Category: Politics

MIL-OSI Global: Mark Carney heads to Washington: His visit with Trump kicks off high-wire politics in Canada

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Thomas Klassen, Professor, School of Public Policy and Administration, York University, Canada

Prime Minister Mark Carney is headed to Washington, D.C., for a high-stakes meeting with Donald Trump as the American president continues his trade war and annexation threats against Canada.

“We are meeting as heads of our government,” Carney said at a news conference late last week. “I am not pretending those discussions will be easy.”

The White House visit comes just a week after Carney led the Liberals to their fourth consecutive election victory.

It was a result that, at first blush, allowed each party to claim that it won, or at least that it did not totally lose. That sets up a Parliamentary session that will feature several interesting dynamics.

The Conservatives under Pierre Poilievre won several more seats than in 2021 and their highest share of the national vote in decades, though Poilievre himself lost his seat.

Read more:
Canada’s Conservatives, with an assist from Donald Trump, are down — but they’re far from out

The NDP under an outgoing Jagmeet Singh managed to hold onto the balance of power in the upcoming minority Parliament for a third consecutive time. Elizabeth May continues to represent the Green Party in the House of Commons. Yves-François Blanchet kept the Bloc Québécois relevant for voters in Québec.

Even Justin Trudeau, no longer in politics, won — his legacy is not in the gutter due to a predicted Conservative majority win that never materialized once Carney replaced him.

But in the coming weeks and months, the leaders and their parties face difficult circumstances that could turn them into losers — most importantly, how Carney manages the relationship with Trump.

The role of Trump

Carney and the Liberals capitalized on exceptional
circumstances driven by Donald Trump’s trade war and threats to make Canada the 51st state. Winning four consecutive elections is a rare feat for any political party in Canada.
But Carney cannot count on fortune continuing to smile upon him. He must now manage a party within which he has little history and few favours to call in — a party that he has dragged from centre-left under Trudeau to centre-right.

The new prime minister will have to rely on aides and advisers to a much greater extent than all former office-holders who had years or decades of experience in the political area, including the House of Commons. At the same time, he will have to demonstrate to Canadians that he is in charge and makes the final decisions.

Invariably, there will be Liberal missteps in the weeks ahead: ethical lapses for some MPs, ministerial appointments that go awry and disappointment among those not appointed to cabinet. Because Carney has been prime minister for less than two months, the upcoming Speech from the Throne on May 27 — to be delivered by King Charles — that sets the government’s goals is shrouded in mystery.

Beyond Ottawa, premiers from several different political parties — each with their own agenda — await Carney. South of the border, the unpredictable Trump, with his infuriating rhetoric and disruptive actions, is in office for another three-and-half-years.

As a newcomer to politics elected on his first attempt to the country’s highest political office, Carney could have at least have one topic of conversation in common with Trump when they meet on Tuesday. Trump too was a political outsider who catapulted into office on his first attempt. The two may find some bond in their shared experience.

The greatest danger for Carney is not from Trump’s rhetoric but from broader economic conditions. He ran for office on the promise of being able to manage economic turmoil. But politicians of any stripe have little control in a global economic slump or an all-out tariff war. If unemployment, inflation or the cost-of-living tick upward, Carney will quickly lose his lustre among many Canadians.

The new Parliament

For the Conservatives, Poilievre’s leadership will continue to weigh on the party in the weeks and months ahead. Losing his Ottawa seat weakens his claim to stay on as leader. He now needs to win a byelection in Alberta triggered by the resignation of Conservative MP Damien Kurek.

The worst outcome for the party is years of infighting between those who support giving Poilievre one more chance and those who believe that 2025 is the best the party can do under his leadership.

The best outcome is for Poilievre to become a bridge-builder within the party and to Conservatives across Canada, and to rebrand himself to be more palatable to Canadian voters. This will not be easy and he hasn’t shown much inclination to do so.

The NDP’s Singh has already announced his resignation and accepted responsibility for the party electing only seven MPs. A period of soul-searching leading to a leadership contest has already started. The loss of seats, and returning to Ottawa with an interim leader, lessens the voice of the party in political discourse. If a new leader is elected who is not an MP, the party will be further hampered.

The Greens remain in the House of Commons, but as a party of one. The jury continues is out on whether the party can exist without its leader, Elizabeth May, who has said she wouldn’t rule out joining Carney’s cabinet.

Blanchet returns to Ottawa with fewer Bloc MPs and a murky mission. He had hoped that the Bloc would hold the balance of power once the votes were counted, but was foiled by the NDP. He has already faced criticism from his own supporters when he promised to collaborate with other parties in Ottawa to secure Canada’s economic future.

Beginning with Carney’s handling of Trump this week, how skilfully each party, and leader, performs its distinct high-wire act in the next months will determine the ultimate winners and losers. The show is about to start.

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

– ref. Mark Carney heads to Washington: His visit with Trump kicks off high-wire politics in Canada – https://theconversation.com/mark-carney-heads-to-washington-his-visit-with-trump-kicks-off-high-wire-politics-in-canada-255675

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Vice Premier Calls for All Measures to Treat Victims of Sightseeing Boat Crash in Southwest China

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

GUIYANG, May 5 (Xinhua) — Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing on Monday called for all-out efforts to rescue and treat people injured in the multiple ship sinking incident in southwest China’s Guizhou Province.

On the afternoon of May 4, a sudden strong wind caused four boats to capsize on a river in Qianxi City, leaving 84 people in the water. By 12:45 p.m. Monday, all the victims had been found: 10 people were dead, 70 were injured, and four were uninjured.

Zhang Guoqing, who is also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, went to the scene of the tragedy and then to a local hospital to direct rescue work and provide medical assistance.

At a meeting early Monday morning, he called for medical professionals and resources to be properly deployed to treat the injured to minimize the number of deaths and disabilities due to injuries. The vice premier also called for comprehensive support for the families of the victims.

Zhang Guoqing required strengthening the implementation of safety management responsibility measures, including accident prevention, identification of hidden dangers and elimination of deficiencies, to effectively prevent and minimize major accidents.

As the vice-premier of the Chinese government emphasized, it is necessary to focus on key areas such as tourist attractions, large public facilities, residential areas and transportation routes, and identify and eliminate hidden risks based on the lessons learned from previous incidents.

To ensure people’s safety, it is necessary to strengthen weather monitoring and early warning systems for adverse weather conditions, strengthen mechanisms for responding to early warnings and coordinating emergency operations, and strictly implement measures to restrict visits to tourist sites and navigation of passenger ships during bad weather, Zhang Guoqing added. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Cantwell Statement Ahead of Nat’l Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington Maria Cantwell

05.05.25

Cantwell Statement Ahead of Nat’l Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People

According to the Washington State Patrol, there are currently 112 unsolved cases of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) a senior member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, released the following statement ahead of Monday, May 5^th, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP).

“May 5^th is a day we remember the victims of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis and recognize the suffering of families and Native communities,” said Sen. Cantwell. “We must stand together, continue to demand justice, and work together to get more law enforcement resources on the ground to help tribes protect their people from violence.”

Sen. Cantwell has been a vocal advocate and leader in championing legislation to help end the MMIWP crisis. In 2020, Sen. Cantwell’s Savanna’s Act was signed into law to help federal, state, and tribal law enforcement agencies better respond to cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and people by improving coordination among all levels of law enforcement, increasing data collection and information sharing, and providing tribal governments with vital resources.

In May 2023, Sen. Cantwell held a press conference in Seattle with representatives from the Seattle Indian Health Board, tribal leaders, Indigenous community organizations, MMIWP advocates and loved ones of Indigenous persons who have gone missing. At the press conference, Sen. Cantwell announced she sent a letter to the Biden Administration urging them to prioritize funding to assist Tribes and organizations working to combat the MMIWP crisis. Video from that presser is available HERE, photos HERE, and a transcript HERE.

Following Sen. Cantwell’s urging, in June 2023 the U.S. Department of Justice announced the creation of the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Regional Outreach Program, which dedicated five Assistant U.S. Attorneys and five coordinators to the task of resolving the cases of missing and murdered indigenous people. This included dedicated personnel based in Eastern Washington.

In July 2023, Sen. Cantwell introduced the Parity for Tribal Law Enforcement Act to help tribal police departments hire and retain tribal law enforcement officers by providing access to federal retirement, pension, death, and injury benefits on par with law enforcement officers from non-tribal jurisdictions. In May 2024, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held a hearing on Sen. Cantwell’s bill, which included testimony from Chris Sutter, Chief of Police of the Tulalip Tribal Police Department, and officials from the Department of the Interior and the National Congress of American Indians in support of the legislation. The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs favorably reported Sen. Cantwell’s bill to the full Senate in September 2024.

In October 2024, Sen. Cantwell announced $6.9 million in federal funding for state and municipal law enforcement agencies, tribal justice departments and programs, and medical examiner offices to help prosecute violence against women and children cases, among other things.

Sen. Cantwell has also helped secure public safety funding specifically for tribal communities. In the 2013 and 2022 reauthorizations of the Violence Against Women Act, Sen. Cantwell fought to include strong tribal policies including: allowing tribes to continue to have jurisdiction over dating violence and domestic violence crimes and violations of tribal protection orders, restoring tribal jurisdiction over violent and dangerous crimes such as child and sexual abuse, sex trafficking and stalking, and providing tribes with more resources to improve and build public safety programs within their communities.

In 2019, Sen. Cantwell co-sponsored the Securing Urgent Resources Vital to Indian Victim Empowerment (SURVIVE) Act to provide a substantial increase in resources for tribal crime victim assistance programs.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Van Orden Calls for Adjustment to SNAP Funding Proposal, Protections to Medicaid

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin 3rd)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) urged House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson to reconsider an adjustment proposal to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). To adhere to the reconciliation budget instructions agreed to by the House and Senate, the House Agriculture Committee proposed shifting a blanket 25% of SNAP costs on state governments.

Congressman Van Orden proposed an alternative that would tie each state’s cost-sharing responsibility to its SNAP error rate. For instance, Wisconsin had a 4.74% overpayment error rate in 2023, so the state would be responsible for 4.74% of the cost.

In addition to the letter, Rep. Van Orden signed on to a resolution that would prevent budget reconciliation from cutting Medicaid and SNAP benefits for the most vulnerable populations.

“I write today in strong opposition to the reckless proposals under consideration that would impose up to 25% of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs on state governments,” Rep. Van Orden states in the letter. “However, any solution must avoid placing disproportionate burdens on rural states, where food insecurity is often more widespread. These communities are already underserved – we cannot place the financial responsibility on the backs of some of our most vulnerable populations, including hungry children. Period.”

The Congressman continues, “Rather than threatening the benefits of those who rightfully receive SNAP, we should focus efforts on correcting inefficiencies. In FY2023, the national SNAP overpayment error rate was 10.03%, resulting in an estimated $13 billion in improperly issued benefits. This is where our attention should be.”

To read the full letter, click here or scroll below.

April 30, 2025

The Honorable Glenn “GT” Thompson

House Agriculture Committee

1300 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

Dear Chairman Thompson,

I write today in strong opposition to the reckless proposals under consideration that would impose up to 25% of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) costs on state governments.

