NewzIntel.com

    • Checkout Page
    • Contact Us
    • Default Redirect Page
    • Frontpage
    • Home-2
    • Home-3
    • Lost Password
    • Member Login
    • Member LogOut
    • Member TOS Page
    • My Account
    • NewzIntel Alert Control-Panel
    • NewzIntel Latest Reports
    • Post Views Counter
    • Privacy Policy
    • Public Individual Page
    • Register
    • Subscription Plan
    • Thank You Page

Category: Health

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Expansion of United Christian Hospital

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Tang Ka-piu and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

    Question:

         There are views pointing out that the expansion project of United Christian Hospital (UCH) has been delayed since its launch in 2015, and that the design specifications do not meet the latest medical requirements. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the progress of the aforesaid expansion project and the exact date when the expanded facilities will officially commence operation; whether the completion date of the project is later than originally planned; if so, of the main reasons for that;

    (2) as there are views that the design of the renovated buildings and facilities (e.g. height of storeys and load bearing standards, etc) under the aforesaid expansion project is different from the specifications of new hospitals nowadays and may not meet the storage or operational requirements of some medical devices, whether the Government knows if the Hospital Authority has put in place remedial measures or make appropriate arrangements in this regard; and

    (3) whether the playground site adjacent to UCH be retained for use in the next phase of the hospital’s expansion project; if so, of the specific boundary of the site and the timetable for planning and survey works; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

         Established in 1973, the United Christian Hospital (UCH) is a major acute general hospital in the Kowloon East Cluster (KEC). It provides 24-hour accident and emergency (A&E) services and a range of specialist out-patient, inpatient, ambulatory, extended care and community medical services. Together with the Tseung Kwan O Hospital and the Haven of Hope Hospital in the cluster, the UCH provides comprehensive clinical services to the residents of the Kwun Tong and Sai Kung districts. To meet the ever-increasing healthcare service demand of the two districts, the Government obtained funding approval from the Legislative Council to carry out the main works of the expansion project of the UCH in 2020, which is one of the 16 projects under the First Hospital Development Plan (HDP).

         Having consulted the Hospital Authority (HA), the reply to various parts of the question raised by the Hon Tang Ka-piu is as follows:

    (1) The UCH expansion project will not only bring about additional diagnostic and medical facilities to comprehensively improve the ambulatory care services and integrated healthcare services, but also provide a new oncology centre and an additional 560 beds as well as five operating theatres. The area of the expanded A&E Department will be increased to more than 250 per cent, from the existing 1 600 square metres to 4 240 square metres.

         The main works of the expansion project commenced in September 2020 and were originally planned for completion by 2024. Due to some delays, the Ambulatory Block is now anticipated to be progressively completed starting from the end of 2025 and to commence operation in phases in mid-2026 the earliest.

         The expansion project of the UCH involves in-situ expansion and redevelopment. During the works period, on-going clinical operations have to be maintained to provide service and the new block has to interface with the existing hospital premises. As such, adjustments are required to address various construction constraints during the works period. The works progress is therefore affected and deviates from the previously over-optimistically estimated completion time. In addition, other major reasons of the delay can be summarised in the following three points: 

    (a) Site constraints

    The limited space and vehicular access at UCH, the extensive and complex nature of the project, its location in an old district and the adjacent slope, together with the numerous underground utility pipes and facilities and the difference between their actual and expected locations have resulted in modifications to the design from time to time. The existing underground utilities were also needed to accommodate the actual ground conditions. 

    (b) Unsatisfactory performance of the consultants and the contractors of the works

    The HA has repeatedly urged the consultants and contractors of the works to take measures to catch up with works progress. If it is proved that the delay was caused by inappropriate design or works arrangements, the HA will follow up in accordance with the terms of the contracts.

    (c) Impact from the COVID-19 epidemic and inclement weather 

    The contractors’ deployment of manpower and supplies of materials had long been affected by the COVID-19 since the commencement of works in September 2020. The severe epidemic situation during the fifth wave of the epidemic in early 2022 had hindered the progress of the works project. Besides, major exterior works were also affected by inclement weather, resulting in the extension of the overall construction period.

         The expansion project involves in-situ redevelopment, with clinical services being maintained under sub-optimal conditions. I would like to express my gratitude towards all healthcare staff of the UCH and KEC for their patient-oriented spirit in providing high-quality services to the patients unwaveringly, as well as towards the public for their understanding and patience towards the inconveniences during the works period. The HA will continue to maintain close communication with District Councils and the community and report the related works progress and service developments in a timely manner. 

    (2) In respect of hospital works projects involving in-situ redevelopment or expansion, as the projects need to be undertaken amidst on-going hospital operations with new block(s) interfacing with existing portions of hospital premises, constraints would be imposed to the relevant designs and the works. Such constraints, however, are not insurmountable. The HA has been taking measures to address them. In setting up healthcare services and facilities in the UCH, existing conditions and constraints, as well as the operational needs have been taken into consideration while new medical facilities are set up in accordance with the relevant standards and specifications, with the structure of the building reinforced according to the requirements in the Building (Construction) Regulation if necessary to ensure that such facilities can operate and meet service needs.

    (3) The Government announced in 2018 that it has invited the HA to commence planning for the Second HDP, which was to be implemented to meet the service demand up to 2036. With the changes in the planning and development strategies in Hong Kong and the population policy of the Government, as well as the latest corresponding change in population projections in Hong Kong, the Health Bureau and the HA are currently reviewing the Second HDP by extending the planning horizon to up to 2041 and beyond to project the healthcare services demand. The Health Bureau and the HA also consider the supply of the land required, various major transport infrastructure development plans, etc, as well as the development need of individual hospitals and its cost-effectiveness for optimising the Second HDP, so as to determine the distribution, scale and priority, etc of various hospital development projects under the Second HDP. 

         In the light of the experience gained under the First HDP, the Government will, in the Second HDP, strive to implement hospital development projects on clear sites as far as practicable (such as a composite development in an adjacent government site of existing hospitals) so as to optimise the development potential of the projects, minimise the impact on existing hospital operations and enhance the cost-effectiveness of the redevelopment. In the case of UCH, exploring the use of the adjoining recreational ground as a decanting site for further expansion is an option that may be considered.

         After the completion of the review, the Government will announce the details of the Second HDP at an appropriate juncture.

         Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health Bureau responds to enquiries regarding ban on flavoured conventional smoking products

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

       In response to media enquiries regarding the rationale behind the Health Bureau’s proposal to ban flavoured conventional smoking products under the new phase of tobacco control measures, the Health Bureau gave the following response today (May 14):

    Tobacco companies have been adding various flavourings, such as menthol, fruit and confectionary flavourings, into conventional smoking products to disguise the harshness of tobacco smoke, making it easier for non-smokers to initiate and maintain smoking habit. Research showed that banning flavoured conventional cigarettes can reduce the chances of young people using tobacco.

    The Health Bureau has already clearly stated in the Consultation Document on Tobacco Control Strategies in 2023 and subsequent relevant Legislative Council documents that around 50 countries and regions worldwide, including 27 European Union member states, Canada and the United Kingdom, have banned the sale of flavoured cigarettes. China’s Taiwan region also announced last year the prohibition of the use of specified flavour additives in tobacco products.

    The Health Bureau reiterates that banning flavoured conventional smoking products is not unique to Hong Kong, nor is it “over the top”. Contrarily, Hong Kong needs to align itself with international tobacco control policies through this legislative work.

    Ends/Wednesday, May 14, 2025
    Issued at HKT 22:14

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Specialized nurses strengthen substance-use care in Fraser Valley

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Addiction assessment nurses now support patients in nine hospital emergency departments in the Fraser Health region, helping streamline access to personalized treatment and recovery services.

    “People facing substance-use challenges deserve compassionate, trauma-informed care,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “Addiction assessment nurses play a key role in reducing barriers to care and ensuring people in crisis have access to the right supports. These nurses are an important part of the government’s dedication to strengthening mental-health and substance-use services around the province to support people on their journey to recovery.”

    Addiction assessment nurses work collaboratively with patients, emergency department teams, addiction medicine physicians and community services to assess substance-use and care needs, and then help them access the right treatment and recovery services. Since 2020, more than 6,000 patients have received this specialized care and have been connected to treatment and recovery services in hospitals and communities.

    “There is a growing demand to improve access to substance-use services when someone visits an emergency department and our role as addiction assessment nurses helps to connect people with the care they need,” said Decery Frondoso, addiction assessment nurse, Langley Memorial Hospital. “We had a patient who was worried about relapsing during their transition from hospital to their community, and by securing support and resources, the patient was able to move closer to their goals.”

    Introduced at Surrey Memorial Hospital and Burnaby Hospital in 2020, the program expanded in April 2024 to 30 full-time-equivalent positions in nine hospitals. The program now includes Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Chilliwack General Hospital, Fraser Canyon Hospital, Langley Memorial Hospital, Peace Arch Hospital, Royal Columbian Hospital and Ridge Meadows Hospital.

    “When people in crisis require immediate support, they need to be met with care and compassion by those who understand what they are going through and how to best support them,” said Lisa Beare, MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows. “By having addiction assessment nurses in hospital emergency departments, we are supporting recovery by helping people access services faster and more effectively.”

    Similar health-care professionals, including mental-health and substance-use specialists and liaisons, are available in hospitals and communities throughout B.C. These roles are part of the Province’s ongoing commitment to improving access to treatment and recovery services.

    Through continued investments in compassionate, trauma-informed care, B.C. is working to enhance patient outcomes and ensure people facing substance-use challenges receive timely support on their path to recovery. The introduction of addiction assessment nurses to emergency departments is one part of the government’s work to build the entire continuum of mental-health and substance-use care for people to get the right support for them.

    Quotes:

    Amna Shah, parliamentary secretary for mental health and addictions –

    “Seeking treatment and support for substance use takes a lot of courage and we must ensure that people in need of addiction services aren’t left to navigate the system alone. These nurses are making a real difference by building trust and linking patients with the best care options and services based on their individual needs.”

    Dr. Sharon Vipler, regional department head and program medical director, addiction medicine and substance-use services, Fraser Health –

    “Individuals deserve access to timely and compassionate care. Our addiction assessment nurses are crucial in empowering patients and their families by connecting them to essential resources to ensure rapid access to services and improving health outcomes with equitable and non-judgmental care.”

    Learn More:

    To find mental-health and substance-use supports in B.C., visit: https://helpstartshere.gov.bc.ca/

    To see the new data snapshot on mental health and substance-use in B.C., visit:
    https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health/mental-health/building_a_mental_health_and_substance_use_system_of_care_snapshot.pdf 

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Shoot Down Rep. Peters’ Amendment to Save Medicaid for Millions of Needy Americans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    [embedded content]

    Washington, D.C. – Today, during the 17th hour of the marathon Energy and Commerce Committee meeting on the Republican tax plan, Representative Scott Peters (CA-50) offered an amendment to protect millions of Americans from being kicked off Medicaid. Their legislation would kick 13.7 million people off their healthcare, according to a new analysis by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office. In every state that has experimented with so-called “work requirements,” employment was not increased, but tens of thousands of people – many of whom are in fact working – have lost their healthcare. The Republican majority on the committee rejected Rep. Peters’ commonsense amendment to protect sick and uninsured Americans on a party-line vote of 23-28.  

