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  • MIL-OSI USA: Tickets Now on Sale for Maritime and Regional History Symposium at Historic Edenton State Historic Site

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Tickets Now on Sale for Maritime and Regional History Symposium at Historic Edenton State Historic Site

    Tickets Now on Sale for Maritime and Regional History Symposium at Historic Edenton State Historic Site
    jejohnson6

    Historic Edenton State Historic Site will host “Devil to Pay and No Pitch Hot,” an engaging, day-long symposium highlighting maritime, regional, and Edenton history on Saturday, June 7. This unique event will feature expert presentations, followed by a special guided tour of the iconic 1886 Roanoke River Lighthouse.

    Beginning at 10 a.m., the symposium will feature presentations from archaeologists, curators, and historians, who will discuss various topics related to maritime history and the local heritage of Edenton and the surrounding region. A full schedule will be posted on Historic Edenton’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Tickets for the event are $10 each and can be purchased in advance. Day-of tickets are not guaranteed, as seats are limited. To secure your spot, contact the Historic Edenton Visitor Center at (252) 632-5020. Tickets are non-refundable and payment is accepted by cash or check only.

    A highlight of the day will be a tour of the Roanoke River Lighthouse, the last surviving intact 19th-century screw-pile lighthouse in North Carolina. Constructed in 1886, this unique historic structure has been restored to reflect the life and work of a lighthouse keeper in the late 1800s. This is an exceptional opportunity to explore the rich maritime history of the region.

    About Historic Edenton
    Historic Edenton State Historic Site offers a glimpse into life in one of North Carolina’s earliest colonial capitals. Located along the picturesque Edenton Bay, the site interprets the area’s rich maritime and political history through guided tours, special programs, and engaging exhibits. Visitors can explore several preserved and restored structures, including the 1767 Chowan County Courthouse, the James Iredell House, and the Roanoke River Lighthouse, set amidst the charm of Edenton’s renowned historic district. The visitor center is located at 108 N. Broad Street and is open Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. The site is administered by the Division of State Historic Sites within the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    Apr 30, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Kemp Signs Bills Improving Healthcare and Supporting Coastal Communities

    Source: US State of Georgia

    ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp, joined by First Lady Marty Kemp, Speaker Jon Burns, constitutional officers, members of the Georgia General Assembly, and local leaders, signed legislation helping promote access to quality, affordable healthcare for hardworking Georgians and supporting the continued growth of coastal communities.

    “Today we mark another milestone,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I’m proud to sign legislation that will support the health and wellbeing of all Georgians at all stages of life. We’re also constantly evolving and innovating to address the needs of our citizens in this area, and thanks to the work of our partners in the General Assembly, the bills I sign today represent the latest steps towards achieving that goal.”

    Governor Kemp signed ten pieces of healthcare-related legislation:

    HB 428, sponsored by Representative Lehman Franklin, cosponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Jan Jones and Representatives Deborah Silcox, Scott Hilton, Soo Hong, and Sandy Donatucci, carried in the Senate by Senator Ben Watson, and championed by Speaker Jon Burns, defines and codifies an individual’s right to in vitro fertilization.

    HB 94, sponsored by Representative Eddie Lumsden, cosponsored by Representatives Darlene Taylor, Lee Hawkins, Sharon Cooper, Deborah Silcox, and Kim Schofield, and carried in the Senate by Senator Chuck Hufstetler, requires all health benefit policies (excluding those executed by the state and ERISA plans) provide coverage for standard fertility preservation services when a medically necessary treatment may cause infertility.

    HB 89, sponsored by Representative Sharon Cooper, cosponsored by Representatives Will Wade, Matthew Gambill, and Soo Hong, and carried in the Senate by Senator Bo Hatchett, allows the Maternal Mortality Review Committee to review psychiatric records, creates a Regional Perinatal Center (RPC) advisory committee, and removes the requirement for maternal death inquiries to be done through an RPC.

    HB 584, sponsored by Representative Jesse Petrea, cosponsored by Representatives Katie Dempsey, Darlene Taylor, Ron Stephens, John LaHood, and Brian Prince, carried in the Senate by Senator Bo Hatchett, and championed by the Department of Community Health (DCH), transfers oversight of drug abuse treatment and education programs, narcotic treatment programs, community living arrangements, and adult residential mental health programs from DCH to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.

    HB 473, sponsored by Representative Ron Stevens, cosponsored by Representatives Lee Hawkins and Mark Newton, and carried in the Senate by Senator Ben Watson, adds a list of drugs to the dangerous drug code section, adds certain drugs to the schedule I controlled substance code section, and safeguards access to new drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

    SB 55, sponsored by Senator Billy Hickman, cosponsored by Senators Sonya Halpern, Jason Esteves, Shawn Still, Drew Echols, Elena Parent, and Clint Dixon, and carried in the House by Representative Sharon Cooper, aids those with disabilities in the workforce and brings our state into compliance with federal minimum wage laws for these Georgians.

    In addition to the above bills, the governor also signed the following nineteen pieces of legislation: HB 303, HB 762, HB 730, HB 797, HB 714, SB 347, SB 78, SB 340, HB 793, HB 732, HB 799, HB 760, HB 233, HB 722, HB 763, HB 724, HB 78. 

    Governor Kemp extends his appreciation to all of those whose diligent work and efforts led to him being able to sign these bills today. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lower Sackville — RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment seizes drugs, unstamped tobacco and cash

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    The RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment (HRD) Street Crime Enforcement Unit (SCEU) has charged two people after executing a warrant.

    On April 29, in relation to an ongoing drug trafficking investigation, RCMP HRD SCEU officers, with the assistance of RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment, conducted a targeted traffic stop on Hwy. 101 and safely arrested the lone occupant of the vehicle, a 30-year-old man from Lower Sackville. A search of the man resulted in the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamines and cash.

    That evening, at approximately 9:30 p.m., officers safely arrested another person, a 26-year-old Lower Sackville woman, at a property on Quinella Crt. and executed a search warrant.

    During a search of the home and a vehicle at the property, officers seized a quantity of cocaine, 200 methamphetamine pills, MDMA, drug paraphernalia, more than $15,000 and unstamped tobacco.

    Brandon Scott Sanford and Kaitlyn Kristina Starratt have been charged with Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (two counts) and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime. They were held in custody and released on conditions by the court yesterday.

    Both Sanford and Starratt will return in Dartmouth Provincial Court on July 9, at 9:30 a.m.

    The investigation is ongoing.

    Anyone with information about illicit drugs or other criminal activity in the Halifax Regional Municipality is encouraged to contact police at 902-490-5020. To remain anonymous, call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers, toll-free, at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips app.

    File: 25-46166

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson on the Trump Administration’s Elimination of $1 Billion in School Mental Health Grants

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    Statement from Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson on the Trump Administration’s Elimination of $1 Billion in School Mental Health Grants

    The Trump administration’s decision to terminate $1 billion in school mental health funding is a profound disservice to our nation’s children, particularly those from historically marginalized communities. This action not only undermines the bipartisan efforts established under the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act but also signals a troubling shift away from addressing the pressing mental health needs of our students.

    Data from the National Center for Education Statistics reveals that only 48% of public schools report being able to effectively provide mental health services to all students in need—a decline from previous years. The primary barriers cited include insufficient staffing and inadequate funding. Moreover, 58% of schools have reported an increase in students seeking mental health services, highlighting the growing demand for support.

    The administration’s rationale—that these grants were misused to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives—is a misrepresentation of the essential role DEI plays in creating supportive educational environments. Efforts to recruit a diverse mental health workforce are not about imposing quotas; they are about ensuring that students see themselves reflected in the professionals who support them, which is critical for effective mental health care.

    This move is part of a broader pattern of actions aimed at dismantling DEI initiatives and civil rights protections. In the first 100 days of this term, the administration has targeted diversity policies and civil rights protections, including revoking a 1965 executive order supporting equal employment opportunities and dismantling programs aiding marginalized communities. 

    By eliminating these grants, the administration is not only ignoring the mental health crisis in our schools but also actively working against the progress made in creating equitable educational environments. This decision will disproportionately affect students of color, who often face systemic barriers to accessing mental health services.

    I stand in strong opposition to this decision and urge my colleagues in Congress to take immediate action to restore this critical funding. Our students deserve access to comprehensive mental health services, and we must continue to fight for policies that promote equity, inclusion, and the well-being of all children.

    — Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Commemorates May Day in Chicago

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Jonathan Jackson – Illinois (1st District)

    Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL 01) Commemorates May Day in Chicago

    May 1, 2025 – Chicago, IL

    Today, we honor “May Day”—International Workers’ Day—a moment of reflection, resistance, and recommitment to the labor movement’s enduring fight for dignity, equity, and justice.

    May Day has deep roots in Chicago’s history. In 1886, tens of thousands of workers took to our city’s streets demanding an eight-hour workday, culminating in the tragic Haymarket Affair. The courage of those early organizers, who faced brutal repression simply for asserting their humanity, sparked a global movement. That history is not distant to me; it is personal. I was raised in a home where the fight for workers’ rights, civil rights, and economic justice were inseparable. My father, Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, marched with striking workers and championed their cause alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who gave his life in Memphis while supporting sanitation workers demanding fair wages and respect.

    Nearly 140 years after Haymarket, the struggle continues. In 2025, over 60% of American workers still live paycheck to paycheck, and more than 30 million workers in the U.S. earn less than $15 an hour. While CEO pay has risen by over 1,200% since 1978, compared to just 15% growth in average worker wages. The gig economy, corporate union-busting, and attacks on collective bargaining threaten to erode the progress generations have fought to build. In Illinois alone, tens of thousands of low-wage workers, particularly Black, Latino, and immigrant communities, continue to face unsafe conditions, wage theft, and systemic inequality.

    That is why I stand in full solidarity with the workers of Chicago and beyond who are mobilizing today for a living wage, safe workplaces, healthcare, and the right to organize without fear.

    May Day is not just about honoring the past. It is about defending the present and building a future where every worker, no matter their job, immigration status, or zip code, is treated with dignity. I applaud the labor unions, grassroots organizers, and everyday people who are showing up today and every day to demand that America live up to its promise.

    On this May Day, I renew my commitment in Congress to champion the PRO Act, fight for a federal living wage, ensure universal paid family and medical leave, and protect the sacred right to organize.

    An injury to one is an injury to all. The labor movement is the heartbeat of democracy.

    In unity and struggle,

    Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson
    Illinois’s First Congressional District

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ramirez,Warren, Blumenthal, Correa, 40+ Lawmakers Open Investigation into “Troubling” Customs and Border Protection Tactics

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Delia Ramirez – Illinois (3rd District)

    Reports allege due process violations, mistreatment, prolonged detention, and politicized denials of entry at air and land ports

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), along with Representatives Lou Correa (D-Calif.) led a letter to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) demanding an explanation about the troubling reports alleging due process violations, mistreatment, prolonged detention, and politicized denials of entry at air and land ports since President Trump took office. 

