Politics News: Here is a summary of significant articles published on ForeignAffairs.co.nz on April 26, 2025.
MIL-OSI USA: Murphy, Blumenthal, 40 Colleagues Blast Trump Administration’s Attacks On Head Start, Demand RFK Jr. Release Funding And Reverse Firings
US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for Connecticut – Chris Murphy WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP), and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) joined 40 of their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) Robert F. Kennedy Jr. demanding answers on the administration’s actions undermining Head Start. The senators emphasized HHS’s legal obligation to administer the program and called on Kennedy to immediately release Head Start funding. They also urged HHS to reverse both the mass firing of Head Start […]
MIL-OSI USA: SENATOR: TRUMP TARIFFS ARE COSTING LI-ERS $5,000 MORE A YEAR; SENATOR REVEALS ICONIC LONG ISLAND FASHION BUSINESS COSTS HAVE JUMPED 30%—WITH NO END IN SIGHT; SENATOR STANDS WITH OWNER—WHO VOTED FOR…
US Senate News: Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer Schumer Stands With Long Island Trump Voters Who Love “MAGA” – But Hate Tariffs & Want White House To Get The Message That They Are Killing LI Economy, Consumers & Small Biz Senator Says If Trump Tariff War Continues Nassau Could Lose 10,900 Jobs & Suffolk Could Lose 24,400; LI Fashion Staple, TandyWear, Just Expanded Last Year But All This Success Could Be Snuffed Out & LI Could Suffer Schumer: Trump Tariffs Are Unraveling LI Fashion Company – And Things Could Get Worse If GOP Refuses To […]
MIL-OSI NGOs: Deep sea mining ‘piracy in policy’: Greenpeace condemns Trump, The Metals Company for mining support
Source: Greenpeace Statement – Washington/Sydney, Saturday 26 April 2025 — Greenpeace Australia Pacific has slammed Donald Trump’s support of deep sea mining as a ‘gross betrayal of the Pacific’ after the Trump administration signed an executive order advancing U.S. ambitions to launch deep sea mining in U.S. and international waters. This rogue action is highly politically controversial for appearing to bypass the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the regulatory body set up by the United Nations to protect the deep sea as the common heritage of humankind and decide whether deep sea mining can start in the international seabed. The Metals […]
MIL-Evening Report: 80 years after Benito Mussolini’s death, what can democracies today learn from his fascist rise?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Sharpe, Associate Professor in Philosophy, Australian Catholic University Hitler and Mussolini in Munich, Germany, June 18, 1940. Everett Collection/Shutterstock This Monday marks 80 years since Italian dictator Benito Mussolini was killed in an Italian village towards the end of the Second World War in 1945. The following day, his body was publicly desecrated in Milan. Il Duce, as Mussolini was known, was Hitler’s inspiration.State Library of Victoria Given the scale of Adolf Hitler’s atrocities, our image of fascism today has largely been shaped by Nazism. Yet, Mussolini preceded Hitler. Il Duce, […]
MIL-OSI USA: OEM Director Visits Douglas County to Support Local Flood Recovery Efforts
Source: US State of Oregon strong>ROSEBURG, Ore. – Oregon Department of Emergency Management (OEM) Director Erin McMahon visited Douglas County on Monday, April 21, to meet with local leaders, assess disaster-impacted areas, and support recovery efforts across the region. Director McMahon engaged with city officials, emergency managers, and long-term recovery partners in Myrtle Creek, Roseburg, and Drain. “Seeing these communities firsthand and hearing directly from local leaders underscores the importance of coordinated, sustained recovery support,” said Director McMahon. “OEM is committed to working alongside Douglas County and our state and federal partners to strengthen resilience and help communities recover from […]
MIL-OSI Africa: SARS ready to accommodate 0.5% VAT increase withdrawal
Source: South Africa News Agency Friday, April 25, 2025 The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has assured the public that it will ensure it will make adjustments to accommodate the withdrawal of the 0.5% increase in the Value-Added Tax (VAT). On Thursday, the Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, indicated that he would withdraw the increase after introducing the Rates and Monetary Amounts and the Amendment of Revenue Laws Bill (Rates Bill) to Parliament. “As the administrator of all national government tax measures, SARS will ensure that the necessary adjustments are made to accommodate this change. “[The] Commissioner acknowledges that vendors […]
MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa steps up to save the African penguin