     

    Speaking on his amendment, Rep. Peters stated, “I want to talk about what’s at stake today. Medicaid covers more than 72 million Americans. That includes nearly 40 million children, 7 million seniors, and 15 million people with disabilities. In my district alone, Medicaid (or Medi-Cal, as we call it), covers nearly one in five people. Across the San Diego region, that number is almost one in three. Medicaid helps working families who don’t get health insurance through their jobs, and it keeps struggling rural hospitals afloat. Medicaid provides treatment for opioid addiction and mental health services for those who need them the most. And let’s not forget: Medicaid is also the largest provider of long-term care in this country.” 

     

    He continued, “Look, I believe that work is valuable. It provides stability, dignity, and a path toward opportunity. I also believe deeply that every American who can work should be encouraged and supported in doing so. But time and again, when states have made these cuts, we have not seen increases in employment. But we have seen people lose health coverage, more red tape for doctors, and worse health outcomes.” 

     

    And he concluded, “People who should qualify still lose coverage. My constituents—veterans with post-traumatic stress injury, new mothers recovering from childbirth, or people managing chronic conditions often can’t make it through the reporting process in time. My Republican colleagues will point to the bill text and say people with disabilities are clearly exempted. Tragically, it already takes people who are disabled almost 8 months to receive a formal determination from the Social Security Administration. So, this bill would kick disabled people who have health care today off of their coverage. That’s because many of them are covered by the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, which the legislation before us would gut. And even for those who do work — often in low-wage, unstable jobs — these mandates create a penalty for workers. A missed shift, a lost job, or a technical error can trigger a cascade that ends in lost coverage. That’s not promoting work. It’s punishing job loss. When people lose Medicaid, they don’t stop getting sick. They just stop getting preventive care. They end up in the emergency room, often sicker, and often at greater cost to their family and the taxpayers.”  

     

    Watch Rep. Peters’ opening statement against the Republican tax plan here.  

    Watch Rep. Peters’ remarks on the Republican tax plan’s fossil fuel favoritism here.   

     

    CA-50 Medicaid Facts:  

    • 156,100 people in the district rely on Medicaid for health coverage—that’s 20 percent of all district residents. 
      • 34,700 children in the district are covered by Medicaid. 
      • 17,700 seniors in the district are covered by Medicaid. 
      • 64,900 adults in the district have Medicaid coverage through Medicaid expansion—that includes pregnant women who are able to access prenatal care sooner because of Medicaid expansion, parents, caretakers, veterans, people with substance use disorder and mental health treatment needs, and people with chronic conditions and disabilities. 
    • At least five hospitals in the district had negative operating margins in 2022. These hospitals would be especially hard-hit by cuts to Medicaid. For example: 
      • Scripps Mercy Hospital had a negative 25.3 percent operating margin—and nearly 22 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 
      • Sharp Coronado Hospital had a negative 3.5 percent operating margin—and over 36 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 
      • University of California San Diego Medical Center had a negative 2.4 percent operating margin—and nearly 19 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 
    • There are 54 health center delivery sites in the district that serve 529,944 patients. 
    • Those health centers and patients rely on Medicaid—statewide, 69 percent of health center patients rely on Medicaid for coverage. 
    • Health centers will not be able to stay open and provide the same care that they do today, with more uninsured and underinsured patients. They are already operating on thin margins—in 2023, nationally, nearly half of health centers had negative operating margins. 
    • Medicaid cuts put health centers at risk, including: 
      • Family Health Centers of San Diego 
      • Neighborhood Healthcare 
      • North County Health Project 
      • San Diego American Indian Health Centers 
      • St. Vincent De Paul Village 

     

    Read Rep. Peters full remarks below:  

     

    I want to talk about what’s at stake today. Medicaid covers more than 72 million Americans. That includes nearly 40 million children, 7 million seniors, and 15 million people with disabilities. 

      

    In my district alone, Medicaid (or Medi-Cal, as we call it), covers nearly one in five people. Across the San Diego region, that number is almost one in three.   

      

    Medicaid helps working families who don’t get health insurance through their jobs, and it keeps struggling rural hospitals afloat. 

      

    Medicaid provides treatment for opioid addiction and mental health services for those who need them the most. And let’s not forget: Medicaid is also the largest provider of long-term care in this country. 

      

    If you have a loved one who relies on home care or if you have a grandparent in a nursing home, Medicaid is there to make sure they get the care they need. 

     

    So, when Republicans propose slashing Medicaid, let’s be clear about what that really means. It means seniors will be kicked out of nursing homes. It means people with disabilities will lose their independence. It means kids will miss critical doctor visits. 

      

    We know this because we’ve seen it before. 

      

    Let’s look at Arkansas. When the state piloted its Medicaid work requirement, over 18,000 people lost coverage. 

      

    Not because they refused to work, but because they struggled to report their hours in a newly created, online-only portal. 

      

    The vast majority of these people had jobs. Many more were caring for disabled relatives, recovering from illness, or navigating mental health challenges. The problem is: the work requirement didn’t account for that. 

      

    Local doctors and clinics felt the strain almost immediately. Physicians reported longer waits. Patients missed their follow-up appointments. Emergency rooms saw increases in uncompensated care. 

      

    It wasn’t just those subject to the mandate who suffered—everyone in the system felt the impact including the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities. 

      

    Similar results followed when Georgia experimented with its own mandate. The evidence is consistent: Republican policies will increase red tape and cut health care coverage for everyone, but they do not increase employment for “able-bodied” people. 

      

    Medicaid is the difference between children getting the medication they need or not. It’s the difference between a working mother affording prenatal care or risking her pregnancy. 

      

    It’s the difference between a senior being able to stay in their home or being forced into a nursing facility. 

      

    Look, I believe that work is valuable. It provides stability, dignity, and a path toward opportunity. I also believe deeply that every American who can work should be encouraged and supported in doing so. 

      

    But time and again, when states have made these cuts, we have not seen increases in employment. But we have seen people lose health coverage, more red tape for doctors, and worse health outcomes. 

      

    We’ve heard plenty of arguments today that there are exemptions for the elderly or people with disabilities. 

      

    The problem is: in practice, these exemptions are often poorly implemented and difficult to navigate, as is the bill before us. 

      

    People who should qualify still lose coverage. My constituents—veterans with post-traumatic stress injury, new mothers recovering from childbirth, or people managing chronic conditions often can’t make it through the reporting process in time. 

      

    My Republican colleagues will point to the bill text and say people with disabilities are clearly exempted.  

      

    Tragically, it already takes people who are disabled almost 8 months to receive a formal determination from the Social Security Administration. 

      

    So, this bill would kick disabled people who have health care today off of their coverage. 

      

    That’s because many of them are covered by the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion, which the legislation before us would gut. 

      

    And even for those who do work—often in low-wage, unstable jobs—these mandates create a penalty for workers. 

      

    A missed shift, a lost job, or a technical error can trigger a cascade that ends in lost coverage. That’s not promoting work. It’s punishing job loss. 

      

    When people lose Medicaid, they don’t stop getting sick. They just stop getting preventive care. They end up in the emergency room, often sicker, and often at greater cost to their family and the taxpayers. 

      

    The evidence is overwhelming: these policies will drastically cut Medicaid funding and take health care away from more than 13 million Americans. 

      

    The short-term spending cuts we may see on our balance sheet will be outweighed by downstream costs—in both dollars and American lives. 

      

    We can do better than this, I encourage my colleagues to vote yes on my amendment. 

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republicans Reject Amendment to Protect Women’s Health Care as GOP Reconciliation Bill Risks Worsening Maternal Mortality Crisis

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA-03)

    WASHINGTON, DC – During today’s House Energy and Commerce Committee markup on the Republican reconciliation legislation, Congresswoman Lori Trahan (MA-03) spoke in support of an amendment to prevent the bill from accelerating the closure of community hospitals and women’s health clinics, which will worsen the maternal mortality crisis in the United States. The amendment introduced by Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) would reverse the GOP cuts to Planned Parenthood and other health care organizations that provide lifesaving women’s health care, despite the existing ban on using taxpayer funds to perform abortion care.
    “At a time when maternal health outcomes are worsening across this country, when we’re dead last in maternal mortality among developed nations, this bill doesn’t just turn a blind eye – it pours gasoline on a fire that is already consuming our hospitals, our providers, and our patients,” Congresswoman Trahan said.
    CLICK HERE or the image below to view Trahan’s remarks during the Committee’s consideration of reconciliation legislation. A transcript is embedded below.

    The House Energy and Commerce Committee is currently marking up House Republicans’ reconciliation package that, according to the Congressional Budget Office, would cut $715 billion from Medicaid and eliminate health coverage for at least 13.7 million Americans. Medicaid is the largest single-payer of maternity care in the United States, covering an estimated 40% of births. One in five women, and nearly half the country’s children, are covered by Medicaid.
    The amendment introduced by Congresswoman Fletcher would strike the provision limiting federal Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, which would force clinic closures and force more patients to visit hospitals that will be stretched thin by other Medicaid cuts in the bill. During debate over the amendment, Trahan pointed to the recent closing of the maternal birth center in Leominster as well as the devastation caused by the Steward Health Care crisis that closed two hospitals in Massachusetts, including Nashoba Valley Medical Center in her district.
    “Maternal health is life or death, and right now, far too many women are dying because our health care system is failing them. In my district, that failure is not theoretical. We don’t have sprawling hospital systems with billion-dollar reserves. We have community hospitals that barely survived COVID and now face impossible decisions,” Congresswoman Trahan continued. “In 2023, the only maternity ward in the western part of my district shut down due to staffing shortages. Last year, two more hospitals closed during the Steward Health Care crisis, including one that served as the primary care provider for thousands of families. These aren’t hypothetical losses. These are real delivery rooms, real emergency rooms – closed for good. Hallways dark. Doors locked. Services gone.”
    The amendment was defeated following a vote along party lines, with all Republicans voting against it.
    A copy of the amendment can be accessed HERE.
    ——————————————–
    Congresswoman Lori Trahan
    Remarks As Delivered
    House Energy and Commerce Committee Markup – Hospital Closure & Maternal Health Amendment
    May 13, 2025
    I move to strike the last word, and I want to thank my colleague from Texas for introducing this important amendment.
    Every one of us has heard stories from constituents – mothers, daughters, families – about how hard it is to access the care they need. And yet, this bill crafted behind closed doors by Republicans on this committee will only deepen that crisis.
    At a time when maternal health outcomes are worsening across this country, when we’re dead last in maternal mortality among developed nations, this bill doesn’t just turn a blind eye – it pours gasoline on a fire that is already consuming our hospitals, our providers, and our patients.
    Cutting Medicaid means cutting off care when women are most vulnerable. Pregnancy is not a luxury. Safe childbirth isn’t a partisan issue. Maternal health is life or death, and right now, far too many women are dying because our health care system is failing them.
    In my district, that failure is not theoretical. We don’t have sprawling hospital systems with billion-dollar reserves. We have community hospitals that barely survived COVID and now face impossible decisions.
    In 2023, the only maternity ward in the western part of my district shut down due to staffing shortages. Last year, two more hospitals closed during the Steward Health Care crisis, including one that served as the primary care provider for thousands of families. These aren’t hypothetical losses. These are real delivery rooms, real emergency rooms – closed for good. Hallways dark. Doors locked. Services gone.
    When a maternity ward shuts down, it sends a chilling message: that a community’s needs aren’t worth the investment. That we’re okay forcing mothers to drive two or three hours just to give birth. That we’ll accept more premature births, more untreated complications, and more babies who never take their first breath.
    According to the March of Dimes, 1 in every 25 obstetric units has closed in just the last two years. Over a thousand counties in America are now classified as maternity care deserts, meaning 2.3 million women live in places where there isn’t a single birthing facility – not one obstetrician.
    These women are not numbers on a chart. They’re real people. Women who fear bleeding out in labor with the nearest hospital 90 minutes away. Women who skip prenatal care because they can’t afford the gas. Women who bury their babies because help came too late.
    And now, Republicans want to gut the very program that keeps these fragile systems afloat just to pay for tax cuts for billionaires like Elon Musk who loves to talk about falling birth rates but refuses to fund the health care that women need to give birth safely?
    It doesn’t stop there. This bill targets Planned Parenthood, blocking their health centers from receiving Medicaid dollars in states where abortion is already banned. I want to be clear – these centers aren’t performing abortions. What they’re doing is delivering cancer screenings, birth control, STI testing, and preventive care in places where there’s no other option.
    So let’s call this what it is – not a fight over abortion, but a deliberate campaign to dismantle reproductive health care altogether. And it’s happening while maternal mortality is rising and Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women.
    Cutting Medicaid, which covers half of all births in this country, will only make that crisis worse. We will lose coverage. We will lose hospitals. And we will lose lives.
    If you care about healthy moms and babies, if you care about rural communities surviving, if you care about the basic dignity of giving birth safely in America in 2025,  then you cannot support the bill as written. 
    Give us a meaningful Mother’s Day gift this year. Support this amendment, and do not balance your budget on the backs of mothers.
    I yield back.
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICE, FBI investigation reveals illegal alien from Guatemala fraudulently sponsored unaccompanied alien children