    “Trump and Secretary Noem have abused the Department of Homeland Security and its agencies, including Customs and Border Patrol, to terrorize our communities, profile Latinos, and arrest U.S. citizens. While Republicans have proven unwilling or incapable of conducting oversight, the Administration continues to violate our rights and undermine due process,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “We deserve answers, and we will use every tool at our disposal to get them.”

    Several recent incidents have sparked serious concerns. For example, on March 7, a green card holder returning to the United States reportedly was “violently interrogated” at an airport — including being strip-searched, forced into a cold shower, and denied access to his medications. His mother reported that “he hardly got anything to drink,” collapsed, and was later transported by ambulance to the hospital.

    U.S. citizens have also reportedly been detained and mistreated by CBP in recent weeks. For example, on February 18, a U.S. citizen reportedly was handcuffed, chained to a bench, and “subjected to a humiliating body search” after asking CBP officials why her partner, a German national with whom she was traveling, was being detained. 

    CBP also appears to be more frequently searching travelers’ phones and sometimes denying entry after finding evidence of their political opinions on their devices. The CBP says it searches mobile phones and other electronic devices only “on rare occasions,” but early indications from the Trump administration suggest the practice is on the rise.

    “These incidents are a sharp departure from CBP’s normal practices,” wrote the lawmakers.

    To better understand the recent changes in the CBP’s practices, the lawmakers are pressing for answers to questions including: what steps CBP is taking to ensure that it promptly complies with time-sensitive court orders staying deportations; how CBP will comply with civil rights requirements like due process; among other questions. 

    The lawmakers are also requesting information, including the number of complaints regarding officer misconduct received by CBP; a copy of any policy documents related to questioning and vetting of travelers with valid travel documents; the number of travelers whose electronic devices CBP has searched; and the number of U.S. citizens CBP has detained.

    After members sent their letter to the Administration, a federal court ruled that law enforcement can’t conduct warrantless immigration stops. The rules reaffirmed that law enforcement can’t pursue immigration enforcement based on racial profiling. 

    The following Senators joined in signing the letter: Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

    The following Representatives joined in signing the letter: Yassamin Ansari (D-Ariz), Becca Balint (D-Vt.), Nanette Barragán (D-Calif.), André Carson (D-Ind.), Troy Carter (D-La.), Greg Casar (D-Texas), Judy Chu (D-Calif.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.), Cleo Fields (D-La.), John Garamendi (D-Calif.), Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), Sylvia Garcia (D-Texas), Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.), Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.), Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.), Henry Johnson (D-Ga.), Timothy Kennedy (D-N.Y.), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.), Summer Lee (D-Pa.), Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), Betty McCollum (D-Minn.), Jim McGovern (D-Mass.), LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.), Kevin Mullin (D-Calif.), Eleanor Norton (D-D.C.), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.), Jamie Raskin (D-Md.), Mary Gay Scanlon (D-Pa.), Marilyn Strickland (D-Wash.), Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Paul Tonko (D-N.Y.), Juan Vargas (D-Calif.), and Frederica Wilson (D-Fla.).

    To read the full letter, CLICK HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Capito Applauds House Passage of Resolutions to Repeal California’s Radical EV Mandate

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee, applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of joint resolutions of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal California’s EV waivers that prohibit the sale of new gas-powered light-duty vehicles by 2035, and set unrealistic and stringent requirements for heavy-duty trucks and heavy-duty diesel engines. Chairman Capito and U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) have introduced identical resolutions in the Senate.

    “I congratulate my House colleagues for taking this important step towards eliminating the radical California waivers and displaying the bipartisan support behind reversing the EV mandate. We know these rules would not only eliminate consumer choice, but also create harmful impacts across multiple sectors of our economy that would lead to major job losses felt far outside of California. I continue to work with my colleagues and Senate Republican leadership to address all options available in the Senate to repeal these rules,” Chairman Capito said.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta Co-Leads Multistate Coalition in Urging Trump Administration to Restore Title X Funding

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Today marks one month since HHS suddenly decided to withhold vast amounts of Title X funding

    OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced that he is leading, alongside Hawai‘i Attorney General Anne E. Lopez, a coalition of 21 attorneys general in sending a letter to the Trump Administration to express serious concern with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) decision to withhold tens of millions of dollars in Title X funding. Signed into law by President Richard Nixon, Title X is the nation’s only federal program dedicated to family planning for low-income and uninsured individuals. On March 31, HHS issued letters to a wide range of grant recipients that fund nearly 25% of all Title X clinics, indicating that these grantees’ Title X grants were being withheld. In today’s letter, the attorneys general write that the withholding of funds will lead to more unintended pregnancies, more sexually transmitted infections (STIs), increased rates of undiagnosed HIV, increased rates of cervical cancer, and a higher burden on over-stretched state budgets. The attorneys general urge HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to immediately reverse this decision and fully fund these critical programs.   

    “Exactly one month ago, the Trump Administration decided to withhold tens of millions of dollars in Title X funding. Today, my fellow attorneys general and I are urging the Trump Administration to do the right thing. HHS Secretary Kennedy claims to want to ‘Make America Healthy Again’ — restoring Title X funding would do just that,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our letter underscores the many important services that Title X funding helps to make possible for low-income households across the United States. We are committed to protecting those services and will continue to monitor the Trump Administration’s future actions.” 

    In certain States — including California, Hawai‘i, and Maine — all Title X funds were withheld, meaning that Title X funding has now completely ceased in those States. If funding is not restored, in California, nearly half of Title X providers report that there will be immediate or likely layoffs and more than 60% report that they will have immediate reductions in family planning services. One service site anticipates closing. Everywhere, States must scramble to fill the gaps as healthcare providers who have long been a cornerstone of the Title X program have been suddenly shut out. If State and local governments are not able to make up for the federal shortfall, patients will see a reduction in services as clinics close and providers are terminated. This will fall particularly hard on poor and rural communities that are the primary beneficiaries of the Title X program. In many areas, a Title X clinic is the only source of pre-natal services and screening for STIs.  

    In the letter, the attorneys general write that:

    • Recent history demonstrates that cutting Title X grantees will worsen care. In 2019, the Trump Administration changed the rules governing Title X, leading to a mass loss of healthcare providers. As a result, the number of patients receiving Title X services fell drastically. Nationwide, the number of Title X patients fell more than 60%, from 3.9 million to 1.5 million. This recent history demonstrates what happens — and how quickly — when the federal government slashes access to Title X. Unfortunately, there is every reason to think that the Trump Administration’s recent withholding will have at least as bad an impact on patient care. In total, the Guttmacher Institute estimates that as a direct result of HHS’s action in withholding funds, at least 834,000 patients, representing 30% of the total population served, will lose care in the first year alone.
    • The States will be harmed by HHS’s decision. While the 2019 rule was in effect, many States were forced to make emergency appropriations to cover for the loss of providers. The States made these expenditures because Title X programs are a critical component of vital public health infrastructure. An important example is the role of Title X programs in detecting and preventing STIs. Between 2006 and 2010, 18% of all women who were tested, treated, or received counseling for an STI did so at a Title X clinic, as did 14% of women tested for HIV. Now, the States are once again faced with an impossible choice: dip once again into depleted public coffers to make up the difference, or deal with a surge in new STIs and unintended pregnancies.  
    • There is no justification for the terminations. Although HHS suggested Title X grantees violated federal civil rights laws, HHS has provided absolutely no evidence supporting this suggestion.  

    Joining Attorneys General Bonta and Lopez in sending today’s letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.  

    A copy of the letter can be found here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Freedom in an age of climate crisis and trade wars: Lessons from philosopher Immanuel Kant

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Rafael Ziegler, Professor, Department of Managment, HEC Montréal

    A decade ago, the majority of nations committed to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, pledging to “leave no one behind” by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions globally by 2050.

    Ten years on, the sentiment regarding such aspirations is skeptical and the mood gloomy. With the rise of autocracies and the influence of libertarian tech-billionaires on politics, goals such as development for all and climate neutrality seem to be relics of the past.

    The United States, the most powerful country in the world, is at the heart of this shift. In 1776, the U.S. declared independence and was founded on the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Today, however, it is increasingly known for its disregard of life, legislative attacks on civil liberties and creating global insecurity through tariffs.

    In the midst of all this, it’s important to remember ours is not the first generation to face dark times. As my recent research argues, Immanuel Kant’s philosophy can offer us valuable tools for navigating today’s challenges.

    Kant’s vision of possible progress

    A painted portrait of German philosopher and Enlightenment thinker Immanuel Kant circa 1790.
    (Wikimedia Commons)

    In 1776, the same year the U.S. was founded, Kant was preparing his breakthrough critical philosophy and lecturing on freedom and pragmatic anthropology, all while living in the absolutist monarchy of Prussia.

    At the time, Prussia was using its military to expand its territory and enforce internal colonization over land and peoples.

    Amid this, Kant observed the contradictions of human nature — people who acted both good and bad, cruel and respectful of others — and described humanity as “crooked timber.” Yet Kant insisted on viewing this “crooked timber” through the lens of freedom.

    At the centre of Kant’s universalist, freedom-focused vision for the future was the idea of a world where all people lived in dignity. It is focused on autonomy as the capacity to self-legislate. Freedom served as his North Star for what is today called “backcasting,” or thinking backward from a desired future to identify possible paths toward achieving it.



    Read more:
    Explainer: the ideas of Kant

    In this spirit, Kant observed the rise of competitive markets that rewarded selfishness and greed, and argued that law and international co-operation — what he called a federation of republics — could turn antagonism into springs of progress. In other words, he analyzed the discord and conflict of his present for signs of possible progress.

    Crucial for the identification of such possibilities was the freedom of public reason: people thinking for themselves and contributing to public debate.

    Thinking long-term about freedom

    What can we learn from Kant about navigating today’s multiple crises?

    First, focus on freedom from a long-term perspective. The current trade war will likely reduce economic growth, but they may also advance the re-regionalization of economies — an idea long supported by post-growth economists seeking sustainable prosperity.

    However, regional production is not inherently good. Rather, we need a public discussion about which essential goods — food, for example — are best mostly supplied regionally, by whom and where international co-operation is called for.

    The climate crisis requires plans not fixes

    Second, Kant’s insights remind us that freedom must be pursued within the reality of a shared, finite planet. Climate change is not a problem that can be solved overnight. Emissions don’t care about the threats and angry fits of autocrats. It’s a global, complex challenge that requires long-term planning processes.

    There are signs of progress in this regard: in 2024, the United Kingdom reported greenhouse gas emissions to be at their lowest levels since 1872 thanks to long-term planning. Canada, after opting out of the Kyoto Protocol in 2011, finally saw emissions start to fall in 2025 following a renewed commitment to international climate goals and planning.

    But this progress is fragile. The chaos of Trump’s tariff wars must not lead our politicians and policymakers to prioritize short-term economic and political gains over long-term climate strategies.

    Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s support for pipelines, for instance, is at odds with evidence that fossil fuel expansion will lock in emissions.

    It also diverts public money away from cheaper sources of renewable energy and supporting citizens through a just energy transition. With trade wars and economic insecurity, inflation will likely increase costs of living. This will hit poorer households harder, making this a matter of both environmental and social justice.