As you know, SNAP is currently funded entirely by the federal government, while state agencies are responsible for administering the program, including determining eligibility and distributing benefits. I fully support holding states accountable and agree that we must aggressively address the overpayments, fraud, waste, and abuse that undermine the program’s integrity.

However, any solution must avoid placing disproportionate burdens on rural states, where food insecurity is often more widespread. These communities are already underserved—we cannot place the financial responsibility on the backs of some of our most vulnerable populations, including hungry children. Period.

Rather than threatening the benefits of those who rightfully receive SNAP, we should focus efforts on correcting inefficiencies. In FY2023, the national SNAP overpayment error rate was 10.03%, resulting in an estimated $13 billion in improperly issued benefits. This is where our attention should be.

I propose an alternative to a blanket 25% cost shift: tie each state’s cost-sharing responsibility to its SNAP error rate. For instance, Wisconsin had a 4.74% overpayment error rate in 2023, so the state would be responsible for 4.74% of the cost—not a penny more. It is fair, proportional, and incentivizes good program management by holding states that have run the program with large error directly accountable for their mishandling of funds without a bailout from the states who have responsibly administered program benefits.

We can fix what is broken without punishing those who need this program most.

Sincerely,

Derrick Van Orden

Member of Congress

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Baldwin, Colleagues Demand to Know Who Killed Minority Business Development Agency, Why & Where’s the Money Going?

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) joined her colleagues in demanding that Keith Sonderling, the purported Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), promptly turn over key documents and information related to the dismantling of the agency and recent funding termination notices sent to all grantees by a member of Elon Musk’s DOGE, including Wisconsin’s office.
“In one MBDA termination notice reviewed by our offices, the Department claims the grant is being terminated because it ‘is unfortunately no longer consistent with the agency’s priorities and no longer serves the interests of the United States and the MBDA Program,” wrote Baldwin and the lawmakers in a letter to Sonderling. “The termination notice further states that, ‘MBDA is repurposing its funding allocations in a new direction in furtherance of the President’s agenda.’ … [T]he notice is silent about why the grants are inconsistent with the MBDA’s priorities and programs—which Congress, nor the Department, set by statute. And it suggests the DOC or others in the Administration may be using funding appropriated for the MBDA for other, unrelated purposes.”
Baldwin and the Senators questioned Sonderling about the notice terminating all MBDA grants, which was signed by Nate Cavanaugh, a member of Elon Musk’s DOGE and “Under the Authority of Keith Sonderling, Acting Undersecretary of MBDA.”
“This raises significant questions regarding Mr. Cavanaugh’s precise role at DOC and the mechanism by which you or other members of DOC leadership delegated him authority to terminate MBDA grants on behalf of the Department,” Baldwin and the lawmakers continued. “Our offices have also obtained information indicating you may not have been aware these termination notices were being sent out by Mr. Cavanaugh under your authority, which would raise further questions about who is actually running the Department: Secretary Lutnick or Elon Musk and DOGE?”
This letter follows Baldwin demanding Secretary Lutnick, on March 25 and April 17, answer questions about the gutting of MBDA despite his testimony before the Commerce Committee stating he would not support doing so.
Senator Baldwin worked with Republicans to include the Minority Business Development Act of 2021 as an amendment to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), making the MBDA permanent and increasing its funding authorization and reach. Baldwin then worked to bring a new Minority Business Development Center to Wisconsin, along with a $1.61 million grant to support its work assisting small businesses.
The full letter is available here and below.
Acting Under Secretary Sonderling:
On March 25, 2025, and April 17, 2025, we sent letters to Secretary Howard Lutnick raising serious concerns about the apparent dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), despite his testimony before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation stating he would not support doing so. In our April 17 letter, we requested specific documents and information that would help address our outstanding questions and concerns regarding the MBDA. On April 24, 2025, we received a letter from the Department of Commerce (DOC) Acting Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs purporting to respond to our April 17 letter. This response, however, contained a mere three sentences related to the MBDA and failed to answer or meaningfully address any of our requests. Given Secretary Lutnick’s apparent disregard for our concerns about the Department’s actions against the MBDA, we are now requesting you provide documents and information related to this inquiry.
Since our most recent letter, our offices have obtained information demonstrating that DOC has canceled all MBDA grants—further dismantling an agency Congress statutorily authorized, despite Secretary Lutnick’s testimony to the contrary. In one MBDA termination notice reviewed by our offices, the Department claims the grant is being terminated because it “is unfortunately no longer consistent with the agency’s priorities and no longer serves the interests of the United States and the MBDA Program.” The termination notice further states that, “MBDA is repurposing its funding allocations in a new direction in furtherance of the President’s agenda.” Beyond these conclusory assertions, however, the notice is silent about why the grants are inconsistent with the MBDA’s priorities and programs—which Congress, not the Department, set by statute. And it suggests the DOC or others in the Administration may be using funding appropriated for the MBDA for other, unrelated purposes.
Raising further concerns, the termination notice was signed by Nate Cavanaugh—who we understand to be part of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—and is signed “Under the Authority of Keith Sonderling, Acting Undersecretary of MBDA.” Mr. Cavanaugh has reportedly been interviewing employees at the General Services Administration and overseeing efforts to dismantle another agency, the U.S. Institute of Peace. The termination notice indicates that Mr. Cavanaugh now has a DOC e-mail address. This raises significant questions regarding Mr. Cavanaugh’s precise role at DOC and the mechanism by which you or other members of DOC leadership delegated him authority to terminate MDBA grants on behalf of the Department. Our offices have also obtained information indicating you may not have been aware these termination notices were being sent out by Mr. Cavanaugh under your authority, which would raise further questions about who is actually running the Department: Secretary Lutnick or Elon Musk and DOGE?
Given the lack of responsiveness from the Department to date, we reiterate the requests raised in our April 17, 2025 letter, and request the following additional documents and information no later than May 14, 2025:
A complete description of Mr. Cavanaugh’s position at DOC, including his title, job description, date(s) of employment, any salary, any benefits, supervisor, and direct reports. Please also identify all other federal e-mail addresses assigned to or used by Mr. Cavanaugh of which you are aware.
Documents sufficient to show Mr. Cavanaugh’s delegated authority to execute termination notices to MBDA grantees.
Documentation sufficient to show your appointment as Acting Under Secretary for Minority Business Development Agency and the date of such appointment.
A complete description of your decision to delegate your authority to Mr. Cavanaugh for the purpose of terminating MBDA grants, including the extent to which Secretary Lutnick or any other senior DOC official was involved in making this decision.
A complete description of the types of funded activities that are considered “consistent with the agency’s priorities” and “serve[] the interests of…the MBDA program.”
A detailed explanation of how the MBDA intends to “repurpos[e] its funding allocations in a new direction in furtherance of the President’s agenda,” including any specific program or activity that has received or is expected to receive repurposed funding.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xi’s historical insights into war and peace 2025-05-06 01:17:07 As the top Chinese leader travels to Moscow to celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, his presence both carries the weight of history and reaffirms a vision of the future.

Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

Chinese President Xi Jinping watches the military parade during the commemoration activities to mark the 70th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 3, 2015. (Xinhua/Lan Hongguang)

BEIJING, May 5 (Xinhua) — In the stately Conference Building at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, a 65-inch-tall resplendent bronze vessel gleams under soft light, its cloisonne enamel blazing in vibrant Chinese red.

The “Zun of Peace,” presented by Chinese President Xi Jinping in September 2015 as a special gift for the United Nations’ 70th anniversary, is not merely a delicate artifact. It embodies the aspiration and conviction of the Chinese people to seek peace, development, cooperation and win-win outcomes, Xi said at its unveiling.

A decade later, as the top Chinese leader travels to Moscow to celebrate the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War, his presence both carries the weight of history and reaffirms a vision of the future.

Leading a nation always aspiring for peace and harmony in its long history and further strengthened by its battles against militarism, imperialism and fascism in its recent past, Xi commands a unique insight into the value of peace, and has steadfastly championed the building of a peaceful world, a cause of great urgency given the tensions and conflicts on the global landscape today.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) attends a presentation ceremony on which the Chinese government gives the “Zun of Peace” to the United Nations as a gift in New York, the United States, Sept. 27, 2015. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

Xi sees history as a mirror from which humanity should draw lessons to avoid repeating past calamities.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in what is commonly known in China as the World Anti-Fascist War or, more globally, as World War II. Almost every part of the world was involved, and more than 100 million were killed or wounded in what was described as the most destructive conflict in human history.

The bravery and tremendous sacrifice of the Chinese people played a decisive role in defeating Fascist Japan and offered strategic support to the Allies on the European and Pacific battlefields.

“History has told us to stay on high alert against war, which, like a demon and nightmare, would bring disaster and pain to the people,” Xi once said. “History has also told us to preserve peace with great care, as peace, like air and sunshine, is hardly noticed when people are benefiting from it, but none of us can live without it.”

This historical observation features prominently in Xi’s unrelenting pursuit of peace. He has repeatedly reiterated China’s commitment to peaceful development, pledging that China will never seek hegemony, expansion or any sphere of influence, no matter how strong it may grow.

During a 2014 visit to France, Xi reshaped Napoleon’s metaphor of China as a “sleeping lion” that would shake the world upon awakening. “Now China the lion has awakened. But it is a peaceful, amicable and civilized lion,” Xi said when illustrating the peaceful dimension of the Chinese Dream.

Xi’s philosophy stems from the millennia-old Chinese culture. An avid reader of traditional Chinese classics, he once expounded how ancient Chinese wisdom views war and peace by quoting “The Art of War,” a Chinese classic written more than 2,000 years ago.

The book’s key message “is that every effort should be made to prevent a war and great caution must be exercised when it comes to fighting a war,” Xi said when delivering a keynote speech in the UN Office at Geneva in 2017.

Xi’s view on prudence in warfare is also reflected in his exchanges with foreign leaders and officials.

“It has long been known that the real experts on military affairs do not want to employ military means to solve issues,” he quoted a Chinese aphorism when meeting with then U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis in Beijing in 2018.

Chinese President Xi Jinping straightens the ribbon on a flower basket during a ceremony to present flower baskets to fallen heroes at Tian’anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

A clear manifestation of Xi’s reflection is to cherish history and honor heroes. “A nation of hope cannot be without heroes,” Xi once said. Every year since 2014, Xi has paid tribute to China’s fallen heroes on Martyrs’ Day, which falls on Sept. 30, a day ahead of the country’s National Day.

In 2015, when China celebrated the 70th anniversary of its victory in World War II, Xi presented medals to Chinese veterans and representatives from Russia and other countries who assisted Chinese soldiers on the battlefields.

Nikolai Chuikov, the grandson of Soviet General Marshal Vasily Chuikov, was among those who received a peace medal from Xi. “Of all the honors I have won, I hold the highest regard for the peace medal,” he said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R, front) shakes hands with a Russian veteran in Moscow, Russia, on May 8, 2015. (Xinhua/Zhang Duo)

MIL OSI China News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Security: Pittsburgh Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Firearm

Source: Office of United States Attorneys

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to three years of imprisonment on his conviction of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Nora Barry Fischer imposed the sentence on Deon Cortez Dutrieuille, 24, on May 1, 2025.