    Source: US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

    WASHINGTON — An illegal alien from Guatemala was charged in a criminal complaint filed in the District of New Jersey for allegedly submitting sponsorship applications with false statements to the U.S. government to gain custody of two unaccompanied alien children after they entered the United States illegally, following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, FBI investigation.

    “Attempting to exploit the sponsorship system to gain custody of unaccompanied alien children puts those minors at serious risk,” said ICE acting Director Todd Lyons. “ICE works alongside our law enforcement partners to prevent trafficking and exploitation by individuals falsely claiming to be family. ICE remains firmly committed to detecting deception, upholding the integrity of the immigration process, and, above all, protecting these at-risk children.”

    According to the criminal complaint, Luciano Tinuar Quino, also known as “Luciano Tinuar Guino,” 57, who illegally entered the United States in 2016 and previously resided in the area of Orange, New Jersey, submitted multiple applications to the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement under penalties of perjury to sponsor and obtain custody of two UACs.

    “Protecting children means holding individuals accountable when they use deception to exploit our systems. ORR acted swiftly to identify the fraud and share with our law enforcement counterparts who located the children and ensured justice was served,” said ORR acting Director Angie M. Salazar.

    As alleged in the complaint, after a 15-year-old Guatemalan male (UAC-1) illegally entered the United States in April 2022, Tinuar Quino submitted applications to sponsor this UAC that falsely: (1) claimed to be his father; (2) claimed his own name was “A.S.T.” as listed on a Guatemala national identification card he submitted; and (3) provided his date of birth. To prove his relationship with UAC-1, Tinuar Quino submitted a photoshopped image, which he asserted was a photo of himself with UAC-1’s mother. As a result, the boy was transported from Texas to New Jersey to live with Tinuar Quino.

    “The prior administration’s border policies created chaos and allowed bad actors to prey upon the most vulnerable among us,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “This Department of Justice will always seek strong legal penalties to protect children from those who would do them harm.”

    “This prosecution is an example of my office’s dedication to keeping children safe,” said U.S. Attorney Alina Habba for the District New Jersey. “We will continue to bring to justice those who take advantage of our country’s Unaccompanied Alien Children program and threaten the safety of our community.”

    “This was a clear attempt from an individual unlawfully in the United States seeking to undermine our laws and target children, and the FBI will not tolerate it,” said FBI Director Kash Patel. “We remain laser-focused on ensuring people who come into the United States intending to wreak havoc and intentionally violate our rule of law will face serious consequences.”

    Tinuar Quino is also charged with submitting false information in an attempt to obtain custody of another UAC. Specifically, the complaint charges that in June 2022, Tinuar Quino submitted an application to sponsor a 17-year-old Guatemalan male (UAC-2) who had entered the United States illegally. As alleged, Tinuar Quino falsely: (1) claimed to be UAC-2’s father; (2) stated that his name was “J.R.M.” as listed on a Guatemala national identification card he submitted; and (3) provided his date of birth. ORR did not approve this application.   

    Tinuar Quino is charged with two counts of making a false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison on each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    These charges are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, has been elevated and expanded by the Attorney General with a mandate to target cartels and other transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, the Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 365 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 334 U.S. convictions; more than 281 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

    The ICE Homeland Security Investigations and FBI Newark field offices are jointly investigating with assistance from the FBI’s Legal Attaché team in Guatemala. Additionally, the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking in Washington, D.C. and ORR have provided valuable assistance.

    Senior Trial Attorney Christian Levesque of HRSP, JTFA Trial Attorney Spencer M. Perry of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Sussman of the District of New Jersey are prosecuting the case, with assistance from HRSP Analyst/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and other transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Project Safe Neighborhoods.

    As a federal criminal investigatory agency, ICE HSI’s role is to take swift action to investigate any criminal activity for which HSI has jurisdiction related to UAC. This includes investigating the exploitive smuggling networks that bring UAC to the United States as well as any criminals who may exploit these at-risk youths here in the United States.

    Individuals across the world can report suspicious criminal activity to the ICE Tip Line 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 866-DHS-2-ICE. Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on more than 400 laws enforced by ICE.

    A complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Forget chatbots: research suggests reading can help combat loneliness and boost the brain

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian, Professor of Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Cambridge

    Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock

    Loneliness has become such a widespread problem that Silicon Valley billionaires are now highlighting it to market AI companions, with Mark Zuckerberg recently stating “the average American has fewer than three friends”.

    This actually echoes what the World Health Organization has called a crisis of social isolation and loneliness. They report that around 25% of older adults are socially isolated and 5%-15% of adolescents are lonely. But a variety of research – including our own – suggests reading may be a much better solution than chatbots.

    Human interaction is no doubt hugely important. In a study we published in 2023, we found that it only takes around five close friends for children and adolescents to thrive, giving them better brain structure, cognition, academic performance and mental health.

    Having fewer than five close friends may not provide enough social contact. But larger numbers are less likely to be close friends. The dilemma of technology frequently means that despite some people having vast numbers of friends on social media, they are not close friends and so do not provide the social support needed.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    Similarly, chatbots may not provide the type of face-to-face social interaction that people need to flourish. During the pandemic lockdowns, a study found that face-to-face communication was far more beneficial for mental health than digital communication.

    But how can reading help us to feel less lonely and have better wellbeing?

    A recent survey from The Queen’s Reading Room, the charity and book club of Queen Camilla, and other surveys, have found that reading fiction and other books significantly reduces feelings of loneliness and improves wellbeing.

    Another charity, The Reader, conducted a survey of approximately 2,000 participants and found that this was especially true among young adults. Fifty-nine percent of those aged 18-34 said reading made them feel more connected to others and 56% felt less alone during the pandemic.

    Another survey, in conjunction with the University of Liverpool, of over 4,000 participants found that reading offers powerful benefits, serving as a top method for reducing stress. In addition, participants reported that reading encouraged personal growth, such as improving health, picking up hobbies and boosting empathy, with 64% of readers having a better understanding others’ feelings.

    Reading and the brain

    Indeed, scientific research looking at book clubs and shared reading back this up, finding notable emotional and social benefits of reading. For example, students reported greater connection (42.9%) to others, deeper understanding of others’ experiences and beliefs (61.2%) and reduced loneliness (14.3%) as a result of reading.

    The surveys above all rely on people reporting how they feel, rather than an objective measure. But there are also findings from objective measures of the brain, including neuroimaging. A systematic review of 11 intervention studies showed that shared reading among older adults improved wellbeing and helped alleviate loneliness and social isolation.

    One way in which reading may help reduce loneliness is by enhancing our social cognition, which is the ability to understand and connect with others.

    There are plenty of cognitive benefits from reading, in addition to social connectedness.
    aniascamera/Shutterstock

    A neuroimaging study of young adults found that reading fiction, particularly passages with social content, activated areas of the brain involved in social behaviour and emotional understanding, such as the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex. This brain region was also linked to the stronger social cognition seen in frequent fiction readers, suggesting a neural pathway through which reading fosters greater social connectedness.

    Importantly, reading may also reduce the risk of dementia. One study of 469 people aged 75 and over, with no dementia at baseline, were followed up for 5.1 years. Among leisure activities such as playing board games, playing musical instruments and dancing, reading was associated with a 35% reduced risk of dementia.

    A number of studies have similarly shown that engaging in cognitively stimulating activities, such as reading, can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk of dementia.

    Our own research also showed the benefits of reading for pleasure early in life. In a large sample of over 10,000 children in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study, we found that those children who read for pleasure early in life had better brain structure, cognition, academic achievement, longer sleep duration and better mental health – including lower symptoms of inattention, stress and depression – when adolescents. Importantly, they also had less screen time and better social interactions.

    So, while AI and chatbots can enhance our lives in many ways, they are not a solution to everything. We know that while technology has many benefits, it has also produced many unforeseen problems. Let’s solve problems of loneliness and social isolation through reading and book clubs. Reading is also a great way to improve brain structure, cognition and wellbeing.

    We recently gave a talk about this topic for the British Neuroscience Association, in association with The Queen’s Reading Room. We would like to thank the Queen’s Reading Room CEO, Vicki Perrin for her input and support.

    Barbara Jacquelyn Sahakian receives funding from the Wellcome Trust and the Lundbeck Foundation. Her research work is conducted within the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Mental Health and Neurodegeneration Themes. She consults for Cambridge Cognition.

    We recently gave a talk about this topic for the British Neuroscience Association, in association with The Queen’s Reading Room. We would like to thank the Queen’s Reading Room CEO, Vicki Perrin for her input and support. Christelle Langley receives funding from the Wellcome Trust. Her research work is conducted within the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) Mental Health and Neurodegeneration Themes.