    Rebuilding the public sphere

    Third, for Kant, current lifestyle expectations are no guide for the core of future freedom. So if the American treasury secretary asserts that “cheap goods are not part of the American dream,” can we, paradoxically, detect an unexpected sign of possible progress?

    The answer is yes — if we take that example as evidence that worthwhile aspirations cannot be captured by consumerism but call for a more sustained effort.

    While modern consumers are willing to make big efforts — such as for daily gym and running routines — can similar energy be released to collective dreams of progress and saving the planet? For Kant, future freedom requires seeing beyond individual to collective aspirations. This relies on shared goals that can be articulated through foresight and supported by a vibrant, critical public sphere.

    In Kant’s time, the public sphere mainly consisted of the Republic of Letters, a network made of intellectuals and writers in the late 17th and 18th centuries engaging in open debate.

    Today, by contrast, much of our communication takes place on social media platforms that prioritize short-form formats, reward anger over analysis and are owned by a few global corporations structured to maximize profits rather than the quality of public deliberation. To counter this trend, regionally diverse, independent news providers are needed along with decentralized, open source social media.

    But above all, in an era of climate crisis, political polarization and economic instability, Kant reminds us of what he called a “Denkungsart:” an “art of thinking” or mindset based on freedom and possibility in a long-term perspective.

    Rafael Ziegler 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. Freedom in an age of climate crisis and trade wars: Lessons from philosopher Immanuel Kant – https://theconversation.com/freedom-in-an-age-of-climate-crisis-and-trade-wars-lessons-from-philosopher-immanuel-kant-254442

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Welch Leads Introduction of the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act to Protect Vermont Waterways

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Vermont Congressional Delegation, U.S. Senators Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and U.S. Representative Becca Balint (VT-At Large) this week reintroduced the bicameral Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act. This bill would protect the ecological, recreational, and economic value of Northern Vermont waterways by commissioning a study to determine whether the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream could be included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System.  “Keeping Vermont’s rivers healthy is crucial to the success of our outdoor recreation and tourism industries. We’re proud to once again introduce this legislation as a Delegation help protect our State’s natural beauty and boost our economy,” said the Vermont Congressional Delegation. “This bill is an important step forward in preserving and protecting the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream for future generations of Vermonters to enjoy.”  The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System protects free-flowing rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, or recreational value. Since its creation in 1968, the system has grown to encompass more than 13,400 miles of rivers across the country, including segments of the Missisquoi and Trout Rivers in Vermont. Depending on their characteristics, rivers may be classified as wild, scenic, or recreational. Wild and Scenic rivers are managed to maintain their free-flowing condition, high water quality, and outstanding recreational opportunities, from rafting to fishing. 
    The Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act is supported by a broad coalition of local municipalities, cultural and regional organizations, and environmental conservation groups, including American Rivers, the Connecticut River Joint Commission, Connecticut River Conservancy, Essex County Conservation District, Nature Conservancy, Northeastern Vermont Development Association, Northern Forest Canoe Trail, Nulhegan Band of the Coosuk – Abenaki Nation, Trout Unlimited (including the David and Francis Smith Northeast Kingdom Chapter), Vermont Chapter of the Native Fish Coalition, and the Vermont River Conservancy.  Last Congress, Senator Welch led the Vermont Congressional Delegation in introducing the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2023, which was passed out of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources with bipartisan support. In December 2024, the Senate unanimously passed the Delegation’s bill.  Learn more about the Nulhegan River and Paul Stream Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2025. 
    Read the full text of the bill.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: The Search Is on for 2025’s Most Investible Canadian Cleantech Ventures

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Foresight Canada is now accepting applications for its fifth annual Foresight 50, a comprehensive spotlight on the 50 most investible cleantech companies across Canada to investors around the world. The initiative highlights companies with solutions to tackle the world’s biggest environmental and economic challenges.

    Since 2021, the Foresight 50 program has been instrumental in connecting promising Canadian cleantech ventures with a global network of investors, ensuring crucial injections of capital to multiply the impact of their solutions. Collectively, past honourees have raised over $2.25B in capital, fueling the growth of innovative solutions that enhance productivity in key global industries and accelerate Canada’s transition to a prosperous future economy.

    Companies selected for the Foresight 50 will benefit from:

    • Investor networking: Opportunities to connect with relevant investment firms.
    • International public relations: Increased visibility through Foresight-led media campaign.
    • Participation in the Foresight 50 Showcase: An in-person celebration for networking and investor connections.
    • Invite-only Investor Forum: Exclusive access to networking and panel sessions on the future of cleantech capital.

    Foresight 50’s panel of judges is composed of leading cleantech investors, including: Olivia Hornby (Spring Impact Capital), Moien Giashi (GreenSky Ventures), Cheri Corbett (BDC), Nikhil Nayer (Rogue Insight Capital), and Dania Moazzam (RBCx). These investors will select this year’s 50 ventures based on their investability, potential economic and job growth impact, leadership team, environmental impact, and probability of success. Winners will be announced at the ceremony in Calgary, November 2025.

    Who Should Apply?

    Canadian cleantech ventures with strong leadership, a clear growth trajectory, and a bold vision for environmental and economic impact. Foresight is looking for:

    • Companies across all cleantech sectors—from clean energy and sustainable agriculture to carbon capture and beyond.
    • Ventures at any funding stage, from seed to post-Series B.
    • Teams seeking strategic connections with international investors.
    • Innovators looking for visibility, credibility, and accelerated growth on the global stage.

    Submit your application by June 30, 2025.

    Quotes

    “Marking our fifth year of celebrating cleantech through our Foresight 50 underscores a vital reality: shining a bold spotlight on groundbreaking Canadian innovation is crucial now more than ever. Their ingenuity is beyond inspiring; they are the engine driving clean productivity across our nation, building a stronger and more sustainable future economy for Canada and the world.” —Jeanette Jackson, CEO, Foresight Canada

    About Foresight Canada:

    Foresight Canada helps the world do more with less, sustainably. As Canada’s largest cleantech innovation and adoption accelerator, they connect public and private sectors to the world’s best clean technologies, de-risking and simplifying the adoption of innovative solutions that improve productivity, profitability, and economic competitiveness, all while addressing today’s most urgent climate challenges.

    The 2025 Foresight 50 Showcase is presented by Foresight Canada and Export Development Canada (EDC). Media sponsor: Carbon Life Media.

    Image: 2024 Foresight 50 Honourees, Carbon Life Media.

    Heather Kingdon
    Communications Manager
    Foresight Canada
    hkingdon@foresightcac.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/03d7b8db-fd67-4010-b7f9-793e643e7fc3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Wildfire Community Preparedness Day: PEMCO urges PNW residents to prepare for hot and dry summer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SEATTLE, May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — While the Pacific Northwest is just beginning to defrost from a wet and cold winter, PEMCO Insurance reminds residents that now is the time to prepare homes and neighborhoods for wildfire season. With Wildfire Community Preparedness Day approaching on Saturday, May 3, PEMCO is providing simple, proactive steps to reduce the risk of fire before dry, hot conditions set in.

    While many people think large flames are the main danger are the main threat, it’s actually embers – tiny, windblown pieces of burning material that are often responsible for the most destruction. As many as 90% of homes and buildings damaged or destroyed in fires are first ignited by embers not the main fire. These small embers can travel up to a mile ahead of the fire, igniting homes and vegetation far beyond the initial spark.

    “One ember can spell disaster for a home or even an entire neighborhood,” said Calvin Strong, Chief Claims Officer at PEMCO Insurance. “That’s why it’s so important to take action now. Things like cleaning your gutters, sealing up vents, and clearing away debris can make all the difference when embers are in the air.”

    Here’s some simple ways you can prepare your home for wildfire season:

    • Clean your gutters. Accumulated leaves and needles provide tinder for floating embers. 
    • Screen eave and foundation vents with 1/8-inch wire mesh to keep out blowing embers. 
    • Remove boards, debris, and wood-handled tools stashed under decks. They can provide fuel for a fire that’s spreading along the ground.  
    • Screen under decks with 1/8-inch mesh. This greatly reduces the risk of embers igniting an under-deck fire.  
    • Break up wood fences with metal gates. Fire can easily run along a wood fence, meaning your fence can give fire a pathway straight to your house. A metal gate or shield can interrupt the flames. 

    And, some tips to keep in mind while you’re outside enjoying the warm weather:

    • Contain campfires by using designated fire pits or use rocks to create a ring around your campfire. Even better — use a propane firepit!
    • To extinguish a campfire, pour water on the fire and fully drown all the embers.
    • Never use volatile liquids, like gasoline, to start a fire.
    • Avoid burning garbage, treated wood or yard waste.
    • For smokers, don’t discard smoldering cigarette butts – snuff them out and put them in a designated garbage container.

    To learn more about wildfire preparedness and how to protect yourself, your property and your community, visit PEMCO.com/blog/wildfire.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: John James Introduces Landmark App Store Accountability Act

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John James (Michigan 10th District)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Representative John James (MI-10) introduced the App Store Accountability Act, a landmark bill designed to increase safeguards within app stores to empower parents and protect children. Rep. James had previously introduced the legislation in 2024. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is leading an identical companion bill in the Senate.

    The bill ensures that children are not accessing age restricted material through online app stores and provides parents with more control over what their children can access. A national poll commissioned by Digital Childhood Alliance found that 88% of parents want app stores to require parental approval before minors can download a new app.

    Just as how brick-and-mortar stores are held responsible for selling age-restricted materials like tobacco or alcohol to minors, the App Store Accountability Act will hold digital app stores accountable for providing adult or age restricted material to minors. 

    Rep. James issued the following statement regarding his legislation:

    “Kids cannot consent — and any company that exposes them to addictive or adult material should be held accountable. The App Store Accountability Act holds Big Tech companies to the same standard as local corner stores. It safeguards the next generation by empowering parents and ensures that when it comes to protecting children, no one is above the law.” 

    Senator Lee issued this statement:

    “For too long, Big Tech has profited from app stores through which children in America and across the world access violent and sexual material while risking contact from online predators. Our legislation brings age verification and accountability to the source of the problem.”  

    “Requiring parental consent before kids can download apps is a commonsense measure that ensures parents have the ability to stay informed and engaged in their children’s digital lives, helping to prevent exposure to harmful apps and privacy risks,” said Congressman Gus Bilirakis.  “By equipping parents with effective, easy-to-use tools and resources, we empower them to better protect their children while fostering open communication and digital literacy within families.”