Source: South Africa News Agency As the world marks World Penguin Day, South Africa has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting one of its most iconic yet critically endangered species — the African penguin. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) has outlined bold steps being taken to halt the dramatic population decline of these seabirds, which have seen their numbers plummet to fewer than 9 000 breeding pairs in the country. “The African penguin faces critical complexities, with fewer than 9 000 breeding pairs remaining in South Africa, earning them a critically endangered status. Climate change, overfishing, oil […]
MIL-OSI Africa: KZN Premier tables Budget Vote
Source: South Africa News Agency The R817.875 million allocation for the Office of the Premier is a strategic investment to ensure that the provincial government remains agile, efficient, and people centred, says KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thamsanqa Ntuli. “Our vision is clear. We are building a capable and ethical state that fosters inclusive development, safeguards the vulnerable, and delivers with excellence,” Ntuli said. The Premier tabled the Office of the Premier’s 2025/26 Budget Vote at the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature, in Pietermaritzburg, on Thursday, under the theme: “Accelerating Inclusive Growth and Service Delivery through Effective Governance”. The budget speech marked a step in […]
MIL-OSI Africa: Global action needed to combat malaria
Source: South Africa News Agency The World Health Organisation (WHO) says revitalised efforts are urgently needed in the battle against malaria. Today marks World Malaria Day, which is observed globally every year on 25 April to acknowledge the collective efforts to control malaria. In a statement released on Friday, WHO highlighted the importance of global collaboration, which has saved nearly 13 million lives since the year 2000. Despite the progress, the agency said it has certified 45 countries and one territory as malaria-free, while many countries with a low malaria burden continue to move steadily towards the goal of elimination. […]
MIL-OSI Africa: Minister Ramokgopa to participate in Harvard Ministerial Forum
Source: South Africa News Agency Friday, April 25, 2025 Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, Maropene Ramokgopa has been invited to participate in the Harvard Ministerial Forum at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the United States. It will be held from Sunday, 27 April to Wednesday, 30 April 2025. “I am honoured to be invited to participate in the Harvard Ministerial Forum, which provides an excellent opportunity for high-level engagement, learning and exchange towards the advancement of national development, leadership and impactful governance,” Ramokgopa said. Led by senior Harvard faculty members and former Heads of Government […]
MIL-OSI USA: Statement from Congressman Castro on the FBI Arrest of Wisconsin Judge
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joaquin Castro (20th District of Texas) April 25, 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) released the following statement in response to the FBI arrest of Wisconsin judge, Hannah Dugan, for allegedly obstructing immigration agents. “This arrest is another troubling attack on the judiciary and the rule of law. The Trump Administration continues its authoritarian campaign against its perceived enemies: universities, law firms, immigrants, political opponents, and judges, among others,” said Congressman Castro. MIL OSI USA News –
MIL-OSI: U.S. Rep. Young Kim Joins Orange County Business Council and FHLBank San Francisco for Affordable Housing Roundtable
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI) SAN FRANCISCO and IRVINE, Calif., April 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In a continued effort to address the growing affordable housing crisis in Southern California, U.S. Rep. Young Kim (CA-40) convened a roundtable discussion today with the Orange County Business Council and the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (FHLBank San Francisco) in Irvine, California. Kim co-chairs the bi-partisan Congressional Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus and serves on the House Committee on Financial Services. The roundtable convened housing advocates, financial institutions, community organizations, and other key stakeholders that hold a vested interest in creating generational […]
MIL-OSI Africa: World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of Health Strengthen Partnership to Advance Botswana’s Health Priorities
Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report: Download logo WHO Botswana Representative Dr. Fabian Ndenzako and his team recently paid a courtesy call on the Ministry of Health, where they met with Honorable Minister Dr. Stephen Modise and senior ministry officials to reaffirm their partnership and shared commitment to improving health outcomes in Botswana. During the meeting, Dr. Ndenzako expressed WHO’s continued commitment to working closely with Botswana to advance national health priorities. He emphasized the need to build resilient health systems, particularly in light of recent natural disasters such as floods, and congratulated the country on its […]
MIL-OSI Video: UK When will the government introduce the ‘Hillsborough Law’?