    – ref. Forget chatbots: research suggests reading can help combat loneliness and boost the brain – https://theconversation.com/forget-chatbots-research-suggests-reading-can-help-combat-loneliness-and-boost-the-brain-256613

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch, Merkley, Sanders, Dingell Team Up to Introduce Bill to Lower Prescription Drug Prices for All Americans

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
    WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today joined Senator Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.), Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-MI-06) in introducing the End Price Gouging for Medications Act.
    The bicameral bill would lower prescription drug costs for all Americans and end pharmaceutical price gouging by requiring drug companies to offer medications in the United States at no more than the lowest price per drug in twelve other similarly developed countries—Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
    “No one should ever be forced to choose between paying for the prescriptions they need or putting food on the table. It’s unacceptable, and for too many Americans it’s a reality because of Big Pharma’s price gouging,” said Welch. “The End Price Gouging for Medications Act would put an end to this bad practice and help more Vermonters access the medications they need. I’m proud to join Sen. Merkley to introduce this bill and help Vermonters get the care they need.”
    “Americans pay the highest prices in the world for prescription drugs, even though we invest the most in cutting-edge research and development. That is unconscionable,” said Merkley. “In my town halls across every corner of Oregon, I’ve heard time and again from Oregonians about how sky-high prescription drug prices are pushing their budgets to the limit. The End Price Gouging for Medications Act will crack down on Big Pharma’s greed.”
    Merkley continued, “If President Trump is serious about lowering prescription drug costs for families and seniors across America, he should work with Congress to ensure we get the best prices, not the worst.”
    “In the wealthiest nation on earth, no one should have to choose between buying groceries and affording the medications they need to survive,” said Dingell. “There’s no reason we should be spending more on prescriptions than any other country. This legislation will help to bring down the cost of prescription drugs, hold drug companies accountable for their unchecked greed, and provide much-needed relief to American families.”
    On average, Americans spend over $1,400 on prescription drugs every year—the highest per capita drug spending in the world—largely because the pharmaceutical industry is hiking up the cost of drugs to make billions in profits each year. The American people want action, and lowering prescription drug prices to levels obtained in nations similar to the United States has strong bipartisan support. This includes medication such as:
    Ozempic, which costs Americans nearly $13,000 annually to treat type 2 diabetes compared to roughly $820 in Japan; and
    Humira, which costs Americans with Crohn’s disease more than $100,000 per year compared to roughly $3,320 per year in Austria.
    Unlike Trump’s recent executive order (EO) on international reference pricing, which only applies to Medicare and Medicaid, the End Price Gouging for Medications Act goes further by requiring drug companies to offer prescription drugs at the established reference price to all individuals in the U.S. market, regardless of insurance or health care status. That includes individuals utilizing all federal health programs, uninsured individuals, individuals covered under a group health plan, or individuals who have purchased their own health insurance coverage.
    In addition to Welch, Merkley, Sanders, and Dingell, the End Price Gouging for Medications Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). The bicameral bill is endorsed by Public Citizen, Center for Health and Democracy, Just Care USA, Center for Medicare Advocacy, and Social Security Works.
    “American consumers pay far too much for drugs, not because it is costly to manufacture them, or even because of the expense of research and development. We pay too much because the U.S. government grants patents and other monopolies to brand-name drug corporations and then does far too little to rein in Big Pharma’s exploitation of those monopolies to price gouge consumers and the government itself. If President Trump were serious about bringing U.S. drug prices down to levels in other countries, he would embrace this legislation and use the bully pulpit to urge legislators to support it instead of retrograde proposals to take away health care from millions of people to give tax cuts to billionaires and corporations. We applaud Senators Merkley, Sanders and Welch for their leadership,” said Peter Maybarduk, Director of Public Citizen’s Access to Medicines Program.
    “There’s no good reason Americans should be forced to pay as much as four times more for our drugs than people in France, Japan and Canada. Senator Merkley, Senator Welch, Ranking Member Sanders, and Representative Dingell’s ‘End Price Gouging for Medications Act’ legislation recognizes that monopoly pricing by drug corporations is killing tens of thousands of Americans each year and driving countless more into medical debt. It rightly calls for fair drug pricing, which is essential to our health and well-being,” said Diane Archer, President of Just Care USA.
    “The reason Americans pay higher prescription drug prices than other countries is because big drug and insurance companies, and their armies of lobbyists, work overtime to ensure their monopolies are protected and their CEOs continue to get massive compensation packages. It is far past time that Congress acts to rein in the out-of-control cost of what Americans have to pay for life-saving medications. The End Price Gouging for Medications Act is an important step,” said Wendell Potter, President of the Center for Health and Democracy.
    Full text of the End Price Gouging for Medications Act can be found by clicking here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Global: Post-sepsis syndrome: when the body recovers but the brain doesn’t

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steven W. Kerrigan, Professor of Precision Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences

    A 3D rendering of the life-threatening condition sepsis Love Employee/Shutterstock

    Sepsis is a life-threatening condition triggered by the body’s extreme response to infection. It causes widespread inflammation, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.

    Thanks to modern medicine, survival rates have improved dramatically. But for many who survive, the battle isn’t over when they leave hospital. Instead, they enter a new and often overlooked phase of recovery marked by lingering, life-altering effects.

    Post-sepsis syndrome (PSS) affects up to half of all sepsis survivors and can persist for months or even years. It’s a complex mix of physical, cognitive and psychological symptoms. People may seem physically recovered yet struggle with overwhelming fatigue, chronic pain, muscle weakness and disrupted sleep.

    The most profound impacts, however, often show up in the brain. Many sepsis survivors experience cognitive problems that mirror those seen in traumatic brain injury or early dementia. These can include memory lapses, difficulty concentrating, slower thinking and impaired decision-making.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    For some, these challenges are manageable. For others, they’re severe enough to interfere with work, education or independent living.

    One major culprit appears to be the body’s own inflammatory response. During sepsis, the immune system floods the body with inflammatory molecules – a so-called “cytokine storm”. This can damage the blood-brain barrier, allowing harmful substances and immune cells into the brain. The resulting neuroinflammation and oxygen deprivation can injure brain cells and disrupt normal function.

    Hidden psychological toll

    Anyone who survives sepsis can develop PSS, but some are more vulnerable than others. Risk factors include: older age, which increases the likelihood of cognitive decline; long ICU stays or the use of a ventilator, which can contribute to physical and mental complications; pre-existing mental health or cognitive conditions; and more severe inflammatory responses during sepsis, which are linked to lasting damage.

    Children are also at risk, as they may experience developmental or emotional challenges that affect their learning and social development for years.

    Many sepsis survivors go on to experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety or depression. These issues can be triggered by the trauma of a near-death experience, prolonged sedation, invasive treatments, or time spent in intensive care units (ICUs) – often while cut off from family and friends.

    In fact, “ICU delirium”, which affects up to 80% of patients on ventilators, has been strongly associated with long-term cognitive and psychological impairment. Sepsis survivors who experience this often recall vivid, terrifying hallucinations during their ICU stay. These memories can haunt them more than the physical illness itself.

    The recovery gap

    One of the biggest challenges for sepsis survivors is the lack of follow-up care. Unlike heart attack or stroke recovery, which typically involves coordinated rehabilitation, post-sepsis care is often fragmented. Patients can be discharged without a recovery plan and left to navigate a confusing and lonely road back to health.

    What’s needed are multidisciplinary post-sepsis clinics, where patients can access neurologists, psychologists, rehab specialists and social workers all under one roof. Early support, both psychological and cognitive, can dramatically improve long-term outcomes.

    Sepsis doesn’t just take a toll on survivors – it affects families, communities and healthcare systems. Many survivors cannot return to work, require ongoing care, and face financial hardship. In the US, sepsis costs an estimated US$60 billion annually (£50.8 billion), much of it spent on post-acute care and readmissions.

    A 2016 film inspired by the true story of Tom Ray, who lost his arms, legs and part of his face to sepsis.

    There’s also a growing concern that sepsis may raise the risk of long-term neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. More research is needed, but the links between inflammation, brain damage and cognitive decline are becoming harder to ignore.



    Read more:
    Thirty years on, our research linking viral infections with Alzheimer’s is finally getting the attention it deserves

    Globally, there is progress in helping people survive sepsis. But we must also ensure that sepsis survivors thrive afterwards.

    Here’s what I believe needs to happen now: encourage greater awareness of PSS among clinicians, patients and families; integrate post-sepsis care into chronic disease and rehabilitation programs; and generate more funding to research how and why PSS develops – and how to prevent or treat it.

    People recovering from sepsis often rely heavily on loved ones who need better support themselves. Survivors also need clearer, kinder help to get back to work and school, or just back to the everyday routines that once felt normal.

    Surviving sepsis is a triumph of modern medicine – but what comes after is still a neglected frontier. For too many, life after sepsis means battling invisible wounds that affect the brain, body and soul. Recognising, researching and responding to PSS isn’t just a clinical need – it’s a moral obligation. Survivors deserve more than survival. They deserve a chance to truly recover.

    Steven W. Kerrigan receives funding from Research Ireland, Health Research Board of Ireland, Irish Research Council and Enterprise Ireland. The author wishes to thank Liam Casey, a sepsis survivor, for his contribution to this article and for sharing his lived experience of PSS.

    – ref. Post-sepsis syndrome: when the body recovers but the brain doesn’t – https://theconversation.com/post-sepsis-syndrome-when-the-body-recovers-but-the-brain-doesnt-256139

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Expansion of Mental Health Capacity Building Program to Support More Students

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 14, 2025

    Today, Education Minister Everett Hindley and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr announced an expansion of the Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) program to five more Saskatchewan schools in support of student mental health and wellbeing. 

    The five additional schools selected through an application-based process include Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon, Rossignol High School in Île-à-la-Crosse, Martensville High School, Holy Rosary High School in Lloydminster and Swift Current Composite High School.

    This fall, the program will be in place in 24 schools in 19 school divisions

    “The Mental Health Capacity Building program is helping young people learn how to manage their emotions, anxiety and increase awareness of mental health and where they can find additional support,” Hindley said. “We are pleased to expand this program to reach more students and school communities across Saskatchewan.”

    “We know that early interventions and access to support is important for students and families who are experiencing mental health concerns,” Carr said. “Expanding the Mental Health Capacity Building program delivers on our commitment under the province’s Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions.” 

    The Ministry of Education works collaboratively with the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority to deliver this program. The Ministry of Education 2025-26 budget included additional funding of $1.6 million for the MHCB program, bringing the total investment to $4.6 million this year.

    School divisions that receive funding for the program deliver mental health promotion and prevention programming, build capacity in others who work with children, youth and families and support students through connection to community resources and supports. 

    “We are pleased to see the introduction of this program at Bedford Road Collegiate,” Saskatoon Public Schools’ Superintendent of Education Colleen Norris said. “By embedding mental health supports directly into our schools, we have the ability to create a culture where students feel safe, supported, and empowered to thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well.”

    “The Mental Health Capacity Building initiative is important for our division,” Île-à-la-Crosse Director of Education Sharon Hoffman said. “Building capacity for mental health in our staff and students is critical in our community as we have high rates of mental health issues. Our hope is this initiative will provide the knowledge, skills and supports for our students to grow into healthy young adults.”

    Under Saskatchewan’s Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions, the Government of Saskatchewan is committed to further expanding the MHCB program to all 27 school divisions by 2028.

    Additional information on the program is available on Saskatchewan.ca.

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Cortez Masto Joins Push Urging the Trump Administration to Drop its Anti-Voter Policies that will Disenfranchise Tribal Communities

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Nevada Cortez Masto

    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) joined Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and 10 of her Senate colleagues in sounding the alarm on the devastating impacts of President Trump’s anti-voter “election integrity” executive order and the SAVE Act on Native American voting rights.

    “Enactment of new voter registration policies under the Executive Order and the SAVE Act would lead to mass disenfranchisement of eligible Native voters and further depress the Native vote,” wrote the Senators. “Tribal IDs generally lack place of birth information required by the legislation, and the vast majority of these IDs lack the specific U.S. citizenship documentation required by the Executive Order. And the SAVE Act’s in-person requirement would exacerbate existing barriers, such as requiring IDs that list residential mailing addresses, by forcing many Native voters to travel great distances, including costly flights or multi-hour drives, to reach their local elections office or polling place.”

    “As Secretary of the Interior, you have a special moral and legal responsibility to uphold our nation’s trust and treaty obligations,” continued the Senators. “If implemented, the sweeping federal mandates included in the Executive Order and the SAVE Act would disenfranchise eligible Native voters who are following state laws. We encourage your active engagement with the White House and the Department of Justice to ensure that Native communities are able to exercise the franchise fully and have their voices heard at the ballot box.”