According to information presented to the Court, on November 25, 2023, the Monroeville Police Department were called to the Monroeville Mall in connection with a retail theft investigation. When they arrived, Dutrieuille was in the driver’s seat of a vehicle wearing a stolen jacket for which he admitted not paying. At that time, Dutrieuille had an outstanding arrest warrant in connection with an unrelated incident. When the officers tried to speak with Dutrieuille, the defendant provided fake names and then fled on foot. After apprehending and taking Dutrieuille into custody, officers conducted a search of the car and seized a stolen Glock handgun. Dutrieuille’s fingerprints were found on the gun by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office. Dutrieuille had multiple prior felony convictions, including in a robbery and prior illegal gun possession cases. Federal law prohibits possession of a firearm or ammunition by a convicted felon.

Assistant United States Attorney Brendan T. Conway prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Acting United States Attorney Rivetti commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Monroeville Police Department for the investigation leading to the successful prosecution of Dutrieuille.

MIL Security OSI –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI: VERAXA Biotech Enters Co-discovery Alliance with OmniAb for a Novel Bispecific Antibody Drug Conjugate Program

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — VERAXA Biotech AG (“VERAXA”), an emerging leader in designing novel cancer therapies and proposed de-SPAC acquisition target of Voyager Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ: VACH, “Voyager”), announced today a co-discovery alliance with OmniAb, Inc. (NASDAQ: OABI, “OmniAb”) for the development of a novel bispecific antibody drug conjugate (“bsADC”) program targeting solid tumors. The collaboration brings together OmniAb’s suite of transgenic antibody discovery solutions with VERAXA’s proprietary antibody drug conjugate (“ADC”) linker technology and conjugation expertise to support next-generation therapeutic discovery.

“This partnership brings together two highly complementary technologies to create a new class of bispecific ADCs,” commented Christoph Antz, Ph.D., CEO and Co-Founder of VERAXA. “Bispecific ADCs represent a powerful opportunity to address difficult-to-treat solid tumors, and this collaboration fits squarely within our mission to drive innovation through targeted partnerships. Strategic collaborations will continue to be a mainstay in VERAXA’s pipeline growth strategy, and today’s announcement marks the second major initiative within the past six months, following our first radiopharmaceutical alliance late last year. We look forward to advancing this discovery program alongside OmniAb and deliver novel therapeutic solutions for patients with significant unmet needs.”

Under the terms of the agreement, VERAXA will initiate a novel bispecific antibody drug conjugate program addressing two attractive target molecules in cancer medicine. The Company will utilize OmniAb’s suite of transgenic antibody discovery solutions to source high-quality human antibody leads, which are naturally optimized through in vivo affinity maturation. VERAXA will subsequently establish the bsADC lead candidate by applying its proprietary linker technology and conjugation routine and will be responsible for preclinical validation. The resulting bsADC program will be jointly owned by both parties. Both parties will share any future revenues resulting from the program’s continued development, licensing and commercialization.

About VERAXA Biotech

At VERAXA, we are building a premier engine for the discovery and development of next-generation antibody-based therapeutics, including bispecific ADCs, bispecific T cell engagers and other innovative formats. Powered by a suite of transformative technologies and guided by rigorous quality-by-design principles, we are rapidly advancing our pipeline of ADCs and proprietary BiTAC formats into clinical development and beyond. VERAXA was founded on scientific breakthroughs made at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory, a world-renowned institution known for pioneering life science research and cutting-edge technologies. For more information, please visit www.veraxa.com.

On April 22, 2025, VERAXA entered into a definitive business combination agreement (the “Business Combination Agreement”) with Voyager Acquisition Corp., a Cayman Islands exempted company and special purpose acquisition company targeting the healthcare sector (NASDAQ: VACH, “Voyager”). Upon closing of the Business Combination Agreement, VERAXA is expected to become a publicly traded company listed on NASDAQ.

About Voyager Acquisition Corp.

Voyager is a special purpose acquisition company with a bold mission: to revolutionize the healthcare sector through a merger, stock purchase, or business combination. Our team of experienced executives includes unparalleled expertise in investing, operations, and medical innovation, supported by a vast network of connections. With these strengths, we not only seek to drive success but commit to scaling companies to unprecedented heights in the healthcare industry. For more information, please visit https://www.voyageracq.com.

Participants In the Solicitation

Voyager, VERAXA, and their respective directors, executive officers, other members of management and employees may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from Voyager’s stockholders with respect to the Business Combination. Investors and security holders may obtain more detailed information regarding the names and interests in the Business Combination of Voyager’s directors and officers in Voyager’s filings with the SEC, including, when filed with the SEC, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, amendments and supplements thereto, and other documents filed with the SEC. Such information with respect to VERAXA’s directors and executive officers will also be included in the proxy statement/prospectus. You may obtain free copies of these documents as described below under the heading “Additional Information and Where to Find It”.

Non-Solicitation

This press release is not a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy, consent or authorization with respect to any securities or in respect of the potential transaction and shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of Voyager or VERAXA, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes certain statements that may be considered forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements about future events or Voyager’s or VERAXA’s future financial or operating performance. For example, statements regarding VERAXA’s anticipated growth and the anticipated growth and other metrics, statements regarding the benefits of the Business Combination, and the anticipated timing of the completion of the Business Combination are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “should,” “could,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “project,” “strive,” “budget,” “forecast,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “predict,” “potential” or “continue,” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology.

These forward-looking statements regarding future events and the future results of Voyager and VERAXA are based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections about the industry in which VERAXA operates, as well as the beliefs and assumptions of Voyager’s management and VERAXA’s management. These forward-looking statements are only predictions and are subject to, without limitation, (i) known and unknown risks, including the risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the final prospectus of Voyager relating to its initial public offering filed with the SEC, including those under “Risk Factors” therein, and other documents filed or to be filed with the SEC by Voyager; (ii) uncertainties; (iii) assumptions; and (iv) other factors beyond Voyager’s or VERAXA’s control that are difficult to predict because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. They are neither statements of historical fact nor promises or guarantees of future performance. Therefore, VERAXA’s actual results may differ materially and adversely from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements and Voyager and VERAXA therefore caution against relying on any of these forward-looking statements.

These forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Voyager and its management, VERAXA and its management, as the case may be, are inherently uncertain and are inherently subject to risks, variability and contingencies, many of which are beyond Voyager’s or VERAXA’s control. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, but are not limited to: (i) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the Business Combination Agreement and any subsequent definitive agreements with respect to the Business Combination; (ii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Voyager, VERAXA, or others following the announcement of the Business Combination and any definitive agreements with respect thereto; (iii) the inability to complete the Business Combination due to the failure to obtain consents and approvals of the shareholders of Voyager, to obtain financing to complete the Business Combination or to satisfy other conditions to closing, or delays in obtaining, adverse conditions contained in, or the inability to obtain necessary regulatory approvals required to complete the transactions contemplated by the Business Combination Agreement; (iv) changes to the proposed structure of the Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining regulatory approval of the Business Combination; (v) projections, estimates and forecasts of revenue and other financial and performance metrics, projections of market opportunity and expectations, and the estimated implied enterprise value of VERAXA; (vi) VERAXA’s ability to scale and grow its business, and the advantages and expected growth of VERAXA; (vii) VERAXA’s ability to source and retain talent, the cash position of VERAXA following closing of the Business Combination; (viii) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards in connection with, and following, the consummation of the Business Combination; (ix) the risk that the Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of VERAXA as a result of the announcement and consummation of the Business Combination; (x) the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of the Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of VERAXA to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain key relationships and retain its management and key employees; (xi) costs related to the Business Combination; (xii) changes in applicable laws, regulations, political and economic developments; (xiii) the possibility that VERAXA may be adversely affected by other economic, business and/or competitive factors; (xiv) VERAXA’s estimates of expenses and profitability; (xv) the failure to realize estimated shareholder redemptions, purchase price and other adjustments; and (xvi) other risks and uncertainties set forth in the filings by Voyager with the SEC. There may be additional risks that neither Voyager nor VERAXA presently know or that Voyager and VERAXA currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Voyager or VERAXA speak only as of the date they are made. None of Voyager or VERAXA undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect any changes in their respective expectations with regard thereto or any changes in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Additional Information and Where to Find It

In connection with the Business Combination Agreement, Voyager and/or VERAXA intend to file relevant materials with the SEC, including the Registration Statement, which will include a proxy statement/prospectus of Voyager, and will file other documents regarding the proposed transaction with the SEC. This communication is not intended to be, and is not, a substitute for the proxy statement/prospectus or any other document that Voyager has filed or may file with the SEC in connection with the proposed transaction. When available, the definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials for the proposed transaction will be mailed or made available to stockholders of Voyager as of a record date to be established for voting on the proposed transaction.

Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and stockholders of Voyager are urged to carefully read, when they become available, the entire registration statement, the proxy statement/prospectus, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements to these documents, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, because they will contain important information about Voyager, VERAXA, and the proposed transaction. Voyager’s investors and stockholders and other interested persons will also be able to obtain copies of the registration statement, the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus, the definitive proxy statement/prospectus, other documents filed with the SEC that will be incorporated by reference therein, and all other relevant documents filed with the SEC by Voyager in connection with the Transaction, without charge, once available, at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to Voyager at the address set forth below.

Contact

The MIL Network –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Harriet Hageman Selected for the Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program

Source: United States House of Representatives – Wyoming Congresswoman Harriet Hageman

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Hageman’s office has been selected for the Green and Gold Congressional Aide Program. The program offers eligible veterans, Gold Star Families, and active-duty spouses a two-year paid fellowship within the U.S. House of Representatives with a goal to provide hands-on experience and professional exposure, expanding career prospects for participants.

Through the program, Congresswoman Hageman is seeking eligible candidates for a position in her Cheyenne office. The individual selected for the role will work with military and veteran constituents, assisting them with casework issues involving federal agencies.

“Wyoming has an incredible veteran population, and my office serves as a resource to assist them with receiving their benefits and ensuring our active military and veteran community are well represented in Congress. It’s important that we honor our service members with Congressional assistance provided by someone who understands their needs due to personal experience and this program will do just that.” Representative Hageman stated, “I am pleased to be working with the House of Representatives to help ensure veterans and military personnel living in Wyoming have access to our federal government and the care and services they have earned.”

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: CDU/CSU and SPD leaders sign agreement to form new coalition government in Germany

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News

BERLIN, May 5 (Xinhua) — The leaders of the conservative Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) bloc and the center-left Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) signed a coalition agreement on Monday, paving the way for the formation of a new federal government in Germany.

Under the coalition pact, finally agreed in April after weeks of negotiations, the parties pledge to increase Germany’s economic competitiveness, strengthen national defence and tighten migration policy.

The CDU/CSU, informally referred to as the “Union Parties” or “the Union”, is a conservative political alliance of two German political parties.

On May 6, the Bundestag, Germany’s unicameral parliament, is expected to elect CDU leader Friedrich Merz as chancellor of Germany.

Following the election of F. Merz, his government will begin work, ending the current administration led by Chancellor Olaf Scholz. SPD co-chairman Lars Klingbeil will take up the post of vice-chancellor in the new government. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Smucker, Sewell, Tillis, and Hickenlooper Reintroduce Retirement Savings for Americans Act
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-16)

WASHINGTON – Representatives Lloyd Smucker and Terri Sewell and U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Thom Tillis have reintroduced the Retirement Savings for Americans Act (RSAA), legislation to help low- and middle-income Americans build wealth and save for retirement. The bill would establish a new program that gives eligible workers access to portable, tax-advantaged retirement savings accounts. If passed, the RSAA would allow the federal government to match contributions for low- and middle-income workers, with the match beginning to phase out at median income.

