Big Ugly Bill’ are the billionaire donors who will get massive new tax breaks and big corporations that already pay next to nothing in taxes. This disastrous bill includes devastating cuts to health care and food assistance, taking vital funding from the American people,” said Espaillat. “Once again Donald Trump has proven where his loyalties lie – with the extremely wealthy like his buddy Elon Musk. Donald Trump has no problem taking from poor to give to the wealthy.

    “These cuts are a matter of life and death. If this bill becomes law, people will die from lack of food, from lack of health care, and from lack of housing.  This bill fails to uphold the values of our nation and is misaligned with the interests of working families — while making grocery bills and health care more expensive for tens of millions of Americans who rely on this assistance.”

    Earlier this week, Rep. Espaillat denounced the GOP Tax Scam in remarks on the House floor, which may be watched here. House Democrats utilized every available tool to stop passage of the GOP Tax Scam and every single Democrat voted against its final passage. During yesterday’s Rules Committee hearing, Espaillat and more than 100 Democrats offered more than 500 amendments – to delay passage of the bill for more than 20 hours. 

    ###

    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Adriano Espaillat Denounces Trump’s Budget Bill Cuts to Working Families

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) spoke on the House floor to deliver scathing remarks denouncing the Trump administration’s budget bill and its devastating impact to working families in New York’s 13th congressional district and in communities around the nation.

    Video of Rep. Espaillat’s remarks may be watched here. 

    The following are remarks by Rep. Espaillat *as prepared for delivery*:

    “More than half of the residents in New York’s 13th congressional district rely on Medicaid to receive primary and emergency health care. Almost four million residents in New York City rely on Medicaid. About three million of New York City residents are enrolled in the New York State Medicaid Pharmacy Program, which allows coverage of prescription drugs and certain over the counter medications. 

    “After promising the American people that Medicaid would be safe from cuts, Republicans spent several hours marking up a bill that would devastate Medicaid enrollment rates. To pay for the tax cuts for the wealthy, the bill would require harsh work requirements for Medicaid recipients that would terminate coverage for millions of low-income Americans.  Additionally, the bill would increase copays for Medicaid recipients which would significantly limit access to vital care services. It would also penalize states that have made the choice to use provide state-funded health care coverage to undocumented children and mixed status families.  

    “Not only does this hurt the undocumented families that have relied on this health care for years, but it also infringes on states to do what they believe is best with their own state funding. Republicans also introduced a $300 billion cut to food stamps, which would impact the 300,000 people in my district who rely on the benefit to eat. Thirty-five percent of these recipients are children.

    “Though Social Security cuts were not explicitly included in reconciliation conversations, the Trump administration and DOGE have repeatedly attempted to limit this program by trying to close social security offices, staff reductions, and reduced phone line access. These changes would impact the nearly 120,000 constituents in my district, particularly seniors, who rely on approximately $164 million in monthly benefits.

    “Republicans have gone back on their promise to the American people. These changes would devastate the lives of millions of Americans. We must stand up to these attacks. I yield back.”    

     

    ###

    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representative Adriano Espaillat Introduces Resolution to Posthumously Bestow Congressional Gold Medal Honor to Charles B. Rangel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    Recognition Marks Highest Civilian Award for Appreciation and Distinguished Service to the Nation

    NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) announces resolution to posthumously award the esteemed Congressional Gold Medal to former Congressman Charles B. Rangel, his predecessor to represent New York’s 13th congressional district in the United States House of Representatives. 

    “Congressman Charles B. Rangel served our nation with distinction and honor, fighting for the American people and delivering for the constituencies of Harlem, El Barrio, Washington Heights/Inwood, and the Northwest Bronx, which he represented in Congress for nearly 50 years,” said Espaillat. “A renowned feat, impactful in his service and commitment to our nation and dedication to all whose lives he touched along the way.

    “As a founder of the esteemed Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, and lifelong public servant with an illustrious record, I am proud to soon introduce, with the support of my colleagues in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, legislation that would further recognize Congressman Rangel, the Lion of Lenox Avenue, with this unique honor in recognition of his indelible mark on American policy and our nation’s history.”  

    ###

    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Representative Adriano Espaillat on the Passing of Charles B. Rangel

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Adriano Espaillat (NY-13)

    NEW YORK, NY – Representative Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Charles B. Rangel:

    “It is with a heavy heart I share news of the passing of my dear friend, a beloved leader, and stalwart of our community, Congressman Charles B. Rangel.

    Through our numerous conversations and collaborations over the years, his guidance, support, and faith helped propel legislative initiatives like the Second Avenue Subway that expanded during his tenure and the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, which I helped establish as a lasting tribute to his legacy as a champion of creating pipelines for future generations.