    “App stores are the digital gatekeepers of our children’s lives. They control what gets through, but until now, they’ve had zero accountability. This bill fixes that.”– Casey Stefanski, Executive Director, Digital Childhood Alliance

    “The App Store Accountability Act is a commonsense solution to an acute problem created by tech companies. The fact is that contracts signed by minors are unenforceable, but the app stores, including Apple’s and Google’s, make all users – including children – sign a user agreement entitling the companies to collect data and limiting their liability. We wouldn’t accept this from a bank. We wouldn’t accept this from a car dealership. Why are we accepting this on an iPhone?” – Joel Thayer, President of the Digital Progress Institute

    “App stores open the door to exploit vulnerabilities in kids. Protecting our children online begins with age verification and parental consent. This bill can end exploitation before it starts!” –Russ Tuttle, Founder & President The Stop Trafficking Project

    “App stores treat children like virtual adults—promoting adult-oriented platforms and allowing minors to accept terms and download any app without parental oversight. Parents, not tech companies, should have the final say over their child’s app usage. This bill restores parents’ digital sovereignty, empowers them to make informed choices, and reestablishes appropriate digital boundaries for children.”—Annie Chestnut Tutor, The Heritage Foundation

    “Protecting our children from predatory online business practices should be automatic. And those who don’t honor this common-sense principle must be held accountable. Requiring age verification, parental consent, and enhanced transparency in today’s powerful App Stores is a lifeline parents have been waiting for.”—Chris McKenna, Founder & CEO Protect Young Eyes

    Specifically, the App Store Accountability Act would:

    • Require age verification for access to App Store ID.
    • Require parental consent for users under 18 using App stores.
    • Link devices of minors on app stores to parents/guardians.
    • Establish enforcement mechanisms for violations of this act.

    As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and father of three young boys, Rep. James has been a vocal advocate for empowering parents, protecting children, and holding Big Tech accountable. The bill is being supported by the Digital Childhood Alliance and more than 100 advocacy organizations. 

    A full list of supporting groups, as well as the full bill text, can be found below.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: In extreme conditions, heat does not flow between materials. It bounces off.

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Results reveal how heat transfer works in dense super-hot plasmas, providing new insights for laser-driven fusion ignition research

    A new study supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation shows, for the first time, how heat moves — or rather, doesn’t — between materials in a high-energy-density plasma state. The work is expected to provide a better understanding of inertial confinement fusion experiments, which aim to reliably achieve fusion ignition on Earth using lasers. How heat flows between a hot plasma and a material’s surface is also important in other technologies, including semiconductor etching and vehicles that fly at hypersonic speeds.

    High-energy-density plasmas are produced only at extreme pressures and temperatures. The study shows that interfacial thermal resistance, a phenomenon known to impede heat transfer in less extreme conditions, also prevents heat flow between different materials in a dense, super-hot plasma state. The research is published in Nature Communications and was led by Thomas White, a physicist at the University of Nevada, Reno, and his former doctoral student, Cameron Allen. White is a recipient of an NSF Faculty Early Career Development grant.

    “Understanding how energy flows across a boundary is a fundamental question, and this work provides us with new insights into how this happens in the exceptionally energy-dense environments that one finds inside of stars and planetary cores,” says Jeremiah Williams, a program director for the NSF Plasma Physics program.

    Visualization of interfacial thermal resistance

    Credit: Thomas White

    A computer-generated visualization of electron scattering at the interface between a hot, high-energy-density material on the left and a colder, high-energy-density material on the right. This visualization highlights the role of electron scattering in moderating heat transport across interfaces, even in materials at extreme temperatures and pressures.

    White and Allen’s experiment focused on how heat moves between metal and plastic heated to extreme temperatures and pressures. To do this, they used the high-powered Omega-60 laser at the University of Rochester in New York to heat copper foils and emit X-rays, which uniformly heat a metal tungsten wire next to a plastic coating. In their experiment, the tungsten wire was heated to about 180,000 degrees Fahrenheit while its plastic coating remained relatively cool at “only” 20,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Using a series of laser shots with progressively delayed timing, the researchers were able to see if the heat was moving between the tungsten and plastic.

    “When we looked at the data, we were totally shocked because the heat was not flowing between these materials,” White said. “It was getting stuck at the interface between the materials, and we spent a long time trying to work out why.”

    The reason was interfacial thermal resistance. The electrons in the hotter material arrive at the interface between the materials carrying thermal energy but then scatter off and move back into the hotter material, explains White.

    “High energy laser labs provide an essential tool for developing a precise understanding of these extreme environments — and this has implications for a wide variety of important technologies, from medical diagnostics to national security applications,” adds Williams.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Can Quantum Computers Handle Energy’s Hardest Problems?

    Source: US National Renewable Energy Laboratory

    NREL Scientists Team With Local Companies To Benchmark the Benefits of Quantum Computers

    Caleb Rotello sketches out the thinking that led him and fellow researchers to devise algorithms that benchmark quantum computing’s importance to energy research. Photo by Gregory Cooper, NREL

    Every week quantum computing hits a new milestone: more qubits, less errors, better readout of results.

    But will these breakthroughs help solve the advanced computational problems facing energy, like how to model energy storage catalysts or ensure power grid reliability? That is what scientists at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) want to know.

    Working with local quantum companies, an NREL team is developing benchmarks for quantum computers on the problems that are important to energy science. The pursuit of benchmarks will allow NREL and industry to prioritize practical utility for the next generation of quantum software and hardware.

    When the Qubits Are Ready, NREL Will Be Too

    Advanced computing has a growing role in energy research. This is clear at NREL—where the new 44 petaflop supercomputer, Kestrel, renders solutions all day, every day—and it is clear in the eight-year-long U.S. Department of Energy Exascale Computing Project, which achieved 1 quintillion calculations per second.

    But for the most complex problems, quintillions will not cut it: Those problems might have to be solved differently, and the prevailing hope is that quantum computers can take on the task.

    “There are a lot of claims being made about quantum computing, but unless you have a computer that’s ready, many of these claims can’t be asserted with certainty,” said Caleb Rotello, a researcher at NREL.

    Before NREL invests additional time and effort into next-gen quantum research, Rotello and team need more certainty: If they could know that a quantum algorithm has an advantage, then NREL and fellow labs could gauge when to get serious.

    “The idea is to create application-oriented benchmarks that can test claims that are particularly useful to energy. Then, as the computers start to grow and become more trustworthy, we can test those programs,” Rotello said.

    At NREL’s Energy Systems Integration Facility, researchers Wesley Jones, James Winkleblack, and Caleb Rotello (left to right) leverage the capabilities of the Kestrel supercomputer to explore the rarefied domain of quantum computing algorithms. Photo by Gregory Cooper, NREL

    With its strange methods of superimposed and entangled states, quantum computing has theoretically been shown to provide potential speedups on valuable problems. For example, NREL emulated quantum calculations of molecular energies using a classical supercomputer. While NREL does not have a quantum computer of its own to test the benchmark algorithms, several computers are being developed nearby.

    Help From a Quantum Hub

    NREL is not alone in readying for quantum computing. Over 100 quantum companies and organizations are based in Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming, many within 30 minutes of NREL’s campus, and they have formed a collaborative network that elevates the region to “Tech Hub” status according to the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

    In July of 2024, combined federal and state funds of $127.5 million were announced for the hub, activating regional coordination to develop the next phase of quantum computing.

    “Engagement with quantum computing companies and industry is valuable because we get to interface with the computers while they’re being developed and learn about how they process information, which is incredibly unintuitive,” Rotello explained. “And it’s valuable for the companies to see how people will use a computer when it’s ready.”

    Quantum computers come in a variety of types, just like NREL’s research areas. Some use light, others use atoms, and those differences might suit them to certain applications. NREL’s back-and-forth with the computer makers could help to identify the best applications for each computer type. 

    But in these early days of error-prone quantum computers, when the simplest calculations barely rise above random noise, companies are still working on the fundamentals. Only once their computers are physically ready to run NREL’s benchmark problems, a wide range of energy research areas can then be transformed.

    A quantum computer created by Atom Computing uses light to trap and control atoms. NREL researchers are developing benchmark problems that could reveal whether certain computing types are better suited for certain problems. Photo from Atom Computing

    Two Famous Problems for Quantum Benchmarking

    At the core of energy research, a handful of essential formulas are used widely and often. Perhaps quantum hardware could solve them faster.

    “Quantum computers are only now beginning to emerge that are capable of providing key insights into phenomena relevant to energy technologies and their use,” said Wesley Jones, NREL’s principal scientist and group manager of complex systems simulation and optimization.

    Given the limited size and level of noise in current machines, achievements are modest, characteristic of an early industry. Much work has been spent proving that basic calculations are even possible, but not much about whether and when the quantum hardware will be useful for applied applications.

    With future improvements, quantum’s presumed superiority on certain problems could finally be proven in earnest.

    “The idea of benchmark applications is to formulate the kernel of problems we care about, ideally in a way that won’t be reliant on specific quantum architectures,” Jones said.

    The NREL researchers are reducing famous problems down to their computational core, beginning with well-known models that pervade energy research. They published their work to the open-access scholarly repository arXiv in two papers in early 2024.

    Stochastic Optimization

    The first paper targeted stochastic optimization problems, which are effective for modeling decision-making in systems with a degree of uncertainty. For example, which energy resources should a grid operator plan to use given uncertainty in forecasts? It’s computationally difficult, and classical computers usually approximate solutions through heuristics and simplifications.

    In their paper titled “Calculating the expected value function of a two-stage stochastic optimization program with a quantum algorithm,” the authors formulate a quantum algorithm for stochastic optimization and show that it would theoretically have a computational advantage over classical computers—i.e., it would run faster.

    Anderson Impurity Model

    The next paper covers another model that is famously difficult for computers, the Anderson impurity model, which was first formulated in 1961 and has been used ever since to model the electronic structures of materials. It is useful for studying the effects of correlated electrons in batteries and other material systems.

    The authors show a novel method for preparing the model with a quantum processor and suggest that this method supports the notion that the quantum solver “constitutes a promising path forward to practical quantum advantage.” Their paper is titled “Dynamic, Symmetry-Preserving, and Hardware-Adaptable Circuits for Quantum Computing Many-Body States and Correlators of the Anderson Impurity Model.”

    These two papers guide readers in how to test quantum computing’s advantage on a set of valuable problems, thereby tracking its readiness for energy research and preparing computers for useful applications.

    “Benchmarks are a step closer to enabling quantum utility,” Jones said. “They’ll allow for greater innovation and flexibility for how we use quantum computers to meet energy objectives.”

    Learn more about computational science at NREL.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: IAM Members Wrap Up 2025 Legislative Conference with Renewed Focus on Defending Workers’ Rights

    Source: US GOIAM Union

    More than 400 IAM members from across the country gathered in Washington, D.C., this week for the 2025 IAM Legislative Conference – marking one of the strongest turnouts in recent history.

    Over three days, IAM delegates came together to strategize, share stories from their communities, and meet face-to-face with the elected officials who make decisions that impact IAM Union members, their families, and communities every day. Through a packed schedule of speakers, congressional meetings, and issue-focused discussions, the message was clear: IAM  Union members are united and ready to take on the growing wave of attacks on workers’ rights.

    Delegates heard directly from IAM International President Brian Bryant and members of the IAM Executive Council, who spoke about the IAM Union’s legislative priorities and the urgent need to hold elected officials accountable. Congressional allies and labor champions addressed the conference’s participants, offering their support and pledging to continue the fight for stronger labor protections, fair wages, and the right to organize.

    WATCH: IAM International President Brian Bryant and First Day Remarks.