    Tribal IDs are currently an acceptable form of documentation to register to vote in nearly every state, but the SAVE Act and Trump executive order require that an ID must show place of birth and citizenship, which the majority of Tribal IDs lack, adding another barrier to the ballot box for many Native American communities. The Senators underscored that if enacted, these provisions would force Tribal voters who live in rural and remote locations to travel significant distances to prove their citizenship in order to register to vote.

    The Senators also emphasized the disproportionate impact the vote-by-mail restrictions would have on Native communities, which often rely more on mail-in voting because of a lack of infrastructure and transportation access. Trump’s executive order penalizes states that accept absentee or mail-in ballots received after Election Day, harming Native voters in states like Nevada, Alaska, North Dakota, Oregon, and California that process ballots as long as they are postmarked by Election Day.

    Only 66 percent of Native Americans eligible to participate in elections are currently registered to vote, leaving more than 1 million eligible voting-age Native Americans unregistered. Creating further obstacles to register to vote would likely reduce these numbers even further.

    Senator Cortez Masto has long been a champion for Tribal communities. Last year, the Senate passed both her legislation to make it easier for Indian Health Services to recruit and retain doctors and her legislation to strengthen Tribal public safety. She repeatedly called on the Biden administration to do more to address the epidemic of violence against Native women and girls, including securing federal funding to protect Native communities, urging the administration to draft a plan to address this issue, and requesting the Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigate the federal response to this crisis.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. John’s — Four drivers arrested by RCMP NL for impaired driving offences this past weekend

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Over this past weekend, RCMP NL arrested four individuals for impaired driving offences. Drivers were stopped in Harbour Grace, Roddickton, Marystown and Philips Head.

    Shortly before 10:00 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, Harbour Grace RCMP responded to the report of a suspected impaired driver. The described vehicle was located and stopped on Water Street in Harbour Grace. The driver, a 67-year-old woman, showed signs of alcohol impairment and was arrested. Back at the detachment, the woman refused to provided breath samples. She now faces charges of impaired operation and refusing to provide a breath sample.

    Approximately 40 minutes later, Roddickton RCMP stopped a vehicle in front of the detachment on Cloud Drive in Roddickton. The driver, a 56-year-old man, showed signs of drug impairment. The man performed poorly on roadside field sobriety tests and was arrested for drug impaired driving. He was transported to White Bay Central Health Centre in Roddickton where a blood sample was obtained. Police await the results of the testing to determine if charges of drug impaired driving are appropriate.

    Shortly after 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, May 11, Burin Peninsula RCMP stopped a vehicle on Columbia Drive in Marystown. The vehicle was uninsured and had expired registration. The driver, 44-year-old man, showed signs of alcohol impairment and failed a roadside breath test. He was arrested and was transported to the detachment where he provided further breath samples that were above the legal limit. He faces charges of impaired operation and was ticketed under the Highway Traffic Act for operating a vehicle without insurance and registration.

    Later that day, at approximately 12:30 p.m., Grand Falls-Windsor RCMP responded to the report of a suspected impaired driver. The described vehicle was located and stopped on Route 352 in Philips Head. The driver, a 51-year-old man, failed a roadside breath test and was arrested. At the detachment, the man provided further breath samples that were more than twice the legal limit. He faces charges of impaired operation.

    All drivers were released from custody and those who are set to face charges are scheduled to appear in court at later dates. Licence suspensions and vehicle seizures occurred where appropriate.

    This week, during Canada Road Safety Week, RCMP NL remain focussed on road safety, including the enforcement of those who choose to drive while impaired. If you suspect a driver is impaired, please contact your local detachment or 911 to make a report.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Duckworth, McClain, Delaney, Moylan Introduce Legislation to Expand Leave Benefits for Military Families

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Illinois Tammy Duckworth
    May 12, 2025
    [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs Committees (SVAC)—and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) and James Moylan (R-GU-AL) introduced legislation to modernize the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in order to help ensure that military caregiver benefits are available to more people who selflessly care for their servicemember or Veteran family member in medical need. The Making it Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access (MIL FMLA) Act would expand FMLA leave benefits for military family members who aren’t currently covered under the FMLA.
    “It’s long overdue that Congress expands leave benefits for the selfless Americans who care for their servicemember or Veteran loved ones—who often have complex and unique medical needs as a result of their service,” said Senator Duckworth. “No servicemember should ever have to worry whether they and their loved ones will have the benefits needed to care for them after their service—it hurts our military readiness and recruiting. Supporting caregivers isn’t just about doing something humanitarian. It’s about the safety and security of our nation.”
    “Over 14 million Americans care for injured servicemembers and veterans, yet current law leaves too many behind,” said Congresswoman McClain Delaney. “The bipartisan MIL FMLA Act, which I’m proud to lead with Congressman Moylan, ensures all military caregivers—including domestic partners and extended family—can access the leave they deserve, without arbitrary restrictions. This bill is a step toward truly honoring the service and sacrifice of those who care for our nation’s heroes.”
    “I am proud to co-lead the bipartisan MIL FMLA Act with Rep. McClain Delaney, which will address inequities that our veterans, servicemembers, and their families face every day,” said Congressman Moylan. “As the representative of the district with the highest level of enlistments per capita, and as a veteran myself, this bill addresses the countless underlying issues that affect our ability and willingness to serve. I look forward to working with Rep. McClain Delaney to deliver for those in our country who have served and currently serve our country.”
    The MIL FMLA Act would address the gaps in FMLA that have left many military caregivers without adequate leave access by:
    Adding reserve components and domestic deployments as covered active duty for family members;
    Eliminating the requirement that military caregiver protections only apply to Veterans who served within the last five years;
    Allowing military caregivers to utilize special military caregiver FMLA leave more than once;
    Expanding military caregiver provisions to cover domestic partners and other close family members like aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, grandparents, grandchildren and other loved ones; and
    Creating a new form of leave, specifically for Veterans who need extended time to address serious injuries or illnesses related to their service.
    Along with Duckworth, the legislation is cosponsored in the Senate by U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT).
    Along with McClain Delaney and Moylan, the legislation is cosponsored in the House by U.S. Representatives Don Bacon (R-NE-02), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), André Carson (D-IN-07), Troy Carter (D-LA-02), Gil Cisneros (D-CA-31), Cleo Fields (D-LA-06), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA-06), Steny Hoyer (D-MD-05), Greg Landsman (D-OH-01), Summer Lee (D-PA-12), Sam Liccardo (D-CA-16), Sarah McBride (D-DE-AL), Joe Neguse (D-CO-02), Johnny Olszewksi (D-MD-02), Chellie Pingree (D-ME-01), Jamie Raskin (D-MD-08), Shri Thanedar (D-MI-13) and Rasihda Tlaib (D-MI-12).
    The legislation is endorsed by the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, National Military Family Association, American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, Center for American Progress (CAP), Service Women’s Action Network (SWAN), Caregiver Action Network, National Partnership for Women & Families, VoteVets, Caring Across Generations, Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP), MomsRising, Family Values @ Work, Common Defense, A Better Balance, Truman National Security Project, Secure Families Initiative and Agency for Community EmPOWERment (ACE) of NEPA.
    “The Making It Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access Act is a crucial step forward in helping those who make countless sacrifices for their country,” said Molly Weston Williamson, Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress. “Service members, veterans, and their loved ones deserve the time they need to respond to the effects of service. No one should have to risk their job in order to ensure they or their family can get the care they need or to address the impacts of deployment.”
    Full text of the legislation is available on Senator Duckworth’s website.
    Duckworth has long been a leader in pushing for better benefits and support for members of the armed and uniformed services and their family members. In April, she introduced legislation that would help expand leave benefits for the millions of devoted health professionals serving in the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Corps. Last year, she helped secure $2.9 billion to support family caregivers of disabled Veterans and $2.4 billion to expand benefits and services for military and Veteran caregivers to include health care and mental health services, among other things. Last month, she renewed her push to ensure IVF treatment costs are covered on servicemembers’ and military families’ health care plans. Last December, Duckworth helped pass the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that gave servicemembers a pay raise and included a Duckworth-led provision to improve access to high-quality medical care for servicemembers and their families in the Indo-Pacific region, among other wins for military families.
    -30-

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Smoking products ban justified

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Tobacco companies have been adding such flavours such as menthol, fruit and confectionaries into conventional smoking products to disguise the harshness of tobacco smoke, making it easier for non-smokers to initiate and maintain a bsmoking habit, the Health Bureau pointed out today.

    The statement was made in response to media enquiries regarding the rationale behind the bureau’s proposal to ban flavoured conventional smoking products under a new phase of tobacco control measures.

    Research also showed that banning flavoured conventional cigarettes can reduce the chances of young people using tobacco, the bureau added.

    The bureau had already stated in the Consultation Document on Tobacco Control Strategies in 2023 as well as subsequent Legislative Council documents that around 50 countries and regions worldwide, including 27 European Union member states, Canada and the UK have banned the sale of flavoured cigarettes. Additionally, China’s Taiwan region announced last year the prohibition of the use of specified flavour additives in tobacco products.

    Stressing that banning flavoured conventional smoking products is neither unique to Hong Kong nor “over the top”, the bureau said Hong Kong needs to align itself with international tobacco control policies through legislative work.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: NIH researchers discover tissue biomarker that may indicate higher risk of aggressive breast cancer development and death

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

    Media Advisory
    Wednesday, May 14, 2025

    What
    Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have identified a series of changes in the architecture and cell composition of connective tissues of the breast, known as stromal tissue, that is associated with an increased risk of developing aggressive breast cancer among women with benign breast disease, and poorer rates of survival among women with invasive breast cancer. This process, which they call stromal disruption, could potentially be used as a biomarker to identify women with benign breast disease who are at high risk of developing aggressive breast cancers, as well as those with breast cancer who may be at increased risk of recurrence or death.
    Such insights could help inform the development of cancer prevention and treatment strategies that target the stromal microenvironment. In addition, stromal disruption is inexpensive to assess and could be widely adopted, particularly in low-resource settings where molecular analysis is impractical or very expensive.
    In the study, the researchers used machine learning to detect subtle changes in the stroma of 4,023 donated samples of healthy breast tissue, 974 biopsies of tissue with benign breast disease, and 4,223 biopsies of tissue with invasive breast cancer.  

    In women who donated healthy breast tissue, the same risk factors associated with aggressive breast cancer— including younger age, having two or more children, being self-reported as Black, obesity, and family history—were also associated with increased stromal disruption, suggesting that those risk factors may act via a common stromal tissue pathway.
    In women with benign breast disease, having substantial stromal disruption on biopsy was associated with a higher risk of developing aggressive breast cancer and more rapid onset of breast cancer than having minimal or no stromal disruption.
    In women with invasive breast cancer, increased stromal disruption was associated with more aggressive disease phenotypes and poorer survival outcomes, particularly for women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, the most common subtype.