“Too many hard-working Americans are not able to prepare financially for retirement. Over half of working employees lack access to the tax-advantaged retirement benefits that many higher-income earners take advantage of to save. Additionally, as the workforce continues to innovate and more Americans become categorized as “gig workers,” the reliance on traditional employer-sponsored plans causes too many workers to slip through the cracks. Hard-working Americans deserve a modern pathway to find financial security in their retirement. I am proud to join in this bipartisan and bicameral effort to advance the Retirement Savings for Americans Act, to help millions of Americans save for their retirements. I will continue to advocate for policies which help hard workers live their American Dream, including a well-earned and financially stable retirement,” said Smucker.

“Every Alabamian and every American should be able to retire with dignity after a lifetime of work,” said Sewell. “Democrats and Republicans alike recognize the urgent need for Congress to address the gaps in our retirement system and make it easier for low- and middle-income workers to save for retirement. I am proud to once again work with my House and Senate colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance the Retirement Savings for Americans Act which would level the playing field for working families and build a stronger economy for all Americans.”

“Roughly 50 million Americans lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan, which represents a significant roadblock to achieving financial security for their retirement,” said Tillis. “The Retirement Savings for Americans Act tackles this real problem by establishing a pathway for savings for Americans lacking retirement options.”

“Americans who work hard their entire lives deserve to retire with dignity,” said Hickenlooper. “This bill helps low-income workers enjoy a secure retirement and fulfill their American dream.’’

A study by the National Council on Aging found that 80% of aging Americans are struggling financially or are at risk of financial insecurity, and therefore, not prepared to retire. In a new ranking of the world’s retirement systems, the U.S. scored a C+, mainly because the current system works well for white collar workers but fails gig workers and blue collar workers. If trends continue, inadequate retirement savings will cost state and federal governments a combined $1.3 trillion in increased spending by 2040.

A recent report from the RAND Corporation indicates that over 40 million Americans, or 26 percent of the nation’s workforce who lack access to retirement plans, would receive matching federal benefits under the RSAA. Additionally, the RAND study reports that the RSAA could pay for itself in approximately thirty years by reducing reliance on other federal programs.

The RSAA enjoys broad support. View a full list of endorsements of the legislation HERE.

“The Retirement Savings for Americans Act would create a healthier retirement system, a more financially secure workforce, and a stronger economy for all Americans,” said John Lettieri, President and CEO, Economic Innovation Group. “By ensuring that all workers — regardless of their employer or income — have the opportunity and incentives to build long-term financial security, the RSAA would boost the wealth of the working class and significantly reduce the strain on the social safety net over time. EIG is proud to have worked closely with Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis and Representatives Smucker and Sewell on this important legislation, and we applaud them for their bipartisan leadership on behalf of American workers.”

“Nearly 1 out of 4 Americans has no retirement savings, and more than half of all Americans report they are concerned they will not achieve financial security in retirement. We know that Americans are much more likely to save when they have access to retirement savings options at work. Today nearly half of all private-sector employees do not have access to an employer-sponsored retirement savings program. The Retirement Savings for Americans Act would help more families across the country save for retirement.” – Bill Sweeney, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, AARP

“Creating this kind of program meets an obligation we all share to help every working American build financial security and well-being in retirement. I also know it will offset future support we surely would have to provide if we don’t help more people begin to build that security today. And in true American spirit, it isn’t a giveaway, but an incentive for working individuals to begin helping themselves and their families.” – Charles R. Schwab, Founder and Chairman, Charles Schwab Corporation. Read Mr. Schwab’s full statement.

“With more Americans choosing new ways to work than ever before, we’re proud to support this bipartisan effort to enable more workers in the modern economy to access the kinds of benefits that have long been out of reach for all but full-time employees. This is an important step toward empowering workers like Dashers to choose the independence and flexibility that dashing gives them, while still having access to important benefits. The Retirement Savings for Americans Act makes meaningful progress toward expanding access for retirement savings across the country–regardless of how someone chooses to work. We applaud Senators Hickenlooper and Tillis and Representatives Sewell and Smucker for working across the aisle to address such an important issue for Dashers and other Americans who are choosing new and different ways to work.” – Max Rettig, Vice President of Public Policy, DoorDash

“Uber supports forward-looking legislation like the Retirement Savings for Americans Act to improve independent work across the nation. The bill represents a novel, thoughtful approach to bridging gaps in the existing retirement savings framework. We commend the Congressional sponsors for their ongoing efforts to advance this legislation.” – Javi Correoso, Head of Federal Affairs, Uber

The Retirement Savings for Americans Act contains the following provisions:
- Eligibility and Auto Enrollment: Full- and part-time workers who lack access to an employer-sponsored retirement plan would be eligible for an account, and they would be automatically enrolled at 3% of their income. They could choose to increase or decrease their withholding, or opt out entirely at any time. Independent workers (including gig workers) would also be eligible.
- Federal Contribution: Low- and moderate-income workers would be eligible for a 1% automatic contribution (as long as they remain employed) and up to a 4% matching contribution via a refundable federal tax credit. This would begin to phase out at median income.
- Portability: Accounts would remain attached to workers throughout their lifetimes, and workers would be able to stop and start contributions at will.
- Private Assets: The accounts would be the property of the worker and the assets could be passed down to future generations to help them build wealth and financial security.
- Investment Options: Much like the current Thrift Savings Plan, participants would be given a menu of simple, low-fee investment options to choose from, including lifecycle funds tied to a worker’s estimated retirement date, or index funds made of stocks and bonds.
Full text of the bill is available HERE and a one-page explainer of the bill HERE.

# # #

MIL OSI USA News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Gonzalez Urges President Trump to Issue Disaster Declaration for South Texas

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (15th District of Texas)

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) sent a letter to President Trump and FEMA Acting Administrator Cameron Hamilton urging the administration to issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the Rio Grande Valley so that South Texans impacted by the March 2025 floods can receive essential federal assistance.

This letter follows Congressman Gonzalez’s letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott on March 28, 2025, urging him to issue a disaster declaration, and the Governor’s letter to President Trump on April 17, 2025, requesting a Presidential Disaster Declaration. Nearly a month after the devastating floods, South Texans remain waiting for a determination and final decision from the Trump administration.

The letter reads: “Due to the damage, on March 28, 2025, I wrote to Governor Greg Abbott urging him to issue a disaster declaration for South Texas so that the affected counties could receive assistance: Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy counties.”

“As a result, on March 29, 2025, Governor Abbott issued a disaster declaration for the four affected counties. Over the last several weeks, members of the Texas Department of Emergency Management (TDEM), Small Business Administration (SBA), and local governments coordinated a Damage Assessment of the area. As of April 14, 2025, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) confirmed the following damages to homes: 842 affected, 2,618 minor, 1,911 major, and 235 destroyed.”

“As time progresses and people recover, our communities will continue to confront the long-term damage that these floods left behind…As Congressman for the 34th Congressional District of Texas, I urge you to head Governor Abbott’s request to issue a Presidential Disaster Declaration for the Rio Grande Valley and the release Individual Assistance (IA) funds to allow affected communities to rebuild. South Texans need assistance and rely on their public officials to step up and help them. I look forward to working together for the betterment of all South Texans.”

Read the full letter here.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Washington joins states suing to stop dismantling federal Health and Human Services
Source: Washington State News

SEATTLE — Attorney General Nick Brown today joined 18 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and other Trump administration officials to stop the dismantling of HHS.

Since taking office, Kennedy and the Trump administration have fired thousands of federal health workers, shuttered vital programs, and abandoned states to face mounting health crises without federal support. The attorneys general argue that Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration have robbed HHS of the resources necessary to effectively serve the American people.

“These actions are both plainly illegal and a moral failing. More Americans will suffer from illness, injury, and death without these commonsense programs,” Brown said. “A robust public health system that serves communities with the most barriers to appropriate medical care is vital.”

The administration has wreaked havoc across the entire health system through their reckless and illegal cuts. Among the examples are
- Miners suffering from black lung disease have been left unprotected as congressionally mandated surveillance programs were abruptly shut down.
- Workers have lost reliable access N95 masks following the closure of the nation’s only federal mask approval laboratory.
- Key Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infectious disease laboratories have been shuttered, including those responsible for testing and tracking measles, effectively halting the federal government’s ability to monitor the disease nationwide.
- Hundreds of employees working on mental health and addiction treatment, including half of the entire workforce at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), have lost their jobs, and all SAMHSA regional offices are now closed.
- Pregnant women and newborns are now at risk after the firing of the entire CDC maternal health team and Head Start centers could face closures after many regional employees at the Office of Head Start were let go.
- The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP), which provides life-saving care to more than 137,000 9/11 first responders and survivors, has lost the doctors needed to certify new cancer diagnoses, leaving American heroes without access to the health care they deserve.
These sweeping actions are in clear violation of hundreds of federal statutes and regulations. The administration is disregarding the constitutional separation of powers and undermining the laws and budgets enacted by Congress to protect public health.

The coalition is urging the court to halt the mass firings, reverse the illegal reorganization, and restore the critical health services that millions of Americans depend on.

In April, Brown joined a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against Secretary Kennedy and the Trump administration for abruptly and unlawfully slashing billions of dollars in vital state health funding. Days later, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order against the Administration, temporarily reinstating the funding.

Joining Washington in this lawsuit – led by Brown, New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha – are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

A copy of the complaint is available here.

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

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

Media Contact:

Email: press@atg.wa.gov

Phone: (360) 753-2727

General contacts: Click here

Media Resource Guide & Attorney General’s Office FAQ

MIL OSI USA News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Oregon DEQ to reopen Clean Vehicle Rebate Program on May 22
Source: US State of Oregon

he wait is over! The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality today announced it will reopen the popular Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program on Thursday, May 22. In even more exciting news, the program will remain open longer this year due to funds awarded to DEQ last summer through the Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action grant. Any vehicles purchased or leased before May 22 are not eligible to apply for the rebate.

DEQ offers two rebates*:
- Standard Rebate (Open to all Oregon residents, businesses, non-profits and government agencies): Up to $2,500 for the purchase or lease of a new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, or a new zero-emission motorcycle selected from the Standard Rebate Eligible Vehicle List.
- Charge Ahead Rebate (Open to low- and moderate-income households and nonprofit, low-income service providers):
  - The Used Charge Ahead Rebate: $5,000 for the purchase or lease of an eligible used battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
  - The New Charge Ahead Rebate: Up to $7,500 for the purchase or lease of an eligible new battery electric or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.
  - Select vehicle options from the Charge Ahead Eligible Vehicle List.
*You may only apply for one rebate.

To determine Charge Ahead Rebate eligibility for individuals, check DEQ’s Charge Ahead Rebate: Income Eligibility web page. Charge Ahead Rebate applicants can prequalify by completing the prequalification application to receive a voucher to be used at participating dealerships.