    Throughout the week, IAM members met with dozens of Senators and Representatives, carrying with them the voices of their fellow union members. From opposing anti-worker legislation and safeguarding federal workers to pushing for strong Buy American policies, fair trade, and retirement security, IAM delegates made it clear that workers are watching.

    As part of this year’s Legislative Conference, delegates rallied at Columbus Circle outside Union Station, Washington, D.C., to celebrate federal workers.

    PHOTOS: Federal Workers Support Day

    The event served as an opportunity to show solidarity with federal workers affected by the Trump Administration’s attacks. It included remarks by the IAM Executive Council, NFFE-IAM leaders, congressional allies, and members who have been impacted by these actions.

    WATCH: Federal Workers Support Day

    As the conference concluded, IAM delegates returned home with renewed energy and a clear message for their members: the fight continues – not just in Washington, but in every shop floor, every local, and every community where workers stand together.

    WATCH: Legislative Conference is in Full Swing on Capitol Hill.

    This year’s Legislative Conference included the following speakers:

    • IAM International President Brian Bryant
    • IAM Canadian Territory General Vice President David Chartrand
    • U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders
    • U.S. Rep. Jared Golden (D-Maine)
    • U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-Ill.)
    • U.S. Rep. Shomari Figues (D-Ala.)
    • U.S. Rep. Chris DeLuzio (D-Pa.)
    • U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Mich.)
    • U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinki (D-Ill.)
    • U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez (D-N.J.)
    • U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle (D-Ore.)
    • U.S. Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Cal.)
    • U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.)
    • U.S. Rep. Parmila Jayapal (D-Was.)
    • IAM National Political and Legislative Director Hasan Solomon
    • IAM International Affairs Director Peter Greenberg
    • IAM General Counsel Carla Siegel
    • NFFE-IAM National President Randy Erwin
    • TCU/IAM National Legislative Director David Arouca
    • AFL-CIO Director of Advocacy Jody Calemine

    WATCH: U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders Remarks

    PHOTOS: 

    Legislative Conference Day 1

    Legislative Conference Day 2

    See X coverage below:

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Three National Health Insurance Companies and Three Brokers Alleging Unlawful Kickbacks and Discrimination Against Disabled Americans

    Source: US State of North Dakota

    The United States filed a complaint today under the False Claims Act (FCA) against three of the nation’s largest health insurance companies — Aetna Inc. and affiliates, Elevance Health Inc. (formerly known as Anthem), and Humana Inc. — and three large insurance broker organizations — eHealth, Inc. and an affiliate, GoHealth, Inc., and SelectQuote Inc. The United States alleges that from 2016 through at least 2021, the defendant insurers paid hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal kickbacks to the defendant brokers in exchange for enrollments into the insurers’ Medicare Advantage plans.

    Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may choose to enroll in health care plans (MA plans) offered by private insurance companies, such as defendants Aetna, Anthem, and Humana. Many Medicare beneficiaries rely on insurance brokers to help them choose an MA plan that best meets their individual needs. Rather than acting as unbiased stewards, the defendant brokers allegedly directed Medicare beneficiaries to the plans offered by insurers that paid brokers the most in kickbacks, regardless of the suitability of the MA plans for the beneficiaries. According to the complaint, the broker organizations incentivized their employees and agents to sell plans based on the insurers’ kickbacks, set up teams of insurance agents who could sell only those plans, and at times refused to sell MA plans of insurers who did not pay sufficient kickbacks.

    The United States further alleges that Aetna and Humana each conspired with the broker defendants to discriminate against Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities whom they perceived to be less profitable. Aetna and Humana allegedly did so by threatening to withhold kickbacks to pressure brokers to enroll fewer disabled Medicare beneficiaries in their plans. The United States alleges that, in response to these financial incentives from Aetna and Humana, the defendant brokers or their agents rejected referrals of disabled beneficiaries and strategically directed disabled beneficiaries away from Aetna and Humana plans.

    “Health care companies that attempt to profit from kickbacks will be held accountable,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are committed to rooting out illegal practices by Medicare Advantage insurers and insurance brokers that undermine the interests of federal health care programs and the patients they serve.”

    “It is concerning, to say the least, that Medicare beneficiaries were allegedly steered towards plans that were not necessarily in their best interest – but rather in the best interest of the health insurance companies,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “The alleged efforts to drive beneficiaries away specifically because their disabilities might make them less profitable to health insurance companies are even more unconscionable. Profit and greed over beneficiary interest is something we will continue to investigate and prosecute aggressively. This office will continue to take decisive action to protect the rights of Medicare beneficiaries and vulnerable Americans.”

    The lawsuit was originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA. Under the FCA, private parties can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The FCA permits the United States to intervene in and take over the action, as it has done here. If a defendant is found liable for violating the FCA, the United States may recover three times the amount of its losses plus applicable penalties.

    The Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts are handling the matter, with valuable assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General and the FBI.  The case is captioned United States ex rel. Shea v. eHealth, et al., No. 21-cv-11777.

    Trial Attorneys David G. Miller, Anna H. Jugo, Diana E. Curtis, and Sara B. Hanson of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Weinograd and Julien Mundele for the District of Massachusetts are handling the matter.

    The investigation and prosecution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. 

    Note: Read the complaint here

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: The United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Three National Health Insurance Companies and Three Brokers Alleging Unlawful Kickbacks and Discrimination Against Disabled Americans

    Source: United States Attorneys General 12

    The United States filed a complaint today under the False Claims Act (FCA) against three of the nation’s largest health insurance companies — Aetna Inc. and affiliates, Elevance Health Inc. (formerly known as Anthem), and Humana Inc. — and three large insurance broker organizations — eHealth, Inc. and an affiliate, GoHealth, Inc., and SelectQuote Inc. The United States alleges that from 2016 through at least 2021, the defendant insurers paid hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal kickbacks to the defendant brokers in exchange for enrollments into the insurers’ Medicare Advantage plans.

    Under the Medicare Advantage (MA) Program, also known as Medicare Part C, Medicare beneficiaries may choose to enroll in health care plans (MA plans) offered by private insurance companies, such as defendants Aetna, Anthem, and Humana. Many Medicare beneficiaries rely on insurance brokers to help them choose an MA plan that best meets their individual needs. Rather than acting as unbiased stewards, the defendant brokers allegedly directed Medicare beneficiaries to the plans offered by insurers that paid brokers the most in kickbacks, regardless of the suitability of the MA plans for the beneficiaries. According to the complaint, the broker organizations incentivized their employees and agents to sell plans based on the insurers’ kickbacks, set up teams of insurance agents who could sell only those plans, and at times refused to sell MA plans of insurers who did not pay sufficient kickbacks.

    The United States further alleges that Aetna and Humana each conspired with the broker defendants to discriminate against Medicare beneficiaries with disabilities whom they perceived to be less profitable. Aetna and Humana allegedly did so by threatening to withhold kickbacks to pressure brokers to enroll fewer disabled Medicare beneficiaries in their plans. The United States alleges that, in response to these financial incentives from Aetna and Humana, the defendant brokers or their agents rejected referrals of disabled beneficiaries and strategically directed disabled beneficiaries away from Aetna and Humana plans.

    “Health care companies that attempt to profit from kickbacks will be held accountable,” said Deputy Assistant Attorney General Michael Granston of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “We are committed to rooting out illegal practices by Medicare Advantage insurers and insurance brokers that undermine the interests of federal health care programs and the patients they serve.”

    “It is concerning, to say the least, that Medicare beneficiaries were allegedly steered towards plans that were not necessarily in their best interest – but rather in the best interest of the health insurance companies,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley for the District of Massachusetts. “The alleged efforts to drive beneficiaries away specifically because their disabilities might make them less profitable to health insurance companies are even more unconscionable. Profit and greed over beneficiary interest is something we will continue to investigate and prosecute aggressively. This office will continue to take decisive action to protect the rights of Medicare beneficiaries and vulnerable Americans.”

    The lawsuit was originally filed under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA. Under the FCA, private parties can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. The FCA permits the United States to intervene in and take over the action, as it has done here. If a defendant is found liable for violating the FCA, the United States may recover three times the amount of its losses plus applicable penalties.

    The Justice Department’s Civil Division, Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts are handling the matter, with valuable assistance from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General and the FBI.  The case is captioned United States ex rel. Shea v. eHealth, et al., No. 21-cv-11777.

    Trial Attorneys David G. Miller, Anna H. Jugo, Diana E. Curtis, and Sara B. Hanson of the Justice Department’s Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Charles Weinograd and Julien Mundele for the District of Massachusetts are handling the matter.

    The investigation and prosecution of this matter illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating healthcare fraud.  One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the FCA.  Tips and complaints from all sources about potential fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, can be reported to HHS at 800-HHS-TIPS (800-447-8477).

    The claims asserted in the complaint are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability. 

    Note: Read the complaint here

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Norcross Discharged from Cooper Hospital Following Recent Medical Incident

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Donald Norcross (1st District of New Jersey)

    CHERRY HILL, NJ — Today, the office of Congressman Donald Norcross issued an update on the Congressman’s recent medical incident.

    “Congressman Donald Norcross has been discharged from Cooper Hospital following his recent serious medical incident and has begun his rehabilitation. The Congressman is making remarkable and steady progress and is well on his way to making a full recovery. The Congressman thanks the entire Cooper team for the excellent care he received, especially the doctors and nurses who saved his life.  

    “Congressman Norcross is in constant contact with his staff and actively monitoring events in Washington and South Jersey as he continues to fight for senior’s health care and access to affordable prescription drugs. He and his family continue to be overwhelmed by the support and well wishes they have received.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Hammocks Beach State Park Ferry Service to Bear Island to Resume May 14

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: Hammocks Beach State Park Ferry Service to Bear Island to Resume May 14

    Hammocks Beach State Park Ferry Service to Bear Island to Resume May 14
    jejohnson6

    The seasonal ferry service to Bear Island from the mainland access of Hammocks Beach State Park will begin May 14, 2025, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation announced. The ferry service has been suspended since April 2024 due to a major water and sewer construction project at the island.

    Primitive tent and group campsites at Bear Island are now open for reservations beginning the evening of May 14.

    The ferry will run on an hourly basis Wednesday, May 14 through Sunday, May 18. There will be no ferry service Monday, May 19, and Tuesday, May 20. Hourly service will be offered Wednesday, May 21, and Thursday, May 22. Beginning Friday, May 23, the ferry will run every 30 minutes through Memorial Day. Beginning May 27, hourly service will be offered Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, and every 30 minutes Thursdays through Sundays and holidays, until Labor Day. The ferry service starts at 9:30 a.m. daily and ends on 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend and 5 p.m. all other dates. The full schedule is available at ncparks.gov/habe/ferry.

    All passengers will need a ticket to ride the ferry. A roundtrip ride is $10 for adult passengers (13 to 61 years old), $5 for children and seniors (3 to 12 years old; and 62 years and older). Children 2 years and younger can obtain a free ticket.

    The 2025 NC State Parks Annual Pass and the 2025 NC State Parks Annual Pass with 4WD Beach Access cover up to four ferry tickets daily.