Source: United Kingdom UK House of Lords (video statements) Members discuss the proposed ‘Hillsborough Law’, including a legal duty of candour for public servants and stronger support for victims in the aftermath of public tragedies. Catch-up on House of Lords business: Watch live events: https://parliamentlive.tv/Lords Read the latest news: https://www.parliament.uk/lords/ Stay up to date with the House of Lords on social media: • X: https://twitter.com/UKHouseofLords • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/houseoflords.parliament.uk • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/UKHouseofLords/ • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UKHouseofLords • Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/ukhouseoflords/albums • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-house-of-lords • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@UKHouseOfLords #HouseOfLords #UKParliament https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=769ykmPgKGI MIL OSI Video –
MIL-OSI Video: UK What is an adjournment debate? 💭 | House of Commons
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements) Adjournment debates in the House of Commons take place at the end of every sitting day, and are a chance for backbench MPs to raise an issue on any subject the Government is responsible for. They are an opportunity to enable debate on a topic without calling for legislation. Following the MP’s speech, a minister will respond. There is no time limit, but adjournment debates are usually held for half an hour. If the adjournment debate ends before its allocated time runs out, the Speaker will put the question “That this House do […]
MIL-OSI Video: UK What are oral questions? 🗣️ | House of Commons
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements) Oral questions in the House of Commons usually take place for an hour at the start of business, Monday-Thursday, on days when the House is sitting. This is an important aspect of business when MPs question government ministers on their areas of responsibility, and seek information on behalf of their constituents. Questions for the day are printed in the Order Paper, and MPs can be called to ask supplementary questions at the Speaker’s discretion. Find out more about upcoming oral questions: https://commonsbusiness.parliament.uk/search?SearchTerm=Oral+Questions+Rota #BigBen #HouseOfCommons #UKPolitics #PalaceOfWestminster #HousesOfParliament https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0x4NIJzIR8M MIL OSI Video –
MIL-OSI Video: UK UK Parliament marks 80 years since the Ayrton Light signalled peace in Europe.
Source: United Kingdom UK Parliament (video statements) Last night, the Speaker of the House of Commons marked 80 years since Speaker Clifton Brown relit the Ayrton Light at the top of the Elizabeth Tower signalling peace was coming to the UK and Europe. The Commons Speaker quoted the words of Speaker Clifton Brown as he announced the relighting of the Ayrton Light from the Chamber of the House of Commons in April 1945. The Commons Speaker was joined by the last surviving member of the elite Raiding Support Regiment, John Morris (103 years), and Tony Hunt (85 years), a REME […]
MIL-OSI USA: Justice Department Announces Two Cases Involving Judicial Misconduct and Obstruction of Law Enforcement
Source: US State of North Dakota Ex-Judge of Dona Ana County Charged with Evidence Tampering and Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Charged with Unlawful Obstruction and Concealment The Justice Department today announced federal criminal charges in two separate cases involving the alleged obstruction of federal law enforcement operations and unlawful concealment of individuals residing illegally in the United States. “The allegations against Judge Dugan and Judge Cano are serious: no one, least of all a judge, should obstruct law enforcement operations,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Doing so imperils the safety of our law enforcement officers and undermines the rule […]
MIL-OSI NGOs: US government confirms their support for deep sea mining plans that bypass United Nations, Greenpeace response
Source: Greenpeace Statement – Greenpeace USA activists unfurl a banner calling on the US government to Stop Deep Sea Mining in front of Trump Tower on 5th Avenue in New York City. Washington DC, USA, (April 24, 2025) – President Trump today signed a sweeping executive order advancing U.S. ambitions to launch deep sea mining in U.S. and international waters. This rogue action is highly politically controversial for appearing to bypass the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the regulatory body set up by the United Nations to protect the deep sea as the common heritage of humankind and decide whether deep […]
MIL-OSI Security: Justice Department Announces Two Cases Involving Judicial Misconduct and Obstruction of Law Enforcement
Source: United States Attorneys General Ex-Judge of Dona Ana County Charged with Evidence Tampering and Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Charged with Unlawful Obstruction and Concealment The Justice Department today announced federal criminal charges in two separate cases involving the alleged obstruction of federal law enforcement operations and unlawful concealment of individuals residing illegally in the United States. “The allegations against Judge Dugan and Judge Cano are serious: no one, least of all a judge, should obstruct law enforcement operations,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi. “Doing so imperils the safety of our law enforcement officers and undermines the rule of […]