“The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program is enormously popular,” said DEQ Air Quality Transportation Section Manager Rachel Sakata. “By helping to offset the cost of an electric vehicle, it continues to be one of the best ways many individuals and families can gain access to cleaner transportation and improve air quality across the state.”

The Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program receives at least $12 million annually, or 45% of the state’s Vehicle Privilege Tax. Last year, overwhelming demand closed the program after just two months. However, the $31 million CERTA grant will expand the Charge Ahead Rebate option, giving more low- and moderate-income households access to savings. DEQ will monitor rebates and is required to suspend the program once funds are depleted. The agency will announce the closure date at least 30 days in advance.

Applicants have six months from date of purchase or lease to apply for a rebate. However, people are encouraged to apply early and track available rebate funding online. If approved applications are submitted after funds are depleted, those applicants will be placed on a waitlist for payment in early spring 2026.

Electric vehicles purchased or leased before May 22, 2025 will not receive state rebates and will not be placed on a waiting list, but they may still qualify for federal tax credits.

A variety of state agencies and public electric utilities offer savings on electric vehicle purchases, leases or charging infrastructure. The Go Electric Oregon website lists available incentives and provides helpful information for potential electric vehicle buyers and lessees.

DEQ’s Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate Program web page has all the details. Please visit the EV Rebate Contact web page to ask questions. You may register at OCVRP Sign Up to receive program updates by email.

MIL OSI USA News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Sues Trump Administration over Unlawful Mass Firings and Dismantling at HHS
Source: US State of California

17th lawsuit against Trump Administration asks court to block implementation of “Make America Healthy Again” Directive

OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration challenging the unlawful mass firing of roughly 10,000 full-time U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) employees, the consolidation of 28 HHS divisions into 15 divisions, and the closing of half of HHS’s ten regional offices — including one in San Francisco. Announced on March 27, these actions were part of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Directive to “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA Directive). In their lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that the MAHA Directive is arbitrary and capricious and contrary to law in violation of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), is beyond the scope of presidential power, and violates the Appropriations Clause and Separation of Powers doctrine of the U.S. Constitution. Accordingly, they ask the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island to declare the MAHA Directive unconstitutional and illegal, and to block its implementation in order to undo the mass firings, reverse the illegal reorganization, and restore the critical health services that millions of Americans depend on.

“The Trump Administration does not have the power to incapacitate a department that Congress created, nor can it decline to spend funds that were appropriated by Congress for that department. That’s why my fellow attorneys general and I are taking the Trump Administration to court — HHS is under attack, and we won’t stand for it,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our States, and our people, are facing real harms as a result of the MAHA Directive. We look forward to making our case in court.”

Congress has passed dozens of laws for HHS to enforce and authorized HHS to spend about $1.8 trillion in 2024 alone because, in Congress’s judgment, the work of the Department is that critical. The MAHA Directive has had devastating consequences on HHS’s core mission to protect the health and well-being of all Americans. Following the MAHA Directive, work across several agencies within HHS came to a halt overnight. Further, the MAHA Directive layoffs compounded staff departures through a series of so-called “buy-out” offers, meaning that all told, in the last three months, HHS has lost roughly 20,000 of the 82,000 employees who were working at the agency as of January 2025. In addition, workers across the country can no longer reliably access N95 masks following the closure of the nation’s only federal mask approval laboratory. Key Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) infectious disease laboratories have also been shuttered, including those responsible for testing and tracking measles, effectively halting the federal government’s ability to monitor the disease nationwide.

In their lawsuit, the attorneys general argue that:
- Long before he was nominated by President Trump to lead HHS, Secretary Kennedy had a history of spinning conspiracy theories about the Department and advocating for the evisceration of the Department’s statutorily mandated work promoting public health.
- The MAHA Directive has caused substantial harm to their States. Among other things, the regional staff who were fired helped to provide critical support to early childhood programs within the Administration for Children and Families like Head Start. If Head Start programs in their States are forced to pause operations or close, hundreds of thousands of children (and their families) would be left without child care, early education, and health supports, which would inevitably impact and strain their States’ social support programs.
- The MAHA Directive has disabled HHS from performing its regulatory and enforcement functions. For example, the Office of Compliance and Enforcement within the Center for Tobacco Products — a subagency within HHS — typically filed more than 100 complaints a week seeking civil monetary penalties against retailers that repeatedly sold tobacco to customers under 21, in violation of federal law. The MAHA Directive wiped out the Office of Compliance and Enforcement, straining the ability of remaining staff to seek penalties.
In filing today’s lawsuit, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.

A copy of the complaint can be found here.

MIL OSI USA News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Hochul is a Guest on ‘CNN News Central’

Source: US State of New York

arlier today, Governor Hochul was a guest on “CNN News Central.”

AUDIO: The Governor’s remarks are available in audio form here.

A rush transcript of the Governor’s remarks is available below:

Kate Bolduan, CNN: Let’s focus in right now on the President’s comments on the Constitution, and much more. Joining us right now is the Democratic Governor of New York, Governor Kathy Hochul. It’s good to have you here, Governor.

Governor Hochul: Thank you. Thank you so much.

Kate Bolduan, CNN: Let’s start there — where Mark and Sarah were talking about the President saying that he does not know if every person on U.S. soil should be afforded due process under the Constitution. What do you make of that after hearing the President?

Governor Hochul: He basically said that he doesn’t have to follow or even understand what the Constitution of the United States requires of every person who takes that oath of office. I took the same oath of office 31 years ago to run for town board. I knew I was supposed to uphold the constitution.

I have to think a President who took the oath of office — not once, but twice — understands that there are limitations and that is the body of the Constitution. He must follow it. Otherwise, the democracy that we fought for and upheld for 250 years is just going to go down the drain and we’re not going to let that happen. But it was shocking and it tells you all you need to know about this presidency and this man — that he doesn’t give a damn about the U.S. Constitution and that is frightening in itself.

Kate Bolduan, CNN: Also, overnight, he announced that he wants to put a 100 percent tariff on all films made overseas. I actually saw – I was looking at the budget that you’re rolling out. And as part of the budget, you’re actually expanding tax credits — tax breaks — to try to bring more film production to New York. I mean, while not clear how the President would apply a tariff on intellectual property, something that’s not a physical good. I guess maybe if I can set that aside for a second. Do you like the idea of that?

Governor Hochul: These midnight ideas that he has or throws out on the table and we’re all supposed to process? I’ll tell you what, I’m fighting hard for this industry in New York State. It’s an economic driver. It’s part of our identity.

The talent wants to be in New York, and so I’m in competition with other states, but indeed other countries. So I’m focused on what I can do here in the State of New York. I don’t know if that leads to retaliatory tariffs in other countries because once you start the trade war, who knows where it ends.

Kate Bolduan, CNN: Right, does it backfire?

Governor Hochul: Right now, we’re on the bad end of that war because if we’re talking about everything from children’s dolls and toys going up – it may not be here for Christmas. So that’s not what Americans thought they were getting with this president. These were promises they did not expect to see upheld. They thought they’re voting for possible tariffs. But they had no idea that meant when they go to Walmart this Christmas, the shelves may be empty because of what Donald Trump has done.

Kate Bolduan, CNN: You mentioned the dolls. Let me play how he said that, just to remind our viewers how he talked about that when asked, acknowledging the prices would go up, and then he said this, let me play this for you again.

[…]

What is your reaction to the President’s take on that? I heard Mark Short – who’s a long time Republican operative – say this feels very, “Let them eat cake” at the moment, even hearing that from a Republican.

Governor Hochul: It’s so condescending on so many levels. But as a mom who has bought dolls for my little girl and my granddaughter. I mean, come on? The President of the United States is telling you that, “Oh, you don’t need that.” This is a millionaire — maybe billionaire, who really knows what his records show — but he has a lot more money than the average American.

It shows a disconnect with the people who voted him into office — many of them — that he doesn’t care. He doesn’t care about the families, and this is the contrast that I’m drawing with the budget that I just unveiled. And so he shows he doesn’t care about them. And I think they’re starting to hear this and feel this, and they feel they’ve been betrayed.

And that’s a very overwhelming feeling across the State of New York. People in the North Country who voted for him, people on Long Island who voted for him, who now lost offshore wind jobs. The North Country – our small businesses are saying, why are you at war with Canada? These are our customers, and now they’re not coming to places like Lake George and Saranac Lake.

They’re not spending money here because you antagonize one of our best friends in the whole world. So people across New York who did vote for him – the majority did not — but those who even did, they’re shaking their heads at what is happening.

Kate Bolduan, CNN: I want to ask you about the budget — the state budget that you’re rolling out. I’ve seen it described in more than one place actually as providing a possible roadmap for Democrats far beyond New York and the coming cycle in the Trump era. Not to get into the weeds of the state budget, but you included measures of increasing public safety and lowering taxes for all but the wealthy.

Do you see success for yourself in the coming election and your party, as I will broad strokes it as moving more towards the center versus the left, which we’re seeing this conversation happen within the Democratic party.

Governor Hochul: This is not a new movement for me. I’ve always found comfortable in the very wide center — where I believe that most New Yorkers really are. And what it does is it provides a blueprint for anyone who really cares about delivering what the constituents actually want. They want you to focus on two things. Are they and their families safe? Can you do more to make me feel safe? Or whether I’m on the subway?

So I put more police officers there on our streets, putting more money for gun interdiction up in our rural communities, making sure that our law enforcement has what they need. You have to feel fundamentally safe and Democrats have to talk about that. Don’t be afraid to talk about fighting crime.

Kate Bolduan, CNN: Do you think that’s been one of the misses in and lessons from the election?

Governor Hochul: For many, many years. Not this year, many years. We will protect defendants’ rights without a doubt. But I changed the laws so no longer will people see cases — violent criminals walking free, because there were technical reasons why a case was dismissed. We ended that. We’re going to make sure that does not — so I’m focused on that, but it’s also public safety and the economy.

People are worried about prices and their bills, and you see everybody walking around looking at their cell phone, what their 401k plan is plummeting and turning into — numbers that they never thought could go that low. It is frightening for New Yorkers, and I think about the Walmart moms and the people who shop in the big box stores.

Like I said, I used to do it as a mom, like you’re clutching your coupons. Hoping it’s enough to get you out of that cash out without being embarrassed in front of your kids that you didn’t have enough for the groceries that week because tariffs drove up the prices. So I’m putting money back in people’s pockets — $5,000.

Inflation rebate. A thousand dollars for kids under the age four, $500 for school age. The biggest — as you mentioned — the biggest tax cut we’ve had for the middle class in 70 years. It’s all about putting money back in their pockets. And lastly, letting them know I care about their families because their family is my fight.

I’m banning cell phones in all schools so our kids can finally get their childhood back. So you talk to people about things they understand. You don’t give them a 25 point blueprint on future energy needs. Just tell it like it is. Talk like a regular citizen, a regular New Yorker, a regular person, and stop being so condescending ourselves and talking down to people. This is what they want.

Kate Bolduan, CNN: You’re going to face some competition in your reelection effort. Just heard, Elise Stefanik, who was up to be an ambassador for Trump – obviously that did not happen. And she was out just yesterday and had some really harsh words to say about you saying, you’re the worst governor in America, that she dubbed Andrew Cuomo that not thinking anyone could do, do worse.