    Camping fees are $20 per night (including a $3 nonrefundable reservation fee) for tent sites and $50 for group camping. All campers will also need to pay for one set of roundtrip tickets to use the ferry. Those who are staying multiple nights and have purchased one set of roundtrip tickets are allowed one free ferry roundtrip ride per day during the days in between their arrival and departure.

    Pets are not allowed on the ferry. Carts or wagons are also not allowed, unless they are collapsible.

    About North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation
    The Division of Parks and Recreation manages more than 264,000 acres of iconic landscape within North Carolina’s state parks, state recreation areas and state natural areas. It administers the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, including its local grants program, as well as a state trails program, North Carolina Natural and Scenic Rivers and more, all with a mission dedicated to conservation, recreation and education. The state parks system welcomes more than 19 million visitors annually.

    About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
    The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.

    The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
    May 1, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rosen, Cassidy Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Costs for Caregivers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)
    WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) introduced the Lowering Costs For Caregivers Act to lower costs for caregivers and help families afford medical expenses. This bipartisan legislation allows people to use their tax-free health savings accounts and flexible spending accounts on medical expenses for their parents. Currently, adult children may not take advantage of these tax-free accounts to cover expenses they incur on behalf of their aging parents, unless their parents are classified as dependents for tax purposes.
    “As parents age, their children often step up as caregivers and take on extra costs and responsibilities. Nevada families continue to be squeezed by rising prices, and we must do everything we can to make it easier to take care of loved ones,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan bill to lower costs for caregivers by allowing them to use tax-free accounts to cover the medical expenses of their aging parents.”
    “Over 11 million Americans are unpaid caregivers for their loved ones,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Let’s give back by making life a little more affordable for them.”
    This legislation is supported by the AARP.
    Senator Rosen is working to lower costs for hardworking Nevada families. Earlier this year, her bipartisan bill to help lower child care costs by increasing the availability of affordable, high-quality child care for Nevada families advanced out of committee. Rosen has also introduced the Physicians for Underserved Areas Act and the Train More Nurses Act to address the shortages of medical professionals in Nevada that are reducing access to care and driving up costs.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Padilla Statement on Republican Attacks on California’s Clean Air Act Waivers

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

    Padilla Statement on Republican Attacks on California’s Clean Air Act Waivers

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Ranking Member of the Senate Rules Committee and a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, issued the following statement after House Republicans erroneously voted to strike down three California Clean Air Act waivers, which authorize California’s clean cars and trucks programs. The Senate Parliamentarian and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) have already determined that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the simple majority threshold in the Congressional Review Act (CRA) and therefore would require 60 votes to secure Senate passage.

    “House Republicans’ misguided and cynical attempts to gut the Clean Air Act and undercut California’s climate leadership ignores the reality of California’s strength as the fourth largest economy in the world. I will continue to defend our state’s authority to protect our residents, clean our air, lower costs, and transition to a clean energy economy.

    “Let me also be clear about process. The Senate parliamentarian has already upheld decades of precedent and determined these CRAs are not allowed by Senate rules. If Senate Republicans take up these measures under the Congressional Review Act, they will be going nuclear by overruling the Parliamentarian, all to baselessly attack California.”

    Senator Padilla has been outspoken in pushing back against Republican attacks on California’s Clean Air Act waivers and welcomed the Senate parliamentarian’s decision that waivers are not subject to the CRA. He also joined Senators Schiff and Whitehouse in blasting Trump and Zeldin’s weaponization of the EPA when the GAO had already found that California’s Clean Air Act waivers are not subject to the CRA. Padilla and Schiff also slammed the Trump Administration’s intent to roll back dozens of the EPA’s regulations that protect California’s air and water.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: New legislation will deliver key infrastructure faster, strengthen economy

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    Candy Ashdown, board chair, Langley School District –

    “Langley has experienced rapid growth in recent years, and we are working hard to build the schools that families need. Legislation that offers new tools to accelerate the construction of classrooms and schools is a positive step for our community. We look forward to working closely with government on continuing to ensure students have the high-quality learning environments they need to thrive.”

    Everett Baker, mayor, City of Grand Forks –

    “After the City of Grand Forks experienced catastrophic flooding in 2018, our main focus was on taking care of our community. In the years following, we completed over 40 different permitting processes to build back stronger. I hope this legislation could be used to help more communities rebuild what they’ve lost in a faster, more streamlined way, so municipalities can stay focused on supporting people and not lengthy or overlapping approval processes.”

    Vivian Eliopoulos, president and chief executive officer, Vancouver Coastal Health –

    “This new legislation is an important step forward in helping hospitals and health-care sites get built more efficiently and effectively. It will provide the tools to improve services, modernize infrastructure and better support the health and wellness of the communities we serve.”

    Neil Fassina, president, Okanagan College –

    “Post-secondary institutions across B.C. and throughout Canada are facing increased cost pressures as we work to meet the needs of our students, employees and communities. This legislation will support colleges, like Okanagan College, to move more quickly to build required facilities for students to get the training and education they require to be job ready.”

    Colleen Giroux-Schmidt, vice-president, Innergex –

    “This new legislation shows us that advancing critical infrastructure and upholding strong environmental standards are not mutually exclusive. It provides a clear path to get vital projects built and deliver the clean energy, modern grid systems and resilient communities the B.C. needs to anchor our prosperity without compromising our commitment to environmental stewardship.”

    Patrick Johnstone, mayor, City of New Westminster –

    “The infrastructure projects act is a good step toward accelerating the infrastructure our communities need to support growth. It will allow for greater collaboration between the Province and municipalities so we can work together delivering the schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure our residents demand. This legislation provides a framework for prioritizing the needs of people in our growing communities and streamlining to deliver projects more efficiently.”

    Geoffrey W. Payne, president and vice-chancellor, University of Northern British Columbia –

    “Colleges and universities in B.C need the facilities to equip students for the future and the changing needs of the workforce, but we’re facing growing financial pressures as we try to do that. This legislation will allow us to work closer with government on projects that our students need so we can deliver faster and help strengthen our communities.”   

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: Pressley Shares Powerful Story of Family from Republican District at Risk from Proposed Medicaid Cuts

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07)

    Mary from Michigan: “I’m a hospice nurse who works four days a week. My son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old… These politicians don’t care about people like my son. They would rather that people like my son would just die. They don’t think that he contributes to society or is worth anything. But as his mom, I know that is so, so, so, wrong.”

    Pressley Also Introduced Amendments to Strengthen CFPB, Expose Harmful Impact of DOGE

    Video (YouTube)

    WASHINGTON – In the House Financial Services Committee’s markup of the Republican reconciliation bill, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) condemned the bill’s proposed cuts to Medicaid and shared the story of Mary Marinelli, a 70-year-old hospice nurse from a Republican district in Michigan whose family depends on Medicaid to care for their autistic son. Congresswoman Pressley also introduced several amendments to the legislation to strengthen the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and expose the harmful impact of the so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

    Congresswoman Pressley’s amendments to the reconciliation bill would:

    • Ensure the CFPB remains fully funded so that it may continue returning billions of dollars to consumers by charging risk-based assessments to the largest banks and non-bank financial companies, including big tech payment providers and payday lenders
    • Ensure the CFPB remains fully funded by changing its funding structure so that any company found to have violated a consumer financial protection law since 2010 would pay annually to fund the CFPB through an annual assessment.
    • Conduct a study on the types and amounts of sensitive data that DOGE has been provided access to, and to assess whether such information sharing has undermined data privacy, competition, cybersecurity or other financial stability considerations.
    • Conduct a study to evaluate the damage and risk posed to our financial systems by DOGE cuts, as well as the concerning impacts on consumer and investor protection

    Republicans rejected every amendment proposed by Pressley and her Democratic colleagues.

    A transcript of the Congresswoman’s testimony on behalf of Ms. Marinelli is below and the video is available here.

    Transcript: Pressley Condemns Reconciliation Bill, Shares Heartbreaking Story of Family from GOP District at Risk from Medicaid Cuts

    House Financial Services Committee

    April 30, 2025

    Democrats have been sounding the alarm on the hurt and harm this Republican bill will unleash. 

    In my district, the Massachusetts 7th, I’ve been holding town halls, listening to my constituents who oppose this bill for many reasons, but especially the Medicaid cuts.

    Republicans were told to not host town halls, and they definitely haven’t been listening to the people in their district. It’s gotten so bad that people living in Republican districts are now reaching out to my office to have their voices heard.

    Here is a letter from a constituent of Rep. McClain’s, who sits on this very committee. These are the words of Mary Marinelli:

    “I’m a hospice nurse who works four days a week. My son, Michael, was diagnosed with autism when he was two years old. He’s non-verbal. He cannot be left alone and needs to be supervised 24/7. Through Medicaid, my youngest son, Sean, gets paid to be a caretaker for Michael, which really helps us out. 

    “When Michael became 18, he got on Medicaid and Medicare. It pays for his medication, treatment, hospital stays, and allows us to do some different therapies with him. He’s also on Social Security, which he started receiving at the age of 18. It gives us extra money, about $900 a month, to take care of him. 

    “I am 70 years old. I am still working as a hospice nurse four days a week. If they take Medicaid away, I don’t know what I’ll do. I’d have to get a second job. I received a letter on Friday. They want me to come into the Social Security office to talk about Michael’s benefits. They’ve never done that before, and I was in despair all weekend, worried about them taking away his benefits. 

    “I don’t know how we would function without Medicaid. It’s already stressful enough, even with these services. I can’t imagine how much worse things will get. It would be a death sentence. 

    “As a nurse, I can talk about a lot of different angles to this, the physical ramification of patients falling more between the cracks. These politicians don’t care about people like my son. They would rather that people like my son would just die. They don’t think that he contributes to society or is worth anything. But as his mom, I know that is so, so, so, wrong. 

    “Michael is a wonderful person who brings so much. I don’t know what I would have done without Medicaid.”

    I don’t know if Rep. McClain is here and has anything to say to Mary, her constituent, communicating to you through me. 

    Silence.

    The American people do not support this bill, and that includes those living in Republican districts.

    Mr. Chair, I’m grateful for the reconciliation survival kit that you gifted to members. I only wish I had one for the American people.

    I yield back.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Attorney General Bonta on House’s Illegal Efforts to Repeal California’s Clean Vehicle Policies

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Thursday, May 1, 2025

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

     

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today released the following statement in response to the U.S. House of Representatives’ votes attempting to repeal California’s clean vehicles program: 

    “The Congressional Review Act was designed to provide a mechanism for congressional oversight of new rules by federal agencies – not for partisan attacks on duly-adopted state laws. Not only would the misuse of the CRA undermine the integrity of our democratic process, but it would also be unlawful. For more than 50 years, California has exercised its right under the federal Clean Air Act to pursue solutions that address the persistent air pollution challenges that our state faces. Reducing emissions is essential to the prosperity, health, and wellbeing of California and its families. We are monitoring the situation closely, and we urge the U.S. Senate to abide by the determinations of the GAO and Senate Parliamentarian that these CRA resolutions should not proceed.” 