    Congressman Rangel was an iconic figure and a devoted patriot as a veteran of the Korean War; as a founder of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC); the Lion of Lenox Avenue for his love and loyalty to Harlem; an institution through his many endowments of service to erect namesake programs like the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Program,  the Charles B. Rangel International Affairs Fellowship, the Charles B. Rangel Infrastructure Workforce Initiative, and the Charles B. Rangel Center for Public Service. 

    Charlie was an inspiration and embodied the truest form of leadership in public service, steadied in his faith and faithfulness in the American people, and a giant unmatched in his leadership, compassion, and commitment to upholding the values of our nation. I will miss him dearly and am grateful for our time together, his mentorship, and most importantly, friendship we developed over the years.”

    ###

    Representative Espaillat is the first Dominican American to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and his congressional district includes Harlem, East Harlem, West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, Washington Heights, Inwood, Marble Hill and the north-west Bronx. First elected to Congress in 2016, Representative Espaillat is serving his fifth term in Congress. Representative Espaillat currently serves as a member of the influential U.S. House Committee on Appropriations responsible for funding the federal government’s vital activities and serves as Ranking Member of the Legislative Branch Subcommittee of the committee during the 119th Congress. He is Chairman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), and serves as a Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. To find out more about Rep. Espaillat, visit online at https://espaillat.house.gov/.

    Media inquiries: Candace Person at Candace.Person@mail.house.gov 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation Honors Fallen Service Members at Memorial Day Ceremony

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Maggie Hassan (NH) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) at a Memorial Day event at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery to honor the brave service members who gave their lives for our country. Photos from today’s event can be found here.

    “Today at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, we paused to honor and pay our respects to all the brave service members who lost their lives defending our country since its founding,” said Congressman Pappas. “Every fallen Soldier, Sailor, Airman, and Marine is forever part of our American family, and we must never waiver in honoring them and their families. It is a tremendous price paid by some so that our freedoms and way of life can be enjoyed by all. Thank you to the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, NH DAV, and all of the partners who helped host this important event.”

    “It was an honor to be at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery today to pay tribute to the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our security and freedom,” said Senator Shaheen. “Generations of Granite Staters have answered the call to serve, and I join with everyone across our state in remembering our fallen heroes.”

    “I was honored to attend this morning’s Memorial Day ceremony at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery honoring the heroes who gave up everything so that others could live in freedom,” said Senator Hassan. “We owe service members – both those who are with us and those who we have lost – our freedom and our very way of life. We each must live our lives honoring what they died for, defending our Live Free or Die values and fighting for freedom at home and abroad.”

    “America is the land of the free because of the brave men and women who gave their lives in service of the American people — past, present, and future,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “Thank you to New Hampshire Disabled American Veterans for bringing together fellow citizens — veterans, military families, servicemembers —  from across New Hampshire today on the hallowed ground of our State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen to honor truly honorable Americans: our fallen heroes.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Marks Start of Pride 2025

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01), Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and New Hampshire’s first openly gay member of Congress, issued the following statement to mark the start of Pride Month on Sunday:

    “During Pride, we come together as a community to celebrate living as our full authentic selves and stand together against hate and the ongoing efforts to discriminate against LGBTQ+ students, families, and individuals across our country. No one should be a second-class citizen in the United States, and everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in their community and to live free from discrimination and the harm it brings. As a gay person growing up, I wasn’t always sure there would be a place for me. But Granite Staters welcomed me for who I am, and I could not be more proud to serve them in Congress and fight for equality for LGBTQ+ individuals in New Hampshire and across the country.”

    “In light of the challenges our community continues to face, I want to say to every person who may find themselves wondering what the future holds for them: you are seen, you are supported, and you deserve the chance to be yourself. So be proud of who you are. We must continue to work to create a positive environment that respects everyone and protects personal freedoms. That is how we will continue to change our nation and world for the better.”

    Pappas serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus and is New Hampshire’s first openly gay member of Congress. In his role as Co-Chair of the Equality Caucus, he has helped to introduce and pass the Equality Act through the House of Representatives and enact the Respect for Marriage Act into law. Pappas also leads the LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act, which would ban the use of panic defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in federal courts; the SERVE Act, which would guarantee and protect VA benefits for LGBTQ+ veterans discharged under discriminatory policies; and led successful calls for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reassess policy that blocked members of the LGBTQ+ community from donating blood.

    In response to President Trump’s Executive Order banning transgender individuals from serving in the military, Pappas has been an outspokenadvocate for trans servicemembers, including leading an appropriations request to prohibit any funding for the Department of Defense to implement the ban, and he is a cosponsor of the Fit to Serve Act, legislation to prohibit discrimination in the Armed Forces on the basis of gender identity.

    MIL OSI USA News –