    The researchers noted that factors such as chronic inflammation and wound healing play a role in stromal disruption. They emphasized the need for additional studies to determine whether strategies to prevent these tissue changes from occurring, such as lifestyle changes and anti-inflammatory medications, might be beneficial to reduce aggressive breast cancer risk, particularly among high-risk women.
    Who
    Mustapha Abubakar, M.D., Ph.D., Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute
    Reference
    “Unraveling the role of stromal disruption in aggressive breast cancer etiology and outcomes” appears May 14, 2025, in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
    About the National Cancer Institute (NCI): NCI leads the National Cancer Program and NIH’s efforts to dramatically reduce the prevalence of cancer and improve the lives of people with cancer. NCI supports a wide range of cancer research and training extramurally through grants and contracts. NCI’s intramural research program conducts innovative, transdisciplinary basic, translational, clinical, and epidemiological research on the causes of cancer, avenues for prevention, risk prediction, early detection, and treatment, including research at the NIH Clinical Center—the world’s largest research hospital. Learn more about the intramural research done in NCI’s Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics. For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI website at cancer.gov or call NCI’s contact center at 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).
    About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
    NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®
    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 14 May 2025 Medical product alert Medical Product Alert N°3/2025: Falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injection 500mg/10ml

    Source: World Health Organisation

    Alert Summary

    This WHO Medical Product Alert refers to three batches of falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injection 500mg/10ml. The falsified products have been detected in the Islamic Republic of Iran and Türkiye. These falsified products were reported to WHO in March 2025.

    WHO previously issued Medical Product Alert N°5/2024 regarding another falsified batch of IMFINZI that was detected in Armenia, Lebanon, and Türkiye.

    IMFINZI is a sterile concentrate for infusion. It contains the active pharmaceutical ingredient durvalumab, which is a monoclonal antibody. As monotherapy, it is indicated for the treatment of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) in adults.

    How to identify these falsified products

    These products are falsified as they deliberately misrepresent their identity, composition, and source. The genuine manufacturer, AstraZeneca, has identified multiple visual discrepancies in the falsified products. AstraZeneca has confirmed that the products mentioned in this alert are indeed falsified.  Check for the following and see the Annex below for more details:

    • Lot BAZR – This is a genuine lot number for distribution only in India. The falsified product shows discrepancies in the packaging artwork and text placement, with some text missing.
    • Lot BBEG – This is a genuine lot number for distribution only in Egypt. The falsified product shows discrepancies in the packaging artwork and text placement, with some text missing. The product price (in Egyptian Pounds) is also missing.
    • Lot AVZT – This lot number is not recognized by the genuine manufacturer. Any IMFINZI product with this lot number is considered falsified.

    Risks

    These falsified products should be considered unsafe, and their use may be life-threatening in some circumstances. The use of these falsified IMFINZI injections may lead to ineffective or delayed treatment. It is important to detect and remove any falsified IMFINZI (durvalumab) injections from circulation to prevent harm to patients.

    Advice to health-care professionals, regulatory authorities and the public

    Health-care professionals should report any incident of adverse effects, lack of expected effects or suspected falsification to the National Regulatory Authorities or National Pharmacovigilance Centre.

    WHO advises increased surveillance and diligence within the supply chains of countries and regions likely to be affected by these falsified products. Increased surveillance of the informal/unregulated market is also advised. National regulatory authorities/health authorities/law enforcement are advised to immediately notify WHO if the falsified product is detected in their country. If you are in possession of any of these products, WHO recommends that you do not use them. If you, or someone you know, has, or may have used these products, or suffered an adverse event or unexpected side-effect after use, seek immediate medical advice from a health-care professional or contact a poisons control centre.

    All medical products must be obtained from authorized/licensed suppliers. If you have any information about the manufacture or supply of these falsified products, please contact WHO via rapidalert@who.int.

    Annex: Products subject to WHO Medical Product Alert N°3 /2025

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: Recognized Again Among Nation’s Best for Patient Experience

    Source: US State of Connecticut

    For the third consecutive year, the national health care consumer platform Healthgrades recognizes UConn’s John Dempsey Hospital with its Outstanding Patient Experience Award.

    In addition to her roles as UConn Health’s chief nursing officer and John Dempsey Hospital’s chief operating officer and vice president for quality and patient care services, Caryl Ryan is serving as the interim vice president for patient experience. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health)

    The distinction is a direct result of positive patient feedback in several critical areas of care, putting John Dempsey Hospital among the top 10% of hospitals nationwide for patient experience.

    “This recognition is based on an objective analysis of patient perceptions reflective of care received,” says Caryl Ryan, chief nursing officer and the UConn John Dempsey Hospital chief operating officer and vice president for quality and patient care services, who also is serving as interim vice president for patient experience. “The fact that our patients consistently recognize our overall clinical excellence is a tremendous honor and further validation of our efforts across the hospital to continue to deliver high-quality care to our patients.”

    UConn Health’s is one of only two hospitals in Connecticut to earn a 2025 Outstanding Patient Experience Award, and is the only hospital in the state to win it three years running.

    “This award is an affirmation of our outstanding commitment to meeting the needs of patients across a wide range of important aspects of health care,” says Dr. Scott Allen, UConn Health’s chief medical officer and the hospital’s medical director of clinical effectiveness and safety. “Being recognized three years in a row means that we are consistently patient-centric in our approach to patient care.”

    Dr. Scott Allen is UConn Health’s chief medical officer and the UConn John Dempsey Hospital medical director of clinical effectiveness and safety. (Tina Encarnacion/UConn Health photo)

    Each year, Healthgrades recognizes the top hospitals nationwide that provide an exceptional experience for their patients during their hospital stay. As part of its annual analysis, Healthgrades evaluated more than 3,000 hospitals that submitted at least 100 Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems surveys, covering admissions from January 2023 to December 2023.

    To determine the recipients of the Outstanding Patient Experience Award, Healthgrades applies a scoring methodology to 10 patient experience measures. These measures focus on patients’ perceptions of their hospital care, including staff communication, medication explanations, and cleanliness.

    “We commend John Dempsey Hospital for going above and beyond to ensure patients have the best possible experience during their hospital stay and recovery process,” says Dr. Debra Gradick, senior physician consultant at Healthgrades. “Better patient experiences lead to better health outcomes, which is why it’s so important for patients to choose a hospital that excels at providing high quality, compassionate care.”

    Learn more about Healthgrades’ methodology for its Outstanding Patient Experience Awards.

    In addition to annual patient experience accolades in the spring, Healthgrades announces top hospitals in more than 30 specialties in the fall. Last fall, John Dempsey Hospital Earned Five-Star Ratings In Four Areas: upper gastrointestinal surgery, treatment of pneumonia, treatment of pulmonary embolism, and treatment of sepsis.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Foot and Mouth disease controls eased for Germany

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Foot and Mouth disease controls eased for Germany

    Personal imports for travellers from the EU remain banned

    Following rigorous technical assessment, Great Britain has officially recognised Germany as Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free without vaccination as of 14 May 2025.  

    As a result, restrictions previously applied to imports of affected commodities from the containment zone in Germany have now been lifted. This means that exports of FMD-susceptible animals, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, deer and buffaloes, and their products, such as meat and dairy, can resume from the containment zone, provided that all other import conditions are met. This decision follows rigorous technical assessment of the measures applied in Germany and the current disease situation. If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity.

    Personal import restrictions remain in place that prevent travellers from bringing cattle, sheep, goat, and pig meat, as well as dairy products, from EU countries into Great Britain for personal use, to protect the health of British livestock, the security of farmers, and the UK’s food security. This includes bringing items like sandwiches, cheese, cured meats, raw meats or milk into Great Britain – regardless of whether it is packed or packaged or whether it has been bought at duty free.   

    FMD poses no risk to human or food safety, but is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven-hoofed animals. Livestock keepers should therefore be absolutely rigorous about their biosecurity.

    FMD is a notifiable disease and must be reported. If you suspect foot and mouth disease in your animals, you must report it immediately by calling:  

    • 03000 200 301 in England   
    • 0300 303 8268 in Wales   
    • your local Field Services Office in Scotland

    Share this page

    The following links open in a new tab

    • Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
    • Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

    Updates to this page

    Published 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH responds to media enquiries on air-conditioning interruption in private hospital

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    In response to media enquiries regarding the air-conditioning interruption that occurred at St. Teresa’s Hospital in July 2024 for about an hour, the Department of Health (DH) today (May 14) gave the following response:

    Regulatory regime
    —————————————– 
    Complaint handling
    ———————

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Government of Saskatchewan Prepares for Possible Canada Post Strike

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Released on May 14, 2025

    The Government of Saskatchewan is preparing for a possible postal strike that could begin as early as May 22, 2025. Ministries, Crowns and agencies have put contingency plans in place to limit service disruptions.

    The government encourages all clients, suppliers and businesses to switch to direct deposit, as those payments will not be impacted by any changes to postal services.

    Social Services Payments

    Building on the experience with the 2024 Canada Post service disruption, the Ministry of Social Services is preparing contingency plans for clients who receive benefit cheques by mail. Most ministry clients already receive benefit payments by direct deposit and these payments will continue as usual. We encourage clients to switch to direct deposit.

    Drug Plan and Extended Benefits 

    Residents requiring letters to submit to their private insurance providers for Special Support, Seniors’ Drug Plan, or Exception Drug Status may submit the request through the online Saskatchewan Formulary. Letters will be mailed once the Canada Post service disruption is resolved. 

    Health Cards and Vital Statistics Certificates

    Incoming and outgoing mail delays may affect applications for health cards and certificates for births, deaths or marriages. Visit eHealthsask.ca for options to minimize delays, including ordering online. 

    Crop Insurance/AgriStability Information and Payments 

    The Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) will work with customers to determine alternate options for accessing information typically delivered through Canada Post, such as faxing, emailing or delivering to a local SCIC office for pick-up. Producers are encouraged to sign-up for direct deposit for receiving program payments. The direct payment form is available on SCIC’s website. 

    Payments to Government of Saskatchewan Suppliers

    The Ministry of Finance will make supplier cheques available for pickup in Regina for suppliers unable to register for direct deposit. Suppliers should call 306-787-7450 to make arrangements.

    Taxes, Refunds and Grant Payments

    In the event of a postal dispute, businesses are expected to ensure they file and pay taxes to the Ministry of Finance on time. Mail delays do not change tax deadlines or the assessment of penalties and interest. For more information, please review the Information Notice – IN 2025-03, Filing and Paying Provincial Taxes in the Event of a Postal Disruption.

    Tax clients are encouraged to sign up for the secure and convenient Saskatchewan eTax Services (SETS) online portal to file and pay taxes electronically and avoid any delays in meeting tax obligations. 

    Tax refunds and grant payments sent by direct deposit will not be delayed. Those who do not use direct deposit can call 1-800-667-6102 to set it up, delay the refund or grant payment, or request a courier delivery at their own cost.

    Crown Utility Accounts, Bills and More

    SGI, SaskTel, SaskPower and SaskEnergy invite customers to sign up for online billing and notifications to ensure they receive information about their utility bills, driver’s licence and vehicle registration renewals and other important communications. This helps avoid delays in receiving bills and account updates. Longer than usual wait times for customer service representatives are anticipated in the event of postal service disruptions, so customers are encouraged to visit the respective Crown websites or to call for more information regarding customer service options. Information is also available online regarding options for paying outstanding bills in the event mail-in payments are not possible.   

    Public Guardian and Trustee 

    The Public Guardian and Trustee’s office is preparing backup options for clients and client service providers who get payment cheques by mail. Many clients and service providers already use direct deposit and will not be affected. Clients and service providers are encouraged to switch to direct deposit as soon as possible. They can do so by contacting their trust officer or the Public Guardian and Trustee’s office at 1-877-787-5424 or by email at pgt@gov.sk.ca. 

    In the event of a postal strike, clients and suppliers and businesses can visit www.saskatchewan.ca/postal-strike for more detailed information.  