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Tribal Loans For Bad Credit Direct Lenders Guaranteed Approval – IOnline Payday Loans

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHERIDAN, Wyo., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tribal loans are credit products offered by tribal lenders, typically based on Native American reservations. These lenders operate under tribal laws rather than the laws of the state in which the consumer resides. Tribal loans can encompass various types, including short-term loans, payday loans, installment loans, and personal loans.

    >> Click Here to Apply for No Credit Check Loans >>

    While there are benefits to tribal loans for bad credit, such as less stringent eligibility requirements and faster approval times, they are often associated with high-interest rates and fees that may be considered predatory.

    This article provides an in-depth look at tribal loans for credit direct lenders, explaining how they function, their potential advantages, as well as their disadvantages and risks. It also details the application process for tribal payday loans and offers guidance on selecting the best options, including a review of IOnline Payday Loans, a well-known tribal loan brand.
    Key Takeaways:

    Tribal loans are a specific type of loan that is available to individuals with bad credit.

    These loans differ from traditional loans as a tribal loans direct lender guaranteed approval

    provides them and have different application requirements.

    IOnline Payday Loans is a trusted brand that stands out for providing tribal loans online guaranteed approval, offering benefits such as lower interest rates and flexible repayment options.

    >> Click Here to Apply for No Credit Check Loans >>

    Tribal Loans for Bad Credit

    Tribal loans for bad credit are specialized loan products offered by tribal lenders to individuals with poor credit histories. These loans can assist people facing financial emergencies by providing the necessary funds to cover unexpected expenses, ensuring borrower protection.

    Offered by Native American tribes that have established their own lending institutions, these loans can be processed quickly and often come with flexible repayment options due to the tribal sovereign immunity under which these institutions operate.

    >> Click Here to Apply for No Credit Check Loans >>

    Typically, tribal loans direct lender guaranteed approval no teletrack are short-term, unsecured personal loans. Compared to traditional banks or credit unions, tribal lending institutions are generally more willing to extend credit to borrowers with bad credit due to flexible loan requirements.

    This accessibility provides borrowers with competitive interest rates and can help them break free from the cycle of predatory lending and its associated risks.

    What Are Tribal Loans?

    Easiest tribal loans to get no credit check represent a unique form of lending primarily offered by Native American tribes, leveraging their sovereign status to provide financial products that may not be accessible through traditional banking systems. These loans are specifically designed to assist individuals in urgent need of funds, such as those facing emergency expenses or unexpected financial difficulties.

    Among the various types of tribal loans are payday loans, personal loans, and installment loans, each tailored to meet different emergency cash needs.
    Unlike conventional lenders, tribal loans often have more flexible eligibility requirements, making them accessible to a wider range of borrowers. For instance, individuals with less-than-perfect credit histories may still qualify, providing a vital lifeline during times of crisis.

    Emergency cash needs are met with quick access to funds for medical bills, car repairs, or urgent home repairs. Borrowers also benefit from specific legal protections established under tribal law and tribal court, which can differ significantly from state regulations. Furthermore, these loans can serve as stepping stones for individuals seeking to rebuild their financial stability and economic growth.

    It is essential for potential borrowers to thoroughly understand the terms of these loans and consider their repayment capabilities to ensure that they serve as a beneficial solution rather than a financial burden.

    How Do Tribal Loans Differ from Traditional Loans?

    Tribal loans differ from traditional loans in several significant ways, with the primary distinction being the legal framework of tribal sovereign immunity. This allows Native American tribes to provide lending services that are not subject to many federal laws governing lending. As a result, tribal loans can better meet borrowers’ needs by offering faster access to funds, more flexible repayment terms, and often no credit checks compared to traditional banks and lenders.

    When comparing traditional loans to tribal loans, several key differences in lending services emerge:

    • Loan Approval Processes: Tribal lenders typically offer much quicker loan approval processes, and their applications are often simplified, eliminating much of the paperwork required by traditional banks.
    • Interest Rates: While tribal loans may seem to have higher interest rates, they are often competitively priced for borrowers with low credit scores. Traditional banks frequently impose hidden fees that can significantly increase the effective interest rate.
    • Repayment Schedules: Tribal loans often feature repayment schedules that can be tailored to the borrower’s financial situation. They are particularly beneficial for those with poor credit, as tribal lenders focus on current income and repayment ability rather than past credit history.

    Additionally, the online application process for tribal loans allows borrowers to receive funds much more quickly than they would at a traditional bank or credit union, which generally take longer to process loans. This flexibility makes tribal loans a viable alternative to traditional loans when urgent financial needs arise.

    What is Bad Credit?

    Bad credit refers to a low credit score that typically indicates a history of poor financial management, including late payments, defaults, or bankruptcy. Individuals with bad credit often face challenges in securing financial assistance, as many traditional lenders, such as banks and credit unions, view their credit profiles as high-risk, affecting the loan application process.

    As a result, these lenders may either deny their loan applications or offer loans with unfavorable terms.

    How Does Bad Credit Affect Loan Approval?

    Bad credit significantly impacts loan approval since most lenders use credit checks to assess the likelihood of an individual repaying borrowed funds. Those with poor credit scores face significant challenges when applying for financing, often being denied personal loans or offered extremely high-interest rates that exacerbate their financial difficulties.

    This situation creates a cycle in which a person’s financial options become increasingly limited. Traditional lenders, such as banks and credit unions, have stricter requirements that many applicants cannot meet.

    In contrast, tribal lending organizations typically have more lenient criteria, allowing individuals with bad credit to obtain funds. However, such loans may come with complications, including higher interest rates or predatory terms. It is essential for borrowers to weigh these risks against their immediate financial needs.

    While bad credit may close many doors, tribal loans can represent an alternative option that requires careful consideration.

    Why Consider Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    Yes, individuals with bad credit should consider tribal loans, as these loans are specifically designed to assist those facing financial emergencies.

    Tribal lending institutions offer quick approval times and flexible repayment terms, allowing individuals to access emergency cash without the stringent requirements typically associated with traditional loans.

    What Are the Benefits of Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    The benefits of tribal loans for individuals with bad credit include access to funds for emergency expenses, competitive interest rates, and the flexibility to customize a repayment schedule based on their financial circumstances. These advantages make tribal loans an appealing option for those who have faced challenges with traditional financing due to low credit scores.

    Along with providing immediate financial assistance, tribal loans offer numerous compelling advantages. Borrowers can benefit from no credit checks, which allows them to secure funding without the concern of their credit history being evaluated. Loan rollover options provide additional flexibility, enabling borrowers to manage repayments more comfortably. Furthermore, protection under tribal law enhances the security of these loans, safeguarding borrowers from predatory practices often associated with payday lending.

    By utilizing tribal loans, individuals can effectively break the cycle of debt and improve their financial stability, leading to a significant transformation in their overall economic well-being.

    What Are the Risks of Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    Tribal loans can assist individuals with bad credit; however, they come with certain risks, particularly high-interest rates and the potential for hidden fees. Borrowers must be mindful of these drawbacks to make informed decisions and fully understand the total cost of borrowing. It is crucial to recognize that tribal loans can lead to cycles of indebtedness, especially when consumers do not fully comprehend the terms associated with these financial products.

    To ensure a safer borrowing experience, consumers should:

    • Read all loan agreements thoroughly.
    • Consult with financial advisors if there is any uncertainty regarding the terms.
    • Be aware of the consequences of loan rollovers, which can significantly increase debt levels and impact borrower protection.

    Neglecting these important factors can result in undue hardship and further deterioration of one’s financial and credit standing.

    How to Apply for Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    Tribal loans for bad credit can be easily applied for, often through online applications that improve the lending experience. Borrowers can quickly submit their loan applications, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria for approval while avoiding the lengthy waiting periods typically associated with traditional lenders.

    What Are the Requirements for Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    The requirements for tribal loans for individuals with bad credit are typically less stringent than those for traditional loans, making it easier for those in need of financial support to qualify. Lenders often prioritize the borrowers’ ability to repay over their credit history, resulting in quicker approval times for tribal loans.

    This accessibility allows individuals who may feel excluded from the conventional banking system to find viable options without facing the harsh rejections often encountered with banks. When applying for a tribal loan, applicants should ensure they meet the following general requirements:

    • Proof of income to demonstrate a stable source of earnings
    • A minimum age of usually 18 years
    • Proof of residency, which typically involves having a valid address

    Along with these basic requirements, tribal lending often emphasizes community and developmental aspects, which are less significant in standard bank lending.

    How to Increase Chances of Approval for Tribal Loans for Bad Credit?

    To increase the chances of having $500 tribal installment loans direct lenders only, borrowers should demonstrate financial acumen and submit a thorough application. Understanding what tribal lenders require and developing a realistic repayment plan can provide lenders with added confidence that borrowers will repay their loans responsibly. There are several proactive steps that individuals can take to enhance their loan application experience.

    One of the most effective ways to improve the likelihood of receiving a loan is by enhancing financial literacy. Familiarizing oneself with key concepts such as interest rates, loan terms, and potential fees associated with tribal loans can give the power to applicants to make informed decisions. To achieve this, borrowers should start by checking their credit reports for errors and disputing any inaccuracies. Creating a detailed budget can also illustrate financial responsibility, demonstrating to lenders both the amount the borrower can borrow and their ability to repay it.

    Additionally, it’s beneficial to research various lenders to find those with positive reviews and favorable terms. Equally important is taking the time to thoroughly read and understand the terms and conditions of any loan agreement before accepting and signing it, ensuring that the terms are manageable.

    Choosing the Best Tribal Loans for Bad Credit from Reputable Loan Providers

    The best tribal loans bad credit are selected based on the interest rates offered, the terms and conditions of the loans, and the reputation of the lenders, including Native American Tribal courts. By evaluating these factors, borrowers can find the most suitable tribal loans for their circumstances and avoid potential negative consequences.

    What to Look for in a Tribal Loan Lender?

    When selecting a tribal loan lender, it is important to consider their reputation, customer reviews, specific loan terms, and loan eligibility. A reputable lender will communicate clearly about all fees and borrower protections, ensuring a safe and beneficial borrowing experience. Additionally, you should prioritize how responsive the lender is to customer inquiries and concerns. An ideal lender will be easily reachable and provide prompt answers to questions, demonstrating their dedication to client satisfaction.

    The level of transparency in the loan agreement is also crucial, as greater transparency allows borrowers to make informed decisions without encountering hidden surprises. Thoroughly researching lenders is essential. Important factors to consider include:

    • Customer testimonials: Customer reviews can provide insight into a lender’s trustworthiness and reliability.
    • Terms and conditions: Reviewing the specific terms and conditions ensures they align with your personal financial needs.
    • Licensing and regulatory compliance: Regulatory oversight protects customers against predatory practices.

    By taking the time to consider these factors, you can increase your chances of having a positive borrowing experience.

    How to Compare Different Tribal Loan Options?

    Comparing tribal loan options is essential for borrowers seeking a financial solution that best suits their specific needs. By evaluating interest rates, repayment schedules, and other fees across various lenders, borrowers can identify the tribal loan that aligns with their circumstances. With the widespread availability of the internet, numerous tools and resources are at borrowers’ disposal to facilitate this comparison process. For instance, online comparison websites serve as valuable resources, allowing prospective borrowers to swiftly explore a wide range of tribal loan options from multiple lenders, thereby simplifying the often daunting task of making informed decisions.