She’s clearly — she’s exploring a run against you. Are you concerned there has been a lot of talk about the growing Republican sentiment in the State of New York over cycles. Are you concerned about a Republican challenger?

Governor Hochul: No. No, Donald Trump has made sure that the Republican Party brand is so tainted in New York that no matter who runs against me, they will have the baggage of explaining why people’s prices went up, why they lost healthcare, why they lost Medicaid, why they lost education, all to fund tax breaks for the wealthiest. I look forward to that fight. No matter who it is, it’s not settled yet, but I say bring it on.

Kate Bolduan, CNN: Governor, thanks for coming in.

Governor Hochul: Thank you.

Kate Bolduan, CNN: It’s good to have you here. Thank you.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: SBA Relief Still Available to Pennsylvania Small Businesses and Private Nonprofits Affected by September Drought

Source: United States Small Business Administration

ATLANTA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is reminding small businesses and private nonprofit (PNP)organizations of the June 2 deadline to apply for low interest federal disaster loans to offset economic losses caused by the drought beginning Sep. 24, 2024.

The disaster declaration covers Greene, Fayette, and Washington counties in Pennsylvania as well as Marshall, Monongalia, and Wetzel in West Virginia.

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

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

“Through a declaration by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, SBA provides critical financial assistance to help communities recover,” said Chris Stallings, associate administrator of the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the SBA. “We’re pleased to offer loans to small businesses and private nonprofits impacted by these disasters.”

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

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

Submit completed loan applications to SBA no later than June 2, 2025.

###

About the U.S. Small Business Administration

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

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: Midwives in South Sudan provide a lifeline in times of calm and crisis

Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

BRAZZAVILLE, Congo (Republic of the), May 5, 2025/APO Group/ —

Midwives play a critical role in South Sudan, facilitating antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care for mothers and newborns to prevent death and promote a healthy future for both mothers and children.

This is especially important as the country reports one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with 692 maternal deaths for every 100 000 live births. For newborns, the burden is equally severe, with about 40 deaths per 1000 live births. Many factors play a role, including a volatile context of humanitarian crises and climate-related health emergencies.

While midwives are in short supply and almost 60% of births take place without a skilled birth attendant, there is remarkable commitment among midwives to change people’s perceptions and increase health facility deliveries, despite infrastructure challenges, human resource deficits and heavy workloads.

Mary Mania

Sixty-five-year-old Mary Mania has worked for 25 years as a midwife, most recently serving as matron at Torit State Hospital in South Sudan’s Eastern Equatoria State. Despite her administrative responsibilities, Mania still maintains an active role in maternity care. Losing family members to childbirth motivated her to pursue a career in midwifery, first through general nursing and then with specialized training.

Mania recalls working during years of political instability and poor health infrastructure in Darfur, Sudan, and then in Torit hospital. She has trained and collaborated with traditional birth attendants, sharing with them life-saving practices despite the absence of formal education. Her passion for midwifery has remained intact, in the face of frequent shortages of medical supplies, equipment and even electricity. She often uses torches in delivery rooms or contributes from her own pocket when mothers cannot afford supplies.

Under Mania’s watch, maternal mortality at the hospital has dropped from over 13 deaths in late 2023 to just one or two a year currently. She is well known in the community, greeted in the market and remembered by countless women and their families.

“Even when a village is inhabited by very few people, a midwife must be there,” she says. “Midwives are critical wherever life begins.”

Kulang Jasenta

For Kulang Jasenta, a 42-year-old mother of five children, the work of midwives at Torit Hospital has been a positive and life-affirming experience. She delivered all her children at the hospital and has experienced first-hand the care, respect and kindness of the midwives. “They assist you through labour, speak gently and stand by your side,” she says.

Jasenta now serves as an informal ambassador for maternal health in her community. She advises women to attend antenatal care early and to avoid home deliveries. “When they see someone deliver safely at the hospital, they are encouraged,” she says.

Rose Keji

Twenty-eight-year-old Rose Keji has been a midwife in Torit State Hospital for nine years. She has witnessed women give birth at home and in makeshift health facilities in refugee camps, without access to quality health care. These experiences inspired her to join the profession and make a difference.

Keji’s motivation is deeply rooted in serving her people. “Most services were once delivered by foreigners,” she says. “As a South Sudanese woman, I want to care for my people.” Despite challenges including political insecurity, community resistance, low pay, and a heavy workload, she remains committed. She and her team sometimes use mobile phone lights during power outages and fundraise among themselves when patients cannot afford medication.

Her efforts are paying off. Keji has noticed a reduction in maternal deaths, an increase in hospital deliveries and greater awareness of antenatal care in the community. “When I walk through the market, someone calls my name or offers me a keepsake and I feel proud knowing I made a difference,” she says.

MIL OSI Africa –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Red Dress Day: Minister Wilson
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
“On May 5, we stand with survivors, families, individuals and communities to honour the lives and memories of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls and two spirit plus (MMIWG2S+) people. This day serves as a solemn reminder and is a collective call to action.

“Red Dress Day began in 2010 with the profound REDress art installation by Métis artist Jaime Black. Today, thousands of red dresses are displayed in homes, communities and public spaces across the country to represent all the Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people who are missing or have been murdered. The movement also amplifies the voices of Indigenous families, survivors and advocates who continue to lead the fight for justice.

“Alberta’s government is committed to real and lasting change. Through the guidance of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Roadmap, the ongoing work of the Premier’s Council on MMIWG2S+, and vital initiatives like the Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking and the Community Support Fund, we are taking action to address the factors that lead to disproportionate violence and the systemic injustices that have persisted for far too long.

“I encourage everyone in Alberta to reflect on the shared responsibility we have to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people. You can participate by wearing red, displaying a red dress in your window, and attending local events to stand in solidarity with families, survivors and loved ones, as we strive to build a future rooted in safety, dignity and respect for all.”

Related information
- Increasing safety for Indigenous women, girls and 2S+ people
- Community Support Fund
- Family Information Liaison Unit
- Family violence – Find supports
- 9-point Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking
- Taking action against racism
- Jamie Black, the REDress project
MIL OSI Canada News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Province takes energy action to electrify economy, increase resilience
Source: Government of Canada regional news

The Province, in partnership with BC Hydro, is launching an ambitious plan to harness British Columbia’s clean-electricity advantage, driving economic growth and transformative change, strengthening energy security and advancing climate action.

“With this work, we are securing our energy and our economy for the future by expanding one of our greatest assets: abundant clean electricity,” said Premier David Eby. “We are boosting our clean-energy supply, powering our growing communities and industries, and creating thousands of family-supporting jobs – all while advancing reconciliation and reducing pollution. Perhaps most importantly, this will help build a strong foundation for our province and our country at a time of external threats to our sovereignty and prosperity.”

The Clean Power Action Plan is a forward-thinking strategy to leverage B.C.’s clean-electricity advantage, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for British Columbia. With five transformative initiatives, the plan aims to accelerate economic growth, while securing long-term energy stability for generations to come:
- launching a second call for power to acquire a target of up to 5,000 gigawatt-hours per year of energy from large, clean and renewable projects in partnership with First Nations and independent power producers – enough to power 500,000 new homes. This builds on the success of the 2024 call for power, which resulted in 10 new renewable-energy projects, with First Nations asset ownership between 49% and 51%, capable of powering about 500,000 new homes;
- opening up the opportunity to explore B.C.’s power potential through a request for expressions of interest exploring capacity and firm, baseload electricity projects to deliver for peak demand periods and to provide back-up intermittent energy resources;
- ushering in an expanded era of energy efficiency by partnering with innovators through a request for expressions of interest to deliver market-ready demand-side management technologies that help people and businesses save energy and money;
- investing more than $12 million from the B.C. Innovative Clean Energy (ICE) fund in a targeted three-year call for new, made-in-B.C. clean-energy technologies that will combat climate change and create sustainable jobs; and
- streamlining connections to B.C.’s grid to enable new homes and businesses to access clean electricity faster and less expensively.
“Uncertain times demand bold, decisive action, and we need to respond with urgency and with confidence and turn adversity into opportunity,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions. “Our commitment to strengthening energy security and building a resilient electricity system will unlock critical economic opportunities, foster innovation, deepen collaboration with First Nations and reaffirm B.C.’s leadership in climate action.”

These initiatives build on actions underway, including setting BC Hydro rate increases at 3.75% for the next two years to provide stable, affordable rates, while enabling significant investments, offering new optional rates to help residential customers save, and implementing BC Hydro’s $36-billion 10-year capital plan to expand and reinforce electricity infrastructure throughout the province.

Beyond driving economic development and ensuring energy security, the Clean Power Action Plan also supports electrification – the transition from fossil fuels to clean electricity in homes, businesses, industry and transportation, a key pillar of the CleanBC climate strategy.

“Through collaboration with government, First Nations, and the clean-energy sector, BC Hydro is making significant investments and seeking new partnerships to secure B.C.’s clean-energy future,” said Chris O’Riley, president and CEO, BC Hydro. “The initiatives in the Clean Power Action Plan will set the stage for an increased renewable, reliable and resilient energy supply to support our growing province in the years ahead. At the same time, we remain committed to affordability by offering customers more ways to save energy and money, while maintaining stable, predictable rates.”

By taking action today, the Province and BC Hydro are laying the foundation for a cleaner, stronger and more resilient future. Through strategic investments, innovation and collaboration, British Columbia is poised to lead in sustainable-energy development, while driving economic progress. As the Clean Power Action Plan moves forward, it will continue to empower communities, create opportunities and secure the province’s place as a leader in clean energy and climate action.

Quote:

Kwatuuma Cole Sayers, executive director, Clean Energy Association of British Columbia (CEBC) –

“The 2024 call for power was historic, showing what’s possible when First Nations, industry, and government collaborate to deliver clean electricity, drive investment, and advance reconciliation. Today’s announcement builds on that momentum with a second call and plan that prioritizes Indigenous equity, local energy solutions and jobs, and sustainable economic growth. CEBC applauds the Province for its continued leadership and remains committed to building a clean and equitable future for all British Columbians.”

Quick Facts:
- The 10 wind and solar projects selected through BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power will power 500,000 homes and increase electricity supply by 8%.
- These projects represent up to $6 billion in private capital spending throughout the province and will create approximately 2,000 jobs during construction.
- Nearly all the projects have First Nations majority ownership – representing up to $3 billion of asset ownership by First Nations.
- BC Hydro is investing more than $700 million over the next three years in energy-efficiency tools, technology and programs, which is expected to result in 2,000 gigawatt-hours per year of electricity savings, or enough to power 200,000 homes.
- Since 2008, the B.C. Innovative Clean Energy Fund has committed more than $124 million to support pre-commercial clean-energy technology projects, clean-energy vehicles, research and development, and energy-efficiency programs.
- BC Hydro’s residential, commercial and industrial rates are the third lowest in North America (among 22 utilities surveyed in Hydro Quebec’s 2024 Rates Comparison Report).
Learn More:

For information on B.C.’s Clean Power Action Plan, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/files/EnergizingEconomyReport.pdf

For information about the wind- and solar-energy projects selected in BC Hydro’s 2024 call for power, visit: https://www.bchydro.com/work-with-us/selling-clean-energy/2024-call-for-power/participants.html

To find out about the Province’s rate stability direction, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025ECS0011-000216

To compare BC Hydro rates with other energy utilities in North America, visit: http://news.gov.bc.ca/files/BCHydroRates.pdf

To learn more about the Innovative Clean Energy Fund and the 2025 targeted call for clean-energy innovation, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/electricity-alternative-energy/innovative-clean-energy-solutions/innovative-clean-energy-ice-fund

For information about BC Hydro’s energy-efficiency programs, visit: https://www.bchydro.com/toolbar/about/strategies-plans-regulatory/supply-operations/efficiency-plan.html

MIL OSI Canada News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Josh Stein Proclaims State Employee Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Josh Stein Proclaims State Employee Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day

Governor Josh Stein Proclaims State Employee Recognition Week and State Employee Appreciation Day
lsaito
Mon, 05/05/2025 – 11:41

Raleigh, NC

Today Governor Josh Stein proclaimed May 4-10 as State Employee Recognition Week and Wednesday May 7 as State Employee Appreciation Day.