    -30-

    For more information, contact:

    MIL OSI Canada News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust (NYSE: GRX) Increases Quarterly Distribution 13% to $0.17 From $0.15 Annual Distribution to $0.68 From $0.60 Per Share

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RYE, N.Y., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Trustees of The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust (the “Fund”) approved an increase in the annualized distribution to $0.68 per share, which will be paid $0.17 per share quarterly, commencing with the quarterly distribution payable on June 23, 2025 to common shareholders of record on June 13, 2025.

    The Fund intends to pay a quarterly distribution determined by the Board of Trustees. In addition to the quarterly distributions, and in accordance with the minimum distribution requirements of the Internal Revenue Code for regulated investment companies, the Fund may pay an adjusting distribution in December which includes any additional income and net realized capital gains in excess of the quarterly distributions for that year.

    Each quarter, the Board of Trustees reviews the amount of any potential distribution and the income, realized capital gain, or capital available. The Board of Trustees will continue to monitor the Fund’s distribution level, taking into consideration the Fund’s net asset value and the current financial market environment. The Fund’s distribution policy is subject to modification or termination by the Board of Trustees at any time, and there can be no guarantee that the policy will continue. The distribution rate should not be considered the dividend yield or total return on an investment in the Fund.

    All or part of the distribution may be treated as long-term capital gain or qualified dividend income (or a combination of both) for individuals, each subject up to the maximum federal income tax rate for long term capital gains, which is currently 20% in taxable accounts for individuals (or less depending on an individual’s tax bracket). In addition, certain U.S. shareholders who are individuals, estates or trusts and whose income exceeds certain thresholds will be required to pay a 3.8% Medicare surcharge on their “net investment income”, which includes dividends received from the Fund and capital gains from the sale or other disposition of shares of the Fund.

    If the Fund does not generate earnings (dividends and interest income, less expenses, and realized net capital gain) equal to or in excess of the aggregate distributions paid by the Fund in a given year, then the amount distributed in excess of the Fund’s earnings would be deemed a return of capital. Since this would be considered a return of a portion of a shareholder’s original investment, it is generally not taxable and would be treated as a reduction in the shareholder’s cost basis.

    Long-term capital gains, qualified dividend income, investment company taxable income, and return of capital, if any, will be allocated on a pro rata basis to all distributions to common shareholders for the year. Based on the accounting records of the Fund currently available, each of the distributions paid to common shareholders in 2025 would include approximately 4% from net investment income, 80% from net capital gains and 16% would be deemed a return of capital on a book basis. This does not represent information for tax reporting purposes. The estimated components of each distribution are updated and provided to shareholders of record in a notice accompanying the distribution and are available on our website (www.gabelli.com). The final determination of the sources of all distributions in 2025 will be made after year end and can vary from the quarterly estimates. Shareholders should not draw any conclusions about the Fund’s investment performance from the amount of the current distribution. All individual shareholders with taxable accounts will receive written notification regarding the components and tax treatment for all 2025 distributions in early 2026 via Form 1099-DIV.

    Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses of the Fund before investing. For more information regarding the Fund’s distribution policy and other information about the Fund, call:

    Bethany Uhlein
    (914) 921-5546

    About The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRxTrust
    The Gabelli Healthcare & WellnessRx Trust is a diversified, closed-end management investment company with $218 million in total net assets whose primary investment objective is long-term growth of capital. The Fund is managed by Gabelli Funds, LLC, a subsidiary of GAMCO Investors, Inc. (OTCQX: GAMI).

    NYSE: GRX
    CUSIP – 36246K103

    THE GABELLI HEALTHCARE & WELLNESSRx TRUST
        Investor Relations Contact:
        Bethany Uhlein
        914.921.5546
        buhlein@gabelli.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to systematic review and meta- analysis on GLP-1 receptor agonists and mental health

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    May 14, 2025

    A systematic review published in JAMA Psychiatry looks at weight loss drugs (GLP-1 receptor agonists) and mental health.

    Prof Stella Chan, Charlie Waller Chair in Evidence-based Psychological Treatment, University of Reading, said:

    “This is a robustly conducted systematic review and meta-analysis, reporting the encouraging findings that these drugs improve quality of life in patients with obesity and diabetes. While it is positive to note that the drugs do not appear to increase the risk for psychiatric illnesses, as the authors noted, the findings were primarily based on clinical trials that excluded patients with psychiatric symptoms and that the range of mental health outcomes was limited. As such, the findings should be taken to indicate preliminary evidence that these drugs are safe, but that more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.”

     

    Dr Paul Keedwell, Consultant Psychiatrist and Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said:

    “This study helps to settle an ongoing debate about how popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro might affect mental health. By analysing data from over 100,000 people in well-run clinical trials, the researchers found no signs that these drugs increase the risk of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. 

    “Rather, some people reported feeling slightly better emotionally while taking them—likely because of the benefits of weight loss and improved physical health. This is consistent with a previous review which indicated a mood boosting effect of these drugs.

    “However, there is an important caveat. By design, people with a history of mental health problems were invariably excluded from the studies that were analysed. So the findings may not apply to everyone.

    “There have been some case reports where people with previous depression or anxiety said the drugs made their symptoms worse, possibly by affecting parts of the brain linked to pleasure and motivation.

    “A large study based on 160,000 real-world medical records showed that people taking GLP-1 drugs were nearly twice as likely to experience depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts compared to those not taking them. The difference was that people with a history of mental health problems were not excluded.

    “So for most people, these drugs seem mentally safe—and may even help mood—but for those with a history of mental illness, there may be a risk. More research is needed, and anyone with past mental health issues should speak with a doctor before starting them.”

     

    ‘Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Receptor Agonists and Mental Health’ by Aueliane C. S. Pierret et al. was published in JAMA Psychiatry at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 14 May. 

     

    DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2025.0679

     

     

    Declared interests

    Prof Stella Chan: No conflict of Interest.

    Dr Paul Keedwell: No conflicts of interest.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: ESFI Spreads Awareness of Overhead Power Line Safety With “Always Look Up” Campaign

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ARLINGTON, Va., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Data compiled and analyzed by the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) shows that the most significant category of workplace electrical fatalities is non-electrical workers coming into contact with overhead power lines. Many of these accidents involve workers with little or no electrical safety training. Contact with overhead power lines is also one of the leading causes of electrical fatalities outside of the workplace across the United States.

    In fact, overhead power line contact accounts for 48% of all workplace electrical fatalities, 57% of electrical fatalities in non-electrical occupations, and 30% of all electrical fatalities that occur in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that between 2018 and 2023, there were 538 total fatalities caused by overhead power lines in the U.S. A large number of these incidents can be avoided with heightened awareness of outside surroundings. “Overhead power line contacts are unique because in many cases the fatality occurred when the power line was clearly visible,” said Daniel Majano, ESFI’s Program Director.

    In response, ESFI launched an update to its “Always Look Up” campaign in May to spread awareness to key groups. This year, as part of its National Electrical Safety Month efforts, ESFI is releasing several new materials, including a new infographic, to remind the public to be aware of overhead power lines in their surroundings.

    Some of the key groups targeted in this campaign are homeowners, heavy truck operators, tree trimmers, and roofers. Here are some ways that individuals can find themselves in danger due to overhead power lines:

    • At home: Individuals working on their roofs or gutters or using ladders to set up decorations, such as holiday lights, can inadvertently come into contact with power lines around their home. Before starting any work around your house, be aware of overhead power lines and the electrical service entrance to your home. Stay at least 10 feet away from all power lines.
    • Heavy truck operators: Workers operating trucks with extendable truck beds can unknowingly raise their truck beds into low-hanging overhead power lines.
    • Tree trimmers: Tree trimming workers often perform their work using elevating work platforms or using trimming tools with long handles, allowing them to make contact with tree branches far above the ground. When tree branches grow out and become entangled with overhead power lines, trimmers can inadvertently contact the lines with their tools.
    • Roofers and painters: Individuals doing work on the exterior of a building can make contact with power lines while carrying or setting up ladders.

    ESFI encourages everyone to “always look up, in all ways” to avoid contact with overhead power lines. Some additional best practices include carrying ladders horizontally, avoiding touching anything in contact with power lines, and staying 35 feet away from downed power lines.

    “We believe that this is an issue where we can save a lot of lives through raising awareness and emphasizing the simple principle of ‘Always Look Up’”, said ESFI Executive Director Jennifer LeFevre, adding, “It’s great advice for anyone doing work outside.”

    The new materials for National Electrical Safety Month 2025 include the following, which are free to use and distribute:

    ABOUT ESFI

    The mission of the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) is to prevent electrically related injuries, deaths, and fires through public education and outreach by being the trusted voice on electrical safety. For free safety materials that you can share throughout your community, visit esfi.org.

    Contact:
    Evan Jones
    Electrical Safety Foundation International
    703.841.3247
    evan.jones@esfi.org 

    The MIL Network –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: ‘This Bill Will Starve Families’: In Agriculture Committee Markup, Pingree Slams GOP for Gutting Anti-Hunger Programs

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

    Last night in the House Agriculture Committee markup of the partisan reconciliation bill, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) spoke out against Republicans’ proposal to slash $300 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). In her opening remarks, Pingree questioned how leaving Americans with fewer tools to feed their families affordably and healthily, further straining our health care system and driving up costs for everyone, will “Make America Healthy Again.” 

    [embedded content]
    Pingree’s full opening remarks are available here and copied below.

    The Committee will reconvene today to debate amendments. Tune in live here. 

    +++

    Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. 

    I’m fortunate to have served on this committee for more than a decade. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity and the great privilege to work on bipartisan Farm Bills that are designed to strengthen our agricultural sector, to support our farmers, and to help hungry people access food. So, I am deeply disappointed that we’re sitting here tonight not doing that but debating a bill that will gut the single largest anti-hunger program in America.

    Frankly, I can’t believe we are trying to shove the Farm Bill into the reconciliation process, stripping this committee of the chance of a truly bipartisan Farm Bill. 

    And let’s not sugarcoat what this bill is. It’s a $300 billion assault on struggling families, seniors, children, and veterans, all to fund tax breaks for billionaires and corporations. 

    The average SNAP benefit is $6 a day, $6 a day. That is barely enough to buy a loaf of bread or a gallon of milk. And if this bill passes, some of the most vulnerable people in America will be denied even that. Make no mistake, this will lead to more kids going to bed hungry, more seniors skipping meals to afford their medicine, and more parents forced to sacrifice their own nutrition so their kids can eat.

     In my state, 175,000 people rely on SNAP to put food on the table, including over 36,000 children and 6,300 veterans. That’s tens of thousands of Mainers who stand to lose their benefits under this proposal. 1 in 5 children in Maine struggles with food insecurity. That’s 1 in 5. And it’s not just individuals who will suffer. The bill threatens the very businesses that keep our rural communities alive.

    More than 1,500 retailers in Maine – grocery stores, corner markets, and mom and pop shops – rely on SNAP sales to stay open. When you cut SNAP, you don’t just take food off the table, you rip the economic rug out from under those businesses in the communities they support. 

    And then there’s the unfunded mandate that this bill dumps on Maine. My Republican colleagues call this “cost shifting,” but they are forcing states to pay at least 5% – and in many cases, much more of the cost – of supporting SNAP. So, let’s just call that what it really is: a backdoor way of sending this program into a death spiral, pushing the blame for the inevitable wave of hunger and hardship under governors and state legislatures.