    When comparing tribal loan options, the following factors should be considered:

    • Total Repayment Costs: This is typically the most crucial factor, as it significantly impacts long-term financial health.
    • Lender’s Reputation: Understanding how a lender operates, including aspects like customer service and reliability, can be important when choosing between options.
    • Flexibility of Repayment Terms: The availability of various repayment options regarding cost, schedule, and pre-payment penalties is beneficial for borrowers.

    By utilizing these resources and taking these factors into account, borrowers can find a loan that meets their specific financial needs.

    IOnline Payday Loans as a Trusted Brand for Tribal Loans for Bad Credit

    IOnline Payday Loans is a reputable and trusted brand in the realm of tribal loans for bad credit, offering various high-interest loans. As a legitimate tribal lender, IOnline Payday Loans offers borrowers a straightforward and user-friendly application process, along with the assistance necessary to secure the funds they need as quickly as possible.

    What Makes IOnline Payday Loans Stand Out for Tribal Loans?

    IOnline Payday Loans is a distinctive lending service for tribal loans, known for its commitment to customer support and interest rates that are suitable for borrowers with bad credit. The IOnline Payday Loans brand is centered around delivering a positive borrowing experience, ensuring that borrowers fully understand all aspects of their loan before signing any contracts.

    What sets this service apart is its focus on borrower education, which distinguishes it from many competitors that offer little guidance, often leaving borrowers feeling confused and frustrated. IOnline Payday Loans provides valuable educational resources and customer support, give the power toing clients to make informed financial decisions.

    Customers have shared success stories that highlight how the knowledgeable staff at IOnline helped them navigate potentially challenging situations. One customer remarked, “I wasn’t even sure I was going to take a loan at first, but the staff helped me understand the process and explained what documents I needed. Because of that, I got through a rough month.”

    These testimonials illustrate the brand’s dedication to building trust and transparency while delivering an essential service.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are tribal loans for bad credit and how do they work?

    Tribal loans for bad credit are short-term loans that are offered by Native American tribes, often through online lenders. These borrowing options are designed to help individuals with poor credit scores. These loans are designed to help individuals with poor credit scores who are not able to secure traditional loans. Tribal loans are a viable part of consumer lending. The loan process typically involves filling out an online application and receiving the funds directly into your bank account if approved.

    What makes tribal loans a good option for individuals with bad credit?

    Tribal loans can be a good option for those with bad credit because they do not usually require a credit check. This loan type is based on other factors such as income and employment stability. Instead, these loans are based on other factors such as income and employment stability. This makes it easier for individuals with poor credit to get the financial assistance they need and avoid debt cycles.

    What are the eligibility requirements for obtaining the best tribal loans for bad credit?

    The specific eligibility requirements may vary depending on the lender, but in general, you must be at least 18 years old, have a regular source of income, and have a valid bank account. Financial knowledge is also important for managing these loans. Some lenders may also require a minimum credit score, but this is not always the case with tribal loans.

    Which online lender offers the best tribal loans for bad credit?

    IOnline Payday Loans is a leading online lender that offers some of the best tribal loans for bad credit. CreditNinja is another popular lender in this space. They have a quick and easy application process and offer competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options. The Native American Financial Services Association ensures fair lending practices.

    Can I use a tribal loan for bad credit to improve my credit score?

    Yes, you can use a tribal loan for bad credit as a way to improve your credit score. By making timely payments on your loan, you can demonstrate responsible financial behavior and potentially boost your credit score over time.

    Is there a limit on the amount of money I can borrow with a tribal loan for bad credit?

    The maximum loan amount may vary depending on the lender and your specific financial situation. The loan value typically reflects your ability to repay. However, most tribal loans for bad credit typically range from $500 to $2,500. It is important to only borrow what you can comfortably repay to avoid getting into further financial trouble.

    Disclaimer: This announcement contains general information about Ionline payday loan services and should not be considered financial advice. Ionline Payday Loans does not guarantee loan approval, and loan terms may vary by applicant and lender requirements. Loans are available to U.S. residents only.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a27af229-25c4-44a5-8062-3fa344fc10a6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Don Davis Votes in Support of Defense Funding Package

    Source: US Congressman Don Davis (NC-01)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) issued the following statement after voting to support a defense funding package during the first-ever U.S. House Armed Services Committee budget reconciliation markup.  

    “One of my top priorities has been preventing the retirement of the F-15E aircraft at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and securing increased F-15EX procurement. We are also committed to strengthening our workforce pipeline by expanding shipbuilding job opportunities for North Carolinians in shipyards like Newport News. I believe this defense package moves us in the right direction,” said Congressman Don Davis. “Preserving jobs and investing in Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is vital to our readiness and national defense.” 

    The House Armed Services Committee passed the defense funding package by a margin of 35-21. 

    Highlights include:

    • $127.5 million to prevent the retirement of F-15E aircraft
    • $3.15 billion to support F-15EX aircraft procurement
    • $678 million to accelerate the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program to build semi-autonomous drones that fly alongside manned fighters 
    • $34 billion to support shipbuilding and the maritime industrial base (including $4.6 billion for a second Virginia-class submarine in fiscal year 2027 and $450 million for additional maritime industrial workforce development programs)

    Other highlights include:

    • $9 billion for servicemember quality of life (including $1.2 billion for military housing and $100 million for childcare)
    • $5 billion for border support and counter-drug missions
    • $11 billion for Pacific deterrence

    There are 94 F-15E fighters at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. Seymour Johnson Air Force Base employs more than 6,200 military and civilian personnel. Congressman Davis’ Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA provision prohibits F-15E divestment through at least Fiscal Year 2027. The bill now moves to the Budget Committee. 

    Timeline of action on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base:

    • On November 20, 2023, Congressman Davis toured Seymour Johnson Air Force Base during an official congressional delegation visit to deepen his understanding of its operations and challenges of Seymour Johnson Air Force Base and to express unwavering support for the brave men and women in uniform.
    • On March 13, 2024, Congressman Davis delivered remarks on the House Floor regarding plans by the Air Force to divest a combat squadron and strip away 520 jobs at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. A Full Video of Congressman Davis’ speech on the House Floor is here.
    • Congressman Davis sent a letter dated March 29, 2024, to President Joe Biden urging the administration not to divest an F-15E aircraft fighter squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, North Carolina. Read the full letter here.
    • On April 17, 2024, Congressman Davis questioned the Secretary of the Air Force at a House Armed Service Committee hearing on what communication he or his team had had with the local community, what the economic impact of divestment would be, and whether the U.S. Air Force planned to deliver the late report on force structure decisions.
    • On May 14, 2024, Congressman Davis announced a provision prohibiting the retirement of F-15E aircraft until at least Fiscal Year 2027.
    • On December 11, 2024, Congressman Davis voted to support the Fiscal Year 2025 NDAA (Public Law 118-159), which includes his provision prohibiting the retirement of F-15E aircraft until at least Fiscal Year 2027.
    • On March 7, 2025, Congressman Davis submitted his Fiscal Year 2026 NDAA priorities, including several requests in the defense funding package, including F-15EX procurement, F-15E maintenance and upgrades, and Collaborative Combat Aircraft funding.

    Military installations in eastern North Carolina include Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, Coast Guard Base Elizabeth City, Camp Lejeune, Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, and Fort Bragg.

    Congressman Don Davis is a 1994 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and a U.S. Air Force veteran. He serves as the vice ranking member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee where he serves on the Readiness and Tactical Air and Land Forces subcommittees. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra Votes to Overturn Biden-era Waivers for California Electric-Vehicle Mandates

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Hull) voted for, and the U.S. House of Representatives passed, three resolutions under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) overturning waivers granted by the Biden administration to the State of California to advance its electric-vehicle mandates.

    “Although electric vehicles are more expensive and less reliable than gas-powered cars, the Biden administration barreled forward with its EV mandates on American families, farmers, and small businesses – enriching China, where EV components are largely sourced, at the expense of U.S. citizens and manufacturers. In one of the most egregious examples of federal overreach, the Biden EPA granted three waivers exclusively to California, allowing the state to move ahead with its plans to ban gas-powered vehicles and electrify trucks, tractors, and semis,” said Rep. Feenstra. “As a strong supporter of liquid fuels, I voted to overturn all three of these waivers, restoring consumer choice and promoting affordability over mandates. In conjunction with President Trump’s executive order repealing the Biden administration’s EV mandates, these resolutions will ensure that California’s ridiculous and misguided policies do not spread to Iowa or any other state.”

    The three resolutions are:

    • H.J. Res. 87, which would repeal California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) waiver, which currently would allow the state to mandate the sale of zero-emission trucks.
    • H.J. Res. 88, which would repeal California’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) waiver, allowing the state to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035.
    • H.J. Res. 89, which would put an end to California’s implementation of its most recent nitrogen oxide (NOx) engine emission standards, which create burdensome and unworkable standards for heavy-duty on-read engines.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sens. Markey, Cramer Honor National Assistive Technology Awareness Day

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Washington (May 1, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) released the following statement after the Senate passed their resolution designating April 30, 2025 as “National Assistive Technology Awareness Day.”

    “Assistive technology, which includes communication devices, modified vehicles, glasses, and mobility devices, is not a luxury – it is essential for individuals with disabilities and older Americans to live in their homes, access education, receive health care, and obtain employment,” said the lawmakers. “We are proud to recognize April 30th as ‘National Assistive Technology Awareness Day’ and highlight the importance of assistive technology and the state assistive technology programs that improve people’s lives every day.”

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported one in four individuals in the United States has a disability, including over 40 percent of adults 65 or older. Additionally, the Department of Education reported that there were more than 9 million children with disabilities.

     “In their lifetime, everyone on the planet will either need Assistive Technology (AT) or know someone who does. That’s why awareness is crucial—before it’s needed! On behalf of ATAP and the State and Territory Assistive Technology Act Programs, we are grateful to Senators Markey and Cramer for leading the effort for National Assistive Technology Awareness Day 2025!” said Jeannie Krull, Executive Director, ATAP.

    The resolution is endorsed by Association of Assistive Technology Act Programs (ATAP), American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR), Access Ready Inc., American Council of the Blind, CommunicationFIRST, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Inc. (TDI), and Perkins School for the Blind.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Full closure of Chaudière Crossing to motorists

    Source: Government of Canada News

    For immediate release

    Gatineau, Quebec, May 1, 2025 – Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists that there will be a full closure of the Chaudière Crossing to accommodate the CN Cycle for CHEO during the following period:

    • Sunday, May 4, from 8 am to 2 pm

    The crossing will be closed in both directions, and only local traffic will have access, from Alexandre-Taché Boulevard to Wellington Street.

    During this period, access for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as public transit (STO and OC Transpo), will be permitted in both directions.

    Cyclists are encouraged to dismount their bicycles when crossing the bridge.

    PSPC encourages users to exercise caution when travelling on the crossing and thanks them for their patience.

    MIL OSI Canada News –