“One of the many reasons North Carolina is a great place to live is the state employees who dedicate their lives to service to our people,” said Governor Josh Stein. “I am grateful for their commitment to making our state safer and stronger.”

“I want to thank all our state employees for their ongoing commitment to making North Carolina an incredible place to live, work, and play,” said North Carolina Office of State Human Resources Director Staci Meyer. “This loyal and skilled workforce helps make our great state one of the best places to live in the nation.”

The State of North Carolina employs more than 77,000 people, who work daily to improve the lives of North Carolinians. These employees serve state agencies, public universities, and community colleges, and their work helps keep our state running smoothly.

In March, Governor Stein launched a website welcoming talented and dedicated people to apply to work for the state of North Carolina. Commonly referred to as “Join NC,” the initiative encourages people who were displaced due to Hurricane Helene or recent federal cuts to join state government. It also provides resources for servicemembers, their spouses, and veterans to apply for positions in North Carolina state government.

People interested in careers with the State of North Carolina can visit the Office of State Human Resources website and create customized job alerts for state government positions.

Click here to read Governor Stein’s full proclamation.

May 5, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, paid an official visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat

Source: ASEAN

JAKARTA, 5 May 2025 – Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, today concluded his official visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.

The official visit featured a series of key events, including a symbolic tree planting ceremony, an Interface with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, Committee of Permanent Representative (CPR) and Ambassador of Timor Leste to ASEAN, a Policy Speech, followed by a Dinner Reception commemorating the 26th anniversary of Cambodia’s membership in ASEAN. These events were attended by the diplomatic corps in Jakarta, representatives of entities associated with ASEAN, academia and think tanks, business representatives, as well as staff members of the ASEAN Secretariat.

During the Policy Speech, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, emphasized that “To understand Cambodia’s perspective, it is crucial to understand the situations and experiences that Cambodia had gone through and comprehend what Cambodian leaders in general, not just myself, have sought to achieve for Cambodia. Our starting position comes from political, diplomatic and economic isolation, and Cambodia’s connection with ASEAN stems from this very isolation, namely the deep desire for equal recognition, equal rights, and the aspiration for full respect for our independence, sovereignty, and dignity as a nation in the region.”

In his opening remarks, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, acknowledged Samdech Hun Sen’s exemplary leadership in chairing ASEAN in 2002, 2012 and 2022, which led to great successes. SG Dr. Kao further emphasized that 2025 is a significant milestone for ASEAN, as it will see the adoption of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045 and its Strategic Plans. ‘’The work that Cambodia has contributed over the years has set a clear course for ASEAN’s future, and today’s policy speech by Samdech Techo Hun Sen offers us invaluable insights into Cambodia’s forward-looking vision for the future and its continuing active contributions to ASEAN’s growth, development, and success,’’ said SG Dr. Kao.

“This address presents a unique opportunity to learn from Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s strategic vision for steering ASEAN through an era of great uncertainty, profound turbulence, volatility and transformation. As we are all grappling with profound and dramatic shifts in world politics and economy, Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s experience – honed through multiple decades of navigating crises and shaping history – offers invaluable insights into the path ahead for both ASEAN and Cambodia. In times of change and uncertainty, such seasoned leadership and historical depth and insights are more crucial than ever,” concluded SG Dr. Kao.

Samdech Techo Hun Sen’s official visit to ASEAN Secretariat reaffirmed Cambodia’s steadfast dedication to deepening regional cooperation and actively contributing to ASEAN’s future direction. The official visit provided a platform for high-level discussions on critical regional issues and further solidified and strengthened relations, cooperation, and partnership between Cambodia and ASEAN.

The post Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia, paid an official visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Wyden Presses State Department for Update on Use of Fallon Smart Policy, Urges Trump to Reset U.S.-Saudi Policy

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
May 05, 2025
Senator: “I will not be silent when Saudi Arabia tries to cleanse its blood-stained hands, nor will I cease to hold Saudi officials accountable for the death of Fallon Smart and others like hers.”
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden today asked the Trump administration to provide an update on the State Department’s implementation of the Fallon Smart Policy, which requires the department to identify and revoke visas of any foreign official helping foreign criminal suspects evade prosecution by absconding from the United States.
The State Department policy secured by Wyden two years ago takes its name from a 15-year-old Portland girl struck and killed by a speeding car while riding her bicycle in 2016. The driver accused in her hit-and-run death on Portland’s Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard was a Saudi national who The Oregonian reported fled the country before trial – ultimate resurfacing in Saudi Arabia — with the likely assistance of the Saudi government.
“The Fallon Smart Policy sends a strong message that there is no place in our country for foreign officials helping criminal suspects evade the law,” Wyden wrote Secretary of State Marco Rubio in today’s letter. “As I promised the family of Fallon Smart, I will birddog the implementation of this policy and make sure the Fallon Smart Policy is applied whenever there is evidence of foreign officials undermining the American justice system. I will not be silent when Saudi Arabia tries to cleanse its blood-stained hands, nor will I cease to hold Saudi officials accountable for the death of Fallon Smart and others like hers. To that end, I ask you to provide me with details about the implementation of the policy.”
Wyden has long worked since 2018 to expose a pattern of Saudi nationals committing violent crimes in the United States and evading U.S. justice with help from the Saudi government.
“In most of these cases, local law enforcement confiscated the passports of the accused criminals and set bail at thresholds the individuals were unlikely to pay themselves,” Wyden wrote, noting passage of his bill in 2019 to declassify an FBI report on Saudi assistance of fugitives that concluded the Saudis wouldn’t stop until the United States addresses Saudi Arabia about its lawlessness. “Yet, many of these individuals somehow made bail and quickly received the resources and travel documents necessary to board a plane and leave our country, only to resurface in Saudi Arabia later.
Wyden also noted he traveled last month to Saudi Arabia to raise these issues directly with Saudi government officials, and urging those Saudi officials to return to the United States all Saudi nationals accused of crimes so they may stand trial.
“I ask that you pursue this issue with the highest levels of leadership within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and formally press for the return of all Saudi nationals who evaded justice,” Wyden wrote. “Finally, I ask that you promptly declassify and make public any information about foreign officials engaging in the practice of helping foreign criminal suspects evade the U.S. justice system. As the declassification of the 2019 FBI report demonstrated, transparency is necessary if local judicial and law enforcement officials are to be notified of the threat and if the U.S. Government, in coordination with Congress, are to develop and implement policies to protect Americans and the rule of law.
In a second Wyden letter today, Wyden wrote President Trump to urge a full reset of the U.S.-Saudi Arabia relationship to protect the American people and safeguard U.S. interests.
In that letter, Wyden again cited the Fallon Smart Policy as well as the role of Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud and Saudi government officials in the brutal slaying of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi along with the surveillance, detention, torture and killing of dissidents, journalists, women’s rights activists and foreign laborers.
“I understand that you are planning a visit to Saudi Arabia, and I urge you to seek accountability for Saudi abuses against our country, including its punitive economic actions that have undermined U.S. interests,” Wyden wrote Trump. “You must push for Saudi recognition of these actions. You must also seek retribution for these actions and refrain from handing out favors to the Saudis until they follow through with meaningful reform.”
The entire letter to Trump is here. The entire letter to Rubio is here.
Related Files

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: News 05/5/2025 Here’s How Republicans Are Strengthening the Economy

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)

Last week marked President Trump’s 100th day in office. And in that short amount of time, the Trump administration has made incredible progress to Make America Great Again—especially by strengthening our economy.

In the last 100 days, President Trump has slashed Democrats’ far-left regulations, unleashed American energy production, and secured trillions of dollars in investments to support American workers, develop new technologies, and spur economic growth, including in Tennessee.

The candy company Charms is investing nearly $100 million to expand its production plant and distribution center in Covington. Mt. Juliet was included in a $700 million nationwide investment by Schneider Electric to boost domestic manufacturing and energy infrastructure. And the electronics company ABB is investing $80 million in Selmer to expand manufacturing and create new jobs.

Last week, I had the honor of joining President Trump at the White House as he welcomed the CEOs of companies that are making new investments in America, especially in light of his executive order establishing the United States Investment Accelerator. This order helps to facilitate new investments in our country by reducing regulations and making it easier to do business in America.

In the Senate, I’ve introduced the Investment Accelerator Act, which would permanently establish President Trump’s new program. Among its provisions, this legislation would speed up permitting, increase coordination across federal agencies to work with companies, encourage research collaboration with national labs, and help state governments eliminate burdensome regulations. Altogether, this legislation would ensure that America will long benefit from President Trump’s Investment Accelerator and help usher in a new Golden Age of America, which is already underway.

In April, our economy added 177,000 jobs, beating expectations by more than 40,000 jobs with major gains in transportation, warehousing, and health care. The month before, falling energy costs pushed annual inflation down to 2.4 percent, tying the lowest inflation rate since President Biden took office in 2021.

To ensure that Americans have more money in their pocketbook, President Trump and Republicans are also working hard to extend the President’s 2017 tax cuts. These tax cuts delivered historic growth for the economy, but if we fail to extend them, families and businesses will face a $4 trillion tax hike. That’s why, earlier this month, Republicans in Congress passed a budget resolution that will enable us to extend these expiring tax provisions.

At the same time, we’re advancing other tax priorities championed by President Trump, including his proposal to cut taxes on Social Security. By taxing Social Security, the federal government is taxing a tax. This makes no sense: Social Security recipients have already paid into the program with decades of tax payments, so they deserve the full sum of their Social Security income. However, nearly 56 percent of retirees pay taxes on their Social Security benefits because Bidenflation pushed seniors’ benefits into higher and higher income brackets.

To address this problem, I’ve introduced the RETIREES FIRST Act. This legislation would lower the tax burden on Social Security benefits for seniors by raising the provisional income threshold from $25,000 to $34,000 for single filers and $32,000 to $68,000 for married filers. In effect, this legislation would eliminate income taxes for many of our nation’s retirees, leaving them with more money in their paychecks.