    It cuts programs like the National Education, Obesity and Prevention Grant program, commonly known as Snap Ed. Snap ed helps families make their SNAP dollars stretch further. It teaches people how to make nutritious meals using SNAP funds. In Maine, this program has reached nearly 20,000 people with free classes and cooking, budgeting, and healthy eating. Eliminating these services will leave families with fewer tools to feed their families affordably and healthily, further straining our health care system and driving up costs for everyone.

    Tell me, is this really making America healthy again? 

    This … bill is not about reducing “waste” or fixing “fraud” or finding errors. It’s all about sacrificing the health and well-being of the most vulnerable, most vulnerable amongst us, so that billionaires like Elon Musk can get even richer. It’s about taking food out of the hands of hungry children, cutting off lifelines to families in need, and shattering the basic safety net that millions of Americans rely on.

    We should be writing a Farm Bill that supports our local farmers, strengthens rural economies, and ensures that no one in this country goes hungry. Instead, this proposal sacrifices families and communities for short term political win. 

    So, for me tonight, I’m a no. Tomorrow I’m a no. Every day from now until whenever my Republican colleagues come to their senses and do what right is right for America and for the people who are their constituents, I will stay a no on this bill.

    Thank you. I yield back.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: UPDATED – BLAIR COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Kick-Off Statewide EMS Workforce Recruitment Initiative

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 14, 2025 – Altoona, PA

    ADVISORY – UPDATED – BLAIR COUNTY – Shapiro Administration to Kick-Off Statewide EMS Workforce Recruitment Initiative

    Department of Health (DOH) Executive Deputy Secretary Kristen Rodack will join first responders in Altoona to kick-off a new statewide initiative to recruit residents interested in becoming EMS professionals.

    As part of National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week, May 18-24, Pennsylvania Regional EMS councils and agencies will be hosting career events across the state where Pennsylvanians can meet EMS professionals and learn about local career opportunities and trainings.

    The first two events will be held in Blair and Mercer counties on Sunday, May 18.

    Governor Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2025-26 budget adds $6 million more a year for the next three years to the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, which would be disbursed through the 13 regional EMS councils to local stations. In 2023, he secured $20.7 million to increase Medicaid reimbursement for service and mileage rates for ambulance services, promoting access to health care and ensuring that EMS agencies are properly reimbursed for their critical care.

    Recruiting and retaining EMS first responders is vital to Pennsylvania’s health care system as they provide 24-hour emergency medical services, seven days a week. In 2024 alone, over 1,200 emergency agencies responded to more than 2 million calls for service.

    WHO:
    Pennsylvania Executive Deputy Secretary of Health, Kristen Rodack
    Chief of AMED, Gary Watters
    Southern Allegheny Emergency Medical Services Regional Council Director, Jordan Anthony
    EMS student

    WHEN:
    Wednesday, May 14 at 1:30 PM

    WHERE:
    AMED Authority EMS Station
    1st Floor, Training Room
    106 Reimer Street
    Altoona, PA 16602

    MEDIA RSVP: Media interested in attending must RSVP with the name of the reporter and photojournalist to ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI USA: HARRISBURG – Shapiro Administration to Announce Student Winners of Lyme Disease Art Contest, Remind Public to Take Proper Tick Precautions While Outdoors

    Source: US State of Pennsylvania

    May 15, 2025 – Harrisburg, PA

    ADVISORY – HARRISBURG – Shapiro Administration to Announce Student Winners of Lyme Disease Art Contest, Remind Public to Take Proper Tick Precautions While Outdoors

    The Shapiro Administration officials from the Departments of Health (DOH), Environmental Protection (DEP), and Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will announce the student winners of the 2025 Lyme disease art contest.

    Pennsylvania students in grades first through sixth were encouraged to enter the contest by submitting a poster or video about avoiding exposure to ticks based on the theme “Protect. Check. Remove.” There are 27 students who will be recognized for their submissions to the art poster and video submission categories from across the Commonwealth.

    WHO:
    Special Advisor to the Secretary of Health, Dr. Robert Bonacci
    DEP Policy Director High Garst
    DCNR Executive Policy Specialist Ali Bowling
    Student art contest winners, teachers, and parents

    WHEN:
    May 15, at 11:00 AM

    WHERE:
    Pennsylvania Capitol Building
    Main Rotunda
    501 North 3rd Street
    Harrisburg, PA 17120

    VISUAL:
    A tick mascot, student award winners, student artwork, tick-borne disease resources.

    MEDIA RSVP:
    Media interested in attending must RSVP with the name of the reporter and photojournalist to ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI Security: Happy Valley-Goose Bay — Family of five stranded on Route 510 during recent blizzard safely rescued by RCMP and partners

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A family of five who were stranded on Route 510 outside of Happy Valley-Goose Bay during a severe winter storm were safely rescued on May 10, 2025. Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP, Happy Valley-Goose Bay Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR), and Grey Rock Mining worked together to respond to this challenging situation.

    On Saturday, Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP responded to a report of a stranded motorist on Route 510, approximately 55 kilometers outside of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The vehicle, carrying five occupants, was stuck in the snow. Weather conditions were extremely poor with high winds, heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures. One of the occupants, a woman, departed the vehicle to seek help.

    RCMP officers responded in two separate police vehicles, and encountered dangerous road conditions and low visibility. Police activated GSAR for assistance, who in turn engaged Grey Rock Mining to request the deployment of snowplows to support the rescue effort.

    Approximately 45 kilometers outside of town, the two officers exited their vehicle and walked the highway in an effort to locate the woman. The officers located the woman a short distance away, covered in snow and extremely cold and covered her in their clothing to help shield her from the weather. She was escorted to a police vehicle, and officers contacted the emergency department at Labrador Health Centre for direction while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

    A short time later GSAR and paramedics — led by snowplow — arrived at the location. The woman was treated on scene by paramedics for suspected hypothermia.

    Grey Rock Mining dispatched a second snowplow to help reach the remaining four occupants of the stranded vehicle. The vehicle was freed, and all occupants were safely accounted for. The snowplows then led the convoy of all parties back to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, ensuring their safe return.

    RCMP NL thanks the responding police officers, Happy Valley-Goose Bay Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) and Grey Rock Mining for their collaboration and effort in safely rescuing this family.

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI: Flex Launches Petition to Expand HSA/FSA Eligibility Across Women’s Health

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of Women’s Health Month, Flex, the leading HSA/FSA payment solution for health and wellness brands, has launched a petition urging the IRS and U.S. Department of the Treasury to expand HSA/FSA eligibility across a broader range of essential women’s health products and services.

    While the CARES Act of 2020 marked a meaningful milestone by making menstrual care products eligible for tax-free reimbursement, many other vital women’s health needs remain excluded. For example, products to reduce or alleviate symptoms of menopause related to sexual function and pelvic floor often require Letters of Medical Necessity (LMN). The same is true for doula services and lactation consultants.

    “There is too much friction to use your HSA/FSA funds on essential women’s health products services,” said Sam O’Keefe, Co-Founder and CEO of Flex. “It’s time we align healthcare benefits with modern women’s health needs.”

    Paving the way for Women’s Health

    Flex’s petition calls for eligibility expansion to include medically recommended—but currently uncovered—items such as lactation support products, pelvic floor trainers, fertility support services, and postnatal supplements. These products and services play a crucial role in prevention, recovery, and overall well-being, yet millions of women are forced to pay out-of-pocket due to outdated policies.

    The petition is supported by over 20 leading women’s health brands—including Embr, LOLA, Daye, Bodily, Pumpin Pal, Lumen, Ingrid & Isabel and others—who are advocating for better access to the tools and treatments that empower women throughout every stage of life.

    Flex encourages consumers, healthcare professionals, and mission-aligned businesses to sign the petition and support broader access to tax-free healthcare dollars for women across the country.

    Sign the petition at: https://www.withflex.com/advocacy

    About Flex

    Flex enables health and wellness brands to accept HSA/FSA payments seamlessly. By unlocking access to over $150 billion in annual tax-free health spending, Flex helps merchants drive new revenue, increase cart sizes, and improve customer retention. Through its marketplace, eligibility tools, and telehealth services for Letters of Medical Necessity, Flex is reimagining how consumers use their health benefits—and advocating for broader, more inclusive coverage. Get started: www.withflex.com.

    The MIL Network –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Preston’s Mayor, Councillor Phil Crowe, bids farewell

    Source: City of Preston

    14 May 2025

    Today, Councillor Philip Crowe, the 696th Mayor of Preston, steps down from his role, making way for Councillor Sue Whittam, who will proudly take on the title of Madam Mayor. 

    “It’s been an honour and a privilege to serve as Mayor of Preston.” 

    To mark the occasion, Councillor Crowe will address fellow councillors and guests at the Mayor Making ceremony in the Council Chamber at Preston Town Hall. 

    Reflecting on his time as Mayor, Councillor Crowe has shared many memorable highlights, from unveiling the Feathers McGraw statue and opening the new Animate Leisure Complex, to meeting famous faces like Nick Park and Paddy McGuinness, and attending the unforgettable Radio 2 in the Park event, where he made a guest appearance on stage in front of thousands with Radio 2 DJ Sara Cox.

    Speaking fondly about that weekend, Councillor Crowe said: 

    “That was brilliant — I was dying to see the Pet Shop Boys. We were taken to this huge tent, filled with screens, surrounded by police, fire and rescue, the ambulance service, and Preston City Council.  

    “Then the head of security announced, ‘Ladies and gentlemen, the Mayor and Mayoress of Preston,’ and everyone stood up. It was incredible.” 

    Throughout his mayoral year, Councillor Crowe has championed several charities, including Furniture for Education Worldwide (FEW), Let’s Grow Preston, and Disability Equality North West.

    He is especially proud of his ongoing work with FEW in The Gambia. 

    Reflecting on his time as Mayor, Councillor Crowe said: 

    “Every day has brought a new highlight. The number of people who volunteer in Preston is phenomenal. In addition to my mayoral duties, I’m also honoured to serve as Honorary President of St Catherine’s Hospice, which alone has more than 600 volunteers.” 

    Though his mayoral chapter is ending, Councillor Crowe will continue to serve as a councillor and remain committed to supporting his community. 

    Councillor Crowe added: 

    “I never imagined becoming a councillor, let alone the Mayor. It’s been an honour and a privilege to represent the city I love.”

     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 15, 2025

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leeds welcomes the announcement that more Civil Service roles will be moved to the city

    Source: City of Leeds

    Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said:

    “We welcome the Government’s continued recognition of Leeds as a key hub for Civil Service roles. With over 14,000 civil servants already based in Leeds, this announcement builds on our role as a major centre for government outside London.

    “Relocating more roles will bring decision-making closer to the communities it serves, support the creation of good jobs, and provide long-term whole career opportunities including for our talented apprentices, graduates and professionals.

    “The Leeds Health and Social Care Hub, which brings together the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS, local government, universities and other partners exemplifies how central government can work hand-in-hand with local delivery organisations to improve outcomes for patients and residents.

    “This move adds to the momentum we’re already seeing in Leeds as a leading financial centre, with major organisations like the Financial Conduct Authority, the Bank of England and the National Wealth Fund choosing to locate roles here – reinforcing the city’s growing national importance as a centre for public service and economic opportunity.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 15, 2025
←Previous Page
1 … 222 223 224 225 226 … 608
Next Page→
NewzIntel.com

NewzIntel.com

MIL Open Source Intelligence

  • Blog
  • About
  • FAQs
  • Authors
  • Events
  • Shop
  • Patterns
  • Themes

Twenty Twenty-Five

Designed with WordPress