As we work on these tax provisions and more, I look forward to working with President Trump to deliver relief for hard working Tennesseans. America is the greatest nation on earth, and with determined leadership back in the White House, we can make our economy stronger than ever before.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Marshall Applauds Newly Appointed Kansas USDA Officials

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Kansas Roger Marshall

Washington –U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kansas) today issued a statement on the appointment of Gimmie Jo Jansonius as the new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) State Director and David Schemm as the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Director for the state of Kansas.
“President Trump has always prioritized rural America, and I applaud his selections for our state’s new USDA Rural Development and Farm Service Agency State Directors,” said Senator Marshall. “As rural Kansans themselves, I’m confident that Gimmie Jo and David will be champions for our state. I look forward to working with them to ensure Kansas fully benefits from federal resources that drive growth and prosperity.”
FSA State Directors help implement President Trump’s America First agenda and execute the USDA’s policies in planning, organizing, and administering FSA programs through state offices across the country. RD State Directors help affirm the mission of the Trump Administration by focusing on finding ways to empower rural America and unleash economic prosperity.
“When America’s farming communities prosper, the entire nation thrives. This new group of USDA appointees will ensure President Trump’s America First agenda is a reality in rural areas across the country. I am grateful for the leadership of these new state directors and look forward to their work reorienting the agency to put Farmers First again,” said Secretary Rollins.
“It is a privilege to serve a President and Secretary of Ag that want to not just make America great, but Ag great again too,” said Schemm. “Kansas farmers and ranchers know the importance of having an efficient and effective operation is to their success and that is what I will be focusing on at Kansas FSA.
“As a sixth generation Kansan, I am excited for the opportunity to serve my state in delivering vital resources and opportunities to rural communities and businesses,” said Jansonius. “President Trump and Secretary Rollins have laid out a vision for a strong and prosperous rural America and I look forward to carrying out that vision here in Kansas. The Rural Development office is a champion for our communities and is instrumental in the future growth and prosperity of our great state.”
Background:
David Schemm, State Executive Director, Kansas Farm Service Agency
David Schemm serves as State Executive Director for the Farm Service Agency in Kansas. David formerly served in this position during the first Trump Administration and has also served as Agricultural Advisor for U.S. Senator Dr. Roger Marshall. David works with his wife, Lisa, and son, Clay on their Western Kansas farm.
Gimmie Jo Jansonius, State Director, Kansas Rural Development
Gimmie Jo Jansonius serves as State Director for Rural Development in Kansas. A sixth-generation rancher actively involved in production agriculture, Mrs. Jansonius’s family’s business consists of a cow calf herd, small row crop farm, and direct beef sales enterprise where the seventh generation has also put down roots and returned home to rural America working in agriculture and healthcare.

MIL OSI USA News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Celebrating Alberta Forest Week: Minister Loewen
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
“Alberta is home to some of the most beautiful and diverse forests in the world, covering more than 60 per cent of our province. As we mark the start of Alberta Forest Week on Monday, May 5, I’d like to encourage all Albertans to take the opportunity to celebrate our incredible forests.

“Last year we reached a significant milestone by celebrating the end of the mountain pine beetle outbreak in Alberta’s forests. This threat to forest health could have been catastrophic but through aggressive forest management techniques and collaborative work done by our industry partners, we were able to stop the spread of pine beetle – preventing the loss of more forest space while also reducing dangerous fuel loads that contribute to fire risks.

“Wildfires are one of the most serious threats to both our forests and our safety, which is why we’ve made historic investments in wildfire prevention, mitigation and readiness to respond – and continue working with local communities across the province to build fireguards, remove dangerous fuel loads, and implement FireSmart practices.

“Alberta’s forest industry plays a large role in Alberta’s economy as the largest employer in more than 700 communities – supporting almost 40,000 direct and indirect jobs. We’re continuing to explore new markets for our high-quality wood products and working to resolve trade challenges so we can grow this important sector.

“This week, as Albertans take a moment to enjoy the outdoors – whether by walking in the woods, visiting a park, or simply appreciating the trees in their neighborhood, we ask that everyone remember that most wildfires are caused by human activity. Be mindful and vigilant; your care and attention make a big difference in fire prevention.

“We all share a responsibility to protect and our forests and by working together, we can ensure that future generations of Albertans have the same opportunities to enjoy and connect with our incredible landscapes.”

Quick Facts:
- Alberta’s provincial tree is the lodgepole pine.
- Only 18 per cent of Alberta’s forest is available for harvest each year, and of that, less than one percent is harvested.
  
  Most reforestation in Alberta is done by planting seedlings or letting the site regenerate naturally.
  
  Alberta Forestry and Parks conducted more than 2,300 inspections last year to ensure that forestry operations and reforestation are completed to the government’s standards.
- Each year 25,000 lodgepole pine seedlings and 45,000 white spruce seedlings are distributed as part of the Grade 1 seedling program during Alberta Forest Week.
  
  In 2025, about 70 school divisions and municipalities will be taking part in the Grade 1 seedling program.
  
  The program has been in place since the 1960s.
  
  Forestry and Parks continues to partner with the Grade 1 Tree Registry, which allows the public to register and keep track of their Grade 1 tree and share stories of interest online at grade1tree.ca.
- Alberta’s legislated wildfire season runs from March 1 to October 31.
- Budget 2025 provides wildfire investments including:
  
  $160 million for the base wildfire budget, an increase of $5 million from 2024.
  
  $15 million for the Community Fireguard Program administered by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta.
  
  $10.8 million in FireSmart programming, ensuring Albertans have access to education and resources that enhance wildfire prevention, preparedness and mitigation efforts.
Related information
- Alberta Forest Week
MIL OSI Canada News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Science in Action: Scientist from the State University of Management Scientists Speaks at a Forum in St. Petersburg

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

From April 28 to 29, Alexey Terentyev, Chief Researcher of the Scientific Research Coordination Department of the State University of Management, took part in the plenary session of the III International Scientific and Practical Conference “Modeling of Modern Information Systems in the Context of Digital Transformation”, which was held at the St. Petersburg State Transport University.

The conference participants were researchers, teachers, doctoral students, postgraduate students of universities, representatives of non-profit organizations, enterprises, IT companies, regional and federal government bodies. They discussed Russian and international experience, results and prospects for the development of mathematics and information technology in transport, the growth of scientific knowledge in the field of mathematical modeling, numerical methods and software packages.

A SMU scientist presented a report on the topic “Methods of decision-making theory under conditions of uncertainty for applied problems of transport logistics.”

On April 29, Alexey Terentyev visited the St. Petersburg Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (SPb FRC RAS) to exchange experience in fundamental areas of research in the field of decision theory.

As a result of fruitful communication, a common interest was identified in conducting joint research aimed at developing and elaborating original mathematical methods of modeling in complex control systems based on decision theory.

Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 05.05.2025

Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Grenada
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

World news story

Universal Periodic Review 49: UK Statement on Grenada

UK Statement on Grenada, delivered at Grenada’s Universal Periodic Review at the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
Thank you Madame Vice-President,

The UK welcomes efforts by the government of Grenada to end violence experienced by women and girls through programmes like the UN-funded Spotlight Initiative which between 2020 and 2023 bolstered legislation and policy frameworks, strengthened institutions, improved access to services, and built capacity of civil society. We urge the government to improve implementation, challenge social norms built around hegemonic masculinity, and strengthen programmes within state-owned facilities such as the Cedars Home for Women so that participants can thrive independently upon completion.

Although civil society organisations representing a cross-section of groups and human rights interests remain active in Grenada, some believe government engagement is inconsistent. We therefore urge the government to create more inclusive platforms for human rights dialogue and aid the creation of laws and policies that protect and promote the rights of all Grenadians regardless of age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.

We recommend that Grenada:

Repeals legal discriminatory provisions against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity, particularly those in the Sexual Offences Act and Criminal Code.

Ratifies and implements the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (OP-CRPD)

Ratifies the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (OP-CEDAW)

Thank you.

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Updates to this page

Published 5 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Emergency Preparedness Week: Minister Ellis
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
“Emergency Preparedness Week runs from May 4-10 and provides an opportunity for all of us to look at how wildfires, floods, tornados or other emergencies could disrupt our lives and learn how to take action to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

“As we know all too well in Alberta, disaster can strike at any moment, and being prepared can save lives. That’s why it is so important to know the risks that exist in our communities and be prepared to navigate a range of emergencies and disruptions, big or small, at any time.

“We have asked Albertans about their emergency preparedness and have learned that 43 per cent of those surveyed feel unprepared for disasters and only 27 per cent have an emergency kit ready.

“Disasters affect us all. While local and provincial governments take steps to prepare for wildfires and other hazards, we encourage individuals, households and organizations to take steps to prepare as well. Together, we can ensure all Albertans are prepared for disasters or emergencies, if they strike.

“Breaking down preparedness into simple steps can help you respond quickly to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some steps we can all follow:
- Know your risks. Identify the hazards near you and understand what risks they pose so you can better navigate disruptions when they occur.
- Get and stay informed. Follow official government communication channels and download apps such as Alberta Emergency Alert, 511 Alberta, WeatherCan and others to stay up-to-date on critical information.
- Make a plan. Create an emergency plan that works for you, your family and other members of your household. An emergency plan will help you better manage the stress of an emergency or a disaster.
- Build a kit. When the unexpected happens, it is easier to prioritize safety and well-being if you have an emergency kit you can grab at a moment’s notice.
- Gather supplies. Having supplies on hand can help keep people and pets safe and provide peace of mind, even if services are unavailable.
- Create strong networks. Community members are often first to lend a hand and provide support when something unexpected happens. Communities are stronger and more resilient when residents are well prepared for emergencies.
“On Wednesday, May 7 at 1:55 p.m., the Government of Alberta will test the Alberta Emergency Alert system across all platforms. We recognize that some might find these tests to be a disturbance, but it is essential that we test our emergency system to make sure it’s ready when we need it. This means people will get a test alert on their phones and other devices.

“I encourage Albertans to download the Alberta Emergency Alert app. Alberta issues emergency alerts and Amber Alerts to provide critical information about an immediate disaster or situation, where it is happening and what actions Albertans can take to stay safe.”

“There are also many resources available online that can help Albertans get started and make preparedness a habit.”

Related information
- Emergency Preparedness Week
- Emergency preparedness
- Alberta Emergency Alerts
- 2024 Preparedness Survey of Albertans
MIL OSI Canada News –
May 6, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Mental Health Week: Minister Williams
Source: Government of Canada regional news (2)
“Mental Health Week is an excellent time to evaluate our mental wellbeing and consider how it can be improved.

“Mental health starts with us, because nobody knows better what might be weighing on our minds or causing stress in our lives. It’s about making wellness a priority every day: choosing daily habits that support a healthy, balanced life, like going for a walk, connecting with a friend or making time for rest. Building consistent habits can lead to significant, lasting benefits.

“Mental health issues can range from everyday stress to more complex challenges. It touches all Albertans, regardless of age, background or circumstances. Everyone’s experience is unique, which is why it’s important to respect and understand the challenges others face.

“If you are feeling like you need more support, that help is available to you, perhaps by calling Alberta 211 or connecting with a mental health professional through Counselling Alberta.

“For lasting recovery, take time to personally assess and take control of things having a negative impact on your mental wellbeing. It’s possible, and our government is here to support you along the way.”

Related information
- 211 Alberta
- Counselling Alberta
- Alberta Recovery Model
- Recovery Alberta
Multimedia
- Mental wellness – be social
- Mental wellness – stay connected
- Mental wellness – sleep and eat healthy
MIL OSI Canada News –
May 6, 2025